The Saints' Everlasting Rest

Chapter 1

VIII. The people of God described

The conclusion -- 3 of 1000 -- THE SECOND PART: THE PROOFS OF THE TRUTH AND CERTAIN FUTURITY OF OUR REST; AND THAT THE SCRIPTURE PROMISING THAT REST TO US, IS THE PERFECT INFALLIBLE WORD AND LAW OF GOD

Chapter 2

V. The second argument

VI.The third argument VII.The fourth argument VIII.Rest for none but the people of God, proved IX.Reasons why this rest remains, and is not here enjoyed X.Whether the souls departed enjoy this rest before the resurrectio

Chapter 3

XIII. The abstract, or sum of all, for the use of the weak

THE CONCLUSION Broughton in the conclusion of his 'Consent of Scripture,' concerning the New Jerusalem, and the everlasting Sabbatism, meant in my text, as begun here, and perfected in heaven A Poem of Master G. Herbert,

Chapter 4

1. Labour to be men of knowledge and sound understandings. A

sound judgment is a most precious mercy, and much conduceth to the soundness of heart and life. A weak judgment is easily corrupted; -- 10 of 1000 -- and if it be once corrupt, the will and conversation will quickly fo

Chapter 5

2. Do the utmost you can to get a faithful minister when I am taken

from you, and be sure you acknowledge him your teacher, overseer, and ruler; (1 Thess. 5:12, 13; Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:7, 17;) and learn of him, obey him, and submit to his doctrine, except he teach you any singular points

Chapter 6

3. Let all your knowledge turn into affection and practice; keep open

the passage between your heads and your hearts, that every truth may go to the quick. Spare not, for any pains, in working out your salvation; take heed of loitering, when your souls lie at the stake; favour not yourselv

Chapter 7

4. Be sure you make conscience of the great duties that you are to

perform in your families. Teach your children and servants the knowledge and fear of God; do it early and late, in season and out of season. Pray with them daily and fervently; remember Daniel's example, (Dan. 6.,) and t

Chapter 8

5. Beware of extremes in the controverted points of religion. When

you avoid one error, take heed you run not into another, especially if you be in the heat of disputation or passion. As I have showed you, I think, the true mean in the doctrine of justification and redemption, so I had

Chapter 9

6. Above all, see that you be followers of peace and unity, both in the

church, and among yourselves. Remember what I taught you on Heb. 12:14. He that is not a son of peace, is not a son of God. All other sins destroy the church consequentially, but division and separation demolish it direc

Chapter 10

7. Above all, be sure you get down the pride of your hearts. Forget

not all the sermons I preached to you against this sin. No sin more natural, more common, or more deadly. A proud man is his own idol; only from pride cometh contention. There is no living in peace with a proud person; e

Chapter 11

8. Be sure you keep the mastery over your flesh and senses. Few ever

fall from God, but flesh-pleasing is the cause; many think that by "flesh" the Scripture means our in-dwelling sin, when, alas! it is the inordinate, sensitive appetite that it chargeth us to subdue. Nothing in the world

Chapter 12

9. Make conscience of the great duty of reproving and exhorting

those about you: make not your souls guilty of the oaths, ignorance, and ungodliness, of others, by your silence. Admonish them lovingly and modestly, but be sure you do it, and that seriously. This is the first step in

Chapter 13

10. Lastly: be sure to maintain a constant delight in God, and a

seriousness and spirituality in all his worship. Think it not enough to delight in duties, if you delight not in God. Judge not of your duties by the bulk and number, but by the sweetness. You are never stable Christians

Chapter 14

1. Little reason had I to expect to have survived till now, yea, or two

months longer. 2. Who knows not how little we are masters of our own, that knows the interest of our friends, who are often importunate for that which others distaste; which, though it be a -- 22 of 1000 -- poor excuse

Chapter 15

3. Or set on the work and do it better, that God's church may yet have

more help in so needful a business. But no more of this. Were not the success of my labour more desirable to me than the maintenance of my esteem, I should think three lines long enough for apology. But the chief thing w

Chapter 16

3. But to be his by election, union with Christ, and special interest, as

before mentioned, is the peculiar properties of those that shall have this rest. Sect. 3. Quest. But is it to a determinate number of persons, by name, or only to a people thus and thus qualified, viz., persevering belie

Chapter 17

5. To purpose all persevering believers to salvation, and not to

purpose faith and perseverance absolutely to any particular persons, is to purpose salvation absolutely to none at all; yet I know much more is necessary to be said to make this plain, which I purpose not (at least here)

Chapter 18

2. When they are called according to his purpose, then it is certain to

them by a certainty of promise also, as sure as if they were named in that promise; for the promise is, to believers, which they may, though but imperfectly, know themselves to be; and though it be yet upon condition of

Chapter 19

1. And though the sense of the text includes in the word 'rest,' all that

case and safety, which a soul, wearied with the burden of sin and suffering, and pursued by law, wrath, and conscience, hath with Christ in this life, the rest of grace; yet, because it chiefly intends the rest of eterna

Chapter 20

1. It is properly called mercenary, when we expect it as wages for

work done; and so we may not make it our end; otherwise it is only such a mercenariness as Christ commandeth. For, consider what this end is; it is the fruition of God in Christ: and, if seeking Christ be mercenary, I de

Chapter 21

2. It is not a note of a legalist neither: it hath been the ground of a

multitude of late mistakes in divinity, to think that 'Do this and live," is only the language of the covenant of works. It is true, in some sense it is; but in other, not. The law of works only saith, "Do this," that is

Chapter 22

V. Lastly: I make happiness to consist in this end obtained; for it is

not the mere promise of it that immediately makes perfectly happy, nor Christ's mere purchase, nor our mere seeking, but the apprehending and obtaining, which sets the crown on the saint's head. When we can say of our wo

Chapter 23

1. A person in motion, seeking rest. This is man here in the way;

angels and glorified spirits have it already: and the devils and damned are past hope. Sect. II. 2. An end toward which he moveth for rest: which end must be sufficient for his rest; else, when it is obtained, it deceive

Chapter 24

4. His solemn celebration of their coronation, and his enthronizing of

them in their glory. Follow but this fourfold stream unto the head, and it will bring you just to the garden of Eden. Sect. I. And well may the coming of Christ be reckoned into his people's glory, and enumerated with th

Chapter 25

2. Know this, that as an unhumbled soul is far apter to give too much

to duty and personal righteousness, than to Christ; so an humble, self-denying Christian is as likely to err on the other hand, in giving less to duty than Christ hath given, and laying all the work from himself on Chris

Chapter 26

3. Our giving to Christ more of the work than Scripture doth, or

rather our ascribing it to him out of the Scripture way and sense, doth but dishonour, and not honour him; and depress, but not exalt his free grace; while we deny the inward, sanctifying work of his Spirit, and extol hi

Chapter 27

4. But to arrogate to ourselves any part of Christ's prerogative, is

most desperate of all, and no doctrine more directly overthrows the Gospel, almost, than that of justification by the merits of our own, or by works of the law. -- 98 of 1000 -- And thus we have, by the line and plumme

Chapter 28

1. To their natures. If suitableness concur not with excellency, the

best things may be bad to us; for it is not that which makes things good in themselves, to be good to us. In our choice of friends, we often pass by the more excellent, to choose the more suitable. Every good agrees not

Chapter 29

2. It is suitable also to the desires of the saints: for, such as their

nature, such be their desires; and such as their desires, such will be their rest. Indeed, we have now a mixed nature; and from contrary principles, do arise contrary desires: as they are flesh, they have desires of fles

Chapter 30

3. This rest is very suitable to the saints' necessities also, as well as to

their natures and desires. It contains whatsoever they truly wanted; not supplying them with the gross-created comforts which now they are forced to make use of, which, like Saul's armour on David, are more burden than b

Chapter 31

1. We shall rest from all our perplexing doubts and fears; it shall no

more be said that doubts are like the thistle, a bad weed, but growing in good ground; they shall now be weeded out, and trouble the gracious soul no more. No more need of so many sermons, books, and marks, and signs, to

Chapter 32

6. We shall then also rest from all our sad divisions, and

unchristianlike quarrels with one another. As he said, who saw the carcasses lie together, as if they had embraced each other, who had been slain by each other in a duel, "Quanta se invicem amplectuntur amicitia, qui mut

Chapter 33

numbers, study the value of this infinite cipher, which, though it

stand for nothing in the vulgar account, doth yet contain all our millions, as much less than a simple unit. Lay by the perplexed and contradicting chronological tables, and fix thine eye on this eternity; and the lines

Chapter 34

1. I meddle only with mankind, not with angels; nor will I curiously

inquire whether there were any other world of men created and destroyed before this had being; nor whether there shall be any other when this is ended. All this is quite above us, and so nothing to us: nor say I the sons

Chapter 35

2. And as it is no more excellent a creature than man that must have

this possession, so is it that man, who once was lost, and had scarcely left himself so much as man. The heirs of this kingdom were taken, even from the tree of execution, and rescued by the strong hand of love from the

Chapter 36

3. That they are but a small part of this lost generation, is too

apparent in Scripture and experience. "It is the little flock to whom it is the Father's good pleasure to give the kingdom." If the sanctified are few, the saved must needs be few: fewer they are than the world imagines;

Chapter 37

4. It is the design of God's eternal decree to glorify his mercy and

grace to the highest in this their salvation; and, therefore, needs must it be a great salvation. Every step of mercy to it was great; how much more this end of all those mercies, which stands next to God's ultimate end,

Chapter 38

5. God hath given all things to his Son, but not as he hath given his

chosen to him; the difference is clearly expressed by the apostle. He hath made him "Head over all things to his church." (Ephes. 1:22.) And though Christ is, in some sense, a ransom for all, yet not in that special mann

Chapter 39

6. Nor is the redeeming of them by death his whole task; but also the

effecting of their full recovery: he may send his Spirit to persuade others; but he intends absolutely his prevailing only with his chosen. And as truly as he hath accomplished his part on the cross for them, so truly wi

Chapter 40

1. I say, they are a part of "the externally called," because the

Scripture hath yet showed us no other way to the internal call, but by the external. "For how shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" All divulging of the subst

Chapter 41

2. That these people of God are but a part of those that are thus

externally called, is too evident in Scripture and experience. "Many are called, but few chosen:" but the internally, effectually called, are all chosen: "for whom he called, them he justified; and whom he justified, the

Chapter 42

3. The first differencing work I affirm to be regeneration by the Spirit

of Christ; taking it for granted, that this regeneration is the same with effectual vocation, with conversion, with sanctification; understanding conversion, and sanctification, of the first infusion of the principle of

Chapter 43

2. As there must be conviction, so also sensibility: God works on the

heart, as well as the head; both were corrupted, and out of order. The principal of new life doth quicken both. All true spiritual knowledge doth pass into affections. That religion which is merely traditional, doth inde

Chapter 44

1. The evil of sin. The sinner is made to know and feel that the sin

which was his delight, his sport, the support of his credit and estate, is indeed a more loathsome thing than toads or serpents, and a greater evil than plague or famine, or any other calamities; it being a -- 176 of 10

Chapter 45

2. The soul in this great work is convinced and sensible, as of the evil

of sin, so of its own misery by reason of sin. They who before read the threats of God's law, as men do the whole stories of foreign wars, or as they behold the wounds and the blood in a picture, or piece of arras, which

Chapter 46

3. So doth the Spirit also convince the soul of the creature's vanity

and insufficiency. Every man naturally is a flat idolater; our hearts turned from God in our first fall, and ever since the creature hath been our god. This is the grand sin of nature. When we set up to ourselves a wrong

Chapter 47

4. The fourth thing that the soul is convinced and sensible of, is, the

absolute necessity, the full sufficiency, and perfect excellency, of Jesus Christ. It is a great question, whether all the forementioned works are not common, and only preparations unto this? They are preparatives, and y

Chapter 48

2. And as the soul is thus convinced of the necessity of Christ, so also

of his full sufficiency. He sees, though the creature cannot, and himself cannot, yet Christ can. Though the fig-leaves of our own unrighteous righteousness are too short to cover our nakedness, yet the righteousness of

Chapter 49

3. The soul is also convinced of the perfect excellency of Jesus Christ,

both as he is considered in himself, and as considered in relation to us; both as he is the only way to the Father, and as he is the End, being one with the Father. Before, he knew Christ's excellency as a blind man know

Chapter 50

1. The sin which the understanding pronounceth evil, the will doth

accordingly turn from with abhorrency. Not that the sensitive appetite is changed, or any way made to abhor its object; but when it would prevail against the conclusions of reason, and carry us to sin against God, when S

Chapter 51

2. The misery also which sin hath procured, as he discerneth, so he

bewaileth. It is impossible that the soul now living, should look either on its trespass against God, or yet on its own self-procured calamity, without some compunction and contrition. He that truly discerneth that he ha

Chapter 52

3. The creature he now renounceth as vain, and turneth it out of his

heart with disdain. Not that he undervalueth it, or disclaimeth its use; but its idolatrous abuse, and its unjust usurpation. -- 183 of 1000 -- There is a twofold sin: one against God himself, as well as his laws, when

Chapter 53

5. To this end doth the sinner now enter into a cordial covenant with

Christ. As the preceptive part is called the covenant, so he might be under the covenant before, as also under the offers of a covenant on God's part. But he was never strictly nor comfortably in covenant with Christ til

Chapter 54

6. With this covenant concurs a mutual delivery; Christ delivereth

himself in all comfortable relations to the sinner, and the sinner delivereth up himself to be saved and ruled by Christ. This which I call the delivering of Christ, is his act in and by the Gospel; without any change in

Chapter 55

7. And lastly, I add, that the believer doth herein persevere to the

end; though he may commit sins, he never disclaimeth his Lord, renounceth his allegiance, nor recalleth, nor repenteth of his covenant, nor can be properly said to break that covenant, while that faith continues, which i

Chapter 56

7. And lastly, they must live with him for ever, and be perfectly

blessed in enjoying his love, and beholding his glory. And I think these are reasons sufficient, why they peculiarly should be called his people. THE CONCLUSION And thus I have explained to you the subject of my text; an

Chapter 57

III. AND TO THE ORTHODOX.

BECAUSE it is a point of such high concernment, to be assured of the divine authority of the Scriptures; and all men are not of one mind in the way of proving it; and because I have not handled this so fully as the diffi

Chapter 58

2. Another reason of those men's unbelief, is the seeming

contradictions that they find in the Scriptures, and the seeming impossibilities in the doctrines of them, which so far transcend the capacity of man. To the former, let me say this much: 1. It is merely through our igno

Chapter 59

2. And what, if you could not see how to reconcile the seeming

contradictions of Scripture? When you see arguments sufficient to prove them to be the word of God (which I doubt not but you may see, if you will search impartially and humbly), methinks common reason might then conclud

Chapter 60

2. The like I say of the seeming impossibilities in Scripture: is any

thing too hard for Omnipotency itself? The atheist derides it, when he hears of the opening of the Red Sea, of the standing still of the sun, &c. But, dost thou believe that there is a God? If thou dost, thou must needs

Chapter 61

2. I would further ask these men: Must not a soul that is capable of

immortal happiness, have some guide in the way thereto? If they say no, then they either think God unfaithful or unskilful, who having appointed man an end, hath not given him direction thereto in the means. If they doub

Chapter 62

3. I would entreat these men, but soberly, to consider this: what if

there were no full, absolute certainty of the truth of Scripture or christian religion, but it were only probable, which no considerate man can deny, were it not the wisest way to receive it? What, if it should prove tru

Chapter 63

4. Lastly: I would have these men consider, that though we doubt not

but to prove that Scripture is God's full and infallible law, yet, if it were so that this could not be proved, this would not overthrow the christian religion. If the Scriptures were but the writings of honest men, that

Chapter 64

6. That each particular pope is a true pope, and lawfully called; which

all the world must know, that know neither him, nor when, nor how, he was called. 7. That the pope determines it as a matter of faith; otherwise, they confess he may err, and be an heretic. 8. And they must know where is

Chapter 65

1. Some say it is a digression. Answ. And what hurt is that to any

man? I confess it was fitted at first to my own use (as all the rest was), and why may it not be useful to somebody else? My business was not to open a text; but to help Christians to enjoy the solid comforts which their

Chapter 66

2. Others have told me that I should not have mixed controversy with

such practical matter. Answ. And some, as wise, tell me they had rather all were omitted than this. For the truth must be known before the goodness will be desired or delighted in. It seems to me the ordinary cause of ba

Chapter 67

3. Some blame me for making so much use of the argument from

miracles; and, withal, they think it invalid, except it be apparent truth which they are brought to confirm. Answ. 1. If it be first known to be truth, there need no miracles to prove it. 2. Do not all our divines use th

Chapter 68

4. The same men that make this exception are offended, that I over-

pass some other arguments, which are taken to be the chiefest; as scripture efficacy, and the witness of the Holy Ghost to the consciences of believers. Answ. 1. Why should I be tied to do that which so many have done al

Chapter 69

4. And for the testimony of the Spirit, it consisteth, 1. In its testimony

by the miracles which it enabled the apostles to effect for the sealing of their doctrine. 2. And in the sanctifying illumination of our understandings to see that which is objectively revealed. So that this testimony is

Chapter 70

5. Another great exception of the same men is, that I seek to satisfy

reason so much of the Scripture's authority: and the reasons which they urge against my reasoning, are these two. It is too near the Socinian way. Answ. Socinians will believe nothing without reason or evidence from the

Chapter 71

3. And, otherwise, they contradict themselves when they bestow

whole volumes to prove that it is part of the formal object of faith, (which answers the cur credis?) and yet to affirm it to be principium primo credendum, which makes it the material object of faith; for in this sense

Chapter 72

6. Those characters of divine authority which divines mention, may,

at least some of them, be demonstrated to others, as prophecies fulfilled, and all to ourselves; therefore, the scripture authority is not an indemonstrable principle. 7. The very being of all belief lieth in this, that

Chapter 73

8. Yet I confess, that when we first know this or that to be a divine

testimony, we may, in a second place, believe it; for it is revealed in Scripture, "Thus saith the Lord," &c.: and so the same thing may be, and is, the object of knowledge, and of belief; but it must, in the rational or

Chapter 74

6. But the greatest offence of all is, that I lay so much upon human

testimony and tradition, which some think uncertain: some think that it would make our faith too human, and some think it is too like the papist's arguings. To all which I answer, 1. See whether the best of our divines d

Chapter 75

2. I would have the contrary-minded tell me how they know, without

human testimony or tradition, that these are the same books which the prophets and apostles wrote; and wholly the same: that they are not depraved and wilfully corrupted: that these are all: how know you that one of the

Chapter 76

Exodus, Leviticus, &c., were it not for the same tradition; nor could I

know that any of those books were written by divine inspiration, which contain, besides such history and positives, nothing but the truths which are known by the light of nature, without further supernatural revelation,

Chapter 77

1. The present church; 2. Only their own Romish church; 3. And in

that only the pope, or council, as infallible judge. But I mean, 1. The universal church through the world; 2. Especially the ancient church next to the apostles; 3. And therein the godly writers and Christians generally

Chapter 78

2. Besides, they were fully certain it was no delusion, by the frequent,

uncontrolled miracles which Christ did, and which he enabled them to do themselves. See more, chap. iv. sect. 3., where this is more fully answered. Quest. But how shall we know that they delude us not, and that the Scri

Chapter 79

1. Beware that you exclude not, in your arguing, any cause or

necessary medium of your faith, by quarrelling too eagerly with other -- 228 of 1000 -- men's grounds: many men run upon this dangerous rock. Lest they should give too much to reason, or to tradition, or the church, or

Chapter 80

2. Those that are so eager as to tie all men to their expositions of

Scripture, and censure all for heretical that differ from them therein. When we have disputed and contended ourselves a-weary, and wrangled the church into flames and ashes, yet that which God hath spoken obscurely, and

Chapter 81

2. Composing, and so imposing, our creeds and confessions in our

own words and phrases. When men have learned more manners and humility than to accuse God's language as too general and obscure, as if they could mend it, and have more dread of God, and compassion on themselves, than to

Chapter 82

1. It affirms, that this rest is fore-ordained for the saints, and the

saints also fore-ordained to it. "God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he hath prepared for them a city." (Heb. 11:16.) "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor heart conceived, what God hath prepared for them th

Chapter 83

1. Of what exceeding great necessity is it to the salvation of ourselves

and hearers, to be soundly persuaded of the truth of Scripture! As God's own veracity is the prime foundation of our faith, from which particular axioms receive their verity, so the Scripture is the principal foundation

Chapter 84

2. The learned divines of these latter times have, in most points of

doctrine, done better than any, since the apostles, before them; and have much advantaged the church thereby, and advanced sacred knowledge. And should we not endeavour it in this point if possible above all, when yet th

Chapter 85

3. And I fear the course that too many divines take this way, by

resolving all into the testimony of the Spirit, in a mistaken sense, hath much wronged the Scripture and church of God, and much hardened pagans and atheists against the truth: I know that the illumination of the Spirit

Chapter 86

4. Doubtless, the first and chief work of preachers of the Gospel, is to

endeavour the conversion of pagans and infidels, where men live within their reach, and have opportunity to do it. And we all believe that the Jews shall be brought in; and it must be by means. And how shall all this be

Chapter 87

6. Are the generality of Christians able to give any better than some

such common reason, to prove the verity of Scripture: nay, are the more exercised, understanding sorts of Christians able by sound arguments to make it good, if an enemy or a temptation put them to it: nay, are the meane

Chapter 88

7. Can the superstructure be firm, where the foundation is sandy;

and can our affections and actions be sound and strong, when our belief of Scripture is unsound or infirm? Surely this faith will have influence into all. For my own part, I take it to be the greatest cause of coldness i

Chapter 89

8. There is many a one who feels his faith shake here, who never

discovers it: to doubt of our evidence, is taken for no great disgrace, and therefore men more freely profess such doubts; nay, and some, perhaps, who are not much troubled with them, because they would be thought to be

Chapter 90

9. Is not the greatest battery by all sorts of enemies, especially made

against this foundation? The first place that the papist assaults you in, is here; How know you the Scripture to be the word of God? The seekers will accost you with the like question; How know you that your Scripture an

Chapter 91

10. However, though I were mistaken in all this, yet certain I am, that

the strengthening of our faith in the verity of Scripture, would be an exceeding help to the joy of the saints, and would advance their confident hopes of rest. For myself, if my faith in this point had no imperfection,

Chapter 92

5. We must distinguish betwixt the bare assent of the understanding,

to the truth of an axiom, when it is only silenced by force of argument, which will be stronger or weaker as the argument seemeth more or less demonstrative. And, secondly, that deep apprehension and firm assent which pr

Chapter 93

6. It is one thing to assent to the truth of the axiom, another to taste

and choose the good contained in it, which is the work of the will. Sect. II. The use I shall make of these distinctions, is to open the way to these following positions, which will resolve the great questions on foot, h

Chapter 94

2. All this revealed will is necessary to the completing of our faith;g

and it is our duty to believe it. But it is only the substance and tenor of the covenants, and the things necessarily supposed to the knowing and keeping of the covenant of grace, which are of absolute necessity to the b

Chapter 95

21. Though negative unbelief of the authority of Scripture may stand

with salvation, yet positive and universal, I think, cannot: or, though tradition may save where Scripture is not known, yet he that reads, or hears the Scripture, and will not believe it to be the testimony of God, I th

Chapter 96

33. Much more is there something human, in the method and

phrase, which is not so immediately divine as the doctrine. 34. Yet is there nothing sinfully human, and therefore nothing false in all. 35. But an innocent imperfection there is in the method and phrase, which if we den

Chapter 97

36. Yet was this imperfect way, at that time, all things considered,

the fittest way to divulge the Gospel. That is the best language which is best suited to the hearers, and not that which is best simply in itself, and supposeth that understanding in the hearers which they have not. Ther

Chapter 98

39. Where ordinary men were the speakers, the credit of such

doctrine is the more doubtful, and yet much more, when the speakers were wicked; of the former sort are the speeches of Job's friends, and divers others; of the latter sort are the speeches of the Pharisees, &c., and per

Chapter 99

52. Yet before this existence or futurity of any thing beyond the reach

-- 257 of 1000 -- of reason can be soundly believed, the testimony must be known to be truly divine. 53. Yet a belief of scripture doctrine as probable, doth usually go before a belief of certainty, and is a good prepar

Chapter 100

55. A consequence raised from Scripture, being no part of the

immediate sense, cannot be called any part of Scripture. 56. Where one of the premises is in nature, and the other only in Scripture, there the conclusion is mixed, partly known, and partly believed. That it is the conse

Chapter 101

1. Those writings and that doctrine which were confirmed by many

and real pmiracles, must needs be of God, and consesequently of undoubted truth. But the books and doctrines of canonical Scripture were so confirmed: therefore, &c. Against the major proposition nothing of any moment ca

Chapter 102

2. Next let us see, whether we may be certain that any testimony is

sincere, without a purpose to deceive us. And I take that for undoubted in the following cases: 1. Where the party is ingenious and honest: 2. And it is apparent he drives on no design of his own, nor cannot expect any a

Chapter 103

2. Let us next consider whether it be not, also, as certain that they

never intended the deceiving of the world? First: It is evident that they were neither fools nor knaves, but men of ingenuity, and extraordinary honesty; there needs no more to prove this, than their own writings, so ful

Chapter 104

3. Did not their Master foretell them, that they should be so far from

getting credit by his service, that they should be hated of all men, and their names cast out as evil-doers? Did they not see him spit upon, and hanged on a cross among thieves before their eyes, some of them? Did they n

Chapter 105

2. They were the substances of the actions that they chiefly related,

and that we are now inquiring after the certainty of. Though men may mistake in the circumstances of the fight at such a place, or such a place, yet that there were such fights we may certainly know. Or though they may m

Chapter 106

3. They were actions then famous through the world, and made great

alterations in states: they turned the world upside down: cities were converted, countries and rulers were turned Christians. And may not the records in eminent actions be certain? We have certain records of battles, of

Chapter 107

5. These records, which we call the Scripture, have been kept publicly

in all these ages; so that the most negligent enemy might have taken -- 270 of 1000 -- notice of its depravation. Yea, God made it the office of his ministers to publish it, whatever came of it, to all the world, and p

Chapter 108

6. And it is most apparent that the keepers and publishers of these

records, have been men of most eminent piety and honesty. The same testimony which I gave before to prove the honesty of the first witnesses, will prove theirs, though in a lower degree: a good man, but a Christian, was

Chapter 109

8. And these of almost every country under heaven. And let any man

tell me how all these, or the chief of them, could possibly meet, to consult about the depraving of the history of the Scripture? And whether it were possible, if such a multitude were so ridiculously dishonest, yet that

Chapter 110

12. Nay, there is no history of the enemies that doth mention any

universal abolition or depravation of these records. When was the time, and where was the place, that all the Bibles in the world were gathered together, and consumed with fire, or corrupted with forgery? Indeed, Julian

Chapter 111

13. All those copies of those sacred writings do yet accord, in all

things material, which are found through the world. And consider them if they had been depraved, whether multitudes of copies, which had escaped that depravation, would not by their diversity, or contradiction, have bewr

Chapter 112

14. It was a matter of such a heinous quality, both by the sentence of

the law, and in the consciences of the preservers and divulgers of it, to add or diminish the least tittle, that they thought it deserved eternal damnation. And I refer it to any man of reason, whether so many thousands

Chapter 113

15. Furthermore, the histories of the enemies do frequently mention

that these Scriptures have been still maintained to the flames. Though they revile the Christians, yet they report this their attestation, which proves the constant succession thereof, and the faithful delivery of Christ

Chapter 114

16. These records and their attestations are yet visible over the world,

and that in such a form as cannot possibly be counterfeit. Is it not enough to put me out of doubt, whether Homer ever wrote his Iliads, -- 272 of 1000 -- or Demosthenes his Orations, or Virgil and Ovid their several w

Chapter 115

17. Whether any enemy hath, with weight of argument, confuted the

christian cause; whether, when they have undertaken it, it hath not been only arguing the improbability, or assigning the miracles to other causes, or an opposing the doctrine delivered by the Christians,s rather than th

Chapter 116

18. It is an easy matter yet to prove, that the enemies of Scripture

have been incompetent witnesses; 1. Being men that were not present, or had not the opportunity to be so well acquainted with the actions of Christ, of the prophets and apostles, as themselves or others, that do attest t

Chapter 117

19. Consider, also, that all the adversaries of these miracles and

relations could not, with all their arguments or violence, hinder thousands from believing them, in the very time and country where they were done: but that they who did behold them, did generally assent at least to the

Chapter 118

20. Consider, also, how that every age hath offered multitudes of

witnesses, who before were most bitter and violent enemies, and divers of those men of note for learning and place in the world. How mad was Saul against the truth! Surely it could be no favour to the cause, nor overmuch

Chapter 119

24. It were not difficult here to collect from unquestioned authors, a

constant succession of wonders, at least, to have in several ages accompanied the attestation of this truth; and notable judgments that have befallen the persecutors of it. And though the papists, by their fictions and f

Chapter 120

2. As rare as learning then was, yet did God choose the unlearned of

that unlearned time to be instruments and penmen of his choicest Scriptures. David, who was bred a shepherd, is the penman of those divine, unmatchable psalms. Amos is taken from a herdsman, to be a prophet.

Chapter 121

3. But especially in those latter ages, when the world was grown

more wise and learned, did God purposely choose the weak, the -- 289 of 1000 -- foolish, the unlearned, to confound them: a company of poor fishermen, tent-makers, and such-like, must write the laws of the kingdom of C

Chapter 122

4. Also, the course they took in silencing the learned adversaries,

doth show us how little use they made of these human helps. They disputed not with them by the precepts of logic: their arguments were to the Jews, the writings of Moses, and the prophets; and both to Jews and Gentiles,

Chapter 123

5. The reproaches of their enemies do fully testify this, who cast it

still in their teeth, that they were ignorant and unlearned men; and, indeed, that was the great rub that their doctrine found in the world. It was to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness; and theref

Chapter 124

6. To conclude, the very frame and style of these sacred writings, do

fully tell us, that they were none of the logicians, nor eloquent orators of the world, that did compose them. This is yet to this day, -- 290 of 1000 -- one of the greatest stumbling-blocks in the world, to hinder men

Chapter 125

1. The first sort of providences here to be considered, are those that

have been exercised for the church universal. Where these three things present themselves especially to be observed: First, The propagating of the Gospel, and raising of the church: Secondly, The defence and continuance

Chapter 126

2. Consider, also, as the wonderful raising of the kingdom of Christ

in the world, so the wonderful preservation and continuance of it. He sends out his disciples as lambs among wolves, and yet promiseth them deliverance and success. His followers are everywhere hated through the world; t

Chapter 127

3. Consider, also, in what way Christ doth thus spread his Gospel,

and preserve his church. First, Not by worldly might and power, nor by compelling men to profess him by the sword. Indeed, when men do profess themselves voluntarily to be his subjects, he has authorised the sword to see

Chapter 128

2. Nay, yet more than this, he makes his church to grow by

sufferings; when others increase their dominions by the destroying of their enemies, he increaseth his by suffering them to kill his subjects; an unlikely way, one would think, to make the world either love or serve him.

Chapter 129

1. The temptations of Satan are sometimes so unnatural, so violent,

and so importunate, that the tempted person even feels something besides himself persuading and urging him: he cannot go about his calling, he cannot be alone, but he feels somewhat following him, with persuasions to sin

Chapter 130

2. What other book doth reveal the mysteries of God, of the Trinity,

of God and man in one person, of creation, of the fall, the covenants, their conditions, heaven, hell, angels, devils, temptations, regeneration, worship, &c., besides this one book, and those that profess to receive it

Chapter 131

2. Yet may you easily see satisfactory reason in the thing itself also.

As first, God should subvert the established order in nature, if he should give us our rest on earth. All things must come to their perfection by degrees: nothing is perfect in its beginning, where the fall brought an im

Chapter 132

3. And it were an absurdity in morality, as well as a monster in

nature, if our rest and full content were here. For, First, It would be injurious both to God and to ourselves. First, To God; and that both in this life, and in the life to come. 1. In this life it would be injurious to

Chapter 133

2. And, as God should not have opportunity for the exercise of all his

grace, but some only; so he would not have returns from us for all. We should never fear offending him, and depend on him so closely, and call upon him so earnestly, if we wanted nothing. Do we not now feel how ready our

Chapter 134

2. And it would be no small injury to ourselves, as well as to God, if

we had our full contents and rest on earth: and that both now and for ever. 1. At the present it would be much our loss; where God loseth the opportunity of exercising his mercies, man must needs lose the happiness of en

Chapter 135

3. And it would be our loss for the future, as well as for the present. It

is a delight to a soldier, or a traveller, to look back upon his adventures and escapes when they are over; and for a saint in heaven, to look back upon the state he was in on earth, and remember his sins, his sorrows, h

Chapter 136

1. Ourselves are now incapable subjects of happiness and rest: and

that both in respect of soul and body. 1. Can a soul that is so weak in all grace, so prone to sin, so hampered with contradicting principles and desires, and so nearly joined to such a neighbour as this flesh, have full

Chapter 137

2. And our bodies are incapable as well as our souls. They are not

now those sun-like bodies which they shall be, when this corruptible hath put on incorruption, and this mortal immortality. They are our -- 329 of 1000 -- prisons, and our burdens; so full of infirmities, and defects,

Chapter 138

2. And as what we enjoy here is insufficient to be our rest, so God,

who is sufficient, is little here enjoyed. It is not here that he hath prepared the presence-chamber of his glory; he hath drawn the curtain between us and him; we are far from him as creatures, and farther as frail mort

Chapter 139

3. And lastly, as we are thus naturally incapable, so are we also

morally. (Gen. 32:10.) There is a worthiness must go before our rest. It hath the nature of a reward; not a reward of debt, but a reward of grace. (Rom. 4:3, 4.) And so we have not a worthiness of debt, or proper merit;

Chapter 140

1. Those words of Paul, (2 Cor. 5:8,) are so exceedingly plain, that I

yet understand not what tolerable exception can be made against them. "Therefore, we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: for we walk by faith, not by sight. W

Chapter 141

2. As plain is that in Phil. 1:23. "For I am in a strait betwixt two,

having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better." What sense were in these words, if Paul had not expected to enjoy Christ till the resurrection? Why should he be in a strait, or desire to depart? S

Chapter 142

4. And surely if it be but a parable of the rich man in hell, and

Lazarus; yet it seems unlikely to me, that Christ would teach them by such a parable, what seemed evidently to intimate and suppose the soul's happiness or misery presently after death, if there were no such thing.

Chapter 143

5. Doth n othis argument against the Sadducees, for the resurrection

run upon this supposition, that (God being not the God of the dead, but of the living, therefore) Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were then living, i.e., in soul, and, consequently, should have their bodies raised at the resu

Chapter 144

6. Plain also is that in Rev. 14:13, "Blessed are the dead that die in the

Lord, from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them;" i.e., close as the garments on a man's back follow him, and not at such a distance as the resurrection

Chapter 145

7. How else is it said, "that we are come to Mount Zion, the city of the

living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of -- 336 of 1000 -- angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spi

Chapter 146

12. How else is it said, "that we have eternal life already?" (John

6:54.) And that "the knowledge of God (which is begun here) is eternal life?" (John 17:3.) So 1 John 5:13, "And he that believeth on Christ, hath everlasting life. He that eateth this bread shall not die. For he dwelleth

Chapter 147

13. In Jude 7, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are spoken of, as

"suffering the vengeance of eternal fire:" and if the wicked do already suffer eternal fire, then no doubt but the godly do enjoy eternal blessedness. I know some understand the place, of that fire which consumed their b

Chapter 148

14. It is also observable, that when John saw his glorious revelations,

he is said to be "in the Spirit," (Rev. 1:10, and 21:10,) and to be "carried away in the Spirit." (Rev. 17:3, and 21:10.) And when Paul had his revelations, and saw things unutterable, he knew not whether it were in the

Chapter 149

16. We are commanded by Christ, "not to fear them that can kill the

body, but are not able to kill the soul." (Luke 12:4.) Doth not this plainly imply, that when wicked men have killed our bodies, that is, separated the souls from them, yet the souls are still alive? -- 338 of 1000 --

Chapter 150

17. The soul of Christ was alive when his body was dead, and

therefore so shall ours too; for his created nature was like ours, except in sin. That Christ's human soul was alive, is a necessary consequent of its hypostatical union with the divine nature, as I judge. And by his wor

Chapter 151

18. Why is there mention of God's breathing into man the breath of

life, and calling his soul a living soul? There is no mention of any such thing in the creating of other creatures, surely, therefore, this makes some difference between the life of our souls and theirs.

Chapter 152

20. Lastly: If the spirits of those that were disobedient in the days of

Noah, were in prison, (1 Pet. 3:19,) then certainly the separated spirits in the just, are in an opposite condition of happiness. If any say that the word "prison" signifieth not their full misery, but a reservation ther

Chapter 153

1. Then, That this loss of Heaven will be then most tormenting, may

appear by these considerations following: First: The understandings of the ungodly will be then cleared, to know the worth of that which they have lost. Now, they lament not -- 353 of 1000 -- their loss of God, because

Chapter 154

1. Consider, God is in good earnest with you, and why then should

not you be so with him? In his commands, he means as he speaks, and will verily require your real obedience. In his threatenings he is serious, and will make them all good against the rebellious. In his promises, he is s

Chapter 155

2. Jesus Christ was serious in purchasing our redemption. He was

serious in teaching, when he neglected his meat and drink. (John 4:32.) He was serious in praying, when he continued all night at it. (Luke 6:12.) He was serious in doing good, when his kindred came and laid hands on him

Chapter 156

3. The Holy Ghost is serious in soliciting us for our happiness; his

motions are frequent, and pressing, and importunate: he striveth with our hearts. (Gen. 6:3.) He is grieved when we resist him; (Ephes. 4:30;) and should not we then be serious in obeying his motions, and yielding to his

Chapter 157

4. God is serious in hearing our prayers, and delivering us from our

dangers, and removing our troubles, and bestowing his mercies. When we are afflicted, he is afflicted with us. (Isa. 13:9.) He regardeth every groan and sigh, he putteth every tear into his bottle; he condoleth their mis

Chapter 158

5. Consider, The ministers of Christ are serious in instructing and

exhorting you, and why should not you be as serious in obeying their instructions? They are serious in study; serious in prayer; serious in persuading your souls to the obedience of Christ; they beg of God, they beg of y

Chapter 159

6. How serious and diligent are all the creatures in their service to

thee! What haste makes the sun to compass the world; and how truly doth it return at its appointed hour! So do the moon and other planets. The springs are always flowing for thy use; the rivers still running; the spring

Chapter 160

7. Consider, The servants of the world and the devil are serious and

diligent; they ply their work continually with unweariedness and delight, as if they could never do enough; they make haste, and march furiously, as if they were afraid of coming to hell too late. They -- 448 of 1000 --

Chapter 161

8. The time was when thou wast serious thyself in thy service to

Satan and the flesh, if it be not so still; dost thou not remember how eagerly thou didst follow thy sports; or how violently thou wast addicted to customs, or evil company, or sinful delights; or how earnestly thou wast

Chapter 162

9. You are yet to this day in good earnest about the matters of this

life; if you are sick, what serious groans and complaints do you utter! All the town shall quickly know it, if your pain be great. If you are poor, how hard do you labour for your living, lest your wife and children shou

Chapter 163

10. There is no jesting in heaven, nor in hell. The saints have a real

happiness, and the damned a real misery; the saints are serious and high in their joy and praise, and the damned are serious and deep in their sorrow and complaints. There are no remiss or sleepy praises in heaven, nor a

Chapter 164

1. I wonder how thou canst either think or speak of the dreadful God,

without exceeding terror and astonishment, as long as thou art uncertain whether he be thy father or thy enemy, and knowest not but all his attributes may be employed against thee. If his saints must rejoice before him w

Chapter 165

2. How dost thou think, without trembling, upon Jesus Christ, when

thou knowest not whether his blood hath purged thy soul, or not; and whether he will condemn thee, or acquit thee in judgment; nor whether he be set for thy rising, or for thy fall; (Luke 2:34;) nor whether he be the cor

Chapter 166

3. How canst thou open the Bible, and read a chapter, or hear a

chapter read, but it should terrify thee? Methinks every leaf should be to thee as Belshazzar's writing upon the wall, except only that which draws thee to try and reform. (Dan. 5:5, 6.) If thou read the promises, thou k

Chapter 167

4. I wonder how thou canst, without terror, approach God in prayer,

or any duty. When thou callest him thy father, thou knowest not whether thou speak true or false. When thou needest him in thy sickness, or other extremity, thou knowest not whether thou hast a friend to go to, or an ene

Chapter 168

5. What comfort canst thou find in any thing which thou possessest?

Methinks, friends, and honours, and houses, and lands, should do -- 464 of 1000 -- thee little good, till thou know that thou hast the love of God withal, and shalt have rest with him when thou leavest these. Offer to

Chapter 169

7. What shift dost thou make to think of thy dying hour? Thou

knowest it is near, and there is no avoiding it, nor any medicine found out that can prevent it. Thou knowest it is the "king of terrors," (Job 18:14,) and the very inlet to thine unchangeable state. The godly that have

Chapter 170

8. What shift dost thou make to preserve thy heart from horror,

when thou rememberest the great judgment day, and the everlasting flames? Dost thou not tremble as Felix, when thou hearest of it; (Acts 24:25;) and as the elders of the town trembled when Samuel came in, saying, "Comest

Chapter 171

2. The next is, the trial of the moral truth, or sincerity of acts;

whether they are such as agree with the rule and the nature of their objects. This is a discursive work of reason, comparing our acts with the rule; it implieth the former knowledge of the being of our acts, and it impli

Chapter 172

3. The third thing being contained in the work of self-examination, is

the judging or concluding of our real estate; that is, of the habitual temper or disposition of our hearts, by the quality of their acts; whether they are such acts as prove a habit of holiness, or only some slight dispo

Chapter 173

1. Free and cheerful; not constrained, or such as we had rather not do

if we could help it. 2. Frequent; if there be opportunity. 3. Thorough and serious: where note also, that the trial of the soul's disposition by those acts, which make after the end, as desire, love, &c., to God, Christ,

Chapter 174

4. The last act in this examination, is to conclude or judge of our

relative estate, from the former judgment of our acts and habits. As if -- 468 of 1000 -- we find sincere acts, we may conclude that we have the habits; so from both, we may conclude of our relation. So that our relati

Chapter 175

2. He that believes in sincerity, or he that is regenerate, for the

conclusion will follow upon either, is also pardoned, justified, and adopted: but I do so believe, or I am regenerate; therefore, I am justified, &c. Sect. III. Thus you see what examination is. Now let us see what this

Chapter 176

1. To the Spirit belong these particulars. 1. He hath indicted those

Scriptures which contain the promise of our pardon and salvation. 2. He giveth us the habit or power of believing. 3. He helpeth us also to believe actually, that the word is true, and to receive Christ and the privilege

Chapter 177

7. Our reason, or discourse, is necessary to form the argument, and

raise the conclusion from the premises; and to compare our acts with the rule, and judge of the sincerity, &c. So that you see our assurance is not an effect of any one single cause alone. And so neither merely of faith,

Chapter 178

2. If we may be certain of the premises, then may we also be certain

of the undeniable conclusion of them. But here we may be certain of both the premises. For, 1. "That whosoever believeth in Christ shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life," is the voice of the Gospel; and there

Chapter 179

1. From the natural use of this conscience, and internal sense, which

is to acquaint us not only with the being, but the qualifications of the acts of our souls. All voluntary motions are sensible, and though the heart is so deceitful, that no man can certainly know the heart of another, a

Chapter 180

3. The Scripture would never make such a wide difference between

the godly and the wicked, the children of God and the children of the -- 475 of 1000 -- devil, and set forth the happiness of the one and the misery of the other so largely, and make this difference to run through all

Chapter 181

4. Much less would the Holy Ghost bid us "give all diligence to make

our calling and election sure, if it could not be done." (2 Pet. 1:10.) And that this is not meant of objective certainty, but of the subjective, appeareth in this; that the apostle mentioneth not salvation, or any thing

Chapter 182

5. And to what purpose should we be so earnestly urged to examine,

and prove, and try ourselves, whether we be in the faith, and whether Christ be in us, or we be reprobates? (1 Cor. 11:28, and 2 Cor. 13:5.) Why should we search for that which cannot be found?

Chapter 183

6. How can we obey those precepts which require us to rejoice

always? (1 Thess. 5:16:) To call God our Father: (Luke 11:2:) To live in his praises: (Ps. 49:1–5:) And to long for Christ's coming: (Rev. 22:17, 20; 1 Thess. 1:10:) and to comfort ourselves with the mention of it: (1 Th

Chapter 184

7. There are some duties that either the saints only, or chiefly, are

commanded to perform; and how shall that be done, if we cannot know that we are saints? (Ps. 144:5, 132:9, 30:4, 31:23, &c.) Thus I have proved that a certainty may be attained; an infallible, though not a perfect certai

Chapter 185

3. But the greatest hinderances are in men's own hearts.

Sect. VII. 1. Some are so ignorant that they know not what self- examination is, nor what a minister means when he persuadeth them to try themselves; or they know not that there is any necessity of it; but think every ma

Chapter 186

2. Some are such infidels that they will not believe that ever God will

make such a difference betwixt men in the life to come, and therefore will not search themselves whether they differ here: though judgment and resurrection be in their creed, yet they are not in their faith. -- 480 of 1

Chapter 187

4. Some are so possessed with self-love and pride, that they will not

so much as suspect any such danger to themselves. Like a proud tradesman, who scorns the motion when his friends desire him to cast up his books, because they are afraid he will break. As some fond parents, that have an

Chapter 188

7. Some are so resolved already never to change their present state,

that they neglect examination as a useless thing. Before they will turn so precise, and seek a new way, when they have lived so long, and gone so far, they will put their eternal state to the venture, come of it what wil

Chapter 189

8. Most men are so taken up with their worldly affairs, and are so

busy in driving the trade of providing for the flesh, that they cannot set themselves to the trying of their title to heaven. They have another kind of happiness in their eye, which they are pursuing, which will not suff

Chapter 190

9. Most men are so clogged with a laziness and slothfulness of spirit,

that they will not be persuaded to be at the pains of an hour's examination of their own hearts. It requireth some labour and -- 481 of 1000 -- diligence to accomplish it thoroughly, and they will rather venture all th

Chapter 191

10. But the common and dangerous impediment is that false faith

and hope, commonly called presumption, which bears up the hearts of the most of the world, and so keeps them from suspecting their danger. Thus you see what abundance of difficulties must be overcome before a man can clo

Chapter 192

1. There is such a confusion and darkness in the soul of man,

especially of an unregenerate man, that he can scarcely tell what he doeth, or what is in him. As one can hardly find any thing in an house where nothing keeps his place, but all is cast on a heap together: so is it in t

Chapter 193

2. And the rather, because most men do accustom themselves to be

strangers at home, and are little taken up with observing the temper and motions of their own hearts. All their studies are employed without them, and they are nowhere less acquainted than in their own breasts. -- 482 o

Chapter 194

3. Besides, many come to the work with forestalling conclusions:

they are resolved what to judge before they try: they use the duty but to strengthen their present conceits of themselves, and not to find out the truth of their condition, like a bribed judge, who examines each party as

Chapter 195

4. Also, men are partial in their own cause. They are ready to think

their great sins small, and their small sins to be none; their gifts of nature to be the work of grace, and their gifts of common grace to be the special grace of the saints. They are straightway ready to say, "All these

Chapter 196

5. Besides, most men do search but by the halves. If it will not easily

and quickly be done, they are discouraged, and leave off. Few set to it, and follow it, as beseems them in a work of such moment. He must give all diligence that means to make sure.

Chapter 197

7. Moreover, there is so great likeness between the lowest degree of

special grace, and the highest degree of common grace, that it is no wonder if the unskilful be mistaken. It is a great question, whether the main difference between special grace and common be not rather gradual than sp

Chapter 198

8. Also, men try themselves by unsafe marks; either looking for a

high degree of grace, instead of a lower degree in sincerity, as many doubting Christians do: or else inquiring only into their outward actions, or into their inward affections, without their ends, motives, and other qua

Chapter 199

9. Lastly: Men frequently miscarry in this working, by setting on it in

their own strength. As some expect the Spirit should do it without them, so others attempt it themselves, without seeking or expecting the help of the Spirit. Both these will certainly miscarry in their assurance. How fa

Chapter 200

1. One common and great cause of doubting and uncertainty is, the

weakness and small measure of our grace. A little grace is next to none: small things are hardly discerned. He that will see a small needle, a hair, a mote, or atom, must have clear light and good eyes; but houses, and t

Chapter 201

1. By stopping the fountain, and causing Christ to withhold this

blessing from us. Parents use not to smile upon children in their neglects and disobedience. So far as the Spirit is grieved, he will suspend his consolations. Assurance and peace are Christ's great encouragements to fai

Chapter 202

2. Grace is never apparent and sensible to the soul, but while it is in

action; therefore, want of action must needs cause want of assurance. Habits are not felt immediately, but by the freeness and facility of their acts: of the very being of the soul itself, nothing is felt or perceived bu

Chapter 203

3. The acting of the soul upon such excellent objects, doth naturally

bring consolation with it. The very act of loving God in Christ, doth bring inexpressible sweetness with it into the soul. The soul that is best furnished with grace, when it is not in action, is like a lute well stringe

Chapter 204

1. Multitudes that never suspected any falsehood in their hearts, have

yet proved unsound in the day of trial; and they that never feared any danger toward them, have perished for ever; yea many that have been confident of their integrity and safety. I shall adjoin the proofs of what I say

Chapter 205

2. Yea, and many that have excelled in worldly wisdom, yet have

been befooled in this great business; and they that had wit to deceive their neighbours, were yet deceived by Satan and their own hearts. Yea, men of strongest head-pieces, and profoundest learning, who knew much of the

Chapter 206

3. Yea, those that have lived in the clear light of the Gospel, and

heard the difference between the righteous and the wicked plainly laid open, and many a mark for trial laid down, and many a sermon pressing them to examine, and directing them how to do it, yet even these have been, and

Chapter 207

4. Yea, those that have had a whole lifetime to make sure in, and

have been told over and over, that they had their lives for no other -- 498 of 1000 -- end but to provide for everlasting rest, and make sure of it, have yet been deceived, and have wasted that lifetime in forgetful se

Chapter 208

5. Yea, those that have preached against the negligence of others, and

pressed them to try themselves, and showed them the danger of being mistaken, have yet proved mistaken themselves. And is it not then time for us to rifle our hearts, and search them to the very quick? Sect. III. 2. To b

Chapter 209

1. It will exceedingly confirm them in the service of Satan, and fasten

them in their present way of death. They will never seek to be recovered, as long as they think their present state will serve. As the prophet saith, "A deceived heart will turn them aside, that they cannot deliver their

Chapter 210

2. It will take away the efficacy of means that should do them good;

nay, it will turn the best means to their hardening and ruin. If a man mistake his bodily disease, and think it to be clean contrary to what it is, will he not apply contrary remedies which will increase it? So when a Ch

Chapter 211

3. It will keep a man from compassionating his own soul; though he

be a sad object of pity to every understanding man that beholdeth him, yet will he not be able to pity himself, because he knoweth not his own misery. As I have seen a physician lament the case of his -- 500 of 1000 --

Chapter 212

4. It is a case of greatest moment, and therefore mistaking must

needs be most dangerous. If it were in making an ill bargain, yet we might repair our loss in the next. Scipio was wont to say, "It was an unseemly, absurd thing in military cases to say, 'I had not thought;' or, 'I was

Chapter 213

5. If you should continue your mistakes till death, there will be no

time after to correct them for your recovery. Mistake now, and you are ruined for ever. Men think, to see a man die quietly or -- 501 of 1000 -- comfortably, is to see him die happily; but if his comfort proceed from t

Chapter 214

7. Lastly, I desire thee to consider what would be the sweet effects of

this examining. If thou be upright and godly, it will lead thee straight towards assurance of God's love. If thou be not, though it will trouble thee at the present, yet doth it tend to thy happiness, and will lead thee

Chapter 215

1. The very knowledge itself is naturally desirable. Every man would

fain know things to come, especially concerning themselves. If there were a book written which would tell every man his destiny, what shall befall him to his last breath, how desirous would people be to procure it and re

Chapter 216

2. But the comforts of that certainty of salvation, which this trial doth

conduce toward, are yet for greater. If ever God bestow this blessing of assurance on thee, thou wilt account thyself the happiest man on earth, and feel that it is not a notional or empty mercy. For,

Chapter 217

1. What sweet thoughts wilt thou have of God! All that greatness, and

jealousy, and justice, which is the terror of others, will be matter of encouragement and joy to thee. As the son of a king doth rejoice in his father's magnificence and power, which is the awe of subjects, and terror of

Chapter 218

2. How sweet may every thought of Christ, and the blood which he

hath shed, and the benefits he hath procured, be unto thee who hast got this assurance! Then will the name of a Saviour be a sweet name; and the thoughts of his gentle and loving nature, and of the gracious design which

Chapter 219

3. Every passage, also, in the word will then afford thee comfort.

How sweet will be the promises when thou art sure they are thy own! The Gospel will then be glad tidings indeed. The very threatenings will occasion thy comfort, to remember that thou hast escaped them. Then wilt thou cr

Chapter 220

4. What boldness and comfort then mayst thou have in prayer, when

thou canst say "Our Father" in full assurance; and knowest that thou art welcome and accepted through Christ; and that thou hast a promise to be heard whenever thou askest; and knowest that God is readier to grant thy re

Chapter 221

6. It will multiply the sweetness of every mercy thou receivest. When

thou art sure that all proceeds from love, and are the beginnings and earnest of everlasting mercies. Thou wilt then have more comfort in a morsel of bread than the world hath in the greatest abundance of all things.

Chapter 222

7. How comfortably then mayest thou undergo all afflictions, when

thou knowest that he meaneth thee no hurt in them, but hath promised, "that all shall work together for thy good;" when thou art sure that he chasteneth thee because he loveth thee, and scourgeth thee, because thou art a

Chapter 223

12. It will make thee exceedingly lively and strong in the work of the

Lord. With what courage wilt thou run when thou knowest thou shalt have the prize; and fight, when thou knowest thou shalt conquer! It will make thee always abound in the work of the Lord, when thou knowest that thy labo

Chapter 224

13. It will also make thee more profitable to others. Thou wilt be a

most cheerful encourager of them from thine own experience; thou wilt be able to refresh the weary, and to strengthen the weak, and to speak a word of comfort in season to a troubled soul; whereas now, without assurance,

Chapter 225

14. Assurance will put life into all thy affections or graces. 1. It will

help thee to repent, and melt over thy sins, when thou knowest how dearly God did love thee, whom thou hast abused. 2. It will inflame -- 507 of 1000 -- thy soul with love to God, when thou once knowest thy near relati

Chapter 226

4. It is the most excellent fountain of continual rejoicing. (Hab. 3:17–

19.) 5. It will confirm thy trust and confidence in God in the greatest straits. (Psal. 89:26, and 46:1–3, &c.) 6. It will fill thy heart with thankfulness. 7. It will raise thee in the high, delightful work of praise. 8

Chapter 227

2. Be sure to be so well acquainted with the Scripture, as to know

what is the tenor of the covenant of grace, and what are the conditions of justification and glorification, and consequently what are sound marks to try thyself by, and wherein the truth of grace, and essence of Christia

Chapter 228

4. Be a constant observer of the temper and motions of thy heart;

almost all the difficulty of the work doth lie in the true and clear discerning of it. Be watchful in observing the actings both of grace and corruption, and the circumstances of their actings; as how frequent; how viole

Chapter 229

6. And lastly: Resolve to judge thyself impartially, neither better nor

worse than thou art, but as the evidence shall prove thee. Being thus provided, then set to the business, and therein observe these directions following, which I will mention briefly, that lying close together, you may b

Chapter 230

3. Make choice of the most convenient time and place. I shall not

stand upon the particular directions about these, because I shall mention them more largely when I come to direct you in the duty of contemplation: only this in brief: 1. Let the place be the most private, that you may b

Chapter 231

5. Proceed, then, to put the question to thyself, but be sure to state it

right. Let it not be whether there be any good in thee at all, for so thou wilt err on the one hand; nor yet whether thou have such or such a degree and measure of grace, for so thou wilt err on the other hand, but wheth

Chapter 232

6. If thy heart draw back, and be loth to the work, suffer it not so to

give thee the slip, but force it on; lay thy command upon it; let reason interpose, and use its authority; look over the foregoing arguments, and press them home; yea, lay the command of God upon it, and charge it to obe

Chapter 233

7. Let not thy heart trifle away the time, when it should be diligently

at the work. Put the question to it seriously, Is it thus and thus with me, or not? Force it here to an answer. Suffer it not to be silent, nor to jangle and think of other matters. If the question be hard, through the d

Chapter 234

8. If thou find the work beyond thy strength, so that after all thy

pains thou art never the more resolved, then seek out for help: go to some one that is godly, experienced, able, and faithful, and tell him thy case, and desire his best advice and help. Not that any man can know thy hea

Chapter 235

9. When by all this pains and means thou hast discovered the truth of

thy state, then pass the sentence on thyself accordingly. A mere examination will do thee little good, if it proceed not to a judgment. Conclude as thou findest, either that thou art a true believer, or that thou art not

Chapter 236

10. Labour to get thy heart kindly affected with its discovered

condition, according to the sentence passed on it. Do not think it enough to know; but labour to feel what God hath made thee see. If thou find thyself undoubtedly graceless, oh! get this to thy heart, and think what a d

Chapter 237

11. Be sure to record this sentence so passed; write it down, or at

least write it in thy memory: at such a time, upon thorough examination, I found my state to be thus or thus: this record will be very useful to thee hereafter. If thou be ungodly, what a damp will it be to thy presumpti

Chapter 238

13. Neither would I have this hinder thee in the daily search of thy

ways, or of thy increase in grace and fellowship with Christ. It is an ill -- 514 of 1000 -- sign, and a desperate vile sin, for a man, when he thinks he hath found himself gracious, and in a happy state, to let down h

Chapter 239

14. Neither would I have thee give over in discouragement, if thou

canst not at once, or twice, or ten times trying, discover thy case: but follow it on till thou hast discovered. If one hour's labour will not serve, take another; if one day, or month, or year, be too little, follow it

Chapter 240

15. Lastly: Above all, take heed, if thou find thyself to be yet

unregenerate, that thou do not conclude of thy future state by thy present; nor say, 'Because I am ungodly, I shall die so;' or, 'Because I am an hypocrite, I shall continue so:' no; thou hast another work to do; and tha

Chapter 241

1. Every soul that hath title to this rest, doth place his chiefest

happiness in it, and make it the chief and ultimate end of his soul. This is the first mark; which is so plain a truth, that I need not stand to prove it: for this rest consisteth in the full and glorious enjoyment of Go

Chapter 242

1. Thou makest him the end of thy desires and endeavours. The very

reason why thou hearest and prayest, why thou desirest to live and breathe on earth, is chiefly this; that thou mayst seek the Lord, and make sure of thy rest: thou seekest first the kingdom of God and its righteousness.

Chapter 243

3. Also, if thou be an heir of rest, thy valuation of it will be so high,

and thy affection to it so great, that thou wouldst not exchange thy title to it, and hopes of it, for any worldly good whatsoever. Indeed, when the soul is in doubts of enjoying it, perhaps it may possibly desire rather

Chapter 244

2. Therefore it is that thou thinkest the way of God too strict, and wilt

not be persuaded to the constant labour of conscionable walking according to the Gospel rule: and when it comes to trial, that thou must forsake Christ or thy worldly happiness, and the wind which was in thy back doth tu

Chapter 245

3. And certainly if God would but give thee leave to live in health and

wealth for ever on earth, thou wouldst think it a better state than rest. Let them seek for heaven that would, thou wouldst think this thy chiefest happiness. This is thy case if thou be yet an unregenerate person, and h

Chapter 246

1. Dost thou find that thou art naturally a lost, condemned man for

thy breach of the first covenant? And dost believe that Jesus Christ is the mediator, who hath made a sufficient satisfaction to the law; and hearing in the Gospel that he is offered without exception unto all, dost hear

Chapter 247

2. Art thou also content to take him for thy only Lord and King, to

govern and guide thee by his laws and Spirit? And to obey him even when he commandeth the hardest duties, and those which most cross the desires of the flesh? Is it thy sorrow when thou breakest thy resolution herein; an

Chapter 248

2. When we are discovering the nature of some duty or grace, and not

the very point wherein the soul's sincerity in that grace or duty lieth, it is both easy and useful to give many marks of them. But by these no man can gather assurance of his sincerity.

Chapter 249

3. When we are describing a high degree of wickedness, which is far

from the best state of an unregenerate man, it is both easy and useful to give plain marks of such a state. But to discover just how much sin will stand with true grace, is another matter.

Chapter 250

4. When we are describing the state of the strongest Christians, it is

easy and useful to mark them out, and to give many marks of their strength; but to give many of their truth, and to discover the least degree of true grace, is not easy. So I have shown you wherein marks may commendably

Chapter 251

2. To seem to believe, repent, love God, &c., virtuously, according to

the former description, and yet to do it but in subserviency to our lusts and wicked ends, this is another sort of gross hypocrisy; yea, to do it in mere respect to fleshly prosperity, as to repent because sin hath broug

Chapter 252

3. The next kind of hypocrisy, and the most common, is, when men

want the sincerity of grace as saving only, but have both the truth of -- 531 of 1000 -- it as an act or habit, and as a virtue. When men have some repentance, faith, hope, love, &c., which is un-dissembled, and hath g

Chapter 253

2. And then these precepts must be considered not only as they stand

by themselves, and constitute duty simply, saying 'Do this;' but also as they stand in conjunction with the sanction, and say, 'Do this or that, and be saved, or else perish,' as 'Believe and be saved, else not.' And in

Chapter 254

1. When I speak of the interest of God and the Mediator in the soul, I

do not mean a mere right to us, which we call jus ad rem, for so God and the Mediator, God-man, have interest in all men: as being undoubtedly rightful Lord of all, whether they obey him or not; but I mean Christ's actua

Chapter 255

2. I here include the interest of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, both as

they are conjunct, and as they are distinct. As considered in the essence and unity of the Godhead, so their interest is conjunct; both Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, being our Creator, Ruler, and ultimate End, and chief G

Chapter 256

3. By the supremacy of God, and the prevalency of Christ's interest, I

do not mean, that it always prevaileth for actual obedience against the suggestions and allurements of the flesh. A man may possibly pleasure a lesser friend, or a stranger, before a greater friend, for once or more, and

Chapter 257

4. When I speak of the interest of the flesh, I chiefly intend and

include that inferior good which is the flesh's delight. For here are, considerably distinct, 1. The part which would be pleased in opposition to Christ; and that, with the Scripture, I call the flesh. 2. The thing which

Chapter 258

2. If it were, yet there is here no place for such a doubt. 1. Because no

man can prove such a natural, specific difference in the acts of God, nor will, I think, affirm them. 2. Especially, because in the judgment of great divines, there is no such act of God at all distinct from his essence

Chapter 259

2. But if any man will needs put the question of this habitual grace

only, though it be not that I speak of principally, yet I answer him, that no man doubteth but that common grace containeth good dispositions, as special grace containeth habits. Now, who knoweth not that a disposition a

Chapter 260

1. The graces of the spirit in man's soul, are either in the

understanding, or in the will and affections. Those in the understanding, as knowledge, prudence, assent to God's word, called faith, &c., I make no question, are as truly grace, and as proper to the saints, as those in

Chapter 261

3. For those other special, internal experiences, which denominate a

Christian's knowledge experimental, the mark of sincerity lieth in the experienced thing itself, rather than the knowledge of it; for example, a Christian knows experimentally what the new birth is, what it is to love Go

Chapter 262

1. By daily experience of some drunkards, that when they are

considering how much they sin against God, and wrong themselves, their hearts rise against their own sin, (especially if the temptation be out of sight,) and they will weep, and be ready to tear their own flesh; and yet

Chapter 263

2. By the experience of our own hearts before our sanctification

(those that were not sanctified in infancy), many have felt that their hearts had some weak degree of dislike and hatred to the sin that captivated them. And I know divers swearers and drunkards that do -- 559 of 1000 -

Chapter 264

3. And we may know it by reason too. For whatsoever a man may

know to be evil, that his will may have some hatred or aversation towards, though not enough; but a wicked man may know sin to be evil; therefore he may have some hatred to it. The will may sure follow the understanding

Chapter 265

2. And for those acts of faith which are directly in and by the will, I

know not one of them, considered in the nature of the act, without the prevalent degree, which a wicked man may not perform. For the most proper and immediate, act, 'willing,' which containeth a choice of Christ, and a c

Chapter 266

1. One mark of sincerity, commonly delivered, is this: to love the

children of God because they are such. I the rather name this, because many a soul hath been deluded about it. Multitudes of those that since are turned haters and persecutors of the godly, did once, without dissembling,

Chapter 267

2. Another ordinary mark of sincerity is this: when a man is the same

in secret before God alone as he is in public before men, making conscience of secret as well as of open duties. But, no doubt, as many a godly man may be the more restrained from sin, and incited to good, from public, a

Chapter 268

3. Another ordinary mark of sincerity is thus delivered: when a man

loves the closest and most searching preaching of the word, and that which putteth on to the highest degree of holiness. If he therefore love it because it putteth himself on to the highest degree of holiness, -- 568 of

Chapter 269

4. Another common mark of sincerity is, when a man hath no known

sin which he is not willing to part with. This is a true and sound mark indeed; for it signifieth not only a dislike, nor only a hatred of sin, but such a degree as is prevalent in the will, as I have before described: t

Chapter 270

2. Therefore, those that have the smallest degree of saving grace, do

not use to have any assurance of salvation. Assurance is the privilege of stronger Christians, and not of weak ones, or of all that shall be saved. A little is hardly discernible from none in nature.

Chapter 271

3. And it seemeth that the reason of God's disposal herein is very

evident: for if God should let men clearly see the least measure of love, faith, fear, or obedience, that is saving; and the greatest measure of sin that will stand with sincerity, and say, 'Just so far thou mayst sin, o

Chapter 272

5. But the chief part of my answer is this: It is not the degree of grace

absolutely in itself considered, wherein sincerity doth consist, nor which we must inquire after in trial, but it is the degree in a comparative sense; as when we compare God and the creature, and consider which we desir

Chapter 273

2. And, doubtless, the mistake of this hath caused many sincere

Christians to take up their comforts on deceitful grounds, which accordingly prove deceitful comforts, and leave them oft in a sorrowful case (though not in a damnable), when they come to make use of them. Satan knows ho

Chapter 274

3. Moreover, the ignorance of this truth hath caused some ministers

to wrong the holy God, and abuse poor souls, and misapply the promises; absolving those whom God condemneth, by mistaking the meaning of that saying, "That the least degree is saving as well as the greatest;" which is tr

Chapter 275

4. And to my knowledge this hath been no small hinderance to many

to keep them from fruitfulness and growth in grace. They have been more securely contented with their low degree: whereas if they had known that their very sincerity lieth in the prevalency of the degree, they would have

Chapter 276

5. And lastly, the ignorance of this hath been no small cause of

keeping the godly in low degrees of assurance and comfort, by keeping them from the right way of attaining them. If they had considered, that both the saving sincerity of their graces lieth in the prevailing degree, and

Chapter 277

6. Lastly, consider, God doth seldom give his people so sweet a

foretaste of their future rest as in their deep afflictions. He keepeth his most precious cordials for the time of our greatest faintings and dangers. To give them to such men that are well and need them not, is but to c

Chapter 278

2. Do you not neglect or resist the comforts which you desire? God

hath filled precepts, and promises, and other of his providences, with matter of comfort; if you will overlook all these, and make nothing of them, and pore all upon your sufferings, and observe one cross more -- 595 of

Chapter 279

3. Have your afflictions wrought kindly with you, and fitted you for

comfort? Have they humbled you, and brought you to a faithful confession and reformation of your beloved sins; and made you set close to your neglected duties; and weaned your hearts from their former idols; and brought

Chapter 280

3. Nor do I persuade you to speak against men's faults behind their

backs, and be silent before their faces, as the common custom of the world is. To tell other men of their faults, tendeth little to their reformation, if they hear it not themselves. To whisper out men's faults to others

Chapter 281

2. Take all opportunities that you possibly can, to confer with them

privately about their states, and to instruct and help them to the attaining of salvation. And lest you should not know how to manage this work, let me tell you more particularly what you are herein to do.

Chapter 282

1. If it be an ignorant, carnal person that you have to deal with, who

is an utter stranger to the mysteries of religion, and to the work of regeneration on his own soul, the first thing you have to do is, to acquaint him with these doctrines; labour to make him understand wherein man's chi

Chapter 283

1. Set upon the work sincerely, and with right intentions. Let thy

ends be the glory of God in the party's salvation. Do it not to get a name or esteem to thyself, or to bring men to depend upon thee, or to get thee followers; do not, as many carnal parents and masters will do, viz., re

Chapter 284

1. In choosing the fittest season for your exhortation, not to deal with

men when they are in passion, or drink, or in public where they will take it for a disgrace. Men should observe when sinners are fittest to hear instructions. Physic must not be given at all times, but in season. Opportu

Chapter 285

2. Be wise also in suiting your exhortation to the quality and temper

of the person. All meats are not for all stomachs: one man will vomit that up again in your face, which another will digest. 1. If it be a learned, or ingenious, rational man, you must deal more by convincing arguments,

Chapter 286

3. You must be wise also in using the aptest expressions. Many a

minister doth deliver most excellent, necessary matter in such unsavoury, harsh, and unseeming language, that it makes the hearers loathe the food that they should live by, and laugh at a sermon that might make them quak

Chapter 287

1. One hinderance is, men's own gracelessness and guiltiness. They

have not been ravished themselves with the heavenly delights. How, then, should they draw others so earnestly to seek them? They have not felt the wickedness of their own natures, nor their lost condition, nor their need

Chapter 288

2. Another hinderance is, a secret infidelity prevailing in men's

hearts; whereof even the best have so great a measure, that it causeth this duty to be done by the halves. Alas! sirs, we do not, surely, believe men's misery; we do not believe, surely, that the threatenings of God are

Chapter 289

3. This faithful dealing with men for their salvation, is much

hindered also by our want of charity and compassion to men's souls. We are hard-hearted and cruel towards the miserable; and, therefore, as the priest and the Levite did by the wounded man, we look on them, and pass by.

Chapter 290

4. Another hinderance is, a base man-pleasing disposition that is in

us. We are so loth to displease men, and so desirous to keep in credit and favour with them, that it makes us most unconscionably neglect our known duty. A foolish physician he is, and a most unfaithful friend, that will

Chapter 291

5. Another common hinderance is, a sinful bashfulness. When we

should labour to make men ashamed of their sins, we are ourselves ashamed of our duties. May not these sinners condemn us, when they will not blush to swear, or be drunk, or neglect the worship of God, and we will blush

Chapter 292

6. Another hinderance is, impatiency, laziness, and favouring of the

flesh. It is an ungrateful work, and for the most part maketh those our enemies that were our friends; and men cannot bear the reproaches and unthankful returns of sinners. It may be they are their chief friends on whom

Chapter 293

7. Another hinderance is, self-seeking and self-minding. Men are all

for themselves, and all mind their own things, but few the things of Christ and their brethren. Hence is that Cainish voice, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Every man must answer for himself. Hence also it is that a multitud

Chapter 294

8. With many, also, pride is a great impediment. If it were to speak to

a great man, they would do it, so it would not displease him. But to go among the poor multitude, and to take pains with a company of ignorant beggars, or mean persons, and to sit with them in a smoky, nasty cottage, and

Chapter 295

9. Lastly; With some also their ignorance of the duty doth hinder

them from performing it. Either they know it not to be a duty, or at least not to be their duty. Perhaps they have not considered much of it, nor been pressed to it by their teachers, as they have been to hearing, and pr

Chapter 296

1. That you do not pretend necessity when there is none, out of a

mere desire of teaching. There is scarcely a more certain discovery of a proud heart than to be forwarder and more desirous to teach than to learn, especially toward those that are fitter to teach us.

Chapter 297

2. And when the necessity of your superiors doth call for your advice,

yet do it with all possible humility, and modesty, and meekness. Let them discern your reverence and submission to their superiority in the humble manner of your addresses to them. Let them perceive that you do it not ou

Chapter 298

2. And in the way of our callings, every good Christian is a teacher,

and hath a charge of his neighbour's soul. Let it be only the voice of a Cain to say, "Am I my brother's keeper?" I would have one of these men, that are so loth that private men should teach them, to tell me, what, if a

Chapter 299

1. Consider, Nature teacheth the communicating of good, and grace

doth especially dispose the soul thereunto; the neglect, therefore, of this work, is a sin both against nature and grace. He that should never seek after God himself, would quickly be concluded graceless by all: and is n

Chapter 300

2. Consider, What a rate Christ did value souls at, and what he hath

done towards the saving of them. He thought them worth his blood and sufferings, and shall not we then think them worth the breath of our mouths? Will you not set in with Christ for so good a work? Nor do a little, where

Chapter 301

3. Consider, What fit objects of pity they are. It is no small misery to

be an enemy to God, unpardoned, unsanctified, strangers to the church's special privileges, without hope of salvation if they so live and die. And, which is yet more, they are dead in these their trespasses and miseries,

Chapter 302

4. Consider, It was once thy own case. Thou wast once a slave of

Satan thyself, and confidently didst thou go in the way to condemnation. What, if thou hadst been let alone in that way, whither hadst thou gone, and what had become of thee? It was God's argument to the Israelites to be

Chapter 303

5. Consider, The relation that thou standest in towards them. It is thy

neighbour, thy brother, whom thou art bound to be tender of, and to love as thyself. He that loveth not his brother, whom he seeth daily, most certainly doth not love God, whom he never saw: and doth he love his brother,

Chapter 304

6. Consider, What a deal of guilt this neglect doth lay upon thy soul.

First, Thou art guilty of the murder and damnation of all those souls whom thou dost thus neglect. He that standeth by and seeth a man in a pit, and will not pull him out if he can, doth drown him. And he that standeth b

Chapter 305

2. And as you are guilty of their perishing, so are you of every sin

which in the mean time they do commit. If they were converted, they would break off their course of sinning; and if you did your duty, you know not but they might be converted. As he that is guilty of a man's drunkenness

Chapter 306

4. You are guilty, also, of all those judgments which those men's sins

do bring upon the town or country where they live. I know you are not such atheists, but you believe it is God that sendeth sickness, and famine, and war; and also that it is only sin that moveth him to this indignation.

Chapter 307

7. Consider, What a thing it will be to look upon your poor friends

eternally in those flames, and to think that your neglect was a great cause of it! And that there was a time when you might have done much to prevent it! If you should there perish with them, it would be no small aggrava

Chapter 308

8. Consider, What a joy it is like to be in heaven to you, to meet those

there whom you have been a means to bring thither! To see their faces, and join with them for ever in the praises of God, whom ye were instruments to bring to the knowledge and obedience of Christ! What it will then be,

Chapter 309

9. Consider, How many souls have we drawn into the way of

damnation, or at least hardened, or settled in it! And should we not now be more diligent to draw men to life? There is not one of us but have had our companions in sin, especially in the days of our ignorance and unrege

Chapter 310

10. Consider, How diligent are all the enemies of these poor souls to

draw them to hell! And if nobody be diligent in helping them to heaven, what is likely to become of them? The devil is tempting them day and night. Their inward lusts are still working and withdrawing them. The flesh is

Chapter 311

11. Consider, The neglect of this doth very deeply wound when

conscience is awaked. When a man comes to die, conscience will ask him, What good hast thou done in thy lifetime? The saving of souls is the greatest good work; what hast thou done towards this? How many hast thou dealt

Chapter 312

12. Consider, further, It is now a very seasonable time which you

have for this work. Take it therefore while you have it. There are times wherein it is not safe to speak; it may cost you your liberties, or your lives: it is not so now with us. Besides, your neighbours will be here wit

Chapter 313

13. Consider, This is a work of greatest charity, and yet such as every

one of you may perform. If it were to give them monies, the poor have it not to give: if to fight for them, the weak cannot: if it were to suffer, the fearful will say, they cannot: but every one hath a tongue to speak t

Chapter 314

1. You may be instrumental in that blessed work of saving souls, a

work that Christ came down and died for, a work that the angels of God rejoice in; for, saith the Holy Ghost, "If any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him, let him know that he which converteth the sinner fr

Chapter 315

3. If you succeed, God will have much glory by it; he will have one

more to value and accept of his Son, of whom Christ's blood hath attained its end: he will have one more to love him and daily worship and fear him, and to do him service in his church.

Chapter 316

4. The church also will have gain by it; there will be one less provoker

of wrath, and one more to strive with God against sin and judgment, -- 637 of 1000 -- and to engage against the sins of the times, and to win others by doctrine and example. If thou couldst but convert one persecuting

Chapter 317

5. It is the way also to purity and flourishing of the church, and to the

right erecting and executing the discipline of Christ; if men would but do what they ought with their neighbours in private, what a help would it be to the success of the public endeavours of the ministry! And what hope

Chapter 318

6. It bringeth much advantage to yourselves: First, It will increase

your graces, both as it is a course that God will bless, and as it is an acting of them in this persuading of others: he that will not let you lose a cup of water which is given for him, will not let you lose these great

Chapter 319

1. All you that God hath given more learning and knowledge to, and

endued with better parts for utterance than your neighbours, God expecteth this duty especially at your hand. The strong are made to help the weak, and those that see must direct the blind. God looketh for this faithful

Chapter 320

1. Be sure that the recovering and saving of souls be the main end of

your studies and preaching. (Acts 20 and 26:18.) O do not propound any low and base ends to yourselves. This is the end of your calling, let it be also the end of your endeavours. God forbid that you should spend a week'

Chapter 321

1. What plain and pressing commands of God are there that require

this great duty at your hand! "And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou wal

Chapter 322

2. It is a duty that you owe your children in point of justice; from you

they received the defilement and misery of their natures, and therefore you owe them all possible help for their recovery. If you had but hurt a stranger, yea, though against your will, you would think it your duty to he

Chapter 323

3. Consider, How near your children are to you, and then you will

perceive that from this natural relation also they have interest in your utmost help. Your children are, as it were, parts of yourselves, if they prosper when you are dead, you take it almost as if you lived and prospere

Chapter 324

4. You will else be witnesses against your own selves; your great care,

and pains, and cost for their bodies, will condemn you for your neglect of their precious souls. You can spend yourselves in toiling and caring for their bodies, and even neglect your own souls, and venture them sometime

Chapter 325

5. Yea, all the very brute creatures may condemn you; which of them

is not tender of their young? How long will the hen sit to hatch her chickens; and how busily scrape for them; and how carefully shelter and defend them! and so will even the most vile and venomous serpent, and will you

Chapter 326

6. Consider, God hath made your children to be your charge; yea,

and your servants too. Every one will confess they are the minister's -- 668 of 1000 -- charge, and what a dreadful thing it is for them to neglect them, when God hath told them, that if they tell not the wicked of the

Chapter 327

7. Look into the dispositions and lives of your children, and see what

a work there is for you to do. First, It is not one sin that you must help them against, but thousands; their name is Legion, for they are many. It is not one weed that must be pulled up, but the field is overspread with

Chapter 328

8. Consider also, What a world of sorrows do you prepare for

yourselves, by the neglect of your children. First, You can expect no other but that they should be thorns in your very eyes, and you may thank yourselves if they prove so, seeing they are thorns of your own planting. Se

Chapter 329

9. On the other side, do but think with yourselves, what a world of

comfort you may have if you be faithful in this duty. First, If you should not succeed, yet you have freed your own souls; and though it be sad, yet not so sad, for you may have peace in your own consciences. Secondly, B

Chapter 330

10. Consider further, that the very welfare of church and state lieth

mainly on this duty of well educating children; and without this, all other means are like to be far less successful. I seriously profess to you that I verily think all the sins and miseries of the land may acknowledge t

Chapter 331

4. I do verily believe that if parents did their duty as they ought, the

word publicly preached would not be the ordinary means of regeneration in the church, but only without the church, among infidels. Not that I believe Doctor Burgess and Mr. Bedford's doctrine of baptismal regeneration. B

Chapter 332

1. They are under your hands while they are young and tender, and

flexible; but they come to ministers when they are grown elder, and stiffer, and settled in their ways, and think themselves too good to be catechised, and too old to be taught. You have a twig to bend, and we an oak. Yo

Chapter 333

2. Consider, also, That you have the affections of your children more

than any others. None in the world hath that interest in their hearts as you. You will receive that counsel from an undoubted friend, that you would not do from an enemy, or a stranger. Why now, your children cannot choo

Chapter 334

3. You have also the greatest authority over them. You may

command them, and they dare not disobey you; or else it is your own fault, for the most part, for you can make them obey you in your business in the world; yea, you may correct them to enforce obedience. Your authority a

Chapter 335

6. Above all, you are ever with them, and so have opportunity as to

know their faults, so to apply the remedy. You may be still talking to them of the word of God, and minding them of their state and duty, and may follow and set home every word of advice, as they are in the -- 676 of 10

Chapter 336

2. But, alas! you know not what honesty is when you say that the

ignorant are as honest as others. You think those are the honestest men that best please you, but I know those are the most honest that best please God. Christ saith, in Luke 8:15, that an honest heart is that which keep

Chapter 337

3. And what if some prove naught that are well brought up? it is not

the generality of them. Will you say that Noah's family was no better than the drowned world, because there was one Cham in it; nor David's, because there was one Absalom; nor Christ's, because there was one Judas? -- 6

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4. But what if it were so: have men need of the less teaching, or the

more? You have more wit in the matters of this world. You will not say, 'I see many labour hard, and yet are poor, and therefore it is as good never to labour at all;' you will not say, 'Many that go to school learn noth

Chapter 339

2. But as the case now stands with the ministers of England, they are

disabled from doing that which belongs to their office, and therefore you cannot now cast your work on them. I will instance but in two things. First, It belongs to their office to govern the church, and to teach with au

Chapter 340

1. Get your hearts deeply sensible of your own sin and misery,

because of this long time which you have spent in ignorance and neglect. Bethink yourselves sometimes when you are alone; did not God make you, and sustain you for his service? Should not he have had the youth and streng

Chapter 341

3. Next set presently to work, and learn yourselves. If you can read,

do; if you cannot, get some that can; and be much among those that will instruct and help you: be not ashamed to be seen among learners, though it be to be catechised, but be ashamed that you had not learned sooner. God

Chapter 342

4. In the mean time while you are learning yourselves, teach your

children what you do know: and what you cannot teach them yourselves, put them on to learn it of others that can: persuade them into the company of the godly, who will be glad to instruct them. If Frenchmen or Welshmen l

Chapter 343

1. That there is one only God, who is a Spirit invisible, infinite,

eternal, almighty, good, merciful, true, just, holy, &c. 2. That this God is one in three, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 3. That he is the Maker, Maintainer, and Lord of all. 4. That man's happiness consisteth in the enjo

Chapter 344

2. And which their nature and constitution most lead them to. 3. And

which the time and place do most strongly tempt to. 4. But especially be sure to kill their killing sins; those that all are prone to, and are of all most deadly: as, pride, worldliness, ignorance, profaneness, and flesh

Chapter 345

2. Consider, How thou contradictest the end of God in giving these

things. He gave them to help thee to him, and dost thou take up with them in his stead? He gave them that they might be comfortable refreshments in thy journey, and wouldst thou now dwell in thy inn, and go no further? T

Chapter 346

7. If all this be nothing, do but consult with experience, both other

men's and your own, too many thousands and millions have made trial, but did ever one of these find a sufficient rest for his soul on this earth? Delights I deny not but they have found, and imperfect temporary content,

Chapter 347

2. Didst thou not say so long ago? Have you not been in this song this

many years? If you are yet uncertain, whose fault is it? You have had -- 730 of 1000 -- nothing else to do with your lives, nor no greater matter than this to mind. Were you not better presently fall to the trial, till

Chapter 348

3. A perfect certainty may not be expected; we shall still be deficient

in that as well as in other things. They who think the apostle speaks absolutely, and not comparatively, of a perfect assurance in the very degree, when he mentions a plerophory or full assurance, I know no reason but th

Chapter 349

4. Both your assurance, and the comfort thereof, is the gift of the

Spirit, who is a free bestower: and God's usual time to be largest in mercy, is when his people are deepest in necessity. A mercy in season is the sweetest mercy. I could give you here abundance of late examples of those

Chapter 350

I. The first is, the living in a known unmortified sin. Observe this: O

what havoc will this make in thy soul! O the joys that this hath destroyed! The blessed communion with God that this hath interrupted! The ruins it hath made amongst men's graces! The soul- strengthening duties that this

Chapter 351

10. Lastly, I advise as a further help to this heavenly work, that thou

neglect not the due care for the health of thy body, and for the maintaining a vigorous cheerfulness in thy spirits; nor yet over- pamper and please, thy flesh: learn how to carry thyself with prudence to thy body. It is

Chapter 352

1. I call it the acting of them; for it is action that we are directing you

in now, and not relations or dispositions; yet these also are necessarily presupposed. It must be a soul that is qualified for the work by the supernatural renewing grace of the Spirit, which must be able to perform this

Chapter 353

1. Because seldom conversing with him will breed a strangeness

betwixt thy soul and God: frequent society breeds familiarity, and familiarity increaseth love and delight, and maketh us bold and confident in our addresses. This is the main end of this duty; that thou mayest have acqu

Chapter 354

2. And besides that, seldomness will make thee unskilful in the work,

and strange to the duty, as well as to God. How unhandsomely and clumsily do men set their hands to a work that they are seldom employed in! Whereas frequency will habituate thy heart to the work, -- 839 of 1000 -- and

Chapter 355

3. And lastly, Thou wilt lose that heat and life by long intermissions,

which with much ado thou didst obtain in duty. If thou eat but a meal in two or three days, thou wilt lose thy strength as fast as thou gettest it; if in holy meditation thou get near to Christ, and warm thy heart with t

Chapter 356

1. The ordinary season for your daily performance cannot be

particularly determined by man: otherwise God would have determined it in his word. But men's conditions of employment, and freedom, and bodily temper, are so various, that the same may be a seasonable hour to one, which

Chapter 357

1. Those that spend the Lord's-day only in public worship, either

through the neglect of this spiritual duty of meditation, or else by their over-much exercise of the public, allowing no time to private duty. Though there be few that offend in this last kind, yet some there are, and a

Chapter 358

2. Those that have time on the Lord's-day for idleness and vain

discourse, and find the day longer than they know how well to spend, were these but acquainted with this duty of contemplation, they would need no other recreation or pastime; they would think the longest day short enoug

Chapter 359

1. As this is a private and spiritual duty, so it is most convenient that

thou retire to some private place: our spirits had need of every help, and to be freed from every hinderance in the work: and the quality of these circumstances, though to some they may seem small things, -- 850 of 1000

Chapter 360

1. Then you must, by cogitation, go to the memory, which is the

magazine or treasure of the understanding; thence you must take forth those heavenly doctrines which you intend to make the subject of your meditation: for the present purpose, you may look over any promise of eternal li

Chapter 361

1. The first affection to be acted is love; the object of it, as I have told

you, is goodness. Here, then, here, Christian, is the soul-reviving part of thy work: go to thy memory, thy judgment, and thy faith, and from them produce the excellences of thy rest; take out a copy of the record of the

Chapter 362

8. And of thy pity toward those who are ignorantly walking in the

contrary course, and in apparent danger of losing all this. But I will confine myself to the former chief affections, and not meddle with these, lest I be too prolix, but leave them to thy own spiritual prudence. I would

Chapter 363

1. Consider of the useful consectaries, or conclusions, that thence

arise, for the clearing and confirming of thy judgment, which is commonly called a use of information. Hero thou mayest press them also by other confirming arguments, and adjoin the confutation of the contrary errors.

Chapter 364

3. Then proceed to question, and try thyself, how thou hast valued

this glory of the saints; how thou hast loved it; and how thou hast laid out thyself to obtain it. This is called a use of examination. Here thou mayest also make use of discovering signs, drawn from the nature, properti

Chapter 365

4. So far as this trial hath discovered thy neglect, and other sins

against this rest, proceed to the reprehension and censuring of thyself; chide thy heart for its omissions and commissions, and do it sharply till it feel the smart; as Peter preached reproof to his hearers, till they we

Chapter 366

6. So, as it respects thy duty for the future, consider how thou mayest

improve this comfortable doctrine, which must be by strong and effectual persuasion with thy heart. First, By way of dehortation from the fore-mentioned sins. Secondly, By way of exhortation to the several duties. And th

Chapter 367

1. Thou shalt find thy heart as backward to this, I think, as to any

work in the world. O what excuses it will make; what evasions it will find out; and what delays and demurs, when it is never so much convinced! Either it will question whether it be a duty or not; or if it -- 918 of 100

Chapter 368

2. They are considerable as conditions of the promises and evidences

of spiritual life in the soul; and thus wicked men, by common grace, are never made partakers of them. They have not the things themselves. Their faith and love is not the same thing which hath the promises made to them