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A Guide to Godliness

John Downame (d 1652) · 642,326 words · 2855 min

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from all danger, because we cannot sink or fall being founded upon a Rock. If we believe God's Promises of preservation and protection, there is no cause of fear in the greatest extremities, because we are sure of help and deliverance, which is certainly promised to all the faithful, according to the saying of Jehoshaphat; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established, believe his Prophets and ye shall prosper. If believing in God we put our affiance in him, and cast our selves wholly upon his providence and protection, this will work in us this spiritual security. For he that dwelleth in the secret of the most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. He that maketh the Lord his refuge, fortress and trust, shall be delivered from the snare of the Fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He will cover him with his feathers, and under his wings shall he trust, his Truth shall be his shield and buckler. He shall not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day, &c. because he hath made the Lord his refuge, and the most high his habitation. There shall no evil befall him, neither shall any plague come near his dwelling. For he will give his Angels charge over him, to keep him in all his ways, &c. If with David we put our trust in the Lord, we shall not need to fear what flesh can do unto us. If we trust in the Lord we shall be blessed, and like a Tree planted by the Waters, that spreadeth out her Rootes by the River, which shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green, and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

§. 5 The third cause, Charity.

The third cause of spiritual security is Charity; for (as the Apostle telleth us) there is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear; and if we do above all things put on charity which is the bond of perfectness, then also will the peace of God rule in our hearts, and work in them this Christian security. For if we truly love God, it is an evident sign unto us that he loveth us; for as the Apostle saith, We love him because he loved us first; and being assured of God's love, we need not to doubt of his protection, whereby he will keep us from all evil; and of his providence watching over us, which will provide for us all things necessary. And finally, if we unfeignedly love the Lord, then may we be secure in all dangers, and in the midst of all troubles and crosses, because the Lord through his infinite wisdom and power will cause all things, even afflictions themselves, to work together for good to them that love him; and will so weaken the strength of them, that they shall never be able to separate us from the love of Christ.

§. 6 The fourth cause, the true fear of God.

The fourth cause is, the true fear of God, for this fear remooueth all other fears whatsoever, and if with filial affection we fear God as Sons, we may thereby be freed from the servile fear of Slaues. So also this fear of God will free us from fear of Men, and the fear of our Creator will quite expel the fear of the Creature. It will free us from fear of all danger of evil, seeing nothing shall be able to hinder our happiness. For, Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; he shall not be moved forever, but shall be had in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of any evil tidings, his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

The fifth cause is, Justice and righteousness both in our hearts, words and actions: because, as the Wiseman saith, He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: for, the righteous shall never be removed, and there shall no evil happen unto the just. And that because the Lord watcheth over them, to deliver them in the time of danger, and provide for them in the time of want. For, as the Psalmist saith, The eyes of the Lord are upon the Righteous, and his ears are open to hear their cry; so that, none shall be able to harm us, if we follow that which is good. And unto them he hath made his promises of peace and protection. The work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever; and my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. And again: In righteousness thou shalt be established; thou shalt be far from oppression, for thou shalt not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near thee. In assurance of which promises, the righteous is bold as a Lion, and disdaineth to go out of his way of justice and godliness, though he be affronted with many dangers, because being armed with this breast-plate of righteousness, he is assured they cannot hurt him.

§. 7 The last cause is new obedience.

The last cause of this spiritual security is new obedience. For when like dutiful and loving children, we do desire and endeavor to do the will of our heavenly Father, at all times and in all things, and perform as much as we are able, that obedience which his law requireth, not only in our outward actions, but also in our hearts and inward affections; and bewail our wants and imperfections, when we come short of that measure and degree which we desire to attain unto, it will work in our hearts a childlike confidence in the love of our God, and make us securely to repose and cast our selves in all estates and conditions upon his gracious providence, for the supplying of all our wants, protection from all dangers, and deliverance out of all afflictions. And so much the rather, because we are hereby strengthened in our Faith, and enabled to apply unto our selves all those sweet and comfortable promises which God hath made unto those who bring forth these fruits of new obedience; especially those which concern spiritual peace and tranquility of mind, and this holy and Christian security. So the Lord promiseth, That if we will keep his Statutes and Judgments, we shall dwell in the Land in safety. And in another place, That if we keep his Statutes, and walk in his Commandments to do them, the Lord with all other temporal benefits, promiseth peace and safety; and that we shall lie down and none shall make us afraid. And Zophar telleth us, that if we prepare our hearts to seek God, and stretch out our hands towards him, that then we shall be steadfast and without fear, lie down securely, and be freed from the fear of all things. So Wisdom promiseth, that who so hearken unto her, and obey her voice, they shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. Yea, the Lord hath not only said, but sworn it, that all his redeemed shall worship and serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of their life.

§. 8 Of the effects of spiritual security.

And these are the causes of this spiritual security. The effects of it are quite contrary to those of carnal security; for it doth not make us more slothful and sluggish in the service of God, but more watchful over all our ways, that we may do all things which are acceptable unto God, from whom we enjoy so great a blessing; and not commit anything against knowledge and conscience, which may disturb our sweet peace, or deprive us of the inward joy of this spiritual security. It doth not make us more negligent and backward in holy duties, but to perform them with all diligence and cheerfulness, seeing we walk in this way of godliness without fear; and have part of our heavenly wages in present pa , peace of conscience, spiritual security, and joy in the holy Ghost, which are the preludes and first beginnings of everlasting happiness. For, as the Apostle saith, The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the holy Ghost. It freeth us from the bondage of the Law, which presseth from us the obedience of slaves, out of servile fear of smart and punishment, and rest reth us to the glorious liberty of the sons of God, yielding ingen ous and voluntary obedience, out of mere love to our heavenly Fa her. It taketh away all painfulness and displeasantnesse in yeeldin eruice unto God, by taking away Legal fear, which (as the Apo •• le saith) hath torment, and maketh Christ's yoke easy, and his bur hen light, when we feel his promise accomplished of giving unto our souls this spiritual rest. It preserveth us from all iniquity, especially from speaking lies, which is a base vice grounded on servile fear, either of losing some benefit, or sustaining some evil or inconvenience, by incurring man's displeasure in speaking truth. From which fear, Christian security freeing us, doth also keep us from the vice of lying, which is the effect of it. According to that of the Prophet, The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies, neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. It maketh us also with more constancy and patience, to endure afflictions and all troubles, when as we are secure of the event, and are assured that they shall all of them advance our spiritual good and heavenly glory. It worketh in us Christian courage and resolution, in resisting all the assaults of the enemies of our salvation, when a securely resting upon God his wisdom, power, and providence, we are assured for the present, that they shall not be able by all their might and malice to do us any hurt, and that the issue of this spiritual warfare will be our victory here, and our triumph in glory in the life to come. Finally, it causeth us to be more frequent and fervent in prayer, when as without servile fear we may approach into God's presence, and with the liberty, boldness, and confidence of sons, make our suits and supplications unto him, in the mediation of Jesus Christ, with confidence that he will hear us graciously, and bountifully condescend unto our desires. According to that of the Apostle, In whom we have boldness, or free liberty of speaking, and access, with confidence by the faith of him. The which he useth as an effectual argument, to make us more frequent and diligent in performing of this duties Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. And thus much of the causes and effects of spiritual Security.

CHAP. III.

Of the means of spiritual Security, whereby it may be obtained, or preserved and increased.

§ 1 Th ••• st m 〈…〉 s, highly to esteem it and 〈…〉 e i 〈…〉 and in him.

NOw it followeth in the last place, that we set down the means of obtaining and preserving this grace of Christian security. And first, if we would attain unto this rich gift (which maketh us with joy and comfort to enjoy all other blessings, because it secureth us of their fruition, quieteth our minds in the midst of all dangers, comforteth us against all afflictions, as a rich treasury supplieth all our wants, and is unto us an impregnable Fort to keep off all our spiritual enemies, and Armor of proof to beat back the darts of their temptations) we must in our judgments esteem it according to the worth and value, in our hearts and affections love and desire it, and so resolve, with all care and good conscience, to endeavor in the use of all good means whereby we may attain unto it, and preserve and cherish it when we have gotten it. As first, if we would have the effect wrought in us, we must labor that the causes of it may be effectual in us to this purpose. And seeing God is the author of this excellent gift, and that rich fountain of all grace and goodness, from which flow these sweet and still streams of Christian security, let us beg it at his hands by fervent prayer, who is no niggard of his gifts, but hath promised to give them plentifully to all that ask them in the name of his Son. Yea, let us not only seek this security from him as the fountain, but ground it on him only as the alone foundation of it. For there is nothing in our selves or any creature, whereupon it may safely and surely rest, but only upon God's infinite wisdom, beholding us and all things, with all means and opportunities to preserve us from all evil, and to confer upon us all good; and his omnipotent power, whereby he is able to do whatsoever in his wisdom he knoweth to be best; upon his all-sufficiency, whereby he sufficeth us by himself alone without all other help; his mercy and goodness, whereby he is as willing and ready, as able to help us; and his promises and truth, which assure us of his favor, with all the fruits of it, and that he will never fail those who by a lively faith do rest upon them. And if we ground our security on this immooueable Rock, then though we be never so weak in our own strength, never so much encountered with dangers, and mightily assaulted with our many, strong, and malicious enemies, yet may we retain our security, notwithstanding all these difficulties, because he alone is able to support us by his own strength, to preserve us from and in all perils, and to give us victory over all our enemies.

§. 2 The second means is, to labor to be in the number of Christ Disciples, and of his flock.

Secondly, if we would have this Legacy of spiritual security which Christ hath left us, we must labor to be in the number of his Disciples, unto whom alone it is bequeathed; to be sheep of his flock and fold, over whom he watcheth and taketh care, to protect them from all enemies, and to preserve them from all dangers; and then we may be secure, seeing we have his promise, that he will give unto us eternal life, that we shall never perish, and that no man shall pluck us out of his hand. And if we have the Lord for our shepherd, then may we with David rest securely upon his providence, assuring our selves that if we live at his finding, we shall want nothing. Then may we safely lie down in the green pastures, and be led by him by those still waters of peace and security; yea, though he lead us into places of fear and danger, even through the valley of the shadow of death, yet may we be secure and fear no evil, seeing he is with us, and with his rod and staff doth comfort us. Yea, we must labor after a nearer union with Christ, and to be espoused unto him, and then we being his Spouse, and he being our Bridegroom, we may rest securely under his powerful protection, seeing by the institution and law of marriage, he is bound both to defend and provide for us; and because he that toucheth us, toucheth him; he that offereth any injury unto us, doth offer it (as it were) to his own person: then may we with the Spouse in the Canticles, sit down securely under his shadow with great delight, and sleep in safety, when his left hand is under our head, and his right hand doth embrace us. Or if we would be nearer unto him for our greater safety and security, let us labor to become members of his blessed body, united unto him by his holy Spirit and a lively faith; seeing then there will be no place for fear, because he that toucheth us, toucheth the apple of his eye; he that doth us any hurt, hurteth and offereth violence against his own body; and he that seeketh to pluck us from him, shall go about an impossible work, even to pluck a member from the body of Christ, which he tenderly loveth, seeing he hath all power in heaven and earth committed unto him, so as no creature is able to prevail against him.

§. 3 The third means is, that we labor to be in the Covenant of Grace.

Thirdly, if we would obtain this spiritual security, we must labor to be within the compass of the covenant of Grace, which God hath made with us in Jesus Christ. For such only as are in the Covenant, have right unto the Promises of God's grace and providence, watching over them, for the endowing them with all good, and of his power and protection to shield and defend them from all evil. Such only have God for their Lord and King, and are the peculiar People and Subjects of his Kingdom, over whom he hath taken charge, and received them under the safeguard of his protection. As for others, they are strangers unto him, whom he respecteth not; yea, they are no better then Rebels and Out-laws, who have no benefit by his protection, and therefore can have in them no true security, but may well fear with Cain, that being exiled out of God's presence, they shall be like Fugitiues and Vagabonds upon the earth, and that it shall come to pass, that everyone that findeth them shall be ready to slay them. Whereas if we have the Seal of the Covenant stamped upon us, we are thereby secured from all evil; for when the destroying Angel is purposely sent from God to spoil and make havoc of all, yet his commission is restrained, so as he may not hurt those which are in the Covenant, but those only who have not the Seal of God in their foreheads. Now the means to be in this Covenant with God, is to perform the condition of Faith, bringing forth the fruits thereof in hearty repentance and amendment of life; which we must therefore above all things labor after, that we may have interest in the former privileges. And because through our frailty and infirmity, we are apt to wound and weaken our Faith by our sins; and this shield is oftentimes shrewdly battered, with beating back the fiery darts and bullets of Satan's temptations: And our repentance also is ready to grow faint and languish, both in respect of our grief for sin past, and resolution to leave and forsake it for the time to come; and so by weakening the Covenant, not in it self, but in our apprehension, we are ready to lose our inward peace, and to have our security disturbed with fears; therefore as we often sin, so doth it become us often to renew our Covenant with God, by renewing the condition of Faith and Repentance, that so also with them we may renew our security, according to that in Job; If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy Tabernacles. For then thou shalt lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear. And thou shalt be secure because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dignity about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety. Also thou shalt lie down and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suite unto thee.

§. 4 The fourth means is, to labor to have the causes of it in us. As, first, the Spirit of adoption, and the chain of saving graces.

Fourthly, if we would have spiritual security, we must endeavor by all means to have those causes of it in our selves, of which I have spoken. As first, the Spirit of adoption, whereby being assured that we are God's children through Christ, we may securely rest upon the providence and promises of our heavenly Father, for the providing of all things necessary, for the supplying of all our wants, preservation from all dangers, and protection from all enemies. For if earthly Parents, according to their power, perform all these things to their children, so as they are secure and without fear, when they are in the sight and presence of their able friends; how much more will our heavenly Father, who infinitely exceeds them in power and love? For if he be so infinitely gracious, that he preserveth those which are strangers unto him, how much more those who are of his own Family? if he doth good unto all, how much more those who are of the house-hold of Faith? if he provideth for the young Lions and Ravens that call upon them, and richly clotheth the Lilies and Flowres of the Field, how much more will he defend and preserve, feed and clothe his own Children, whom he hath loved so dearly, that he hath not spared to give his best beloved and only begotten Son to the death for their redemption and salvation? So also we must labor after the gifts and graces of the Spirit, which have the promises of God's protection made unto them; so that if we have them, we may be secure in his help and assistance, because if he be with us, it mattereth not who oppose against us; if we are destitute of them, then being hopeless and helpless, there is no place for peace and security. Again, these saving graces are the only means whereby we may make our Calling and Election sure; which if we do, no worldly thing can disturb our peace, or damp our joy; but if for want of them we want also this assurance, how can we have any room in our hearts for security to lodge in, seeing they are wholly taken up with fears and doubtings? or at least with carnal security which keeps all quiet, because it shuts our eyes, and benumbeth all our senses, so as we cannot see nor feel our danger? Finally, these virtues and spiritual graces are our Christian armor, which being buckled unto us, is of high proof, to preserve us in safety against all assaults of enemies, that would disturb our peace; but if they be wanting, then like the Israelites we are naked, dis-armed of God's assistance, dis-furnished of all munition and weapons, whereby we might make any resistance against the encounters of our spiritual enemies, and so an easy prey to be seized on, and led captive by them.

§. 5 The fifth means is, to labor to be endued with those peciall saving graces, which are the causes of, first, knowledge and remembrance of God and his Attributes. Secondly, A lively Faith.

More especially if we would use the means, whereby we may in joy this Christian security, we must labor to know, acknowledge and remember God's saving Attributes, as he exerciseth them towards us for our good, as his Wisdom, Power, All-sufficiency, Mercy, Goodness, Truth and the Rest. For these are the foundation and ground of this security, upon which it is built and resteth; of which if we are ignorant or forgetful, it is no more possible for this Fort of security to be erected in us; then to set up a goodly building without a foundation, or to make it durable, if it be seated without other support, upon the Moors or Sands. In the second place, let us labor after a lively and justifying Faith, which is the condition of the Covenant, upon which alone all our safety and security resteth and relieth; the alone instrument which uniteth us unto Christ, and the only hand by which we receive all God's promises, and the fruits and benefits which do accompany them. Finally, that impenetrable shield which repelleth all the fiery darts of Satan, and maketh us undaunted and without fear; when we are encountered with his temptations. And therefore if we be endued with Faith, there is cause enough why we should be secure, seeing we are in Covenant with God, and by virtue thereof, under his protection, the members of Christ who is so armed with power, that all the malice of the Devil and power of Hell, are not able to vanquish or do us any hurt; and have all our vital parts covered with a shield of proof, which cannot be pierced with all the Darts of Satan's temptations. Thirdly, let us use all good means, to have our hearts comforted and confirmed, with firm affiance and confidence in God, which is a fruit of the former grace, wherewith if we be endued, the Lord will be the Rock of our refuge, our Sanctuary and Castle of strength, unto which if we flee in the time of danger, we may enjoy safety and security. For the God in whom we trust is able to supply all our wants, to preserve us in the day of danger, and to defeat and bring to naught all the plots and practices of all our enemies; and if we make him our hope and confidence, he will be our strength and tower, and he will so watch over us with his providence, that we may sleep securely under the shadow of his wings. Fourthly, let us seek with all earnestness, to have our hearts inflamed with that heavenly fire of God's love, which being but a reflection or little spark of his divine love towards us, will be an evident sign to assure us of it. And this love of God in us and towards us, will work in us spiritual security in the assurance of God's protection, who so loveth us and whom we so love; and this filial affection, when we find and feel it in us, will cast out all servile fear, and make us bold and confident in the sense and apprehension of his favor towards us, knowing that he who so dearly loveth us is all-sufficient in wisdom and power, to turn all things to our good, and to make all our afflictions and temptations, our Enemies power and our own weakness, to become helps and furtherances to our salvation. Fifthly, if we would have this spiritual security, we must by all means cleanse our hearts from carnal security, and nourish in them the true fear of God. For as well may we accord Light and Darkness, Fire and Water, Good and Evil, as spiritual security with that which is carnal. Whereas contrariwise, the true fear of God dwelling in us, will banish all other fears, and make us secure in those gracious Promises, which the Lord hath made unto all that fear him: as namely, that there shall be nothing wanting unto them, and that he will fulfull the desire of them that fear him, and will hear their cry and save them. So that if they be not short in desiring safety and security, the Lord will not be slow to grant it, or though they should be wanting unto themselves in this regard, yet the Lord will not be wanting unto them, seeing he is both willing and able to do exceeding abundantly, above that we can either ask or think. Sixthly, if we desire this security, we must labor, that we may be always found clothed with the garment of righteousness, both the imputed righteousness of Christ applied by faith, which doth perfectly free us from all danger, and bring with it peace of conscience and joy in the holy Ghost; and inherent righteousness and holiness wrought in us by virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, whereby we are entitled unto all the promises of God's grace and protection made unto the righteous, and among the rest unto them especially which concern our safety and security, of which I have before spoken. Seventhly, (which is like unto the former) we must study and endeavor to perform unto God, in lieu of thankfulness for all his benefits, new obedience; not that of the Law which is impossible, but Evangelical which is the obedience of faith: when having respect unto all God's Commandments we labor to walk in them with sincere and upright hearts, and with constancy and perseverance unto the end. And if we thus seek out this old and good way, it will bring us to this rest of spiritual security which we labor after. If we take this sweet and easy yoke of Evangelical obedience, and hating all Pharisaical pride, learn of Christ to be meek and lowly in heart, we have his gracious promise for it, that we shall find this rest for our souls. If we approve our selves to be the children of our heavenly Father, by having his image of holiness and righteousness stamped on us, and by yielding in all things obedience to his Will, that so we may be acceptable in his sight, then will he give us the spirit of adoption, which will cast out all servile fear, and give us much confidence, boldness and security in the assurance of his love.

§. 6 The sixth means, contempt of the World.

The sixth means to enjoy this spiritual security is, to cast out of our hearts all carnal love of earthly things, and so to contemn the world and worldly vanities, as that we can be content, if God so pleaseth, to leave them as well as enjoy them. For if having our desires mortified to the world, we have learned with the Apostle Paul, In whatsoever state we are therewith to be content: If we know how to be abased, and how to abound, and be everywhere, and in all things instructed, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need: then may we in a great part be freed from all carnal fear, and both securely enjoy these transitory things when God giveth them, because it will not much trouble us if it be his pleasure to take them away; and also securely want them, when God scanteth us of them, because our desires and hopes are moderate after their fruition. For our fears hold a proportion with our love and hope, neither can they be little if these be great, nor contrariwise excessive and immoderate, if these tempered and overruled with reason and religion. And therefore if our hearts be weaned from the love of earthly things, then may we hold them (as children their birds which they are weary of) in our open hands, being secure and careless, whether they stay with us, or (as Solomon speaketh) like the Eagle betake themselves to their wings and flee away. But if our affections and love be still fixed and fastened on them, then will we be unwilling to leave them, and so always in fear, lest they be taken from us. For (as one saith) no man can be secure in the fruition of that, which he is altogether unwilling to lose and forgo.

§. 7 The seventh means to keep our hearts upright, and our consciences pure.

The fifth means of spiritual security is, to keep our hearts upright, and our consciences pure and undefiled from sin; especially from such sins as are committed, not through ignorance and infirmity, but against knowledge and conscience. Or if we have fallen into any such, our second care must be to arise out of them and forsake them, and to purge our consciences by bathing them in the blood of Christ by Faith, and in the tears of unfeigned repentance. For the conscience is of the nature of the eye, it must be kept clean, and then it will be cheerful and quiet; but if we nourish in it willingly the least sins (as it were little Motes in our sight) it will smart and rage, and never be quiet till they be cast out. And so long as we do thus preserve the peace of a good conscience, we may be secure and without fear, because we have also peace with God, For if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards. God (as the Apostle speaketh) and whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his Commandments, and do those things which are pleasing in his sight. But if our heart condemn us (then will not God acquit us) for he is greater then our heart, and knoweth all things. So that only the pure conscience can be the secure conscience; for sin is the only cause of fear, and therefore if i be purged away, there is no place for fear to lodge in. But if sin remain and defile the heart and conscience, there is no room for security; for how can a man be secure, that by guilt of sin is liable to God's displeasure, and hath broken the peace with him? how can he not be full of fear, that is daily in danger to be attached with his judgments; and to bear the deserved punishment of his sin? And this the Heathens saw by the light of nature, namely, that Guilt and Fear, Innocency and Security, like inseparable companions accompany one another. For one being asked who they were that lived securely, answered, They only who were not conscious unto themselves of any evil. And another affirmeth, that it is a great portion of security to do nothing unjustly; in which regard men of might lead a life confused and disturbed, because look how much they hurt, and so much also they fear. For though a man may be safe for the present, having an evil conscience, yet he can never be secure; and though when he sinneth he be not taken with the manner, yet he is always in fear of being taken. He is troubled in his sleep, and whilst any man's wickedness is spoken of, he thinketh of his own; and though the guilty may have the hap to be hid, yet cannot they have the confidence of it.

§. 8 The last means is, Christian watchfulness and often examination of our estates.

The last means of security is, to keep a narrow watch over all our ways, and often to examine our estates, & to cast up our accounts between God and us, and when we find that we are cast behind hand, to plead Christ's payment by a lively Faith, that so we may get our Quietus est, and have the Hand-writing of the Law cancelled and nailed to his Cross. For this security is not caused like that which is carnal, by negligence and sloth, but by care and watchfulness; For then may we securely expect our summons to come to God's Audit, when like the wise Steward we find the Book of our reckonings just and straight. Then may we with much peace and cheerfulness be called to give up our accounts, when we find, that we have profitably employed our Masters talents, and have increased them five or ten fold, by putting them out to the use of our Lord; that is, the advancement of his glory, and good of our fellow servants. Then may we with the wise Virgins securely expect the coming of our Bridegroom, though through natural heaviness, we be sometimes overtaken with drowsiness, and take a nap, if we do in our usual course stand upon our watch, and have the Lamps of a Christian profession, replenished and trimmed with the inward oil of Faith, and all other saving Graces, and the outward light of good works and a godly and righteous life; seeing when he cometh we shall enter with him into the bridal Chamber, and there solace our selves in his love, and in the fruition of those inestimable and eternal joys which he hath prepared for us; the which he grant unto us, that hath dearly bought them for us, Jesus Christ the Righteous; to whom with the Father and the holy Spirit, three Persons, and one Immortal, Invisible, only wise and infinitely good God, be ascribed all glory and praise, power, majesty and dominion, both now and forever more.

AMEN.
Trin-vni Deo gloria.
FINIS.

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