For the grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared unto all men. Titus 2:11 Why art thou perplexed, O my soul? and why art thou dubious of the mercy of God? Remember thy Creator, who created thee without thy assistance; who formed thee in secret, in the lower parts of the earth, Ps. 139. 15. He who took care of thee before thou were born: Will his providence neglect thee, now thou art fashioned after his own image? To thee, the Great Creator, does thy unworthy creatu

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 2 Thess 2:4 But Antichrist is not only an enemy to Christ, but also (as our adversaries confess), aemulus Christi, that is, such an adversary as is opposed unto Christ in emulation of like honour, as the word Antichrist does also signify. It remains therefore that we should speak of the pride and ambition of Ant

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. Mat. iii. 8. The foundation of a holy life, is true repentance; and where that is acquired, remission of sins, and eternal life succeeds. Why then do we defer our repentance, and procrastinate it from day to day? Tomorrow is not in our possession; and to repent sincerely, is not in our power; but when the Judgment Day is approached, we must render an account not only for one day, but for our whole lives. Acknowledge and bewail

Here we lay down a general rule, by which it may be discovered when Christ is either the speaker or the object contemplated in any given Psalm. This rule is one taught by the Apostles, Peter and Paul: it is one which they united in employing in the interpretation of the language of the Psalms: it is one which, by consequence, is sanctioned by the Spirit. It is the Spirit's rule for the legitimate exposition of his own words. Simplicity is its recommendation. The rule is this

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5. 8. Behold, my soul, thy Saviour's sufferings; the wounds of him that was crucified, and the torments of him that expired on the cross: That sacred head at which angels tremble, is platted with a crown of thorns: That face which in beauty exceeded all mankind's, is spit upon by the ungodly: Those eyes, brighter than the sun in his meridian, are obscured in death: Those ears which were accustomed to hear angelical anthems

Now if to those former notes of place and time, we shall add the rest, and find them all properly to fit the Popes of Rome, then may it not be doubted, but that the Pope is Antichrist. In the next place therefore let us consider his condition and qualities, in respect whereof he is called the Man of Sin. For first Antichrist in respect of his opposition to Christ, he is an adversary, in respect of his pride and ambition, lifted up above all that is called God &c. From these t

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1. 9. Omnipotent God, my sins ever appear in my sight, and are a torment unto my mind; every day I think of thy judgment, because death threatens me every hour. And when I remember, I must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, 2 Cor. 5. 10. then I examine my whole life, and find it is altogether vanity; my actions are vain, my words profane, and my t

In this particular chapter from Richard Allestree's guide to the Christian duty of meditation the parts of meditation are set out being: consideration, affection, and resolutions & vows. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8 First Part of Meditati

In this third instalment from Richard Allestree's The Christian's Duty the preparatory work of meditation is set out and explained. Namely, consideration of the Divine presence and prayer. Preparation 1: Of Being Affected With The Divine Presence. We are to consider, God is present in all places, as really and essentially as he is in Heaven: For, omnipotency did not create Heaven for his confinement, but to manifest his glory; for the Heaven of Heavens are not able to contain

This ONE thing I do, I press toward the mark. Phil. 3. 13, 14. Rule 1. You must thoroughly acquaint yourselves with the rule and the compass that religion steers by. Unless the mariner know every point of his compass, he is like to make but foul work of it. The Word is a believer’s compass, Gal. 6. 16. As many as walk according to this rule, &c. A believer walks by rule, and by this rule, the rule of the Word; you can never manage the business of religion, except you do thoro