Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The means, duties, ordinances, both secret, private and publike, for continuance and increase of a godly life, once begun, till we come to Heaven. Wherein are discovered many blessed medium's or duties, in their right method, manner and proceedings; that so a Christian (the spirit of Christ assisting) may walk on in the holy path, which leads from his new birth to everlasting life. / Drawn, for the most part, out of the most eminently pious, and learned writings of our native practical divines: with additionals of his own, by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amoundernes.

Title

Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The means, duties, ordinances, both secret, private and publike, for continuance and increase of a godly life, once begun, till we come to Heaven. Wherein are discovered many blessed medium's or duties, in their right method, manner and proceedings; that so a Christian (the spirit of Christ assisting) may walk on in the holy path, which leads from his new birth to everlasting life. / Drawn, for the most part, out of the most eminently pious, and learned writings of our native practical divines: with additionals of his own, by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amoundernes.

Author

Ambrose, Isaac, 1604-1664.

Publication

London :: Printed by John Field for Nathanaell Webb and William Grantham, at the Greyhound in Pauls Church-yard,

1650. [i.e. 1649]

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Subject terms

Christian life -- Early works to 1800.

Devotional exercises -- Early works to 1800.

Asceticism -- Early works to 1800.

Link to this Item

https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A75287.0001.001 content_copy

Cite this Item

"Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The means, duties, ordinances, both secret, private and publike, for continuance and increase of a godly life, once begun, till we come to Heaven. Wherein are discovered many blessed medium's or duties, in their right method, manner and proceedings; that so a Christian (the spirit of Christ assisting) may walk on in the holy path, which leads from his new birth to everlasting life. / Drawn, for the most part, out of the most eminently pious, and learned writings of our native practical divines: with additionals of his own, by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amoundernes." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A75287.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 2, 2024. content_copy

Contents

• title page
• TO The Right Honorable, truly Religious, and Vertuous Lady, the Lady MARY VERE.
• TO THE READER.
• FOR The Reverend, his worthily much esteemed Friend, Mr. Isaac Ambrose, Minister of the WORD at Preston.
• To the Conscientious Reader.
• To the Christian Reader.
• The Epistle to the Reader.
• The Contents of this Book.
• THE Believers Priviledges.
  • CHAP. I.
    • SECT. 1. The Proeme, or Entrance into the Book.
    • SECT. 2. Of the first Priviledge, viz. Justification.
    • SECT. 3. Of the second Priviledge, viz. Reconciliation.
    • SECT. 4. Of the third Priviledge, viz. Adoption.
    • SECT. 5. Of the fourth Priviledge, viz. Sanctification.
    • SECT. 6. Of the fifth Priviledge, viz. Glorification.
  • CHAP. II.
    • SECT. 1. Of Duties in general: And first, of the Equity of Duties.
    • SECT. 2. Of the Insufficiency of Duties.
    • SECT. 3. Of the healing of Duties.
      • §. 1. Of the maner of healing our Duties.
      • §. 2. The Souls Quaere's in this case.
    • SECT. 4. No resting in Duties.
    • SECT. 5. Of the Use and Ends of Duties.
    • SECT. 6. Of the Saints abilities or power to do Duties.
    • SECT. 7. Of the Saints delights in Duties.
    • SECT. 8. Of the essential Requisites in Duties.
    • SECT. 9. Of the kindes of Duties in several divisions.
  • CHAP. III.
    • SECT. 1. Of Duties in particular: And first, of the Nature of Watchfulness.
    • SECT. 2. Of the objects of Watchfulness.
    • SECT. 3. Of the maner of Watchfulness over sin Original.
    • SECT. 4. Of the maner of Watchfulness over sins Actual.
    • SECT. 5. Of the maner of Watchfulness over special sins.
    • SECT. 6. Of the maner of watchfulness over our Hearts.
    • SECT. 7. Of the maner of watchfulness over our Tongues.
    • SECT. 8. Of the maner of Watchfulness over our actions.
  • CHAP. IV.
    • SECT. 1. Of the Nature of Self-Examination.
    • SECT. 2. Of the objects of Self-Examination.
    • SECT. 3. Of the maner of examining our sins in general.
    • SECT. 4. Of the maner of examining our special sins.
    • SECT. 5. Of the maner of examining our hearts.
    • SECT. 6. Of the maner of examining our Tongues.
    • SECT. 7. Of the maner of examining our Actions.
    • SECT. 8. Of the time of our Self-Examination.
    • SECT. 9. The daily Register of a weak, unworthy Servant of Christ, for some years.
      • 1641.
      • 1642.
      • 1643.
      • 1644.
      • 1645.
      • 1646.
      • 1647.
      • 1648.
      • 1649.
  • CHAP. V.
    • SECT. I. Of the Nature of Experiences.
    • SECT. 2. Of the gathering of Experiences.
    • SECT. 3. Of the improving of Experiences.
    • SECT 4. Of the Sanctification of Experiences in their several Uses.
    • SECT. 5. The consideration of Experiences in a practical course; or some practical Rules to be observed.
    • SECT. 6. The Experiences of a weak Christian, cast into the method propounded.
      • §. 1. Judgements on the Wicked.
        • Experiences.
          • 1643.
          • 1648.
        • Texts.
        • Dispositions required in this case, and to be prayed for.
      • §. 2. Gods love to the Saints.
        • Experiences.
          • 1642.
          • 1647.
          • 1648.
        • Texts.
        • Dispositions required in this case, and to be prayed for.
      • §. 3. Several Chastisements or Afflictions on my self and others.
        • Experiences.
          • 1641.
          • 1645.
          • 1646.
          • 1647.
          • 1648.
        • Texts.
        • Dispositions required in this case, and to be prayed for.
      • §. 4. Performances of gracious Promises to my self and others.
        • Experiences.
          • 1642.
          • 1643.
          • 1644.
          • 1646.
          • 1647.
        • Texts.
        • Dispositions required in this case, and to be prayed for.
      • §. 5. The temptations of Sin prevailing, of Satan cheating, of the World ensnaring.
        • Experiences.
          • 1646.
          • 1647.
          • 1648.
        • Texts.
        • Dispositions required in this case, and to be prayed for.
      • §. 6. Victories of the World, Lusts, Temptations, Corruptions, Satan.
        • Experiences.
          • 1646.
          • 1647.
          • 1648.
        • Texts.
        • Dispositions required in this case, and to be prayed for.
      • §. 7. Observations of Gods providences.
        • Experiences.
          • 1642.
          • 1648.
        • Texts.
        • Dispositions required in this case, and to be prayed for.
      • §. 8. The breathings of the Spirit in others, and my own Soul.
        • Experiences.
          • 1641.
          • 1644.
          • 1645.
          • 1646.
          • 1647.
          • 1648.
        • Texts.
        • Dispositions required in this case, and to be prayed for.
      • §. 9. Deceits of the heart beguiling.
        • Experiences.
          • 1641.
          • 1643.
          • 1644.
          • 1645.
          • 1646.
          • 1647.
        • Texts.
        • Dispositions required in this case, and to be prayed for.
  • CHAP. 6.
    • SECT. I. Of the nature of Evidences.
    • SECT 2. Of the gathering of Evidences.
    • SECT. 3. Of the improving of Evidences.
    • SECT. 4. Of the Sanctification of Evidences in their several uses.
    • SECT. 5. The Evidences of a weak unworthy servant of Christ, laid down according to the Rules aforementioned.
  • CHAP. VII.
    • SECT. 1. Of the nature and kindes of Meditation.
    • SECT. 2. The Circumstantials of Meditation.
    • SECT 3. Of occasional Meditation.
    • SECT. 4. Of deliberate Meditation, and the parts thereof.
    • SECT. 5. An Example of the souls love to Christ.
      • subsection
        • 1. Description.
        • 2. Distribution.
        • 3. Causes.
        • 4. Effects.
        • 5. Opposites.
        • 6. Comparisons.
        • 7. Testimonies.
      • subsection
        • 1. Relish.
        • 2. Complaint.
        • 3. Wishing.
        • 4. Confession.
        • 5. Petition.
        • 6. Confidence.
        • Conclusion.
    • SECT. 6. Another example of Eternity.
      • subsection
        • 1. Description.
        • 2. Distribution.
        • 3. Causes.
        • 4. Effects.
        • 5. Opposites.
        • 6. Comparisons.
        • 7. Testimonies.
      • subsection
        • 1. Relish.
        • 2. Complaint.
        • 3. Wish.
        • 4. Confession.
        • 5. Petition.
        • 6. Confidence.
        • Conclusion.
  • CHAP. VIII.
    • SECT. 1. Of the Nature of this Life of Faith.
    • SECT. 2. Of the maner of this Life of Faith in general.
    • SECT. 3. Of the maner of this Life of Faith in particular, as in Temporal evils.
    • SECT. 4. Of the maner of this Life of Faith in tempo∣ral blessings.
    • SECT 5. Of the maner of this Life of Faith in Spiritual evils.
      • §. An Appendix of the maner of this Life of Faith, in oppositions against truth and goodness, and more par∣ticularly against our good Name, whereby an un∣worthy servant of Christ sometimes found abundance of Spiritual comfort.
    • SECT. 6. Of the maner of this life of faith in spiritual blessings, as derived to us from God and Christ, and the Spirit of Christ.
    • SECT. 7. Of the maner of this Life of Faith in Spiritual Graces.
    • SECT. 8. Of the maner of this Life of Faith in Spi∣ritual Duties.
    • SECT. 9. Of the maner of this Life of Faith in things Eternal.
    • SECT. 10. Of the maner of this Life of Faith in regard of others.
  • CHAP. IX.
    • SECT. 1. Of the nature of Family-duties.
    • SECT. 2. Of the preparatives to Family-duties.
    • SECT. 3. Of the Duties of Governors in general.
    • SECT. 4. Of the Duties of Parents to their Children.
    • SECT. 5. Of the Duties of Masters to Servants.
    • SECT. 6. Of the Duties of the Husband and Wife.
    • SECT. 7. Of the Duties of Children to Parents.
    • SECT. 8. Of the Duties of Servants to their Masters.
  • CHAP. X.
    • SECT. 1. Of Preparatives to Christian-Society.
    • SECT. 2. Of a mutual exchange of gifts and graces.
    • SECT. 3. Of a mutual serviceableness to the bodies and souls of one another.
    • SECT. 4. Of a mutual walking together, and holding hands in the Ordinances of Christ.
    • SECT. 5. Of some Orders to which some Christians subscribed before Conference.
    • SECT. 6. Of some Questions of Practical Divinity, which at the Conference were propounded and answered.
      • §. 1. What was the happiness of Mans condition in the state of Innocency?
      • §. 2. What are the Miseries of Man in state of Nature?
      • §. 3. What means hath God appointed to come out of this miserable estate?
      • §. 4. What are the signs of a sound and sincere Humiliation?
      • §. 5. What are the signs of an hard heart?
      • §. 6. What means hath God appointed for brokenness of heart?
      • §. 7. What are the means both for the obtaining and increasing of Faith?
      • §. 8. What are the signs of a true justifying Faith?
      • §. 9. What motives to Evangelical Repentance?
      • §. 10. What are the signs of true and Evangelical Repentance?
      • §. 11. How may a Believer Redeemed by Christ, ac∣knowledge his thankfulness to Christ?
      • §. 12. What are the signs of a sincere love to Christ?
      • §. 13. What are the causes in us of Christ with∣drawing from us?
      • §. 14. What are the causes for which Christ on his part withdraws himself from us?
      • §. 15. What means for the recovery of Christs comfortable presence?
      • §. 16. Of what use is Christ to a Believer already justified?
    • SECT. 7. Of some Questions or Cases of Conscience, which at the Conference were propounded and answered.
      • § 1. Whether a Believer may profit more, or be more intent in publike, or in secret Prayer.
      • §. 2. Whether a Christian in his own apprehension decay∣ing in Grace, may not yet grow in Grace? and if so, What are the reasons of his wrong apprehensions?
      • §. 3. What signs of true grace, though for the present but small or weak grace?
      • §. 4. Whether is a Christian always bound to repre∣hend an offender? or in what Cases may he forbear?
      • §. 5. How may we know whether we profit by afflictions?
      • §. 6. How should a Christian fortifie himself against the reproaches of wicked men?
      • §. 7. Whether a true Believer may not sometimes doubt? and what are the several causes of doubting?
      • §. 8. What are the cures or remedies of doubtings incident to Believers?
      • §. 9. What are those Remora's that hinder the growth of Christianity, or the spreading of the Kingdom of Christ?
      • §. 10. What means to prefer Unity and Amity amongst Christians.
    • SECT. 8. Of some Questions or contraverted Points, which at the Conference were propounded and answered.
      • §. 1. Whether doth God see sin in Believers, so as to be offended at it? and how may it appear?
      • §. 2. Whether are Believers to repent for their sins? and upon what grounds?
      • §. 3. Whether are Believers to pray for pardon of sin? and what are the reasons?
      • §. 4. Whether is it the duty of Christians to observe the Lords-day (now being the first day of the week) as a Christian Sabbath? and what grounds for it?
      • §. 5. Whether may not Christians lawfully sing Davids or Moses Psalms? and how may it appear?
      • §. 6. Whether admitting of or joyning with scandalous persons in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, and not endeavoring to keep them back (whiles such) be not sin in the admitters and joyners? and how may it appear?
      • §. 7. In such a case, what is the duty of admitters and joyners, to keep themselves blameless, and the Ordinance undefiled?
      • §. 8. In what cases is it lawful to enter into fellow∣ship, association, confederacy and covenants with scandalous sinners? and in what cases is it not lawful?
  • CHAP. XI.
    • SECT. 1. Of the necessity of preparation to the Hearing of the Word.
    • SECT. 2. Of the maner of preparation to hear the Word.
    • SECT. 3. The duties of the soul in hearing the Word.
    • SECT. 4. The Duties required after hearing.
  • CHAP. XII.
    • SECT. 1. Of the two Sacraments of the New Testament.
    • SECT. 2. Of the duties in general, before we receive the Lords Supper.
    • SECT. 3. Of the maner of examining our sins before the Lords Supper.
    • SECT. 4. Of Examination of the wants of Graces, that should be feelingly in us.
    • SECT. 5. Examination of the truth of our Graces, and first of our Conversion.
    • SECT. 6. Examination of Knowledge.
    • SECT. 7. Examination of Faith.
    • SECT. 8. Examination of Repentance.
    • SECT. 9. Examination of love to the Brethren.
    • SECT. 10. Examination of Obedience.
    • SECT. 11. Examination of our desires after this Ordinance.
    • SECT. 12. Examination of the growth of Graces.
    • SECT. 13. Of the duties in Sacrament, of the exercise of Repentance.
    • SECT. 14. Of the exercise of Faith.
    • SECT. 15. Of the exercise of Thanksgiving.
    • SECT. 16. Of the exercise of Love and Mercy.
    • SECT. 17. Of Examination after Sacrament, and the result, if not a good day.
    • SECT. 18. Of Thankfulness, if a good day.
    • SECT. 19. Of obedience and fruitfulness in our lives.
  • CHAP. XIII.
    • SECT. 1. Of preparation to PRAYER.
    • SECT. 2. The general duties of the soul in prayer.
    • SECT. 3. The particular duties of the soul in prayer.
    • SECT. 4. The duties of the body in prayer.
    • SECT. 5. Duties after Prayer.
    • SECT. 6. The first Case: Suppose I have prayed, how may I assured∣ly know that God hears, and will answer in his own time?
    • SECT. 7. The second Case: Suppose the thing I desire shall not be answered, how may I assuredly know that God notwithstanding doth hear my prayers?
    • SECT. 8. The third Case: Suppose after prayer, I observe all I can, and can by no means discover, that either God will answer or hear my prayers, What shall I do then?
    • SECT. 9. The fourth Case: Suppose the thing I desire is an∣swered, how may I assuredly know it was by my prayers, and not out of common providence?
    • SECT. 10. The fifth Case: Suppose that others joyn with me in those prayers now answered, how should I know that my prayers had an hand in obtain∣ing those answers, as well as any others?
    • SECT. 11. The sixth Case: Suppose I am assured upon former ob∣servation, that God hath heard and answered my prayers in their particulars, what must I do then?
    • SECT. 12. A Directory for Prayer.
    • SECT. 13.
      • §. 1. A form of prayer in Scripture-phrase.
        • 1. A description of God.
        • 2. A begging of Audience.
        • 3. A confession of the sins of our first Parents.
        • 4. Confession of Original pollution.
        • 5. A confession of actual transgressions in thought, word, deed.
        • 6. Acted against light of knowledge.
        • 7. Against checks of Conscience.
        • 8. Against long forbearance of God.
        • 9. Against tender mercies.
        • 10. Against terrifying judgements.
        • 11. Against frequent Purposes, Promises, Vows of better Obedience.
        • 12. Sins of our Age, Sex, Constitution, Relation and Calling.
        • 13. Secret and open sins, our most beloved lusts.
        • 14. Sins against the Law of God.
        • 15. Sins against the Gospel of Christ.
        • 16. Our not thirsting after Christ.
        • 17. Our not relying on Christ his merits and promises.
        • 18. Our grieving Gods Spirit.
        • 19. Our continual impenitency, notwithstanding all means of Grace.
        • 20. Aggravations of sin by the person against whom.
        • 21. By the number of them, time, place, &c.
        • 22. An accusing, judging, and condemning our selves.
      • §. 2. The 2d part of prayer is, Petition for our selves.others.
        • 1. We petition for pardon of sin.
        • 2. For sealing of this pardon in our Consciences.
        • 3. For Peace of Conscience, and joy in the holy Ghost.
        • 4. For justifying and lively faith.
        • 5. For repentance unto life.
        • 6. For saving knowledge.
        • 7. For love to God, Saints, Enemies.
        • 8. For lively Hope, ardent Zeal, filial Fear, Patience, Perseverance, &c.
        • 9. For growth in Grace.
        • 10. For the means of Grace, as the Word, Sacra∣ments, Sabbaths.
        • 11. For a blessing on our outward callings.
        • 12. For sanctifying of all afflictions to us.
        • 13. Against all evil of sin, the Devil, World, Flesh, our special sins.
        • 14. Against all evil of punishment National.Personal.
        • 15. For all that belong to Gods election, though un∣called as yet.
        • 16. For those called in forreign Countreys.
        • 17. For our own Churches.
        • 18. For our King, Queen, Seed-royal.
        • 19. For Magistracy, Ministery, People.
        • 20. For all afflicted in soul or body.
      • §. 3. The third part of Prayer, is Thanksgiving for blessings Spiritual.Temporal.
        • 1. VVE bless God for our election, with all the golden chain of Graces hanging on it.
        • 2. We bless God for his Word, Sacraments, Sabbaths, labors of the learned, &c.
        • 3. We bless God for any power over sin, Satan, or our own corruptions.
        • 4. We bless God for our creation, preservation, life, health, peace, deliverance, victories.
  • CHAP. XIV.
    • SECT. 1. Of the nature of Reading the Scriptures, what it is.
    • SECT. 2. Of fit times and seasons for Reading the Scriptures.
    • SECT. 3. Of the maner of preparation before the Reading of the Scriptures.
    • SECT. 4. Of the necessary Duties in Reading of the Scriptures.
    • SECT. 5. Of Duties after reading the Scriptures.
    • SECT. 6. A Calendar purposed to shew how we might read over the Scripture several ways once in a year.
    • SECT. 7. Of the Analysis of the whole Bible, and especially (as in the first-place) of the Old Testament.
    • SECT. 8.
      • §. 1. Of the Pentateuch or Books of the Law.
      • §. 2. Exodus treats of the Law-giving to the Church generally EcclesiasticalPolitical together.
      • §. 3. Leviticus treats of holy observations and persons.
      • §. 4. Numbers, of Laws for most part Political, occasioned by the mustering of the people for their journey to Canaan.
      • §. 5. Deuteronomy is a Repetition of the Law.
    • SECT. 9.
      • §. 1. Of Prophets Historical. Ioshua: Consider—
      • §. 2. Iudges: Story of the Jews under the Government of the Judges.
      • §. 3. Ruth, a Moabitish woman; of her Piety.
      • § 4. Hitherto of the state of the Jews under Judges: Now under Kings till the Captivity.
      • §. 5. First Book of Samuel. Jews state under Kings Elect.
      • § 6. Second Book of Samuel under the Successive Kings.
      • §. 7. Kings two Books treat of the Kingdom as divided.
      • §. 8. Second Book of Kings; of the decrease of the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
      • §. 9. First Chronicles.
      • §. 10. Second Chronicles.
      • §. 11. Ezra, of the return of the People from Babylon.
      • §. 12. Nehemiah treats of
      • §. 13. Esther contains a story of a miraculous deliverance of the Jews.
    • SECT. 10.
      • §. 1. Of Prophets Dogmatical. Iob contains
      • §. 2. The Psalms are by the Hebrews divided into five Books.
      • §. 3. Proverbs contains Rules of life,
      • §. 4. Ecclesiastes treats
      • §. 5. Canticles. Descriptions of the love 'twixt Christ and his Church,
    • SECT. 11.
      • §. 1. Of Prophets Prophetical.
      • §. 2. Ieremiah contains
      • §. 3. Lamentations contain the mournings of this
      • §. 4. Ezekiel contains
      • §. 5. Daniel contains
      • §. 6. Hosea is
      • §. 7. Ioel contains
      • §. 8. Amos contains
      • §. 9. Obadiah
      • §. 10. Ionah
      • §. 11. Micah contains five Sermons.
      • §. 12. Nahum.
      • §. 13. Habakkuk.
      • §. 14. Zephany.
      • §. 15. Haggai.
      • §. 16. Zachariah contains
      • §. 17. Malachy.
    • SECT. 12.
      • §. 1.
      • §. 2. Mark treats of
      • §. 3. Luke treats of Christs
      • §. 4. Iohn treats of Christs
      • §. 5. Acts, A History of the Apostles.
    • SECT. 13.
      • §. 1. Of Books Doctrinal. Epistle to the Romans treats of
      • §. 2. I Corinthians.
      • §. 3. II Corinthians.
      • §. 4. Galatians.
      • §. 5. Ephesians treats
      • §. 6. Philippians.
      • §. 7. Colossians
      • §. 8. I Thessalonians treats
      • §. 9. II Thessalonians.
      • §. 10. I Timothy.
      • §. 11. II Timothy.
      • §. 12. Titus.
      • §. 13. Hebrews treats of
      • §. 14. Iames treats
      • §. 15. I Peter hath in it matter of
      • §. 16. II Peter
      • §. 17. First Epistle of St. Iohn.
    • SECT. 14. Of the Book Prophetical. Revelation contains
    • SECT. 15. Of heads or common places of observations for pro∣fitable things.
    • SECT. 16. Common places observed by one in his private Reading of the Scriptures.
    • SECT. 17. Of the use of these Collections.
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • Psalm
      • PSAL. 119.
      • Psalm
      • Observations.
  • CHAP. XV.
    • SECT. 1. Of preparatives to Fasting.
    • SECT. 2. Of the duties required in Fasting.
    • SECT. 3. Of the Duties after Fasting.
    • SECT. 3. Of the Duties after Thanksgiving.
    • SECT. 4. Of Psalms suitable to this duty, translated by Mr. W. B.
      • Psalm 100.
      • Psalm 108. 1 part.
      • Psalm 150.
• to the reader
• imprimatur
• ERRATA.
• colophon