ROLLOCK.

BORN 1555-DIED 1598.

1. In faith we stand not passively, but, being moved by the Holy Ghost, we work ourselves; as being stirred up to believe, we believe; and, in a word, we work with. God's Spirit working in us.

2. It is not so much our faith apprehending, as Christ Himself, and God's mercy apprehended in Him, that is the cause wherefore God performeth the promise of His covenant unto us, to our justification and salvation.

3. Do you mean that the prophetical and apostolical Scripture ought to be now in as great account with us of the lively voice of God Himself, and of extraordinary men as in times past? I mean so; and in this kind was revelation alone I willingly rest, as in that which came by inspiration from God, so long until I shall hear, at His glorious coming, that lively and most sweet voice of Christ my Saviour.

4. Paul, in the eighth chapter to the Romans, uses these arguments against those wicked men that cannot sigh for heaven. He takes his argument from the elements, the senseless and dumb creatures, which sob and groan for the revelation of the sons of God, and travail for that time as a woman in her birth.

5. O miserable man! the earth shall condemn thee. The floor thou sittest on is sighing, and would fain have

that carcase of thine to heaven. The waters, the air, the heavens, are all sighing for that last deliverance, the glory whereof appertains to thee; and yet thou art laughing! Alas, what shall betide thee!

6. The soul cannot have so great joy as if the soul and body were together; but still, the soul, when separate, has greater joy in heaven than soul and body can have together in this earth.

7. Ever walking, a pilgrim must not sit down. Thou art a pilgrim upon thy journey toward another country; thou must not sit down; for otherwise thou shalt never come to thy journey's end.

8. Therefore love Jesus, and thou shalt get part with Him. Well is the soul that can love the Lord Jesus.

9. Therefore it is that the godly in this life hope still for the coming of Jesus Christ; till they be set with Him in that inheritance purchased for us by His blood.

PERKINS (WILLIAM).

BORN 1558-DIED 1602.

1. Search the Scripture and see what is sin, and what is not sin in every action; this done, carry in thy heart a constant and resolute purpose not to sin in anything.

2. Shew thyself to be a member of Christ and a servant of God, not only in the general calling of a Christian, but also in the particular calling wherein thou art placed. It is not enough for a magistrate to be a Christian man; he must also be a Christian magistrate. It is not enough for the master of a family to be a Christian man, or a Christian in the church; he must also be a Christian in his family, and in the trade which he followeth daily.

3. Labour to be displeased with thyself, and labour to feel that thou standest in need of every drop of the blood of Christ to heal and cleanse thee.

4. If thou be demanded what, in thine estimation, is the vilest of the creatures upon earth, thine heart and conscience may answer with a loud voice, I, even I, by reason of mine own sins; and again, if thou be demanded what is the best thing in the world for thee, thy heart and conscience may answer again, with a strong and loud cry, One drop of the blood of Christ to wash away my sins!

5. The most comely garment that ever we can wear is the robe of Christ's righteousness.

6. Hence we learn that the doctrine of the Church of Rome, and of all others which hold that men cannot be assured of their salvation by faith, is wicked and damnable; for hereby they cut off a part of Christ's prophetical office, whereof the dignity doth consist in assuring a man particularly of the truth of God's promises unto himself.

7. Justifying faith, in regard to its nature, is always one and the same; and the essential property thereof is to apprehend Christ, with His benefits, and to assure the very conscience thereof.

8. Faith doth not justify in respect of itself, because it is an action or a virtue, or because it is strong, lively, and perfect, but in respect of the object thereof, Christ crucified, whom faith apprehendeth, as He is set forth unto us in the word and sacraments. It is Christ that is the author and matter of our justification; and it is He that applieth the same unto us. As for faith, it is but an instrument to apprehend and receive that which Christ, for His part, offereth and giveth. Therefore, if faith err not in its proper object, but follow the promise of God, though it doth but weakly apprehend, it is true faith, and justifieth.

9. A man must first believe in Christ, and then followeth repentance; and for new obedience, it is not a part of repentance, but a fruit thereof.

JO. These are the days of grace, but how long they will last God only knoweth.

11. The daily persuasion of the speedy coming of Christ is of notable use; for, first, it will daunt the most desperate wretch that is, and make him tremble in himself, and restrain him from many sins. And if a man belong to

God, and be yet a loose liver, this persuasion will rouse him out of his sins and make him turn to God; for who would not seek to save his soul, if he were persuaded that Christ is now coming to give him his final reward? Secondly, if a man have grace and do believe, this persuasion is a notable means to make him constant in every good duty, both of piety to God and of charity towards his brethren. Thirdly, this serveth to comfort any person that is in affliction; for, when he shall believe that which Christ hath said, I come shortly, he cannot but think but that his deliverance is at hand; for at His coming He bringeth perfect redemption to all His elect.