BEcause the exercised force, and (as I may say) activity of patience is usually in Scripture set forth by the name of watchfulnesse. Concerning it therefore.

Question, wherein doth it properly consist?

1. Ans. Watchfulnesse is nothing else but an heedfull attention, whereby a thing is gone about with diligence, Luke 2. 8. Heb. 13. 16. But this spirituall act of vigilancy, which is required of all men, is in Scripture referred to three objects. 1. To the watches themselves, that they keepe a watch over themselves, Pro. 4. 23. & 2 To their duty, that they watch unto that, Eph. 6. 18. 3 To the future, for which they by this duty prepare themselves, Mat. 24. 43. 44. 45. The first may be called the object over which, the second the object for which, The third the object to which. But although for teaching sake we doe distinguish these three, in practice they ought always to be conjoyned, so that we alwayes observe our selves, watch to those duties whichly upon us, and prepare our selves for the future. Eccles. 5. 1. 2, 3, 4, 5.

2. Watchfulnesse over our selves in generall is nothing else, but a vigilant observation of the Will of God, Psalm. 119. 4, 5, 6.

3. Particularly, there is required in it, as in the watching of a City that is besieged, or any other way in danger, that we observe, and inquire, 1. Into all commers in, whence they come, and whither they tend; and to all those things which come in by our senses, as by the City Gates, that if they be hurtfull, they may be excluded, Psal, 119. 37. Iob. 31. 1. [gap] Into all that goe out, as into all our thoughts, words, and actions, which proceed from us. Pro. 4. 23, 24. Ps. 39. 2. Eccles 5. 1. Iam. 3. 2.

4. Vigilancy as it respecteth our duty, is nothing but a carefulnesse about th[gap]se things, which God hath

commanded, how we may please him in them, 1 Cor. 7. 32.

5. Vigilancy is particularly required, 1. Before the duty is perfourmed, that the matter be duely weighed, Pro. 14. 15. That all impediments, (whether they be things in themselves lawfull, or unlawfull) may be removed, 1 Pet. 2. 11. 2 Tim. 2. 4. That we may be fit and prepared for the doing of our duty. Lu. 21. 34. 36. And that we may lay hold on the occasions of doing it, that are offered, Gal. 6. 20. And the contrary be avoided. Pro. 4. 15. & 5. 8. 2 In the very duty, that it be done in an exact, and accurate manner. Luke 8. 18. 3 After the duty, that it be not marred by any following corruption. 2. Io[gap]. 8. Because it is easily wont, either to be corrupted by pride, 1 Cor. 4. 7. O[gap] by inconstancy, and levity to be overthrown, Ier. 34. 11.

6. Watchfulnesse as it respects the future, which we are to have before our eyes, is a due preparation, such as that, which we expect, doth require, whether it be good, that it may be received, or evill, that it may be avoyded. Mat. 2[gap], 42. 44. Particulary here is required, 1. That this preparation be made in time, Mat. 25. 3. with 11. 2. That it be used constantly, and without ceasing, Lu. 21. 36.

Question 2. What is principally required for the observing of this watch?

7. Ans. First, sobriety in the use of worldly things, 1 Thess. 5. 6. 1 Pet. 47. & 5. 8. For the heart is overcharged, not only with sur[gap]etting and drunkenesse, but also with the cares of this life, Lu. 21. 34. 36.

8. Secondly, a frequent consideration of Gods owne presence, and beholding of our wayes, Pro. 1. 20. 21. Psal. 119. 168.

9. Thirdly, a frequent examination of our wayes, with a just censure, and judgement passed upon them, Ps. 4. 4. Ps. 119. 59. 1 Cor. 11. 31.

10. Fourthly, the fellowship, and society of them, which wil be to us in this care, Phil. 2. 4. Heb. 10. 24. 5. frequent prayer. Mat. 26. 41.

Question, 3. By what arguments m[gap]y we be stirrd up to this watchfulnes?

11. Ans. There is one essentiall reason, which is taken from that danger, in which both we our selves are, and the Name of God by reason of us, 1 Tim. 6. 1.

12. Now we are subject to that danger. 1. Through the infirmity of our flesh, Mat. 26. 41. 2 Through the deceits of the divell, and the world. 1 Pet. 5. 8. 3 Through the uncertainty of the time of Christs comming to judgement, either generall, or particular. Mat. 24. 42. & 25. 13. Mar. 13. 33. 35. Lu. 21. 35. 36.