The Christian's Daily Walk
by Henry Scudder
Mr. John Davenport's Epistle
to the Reader
The searching out of man's true happiness have exercised
the wits and pens of many philosophers and divines with a different success
1. Some, by mistake of the end, have erred about the means. All their enterprises have ended in vanity and vexation, while they have caught a the shadow of fruit in a hedge of thorns, and have neglected the tree itself, whence the fruit might have been gathered with more certainty and less trouble. Man's natural corruption has so darkened his understanding, Ephesians 4:18, that in vain have the wisest men sought the happiness, which without the help of God's word and Spirit, they could never find , Acts 17:27. And his spiritual appetite and taste is so distempered, that he can judge of the chief good no better than a sick man can do the best of meats.
2. Other, Ephesians 1:18, having the eyes of their understanding enlightened, and their senses exercised to discern both good and evil, Hebrews 10:12, have concluded, that man's true happiness consists in the soul's enjoyment of God by a holy conformity, and sweet communion with him, through Christ Jesus.
For what else is true happiness than the enjoyment of chief good? And that God is the chief good, appears in this, that all the properties, which exalt goodness to the highest perfection, are in God only. For He is the most pure, John 1:5; perfect, universal, primary, unchangeable, communicative, desirable, and delightful good, Gen 1:27; without whom there is neither natural, moral, nor spiritual good in any creature, 1 Peter 1:16, Proverbs 16:4, Matthew 19:17. Our conformity to Him, the Apostle Peter expresses, when he says, that the saints are "made partakers of the divine nature," 2 Peter 1:4; that is, "they are renewed in the spirit of their mind, and have put on the new man, which after God, is created in righteousness, and true holiness," Ephesians 4:23,24. So that they have, 1. A new light in their understanding, Colossians 3:10, that they know God, not only as Creator, but as Redeemer also of the world, John 17:3; and while they "behold, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, with open face, they are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord." This knowledge in begun in this life, in the knowledge of faith, Isaiah 53:11, and shall be perfected in the life to come, in the knowledge of sense, Romans 8:24. This is, in a glass; they shall be face to face, 1 Corinthians 13:9,12. 2. They have a new life in their will and affections; that is, they have dispositions and inclinations in their hearts, comfortable to the directions of God's holy word. This the apostle Paul intended, when he said to the Romans, that they had obeyed from the heart, the form of doctrine, whereunto they were delivered, Romans 6:17; that is, the word is as a mold whereinto being cast, they are fashioned according to it. Hence, it is, that the saints are said to be "sealed with the Holy Spirit," Ephesians 1:13, because as the seal leaves its print upon the wax, so the Spirit makes holy impressions in the soul: this is called the "writings of the law in our hearts," Jereimiah 31:32; in allusion whereunto the apostle compares the hearts of believers to tables, 2 Corinthians 3:2,3; and their affections or conversation to an epistle, which is said to be read and understood of all men when they walk as examples of the rule, 2 Corinthians 3:2.
3. Hence it is, that godliness hath a self-sufficiency join with it, 1 Timothy 6:6. Because the Christian is not in communion with God, whose face when a man behold in righteousness, he shall be satisfied, with his image, Psalm 17:15. Hence come that peace of conscience, joy unspeakable and glorious, and that holy triumph and exultation of spirit, which you may observe in the apostle Paul and other, Romans 5:1, 1 Peter 1:8, Romans 8:25.
Having briefly shown what this conformity, and communion with God is, I will add one or two more words to make it manifest, that only those are truly happy who are in this estate. For, 1. Man's utmost end it, that it may be perfectly well with him, which he can never attain unto without communion with God, who is the Father of spirits, and the best of goods. Other things are desired as subordinate to this. The body is for the soul, as the matter for its form, or the instrument for its agent. Human wisdom and moral virtues are desired, not for themselves, but for the fruit that is expected by them, as glory, pleasure, and riches. Wordily and bodily pleasures, excessively desired, are as drink in a fever, or dropsy: better it is to be without the malady that to enjoy that remedy. Riches are desired not for themselves, but for the convenience of life. Life is not so much desired for itself as for the enjoyment of happiness, which when a man has sought in the labyrinth of earthly vanities, after much vexation and disquietude of spirit, he must conclude, that it is only in that truest and chief good, which is the fountain whence true delight first flows, and the object, wherein finally it rests.
Secondly, That is man's happiness, in the possession and enjoyment whereof, his heart rests best is from full contentment in that which he enjoys. The bee would not sit upon so many flowers, if she could gather honey enough from any one, neither would Solomon have tried so man conclusions, if the enjoyment of any creature could have made him happy. Would you know the cause why so many (like Ixion) make love to shadows and leave the substance, or (that I may speak in a better phrase) Jeremiah 2:13, forsake the fountain of living water, and dig to themselves broken cisterns that will hold no water? Briefly, it is because man, who in his pride would have seen as much as God, is now so blind that he sees not himself, Genesis 3:5. For if men knew either the disposition of their souls by creation, or the indisposition of their souls by corruption, they would easily escape this delusion. 1. The soul is a spiritual substance, who original in from God, and therefore its rest must be in God; as the rivers run into the sea, and as every body rests in his center. The noblest faculties are abased, not improved; abused, not employed; vexed, not satisfied; when they are subjected to these inferior objects, as when Nebuchadnezzer fed among beasts, Daniel 4:29; or, as when servants rode on horseback, and masters walked like servants on the ground, Ecclesiates 10:7.
2. Consider the soul as it is in this state of corruption; nothing can now contend it, but that which can cure it. The soul is full of sin, which is the most painful sickness; hence the prophet compares wicked men to the raging waves of the sea, that is never at rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt, Isaiah 57:20. What will you do to comfort him that is heart-sick? Bring him to the choicest delicates, he cannot relish them; compass him about with merry company and music, it is tedious and troublesome to him; bring him to a better chamber, lay him on as easier bed: all will not satisfy him. But bring the physician to him, then he conceives hopes; let the physician cure him of his distemper, and then he will eat the coarser meat, with a better stomach, and sleep on a harder bed, in a worse chamber, with a more cheerful and content heart.
Just so it is with a guilty conscience, though he is not always sensible of it. What comfort can his friends give him, when God is his enemy? What delight can he take in his stately buildings, or frequent visits, who may expect, even this night, to have his soul required of him, and be made a companion with devils? Luke 12:20. What is a golden chain about a leprous person, or the richest apparel upon the dead carcass? Or, what comfort will a costly baquet yield to a condemned malefactor, who is just going to execution? Surely no more than Adam found, when he had sinned in the garden, Genesis 3:10, or than Haman had, when Ahasuerus frowned on him in the banquet, Esther 7:6-8. On the other side, let a man be at peace with God, and, in a sweet communion enjoy the influence of heavenly graces and comforts in his soul, he can rejoice in tribulation, Romans 5:3, sing in prison, Acts 16:25, solace himself in death, Psalm 23:4, and comfort his heart against principalities and powers, tribulation and anguish, height and depth, things present and things to come, Romans 8:38,39. This true happiness, which all men desire, (but most miss it, by mistaking the way conducting to it,) is the subject matter of this book. Here you may learn the right way of peace, Romans 3; how a man may do every day's duty conscientiously, and bear every day's cross conformably. Receive it thankfully, and read it carefully.
1. 'But this course is too strict."
In bodily distempers we account that physician the wisest and best, who regards more than health than the will of his patient. The carpenter squares his work by the rule, not the rule by his work. O miserable man, what an antipathy against truth is in thy cursed corrupted nature, which had rather perish by false principles, that be saved by receiving and obeying the truth! Bu secondly, as it is strict, so it is necessary, and in that case, strictness does not blunt, but sharpen the edge of industry to duty, therefore, saith, our Saviour, Strive to enter the strait gate, Luke 13:34; that is, therefore strive to enter because the gate is strait. Bradford well compared the way of religion to a narrow bridge, over a large and deep river; from which, the least turning awry is dangerous. We see into what a gulf of misery Adam plunged himself, and his prosperity, by stepping aside from God's way. Therefore forget not these rules of the apostle; "Walk circumspectly, and make straight paths to your feet, left that which is lame be turned out of the way," Ephesians 5:15, Hebrews 12:13.
2. 'But many of God's children attain not to this strictness, yet are saved."
It is true; though all God's children travel to one country, yet not with equal speed; they all shoot at one mark, yet not with the same dexterity. Some difference there is in the outward action, none in their inward intention; some inequalities there are in the event, none in the affection. In degrees there is some disparity, none in truth and uprightness. All that are regenerate are alike strict in these five things, at least. First, they have but one path or way wherein they all walk, Isaiah 35:8. Secondly, they have but one rule, to guide them in that way which they all follow, Galatians 6:15,16. Thirdly, all their eyes are upon this rule, so as they are not willingly ignorant of any truth, 2 Peter 3:5. Nor do they suppress , or detain any known truth in unrighteousness, Romans 1:18, but they stand in the ways, and ask for the old path, which is the good way, Jeremiah 6:16. Fourthly, they all desire, and endeavour, to obey every truth, Luke 1:9, not only to walk in all the commandments of God without reproof, before men, Hebrews 13:19, but also in all things, to live honestly, and uprightly, before God, Genesis 17:1. Fifthly, if they fall by temptation, Galations 6:1, (as a member may, by accident, be disjointed) yet they are in pain until they be set right again. If they stumble, through infirmity (as sheep may slip into a puddle) yet they will not lie down, and wallow in the mire, which is the prosperity of swine. If they are sometimes drawn aside by violent temptations, or step aside by mistake, yet they will not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Psalm 1:1, nor will any of wickedness, (that is, a constant, or daily course in any one sin) be found in them; they are so far from perverting the right ways of God, Acts 13:10, (that is, speaking evil of what is good) that they will justify God in condemning themselves, and subscribe to the righteousness of His word, praying that their ways might be directed to keep His statutes, Psalm 119:5.
To conclude, laying aside all cavils, beg of God a teachable disposition, and make the best profit of the labors of this faithful servant of Jesus Christ. For the matter of this book, use it as they daily counsellor; learn to write by this copy. I mean, stir up the gifts of God that are in thee, to become more profitable to others, both in presence, by discourse, and in absence, by writing.
The Christian and intelligent readar shall find in this, some things new, other things expressed in a new manner, all digested in such a method, with such brevity and perspicuity, as was necessary to make the book a vade mecum, or pocket companion, especially profitable to the poor and illiterate.
I will stop here, wishing thee (candid and serious reader) to consider that an account must be given of what you read, as well as of what you hear, and therefore, to join prayer with your reading, that spiritual wisdom and strength may be increased in this, for the practice of what you learn. So I commend the book to your reading; and you and it to God's blessing.
1. Some, by mistake of the end, have erred about the means. All their enterprises have ended in vanity and vexation, while they have caught a the shadow of fruit in a hedge of thorns, and have neglected the tree itself, whence the fruit might have been gathered with more certainty and less trouble. Man's natural corruption has so darkened his understanding, Ephesians 4:18, that in vain have the wisest men sought the happiness, which without the help of God's word and Spirit, they could never find , Acts 17:27. And his spiritual appetite and taste is so distempered, that he can judge of the chief good no better than a sick man can do the best of meats.
2. Other, Ephesians 1:18, having the eyes of their understanding enlightened, and their senses exercised to discern both good and evil, Hebrews 10:12, have concluded, that man's true happiness consists in the soul's enjoyment of God by a holy conformity, and sweet communion with him, through Christ Jesus.
For what else is true happiness than the enjoyment of chief good? And that God is the chief good, appears in this, that all the properties, which exalt goodness to the highest perfection, are in God only. For He is the most pure, John 1:5; perfect, universal, primary, unchangeable, communicative, desirable, and delightful good, Gen 1:27; without whom there is neither natural, moral, nor spiritual good in any creature, 1 Peter 1:16, Proverbs 16:4, Matthew 19:17. Our conformity to Him, the Apostle Peter expresses, when he says, that the saints are "made partakers of the divine nature," 2 Peter 1:4; that is, "they are renewed in the spirit of their mind, and have put on the new man, which after God, is created in righteousness, and true holiness," Ephesians 4:23,24. So that they have, 1. A new light in their understanding, Colossians 3:10, that they know God, not only as Creator, but as Redeemer also of the world, John 17:3; and while they "behold, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, with open face, they are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord." This knowledge in begun in this life, in the knowledge of faith, Isaiah 53:11, and shall be perfected in the life to come, in the knowledge of sense, Romans 8:24. This is, in a glass; they shall be face to face, 1 Corinthians 13:9,12. 2. They have a new life in their will and affections; that is, they have dispositions and inclinations in their hearts, comfortable to the directions of God's holy word. This the apostle Paul intended, when he said to the Romans, that they had obeyed from the heart, the form of doctrine, whereunto they were delivered, Romans 6:17; that is, the word is as a mold whereinto being cast, they are fashioned according to it. Hence, it is, that the saints are said to be "sealed with the Holy Spirit," Ephesians 1:13, because as the seal leaves its print upon the wax, so the Spirit makes holy impressions in the soul: this is called the "writings of the law in our hearts," Jereimiah 31:32; in allusion whereunto the apostle compares the hearts of believers to tables, 2 Corinthians 3:2,3; and their affections or conversation to an epistle, which is said to be read and understood of all men when they walk as examples of the rule, 2 Corinthians 3:2.
3. Hence it is, that godliness hath a self-sufficiency join with it, 1 Timothy 6:6. Because the Christian is not in communion with God, whose face when a man behold in righteousness, he shall be satisfied, with his image, Psalm 17:15. Hence come that peace of conscience, joy unspeakable and glorious, and that holy triumph and exultation of spirit, which you may observe in the apostle Paul and other, Romans 5:1, 1 Peter 1:8, Romans 8:25.
Having briefly shown what this conformity, and communion with God is, I will add one or two more words to make it manifest, that only those are truly happy who are in this estate. For, 1. Man's utmost end it, that it may be perfectly well with him, which he can never attain unto without communion with God, who is the Father of spirits, and the best of goods. Other things are desired as subordinate to this. The body is for the soul, as the matter for its form, or the instrument for its agent. Human wisdom and moral virtues are desired, not for themselves, but for the fruit that is expected by them, as glory, pleasure, and riches. Wordily and bodily pleasures, excessively desired, are as drink in a fever, or dropsy: better it is to be without the malady that to enjoy that remedy. Riches are desired not for themselves, but for the convenience of life. Life is not so much desired for itself as for the enjoyment of happiness, which when a man has sought in the labyrinth of earthly vanities, after much vexation and disquietude of spirit, he must conclude, that it is only in that truest and chief good, which is the fountain whence true delight first flows, and the object, wherein finally it rests.
Secondly, That is man's happiness, in the possession and enjoyment whereof, his heart rests best is from full contentment in that which he enjoys. The bee would not sit upon so many flowers, if she could gather honey enough from any one, neither would Solomon have tried so man conclusions, if the enjoyment of any creature could have made him happy. Would you know the cause why so many (like Ixion) make love to shadows and leave the substance, or (that I may speak in a better phrase) Jeremiah 2:13, forsake the fountain of living water, and dig to themselves broken cisterns that will hold no water? Briefly, it is because man, who in his pride would have seen as much as God, is now so blind that he sees not himself, Genesis 3:5. For if men knew either the disposition of their souls by creation, or the indisposition of their souls by corruption, they would easily escape this delusion. 1. The soul is a spiritual substance, who original in from God, and therefore its rest must be in God; as the rivers run into the sea, and as every body rests in his center. The noblest faculties are abased, not improved; abused, not employed; vexed, not satisfied; when they are subjected to these inferior objects, as when Nebuchadnezzer fed among beasts, Daniel 4:29; or, as when servants rode on horseback, and masters walked like servants on the ground, Ecclesiates 10:7.
2. Consider the soul as it is in this state of corruption; nothing can now contend it, but that which can cure it. The soul is full of sin, which is the most painful sickness; hence the prophet compares wicked men to the raging waves of the sea, that is never at rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt, Isaiah 57:20. What will you do to comfort him that is heart-sick? Bring him to the choicest delicates, he cannot relish them; compass him about with merry company and music, it is tedious and troublesome to him; bring him to a better chamber, lay him on as easier bed: all will not satisfy him. But bring the physician to him, then he conceives hopes; let the physician cure him of his distemper, and then he will eat the coarser meat, with a better stomach, and sleep on a harder bed, in a worse chamber, with a more cheerful and content heart.
Just so it is with a guilty conscience, though he is not always sensible of it. What comfort can his friends give him, when God is his enemy? What delight can he take in his stately buildings, or frequent visits, who may expect, even this night, to have his soul required of him, and be made a companion with devils? Luke 12:20. What is a golden chain about a leprous person, or the richest apparel upon the dead carcass? Or, what comfort will a costly baquet yield to a condemned malefactor, who is just going to execution? Surely no more than Adam found, when he had sinned in the garden, Genesis 3:10, or than Haman had, when Ahasuerus frowned on him in the banquet, Esther 7:6-8. On the other side, let a man be at peace with God, and, in a sweet communion enjoy the influence of heavenly graces and comforts in his soul, he can rejoice in tribulation, Romans 5:3, sing in prison, Acts 16:25, solace himself in death, Psalm 23:4, and comfort his heart against principalities and powers, tribulation and anguish, height and depth, things present and things to come, Romans 8:38,39. This true happiness, which all men desire, (but most miss it, by mistaking the way conducting to it,) is the subject matter of this book. Here you may learn the right way of peace, Romans 3; how a man may do every day's duty conscientiously, and bear every day's cross conformably. Receive it thankfully, and read it carefully.
1. 'But this course is too strict."
In bodily distempers we account that physician the wisest and best, who regards more than health than the will of his patient. The carpenter squares his work by the rule, not the rule by his work. O miserable man, what an antipathy against truth is in thy cursed corrupted nature, which had rather perish by false principles, that be saved by receiving and obeying the truth! Bu secondly, as it is strict, so it is necessary, and in that case, strictness does not blunt, but sharpen the edge of industry to duty, therefore, saith, our Saviour, Strive to enter the strait gate, Luke 13:34; that is, therefore strive to enter because the gate is strait. Bradford well compared the way of religion to a narrow bridge, over a large and deep river; from which, the least turning awry is dangerous. We see into what a gulf of misery Adam plunged himself, and his prosperity, by stepping aside from God's way. Therefore forget not these rules of the apostle; "Walk circumspectly, and make straight paths to your feet, left that which is lame be turned out of the way," Ephesians 5:15, Hebrews 12:13.
2. 'But many of God's children attain not to this strictness, yet are saved."
It is true; though all God's children travel to one country, yet not with equal speed; they all shoot at one mark, yet not with the same dexterity. Some difference there is in the outward action, none in their inward intention; some inequalities there are in the event, none in the affection. In degrees there is some disparity, none in truth and uprightness. All that are regenerate are alike strict in these five things, at least. First, they have but one path or way wherein they all walk, Isaiah 35:8. Secondly, they have but one rule, to guide them in that way which they all follow, Galatians 6:15,16. Thirdly, all their eyes are upon this rule, so as they are not willingly ignorant of any truth, 2 Peter 3:5. Nor do they suppress , or detain any known truth in unrighteousness, Romans 1:18, but they stand in the ways, and ask for the old path, which is the good way, Jeremiah 6:16. Fourthly, they all desire, and endeavour, to obey every truth, Luke 1:9, not only to walk in all the commandments of God without reproof, before men, Hebrews 13:19, but also in all things, to live honestly, and uprightly, before God, Genesis 17:1. Fifthly, if they fall by temptation, Galations 6:1, (as a member may, by accident, be disjointed) yet they are in pain until they be set right again. If they stumble, through infirmity (as sheep may slip into a puddle) yet they will not lie down, and wallow in the mire, which is the prosperity of swine. If they are sometimes drawn aside by violent temptations, or step aside by mistake, yet they will not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Psalm 1:1, nor will any of wickedness, (that is, a constant, or daily course in any one sin) be found in them; they are so far from perverting the right ways of God, Acts 13:10, (that is, speaking evil of what is good) that they will justify God in condemning themselves, and subscribe to the righteousness of His word, praying that their ways might be directed to keep His statutes, Psalm 119:5.
To conclude, laying aside all cavils, beg of God a teachable disposition, and make the best profit of the labors of this faithful servant of Jesus Christ. For the matter of this book, use it as they daily counsellor; learn to write by this copy. I mean, stir up the gifts of God that are in thee, to become more profitable to others, both in presence, by discourse, and in absence, by writing.
The Christian and intelligent readar shall find in this, some things new, other things expressed in a new manner, all digested in such a method, with such brevity and perspicuity, as was necessary to make the book a vade mecum, or pocket companion, especially profitable to the poor and illiterate.
I will stop here, wishing thee (candid and serious reader) to consider that an account must be given of what you read, as well as of what you hear, and therefore, to join prayer with your reading, that spiritual wisdom and strength may be increased in this, for the practice of what you learn. So I commend the book to your reading; and you and it to God's blessing.
Thine in the Lord Jesus,
John Davenport