in mind and seasonably shew forth the life and power of each part of what thou hast inabled me to thinke upon according to the warrant of thy most holie word that I may be every way the more fit to serve thee and in every thing find the more comfort from thee through thy Christ my Redeemer Amen Before Meales Our heavenly Father be intreated to vouchsafe a gracious blessing upon these thy good creatures which we are about to receive from thy bountifull hands grant us to receive them as we ought in the strength of them vouchsafe us the continuance of good health if it be thy will above all make us the more fit to doe thee all acceptable service to thy glory and our eternal happinesse in Christ Jesus Amen After Meales O our God for ever blessed be thy name for refreshing â—â— againe so graciously at this time with thy good creatures and alwaies providing so bountifully for us whereas we are unworthy of one drop of cold water and merit the worst of evils whereas many of thy deare children suffer great want of those things which we injoy in abundance Lord make us truly thankfull forgive our sins cause us to serve thee better continue towards us thy favours never suffer us to want any thing thou seest good for us provide reliefe for all in any distresse accept and blesse us alwaies and in all things through Christ Jesus Amen A serious Prayer at any time O my heavenly Father be intreated freely and fully to forget and forgive all my offences though never so many and hainous which make me most unworthy the least of thy merties and whereby I provoke all thy heaviest displeasure against me sanctifie my soule speedily throughly and constantly that I may serve thee all the rest of my time sincerely watchfully zealously save me from thy wrath which I fear and merit and can by no meanes else escape continue towards me all needfull favours which I can by no meanes else injoy turne all my present and future inward and outward sufferings to my soules eternall good and doe what thou pleasest with me afford true grace peace and comfort to my poore soule and I desire no more of thee make me willing to leave this and fit for a better life when I leave this receive me to a better life and it is enough for me Amen through thy Christ my Redeemer the Lord Jesus my intercessor I beseech thee A Thanksgiving at any time O my reconciled God most gracious Father and alone alsufficient most wise mercifull faithfull and immutable helper in Jesus Christ whom thou hast freely given unto me to be an al-sufficient Saviour and continuall intercessor for me in whom thou art in covenant with me and all thy promises are my portion through whom thou hast afforded and assured all grace and good unto me here and all happinesse with thee in Heaven for evermore Behold as I am every way exceedingly bound beyond all I can remember or acknowledge my soules desire is alwayes set to render in all and above all things all possible praises to thy Majesty acknowledging ingenuously that all my inward outward present former and future welfare is only from thee and that else no heart could conceive or tongue expresse my misery accept my unfained though exceeding weak desires now and at all times to give thy great name for all all the glory Amen When he must goe abroad and about businesse in hast wanting time convenient to seek the Lord solemnly O my heavenly Fatherin the name of thy Sonne my Saviour I goe abroad and about my businesse in thou leavest me I shall doe sinfully and foolishly and shame and harme will befall me therefore for his sake I beseech thee governe me witâ— thy holy spirit let thine owne blessing be with me so shall I demeane my self discreetly and honestly and all shall goe well with me in all I undertake and that concernes me according to the especiall occasions guide and prosper me more especially as I look for all help onely from thee my soule shall therefore give thee alone all the glory Amen Short Ejaculations set down as they came in my mind LORD give me a peaceable sealed suffering spirit A cercumspect silent sober tongue A faire friendly free carriage A grave gracious gentle conversation Lord make me and every one of mine capable and partakers of each part of thy covenant of mercy grace peace and happinesse and it is enough Lord deliver and keep me from unconscionable contentious and unreasonable men let none that wish or seek my shame or harme have their will of me Lord cause me to walke more wisely and uprightly that I may walke more boldly and securely maintaine my cause for thine honours sake I beseech thee Lord put spirit life and power into my devotions alwaies forgive accept and blesse my weake performances Lord help me to worship thee seasonably and conscionably and worke with thy grace mercifully and faithfully that I may walk with thee watchfully and constantly Lord assure me of thy favour and help me out of debt before I dye I beg of thee Lord help me to hold fast my integrity and to trust thy alsufficiency in my greatest extremity let it not be in vaine for me to seek serve and await upon thee Lord whatsoever befals me let me never be forced to put forth my hand to iniquity as thou art most true make good this truth unto me Psal 125.3 Lord poure out the spirit of grace and supplication upon me that I may delight to poure out my heart in prayer before thee daily Lord cause me to love the Lord Jesus dearly to learne oâ— him who is meek lowely and to apply his al-sufficient satisfaction rightly Lord in the sight and sense oâ— my sinnes humble me deeply for those most displeasing 〈◊〉 thee chiefly oh discover theâ—â— unto me clearly make me tâ— hate and forsake them unfairedly Lord as thou hast expresâ— promised me Zach. 12 1â— cause me to looke upon tâ— Christ my Saviour whom â—â— smnes have pierced that I mâ—â— mourne for them as one moâ—neth for his onely sonne aâ—â— be in bitternesse for him as 〈◊〉 the losse of my first borne 〈◊〉 let his wounds heale me 〈◊〉 blood cleanse me his spiâ—â— comfort and his merits saâ—â— me Lord give me a good conscience a contented mind a discreet demeanour a competent estate and thy fatherly blessing it is enough Lord give me an understanding beleeving penetent watchfull upright wel-ordered heart and all shall be well Lord settle me in a Christian course of serving thee and let me find the sweetnesse thereof continually oh let my wayes please thee and make my enemies at peace with me Lord whatsoever betide me let nothing disgrace my Christian profession of thee or give those that hate me advantage against me Lord help me in wel-doing to commend all to thee and to trust thee most in my most helplesse misery Lord I crave and
expect all mercy grace peace comfort strength health safety succour help deliverance and salvation onely from thee oh grant each seasonably and effectually unto me Lord work all thy works iâ— me that I may serve thee as â— ought and work all my work for me that I may prosper a thou hast promised Lord make me as thou would dest have me and require whâ—â— thou wilt of me give me which thou seest best for me and dâ—â— what thou wilt with me Lord be my strength refuge and ready help at hand mâ— sufficiency safety and good successe and when where and how thou pleasest imploy me Lord cleare my innocency stop the mouth of injury faithfully worthily and in-offensively make me to discharge each part of my duty Lord make me wise warned watchfull and well governed by my former folly rashnesse weaknesse and misgovernment Lord let me no more be conformable to the sinfull and unseemly fashions of the world but reforme my whole man according to thy will Lord forgive and keep me from those sinnes whereby I have most dishonoured thee disgraced my Christian profession injured others clog'd my conscience terrified my souse or any way procured my selfe shame or harme Lord make me to make and let me find each part of thy Word my guide and comfort Lord direct governe restore comfort support establish inable protect provide for and blesse me as every one of my especiall occasions doe or may require of thee Lord at one time or other by one meanes or other ere we do part hence work for the effectuall conversion and everlasting salvation of every one of mine and I desire no more for them of thee Lord prepare me to meet the ere thy wrath come upon me in the day of calamity hide me under thine hand till thy indignation be over past Lord in wisdome love and faithfulnesse visit me and deale as thou pleasest with me Lord when all is past hope thou canst most easily help my case is fully knowne and wholy commended to thee thou hast helped remarkably thy hand is not shortned thy mercy never faileth thy truth endureth for ever towards me Lord let not my hope deceive nor thy help faile me oh cause me to make and let me find thy providence my portion continually so shall I be supplied seasonably and never want any thing thou seest good for me Lord prepare me to suffer to dye let every thing draw me neerer to thee let death bring me to life eternall with thee doe then what thou wilt with me call then when where and how thou pleasest for me Lord from sin shame harme in thy feare in a good repute and peace preserve me Lord how shall I behave my selfe in my present distressed estate and how wilt thou therein deale with me oh that thou wouldest dispose and dispatch all my businesse for me Lord all help faileth me none cares for me every thing seemâ— to crosse me yet help thou and all shall goe well with me Lord cause me to goe the right way to work and to submit to thy disposing wholy Lord let it appeare the right way is the best way never of never faile forsake or forget me let them that now for wel-doing scorn me see thou fovourest and releevest me Lord cause me secretly and sensibly to sorrow for my owne sinnes and to mourne for the abominations of the times and this uncessantly Lord affect me with the affections of Joseph rightly dispose me to pray for the peace of Zion seriously in all reforme and pardon me Lord give me feeling feeling feeling of all the good things I know and utter before thee thou knowest and I acknowledge the same to be extreamly wanting in me Lord let no thought of my heart nor word of my mouth be in vain for me but thou that art my strength and my Redeemer accept all my Meditations and expressions continually Lord carry me with wisdome patience comfort and good successe through all my great occasions Lord change my disposition reform my conversation speedily and powerfully wherein I am most averse from good and prone to evill especially Lord that thou wouldest instruct and inable me sincerely and circumspectly to order my lawfull affaires substantially whatsoever others may thinke speake or worke against me and that thine owne seasonablâ— and effectuall working to afforâ—â—n happy issue might according to thy mercy and truth appeare towards me Lord put me not off with outward mercies but vouchsafe me a portion of thy best blessings From sloath lust and carelesnesse from tatling tipling and trifling away time from putting off my private devotions from discontent and discord Good Lord deliver me Grounds of comfort against the nick-name of Puritane and Round-head It is nothing in respect of what hath been objected against Christ and the godly for there hath been objected against them grieuous things (a) Acts 25.7 gluttony (b) Mat. 11.18.19 madnesse (c) Joh. 10.20 blasphemy (d) Mat. 26.65 Mark 9.3 Acts 6.11 13 14. murder (e) Acts 28.4 deceiving (f) Joh. 7.12 2 Cor. 6.8 rebellion (g) Acts 17.6 7. rayling (h) Acts 23.4 babling idolatry (i) Acts 17.18 bringers of strange things (k) Acts 17.20 scisme (l) Acts 28.22 wickednesse of life (m) 1 Pet. 2.12 the abjects abused them (n) Psa 35.15 drankards sang of them (o) Psal 69.12 the basest derided them (p) Job 30.1 they were a reproach of men (q) Psal 22.12 a by-word (r) Psal 44.14 a proverbe (s) Psal 69.11 a wonder (t) Psal 17.7 Isa 8.18 gazing-stocks (u) 1 Cor. 4.9 fools (w) 1 Cor. 4.10 insufficient despised (x) Idem defamed made as filth and off-scowring (y) 1 Cor. 4.13 great men rayle at them (z) Psa 31.13 godly men censure them (a) Jobs friends 1 Cor. 4.4.10 and by slander excommunicate them (b) Isa 66.5 are most fouly scandalized (c) Ps 69.7 44.15 condemned by a whole Counsell (d) Mat. 27.1 Joh. 11.47 48. Acts 6.12 4.6.15 5.27 23.1 yea to suffer as evill doers (e) 2 Tim. 2.9 Psal 37.32 33. Psal 41.8 Isa 53.4 well if God condemnes us not what matters the censures and reproachfull nick-names of others (f) 1 Pet. 3.16 If good bad men both should judge amisse Keep conscience cleare tâ—ou needst not care I wisse Alas this is not to resist unto blood h Heb. 12.4 my Saviour sayes Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and shall say all manner of evill falsly for my sake reioyce and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven for so persecuted they the Prophets that were before you i Mat. 5.11 12. yea my most blessed Redeemer so have they abused thee and all thy dearest Servants oh then why should I that am not worthy the name of a Servant or Disciple think to be above my Lord and Master and better
with freenesse plainnesse truth and boldnesse quashes a slyc jeering injurious companion Lord my God govern me Some markes of a malicious man from whom good Lord deliver me and never suffer them to have advantage against or to have their wils over me 1 HE never speaks well of any except for â—â—â—re or flattery or some by-respect of his owne 2 He alwayes takes and makes every thing worse then it is 3 He will invent divulge aggravate swallow any manner of untruth against you rather then you shall-escape his envy 4 Yet dares justifie nothing if you call him in question 5 His scoffes leave behinde them an aspersion of in jury understand them how you wil and this he delights in 6 If he see you troubled he triumphs the more over you laughs the more at you and speaks the more against you By these among the rest you shall know him take heed of him good God blesse me from him A noble disposition thinks speaks hopes the best and gives each his due praise is suffering longs for a good occasion to stop the mouth of injury and then out of conscience in the strength of the Almighty does worthily he abhorres untruth boasting and vain-glory he labours to give the Lord onely all the honour for any thing he hath done well or that hath gone well my heart loves I dare trust such a one Lord be my guide and strength my safety and good successe I pray thee Simplicity without circumspection is folly Circumspection without simplicity is cunning Simplicity with circumspection is true wisdome Anothers scornfull humour may be profitable though distastfull if we watch to walke so as we give no cause of contempt against us but then if he continues scornfull to us away with him from us Word it with no man but observe be silent and learn better government Wherein you can well satisfie your selfe aske not another least you needlesly discover your disposition which it will after grieve you to have made knowne and so fall into caussesse cavilling which will more afflict Keep silence and gravity and the most strict observer shall not discover you nor your greatest maligner shall have no advantage against you Why feare we him we need not respect if our conscience be cleere and cause good surely it is a weaknesse we would condemne in others and il-becomes us away with such needlesse childish unworthy perplexities These maine reasons among the rest most highly obligeth me to most humble thankfulnesse for former assistance received and to most earnest prayer for future help from Heaven to deale directly whatsoever envy scorne or hinderance I may have hereby that my conscience is comforted my mind quieted an honest repute maintained boldnesse to stand before and speak unto the strictest authority gained and the best accusations of vile persons not feared prevented contemned also the assurance of a mercifull blessing from the hand of God promised and expected Reveale no secret to him that thou knowest to affect others more then thy selfe for he cannot conceale it from them That which thou wouldest not have told to others tell no body for if thou canst not why shouldest thou thinke another wil conceal what concerns thee Say not it is true and I dare justifie it yet I pray speak not of it rather speak not at all of it and surely no trouble will come of it Trust not him againe that hath once betrayed thee A man is in the opinion of others in regard of his owne satisfaction not as they esteem of him but as himselfe conceits he is esteemed of by them Labour to bring thy heart to such a temper that no man may have a worse conceit of thee then thou hast of thy self and a will the lesse trouble thee if others dis-esteem thee Our hidden griefs about mens opinions of us neither make them better or worse towards us walke christianly and in-offensively and never thinke or respect what others think or say of thee it wil procure great contentment to thee Doe good unto but never trust a reconciled enemy except sure signes of grace more then shewn of friendship perswade thee Not to aske or answer questions rashly Not to enquire after or relate newes hastily Not to meddle in others matter needlesly Not to dispute or cavil vainly Not to apprehend cause given too deeply Not to remember forepast injuries continually Not to speake of our owne doings boastingly Not to rehearse others actions slightingly Not to command with many words harshly Not to receive commands disputingly Not to use men of worth though meane unkindly Not to carry our selves towards any proudly Not to show we thinke of our selves conceitedly Not to be in countenance sowre and surly Not to converse with others dis-respectively Not to discover our businesse and affections unadvisedly Not to live in Gods sight prophanely Not to deale with men unfaithfully Not to lay open our selves lavishly Not to talk of state matters or great persons lightly Is the way to live honestly peaceably and praise-worthy Sloath breeds lust lust feeds floath vigilancy and temperance will strangle both One said he could hardly brook him whom he observed to laugh at what he said were it his weaknesse custome or scorn yet it was a means to make him most carefully to avoid whatsoever he was perswaded might move laughter in the most ridiculous or a malicious contemner One that is self-conceited favours nothing but what suits that humour but scornes you even for things lawfull and indifferent truly I am of Solomons mind there is more hope of a foole then of him and let him think what he will he is no better Reserved resolute words and carriage damps perhaps may informe him Freenesse to a Servant equall or inferiour procures familiarnesse sawcinesse and contempt hardly to be redressed Freenesse to thy better makes him mislikes thee be weary of thee and flight thee Towards such use respect use no complement be not troublesome visit not often speak little Towards the other be grave strict and setled above all by thy words and carriage keepe such distance that they may neither discover nor abuse thee Though a man be trusty and does what I bid him yet if he be ill natured does not kindly respect me but is self-conceited and scornfull he does not content me I may beare with and forbeare him a while to serve mine owne turne or for some other ingagement but as soon as I can I will rid my selfe of him and while I must use him to doe it in such things wherein I cannot misse him and to be as much as may be from him still I say there is no way better to awe him as by forbearing questioning with him discovering your mind to him and to be constantly silent and setled towards him Hypocriticall honesty is double impiety He liked not nor loved to have to doe with him that unknown listens to his discourses that too captiously censures his free and harmlesse speeches that steales time to
that this way have suffered in their persons and reputation better fall into yea perish by an honourable enemy then to be called to account and censured by your owne party your businesse being well done and over be then at rest and let another take his turne if I might advise others as I doe my selfe let this be our constant course Lord my God govern and watch for and over me Feare and backwardnesse secures not from the perils that cause them but often layes more open to them howsoever they disable exceedingly and procure shame and harme inevitably Selfe Meditations and seasonable Exhortations being ready to goe upon dangerous services viz. with our soules let us now seek and trust God promise and performe sincere obedience to him if he please to grant help and deliverance be of good courage in the strength of the Lord let us doe worthily follow my example let the Lord doe what seemeth good unto him we fight for the Cause of God for our lives safety honour and victory Lord sight thou for us encourage strengithen preserve and prosper us of thy mercy as thou hast promised Psal 46.1 2. through Christ Jesus be we never so unworthy and whatsoever opposeth us Amen Observe this Lord let such as shame scorne or wilfully neglect to seek help of thee or that trust to their own wisdome worth or sufficiency or to any other meanes of help besides thee never have help from thee but as for me who am most sinfull weak and unworthy who deny my selfe and all other meanes of help without thee utterly who by thy grace doe seek for depend upon and await for thy help only afford thy wonted needfull most gracious mighty seasonable and faithfully promised help unto me (a) Prov. 2 6 Isa 40 13 14. Acknowledge and direction (b) Psal 59 10. Prov. 3 9. prevention and government (c) Isa 28 5. Isa 40.29 31 courage and sufficiency (d) 2 Cor. 3 5. 1 Sam. 8 6 14. strength and safety (e) Ps 18.2 Jos 1 8. deliverance and prosperity (f) 1 Chron. 29.10 11 12. Ps 121.2 come from thee O Lord onely (g) Jer. 21.33 Ephes 1.5 Therefore my God in Christ (h) Psa 120.1 1. Psal 136. all I beseech thee in mercy (i) Psal 71 20. Psal 119.49 as thou hast done and promised (k) Isa 41 14. Ezek. 36 22. be I never so weak and unworthy (l) Psal 9 9. Psa 46 1 2 3. in due season and greatest extremity (m) Psal 32 8 Prov. 3 6 to instruct and direct (n) Psal 79.8 Exod. 4 15. to prevent and governe (o) Isa 51 12. Is 41.10 to encourage and strengthen (p) Neb. 6.9 1 Tim. 1.12 every way to enable (q) Psal 68.12 Psal 68.35 to doe well and worthily (r) Job 15 20 2 Sam. 22.2 preserve and deliver (s) Deut. 31.8 Deut. 28.8.11 be with and prosper me (t) Psal 71.16 Ephes 6.20 I will goe forward â—n thy strength onely (u) Numb 24.18 Psal 108 13 through thee I shall doe valiantly (x) Psal 18.2 Psal 140 7 In the day of battle thou hast covered me (y) Pro. 3 6 Psal 37.5 I referre all alwayes to thee (z) 2 Sam. 15 26 Mat. 6.10 as thou pleasest deale thou with me (a) 2 Chron. 14.11 2 Chr. 20.12 help thou and all shall goe well (b) Psal 33.16 17 Ps 128 1 2. else nothing can avail me (c) Exod. 22 27 Ps 69.30 31. oh hear me graciously (d) Psal 34.1 Psal 103.1 2 my soul for all help blesseth thee (e) Mic. 7.7 Psal 72 12. and looks for all good onely from thee (f) Psal 62.1 Hos 13.9 for any help thou shalt vouchsafe me (g) Isa 63 7 Ps 56.12 my soule shall alwayes praise thee (h) Ps 41.18 Psal 31.9 Amen Amen I beg of thee Love is an honest faithfull thiefe stealing from us and yet letting us keep the graces God hath given us a most strange yet most certaine manner of curing the diseased when the Physician drinks the potion and the Patient is thereby cured so deales our Saviour by us The Jewes say there are 72 Members in a mans body and understand the curse Deutre 27. ult to be 72 plagues denounced thereunto Let all endeavours be done out of conscience or the best are bootlesse Things done in greatest shew of sanctity and not to Gods glory chiefly deceives us miserably and is but painted iniquity Better a good work laden with weaknesse if done in sincerity then glorious shewes from a false heart let thy heart be right with God approve it to him and care not what others speak or think of thee This I find and expect when his offend him the Lord will visit their transgressions with the rods of men and this I know and beleeve his everlasting mercies he will never take from me Better want the good we have had and would have to humble us then to abound and forget our Maker Oh most miserable and accursed prosperity where wickednesse gets wealth Oh rich and happy poverty that hath a good conscience though with never so little Afflictions of body or mind must turne to our good if they move us to seek God Feare not God for feare of a punishment onely yea feare him least he should punish thee for not fearing him Love not meerly in hope of good yet love him in hope he will doe thee good Sorrow for sinne not for feare of wrath simply yet sorrow for sinne least wrath over-whelme thee Practice as thou prayest or they prevaile not We pray rightly when we practice conscionably Sathan seeks to hinder one good work by moving to another lesse seasonable at the same time therefore divide the times aright and preferre the best first He that would meditate well must give his mind but to one good point at one time and beat that out throughly with prayer and application Better to have troubles in the flesh with a quiet conscience then the pleasures of sinne with horrour of heart Better to live in misery then sinne The worst of suffering is to be chosen before the best of sisning Soule lost all lost soule well all well Some while they think to free themselves from sorrowes by living in sinne thereby bring the same evils upon themselves and so are doubly wretched That which thou thinkst shall be thy comfort shall prove thy crosse yea thy curse except thou lookest chiefly to God in seeking it and he please to sanctifie it In reading labour for knowledge but chiefly for affection Miraculous help is not ordinary yet may and must we build upon the power of God for help be our distresse never so great and meanes of reliefe never so small By encrease of inward and outward troubles finding encrease of comfort and help why should I not willingly suffer Though we often strive against an evill without prevailing let us not
4 To sing out of the Psalms 5 To imbrace all occasions for Gods publike worship In each of these to seek the Lord conscionably 1 Labouring for preparation revetence sincerity feeling chearfulnesse and faith 2 Striving against carelesnesse coldnesse drousinesse hypocrisie and customary service 3 When any urgent businesse of my calling causeth the deferring any of these duties to take a more convenient time yea to redeem the time for the performance thereof Thirdly concerning the duties of my particular calling 1 In generall to walk faithfully diligently and wisely 2 In particular towards Supenours in all things lawfull obediently towards those I command gravely towards equals friendly 3 When I am commanded to pursue my businesse earnestly and chearfully till the same be effected 4 In commanding others to doe all distinctly throughly plainly and impartially to seâ— the same effected accordingly to check and punish neglect sharply 5 If joyned with other in command to seek and follow the best counsell and commendablest course 6 Not to despise the good advice of any though never so meane but by all good meanes to grow more fit for service 7 For better furnishing himselfe with ability to listen to others discourses to observe what others doe commendably in this or that occasion to consider the use of things with silent application Fourthly what company to avoid viz. of swearers drunkards quarrellers gamsters whore-masters filthy talkers scoffers at goodnesse c. to imbrace the society of honest men though meane Fiftly what places to avoid as of uncleannesse excesse playing c. though inticed or provoked thereto and to frequent such places where good is to be gotten Sixtly what especiall sinnes to strive against 1 In heart unadvised anger remembring injuries desire of revenge hatred envy impure lusts 2 In words brawling railing reviling scoffing indiscreet superfluous obscene boasting unnecessary selfconceited censuring ungracious familiar blasphemous speeches 3 In behaviour lightnesse lumpishnesse pride familiarnesse 4 In looks wandrings wantonnesse lustfulnesse 5 In action hard dealing impurity secret or open intemperance all sinne folly and disorder Seventhly to entertaine these contrary vertues 1 In heart watchfulnesse sobriety putting up wrongâ— forgetting injuries passing by offences without taking notice of them if God be not dishonoured or my selfe disabled else to use all good meanes to stand for the truth and cleare my innocency and quietnesse 2 In words that they be wise few seasonable to the purpost charitable true meek gracious 3 In behaviour gravity modesty humility curtesie seemlinesse to make a covenant with mine eyes not to behold vanity with delight 4 In action to shew tenderlie artednesse to live chastly temperately thriftily and to deale justly Eightly in case of justice and judgement 1 Not to condemne the innocent or justifie the offender 2 Nor to accept persons for any respect 3 To examine the cause throughly 4 To heare both parties deliberately 5 To hate bribes unfainedly 6 To helpe the afflicted against the rich and mighty 7 To execute justice rightly 8 To pronounce sentence according to warrant gravely boldly briefly impartially substantially how many who whatsoever opposeth Ninthly for convenient maintainance according to place and calling 1 To live within compasse 2 To weare plaine serviceable and decent apparrell 3 To avoyd running into debt and to pay debts by all good meanes possible 4 Not to live at anothers Table 5. Not to lay out on thinâ— superfluous 6 To allow what is fitting for my Family 7. In weldoing to depend â—â— God 's providence Tenthly in more espeâ—â— imployments in my plate To propound in each Goâ— glory to have respect to hiâ— Cause to be affected to hiâ— Church to order all affaires â—â— judgement where my calling requires though never 〈…〉 gerous to be willing forward couragious bould industrioâ—â— fearelesse to the death â—â—â—mending my self into the 〈◊〉 of God wholly for helpe 〈◊〉 and good successe To avoyd and strive agaâ—â—â—â— rash adventures without a warrantable calling foolish cuâ—osity ostentation unwillingnesse sloathfulnesse backwardnesse frivolous excuses cowardlinesse fear flying distrust of Gods help for sufficiency and protection for safety and blessing for a good issue Eleventhly and lastly concerning lawfull recreation 1 To take such time for them that things of more consequence â—â— the same time be not hindered by them 2 To use such exercises as are manly comely and fittest for my calling place and age 3 With nien most free from offence and of a good report 4 All with moderation not spending too much time labour or cost therein 5 Especially to spend some spare time in reading in some good morrall Author as Plutarks Lives Caesars Coâ—â—entaries c. and to ride abroad to view the Trench Works c. both for better enabling him to doe service To endeavour all in a conscinable manner seeking in all Gods glory chiefly by the help of his holy Spirit onely spite of all oppositions trusting through his grace in sincerity to testifie obedience and in all unwilling failings not to doubt of his most mercifull forgivenesse gracious acceptation and favourable blessing in the face of Christ Jesus in whose name my Father I beg a disposition and ability to discharge each part of my duty seasonably wisely uprightly and constantly according to what I have purposed and expressed before thee that thou in mercy â—ccording to thy truth in him â—â—ayest please at all times in 〈◊〉 things to be with me for â—â—â—d Amen How to stirre up and embrace right Christian resolutions for the Cause of God and against his enemies FIrst be fully assured it is the Cause of God else it is sinful and shall not be blessed but undoubtedly it is the Cause of God because his pure worship accooding to his Word is stood for because we have been and are grievously persecuted by tyrannous Idolaters for the same and that neverthelesse the Lord for his great names sake according to his truth in great mercy hath many and miraculously delivered and preserved us and still doth as at this day Secondly therfore as all good Christians are strictly bound so I my self must endeavour to doe my best to maintaine this his Cause and that because 1 The Lord requires it 2 And curseth bitterly such as helpe him not against the mighty 3 And hath plagued such for their neglect 4 Because I have the warrantable examples of Gods children who willingly ventured their lives for this Cause 5 The commendations in Scripture of such is also a spur hereunto 6 And the blessings of the Lord upon them both which we may look for 7 We are Fellow-helpers with the Lord in his Worke against his enemies an acceptable work Thirdly the manner how to performe this commanded warrantable commendable blessed and acceptable work 1 Zealously and that 1 Because the glory of the great name of the eternall God of which he is so jealous is the thing we fight for the Cause being his 2 The preservation of his holy Word and pure worship among
regard or have spoken slightly of thee beleeve me it will work strangely in gaining much affection respect credit and contentment to thee whereas a sowre countenance harsh carriage bitter language and distastfull dealing will but encrease their hatred and contempt and thy disgrace and disquiet make tryall and take my word another time I may truly say experientiâ docet Hold it unchristian cowardly and uncomely needlesse eaflesse and foolish to perplex thy selfe with that thou canst neither prevent nor help and avoid it in all good conscience with an holy carelesnesse cast all thy care on God who taketh care for thee and hath promised never never to faile forsake or forget thee It is a worthy part and well done neither slavishly to feare nor wilfully to distest any converse cheerfully and with comlinesse carelesly but as thou lovest to keepe thy friends respect and thine owne peace reservedly Let not thine owne words countenance or doings discover and who can contemne or have advantage against thee By and by thou art absent from those whom now thou accompaniest with let thy desire to please for the present procure no future inward discontent therefore hold thee close to those godly and morall Maximes which may best governe thee now and most satisfie thee afterward to this end forget not former good or misgovernment and thereupon peace or vexation So to regard as to strive to satisfie every ones humour shews a foolishly flattering disposition questions worth and gets scorne to keep gravity to discourse sparingly and solidly though it humour not forces them at least in acknowledgement secretly to say there is wisdome honesty and good government and so it ought to be It is a most miserable mistake and arises from Ignorance floath or prophanenesse when we think it is an hinderance to our outward proceedings if we first ply our private devotions whereas to begin with them is the right way to prosper otherwise though we imagine we have made all sure the Lord many times by one meanes or other crosses our courses sends us losses and makes us smart for such foolishnesse Lord grant me first to seek thy Kingdome and I shall have share in the rest assuredly as thou seest best for me In a certaine case of disserence he advised either to suppresse or help them throughly so either to oblige them to help or else disable them to hurt you but by no meanes trust their discretion or good nature who dare say if they had they would use their advantage against you even now when they cannot harme you espec Ily when ingratitude pride ambition and conceited cause of revenge transports them thus as a polititian But as a Christian he adviseth to assist them seasonably and competently yet warily against their common enemy that themselves may have no leasure nor pretence nor the other no time nor power to trouble you and as a Christian polititian in the same case he thus speaks his mind plainly and freely be provided to prevent the worst their might can or their malice may attempt against you for some speake strangely of you and their present usage declares the affection and respect they beare you this for that To be malicious scornfull and injurious is unchristian uncivill and unseemly and commonly comes from a high conceited villifying quarelling disposition in ones selfe and from a soft suffering and therefore from a supposed cowardly disposition of another yet often it fals out the man unwilling to contend escapes with credite and the shame and mischief fals on his head that sought it Maintaine your owne right but doe another no wrong and suffer stilly what you can by no good meanes remedy If thou doest well speak not thine owne praises if it be nor with thee as thou wouldest say nothing for I have observed the good is concealed and the rest lightly revealed By making ohers as wise as thy selfe in matters wherein they before were ignorant will get them credite by thy lufficiency and then they will slight thee answer civilly out answer not fully I meane hear worldly affaires onely keep somewhat in till afterward so shall respect be preserved deny out of judgement and reason not out of pride and selfe conceit hold thine owne and give no distaste His God his Conscience his Country his owne honour the memory of his dead and reputation of his living friend he would not should nor can he suffer them to be wronged He held it more for a wishing that it were so then holy feare it should be so in some who say England must have its turne too so much can passion more then piety doe O poore England so extreamly envied for the peace thy God grants thee be thou humbly thankfull truly penitent and trust thy God unfainedly so shalt thou still prosper by his mercy and thy malicers shall nor harme thee nor rejoyce in thy misery O England England lay to heart the long and lamentable calamities of Gods Church in Germany goe to Shiloh see what the Lord hath done there and he will spare thee else woe woe woe unto thee Why should blest England be blamed that preferres a warrantable peace before a bloody war those therein ingaged would if they knew how as thou art be gladly freed but not knowing how to be released would have thee as themselves intangled and for their owne advantage would laugh if thou wert ruined feare serve trust thy God be wary oh for ever mayest thou be secured This was written before the bloody Warres Lord pardon our sinnes and heale the Land for thy Christs for thy mercie sake Warre-wishers never felt nor know the miseries therof or only seek to please their own ambitious and covetous humours I am sure such as desire or rejoyce therein long after and are glad of the greatest plague upon earth and I say God send them sorrow that love it if it made them smart in their owne persons wives children friends houses or goods they would soon be weary of it for doubtlesse none but fools or mad men or those that are farre enough from it can take delight in it Give peace in our time O Lord. True the calling is lawfull honourable and necessary when the causes urging are just and the ends good and he that then declines it is base in extremity but not to be attempted rashly out of passion or to please common fancy fondly for the wise man sayes With good advice make warre The haire-braind foole cryes peace with thee Lord and war with all the world the sober Christian prayes peace with thee Lord and with all men as farre as is possible Caussesse suspitions troubles a mans mind and blemish his vertues Let not too much confidence darken foresight Things openly slighted may be seriously intended Where conscience is not informed clearly and reformed throughly men are misled with by-respects and blinded with humane policy He is a good counsellour and a true friend who as he seconds tempers our humour Be
What then shall availe you what then shall deliver you Rev. â—6 15 16 17. besides though I have been plaine and open I name none neither doe I accuse or aime at any in particular the innocent are not wronged the faulty deserve reproofe and warning such faults there are in whom they are they know best that are guilty of them would God there were none such though I herein were made a lyar our consciences will accuse or excuse us although their mouthy sometimes be stopped never much Rom. 2.15 I will 〈◊〉 you further for mine own paâ—â— I look for little thanks for my labour in being thus honestly free but rather expect though there be no reason if I were rightly understood to get nothing but hatred contempt reproach jeers scorns revilings ill will and injury from the world and hers John 15.18 19 20. if such smile upon me it is but to deceive me but I care not and what need I for such were never nor never will be my friends but in words and shew never did nor never will doe me good Jam. 4.4 but have been are and will be my enemies for speaking the truth Gal. 4.16 what then must the truth be with-held in unrighteousnesse God forbid Rom. 1.18 my cause is with my God he will maintaine it unto the uttermost Isa 49.4 I feare the face of no man and why should I the Lord himselfe hath promised to comfort strengthen and preserve me Isa 51.12 13 41.10 13 14. who or which of you then can discourage hinder or harme he hath been is hath assured me he will be more for me then all the world that can be against me Rom. 8. I you see am armed be you but warned or the words that I have written shall not onely accuse you but encrease your condemnation at the last day John 12.48 and I shall by Gods good grace and al-sufficient help have wherewith to answer him that for this will call me to account But me-thinks I heare some say you are too hasty with us first heare us and answer these few Objections throughly then goe on in reprehending sharply else revoke your opinion and be more gentle we pray you Obiect 1. Every man at leâ— the most doe so and would you have us as you seem to be singular Answ If there be not warrant for what we doe as there is hone from God for this the more that doe so so much the worse for so much the more is God dishonoured and provoked and iniquity is the more backed therefore thou shalt not follow a multitude to doe evill Exod. 23 â—â— 2 Great ones doe so and why not others as well as they Answ It is true Gods Word and common experience declares it but what is that for our warrant their greatnesse without goodnesse is nothing to the Lord who is greater then they and he that is higher then the highest here regardeth and there be higher then they Eccl. â— 8 and if thou follow their finnes and perish with them for company what can their greatnesse availe thee when thou art a dying let thy wofull experience answer me 3 Such as have no small shewes of Sanctity such as have a great name and talk much of Religion and in other things to the world walk unblamably doe so viz. such and such c. Answ This I confesse hath been often cast in my teeth and hath not a little grieved though never a whit unsetled me confidering their examples if they be faulty can no more warrant me to do so then Noahs drunkennesse Lots incest Abraham Isaaks and Jacobs dissembling Moses distrust Aarons and Miriams envy Davids adultery and murther Peters deniall of Christ and the like ought to warrant me to commit the like offences which the most ignorant of us I imagine will not averre besides we must walk by Gods precepts and not by unwarrantable examples the fals of Gods children be as sea-markes and ship-wracks to give us warning that we miscarry not in like manner my soul wisheth for the greater glory of our God and more gracing our Christian profession for the removing away this scandall and stopping the mouth of iniquity for the fuller testimony to others and more assurance to their owne consciences that they are true Christians to cut off these cutting reproaches which are often cast in the teeth of honest men and for the more comfort of Gods children that such among us especially who would be esteemed sincere Christians would depart from such iniquities 2 Tim. 2.19 4 The States force us hereunto by their evill paiment for heretofore the most of us have and many of us yet doe give ever proper pay for the paying of their companies and if we doe not thus help our selves we cannot live but must runne in debt or spend our own meanes if we have any and so prejudice if not undo our selves and ours besides we desire to help our selves no more then they take from us and they know it well enough and wink at us is not the Labourer worthy of his hire who goeth to warfare at his owne charge he that serves the Altar must live of the Altar What say you to this this is Seripture too and we beleeve you do not as you say should doe if you can answer to these and then tell us what you would have us doe Answ I confesse cur condition by their ill payment is extreame hard and uncomfortable that puts upon us a necessity of doing ill to help our selves or to suffer much in our outward estate for wel-doing yet their forcing us thus can no more warrant me to wrong the Land then another mans stealing from me can warrant me to steale from him or others besides the States will say we have the eighth day to help us which we enjoy rather of custome and by connivance upon this consideration then of right but Sir John Ogle hath fully given reasons for the Captaines receiving the profit of the eighth day both how necessary and fitting the same is further I say we are bound in conscience to God to preferre the worst of suffering before the best of sinne and if we be bound if God call us for well-doing to suffer death how much more these losses Alas this is not to resist unto blood and it is a signe we are more like the Gadarens then true Christians if rather to part with our 〈◊〉 lawfull helps we will part with Christ and his comforts Again be assured if we dye in well being trust God he would assuredly help one way or other neither hath he any need of our indirect courses to serve his providence as if he could not or would not help us otherwise whereas indeed although we consider it not his curse secretly consumes or openly crossed us for doing thus for we see very few the richer thereby 〈◊〉 by gaming gay cloaths whooring drinking debauching live and dye miserably poore yet in a worse condition that other that
have not followed such courses then for my part 〈◊〉 there be no other remedy if I must needs dye poore I would rather dye poore and honest and leave a good repute then dye miserable and wicked and â—ink in the esteem and report of others or if some seem to grow rich by these wayes I dare boldly say such ill gotten goods shall not long prosper but either they or theirs shall find Gods hand one way or other against them and why should we not be perswaded the Lord can as easily and remarkably help us as he hath helped others and ours though many as if they were but one and ouâ— of the most and greatest troubles as if they were never so few and small for it is all on with him to whom nothing is impossible if we but as conscionable Christians depend upon his fatherly providence oh it is cur propanenesse and distrust that with-holds his fatherly help from us Further there are I feare but very few among us that will take no more by ill meanes then the States by ill payment take from us witnesse if the profit of twelve men would make good that charge the profit of thirty men will not serve our turne and this makes them say if we would allow the Captaines tenne or twelve dead payes they would cozen us neverthelesse therfore why should they have that allowance true the States know they are cozened but know not precisely who cozens them or by what meanes and although forcingly they conive at they doe not approve of it witnesse their strict forbidding and if they find any faulty their sharp punishing of it howsoever if the meanes I use be forbidden by God as the very best of these are being at least lying and deceiving I cannot see that any conivance or other circumstance can warrant me to use them I acknowledge againe ingeniously that Captaines in these Countries serve in a most uncomfortable and unhappy condition who by the ill payment are forced to live theeves or dye beggars or spend their owne meanes and that it is extream hard that in recompence of all our labour and danger which our calling is subject to more then others we and our wives and children cannot ear bread except it be the bread of deceit and violence which though it seem sweet for the present will choake us in the end neither can I see any reason or equity in them that are the cause of such our extremities and if they can doe not redresse neither doe I see how authority will ever be able to answer it before Gods judgement sear that they have not removed the cause of such unrighteous dealings whereby I dare averre it for experientiâ doeet it is now come to that passe that it is impossible to serve the Land truly and hold fast our integrity are we not then in a fine case and is not the Lands service come to a fine passe and are we not like to prosper when we that are imployed in the service serve in a course of unrighteousnesse or ruine our selves and ours without remedy and for those places the labourer is worthy of his hire c. they shew what ought to be and not what alwayes is for another Scripture sayes woe to them that detaine the Labourers hire so indeed we ought to have out appointed pay or else how can we be content with our wages yet for all this we have no warrant to follow any unlawfull wayes forbidden and accursed by God as is proved before Grant I doe not as I say the truth remaines truth and if I dare doe otherwise the same will turne to my greater condemnation knowing and saying so much as I doe and this is that above all I abhor and condemn in the discourses of others concerning these things that because they doe not as they ought they dare justifie what they do yea some dare say they hold it no sin to do so and they do it will do it Oh horrible presumption it is too much we doe ill would God we were sensible thereof and we would not so plead therefore but to justisie our selves therein as if we not onely faultlesse but did well is too too bad oh if we doe no more let us at least give God his glory thus farre as to acknowledge we doe amisse doing so fouly amisse Take this in good part in some part of answer to these Objections which I vvish with my soule may satisfie others as they doe me To conclude I freely friendly and faithfully give this counsell in this case Take this as an infallible ground there is no circumstance whatsoever can make an unlawfull thing lawfull That the worst of suffering is to be chosen before the best of sinne That it is better to live in misery then in iniquity That in the day of visitation and at the houre of death which sooner or later will come upon every one of us these courses cannot any whit comfort but if we dye not stupid impenitent Beasts will torment us That God hath no need of our sinnes to serve his providence towards us That this our prophanenesse and distrust hinders his help and blessing from us That the right way is the best way procuring inward contentment boldnesse before the strictest authority a good repute freedome from the base accusations of vile persons all which our crooked wayes mislead us from proove the Lord by trusting him in wel-doing rather then thou shalt want convenient help he will work wonders for thee Mal. 3.10 and will doe more for us then we can lose thereby 2 Chron. 25.9 Let us with all due respect seeke to authority for redresse joyntly Let us be humbled for what is amisse hitherto confesse crave pardon for resolve to forsake labor against pray for strength to overcome our forepast evils in this kind and that unfainedly and constantly and beseech God to work upon the heart of authority and that we may preferre the generall good of Gods cause before our private profit seriously and we shall find a remarkable change and all shall goe well for Piety hath the promise undoubtedly 1 Tim. 4.8 And here I end this matter Somewhat concerning generall Obedience not to be neglected IT is written Acts 24.16 herein doe I exercise my selfe to have alwayes a good conscience voyd of offence towards God and towards men Ps 119. then shall I not be asnamed when I have respect unto all thy Commandements and ver 101. I have refrained my feet from every evill way Out of which O my soule observe these few yet needfull and profitable Lessons 1 THat though thou doest many good things and yet dispensest with thy selfe in the omitting or evill performing any one duty required it will not serve the turne 2 Though thou forsakest many sinnes if thou givest thy selfe liberty to live in any one thou deceivest thy selfe and it will not availe thee 3 Learne hereby to make strict conscience every thing required even in the smallest
us which is an especiall token of his favour to us being the meanes to save our soules 3 And that if the enemy should prevaile we should not onely lose these blessings but they should be scofft at prophaned and trodden under foot by them and their abominations set up to the exceeding greeat dishonour of our blessed God and the Losse of innumerable soules 2 Couragiously and that 1 Because it is the Cause of God Almighty who is able to defend and deliver us in the middest of the greatest perils and if none apparent were nigh unto us 2 Who governeth all things in all places that no bullet can fly or any other instrument of warre move but according to his especiall disposing nor doe any hurt to me but by his expresse commission and according to his good pleasure 3 That he who is most faithfull in remembring and keeping his word hath abundantly promised he will preserve and deliver me as he sees best for me 4 That he hath preserved and delivered others even prophane persons who have shewed little care to obey seek or trust him and that in extreamest dangers 5 That he hath often and most remarkably done the like to others of his and to me the most helplesse and unworthy formerly 6 That many through feare seeking to avoyd danger have the sooner hurt and slaine and others who have been warrantably and worthily valiant have by Gods protection escaped 7 That divers have been slain in a Tent hut or house or in other places where they thought themselves secure have been hurt or slaine when others in the trench or battell have been safe 8 That if the Lord please I shall be safe be the perils never so many and great for he can preserve from the greatest as well as the least from many as well as any 9 If he please I end my dayes in fight against his foes I dye a Martyr and the very instrument of my death is a meanes to send me Heaven 10 If we be fearfull and insufficient in our selves to doe our duty valiantly let us seek courage and ability from the Lord he will in some good measure undoubtedly grant it because he hath expresly promised it 3 Faithfully because the Lord hateth eye service and all unfaithfulnesse and loveth a faithfull carriage in our callings 4 Diligently and vigilantly because 1 By sloathfulnesse negligence and backwardnesse much time is lost much evill may ensue to the businesse and much shame disfavour scorne and harme may come upon our selves 2 Because time is redeemed the Cause advanced and we shall be commended and be the better trusted with imployment 5 Circumspectly that is to pursue all lawfull imployments of our calling seasonably for time place and manner with good advice worthily weighing all circumstances throughly 6 Conscionably propounding Gods glory chiefly the goodnes of the Cause seriously and our sincere obedience to his Majesty and to testifie we are Christians indeed that lay his Cause to heart deeply 7 In faith resting fully perswaded that our good God of his great mercy for the worthinesse of the Lord Jesus will graclously accept our endeavours though never so full of unworthinesse and will assuredly blesse us 8 Wiâ—h humble instant and earnest prayer especially 1 That the Lord will supply with fitting gifts for his service 2 That our endeavours may be blessed for the maintainance of the Cause 3 That he will please by all meanes in all places continually to maintaine the same and oppose the contrary Thirdly divers motives to stirre up by all meanes to help to our uttermost to maintaine the Cause of God 1 Such as have respect to the Lord most blessed for evermore as he is our God in foure respects among many more 1 That he is our Creator and hath made us for his own glory and that we cannot any way better answer the end of our creation then by offering our service yea to the death if he thinks sit for his names sake 2 That he is our Father therfore it were an unnaturall cowardly and shamefull part to stand still and look on when other of our Christian brethren are abused smitten and slaine 3 That he is our Lord then were it a base uncivill hatefull part in us to be quiet when others of our deare and loving fellow-servants are wronged and persecuted 4 That he is our chiefe good from whom we have received and doe expect all good therefore we are bound to testifie our thankfulnesse in this respect especially 2 Such as have respect to the Lord Jesus Christ our Redeemer as 1 As he is our Redeemer and dyed for us we should not suffer his Crosse to be defaced his blood to be trodden under foot as is done by Idolaters against whom we must in this case contend to the uttermost 2 Because he is persecuted and fought against in his Church should we not take his part who hath done and suffered so much for us that were his enemies and with holy wrath and indignation and deep desire of godly revenge for the wrongs done to him fight and doe all we can 3 Because he saith he that seeketh to save his life and that not for him loseth it and he that loseth his life for his sake shall find it 4 And because he protesteth if we be ashamed of him here he will be ashamed of us before his heavenly Father and what greater shame for us then not to take his part against the subtle cruell mighty wicked enemies of his and our fellow-members 3 Such as have respect to God the holy Ghost our Sanctifier and Comforter 1 He sanctifying us how should we not help them whom he hath sanctified together with us also 2 And labour to maintaine the meanes of our sanctification even his Ordinances which these his enemies would bereave us of 3 As he is our comforter would we be comforted by him and should we not be a meanes as well as we and all we may to comfort others comfortlesse and afflicted 4 Because he worketh in us all that are his one faith one hope one way alike desires and affections and sealeth unto us the assurance of that onely and eternall happinesse and that to this end chiefly the more to oblidge us to love and help one another which can no way be better manifested then in this manner 4 Such motives hereunto as may be drawne from the consideration of the disposition and demeanour of those his and our enemies as 1 They blaspheme the name of our God by their abominable idolatries 2 They rob him of his honour and give that to their idolatries 3. They mock our prayers too and serving of God 4 They deride our trust in his name 5 They reproach and revile our holy profession 6 They have defiled do and will defile the places of Gods worship where they have the upper hand 7 They banish imprison torment and kill the sevants of God and will serve us so if they prevaile 2 They ravish
In particular 1 Taking all in the best part 2 Passing by offences 3 Rejoycing at others weifare 4 Contentation with his estate 5 Humility 6 Trust in God according to his nature and promises 7 To cast his care on God 8 Inward peace joy and assurance 2 In his house to avoid 1 In words 1 In generall all prophane talke 2 In particular 1 Hastinesse to mine 2 Medling in others matters In his house 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 In words 1 In generall all edifying talk 2 In particular 1 Sobernesse to mine 2 Speaking the best of others 2 To eschew in behaviour 1 All loosnesse 2 Unseemlinesse 3 Filthinesse 2 To imbrace in behaviour 1 Stayednesse 2 Comlinesse 3 Purity 3 In company to eschew 1 In heart 1 Evill surmises of the words or carriage of others towards him 2 Partiality 3 Self-conceitednesse 2 In words 1 Unadvisednesse 2 Superfluousnesse 3 Unseasonablenesse 4 Uncharitablenesse 5 Contentiousnesse 3 In carriage 1 Lightnesse or familiatity 2 Strangenesse 3 Loftinesse 4 Uncomlinesse 4 In actions 1 Society with prophane persons 2 Excesse or tipling 3 Giving any evill example to any 4 Shewing any liking of sin 5 Seeking to humour men in ill In company to embrace 1 In heart 1 Taking all in good part 2 Directnesse 3 Lowlinesse 2 In words 1 Pre-consideration 2 Paucity 3 To the purpose 4 Charitablenesse 5 Friendlinesse 3 In behaviour 1 Gravity or reservednesse 2 Affability 3 Humility 4 Seemlinesse 4 In action 1 Good company 2 Following good example 3 Giving good example 4 Wisely reproving sinne 5 By all meanes honouring God 4 Concerning Gods publike family or private worship 1 To eschew 1 All will worship 2 Superstition 3 Unpreparednesse 4 Negligence 5 Customarinesse 6 Habituall distractions 7 Relying too much on the meanes And to embrace 1 The warrant of Gods word for the duties 2 For the manner of performing them 3 Preparation 4 Attention 5 Conscionablenesse 6 Setlednesse 7 Resting on Gods blessing Amen Amen Considerations to move to Christian watchfulnesse 1 In seeking thus Gods glory he will honour us againe 1 Sam. 2.30 2 That we are every where in the sight of God who knoweth the heart Jeremiah 17.9 10. heareth our words Ps 139.4 beholdeth all our wayes ver 1 2 3. to reward every one according to their doings Jerem. 17.10 3 We shall hereby enjoy sweet communion with our God in Christ John 14.21 Rev. 3.20 4 And be most blessed here and for evermore in every thing Ps 144.15 84.11 Rom. 8.28 For the moouth of the Lord hath spoken it therefore it shall be performed and nothing shall let it Amens All by Gods grace onely From henceforth constantly Every day seasonably With Christian conveniency In the Morning To awake with God To shake off sloath To arise timely To pray for himselfe solemnly To read in Gods Word reverendly To call to mind some of his Vowes seriously And some of the promises deliberately To sing part of a Psalme understandingly In the Afternoon To pray for his Family affectionately To read in Gods Word advisedly And in his holy Advices observantly And somewhat in the Oracles of God distinctly In the Evening To pray for Gods Church humbly To read in Gods Word holily And somewhat in the Practice of Piety carefully And in the true watch for Examination impartially To lye downe to rest with prayer to avoyd all occasions of impurity And so to sleep securely Every Sabbath Besides accustomed publike Family and private duties on that day Three severall times to caâ—â— to mind some of Gods especiall and recorded mercies By the Lords most seasonable mercifull powerfull faithfully promised constant assistance which to this end I crave rest on and look for onely without which instead of doing better I shall doe worse then formerly yea every way most hainously I resolve and shall endeavour watchfully and constantly to avoyd all intemperance immoderate taking Tobacco vaine talking unseemly carriage pride lust passion and discord and all occasions of each and to embrace the contrary graces and all meanes thereto As thou art a God of mercy power and truth show it herein unto me and let thy grace my God in Christ be alwales sufficient for me Concerning decay in Prayer A Lwayes when he found himselfe so decay in zeale and care to pray his conscience checkt him for unthankfulnesse for former assistance in praying or for depending too much upon his prayers whereupon he felt a deadnesse to all other good duties a yeelding to the motions and occasions of sinne an inward puffing up a carelesnesse and self-presuming yea a miserable distemper in all things and then he conceived himselfe to be neare some sore temptation foule fall grievous inward dejection or great outward calamity therefore he held it his instantly to fall to prayer that the Lord would please to restore unto him the spirit of prayer to work in him a willingnesse to all other holy exercises to give him strength to resist and overcome the provocations to evill to humble him deeply in the sense of his former faults and present corruptions to make him truly thankfull and watchfull and in the strength of the Almighty onely out of conscience to doe his duty to bring all into good order and to keep all so constantly and most graciously powerfull and faithfully to prevent the sinnes perplexities and troubles he feares merits and hath cause to expect to be left unto and which he else by no means can escape so awaiting the Lords leasure and submitting to his good pleasure goe all how it will all shall goe well Amen my Father in Christ of thine owne meere mercy be I never so unworthy as thou hast promised whatsoever opposeth Amen Amen even so be it Amen Some most especiall choice places of sacred Scripture that concerne my self in most especiall manner reduced to these heads 1 COncerning government of the mind page 349 2 Of the tongue p. 351 3 Of the conversation page 361 4 Of passion and sobriety p. 368 5 Of pride and humility p. 374 6 Of strise and peace 7 Of envy and charity 8 Of discontent and quiet 9 Of medling and reservednesse 10 Of sullennesse and chearfulnesse 1 Concerning government of the mind In the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom Exod 31.6 Give therefore thy servant an under standing heart that I may discerne between good and bad 1 King 3.9 Keepe thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life Pro. 4 23. The preparations of the heart in man is from the Lord Pro. 16.1 The wise in heart shall be called prudent Pro. 16.21 A wise mans heart discerneth both time and iudgement Eccl. 8.5 A wise mans heart is at his right hand but a fools heart is at his left Eccl. 10.2 How weak is thine heart saith the Lord God seeing thou doest all these things Ezek. 16.30 Set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee Ezek. 40.4 If our heart condemnes us God is