till thou have greater strength Question 85. What is the sixth Christian duty Answer Sympathizing or a rejoycing with the people of God that doe rejoyce and a weeping with them that weep Psa 106.5 Rom. 12.15 Question 86. In what manner should we take to heart the case of distressed Christians Answer As those that be members of the same body yea as if we our selves were with them in the same bonds and misery Heb. 13.3 Question 87. Wherein is our compassion to be shewed to persons afflicted Answer 1 In making enquiry into their condition Nehem. 1.2 2 In praying for their comfort Psal 25. last 122.6 3 In providing for their relief John 3.17 Question 88. What 's the seventh Christian duty Answer Edifying one another 1 Thess 5.11 unto which we may refer Christian visits and conferences Acts 15.36 Mal. 3.16 Question 89. What Rule is to be observed for the better building up of our Brethren Answer It is to be done â—ither with compassion and favour or with fear and terrour as there is occasion Jude 20 21 22. Question 90. What help is there for this duty Answer We must consider and take a view one of another as those doe that are about to repair and when we see what 's lacking or amisse we must accordingly put to our helping hands not commending our company in that which is good and winking at them wherein they are defective but letting that alone which is well and setting to work and building where there is need Heb. 10.24 1 Thess 3.10 Question 91. What is the duty of those that are dealt withall in this kind Answer They ought not to be stern and stout and to fling away in a chafe but quietly to suffer the word of Exhortation and Edification accounting it a matter of the greatest favour and faithfullnesse to keep their ruinous soules in repaire Heb. 13.22 Prov. 27.6 Question 92. What 's the eighth Christian duty Answer Alms-giving or charitable Contributions Heb. 13.16 Question 93. What Rules are there to be observed for this duty Answer It is to be performed 1 In regard of persons wisely and with due distinction ever preferring the houshold of faith as sometimes Joseph did his beloved Benjamin Gal. 6.10 Gen. 43.34 2 In regard of our states proportionally that is we must help others as God enables and prospers us 1 Cor. 16.2 3 In regard of our affection chearfully without harshnesse of spirit and inward grudgings and compassionately without hardnesse of heart and inward deadnesse 2 Cor. 9.7 1 John 3.17 A man should not onely open his purse to give Alms but his bowels also 4 In regard of God humbly not dreaming of merit but accounting it a great mercy that we have any thing to give or any mind to give it withall 1 Chron. 29.14 16. And seeking Gods glory in it and not our owne 1 Cor. 10.3 Mat. 6.2 3. Question 94. What help is there for this duty Answer First that we may be able to give we must strengthen our hearts with faith and look upon our Alms not as upon water that is spilt but as upon seed that is sown and that in well watred ground still remembring that liberality makes no man lean Eccl. 11.1 Prov. 11.25 Question 95. What 's the ninth Christian duty Answer Mourning for the sins and abominations of the Times Ezek. 9.4 Ezra 10.6 1 Cor. 13.21 Question 96. What help is there for this duty Answer We may help our selves therein with these four considerations 1 The great dishonour that is done to God by such sins for if there be any love to God in us it cannot but vex us that such dead Dogs as the sinners of the times are should so dishonour so glorious a God yea it will grieve our souls that any shame should be done to him who is our onely friend although it be by our own father 2 Sam. 16.9 2 Sam. 20.3 4. 2 The great danger upon which the sinners in Zion run themselves by those their sins that be comitted in the height of evill Times For can we behold the destruction of thousands of people and many of them perhaps our neere friends and kindred also without lamenting seriously so sad a spectacle Jer. 13.17 Luke 19.41 3 The grievous calamity and desolations that the sins of wicked men bring upon the whole Church of God Micah 2. last For how can we endure to see the destruction of Gods people In this regard if any enquire with wonder of our more abundant weeping for the sins of the time the answer is at hand because I know the evill that thou O sin wilt doe to the Church of God 2 Kings 8.12 4 Even respect to our selves and our owne security may make us mourn for the sins of the time because that onely assures us that we shall be marked and preserved when a generall destruction is decreed Ezek. 9 4. Question 97. Hitherto of those principall duties of our generall calling that are to be performed shew me in â—â—e second place at what time they are to be performed Answer The principall time is the Sabbath the observation whereof is a duty enjoyned in the fourth Commandement Question 98. The fourth Commandement was given to the Jewes and enjoynes the Jewish day which was Saturday now that day being gone how doth the Commandement bind us Answer The fourth Commandement requires three things 1 A Sabbath day 2 A Sabbath day every week for we must not work longer then six dayes together 3 The Jewes Sabbath day now it is true that the last of these viz. the Jewes Sabbath is gone and another day fitter for Christians is put in the place thereof but for the first and second that is a Sabbath and a weekly Sabbath the fourth Commandement gives us a perpetuall Law Question 99 To clear this the better shew me what reason there is why there should be a Sabbath day for ever Answer Because of the ends for which a Sabbath was appointed which are these three 1 That the work of Creation might be remembred and whereby the true God who is known so to be by the making of Heaven and Earth in six dayes Isa 45.12 Jer. 10.11 12. might be acknowledged and advanced 2 That the publick worship of God might be setledly solemnly uniformly conveniently performed by the whole Church of God and so Religion it self upheld and strengthned for duties are preserved by dayes and times Now that the service of God may be performed setledly and constantly there must be a set day that it may be performed solemnly and uniformly there must be one and the same set day that it may be peformed conveniently that set and standing day must still return in a due distance from all which will arise firm reason for a weekly Sabbath 3 The Sabbath was made form an that is that the souls of men might be sustained and built up unto salvation by a sweet and free fellowship with God that whole day in his holy Ordinances and
the exercises of Religion not without a gracious respect also to his bodily refreshing and necessity Now all these ends of the Sabbath being no ceremoniall things but matters of substance abiding in their strength throughout all ages therefore the Sabbath if so founded upon them is a thing morall and perpetuall Question 100 By this it appeares that a Sabbath that is a day of holy rest in every week is a thing not changed yea is unchangeable shew me now how the particular day comes to be altered so as that Saturday was the Jewes Sabbath and the Lords day ours Answer One day every week is to be observed that the work of Creation accomplished within the compasse of a week may be remembred but the day is now altered from the last to the first day of the week that the remembrance of that far greater work of redemption may be preferred which redemption being perfected in Christs resurrection the day of the resurrection is now become the Lords day that is the Lords Sabbath day Question 101. What Rules are to be observed for the sanctifying of the Sabbath Answer 1 Remember the Sabbath so as to be carefull of preparation for it that is set thy businesse in order the day before and thy heart in order at least the morning of the Sabbath and have not twenty things in thy house to be set in order on the morning of the Sabbath when thou shouldest be setting thy heart in order Eccles 5.1 1 Pet. 2.1 2 Attend carefully the publick service lest while thou art busie here and there about vain and impertinent things and thoughts many precious passages of the Sermon or of prayer passe away without any notice 1 Kings 20.40 Acts 10.33 1 Cor. 14.16 3 Consecrate the day privately and wholly unto God for it is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God thy heart thy tongue thy carriage that day must not be for thy self but for thy God Isa 58.13 14. Question 102. What helps are there for the sanctifying of the Sabbath in this holy manner Answer 1 Look to thy heart lest that rove and be divided from God with every dayes thoughts and be thou in the Spirit that is rapt up and ravished with spirituall meditations upon the Lords day Rev. 1.10 2 Look to thy company and conference for as worldly work is forbidden because it hinders a spirituall work so by the same reason are worldly words forbidden because they hindâ—r spirituall words that is such as are for God and thy soules good Exod. 20.10 Isa 58.13 Our words that day must not be our owne that is such as we have mind unto but such as are meet for the Lords day 3 Look to thy works and carriage this is not a day for the shambles the shop the warehouse the workhouse but for thee and other good Christians to be upon the Mount Tabor that is being lifted up above the world to be wholly busied in Religious exercises and Ordinances wherein Jesus Christ the King of the Church is to be seen in his beauty Isa 35.17 4 Look to thy Entertainment using friends if on the Sabbath day they be with thee friendly and rejoycing with them in the Lord in the sober use of the Creatures Prov. 18.14 Acts 2.46 But appoint not solemn Feasts upon that day that 's to make the Lords day thy friends day and take heed lest by unnecessary care for many things thou keep Mary from Christs feet that is thy well-affected Servant from a Sermon Luke 1.10.41 5 Watch thy self in thy contentments let not sleep or meat or pleasant talk or sport take away the time or thy heart from the Lord of that day and the end for which he appointed it They that live in pleasure on a Sabbath day are dead while they live to wit in regard of their deadnes and indisposition to heavenly things Luke 8.14.21.34 Hos 4.11 13.6 Question 103. By this is appears that the Sabbath is the principall time but are there not other times also and that in the week dayes wherein Christian duties are to be exercised Answer Yes a due respect is to be had unto Christian duties piety and charity all the week long for we ought to be devout Christians and therefore to fear God and give Alms and pray to God not this or that day but alwayes Acts 10.2 In particular a due regard is to be had to hearing reading conferring praying at all times Question 104. What reason is there of hearing the word continually Answer Because Ministers are to preach in season and out of season Sabbath day and week dayes therefore people are to hear So likewise think not others too carelesse that leave some other businesses to be at Christs feet sincerely but thy self rather to be carefull who art from thence unnecessarily Luke 10.39 40. Question 105. What Rule may be given them who have many businesses for their better guiding and setling as concerning the six dayes Sermons Answer The direction usefull for such may be comprehended under these three heads The Judgement must be well informed The Conscience well examined And the Providence of God well observed Question 106. How is the Judgement to be informed Answer Both generally and particularly 1 Of the generality that a man must by no means make lâ—ght of spirituall opportunities but redeem them rather and purchase them with abatement of outward things Mat. 22.5 Ephes 5.16 2 For particular opportunities a light may be given for our direction by a two-fold consideration Viz. 1 Of the state of Times Time for good exercises is still to be redeemed but specially when the times are evill that is the more corrupt and troublesome the more doubtfull and dangerous the times are the more earnest we should be to wait out and to make use of all spirituall opportunities 2 Tim. 4.2 3. Acts 20.28 30. John 12.35 36. 2 Of the nature of the opportunity when Christ goes by when there is a more speciall occasion a Minister that preaches with Authority and not as the Scribes then without the contempt of the lowest means and Minister but with a greater desire of this greatest means get up into a Tree as Zacheus did and lay all other ordinary things aside as Mary did to enjoy God in a more speciall manner the reason is because ordinary duties must yield to extraordinary as ordinary workes of piety are to yield to extraordinary works of mercy Mat. 12.1 2 c. the necessary exigence of our calling to extraordinary works of piety Acts 20.7 11. 3 Of our own state and occasions which must make Christians to straine above ordinary in three cases 1 At their first conversion the new converted Christians were every day in the Temple and new born Babes had need be oft at the breast Acts 2.42.46 1 Pet. 2.12 2 In the time of affliction and tentation as people spare time for their businesse to goe to the Physitian are blamelesse Psal 73.16 17. Job 33.23 Isa 40.4 Mat.
4 Paines 5 Pain in the farewell and parting with it He hath cut off his right hand and pluckt out his right eye with this one hand and cast it from him too 4 He carefully and continually searcheth himselfe and goes down with light into his heart 5 He is jealous of his owne heart for 't is deceitfull and fears it for 't is desperate and therefore goes not with it without a sword the word he will not trust it in holiest practices and most heavenly perswasions 6 He doubts of none but of himself suspects most his own graces and the witnesse of his own spirit lest Satan shine like an Angel of light and say 't is the testimony of Gods Spirit with ours 7 He walks daily with God humbly and heavenly wishing that none saw his good but God and men his evill he cares not if Christ loves him how he appears 8 He eats and drinks as if Christ sate at the Table his bodily food is sweetned and seasoned with some heavenly meditations or holy discourses his speech is powdered with salt he feeds not heartily but riseth hungry till then 9 He is verily afraid of indifferent things and avoids all appearance of evill 10 He is carefull of his Calling onely in love to Gods Command with feare of the world 11 He buyes and sells not to gain but to godlinesse they are but poor professors that live no better then they bargain they trade as all at the best as most doe and is not this the broad way where many goe You shall know a Christian as by his Church so by his shop 12 His dayes of Humiliation are his Holi-dayes his delights are Christians Sabbaths and society of Saints not only publick but in private he fears many times he is not one but desires ever and is earnest to be one of the excellent ones the secret ones and sincere ones 13 He is open hearted and open handed to all he can no more keep sin close then his Coin he can give well and lend as well as borrow and can take as well a reproof as a kind nesse he is simple in evill he cannot cover or excuse it in the Lords work he is carefull and cleanly and a good workman but in the Devils work he is a very bungler he cannot bandsomely sin or excuse it 14 He is content to have his spirituall estate tryed by any not only by a searching Minister in publick but by a private friend he opens his heart freely for others to ask and gives Answer of his hope with meeknesse and fear 15 His thoughts are bound in with a holy compasse and his words are not idle he speaks not to spend the time in impertinent powerlesse or discoverlesse things but to minister grace to men glory to God and to doe good or receive good his life is a light and leads and provokes to goods works 16 He doth not a good duty in grace but he goes to the utmost of it he aimes not at the Butt but at the midst of the white he is zealous in good works fervent in spirit serving the Lord pressing hard to the price of the high Calling perfecting holinesse in fear 17 He hath heard no more then he practiceth and prayes not only in fear of Gods Command and his own conscience but in love to have a communion with God in Christ by the Spirit 18 His ears are open to the whole word he believes the threats and trembles he fears also the Promises lest he come short 19 He hath a respect to every Command such a respect I say as a man hath to his betters his heart stands in awe to every Commandement 20 He prayes in the holy Ghost his Petitions and intercessions are made by the Spirit and sent up with sighes by the intercession of Christ unto God the father the Spirit cries before he cries he speaks not first and then he looks for the Spirit to quicken his words but his words follow the Spirit with much affection fervency faith and fear 21 He hath found out the Hell of his heart and feels the flames of it in secret self-love hidden hypocrisie horrible blasphemy c. and somtimes pride possessed with the whole damned Crew mentioned 2 Tim. 3.2 3 4 5. and elswhere In a word he hath found an emptinesse and an enmity to all good 22 He sets his face against the body of sin and every member of it he seeks and receives some power daily from Christs Crosse to crucifie every lust and he watcheth the Sepulchre lest it rise again 23 He daily desires the virtue of Christs Resurrection and he is risen and walks in new obedience in holinesse and heavenly mindednesse 24 He is ever poor in spirit and is known 1 By his continuall complaints 2 B importunate Prayers 3 By uncessant paines for righteousnesse 25 He is never found in his own but if he can be in Christs Righteousnesse all the rest is dung 26 He ever forgets others sins and his own graces observes others graces and his own sins 27 He not only loves the Saints but honours the excellent ones and rejoyceth at Gods glory and at any good done by others as done by himself 28 He mourns in secret for his 1 Owne sins 2 Others 3 For the dishonor of God 4 For the danger of the Gospel 5 For the disgrace of Gods people 29 He walks humbly with God lying ever at his feet looking up ar the Throne of grace to the Lord in Jesus Christ 30 He lives by faith eats and drinks and sells and buyes in Christ In a word he will not receive any earthly Creature a spirituall Crosse nor a heavenly grace and blessing but by the hand of Christ 31 He looks for and longs and loves the appearing of Christ he hastens his coming Amen even so Lord Jesus come quickly 2 Tim. 4.5 2 Pet. 3.12 Rev. 22.28 A Christian CATECHISM Opening the first Principles and most fundamentall points of RELIGION As they are expressed in the BELIEF Question WHat is the Belief Answer It is a profession of our Christian faith Question Is it a Prayer Answer No. Question How doth a profession of faith differ from a Prayer Answer Prayer is a speech directed to God wherein we desire that something may be given or forgiven us but a profession of faith is a speech directed usually to men wherein we expresse to them what we do believe Question Why doth every one in particular say I believe I believe Answer Because every man must in particular know what he himselfe doth believe and so be ready to declare what is his faith upon which he groundeth his hope of eternall life Question What doe you mean when when you say I believe in God In God Answer I mean that I know and am assured that God is such a one as he hath in his word declared himself to be and that I doe trust in him Jer. 31.34 Isa 26.4 Question What is that word
penny and some worldly pelf This lying was Gehazi's sin and a leprosie was his punishment 2 Kings 5.22 25 27. Secondly in case of credit Hence comes so much lying in houses because people having done amisse are loath to be known of it lest they should be put to shame by it therefore they deny it stoutly when God is able to say to them as to Sarah who failed in the like case Nay but thou didst doe such a thing Gen. 18.15 Thirdly in case of safety and when som danger of smart is like to ensue by telling the truth Hence Children lie so often to avoid the rod yea Gods Children also doe to their shame and grief faile in this particular as Abraham and Peter Gen. 20.2.11.9 10. Mat. 26.70 75. But if holy parents whip a lying Child twice one for his fault and again for his lie How much more will a holy God of truth punish such a fault yea in his owne Children yea in them most Fourthly in case of complement entertainment wherein men professe more love then ever they mean and excuse entertainment beyond the truth Question 30. What further preservative is there against all these evills Answer This one thing may suffice that he that means to come to Heaven must have this mark upon him to speak the truth in his heart Psal 15.2 Question 31. Are there not besides these two outward and more common some more speciall works of Satan also that are to be avoided Answer Yes there are two of them the opposing of Gods truth and the persecuting of Gods Saints Question 32. How doe you know that opposing the truth of God is a work of the Devill Answer Because the Devil is a liar that is one in whom there is no truth and who is still setting a foot some lye or other against the truth and because he that opposes and perverts the right wayes of the Lord is a Child of the Devil John 8.44 Acts 13.10 So 2 Tim. 2.25 26. opposers of truth are in the snare of the Devil Question 33. What means is there to forsake this work of the Devill Answer 1 To hearken patiently to our Instructors with prayer to God to give repentance that so we may come to the acknowledgement of the truth and recover our selves out of the snare of the Devil 2 Tim. 2.25 26. 2 To consider that all liars in this high degree that is that lye against the truth James 3.14 set up falshoods whereby to fight against the word of God shall assuredly and especially have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone Revel 21.8 Question 34. How doe you know that opposing and persecuting the Children of God is also a worke of the Devill Answer Because the Devil hath ever been an Accuser Revel 12.10 an Imprisoner Rev. 2.10 and a murtherer John 8.44 and Rev. 2.13 of the Brethren and who so sets against and offers violence to his righteous brother he as Cain is of that wicked one 1 John 3.12 Question 35. But what if men doe no more but mock Gods Children and those that take good courses Answer Even that also is a Diabolicall persecution as Ishmaels mocking was Gal. 4.29 with Gen. 21.9 and a thing that ungodly men must in speciall manner be accountable for at the day of Judgment Jude 15. Question 36. What help is there against this work of the Devill Answer To consider that every persecuter of good Christians is a persecuter of Jesus Christ himself and does but kick therein against the pricks and that without timely repentance unto his eternal perdition Acts 9.4 5. Question 37. How doe you know that Answer Because he that hates his Brother is a murtherer and we know that no murtherer hath eternall life abiding in him 1 John 3.15 yea how can such Vipers escape the damnation of Hell Mat. 23.33 Question 38. What generall Motive is there to stir us up to forsake the Devill and all those works of his that have been formerly mentioned Answer To consider that they that forsake not Satan shall by Gods just judgement be given to him here to be his Vassalls in sin 2 Thess 2.11 12. and Mat. 12.43 44 45. and shall be partners with him hereafter in Hellish misery Mat. 25.41 Mat. 23.33 Question 39. What general help and means is there to free us from Satan and his works Answer 1 To be diligent and obedient hearers of Gods Ministers who are sent of God for this very purpose to bring men from the power of Satan unto God Acts 26.18 2 Even after we are brought to God we must still labour to beat down those lusts which use to betray us for want of the mortifying them into the hands of Satan who would not be able to prevaile over us but that he finds something that is a corrupt nature in us John 14.30 3 When we have done this also we must still watch and still pray unto him that came of purpose to destroy the works of the Devil 1 John 3.8 that we may not enter into tentation Mat. 26.41 Question 40. What other thing was promised in Baptism besides forsaking the Devill and all his works Answer To forsake the pomps and vanities of this wicked world Question 41. What is meant by the pomps and vanities of this world Answer In generall all the goodly and glorious things of this world Mat. 4.8 whereof there be three particular heads Pleasure Mark 6.22 Heb. 11.25 pleasures of sin Profit Josh 7.21 Micha 2.2 Preferment 2 Sam. 15.4 1 John 2.16 Question 42. But why are they called pomps and vanities Answer Because in the worlds conceit they are pomps and glorious things Dan. 4.30 Acts 25.23 But in true judgement they are very vanities Eccles 1.2 Question 43. Why is it added that they are the pomps and vanities of the wicked world Answer Not only because there is a great deale of wickednesse in the world the whole world either lying in wickednesse 1 John 5.19 Or else wickednesse lying and abiding in them Rom. 7.20 But also because there is a great deale more then otherwise there would be through the tentation of these worldly things Josh 7.21 When I saw c. Question 44. How far forth are the world and the things of the world to be forsaken Answer When we cannot enjoy them and Christ both when we cannot keep them and keep our Covenant with God both then they must be forsaken that Christ may be followed and that our Covenant made with God in Baptism may be performed Heb. 11.25 26. Heb. 10.34 Question 45. What helps be there for the forsaking of the world Answer 1 We must labour to be in love with better things then the world hath Psal 119.36 Heb. 10.34 And to embrace Christ as Simeon did that so we may not embrace the world as Demas did Luke 2.28 2 Tim. 4.10 2 We should avoid worldly company especially in the neerest society Ahab was much more drawn after that worldly thing
after their resurrection be for ever but because their being shall be in misery it 's therefore called a death not a life Mat. 25.46 Rev. 20.5 Q. Are not the spirits of Gods Children before the day of judgement made partakers of everlasting life A. The spirits of Gods children immediately after they be severed from the body are admitted into heavenly blessednes in the presence of the Lord but in proper speech they cannot be said to partake of everlasting life which in the Scripture signifies that perfect happines which the Saints shall in their persons receive after they be raised from the dead Phil. 1.23 Rev. 6.11 Mat. 25.46 Q. Where shall the Saints of God live that life everlasting which they shall partake of after the resurrection A. The Saints of God shall be made partakers of everlasting life in those heavenly places where our Saviour now sitteth at the right hand of God 1 John 1.3 Ephes 2.6 Q. May no man then look to enjoy ever lasting life upon the earth A. No the dearest Saint of God upon this earth lives to dâ—e shall never live for ever untill they be after the resurrection put into the possession of their abiding City where they shall be freed from all the sorrowes sicknesses afflictions griefs of this present life and shall inherit perfect joyes and happinesse in the presence of the Lord for ever Heb. 9.27 Heb. 13.14 Rev. 21.4 Ps 16.1 Rules for a Christian way 1 THat 's the narrow way that is and hath been of old set down in Scripture The way must be made no narrower nor broader then the word of God makes it he only is to appoint the way that brings us to the journeyes end John 5.39 2 In that way we must walk without turning either to the left hand by prophanesse or to the right hand by superstition Deut. 5.32 33. 3 That we may so doe we must continually take heed to our wayes according to the word of God Psal 119.9 and withall pray earnestly that we may not wander Psal 119.10 but may hear a voyce behind us saying This is the way walke in it Isa 30.21 4 We must turn into this way as soon as we can and be timely good that we may be greatly good 1 Kings 18.3.12 and when we be once come in we must never goe out Ezek. 18.24 Prov. 1.32 5 The speciall time and season of coming in is when God sends Ministers to make known his word unto us The sending forth of a faithfull Ministry is a not suffering of us to walk in our own wayes Acts 14.16 17.30 if therefore thou walkest in them afterward thou doest it whether God will or no Mat. 23.37 and shalt accordingly suffer for it Psal 18.26 6 In this narrow way there must be a continuall proceeding and going forward the path of the just being not as the morning cloud that vanisheth at the first heat Hos 6.4 but as the morning light that shines more and more unto the perfect day Proverbs 4.18 7 The paths of wisedome are indeed paths of pleasantnesse Prov. 3.17 and the longer we walk in this way the easier we shall find it Acts 26.29 it being made easie to us both by grace enabling us to walk acceptably Ezek. 36.27 and by faith flying to Christ because we cannot walk perfectly 1 John 5.4 and by use whereby the yoak more cumbersome at first comes to be born more quietly and contentedly at last Mat. 11.29 30. it will be our ease therefore if we make it our exercise to keep a good conscience towards God and man Acts 24.16 Psal 25.12 13. 8 This is the difference between good and bad men that the one comfort themselves with their state and condition Luke 12.19 the other with their way and carriage 2 Cor. 1.12 2 Kings 20.3 9 However Gods way be every where spoken against yet the singular comfort of it is felt by faith all the while we walk in it Mark 10.30 and then most when we have least of all outward comforts 1 Sam. 30.6 Heb. 10.34 Gen. 39.21 Acts 23.1 Job 13.15 16. 27.5 6. but then shall this comfort be perfectly felt and perpetually enjoyed when we come to our journeys end and even to that glory honour immortality and eternall life which they shall be possessed of who patiently continue in well-doing Rom. 2.7 10 Then shall they that say yee fooles now meaning such as walk circumspectly Ephes 5.15 say feelingly and full sorrowfully we fooles meaning themselves while they see clearly and when it is too late to help it their own everlastingly cursed condition and the happy estate of those that have been carefull of a holy conversation Wisd 5.4 Mal. 3.18 RULES FOR THE Christian-Day OR The Sabbath-Day OF THE New Testament 1 SEt in order thy affaires the day before the Sabbath and thy affections in order upon the morning of the Sabbath the former prevents upon the Lords day worldly works and the later distracting thoughts 2 The heart being purged and prepared there arises from thence a great difference between Sabbath and weekly services He that hears a Sermon on the week day leaves the world but upon the Sabbath a man takes leave of the world that is he sequesters himself even wholly from it and by meditation and prayer fills his heart with contrary that is with heavenly things hence while he hears the word hee 's much more affected with it because the heart is clear from the world and carried heaven and finds after a greater effect of it as fruit is much more and better in well prepared ground 3 The principall duty of the Lords day is repairing to the Lords house to the Assembly and Ordinances of God morning and evening Acts 20.7.11 there being therein 1 A publick profession that we are the people of the Lord Jesus while we leave all things one day in seaven that we may attend him and 2 A filling of our Cystern from God the Fountain that is a replenishing of our heads and hearts with those heavenly things whereby we shall be furnished and supplyed for future time and in speciall all the week after for a holy walking in the narrow way the generall rule of hearing being to hear for afterward Isa 42.23 4 But as the day is not so neither are the duties thereof ended when the publick meeting is dissolved but in private also it is meet that we should be mindfull of 1 Heavenly Meditations Upon the Lords day we should be in the Spirit Rev. 1.10 in a spirituall temper possessed and taken up with spirituall thoughts that the speeches and actions proceeding from us that day may be in a speciall degree the breathings Creatures of the Spirit of God 2 Christian and ghostly communications tending to the spirituall advantage of our selves and those with whom we converse Acts 20.11 Christians are to edifie one another Ordinary builders are to build other dayes they build and are built up most on the Lords day
3 Works of charity as visiting the sick administring to laying up for the necessities of those that be in distresse 1 Cor. 16.2 5 Much adoe there is about a Sabbath day and Sabbath duties and they that account fellowship with God a heavy burden are glad they have this to say that learned men differ that so they may better take leave to doe what they list and be far from God without the condemnation of men but they that love that life that we shall lead in heaven will be glad to live with God one day in a week here at least in some degree as they look to live with him every day hereafter RULES FOR A Christian Carriage EVERY DAY 1 A Wake with God giving him thanks in thy first thoughts for the rest of the night and craving his presence for the occasions of the day Parents look their Children should doe their duty to them in the morning when they see them first so when we are first awakened and look up God that is ever before us and whom whensoever our eyes be open we should think we see ought to be reverently and dutifully acknowledged 2 If there be much busines let not prayer be omitted that the businesse may be dispatched that is as if a man having a long journey to goe should hasten out a foot and not stay to make ready his Horse for it is God that must carry us along in all our businesses but rise the sooner that the duty of prayer may first be performed rather out of sleep then put off prayer Mark 1.35 for all prosperity comes from this I am with thee Gen. 39.5 And how shall God be obtained if he be not sought Luke 11.9 3 Betake thy self to thy private prayers before thou enter upon the world for thy heart will hardly be with God wholly and fully if thy worldly occasions have taken possession of it formerly 4 Let Family exercises be performed either the first time thou canst take or the fittest time thou canst choose 5 As for worldly employment 1 See thou have a Calling it being not enough that thou be about some work or some good work but this also being required that thou be about that good work which God committeth to thee to doe John 17.4 for God gives to every servant of his his work Mark 13.34 2 Thy works and occasions being such as thou art called to Be about them 1 diligently a good Christian should not be a bad husband Prov. 27.23 Eph. 4.28 2 Justly and conscionably A good husband should not be a bad Christian nor any way defraud or over-reach his brother 1 Thes 4.6 3 Discreetly for he that handleth a matter wisely shall find good Prov. 16.20 Eccles 9.10 4 Faithfully and with a dependance upon God notwithstanding all thy wit and care for he that trusteth in the Lord happy is he Prov. 16.20 6. When thou art alone hate vaine thoughts Psal 119.113 when thou art in company let thy communication be such as if Jesus Christ were at thy heels ready to overtake thee and to ask what communications are these that ye have one with another while ye wake together Luke 24.17 and whether thou be alone or in company let thy carriage be ordered with such respect unto that God in whose presence thou art that thy tongue and thy doings may not be against him to provoke the eyes of his glory Isa 3.8 Generally be such in company as that thou maist with comfort remember thy carriage when thou art alone and such alone as that thou mayest with credit declare thy carriage when thou art in company 7 Take a view at night of the passages of the day which would best be done by putting them down in writing particularly in that view consider thy dealing and Gods dealing 1 Thy dealing and in what 1 Thy sins and any evill thou hast done as carefull men write down every debt that they may mind it and pay it so do tender Christians take notice and rather then faile a note of their sins that they may not be out of their remembrance and that they may take the next opportunity for repentance wherein be thou so far from deferring as to resolve for every evill of the day that upon the review smites thy heart and clogs thy conscience to judge thy selfe before thou sleepest that if thou shouldst never awake till the day of Judgement yet at that day thou mayest not be condemned of the Lord thou having before hand judged and condemned thy selfe 1 Cor. 11.31 2 Thy good deeds for as thou art to recount thy sin because thou art a debtor in it so any good deed because thou art a debtor for it and God without whom thou canst doe nothing John 15.5 should not want the due praise of thy well doing Howbeit it is fit also that thou shouldst observe that good that is in thee that thou maist not want the comfort of it but maist support thy selfe with it when thy heart is sad with sin and vert with Satan 2 Gods dealing what God by his providence reproves in thee one day rush not upon it the next and in that which thou findest God according to his word to countenance be thou constant let the affâ—ictions of the day make thee more carefull and fearfull of sin and the mercies more chearfull and forward in service COUNSELL FOR A Christian Carriage TAsk thy selfe in businesse Stint thy selfe in pleasure Take heed that these two never meet together A loose life and a light heart but when the carriage is loose let the heart be laden When thou differest from others in thy education see that thou differ from them in thy conversation that being so much holier then they as thy education hath been better The mind is the guid of the tongue therefore consider before thou speak The tongue is the messenger of the heart therefore as oft as thou speakst without meditation going before so oft the messenger runs without errand Let not pleasure steal away the mind from businesse but let businesse win and wean the mind from pleasure After good education take heed of the first errors lest the virginity and tendernesse of conscience being taken away it grow bold and impudent in evill FINIS A Table of the chief Heads handled in the foregoing Tract WOrks of the Devill p. 21 Pride 23 Anger Envy Malice 24 Anger 25 Filthy and unclean thoughts 26 Swearing and cursing 28 Helps against swearing and cursing 30 Lying a work of the Devill 34 In what cases lying is to be watcht against especially 36 Helps against the works of the Devil 38 Opposing the truth of God a work of the Devill 40 Opposing the children of God a work of the Devill 42 Generall helps to free men from the works of the Devill 44 Pomps and vanities of the world 46 Helps against them 48 The sinfull lusts of the flesh 50 Reasons of forsaking the works of the flesh 52 In what manner we must forsake the Devill the world and the flesh 54 Of the Christian faith 56 What it is to believe the Articles of Christian faith 58 Helps for the applying Christ to our own soules 62 The use of our believing the Articles of the Christian faith 64 What Gods will is and what to keep it 66 What to keep Gods will and commandement 68 The use of Gods word c. and how it must be heard 70 The manner of the right receiving of the Lords Supper 72 The manner how to pray and to fast aright 74 Vowing 78 Rules for vowing 79 The duty of simpathising 82 Rules for Edifying 84 Almes giving 85 Almes giving and mourning for the sins of the times 86 Helps to mourn for the Sins of the times 88 Of the Sabbath and morality thereof 90 Of the Sabbath and the duties thereof 94 Helps for sanctifying the Sabbath 96 Christian duties to be done in the week dayes 100 Rules of Resolution concerning 6 dayes Sermons 102 Opportunities of hearing discovered by conscience 104 Opportunities of hearing discovered by providence 106 Of reading and Christan conference 108 Of christian conference and daily payer 110 Of prayer in the family 112 Helps to establish a course of family prayer 114 Every one must have a calling 118 What calling to chuse 121 Whether a man may change his calling 122 How to be conversant about a mans calling 124 Recreation allowed and how far 126 Rules for Recreation 128 Of playing for money 130 Of our carriage alone 134 Helps against vile thoughts when we be alone 136 How to take care of our carriage in company 138 Rules for company 140 Duties to Superiours 142 Duties to superiours and inferiors 144 Of our carriage towards equalls 146 Of our carriage towards friends 148 Of our carriage toward enemies and strangers 150 Rules for our carriage in regard of our selves 152 Rules concerning meats and drinks 154 Whether lawfull to drink healths 156 Rules for apparell 160 Of fashions of attire 162 Against pride and vanity in apparell 164 Rules for a good carriage in prosperity 168 Rules for a good carrage in adversity 172 Directions for a good carriage in spirituall afflictions 174 Helps for our carriage in temptations 176 A comfort in all afflictions 178 Common breaches of the 1 Commandement 180 Common breaches of the 2 Com. 182 Common breaches of the 3 Com. 186 Common breaches of the 4 Com. 188 Common breaches of the 5 Com. 192 Common breaches of the 6 Com. 198 Common breaches of the 7 Com. 202 Common breaches of the 8 Com. 206 Common breaches of the 9 Com. 212 Common breaches of the last Com. 217 Infallible signes of a sincere heart 223 The first principles and most fundamentall points of Religion opened 234 Rules for a Christian way 299 Rules for the sabbath-Sabbath-day 305 Rules for a christian carriage every day 310 Counsell for a christian carriage 317. FINIS