to keep Memento mori in the Vade-mecum of our Mind that we may be ready to render up our Soul unto the Hands of a Faithful Creatour ss 12. 2ly Thou must be willing to die Death is indeed Irksome to Nature buâ— when thou considerest it as a passage to thy Fathers house it is pleasant thou must be so willing as to submit to GOD and resign thy Life to His Will for GODS Will is still Good and gâ—ided with excellent â—udgment whether thou Nill or Will thy times are in His band Consult not therefore Flesh and Blood but Faith and chearfully drink of that Cup that all before us have tasted which is sweetened by the death of Christ and better to die willingly than to live in â—pposition to GODS Will say therefore with old Eli the Will of the LORD be done And if it be well principled thy willingness will come up the leâ—gth of a desire to die not of a pievish discontent with Joâ—â—h But with an Apostollick and Heavenly Spirit to desire to depart and be with Christ which is best of all Let not therefore the dreadour of death hinder thy desire since GOD is with thee to give thee a safe passage Death simply cannot case thee but it is dying in the LORD that makes thee Blesseâ— It is gooâ— then to have a well dected Mind and Soul For there are such attractives in the Recompence of Reward the Crown of Righteousness and of being ever with thâ— LORD As may make thee desire to be uncloathed that mortality may be swallowed up in Life 2 Cor 5. 4. I â—issintangle therefore thy self of Worldly Letts that thy Soul may as naturally tend to Heaven as the sparks flee upward ss 13. 3 lâ— Mâ—ke Death familiar to thee for many put off the Evil Day and leave the thoughts of Death to â—ick and Dying Persons but thou should be more prudent walk every day as it were thy Last Day and frequent thoughts of it will make it to be no strange nor sad thing to die Frâ—quent use makes the habit Easie and 〈◊〉 well prepared Christian will say my heâ—â— s fixed § 14 4ly If any doubts fears arise whiâ—â— may be incident to Christians when â—heâ— come seriously to look upon Eternity 〈◊〉 dark passage of death leading thereuntâ— thy death can make thee dâ—ubt of nothinâ— but what state it will put thee into but Givâ— no place to doubt since it is certain 〈◊〉 thou Relie on Christ thou art securâ— Thou must not consult the disorders 〈◊〉 thy life but the well ordered covenanâ— Are thy sins many GOD hath a multitude of mercies are they great he caâ—â— pardon them because they are great hast thou Backslidings He can heaâ— thy Backsliding Hast thou dâ—fficulties Light can clear thee art thou tempted He can Succour thee Art thou dijected He can comfort thee So whatever by thy case if thou come to Him upon the terms of the Gospel thou mayest be Satisfied in his love Iâ— death be the King of terrors CHRIST is the King of comforts Thou needs not fear in fâ—tifaucibus in the jaws of Death If 〈◊〉 be iâ— Gremio Dei in the Bâ—some of GOD let the dart of Death â—trick the shield of Faâ—th will resist its force All Mortals before you have suffered â—eath even Children and the Weaker Sex and it is a sillie thing to dread that which is conquered can do nothing to a Christian but loose him from Bondage There is nothing dreadfull in Deaâ—h but to fall into the hands of an Angry GOD and if your pasillanimous Mind makes thee flee Death it follows thee Get thy Heart and conscience in a right frame then and then thou has nothing to do but to ly dâ—wn and slâ—ep â—et thy faith and hope on work and By a heavenly Spirit lahour with Samson to destroy GODS Enemies Colect thy powers to render up thy Soul with comfort and that same GOD who has made Martyres Rejoice in their tortoures may make thâ—e sing as a Swan in death and Triumph with St. Paul O Death where is thy Sting 1 Cor. 15. 55. § 15 6ly To pray for a happy death Labour to die well and iâ— it be the LORD's will deprecate any thing extraordinary in thy Death except an extraordinary Repentance and a heavenly frame of Spirit Thou shouldest submit to the time and mannâ—r of thy Death but with all beg a comfortable demission to depart in peace and since there are thousand accidents incident to thy lifâ— and many have been taken off the Stagâ— by surprize and in the act of sin thoâ— art to pray for a happie Death and composed mind in dying and think it nâ— unsuitable to Deprecate a sudden Death takâ— Sanctuary in GOD that in the uncertanties of this World thou mayest be secure Labour to Kill this Pasisisk with the Eyâ— of Faith Dayly die to sin and cleay to Christ pay the debt of nature with pleasure Lay down thy Body to a Grave perfumed with CHRIST's Burial and commit thy soul to a faithful Creatour and Blessed Redeemer Prayer in order to Death O LORD Gâ—D of Life and Death Thoâ— only hast the empire over Death O Prince of Life who was once dead and art now alive Give me to live for Thee and in Thee and I shall not die but sleep Thy Love caâ— keep my Soul warm in the dark Valley of Death save me from the bondage of the fear of Death and the sting of it and then I may harmlesly like a Child play on the hole of the Asp Fill me with Light and Spiritual Life and deliver me from â—â—y thing that may make Death irksom that I may lay up store in my best circumstances against the power of it Save me from procuring my Death by the ill Government of my Life save me from all Misdemeanour that may procure a violent Death Deliver me from sudden Death if it be Thy Holy Will and let me not he surprized by my last Enemy Into Thy Hands I commend my spirit perfect Thy Grace in me that I may attain to the end of the Vpright and perfect Man to die in Peace Amen The Second last Thing JUDGEMEMT § 1. AFter Death the Judgement The belief of a Judgement is an Article of our â—reed and a great principle of our Religion Death and Judgement are both decreed Heathens have believed it and Nill they Will they Conscience asserts it and the worst of Men in Crosses and about their dying have had apprehensions of Judgement and such as have stiffled convictions have now within them fatal and fearful Convulsions for as GOD is so is He just and will bring all things to Judgement and tho Sentence be not prâ—sently execute here Yet there remains 〈◊〉 Judgement Concerning which letâ— it 〈◊〉 first enquired as to the Truth of it 〈◊〉 The time of its Commencement 3ly The Judge 4ly the Process And 5ly Thâ— Sentence § 2. First That there is a Judgement to come
Christ in thy armâ— but in thy heart The Prayer LORD Help thy servant and all such 〈◊〉 thou art pleased to bless with a long life 〈◊〉 attain unto that pitch of puritie and preparatiâ—â— as may make us ripe Fruit to GOD that 〈◊〉 may come to the Grave in Good old age aâ—â— Shock of Corn in full maturity give us by tâ—â— Grace under the Burden of old age that 〈◊〉 may be unburdened of the body of sin and deaâ—â— that after all the travels of our life We may râ—â— our Ark under the Pavilion of Thy Eternâ—â— Majesty Amen STAGE Second OF The Quatuor Norissima or feur Last things and how Man is to improve himself in the Consideration of thâ—se § 1. IT is a great Mercy while we last and enduâ—e that the last things be minded For the longest Day will come to an Even and these last things are so new that they never change except that the last Enemy Death will be destroâ—ed 1 Cor 15. 26. It suits well then with a Christian to be well setled as to these Tria sunt omnia said some of the Philosophers but four things are necessary sayeth the Scripture and it is the Vnum Nâ—â—ssarium The one thing needfull to know theâ—e practically for what more certain than Dâ—ath What moâ—e searching than Judgement Wâ—aâ— more dreadfull than Hell And what mâ—re comfortable than Heaven Take then a View of them for thy Christian prâ—fiâ— Of Death § 2. All the World spâ—ak of Death but I know not by what a pleasant yet aâ—e unhappy Charm few seriously lay it to heart Betwixt our Birth our Deaâ—â— there is but a thought or an instant it 〈◊〉 happy then to awake and go to the Houseâ— mourning and see the end of all things Ecc. 7. 〈◊〉 All things dye Empires and Kingdoâ— decay the four Monarchies are out of Dâ—â— The whole Creation groaneth Rom 8. 22. Tâ—â— Universe is but an Universal hospital 〈◊〉 Grave a common Mother where the greâ—â—est Potentats lay down their power aâ—â— crowns and all Mankind put of their glâ—ry for Dust we are and to Dust must we retâ—â—â— All have sinned all must dye ss 3. I shall only mention this commâ—â— Theme that it may be practically iâ—proved by a short discourse of Deaâ—â— anâ— a right preparation for it ss 4. First in discoursing of Deaâ—â— thou art to consider what it is 2ly 〈◊〉 it is 3ly How it is 4ly When it is 〈◊〉 Its sting and strength 6ly The victory â—ver ss 5. What it is Altho there be nothiâ—â— more obvious than Death yet would 〈◊〉 require one from the dead to inform tâ—â— World of it but Abel yâ—t speaketh aâ—â— CHRIST cryes by his Word and Spiriâ— that Death is the Term of thy Temporaâ— â—ife the dissolution of thy earthly Taâ—ernacle and a separation of the Soul â—om the Body It is a long sleep it makes strange Change upon Man it turns the 〈◊〉 House to Rubbish it sets thee off â—e Stage of time to the darker Regions â—f the dead it layeth strength Beauty â—ortune and all the commodities of life â—n the dust it destroyes Nature and thô its Conquest be but over Dust yet this King â—f Terrors Reigneth till the Resurrection § 6. 2ly Why it is All have sinned all â—ust die In the day thou eatest thereof thou shall â—urely die By one Man sin entered into the World and Death by sin The Vltimus Conatus and â—last effort of Death is to dissolve nature Soul and Bodie must sunder The Body sleep and be Refined in the Dust till the last Trump § 7. 3ly How it is The way and manner of Death is dark it comes either by nature or by accident It hovers over our heads like an Eagle in the Air It is like a ship in the Sea whose footsteps are not known It lurks as a Serpent under the Herb And the more hidden the more dangerous it kills us as a Basalisk when we see it not It kills many with pleasure as it hath been observed Plures pereunt Gâ—â— qvam Gladio It besets us before and behiâ—â— so that it is good to have our Witsâ— bout us § 8. 4ly When it is In the beginningâ— progress and end of our Race When 〈◊〉 ver thou begins to Live thou Dies anâ— thy Breath is within thy Nostirles And Death hath smitten the Cedar anâ— the Grass the Good and Bad the Ridâ— and Poor in divers manners and very unâ— expectedly to many it comes as a Thiâ—â— by Night and taketh our earthly house by surprize and although in geneâ—al thâ— Term of our Life be dâ—tâ—rmin'd by GOD Job 7. 1 Yet are there so many incident Tryals and exercises that Man being â—eft to the freedom of his own will by unluâ—kie adventures makes his own Diet of Dying tho so sore against his will when it comes so the wicked is said to die before their time and in the midst of their dayes § 9 5ly The strength and sting of Death Death hath a great strength for no man can see it and live and that which imbiâ—ters it is sin If thou therefore inortifie sin thou plays upon the hole of the Aâ—p and needs not feaâ— the Sting of the Sâ—â—pent It is only sin that makes Death dreadfull for it poisons its dart and makes it bitter to the Uâ—sanctified But CHRISTs Death sweetens all its Acerbities to the Godly and makes them say with Our Saviour The Cup that is given us of GOD shall we not Drink § 10. 6ly The victory over it There is no Cure of Death But in the Prince of Life if we â—ie with Him we shall Live with him We live in our Head and it is he that can say O Death Iâ—e be thy Death There is no Herb on Earth that can cure Death but there is a Tree of Life in Heaven and to such as apply this arigâ—t Death is but a passage to Life and because Christ Lives such shall Live also Secondly THE CONSIDERATION OF DEATH REDVCED TO PRACTICE § 11. It is Excelently well observed by Dr. Taylor that the Scripture acquaints us with one only Way to Die well which is to Live well Which generally holds of all them that have the Use of Reason and of the Means of Grace so that Instance of the Convert Theif doth rather extol the wonderful Love and Merit of our Dying Lord than give any exception against the general Rule For alâ—â—hough such as have lived bad lives may dye with a sort of Peace Yet tâ—â— is no peace sayeth my GOD to the wicked aâ—â— it is only the Upright and the Perfect Maâ— Whose latter end is Peace But This new Lifeâ— not to be measured by dayly Excursioâ— of Temptation but from an habituâ—â— Course of sincere Obedience Since righâ— preparation for death consists in a Holâ— Life and a dayly dying to sin and 〈◊〉 Life being but a Vapour as St. James sayeth It is sad to let it Evaporate in sin and follyâ— It is good then
THE MAP OF THE Little WORLD ILLUMINATED WITH RELIGION Being a Practical Treatise directing Man to a Religious Scope and right Measure in all the Periods of his Life With Devotion suitable To which is added an Appendix containing a GOSPEL MINISTERS Legacie to his Flock in some Sermons upon 2 Pet. 1. 12 c. By PATRICK STRACHAN Minister of the Gospel at St. VIGEANS EDINBURGH Printed by John Reid to be sold by Thomas Brown John Vallange their Shops over against the Parliament-Closs Anno Dom. M. DC XCIII Unto the Right Honourable and truely NOBLE JAMES EARL of PANMURE Lord MAUL BREGHIN and NAVAR c. My most Generous PATRON May it please Your Lordship IN Your Goodness to accept of this small Testimony of my bounded Duty for Your Lordships Patrociny and Singular Kindness to me and mine in a constant Course of Favour which hath still issued from Your Noble Ancestors without the least Umbrage in your Noble Person and your most Honourable Lady Who tho the Daughter of a Prince and One of the greatest Peers of this Ancient Kingdomâ— doth add to Her Natural Splendor thâ— Lusture of a Condescending and Courteouâ— Mean as if her Ladyship were of a loweâ— Extract I cannot but express the Thankful Sentiments I Entertain of the Favouâ— of your Noble Predecessors and of youâ— Honourable and most Worthy Motherâ— Whose approved Conduct Prudent Câ—vil and Edifying Way hath not only Engaged me but all who have had the Honour of her Ladyship's Converse to looâ— upon her as a Woman among a Thousanâ— But I know your Lordship needs no borowed Rayes from the Applauses 〈◊〉 Men And therefore I shal not insist Bâ— only to Begg your Favourable Acceptanâ— of this small Mite of my Gratitudeâ— which tho Weak and Unworthy yet presumes to Kiss your Noble Hands because of its general Design to Advance that Glorious Religion which if it were not opposed by the Lusts of Men and if left to its own Innocence and Native Power would transform the World from a Chaos of Confusion to a wonderous Light So Wishing the Blessings of the LORD' 's Right and Left Hand to your Lordship and Noble Family I shall add no more but that I am in all sincere Duty My LORD Your Lordships Humble Devoted Servant in CHRIST Pat Strachan From my Study at St. Vigeans 14 July 1693. TO THE READER Courteous Readâ—r IF thou shall be pleased to peruse this little Treatise with the Denvedness and Charity wherewith I have laboured to digest and publish it I hope it will meet with little Censure for this is forbidden Jam 3. 1. And it is very much contrary to the Gospel Spirit and argues too much pride Self conceit in the Cenâ—urer and a very malevolent humor that will not allow the offer of a little Mite for the building of the LORDs House by another without Disdaine and contempt and because self is so natural ready like the Ivy to twist it self in with the best of our Essayes I here solemnly renounce it so that if this weak Work may be any wise usefull to the Church and promotive of the Glory of GOD I have my End Reward It is not calculated to the Luxurient fancies of Men nor to any sphere of more sublime Judgements but only that it may be helpfull to such of lower Capacities I send it forth without affection not with the Excellencie of words of Mans wisdom but in the simplicity of the Gospel And therefore I humbly commend it to the Acceptance of GOD it being but a smal thing to be judged by Man such as read it let them do it with Humility denyedness and simplicity And I hope they shall not regrate their pains and if it can do any good it s better done than undone and may possibly drop upon some and afford them a little Oyl to their Lamps to take the blessed Rod of the Kings High Way to lead them through the Laborinth of Time and after all the Wyndings and Traverses of the Stages of our Life happlly bring us by a safe Conduct to the Land of Joy and Peace which that it may contribute to is the earnest Wish of Thy Servant for CHRIST's Sake P. S. The Contents The Entrance Period 1. OF our beginning and bygone life page 1 The prayer Ibid Stage 1. 2 Of the Formation of the Infant 3 Of the propagation of the Soul 5 Of Original sin 7 Of Infant Baptism 10 Stage 2d Of the care of Parents 12 Of Regeneration 13 Of Confirmation 16 Stage third of the evils incident to Children 18 A brief Reinforcement of the duty of Parents 25 A prayer of parents for their Children Ibid A prayer of a Child 27 Stage 4 which Resumeth the instructions for Children 29 The prayer 36 Period 2. Stage 1. Which considereth the portracture and lineaments of Youth 37 The evils incident to Youth 43 Directions for the recovery of Youth 49 The motives Page 58 The prayer 60 Stage 2d Of mans entring into a settled state with suitable Directions 63 The necessity of domestick devotion 72 A morning prayer to be used in a family 75 The evening Prayer 77 Suitable prayer for the bygone stage 79 Stage 3d. which divideth into three courses 80 Course first of the ordering thy person family c. 82 The means and methods to mannage this state of life aright 85 Which are 1st Wisdom Ibid 2ly Prudence 86 3ly Providence 87 4ly Government 88 5ly Improvement Ibid Motives to mannage this state of life 89 The prayer 113 Course 3d. What fine your labour in vertue and piety c. hath come to Ibid Period 3. Of what is to come in the declensians of Nature 119 Stage first Of a serious Recollection of thy self c. 120 What now remains to be done 128 A continuation of this Stage to the outmost Extent of mans life 131 The Prayer 138 Stage 2d Of the 4 last things 139 Of Death ibid Prayer in order to Death 148 Of Judgement 149 The Prayer 155 Of Hell 156 The prayer 159 Of Heaven ibid The prayer 163 A Lamentation for the decay of Religion 167 The Prayer 176 A Vindication of the Forms of Devotion used in this Treatiâ—e Ibid Prayers according to the dayes of the Week 179 Of Psalmodie 189 Of the Doxologie 190 A Vale to the World 195 Devotion suitable 204 In the Appendix SErmon I. Of the compact Chain of our Holie Religion c. page 1. Sermon II. The dutie and diligence of the Apostolick Curate discribed c. page 10. Sermon III. of the expediency and usefulness of the means for the advancement of practical Religion c. page 26. Sermon IV. Of the practical knowledge of Death and the Information that the LORD giveth some of his favorites thereof c. page 36 Sermon V. Of the endeavours which faithful Ministers have to make their labours useful after their decease c. page 45. Sermon VI. Concerning the truth and excellency of our Holy Religion
much blot and Blur their delicacy § 5. And now by way of transition from the bygone time to the present For in this Stage of Mans life its high time for him to begin to reflect upon bygone and to consider where he is and that he ascends to an higher Horizon I shall leave all what I have said in order to the first Period of our life and the Stages thereof and take Man in his ascendant by the hand and lead him by Religion in this second Period of his life and the Various Circumstances and Stages thereof The Prayer AND thou O Great Father of the World who by the wise providence Carries Man from the Womb to Youth in the weak beginnings of his life and darker Rudeness of unjointed Judgement who pities his infirmities and provides for his healing and help bâ— the expresses of Purest reason Sanctifie this Period of his life Principle and ballast this new Vessel well with the sweet Odours of Religion that there be not any thing wrong in the first Region and no error and misdiet in the first concoction that so Man may be shaped and formed for thy self and Prepared for Felicity in the lustrous and lightsome Steps of thy holy Religion Amen Period second Of our Present time and the State of our Growing Age. STAGE I. Which commenceth from the 18 year of Mans age to twenty two or thereabout The Contents Considereth the portraiture and lineaments of Youth and the evils incident to that age with some directions and motives for the Right ordering of this circumstance of our age and some hints of particular Directions as to Our Natural Spiritual and Moral Capacitie for the help of youth Now entering more visible upon the Stage in the open View of the World With sutable Devotion § 1. NOw come I to consider a very turbulent and dangerous part of Man's Age Let man now consider what he is now arrived to almost at the top of the wheel and may be a little look back to the darker Region of his Childish years and how long he hath been buried in Oblivion without true sense solidity his many Unmanly and Unchristian Infirmities It hath been enquired concerning Childish follies See Dr. Taylors Ductor dubitantium Pag 800. How long they are excused as Inevitable Errors and Invincible Ignorance But since our Original sin makes us Culpable miserable before GOD I think it best to reflect with grief upon bygon infirmities and to labour in our growing Age nad Youth-hood which I have guessed to begin about the eighteen year of Man's Age to correct our selves of bygon infirmities and prepare to act more wisely and solidly in the more grave and settled state of Life § 2. Youth now iâ— his Morning Rise having the timous season to begin a course of Vertue and Duty having put off childish habits childish things being now dissintangled from these triffles must act like a Man God doth make some embrace his Yoke from their Youth by his Grace makes the motion and life of the New Creature appear in them and their way and such a Youth is like to be usefull in his Generation to GOD the World and himself and O how happy is such a 〈◊〉 whom GOD takes by the heart and by the hand betimes and fitteth him with good inclinations and warm tender Affections to love GOD and fear Him And to remember his Creator in his Youth Ecc 12. 1. Whereby much sin and folly in him is prevented and such corruptions as make the way to Life difficult if not impossible to Man Thus many seek to enter in at the strait gate and are not found able like that young Man in the Gospel Mat 19 6. Who probably had some good in him and came to CHRIST sincerely and not as the Pharisees did to tempt him Yet Because the Idol of the World was lurking in his heart he went away sorowfull from CHRIST But the Youth that hath reminded his Baptism Vow is put in a fair way to make progress in Vertue and Duty § 3. But alas Youth is in a sharp fever with a phrensie till GOD cool aâ—d câ—re him some are rather Gazers then Discerneâ—s a sort of Animal that but stares on the World and knows not well what he is doing Like a Bullock or wild Colt unacquainted with the easie yoak of duty He Evaporates in Air and Vanity like an imaginary Prince thinks himself None such who but he he towers up in t the Air there to build a Castle and propose to get a name through phansie without the methods of Fame and Vertue No considering that he lyes like a silly fool exposed to all temptation § 4. The Wisdom of GOD pronunceth that Child-hood and Youth are Vanity Ecâ— 11. 10. And the Psalmist praveth thaâ— the Errors of his Youth be not Remembred Psal 25. 7. The most of Youth without Restrain are evil there may be some better natures and Humours but all have the Common Corrupt nature which makes it's Eruptions like Aetna and giveth Cause of Regrate all the following life-time Great Augustine who of a profligate youth became the Oracle of Doctors because of the extravagancieâ— of his younger Age is very full and particular in his confessions Youth is wise in it's own conceit and so the Greater Fool he 's a little Gay with warm blood strength and health so that he is ready to think himself invincible and being of uncertain Humour concludes himself without a change But what 's thy strength O Young Man to the strength of a horse Behemoth or Leviathan A Lion or a beast of Prey may soon devour thee a Feverish disease may soon consume thee and Death thou so little thinks upon may turn thy White and Red Complexion into Black and Pale Dust The strength of the horse may fail but such as trust in the LORD shall renew their strength Isa 40 29. It is good then for Youth to pray for the Influence of that CALL that raised Lazarus from the Dead For if Grace interveen not There is a Law in the Members which rebels against the law of the mind which leads the Youth Captive to the power of sin and Death Rom 7. 23. § 4. But I must descend to more minute Particulars concerning Youth For this is in many a very unruly part of their Age very confused in the Rational Part And man in this State is altogether lighter then Vanity Who lives much by Phansie and Imaginations and is not so careful to â—ress the Soul as to attire the Body Yet a Roâ—e hath a greater gloss and beauty than all his artificial Decorement O it is sad to be proud of that which hides his nakedness and discovers that he is fallen Let this painted Spectacle appear in view he is like a Willâ— Ass snuffing up the wind Some are Lâ—â— quacious others Tongue-tyed Yet what is wanting in words is made upâ—â— Vaunts and vain Glory they look 〈◊〉 high that they
have no excuse to neglect Religion in thy most busie Employment It will be good also that thou be a keeper at home and be not like a Bird that wanders from his Nest Let no sinful diversion especially the Tavern take thee away from thy Trade And if thou enclines to Religion follow not the guise of the Times be not carryed about with every wind of Doctrine Rather follow the Faith of the Orderly Church For it is very dangerous for love to a Sect to cutt the Church and break the Staves of Beauty For as long as thou reels with this giddy humour thou canst not well fix in a solid course of Religion And Lastly Beware of Discord and Division in thy family For 〈◊〉 consumes the Substance thereof makâ—â— many careless and desperate is an Enâ—â—my to all thâ—iâ—t For A house diviâ—â— cannot stand § 7. And for the management bâ—â— of thy conjugal Relation and callingâ—â— must here in the beginning of thy settâ—â—ment Recommend unto thee domâ—â—tick devotion and â—amily worship a duâ—â— that none of the seed of Jacob should â—â—cline it being their Fathers practice whâ—â— house was a Bethel to GOD a little Teâ—â—ple for the LORD of Glory who hâ—â— this duty brought down to him from 〈◊〉 famous Grandfather Faithful Abrahâ—â— who is commended for the Religious Gâ—â—vernment of his Family whose steps 〈◊〉 sau treased a man much of Contempâ—â—tion at home And thô Jacob hâ—â— Greater incumbrance and a more nuâ—â—erous family Yet his house as well 〈◊〉 person was consecrated to GOD. aâ—â— not only the Jews but also Christiaâ—â— should follow the Steps of these Venerâ—â— Patriarchs to be lively portractures of thâ—â— vertues as Images of their nature Aâ—â— this duty is so proper to the family thâ—â— before the Church was enlarged 〈◊〉 Master or Father of the House was â—â—iest and did officiate in the dayly Sâ—â—â—ifice at home And when the Church 〈◊〉 made more ample it is constitute of â—amilies which if Heterogenius to the â—ody they are but useless and corrupt â—embers Whereas the Families of the Faithful are blessed of GOD And His â—rath power'd out upon such families as all not upon His Name Jer 10. 25. Joshua that great Capâ—ain of the LORDS â—ost did not suffer his military Affairs 〈◊〉 hinder him and his House to serve GOD tho all Israel should neglect it David after him in the midst of a Bloomâ—â—g State under the burthen of a Crown and Countrey Yet walked Righteously in his House And every Tribe Family is called to pray and mourn a part Zech 12. 13. And the Gospel hath set up this Duty clearly Christ hath promised to be among the midst of two or three conveened in his Name And we read of the Church being in particular Houses and the Centurion feared GOD with all his House Acts 10 2. And Christ hath made 〈◊〉 a Royal Priesthood and a Holy Generation And this doth rather prepare for than invade a setled order of a Priesthood Private and Publick duty doth not interfere and Clash Thou must not only pray for thy Family but pray in thy Family Is the LORD the GOD of all the Familys of the Earth and not of thine Shalt thou wish GOD a Catholick service and cutt of thy Family by schisme This were to joyn thy House to another GOD or else to have none at all Let all Houses then that Smoak Smoak with Sacrifices to GOD for the House of the Godly is under a special Protection his Eyes are open to their Prayers GOD is a Shadow and Covert over the Roof of such Families It 's good To declare his Faithfulness every night and his Loving Kindness every morning Psal 92. 2. Let the People praise Thee O LORD let all the People praise Thee And Lastly This Duty of Family Devotion may be called Ezekiels Sign and Mark that saves from the destroying Angel and if any trouble fall out GOD knows how to deliver the Godly out of Temptations This Family worship is the great Characteristick of a Christian it makes thy House thy Home and gives thee Repose in thy Perigrination it makes thy house a Dutyful Tenement to the Great Land-Lord it payes due Rent to GOD it is the Bond and Beauty of thy House and makes thy Family like Jerusalem compact together § 8. Let every Christian then Regard Domestick duty which is so necessary and useful to guide the family and to consecrate and cover thy house which if thou Rule well with discretion and good Government thou shall find some leasure if it were but as long as to take thy Brakefast thou may conveen thy family and joyn together and seek GOD it would never hinder thy business but rather advance it if thou pretend thy ignorance it is much to be imputed to thy own fault and the neglect of thy Soul And if you say it is not the custom of many of your Rank Alas You are ready to follow an evil custom but to imitate what is good you have neither heart nor hand yet I am loath to leave thee in such neglect and therefore for meaner Capacities I shall subjoyn the Practice of Domestick Devotion and family Worship The Morning Prayer O Eternal and ever blessed GOD our blessed Creatour Preserver and Redeemer the fountain of Life and the Father of Lights the Keeper of Israel who never sleeps nor slumbers this poor family falls down before Thee this Morning and with all humble Devotion praises thy exalted Name for all thy mercies to Mankind and to us and that Thou has protected and refreshed us the night bygon and raiseâ— us up this morning in any health and hope Glory to Thee who hast given us time to rcpent LORD give us Grace to repcnt and to work oâ— the work of our own Salvation LORD heal oâ—â— corrupt nature sweeten our humour and seasâ—â— our heart with Grace slay our corruptions anâ— give our heart a right set with Thy healing haâ—â— perfect our Faith and guide us by Thy Spirit Vphold us with Thy Arm Refine and â—â—our hearts and passions set a Watch at the dâ—â— of our lips be at our right hand we shal nevâ—â— be moved give us to set Thee alwayes before 〈◊〉 and while it s called the day that we harden 〈◊〉 our hearts but hear thy Word and Voice thâ—â— we may spend the rest of our dayes in Thy 〈◊〉 and sincere Obediâ—nce save us from sin and Satan the deceits of the World and all dangerâ— of Soul and Body LORD bless our Famiâ—â— with Grace Peace Comfort and Contentmenâ—â— Heal the Church rule the publick Governmeâ—â— of Chureh and State Bless the Parish withâ—â— Gospel Blessing strengthen our Pastor prepaâ—â— us for Death and Judgement guide us all our dayes by Thy Council in Thy fear grant us a blessed and happy End and hereafter receive us unto Thy Glory through JESVS CHRIST our LORD in whose Name and Words 〈◊〉 pray Our Father c. And in the evening again labour to Recollect
7. Fifthly How thou art Resolved to encountâ—â— the Trâ—als of this Period § 6. The longer man lives he is 〈◊〉 more subject to infirmities and becaâ—â—â— of our rudeness and many Indisposiâ—ioâ— we are subject to the Rod and Discipliâ—â— of the Holy JESUS Man in the beginniâ—â— of his Life is much inconcerned in 〈◊〉 Youth like a Bullock unacquainted wiâ—â— the Yoak and in his after life he haâ—â— need to be keept under by Fatherly Chastilement and so is subject to personal domestick and publick Tryals Bâ—â— he hath this for an Antidote that the Spirit of GOD in the Word representâ— these Tryals very favourably as instances of Fatherly Love and Mercy Heb 12. 6 Whom I love I chastice sayeth the LORD Kev 3. 19. And count it all Joâ— when ye fall into divers tempâ—ations sayeth St. James Jam 1. 2. It is the great Concern then of a Christian to hear the voice of the Rod To let patience have its perfect Work Jam 1. 4. To be of a contented â—ind to guard against Melancholyâ— Desâ—ondency to kiss the Rod to humble â—nder the Mighty Hand of GOD and to â—mprove the Rod as well as the Word â—or the purpoles of Religion 〈◊〉 But now in â—is declining Age he enters into broken â—aters and therefore should have a well â—uilt Ark and Cast his Anchor within â—he Vail Which in all the Tâ—ssings and Troubles of this Period remains sure and stedfast Heb 5. 4. He must arm with paâ—ience and have his Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace Eph 6. 15. that so through Faith and patience he then may inherit the promises Heb 6. 12. Sixthly If all Delayes be defeated and thou be now intent on thy Work § 7. 'T is dangerous to delay till now yet the Nature of Man is prone to pro 〈…〉 and put off till to morrow but if thy Work be undone thâ—â— will be undone for ever There are many wants and defects indeed for which thou hast an All sufficient Help to recover thee yet must thou be dilligent in the â—use of the Means and GOD that prevents with free Grace can cure it to His Glory Seventhly What is thy Stock and Store in Grace and Vertue § 8. A Vertuous Man brings his Work to some fine and thou should have provision against evil dayes found well upon a Rock that will stand out the storm Labour to be Rich in Faith and good Works and to have fresh Oyl for thy Lamps and the Weddlng Garment neatly wrought Thy Heart and House in order that Tryals and Death do not surprise thee and the cry be at midnight Matth 25. 6. when thou art Sleeping and sudden destruction come when thou sayes Peace And after this serious Recollection thou must ponder aright Secondly What now remains to be done § 1. EVEN the Work that GOD hath given thee to do Look then to thy great bussiness Proficiency and wherein thou are short double thy diligence See that thou has First The methods of thy Life ordered unto Salvation 2ly Thy Progress and middle Work betwixt Youth and declining Age And then how you are prepared to enter the Vltima or the last things It is clear then thou should be now serious and seek first the Kingdom of GOD with all Seeking and persevering Constancy Be faithfull unto Death and the LORD will give thee the Crown of Life § 2. But particularly there are three things ought to be done 1 st That thy house and Affairs be in as good Order as possible 2ly that you may work out the work of your own salvation And 3ly that you Give all dilligence to make sure your Calling and Election § 3. First that thy house and affairs be in as good order as possible To manage thy Earthly concern with Discretion that thou may leave to thy Issue a good example and a 〈◊〉 the portion which GOD hath 〈◊〉 thee with a Blessing Least through thy Neglect thou render those behind thee destitute and despicable without a settled calling and course of vertue And if through incident accidents thou has been hurt in thy Estate GOD can make any remnant be like the Widows Cruse for thee and thine If thou improve dispensations to the best And to all that desire to thrive I cannot but Recommend a discreet Charity The merciful man disperseth and gives to the poor lends to GOD And his seed shall be well behind him as in Psal 37. and 112 But thy great work is 2ly to work out the work of thy own salvation Phil 2. 1. That thou put on the copstone as well as lay the foundation that thou perfect thy Faith and Repentance Charity and other Graces to have thy soul â—rim'd with the Wedding Garment and thy Lamps full of Oyle till the cry come Behold the Bride Groom cometh That thou fight that fight of Faith that so upon good Ground thou may expect the Crown of Righteousness that will be given all those who love Christs appearing 3ly That thou give all diligence to make thy Callling and Election sure which is not obtained by listening to humour and instinct but by that diligence that becomes a Christian in the exercise of faith And good works for it is not by the Revolving the leavs of destinie but by a diligent search of the Book of GOD and by a life suitable thereunto that thou canst secure thy peace and thy soul for there is no peace layeth my GOD to the wicked A Continuation of this STAGE From 50 to 70. and to the uttermost extent of Mans Life § 1. ALtho many fall ere they arrive to this stage of Life Yet since GOD hath given it and does give it to some to teach the length thou art seriously to consider thy Duty and how thou may improve it to the best which through Grace may be done If 1. thou labour to arrive at any pitch of Wisdom 2. If thou be well resolved to encounter and endure incident personal afflictions 3ly What account thou can give of thy self to GOD and Man 4. If through CHRIST helping thee thou labours to perfection 5. If thou be running thy Race in the good fight of Faith 6ly If thou be buâ—ie now in ripening thy self for Heaven 7ly If thou dayly prepare for Death and have thy Soul fixed upon wing to flee to yonder Regions where CHRIST is And last of all to consider the means and motives to advance these § 〈◊〉 First If now thou hast arrived â—o any pitch of Wisdom The Apostle James Gives a full direction as to this Who is a wise Man among you let him shew forth by a good Conversation with Meekness Wisdom For as the Fear of GOD is beginning of Wiâ—dom so it compleats Wisdom forseeth and is provident Fâ—â—rageth with vain confidence Wisdâ—â— makes thee a wise Virgine to provide 〈◊〉 in thy Lamps it directeth and clearâ— your affairs it puts thy house and Soul order and it keeps a clear account by good conscience since
is the Faith of the Church the hope of the Just the comfort of the aflicted and the great Crise and Result of of mortal Life Which will determine all the Intriges of Providence and destribute Rewards and Punishments according to their Works Theâ—e is a principâ—e and facultie in every Man which makes him accountable to GOD. This as it is an Article of our Creed so the Scripture fully determines it Ecc. 12 14. Matt 25. Acts 17. 30. 2 Cor 5. 10. GOD will be publickly manifested in His Hâ—liness and Justice the Equity and Reasonableness of His Laws and severity against sin Who will not acquite thy guilty And the monuments of Grace will sâ—e their Demerit had not the Merit of Christ prevented the punâ—shment Fixe then this Truth in thine heart and constantly apprehend â—â—th an Ancient Father that thou hearest 〈◊〉 Sâ—uâ—dâ—ngs of the last Trump with â—he Voice of GOD Arise Dead and come te Judgement § 3. 2ly That this Judgement in a part commenceth immediatly after Death is assâ—rted by the Apostle Heb 9. 27. The Saints of old have â—nherited the Promises The Convert Thief immediately after was judged and entered Paradise and the rich Glutton got his Doom and after his death was set to the place of Torment But the open visible and general Assize of the whole World is delayed to the time of the Restitution of all things When and where Soul and Body Good bad Young and Old without Law and under Law will be judged According to their Works and tho in the Apostles times some were â—hanatick said that the Resurrection was past some Atheitical scoffers as St. Peter sayeth Impioâ—sly Ragâ—ing and â—corning where is the promiss of his coming not knowing that God worketh hitherto hath great patience in whose Eternal View a Thousand years are but as one day yet when his works is done all the World will be judged which day and Hour GOD hath keept secret in his Eternal Council 〈◊〉 good and holy ends And there somethings yet unaccomplished before 〈◊〉 end to wit the full conversion of the Jeâ— Rom. 11. 26 and the discoverie of 〈◊〉 declension of the Christian Church 〈◊〉 exposing of that man of sin and son Perdition The pure Gospel becom 〈◊〉 divive and the Christian Church be muâ— liberated from the great Corruption 〈◊〉 manners and worship according to 〈◊〉 Primitive Patern When these shall comeâ— pass and not till then shall the end 〈◊〉 In the mean time let us pâ—ssess our selâ— with the Belief of This truth that all 〈◊〉 nerations shall be judged before the Tâ—â—bunal of the Soveraign Judge ss 4. 3ly The Judge GOD hath coâ—mitted all Judgement to the Son Aâ—â— hath appointed a day in which he will Judge 〈◊〉 world in Righteousness by him Acts. 17. 3â— We must all appear before the judgement sea◠〈◊〉 CHRIST 2 â—or 5. 10. When the Son 〈◊〉 Man shal appear in his Glory Matt. 25. 3â—â— And in this he Exerciseth his mediâ—torial Kingdom which will continue tâ—â— the last Enemie be distroyed which 〈◊〉 Death He declined to be a Judge on â—arth but came to be Judged and it is â—ighly reasonable that he who was unâ—ustly judged should judge the World in Righteousness Then shall they who have â—earced him by their sins mourn and â—owl But His afflicted people shall lift up â—heir head and say This is the Day that â—he LORD hath made Blessed is He who comâ—th to save us For our LORD and Kingâ—o whom the Godly have submited in â—heir time whose Scepter Cross they wilâ—ingly have born is now come to deliver â—hem He that bore our sins on His own Body on the Tree He that is a Compaâ—sionate High Priest He that is the King of Peace is now come to Judge them according to the Gospel of Peace and His easie Yoak which they did take upon them and walkt under What then shall such expect but Love and Peace and Pity from their LORD King and Brother Who is much Meeker than Moses more Loving than David and more Merciful than Man can be Whereas it shall be a great dreadour to the wicked to behold this Meek LAMB roaâ— like a Lyon against them § 5. 4ly The Process We cannot coneeive how soon and yet how exactly this-shall be done since every ones Conscience is in the place of a Thousand Witnesses and the Judge needeth no Information nor farther probation Every one then will be Judged according to that Law which was Given them to walk by And such as are under the Gospel shall be Judged by the Law of libertie Jam 1. 25. And the Issue will be whether they have obeyed or disobeyed the Gospel and walked suitably thereunto and answered the opurtunities they have enjoyed above oâ— thers to make them Christians indeed And fit for the Kingdom of GOD. ss 6. 5ly The Sentence will be accord to thy works tho thou be justified by Faith and saved by Grace yet the LORD will reward according to thy works For to the true Christian there is a wonderful mitigation of the Rigor of the Law by the easie terms of the Gospel and such shal receive sentence according to that Infinite Love revealed therein then shal the great sheepherd appear in Glorie yet probably with the Honourable marks of the Cross that all who have gloried in Hiâ— Cross may rejoice such as have stumbled at â—t hang their heads The Sentence shall decide in favours of Believers and all who have Closed with the conditions of the Gospel and Obeâ—ed the Faith 1. 5. Which is the great specifick of Christanity Such may appear before him with his marks upon them of Faith Mortification and Self-denyal c. And that in their time they have born Testimony against a sinful Generation they shall receive that favourable sentence Come ye Blessed c. The Prayer O Soveraign Judge prepare me for Death and Judgement It is much my comfort that thou art Judge Competent and Compassionate Thou wilt not acquite the Guilty yet Thou delights in mercy and there is forgiveness with Thee that Thou may be feared LORD give me my discharge in time for Who can condemn CHRIST has dyed I make my humble application to the Mercies of Thy Infinite Bowels the Merit of Thy Death the worth of thy Blood and the Power of Thy Intercession I have many Accusers am convict But LORD say to me that thou will not condemn me Thou knows all the Intrigs of my Soul What I cannot clear LORD do Thou cancell I make Mercy my claim Thy Merit my Trust and Thy Righteousnesâ— my Justification Give me the White stone to refresh my Soul till Thou grant me the Crown oâ— Righteousness at Thy Appearing Amen The Third Last Thing HELL 1. TO treat of Hell is a sad Subject Tophet should have a Beacoâ— set over it that Passangers may be aware Let us then consider 1 The Certainty of a future punishment of the Wicked in another World and
Soul I choise thy Statutes as my Heritage in the Land of my pilgrimage and Thy Salvation as my Inheritance for ever Give me victory over the World by Faith and grant me Peace Patience and Perseverance to the End Amen Sixthly Devotion for Old Age on Saturday O Ancient of Dayes who remains still in that prime of purest Light and Glory look upon me whom Thou hast preserved in all the periods of life in great mercy Visit me in this my groaning stage with Thy Salvation Let all the errors of my Youth and by gone Age be done away that I may have no burden from my former life now support me when old age hath overtaken me Blessed be God that I have escaped sad Accidents and the hurtful effects of any miss-government of my Life Grant I may now be taken up with Heavenly Exercise and contemplations that I may Receive Dimission with Christ not only in my Arms but in my Heart Renew my inner-man day by day that tho my Limbs be weak my Faith Hope and Charity may be strong And grant me a house with Thee 2 Cor. 5. 1. When my Earthly House shall fall I entered into the World with a groan and nature of necessity must groan being Burthened But Lord exhileraâ—e my Spirit that I may leave the World with great Joy that the day of my Redemption draweth near and may be Refreshed in the Suburbs of Heaven with the Joyful Musick of the Saints that so I may sing in Death and triumph over the Grave through JESUS CHRIST the Prince of life my LORD and life my strength and Redeemer Amen Devotion in order to the Eternal Sabbath On Sunday or the Christians LORDS Day O Lord of Sabbaoth I Bless thee that has brought me out of the toils of the World to rest with thy self Lord take me up to some mouâ—t to â—ee thy Glory where I may erect a Tabernacle not for Earth but Heaven Quicken me with the Life of CHRIST to seek those things above and if I look back to the World it is not for love to it but to see it's vanity I admire the works of Creation and providence and the portract of the little World to show the praise of GOD But I cannot get words nor thoughts to expatiat tiat on the work of our Redemption by Thy Son Nor capacity to Comprehend the height deepth breadth and length of thy love in him But I desire so love him with all my heart and above all the World I behold him now Rising from a Sea of Blood with the Glory of all his conquest LORD put me in the Spirit on this day to Relish the sweet influences of the Holy Ghost that I may be fitted foâ— the Eternal Sabbath where all duties and longing shall be turned into rewards and enjoyments and thy Name be Celebrated with Everlasting wonder Hymns Hallelujahs World without end Amen AND in Regard that Evangelical work of Praise and Singing of Psalms is a special Part of Devotion cease not in thy Pilgrimage and Solitudes to Sing And if you restrict your selves to David's Psalms For your Birth and Child-hood Sing Psalm 51. From the Beginning and the 71. Psalm from Verse 5. For your Youth Psalm 25. And Psalm 109 from Verse 9. For your â—iper Years and your Family the 101 Psalm and Psalm 144 at the End For your Old Age Psalm 71 9 and 18 Verses and if the Church thought fit ye may also make use in your Devotion other Scripture Psalms The Song of Israel on the Banks of the Red-Sea â—he Song of Simeon Zacharias and the Blessed Virgin and the Songs in the 1 5. and 7. Chapters of the Revelation And particularly the Doxologie which hath been of constant use in the Christian Church and is no other but an ascribing of sempeternal Praise to the Ever Blessed Trinity Which tho the Leprous Church of Rome use yet is it Clean to the Pure and it is very sad that it should be controverted in the Militant Church since it will be sung for ever in the Triumphant And since the Mysterious but Salutary Doctrine of the Trinity was contradicted by the Arians in Old and some of that same Gang under another Name of Late there is still occasion for the using of it And to distinguish the Modest and Regular Christian from such as in vade it by Opposition for to commend their Beloved Sect it is not amiss to rise up in token of a more immediat Address and closing with the custom of the Church wherein we should not be contentious And if â—ou please in your Private Devotion to Sing after this manner 1. MY heart is fix'd my â—eart is fix'd now will I sing and praise I 'le praise the Lord with songs unmix'd and still Thy Glorie raise 2. Now Haâ—elujah's shall extoll the Lord God of my praise And still in praises Thee enroll and laud and never cease 3. My little Harp is tun'd to laud my Lord my God my Love With Heavenlie Queer Thy Name applaud Thy Glories all approve 4. All Songs below â—ad not the Clief to raise Thee thus in ault They were sincere but not the chief as those which GOD exalt Second Hymne 1. I Wear the Crown Christ still renown I reign and He 's Supream I am extol'd to praise my King and glorie in His Name 2. I am as well as heart can wish mâ— Soul is all in bless With Joy and Peace Rests and Relish the sweets I now express 3. I see my God my Christ my joy all mysteries are gone Nothing now but Love I know and melodie Divine 4. The Tree of Life maâ—tains my life never to die again O Death in time thou art so rife but here thy strength is vain 5. I live I love I much delight I â—raise and never cease I see and feeâ— with Soul and Sp'riâ— I m all in Light and Bless 6 What can I â—ake For I have all my God is here with me And I with him perpetual my Christ and God to see 7. Here without doubt I 'le glorie give to Father Son and Spirit I 'le praise my God and not deprive frâ—m his just Right and Merit 8. From the first Minute to Ages all I will â—ssert â—â—y Golre In melodies sempiternal to Triâ—e Vne evermore Third Hymne 1. O Sp'rit of Light tune now my sp'rit with Heaven fill my heart And give me seâ—se of that great Light that I may act my part 2. With all the Host and Heav'nlie Queer that never ceass to cry Thrice holie Lord and Thee admire in Peace and Rest and Joy 3 My Soul my Heart my Sp'rit my Powers all joyn to Praise Thy Name My GOD my Life my Hope my Help I 'le praise Thy Mercies Fame 4 Thy Help in need hath made me Glad Thy Grace was still my claim And fresh Supplie hath me releiv'd I magnifie Thy Name 5. I 'le Praise I 'le â—ing I 'le Hope and Joy in Thy great Grace so Good I
time of plowing and sowing in order to our great harvest We must work while it is called the day for the night cometh wherein no man worketh John 9. 11. What ever our hand findeth to do we must do it with our might for there is no knowledge nor work in the grave Ecl. 10. 9. The present time is the season of preaching â—o day if he will hear his Voice Ere long the Pastor's Mouth will be closed as well as your Ears GOD useth not to send a Seminary from the Dead to preach the Gospel the Living shall praise Him and act for Him for in this short Life all our Bussiness must be done in order to Eternitie the LORD doth not cause preach to the Dead for in the state of Separation our Bodily Organs are consumed and the Soul is under its everlasting Sentence it s therefore absolutely necessary that we plye our Work in time with all Alacrity and Diligence But this must be more particularly unfolded by the consideration of these following heads 1. The great care that serious men should have to make use of the Season 2ly Their great Diligence that they should manifest in their weighty Work 3ly The Frailty and Brittleness of our mortal Life our Soul is in a Tent or Tabernacle 4ly The Reinforcement of the Remembrance upon this account 1. The great Care that Serious Men should have to make use of the Season This is not the Work of Yesterday for that is past and cannot be recalled nor of to Morrow for we know not what then may be Prov. 27 1. Therefore we should not bost of it for we know not what a Day may bring forth But it is the Work of the Present 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Instant which passeth as a Thought and will not abide Delayes and as we know not if we shall preach another Day so people know not how long the Voice may be behind them saying This is the Way But this they may know that it is the Voice of GOD that calletâ— them and they know not how soon iâ— it may be silent and the Heavenly Oraclâ— give no more Response 2ly The great diligence that Serioâ—â— Men should manifest in their Weighty Work Their Work is a Harvest the Labourers should be busie and tho GOD doth not allow that with too fast driving we put our selves out of Breath yet since the Work tho very weighty is so pleasant and so necessary and the exercise of the greatest Charity of the World to do good to Souls and since we have anointing Oil and the Aid of the Spirit to enable us we should not be idle nor taken up with Triffles and vain things and especially shun all worldly and sinfull Distractions that we may be well excercised in so good and necessary a Work 3ly The frailty and Brittleness of our mortal life Our life is both short and uncertain we are Pilgrims on Earth and sojurn as all our Fathers have done our Soul is in a tent and our life is but Transient ambulatory and transitory we are Pilgrims Souldiers strangers and not at home we have no continuing abode here the Tabernacle and Tent may soon be lowsed our passing house fall about our ears Which as it should prevent our taking our Rest on Earth so should it make us busie while we are in this Tabernacle and animate us in all our travels on earth with our priviledge that we shall come to a Temple and have a House with GOD Eternal in the Heavens 4ly The Reinforcement of the Remembrance upon this account the Apostle makes much use of this Word for Ministers are GOD's mouth they should admonish and incite People to duty People should be warned for they are secure and become tuchy when they are awakened they are ready to say Peace Peace before sudden destruction Come We should therefore seek supplie to our Lamps in time and to have our Wedding Garment in hand against the Bridegroom come there be many things to give us Memento and Ministers should never forget to give this warning but labour to keep people on foot to Run their Race unto the End Sermon IV. Of the Practical Knowledge of Death and the Information and Warning that the LORD giveth some of His Favourites thereof Knowing that shortly I must put off this Tabernacle Verse 14. ALTHO no doubt this Holy and Reverend Father had his Soul still upon readiness to render it up on his Master's Call with all Chearfulness And tho he was animated to Duty by an extraordinary Help of the Spirit Yet the Knowledge he was shortly to put off his Tabernacle did serve as a motive in him to excite him in his holy Work As his Master before him John 9. 4. 2 Wherein we may Consider 1st His Resolution Practical Knowledge of his approaching dissolution 2ly His favourable Representation of Death a putting off this Tabernacle and giving the Soul more room to commerce with GOD. 3ly His more than ordinary Information of this his Deseace As to the First we may observe that the Practical Knowledge of Death serves much to make serious Doct. 1 Men well Employed All men know they must die but few consider and improve it Which maketh Moses in the Name of the LORD so pathetically cry out O that they were wise to consider their latter End Deut. 32. 26. And Jeremiah so sadly to lament That Jerusalem was taken away because she knew not her last end The best of Men have layed this to Heart I have run sayeth St. Paul Cor 9. 26. For Death puts a Period to all Business Eccles 9. 10. Death puts us ab agendis a Judgement immediatly follows where account must be given of our Stewartship Who is then that faithful Servant that when the LORD cometh shall find so doing and busie about his work Do not say the LORD delayeth his comming let not GOD's Patience make thee procrastinate but be the more busie that thou hast a day to labour in 2ly If thy Work be imperfect and not done it will remain undone for ever and except Christ stand for thee thou will enter imperfect to ternity It is dangerous to sleep our time or triffle it but rather if thou hast loitered double thy diligence This practical knowledge of Death concerns all Men Omnes Tangit from the Court to the Countrey from the Palace to the Cottage Death hath an Universal Empire over all Ranks Sexes Ages Goodness Greatness Riches and the Greatest power and strength cannot prevent it bribe it nor oppose it It is the Messenger of the Great King It cannot be deforced disce mori learn to die is a great lesson it is a great principle in Practical Religion as nosce teipsum to know thy self is necessary Death comes upon many with a surprise and unaware it creeps on Gray hares are here and there on us ere we advert There are some inconsiderate and layes it not to heart Some are dead and drowned in interest and sing