the hand and power of sin Satan death and hell bring them into his Church and kingdome by effectual calling and regeneration and to govern them by his word and spirit to life everlasting John 10.16 Haggai 2 7. Ezek. 34.23 24. Also there must be a particular and distinct knowledge in some measure of the moral law of God and of the Sacraments Of the law of God a brief sum of which we have contained in the Decalogue or Ten Commandments which contains the duty we doe owe to God and Man what is evil and what we are to repent of shun and avoid and what we are to do and practice how we are to carry our selves both towards God in all duties of piety and holiness and towards man our selves and others in the duties of mercy justice and equity The Sacraments also There must be a particular knowledge of the Sacraments of the new Testament viz. Baptism the Lords Supper Baptism is a Sacrament of our ingrafting into Christ communion with him and entrance into the Church Mat. 28.19 Rom. 6.3 4. It signifies the washing away of sin from the Soul by the blood of Christ and the renewing graces of his Spirit and so our justification and forgiveness of sinnes and our sanctification Mark 1.4 Acts 2.38 Titus 3.5 And binds all that have been baptized to believe in Christ forsake sin and live holy according to the command of God Acts 8.37 38. Mat. 3.8 Rom. 6.3 4 5. Baptism it a priviledge which belongs to all the Infants of believing Christian Parents Mark 10.13 14. When some would have hindred the Parents from bringing their young children to Christ to bless them his Disciples rebuked those that brought them but when Jesus saw it he was much displeased and said Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of these and such like is the kingdome of God If little children 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Infants Children new borne as Luke hath it Luke 18.15 be within the Covenant as they are then they ought to have the Seal of the Covenant and if they be of Gods kingdome his subjects then they must wear his Livery and badge Infants are now as capable of receiving Baptism and the benefits of it as the Infants of the Jews were to receive Circumcision and what is now objected against Infant-baptism might as well have been alleadged against the Jews circumcising their children therefore to lay aside or deny Infant-baptism to the children of believing Christians is in effect to make themselves wiser then God I will add but one argument That which was commanded and practised by the people of God for two thousand years yea and much more was approved and commanded of God and is no where forbidden or repealed is still to be used but the sealing of the Infants of believers with the first seal of the Covenant was commanded practised by the people of God so long also approved and commanded of God and 't is no where repealed or forbidden shew it if any can therefore it is still a duty to be observed by Christian believing Parents Object It is objected that Infant-baptism is no where commanded in the new Testament nor any express example and we must do nothing without divine warrant Answ True but this is sufficient warrant to give the first seal of the Covenant to Infants was expresly commanded in the old Testament and is no where repealed or forbidden therefore a duty still as the observation of the Lords day or Christian Sabbath is by the fourth Commandment Besides there are express general commands to baptize Infants in the New Testament as Mat. 28.19 Act. 2.38 39. and general examples of whole housholds and 't is much more then probable there were many children in them let them prove the contrary if they can men had need to have cleer express Scripture to lay aside a duty commanded and approved of God so long practised by the godly by the whole Church of God It troubles me to see and hear that any professing godliness should be so far deceived and be so injurious to themselves their poor Infants as to deny to give them that priviledge and favour which undoubtedly Christ allows and intends whose grace and priviledges are not less to the children under the Gospel then to them under the Law but rather much more That place most think is full Rom. 11.17 The Gentiles being ingrafted into the true Olive-tree do partake of the root and fatness of the Olive-tree of all the priviledges of the Jews the true Church of God whereof Abraham was the root and father of which to be within the Covenant to be members of the Church of God and have the first Seal of the Covenant which now is baptism is one and when they come to years the Sacrament of the Lords supper also I will add but this If Christ under the Gospel hath barred Infants of believing Parents of the Sacrament of Baptism then it is either in mercy or in judgement let them that deny Infant-Baptism make their answer I know readily what to reply But I now study brevity brief hints onely not large treatises 2. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is also an ordinance instituded by Jesus Christ in the same night in which he was betrayed to be a Sacrament of our continuance and growth in Christ to represent and signifie the body and blood of Christ crucifyed for our sins together with all the benefits of his suffering and death 1 Cor. 10.16 and 11.23 24 25 26. To be a special token and pledge of his great love in suffering and dying for lost and miserable sinners and enemies Rom. 5.6 7 8. The end is to confirm our faith in Christ communion with him and all saving graces in us but it cannot confirm these where they are not to keep in remembrance the Lords death until he come again and to testify our love one to another 1 Cor. 10.16 1 Cor. 11.24 26. 1 Cor. 12.13 These and all other grounds and principles of the Christian Religion at least those which are absolutely necessary to life and salvation must be known and understood for without a particular distinct knowledge of these doctrines of faith and godliness in some measure there can be neither saving faith nor repentance nor love nor holiness in truth without which there can be no salvation John 17.3 Isai 53.11 This is life eternal to know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Prov. 19.2 Without knowledge the minde is not good Hos 4.6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledg Particularly concerning the Sacrament consider 1 Cor. 11.27 29. Whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of the body and blood of the Lord and eateth and drinketh damnation to himself Mark the reason in the next words not discerning the Lords body
Christ or blessed Trinity 7. and have one God and Father Rom. 16.17 Now I beseech you Brethren mark them which cause divisions among you and avoid them He that separateth from a true Christian a child of God or any one whom Christ ewneth and receiveth though never so weak and mean doth so far separate and disown Christ himself who is the Head of that Member Consider Titus 3.2 Speak evil of no man also Jude ver 19. 2. Endeavour what in you lieth the peace of the Church and Common-wealth Mark 9.50 Have peace one with another Rom. 14.19 Follow after the things which make for peace and wherein one may edifie another Heb. 12.14 Follow after peace and holiness without which no man shall see God 2 Cor. 13.11 Finally Brethren be of one mind live in peace and the God of love and peace shall be with you The Gospel is the Gospel of peace Rom. 10.15 Peace is the frequent wish and prayer of the Apostle in every Epistle one end of our calling 1 Cor. 7.15 God is the God of peace Rom. 15.33 Christ is the Prince of Peace Ephes 2.14 Our peace and peace-maker Col. 1.10 It is one of the last Legacies Christ gave to his Church John 14.27 A fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 Therefore let the peace of God rule in your hearts Col. 3.15 For blessed are the peace-makers Mat. 5.9 Labour therefore for a peaceable disposition avoid contentions study to be quiet and mind your own business 1 Thes 4.11 Many and great are the benefits of peace but woful are the fruits of contentions and divisions especially of War 3. Also love one another yea all men godly persons for Godliness sake civil and moral men for their civility and morality temperance justice truth civilities and the like Yea also evil men and enemies love their persons pity them pray for them exercise civility and Christian carriage towards them but shun their evil courses and wicked opinions and ways 1 Pet. 3.8 Love as Brethren be pitiful be courteous 1 Pet. 1.22 See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently It is Christs command Mat. 5.44 Love your enemies bless them that curse you pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you and do good to them that hate you that you may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven for he maketh his Sun to shine on the good and on the bad c. 1 John 4.7 8. Beloved let us love one another every one that loveth i. e. truly heartily for God's and Christs sake is born of God He that loveth not knoweth not God 1 Joh. 3.14 15. We know that we are passed from death to life because we love the Brethren He that hateth his brother abideth in death whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer and you know that no murtherer hath eternal life abiding in him See before 16. Endeavour to be and alwayes walk in the fear of the Lord I mean an holy fear of offending God any way out of love to God Prov. 23.17 Be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long for happy is he that feareth always Prov. 28 14. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom Prov. 1.7 and 9.10 A good understanding have all they that do thereafter Psalm 111.10 The fear of the Lord is to depart from evil Prov. 3.7 and 8.13 and 16.6 It prolongeth life Pro. 19.27 Tendeth to life Prov. 19.23 And a little with the fear of the Lord is better than great treasure without it Consider I pray that you are always in his presence and that he takes notice of all your deeds words and thoughts and that we must give an account of our selves and all our ways unto God Eccles 12.13 14. Fear God and keep his Commandments for this is the whole duty of man For God will bring every work into judgment c. So 2 Cor. 5.10 Rom. 14.10 And therefore as much as in you lieth endeavour to live every day as if it were the last To this end mind two things First be careful to avoid and shun all evil and occasions of sin 1. All sin as much as may be in deed word or thought Sin is the transgression of the Law of God 1 Joh. 3.4 any swerving from the Law of God in the matter manner order time measure or end And sin and nothing but sin is evil in it self or own nature forbidden of God hated of him and severely punished by him is filthy defiles the Soul dangerous and damnable the only meritorious cause of all evil of suffering and sorrow whatsoever in body estate name liberty Soul mind here and both in Soul and body hereafter for ever in Hell Therefore be always afraid of sinning against God out of love of God and holiness which are so transcendently good and out of hatred of sin that is so exceedingly evil and will bring nothing but shame and sorrow most intolerable misery for ever How pleasing soever sin seems to sinners now it will be extreme bitter in the end And especially 2. Shun all occasions of sin As first Evil company there is a great danger of being ensnared and brought into sin by evil company at least of being grieved by them consider Dinahs case Gen. 34.1 2. Also Gen. 39.9 10 c. Prov. 13.2 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise but a companion of fools shall be destroyed Observe not the fool only but he also that accompanies with him therefore saith Solomon Prov. 4.14 15. Enter not into the path of the wicked avoid it pass by it turn away from it Very many hopeful persons have been utterly undone every way in their name estates bodies and souls by evil companions In any company where you have not a necessary obligation to be with them where you have no hope of doing good nor receiving good so soon as with civility you may leave them Pro. 5.8 7.22 23 27. 1 Cor. 16.13 and 15 33 1 Cor. 5.9 10 11. And especially take heed of being tainted with the foul errors corrupt opinions and the sins and abominations of the times wherein you live The fuller the world is of defilements the greater must your care be to keep your selves unspotted of the world Jam. 1.27 As Noah kept himself clear from the corruptions of the old World Lot preserved himself pure from the pollutions of Sodom Daniel was not defiled with the idolatries of Babylon Thus the fish retains his freshness in the salt Sea the rose its sweetness amongst the noysome weeds and the Diamond its brightness though it lie in the dust Keep your selves pure from foul errors and sins as you would have God preserve you safe in dangerous times as he did Noah in the Ark Daniel and the three Nobles in Babylon Ezekiels mourners Jeremiah and many others Secondly avoid evil places places of evil resort and of evil report for uncleanness drinking gaming or any other vice or ungodliness Thirdly
satisfie the vast and boundless desires of the Soul which cause is God for the Soul could not make it self and its admirable faculties 5. The practices of Satan prove as much for the devil labours by all means to move men to deny God to draw them to sin and all ungodliness to extinguish the light of the word and to keep men in ignorance bring them into errours prophaness and all wickedness as our present times and all Ages prove by woful experience and so to bring men to eternal destruction which plainly shews that there is a God who is most holy just good and that gives eternal life to his children servants that desire faithfully to serve him keep his law and obey his commandments John 10.27 28. Heb. 5.9 6. The consent of all Nations in the world prove clearly that there is a God no Nation was ever so barbarous as not to acknowledge and worship a God as the Heathen Orator Cicero observed although they could not by the light of nature know the true God yet they had and worshipped many Gods or Idols rather yea some unknown as Acts 17.23 To the unknown God that they might be sure amongst them all to worship the true God a plain sure argument that they knew there is a God to whom divine worship is due 7. The defence protection and increase of the Church and people of God who were very few at the first notwithstanding all the malice fury power and policy of the Devil and all worldly men his instruments who were very many to one Christian and those many of them of great Authority malice power and policy and laboured with all their might by all means possible that the Devil and worldly men could invent utterly to root out all that did own and profess Jesus Christ and the Christian Religion as Psal 83.2 3 4 5 6. Notwithstanding the Christians have been wonderfully preserved defended supported and strengthned to indure contempt disgrace poverty imprisonment and the most exquisite torments that could be invented even to the death with invincible courage and admirable patience comfort and cheerfulness also many of them were much increased by the very same means the Enemies used to root them out and the Enemies were plagued with dreadful judgements and horrors of conscience so that many of them out of anguish and despair of attaining their ends the destruction of the Church made away themselves others did leave their places of great Authority power wealth and honour which is an evident demonstration that there is a God of infinite power wisdom goodness and justice that did so defend protect support comfort and multiply his suffering people and disappoint plague and severely punish their Enemies that they might easily see their sin in their punishment 8. Lastly to name no more it is an evident and undeniable argument that there is a God that such as have studied to become Atheists could never blot this truth out of their consciences but at some times were forced to confess that there is a God at least to fear and tremble at the thoughts of his Majesty and wonderful workes as thunder and such like 2. That there is but one God is evident to common reason because there can be but one infinite omnipotent eternal and most perfect being but one first cause of all things for all things are referred to one first cause Dan. 4.35 Rom. 11.36 Revel 1.8 and 4.11 3. That there are three distinct persons or manners of subsisting in that one God-head That there is a plurality of divine persons more then one is evident from the Hebrew forms of speaking of God Gen. 1.1 In the original word for word Gods he created a Noun plural to a Verb singular Isai 54.5 Thy makers is thy husbands Eccles. 12.1 Remember thy Creators So Psalm 149.2 Also Genes 19.24 Jehovah rained upon Sodom and Gomorrha brimstone and fire from Jehovah out of heaven likewise Gen. 1.26 Let us make man Job 35.10 These and divers other Hebrew forms and expressions prove that there is a plurality of persons of divine persons in the God-head That there is a Trinity three distinct divine persons in the God-head is clearly evidenced and so as cannot with any colour of reason be denyed from those words of our Saviour Matth. 28.19 Go and teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father of the Son and of the holy Ghost Also from 1 John 5.7 There are three that beare record in Heaven the Father the Word and the holy Ghost and these three are one namely one God See likewise Mat. 3.16 17. Which three divine persons in that one undivided essence nature or God-head are these the Father the Son and the Holy-Ghost or Spirit and are all co-equal co-essential and co-eternal of a most pure and spiritual nature infinite in understanding wisdom power goodness mercy most holy and most righteous That God is the creator maker preserver and governour of the whole world and of all persons and things in it with all their actions and events that he made man after his own Image in knowledge righteousness and true holiness who by eating of the forbidden fruit lost the Image of God in which he was created and all his peace and happiness and all mankind in him and became very sinful and miserable of himself and by nature altogether unable to do any thing that is truly and spiritually good and pleasing unto God or not to do evil which brings guilt and condemnation That Jesus Christ the eternal Son of God the second Person in the blessed Trinity took on him the nature of man and was made in all things like unto us sin only excepted was born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilate and so on as it is in the Creed and this that in our nature name and stead he might fulfil the law satisfie Gods justice and purchase for all his righteousness and life eternal Also that Jesus Christ is the Prophet Priest and King of his Church 1. A Prophet to reveal unto us the way to everlasting life what we are to know believe and do that we might be eternally saved Deut. 18.18 19. John 6.14 Luke 4.18 19. 2. That he is a Priest and our great high Priest to offer up himself a sacrifice once for all Heb. 5.1 and 9.26 Which he did by his suffering death and rising again to satisfie the justice and law of God for mans sins in transgressing his law and thereby purchasing for all his eternal redemption reconciliation forgiveness of sins justification acceptation of our persons and services and eternal life Rom. 4.25 and all good things needful for this life and that to come and also to make intercession to the Father for us Heb. 7.25 3. That Christ is also a King to bridle and subdue all his Enemies Col. 2.15 1 Cor. 15.28 Psal 110.1 2. and so gather govern his Elect and chosen powerfully to save them out of
and condition to be always good and useful as David who served his generation Act. 13 36. and so fulfilled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all the wills of God ver 22. 20. Vse Recreations when nature requires in conventent places fit company and at convenient times and seasons not in times of mourning fasting or publike calamity never on the Lords day which is to be imployed in holy exercises Read and consider Isa 22.12 13. Exod. 20.8 and use them lawfully as recreations not as a trade or calling to refresh and make you more fit for the duties of your calling civil and religious not like him that is all day or a great part of it whetting his sythe but cuts down nothing or little But always let your recreations be only such as are lawful honest harmless of good report and sutable to the end you use them gravely and soberly as Christians Dicing carding mixt-dancing scurrilous sports and stage-plays are unbecoming the piety and gravity Christians should exercise in all their act on s if not simply unlawful for Christ ans 21. Think often of and prepare daily for suffering and death For our Saviour commands all that will be his Disciples to deny themselves and take up his cross and so follow him Luke 9.23 in respect of preparation and expectation for as Solomon tells us We know not what a day may bring forth Prov. 27.1 And the Apostle James also Chap. 4. ver 14. Therefore labour to get and clear up to your selves that you have true saving faith truly repented of your sins and have all other renewing and sanctifying Graces that you have an interest in Jesus Christ that your sins are pardoned the sting of death pulled out and all sufferings shall work together for your spiritual and eternal good See before in Adversity And then for death Know and consider that when where or howsoever it cometh it is to a true believer to a godly man only a means to put off the body of sin and to free the Soul from all sin both actual and original from Satans temptations from all worldly cares sufferings and sorrows from all toil and labour from all diseases distempers weaknesses and imperfections both of body and Soul a passage from natural life to eternal life from earth to Heaven from the company of evil and ungodly men and enemies for so many are in this world to have immediate and full communion with God the Father Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit and all the holy Angels Patriarks Prophets Apostles Martyrs and all other Saints departed in the faith And though you must part with many things desirable in this world and lovely as friends relations and some with riches honour and greatness in the world yet remember it is but for a time and to enjoy a far better estate incomparably better far better friends the most blessed and glorious Lord God the Heavenly Father Jesus Christ your husband Head Redeemer Justifier elder Brother the blessed Spirit your sanctifier and comforter godly relations and all the spirits of just men made perfect in Heaven and free from all the infirmities and corruptions they had while on earth which sometimes made the meetings of beloved and desired friends uncomfortable yea bitter as that of Paul and Barnabas two most godly persons and dear friends and companions Act. 15 37 38 39. And though the body shall go to the grave and see corruption yet it is but for a time God will destroy death it self and the grave raise up the body and glorifie it with the Soul to live for ever in Heaven in glory and happiness Hos 13.14 Phil. 3.21 1 Thes 4 15 16 17. Who after wearisome labour all day is unwilling to go to bed and rest Isa 57.1 2. why should any be unwilling to part with the worse for a state and condition that is every way incomparably better and everlasting wherefore comfort your selves and one another with these things and in an holy humble manner triumph over death and all worldly evils as the Apostle did 1 Corinth 15.54 c. 22. Married persons husbands and wives you know you are one flesh Gen. 2.24 And therefore your duty in common is 1. To dwell together that you may be mutual helpers one to another and to live chastly keeping each to other only keeping your bodies undefiled Adultery is a great sin to be punished with death Levit. 20.10 16. Whoremongers and adulterers God will judge Heb. 13.4 Consider Prov. 5.15 16 17 18 20 21. Drink waters out of thine own cistern c. 2. In a special manner to love one another above all other persons in the world and delight one in another above all others in respect of Gods command and because of their near union In this respect Solomon and God by him counselleth Prov. 5.18 Rejoyce with the wife of thy youth let her be as the loving Hand and pleasant Roe let her brest satisfie thee at all times This is the wives duty as well as the Husbands Love is the ground of all other duties and good carriages the bond of perfection it bindeth together all those duties that do or ought to pass between man and wife neighbour and neighbour Love provoketh constraineth to all duties where this is wanting all other duties will be wanting and often altogether neglected or slightly performed and where true love is there all other duties will be readily performed 3. To bear one with another and bear one anothers infirmities Gal. 6.2 Bear ye one anothers burden and so fulfil the Royal Law Jam. 2.8 4. To defend protect and preserve one anothers person good name credit and chastity 5. To nourish and cherish one another Eph. 5.29 No man hateth his own flesh but nourisheth cherisheth it Now husband and wife are one flesh and thus doing they do in effect preserve their own persons lives chastity credit comfort and nourish their own bodies This duty lieth on them at all times and in all estates and conditions in sickness and weakness in health in poverty lameness c. as well as in time of health strength beauty prosperity yea though the other party be not able or wilfully wanting to do his or her duty because of Gods command their near conjunction and solemn Matrimonial covenant to take one another for better for worse for richer for poorer c. 6. To be diligent provident careful to increase preserve that estate which God hath or shall give you the command of God reason and your own common interest mutually bind both to be as careful of the goods of the family as if they were their particular own goods and therein also to be helpful one to another 7. To govern the children servants and whole family wisely and discreetly for the good of the whole family and therein also to be helpful one to another 8. Especially to be the helpers one to another for the good of your Souls using all loving means to win and draw
far better than a bare portion though great 11. Be not partial in manifesting your love to them though Nature and Religion bind you to love them and that tenderly The partialness of many Parents in manifesting their affections more to one child than to another hath many times been the occasion of very evil events many times of undoing sometimes of the death of one sometimes of both and so of all their children There is a very sad story of this kind printed of late years You know the story of Jacobs love to his Joseph it was in part the occasion of his Brethrens envy hatred and conspiracie of his death Gen. 37.3 4 7 18 19 20. Also of Davids love to his Absalom also to Adonijah and what grievous doings followed That child whom the Parents so partially affect many times proves the Parents greatest grief and trouble as were Absalom and Adonijah to David and just it is with God it should be so and the neglected child proves the greatest comfort and credit I grant there may be special reasons in one child more than another that may move and draw the Parents affections and that the Parents may love it and delight in it more as in Joseph but take heed of manifesting it further than may be for both their good Take heed also of being too cockering and indulging to your children also of being too severe and rigorous Col. 4.6 Ephes 6.4 Too much cockering commonly spoils them and makes them less loving more careless to please undutiful And too much severity and harshness doth dispirit them makes them heartless mopish disrespectful to their Parents whom they think do not love but hate them Neither be too free and liberal to feed your children with mony nor too niggardly and close handed the one makes them proud prodigal and spend-thrifts the other makes them heartless discontented and often to use very unwarrantable shifts to help themselves The golden mean is best a little with the Parents eye over them to see how they lay it our encourageth them to husband their little well 12. Teach them to be dutiful and carry themselves with due respects to all persons Good breeding is a great ornament and gains love but clownishness disrespect contempt 13. And when they are grown up and to be put out and disposed abroad to a School Calling or in Marriage be very careful to get the best Teacher and the best Master or Mistress for abilities skill honesty goodness the best ordered family where goodness and Godliness is practised taught and encouraged and their everlasting welfare will be furthered And such a Trade and Calling as is not only lawful honest of good report credible and profitable but also sutable to your childrens age abilities means to manage it and to his mind and inclination But in Marriage be most especially careful to have a meet yoke-fellow and helper every way a person as far as you are able upon due inquiry to judge truly religious of a good disposition of honest parentage provident and diligent in an honest and credible calling with other sutable conveniences as much as may be but let the former by no means be neglected Prov. 31.30 Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain but a woman that feareth the Lord shall be praised 1 Cor. 7.39 A little with the fear of the Lord is better than great treasure and trouble therewith Prov. 15.16 Also I advise all persons to deal plainly and faithfully that nothing be pretended that in ordinary ways of Providence will not be found true They that seek to deceive others are commonly also deceived themselves and justly He that walketh uprightly walketh safely Prov. 10.9 yet it is good providence to foresee as much as may be to prevent evils and inconveniences that may fall out Eccles 2.14 The wisemans eyes are in his head but the fool goeth on and is punished Prov. 22.3 And if any says the Apostle want wisdom as who doth not more or less let him ask of God who giveth liberally and upbraideth no man Jam. 1.5 Forget not in every undertaking to seek God first and last 24. Children learn to know and make Conscience of discharging your duties towards your Parents First Honour your Parents it is the express command of God Exod. 20.12 Ephes 6.2 3. Honour thy father and thy mother see what forcible Reasons follow It is the first commandment with promise says the Apostle Ephes 6. namely the first Commandment of the second Table has a great encouraging promise annexed to it viz. long life with it prosperity in those words that it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the earth Honour comprehends Reverence obedience and maintaining them in case of want 1. Reverence them in your hearts as worthy of all respect and honor from you and manifest it outwardly by your humble and reverend behaviour and carriage before them lowly obeysance hearkning unto them by your modest silence before them and when called to speak by mild humble reverend speech to them and of them as Joseph did bowing himself lowly before his aged father though blind and could not see him and much inferior to him in respect of his place and authority in Egypt and himself a married man Gen. 48.10 12. But worthy are those children to be blamed and shamed that before their Parents are bold loud streperous full of words or stout sullen and surly not answering their Parents or in a short suappish manner as if their equals are dogged froward pouting rude But most unworthy are those children who having gotten a little wealth or fine cloathes above their parents are proud and scorn them or are ashamed to own and acknowledge their poor parents and those also that despise reproach or curse their parents such by the Law of God were without mercy to be put to death Levit. 20.9 Prov. 20.20 Mat. 15.4 The ravens shall pluck out his eyes that mocketh at his father or despiseth his mother Pro. 30.17 And be sure those children of what age place or estate soever that carry themselves undutifully or irreverently to their parents shall be paid home in the same kind and full measure God is righteous but he will honor them that honour their parents 2. Obedience is due unto father and mother in all things lawful and which may stand with their obedience to God the Heavenly Father Eph. 6.1 Children obey your Parents in the Lord. There is the duty obedience and the limitation of it in the Lord for this is right says the Apostle Obedience is a true and real honour reverence without this is but complement and this is the real and surrest proof of dutiful children This obedience must be shewed by a ready and cheerful doing what the Parent commands and as he or she commands and forbearing what the Parent forbids But disobedience and rebellion are great sins and such persons are counted by the Holy Ghost as the vilest persons sons
are those that having by their labour gotten a little money either lavish it out in some finery or dainty fare and strong drink above their ability in a moderate way at some special time is not to be blamed And so feasting as it were one day and then are forced to fait or go with an empty belly two or three days after whereas a wise husbanding that little they get might supply their wants at all times something comfortably Thus living and walking according to these and the former rules and directions none need to fear either want or death but may comfortably say with David The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want Psal 23.1 and apply that of Isaiah Isa 57.2 He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds None need to fear want that hath an All-sufficient God and a most tender Father to provide for them nor need to fear death seeing to die to a Godly man is to enter into peace and rest in his bed none fear to go to bed when they know they shall rest Object Thus to live perhaps some will say or at least think were to banish all joy and comfort and to live an heavy mopish melancholy life Ans 1. The world is much mistaken and deceived The Godly man is forbidden or debarred no joy natural or worldly that is lawful and convenient for matter and other circumstances but only meer carnal sensual delights and others when and so far as they are evil in respect of circumstances which worldly delights so far worldly and voluptuous men must and will repent of when they shall give an account of themselves and their sinful pleasures and delights unto God 2. None under Heaven have so much true joy delight and content as the truly Godly man hath or may have even the most strict and most religious of them But indeed their joy and delights are not carnal but spiritual not outward in the face voice and lungs but inward in the heart a true sound solid joy but the joy of worldlings is a slight superficial underling joy of the bo y not of the soul like the flash of a bavin in the fire or straw it will make a great flame and noise but yeeld little hear it doth scorch rather than heat kindly and is quickly gone and out but the Godly mans joy is in his soul Luk. 1.46 47. Psal 13.5 and 33.21 a substantial hearty and lasting joy What greater joy can there be What greater comfort and cause of rejoycing than to know and be assured or have some comfortable grounds of hope that they are freed from the reigning and condemning power of sin from the destroying power of the devil death and hell have their sins pardoned God reconciled Christ to be their Saviour God to be their Father the Holy Ghost to be their sanctifier instructer guide and comforter and Heaven to be their everlasting inheritance and that in the mean time all things even the worst shall work together for their spiritual and everlasting good comfort and happiness the all wise and over-ruling gratious Providence of God Rom. 8.28 Psal 25.10 Therefore says the Apostle Phil. 4.4 Rejoyce in the Lord always and again I say Rejoyce Such a joy as the world can neither give nor take away nor understand Isa 9.3 Prov. 14.10 John 16.22 Object 2. Yet again p ssibly some may think this seems to be too much preciseness and niceness more than needs What shall none go to Heaven but such as live very precisely and strictly Answ I cannot deny but many shall go to Heaven yea all that are truly Godly and live holily though they are not of so strict a life as some are But 2. I never heard or read of so much as one in all my life that was truly Godly that thought himself too holy and strict but of many no doubt truly Godly strict who have complained and were troubled that they were no more holy and conformable to the will and Law of God and to Jesus Christ Read and consider David Psal 119.5.14 15 16 33 34. and many other places Paul also Rom. 7.18 19 c. and Phil. 3.9 10 12 13 14. 3. I say also that even wicked loose prophane persons when themselves come to die if the eyes of their understandings be truly open and conscience awaked they will justifie the most holy strict Christians and heartily wish that themselves had lived so I have heard and seen some do so on their sick beds when they had dying thoughts 4. Consider what Christ saith and commandeth us and all men Mat. 5.48 Be ye perfect even as your heavenly Father is perfect and what the Apostle saith and enjoyns in the name of God 1 Pet. 1.15 16. As he which has called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation Because it is written Be ye holy for I that is God or Christ am holy Now who can be perfect in this life for degree as God our Father in Heaven is Holy And who can be so holy in all manner of conversation while in the state of mortality as Jesus Christ is holy yet this we are all commanded to endeavour after here And now dear Friends and Christians give me leave to add only a few choice places of Scripture to be always ready at hand and before your eyes Ephes 4.22 23 c. Put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts And be you renewed in the spirit of your mind and that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Wherefore putting away lying speak every man truth with his neighbour for we are members one of another Be angry namely when there is a just cause but sin not let not the Sun go down upon your wrath neither give place to the Devil Let him that stole steal no more but labour with his own hands the thing which is good that he may have to give to him that needeth Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouths but that which is good for edifying that it may minister grace to the hearers And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby you are souled up unto the day of redemption Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice And be ye kind to one another tender hearted forgiving one another even as God for Christ sake hath or as you desire God should forgive you Phil. 2.1 2 to 7. If there be any consolation in Christ if any comfort of love if any fellowship in the Spirit if any bowels of mercy fulfil ye my joy that ye be like minded having the same love being of one accord of one mind Let nothing be done through strife and vain-glory but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves Look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of another Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Rom. 12.1 2 I beseech you by the mercies of God Brethren that ye present your selves a living sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service and be not conformed to the world but be ye transformed in the renewing of your minds Phil. 4.8 Whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report if there be any vertue if there be any praise think on these things 1 Pet. 3.8 9 10 11. Be all of one mind having compassion one of another love as Brethren be pitiful be courteous not rendring evil for evil or railing for railing but contrariwise blessing knowing that ye are thereunto called that ye should inherit a blessing For he that will love life and see good days let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no guile For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open unto their prayers but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil Colos 3.12 13. Put on therefore as the elect of God holy and beloved bowels of mercies kindness humbleness of minde meekness long-suffering forbearing one another and forgiving one another if any man have a quarrel one against another even as Christ forgave you so also do ye And above all things put on charity which is the bond of perfectness And let the peace of God rule in your hearts to the which ye are called in one body and be ye thankful Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ giving thanks unto God and the Father by him Act. 20.32 And now Brethren I commend you to God and the word of his Grace which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified 2 Cor. 13.11 Finally Brethren farewel be perfect be of good comfort be of one mind live in peace and the God of peace and love shall be with you Heb. 13.18 20 21. Pray for us for we trust we have a good conscience in all things willing to live honestly Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ that great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 5.10 11. And the God of all Grace who hath called us to his eternal Glory by or in Jesus Christ after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you To whom be glory and dominion for ever and ever Amen Now dear Christians Brethren and friends consider what I have written and the Lord give you understanding in all things and forget not to pray for him and his who is April 1670. Your very affectionate kinsman and friend to love and serve your Souls good while he is T. M.