Gods blessings to the best use 27 To give the tenth of all increase to holy uses 28 To avoid suretiship to the uttermost 29 To forbeare running into and to endeavour to get out of debt by all meanes we can 30 To prepare conscionably carefully and constantly for the day of death The conclusion to seek depend upon and await for the Lords onely help and blessing in every respect Psal 28.7 127.1.2 Phil. 4.13 Amen my Lord my God my Father according to thy mercy power and truth in Jesus Christ Amen Amen Proofes 1 Psa 119.6.101 2 4. Com. 3 Psal 55.17 4 Lam. 3.40 5 Joel 2.12 13. Zach. 12.12 to the end Da. 9.3 c. 1 Cor. 11.26 to 32 7 Ps 101. 15.4 8 Ps 15.4 16.3 9 Acts 24.14 23.1 10 Deut. 16.18 19. Pro. 21.3 11 Deut. 23.14 1 Sam. 16.18 18.5.14.30 12 Levit. 18.19 Joel 2.16 Rom. 13.13 13 Deut. 6.7 14 Psa 101 15 Psa 1.1 Prov. 1.10.15 16 Isa 5.11.22 17 Job 31.1 Rom. 13.13 18 Pro. 14.17 29 15.1.18 19 Psal 39.1 17.3 20 1 Thes 5.11 1 Cor. 14.26 21 Ephe. 5.15 Ex. 23.13 22 Phil. 3.20 23 Psal 4.4 33.8 119.161 24 Ps 40.5 25 1 Tim. 4.5 26 Mat. 25.16 27 Gen. 28.20 21 22. 28 Prov. 6.1 11.15 29 Rom. 13.8 Ps 37.21 30 Isa 31.1 Mat. 24.42 Mark 13.37 The Vowes first briefty placed and in order explained and how he ought and purposeth by Gods grace to performe them The first maine part containing the first Vow concerning generall Obedience As to have respect to all Gods Commandements and to turne from every evill way That is SIncerely watchfully willingly constantly in thought word behaviour and conversation wheresoever he is with whomsoever he hath to doe and in whatsoever he takes in hand according to the light of a well informed conscience to ser himselfe against whatsoever is unlawfull and unbeseeming before God and man to the uttermost avoiding all the occasions of any sinne and all appearance of every evill and to imbrace every warrantable and commendable duty and all good meanes that may further thereunto abhorring all by-respects of pleasures profits feares flattery friends favour intreaty threats compulsion company fashion or custome multitudes examples though of otherwise good men speaking against of great men and the like that would mislead me breaking through all impediments not dispensing with himselfe in any particular approving himselfe to the Lord in all things and above all seeking his glory in the conscionable discharge of his duty The second maine part containing five Vowes concerning Gods holy Worship First to make strict conscience of sanctifying the Sabbath every where continually Before it come TO remember the same to prepare therefore to strive for longing thereafter to clense himselfe to sanctifie the same wisely carefully and constantly to prevent or remove in himselfe his or others all that he can whatsoever would occasion the prophaning or hinder the hallowing thereof on the contrary imbracing and furthering all that may further so holy a duty to pray to be prepared thereto to keep his heart busied with good thoughts and tongue with good speeches the night before yea if it may be with possible conveniency to call those about him together in the afternoone on Saturday the more solemnly and throughly to teach them their duty therein and to stirre up our selves the better hereto often calling upon and urging of them to sinish our owne works timely and diligently that our hearts be not troubled with the cares of them nor our hands tempted to worke about them on the Sabbath in especiall manner to prevent and breake off all domesticall grievances and perturbations because heart-burnings discords and disorders among the members of the Family extend their infection and hurt even to the prophanation of the Sabbath neither doth the Lord look to be served aright in his house if people live not quietly lovingly and dutifully in their houses aske experience and be warned for God will be sanctified in chose that draw neer unto him When the Sabbath is come TO arise early to give himselfe throughout the whole day without wearinesse with all diligence and delight to the severall duties of the day in Gods house in his family in private as to hearing reading prayer meditation conference Catechizing singing Psalmes every duty seasonably reverently attentively feelingly profitably to devide the times aright for every publique family and private duty that all be done orderly without hast or confusion that the one be not a hinderance but a furtherance to the other to watch against all worldly vaine and unedifying much more all wicked thoughts words and works throughout the whole day entertaining onely heavenly Meditations speeches and actions when of necessity he shall be hindered by any importunate and unavoidable duty of his particular calling as removing marching watching quartering sayling and the like To consider it is the Lords day and as may most stand with Christian conveniency to lay hold on every opportunity to doe or receive all the good he can to separate himself that he may with more freedome be the better busied to take occasion to speake of good things with those I know to be well inclined to keepe his heart close to the Lord when it cometh to the push not onely to know write and say thus but by Gods grace to practice accordingly to avoid forgetfulnesse neglect and sloth to take heed of tipling immoderate eating and whatsoever would make heavy and unfit for heavenly duties or distract from them not yeelding willingly to any thing that is contrary to the warrantable strictnesse of that day by no means dispensing to transgresse in the least against conscience a bewailing craving pardon for and Reformation of whatsoever he knowes amisse beleeving the gratious acceptation of and a waiting for his promised blessing upon his poore performances notwithstanding the wâ—aknesse of them and all other hinderances onely through Christ Jesus so giving himselfe to serve the Lord on his day wholy Besides these AS occasion requires to exercise Charity to the poore mercy towards our selves and others yea to our servants and cattell which are both to rest that day yea in time of earing and harvest Further we our selves must rest also from all works of pleasure and profit we may take convenient sustenance and that with others and must yeeld to works of instant and urgent necessity for he that is Lord of the Sabbath saith it is lawfull for us to doe good on the Sabbath day The third Vow and second of this second maine part To imbrace every part of Gods worship every day as he may possibly and conveniently without superstition and wilfull neglect That is FIrst in private to pray for himselfe his family and Gods people as most pressing occasions require to read in Gods word and somewhat in a good book to examine himselfe by some part of the true watch to call to mind his vowes to remember some of Gods
to his to attaine the same to seek all help from heaven More especially As by the especiall grace of God it hath been he also resolves it shall be his constant course to begin every new yeer in this manner also ever when the Lord cals him out of his garrison into the field being then to expect more then ordinary hard and perilous imployments thus most humbly and unfainedly to crave grace wisdome and good government sufficiency health safety and good successe as need may require As also that the Lord will please to watch over every one of his at home for good in every respect all the time of his absence from them and if it be his blessed will we may enjoy a comfortable meeting c. with our particulars to remember the generall necessities of of Gods Church and Children yea sometimes to set such dayes a part on their behalfe as fellow-feeling members of the same body whereof Christ Jesus is the head and as we would they should doe the like for us in our calamities The time for such solemnities Cannot in his judgement be lesse then from even to even one ordinary meale being onely forborne All which time to abstaine from eating and drinking so farre as nature be not weakned as may happen to some aged sick or weakly disposed persons or women with child or the like who are to preferre mercy before sacrifice and so be made the more unfit to performe holy duties to lay aside our best apparrell sweet smeâ—ls musick or any other thing that would delight us Further to forbeare all works of our calling use of the Marriage-bed fâ—llnesse of sleep yea whatsoever would hinder before distâ—â—â—t in or any way violate 〈…〉 a service To weigh Considerately and throughly the urgent occasions thereof and how happy we shall be in obtaining what we want or escaping what we feare or suffer thereby to stirre us up the more submissively and earnestly to crave the same To prepare for and to keepe the same as the Sabbath All the whole day to apply himselfe to the conscionable orderly and constant performance of every holy duty to come before the Lord herein with meditation preparation examination and deliberation in obedience and repentance confidently and patiently awaiting a blessing from above which he hath expresly promised to leave behind him and as the Lord hath in this respect done to others of his wonderfully yea to him and his informer greatest extremities often and most remarkably this onely of his owne meere mercy in Christ Jesus in every pressing necessity chiefly be we never so unworthy and be our duty discharged never so weakly if but sincerely thus labouring our labour shall not be in vaine but be rewarded graciously plentifully and assuredly for was hipocriticall and monstrously wicked Ahab regarded heard and spared who was onely with the threatning terrified and thereby but outwardly humbled what will not our reconciled God and most tender-hearted Father doe for his how will he then regard heare spare and help his who by his good grace in their extremity thus draw neere unto him humble themselves before him and seek all help onely from him with true contrition filiall fear humility of heart sincerity of spirit Christian confidence and faith unfained who ever hath at any time in any thing in this manner sought his God aright that hath been sent away succourlesse and hath not either obtained the thing he desired or that which his experience must confesse was much better for him the like may we look for undoubtedly Lord cause me thus to seek thee and I am sure thou wilt as thou hast done and declared work for me wonderfully The sixth Vow and fifth of this maine part concerning receiving the Lords Supper To receive the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of our blessed Saviour reverently and fruitfully when and where soever he possibly may That is before receiving ALwayes oftentimes to call to mind and apply the particulars which the Lord requires of us before at and after receiving and what good the Lord sheweth and assureth to his in the Sacrament as followeth in briefe and then to turne all into an humble and earnest prayer for the Lords especiall assistance and blessing not forgeting to give thanks for grace and comfort received nor to humble himselfe for present wants and former abusing this holy Ordinance which might now hinder Gods grace mercy acceptation and blessing in this work or procure his threatned judgements to the prophaning thereof now especially to practise the forementioned duty of examination to remember and lay to heart with heavenly mindednesse the sacred mysteries of this blessed Ordinance to imbrace the same in obedience to his sweet Saviours command who sayes doe this and that the more solemnly to celebrate the remembrance of his death for me being the chiefe end thereof and the more openly to confesse his name thereby bewailing his owne most sinfull condition in generall and his especiall sinnes in especiall manner resolving unfainedly to break them all off and to serve the Lord in all good conscience afterward not leaving out any one known sinne for any respect herein dealing as before the Lord directly as he would the Lord should blesse and not plague him in this great duty looking from himselfe from his owne hainous sinfulnesse extreame unworthinesse and most accursed naturall condition to the so freely plainly plentifully infallibly assured mercies in his most faithfullâ— promises through the alone al-sufficient satisfaction of his onely Saviour Christ Jesus so denying himselfe utterly labouring to seek and find all mercy grace peace comfort and happinesse all wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption in him onely resolving to live in all love peaceâ— and Christian Charity with every one continually forgetting forgiving fore-pash injuries utterly passing by offences wisely where distaste hath beene or heart-burning may be to seeke and accept reconciliation seriously and gladly to converse quietly to doe good for ill heartily and unweariedly Approaching to the Lords Table To be filled with all holy affections to give no way to the contrary thoughts being busie about so heavenly a duty to shew a most reverent gesture as in the presence of the Lord of and over all the great King and Master of this Feast who is a most holy God and will be sanctified in body and spirit of those that draw neere unto him as in the sight of the most glorious Angels and Gods holy Congregation All the time of Ministration To remember distinguish and apply the severall ceremonies and their significations with godly sorrow lively faith sweet comfort entire thankfulnesse c. as is more at large in Master Brinslyes true Watch the first part Pag. 145 146 147. Going from the Table To rest assured that I doe and shall as certainly enjoy the thing signified even the Body and Blood of Christ for the free and full remission of all his sinnes and salvation of his soul as he hath outwardly received
promises to meditate on some good point to sing part of a Psalme all in the freest and sittest season Secondly in his family morning and evening to pray to read in Gods word and somewhat in a good book to conferre of good things to sing part of a Psalme to pray before and to give thanks after meales to season them with good discourse to catechise his children once a day Thirdly to lay hold on every occasion for each part of Gods publique worship In every one To set himselfe to seeke the Lord. Preparedly with premeditation Understandingly knowing what he goes about Deliberately not slubberingly nor in hast or wishing the work over Humbly he being so evill and God so holy Feelingly that his heart lahour in the action and be affected Zealously with earnestnesse and stretched out affections till the work be ended Seasonably when he may be least distracted and doe himselfe and others the most good Willingly not as puld by the ears or forced shaking off backwardnesse Chearfully striving against coldnesse dulnesse deadheartednesse and drowsinesse Instantly without delay or deferring till another time Constantly at set times if it may be catching at conveniency Conscionably because the Lord requires it Not customarily for fashions sake or any by respect In sincerity not to be seen of men but approving his heart to God Resolutely though nick-named scorned and opposed Singularly though never so few doe so Secretly in every private and family duty avoiding all loudnesse and open shewes as farre as possible may be In faith especially resting on the Lords promised acceptation and blessing in Christ Jesus In hope awaiting the experimentall performance thereof With sound application to his especiall occasions With upright and earnest resolutions to obey Powerfully practifing accordingly All in the strength of the Lord as to and in the sight of the Lord as well as he can though he cannot as he ought with true though weak defire to feare his name These following Exceptions may lawfully hinder or alter the precise times of performing the foresaid duties and sometimes some one or more of the duties themselves As BEing visited with sicknesse or being withdrawne by the workes of his calling or other urgent occasions as will not admit of delay journying by water or land being in places and company where he cannot with christian conveniency neither need the times be so strictly stood upon if the duties be at some other times performed Yet not to neglect or delay when and where he may serve the Lord as he will answer to the Lord who searcheth the hearts alwayes labouring to redeeme the time and not to trouble himself although he later some duties and performe others in their places his conscience bearing him witnesse that he still desires to seâ—ve the Lord the better thereby The fourth Vow and third of this maine part concerning Examination To examine his repentance and faith by the Law and Gospell frequently seriously and impartially as in Gods presence who sees his carriage towards him in this weighty worke That is ACcording to Master Brinslies exposition of the Law and Gospell in his book called The first part of the true Watch and rule of life being in his judgement the best help for this use that ever he met withall to try his thoughs words and wayes past present and to come c. For the times Ordinarily before every Sabbath more especially before receiving the Sacrament and before a publique Family or private Fast but most of all in any fore sicknesse or any other great calamity or being summoned by death that she may not live in any knowne sinne or the omission of any required duty without repent ance to chuse such times of the day and to seek out such places at home or abroad in field or Garrison when and where he may be most private and least hindered and be surest to prevent and escape all company and other distractions And further For more conveniency and Iesse rediousnes to take so much every day that the whole may be gone through every week or moneth or somewhat every day till all be gone through at best leasure and then to begin again or otherwise according to Christian discretion with all carefulnesse without superstition or negligence But when where and in what Order soever To set his heart and affections aright as in the presence of the al-knowing God with whom I have to doe when he begins to begin with solemne prayer to labour that his heart goe along with each part of the foresaid rule purposing to practise every particular with feeling affection and setled devotion to meditate and pray according to his written quotations joyned to that rule of Examination to mourne for every sinne committed begging pardon in Christ and the imputation and application of his most perfect obedience and al-sufficient satisfactino craving freedome from punishment pleading and urging the Lord with his Saviours infinite merits and perpetuall mediation desiring preservation from all sinne especially from those he is most prone unto and in danger of yea from such as he thinkes least of or conceives himselfe freest from to aske those graces he most wants to give thanks for every grace in any measure attained unto and for deliverance out of those sins he hath lived in and for preservation from many and grievous sinnes into which he was often ready to fall yea daily from those sinnes to which he is most prone or to which he is most tempted or which are most incident to his particular calling and common conversation yea from those he least thought of and so lest feared and for faith comfort and assurance in respect of every Article of his beleef in the forenamed true Watch to be thankfull for the least beginnings to bewaile and beg supply of his wants so labouring for faith and a good conscience to apply himselfe to discharge each part of his duty without putting off from day to day or from one time to another resisting dead-heartednesse and wearinesse being a duty concerning him so neerly The fifth Vow and fourth of this maine part concerning holy Fasting To celebrate the severall kinds of religious Fasts seasonably and solemnly as every extraordinary occasion requires That is In publique WIth Gods people according to the occasion time and manner appointed by authority upon such generall to adde his owne and his Families especiall occasions wisely to watch for catch hold of and attend upon every extraordinary occasion which God presents whereby he as cals upon him to this work In his Family and alone Having fallen into any grievous sinne or being in any great calamity or desiring any especiall inward grace or outward blessing or deliverance out of any great distresse or fearing or feeling any outward judgement to seek the preventing removing or sanctifying the same yea in whatsoever inward or outward misery he or his may be in this especiall manner as an especiall meanes that the Lord hath most graciously left
may testifie to his owne Conscience that he acknowledgeth the beginning progresse and issue of all his well doing and welfare to be from Heaven onely More especially when his turne comes to watch Be it when where or upon what occasion soever to pray and rest assured that the Lords watching with for and over us onely must and will and can secure us To give his most gracious Majesty onely all the glory for our safety and that all hath gone well with us and that we were not affronted surprized ruined and made to feare flye and fall by our Enemies when we watched Principally in or against any perilous imployment In the expectation thereof and to be well prepared therefore be it never so hard and dangerous with all humility and earnestnesse oftentimes to seeke of God all direction courage of heart strength of body all sufficiency to doe worthily all preservation from shame and harm and all good successe with his soule begging of the Lord however else he please to deale with him not to leave him so to misdemeane himselfe or that any mishap should befall him whereby his Christian profession should be disgraced his honest repute blemished or the mouth of scorne and injury opened to urge his God herein to be jealous of his owne glory be the beggar never so unthankfull sinfull weake and unworthy and though he never so much meriteth to be left to doe most unworthy and to suffer all shame sorrow and harme irrecoverably ever to the death submitting himselfe to his good Gods good pleasure wholly as is more at large in his prayer to this purpose to be found in his daily devotions then that he may be the more throughly confirmed to betake himselfe to those particular promises which in this respect assure him in Christ as the Lord sees best for him the good things he so much craves which promises are manifold and to be found in his collection of promises and the which he alwayes carries about him Thus fitted by Gods good grace in his onely name and strength to discharge his duty without backwardnesse feare or shrinking bravely and resolutely not giving over till he hath done his part fully leaving the rest to the Lords disposing freely not forgetting to give his name onely for all ability and good successe all praises duly and now when the Army is abroad and his danger the more apparent to avoid all sinfull and unseemly courses and customes more carefully yea most especially In all personall imployments also Either in receiving and executing commands in sailing marching quartering watching c. to be willing forward carefull unwearied with few words without arguing with setled countenance and carriage beseemingly towards others to behave himselfe reservedly modestly quietly friendly submissively respectively fairly inoftensively as every ones person place and worth requires of him so to carry himselfe Christianly and commendably Hereunto help Lord continually The fourth maine part concerning his Family carriage The twelfth Vow and first of this maine part To abstaine from all abuses of the Marriage-bed That is IN heart by Gods especiall grace to watch and strive against all vile conceits in words all imodesty in behaviour all wantonnesse in action all voluptuousnesse yea every way whatsoever would provoke unlawfull lusts to take heed of all unseasonable immoderate and any way meerly lustfull use thereof to abstaine altogether in time of naturall seperation solemne humiliation in case of sicknesse weaknesse or any other time when purity health or modesty is wronged to beg pardon for strength against the contrary graces to prevention of Gods threatned feared and merited judgements for and grace to eschew the occasions of and power to overcome his forepast offences to labour to possesse his vessell in holinesse often and earnestly to beg the gift of continency carrying himself chastly therefore to eat drink and sleep moderately to have respect to the right use and ends of this holy Ordinance and to keep the Bed undefiled so to crave and look for the Lords blessing therein to be deeply humbled and desire mercy howsoever The thirteenth Vow and second of this maine part To labour the conversion and edification of his Wife Children Servants or any other under his roofe by all good meanes he possible can That is TEach them where when and how to performe religious exercises and what our duties are one to another and how to carry our selves Christianly in our common conversation to admonish further and hold them thereunto according to the warrant of Gods Word with wisdome mecknesse and authority to reprove their neglect or unwilling unreverend or sloathfull performing holy duties pressing upon them the danger and ilnesse thereof and the acceptablenesse and blessednesse of the contrary not seldome or softly but often and sharply to reprove whatsoever sinne or fault he observes in word behaviour and action to be in any of them in countenance and speech to shew unfained dislike of them and as need requires using seasonable correction to his Children but that not presently in passion but considerately with compâ—ssion in obedience to Gods ordinance and to shew his hatred of the sinne and not to satisfie his froward humour or as a cruell Tyrant and not like an affectionate Parent whereby the poor Children are extreamely disheartned and rather imbittered then bettered ever letting them understand their offence and that they are duly chastised according to Gods revealed will to pray unto the Lord often and unfainedly to work uppon his Childrens hearts that the corrections may work upon them kindly if Servants be refractory after often earnest and meek warning to part with them not keeping any person to serve him that continues to be prophane or that slights and mocks goodnesse yea as much as is possible to avoid entertaining any so disposed to cast out a swearer a lyar a purloyner a deceiver a scoffer a tale-bearer a strife-sower a medler a proud selfe-conceited gadding idle filthy-speaking person if such amend not to use daily upon all occasions especially at meales holy conference among them of what hath beene heard or read or otherwise out of and according to Gods Word using to catechise more or lesse daily especially on the Sabbath day calling his Family together twice a day to prayer reading the Scriptures and somewhat in a good book singing Psalmes seasonably solemnly and constantly praying for them in private especially avoyding those evils he forbids and reproves in them and doing those duties he requires of them taking great care they may not have cause to note any particular knowne falt in him or have occasion to say this you reprove in us yet practise it your selfe or thus if not so you forget c. The fourteenth Vow and third of this maine part To demeane himselfe wisely in all his wayes among them That is IN his countenance carriage and speeches to shew a grave quiet sober cheerfull wel-ordered disposition to the uttermost eschewing a churlish frowaâ—d jealous possionate
the more cleerly to see and to make us the more sensible of our sinfulnesse and insufficiency and so the more dearly to esteeme Christs merits and in him Gods grace and mercy A solemne Prayer concerning the right use of the following Vowes O My heavenly Father my onely sufficiency without whom I cannot thinke one good thought but am most prone to all evill I most humbly and unfainedly beseech and urge thee in mercy as thou hast promised by the effectuall working of thy holy spirit notwithstanding my most hainous sinfulnesse exceeding great insufficiency and al other though never so many and great impediments henceforth to direct stirre up and strengthen me watchfully seasonably conscionably feelingly and constantly to remember respect apply and performe all every one and each circumstance of these my holy vowes by thine owne especiall grace most solemnly made often and earnestly renewed before and unto thy Majesty to bind my selfe the more strictly against sinne to serve thee O be herein my strength and sufficiency that my conscience hitherto fouly polluted and terribly accusing may be throughly purged and sweetly excuse me yea in the very particulars wherein I have most offended and am most prone to transgresse that though when I have done my best I come farre short of my duty yet that my hart mâ—y testifie for unto me I do the best I can thogh I cannot do as I ought to please thee My Lord my God give me thy grace according to the light of a well informed conscience as hereby I have most strictly tyed my selfe to walke humbly with and uprightly before thee no more daring as I have done to offend thee To this end enable me to watch and pray to wrastle weep and cry unto thee and never to give over or let thee goe before thou hast herein blessed me in granting this so exceeding needfull a request that I be not overcome of evill but may overcome evill with good and so wholly apply my selfe to doe thy will Certainly thou wilt grant it in time and measure as thou seest fit Lord when where or howsoever of ignorance weaknesse forgetfulnesse or any other way I have done doe or shall doe amisse contrary to any of these rules and resolutions Oh be thou entreated to cause me speedily and soundly to discerne confesse bewaile crave pardon for and strength against the same Oh restore and receive me make me more wise warned watchfull and better governed afterwards thereby yea renew mercy and grace unto me to this end I pray thee and doe not suffer any of my failings or fals so farre to discourage me as to drive me from thee but make them to move me the more humbly and earnestly to draw neerer unto thee and the more zealously to renew my holy purposes yet the better to serve thee Oh doe not doe not at all deny refuse reject or turn from me O Father of mercies my most mercifull Father I most humbly and unfainedly beseech and urge thee vouchsafe freely and fully in the most precious blood of thy Christ my Redeemer to forget and forgive all my sinnes though never so many and heinous against all and every one of these my holy vowes and every circumstance of each for I have innumerable times and wayes most groussy and wilfully yea without ceasing offended in every one O require not these things of me for I cannot answer thee one of ten thousand thousands but require them of him my alone Saviour and alsufficient surety who hath fully satisfied thee on my behalfe for every one of these as well as for all or any of my other faults Oh grant me in the sence of thy infinite undeserved never failing love according to thy expresse promises to fly unto and trust in his merits notwithstanding all my grievous violations of all and every one of these most solemne vowes and cause me to feele the same most precious balme of Gillead to ease heale and comfort my most sinfull and sorrowfull soule for his infinite sufferings sake turn thy deserved wrath from me and deale gratiously with me give me assurance of pardon from and peace with thee O Lord my God worke worke worke and help speedily effectually and constantly I beg of thee that at all times and in all things I may with all my heart offer my selfe unto thee that through thy infinite patience I may escape thy justly merited vengeance and by thy undeserved mercy enjoy thy loving favour which is better then life All through the alsufficient satisfaction and perpetuall intercession of thy most deare and onely Sonne my alone sweet Saviour and sole sufficient Mediator Christ Jesus Amen and Amen The following Vowes briefly expressed the more easily to be remembred for present Meditation and Prayer 1 TO have respect to all Gods Commandements and to turne from every evill way 2 To make strict conscience of sanctifying the Sabbath every where continually 3 To imbrace every part of Gods worship every day as may be possibly and conveniently without superstition or wilfull neglect 4 To examine our repentance and faith by the Law and Gospell frequently seriously and impartially as in Gods presence who sees our carriage towards him in this weighty worke 5 To celebrate the severall kinds of religious fasts seasonably and solemnly as every extraordinary occasion may require 6 To receive the Lords Supper or the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of our blessed Saviour reverendly and fruitfully when and wheresoever we possibly may 7 To oppose and punish wicked men and wickednesse by all means we can 8 To cherish and assist good men and goodnesse in like manner 9 To give good example in our particular calling by avoyding the common sins thereof and keeping a good conscience therein and by walking worthily continually 10 In all causes of Counsell and courses of Justice to be well advised and impartiall 11 In the Leaguer to carry our selves as in the sight of God in all Christian wisdome sincerely and with all circumspection before men worthily 12 To abstaine from all abuses of the marriage bed 13 To labour the conversion and edification of wife children servants or any other under our roofe by all good meanes possible 14 To demeane our selves wisely in all our wayes among them 15 To eschew evill company continually 16 To avoid all excesse every where all drunkennesse especially 17 To watch against all filthinesse in all places 18 To take heed of breaking out into passion upon any occasion 19 To set our selves against al misgovernment of the tongue without ceasing 20 To stirre up our selves to edifie others in all places upon all occasions and by all means we can 21 To demean our selves warily in all things 22 To converse with God in holy matters 23 To keep our selves in awe by holy meditations 24 To call to mind the Lords especiall mercies 25 To labour for a sanctified use of our outward condition whatsoever the same is or may be 26 To put all
the outward signes thereof Bread and Wine also that as he received the seals of the Covenant so he doth and shall partake of all the good contained therein as in briefe in this life for the inward man perfect justification true fanctification more strength against all sinne and especiall corruptions more fitnesse to serve God in all things especially wherein he hath most failed encrease of perseverâ—nce in all saving graces for the outward man a good name a competent estate safety from 〈…〉 supply of good sanctified use of all for or a turning all tâ— his good good health good iâ—ccesse c. In the end a blessed end and in the World to come in Heaven absolute holinesse and the fulnesse of all blessednesse for evermore yea every one of these undoubtedly for the Lord is in earnest and meanes not will not cannot deceive us After receiving His whole life must be a testimony of thankfulnesse for such inestimable benefits least if after receiving he returne to his old by as againe and that prove a wofull testimony against him hee hath not received rightly and so instead of the former blessings he feele the contrary judgements as a just recompence of prophaning so sacred and weighty a duty therefore to give thankes for grace and comfort againe vouchsafed to be humbled and crave pardon for what was amisse in preparation and receiving to desire and await for the Lords most mercifull promised and in the Sacrament assured assistance and blessing c. See in the true Watch Pag. 148. The third maine part concerning his particular Calling and containeth five Vowes The seventh Vow and first of this maine part To oppose and punish wicked men and wickednesse by all meanes he can That is TO discover and discountenance to speak and to set himself against such according to his place and power in all Christian wisdome and zeale yea though they be neere to him and greater then he to reprove them when words will not help nor authority cannot prevaile to shew in his countenance and carriage his unfained dislike of such persons and courses mourning and sighing for those he cannot reforme and for what he cannot mend not judging the worst but hoping the best of them praying for them shewing a meek and charitable disposition towards them so leaving them to the Lord to deale as he pleaseth with them The eighth Vow and second of this maine part To cherish and assist good men and goodnesse in like manner That is TO enquire after to converse with such finding in them words of wisdome and truth of goodnesse though in much weaknesse after triall to be open hearted cheerfull countenanced fairly carriaged and friendly in speeches towards them speaking good of them and if occasion requires speaking for them yea though they be meane in the world and though it be before great men or such as for goodnesse scorne them if they be not present in case any ill be spoken against them to speak the best of them out of Gods Word to advise and encourage them to beare with and take no notice of meer frailties in them circumspectly and seriously to admonish them in their outward need to relieve them to say nor do nothing that may shame or wrong them by no meanes before any to slight them to take heed he no way provoke grieve vex or perplex them for his sake to whom they belong to labour for inward affection towards them Christianly to respect them heartily to pray for them and conscionably to immitate their good examples of piety good government and true worth he observes in them The ninth Vow and third of this maine part To give good example therein by avoiding the common sinnes thereof keeping a good conscience and walking worthily continually That is TO set himselse in especially manner against those pattilar sinnes he most dislikes reprovs speaks against in others or which he hath any way beene noted for or if some have justly though out of their malic cast in his teeth as excesse â—â—â—sion bearing injuries in mind c. above all to have nothing to doe with any wayes of deceit oâ— violence against the â—ands service or poore Souldiers due neither in advice â—ilence liking consent word or work to yeeld thereunto though some with all manner of reasons would perswade to the same though he suffer never so much therefore or whatsoever help in distresse or benefit to him or his might come thereby But in the strength of the Almighty which hitherto in this respect hath upheld him remarkably to hold fast his integrity in well doing to commend all to the Lords disposing wholly who hath taken it on himselfe to take care for him and his continually to trust his God most in greatest extremity to deale faithfully and equally as he will give account to the Lord answer before the strictest authority declare to honest men truly and as he would be dealt by so endeavouring to keepe a good conscience in all things towards God and man and to carry himselfe unblameably and worthily none no not those that most strictly observe or mischievously malice him and wish seek and would be glad of his shame and harm may have advantage against him The tenth Vow and fourth of this maine part In all causes of Counsell and courses of Justice to be well advised and impartiall That is HEaring all particulars and parties deliberately and soberly examining every circumstance over and over throughly to weigh all seriously being asted as the cause requireth to give his advice to the purpose briefly and discreetly when his turne comes with a setled spirit grave countenance well placed and few words according to the rule of right to passe his sentence without any by respect plainly freely boldly and impartially whosoever be present whatsoever others opinions are though no more be of his mind yea though he should be frowned upon slighted and censured for his labour The eleventh Vow and fifth of this maine part In the Leaguer to carry himselfe in all Christian wisdome sincerely in the sight of God and with all circumspection worthly before men That is BEsides that he is to have due regard unto the second and third Vow concerning the Sabbath and Gods worship daily when we lye still on shipboard or faile as farre as may stand with Christian conveniency to call his company at least once a day together to pray with them to read Gods Word and some good thing to them to sing Psalmes and to have good discourse among them Before every dayes marching To put up some brief and pertinent prayer to the Lord for the Army for our Regiment for his Company for himselfe In marching To labour to entertaine and to nourish and poure our such meditations before the Lord at in especiall manner concern the present generall and his owne particular occasions When we rest To returne thankes and to renew supplications to the Almighty In every imployment To expresse such piety as
uncomely behaviour through too much harshnesse or familiarity not to intrude uncivilly into others society nor to interrupt them in their talk or to intermeddle with their businesse but to goe by step back or turne away with all civility and curtesie in discoursing with others not to passe his opinion upon any person or occasion unasked lightly or hastily if pressed to speake if it be a matter unconvenient or that does not concerne him or that is not pleasing to him or from whence no good may arise to answer with silence or to ask some other harmlesse question or propound some more fitting matter or to turne away quietly and inoffensively Further to avoid Vaine light loud and unseemly laughter which is a sure and open signe of forgetfulnesse unstaiednesse misgovernment and folly to take good heed continually in his talking with others and when others talke with him or when he is alone it think no body sees him that he break off and amend nodding with shaking of his head winking with the eyes biting of the lip wrying the mouth gaping putting out the tongue gnashing his teeth staring in the face hanging the head downe laying it on the shoulder thrugging his shoulder acting with his hands motions of the feet or any other unseemly posture with any part of the body out of scorn carelesnesse or custome or out of conceit they become him well or in vaine astectation or in foolish imitation In these to be especially carefull Because therein he hath been formerly so forgetfull that some have noted him for unbeseeming demeanor to endeavor in every thing by Gods good guidance to be so circumspect that he in nothing give distaste but may converse commendably and acceptably withall remembring what contempt shame and trouble for miscarriage hath procured and will procure him and not forgetting that what he mislikes and speaks against as a blemish uncomely and misseeming in others in their manner of speaking countenance carringe and gesture as ill becomes him and causeth others to blame him and the lesse to regard him The sixt maine part concerning his private course The two and twentieth Vow and first of this maine part To converse with God in holy matters That is IN his Study garden tent hut or abroad in the field to bethink deliberately distinctly affectionately and not to give over till he have beaten the matter through and made it his owne by powerfull application and unfained resolution to practise what holy duties God remires of him what warrant there is out of Gods Word for them and when where and how most seasonably conscionably and profitably to perform them and what good by the Lords most mercifull and promised blessing by former experence and by examples of Gods Children he may a flure himselfe in the use of them Also How he may carry himselfe most conscionably faithfully worthily and comfortably in his particular place and calling and how most religiously and ordorly in his Family and how most Christianly and commendably in his common course Further How best to walk with his God in saving-knowledge true faith sincere obedience sound repentance lively hope yea in all good conscience with contentation in every condition And how Best to be assured of Gods love mercy grace peace joy strength relâ—efe protection and blessing in all he takes in hand and that concernes him how best to demeane himselfe in prosperity and adversity how to make right use of every present condition to draw the nearer to and to find the more communion with God thereby in all his proceedings though never so small more often and earnestly consult with God to crave his direction and blessing by his Word and prayer To furnish himselfe With such meditations places of Scripture and solid reasons as may best fence him against those sinnes most incident to his nature calling common conversation family-carriage and private course and for most Christian and comely carriage to the contrary To remember He is in Gods al-seeing sight though never so alone therefore to take heede that his thoughts and carriage be such as become his most holy glorious and al-knowing presence and if he must or when he doth think upon his outward lawfull worldly occasions in regard of his imployments distresses or Christian comforts not to dwell too long upon them but to mix holy cogitations with them and by them to be moved to sigh to call to God for his direction and blessing in them when he departs from them To be often In prayer and other heavenly exercises when he is in private to this end often seperating himselfe from impediments especially from company and to love in this manner to be private and solitary therefore to chuse and frequent such times and places constantly and unvreariedly The three and twentieth Vow and second of this maine part To keep himselfe in awe by holy Meditations Thus SOlemnly to call to mind seriously to ponder upon and powerfully to apply the fearful fall and utter rejection of the Angels the sinne and punishment of Adam and all his posterity the vilenesse of our natures the ilnesse of our conversations the bainousnesse and danger of sinne un-repented of his owne especially sinnes from his youth up his many abominable backslidings his continuall offendings the grievous failings of his best duties the sinfulnesse of his Family and company the abominations of the times the cursed sinnes of our calling Also Gods most fearfull and remarkable judgements abroad in the world his particular plagues upon particular persons yea some that he hath knowne Gods heavy visitations generall and particular upon his owne Church and deare Children those afflictions that have been yet are or are like to fall upon himselfe and his Family upon them most neere and deare unto him the vanity and vexation of all things under the Sunne the mutability and mortality of all men the day of his owne death terriblenesse of the great day of account endlesse and easâ—esse paines of hell the full and ever during happinesse in Heaven the attributes of the Lord God as his most absolute infinite and unchangeable holinesse excellency power justice mercy wisdome truth omniscience omnipresence c. and every his owne extreame wickednesse basenesse wretchednesse helplesnesse c. to keep his heart in awe that he sinne not to watch to walke humbly with and uprightly before his God to labour to lay to heart whatsoever may by Gods working move him with some sense and sorrow to weigh his owne and other misdeeds and miscries and cause him the more carefully and affectionately to feare seeke serve depend upon and give due glory unto the Lord his God who is blessed for evermore The foure and twentieth Vow and third of this maine part To call to mind the Lords especiall mercles That is MOst respectively to remember and with all holy affection of heart to be moved at that most wonderfull work of redemption by Christ when we were and had else for ever been
most heavy burthen that even over presseth him avoiding as before in this further increasing of them that he may by Gods good providence to deminish and get out of them to use all possible lawfull meanes to discharge them to beg of his God often and earnestly that he will please to free him of them to betake himselfe to such promises as in this case may most support and assure succour unto him to take the best course he can out of conscience to God whatsoever his may seem to suffer hereby that all may be fully paid that shall be found justly due at his decease and then not to trouble himself too much about them but to rest fully perswaded that the Lord as he sees good can and wil as he hath declared easily speedily amply and remarkably helpe him out of them The eighth maine part concerning Death The thirtieth Vow or the last of all and onely Vow of this maine part To prepare himselfe conscionably carefully constantly for the day of his death In this manner AMong many other these four main points offer themselves to his consideration chiefly Viz. 1 How to demeane himself in life and health 2 In time of sicknesse and at the point of death 3 Some sound reasons moving to this course 4 The great benefit following thereupon In life and health By Gods great goodnesse and grace to set himselfe about these two things especially viz. 1 To make his peace with God 2 To put his outward estate in good order For the first of these To pray to endeavour daily and seriously to search out acknowledge bewaile abhor protest against resolve to forsake fly the occasions of to beg pardon for strength to resist and overcome every knowne sinne whatsoever his especiall ones in especiall manner those principally that his wofull experience hath told him doth or may tell him have broken doe will or may most violate his sweet peace with his sweet God most trouble his mind terrifie his conscience makes him most fear Gods displeasure for the present and would most affright his soul if he were ready to dye and had not assurance they were pardoned so not daring for any respect to persist in any knowne evill impenitently but seeking of walking with his God in all things revealed to and so required of him sincerely and watchfully cleaving to the Lord with full purpose of heart in all good conscience inseperably thus dying to sinne and living to grace daily the sting of death which is sin unrepented of may be plucked out throughly so shall death have no power to hurt me Further for this By faith feelingly and effectually to apply the pardon which his most mercifull Father hath freely promised and by his Covenant examples and according to the goodnesse of his owne nature infinitely assured in the blood of the Lord Jesus for all his sinnes though never so many and hainous that the Lord loves him in his most dearly Beloved with an undeserved infinite unchangeable love notwithstanding his unmeasurable unworthinesse extreame weaknesse and never so great impediments to looke for mercy and grace the cause of true peace from the Lord of life onely often and earnestly to pray to the Prince of Peace for that Peace that he hath graciously left with and plentifully promised to his to consider be affected with and imbrace what he hath found most to further or that he daily finds and conceives he shall find to be most furtherable to the procuring and keeping this sweet peace which passeth all understanding to prize this Peace before al the world without it in any measure injoying it to be affectionately thankfull for it to be most fearfull of loosing it if it be wanting or decayed never to be at peace till it be vouchsafed or restored nor to give the Lord rest till he grant it considering the great setling against all distempers it brings with it and what miserable disquiet yea that nothing in this world can give true content without it yea that the remembrance of death is sweetned and the cure of the feare of death is furthered by it for having peace with God through Jesus Christ neither sinne nor affliction nor death nor devill nor hell shall ever be able to harme us for our God who hath assured it in spite of all that all these can make against us will cause all to procure good unto us For putting his outward estate in order According to the meanes his good God in his good providence hath afforded or shall please to vouchsafe unto him to have especiall care without delay conscionably and wisely to order all so that those to whom he may be indebted at his decease may be honestly paid that none may have just cause to complaine against him or lose the least by him that it may appeare he hath dealt honestly with every one to his uttermost power to keep a true and exact account of all he owes continually to prevent future trouble disorder and mistakings And further As by Christianity and nature he is bound of what shall remaine others to whom he was indebted being paid to provide for his Family by appointing every one his portion as conscience and equity requires and he with good judgement sound deliberation throughly weighing the circumstances and his charge sees most fit and so far as is possible for preventing heart-burnings contentions and Law-suits among those of his he leaves after him and from others against them concerning both these poynts of debts paying and division among his own timely to make carefully and constantly to keep in readinesse his Will or some other writing according to the course of Law whereby may plainly appeare what course he would have followed in each particular and as occasion requires changing or confirming the same leaving the good successe of these his honest intendments and endeavours to the Lords good blessing and which he must often beseech the Lord in the future as need requires to make prosperous that none may be wronged that his may be relieved and all contentions prevented Thus while he is in life and health In time of sicknesse At the beginning and as it increases by the Lords assistance most seriously to search out what sinnes he can conceive to have procured the visitation or that any way troubles his conscience to renew the most humble acknowledgement of them to lament and crave renewed remission of them and assurance of pardon for them also more earnestly renewing his resolutions against them and vowes if God please to send recovery no more to fall into them to ply the promised duty of examination now especially to find out as neere as he can what sinnes are threatned with the punishment of sicknesse particularly and to take the same course to be rid of them that is here mentioned already having thus nenewed his repentance and faith and his peace with the Lord in Christ to review and settle his will or writing for ordering his
outward estate and then in obedience unto and in the feare of the Lord to use all lawfull meanes for recovering his health looking chiefly and onely to the Lords blessing thereupon without which all is in vaine humbly submitting unto patiently bearing of resting heartily contented with by no meanes or not in the least to murmure against the Lords good pleasure towards him with a sober spirit meek mind understanding well governed heart setled countenance Christian and seemly carriage to demeane himselfe under the hand of his God justifying the Lord though himselfe be utterly consumed trusting in him though he should be killed thanking of him and laying to heart that so infinitely farre lesse then his deserts he is punished that he is so fatherly chastised that mercy in the midst of wrath is remembred that any ease is vouchsafed that so many meanes of comfort is granted that a good issue goe all how it will is assured and a sanctified use promised and that as a Child from a most wise and tender-hearted Father though the affliction be long and sore he is afflicted to beseech the Lord for a right carriage in his affliction for a sanctified use of his affliction for a happy deliverance how he pleaseth from the affliction and so without any mere adoe or trouble with a quiet well contented mind to await the issue which belongeth to the Lord onely and to those that visit him to speake Christianly At the poynt of death And the neerer he draweth thereunto to draw the neerer to his God in Christ by humiliation faith prayer patience hope and longing all through the strenhth of the Lord which against that time he must often before and as long as he live beseech the Lord to give him as also to discourse holily to call upon the Lord continually yea if it be possible to dye praying or with some pertinent place of Scripture or some other godly speech in his mouth for his owne more refreshing or setling and the exemplary edification of those most neere and deare to him or others that are about him to sigh to Heaven to shew signes his heart is there when power to pray or speake is taken from him O Lord my God Make me mindfull of my mortality and teach me so to number my dayes that I may apply my heart to true wisdome cause me cleerly to discerne and rightly to be sensible of the vanity and vexation of all things under the Sunne Oh let them no more mislead me make me willing to part from them cause me to dye to sinne and live to thee daily cause me to live by faith and keepe a good conscience continually prepare me in my inward and outward man yea every way for thee settle me against all discouragements concerning the remembrance or comming of death yea cure the feare thereof in me make me willing to leave this and desirous of a better life dispose me be I never so averse there-from Oh dispose me to wish to be dissolved and to be with thee unfainedly from a sudden unprovided death good Lord deliver me make me alwayes ready for thee that I may bid thee welcome and resigne my selfe into thy hands gladly when it commeth to the push Lord when it commeth to the push help me to doe as thou hast granted me to know write purpose and pray for and every way else that thy will and my condition as a good Christian requireth of me yea then uphold governe work in with and for me when I am weakest and Sathan busiest that I may not be tempted beyond what I shall be enabled to beare that I may find thee my help in need my deliverer thereout and that thou receivest me to thy Kingdome of Glory Amen These among many other reasons moves him to take this course 1 Because the Lord expresly requires it 2 Because it is most sure and comfortable 3 Because to prepare for death doth not hasten but qualifie it 4 Lest deferring time present he be deprived of time to come for who knoweth what sudden and sore changes a day may bring forth 5 It being most certaine he must dye and yet as uncertaine when where or how 6 That no outward priviledges can prevent or comfort at the time of death but this course can comfort though not prevent 7 That others as likely to live as himselfe are dead 8 That the longer we put off our preparation for death the more unfit we are and shall be to dye 9 That having in sincerity though weakly dispatched this great businesse nothing can be grievous unto us 10 That when the Lord cals for us we have no more to doe but in peace with cheerfulnesse to give our selves into his hands 11 That he might give his mind the fuller satisfaction 12 And be the more free 〈◊〉 walk in all the narrow way of life to happinesse 13 That we are most unfâ—â— hereto when sicknesse ceaseth on us and death threaten us having then too much to doe with our paines and other distractions 14 That this work being done the greatest work is done that can concerne us and that as far as we faile herein we faile of solid comforts 15 That it is the best wisdome by timely preparation for our most comfort to entertaine that which all the world cannot keep from us and which be neglected will certainly ruine us 16 By this course we shall much honour God and benefit others that see know or heare of us Now for the exceeding many and most excellent benefits following this conscionable carefull and constant course besides what is mentioned before for more brevity he referres you to those places of Scripture concerning death and everlasting life to be found in his collection of Promises page 33. and 67. where also is more plentifully explained what he understands beleeves and looks for in both these respects Oh that my soule could sensibly say Come Lord Jesus come quickly ever so come Lord Jesus I beseech thee For conclusion of all To seeke depend upon and await for the Lords onely help and blessing in every respect Briefly thus IN the sense of his extreame ignorance indisposition and disability to thinke speake of doe the least good and of him most grievous ingratitude sinfulnesse unbeliefe in receiving any good and insatiable pronenesse to all evill to think of himselfe meanly to deny himselfe utterly sincerely though he can at the best but very weakly to crave of the Lord all understanding disposition and ability to discharge each part of his duty and unfainedly though he cannot as he ought confidently to look for all mercy grace and good from the hand of Heaven because the Lord God who hath promised is most mercifull therefore willing most mighty therefore able most faithfull therefore must performe it be I never so weak and unworthy and whatsoever doth or may oppose it all onely because he is so pleased alone for his owne great glory through the al-sufficient merits and continuall meditation of the Lord Jesus Christ my alone Saviour and Intercessor through whom I beleeve and await undoubtedly and seasonably to find it Another Exhortation Forget not O my soule upon what occasions and in what manner thou hast vowed unto thy God but remember to performe them watchfully faithfully constantly or else thou makest way for all the wrath of God to breake in upon thee and consider Oh consider it is a most fearfull thing to fall into his hands being angry Lord enlighten my understanding strengthen my memory rectifie my affections to know retaine and chuse grant me feelingly to apply and powerfully to practise whatsoever by thy Word thou hast revealed to me that may best please thee and that I have thus vowed unto thee for Jesus Christ his sake I beseech thee Amen Helpe forgive accept and blesse I pray thee Amen Yea though I be as I am most weake wretched and unworthy for thy mercy and thy truthes sake I beg of thee Amen My good God to thy great Name be all the glory FINIS