CHRISTIAN ADVICE Both to OLD and YOUNG RICH and POOR Which may serve as A DIRECTORY At hand Ready to direct all Persons almost in every State and Condition Under XXVII General useful Heads Rom. 10.1 Brethren my hearts desire to God and prayer for you all is that ye may be saved 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Omne crede diem tibi deluxisse supremum Hor. Si Christum noscis nihil est si caetera nescis Si Christum nescis nihil est si caeteta noscis If Christ you know though nothing else 'T will bring you unto bliss If all things else and know not Christ Of Heaven you shall miss LONDON Printed for Edw. Brewster at the Crane in Pauls Church-yard 1671. T. Cross sculpsit The Effigies of Mr. Tho Mocket some time of Qu Col Camb Mr of A in both the Universities and Minister of the Gospel Aetatis suae 68. A D 1670. The Effigies of the Reverend Author of this Worke M T M Haveing knowne him many yeares I thought good to add out of respects to him Edw Brewster A few VERSES On Psal 39. v. 5. Amici cujusdam THreescore and ten the age and life of man In holy Davids eyes seem'd but a span Yet half that time is lost and spent in sleep So only thirty five for use we keep Our dayes of youth must be abated all Child hood and youth wise Solomon doth call But vanity meer vanity he saies Is what befalls us in our childish daies Our daies of age we take no pleasure in Our daies of grief we wish had never bin So time deducted youth and age and sorrow Only a span is all the time we borrow Now we do count our time by years monthes dayes Ere long we reckon must another wayes Make it your work here so to live and dye That you may live with God eternally Live every day as if it were your last day To The Right Honourable truly Noble and Religious and now also the aged Lady the Countess of Exceter increase of honour holiness and comfort here and perfection hereafter Madam ALthough you might wonder that such an one as I should presume to present so small and mean a piece to your hands and under your name to the world who have so many rare and excellent Workes of eminent men of your own already yet be pleased to pass by my boldness and to accept my Reasons that moved me so to doe though slender I had sometimes the honour to wait on and preach to the Right honourable Lord John Earle of Bridge-water Baron of Brackly and Elsemere c. your Father and then Lord President of the Marches of Wales under King Charles the first long since deceased and had I may truly say without ostentation respect and favour above my expectation and deserts and promises of preferment I also well knew the Lady Catherine Courten your Sister deceased very worthy to be remembred and honoured who was pleased to accept of a small piece from my hand also your great candor piety and goodness which God of his free grace hath inriched you with for which I cannot but much honour you and if your Ladyship shall be pleased to favour a poor Minister of Christ so far as to let this mean piece come to your hand and pass abroad under your Name though mean and homely I trust it may be of some use to others and possibly to your self seeing the truths of God are the same though in a mean dress and great souls must be nourished with the same sincere milk of the word go to Heaven in the same plain way of truth and holiness Though this be but as Goats hair was to make an outward covering to save the rich Furniture and Curtains of the Tabernacle and make other rich pieces appear with more lustre and beauty this plain homely dish of spiritual food may give you occasion to relish value and desire others the more and to feed more savourly on them And so your Lady ship will oblige me to be most ready MADAM To love honour and serve you in the Lord while I am THO. MOCKET The Contents and principal Heads handled in this Treatise THe Preface Pag. 1 An Exhortation to some to get and exercise these fundamental Graces Pag. 4 1 Sound Knowledg Pag. 5 2 Saving Faith Pag. 25 3 True Repentance Pag. 26 4 Unfained Live to God and Men Pag. 27 5 Sincere Obedience Pag. 29 Six moving considerations to get and grow in those Pag. 36 Exhortations and Advices to all in general Pag. 41 1 To read the Holy Scriptures dally Pag. 42 2 To take and improve the opportunities of hearing Pag. 45 3 To meditate often Pag. 46 4 To be careful to keep holy the Christian Sabbath and Lords-day Pag. 47 5 To pray daily Pag. 48 6 To sing Psalms often Pag. 53 7 In performing duties to be careful to perform them in a right manner and not to rest in the duty Pag. 54 8 To obey Magistrates Pag. 56 9 To have a lawful Calling and use it lawfully Pag. 58 10 To be watchful to observe the seasons and opportunities of doing and receiving good Pag. 64 11 To Charity Pag. 72 12 To them in prosperity Pag. 75 13 To them in adversity Pag. 77 14 To them under temptations to sin Pag. 82 15 To studie unity peace and love Pag. 85 16 To endeavour to be and walk always in the fear of the Lord Pag. 90 17 To study to carry themselves affably courteously and neighbourly to all Pag. 104 18 Use a moderation in all things at all times and to all persons Pag. 106 19 Study and endeavour to be good and useful in all relations Pag. 112 20 To use recreations when nature requires lawfully and wisely Pag. 114 21 To think often and prepare for death Pag. 115 22 To married persons generally particularly to Husbands Wives Page 118 23 To Parents Pag. 130 24 To Children Pag. 139 25 To Masters and Governours of Families Pag. 153 26 To Servants Pag. 160 27 To them that are poor Pag. 173 28 Some Objections answered Pag. 177 29 The Conclusion with some choice Scriptures Pag. 188 To My dear Relations Friends and Acquaintance especially in the Counties of Kent London Middlesex Hertford and Essex T. M. heartily wisheth Grace Mercy and Peace from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ with a daily encrease thereof DEAR FRIENDS YOu have been loving kind and respective unto me and mine and now being Aged drawing near unto seventy I am very desirous to leave with you a few lines instead of a worldly Legacy which I am sure many of you need not nor desire as a Testimony of my thankfulness unfeigned love due respects and hearty desire of your real good temporal and eternal that they may be present with you and speak unto you when I cannot come at you or am gone from you into the place of silence and therefore I have been desirous to publish these lines the substance
own salvation But be careful to hear with humble hearts with much attention to remember believe love and practice what you hear for not the hearers but the doers of the Law are blessed Rom. 2.13 Jam. 1.22 23 25. And be earnest with God in behalf of your Minister that he may be a useful instrument of God to your soules and esteem him highly in love for the works sake 1 Thes 5.12 13. 3. Meditate often on the word you hear and read 1 Tim. 4.15 Meditate on these things for blessed is the man that doth meditate therein day and night Psal 1.1 2. Oh how I love thy Law said David Psal 119.97 It is my meditation all the day Meditate often 1. Of your sins and what they deserve 2. Of your death 3. Of the day of judgement 4. Of the joys of Heaven 5. Of the torments of Hell And 6. Of God especially of the omniscience omnipresence power justice and mercy of God and of the merit of Christ Dr. Vsher has an excellent treatise of meditation on Prov. 18. Meditation is of great use to further our knowledge and understanding in the things of God to help our memories stir up affections help faith repentance love and every grace put on to practice and to bring in much sweet comfort and spiritual thought 4. Be careful conscientiously to keep the Christian sabbath or Lords day holy for we are expresly so commanded Exod. 20.8 Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy viz. in all the duties of Gods worship publick private and secret the whole day is the Lords but for our spiritual advantage and benefit who allows us six daies for our worldly business reserving only some small portions of them at our best advantage to seek his blessing on our undertakings and one whole day in seven for his service for us to exercise our selves in the works of piety and holyness works of mercy and charity and works of present and urgent necessity that is such as could not be foreseen and done before nor cannot be put off to another day as the feeding of the beasts watering them quenching of fire broke out helping a poor beast fallen into a ditch and such like It is the Lords day not ours set apart not for our worldly business actions recreations or discourse but his service God allows us six dayes for them and this day one in seven and the first day of the week for his service as may be clearly concluded and proved from the fourth Commandment Christs resurrection and resting from the great work of our redemption the practice of the Apostles and the whole Church of God to this day He that makes no conscience of keeping the Lords day holy will make as little conscience of any other duty of piety towards God or dealing with men 5. Pray frequently fervently and constantly in publick in private and in secret also daily 1 Thes 5.17 Pray without ceasing that is daily instantly and constantly not that we should spend all our time in praying and do nothing else but keep a constant course of prayer at the most convenient seasons daily and be also ready to pray whensoever there shall be a fit opportunity offered have alwayes a praying frame of heart as much as may be Luk. 18.1 Our Saviour put forth a Parable sayes the Evangelist to this end that men should pray alwayes that is constantly and importunately and not faint Eph. 6.18 Praying alwayes i. e. on all seasons and fit opportunities 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pray at least twice a day morning and evening the Jews had their morning and evening sacrifices and incense offer'd a type of prayer Daniel notwithstanding his great and weighty imployments and publick business prayed three times a day solemnly on his knees Dan. 6.10 David seven times a day Psal 119.164 But many are like Heathens and like the bruite beasts have no prayer in the Family daily or none in private and some onely at night in a short curtal drowsy manner without faith c. In the morning when you wake let your first serious thoughts be of God and his goodness towards your selves and others the night past and heartily praise God for them Psal 103.12 Praise thou the Lord O my soul and all that is within me praise his holy name Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits i.e. not any of them Consider well Psal 92.1 2. And when you are up and dressed first addresse your selves to God by humble and hearty praises and prayer for grace and power against sin and to live holily for preservation from evils both of sin and suffering also for a blessing on your lawful undertakings and thankfully acknowledge his goodness and benefits and so labour to have your hearts filled with a sense of Gods goodness and holy resolutions to walk with God as Enoch did Also at night consider what has been done that day past and how bless God for what hath been well done for mercies received and evils prevented his blessings on your undertakings and assistance of you in your callings humbly acknowledging and bewailing what has been done amiss beg pardon and commit your selves and all to his protection and care for the night and time to come in well doing Use all kinds of prayer confession deprecation petition and thanksgiving 1. Confession confess your sins daily humbly and unfeignedly to God with sorrow and shame and purpose of reforming what has been amiss Prov. 28.13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and forsaketh his sins shall have mercy 2. Deprecation pray to God to remove evils felt and prevent evils fear'd both of affliction and trouble but especially the evil of sin 3. Supplication petition to God for mercy pardon power against sin and for good things needful both for soul and body this life and that to come for your selves and others especially for those to whom you stand in a more special relation be earnest with God for Magistrates and for your Ministers as you love your own good and welfare of soul and body 4. Thanksgiving and praises be thankful to God for every mercy and good thing privative and positive for evils prevented and removed and for good things bestowed and promised for soul and body for your selves and others for this life and that to come Psal 103.1 2. Ephes 618. Praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance supplication for all Saints 1 Tim. 2.1 2. I exhort first of all that supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men for Kings and all that are in Authority that we may lead ae quiet and peaceable life in all Godliness and honesty 6. Singing of Psalms Davids Psalms especially and above all others is an ancient an heavenly spiritual comfortable soul-refreshing Christian duty frequently practised by the people of God both under the old and new Testament in the
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
own devices It is true indeed one sinner we read of the good Thief on the Cross repented at his last hour and found mercy but we do not read of any more in the whole Bible that did so and his conversion was miraculous and extraordinary to confirm the truth of Christs doctrine calling and authority to be the Messiah and Saviour one that none who through ignorance or neglect have put off repentance might despair and yet but one that none might presume as Augustine well observed 5. Consider how absurd how unjust and unreasonable it is that any should give the first best of their days wit parts and strength to the service of sin the world and the Devil as all natural unregenerate and impenitent men and women do and the last and worst of their parts and abilities to God when they can do little or nothing for God who in all reason and upon everlasting obligations should have the first best last and all the time and abilities they have It is our duty to give all to him and his due upon most weighty considerations as of his creating us of nothing preserving sustaining with food rayment in health peace and also by our solemn engagement at Baptisme to be the Lords renewed at the Lords supper vows in our sicknesses weaknesses streights and dangers would any of us be willing to be so served by any one that hath his dependance and all he hath from us 6. I beseech you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and as you tender the everlasting good of your soules and bodies if any of you have neglected this great and most necessary work to use all the good means appointed of God with all speed and seriousness for the getting and increasing of sound knowledg saving faith true repentance sincere love real obedience and holiness of heart and life of which I shall speak more in the general considerations and advices immediately following which I hope may be of some use to all sorts and ranks of men And now my dear friends and acquaintance let me in the bowels of Jesus Christ be your Remembrancer to put you in minde of and quicken you in the practice of these few following profitable necessary and comfortable Christian exercises though you do know them already and are established in them as the Apostle Peter did his beloved Christians 2 Pet. 1.12 13. I will not be negligent to put you alwayes in remembrance of these things though you know them and be established in the present truth Yea I think it meet as long as I am in this Tabernacle to stir you up by putting you in remembrance knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me And here I will mind you of no other thing then what I my self desire really sincerely and constantly to practice and Oh that the good Lord would inable me by his grace and that you would help me by your prayers for I assure you I desire to think of you alwayes and to minde you in my approaches unto God Oh my friends my heart is inlarged towards you and for you be you also enlarged to God for me I have great need of your prayers 1. Read the holy Scriptures daily especially the Gospels the Epistles of the Apostles and the book of Psalms and let such as cannot read themselves get them read as often as they can Even Kings notwithstanding their many other great and weighty imployments for the publick good must have a copy of the holy Scriptures by them and read therein all the dayes that is every day of their lives that they may learn to fear the Lord their God and to keep all the words of the Law and the Statutes and do them Deut. 17.18 19. For blessed is the man that delighteth in the Law of the Lord and in his Law doth meditate day and night Psal 1.2 And in reading the holy Scriptures observe as well as you can 1. What sins are forbidden condemned or punished to avoid them 2. What duties commanded commended or approved to observe and doe them 3. What promises are made and to whom and believe them apply them rest on them for your encouragement in well doing or avoiding evil 4. What threatnings there are against any sin or judgements of God or man on sinners to avoid the sins And 5. what blessings are on the godly or good things he has done for any to comfort and encourage you in well doing There are also many other excellent books and treatises on several parts of the holy Scripture also on particular necessary Christian duties of singular use to instruct and direct a Christian in every duty of his general and particular calling also in every particular state condition and relation which are worth your reading and serious perusal which you shall do very well to redeem what time you can conveniently to read and meditate on them I shall for their sakes that know not name a few choice books as the Practice of Piety Mr. Scudders daily walk with God Mr. Balls Catechism with the exposition and treatise of living by faith Mr. Baxters call to the unconverted also his book intituled Now or Never Dr. Gouge of Domestical duties Mr. Thomas Gouge his word to Sinners and Saints Mr. Dod on the Ten Commandments Mr. Burroughs Jewel of contentment Mr. Gurnass whole armour of God on Eph. 6. in three parts Mr. Fenner of Repentance and Gods alarum to drousy Saints Mr. Dyke of Conscience also of the Sacrament Dr. Prestons of Gods all-sufficiency Watsons Cordial Mr. Brooks of Jereboams son for young men Mr. Church Christian daily Monitor There are many other excellent works of Mr. Perkins Mr. Boulton Dr. Preston Dr. Sibbes Mr. W. Fernner Mr. Obadiah Sedgwick Mr. Hooker Dr. Reynolds Mr. Burroughs Mr. Caryl on Job Dr. Goodwin Mr. Calamy Mr. Bridges Mr. Swinnock which I have seen with very many more that come not now into my minde and would be too too tedious to write and read but these few for direction to them that know not and desire some help herein 2. Take and improve the opportunity of hearing the word preached especially on the Lords day by able and sound men in Office others have no warrant nor call of God Jam. 1.18 Be swift to hear He that hath an ear to hear let him hear said our blessed Saviour Mat. 11.15 and 13.41 For it is the onely ordinary means appointed of God for to beget and work also to preserve and increase saving knowledge faith repentance and every saving grace Rom. 10.14 17. Faith comes by hearing and that of men in Office v. 14. It is the power of God unto salvation Rom. 1.16 17. The savour of life unto life to them that do believe 2 Cor. 2.16 Prov. 8.34 Blessed is the man that heareth me saith wisdom waiting daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doors He that willingly neglects hearing neglects his
oftentimes fall into the sins also which he should not and 't is like would not to his shame and sorrow when too late to repent them therefore 1 Thes 5.22 says the Apostle Abstain from all appearances of evil 4. And where occasions cannot be avoided there especially arm your selves by prayer meditation on the word power justice and goodness of God and by holy resolution constantly and resolutely to oppose the evil the motions of sin temptations of Satan and the allurements of the world looking unto God and relying on him for assistance strength and wisdom to withstand and overcome them Jam. 4 7. 1 Pet. 5.9 Mat. 26.41 Watch and pray always that ye enter not into temptation And we have great reason so to do to be watchful if we consider what enemies we have viz. the Devil the world and the flesh 1. The Devil a most cunning malicious subtil vigilant and diligent and deceitful adversary to tempt and draw us to sin and destruction See 1 Pet. 5.8 one that is invisible a spirit and so can be present and see us outwardly inwardly that knows our nature temper and disposition by his great knowledge and thousands of years diligent observation and can and doth sute his temptations accordingly and press them home again and often and not be seen nor discerned of us because a spirit and invisible 2. The World another great enemy both the men of the world and worldly things The men of the world earthly carnal sensual men and men of corrupt judgments and evil conversations that will be tempting and drawing to sin by their counsel promises threatnings fair and foul usage hard dealings by their examples habits carriage and the like Therefore there are so many warnings given us by the Lord in his word as Pro. 1.10 My son if sinners intice thee consent thou not Prov. 4.14 Enter not into the path of the wicked c. Mat. 10.16 17 18. Beware of men Mat. 7.15 Beware of false Prophets that come unto you in sheeps clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves i. e. with fair pretences but with foul malicious devouring hearts Phil. 3 2. 1 Cor. 15.32 Evil words corrupt good manners 2 Tim. 2.17 Their words do eat as doth a canker One man is oftentimes a wolf a devil to another and yet many discern it not Also the things of the world as profit pleasure preferment ease liberty credit and the like are great snares many times to draw into sin Who is not many times ensnared by them or too much taken up with them therefore great cause we have to be watchful 3. The flesh within us is as bad an enemy or worse than either of the other because within us natural to us born and bred up alwayes up with us as near to us as a right hand or a right eye that is always present with us and ready to open to Satan who is not always present therefore be watchful And thus labour to walk circumspectly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 exactly precisely for so the word most properly signifies not as fools but as wise redeeming the time because the days are evil Ephes 5.15 16. from pleasures recreations idle words and frivolous discourses which are apt to steal away and swallow up much time though not evil in themselves also from vain thoughts and unprofitable musings which are very apt to steal in upon us in the bed at night in the morning and at other times at home and abroad walking and journeying also from sight frothy and amorous Books Romances and the like very unfit for Christians professing Godliness to read or hear for they steal much precious time move the affections in vain corrupt youth and take their affections off from and disrelish the spiritual appetite to the Holy Scriptures and other divine Treatises very necessary to be read frequently and seriously thought of Also redeem the time from unnecessary journeys visits yea even from sleep and worldly businesses for spiritual exercises to get and grow in knowledge grace and holiness to make sure of Gods favour pardon of sin interest in Christ and eternal life and to be useful in your generation that you may be able to to say with the Apostle Phil. 3.20 Our conversation is in Heaven from whence we look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ who shall change our vile bodies c. 11. As God gives and according to your abilities be ready to be good to and relieve them that are sick weak in want or other affliction Gal. 6.10 As we have opportunity let us do good to all men especially unto them that are of the houshold of faith i. e. that are of the same Religion with us especially such as are Godly Heb. 13.16 To do good and to communicate forget not for with such sacrifice God is well pleased It is an odour of a sweet savour a sacrifice acceptable well-pleasing to God Phil. 4.18 And do it chearfully and liberally not grudgingly and sparingly for God loveth a cheerful giver and will plentifully require them in full measure pressed down and running over Luk. 6.38 It is compared to a sowing-seed 2 Cor. 9.6 He that sows sparingly shall reap sparingly and he that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully Liberality supplieth the want of the necessitous giving occasion of much thanksgiving and of glory to God doth adorn the Christian Religion honor the Gospel of Christ stop the mouths of worldly men but opens the mouths and hearts of them that are relieved refreshed and comforted to praise God for you speak wel of you pray to God for you and doth as I may in some sense say engage God to deal liberally with you for your liberal distribution to others though our good works do not merit in the least degree and to inrich you with every good thing to all bountifulness 2 Cor. 6.7 8. and 9.8 to the end The Holy Ghost often presseth this duty Read Eccles 11.1 2. Cast thy bread upon the waters though it seem in the eye of natural reason as bread cast into the River quite lost yet saith he after many days thou shalt find it again yea with much advantage as the husband-man doth his corn cast into the earth and long buried yet after many moneths he receives it again many for one many times ten twelve yea more for one bushel Ver. 2. Give a portion to seven and also to eight for thou knowest not what evil shall be on the earth that is what plundering times or casualties may come when all may be taken away or consumed and then it will not repent you that you were liberal and charitable whilst you had it to poor Christians and other prous uses that is so given is sure and safe but that which is not given but taken away or consumed is quite gone lost unless lost for Christs sake But remember as to give cheerfully and liberally to also for Christs sake love to God and obedience to his command
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
that power over her Also she ought to declare her reverence to him by an inward wife-like fear of offending him and outwardly by her mild courteous loving and modest speech to him and of him behaviour before him and respective obedience to him as her husband 3. To nourish and cherish him and provide things needful and convenient for him most especially in time of sickness weakness and the like as for her self Ephes 5.29 4. To go soberly modestly and gravely and after a seemly manner in her apparel as becomes godliness not garish flanting and fantastick 1 Tim. 2.9 I will that women adorn themselves with modest apparel modest apparel then is an ornament as well as garish rich and fine or costly apparel and in some respects much more and doth more win the the affections of all sober persons with shamefastness and sobriety and which becometh godliness with good works 1 Pet. 3.4 5. whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair and of wearing of of gold or of putting on of apparel but let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which in the sight of God is of a great price For after this manner in old time the holy women who trusted in God adorned themselves being in subjection to their own husbands 5. To look to the house and the affairs of it and to preserve the goods of it as her own and order them for the best advantage also the children and maid-servants this is expresly commanded in terms 1 Tim. 5.14 6. To advise with her husband ask and learn of him in private 1 Tim. 2.11 7. But especially to be a true helper to her husband in the things of God that concern their spiritual good according to her power And it is a great advantage the wife hath by reason of her interest in her husband and children and the frequent being with him and them to instruct the children mind him of his duty lovingly and meekly advise comfort and encourage him to every good work as well as he her one great end of Marriage Gen. 2.19 20 21. 23. Parents you whom God hath given the honour to be fathers and mothers of children Let me mind you of the particular duties God requireth of you in reference to your children I need not advise you to have care of their bodies and to provide for them in due season all things needful for them Nature teacheth that and he is worse than an infidel or Heathen that doth not provide for his own house 1 Tim. 5.8 but do not mind them more than God but their spiritual good I chiefly aim at 1. Teach and instruct your children in the grounds and Principles of Religion as soon as they are capable of retaining any thing though they do not for the present understand it yet children do many times understand more than we think they do teach them a little at once as they are capable the most easie and fundamental truths first Deut. 6.6 7. These words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart and thou shalt teach them thy children diligently The word signifies to whet or sharpen as a man sharpens his knife by degrees often drawing it to and fro so should parents teach their children and mark what follows and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou liest down when thou risest up Eph. 6.4 Ye fathers provoke not your children to anger but bring them up in the nourture and admonition of the Lord. A good Catechisme is of great use to this end amongst others Mr. Perkins Catechisme Mr. John Balls and the Exposition also and the Assemblies are all of singular use learned by heart more especially with the proofs the shortest and easiest way to furnish children with the main grounds of Religion and to fit them to hear Sermons 2. Pray often with them and for them 3. Read the Holy Scriptures to them and other good Books as you have opportunity 4. Teach them to read betimes and to read well and hear them read daily 5. See that they attend reverently in time of Religious duties and on the publike Ministry also Exod. 20.8 9 10. 6. Repeat the Sermons unto them or the heads as well as you can and God will help you 7. Examine what they remember what they have heard or read otherwise they will not mind and so not profit by hearing and reading 8. Commend and encourage them when they do well Reprove them when they do evil Correct them also when need requires not in passion a sinful thing and doth little good yet too common and which is worse some foolish Parents presently after correction are ready to take them into their bosom this is of evil consequence and besides it shews they did not correct them in love and judgment but only vent their sinful passion but correct them wisely in meekness and love and let them see you are angry with them for their Souls good till they melt kindly for their faults and humble themselves and beg your pardon Consider well Prov. 19.18 and 22.15 and 23.13 Ephes 6.4 but provoke them not to anger Col. 3.21 Use not threatnings nor many words lest when they see they are but words they slight them and regard not your words nor commands nor your selves neither in a while as I have often seen 9. Give them always a good example in word and deed carry your selves gravely meekly religiously and after a seemly manner towards them evil examples will do them more hurt than all your good instructions will do them good Children have a great conceit of all the Parent doth though bad or untrue and are wonderful apt to imitate them Col. 4.6 Let your speech be always seasoned with salt that is discretion and prudence that it may rellish savour and season others well Avoid all corrupt communication foolish and scurrilous words and jesting Ephes 4.29 And the rather you have great reason thus to do and to endeavour their regeneration and salvation because you have been instruments of their corrupt sinful miserable and damnable estate by natural generation If you be instruments under God of begetting them again as furthering a new spiritual birth and life in them and so of their salvation it will add much to your comfort and crown at the day of your account But if they miscarry and perish through your evil example or neglect of due educating them they shall die in their sins but your Souls must answer to God for them at the day of death and judgment and that may be very soon and will be very sad for you 10. Busie them in some honest and fit imployment as soon as they are capable teach them to be good husbands and house-wives Skill diligence and providence are alone a good portion and livelihood and many times