the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth so great Salvation Heb. 2.3 Open unto Christ when he knocketh at the door of thy heart with the finger of his Spirit Do not bid him come to morrow lest that morrow never come It s good we say to make Hay while the Sun shines for the Heavens may be cloudy It s good to embrace a present opportunity for time is bald behind thou canst not assure thy self of a second Sabbath Seasons of grace are not like Tides that a man may miss one and take another What Christ said of himself is true of Sabbaths The poor ye have always with you but me ye have not always Time thou hast always with thee while thou livest but the Sabbath thou hast not always Nay within a shorter time then thou imaginest God may deprive thee both of time and opportunity both of Week days and Lords days and if thou art now sleeping and snoring when thou should be waking and working what a cut will it be to thy heart to reflect upon the Sabbaths which thou hast had and lost enjoyed and mispent Jerusalem in the days of her affliction and of her misery remembred all her pleasant things that she had in the days of old Lam. 1.9 So Reader if thou shouldst neglect to improve Sabbaths now in the day of thy misery or rather in the everlasting night of thine affliction in hell thou wilt remember thy Sabbaths seasons of grace and all thy pleasant things which thou hadst in the days of old Good Lord what a rueful woful remembrance will it be to call to mind the means the mercies the helps which were afforded thee to have avoided Hell and attained Heaven and yet thou like a fool or rather a mad man didst dally about them and delay till the Market was done Now is the time for thee to accept of grace because now is the onely time that grace will accept of thee O that thou wouldst know in this thy day the things which concern thy peace before they be hid from thine eyes Fourrhly Esteem the publique Ordinances the chief work of the day and let thy secret and private duties be so managed that thy soul may be prepared for them and profited by them Duties in thy closet and family are of use and have their blessing but to put God off with these and neglect the publique Worship is to rob God of a greater sum to pay him a lesser The Sacrifice of the Jews on that day was double they offered Sacrifice in the Tabernacle besides their Lambs for the daily Sacrifice It is worthy our observation that the Sabbath and publique Service are by God himself joyned together and therefore let no man put them asunder Ye shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my Sanctuary I am the Lord Lev. 19.30 They that despise Gods Sanctuary cannot observe Gods Sabbath Every thing is beautiful in its season Private duties are beautiful and in season every day but publique Ordinances are never so lovely and beautiful because never so much in their prime and season as on a Lords Day In publique Worship God receiveth the highest praises I will praise thee in the great Congregations Psal 29.9 In his Temple doth every one speak of his glory I had gone with the multitude to the House of God with the voyce of joy and praise with a multitude that kept holy day Psal 42.4 The gracious God is pleased to esteem it his glory to have many Beggars thronging at the beautiful gate of his Temple for Spiritual and Corporal alms What an honor is it to our great Landlord that multitudes of Tenants flock together to his house to pay their rent of Thanks and Worship for their All which they hold of him How loud and lovely is the noise of many golden Trumpets Good Lord what an eccho do they make in Heavens ears Deus pluris facit preces in Ecclesia quam domi factas non ob locum sed ob considerationem multitudinis fidelium Deum communi consensu invo cantium Riv. in Cath. Orth. When many skilful Musicians play in consort with well-tuned and prepared Instruments the Musick cannot but be ravishing to God himself Methinks its a notable resemblance of the sweet melody which is made by the Celestial Quire above Psal 68.26 Bless ye God in the Congregation even the Lord from the fountain of Israel for he loveth the gates of Zion above all the dwellings of Jacob Psal 87.2 As in publique God receiveth the highest praises so there he bestoweth the richest mercies Blessed is the man whom thou chusest and causest to approach unto thee that he may dwell in thy Courts We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy House even of thy holy Temple Psal 65.4 Here is Davids Position and its proof His Position is That the Templer or Inhabitant in Gods House is an happy man Blessed is the man whom thou chusest and causest to approach unto thee that he may dwell in thy House The proof of it is from the quality and quantity of the provision which God makes for them that are of his Houshold For the quality of it it is not onely good but Goodness which word signifieth not onely the good will which God beareth to but all the good things which God bestoweth upon his people Pardon Peace Love Grace every good thing all good things are in the womb of that one word Goodness Gods provision for his people is beyond all their knowledge or apprehension There be four ordinary ways by which men come to the knowledge of good things either by hearing them immediately themselves or by hear-say from others or by the sight of the eyes or by discourse of Reason But from the beginning of the World men have not seen nor heard nor perceived by the ear nor hath it entred into the heart of man to conceive what God hath provided for them that love him 1 Cor. 2.9 Isa 64.4 The love discovered there is an unknown love the joy bestowed there is unspeakable joy All the costliest dainties prepared for Heavens Table the fulness of joy and pleasures for ever at Gods right hand are expressed by this one word Goodness Psal 31.19 So that the quality of the provision is beyond all exception it is Goodness For its quantity it is to satisfaction We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house even of thy Holy Temple The Saint shall have enough of this luscious fare to content him Indeed the Christians full meal is reserved for him till he comes to eat bread in the Kingdom of Heaven but here he hath enough to stay his stomach He is very well satisfied that his allowance in this World is sufficient God calls him in the other World to greater work and so will give him a greater allowance for suitable strength but God doth not in this World underkeep him He feeds proportionable to their employments nay to their satisfaction and contentment all
heart to spiritual joy and delight therein Holy alacrity and joy is not onely a crown and credit to but also a special part of Christianity The Kingdom of God consisteth not in meats and drink but in righteousness and peace and joy in the holy Ghost Rom. 14.17 Gods ways are not so bad but that the Travellers in them may be chearful His work is good wages and therefore it s no wonder that his Servants are so joyful Because beleivers have ever cause of comfort therefore they are commanded always to rejoyce Phil. 3. Whether their sins or sufferings come into their hearts they must not sorrow as they that have no hope In their saddest conditions they have the spirit of consolation There is seed of joy sown within them when it is buried under the clods and appears not above ground But there are special times when God calls for this grain to spring up They have some red letters some holy days in the Calendar of their lives wherein this joy as Wine at a Wedding is most seasonable but among all those days it never relisheth so well it never tasteth so pleasantly as on a Lords day joy sutes no person so much as a Saint and it becomes no season so well as a Sabbath Joy in God on other days is like the Birds Chirping in winter which is pleasing but joy on a Lords day is like their warbling Tunes and pretty notes in Spring when all other things look with a sutable delightful aspect This is the day which the Lord hath made he that made all days so especially of this day but what follows we will rejoyce and be glad therein Psa 118.24 In which words we have the Churches solace or joy and the season or day of it Her solace was great We will rejoyce and be glad Those expressions are not needless repetitions but shew the exeuberancy or high degree of their joy The season of it This is the day the Lord hath made Compare this place with Mat. 21.22.23 and Act. 4.11 and you will find that the precedent verses are a prophetical prediction of Christs Resurrection Sic. Arnob. and so this verse foretels the Churches joy upon that memorable and glorious day And indeed if a feast be made for laughter Eccles 10.19 Then that day wherein Christ feasteth his Saints with the choicest mercies may well command his greatest spiritual mirth A thanksgiving day hath a double precedency of a fast day On a Fast-day we eye Gods anger On a Thanksgiving-day we look to God favour In the former we specially mind our own corruptions In the latter Gods compassions therefore a Fast-day calls for sorrow a Thanksgiving day for joy But the Lords day is the highest thanksgiving day and deserveth much more then the Jewish Purim to be a day of feasting and gladness and a good day On this day we enjoy the Communion of Saints and shall we not delight in those excellent ones Psa 16.3 On this day we have fellowship with the blessed Saviour and shall we not fit under his shadow with great delight Cant. 1. On this day we are partakers of the Ordinances of God and shall we not be joyful in the House of prayer Isa 56.7 On this day we have special converse with the God of Ordinances and who would not draw water with joy out of the Well of Salvation Isa 12.3 Surely whilst we are in the midst of so much Musk we must needs be perfumed Who can walk where the Sun shines so hot and not be warmed It is Gods precept as well as thy priviledge to make Gods day thy delight If thou call the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord Isa 58.13 Delights Tremel reads it Thy delicate things according to the Septuag Whether thou art meditating on Gods works or attending on Gods Word which are the two principal duties of the day they both call for delight and joy If on this day of rest thou considerest the work of creation and Gods rest it behoveth thee to follow Davids pattern Thou Lord hast made me glad through thy works I will triumph in the works of thy hands Psa 92.4 If thou considerest the work of Redemption and Christs rest surely out of the carcass of the Lion of the tribe of Judah thou mayst get some Honey as may delight thy soul and force thee to sing My soul doth magnifie the Lord my spirit rejoyceth in God my Saviour Luk. 1.46 47. The babe in the womb leapt for joy of him before he was born The heavenly host sung at his birth and wilt not thou at his second birth his resurrection from the dead O let the Primitive Christians salutations be thy consolation The Lord is risen If thou meditatest on glorification and thine own rest canst thou do less then rejoyce in hope of glory what Prisoner shackled with Satans temptations and fettered with his own corruptions in the dark Gaol of this World can think of the time when his Irons shall be knockt off and he enjoy the pleasant light and glorious liberty of the Sons of God and not be transported with joy What heir in his minority banisht from his kindred and country can think without comfort of his full age when he shall have the full fruition both of his estate and friends doubtless friend the Sabbaths of the holy are the Suburbs of heaven In heaven there is no buying no selling no ploughing no sowing nothing but worshiping God communion with him fruition of him and delight in him There remains a rest for the people of God There they rest from their labours If thou on a Lords day turnest thy back upon the World and goest up into the mount conversing with and rejoycing in the blessed God what dost thou less then begin thine eternal Sabbath here Such a Lords day can be no less then Heaven in a looking glass representing truly though darkly thy future eternal happiness There is no perfume so sweet to a Pilgrim as his own smoak When thou art attending on the word truely that Aquavitae that hot water may well revive thy spirit Thy testimonies are my delight saith David I have rejoyced more in thy testimonies then in all manner of riches Psa 119.24 77. The Word of God is sometimes called a treasure and what beggar would not rejoyce in a treasure sometimes fire and truly Reader thine heart is frozen to purpose if this fire do not heat it Salomon tell us As cold water to a thirsty soul so is good news from a far Country Prov. 25.25 The Word of God contains the best news that ever ears heard Peace on earth good will towards men and the glad tidings of the Gospel come from Heaven a far Country What canst thou say then why they should not be as welcome and refreshing to thee as cold water to a thirsty soul Variety of things that are excellent is not a little ground of complacency in them Variety of choice voices please the ear variety
of God in Ordinances but also the Marrow of his day that no Lords day may satisfie me without the Lord of the day Alass what is the best time without the Rock of eternity what is the best day without the Ancient of days what are the Ordinances of God without the God of Ordinances what are Sabbaths Sermons Sacraments and Seasons of Grace without the dearest Saviour but as broken Cisterns glorious Dreams or guilded nothings I have read of a good soul who answered his Friend Speak to me while you will no words can satisfie except you mention Christ write to me what you will it will not satisfie except in your Letters I may read Christ O that in no Sermon I might be contented till I hear Christ and that in no Chapter I might be pleased till I can read Christ that as the Needle touched with the Load-stone never resteth till it turn to the North so my heart may be reâ—â— less in holy duties till it turneth to and hath fellowship with the Lord of Heaven The Lords day is an excellent resemblance of my future blessedness wherein I shall enjoy my Saviour fully and my God shall be all in all to me Lord let never this day pass without some taste of those celestial pleasures Meditation on the Works and Word of my God being a duty most in its prime and season on a Sabbath day I beg that what time I spare from publique private or secret performances I may imploy to this purpose that I may behold my God to be infinite in wisdom power and goodness in his foot-steps of creation and stand amazed at that rare Workmanship those curious contrivances of his which Angels look into with admiration that appear in his Master-peice that work of Redemption and for his word let my heart be able to say with David O how love I thy law it is my meditation all the day I wish that I may watch over my thoughts words Watchfulness and actions all the day long in special that as when the holy things belonging to the Sanctuary were to be removed they were covered all over lest any dust should soil them so I may cover my heart with such circumspection that no dust of sin may cleave to it O that I might be so wise and watchful that there may not be the least minute of the day wherein I may not either do or receive some good Lord let no Sabbath pass without some saving good to my precious soul I desire Finally Conclusion of the day that I may not lose the heat of the day in the cool of the Evening I mean that what good If gain from my God through his Ordinances in the day may not be lost by my negligence at night but that as a wise Commander I may then double my Guard and expect with much importunity some evening dews of comfort and grace O that I might so keep the Sabbath of my God chuse the things that please him and take hold of his Covenant that I might so turn away my foot from the Sabbath from doing my pleasure on his holy day Is 56.4 5. and 58.13 and call the Sabbath my delight the holy of the Lord that I may have with the Eunuch within the House of my God a name better then of Sons and Daughters even an everlasting name that shall not be cut off Amen A Good Wish to the Lords day HAil thou that art highly favoured of God Luk. 1.28 thou map of Heaven thou golden spot of the week thou market-Market-day of souls thou Day-break of eternal brightness thou Queen of days the Lord is with thee blessed art thou among days I may say to thee what the Angel said to Daniel Dan. 9.23 O day greatly beloved Psa 45. Thou art fairer then all the Children of time grace is poured into thy lips God even thy God hath anointed thee with the Oyl of gladness above thy fellows Of the Jewish Sabbaths and other Festivals in comparison of thee it may be spoken They perish but thou remainest and they all wax old as a Garment Heb. 1.11 12. And as a vesture hast thou folded them up and they are changed but thou shalt maugre the malice of men and Devils continue the same and thy years shall not fail As the Temple succeeded and exceeded the Tabernacle this was fleeting that was fixed so dost thou all former Sabbaths they were but morning stars to usher in thee the Sun and then to disappear Other Festivals in all their Royalty are not arrayed like unto thee All the graces triumph in thee all the Ordinances conspire to enrich thee the Father ruleth thee the Son rose upon thee the Spirit hath overshadowed thee Thus is it done to the day which the King of Heaven delighteth to honour Thou hast not onely a common blessing with other days by the law of nature but a special blessing above all other days from the love of thy Maker Let thousands mark thee for their new birth-day Exod. 12.42 be thou a day as it was said of that night to the Jews much to be Remembred much to be observed to the Lord for bringing many out of worse then Egyptian bondage Esther 8.16 be thou to them a day of light and gladness of joy and honour and a good day On thee light was created the Holy Ghost descended life hath been restored Satan subdued sin mortified souls sanctified the Grave Death and Hell conquered O how do men and women flutter up and down on the Week-days as the Dove on the waters and can find no rest for their souls till they come to thee their Ark till thou put forth thy hand and take them in O how do they sit under thy shadow with great delight and find thy fruit sweet to their taste O the mountings of mind the ravishing happiness of heart the solace of soul which on thee they enjoy in the blessed Saviour They are sorry when the days shorten for thy sake they wish for thee before thou comest they welcome thee when thou art come and they enjoy so much of heaven in thee that thence they love and look and long the more for their eternal Sabbath Go forth O thou fairest among Women and be thou fruitful in bringing forth Children to thy Maker and Husband Gen. 24.60 Be thou the Mother of thousands and of millions and let thy seed possess the Gate of them that hate them Do thou like Rachel and Leah build up the House of Israel do thou worthily in Ephratah and be thou famous in Bethlehem Gird thy sword upon thy thigh O thou mighty and gracious day and in thy Majesty ride prosperously because of meekness righteousness and truth let thy right hand teach the terrible things let thine arrows be sharp in the hearts spiritual enemies whereby the people may fall under thee Psa 132. The Lord hath chosen thee he hath desired thee for his habitation
this and hast thou not abundant cause to be heedful lest by thy pattern thou shouldst draw thy Children to sin and to Hell The Idolatrous Israelites drew their children to joyn with them in the Worship of false Gods Ezek. 18.2 Plutarch observeth of Cato that he was very wary not to speak an uncomely word in the presence of his Children Plut. in vit Cat. This Heathen will condemn many Christians who will curse and swear and drink and roar and that in presence of their children Reader avoid sin both for thy own and others sake As a stone thrown into the water makes but one circle at first but that one begetteth many so though the sin in thee at first be but one ye it may cause many both in thy children and servants The sin of a Master or Mistris is like an infectious Air which others breathing in are infected by it Thy servants will as readily put on thy lusts as thy livery and thy Children will be proud of such a patronage such a cloak for their villany A dark eye benights the whole body Weigh all thy words and all thy works considering how many followers thou hast he that sinneth once sinneth twice if he sin before others Be serious and diligent about the concernments of God and thy soul that others may take example by thee The biggest Stars are brightest and give light to those that are of a lesser magnitude Thou who art the greatest shouldst be the most gracious in the family if the Sun shine not on the mountains it must needs be set in the vallies If thy children and servants behold thee careful of thy language and consciencious in thy carriage when they see thee humble fervent constant and serious in holy duties they may learn by thee and write after thee such a patten may tend exceedingly to thy spiritual profit It is observed of Caesar by Cicero that he would never say to his Souldiers Ite sed Venite Go ye but Come ye marching before them himself and giving them a pattern Do thou Reader go before thy Family in Sobriety and Sanctity as their faithful Captain and they may sooner then thou expectest follow after thee Naturalists tell us of the Mulberry tree that there is nothing in it but what is Medicinal in some sort or other the fruit the root the bark the leaf all are useful Truly so it ought to be with thee All thy expressions all thy actions should be instructions to thy Inferiours Thy behaviour in private in publique towards God towards thy Wife towards thy Children towards thy Servants towards thy Neighbours should all be Lectures to teach others Religion and Righteousness that you may be able to say to your Children as Seneca to his Sister Though I can leave you no great portion yet I leave you a good pattern Besides one work required of thee as I shall shew thee before the conclusion of this Chapter is to admonish and reprove others in thy family for their faults which with what face canst thou do or with what hope of success unless thou art free thy self It was a shame to Plutarch that his Servant should say My Master writeth falsly he saith it is unbeseeming a Philosopher to be angry ipse mihi irascitur and he himself is angry with me If thou reprovest thy childe for not praying and thy servant for drunkenness and art guilty thy self though thou acquaintest them never so much with the wrath of God which will certainly seize upon Atheists and Drunkards they will never believe thee for they know thou dost not believe thy self Thy words would seem to draw the nail of sin out but thy works are such an heavy hammer that they drive it in to the very head When the rude Souldiers saw the Roman Senators sit gravely and discourse soberly they took them for gods and were awful of them but when they perceived one of them to grow waspish they took them for men and spoiled them Herod feared Johns reproof knowing that he was a just man Mark 6.20 Where there is piety in the person there is majestie and authority in the reprehension Let the Righteous smite me Psal 141.5 The Snuffers of the Sanctuary were of pure gold He that would reprove others dimness and make them shine brightly with the light of holiness had need to be irreproveable himself Reader walk unspottedly otherwise when thou threatenest thy children or servants with the judgements of God against fin thou dost like David pass a sentence of death and condemnation against thy own soul Fourthly Be careful and diligent that thy whole Family may sanctifie the Lords Day When the Israelites were to sacrifice to God in the Wilderness they went with ther little ones and all their housholds Exod. 12. When Elkanah went up to sacrifice to the Lord all his house went with him 1 Sam. 1.21 Thy duty is according to these examples to see that all thy family unless necessity should hinder serve the Lord in publique Do not suffer any of thine to be playing idly in the Churchyard when they should be praying earnestly in the Church nor to be talking vainly of the World when they should be hearkning reverently to the Word O what pity is it that they should be sucking poyson when they should be sucking milk out of the breasts of Consolation The fourth Commandment doth fully speak thy duty not onely to be careful that they forbear thy work but also that they minde Gods Worship Thou knowest not but that thy childe or servant by missing one season may miss of salvation Possibly they are wrought hard in the Week days and have very little time for their souls so that their onely time of improving their spiritual stock by trading towards Heaven is on a Sabbath Day Or it may be they are careless of their main work of providing for the other World all the Week that if thou shouldst neglect them on the Lords Day they will he left under a necessity of perishing Surely they who have but one good meal in seven days and are robbed of that are unconceiveably wronged When David came to his Brethren to the Camp Eliab said to him How camest thou down hither Where is the flock and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the Wilderness 1 Sam. 17.28 I know the pride and the haughtiness of thy heart Give not God cause to greet thee thus at Church How camest thou hither Where is thy flock thy Family With whom hast thou left those few sheep thy Children and thy Servants I know thy pride they are not good enough to come along with thee or to be minded by thee or I know thy covetousness thou hast imployed them about earthly businesses or I know thy carelesness and Soul-cruelty thou carest not what becometh of them whether they be saved or damned for ever I tell thee Friend some Gentlemen by going abroad alone without their servants have lost their silver and
the most part of it The humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines concerning a Confession of Faith presented by them to both Houses of Parliament A serious Admonition to those Members of Parliament that sate alone without the secluded Members with another to those Souldiers yet living that secluded the major part oâ— the House of Commons setting up the rest whom afterwards they twice dissolved by a Minister of the Gospel The humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines concerning a Larger Catechism presented by them to both Houses of Parliament A Sermon preached by Hugh Peters preached before his death as it was taken by a faithful hand and now published for publique Information Mesolabium Architectonicum that is a most rare and singular Instrument for the easie speedy and most certain measuring of Plains and Solids by the foot invented long since by Mr. Thomas Bedwol Esq A Changling no company for lovers of Loyalty or the Subjects Lesson in point of sacred submission to and humble compliance with God and the King The Beauty of Magistracy in an Exposition of the 82 Psalm where is set forth the Necessity Utility Dignity Duty and Morality of Magistrates by the labours of Thomas Hall B. D. and Pastor of Kingsnorton and George Swinnock M. A. and Pastor of Great Kimbel Large Octavo's THe door or Salvation opened by the Key of Regeneration by George Swinnock M.A. Preacher of the Gospel at Great Kimbel in Buckinghamshire Heaven and Hell Epâ—tomized the true Christian characterized by the same Author Four profitable Treatises very useful for Christian practice viz. The killing power of the Law The Spiritual watch The New Birth Oâ— the Sabbath by the reverend Will. Fenner late Minister of Rotchford in Essex Enchiridion Iudicum or Iehoshaphats charge to his Judges together with the Catastrophe Magnatum or King Davids lamentation at Prince Abners Incineration by Iames Livesey Minister of the Gospel at Atherton The greatest loss upon Mat. 16.26 by the same Author Meditations Divine and Moral by Henry Tabb M.A. The Psalms of King David translated by King Iames. Wilful Impenitency the grossest Self-murther by that able faithful and labourious Minister of Jesus Christ Mr. William Fenner 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Almost Christian discovered or the False-professor try'd and cast by William Mead. Spiritual Wisdom improved against Temptation by the same Author Beams of former light discovering how evil it is to impose doubtful and disputable forms or practices upon Ministers The Pastor and the Clerk or a debare real concerning Iufant Baptism by Iohn Ellis Habakkuk's prayer applied to the Churches present occasions on Hab. 3.2 and Christs counsel to the Church of Philadelphia on Revel 3.11 by that late reverend and faithful Minister of Jesus Chrst Mr. Samuel Balmford Pastor of Albons Woodstreet London The Rudiments of Grammar The Rules composed in English Verse for the greater benefit and delight of young beginners by Iames Shirley The Ladies Dispensatory containing the Natures Vertues and qualities of Herbs and Simples useful in physick ' reduced into a methodical order for their more ready use in any sickness or other accident of the body Small Octavo's Catechizing Gods Ordinance in sundry Sermons by Mr. Zachary Crofton Minister at Buttolphs Aldgate London The Godly mans Ark in the day of his distress discovered in divers Sermons the first of which was preached at the Funeral of Mris. Elizabeth Moor. Whereunto is annexed Mrs. Elizabeth Moors Evidences for Heaven composed and â—ollected by her in the time of her health for her comfort in the time of sickness by E. Calamy B. D. Pastor of the Church at Aldermanbury The Gale of Opportunity and the beloved Disciple by Thomas Froysal Sion in the house of Mourning because of sin and suffering being an Exposition on the fifth Chapter of the Lamentations by D.S. Pastor of Vpingham in Rutland The one thing necessary by Mr. Tho. mas Watson Minister of Stephen Walbrook A Plea for Alms delivered in a Sermon at the Spittle on Tuesday in Easter Week April 13. 1658. by the same Author Moses unvailed or those figures which served unto the pattern and shadow of heavenly things pointing out the Messiah Christ Jesus briefly explained whereunto is added the harmony of the Prophets breathing with one mouth the mysterie of his coming and of that Redemption which by his death he was to accomplish by William Guild Minister of Gods Word at King-Edward in Scotland Good company being a collection of various serious pious meditations by I. Melvin Minister of the Gospel at Vdimer in Sussex A Religious Treatise upon Simeons Song or instructions how to live holily and dye happily by T. Woodriff B.D. Pastor at Kinsland in Herefordshire The Reformation in which is Reconciliation with God and his people or a Catechism unvailing the Apostles Creed with Annotations in which Faith Ordinances and Government are professed as in the primitive times in opposition to all Errors and Heresies by W.K. Minister of the Gospel Prospering prophaness provoking holy conference and Gods attention several Sermons from Mal. 3.15 16 17. by Zachary Croston The Catechism of Hugo Grotius done into English Benedictio Valedictio or the Remembrancer of thy Friend and thy end being a farewel-Sermon preached at the house of the late Right Honorable Leticia Lady Paget Dowager deceased by her Chaplain Anthony Sadler Twelves JOhnsons Essays expressed in sundry exquisite fancieâ— The dangerous Rule or a Sermon preached at Clonmel in the Province of Munster in Ireland upon August 3. 1657. before the reverend Judges for that circuit by S. L. Master in Arts and lately fellow of C.C. C in Oxon. The Womans glory a Treatise asserting the due honor of that Sex by manifesting that women are capable of the highest improvements by Samuel Torshel The discovery of the most dangerous dead faith by Iohn Eaton M. A. and sometime Student in Trinity Colledge in Oxford The new Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ newly translated out of the Original Greek and with the former Translations diligently compared and revised By his Maâ—esties special command printed at Edenburgh Twenty fours GRoans of the Spirit or a Tryal of the truth of prayer A Handkercher for Parents wet eyes upon the death of their Children or Friends There is in the Press A continuation of the Exposition on the remaining Chapters of the Prophet Ezekiel beginning at the thirtieth Chapter to the end of that Prophesie by VVilliam Greenhil late Minister of Stepney London to compleat the whole Exposition upon that part of Scripture There is likewise in the Press the second part of this ensuing Treatise by Mr. Swinnock containing Dealings with all men in all conditions whether in prosperity or adversity in all companies good or bad in solitariness on the Week day from morning to night in visiting the sick upon a dying-bed A Table of such Scriptures as are occasionally Explained in this following Treatise GEn. 9.13 page 417 Exod. 18.12 page 401 22. ult page 103
good of others Fire in the chimney warmeth the whole room but it is burning hot on the hearth Grace in a Saint will make him useful to sinners but chiefly though not solely to his own soul Timothy be not like a burning glass to put others into a flame whilst thou thy self remainest unfired but work hard to exalt holiness in thine own heart Exercise thy self Vnto godliness Godliness is taken in Scripture either strictly or largely 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Verum rectum dei culium significat maxi â—â— socris Scrip 〈◊〉 Hâ—braea phâ—asi timor domini vocatur Svâ—us interp justitiam vo cat Est in loc 1. Strictly and then it includeth onely the immediate worship of God or obedience to the First Table and is distinguished from righteousness Tit. 2.11 12. so ungodliness is distinct from unrighteousness Rom. 1.18 2. Largely And then it comprehendeth our duty to our neighbour as well as to God and obedience to the Second as well as the first Table so righteousness is religion and in our dealings with men we may do our duty to God it s taken thus 1 Tim. 6.6 and in the Text. The good Husbandman makes no balks in the field of Gods precepts Timothy must make it his trade to pay God and men their due He must not like the Pharisees seem as tender of the First Table as of the apple of his eye and trample the second as dirt under his feet they prayed in Gods house all day to prey upon the widows house at night nor as some whom the world call honest men who will not wrong their neighbours of the least mite and yet wickedly rob God of many millions they steal from him both time and love and trust and bestow them on earthly trifles the bird that will flye well must use both wings the Waterman if he would have his boat move rightly must ply both oars the Christian if he would make any thing of his heavenly trade must minde both Tables The Truth that I shall draw from the Text is this That Godliness ought to be minded as every ones main and principal business Exercise thy self unto godliness Religion must be our cheif occupation The great Trade that we follow in this world must be the Trade of Truth It is observable that the more noble and singular a being is the more it is imployed in a suitable working God who is the highest in perfections is not onely the holiest but the most constant and diligent in his operations Hitherto my Father worketh and I work Joh. 5.17 His work indeed is without weariness his labour without the least lassitude as they say of Heaven Coeli motus quies all Gods working days are Sabbaths days of rest but he is a pure act and he is every moment infinitely active from and for himself Angels are next to God in being and so are next to him in working They do God the most service and they do him the best service they serve God without sin and they serve him without ceasing he makes his Angels spirits and his Ministers a flame of fire Heb. 1.7 spirits are the most active creatures with life fire is the most active creature without life a flame is the most operative part of the fire Thus active are Angels in working for God Some by fire understand lightnings by spirits winds As winds and lightnings presently pass through the earth so Angels presently fulfil Gods holy Will Now as he hath given man a more excellent being then the rest of the visible world so hath he called him to follow after and abound in the most excellent work God hath appointed contemplation or vision to be mans reward in heaven To see God as he is and to know him as he is known of him but service and action to be his work on earth to exercise himself to godliness Some read that Job 5.7 thus Man is born to work as the sparks flie upward Indeed it is the decreed lot of all mankind to labour Adam was called to industry in his state of innocency Gen. 2.15 and since mans fall Non est panis cujusquam proprius nec summi quidem re gis nisi strenue laboret in vocatione sua Rol. 1 Thess 3.6 his work which was before his pleasure is now his punishment if he eat not his bread in the sweat of his brow or his brains he steals it He that like a body louse lives upon others sweat is like Jeremiahs girdle good for nothing But the main work which God commandeth and commendeth to the children of men is to glorifie him upon earth by exercising themselves to godliness This is Gods precept and this hath been the Saints practice This is Gods precept Work out your salvation with fear and trembling Phil. 2.12 In which words we have the Christians end eternal life Salvation and the means to attain it diligent labour work out your salvation he had need to labour hard that would attain Heaven Non dicit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 operaminised 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 acurate magnoque cum studâ—o operamini cum mâ—â—ta dilâ—gentia solicitudine pergite vestram operari salutem A Lapid in Phil. 2. Godliness must be not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his by-business but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his main business The Jews have a proverb alluding to Manna which was to be gathered the sixth day for the seventh because on the seventh none fell from heaven He that gathereth not food on the Sabbath eve shall fast on the Sabbath day Intimating thereby that none shall reign in Heaven but such as have wrought on earth This hath been the Saints practice Our conversation is in heaven Phil. 3.18 Though our habitations be on earth yet our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 our negotiation is in heaven As a Merchant that lives in London drives a great trade in Turky or the remotest part of the Indies So Paul and the Saints traded and traffiqued afar off in the other world above even when their abodes were here below Godliness was their business Christianity was minded and followed as their principal trade and calling It is the calling of some to plough and sow and reap The Christian makes and follows it as his calling to plough up the fallow ground of his heart to sow in righteousness that he may reap in mercy Hos 10.12 The trade of others is to buy and sell the godly man is the wise Merchant trading for goodly pearls that sells all to buy the field where the pearl of great price is Matth. 13.43 For the Explication of this Truth That religion or godliness ought to be every ones principal business I shall speak to these three things First What Religion or godliness is Secondly What it is for a man to make Religion his business or to exercise himself to Godliness Thirdly Why every Christian must mind Godliness as his main business CHAP. III. What Godliness is FOr the first what Religion is
is predestinated and created for this purpose Isa 43.1 and 7. Thou art mine I have created him for my glory I have formed him yea I have made him There is both the author and the end of our creation the author I have created him the end for my glory As man is the most exact piece on which he bestowed most pains Solâ—s homo sapientia instructus est ut religianem solus intelligat haec est hominis atque mutorum vel praecipua vel sola diâ—antia Lact. deâ—ira dei so from him he cannot but expect most praise Lactantius accounteth religion the most proper and essential difference between men and beasts The praises which Beasts give God are dumb their sacrifices are dead but the sacrifices of Men are living and their praises lively God did indeed set up the admirable house of the visible world floaring it with the earth watering it with the Ocean and ceiling it with the pearly Heavens for his own service and honor but the payment of this rent is expected from the hands of Man the inhabitant He was made and put into this house upon this very account that be might as Gods Steward gather his rents from other creatures and pay in to the great Landlord his due and deserved praise Man is made as a glass to represent the perfections that are in God A glass can receive the beams of the Sun into it and reflect them back to the Sun again The excellencies of God appear abundantly in his works man is made to be the glass where these beams of Divine glory should be united and received and also from him reflected back to God again O how absurd is it to conceive that God should work a body so curiously in the lowest parts of the Earth embroyder it with nerves veins variety and proportion of parts miracles enough saith one between head and foot to fill a Volume and then enliven it with a spark of his own fire a ray of his own light an Angelical and Heaven born soul and send this picture of his own perfections this comely creature into the World meerly to eat and drink and sleep or to buy and sell and sow and reap Surely the onely wise God had an higher end and nobler design in forming and fashioning man with so much care and cost The upright figure of mans body as the poetical Heathen could observe may mind him of looking upward to those blessedmansions above Os hominisublime dedit taelumque tueri jussit Ovid. and that fifth muscle in his eye whereby he differeth also from other creatures who have onely four one to turn downward Columb de re anat l. 1. c. 9. another to hold forwards a third to turn the eye to the right hand a fourth to turn the eye to the left but no unreasonable creature can turn the eye upward as man can may admonish him of viewing those superiour glories and exercising himself to godliness it being given him for this purpose saith the Anatomist that by the help thereof he might behold the Heavens thus the blessed God even by sensible demonstrations speaks his mind and end in making man but the nature of mans soul being a spiritual substance doth more loudly proclaim Gods pleasure that he would have it conversant about spiritual things He made it an heavenly spark that it might mount and ascend to Heaven A Philosopher may get riches Arist Polit. lib. 1. cap. ult saith Aristotle but that is not his main business a Christian may nay must follow his particular calling but that is not his main business that is not the errand for which he was sent into the World God made particular callings for men but he made men for their general callings It was a discreet answer of Anaxagoras Clazamenius to one that asked him why he came into the World Coelum mihi patria cuius cura summa est Anaxago Diogen Laert. Vt coelum contempler that I might contemplate Heaven Heaven is my Country and for that is my chiefest care May not a Christian upon better reason confess that to be the end of his creation that he might seek heaven and be serviceable to the Lord of Heaven and say as Jerom I am a miserable sinner and born onely to Repent The Jewish Talmud propounds this question Why God made man on the Sabbath-eve and gives this answer That he might presently enter upon the command of sanctifying the Sabbath and begin his life with the worship of God which was the chief reason and end why it was given him CHAP. VI. Religion is a work of the greatest weight It is Soul-work it is God-work it is Eternity-work SEcondly Godliness ought to be every mans main business because it is a work of the greatest concernment and weight Things that are of most stress call for our greatest strength Our utmost pains ought to be laid out upon that which is of highest price Mans diligence about any work must be answerable to the consequence of the work The folly of man seldom appears more then in being very busie about nothing in making a great cry where there is little Wool like that empty fellow that shewed himself to Alexander having spent much time and taken much pains at it before hand and boasted that he could throw a Pea through a little hole expecting a great reward but the King gave him onely a bushel of Pease for a recompence sutable to his diligent negligence or his busie Idleness Things that are vain and empty are unworthy of our care and industry The man that by hard labour and hazard of his life did climb up to the top of the Steeple to set an Egg an end was deservedly the object of pity and laughter We shall think him little better then mad that should make as great a fire for the rosting of an Egg as for the roasting of an Ox. On the other side the wisdom of men never presenteth it self to our view in livelier colours then in giving those affairs which are of greatest concernment precedency of time and strength Of brutes man may learn this lesson When the cart is empty or hath but little lading the Team goeth easily along they play upon the road but when the burden is heavy or the Cart stuck they pull and draw and put forth all their strength Now godliness is amongst all mans works of the greatest weight The truth is he hath no work of weight but this this is the one thing necessary and in this one thing are mans all things Our unchangeable weal or wo in the other world is wrapt up in our diligence or negligence about this our earthly business be they about food or raiment about honours or pleasures or whatsoever are but toys and trifles but bables and Butterflies to this As Candles before the sun they must all disappear and give place to this Moses a pious and tender Father when leaving them in his Swan-like
as arrant a dissembler as he was pretended to hate such ingratitude Is this thy kindness to thy friend saith he to Hushai why hast thou left him when thou art by any finister carriage departing from Christ give conscience leave to ask thee Is this thy kindness to thy friend Ah why dost thou leave him serve him thus thy sins will be more sinful because God is more merciful to thee then to others The children of Israel have onely the Seventy read done evil from their youth up Jer. 32.30 As if there had been no sinners in the world but they their priviledges being greater then others their provocations were more grievous The unkindness of a friend hath much of an enemy in it David was not much troubled at Shimei's rayling but Absoloms rebellion pierced his very soul My son that came out of my bowels hath lifted up his hands against me Wilt thou give thy Saviour cause to complain He that did eat bread with me hath lift up his heels against me Psal 41.3 He that did eat at my table nay eat of my flesh and drink of my blood he hath lift up his heart and his hand and his heel against me It was an aggravation of Sauls fall he fell as though he had not been anointed 2 Sam. 1. And it will be a sad aggravation of thy fall if thou shouldst fin as if thou hadst not been at a Sacrament It is reported of an Elephant that being faln down and by reason of the inflexibleness of his legs unable to rise a Forrester came by and helped him up with which kindness the Elephant was so taken that he followed the man up and down did him much service and never left him till his dying day Reader the moral is plain thou wast faln and never able to rise of thy self The Lord Jesus Christ forsook his Father in Heaven and his Mother on Earth suffered unconceivable sorrows to help thee up what love shouldst thou have to him what service shouldst thou do for him Thou canst not do less since he hath redeemed thee out of the hands of thine enemies then serve him in holiness and righteousness all thy days As the Hop in its growing follows the course of the Sun from East to West and will rather break then do otherwise So shouldst thou in all thy actions follow the course of the Sun of Righteousness and rather dye then deny him When Moses came from the Mount where he had been conversing with God his face shined Exod. 34.30 When thou goest from the Table where thou hast had sweet communion with thy God The face of thy conversation must shine so with holiness that others may take notice of it It s said of the High Priest and Elders that observing the language and carriage of Peter and John They marvelled and they took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus Acts 4.13 So thy words should be so gracious and thy works so exemplary after a Sacrament that all those with whom thou hast to do may marvel and take knowledge that thou hast bâ—en with Jesus that at the Table thou didst sup with Christ and Christ with thee I shall onely answer a doubt or two from a troubled Conscience and conclude this Ordinance Object 1. But possbly thou wilt say O penitent Soul I have been at the Sacrament and found little joy what shall I do Answ Though thou didst not finde any ravishing comfort at the Table yet it may be thou mightst receive more grace from Christ When thou didst not spring upward in Joy thou mightst root thy self more downward in Humility Here is no loss Heaven is the proper place for comfort Earth for Grace I expect my reward in another World if I can but do my work well here I shall be satisfied A serious Christian may well be contented with solid peace without extasies Therefore be not discouraged Object 2. But I finde no peace no calmness of spirit I fear my heart was so dead and dull that I did neither act grace in the ordinance nor receive grace through the ordinance for I saw never a smile in Gods face all the while Answ Didst thou not go in thine own strength if so no wonder that thou art disheartned Jacob told his Wives I perceive that your Fathers countenance is not towards me as at other times but what was the matter This Jacob say Labans sons hath taken away all that was our Fathers he hath got his riches The glory of God as I may say is his Wealth his Treasure The riches of his glory Rom. 9.23 Now if thou didst rob God of any part of his treasure by thy self-confidence it is no marvil that thy fathers countenance was not so pleasant towards thee as at other times In brief I would wish thee to reflect both upon thy preparation for and carriage at the Ordinance and if thou findest thy self faulty confess and bewail it hereby thou mayst yet attain the efficacy of the Ordinance When Physick is taken down and doth not work Physitians often give their Patients something to quicken it and it proves exceeding instrumental for the diseased persons good A sincere lamentation of thy negligence before or carelesness at the Table supposing that thy heart be right with God will much help forward the operation of the Sacrament If thou findest that thou wast faithful in the discharge of thy duty then by no means despond but wait Food doth not nourish as soon as it is taken into the body there must be time allowed for concoction The strongest meats are longest in digesting but they give the most and the best nourishment Faith and Prayer will at last like skilful Midwives deliver the promises safely of those blessings which did stick for a time in the birth It is good that thy soul should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of God There is light sown for thee O thou child of light who walkest in darkness and be confident it will spring up A good Wish about the Lords Supper wherein the sormer Heads are Epitomized THe Lords Supper being one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian Religion The Introduction a lively representation of my dearest Saviours bleeding passion and blessed affection and a real taste of that eternal Banquet which I shall hereafter eat of in my Fathers house at his own Table I wish in general that I may never distaste the person of my best friend by abusing his picture that I may not go to the Lords Table as Swine to their trough in my sin and pollution but may receive those holy elements into a clean heart Motives to preparation Christs inspection O that my lamp might be flaming and my vessel filled with oyl when ever I go to meet the Bridegroom I wish in particular that my soul may be so throughly affected with Christs special presence at this sacred Ordinance that I may both prepare for it and proceed at it
may not quench this love but rather like Snuffers make this lamp to burn the brighter Beasts love them who feed them Wicked men love their friends and benefactours My very cloaths warming me are warmed by me again and shall not I love him who hath loved me and washed me in his own blood O that I could groundedly cry out with Ignatius My love was crucified and meet this Lord of Heaven as Elijah went up to Heaven in a Chariot of fire in a flame of love Repentance I desire that I may follow Christ at this Ordinance as the Women did to his Cross weeping considering that my sins were the cause of his bitter and bloody suffering and O that as Saul eyed David I might eye them all from that day forward to slay and destroy them When my soul hath been thus feasted with Marrow and fatness After the Sacrament Thankfulness Lord let my mouth praise thee with joyful lips Ah what am I and what is my Fathers house that when others eat the bread of violence and drink the wine of deceit I should eat the flesh and drink the blood of thine own Son What is man that thou art so mindful of him and the Son of man that thou dost thus visit him I wish that I may shew my thankefulness to my God and dearest Saviour for these benefits the worth of which men and Angels can never conceive by the love of my heart the praises of my lips Faithfulness and the exemplariness of my life At the Sacrament Christ gave his body and blood to me and I gave my body and soul a living Sacrifice to him and that before God Angels and Men the Sacrament was Beersheba the Well of an Oath Shall I pollute that heart which was solemnly devoted to God and prophane that Covenant which I have seriously contracted with the most High Should I like Sampson break those bands asunder and fetch that Sacrifice away from the Altar which was tyed with such strong cords of Oaths and Covenants must I not expect to bring the fire along with it O let me never start aside from my vow like a deceitful bow Lord I have sworn and will perform that I will keep through thy strength thy righteous judgements Lastly I desire that I may not onely differ from them who like the Habassiness In Prester Iohns Country will not fpit on a Sacrament day but will spue the next day deny sin at present but afterwards Deifie it that I may not onely be faithful to my Oath of Allegiance but also fruitful in obedience that as Elijah walked in the strength of one meal forty days I may walk in the strength of that Banquet serving my Saviour and my Soul all my days In a word I wish that I may ever after walk worthy of my birth having Royal Heavenly blood running in my veins worthy of my breeding being brought up in the nurture of the Lord fed at his own Table with the bread of Heaven cloathed with the Robes of his Sons Righteousness and that my present deportment may be answerable to my future preferment O that I might in all companies conditions and seasons walk worthy of him who hath called me to his Kingdom and glory Amen CHAP. XXI How to exercise our selves to godliness on a Lords Day BEcause the Lords Day is the special time for Religious Duties I shall therefore Reader give thee here some particular directions for thy Sanctification of it and Edification by it As of all actions none call for more care then holy duties so of all seasons for those actions none commandeth so much caution and Conscience as the Lords Day The first Command teacheth us the object of Worship the second the matter of Worship the third the manner of Worship the fourth the time of Worship That God is to be worshipped Time of worship is juris naturalis one of seven is juris positivi that some time must be set apart for that work is Moral Natural and written on the Tables of all our hearts but that one day of seven must be consecrated to this end is Moral Positive and written on the Tables of stone All Nations have had their seasons for Sacrifice even the Heathen who worshipped dumb Idols had their Festivals and Holy days It is reported of Alexander Severus Emperor of Rome that he would on a Sabbath Day lay aside his Wordly affairs and go into the Capitol to Worship his gods Among those that acknowledge the true God the Turks have their Stata tempora set times of devotion nay they have their Fryday Sabbath But to keep the Lords Day upon a conscientious ground and in a religious manner is peculiar to the true Christian In the primitive times the observation of this day was esteemed the principal sign of a Saint Indeed our Sanctification of it is by God himself counted a sign that he hath sanctified us Exod. 31.13 It is observable that God hath fenced this Command with more hedges then ordinary to prevent our excursions 1. It is markt with a Memento above other commands Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy partly because of our forgetfulness and partly because of its concernments 2. It s delivered both Negatively and Affirmatively which no other commands is to shew how strongly it bindes 3. It hath more Reasons to enforce it then any other Precept Its Equity Gods Bounty His own Pattern and the Days Benediction 4. It s put in the close of the first Est caput Religionis totum Dei cultum continet Willet in Exod. 35.1 and beginning of the second Table to note that the observation of both Tables depends much upon the Sanctification of this day It is considerable also that it is more repeated then other of the Commands Exod. 20.31 14.34 and 24.35 1.19 Levit. 3.28.30 God would have Israel know Omni tempore Sabbato debere cessare Aug. in Exod. quaest 160. in those fore-quoted places that their busiest times earing and harvest and the very building of the Tabernacle must give way to this Precept On the Lords Day we go into Gods Sanctuary and his pleasure is that we reverence his Sanctuary Levit. 19.30 The Jews indeed made a great stir about their outward reverencing the Temple Willet in loc They tell us they were not to go in with a staff nor shoes nor to spit in it nor when they went away to turn their backs upon it but go sideling Ezek. 8.16 but certainly Gods meaning is principally that we do with inward reverence and seriousness worship him in his Sanctuary Reader I desire thee to take notice that the more holy any action is the more heedful thou oughtest to be about it Upon which account the duties of this day require extraordinary diligence for they have a double die of holiness upon them they are double gilt Thy task on that day or the exercises thereof are of Divine Institution
Days and it may be got little soul-saving good Thou goest to the House of God where a table in the preaching of the Gospel is set before thee spread with all the dainties of Pardon Love Grace Peace and Eternal Life at which others sit and feed their Souls are fill'd with Marrow and Fatness and their mouthes praise the Lord with joyful lips but thou hast no stomack canst eat little and savour nothing I dare be the Physician to tell thee the cause cure of this the cause is Thy stomack is foul thy heart is unclean and therefore as a man that hath a cold or some disease predominant cannot rellish his meat but complains sometimes of the meat sometime of the Cook when the fault is in himself so thou canst taste no goodness in the best meat neither Prayer nor Scripture neither Sermon nor Sabbath are savoury to thee yet it may be thou blamest the Preacher he doth not dress the meat to thy mind when the fault is in the foulness of thy affections Thy cure must be to purge out this old leaven to take some pains beforehand in cleansing thy heart When the stomack is clean as after purging or fasting how sweet is a piece of bread So if thou wouldst but in secret search thy soul vomit up thy filth by a penitent confession cleanse thine heart by sincere contribution and wouldst then frequent the publique Ordinances thou wouldst finde prayer sweet preaching sweet the Sacrament sweet every service sweet O how wouldst thou love the habitation of Gods House and the place where his honor dwelleth Prepare to meet thy God O Christian betake thy self to thy chamber on the Saturday night confess and bewail thine unthankfulness for and unfruitfulness under the Ordinances of God shame and condemn thy self for thy sins entreat God to prepare thy heart for and assist it in thy Religious performances spend some time in consideration of the infinite Majestie Holiness Jealousie and Goodness of that God with whom thou art to have to do in sacred duties ponder the weight and importance of his holy Ordinances how they concern thy salvation or damnation thine everlasting life or death how certainly they will either further thine unchangeable welfare or encrease thine endless wo meditate on the shortness of the time thou hast to enjoy Sabbaths in how near thy life may be to an end how speedily and how easily God may take down thine earthly Tabernacle how there is no working no labouring no striving in the other World to which thou art hastning and continue musing and blowing till the fire burneth thou canst not think the good thou mayest gain by such fore-thoughts how pleasant and profitable a Lords Day would be to thee after such a preparation The oven of thine heart thus baked in as it were over night would be easily heated the next morning the fire so well raked up when thou wentest to bed would be the sooner kindled when thou shouldst rise If thou wouldst thus leave thine heart with God on the Saturday night thou shouldst finde it with him in the Lords Day morning Secondly Possess thy soul in the morning with the greatness of thy priviledge in the enjoyment of a Sabbath and such seasons of grace Look upon thy work that day as thy reward thy duty on that day as thy greatest Dignity O what a favour what an honor what happiness doth God vouchsafe to thee in affording thee such a golden season David though a King the Head of the best people in the World esteemed it an honor to be the lowest Officer in Gods House to be a Door-keeper there to fit at the threshold as it is in the Hebrew Psal 84.10 If the Queen of Sheba could say when she saw the wealth and heard the wisdom of Solomon Happy are these thy men happy are these thy servants which stand continually before thee and that hear thy wisdom and blessed be the Lord God of Israel which delighted in thee to set thee on the Throne of Israel because the Lord loved Israel for ever therefore made he thee King 1 Kings 10.8 9. mayest not thou when thou beholdest the beautiful face of thy Saviour in the glass of Ordinances and hearest the sweet delightful voyce of Jesus Christ a greater then Solomon when thou seest the delicate and plentiful provision the feast of fat things of wine on the lees well refined which he makes for his people upon better ground say Blessed are thy servants that hear thee daily watching at thy gates waiting at the posts of thy doors Prov. 8.34 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house they will be still praising thee And blessed be the Lord God of Israel which delighted in thee to set thee on the Throne of Israel because he loved Israel for ever therefore hath he made thee King The Ordinances of God are called an appearing before God the fruition of them is a seeing his face Capernaum because of them was said to be lifted up to Heaven Who can tell what honor it is to appear in the presence of this King or what happiness it is to see his comely countenance Those that enjoy this are lifted up to Heaven Israel was an unparallel'd people because of this incomparable priviledge For what Nation is there so great which hath God so nigh unto them Deut. 4.7 In the Ordinances of God the Christian hath sweet communion with ravishing delight in and enflamed affection to the blessed God in them he tastes God to be gracious hath the First-fruits of his Glorious and Eternal Harvest Well might the French Protestants call their place of publique meeting Paradise Well might David cry out Psal 84.1 2. 27.4 How amiable are thy Tabernacles O Lord of Hosts At the Tabernacle God did meet David Who can tell what joyful greeting there was at that holy meeting what sweet kisses what loving embraces God gave his soul As the Ordinances are Heaven in a glass so the Lords Day is Heaven in a map This is to be valued at an high rate because therein we enjoy all the means of communion with God in the highest degree and measure without interruption The Hebrews call thee Week days prophane days but this is an holy pious day The Greeks call them working days but this is a day of sweet rest Other days are common and ordinary handmaids but this is fitly termed by the Jews the Queen of days Many Daughters have done wisely but thou hast excelled them all Many days as Lecture-days Fast-days Thanksgiving-days have done vertuously have done valiantly but thou O Queen of days hast excelled them all They like Saul have slain their thousands of Spiritual Enemies but thou hast slain as David thy ten thousands They like the people must worship afar off but thou like Moses mayest draw near go up into the mount There is none like thee whom God knoweth face to face Well may other days say to thee as the people to David Thou art
worth ten thousand of us Well might the good Soul run to meet thee in the morning and salute thee with Veni Spousa mea Come my sweet Spouse thee I have loved for thee I have longed and thou art my dearest delight Take heed of counting the Sabbath thy burden and thine attendance upon that day on the Ordinances of God thy bondage It argued spirits full of froth and filth to cry out When will the new Moon be gone that we may sell our corn and the Sabbath that we may set forth wheat Amos 8.5 Count Religious duties not thy fetters but thy greatest freedom Think what the Phaenix is amongst birds the Lyon among beasts Fire among the Elements that is the Lords Day among the days Ordinary days like wax in a shop have their use are worth somewhat but this like wax to some Deeds or which hath the Kings Seal to it is worth thousands What is said of that Day of the Lord may in a gracious sense be spoken of the Lords Day There is none like it before it neither shall be after it Upon this day Christ carrieth the Soul into his Wine-cellar and his Banner over it is Love Upon other days he feeds his members upon this day he feasts them they have their ordinary every day but upon this day exceedings Upon this day he brings forth his living water his best Wine On this day he gives the sweetest bread the finest flower the true meat his own body On this day he met the two Disciples and made their hearts warm and even burn within them by the fire of his words On this day Saints that slept arose out of their beds their graves Mat. 27. On this day the Holy Ghost descended on the Apostles On this day the Lord brought forth the light of the World in Creation On this day Christ brought forth the light of his new Heavens and new Earth by his Resurrection On this day St. John had his glorious Revelation containing the Churches state to the Worlds dissolution On this day he visited his dear Apostles with grace and peace saying to them Peace be unto you behold my hands and my feet On this day he burst asunder the bands of death he broke in peices the gates of Hell he led captivity captive trampled upon Principalities and Powers and and triumphed over grave sin the curse of the law and Satan Upon this day he still rides triumphantly in the Chariot of his Ordinances conquering and to conquer casting down high thoughts and subduing sinners to himself It may be said of the Sabbath as of Sion This and that man was born in her and the highest himself shall establish her The Lord shall count when he writeth up the people that this man was born then Selah Psa 87.56 O blessed day how many thousands souls have known thee the day of their new births How willing have the people been in thee day of Gods power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning thou hast the dews of thy youth Blessed art thou among days from hence forth all generations shall call thee blessed Blessed be the Father who made thee blessed be the Son who bought thee blessed be the Spirit who sanctifieth thee and blessed are all they that prize and improve thee Reader thou hast not a drop of true holiness if thou dost not bless God as is reported of the Jews at the coming in and going out of this holy and blessed day Thirdly Consider there is a present price put into thy hands to get and increase grace and therefore improve it The wisdom of a Christian consisteth in observing his seasons the High God sends man to School to the silly Ant to learn this Art and peice of good Husbandry Go to the Ant thou sluggard consider her ways and be wise which having no Guide Overseer nor Ruler provideth her food in the Summer and gathereth her meat in the Harvest Prov. 6.6 7 8. The Ants are a feeble folk but famous for their forecast and deserve saith one to be fed with the finest of the Wheat for the pattern they give to man They labour not onely all day but even by Moon-light they gather huge heaps together lay it out a drying in a warm day least it should putrifie bite off the ends of the ends of the grain least it should grow but observe the season of this care and diligence She provideth her food in the Summer and gathereth her meat in the Harvest Then that time is the Ants opportunity if she do it not then she cannot do it at all therefore she makes use of that season O that Friend thou wert but as wise for the bread which came down from Heaven as this poor Pismire is for the bread which springs out of the earth Christians are called Doves The Turtle Dove is called in the Hebrew Tor of the Original Tur and thence comes our Latin Turtur which signifieth to observe or search for so this Bird observeth her time of going and coming Jer. 8.7 for she departeth before Winter into some warm climate The Lords day is the Summer thine Harvest time Labour now for Christ and grace or thou art lost for ever The Farmer that loyters at other times will work hard and sweat in Harvest If he do not reap then he knows he can never pay his rent and feed his Family but is ruined Reader if thou dost not on a Lords day gather in grace how wilt thou do to lay out grace in the week days nay how wilt thou do to spend grace upon a dying bed when thou art to step into the other World He that gathereth in Summer is a wise son but he that sleepeth in Harvest is a son that causeth shame Prov. 10.5 The Jews might gather no Manna on the Sabbath but Gentiles must then especially get the bread of life The Water-man must observe when Wind and Tide are for his turn and then bestir himself or otherwise he must come short of his Haven It concerns thee to mind Sabbaths then the gales of the Spirit blow fair for thy voyage then the waters of Ordinances run right for the port to which thou art bound therefore do not then laze and loyter but labour for thy God thy soul and thine everlasting life Therefore shall every one that is godly seek thee in a time when thou mayst be found Psa 32.6 The Musitian must play his lesson whilst the instrument is in Tune because the weather may alter The good Husband for his soul must buy of Christ gold to inrich him and raiment to cloath him while the Fayr lasts for it will quickly be over Esau came too late and lost thereby the blessing many come too late and lose their souls by it To every thing there is a season saith God Eccles 3.1 The Lords day is thy season when grace and mercy are tendered to thee how will thou escape if thou neglectest or carest not for as
art a good Husband for thy soul I doubt not but thou esteemest thy time in the week days at so high a rate that thou darest not sqander it away in doing nothing or in that which is worse then nothing but O what worth what price wilt thou set upon an opportunity upon a Lords day How diligent wilt thou be to improve the least peice of that day God giveth thee six whole days for thine own works do not deny to him one whole day in seven Let thy conscience be Judge Is it not unrighteousness to buy by one measure which is greater and sell by another measure which is lesser when the day is consecrated to God as the goods of Ananias it is dangerous to keep back any part of it for our own use Do thou all the day long live and walk as it were in the other World Make it a Sabbath a day of rest 1. From sin and wickedness this is thy duty every day but especially on this day Every sin on a Sabbath is double the season is a great aggravation of the sin The wicked indeed are like the raging Sea which cannot rest but every day bubble up mire and dirt Isa 57.20 2. From the World and the works of thy calling Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore for it is holy unto you Every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death for whosoever doth any work therein that soul shall be cut off from among his people Exod. 31.14 The Jews were to rest from works of least importance as gathering sticks he that fetched in sticks was sent out of the World with stones and of greatest concernment as building the Tabernacle and though the Christian now hath more liberty yet he hath no leave at all to pollute the day by wickedness or to prophane the day by any earthly work which might have been done before the day or may be done as well after it May I not say to thee of this day as Elisha to Geehezi Is this a time to receive money and garments and sheep and oxen and men-servants and maid-servants 2 Kings 5.26 Is the Sabbath a time for civil affairs The Sabbath day is therefore called a day of restraint Deut. 16.8 because then men are forbidden all work saith Junius As none were ever losers by laying afide their own works to attend Gods Worship he took care of Israels safety whilst they were in his service that none of their Neighbours though bitter enemies should so much as desire their Cities Exod 34.24 so none I am confident were ever gainers by inching in some part of their callings unnecessarily at the end of Gods day and by setting God aside to serve themselves the very time will be a Canker to consume their estates And as they that take Crocus into their stomachs bring up not onely ill humours but that also which would prove good nourishment So some have had experience that their prophanation of Gods day to increase their estates hath forced them to vomit up the whole God hath given thee days enough for thy calling space enough to mind it in thou needst not trespass upon his holy day upon his holy ground It was no small aggravation of Adams sin that though he had choice of fruits he would eat of the forbidden fruit so it will much increase thy sin if when thou hast choice of time for thy trade thou shouldst meddle with it on a Sabbath Reader Debet totus dies festivus à Christiano expendi in operibus bonis Grostead in precept as thy duty is to rest the whole day from wickedness and worldly work so also to imploy the whole day in Gods Worship be either praying or reading or hearing or singing or meditating or discoursing with others about the Works or Word of God Be always taken up either with publique Hoc sensu loquitur propheta Sià primo mane incipimuslauda re dâ—um continuandas esse ejus laudesad ultimam noctis partem Calvin in loc private or secret duties In the 92. Psalm that Psalm for the Sabbath v. 1 and 3. we are exhorted to shew forth Gods loving kindness in the morning and his faithfulness at evening Now we know that in Scripture sense the morning and the evening are the whole day The whole day is Gods by ordination and why should not it be his by observation God hath dedicated this day wholly to hsi own Worship now every devoted thing is most holy to the Lord. Lev. 27.28 The Pope and Church of Rome have half holy days as St. Blacies day which is holy in the forenoon onely but God and the Church of Christ have no half holy days Observe how exact God is in expressing a whole natural day From evening to evening you shall keep the Sabbath Lev. 23.32 Their days were reckoned from evening to evening from the creation but ours because Christ rose in the morning from morning to morning If thou hast any sincere delight in God and esteem of the true riches I cannot but think that thou wilt be covetous of the smallest part of Gods day and wish as R. Jose Iewish Antiq. l. 3. c. 3. Ex Buxtorf Comment mas that thy portion may be to begin the Sabbath with those of Tiberias because they began it sooner then others and to end it with those of Tsepphore because they continued it longer then others If thy soul ever met God on a Sabbath thou wilt surely be ready to say with Joshua Thou Sun stand still in Gibeon Iosh 10 12. and thou Moon in the vallies of Ajalon O that the day were longer that I might have more time to fight the Lords battels against my spiritual enemies Eightly If thou wouldst make Religion thy business on a Lords day Meditate therein on the word and works of God Consider his works This is part of the work of the day David in that Psalm for the Sabbath gives thee a pattern O Lord how great are thy works and thy thoughts are very deep Psa 92.5 Is a dishonour to a workman to make excellent peices and to manifest abundance of Skill and Art and ingenuity and then not to have them taken notice of God hath done his mighty works to be remembred and wondred at It s said of Pythagoras that he lived sequestred from men in a cave for a whole year together that he might meditate on the abstruse points of Philosophy I wish thee to an easier and pleasanter task to sequester thy self some time every Lords day to ponder the infinite perfections which appear in the operations of his hand God will be both admired and magnified by his people on earth as well as in Heaven which none can do but those that seriously consider his works Men have been much wondred at for some peculiar rare works though in them a Christian should look farther even to God the Author of their skill and wisdom The very Greeks acknowledged somewhat like this that all
Victory but not to improve a Victory Usually the Evenings are cold though the days are hot 19. As Oratours at the close of their speech use all their Art and Skill to move the affections of their Auditors so at the close of the Lords day put forth all thy grace and spiritual strength to prevail with God for a blessing Say of the Sabbath as Jacob to the Angel I will not let the go without a blessing 20. Labour to keep the influence of Lords day Ordinances warm upon thy spirit all the week after let not thy devotion pass away with the day Some Children when they put on new Shooes on a Sabbath are very careful to keep them clean are unwilling to set their feet to the ground for fear of dirt but in the week days will run up to the Ankles in Water or Mire O let not childrens play be thy earnest but endeavour that thy practices in secret and private in thy calling and in all companies on the Week days may be answerable to the great priviledges which thou didst enjoy and the grace which thou didst receive on the Lords day A good wish about the Lords day wherein the former heads are Epitomized THe first day of the Week being of divine institution The Introduction and Baptized by God himself with that Honorable name of the Lords day partly in regard of its Author This is the day which the Lords hath made partly in regard of the blessed Redeemer who rose that day and Triumphed over the Grave the Devil the Curse of the Law and Hell it being a day Sanctified for the glory of my Saviour of which I may say as of Jacob The Lord hath chosen it to himself for his peculiar Treasure Psa 135.4 and a day set apart for the spiritual and eternal good of my precious soul wherein I may enjoy communion with my God in all his Ordinances without interruption I wish in general that as the Spirit may be in me in the week days so that I may be in the Spirit on the Lords day filled therewith and enabled thereby to have my conversation all the day long in Heaven O that my care in fitting my soul for it my holy carriage at it and my sutable conversation after it may testifie that I had rather be a Door-keeper in the House of my God then to dwell in the Tents of Wickedness and that I esteem one day in his Courts better then a thousand else-where I wish in particular that I may prepare for it Preparation as for a Wedding day wherein Christ and my soul are to be espoused together and to that end before it cometh may be careful so to order my earthly affairs that they may not incroach upon this Holy ground and so open the door of my heart and adorn it with spiritual excellencies that the King of Glory may enter in and think himself a welcome Guest in my soul O that I might never give my God cause to complain of me as once of the Jews Your Sabbaths and solemn feasts I cannot away with for your hands are defiled As Nehemiah shut the Gates of the City that no burdens might be carried in on the Sabbath day so let me secure the Gate of my heart that no Worldly things may disturb me in Sabbath duties O let me not like Martha be careful and troubled about many things but on this day especially sit at Christs feet mind the one thing necessary and chuse the good part which shall never be taken from me I wish that I may long more for it then ever a Bride-groom did for his Bride that when it is come in I may bid it heartily Welcome and that as my Saviour rose early that morning to justifie me so I may rise early on this day to glorifie him I desire that this holy day may be an high day in my account both because the Lord of the Sabbath hath separated it to sacred uses and because it is the day of his resurrection whence so much good cometh to my soul Esteem the day as a priviledge By his passion he layd down the price of my redemption but by his rising again the Judge of Quick and dead sending his officer an Angel to roul away the stone open the prison door and let him out he manifesteth to the world that the debt is discharged and the law fully saatisfied O of what value should this day be to me My Redeemers humiliation indeed was like Josephs imprisonment but his delivery out of the grave like Josephs enlargement and preferment whereby he came into a capacity to advance and enrich all his relations I pray that I may look on this day as a special season to sow to the spirit in and improve it accordingly A price to get and increase grace I believe that my God will not hold him guiltless that takes his name or spends his day in vain O let me not like a foolish child play by that candle which is set up for me to work by lest I go to the bed of my grave in the dark of sin and sorrow Publique Ordiuances to be esteemed the chiefest work of the day I wish that I may not neglect either secret or family duties on this sacred day but yet that I may so perform them that they may be helps not hinderances to publique Ordinances that since God loveth the gates of Sion above all the the dwellings of Jacob I may set an high price upon and have an ardent love to the habitation of Gods house and the place where his honor dwelleth Delight in it that as a true child of my heavenly Father I may love most and like best that milk which is warm from the breasts of publick ordinances I wish that I may call the Lords day my delight it being a day wherein I enter into the suburbs of the holy City and begin that work of praysing pleasing and enjoying my God which I hope to be employed in to eternity that it may be my meat and drink to do the Will of my God O that I might so savour the things of the Spirit and so taste the Lord to be gracious that love may be the Loadston to draw me to my closet family and to Church and season every service I am called to upon the Sabbath Sanctifie the whole day Because every part of this day is of great price more worth then a whole World I desire that not the least moment of it may be squandred away but as the Disciples after the miracle of loaves I may gather up with care and conscience the smallest fragments that nothing be lost My God giveth me good measure heaped up pressed down shaken together and running over why should I be niggardly to him to my self indeed for it is my profit not his when he is so liberal so bountiful to me I wish in regard the blessed God is not onely the Master Communion
every act of my Office that I may as Abrahams Steward provide a Wife for my Masters Son and enable me through thine help so to set forth the beauty of his Person the excellency of all his Preceps and the vastness of his Portion that I may woo to purpose and prevail to present my People as a Chaste Virgin unto Christ I wish 2 Able That because the work I am occupied about is great in regard it is not for man but for the Lord that I may as Bezaleel and Aholiah for the Service of the Sanctuary be singularly gifted and endowed by my God for the building of his Spiritual Temple that as a wise Builder I may lay the foundation of Sound Doctrine raise it upon strong Pillars of convincing Reasons and cover it with useful and powerful Application I would not like some young Shop-keepers for want of stock set out Pictures of Wares instead of Parcels but be so throughly furnished unto every good work that I may upon all occasions bring out of my Treasury things both new and old Lord let a double portion of thy Spirit be poured on me and let thy Blessing so prosper my Studies that I may be an able Minister of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit a Workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of truth 2 Cor. 3.6 I wish that since I am a steward of the mysteries of Christ and that it is required of a Steward 3 Faithful that he be found faithful that I may upon no pretence be false to the souls of my people that I may not daub with untempered morter or sow pillows under mens elbows for any gain or advantage but may be a Barnabas a son of consolation to the Penitent a Boanerges a son of thunder to the Presuptuous that knowing the terrour of the Lord I may perswade men and give to every one their particular and proper portion in due season O let me not be curious to provide meat toothsom for polluted pallats to the feeding of their distempers like Ahabs 400. Trencher-Chaplains who sold their Lords life at the Cheap rate of a lye but as Micaiah be careful to distribute food that is wholesome and sutable to their several spiritual constitutions Though my patients may be angry at present when I search their festered wounds to the bottom and thereby put them to pain yet when upon my faithful dealing they recover they will give me hearty thanks It was the saying of Mauritius the Emperor when he heard that Phocas was a Coward If he be a Coward he is a Murderer if I be fearful to tell men of their sins I murder their souls Lord when I am visiting my Parishioners in private or preaching to them in publike cause me to hear thy voyce behind me When I say unto the wicked Ezek. 3.18 that he shall surely dye and thou givest him no warning nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live the same wicked man shall dye in his iniquities but his blood will I require at thine hand I desire that I may not be obnoxious to the censure of a wicked and slothful Servant 4 Industrious not of wicked by hiding my sins in the cloak of excuses nor of slothful by hiding my Talent in the Napkin of idleness but may mind the work of the Ministery and make it appear that both in my preparation for and execution of my office I labour in the Word and Doctrine My time and parts are not mine own but under God my peoples and to be improved for their profit If men dye for robbing single persons what shall befal me should I be such a thief as to rob the poor the rich and indeed the whole parishes stock My prayer is In preparation for his Office that I may not offer to the Lord my God that which cost me nothing that my meat which I set before the family committed to my charge may not be like Ephraim half-baked raw or rude and so unmeet for their stomachs to concoct because of my negligence in preparing it 1 Tim. 4.13.15 that I may give attendance to reading meditate on those things give my self wholly to them that my profitting may appear to all men They that spend upon the main stock where it is but small will quickly prove bankrupts My layings out are considerable my comings in had need to be answerable Surely if any in the World should feed high should study read and pray hard those should do it who carry so many in their wombs or give so many suck I wish that I may be industrious as well in rearing the Temple In the execution of his Office as in providing materials that I may chearfully spend and be spent in the service of Christ My Saviour was taken to be fifty when he was little above thirty by reason of his excessive industry his very countenance was aged O my soul follow thou this blessed pattern do not play but work the work of him that sent thee in the Lord Improve all opportunities to the utmost be instant in season and out of season serve thy God with all thy strength Like fuel consume thy self in burning to warm the spirit of the Saint and to thaw the frozen heart of the sinner Thy work is of infinite consequence Thy time is exceeding short thy reward is glorious and eternal up and be doing and like the silk-worm wear out thine own bowels to hide others nakedness waste thy self to prevent thine own and others endless wo. Be thou a fruitful mother to conceive and bring forth new creatures though thou conceivest with sorrow and bringest forth with much pain and thy labours at last should cost thee thy life I desire that I may be tenderly affected to all the souls in my charge 5 Compassionate to souls as knowing their worth and beleiving of what concernment their unchangeable estates are in the other world Lord what melting bowels should I have towards them when I consider that every one of them must dye within a few days and either live in Heaven or fry in Hell to all eternity My Saviour was a faithful and merciful High Priest he had compassion on the multitude when they had nothing to eat and would not send them away empty least they should faint in the wilderness O that I had but that pity for the souls which he had to the bodies of men Nature will help me to pity a body without a soul why should not grace teach me to pity a soul without a God Lord when I behold wounded bleeding dying souls let mine eyes affect my heart with sorrow that both mine eyes and heart may be up to thee with the greatest importunity for a blessing upon my most diligent endeavours for their recovery Make me so tender and affectionate a mother that I may patiently bear with the frowardness and willingly go
chamber with Patients about their bodily health and the Tradesmans shop crowded with customers Jesus Christ is left alone Though he offereth wares which are of infinite worth and stretcheth out his hand all the day long yet no man regardeth It is reported of some Spaniards that live near the place where is store of fish P. Pâ—grim that they will rather go without them then take the pains to catch them Heaven and Happiness Saviour and Salvation are near men they are brought to their very doors and yet men will rather lose then labour for them rather go sleeping to Hell then sweating to Heaven All seek their own and none the things of Jesus Christ Offer a crust to a dog and he will catch at it offer him a Crown and he will contemn it offer these men the crusts of vanity and how greedily are they imbraced while the Crown of Glory is most unworthily dispised like beastly swine they trample this pearl under their feet and love to wallow in the mire But possibly you may say that there are many that make Religion their business onely they are so near me that according to the rule of Opticks which requires a due distance between the faculty and the object I cannot behold them they abound in every Country Parish Family All are Christians and make the Worship of God their main work I must answer as he did when he saw the vast Army of Antiochus There are many men but few Souldiers many mouths but few hands there are many nominal but few real Christians many that flourish like fencers beating onely the air but few that fight in earnest the good fight of faith Godliness hath many complemental servants that will give her the cap and the knee a few good words and outward ceremonies but Godliness hath few faithful friends that make her the Mistris of their affections that give her the command of their hearts and that wait upon her and walk with her all the day long Pretenders to her service are indeed like the sand of the sea numerous but practitioners or faithful servants are like the pearl of the sea rare and precious many court her but few marry her for indeed men generally deal with Godliness as the Germans with the Italians or the Dutch with the Spaniards hold a fair out ward correspondency enough to serve for mutual trade and traffick but enter not into a near familiarity they have no great intimacie with Godliness it s rather a stranger to them whom now and then they bestow a visit on for fashion sake then an indweller or constant inhabitant Lepidus Major a loose Roman when his Comrades were exercising themself in the Camp would lay himself down to sleep in the shade and cry out Vtinam hoc esset laborare would this were all the duty I were to do Such Souldiers are many who pretend to fight under Christs Banner when they should be watching their souls and warring with Satan and fin they are sleeping and snoring as if that were the way to work out their salvations Reader I must acquaint thee with the Physicians rule that Spontanae lassitudines morbos loquuntur Weariness without some apparent cause is a sign of a diseased body so thy laziness doth speak a very unsound soul This complaint is urged with a threefold consideration First How eager is the worldling for wealth and earthly things though they loyter about the meat which endureth to eternal life yet they can labour for the meat that perisheth though they are so negligent about the Kingdom of Heaven yet the Kingdom of Earth suffereth violence What pains do the Mariners take for treasure What perils doth the Souldier under go for plunder what labour and industry doth the Husbandman use for profit he riseth early sits up late denieth himself loseth his sleep rides and runs too and fro imbraceth all opportunities is eaten up almost with cares and fears all for the earthly maâ—â—â—â— whilst the heavenly Mansions are like the unknown part of the world which no man regardeth or looketh after They pant after the dust of the earth as greedily as hot creatures do after the air to cool their scorched intrails Amos 2.7 The Serpents curse is entailed on that poysonous brood the dust is their diet they feed on ashes Gen. 3.14 Amos 7. They laugh at dangers and trample upon difficulties they force their way through darkness and the shadow of death through stifling damps and overflowing floods through rocks and mountains in the pursuit of earthly treasures Job 28.9 10 11. It s said of the Dutch they are so industrious at Navigation that if it were possible to sail in ships to Heaven they would not come short of that Haven Ah what pity is it that this jewel should hang in a swines snout which would so well become the Christians finger that this diligence this violence should be exercised about mens earthly and particular which would so well suit their heavenly and general calling The ambitious person like the Panther Pliny nat hist lib. 8. cap 27. is so greedy of the poisonous Aconite hung up by the Hunters purposely in vessels above their reach of air and honour that he never leaves leaping and straining thereat till he breaks and bursts himself in sunder The covetous man saith one that hath more then enough yet perplexeth himself with his own wants look how like a fool he goeth leading his horse in his hand and carrying his saddle on his back till he be pickled in his own sweat and killed with cares when his horse would with ease carry him and his saddle The Voluptuous man like the Drone is busie about the glass of water baited with honey in it he labours and wearieth himself even till he be drowned How do men like the Israelites in the Egyptian bondage travel up and down and even weary themselves to gather straw What pains do they take to hew unto themselves broken cysterns Their chief strife is with the Toads who shall fall asleep with most earth in their mouths who shall leave this world with most wealth in their hands Their parts and gifts their time and talents are all improved to help forward their earthly trade They are wiser in their generation then the children of light Oh how lamentable is it that the oynions and garlick of Egypt are preferred before the milk and honey of Canaan Luthers Colloq Mensal p. 85. Lysippus made Alexanders picture with this posie tupiter asserai terram mihi ta assere coelum Luther tells us of a noble man at Vienna in the time of his abode there which made a great Supper and in the midst of his mirth belched out this windy and blasphemous speech If God will leave me this world to live and injoy my pleasure therein but a thousand years then let him take his Heaven to himself This man spake what most men think the bramble of their bodies reigneth and fire ariseth out
the Sepulchres of their deluded Saints Al. oran The Turks willingingly lay down their lives in their Wars to propagate their Religion which their Prophet hath taught them must be done non disputando sed pugnando not by disputing with but by destroying others The unhappy Jesuite though his Religion be an heap of formalities as the Turks a bundle of fooleries is yet so zealous for it that Campian could impudently in a Letter to Q. Elizabeths Council affirm That as long as there was one Jesuite left for Tiburn they had vowed never to desist endeavors to set up their Religion in this Nation O devout ungodliness or ungodly devotion How few take such pains to go to Heaven as many do to go to Hell Alas what sorrow doth this call for and command that men should be so hot and fiery in Will-worship in false Worship wasting their wealth cutting and carving their bodies as if they were made onely to be their slaves and themselves to be the Tyrants over them laying out so much cost and exercising so much cruelty for that which is worse then nothing for that which will not onely not profit them but extreamly and eternally prejudice them and in the interim the easie yoke of Christ is scorned the power of Godliness slighted which might be minded with much more mildness and mercy to their outward and inward man It was a good meditation of a forequoted Author Those that travel in long pilgrimages to the holy Land what a number of weary paces they measure What a number of hard lodgings and known dangers they pass and at last when they are come within view of their journeys end what a large tribute they pay at the Pisan Castle to the Turks and when they are come thither what see they but the bare sepulchre wherein their Saviour lay and the earth that he trode upon to the encrease of a carnal Devotion What labour should I willingly undertake in my journey to the true Land of Promise the celestial Jerusalem where I shall see and enjoy my Saviour himself What tribute of pain or death should I refuse to pay â—or my entrance not into his Sepulchre but his Palace of glory and that not to look upon but to possess it Thirdly As many make the World their main work and others Superstition their principal occâ—pation so most make wickedne their cheif their constant trade and busine While sanctity is but coldly entertained but complemented with sin is laid in the bosome and heartily embraced the turnings and windings that are in the sinners way are not easily to be observed the pains which he takes to bring forth and breed up those Birds which will peck out his own eyes can neither be fully described nor sufficiently lamented In what hast and hurry is Absolom for an Halter what work doth lust make in Ammon to wast his body and send his soul to endless wo How fast doth Gehazi run after a Leprosâ—e as if he might come too late How sick and violent is Ahab for Naboths Vine yard How fiercely doth Balaam ride even without raigns after the wages of unrighteousness How eager and earnest were Pharaoh and his Egyptians to fight against God what a stir what a do they make to overtake destruction and to sink like Lead in the midst of the migthy waters Joshua could stop the Sun in his course but not Achan in his covetous career Paul before his conversion as one observes followed the Saints with such close persecution and was so mad upon it that like a tyred Wolf wearied in worrying the flock he lay panting for breath and yet still breathed out persecution In one Journey he travelled one hundred and sixty miles namely from Jerusalem to Damascus as an inquisitour for private Heresie At Muscleborough field many of the Scots ran away so fast that they fell down dead truely so do men by sin run away a pace from God even to the tyring of themselves here and tormenting themselves hereafter They run as fast as if they feared that Hell would be full before they came thither The wicked man travelleth with pain all his days Job 15.20 A wicked mans whole course is spent in carking care as the Seventy read it He hath many sharp throws bitter pangs before he can bring forth that hideous horible Monster Sin Some Women are very long in labour several days in pain but a wilful Wicked man travelleth with pain all his days He works himself weary in digging descents into Hell and labours harder at it then many do for Heaven I remember Buntingus in his Itinerarium totius Sacrae Scripturae when he comes to the Travails of Antiochus Epiphanius that fierce enemy of Gods people first relates the tedious journies in all eight thousand one hundred fifty three Miles various hazards desperate dangers and difficulties which this wicked wretch underwent to satisfie his malice and gratifie his revengeful spirit and then concludes thus We see that the Wicked with more sorrows troubles and vexations gain eternal damnation then the just though they suffer greivous affliction obtain everlasting Salvation For amongst all the Patriarchs good Princes and Prophets there is not found any that had so many long and tedious journies as this Antiochus who continually oppressed his mind and conscience with unprofitable vanities and wicked thoughts and at length had a miserable and terrible end Though God hath few diligent Servants yet the Devil hath many drudging slaves that work hard at grinding in his Mill all their days Their calling is a trade of corruption which they follow with diligence and constancy They plow iniquity sow wickedness and reap the same Job 4.8 Alass what pains do they take to pollute themselves spiritually and perish eternally They Plow iniquity Plowing is no easie lazy work We say of such works as require much pains a man were as good go to Plow all day These sons of Belial that will not stoop to the easie yoke of the Saviour can submit their proud Necks to the hard yoke of Satan and follow his Plow willingly Sin is their diet their meat and drink they eat the bread of violence and drink the wine of deceit Prov. 4.17 Nay it is their dainties their delicates let me not eat of their dainties Psa 141.4 These Apish Monkies who now and then act the part of Christians without a principle of Christianity feed on Spiders on Poyson Further it is not onely their nourishment in the day but their refreshment in the night They cannot sleep unless they cause some to fall Prov. 4.16 Till their stomachs are gorged and glutted with the sweet meats of sin and thereby their heads filled with filthy fumes and vapours arising thence they can take no rest They love sin above sleep and let them but riot they will lose their rest The Murderer riseth with the light to cut asunder the silver thread of his Neighbours life The Drunkard that hellish good Husband can be
in it or the verdict will be to his cost and damage That which boils gently over a small fire may be of use to us which if it should boil hastily and run over it may raise ashes enough to spoil it self The way to lose our requests for temporals is to be as hot and hasty for them as if they were our all even our eternals That incomparable patern of prayers the Lords Prayer which is like a Standard-measure in a Corporation Town for present use and an example for others hath five petitions for Spirituals and but one for Temporals God hath promised spiritual things absolutely therefore thou mayest desire them absolutely For pardon and the image of God and the blood of Christ and fulness of joy in the other World thou mayst be as earnest so humble and reverent as thou wilt And O! what a mercy is it that God though like a wise father he deny us leave to cry for the candle which would burn and the thorns which would prick our fingers yet he giveth us liberty to nay commandeth us to besiege and storm Heaven to follow him up and down to cry day and night to give him no rest to be instant urgent and fervent with him that our persons may be justified our natures sanctified and our souls and bodies glorified eternally Fourthly Thy prayers must be constant Thy duty is to give thy self to prayer as a servant devoted to and at the command of his noble Master This fire like that on the Altar must never go out day nor night Night and day praying exceedingly 1 Thess 3.10 Paul speaks as if his practice had been nothing but prayer he did that so much that he seemed to do nothing else Prayer is a Saints breath which he constantly draweth Ephes 6.18 Praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints Those that work in Iron Mills keep a continual fire though they suffer it sometimes to slack or abate yet never to go out A Christians prayer may have an intermission but never a cessation Our blessed Saviour besides his set times for ordinary did pray whole nights David was a good Husband up early at it mine eyes prevent the dawning of the morning Psa 119.147 At night he was late at this duty at mid-night will I rise to give thanks to thee Psa 119.62 this surely was his meaning when he said he should dwell in the House of the Lord for ever he would be ever in the House of Prayer Gregory writes of his Aunt Trucilla that her Elbows were as hard as an horn by often leaning upon a Desk when she prayed Jâ—â—chim the Father of the Virgin Mary used to say that prayer was his meat and drink There is no duty injoyned a Christian for his constant trade so much as prayer Pray always pray continually pray without ceasing pray with perseverance pray evermore But why is all this would God have his people do nothing else but pray must they cast by their callings cast off all care of their children and shut themselves up into some Cell or Cloyster and there be always upon their knees at prayer as the Euchites fancied No I shall therefore give a brief description of this praying without ceasing 1. Thy soul must be ever in a praying frame The Souldier hath his Weapons ready though not always in fight with his enemy Thy heart must be ever in Tune and ready upon the least touch to make heavenly Musick The Churches lips are compared to an hony-comb Cant. 4.11 The hony comb doth not always drop but it is always ready to drop The beleivers spirit is like fire upon the Hearth though it do not blaze yet its ready upon any opportunity to be blown up into a flame 2. No considerable business must be undertaken without prayer Thou art Gods servant and thy duty is to ask his leave in all thou dost Ephes 4.6 In all things let your requests be made known to God When thou risest up or liest down when thou goest out or comest in prayer must still be with thee Prayer is the way to prevent evil The Worlds poison may be expelled with this antidote Joh. 17.11 He that converseth with God by prayer dwelleth in Heaven and to such a one the earth is but a small point Prayer is both a Charm to inchant and a scourge to torment Satan It ingageth Christ in the combat with the Devil and so assureth the soul of conquest When the Saint is fighting and like to be foild either by the World the Flesh or the Wicked one prayer is the Letter which he sendeth Post to Heaven for fresh supplies of the spirit whereby he becometh more then a conqueror Prayer is the way to procure good he that will not speak must not expect to speed It sanctifieth our food raymont sleep callings and all our enjoyments to us The Christian like the Chymist extracteth all good things out of this one body of prayer 3. He that prayeth constantly hath set times every day for prayer The Morning and Evening Sacrifice were called the continual Sacrifice Numb 28.4 The Christian hath his set meals for his soul every day as well as for his body With the Mary-gold he opens himself in the morning for the sweet dews of Heavens grace and blessing and he doth at night though his occasions hinder him in the day like a Lover find some opportunity to converse with his beloved He is most free and fresh in the morning the top of the milk is the cream and he doth not think his best too good for God His evening fare is sometime extraordinary like the Jewish feasts which were at Supper The spiced cup is best at the bottom Prayer is the key of the morning to open the door of mercy and prayer is the bolt at night to shut him up in safety The Jews prayed in the Temple the third sixth and ninth hour of the day our priviledges under the Gospel are enlarged and I know no reason why our prayers should be lessened He that prayeth continually doth upon all occasions in the day time whatever he be about put up his supplication to God He hath his ejaculations his holy Apostrophes wherein he doth turn his speech at least internal and inarticulate â—â—om man to God This liberty is a great priviledge and this practice turnes to wonderful profit When Jacob was blessing his Sons he takes breath with I have waited for thy Salvation O Lord Gen 49.14 Nehemiah when at the Kings Elbow would not open his mouth to the King till he had opened his heart to God Neh. 2.6 When Noah was cursing Cham he had a short ejaculation for a blessing on Japhet God shall perswade Japhet to dwell in the tents of Shem which prayer hath been answered and will be to the end of the World We Gentiles fare the better for that prayer Christ upon the Cross darted up a short
famine How many starve for want of the bread of life Thou sittest it may be at a full Table but couldst thou conceive what millions famish for lack of this spiritual food thou wouldst pray to God earnestly to pity such places and praise him heartily for providing so plentifully for thee Their misery is sometimes set forth by darkness and the shadow of death Darkness is dreadful though but external T was one of the greatest plagues which befel the Egyptians When Job would curse his day with a witness what is his wish Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it let a cloud dwell upon it let the blackness of the day terrifie it Job 4.4 It was sad when Paul and his companions saw neither Sun nor Stars in many days but O how sad is it when men see not the Sun of righteousness shining in the Heavens of the Gospel all their days Such may enjoy the light of Gods providence but they enjoy not the light of his countenance How can they work that want the light of the word to direct them or how can they walk surely they that walk in the dark stumble the dark corners of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty and fall even into Hell Where no vision is the people perish O Reader what infinite cause hast thou to bless the Lord that thou art not in their condition If thou hast any compassion for the poor dark dead souls be instant with the Lord pray O send out thy light and thy truth that thy ways may be known upon earth and thy saving health unto all Generations If thou hast any affection to thy own soul praise God for his Law Blessed be the Lord who hath shown us light Procopius reporteth that nigh to the Pole where the night endureth for many Months together the Inhabitants in the end of their long night get up to the top of the Mountains striving who shall have the first sight of the Sun and as soon as they see it they embace and hug each other crying out Ecce Sol apparet Behold Lo the Sun the Sun appeareth This poor Island had a long night of darkness when the people in it served dumb Idols and Devils blessed for ever be the unsearchable goodness of God the Sun of the Gospel hath appeared amongst us Nay as it s said of Rhodes it may be said of England The Sun always shines on it What shall we render to the Lord for this benefit On the town house of Geneva is writen upon a Marble Table in letters of gold Post tenebrass Lux. After darkness light In remembrance of and thankfulness for their deliverance from the pride power tyranny and abominations of the Pope Anno. 1535. I doubt not but we in these parts of the World have as much cause to set up a Monument of praise and thanks to the blessed God for bestowing upon us the light of his glorious Gospel and freeing us from the power of that man of pride who exalteth himself above all that is called God Reader Is it not a priviledge for thee to sit by the fire of the word when many poor souls are freezing in the cold for thee to walk in the light of the word when many sit in darkness and the shadow of death for thee to be clothed out of the rich Wardrobe of the word when many have their nakedness appearing to their eternal shame nay what an advantage hast thou that when thousands and millions have none to give them bread but starve and famish thou hast a Table fairly spread and fully furnished with all sorts of food both for necessity and delight yea and if sickness hinder thee from coming down to Dine or Sup with thy brethren and sisters upon that day of exceedings the Lords day thy God is so tender of thee that he sendeth thee somewhat up to thy chamber alloweth thee his Bible and blessing at home for thy nourishment and comfort O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness and his wonderful works to the children of men 2. Practice when the Preacher hath done in the Pulpit the Hearer must begin in his practice He heareth a Sermon best who practiseth it most what one saith of Psa 119. I may say of the whole Scriptures They are verba vivenda non legenda words to be loved more then to be read or heard A Christians life should be a legible comment on Gods Law The strokes in Musick must answer to the notes and rules set down in the Lesson It is observable that the blood was to be sprinkled on Aarons right ear right thumb and great toe of his right foot Exod. 29.20 the first did note his right hearing the Word the second and third his working according to it and walking in it The doing not the hearing or reading Christian goeth away with the blessing And he said yea rather blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it Luke 11.28 The occasion of the expression is confiderable one of Christs hearers having tasted was so taken with the lusciousness of his Doctrine that she could not before all the company forbear commending the tree for the fruits sake Blessed is the womb that bare thee and the paps which thou hast sucked Yea rather saith Christ Blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it In which words he doth not deny her assertion but her inference or the foundation of it Mary though happy yet was not so happy in bearing the essential as in keeping the Written Word of God She was rather blessed in having Christ formed in her then in having him formed of her It was her greater honour and happiness to be a member of Christ then to be the Mother of Christ The Porter is not so rich by carrying a bag of Gold as the Merchant that oweth it The Christian onely that keepeth the word of Christ is truely related to Christ the Word Matth. 12. ult It is reported of the Nobles of Polonia that when the Gospel is read they lay their hands upon their Swords and begin to draw them intimating thereby that they will defend it with the hazard of their lives Saints must be ready to die for the Gospel but a Christian may defend it as truely by an holy life as by a bloody death A scandalous conversation is an offence to Religion and openeth the mouths of its enemies but as fire is a good defence to a man in a Wilderness against the fury of ravenous beasts so the heat of grace flaming and the light of holiness shining in the lives of professors defendeth the word against its opposers A Sermon practiced is a Sermon in print and by it the hearer teacheth all the Week long The Romans were commended for obeying from the heart 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the form of Doctrine delivered to them Rom. 6.17 In the Original it is whereunto they were delivered A good hearer as I said before
that are in his inferior family His children have till they leave But Reader Where is the place of this good this great provision is it not in Gods House in his holy Temple in the publique Worship Great Princes bestow their Largesses and shew their Bounty Glory and Magnifience before much people If thou wouldst know where Believers have seen their best sights where they have heard their most ravishing sounds where they have made their most delightful meals it was in the House of God They have seen thy goings O God in the Sanctuary Psal 68.24 They have heard the joyful sound of thy Word They have been abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy House Do but consider Davids tears and grief for want of and his fervent prayers for the fruition of publike Ordinances even then when he had opportunities for private performances and surely thou wilt esteem the Ministery of the Word no mean mercy See his sorrow when he was driven from Gods Sanctuary When I remember these things my soul is poured out for I had gone with the multitude I went with them to the House of God Psal 42.3 4. My soul is poured out that is I am overwhelmed with grief and even ready to dye when I compare my present condition with my former happiness in the fruition of Religious Assemblies There is an Elegancy in the phrase Poured out the word is applyed to water or any liquid thing and in Scripture signifieth abundance Joel 2.28 My life is ready to be poured out as water upon the ground which cannot be gathered up again when I remember my former mercies and consider my present misery How bitterly and passionately doth he plead with Saul If the Lord hath stirred thee up against me let him accept an Offering but if they be the children of men cursed be they before the Lord for they have driven me out this day from the Inheritance of the Lord 1 Sam. 26. 19. How pathetically doth he bemoan it to his own soul Wo is me for I dwell in Meshech and my habitations are in the Tents of Kedar The loss of his Father Mother Wives Children Lands Liberty nay of his very Life would not have gone so near his heart as the loss of publique Ordinances As his sorow was great for the want so was his suit most earnest for the enjoyment of them How many a prayer doth he put up for the liberty of the Tabernacle Psal 43.3 4. 27.4 It is the one thing the principal special request which he begs of God One thing have I desired of the Lord that will I seek after that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life and verse 8. how hard doth he pray for this priviledge Thou saidst Seek ye my face my heart said unto thee Thy face Lord will I seek To seek the face of God in a general sense is taken for the substance of Religion or to seek God Psal 24.6 but by the face of God in a strict sense is meant the Ark of God and place of his residence Now David at this time being deprived of this inestimable benefit in the ardency of his zeal presseth God with all the arguments he could devise to restore him to that happiness among the rest he urged God with his own words Thou hast commanded me to worship thee in thy Tabernacle to appear before thee that is my desire and delight my heart would seek and see thy face there Thus he presseth God for performance on his side that he might be enabled to obey Gods precept Where God denyeth publique Ordinances there he himself will be a little Sanctuary to his chosen Ezek. 11.16 But where he affords them he expects that they should be attended Christ himself went often into the Synagogues Peter and John went up into the Temple at the hour of prayer Acts 3.1 On the Sabbath we went out of the City by a rivers side where prayer was wont to be made Acts 13.23 and Paul reasoned in the Synagogue every Sabbath Acts 18.4 Those that by their practices contemn publique Worship have neither Christ nor his Apostles for their pattern One of the Jewish Rabbies hath a saying He that dwells in a City where there is a Synagogue and cometh not to Prayers Merito dicitur vicinus malus is deservedly stiled a bad neighbour Beader if thou forsakest the Assemblies of the Saints how useful soever thou mayest be to others bodies yet thou art a bad neigbour in neglecting soul-service The Lord Jesus Christ as he was faithful as a Son in his own house took special care to provide and prepare such publique servants as might give every one their meat in due season The Ministers of the word are his publique Officers appointed by himself to have the oversight of his Saints They are both Fathers to beget and Tutours to bring up his Sons and Daughters They are his Stewarts to dispense publiquely the mysteries of the Gospel of peace But little do they think who set light by publique Ordinances what a price Christ paid that he might enable and qualifie them for his Churches profit The gifts he bestoweth on Pastors are not the least sign of his good will to his people Wherefore he saith When he ascended up on high he gave gifts to men And he gave some Apostles and some Profits and some Evangelists and some Pastours and some Teachers For the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Ephes 4.8 11.12 13. As Kings on the day of their Coronation usually appear in all their Majesty and magnificence and do some famous act as of a general pardon or the like which may speak their love and respect to their Subjects So Jesus Christ when he rode Triumphantly in the Chariot of his ascension into Heavens glorious City to sit and reign there at the right hand of the Majesty on High gave abilities to Ministers endowed them with answerable gifts and graces that they might dispense the Ordinances of God powerfully and profitably as a special fruit of his passion for and a singular testimony of his affection to his Church I would wish thee therefore to be present at and to continue to the end of publique Ordinances David would be a Door-keeper in the House of God Because a Door-keeper is first in and last out Friend if thou wert feasting some Noble person thou wouldst not rise from Table unless necessity forced thee before all were taken away and thanks returned I must tell thee that when thou art feeding with the blessed Potentate it is much below good manners to turn thy back upon him without his leave and blessing Fifthly If thou wouldst make Religion thy business on a Lords day Tune thine
Arts come from God in making Minerva the Daughter of Jupiter and to have had her generation in his Divine brain but alas the choicest peices of men to the smallest Works of God are but as childrens houses of dirt to the stateliest Courts of Christendom Archites was much extolled for causing a Dove of Wood to hang in the Air being equally poised with its own weight but what is this to the work of God in hanging the earth upon nothing Job 26.7 The earth is the heaviest and lowest Element A little peice of earth held up and let fall will never cease moving till it come to rest upon some solid body and yet behold the great mass of earth with innumerable bodies upon it hangs fast in the midst of the open Air having no visible Pillar nor foundation to rest upon Well might God reckon it to Job among his wondrous works Job 38.4 5 6. Vpon what be the Sockets of it fastened Aristotle himself could not but admire it Archimedes was famous for contriving the motions of the Sun Moon and Stars in his Horology but alass what is this to the glorious heavens themselves which God stretcht out like a Curtain and to the Noble Host of great and glittering bodies keeping their Rank and File and being not onely incredibly swift but also regularly and orderly in their motions The Heavens declare the glory of God and the Firmament sheweth his handy work There is so much of God appearing in the Heavens that many have taken them for God and given them divine worship Naturalists tell us that the head of Nilus cannot be found but many sweet springs issuing from it are discovered Though thy finite capacity can never reach fully the fountain and head Gods infinite Being and Excellencies yet thou mayst finde many refreshing streams which flow from it A little River will lead thee to the Ocean Ohow much of the goodness power and wisdom of God appeareth in the work of creation The Rabbies say that in every Apex of the Law there is a Mountain of sense sure I am that in the smallest Creatures there is abundance of the Creatour How doth the Wisdom of God shine forth in the exquisite workmanship variety order subordination and serviceableness of the Creatures one to another that David might well cry out O Lord how marvellous are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all Pontanus Scultet Annal. Chancellour of Saxony propoundeth to be viewed and weighed the most beautiful Arch-work of Heaven resting upon no post but Gods power and yet standing fast for ever The clouds as thin as the liquor contained in them behold saith he how they hang and move though weighty in their burden thy salute us onely or threaten us rather and pass we know not whither How doth his goodness appear in furnishing the World so richly for the supply of his Creatures the earth is full of thy goodness Luther in his Colloquia Meâ—s tells us that God is at more charge every day to maintain Sparrows then all the yearly Revenues of the King of France are worth but especially towards man in making him so excellent a Creature and in making so many excellent creatures for him His power is also evident both in creating such great and noble creatures of nothing he used not the least tool or instrument in making the Heavens and earth and in having them all at his beck and bidding at his call and command the greatest do him homage and the smallest do him service The Sun as strong and swift as he is moving as some write every hour 16000 Miles yet he flies back like a Coward if God speak but the word Josh 10.12 Job 9.5 to 10. He armeth Flies and Lice and what Execution did they do upon the Egyptians Cambden tels us the Armes of the Shagburies in Warwick-shire being Stars Camb. Britain are found engraven in the very stones within their Manor of Shagbury Whether that be true or no I know not but sure I am that the Armes of the Infinite God his eternal power manifold wisdom and matchless goodness are so plainly written on his works in the World in that first volume of Creation that he that runs may read them Solomon tels us God hath set the World in mens hearts namely that the skilfulness of the Workman may be admired in the exactness of his works Eccles 3.11 I might draw thee farther and shew thee but that I would not be so large how these glorious perfections of God are Printed in a larger letter in a fairer character in the second volume the work of Redemption This is the object of Angels admiration and ought to be of thy meditation Truly thy duty is to read God in the first book the book of the creatures and more especially in the second in Jesus Christ upon his own day Thy meditation of Gods works as it will give honour to God so it will not a little further thy spiritual good When David considered the work of creation â—a 8.1 to 4 he falls presently upon exalting God and debasing himself When I consider the Heavens the work of thy hands the Moon and the Stars which thou hast made O Lord our Lord how excellent is thy name in all the earth and thy glory above the Heavens there he sets God up high but then be casts himself downlow What is man that thou art mindful of him and the son of man that thou dost thus visit him When thine heart is like Wax hardened bring it by meditation to the warm beams of this Sun and they will soften it So when David considered the work of Redemption how doth he magnifie God and vilifie himself What am I and what is my Fathers House that thou hast brought me up hitherto and yet this was a small thing in thine eyes O God for thou hast also spoken of thy servants house for a great while to come 1 Chron. 16.16 17. O Friend as rubbing the Limbs with hot Oyls is a great means to recover them when they are benumb'd so when thy heart is dull and dead on a Lords day if thou wouldst but ply it with the meditation of the infinite love and goodness of God in sending his Son to dye for thy soul it would be a Soveraign means to quicken and revive it Consider also the Word of God which thou hast heard on that day Do thou like Mary ponder it in thine heart Meditation to the word is what fire is to water though water be naturally so cold yet put fire under it and it will make it hot and boyling so though thine heart be cold in regard of affection to the word put but this fire under it and it will boyl with love to it O how love I thy law there is his heat of affection the expression is both by way of interrogation and acclamation shewing the fervency and intension of his love but what was the fire which caused it it is
Thou art his rest for ever in thee he will dwell for he hath desired it Let him abundantly bless thy provision and satisfie thy poor with bread let him cloath thy Priests with salvation and let thy Saints shout aloud for joy lot thine Enemies be cloathed with shame but upon thy head let the Crown flourish let Nations bow down to thee let Kingdomes fall down before thee Let all the Kingdomes of the earth become the Kindomes of thy Lord and of thy Christ be thou honoured as long as the Son and moon shall endure even throughout all Generations Thou art like Joseph a fruitful bough even a fruitful bough by a Wall whose Branches run over the Wall The Archers have sorely greived thee and shot at thee endeavouring to weaken thy morality and hated thee but thy bow abode in strength by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob from thence is the Shepherd the stone of Israel Even by the Lord of Sabbaths who shall help thee and by the Almighty who shall bless thee with blessings of Heaven above blessings of the deep that lieth under blessings of the breasts and of the womb the blessings of this day have prevailed above the blessings of all other day let them be continued and increased on the heads of this holy and honourable day and on the head of that day which is separate from it brethren Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after thy hurt let them be turned back and put to confusion that desire thy ruine let all those that seek thee rejoyce and be glad in thee let them that love thy sanctification say continually Let the Lord be magnified who delighteth in the prosperity of his Saints and therefore hath set apart his Sabbath for their soul good Thou like Jacob hast got away the blessing from the other days yea thy God hath blessed thee and thou shalt be blessed Blessed are they that bless thee and cursed are they that curse thee In a word The Lord be gracious to thee and delight in thee and cause the light of his countenance to shine upon thee let all thine Ordinances be cloathed with power and be effectual for the conversion and salvation of millions of souls Let thy name be great from the rising of the Sun to the going down of the same Finally farewel sweet day thou cream of time thou Epitome of eternity thou heaven in a glass thou first fruits of a blessed and everlasting harvest did I say farewel A welfare I wish to thee but O let me never lose thee or take my leave of thee till I come to enjoy thee in an higher form to see the Sun of righteousness who early on thy morning rose and made a day indeed while the natural Sun was behind face to face and to know thy Maker and Master as I am known of him when I shall be a pillar in the Temple of my God and shall go out no more but serve him day and night to whom for the inestimable dignity and priviledge of his own day be Honour and Glory for ever and ever Amen Amen CHAP. XXIII How a Christian may exercise himself to Godliness in natural actions And first in eating and drinking AS thy duty is to make religion thy business in religious Secondly so also in natural actions A good Scrivener is not onely careful how he makes his first and great letters his flourishes but also the smallest letters nay his very stops and comma's A Scribe instructed for the Kingdom of heaven is heedfull not only that the weightest actions of Gods immediate worship but also that the meaner passages of his life be conformable to Gods law A wise builder will make his Kitchin as well as his Parlor according to rule A holy person turns his natural actions into spiritual and whilst he is serving his body he is serving his God It is said of a Scotch Divine That he did eat Non semper ore non semper meditor sed vestio dormio edo bi bo haee omnia si in fide fiunt tanquam recte facta divino judicio approbantur Luth. in Gen. 33. drink and sleep eternal life Luther tels us that though he did not always pray and meditate but did sometimes eat and sometimes drink and sometimes sleep yet all should further his account the latter as truly though not so abundantly as the former And indeed it is our priviledge that natural actions may be adopted into the family of religion and we may worship God as really at our tables as in his temple Saints must not like brute beasts content themselves with a natural use of the creatures but use them as chariots to mount them nearer and cords to bind them closer to God Piety or Holiness to the Lord must be written upon their pots Zac. 14.20 Whether ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do do all to the glory of God 1 Cor. 10. â—31 Philo observeth that the ancient Jews made their feasts after sacrifice in the temple that the place might mind them of their duty to be pious at them It is a memorable expression Exod. 18.12 And Aaron came Sancti manducant et bibunt in conspectu Dei Origen in loc and all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses father in law before God In which words we have the greatness of their courtesie and the graciousness of their carriage For their courtesie though Jethro were a stranger and no Israelite yet the elders honored him with their company And Aaron and all the elders came to eat bread with Moses father in law But mark the graciousness of their carriage they came to eat bread with him before God that is In gloriam et honorem Dei to the honor and glory of God saith Calvin They received their sustenance as in Gods sight and caused their provision to tend to Gods praise God takes it ill when we sit down to table and leave him out Zach. 7.6 When ye did eat and when ye did drink did ye not eat for your selves and drink for your selves He sends us in all our food we live at his cost and therefore our eating may well be to his credit who is the Master of the feast The Jews according to some had officers at every feast whom they called Praefecti morum their work was the inspection of the guests that none should disorder themselves I must tell thee Gods eye is upon thee every meal he takes notice whether thy behaviour is as becometh a Saint And truly friend It behoves thee to use religion as a bridle in thy mouth to hold thee in when thou art eating and drinking Thy throat is a slippery place and sin may easily slip down It s no hard matter to sin whilst the thing thou art about is not sinfull How many feed without fear and thereby fatten themselves to the slaughter Jude ver 12. We read of some whose tables are snares in which they have been
they are willing or aware and send them to their everlasting home Those were worthily condemned that took the Timbrel and Harp and rejoyced at the sound of the organ and therefore said unto God depart from us Job 21.14 But Reader thou mayst be merry and not mad enjoy thy pleasures without such poyson thou mayst have thy recreation and never be beholden either to sin or Satan for them God alloweth thee choice enough of trees in his garden though thou dost wholly forbear the forbidden fruit nay thou mayst like a skilfull mariner make use of this side-wind of recreation to help thee towards the haven of rest The author of the Belgick Commonwealth tels us Belgick Common wealth that printing was first invented by one Laurence Jans when he walked abroad for his recreation It is said of Socrates that he profited his companions by his recreations no less then if he had been reading lectures I have read of one that by hearing musick Mr. Esty tuned his heart to think of and admire the melody and musick in heaven Truly I see no reason but a Christian may cause his recreation to do that which naturalists deny to Odours Odores non nutriunt even both to refresh and nourish him Onely be sure thy recreation be innocent neither dishonerable to God nor disadvantagious to thy neighbour Think of that rule All things are lawful for me but all things are not expedient Some recreations are lawful which are not expedient either in regard of thy age calling or the compapany thou art with He that will do all he may will quickly be brought to do what he ought not It is much easier and safer for the fowl to pass by the share when she is out then to get out when she is once in We say It s not evil to marry but its good to be wary so say I It s not bad to use recreations but its good to be watchfull that we do not abuse them which that thou mayst not do I desire thee to inclose this Common which many wander in to their wo with these three Cautions First Mind moderation at them remember thy recreation is not to be thy occupation God made Leviathan to sport in the waters but God made not man to play upon the land Our time here is our pilgrimage and therefore not to be spent in pleasures The candle of our lives is set up not to play but to work by Spinster is a tittle given to our greatest women in our law language A man that builds an house will not make it very full of windows for then it would be weak neither will he make it without any for then it would be dark Recreations to our natural are like windows to our artificial houses Some are convenient many weaken the building and strengthen the Thief who hath the more advantage thereby to Steal Fish that leap into the Air for their recreation return quickly to their own element again Beasts that play up and down in the Fields in a short time return to their food Recreation is like some pleasant house which we may call at as we pass on towards our heavenly country but must not stay much less dwell there Sir Francis Bacon said of Parliaments in reference to the English body politique That they are good purging Physick to be made use of now and then but bad diet-drink to be taken constantly the same may be said of recreations If used in measure they are helpful if immoderately they are hurtful They are good sauce but bad meat Diogen Laert. Plato reproved a young man for playing at Dice The young man answered him For how small a matter do you reprove me I but saith Plato the custom is no small matter Those that put their hands to their mouthes when they drank water were elected by God to fight his bartels Those that bowed down to the ground upon their knees were rejected Judg. 7.5 6 7. Those that soop their handful of pleasant waters are fitter for Gods work then they that swill their belliful God taxeth them sharply who make carnal delights the end of their lives ye have lived in pleasure on earth and been wanton God alloweth us pleasures in our lives but God doth not allow us to live in pleasures Jam. 5.5 When our lives are nothing else but a diversion from one pleasure to another we may fear our deaths will be the beginning of our pains Nimrod Ishmael Esau all vicious persons are noted to be given up to such pastimes The people of Tombutum in Africk are said to spend their whole time in singing and dancing Some persons especially Gentlemen spend their whole time in Hawking or Hunting or gaming of whom I may speak as Pliny to his Son when he saw him spend his time in talking Lib. 3. cap. 5. and walking and neglect his studies They might put those hours to better use Or as the Holy Ghost saith of the voluptuous Widow they are dead while they live 1 Tim. 5.6 Great men think with Galba Nemorationem otii reddere cogetor Suet. in Gal. that no man shall be called to account for his idleness but they will one day hear of wicked and slothful servants and find a truth in the German Proverb that Gentlemen are Venison in heaven they seldom come thither Reader take heed of the hook that is hid under this bait of pleasures thou mayst nibble at it safely but if once thou goest with open mouth to swallow it down thou art caught and in danger to be undone The flye that cometh to a glass of sweet Syrrup and onely tasteth it may get away securely but if once he bathe his body and wallow in it he is limed and loseth his life Some drugs are given to procure sleep which if taken moderately may give the Patient rest and do him good but if in any great quantity may cause him to sleep his long sleep and send him to the place where the weary are at rest Weigh thy pleasures warily in the ballance of the Sanctuary lest thou shouldst eat of that luscious diet Invite more then â—hon canst possibly digest In a word follow the advice of reverend Bede For pleasures saith he we must deal with it as we do with hony onely touch it with the tip of the singer not with the whole hand for fear of surfeit though a little honey be sweet and comfortable yet much causeth gripings and breedeth choler Fragrant Flowers if used moderately refresh the brain but if too much cause the headach Light is sweet and it is a pleasant thing to behold the Sun yet a man by staring too long too much may dazzle nay blind his eyes Do as Jonathan did He put forth the end of the Rod which was in his hand and dipt it in an hony-comb and put his hand to his mouth and his eyes were enlightned 1 Sam. 14.27 His eyes were enlightned A little will satisfie much will
drawn from another Pipe That which runs from the World is too flat low and full of dregs to be served in to the great King When Aristotle was asked what he thought of Musick he answered Jovem nec canere nec citharam pulsare that Jupiter cared not either for singing or fidling he was for higher and more refined exercises The infinite God doth always overlook our puddle-water more especially on his own day when he alloweth us to drink of his own richest Wines They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house and thou shalt make them drink of the River of thy pleasures Psa 36.8 Mark 1. The excellency of the provision fatness of thy house the River of thy pleasures The fattest is esteemed the fairest and the most excellent food therefore the Saint was enjoyned to offer the fat in Sacrifice under the law As God expects the best from us so he gives the best to us this made David when he had feasted so curiously to sing so chearfully Fatness here is the top the cream of all spiritual delicacies My soul is filled as with marrow and fatness and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips Psa 63.5 But though God keep so noble an house to satisfie his peoples hunger what special care doth he take to quench their thirst Thou shalt make them drink of the Rivers of thy pleasures O he drinks to them and they pledge him in his own cup. Hath the Child then any cause when his father keeps so rare and costly a Table to leave such dainties and go a begging up and down the Country for scraps and fragments O how much do these disgrace their Parents provision and their own discretion But mark Reader 2. the plenty as well as the excellency of this provision Here is fatness in the abstract a river of pleasures and so much as that they who enjoy it shall be satisfied and abundantly satisfied A River is overflowing and everflowing it communicates its water and yet is never empty It is fed with Springs and Fountains and therefore it s no wonder if it always be full They that are at such a Well need not complain of want but here is not onely Rivers and fatness for some have much and yet cannot feed but of Gods people it s said they shall be abundantly satisfied in the Original it is inebriated they shall have not onely a sufficiency but a redundancy of spiritual delights the Vessels of their souls shall be filled to the brim out of that River whose streams make glad the City of God Surely then they that may have bread in such abundance enough and to spare in their Fathers House made of the Kidneys of the Wheat of the finest Flower need not hanker after the Worlds homely fare Our Heavenly Father doth not keep so starveling an house that the Worlds scraps should go down with us Besides how abominable is it to disturb Gods rest with our sports Some work hard on the week day and play on the Lords day No melody so delightful to them as Temple Musick no draughts so sweet as in Temple Vessels Amos 6.5 Dan. 5.2 No time so fit for their foolish Triumphs as Gods time The Heathen Philistines when they offered a great Sacrifice to their god Dagon call for Sampson to make them sport These uncircumcised persons mingle their Sacrifices to the true and living God with sports and carnal nay sinful pleasures Week days like ordinary Virgins are excused and the Lords Day the Queen of days must be deflowred Reader If thou art guilty of this fin know that to steal time from thy Family or Master on a week day is theft but to steal time from thy Maker and Redeemer on this day is Sacriledge Hast thou no Mettal to disfigure and embezle but that which hath the Kings stamp on it Hast thou no time to sleep in thy Cabin or play on the Deck but just when the wind blows fair for the Vessel of thy Soul to lanch forward towards Heaven I must tell thee that God calls thee on this day to be wholly taken up in working out thy salvation and not at all in minding thy recreations It were better as Austin saith though that were very bad to plough all day Melius toto die ararent quam toto dâ—eâ—altarem Aug. in tit Psal 92. Iustin lib. 1. then to play all day But as Cyrus dealt with the Lydians when he had conquered them in Battel he allowed them liberty for all sports and pastimes and thereby subdued them in such a manner that they became his servants for ever So Satan dealeth with the children of men when they are his already in part by Sabbath bath day pastimes he makes them his sure and settled servants altogether and so they become his for ever Secondly Recreations are unseasonable in times of publique calamities The Son is very undutiful who laughs under the rod and that Daughter very unnatural who is sporting when her Mother is dying A Sword a Sword is sharpned and also furbished it is sharpned to make a sore slaughter it is surbished that it may glitter Should we then make mirth Ezek. 21.9 10. Should we then make mirth as if he had said Such Seasons call for sighing not for singing for mourning not for mirth The Jews tells us the very beasts abstained from copulation in time of the Deluge Plin. lib. 11. cap. 17. Naturalists tell us of the Bees that when one is sick the rest in the Hive are all sad Experience tells us that the very birds who in Summer sing division prettily with divers tunes and variation of their pleasant voyces in Winter forbear their notes and seem to sympathize with the season And shall not we humble our hearts when Gods hand is lifted up How much is he displeased when his chastenings are despised Amos 6.5 6 7. In that day did the Lord God call to weeping and mourning and to baldness and to girding with sackcloth And behold joy and gladness slaying oxen and killing sheep And it was revealed in mine ears by the Lord of Hosts Surely this iniquity shall not be purged away till ye dye saith the Lord of Hosts Isa 22.12 13. In that day When the Persians invaded Gods people then they minded their pleasures The unseasonableness of their laughter provoked God to anger Solace in the day of Jacobs troubles is like Winter fruits harsh and sowre Jer. 9.1 The Church may speak to such as they did to the Philosopher Aul. Cell who in a great tempest at Sea was asking many trifling questions Are we perishing and dost thou trifle Our duty is to sympathize with our fellow members in their sufferings Weep with them that weep Rom. 12.15 Now if we give our selves then to take our ease we shall hardly feel our Brethrens hard cords through our soft beds Alexander Q. Curt. though in exteme thirst when his Army was ready to famish for want of water
purpose Sins is a subtle Sophister it will bring Arguments and Reasons for all it doth as is plain in Sauls sparing Agag and the best of the flock The beasts were to be Sacrificed to God and in Jeroboams Calves they were set up to save the Jews those tiresome journeys to Jerusalem but take heed that thy heart be not hardened through the delightfulness of sin Remember Piety is the best path to outward prosperity Aristotle though a blind heathen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. Arist Poli. lib. 7. cap. 8. could see and say Make Religion thy first and chief care that thou mayst prosper The Mahometans are so sensible of this that what occasion soever they have they will pray five times a day Because the Jews suffered Gods house to lie wast therefore God blew upon their heaps and wasted their wealth He that stealeth away time from his general for his particular calling like a thief in the Candle wasteth all our work on earth is done best when our work in heaven is done first Religious duties in reference to our Worldly occasions is like sharpening the tools which helpeth our work forward with more speed and ease Mass and Meat hinder no mans thirst was a truth visible in the dark night of Popery He that neglecteth the service of his God for the following his trade may put what he getteth into his eye as our proverb is and never see the worse nay like the gold of Tholouse or the Vineyard of Naboth to Ahab the profit will be the perdition and ruine of the possessor They who want time to do Gods Work must want an eternity to receive Gods reward If men are so busie as not to attend their souls God will be so busie as not to bestow salvation I know Farmes and Oxen and Wives do hinder many from holiness and I know also that they will hinder many from Heaven Luk. 14.24 Mat. 22.5 That German Prince who would not part with his silver to pay his Souldiers lost thereby his Empire and treasure too He that will not spare time from his present business for his future blessedness is like to lose both How much time dost thou squander away in long meales in vain sports inidle discourse in superfluous sleep and yet hast thou the face to tell God that thou hast no time in a whole day to seek his favour and to mind thine eternal felicity The truth is thou dost not so much want time as waste time Do not think that it will be a sufficient excuse at the last day to tell God that thy devotion was neglected because thy earthly occasions abounded and pressed upon thee If thy servant should tell thee when he hath neglected thy business of concernment that he could not help it because he had business of his own to look after a Friend called him to the Ale-house wouldst thou think that a sufficient plea Beleive it thy defence is far worse when thou omittest the service of God for thy particular calling The Philosopher could say Aristippus apud Plot. de tranq a nimae that he would rather neglect his means then his mind and his farm then his soul The very Turks though they work their Slaves hard will yet allow them time every day for food and rest Wilt thou Reader deal worse with thy precious soul then the Turks do with their Gally-slaves For shame man be not so cruel to thy best part A Good Christian if business crowd in upon him so much that he cannot wait on them and Worship God daily in his Closet and Family as he ought will rather like a wise Marriner when the ship is overburdened cast some overboard then endanger the loss of all and himself too Times of earing and harvest were very busie times with the Israelites yet then God would not allow them to make bold with him Exod. 32.21 He that is a faithful and wise Steward will give every one their portion their meat in due season as he will give his body and his family their portion every day so he will give his God and his soul their portion every day surely he is not faithful who atteneth the lacquey all day and neglecteth his Lord much worse is he who feedeth his flesh and starveth his spirit Reader take notice that there is a time for all things as there are plowing times so there are praying times every day as there is daily time for thy shop so also for thy Closet When the Jewish daily sacrifice was intermitted as in the days of Antiochus it was the abomination of desolation I am the larger in this particular as observing that professours are exceeding faulty in suffering the Canker of their particular callings to devour and eat up the gold and silver of their general callings Sometimes they will wholly omit family duties because the world will not permit them to be at leisure but too too often when they perform them they turn them off with a short cut in a hudling manner as a Physitian his poor patients though their business with him concern their lives when rich men stand without expecting to be called in because the World stayeth at their doors to speak with them Friend as a special help against this soul-hinerance let me perswade thee to be early in the morning at thy Religious duties Some men must be spoke to betimes in the morning or not at all their publique affairs take up the whole day and would if it were twice as long The Devil hath a thousand divices to make him an Athiest all day who neglecteth morning duties Be not so hasty about thy calling in the morning as to forget to take God along with thee Remember this one note If the World gets the start of Religion in the morning religion seldom overtaketh it all day Something warm in the morning before men go to work is very wholesom A warm prayer warm communion with the blessed God in meditating or reading will help thee to work with more comfort and courage and may prevent infections from ill fumes and vapours in the day time Job had a large family much Cattel he had besides his domestical much civil business for he was a Magistrate Job 1.5 yet Job rose up early in the morning to offer up Sacrifice and thus did Job continually In the day time also or at evening let nothing put by the concernments of thy God and thine everlasting estate what company soever thou art in say as a devout soul I have read of when his hour of prayer was come you must excuse me I must be gone a friend meaning his God stayeth to speake with me Cato repented of three things one of which was Plut. in vit That he had spent a whole day idly Truely friend if thou neglectest thy general calling how busie soever thou hast been all day long about thy particular I must tell thee though an hour cannot be bought with the revenues of