utterly lost that the Lord hath freely chosen him to be one of his who was and is worse then the worst that he hath created him so excellent a Creature and not a most loathsome dâ—formed wretch or monster that he was borne and hath been brought up in times and places when and where the Gospell flourisheth that the Lord hath estectually called him by his Word and Spirit that he may so freely plentifully peaceably enjoy the opportunities and meanes of every part of Gods worship that the Lord hath pleased to give him any measure of saving knowledge true faith sincere obedience lively hope sound repentance sollid comfort by Gods blessing on the use of the meanes that the Lord grants him to enjoy his most holy and faithfull Word the onely guide and stay of his soule that God hath caused him to escape so many and otherwise inevitable calamities that he hath heard and knowne to fall most heavily upon others that the Lord hath pleased so often and remarkably been his strength in trouble and great deliverer out of greatest extremities that his God hath so seasonably wonderfully and constantly protected and provided for him whereas else he had perished utterly Not forgetting How the Lord hath pleased to make us that were meere heathens his owne people and what great preservations victories and deliverances and blessings the Lord hath pleased to vouchsafe from time to time to his Church and Children especially in England and the Netherlands c. How graciously it hath pleased our God to shew mercy to give grace unto to keep in health to restore to health to relieve preserve deliver to ease strengthen and recover his poore Wife and Children as every occasion required and every way to watch over him and his for good and how the Lord hath most freely plainly plentifully and infallibly assured him those most neere and deare unto him and all his all that is good for us here and all happinesse with himselfe in Heaven for evermore see in his records of Gods especiall mercies All these and the like To be laid to heart with more large meditations on each with all intire affection in the sense of the Lords unutterable goodnesse towards us and with all deep humiliation in the sense of our unworthinesse of them and with all Christian confidence in the assurance of his promised favoures so to give his God the glory due unto his great name in heavenly contemplations holy acknowledgement and sincere obedience The seventh maine part concerning his outward condition The five and twentieth Vow and the first of this maine part To labour after a sanctified use of his outward condition whatsoever the same is or may be After this manner HIS present outward condition being exceedingly distressed decaying daily and in outward appearance threatning uttermost extremity as also in any other outward calamity thâ—â— may befall him to weigh the same with all its circumstances throughly not to despaire or dispure to murmure or be impatient or to be over perplexed or to limit the Lord about it but to be moved the more camestly and frequently to seek that wisdome and strength from God aright to beare it that he hath promised and a seasonable deliverance our of it Further Seriously to call to mind confesse bewaise with resolution to forsake those particular sinnes which his conscience tels him have brought this heavy affliction upon him to beg pardon for and reformation of them and that they may not hinder Gods helping of him or the Lords vouchsafeing a sanctified use of the visitation to him to consider wisely what outward occasions procured the affliction unto him not to blame the â—ame but his owne folly sinne and weaknesse chiefly to rayse his thoughts to him that sent it yea that the Lord pleased so to have it who assuredly though flesh and blood cannot digest it intends and will worke spite all oppositions and impossibilities his reall good by it that he daily in all humility with fervency and confidence commends his condition to the Lords most mighty wise mercifull and faithfull disposing wholly who knows the same and all circumstances therof fully by often fasting and prayer as by Gods grace he hath done to beseech his God according to his owne good pleasure to have regard unto it graciously especially to pray the Lord to discover to him the inward causes of it that he may aright know his hand in it and kisse the rod that scourgeth him and in all good conscience with a contented mind to await for such an issue as his good God shall please to give but of it to use onely the lawfull meanes and as farre as he conceives all lawfull meanes in lawfull manner to be relieved so to commend the rest to him that can doe with him what he will and will do what in wisdome love and faithfulnesse he sees best for us in the end and nothing shall let it because his mouth hath spoken it who if he think fit to deny in this or that particular what we conceive wee so much want and doe so earnestly crave will undoubtedly helpe some other way abundantly Far his further assurance of all these Well to weigh how the Lord hath formerly oftentimes and most remarkably helped in greatest extremity when them was as small hope and possibility Consider also what the Lord in such cases hath promised in fallibly and that he hath innumerable wayes to help continually yea when all seem past remedy that he can as easily deliver out of the most and greatest miseries as if they were never so few and small and as well out of this as our of any other that he is our beavenly Father in Christ whom he hath given to save us with whom he hath given and assured us whatsoever he sees best for us Therefore In wel-doing to trust God most in greatest extremity and by Gods especiall grace to hold fast his integrity whatsoever he suffer thereby resting fully perswaded though Heaven and earth should meet together yet that the Lord who hath so expresly promised it cannot will not faile forsake or forget us Lord my God My soule seeketh all help only from thee I know no helpe without thee I pray alone unto thee I depend onely upon thee I await alwayes for thee I submit wholly to thee surely thou that art to come wilt come and not tarry Not forgetting How graciously the Lord yet sustaineth me and that I am not over-charged utterly and that my punishment herein is so infinitely lesse then mine iniquity and that so many millions more worthy then I am suffer greater misery and what an especiall favour the Lord does me that I can all seek to and trust in him in my necessity Lord doe but hereby bring me home unto thee and further my salvation eternally and it is enough for me deale as thou pleasest with me see in his prayer to this purpofe in his daily devotions and in his sure stay in greatest
outward estate and then in obedience unto and in the feare of the Lord to use all lawfull meanes for recovering his health looking chiefly and onely to the Lords blessing thereupon without which all is in vaine humbly submitting unto patiently bearing of resting heartily contented with by no meanes or not in the least to murmure against the Lords good pleasure towards him with a sober spirit meek mind understanding well governed heart setled countenance Christian and seemly carriage to demeane himselfe under the hand of his God justifying the Lord though himselfe be utterly consumed trusting in him though he should be killed thanking of him and laying to heart that so infinitely farre lesse then his deserts he is punished that he is so fatherly chastised that mercy in the midst of wrath is remembred that any ease is vouchsafed that so many meanes of comfort is granted that a good issue goe all how it will is assured and a sanctified use promised and that as a Child from a most wise and tender-hearted Father though the affliction be long and sore he is afflicted to beseech the Lord for a right carriage in his affliction for a sanctified use of his affliction for a happy deliverance how he pleaseth from the affliction and so without any mere adoe or trouble with a quiet well contented mind to await the issue which belongeth to the Lord onely and to those that visit him to speake Christianly At the poynt of death And the neerer he draweth thereunto to draw the neerer to his God in Christ by humiliation faith prayer patience hope and longing all through the strenhth of the Lord which against that time he must often before and as long as he live beseech the Lord to give him as also to discourse holily to call upon the Lord continually yea if it be possible to dye praying or with some pertinent place of Scripture or some other godly speech in his mouth for his owne more refreshing or setling and the exemplary edification of those most neere and deare to him or others that are about him to sigh to Heaven to shew signes his heart is there when power to pray or speake is taken from him O Lord my God Make me mindfull of my mortality and teach me so to number my dayes that I may apply my heart to true wisdome cause me cleerly to discerne and rightly to be sensible of the vanity and vexation of all things under the Sunne Oh let them no more mislead me make me willing to part from them cause me to dye to sinne and live to thee daily cause me to live by faith and keepe a good conscience continually prepare me in my inward and outward man yea every way for thee settle me against all discouragements concerning the remembrance or comming of death yea cure the feare thereof in me make me willing to leave this and desirous of a better life dispose me be I never so averse there-from Oh dispose me to wish to be dissolved and to be with thee unfainedly from a sudden unprovided death good Lord deliver me make me alwayes ready for thee that I may bid thee welcome and resigne my selfe into thy hands gladly when it commeth to the push Lord when it commeth to the push help me to doe as thou hast granted me to know write purpose and pray for and every way else that thy will and my condition as a good Christian requireth of me yea then uphold governe work in with and for me when I am weakest and Sathan busiest that I may not be tempted beyond what I shall be enabled to beare that I may find thee my help in need my deliverer thereout and that thou receivest me to thy Kingdome of Glory Amen These among many other reasons moves him to take this course 1 Because the Lord expresly requires it 2 Because it is most sure and comfortable 3 Because to prepare for death doth not hasten but qualifie it 4 Lest deferring time present he be deprived of time to come for who knoweth what sudden and sore changes a day may bring forth 5 It being most certaine he must dye and yet as uncertaine when where or how 6 That no outward priviledges can prevent or comfort at the time of death but this course can comfort though not prevent 7 That others as likely to live as himselfe are dead 8 That the longer we put off our preparation for death the more unfit we are and shall be to dye 9 That having in sincerity though weakly dispatched this great businesse nothing can be grievous unto us 10 That when the Lord cals for us we have no more to doe but in peace with cheerfulnesse to give our selves into his hands 11 That he might give his mind the fuller satisfaction 12 And be the more free 〈◊〉 walk in all the narrow way of life to happinesse 13 That we are most unfâ—â— hereto when sicknesse ceaseth on us and death threaten us having then too much to doe with our paines and other distractions 14 That this work being done the greatest work is done that can concerne us and that as far as we faile herein we faile of solid comforts 15 That it is the best wisdome by timely preparation for our most comfort to entertaine that which all the world cannot keep from us and which be neglected will certainly ruine us 16 By this course we shall much honour God and benefit others that see know or heare of us Now for the exceeding many and most excellent benefits following this conscionable carefull and constant course besides what is mentioned before for more brevity he referres you to those places of Scripture concerning death and everlasting life to be found in his collection of Promises page 33. and 67. where also is more plentifully explained what he understands beleeves and looks for in both these respects Oh that my soule could sensibly say Come Lord Jesus come quickly ever so come Lord Jesus I beseech thee For conclusion of all To seeke depend upon and await for the Lords onely help and blessing in every respect Briefly thus IN the sense of his extreame ignorance indisposition and disability to thinke speake of doe the least good and of him most grievous ingratitude sinfulnesse unbeliefe in receiving any good and insatiable pronenesse to all evill to think of himselfe meanly to deny himselfe utterly sincerely though he can at the best but very weakly to crave of the Lord all understanding disposition and ability to discharge each part of his duty and unfainedly though he cannot as he ought confidently to look for all mercy grace and good from the hand of Heaven because the Lord God who hath promised is most mercifull therefore willing most mighty therefore able most faithfull therefore must performe it be I never so weak and unworthy and whatsoever doth or may oppose it all onely because he is so pleased alone for his owne great glory through the al-sufficient merits and continuall meditation of the Lord Jesus Christ my alone Saviour and Intercessor through whom I beleeve and await undoubtedly and seasonably to find it Another Exhortation Forget not O my soule upon what occasions and in what manner thou hast vowed unto thy God but remember to performe them watchfully faithfully constantly or else thou makest way for all the wrath of God to breake in upon thee and consider Oh consider it is a most fearfull thing to fall into his hands being angry Lord enlighten my understanding strengthen my memory rectifie my affections to know retaine and chuse grant me feelingly to apply and powerfully to practise whatsoever by thy Word thou hast revealed to me that may best please thee and that I have thus vowed unto thee for Jesus Christ his sake I beseech thee Amen Helpe forgive accept and blesse I pray thee Amen Yea though I be as I am most weake wretched and unworthy for thy mercy and thy truthes sake I beg of thee Amen My good God to thy great Name be all the glory FINIS
to his to attaine the same to seek all help from heaven More especially As by the especiall grace of God it hath been he also resolves it shall be his constant course to begin every new yeer in this manner also ever when the Lord cals him out of his garrison into the field being then to expect more then ordinary hard and perilous imployments thus most humbly and unfainedly to crave grace wisdome and good government sufficiency health safety and good successe as need may require As also that the Lord will please to watch over every one of his at home for good in every respect all the time of his absence from them and if it be his blessed will we may enjoy a comfortable meeting c. with our particulars to remember the generall necessities of of Gods Church and Children yea sometimes to set such dayes a part on their behalfe as fellow-feeling members of the same body whereof Christ Jesus is the head and as we would they should doe the like for us in our calamities The time for such solemnities Cannot in his judgement be lesse then from even to even one ordinary meale being onely forborne All which time to abstaine from eating and drinking so farre as nature be not weakned as may happen to some aged sick or weakly disposed persons or women with child or the like who are to preferre mercy before sacrifice and so be made the more unfit to performe holy duties to lay aside our best apparrell sweet smeâ—ls musick or any other thing that would delight us Further to forbeare all works of our calling use of the Marriage-bed fâ—llnesse of sleep yea whatsoever would hinder before distâ—â—â—t in or any way violate 〈…〉 a service To weigh Considerately and throughly the urgent occasions thereof and how happy we shall be in obtaining what we want or escaping what we feare or suffer thereby to stirre us up the more submissively and earnestly to crave the same To prepare for and to keepe the same as the Sabbath All the whole day to apply himselfe to the conscionable orderly and constant performance of every holy duty to come before the Lord herein with meditation preparation examination and deliberation in obedience and repentance confidently and patiently awaiting a blessing from above which he hath expresly promised to leave behind him and as the Lord hath in this respect done to others of his wonderfully yea to him and his informer greatest extremities often and most remarkably this onely of his owne meere mercy in Christ Jesus in every pressing necessity chiefly be we never so unworthy and be our duty discharged never so weakly if but sincerely thus labouring our labour shall not be in vaine but be rewarded graciously plentifully and assuredly for was hipocriticall and monstrously wicked Ahab regarded heard and spared who was onely with the threatning terrified and thereby but outwardly humbled what will not our reconciled God and most tender-hearted Father doe for his how will he then regard heare spare and help his who by his good grace in their extremity thus draw neere unto him humble themselves before him and seek all help onely from him with true contrition filiall fear humility of heart sincerity of spirit Christian confidence and faith unfained who ever hath at any time in any thing in this manner sought his God aright that hath been sent away succourlesse and hath not either obtained the thing he desired or that which his experience must confesse was much better for him the like may we look for undoubtedly Lord cause me thus to seek thee and I am sure thou wilt as thou hast done and declared work for me wonderfully The sixth Vow and fifth of this maine part concerning receiving the Lords Supper To receive the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of our blessed Saviour reverently and fruitfully when and where soever he possibly may That is before receiving ALwayes oftentimes to call to mind and apply the particulars which the Lord requires of us before at and after receiving and what good the Lord sheweth and assureth to his in the Sacrament as followeth in briefe and then to turne all into an humble and earnest prayer for the Lords especiall assistance and blessing not forgeting to give thanks for grace and comfort received nor to humble himselfe for present wants and former abusing this holy Ordinance which might now hinder Gods grace mercy acceptation and blessing in this work or procure his threatned judgements to the prophaning thereof now especially to practise the forementioned duty of examination to remember and lay to heart with heavenly mindednesse the sacred mysteries of this blessed Ordinance to imbrace the same in obedience to his sweet Saviours command who sayes doe this and that the more solemnly to celebrate the remembrance of his death for me being the chiefe end thereof and the more openly to confesse his name thereby bewailing his owne most sinfull condition in generall and his especiall sinnes in especiall manner resolving unfainedly to break them all off and to serve the Lord in all good conscience afterward not leaving out any one known sinne for any respect herein dealing as before the Lord directly as he would the Lord should blesse and not plague him in this great duty looking from himselfe from his owne hainous sinfulnesse extreame unworthinesse and most accursed naturall condition to the so freely plainly plentifully infallibly assured mercies in his most faithfullâ— promises through the alone al-sufficient satisfaction of his onely Saviour Christ Jesus so denying himselfe utterly labouring to seek and find all mercy grace peace comfort and happinesse all wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption in him onely resolving to live in all love peaceâ— and Christian Charity with every one continually forgetting forgiving fore-pash injuries utterly passing by offences wisely where distaste hath beene or heart-burning may be to seeke and accept reconciliation seriously and gladly to converse quietly to doe good for ill heartily and unweariedly Approaching to the Lords Table To be filled with all holy affections to give no way to the contrary thoughts being busie about so heavenly a duty to shew a most reverent gesture as in the presence of the Lord of and over all the great King and Master of this Feast who is a most holy God and will be sanctified in body and spirit of those that draw neere unto him as in the sight of the most glorious Angels and Gods holy Congregation All the time of Ministration To remember distinguish and apply the severall ceremonies and their significations with godly sorrow lively faith sweet comfort entire thankfulnesse c. as is more at large in Master Brinslyes true Watch the first part Pag. 145 146 147. Going from the Table To rest assured that I doe and shall as certainly enjoy the thing signified even the Body and Blood of Christ for the free and full remission of all his sinnes and salvation of his soul as he hath outwardly received
the outward signes thereof Bread and Wine also that as he received the seals of the Covenant so he doth and shall partake of all the good contained therein as in briefe in this life for the inward man perfect justification true fanctification more strength against all sinne and especiall corruptions more fitnesse to serve God in all things especially wherein he hath most failed encrease of perseverâ—nce in all saving graces for the outward man a good name a competent estate safety from 〈…〉 supply of good sanctified use of all for or a turning all tâ— his good good health good iâ—ccesse c. In the end a blessed end and in the World to come in Heaven absolute holinesse and the fulnesse of all blessednesse for evermore yea every one of these undoubtedly for the Lord is in earnest and meanes not will not cannot deceive us After receiving His whole life must be a testimony of thankfulnesse for such inestimable benefits least if after receiving he returne to his old by as againe and that prove a wofull testimony against him hee hath not received rightly and so instead of the former blessings he feele the contrary judgements as a just recompence of prophaning so sacred and weighty a duty therefore to give thankes for grace and comfort againe vouchsafed to be humbled and crave pardon for what was amisse in preparation and receiving to desire and await for the Lords most mercifull promised and in the Sacrament assured assistance and blessing c. See in the true Watch Pag. 148. The third maine part concerning his particular Calling and containeth five Vowes The seventh Vow and first of this maine part To oppose and punish wicked men and wickednesse by all meanes he can That is TO discover and discountenance to speak and to set himself against such according to his place and power in all Christian wisdome and zeale yea though they be neere to him and greater then he to reprove them when words will not help nor authority cannot prevaile to shew in his countenance and carriage his unfained dislike of such persons and courses mourning and sighing for those he cannot reforme and for what he cannot mend not judging the worst but hoping the best of them praying for them shewing a meek and charitable disposition towards them so leaving them to the Lord to deale as he pleaseth with them The eighth Vow and second of this maine part To cherish and assist good men and goodnesse in like manner That is TO enquire after to converse with such finding in them words of wisdome and truth of goodnesse though in much weaknesse after triall to be open hearted cheerfull countenanced fairly carriaged and friendly in speeches towards them speaking good of them and if occasion requires speaking for them yea though they be meane in the world and though it be before great men or such as for goodnesse scorne them if they be not present in case any ill be spoken against them to speak the best of them out of Gods Word to advise and encourage them to beare with and take no notice of meer frailties in them circumspectly and seriously to admonish them in their outward need to relieve them to say nor do nothing that may shame or wrong them by no meanes before any to slight them to take heed he no way provoke grieve vex or perplex them for his sake to whom they belong to labour for inward affection towards them Christianly to respect them heartily to pray for them and conscionably to immitate their good examples of piety good government and true worth he observes in them The ninth Vow and third of this maine part To give good example therein by avoiding the common sinnes thereof keeping a good conscience and walking worthily continually That is TO set himselse in especially manner against those pattilar sinnes he most dislikes reprovs speaks against in others or which he hath any way beene noted for or if some have justly though out of their malic cast in his teeth as excesse â—â—â—sion bearing injuries in mind c. above all to have nothing to doe with any wayes of deceit oâ— violence against the â—ands service or poore Souldiers due neither in advice â—ilence liking consent word or work to yeeld thereunto though some with all manner of reasons would perswade to the same though he suffer never so much therefore or whatsoever help in distresse or benefit to him or his might come thereby But in the strength of the Almighty which hitherto in this respect hath upheld him remarkably to hold fast his integrity in well doing to commend all to the Lords disposing wholly who hath taken it on himselfe to take care for him and his continually to trust his God most in greatest extremity to deale faithfully and equally as he will give account to the Lord answer before the strictest authority declare to honest men truly and as he would be dealt by so endeavouring to keepe a good conscience in all things towards God and man and to carry himselfe unblameably and worthily none no not those that most strictly observe or mischievously malice him and wish seek and would be glad of his shame and harm may have advantage against him The tenth Vow and fourth of this maine part In all causes of Counsell and courses of Justice to be well advised and impartiall That is HEaring all particulars and parties deliberately and soberly examining every circumstance over and over throughly to weigh all seriously being asted as the cause requireth to give his advice to the purpose briefly and discreetly when his turne comes with a setled spirit grave countenance well placed and few words according to the rule of right to passe his sentence without any by respect plainly freely boldly and impartially whosoever be present whatsoever others opinions are though no more be of his mind yea though he should be frowned upon slighted and censured for his labour The eleventh Vow and fifth of this maine part In the Leaguer to carry himselfe in all Christian wisdome sincerely in the sight of God and with all circumspection worthly before men That is BEsides that he is to have due regard unto the second and third Vow concerning the Sabbath and Gods worship daily when we lye still on shipboard or faile as farre as may stand with Christian conveniency to call his company at least once a day together to pray with them to read Gods Word and some good thing to them to sing Psalmes and to have good discourse among them Before every dayes marching To put up some brief and pertinent prayer to the Lord for the Army for our Regiment for his Company for himselfe In marching To labour to entertaine and to nourish and poure our such meditations before the Lord at in especiall manner concern the present generall and his owne particular occasions When we rest To returne thankes and to renew supplications to the Almighty In every imployment To expresse such piety as
most heavy burthen that even over presseth him avoiding as before in this further increasing of them that he may by Gods good providence to deminish and get out of them to use all possible lawfull meanes to discharge them to beg of his God often and earnestly that he will please to free him of them to betake himselfe to such promises as in this case may most support and assure succour unto him to take the best course he can out of conscience to God whatsoever his may seem to suffer hereby that all may be fully paid that shall be found justly due at his decease and then not to trouble himself too much about them but to rest fully perswaded that the Lord as he sees good can and wil as he hath declared easily speedily amply and remarkably helpe him out of them The eighth maine part concerning Death The thirtieth Vow or the last of all and onely Vow of this maine part To prepare himselfe conscionably carefully constantly for the day of his death In this manner AMong many other these four main points offer themselves to his consideration chiefly Viz. 1 How to demeane himself in life and health 2 In time of sicknesse and at the point of death 3 Some sound reasons moving to this course 4 The great benefit following thereupon In life and health By Gods great goodnesse and grace to set himselfe about these two things especially viz. 1 To make his peace with God 2 To put his outward estate in good order For the first of these To pray to endeavour daily and seriously to search out acknowledge bewaile abhor protest against resolve to forsake fly the occasions of to beg pardon for strength to resist and overcome every knowne sinne whatsoever his especiall ones in especiall manner those principally that his wofull experience hath told him doth or may tell him have broken doe will or may most violate his sweet peace with his sweet God most trouble his mind terrifie his conscience makes him most fear Gods displeasure for the present and would most affright his soul if he were ready to dye and had not assurance they were pardoned so not daring for any respect to persist in any knowne evill impenitently but seeking of walking with his God in all things revealed to and so required of him sincerely and watchfully cleaving to the Lord with full purpose of heart in all good conscience inseperably thus dying to sinne and living to grace daily the sting of death which is sin unrepented of may be plucked out throughly so shall death have no power to hurt me Further for this By faith feelingly and effectually to apply the pardon which his most mercifull Father hath freely promised and by his Covenant examples and according to the goodnesse of his owne nature infinitely assured in the blood of the Lord Jesus for all his sinnes though never so many and hainous that the Lord loves him in his most dearly Beloved with an undeserved infinite unchangeable love notwithstanding his unmeasurable unworthinesse extreame weaknesse and never so great impediments to looke for mercy and grace the cause of true peace from the Lord of life onely often and earnestly to pray to the Prince of Peace for that Peace that he hath graciously left with and plentifully promised to his to consider be affected with and imbrace what he hath found most to further or that he daily finds and conceives he shall find to be most furtherable to the procuring and keeping this sweet peace which passeth all understanding to prize this Peace before al the world without it in any measure injoying it to be affectionately thankfull for it to be most fearfull of loosing it if it be wanting or decayed never to be at peace till it be vouchsafed or restored nor to give the Lord rest till he grant it considering the great setling against all distempers it brings with it and what miserable disquiet yea that nothing in this world can give true content without it yea that the remembrance of death is sweetned and the cure of the feare of death is furthered by it for having peace with God through Jesus Christ neither sinne nor affliction nor death nor devill nor hell shall ever be able to harme us for our God who hath assured it in spite of all that all these can make against us will cause all to procure good unto us For putting his outward estate in order According to the meanes his good God in his good providence hath afforded or shall please to vouchsafe unto him to have especiall care without delay conscionably and wisely to order all so that those to whom he may be indebted at his decease may be honestly paid that none may have just cause to complaine against him or lose the least by him that it may appeare he hath dealt honestly with every one to his uttermost power to keep a true and exact account of all he owes continually to prevent future trouble disorder and mistakings And further As by Christianity and nature he is bound of what shall remaine others to whom he was indebted being paid to provide for his Family by appointing every one his portion as conscience and equity requires and he with good judgement sound deliberation throughly weighing the circumstances and his charge sees most fit and so far as is possible for preventing heart-burnings contentions and Law-suits among those of his he leaves after him and from others against them concerning both these poynts of debts paying and division among his own timely to make carefully and constantly to keep in readinesse his Will or some other writing according to the course of Law whereby may plainly appeare what course he would have followed in each particular and as occasion requires changing or confirming the same leaving the good successe of these his honest intendments and endeavours to the Lords good blessing and which he must often beseech the Lord in the future as need requires to make prosperous that none may be wronged that his may be relieved and all contentions prevented Thus while he is in life and health In time of sicknesse At the beginning and as it increases by the Lords assistance most seriously to search out what sinnes he can conceive to have procured the visitation or that any way troubles his conscience to renew the most humble acknowledgement of them to lament and crave renewed remission of them and assurance of pardon for them also more earnestly renewing his resolutions against them and vowes if God please to send recovery no more to fall into them to ply the promised duty of examination now especially to find out as neere as he can what sinnes are threatned with the punishment of sicknesse particularly and to take the same course to be rid of them that is here mentioned already having thus nenewed his repentance and faith and his peace with the Lord in Christ to review and settle his will or writing for ordering his
may testifie to his owne Conscience that he acknowledgeth the beginning progresse and issue of all his well doing and welfare to be from Heaven onely More especially when his turne comes to watch Be it when where or upon what occasion soever to pray and rest assured that the Lords watching with for and over us onely must and will and can secure us To give his most gracious Majesty onely all the glory for our safety and that all hath gone well with us and that we were not affronted surprized ruined and made to feare flye and fall by our Enemies when we watched Principally in or against any perilous imployment In the expectation thereof and to be well prepared therefore be it never so hard and dangerous with all humility and earnestnesse oftentimes to seeke of God all direction courage of heart strength of body all sufficiency to doe worthily all preservation from shame and harm and all good successe with his soule begging of the Lord however else he please to deale with him not to leave him so to misdemeane himselfe or that any mishap should befall him whereby his Christian profession should be disgraced his honest repute blemished or the mouth of scorne and injury opened to urge his God herein to be jealous of his owne glory be the beggar never so unthankfull sinfull weake and unworthy and though he never so much meriteth to be left to doe most unworthy and to suffer all shame sorrow and harme irrecoverably ever to the death submitting himselfe to his good Gods good pleasure wholly as is more at large in his prayer to this purpose to be found in his daily devotions then that he may be the more throughly confirmed to betake himselfe to those particular promises which in this respect assure him in Christ as the Lord sees best for him the good things he so much craves which promises are manifold and to be found in his collection of promises and the which he alwayes carries about him Thus fitted by Gods good grace in his onely name and strength to discharge his duty without backwardnesse feare or shrinking bravely and resolutely not giving over till he hath done his part fully leaving the rest to the Lords disposing freely not forgetting to give his name onely for all ability and good successe all praises duly and now when the Army is abroad and his danger the more apparent to avoid all sinfull and unseemly courses and customes more carefully yea most especially In all personall imployments also Either in receiving and executing commands in sailing marching quartering watching c. to be willing forward carefull unwearied with few words without arguing with setled countenance and carriage beseemingly towards others to behave himselfe reservedly modestly quietly friendly submissively respectively fairly inoftensively as every ones person place and worth requires of him so to carry himselfe Christianly and commendably Hereunto help Lord continually The fourth maine part concerning his Family carriage The twelfth Vow and first of this maine part To abstaine from all abuses of the Marriage-bed That is IN heart by Gods especiall grace to watch and strive against all vile conceits in words all imodesty in behaviour all wantonnesse in action all voluptuousnesse yea every way whatsoever would provoke unlawfull lusts to take heed of all unseasonable immoderate and any way meerly lustfull use thereof to abstaine altogether in time of naturall seperation solemne humiliation in case of sicknesse weaknesse or any other time when purity health or modesty is wronged to beg pardon for strength against the contrary graces to prevention of Gods threatned feared and merited judgements for and grace to eschew the occasions of and power to overcome his forepast offences to labour to possesse his vessell in holinesse often and earnestly to beg the gift of continency carrying himself chastly therefore to eat drink and sleep moderately to have respect to the right use and ends of this holy Ordinance and to keep the Bed undefiled so to crave and look for the Lords blessing therein to be deeply humbled and desire mercy howsoever The thirteenth Vow and second of this maine part To labour the conversion and edification of his Wife Children Servants or any other under his roofe by all good meanes he possible can That is TEach them where when and how to performe religious exercises and what our duties are one to another and how to carry our selves Christianly in our common conversation to admonish further and hold them thereunto according to the warrant of Gods Word with wisdome mecknesse and authority to reprove their neglect or unwilling unreverend or sloathfull performing holy duties pressing upon them the danger and ilnesse thereof and the acceptablenesse and blessednesse of the contrary not seldome or softly but often and sharply to reprove whatsoever sinne or fault he observes in word behaviour and action to be in any of them in countenance and speech to shew unfained dislike of them and as need requires using seasonable correction to his Children but that not presently in passion but considerately with compâ—ssion in obedience to Gods ordinance and to shew his hatred of the sinne and not to satisfie his froward humour or as a cruell Tyrant and not like an affectionate Parent whereby the poor Children are extreamely disheartned and rather imbittered then bettered ever letting them understand their offence and that they are duly chastised according to Gods revealed will to pray unto the Lord often and unfainedly to work uppon his Childrens hearts that the corrections may work upon them kindly if Servants be refractory after often earnest and meek warning to part with them not keeping any person to serve him that continues to be prophane or that slights and mocks goodnesse yea as much as is possible to avoid entertaining any so disposed to cast out a swearer a lyar a purloyner a deceiver a scoffer a tale-bearer a strife-sower a medler a proud selfe-conceited gadding idle filthy-speaking person if such amend not to use daily upon all occasions especially at meales holy conference among them of what hath beene heard or read or otherwise out of and according to Gods Word using to catechise more or lesse daily especially on the Sabbath day calling his Family together twice a day to prayer reading the Scriptures and somewhat in a good book singing Psalmes seasonably solemnly and constantly praying for them in private especially avoyding those evils he forbids and reproves in them and doing those duties he requires of them taking great care they may not have cause to note any particular knowne falt in him or have occasion to say this you reprove in us yet practise it your selfe or thus if not so you forget c. The fourteenth Vow and third of this maine part To demeane himselfe wisely in all his wayes among them That is IN his countenance carriage and speeches to shew a grave quiet sober cheerfull wel-ordered disposition to the uttermost eschewing a churlish frowaâ—d jealous possionate
sullen distempered conversation in all as he may most win to good and wean from ill having a care he find or reprehend no faults before strangers or at unseasonable times or in injurious bitter or vexing manner but to take convenient time alone thereto and when he conceives it may be most kindly in nothing to vent his owne spleen and passion or to disgrace the party but by all meanes seeking the persons reformation having done his endeavour and commended the same to the Lords blessing to mourne for and yet to be contented with what he would but cannot mend awaiting Gods own leisure and good pleasure in all things The fifth maine part concerning his common conversation The fifteenth Vow and first of this maine part To eschew evill company continually That is I. TO consider what company viz. 1 Of Atheists Libertines Infidels Idolaters 2 Sectaries Scismaticks 3 Common neglecters and abusers of Gods Ordinances 4 Swearers cursers imprecators blaspemers 5 Sabbath breakers 6 Traitors disobedient to authority 7 Cavalers contentious quarrellours 8 Gluttons drunkards riotous 9 Foolish filthy prophane speakers 10 Proud scornfull slighting dis-respective distastfull 11 Hasty hair-braind humorists 12 Self-conceited boasting detracting injurious slanderers depravers tale-bearers flatterers 13 Dissemblers lyars unjust 14 Idle persons sluggards gamsters prodigals 15 Whores and Whore-hanters 16 Malicious hard-hearted hardly to be reconciled 17 Vaine lewd prophane livers 18 All such as jeere mock at or despise God his Word Worship and Service his Ministers good men and goodnesse 19 Time-servers luke-warm professors and the like II. What course to take to avoid their society 1 To avoid comming by them and the places he knowes they frequent 2 All familiarity with them 3 Or joyning in affinity or friendship with them 4 Or seeking any kindnesse from them 5 Or accepting any of them if he can avoid it so not to oblige himselfe to them 6 Or having any thing to doe with them 7 All delight in their vaine jesting wicked world-pleasing words or wayes 8 All unnecessary discourse with them 9 All Tobacco-drinking a main means of fellowship 10 Seeking them out for any regard 11 Meeting with them if he can without incivility and with conveniency turne from them III. But when of necessity he must meet with converse or be among them 1 Not to follow their invitation to any evil for any respect 2 But resolutely to breake from them though they be great and otherwise faire conditioned 3 Though they speak friendly or invite earnestly to deny them discreâ—tly 4 To stay as little while as may be with them 5 When he is among them not in word or deed to sinne with them 6 To shew dislike of and reprove their vices as he may wisely and boldly 7 To grieve inwardly for what he cannot mend 8 Especially to watch over his tongue 9 And not conforme to their foolish and sinfull customes IIII. All this for these especiall respects 1 Having by often most wofull experience found they have occasioned his most hainous and shamefull backslidings 2 And will procure the like hereafter 3 And that the Lord in justice hath left him to fall into sinne with them for not avoyding their society 4 And will doe so againe 5 And that he shall be punisht with them 6 And perish for company not repenting 7 And doe more cause them to blaspheme 8 And harden them in their sinnes 9 And cause them more to contemne scorne laugh at and reproach him 10 And speake evill of his religious profession by his evill example V. To endeavour all this although he find these and the like oppositions 1 Evill will and hatred 2 Envy malice mis-interpretations 3 Scoffes and reproachfull tants 4 Hinderance in his worldly affaires 5 Let them all think speak or doe what they will of or against him VI. Therfore among the rest to use these meanes to further his performance hereof 1 To be sincere circumspect and constant in avoyding all occasions 2 Often and earnestly to crave the Lords help to which nothing is impossible 3 To take heed chiefly of such companions as have misled and whose pleasing vain have most power to mislead him 4 To remember and lay to heart the old Proverb Woe worth ill company see the next Vow The sixteenth Vow and second of this maine part To avoyd all excesse especially all drunkennesse every where That is TO passe by not to come at or neere except for necessity the places thereof as Tavernes Tap-houses Ships and Sutlers huts also all persons that he knowes and finds to be so disposed or given to tipling be they who they will especially such as have occasioned may occasion or whose vaine is to occasion or that tell boast of glory in excesse though they promise to it never so short a time or to drink never so small a quantity or though they pretâ—nd never so much necessity or conveniency if my former experience and inward perswasion say the contrary Withall to avoid All drinking or pledging healths which is sacraficing to Sathan all drinking of full cups or great glasses or many draughts or so much as may any way distemper sitting long at the wine rising early thereto or being mighty to poure in strong drink or using any provocation to intemperance in himselfe or others yea all temptations to tipling More particularly To avoid to invite or be intited by others that way given and when it is convenient to invite and be invited to pretent to shew dislike of to refuse to break off yea discreetly and mildly and if need be freely and boldly to speak against whatsoever would occasion excesse and gussing to let every one have liberty to drink as little and as seldome as they please without the very least urging or shew of mislike to desire and take the same freedome my selfe but if that be displea sing and will not serve the turne to depart instantly though others should thinke rudely When needs must That he must be in such places and among such society as occasion in temperance oftentimes as in the Leaguer going to an Ordinary for my diet to goe no longer before nor to stay no longer after meals then needs must and having satisfied himselfe soberly and comfortably to depart speedily and civilly yea sometimes to deny and refuse that which might else be done lawfully and freely least by little and little he be drawne on to forget himself and too farre to stretch or any way to abuse his Christian liberty by no means to provoke others to the least intemperance to loath all such courses and customes and by all meanes to shew it discreetly and resolutely to declare the hainousnesse and danger of them yea although in the company of great men and such as are in authority over him and who perhaps therefore will â—â—out and contemne him with all friendlinesse and civility to desire them to excuse him and to refuse at the first and to use them thereto constantly least yeelding a
little and taking liberty sometimes he be so intangled that he cannot without great distaste be againe freed yea rather then faile at some times in some places and companies to vow against and abstaine from all wine strong beere hot-waters and the like altogether when where and among whom he feares or it is likely he may be provoked To lay to bea rt The basenesse and beastlinesse of this vice what fooles and mad-men drunkards are the sinfulnesse and punishment thereof how it layes us open to all apishnesse shame and scorn to all injuriousnesse villany and mischiefe how unfit it makes us to serve God to converse among men to discharge our calling so that no body respects or cares to imploy dare or will trust such an one yea how those that are otherwise wicked men and their owne companions in their hearts contemne scornfully speak of deride laugh at and shamefully abuse such Especially let Professors Consider seriously and conscionably how foule a blemish this vice is and how much shame scorn and injury it hath procured and will procure unto them his owne sinfull forrowfull and shamefull experience makes him speak it for it hath been cast in his teeth and he hath justly deserved it he prayes and hopes to be the better for it and resolves by Gods good grace never more to fall into it but carefully to eschew all occasions of it solemnly protesting as farre as is possible never to come in company with those who out of malice nor conscience have spoken of it or so to abridge his lawfull liberty and to carry himselfe so circumspectly and soberly that their malicious mouthes may be stopped former scandals remored and furture prevented nerer forgetting what horrible dejections of spirit terrours of conscience and distempers of body he hath found upon it therefore daily to pray and watch against it The seventeenth Vow and third of this maine part To watch against all filthinesse in all places That is NOt to invent give way to or cherish any vile conceits contemplative wickednesse or remembring any forepast uncleannesse with contentment to resist strive and pray against the first motions thereof not to utter any impure but onely chast speeches not to suffer his eyes to seek out to look at or wander after any lustfull or unclean object but to make a covenant with his eyes and to turne them from such objects nay not to behold lawfull objects of delight to stirre up lust to abhorre not at all to listen to but to forbid or else to goe away from all ribald talk songs or books detesting all such gestures and pictures taking heed of all immodest behaviour secretly or with others avoyding companying with any woman privately though at first intending no harme especially with such whose too free and loose behaviour might provoke or whose ill repute would ofter the more freedome not yeelding to the very least daliance not playing with the flame least he burne avoyding all occasions abhorring the act of all self-pollution though in never such darknesse and closely and all other abominations not fit to be named and most horrible to be committed And further Seriously considering his former offches to be deeply humbled his evill inclination to be constantly watchfull his great weaknesse to feare alwayes to remember Josephs speech and example for imitation the threatnings against and judgments upon uncleannesle to be terrefied therefrom or else to looke for the like to lay to heart whatsoever hath occasioned or may occasion any impurity in himselfe or others or that hath brought him the neerest to fall therein to run from the like hereafter to bear down his body and to break off sloth to eschew idlenesse solitarinesse and intemperance to learne well that Heathen lesson sure cerere bacho friget venus to pray often and earnestly that the Lord as he wils will please to work his sanctification that he may possesse his vessell in all holinesse and honour and that continually The eighteenth Vow and fourth of this maine part To take heed of breaking out into pashon upon any occasion Especially UPon evill suspicions without warrantable cause upon bare relations of others before hearing the cause upon taking things in the worst part wresling others words or mis-interpreting their meaning or upon rash judging or old grudge or out of an irreconcileable disposition or being crossed in his hopes or proceedings contemned in his person slandered in his good name wronged in his right ill spoken of behind his backe villified without cause or any way injured justly or unjustly if justly to be silent and doe no more so if unjustly to take heed he deserve it not and to consider Gods dearest Children and Christ himselfe were served so therefore to examine the cause seriously to weigh all circumstances warily to be informed throughly to take all in the best part to judge as he would be judged to heare the party fully if he deny it to be easily satisfied if he maintaine it having truely and soberly informed him to be silent and setled and to turne from him till his distemper and his owne heat of blood be over then to discourse againe deliberately rather to suffer as may stand with Christian decency then to enter into contention Gods Word his own and common experience tels him it is much better to cease from strife in the beginning then after the matter is divulged the one procures peace love and credit the other trouble hate and shame yea so to labour for a meek and sustering loving and forgiving disposition and to abhorre watch against and break off the contrary that whereas he hath been noted for hastinesse chollar and passion to force them by Gods grace and government to say see how remarkably is the man changed what a conquest hath he gained yet if there be cause to cleere himselfe as if the wrong may tend to the scandall of his Christian profession disabling him for his calling or blemishing his honest reputation to declare himselfe boldly and wisely and to assure them that wrong him conscience not cowardlinesse the feare of God not of their faces restrains him from taking the roughest course to right himselfe and in his calling in the greatest danger to call upon them to behold and testifie the truth thereof he is no coward that will not but he that dares not fight he that is truly valiant when there is just cause will shew it feare the Lord and nothing else by mild carriage and soft speeches prevent and cut off wrath strife and vexation de part from palsion and discord for an hasty and contentious man never wants woe and anger is a short madnesse procuring to body and mind most strange distempers The nineteenth Vow and fifth of this maine part To set himselfe against all misgovernment of the tongue without ceasing That is TO the uttermost to watch against to avoyd to breake off all ignorant speaking of things he understand not all foolith unadvised rash supershous unseasonable
extremity If his estate be or by Gods goodnesse prove more prosperous To take especiall notice of in heart to acknowledge carefully to write up and record revetendly to tell to others affectionately to thank the Lord for his fatherly love care providence assistance and blessing in that his estate is bettered and his great necessities so remarkably relieved and that his good and powerfull hand hath so helped c. to be the more humble watchful upright not to prove proud high-minded and puft up or to grow the more careles or to think himself the more secure or the lesse to estâ—eme others deserving respect or to flacken or loose his integrity or piety or sobriety or the daily and conscionable performing holy exercises thereby not to set his hart theron or prodigally to spend the more or any way to be misled thereby to any lust or excesse to be the more conscionable temperate and charitable as having the more to account for that he may not be transported into any sinne or folly by having the more to consider the vanity and vexation hereof and mixed-here within the very best and most comfortable use that this outward prosperity is not simply a certaine signe of Gods favour or of our goodnesse as we see by common experience for the worst men for the most part in this world prosper best and the best are most afflicted that our estate can soone be changed to be worse then it was yea to the greatest extrâ—mity that it neither commends our persons prayers or any thing that we doe or that concernes us the more unto the Lord that it can offord us no comfort ease or help in any visitation nor in any wise prevent she same that it can neither keep off nor comfort us at the houre of death nor further us to Heaven if not sanctified to us and that we have not a sonctified use thereof therefore by Gods grace to labour privately before God and publiquely in he face of the world to be more devout and well governed that the blessings God hath given him may by Gods mercies prove blessings to him and pledges of the best blessings to him that none may say see his change of estate hath changed him to the worse and that instead of comforts they prove not â—â—rses unto him c. The six and twentieth Vow and the second of this maine part To put the Lords blessings to the best use That is CArefully to avoid improvidence unthriftinesse or spending beyond commings in lavish laying out upon vaine company excesse in eating drinking apparell and upon all other trifles and unnecessaries to break off banquetting feasting often inviting labouring to live within compasse yet in Christian manner to use the blessing of our Lord freely for lawfull seemely comfortable maintenance alwayes receiving and using them with prayer and thanksgiving humbly and soberly The seven and twentieth Vow and third of this maine part To give the tenth of all encrease to the Lord in holy uses That is IF the Lord ever please to help him out of debt for till then he cannot say certainly what he hath and to blesse him with commings in to keep a strict account of all that comes into his hands and to lay aside the tenth of all lawfull profits for pious and charitable uses as to help to maintaine a Minister to further Gods divine worship or to relieve such as are in distresse c. Also Carefully to avoid to break est to amend forgetfulnesse neglect unwillingnesse backwardnesse delaying seeking excuses dispensing to omit the like hinderances in this case Yea Although profit come in plentifully yea so much the more to continue accordingly dealing herein directly as in the sight of God who knowes the temper of his heart and manner of dealing herein Doing thus To testifie reall thankfulnesse for blessings received and sincere obedience to what is required and to performe faithfully what he hath so seriously vowed with an assured expectation of a mercifull and plentifull blessing according as the Lord hath promised and in his good pleasure sees most fitting remembring that to dare to dodge with God herein is not the way to prosper but to procure the more misery The eight and twentieth Vow and fourth of this maine part To avoid suretiship to the uttermost he can Therefore SEriously to consider and when occasion requires not to forget what a snare trouble vexation and losse it is as divers plaine places of Scripture expresly prove and if kinsman friend neighbour or stranger never so earnestly desire it alleadge never so likely reasons to move him to it and promise never so largely to discharge it and to secure him never so much from losse or trouble by it and to recompence him never so liberally for it but civily friendly with good reasons unmoveably to refuse it shewing how God in his Word forbids it and what inconveniences comes by it telling them be hath absolutely vowed against it intreating therefore upon these good grounds that his deniall be not ill judged but excused if they be greatly distressed that importune it rather to give or lend unto them freely or by some other good meanes to help them according to his ability conveniency and best security if his refusall cause their frowns or dis-favour wisely to take no notice thereof smother or beare it better suffer that then vexation trouble and losse in consenting to it therefore in it be possible himselfe never to desire it or not to take it ill if he be refused remembring with applying how many he hath known and heard to have been extreamly disquiered sued hindered yea themselves and theirs even undone by it and cry woe and alas that ever they yeelded to it to pray to the Lord to give him wisdome and government to avoid it and to blesse him heartily that he hath pleased hitherto to keep him from it The nine and twentieth Vow and fifth of this main part To forbeare running into and to endeavour to get our of debt by all means he can Thus BY avoyding al needly expences and suretiship and by living retiredly providently as is before mentioned and further from henceforth God assisting by eschewing too liberall lending and disbursing to others as far as conscience equity and charity will suffer wherein he bath beens so free and unadvised and much hindered himself formerly therefore to deny others that may desire it hereafter discreetly and seriously and to deale herein plainly let them take it as they please from him the rather experience teaching him that hereby no small trouble hath befallen him and will come unto him for either friends or money or both are lost and he must often even with shame and griefe intreat for and be heartily glad and thinke himselfe much bound to them that are indebted to him to get his owne at all after many intreaties and long stay from them for running further into debt thus Now considering His debts are the onely present