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
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
True Treasure OR Thirtie holy Vowes CONTAINING The briefe sum of all that concernes the Christian Centurians conscionable walking with GOD. FIRST Solemnly made since often renewed and again seriously reviewed with some particulars added the more to encrease and confirme his Christian Resolutions ALL In the onely strength of the Almighty By Phillip Skippon Sergeant Maior generall c. The most unworthy Souldier of Christ Jesus I am the Almighty God walke before me and be thou upright Gen. 17.1 London Printed for Samuel Enderby and are to be sold at his Shop in Popes-head-Alley 1644. To all Souldiers of reall honour and honesty P.S. wisheth all grace and good successe in the Lord Jesus Friends __HAving by the especial help of my God finished and published a Collection of his promises of good things to us I here present you with some Vowes of our obedience unto him Had not my imployments for the Publique hindred I had by the LORDS assistance plainly proved every Particular by expresse places of Scriptures but I hope all is so consonant to sound Doctrine and the patterne of wholesome words that there needs no dispute I know in these high flying times such meane matters as these are with many of small esteeme However I humbly leave them to the due consideration of godly meeke and judicious minded men desiring all may be for Christian satisfaction and no way tend to unedifying contention they concerne Souldiers especially in many particulars Well such as the Worke is if you please to accept and make good use of it 't is all I desire from you for it Farewell in Christ our Redemer Amen The maine parts of the following Vowes how many there are in each Part and concerning what The first maine part concerning generall Obedience And containeth one Vow page 13. The second part concerning Gods Worship And containeth five Vowes 1. Of sanctifying the Sabbath p. 15. 2. Of the ordinary parts of Gods worship p. 21. 3. Of Examination p. 26. 4. Of holy Fasting p. 31. 5. Of receiving the Lords Supper p. 38. The third maine Part concerning his particular Calling And containeth five Vowes 1. Of opposing evill Persons and courses p. 45. 2. Of cherishing Good men and Goodnesse p. 47 3. Of giving good example in his place p. 49 4. Of doing Justice p. 51. 5. Of demeaning himselfe worthily p. 52. The fourth main Part concerning Family Carriage And containeth three Vowes 1. Of eschewing the abuse of the Marriage-bed p. 58. 2. Of edifying his charge p. 60. 3. Of walking wisely in his house p. 63. The fifth Part concerning his common Conversation And containeth seven Vowes 1. Of avoyding evill Company p. 65. 2. Of avoyding Excesse p. 71. 3. Of avoyding flithinesse p. 78. 4. Of avoyding passion p. 81. 5. Of avoyding misgovernment of tâ—â— tongue p. 85. 6. Of 〈◊〉 others p. 89. 7. Of wary walking p. 94. The sixth maine Part concerning his private Course And containeth three Vowes 1. Of conversing with God p. 98. 2. Of keeping himselfe in awe p. 103. 3. Of calling to mind Gods especiall mercies p. 106. The seventh maine Part concerning his outward Estate And containeth five Vowes 1. How to have a sanctâ—fied use thereof p. 110. 2. Of right using Gods blessings p. 120. 3. Of giving the tenth to holy uses p. 121. 4. Of avoyding suret ship p. 123. 5. Of avoyding running into debt p. 125. The eighth maine Part and thirtieth Vow concerning preparing for Death And containeth one Vow p. 128. In all Vowes 30 The Conclusion concerning seeking of depending upon awaiting for Gods help and Blessing in all and above all things p. 143. Thus farre of the chiefe heads of this Treatise A briefe Preadmonition O MY Soule be Admonished ever to say to heart and never to forget at what times namely in greatest feares and distresses Psal 66.13 14. And in what manner namely with fearfull imprecations against thy selfe in case of disobedience these Vowes have been made and renewed and that the Lord will surely require these things of thee Deut. 23.21 Observe by the way two things FIrst some expresse places out of sacred Scripture concerning holy Vows Secondly his more especiall considerations in making these Vowes First the plaine places Vow and pay unto the Lord your God Psal 76.11 David vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob Psal 132.3 When thou vowest a Vow to God deferre not to pay it Eccles 5.4 That which is gone out of thy lippes thou shalt keepe and performe Deut. 23.23 I will pay thee my Vowes which my lips have uttered and my mouth hath spâ—ken when I was in trouble Psal 66.13 14. Cursed be the deceiver which hath in his flocke a male and voweth and sacrificeth a corrupt thing Mal. 1.14 If thou shalt forbeare to vow it shall be no sinne unto thee Deut. 23.22 When thou shalt vow a Vow unto the Lord thy God thou shalt not slack to pay it for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee and it would be sinne unto thee Deut 23.21 Better it is thou shouldst not vow then that thou shouldst vow and not pay Eccles 5.5 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sinne neither say before the Angel it was an errour Eccles 5.4 To Vow and not to pay is foolish Eccles 5.4 troublesome Prov. 20.25 sinfull Deut. 23.21 dangerous thing Eccles 5.6 Therefore according to the Vow that thou vowest so thou must doe Num. 6.21 Well Lord I have sworne and by thy grace I will performe it that I will keep thy righteous judgements Psal 119.206 See Job 22.27 Nah. 1.15 Isa 19.21 Acts 18.18 Gen. 28.20 1 Sam. 1.11.21 Joh. 1.16 2.9 Mat. 5.33 Psal 50.14 2.25 61.8 65.1 116.14 Secondly his especiall considerations These Vowes are made not to insnare any mans conscience for every one is left to his lawfull liberty nor as if it were possible for himselfe or any other perfectly to performe them For alas he hath sinned doth sinne and is prone to sin against every circumstance of every one of them continually and in many things we sin all Jam. 3.2 but to testifie his hearts unfained desire to walk with his God according to them and how he resolves by Gods grace will endeavour to pay them and finding his many and great failings against them to become yet more vile in his owne sight 1 Sam. 6.22 and to abhorre himselfe in dust and ashes Job 42.6 in the sight of his most holy God 1 Sam. 6.20 the more earnestly to beg mercy Psal 51. grace Heb. 4.16 and compassion in Christ Jesus also when at any time in any particular he shal hereafter stray from God the more strictly hereby to recall himselfe and return unto him Ps 119.59 and although it be true they cannot be fully observed 2 Cor. 2.16 yet may they fitly serve as they are warranted by Gods Word as good and helpfull rules to shew us our duty and to further us therein and to cause us
Gods blessings to the best use 27 To give the tenth of all increase to holy uses 28 To avoid suretiship to the uttermost 29 To forbeare running into and to endeavour to get out of debt by all meanes we can 30 To prepare conscionably carefully and constantly for the day of death The conclusion to seek depend upon and await for the Lords onely help and blessing in every respect Psal 28.7 127.1.2 Phil. 4.13 Amen my Lord my God my Father according to thy mercy power and truth in Jesus Christ Amen Amen Proofes 1 Psa 119.6.101 2 4. Com. 3 Psal 55.17 4 Lam. 3.40 5 Joel 2.12 13. Zach. 12.12 to the end Da. 9.3 c. 1 Cor. 11.26 to 32 7 Ps 101. 15.4 8 Ps 15.4 16.3 9 Acts 24.14 23.1 10 Deut. 16.18 19. Pro. 21.3 11 Deut. 23.14 1 Sam. 16.18 18.5.14.30 12 Levit. 18.19 Joel 2.16 Rom. 13.13 13 Deut. 6.7 14 Psa 101 15 Psa 1.1 Prov. 1.10.15 16 Isa 5.11.22 17 Job 31.1 Rom. 13.13 18 Pro. 14.17 29 15.1.18 19 Psal 39.1 17.3 20 1 Thes 5.11 1 Cor. 14.26 21 Ephe. 5.15 Ex. 23.13 22 Phil. 3.20 23 Psal 4.4 33.8 119.161 24 Ps 40.5 25 1 Tim. 4.5 26 Mat. 25.16 27 Gen. 28.20 21 22. 28 Prov. 6.1 11.15 29 Rom. 13.8 Ps 37.21 30 Isa 31.1 Mat. 24.42 Mark 13.37 The Vowes first briefty placed and in order explained and how he ought and purposeth by Gods grace to performe them The first maine part containing the first Vow concerning generall Obedience As to have respect to all Gods Commandements and to turne from every evill way That is SIncerely watchfully willingly constantly in thought word behaviour and conversation wheresoever he is with whomsoever he hath to doe and in whatsoever he takes in hand according to the light of a well informed conscience to ser himselfe against whatsoever is unlawfull and unbeseeming before God and man to the uttermost avoiding all the occasions of any sinne and all appearance of every evill and to imbrace every warrantable and commendable duty and all good meanes that may further thereunto abhorring all by-respects of pleasures profits feares flattery friends favour intreaty threats compulsion company fashion or custome multitudes examples though of otherwise good men speaking against of great men and the like that would mislead me breaking through all impediments not dispensing with himselfe in any particular approving himselfe to the Lord in all things and above all seeking his glory in the conscionable discharge of his duty The second maine part containing five Vowes concerning Gods holy Worship First to make strict conscience of sanctifying the Sabbath every where continually Before it come TO remember the same to prepare therefore to strive for longing thereafter to clense himselfe to sanctifie the same wisely carefully and constantly to prevent or remove in himselfe his or others all that he can whatsoever would occasion the prophaning or hinder the hallowing thereof on the contrary imbracing and furthering all that may further so holy a duty to pray to be prepared thereto to keep his heart busied with good thoughts and tongue with good speeches the night before yea if it may be with possible conveniency to call those about him together in the afternoone on Saturday the more solemnly and throughly to teach them their duty therein and to stirre up our selves the better hereto often calling upon and urging of them to sinish our owne works timely and diligently that our hearts be not troubled with the cares of them nor our hands tempted to worke about them on the Sabbath in especiall manner to prevent and breake off all domesticall grievances and perturbations because heart-burnings discords and disorders among the members of the Family extend their infection and hurt even to the prophanation of the Sabbath neither doth the Lord look to be served aright in his house if people live not quietly lovingly and dutifully in their houses aske experience and be warned for God will be sanctified in chose that draw neer unto him When the Sabbath is come TO arise early to give himselfe throughout the whole day without wearinesse with all diligence and delight to the severall duties of the day in Gods house in his family in private as to hearing reading prayer meditation conference Catechizing singing Psalmes every duty seasonably reverently attentively feelingly profitably to devide the times aright for every publique family and private duty that all be done orderly without hast or confusion that the one be not a hinderance but a furtherance to the other to watch against all worldly vaine and unedifying much more all wicked thoughts words and works throughout the whole day entertaining onely heavenly Meditations speeches and actions when of necessity he shall be hindered by any importunate and unavoidable duty of his particular calling as removing marching watching quartering sayling and the like To consider it is the Lords day and as may most stand with Christian conveniency to lay hold on every opportunity to doe or receive all the good he can to separate himself that he may with more freedome be the better busied to take occasion to speake of good things with those I know to be well inclined to keepe his heart close to the Lord when it cometh to the push not onely to know write and say thus but by Gods grace to practice accordingly to avoid forgetfulnesse neglect and sloth to take heed of tipling immoderate eating and whatsoever would make heavy and unfit for heavenly duties or distract from them not yeelding willingly to any thing that is contrary to the warrantable strictnesse of that day by no means dispensing to transgresse in the least against conscience a bewailing craving pardon for and Reformation of whatsoever he knowes amisse beleeving the gratious acceptation of and a waiting for his promised blessing upon his poore performances notwithstanding the wâ—aknesse of them and all other hinderances onely through Christ Jesus so giving himselfe to serve the Lord on his day wholy Besides these AS occasion requires to exercise Charity to the poore mercy towards our selves and others yea to our servants and cattell which are both to rest that day yea in time of earing and harvest Further we our selves must rest also from all works of pleasure and profit we may take convenient sustenance and that with others and must yeeld to works of instant and urgent necessity for he that is Lord of the Sabbath saith it is lawfull for us to doe good on the Sabbath day The third Vow and second of this second maine part To imbrace every part of Gods worship every day as he may possibly and conveniently without superstition and wilfull neglect That is FIrst in private to pray for himselfe his family and Gods people as most pressing occasions require to read in Gods word and somewhat in a good book to examine himselfe by some part of the true watch to call to mind his vowes to remember some of Gods
promises to meditate on some good point to sing part of a Psalme all in the freest and sittest season Secondly in his family morning and evening to pray to read in Gods word and somewhat in a good book to conferre of good things to sing part of a Psalme to pray before and to give thanks after meales to season them with good discourse to catechise his children once a day Thirdly to lay hold on every occasion for each part of Gods publique worship In every one To set himselfe to seeke the Lord. Preparedly with premeditation Understandingly knowing what he goes about Deliberately not slubberingly nor in hast or wishing the work over Humbly he being so evill and God so holy Feelingly that his heart lahour in the action and be affected Zealously with earnestnesse and stretched out affections till the work be ended Seasonably when he may be least distracted and doe himselfe and others the most good Willingly not as puld by the ears or forced shaking off backwardnesse Chearfully striving against coldnesse dulnesse deadheartednesse and drowsinesse Instantly without delay or deferring till another time Constantly at set times if it may be catching at conveniency Conscionably because the Lord requires it Not customarily for fashions sake or any by respect In sincerity not to be seen of men but approving his heart to God Resolutely though nick-named scorned and opposed Singularly though never so few doe so Secretly in every private and family duty avoiding all loudnesse and open shewes as farre as possible may be In faith especially resting on the Lords promised acceptation and blessing in Christ Jesus In hope awaiting the experimentall performance thereof With sound application to his especiall occasions With upright and earnest resolutions to obey Powerfully practifing accordingly All in the strength of the Lord as to and in the sight of the Lord as well as he can though he cannot as he ought with true though weak defire to feare his name These following Exceptions may lawfully hinder or alter the precise times of performing the foresaid duties and sometimes some one or more of the duties themselves As BEing visited with sicknesse or being withdrawne by the workes of his calling or other urgent occasions as will not admit of delay journying by water or land being in places and company where he cannot with christian conveniency neither need the times be so strictly stood upon if the duties be at some other times performed Yet not to neglect or delay when and where he may serve the Lord as he will answer to the Lord who searcheth the hearts alwayes labouring to redeeme the time and not to trouble himself although he later some duties and performe others in their places his conscience bearing him witnesse that he still desires to seâ—ve the Lord the better thereby The fourth Vow and third of this maine part concerning Examination To examine his repentance and faith by the Law and Gospell frequently seriously and impartially as in Gods presence who sees his carriage towards him in this weighty worke That is ACcording to Master Brinslies exposition of the Law and Gospell in his book called The first part of the true Watch and rule of life being in his judgement the best help for this use that ever he met withall to try his thoughs words and wayes past present and to come c. For the times Ordinarily before every Sabbath more especially before receiving the Sacrament and before a publique Family or private Fast but most of all in any fore sicknesse or any other great calamity or being summoned by death that she may not live in any knowne sinne or the omission of any required duty without repent ance to chuse such times of the day and to seek out such places at home or abroad in field or Garrison when and where he may be most private and least hindered and be surest to prevent and escape all company and other distractions And further For more conveniency and Iesse rediousnes to take so much every day that the whole may be gone through every week or moneth or somewhat every day till all be gone through at best leasure and then to begin again or otherwise according to Christian discretion with all carefulnesse without superstition or negligence But when where and in what Order soever To set his heart and affections aright as in the presence of the al-knowing God with whom I have to doe when he begins to begin with solemne prayer to labour that his heart goe along with each part of the foresaid rule purposing to practise every particular with feeling affection and setled devotion to meditate and pray according to his written quotations joyned to that rule of Examination to mourne for every sinne committed begging pardon in Christ and the imputation and application of his most perfect obedience and al-sufficient satisfactino craving freedome from punishment pleading and urging the Lord with his Saviours infinite merits and perpetuall mediation desiring preservation from all sinne especially from those he is most prone unto and in danger of yea from such as he thinkes least of or conceives himselfe freest from to aske those graces he most wants to give thanks for every grace in any measure attained unto and for deliverance out of those sins he hath lived in and for preservation from many and grievous sinnes into which he was often ready to fall yea daily from those sinnes to which he is most prone or to which he is most tempted or which are most incident to his particular calling and common conversation yea from those he least thought of and so lest feared and for faith comfort and assurance in respect of every Article of his beleef in the forenamed true Watch to be thankfull for the least beginnings to bewaile and beg supply of his wants so labouring for faith and a good conscience to apply himselfe to discharge each part of his duty without putting off from day to day or from one time to another resisting dead-heartednesse and wearinesse being a duty concerning him so neerly The fifth Vow and fourth of this maine part concerning holy Fasting To celebrate the severall kinds of religious Fasts seasonably and solemnly as every extraordinary occasion requires That is In publique WIth Gods people according to the occasion time and manner appointed by authority upon such generall to adde his owne and his Families especiall occasions wisely to watch for catch hold of and attend upon every extraordinary occasion which God presents whereby he as cals upon him to this work In his Family and alone Having fallen into any grievous sinne or being in any great calamity or desiring any especiall inward grace or outward blessing or deliverance out of any great distresse or fearing or feeling any outward judgement to seek the preventing removing or sanctifying the same yea in whatsoever inward or outward misery he or his may be in this especiall manner as an especiall meanes that the Lord hath most graciously left
uncomely behaviour through too much harshnesse or familiarity not to intrude uncivilly into others society nor to interrupt them in their talk or to intermeddle with their businesse but to goe by step back or turne away with all civility and curtesie in discoursing with others not to passe his opinion upon any person or occasion unasked lightly or hastily if pressed to speake if it be a matter unconvenient or that does not concerne him or that is not pleasing to him or from whence no good may arise to answer with silence or to ask some other harmlesse question or propound some more fitting matter or to turne away quietly and inoffensively Further to avoid Vaine light loud and unseemly laughter which is a sure and open signe of forgetfulnesse unstaiednesse misgovernment and folly to take good heed continually in his talking with others and when others talke with him or when he is alone it think no body sees him that he break off and amend nodding with shaking of his head winking with the eyes biting of the lip wrying the mouth gaping putting out the tongue gnashing his teeth staring in the face hanging the head downe laying it on the shoulder thrugging his shoulder acting with his hands motions of the feet or any other unseemly posture with any part of the body out of scorn carelesnesse or custome or out of conceit they become him well or in vaine astectation or in foolish imitation In these to be especially carefull Because therein he hath been formerly so forgetfull that some have noted him for unbeseeming demeanor to endeavor in every thing by Gods good guidance to be so circumspect that he in nothing give distaste but may converse commendably and acceptably withall remembring what contempt shame and trouble for miscarriage hath procured and will procure him and not forgetting that what he mislikes and speaks against as a blemish uncomely and misseeming in others in their manner of speaking countenance carringe and gesture as ill becomes him and causeth others to blame him and the lesse to regard him The sixt maine part concerning his private course The two and twentieth Vow and first of this maine part To converse with God in holy matters That is IN his Study garden tent hut or abroad in the field to bethink deliberately distinctly affectionately and not to give over till he have beaten the matter through and made it his owne by powerfull application and unfained resolution to practise what holy duties God remires of him what warrant there is out of Gods Word for them and when where and how most seasonably conscionably and profitably to perform them and what good by the Lords most mercifull and promised blessing by former experence and by examples of Gods Children he may a flure himselfe in the use of them Also How he may carry himselfe most conscionably faithfully worthily and comfortably in his particular place and calling and how most religiously and ordorly in his Family and how most Christianly and commendably in his common course Further How best to walk with his God in saving-knowledge true faith sincere obedience sound repentance lively hope yea in all good conscience with contentation in every condition And how Best to be assured of Gods love mercy grace peace joy strength relâ—efe protection and blessing in all he takes in hand and that concernes him how best to demeane himselfe in prosperity and adversity how to make right use of every present condition to draw the nearer to and to find the more communion with God thereby in all his proceedings though never so small more often and earnestly consult with God to crave his direction and blessing by his Word and prayer To furnish himselfe With such meditations places of Scripture and solid reasons as may best fence him against those sinnes most incident to his nature calling common conversation family-carriage and private course and for most Christian and comely carriage to the contrary To remember He is in Gods al-seeing sight though never so alone therefore to take heede that his thoughts and carriage be such as become his most holy glorious and al-knowing presence and if he must or when he doth think upon his outward lawfull worldly occasions in regard of his imployments distresses or Christian comforts not to dwell too long upon them but to mix holy cogitations with them and by them to be moved to sigh to call to God for his direction and blessing in them when he departs from them To be often In prayer and other heavenly exercises when he is in private to this end often seperating himselfe from impediments especially from company and to love in this manner to be private and solitary therefore to chuse and frequent such times and places constantly and unvreariedly The three and twentieth Vow and second of this maine part To keep himselfe in awe by holy Meditations Thus SOlemnly to call to mind seriously to ponder upon and powerfully to apply the fearful fall and utter rejection of the Angels the sinne and punishment of Adam and all his posterity the vilenesse of our natures the ilnesse of our conversations the bainousnesse and danger of sinne un-repented of his owne especially sinnes from his youth up his many abominable backslidings his continuall offendings the grievous failings of his best duties the sinfulnesse of his Family and company the abominations of the times the cursed sinnes of our calling Also Gods most fearfull and remarkable judgements abroad in the world his particular plagues upon particular persons yea some that he hath knowne Gods heavy visitations generall and particular upon his owne Church and deare Children those afflictions that have been yet are or are like to fall upon himselfe and his Family upon them most neere and deare unto him the vanity and vexation of all things under the Sunne the mutability and mortality of all men the day of his owne death terriblenesse of the great day of account endlesse and easâ—esse paines of hell the full and ever during happinesse in Heaven the attributes of the Lord God as his most absolute infinite and unchangeable holinesse excellency power justice mercy wisdome truth omniscience omnipresence c. and every his owne extreame wickednesse basenesse wretchednesse helplesnesse c. to keep his heart in awe that he sinne not to watch to walke humbly with and uprightly before his God to labour to lay to heart whatsoever may by Gods working move him with some sense and sorrow to weigh his owne and other misdeeds and miscries and cause him the more carefully and affectionately to feare seeke serve depend upon and give due glory unto the Lord his God who is blessed for evermore The foure and twentieth Vow and third of this maine part To call to mind the Lords especiall mercles That is MOst respectively to remember and with all holy affection of heart to be moved at that most wonderfull work of redemption by Christ when we were and had else for ever been
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
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
the more cleerly to see and to make us the more sensible of our sinfulnesse and insufficiency and so the more dearly to esteeme Christs merits and in him Gods grace and mercy A solemne Prayer concerning the right use of the following Vowes O My heavenly Father my onely sufficiency without whom I cannot thinke one good thought but am most prone to all evill I most humbly and unfainedly beseech and urge thee in mercy as thou hast promised by the effectuall working of thy holy spirit notwithstanding my most hainous sinfulnesse exceeding great insufficiency and al other though never so many and great impediments henceforth to direct stirre up and strengthen me watchfully seasonably conscionably feelingly and constantly to remember respect apply and performe all every one and each circumstance of these my holy vowes by thine owne especiall grace most solemnly made often and earnestly renewed before and unto thy Majesty to bind my selfe the more strictly against sinne to serve thee O be herein my strength and sufficiency that my conscience hitherto fouly polluted and terribly accusing may be throughly purged and sweetly excuse me yea in the very particulars wherein I have most offended and am most prone to transgresse that though when I have done my best I come farre short of my duty yet that my hart mâ—y testifie for unto me I do the best I can thogh I cannot do as I ought to please thee My Lord my God give me thy grace according to the light of a well informed conscience as hereby I have most strictly tyed my selfe to walke humbly with and uprightly before thee no more daring as I have done to offend thee To this end enable me to watch and pray to wrastle weep and cry unto thee and never to give over or let thee goe before thou hast herein blessed me in granting this so exceeding needfull a request that I be not overcome of evill but may overcome evill with good and so wholly apply my selfe to doe thy will Certainly thou wilt grant it in time and measure as thou seest fit Lord when where or howsoever of ignorance weaknesse forgetfulnesse or any other way I have done doe or shall doe amisse contrary to any of these rules and resolutions Oh be thou entreated to cause me speedily and soundly to discerne confesse bewaile crave pardon for and strength against the same Oh restore and receive me make me more wise warned watchfull and better governed afterwards thereby yea renew mercy and grace unto me to this end I pray thee and doe not suffer any of my failings or fals so farre to discourage me as to drive me from thee but make them to move me the more humbly and earnestly to draw neerer unto thee and the more zealously to renew my holy purposes yet the better to serve thee Oh doe not doe not at all deny refuse reject or turn from me O Father of mercies my most mercifull Father I most humbly and unfainedly beseech and urge thee vouchsafe freely and fully in the most precious blood of thy Christ my Redeemer to forget and forgive all my sinnes though never so many and heinous against all and every one of these my holy vowes and every circumstance of each for I have innumerable times and wayes most groussy and wilfully yea without ceasing offended in every one O require not these things of me for I cannot answer thee one of ten thousand thousands but require them of him my alone Saviour and alsufficient surety who hath fully satisfied thee on my behalfe for every one of these as well as for all or any of my other faults Oh grant me in the sence of thy infinite undeserved never failing love according to thy expresse promises to fly unto and trust in his merits notwithstanding all my grievous violations of all and every one of these most solemne vowes and cause me to feele the same most precious balme of Gillead to ease heale and comfort my most sinfull and sorrowfull soule for his infinite sufferings sake turn thy deserved wrath from me and deale gratiously with me give me assurance of pardon from and peace with thee O Lord my God worke worke worke and help speedily effectually and constantly I beg of thee that at all times and in all things I may with all my heart offer my selfe unto thee that through thy infinite patience I may escape thy justly merited vengeance and by thy undeserved mercy enjoy thy loving favour which is better then life All through the alsufficient satisfaction and perpetuall intercession of thy most deare and onely Sonne my alone sweet Saviour and sole sufficient Mediator Christ Jesus Amen and Amen The following Vowes briefly expressed the more easily to be remembred for present Meditation and Prayer 1 TO have respect to all Gods Commandements and to turne from every evill way 2 To make strict conscience of sanctifying the Sabbath every where continually 3 To imbrace every part of Gods worship every day as may be possibly and conveniently without superstition or wilfull neglect 4 To examine our repentance and faith by the Law and Gospell frequently seriously and impartially as in Gods presence who sees our carriage towards him in this weighty worke 5 To celebrate the severall kinds of religious fasts seasonably and solemnly as every extraordinary occasion may require 6 To receive the Lords Supper or the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of our blessed Saviour reverendly and fruitfully when and wheresoever we possibly may 7 To oppose and punish wicked men and wickednesse by all means we can 8 To cherish and assist good men and goodnesse in like manner 9 To give good example in our particular calling by avoyding the common sins thereof and keeping a good conscience therein and by walking worthily continually 10 In all causes of Counsell and courses of Justice to be well advised and impartiall 11 In the Leaguer to carry our selves as in the sight of God in all Christian wisdome sincerely and with all circumspection before men worthily 12 To abstaine from all abuses of the marriage bed 13 To labour the conversion and edification of wife children servants or any other under our roofe by all good meanes possible 14 To demeane our selves wisely in all our wayes among them 15 To eschew evill company continually 16 To avoid all excesse every where all drunkennesse especially 17 To watch against all filthinesse in all places 18 To take heed of breaking out into passion upon any occasion 19 To set our selves against al misgovernment of the tongue without ceasing 20 To stirre up our selves to edifie others in all places upon all occasions and by all means we can 21 To demean our selves warily in all things 22 To converse with God in holy matters 23 To keep our selves in awe by holy meditations 24 To call to mind the Lords especiall mercies 25 To labour for a sanctified use of our outward condition whatsoever the same is or may be 26 To put all