which number was Mr Staunton he was of his mind that said Praestatar are quam saltare die sabbathi Aug. It was better to work them sport to plow then Dance on the Sabbath Day he would rather loose his place then countenance such a practise amongst his people During his suspension he took his degree of Doctor in Divinity in Oxford which he did to use his own words that he might put the greater honour upon his sufferings when he answered in Comitiis and opposed in Vesperiis he was wonderfully applauded by all that were present There were several Doctors in the University whose fingers did itch to be dealing with him because he was a Country Minister and a Puritan amongst which was a Doctor whose name I shall conceale though a man of great note amongst them who was so miserably nonplust by Staunton that the Auditors hiss'd at him and one call'd out for a Candle that the Doctor might see his Arguments of this good Providence Staunton himself takes thankful notice giving all the glory to God making use of that Scripture him that honoureth me I will honour At that time also he Preacht in the University upon those words of Christ in Mar. 8.36 What will it profit a man to gain the whole world and loose his own soule c. of which Sermon he sayes He was call'd on to preach several times before the Parliament and his sermons ordered to be Printed That God did both graciously assist him in the Preaching of it and wonderfully prosper it when Preacht When the Assembly of Divines was call'd at Westminster Dr. Staunton was chosen one of that Reverend Assembly and was in good esteem amongst them insomuch that he was nominated for one of the six the Pâ—â—â—cht that useful Lecture morning by â—…ng in Westminster Abby In the year 1648 there were Visitors appointed for the University of Oxford who discharg'd Dr Newlin from his headship in C. C. C. and no man was thought so fit to succeed in that place as Dr. Staunton That Colledge had been happy in an eminently Learned and Godly President before the famous Doctor John Reynolds and now it was blest againe with the residence and regency of this excellent person what Colledge in either of the Universities can shew such another pair of Governours Here he continued above twelve years in all which time his behaviour was very exemplary not onely to those that were of his own Colledge but to the heads of other Colledges in that University Be pleased to take a short account of his Conversation from the Pen of one that was Scholar and Fellow of the House the greatest part of the time that he was President Thus he Writes At his first coming to the Colledge he put in execution and that vigorously all such Statutes as tended most to the advancement of Learning and Religion and was frequently himself present at all Lectures and other Exercises to encourage the Studious and reprehend the negligent He set up a Divinity Lecture every Lords Day early in the Morning in the Colledge Chappel for the initiating and exercising the Elder Students in order to the work of the Ministry He constantly Catechis'd the younger sort publiquely in the Chappel every Saturday He preacht once or twice every Lords Day to the edification and comfort of many besides his constant course in the Vniversity Church and Colledge Chappel and several lectures in the Country whereunto he was alwayes most ready rather seeking opportunities then declining them He had every week a meeting at his own lodgings for prayer and spiritual Conference as well of the members of the Colledge as others wherein himself alwayes bore the principal part bringing forth out of his store of experimental knowledg things new and old He was constantly present in publique duties of worship in the Chappel morning and evening observing all and reproving any that were negligent and remiss He took great care to introduce and elect into the Colledge such as he either saw or heard to have some appearances of grace at least such as were docible and inclineable towards that which is good Spiritual discourse was his meat and drink and when he sat at meals in the Colledge Hall his constant course was either from the Chapter then Read or from some occasion or other to speak that which might tend to the instruction of those who were present and to call up their minds to some heavenly contemplation In the year 1660. Being discharged from the Colledge where he had been so eminent a blessing by his prudent government and Pious example and none know this so well as such whose lot was cast to live there under his constant instruction and discipline 2 Tim. 3.10 11. both which were so far effectual that Religion and Learning scarce flourished more in any one Society in the whole Vniversity then in that little Nursery he reckoned it adviseable to withdraw also from the City in which he had sown many handfuls of precious seed and he always well watered it with his tears few that I ever heard of Preached with greater Affection and less Affectation But when the time of his departure came there are living that still know and remember with what sad hearts his dear Friends Scholars and Citizens parted with him Some have assured me it was much-what like Paules departure from Ephesus taking his last leave of the Elders Acts 20. latter end Where they all wept fore and fell on Pauls neck and kissed him sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake that they should see his face no more and they accompanied him out of the City From the Famous University and City Recommending of himself unto the Divine Providence to fix the Bounds of his habitation for him his first flight was to Rickmersworth a small Market Town in Hertfordshire where he had not been long but he had a very kind welcome both from the Gentry as a Gentleman and other good Christians of inferiour rank as a Minister of Jesus Christ His first and chief design when a little acquainted in the place was to make way for the settlement of an able Minister of the New Testament there reckoning that one of the best accommodations of a house was wanting when such a Minister was wanting and he used to say That Rickmersworth were a good place if there were better water meaning a better Minister there and that the design took no effect was not through any default of his all means being used on his part for the bringing that purpose to pass but however he quickly found the way to that Pulpit himself and because the entrance being narrower there then in some places he sought out a wider door and more effectuall and I believe it may be affirmed he found above twenty more scarce one Sabbath passing wherein he Preached not the Gospel of the kingdome in a new Pulpit and his paines though an old man and somewhat infirm in
their studies so to see it reverently performed and that the whole Society came duly together Every Lords day in the Evening when the whole House met to offer up their Sacrifice of praise and prayer he examined the younger sort calling them to account about what they had heard that day which was a likely means to engage them to the greater attention in hearing and to make the truths by their pondering them sink the deeper into their hearts He took great pains to instruct them of the lower rank in the grounds of Religion calling them one day in the Week into the Chappel where he opened and explained the great and weighty Truths of Christianity to them endeavouring still not only to inform their judgments but to make the truths reach their hearts Whereas the Founder required that the Fellows and Scholars should at such a standing as was said before be ordained to the Ministry he with the consent of such of the Fellows as were impowered by Statute to make orders for the good of the Society decreed That all of such a standing or above should preach every Lords day in the morning by course in the College Chappel before the publick Sermon in the Vniversity By this means they who were designed for the Work of the Ministry might first prove and improve their own abilities And secondly approve themselves to others to be men apt to teach which is one of the qualifications required in the Apostolical Canons in them that are to be called to the Pastoral office Fifthly and lastly besides the Conference which he had often in his own Lodgings about Soul-matters and Communion in the Lords Supper in the College Chappel where he himself did administer and many of the House with others from abroad were partakers he was often discoursing with such of the Society as came to him about any business in such a manner as tended to the promoting of Holiness for he seldom let them depart without some instruction admonition or hearty counsel They especially who by reason of their place and standing were most about him received great benefit by conversing with him For his heart taught his mouth and added learning to his lips When a portion of the Scripture was read at Dinner as is usual he did not only cause altum silentium and reverent attention through the Hall that all might feed their Souls while they were feeding their Bodies but the Chapter ended if there were any difficult places in it he either propounded them to the Fellows that sate at the Table with him to be unfolded by them or else opened and unfolded them himself if it contained practical matter it was a pleasant thing to see and hear how he who applied his heart to the knowledge of God and kept his words and Laws within him had them withall fitted in his lips He lived to see some fruit of his Labours to his great joy and contentment for a competent number of them who were educated ab origine under his care became Learned well-disposed and pious men I cannot refrain but must mention one of them viz. Mr. Joseph Alleine late Minister of the Gospel at Taunton in Somersetshire for as he was a great comfort to this holy man while he continued in the College so it did revive him to hear for he was often enquiring after such as had been of his House as a father after his children that he proved so eminently pious and useful a man in the Church of God But had he lived to see the Relation of his Life now published since his Death he would have fallen into an extasie of joy And I have so much charity for some that were instrumental about his great Sufferings and often Imprisonments as to believe that if they would please to read the Relation aforesaid wherein both Conformists and Nonconformists agree to give him an high testimony for his great parts Learning peaceable spirit quiet deportment zeal of the right kind with ardent love to God and man extending to the worst of his enemies their hearts would smite them for giving so good a man so much trouble however he is now where the weary are at rest Job 3.17 We have seen how vigilant and industrious a Governour this worthy man was in his College he was also one who in compassion to mens souls took every opportunity when at home to Preach in or near the City One of the Impropriations belonging to the College about seven Miles distant having but a small stipend before his time not sufficient to afford a subsistence to an able man to labour and watch among the people for the good of their souls he first went himself afterward he desired some of the Senior Fellows to go over by course and Preach unto the people which desire of his they readily complied with for some time till the Lease of the Impropriation came to be renewed when upon the Presidents proposal the Fellows consented either much to abate or wholly remit the Fine requiring in lieu thereof a competent Sum to be paid yearly to encourage an able man to labour constantly among them When the Affairs of the College called him forth into places remote from the Vniversity he was alwayes ready to take any opportunity to do good to the souls of men One who hath rode many hundred Miles in company with him hath alwayes observed his deportment in all places and toward all persons to be such as became an heavenly minded Christian and a true Minister of Christ When he was riding on the way Deut. 6.7 he entertained his company with heavenly discourse and as variety of Objects did present themselves to him he alwayes drew excellent matter out of them glorifying God for the power wisdom and goodness which appeared in the Works of Greation and Providence Psal 104.24 As he passed by such as were about their occasions in the Fields he would many times make an halt and enter into a short discourse with them He would first ask them some ordinary question such as Travellers use to ask and then take an occasion from their answer to ask them other questions of more weight and concernment to their Souls leaving alwayes some serious word with them at parting for them to ruminate upon And I am persuaded that there are many who never saw his face nor he theirs but thus in transitu that have blest God for him When he came to his Lodging either in a publick or private house as he had a better advantage there so he constantly made good use of it for the glory of God and the edification of whatever company he was cast upon He had an excellent gift and rare faculty beyond what I did ever observe in any man beside to improve discourse so as to make it not only pleasant to those with whom he did converse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but very profitable to their souls aiming still at the last as the mark which
is right but I do not well understand you I pray tell me what you mean by Titles Attributes Ordinances Word and Works Min. Friend I like this inquiring of yours well and I will tell you 1. By the title of God is meant Lord Jehovah Jah c. 2. An Attribute of God is that which is spoken of God as that he is a Spirit infinite eternal and unchangeable that God is Almighty most wise most holy most merciful just faithful c. 3. By Ordinances I understand every part of that worship which God hath appointed as Prayer Preaching Reading Hearing Singing Psalms the Sacraments c. 4. By the Word I mean the Scriptures wherein God revealeth his Will and maketh himself known to the children of men 5. By Works I understand the works of Creation and Providence whereby God revealeth much of himself to men who eye God in them Stranger What is it then to break this Commandment Minister It is to prophane or abuse any thing whereby God makes himself known Str. I hope Sir you will tell me something also out of the fourth Commandment Min. Friend why is that day we keep holy call'd the Lords day and the Sabbath for these are names which the Scriptures give that day Rev. 1.10 Gen. 2.23 Stranger Sir I never heard that question put before Minister Friend it is called the Lords day because the Lord appointed it to be kept holy and that in remembrance of the Lord Jesus Christ and the great work of Redemption wrought by him And it is called the Sabbath which signifieth rest because it is to be kept by us as an holy rest unto the Lord. Str. What must we do on the Sabbath day Min. Friend we must spend the whole day in worshipping God publickly and privately Str. Sir may not works of mercy and necessity be done that day Min. Yes Friend if they be indeed works of necessity and mercy and not so in pretence only Str. Sir you said the whole day must be kept holy what mean you by the whole day Min. Friend by the whole day I mean full Four and twenty hours for the Sabbath must be as long as any other day of the week besides Stranger I pray Sir what must we not do on the Sabbath Minister Friend we must not make that day 1. A day of idleness barely resting from labour as our Beasts do 2. Nor a day of worldly business in buying selling or the like 3. Nor a day of sports and recreations much less 4. Nor a day of sinning especially as in drunkenness stealing and the like 5. Nor a day only of outside devotions but we must labour to worship God in spirit also and to enjoy some spiritual communion with God in his holy Ordinances Str. Sir but am I not at liberty as to my thoughts and words that day Min. No Friend for God is a Spirit his day and worship spiritual so that we ought to lay aside all unnecessary thoughts and words that day as well as works about worldly employments and recreations Isa 58.13 Not speaking thine own words on the Sabbath Str. Sir I hope you will say something to me also concerning the other Commandments Minister Yes Friend but more briefly lest our time should fail us what think you is meant by Father and Mother in the fifth Commandment Stranger Sir I think my Father that begot me and my Mother that bore me Min. Friend that is true you say but there is more in it by Father and Mother we must understand Magistrates and Ministers and all our Superiours in any kind whatsoever Str. Sir and what is it to honour my Superiours Min. Friend it is to give them that inward and outward respect which is due to them and to obey the lawful commands of those who are over us Str. Sir doth this command require only our duty to Superiours Min. Yes it injoined also the duties of Superiours to Inferiours Str. Sir I pray tell me what the sixth seventh eighth and nine Commandments require of us Min. Briefly thus the sixth Commandment enjoineth all lawful endeavours for good of the life the seventh of the chastity the eighth of the wealth and outward estate the ninth of the good name of our selves and others each Commandment forbidding whatsoever is contrary or opposite thereunto Stranger The tenth Commandment also I pray Sir speak to Minister The tenth Commandment Thou shalt not covet c. requireth not only a full contentment with our own condition but a right and charitable frame of heart toward our Neighbour and all that is his Str. Sir I thank you for all this good discourse of yours I have rid many a mile with some Ministers and never had half so much from them Min. Friend it may be so but was not you your self much in fault did you put questions to them such as I have now put to you and you to me Str. No Sir to speak the truth and I am afraid I am much to blame for it Min. One word more before we part I presume Friend you have been at the Sacrament and received the Communion Stranger Yes many a time at Easter methinks I have a mind to it Minister Friend and why not at other times also Is your foul an hungry and doth the spiritual appetite come to you but once a year Str. Sir that is the time we use to go and then the rest of my Neighbours receive Min. Friend then it seems you go much for custom and company but tell me did you ever get any good by the Sacraments Str. Sir I hope no hurt Min. Friend they who live ignorantly or scandalously eat and drink unworthily are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord and so eat and drink judgment or damnation to themselves 1 Cor. 11.27 29. Str. I hope I go better prepared than so Min. How do you prepare your self Str. Sir I give my name to the Minister aforehand I put on my best apparel I fast that morning lay the blessed bread and wine next my heart yea I am in love and charity with all men and forgive give those that have wronged me with all my heart Minister Friend that which in your answer fell last from you is quickly said not so soon done how can you say you are in love and charity with all men c. when your own heart tells you and all your Neighbours can testifie that for such and such a man you cannot give him a good word or a good look you express much joy when any evil befalls him or his where is your love then Stranger Sir you can't imagine what a deal of wrong he hath done me for many years together my heart cannot but rise against him whenever I see him but I hope to be eaven with him and to pay him all I owe him before I dye Min. Look you now Friend what is become of your charity and of forgiving with all your heart those words were but wind your
born but legions of Devils got possession of them so many beloved lusts as bad or worse than so many Devils and how they were still born dead quite dead in Trespasses and Sins but now through the riches of Grace in Christ the Lepers are cleansed the Devils are cast out and the dead are quickned and raised to the life of grace and glory Eph. 2.1 To hasten shall Souldiers old Souldiers love to be talking of what battels they have been in what sharp Conflicts and hot disputes they have had with such and such enemies what victories obtained what spoils they have divided what joyful triumphs they have solemnized and shall not Old Disciples yea all experienced believers who are the good souldiers of Jesus Christ discourse and love to discourse what spiritual combats they have had with the Devil the world and the flesh the corruption of their own hearts their unbelief pride passions covetousness how they have conflicted with ungodly men their Cruel mockings and persecutions yea how they have gotten the victory have overcome the world by their faith Heb. 11.36 Gal. 4.29 Joh. 5.4 what spoils they are inriched with what answers to prayers what mortifying of such and such Corruptions what eminent growth in grace how faith hath been marvellously strengthen'd love inflamed zeal fired longing after communion with God heightened and the like and all this because they fought under such a Captain who puts spirit and life into all marching under his banners even Jesus Christ the Captain of their Salvation yea the Lord of Hosts himself mighty in battel Heb. 2.10 Jer. 50.34 Again shall wrestlers and racers speak much of their strength and swiftness And why not believers of their wrestling not against flesh and blood only but against principalities and powers Eph. 6.12 and of their running with patience the race set before them He. 12.1 and how they can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth them shall wise men be speaking Phil. 4.13 Je. 9.23 24. yea glorying in their wisdome mighty men glorying in their might and rich men in their riches which is their sin and their shame and shall not the Saints of the most high God each glory in this that he understandeth and knoweth me saith the Lord which glorying is their duty and honour also yea Gal. 6.14 glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom or whereby the world is Crucified unto them and they unto the world shall men addicted to recreations who devote themselves to hunting and hawking fishing and fowling speak much of what delight and contentment they find therein one praising his pack of Hounds for being well mouthed hunting close and round as in a ring another commending his hawk for mounting high as an Eagle even to the Skies and when the fowle ariseth for falling and shooting down upon the prey like a thunder bolt out of the Cloudes and so forth Then surely the generation of believers have more cause to speak one to another and that not with a carnal and sensual delight as men in their sports and recreations but with a spiritual and heavenly cheariness of what contentment and satisfaction they have found in God delighting themselves in the Lord their God David speaks to all his fellow Saints Ps 66.16 Come and hear all ye that fear God and I will declare what he hath done for my soul to wit how he hath heard my prayers quickned me when dull and dead raised me up when I was brought very low delivered me from the hands of all mine enemies and from the Hands of Saul Psal 18. the Title He giveth us his judgment plainly A day in thy Courts O God is better then a thousand and backs it with the choice he made I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God then to dwell in the tents of wickedness Ps 84.10 Talk with men called of God according to his purpose who in their youth poured out their soules to vanities to all manner of sports and pastimes and they will ingeniously confess that they find more sweetness and hearts solace in one hours communion with God in secret prayer in one day of humiliation or thanksgiving in hearing a good Sermon or in being partakers of the Lords Supper and so sitting with the King at his Table Can. 1.12 then they did in all their youthfull games and recreations all their dayes To conclude shall the worst of men the cheating gamester the swinish drunkard the beastly adulterer be so bold as to talke and that in a jolly boasting way of their false Dice and coggings of their drinking down such and such laying them under the Table of their defiling Women or Maidens satisfying their lust to the full with them all glorying in their shame Phil. 3.19 and shall not Christians in their Conference speak freely with joy and thanksgivings ascribing all the glory to the Lord their God of their diligence and faithfulness in their lawful callings of their Temperance and Chastity yea farther how their hearts have bin raised up and ravished with holy Meditations and heavenly ejaculations how their spirits are got above the world whilst in the world how their fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ through the Spirit 1 Joh. 1.3 How the Father and the Son love them make their abode with them and manifest themselves unto their soules Joh. 21.23 How Jesus Christ is pleased Can. 1.2 to kiss them with the kisses of his mouth day by day O Friends what I say are not bare words and notions but things and realities and glorying herein is good for it is glorying in the Lord. But I fear my fancy and pen run too fast and too far in this argument possibly to the tiring of some faint and feeble readers Therefore in a word know the Devil drives a great and mighty though an ungodly and accursed Trade in the Tongues of Sinners they speak often one to another corrupting poisoning and debauching each other and how unwearied are they in this drudgery advancing and promoting to their uttermost the Kingdome of darkness and of the Devil as they are going toward Hell together and shall not our God and Father and our dear Redeemer Jesus Christ carry on an holy and blessed Trade if I may so phrase it in the mouths and lips of his Saints and Servants his sons and daughters to the convincing and converting of sinners if possible or at the least to the rendring them more inexcusable in that great and terrible day of the Lord and to the edifying strengthening and comforting one another speaking much of God and for God even with all their might striving and labouring to inlarge the Kingdome of Christ in grace here and so in glory hereafter Whilst we are Travellers here below in our present pilgrimage to be very busie active and toyling as it were in the work of the Lord will doubtless be upon our account to our safety comfort
cheerful giver 2 Cor. 9.7 and man also and a cheerful lender to cheerfulness in a child or servants obedience O how lovely is it It s so also between husbands and wives those offices of love they discharge each to other with readiness and chearfulness what a beauty doth it add thereunto But on the contrary when these or the like services are performed but unwillingly and by constraint with a sad look and a lowring countenance they are render'd ingrateful and unacceptable What 's a feast if no mirth there good looks and language are one of the best dishes at the Table Having spoken concerning the lawfulness and usefulness of civil mirth I proceed to lay down some cautions 3 Cautions to prevent disorders and irregularities therein 1 Vnseasonable 1. As to the timing of mirth it must be seasonable when Zion weeps and bleeds for the sons and daughters of Zion to be upon a merry pin I speak of common civil mirth especially if with constancy and some heights therein is â—s unseasonable as snow in harvest an high and heinous provocation When â—he Lord calls to weeping and mourning and if in that day behold joy and gladness and eating flesh and drinking wine and surely saith the Lord of hosts this iniâ—uitie shall not be purged from you till â—ou dye Is 22.12.13 14. True When the â—ord turnes againe the Captivity of Zion â—hen let our mouthes be fill'd with laughâ—er and our tongues with singing Psal 26.1 2. But when the Jewes are in Captivity then by the rivers of Babylon we sat down and wept we hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof Psal 137 1 2. And yet by the way let me insert this that spiritual mirth and rejoycing in the Lord is alwayes a dutie and in the worst of times to be performed by the generation of believers Phil. 4.4 Hab. 3.17 18. Eccl. 10.19 A feast is made for laughter saith the Preacher but at a funeral sighing and mourning is more seasonable especially on a day set apart professedly for solemn humiliation even civil mirth seems abominably unseasonable Let me add also on the Lords day the Christian Sabbath our common civil mirth may well be spared the doing our own wayes the finding our own pleasures the speaking our own words Isa 58.13 Being under a special inhibition whereby the word own we understand not wayes pleasures or words in themselves sinful for such are unlawful at all times but such as are lawful on other dayes but on the Lords day unlawfull as concerning worldly imployments and recreations It s true it is a duty to call the Sabbath a delight but the more spirituâ—â— and heavenly our joy and rejoyâ—ings are the more in the Lord the â—ore agreeable with the day of the â—ord to the advancing of which holy â—irth there is by divine appointment 〈◊〉 Psalme for the Sabbath day Ps 92. 2 Immeasurable Voluptato commendat rarior usus 2. Civil mirth must not be immeasurable excessive and without measure The commendation of all our Civil â—leasures are the sparing use of them To be alwayes in a merry vain jesting and laughing is a swerving from the gravity and sanctity of Christianity â—leasantness of speech should not be â—sed as meat to feed the company with â—ests frollick frothy jokes are but windy not overwholsome they may be indeed as sauce to meat to quicken â—ppetites unto more solid and wholsome discourse or to fit our spirits for higher duties facetious speech is to a sober mind as whetting a sithe is to mowing too much whetting turns the edg of the Sithe and unfits it for service he who is alwayes whetting is an idle mower or rather mowes not at all and he that is alwayes jesting may go for a vain person or a vile one rather 1 Not with the sins of others 1. Not sporting our selves making our selves or others merry with our own sins or the sins of others such a man is one of Solomons fools It is sport to a fool to do mischief Prov. 10.23 And again Fools make a mock at siâ— Prov. 14.9 That is obdurate and hardened sinners having their Conscience seared and being past all sense of goodness take a kind of complacency and delight as in the acts of sinning so in their talking of it and making themselves and others merrie with it afterward Then to set men or Children oâ— fighting and to rejoyce in seeing them beat and hurt each other then witâ— many youngsters never so merry a feasâ— as where there is stoln venison rabbet hens or other provision To whom stolâ— waters are sweet and bread eaten in secret is pleasant Prov. 9.17 as some quorish and therein theevish servantâ— though they have good food alloweâ— them and enough of it yet get somâ— dainties in a corner how pleasantly 〈◊〉 they go down or as adulterers anâ— adulteresses their secret uncleannesses are the stollen waters and bread in secret which the Spirit chiefly aimeth at as the Context sheweth It s sad to hear how some men will in a jocular way boast how many women and maidens they have defiled and how often So that woful generation of men who are mighty to drink wine and men of strength to mingle strong drink Isa 5.27 How they 'l merrily among their pot companions vaunt and brag it that so many quarts they took off at a sitting laid such a man asleep drunk another dead down laid him under the Table and glory in their shame So the Gamesters the Jewel of their mirth is many a time their cheating such and such an one who played with them how they fetched him over for so many pounds it may be hundreds so the malicious persons of a vindictive spirit how is it mirth and musick to them to boast how they have made even with such or such an one and hope they have given him his own and shall not die in his debt I might inlarge in this too copious a subject but in brief all this kind of mirth is madness and indeed monstrous for men to rejoyce in that for which they ought to mourn to laugh at that till their sides ake and their eyes water for which they should rather grieve till their hearts ake and rivers of Tears flow from their eyes as did Davids and Jeremiahs Those choice servants of the most high God Psal 119.136 Jer. 9.1 2 3. 4. 4 Not Scripture or matters of Religion Not the Scriptures or matters of Religion Jesting in Scripture phrases and the language of the Holy Ghost as Politian the Heathen and Julian the Apostate it 's a Character of profaness in any and in such as profess Christianity of profaneness with an accent of high aggravation and carrieth also much of danger with it if it be ill jesting with edged tools then surely with the Word of God which is the sword of the Spirit and sharper than any two edged sword Eph. 6.17 Heb. 4.12 Kings and Princes do not
how shall this be helped he answereth but exhorting one another c. Christian Conference well ordered is an excellent preservative of truth and peace in the Church or Churches of Christ and good talke be it Table-talke or High-way talk hath been is and by the blessing of a gracious God will be as a golden Pipe of Conveyance of much spiritual good from one to another until time run up into Eternity and grace into glory Having somewhat largly discovered the profitableness of Christian Conference in that thereby believers abundantly Communicate spiritual good things one to another let me add 3 Arg. It 's peaceableness 3. It 's peaceableness It 's a teeming Mother bringing forth peace at home and abroad within doores and without 1 Peace at home 1. Peace at home Christian Conference is attended usually with sweet inward peace and an heavenly tranquillity of spirit I appeal to your Consciences herein When you lie down in an evening and reflect upon your selves look inward and make inquiry what have the thoughts of my heart the words of my mouth and the actions of my hands been this day as I presume they who keep their watch do and some Heathens by Natures light have done when you find your language and discourse hath been to this person or that holy and spirituall and that upon this design to edifie and minister grace to the hearers surely the fruit thereof hath been a Calme in thy soule and serenity in thy spirits Peace also not alone at the end of each day but at the end of life It was a chearing a reviving Cordial to that good King Hezekiah when he lay as he thought a dying to be able to say Remember now O Lord I beseech thee how I walked before thee in truth Isa 38.1 2 3. And so to be able to say and that from the heart sincerely Remember O Lord how I have talked before thee and for thee in thy despised truths ordinances and Ministers how I have in discourse at least and by example also contended for thy holy Sabboths so profaned by a sinfull generation and in brief I have as all sanctified ones and called of God are exhorted earnestly contended for the faith or doctrine of faith once delivered to the saints Jude v. 3. The word is emphaticall and imports such eagerness in contention as is among wrestlers and racers striving for victory Remember O Lord how I have contended with thee by Faith in Prayer for that faith the true Christian faith by thee delivered and how I have contended with erronious persons and Hereticks by arguments an by practice bearing up those truths and ordinances which they pull down surely the remembrance hereof when we go to bed night after night or when we are going to make our beds in the durst to be no more seen will speak much peace and comfort to us And the reason hereof is strong and weighty because good conference if right in the spring flowing from an heart fired with zeal for God and love to my neighbour and right in the ends it designes Gods glory and the good of the hearers is a cleare evidence of a good and gracious heart and grace makes way for peace as the needle for the thred so that those who much lay out themselves in Christian Conference have or may expect to have yea be sure first or last shall have much inward peace and tranquility of spirit Who would not sow good seed when he knows it will grow who would not be scattering words of grace when he knoweth that every such word hath a seed of peace yea of eternal peace in it 2. 2 Peace abroad Christian Conefrence not onely brings forth inward peace and quiet in our breasts and bosomes but also outward peace with men and safety in all places and companies whatever Set you on foot good discourse or run it on and whoever is present there 's no great danger unless it be of a taunt or flout from a prophane Esau or a scoffing Ishmael and that a good honest soul may weare as a Crown of honour as Job speaks of himself Job 31.35 36. My desire is that my adversary had written a book surely I would take it upon my shoulder and bind it as a Crown to me Vpon my shoulder not as a burden but as an honour as standard-bearers carry their ensignes and colours that all may see them Tongue-persecution such as Ismael's was of Isaac breaks no bones but brings under the blessing of God and the promise of a great reward Gal. 4.29 Gen. 21.9 Mat. 5.11 12. No no the danger in discourse is not whilest we are talking of God or of Christ or of the Spirit or of regeneration and the like but the danger comes when you begin to talk of persons this body or that either highly and hyperbolically praising one and that smells of flattery and is possibly by some who are present so accounted or dispraising another and that 's presently suspected of uncharitableness if not of malice The danger is farther heightned when in your discourse course you 'l needs be medling with Authority and State-affairs how soon then may the Tongue be found tripping and you thereby but trip up your own heels and catch a fall possibly such a fall as may break your bones if not your neck So the wisest of Kings tels us Pro. 13.3 21 23. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction Wherein he seemeth to compare man to a City besieged with enemies round about the safety whereof consisteth much in the well ordering the gates duly and wisely opening and shutting them Man is this City his mouth the gate prudently open'd by speech or shut by silence is his protection and safety negligence and imprudence therein oft proves his ruin and destruction That natural principle of self-love should make this argument from self-preservation and safety to be of force and prevalency with us The better and more spiritual our discourses and conferences are the more 's our safety It concernes us at all times to weigh our words well but especially when the company we are in is bad or somewhat dubious and to be suspected Ps 39.1 Thus holy David I said I will take heed to my ways that I sinne not with my Tongue I will keep my mouth with a bridle or a Muzzle while the wicked is before me To conclude this Argument Ainsw I have heard of a Sect called Trapanners unknown I presume to our honest Forefathers both name and thing men skilful and active to intangle and ensnare others in their talke I would hope that they are now dead and gone but if hundreds of them should be yet alive and with you and me in a room and hear us discoursing of nothing but faith repentance love and good works and the like methinks we need not much to fear them innocence would be our protection
the Lord by Christ our great High-Priest Such should all our Holy Meditations and Communications be the Spirit of God being as firelight in our heads and heat in our hearts would make our Tongues run as the Pens of ready writers talking and discoursing of God and of the great concernments of our soules and of eternity Heads fill'd with the knowledg of God his Christ our Jesus and hearts filled with Faith and affiance in Christ and so with warm affections to Christ would provoke us to speak freely and frequently to others imparting our spiritual experiences to them carrying Christ to the Children of men inviting and drawing others to Christ exerting and putting out to our uttermost that strength of grace which we have by grace received thus laying out our talents for our Masters use 2 Special matter 2. And particularly it is a good preparative for Christian Conference to be well stockt and furnished with special matter of discourse for special occasions as to times and persons and the condition of those with whom we do or may converse If with young people 1 Young wishing them to remember their Creator in the dayes of their youth 2 Tim. 2.22 If with aged persons 2 Old advising them to look to it that their hoary heads be found in a way of righteousness Prov. 16.31 and telling them that a sinner though of an hundred years is accursed Isa 65.20 asking them whithey have found that promise made good to them and in them how that they shall bear fruit in their old age and shall be fat and flourishing Ps 92.14 15. to wit in knowledge grace and holiness If with afflicted ones in any kind 3 Afflicted minding them how the time of being afflicted is a time to be much in prayer Jam. 5.13 Call upon me saith the Lord in a day of trouble Psal 50.15 Though we must pray continually 1 Th. 5.17 yet then in an especial manner and repent also as good King Hezekiah did in his sickness he prayed and wept sore Isa 38.2 3. If with persons full of wisdome and policy 4 Prosperous mighty men for strength and souldiery wealthy thy men full of Monies and Treasures mind them of the Prophets advise and Counsel Jer. 9.23 24. Let not the wise man glory in his wisdome neither the mighty man glory in his might let not the rich man glory in his riches but let him that gloryeth glory in this that he understandeth and knoweth me that I am the Lord which exerciseth loving kindness judgment and righteousnesse in the earth for in these things I delight saith the Lord. Tell the strongest sturdiest and stoutest men you talk with that as lustie as they are a few fits of an ague may soon weaken them and bring them low enough or that a Consumption or any pining sickness may bring them to be bare skin and bones very Skeletons or Anatomies and to be sure in old age if they live to it The keepers of the house shall tremble and the strong men shall bow themselves and the hoary head will hang down the grave must be their house and their long home and their faces bound in secret wish them to remember the dayes of darkness for they shall be many Ec. 12.3 5. Job 17.13 Job 40.13 Eccl. 11.8 If you meet with rich men Charge them to be rich in good works 5 Rich. and to honour God with their substance and to make them friends of the Mammon of unrighteousness 1 Tim. 6.17 18. Pro. 3.9 Luk. 16.9 If with poor people first relieve them 6 Poor and then charge them not to steal not to take the name of God in vain to get poverty of spirit and then they are blessed to be rich in faith and so heirs of the Kingdome Prov. 30.9 Mat. 5.31 Jam. 2.5 Here 's a large field before me but I 'le run and hasten If you discourse with Magistrates 7 Magistrates be their humble remembrancer that Gods great ends in his constitution of civil powers are that they should be a terror not to good works but to the evil be able men such as fear God men of truth hating covetousness Rom. 13.3 Exo. 18.21 If with Ministers advise them 8 Ministers to take heed to themselves and to their Doctrine continue in them c. to be examples to believers in word and conversation 1 Tim. 4.12 16. Tell them they are in a special manner the salt of the earth Mat. 5.13 to season the places wherein and the persons among whom they live with soundness of Doctrine and integritie of life and conversation your Doctrine giving the people the Rule and your lives the example but if the salt hath lost it's savour it 's good for nothing no not for the dunghill Luk. 14.34 35. It 's true not alone of Scandalous Ministers but of Apostate Christians and backsliding professors If you discourse with married persons husbands and wives 9 Married Luk. 1.6 advise them to be as Zacharie and Elizabeth both righteous before God walking in all the commandements and ordinances of the Lord blameless and in particular the husband to love his wife even as himself and the wife to see that she reverence her husband Eph. 5.33 10 Vnmarried If with unmarried ones counsel them to care for the things of the Lord how they may please the Lord 1 Co. 7.32 but if they think good to marry let them marry onely in the Lord vers 34 39. If you meet with parents 11 Parents advise them to bring up their Children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Eph. 6.4 To bring them up that is naturall birds and beasts bring up their young In the nurture keeping them in awe and order that 's moral men as men being rationall and prudent do it in the admonition of the Lord that 's Christian and spiritual If with Children enjoyn them to obey their Parents in the Lord for this is right Eph. 6.11 12 Children And to prevent their stubborness and disobedience mind them of that terrible commination The eye that mocketh at his Father and despiseth to obey his Mother the ravens of the vally shall pick it out and the young Eagles shall eat it And how that under the Law Deut. 21.18 19 20 21. The stubborn and rebellious son which would not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother was to be stoned to death If you discourse with governors of Families Masters or Mistresses mind them 13 Governors of Families how they must give unto their servants that which is just and equall knowing that they also have a Master in Heaven Col. 4.1 And how they must look to it that their men-servants and maid-servants as well as themselves and their Children sanctifie the Sabbath according to the Fourth Commandment not suffering them to idle it or to wander abroad vainly upon the Lords day 14 Servants If you have occasion to
take it well from their subjects that they should scoff at or sport themselves with their Lawes Acts and Proclamations The holy Scriptures they are Laws Acts and Proclamations of the great God the King of Kings and our making our selves or others merry in a trifling jesting and sinfull way with them will kindle and incense the wrath and fiery indignation of the highest Lord against us and if not repented of and quenched with the blood of Jesus Christ will end in everlasting burnings in Hell and misery for ever 5. 5 Not the Saints Not at the Saints and Servants of the most high God calling them by way of scorn and derision the holy Brethren and Sisters and the Ministers of Christ calling them Priests Baal's Priests Parsons Sir Johns Those ill bred children who mocked Elisha saying Go up c. had the sore curse of God befell them 2 King 2.23 24. Job a perfect and upright man as the Lord himself testifies of him he is a by-word among the children of fools Job 1.1 and Ch. 30.9 And holy David that man after Gods own heart he 's the song of the drunkard Psal 69.12 And he complaineth Psal 35.15 16. The abjects gathered themselves together against me they did tear me and ceased not with hypocritical mockers in feasts they gnashed upon me with their teeth It seems there was in their dayes as it hath been in ours some professed jesters who were a kind of smell-feasts who made it their work at feasts to jest and scoff it to make the company merry and who is the man they sport with upon whom do they set their wits on work but David the choicest Saint in his age There hath been an usage with some of our Nobles formerly to keep Jesters fools they call'd them or made them rather to make them merry at meales and in their mirth the Jobs and Davids of that age must be their laughing stocks and wise men abused to make fools merry Add to all this your Stage-players who in their Comedies Interludes Balls have personated in a way of taunt and scorn learned and godly Ministers in their habit yea in prayer and preaching But no more of this least the age stink we live in in the nostrils of our childrens children If any such abomination be amongst us Tell it not in Gath c. 2 Sam. 1.20 Let us rather say with Jeremy O that my head were turn'd to waters c. And oh the patience and long-suffering of the Lord the great mighty God who doth not send some signal token of his wrath on such abominable wretches as these are sending them packing out of the world with a vengeance Natural Infirmity 6. Not the natural infirmities or calamitous conditions of others to break jests upon and insult over others because crook-shouldred wry-necked flat-nosed wide-mouthed dim-sighted lame-legged club-footed or the like carrieth barbarism and inhumanity in it No though thy enemy Rejoyce not saith Solomon when thy enemy falleth and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth lest the Lord see it and it displease him and he turn away his wrath from him to wit to be avenged on thee Prov. 28.17 18. Not prophane or injurious 7. Not prophane as to God or injurious to our neighbour profane in reference to God when there is a light and jocular using of any of his titles names or attributes or of any part and portion of the Scriptures which the proud and profane wits of men are too apt to make too bold with But I have touched upon this already Nor may our merry discourse be injurious to men in their bodies soules estates names or otherwise If thy witty talk be obscene wanton or lascivious that tends to the wronging of thy neighbours chastity and therein both the soul and body of thy neighbour and so is a breach of the sixth and ninth commandments of the Lord our God If it be derogating from the credit and repute of thy neighbour bitter and absurd this is to wrong him in his good name a breach of the ninth commandment yea a provoking him to wrath and anger yea a driving him into passions violent and unruly yea thy self also and all for want of true love to thy self or neighbour It 's a common evil tost to and fro of men who love death to be reproaching taunting and girding at some in the company to please others which usually carrieth with it defamation and flatterie defamation to him they displease flatterie to him whom they strive to please and humour and great uncharitableness in thy self to both Not self-ended 8. Not self-ended making mirth the end of mirth as if happiness were placed in it or the chief delight and comfort of life were to have a merry life of it some such there are who are never better in their own conceits then when they are in a frolick humour laughing till their sides ake again thinking the time is well passed away when in such jollities but Solomon guided by the Spirit hath past his censure long agoe I said of laughter it is mad and of mirth what doth it Eccl. 2.2 2. 2 Positive directions Positive directions for the ordering of our civil mirth in company of which I shall speak briefly the rather because I have been large if not too large in the negatives and partly also because negatives include at least by consequence positives as positives negatives 1. 1 Well season'd Our mirth in discourse must be well seasoned not so much with wit as with wisdome not with levity but gravity not with ill will to any but love to all not rashly and at random as guided by the vaporing dictates of our wild unruly fancies but well weighing circumstances of persons of whom and to whom we speak of time when and places where we speak for the consideration of circumstances is some of the cornes or graines of salt which must season this recreational discourse also 2. 2 Wel-designed It must be well designed to right ends such as these 1. 1 Honour of Religion To render Christian profession most lovely and desirable in the thoughts of worldly men when they see it's consistency with mirth and cheariness harmless innocent of which before 2. 2 Cheariness of spirit To exhilerate the spirits of our selves and others when dull and heavie that being made more quick and nimble we may be the fresher and fitter for the duties we owe to God or to men as men or to Saints as Saints as to our selves in our callings general or particular whether as Christians or as we stand in our several places and relations Sampson who was one of the Lords Champions to fight his battels and one of the Lords Saints and Servants his name 's enrolled in the Catalogue Heb. 11.32 he hath his merry riddle at a feast to prevent and shut out possibly worse discourse as also to minister occasion of mirth to them by stirring
put upon their heads yet soon withered but Heaven and glory will be fresh and flourishing as at the first so to Eternity But I forget my self am as in a wood or wilderness wherein I may loose or tire my self and the Reader the hints and intimations given for transitions and passings from common discourse to spiritual and Christian conference being well nigh in as great variety as the turnes and occurrences of providence are so that a gracious heart somewhat fitted by natural ingenuity but especially strengthened edged and sharpen'd by the Holy Spirit abiding in it makes well nigh every story or tale told every turne of Providence or word spoken to be as a bridge or boat to carry or waft over from discourse natural or moral to what 's supernatural spiritual and Heavenly And why should we imagine that the Devil and carnal hearts should be more dextrous and active in the advancing of vain and sinful talk then the Spirit of God and believers hearts are in the promoting and advancing of holy and Christian Conference especially considering that greater and stronger is the spirit which is in us and so for us Saints then the spirit which is in the world and so against us Saints 1 John 4.4 God is stronger then the Devil 2. 2 From Providence Having touched upon Christian ingenuity in turning common talke though lawful into spiritual which might be more for the use of edifying let me direct also to raise up good conference from the voice of God in providences smiling or frowning providences be they personal national or oecomenical and Universal such as concerne all mankind as the wayes of God working in a tendency towards the fall of Babilon or towards the rise of Zion in the conversion of the Jewes or the residue of the Gentiles yet in darkness worse then that of Egypt Take a few instances which may serve for those many hundreds which might be given 1. Are great deliverances vouchsafed to and bestowed upon us or others from sore fits of sickness from the Plague of pestilence from dangerous falls from perils by fire or water from bonds of imprisonments or from unreasonable and absurd men or from enemies in any kind full of malice and cruelty then let us provoke our selves and others to gratitude with that holy man What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards me Psal 116.12 who made also a Psalm of praises when he was delivered from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul Ps 18. and excite our selves to answer those gracious ends which the Lord aimed at in delivering of us which was not to do abominations Jer. 7.10 but that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear to wit a slavish fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the dayes of our life Luk. 1.74 75. This is the use God expects we should make not alone of that grand deliverance from the wrath to come but of those lower and lesser deliverances we enjoy here 2. 2 Death of others Again when the newes comes such or such an one is dead or dying the bell toles or rings out for him one it may be young and strong as likely to live possibly as any one you know doth not now pale death as it were take us by the hand and lead us into a deep and due consideration of our latterends which is our wisdome Deut. 32.29 and withal into a serious minding and reminding of our selves and others of our mortality how it is appointed unto men once to dye and after that the Judgment Heb. 9.27 as also of those two Eternities a black eternity of woe and misery which is the portion of sinners and that white eternity of joy and glory which is the gift of God through Christ to all the righteous who are by the bloud of Christ justified and by the Spirit of Christ sanctified and say each of us within our selves when I die as die I must and that I know not how soon whither will my soul go to Heaven or Hell and whereas I am now well O where shall I be an hundred years hence or a thousand years hence where for ever and ever and when Christ comes to judge the world in righteousness shall I be found among the goates on the left hand or among the sheep on the right hand of Jesus Christ Shall I be under that sweet and joyful sentence Come ye blessed c. or under that dolefull doome Depart from me ye cursed c. Matth. 25.34 41. It must be the one or the other therefore let us all look to it 3. 3 Any smart afflictions If Providence frown upon us or others in smart and sore afflictions near and dear relations as husband wife father mother child or friend being taken away by death sore diseases as the Stone Gout Dropsie Consumptions or the like or suppose molestations in estates by oppression and injustice from the men of the world or defamations by lies slanders and cruel mockings blotting and blasting our names and reputations â—ea what if it comes to imprisonment banishment or any cutting evil whatsoever such Providences cry aloud to us and bid us cry and call upon others Let patience have her perfect work Jam. 1.4 Let us search and try our wayes and turn again to the Lord let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the Heavens Lam. 3.40 41. Let us get and keep that middle golden frame of spirit despise not or as the word imports do not little the chastening of the Lord neither faint when thou art rebuked of him Heb. 12.5 Let us not so much desire the rod may be laid aside as that it may bud and blossome that so God may have his ends his gracious ends upon us which are for our profit that we might be partakers of his holiness vers 10. Better the rod should lie on still in mercy then be laid aside in wrath and displeasure let not the bitter cup go out of thy hand 'till thou hast found the Sugar in the bottome to be sure it lies there because it 's a Cup in a Fathers hand 'T was an holy mans saying Sanctified afflictions are spiritual promotions It were easie to be very large and copious upon this subject not a woman delivered of a Child but it prompts to a discourse of regeneration and being born again and of Christ That Child which to us is born that Son which to us is given Isa 9.6 1665 1666 whose name is called wonderful Counseller c. We cannot call to mind that dreadful Plague of Pestilence one year and the dismal burning of the City the next our Childrens Children and after Ages cannot rehearse those black and horrid stories but that they must needs suggest to us and to generations to come how heinous and how abominable a thing sin is which incenseth the wrath of God who is the God