having Dominion over all the earthly Creatures Gen. 1.27 28. Q. What did God give to Adam at the first A. He gave him a pleasant Paradise and a Law That of every Tree in the Garden he might eat but of the Tree of Knowledg of Good and Evil he should not eat for in the Day he eat thereof he should surely die Gen. 2.17 Q. How came Adam to break the Law given unto him A. By the Woman's yielding to the Serpent did take and eat of the forbidden Fruit and she gave to her Husband and he did eat Gen. 3.6 Q. Did Eve being tempted or provoked to eat by the Serpent or Adam by the Woman excuse their Sin A. No for God passeth Sentence upon them both and also upon the Serpent Q. What Misery fell they under as their Punishment A. To the Woman God saith I will greatly multiply thy Sorrows and thy Conceptions in Sorrow shalt thou bring forth Children and thy desire shall be to thy Husband and he shall rule over thee Gen. 3.16 Q. What did God say to Adam A. Because thou hast hearkened to the Voice of thy Wife the Ground shall be cursed for thy sake Thorns and Thistles shall it bring forth thou shalt in the sweat of thy Face eat thy Bread until thou return unto the Dust for Dust thou art and unto Dust thou shalt return He was also ashamed of his Nakedness feared to appear before his Maker turned out of Paradise and Cherubims set to keep the Way of the Tree of Life with flaming Swords that he might not eat thereof lest he live for ever Gen. 3.17 18 19 22 23 24. Q. Here is sad News of Death and Mortality and Pain and losing of a pleasant Paradise How came the happy News of Life immortal and enjoying of a heavenly Paradise A. Through a second Adam Christ Jesus who hath abolished Death and hath brought Life and Immortality unto Light through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 Heb. 2.14 1 Cor. 15.22 Gen. 3.15 Q. What is Jesus Christ A. The Son of God the Saviour of poor lost worthless straying Sinners Q. How may that appear A. By the Wonders wrought at his Conception at his Birth by himself whilst on Earth personally at his Transfiguration at his Baptism at his Death at his Resurrection Q. What was wrought in a miraculous way at his Conception A. Mary with Child by the Holy Ghost and not after any ordinary manner Mat. 1.16 Joseph being espoused unto her thought to put her away not knowing what was done but an Angel appeared to satisfy him and directed him to call his Name Jesus for he should save his People from their Sins Mat. 1.21 Q. What Wonder was done at his Birth A. A Star arose out of the East which the Wise-men followed till it stood still over the Place where the young Child lay Mat. 2.10 Q. What else was done at his Birth A. Their rejoicing and worshipping of him Herod's cruel Design frustrated as relating to the killing of the Babe by the Lord 's appearing unto them in a Dream and sending them another way Mat. 2.12 Q. What else was wonderful A. An Angel appearing unto two Shepherds in great Glory saying Fear not for I bring you glad Tidings which shall be to all People for unto you is born this Day in the City of David a Saviour Christ the Lord. Q. What else was wrought wonderfully at his Birth A. A heavenly Host immediately appearing praising God and saying Glory to God in the Highest on Earth Peace Good-will towards Men Luke 2.9 10 11 12 13 14. Q. What Wonders were wrought in his Life-time A. Disputing with the Doctors at twelve Years of Age rebuking violent Diseases and they departed by the Word of his Mouth Joh. 4.10 turned Water into Wine John 2.9 raised the Dead cleansed the Lepers the Lame walk the Blind see the Deaf hear the Dumb speak Mat. 11.5 Rather than he will give Offence causeth Money to be taken out of a Fish's Mouth Mat. 17.27 Q. What else was wrought by Christ in his Life-time A. The Wind and the Sea obey him and are calm at his Command Mat. 8.26 27. Five thousand fed with five Loaves and two little Fishes Mat. 14.19 20 21. Q. What was wonderful at his Baptism A. The Spirit of God lighting upon him as a Dove as he came out of the Water testifying that he was the Son of God in whom he was well-pleased Mat. 3.16 Also at his being transfigured upon the Mount his Face did shine as the Sun and his Raiment white as the Light a bright Cloud over-shadowed them and a Voice out of the Cloud saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased hear ye him Mat. 17.2 Q. What was done at his Death A. The Vail of the Temple rent to signify the End of those Types he being the Substance Heb. 9.11 and Darkness over all the Earth from the 6th Hour to the 9th Hour Luke 23.44 the Earth did quake and the Rocks rent and the Graves were opened and many of the dead Bodies of the Saints which slept arose after his Resurrection and went into the holy City Mat. 27.51 52 53. Q. What Wonders were wrought at his Resurrection A. A great Earthquake an Angel descending from Heaven and came and rolled the Stone from the Door and sat upon it his Countenance like Lightning and his Raiment white as Snow and for fear of him the Keepers did shake and became as dead Men telling the Women that Christ was risen shewing them the Place where the Lord lay and said unto them Go quickly and tell his Disciples he is risen from the Dead Matth. 28.2 3 4 5 6 7. Q. How long was it from his Death to his Ascension A. Forty Days speaking to them of the things concerning the Kingdom of God Act. 1.3 Q. What was done at his Ascension A. Two Men standing by the Disciples in white Apparel testifying that the same Jesus whom they had seen ascend into Heaven should so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven Acts 1.11 Q. What was done after his Ascension A. The Disciples being together and praying upon the Day of Pentecost they received the Promise of the Spirit and were filled with the Holy Ghost so as that they were able to speak to the understanding of all Nations and Gifts bestowed upon them and others for the Edification of the Church perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry this appears from these Scriptures Acts 2.3 Eph. 4.8 1 Cor. 12.7 Q. VVhat did the Lord Jesus come into the VVorld to do A. He came to seek and save them that were lost to give the knowledg of Salvation and Remission of Sins to give Light to them that sat in Darkness and the shadow of Death to guide our Feet in the Path of Peace Luk. 19.10 1.77 78 79. 24.47 and to destroy the Works of the Devil 1 John 3.8 Q. How came Man into his
A NEW and USEFUL CATECHISM Very necessary and teachable both for Children and young Christians Wherein is contained by way of Question and Answer a brief Discovery of these Things 1. What is God 2. How he may be known 3. What Man's State is by reason of the Fall of Adam and his own actual Sins 4. What Christ is and the glorious Remedy God hath provided for Sinners in sending his Son into the World 5. That the Scriptures are the undoubted Mind and Will of God for Men and Christians to walk by evident by six Reasons 6. What our Duty is to Christ in Matter of Worship and holy Conversation 7. Some few Questions and Answers relating to the Duty of Children and Servants in particular The third Edition Corected and Amended with large Additions by MANASSETH KING Pastor to the Church of Christ in Coventry Parents bring up your Children in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord Ephes 6.4 London Printed in the Year 1693. TO THE READER FOr as much as I have observed that among the many great and little Books there have been scarce any that have minded this Work of publishing any thing tending to the instructing of Youth in the Things of the Lord in such a way as may be by Parents or Masters easily by way of Question asked and by way of Answer easily learned by Children or Servants I have therefore as one of those that bear good-will to the Education of Youth and the Edification of others and so far as I know my own Heart to the eternal Salvation of all whom Jesus Christ hath died for have singly in this intended the Glory of God in whose Hand is all our Breaths and do humbly offer this as tending thereto in this ensuing Dialogue desiring that if my Knowledg may not be so great as others nor my Judgment so regulated according to the Scriptures of Truth as others that it may not prejudice them against what Truth they may find nor hinder but rather further them to the bringing forth a more excellent Piece of this Nature and then I am sure God will have the Glory Souls may have the Benefit many Families that too much yea I judg sinfully neglect the instructing of their Children or Servants under their Charge receive more Benefit not knowing as the Apostle saith but thou O Man mayst save thy Wife So what knowest thou O Father but thou by thy care in bringing up thy Child in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord mayest save thy Child thy Servant thy Patterns or Examples being daily agreeable to thy Instruction and thy neglect of this Duty may be sad upon the Day of thy Account when the Blood of any poor Soul living in thy Family may be required at thy Hand because thou didst not do thy utmost in the use of the Means God hath appointed to reclaim them from Evil and the Snares of Death and to bring them to the understanding of the Will and Work of God appointed for them to observe Among the rest of those great Endeavours of many of the Lord's People in other things I do here present thee with a few Questions and Answers grounded upon Scripture which I shall beg thy Esteem of no farther than thou findest them agree with the Law and Testimony Isa 8. and desire from my Soul that every Man and Woman Child and Servant may learn to know the Things that belong to their Peace and may escape the Snares of Death in which I desire to remain one that am commanded to love my Neighbour as my self Manasseth King The Child's Instructor OR Brother Benjamin Keach 's Verses O Child most dear encline thine Ear And hearken to God's Voice His Counsel take and that will make God's Angels to rejoice Be not like those that Grace oppose And give their Minds to play But let thy Mind be well inclin'd In seeking Wisdom's Way Learn in thy Youth God's holy Truth Christ's blessed Cross to bear And so shalt thou though hated now In Heaven have a share Don't lie nor swear to steal don't dare Have a care of such Evils For such must die and in Hell lie With damned Souls and Devils In a right way thou must obey Thy Father and thy Mother As also right in God's dear sight To love Sister and Brother Let not vain Pleasure nor earthly Treasure Thy Soul seek and desire For these things know God will o'rthrow with his consuming Fire Spend all thy Days in righteous Ways God's holy Name to hallow That at thy last thy Days being past A blessed End may follow And though thou die and in Grave lie Yet Christ will thee awake And Angels send thee to attend And into 's Kingdom take Where thou shalt rest with Saints the best And pray that so may I And have the Crown of bless'd Renown God's Name to magnify That thou with Christ in Paradise For ever mayest dwell Thus do thou pray both Night and Day And so dear Child farewel A New and Useful CATECHISM QUestion What is God Answer A Spirit a King Immortal only Wise Holy Merciful Just All-seeing a Heart-searching Jehovah Joh. 4.24 1 Tim. 6.15 1 Pet. 1.15 Ephes 2.4 Psal 86.5 Prov. 15.3 Isa 45.21 Quest How may he be known Answ By his Works Attributes and his Word Rom. 2.14 15. Micah 7.18 Isa 9.6 Job Chap. 38 39. Exod. 34.6 7 8. Quest What are his Works Answ He made Heaven Earth the Sea and all that in them is in six Days and rested the seventh Day and saw all things to be exceeding Good Quest What is wonderful in his Works further A. His making all Things of Nothing his preserving all things by his Mercy Power calleth for the Waters out of the Sea poureth them out upon the Earth Amos 5.8 Gives the Sun for a Light by Day and the Moon and Stars by Night giveth the Rainbow as a Sign that the World shall be no more drowned placing Virtue and Operation in every Herb Tree Plant for the use and benefit of his Creature Man And for a further discovery take notice of Job 38 39 Chapters Gen. 9.13 Gen. 1.28 29 30. Quest What are his Attributes Answ His Wisdom his Holiness his Justice his Mercy his Faithfulness his Allseeingness and his Infiniteness in them and Immortality and Immutability 1 Tim. 6.15 1 Cor. 10.13 Rev. 15.4 Psal 139.2 Quest What is his Word Answ That which declareth him so to be and proceedeth from himself Psal 19.1 2 3 4 5 6 7. Quest Why did God create all things Answ For his Pleasure all things are and were created Rev. 4.11 Quest Did God create any Man on purpose to damn him Answ No for he saith As I live I desire not the Death of a Sinner but rather that he may turn and live Ezek. 18.22 23 24. 33.11 Q. What was Man made of A. Dust of the Earth Gen. 2.7 Q. After what manner was he made A. He is said to be created after God's own Image
the Countries I have been made willing to cast my Mite again into the Treasury of the many Endeavours to promote the instructing of Youth in the things mentioned agreeable to the Will of God in this short Catechism and leave the Matter therein to the Acceptance of some and the Censures of others but the Truth therein contained to the blessing of him that ordains Strength out of the Mouths of Babes and can make it profitable to those that without Pride or Prejudice consider of the Answers to each Question grounded upon the Holy Scriptures I have briefly added an Epistle to be seriously considered by young Men and Women in twelve Particulars Which I do hope may be profitable in this Day when so much Pride Profaneness and slighting the Duties of their particular States that they are liable to in this poor mortal Pilgrimage begging of God it may be a Blessing to some and the Counsel of God live upon their Souls when I by reason of Decays must shortly be in the dark shade of the Grave where there is no Work to be done for the Honour of God and Good of poor Souls whom the great God hath so loved that he hath sent his Son to die for them that they might live to him Joh. 3.16 2 Cor. 5.15 The Things spoken a little unto are these I. To young Christians as Servants II. To their Estate as Freemen III. To their Estate as believing and obeying Christ IV. As to the sad Estate of Men not believing nor obeying the Lord Jesus V. As to a married Estate and being in a dear conjugal Union VI. As to the State of some single and unmarried VII As to your State if Prosperity attend VIII As to your State if Adversity attend or a poor Condition IX As to your State if persecuted for Righteousness sake X. As to the Duty in preparing for Death XI Consider of the Judgment to come XII Be much in every Condition praying and praising of a good God I. Then to consider as a Christian Man or Woman as a Servant Remember God's Eye is on you tho your Master's Eye is off you Remember Souls if you be faithful humble diligent God will reward you tho your Masters should abuse you Remember the wise Man's words There be four things that disquiet the Earth one is a Servant when he ruleth Prov. 30.22 Consider well the faithfulness of Jacob to Laban as a Servant Gen. 21.38 39. Consider the faithfulness of Joseph in Potiphar's House and how God was with him Gen. 39.1 2 3 4. Consider the faithfulness of Daniel that the Enemies could have nothing against him but in the Matters of his God Dan. 6.4 5. Take heed of a lying Tongue vain Company or giving way to youthful Lusts have an Eye to God's All-seeing Eye Gen. 39.9 at all times and in all places worship him according to his Will revealed in his holy Word And then it will be your Happiness tho Masters oppose you your Bodies stand ingaged in temporal Service to your Masters but your Consciences stand ingaged to God in the Matters of Faith and Worship only to serve God 1 Cor. 7.23 Ye are bought with a Price be ye not the Servants of Men. A wise Servant shall have rule over a Son that causeth shame and shall have part of the Inheritance among the Brethren Prov. 17.2 Make Conscience of your Master's Business as if it were your own II. Consider in the Fear of God to mind your Duty as Freemen then looking upon your selves to be the Lord's Servants using your Liberty so as to honour him Some young Men have had some sweet Appearances of Piety minding the things that may lead to Glory and an everlasting Kingdom and yet have lost their Convictions and slighted Truth and the Ways of Christ and not prized his Word Therefore receive these Cautions and take heed of vain Company it has been the Devil's Bait to destroy thousands O stand not in the Way of Sinners Consider seriously of these Scriptures Prov. 4.14 Psal 1.1 Prov. 13.20 1 Cor. 15.33 Take heed of prayerless graceless Yokefellows for sinister worldly lustful Ends put Snakes into your Bosom that will rather sting you than comfort you hinder you in your Duties than further you in Piety This was the Sin of the old World Gen. 6.2 This drew away Solomon's Heart from God in his old Days 1 Kings 11.4 Therefore in this Case be much in Prayer and a divine heedfulness in minding Religion more than Riches and Piety more than Portion and meek Disposition more than gorgeous Apparel and Discretion more than outward Jewels Consider of Prov. 31.30 1 Cor. 7.39 Be careful in buying and selling of doing as you would be done by avoid vain Words Remember the great Oracles of Heaven Do Justly love Mercy walk Humbly with thy God Mic. 6.8 O think on these things with great reverence of that God that enjoins them and in whose Hand is thy Breath III. Consider young Men of the Necessity of true Faith And know this is the Work of God That you believe on him whom he hath sent John 6.29 even on Jesus Christ close with him as your Priest Prophet and King O 't is blessed Jesus that makes an Atonement by his precious Blood O joy in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ by whom you by Faith receive the Atonement Rom. 5.11 It 's he that is a perfect Sacrifice Heb. 7.19 In his Name Repentance and Remission of Sins is commanded to be preached among all Nations beginning at Jerusalem Luke 24.47 They being great and grievous Sinners yet they must have the offer and Call to Repentance and the gracious tenders of Remission of Sins in his Name O Soul consider 't is he that died for thee that thou mightest live to him 2 Cor. 5.15 O Soul 't is he that God hath set forth to be a Propitiation for Sin through Faith in his Blood Rom. 3.25 O 't is his Soul that became Sin for us that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 It 's his Righteousness that is declared for the Remission of Sins that are past through the Forbearance of God Rom. 3.25 It 's he that Angels come to proclaim like an Herald from Heaven saying Glory to God in the Highest Peace and Good will towards Men. O let the Consideration of his Love in redeeming thee by his precious Blood lead thee to say Lord what wouldest thou have me to do And mind his pure Word for direction in thy Duty that is preserved recorded and was confirmed with divers Signs and Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Ghost Heb. 2.3 4 5. He that will have a Faith that is not attended with conformity to the Will of God and Sayings of Christ will be in a Storm like a House without a Foundation Therefore Souls hold fast the Doctrine of the Holy Apostles of our Lord Acts 2.42 And be mindful of the Commandments of the Apostles of Christ as well
5.10 11. And this is the Record he gives of his Son He hath given to us Eternal Life And the not closing with Christ is to reject the Lord 's designed Way of Salvation to prefer the Light within to be our Saviour or Conviction to be our Saviour or our own Works to be our Saviour is to set up Idols in our Hearts instead of our only dear Redeemer that hath done that for every Man in his own Body being a perfect Sacrifice for Sin by bearing our Sins in his own Body on the Tree This ought to be applied by Faith inwardly and works a change both in Heart and Life and teacheth to deny all Ungodliness and to live to him soberly righteously and godly It 's in him that the Father declareth he is well pleased Mat. 17.5 It 's in him that poor Sinners are called to Behold saying Behold Behold me to a Nation that is not called by his Name Isa 65.1 53.6 It 's he that is lifted up even as Moses lifted up the brazen Serpent that whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have Eternal Life John 3.14 15. the true Christ of God God and Man and to reject him is to stumble at him that God hath designed by Faith in him to be thy Saviour Rom. 9.32 33. V. Young Men and young Women as to your single State or unmarried mind what is offered to consideration in the third State of Life frees from many Incumbrances Take heed of pretending Love where there is nothing in true reality intended for God is the Avenger of such wicked hypocritical Dealings in any Matter and then in such a Matter and Case see 1 Thess 4.5 6. And though good Paul could wish that all where as he yet from those natural Inclinations that are in some it 's better to marry than to burn in Iustful Desires I shall in this Case say as our Lord saith of some that make themselves Eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake He that is able to receive it let him receive it Mat. 19.12 1 Cor. 7.9 VI. As to your State as married O consider of your Duties in that near and dear Union laid down in several divine holy Directions in Scripture 1. Remember your Wife is Flesh of your Flesh Bone of your Bone and Christ saith They twain shall be one Flesh Matth. 19.5 2. Remember they are the weaker Vessels and give honour to them 1 Pet. 3.9 3. Remember a good Wife is from the Lord prize them very highly that are the Benedictions of your glorious Creator see Prov. 19.14 18.22 she is a great help Meet to poor Man she is like the Merchant's Ship she fetcheth her Food from far fetcheth former and latter Experiences and strengthens Hope in God under present Difficulties she fetcheth the Counsel of Heaven in divine Laws the Comfort of Heaven in great and precious Promises Thou must depend in a lower sense upon her Loyalty Care Diligence Chastity see Prov. 31 11th Ver. compared with the 14th The Law of Kindness is in her Mouth Prov. 31.26 4. Love her in Reality as Christ loved his Church so as to support nourish comfort avoiding Bitterness in Words or Actions Col. 3.19 5. Labour to live with her as a Man of Knowledg in much Wisdom at all times affording Instructions in Meekness and by good Examples of Piety in holiness of Heart Life provoking of them to Love and good Works but not to Strife O Soul let there be no Strife except ye strive who shall be most holy most humble most zealous for good Matters most charitable and most self-denying 6. In these things live together as Heirs of the Grace of Life that your Practice be not hindred Remember that the Wife is called the desire of the Eye and Job saith I have made a Covenant with mine Eyes why then should I look upon a Maid Job 31.1 Ezek. 24.16 Give not way to lustful Desires after any other nor to evil Concupiscence and deal not treacherously with the Wife of thy Covenant This was a Sin of old that tho some covered his Altar with Tears he regarded them not see Mal. 2.13 14. Remember thou must as an Husband and as a Wife give an Account to God how thou hast lived in thy relative Duties towards her and she towards thee And therefore you Wives labour after the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit See that you reverence your Husbands and in your Vertues be as a Crown to them 1 Pet. 3.4 Ephes 6.22 24. Prov. 12.4 O do no unseemly things in Words or Actions to be as Rottenness in his Bones Prov. 12.4 Remember he is thy Head and yet thou art concern'd in Matters of Faith and Worship there to own God and Christ above the dearest Relation in the World VII If you have Prosperity in outward things consider 1. It comes not from the East or from the West but from the Lord of the whole Earth Psal 75.6 7. 2. All things here are uncertain and unsatisfying and soon taken from you or you from them Eccles 5.10 Prov. 23.5 3. You are Stewards with what God puts into your Hands and must shortly give an Account Jam. 5.1 2 3 4. 4. If you have not true Wisdom to use it you may be destroyed with it Prov. 1.32 The Prosperity of Fools destroyeth them Psal 73.12 Consider the World is like a Lottery some come into it with their Heads full of Winnings and go out of it with their Hearts full of Losings Take heed of being lifted up with Pride under Riches or Honour Consider Pride goeth before Destruction and an haughty Spirit before a Fall Prov. 16.18 Remember he that travelled upon the highest Stage of this World's Glory and had Wisdom to find out the Excellency of natural Things from the Cedar in Lebanon to the Hysop on the Wall and to make trial of all things for satisfaction under the Sun 1 King 4.33 Yet in all his great Enjoyments he proclaims All was vanity and vexation of Spirit If Prosperity attend take heed of Covetousness Pride Uncharitableness O do Good in the World with the things of the World Take heed dear Souls of abounding with Superfluities while some of God's Children want Necessaries The divine Charge is given to those that are Rich That they be not high-minded that they trust not in uncertain Riches but in the living God Be ready to distribute willing to communicate laying up for themselves a good Foundation for the time to come This way to lay out even to do good to all especially to the Houshold of Faith is the way to lay up 1 Tim. 6.18 19. And the liberal Soul shall be made fat Prov. 11.25 O be using the World as Strangers do their Inn they count a Bait no Let. O let all the Providences of God attending you as to Health Strength as to Trade as to yearly Revenues as to a good Wife or good Husband as to good Children as to Reputation lead you in things
struck through the Liver and their Wealth hath been in the House of Strangers Prov. 5.3 10. 4. Beware of rejecting of Instruction or sober Reproof this brings Poverty Prov. 13.18 5. Beware of loving costly Superfluities Wine and Oil when there is no need of them Prov. 23.21 21.17 6. Take heed of covetously with-holding more than is meet in point of Charity to Objects of great Misery this tends to Poverty Prov. 11.24 7. Beware of giving to the Rich and withholding from the Poor Prov. 22.16 8. Take heed of delighting in the Company of vain Persons such shall have Poverty enough Prov. 28.19 9. Take heed of Oppression though thou be poor of oppressing the Poor Prov. 28.3 It is like a sweeping Rain that leaves no Food Now I beseech you consider of these Cautions that Men oft-times make themselves poor by such things as ought to be avoided IX Something briefly offered in case it shall be your State to be persecuted which all that will live godly in this World must and may expect until that glorious Day come that God will make a new Heaven and a new Earth And as to your being persecuted for Righteousness-sake either for doing what God Commands or for not doing what he Forbids 1. Commit your Souls to God in well-doing fear him trust in him let him be your Fear and Dread Isa 8.13 2. Rather in the fore-mentioned Cases chuse to suffer than to sin 3. Keep a good Conscience for that will bear you up under all hard Trials Integrity will afford daily Joy Acts 24.16 4. Be purely suffering in a principle of Love to God and Christ if ever you would be owned by God and Christ if otherwise all Suffering may be nothing 1 Cor. 13.3 My Friends give me leave that have been five times in Prison for my Lord's Cause and sometimes beaten and often fined to beseech you to avoid these things in suffering if God permit Trials to come upon you 1. Take heed of unbelief of Promises O that Promise If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ happy are ye 1 Pet. 4.14 They that suffer for Righteousness sake happy are they great is their Reward in Heaven Mat. 5.10 11. They shall have in what they lose an hundred fold in this present time and in the World to come Eternal Life Mat. 10.30 Surely a faithful Sufferer experiences sweet Comforts from God in the enjoyment of his Spirit comfort of his Promises Providences waiting great Grace attending O the sweet Comfort and Discoveries when John was banished into the Isle of Patmus or a place of Death he never met with the like Discoveries before in order to a manifesting in his four-fold Visions what should shortly come to pass never the like Discoveries before Rev. 1.9 The three Children had a glorious Presence in the fiery Furnace they were preserved and those that cast them in were destroyed their Enemies convinced no God was like their God Dan. 3.29 6.26 Daniel in the Lion's Den an Angel guarding of him Lions restrained from hurting of him the Informers destroyed before they came to the bottom of the Den Dan. 6.24 Paul and Silas in the Dungeon their Backs bleeding their Feet in the Stocks they at Midnight praising God and praying the Prison shaking the enraged Jaylor trembling and he and his after the Word was preached to him and all that were in his House believing and to Christ in holy Baptism conforming Thus you see there may be an hundred-fold more than formerly was enjoyed of divine Comfort and Strength Acts 16.24 to 34. Discoveries Preservation some out of weakness have been made strong O consult Soul that little Book of Martyrs Heb. 11. Besides what shall be accomplished when the Saints shall possess the Kingdom yea the greatness of it under the whole Heavens shall be given to them Dan. 7.27 Rev. 5.10 Psal 45.16 Rev. 20.4 5 6. 2. Souls take heed in a suffering Day of Self-confidence When Self-denial will help thee to be a faithful Martyr Self-confidence will make thee but an unfaithful Souldier an impatient Sufferer and a sinful Complier much of this I have seen in the Days of our late Trials He that trusts his own Heart is a Fool Prov. 28.26 Peter promised much out of a Temptation but fell foully under the Temptation O stay on him that gives Strength to them that have no Might Isa 40. ult 3. Take heed of carnal Counsel in a suffering State There are many will say Save your selves by complying and leave off bearing their Testimony and comply contrary to their Light cowardly God disowned Conscience wounded Comforts clowded and in saving themselves here without infinite Mercy may lose Eternal Life hereafter Luke 9.24 25. 4. Take heed of over-loving Self or the World more than Christ and Truth it will bring you to a dreadful Day in which you shall not be worthy of Christ Remember you are not your own but were bought with his precious Blood when you deserved nothing but Wrath and think not much to hazard your All for him Consider the Cross is interlaid with the Crown Love not the World nor the things 1 John 2.15 that are in the World neither equal with God nor above God it will declare if you so do that the Love of the Father is not in you Mat. 11.37 Rev. 1.10 X. O consider something as relating to the irresistable Decree of God even Death and Judgment Heb. 9.27 O consider it will not be long e're thou must be strugling with thy last Enemy O restless Death when Weakness will be attending Strength failing natural Spirits expiring Death-Sobs attending Friends weeping and you departing from the World Friends and Relations O happy then yea fully blessed if dying in the Lord Rev. 14.13 where John is commanded to write it O presume not upon a long Life it is a great hinderance to a good Life O for God's sake and for your eternal Welfare-sake do not forget your dying Hour nor your latter End lest you come down wonderfully and there be none to help you Lam. 1.9 1. God doth affectionately wish it Deut. 32.29 2. God doth graciously direct you to hear Counsel and receive Instruction that ye may be wise in your latter End Prov. 19.20 3. Labour to live so as you would wish when your Eyes come to be closed Prov. 5.11 Numb 23.10 4. Whatever your Hand findeth to do that is agreeable to the Lord 's holy Will do it with all your Might knowing there is no Work to be done in the Grave Eccles 9.10 5. Remember you must die but the Time when the Place where the Manner how you know not Evil falls out to Man and he knoweth it not Eccles 9.12 1. In order to your dying Hour let Time and Duty go together Mat. 24.46 2. Let a holy Reverence of God attend you in all Actions Places and Conditions 1 Pet. 1.17 3. Let the Contemplations of God's Love in Christ to you engage you to say daily to
your own Hearts What am I what do I whither go I O Souls as it is the Wisdom of Men to set their House in order and to make their Wills in disposing of what they have so let it be thy Work to set thy Heart in order that thou mayest have nothing to do but to die when thou comest to struggle with thy last Enemy and Time must be here no longer O remember the golden Sands of Time are running out apace and the Glass of Time will never be turned till it be turned in eternal Weal or Wo. XI Consider of Judgment to come O Soul if Death take thee Secure Carnal Hypocritical Murmuring unfaithful to thy Light Disobedient or Lukewarm or a Backslider or Covetous or a Complier with some secret Sins as Death takes you so Judgment will find you and all the Manifestations of God to you shall be discovered when the Books shall be opened And no sooner the Judg shall speak but Conscience shall say True Lord and God himself will be a swift Witness against thy secret Sins not repented of Act. 3.19 Mal. 3.5 Remember this was one great Doctrine that the Apostles of our Lord were to preach and testify That it was he that was ordained of God to be the Judg of Quick and Dead Acts 10.42 O young Man remember for the Desire of thine Eyes and the Way of thine Heart for these things God will bring thee into Judgment Eccles 11.9 O Christians grudg not one against another yea behold the Judg stands at the Door Jam. 5.9 Have fervent Charity one to another that is the Bond of Perfectness and be diligent that ye may be found of him in Peace without spot and blameless 2 Pet. 3.14 Mat. 18.34 35. O do not hide your Talents but improve your Measures given and remember it will be sad to have that Sentence pass Take that unprofitable Servant cast him into utter Darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth Mat. 25.30 O forget not to think of his appearing that will certainly render to every one according to his Works Mat. 16.27 Rev. 22.12 O Soul think oft of that Jesus that died for you will shortly come to judg you the last Trump sounding the Judg descending holy Angels attending Graves opening the Dead rising Hypocrites Unbelievers disobedient Persons weeping wailing secret Counsels of all Hearts shall be discovered Therefore live in this present Day with a holy preparation for that Day in taking heed to thy Thoughts 1 Cor. 4.5 Eccles 12.14 Take heed to thy Words Mat. 12.36 O take heed of idle Words Swear not at all it 's forbidden Mat. 5.34 Jam. 5.12 Take heed of Lying Cursing Backbiting Railing Grievous Words stir up Wrath Prov. 15.1 Look to your Actions and do not omit what God commands nor dare to commit what he forbids Eternal Judgment is a Christian Principle Heb. 6.2 And now that ye may be helped to mind these things I come to the last thing propounded and that is Prayer XII O poor young Man hast thou cause to flee youthful Lusts to follow after Righteousness Faith Charity Peace and keep such Company as call on God out of a pure Heart 1 Tim. 2.11 Hast thou poor Soul a Devil to resist a World to over come some Corruptions to mortify a deceitful Heart to watch over a Gospel to obey a Kingdom to obtain O Souls watch and pray make Conscience of secret Prayer and be earnest for those things Jabez begged of God 1 Chron. 4.10 For your encouragement remember He that seeks God early shall find him O a blessed Promise Prov. 8.17 Pray earnestly for the divine Operations of the holy Spirit with the blessed Fruits of it Christ hath promised if they that are evil know how to give good things to their Children how much more shall your heavenly Father give his Spirit to them that ask it Luke 11.13 O pray for Wisdom as Servants to discharge your Duty in your Places that the Name and Doctrine of God be not blasphemed O pray for Wisdom as Freemen that you may always be concerned in serving God in true Holiness and Righteousness all your Days O pray for a Faith of a right kind and say as the Apostles Lord increase our Faith mind what Christ hath done is a doing and will do As to a married State pray for Wisdom to discharge your relative Duties Husband to Wife and Wife to Husband living in the Fear of God As to your State unmarried devote your selves so much the more to wait on and serve the Lord if Virgin Disciples as John the beloved Disciple is said by some Authors to be and holy Paul If in a prosperous Condition beg a humble thankful charitable Heart remembring you are Stewards for God And as to your State in meeting with Adversity beg Patience Contentment admire the least Mercy under the greatest Misery Lam. 3.22 As to your State if persecuted beg Wisdom Courage Constancy of him that gives Strength to them that have no Might As to your Duty in preparing for Death O pray that you may have your Light shining your Lamps burning and you like Men waiting for the coming of the Lord and be filled with his Spirit waiting praying for the blessed Influences of the Spirit of God upon your Souls using all the means you can to obtain it And if Messengers hearing that you have received the Word pray for you that you may receive the Holy Ghost join heartily with them and in laying gentle Hands on you if you receive more of the Spirit you will be more for the Honour of God the Comfort of your Brethren and walk as Lights in the World and be as Salt in the Earth O labour to have Salt in your selves and Peace one with another Mark 9.50 I shall close up this little Matter with those words 1 Pet. 1.17 If you call on the Father who without respect of Persons judgeth according to every Man's Work pass the time of your sojourning here in fear Yea give all diligence to those seven things that lead to the Kingdom 2 Pet. 1. consider 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 verses And labour to live so as you may wish when your Eyes come to be closed and when you come to Judgment Eccles 11.9 12.14 And pray for the Lord's Labourers and I will beg that Truth may live in your Souls when I am dead and may shortly meet those that fear God and keep his Commandments in never-ending Glory FINIS