well sincerely beleeve all shall be well Piety hath the promise infallibly 1 Tim. 4.8 11. When thou goest to bed read over the carriage of that day seriously reforme what is amisse unfainedly give humble thanks for what is orderly and so commit thy selfe to him that watcheth over thee fatherly powerfully faithfully Lord make me in all things upright before thee and be in all things God al-sufficient to me Gen. 17.1 A sure stay in greatest extremity BEing in most extreame perplexity of spirit and in great outward distresse all threatning uttermost misery even without any appearance of remedy knowing no other way to comfort and settle himselfe he plyed his prayers and betooke him to Gods promises submitting to his good pleasure for the issue especially by the Lords good grace he remembred these choyce places of Scripture they upheld him he had else fainted utterly Who is among you that feareth the Lord that walketh in darknesse and hath no light let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay upon his God Isa 50.20 Alas for that day is great so that name is like it it is even the time of Jacobs trouble but he shall be saved out of it Jer. 30.7 The Lord also will be a refuge son the oppressed and a refuge no time of trouble Psal 9.9 God is our strength and refage a very present helpe in trouble therefore we will not feare though the earth be removed and though the mountaines be carried into the middest of the Sea Psal 46.1 21. Behold I am the Lord the God of all flesh is there any thing too hard for me Jer. 32.27 God hath power to help and to cast downe Amaziah said but what shall I doe for the 120 Talents he said the Lord is able to give thee much more then this 2 Chron. 23.8 9. If theâ—â— altogether holdest thy Peace at this time then shall their enlargement and deliverance arise from another place Est 4.14 God spake and it was done he commanded and it stood fast Ps 33.9 He shall deliver the needy when he cryeth the poore also and him that hath no helper Psal 72.12 When the poore and needy seeke water and there is none and their tongue faileth for thirst I the Lord will heare them I the God of Israel will not forsake them I will open Rivers in high places and Fountaines in the middest of the Valleyes I will make the Wildernesse a poole of water and the dry Land springs of water that they may see and know and consider and understand together that the hand of the Lord hath done this Isa 41.17 18 20. He clave the Rocks in the Wildernesse and gave them drink as out of the great dept is Psal 78.15 Numb 20.11 And the Lord said unto Moses is the Lords hand waxed short thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to passe unto thee or not Numb 11.23 Prove me now herewith saith the Lord of Hosts if I will not open you the windowes of Heaven and poure you out a blessing that there shall not be roome enough to receive it Mal. 3.10 Jesus fed 5000. men besides women and children with five loaves and two fishes Matth. 14.17 21. With God all things are possible Mat. 19.26 I know that thou canst doe all things Job 42.2 He performeth the thing that is appointed for me and many such things are with him Job 23.14 The Lord is good and a strong hold in the day of trouble and he knoweth them that trust in him Nâ—h 1.7 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations 2 Pet. 2.9 God is faithfull who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able but will with the temptation make a way to escape that ye may be able to beare it 1 Cor. 10.13 He that spared not his owne Sonne but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him freely give in all things Rom. 8.32 Besides the Lord saith call upon me in the day of trouble I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorifie me Psal 50.15 Come unto me all yee that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest Mat. 11.28 Thou which hast showed me great and sore troubles shalt quicken me again and shalt bring me up againe from the depths of the earth Psal 71.20 Blessed be God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and the God of all comfort who comforteth us in all our tribu latiods who delivered us from so great a death and doth deliver us and in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us 2. Cor. 1.10 The Lord hath delivered me out of the paw of the Lyon and out of the paw of the Beare he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine 1 Sum. 17.37 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me then thou knowest my path I looked on my right hand and beheld but there was no man that would know me all refuge failed me then cryed I unto the Lord O Lord thou art my refuge and my portion Psal 142.3 4 5. Why art thou then cast downe O my soule why art thou disquieted within me hope thou in God for I shall yet praysâ— him who is the help of my countenance and my God Psal 42.11 My soule look unto Jesus the Author and finisher of thy faith consider him that endured such contradictions of sinners against himselfe least thou be wearied and faint in thy mind not having yet resisted unto blood Heb. 12.3 4. Reekon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed Rom. 8.18 And that though thou be troubled on every side yet not distressed though perplexed not in despaire persecuted but not forsaken cast downe but not destroyed though the outward man perish the inward man is renewed day by day for my light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for thee a farre more exceeding weight of glory 2 Cor. 4. â— 8 9 16 17. Therefore I will looke unto the Lord I will wait for the God of my salvation my God will heare me reioyce not against me O mine enemy when I fall I shall arise when I sit in darknesse the Lord shall be a light unto me I will beare the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him untill he plead my cause and execute iudgement for me he will bring me forth to the light and I shall behold his righteousnesse Mic. 7.7 8 9. My soule be content with what thy God hath graciously given thee and trust him wholly for he hath said he will never faile forsake nor forget thee so that thou mayest boldly say the Lord is my helper and I will not feare what man can doe unto me or whatsoever shall betide me Heb. 13.5 6. Yea though I know not what to doe mine eyes and my heart are upon thee 2 Chron. 20.12 Now Lord though I be unworn thy thou shouldest come under my
4 To sing out of the Psalms 5 To imbrace all occasions for Gods publike worship In each of these to seek the Lord conscionably 1 Labouring for preparation revetence sincerity feeling chearfulnesse and faith 2 Striving against carelesnesse coldnesse drousinesse hypocrisie and customary service 3 When any urgent businesse of my calling causeth the deferring any of these duties to take a more convenient time yea to redeem the time for the performance thereof Thirdly concerning the duties of my particular calling 1 In generall to walk faithfully diligently and wisely 2 In particular towards Supenours in all things lawfull obediently towards those I command gravely towards equals friendly 3 When I am commanded to pursue my businesse earnestly and chearfully till the same be effected 4 In commanding others to doe all distinctly throughly plainly and impartially to seâ— the same effected accordingly to check and punish neglect sharply 5 If joyned with other in command to seek and follow the best counsell and commendablest course 6 Not to despise the good advice of any though never so meane but by all good meanes to grow more fit for service 7 For better furnishing himselfe with ability to listen to others discourses to observe what others doe commendably in this or that occasion to consider the use of things with silent application Fourthly what company to avoid viz. of swearers drunkards quarrellers gamsters whore-masters filthy talkers scoffers at goodnesse c. to imbrace the society of honest men though meane Fiftly what places to avoid as of uncleannesse excesse playing c. though inticed or provoked thereto and to frequent such places where good is to be gotten Sixtly what especiall sinnes to strive against 1 In heart unadvised anger remembring injuries desire of revenge hatred envy impure lusts 2 In words brawling railing reviling scoffing indiscreet superfluous obscene boasting unnecessary selfconceited censuring ungracious familiar blasphemous speeches 3 In behaviour lightnesse lumpishnesse pride familiarnesse 4 In looks wandrings wantonnesse lustfulnesse 5 In action hard dealing impurity secret or open intemperance all sinne folly and disorder Seventhly to entertaine these contrary vertues 1 In heart watchfulnesse sobriety putting up wrongâ— forgetting injuries passing by offences without taking notice of them if God be not dishonoured or my selfe disabled else to use all good meanes to stand for the truth and cleare my innocency and quietnesse 2 In words that they be wise few seasonable to the purpost charitable true meek gracious 3 In behaviour gravity modesty humility curtesie seemlinesse to make a covenant with mine eyes not to behold vanity with delight 4 In action to shew tenderlie artednesse to live chastly temperately thriftily and to deale justly Eightly in case of justice and judgement 1 Not to condemne the innocent or justifie the offender 2 Nor to accept persons for any respect 3 To examine the cause throughly 4 To heare both parties deliberately 5 To hate bribes unfainedly 6 To helpe the afflicted against the rich and mighty 7 To execute justice rightly 8 To pronounce sentence according to warrant gravely boldly briefly impartially substantially how many who whatsoever opposeth Ninthly for convenient maintainance according to place and calling 1 To live within compasse 2 To weare plaine serviceable and decent apparrell 3 To avoyd running into debt and to pay debts by all good meanes possible 4 Not to live at anothers Table 5. Not to lay out on thinâ— superfluous 6 To allow what is fitting for my Family 7. In weldoing to depend â—â— God 's providence Tenthly in more espeâ—â— imployments in my plate To propound in each Goâ— glory to have respect to hiâ— Cause to be affected to hiâ— Church to order all affaires â—â— judgement where my calling requires though never 〈…〉 gerous to be willing forward couragious bould industrioâ—â— fearelesse to the death â—â—â—mending my self into the 〈◊〉 of God wholly for helpe 〈◊〉 and good successe To avoyd and strive agaâ—â—â—â— rash adventures without a warrantable calling foolish cuâ—osity ostentation unwillingnesse sloathfulnesse backwardnesse frivolous excuses cowardlinesse fear flying distrust of Gods help for sufficiency and protection for safety and blessing for a good issue Eleventhly and lastly concerning lawfull recreation 1 To take such time for them that things of more consequence â—â— the same time be not hindered by them 2 To use such exercises as are manly comely and fittest for my calling place and age 3 With nien most free from offence and of a good report 4 All with moderation not spending too much time labour or cost therein 5 Especially to spend some spare time in reading in some good morrall Author as Plutarks Lives Caesars Coâ—â—entaries c. and to ride abroad to view the Trench Works c. both for better enabling him to doe service To endeavour all in a conscinable manner seeking in all Gods glory chiefly by the help of his holy Spirit onely spite of all oppositions trusting through his grace in sincerity to testifie obedience and in all unwilling failings not to doubt of his most mercifull forgivenesse gracious acceptation and favourable blessing in the face of Christ Jesus in whose name my Father I beg a disposition and ability to discharge each part of my duty seasonably wisely uprightly and constantly according to what I have purposed and expressed before thee that thou in mercy â—ccording to thy truth in him â—â—ayest please at all times in 〈◊〉 things to be with me for â—â—â—d Amen How to stirre up and embrace right Christian resolutions for the Cause of God and against his enemies FIrst be fully assured it is the Cause of God else it is sinful and shall not be blessed but undoubtedly it is the Cause of God because his pure worship accooding to his Word is stood for because we have been and are grievously persecuted by tyrannous Idolaters for the same and that neverthelesse the Lord for his great names sake according to his truth in great mercy hath many and miraculously delivered and preserved us and still doth as at this day Secondly therfore as all good Christians are strictly bound so I my self must endeavour to doe my best to maintaine this his Cause and that because 1 The Lord requires it 2 And curseth bitterly such as helpe him not against the mighty 3 And hath plagued such for their neglect 4 Because I have the warrantable examples of Gods children who willingly ventured their lives for this Cause 5 The commendations in Scripture of such is also a spur hereunto 6 And the blessings of the Lord upon them both which we may look for 7 We are Fellow-helpers with the Lord in his Worke against his enemies an acceptable work Thirdly the manner how to performe this commanded warrantable commendable blessed and acceptable work 1 Zealously and that 1 Because the glory of the great name of the eternall God of which he is so jealous is the thing we fight for the Cause being his 2 The preservation of his holy Word and pure worship among
grace and supplication that I may at this present poure out my heart in prayer before thee so that thou mayest be pleased to heare and help from Heaven seasonably and effectually thy great name shall have all the glory Or Thus O Lord prepare my miserable unprepared heart to pray heare me graciously though I be most unworthy as thou hast promised whatsoever opposeth thy great name shall have all the glory Or Thus O Lord help my heart to pray heare my prayers thy name shall have the praises If he comes into Gods House before the beginning of publike worship O Most holy Lord God prepare every one of our unprepared hearts in most holy manner to seek thy face in every one of thy most holy Ordinances work effectually with thy most holy spirit upon every one of our hearts that the meanes of grace may prove effectuall to every one of our most sinfull soules to the building of them up in all grace to our present comfort and eternall happinesse in Christ Jesus Amen When Amen is pronounced at the end of the publike prayers Amen Lord Amen of thy infinite mercy according to thy immutable truth by thy unresistable working notwithstanding our unworthinesse insufficiency and all other impediments thy great name shall have all the glory to which alone the same is due wholy When he gives Almes Good Lord accept the will for the deed forgive and reforme what is amisse vouchsafe a plentifull blessing in due season according to thy wonted goodnesse and faithfull promises in Christ Jesus When the blessing is pronounced O Lord our God most mighty mercifull and true vouchsafe graciously seasonably and effectually to leave thy promised blessing of mercy grace and peace behind thee Amen When he awakes in the morning O Lord my God it is of thine owne and onely wonted undeserved infinite never failing mercies that I have not in this night past been smothered in my sleep and sinnes that I may behold the light of this day in peace awaken my heart with all holy affections towards thee cause me to cast off all works of darknesse and to walk in the light before thee renew remission unto me for my sins of the night renewed against thee throughout this day governe me by thy Word and spirit in all I goe about and let thy blessing be upon me in all that any way concernes me my soule through Jesus Christ shall more and more magnifie thee Amen When he layes him downe at night to take his rest O Lord my God by thy especiall providence assistance I lay me downe in peace at this present and blesse thy name unfainedly that all things throughout this day hath gone so well with me whereas else I had been every way most unhappy Oh multiply pardon to me for my fauls multiplyed against thee even this day past I beseech thee and watch over me the rest of this night to preserve me from sinning against thee though never so secretly and to keep off whatsoever would any way harme me for all grace and good my soule shall more and more through Jesus Christ glorifie thee Amen Before his going to heare Gods Word preached O Lord my God whose word I goe to heare grant me thy grace to heare it as thy word with all due reverence earnest attention and holy affection oh help me against all dead heartednesse distractednes and wearinesse make my heart as the good ground rightly to receive this heavenly seed water the same with the dew of thy grace that it may bring forth fruit abundantly in my knowledge resolution and practice in faith and godlinesse with all patience and constancy thus work in and for me mercifully powerfully faithfully notwithstanding my unprepared insensible unprofitable hearing therof whereof alas I am most hainously continually guilty for which I beg pardon and amendment yea in spite of all that the flesh the world the devill labour to the contrary Amen Amen my Father in Christ herein help me I most humbly and earnestly beg pray and beseech thee Amen at this time and upon the like occasions continually When be comes from hearing Gods Word Now my good and gracious God having by thy especiall providence goodnesse and grace injoyed the gracious meanes happy opportunity and thy help to heare thy most holy word for which exceeding great favours make me truâ—â— thankfull and of which crave the continuance unto my lives end bring the same to my remembrance affect me with each part thereof throughly cause me to mix it with faith rightly and to put each part thereof in practice Christianly as the necessities of my poore soule require especially heare and blesse in mercy as thou hast promised though I have sinned and whatsoever opposeth Amen Before his reading Gods Word in private O my heavenly Father be intreated mercifully powerfully faithfully now and at all other times be I never so unworthy indisposed and whatsoever opposeth to strengthen and blesse me in the reading understanding remembring applying and practising of thy most holy word as may be most to thy great glory and my eternall good through Christ Jesus Amen After his reading Gods Word in private O my God I most heartily thank thee for this most inestimable Jewell of thy most holy Word for this great freedome and thy especiall help to be exercised therein and for all the good that by thy blessing my poore soul hath received thereby Oh forgive my unthankfulnesse therefore and abusing thereof reforme these foule offences in me and notwithstanding the same and whatsoever else would hinder continue these great mercies unto me and make each part of thy most holy word my guide and comfort in life and death through Jesus Christ Amen I beg of thee Before his meditating in private Good Lord it is my most humble earnest suit unto thy most sacred Majesty that thou wilt not lay to my charge my long wilfull neglect of miserable aversnesse from and extream indisposition to this so much required and exceeding needfull dutie of divine Meditation but notwithstanding these and though I neither know how nor have any abilitie to discharge the same as I ought I pray and beseech thee to learne me the right way thereto and to dispose me in some good measure to the performance thereof help me to begin goe on and end in respect of the present matter thereof with sound judgement moved affection powerfull application and unfained purpose to put all to conscionable practice to the encrease of all grace and godlinesse through thy alone deare Sonne my alone sweet Saviour Christ Jesus Amen After his meditating in private My deare God my soule magnifieth thee for this opportunitie and assistance thou hast vouchsafed me most weak and unworthie in the performance of this holy dutie oh pardon pittie and reforme my ignorance insensiblenesse and manifold distempers herein oh helpe me more and more better hereunto and doe me this exceeding great favour that I may constantly beare
expect all mercy grace peace comfort strength health safety succour help deliverance and salvation onely from thee oh grant each seasonably and effectually unto me Lord work all thy works iâ— me that I may serve thee as â— ought and work all my work for me that I may prosper a thou hast promised Lord make me as thou would dest have me and require whâ—â— thou wilt of me give me which thou seest best for me and dâ—â— what thou wilt with me Lord be my strength refuge and ready help at hand mâ— sufficiency safety and good successe and when where and how thou pleasest imploy me Lord cleare my innocency stop the mouth of injury faithfully worthily and in-offensively make me to discharge each part of my duty Lord make me wise warned watchfull and well governed by my former folly rashnesse weaknesse and misgovernment Lord let me no more be conformable to the sinfull and unseemly fashions of the world but reforme my whole man according to thy will Lord forgive and keep me from those sinnes whereby I have most dishonoured thee disgraced my Christian profession injured others clog'd my conscience terrified my souse or any way procured my selfe shame or harme Lord make me to make and let me find each part of thy Word my guide and comfort Lord direct governe restore comfort support establish inable protect provide for and blesse me as every one of my especiall occasions doe or may require of thee Lord at one time or other by one meanes or other ere we do part hence work for the effectuall conversion and everlasting salvation of every one of mine and I desire no more for them of thee Lord prepare me to meet the ere thy wrath come upon me in the day of calamity hide me under thine hand till thy indignation be over past Lord in wisdome love and faithfulnesse visit me and deale as thou pleasest with me Lord when all is past hope thou canst most easily help my case is fully knowne and wholy commended to thee thou hast helped remarkably thy hand is not shortned thy mercy never faileth thy truth endureth for ever towards me Lord let not my hope deceive nor thy help faile me oh cause me to make and let me find thy providence my portion continually so shall I be supplied seasonably and never want any thing thou seest good for me Lord prepare me to suffer to dye let every thing draw me neerer to thee let death bring me to life eternall with thee doe then what thou wilt with me call then when where and how thou pleasest for me Lord from sin shame harme in thy feare in a good repute and peace preserve me Lord how shall I behave my selfe in my present distressed estate and how wilt thou therein deale with me oh that thou wouldest dispose and dispatch all my businesse for me Lord all help faileth me none cares for me every thing seemâ— to crosse me yet help thou and all shall goe well with me Lord cause me to goe the right way to work and to submit to thy disposing wholy Lord let it appeare the right way is the best way never of never faile forsake or forget me let them that now for wel-doing scorn me see thou fovourest and releevest me Lord cause me secretly and sensibly to sorrow for my owne sinnes and to mourne for the abominations of the times and this uncessantly Lord affect me with the affections of Joseph rightly dispose me to pray for the peace of Zion seriously in all reforme and pardon me Lord give me feeling feeling feeling of all the good things I know and utter before thee thou knowest and I acknowledge the same to be extreamly wanting in me Lord let no thought of my heart nor word of my mouth be in vain for me but thou that art my strength and my Redeemer accept all my Meditations and expressions continually Lord carry me with wisdome patience comfort and good successe through all my great occasions Lord change my disposition reform my conversation speedily and powerfully wherein I am most averse from good and prone to evill especially Lord that thou wouldest instruct and inable me sincerely and circumspectly to order my lawfull affaires substantially whatsoever others may thinke speake or worke against me and that thine owne seasonablâ— and effectuall working to afforâ—â—n happy issue might according to thy mercy and truth appeare towards me Lord put me not off with outward mercies but vouchsafe me a portion of thy best blessings From sloath lust and carelesnesse from tatling tipling and trifling away time from putting off my private devotions from discontent and discord Good Lord deliver me Grounds of comfort against the nick-name of Puritane and Round-head It is nothing in respect of what hath been objected against Christ and the godly for there hath been objected against them grieuous things (a) Acts 25.7 gluttony (b) Mat. 11.18.19 madnesse (c) Joh. 10.20 blasphemy (d) Mat. 26.65 Mark 9.3 Acts 6.11 13 14. murder (e) Acts 28.4 deceiving (f) Joh. 7.12 2 Cor. 6.8 rebellion (g) Acts 17.6 7. rayling (h) Acts 23.4 babling idolatry (i) Acts 17.18 bringers of strange things (k) Acts 17.20 scisme (l) Acts 28.22 wickednesse of life (m) 1 Pet. 2.12 the abjects abused them (n) Psa 35.15 drankards sang of them (o) Psal 69.12 the basest derided them (p) Job 30.1 they were a reproach of men (q) Psal 22.12 a by-word (r) Psal 44.14 a proverbe (s) Psal 69.11 a wonder (t) Psal 17.7 Isa 8.18 gazing-stocks (u) 1 Cor. 4.9 fools (w) 1 Cor. 4.10 insufficient despised (x) Idem defamed made as filth and off-scowring (y) 1 Cor. 4.13 great men rayle at them (z) Psa 31.13 godly men censure them (a) Jobs friends 1 Cor. 4.4.10 and by slander excommunicate them (b) Isa 66.5 are most fouly scandalized (c) Ps 69.7 44.15 condemned by a whole Counsell (d) Mat. 27.1 Joh. 11.47 48. Acts 6.12 4.6.15 5.27 23.1 yea to suffer as evill doers (e) 2 Tim. 2.9 Psal 37.32 33. Psal 41.8 Isa 53.4 well if God condemnes us not what matters the censures and reproachfull nick-names of others (f) 1 Pet. 3.16 If good bad men both should judge amisse Keep conscience cleare tâ—ou needst not care I wisse Alas this is not to resist unto blood h Heb. 12.4 my Saviour sayes Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and shall say all manner of evill falsly for my sake reioyce and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven for so persecuted they the Prophets that were before you i Mat. 5.11 12. yea my most blessed Redeemer so have they abused thee and all thy dearest Servants oh then why should I that am not worthy the name of a Servant or Disciple think to be above my Lord and Master and better
to friends friendly constant and just but not open Be not proud but keep distance admit none a full approach to thy power or secrets Triviall envies emulations censures oppositions regard not but goe substantially about thine owne businesse Though thou intendest not his hurt prevent him that would doe thee hurt Chiefes in commotions and such as have accusing consciences are commonly but half-couraged men He that is valiant and active loves and seeks peace without feare or softnesse Make so good use of things commendable in others that they may be praysed in thy selfe but be reall in them else thou wilt be scorned Christian circumpection may timely and easily prevent troubles when much care and labour can hardly if ever deliver from them A man may be outwardly at times friendly yet want respect towards thee inwardly this appeares by often crosse and slighting carriage Birds are intangled by their seet and men by their tongues Take heed where when to whom and of what thou speakest alwaies let thy tongue first consult with thy braines Speake not at all where thy words are not heard beleeved or regarded shew by thy silence and countenance thou art sensible of being slighted Forbeare sometimes to tell strange things though true least thou beest counted and called an over-reacher Never interrupt another in speaking first heare him out then answer there is time enough for both In discoursing goe not farre about bring in no needlesse circumstances or parenthesis but declare the businesse advisedly deliberately plainly freely truly with a low voyce and affablenesse without interruption faultring flattering distaste or conceitednesse and regard not how thou art censured Let thy countenance to every one be grave setled curteous take heed of lightnesse distraction harshnesse accustome thy selfe hereto it is gracefull and will cause respect by constancy herein wipe away the remembrance of former misgovernment Envy not that some are praysed undeservedly or more then they merit thou knowest feare flattery hope of gaine or the like causeth it Distaste not that others slight deserved prayses or thy friend if thou canst not help it onely speak a word or two to shew thou takest notice of it and take a more convenient time to question more fully about it Be more friendly and lesse free opennesse causeth contempt but curtesie commendation and reservednesse respect HAving renewed his resolutions in the new yeare by the grace of God to lead a new life he bethought himselfe of this course for the conscionable worshipping of and walking with the Lord which according to his disposition of mind and condition of life he conceived was most fitting for and would by Gods blessing be most comfortable for him in all having respect to the warrant of Gods word and Christian conveniency O Lord grant hereto thy grace and blessing I beseech thee The Lord sayes Isa 1.16 17. Cease to doe evill learne to doâ— wâ—ll c. well then my soule in the strength of the Almighty from henceforth resolve pray watch against all sinne in gonerall and against thy especiall corruptions as sloath neglect or customary performing 〈◊〉 holy duties habituall distractions in them worldly-mindel-nesse distrust discontent pass on lust intemperance and following vain customes c more especially resolve pray watch endeavour to imbracâ— and practice the contrary duties and every way according to the restimony of a well in formed conscience to walk piously righteously soberly dicreetly and unblamably in this present evill world more particularly for his more solemâ—â— and setled seeking the Lord iâ— his private devotions beside his publike family duties to observe this course every day constantly at such time of the day as may be with least hinderance and most fitnesse viz. with premeditation to frame his prayer as briefly and substantially as he can after this manner inserting in their proper places new occasions of confessions Supplications or thanksgivings c. the summe of the prayer then to be this First confession of especiall sinnes with their especiall circumstances 2 Acknowledgment of especial judgments due justly inflicted yet graciously mittigated 3 Self-deniall renewing resolutions to amend 4 Craving pardon and reconciliation in Christ 5 Deprecation of Gods judgements feared and for a lanctified use of all present and future susterings 6 Begging conversion and reformation especially in especiall sinnes and failings with restauration increase and perseverance 7 Also godly sorrow true faith with peace and comfort 8 To be prepared to dye 9 Prayer for continuance of common blessings and for especiall direction and help in especiall occasions and necessities 10 For sincerity confidence patience and contentation at all assayes 11 Thanksgiving for generall and especiall inward and outward blessings 12 Prayer for the estate of Gods Children in generall and particular 13 For his family 14 And for all such as he is any way bound to pray for Thus for his daily private prayer Next to read three Chapters in the Bible every day with a briefe prayer before and after and holy meditation thereupon yea labouring to turne the chiefe observations thereout into solemne prayer for conscionable practice Thirdly seriously to read in some good book and because these following books and writings are of singular use for his edification and that he cannot every day read in each he conceives it best to read onely in one and in another the next day c. as for example On the Sabbath day affectionately calling to mind some of Gods especiall mercies recorded by him On Munday solemnly remembring some of his holy Vowes written by him On Tuesday cheerfully having recourse to some of Gods Promises collected by him On Wednesday attentively reading somewhat in Master By fields Marrow of the Oracles of God On Thursday somewhat in the Practice of Piety On Friday the like in the Christians daily Sacrifice or in the Observations and Advises On Saturday serious Examination by some part of the true Watch and Rule of life And when God please in continuance of time he shall have by this constant course ended any of these to begin againe c. alwayes turning what he reads into humble and unfained prayer for application and performance a little at a time and that well is better and will be more profitable then much customarily and insensibly slubbered over Fourthly every day to sing a Psalme or part understandingly and feelingly Thus for his private practice of pious duties every day Now for his other spare time that it be not mispent to imploy it in Christian conversing with good men or in reading usefull morall Histories and quoting thereout needfull observations or in some other lawfull necessary seemly profitable businesse or recreations Lord settle me in such a christian course of serving thee as may be most acceptable to thee and comfortable to my conscience continually One that had power commanding him more out of malice then reason upon a perilous imployment he said Gods strength is my sufficiency and protection my safety so I goe
kindnesse against his will He is a friend who when his advice is neglected will threaten to discover our faults to our shame if there be no other remedy yet it is a shame and grief to them to doe so Though thou canst not doe aâ— thou ought and wouldest yet leave not a good work altogether undone Make tryall though there be small hope of prevailing In furthering a lawfull businesse by lawfull meanes be bold and unwearied and let God work One misseth through untimely bashfulnesse that which another obtaineth by honest boldnesse This I find all meanes to be wanting defective or in vaine if the Lord work not This I know when God sayes let it be all shall serve the turne for all things obey his voyce If God be ours we have all without him we have nothing Assurance of Gods love and promise of Gods help ought to be enough for us For want of application a man wants the sound comfort of that whereby he is able to comfort others My Grace is sufficient for thee 2 Cor. 12.9 To Forgive all thy sinnes To Impute Christs al-sufficient satisfaction To Make thee beleeve To Instruct thy ignorance To Subdue thy corruptions To Sanctifie thee to my sevice To Direct thee erring To Establish thee doubting To Strengthen thy weaknesse To Raise thee being fallen To Support thee standing To Make thee watchfull To Comfort thee afflicted To Quiet thee troubled To Deliver thee distressed To Settle thee distempered To Enable thee to pray To Fulfill thy requests To Work good wanting To Increase good begun To Keep thee from all evill To Turne all to thy good To Supply all thy necessities To Give thee godly sorrow To Make thee upright To Build thee on my promises To Stirre thee up to thankfulnesse To Cause thee persevere in goodnesse To Accept thy unworthy person and services To Bring to a blessed end To Crowne thee with eternall happinesse To All in Christ Jesus Thou the Lord sayest it therefore it shall be Thy Grace alone shall be enough for me My God give grace this grace may be attained None then so rich though all the world he gained Thou canst thou wilt thou must vouchsafe it Lord Because thy selfe hast said it in thy Word Isa 34.16 How with an holy opportunity to bind the Lord to preserve us from sinne be we in our selves never so strongly tempted and sorely inclined thereunto viz. 1 BY urging the Lord with his promises hereof Rom. 6.14 2 Cor. 12.9 2 With his oath Heb. 6 17 18 Isa 14.24 c. 3 With his power Mat. 28 18. Mark 14.36 4 With his Covenant Ezek. 36 27 29. 5 With his Sabbaths which he hath given us to be signes that he will sanctifie us Exo. 31 13. Ezek. 20 12 20. 6 With our baptisme wherby we are assured of the vertue of Christs death to kil sin in us 7 With the Sacrament of the Lords Supper wherein the same thing is sealed unto us 8 And that he hath pleased to strengthen us in some measure heretofore 9 By urging him with his superabundant grace Joh 1 16 Rom 5 20. Thus in all humility and earnestnesse to beseech and urge our God to have respect unto his own glory in every one of these taking head of the occasions of sin by his blessed help we shall be kept from grosse offences and get power over our secret strongest corruptions through Christ Jesus Amen Somewhat concerning government of the Tongue DEath and life are in the power of the tongue Pro. 18 21. If any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man Ia. 3.2 Lord no man offends so often and shamefully with the tongue as I doe I said I will take heed to my wayes that I sinne not with my tongue I will keep my mouth a bridle Psal 39.1 yea I have and am purposed my mouth shall not transgresse Psa 17.3 But the tongue can no man tame Jam. 3 8. it is an vnruly evil ful of deadly poyson idem Therefore set thou a watch before my mouth and order thou the door of my lips O my God Psal 141.3 Such resolutions as most concerne himselfe in this respect viz. To avoyd All Prophane needlesse uncertaine uncomely offensive words To use Onely Christian seasonablenesse certaine seemly acceptable speeches Rather speak nothing then to say the least thing to no good or to an evill purpose Not to suster his tongue to runne before his wit But to forethink whether it be lawfull or fitting that he is about to speak then to refraine or speak accordingly To avoid All rash superfluous vaine abscene unreverend scornfull talk To use Onely considerate few substantiall holy reverend respective discourse Not to meddle in others matters To deale in his owne circumspectly To praise others discreetly And himselfe inforced modestly not to tell newes suddenly To relate the same required warily To avoyd All jibing boasting double flattering fearfull false words To use Only serious humble plain faithfull free true speeches Not speak evill of any absent or dead If there be or was any good in them to take notice thereof else to say nothing of them Not to answer any matter before he heare and understand it throughly Then to answer briefly and pithily Not to interrupt any in their speaking by speaking with them or taking the words out of their mouth But to give full time and then to answer wisely To avoyd All revealing his owne matters Unfolding his affections Discovering his passions Complaining of his wants Declaring his opinion Opening others secrets Where these need not and more then needs must To be Secret silent reserved watchfull to the contrary Not to break out into passionate contentious spitefull provoking revengefull speeches no not against such as injure him and when they doe so But to deliver temperate peaceable gentle suffering pacifying words To appease wrath and strife To prevent anger and discord To avoid hast and to use deliberation To avoyd loudnesse and to use so ftnesse in his speeches To avoid lightnesse and to use gravity To avoyd harshnesse and to use friendlinesse in his talk In all things he utters to be circumspect and sober Lord who is sufficient for these things none so weak as I am yet nothing is impossible to thee O Lord my God mercifully notwithstanding my sinnes powerfully notwithstanding my weaknesse faithfully notwithstanding all oppositions let thy grace be sufficient for me to teach and enable me aright when where and how to speak and to hold my peace at home and abroad with whomsoever I have to doe and in whatsoever I take in hand as may be most and onely for thy glory the gracing of thy Religion and my profession thereof the good example and benefit of others the safety and credite of my place and person the comfort and peace of my soule and conscience here and the everlasting happinesse of soule and body in Heaven for evermore all by the speedy effectuall daily and continuall assistance of
Lord God will say for he will speake peace unto his people and to his Saints that they returne not againe to folly Psal 85 8. 10 Encrease Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great things and mighty that thou knowest not Jer. 33 3. I am the Lord thy God which doeth teach thee to profit and lead thee in the way that this shouldest goe Isa 48 17. 11 Establishment But the Lord is faithfull which will establish you and keep you from evill 2 Thes 3 3. 12 Perseverance I will not turne away from them to doe them good but I will put my feare in their hearts that they shall not depart from me I will give them one heart and one way that they may feare me for ever Jer. 32 39 40. I am perswaded of this same thing that he that hath begun this good work will performe it untill the day of Jesus Christ Phil. 1 6. 13 Having prayed to be kept from erring out of the right way in judgement or life The Lord sayes Thine eares shall heare a word behind thee saying This is the way walke ye in it when thou turnest to the right hand and when thou turnest to the left Isa 30 21. They that erred in spirit shall come to understanding Isa 29 24. And an high way shall he there and it shall be called the way of holinesse the wayfaring men though fools shall not erre therein Isa 35 8. For one prevailing motive among many to a conscinable walking with God consider godlinesse is profitable to all things having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4 8. and the contrary course a cause of all misery and mischife here and eternally This concerning our furtherance for walking with God AVoid overmuch sleep and rise timely redeem thy 〈◊〉 and walk wisely worship 〈◊〉 God in private in thy Family and in publike seasonably conscionably and that daily Avoid impurity and passion discontent uncharitablenesse and excesse converse chastly soberly peaceably charitably and temperately Shut up every evening with private prayer Examples in Scripture of Souldies that were godly among the rest two in the old and two in the new Testament IN whom among many other graces and vertues observe these and remember whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning Rom. 15 4. David an example of prayer unto and trust in God in greatest dangers and praising of him for safety strength and deliverance Ps 3 18.1 2 3 4 5 6 16 17 18 19 30 31 32 34 35 39 46 48 49. Of acknowledging of comforting himselfe in Gods word especially of incouraging himselfe in the Lord his God in extreamest distresses Psa 27.1 2 3.8 c. 7.1 2 3 4 9 10 11 1. Sam. 30.6 Of wisdome valour and personall performance 1 Sam. 16.18 2 Sam. 22 15 17. Joshuah an example of humblenesse under Gods hand Josh 7 6. seare of Gods wrath ver 7.8 9. seeking God in generall distresse ver 6 7. Diligence in seeking out offences and the offender ver 16 17 18. gentlenesse to the offondor verse 19. zeale for Gods glory verse 19. strictnesse in punishing vice and the transgressour verse 25. equal dealing with others Josh 18 10. contentation with it owne portion cha 49.49 50 Recording Gods especiall mercies and deliverances cha 49 20. stirring up others to remember and declare them cha 4.21 22 23 24. obedience to Gods will in his martiall imployments chap. 6 10 8.2 3 11. calling upon others to have respect thereto chap. 8.8 wisedome in directing diligence in executing stratagems cha 8.3 c. keeping promise faithfully even with deceitfull dealers chap 9 19 20. shewing great judgement in imploying them chap. 9 23 27. wonderfull power in prayer cha 20 12 13 14 exceeding courage cha 10 25 being victorious in battels chap. 10 11 12. carefulness to read and declare Gods will to his charge cha 8.34 35. and stirring them up thereunto chap. 24.14 24. resolution that himselfe and his house would serve the Lord onely cha 24.15 The Centurian of Capernaum an example of deare love to tender care of great compassion towards his distressed servant Luke 7.2 Mat. 8.6 and diligence in using all good meants for recovery Luke 7.3 of humility Mat. 8.8 loli mindednesse Luke 7.3 sence of selfe-unworthinesse Luke 7.6 7. of seeking to Christ in need Mat. 8.5 praying for his in distresse Mat 8.5 6. desiring others to pray for him and his Luke 7.4 of great faith Mat. 8.8 Luke 7.7 of worthy carriage with authority in his place Mat 8.9 Luke 7.8 of love and bounty to Gods house and people Luke 7.5 of gaining love respect and commendation where he lived and lay in garison Luke 7.4 of being speedily heard and wonderfully helped by Christ Mat. 8.13 Luk. 7.10 and whose faith Christ exceedingly praised Mat. 8.10 Luke 7.10 Cornelius the Captaine of the Italian Band an example of devotion piety in his Family private prayer and charity Acts 10.1 2. of having those about him especially that waited on him that feared God vers 7. giving himselfe to private fasting ver 30. a just man and of good report ver 22. an earnest desirer of Gods Minister and Ministery of calling together and stirring up of his kinsmen and neerest friends to Gods service ver 24. reverence and willingnesse to he are Gods word and in his presence ver 33 love of the company of Gods Ministor and loathnesse to let him depart ver 48. of having his prayers heard and almes accepted ver 4.31 of being shewed the way to everlasting life and happinesse in Christ Jesus ver 36 to 44. of obtaining the holy Ghost accompanying the word ver 44. and having all favour and helpe all grace and good sealed to him by the Sacrament ver 48. The Souldiers likewise demanded of John saying and what shall we doe and he said unto them doe violence to we man neither accuse any falsly and be content with your wages Like 3.14 Lord teach my hands thus to war and gird me with strength unto the battell that I may fight the good fight of faith and lay hold of eternall life Psa 18.34.39 1 Tim. 6.12 Thus far of these examples Some collections out of Sacred writ concerning executing Justice in Judgement worthy to be observed and follower In this case 1 Magistrates are appointed of the Lord Rom. 13.1 Deu. 16.18 2 Chro. 19.5 Numb 11.16.24 25. 27.15 16. Deut. 1.13 John 19.11 2 Chiefe Majestrates may and must make inferior ones Exod. 18.25 3 He must see all places provided with good Mogistrates 2 Chro. 19.5 4 They must charge them to exceute justice 2 Chro. 19.6 5 To this end they must urge them with all the most powerfull reasons they can as 1 That they judge not for man but for the Lord unto whom they must give an account 2 That the Lord himselfe is present when where whom and what cause soever they
making them subscribe all is paid when they never received the fifth part by detaining all or most part of their due for their passes by compelling them to runne away through extream hard and most unjust usage Oh consider this yee that forget God least I teare you in pieces and there be none to deliver you saith the Lord Psal 50.22 Will you dare you by your unlawfull courses and unrighteous gaines to serve your covetousnesse lust pride and excesse highly displease and dishonour God grievously wound by sinning against the light of your consciences betray the cause for which you serve and wrong the State in which you serve and he that doth not so will you abhor deride and harme him the Lord sees it and it displeaseth him Isa 59.15 Will you dare you doe all these and many more like unto these which to hide your shame I shame to reveale for I say little of your most detestable most accursed false attestations whereby all parties are grievously guilty of horrible perjury of your men of loose mearies of those you make use of only for a muster of your passavotants of your false billets and mustering some or whom you give no meanes bâ—â— a present reward for that base service and then turn them oâ—â—â— of your mustering others in the names of those long dead or away or in false names or passing Souldiers of other Companies in yours c. Oh Mystery of iniquity and yet flatter your selves that all is well and shall be well Or doe you think that God esteems or will spare you for your pride of heart bravery in apparell courtly behaviour high looks big words height in place greatnesse of power No or will he accept of your childish foolish wicked vaine excuses pretences extenuations neither â— for there be no circumstance can make an unlawfull thing lawfull Rom. 3.8 neither regardeth he any mans person Rom. 2.11 doe not deceive your selves is God God and will he be mocked Gal. 6.7 is Gods Word truth which declareth the hainousnesse and danger of these things and dare you live in and plead for them let Baal plead for himselfe Judg. 6.31 I plead for my God who hath a controversie with you Hos 4.1 Oh how farre are all these courses from Saint Iohns doctrine to Souldiers doe violence to no man neither accuse any falsly and be content with your wages Luke 3.14 Away away then with this dung and filth this worse and lesse then nothing if you at all esteem that inestimable Jewell of Gods Word if you know beleeve in love feare and serve and trust in God as you would be thought let not these more then base most shamefull and harmefull courses which he hates forbids threatens hath plagued and will plague Mal. 1.6 Ier. 2.19 4.18 for a little bitter sweet short pleasure for a little paltry pelfe Iam. 5.1 2 3. rusty riches or the like trash which the very Heathens in respect of vertue abhorred rejected so farre hood-wink befool mislead you that for the love of them Rom. 6.23 you should run the hazard of losing of damning your poore soules your precious soules 1 Cor. 6.9 10. and shut your selves out of Heaven Oh what shall it profit a man if he gained the whole World and should lose his soule Oh let Gods glory his Churches good your soules welfare be preferred before your unlawfull gaines for soul lost and all lost and these are the high-wayes to hell Rev. 22.15 or are you yet so ignorant and so obstinate that you wil not Beleeve this Behold ye trust in lying words that cannot profit Jer. 7.8 take Gods owne word for it which will not flatter which cannot deceive you your condition is and shall be most miserable He that getteth riches and not by right shall leave them in the middest of his dayes and at his end shall be a fool Jer. 17.11 and though you doe evill with both hands earnestly so that the Prince asketh and the Iudg. asketh for a reward and the great man he uttereth his mischievous desire and so ye wrap it up Mic. 7.3 yet wo unto you that devise iniquity and work evill upon your beds when the morning is light ye practise it because it is in the power of your hand Mic. 2.1 yea though hand joyne in hand the wicked shall not be unpunished Prov. 11.21 Apply among many more these following most plaine and powerfull places to this purpose then if you dare goe on devise by your selves consult with others abuse your wit and power to doe evill what then woe and punishment shall be your portion for further proof of this I beseech and admonish you read lay to heart and jest not with what followeth out of Gods owne Word expresly Woe to the wicked be they who they will be their wickednesse what it will it shall be evill with him evill of sorrow of shame of fearfull plagues here of horrible destruction for evermore shall be upon him for the reward of his hands shall be given him Isa 3.11 Loe it is a day of trouble and of ruine and of perplexity by the Lord God of Hosts Isa 22.5 23.9 Behold the Day of the Lord commeth cruell with wrath and fierce anger and he shall destroy the sinners out of the earth Isa 13.9 This day you say is not come it may be you conceit it will not come or not upon you and so put that day farre from you but you see God saith you see it commeth it shall surely come and what will you doe now in the day of visitation and destruction to whom will you flee for help and where will yee leave your glory the priviledges you presumed on will not secure you or whatsoever you gloried in shall nothing availe you Isa 10.3 for if you refuse and be rebellious though you thus long have escaped you shall be devoured with the sword a bullet shall meet with your head or heart when you little think of it and then it will be too late beleeve it goe the right way to work to prevent it for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Isa 1.20 infinite wayes hath God to find out thy iniquities feare and the pit and the snare are upon thee Isa 24.17 see Jer. 35.2 5 6. 16.4 6. 19.15 Deut. 18.16 destruction upon destruction is cryed for my people is foolish they have not known me they are foolish children and have none understanding they are wise to doe evill but to doe good they have no knowledge Jer. 4.20 22. the time will come that thy wayes and thine inventions shall procure these things unto thee such is thy wickednesse therefore it shall be bitter though it now seem sweet therefore it shall pierce to thine heart which thou now makest so much of Jer. 4.18 neither will it help that you have sought deep by plotting and councelling to hide your councells from the Lord although they were in darknesse never so secretly contrived and practised that
you have said who seeth us who knoweth of it Isa 29.15 Therefore the Lord saith Behold I will bring a plague upon you which you shall not be able to escape and that which will be worst of all though you cry unto me I will not heare you Jer. 11.11 because when I called you refused Prov. 1.24 to 31. verse read and remember for your soules safeties sake I beseech you yea heare and give eare be not proud for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Jer. 13.15 oh may not the Lord justly say to us as he said Jer. 6.15 were they ashamed when they had committed abomination nay they were not ashamed no neither could they have any shame and as is Chap. 8.6 I hearkned heard but none spake aright no man repented him of his wickednesse saying what have I done for many of us thinke and dare say it is shame for such as doe otherwise and instead of repenting most impudently say we have not sinned but these are rebellious people lying children and children that would not heare the Law of the Lord Isa 30.9 remember this and be ashamed bring it againe to mind O you transgressors Isa 46.8 the like places exceeding many oh then plead not plead not against the Lord be not high minded but feare Rom. 9.20 be not deceived God cannot will not be mocked Gal. 6.7 these things were written to admonish us 1 Cor. 10.6 and if we turne not the fierce wrath of the Lord shall not returne untill he hath done untill he hath performed the intents of his heart hereafter you shall understand it and if you take not heed smart for it for the Lord of hosts hath determined it and sworne to it it shall come to passe who shall disanull it his hand is stretched out who shall turne it awayâ— it is he hath consulted it shall stand he hath spoken it and will bring it to passe he hath purposed it and will also doe it the word and this is the word that goeth out of his mouth shall not returne voyd and shall accomplish that which he will Isa 14.24 27. 46.11 55.11 Dare we contend with God oh farre be it from us or else woe unto us for he is stronger then we 1 Cor. 10. â—â— and we shall find it a most fearfull thing to fall into his hands when he is angry For our God is a consuming fire Hebr. 12.29 How then what remedy oh provoke the Lord God most mighty just and jealous no more no longer to wrath but I most humbly for Gods sake and most earnestly for your owne sake beseech thee whosoever thou art let this my councell be acceptable unto thee break off thy sinnes by righteousnesse and thy iniquities by shewing mercy unto and dealing justly with the poore especially under thy command Dan. 4.24 and pitty thine own poore soule by confessing and forsaking all secret and open wayes of deceit and violence Pro. 28.13 make peace with the Lord be at one with him Isa 27.5 it will be far the wisest surest course for then the Lord hath promised thee all shall be wel with thee Is 3.10 God hath shewed thee O man what is good and what the Lord requireth of thee surely to doe justly to love mercy to humble thy selfe to walk with God Micah 6.8 now therefore without any longer delay Psal 95.7 amend your wayes and your works and hear the voyce of the Lord youâ— God Jer. 26.13 that the Lord may repent him of the plague that he hath pronounced against you Cease to doe evill learne to doe well come now saith the Lord and let us reason together though your sinnes were as Crimson they shall be made white as Snow though they were red like Scarlet they shall be as wools if you consent and obey you shall eat the good things of the Land you shall prosper here and for ever Isa 1.16 17 18 19. 1 Tim. 4.8 But if when a man heareth the words of the curse he blesseth himselfe in his heart saying I shall have peace although I walk according to the stubbornnesse of mine owne heart thus adding drunkennesse to thirst the Lord will not be mercifull unto him but when the wrath of the Lord and his jealousie shall smoak against that man and every curse that is written in this book shall light upon him and the Lord shall put out his name from under Heaven and every sicknesse and every plague which is not written in the book of this law will the Lord heap upon thee untill thou beest destroyed Deut. 29.19 20 21. 28.6 Behold I have set before thee life and good death and evill choose Deut. 30.15 heare and feare and doe no more so Oh consider the snortnesse of life and the certainty of death the suddennesse of judgement the plainnes of hell the terrour of that great day of account the meere nothingnesse of all worldly excuses and conceited priviledges 1 Sam. 12.21 and despise not the riches of Gods bountifulnesse patience and long-suffering consider that the goodnesse of God ought to lead thee to repentance doe not after the hardnesse of thy heart and impenitent disposition treasure up unto thy selfe wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God who will render to every man according to his deeds Rom. 2.4 5 6. yea the Lord will seperate thee unto evill Deut. 29.21 for although sentence against an evill work be not executed speedily and that therfore the heart of the children of men is fully set in them to doe evill yea though a sinner doe evill an hundred times and God prolong his dayes yet shall it not he well with him Eccle. 8.11 12 13. for sinne lyeth at his doore Gen. 4.7 he hath neither can or ever shall have true peace continuing so Isa 57.21 his owne wickednesse Num. 32.23 and Gods hand will find him out Jer. 2.19 and know for all these things God will bring thee to judgement Eccl. 11.9 But some will say I have taken too much upon me and medled with that which doeth not concerne me I might have been more generall covert and sparing you see I brought my warrant with me which makes me thus bold with you and as to you I speak to my selfe also therefore you may not teare this out what if you should tear them out hence you dare not teare the ground of these things out of Gods booke you cannot teare the truth and remembrance of them out of your own consciences Rom. 2.15 neither shall you teare Gods remembrance of them out of his book of accounts at that great and terrible day of judgement when he will set them all in order before you Psal 50.21 when even the chiefe Captains shall say to the Mountains fall on us and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the Throne and from the wrath of the Lambe for the great day of his wrath is come who shal be able to stand
us which is an especiall token of his favour to us being the meanes to save our soules 3 And that if the enemy should prevaile we should not onely lose these blessings but they should be scofft at prophaned and trodden under foot by them and their abominations set up to the exceeding greeat dishonour of our blessed God and the Losse of innumerable soules 2 Couragiously and that 1 Because it is the Cause of God Almighty who is able to defend and deliver us in the middest of the greatest perils and if none apparent were nigh unto us 2 Who governeth all things in all places that no bullet can fly or any other instrument of warre move but according to his especiall disposing nor doe any hurt to me but by his expresse commission and according to his good pleasure 3 That he who is most faithfull in remembring and keeping his word hath abundantly promised he will preserve and deliver me as he sees best for me 4 That he hath preserved and delivered others even prophane persons who have shewed little care to obey seek or trust him and that in extreamest dangers 5 That he hath often and most remarkably done the like to others of his and to me the most helplesse and unworthy formerly 6 That many through feare seeking to avoyd danger have the sooner hurt and slaine and others who have been warrantably and worthily valiant have by Gods protection escaped 7 That divers have been slain in a Tent hut or house or in other places where they thought themselves secure have been hurt or slaine when others in the trench or battell have been safe 8 That if the Lord please I shall be safe be the perils never so many and great for he can preserve from the greatest as well as the least from many as well as any 9 If he please I end my dayes in fight against his foes I dye a Martyr and the very instrument of my death is a meanes to send me Heaven 10 If we be fearfull and insufficient in our selves to doe our duty valiantly let us seek courage and ability from the Lord he will in some good measure undoubtedly grant it because he hath expresly promised it 3 Faithfully because the Lord hateth eye service and all unfaithfulnesse and loveth a faithfull carriage in our callings 4 Diligently and vigilantly because 1 By sloathfulnesse negligence and backwardnesse much time is lost much evill may ensue to the businesse and much shame disfavour scorne and harme may come upon our selves 2 Because time is redeemed the Cause advanced and we shall be commended and be the better trusted with imployment 5 Circumspectly that is to pursue all lawfull imployments of our calling seasonably for time place and manner with good advice worthily weighing all circumstances throughly 6 Conscionably propounding Gods glory chiefly the goodnes of the Cause seriously and our sincere obedience to his Majesty and to testifie we are Christians indeed that lay his Cause to heart deeply 7 In faith resting fully perswaded that our good God of his great mercy for the worthinesse of the Lord Jesus will graclously accept our endeavours though never so full of unworthinesse and will assuredly blesse us 8 Wiâ—h humble instant and earnest prayer especially 1 That the Lord will supply with fitting gifts for his service 2 That our endeavours may be blessed for the maintainance of the Cause 3 That he will please by all meanes in all places continually to maintaine the same and oppose the contrary Thirdly divers motives to stirre up by all meanes to help to our uttermost to maintaine the Cause of God 1 Such as have respect to the Lord most blessed for evermore as he is our God in foure respects among many more 1 That he is our Creator and hath made us for his own glory and that we cannot any way better answer the end of our creation then by offering our service yea to the death if he thinks sit for his names sake 2 That he is our Father therfore it were an unnaturall cowardly and shamefull part to stand still and look on when other of our Christian brethren are abused smitten and slaine 3 That he is our Lord then were it a base uncivill hatefull part in us to be quiet when others of our deare and loving fellow-servants are wronged and persecuted 4 That he is our chiefe good from whom we have received and doe expect all good therefore we are bound to testifie our thankfulnesse in this respect especially 2 Such as have respect to the Lord Jesus Christ our Redeemer as 1 As he is our Redeemer and dyed for us we should not suffer his Crosse to be defaced his blood to be trodden under foot as is done by Idolaters against whom we must in this case contend to the uttermost 2 Because he is persecuted and fought against in his Church should we not take his part who hath done and suffered so much for us that were his enemies and with holy wrath and indignation and deep desire of godly revenge for the wrongs done to him fight and doe all we can 3 Because he saith he that seeketh to save his life and that not for him loseth it and he that loseth his life for his sake shall find it 4 And because he protesteth if we be ashamed of him here he will be ashamed of us before his heavenly Father and what greater shame for us then not to take his part against the subtle cruell mighty wicked enemies of his and our fellow-members 3 Such as have respect to God the holy Ghost our Sanctifier and Comforter 1 He sanctifying us how should we not help them whom he hath sanctified together with us also 2 And labour to maintaine the meanes of our sanctification even his Ordinances which these his enemies would bereave us of 3 As he is our comforter would we be comforted by him and should we not be a meanes as well as we and all we may to comfort others comfortlesse and afflicted 4 Because he worketh in us all that are his one faith one hope one way alike desires and affections and sealeth unto us the assurance of that onely and eternall happinesse and that to this end chiefly the more to oblidge us to love and help one another which can no way be better manifested then in this manner 4 Such motives hereunto as may be drawne from the consideration of the disposition and demeanour of those his and our enemies as 1 They blaspheme the name of our God by their abominable idolatries 2 They rob him of his honour and give that to their idolatries 3. They mock our prayers too and serving of God 4 They deride our trust in his name 5 They reproach and revile our holy profession 6 They have defiled do and will defile the places of Gods worship where they have the upper hand 7 They banish imprison torment and kill the sevants of God and will serve us so if they prevaile 2 They ravish
In particular 1 Taking all in the best part 2 Passing by offences 3 Rejoycing at others weifare 4 Contentation with his estate 5 Humility 6 Trust in God according to his nature and promises 7 To cast his care on God 8 Inward peace joy and assurance 2 In his house to avoid 1 In words 1 In generall all prophane talke 2 In particular 1 Hastinesse to mine 2 Medling in others matters In his house 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 In words 1 In generall all edifying talk 2 In particular 1 Sobernesse to mine 2 Speaking the best of others 2 To eschew in behaviour 1 All loosnesse 2 Unseemlinesse 3 Filthinesse 2 To imbrace in behaviour 1 Stayednesse 2 Comlinesse 3 Purity 3 In company to eschew 1 In heart 1 Evill surmises of the words or carriage of others towards him 2 Partiality 3 Self-conceitednesse 2 In words 1 Unadvisednesse 2 Superfluousnesse 3 Unseasonablenesse 4 Uncharitablenesse 5 Contentiousnesse 3 In carriage 1 Lightnesse or familiatity 2 Strangenesse 3 Loftinesse 4 Uncomlinesse 4 In actions 1 Society with prophane persons 2 Excesse or tipling 3 Giving any evill example to any 4 Shewing any liking of sin 5 Seeking to humour men in ill In company to embrace 1 In heart 1 Taking all in good part 2 Directnesse 3 Lowlinesse 2 In words 1 Pre-consideration 2 Paucity 3 To the purpose 4 Charitablenesse 5 Friendlinesse 3 In behaviour 1 Gravity or reservednesse 2 Affability 3 Humility 4 Seemlinesse 4 In action 1 Good company 2 Following good example 3 Giving good example 4 Wisely reproving sinne 5 By all meanes honouring God 4 Concerning Gods publike family or private worship 1 To eschew 1 All will worship 2 Superstition 3 Unpreparednesse 4 Negligence 5 Customarinesse 6 Habituall distractions 7 Relying too much on the meanes And to embrace 1 The warrant of Gods word for the duties 2 For the manner of performing them 3 Preparation 4 Attention 5 Conscionablenesse 6 Setlednesse 7 Resting on Gods blessing Amen Amen Considerations to move to Christian watchfulnesse 1 In seeking thus Gods glory he will honour us againe 1 Sam. 2.30 2 That we are every where in the sight of God who knoweth the heart Jeremiah 17.9 10. heareth our words Ps 139.4 beholdeth all our wayes ver 1 2 3. to reward every one according to their doings Jerem. 17.10 3 We shall hereby enjoy sweet communion with our God in Christ John 14.21 Rev. 3.20 4 And be most blessed here and for evermore in every thing Ps 144.15 84.11 Rom. 8.28 For the moouth of the Lord hath spoken it therefore it shall be performed and nothing shall let it Amens All by Gods grace onely From henceforth constantly Every day seasonably With Christian conveniency In the Morning To awake with God To shake off sloath To arise timely To pray for himselfe solemnly To read in Gods Word reverendly To call to mind some of his Vowes seriously And some of the promises deliberately To sing part of a Psalme understandingly In the Afternoon To pray for his Family affectionately To read in Gods Word advisedly And in his holy Advices observantly And somewhat in the Oracles of God distinctly In the Evening To pray for Gods Church humbly To read in Gods Word holily And somewhat in the Practice of Piety carefully And in the true watch for Examination impartially To lye downe to rest with prayer to avoyd all occasions of impurity And so to sleep securely Every Sabbath Besides accustomed publike Family and private duties on that day Three severall times to caâ—â— to mind some of Gods especiall and recorded mercies By the Lords most seasonable mercifull powerfull faithfully promised constant assistance which to this end I crave rest on and look for onely without which instead of doing better I shall doe worse then formerly yea every way most hainously I resolve and shall endeavour watchfully and constantly to avoyd all intemperance immoderate taking Tobacco vaine talking unseemly carriage pride lust passion and discord and all occasions of each and to embrace the contrary graces and all meanes thereto As thou art a God of mercy power and truth show it herein unto me and let thy grace my God in Christ be alwales sufficient for me Concerning decay in Prayer A Lwayes when he found himselfe so decay in zeale and care to pray his conscience checkt him for unthankfulnesse for former assistance in praying or for depending too much upon his prayers whereupon he felt a deadnesse to all other good duties a yeelding to the motions and occasions of sinne an inward puffing up a carelesnesse and self-presuming yea a miserable distemper in all things and then he conceived himselfe to be neare some sore temptation foule fall grievous inward dejection or great outward calamity therefore he held it his instantly to fall to prayer that the Lord would please to restore unto him the spirit of prayer to work in him a willingnesse to all other holy exercises to give him strength to resist and overcome the provocations to evill to humble him deeply in the sense of his former faults and present corruptions to make him truly thankfull and watchfull and in the strength of the Almighty onely out of conscience to doe his duty to bring all into good order and to keep all so constantly and most graciously powerfull and faithfully to prevent the sinnes perplexities and troubles he feares merits and hath cause to expect to be left unto and which he else by no means can escape so awaiting the Lords leasure and submitting to his good pleasure goe all how it will all shall goe well Amen my Father in Christ of thine owne meere mercy be I never so unworthy as thou hast promised whatsoever opposeth Amen Amen even so be it Amen Some most especiall choice places of sacred Scripture that concerne my self in most especiall manner reduced to these heads 1 COncerning government of the mind page 349 2 Of the tongue p. 351 3 Of the conversation page 361 4 Of passion and sobriety p. 368 5 Of pride and humility p. 374 6 Of strise and peace 7 Of envy and charity 8 Of discontent and quiet 9 Of medling and reservednesse 10 Of sullennesse and chearfulnesse 1 Concerning government of the mind In the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom Exod 31.6 Give therefore thy servant an under standing heart that I may discerne between good and bad 1 King 3.9 Keepe thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life Pro. 4 23. The preparations of the heart in man is from the Lord Pro. 16.1 The wise in heart shall be called prudent Pro. 16.21 A wise mans heart discerneth both time and iudgement Eccl. 8.5 A wise mans heart is at his right hand but a fools heart is at his left Eccl. 10.2 How weak is thine heart saith the Lord God seeing thou doest all these things Ezek. 16.30 Set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee Ezek. 40.4 If our heart condemnes us God is