most heavy burthen that even over presseth him avoiding as before in this further increasing of them that he may by Gods good providence to deminish and get out of them to use all possible lawfull meanes to discharge them to beg of his God often and earnestly that he will please to free him of them to betake himselfe to such promises as in this case may most support and assure succour unto him to take the best course he can out of conscience to God whatsoever his may seem to suffer hereby that all may be fully paid that shall be found justly due at his decease and then not to trouble himself too much about them but to rest fully perswaded that the Lord as he sees good can and wil as he hath declared easily speedily amply and remarkably helpe him out of them The eighth maine part concerning Death The thirtieth Vow or the last of all and onely Vow of this maine part To prepare himselfe conscionably carefully constantly for the day of his death In this manner AMong many other these four main points offer themselves to his consideration chiefly Viz. 1 How to demeane himself in life and health 2 In time of sicknesse and at the point of death 3 Some sound reasons moving to this course 4 The great benefit following thereupon In life and health By Gods great goodnesse and grace to set himselfe about these two things especially viz. 1 To make his peace with God 2 To put his outward estate in good order For the first of these To pray to endeavour daily and seriously to search out acknowledge bewaile abhor protest against resolve to forsake fly the occasions of to beg pardon for strength to resist and overcome every knowne sinne whatsoever his especiall ones in especiall manner those principally that his wofull experience hath told him doth or may tell him have broken doe will or may most violate his sweet peace with his sweet God most trouble his mind terrifie his conscience makes him most fear Gods displeasure for the present and would most affright his soul if he were ready to dye and had not assurance they were pardoned so not daring for any respect to persist in any knowne evill impenitently but seeking of walking with his God in all things revealed to and so required of him sincerely and watchfully cleaving to the Lord with full purpose of heart in all good conscience inseperably thus dying to sinne and living to grace daily the sting of death which is sin unrepented of may be plucked out throughly so shall death have no power to hurt me Further for this By faith feelingly and effectually to apply the pardon which his most mercifull Father hath freely promised and by his Covenant examples and according to the goodnesse of his owne nature infinitely assured in the blood of the Lord Jesus for all his sinnes though never so many and hainous that the Lord loves him in his most dearly Beloved with an undeserved infinite unchangeable love notwithstanding his unmeasurable unworthinesse extreame weaknesse and never so great impediments to looke for mercy and grace the cause of true peace from the Lord of life onely often and earnestly to pray to the Prince of Peace for that Peace that he hath graciously left with and plentifully promised to his to consider be affected with and imbrace what he hath found most to further or that he daily finds and conceives he shall find to be most furtherable to the procuring and keeping this sweet peace which passeth all understanding to prize this Peace before al the world without it in any measure injoying it to be affectionately thankfull for it to be most fearfull of loosing it if it be wanting or decayed never to be at peace till it be vouchsafed or restored nor to give the Lord rest till he grant it considering the great setling against all distempers it brings with it and what miserable disquiet yea that nothing in this world can give true content without it yea that the remembrance of death is sweetned and the cure of the feare of death is furthered by it for having peace with God through Jesus Christ neither sinne nor affliction nor death nor devill nor hell shall ever be able to harme us for our God who hath assured it in spite of all that all these can make against us will cause all to procure good unto us For putting his outward estate in order According to the meanes his good God in his good providence hath afforded or shall please to vouchsafe unto him to have especiall care without delay conscionably and wisely to order all so that those to whom he may be indebted at his decease may be honestly paid that none may have just cause to complaine against him or lose the least by him that it may appeare he hath dealt honestly with every one to his uttermost power to keep a true and exact account of all he owes continually to prevent future trouble disorder and mistakings And further As by Christianity and nature he is bound of what shall remaine others to whom he was indebted being paid to provide for his Family by appointing every one his portion as conscience and equity requires and he with good judgement sound deliberation throughly weighing the circumstances and his charge sees most fit and so far as is possible for preventing heart-burnings contentions and Law-suits among those of his he leaves after him and from others against them concerning both these poynts of debts paying and division among his own timely to make carefully and constantly to keep in readinesse his Will or some other writing according to the course of Law whereby may plainly appeare what course he would have followed in each particular and as occasion requires changing or confirming the same leaving the good successe of these his honest intendments and endeavours to the Lords good blessing and which he must often beseech the Lord in the future as need requires to make prosperous that none may be wronged that his may be relieved and all contentions prevented Thus while he is in life and health In time of sicknesse At the beginning and as it increases by the Lords assistance most seriously to search out what sinnes he can conceive to have procured the visitation or that any way troubles his conscience to renew the most humble acknowledgement of them to lament and crave renewed remission of them and assurance of pardon for them also more earnestly renewing his resolutions against them and vowes if God please to send recovery no more to fall into them to ply the promised duty of examination now especially to find out as neere as he can what sinnes are threatned with the punishment of sicknesse particularly and to take the same course to be rid of them that is here mentioned already having thus nenewed his repentance and faith and his peace with the Lord in Christ to review and settle his will or writing for ordering his
outward estate and then in obedience unto and in the feare of the Lord to use all lawfull meanes for recovering his health looking chiefly and onely to the Lords blessing thereupon without which all is in vaine humbly submitting unto patiently bearing of resting heartily contented with by no meanes or not in the least to murmure against the Lords good pleasure towards him with a sober spirit meek mind understanding well governed heart setled countenance Christian and seemly carriage to demeane himselfe under the hand of his God justifying the Lord though himselfe be utterly consumed trusting in him though he should be killed thanking of him and laying to heart that so infinitely farre lesse then his deserts he is punished that he is so fatherly chastised that mercy in the midst of wrath is remembred that any ease is vouchsafed that so many meanes of comfort is granted that a good issue goe all how it will is assured and a sanctified use promised and that as a Child from a most wise and tender-hearted Father though the affliction be long and sore he is afflicted to beseech the Lord for a right carriage in his affliction for a sanctified use of his affliction for a happy deliverance how he pleaseth from the affliction and so without any mere adoe or trouble with a quiet well contented mind to await the issue which belongeth to the Lord onely and to those that visit him to speake Christianly At the poynt of death And the neerer he draweth thereunto to draw the neerer to his God in Christ by humiliation faith prayer patience hope and longing all through the strenhth of the Lord which against that time he must often before and as long as he live beseech the Lord to give him as also to discourse holily to call upon the Lord continually yea if it be possible to dye praying or with some pertinent place of Scripture or some other godly speech in his mouth for his owne more refreshing or setling and the exemplary edification of those most neere and deare to him or others that are about him to sigh to Heaven to shew signes his heart is there when power to pray or speake is taken from him O Lord my God Make me mindfull of my mortality and teach me so to number my dayes that I may apply my heart to true wisdome cause me cleerly to discerne and rightly to be sensible of the vanity and vexation of all things under the Sunne Oh let them no more mislead me make me willing to part from them cause me to dye to sinne and live to thee daily cause me to live by faith and keepe a good conscience continually prepare me in my inward and outward man yea every way for thee settle me against all discouragements concerning the remembrance or comming of death yea cure the feare thereof in me make me willing to leave this and desirous of a better life dispose me be I never so averse there-from Oh dispose me to wish to be dissolved and to be with thee unfainedly from a sudden unprovided death good Lord deliver me make me alwayes ready for thee that I may bid thee welcome and resigne my selfe into thy hands gladly when it commeth to the push Lord when it commeth to the push help me to doe as thou hast granted me to know write purpose and pray for and every way else that thy will and my condition as a good Christian requireth of me yea then uphold governe work in with and for me when I am weakest and Sathan busiest that I may not be tempted beyond what I shall be enabled to beare that I may find thee my help in need my deliverer thereout and that thou receivest me to thy Kingdome of Glory Amen These among many other reasons moves him to take this course 1 Because the Lord expresly requires it 2 Because it is most sure and comfortable 3 Because to prepare for death doth not hasten but qualifie it 4 Lest deferring time present he be deprived of time to come for who knoweth what sudden and sore changes a day may bring forth 5 It being most certaine he must dye and yet as uncertaine when where or how 6 That no outward priviledges can prevent or comfort at the time of death but this course can comfort though not prevent 7 That others as likely to live as himselfe are dead 8 That the longer we put off our preparation for death the more unfit we are and shall be to dye 9 That having in sincerity though weakly dispatched this great businesse nothing can be grievous unto us 10 That when the Lord cals for us we have no more to doe but in peace with cheerfulnesse to give our selves into his hands 11 That he might give his mind the fuller satisfaction 12 And be the more free 〈◊〉 walk in all the narrow way of life to happinesse 13 That we are most unfâ—â— hereto when sicknesse ceaseth on us and death threaten us having then too much to doe with our paines and other distractions 14 That this work being done the greatest work is done that can concerne us and that as far as we faile herein we faile of solid comforts 15 That it is the best wisdome by timely preparation for our most comfort to entertaine that which all the world cannot keep from us and which be neglected will certainly ruine us 16 By this course we shall much honour God and benefit others that see know or heare of us Now for the exceeding many and most excellent benefits following this conscionable carefull and constant course besides what is mentioned before for more brevity he referres you to those places of Scripture concerning death and everlasting life to be found in his collection of Promises page 33. and 67. where also is more plentifully explained what he understands beleeves and looks for in both these respects Oh that my soule could sensibly say Come Lord Jesus come quickly ever so come Lord Jesus I beseech thee For conclusion of all To seeke depend upon and await for the Lords onely help and blessing in every respect Briefly thus IN the sense of his extreame ignorance indisposition and disability to thinke speake of doe the least good and of him most grievous ingratitude sinfulnesse unbeliefe in receiving any good and insatiable pronenesse to all evill to think of himselfe meanly to deny himselfe utterly sincerely though he can at the best but very weakly to crave of the Lord all understanding disposition and ability to discharge each part of his duty and unfainedly though he cannot as he ought confidently to look for all mercy grace and good from the hand of Heaven because the Lord God who hath promised is most mercifull therefore willing most mighty therefore able most faithfull therefore must performe it be I never so weak and unworthy and whatsoever doth or may oppose it all onely because he is so pleased alone for his owne great glory through the al-sufficient merits and continuall meditation of the Lord Jesus Christ my alone Saviour and Intercessor through whom I beleeve and await undoubtedly and seasonably to find it Another Exhortation Forget not O my soule upon what occasions and in what manner thou hast vowed unto thy God but remember to performe them watchfully faithfully constantly or else thou makest way for all the wrath of God to breake in upon thee and consider Oh consider it is a most fearfull thing to fall into his hands being angry Lord enlighten my understanding strengthen my memory rectifie my affections to know retaine and chuse grant me feelingly to apply and powerfully to practise whatsoever by thy Word thou hast revealed to me that may best please thee and that I have thus vowed unto thee for Jesus Christ his sake I beseech thee Amen Helpe forgive accept and blesse I pray thee Amen Yea though I be as I am most weake wretched and unworthy for thy mercy and thy truthes sake I beg of thee Amen My good God to thy great Name be all the glory FINIS
Gods blessings to the best use 27 To give the tenth of all increase to holy uses 28 To avoid suretiship to the uttermost 29 To forbeare running into and to endeavour to get out of debt by all meanes we can 30 To prepare conscionably carefully and constantly for the day of death The conclusion to seek depend upon and await for the Lords onely help and blessing in every respect Psal 28.7 127.1.2 Phil. 4.13 Amen my Lord my God my Father according to thy mercy power and truth in Jesus Christ Amen Amen Proofes 1 Psa 119.6.101 2 4. Com. 3 Psal 55.17 4 Lam. 3.40 5 Joel 2.12 13. Zach. 12.12 to the end Da. 9.3 c. 1 Cor. 11.26 to 32 7 Ps 101. 15.4 8 Ps 15.4 16.3 9 Acts 24.14 23.1 10 Deut. 16.18 19. Pro. 21.3 11 Deut. 23.14 1 Sam. 16.18 18.5.14.30 12 Levit. 18.19 Joel 2.16 Rom. 13.13 13 Deut. 6.7 14 Psa 101 15 Psa 1.1 Prov. 1.10.15 16 Isa 5.11.22 17 Job 31.1 Rom. 13.13 18 Pro. 14.17 29 15.1.18 19 Psal 39.1 17.3 20 1 Thes 5.11 1 Cor. 14.26 21 Ephe. 5.15 Ex. 23.13 22 Phil. 3.20 23 Psal 4.4 33.8 119.161 24 Ps 40.5 25 1 Tim. 4.5 26 Mat. 25.16 27 Gen. 28.20 21 22. 28 Prov. 6.1 11.15 29 Rom. 13.8 Ps 37.21 30 Isa 31.1 Mat. 24.42 Mark 13.37 The Vowes first briefty placed and in order explained and how he ought and purposeth by Gods grace to performe them The first maine part containing the first Vow concerning generall Obedience As to have respect to all Gods Commandements and to turne from every evill way That is SIncerely watchfully willingly constantly in thought word behaviour and conversation wheresoever he is with whomsoever he hath to doe and in whatsoever he takes in hand according to the light of a well informed conscience to ser himselfe against whatsoever is unlawfull and unbeseeming before God and man to the uttermost avoiding all the occasions of any sinne and all appearance of every evill and to imbrace every warrantable and commendable duty and all good meanes that may further thereunto abhorring all by-respects of pleasures profits feares flattery friends favour intreaty threats compulsion company fashion or custome multitudes examples though of otherwise good men speaking against of great men and the like that would mislead me breaking through all impediments not dispensing with himselfe in any particular approving himselfe to the Lord in all things and above all seeking his glory in the conscionable discharge of his duty The second maine part containing five Vowes concerning Gods holy Worship First to make strict conscience of sanctifying the Sabbath every where continually Before it come TO remember the same to prepare therefore to strive for longing thereafter to clense himselfe to sanctifie the same wisely carefully and constantly to prevent or remove in himselfe his or others all that he can whatsoever would occasion the prophaning or hinder the hallowing thereof on the contrary imbracing and furthering all that may further so holy a duty to pray to be prepared thereto to keep his heart busied with good thoughts and tongue with good speeches the night before yea if it may be with possible conveniency to call those about him together in the afternoone on Saturday the more solemnly and throughly to teach them their duty therein and to stirre up our selves the better hereto often calling upon and urging of them to sinish our owne works timely and diligently that our hearts be not troubled with the cares of them nor our hands tempted to worke about them on the Sabbath in especiall manner to prevent and breake off all domesticall grievances and perturbations because heart-burnings discords and disorders among the members of the Family extend their infection and hurt even to the prophanation of the Sabbath neither doth the Lord look to be served aright in his house if people live not quietly lovingly and dutifully in their houses aske experience and be warned for God will be sanctified in chose that draw neer unto him When the Sabbath is come TO arise early to give himselfe throughout the whole day without wearinesse with all diligence and delight to the severall duties of the day in Gods house in his family in private as to hearing reading prayer meditation conference Catechizing singing Psalmes every duty seasonably reverently attentively feelingly profitably to devide the times aright for every publique family and private duty that all be done orderly without hast or confusion that the one be not a hinderance but a furtherance to the other to watch against all worldly vaine and unedifying much more all wicked thoughts words and works throughout the whole day entertaining onely heavenly Meditations speeches and actions when of necessity he shall be hindered by any importunate and unavoidable duty of his particular calling as removing marching watching quartering sayling and the like To consider it is the Lords day and as may most stand with Christian conveniency to lay hold on every opportunity to doe or receive all the good he can to separate himself that he may with more freedome be the better busied to take occasion to speake of good things with those I know to be well inclined to keepe his heart close to the Lord when it cometh to the push not onely to know write and say thus but by Gods grace to practice accordingly to avoid forgetfulnesse neglect and sloth to take heed of tipling immoderate eating and whatsoever would make heavy and unfit for heavenly duties or distract from them not yeelding willingly to any thing that is contrary to the warrantable strictnesse of that day by no means dispensing to transgresse in the least against conscience a bewailing craving pardon for and Reformation of whatsoever he knowes amisse beleeving the gratious acceptation of and a waiting for his promised blessing upon his poore performances notwithstanding the wâ—aknesse of them and all other hinderances onely through Christ Jesus so giving himselfe to serve the Lord on his day wholy Besides these AS occasion requires to exercise Charity to the poore mercy towards our selves and others yea to our servants and cattell which are both to rest that day yea in time of earing and harvest Further we our selves must rest also from all works of pleasure and profit we may take convenient sustenance and that with others and must yeeld to works of instant and urgent necessity for he that is Lord of the Sabbath saith it is lawfull for us to doe good on the Sabbath day The third Vow and second of this second maine part To imbrace every part of Gods worship every day as he may possibly and conveniently without superstition and wilfull neglect That is FIrst in private to pray for himselfe his family and Gods people as most pressing occasions require to read in Gods word and somewhat in a good book to examine himselfe by some part of the true watch to call to mind his vowes to remember some of Gods
to his to attaine the same to seek all help from heaven More especially As by the especiall grace of God it hath been he also resolves it shall be his constant course to begin every new yeer in this manner also ever when the Lord cals him out of his garrison into the field being then to expect more then ordinary hard and perilous imployments thus most humbly and unfainedly to crave grace wisdome and good government sufficiency health safety and good successe as need may require As also that the Lord will please to watch over every one of his at home for good in every respect all the time of his absence from them and if it be his blessed will we may enjoy a comfortable meeting c. with our particulars to remember the generall necessities of of Gods Church and Children yea sometimes to set such dayes a part on their behalfe as fellow-feeling members of the same body whereof Christ Jesus is the head and as we would they should doe the like for us in our calamities The time for such solemnities Cannot in his judgement be lesse then from even to even one ordinary meale being onely forborne All which time to abstaine from eating and drinking so farre as nature be not weakned as may happen to some aged sick or weakly disposed persons or women with child or the like who are to preferre mercy before sacrifice and so be made the more unfit to performe holy duties to lay aside our best apparrell sweet smeâ—ls musick or any other thing that would delight us Further to forbeare all works of our calling use of the Marriage-bed fâ—llnesse of sleep yea whatsoever would hinder before distâ—â—â—t in or any way violate 〈…〉 a service To weigh Considerately and throughly the urgent occasions thereof and how happy we shall be in obtaining what we want or escaping what we feare or suffer thereby to stirre us up the more submissively and earnestly to crave the same To prepare for and to keepe the same as the Sabbath All the whole day to apply himselfe to the conscionable orderly and constant performance of every holy duty to come before the Lord herein with meditation preparation examination and deliberation in obedience and repentance confidently and patiently awaiting a blessing from above which he hath expresly promised to leave behind him and as the Lord hath in this respect done to others of his wonderfully yea to him and his informer greatest extremities often and most remarkably this onely of his owne meere mercy in Christ Jesus in every pressing necessity chiefly be we never so unworthy and be our duty discharged never so weakly if but sincerely thus labouring our labour shall not be in vaine but be rewarded graciously plentifully and assuredly for was hipocriticall and monstrously wicked Ahab regarded heard and spared who was onely with the threatning terrified and thereby but outwardly humbled what will not our reconciled God and most tender-hearted Father doe for his how will he then regard heare spare and help his who by his good grace in their extremity thus draw neere unto him humble themselves before him and seek all help onely from him with true contrition filiall fear humility of heart sincerity of spirit Christian confidence and faith unfained who ever hath at any time in any thing in this manner sought his God aright that hath been sent away succourlesse and hath not either obtained the thing he desired or that which his experience must confesse was much better for him the like may we look for undoubtedly Lord cause me thus to seek thee and I am sure thou wilt as thou hast done and declared work for me wonderfully The sixth Vow and fifth of this maine part concerning receiving the Lords Supper To receive the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of our blessed Saviour reverently and fruitfully when and where soever he possibly may That is before receiving ALwayes oftentimes to call to mind and apply the particulars which the Lord requires of us before at and after receiving and what good the Lord sheweth and assureth to his in the Sacrament as followeth in briefe and then to turne all into an humble and earnest prayer for the Lords especiall assistance and blessing not forgeting to give thanks for grace and comfort received nor to humble himselfe for present wants and former abusing this holy Ordinance which might now hinder Gods grace mercy acceptation and blessing in this work or procure his threatned judgements to the prophaning thereof now especially to practise the forementioned duty of examination to remember and lay to heart with heavenly mindednesse the sacred mysteries of this blessed Ordinance to imbrace the same in obedience to his sweet Saviours command who sayes doe this and that the more solemnly to celebrate the remembrance of his death for me being the chiefe end thereof and the more openly to confesse his name thereby bewailing his owne most sinfull condition in generall and his especiall sinnes in especiall manner resolving unfainedly to break them all off and to serve the Lord in all good conscience afterward not leaving out any one known sinne for any respect herein dealing as before the Lord directly as he would the Lord should blesse and not plague him in this great duty looking from himselfe from his owne hainous sinfulnesse extreame unworthinesse and most accursed naturall condition to the so freely plainly plentifully infallibly assured mercies in his most faithfullâ— promises through the alone al-sufficient satisfaction of his onely Saviour Christ Jesus so denying himselfe utterly labouring to seek and find all mercy grace peace comfort and happinesse all wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption in him onely resolving to live in all love peaceâ— and Christian Charity with every one continually forgetting forgiving fore-pash injuries utterly passing by offences wisely where distaste hath beene or heart-burning may be to seeke and accept reconciliation seriously and gladly to converse quietly to doe good for ill heartily and unweariedly Approaching to the Lords Table To be filled with all holy affections to give no way to the contrary thoughts being busie about so heavenly a duty to shew a most reverent gesture as in the presence of the Lord of and over all the great King and Master of this Feast who is a most holy God and will be sanctified in body and spirit of those that draw neere unto him as in the sight of the most glorious Angels and Gods holy Congregation All the time of Ministration To remember distinguish and apply the severall ceremonies and their significations with godly sorrow lively faith sweet comfort entire thankfulnesse c. as is more at large in Master Brinslyes true Watch the first part Pag. 145 146 147. Going from the Table To rest assured that I doe and shall as certainly enjoy the thing signified even the Body and Blood of Christ for the free and full remission of all his sinnes and salvation of his soul as he hath outwardly received
uncomely behaviour through too much harshnesse or familiarity not to intrude uncivilly into others society nor to interrupt them in their talk or to intermeddle with their businesse but to goe by step back or turne away with all civility and curtesie in discoursing with others not to passe his opinion upon any person or occasion unasked lightly or hastily if pressed to speake if it be a matter unconvenient or that does not concerne him or that is not pleasing to him or from whence no good may arise to answer with silence or to ask some other harmlesse question or propound some more fitting matter or to turne away quietly and inoffensively Further to avoid Vaine light loud and unseemly laughter which is a sure and open signe of forgetfulnesse unstaiednesse misgovernment and folly to take good heed continually in his talking with others and when others talke with him or when he is alone it think no body sees him that he break off and amend nodding with shaking of his head winking with the eyes biting of the lip wrying the mouth gaping putting out the tongue gnashing his teeth staring in the face hanging the head downe laying it on the shoulder thrugging his shoulder acting with his hands motions of the feet or any other unseemly posture with any part of the body out of scorn carelesnesse or custome or out of conceit they become him well or in vaine astectation or in foolish imitation In these to be especially carefull Because therein he hath been formerly so forgetfull that some have noted him for unbeseeming demeanor to endeavor in every thing by Gods good guidance to be so circumspect that he in nothing give distaste but may converse commendably and acceptably withall remembring what contempt shame and trouble for miscarriage hath procured and will procure him and not forgetting that what he mislikes and speaks against as a blemish uncomely and misseeming in others in their manner of speaking countenance carringe and gesture as ill becomes him and causeth others to blame him and the lesse to regard him The sixt maine part concerning his private course The two and twentieth Vow and first of this maine part To converse with God in holy matters That is IN his Study garden tent hut or abroad in the field to bethink deliberately distinctly affectionately and not to give over till he have beaten the matter through and made it his owne by powerfull application and unfained resolution to practise what holy duties God remires of him what warrant there is out of Gods Word for them and when where and how most seasonably conscionably and profitably to perform them and what good by the Lords most mercifull and promised blessing by former experence and by examples of Gods Children he may a flure himselfe in the use of them Also How he may carry himselfe most conscionably faithfully worthily and comfortably in his particular place and calling and how most religiously and ordorly in his Family and how most Christianly and commendably in his common course Further How best to walk with his God in saving-knowledge true faith sincere obedience sound repentance lively hope yea in all good conscience with contentation in every condition And how Best to be assured of Gods love mercy grace peace joy strength relâ—efe protection and blessing in all he takes in hand and that concernes him how best to demeane himselfe in prosperity and adversity how to make right use of every present condition to draw the nearer to and to find the more communion with God thereby in all his proceedings though never so small more often and earnestly consult with God to crave his direction and blessing by his Word and prayer To furnish himselfe With such meditations places of Scripture and solid reasons as may best fence him against those sinnes most incident to his nature calling common conversation family-carriage and private course and for most Christian and comely carriage to the contrary To remember He is in Gods al-seeing sight though never so alone therefore to take heede that his thoughts and carriage be such as become his most holy glorious and al-knowing presence and if he must or when he doth think upon his outward lawfull worldly occasions in regard of his imployments distresses or Christian comforts not to dwell too long upon them but to mix holy cogitations with them and by them to be moved to sigh to call to God for his direction and blessing in them when he departs from them To be often In prayer and other heavenly exercises when he is in private to this end often seperating himselfe from impediments especially from company and to love in this manner to be private and solitary therefore to chuse and frequent such times and places constantly and unvreariedly The three and twentieth Vow and second of this maine part To keep himselfe in awe by holy Meditations Thus SOlemnly to call to mind seriously to ponder upon and powerfully to apply the fearful fall and utter rejection of the Angels the sinne and punishment of Adam and all his posterity the vilenesse of our natures the ilnesse of our conversations the bainousnesse and danger of sinne un-repented of his owne especially sinnes from his youth up his many abominable backslidings his continuall offendings the grievous failings of his best duties the sinfulnesse of his Family and company the abominations of the times the cursed sinnes of our calling Also Gods most fearfull and remarkable judgements abroad in the world his particular plagues upon particular persons yea some that he hath knowne Gods heavy visitations generall and particular upon his owne Church and deare Children those afflictions that have been yet are or are like to fall upon himselfe and his Family upon them most neere and deare unto him the vanity and vexation of all things under the Sunne the mutability and mortality of all men the day of his owne death terriblenesse of the great day of account endlesse and easâ—esse paines of hell the full and ever during happinesse in Heaven the attributes of the Lord God as his most absolute infinite and unchangeable holinesse excellency power justice mercy wisdome truth omniscience omnipresence c. and every his owne extreame wickednesse basenesse wretchednesse helplesnesse c. to keep his heart in awe that he sinne not to watch to walke humbly with and uprightly before his God to labour to lay to heart whatsoever may by Gods working move him with some sense and sorrow to weigh his owne and other misdeeds and miscries and cause him the more carefully and affectionately to feare seeke serve depend upon and give due glory unto the Lord his God who is blessed for evermore The foure and twentieth Vow and third of this maine part To call to mind the Lords especiall mercles That is MOst respectively to remember and with all holy affection of heart to be moved at that most wonderfull work of redemption by Christ when we were and had else for ever been
extremity If his estate be or by Gods goodnesse prove more prosperous To take especiall notice of in heart to acknowledge carefully to write up and record revetendly to tell to others affectionately to thank the Lord for his fatherly love care providence assistance and blessing in that his estate is bettered and his great necessities so remarkably relieved and that his good and powerfull hand hath so helped c. to be the more humble watchful upright not to prove proud high-minded and puft up or to grow the more careles or to think himself the more secure or the lesse to estâ—eme others deserving respect or to flacken or loose his integrity or piety or sobriety or the daily and conscionable performing holy exercises thereby not to set his hart theron or prodigally to spend the more or any way to be misled thereby to any lust or excesse to be the more conscionable temperate and charitable as having the more to account for that he may not be transported into any sinne or folly by having the more to consider the vanity and vexation hereof and mixed-here within the very best and most comfortable use that this outward prosperity is not simply a certaine signe of Gods favour or of our goodnesse as we see by common experience for the worst men for the most part in this world prosper best and the best are most afflicted that our estate can soone be changed to be worse then it was yea to the greatest extrâ—mity that it neither commends our persons prayers or any thing that we doe or that concernes us the more unto the Lord that it can offord us no comfort ease or help in any visitation nor in any wise prevent she same that it can neither keep off nor comfort us at the houre of death nor further us to Heaven if not sanctified to us and that we have not a sonctified use thereof therefore by Gods grace to labour privately before God and publiquely in he face of the world to be more devout and well governed that the blessings God hath given him may by Gods mercies prove blessings to him and pledges of the best blessings to him that none may say see his change of estate hath changed him to the worse and that instead of comforts they prove not â—â—rses unto him c. The six and twentieth Vow and the second of this maine part To put the Lords blessings to the best use That is CArefully to avoid improvidence unthriftinesse or spending beyond commings in lavish laying out upon vaine company excesse in eating drinking apparell and upon all other trifles and unnecessaries to break off banquetting feasting often inviting labouring to live within compasse yet in Christian manner to use the blessing of our Lord freely for lawfull seemely comfortable maintenance alwayes receiving and using them with prayer and thanksgiving humbly and soberly The seven and twentieth Vow and third of this maine part To give the tenth of all encrease to the Lord in holy uses That is IF the Lord ever please to help him out of debt for till then he cannot say certainly what he hath and to blesse him with commings in to keep a strict account of all that comes into his hands and to lay aside the tenth of all lawfull profits for pious and charitable uses as to help to maintaine a Minister to further Gods divine worship or to relieve such as are in distresse c. Also Carefully to avoid to break est to amend forgetfulnesse neglect unwillingnesse backwardnesse delaying seeking excuses dispensing to omit the like hinderances in this case Yea Although profit come in plentifully yea so much the more to continue accordingly dealing herein directly as in the sight of God who knowes the temper of his heart and manner of dealing herein Doing thus To testifie reall thankfulnesse for blessings received and sincere obedience to what is required and to performe faithfully what he hath so seriously vowed with an assured expectation of a mercifull and plentifull blessing according as the Lord hath promised and in his good pleasure sees most fitting remembring that to dare to dodge with God herein is not the way to prosper but to procure the more misery The eight and twentieth Vow and fourth of this maine part To avoid suretiship to the uttermost he can Therefore SEriously to consider and when occasion requires not to forget what a snare trouble vexation and losse it is as divers plaine places of Scripture expresly prove and if kinsman friend neighbour or stranger never so earnestly desire it alleadge never so likely reasons to move him to it and promise never so largely to discharge it and to secure him never so much from losse or trouble by it and to recompence him never so liberally for it but civily friendly with good reasons unmoveably to refuse it shewing how God in his Word forbids it and what inconveniences comes by it telling them be hath absolutely vowed against it intreating therefore upon these good grounds that his deniall be not ill judged but excused if they be greatly distressed that importune it rather to give or lend unto them freely or by some other good meanes to help them according to his ability conveniency and best security if his refusall cause their frowns or dis-favour wisely to take no notice thereof smother or beare it better suffer that then vexation trouble and losse in consenting to it therefore in it be possible himselfe never to desire it or not to take it ill if he be refused remembring with applying how many he hath known and heard to have been extreamly disquiered sued hindered yea themselves and theirs even undone by it and cry woe and alas that ever they yeelded to it to pray to the Lord to give him wisdome and government to avoid it and to blesse him heartily that he hath pleased hitherto to keep him from it The nine and twentieth Vow and fifth of this main part To forbeare running into and to endeavour to get our of debt by all means he can Thus BY avoyding al needly expences and suretiship and by living retiredly providently as is before mentioned and further from henceforth God assisting by eschewing too liberall lending and disbursing to others as far as conscience equity and charity will suffer wherein he bath beens so free and unadvised and much hindered himself formerly therefore to deny others that may desire it hereafter discreetly and seriously and to deale herein plainly let them take it as they please from him the rather experience teaching him that hereby no small trouble hath befallen him and will come unto him for either friends or money or both are lost and he must often even with shame and griefe intreat for and be heartily glad and thinke himselfe much bound to them that are indebted to him to get his owne at all after many intreaties and long stay from them for running further into debt thus Now considering His debts are the onely present