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
True Treasure OR Thirtie holy Vowes CONTAINING The briefe sum of all that concernes the Christian Centurians conscionable walking with GOD. FIRST Solemnly made since often renewed and again seriously reviewed with some particulars added the more to encrease and confirme his Christian Resolutions ALL In the onely strength of the Almighty By Phillip Skippon Sergeant Maior generall c. The most unworthy Souldier of Christ Jesus I am the Almighty God walke before me and be thou upright Gen. 17.1 London Printed for Samuel Enderby and are to be sold at his Shop in Popes-head-Alley 1644. To all Souldiers of reall honour and honesty P.S. wisheth all grace and good successe in the Lord Jesus Friends __HAving by the especial help of my God finished and published a Collection of his promises of good things to us I here present you with some Vowes of our obedience unto him Had not my imployments for the Publique hindred I had by the LORDS assistance plainly proved every Particular by expresse places of Scriptures but I hope all is so consonant to sound Doctrine and the patterne of wholesome words that there needs no dispute I know in these high flying times such meane matters as these are with many of small esteeme However I humbly leave them to the due consideration of godly meeke and judicious minded men desiring all may be for Christian satisfaction and no way tend to unedifying contention they concerne Souldiers especially in many particulars Well such as the Worke is if you please to accept and make good use of it 't is all I desire from you for it Farewell in Christ our Redemer Amen The maine parts of the following Vowes how many there are in each Part and concerning what The first maine part concerning generall Obedience And containeth one Vow page 13. The second part concerning Gods Worship And containeth five Vowes 1. Of sanctifying the Sabbath p. 15. 2. Of the ordinary parts of Gods worship p. 21. 3. Of Examination p. 26. 4. Of holy Fasting p. 31. 5. Of receiving the Lords Supper p. 38. The third maine Part concerning his particular Calling And containeth five Vowes 1. Of opposing evill Persons and courses p. 45. 2. Of cherishing Good men and Goodnesse p. 47 3. Of giving good example in his place p. 49 4. Of doing Justice p. 51. 5. Of demeaning himselfe worthily p. 52. The fourth main Part concerning Family Carriage And containeth three Vowes 1. Of eschewing the abuse of the Marriage-bed p. 58. 2. Of edifying his charge p. 60. 3. Of walking wisely in his house p. 63. The fifth Part concerning his common Conversation And containeth seven Vowes 1. Of avoyding evill Company p. 65. 2. Of avoyding Excesse p. 71. 3. Of avoyding flithinesse p. 78. 4. Of avoyding passion p. 81. 5. Of avoyding misgovernment of tâ—â— tongue p. 85. 6. Of 〈◊〉 others p. 89. 7. Of wary walking p. 94. The sixth maine Part concerning his private Course And containeth three Vowes 1. Of conversing with God p. 98. 2. Of keeping himselfe in awe p. 103. 3. Of calling to mind Gods especiall mercies p. 106. The seventh maine Part concerning his outward Estate And containeth five Vowes 1. How to have a sanctâ—fied use thereof p. 110. 2. Of right using Gods blessings p. 120. 3. Of giving the tenth to holy uses p. 121. 4. Of avoyding suret ship p. 123. 5. Of avoyding running into debt p. 125. The eighth maine Part and thirtieth Vow concerning preparing for Death And containeth one Vow p. 128. In all Vowes 30 The Conclusion concerning seeking of depending upon awaiting for Gods help and Blessing in all and above all things p. 143. Thus farre of the chiefe heads of this Treatise A briefe Preadmonition O MY Soule be Admonished ever to say to heart and never to forget at what times namely in greatest feares and distresses Psal 66.13 14. And in what manner namely with fearfull imprecations against thy selfe in case of disobedience these Vowes have been made and renewed and that the Lord will surely require these things of thee Deut. 23.21 Observe by the way two things FIrst some expresse places out of sacred Scripture concerning holy Vows Secondly his more especiall considerations in making these Vowes First the plaine places Vow and pay unto the Lord your God Psal 76.11 David vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob Psal 132.3 When thou vowest a Vow to God deferre not to pay it Eccles 5.4 That which is gone out of thy lippes thou shalt keepe and performe Deut. 23.23 I will pay thee my Vowes which my lips have uttered and my mouth hath spâ—ken when I was in trouble Psal 66.13 14. Cursed be the deceiver which hath in his flocke a male and voweth and sacrificeth a corrupt thing Mal. 1.14 If thou shalt forbeare to vow it shall be no sinne unto thee Deut. 23.22 When thou shalt vow a Vow unto the Lord thy God thou shalt not slack to pay it for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee and it would be sinne unto thee Deut 23.21 Better it is thou shouldst not vow then that thou shouldst vow and not pay Eccles 5.5 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sinne neither say before the Angel it was an errour Eccles 5.4 To Vow and not to pay is foolish Eccles 5.4 troublesome Prov. 20.25 sinfull Deut. 23.21 dangerous thing Eccles 5.6 Therefore according to the Vow that thou vowest so thou must doe Num. 6.21 Well Lord I have sworne and by thy grace I will performe it that I will keep thy righteous judgements Psal 119.206 See Job 22.27 Nah. 1.15 Isa 19.21 Acts 18.18 Gen. 28.20 1 Sam. 1.11.21 Joh. 1.16 2.9 Mat. 5.33 Psal 50.14 2.25 61.8 65.1 116.14 Secondly his especiall considerations These Vowes are made not to insnare any mans conscience for every one is left to his lawfull liberty nor as if it were possible for himselfe or any other perfectly to performe them For alas he hath sinned doth sinne and is prone to sin against every circumstance of every one of them continually and in many things we sin all Jam. 3.2 but to testifie his hearts unfained desire to walk with his God according to them and how he resolves by Gods grace will endeavour to pay them and finding his many and great failings against them to become yet more vile in his owne sight 1 Sam. 6.22 and to abhorre himselfe in dust and ashes Job 42.6 in the sight of his most holy God 1 Sam. 6.20 the more earnestly to beg mercy Psal 51. grace Heb. 4.16 and compassion in Christ Jesus also when at any time in any particular he shal hereafter stray from God the more strictly hereby to recall himselfe and return unto him Ps 119.59 and although it be true they cannot be fully observed 2 Cor. 2.16 yet may they fitly serve as they are warranted by Gods Word as good and helpfull rules to shew us our duty and to further us therein and to cause us
promises to meditate on some good point to sing part of a Psalme all in the freest and sittest season Secondly in his family morning and evening to pray to read in Gods word and somewhat in a good book to conferre of good things to sing part of a Psalme to pray before and to give thanks after meales to season them with good discourse to catechise his children once a day Thirdly to lay hold on every occasion for each part of Gods publique worship In every one To set himselfe to seeke the Lord. Preparedly with premeditation Understandingly knowing what he goes about Deliberately not slubberingly nor in hast or wishing the work over Humbly he being so evill and God so holy Feelingly that his heart lahour in the action and be affected Zealously with earnestnesse and stretched out affections till the work be ended Seasonably when he may be least distracted and doe himselfe and others the most good Willingly not as puld by the ears or forced shaking off backwardnesse Chearfully striving against coldnesse dulnesse deadheartednesse and drowsinesse Instantly without delay or deferring till another time Constantly at set times if it may be catching at conveniency Conscionably because the Lord requires it Not customarily for fashions sake or any by respect In sincerity not to be seen of men but approving his heart to God Resolutely though nick-named scorned and opposed Singularly though never so few doe so Secretly in every private and family duty avoiding all loudnesse and open shewes as farre as possible may be In faith especially resting on the Lords promised acceptation and blessing in Christ Jesus In hope awaiting the experimentall performance thereof With sound application to his especiall occasions With upright and earnest resolutions to obey Powerfully practifing accordingly All in the strength of the Lord as to and in the sight of the Lord as well as he can though he cannot as he ought with true though weak defire to feare his name These following Exceptions may lawfully hinder or alter the precise times of performing the foresaid duties and sometimes some one or more of the duties themselves As BEing visited with sicknesse or being withdrawne by the workes of his calling or other urgent occasions as will not admit of delay journying by water or land being in places and company where he cannot with christian conveniency neither need the times be so strictly stood upon if the duties be at some other times performed Yet not to neglect or delay when and where he may serve the Lord as he will answer to the Lord who searcheth the hearts alwayes labouring to redeeme the time and not to trouble himself although he later some duties and performe others in their places his conscience bearing him witnesse that he still desires to seâ—ve the Lord the better thereby The fourth Vow and third of this maine part concerning Examination To examine his repentance and faith by the Law and Gospell frequently seriously and impartially as in Gods presence who sees his carriage towards him in this weighty worke That is ACcording to Master Brinslies exposition of the Law and Gospell in his book called The first part of the true Watch and rule of life being in his judgement the best help for this use that ever he met withall to try his thoughs words and wayes past present and to come c. For the times Ordinarily before every Sabbath more especially before receiving the Sacrament and before a publique Family or private Fast but most of all in any fore sicknesse or any other great calamity or being summoned by death that she may not live in any knowne sinne or the omission of any required duty without repent ance to chuse such times of the day and to seek out such places at home or abroad in field or Garrison when and where he may be most private and least hindered and be surest to prevent and escape all company and other distractions And further For more conveniency and Iesse rediousnes to take so much every day that the whole may be gone through every week or moneth or somewhat every day till all be gone through at best leasure and then to begin again or otherwise according to Christian discretion with all carefulnesse without superstition or negligence But when where and in what Order soever To set his heart and affections aright as in the presence of the al-knowing God with whom I have to doe when he begins to begin with solemne prayer to labour that his heart goe along with each part of the foresaid rule purposing to practise every particular with feeling affection and setled devotion to meditate and pray according to his written quotations joyned to that rule of Examination to mourne for every sinne committed begging pardon in Christ and the imputation and application of his most perfect obedience and al-sufficient satisfactino craving freedome from punishment pleading and urging the Lord with his Saviours infinite merits and perpetuall mediation desiring preservation from all sinne especially from those he is most prone unto and in danger of yea from such as he thinkes least of or conceives himselfe freest from to aske those graces he most wants to give thanks for every grace in any measure attained unto and for deliverance out of those sins he hath lived in and for preservation from many and grievous sinnes into which he was often ready to fall yea daily from those sinnes to which he is most prone or to which he is most tempted or which are most incident to his particular calling and common conversation yea from those he least thought of and so lest feared and for faith comfort and assurance in respect of every Article of his beleef in the forenamed true Watch to be thankfull for the least beginnings to bewaile and beg supply of his wants so labouring for faith and a good conscience to apply himselfe to discharge each part of his duty without putting off from day to day or from one time to another resisting dead-heartednesse and wearinesse being a duty concerning him so neerly The fifth Vow and fourth of this maine part concerning holy Fasting To celebrate the severall kinds of religious Fasts seasonably and solemnly as every extraordinary occasion requires That is In publique WIth Gods people according to the occasion time and manner appointed by authority upon such generall to adde his owne and his Families especiall occasions wisely to watch for catch hold of and attend upon every extraordinary occasion which God presents whereby he as cals upon him to this work In his Family and alone Having fallen into any grievous sinne or being in any great calamity or desiring any especiall inward grace or outward blessing or deliverance out of any great distresse or fearing or feeling any outward judgement to seek the preventing removing or sanctifying the same yea in whatsoever inward or outward misery he or his may be in this especiall manner as an especiall meanes that the Lord hath most graciously left
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
sullen distempered conversation in all as he may most win to good and wean from ill having a care he find or reprehend no faults before strangers or at unseasonable times or in injurious bitter or vexing manner but to take convenient time alone thereto and when he conceives it may be most kindly in nothing to vent his owne spleen and passion or to disgrace the party but by all meanes seeking the persons reformation having done his endeavour and commended the same to the Lords blessing to mourne for and yet to be contented with what he would but cannot mend awaiting Gods own leisure and good pleasure in all things The fifth maine part concerning his common conversation The fifteenth Vow and first of this maine part To eschew evill company continually That is I. TO consider what company viz. 1 Of Atheists Libertines Infidels Idolaters 2 Sectaries Scismaticks 3 Common neglecters and abusers of Gods Ordinances 4 Swearers cursers imprecators blaspemers 5 Sabbath breakers 6 Traitors disobedient to authority 7 Cavalers contentious quarrellours 8 Gluttons drunkards riotous 9 Foolish filthy prophane speakers 10 Proud scornfull slighting dis-respective distastfull 11 Hasty hair-braind humorists 12 Self-conceited boasting detracting injurious slanderers depravers tale-bearers flatterers 13 Dissemblers lyars unjust 14 Idle persons sluggards gamsters prodigals 15 Whores and Whore-hanters 16 Malicious hard-hearted hardly to be reconciled 17 Vaine lewd prophane livers 18 All such as jeere mock at or despise God his Word Worship and Service his Ministers good men and goodnesse 19 Time-servers luke-warm professors and the like II. What course to take to avoid their society 1 To avoid comming by them and the places he knowes they frequent 2 All familiarity with them 3 Or joyning in affinity or friendship with them 4 Or seeking any kindnesse from them 5 Or accepting any of them if he can avoid it so not to oblige himselfe to them 6 Or having any thing to doe with them 7 All delight in their vaine jesting wicked world-pleasing words or wayes 8 All unnecessary discourse with them 9 All Tobacco-drinking a main means of fellowship 10 Seeking them out for any regard 11 Meeting with them if he can without incivility and with conveniency turne from them III. But when of necessity he must meet with converse or be among them 1 Not to follow their invitation to any evil for any respect 2 But resolutely to breake from them though they be great and otherwise faire conditioned 3 Though they speak friendly or invite earnestly to deny them discreâ—tly 4 To stay as little while as may be with them 5 When he is among them not in word or deed to sinne with them 6 To shew dislike of and reprove their vices as he may wisely and boldly 7 To grieve inwardly for what he cannot mend 8 Especially to watch over his tongue 9 And not conforme to their foolish and sinfull customes IIII. All this for these especiall respects 1 Having by often most wofull experience found they have occasioned his most hainous and shamefull backslidings 2 And will procure the like hereafter 3 And that the Lord in justice hath left him to fall into sinne with them for not avoyding their society 4 And will doe so againe 5 And that he shall be punisht with them 6 And perish for company not repenting 7 And doe more cause them to blaspheme 8 And harden them in their sinnes 9 And cause them more to contemne scorne laugh at and reproach him 10 And speake evill of his religious profession by his evill example V. To endeavour all this although he find these and the like oppositions 1 Evill will and hatred 2 Envy malice mis-interpretations 3 Scoffes and reproachfull tants 4 Hinderance in his worldly affaires 5 Let them all think speak or doe what they will of or against him VI. Therfore among the rest to use these meanes to further his performance hereof 1 To be sincere circumspect and constant in avoyding all occasions 2 Often and earnestly to crave the Lords help to which nothing is impossible 3 To take heed chiefly of such companions as have misled and whose pleasing vain have most power to mislead him 4 To remember and lay to heart the old Proverb Woe worth ill company see the next Vow The sixteenth Vow and second of this maine part To avoyd all excesse especially all drunkennesse every where That is TO passe by not to come at or neere except for necessity the places thereof as Tavernes Tap-houses Ships and Sutlers huts also all persons that he knowes and finds to be so disposed or given to tipling be they who they will especially such as have occasioned may occasion or whose vaine is to occasion or that tell boast of glory in excesse though they promise to it never so short a time or to drink never so small a quantity or though they pretâ—nd never so much necessity or conveniency if my former experience and inward perswasion say the contrary Withall to avoid All drinking or pledging healths which is sacraficing to Sathan all drinking of full cups or great glasses or many draughts or so much as may any way distemper sitting long at the wine rising early thereto or being mighty to poure in strong drink or using any provocation to intemperance in himselfe or others yea all temptations to tipling More particularly To avoid to invite or be intited by others that way given and when it is convenient to invite and be invited to pretent to shew dislike of to refuse to break off yea discreetly and mildly and if need be freely and boldly to speak against whatsoever would occasion excesse and gussing to let every one have liberty to drink as little and as seldome as they please without the very least urging or shew of mislike to desire and take the same freedome my selfe but if that be displea sing and will not serve the turne to depart instantly though others should thinke rudely When needs must That he must be in such places and among such society as occasion in temperance oftentimes as in the Leaguer going to an Ordinary for my diet to goe no longer before nor to stay no longer after meals then needs must and having satisfied himselfe soberly and comfortably to depart speedily and civilly yea sometimes to deny and refuse that which might else be done lawfully and freely least by little and little he be drawne on to forget himself and too farre to stretch or any way to abuse his Christian liberty by no means to provoke others to the least intemperance to loath all such courses and customes and by all meanes to shew it discreetly and resolutely to declare the hainousnesse and danger of them yea although in the company of great men and such as are in authority over him and who perhaps therefore will â—â—out and contemne him with all friendlinesse and civility to desire them to excuse him and to refuse at the first and to use them thereto constantly least yeelding a
utterly lost that the Lord hath freely chosen him to be one of his who was and is worse then the worst that he hath created him so excellent a Creature and not a most loathsome dâ—formed wretch or monster that he was borne and hath been brought up in times and places when and where the Gospell flourisheth that the Lord hath estectually called him by his Word and Spirit that he may so freely plentifully peaceably enjoy the opportunities and meanes of every part of Gods worship that the Lord hath pleased to give him any measure of saving knowledge true faith sincere obedience lively hope sound repentance sollid comfort by Gods blessing on the use of the meanes that the Lord grants him to enjoy his most holy and faithfull Word the onely guide and stay of his soule that God hath caused him to escape so many and otherwise inevitable calamities that he hath heard and knowne to fall most heavily upon others that the Lord hath pleased so often and remarkably been his strength in trouble and great deliverer out of greatest extremities that his God hath so seasonably wonderfully and constantly protected and provided for him whereas else he had perished utterly Not forgetting How the Lord hath pleased to make us that were meere heathens his owne people and what great preservations victories and deliverances and blessings the Lord hath pleased to vouchsafe from time to time to his Church and Children especially in England and the Netherlands c. How graciously it hath pleased our God to shew mercy to give grace unto to keep in health to restore to health to relieve preserve deliver to ease strengthen and recover his poore Wife and Children as every occasion required and every way to watch over him and his for good and how the Lord hath most freely plainly plentifully and infallibly assured him those most neere and deare unto him and all his all that is good for us here and all happinesse with himselfe in Heaven for evermore see in his records of Gods especiall mercies All these and the like To be laid to heart with more large meditations on each with all intire affection in the sense of the Lords unutterable goodnesse towards us and with all deep humiliation in the sense of our unworthinesse of them and with all Christian confidence in the assurance of his promised favoures so to give his God the glory due unto his great name in heavenly contemplations holy acknowledgement and sincere obedience The seventh maine part concerning his outward condition The five and twentieth Vow and the first of this maine part To labour after a sanctified use of his outward condition whatsoever the same is or may be After this manner HIS present outward condition being exceedingly distressed decaying daily and in outward appearance threatning uttermost extremity as also in any other outward calamity thâ—â— may befall him to weigh the same with all its circumstances throughly not to despaire or dispure to murmure or be impatient or to be over perplexed or to limit the Lord about it but to be moved the more camestly and frequently to seek that wisdome and strength from God aright to beare it that he hath promised and a seasonable deliverance our of it Further Seriously to call to mind confesse bewaise with resolution to forsake those particular sinnes which his conscience tels him have brought this heavy affliction upon him to beg pardon for and reformation of them and that they may not hinder Gods helping of him or the Lords vouchsafeing a sanctified use of the visitation to him to consider wisely what outward occasions procured the affliction unto him not to blame the â—ame but his owne folly sinne and weaknesse chiefly to rayse his thoughts to him that sent it yea that the Lord pleased so to have it who assuredly though flesh and blood cannot digest it intends and will worke spite all oppositions and impossibilities his reall good by it that he daily in all humility with fervency and confidence commends his condition to the Lords most mighty wise mercifull and faithfull disposing wholly who knows the same and all circumstances therof fully by often fasting and prayer as by Gods grace he hath done to beseech his God according to his owne good pleasure to have regard unto it graciously especially to pray the Lord to discover to him the inward causes of it that he may aright know his hand in it and kisse the rod that scourgeth him and in all good conscience with a contented mind to await for such an issue as his good God shall please to give but of it to use onely the lawfull meanes and as farre as he conceives all lawfull meanes in lawfull manner to be relieved so to commend the rest to him that can doe with him what he will and will do what in wisdome love and faithfulnesse he sees best for us in the end and nothing shall let it because his mouth hath spoken it who if he think fit to deny in this or that particular what we conceive wee so much want and doe so earnestly crave will undoubtedly helpe some other way abundantly Far his further assurance of all these Well to weigh how the Lord hath formerly oftentimes and most remarkably helped in greatest extremity when them was as small hope and possibility Consider also what the Lord in such cases hath promised in fallibly and that he hath innumerable wayes to help continually yea when all seem past remedy that he can as easily deliver out of the most and greatest miseries as if they were never so few and small and as well out of this as our of any other that he is our beavenly Father in Christ whom he hath given to save us with whom he hath given and assured us whatsoever he sees best for us Therefore In wel-doing to trust God most in greatest extremity and by Gods especiall grace to hold fast his integrity whatsoever he suffer thereby resting fully perswaded though Heaven and earth should meet together yet that the Lord who hath so expresly promised it cannot will not faile forsake or forget us Lord my God My soule seeketh all help only from thee I know no helpe without thee I pray alone unto thee I depend onely upon thee I await alwayes for thee I submit wholly to thee surely thou that art to come wilt come and not tarry Not forgetting How graciously the Lord yet sustaineth me and that I am not over-charged utterly and that my punishment herein is so infinitely lesse then mine iniquity and that so many millions more worthy then I am suffer greater misery and what an especiall favour the Lord does me that I can all seek to and trust in him in my necessity Lord doe but hereby bring me home unto thee and further my salvation eternally and it is enough for me deale as thou pleasest with me see in his prayer to this purpofe in his daily devotions and in his sure stay in greatest