most apt to commit Help me to withstand Temptations and make me wise to avoid all Occasions of sin Seeing my life is but short on Earth Lord suffer me not to sin my Soul into Hell Bless all those I am bound to pray for my Friends and Kindred in the Flesh Do good to all that are good and requite all those who have done me Good let all the Benefits I have received from them be redoubled into their own Bosoms Bless this House and Family wherein I live Preserve thy Servants to whom Thou hast committed the Care and Government of the Family and all that belongs to them in safety Grant Lord that I may so shew all good Fidelity to them that I may find Favour with Thee who alone canst make me truly Happy for ever And now Blessed be thy Name O Lord who hast as well appointed the Night for Rest as the Day for Labour Keep me I beseech Thee this Night from all Evil. Give me that comfortable Rest and Refreshment which may fit me for the Duties of the following Day And grant Lord that where after a few days I shall sleep in the Dust my Soul may rest with Thee in Glory through the Merits of my Blessed Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ to whom with Thee O God the Father and God the Holy Ghost be Glory and Majesty Dominion Power and Praise now and for evermore Amen If thou art weary and sleepy or not being able to Read canst not learn the foregoing Prayers by Heart rather than lie down at Night like a Beast and rise up in the Morning and go out to thy Work without any serious Remembrance of God or pious Acknowledgment of thy Dependance on Him Acts 17.28 in whom thou livest movest and hast thy Being and without whose up-holding Hand thou canst not subsist a Moment without dropping into Dust and if in thy Sins into Hell Kneel down on thy Knees and say At Night Blessed be Thy Name O Lord God who hast kept me this Day past Forgive me I beseech Thee all my Sins and keep me from Sin and Danger this Night and raise me up refresht with quiet Rest and Sleep to serve Thee better the following Day to Thy Glory and my Salvation thro' Jesus Christ my onely Lord and Saviour Amen In the Morning Blessed be thy Name O Lord who hast kept me in Safety and refresht me with Rest and Sleep this last Night Now be with me I beseech thee and keep me this Day from all Evil. Guide me in all my ways and bless me in all my Works and bring me in the end to everlasting Life in Heaven thro' Jesus Christ my Lord and Redeemer Amen A Prayer for the Lord's Day O Most Holy and Glorious Lord God Thou art great in Thy Self and yet good to man Thou art gloriously exalted above the greatest of Kings and yet hast a gracious Regard to the meanest of Thy Creatures The Heavens O Lord are the Work of thy Hands and Thou hast made the Earth and all things therein Thou art great in Power Dreadfull in Majesty and glorious in Holiness Psal 8.4 Lord what is man that Thou remembrest him or the Son of man that Thou regardest him 39.5 Verily every man at his best State is altogether Vanity And yet how wonderfull are Thy Works 107.8 O God which thou hast wrought for the Children of men For man thou hast made the World and replenisht it with a rich Variety of Creatures both for his Use and Delight Thou hast appointed all things to serve him that he might with more chearfulness and Delight serve Thee For man thou hast sent and slain Thine own Son that guilty lost man whom Thou mightest have justly thrown into everlasting Darkness in Hell might for ever live with Thee in a Paradise of Divine Pleasures in a Heaven of Bliss and Glory O Lord grant that I thy poor Creature may so love Thee and serve Thee here that I may at length enjoy Thee fully and praise Thee eternally in heaven In Order to this End I bless Thy Name O Lord that Thou hast appointed a Day of Rest from all worldly Labours that I might attend upon Thee in the Duties of thy solemn Worship and Service O Lord make this Day of rest to be to me a day of spiritual Refreshment and holy Delight Grant that I may this Day hear the Voice of my Saviour calling to all that labour and are heavy laden to come to Him that he may give them Rest Mat. 11.28 and make me so sensible of the Burden of my Sins that I may betake my self to Him by a hearty Repentance and lively Faith and may obtain a Holy Rest in the Remission of my sins and the salvation of my soul Keep me this Day O Lord from Vanity and Idleness from foolish-speaking and evil-doing and make me very diligent and serious in the Duties of Thy service that I may not let slip a happy opportunity of insuring my salvation nor mispend that Time which Thou vouchsafest me for the Good of my soul but seriously employ it in the Duties of true Piety for the getting and encreasing of Knowledge and Grace and treasuring up for my self Glory in Heaven Keep me O Lord from all vain worldly and wanton Thoughts which may take off my Minde from a serious Attention to Thy Word and hinder me from joining with a Holy Devotion in Thy worship Grant that I may enter into Thy House as into Heaven and demean my self there as in Thy sight and Presence and Lord send me not away without Thy Blessing Grant O Lord that to Day Heb. 3.13.18 even while it is called to Day I may hear Thy Voice Thy word with a serious Resolution to obey Thy will in all Things lest Thou swear in Thy Wrath that I shall never enter into Thy Rest O let me not go from Thy House Gen. 28.17 the Gate of Heaven into everlasting Darkness in Hell But Lord speak to Thy servant this day those words which may effectually conduce to my salvation Grant I humbly beseech Thee that I may so serve Thee this Day and all the dayes of my Life that in the End I may be truly Blessed for ever through the Merits of my onely Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to whom with Thy self and Holy Spirit Be Glory and Honour Dominion and Power Thanksgiving and Praise now and for evermore Amen A Prayer before Reading the Holy Scriptures OPen my Vnderstanding O Lord Luk. 24.45 2 Tim. 3.15 that I may understand the Scriptures which are able to make me wise to Salvation Grant that I may so believe Thy word as to do Thy will and walk in that way which will bring me in the end to Life eternal Eternal through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour Amen A Prayer at the first Entrance into the Church LOrd Luk. 18.13 be merciful to me a sinner and forgive me my sins that make me
unworthy to come into Thy Holy Presence Assist me O God by Thy Grace to the duties of thy Service Grant that I may serve Thee acceptably Heb. 12.28 with Reverence and Godly Fear Oh send me not away without a Blessing And as Thou hast now brought me into Thy House in the End bring me to Heaven through the Merits of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour Amen At Departure from Church Forgive me O Lord all my wandring thoughts and want of due seriousness in thy holy service O let not my infirmities hinder thy Acceptance and deprive me of thy blessing Joh. 14.26 Teach me O Lord by Thy Spirit what thou hast taught me by thy word and grant that I may so remember and do thy Will that I may be Blessed in my Deed Jam. 1.25 and in my End Happy for ever through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour Amen A Confession and Prayer to be used after Self-Examination in Order to the Receiving of the Blessed Sacrament of the Lord's Supper O Lord my God Ezr. 9.6 I have just Cause to be asham'd to lift up mine eyes to Heaven or once to look up towards Thee whom I have so grievously offended by my sins Psal 58.3 51.5 For O Lord I have gone astray from the Womb yea I was conceived and born in Sin and brought forth in Iniquity It might have been just with Thee to have snatcht me from the Bosom of Mother and cast me into the Belly of Hell But O Lord Thou wast pleased to prevent me with the Gifts of Thy Grace and Fruits of Thy Goodness For before I was capable to know Thee or to discern betwixt Good and Evil Thou wast pleased by Thy Holy Baptism to admit me into Thy House and Family and to accept me for one of Thy Children Thou wast pleased to take me into a Holy Covenant with Thy self and to promise me the Kingdom of Heaven for mine Inheritance and Thou hast been very Good and Gracious to me from that Time to this very Day But O Lord my God I have grievously sinned against Thee by too great a Complyance with the World the Flesh and the Devil contrary to that mighty obligation which was laid upon me in my Baptism I have not O Lord so stedfastly believed Thy Truth and obeyed Thy Will as lought I have daily offended Thee by the Breach of Thy Holy Commandments and have justly deserved Thy Wrath and Hell-Fire I am no more worthy to be called Thy Son Luk 15.19 or to be accounted one of Thy servants But O Lord I am heartily sorry for my sins and stedfastly purposed by Thy Grace to lead a New life Psal 57.1 Be merciful unto me O God be merciful unto me and pardon all my sins for thy Names sake and seal that Pardon to my soul in the Blood of my Saviour Thou hast promised Pardon Acts 3.19 Joh. 3.16 O Lord to the truly penitent and to him that believeth in thy Son Jesus Christ life eternal Behold O Lord I heartily repent of all my sins and stedfastly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ putting my whole Trust in him alone for my Salvation Behold I give my self up intirely to him being desirous to live to him and willing to dye for him rather than by denying his truth or disobeying his Voice to dishonour him For his sake speak Peace to my soul in the Pardon of my sins and the Assurance of my salvation And O Lord so renew me by thy Grace and uphold me by Thy Spirit that I may not relapse into any of my former sins but continue to glorifie Thee by a holy Obedience all the days of my life Grant O Lord that I may love my Brethren 1 Pet. 1.22 that bear thine Image with a pure heart fervently and that whatsoever usage I receive in the World I may be in Charity with all men Behold O Lord I heartily forgive all them who at any time have done me wrong and I beseech thee to give them that still live in the guilt of their sins true Repentance and a gracious pardon that their Souls may be saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus Draw forth my Heart O Lord in hungring desires after Christ and satisfie my Soul as with Marrow and Fatness with plentiful Communications of Grace from his fulness Fit me O Lord for a Holy Communion with him and raise me to a nearer Conformity to him in all his imitable excellencies that I may at length be made like to him and live with him in Glory Furnish me O Lord with all those Heavenly Graces and Holy Affections which may make me meet to Feast with my Blessed Saviour in his Holy Supper Therein seal up thine Everlasting Covenant of Grace to my Soul Communicate to me the benesits of my Saviour's Body and Blood and refresh me with the Holy comforts of thy Spirit And grant that all the rest of my life I may seriously endeavour to answer a renewed Obligation to Obedience by a constant Holy care to keep all thy Commandments Enable me O God by thy Grace to persevere to the end that I may be certainly Blessed for ever through the merits of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to whom with thy self and Holy Spirit be all Honour and Glory now and for evermore Amen A Prayer before Receiving of the Lord's Supper GOod Lord pardon my sin and seal that pardon this day to my Soul in the Blood of my Saviour Give me a lively Faith in him that as I shall receive the Bread and Wine I may partake of the saving benefits of his Body and Blood in his Holy Supper Strengthen and refresh my Soul O God with Spiritual Food and preserve me both Body and Soul to Eternal Life through Jesus Christ my onely Lord and Saviour Amen At the receiving of the Bread say with your self O Lord I heartily accept thy Son to be my Saviour and as he gave his Body to be broken for me I give my self Body and Soul to him for ever O Blessed Jesus let me rather be broken in pieces than ever do any thing which may dishonour thee my Dear Redeemer At the Receiving of the Cup say Now Lord wash away all my sins in the Blood of my Saviour and save my Soul for thy Mercies sake Then having drunk of the Wine say How sweet is thy Love O Dear Jesus who hast shed thy Blood for my Salvation O let me rather shed my dearest Life-blood for thee than ever willingly sin against thee Behold Lord I now give my self up to thee and thy service O let me see thy Salvation Having Receiv'd say with your self Now O Lord thou art my God and I am thine both in Body and Soul by a perpetual Covenant sealed with the Blood of my blessed Saviour O let my soul be furnished with thy Grace and fill'd with thy Spirit that I may chearfully serve thee while I live and when I dye fully enjoy
Jesus Christ and trust in him alone for thy Salvation Mat. 12.21 Submit thy self to him and seriously endeavour to do all those things which he requires of thee in his word and Gospel and thou shalt be saved and inherit life Eternall What Duties God requires of thee whether as a Child or a Servant I have plainly shew'd thee from the word of God Read thy Duty oft and never sail to do it This is the way to bring down God's Blessing upon thee and to become happy in his favour When thou comest to be of a competent Age that of sixteen years is the ordinary time prepare thy self for the right receiving of the Blessed Sacrament of the Lord's Supper Know that in thy Baptism a solemn Covenant was sealed whereby thou wast obliged to forsake the World the Flesh and the Devill and to believe in God Iack. 1.74 75. and serve him in Holiness and Righteousness all the days of thy life Now know if the Vanities and Pleasures of this world gratifying thy natural appetites and Inclinations have drawn off thy mind and heart from the Remembrance Love and Service of God thou hast broken thy Baptismal vow For in stead of forsaking the World for God thou hast forsaken God for the world and thereby gratified thine own Flesh and Satan to the certain hazard and hindrance of the salvation of thy Soul But in the Holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper God is pleased to invite thee to renew thy Covenant with Him for thy Re-instatement in thy forfeited Felicity and thy more firm establishment in a happy state of Grace and Salvation For herein upon thy hearty Repentance and stedfast Faith in Christ he will seal unto thee the free and full Pardon of all thy past Sins and a Right to all the Priviledges of the Covenant of Grace and Felicities of the Kingdom of Glory Oh think it a happy Opportunity wherein thou may'st begin the world anew with God and be in as fair a State of Favour with him and have as firm a Hope of Happiness in Heaven as if thou hadst never sinn'd against him For the Bloud of Christ is exhibited in its Virtue in that Sacrament Mat. 26.28 to cleanse thee from all Sin 1 Joh. 1.7 Isa 1.18 so that tho' thy Sins were as Scavlet or Crimson thy Soul shall become as white as wool or snow in Salmen in the sight of God And moreover hereby thou mayst expect a Communication of those graces and comforts of the Spirit of God which may enable thee to that chearfull obedience to his holy Commands which will fit thee for the fruition of all the Priviledges of the Covenant of Grace and prepare thee for all the Felicities of the Kingdome of Glory That thou may'st not fail of these inestimable Benefits do not neglect this Blessed Ordinance but when thou hast an opportunity to receive it seriously prepare thy self for it For this purpose get by heart the Catechism for Communicants And when the time of the Administration approaches withdraw thy self from all Company into thy private chamber or some convenient place and there setting thy self as in the sight and presence of Almighty God seriously set upon the necessary work of Self-Examination This I have made very plain and casie to thee in that Pattern or example of it which I have set before thee Read it only with a serious attention and Self-application and thy work is done For hereby thou may'st clearly discern thy Spiritual State which is the great end of Self-examination And when hereby thou discoverest thy Sins and Defects humbly and heartily bewail them before God and earnestly beg Mercy and Grace stedfastly resolving to lead a new Life and to honour God by a better obedience for the time to come This thou may'st doe in the use of that Confession and Prayer which is here fitted for that purpose Fall down on thy knees therefore and with all the seriousness humility and devotion thou canst make thy Confession and Prayer to God and so may'st thou with safety and comfort go to the Lords Table that the Pardon of thy sins and the Promises of the Covenant may be seal'd up to thy Soul in the Bloud of thy Saviour and that all thy Defects and VVants may be supply'd from his abundant Grace and so thou mayst be furnished with strength for his service and filled with comfort and Joy in the hopes of his Salvation Having thus seriously engag'd thy self in a holy course of life persevere in it to the end Know now Heaven is before thee Hell behind thee it 's wofull to draw back to Perdition and therefore persevere to the saving of thy Soul Heb. 10.39 To this end be instant in Prayer Rom. 12.12 and endeavour to make a constant Progress in Piety to grow in knowledge and Grace 2 Pet. 3.18 whereby thou wilt daily make a nearer approach to the Kingdome of Glory Let no day pass without Prayer Consider in the morning it was God that kept thee the last night and if he do not keep thee and sustain thee thou canst not live another day And why should he keep thee if thou wilt not praise him for thy preservation nor pray to him to preserve thee Go not out then without Prayer lest God be angry and either cut off thy life from the Earth or shut thee out of Heaven At night kneel down on thy knees to pray before thou liest down on thy bed to sleep lest presuming to sleep in the guilt of sin thou should'st awake in the flames of Hell Make thy peace with God therefore by a hearty sorrow for the sins of that day with an earnest Prayer for pardon So mayst thou lie down in peace Psal 4.8 and sleep in safety under God's protection But still think this night this day may be my last and so demean thy self as if at the end thereof thou wast to appear before God in judgment For thy help in this holy course I have here furnished thee with certain Forms of Prayer and praise do thou add Spirit and life to them by offering them up daily with a holy fervour of affection to God The tongue may repeat the words but 't is the heart must make the Prayer For that 's no Prayer to God which is not offer'd up with a holy motion a pious affection of the heart and Soul of man Pray then that thou mayst have grace to live well and then live as thou prayest and live for ever And that thou may'st so live here as that thou may'st for ever live with God in glory diligently observe those Rules of good life which I have given thee out of the word of God Read them often on the Lord's Daies and especially on those daies on which thoureceivest the Holy-Sacrament of the Lord's Supper and therein renewest thy resolution and obligation to honour God by a Holy life Live according to these Rules carefully shun every known sin and
do A. Be faithfull unto death Rev. 2.10 Q. Must you then and all men die A. It is appointed unto men once to die Heb. 9.27 Q. But shall not the dead rise again A. As in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive 1 Cor. 15.22 Q. Shall the dead then be raised by Christ A. All that are in the graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth Joh. 5.28 29. Q. When the dead are thus raised what shall we all do A. We shall all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ Rom. 14.10 Q. How shall he then Judge all men A. He will render to every man according to his deeds Rom. 2.6 Q. Shall not men then be call'd to account for their words A. Of every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account in the day of Judgment Mat. 2.36 Q. What will God bring into Judgment at that day besides men's words and deeds which have been openly spoken and done A. Every secret thing whether it be good or evill Eccl. 12.14 Q. VVhether shall the Righteous go thereupon and what shall become of the wicked A. These shall go away into everlasting punishment but the Righteous into Life Eternal Mat. 25.46 Rev. 22.20.21 He which testifieth these things saith surely I come quickly Amen Even so come Lord Jesus The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all Amen THE Scripture-Monitor Declaring The Duties of children and servants which are required of them by the express Commands of God himself in his Word and Gospel The Duties of Children COME Psal 34.11 ye Children hearken unto me I will teach you the fear of the Lord. I will plainly tell you what the God that made you requires of you If ye mind not these things to do them you despise the Word of God which requires them And remember Whoso despiseth the World shall be destroyed but he that feareth the Commandment shall be rewarded Acts 17.31 Eccl. 12.14 Prov. 13.13 And there is a Day of Judgment appointed wherein God will certainly call you to account for these things and either punish your Contempt or reward your Obedience Now if you will indeed hearken to the Voice of God Psal 81.8 Mat. 7.21 hearken to the Voice of God and obey his Will as you must do if you would go to Heaven when you die These are the Things which you must do I. You must honour your Parents carrying your self reverently towards them For it is said Honour thy Father and thy Mother Exo. 20.12 Deut. 5.16 which is the first Commandment with Promise that it may be well with thee and thou may'st live long on the Earth Eph. 6.2 3. II. You must obey your Parents readily doing what they bid you to do unless it be any Thing which you know is forbidden of God For it is said Children obey your Parents in the Lord for this is right Eph. 6.1 And again Children obey your Parents in all things for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord. Col. 3.20 And remember what further Charge is given you Do all things without Murmurings and Disputings Phil. 2.24 And know If you may not murmur youhnust not rebell Absalom rebell'd against his Father and came to an untimely End 2 Sam. 15.14 with Chap. 18.14 III. You must hearken to the Instruction of your Father and Mother and be willing to be taught by them Saies Solomon to his Son My Son hear the Instruction of thy Father and forsake not the Law of thy Mother For they shall be an Ornament of Grace unto thy Head and Chains about thy Neck That is the Virtues they teach you will make you more lovely in the eies of all men than the richest Jewels and Ornaments IV. When they chastize you for your faults you must bear this Correction with patience and humble Submission and amend what is amiss For saith the Apostle We had Fathers of our Flesh which corrected us and we gave them reverence Heb. 12.9 You must know if they do not correct you for your faults they do not indeed love you For He that spareth his Rod hateth his Son but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes Prov. 13.24 For if they should let you go on in Sin without Correction you might at length fall into Hell and be destroy'd without Remedy And therefore God hath said With-hold not Correction from the Child for if thou beatest him with the Rod he shall not die Thou shalt beat him with the Rod and deliver his Soul from Hell Prov. 23.13 14. And is it not better that your Parents should chastize you for your Faults with a gentle Rod than that God should deliver you up for your Crimes into the hand of the Devil to torture you with a flaming scourge in the dark Mansions of Hell for ever It s surely better for you to ask Forgiveness for your Faults and to amend what ever is amiss than to murmur against them that correct you for your Good It is not against them you murmur but against God who has commanded them to chastise you when you do amiss that you may do so no more And there fore if a Son was stubborn and would neither hearken to the Admonition of his Father or Mother nor be reclaim'd from his ill Courses by their Correction he was by Gods appointment under the Law of Moses to be put to Death For it is said If a man have a stubborn and rebellions Son which will not obey the Voice of his Mother and that when they have chasten'd him will not hearken unto them then shall his Father and his Mother lay hold on him and bring him out unto the Elders of his City and unto the gate of his Place and they shall say unto the Elders of his City This our Son is stubborn and rebellious he will not obey our Voice he is a Glutton and a Drunkard And all the men of his City shall stone him with stones that he die so shalt thou put evil away from among you and all Israel shall hear and fear Deut. 21.18 21. Tho' this Law doth not take place amongst us God is no less offended with such stubbornness of Children now than he was then and therefore tho such a one may escape a Temporal Death he cannot escape Eternal Damnation V. You must learn to know God and be careful to serve him Said David to Solomon And thou Solomon my Son Know thou the God of thy Father and serve Him with a perfect Heart and a willing Mind for the LORD searcheth all Hearts and understandeth all the Imaginations of the thoughts If thou seek Him He will be sound of thee but if thou forsake Him He will cast thee off for ever 1 Chro. 28.9 10. VI. You must not mock God's Ministers but observe them with due Reverence Remember what befell the Children of Bethel who mocked the Prophet Elisha For As he was going up by the way there came forth little Children out
that are your Masters according to the Flesh with Fear and Trembling in singleness of your Heart as unto Christ Eph. 6.5 III. You must be subject to them and serve them diligently and heartily Yea tho' your Masters are of a froward Disposition and hardly pleased you must notwithstanding be subject to them For saith the Apostle Servants be subject to your Masters with all Fear not onely to the good and gentle but also to the froward 1 Pet. 2.18 And whatsoever ye do do it heartily as unto the Lord and not unto men knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the Reward of Inheritance For ye serve the Lord Christ Col. 3.23 24. VI. You must be faithfull in your trust and not do them the least Wrong in any thing For he that doth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done and there is no respect of Persons Col. 3.25 Servants therefore must be carefull to preserve their Masters Right not purloyning but shewing all good Fidelity that they may adorn the Doctrine of God our Saviour in all things Tit. 2.10 V. You must be very carefull and diligent to do your Masters work and Will as well when he is absent as when he is present For God in the Gospel requires Servants to serve their Masters Not with Eye-Service as men-pleasers but as the Servants of Christ Eph. 6.6 Remember when you are not under your Masters Eye the Eye of God is upon you who will call you to Account for whatsoever you do Eccl. 12.14 VI. You must carefully shun ill Company and ill Courses as Fighting and Quarrelling Drinking and Revelling in your Masters Absence especially if you have any chief Place or Charge in the Family Who then is that faithfull and wise Servant saith our Blessed Saviour whom his Lord hath made Ruler over his Houshold to give them Meat in due Season Blessed is that Servant whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so dâ—ing Of a truth I say unto you that he will make him Ruler over all that he hath But if that evil Servant shall say in his heart My Lord delayeth his Coming and shall begin to smite his fellow-Servants and to eat and drink and to be Drunken or to eat and drink with the Drunken the Lord of that Servant even his Lord that is in Heaven shall come in a Day when he looketh not for him and at an Hour that he is not aware of and shall cut him asunder or * margin cut him off and appoint him his Portion with the Hypocrites there shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth Mat. 24.45 51. with Luk. 12.42 46. VII If ye are rebuked buffeted or beaten by your Masters tho' it be without just cause you must take it patiently For this is thank worthy if a man for Conscience-sake towards God endure Grief suffering wrongfully For what Glory is it if when ye be buffeted for your Faults ye shall take it patiently But if when ye do well and suffer for it ye take it patiently this is acceptable with God For even hereunto were you called because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that ye should follow his steps who did no Sin neither was guile found in his Mouth who when he was revil'd revil'd not again when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously 1 Pet 2.19 23. Thus you now know your Duty be carefull to do it and so in serving your Masters you shall serve God and the Reward you shall receive from Him will be infinitely better to you than the wages you expect from them Know it 's no small Glory to be a good Servant A Christian Servant is the Lord's Free-man Every Star shines in its own Sphaere A good Servant is in God's Eye more honourable and glorious than a bad King It 's a higher Honour a greater Glory to serve God than to Command over men If in the Discharge of the Duty of your Place you faithfully serve Christ here 2 Tim. 2.12 you shall reign with him in Heaven to whom be Glory for ever and ever Gal. 1.5 Amen A Catechism for Communicants WHEREIN The Nature and Vse of the Sacraments of the New Testiament are explain'd for the Instruction of those who are of competent Age to receive the Holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper Q. VVHAT doth God require of man in Order to his Salvation and eternal Happiness A. Deut. 32.46.47 The serious Exercise of the true Religion Q. Which is that true Religion which is the onely sure way to Salvation A. 2 Thess 2 13 14 15 The Christian Religion which was instituted by Christ himself and is prescrib'd in his Holy Gospel Q. What doth the Christian Religion comprehend A. Faith Obedience Prayer and Sacraments Q. What is the Sum of your Faith A. I believe in God the Father Almighty c. Q. How must you manifest the Truth of your Faith Jam. 2.18 A. By Obedience Q. What is the Rule of your Obedience A. The Law of God which is briefly comprehended in Ten Commandments Deut. 27.9 10. Rom. 3.31 Deut. 10.4 Q. Rehearse them A. God spake all these Words saying I am the LORD thy God c. Exod. 20.1 17. Q. Have you kept all these Commandments A. 1 Joh. 1.8 Exod. 36.27 No I have not neither can I so keep them as I ought without the help of God's Grace Q. What must you then do A. Hos 14.2 Earnestly pray to God for pardon and Grace Q. What is the most excellent Pattern of your Prayers A. The Lord's Prayer Q. Rehearse it A. Our Father which art in Heaven c. Mat. 6.9 13. Q. In whose Name and Mediation must you make your Addresses to God in your Prayer A. Joh. 16.23 24. 1 Tim. 2.5 Mat. 21.22 Jam. 1.6 Rom. 12.14 Jum 5.16 In the Name of our onely Mediator Jesus Christ Q. But how must you pray that you may prevail A. I must pray in Faith with Fervency of spirit Q. What is the Ground of your Faith A. The Word and Promises of God Q. Hath God afforded you any special Helps of Faith A. Yes the Sacraments Q. VVhat are the Sacraments A. Signs of things not seen Rom. 4 11 Seals of the Covenant of Grace and visible Pledges of the Performance of all God's Promises Q. VVhy were they appointed A. That Faith might be relieved by Sight and Devotion assisted by Sense Q. How many Sacraments are there A. Onely two Baptism and the Lord's Supper Q. Of what special Vse are these to us A. Acts 2.41 42 1 Cor. 12 13. By Baptism we have Admission into the Church and hold Communion with it in the Lord's Supper Q. But what 's their different Vse in respect of the Covenant of Grace A. By Baptism we enter into Covenant with God and renew it in the Lord's Supper Q. How else do they differ A. Joh. 3.5 6.48 58. Baptism is
crave of God those Aids and Supplies of his Grace which may enable me to honour him by a Holy Obedience for the time to come I must put forth in my Soul the Acts of Faith Mat. 5.6 brotherly Love and Charity and stir up in my Heart hungring Desires after Christ and the Participation of his saving Benefits in his Holy Supper Q. Why must you thus examine and prepare your self before you come to the Lord's Supper A. Lest I should receive it unworthily Q. What is the Sin and Danger of unworthy receiving A. 1 Cor. 11.27 28. He that receiveth unworthily is guilty of the Body and Bloud of the Lord as the wicked Jews Acts 7.52 who were his Betrayers and Murderers and eateth and Drinketh * Gr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 render'd in the Marg. Judgment See v. 30 31 32. Judgment or Damnation to himself being for this Sin liable to temporal Afflictions yea to eternal Damnation in the just Judgment of God Q. When doth a man receive unworthily A. When he presumeth to come to the Lord's Table in the guilt of any known Sin unrepented of or wanting that Faith Love and Charity which are required in a worthy Receiver Q. If the Sin and Danger of unworthy Receiving be so great is it not safer to forbear than to come to the Lord's Table A. He that forbears to come to the Lord's Table incurs a greater guilt and Danger for to the guilt that would make him an unworthy Receiver Luk. 22.19 he adds the Contempt of Christ's Command and of the Benefits of his Bloud 1 Cor. 10.16 freely offer'd to him in this Holy Supper Q. What then must you do that you keep your self clear from this Guilt and safe from this Danger A. I must be very carefull and serious in examining my self and finding my self guilty 1 Cor. 11.28 31. I must judge and condemn my self that I may be graciously acquitted by the Lord and accepted as a worthy Receiver Q. If you rightly receive this Blessed Sacrament what Benefit shall you have thereby A. Mat. 26.28 God will seal to my Soul the Pardon of all my Sins in the Bloud of Christ with a Right to all the Blessings and Priviledges of the Covenant of Grace Q. If after you have received this Holy Sacrament you should return to your former sins what will your State and Condition be A. Luk. 22.20 Heb. 10.28 29. 2 Pet. 2.20 21 22. VVorse than before For I shall greatly provoke the wrath of God by the Breach of a solemn Covenant ratifi'd with the Bloud of Christ Q. How must you demean your self then after you have received A. 1 Joh. 5.18 Col. 2.6 7. I must carefully keep my self from Sin that Sin especially to which I am most inclin'd and humbly walk with God in the ways of Holiness Psal 18.23 being diligent in every good Duty Q. What will be the Issue of this Holy Course A. I shall at length see my Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ glorified in Heaven 1 Joh. 3.2 Joh. 17.22 24. who was Crucifiâ—d for me on Earth and shall for ever live and reign with him in Glory COL 11.6 7. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk ye in Him rooted and built up in Him and established in the Faith as ye have been taught abounding therein with Thanksgiving If any by reason of the Weakness of their Memory or want of Ability to read cannot learn by Heart the fore-going Catechisin that they may not be kept from the Lord's Table nor come unprepar'd I have comprehended the most necessary things in the following Abridgment Let such then when they can repeat the Creed the ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer learn this Shorter Catechism But if they learn this onely at their first Admission they shall do well for an Increase of Knowledge to endeavour to learn the other also for their greater Benefit in their after-receiving A Shorter Catechism for the Younger Communicants Q. WHAT Religion is the onely sure way to Salvation A. The Christian Religion Q. What doth the Christian Religion comprehend A. Faith Obedience Prayer and Sacraments Q. What is the Sum of your Faith A. I believe in God the Father Almighty c. Q. What is the Rule of your Obedience A. The Law of God which is comprehended in Ten Commandments Q. Rehearse them A. God spake all these Words c. Exo. 20.1 17. Q. What is the Pattern of your Prayers A. The Lord's Prayer Q. Rehearse it A. Our Father which art in Heaven c. Mat. 6.9 13. Q. What are the Sacraments A. Seals of the Covenant of Grace Q. What is the Tenour of the Covenant of Grace A. I will be their God and they shall be my People Q. How many Sacraments are there A. Onely two Baptism and the Lord's Supper Q. Of what Vse are these to us A. By Baptism we enter into Covenant with God and renew it in the Lord's Supper Q. How else do they differ A. Baptism is a Sacrament of our New Birth the Lord's Supper of our Spiritual Nourishment and Growth in Grace Q. How oft must we receive them A. Baptism but once the Lord's Supper often for we can be but once born but must be oft fed Q. What must we consider in the Sacraments A. The outward Signs the Things thereby signifi'd and the spiritual Benefits thereof Q. What is the outward Sign in Baptism A. Water Q. What doth the water in Baptism signifie A. The Grace of God's Spirit Q. VVhat doth the washing of the Body with water signifie A. The cleansing of the Soul from Sin Q. VVhat is the Benefit of Baptism A. Regeneration or a New Birth Q. VVhat is Regeneration A. A Renewing of the Nature of man by the Spirit and Grace of God Q. In whose Name is Baptism to be Administred A. In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Q. VVho are to be Baptiz'd A. Converts to the Christian Religion and the Children of Christians Q. To what are you bound by your Baptism A. To forsake my Sins believe in Christ and obey him Q. VVhat are the outward Signs in the Lord's Supper A. Bread and Wine Q. VVhat do they signifie A. The Body and Bloud of Christ Q. Hath Christ a true Body A. Yes the same Body which was crucified on Earth is glorified in Heaven Q. Is the Bread in the Sacrament the very Body of Christ and the Wine his Bloud A. No They are but the Signs of his Body and Bloud Q. What doth the breaking of the Bread signifie A. The Breaking of Christ's Body in his Crucifixion Q. What doth the Minister's giving of the Bread and Wine to the Communicants represent A. God's giving of Christ and His Benefits to Believers Q. What doth the receiving eating and Drinking signifie A. Our receiving and applying of Christ by Faith Q. What are the Benefits of this Holy Supper A. The
2.18 and constant Obedience to His Holy Commands all the daies of my Life Q. 5. 5. Brotherly Love Do I entirely love all the Children of God as my Brethren in Christ even because they are God's Children bear His Image and are beloved by their Heavenly Father A. I have a Love for all men Rom. 13.9 and do Desire to love my Neighbour as myself 1 Joh. 3.14 but for those who truly fear-God I have a great esteem of them and a hearty Love to them Psal 16.3 I account them the onely excellent Ones in the Earth And the more excellency I see in them the more my Heart is endeared to them I chiefly delight in their Company and when I can enjoy mine own Choice psal 119.63 I am a Companion of them that fear God and keep his Commandments Q. 6. 6. Charity Luk. 6.37 Mat. 5.44 Rom. 12.21 1 Cor. 5.8 Am I in Charity with all men Can I freely forgive them that have wrong'd me and find in my Heart to do good to them who hate me and ahve done and would do me Hurt A. I thank God I bear no Malice in my Heart to any man I do freely forgive them who have wrong'd me and account it but a very small matter if my Lord will graciously be pleased to remit me a Debt of Ten Thousand Talents Mat. 18.23 35. to forgive to my fellow-Servant a Debt of an Hundred pence And God knows my heart if it lay in my power I could freely do Good to the worst Enemy I have in the World If he was in Danger I would do my best to preserve him If I knew him to be in any Extremity I would to my Ability Rom. 12.20 very freely relieve Him I know I more need mercy from God than any man can need Mercy from me and I am ready and willing to shew Mercy to any man Jam. 2.13 as I do expect and desire to obtain Mercy from God in the Forgiveness of my Sins and the Salvation of my Soul Q. 7. Defire of Christ 7. Have I an Appetite to my Spiritual Food Have I an earnest Defire to have Communion with Christ and to partake of his saving Benefits in his Holy Supper A. Without Christ alas I am an undone Creature Ah Lord God! What wilt thou give me if I go Christless Give me therefore O give me Christ or I die It is Pardon and Grace and spiritual strength and Comfort which he is pleased to communicate to Believers in his Holy Supper These I want these I earnestly defire 1 Cor. 15.10 I must have Pardon or perish Without Grace I can do no good Peace with God is an inestimable Priviledge without this I cannot hope to see His Face in Heaven I want Strength to do my Duties conquer my Corruptions bear my Burdens and withstand my Temptations And my Soul thirsts after those Holy Comforts which are far sweeter than all worldly Joys Psal 4.7 These are the Blessings I earnestly defire These are the Benefits of my Blessed Lord and Suviour Jesus Christ And I am willing to part with the Pleasures of Sin for ever to partake of these Holy Comforts and there is no Treasure in the whole World that I prize or desire in comparison of these inestimable Priviledges which I beseech God to communicate to me in this Holy Feast Psal 63.5 Luk. 1.47 Jude v. 25. So shall my Soul be satisfi'd as with Marrow and Fatness and I shall greatly rejoyce in God my Saviour to whom be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power both now and ever Amen Now if upon this serious Self-Examination thou canst from thy Heart make these Answers to these Questions doubt not but God will accept thee as a worthy Communicant and thou shalt beâ—◠〈…〉 Guest to the Lord's Table God in that Blessed Ordinance of Christ's Holy Supper will seal up to thy Soul the Pardon of all thy sins and that Covenant of Grace whereby he assures thee of a Kingdome of Glory for thine etenal Inheritance Conclude this Work of Self-Examination with that Confession and Prayer which is fitted for that Purpose Christian-Devotion IN Some short Forms of PRAYER PRAISE Prayers for Children A Prayer for the Morning O LORD God and my Heavenly Father I give Thee humble and hearty Thanks for that Thou hast preserved me this Night past and rais'd me up in Health and Strength this Morning whereas Thou mightest in the Darkness of the Night have cut me off for my Sins and cast me into everlasting Darkness in Hell Pardon O Lord all my past Sins and keep me from sinning for the time to come Guide bless and keep me this Day in Thy Fear and grant that I may demean my self alwaies as in thy Sight And seeing I must at length appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive according to my Works and must then give an Account of every idle VVord grant that I may keep my self this Day from all foolish-speaking evil-doing Especially grant that I may keep my Heart with all Diligence seeing out of it come those evil Things which defile both Body and Soul Keep me O Lord by thy Grace from all wanton thoughts Words and Looks and from all those fleshly Lusts which will defile my Soul and make me loathsome in thy Sight Oh keep me from my special sin and quicken me to every good Duty Keep me from mispending my precious Time in Vanity and Idleness seeing upon this little Moment of my Life depends an Eternity of Joy or Torment Sanctifie me throughout by Thy Holy Spirit and enable me by thy Grace to live to thy Glory Plant in my Heart a Hatred of Sin and Love to Holiness that I may delight to do Thy Will O my God! Psal 40.8 Joh. 4.34 and account it my Meat and Drink to be employ'd in well-doing Grant I may love Thee with all my Heart and Soul and serve Thee with all my Strength all the Daies of my Life that in the End I may be happy for ever Make me like Christ in meekness Patience Humility that I may be like to Him hereafter in Glory Keep me this Day from Sin and Danger and give me all things both for my Soul and Body which Thou seest to be needfull and good for me Make me ever Thankfull for Thy Mercies and truly contented with my Condition Do good O Lord Psal 125.4 to them that are good and convert Sinners from their evil waies that they may be saved Bless my Parents Give them Health Prosperity and Length of Days here and everlasting Happiness in Heaven Bless all my Friends and dear Relations give them Grace and all good things both for Body and Soul Bless me even me also O my Father with the Blessings of thy Love and guide me in thy Holy ways to Life eternal through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour to whom with Thy Self and Holy Spirit be all Honour and
Glory now and for evermore Amen A Prayer for Noon BLessed be Thy Name O Lord my God that Thou hast preserved me this Day hitherto Blessed be Thy Name for all the Blessings which Thou hast bee stowed upon me Forgive me all the Sins which I have committed and keep me the rest of this Day from all evil Grant O Lord that I may continue to serve Thee faithfully and truly this Day and all the Days of my Life that it may be well with me for ever and ever thro' Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour to whom with Thy self and Holy Spirit be Glory and Honour Power Praise and Thanksgiving both now and for evermore Amen A Prayer for Night O Lord my God I humbly and heartily bless and praise Thy Holy Name for thy merciful Preservation of me this Day past and for all the Blessings which Thou hast bestowed upon me I bless Thee for my Health and Strength Food and Raiment Peace and Safety and above all for my Redemption by Jesus Christ and my Hopes of Salvation by Him Forgive me I beseech Thee all the Sins which either in Thought Word or Deed I have committed against Thee this Day Forgive me that I have neglected any good which I might and ought to have done or negligently done it I have forgotten Thee O Lord and I have done evil in Thy Sight But I am heartily sorry for all my Sins and do earnestly desire and seriously resolve to serve Thee better for the Time to come Remember not against me any of my past offences but be in Christ fully reconciled unto me And give me Thy Grace that I may henceforth walk in thy Ways and obey Thy Will in all Things Take me into Thy Tuition this following Night Keep me when I cannot keep my self Keep me O Lord from all evil Thoughts and hurtfull Lusts Keep me from the Power of Satan the Prince of Darkness Let Thy Holy Angels be my Guard and thy mighty Power my Defence Defend me from all Dangers and Disquiets Hide me under the Shadow of Thy Wings Psal 17.8 and keep me as the Apple of the Eye When I am awake let me remember that Thine Eye is upon me Psal 139.2 and that Thou see'st my down-lying and discernest my secret Thoughts Give me O Lord quiet Rest and Sleep and raise me up the next Day with renewed Health and Strength to do Thee Service Continue thy Favour to me through all my Life and in Death shew me thy Salvation Bless and keep Thy whole Church Continue Truth and Peace in this Land Bless and preserve my Parents in Life and Health Let all my dear Friends and Relations be Happy in Thy Love and Favour Bless me O Father and save me for Thy Mercies sake in Christ Jesus my Redeemer To whom with thy Self and Holy Spirit be Honour Glory and Praise for ever and ever Amen Prayers for Servants A Prayer for the Morning O Lord God I heartily bless Thy Holy Name for keeping me this Night past in Safety and raising me up with renewed Health and Strength this Morning Hadst Thou dealt with me O Lord according to my Deserts Thou might'st have sent me into the Land of Darkness and I might have made my Bed in Hell But O Lord as Thou hast mercifully kept me when I could not keep my self so take me I beseech Thee into Thy Holy Tuition and keep me henceforth from all Evil Pardon my Sin and preserve me to Thy everlasting Kingdom Direct me O God and lead me forth in Thy Fear and so bless and prosper me in all the Works and Businesses of this day Grant that I may faithfully and diligently discharge the Duties required of me in the Place wherein Thy Providence hath set me Keep me O Lord from all evil Thoughts which may defile my Heart and from all evil Words and Actions whereby I may offend Thee and deprive my self of Thy Blessing and Favour Grant that I may so remember Thine All-seeing Eye as to demean my self always as in Thy Sight studying and endeavouring to please and honour Thee in all things that at the last Day I may give up my Account with Joy Protect Thy whole Church by thy Power and bless all Thy People with Peace Bless this Land and preserve the true Religion Bless this House and Family wherein I live with all Temporal and Spiritual Blessings Bless guide and keep thy Servants to whom Thou hast committed the Care and Government thereof Give me Grace O Lord to look upon them as standing in Thy stead to me that by the Honour and Obedience which I yield to them according to Thy Command I may serve and honour Thee and according to thy Promise receive my Reward in Heaven Grant O Lord that the Beauty and Goodness of Thy Government of Thy Houshould the Church may appear in their wise and good Government of this House and Family committed to their Charge that this House may be to me and all that live therein as the Gate of Heaven and Way to everlasting Happiness Let thy Blessing O Lord crown all the Labours of thy Servants with good Success that whatsoever they do may prosper and man may have Occasion to say The Lord be magnified which hath Pleasure in the Prosperity of His Servants Psal 35.27 Bless all my Friends and Relations and all that have been Instruments of Good to me let all who have shew'd any Kindness to thy unworthy Servant be ever Happy in Thy Love and Favour Now O Lord be with me I beseech Thee this Day and bless me both in Body and Soul Put Thy Fear into my Heart that I may not sin against Thee Give me Health and Strength that I may chearfully serve Thee And when Thou hast finished Thy Will with me on Earth fulfill my Desire O Lord and make me perfectly happy with Thee in Heaven thro' the Merits of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ To whom with Thy Self and Holy Spirit be Glory Power and Praise now and for evermore Amen A Prayer for Night O Lord God who art Great in Power and rich in Mercy I Thy Poor Creature do here humbly cast my self down at Thy Footstool beseeching Thee for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake to forgive me all the Sins of the Day past yea all the Sins which I have ever committed against Thee Forgive me O Lord all my loose Thoughts all my rash Words all my irregular Actions whatsoever Thy pure Eye hath at any time seen amiss in me and be in Christ fully reconcil'd to me For I confess my Transgressions and am heartily sorry for my Sins Give me Grace O Lord for the time to come to serve and honour Thee by a better Obedience Heb. 8.10 Put Thy Laws in my Mind and write them in my Heart That I may know and do Thy Commandments Restrain me O God by Thy Grace from those sins to which I am most inclin'd and keep me from those Evils which I am
thee for ever Amen When you depart from the Lord's Table labour to feel your Heart inflam'd with love to God and Christ and fill'd with satisfaction and joy in his Love to you and to find your Soul fixed in a firm Resolution of Holy Obedience to your Lives end Take heed your heart do not entertain Earthly Thoughts and that you do not open your ears or loose your tongue to Worldly Discourse But meditate on the mercies of God to you in Christ on the Promises and Priviledges of the Covenant of Grace on the duties of Obedience whereby you must glorifie God on Earth and on the Glory and Blessedness reserved for you in the Kingdom of Heaven Being return'd home retire your self to give thanks to God for his Mercy in Christ A Thanksgiving after Receiving of the Lord's Supper BLESS the LORD Psal 103.1 O my Soul and all that is within me bless his Holy Name who hath sealed up to me this day the forgiveness of my sins in the blood of my Saviour who hath entertain'd me with Heavenly dainties at his Holy Table Grant O God that in the strength of this Spiritual Food I may walk before thee in the wayes of a Holy obedience till I shall at length attain to Eternal Blessedness through my only Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ Amen As oft as thou receivest the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper be sure to read thy Duty as a Child or Servant before declar'd and the Rules of good Life here following Grace before Meat Bless and Sanctifie thy good creatures to me O my God through Jesus Christ Amen After Meat Blessed be thy Name O my God for these and all other thy good gifts through Jesus Christ Amen In Company with others Before Meat God be merciful to us and bless us and give us a Sanctified use of these and all other his Blessings through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen After Meat Blessed be God for these and all his Blessings Give us Grace O Lord to spend the strength we receive from them in thy service to thy Glory and our Salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen Christian Conversation IN Some necessary Cautions and Directions to Young People for the Government of their Thoughts Words and Actions Or RULES of Good LIFE I. HAve a great care of your Thoughts These are the springs of Action Though the thoughts of mens heart are secret and indiscernible they ost become very visible in their Lives Words and Actions are but the Apparel of the Thoughts These appear upon the open Stage of the world and proclaim what was before done in the secret Chambers of the Soul Evil Thoughts are the seeds of sin and vice which not suppress'd will as noxious weeds overgrow the whole Life These little sparks first kindle the fire of Lust and then of Hell Know thoughts are not free God's Law limits them nor are they hidden God's eye sees them Ps 139.2 Thou understandest my Thoughts afar off saith David Remember God's eye is upon your heart and so do not harbour any evil thoughts Heb. 13.2 Be not forgetful saith the Apostle to entertain strangers for thereby some have entertain'd Angels unawares Be careful say I not to entertain evil thoughts for so may you entertain the Devil unawares The Devil by evil thoughts insinuates himself into the hearts of men that he may corrupt their Lives and destroy their Souls Vain Thoughts though little regarded as the swarms of Flies that corrupted the Land of Egypt are very pernicious Exod. 8.24 Jer. 4.14 O Jerusalem saith the Lord wash thine heart from wickedness that thou mayest be saved Psalm 119.113 how long shall thy vain Thoughts lodge within thee Cease not then till you can say with David I hate vain Thoughts but thy Law do I love II. Keep a constant watch against all evil words By evil thoughts you defile your own Soul by evil words you may defile others also The malignity of the heart is oft diffus'd by the tongue to the infection of many And therefore let David's resolution be yours Psal 39.1.4 I said I will take heed to my waies that I sin not with my Tongue Remember the wise and Holy God hears all the words you speak There is not a word in my Tongue saith Holy David but lo O LORD thou knowest it altogether Let your words be few therefore Eccl. 5.2 and free from Folly A fool's voice saith the wise man is known by a multitude of words Prov. 17.27 but he that hath knowledge spareth his words Think before you speak silence is usually safe whereas rash words oft recoile to the hurt of him that spake them Eccl. 5.7 However in the multitude of dreames and many words there are also diverse vanities but fear thou God Temperance of Tongue is a necessary virtue of true Religion And therefore saith the Apostle Jam. 1.26 If any man among you seem to be Religious and bridleth not his Tongue but deceiveth his own heart this man's Religion is vain c. 3.2 But If any man offend not in Word the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body Especially take heed of all filthy and impure speeches Remember how strict a charge is given you in the Gospel Eph. 2.29 Let no corrupt Communication come out of your Mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may Minister Grace unto the Hearers 31. Let all clamour and evil-speaking be put away from you And as for Fornications â— 4.3 and all Vncleanness or Covetousness let it not be once named amongst you as becometh Saints 4. Neither filthiness nor foolish talking nor jesting which are not convenient but rather giving of thanks And that your words may be Holy keep the heart pure Mat. 12 34 35 36 37. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things But I say unto you saith our Saviour that every idle word that men shall speak they shall give an account thereof in the day of Judgment For by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned III. Psal 119.163 Count it a great wickedness to tell a lye I hate and abhor lying saith David but thy Law do I love And he that loves God and his Law Prov. 12.22 must needs hate and abhor Lying For Lying Lips are an abomination to the LORD but they that deal truly are his delight Yea a Lyar is hated both of God and men men hate him because he seeks to deceive them and God hates him because he plainly despises him whom he knowes he cannot deceive The sin of Lying subjects men to punishment both from God and men The common punishment amongst men is this he that is known to
hath by Beast Take not his name who made thy mouth in yain It gets thee nothing and hath no excuse Lust and Wine plead a pleasure Avarice gain But the cheap swearer through his open sluce Le ts his Soul run for nought as little fearing VVere I an Epicure I could bate swearing VVhen thou dost tell anothers Jest therein Omit the Oaths which true wit cannot need Pick out of Tales the Mirth but not the sin He pares his Apple that will cleanly feed Play not away the virtue of that name VVhich is thy best Stake when griefs make thee tame Lie not but let thy heart be true to God Thy mouth to it thy actions to them both Cowards tell Lies and those that fear the Rod The stormy working Soul spits Lies and Froth Dare to be true Nothing can need a Lye A fault which needs it most grows two thereby Fly Idleness which yet thou canst not fly By Dressing Mistressing and Complement If those take up thy day the Sun will cry Against thee for his light was only lent God gave thy Soul brave wings put not those feathers Into a Bed to sleep out all ill weathers When thou dost purpose ought within thy power Be sure to do it though it be but small Constancy knits the bones and makes us stowre When wanton pleasures becken us to thrall Who breaks his own Bond forseiteth himself What nature made a Ship he makes a shelf Do all things like a man not sneakingly Think the King sees thee still for his King does Simpring is but a Lay-hypocrisie Give it a corner and the Clew undoes VVho fears to do ill sets himself to task Who fears to do well sure should wear a Mask Look to thy Mouth Diseases enter there Thou hast two Sconces if thy Stomach call Carve or discourse do not a Famine fear VVho carves is kind to two who talks to all Look on Meat think it dirt then eat a bit And say with all Earth to Earth I commit By all means use sometimes to be alone Salute thy self see what thy soul doth wear Dare to look in thy Chest for 't is thine own And tumble up and down what thou findest there VVho cannot rest till he good fellowes find He breaks up house turns out of doors his mind In Conversation boldness now bears sway But know that nothing can so foolish be As empty boldness therefore first assay To stuff thy mind with solid bravery Then march on gallant get substantial worth Boldness gilds finely and will set it forth Laugh not too much the witty man laughs least For wit is Newes only to Ignorance Less at thine own things laugh lest in the jest Thy person share and the conceit advance Make not thy sport abuses for the Fly That feeds on Duug is coloured thereby Pick out of Mirth like stones out of thy ground Profaneness Filthyness Abufiveness These are the scum with which course wits abound The fine may spare these well yet not go less All things are big with Jest nothing that 's plain But may be witty if thou hast the vein Towards great persons use respective boldness That temper gives them theirs and yet doth take Nothing from thine in service care or coldness Doth ratably thy Fortunes marr or make Feed no man in his sins for Adulation Doth make thee parcel-Devil in Damnation Scorn no man's Love though of a mean degree Love is a Present for a Mighty King Much less make any one thine Enemy As Guns destroy so may a little sling The cunning workman never doth refuse The meanest tool that he may chance to use Render to God his due part of thy time Treasure purloin'd cankers the whole Estate Sundays observe think when the Bells do chime 'T is Angels Musick therefore come not late God then deals Blessings If a King did so VVho would not hast nay give to see the show Let vain or busie thoughts have there no part Bring not thy Plough thy Plots thy Pleasures thither Christ purg'd his Temple so must thou thy heart All worldly thoughts are but thieves met together To cozen thee Look to thy Actions well For Churches are either our Heav'n or Hell Judge not the Preacher for he is thy Judge If thou mislike him thou conceiv'st him not God calleth Preaching Folly Do not grudge To pick out treasures from an Earthen pot The worst speak something good if all want Sense God takes a Text and Preacheth Patience He that gets Patience and the Blessing which Preachers conclude with hath not lost his pains He that by being at Church escapes the ditch Which he might fall in by Companions gains He that loves God's abode and to combine With Saints on Earth shall one day with them shine In brief acquit thee bravely play the man Look not on pleasures as they come but go Defer not the least virtue life 's poor span Make not an Ell by trifling in thy wo. If thou do ill the Joy fades not the pains If well the pain doth fade the joy remains The Confession G.S. in Psal 51. LORD to a sinner Mercy show Which since in thee so infinite Let all thy streames of Mercy flow And purifie me in thy sight My sins unmaskt before thee lye Who have deserv'd thy wrath alone VVhich I confess to testifie Thy truth and make thy Justice known In sin conceiv'd brought forth in sin Sin suckt I from my Mothers Breast Thou lov'st a heart sincere within VVhere wisdom is a constant guest Blot out my crimes O scparate My trembling guilt far from thy view A clean Heart in my Breast Create A Mind to thee confirm'd renew Nor cast me from thy Presence Lord Nor O! Thy Holy Spirit withdraw But thy Life-quickning Grace afford Inlarge my will t' embrace thy Law The Resolution G. S. in Psal 119. YOung man thine Actions by God's Precepts guide From these let not thy zealous servant slide Thy word writ in my heart shall curb my will Lord teach me how I may thy laws fulfil Those by thy tongue pronounc't I will unfold Thy Testaments by me more priz'd than Gold On these I meditate admire there set My Souls delight these never will forget O let me live t' observe thy laws mine eyes Illuminate to view those Mysteries Me a poor Pilgrim with thy truth inspire For which my Soul even fainteth with desire The proud is curst who from thy Precepts straies Bless and preserve my soul which them obeyes No hate of Princes from thy law deters My Study my Delight my Counsellers The Bible A. C. THis Holy Book like Heaven it self doth shine VVith thousand lights of truth Divine So numberless the Stars that well they may To Heaven's Gate make a Milky way Yet reason must assist too for in Seas So vast and dangerous as these Our course by Stars above we cannot know VVithout the compass too below Tho Reason cannot through Faith's Mysteries see It sees that there and such they be Leads to Heav'n's
Door and there does humbly keep And there through chinks and key-holes peep Though it like Moses by a sad command Must not come into th' Holy Land Yet thither it infallibly does guide And from a far 't is all descry'd Charms and Knots G. H. Who read a Chapter when they rise Shall ne're be troubled with ill eyes A poor man's Rod when thou dost ride Is both a weapon and a guide VVho shuts his hand hath lost his Gòld Who opens it hath it twice told VVho goes to Bed and doth not pray Maketh two nights to ev'ry day VVho by aspersions throw a stone At th' head of others hit their own VVho looks on ground with humble eyes Finds himself there and seeks to rise VVhen th' hair is sweet through Pride or lust The Powder doth forget the dust Take one from ten and what remains Ten still if Sermons go for gains In shallow waters Heaven doth show But who drinks on to Hell may go God's Greatness G. S. in 1 Sam. 2. GOD our secret thoughts displayes All our works his balance weighs Giants bows his Forces break He with strength invests the weak Who were full now serve for bread Those who serv'd infranchised Barren wombs with children flow Fruitful Mothers Childless grow God frail man of life deprives Those who sleep in death revives Leads us to our filent Tombs Brings us from those horrid Rooms Riches sends sends Poverty Casteth down lifts up on high He from the despised dust From the dunghil takes the just To the height of honour brings Plants them in the Thrones of Kings Man's Meanness G. S. Psal 8. LORD how illustrious is thy Name Whose power both Heav'n and Earth proclaim Thy Glory thou hast set on high Above the Marble-arched Sky The wonders of thy power thou hast In mouths of Babes and Sucklings plac't That so thou might'st thy Foes confound And who in Malice most abound When I pure Heaven thy Fabrick see The Moon and Stars dispos'd by thee O what is man or his frail Race That thou should'st such a shadow Grace Next to thy Angels most renown'd With Majesty and Glory Crown'd The King of all thy Oreatures made That all beneath his feet hast laid And that on Dales or Mountains feed That shady woods or deserts breed What in the Aery Region glide Or through the rowling Ocean slide Lord how illustrious is thy Name Whose Pow'r both Heav'n and Earth proclaim Humility G. S. Psal 131. THou Lord my witness art I am not proud of heart Nor look with lofty eyes Nor envy nor despise Nor to vain pomp apply My thoughts nor soar too high But in behaviour mild And as a tender child Wean'd from his Mothers Breast On thee alone I rest The word of God G. S. in Psal 19. GOd's laws are perfect and restore The Soul to life even dead before His Testimonies firmly true With wisdom simple men indue The Lord's Commandments are upright And feast the Soul with sweet delight His Precepts are all purity Such as illuminate the eye The fear of God soil'd with no stain Shall Everlastingly remain Jehovah's Judgments are Divine With Judgment he doth Justice join Which men should more than Gold desire Than heaps of Gold refin'd by fire More sweet than honey of the Hive Or Cels where Bees their treasure stive Thy servant is inform'd from thence They their observers recompence The World F. Q. O VVhat a Crocodilian world is this Compos'd of treacheries and imnaring wiles She cloaths destruction in a formal kiss And lodges death in her deceitful smiles She hugs the Soul she hates and there does prove The veryest tyrant where she vowes to love And is a Serpent most when most she seems a Dove Thrice happy he whose nobler thoughts despise To make an object of so easie gains Thrice happy he who scorns so poor a prize Should be the Crown of his heroick pains Thrice happy he that ne'er was born to try Her frowns or smiles or being born did lye In his sad Nurses Arms an hour or two and dye The Quip G. H. The merry world did on a day VVith his Train-bands and Mates agree To meet together where I lay And all in sport to jeer at me First Beauty crept into a Rose VVhich when I pluckt not Sir said she Tell me I pray whose hands are those But thou shalt answer Lord for me Then Money came and chinking still VVhat tune is this poor man said he I heard in Musick you had skill But thou shalt answer Lord for me Then came brave Glory puffing by In Silks that whistled who but he He scarce allow'd me half an eye But thou shalt answer Lord for me Then came quick wit and Conversation And he would needs a comfort be And to be short make an Oration But thou shalt answer Lord for me Yet when the hour of thy design To answer these fine things shall come Speak not at large say I am thine And then they have their Answer home The Rest F. Q. How is the anxious Soul of man befool'd In his desire That thinks a Hectick Fever may be cool'd In flames of Fire Or hopes to rake full heaps of burnisht Gold From nasty Mire A whining Lover may as well request A scornful Breast To melt in gentle tears as woe the world for rest VVhose Gold is double with a careful hand His cares are double The Pleasure Honour VVealth of Sea and Land Bring but a trouble The world it self and all the world's command Is but a bubble The strong desires of man's insatiate breast May stand possest Of all that earth can give but earth can give no rest The world 's a seeming Paradise but her own And man's Tormenter Appearing fixt but yet a rowling-stone VVithout a tenter It is a vast circumference where none Can find a Centre Of more than earth can earth make none posrest And he that least Regards this restless world shall in this world find rest The Retreat Return F. Q. Lord when we leave the world and come to thee How dull how slug are we But when at earth we dart our wing'd desire VVe burn we burn like Fire If pleasure becken with her balmy hand Her beck's a strong command If honour call us with her Courtly breath An hours delay is death If Profits Golden finger'd-charms inveigle's VVe clip more swift than Eagles Lord stop our Flight and turn our Course that we May fly as fast to thee Sunday G. H. O day most calm most bright The Fruit of this the next world's Bud Th' Indorsment of supreme delight VVrit by a Friend and with his Blood The Couch of time cares Balm and Bay The week were dark but for thy light Thy torch doth show the way The other dayes and thou Make up one man whose face thou art Knocking at Heaven with thy brow The worky dayes are the back part The burden of the week lies there Making the whole to stoop and bow Till thy release appear Man