worship by the words of the Book of the Law as you may read more at large in that Chapter Lastly Some men do extol their Learning their Arts their Acquirements in knowledge yea their gifts above the giver saying can such learned men as we are Err when they themselves full well know that almost all the greatest Hereticks that ever were since the Apostles time have all been very great Scholars these men stretch themselves beyond their due measure 2 Cor. 10.12 13. Such ought to labour after true Humility and that will teach them to extol the Most High and to worship and serve him only that will be Worshiped and Served in Spirit and in Truth John 4.24 And to make Learning the Handmaid not the Mistress 3dly You must not take the Name of the Lord in Vain that is you must not express that Sacred Name in vain discourse but always express it with holy Fear and Reverence as is becoming Christianity An Oath is a Sacred thing in point of Controversie to cease strife Heb. 6.16 14. being commanded by the Lord himself Deutt 6.19 Chap. 10.20 Jer. 12.16 but all vain Swearing is in many Scriptures positively forbidden Amos 8.14 Matt. 5.34 James 5.12 Yea he is a Sinner that heareth the voice of Swearing and alloweth of it Levit. 5.1 by so doing we may partake of others Sins 1 Tim. 5.22 Therefore have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness but rather reprove them Ephes 5.11 Twelve several ways men may commit this Sin of taking the Name of the Lord in vain As 1st When men do Swear when there is no lawfull call nor cause for an Oath Ephes 4.29 2dly In Swearing falsly Levit. 19.12 3dly In Vowing and not performing 2 Chron 36.13 4thly In vain repetitions in Prayer Matt. 6.7 5thly By Preaching false Doctrine 2 John v. 10. 6thly In unjust Excommunication Isaiah 66.5 7thly In jesting vainly Ezek. 33.31 Ephes 5.4 8thly In abusing the Lords Table 1 Cor. 11.27.29 9thly When the Mouth and Heart do not agree in performing of Holy Duty Ezek. 33.31 10thly In Hearing Reading or Praying without Faith Rom. 14.23 11thly In calling the Lord to witness without a true sense and Holy Reverence of his Name 1 Sam. 19. 12thly When any of the Names or Titles of God are vainly expressed by which the Father Son and Holy Spirit are understood Fourthly You must not Prophane the Sabbath by needless Labour or other excercise that is vain the Sabbath-Breaker shall surely be put to Death Exod. 31.14 15 16. Ezek. 20.22 Men may break the Sabbath Eighteen several ways As 1st By Sleeping or lying on Bed too long on Sabbath-Day Morning Solomon saith The Sluggard desireth and has nothing Prov. 13.4 The Sabbath-day is the Harvest-day of the Soul to sleep in harvest causeth Shame Prov. 10.5 This was one of the Sins for which Israel went into Captivity Amos 6.4 2dly Some break the Sabbath by Idleness they will sit still and neither go to hear a Sermon nor yet will they read in the Bible or other Book of Divinity by which they might receive some good Instructions nor will they Pray nor use Divine Meditations or other Holy Duty Col. 4.2 3. but their Idle Soul shall suffer Hunger Prov. 19.15 Thus saith the Lord of Hosts consider your ways Hag. 1.5 3dly Some break the Sabbath by imploying themselves in their Worldly Business Nehemiah Testified against such doings shut the Gates of Jerusalem to keep out the Traders he forced them to keep off till the Sabbath was over Nehem. 13.15 to 22. Many will imploy themselves secretly on the Sabbath day and do that which they are not willing their Neighbour should know of but some will Sin more openly but they do that which the Law will not take hold of them for their so doing or choose Morning and Evening for the doing it that it may be the easier passed by 4thly Some break the Sabbath by gaming sporting and playing that Day Against whom do you Sport your selves against whom do you make a wide Mouth and draw out the Tongue are ye not Children of Transgressors and seed of Falshood Isaiah 67.4 Such are Spots and Blemishes in the Church who Sport themselves with their own deceiving 2 Pet. 2.13 Israel is complained of that they Sate down to Eat and to Drink and rose up to Play Exod. 32.6 1 Cor. 10.7 5thly Some break the Sabbath by their needless Journies they that will not work that day will spend the whole day to go to such and such a Place to visit their Friends or to do such Worldly Business as may be done by agreement or appointment of Business and the like from Even to Even shall ye Celebrate your Sabbath Levit. 23.33 Then surely the Lord hath not given any time on that day to go any Frivilous Journies or to do any needless Business 6thly Some break the Sabbath by using much vain discourse That day they will gather together in Companies to tell and hear any kind of vain Stories and Tales by which comes abundance of evil yea and ill-will among Neighbours Friends and Relations therefore well might the Lord give it in charge to Israel Thou shalt not go up and down as a Tale-bearer Levit. 19.16 The words of a Tale-bearer are as wounds Prov. 18.8 26 22. Therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips Prov. 20.19 where there is no Tale-bearer the strife ceaseth Prov. 26.20 In the multitude of words there wants no sin Prov. 10.19 Death and Life are in the power of the Tongue Prov. 18.21 For every idle word that a man shall speak he shall give an account in the day of judgment Mat. 12.36 Therefore let thy Words be few Eccles 5.2 Curb thy Tongue with David as with a bridle Psal 39.1 7thly Some Men break the Sabbath by letting their eyes wander after divers Objects and they immediately carry away the heart from the benefit of the Word preached that they can have no profit by it such had need with good Job resolve to make a Covenant with their eyes Job 31.1 The Lord complains of Jerusalem saying They have hid their eyes from my Sabbath Ezek. 22.26 But good David was very careful in this matter when he prayeth O let me not wander from thy Commandments Psal 119.10 8thly Some break the Sabbath by letting their hearts run after the concerns of this life while they are under the hearing of the Word of this sort of People were they which the Lord complains of They sit before thee as my people and they hear thy words but they will not do them for with their mouth they shew much love but their heart goeth after their Covetousness Ezek. 33.31 They cry when will the Sabbath be over that we may sell corn Amos 8.5 'T is they that hearken diligently with all their heart that have the promise Deut. 11.13 14. Ch. 15.5 Jer. 17.24 25. Deut. 7.12 13. But the Lord complains of the heart-wanderers saith he
consciences by stirring them up to avoid all sin and to live to God in all holy duties Conscience is like a closet being locked up none sees what is in it but the Owners conscience may like Jonah in the Ship lye fast asleep in the midst of the greatest dangers till it be rouzed up but being awakened 't will shew the danger of their condition It is the Candle of the Lord in man Prov. 20.27 Psal 18.28 Job 21.17 While it is shut up none sees its light but expose it and then it is splendent to keep out the cold and wholsom Diet is healthful for the Body and so to keep sin out of the conscience and feed it with the wholesome food of the Word 1 Pet. 2.2 This is the best Medicine for Souls health but withall remember that conscience or the light within is not the only means of Salvation if we heed it never so much as that fond People called Quakers do imagine or dote upon calling Conscience or the Light within God Christ and the Holy Spirit Know this that conscience is a principle in every man of Knowledge Wisdom Justice and Purity it is common to all all are endowed with it by the Lord it is like the weight of a clock the which being down all the wheels stop so conscience lyeth quiet in man till the Lord by his Goodness Justice Mercy or Threatnings of Judgment and by his Word and Spirit doth â—ouze it up and then 't is in quick motion and the Tongue confesseth sin to the Lord the Eyes weep the Hands wring the Knees smite together the Heart acheth the Voice crieth to the Lord all parts are moving no part can be at ease 1st It s Office is when by knowledge man's eyes are opened to cheek and reprove for all sin John 8.9 2dly Being purged of sin it will excuse a man that he may look God in the Face through a Mediator Acts 23.1 Chap. 24.17 3dly Being sanctified it is said to be good such was St. Paul's conscience which was void of Offence Acts 24.16 4thly It will bear witness to our Actions both to God and Man Rom. 9.1 5thly It will accuse a man when he knows by the word he has not done well Rom. 2.15 6thly Yet know that it may be defiled with sin Tit. 1.15 7thly Being made truly sensible that man continueth in sin it will as it were fly in his face and convict him John 8.9 8thly The power of sin is such that by it some have mortified conscience so that it has lain in them as it were dead which the Apostle calls putting away a good conscience 1 Tim. 1.5 Sin hath such powerful dominion over it if yielded unto that it will become altogether without the sence of feeling of Gods Goodness Justice Mercies or Judgments having their conscience seared with an hot iron 1 Tim. 4.2 9thly It is of that uncertain nature in it self that it may be led and guided in a wrong way and yet a man may believe think and be perswaded by his conscience that he is right when he is in the midst of a Sea of Superstition Sedition Errors and Heresies 1 Cor. 10.28 29. 10thly It is of that lenity and facility to be wrought upon that by the grace of God and true Faith in his word it may be purged from dead works Heb. 9.14 1 Tim. 3.9 Acts 15.9 11thly It is unconstant sometimes quiet 1 Pet. 3.4 sometimes stirred and troubled Job 3.26 sometimes doubtful Rom. 14.23 sometimes erroneous 1 Tim. 6.21 sometimes wounded Prov. 18.14 sometimes evil Heb. 10.22 and sometimes good 1 Tim. 1.5 But how this faculty which is so uncertain unsettled and unconstant in man that may be led to this to day and to that to morrow and a third the next day can be called God Christ or the Holy Spirit or a sure Guide I see not but shall leave it to the men that refuse the Law and Testament to be their Guide to call conscience or the light within what they please but the day of the general Judgment after the resurrection of our Bodies out of the Graves of the Earth will awaken these Mens consciences and testifie to them the whole Truth of the matter whom at present I do fear and believe that they are now in a wide wilderness of gross and blasphemous Errors and Heresies But Parents for all this you must not neglect to stir your children up to keep the light within alive and quicken them in their duties so far as it is guided by the Scriptures of Truth and not one step short or beyond that 22. Direction You must and ought in conscience to god and love to your children make your daily Prayers for them you are to pray for a blessing on them in spirituals and temporals as also by your godly Exhortations Informations and Loving Instructions together with your protecting care of them and bowels of kindness towards them in all Godly Examples and it will be a blessing to them when you are dead and gone Isaac blessed Jacob Gen. 27.27 Laban Jacob's Children Gen. 31.55 Jacob blessed his Sons Gen. 49.28 Be as good Patterns to your Children and the most High will bless both them and you 23 Direction Sweeten all your carriages to your children with true love and bowels of affection The Apostle saith Teach your young Women to be sober and to love their Children Tit. 2.4 It seems by this Exhortation that some Parents may want love to their natural children Love is that oyl that sets all the wheels in a free posture and motion for by it Parents will be moved to nourish educate instruct direct exhort perswade dehort restrain protect correct and continually pray for and endeavour after their conversion and holy walking before the Lord and what not 24 Direction is As you must pray for them so you must daily also pray with them Be careful for nothing saith the Apostle but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God Phil. 4.6 Praying always with all prayers and supplications in the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverence and supplication Ephes 6.18 Every thing is sanctified by the word of God and prayer 1 Tim. 4.5 Pray continually 1 Thes 5.17 Pray one for another James 5.16 Daniel prayed three times a day Dan. 6.10 Evening Morning and at Noon I will pray and cry aloud saith David Psal 55.17 Paul seems to exhort to it as a family Exercise Continue in prayer Col. 4.2 Though there be no positive rule to go by in this Gospel dispensation yet the Lords Prayer intimates to us that it is and ought to be our daily Exercise from these words Luke 11.3 Give us day by day our daily Bread Implying that this duty should be still performed day by day 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 panem necessitatis nostrae Our necessary bread or every day bread which doth imply that we should pray with our family dayly
how long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee Jer. 4.14 Therefore keep thine heart with all diligence for out of it are the Issues of Life Prov. 4.23 9ly Some break the Sabbath by counting the time of hearing a Burthen Such were they the Lord exclaims against saying When will the New Moon be gone that we may sell corn and when will the Sabbath be over that we may set forth wheat making the Ephah small and the Shekel great Amos 8.5 The Word of the Lord is to them a reproach they have no delight in it Jer. 6.10 These do not take delight in approaching to God nor do they call the Sabbath a delight Isa 58.2 13. He that delighteth in the Law of the Lord is the blessed man Psal 1.1 2. 10ly Some break the Sabbath by their spend it in reading vain Books that do rather instigate their vile nature to sin than to shew them the way of Mortification Regeneration and Eternal Life which is contained in the Holy Scriptures which ought to be the only Book which a Christian should read and study St. Paul reasoned out of the Scriptures Acts 17.2 The Bereans are commended for searching the Scriptures daily Acts 17.11 The Scripture is the most profitable Book in the World 2 Tim. 3.15 to 17. And therefore Christ bids the Jews search the Scriptures John 5.39 Yea the Apostles themselves were ravished with Christ's expounding of the Scriptures Luke 24.32 It were much better that they that have any vain books would do as the people of Ephesus did to burn them rather than to spend time on the Sabbath day to read them or any other time else Acts 19.19 11ly Some break the Sabbath in Drunkenness and Gluttony many will flock together in private Ale-houses and other private Houses and send for such things as their Hearts lusts after and fill themselves till they are overcharged with sufeiting and drunkenness which ought not to be Luke 21.34 And when Sermon is over they let their Reins run at random and take their fill without controul of any till they are under that woe Isa 5.11 These that count it pleasure to riot in the day time and have their eyes full of Adultery and cannot cease from sin 2 Pet. 2.13 14. which St. Paul positively forbids Rom. 13.13 12ly Some break the Sabbath in sleeping in the time of Hearing of the Word preached These are totally without the sence of their eternal Happiness or Misery they are as it were men without Souls for they have no real Sence nor Knowledge of their future being they quite forget that hearing the Word is their Souls harvest Learn of the Ant O thou sluggard which gathereth her meat in the harvest Prov. 6.6 to 12. If thou dost not thy want shall come on thee as an armed Man Prov. 24.34 He that sleepeth in harvest is a Son that causeth shame Prov. 10.5 Sleepiness discovers a slothful heart Prov. 19.15 And too great want when it is too late will be the Issue as in the case of the five foolish Virgins Mat. 25.5 8. Such Sleepers ought to pray with good David unto the Lord To enlighten their eyes least they sleep the sleep of death Psal 13.3 Were these very people but hearing of a Tale told or any vain Discourse it is a great chance but they would be awake enough to laugh at it and perhaps to help it forward too all implying that they have no feeling in their hearts of a future being Ephes 4.18 19. 13ly Some break the Sabbath in letting or forcing of their Children Servants or Cattel to do any unnecessary business that day The Lord gave it in charge that the Children of Israel should do no servile work in the day of the Feast of unleavened bread Levit. 23.7 8. of the wave offering Levit. 23.21 in the convocation of blowing Trumpets Levit. 23.25 Numb 29.1 on the day of the passover Numb 28.18 in the days of fasting Levit. 23.28 Numb 29.7 on the week of the Feast of Tabernacles Numb 29.12 35. So they that are Governours of Families must neither command nor any ways suffer any thing that are under their power to break the Sabbath by labour That which the Lord alloweth to be done on the Sabbath the doing of it is no breach of the Commandment as First Works of Charity 1st Laying up for the poor 1 Cor. 16.2 2ly In pulling our Neighbours Cattel out of a pit Luke 14.5 Mat. 12.11 3ly Feeding or watering of Cattel to keep them alive Luke 13.15 4ly In giving to young children and sick persons such things as is for their health and comfort Christ himself healed on that day Luke 14.4 Mark 3.3 John 9.14 Luke 13.14 16. 5ly In taking care to preserve the life of mankind as in necessary food in taking pains and care for Women in Travel in keeping Children and others from fire and water and other eminent dangers Secondly In relation to the worship which the Lord appointed We are to go to the places of our Christian Assemblies and return to our own habitations with such convenient helps and supplies as are necessary Acts 11.26 Thirdly In the defence of our Persons Estates and Lives against Robbers and the Government of our Nation and Country to keep peace and to keep out forreign Enemies may be done by us on the Sabbath-day Jericho was taken on the Sabbath-day Joshua 6.15 20. Seven days Israel pitched over against the Syrians and on the Seventh Day Israel slew 120000 of the Syrians but in all remember that he that did wilfully break the Sabbath was to be put to death though I confess that is no law to us Christians and it serves to shew us that the Jewish Sabbath is not our Sabbath Exod. 31.15 Numb 15.32 to 36. But O do not work nor yet suffer any of thine so to do on the Lords day 14ly Some break the Sabbath in neglecting to hear the word They will sit at home and sleep or walk in the fields or take Physick to prevent the loss of a working day which is to rob God to serve our selves or give themselves over to some vain exercise to such the Apostle gives charge Not to for sake the Assembling of your selves as the manner of some is Heb. 10.25 If you cannot find the Truth in a publick Oratory you may seek it from House to House Acts 5.42 For the true Church in the Apostles days met in houses Rom. 16.5 1 Cor. 16.19 Philemon 2. You are commanded to give all diligence 2 Pet. 1.10 To prove all things and hold fast that which is good 1 Thes 5.21 Not to be slothful in business but fervent in Spirit serving the Lord Rom. 12.11 15ly Some break the Sabbath in neglecting of the general duties of the day When they are off from hearing the word they omit to pray in their families and neglect to instruct their Children and Servants and do not call them to read the Scriptures nor do they reprove rebuke or correct them if
ΠΑΤΡῸΣ ΚΆΤΟΠΤΡΑ ΚΑῚ ΠΑΙΔῸΣ ΓΟÎΥΚΛΙΣΊΑ THE Father's Spectacles TO Behold his CHILD by AND The Child's Cushion TO Kneel before his Parents By a Lover of Parental and Filial Unity For I know Abraham that he will command his Children and his houshold after him and they shall keep the way of the Lord Gen. 18.19 In the last days perilous times shall come some shall be proud disobedient to Parents unthankful unholy without natural affections 2 Tim. 3.2 Pater adversus filium filius adversus patrem LONDON Printed by John Astwood for the Author 1695. To all Parents of Children and Children of Parents True Grace be multiplied in Christ Jesus BE it known unto you Oh ye Children of men that the signs of Christs second coming soundeth daily in our ears how often have we seen wonders in the heavens above us and how hath the earth trembled and quaked beneath us how many false Prophets have there been that own no other Christ but the light within them how great is the apostatizing from the truth how is Antichrist getting up to his height how doth the noise of Wars sound aloud in our ears how many thousands hath the pestilence swept away in a moment how have the Saints been afflicted and persecuted of whom the World was not worthy how much treachery and deceit is there in every corner how much hatred and malice meerly for professing Religion how many deceivers have spread themselves abroad in the world how doth iniquity abound in every village how cold is love grown in all persons how doth drunkenness and gluttony surpass ages past and famine succeed in many places how great are the variances that are in Nations Churches and Families nay among own Relations they are directly opposite one to the other among these sixteen signs of Christs coming this is none of the least for Satan hath but a short season and therefore he is the more busie to keep people ignorant of their duty that they may be employed to serve sin to hinder him in his purpose about the breach of Amity is my main design for at present it is my purpose to let you know what amity has been and ought to be between near Relations that so we may arrive at that ever lasting amity and felicity which we all aim at Many there are that have tuned a string or two on this subject but I at present never saw nor heard of any that have played a whole lesson on it and therefore I who am induced to this task for the Honour of God and the grace of Religion have cast my small mite into the great and rich treasury of Knowledge though I know this Learned Critical Penetrating Eagle-eyed Age may look on my lines and censure them or me as not being Rhetorically adorned and Logically digested and drawn out in the flourishes of the times but let them know that the manner of the ancient times was to be plain 1 Cor. 1.27 The Subject matter plain Scripture Language Acts 17.2 The method and style according to the capacity of the persons spoken to John 16.12 My intent is to stir the dull and ignorant to their duty and not to teach them that know enough but yet there be some that know and do not practise their duty these lines may reach them a rap it is the doer of the Law is justified Rom. 2.13 I have taken notice of the evil carriage of some parents to their children which has been against nature and the plain words of the Scriptures and the abominable wickedness of some children who regard not their parents at all as to appearance in no sence nor kind I wish I could be instrumental to reform the one and convert the other and that going in this tract some other which is more expert in knowledge better read in Scripture having more endowments of the Spirit and of a larger capacity than I am would undertake this task to perfect this work which I have now in a short figure but as it were but a little begun which if any good shall come by this or any be perswaded to parental or filial affections by it and those that shall by this be perswaded to make a larger discovery in this kind I have my end and hope the Lord will be glorified in it that the curse may be taken off from the land of the living Mat. 15.4 Levit. 20.9 Malachi 4.6 He that liketh these lines let him receive and practise them and he that liketh them not let him sit down and take his Bible and Pen as I did and produce better I am content that in this I have done part of my duty do you do all yours and then sit down to rest but do not rest with the foolish Virgins without oyl in your vessels least Christs coming be to your terror which is the desire of him who is a Lover of your Souls Eternal Consolation Vale. I Our duty from the Scriptures have noted O And to confirm it have some Authors quoted Hence you may learn what duty you do owe How unto God and to your Neighbours too Come learn this Lesson and do not gainsay Ought that is in it but always obey What God commands do not give a deaf ear Prepare thy Heart the Lord always to fear Ever remember thy own frail condition Regard thy conscience peace and souls submission Offend not God nor Man in heart nor deed 〈◊〉 from thy sin the Lord thy soul has freed Serve God Instruct thy Child and him correct And always pray the Lord may thee direct Let Parents speak and Children hold their tongue 〈◊〉 in mild speeches let them shew their wrong Here is a blessing if in love you live And Christ his Peace unto you he will give Remember then thy duty and still obey Serve God always and do not go astray Till he by death do call you all away In ignorance many live and also do 〈◊〉 get the way in which they ought to go Some Parents scarce their duties ever know Uncircumcis'd in ears and heart they grow O spend each day and time in contemplation Search out Gods will and mind thy souls salvation Ever to the most High O let thy Spirit sing Xanto like his High Praises Everlasting A short TABLE of the General Heads 1. THe Text opened in six Considerations 2. Five Doctrines in which four parties are concerned 1st The Lord is concerned in his love and care Doct. 5. 2ly The Minister is concerned to inform all of their duty 3ly Parents are concerned in their general Duties 4ly Children are concerned in honour love and obedience Sixteen ways Parents may provoke their Children Ten Motives to move Parents to love their Children Thirteen Reasons to prove the first Doctrine Forty Rules to direct Parents to their Duty Eleven Rules for Christian Correction The acts and effects of the light within twelve ways Prayer spiritual shewed in ten heads Christs love universal proved by thirteen reasons Seven things ensue
have instructed many Job 4.3 It were well if only learned sober and christian-like religious Persons were sound in the exercise of this weighty Vocation 28 Directiom is Allow them those things that are necessary in their Condition That it be not a hindrance of their Advancement in Learning allow them suitable Books and other things so far as your ability will permit but let not your Money be bestowed upon Romances Plays Prophane Histories Ballads and Lying Pamphlets for they teach Youth Debauchery and Vice but not Truth and Piety Provide them things that are honest in the sight of all men Rom. 12.17 29 Direction is Be often visiting them and endeavour to know their condition in what capacity they are and how they profit in Learning Here you must encourage your children by loving perswasions or loving and heart-winning Letters and Invitations with supplying them with Moneys and such things as they stand in need of according to their degree and your own Abilities provided they are virtuous Let ours saith Paul also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses that they be not unfruitful Tit. 3.14 As much as if he had said be diligent in an honest Employment to procure necessaries both for you and yours 30 Direction is You must study their Abilities and natural Condition If they are stubborn and will not yield you must give them due correction but not in anger for then perhaps you will correct them too immoderately and the child may then justly think that it is corrected to appease its Parents wrath and evil passion more than for the fault it has committed you should make your child as sensible of its fault by words to the purpose as of the smart by the rod of correction and then you may bow their stubborn heart Prov. 22.15 Also if they be dull and slow of capacity you must not be too fierce hasty and violent upon them it will hurry them beyond or out of themselves that they will be capable of just nothing at all if they be wild you must be fierce but if they be mild you must use all the lenity and mildness that is possible Gal. 5.22 The fruit of the spirit is gentleness 31 Direction is You must let them have some liberty not to tie them up altogether like a Horse in a Mill At School a quarter of an hours time in the Forenoon or Afternoon refresheth youth and they will be the better capable to go through their lesson when their veins are stirred and brains are quickned by far than they are to fit half a day congealed like Momes it does but hinder their Learning So likewise if you keep them at work from morning till night when young it dulls them much and especially if their Vocation be matter of art then a small Journey of a quarter of an hour on an Erand or some other little business will refresh quicken and do them abundance of good Moreover you ought to let them have some time to read and to pray if they be capable Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty 2 Cor. 3.7 But use not this liberty as an occasion to the flesh Gal. 5.13 32 direction is You must if it be possible preserve and increase your estate that your children may have something to live on comfortably when you are dead and gone Saith the Wise Man A good man leaveth an inberitance to his Childrens children Prov. 13.22 St. Paul informs us That the children ought not to lay up for the parents but the parents for the children 2 Cor. 12.14 But they unparent themselves who give away their Estates from their children for want of love Such are destitute of true grace and others love their name better than their children who give their Estates from their daughters It is much better to obey the Lord and to give your Estates to your own children if Daughters than to give it to one that is no kin to you though they be of your name more especially if he should prove wicked that possesseth it it would be but a grand blot to your name and a perpetual stain for your wicked Act Their inward thoughts is that their houses shall continue for ever this their way is their folly Psal 49.11 13. 33 Direction is When your children are capable of holy Duty you ought to instruct them to pray with the spirit and with their understanding 1 Cor. 14.15 Humane Traditions are not always good Mat. 15.3 Nor yet a stinted form 2 Tim. 3.5 1st Stinted Forms made and imposed seems to put an affront upon the Dignity and Free-grace of the Almighty which freely giveth the gift of his Holy Spirit to them that ask him Luke 11.13 If they ask in Faith 〈◊〉 teach them to pray John 14. 26. Rom. 8.15 16. Ephes 6.18 1 John 2.27 2dly It quencheth the Spirit contrary to 1 Thes 5.19 Man is sometimes sensible of his great wants and would pour forth his Soul to the Lord in a very vehement and large measure and manner But in a form his Wants it may be are not expressed or he knows not where to get a prayer suitable and if he doth yet 't is a doubt whether it agree with his Spirit in all cases and conditions and before he hath learned it the through sence of his wants which formerly he had are damped cold and flat that now the fiery zeal of his spirit and good desires are altogether quenched as fire is quenched by the want of fuel and the continual powring on of water 3ly We are commanded in every thing by prayer and supplication to let our request be made known to God Phil. 4.6 Now if this command to the Church of Philippi do extend to all persons I am apt to think that there is not one of an hundred that hath a memory to contain forms of Prayers that have Words in them suitable to pray for every thing so that this Precept cannot extend it self in any sence to the using of stinted forms of Prayers but altogether to the Exercise of Spiritual Prayer Tutius ex puro fonte bibuntur aquae Waters are drank more safely out of the purest fountain 4ly stinted Forms destroy Divine Meditation and the Study of our Wants and Conditions Divine Meditation made David fervent in holy duty Psal 63.6 7. 119.93 94. and St. Paul exhorts thereunto Phil. 4.8 Abimo omnia tecum peragere Choose to ponder all things well in thine own mind 5ly As our Wants are various and many so are the Temptations of Satan the World and our own Heats that it is impossible to have stinted forms suitable in all conditions of Mans life Ephes 6.11 Prov. 7.27 1 John 2.15 16 17. Ardua via virtutis the way to Vertue is very difficult painful and perilous 6ly Stinted Forms hinder those that daily use them from seeking after the help of the Spirit in this holy duty which the Apostle saith Helpeth our infirmities with groanings which cannot be uttered Rom.
8.26 7ly Stinted Forms keeps Persons in a lame stupid dead and lukewarm posture so long as they do continue in the use of it they are neither hot nor cold Revel 3.15 16. What the Fruits and Benefits that forms do conduce I leave it to those that have received it if any have to declare but this is certain that the Letter kills but it is the Spirit that giveth life 2 Cor. 3.6 John 3.63 8ly By spiritual Prayer we have access unto the Throne of Grace Ephes 2.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is 1st Accessus 2ly Manuductionem A drawing near by leading by the hand to God as Persons are led or conducted into Kings Courts but I do not find any promise in all the Holy Scriptures that any shall have access to God by reading or saying over of stinted forms of Prayer 9ly There are many good Presidents in Scripture that the faithful in all ages have poured out their Souls to the Lord omnipotent in Spiritual Prayer It is said Isaac went out into the field to meditate Gen. 24.63 The Margin reads it to pray agreeing with Ainsworth in loc David poured out his soul to the Lord Psal 142.1 to 7. Jehoshephat was fervent in this duty 2 Chron. 20.12 Hezekiah prayed against Senacherib's Blasphemy 2 Kings 19.15 It will be too tedious to set forth one quarter of the instances of this kind Take St. Paul for your Example who saith He will pray with his Spirit and with his understanding also 1 Cor. 14.15 Epaphras is said to be fervent in this duty Col. 4.12 10ly Spiritual Prayer is commanded Praying always with all prayers and supplication in the Spirit Ephes 6.18 Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and suplication let your request be made known to God Phil. 4.6 I will that men pray every where 1 Tim. 2.8 Pray for them that despitefully use you Mat. 5.44 Luke 6.28 Pray ye the Lord of the Harvest Mat. 9.38 Pray one for another James 5.16 If ye sow to the spirit ye shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting Gal. 6.8 34 Direction is Be often minding of them that they let the love of God in Christ be the principal Motive upon their Hearts to perswade them to love God above all to uphold them from being dashed in pieces upon that rock of Despair about Personal Election and Reprobation Know for certain that as all were brought into a state of Condemnation by the first Adam's Sin so all that believe are in a state of justification by the death of Christ Rom. 5.18 For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting Life For God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World but that the World through him might be saved John 3.16 17. There is Salvation open to every Soul that believeth the Lord hath taken such care for every mans Salvation 1st That he hath commanded the Gospel to be Preached to every Creature Mark 16.15 16 2dly That Prayers and Supplications be made for all men 1 Tim. 2.1 to 6. 3dly The Lord would have all men come to the Knowledge of the Truth that they might be Saved 1 Tim. 2.4 as touching those that are Elected they are Elected thro' the Sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth 2 Thes 2.13 to believe on Christ is the first step to enjoy the promise of Eternal Salvation Heb. 3.9 Revel 22.14 Heb. 10.36 Jam. 1.25 2dly True Faith is the spring of true love to God in Christ which is also the true and only ground of our Obedience Rom. 6.17 18. 3dly A right Knowledge of Gods love in justification by his Son is the chief ground of our love to God 1 John 4.19 4thly True Faith is that hand whereby we receive Christ and Christ's Righteousness is the matter or material Cause of our Justification as Gods Imputation of it to us is the formal Cause and Faith I think I may say without any blame may be said to be the Instrumental Cause thereof but no procuring Cause or meriting Condition of our Justification for Faith is in the Covenant of Grace as it is the Gift of God and therefore not a procuring Condition of it Rom. 3.28 Gal. 2.16 Rom. 5.1 Gal. 3.24 5thly Preaching the Gospel thro' the working of Gods Spirit is the cause of Faith Rom. 10.17 6thly The love of God in Christs Death and Resurrection is the ground and cause of the Gospels being Preached 1 Cor. 15.1 to 23. 7thly The love of God to those he gave to Christ is the only ground and cause why he sent his Son to dye John 3.16 17. Heb. 2.9 So on the other hand Sin is the cause that any are reprobated it is for the Sin of their Nature which they love and for Unbelief Rom. 11.23 all which remains they do not will not hear the Word so as to set their hearts to ponder on the same their understandings are blinded their wills rebellious their affections are carnal their hearts are immoderately set upon Earthly things If any man loveth the World the love of the Father is not in him 1 John 2.15 Because they believe not the Word of Life they remain in a state of Condemnation the Scripture holds forth that mans Destruction is of himself Mat. 23.37 Hosea 13.9 35 Direction is Teach your Children to avoid the Seeing Hearing Receiving doing or Allowing of those things that are directly prohibited or forbid in Scripture First You must Teach them the Ten Commandments recorded in Exod. 20. Deut. 5. the Lord by these Precepts hath prohibited all from gross and capital Sins to teach men Morrality and Divine Adoration and Invocation having called him from all Corruption unto the integrity he first Created him in And therefore 1st Man is denied to have any other object of Divine Adoration beside his Creator 2dly Man must not have the least shew of any kind of Worship in Expression Gesture or Habit not so much as in affections too nor towards any Image or the likeness of any Creature Made Ingraven or Portraied of any Mass or resemblance whatsoever no not so much as to go into the place where an Idol is nor to eat of the Meat that has been offered to an Idol Acts 15.20.29 Chap. 21.25 keep your selves from Idols 1 John 5.21 Flee from Idolatry 1 Cor. 10.14 Levit. 19.4 Any thing that is set up in our Hearts and extolled above our Maker which we take all care possible to please our selves in to admire and set our Chief Love upon that we give more Service Love and Adoration too then is properly due to a meer Creature is by us made an Idol and though it be no God yet we make it a God unto our selves Fourteen several ways Men may make to themselves Gods and Serve Love and Adore them more then they do their Creator And 1st some make their Bellys their God they lay up all
they sin altogether omitting an holy discipline in their families as keeping of their Children and Servants close in the attendance on the aforesaid duties 1 Tim. 3.4 Chap. 4.13 16ly Some break the Sabbath in going to false worship therefore let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of Angels Col. 2.18 Here you had need to follow in the footsteps of the Apostles and all the primitive Churches in the New Testament as ye have them for example 1 Tim. 4.12 Phil. 3.17 1 Thes 1.7 to 10. All that preach any other Doctrine or Worship in any other way under the Gospel than that which was the practice of the Apostles and first Churches is for certain not the true worship Gal. 1.8 for they that worship the Father must worship him in spirit and Truth John 4.24 17ly Some have broke the Sabbath in their often persecuting of Christian Assemblies Christians ought not to persecute one another for as all are to give an account to God for themselves Rom. 14.12 It is but reason that they themselves should choose that religion that they believe to be the Truth The Tares and the Wheat ought to grow together till the harvest Mat. 13.30 There are many reasons why Christians should not persecute one another As 1st The Apostles and first Churches did not persecute but often were persecuted 1 Cor. 4.12 They honestly confest that they had no dominion over the Churches Faith 2 Cor. 1.24 2ly 'T is a Mark of a false Church to persecute Mat. 10.16 Gal. 4.29 2 Tim. 3.13 3ly Christ would not have the Tares rooted out least the Wheat should be rooted out with them Mat. 13.30 4ly It is impossible that I can see with anothers eyes or believe with anothers Faith Mark 9.50 5ly They that persecute are not infallible they may err in their Doctrine as well as in their Discipline Rom. 3.23 6ly Christ commanded his Ministers to teach all Nations and preach the Gospel to every Creature Mat. 28.19 Mark 16.16 not a word of Persecution 7ly Persecution does make weak Christians that in time might have been good Christians to turn Apostates 8ly A Person that is an Heretick is to be excommunicated not persecuted but admonished as a Brother Tit. 3.10 2 Thes 3.15 9ly If you force persons to do things in religious Worship against the light of their own Consciences you force them to sin Rom. 14.13 10ly The strong ought to bear with the weak Rom. 14.1 to 14. 11ly All Persons ought to observe that good old Rule viz. To do to all Men as you would have they should do to you Mat. 7.12 Luke 6.31 and then all Persecution would quickly cease 12ly The Scripture forbids us to judge one another in matters of Religion Mat. 7.1 James 4.12 Rom. 2.1 to 3. If you may not must not judge one another in matters of Conscience and Religion surely you must not persecute them More especially to break the Sabbath in such a wicked act when that day they are in their religious Worship according to the best light of Knowledge that they have recieved of the Lord least over and above you should offend one of the little ones that beleive in Christ and then it were better that a Mill-stone were hanged about your neck and you cast into tâ—h depth of the Sea Mat. 18.6 Luke 17.2 18ly Some break the Sabbath by common War burning and destroying of Villages Towns and Cities Christ bids his Disciples pray that their flight might not be on the Sabbath-day Mat. 24.20 Wars and Rumours of Wars is one of the signs of the last times Mat. 24.6 How Rapine and Murder and destruction of Towns and Cities is justifiable by the Scripture I cannot see and more especially on the Lords-day I must leave it to those that are the cause of the action to answer for it in the great day of account and say no more to it but remember to keep holy the Sabbath-day Exod. 20.8 5ly You must not disobey your Parents but do them all Service of Honour Luke 18.20 6ly Thou must not commit any kind of Murder either on thy self as King Saul Ahithophel and Judas did 2 Sam. 17.23 1 Sam. 31.4 5. Mat. 27.5 Nor on any other Person whatsoever secretly or openly thou must not thirst after the blood of any Man Prov. 29.10 No nor yet if it be possible let not the blood of any beast or fowl enter in at thy mouth as Food or Drink 1st Because the Lord hath positively forbid it to be eat in Noah's Time Gen. 9.4 As though the eating of blood were a grand inducement to move Frail Man to shed Mans Blood without a just cause 2ly In the Levetical Law the Lord saith whose eateth the blood of any manner of flesh shall be cut off Levit. 17.14 Here its use is not allowed but to be condemned by an immediate judgment 3ly In that first great Council and General Assembly at Jerusalem of the Apostles Elders and Brethren who drew up their result and confirmed that Canon by the approbation of the Holy Ghost Acts 15.28 They sent it to the Gentiles in Antioch Syria and Cilicia by the hands of Paul Barnabas Judas and Silas four chief Men the Substance of the Canon or Epistle is recorded in Acts 15.29 That ye abstain from meats offered to Idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication from which if ye keep your selves ye shall do well St. James proposing this very Sentence to the Assembly in Acts 15.20 The Church at Jerusalem confirmed the Truth of the beforementioned Canon and express it verbatim Acts 21.25 From all which I must conclude that the Gentiles under the Gospel may as well commit Fornication as they may eat blood or things strangled the abstaining from all the four are injoyned in Acts 15.29 Seventhly You must not commit Adultery This Precept forbids all manner of filthiness of fleshly Vice as Fornication Uncleanness Eph. 5.3 Unnatural Filthiness Levit. 19.22 23. Chambering and Wantonness in Words Gesture or Attire Rom. 13.13 Prov. 7.10 to 22. 1 Pet. 2.11 So that Man had need with good Job make a Covenant with his eyes Job 31.1 For Christ himself in his first Sermon saith He that looketh on a Woman to lust after her he hath committed Adultery with her already in his heart Mat. 5.28 Incestuous Marriages Unjust Divorces Bigamy Polygamy and all Unchastity in Body and Mind is not to be allowed nor practised by any but every one ought to live in purity of Life and Conversation that every one possess his Vessel in Sanctification and Honour 1 Thes 4.4 Eighthly Thou must not steal That is Thou must not rob any one of their Goods neither publickly nor yet privately by cozening nor cheating by fraud nor by force nay thou must not rob thy Wife nor Children of their Dowre nor Birthright or of that which is given thee to maintain them to live comfortably in this world with which kind of
Preserver of all things in Heaven above and in the Earth beneath substantial and sublunary visible and invisible Who was is and ever will be omnipotent omniscient omniparent and omnipresent who is incomparable invisible incomprehensible unchangeable immutable infallible and immortal who hath all Strength Wisdom Vnderstanding Iustice Life Will Power and Majesty whose Iudgments and Wrath is terrible and Love unspeakable his Favour and Mercy unmeasurable glorious in Holiness out Defence in Trouble and Adversity who is all Goodness Support and Everlasting Love 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Blessed for ever Amen c. His most Sacred Name must not be expressed at all in common Discourse Deut. 5.11 It must be used with as great care and reverence as possible in Prayer and other Divine Service for fear of using it as a vain repetition which Christ positively forbids Matt. 6.7 and when he prescribes the manner of prayer he seems to forbid the use of that sacred Name First By saying When ye pray say after this manner Our father Secondly By teaching them to sanctifie his holy Name Hallowed be thy Name Thirdly By his omitting that Sacred Name in all that prayer of Direction and using only the pronoun 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thy and thine four times in that short but ample Petition and Direction fignifying the eternal Being by it Surely then Preachers ought to be very cautious how they express that Sacred Name with too often repeating it in many sentences in their Sermons when they have so done and broken the third Commandment by it their Doctrine would have been much better set forth by other expressions and much better accepted by an Auditory whose hearts are in dread to hear that Sacred Name so numerously and needlesly expressed And in the Confession of our Faith we ought to use it with great Reverence and Zeal Oh! how should our hearts dread and fear when we speak or hear that holy Name mentioned by which the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit is signified The Jews hold it is not lawful to use the Name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at all but by the Priest in the Sanctuary only and that but once a year they use the Title 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lord to express it by yea they are so very careful in their Names of Numbers when they express the number fifteen which is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 one of the Names of the Most High they always use 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which being nine and six is fifteen as is seen in the numbers of the Chapters and Verses in the Hebrew Bibles Coles in his Expositor saith JEHOVAH is never pronounced by the Jews on pain of death only by the Priest in the Sanctum Sanctorum and that on the Day of Expiation being but once a year Most Sacred should the Name of the infinite Being be whose Residence is in Eternal Glory who is continually Adored by the Celestial Angels who is worshipped daily by Terrestial Creatures Men and wicked infernal Spirits fear and tremble at his most terrible Majesty yea the Beasts of the Field dread when they hear his voice in the Clouds and no Creature but is under the dread of Divine Power which is the true object of our Faith To us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things 1 Cor. 8 6. Psalm 86.10 Isaiah 37.16 44.8 45.22 By him were all things created that are in Heaven and that are in the earth visible and invisible Col. 1.16 Article the second And in one Lord Iesus Christ the only begotten Son of God begotten or the father before all Worlds c. In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God John 1.1 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth John 1.14 Jesus said unto them Verily Verily I say unto you before Abraham was I am John 8.58 And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was John 17.5 He had on his Vesture and on his Thigh a Name written King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revel 19.16 1 Tim. 6.16 Rev. 17.14 Then spake Jesus unto them saying I am the light of the World John 8.12 He was in the world and the world was made by him and the World knew him not John 1.10 I came forth from the Father and am come into the world John 16.28 Read Heb. 1.1 to 13. Col. 1.14 to 18. For in him viz. Christ dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Col. 2.9 The Scripture is very full and clear against the ancient Ebionetes Marcionists and Arrian and Socinian Hereticks which once abounded and too much spread it self in these days to the great trouble of the Churches here in England and in these parts of the World which said detestable errours lead men to deny the eternal Divinity of Christ as though Christ were not the most high God and of the same Essence with the Father according to his deity but a meer Creature Article the third Who for us Men and for our Salvation descended from the Heavens and was incarnate of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Ghost and became Man c. For I saith Christ came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me John 6.38 Ephes 4.10 And the Angel answered and said unto her the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the highest shall overshaddow thee therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Luke 1.35 In this was manifested the love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might believe through him 1 John 4.9 Here 1st He is said to be begotten John 1.14 18. 3.16 18. 2ly To be born of the Virgin Mary Now when Jesus was born Herod demanded of the chief Priests and Scribes where Christ should be born and they said in Bethlehem of Judea Mat. 2.1 4 5. And unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord Luke 2.11 To this end saith Christ was I born to bear witness unto the truth John 18.37 3ly Christ had a Body A body hast thou prepared me Heb. 10.5 The Women beheld the Sepulchre and how his Body was laid Luke 23.55 Joseph went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus Mat. 27.58 Mark 15.43 Luke 23.52 and he gave the body to Joseph Mark 15.45 Mat. 27.58 59. 4ly Christ is said to have flesh for as much then as Children are partakers of flesh and blood be himself likewise took part of he same Heb. 2.14 Handle me and see for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me to have Luke 24.39 He was of the seed of David according to the flesh Acts 2.30