Read 1 Tim. 2.1 where you will find that the chosen Vessel of God St. Paul doth exhort That first of all Deprecations Supplications Intercessions and giving of Thanks be made for all Men for Kings and for all that are in Authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable Life in all Godliness and Honesty Again Phil. 4.6 he says Be careful for nothing but in all things let your Petitions be manifest unto God in Prayer and Supplications with giving of Thanks by which places of Scripture we are not only pricked forward to the holy Exercise of Prayer but taught also that there are four kinds thereof all necessary to be used every day First Deprecation whereby we beg at the hands of Almighty God either altogether to turn away his heavy displeasure conceiv'd against us through our Sins or at least to mittigate the Punishment due for our Offences Secondly Supplications are Prayers whereby we crave such things as are necessary either for the Sustentation of this present Life or for our everlasting Comfort in the World to come Thirdly Intercessions are Prayers made in the behalf of others And lastly Thanksgiving is when we Praise God and celebrate his holy Name for all the Benefits confer'd both upon our Souls and Bodies Some short Ejaculations and Prayers according to Scripture Rules I Give thee most hearty thanks O Eternal God Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for that it hath pleased thee of thy unspeakable Mercy and Goodness in all Ages succesfully to send into the world Men wonderfully endow'd with thy Gifts and adorn'd with the knowledge of thy Will to be Revivers and Preachers of thy Word of Truth Mat. 23.34 Ephes. 4.2.1 2. I likewise render most hearty thanks unto thy most Sacred Majesty for sending thy only Son that great Shepherd of thy Church to make known thy Word to such as thou thinkest fit to teach thy People the Truth of thy Written Word for the gathering together thy Church out of all Mankind to the building up of the Body of Christ. I humbly beseech Thee most gracious God to continue always amongst us thy pure Word and through thy Ministers gather to thy self an infinite and everlasting Congregation and so instruct my heart with thy Spirit of Truth that I may unfeignedly assent to thy wholesome Word whereby I may prove a lively Member of thy Body and be incorporated into that Society which doth in this World sincerely confess thee and in the next World for ever enjoy thee evermore extolling the holiness of thy Name preserve in safety the Ministers and Teachers of thy Word and give them the certain knowledge of thy Blessed will that by thy Word they may from time to time open unto us thine intent concerning the repairing of Mankind to the Saving and Redeeming of our Souls thro' thy free Mercy and also teach us here to live in new obedience and to withstand the violence and allurements of our carnal desires which fight against the Soul 1 Pet. 2.12 Inspire the Preachers of thy Word with the Divine Breathings of thy holy Spirit that they may utter thy Will with the Purity they receive from thy Mouth retaining the form of wholesome Words and sounding none but the Doctrine manifested by thy Son out of thy Bosom 2 Tim. 1.13 Ioh. 1.18 for by departing from the order of the Faith and Rule of thy Word they will greatly obscure the light of thy Doctrine and obtrude upon us the Vanity of their own Inventions for thy holy Inspirations therefore let them speak thy Word not deceitfully but sincerely as from thee and in thy sight 2 Cor. 4.2 Grant also that by transforming thy Divine Ministry into Earthly Policy they Lord it not over thine Elect neither proudly contend about Superiority and Primacy in thy Church 1 Pet. 5 3. But only seek the Glory of thy Name and the Salvation of themselves and us committed by thy Providence to their Charge give them liberty of Speech boldly without fear to blame and rebuke all false Doctrine Blasphemous Superstitions and abuses in thy Church Ephes. 6.19 Open unto them the door of utterance that they may speak the Mysteries of Christ and manifest them as they ought to do so shall their doings be profitable to the Godly Colos. 4.3 Assist them also with thy especial Grace that they disgrace not the Doctrine which they Teach and Preach by impurity of Life 1 Tim. 3.2 4. but especially assist the Shepherd under thee whom I hear for the good of my Soul from whose Mouth I learn thy Blessed Will keep him O Lord I heartily Pray in Religion sincere and pure from enormous Offences in his outward Conversation endow him with a long and healthful Life if it be thy Will that he may live to Convert many by Preaching thy Word of wholesome Doctrine and then we shall be Converted because thou art our God and being Converted we will do Penance shew us our Offences that we may have a true sense and hearty sorrow for our Sins O Son of God who art the Lord and head Shepherd of all thy Flock work thou effectually by thy Preachers and speak thou also within us to our hearts the blessed Will of thy Eternal Father and confirm thy Doctrine in our Minds by thy holy Spirit and grant I beseech thee that we may truly know and discern the same from the howling of Wolves and from the Inchanting Songs of Hirelings Ioh. 10.12 and 17.15 and grant that we may know thee even as thou knowest thy Heavenly Father and walk Religiously and Righteously in thy Sight showing our selves to be that holy Seed which praiseth thy Name for evermore Come Holy Spirit open my Heart and Ears that I may conceive the profit of thy wholesome Doctrine and the sweet Comfort revealed in thy Holy Words by the Preaching of the Gospel I beseech thee pour into us Godly Cogitations that we may never imagine as the Wicked do that the Miseries and Afflictions of this Life fall upon u◠〈◊〉 Chance and against thy Will but that we may 〈◊〉 believe that thy Church is govern'd by thy Pâ—â—vidence and that without thy Permission no Evil 〈◊〉 Punishment cometh for thou Lord sendest the sâ—me Amos 3.6 Then grant I beseech thee that we may suffer all Injuries and Adversities with quiet Minds and never attempt that which is contrary to thy Commandments but by an humble acknowledgment and submission to thy Will bear all sorts of Calamities with calling for thy Assistance Psal. 50.15 Tit. 22. Most Gracious God keep I beseech thee the power of Mans immortal Enemy the Prince of Darkness under that he compel not Consciences loaded with the weight of Sins to fall into fatal Desperation either by heaping up and aggravating their Offences or by extenuating thy Mercy enhance too much their own guilt or lessen thy Power of forgiving but grant that all Sinners that are heavy laden may with a true and lively Faith come unto thee for Ease and
osbcure places sad and heavy oft museth imagining and speakiâ—â— many ridiculous things but usuallâ— fixes upon 〈◊〉 trifle he will not be perswaded from what he fancie â—or tho' he fancy himself a King a Prince or Prophâ—â— or indeed any thing else he will industriously imâ—â—tate the Person or Character he puts upon himseâ—â— Some that are afflicted with Melancholy are weary 〈◊〉 their Lives have ill thoughts talk idly or withoâ—â— any order or coherence they also take pleasure 〈◊〉 Solitude are subject to Weep and are often takâ—â— with a suddain dislike of what they formerly 〈◊〉 affected they are so jealous that they think eveâ—â— body cheats and lays snares for them they are afrâ—â—â— of being Poysoned their sleep is but little and 〈◊〉 troubled with strange frightful Dreams some have a silly foolish Laughter and these are the most geneâ—al Signs But to lay open all the Symptoms and their Causes would take up too much Room they ought to refrain from Wines Spirits and hot Cordials likewisâ— strong Beer is hurtful tho' they complain of a coldâ—â—ss iâ— their Stomach or elsewhere yet such liquoâ—s muâ—â— be deny'd them and indeed as to strong â—rink I would have all Men remember the Ancient â—bservaâ—â—on of the Heathen in drinking to the Hoâ—our of their Gods the first Bowl was they sâ—id â—o Iupâ—tâ—â— Olympus the second to the Heroes and the â—hird to Iupiter Sospiter Or take it thus The first to â—heir Health â—he second to their Friend and the â—hird to their Rest what was more than this they â—eckoned Madness and injurious to their Health â—n likâ— manner we Physicians usually attribute the â—â—rst Glass to the quenching of our Thiâ—st the second â—o Plâ—â—sure the third to Drunkenness and the fourâ—hâ—o Mâ—dness but if â—hey drink more you need not â—oubt but they 'l make as bad a Bussel and Noise as the â—oudest graduate in Moorfiâ—lds College alias Bedlam â—or as a â—oaded Ship in a great Storm when the Pilate â—s a Sleep or when her Ruddeâ— is lost cannot Steeâ— â—ighâ— so â—hose that have their Senses overwhelm'd â—ith Wine or other strong Liquors or their Minds â—pprest with strange imaginations and disorders â—un against the Rocks of Folly 'T was Pythagoras his Opinion that all disorders of the Mind or Body are â—o many causes of Madness Therefore let all People â—ndeavour to be moderate in all â—hings as well in all â—inds of Studies as in Meats and Drinks which supply â—he four Humours of the Body for if any of them do â—â—per abound Diseasâ—s follow at best if not some sort â—f Madâ—ess or other For 't is no Wonder if that Liquors can Transform and Change the fickle mind of Man As the ordinary cure of all Diseases and ways 〈◊〉 help Infirmities are to be begun with removing suâ—â— Causes as first procured the Malady even so the 〈◊〉 thing to be done in restoring Melancholy Men is 〈◊〉 fortisie the Brain and Heart and so bring them to better state of mind and chear and this is to be effâ—cted by removing such causes that first procur'd theâ—â— Indisposition but for perfecting the Cure if thoâ—â— that are Afflicted with this or any other Disease dâ—sire a Physitian that will truly and justly procâ—ed 〈◊〉 the Cure of what he undertakes without any frauâ— this is then to certifie such That if they think â—it 〈◊〉 make use or choice of Me I will honestly and expâ—ditiously do my endeavour to restore them to thâ—â—â— former state of Health Strength and Tranquility But now it is time to shew the difference betwiâ—â— the aforesaid Melancholy and a Distressed Conscienâ—â— First then whatsoever molestation ariseth directly 〈◊〉 a proper Oâ—ject of the Mind the same is not in 〈◊〉 respect Melancholy but hath a further ground thâ—â— Fancy and if the Molestation proceed from a conâ—â—deration of things done that are really sinful in themselves such Trouble has its â—rigen from Conscienâ—â— condemning the Guilty Soul according to those Eâ—graven Laws of Nature which no Man is void of 〈◊〉 he never so Mean Illiterate or Rude This takeâ— nothing of the Body nor intermeddleth with Hâ—mours but giveth a direct Wound with those 〈◊〉 Darts which many thus Afflicted most sensibly 〈◊〉 and complain of Nay This Infirmity is of so 〈◊〉 Latitude since all Men are Sinners that there is one but what more or less betimes labour under it â—nd some being highly culpable of the breach of â—ods Laws incur the Punishment of Condemnation â—nd thro' the sense of that miserable Condition fall â—â—to deep Despair Such say that they feel the Wrath â—f God kindled against their Souls their anguish of â—onscience is so intollerable that they find no releasâ—ent tho' Prayers and Supplications are made unto â—â—e Lord for them by reason that in their own agâ—ravating Judgment they stand as Reprobates to God â—s excluded from his Covenant and void of all hopes â—f inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven and rest assuâ—ed that the termination of their Life will be the â—eginning of a Condemnation which will never have â—nd I pray you dear Melancholy Christian consider Godâ— â—ercies of old and your own former Experience of his â—avours call to mind those holy Testimonies of â—lection which no doubt but some of you have in â—â—mes past found in your selves this done consider â—hether you are not under some Temptation than â—as you imagine God's Anger for Satan tempteth 〈◊〉 in the very utmost recesses of our hearts for he â—eing a Spirit it is not to be doubted but that he hath 〈◊〉 Spiritual access into our Spirits to trouble them and â—isorder their Operations by a spiritual or subtile conference whereby he bears too great a sway in â—hem this may seem the more probable because 't is â—bseâ—v'd that these in this sad Condition alter the â—ccent of their Speech and shew grâ—at disorder in â—heâ—r discourse it being far otherwise than what iâ—â—as before Nay it may seem that their whole Nature is at Satan's beck and their utterance wholly â—as he suggesteth but as to these Speculations and Instructions in this matter I refer you to the Judgments and Resolutions of Divines whose Provincâ— it is to consider and who no doubt will put you iâ— mind how the Spirit of God calleth Satan the Tempter the Deceiver of the World the Accuser of the Faithful the Dragon and Old Serpent and in sine a Lyar and the Father of Lyes Now if the condition of your Affliction be onlâ— some kind of Temptation which I doubt not but to make manifest and plain then ought you to esteeâ— of your Case as more Comfortable than thro' Erroâ— you do and to attend with Patience the Issue whicâ— in such as have been in like Circumstances have afterwards given evident Testimonies of Salvation Nay such have not only felt a spiritual Joy and Comforâ— in themselves but in the end have also become ablâ— to confirm others both by their own Examples and words of great Consolation from their
Blind or both but let such Rich men remember that if they would be partakers with the Poor in Heaven they must let the Poor partake with them of their good things on Earth for to feed the Poor cloath the Naked relieve Prisoners is the same as if such works of Mercy were done to Christ. The safest way of laying up Treasure is thus to make a Store-house of Heaven which at last day will afford no less than a Crown of Glory Make O Lord the way pleasant to me that leads to such an End 't is no matter what Raggs or Colours I wear with Men so I may walk with my Saviour in White and Reign with him in Glory Luk. 13.3 We must Love oâ—e another which is the very distinguishing mark of a Disciple of Christ as Malice Hatred and Revenge are the badges of an Antichristian Mind We must in all things be reform'd from the Evil of our ways especially from our neglecting God's Service and the Duties we owe to him nor must we be remiss in our Duties to our King to our Coâ—ntry and to our Neighbours if we be we may fall short of our glorious Expectations Indeed all Ordinances of God are as it were the very face of God and they who worship him therein do solemnly â—ppear before him therefore at such Seasons all Men are Bound to be holy and recollected especially Ministers when they Read or Preach God's Word God requires an exactness of Deportment of them in his Courts and 't is no wonder for do but observâ— under the Law how choice he was about all thingâ— relating to his Worship The Tabernacle was madâ— of thâ— best Wood purest Gold and finest Linnen In short every part of it was done according to God'â— Prescription and Order Such as offer Sacrifice musâ— be without Blemish God expects to be serv'd bâ— holy Men in the purest and holyest Manner purâ— must be the Person and pure the Performance foâ— Men carry the Temple of God about them and therefore ought to keep their Hearts and Spirits clean foâ— the Reception of God ought they not then to bâ— very watchful over themselves when they are abouâ— Religious Duties espâ—cially those whose duty it is to lead and enlighten others to obtain the Peace of God and Everlasting Rest But I 'le pursue this Subject no farther least I should too much râ—semble a Sheep that leaps out of the Fold to lead the Shedheard I know well every one has his Infirmity the Green-sickness is the Maids and Covetousness the Disease of some Teachers who Preach up hospitality and other virtues to the People but will not go to the cost of putting their own Doctrine in Practice On the other hand every thing has its Virtue the Bee gathers Honey out of every stinking Weed and every Weed is of more value and use than to be thrown on a Dunghill 'T is the Apostles advise That we do all things for the Edification of others hence those that can ought to Read the Scriptâ—res and other good Books while those that cannot ought attentively to give ear and lead their lives according as the Word directs see Dâ—ut 6.11 And to incite the Minds of People to a more strict degree of Piety it would not be amiss for Ministers to Write or if there be enough already Written to buy some Books of Instructions according to Scripture Rules and give away once a year to their Parishoners By this means the Sheep will know the voice of their Shepherd from the howling of devouring Wolves and also to keep them from wandring from Christs Fold and runing astray after Novelties thro' the Wilderness of this World of Errors I know there are many well-meaning People who make a Coâ—science of their doings and are free from the folly of those that run to several places that are not tost with every wind of Doctrine as those commonly are that like any Preacher better than their own whom God by his Providence hath set over them These would willingly Read what was thus given â—hem by their own Shepherd or Pasture nay some of the other fickle headed Men would also Read their Pastors gift purely out of Curiosity this I say would be a ready way to lead them to the house of the true Shepherd I mean not where Christ was Born at Bethlehem to Sing Gloria in excelsis but where Christ now is at God's Right Hand interceeding for all his Servants 'T is chiefly the Ministers Office to take care of Christs Flock who have the Power of the Keys the Power to remit Sins by teaching the Truth of Christs Word and daily Administring the Sacraments left as Conduit-pipes to convey his Grace to our hearts the doing of which being omitted by Preachers is the retaining of Men in their Sins for if Men be so wicked that they will not â—elieve in Christ Crucified after he hath been Preach'd unto them then their Sins are retained and the Truth is not in them Good Ministers have the Keys to open and shut Heaven by Preaching and Administring the Sacraments to their Flock all that truly Believe in Gods Word which is the only Rule we ought to follow shall undoubtedly be Saved It is not every one that can Pray or Preach hath Power to remit Sins no it is the Undefiled Faithful Godly Ministers who lead their lives answerable to the true Doctrine deliver'd in God's Word that can do it they open and shut Heaven as many good Prophets did by pouring out their fervent Prayers to God Almighty do perform great things One by Prayer staid the course of the Sun another by Prayer put it back and when the Clouds withheld from Raining three Years a third offer'd up his Prayers to Heaven for Rain and God was pleased to send dowâ— Rain to refresh the Earth that all things grew and great Plenty of all things made glad the heâ—rt of Man These instances make it appear what I before asserted and that Man has power with God to Theologize Astrology that is to put by or prevent by Prayers offer'd up to God what the Stars foreshew to Ensue by the Phaenomena's whereof Astrologers were wont to deter and frighten People from doing ill Let us fear God obey his Commands and Love one another and believe in his Word who promised that whatsoever his true and faithful Ministers should ask in his Name should if necessary be granted according to that gracious saying in the Holy Writ That â— what time soever a Sinner doth Repent of his Sins he shall have Pardon with this Proviso he become a New Creature by the amendment of his Life such may come in favour with Christ the head Shepherd of Souls who makes intercession with his Father for all those that Believe in him and observe his Commandments And now to comprise all in a little remember our Saviours great Commandment which was Thaâ— you Love one another and whatsoever you would that Men should do unto you that do you
establish'd here by the Royal â—uccession of One and Twenty Kings descended from â—he Loins of this Royal Prophet Sin whose proper wages is Death brought many Calamities strange Revolutions and in the End a â—â—nal Destruction to Ierusalem The Convulsions and â—roubles of this City were many and violent before 〈◊〉 was utterly Ruin'd as namely by this Hake King â—f Egypt in Rehoboams days at which time the Conâ—ueror carry'd away much Treasure By Ioas King â—f Israel who in the time of Amazias brake down â—00 Cubits of the Wall it was besieg'd by Resin and â—ekek King of Aram and Israel whom God put back 〈◊〉 the Reign of wicked Ahaz By Zenecher King of â—ssur whose Host in Hezekiahs days the Angel of God â—estroyed By the Assyrians who took Manasia Capâ—â—ve By Pharaoh Necho who carried Iehoazar Priâ—oner into Egypt And lastly it was Besieged by â—he Caldeans who both Burnt the Temple and defaâ—ed the City see Kings 23.25 It was after the Captivity Rebuilt by the returned â—ews yet so that in the days of Christ it rather seemed a place of Slaughter and a Den of Thieves than the Royal Seat of a King or the place of Holy Worship for having Slain their Prophets and Persecuted the Saints they lastly filled the measure oâ— their Iniquity by shedding the Blood of that greaâ— One even Jesus the Lord of Life who by sufferinâ— Death in Ierusalem sealed the Redemption of thâ— World fulfilled the Law changed their Sabbath and in a word put an end to the glory of the Place Soon after by the Sedition of the Citizens and thâ— Caesars cruelties it became so desolate that one Stonâ— was not left standing upon another but as in thâ— Destruction of Sodom so was it all Destroy'd 〈◊〉 Walls removed Mount Sion excluded and Calvaâ—â— taken the Name Ierusalem was changed for that oâ— Aelia an unclean Swine set over the chief Gate and the Iews forbid on pain of Death to look back upon the City In this state the Romans held it till the year oâ— Christ 615 from whose Empire the Persians â—ore iâ— and kept it the space of Twenty Two Years Thâ— Sarazens were the next that Conquer'd it in the yeaâ— 637 and possest it 372 years till in the year 100â— the Turks took it and immediately lost it to the Sultan of Egypt who enjoy'd it the space of 90 yearâ— at which time being in the year 1099 the Christianâ— under their General Godfrey Bulloigne Conquer'd 〈◊〉 and under the Government of several Christiaâ— Princes one of which was Richard the first King oâ— England who was King of Ierusalem it continued 〈◊〉 years that is till the year 1187 at which time it waâ— Surpriz'd by Soladine King of Persia and by the Persians held 330 years when in 1517 it was invadâ—â— and won by the Victorious Solimo the Turkish Emperor and in it to this day the abomination of Mahomâ—â— is set up Thus is Sion become a plunged Field and Ierusalem a heap of Stones the Holy Land laid wast under the feet of the Heathen and the place of Divine Prayer made a Den of Dragons so that as it was foretold Neither in the Mountain of Samaria nor in Jerusalem is the place of holy Worship see Isa. 66.1 2. But every Spiritual heart retaining the Ark or Testament of God's Covenant in Christ is the Ierusalem and Temple wherein the Lord will dwell and where â—his Spiâ—it with ours as the two Cherubins on the Mercy Seat looking each towards the other will witness our Reconciliation by Christ our High Priest who is entred before us into the Holy of Holies even the highest Heavens into which Divine Mansion may he whom my Soul loveth say come In the mean while let us consider what the Angel said â—o the Women when he sent them away from looking into the Sepulcre with He is Risen he is not here did he not thereby dehort them and us from Burying ouâ— affections in Christ's Grave and admonish us rather to seek him where he is to be found At this day a gracious heart maketh every place a Ierusalem where God may as well and as acceptably 〈◊〉 Worshipped as upon Mount Olivet or Christ's Mount so Named because it was his Pulpit as the whole Land was his Text when he made that famous Sermon on the Mount This Son of Righteousness had all Palestine for his Zodiack and the Twelve Tribes for his Signs St. Hierom observeth as the Two Tribes which were first carried into Captivity so Redemption was first Preached in their Countries Likewise in former Ages there were the greatest Examples of God's Justice shown upon disobedient Sinners for Example Lots Wife for one farewell glance at Sodom was turned into a Pillar of Salt which may teach us to measure a Sin by the inâ—iniâ—eness of God who forbiddeth it 'T is observed the Land of Iudea became Barrenouâ— afâ—er ouâ— Saviours Passion of bringing â—orth their principle Commodities as Balm c. Whether because the Tipe was to cease when the Truth was come or because that Land was unworthy to have so Soveraign Bodily Physick grow in her where the Phisitian of the Soâ—l was put to Death Another wonderful remarkable thing shown â—pon all the outward formal Jewish Worshippers soon after our Saviours Ascention as he had foretold was the destruction of that City and Land by which we are made sensible that there was never sorrow like the sorrow of that Land who made the Messiah a Man of sorrow If we consider the Siege of Jerusalem began at the time of the Passover when in a manner all Judea was inclosed in Jerusalem all private Synagogues doing their Duties to the Mother Temple so that the City then had more guests than Inhabitants Thus the Passover which was at first Instituted by God in Mercy to save the Israelites from Death was then used by him in Justice to hasten their Destruction and to gather the Nations into a bundle to be cast into the fire of his Anger as our Saviour had foretold them besides those who had bought our Saviour for Thirty Pence were themselves sold Thirty for a Penny whilst this Storm fell among the Unbelieving Jews it was calm among the Believing Jews that is those that were become Christians who forewarn'd by Christs Predictiâ—â—â— fled betimes out of the City to Pella a private place beyond Jordan which serv'd them instead of a little Zore to save them from the eminent Destruction of Sodom And now the chief Head of the scattered unbelieving Jews keep the meaner sort as well as themselves â—rom the use of the New Testament nay they will â—oone Curse it than look into it the which thing is the hindrance of their Conversion and Salvation And thus we leave them in a state most lamentable and much to be pitied Lastly It may justly seem admirable how senseless religions should gain so much ground on Christianity such having neither substance in their Doctrine nor winning Behaviour in their Ceremonies
tells us That the last Truâ—pet is the Seventh Trumpet that is a mâ—â—â—â—rious Number in which as by many instances â—â—â—ht be proved God seems peculiarly to delight Sâ— that the Sixth Trumpet as it is expressed in the Revelations soundeth before this shewing that the â—aâ—t end of all will not â—e till the last Trumpet but yet there will be a vast tract of Time within the time of the last Trumpet many things being to be performed within its Compass so that at the first beginning of the last Trumpet the Enemies of God so fall that the Kingdoms of this World becomes the Kingâ—oms of the Lord and of his Christ c. Revel 11. vers 15.16 17 18. which is a Summary Preface or a Prefationary Sum to the Catastrophe or upshot of the Revelations to follow unto the End And in â—evel 20. and the first seven Verses is expressed how lâ—ng this visible Kingdom of Christ on Earth shall continue and consequently so long is the last Trumpet viz. As the Learned conclude a Thousand years but the last end of all and ultìmate Period shall not be till the last end of the last Trumpet Rev. 20.12 c. and thus 't is probable the Resurrection will continue the Thousand Years of Christ's Reign upon Earth touching this see Isa. 16.19 cap. 19.20 and cap. 25 vers 6 7 8. and Daniel 12. vers 5. where it is said Go thy way unto the End and rest and awake in thy lot in the End of Days for the Lord hath spoken it The Lord will then remove the Vail of Ignorance which is now cast over the faces of all people so as they shall clearly see the great and woâ—derful Mistery of Man's Salvation Now touching the place where Christ shall sit in Judgment the Scripturâ—s make it out that it shall be in the Air over the Valley of Iehosaphâ—t by Mount Olivet near unto Ierusalem then wâ—ll Chrisâ— set forâ—h magnificently his holy Spouâ—e the Church Triâ—â—phant First all things will be made New sitting for the Merits of so Beautiful a Bride Secondly there will appear the Glory and Excellency of â—he Lambs Wife Thirdly the earnest desire of the Elect who will say Come Lord Iesus to whom the Fountain of Mercy will answer Behold I come quickly see Revel 3.11 This will be a glorious Spectacle repleat with Rareties far beyond what our weak fancies can imagine it will not be like our transitâ—ry Pageantry for a day but such as will for ever fully employ the most pierâ—ing eyes of oâ—r Souls with ravishing satisfaction Herâ— have we first the Precursor a Iohn Baptist going before and giving Warning Ecce Behold he is coming who hath been oft foretold and long the darling expectation of all Nations even Christ the only begotten Son of the Father Venio I come Thirdly the manner of his Coming will be Wonderful he will not come leasurely as he Rode to Ierusalem upon a slow Beast but Riding upon the Wings of the swiftest Wind born up as it were by a bright Cloud of Angels Venio cito I come saith the Lord quickly Now the many comings of Christ which are dispersedly related in the Holy Bible I will set down in the order following His first Coming was Virtual from the beginning of thâ— World full of the Vigour and Power of Redâ—â—ption as he was a Lamb slain from the begining of the World and thus Abraham saw him as com◠〈◊〉 his day as present His other comings were Actual namely in Carne when he came to Man by assuming his Nature when he came ad suos to the Iews and they received him â—ot this Coming was in Humility and Debasement 〈◊〉 â—orma Servi in the form of a Servant to make us 〈◊〉 by his Sufferings and Bondage His Coming to Ierâ—salem was Local being both a Preparative to his câ—â—el Passion and a Prefiguration of his glorious Exaltation venit â—ex was the Proclamation which was fâ—llowed by the Royal Acclamations Hosanna being Sung to him With a Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord. He also has a spiritual and invisible Coming into â—he secret recesses of our Souls by Grace and â—he power of his Holy Spirit which doth raise us from the Grave of Sin and Spiritual Death This Coâ—ing is in Misericordia in Mercy But his last Coming is in Justice in Majesty and in Glory to Judge the Quick and the Dead and to render to every one according to his Works whether they be Good or Evil and to Transform the Church Militant into the Church Triumphant And this Câ—ming is called by St. Paul the Glorious Appearance of our great God and only Saviour Jesus Christ and himself has foretold that he the Son of Man shall come Cloathed with a Triple Glory that is in his own Glory in his Fathers and in that of the Holy Angels Now of the several Comings I have hitherto spoken some are past some to come and others are daily coming and ever present as his coming â—o his Chosen by moving and changing their Hearts by renewing their Spirits by comforting and instruâ—â—ing their Souls present also in his coming to thâ— Wicked and Reprobate in such mannâ—r as he camâ— to Pharaoh But the last and most Universal Comâ—ng is that which is not yet come and is promised in thâ—se words Behold I come Rev. 5.6 and this is usually call'd his Second Coming which will be visible and proper wherein it is suitâ—ble to his coming by Inâ—arnation and yet it much differs from that first in manner that being in the Depth of Humâ—â—iation this in the Height of Exaltation that in Reâ—roach and Infirmity thiâ— in Glory and pâ—â—fection oâ— Health then he came to Die and bear a Crown of Thoâ—â—s now to wear a Crown of Life in that he came to bâ— dispised and spit on by his Enemies in this to bruise his Adversaries like a Potters Vessel and to make his Foes his Footstool Secondly in Time that being in the fulness of Time yet iâ— Time when the Vail of Mosaical Tipes and Ceremonies was to be pull'd off and yield to the Substance Gal. 4.4 This Future in the very End of Time when the whole frame of the Earth is to be broke in sunder the Curtains of the Heavens to be wâ—thdrawn and all things sublimated and purified by Fiâ—e then shall Men see the Lord Christ coming in the Clouds with omnipotent Power and infinite Glory with Millions of Angels and all Souls whom he knows to be his by Faith and good Works each of which will than move in an Orb of Glory far surpassing the brightness of the Suns Meridian Beâ—â—â—s and yet the Glory of Christs Body will infinitely exceed them all then will the joyful Elect say The â—ime is come of Singing Eternal Halalujahs and the Voice of Christ and his Holy Angels will be â—eard over the whole World in a Diapason of most Revishing Notes which will awaken and raise up all that are in
to give a large Fee to a worthy and able Physician nor to answer the Charge of an Apothecary's Bill tho' but reasonable I therefore publish this Book to give Notice to all Persons that I will afford my Medicines more reasonable than any Man can by reason I make and prepare all my self and will go when sent for to visit any Patient cheaper than any Man I know and for this my Charity I hope your Experience will crown my Works and a Blessing attend my Endeavours in that I afford Medicines of great Worth for a little Money An Account of the Doctor 's Remedies and how to take them I Am not ashamed to give an account of what I profess nor to express of what my Pills and Tincture are made that those who are expert Practitioners who indeed are only capable to judge of their Excellence may give their Opinion of them and those that desire further Satisfaction of my Abilities let them examine those that have made tryal of me and of my Stomach Pills and Tincture which are only an extract of the chiefest Simples of the Family of Vegetables that are Specificks Hepaticks anâ— Spleneticks My Antiscorbutick Tincture is drawn from an Infusion of Scurvy-Grass Liver-wort Hearts Tonguâ— Tamarask and Hepatick and Splenetick Ingredients therefore they are more proper for Curing the Scurvâ— with all its crowd of Symptoms than commmoâ— Spirit of Scurvy-Grass and consequently I may justlâ— commend my Pilula Stomachica Tinctura Antiscorbutica that is my Stomach Pill and Tincture againâ—â— the Scurvy to be most useful and profitable for alâ— those for whom I have the best Wishes and therefore I advise all my Friends and Neighbours tâ— make tryal of these my Pills and Tincture which wilâ— cure those complicated Distempers intermixt witâ— the Scurvy by rectifying the Scorbutick Humourâ— by cleansing the Stomach from all peccant matteâ— that hinders Digestion also they carry off all aciâ— or acrimonious Iuyce or any undigested thing thaâ— breeds adust Choler whence frequent Diseases arâ— derived therefore it is most proper to take a Dosâ— or two of these Pills to carry off those Humourâ— before one enters upon any other Medicine to effeâ—â— a Cure To apply things outwardly as some do to Breaâ—ings out or Sores of a Scorbutick nature is hurtful for it drives back the Humours into the Stomach which cause Sickness and Vomiting want of Appetitâ— Pains and Wind in the Stomach and adjacent Parts and makes the Stomach to lose its Tone and Rectitude and then the Body can enjoy no Health besides a bad Chylification is the original of many Diseases How careful then ought People to be in keeping the Kitchen of their Bodies I mean their Stomachs clean since that would be the only means to prevent Diseases as well as cure them nay this would so preserve Health that Men might attain the Happiness of seeing the utmost of their appointed days with Ease and Comfort It was the Opinion of the ancient Physicians That the Stomach and Spleen contained a Ferment which hindred them from performing rightly what they were intended for because the abundance of fixt Salt falling upon the Stomach causeth soure and unsavoury Belchings from which also proceeds melancholick tenacious gross and crude Humours which mixing with the Mass of Blood causeth a Cachexy which obstructs the Liver and finally ends in Scorbutick Distempers Now my Pills and Tincture are the most excellent means yet known for their Cure and Prevention by cleansing and sweetning the whole Mass of Blood and nervous Iuyce rectifying all the Defects and Injuries that putrifie the Blood which being corrupt defileth the whole Habit of Body and is the Cause of Eruptions or all sorts of Breakin gs out as Itch Leprosie Spots Ring-worms Kings-Evil and all sorts of Swellings in the Joynts or other parts which sometimes turns into Fistula's or such fretting Vlcers or Sores that will hardly admit of Cure till the Scorbutick Humours be carried off and the Mass of Blood cleansed from the aforesaid Humours the primary Cause thereof therefore you must first remove their Cause before you can effect a Cure Sometimes these Humours break out principally in the Head and then it turns to the Scurff or Scald-Head Sometimes they fall on the Eyes and produce Lachrymarious Humours which endanger the Sight by breeding Cataracts and Glaucoma's and if they obstruct the Optick Nerves incurable Cataracts follow Sometimes these Humours over-heat the Brain by reason of Vapours which arise from the lower parts of the Body sent up to the Head and then they bring Deafness by obstructing the Organs and auditory Nerves which hinder the Drum and Anvil from sending the Eccho to the Brain and many times is the Cause of more stubborn Diseases as Cancers in the Breast Gouts of all sorts Dropsies Iaundice Collick Pains with Griping in the Bowels Stitches in the Sides Pains and Weakness of the Back Obstructions of the Liver Spleen Mesentary Diaphragma Tranchea Arteria and Stoppage of the Pipes of the Lungs hence come Asthma's and Consumption Coughs with Shortness of Breath and when the Stomach is stufft with these ill Scorbutick Humours we are afflicted with Giddiness of the Head Convulsion-Fits and lastly with Contraction of the Nerves Sometimes by over-charging of Nature with strong Drinks proceed Vapours which cause Apoplexies Belchings and loss of Appetite Sometimes these Scorbutick Humours produce Numbness and Tingling in the Flesh and so turn to a Palsie with Weakness and Wearisomness wasting of the Flesh and decay of Body besides in Old and Young these Humours bring Swooning and by coagulating of the Blood hinders its Fermentation and then the Influx of Spiritâ— to the Heart is stop'd There is no Disease more like Death than these Swooning-Fits Fermentation once hindred any peccant Humours that abound in the Blood are no longer mixt with its Mass but soon separates by the Pores of the Arteries and so sticking by its Viscidity among the Membranes of the Stomach causes Vomiting when the Patient comes to himself Let this suffice for the Cause of Swooning in general As for the Vterine Swooning of Virgins it arises sometimes from the Womb and shows it self by Anxiety and almost loss of Breathing yet sometimes these Scorbutick Humours by heat condence and breed Stone and Gravel which is the Cause of Stop-page and Sharpness of Vrin they may know their Distemper by their Urin which is thin pale venous and hath red Gravel sticking to the Pot. Sometimes there is a Scum or Cream on the top of the Urin. And thus much I thought fit to say of the Scurvy such as would know more may consult my little Pamphlet I formerly set out for the Cure of the Sick and Diseased through God's Blessing by my Famous Medicines therein mentioned This is the Second Edition for some Reasons I have left many things out that were in that In that Book I gave an account of Three Pills and a Quart Bottle of Diet-Drink which Three Pills and Bottle
own Experience besides in all kinds of Temptations there is hopes Examples of a good Issue are frequent in each kind Yea tho' the Corporeal inhabiting of Satan is the greatest and fullest of Terrors yet the Evangelists testifie of many that have been Dispossest by the Poweâ— of Christ which Examples are writ for our Instructions against the like Afflictions which are Tryals only for a Time All God's Children have their Salvation founded upon his Eternal Decree of Mercy towards them 't is Published by the Preaching of the Gospel and is Written and Sealed in the Hearts of his Chosen by the power of the Spirit of Adoption which cryeth Abba Father and testifieth in Measure to some more and some lesâ— according to the Dispensation of Grace There is no evident and undoâ—bted sign of Reprobation in any while they live because they may Repent only that Sin which is â—â—lled the Sin against the Holy Ghost is not Pardonâ—â—le and for which the Apostle forbids us to Pray This Sin against the Holy Ghost Divines expound 〈◊〉 be an open wilful Apostacy from God with a â—â—alitious hate against the Profession of his known â—ruth Next unto this Sin is final Impenitence which â—â—nnot be known till Death makes shew thereof and 〈◊〉 off all time of Repentance The first Example this kind was Cain who complained that his Sins 〈◊〉 greater than he could bear Such also was the â—â—â—guish of Esaâ— when he found no Repentance after 〈◊〉 had sold his Birth-right Saul if not a Reprobâ—te â—t was Possessed for the Lord sent an Evil Spirit to â—â—crease his Torment but Iudas was wholly give◠〈◊〉 to Satan This notorious Traytor this heinous 〈◊〉 despairing Sinner before mentioned Executed 〈◊〉 Punishment upon himself which all Traytors â—â—serve he took the Revenge due for the Betraying 〈◊〉 Innocent Blood upon himself with his own hands 〈◊〉 all whose Consciences are loaden with grievous 〈◊〉 feel the punishment they Merit in their own â—arts and many times are driven to cruel Despair â—n which nothing either more dishonors God or â—â—ejudicâ—s Man Also the Prophane People of the â—orld that either know not Christ or know him 〈◊〉 vain outward Profession only if they finally con 〈◊〉 patterns of Iniquity they will prove in the 〈◊〉 dismal Examples of God's Vengeance But if 〈◊〉 greatest Offender Repent and turn to the Lord 〈◊〉 will wiâ—h Arms of Mercy receive and embrace 〈◊〉 Therefore do works worthy of Repentance 〈◊〉 beware you think no Sin greater than God's in 〈◊〉 Mercy since that Sin which is Unpardonable is only known to him from whom nothing is hiâ— hence in this as in all Misteries 't is the best way 〈◊〉 acquiesce and not to search into them further 〈◊〉 God hath Revealed by whose Oracles we are iâ—form'd that only one kind of Sin cutteth off all hopâ— of Salvation because it is of such a Nature that closeth up the Avenues of Repentance being 〈◊〉 height of all Iniquity even equal with that of 〈◊〉 Devils themselves who are shut out of God's favâ—â— for ever Now let us seriously consider whether you haâ—â— sinned against the Holy Ghost or not which if 〈◊〉 deed you have as your humour would lead 〈◊〉 where is the Renouncing of God's Religion whiâ—â— you have hitherto profess'd and heartily embrac'â— where is that Malice which procured this mischiâ—â— what Persecution have you in word or deed 〈◊〉 against the Truth of God's Word what Sword 〈◊〉 you drawn against it what Volumes have you 〈◊〉 against sound Doctrine with a known and resolâ—â— opposition to your own Conscience if your humâ—â—â— be not able to alledge such Testimonies against 〈◊〉 self what have you to fear since this alone is thoâ—â—â— to be the Sin against the Holy Ghost Thoâ—â— it is not certain since God has not any where 〈◊〉 what particular Sin it is therefore be 〈◊〉 too Cruel to your self least by final Despair 〈◊〉 prevent that Mercy you may by a timely Repentaâ—â—â— obtain Therefore dear Melancholicks I pray give 〈◊〉 these imaginary conceits of distrustful and danger prejudices against your selves and prepare your heâ—â—â— to receive the Comfort which the word of Proâ—â—ministreth unto you Remember that our Perfecâ— lyeth without us even in that unspotted Lamb 〈◊〉 â—esus whose Sacrifice is all-sufficient for all kinds of Sin This Perfection we are to hope for and attend the â—onsummation of the rudiments of Righteousness â—his and the advised consideration of God's Proâ—ises in his Word with means used might easily â—eliveâ— you and you may again as David was be â—estoâ—â—d to the wonted Joys of the sweet Mercies of â—he Lord. ADVERTISEMENT This is to inform all Persons whom it may concern â—hat D. Irish doth and will if God permit inâ—truct his Son in the best and speediest way of curing Melanâ—holy and Madness And likewise those Lunaâ—icks which are not Curable he will take them for â—erm of Life if paid Quarterly such and all others 〈◊〉 takes on Reasonable Terms allowing them good â—ires Meat and Drink with good attendance â—nd all necessaries far beyond what is allow'd at Bedlam or any other place he has yet heard of and â—heaper for he allows the Melancholly Mad and such â—hose Consciences are Opprest with the sense of Sin â—ood Meat every day for Dinner and also wholeâ—ome Diet for Breakfast and Supper and good Tableâ—eer enough at any time They have also good Beds â—nd Decent Chambers answerable to their Abilities â—ll which necessaries are daily allow'd and given â—hem according to agreement during the time aâ—reed for they are all carefully look'd after by â—imself at his House in Stoke near Guilford in Surry â—einâ— a pleasant place and good Air and such as â—lease â—o be at Thorp his Son looks after them by his â—athers directions who comes every Tuesday to see them and instruct his Son in the true Method of curing such distemper'd People Note also That at Thorp any person may have at any time D. Irish's Medicines of his Son for any Distemper incident to Men Womeâ— or Children at reasonable Rates and eveâ—y Tuesday they may there also have D. Irish's Advice The Conclusion of this Treatise I shall not here give you an Account dear Country-men how to go through with the Curâ— of Melancholâ— by Medicines and other Means which I daily experience to be successful because I have no other Maintenance but my Practice therefore I shall conceal thâ—se Secrets and will not impart them to any Person whatsoever save only to my Posterity to whom if God send Life I intend to make expert in the Cure not only of this but of all other Diseases But â—s to you my intention was not to make you a Phisician or to give you a Warrant to adventure upon Practise as those do who attempt to Cure diseases by taking Medicines upoâ— trust out of any Book they meet with many of which Medicines are really insignificant or hurtful in most cases and many of them tho' good yet are
Creatures which if I may so speak people the Elements are the handy works of God Man tho' the chief yet perhaps to teach him Humility was made of the mould of the Earth and as some think Adam the first Man was made on a Friday about 3 of the Clock in the Afterâ—oon and out of him Eve his Wife who bare several Children and here I cannot but observe that the first War was about Religion for Cain slew his Brother Abel by reason of his more acceptable Sacrifice Thus we may see that in the Worlds Infancy as well as now Goodness the Mark that Envy aim'd at and Innocence Persecuted by the greatest Guilt and Religioâ— suffer by the hand of Hypocrisie and Cruelty from which Good Lord deliver Vs. Tho' as you have heard God at first made all thingâ— good yet besides the mighty defection among thâ— Angels there grew also great Iniquity amongst Men so that God resolving to wash away the abominations of the World by Wâ—ter commanded Noah tâ— build an Ark into which according to God's appointment all living Creatures entred by Coupleâ— to replenish the Earth anew but note â—ere that 〈◊〉 some sorts there entred more than two that Noâ—â— might not want proper Sacrifices to offer to the Lord And thus much of Noahs Flood The Scriptures both in the Old and New Testament plainly and copiously declare the uncommunicable Attributes of the Lord being the Heraulds of his Truth and the Witnesses of his Mercies the Instances they exhibit of his ample performing the Tenure of his comfortable Promises are as sufficieâ—â— Testimonies of his Infallible Truth as the sending oâ— his only Son is of his Mercy who as his last Prophet Sealed up all the written Verities and Commandâ—we are Bound to Believe and observe This is the Son of Righteousness whose refreshing Beams 〈◊〉 Mercy shine upon our Souls to eternal Happiness Here it will not be amiss to give an Idea or Notion of God as far as the weakness of our understanding 〈◊〉 able to perform for none can say what the Essence of God is or which is the same give a true and adequate Definition of this infinitely perfect Essenâ—e because he is in all his Perfections Inâ—inite â— Spiritual Entity whose Exisâ—ence is Eternally of himâ—elf independent of all other Beings dwelling in Orbs 〈◊〉 inaccessable Light hence the Message which we have heard of God in the first Epistle of â—ohn Chap. 1. v. 5. tells us That he is of a most Pure Simple Holy Perfect and glorious Nature resembled by no Creature â—o much as by Exquisite Light in which there is nothing but clear and exact Brightness without any â—he least mixture of Darkness He is Incomprehensible therefore none but himself can give an Account what he is He had no Beginning nor can he ever have an End all times and things whether past or to come are ever present to him so that as I often inculcate it is impossible to speak him fully yet so far as it hath pleased his Divine Majesty out of his unspeakable Goodness to Reveal himself in his Word to us we may to the utmost of our capacity express as that he is a glorious Spirit full of Truth and must therefore be Worshipped in Spirit and in Truth Now there is no way but by consulting his Written Word to know in what particular manner we ought to Honour and Serve him Though as is said whatsoever we can say or conceive of God comes far short of his Excellency yet it is lawful as far as our weakness can reach to say or rather lisp what he is still regulating our discourse by the Line of his Word therefore I say he is an Independent Being existing of himself Ego sum qui sum Exod. I am that I am saith the Lord that is he is alone of himself for all other things are not but by him nay in him we live move and have our Being saith St. Paul He is most Perfect because he is the Fountain and Origin of all Perfection Be ye Perfect saith Christ even as your heavenly Father is Perfect He is One. See saith the Lord that I am alone nor is there any other besides me And again Thou shalt have no other Gods but me according to which we say in the Belief I Believe in one God He is simple â—or Ioh. 4.24 He is called a Spirit now a Spirit is a simple Being or a Being void of Material Composition therefore God who is in all that he is Superlative is consequently most Simple He is Eternal for saith the Lord Vivo ego in aeternum I live for ever Deut. 22. And the Kingly Prophet cries out Thou art the vâ—ry same and thy years have no end He is Immutable as he speaks in Malachy 3. I am God and not changed which is agreeable to Reason thus That is Immutable which neither can be augmented nor diminished but God cannot be augmented because most Perfect nor diminished because most Simple Therefore he is most Immutablé He is Immense as the Wise Man speaks Wisdom 1. The Spirit of the Lord hath filled all the World He is Infinite for that is Infinite which has no Bounds according to David The Lord is great and of his greatness there is no End besides he must needs be Infinite whose Perfections are all Vnlimited He is Omniscient as appears from that of the Psalmist Thou hast understood my Cogitations afar off and hast foreseen all my ways and knowest all things before they are done He is Iust according to that of David Iust is the Lord and he hath-loved Iustice. He is most Merciful for the Mercies of the Lord arâ— above all his Works Psalm He is most Good because the Fountain of all Goodness He is most True because the first Truth He is Omnipotent because he can do all that is possible and from him is all Power both in Heaven and Earth by me Kings Reign Wisdom He is lastly most Blessed because he is the Felicity of himself and of all things whatsoever 'T is from the consideration of these Divine Attrites that multitudes of Reasons may be drawn to courage us in our Duties For Example The conâ—ering of God's Justice and Power will stir up-in us â—ear of offending a Being both Iust and Omnipotent 〈◊〉 this fear will prove the beginning of the best of â—isdom I mean of an indefatigable endeavour to 〈◊〉 his Written Laws and Commandments and â—â—ese Attributes will make us know that from and in 〈◊〉 by him we enjoy Health Live Move and have 〈◊〉 Being and that all we Possess descends from the â—ther of Light see Iam. 1.17 Hence we â—ie under obligation of giving him hearty and frequent â—hanks for the daily benefits we receive from his â—â—unty Begin therefore every work in God that â—â—ereby it may by him be Perfected and for his Hoâ—â—ur and Glory ended Rely on Jesus Christ as the 〈◊〉 Foundation that can be laid for us to Build upon testiâ—ieth both
known to all Men in all Nations But here I desire and earnestly admonish every good Christian that he slight not the plain and simplâ— manner of Stile in many places found in the Bible â—ince they are Evidences of Truth and not Patterns of Rhetorick There is no doubt but what we find â—n the holy Scripture is true though sometimes it apâ—ears in a mean dress which indeed is one of the Priâ—iledges of Truth when Falsities covet the flowers â—f Eloquence to hide their Shame The Bible conâ—ains the Words Works Acts and Judgments of the â—ost High 't is a Book that makes Fools of the crafty â—nd wise of the World when yet it is understood by â—he plain and simple as our Saviour saith The â—criptures are most high and precious Relicks a â—ountain which can never be Exhausted in them â—hou findest the Swadling-Cloaths wherein Christ lyeth to which the Angels directed the poor and simple Shepheards Indeed they seem to be mean silly Clouts but dear and precious is the Treasure in them for we have in them many Promises and God is faithful in fulfilling them in Christ from whom we have forgiveness of Sins and are delivered from everlasting Death God's Word is a Light that Shines in Dark places so that those that are shadowed by the greatest Cloud of Sin and Ignorance cannot miss being found out by its penetrating Beams and by them directed to the paths of Glory We see in the Example of Adams eating the forbidden Fruit how easie it is to be drawn into Sin and to forget God's Word and how hard a work it is to get hearts of Repentance by the long and hard task our Saviour had to make a Reconciliation with God for our Offences and if we were to be sav'd by our own Deeds and not by the Works of Christ we â—hould never attain Salvation Therefore Christ makes our task more easie saying Whosoever relies on me and believes in my Word shall have everlasting Life Some may ask what is here meant by his Word I Answer It 's Christus est Spiritualiter in Sacramenâ—â—â— The same that he spake at his Administring his last Supper when he said The words which I spake are Spirit and Life the flesh profiteth nothing whosoever eats thereof shall live for ever He Seal'd it with his Blood therefore it must be Truth Some may say How can we Eat this his Word Answer By laying it up with Faith in our hearts and leading our Lives answerable thereto which done after this life is ended we shall neveâ— Hunger noâ— Thirst more but shall Live and Reign with him foâ— Ever The same is to be understood in Baptism but the Administring of the Sacrament of the lasâ— Supper doth shew forth his Death till he comes again at which time he will Judge the World then happy will those be who hear his Welcome With a well done true and faithful Servant enter into thy Masters Ioy And now let us cry out Come Lord Iesus come quickly The Holy Scripture makes mention of sundry things done at certain hours of the day not agreeing with the hours of our Account as in Iohn 't is said The Rulers Son being healed of his Sickness at the Seventh hour his Ague leâ—t him And the Labourers that came into the Vineyard came at the Eleventh hour And in the Passion of Christ 't is Recorded That at the Sixth hour there was darkness over all the whole Earth And about the Ninth hour he cried with a loud Voice and so gave up the Ghost In which is couch'd some think a Mystery for Adam was Created as 't is supposed on a Friday about the same hour of the day as our Saviour Suffer'd Now to understand what hours these were know that the Iews divided their Artificiâ—l days into four quarters allowing to every quarter 3 hours and so began the first hour of the first quarter at the rising of the Sun and as they followed in order they call each hour of each quarter the first second or third hour so that the third hour of the first quarter they caâ—led the third hour and the third hour of the second quarter they called the sixth hour whiâ—h was Mid-day called by us Twelve a Clock and the third hour of the third quarter they called the Ninth hour and the second hour of the fourth quarter they called the Eleventh hour and they called the Twelfth and last hour Eventide So that the Rulers Son healed at the Seventh hour with us called One of the Clock in the Afternoon and the Sixth houâ— when Darkness was over the whole Earth was Mid-day called by us Twelve a Clock and their Ninth hour when Christ yielded up the Ghost is called with us Three a Clock in the Afternoon The Labourers that came into the Vineyard came at the Elenth hour about five a Clock in the Afternoon or an hour before Sun-set Likewise they divided each Night into four quarters called by them the four Watches of the Night the first three hours was the â—irst Watch during which time all the Soldiers both Young and Old of any fortified Town or Garrison were us'd to Watch. The Second three hours tâ—ey call'd the second Watch which was about Midâ—ight at which time the young Soldiers only Watched And the third quarter of the Night containing also three hours was called the third Watch in it the middle aged Soldiers kept Watch. And the last three hours called the fourth Watch was about break of day in which the old Soldiers only Watched The day is accounted with us for payment of Money between Sun and Sun but for Indictments of Murder the day is accounted from Midnight to Midnight and so are Fasting days and Festival days as Sundays c. I will now give you after this Digression some Examples which fully prove the Omnipotence the Wisdom and Mercy and some other Attributes of God The first shall be an Instance of three most famous Conjunctions which the Scripture relate and which are all worthily wonderfully wondred at the like shall never happen again all being occasioned by the second Person of the Blessed Trinity his assuming Humanity which is a mystery wonderfully singular and singularly wonderful even to that degree that the very Angels saw it with Amazement The first Conjunction is of God and Man in Christ The second of a Mother and a Virgin in the Blessed Virgin Mary The third of Faith and the heart of Maâ— in every Christian who truly Believe that a Virgin brought forth and became a Mother and though â— Mother yet that she notwithstanding remain'd a Virgin Another instance is God's fourfold bringing forth of Man as Learned Anselmus a holy Bishop of Canterbâ—ry Notes First he brought forth Man without the help either of Man or Woman in Creating Adam Secondly a Woman out of Man without the help of a Woman in making Eve Thirdly By the help of Man and Woman seen in the natural Production of Man Fourthly and lastly
believe the same We should also truly call upon God successively to send Christian good and godly Governours that they earnestly may stand for the Christian Châ—â—ch and true Religion which God hath caused to be taught among us that the same may continue manfully to resist erroneous and false Doctrine and now in our time God hath raised up certain high and mighty Heads and Princes which have been Nurses and Protectors of the Church God preserve them mercifully for the same and send continually Men able and willing so to do who shine with the Beauty of acquired and natural Parts and arâ— free to impart theâ—r Knowledge by explaining the true Sence and Meaning of God's Word to all Rational People so as thereby they may come to the true Knowledge of God and his only Son our Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ so as all Nations may be led by the Word of tâ—at one Shepherd who gave his Life for a Ransom â—or all those that believe his Word which is the true â—ight that enlightens every Man in the way to Eterâ—al Life So God grant that his Gospel may for â—ver flourish amongst all Nations to the End of the World Let me in the next place exhort all Men to remember to crave a Blessing of God and be thankful to him for whatsoever they eat or drink since it all â—omes from his Bounty which affords us what his Wisdom thinks fit and necessary For such gratis and gracious Gifts as â—e daily confers upon us let us if we would avoid the just Imputation of the greatest Ingratitude give his Divine Majesty thanks How thankful was our Blessed Saviour for two Loaves and a few Fisâ—es when he blessed God his Heavenly Father for them the Issue was a miracuâ—oâ—s Encrease to show us that if we were thankful to God for a little he would give us much yet we daily see how wonderfully forgetful Thousands are when they sit down to plentiful Tables and mind not before nor after they eat to return the Giver Thanks for their nourishing Varieties I fear it will go bad with such one Day through their neglecting â—he Duâ—y of Thankfulness for what they daily receive from Heaven's Liberality 'T is God that gives or at least â—ends us all we have can we then do less than thank him for the same which undoubtedly he expects even from our Hearts as well as in formal verbal 〈◊〉 which are but signs of our inward Gratitude What are such I pray better than Heathens whâ— knowing their Duties herein rise from Meat uâ—sanâ—tified We ought not only to be thanâ—ful but also â—o bestow some part of what we have on the Pooâ— according to the Directions found â—n Sacred Writ Such as fail herein must expect God's Iâ—dignation and Rebuke when he â—alls them to an account for their Stewardship Repentance then will be too late for our now Forgetfulness Now is the acceptable Time to seek the Lord whilst he may be found for in this Life whenever we call upon him he will hear and grant our request Let the Words of my Mouth and the Meditations of all Mens Hearts be now and ever acceptable in thy Sight O Lord God our Redeemer Most Great and Glorious Lord our God thou art and there is no other God besides Thee in Heaven nor in Earth for the Heavens are thy Throne and the Earth is thy Footstool and the Heaven of Heavens is not able to contain Thee the whole Earth is full of the Glory of thy Majesty O what miserable Creatures are we Dust and Ashes not worthy of the least of thy Mercies How dare we then present our selves before Thee who art so pure and holy a God yet still through thy Mercy we have here our Being whereas thou mightest have placed us in the Abyss of Hell for ever where there is nothing but weeping and wailing and gnashing of Teeth where the Fire burns and never goes out and where the Worm namely the lost Soul never dies Let us all then with Humility jointly say We have sinned against Heaven and against Thee Let us honouâ— our Callings with the Practice of good Works and fâ—llow Pâ—acâ— with all Men. Help us O Lord now to press forward to make our Election sure and â—hâ—t we may live every Day as piously as if it were oâ—r last since we know not how soon thou may'st summon us to appear before the Tribunal Seat of Jesus Christ to give an account of all our Works dâ—ne here in the Flesh. Purge us with Hyssop and wâ— shall be clean Wash us in the Blood of the Lâ—mb and then we shall be whiter than Snow Take all our Sins and cast them in a Cloud behinâ— thy Back where they may be remembred no more Crâ—ate in us new Hearts and new Spirits so as we may walk in Newness of Life according to thy Holy Will and Commandments And if it be thy Blessed Will pity all those that sit in Darkness and under the Shadow of Death that they may come at thy appointed time to the miraculous Light of thy Gospel dispenced to all true Christians by thy true and only Son our Blessed Saviour who sitteth at thy right hand making Intercession for all those that put their trust in thee Grant if it be thy Blessed Will that we may all be taught by that Head Shepherd of thy Church who said When you pray say Our Father c. Such as would know more concerning their Duties in Prayer Publick or Private by the way of Form or would attain to pray by the Spirit according to their present Necessities or Wants let such read the incomparable little piece set out by Robert Russell 1700. 't is the Third Edition in it are Seven Sermons Price Bound 1 s. 6 d. In a word I earnestly exhort all my Readers to be piously mindful of their Duties to God and Man if you fail not in this Christian Reader God will remember you and after this Life in Eternal Bliss you will live with him at Rest. Take but a serious prospect by a powerful Imagination of all the several conditions observablâ— amongst worldly Men and you will find that not one of them sits easie upon its Possessor for the natural Man is ever a Repining and a perpetual succession of Doubts and Fears compleat the measure of his Inquietudes sometimes he câ—mplains of the Acâ—â—ons of his Superiors and Governors and if they iâ— the end should prove â—greeable to his Fancy he will yet keep up thâ— height of his Misfortunes by grieving at the unobâ—â—ging deportment of his Inferiors nor will it ever be otherwise with those that seâ—k Contâ—nt below hence those that are circled with the greateâ—t Splendoâ— find not their Perturbations at all lessened by it but think they might be mucâ— more happy and therefore strain themselves afresh in the eagâ—r puâ—suit of other Worldly advantages which if obtain'd bring â—ot the desired Content and the reason is because they look for it in the things of