so much neglected The Pharises in old turned superficial in their Religion by their Zâ—al for their traditions and it is to be feared that Christianity is much exanimated by such a cry for the outward part with too great neglect of Charity and the holiest of all where only we can find the propiratory And to be more particular these things that we are mainly to insist upon may be taken up in these particulars following 1. The necessaria or things absoluty needfull to Saâ—vation 2ly The Prosecution of the great design of the Gospel 3ly The Right informing of what we have been what we are and what we shall be 4ly The consideration of the last things so useful for the salvation of our souls and so clearly manifested in the Gospel First the things absolutly necessary for salvation as the true Knowledge of GOD and the Mediator and the operations of the Holy Ghost in the illumination and sanctification of our hearts These are the Revelation of that mystery that was hid from ages which refresh the Soul in the true knowledge of GOD and directs our Spirit to worship him in spirit and in trâ—th and to love fear â—bey and châ—ose him as our Portion â—â—â—e and hereafter wâ—ich overaweth the â—â—ul with a reverential fear of his naâ—e and shaâ—tech abroad Divine love in our hearâ—s whereby we are veâ—â—y much Refâ—â—shâ—d with the Bread of Angels and Saint And â—hen we look upon GOD in the Mediator we take him up aright And by our applying of and imploying CHRIST in his Mediatorial office we come to get Victory oâ— ver Hell and Death and by the commiting our selves to the Guidance of the Spirit it makes a spirit of Glory Rest upon us It fills our hearts with a wonderous Jubilation and joy and fiâ—â—s us tâ— have our Conversation in Heaven from whence we look for the Saviour Phil. 3. 20. 2ly The prosecution of the great design of the Gospel We are taught by the Aâ—pâ—aâ—ance of the Grace of GOD to deny all ungodliness and Worldly lusts and to live Godly Righteousâ—â— and Soberly in this present World Tiâ— 2. 11. This is the right management oâ— our Knowledge and Christian Calling whereby we are directed and assisted to put in Practice our holy Religion 3ly And it is very behoovful in our Christian Course well to consider what we have been that we may be humbled To consider what we are that we may be Cautious and Circumspect And Iabour to grow in Grace and in the Knowledge to our LORD JESUS CHRIST To answer our Gospel Education in all tke Relations and Turns and Exigents of our Life And what we shall be is best known by 4ly The consideration of the Novissima or Last Things That we entertain frequent Meditations of Death that so we may be ready when GOD's time comes To be wise to consider our latter End and wisely to number up our Dayes To Judge our selves that we be not condemned at the Last Judgement To consiâ—er Hâ—ll that we may put a Beacon over Tophet to flee from it And to recreat our selves with the Prospect of Heaven to encourrage us To make meet for that Inheritance with the Saints in Light Nâ—w that all these things may be layed to Heart entertained and improved in our Christian Life I shall subjoyn these Reasons following 1st The Orignal of these things 2ly These things contain our Right and Title to Glorv And 3ly They contain our Portion and Patrimonâ— in HEâ—VEN First There Original They are ◠〈◊〉 from above They are wholy Divâ—ne the Etâ—rnal Truth of the Eternal GOD They are neither Humane Inventions nor Traditions but the â—â—ictates of Eternal Reason so Pure so Excelâ—ent so True and so Just that they discover the Fountain from whence they flow The Gospel then is a Divine Thing every Truth thereof is a Ray of Eternal Light and the Preaching of the â—ross of CHRIST tho to the blinded World of no account being to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness Yet is it to be Gloried in by true Beleivers as the Issue of Eternal Love and the great product of Heavenly Council and Covenant 'T is wholly composed of Glories discovers unto us the everlasting Love Precious CHRIST and Precious Promises great Rewards and an Eternal Crown 2ly These Things contain our Title to Glory Our Charter of Inheritance with the Saints in Light Which Composed according to the Terms of the Covenant of Grace That GOD is our GOD and we His People Which Charter wâ— should understand as being sealed with the Word aâ—d Oath of GOD And upon our part ougâ—t to be sealed with persevering Fidelity so that we need not run to turn the leaves of our destiny in the secret Council of GOD but search the revealed Will that our names by Well doing may appâ—ar to us to be written in the Book of Life 3ly These things contain our Portion and Heavenly Patrimonie For 1 Cor 3. End If we be CHRISTâ— all is ours If Genuine Christians Then are we Sons Heirs and Coheirs with CHRIST Gal 4. 7. The Unsearchable Riches of CHRIST are Thine We should then oftâ—n read our Charter rejoice in our high Descent improve our Priviledges as the Children of GOD and labour to comprehend with all Saints the dimensiâ—ns of the Love of GOD seek to have a heart to these things for they contain a great prize if not put in the hand of a fool These Things are the Light of a Christian and the Conscience of them the Conduct of a Believer and the Beleif of these Things his â—rown And as to the manner of the Apostle's bearing in these Things upon People is by way of Remembrance Gospel Ministeâ—â— are subordinate Mediators betwixt GOD and â—eople They are the LORD 's Râ—â— membâ—ances Isa 62. 6. 7. For the Peoples Good and Peoples Remembrances of their Duty to GOD they must warne admonish Remember and inculcate Truth upon Peoples hearts by frequent Admonition and Repetition Phil 3. 3â— But this Remembring being so much mentioned by the Apostle here I shall refer to a particular discourse ere I conclude this subject and so I come to the last parâ— ticular Which containeth the Knowledge and Establishment of Christians in the prime of Christianity and clearly informeth us of the exact Instruction and stability of Primitive Christians in the 〈◊〉 3d. Faith The Prophets foretold this Light that the People should be all taught of GOD. Which is clearly fulfilled under the Gospel as you may see by comparing 2 Chap of st John with 2 Chap of the Acts For in effect Ignorance is the greatest impediment of the Comfort and Duty of Religion and a great Prognostick of a fatal and judicial stroak it hindereth the Action of Religion and the Pleasures of it and puts People in an Element where Satan the prince of darkness works and hinders them from the Light and Liberty of the Children of GOD. Sermon III. The Expediency and Vsefulness of
7. Fifthly How thou art Resolved to encountâ—â— the Trâ—als of this Period § 6. The longer man lives he is 〈◊〉 more subject to infirmities and becaâ—â—â— of our rudeness and many Indisposiâ—ioâ— we are subject to the Rod and Discipliâ—â— of the Holy JESUS Man in the beginniâ—â— of his Life is much inconcerned in 〈◊〉 Youth like a Bullock unacquainted wiâ—â— the Yoak and in his after life he haâ—â— need to be keept under by Fatherly Chastilement and so is subject to personal domestick and publick Tryals Bâ—â— he hath this for an Antidote that the Spirit of GOD in the Word representâ— these Tryals very favourably as instances of Fatherly Love and Mercy Heb 12. 6 Whom I love I chastice sayeth the LORD Kev 3. 19. And count it all Joâ— when ye fall into divers tempâ—ations sayeth St. James Jam 1. 2. It is the great Concern then of a Christian to hear the voice of the Rod To let patience have its perfect Work Jam 1. 4. To be of a contented â—ind to guard against Melancholyâ— Desâ—ondency to kiss the Rod to humble â—nder the Mighty Hand of GOD and to â—mprove the Rod as well as the Word â—or the purpoles of Religion 〈◊〉 But now in â—is declining Age he enters into broken â—aters and therefore should have a well â—uilt Ark and Cast his Anchor within â—he Vail Which in all the Tâ—ssings and Troubles of this Period remains sure and stedfast Heb 5. 4. He must arm with paâ—ience and have his Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace Eph 6. 15. that so through Faith and patience he then may inherit the promises Heb 6. 12. Sixthly If all Delayes be defeated and thou be now intent on thy Work § 7. 'T is dangerous to delay till now yet the Nature of Man is prone to pro 〈…〉 and put off till to morrow but if thy Work be undone thâ—â— will be undone for ever There are many wants and defects indeed for which thou hast an All sufficient Help to recover thee yet must thou be dilligent in the â—use of the Means and GOD that prevents with free Grace can cure it to His Glory Seventhly What is thy Stock and Store in Grace and Vertue § 8. A Vertuous Man brings his Work to some fine and thou should have provision against evil dayes found well upon a Rock that will stand out the storm Labour to be Rich in Faith and good Works and to have fresh Oyl for thy Lamps and the Weddlng Garment neatly wrought Thy Heart and House in order that Tryals and Death do not surprise thee and the cry be at midnight Matth 25. 6. when thou art Sleeping and sudden destruction come when thou sayes Peace And after this serious Recollection thou must ponder aright Secondly What now remains to be done § 1. EVEN the Work that GOD hath given thee to do Look then to thy great bussiness Proficiency and wherein thou are short double thy diligence See that thou has First The methods of thy Life ordered unto Salvation 2ly Thy Progress and middle Work betwixt Youth and declining Age And then how you are prepared to enter the Vltima or the last things It is clear then thou should be now serious and seek first the Kingdom of GOD with all Seeking and persevering Constancy Be faithfull unto Death and the LORD will give thee the Crown of Life § 2. But particularly there are three things ought to be done 1 st That thy house and Affairs be in as good Order as possible 2ly that you may work out the work of your own salvation And 3ly that you Give all dilligence to make sure your Calling and Election § 3. First that thy house and affairs be in as good order as possible To manage thy Earthly concern with Discretion that thou may leave to thy Issue a good example and a 〈◊〉 the portion which GOD hath 〈◊〉 thee with a Blessing Least through thy Neglect thou render those behind thee destitute and despicable without a settled calling and course of vertue And if through incident accidents thou has been hurt in thy Estate GOD can make any remnant be like the Widows Cruse for thee and thine If thou improve dispensations to the best And to all that desire to thrive I cannot but Recommend a discreet Charity The merciful man disperseth and gives to the poor lends to GOD And his seed shall be well behind him as in Psal 37. and 112 But thy great work is 2ly to work out the work of thy own salvation Phil 2. 1. That thou put on the copstone as well as lay the foundation that thou perfect thy Faith and Repentance Charity and other Graces to have thy soul â—rim'd with the Wedding Garment and thy Lamps full of Oyle till the cry come Behold the Bride Groom cometh That thou fight that fight of Faith that so upon good Ground thou may expect the Crown of Righteousness that will be given all those who love Christs appearing 3ly That thou give all diligence to make thy Callling and Election sure which is not obtained by listening to humour and instinct but by that diligence that becomes a Christian in the exercise of faith And good works for it is not by the Revolving the leavs of destinie but by a diligent search of the Book of GOD and by a life suitable thereunto that thou canst secure thy peace and thy soul for there is no peace layeth my GOD to the wicked A Continuation of this STAGE From 50 to 70. and to the uttermost extent of Mans Life § 1. ALtho many fall ere they arrive to this stage of Life Yet since GOD hath given it and does give it to some to teach the length thou art seriously to consider thy Duty and how thou may improve it to the best which through Grace may be done If 1. thou labour to arrive at any pitch of Wisdom 2. If thou be well resolved to encounter and endure incident personal afflictions 3ly What account thou can give of thy self to GOD and Man 4. If through CHRIST helping thee thou labours to perfection 5. If thou be running thy Race in the good fight of Faith 6ly If thou be buâ—ie now in ripening thy self for Heaven 7ly If thou dayly prepare for Death and have thy Soul fixed upon wing to flee to yonder Regions where CHRIST is And last of all to consider the means and motives to advance these § 〈◊〉 First If now thou hast arrived â—o any pitch of Wisdom The Apostle James Gives a full direction as to this Who is a wise Man among you let him shew forth by a good Conversation with Meekness Wisdom For as the Fear of GOD is beginning of Wiâ—dom so it compleats Wisdom forseeth and is provident Fâ—â—rageth with vain confidence Wisdâ—â— makes thee a wise Virgine to provide 〈◊〉 in thy Lamps it directeth and clearâ— your affairs it puts thy house and Soul order and it keeps a clear account by good conscience since
Soul I choise thy Statutes as my Heritage in the Land of my pilgrimage and Thy Salvation as my Inheritance for ever Give me victory over the World by Faith and grant me Peace Patience and Perseverance to the End Amen Sixthly Devotion for Old Age on Saturday O Ancient of Dayes who remains still in that prime of purest Light and Glory look upon me whom Thou hast preserved in all the periods of life in great mercy Visit me in this my groaning stage with Thy Salvation Let all the errors of my Youth and by gone Age be done away that I may have no burden from my former life now support me when old age hath overtaken me Blessed be God that I have escaped sad Accidents and the hurtful effects of any miss-government of my Life Grant I may now be taken up with Heavenly Exercise and contemplations that I may Receive Dimission with Christ not only in my Arms but in my Heart Renew my inner-man day by day that tho my Limbs be weak my Faith Hope and Charity may be strong And grant me a house with Thee 2 Cor. 5. 1. When my Earthly House shall fall I entered into the World with a groan and nature of necessity must groan being Burthened But Lord exhileraâ—e my Spirit that I may leave the World with great Joy that the day of my Redemption draweth near and may be Refreshed in the Suburbs of Heaven with the Joyful Musick of the Saints that so I may sing in Death and triumph over the Grave through JESUS CHRIST the Prince of life my LORD and life my strength and Redeemer Amen Devotion in order to the Eternal Sabbath On Sunday or the Christians LORDS Day O Lord of Sabbaoth I Bless thee that has brought me out of the toils of the World to rest with thy self Lord take me up to some mouâ—t to â—ee thy Glory where I may erect a Tabernacle not for Earth but Heaven Quicken me with the Life of CHRIST to seek those things above and if I look back to the World it is not for love to it but to see it's vanity I admire the works of Creation and providence and the portract of the little World to show the praise of GOD But I cannot get words nor thoughts to expatiat tiat on the work of our Redemption by Thy Son Nor capacity to Comprehend the height deepth breadth and length of thy love in him But I desire so love him with all my heart and above all the World I behold him now Rising from a Sea of Blood with the Glory of all his conquest LORD put me in the Spirit on this day to Relish the sweet influences of the Holy Ghost that I may be fitted foâ— the Eternal Sabbath where all duties and longing shall be turned into rewards and enjoyments and thy Name be Celebrated with Everlasting wonder Hymns Hallelujahs World without end Amen AND in Regard that Evangelical work of Praise and Singing of Psalms is a special Part of Devotion cease not in thy Pilgrimage and Solitudes to Sing And if you restrict your selves to David's Psalms For your Birth and Child-hood Sing Psalm 51. From the Beginning and the 71. Psalm from Verse 5. For your Youth Psalm 25. And Psalm 109 from Verse 9. For your â—iper Years and your Family the 101 Psalm and Psalm 144 at the End For your Old Age Psalm 71 9 and 18 Verses and if the Church thought fit ye may also make use in your Devotion other Scripture Psalms The Song of Israel on the Banks of the Red-Sea â—he Song of Simeon Zacharias and the Blessed Virgin and the Songs in the 1 5. and 7. Chapters of the Revelation And particularly the Doxologie which hath been of constant use in the Christian Church and is no other but an ascribing of sempeternal Praise to the Ever Blessed Trinity Which tho the Leprous Church of Rome use yet is it Clean to the Pure and it is very sad that it should be controverted in the Militant Church since it will be sung for ever in the Triumphant And since the Mysterious but Salutary Doctrine of the Trinity was contradicted by the Arians in Old and some of that same Gang under another Name of Late there is still occasion for the using of it And to distinguish the Modest and Regular Christian from such as in vade it by Opposition for to commend their Beloved Sect it is not amiss to rise up in token of a more immediat Address and closing with the custom of the Church wherein we should not be contentious And if â—ou please in your Private Devotion to Sing after this manner 1. MY heart is fix'd my â—eart is fix'd now will I sing and praise I 'le praise the Lord with songs unmix'd and still Thy Glorie raise 2. Now Haâ—elujah's shall extoll the Lord God of my praise And still in praises Thee enroll and laud and never cease 3. My little Harp is tun'd to laud my Lord my God my Love With Heavenlie Queer Thy Name applaud Thy Glories all approve 4. All Songs below â—ad not the Clief to raise Thee thus in ault They were sincere but not the chief as those which GOD exalt Second Hymne 1. I Wear the Crown Christ still renown I reign and He 's Supream I am extol'd to praise my King and glorie in His Name 2. I am as well as heart can wish mâ— Soul is all in bless With Joy and Peace Rests and Relish the sweets I now express 3. I see my God my Christ my joy all mysteries are gone Nothing now but Love I know and melodie Divine 4. The Tree of Life maâ—tains my life never to die again O Death in time thou art so rife but here thy strength is vain 5. I live I love I much delight I â—raise and never cease I see and feeâ— with Soul and Sp'riâ— I m all in Light and Bless 6 What can I â—ake For I have all my God is here with me And I with him perpetual my Christ and God to see 7. Here without doubt I 'le glorie give to Father Son and Spirit I 'le praise my God and not deprive frâ—m his just Right and Merit 8. From the first Minute to Ages all I will â—ssert â—â—y Golre In melodies sempiternal to Triâ—e Vne evermore Third Hymne 1. O Sp'rit of Light tune now my sp'rit with Heaven fill my heart And give me seâ—se of that great Light that I may act my part 2. With all the Host and Heav'nlie Queer that never ceass to cry Thrice holie Lord and Thee admire in Peace and Rest and Joy 3 My Soul my Heart my Sp'rit my Powers all joyn to Praise Thy Name My GOD my Life my Hope my Help I 'le praise Thy Mercies Fame 4 Thy Help in need hath made me Glad Thy Grace was still my claim And fresh Supplie hath me releiv'd I magnifie Thy Name 5. I 'le Praise I 'le â—ing I 'le Hope and Joy in Thy great Grace so Good I
the infallible proofs thereof and the duty of such as own it page 55. ERRATA IN the Entrance § 3. Lineâ— 6. for Delegate Read Delicate Page 9. L. 3. for Vitotum R Votitum P. 22. L. 16. for feed R. fed P. 34. L. 5. for Daughter R. Daughters P. 40. L 14 for Restrain R. Restraint P. 72. L. 19 for Eâ—au R. Isaac P. 104 L. 16. for When R. First Then P. 176. L. 24. for Invincable-rable R Invincible THE MAP OF THE Little WORLD Illuminated with RELIGION The Entrance MAN the Master-piece and Model of Nature and the Mirrour of all that 's Rare and Excellent in Nature is upon good ground call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Little World being the Abridgement and curious draught of the Greater World whom GOD hath stated upon the Frontise piece of the Universe as the Image of his Maker to Rule and Act therein as Lord and King under GOD He 〈◊〉 such a rare work as declareth his Author Psal 8 5 6. and Psal 144. 3 For GOD made Man upright Ecc. c. 7. 29. And if he were not a little clouded with clay he had not been a little lower but equall with the Angels Being as to his Creation the Son of GOD Luke 3. to the end fearfully and wonderfully made Psal 13â— 14 Much higher then other Animals arâ— above a senseless clod with an elevated countenance os homini sublime dedit Ovid. a Noble Ayr and Mâ—an as a Kingâ— Son much higher then all the rest § 2. And if we can with Appelles's dash lineament this portract we shall find it very admirable in its Organ's and all its parts with such Vivacity in its eyes much more Sprighty and Lucide than the sparks of a Diamond such a subtile sense in its Ear Tast and Smell which maketh its Body Sp'rituous and Lively with a special Ray of Glory above other Creatures in the facultie of speech to communicatâ— its mind and converse with GOD and Man which is called the Glory of Man Psal 57 8. and Psal 108. 1. With such Agility in its Limbs with such strength in its Thigh with a strange circling of its Blood and such an adequate Symmetry proportion and Contexture of the Whole that there is no schism or blemish in the Body the Breviary of all Philosophy the Library of Nature and Patern of Art § 3. But if we will draw nearer and look in to that which is unseen except by its Issue we shall yet find much greater wonder and glory carrying Judgement Reason and Memory in the head and affections in the heart this living Soul in Man is not only a Breath Crasis or Humour but an immaterial spirit and delegate peece of all the Works of GOD Capable to reflect upon and deliberat with himself and to know love choice and enjoy GOD with the power of phansie and inward sense which as a forge suggests matter of Reason and Council to work upon and like an intelligence to stir the universe as by a common soul § 4. But alas sin sullied this sublime Creature and the fall hath taken away his understanding Man is now either void orc orrupt in his intellectuals and so is like the beast that perish O quantum mutatus est how far has he changed and degenerated Lucifer by fall turned devil and Man turned Brute and slave to the devâ— and being so rare a work is now become the worst through sin nam corruptio optimâ— pessima The light in him now is darkness and how great is that darkness If we follow sin to its Rise we will find it of the devil who sinned from the beginning who corrupted the first Man with contagious infection and a spreading leprosie and invenomed the Root which made â—owre the Branches so Man's marred strip't of his Native beauty exposed in soul and bodv and open to wrath and miserie he now is become homo nihili worth nothing and lighter then Vanity whereby this little Maâ— is all mangled and deformed § 5. But Religion illuminateth it again and as the natural Sun makes the Heavens pleasant and the Earth fruitful so the Son of Righteousness the second Adam ariseth with healing in his wings Mal. 4. 2. With a Heavenly pensil draweth again more stedy impresses of the Image of God makes him to partake of the Divine Nature and the Life of GOD and he now becomes more apt for a communion with GOD to be translated from Glory to Glory by the spirit of GOD Which the Religion of the Holy JESUS effectuateth as a lightsome horizon to influence him again with Heavenly Rayes by the spirit and word of GOD to raise him up for Grace and Glory and if well improved makes the new Creature 's face shine like Moses it transfigures him with his Saviour Mat. 17. 2. and puts him in Heaven while on Earth and makes Him to converse in Heaven Phil. 3 20. And meet for the Inheritance with the Saints in Light § 6. This new Crature is not only formed of GOD but also for GOD he is GOD's Workman-ship and must work for his Life and work out his Salvation For which he must consider that he hath an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a great work adoe and must therefore impâ—ove his Time and Talents for that End Hoc age do this is both the Voice of Scripture and Providence A Man without a Calling both General and Particular is but like a Drone in a Hyve and GOD may say to such Why stand ye here all the day Idle Yet we may get our Wages if we listen to the Call after much Loitering Nam prestat sero sapere quam nunquam It 's high time to awake out of sleep Rom. 13. to the end And since our Life is but a Vapour and like a Blob upon the Water may soon evanish and our present Now goeth away with the thought and our Interim may soon alter We shall find Work enough shap't for us both by Nature and Religion To be well Imployed in our Time we must be active to Recover and Provident as Apelles drew his Picture to work for Eternity There is no time to be idle the necessities of Nature and Moderate Recreation being allowed and there can be nothing more perswasive to set us on Work than the uncertainty of time and that there is no Work in the Grave Ecc 6. 10. Time passeth like a little turning rivolet into the Ocean unto an Vnchangeable Eternity Our Lease is not only Annual but Diurnal we are Temporary Tenants in this World and every hour of the 24 and every minute of the Hour may determine our Horoscope This great dyal of Nature Time passeth away but never standeth still nor goeth back without a Miracle Time rides a Career amongst Mortals and sends its Harbinger Death with his black Rod where the Soveraign Ruler appoints it We know not what a Day may bring forth and should not boast of to morrow Prov. 27. 1. It is good then to watch and
their phansie who deny CHRIST's Offices Ministers Ordinances and Institutions will be so bold as to contradict it And therefore it concerns Parents Religiously to go about the Baptism of their Children and remember the great obligation they stand under for their pious Education And of Children baptized to reflect upon it when they come to any Knowledge and to improve it well by the Instruction of their Parents and Tutors whose serious Instructions grave Example and earnest Prayer for Young Ones may help to instill and drop in such Counsels into their easie and blank minds as may leave some Relish as a Vessel may still keep something of the tast and smell of the first liquor according to that Ancient observe quo semel est imbuta c. and this stage of our life may be reckoned to the fourth year of our Age. STAGE Second The Contents Of the particular care of Parents and Governours as to Children from four years old to twelve of studying their nature and genious and the inâ—â—â—ling and droping in some clear and common principles of Religion with the consideration of Regeneration and when the Children come to be about twelve years of age of their solemn Confirmation § 1. As the Children grows so should the care of their Parents increase towards them its dangerous to suffer the evil of their Nature to take rooting for then it will turn tenacious and obstinate it 's better to take the little Foxes that hurt their tender Gardens Cant. 2. 6. and by Religious conduct use the best means to Eradicate the corruption of their Nature and to correct that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and disorder that is naturally in them by frequent and gradual dropping of good counsel into their hearts especially by fixing in them the common notion of a GOD and fearing of Him of honouring their Parents And withal to acquaint them with their Baptismal Dedication and in as much as is possible to open up unto them the mâ—sterie of their redemption through Jesus Christ and that not only they know to Repeat the Law the Creed and Lords Prayer But also to make them according to their capacitie to understand these Thus entereth Knowledge into their Hearts as a little Drop by frequent falling makes a cavity and hollowness in the stone § 2. Although the Spirit of GOD the Author of Regeneration like the wind bloweth when where and how he pleases Joh. 3. v. 8. And calleth some sooner some later yet is it not improper to set it down here for that same LORD that Blessed Babs can Sow the Seed of Grace in their Hearts And of this Regeneration I shall only remember Man of the Necessity Nature and Evidence thereof First as to the necessity Our Saviour is very positive Job 3. v. 2. and 3. Except a man be Born again he cannot enter into the Kingdom of GOD and no outward exercise of Religion can avail us without the New Creature the Old-man must be Crucified and the New-man formed and Nurished ere we can be fit for the Kingdom of GOD. And 2ly We cannot better take up the Nature of it than by considering the Author and the manner of his Operation in producing this Work It is only the Spirit of GOD that doth it so is every one that is born of the Spirit John 3. 8. Of His own Will begatt He us that we should be a kind of first Fruits of His Creatures Jam 1. 18. This New Creature then is clearly the Product of the Spirit of GOD Who doth this work mediatly by the use of means especially by the Word oâ— Truth and other holy Engines that he is pleased to make use of Yet is not this Work produced of any means but by the concurse of the principal Agent the Word illuminats and perswads but there 's more then Moral Swasion in this Work for GOD's promise in the Covenant is to put his Laws in our inward parts Jer 3. 33. They receive by their Conversion a heavenly seed which abideth in them that will not suffer them to sin as the wicked do John 3. 9. Whosoever is born of GOD doth not commit sin for His seed remains in him and he cannot sin because he is born of GOD. Yet as to the production of this new Creature it may be so secret for a time like the Infant in the Womb so clouded and over-powr'd by Temptation and Corruption that it doth little appear and it takes a long time ere it become perfect in degrees and visibly compleat as to parts althô the Child tho little and weak is potentially a perfect man Parents then and Governours should with St. Paul travel in birth till Christ be formed in their Children 3ly As to its Evidence the Apostle manifests it fully 2 cor 5. 17 Behold all things are become New The man is wholly renewed in Quality tho not in Substance so that he may very well say Ego non sum ego He hath a more generous spirit with Caleb a better heart with David a more shininâ— face with Moses and the lips of the Righteous feed many And tho no man caâ— make this Change yet is he exhorted to make him a new heart Ezek. 18 31. Thâ—â— is to use the means and well to consider that the spirit of GOD begets this neâ— Creature by the word of Truth Jam 1 18 That such may be a kind of first fruits of Hâ—â— Creatures and for himself to show forthâ— His praise Who hath called them from darkness to Light § 3. It is very promotive of Grace also when Children comes to this state of Life that they be Confirmed after they can give any account of their Creed and of their Prayers according to the Blessed Pattern The LORDS Prayer For we read frequently in the Acts of Confirming the Disciples after they were Proseâ—â—ted to the Christian Religion whereby the new Plantation was fixed and by a sort of personal Covenanting with GOD they were Engaged to His Service by their Voluntar Consent This is the practice of the Universal Church Which if simply done and not elevated unto a Sacrament is laudable and promotive of the Ends of Religion And tho it be quarrelled with by some in this Nation Yet if it could be got well done in every particular Parish Since the Bishop may not be alwayes Vacant it may be thought no Disorder for the Parish Minister every year as Occasion offers to do this in the presence of the Parents and famous Witnesses personally and particularly to joyn them to the LORD And if there were not alas too great incuriousness about matters of Religion a mean so helpful to the ends thereof may be put in use So to conclude this Point I shall Reinforce my earnest Exhortation to Christian Parents in behalf of their Children for this particular instance of their Care for their Souls and to remember Gospel Ministers of their duty as to this And since through the unsetledness of the Times it can
not be so well made eflectual let both Pastors and Parents double their Diligence in bearing in the Principles and Practices of Religion into the tender Hearts of their Children by Prayer and other laudable means for that Holy End STAGE III. The Contents Of the evils incident to Children in this Stageâ— their Life Some Rules for the Orderingâ— their Life VVith a Reinforcement of tâ— care Incumbent to those that are over thâ— with sutable Devotion § 1. IT is a sad Complaint of the Spiâ—â— of GOD Gen 6. 5 That the Imâ—ginations of the thoughts of the heart of man 〈◊〉 evil and only evil continually and that 〈◊〉 pueritia from his Childhood Which 〈◊〉 we consider aright Man shall find that 〈◊〉 hath all the Dimensions of the Bodyâ—â— sin and Death Rom 7 to the end 〈◊〉 tho where Grace comes this Canaaniâ—â— not ejected tho dejected this corruptiâ—â— hath invenomed our whole Nature 〈◊〉 hath its seat in our Heart and never ceâ—â—eth to foam and to boil like the Bottomâ—â— pit It is a deep thing that no Humaâ—â— Engine can reach for The heart is decâ—â—ful above all things VVho can know it Jeâ—â— 17. 9. This disease doth alienate us from tâ—â— Life of GOD Eph 4 18. It hardneth ouâ— heart depraveth our will perverteth ouâ— affections infecteth our Senses and inflameth our Appetite after evll O man search and dissect this disease and thou shall find the Poison of Asps not only under thy tongue but in thy heart Rom 3. 11. And the very nature of the Serpent in all thy Faculties Which if reflected upon aright may through the Grace of GOD begin the Rise and kindle the first sparks of Regeneration § 2. Although it be hard to Enumerate all the evils of Childhood Yet to the help of any considering Man in his Reflection I shall hint at some Blemishes thereof Some have mentioned Vitium naturae gentis personae The common Vice of Nature and the more particular evils of the Clime and Person All have the common disease which vents it self in Nations Families and Complexions in a different manner So some Natures are more mild some more fervide In some the Irascible in others the Concupiscible appetite doth Predomine This would be well considered that man may be the more fitted to correct the corruption of this inconsiderat time of his Age But the more particular errors of this Circumstance are Ignorance Idleness Careleness Inconsideraâ—ness and Falsenâ—â— whereby Man is Inclined to Lying Châ—â—ing and Stealing So that this indiscâ—â— Fool hath some Wisdom to do evil 〈◊〉 he be simple to good As also Envy 〈◊〉 Spirit that is in us sayeth St. James lustâ—â— to Envy and St. Augustine after him saiâ—â— Vidi zelantem puerum a sort of Emulatiâ—â— and Envy in Young Ones together wiâ—â— evil custom Especially in speech wheâ—â— by a man alas layes aside his Glorâ—â— and soon learneth to speak the Languaâ—â— of Hell As also how prone is the Nâ—ture of man in this Circumstance to leaâ—â— and use sinfull Childish Tricks In thinâ—â— belonging to Nature which fair Natuâ—â— hath put a Vail over to hid theâ—â— from the Eyes of Curiosity And aâ—â— these are Nursed by an inconsiderate minâ—â— and an unactive Conscience But whaâ—â— need I mention these evils Since thâ—â— poor Stripling is exposed naked to all evils under the Sun So that Manâ—â— when he hath any power to reflect is to consider the mercy of GOD that ever he hath been reduced to any Sense and Judgement For § 3. If he shall now delineat himself he shall find the Root the rise the spruteing of these evils in him Ignorance is the â—â—ause of all our wandrings he is born blind â—nd like a whelp seeth not till such a day â—s long ere the scales fall off his eyes and â—s by a mercifull miracle of Grace that â—ver he sees He 's ignorant of GOD â—hat rude conceptions and Ideas doth his â—ind and phansy conceive of the Deity â—ot considering GOD in his Spiritual and â—oly Nature and excellent Properties the Eternal and first Being the infinite Reaâ—on and Light of all the rational World And so good that if known Man cannot â—ut adore fear love and choise him â—hen he beholds him in the mirrour of â—is word and works and in the express iâ—age of his person Jesus Christ He is also â—gnorant of himself tho' nosâ—e teipsum be a common principle He knows not whom he represents being the image of the invisible GOD tho much eclipsed by sin Yet there remains some sparks and scintils of it in his Rational Nature Which if by Grace improved may reduce this wandring Creature to the paths of Righteousness He is also ignorant of the way to Salvation and his eyes will be no sooner opâ—ed but he 'l have reason to cry out What shall I do to be saved Acts 20. 37. altho he may think at first the way to 〈◊〉 strait for so indeed it is sayeth our Savioâ—â— Yet shall he see his corruption to be 〈◊〉 cause that it is so difficult and if throuâ—â— GOD's blessing he shall consult Graceâ—â— he shall find rhe way so straight and plaâ—â— that a wayfairing Man tho a fool shall 〈◊〉 err therein Isaiah 35 8. § 4. I shall not enlarge upon the othâ—â— evils incident to our Nature Since if thâ—â— of Ignorance were Removed and Coâ—â—scence awaked to any exercise man shaâ—â— find it highly rational to correct the reâ—â— for when Light comes in it will make 〈◊〉 ashamed of those things we have taken pleasuâ—â— in When we feed the Brute in Darkneâ—â— and forgot the Soul and left it lyinâ—â— maimed and dying in its Blood Thâ—â— light will easily discover the preferance of love to Envy Truth and Honesty to falshood And make the man when he finds himself naked to hid his eyes from himself and bestow the more abundant honour upon his more uncomely parts this light will discover the Leopards spots of ill custome and turn the man from black to white It will reduce the straying sheep and let him see where he is what he is and what he shall do § 5. Solomon gives unto such an excelâ—ent Direction The fear of the LORD is the â—eginning of Wisdom And the LORD's word makes the simple wise sayeth the Psalmist This parents and teachers should mainly â—nculcate upon young and tender Hearts And as man has by Education The advantage of these Instructions So he would be also taught to moderate and Govern his passions and to Rule his own Spirit especially ro guard against any peculiar and personal infirmity of his nature and to strangle the Eruption thereof by Discretion And with-all to learn to bow his knee betimes and seek Grace from GOD who giveth liberally and upbraideth no man For which he is to consider the advantage of Early piety and to weaken sin ere it come to an habite Isaack had the advantage of good education but his sons were more pregmatick and possibly lost much of his
Calling of serving under Christ our great Apostle and high Priest is very desireable For 〈◊〉 makes Heaven and the Golden Way that tends to it the greatest Study and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 oâ— the Candidate It gives him a Prospecâ— to view the Embellished Toys of a vain World and occasion to Contemplâ—â— GOD and see Things invisible It makeâ— the Man if he answer his Character 〈◊〉 Man of GOD a guide to the Blindâ— Strength to the Weak and according to his measure a Saviour For in so doing he shall save his own Soul and them that hears him And if through the badness of the Soil he do not alwayes succeed In his Ministry Yet tho Israel be not gathered his Reward is with his GOD. 'T is true the prejudiced and ignorant World may have other Sentiments but it knows not the Use End and Rewards of this Rank of Men But taking pleasure in their own way they may Raâ—e it according to the Relish of their corrupted pallat And this should not discourage any Engaging or engaged in it since our Blessed LORD was so raited that the Prophet sayes When we see him there is no beauty in him that we should desire him 4ly Beware of passion that it predomine not either in the Irascible or Concupiscible Appetite Be not too intent upon trifles but learn to be solide in thy florid Age shun rashness and feed not upon wind Particulary guarde against Carnal Love which hath been the great bane of many Wise Solomon was intangled with it tho in the first 7 Chap of the Prov he giveth sound counsel against this Delirium and Vanity If in due time with good advice thou affect a suitable Mate carry as the Cherubs with the Propitiatory in the midst like the Sun and Moon who never meet but by the disposition of nature and issues such influences as refresh the earth 5ly It is good to season and sweeten thy Humour betimes with Religion thy Ghostly Enemie hath an evil eye upon thy Genius and and if he can prostrate thee to a carnal phansie he gains his point for if passion and phansie predomine the better part is put low But I write unto you young men because ye have overcome or should overcome the wicked one 1 Joh. 2. 13. And to soil Satan at first is our great advantage Thy thoughts are but indigested till thy heart be established with Grace Consider thy Talents and gifts and the rise of the morning of thy life that thou may manure them found well that in thy after life thy building totter not look back what you have been you ly a while in the womb sleeping in a dark Cell on the Breasts the dug was your care while at School the ferula was your fear and the play your pleasure thc School was to thee a Prison and the play house 〈◊〉 palace begin therefore well with God for a careless mind now may make thee stupid all thy dayes If thou labour to hide thy sins and thinks to Repent after thou beguiles thy self because thou cannot promise to thy self a day after and tho that day should come thou art not sure that GOD will give thee Grace principle well and act accordingly guard against the vice of the time and of your age and person be constant and sincere in duty and never undertake any business of consequence without advice Moderate your Recreations and neglect not the Vnum necessarium the one thing needful § 19. And for motives to press this timeous duty of youth consider 1. That Early fruit is a seasonable sacrifice to GOD It is a good thing to begin with GOD and the sooner thou begins the Work is the more easie but if sin take rooting it is not so soon eradicated And makes the Sinner like the Ethiopian that can not change his hew But timous beginning in Grace breeds a great deal of Facility to serve GOD and makes Christs yoak easie Grace gives thee a comely Feature and Joseph thereby was better adorn'd than his Coat made him It makes thee Splendid and Honourable it breeds a satisfying and solide Joy to the Soul it sweetneth all the accrbities and tediousness of Discipline and other Incumbrances And tho Youthful lusts may make it at first a little difficult yet if thou flee them and mortify them and follow after Godliness The difficultie will over and Religion will become thy delight 2ly Remember thy Creator and consider the examples of Youth that have done so St. John writes to Young Men as well as to Fathers and Timothy knew the Scriptures from his Youth Youth must consider that tho he bloom blossom yet a little blast may much wrinkle and wither him as the Flower begins to hing its head and loss much of its beauty and smell till it fall amongst the portion of weeds But early Piety is a savoury sacrifice to GOD to bring to him thy first Fruits To be sanctifyed from the Womb is extraordinary and in the Womb singular and to be sanctifyed in Youth is rare Yeâ— many Young Men and Virgins gave uâ— their lives for Christ and wilt thou noâ— sacrifice thy sins for him O but a neâ— Heart is pleasant in a Young Breast Aâ—â— a new sprung Rose sends forth a fragranâ—â— smell And in thy Youth thou hast thâ—â— Advantage of warmer affections Carâ—â— and Incumbrances ceaseth upon yearâ—â— but Youth is free to care for the things of 〈◊〉 LORD The Young Disciple had warâ—â—est affections and if thy love be fixâ—â— for the right Object it may be a warâ—â— Season to produce Fruit. Suffer not 〈◊〉 therefore to prepossess thine heart whiâ—â— may trouble thee all thy dayes and makâ—â— thee possess the sins of thy Youth to thâ—â— sorrow And with the Psalmist have reason to pray Remember not the errors of my Youth Psal 25. 7. § 20. And For the further advancement of the Piety of Youth Let the rising Generation consider 1. The Glory and Dignity of Adoption 2ly The Luster and Fragrancy of Grace 3ly The Guidance of the Spirit 4ly The Guardianship of Angels 5ly Their Inheritance 〈◊〉 Then the Glory and Dignity of Adoption 'T is no small matter for to be the Children of GOD I 'le make him my first born higher than the Kings of the Earth CHRIST became the Son of Man that thou mightest become the Son of GOD He was humbled that rhou mightest be Exalted and except thou Receive him thou hast no tittle to Adoption Joh. 1. 12. Close with Christ and then thou may lift thy heart and head as high as Heaven and Glory in thy high descent tho thou dwell in a house of Clay be then of a noble Spirit with Caleb 2ly The lustre of Grace which makes thy face to shine with Moses and makes thee altogether Lovely O what excelency and vertue is in the new heart How Beautious are it's Rayes up-upon the life Man thereby becomes like himself and Masters all brutal Passions Grace is a Ray
of GOD it is all in light life and love If it could be seen it would be fairer than the Sun It puts such a principle in thee that thô sin may infest yet it shall not prevail because the Seed of GOD Remains in thee and makes the Righteous man more excellent than his Neighbour Prov. 12 26. 3ly The guidance of the Spirit which is not only the Character But the Priviledge of the Children of GOD The wayfairing man hath an unerring guide and tho thou should not lean to a Phanatick and Enthusiastick Spirit yet in the use of the means thou must Rely upon the gracious conduct of GOD's Spirit For If thou be led by the Spirit thou art the Son of GOD. Rom. 8 14. 4ly The Guardianship of Angels The elder Children guard the younger If thou walk in GOD's way they get charge over thee Psal 91. 11. They rejoice at thy conversion delight in thy duty and keep thee in all thy wayes 5ly The inheritance All is yours and ye are Christs and Christ is GODS 1 Cor. chap. 3 to the end Heirs and Coheirs with CHRIST and have interest in that inheritance that is incorruptible with the Saints in light which should make the World be little in thine eye The Prayer O LORD I am now in a dangerous Stage of my Life Ready to run Round in a Circle of sin to my own Ruine O ancient of Dayes take me by the Heart and hand in the morning of my life to noon tide anoint me with Fresh Oyland guide me by Thy Word and Spirit for Man that understandeth not is like the beast that perish Creat in me a clean heart and let me do nothing unworthy of my Birth and hopes give me the faculty to open mine eyes to look up to Thee and deliver me from Vnbelief and youthfull follies It hath pleased Thee to call some of the worst of Youth give so much Grace as may illuminate and direct an inconsiderat mind water the little and tender plantation of my heart inflâ—ence me with such Heavenly motions as may awaken me out of my first sleep wherein I have alas slumbered too too long possess Thy own purchase and let not Satan or any lust get peaceable residence where Thy holy feeâ— have trod Give me to see the Rarities and Glories of the New World of Grace make me a miracle and a monument thereof that I may rejoice that once I was darkness and now am light in the LORD restore me to a Right Mind cast out of it all dregs of sin and turn it from a den of thives to a Temple for Thee give me Grace not only to remember but serve my Creator and with solid Judgement swear under thy banner and Vow an inviolable fidelity to thee my LORD and Master that I may grow in Grace as in dayes that in due time I may be perfected Amen STAGE second From the 22 to the 30 Year of our Age. The Contents After some Introduction the setled life of 〈◊〉 Christian in this Period is considered particularly as to the Marriage and a lawfuâ— Calling with helps and directions suteableâ— motives to excite him to duty in this Stagâ— of his life with some practice of Devotion especially to the Meaner sort as to the hallowing of their House and calling § 1. THe Race of Mans life Rolls on a wheel and the Spoak that is ascendant Immediatly goes down and declines thou shouldest therefore run that thou mayest obtain improve well the present because bygone is past and thou knows not what 's before thee But this thou art sure of that time passeth as a thought and Eternity can-not be comprehended with thy thoughts thon spends thy time here in an Imaginary world But eterniâ—â— is solid and cannot alter § 2. It will be fit then in this Stage if thou hast come to any solidity 1. to look back to thy former wayes 2ly To consider what frame thou art now in as to thy present Circumstances After which it being now the ordinary time that man begins to think upon a settled life Consider to enter there-into especially a married state with great deliberation and be carefull that thou manage and exercise thy particular Calling by the Rules and measure of Religion with means to conduct and lead you in the Right path and with Seasonable Motives to perswad thee into the duties of a foris-familiated Life and the Employ of thy Calling All which are summed up with some serious Reflexion and suitable Devotion § 3. First I thought upon my former wayes sayeth the Psalmist Psal 119. 57. Thou will not get that which is passed again nor the Res Gesta the thing done undone But by Repentance so the Psalmist prayes Let not the errors of my Youth be remembred Look that thou leave not an error in the first Region least thy following Life be not so healthful If thou leave any Intemperat Work behind it may turn to A root of Bitterness Heb. 12. 15. Thou must found well and bring up your Work upon a right Base For alas some are unhappy for want of Education aâ—â— Instruction some abuse and neglectâ—â— and improve only as to Gifts but notâ—â— Grace They learn a profession but 〈◊〉 Christ Let thy heart therefore be evâ—â— in the Covenant thy Faith real thy Repentance unfeigned and thy Engagâ—ments solide And then thou may haâ—â— some clearness and peace as to Religioâ—â— and Vertue § 4. 2ly Look to thy present Tenâ—â— and Temper O if thou hadst known eâ—â— thou in this thy day Said Christ wiâ—â— weeping Eyes to Jerusalem Luke 19 2â—â— To day if you will hear his Voice Psal 81. 〈◊〉 the end It is now high time to be wisâ—â— than before Thou hast Work enougâ—â— adoe both for Time and Eternity Buâ—â— therefore an Aâ—k to save thee tho thâ—â— World moâ—k thee as it did Noahâ—â— Seek first the Kingdom of GOD and othâ—â— things will be added to thee Remembeâ—â— Hoc opus hoc age is our Motto There 〈◊〉 much to be done and much to be undone in Order to Religion Indulge not sin Especially garde against a course of sin Forecast dangers and be as frugal in duty as possible which will help to fasten thee at the Root which will not be soon shaken with Temptation § 5. And with this premonition thou must act under GOD for thy self and thou hadst never more need of right Conduct than now This being the ordinary time that Man sets out to a setled Life and under GOD good Example and the Conduct of the Holy Word and Spitit he doth begin to think upon a relative and a conjugal Life And set up in the Exercise of his particular Calling It will be fitting that he be led by the Hand as to both these by sound and solid Direction And the influence of Motives to excite him to Duty § 6. As to the fifst it will not be amiss to speak a little to these particulars following First That thou lay a
have no excuse to neglect Religion in thy most busie Employment It will be good also that thou be a keeper at home and be not like a Bird that wanders from his Nest Let no sinful diversion especially the Tavern take thee away from thy Trade And if thou enclines to Religion follow not the guise of the Times be not carryed about with every wind of Doctrine Rather follow the Faith of the Orderly Church For it is very dangerous for love to a Sect to cutt the Church and break the Staves of Beauty For as long as thou reels with this giddy humour thou canst not well fix in a solid course of Religion And Lastly Beware of Discord and Division in thy family For 〈◊〉 consumes the Substance thereof makâ—â— many careless and desperate is an Enâ—â—my to all thâ—iâ—t For A house diviâ—â— cannot stand § 7. And for the management bâ—â— of thy conjugal Relation and callingâ—â— must here in the beginning of thy settâ—â—ment Recommend unto thee domâ—â—tick devotion and â—amily worship a duâ—â— that none of the seed of Jacob should â—â—cline it being their Fathers practice whâ—â— house was a Bethel to GOD a little Teâ—â—ple for the LORD of Glory who hâ—â— this duty brought down to him from 〈◊〉 famous Grandfather Faithful Abrahâ—â— who is commended for the Religious Gâ—â—vernment of his Family whose steps 〈◊〉 sau treased a man much of Contempâ—â—tion at home And thô Jacob hâ—â— Greater incumbrance and a more nuâ—â—erous family Yet his house as well 〈◊〉 person was consecrated to GOD. aâ—â— not only the Jews but also Christiaâ—â— should follow the Steps of these Venerâ—â— Patriarchs to be lively portractures of thâ—â— vertues as Images of their nature Aâ—â— this duty is so proper to the family thâ—â— before the Church was enlarged 〈◊〉 Master or Father of the House was â—â—iest and did officiate in the dayly Sâ—â—â—ifice at home And when the Church 〈◊〉 made more ample it is constitute of â—amilies which if Heterogenius to the â—ody they are but useless and corrupt â—embers Whereas the Families of the Faithful are blessed of GOD And His â—rath power'd out upon such families as all not upon His Name Jer 10. 25. Joshua that great Capâ—ain of the LORDS â—ost did not suffer his military Affairs 〈◊〉 hinder him and his House to serve GOD tho all Israel should neglect it David after him in the midst of a Bloomâ—â—g State under the burthen of a Crown and Countrey Yet walked Righteously in his House And every Tribe Family is called to pray and mourn a part Zech 12. 13. And the Gospel hath set up this Duty clearly Christ hath promised to be among the midst of two or three conveened in his Name And we read of the Church being in particular Houses and the Centurion feared GOD with all his House Acts 10 2. And Christ hath made 〈◊〉 a Royal Priesthood and a Holy Generation And this doth rather prepare for than invade a setled order of a Priesthood Private and Publick duty doth not interfere and Clash Thou must not only pray for thy Family but pray in thy Family Is the LORD the GOD of all the Familys of the Earth and not of thine Shalt thou wish GOD a Catholick service and cutt of thy Family by schisme This were to joyn thy House to another GOD or else to have none at all Let all Houses then that Smoak Smoak with Sacrifices to GOD for the House of the Godly is under a special Protection his Eyes are open to their Prayers GOD is a Shadow and Covert over the Roof of such Families It 's good To declare his Faithfulness every night and his Loving Kindness every morning Psal 92. 2. Let the People praise Thee O LORD let all the People praise Thee And Lastly This Duty of Family Devotion may be called Ezekiels Sign and Mark that saves from the destroying Angel and if any trouble fall out GOD knows how to deliver the Godly out of Temptations This Family worship is the great Characteristick of a Christian it makes thy House thy Home and gives thee Repose in thy Perigrination it makes thy house a Dutyful Tenement to the Great Land-Lord it payes due Rent to GOD it is the Bond and Beauty of thy House and makes thy Family like Jerusalem compact together § 8. Let every Christian then Regard Domestick duty which is so necessary and useful to guide the family and to consecrate and cover thy house which if thou Rule well with discretion and good Government thou shall find some leasure if it were but as long as to take thy Brakefast thou may conveen thy family and joyn together and seek GOD it would never hinder thy business but rather advance it if thou pretend thy ignorance it is much to be imputed to thy own fault and the neglect of thy Soul And if you say it is not the custom of many of your Rank Alas You are ready to follow an evil custom but to imitate what is good you have neither heart nor hand yet I am loath to leave thee in such neglect and therefore for meaner Capacities I shall subjoyn the Practice of Domestick Devotion and family Worship The Morning Prayer O Eternal and ever blessed GOD our blessed Creatour Preserver and Redeemer the fountain of Life and the Father of Lights the Keeper of Israel who never sleeps nor slumbers this poor family falls down before Thee this Morning and with all humble Devotion praises thy exalted Name for all thy mercies to Mankind and to us and that Thou has protected and refreshed us the night bygon and raiseâ— us up this morning in any health and hope Glory to Thee who hast given us time to rcpent LORD give us Grace to repcnt and to work oâ— the work of our own Salvation LORD heal oâ—â— corrupt nature sweeten our humour and seasâ—â— our heart with Grace slay our corruptions anâ— give our heart a right set with Thy healing haâ—â— perfect our Faith and guide us by Thy Spirit Vphold us with Thy Arm Refine and â—â—our hearts and passions set a Watch at the dâ—â— of our lips be at our right hand we shal nevâ—â— be moved give us to set Thee alwayes before 〈◊〉 and while it s called the day that we harden 〈◊〉 our hearts but hear thy Word and Voice thâ—â— we may spend the rest of our dayes in Thy 〈◊〉 and sincere Obediâ—nce save us from sin and Satan the deceits of the World and all dangerâ— of Soul and Body LORD bless our Famiâ—â— with Grace Peace Comfort and Contentmenâ—â— Heal the Church rule the publick Governmeâ—â— of Chureh and State Bless the Parish withâ—â— Gospel Blessing strengthen our Pastor prepaâ—â— us for Death and Judgement guide us all our dayes by Thy Council in Thy fear grant us a blessed and happy End and hereafter receive us unto Thy Glory through JESVS CHRIST our LORD in whose Name and Words 〈◊〉 pray Our Father c. And in the evening again labour to Recollect
learn to know our frailty and not look upon our selves as Impregnable Forts O Then labour now to be solidly serious to do thy duty and encounter the defficulties of this Period of thy life And for your help I shall take up this remanent part of it in some following stages STAGE First The Contents Of a serious recollecttion of thy self after aâ— impartial tryal of thy former lifeâ— And. 2ly what now is to be done the excrcise and duty of man particularly suitable to this Period from 50 to 70 and from that to the end of his life 1. EVery man should know himself and every Good man is intent upon this study he should now be so solid as to recollect himself and to draw his life as in a little Map and that so impartially that the Blemishes as well as any vertue may appear Thou has an impartial and penetrating Eye to see thee a perfect Rule to direct thee which if thou follow thou hast a well informed conscience 〈◊〉 admonish thee and the Wisdom of GOD to make thee Cast a Right account of thy life for which thou art with a pious curiosity to enquire into these particulars following 1. If thou hast unfeignedly repented of all thy former Sins 2ly If there be yet any Residive humour of folly in thee 3ly If thou findest any thing of true grace and Divine Nature in thee 4ly If thy heart do not condemn thee As St Paul sayes 1. Cor. 3. 4. I know nothing by my self yet am I not hereby justified 5ly How thou art resolved to encounter the Tryals of this Stage 6ly If thou has defeated all delayes and finds thy thy self now intent upon the one thing necessary 7ly What 's the product of thy particular and General calling First If thou hast unfeignedly repented of all thy former fins § 2. There is a Repentance to be repented of which comes by fits like Pharaob's when Judgements are upon the patient but when the paroxisme is over he falls into a Relapse and so as some Divines have observed The life of such a one is but the riding of a round to sin and repent and repent and sin and thus run into a Circle and ruine But true Repentance fixeth such a remorse and sence of the evil of sin in the heart as to make the Peâ—tent cry wo unto me that I have sinned 〈◊〉 beholds it to be a bitter and evil thâ—â— to offend GOD It is wrought by Goâ— Sorrow and carried on with revenâ—â—gainst sin to abhore that which he loâ— altho he were stated in the same cirâ—â— stances It humbleth the Soul and â—â—eth it cry with Jeremiah Oh that 〈◊〉 head were a well of Water and my 〈◊〉 fountains of Tears which if they be â—â—ing makes the penitent express his 〈◊〉 with Groans unutterable It reforms thâ—ner and makes him Cautiâ—us thereâ—â— and labour with the greatest sincerity act the opposite Vertues 1 Cor. 1. 7. Secondly If there remain anâ— Residâ—â— Humour of folly in thee § 3 The Serpent is not soon slain 〈◊〉 the body of sin easily mortified the 〈◊〉 of bitterness is hard to be eradicated 〈◊〉 rooting out the sin of thy nature 〈◊〉 son inclinations requires the 〈◊〉 askâ—â—ful Surgeon or to cut off thy 〈◊〉 Hand or pluck out thy right Eye if 〈◊〉 offend thee And if thou be sinceâ—â— Christ will learn thee the holy Aâ— Mortification Thou must not comâ—with flesh and blood nor relish any carnal guit For To be carnally minded is death and if thou live after the flesh thou shall die but if through the Spirit thou mortifie the deeds of the body thou shall live Rom. 8. 13 Thou must cleanse from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit 2 Cor 7. 1. And wash thy heart from wickedness that thou mayest be saved Jer 4. 14. Thirdly If thou partake of the Divine Nature § 4. That this is a property of the Godly is asserted by St. Peter 2 Pet 1. 4. For altho no man can partake of the infinite Essence of GOD which cannot be divided nor communicated to any Creature Yet do Believers partake of Heavenly Qualities which makes them in some measure like their Heavenly Father And frees them from the Disposition Fashion and Estate wherein unregenerate men live and perish And the free and absolute promises of GOD such as That we shall be Sons and Daughters to him and GOD will take away the Stony heart and give a Heart of Flesh have a great influence upon the Renewing of our Nature and the Sanctifying and Glorifying of our ritrit and making it GOD-Like in its measure and Capacity And to resemble him in Heaven ly Wisdom Holiness and Uprightness especially in Humility and Charity towards miserable Sinners with a Zeal for the LORDS Honour and such eminent Perfections as were transcendâ— antly and without measure in the Manâ— Christ Thus the Life of GOD is begun in the Heart of Man by Regeneration and advanced by the Operation of Grace and Vertue And the impure lump is Illuminated and made Perfect and Holy as our Heavenly FATHER is Holy and Perfect And the Love of GOD shade abroad in the Heart doth wonderfully chear and warm that new Life and makes it grow and come to Perfection So that we deserve not the name of Religion nor have we warrant to expect to see GOD and to be with Him for ever in Glory if we do not be like GOD in the Operation of His Grace and Goodness in the Landâ— of the Living Heaven certainly must be begun in us ere we be possessed Citizens thereof Phil 3. 20. Our Conversation must be above till we come to a more intimate Communion with GOD for ever Fourthly If thy Heart do not condemn thee § 5. If our Heart Condemn us GOD is greater than the heart and knoweth all things John 3. 20. By the Heart here is meant the sound and solid reflections of the Spirit upon our Life and Way by the exercise of Conscience which the Apostle calls Heart to distinguish it from humour Misperswasion and melancholy apprehensions when the Conscience is once awakened And still there is a difference betwixt Gravamen spiritus dietamen Conscientiae But it is the Heart and well informed Mind of a Christian that makes him either Conscious or Cordial according to the Frame of his Life If thou wouldst then be approved at the Barr of this Deputy of GOD you must act according to his Word and after serious search correct what is amiss till you attain unto serenity and clearness of mind Yet I would not have you to seek satisfaction so much in your self aâ— in the Goodness of GOD and the Merit of Christ acquiesâ—e in his Salvation by a humble beleiving and penitentâ— Heart and lean not to your own Understanding If thou be not satisfyed as yet consult a knowing Guide whose Office it is aâ—â— thy full information to give thee Ease 〈◊〉 clearness For The Priest's lips should preseâ—â— Knowledge Mal 2.
to keep Memento mori in the Vade-mecum of our Mind that we may be ready to render up our Soul unto the Hands of a Faithful Creatour ss 12. 2ly Thou must be willing to die Death is indeed Irksome to Nature buâ— when thou considerest it as a passage to thy Fathers house it is pleasant thou must be so willing as to submit to GOD and resign thy Life to His Will for GODS Will is still Good and gâ—ided with excellent â—udgment whether thou Nill or Will thy times are in His band Consult not therefore Flesh and Blood but Faith and chearfully drink of that Cup that all before us have tasted which is sweetened by the death of Christ and better to die willingly than to live in â—pposition to GODS Will say therefore with old Eli the Will of the LORD be done And if it be well principled thy willingness will come up the leâ—gth of a desire to die not of a pievish discontent with Joâ—â—h But with an Apostollick and Heavenly Spirit to desire to depart and be with Christ which is best of all Let not therefore the dreadour of death hinder thy desire since GOD is with thee to give thee a safe passage Death simply cannot case thee but it is dying in the LORD that makes thee Blesseâ— It is gooâ— then to have a well dected Mind and Soul For there are such attractives in the Recompence of Reward the Crown of Righteousness and of being ever with thâ— LORD As may make thee desire to be uncloathed that mortality may be swallowed up in Life 2 Cor 5. 4. I â—issintangle therefore thy self of Worldly Letts that thy Soul may as naturally tend to Heaven as the sparks flee upward ss 13. 3 lâ— Mâ—ke Death familiar to thee for many put off the Evil Day and leave the thoughts of Death to â—ick and Dying Persons but thou should be more prudent walk every day as it were thy Last Day and frequent thoughts of it will make it to be no strange nor sad thing to die Frâ—quent use makes the habit Easie and 〈◊〉 well prepared Christian will say my heâ—â— s fixed § 14 4ly If any doubts fears arise whiâ—â— may be incident to Christians when â—heâ— come seriously to look upon Eternity 〈◊〉 dark passage of death leading thereuntâ— thy death can make thee dâ—ubt of nothinâ— but what state it will put thee into but Givâ— no place to doubt since it is certain 〈◊〉 thou Relie on Christ thou art securâ— Thou must not consult the disorders 〈◊〉 thy life but the well ordered covenanâ— Are thy sins many GOD hath a multitude of mercies are they great he caâ—â— pardon them because they are great hast thou Backslidings He can heaâ— thy Backsliding Hast thou dâ—fficulties Light can clear thee art thou tempted He can Succour thee Art thou dijected He can comfort thee So whatever by thy case if thou come to Him upon the terms of the Gospel thou mayest be Satisfied in his love Iâ— death be the King of terrors CHRIST is the King of comforts Thou needs not fear in fâ—tifaucibus in the jaws of Death If 〈◊〉 be iâ— Gremio Dei in the Bâ—some of GOD let the dart of Death â—trick the shield of Faâ—th will resist its force All Mortals before you have suffered â—eath even Children and the Weaker Sex and it is a sillie thing to dread that which is conquered can do nothing to a Christian but loose him from Bondage There is nothing dreadfull in Deaâ—h but to fall into the hands of an Angry GOD and if your pasillanimous Mind makes thee flee Death it follows thee Get thy Heart and conscience in a right frame then and then thou has nothing to do but to ly dâ—wn and slâ—ep â—et thy faith and hope on work and By a heavenly Spirit lahour with Samson to destroy GODS Enemies Colect thy powers to render up thy Soul with comfort and that same GOD who has made Martyres Rejoice in their tortoures may make thâ—e sing as a Swan in death and Triumph with St. Paul O Death where is thy Sting 1 Cor. 15. 55. § 15 6ly To pray for a happy death Labour to die well and iâ— it be the LORD's will deprecate any thing extraordinary in thy Death except an extraordinary Repentance and a heavenly frame of Spirit Thou shouldest submit to the time and mannâ—r of thy Death but with all beg a comfortable demission to depart in peace and since there are thousand accidents incident to thy lifâ— and many have been taken off the Stagâ— by surprize and in the act of sin thoâ— art to pray for a happie Death and composed mind in dying and think it nâ— unsuitable to Deprecate a sudden Death takâ— Sanctuary in GOD that in the uncertanties of this World thou mayest be secure Labour to Kill this Pasisisk with the Eyâ— of Faith Dayly die to sin and cleay to Christ pay the debt of nature with pleasure Lay down thy Body to a Grave perfumed with CHRIST's Burial and commit thy soul to a faithful Creatour and Blessed Redeemer Prayer in order to Death O LORD Gâ—D of Life and Death Thoâ— only hast the empire over Death O Prince of Life who was once dead and art now alive Give me to live for Thee and in Thee and I shall not die but sleep Thy Love caâ— keep my Soul warm in the dark Valley of Death save me from the bondage of the fear of Death and the sting of it and then I may harmlesly like a Child play on the hole of the Asp Fill me with Light and Spiritual Life and deliver me from â—â—y thing that may make Death irksom that I may lay up store in my best circumstances against the power of it Save me from procuring my Death by the ill Government of my Life save me from all Misdemeanour that may procure a violent Death Deliver me from sudden Death if it be Thy Holy Will and let me not he surprized by my last Enemy Into Thy Hands I commend my spirit perfect Thy Grace in me that I may attain to the end of the Vpright and perfect Man to die in Peace Amen The Second last Thing JUDGEMEMT § 1. AFter Death the Judgement The belief of a Judgement is an Article of our â—reed and a great principle of our Religion Death and Judgement are both decreed Heathens have believed it and Nill they Will they Conscience asserts it and the worst of Men in Crosses and about their dying have had apprehensions of Judgement and such as have stiffled convictions have now within them fatal and fearful Convulsions for as GOD is so is He just and will bring all things to Judgement and tho Sentence be not prâ—sently execute here Yet there remains 〈◊〉 Judgement Concerning which letâ— it 〈◊〉 first enquired as to the Truth of it 〈◊〉 The time of its Commencement 3ly The Judge 4ly the Process And 5ly Thâ— Sentence § 2. First That there is a Judgement to come
the equity thereof 2ly The Nature of it particularly as expressed by fire 3ly How to evite it § 2. First Even the Heathen World as they had their Elizium so had they some thoughts of their Tartara and dark Cells for their wicked and the most wicked have been postest with a dread of future rewards and punishments Snares fire and Brimstone shall be the portion of the Wâ—ckeds Cup. And this is so clearly revealed in the Word and even to natural Conscience that no Man except he be a Dull Brute can deny it GOD hath not set up Tophet to boggel us and fill us with Pannick fears but that ye may fear Him Who can cast your Soul and Body into Hell and in so far as sin is in thee it kindles this fiâ—e which shall burn to the lowest hell and a sinfull Nature is devilish and makes hell regard this Truth then to purifiâ— thy affections and make thâ—e flee from the wâ—ath to come for verily it shall be ill with the Wicked § 3. 2ly As to the nature of it If the wrath of GOD and his firie Indignaâ—ion against sin Be more Terrible than a River of Brimstone then it is needless to be Curious into the nature of Hell and it is one of the most sad and unfortunate sciences that mortals can Experiment for tho sometimes It signifies Affliction as Jonah 2. 2. And the Psalmist Calls his trouble a horrible Pit And also tho Hell do sometimes express the Grave yet Our Saviour still mentions it as the punishment of the Wiâ—ked It was never questioned in the Apostolick times whether it's fire was material or not Our LORD is positive Matt. 25. 41. Depart ye Wicked into â—verlasting fire And St. Paul Rom. 2. 1 Calls it fiery indignation And the Apostle Jude the Vengeance of Eternal Fire It is best for us to beleive according to the Scripture and such an apprehension of it may be very useful to the Godly to sâ—ir up in them a holy Fear Some of the Schoolmen have laboured to prove a material fire for the spirit of the Wicked By the Sympathy of Body and Spirit and that Contact that is still betwixt them Some have called it Light Because of the clear manifestation the wicked have of the wrath of GOD there Some have called iâ— hidden because it is much hidden from mortals at least the most part will not consider of it But it is safest to keep by the Scriptures and well to apprehend the sentiments of men their spirit feeling in time the Troubles of the Body so may it in Eternity § 4. It is therefore Thirdly best to leave Curiosity and labour how to escape the wrath of GOD by abandoning sin and possessing our Hearts with a Religious fear to â—ffend him knowing that it is a fearful â—hing to fall in the hands of the living GOD For our GOD is a consuming fire The Prayer O Lord who has the Reâ—es of Hell free me from the bands of sin expell all the fewel of Hell from my heart and nature And grant me such knowledge from thy word of the evil of sin and it's merit that I never experimentally feel Hâ—ll LORD where thou art not there is Hell Thy Face makes Heaven and Thy Furie makes Hell Expell O LORD the Wild-fire of sin and all the longings after the forbidden Fruit Save me that I walk not in darkness of sin that I may escape these dark Regions where thou art not Grant me such a Godly sorrow for sin that all my Hell may be a Penitent Remorse on Earth that I may be delivered from that Gnawing Worm that never dies Grant me that Holie revenge of sin by Repentance that I may escape the vengeance of GOD in the place of torment where there is Weeping and Gnâ—shing of teeth Give me to beleive Hell that I live not a dying life in it Amen The fourth last thing HEAVEN THOU canst not vigorously strive to enter in except thou hast some foretaste and foresight of it Grace is the beginning of Heaven in thee the Holy Man is aâ—â— Heavenly Man To discourse of Heaven aright requires great Light and Insight iâ— the Things of God and to help theâ— Christ came from Heaven to Reveal it His word is the path-way to it and the Holy Spirit the Blessed Guide of the Church And tho thou attain not to Raptures with St. John Rev 2ly Yet true Faith gives us a view of it so as that we may have our Conversation there Phil 3. 20. And therefore let us consider 1st The Vamâ—ie of this World 2ly That Heaven upon Earâ—â— to which the Saints should aspire 3ly The full Satisfaction and Joy which is to be the Portiâ— of the Saints in Glorie ss 2. First The World is an empty thing but a Phantasm and shadow It cannot satisfie it hath not substance men are eager in the pursuit of it as a Fish after a rotten Worm and when it is catcht it proves unsavoury Let us therefore set our Affections on things Above § 3. 2lie Set up Heaven in our hearts by setting up Christ therein For where His Image is stamped it makes us all in Glory keep a closs Communion with God and you are in a Heaven upon Earth for thus are ye carried on from Grace to Glory and from Glory to Glory by the Spirit of God § But 3ly The full Enjoyment of Heaven is so sublimc incommunicable that Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard what good things He hath laid up for them that love Him And tho this too Radient Object in a manner hurts our weak â—piritual Sences yet must we look upon it tho not directly yet by Reflection and Vew it in the Glories of of the Word For Glorious Things are speken â—f the City â—f GOD. The Crown of Glâ—ry iâ— the Gift of GOD the purchase of CHRIST and the Transcendant Pertection of the Saints there is enough revealed to attract our Hearts to refine our Natures and to ripen â—ur Graces for Glory and to repose us in our proper Center Which is GOD Himself and this being such a precious Pearl let us be Vigorous in pursuit after it and lobour by Faith and Patience and a constant course of Virtue to find the accomplishment of the Promises The Apostle had His Plerophory Rom 8 end And such as follow him as he followed CHRIST may attain to a well grounded Hope for it is a pregnant and approved Proposition that such as believe in CHRIST shall not perish but hâ— everlasting Life to wit with a Lively perative and Obediential Faith shall undoubtedly saved But the Second Prâ—position is of our selves to wit I belieâ— which is not so certain as the first that De side This being only de nobis Tâ— Conclusion halts therefore except we gâ—â— All diligence to make sure our Calling and Eâ—tion so that we can say I do unfienged close with CHRIST and the Terms His Covenant and I resolve whatevâ—â— Temptation occure to stand
powerful Engine even the Power of GOD unto Salvation Rom 7. 16. that if it were not opposed by the petty power of Men and GOD may suffer this for good and holy ends it would certainly make a sensible change in the Christian World This Gospel not only pressing and propounding a pure Faith and also good manners and impartially distributing to every Rank their Duty It cannot be suffered in this Luxurient and Wantoâ— Age when the lusts of Men not the Golâ— pel carries the sway And further if thâ— methods of Christs Oeconomy for the government and the Education of His Disciples were not despised and not considered all would be observant of their Station and Relation But alas Baptism and Baptismaâ— Engagements are very little headed by Parents or Children and Confirmation is either not in use or not in force And the Keyes both of Doctrine and Discipline are cunningly thrusted out of the Churches hands and the great Men of the World will have it so and the most of Men hate restraint and therefore love to have it so but let the Godly humble and mourn for all this and pray that the Gospel may yet have its Native Power and the Sacraments and the Discipline of CHRIST have their Genuine force that the Church may be yet Patronised and become fair as the Moon beautiful as the Sun and terrible as an Armie with Banners Cant. 3. 6. Then would Religion shine in its glory then would differences be healed and good and bad be discovered then People would return to the LORD with their faces thitherwaâ—d then would GODS Day â—rdinances and Ministers Be punctually looked to and respected then would GOD be set up in the Houses and Hearts profession and practices of Men and a golden Age woulâ— be Restored that all the Godly mighâ— cry grace to the work and Glory to the Workeâ— The Prayer LORD heal a sinful World and a sadly corrupted Church and open the Eyes of the powers and of all people more to mind the things oâ— Jesus Christ Heal the Backslidings of this sâ—â—ful Generation and bring us out to the Light thâ— we may see thy Righteousness let the time even thâ— set time to favour Zion comeâ— and regard thoâ— O LORD the Prayer of the destitute who loves Zion even in the Dust Revive the pregnant Pâ—â—rity of Primitive Christianity after the dierfull declensions of many generations come LORD down upon mount Zion O Lyon of the Tribe of Judah and roar with terrour that all the wicked of the Earth may tremble And display 〈◊〉 banner for all that long and wait for thy Salvation Amen § 7. 2ly As to any Form of Devotioâ— used in this Treatise I need not apologize much since this hath been impressed upon the Rational World by invincable rable Arguments Only as to my Mite and Measure I shal desire you to consider First That by the Commandment of GOD himself Forms were used in the Jewish Church And not only the Matter but the Words were put in Moses's mouth by the LORD Num 6 from 22. to the end And at the resting of the Camp of Israel And by the Prophet Hosea returning Israel is bid take with him words Hosea 14. 2. And say Take away all iniquitie And the whole of the Jewish worship Sacrifices was directed by GOD in a constant form of Incence and Oblations And in the times of the new Test John the Baptist taught his Disciples the form of Prayer and Christs Disciples crave of Him the same direction who said unto them when â—e pray say Our Father c. Which Prayer was still in use amongst the Disciples of Christ as it is probably inferred from that of St. Peter If ye call on the Father c. 1 Pet 1. 17. Where probably the Apostle Judgeth it to be the constant custom of Christians to say the LORDS Prayer And the Primitive Church had it's Liturgies which hath been the practice of the best of Churches It were therefore Good that a novice sect of men that are so much against forms should not so superciliously imagine that doubtless they are the People and that Wisdom dwells with them And that they are only competent to Reform the Christian World in it's practice of Devotion for 16 Ages since they themselves use a form of Benediction and dimission of the people according to the Appostolick practice Tâ—â— Grace of our Lord Jesus c. And 2ly If it be considered impartially this doth not restrict Men especially Gospel Ministers to a Form but are allowed without doubt to express their mind to GOD in the method of their own conceptions providing it be done with gravity knowledge and great deliberation But it would be adverted that Forms do not stint the expressions of Mens Gifts and the Spirit of Prayer doth not soly assist in these extemporary Gifts but also doth Act in the Calm Element of an approved form since it is not the matter only but the heart guided by the Spirit that helpeth to a Right way of Devotion and it may be in Charity Judged that the devout praâ—ing The LORDS Prayer may do it with as much if not more of the Spirit than by an extemporarie Gift and I am confident The experiences of many deâ— vour persons will say no less So that it seems a Stupendious conceit in men to deny the constant use of that Divine Prayer uttered by the heart and lips of himâ— that was full of the HOLY GHOST And for my self I would Shrink to lay aside the use of these venerable and comprehensive words which are â—o be looked upon as the season and incense of all our Oblations And therefore I hope It shall not be thought impertinent to Summ up the matter of this treatise in all it's Periods and Stages into some particular Suitable forms which for clearness sake I shall ser down according to the six dayes of the Week and the LORDS Day The Prayer to be used upon Munday for Childhood OCreatour and Preserver of Man Thou made us and not we our selves Psal 100. And I was cast upon thee from the Womb Psal 22. 9. Thou madest me hope with an implicite Dependance while I was upon the Breasts O what a Blessing is it to be sanctified in the Womb and from the Womb This is a singular Grace indeed and all that are under the Rayes of the Gospel have the nearest access thereunto especially when by the happiness of Education it is early transmitted unto the Mind O LORD there have been myriads and millions of people before me And thou hast brought me forth in the last dayes and I am nothing but an empty Vessel without Thee I am lately sprung out of nothing and am nothing and have nothing and better had it been for me to have been nothing than want Thy Incorruptible Grace O LORD prevent me in the morning of my short day and Instill some Tincture in this new Vessel which may give it a lasting Relish Season my
'le still advance and mend my pase in every Period 6 A monument I was and am of Grace and still remain I 'le Bless and Laud and never cease with Praise to say Amen A VALE to the WORLD § 1. FArewel to all the flattering hopes of Happiness upon Earth All that have been in pursuit of this Shadâ—w have been frustrated For all is Vanitâ— and Vexation of Spirit there is no satisfaction in the World separated from GOD And what portion we have of it from Him we must use it as the Means but not as the End Give me LORD the Vâ—ctory over the World by Faith that I use it well and never abuse it Let me never over value it least it undoe me and make me a miserable wretch of no Value ss 2. Away with all the follies of Childhood and all the prejudices of that imperfâ—ct age against what is Solide and Serious Away with all the indigested notions that flow from the simple Brain of such as have not yet well formed Reason and Religion § 3. Away with all the promising Notions which our Ruder Phantasies â—â—rm in this State with all the follies thaâ—â—â—ow in this Age with all Glorying in Strength Beauty Feature and Fawning Fortune with all ostentive Boasting of Gifts and Parts and even of Grace as it were ouâ— own since we have nothing but what we have received together with all Garnal phansie Fondness Folly and amorous conceits since Wisdom is the principal Thing it being only Solid and Permanent § 4 Away with all eggar desire after the World and all Covetous Court-ship of that Idol-god let it fall like Dagon before the ARK with all petted and fretting humour the Unruliness of Passion and all the Distempers of Youthfull Age and all discontents and disorders and anxious fears for our Provision with all carking Care anent the World let us study Honesty for falshood hath no feet and he that walketh Uprightly walketh surely § 5. Away with all Immaturities of Growing Age let us labour well get Good Seed and wait the Season of the Grace of GOD beware of the deceitfull World which is not faithfull in its Promises it is but a Cheat we should not believe it when it speaketh favourably for all that is in the World is but the lust of the flâ—sh of the eye and pride of Life and is Enmitâ— against GOD we should not love GODs enemy tho it pretend friendship § 6. Away with all impertinencies of our former Life for alas we have been foolish and dissobedient and too much taken up with vain customs of the World Ah how many acts the fool upon this Stage and do pass their time in a Comedy til their end be traâ—ical § 7. Away with all that discomposeth our reason that we may well conduct our Mind and Life and not to expose our selves to the floating billows of the Storms of this Life Learn rather to be Catholick and Uniform in thy Course and pray GOD to bring in our stâ—aying hearts and unite them to fear His Name § 8 Away with all debates and contradictions among Relations and let us be Careful to keep our Soul and house in order to guide our Spirit and Passion with moderation and patience even Under Provocations and not to trouble our selves much with the extravagancies of others learn to quench incident heats in converse and families let us submit one to another and comport with iâ—firmities and co 〈…〉 mit our cause to GOD least such fre 〈…〉 ing and discontents imbitter our ne 〈…〉 est Relations listen not to anâ— lust th 〈…〉 may feed the flame still keep Religioâ— and reason on your side Put awaâ— thereforâ— all Clamour ill speaking and Bitterness Kindly loving one another forgiving one another as GOD for CHRISTS sake hath forgiven 〈◊〉 § 9. Away with all â—â—iâ—kie policie to Circumveeâ— our Neighbouâ—s with all hastiness to be Rich and to compass the World for it is very uncertain and takes Wings and flees away and let ouâ— pursuits of it be with the conduct of Religion within the lines of equity and honesty otherwayes we maâ— find all it's Product to turn as a Mâ—shrâ—m or Jonah's Gourd let us be Anxiously â—areful for nothing and seek first the Kingdome of GOD and his Righteousness Matt. 6 33. And other things that are good for us will be added Let us never Glory but in GOD and be humble in our best Circumstances Let not the World go above it's Sphere least it take fire and Consume it self and us Study the Art of contentment How can any men complain that have GOD for their Portion and if we secure our intrest 〈◊〉 Christ then all is ours Solace thy self 〈◊〉 GOD delight in him and he will Give thee the desire of thine heart Psal 37. 4. and if thy Crosses be bitter and heavy they are the liker Christs if your troubles pinch you and put you in a manner to your wits end come out of your self and stay upon the name of God for he can give strength to bear the Temptation and a Gracious out gate and say with Jehosaphat I wet not what to do but my Eyes are towards thee § 11. Away with all murmurs under the burdens and infirmities of declining Age as pains of Body dimness of Sight dullness of Hearing Rehums and Rehumatisms difficulties of Breathing weakness of Stomach Obstructons Gravel Gut Feebleness and other incident Infirmities Let the GOD of Hope and Patience be your Hope and Strength and learn to exercise thy patience § 12. Away with all too Carnal Love to any thing of the World and if we have known any after the flesh Henceforth know we them no more § 13. Away with all doubts of GODS Mercy and fears of death providing we be unitted to CHRIST Rom 8 to the end When we cannot act much let uâ— take up our selves with Contemplationâ— and by Faith take a View of that Glory which is to be revealed that unspeakable Glory that is Yonder above in our Fathers House Let us draw Water out of the Well of Salvation in the Conduitâ— which GOD hath made to entertain a Communion betwixt HEAVEN and Earth Doubt not of any difficulty about the Intrigs of Providence for tho some of the Godly have been shaken with the prosperity of the wicked as David Psal 73. and Jeremiah chap 12. Yet settle your self that GOD can bring Light out of darkness and can make all things work together for the Good of them that love Him and that there is a day of Retribution and Restitution of all things when the Soveraign Judge will destribute Rewards according to these two Attributes of Justice and Mercy § 14. Away with all debates Divisions and contests in the Christian Church for now we pass to the Land oâ— peace to be joyned in the Harmony of love and concord where we hope the East and west Church in the beginning of Christianity it contests anent the feast of Easter is now
the Means for the Advancement of Practical Religion And the short while that Gospel Ministers caâ— be useful to the Church I thiâ—k iâ— meet as long as I am in this Tabernacle to remember you of these Things Verse 13. THIS Serious and Experienced Apostle doth in this Verse vent unto us the result of his Maturest thoughts that he judged it expedient to use all laudable Means for the serving of the Ends of the Gospel And declares his fixed Resolution to the Term of his Lives End As long as he is in hâ—s Tabernacle so to do Which affords to us these following Observes 1st The Expediency Vsefulness and Conveniency of all laudable and approved Means for the Propagation of the Gospel 2ly That the best of Men cannot more be useful to the Church but during their Abode in this Tabernacle of the Body As to the First Ministers should Preach nothing but what is Expedient Useful and tending to Edification Doct. 1 And they should be at the pains to select and wyle well what they say that with the Preacher they may search out fit and acceptable Words Ecc 12. 9. all things are lawful to me sayeth St. Paul but all things are not expedient Every thing is good in its season and every Pastor should learn of Christ to speak a word in season to souls But I shall insist most upon the expediency of the use of means for the Good of souls For GOD that hath ordained the end hath appointed the means whereby to attain it Now The great mean to know GOD and the Mediator is by dropping in wholsome Doctrine into the Ears and hearts of People yea also all the subservient means for that end are to be observed as the conviction of sin the discovery of the evil of sin the beauty of Grace and holiness sound and solid direcions for the Government of our life and the discovery of that Glory that is to be Revealed to animate Christians to a strict and Religious life And to be more particular I shall comprehend this in these following heads 1. The necessity of PREACHING 2ly The expediency 3ly What things are not convenient to be insisted upon 4ly what things are most usefull and expedient for the Good of souls First the necessity of Preaching the Gospel How can they beleive without a Preacâ—er And it pleased GOD by the Foolishness of Preaching to save Souls I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST sayeth the Apostle Rom 4 18 For it is the Power of GOD unto Salvation to every one that believeth to the Jew first and also to the Greek GOD can indeed work without means and above them because he is absolute Master of the hearts of men but he hath chosen this way hath sanctified it by his spirit in the Prophets by his Son while in the Flesh and by his Appostles after CHRIST which hath been that approved and wonderful engine to convert the World and to edifie and build up the Church whose Officers since the Apostles stand under an Apostolick precept 2 Tim 4. 2 to preach the Word so that they must be very self-conceited proud and presumptuous that think it below them to hear the Word For altho Men speak it yet it is the Dictate of GOD Himself Altho they may use other means as Reading and Conference yet GOD hath commanded us not to forsake the assembling of our selves together and many have found it experimentally true that there is some latent Energie and Force in the Word preached to which GOD hath promised his blessing 2ly The expediency of Preaching Some things are lawful but not expedient but things that are necessary are alwayes expedient especially in Things that are absosolutely necessary to our Salvation and the Expediency Pheasableness Convenience and Usefulness of Gospel Preaching as it was the practice of CHRIST and His Apostles so hath it been the constant Course of the Church in all Ages from Moses to CHRIST the Word of the LORD did drop by Preaching and from the 1 st to the 2 d Advent of CHRIST it shall be so For the Consideration of the Divine Special Presence in Church Assemblies the Influence that an auditory may have upon the Preacher and the sweet and gentle Voice in the Gospel with all other Circumstances makes it out to be very pheasable and expedient to have the Gospel not only Read but Explained and Applyed every Lords day this except people be obdurate sends in light to the Soul warmeth the Heart with chearful Affections and produceth so much good as to be a bond of Religion so that we fear if the Church doors be shuâ— that the Expediencie and necessitie of Preaching would too soon appear and the peoples carriage would but too sadly answer the Apostles Question How should they believe without a Preacher Then perhaps some who contemned the Church and publick Preaching may wander from one sea bank to another to seek the Word of the LORD and not find it Amos 8. 12. 3ly What things are not convenient to be insisted upon in Preaching And first I humbly conceive that it is not very fit to be too daring in our Doctrine anent the Council and Decrees of GOD especially to conclude from them any thing that may encroatch upon the goodness and mercie of our Good and Gracious GOD it is better with humble modesty to cry out wih St. Paul O the depth c. 2ly It is not very needful to insist much upon Circumstances for such are but Time-purposes and the least of Policy in order to Religion And it had been well for this Church if these had been much more miâ—igatâ—â— and mutilated and true Gospel Truth and Doctrine according to Godliness had been more pursued Neither 3ly â—â— it fit to cry out publickly against 〈◊〉 except there hath been lawful previous Admonition for reflections may exasperate and imbitter the heart whereas the Gospel Spirit is Tender Meâ—k Kindly and Gentle and it is much more desireable to be a Barnabas a son of Consolation than Boanerges Sons of Thunder It is true to cry aloud and not spare may be sometimes seasonable but a calm voice hath GOD in it and may be much more profitable 4ly It 's not very safe to be too peremptâ—ry about marks lâ—st we mistake the marks The Spirit of GOD indeed gives marks in Scriptureâ— particularly in the First Epistle of Saint John but the Spirit of Man is fallible as to the application 4ly What we are to insist on and that is to preach the whole Council of GOD Acts 20. 29. Jude 20. c. 2ly To build up people in their holy Faith 3ly To waâ—â— every man in all Wisdom 4ly To preach up morality whatever things are Just Honest and of good Report Col. 1. 28 Pâ—il 4. 8. c. to perswade people to these 2ly I observe that the best of Men have their great Work Doctrine 2 ado to the good of the Church while they are in this Tabernacle Here 's the