thy most holy Spirit through the alone al-sufficient merits and mediation of thy most deare and onely Sonne my alone most sweet Saviour and perpetuall intercessor Christ Jesus even so be it Amen Amen Thus farre here for governing the Tongue now to God onely wise my onely helper be all the glory Concerning walking with God with some Meditations for Prayer according to the plain and powerfull word of God to be the better enabled thereunto 1 GOD commands it He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to doe justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Micah 6.8 Thus saith the Lord stand yee in the wayes and see aske for the old paths where is the good way and walk therein Jer. 6.16 2. Examples of Obedience And Enoch walked with God Noah was a just man and Noah walked with God Ge. 5.24 6.9 3 Neglect hereof must be acknowledged Neither have we obeyed the voyce of the Lord our God to walk in his lawes c. Dan. 9.10 4 And our ignorance indisposition and insufficiency hereunto O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himselfe it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps Jer. 10.23 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God 2 Cor. 3.5 Without me ye can doe nothing John 15.5 5 We must crave pardon for all these And now Lord what wait I for my hope is in thee deliver me from all my transgressions and forgive all my sinnes Psal 39.7 8. 25 18. 6 We must ask a way of God in generall Thus saith the Lord stand ye in the wayes and see and ask for the old paths where is the good way Jer. 6 16. 7 Yea this by solemne humiliation Then I proclaimed a Fast that we might afflict our selves before our God to seek of him a right way for us Ezra 8.21 We must beseech him to grant us these particulars 1 Knowledge of the good way Shew me thy paths O Lord teach me thy Statutes make me understand the way of thy precepts Psal 25.4 119 27. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk for I lift up my soule to thee Psal 143 8. 2 An heart disposed to walke therein Incline my heart unto thy testimonies Psa 119.36 He will teach us his wayes and we will walk in his paths Isa 2 3. 3 Ability thereto Make me to goe in the path of thy Commandements Psal 119 35. 4 Restauration out of former errors relapsed into Renew a right spirit within me restore unto me the joy of thy sal-vation Psal 11 10 12. 5 To be sincere herein I am God al-sufficient walk before me and be thou perfect Gen. 17 1. Let integrity and uprightnesse preserve me Psal 25 21. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes Psal 19 80. 6 To be watchfull hereto Hold thou me up and I shall be safe and I will have respect unto thy Statutes continually Psal 119 117. Keep thy heart with all diligence ponder the path of thy feet and let all thy wayes be established turne not to the right hand nor to the left Prov. 4 23 26 27. 7 That we may encrease in all these Being fruitfull in every good work and encreasing in the knowledge of God Col. 1 â—0 8 And be established Uphold me with thy free spirit Psal 51 12. Uphold me according to thy Word that I may live and let me not be ashamed of my hope Psal 119 116. 9 And to persevere Teach me O Lord the way of thy Statutes and I will keep it unto the end Psal 119 33. I have inclined my heart to performe thy Statutes alway unto the end Psal 119 112. 10 We must pray to be freed and preferved from every evill way in opinion and practice The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the Congregation of the dead Prov. 21 16. The wicked have laid a snare for me yet I erred not from thy precepts Psal 119 110. Remove from me the way of lying I have refrained my feet from every evill way Ps 119.29.101 Incline not my heart to any evill thing to practice wicked works Psal 14 4. We must lay to heart rely upon urge God to reforme await his leasure till he please to make good his word unto us in every particular we have thus sought him for in generall Thy Word have I hid in my heart Psal 119.11 I will meditate in thy precepts and have respect unto thy wayes I will not forget thy Word v. 15 16. In God will I prayes his Word in the Lord will I prayse his Word Psal 56.10 Remember thy word unto thy servant on which thou hast caused me to hope this is my comfort in my affliction for thy Word hath quickned me Psal 119 49 50. Let I pray thee thy mercifull kindnesse be for my comfort according to thy Word unto thy servant Psal 119 76. Therefore I will look unto the Lord I will wait for the God of my salvation my God will heare me Micah 7 7. O my Father neverthelesse not as I will but as thou wilt Mat. 26 39. In the particulars following 1 In that we have acknowldged our neglects and defects The Lord saith he that confesseth and forsaketh his sinnes shall have mercy Prov. 28 13. If we acknowledge our sinnes he is faithfull and just to forgive us our sinnes and to cleanst as from all unrigteousnesse 1 John 1 9. 2 In that we have craved pardon The Lord saith I will save you from all your uncleannesses c. yet will I for this be enquired of to doe it Ezek. 36 29 37. 3 In that we have asked a my of God He sayes Ask and it shall be given you Mat. 7.7 We besought our God for this and he was intreated of us Ezr. 8 23 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way that thou shalt go and I will guide thee with mine eye Psal 32 8. 4 To the desire of knowledge the Lord saith If thou callest after knowledge and cryest for understanding thou shalt find the knowledge of God Prov. 2 3 5. 5 To the desire of a good disposition Thus a new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you Ezek. 36 2â— 6 And of ability to walk with God He promiseth thus I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walke in my Statutes and yee shall keep my judgements and doe them Ezel 36 2â— For it is he that worketh in you both to will and to doe of his good pleasure Phil. 2 13. 7 If we desire restauration He restoreth my soule and leadeth me into the paths of righteousnesse Psal 23 3. 8 If we desire herein sanctity Yee shall keep my Statutes and doe them I am the Lord which sanctifieth you Levit 20 8 24. 9 Watchfulnesse I will hearken what the
The Christian CENTURIAN Observations Advices and Resolutions Containing Matters DIVINE and MORALL Collected according to his owne experience By PHILIP SKIPPON Serjeant-major-generall c. In all things I have said unto you be circumspect Exod. 23.13 Finally brethren whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report c. Phi. 4.9 Those things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen according to Gods warrant Isa 20.8 doe Phil. 4.10 London printed by T. B. for Samuel Enderby at the Starre in Popes-head Alley 1645. To all Souldiers of what degree soever that desire to walk Christianly and Circumspectly Fellow souldiers and friends TO the two former Treatises of Gods promises of good things to us and of our Vowes of obedience to him which by his alone help I have published I adde these few fragments following and because I will be as little tedious as I can I shall only commend them to your carefull consideration observation and practice as you may find them agreeable to sound doctrine and good manners and usefull to your occasions and them and you to the especiall blessing of our God in the Lord Jesus The Contents RIght rules to live by page 4. A sure Stay in extremity p. 8 The right way to goe to worke p. 46. Briefe Prayers upon divers occasions p. 53 Short Ejaculations p. 69 Comforts against the Nick-name of Puritane p. 81 Many divine and morall Observations p. 98 Renewed Resolutions p. 115 Some marks of a malicious man and the contrary p. 131 The former Observations continued p. 133 Resolutions in an especiall businesse p. 142 Christian carriage in a great calamity p. 145 Commendable carriage in his place p. 148 More Observations added p. 155 Sufficiency of Gods grace p. 171 How to urge the Lord to preserve us from sinne p. 173 Concerning governing the tongue p. 175 Concerning walking vvith God p. 181 Briefe Rules for particular practice p. 191 Examples of godly Souldiers p. 19â— Rules of Justice p. 19â— Undeniable proofe of the truth â—â— God 's Word p. 22â— A few plaine and pleasing in structions for all times p. 23â— An Advertisement about the sâ—â— of our Calling p. 23â— Concerning generall Obedience p. 272 Five sorts of Verses p. 277 The Observations continued p. 290 More of vvalking vvith God p. 292 More holy Resolutions p. 296 Of mourning for the sinnes among us p. 299 His acknowledgement of God p. 301 How to carry himselfe conscionably and commendably in the Leaguer p. 305 How to stirre up right Christian Resolutions for Gods Cause and against his Enemies p. Of Mortification p. 332 Helpes to an holy Life p. 337 Motives to Watchfulnesse p. p. 342 More Christian Resolutions p. 343 Decay in Prayer p. 346 Serious Admonitions to his Family when they are to worship God p. 379 Thus farre of the Contents briefly and acording to these numbers God willing you shall find the severall matters marked A Prayer O Lord God of all wisdome goodnesse grace power truth my reconciled God most gracious Father and onely helper in Jesus Christ I the most ignorant sinfull unworthy weake wretched of all other doe most humbly unfainedly instantly entirely and uncessantly befeech and urge thee of thy infinite mercy through thy unsearchable wisdome by thy unresistable working according to thy infallible promises notwithstanding my dark ignorance unmeasurable sinfulnesse great weaknesse and most extreame wretchednesse yea notwithstanding all my unworthniesse and all other impediments speedily seasonably effectually constantly through the assistance of thy most holy Spirit to stirre up my heart diligently to fearch to enlighten my understanding clearly to discerne to strengthen my memory constantly to retaine to sanctifie my affections feelingly to apply to inable me in my practice conscionably to make use of every particular of the following observations advices and resolutions as may be most to thy great glory the good of thy Church the gracing my Christian profeision the stopping the mouth of prophanenesse and injury the preventing distasting others and other advantage against me the benefit of my Family my outward credite and comfort in thy feare with thy favour and blessing my poore soules present peace everlasting happinesse all as 〈…〉 best in thy sight onely through the al-sufficient merits and peâ—petuall mediation of thy most deare and onely Son my alone sweet Saviour and intercessor Christ Jesus through whom as I have infinite cause beyond all I can conceive remember or expresse for all thy mercies for this and a better life afforded and assured to me especially for the understanding life health time opportunity and grace thou hast pleased to vouchsafe unto me to collect and write these observations advices and resolutions for my better government greater setting and further edification to thy most glorious Name be all honour ascribed by all meanes for evermore Amen even so be it Amen Amen Some short and streight solid and sound Rules to levell his life by 1. WHen thou risest let thy thoughts ascend that grace may descend let thy Sacrifice be an inocent heart offer it daily with that devotion that it may shew thou both knowest and acknowledgest his holinesse and greatnesse with whom thou hast to doe 2. Where thou owest pay duty where thou findest return curtifie where thou art known deserve love desire the best disdaine none but evill company take heed of proud peevish prating passionate dissembling distastfull jeering malicious lying contentious tipling filthy fellowes 3. Grieve but be not angry at discurtesies redresse but revenge no wrongs doe good to them that use thee unkindly yet so remember pitty that thou forget not decency 4. Let thy attire be such as may shew a sober mind frame thy selfe with such modesty as may silence the untemperate tongue 5. Be mindfull of things past carefull of things present and provident of things to come 6. Goe as thou wouldest be met sit as thou wouldest be found speake as thou wouldest be heard and doe as thou wouldest be seen 7. Beare affliction patiently converst cheerfully order thy businesse secretly wisely surely avoid freenesse and familiarity discover no affection hastily speak not thine owne suspitions suddenly meddle not in others matters needlesly trust God most in greatest extremity forget not how he hath helped formerly commend all in wel-doing unto him continually 8. Demeane thy selfe in all things as in the sight of God conâ—â—â—ually who is acquainted with all thy wayes throughly who though thou beest never so secret seeth thee who doubtlesse will have a strict account of thee therefore deceive not thy selfe for he will not be mocked by thee 9. Take heed of sinne and the occasions thereof watchfully having sinned lye not therein impenitently neither sooth thy self therein foolishly for sinne will bring sorrow and shame undoubtedly 10. Repent break off beg pardon grace and peace speedily and soundly watch to doe
performe Rom. 4.18.20 21. And never to cast away 〈◊〉 confidence which hath great recompence of reward He. 10 3â— But as I have great needâ—â— imbrace patience that after have done the will of my God by his grace I may receiâ—â— the promise Heb. 10.36 Being most confident that the hatred envy unpeaceablenesse malice scorne cruelty of Iosephs Brethren against him Gen. 37.4.8.11.19 their purpose to kill him their casting him into the pit their selling him to the Ismalites the Ismalites selling him againe to the Aegyptians Potiphar verse 22.24.28.36 the stander of his Mistresse his hard imprisonment thereupon Gen. 39.19 20. the Butlers Bakers Pharaohs dreames the extreame dearth and all things whatsoever seemed to make never somuch against him wrought in the end most remarkably for him Gen. 41.9 45.5 7 8. 50.24 so my God without doubt will most fatherly powerfully faithfully seasonably carefully constantly work in with and for me being the same God for ever for good to his that all my present and future inward perplexities and outward troubles all that Satan or any of his instruments doe or may doe against me all the malice and scorne of evill men all the oppositions and injuries of any though never so great and many all my instant seares cares and most hopelesse and helplesse miseries yea my folly sinne and misgovernment my felt or lookt for shame and losse my crosses and poverty yea even that intolerable hurthen Lord thou knowest my meaning and necessity that even overwhelmeth me and whatsoever doth or may seem to make most against me that all shall turne remarkably for good unto me Rom. 8.28 Lord thou hast spoken it and will also bring it to passe thou hast purposed it and wilt also doe it and nothing shall let it Isa 46.10 11. Therefore to conclude as Joseph did and to say to my selfe in every crosle and calamity yea though never so grievous and desperate even in my present misery as he did to his Brethren be not grieved nor angry that this or that betides thee it is God that sends it to thee and remaines thy most wise and tender-hearted Father continually howsoever he please to afflict thee and whatsoever by the devil or man may be intended or wrought against thee thy God intendeth and will work all for thy good undoubtedly Gen 45.5.7 50.20 Well then my soule is not all this enough for thee I thus beset with paine and grief did pray to God for grace plaint And he forthwith did heare my out of his holy place Ps 18 6. On me some signe of favour shew that all my foes may see And be ashamd because Lord thou doest help and comfort me Psal 86.17 And now my soul sith thou art safe returne unto thy rest For largely loe the Lord to thee his bounty hath exprest Ps 16.7 See more at large in my collection of Promises these following particulars which will by Gods blessing afford more matter of consolation and setling in any kind of misery as in my booke of the Promises concerning afflictions in generall page 102 to 112 Concerning trouble of mind pag. 116. Concerning a desolate estate pag. 118 Concerning any kind of outward want pag. 135 Concerning Gods blessing pag. 164. Concerning the manner of Gods hearing our prayers pag. 208. A briefe commending all to the LORD Oh Lord helpe mine heart to pray heare my prayers thy Name shall have the praises O Thou that art the onely and alwayes true God whom alone I desire to serve and trust â—ternall al-knowing every where present almighty most wise mercifull faithfull and immutable in Jesus Christ by vertue of thine owne most free and faithfull Covenant my reconciled God most gracious Father and alone al-sufficient helper it is thy will I should call upon thee in every need and hast promised thou wilt deliver me that I may glorifie thee I have never sought thee in vaine thou hast alwayes heard me and that most remarkably in greatest extremity thou hast often done more for me then I desired or expected from thee behold as well as I can though alas at the best exceeding weakly in the sense of my especiall necessities fully known to thee with all circumstances I set my soule to seeke all help at thy hands onely deâ—â—ying all other meanes of reliefe wholly this in obedience to thy will in the assistance of thy Spirit in the name and mediation of thy deare and onely Sonne my alone al-sufficient Saviour and continuall intercessor Christ Jesus founding my prayers on thy promises which I lay before thee with which I urge thee flying to thy mercies building on thy power submitting to thy will wisdome and providence acknowledging all my inward and outward welfare past present and to come to come onely from thee or else woe woe woe unto me and nothing could or can availe me a waiting for thy salvation continually promising all possible praises to thee onely for whatsoever grace or good thou hast pleased to vouchsafe or shalt please to vouchsafe unto me and now thou that art such a God as I acknowledge thee and thou hast revealed thy selfe to be intreated in mercy as thou hast promised by thy unresistable working in due season upon all occasions especially in greatest extremities more particularly in my particular present or future prossing inward and outward necessities to guide to prevent to governe to restore to receive to streng then to comfort to support to establish to relieve to protect to deliver every way to help and prosper me notwithstanding all my horrible ingratitude most hainous sinfulnesse exceeding unworthinesse extreame weaknesse and all other though never so many great impediments you according to all thy great name manifested and magnified to thine for good whereby so freely plainly plentifully infallibly thou hast revealed and assured audience and help to thine to hear and help me even beyond all that I now or at any other time can think or aske that it may appeare thou Lord hast done all for me all this all else as may be most to the glory of thy name the service of thy Zion the gracing of my Christian profession the stopping the mouth of prophanenesse malice scorn and injury the preventing my distasting others or others especially such as most wish and would be glad of my shame and harme having advantage against me the good of those most neare and deare unto me my outward credite and comfort in thy fear with thy favour my soules present peace and everlasting happinesse in Heaven with thee as seemeth best unto thee wherewithall in all good conscience and Christian considence make me contented heartily and it is enough for me and all the glory shall he thine onely to whom alone the same is due wholly and continually Amen Observe HEr Adversary provoked her sore for to make her fret therefore shee wept and did not eat shee was in bitternesse of soule and prayed unto the Lord and wept sore and shee vowed a
grace and supplication that I may at this present poure out my heart in prayer before thee so that thou mayest be pleased to heare and help from Heaven seasonably and effectually thy great name shall have all the glory Or Thus O Lord prepare my miserable unprepared heart to pray heare me graciously though I be most unworthy as thou hast promised whatsoever opposeth thy great name shall have all the glory Or Thus O Lord help my heart to pray heare my prayers thy name shall have the praises If he comes into Gods House before the beginning of publike worship O Most holy Lord God prepare every one of our unprepared hearts in most holy manner to seek thy face in every one of thy most holy Ordinances work effectually with thy most holy spirit upon every one of our hearts that the meanes of grace may prove effectuall to every one of our most sinfull soules to the building of them up in all grace to our present comfort and eternall happinesse in Christ Jesus Amen When Amen is pronounced at the end of the publike prayers Amen Lord Amen of thy infinite mercy according to thy immutable truth by thy unresistable working notwithstanding our unworthinesse insufficiency and all other impediments thy great name shall have all the glory to which alone the same is due wholy When he gives Almes Good Lord accept the will for the deed forgive and reforme what is amisse vouchsafe a plentifull blessing in due season according to thy wonted goodnesse and faithfull promises in Christ Jesus When the blessing is pronounced O Lord our God most mighty mercifull and true vouchsafe graciously seasonably and effectually to leave thy promised blessing of mercy grace and peace behind thee Amen When he awakes in the morning O Lord my God it is of thine owne and onely wonted undeserved infinite never failing mercies that I have not in this night past been smothered in my sleep and sinnes that I may behold the light of this day in peace awaken my heart with all holy affections towards thee cause me to cast off all works of darknesse and to walk in the light before thee renew remission unto me for my sins of the night renewed against thee throughout this day governe me by thy Word and spirit in all I goe about and let thy blessing be upon me in all that any way concernes me my soule through Jesus Christ shall more and more magnifie thee Amen When he layes him downe at night to take his rest O Lord my God by thy especiall providence assistance I lay me downe in peace at this present and blesse thy name unfainedly that all things throughout this day hath gone so well with me whereas else I had been every way most unhappy Oh multiply pardon to me for my fauls multiplyed against thee even this day past I beseech thee and watch over me the rest of this night to preserve me from sinning against thee though never so secretly and to keep off whatsoever would any way harme me for all grace and good my soule shall more and more through Jesus Christ glorifie thee Amen Before his going to heare Gods Word preached O Lord my God whose word I goe to heare grant me thy grace to heare it as thy word with all due reverence earnest attention and holy affection oh help me against all dead heartednesse distractednes and wearinesse make my heart as the good ground rightly to receive this heavenly seed water the same with the dew of thy grace that it may bring forth fruit abundantly in my knowledge resolution and practice in faith and godlinesse with all patience and constancy thus work in and for me mercifully powerfully faithfully notwithstanding my unprepared insensible unprofitable hearing therof whereof alas I am most hainously continually guilty for which I beg pardon and amendment yea in spite of all that the flesh the world the devill labour to the contrary Amen Amen my Father in Christ herein help me I most humbly and earnestly beg pray and beseech thee Amen at this time and upon the like occasions continually When be comes from hearing Gods Word Now my good and gracious God having by thy especiall providence goodnesse and grace injoyed the gracious meanes happy opportunity and thy help to heare thy most holy word for which exceeding great favours make me truâ—â— thankfull and of which crave the continuance unto my lives end bring the same to my remembrance affect me with each part thereof throughly cause me to mix it with faith rightly and to put each part thereof in practice Christianly as the necessities of my poore soule require especially heare and blesse in mercy as thou hast promised though I have sinned and whatsoever opposeth Amen Before his reading Gods Word in private O my heavenly Father be intreated mercifully powerfully faithfully now and at all other times be I never so unworthy indisposed and whatsoever opposeth to strengthen and blesse me in the reading understanding remembring applying and practising of thy most holy word as may be most to thy great glory and my eternall good through Christ Jesus Amen After his reading Gods Word in private O my God I most heartily thank thee for this most inestimable Jewell of thy most holy Word for this great freedome and thy especiall help to be exercised therein and for all the good that by thy blessing my poore soul hath received thereby Oh forgive my unthankfulnesse therefore and abusing thereof reforme these foule offences in me and notwithstanding the same and whatsoever else would hinder continue these great mercies unto me and make each part of thy most holy word my guide and comfort in life and death through Jesus Christ Amen I beg of thee Before his meditating in private Good Lord it is my most humble earnest suit unto thy most sacred Majesty that thou wilt not lay to my charge my long wilfull neglect of miserable aversnesse from and extream indisposition to this so much required and exceeding needfull dutie of divine Meditation but notwithstanding these and though I neither know how nor have any abilitie to discharge the same as I ought I pray and beseech thee to learne me the right way thereto and to dispose me in some good measure to the performance thereof help me to begin goe on and end in respect of the present matter thereof with sound judgement moved affection powerfull application and unfained purpose to put all to conscionable practice to the encrease of all grace and godlinesse through thy alone deare Sonne my alone sweet Saviour Christ Jesus Amen After his meditating in private My deare God my soule magnifieth thee for this opportunitie and assistance thou hast vouchsafed me most weak and unworthie in the performance of this holy dutie oh pardon pittie and reforme my ignorance insensiblenesse and manifold distempers herein oh helpe me more and more better hereunto and doe me this exceeding great favour that I may constantly beare
in mind and seasonably shew forth the life and power of each part of what thou hast inabled me to thinke upon according to the warrant of thy most holie word that I may be every way the more fit to serve thee and in every thing find the more comfort from thee through thy Christ my Redeemer Amen Before Meales Our heavenly Father be intreated to vouchsafe a gracious blessing upon these thy good creatures which we are about to receive from thy bountifull hands grant us to receive them as we ought in the strength of them vouchsafe us the continuance of good health if it be thy will above all make us the more fit to doe thee all acceptable service to thy glory and our eternal happinesse in Christ Jesus Amen After Meales O our God for ever blessed be thy name for refreshing â—â— againe so graciously at this time with thy good creatures and alwaies providing so bountifully for us whereas we are unworthy of one drop of cold water and merit the worst of evils whereas many of thy deare children suffer great want of those things which we injoy in abundance Lord make us truly thankfull forgive our sins cause us to serve thee better continue towards us thy favours never suffer us to want any thing thou seest good for us provide reliefe for all in any distresse accept and blesse us alwaies and in all things through Christ Jesus Amen A serious Prayer at any time O my heavenly Father be intreated freely and fully to forget and forgive all my offences though never so many and hainous which make me most unworthy the least of thy merties and whereby I provoke all thy heaviest displeasure against me sanctifie my soule speedily throughly and constantly that I may serve thee all the rest of my time sincerely watchfully zealously save me from thy wrath which I fear and merit and can by no meanes else escape continue towards me all needfull favours which I can by no meanes else injoy turne all my present and future inward and outward sufferings to my soules eternall good and doe what thou pleasest with me afford true grace peace and comfort to my poore soule and I desire no more of thee make me willing to leave this and fit for a better life when I leave this receive me to a better life and it is enough for me Amen through thy Christ my Redeemer the Lord Jesus my intercessor I beseech thee A Thanksgiving at any time O my reconciled God most gracious Father and alone alsufficient most wise mercifull faithfull and immutable helper in Jesus Christ whom thou hast freely given unto me to be an al-sufficient Saviour and continuall intercessor for me in whom thou art in covenant with me and all thy promises are my portion through whom thou hast afforded and assured all grace and good unto me here and all happinesse with thee in Heaven for evermore Behold as I am every way exceedingly bound beyond all I can remember or acknowledge my soules desire is alwayes set to render in all and above all things all possible praises to thy Majesty acknowledging ingenuously that all my inward outward present former and future welfare is only from thee and that else no heart could conceive or tongue expresse my misery accept my unfained though exceeding weak desires now and at all times to give thy great name for all all the glory Amen When he must goe abroad and about businesse in hast wanting time convenient to seek the Lord solemnly O my heavenly Fatherin the name of thy Sonne my Saviour I goe abroad and about my businesse in thou leavest me I shall doe sinfully and foolishly and shame and harme will befall me therefore for his sake I beseech thee governe me witâ— thy holy spirit let thine owne blessing be with me so shall I demeane my self discreetly and honestly and all shall goe well with me in all I undertake and that concernes me according to the especiall occasions guide and prosper me more especially as I look for all help onely from thee my soule shall therefore give thee alone all the glory Amen Short Ejaculations set down as they came in my mind LORD give me a peaceable sealed suffering spirit A cercumspect silent sober tongue A faire friendly free carriage A grave gracious gentle conversation Lord make me and every one of mine capable and partakers of each part of thy covenant of mercy grace peace and happinesse and it is enough Lord deliver and keep me from unconscionable contentious and unreasonable men let none that wish or seek my shame or harme have their will of me Lord cause me to walke more wisely and uprightly that I may walke more boldly and securely maintaine my cause for thine honours sake I beseech thee Lord put spirit life and power into my devotions alwaies forgive accept and blesse my weake performances Lord help me to worship thee seasonably and conscionably and worke with thy grace mercifully and faithfully that I may walk with thee watchfully and constantly Lord assure me of thy favour and help me out of debt before I dye I beg of thee Lord help me to hold fast my integrity and to trust thy alsufficiency in my greatest extremity let it not be in vaine for me to seek serve and await upon thee Lord whatsoever befals me let me never be forced to put forth my hand to iniquity as thou art most true make good this truth unto me Psal 125.3 Lord poure out the spirit of grace and supplication upon me that I may delight to poure out my heart in prayer before thee daily Lord cause me to love the Lord Jesus dearly to learne oâ— him who is meek lowely and to apply his al-sufficient satisfaction rightly Lord in the sight and sense oâ— my sinnes humble me deeply for those most displeasing 〈◊〉 thee chiefly oh discover theâ—â— unto me clearly make me tâ— hate and forsake them unfairedly Lord as thou hast expresâ— promised me Zach. 12 1â— cause me to looke upon tâ— Christ my Saviour whom â—â— smnes have pierced that I mâ—â— mourne for them as one moâ—neth for his onely sonne aâ—â— be in bitternesse for him as 〈◊〉 the losse of my first borne 〈◊〉 let his wounds heale me 〈◊〉 blood cleanse me his spiâ—â— comfort and his merits saâ—â— me Lord give me a good conscience a contented mind a discreet demeanour a competent estate and thy fatherly blessing it is enough Lord give me an understanding beleeving penetent watchfull upright wel-ordered heart and all shall be well Lord settle me in a Christian course of serving thee and let me find the sweetnesse thereof continually oh let my wayes please thee and make my enemies at peace with me Lord whatsoever betide me let nothing disgrace my Christian profession of thee or give those that hate me advantage against me Lord help me in wel-doing to commend all to thee and to trust thee most in my most helplesse misery Lord I crave and
then others whereas I am the unworthiest and most misgoverned of all other let it be enough for me to be like though not equall to thee my Master and Lord k Mat. â—â— 24 25. Lord honour me in suffering prepare me for inable me to suffer this or any other way for thee Puritane or Round-head who what is either even hâ— that conceits himselfe clean from his corruption and is not washed from his filthinesse l Prov. â—â— 12 he that judgeth others uncleane and himselfe more holy m Isa 65.5 he that will be holier then God will have him preferring mens traditions before Gods Ordinances n Mat. 15 3.6 Mar. 7.3.9.13 Col. 2.20 21 22 23. 1 Tim. 4.3 O my soule come not thou into their secret o Gen. 49.6 thus I never was nor am nor by Gods grace never shall be a Puritane or Round-head But if to mourne and tremble in the sight and sense of my most hainously sinfull and terribly accursed condition by originall and actuall wickednesse be to be a Puritane p Zac. 12.10 Matth. 5.4 Ezra 10.3 Isa 66.5 Hos 13.1 Lord make and ever continue me a Puritane Round-head If heartily to abhorre and seriously to resolve against sinne q Job 42.6 Rom. 12.9 Ezek. 6.9 20.43 Psal 39.1 Psal 101.3 119.106 97.10 be to be a Puritane Round-head Lord make c. If inwardly to love and affectionately to delight in good r Psal 119.119.127 1.2 40. â— 119.16 24 35 47 70 77 174. be to be c. If to affect Gods Children dearly if to cherish and not to grieve them if to honour and not to scorne them if to help and not to harme them s Psal 16.3 15.4 Job 13.14 Rom. 12.9 10 13. be to be c. If unfainedly to purpose and watchfully to practice the power of godlinesse t Acts 11.23 Psal 39.1 141 3. Mark 13.33 37. 2 Tim. 4.5 1 Pet. 4.7 be to be c. If to turne from and take heed of the occasions of every thing that is unlawfull and uncomely u Gen. 39.10 1 Thes 5.22 Psal 119.101 101.3 Ephes 3.4 be to be c. If to have respect unto and to imbrace the furtherances of whatsoever is warrantable and seemly w Psal 119.6 Phil. 4.9 1.27 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7. be to be c. If to labour to be throughly informed and reformed by the written Word of God x Prov. 23.12 Psal 119.11.105 Isa 8.20 Gal. 6.16 be to be c. If to exercise my selfe to keep the Testimony and peace of a good conscience at all times and in all things y Acts 23.1 24.16 2 Cor. 1.12 1 Tim. 1 1â— 2 Tim. 1.3 Heb. 13.8 be to be c. If to imbrace the meanes and opportunities seasonably and conscionably to heare read pray meditate conferre and sing Psalmes z Gal. 6.10 Prov. 8.34 Joh. 8.47 Rev. 1.3 Joh. 5.39 Psal 5.2 55.17 1 Thes 5.17 Gen. 24.63 Josh 1.8 Psal 1.2 63.6 Psal 13.6 66.2 Eph. 5.19 Col. 3.16 be to be c. If to sanctifie the Lords Sab bath carefully to receive the Sacrament reverendly and to fast solemnly a Com. 4. 1 Cor. 11.27 28 29. be to be c. If to set up Religion in my Family and to charge mine â—â— converse Christianly b Psalme 101. Geneses 18.19 Deutrenomie 4.9 11.19 be to be c. If to performe every publike family and private holy duty iâ— spirit and truth and not superstitiously or in outward shew verbally formally customarily c Joh. 4.24 Ruâ— 1.9 Rom. 7.6 Phil. 3.3 1 Câ— 14.15 16. be to be c. If not to feare neglect or be ashamed to doe well for any by respect d Gal. 1.10 Psal 119.161 163. 126. 138. ver 128. ver be to be c. If to carry ones selfe circumspectly diligently faithfully and worthily in his particular calling e Exodus 23.13 Mat. 10.16 Eph. 5.15 Ezra 7.23 Dan. 6.4 be to be c. If to walk humbly with and uprightly before the Lord f Micah 6.8 Gen. 17 1. Prov. 10.9 Job 33.3 Acts 20.19 Psal 101.2 be to be c. If to deale justly and equally with others if to be compassionate and helpfull to the distressed g Micah 6.8 Phil. 4.8 Col. 4.1 Zach. 7.9 Phil. 4.3 be to be c. If to be circumspect and sober meek and friendly free-hearted and cheerfull peaceable and faire-carriaged h Exod. 23.13 1 Pet. 4 7. Mat. 11.29 Prov. 18.24 Gen. 25.27 Prov. 15.13 Rom. 12.18 1 Thes 2.10 be to be c. If to suppresse envy and malice anger and collar to governe filthy lusts and unruly passions i Rom. 13.19 Col. 3.8 Prov. 15 18. 14 17. 29 Eph. 4. 31. Jam. 1.19 Gal. 5.24 1 Pet 2.11 Tit. 1.6 Phil. 4.5 be to be c. If to part with our most precious pleasures and profits rather then sinne against oâ— consciences k Heâ— 11.24 25 26. Luk. 14.32 be to be c. If not to dare to drink drunk sweare lye cozen be uncleane or not to frequent or delight in the society of such l Eph. 5.18 Mat. 5 3â— Levit. 19.11 Col. 3.9 Rev. 2â— 15 Lev. 19.13 1 Cor. 7.5 Epe 5.5 Gal. 5.19 1 Thes 4.7 2 Câ— 6.17 Psal 1.1 6.8 26 5â— Pro. 28.7 be to be c. If not to slander backbite judge censure injure others if to speak the best and no evill of the dead or absent m Prov. 10.18 Psal 101.5 1 Tim. 3.11 Prov. 25.23 2 Cor. 12.10 Mat. 7.1 Jer. 22.3 Col. 3.25 be to be c. If though to please others not to break a jest against Piety Charity and Chastity n Eph. 5.4 1 Cor. 15.33 Col. 3.8 be to be c. If to mind ones owne businesse and not to meddle in others matters o Pre. 22 29. 1 Thes 4 11. 2 Thes 3.11 1 Tim. 5.13 1 Pet. 4.15 be to be c. If to hold Gods Word to be the only and al-sufficient guide to true happinesse and to reject the contrary utterly p Psal 119.105 19.7 8 2 Tim. 3.16 17. Gal. 1.8.9 Rev. 22.21 be to be c. If to labour to live by keeping peace with God and setting all in order that I may be ready to dye daily q Cor. 1.20 3.15 Psal 119.165 Isa 26.3 Jer. 27.5 Isa 38.1 be to be c. If in well doing to use all law full meanes to serve Gods providence in my particular occasions and to trust upon God disposing and blessing only r Psal 37.3 4 5. Pro. 3.5 6 7. 16.3 be to be c. If to trust God most in greatest extremity and to be contented with his disposing submisively s Psal â— 1 2. Isa 50.10 Job 13.15 Psal 37.5 be to be c. If in the sense of daily corruptions sins wants failing to
4 To sing out of the Psalms 5 To imbrace all occasions for Gods publike worship In each of these to seek the Lord conscionably 1 Labouring for preparation revetence sincerity feeling chearfulnesse and faith 2 Striving against carelesnesse coldnesse drousinesse hypocrisie and customary service 3 When any urgent businesse of my calling causeth the deferring any of these duties to take a more convenient time yea to redeem the time for the performance thereof Thirdly concerning the duties of my particular calling 1 In generall to walk faithfully diligently and wisely 2 In particular towards Supenours in all things lawfull obediently towards those I command gravely towards equals friendly 3 When I am commanded to pursue my businesse earnestly and chearfully till the same be effected 4 In commanding others to doe all distinctly throughly plainly and impartially to seâ— the same effected accordingly to check and punish neglect sharply 5 If joyned with other in command to seek and follow the best counsell and commendablest course 6 Not to despise the good advice of any though never so meane but by all good meanes to grow more fit for service 7 For better furnishing himselfe with ability to listen to others discourses to observe what others doe commendably in this or that occasion to consider the use of things with silent application Fourthly what company to avoid viz. of swearers drunkards quarrellers gamsters whore-masters filthy talkers scoffers at goodnesse c. to imbrace the society of honest men though meane Fiftly what places to avoid as of uncleannesse excesse playing c. though inticed or provoked thereto and to frequent such places where good is to be gotten Sixtly what especiall sinnes to strive against 1 In heart unadvised anger remembring injuries desire of revenge hatred envy impure lusts 2 In words brawling railing reviling scoffing indiscreet superfluous obscene boasting unnecessary selfconceited censuring ungracious familiar blasphemous speeches 3 In behaviour lightnesse lumpishnesse pride familiarnesse 4 In looks wandrings wantonnesse lustfulnesse 5 In action hard dealing impurity secret or open intemperance all sinne folly and disorder Seventhly to entertaine these contrary vertues 1 In heart watchfulnesse sobriety putting up wrongâ— forgetting injuries passing by offences without taking notice of them if God be not dishonoured or my selfe disabled else to use all good meanes to stand for the truth and cleare my innocency and quietnesse 2 In words that they be wise few seasonable to the purpost charitable true meek gracious 3 In behaviour gravity modesty humility curtesie seemlinesse to make a covenant with mine eyes not to behold vanity with delight 4 In action to shew tenderlie artednesse to live chastly temperately thriftily and to deale justly Eightly in case of justice and judgement 1 Not to condemne the innocent or justifie the offender 2 Nor to accept persons for any respect 3 To examine the cause throughly 4 To heare both parties deliberately 5 To hate bribes unfainedly 6 To helpe the afflicted against the rich and mighty 7 To execute justice rightly 8 To pronounce sentence according to warrant gravely boldly briefly impartially substantially how many who whatsoever opposeth Ninthly for convenient maintainance according to place and calling 1 To live within compasse 2 To weare plaine serviceable and decent apparrell 3 To avoyd running into debt and to pay debts by all good meanes possible 4 Not to live at anothers Table 5. Not to lay out on thinâ— superfluous 6 To allow what is fitting for my Family 7. In weldoing to depend â—â— God 's providence Tenthly in more espeâ—â— imployments in my plate To propound in each Goâ— glory to have respect to hiâ— Cause to be affected to hiâ— Church to order all affaires â—â— judgement where my calling requires though never 〈…〉 gerous to be willing forward couragious bould industrioâ—â— fearelesse to the death â—â—â—mending my self into the 〈◊〉 of God wholly for helpe 〈◊〉 and good successe To avoyd and strive agaâ—â—â—â— rash adventures without a warrantable calling foolish cuâ—osity ostentation unwillingnesse sloathfulnesse backwardnesse frivolous excuses cowardlinesse fear flying distrust of Gods help for sufficiency and protection for safety and blessing for a good issue Eleventhly and lastly concerning lawfull recreation 1 To take such time for them that things of more consequence â—â— the same time be not hindered by them 2 To use such exercises as are manly comely and fittest for my calling place and age 3 With nien most free from offence and of a good report 4 All with moderation not spending too much time labour or cost therein 5 Especially to spend some spare time in reading in some good morrall Author as Plutarks Lives Caesars Coâ—â—entaries c. and to ride abroad to view the Trench Works c. both for better enabling him to doe service To endeavour all in a conscinable manner seeking in all Gods glory chiefly by the help of his holy Spirit onely spite of all oppositions trusting through his grace in sincerity to testifie obedience and in all unwilling failings not to doubt of his most mercifull forgivenesse gracious acceptation and favourable blessing in the face of Christ Jesus in whose name my Father I beg a disposition and ability to discharge each part of my duty seasonably wisely uprightly and constantly according to what I have purposed and expressed before thee that thou in mercy â—ccording to thy truth in him â—â—ayest please at all times in 〈◊〉 things to be with me for â—â—â—d Amen How to stirre up and embrace right Christian resolutions for the Cause of God and against his enemies FIrst be fully assured it is the Cause of God else it is sinful and shall not be blessed but undoubtedly it is the Cause of God because his pure worship accooding to his Word is stood for because we have been and are grievously persecuted by tyrannous Idolaters for the same and that neverthelesse the Lord for his great names sake according to his truth in great mercy hath many and miraculously delivered and preserved us and still doth as at this day Secondly therfore as all good Christians are strictly bound so I my self must endeavour to doe my best to maintaine this his Cause and that because 1 The Lord requires it 2 And curseth bitterly such as helpe him not against the mighty 3 And hath plagued such for their neglect 4 Because I have the warrantable examples of Gods children who willingly ventured their lives for this Cause 5 The commendations in Scripture of such is also a spur hereunto 6 And the blessings of the Lord upon them both which we may look for 7 We are Fellow-helpers with the Lord in his Worke against his enemies an acceptable work Thirdly the manner how to performe this commanded warrantable commendable blessed and acceptable work 1 Zealously and that 1 Because the glory of the great name of the eternall God of which he is so jealous is the thing we fight for the Cause being his 2 The preservation of his holy Word and pure worship among
greater then our heart and knoweth all things 1 John 3.20 A man of understanding is of an excellent spirit Pro. 17.27 He that hath no rule over his owne spirit is like a City that is broken downe and without walls Pro. 25.28 Therefore take heed to your spirit Mal. 2.15 16. The heart of the wicked is little worth Pro. 10.20 Heare thou my Sonne and be wise and guide thine heart in the way Pro. 23.15 2 Concerning Government of the Tongue A word spoken in due season â—â—w good is it Pro. 15.23 A word fitly spoken is like Apples of gold in pictures of silver Pro. 25.11 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sinne Pro. 10.19 He that hath knowledge spareth his words Pro. 17.27 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words there is more hope of a foole then of him Pro. 29.20 A fools voyce is knowne by multitude of words Eccl. 5.3 In many words there are also divers vanities Eccl. 5.7 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more then the cry of him that ruleth among fools Ecc. 9.17 The words of a wise mans mouth are gracious Eccl. 10.12 A foole also is full of words Eccl. 10.14 Every idle word that men shall speake they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement for by thy words thou shall be justified and by thy words thou shall be condemned Mat. 12.36 37. Teach me and I will hold my tongue Job 6.24 Keep thy tongue from evill Pl. 34.13 His tongue talketh of judgment Psal 37.30 I said I will take heed to my wayes that I sinne not with my tongue Psal 39.1 There is not a word in my tongue but loe O Lord thou knowest it altogether Psal 1 39 4. The froward tongue shall be cut out Pro. 10 31. The tongue of the wise is health Pro. 12 18. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright Pro. 15.2 A wholsome tongue is as the Tree of life Pro. 15 4. The answer of the tongue is from the Lord Pro. 16 1. He that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischefe Pro. 17 20. Perversnesse therein is a breach â—â— the spirit Pro. 15 4. Death and life are in the power of the tongue Pro. 18 21. Who so keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soule from troubles Pro. 21 23. And the Lord said who hath made mans mouth have not I the Lord now therefore goe and I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say Exod. 4.11 12. I am purposed my mouth shall not transgresse Psal 17.3 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdome Psal 37 30. I will keep my mouth with a bridle Psal 39 1. Set a Watch O Lord before my mouth keep the doore of my lips Psal 141 3. Put away from thee a froward mouth and perverse lips put farre from thee Pro. 4 24. A naughty person a wicked man walketh with a froward mouth Pro. 6 12. The mouth of the foolish is neere destruction Pro. 10 14. The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdome Psal 10 31. The mouth of the wicked speaketh froward things Pro. 10 32. The mouth of the upright shall deliver them Pro. 12 6. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth Pro 12 14. 13.2 The mouth of fooles poureth out foolishnesse Pro. 15 2. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth Pro. 15 23. The mouth of the wicked poureth out evill things Pro. 15 28. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth Pro. 16 23. A fools mouth calleth for strokes a fools mouth is his destruction Pro. 18 6 7. It not rash with thy mouth and â—â—â— not thine heart be hasty to utâ—â—â— any thing let thy words be few Eccl. 5 2. But those things which proceed â—ut of the mouth come forth from â—he heart and they defile the man Mat. 15.18 Out of the abundaÌ„ce of the heart â—he mouth speaketh Mat. 12 34. To provoke him to speak many things seeking to catch something â—ut of his mouth that they might â—â—cuse him Luke 11 53 54. If any man among you seem to be religious and bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his owne heart this mans Religion is vain James 1 26. The tongue is a little member â—nd boasteth great things the tongue is a fire a world of iniquity the tongue can no man tame it is an unruly evill full of deadly poyson James 3 5 6 8. He that will love life and see good dayes let him refraine his tongue from evill 1 Peter 3 10. I will give a mouth and wisdome Luke 21 15. In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdome is found Pro. 10 13. He that refraineth his lips is wise Pro. 10 19. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable Pro. 10 31. The wicked is nared by the transgression of his lips Prov. 12 13. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction Pro. 13 3. The lips of the wise shall preserve them Pro. 14 3. The talk of the lips tendeth only to penury Pro. 14 23. Even a foole when he holdeth his peace is counted wise and be that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding Pro 17 28. A fools lips are the snare of his soule Pro. 18 6 7. Every man shall kisse his lips that giveth a right answer Pro. â—4 26. I create the fruit of the lips Isa 17 19. Teach us what we shall say unto him for we cannot order our speech because of darknesse Job 17 19. Excellent speech becommeth not â— foole Pro. 17 7. Let your speech be alway with grace seasoned with salt that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man Col. 4 6. Sound speech that cannot be condemned that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed Tit. 2 8. If any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body Jam. 3 2. A prating foole shall fall Pro. 10 8 10. Should a man full of talke be justified Job 1.2 The lips of a foole will swallow up himselfe the beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishnesse and the end of his talk is mischievous madnesse Eccl. 10.12 13. Speak not in the eares of a fool for he will despise the wisdome of thy words Pro. 23 9. A time to keep silence and a time to speak Eccl. 3 7. The vile person will speak villany and his heart will worke iniquity to practice hypocrisie and to utter errour against the Lord Isa 32 5. Even so we speak not as pleasing men but God which trieth our hearts 1 Thes 2 4. Let every man be swift to hear low to speak James 1 19. So speak ye as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty Jam. 2 12. Speak not evill one of another James 4 11. If any man speak let him speak as the Oracles of God 1 Peter 4 11. Let not an evill
kindnesse against his will He is a friend who when his advice is neglected will threaten to discover our faults to our shame if there be no other remedy yet it is a shame and grief to them to doe so Though thou canst not doe aâ— thou ought and wouldest yet leave not a good work altogether undone Make tryall though there be small hope of prevailing In furthering a lawfull businesse by lawfull meanes be bold and unwearied and let God work One misseth through untimely bashfulnesse that which another obtaineth by honest boldnesse This I find all meanes to be wanting defective or in vaine if the Lord work not This I know when God sayes let it be all shall serve the turne for all things obey his voyce If God be ours we have all without him we have nothing Assurance of Gods love and promise of Gods help ought to be enough for us For want of application a man wants the sound comfort of that whereby he is able to comfort others My Grace is sufficient for thee 2 Cor. 12.9 To Forgive all thy sinnes To Impute Christs al-sufficient satisfaction To Make thee beleeve To Instruct thy ignorance To Subdue thy corruptions To Sanctifie thee to my sevice To Direct thee erring To Establish thee doubting To Strengthen thy weaknesse To Raise thee being fallen To Support thee standing To Make thee watchfull To Comfort thee afflicted To Quiet thee troubled To Deliver thee distressed To Settle thee distempered To Enable thee to pray To Fulfill thy requests To Work good wanting To Increase good begun To Keep thee from all evill To Turne all to thy good To Supply all thy necessities To Give thee godly sorrow To Make thee upright To Build thee on my promises To Stirre thee up to thankfulnesse To Cause thee persevere in goodnesse To Accept thy unworthy person and services To Bring to a blessed end To Crowne thee with eternall happinesse To All in Christ Jesus Thou the Lord sayest it therefore it shall be Thy Grace alone shall be enough for me My God give grace this grace may be attained None then so rich though all the world he gained Thou canst thou wilt thou must vouchsafe it Lord Because thy selfe hast said it in thy Word Isa 34.16 How with an holy opportunity to bind the Lord to preserve us from sinne be we in our selves never so strongly tempted and sorely inclined thereunto viz. 1 BY urging the Lord with his promises hereof Rom. 6.14 2 Cor. 12.9 2 With his oath Heb. 6 17 18 Isa 14.24 c. 3 With his power Mat. 28 18. Mark 14.36 4 With his Covenant Ezek. 36 27 29. 5 With his Sabbaths which he hath given us to be signes that he will sanctifie us Exo. 31 13. Ezek. 20 12 20. 6 With our baptisme wherby we are assured of the vertue of Christs death to kil sin in us 7 With the Sacrament of the Lords Supper wherein the same thing is sealed unto us 8 And that he hath pleased to strengthen us in some measure heretofore 9 By urging him with his superabundant grace Joh 1 16 Rom 5 20. Thus in all humility and earnestnesse to beseech and urge our God to have respect unto his own glory in every one of these taking head of the occasions of sin by his blessed help we shall be kept from grosse offences and get power over our secret strongest corruptions through Christ Jesus Amen Somewhat concerning government of the Tongue DEath and life are in the power of the tongue Pro. 18 21. If any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man Ia. 3.2 Lord no man offends so often and shamefully with the tongue as I doe I said I will take heed to my wayes that I sinne not with my tongue I will keep my mouth a bridle Psal 39.1 yea I have and am purposed my mouth shall not transgresse Psa 17.3 But the tongue can no man tame Jam. 3 8. it is an vnruly evil ful of deadly poyson idem Therefore set thou a watch before my mouth and order thou the door of my lips O my God Psal 141.3 Such resolutions as most concerne himselfe in this respect viz. To avoyd All Prophane needlesse uncertaine uncomely offensive words To use Onely Christian seasonablenesse certaine seemly acceptable speeches Rather speak nothing then to say the least thing to no good or to an evill purpose Not to suster his tongue to runne before his wit But to forethink whether it be lawfull or fitting that he is about to speak then to refraine or speak accordingly To avoid All rash superfluous vaine abscene unreverend scornfull talk To use Onely considerate few substantiall holy reverend respective discourse Not to meddle in others matters To deale in his owne circumspectly To praise others discreetly And himselfe inforced modestly not to tell newes suddenly To relate the same required warily To avoyd All jibing boasting double flattering fearfull false words To use Only serious humble plain faithfull free true speeches Not speak evill of any absent or dead If there be or was any good in them to take notice thereof else to say nothing of them Not to answer any matter before he heare and understand it throughly Then to answer briefly and pithily Not to interrupt any in their speaking by speaking with them or taking the words out of their mouth But to give full time and then to answer wisely To avoyd All revealing his owne matters Unfolding his affections Discovering his passions Complaining of his wants Declaring his opinion Opening others secrets Where these need not and more then needs must To be Secret silent reserved watchfull to the contrary Not to break out into passionate contentious spitefull provoking revengefull speeches no not against such as injure him and when they doe so But to deliver temperate peaceable gentle suffering pacifying words To appease wrath and strife To prevent anger and discord To avoid hast and to use deliberation To avoyd loudnesse and to use so ftnesse in his speeches To avoid lightnesse and to use gravity To avoyd harshnesse and to use friendlinesse in his talk In all things he utters to be circumspect and sober Lord who is sufficient for these things none so weak as I am yet nothing is impossible to thee O Lord my God mercifully notwithstanding my sinnes powerfully notwithstanding my weaknesse faithfully notwithstanding all oppositions let thy grace be sufficient for me to teach and enable me aright when where and how to speak and to hold my peace at home and abroad with whomsoever I have to doe and in whatsoever I take in hand as may be most and onely for thy glory the gracing of thy Religion and my profession thereof the good example and benefit of others the safety and credite of my place and person the comfort and peace of my soule and conscience here and the everlasting happinesse of soule and body in Heaven for evermore all by the speedy effectuall daily and continuall assistance of