ABBA FATHER: OR, A PLAINE AND short direction concerning Priuate Prayer.
Also, SVNDRY GODLY ADmonitions concerning Time, and the well vsing of it.
By ELNATHAN PARR, Minister of the Word.
Ye haue receiued the spirit of Adoption, whereby we cry, Abba Father.
Redeeme the time because the dayes are euill.
LONDON Imprinted by F. K. for Samuel Man, and are to be sold at the signe of the Swan, in Pauls Church-yard. 1618.
TO THE VERY HONORABLE and most worthy Lady, the Lady Iane Cornwaleys, wife to the very Noble and Religious Gentleman, Master NATHANAEL BACON, Esquire, Grace and Peace.
PRaier is the true Christian proper element, without which hee can no more liue, then without fire: Breath is the instrument of the life of the body; Prayer is the breath of the [Page]soule: I haue obserued in many a difficulty of this breathing, which I haue endeauoured according to my simple skill, something to remedie by this direction.
I humbly desire your Ladiship to giue it leaue to passe vnder your worthy Name: I confesse it can bee no waies vseful to you; but it may bee to weaker Christians, who are yet as babes newly beginning to cry, Abba Father.
Herein I present my thankfull mind to your [Page]Ladiship, whose great fauours and encouragements, my deserts can neuer equall. I daily pray for your Ladiship, that as God hath highly aduanced your Name on earth for godlinesse, so he would in the time appointed, glorifie your soule in heauen, for the merits of your Iesus.
TO THE CHRISTIAN READER, encrease of all good gifts.
TO condemne a set forme of prayer, argues want of sobrietie and wisdome. In publike prayers in the Congregation it is necessary to haue a prescribed forme called Liturgy, or Diuine Seruice, which for more ease of memory is to be read out of the booke. The ancientest Fathers (in the peace [Page]of the Church) haue by their practice so iudged it: many Councels haue approued it, and the best reformed Churches follow it.
As for priuate prayer of one Christian alone, it is more expedient that it bee vttered without a booke; and the most compleat performance of that duty is, when a Christian is able not onely to repeate and apply to his owne soule and conscience a prayer conceiued by another, but also vpon fit matter, and heads suteable to the occasion, to conceiue and vtter prayers of his own. Yet seeing there are many to whom God [Page]hath not giuen memory and vnderstanding fitting, to expresse in a continued speech the desires of their hearts; for such haue I written this direction.
The reason why I haue vndertaken this businesse, considering there are so many good Prayer-bookes in euery mans hand, is, first, because, though it bee cōmendable to vse a booke, yet it is more comfortable to pray of our selues, whose wants may be such, as that we shall hardly finde them sufficiently expressed in any booke: for euery man is best acquainted with his owne heart.
[Page] Secondly, a man may be cast into prison, and his booke taken from him: how vncomfortably must he needs passe his time, if he cannot pray without his booke. The booke cannot be vsed in the darke, when we may haue iust occasion to pray. The booke may bee forgotten, or lost: but if thou attainest this gift, thou canst neuer loose it, vnlesse thou loosest thy selfe.
For these reasons I commend this Treatise to thee, which I could haue amplified further, and it may be, clothed it with a more elegant stile. But I [Page]aimed at thy profit, remembring that I directed beginners, for whom shortnesse and plainnesse are most fitting.
If thou profitest by this which I heere propound to thee; praise God: and in thy prayers forget not him, who hath at least endeauoured to further thee. If thou profitest not; yet I haue done my good will, for the which I desire thee to loue
Abba Father. OR A PLAINE AND short direction concerning priuate Prayer.
PRayer is a holy conference of a godly mind with God, whereby beleeuing, we aske things necessary, and giue thanks for benefits receiued.
[Page 2] Prayer is either
- Mentall onely, or
- Vocall also, this
- 1. Extraordinary, or
- 2. Ordinary, this
- 1. Publike, or
- 2. Priuate, this
- 1. Lesse priuate with the familie.
- 2. More priuate, by one alone.
Publike is that which is vsed in the publicke Congregation, by the Minister with the people.
Priuate is that which is vsed by priuate persons in priuate places; of this is this present Direction.
It is a great blessing, [Page 3]that God will vouchsafe to attend and receiue our deuotions poured forth in any priuate place.
Great Personages require places sutable to their Greatnes: but thy great God respects not the place, how meane so euer, but the necessitie of his seruant.
Where there is a Ieremy, a Daniel, or a Ionas; a dungeon, a Lions den, the belly of a Whale are godly Oratories.
But remember, that neuer any man prayed well priuately, who contemned or neglected the [Page 4]publicke prayers in the Church.
For the comfortable performance of this priuate seruice, two things are to be considered:
viz.
- 1. Preparation.
- 2. Execution.
Preparation is an holy and considerate fitting our selues for this dutie.
This is necessary in a threefold respect.
- 1. Of the person before whom wee present our selues, which is the Almighty.
- 2 Of the importance of the thing it selfe, [Page 5]which is a speciall part of diuine worship.
- 3 Of the consequence of this duty, which is the obtaining of things needfull, for this and a better life.
Vnto this preparation seuen things belong.
1 First, a fit place, which must bepriuatMa. 6.5.6.: Christ himselfe went into a mountaine alone to prayMa. 14.23.: and into a solitary placeMar. 1.35.. So Peter went vp to the vpper part of the houseAct. 10.9.: not but that it is lawfull to pray euery where1. Tim. 2.8.. But priuacy is to be chosen, that being sequestred [Page 6]from company, we may the more fully descend into our owne hearts, and be the freer from ostentation and hypocrisie, and from discursation and wandring of mind.
2 Secondly, a fit time. All times are for this exerciseEph. 6.18. 1. Thes. 5.17.; euen the night is a sweet time for prayer, as Dauids midnights practisePsa. 119.62., and our Sauiours whole nights spent in prayerLuk. 6.12. Lam. 2.19. doe testifie.
Thou canst not alwaies, but at certaine set times speake to great men: but thou maist alwaies [Page 7]speak to thy God.
Yet for set and ordinary prayer, some choise of time would be vsed: I think it to be most comfortable to begin and end the day with praier; as the ordinary sacrifice of the Iewes, was morning and euening instituted by God.
3. Thirdly, a freedom of mind from thoughts of the world, and the affaires thereof: for earthly things are heauy, and their thoughts depressing, which hinder the ascēt of the mind to God.
4 Repentance and a holy purpose of obedience [Page 8] Psal. 26.6. and 66.18. Esay 15.1. 1. Tim. 2.18. 1. Iohn. 3 22.. They must needs distrust to receiue that which they desire, who purpose not to doe that which God requires. The cry of our vnrepented-for sinnes, is louder then the crie of our voyce. As in a wound a plaister preuailes not, while the iron remaineth within; so neither praier, while sinne rankleth within.
5. Fifthly, Reading; I would aduise that before prayer, there might be reading of a Chapter in the Bible, or a Psalm, if businesse permit, both for the increase of knowledge, [Page 9]and for the better calling home of the mind to the businesse in hand.
6 Sixthly, Meditation. The Prayers called Eiaculations, which are sudden liftings vp of the heart to God, vpon manifold occasions occurring euery day, come not within this consideration: but set prayer requires sometime to be specially imployed this way. As the Musitian first tunes his Instrument, before he play vpon it: so both the mind would be put in frame, and the matter forethought, [Page 10]when we petition to God.
Doe no temporall businesse rashly: more especially when thou speakest to God, bee not rash with thy mouth,Eccles. 5.1. lest thou take Gods name in vaine; which many times comes to passe by vaine repetitions, by words, idle, improper, and: without sense; when we dare so suddenly enter into this action.
Meditation therfore is necessary, which must be fiue fold.
1 Of the Maiesty of God no moue reuerence. [Page 11]As mortall men endure not the sawcie and vnrespectfull carriage of suiters: so GOD much more requires, that wee should serue him in fearePsal. 2.11., as Dauid in feare will worship toward his holy TemplePsal. 5.7..
2 Of his mercy, power, and truth, to breede confidence; for hee that doubteth, receiueth notIames 1.7..
3 Of the excellencie of the benefits we desire, to make vs willing; which are the fauour of God, forgiuenesse of sin, sanctification, and eternall [Page 12]life.
4 Of our own necessities and wants to make vs feruent: for as tart sauces sharpē the stomack; so the due pondering and sense of our wants, whets off the dull bluntnesse of our affections, and sets an edge on them to prayer.
5 Of the words and whole frame of our speech, that we may offer a reasonable sacrifice, and pray with vnderstanding.1. Cor. 14.14.15.
7 Seuenthly, Religious fasting is a notable helpe to prayer, and is often commended to vs [Page 13]in the Word; which is either publike or priuat.
Priuate is a voluntary abstaining from dinner or supper, or both, as our bodies will beare, and from all delicacies for one day or moe, vndertaken to make vs the more fit for prayer, and the seuere practice of repentance.
But this is a preparatiue and helpe for extraordinary, not for ordinary prayer.
When there is occasion of this, remember three things.
- [Page 14]1. The time of the vse of it.
- 2. The ends of the vse of it.
- 3. The conditions of the vse of it.
1 The time is, first, either of some great calamity; secondly, or of extraordinary repentance for some speciall sinne; thirdly, or when we desire to obtain some speciall grace.
2 The ends in fasting are two:
First, a fitting our selues to prayer, that we may be the more liuely and earnest.
Secondly, that it may [Page 15]bee a helpe and a testimony of our sorrow for sinne, and of our humiliation before GodPsal. 35.13..
3 The conditions are three.
1 That it bee not superstitious, for in it selfe it is no part of GODS worship. The Kingdom of heauen is not in meat and drinkeRom. 14.17..
2 That it be not with the opinion of merit; for whether we eate or eate not, we are neither the more nor the lesse acceptable to God1. Cor. 8.8..
3 That wee fast from sinne, otherwise our fasting is Pharisaicall, [Page 16]not regardedEsa 58.5.6 Ier. 14.12..
Thus much of preparation, now of the other part, which is execution.
In the execution or performance of this dutie of prayer, I consider two things,
- 1. The matter,
- 2. The forme.
The matter of our prayers must bee onely that which is according to Gods reuealed will1. Ioh 15 14., the summe whereof is comprised in that diuine forme, left vnto the Church by our Sauiour Christ, called the Lords Prayer, and may bee reduced [Page 17]to three heads.
- 1. Gods glory, with the remouing of the cō traries.
- 2. Our owne saluation, with the remouing of the cō traries.
- 3. The vse of this life. with the remouing of the cō traries.
The forme is either
- 1. Inward or
- 2. outward.
First, to the inward, sixe things are requisite.
1 Sinceritie of our desires, that we pray not for fashion like hypocrites, but with honest hearts.
2 Feruency. Such [Page 18]prayers obtaineIames 5.16., which he is not worthie to doe, which askes in that manner, as he cares not to receiue. GOD loues an importunate begger. Prayers are Incense which must be offered with fire.
3 Faith, whereby we certainely beleeue and expect the performance of our requests. God is prouoked when we beg that which we looke not to receiue: our faith is grounded;
1 On the promise, truth and power of him who hath promised.
2 On the fatherly affection [Page 19]of God; for if he bee our Father, hee will much more then our earthly fathers giue vs good thingsLuk. 11.13..
3 On the merit of Christ, which is infinite.
4 Patience, whereby we willingly submit our selues to Gods wil, both in regard of the things we aske, and of the time and meanes of receiuing.
Things that directlie concerne Gods glory, and are necessary to saluation we must expect absolutely: but things transitorie, with this cō dition (if God see them [Page 20]to be good for vs). Better knowes the Physition what is good for the sicke, then the Patient: yea many times he blesseth vs exceedingly, in not doing our will, but his owne.
Wish not that to bee granted which thou wilt; but labour thou to will that, which it pleaseth God to grant.
It is lesse grieuous not to obtaine that which thou wilt, then to will that which is not fit for thee to obtaine.
For the time; we must not prescribe vnto God, but waite vpon him.
[Page 21] 5 Perseuerance: God sometime deferres the grāting of our requests; not that he despiseth vs, but for our exercise, that we may be the more earnest till, and the more thankfull when we haue receiued. Things dearely bought are dearely esteemed.
Somtime God grants vs not that we aske, but that which is better, as in the example of Paul 2 Cor. 12.7.89..
Grace to stand in temptation, is better then deliuerance. And faith is a surer rule of our exauditiō, thē our sense.
6 Charity: to pray [Page 22]for others as well as for our selues: for the King and Queenes most excellent Maiesties, and for their children, and for all men1. Tim. 2.1.2., for our very enemies and persecutorsMat. 5.44., as did our blessed SauiourLuk. 23.34., and the Proto-martyr Saint Stephen Act. 7.60.: for wicked men, as Abraham for Sodom Gen. 18.. If he for Sodome, where was but one Lot, much more we for Ierusalem, wherein are so many the sonnes and daughters of God.
He that is not with men in the charitie of Brethren, shall not bee [Page 23]with God in the number of sonnes. These onely can cry Abba Father, and are heard.
The whole Church prayeth for thee, pray thou for it.
The outward form is in two things,
- 1 Compositiō. and
- 2 Disposition.
1 Compositiō is either
- 1 Of the gesture of the body. or
- 2 Of words, to expresse the meaning of our mind.
1 For the first: A diuers gesture is described, not prescribed in the word: The Publican stoodLuk. 18.13. Mar. 11.25.: Eliah sate1. Kin. 19.4.: Hezekiah layEsa. 38.2.: Peter & Paul kneeledAct. 9.40. and 20.36.: [Page 24] Moses and Aaron fell on their facesNum. 16.22.: Salomon stretched out his hands1. King. 8.22: our Sauiour lift vp his eyesIoh. 11.41.: the Publican cast them downe, and also smote his breastLuk. 18.13.: Dauid and Christ weptPsal. 6.67. Heb. 5.7..
Of all these diuers gestures, I commend for ordinary, these:
1 A comely and reuerent kneeling, which is a signe and helpe of our humiliation. The rude and vnmannerly leaning, lying along, and sitting of many, especially at publike prayers, is worthy to be [Page 25]censured, and argues an irreligious heart.
2 A lifting vp of the hands and eyes; a signe and a helpe of our considence and feruency.
3 Sometime a casting downe of the eyes, and smiting the breast; to signifie and help our deiection, and shame for our sinnes and vnworthinesse.
4 Teares also & grones would exceedingly become our prayers and praises, more then Iewels and Pearles our bodies: Teares are treasured vp in the Lords bottelPsal. 56.8.; and are forcible. [Page 26] Psal. 39.12..
As these, and the like gestures issue from the feruent desire of the heart: so they reflect vpon the soule, whose inuisible affections, by these visible actions are the more inflamed.
2 For the composition which is of words; it must be remembred, that words are not simply necessary to priuate prayer: as appeares in the example of Moses Exod. 14.15. and Anna 1. Sam. 1.13.. For praier is not a lip-, but a hartlabour; and God heares the heartRom. 8.27.. But it is very conuenient to vse [Page 27]words.
1 Because the tongue was created principally for this vse.
2 Because speech moues the senses, being to the deuotion of the mind, as bellowes are to the fire.
3 Because it keepes the thoughts from wandring.
In framing the speech, words may not bee affected; but plaine, apt, and significant: Fine words, and eloquent phrases are not that wherein God delights; but reuerence, contrition, faith, and the groning [Page 28]of the spirit, how homely soeuer the words be.
Striue more to pray with feeling, then to bee eloquent. Wee vse eloquence to perswade men; wee pray not to perswade God; but
1 To shew our obedience, because he hath commanded this seruice.
2 To testifie our faith; that wee depend on him, and expect from him all good things.
3 That wee may be fit to receiue according to our need.
[Page 29] Prayer is a golden chaine, which God lets downe from heauen; when we lay hold of it, we thinke we draw God to vs; but indeed, wee are by it drawne vp to him.
Eloquent praying is lawfull, if it be not affected: but verbal praiers are exceeding dangerous.
2 Disposition is of the matter of our prayer:
In which we consider,
- 1 An orderly placing of the parts.
- 2 An inlargment of them.
[Page 30] 1 Order is bea [...] full, and very necessa [...] lest wee vse idle repe [...] tions and bee confus [...] things to bee auold [...] when wee speake bes [...] wise men, much m [...] when wee speake to [...] infinite God. Forwa [...] of obseruing Order, [...] goe forward and ba [...] ward, after an vncom [...] ly manner, vnseasonably repeating ouer the same things; faring like hounds at a losse; and hauing vnaduisedly begun to speake, know not how wisely to make an end.
This kind of praying [Page 31] [...]n some degree comes [...]der the censure of [...]abling.
Some thinke that we must neuer pray, but [...]pon the sudden & ex [...]raordinary instinct and potion of the Spirit. This is a fancie, and [...]hose which practice [...]his, cannot auoid the [...]conueniences named. [...]esides, the multiplici [...]e of our wants; the slipperinesse of our memorie; the slownesse of our conceit; the darkenesse of our vnderstanding; the wandring of our thoughts, and the imperfection of our vtterance, [Page 32]require son [...] fore-thoughts of th [...] which we are to speak [...] all which weaknesses are by meditation and order much relieued.
God is the God of order, and likes not negligence or vnaduisednes in his seruice. Doe thou studie to serue him.
As the wise Preacher speakes not at all ad [...] ture whatsoeuer comes on his tongues end, but prepares in his minde the generall parts and heads of his exhortation: so doe thou in praying, lost thou offer the sacrifice of fooles.
[Page 33] As the Carpenter being to build a house, [...]ewes not his timber at aduenture; but before hand proiects in his mind the seueral rooms and parts; and accordingly prepares his timber; and layes not sparres in the foundation, nor groundsels, and studs in the roofe; but fits euery one in his proper place, according to the modell and plot fore-conceiued in his mind: So my aduice is, that before thou prayest; thou shouldest in thy minde, first propound to thy selfe, certaine [Page 34]generall place and heads of prayer with their order; which to bee contriued in the 1. which in the 2. which in the third place, with fore-casting of some comely transitions, as doores to passe from one part to another. Secondly, all the seuerall things which thou wouldest mention in thy prayer, to bee with discretion ranged vnder their right and proper Generals, as for example: All things concerning faith, to bee referred to that Petitiō which is for faith: and [Page 35]which concerne repentance, to be marshalled in that Petition which is for repentance, and so of the rest.
The generall heades or places in ordinary priuate prayer would be these at the least:
- 1 Confession of sinne.
- 2 Petition,
- 1 For pardon.
- 2 For faith.
- 3 For repentance.
- 4 For directiō in our personall calling.
- 5 For perseuerance.
- 6 For the Church.
- [Page 36] 3 Thankes-giuing for benefies rece [...]ed, which are
- 1. Spirituall, as Election, with the effects,
- 1 Vocation
- 2 Iusti [...]
- 3 San [...]ti [...] on.
- 4 Hope of [...] rification.
- 2 Temporall,
- 1 Creation.
- 2 Pro [...]dence in
- 1 Health.
- 2 Liberty.
- 3 Foode.
- 4 Raiment.
- 5 Friends.
- 6 Manifold de [...] rances &c.
- 1. Spirituall, as Election, with the effects,
And so to conclude with petition for preseruation in the night o [...] day following, as is the occasion.
I binde no body to this order, but this [...] [Page 37]take to be plaine for beginners.
I haue referred thanksgiuing to the last place, which may bee indifferently vsed in the first: it matters not, so it bee not forgotten.
Obserue thine owne heart: if thou finde a cheerefulnesse and reioycing for benefits receiued, then it's not vnsitting that thankes-giuing should bee in the [...]st place: If thou findest thy heart more affected with griefe for sin, then if thou pleasest, let confession of sin, and desire of pardō ▪ precede [Page 38]Wait vpon God wi [...] an honest and reuer [...] heart, and the anno [...] ting will helpe thy [...] firmities, and teach th [...] to cry, Abba Father.
An example of the parts before propounded in their order.
O Lord,
1 I confesse; that I am a vile sinner.
2 I beseech thee of.
1 Pardon by Ies [...] Christ.
2 O Lord, giue mee faith, that I may fee [...] this pardon liuelily in my heart.
[Page 39] 3 And I beseech thee [...]ue mee true repen [...]ance to amend my [...]icked life, that my [...]aith may bee seene in the fruits of holy obedi [...]nce.
4 And whereas thou hast called me to this estate and calling (...) Direct mee therein I [...]umbly pray thee, by [...]he wisedome of thy spirit, and furnish mee with such necessary gifts, that I may discharge my duty to thy glory, the good of others, and the comfort of mine owne soule.
5 And because Satan [Page 40]is a deadly enemie, and I am weake; O Lord, I beseech the forsake mee not in [...] houre of tentation; [...] stablish my heart in grace, giue me perseuerance in goodnesse, and in the end victory by Iesus Christ.
6 This which I beg for my selfe, I humbly craue for thy whole Church vpon earth; that it may please thee to performe all thy promises to thine elect, and to bring vs all to thy heauenly kingdome.
3 O Lord, thy name be for euer praised for [Page 41]all thy loue, and for all my benefits spirituall, [...]nd temporall, thereby [...]estowed vpon me. And I humbly intreat thee to preserue me in safety this night, through my Lord Iesus Christ, to whom, &c. or, in whose name, &c. praying in the words of the Lords prayer.
The same with the thanksgiuing in the first place.
O Lord, I humbly thanke thee for all thy fauours spirituall and temporall, of the least [Page 42]of which I am most vnworthie, by reason of my great sinnes: for I confesse that I am a vile sinner, &c.
The enlargement of these parts followeth.
Before we particularly s [...]k of enlargemēt, be thou admonished of 2. things.
1 Feruent praying, though short, is more accepted, then long praying with coldnesse
The Publicans prayerLuk. 18.13. was short in words, but full of sense and desire; of more worth [Page 43]with God, then all the long praiers of the Pharisies: for God measures not our deuotions by the length, and by the outward habite of words, but by the inward meaning of the spirit.
So our blessed Sauiour in the gardenMat. 26.39.42.44., vsed but few words, but his desire, and the gronings of his spirit (wherin is the power of our prayers) were vnutterable.
Hee that vseth many words, without the desire of the heart, speaketh indeed, but prayeth [Page 44]not: for prayer is the desire of the heart, crying, Abba Father; words but the expressing of this desire.
The noyse of our lips, without the voice of the heart, is no more a true prayer, then ringing of belles, or babling of a Parrot.
As a body without a soule, much wood without fire; a bullet in a gun, without powder; so are words in prayer without spirit.
Prayers are as gold; in a little quantitie of words, there must bee a great value of spirit.
[Page 45] He that is feruent in the spirit, prayes much, though he speake little.
2 Secondly, when thou prayest, let thy words follow thy desire.
If thou findest a dulnesse of spirit, and coldnesse of thy affections; be the shorter; and conclude with a groning of the spirit for thy drowsinesse, & with a lifting vp thy heart to God, that hee would looke mercifully vpon thee, and quicken thee. Let this bee an occasion to humble thee the more; and it will be a meanes [Page 46]to worke thee to more liuelinesse and feruency the next time thou presentest thy selfe before God. And if thou bee'st truly humbled, it will driue thee to God, and thou wilt thinke long till the time come about, wherin thou maist complaine and poure forth thy heart before him.
If thou findest a viuacity and cheerfulnes of minde, and the desire of thy heart to be strong and feruent, prompting thee with matter and words; conclude not thy praiers and praises [Page 47]too soone, but let thy soule take her fill of celestiall delicacies in her familiar conferēce with God.
If the desire of the heart be weak and faint, it is not to bee wearied and oppressed with words.
The enlargement of the seueral parts in prayer is either
- 1. Generall or
- 2. Particular.
The generall is that which in common belongs to al the parts, and it is twofold.
1 The vsing of some [Page 48]description of God whom wee inuocate, from his Attributes, Promises, Effects, &c. Such a beginning hath the Lords Prayer, Our Father which art in heauen Mat. 6.9.. Thus began our Sauiour in the GardenMar. 14.36 Abba Father, all things are possible vnto thee. Thus lehosophat begins his prayer2. Chron. 20.6.7.8.9.10.. Thus Peter and Iohn Acts 4.24.25.26.: looke the places which are to long to be transcribed.
Such description is to be vsed in the beginning of our Prayers, for the helping of our faith and assurance in which [Page 49]we ought to pray, and may also be well vsed in any of the seuerall parts when wee would stir vp faith.
2 A begging of audience. So Dauid Psa. 5.1.2.3 Psal. 102.1.2. Psal. 140.1.2.. Both these are excellently vsed by Hezekiah 2. Kings 19.15.16.. This also may very fitly bee vsed in the conclusion of our prayers; as thus Daniel most passionately and feruently endethDan 9.17.18.19..
The particular enlargement is of each part by it selfe.
The arguments ordinarily seruing hereunto, are the causes. The effects. [Page 50]The subiects. The adiuncts. The contraries. Similitudes and comparisons. Distributions. Testimonies.
There are certaine ornaments also not to be neglected, for the polishing and beautifying our speech in prayer, as,
1 Comely transitions and passings from one part to another.
2 Exclamations; whē we speak of the goodnes of God, thus, How great is thy goodnes to them which feare theePsal. 31.19.! When we speake of the promises, thus; How [Page 51]sweete are thy promises to my mouthPs. 119.103! When wee speake of our owne wretchednesse, thus; O wretched man that I amRo. 7.24.! &c.
3 Interrogations: as when Dauid lay vnder a great affliction of mind, and cried out: Will the Lord absent himselfe for euer? And will hee shew no more fauour? Is his mercy cleane gone for euer? Doth his promise faile for euermore? Hath God forgotten to bee mercifull? Hath he shut vp his tender mercies in displeasurePs. 77.7.8.9?
The power of these [Page 52]Interrogations? Who is able to expresse it? Whose heart ake [...] not in the very reading of them? How doe they increase our feeling, and raise our desires!
4 Options or wishes; as if we begge for grace to obey God according to his commādements, thus; O that my waies were directed to keepe thy statutesPsal. 119.5..
5 Vowes and promises, thus;Psal. 51.12.13. Restore vnto me the ioy of thy saluation, and vphold mee with thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy waies, &c. [Page 53]And againe;Ʋers. 14. Deliuer mee, O God, and my [...]ongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousnesse. And againe;Vers. 15. O Lord open thou my lippes, & my mouth shal shew forth day praise. So also;Psal. 119.33.34. Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes, and I will keepe it vnto the end: Giue mee vnderstanding, and I will keepe thy Law; yea, I will obserue it with my whole heart.
6 Ingeminations; thus Dauid also prayeth,Psal. 94.1.2. O Lord God the Auenger, O God the Auenger, shew thy selfe; exalt [Page 54]thy selfe, O Iudge of the world, &c.
And diuers others of this nature, which a deuout hart will easily find out: and to this purpose, I am perswaded, its very helpesfull to be familiarly conuersant in the Psalmes, because Dauid was a man of all other, of inflamed affection [...], and most excelling this way.
Hee that desires to make trial of this plaine direction, and to profit by it, may be much holpen by two things.
- 1. Let him indeuour soundly to vnderstand [Page 55]the principles of Religion; or else he shall neuer be able to tell what to aske of God.
- 2 Secondly, if he can write, let him make a book of clean paper, and in sundry leaues, write in the top the particular parts of prayer, with their seuerall branches, allowing a whole leafe to each part & branch; and then whatsoeuer excellent & speciall phrase or sentence hee readeth or heareth of any of those parts or branches, let him referre it to his proper leafe and place. Which course if it bee [Page 56]taken, and these pla [...]s diligently studied, and now and then reuised & read ouer, wil (in my opinion) much enable a man vpon any occasion to pray with vnderstanding, either alone, or with others to their desired comfort.
If any shall think this way to be too busie, and to require too much paines, I desire them to remember, that no excellent thing can be attained without labour; which, how great soeuer it should be, should not be grutched, for the attaining a faculty in [Page 57]this exercise, which is the refuge, and refreshing of the soule: one of the chiefest pieces of a Christians armourEphes. 5.18., and the meanes whereby all good things are sanctified to our comfortable vse1 Tim. 4.5..
Seuen yeere is holden but a conuenient terme, to learne the children of men earthly manuall trades; let not the childe of God account twice so long time to be too much, to learne the heauenly Art of outward crying Abba Father.
Here follow some examp [...] of the rules of generall [...] particular enlargement [...] fore deliuered, (for a taste) to a young beginner.
The general enlargement, from a descript [...] of God,Description from and begging of Audience, thus:
OTitle. Almighty God theEffect. Creatour of heauen and earth, and my most mercifullTitle. Father in Iesus Christ, which hast gratiouslyPromise. promised to heare thy children when they pray vnto thee; OBegging of Audience. Lord I beseech thee accept, heare, and grant [Page 59] [...]e supplication of thy [...]ruant by Iesus Christ; [...] such like.
Examples of particular enlargement.
1 Confession of sin may be enlarged, first, [...]y the Adiunct;1. The adi iunct. secondly, by a distribution of sinne; thirdly, by the effects, &c. Thus,
O Lord, I confesse that I am a vile sinner.
First, being ashamed to look vp vnto heauen, and vnworthy to liue vpon earth.
Secondly,2. Distribution. for I am guilty of the sinne of Adam, and more also I [Page 60]haue committed actuall transgressions without number, in breaking thy most holy commandements, omitting my duty, and doing the contrary; many sinnes of ignorance (which I pleade not to excuse, but to condemne my self, who ought to haue knowne thy will), and often of knowledge, which wounds my soule to remember.
Thirdly,2. Effect. O Lord in thy iustice I haue deferued such plagues both bodily and spirituall, temporall, and eternall, which thy righteous [Page 61]omnipotency can inflict vpon abominable sinners. Or such like.
2 Petition for pardon may be enlarged.
First, by an ingemination.
Secondly, by the effects adorned with exclamation.
Thirdly, by the contrary.
Fourthly, by a testimony adorned with inrerrogation.
Fifthly, by the meritorious cause. Thus.
First,1. Ingemination. O Lord pardon, O Lord forgiue, O Lord be mercifull.
Secondly,2. Effects with exclamation. blessed is [Page 62]the man whose iniquity is forgiuen, and whose sinne is couered. Blessed is the man that obtaineth thy fauour.
Thirdly,3. Contraries. O Lord enter not into iudgement with thy seruant, reward mee not according to my ill deseruing. Turne away thine anger, and make thy ioyfull countenance shine into my soule.
Fourthly,4. Testimony with interrogation. is it not thy promise to pardon sinners that seeke thy fauour? and to helpe them which call vpon thee? O make good thy promise vnto thy seruant. [Page 63]Deare Father, for Iesus Christ his sake.
Fifthly,5. Meritorious cause. remember his obedience, his passion, his blood, the price wherby I am ransomed, and bee reconciled, remitting all mine offences, or such like.
2 Petition for faith may be enlarged.
First, from the efficient cause.
Secondly, from the contrary.
Thirdly, from the effects, adorned with vowing, &c. Thus,
First,1. Efficient cause. O Lord I beseech thee worke in me by thy holy Spirit faith [Page 64]to beleeue the pardon of my sinnes. It is not in my power to beleeue, it must be thy worke in my soule.
Secondly,2 Contrary. make mee to belieue, good Father, and helpe my vnbeliefe▪
Thirdly,3. Effect with vowing. grant mee a feeling of thy loue in my heart, and that peace which passeth all vnderstanding, then will I confidently come before thee, and praise thee with ioyfull lips, or such like.
3 Petition for repentance may be enlarged.
First, from the cause.
Secondly, from a distribution [Page 65]adorned with exclamation.
Thirdly, from the contrarie.
Fourthly, from a comparison. Thus,
First, holy Father,1. The cause. grant that my faith may shew it selfe in the sanctification of my life.
Secondly,2. Distribution with exclamation. and to this end I humbly beseech thee renew in mee thy decaied image, and giue me true repentance, that I may turne from all my sinnes, to serue thee in holinesse and righteousnesse all the daies of my life. Make me to vnderstand mine owne vilenesse, [Page 66]that I may earnestly pray for renouatiō: Ah wretch that I am! though I know my selfe to be an horrible sinner; and that I haue tenne thousand times deserued damnation; yet such is the flintinesse of my heart, that I am not sensible of my dangerous and fearefull estate.
Thirdly,3. Contrary. Abba Father, all things are possible to thee; manifest, I pray thee thy gracious power vpon my heart, in mollifying the hardnesse of it. Make me to relent and to haue remorse. Worke in mee a [Page 67]godly sorrow, and such hatred of all sinne, that I may for euer abominate it.
Fourthly,4. Comparison. and grant deare Father, that I may be able as zealously to follow thy commandements, as euer I haue delightfully followed and fulfilled mine owne vnlawfull desires: or such like.
4 Petition for direction in our personall calling may bee enlarged.
First, from the cause.
Secondly, from the contrarie.
Thirdly, frō the effect.
[Page 68] Fourthly, from the Adiunct, thus.
First, O Lord in as much as thou hast ordained, that wee should all liue in some honest calling, and that therein wee should shew forth our faith and holy profession. I humbly intreat thee to direct me in this my vocation. (...)
Secondly, Lord make me conscionable, and to abhorre idlenesse. Blesse my labours; grant that the world carrie not away my heart, but that I may so care for the things of this life, that I forget not that I am called [Page 69]to thy Kingdome. O make me so to liue as one, who through thy goodnesse expects that heauenly inheritance.
Thirdly, let my life bee to thy glory, the good of others, and mine owne eternall comfort.
Fourthly, and in as much as thou hast appointed the Crosse to thy Disciples; I beseech thee to sanctifie whatsoeuer trouble it shall please thee to lay vpon me, and to giue me patience, and such contentednesse with thy holy will, that it may not [Page 70]draw me from thee, but vnto thee, and that vnder the same I may haue cause to reioyce in the experience of thy fauors through Iesus Christ my Lord: or such like.
5 Petition for perseuerance may be enlarged.
1 From the cause.
2 From the adiunct.
3 From the contraries, when speciall instance may bee made of that speciall corruption which we are most subiect vnto: thus,
1 O Lord let it bee thy good pleasure,1. Cause. continually to watch ouer me, and to preserue me [Page 71]in the zealous performance of my duty to the end of my daies, which without thy helpe I cannot doe.
2 For the daies are euill and dangerous,2. Adiunct. the occasions and examples of sinne are infinite; Lord keepe mee in the faith, that I fall not away, and preserue mee from the sinnes of these times.
3 And more then this,3. Contrary. Satan is my deadly enemie, seeking to deuoure my soule, and I am weake, O Lord thou knowest: Deare Father, confound Satan, and [Page 72]confirme my faith: so bridle him, that he may not haue power ouer me: so strengthen mee, that I may bee alwaies able to resist and repell him: when thou shalt thinke it good to suffer him to tempt mee, O Lord forsake mee not: faile not of thy promised helpe, that I may not faile in my faith and obedience: make mee to preuaile, and by the might of thy spirit, to haue victory in Iesus Christ. And whereas I am compassed about with many infirmities, specially with (...) O [Page 73]Deare God and Father, strengthen me here, and giue mee power to rule and gouerne my affections, and to subdue them all to the obedience of thy holy word, through Iesus Christ my Lord. Or such like.
6 Petition for the Church may bee enlarged,
- 1 Generally.
- 2 Particularly.
1 Generally, by desiring the fulfilling of all the promises made vnto it; as,
1. Defence.
2 Destruction of enemies.
[Page 74] 3 Conuersion of the elect.
4 Confirmation of the conuerted.
5 Comfort of the afflicted, by
- Common calamities of
- Body
- Mind
- Speciall, as persention.
In affliction of body, as sicknesse.
1 That God would sanctisie it to the furtherance of their repentance.
2 That hee would giue them patience.
3 That he would recouer them, if it bee his will: if otherwise,
[Page 75] 4 That hee would prepare thē for a peaceable departure.
In affliction of mind, that God would,
1 Pardon their sins.
2 Giue them repentance.
3 Encrease their faith.
4 Defend them from Satan, and,
5 Giue them an happy issue.
In Persecution, that they may be
1 Assisted with the holy spirit, and that they may
2 Boldly glorifie God, in witnessing to the truth, euen with the [Page 76]losse of their liues.
2 Particularly, by making mention of the Churches of England▪ Scotland, and Ireland that God would,
1 Pardon our crying sinnes.
2 Hold backe his heauie iudgements deserued.
3 Continue his Gospell.
4 Preserue our dread Soueraigne Lord, King Iames, our Noble Queen the hopefull Prince [...] &c.
5 Blesse the Honourable Councell, Nobility, Gentry, Iudges, Iustices; [Page 77]the Ministers of the Word and Sacraments; the Comminalty. And here we are to remember our families, parents, friends; yea our very enemies, &c.
2 Thankes-giuing may be enlarged by an enumeration of benefits, according to the distribution of them before mē tioned; and may be notably amplified, by the contraries, in considering how miserable wee should be, in the want of those blessings, all or some, &c.
In the conclusion we [Page 78]may remember to aske preseruation for the day or night following [...] aptly falling into it [...] from the mention of the benefits bestowed vpon our bodies, in the thankes-giuing
1 For the day, taking occasion by similituder▪ to desire grace to walke soberly as in the day.
2 For the night, by similitude to desire to be preserued from the works of darknesse, and from eternall death, and that God would giue protection, and comfortable refreshing.
Both for night and [Page 79]day to bee amplified from the shortnesse of [...]ife, and suddennesse of death; and to adde something for preparation thereunto. For the life of a Christian [...]ought to be a continu [...]ll meditation of death. And thus reuerently to shut vp all with the Lords prayer.
A SHORT PRAIER according to the same order, gathered out of diuers places of holy Scripture; by which, as by a p [...] terne, may bee conceiued, both the manner, and the vse of a Note-booke, to be made and kept of those things which we reade, concerning the seuerall parts of Prayer.
OThe preface in a description of God; and a begging of audience. Lord my God, the Father of our Lord Iesus ChristEphes. 3.14.; I beseech thee haue respect to the prayer of thy seruant, and to his supplication, to hearken to the cry, and to the prayer [Page 81]which thy seruant prayeth before thee this day1. Kin. 8.28.. Confession of sinne. O my God, I am ashamed, and blush to lift vp my face to thee my God: for [...]ine iniquities are encreased ouer my head, and my trespasse is growne vp vnto heauenEzra 9.6.. 1. Petition, for pardon. O Lord forgiueDan. 9.19., and cause thy face to shine vpon thy seruant, for the Lords sakeDan. 9.17.. Take away all mine iniquitie, and receiue me graciously; so will I render the calues of my lipsHos. 14.3.. 2. For saith. O stir me vp to take hold vpon theeEsa. 64.7.. I beleeue Lord, helpe my vnbeleefeMark. 9.24, and encrease my faithLuk. 17.5. Seale me to the day of RedemptionEphes. 4.30., and shed [Page 82]abroad thy loue in my heart, by thy holy spiritRom. 5.5. ▪ I humbly beseech thee.3. For repentance. Turne me O Lord vnto thee, and I shall bee [...] nedLam. 5.21.. Create in me a clea [...] heart O Lord, and rene [...] right spirit within mePsal. 51.10.. [...] take the stony heart out [...] my body, and giue me [...] heart of flesh, that I wi [...] walke in thy flatutes, [...] that I may be thy ser [...] and thou mayst be my [...] for euermoreEzech. 11.19.20.. 4. For direction in our personall callings. A [...] whereas thou hast ca [...] mee to this estate (... [...] Good Lord grant [...] grace, therin to worketh [...] which is goodEphes. 4.28. 2 Thes. 3.12., with q [...]etnesse, and to eate mi [...]owne [Page 83]bread, shewing all good conscience, that I may adorne the doctrine of God my Sauiour in all thingsTit. 2.15.. and in as much as thy disciples must take vp the [...]rosse and follow theeMat. 16.24.. I way thee, Deare Father, strengthen mee with all might, through thy glori [...] pow [...]e, vnto all pati [...]ce and long suffering, with ioyfulnesseCol. 1.11.. 5. For perseuerance. And because Satan as a r [...]ring [...]ion, seeketh to deuour [...], O my God, tread down [...]atan vnder my feetRom. 16.20.; stablish me in euery good word and work2. These. 17, and preserue my whole spirit; soule and body, blamelesse, vnto [Page 84]the comming of our, [...] Iesus Christ.6. For the Church. Doe good thy good pleasure to [...] on, and build the mall [...] thy Ierusalē Psal. 51.18. Good [...] preser [...] thy little flock [...] whom th [...]n hast pr [...] the kingdomeLuk. 12.32.. Thankesgiuing. I th [...] thee O Father, Lord▪ [...] heauen and [...]arthMat. 11.25., th [...] thou hast, deliu [...]red, [...] from the power of dar [...], and translated we into [...] kingdome of thine [...] Sa [...]ue. O Lord, thou [...] been my God from my [...]ther [...]w [...]mbePsa. 22.10. Thou [...] [...]pt mee [...]nto this, d [...] thy pr [...]dence, thou [...] giuen me bread to [...] clothes to put on [...] 28.20.. I h [...] [...]ly [Page 85]praise thy name, and I beseech thee, make me dwel [...] safetyPsal. 4.8., vnder the shadow of thy wingsPsal. 17.8., this day (or night) through Ie [...]is Christ; in whose name, &c. Or, to whom with thee O Father. Amen.
Thou maist also make vse of the Lords Prayer, excellently to this purpose.
IT was giuen for a paterne, and speciall direction to the Church vpon earth, how to pray.
There can be no better [Page 86]direction: for if wee require wisdome; wisedome it selfe endited it: if perfection; it comprehends all the kinds of all things to be prayed for: if order; the method is diuine: if perspicuous breuity; so much could not by any onely-created vnderstanding be compacted into so little: if force and power, there can bee none more effectuall, then that, which Iesus Christ, the Word of the Father, hath left and commended to his Church.
If thou wouldest profitably [Page 87]vse it, Obserue bese things.
1 Learne throughto vnderstand it.
2 Beare in mind the [...]uerall petitions, with [...]e it order.
3 Note downe in thy memory, as thou wert before directed, these graces thou crauest in [...]uery petition, giuing thē their proper place, in thy booke, in thy memory, and in thy prayer.
4 Fourthly, take due knowledge of thy wants in euery petition; vnder their seuerall heads setting downe the phrases and things thou meetest [Page 88]with al concerning them. And specially note vpon thy heart, and imprint in it the graces thou most wantest, & the wants which most doe trouble thee Principally, meditate of those graces, and labour to bee humbled with the feeling of those wants.
To helpe thee to spell [...] this lesson out of the Lords Prayer.
After a description of God, as before, keeping the petitions with their order, in thy minde, [Page 89]thou maist enlarge thē [...]us.
The 1. Petition: Hallowed be thy name.
1 Heere thou maist how how God hath commanded, and it is our dutie to glorifie his name, in regard of our
First, Creation.
Secondly, preseruation; but specially in regard of our
Thirdly, Redemption.
2 Then acknowledge,
First, thy negligence and carelesnesse this way.
Secondly, thy pride, [Page 90]in seeking thine owne glory more then Gods.
Thirdly, thy want of zeale.
Fourthly, such sinnes whereby thou hast dishonoured God most, causing his name thereby to be blasphemed.
Thirdly, Desire grace, ye thou maiest, chiefly in all thy thoughts, words, and deeds, propound to thy self to glorifie God, and to respect his glory more then euen the saluation of thy soule.
The 2. Petition: Thy Kingdome come.
1 Enlarge this, by a [Page 91]mourning of thy soule vnto God, for thy bondage vnder sinne and Satan, amplified from the consideration
First, of our first Creation.
Secondly, of our present traiterous, and rebellious disposition, by the power of originall sinne, which hath wholly possessed all parts of body and soule.
2 Desire that God would
First, rescue and redeeme thee out of the power of Satan, and sinne.
Secondly, that hee [Page 92]would by his spirit rule in thy heart, casting out the strong man, and diuiding his spoyles.
Thirdly, that hee would make the affections subiect to the regiment of his spirit, and renew thee according to his image.
Thou maist make this the place of repentance.
3 Here thou maist remember the Church, the kingdom of Christ.
The 3. Petition: Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heauen.
1 Here confesse and [Page 93]bewaile,
First, thy readinesse to doe thine owne will, yea the will of Satan, making these the rule of thy life, and not the will of God.
Secondly, thy ignorance of Gods word, which is the copie of his will.
Thirdly, thy negligence in hearing of it.
Fourthly, thy contempt shewed in continuance in knowne sins, after admonition.
2 Then desire grace.
First, to denie thy selfe.
Secondly, to vnderstand [Page 94]the word.
Thirdly, to loue and reuerence it more.
Fourthly, to make it the rule of thy life, in as much as it is the scepter of Christs kingdome.
Fifthly, that thy conuersation may bee in heauen, after the example of the Angels.
Sixthly, whatsoeuer be the will of God for thee to doe or suffer, that thou maist alwaies with patience and contentation say: Thy will be done.
The 4. Petition: Giue vs this day our daily bread.
1 Here acknowledge that thy life, preseruation, and all good things come from God.
2 Confesse and bewaile thy
First, couetousnesse.
Secondly, thy vniust dealing, to enrich and maintaine thy selfe.
Thirdly,Matth. 6. thy distrust in the good prouidence of God, who feedeth the fowles, clotheth the Lillies.
Fourthly, thy earthly [Page 96]and worldly mind that cannot sauor ought but earth and earthly things.
3 Then desire,
First, the prouidence of God to watch ouer thee for thy preseruation and main tenance.
Secondly, faith to rest vpon God in all estates & not vpon the meanes.
Thirdly, not to vse vnlawfull meanes.
Fourthly, that God would blesse his gifts vnto thee, and that thou mayst vse them soberly and comfortably.
Fifthly, thou mayst here make vse of the direction [Page 97]concerning thy personall calling.
5 Petition; Forgiue vs our trespasses, as we forgiue, &c.
1 Here make vse of the confession of sin, and petition for pardon, for faith and repentance according to the former direction.
2 Here also desire a charitable heart toward thy neighbours, as thou desirest to bee forgiuen, so to forgiue others, and to be ready to grant the pardon thou crauest.
6. Petition; Leade vs non into tentation: but deliuer vs from euill.
Here desire strength against Satan his tentations, and against all things, whereby thou mayst be drawne from faith in God and holy obedience, making vse of that which is in the Petition for perseuerance according to the former direction.
And for conclusion, as our Sauior concludes with a kind of praise to God, so doe thou.
[Page 99] The heads of thankfulnes thou mayst make the graces which God hath giuen thee, according to euery petition.
First, for making thee in any measure studious of his glory.
Secondly, for giuing thee his Spirit.
Thirdly, for his word.
Fourthly, for his prouidence ouer thee;
- Creating
- Preseruing
thee
Fifthly, for pardon of sinne: Iustification, Sanctification, &c.
Sixthly, for strength in any tentation.
[Page 100] If thou wilt bestow some time and study to practise according to this, I cannot but be perswaded, that thou shalt find much benefit, which God grant.
To conclude, I would admonish a learner, of fiue things.
First, enter not vpon the practise here commended, till thou hast these generall proiects perfect in thy head, or some other.
Secondly, in the meane time make vse of some good praier-book, and out of it get by hart such prayers as best befit [Page 101]thy deuotion and necessities; or if thou canst not reade, vse some others help to reade thē, or repeate them to thee; at least neglect not to say vpon thy knees reuerently the Lords prayer: alwaies prouided, that thou well vnderstand the meaning of euery petition, or otherwise thou shalt take GODS name in vaine.
Secondly, giue not ouer this course, though thou findest it hard, but ouercome the difficulty with thy diligence and paines. To giue ouer a good exercise for difficulties, [Page 102]argues idlenesse and sloth.
All good things are hard to vs, because of our corruption, and prayer of all holy exercises the hardest: wee must force nature.
Children learne not to speake perfectly in a day, or a moneth; much lesse can wee crie Abba Father perfectly and distinctly vpon the sudden.
Redeeme some of the time thou bestowest vpon thy pleasures and vanities, and bestow it this way; it shal neuer repent thee.
[Page 103] Fourthly, remember that the Pharisies could make excellent prayers, and the Reprobate can [...]ie Lord, Lord.
A wicked man may attaine thus farre, as to make prayers very notable: but with feeling and in faith to cry Abba Father, a wicked man cannot. This is prayer, and a certaine token of Adoption, the other is not.
Fifthly, labor to haue grace in thy heart; and whatsoeuer thou askest in prayer, practise in life.
He that prayes for the [Page 104]pardon of his sinnes, and for grace to liue well, and yet neither endeuoureth to auoid sin, or to practise pietie, mockes God, and shall not goe vnpunished.
Liue as thou prayest, that thou mayest liue euer.
So be it.
If I regard wickednesse in my heart, the Lord will not beare me.
Let euery one that calleth on the name of Christ depart from iniquitie.
[Page 105] Now to the only wise God, who is able to doe aboue all wee aske or thinke, the Father, the Sonne, and the holy Ghost, bee praise in the Church throughout all generations for euer. Amen.
Short and godly Admonitions concerning Time, and the v [...] of ing [...]ered out of Eph. 5.16.
Redeeming the Time; because the daies are euill▪
Here are two par [...]
- An exhortation, To [...] d [...]e [...] the Ti [...].
- A reason: Because [...] dayes are euill.
Redeeming the time.
TIme is the measure of Motion.
Opportunity is that [Page 107]part of time which is fittest for our affaires.
This is meant here, as it is the measure of good motions, called also occasion, season, due time.
It is the beautie of things; for euery thing is beautifull in his timeEccles. 3.11.
Meates are welcomest, when they are in season; so a word spoken in due season is comelyProu. 25.11; Euen a refreshing of the wearie souleEsay 51.4..
As some imprison truth in vnrighteousnesRom. 1.18., so doe, they timeHierome..
It is charitie to redeeme time, by righteousnes.
[Page 108] Opportunitie of time is a rich commoditie; the couetousnesse of it to doe well, is an honest couetousnesse.
As MerchantsAugustine. obserue carefully the seasons of buying in, and venting their Merchandise, so buy thou and redeeme time to doe good.
They that loose time, are the greatest loosers, and wastfullest prodigals; for of all other possessions, two may be had together: but two moments of time cannot be possessed together.
This precious commoditie [Page 109]is most out of request with great and rich men; who consume and mispend time, as fast as their vnthriftie children doe their inheritances.
Idlenesse, vanity, and neglecting the pretious time, is the disease of great and rich men, as they say the Gout is: these can find time, to dally, to court, to be riotous, &c. but not to pray and serue God; therfore for the most part, they are most poore in the best things.
Time is the price of time; when thy profit, [Page 110]thy pleasure, thy vaine delights, thy lusts, call thee after them: exchange time for time.
As thou giuest thy money for meate, and apparrell; so giue these things to purchase the time of prayer, and weldoing.
Salomon saith, Buy the truthProu. 23.23: but Pilate saith; What is truthJohn 18.38? so Paul saith, buy the time: but our profane wretches say, What is time? let vs spend it, say they, as though it were little worth.
Time is Gods creature, he allowes thee no [Page 111]time to bee vaine and wicked: but hee giues thee time, that thou mayst repent and doe good. Make thy aduantage of it.
Of the time thou bestowest, in prayer, singing of Psalmes, reading the Scriptures, and good bookes, and in doing good, it shall neuer repent thee. But time otherwise spent, wil one day torment thy conscience.
Thou must giue account for time; on this moment depends eternitie; of blessednesse if it be well; of miserie, if it [Page 112]be ill imployed.
It is great wisdome to know the time, and to redeeme itEph. 5.15.16.
The men of Isachar were in great account with Dauid, because they had vnderstanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; so are they in great account with God,1. Chr. 12.32 who regard and vse the season of well doing.
When a poore man begs of thee, then hast thou occasion to shew thy charitie: when thou art in tentation, to shew thy faith: when thou art iniuried, to shew thy patience: [Page 113]when thou hearest or seest men offend, to shew thy zeale: when there are publike meetings for the worship of God, to shew thy deuotion, &c.
Loose not such faire opportunities of weldoing to glorifie God.
The time of grace and of the Gospell is an accepted time, euē the day of saluation. While the dore is open, enter into the Kingdom of heauen.
While thou hast the light, beleeue in the light; and walke in the light, that thou mayst be the child of light.Ioh. 12.35.36
[Page 114] To day if thou wilt heare his voyce, harden not thy heartPsal. 95.7. Repe [...] while it is called to dayHeb. 3.13.?
The time is short1. Cor. 7.29.: the art of weldoing is long: the worke is great: the labourers are lazie: the Master is at hand: It remaineth that wee vse the world as though we vsed it not, and that wee redeeme the time of prayer, and of the practice of godlinesse.
Occasions are headlong; and once past, not to bee recouered. The tide taries for none: take time while it is offered: [Page 115]while you haue opportunitie, doe good vnto all; to thy self, to others, specially to them which are of the household of faithGal. 6.10..
The 5 foolish virgins came to late, and were shut outMat. 25.10.11.12.. Ierusalem in her day tooke no knowledge of the things belonging to her peace, and was destroyedLuk. 19.42.. Esau came not in time, and lost the blessing, but found leisure enough to crie bitterlyGenes 37.33.34..
Our life is as a Fayre:Nazian. when the Fayre-day is ouer, there is no buying the things thou needest: [Page 116]so when this life is ended, there is no time of repentance. Repent now; for in death no man remembreth God, saith Dauid Psal. 6.5..
As in warre, so in deat [...], we are not permitted to erre twice: often doe well, that thou maist once die well, and thou shalt be happy.
Liue euery day, as if it were thy last; and as at the last day thou wilt wish thou hadst, or reioyce, thou hast liued.
Examine thine houres euery day: how many doest thou spend in eating and drinking? how [Page 117]many in sleeping? how many in dressing and trimming thy painted sheath? how many in doing nothing? how many in doing that which is ill? how few or none in prayer and weldoing?
How ill tenants are we to our grand Lord? wee hold all of him, but we thinke little of yeelding and paying at our due time.
Wee receiue all our time from God, and like vnthankefull wretches, serue him with the least part of it, and that commonly the last and refuse.
[Page 118] A Heathen EmperotTitus, the sonne of Vespasian. Hierom on the sixth to the Galathians. accounted that day lost, in which hee did no good. How many daies hast thou lost? Account thou likewise that a lost day, in which thou becommest not better then thy selfe.
Hee that most redeemeth the time, liues long, though hee fulfill not much time; and he which is an hundred yeeres old, if he haue redeemed no time of doing good, hath been (but hath not liued) longSeneca..
The Vsurer sels time to men, and the diuell steales time from men. [Page 119]He tells the Papists of Purgatory: that painted fire, yeelds but a cold comfort: for by this meanes he leades them to hell in a string: Hee telles our gallants, that its time enough to pray and repent when they are old: And by this meanes, they spend so much time in euill, that they leaue none for repentance, prayer, and for vsing meanes to saue their soules.
As doth the Vsurer, so doth the diuel; the Vsurer giues the young Nouice faire words, till hee hath broken his day, [Page 120]and forfeited his lands▪ so doth the diuel-stroke vs, till by continuance in sinne we are hardned and past recouery.
Pray to day, repent to day: thou art not sure of to morrow; he that is not ready and fit to day, will be lesse to morrow.
Thy life is like a vessell of weak wine, which is quicke and liuely at the first broching: but flat and ill tasted when it is tilted.
Wilt thou draw out the first, and best of thy life to the diuell, in following drunkennesse, whoredome, and thy [Page 121]lawlesse lusts? & thē giue the dregs to God, which are fit to be poured out to the hogs?
Is it a time then, first to begin to liue, when thou art ready to die? then first to seeke God, when thou commest to thy brothes, and spectacles? when vnderstanding, memorie, sight, hearing, & senses faile.
For the most part, they which defer the season of seeking God till age; are then iustly giuen ouer to him whō they haue serued in their youth, which is the diuell.
[Page 122] Remember thy Creator in the dayes of thy youth; while the euill dayes come not, nor the yeeres draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I haue no pleasure in themEcclesi. 12.1.. Thus did Samuel 1. Sam. 1.28; & Timothy 2. Tim. 3.15.: God delights in such.
Art thou old, and hast trifled out thy Time, neglecting the opportunity of knowing and seruing God? Dispaire not, but repent; and be the more carefull to redeeme the Time that remaines.
Let it suffice, that in the Time past of thy life [Page 123]thou hast walked as a Heathen, in abominable wickednesse: But now the end of al things is at hand; be sober therfore and watch vnto prayer1. Pet. 4.3.7.
Doe here, as thou doest in thy iourney. If thou hast ouer-slept thy selfe in the morning; thou makest the shorter bait, and spurrest the harder on: so now, put thy best legge before, make speed, lest thou be benighted, and shut out with the dogs and Sorcerers, and whoremongers,Reuel 27.15, &c.
[Page 124] Because the dayes are euil.
Time, is called Daies, because it is counted by Dayes.
Dayes are not euill in themselues, and as they are a necessary appertenance to the frame of this world,2. Tim. 3.1.2. &c. which is Gods building: but they are so called, from euill persons, and thingsMat. 6.34. which are in those dayes.
The time is euill, whē we which liue in such Time are euill; & when by our euill of sin, the euill of punishment is [Page 125]deseruedly inflicted vpon vs. Which punishments no maruell if they continue, when that continues in vs, which deserues to bee punished.
The dayes are euill: then great need to vse Prayer: for it shall come to passe, that whosoeuer calles vpon the name of the Lord, shall be safeIoel 2.32. Rom. 10.13.
Many men cry out, that the world was neuer worse, saying, O the Times! But are not the Times the worse for thee? If thou beest wicked and prophane; it is [Page 126]thou which makest thē so bad. Complaine not of the Times, but of thy selfe, and amende the Times by thy amendment.
Achan made it an euill day to the Israelites, by his sinneIoshua 7.; and Moses made it a good day by his prayersExod. 17 11
Wouldest thou see many dayes, and good? keepe thy tongue from euill, and thy lips from speaking guile: depart from euil, and do good, seek peace & ensue itPsalm. 34.12.13.14.
As a noble RomanLucullus. turned a dismall day, into a successefull, by [Page 127]his valour: so turne thou euill dayes into good, by thy goodnes.
The worse the Dayes and Times be, the more precious let bee euery opportunity of welldoing.
As in times of derth, the poore man picks vp euery kernell of corne that falles beside: O (saith hee) It's deare, none must belost: so lose thou not one crum of Time, wherein thou maiest haue occasion to doe good: For the daies are euill.
A man that should in the time of famine giue [Page 128]his corne to the hogs, were worthy to bee hanged vp at his gate; so art thou worthy to loose the reward of weldoing, which throwest away the opportunities thereof.
There are millions in hell, who if they had it, would giue all the wealth in the world, for one dayes opportunity of repentance, which they despised and foreslowed, when they liued vpon the earth.
As the Bee, so soone as euer the Sun breakes forth, flies abroad to gather honey and wax; so [Page 129]be thou ready to euery good workeTit. 3.1., waiting the occasion therof.
Many say, that they haue no Time to learne to pray, to heare the word, &c. The voice of a beast. Hast thou a time to eate, to sleepe, to liue? Hast thou Time to dance after the diuels pipe? and can'st finde no Time to learne godlinesse?
Many say they would haue prayed, heard, &c. but that they had impediments? Redeem now the time, and step ouer impediments.
Hee that obserueth [Page 130]the wind shal▪ not so [...] and hee that is afraid [...] euery cloud, shall n [...] reapeEcclesi. 11.4: so hee that will not doe good because of impediment [...] shall neuer doe good for so long as there is a diuell, and a world, and an vnregenerate part [...] there will bee impediments, euen a thousand when thou wouldest do good, and a thousand furtherances when thou wouldest doe euill.
If Paul had censed to preach at Ephesus, because, of impediments, when such a dore was opened vnto him1. Cor. 16.9., he [Page 131]had lost the comfort of [...]ring there so famous Church.
The more are the ad [...]ersaries and impediments, be thou the more [...]atchfull vpon all occa [...]ons of doing good.
The dayes are euill, & [...] men are euill that [...]ue in these dayes. La [...]our thou to be good; and so to liue, as thou wouldest wish to bee [...]ound liuing, when Christ shall come to iudgement.
Pray, pray, pray; Repent, repent, repent: Blessed is that seruant, when his Lord when he [Page 132]commeth shall find [...] doingMat. 24.46.. Amen, Am [...]
Now it is high time awake out of sleepe.
The night is far sp [...] the day is at hand; let [...] therefore cast off the [...] of darknesse, and put [...] the armour of light.