Twelve Rules to prepare you for closing with Christ.

1. WOrk your hearts into a thorow and unseigned belief of the [Page 2] Articles of your Faith: Believe certainly and firm­ly, without the least doubt, that there is a great and glorious God, that Jesus Christ is his only Son, and the alone Saviour: That the Bible is the true Word of God: That undoubted­ly there is such a place as Heaven and Hell, Heb. 11. 6.

2. Really believe, that you carry within your brests, precious and im­mortal souls: which must be adjudged by this God to one of those two places, there to be for ever and e­ver, [Page 3] Mat. 16.26, &c.

3. Assure your selves. that the last Sentence will be past according to your well or ill behaving your selves in this life. Every man shall be rewarded ac­cording to his works, 2 Cor. 5.10. Isa. 3.10, 11. Eccles. 8.11, 12, 13.

4. Account upon it, that it's very difficult to come to that Heaven, and that the way to destruction is broad and easie. Re­member still, you have de­ceitful hearts within you, a wicked Devil nigh you, and snares and hinderances a­bout [Page 4] and before you, Mat. 7.13, 14. Luke 13.24.

Say, my time is short my work is great, and my strength is small.

5. Certainly believe it, that Heaven is so glorious, that it's worth all your care and pains, be it never so much: and that Hell is so dreadful, that you may rea­sonably fly from it with all diligence, earnestness and speed; that it's better you never had been born, if you should die in your sins, and perish everlastingly: what a direful screetch will your soul give, if it goes [Page 5] out of your body into un­quenchable burnings? Heb. 11.14, 16, 26.1 [...]e [...]. 1.4.2 Cor. 4.17, 18.2 Cor. 5.11.

6. Reckon, that all the troubles of this world, can't make a man going to that Heaven in ways of Righte­ousness, miserable and wretched: How sweet will it be to pass, though out of a poor tottering Cottage, into a glorious Palace? Out of a Sea of troubles and dangers, into an Haven of Peace, Rest, and Plenty? Nor can all the Riches, Honours, and Pleasures here, make a man going to [Page 6] that Hell, happy: What a terrible Hell will Hell be to great ones, that have spent all their days in plea­sure! It's much to change a Palace for the dark silent Grave; Jewels and Deck­ings, for worms and rot­tenness. But what is it to have sweet singings turned into bitter howlings? Deckt and glittering rooms, plea­sant walks, rich attire, deli­cious fare into dark Dun­geons, unquenchable lakes of fire and brimstone? Mal. 3.15. to 18. Luke 12.16. to 21.

7. Seriously think, I may [Page 7] yet get to this Heaven, and avoid the fearful plagues and terrours of Hell. If I shall come to glory, what a God shall I enjoy for e­ver and ever? into what blessed arms and bosome shall I cast my soul? and if I should go to Hell at last, can I bear up under the weight of Gods vengeance? Well, yet there is hope; Gods heart, the door of Grace, and the Gate of Heaven, yet stand open. How would the damned in Hell give thousands of worlds (if they had them) for my may be! Heaven, [Page 8] Grace, and Christ are of­fered, and dare I refuse all? Can I venture the loss of soul and body for ever and ever? Heb. 10.30, 31.

8. If I miss of glory, 'twill be mine own fault, my damnation will lie at my own door: God can clear himself of my blood; his profers of grace are free and frequent, earnest and real; and shall I murder mine own soul? Ezek. 18.32. Joh. 5.40. It may be written over my Grave, Here is one that destroyed himself, that would go to Hell thorow mercies, judg­ments [Page 9] and warnings.

9. Debate the case with your soul solemnly, What is there in sin, that I so much dote on? What are my greatest designs and projects in the World? Can I dig the pearl of happiness out of this dunghil World? Can I get the Houses, Lands, Honours, Friends that I aim at? and if I should, what are they? Certainly conclude, the greatest wisdom is to be wise to salvation, and my best work is to work it out with fear and trembling, lest I lose it, Prov. 3.13, 14. &c.

[Page 10]10. Then search and try your hearts, whether you are in the Faith, and your hearts sound in Gods Sta­tutes. Ask seriously, Have I the love that is sincere, the Faith that is sound, soul­saving; and sin-killing, and life-reforming? Am I sure my face and heart are really set Sion-ward, and Heaven­ward? 2 Cor. 13.5.

To this end Query:

1. Did I ever see sin o­dious, black and hellish? Defiling and damning? Have I seen it in the glass of the Law, bloody and kil­ling? but in Christs blood, [Page 11] exceeding, and above me a­sure sinful? Rom. 7.13.

2. Do I see in Jesus Christ a beauty and excellency, a fulness and all-sufficiency? Is he the chiefest of ten thou­sands, altogether lovely in mine eye? Can I say, Oh! thousand of gold (if I had it) for an interest in Christs blood, that cleansing, heal­ing; Pea e-speaking blood! None but Christ. All is but dung, that I may win him, Phil. 3.7, 8.

11. Take it for granted, that there is no name under heaven, whereby you can be saved, but Jesus Christs. [Page 12] All grace and mercy for this life, and that to come, must come to you thorow the channel of Christs blood, Acts 16.30, 31. Acts 4.10, 11 12. Say, By sin I have shut Heaven gate, and hardned Gods heart against me: I have laid my self o­pen to all the wrath of God, all the curses inn the Bible, and all the torments of Hell: and if I could bring all the cries of my self, and all my friends, the strength of the Angels, the riches of all the world, it would be as nothing to make up this woful breach: Christ alone can do it.

[Page 13]12. Believe it, that Christ came to seek and to save such as we that were lost. That he is not only able, but willing and ready to give forth his rich grace. What made him leave his Fathers bosome, put off the Majestick Robes of his glo­ry, but love to poor souls? What made him drink the dreadful cup of his Fathers wrath, make such loud calls, such rich proffers; wait, and send; be re­jected, and wait; cry ear­nestly, and wait long, but love to sinners? Joh. 6.35, 37. 'Twas love to souls [Page 14] made him give up his body to be broken, that precious box of oyntment, which fills both heaven and earth with its sweet savour, and plea­sant perfumes.

Having throughly weigh­ed and believed these fore­going propositions: then come to Christ these 13 ways.

Directions how to close sa­vingly with Christ.

1. COme to Christ, a poor, lost, and un­done wretch, hopeless and helpless; as to an onely able, and merciful Saviour. Cry out, as one sinking un­der the Waves and boiste­rous tempests of sin, Ma­ster save, or else I perish. If thou wilt, thou canst, Heb. 7.25. Say with Thomas, My Lord, and my God, my Christ, and my Saviour; put the hand of thy Faith into Christs pierced and [Page 14] [...] [Page 15] [...] [Page 16] bleeding sides, Joh. 20.27, 28. Say as they, Joh. 6.68. Whither should I go, but unto such a Saviour! thou hast eternal life. Thou canst help me out of the deep and miery ditch of my sins, and over the fiery and fearful gulph of Gods wrath, and canst bring me into the blessed presence, yea, into the gracious arms, bosome, and embraces of the God of glory. I stretch out the weak arms of my Faith to thee, O stretch out the strong arm of thy pow­er and mercy, and come and save me!

[Page 17]2. Come as an humble, broken, and relenting sin­ner, to an offended Maje­sty. Come trembling, with tears in your eyes, and deep sorrow in your heart. Come as one vile in the sight of God, your self, men, and Angels. As the poor Publican, not worthy to look up to heaven, smite on thy wicked heart. As the Centurion, say, I am not worthy thou shouldest come under the roof of my heart. As the Prodigal, I have sinned against Heaven, and am not worthy to be an hired servant. Yet there is [Page 18] mercy enough in my Fa­thers heart and thy merits, Isa. 61.1. I have let flie ma­ny poysonous bullets, and bitter arrows of sin against thee; I have by sin, fetcht (as it were) blood from thy precious heart afresh, though it ran so freely and abundantly for my sake; but now a sight of thy pier­ced side breaks my heart with sobs and sighs. My sins are now as so many pricks in my side, thorns at my heart, and ropes about my neck.

3. Come as a filthy pol­luted, loathsome creature, [Page 19] to a cleansing Fountain of Grace, Lazarus in all his sores, or Job on the dung­hil with his scabs and bot­ches, were not so filthy and abominable in the eye of man, as I am through the running sores and plagues of my heart and life, in the sight of an holy and pure God. I am more vile then the Toad, then the stinking carrion in the ditch. How doth this filth stream through every duty and mercy? I drop the filthi­ness of sin, whereever I go. Oh wash, cleanse and purifie in thy blood, Iob 15. [Page 20] 16, 42. Unclean, unclean! Thy, body was broken to let out thy blood for my sake, and shall not my heart be broken to let out the filth and gore of my sin?

4. Come as a bond-slave, drudge, and vassal, to Christ as to a Redeemer. Com­plain of the Devils cruel usage, and Sins tyrannizing. Say, Lord, thou hast paid a price sufficient. Thou hast redeemed me by thy precious blood, that is more worth then ten thousand worlds. Knock off these iron fetters, rescue me out of this hellish Dungeon of [Page 21] sin. I have now no com­mand of my head or heart, of my tongue or passions. How do lusts domineere! Luke 4.18. Heb. 2.14, 15. Rom. 12, 13, 14. Here I lie staked down to the earth by a carnal heart.

5. Come as a sin-sick-soul to Christ, as to the only able Physitian. As sick per­sons, crying out of an aking head, or griping bowels. So complain, Oh the plague of an hard heart! The galls and gripes of a woun­ded conscience! the wounds and stabs I have given my soul by sin! Here I am sick [Page 22] to the very heart, fainting and perishing. Oh a drop of thy blood: that is a cor­dial indeed, the soveraign Balm of Gilead. These ma­ny years, yea all my life have I been diseased with the bloody issue of sin; and all others are Physitians of no value; but if I may but touch the hem of thy righ­teous Garment, I shall be whole, Matth. 9.20, 21, 22. I come to thee with mine Ulcers and Imposthumes, to be lanced; that the rot­ten members of my body of sin may be cut off.

6. Come weary and hea­vy [Page 23] laden with your sins, to Christ for rest and ease, Mat. 11, 28, 29. Good Paul groaning under the weight of sin, makes many heavy heart-burning complaints, Rom. 7.18, 19, and 24 but yet in the 25. v. he triumphs in Christ. Holy David, restless and disquiet, roars under sin, Psal. 38.1. to 9. Those sins that were as jewels in your eye, yea, as your right hand or eye, are they now as milstones and loads to your soul?

7. Come as a poor, nee­dy, and naked creature to Christ, as the poor to the [Page 24] rich mans door for alms. Come quite stript naked of your own righteousness, Rev. 3.17, 18. Cry out of your spiritual poverty: Lord, not one penny of grace to help my self. Ne­ver a poorer wretch came to thee for mercy. Grace I want; if I perish it shall be at thy feet, begging and praying. I will not be thrust away from thy door. Be­hold want of Faith, Pati­ence, Love, &c. Not able to think or speak, to do, or suffer. Oh let the sweet gales of thy spirit bring thy rich promises fraught with [Page 25] incomparable grace and comfort, to unlade their heavenly treasure into my bosome. Give me the key of Faith, that I may unlock thy rich Store-house, and fetch what I want.

8. Come as an hunger-starv'd soul for bread of life, thirsting and panting for soul-refreshing grace, Isa. 55. Beg, cry out; Bread, Bread. In some Countries through great want, they cry, Give, and cut me, (hold­ing out their arm) give and kill me. Cry, Give, Lord, and strike me, Give me hea­venly food, and do what [Page 26] thou wilt with me. Say, Lord, if but as a Dog, I may receive crumbs that fall from thy full Table of Grace. Thirst and behold in every bleeding deep wound of Christ a foun­tain of rich flowing mercy. Each heavenly promise steept in that sweet blood of Christ by faith, can afford a full satisfying meal of joy and comfort to thy pining hunger-bitten Soul. Apply the lips of thy faith to those full brests, to those over, e­ver-flowing Wells of salva­tion. Say, Lord, open those precious boxes of ointment, [Page 27] and sprinkle them on my dead, barren, parched thir­sty heart. May I have but bread, but a drop, 'twill be as a refreshing cordial; how sweet then will a feast of fat things be, Wine on the Lees!

9. Come as a foolish ig­norant and backward Scho­lar to Christ as to a great Prophet or Schoolmaster. Say, Lord, its thou must teach me, or I shall never learn: I am dull to under­stand, but thou canst and dost teach thy people to profit: Lord, that I may receive my spiritual eye­sight! [Page 28] Thou hast many an heaven­ly lesson to teach, as Faith, Patience, Self-denial, &c. I am come to be thy Disci­ple, I have a long time been under the teachings of man, let me have the teach­ings of thy Spirit. Thou art meek, and not harsh, Mat. 11. 29.

10. Come as an unskil­ful, trembling Souldier, as a weak David, strugling with Bears, Lyons, and Go­liahs, with Principalities and Powers. Come to Christ as to the Captain of your Salvation; say, Lord, it's thou must teach [Page 29] my hands to war, and my fingers to fight. It's thou must fight my battels for me, or I shall fall by the hands of these strong and to wring lusts. What bat­teries, assaults, and storms doth Satan raise against my soul! Heb. 2.10. Eph. 6.12.

11. Come as a condem­ned Malefactor and lost pri­soner to Christ, as to your Advocate and Intercessor. Lay open your bad cause and sad estate.

1. Your crimes are great and fearful, horrid treason, and that against the highest Majesty.

[Page 30]2 Your accusers and ad­versaries many, subtil, dili­gent and cruel. The Devil, your own heart, and ac­quaintance can bring in black bills against you.

3. The Law of God con­demns you, and your doom is dreadful.

4 The great God your Judge, is highly incensed, affronted and dishonoured.

Now apply your self to Jesus Christ, who has un­dertook as bad causes; say, Lord, stand between the flaming fire and revenging sword of Gods wrath and my poor soul, 1 Tim. 2.5.1. Ioh. 2, 1.

[Page 31]12. Come as a willing servant to a good Master, as a loyal Subject to your only Lord and Soveraign, to obey, honour and love him above all others, and that to the death. Say, Here I am, what wilt thou have me to do? Here is my head to know thee, my heart to love thee, my tongue to praise thee, mine ears to hear thy voyce, and mine hands and feet to do thy will. Other Lords be­sides thee have ruled over me. But thou art mine on­ly Saviour and Prince, Acts 5, 30, 31. Heb. 5.9. I dis­like [Page 32] none of thy commands, they are righteous, good and reasonable; but I find fault with mine own wret­ched heart, that I can no more heartily love, and rea­dily obey them. Say, Thy work is as Adam's was in Paradise, a pleasure and not a toyl; as the Bee la­bouring, sucks honey and sweetness, 1 Joh. 5.3. What sweet, soul-ravishing work will my heart make of praying, hearing, and me­ditating, &c. when thou streamest forth thy graces, those blessed silver drops of heaven into every vein of my soul.

[Page 33]13. Come as a poor worthless Spouse to Christ, as to an honourable and glorious husband. Come both for thy wedding Gar­ment and matchless porti­on. Come as Abigal to Da­vid, 1 Sam. 25.40, 4142. say, Lord, here I am meanly, yea vilely descended, by sin a child of Satan, and thou art the Lord from Heaven. Enoble me with thy grace, which is divine and heaven­ly blood, far above the he­roical blood of Ancestors. Here I am ragged, decrepit and deformed through sin. Cover my filth and naked­ness. [Page 34] with thy white, spot­less garment, that my shame appear not. What is platting the hair, decking a filthy, slimy carkase, to the adorning the soul with invaluable grace! Every grace of thine is a rich Dia­mond, a Pearl, yea far a­bove. The soul fill'd with God, is a little Heaven on Earth; and these graces are the bespangling stars and glittering lamps thereof. Read that notable Descri­ption, Ezek. 16.3. to 14.

These rich ornaments, this crown, not of gold but of grace and glory, none [Page 35] but Christs Bride wears. Every morning set your self solemnly, as in the pre­sence of God Omniscient, and charge your heart to give in a true answer to these enquiries, as it will account for these and many others things at the day of Judgment before all the World.

Serious Questions to put to our souls every Morning.

Qu 1. How did I lye down and rise up? Was God in my thoughts? And if so, were the thoughts of him sweet and precious to my soul? Psal. 139. 2, 3, 4. Psal. 92.1, 2.

2. In what frame is my heart at present? Do I ad­mire Gods goodness for the last nights sleep, for adding more time to my life: and am I heartily thankful? Prov. 3.24.

[Page 37]3. Can I really commit all mine affairs to God this day, to be guided by his connsel, Protected and Provided for by his care, and to be wil­ling to be at his dispose? Mat. 6.25. &c. 1 Pet. 5.7. Psal. 37.4.

4. Am I resolved to speak for God and his glory, what ever it cost me? In the strength of Christ will I not be terrified from, be ashamed of, or grow weary in well-do­ing? Mar. 8.38.

5. Am I a child of God, an heir of Glory? or a slave to sin, and a child of Satan? If I am Gods child, must I [Page 38] not wear the glorious gar­ment of Righteousness, that royal sparkling livery of Heaven? If an heir of hea­ven, should I not cast off the rags of corruption, and take heed of defiling my self with the mire of sin? Deut. 5.32. Jude 23. What should I do more then others? Mat. 5.47.

6. Who is the greatest de­ceiver? if my heart, let me not trust, but watch over it all this day! Wherein are the greatest dangers, the most horrid and woful mistakes? if about mens sou's, let me venture the loss of all ra­ther [Page 39] then of my precious ne­ver dying soul, Jer. 17.9, 10.

7. What are mine impla­cable, potent, and soul-rui­ning enemies, but the flesh, the Devil, and the World? Let me not pamper the one, hearken to the second, nor idolize the third; Let me beware of them, watch and be sober, Rom. 8.8. &c. Gal. 5.17, 19.1 Pet. 5.8. Jam. 4.4.1 Joh. 2.15.

8. Who is and can be my best friend, but God? Let me take care in all things to please him, fear provoking him. Let me love him with [Page 40] all my heart, obey him with all my might, and honour him throughout all the day. Psal. 144.15.

9. VVherein is the greatest vanity and vexation, but in the world? Let me then slight and not admire and adore it. VVhat is the sure gain and most lasting good? Certainly Godliness; let me then prize, press after, and live in it, Eccles. 1.2.1 Tim. 4.8. Ch. 6.6, 7.

10. VVhat is my heavenly work, but to run a race, fight a good fight, strive and wre­stle? Can this be without care, diligence and watchful­ness? [Page 41] 1 Cor. 9.24. Oh that a vein of Religion might run thorow all I do this day!

11. Whose eyes will be upon me all this day, to ob­serve head and heart, lip and life? Will not God's, the Judge of all the earth? and dare I sin in his presence? dare I so highly affront him to his face? Heb. 4.13. Gen. 39.9.

12. If I should spend this day in vanity, sin and idle­ness, will it not be bitterness and sorrow at night? If I spend it holily and profitably, shall I not pray with more confidence, and lie down [Page 42] with the more peace? Will not the testimony of a good conscience be ground of great rejoycing? Psal. 4.7, 8.2 Cor. 1.12.

13 How would I have this day represented at the great day of Judgment? What words, thoughts, and actions, would I have then brought forth? Let mine be such; for certainly all must then be laid open, 2 Tim, 6.11, 12, 17, 18, 19, Eccles. 11.8.

14 How may I this day order my secular business with most wisdom and hone­sty, and for my greater ad­vantage? [Page 43] Psal. 112.5.

15 Am I sit now to pour out my soul to God in Prayer? Can I first and chiefest seek the Kingdom of God? Mat. 6.33. Psal. 5.2, 3.

Separate your self every Evening from all company, and ask your heart these Questions; And wherein you have been guilty, be heartily sorrowful, and beg pardon: and wherein God has enabled you to be in a­ny measure faithful, bless God and be thankful.

Every Evening ask these Questions.

1 WHat have I done this day for God and his Glory? what can I now look back upon with comfort? Micah. 6.8.

2 In what frame hath mine heart been all this day? what have I desired most, Heavenly or Earth­ly things? Hath my joy been more in God and in hope of glory, then in ri­ches, honours, &c? Was my grief most for sin, or for troubles? What have [Page 45] I most suckt comfort from and lived upon, Creatures the Cistern, or God the Fountain? Jer. 2.12, 13. Hab. 3.17, 18.

3 What were mine aims and ends, in what I went about? Have I been sincere, and exercised a good con­science towards God and Men? Did I eat and drink, pray and discourse with an eye to Gods glory? or ra­tner did self sit uppermost in all? 1 Cor. 10.31.1 Pet. 4.11.

4 What spiritual duties have I performed this day? Did I regard the manner [Page 46] as well as the matter; out of conscience did I do them, and not out of custom? Did I pray fervently, read with care and observation , me­ditate so seriously as tho­rowly to affect the heart? Rom. 12.11. Iam. 5.16.

5 How faithful, diligent and careful have I been in my Place and Calling? Have there been no idle hours in the day? Rom. 12.11.1 Tim. 5.13. Prov. 10.4.1 Thess. 4.11.

6 What have been my company this day? What good have I done to them, or received from them? Did [Page 47] I reprove, exhort, streng­then, encourage, comfort, or warn, as occasion was given, and need required? Col. 4.6. Heb. 10.24, 25.

7 How have I born the troubles and crosses of the day? Did I not murmur, vex, nor sink? Did I not entertain hard thoughts of, nor utter rash words against God? Phil. 4.11, 12.

8 What were my tem­prations this day, and what my sins? Was I not easily drawn into sin? Little o­ver-aw'd or restrained by Gods All-seeing eye, mer­ciful heart, or revenging [Page 48] hand? Was I not soon proud, angry? &c. Did I not long continue in it, and have I yet thorowly repen­ted of it? What convicti­on or mercy, or warning did I sin against? Isa. 59.12, 13. Jer. 8.6.

9 What were my mer­cies this day, and how was my heart under them? Was I affected with Gods good­ness, and unfeignedly thankful, and therefore cheerfully fruitful in good works? Have I priz'd my health, friends, and estate? &c. Eph. 5.20.

10 What have I learnt [Page 49] this day? What tsmore heart-affecting knowledge have I got of God and his glory, of my self and my sins: of this world and that to come? Phil. 1.9.2 Pet. 3.18. Col. 1.9, 10.

11 What of Gods word have I remembred or read, repeated or heard this day? Was any Scripture sweet and good to my soul? What promise did I by Faith make mine own? What particular command did in any thing sway and rule me? 2 Tim. 3.15, 16, 17.

12 What graces have I [Page 50] especially exercised? Have I lived by Faith, loved God with all my heart and soul? Denied my self in any thing dear to me for God? 2 Pet. 1.6.

13 Have I this day li­ved upon, lov'd, honour'd, and reverenc'd God the Father, as my Sun, Shield, and Portion? Have I this day priz'd, own'd, and made use of Christ as my Savi­our, Intercessour, and Friend; As my Root, Head, and Husband? Hath the Holy Ghost been to me a Director, or Comforter, a Quickner, or Confirmer? [Page 51] Have I cherisht and not quencht its motions? Psal. 84.11.

14 Have I been affected with the evils of sin or mi­sery of others, of Nation, Parish and Family, of Friends or Foes? Have I had a pitiful heart, or boun­tiful hand to any in want? Psal. 119.136. Jam. 2.15, 16.

15 Have I shewn more especial love and pity to those that are of the hous­hold of Faith? how have I honour'd those that fear the Lord? Psal. 15.4. Psal. 16.3. Hath a godly Job or [Page 52] Lazarus, though in rags and sores, been unto me as an Orient Pearl on a Dung­hill? Have I not valued men more according to greatness, then goodness? Gal. 6.10.

16 Did the Church of God and interest of Christ lie near my heart this day? have I heartily prayed for the welfare of Sion? and mourned when its songs are turned into lamentations, and its glory into desolati­on? Do I prefer Jerusa­lem above my chief joy? Jer. 19.1.

17 Can my Family wit­ness [Page 53] that I have done any good for or to them? Can those that best know me, speak best for me? Have I been good as Husband or Wife? Psal. 101.2.&c. as Parent or Child, as Master or Servant? Ephes. 6.1. &c.

18 Have I wrong'd no man in his estate, by over­reaching him; in his name, by slandering, or back-bi­ting? 1 Thess. 4.6. in his soul or body, by letting him fall into, or live in any sin or trouble? have I done to others, as I would they should do to me? Mat. 7.12.

[Page 54]19 Have I forgiven mine enemies, rejoyc'd at others mercies, and not envied a­ny ones honour, riches, or friends, and coveted them? Luke 6.27. to 35. Matth. 6.12, 14, 15.

20 Am I of a quiet, peaceable spirit? Have I not quarrel'd and contend­ed with my neighbours? Or do I make up breaches and follow peace with all men? Do I honour the King, and obey Governors for Conscience sake? Rom. 12.18. Rom. 13.1, &c.

21 Hath my cloathing Been suitable to my place [Page 55] and station? Hath my car­riage been sober, discreet, and serious? Have I not been vain, wanton, nor fro­thy in my discourse or spi­rit. 1 Pet. 3.3, 4.2. Tit. 1, &c.

22 Have I scorn'd and contemn'd the glory of the world, accounting it but dirt for Grace, and dross for Christ? 1 Joh. 5.4, 5.

23 Have I really set death before me? My life as a vapour, a shadow? if I should die dayly, what preparation have I made for it? Am I sure, but this is my last night? If God [Page 56] should shut mine eyes by death, how is it like to be with my soul? Dare I lie down with the guilt or filth of any one sin? Is there any returning from the Grave to amend? No certainly, 2 Cor. 4.14, 16. I Cor. 15.54, &c. Prov. 27. 1.

24 Can I tell how great the day of Judgment will be? how glorious and ter­rible? And dare I meet Christ coming in flaming fire, with ten thousand of my sins to take vengeance? Can I hold up my head? Are my graces sound, and [Page 57] of the right kind? All is not gold that glisters. Have I this day searcht, judg'd, and condemn'd my self? 1 Cor. 11.31. 2 Cor. 5.10, 11.2 Thess. 1.8.9, 10.

25 Do I believe Hell torments dreadful and eter­nal? Its flames unspeaka­bly scorching? Its misery endless and easeless? And do I not fly from this wrath to come? Rev. 14.10, 11.

26. Have I ascended in the triumphant Chariot of Faith this day, and beheld the new Jerusalem, Gods glorious Palace? Did I live, love, think and talk as an [Page 58] Heir of this kingdom? Eph. 1.18, 19.

27 Have I not in all I have done, minded man more then God? Have I not minded only the clean-sing. the outside? Eph. 6.5, 6.

28 Dare I lie down this night without praying ear­nestly to God for the par­don of my sins, the blessings of the night, and the salva­tion of my soul?

Directions for the strict ob­servation of the Lords Day.
For Preparation.

1 ORder all your week business so wisely before hand, that you may have no unnecessary work on Gods day; that your hands may be as free as possible from worldly work, and your heads from world­ly cares and thoughts. Exod. 20.8, 9, 10, 11.

2 Think seriously, What a weighty work am I going about! My week-affairs [Page 60] are but Toys and Trifles to this. What are Sheep, Oxen, or Shops, to Grace, Christ, or Heaven? Can I be too careful and serious in Gods Work, in Soul-salvation work? Surely no. How holy should my thoughts be, how heavenly my discourse, how earnest mine endeavours all the day long? Isa. 58.13, 14.

3 Therefore prepare with all your might, search your hearts and lives, 1 Chron. 29.1, 2.1 Find out what your sins are, to confess, mourn over, and pray a­gainst, Lam. 3.20.2 What [Page 61] the Mercies are you want for soul or body, for your Friends, Families, and Na­tion; account this a Mar­ket day for your souls, Rev. 3.17, 18.3. What blessings received, and what thanks to be returned. Psal. 116.12.

4 Think with your self, What good did I get by former, yea, by the last Sabbath? Was my heart then broken, or warm'd with love to God, and the like? What did I then learn, and how have I pra­ctised it in the Week? Have I fully digested by [Page 62] meditation, firmly believed, and faithfully obeyed the truths were last taught me? Isa. 1.11. &c.

5 Beg earnestly of God, that he would help you to sanctifie a Sabbath, that this may be the best Sab­bath you ever kept. That your heart may be more tender, humble, and hea­venly; that the out-goings of your soul may be more free, strong, and fixed, and the incomes of Heavenly grace and comfort more abundant: that God may reap more glory, and you receive more good then [Page 63] ever heretofore. That the holy keeping of this Sab­bath, may be an earnest to you of keeping a never ne­ver-ending Sabbath with God in glory.

To this end pray especi­ally for these four things.

• 1 That God may pre­pare a suitable word for your soul, that the Mini­sters mouth may be open­ed, and his heart enlarged, and his message full of goodness. That it may be the pure, plain, and pow­erful Word of God, Ephes. 6.18, 19.
• [Page 64]2 That God would fill his own Ordinances with his own presence and bles­sing: that he would touch your heart, when man speaks to the ear. Drop, yea, stream down h;eavenly grace through these Con­duit Pipes, Isa. 48.17. Luke 16.14.
• 3 That you may have the hearing Ear, the seeing Eye, and the understanding Heart; that you may be teachable, willing to learn, and apt to receive what God delivers, Jam. 1.21, 22. Psal. 110.3.
• [Page 65]4 That your souls ene­mies may be kept off, at least resisted and kept down. That your hearts may not deceive you, the Devil divert you, nor the World distract or disturb you.

Having thus in some measure prepared your hearts for the Solemn work of this great Day; observe and practice these follow­ing directions, as ever you hope to have the blessing of the Sabbath.

[Page 66]1 As soon as you awake fix your hearts and eyes heaven-ward; bless God that you see the light of one day more, especially Gods day; wherein you may la­bour to have your sins par­doned and purged, and your souls furnisht with grace, and so fitted for glo­ry. Call the Sabbath your delight, Psal. 118.23, 24, Psal. 59.16.

2 Beg heartily of God, that he would strengthen you by his grace, to do what he requires, as he would have it done; that he would pardon your unpreparati­on, [Page 67] bear with your infirmi­ties, accept of your poor services, and Crown all with his blessing, 2 Chron. 30.18, 19, 20.

3 That you be fitted for the holy and heavenly work of the day; affect your heart with some or all of these Ten following things:

• 1 With the Majesty of that God whom you are to wait upon, Psal. 95.2, 3, &c.
• 2 With the vileness of sin, and of your selves be­cause of sin.
• 3 With the sweetness [Page 66] [...] [Page 67] [...] [Page 68] of Christ, and the great­ness of his Love and Mer­cie.
• 4 With the excellency of that heavenly work you are going about, and the gain of godliness.
• 5 With the vanity of the world, and all things therein.
• 6 With the worth, and high value of your immor­tal souls.
• 7 With the rage, subtil­ty, and diligence of your souls enemies.
• 8 Especially with the deceitfulness of your own hearts.
• [Page 69]9 With the Terrour and Torment of Hell.
• 10 With the unspeaka­ble and everlasting glory of Heaven.

4 Carefully, and con­scienciously perform Fa­mily Duties, Josh. 24. 15.

1 See that your Servants and Children of age, waste not away the Morning in sleep or idleness.

2 Cause them to joyn together in Prayer, Read­ing, or any other Godly Ex­ercise, Gen. 18.19.

[Page 70]3 If you have time, you may Catechise them, or discourse to them of any of those former Ten things, Deut. 6.6, 7.

1 Inform your selves and them, what a great and glorious Majesty and Master you are to serve, Mal. 1.14.

2 What a blessed and heavenly work you go a­bout; that it's heart work, Joh. 4.24. and there­fore hard and difficult work, and yet that its plea­sant and excellent, Prov. 3.17. Chap. 8.34, 35. Oh [Page 71] the fatness of Gods house, and the beauties of holi­ness!

3 What an abundant and unspeakable reward at­tends the well-doing, even life everlasting, Rom 6.22. and how fearful a thing it is to trifle and be careless in it, Lev. 10.3. Mal. 1.8, 13, 14. Heb. 12.28, 29. Acts 20.9.

4 Exhort and command them to be at all good ex­ercises; yea, watch over, and look after them. Re­member the fourth Com­mandment binds you to look to all within your [Page 72] care and power, Man-ser­vant, Maid-servant, &c. If God had no more pity and mercy to the souls of children and servants, then many bloody Parents and Masters, they must needs swim in the direful Gulph of their sins, into utter de­struction.

5 Repair to the publick places of Worship: If you have no Minister in your own Parish, go where is the most soul-seaching, heart-melting, and sinner-rowsing Preaching, &c. Isa. 2.3.

[Page 73]Take these Rules with you.

1 Throughly weigh these four things:

• 1 Consider I am this day to wait on God, the King of Glory, and not on man; and therefore am I to come with all fear and care; what an infinite greatness am I to admire and reverence? What rich goodness am I to love and delight in? what depths of wisdom to look [Page 74] into? what infallible truth to rest upon and believe? what a wrath and fiery in­dignation to tremble at? God is glorious in holiness, and of pure eyes, Isa 6.1, 2, 3.
• 2 What a poor worth­less worm and wretch am 1? How should I come crawling, crouching, and trembling to the Throne of Grace? What am I but dust and ashes, but putre­faction, yea, a sink of sin? Isa. 6.5. Job 42.5, 6.
• 3 I have not onely an [Page 75] empty heart, void of all good, but an envious heart, full of all mischief and perversness, Rom. 8.7, 8.
• 4 Yet what preparation have I made? Have I not spent more time and care to dress my body for the eye of man, then to deck my soul for the eye of God? Job 11.13, 14, 15. Psal. 10.17.

2 As you are going to Gods house,

1 If you are alone, fill [Page 76] your heart with heavenly Meditations, hunger and thirst after the Word, 1 Pet. 2.2. Mat. 5.6. Think, if God should meet my soul and bless it: Oh that he would!

2 If you are in compa­ny, talk of God and his Word, but without pride or affectation. Or hear others heavenly discourse: but if they are such as sa­vour only of Earth, and scorn Godliness, either re­prove or leave them, 2 Cor. 6.17.

[Page 77]3 As you enter Gods presence, really expect his goodness to pass before you. See Exod. 33.18. to the end, Chap. 34.67. Earnestly look for the light of his Countenance, Psal. 4.6. Say, Lord, thou hast promised to be in the midst of thy people, Psal. 133.3. Matth. 18.20. Bow the Heavens and come down: Let thy greatness aw us, and thy goodness refresh us. By Faith, behold God in the highest Heavens, surrounded with glorious Saints and Angels, and [Page 78] take heed to thy self, Ec­cles. 5.1, 2. and yet through Christ, come with boldness, and cry Abba Father, Heb. 4.15, 16. Chapter 10.19, 20, 21, 22.

4 Make a Covenant with your eyes, that they gaze not about to see, who is in the Congregation, and what Clothes they wear and the like; Take heed of a wandering departing heart, Matth. 15.8, 9. Fix your Eyes on the Mi­nister, your Ears on the [Page 79] Word, and your heart on God, Psal. 123.1, 2.

5 Be reverend in the gesture of your bodies, bow your knees as well as your hearts before the Lord; if the place be not convenient for kneeling, stand upright, 1 Cor. 14.40.

6 Whatever Spiritual work you set about, do it with all your might and soul, Eccles. 9.10. Rom. 12.11. As,

1 In Prayer, while the [Page 80] Minister is confessing and bewailing sin, let your hearts even melt, bleed and break, Joel 2.13. When he begs Mercy, let your souls breath and pant after it, Psal. 42.1, 2. When he returns thanks and praise, let all that is within you bless Gods holy Name, Psal. 103.1, 2.

2 If Singing, let your hearts make melody to the Lord; Take heed when your voice is high, your heart be not dead, flat and low, Col. 3.16. Ephes. 5.19.

[Page 81]3 When the Word is read or preacht, mind, This is the Word of God, 1 Thes. 2.13.

1 It is his Command, and dare I disobey it? Oh that my ways were direct­ed! Psal. 119.4, 5.

2 Doth God threaten these Judgments, and de­nounce these curses on sin­ners? And must I not trem­ble?

3 Are these his calls and invitations? his rich pro­mises and great love? and shall I refuse all? Doth [Page 82] God knock at the door of my heart? Let the everla­sting doors thereof fly o­pen, that the King of Glory may come in.

4 While the Minister is pronouncing the Blessing, post not away, (a fault too common every where) but hope, desire, and believe it shall come down upon you, Psal. 133.3. Prov. 8.33, 34, 35.

5 Take heed afterward that Satan may not steal a­way the good seed sown; that the thorny cares of the world may not choak it, [Page 83] Mark 4.14. to 20. Let not the World get into your mouths, as soon as the Word is out of the Mini­sters. Some have been sin-sick when they hear a row-sing Sermon, when the Word flashes Heil-fire in their faces, a little startled; but it's as men are Sea sick, vomit up the Word, and come ashore to the World, and all is well again.

6 As soon as you come home, beg of God to bless the Word you have heard, that it may not be as water spilt on the [Page 84] ground, but that your me­mories may retain it, your hearts love, and your wills obey it, 1 Cor. 3.6. That it may tear, rent and fetch blood from your lusts, that it may fire your hearts with love to, and zeal for God; and that love may fill your mouths with good words, and your hands with good works, Rom. 2.13.

7 When you sit down to dinner, having begged Gods blessing on the food of Soul and Body, Matth. 14.19.

[Page 85]1 Eat no more then will fit and enable you comfor­tably and lively to serve God, Luke 21.34. Many fill their bellies so at this time, that they are fit only to lay their drowsie heads on the Devils pillow of sloth.

2 Talk of Gods Word sitting down and rising up. Let your hearts be hea­venly, and your discourse savoury, seasoned with Grace. A Table without some good discourse, dif­fers little from a manger, Isa. 5.12.

[Page 86]8 After Dinner, either repeat the Word heard, or read in the Bible, or in some other good book; and call your own heart, and your family to an ac­count for what you have heard, Deut. 6.7, 8, 9.

9 In the time appoint­ed, go with your Family to the publick, as in the Morning. Think not half a day enough for God and your souls.

1 If you come to the Congregation before the Minister, spend not away [Page 87] the time in idle imagina­tions or worldly discourse, or any vain stories; but ei­ther meditate on God or his Word, or talk heavenly and holily. It's sad to see a Church-yard filled with idle persons, to hear no­thing but of this or that per­son and family. The great Questions are, how Corn was sold the last Market day, and what Corn in such a field? and the like. Poor barren empty souls! have you no better things to employ your heads and tongues about? Rather ask, [Page 88] What a good Word we heard this day? How are we now to provide for Heaven? The Devil is so busie in the Church-yard sowing his seed, that Gods seed takes little place and rooting in the Church. Can you do the Devils work now, and the next hour Gods? I am perswa­ded, the seasoning of per­sons hearts with vanity and frothy discourse before Ser­mon, hath been a very great hindrance to the efficacy of the Word, and the good of many poor souls.

[Page 89]2 Warm your hearts with love to God, and de­light in the work; think not that falling down on your knees at your entrance, and tumbling over a few words, is a sufficient prepa­ration. It's an harder work then most imagine, to fit the soul for God.

3 When you are wait­ing on God, take heed of drowsiness, deadness, or distraction. Remember, a careless heart, a drowsie body, dull affections and dead services are not fit for a living God. Think, Do [Page 90] I pray now as for Heaven? hear as one hearing God speaking from Heaven? Is my heart such as God may love and delight in?

It's to be fear'd, many can tell, where the win­dows and seats are broken, what spots on the walls, and the like, better then what the Text, Doctrines, or Heads of the Sermon were.

4 Take heed how you spend the Evening. The heart is very apt to be vain after serious Duties. If God hath set home any sin, [Page 91] shewn you any duty, run that over and over in your retired thoughts, Psal. 1.2.

10 When you are about your necessary worldly work, as serving your cat­tel, and the like; Take heed of carrying a worldly heart into the field. Turn all things you see or hear heavenly. If your cattel stray, think, How apt am I to go out of Gods way! If you behold the Heavens, see therein Gods power and wisdom, &c. Psal. 19.1. [Page 92] Think or talk of the Word, Psal. 19.7. to 11.

11 Look on all you have done, as far short of what God deserves and requires. What heavenly, fervent, zealous prayers doth such a God deserve, and such rich mercy call for? God is worthy of a better tongue then mine to praise him, and a better heart to love him. Could I have done all commanded, and never so well, I were but an un­profitable servant, Luke 17.10. What am I then, when I come so infinitely far [Page 93] short; when every duty is filled up with abundance of sin and fearful failings!

12 Rest on nothing you have done for acceptance or salvation, but on Christ alone. Disown all confi­dence in your own righte­ousness, and expect all the blessings and promises streaming to you alone in the blood of Christ, Phil. 3.8, 9.

13 Before you lie down at night, look over the days work. Search back into e­very hour and duty of the day. Humble your self, [Page 94] and be heartily sorrowfull for any miscarriages; bless God, and be unfeignedly thankful; if you have re­ceived any good; and still look out for more. Take the shame of failings to your self, and give God the glory of any enlarge­ments, 1 Chron. 29, 10, 11, &c.