Before it come

TO remember the same, to prepare therefore, to strive for longing thereafter, to clense himselfe to sanctifie the same, wisely, carefully and constant­ly to prevent or remove in him­selfe, his, or others (all that he can) whatsoever would occasi­on the prophaning, or hinder the hallowing thereof on the [Page 16]contrary, imbracing and fur­thering all that may further so holy a duty, to pray to be pre­pared thereto, to keep his heart busied with good thoughts, and tongue with good speeches the night before; yea, if it may be with possible conveniency, to call those about him together in the afternoone on Saturday, the more solemnly and throughly to teach them their duty there­in; and to stirre up our selves the better hereto, often calling upon, and urging of them to si­nish our owne works timely and diligently, that our hearts be not troubled with the cares of them, nor our hands tempted to worke about them on the Sabbath; in especiall manner to prevent and breake off all domesticall grie­vances and perturbations, be­cause heart-burnings, discords, and disorders among the mem­bers of the Family extend their [Page 17]infection and hurt even to the prophanation of the Sabbath; neither doth the Lord look to be served aright in his house, if people live not quietly, loving­ly and dutifully in their houses; aske experience and be warned, for God will be sanctified in chose that draw neer unto him.

When the Sabbath is come

TO arise early, to give him­selfe throughout the whole day without wearinesse, with all diligence and delight to the se­verall duties of the day in Gods house, in his family, in private; as to hearing, reading, prayer, meditation, conference, Cate­chizing, singing Psalmes, eve­ry duty seasonably, reverently, attentively, feelingly, profita­bly, to devide the times aright for every publique family and private duty, that all be done [Page 18]orderly, without hast or confusi­on, that the one be not a hinde­rance but a furtherance to the other; to watch against all worldly, vaine and unedifying, much more all wicked thoughts, words and works throughout the whole day; entertaining onely heavenly Meditations, speeches and actions, when of necessity he shall be hindered by any im­portunate and unavoidable duty of his particular calling; as re­moving, marching, watching, quartering, sayling, and the like: To consider it is the Lords day, and as may most stand with Christian conveni­ency, to lay hold on every op­portunity, to doe or receive all the good he can; to separate himself, that he may with more freedome be the better busied; to take occasion to speake of good things with those I know to be well inclined; to keepe his heart [Page 19]close to the Lord when it cometh to the push, not onely to know, write and say thus, but by Gods grace to practice accordingly; to avoid forgetfulnesse, neglect and sloth; to take heed of tip­ling, immoderate eating, and whatsoever would make heavy and unfit for heavenly duties, or distract from them; not yeel­ding willingly to any thing that is contrary to the warrantable strictnesse of that day by no means, dispensing to transgresse in the least against conscience; a bewailing, craving pardon for, and Reformation of whatsoever he knowes amisse; beleeving the gratious acceptation of, and a waiting for his promised bles­sing upon his poore performan­ces; notwithstanding the w [...]ak­nesse of them, and all other hin­derances, onely through Christ Jesus; so giving himselfe to serve the Lord on his day wholy.

Besides these.

AS occasion requires to exer­cise Charity to the poore, mercy towards our selves and others; yea, to our servants and cattell, which are both to rest that day, yea, in time of ea­ring and harvest: Further, we our selves must rest also from all works of pleasure and pro­fit; we may take convenient su­stenance, and that with others, and must yeeld to works of in­stant and urgent necessity; for he that is Lord of the Sabbath saith, it is lawfull for us to doe good on the Sabbath day.

In every one

To set himselfe to seeke the Lord.

Preparedly, with premedita­tion.

Understandingly, knowing what he goes about.

Deliberately, not slubbering­ly, nor in hast, or wishing the work over.

Humbly, he being so evill, and God so holy.

Feelingly, that his heart la­hour in the action, and be affe­cted.

Zealously, with earnestnesse and stretched out affections till the work be ended.

Seasonably, when he may be least distracted, and doe him­selfe and others the most good.

Willingly, not as puld by the ears, or forced, shaking off back­wardnesse.

Chearfully, striving against coldnesse, dulnesse, deadheart­ednesse and drowsinesse.

Instantly, without delay, or deferring till another time.

Constantly, at set times, if it may be, catching at conveni­ency.

Conscionably, because the Lord requires it.

Not customarily, for fashi­ons sake, or any by respect.

In sincerity, not to be seen of men, but approving his heart to God.

Resolutely, though nick-na­med, scorned and opposed.

Singularly, though never so few doe so.

Secretly, in every private and family duty, avoiding all loud­nesse and open shewes, as farre as possible may be.

In faith especially, resting on the Lords promised acceptation and blessing in Christ Jesus.

In hope, awaiting the experi­mentall performance thereof.

With sound application to his especiall occasions.

With upright and earnest re­solutions to obey.

Powerfully practifing accor­dingly.

All in the strength of the Lord, as to, and in the sight of the Lord as well as he can, though he cannot as he ought, [Page 25]with true though weak defire to feare his name.

These following Exceptions may lawfully hinder or alter the precise times of perfor­ming the foresaid duties, and sometimes some one or more of the duties them­selves.

As

BEing visited with sicknesse, or being withdrawne by the workes of his calling, or other urgent occasions as will not ad­mit of delay; journying by wa­ter or land, being in places and company where he cannot with christian conveniency, neither need the times be so strictly stood [Page 26]upon, if the duties be at some o­ther times performed: Yet not to neglect or delay, when and where he may serve the Lord, as he will answer to the Lord, who searcheth the hearts; al­wayes labouring to redeeme the time, and not to trouble himself, although he later some duties, and performe others in their places, his conscience bearing him witnesse, that he still de­sires to se [...]ve the Lord the bet­ter thereby.

For the times,

Ordinarily before every Sab­bath, more especially before re­ceiving the Sacrament, and be­fore a publique Family, or pri­vate Fast; but most of all in a­ny fore sicknesse, or any other great calamity, or being sum­moned by death, that she may not live in any knowne sinne, or the omission of any requi­red duty without repent ance; to chuse such times of the day, and to seek out such places at home, or abroad, in field or Garrison, [Page 28]when and where he may be most private and least hindered, and be surest to prevent and escape all company and other distracti­ons.

And further,

For more conveniency and Iesse rediousnes, to take so much every day, that the whole may be gone through every week or moneth, or somewhat every day till all be gone through at best leasure, and then to begin again; or otherwise, according to Chri­stian discretion, with all care­fulnesse, without superstition or negligence.

But when, where and in what Or­der soever.

To set his heart and affections aright, as in the presence of the al-knowing God, with whom I have to doe; when he begins, to begin with solemne prayer, to [Page 29]labour that his heart goe along with each part of the foresaid rule, purposing to practise eve­ry particular, with feeling affe­ction and setled devotion, to meditate and pray according to his written quotations joyned to that rule of Examination; to mourne for every sinne commit­ted, begging pardon in Christ, and the imputation and applica­tion of his most perfect obedi­ence and al-sufficient satisfacti­no; craving freedome from pu­nishment, pleading and urging the Lord, with his Saviours infi­nite merits, and perpetuall me­diation; desiring preservation from all sinne, especially from those he is most prone unto, and in danger of; yea, from such as he thinkes least of, or conceives himselfe freest from; to aske those graces he most wants; to give thanks for every grace in any measure attained unto, and [Page 30]for deliverance out of those sins he hath lived in, and for preser­vation from many and grievous sinnes, into which he was often ready to fall; yea, daily from those sinnes to which he is most prone, or to which he is most tempted, or which are most in­cident to his particular calling and common conversation; yea from those he least thought of, and so lest feared; and for faith, comfort and assurance, in respect of every Article of his beleef in the forenamed true Watch, to be thankfull for the least begin­nings, to bewaile and beg sup­ply of his wants; so labouring for faith and a good conscience, to apply himselfe to discharge each part of his duty, without putting off from day to day, or from one time to another, resi­sting dead-heartednesse and wearinesse, being a duty concer­ning him so neerly.

That is, In publique

WIth Gods people, according to the occasion, time and manner appointed by authori­ty, upon such generall, to adde his owne, and his Families espe­ciall occasions; wisely to watch for, catch hold of, and attend upon every extraordinary occa­sion which God presents, where­by he (as) cals upon him to this work.

In his Family and alone.

Having fallen into any grie­vous sinne, or being in any great calamity, or desiring any espe­ciall inward grace, or outward blessing, or deliverance out of any great distresse, or fearing, or feeling any outward judge­ment; to seek the preventing, removing, or sanctifying the same; yea, in whatsoever in­ward or outward misery, he or his may be, in this especiall manner (as an especiall meanes that the Lord hath most graci­ously left to his to attaine the same) to seek all help from hea­ven.

More especially,

As (by the especiall grace of God) it hath been, he also re­solves it shall be his constant course, to begin every new yeer in this manner; also, ever when the Lord cals him out of his garrison into the field (being [Page 33]then to expect more then ordi­nary hard and perilous imploy­ments) thus most humbly and unfainedly to crave grace, wis­dome and good government, sufficiency, health, safety and good successe, as need may re­quire: As also, that the Lord will please to watch over every one of his at home, for good in every respect, all the time of his absence from them; and if it be his blessed will, we may en­joy a comfortable meeting, &c. with our particulars, to remem­ber the generall necessities of of Gods Church and Children; yea, sometimes to set such dayes a part on their behalfe, as fel­low-feeling members of the same body, whereof Christ Jesus is the head; and as we would they should doe the like for us in our calamities.

The time for such solemnities.

Cannot (in his judgement) be lesse then from even to even, one ordinary meale being onely forborne.

All which time to abstaine from eating and drinking, so farre as nature be not weakned (as may happen to some aged, sick or weakly disposed persons, or women with child, or the like, who are to preferre mercy be­fore sacrifice) and so be made the more unfit to performe holy duties; to lay aside our best ap­parrell, sweet sme [...]ls, musick, or any other thing that would de­light us. Further, to forbeare all works of our calling, use of the Marriage-bed, f [...]llnesse of sleep, yea, whatsoever would hinder before, dist [...]t in, or any way violate, [...] a service.

To weigh

Considerately and through­ly the urgent occasions thereof, and how happy we shall be in obtaining what we want or esca­ping what we feare or suffer, thereby to stirre us up the more submissively and earnestly to crave the same.

To prepare for, and to keepe the same as the Sabbath.

All the whole day to apply himselfe to the conscionable, orderly and constant perfor­mance of every holy duty; to come before the Lord herein with meditation, preparation, examination and deliberation; in obedience and repentance, confidently and patiently awai­ting a blessing from above; which he hath expresly promi­sed to leave behind him; and as the Lord hath in this respect [Page 36]done to others of his wonderful­ly, yea, to him and his informer greatest extremities often and most remarkably; this onely of his owne meere mercy in Christ Jesus; in every pressing necessi­ty chiefly, be we never so un­worthy, and be our duty dis­charged never so weakly, if but sincerely; thus labouring, our labour shall not be in vaine, but be rewarded graciously, plen­tifully and assuredly; for was hipocriticall and monstrously wicked Ahab regarded, heard, and spared, who was onely with the threatning terrified, and thereby but outwardly hum­bled? what will not our recon­ciled God and most tender­hearted Father doe for his? how will he then regard, heare, spare and help his? who (by his good grace) in their extremity thus draw neere unto him, hum­ble themselves before him, and [Page 37]seek all help onely from him; with true contrition, filiall fear, humility of heart, sincerity of spirit, Christian confidence and faith unfained; who ever hath at any time, in any thing, in this manner sought his God aright, that hath been sent away suc­courlesse? and hath not either obtained the thing he desired, or that which his experience must confesse was much better for him? the like may we look for undoubtedly; Lord cause me thus to seek thee, and I am sure thou wilt (as thou hast done and declared) work for me wonder­fully.

That is, before receiving,

ALwayes, oftentimes to call to mind and apply the par­ticulars which the Lord re­quires of us before, at and after receiving, and what good the Lord sheweth and assureth to his in the Sacrament (as fol­loweth in briefe) and then to turne all into an humble and earnest prayer, for the Lords especiall assistance and bles­sing; not forgeting to give [Page 39]thanks for grace and comfort received, nor to humble him­selfe for present wants; and former abusing this holy Ordi­nance, which might now hinder Gods grace, mercy, acceptation, and blessing in this work; or procure his threatned judge­ments to the prophaning there­of; now especially to practise the forementioned duty of ex­amination; to remember and lay to heart with heavenly mindednesse the sacred myste­ries of this blessed Ordinance; to imbrace the same in obedi­ence to his sweet Saviours com­mand, who sayes, doe this; and that the more solemnly to cele­brate the remembrance of his death for me, being the chiefe end thereof, and the more o­penly to confesse his name thereby; bewailing his owne most sinfull condition in gene­rall, and his especiall sinnes in [Page 40]especiall manner, resolving unfainedly to break them all off, and to serve the Lord in all good conscience afterward; not leaving out any one known sinne for any respect; herein dealing as before the Lord di­rectly, as he would the Lord should blesse and not plague him in this great duty; looking from himselfe, from his owne hainous sinfulnesse, extreame unworthinesse, and most accur­sed naturall condition, to the so freely, plainly, plentifully, infallibly, assured mercies in his most faithfull [...] promises through the alone al-sufficient satisfaction of his onely Sa­viour Christ Jesus; so deny­ing himselfe utterly, labouring to seek and find all mercy, grace, peace, comfort and hap­pinesse; all wisdome righteous­nesse, sanctification and re­demption in him onely; resol­ving [Page 41]to live in all love, peace [...] and Christian Charity with e­very one continually; for­getting, forgiving fore-pash injuries, utterly passing by of­fences wisely; where distaste hath beene, or heart-burning may be, to seeke and accept reconciliation seriously and gladly; to converse quietly; to doe good for ill heartily and unweariedly.

Approaching to the Lords Table,

To be filled with all holy af­fections, to give no way to the contrary thoughts, being busie about so heavenly a duty; to shew a most reverent gesture, as in the presence of the Lord of, and over all; the great King and Master of this Feast, who is a most holy God, and will be sanctified in body and spirit of those that draw neere unto him, as in the sight of the [Page 42]most glorious Angels, and Gods holy Congregation.

All the time of Ministration,

To remember, distinguish and apply the severall ceremonies, and their significations with godly sorrow, lively faith, sweet comfort, entire thank­fulnesse, &c. as is more at large in Master Brinslyes true Watch, the first part, Pag. 145, 146, 147.

Going from the Table,

To rest assured that I doe and shall as certainly enjoy the thing signified, even the Body and Blood of Christ, for the free and full remission of all his sinnes, and salvation of his soul, as he hath outwardly received the outward signes thereof Bread and Wine; also, that as he received the seals of the Co­venant, so he doth and shall partake of all the good contai­ned [Page 43]therein; as in briefe, in this life, for the inward man, perfect justification, true fan­ctification, more strength a­gainst all sinne and especiall corruptions; more fitnesse to serve God in all things; espe­cially wherein he hath most fai­led; encrease of persever [...]nce in all saving graces: for the out­ward man, a good name, a com­petent estate, safety from [...], supply of good, sanctified use of all for, or a turning all t [...] his good; good health, good i [...]c­cesse, &c. In the end, a blessed end; and in the World to come in Heaven, absolute holinesse, and the fulnesse of all blessed­nesse for evermore; yea, every one of these undoubtedly; for the Lord is in earnest, and meanes not, will not, cannot deceive us.

After receiving,

His whole life must be a testi­mony of thankfulnesse for such inestimable benefits, least if af­ter receiving, he returne to his old by as againe, and that prove a wofull testimony against him, hee hath not received right­ly, and so instead of the former blessings, he feele the contrary judgements as a just recom­pence of prophaning so sacred and weighty a duty; therefore to give thankes for grace and comfort againe vouchsafed; to be humbled, and crave pardon for what was amisse in prepara­tion and receiving; to desire and await for the Lords most mercifull promised, and in the Sacrament assured assistance, and blessing, &c. See in the true Watch, Pag. 148.

Before every dayes marching,

To put up some brief and per­tinent prayer to the Lord, for the Army, for our Regiment, for his Company, for himselfe.

In marching,

To labour to entertaine, and to nourish and poure our such meditations before the Lord, at in especiall manner concern the present generall, and his owne particular occasions.

When we rest,

To returne thankes, and to [Page 54]renew supplications to the Al­mighty.

In every imployment,

To expresse such piety as may testifie to his owne Conscience, that he acknowledgeth the be­ginning, progresse and issue of all his well doing and welfare, to be from Heaven onely.

More especially when his turne comes to watch,

Be it when, where, or upon what occasion soever, to pray and rest assured, that the Lords watching with, for, and over us; onely must and will, and can secure us: To give his most gracious Majesty onely all the glory for our safety, and that all hath gone well with us, and that we were not affronted, surprized, ruined, and made to feare, flye and fall by our Enemies when we watched.

Principally in or against any peri­lous imployment.

In the expectation thereof, and to be well prepared therefore, (be it never so hard and dange­rous) with all humility and ear­nestnesse, oftentimes to seeke of God all direction, courage of heart, strength of body; all suf­ficiency to doe worthily, all pre­servation from shame and harm, and all good successe, with his soule begging of the Lord (however else he please to deale with him) not to leave him so to misdemeane himselfe; or that any mishap should befall him, whereby his Christian profession should be disgraced, his honest repute blemished, or the mouth of scorne and injury opened, to urge his God herein to be jealous of his owne glory; be the beggar never so unthank­full, sinfull, weake and unwor­thy, and though he never so [Page 56]much meriteth to be left to doe most unworthy, and to suffer all shame; sorrow and harme irre­coverably; ever to the death submitting himselfe to his good Gods good pleasure wholly, as is more at large in his prayer to this purpose, to be found in his daily devotions, then that he may be the more throughly confirmed, to betake himselfe to those particular promises, which in this respect assure him in Christ (as the Lord sees best for him) the good things he so much craves; which promises are ma­nifold, and to be found in his collection of promises; and the which he alwayes carries a­bout him. Thus fitted by Gods good grace, in his onely name and strength, to discharge his duty without backwardnesse, feare or shrinking, bravely and resolutely; not giving over till he hath done his part fully, lea­ving [Page 57]the rest to the Lords dispo­sing freely; not forgetting to give his name onely, for all abi­lity and good successe, all praises duly; and now when the Army is abroad, and his danger the more apparent, to avoid all sin­full and unseemly courses and customes more carefully; yea, most especially.

In all personall imployments also,

Either in receiving and exe­cuting commands in sailing, marching, quartering, watch­ing, &c. to be willing, forward, carefull, unwearied, with few words, without arguing, with setled countenance and carriage beseemingly; towards others to behave himselfe reservedly, modestly, quietly, friendly, submissively, respectively, fair­ly, inoftensively, as every ones person, place and worth re­quires of him; so to carry him­selfe [Page 58]Christianly and commend­ably: Hereunto help Lord con­tinually.

I. TO consider what compa­ny, viz.

1 Of Atheists, Libertines, In­fidels, Idolaters.

2 Sectaries, Scismaticks.

3 Common neglecters and a­busers of Gods Ordinances.

4 Swearers, cursers, impre­cators, blaspemers.

5 Sabbath breakers.

6 Traitors, disobedient to au­thority.

7 Cavalers, contentious quar­rellours.

[Page 66]8 Gluttons, drunkards, riotous.

9 Foolish, filthy, prophane speakers.

10 Proud, scornfull, slight­ing, dis-respective, distastfull.

11 Hasty, hair-braind, humo­rists.

12 Self-conceited, boasting, detracting, injurious, slande­rers, depravers, tale-bearers, flatterers.

13 Dissemblers, lyars, unjust.

14 Idle persons, sluggards, gamsters, prodigals.

15 Whores, and Whore-han­ters.

16 Malicious, hard-hearted, hardly to be reconciled.

17 Vaine, lewd, prophane li­vers.

18 All such as jeere, mock at, or despise God, his Word, Wor­ship and Service, his Ministers, good men, and goodnesse.

19 Time-servers, luke-warm professors, and the like.

II. What course to take to avoid their society.

1 To avoid comming by them and the places he knowes they frequent.

2 All familiarity with them.

3 Or joyning in affinity or friendship with them.

4 Or seeking any kindnesse from them.

5 Or accepting any of them (if he can avoid it) so not to ob­lige himselfe to them.

6 Or having any thing to doe with them.

7 All delight in their vaine, jesting, wicked, world-pleasing words, or wayes.

8 All unnecessary discourse with them.

9 All Tobacco-drinking, a main means of fellowship.

10 Seeking them out (for any regard.)

11 Meeting with them if he can (without incivility and with [Page 68]conveniency) turne from them.

III. But when of necessity he must meet with, converse, or be among them.

1 Not to follow their invita­tion to any evil for any respect.

2 But resolutely to breake from them, though they be great, and otherwise faire con­ditioned.

3 Though they speak friend­ly, or invite earnestly, to deny them discre [...]tly.

4 To stay as little while as may be with them.

5 When he is among them not (in word or deed) to sinne with them.

6 To shew dislike of, and re­prove their vices, as he may wisely and boldly.

7 To grieve inwardly for what he cannot mend.

8 Especially to watch over his tongue.

[Page 69]9 And not conforme to their foolish and sinfull customes.

IIII. All this for these especi­all respects.

1 Having by often most wo­full experience found they have occasioned his most hai­nous and shamefull backsli­dings.

2 And will procure the like hereafter.

3 And that the Lord (in ju­stice) hath left him to fall into sinne with them, for not avoy­ding their society.

4 And will doe so againe.

5 And that he shall be pu­nisht with them.

6 And perish for company (not repenting.)

7 And doe more cause them to blaspheme.

8 And harden them in their sinnes.

9 And cause them more to [Page 70]contemne, scorne, laugh at and reproach him.

10 And speake evill of his re­ligious profession by his evill example.

V. To endeavour all this, al­though he find these and the like oppositions.

1 Evill will and hatred.

2 Envy, malice, mis-inter­pretations.

3 Scoffes and reproachfull tants.

4 Hinderance in his worldly affaires.

5 Let them all think, speak, or doe what they will of, or against him.

VI. Therfore among the rest to use these meanes to further his performance hereof.

1 To be sincere, circumspect, and constant in avoyding all occasions.

[Page 71]2 Often and earnestly to crave the Lords help, to which nothing is impossible.

3 To take heed chiefly of such companions as have misled, and whose pleasing vain, have most power to mislead him.

4 To remember and lay to heart the old Proverb, Woe worth ill company; see the next Vow.

Withall to avoid

All drinking or pledging healths, which is sacraficing to Sathan; all drinking of full cups, or great glasses, or many draughts, or so much as may a­ny way distemper, sitting long at the wine, rising early there­to, or being mighty to poure in strong drink, or using any pro­vocation [Page 73]to intemperance in himselfe or others; yea, all temptations to tipling.

More particularly,

To avoid to invite, or be in­tited by others that way given; and when it is convenient to invite and be invited, to pre­tent, to shew dislike of, to re­fuse, to break off; yea, discreet­ly and mildly, and if need be, freely and boldly to speak a­gainst whatsoever would occasi­on excesse and gussing; to let every one have liberty to drink as little and as seldome as they please, without the very least urging or shew of mislike; to desire and take the same free­dome my selfe; but if that be displea sing and will not serve the turne, to depart instantly, though others should thinke rudely.

When needs must,

That he must be in such pla­ces, and among such society as occasion in temperance often­times, as in the Leaguer, going to an Ordinary for my diet, to goe no longer before, nor to stay no longer after meals then needs must, and having satisfi­ed himselfe soberly and comfor­tably, to depart speedily and civilly; yea, sometimes to de­ny and refuse that which might else be done lawfully and free­ly, least by little and little he be drawne on to forget himself, and too farre to stretch or any way to abuse his Christian li­berty; by no means to provoke others to the least intempe­rance; to loath all such cour­ses and customes, and by all meanes to shew it; discreetly and resolutely to declare the hainousnesse and danger of them, yea, although in the [Page 75]company of great men and such as are in authority over him, and who perhaps therefore will [...]out and contemne him; with all friendlinesse and civility to desire them to excuse him, and to refuse at the first, and to use them thereto constantly, least yeelding a little, and taking li­berty sometimes, he be so in­tangled that he cannot without great distaste be againe freed; yea, rather then faile, at some times, in some places and com­panies to vow against, and ab­staine from all wine, strong beere, hot-waters, and the like, altogether, when, where and among whom he feares, or it is likely he may be provoked.

To lay to beart

The basenesse and beastli­nesse of this vice; what fooles and mad-men drunkards are; the sinfulnesse and punishment [Page 76]thereof, how it layes us open to all apishnesse, shame and scorn, to all injuriousnesse, villany and mischiefe; how unfit it makes us to serve God, to con­verse among men, to discharge our calling, so that no body re­spects, or cares to imploy, dare, or will trust such an one; yea, how those that are otherwise wicked men, and their owne companions in their hearts, contemne, scornfully speak of, deride, laugh at, and shameful­ly abuse such.

Especially let Professors

Consider seriously and con­scionably, how foule a blemish this vice is, and how much shame, scorn and injury it hath procured, and will procure un­to them; his owne sinfull, for­rowfull and shamefull experi­ence makes him speak it, for it hath been cast in his teeth, and [Page 77]he hath justly deserved it; he prayes and hopes to be the bet­ter for it, and resolves by Gods good grace never more to fall into it, but carefully to eschew all occasions of it; solemnly protesting as farre as is possible never to come in company with those, who out of malice nor conscience, have spoken of it; or so to abridge his lawfull li­berty, and to carry himselfe so circumspectly and soberly, that their malicious mouthes may be stopped, former scandals remo­red, and furture prevented; ne­rer forgetting what horrible dejections of spirit, terrours of conscience and distempers of body he hath found upon it; therefore daily to pray and watch against it.

And further;

Seriously considering his for­mer offches to be deeply hum­bled, [Page 80]his evill inclination to be constantly watchfull, his great weaknesse to feare alwayes, to remember Josephs speech and example for imitation; the threatnings against, and judg­ments upon uncleannesle, to be terrefied therefrom, or else to looke for the like; to lay to heart whatsoever hath occasi­oned or may occasion any im­purity in himselfe or others, or that hath brought him the nee­rest to fall therein to run from the like hereafter; to bear down his body, and to break off sloth; to eschew idlenesse, solitarinesse and intemperance; to learne well that Heathen lesson, sure cerere & bacho friget venus: to pray often and earnestly, that the Lord as he wils, will please to work his sanctification, that he may possesse his vessell in all holinesse and honour and that continually.

To speak

As he would be heard, and content to answer and justifie; alwayes to let his tongue con­sent with his brains, forethink­ing before he speak, whether it be lawfull or fitting that he is about to speak, so to speak or be silent accordingly; to speake of others as he would be spoken of by others; to speak of the good, but to conceale the ill of every one, especially they being dead or absent; yea, though of such as have injured him, and given cause to speak evill of them; to be wholly silent, rather then speak the lest word that offends God or wrong man; conside­ring it hath often shamel, vexed [Page 87]and troubled him to have spo­ken, but seldome to have held his tongue, and will doe if he watch not; a word out is no more ours, tis then too late to say, had I not said it; what will follow of it? Never assirming more then he knows to be true; sometimes forbearing to relate things strange, though true; to avoid asking or answering que­stions, or enquiring after, and relating newes lightly; all tal­king of State-matters, or of great persons and their procee­dings; or of finding fault where it does not concerne him, or more then concernes the busi­nesse; to take heed of discove­ring his affections by his words, of speaking his owne suspitions, of complaining of his condition, of revealing his owne or others secrets; for if he cannot keep his owne counsell, why should he conceive another can or will [...] [Page 88]not to tell another what he would not should be told forth; to talke with all reverence and wisdome of holy things, with all charity and sparingnesse of o­thers courses; with all lowli­nesse and sobriety of his owne businesse; to avoyd too much forwardnesse, and too many words in praysing others who deserve it, not to praise his friend with a loud voyce; yet not to neglect the seasonable and serious commendation of true worth, nor the thankful ac­knowledging the favours of his friend; to flatter none, to speak as each merits truly and dis­creetly.

In all his discourses

To be inoffensive and accepta­ble, to remember deliberation and softnesse; not to be loud or hasty, not to use re-itterations, not to interupt others, in speak­ing, [Page 89]but to heare all out, and than to speake or answer in due season to the purpose, as briefly and pithily as may be; with freenesse, truth and plainnesse, and there an end.

Thus in his Family,

THat all his discourses tend thereto, yea, to bring our needfull talke of outward things in the conclusion to the same end; also, if the Lord especial­ly blesse or afflict us, out of the same to labor thereafter; yea, out of whatsoever we hear or observe [Page 90]cerning others to gather occasi­on thereunto, to speak of what we heare and read out of Gods Word, or things grounded thereon to this purpose; to let no occasion slip without some observation and word of edifica­tion thereout, for thansgiving, humiliation, consolation or prayer, &c.

Also with others,

When they come to visit or eat with him, or he with them, or that accidentally he come to converse with any in the Lea­guer, or garrison, or any where else; alwayes to remember and carefully to endeavour, that we part not without some edifying discourses, therefore, though they be worldly, vaine and wic­ked men (if they doe not open­ly and utterly oppose, scorne and rage at goodnesse, and so shew themselves to be those [Page 91]dogges and swine, to whom these pearls may not be given, nor bread cast) to seek out or catch at some passage or other that may minister occasion to say somewhat that may savour of sanctification, to touch the sins observed in generall terms; and to another person, which he would some other present should take notice of; so for well doing, taking heed of na­ming any, to avoid offence, and to winne the more, except it be convenient to mention the names of such as are notable ex­amples of piety, honesty, sobri­ety and good government, to move to holy emulation and imitation, among such as are more civill, and not openly pro­phane to be more free; yet with very great circumspection and godly discretion, so that some good may be done and no of­fence taken, at least that no just [Page 92]cause thereof be given, but a­mong those that truly feare God, are members of his Church and make a more then ordinary profession of Religion, and would be esteemed religious, to goe yet further with them, to break off neednesse and worldly discourse, by drawing somewhat thereout for better; to ask some case of conscience, or the mea­ning of some place of Scripture, or to relate some seasonable passage heard at a Sermon, or read in Gods Word, &c. to lay hold on some good wordspoken, to hold on the good discourse, to break off his owne and others wretched silence and miserable indisposition, or shame to good conference, and one wayor other to move thereunto.

Yet all

In all Christian wisdome, well weighing the circumstan­ces [Page 93]of time, place, persons, oc­casions, formost, fitnesse and best acceptation; ever speaking circumspectly, distinctly, so­berly, friendly and reverendly, with such expressions, counte­nance and gesture, that it may appeare his onely end is edify­ing himselfe and others; avoy­ding speaking when and where he should not be heard, or the matter not regarded, and all kind of affectation in words or carriage; above all beseeching God before, at, and after every meeting (at least in heart) to guide, strengthen and blesse his good, though most weak desires and endeavours herein, doing all as his duty requires to Gods glory, others good, and his own satisfaction; having especiall care to carry himselfe so in all his words and wayes, that he may not crosse and make fruit­lesse his good discourses, bewai­ling [Page 94]if he hath beene with any without doing or receiving some good; and that so usefull a duty of Edification, hath been, and is by himselfe and others so greatly neglected, and by the most, so much laught at and contemned.

Further to avoid

Vaine, light, loud and un­seemly laughter, which is a sure and open signe of forgetfulnesse unstaiednesse, misgovernment and folly; to take good heed continually in his talking with others, and when others talke with him, or when he is alone it think no body sees him, that he break off and amend, nodding with, shaking of his head, win­king with the eyes, biting of the lip, wrying the mouth, gaping, putting out the tongue, gnashing his teeth, staring in the face, hanging the head downe, lay­ing it on the shoulder, thrug­ging his shoulder, acting [Page 87]with his hands, motions of the feet, or any other unseemly po­sture with any part of the body, out of scorn, carelesnesse or cu­stome, or out of conceit they become him well, or in vaine astectation, or in foolish imita­tion.

In these to be especially carefull.

Because therein he hath been formerly so forgetfull, that some have noted him for unbe­seeming demeanor; to endeavor in every thing (by Gods good guidance) to be so circumspect that he in nothing give distaste, but may converse commendably and acceptably; withall, re­membring what contempt, shame and trouble for miscarri­age hath procured and will procure him; and not forget­ting that what he mislikes and speaks against, as a blemish, un­comely and misseeming in o­thers (in their manner of spea­king, [Page 98]countenance, carringe and gesture) as ill becomes him and causeth others to blame him, and the lesse to regard him.

Also,

How he may carry himselfe most conscionably, faithfully, worthily and comfortably in his particular place and calling, and how most religiously and ordorly in his Family, and how most Christianly and commen­dably in his common course.

Further,

How best to walk with his God in saving-knowledge, true faith, sincere obedience, sound repen­tance, lively hope; yea, in all good conscience, with contenta­tion in every condition.

And how,

Best to be assured of Gods love, mercy, grace, peace, joy, strength, rel [...]efe, protection and blessing in all he takes in hand, and that concernes him; how best to demeane himselfe in prosperity and adversity; how to make right use of every pre­sent condition, to draw the nea­rer to, and to find the more communion with God thereby, in all his proceedings (though never so small) more often and earnestly consult with God, to [Page 101]crave his direction and blessing by his Word and prayer.

To furnish himselfe

With such meditations, pla­ces of Scripture and solid rea­sons, as may best fence him a­gainst those sinnes most inci­dent to his nature, calling, com­mon conversation, family-car­riage and private course, and for most Christian and comely carriage to the contrary.

To remember

He is in Gods al-seeing sight, though never so alone; there­fore to take heede that his thoughts and carriage be such as become his most holy, glorious and al-knowing presence; and if he must, or when he doth think upon his outward, lawfull, worldly occasions, in regard of [Page 102]his imployments, distresses, or Christian comforts, not to dwell too long upon them, but to mix holy cogitations with them, and by them to be moved to sigh, to call to God for his direction and blessing in them when he departs from them.

To be often

In prayer and other heavenly exercises when he is in private; to this end, often seperating himselfe from impediments, es­pecially from company, and to love in this manner, to be pri­vate and solitary; therefore to chuse and frequent such times and places constantly and un­vreariedly.

Also,

Gods most fearfull and re­markable judgements abroad in the world, his particular plagues upon particular per­sons; yea, some that he hath knowne, Gods heavy visitations generall and particular upon his owne Church and deare Children; those afflictions that have been, yet are, or are like to fall upon himselfe and his Family; upon them, most neere and deare unto him; the vani­ty and vexation of all things under the Sunne, the mutabili­ty and mortality of all men, the day of his owne death, terri­blenesse of the great day of ac­count, endlesse and eas [...]esse [Page 105]paines of hell, the full and ever during happinesse in Heaven; the attributes of the Lord God, as his most absolute, infinite and unchangeable holinesse, ex­cellency, power, justice, mer­cy, wisdome, truth, omnisci­ence, omnipresence, &c. and every his owne extreame wick­ednesse, basenesse, wretched­nesse, helplesnesse, &c. to keep his heart in awe, that he sinne not; to watch, to walke hum­bly with, and uprightly before his God; to labour to lay to heart whatsoever may by Gods working move him, with some sense and sorrow, to weigh his owne and other misdeeds and miscries, and cause him the more carefully and affectionate­ly to feare, seeke, serve, de­pend upon, and give due glory unto the Lord his God, who is blessed for evermore.

Not forgetting

How the Lord hath pleased to make us, that were meere hea­thens, his owne people; and what great preservations, victo­ries and deliverances, and bles­sings, the Lord hath pleased to vouchsafe from time to time to his Church and Children, es­pecially in England and the Ne­therlands, &c. How graciously it hath pleased our God to shew mercy, to give grace unto, to keep in health, to restore to health, to relieve, preserve, de­liver, to ease, strengthen, and recover his poore Wife and Children, as every occasion re­quired, [Page 109]and every way to watch over him and his for good; and how the Lord hath most freely, plainly, plentifully and infal­libly assured him, those most neere and deare unto him, and all his all that is good for us here, and all happinesse with himselfe in Heaven for ever­more; see in his records of Gods especiall mercies.

All these and the like

To be laid to heart with more large meditations on each, with all intire affection, in the sense of the Lords unutterable good­nesse towards us, and with all deep humiliation in the sense of our unworthinesse of them, and with all Christian confidence in the assurance of his promised favoures; so to give his God the glory due unto his great name, in heavenly contempla­tions, [Page 110]holy acknowledgement, and sincere obedience.

Further,

Seriously to call to mind, confesse, bewaise, with resolu­tion to forsake those particular sinnes, which his conscience tels him have brought this heavy af­fliction upon him; to beg par­don for, and reformation of them, and that they may not hinder Gods helping of him, or the Lords vouchsafeing a sanctified use of the visitation to him; to consider wisely what [Page 112]outward occasions procured the affliction unto him, not to blame the [...]ame, but his owne folly, sinne and weaknesse chief­ly; to rayse his thoughts to him that sent it; yea, that the Lord pleased so to have it, who assuredly (though flesh and blood cannot digest it) intends and will worke (spite all oppo­sitions and impossibilities) his reall good by it; that he daily in all humility with fervency and confidence, commends his condition to the Lords most mighty, wise, mercifull and faithfull disposing wholly, who knows the same and all circum­stances therof fully, & by often fasting and prayer (as by Gods grace he hath done) to beseech his God according to his owne good pleasure, to have regard unto it graciously; especially to pray the Lord to discover to him the inward causes of it; that [Page 113]he may aright know his hand in it, and kisse the rod that scour­geth him, and in all good con­science, with a contented mind, to await for such an issue as his good God shall please to give but of it; to use onely the law­full meanes, and as farre as he conceives all lawfull meanes in lawfull manner to be relie­ved; so to commend the rest to him that can doe with him what he will, and will do what in wis­dome, love and faithfulnesse he sees best for us in the end, and nothing shall let it, because his mouth hath spoken it; who if he think fit to deny in this or that particular, what we con­ceive wee so much want, and doe so earnestly crave, will undoubtedly helpe some other way abundantly.

Far his further assurance of all these,

Well to weigh how the Lord hath formerly oftentimes, and most remarkably helped in greatest extremity, when them was as small hope and possibi­lity; Consider also, what the Lord in such cases hath promi­sed in fallibly, and that he hath innumerable wayes to help con­tinually; yea, when all seem past remedy, that he can as ea­sily deliver out of the most and greatest miseries, as if they were never so few and small, and as well out of this as our of any o­ther; that he is our beavenly Father in Christ, whom he hath given to save us, with whom he hath given and assured us what­soever he sees best for us.

Therefore

In wel-doing to trust God most in greatest extremity (and by Gods especiall grace) to hold fast his integrity, whatso­ever he suffer thereby, resting fully perswaded, though Hea­ven and earth should meet toge­ther, yet that the Lord who hath so expresly promised, it cannot, will not faile, forsake or for­get us.

Lord my God,

My soule seeketh all help on­ly from thee, I know no helpe without thee, I pray alone unto thee, I depend onely upon thee, I await alwayes for thee, I submit wholly to thee, surely thou that art to come, wilt come, and not tarry.

Not forgetting

How graciously the Lord yet sustaineth me, and that I am not over-charged utterly, and that my punishment herein is so infi­nitely lesse then mine iniquity, and that so many millions more worthy then I am suffer greater misery; and what an especiall favour the Lord does me, that I can all seek to, and trust in him in my necessity; Lord doe but hereby bring me home unto thee, and further my salvation eternally, and it is enough for me, deale as thou pleasest with me; see in his prayer to this purpofe, in his daily devotions, and in his sure stay in greatest extremity.

If his estate be, or by Gods good­nesse prove more prosperous,

To take especiall notice of, in heart to acknowledge, carefully [Page 117]to write up and record, reve­tendly to tell to others, affecti­onately to thank the Lord for his fatherly love, care, provi­dence, assistance and blessing in that his estate is bettered, and his great necessities so remark­ably relieved, and that his good and powerfull hand hath so hel­ped, &c. to be the more humble, watchful & upright; not to prove proud, high-minded and puft up, or to grow the more care­les, or to think himself the more secure, or the lesse to est [...]eme others deserving respect, or to flacken or loose his integrity or piety, or sobriety, or the daily and conscionable performing holy exercises thereby; not to set his hart theron, or prodigally to spend the more, or any way to be misled thereby to any lust, or excesse, to be the more con­scionable, temperate and chari­table, as having the more to ac­count [Page 118]for, that he may not be transported into any sinne or folly by having the more, to consider the vanity and vexati­on hereof, and mixed-here with­in the very best and most com­fortable use, that this outward prosperity is not simply a cer­taine signe of Gods favour, or of our goodnesse; as we see by common experience, for the worst men for the most part in this world prosper best, and the best are most affli­cted; that our estate can soone be changed to be worse then it was, yea, to the greatest extr [...] ­mity; that it neither commends our persons, prayers, or any thing that we doe, or that con­cernes us the more unto the Lord; that it can offord us no comfort, ease or help in any vi­sitation, nor in any wise prevent she same; that it can neither keep off, nor comfort us at the [Page 119]houre of death, nor further us to Heaven, if not sanctified to us, and that we have not a son­ctified use thereof, therefore by Gods grace to labour privately before God, and publiquely in he face of the world; to be more devout, and well gover­ned, that the blessings God hath given him, may by Gods mercies prove blessings to him, and pledges of the best blessings to him, that none may say, see his change of estate hath chan­ged him to the worse, and that instead of comforts, they prove not [...]rses unto him, &c.

Also,

Carefully to avoid, to break est, to amend forgetfulnesse, [Page 122]neglect, unwillingnesse, back­wardnesse, delaying, seeking ex­cuses, dispensing to omit, & the like hinderances in this case.

Yea,

Although profit come in plen­tifully, yea, so much the more to continue accordingly, dealing herein directly as in the sight of God, who knowes the temper of his heart, and manner of dea­ling herein.

Doing thus,

To testifie reall thankfulnesse for blessings received, and sin­cere obedience to what is requi­red, and to performe faithfully what he hath so seriously vow­ed, with an assured expectation of a mercifull and plentifull blessing according as the Lord hath promised, and in his good pleasure sees most fitting, re­membring that to dare to dodge with God herein is not the way to prosper, but to procure the more misery.

In life and health

By Gods great goodnesse and grace to set himselfe about these two things especially, viz.

1 To make his peace with God.

2 To put his outward estate in good order.

For the first of these;

To pray & to endeavour daily [Page 129]and seriously to search out, ac­knowledge, bewaile, abhor, pro­test against, resolve to forsake, fly the occasions of, to beg par­don for, strength to resist and overcome every knowne sinne whatsoever, his especiall ones in especiall manner; those prin­cipally that his wofull experi­ence hath told him, doth or may tell him, have broken, doe, will or may most violate his sweet peace with his sweet God, most trouble his mind, terrifie his conscience, makes him most fear Gods displeasure for the pre­sent, and would most affright his soul if he were ready to dye, and had not assurance they were pardoned; so not daring for a­ny respect to persist in any knowne evill impenitently, but seeking of, walking with his God in all things revealed to, and so required of him sincerely and watchfully, cleaving to the Lord [Page 130]with full purpose of heart, in all good conscience inseperably; thus dying to sinne, and living to grace daily, the sting of death which is sin unrepented of, may be plucked out throughly, so shall death have no power to hurt me.

Further for this,

By faith feelingly and effectu­ally, to apply the pardon which his most mercifull Father hath freely promised, and by his Co­venant, examples, and according to the goodnesse of his owne na­ture, infinitely assured in the blood of the Lord Jesus for all his sinnes, though never so ma­ny and hainous; that the Lord loves him in his most dearly Be­loved, with an undeserved, infi­nite, unchangeable love, not­withstanding his unmeasurable unworthinesse, extreame weak­nesse, and never so great impe­diments, to looke for mercy and [Page 131]grace, the cause of true peace from the Lord of life onely; of­ten and earnestly to pray to the Prince of Peace, for that Peace that he hath graciously left with and plentifully promised to his; to consider, be affected with, and imbrace what he hath found most to further, or that he daily finds, and conceives he shall find to be most furtherable to the procuring and keeping this sweet peace which passeth all understanding; to prize this Peace before al the world with­out it, in any measure injoying it, to be affectionately thank­full for it, to be most fearfull of loosing it, if it be wanting or de­cayed, never to be at peace, till it be vouchsafed or restored, nor to give the Lord rest till he grant it; considering the great setling against all distempers it brings with it, and what misera­ble disquiet, yea, that nothing [Page 132]in this world can give true con­tent without it; yea, that the remembrance of death is sweet­ned, and the cure of the feare of death is furthered by it; for ha­ving peace with God through Jesus Christ, neither sinne nor affliction, nor death, nor devill, nor hell, shall ever be able to harme us, for our God who hath assured it in spite of all, that all these can make against us, will cause all to procure good unto us.

For putting his outward estate in order.

According to the meanes his good God in his good provi­dence hath afforded, or shall please to vouchsafe unto him, to have especiall care, without de­lay conscionably and wisely to order all; so that those to whom he may be indebted at his de­cease may be honestly paid, that none may have just cause to [Page 133]complaine against him, or lose the least by him, that it may ap­peare he hath dealt honestly with every one to his uttermost power, to keep a true and exact account of all he owes continu­ally, to prevent future trouble, disorder and mistakings.

And further;

As by Christianity and nature he is bound, of what shall re­maine (others to whom he was indebted, being paid) to pro­vide for his Family, by appoin­ting every one his portion, as conscience and equity requires, and he with good judgement & sound deliberation (through­ly weighing the circumstances and his charge) sees most fit, and so far as is possible for preven­ting heart-burnings, contenti­ons and Law-suits among those of his he leaves after him, and from others against them; con­cerning both these poynts of [Page 134]debts, paying and division a­mong his own; timely to make, carefully and constantly to keep in readinesse his Will, or some other writing according to the course of Law, whereby may plainly appeare, what course he would have followed in each particular, and as occasion re­quires, changing or confirming the same, leaving the good suc­cesse of these his honest intend­ments and endeavours to the Lords good blessing, and which he must often beseech the Lord in the future, as need requires to make prosperous, that none may be wronged, that his may be relieved, and all contentions prevented.

Thus while he is in life and health.

In time of sicknesse,

At the beginning, and as it increases by the Lords assi­stance, most seriously to search [Page 135]out what sinnes he can conceive to have procured the visitation, or that any way troubles his conscience, to renew the most humble acknowledgement of them, to lament and crave re­newed remission of them, and assurance of pardon for them; also more earnestly renewing his resolutions against them, and vowes (if God please to send recovery) no more to fall into them; to ply the promised duty of examination now especially, to find out as neere as he can what sinnes are threatned, with the punishment of sicknesse par­ticularly, and to take the same course to be rid of them that is here mentioned already; ha­ving thus nenewed his repen­tance and faith, and his peace with the Lord in Christ, to re­view and settle his will or wri­ting for ordering his outward estate, and then in obedience [Page 136]unto, and in the feare of the Lord, to use all lawfull meanes for recovering his health, look­ing chiefly and onely to the Lords blessing thereupon, with­out which all is in vaine, hum­bly submitting unto, patiently bearing of, resting heartily con­tented with, by no meanes, or not in the least to murmure a­gainst the Lords good pleasure towards him; with a sober spi­rit, meek mind, understanding well governed heart, setled countenance, Christian and seemly carriage, to demeane himselfe under the hand of his God, justifying the Lord, though himselfe be utterly con­sumed, trusting in him though he should be killed, thanking of him, and laying to heart that so infinitely farre lesse then his de­serts he is punished, that he is so fatherly chastised, that mercy in the midst of wrath is remem­bred, [Page 137]that any ease is vouchsa­fed, that so many meanes of comfort is granted, that a good issue (goe all how it will) is assu­red, and a sanctified use promi­sed; and that as a Child from a most wise and tender-hearted Father (though the affliction be long and sore) he is afflicted, to beseech the Lord for a right carriage in his affliction; for a sanctified use of his affliction, for a happy deliverance how he pleaseth from the affliction, and so without any mere adoe or trouble, with a quiet, well con­tented mind to await the issue, which belongeth to the Lord onely, and to those that visit him, to speake Christianly.

At the poynt of death,

And the neerer he draweth thereunto, to draw the neerer to his God in Christ, by humilia­tion, faith, prayer, patience, hope and longing, all through [Page 130]the strenhth of the Lord, which against that time he must often before, and as long as he live beseech the Lord to give him; as also to discourse holily; to call upon the Lord continually; yea, if it be possible to dye pray­ing, or with some pertinent place of Scripture, or some o­ther godly speech in his mouth, for his owne more refreshing or setling, and the exemplary edi­fication of those most neere and deare to him, or others that are about him; to sigh to Hea­ven, to shew signes his heart is there, when power to pray or speake is taken from him.

O Lord my God,

Make me mindfull of my mor­tality, and teach me so to num­ber my dayes, that I may apply my heart to true wisdome; cause me cleerly to discerne and rightly to be sensible of the va­nity and vexation of all things [Page 139]under the Sunne; Oh let them no more mislead me, make me willing to part from them, cause me to dye to sinne, and live to thee daily; cause me to live by faith and keepe a good consci­ence continually, prepare me in my inward and outward man, yea, every way for thee; settle me against all discouragements concerning the remembrance or comming of death, yea, cure the feare thereof in me, make me willing to leave this, and desi­rous of a better life, dispose me, be I never so averse there-from; Oh dispose me to wish to be dis­solved, and to be with thee un­fainedly, from a sudden unpro­vided death, good Lord deliver me; make me alwayes ready for thee, that I may bid thee wel­come, and resigne my selfe into thy hands gladly; when it com­meth to the push, Lord when it commeth to the push, help me [Page 140]to doe as thou hast granted me to know, write, purpose and pray for, and every way else that thy will and my condition as a good Christian requireth of me; yea, then uphold, governe, work in, with, and for me; when I am weakest and Sathan busi­est, that I may not be tempted beyond what I shall be enabled to beare; that I may find thee my help in need, my deliverer thereout, and that thou receivest me to thy Kingdome of Glory, Amen.

These among many other reasons, moves him to take this course.

1 Because the Lord expresly requires it.

2 Because it is most sure and comfortable.

3 Because to prepare for death doth not hasten but qualifie it.

4 Lest deferring time present, he be deprived of time to come; [Page 141]for who knoweth what sudden and sore changes a day may bring forth.

5 It being most certaine he must dye, and yet as uncertaine when, where, or how.

6 That no outward priviled­ges can prevent or comfort at the time of death, but this course can comfort, though not pre­vent.

7 That others as likely to live as himselfe are dead.

8 That the longer we put off our preparation for death, the more unfit we are and shall be to dye.

9 That having in sincerity though weakly dispatched this great businesse, nothing can be grievous unto us.

10 That when the Lord cals for us, we have no more to doe but in peace with cheerfulnesse, to give our selves into his hands.

11 That he might give his [Page 142]mind the fuller satisfaction.

12 And be the more free [...] walk in all the narrow way of life to happinesse.

13 That we are most unf [...] hereto, when sicknesse ceaseth on us, and death threaten us, having then too much to doe with our paines and other di­stractions.

14 That this work being done the greatest work is done that can concerne us, and that as far as we faile herein, we faile of solid comforts.

15 That it is the best wisdome by timely preparation for our most comfort, to entertaine that which all the world cannot keep from us, and which be neglected will certainly ruine us.

16 By this course we shall much honour God, and benefit others that see, know, or heare of us.

Now for the exceeding many, [Page 143]and most excellent benefits fol­lowing this conscionable, care­full and constant course, besides what is mentioned before; for more brevity he referres you to those places of Scripture con­cerning death, and everlasting life, to be found in his collecti­on of Promises, page 33. and 67. where also is more plenti­fully explained what he under­stands, beleeves and looks for in both these respects: Oh that my soule could sensibly say, Come Lord Jesus come quickly, ever so come Lord Jesus I beseech thee.