powerful Engine even the Power of GOD unto Salvation Rom 7. 16. that if it were not opposed by the petty power of Men and GOD may suffer this for good and holy ends it would certainly make a sensible change in the Christian World This Gospel not only pressing and propounding a pure Faith and also good manners and impartially distributing to every Rank their Duty It cannot be suffered in this Luxurient and Wantoâ— Age when the lusts of Men not the Golâ— pel carries the sway And further if thâ— methods of Christs Oeconomy for the government and the Education of His Disciples were not despised and not considered all would be observant of their Station and Relation But alas Baptism and Baptismaâ— Engagements are very little headed by Parents or Children and Confirmation is either not in use or not in force And the Keyes both of Doctrine and Discipline are cunningly thrusted out of the Churches hands and the great Men of the World will have it so and the most of Men hate restraint and therefore love to have it so but let the Godly humble and mourn for all this and pray that the Gospel may yet have its Native Power and the Sacraments and the Discipline of CHRIST have their Genuine force that the Church may be yet Patronised and become fair as the Moon beautiful as the Sun and terrible as an Armie with Banners Cant. 3. 6. Then would Religion shine in its glory then would differences be healed and good and bad be discovered then People would return to the LORD with their faces thitherwaâ—d then would GODS Day â—rdinances and Ministers Be punctually looked to and respected then would GOD be set up in the Houses and Hearts profession and practices of Men and a golden Age woulâ— be Restored that all the Godly mighâ— cry grace to the work and Glory to the Workeâ— The Prayer LORD heal a sinful World and a sadly corrupted Church and open the Eyes of the powers and of all people more to mind the things oâ— Jesus Christ Heal the Backslidings of this sâ—â—ful Generation and bring us out to the Light thâ— we may see thy Righteousness let the time even thâ— set time to favour Zion comeâ— and regard thoâ— O LORD the Prayer of the destitute who loves Zion even in the Dust Revive the pregnant Pâ—â—rity of Primitive Christianity after the dierfull declensions of many generations come LORD down upon mount Zion O Lyon of the Tribe of Judah and roar with terrour that all the wicked of the Earth may tremble And display 〈◊〉 banner for all that long and wait for thy Salvation Amen § 7. 2ly As to any Form of Devotioâ— used in this Treatise I need not apologize much since this hath been impressed upon the Rational World by invincable rable Arguments Only as to my Mite and Measure I shal desire you to consider First That by the Commandment of GOD himself Forms were used in the Jewish Church And not only the Matter but the Words were put in Moses's mouth by the LORD Num 6 from 22. to the end And at the resting of the Camp of Israel And by the Prophet Hosea returning Israel is bid take with him words Hosea 14. 2. And say Take away all iniquitie And the whole of the Jewish worship Sacrifices was directed by GOD in a constant form of Incence and Oblations And in the times of the new Test John the Baptist taught his Disciples the form of Prayer and Christs Disciples crave of Him the same direction who said unto them when â—e pray say Our Father c. Which Prayer was still in use amongst the Disciples of Christ as it is probably inferred from that of St. Peter If ye call on the Father c. 1 Pet 1. 17. Where probably the Apostle Judgeth it to be the constant custom of Christians to say the LORDS Prayer And the Primitive Church had it's Liturgies which hath been the practice of the best of Churches It were therefore Good that a novice sect of men that are so much against forms should not so superciliously imagine that doubtless they are the People and that Wisdom dwells with them And that they are only competent to Reform the Christian World in it's practice of Devotion for 16 Ages since they themselves use a form of Benediction and dimission of the people according to the Appostolick practice Tâ—â— Grace of our Lord Jesus c. And 2ly If it be considered impartially this doth not restrict Men especially Gospel Ministers to a Form but are allowed without doubt to express their mind to GOD in the method of their own conceptions providing it be done with gravity knowledge and great deliberation But it would be adverted that Forms do not stint the expressions of Mens Gifts and the Spirit of Prayer doth not soly assist in these extemporary Gifts but also doth Act in the Calm Element of an approved form since it is not the matter only but the heart guided by the Spirit that helpeth to a Right way of Devotion and it may be in Charity Judged that the devout praâ—ing The LORDS Prayer may do it with as much if not more of the Spirit than by an extemporarie Gift and I am confident The experiences of many deâ— vour persons will say no less So that it seems a Stupendious conceit in men to deny the constant use of that Divine Prayer uttered by the heart and lips of himâ— that was full of the HOLY GHOST And for my self I would Shrink to lay aside the use of these venerable and comprehensive words which are â—o be looked upon as the season and incense of all our Oblations And therefore I hope It shall not be thought impertinent to Summ up the matter of this treatise in all it's Periods and Stages into some particular Suitable forms which for clearness sake I shall ser down according to the six dayes of the Week and the LORDS Day The Prayer to be used upon Munday for Childhood OCreatour and Preserver of Man Thou made us and not we our selves Psal 100. And I was cast upon thee from the Womb Psal 22. 9. Thou madest me hope with an implicite Dependance while I was upon the Breasts O what a Blessing is it to be sanctified in the Womb and from the Womb This is a singular Grace indeed and all that are under the Rayes of the Gospel have the nearest access thereunto especially when by the happiness of Education it is early transmitted unto the Mind O LORD there have been myriads and millions of people before me And thou hast brought me forth in the last dayes and I am nothing but an empty Vessel without Thee I am lately sprung out of nothing and am nothing and have nothing and better had it been for me to have been nothing than want Thy Incorruptible Grace O LORD prevent me in the morning of my short day and Instill some Tincture in this new Vessel which may give it a lasting Relish Season my
have no excuse to neglect Religion in thy most busie Employment It will be good also that thou be a keeper at home and be not like a Bird that wanders from his Nest Let no sinful diversion especially the Tavern take thee away from thy Trade And if thou enclines to Religion follow not the guise of the Times be not carryed about with every wind of Doctrine Rather follow the Faith of the Orderly Church For it is very dangerous for love to a Sect to cutt the Church and break the Staves of Beauty For as long as thou reels with this giddy humour thou canst not well fix in a solid course of Religion And Lastly Beware of Discord and Division in thy family For 〈◊〉 consumes the Substance thereof makâ—â— many careless and desperate is an Enâ—â—my to all thâ—iâ—t For A house diviâ—â— cannot stand § 7. And for the management bâ—â— of thy conjugal Relation and callingâ—â— must here in the beginning of thy settâ—â—ment Recommend unto thee domâ—â—tick devotion and â—amily worship a duâ—â— that none of the seed of Jacob should â—â—cline it being their Fathers practice whâ—â— house was a Bethel to GOD a little Teâ—â—ple for the LORD of Glory who hâ—â— this duty brought down to him from 〈◊〉 famous Grandfather Faithful Abrahâ—â— who is commended for the Religious Gâ—â—vernment of his Family whose steps 〈◊〉 sau treased a man much of Contempâ—â—tion at home And thô Jacob hâ—â— Greater incumbrance and a more nuâ—â—erous family Yet his house as well 〈◊〉 person was consecrated to GOD. aâ—â— not only the Jews but also Christiaâ—â— should follow the Steps of these Venerâ—â— Patriarchs to be lively portractures of thâ—â— vertues as Images of their nature Aâ—â— this duty is so proper to the family thâ—â— before the Church was enlarged 〈◊〉 Master or Father of the House was â—â—iest and did officiate in the dayly Sâ—â—â—ifice at home And when the Church 〈◊〉 made more ample it is constitute of â—amilies which if Heterogenius to the â—ody they are but useless and corrupt â—embers Whereas the Families of the Faithful are blessed of GOD And His â—rath power'd out upon such families as all not upon His Name Jer 10. 25. Joshua that great Capâ—ain of the LORDS â—ost did not suffer his military Affairs 〈◊〉 hinder him and his House to serve GOD tho all Israel should neglect it David after him in the midst of a Bloomâ—â—g State under the burthen of a Crown and Countrey Yet walked Righteously in his House And every Tribe Family is called to pray and mourn a part Zech 12. 13. And the Gospel hath set up this Duty clearly Christ hath promised to be among the midst of two or three conveened in his Name And we read of the Church being in particular Houses and the Centurion feared GOD with all his House Acts 10 2. And Christ hath made 〈◊〉 a Royal Priesthood and a Holy Generation And this doth rather prepare for than invade a setled order of a Priesthood Private and Publick duty doth not interfere and Clash Thou must not only pray for thy Family but pray in thy Family Is the LORD the GOD of all the Familys of the Earth and not of thine Shalt thou wish GOD a Catholick service and cutt of thy Family by schisme This were to joyn thy House to another GOD or else to have none at all Let all Houses then that Smoak Smoak with Sacrifices to GOD for the House of the Godly is under a special Protection his Eyes are open to their Prayers GOD is a Shadow and Covert over the Roof of such Families It 's good To declare his Faithfulness every night and his Loving Kindness every morning Psal 92. 2. Let the People praise Thee O LORD let all the People praise Thee And Lastly This Duty of Family Devotion may be called Ezekiels Sign and Mark that saves from the destroying Angel and if any trouble fall out GOD knows how to deliver the Godly out of Temptations This Family worship is the great Characteristick of a Christian it makes thy House thy Home and gives thee Repose in thy Perigrination it makes thy house a Dutyful Tenement to the Great Land-Lord it payes due Rent to GOD it is the Bond and Beauty of thy House and makes thy Family like Jerusalem compact together § 8. Let every Christian then Regard Domestick duty which is so necessary and useful to guide the family and to consecrate and cover thy house which if thou Rule well with discretion and good Government thou shall find some leasure if it were but as long as to take thy Brakefast thou may conveen thy family and joyn together and seek GOD it would never hinder thy business but rather advance it if thou pretend thy ignorance it is much to be imputed to thy own fault and the neglect of thy Soul And if you say it is not the custom of many of your Rank Alas You are ready to follow an evil custom but to imitate what is good you have neither heart nor hand yet I am loath to leave thee in such neglect and therefore for meaner Capacities I shall subjoyn the Practice of Domestick Devotion and family Worship The Morning Prayer O Eternal and ever blessed GOD our blessed Creatour Preserver and Redeemer the fountain of Life and the Father of Lights the Keeper of Israel who never sleeps nor slumbers this poor family falls down before Thee this Morning and with all humble Devotion praises thy exalted Name for all thy mercies to Mankind and to us and that Thou has protected and refreshed us the night bygon and raiseâ— us up this morning in any health and hope Glory to Thee who hast given us time to rcpent LORD give us Grace to repcnt and to work oâ— the work of our own Salvation LORD heal oâ—â— corrupt nature sweeten our humour and seasâ—â— our heart with Grace slay our corruptions anâ— give our heart a right set with Thy healing haâ—â— perfect our Faith and guide us by Thy Spirit Vphold us with Thy Arm Refine and â—â—our hearts and passions set a Watch at the dâ—â— of our lips be at our right hand we shal nevâ—â— be moved give us to set Thee alwayes before 〈◊〉 and while it s called the day that we harden 〈◊〉 our hearts but hear thy Word and Voice thâ—â— we may spend the rest of our dayes in Thy 〈◊〉 and sincere Obediâ—nce save us from sin and Satan the deceits of the World and all dangerâ— of Soul and Body LORD bless our Famiâ—â— with Grace Peace Comfort and Contentmenâ—â— Heal the Church rule the publick Governmeâ—â— of Chureh and State Bless the Parish withâ—â— Gospel Blessing strengthen our Pastor prepaâ—â— us for Death and Judgement guide us all our dayes by Thy Council in Thy fear grant us a blessed and happy End and hereafter receive us unto Thy Glory through JESVS CHRIST our LORD in whose Name and Words 〈◊〉 pray Our Father c. And in the evening again labour to Recollect
their phansie who deny CHRIST's Offices Ministers Ordinances and Institutions will be so bold as to contradict it And therefore it concerns Parents Religiously to go about the Baptism of their Children and remember the great obligation they stand under for their pious Education And of Children baptized to reflect upon it when they come to any Knowledge and to improve it well by the Instruction of their Parents and Tutors whose serious Instructions grave Example and earnest Prayer for Young Ones may help to instill and drop in such Counsels into their easie and blank minds as may leave some Relish as a Vessel may still keep something of the tast and smell of the first liquor according to that Ancient observe quo semel est imbuta c. and this stage of our life may be reckoned to the fourth year of our Age. STAGE Second The Contents Of the particular care of Parents and Governours as to Children from four years old to twelve of studying their nature and genious and the inâ—â—â—ling and droping in some clear and common principles of Religion with the consideration of Regeneration and when the Children come to be about twelve years of age of their solemn Confirmation § 1. As the Children grows so should the care of their Parents increase towards them its dangerous to suffer the evil of their Nature to take rooting for then it will turn tenacious and obstinate it 's better to take the little Foxes that hurt their tender Gardens Cant. 2. 6. and by Religious conduct use the best means to Eradicate the corruption of their Nature and to correct that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and disorder that is naturally in them by frequent and gradual dropping of good counsel into their hearts especially by fixing in them the common notion of a GOD and fearing of Him of honouring their Parents And withal to acquaint them with their Baptismal Dedication and in as much as is possible to open up unto them the mâ—sterie of their redemption through Jesus Christ and that not only they know to Repeat the Law the Creed and Lords Prayer But also to make them according to their capacitie to understand these Thus entereth Knowledge into their Hearts as a little Drop by frequent falling makes a cavity and hollowness in the stone § 2. Although the Spirit of GOD the Author of Regeneration like the wind bloweth when where and how he pleases Joh. 3. v. 8. And calleth some sooner some later yet is it not improper to set it down here for that same LORD that Blessed Babs can Sow the Seed of Grace in their Hearts And of this Regeneration I shall only remember Man of the Necessity Nature and Evidence thereof First as to the necessity Our Saviour is very positive Job 3. v. 2. and 3. Except a man be Born again he cannot enter into the Kingdom of GOD and no outward exercise of Religion can avail us without the New Creature the Old-man must be Crucified and the New-man formed and Nurished ere we can be fit for the Kingdom of GOD. And 2ly We cannot better take up the Nature of it than by considering the Author and the manner of his Operation in producing this Work It is only the Spirit of GOD that doth it so is every one that is born of the Spirit John 3. 8. Of His own Will begatt He us that we should be a kind of first Fruits of His Creatures Jam 1. 18. This New Creature then is clearly the Product of the Spirit of GOD Who doth this work mediatly by the use of means especially by the Word oâ— Truth and other holy Engines that he is pleased to make use of Yet is not this Work produced of any means but by the concurse of the principal Agent the Word illuminats and perswads but there 's more then Moral Swasion in this Work for GOD's promise in the Covenant is to put his Laws in our inward parts Jer 3. 33. They receive by their Conversion a heavenly seed which abideth in them that will not suffer them to sin as the wicked do John 3. 9. Whosoever is born of GOD doth not commit sin for His seed remains in him and he cannot sin because he is born of GOD. Yet as to the production of this new Creature it may be so secret for a time like the Infant in the Womb so clouded and over-powr'd by Temptation and Corruption that it doth little appear and it takes a long time ere it become perfect in degrees and visibly compleat as to parts althô the Child tho little and weak is potentially a perfect man Parents then and Governours should with St. Paul travel in birth till Christ be formed in their Children 3ly As to its Evidence the Apostle manifests it fully 2 cor 5. 17 Behold all things are become New The man is wholly renewed in Quality tho not in Substance so that he may very well say Ego non sum ego He hath a more generous spirit with Caleb a better heart with David a more shininâ— face with Moses and the lips of the Righteous feed many And tho no man caâ— make this Change yet is he exhorted to make him a new heart Ezek. 18 31. Thâ—â— is to use the means and well to consider that the spirit of GOD begets this neâ— Creature by the word of Truth Jam 1 18 That such may be a kind of first fruits of Hâ—â— Creatures and for himself to show forthâ— His praise Who hath called them from darkness to Light § 3. It is very promotive of Grace also when Children comes to this state of Life that they be Confirmed after they can give any account of their Creed and of their Prayers according to the Blessed Pattern The LORDS Prayer For we read frequently in the Acts of Confirming the Disciples after they were Proseâ—â—ted to the Christian Religion whereby the new Plantation was fixed and by a sort of personal Covenanting with GOD they were Engaged to His Service by their Voluntar Consent This is the practice of the Universal Church Which if simply done and not elevated unto a Sacrament is laudable and promotive of the Ends of Religion And tho it be quarrelled with by some in this Nation Yet if it could be got well done in every particular Parish Since the Bishop may not be alwayes Vacant it may be thought no Disorder for the Parish Minister every year as Occasion offers to do this in the presence of the Parents and famous Witnesses personally and particularly to joyn them to the LORD And if there were not alas too great incuriousness about matters of Religion a mean so helpful to the ends thereof may be put in use So to conclude this Point I shall Reinforce my earnest Exhortation to Christian Parents in behalf of their Children for this particular instance of their Care for their Souls and to remember Gospel Ministers of their duty as to this And since through the unsetledness of the Times it can
pious instructions yet doubtless Jacob was well principled from the beginning which made him so anxious for the Blessing Abijah came only to the Grave in peace of all the Sons of Jeroboam Good Josiah was tender hearted in his Tender Age Timothy was instructed in the Scriptures from a Child 2 Tim. 3. 15. St. John was a young Disciple yet much beloved of his Master Some get their callâ— in the morning and have much of their work done ere the heat of the day and man should receive this Call least GOD pursue him with the Rod. It s a sad thing to be Satan's Slave from the womb No Creature loves to be fettered and were noâ— man a dull brute he would cast off the Chains of Satan It 's high time to awake out of the sleep of sin and by actual care to Restrain the Power of his natural Corruption This Age if it do noâ— answer It 's education will after cry out O mihi Praeteritos c. Because he did noâ— obey the voice of his Teachers Prov. 5. 13. For shall he let his body Grow and the Spiritâ—â—ly in a trance To have nimble Limbs and a lasy spirit Man must therefore begin at the heart where the Root of the evil lyes for out of the heart comâ—th all evil sayes our Saviour He must therefore Wash Watch Keep Guard cleanse and purifie the heart and seek the Blessing of the Covenant Jer. 4. 14. Psal 51. 10. Man in this Circumstance must shun evil Company and not listen to the black art of Knowing the tricks of sin He would have great care that things be right in the first Region for if there be an error in the first concoction the soundness of Grace will be much Obstructed by our natural diseases O then present thy soul and sores to GOD and seek the Balm of Gilead to heal thy soul but bewar of hypocrisy to pray and sin and sin and pray and thus Run thy self into a Circle thus to fall into Satans Labyrinth from whence the Out-gate is difficult as the Ingress is dangerous Rather beginn thy General Calling as a Christian and prepare thy self to Climb up to the Zenith of a more perfect age § 6. And the Rudeness of this Inconsiderate age should of it self inforce the Duty of Parents and such as are Over Children to make Conscience of their Education Deut 1. Compared with Eph 6. to be much in Prayer for them and to teach them to be serious And pray in the Forms following The Prayer Of Parents for their Children O LORD who hath granted me Children give the Blessing and grant them graciously as thou did to Jacob LORD make them thy Children For better for them never to have been born then not to be born again It had been better for me that I had been barren then that they be not fruitful to Thee I have cast them upon Thee from the Womb anâ— dedicate them to Thee LORD accept of theâ— for his sake who became the Son of Man anâ— in the dayes of his flesh was very kind to Littâ—â— Ones heal the Corruption of their Natureâ— save them from the snares of Sin and Satanâ— Open the Eyes of their mind early that thâ— may know thee O GOD Put something 〈◊〉 them that may put them up to Thee Sanctiâ—â— their Education save them from the unlawfâ— tricks of sin and be Thou their Tutor anâ— Governour take them LORD by the beaâ— and by the hand and lead them in a plain pathâ— prosper them in a course of vertue and never leaâ— them nor forsake them And LORD giâ— them that blessing that they never forsake Theâ— least they fall in a ditch and Ruine Be thou 〈◊〉 GOD their Portion in the Land of the Livingâ— and make them so happy and us in them thaâ— thev may be Enclined to a Lawful Calling and serve Thee both in General and Particular Sanctifie their Baptism and bless it to them iâ— all the Periods of their Life that they mav be so devouted to Thee that they may be amongst the number of these Little Ones that shall see Thy Face for ever Amen The Prayer of Children O Thou Eternal Creator Who made me fearfully and wonderfully in the Dark â—ells of the Womb and hast now brought me 〈◊〉 the light and stated me upon the stage of time 〈◊〉 act my part and given me the advantage of â—e light of the Glorious Gospel through the â—iety of my Parents good Education and Inâ—â—uction Grant me the Grace to do what is â—â—ght in Thy sight and Religiously answer the â—â—ains and Means 〈◊〉 for my Good save me â—â—om Idleness Negligence and Indiscretion â—â—d all the Evils that follows and flow from 〈◊〉 blind mind Give me to awake and seek â—hee in the morning of my Day How siâ—ly hath â—â—y degenerate Nature made me How little differ I from a Brute and how much obscure I the Light of Reason by follv flesh sense and sin LORD give me now as much Light as to see how weak and Vile I have been and to know what thou wilt have me to do remember not against me the Vanities of this inconsiderate Age But shape and sharpen me for Thy self that I may by Thy Grace leave the darknessess and shadows of my twilight-time and look up to Higher Regions of Reason and Religion and so begin to be serious in this indiscreet Period 〈◊〉 my time and put away Childish things 〈◊〉 me to feel the motions of the Rational 〈◊〉 and not to be only acted by the natural Spiâ—â— O my Soul listen now to the Light of 〈◊〉 LORD open now all the windows of thy 〈◊〉 to the beams of His Light and Life Awâ—â— thou that sleepest that CHRIâ—â— may Give thee Light LORD loose me 〈◊〉 my pleasant fetters of nature and sin 〈◊〉 grant me solid Judgement and pure affectâ—â— Put too thy hand and lift me up And then 〈◊〉 I walk at liberty in the â—athâ— of thy preâ—â— Thou hast brought me through the weakneâ—â— a Brittle age and â—â—as I have been a capâ—â— slave LORD Redeem me for thy mâ—â—cies sake and Give me so much of solid Gâ—â— as may help me to keep my feet in after trâ—â— of following Periods And put my soul on wâ—â— and grant me the Gentle Air of Heavenly breâ—â— Now to live in a better and a more Soluâ—â— element and breath a more free Air for 〈◊〉 ligion and Vertue Amen § 7. Now are we to look upon Maâ—â— as come through the Stage of Infanâ—â— Child-hood and the pedagogy of sorâ—â— discipline and education and to haâ—â— arrived at or about twelve years of Age have now learned something of Art and â—â—tered upon the threshold of Science and â—ade capable to think Reflect and exâ—rcise the faculties of his mind bv speculaâ—â—on study In which stage Parents and Overseers should look well to the Genius â—f Children and their proper gift since â—â—ery one hath his Peculiar gift of GOD which 〈◊〉 should manure
Scoffâ—rs at Religion So I come to the Text in thâ—se vereses which contain aâ— Application of the preceeding Doctriâ—e conecting the Privilidges Properties of a Christian in the particle Six Wherefore Quamobrem upon which account c. 2ly The Apostles care to inculcat the Truth upon the people to whom he writes 3ly The Sence the Apostle hath of improving the Opportunitie in doing so as long as he is in this Tabernacle 4ly The practical Knowledge of Death and Resolution with it 5ly His provident and frugal care to store his people with the Knowledge of the Gospel which they may improve after his decease so the Spiritual Paâ—â—â—tlayes up for his Children against the time to comâ— When he is gone 6ly The baâ—e and sure Foundation of Gospel Truth Verse 16. The First Clearly discovereth to us this Truth that the Christian who Doct pretenâ—â— to the highest Priviledges of his holy Religion must be accomplished with the true ppoperties thereof 'T is a special Art to advance practical Religion twist together the Christian priviledges and properties Our Crown and Our Claim Profession and Practice Promise and Precept Justification and Sanctification Glory and Duty The Race and the Prize and Labour and Rest The Gospel Net must be well knit and we must follow the line and threed of Duty Ouâ— Salvation is linked in a Chain there is a Corner Stone that knits the Building from the Foundation to the Top Rom 8 26. There must be the Prima Media Vltima We must begin proceed and perfect our Work for non progredi est Regredi To stand in our Religion hinders our Race We must add to our Faith Vertue for Faith without Works is Dead This is not only the Doctrine of St. Peter here and formerly Chap. 1. 5. 6. 7. But of St. James Chap. 2. And they both writing to the Jews had need to press this for that People spleeted upon the Rock of their Priviledges to whom St. Paul gives a Check Rom. 2 1. He is not a Jew that is one outwardly but he is a Jew that is one inwardly For a great part of the visible Church tests much here and are ready to say LORD LORD when they do not the works that he Commands them And so become partial in their Religion and leave the half of it unpractised they can take Christ for a Saviour but not a Sanctiâ—er And follow Him for Lâ—avs but nâ—t for duty and labour they can cry The Temple of the LORD Jer. 7. 4. But study not the new Creature They may keep the ordinances but not observe their designe and can be hired to help to build an Aâ—k but not to enter it 2ly All desiâ—e to be happy but all take not the Râ—ght way to happiness they leap after the â—nd but stand in the way and neglect the means that promove the end whereas true blessedness comes only to the Vndefilea in the way Psal 119. 1. And the Psalmist Jâ—â—ns justification and Sanctification together in order to Blessedness Psal 32. 1. Sin cannot enter Heaven no more a sinner but we must ascend the Mount and carry nothing with us that is defiled We must be meet for the inheritance for without holiness none shall see GOD Elijah's Charioâ— could not carry a wicked Ahab to Glory And the best must be with Elijah Purged by fire ere they enter the splendors of Glory GOD hath a Furnace to purge us a plummat to square us we must be pure and Refined ere we can dwell with everlasting burnings and tho we be not Justified by works Rom. 4. 6 4. Yeâ— must we be Judged according to our works For tho GOD justifieth the ungâ—dly Yet he only saves the Right 〈…〉 3ly Wherefore let us observe the scope of this Dying Apostle and learn App to make our Holy Religion practical foâ— by so doing we shall not only make ouâ— Calling and Election sure But hereby an entrance shall be made unto us unto the Kingdome of our â—ORD JEâ—US Christ And that we may be Glad to make this improvement the more Chearfully let us consider that this tends most 1. To the Glory of GOD. 2ly The Reputation of Religion 3ly To our own Good and the benefite of others 4ly It assureth our interest in Glory much more than all the instincts Enthusiasms and Raptures men can be affected with 1. This tends most to the Glory of GOD Our good works should be â—o solid and visible that they may show forth the Glory of GOD the light of Grace shines more and more unto the perfect day till it be more Radiâ—nt in Glory GOD's Glory iâ— the great end of our Religion and a Right conversation Glorifies him and tends to our salvation Psal 50. 23. Holiness pâ—oclaims the Honour of the thrise Holy Holy Holy GOD And GOD delights more in it than in Hecatombs of sacrifices We need not say with Moses LORD show me thy Glory for Holiness iâ— the very Ray and Beam of the Glory of GOD and the Divine Emanaâ—ion of that Light and life that is in GOD The Holy Person is the only Fruit bearing Tree and a holy Life givâ—s GOD the Glory discovers Heaven and perfects the Beleiver For without Holiness no â—â—â—an can see GOD. 2ly As Nothing disparageth Our Religion more than Hypocrisie so nothing advanceth its Reputation more than a well Qualified Christian for if once Practicall Religion did exert its Native Power and Qualitie it would commend it self as thâ— product of GOD it would appear a Wonder it would make the soâ—s of Men say with Pharaoh's Magicians This is the finger of GOD it would give us a more noble Spirit than the World Iâ— would make us the fiâ—st born of GOD and pattake of the Divine Nature it would make the Men of the World as St. Paul sayes in another case fall upon their face and say GOD is in it of a Truth it would appear no phantasm or contrivance to ammuse the World And would make the Truly Godly Religion as their bage and Cognizance and make Men say that this is the Work of GOD it would make us like CHRIST to be pure as He is pure it would appear to be no Superstition flowing from fear but it would appear a Lively Amiable and lovely Thing and attract Mens hearts it would make the Hypocrisie cast off his Mask the prâ—fane put off shame and the Formalist seck after substance and the Power of Godliness it would make Men Saints and turn Angels and be so excellent as to delight others Psal 16 2 And in fine make them elect and precious as their faith is 3ly This will also afford â—olid meat and the Kernal of Religion to refresh us it will be to us a Tree of Life and hidden Manna and more refreshing than the Nectaer and Ambrosia of the heathen Gods and when Christ is formed in us then have we Light Life and Comfort Then shall we eat the Kernal of Religion when the shell is
brâ—ken and Strangers shall not meddle with our Jâ—yeâ— nor the Impure eat the Childrens food This shall confute all such as decry Religion and comfort all that have the Real Life of it and make them say with St. Paul The Life we now live is by Faith in the Son of GOD. 4ly This will open a door and Entrance to the Kingdom of Oâ—r LORD JESUS CHRIST and will prove a more solid way to make us Draw near to GOD with full assurance of faith and be a more sure ground to us than all the heats and heights of Religion which are but transient and perhaps flow from humour and Complexion but this makes the spirit of Gâ—ory dwell in us Gives us a clean conscience washt with pure water Heb 10. end to draw near to GOD So that a trembling humble Ghâ—istian that with St. Paul cryes â—ut O wretched man that I am Rom. 7. end May be neerer the Joy of the Lord than the other So that whoever seek a proof of Christ sn us We shall prove it best by Works and Fruits and the New Creature is the most infallible mark of beinâ— in Christ 2 Cor 5 17. and True siâ—â—cere Obedience is the great specifick and genuine propertie of true Christianism And further to clear you in all this let us confront the privilidges and properties of the Christiâ—n if any separate them he is like a Man catching the Crown with out the Conquest but the true Christian reacheth one hand in the Crown and wiâ—h the other holds his Wâ—apon to fight for the Prize that through â—aith and pâ—tience and unwearied Wâ—ll â—â—ing he may inheriâ— the Promises What more excellent then the precious Promisâ—pâ—ut we must add Vertue to our faith 〈◊〉 thâ—se Promises the Christians Claim is indâ—ed great for all are yours sayeth 〈◊〉 But such as are Christs sayeth he have crucified the flesh with its lusts and effections But to come nearer the conâ—â—xt from 2. ver to this 12 the Apostlâ— speaks of beleivers attaining like precious faith with the Apostlesfor their is but one faith which the Apostles Beleived prâ—pagated once delivered to the Sa 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 Jâ—de sayeth and this faith Acts 15. 9. purifiâ—th the heart and life And having that same faith of the Apostles we should live according to our measures as the Apostles then should the Pure and Primitive Church revive But alas Were St. Paul now at Rome he should find it much more Heathen than in his time and very unlike these whose faith was spoken of through the World O then if people would walk suitably to that noble Gift of Faith which is given us 2ly The full Instructions the Christians have All things sayes the Apostle that pertain to Life and Godliness Glory and Veriâ—e We want nothing to furnish us for every good Work The whole Council of GOD Acts 20. 27. All things to make us Godly and Glorious we have the Word of GOD to make us wise to Salvation and the Spirit of GOD to lead us into all Truth Improve then your priviledges For if ve know these things happy are ye if ve do them 3ly We have the great Gift of the Promises as the Apostle sayeth here But yet having these Promises let us cleanse our selves from all silthiness of flesh and spirit 2 Cor. 7. 1. and take head least a promise being made thus of entering into his Rest we fall short But if Piety be joyned with the Promises then we partake of the Divine Nature and have another Spirit a new Heart Lifâ— and new Affections and thus the Saiâ—â— are in their measure Divinized and spâ—ritualsed and Created after GOD 〈◊〉 Righteousness and true Holmess And so to conclude this truth 〈◊〉 would warn you not haâ—ilv to catch aâ— the Promises but labour to lay hold on them by a lively Faith and Well-doinâ— Be not too â—aring least ye presume prove your title first And then glory in your priviledges make your selves meet for the Inheritance and then you are sure of it and let the glory of that great Claim indeer your Hearts to Duty to joâ—n your selves in a perpetual Covenant with the LORD never to be forgot Jer. 50. Sermon II. The Duty and Diligence of the Apostolick Câ—rate or Gospel Minister described With the Matter and manner of his Preaching and the Quality of Christians in the time of the prime of Christianity Vpon Verse 12. THe Apostle falls now to a closs Application of the Doctrin formerly mentioned in this Chapter wherein he relates the Duty of the Minister that he should not be negligent but busie in the exercise of his holy Office 2ly The great Subject of his Dâ—ctrine these Things 3ly The way of his Iâ—culcating the said Doctrine upon the Hearts of People And 4ly The Qualification of People in these Times I begin with the First bâ—th negatively and positively described Doct. 1 which teacheth us That a Gospel Minister should be very intent upon his great and weighty Work This St Peter declares of himself and St. Paul also frequently mentions his great business These two Pillars of the Church the Apostles of the Câ—rcumcision Uncircumcision follow the the great Luminary their Blessed Master and stand as eminent Examples to all the Officers of the Church of Christ And this Apostle describeth his Duty 1st In his care for the Good of Souls to whom he wrote 2ly That he was not negligent but Diligent in his Imployment First His great care for the Church and the good of Souls The care of Souls is worthy to â—e fined from the most intensive affections of the Hâ—art It is such 〈◊〉 Pious and Divine Affection that GOD Himself describs His eaâ—nest Compassionâ— to His People thereby As our Saviout shâ—ws us in His Sermon upon the Mount Upon which account St. Paul bids us be careful for nothing but by Prayer and Supplication make our request known to GOD And St. Peter so exhorts also casting all your caâ—es upon GOD who careth for you It was our Saviour's care for Souls that brought Him from Heaven to us and when on Earth made Him so diligent to Preach Pray and Weep for his Church This care of Souls went nearer St. Pauls Heaâ—t than all his troubles for beside all things that are without said he that which comes upon me dayly the care for all the Churches The true natural Father hath a great care for his Children and the Spiritual Parent no less for I have no greater Joy sayeth St. John than to see my Children walking in the Truth Fâ—r such is the subtility and labour of the evil one â—o seduce and corrupt our Flock And alas such is the carelesness and incuriousness of the most as to Spiritnol Matters like Gallio careing for none of these things and such are the many incumbrances anent the World and what is worst of all even a careful Contrivnance of many to prosecute their sinful ends that a faithful Minister shall find great Reason of serious
care and even to 〈◊〉 out with St. Paul Who is sufficient for these things For his trust is great his Charge weâ—ghtâ— and his Opposition strong and his peoplâ— for the most running sâ—riously in pursuit of their lusts That upon all these Considerations he may be a most faithful Watch-Man and give â—meous Loud seasonable and impartial warning to all that he may be free of their blood This care will make him spend and be spent for the interest of their Souls The worth of a Soul is unspeakable and the winning of a Soul is greater than the winning of a strong City And such as know the worth of a Soul which GOD made after His own Image And Christ shed His Blood for will think they cannâ—t be enough serious in doing their Dutie in order to its Salvation this care as it cannot but take up the man so is it very essential to the Holy Office and may serve to take off the hearts of such as are imployed from Worldly cares and vanities and to set us about out Work with all care and seriousness knowing that as the wâ—rk iâ— great so â—he Reward is gloriouâ— and such as turn many to righteousness shall shine as the firmament Dan. 12. 3. And this care will certainly not suffer any serious Man to be negligent in his Office but very diligent and dutieful For No Man that knows the great compassion of the High Priest and his inspection over all with searching eyes like flames of fire and that knows the natural eflects of Sloth and negligence especially in concerns of greatest consequence and considers the account of his Stewartship and the great Glory of being faithful in his Generation will fold his hands to slâ—ep in sloth and negligence And in Regard that this nâ—gligence is so unbecoming a Man in Holy Orders it â— will be found to be one of the greatest defects of a Gospel Minister Ah! to be negligent when Satan is vigilant and when others are busie about their secular Callings to sâ—â—ep in the time of Harvest and to stand idle when the Vineyard hath need of dressing to be negligent in the concern of Souls and Salvation argues a great security and unworâ—hiness And that thou be not negligent Thou must mind the concerns and ends of â—â—y holy Calling that thou shun unnecessary diveâ—sions and leave not thy Flock least the Wolf come and thou expose thy self to sin and disrepute and thy people like a Corn-field to be overgrown with Weeds Thou hast work enough at Hâ—mâ— to read pray contemplat GOD search the Scâ—tptures and like a good Physâ—â—ian study the Case of thy People that thou mavest apply suitable cures and have thâ— flock in order and such a face of Relâ—gion in it that thou have the Applause of Man and the Approbation of GOD and receive that Euge Well done Good and Faithfull Servant And â—or the positive part to be diligent is no less necessary for to rise in the morning and be idle all the day is no Advantage to the common Interest No No our Work is worthy of our While and our Calling of our Cair ond bussiness Let our diligence therefore appear first in our Willing Going about our Work as St. Paul speaks If I do this willingly Which Alacâ—ity was so in him that he protests Woe unte me if I preach not the Gospel 1 Cor 9. 1. and St. Peter pressâ—th this Willingness 〈◊〉 Pet. 5 1. diligence imports a delight we should noâ—serve God as the Israelites under the Task Masters of Aegypt we are anointed we should â—un gâ—â—â—ly 2ly This Dâ—â—igence in a Gospel Miniâ—ter carries in it the Use of all the Means that may serve to reach the ends of the Gospel as faithfull preaching seasonable dispensation of the Sacraments painfull instruction of People impartial Discipline and sincere earnest and constant Devotion which now I shall not enlarge upon since it is ad Clerâ—m And 3ly A firm and steddy resolution to endure hardness and never to complain of our Calling because of the difficulties in this World that attend it so that in fine if the business of our Calling be our Work our Cair our Duty and Delight we hope we shall not be accounted negligent and incurious but Concerned and Diligent by our Great Master for it is a smal thing to be judged by Man there is One that judgeth and that is the LORD Yet as the Ministers of the Gospel are Angels by their Commission they are but Angels in the Body and have the Treasure of the Gospel in Earthen Vessels So that People must look upon them not aâ— all spirit thâ— they be labouring to walk after the spirit and receive their word not as the word of Man but as indeed it is the word of GOD and as the best of men will not refuse â—o confess their inâ—â—â—mities especialy for such a holy Work so should not people because of their infirmites Refuse the word but labour to be the more diligent themselves especially in being Serious solicitous and diligent in the matters of Religion and their Soul And when I consider how busie men are about the World and nimble in pursuit of their lusts the little care they have of their Soul and the concerns of their Salvation how negligent they are in duty and attending of Ordinances what liâ—tle attention goes along with their hearing and so smal Meditation after it I fear we may conclude that the great fault lyes at your own door Therefore Good people look to your Selves bestir your selves more in the affairs of Religion and this will make your Pastors Sprighty and animate them to be lively in praying for you and Preaching to you For dull people very much deadens and discourages a Gospel Minister and it is very sad to be gathering good purpose every week for a careless people that will scarse gather to heaâ— him and if they come they too much discover the Byass of their heart which they have left behind them I come now to the 〈◊〉 to witâ— the subject matter of the Aâ—â—stle's writing 〈◊〉 Brench preaching to wit 〈…〉 concerning these things which are the things of CHRIST the things of Salvation the great Concern of Souls and the things of duty and the Kingdom of GOD which things our LORD mentions John 13. 17. If â—e know these things c. The Gospel and the great things thereof mostly contradicted by the World So that it is clearly observable that the holy Appostles in their writings Doct 2d and Preaching keepeâ— close to the Gospel and this is the Theam that all our Sermons should aim at to Preach CHRIST and the Glad things through him It is a subject of so great light that iâ— it be well pursued it will diâ—sipate all the Clouds of error ignorance sin and unbelief it is the life and Soul of our Religion and it argues a great decay when Circumstances are pâ—essed with so much violence and the substance of faith and holiness
time of plowing and sowing in order to our great harvest We must work while it is called the day for the night cometh wherein no man worketh John 9. 11. What ever our hand findeth to do we must do it with our might for there is no knowledge nor work in the grave Ecl. 10. 9. The present time is the season of preaching â—o day if he will hear his Voice Ere long the Pastor's Mouth will be closed as well as your Ears GOD useth not to send a Seminary from the Dead to preach the Gospel the Living shall praise Him and act for Him for in this short Life all our Bussiness must be done in order to Eternitie the LORD doth not cause preach to the Dead for in the state of Separation our Bodily Organs are consumed and the Soul is under its everlasting Sentence it s therefore absolutely necessary that we plye our Work in time with all Alacrity and Diligence But this must be more particularly unfolded by the consideration of these following heads 1. The great care that serious men should have to make use of the Season 2ly Their great Diligence that they should manifest in their weighty Work 3ly The Frailty and Brittleness of our mortal Life our Soul is in a Tent or Tabernacle 4ly The Reinforcement of the Remembrance upon this account 1. The great Care that Serious Men should have to make use of the Season This is not the Work of Yesterday for that is past and cannot be recalled nor of to Morrow for we know not what then may be Prov. 27 1. Therefore we should not bost of it for we know not what a Day may bring forth But it is the Work of the Present 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Instant which passeth as a Thought and will not abide Delayes and as we know not if we shall preach another Day so people know not how long the Voice may be behind them saying This is the Way But this they may know that it is the Voice of GOD that calletâ— them and they know not how soon iâ— it may be silent and the Heavenly Oraclâ— give no more Response 2ly The great diligence that Serioâ—â— Men should manifest in their Weighty Work Their Work is a Harvest the Labourers should be busie and tho GOD doth not allow that with too fast driving we put our selves out of Breath yet since the Work tho very weighty is so pleasant and so necessary and the exercise of the greatest Charity of the World to do good to Souls and since we have anointing Oil and the Aid of the Spirit to enable us we should not be idle nor taken up with Triffles and vain things and especially shun all worldly and sinfull Distractions that we may be well excercised in so good and necessary a Work 3ly The frailty and Brittleness of our mortal life Our life is both short and uncertain we are Pilgrims on Earth and sojurn as all our Fathers have done our Soul is in a tent and our life is but Transient ambulatory and transitory we are Pilgrims Souldiers strangers and not at home we have no continuing abode here the Tabernacle and Tent may soon be lowsed our passing house fall about our ears Which as it should prevent our taking our Rest on Earth so should it make us busie while we are in this Tabernacle and animate us in all our travels on earth with our priviledge that we shall come to a Temple and have a House with GOD Eternal in the Heavens 4ly The Reinforcement of the Remembrance upon this account the Apostle makes much use of this Word for Ministers are GOD's mouth they should admonish and incite People to duty People should be warned for they are secure and become tuchy when they are awakened they are ready to say Peace Peace before sudden destruction Come We should therefore seek supplie to our Lamps in time and to have our Wedding Garment in hand against the Bridegroom come there be many things to give us Memento and Ministers should never forget to give this warning but labour to keep people on foot to Run their Race unto the End Sermon IV. Of the Practical Knowledge of Death and the Information and Warning that the LORD giveth some of His Favourites thereof Knowing that shortly I must put off this Tabernacle Verse 14. ALTHO no doubt this Holy and Reverend Father had his Soul still upon readiness to render it up on his Master's Call with all Chearfulness And tho he was animated to Duty by an extraordinary Help of the Spirit Yet the Knowledge he was shortly to put off his Tabernacle did serve as a motive in him to excite him in his holy Work As his Master before him John 9. 4. 2 Wherein we may Consider 1st His Resolution Practical Knowledge of his approaching dissolution 2ly His favourable Representation of Death a putting off this Tabernacle and giving the Soul more room to commerce with GOD. 3ly His more than ordinary Information of this his Deseace As to the First we may observe that the Practical Knowledge of Death serves much to make serious Doct. 1 Men well Employed All men know they must die but few consider and improve it Which maketh Moses in the Name of the LORD so pathetically cry out O that they were wise to consider their latter End Deut. 32. 26. And Jeremiah so sadly to lament That Jerusalem was taken away because she knew not her last end The best of Men have layed this to Heart I have run sayeth St. Paul Cor 9. 26. For Death puts a Period to all Business Eccles 9. 10. Death puts us ab agendis a Judgement immediatly follows where account must be given of our Stewartship Who is then that faithful Servant that when the LORD cometh shall find so doing and busie about his work Do not say the LORD delayeth his comming let not GOD's Patience make thee procrastinate but be the more busie that thou hast a day to labour in 2ly If thy Work be imperfect and not done it will remain undone for ever and except Christ stand for thee thou will enter imperfect to ternity It is dangerous to sleep our time or triffle it but rather if thou hast loitered double thy diligence This practical knowledge of Death concerns all Men Omnes Tangit from the Court to the Countrey from the Palace to the Cottage Death hath an Universal Empire over all Ranks Sexes Ages Goodness Greatness Riches and the Greatest power and strength cannot prevent it bribe it nor oppose it It is the Messenger of the Great King It cannot be deforced disce mori learn to die is a great lesson it is a great principle in Practical Religion as nosce teipsum to know thy self is necessary Death comes upon many with a surprise and unaware it creeps on Gray hares are here and there on us ere we advert There are some inconsiderate and layes it not to heart Some are dead and drowned in interest and sing
not be so well made eflectual let both Pastors and Parents double their Diligence in bearing in the Principles and Practices of Religion into the tender Hearts of their Children by Prayer and other laudable means for that Holy End STAGE III. The Contents Of the evils incident to Children in this Stageâ— their Life Some Rules for the Orderingâ— their Life VVith a Reinforcement of tâ— care Incumbent to those that are over thâ— with sutable Devotion § 1. IT is a sad Complaint of the Spiâ—â— of GOD Gen 6. 5 That the Imâ—ginations of the thoughts of the heart of man 〈◊〉 evil and only evil continually and that 〈◊〉 pueritia from his Childhood Which 〈◊〉 we consider aright Man shall find that 〈◊〉 hath all the Dimensions of the Bodyâ—â— sin and Death Rom 7 to the end 〈◊〉 tho where Grace comes this Canaaniâ—â— not ejected tho dejected this corruptiâ—â— hath invenomed our whole Nature 〈◊〉 hath its seat in our Heart and never ceâ—â—eth to foam and to boil like the Bottomâ—â— pit It is a deep thing that no Humaâ—â— Engine can reach for The heart is decâ—â—ful above all things VVho can know it Jeâ—â— 17. 9. This disease doth alienate us from tâ—â— Life of GOD Eph 4 18. It hardneth ouâ— heart depraveth our will perverteth ouâ— affections infecteth our Senses and inflameth our Appetite after evll O man search and dissect this disease and thou shall find the Poison of Asps not only under thy tongue but in thy heart Rom 3. 11. And the very nature of the Serpent in all thy Faculties Which if reflected upon aright may through the Grace of GOD begin the Rise and kindle the first sparks of Regeneration § 2. Although it be hard to Enumerate all the evils of Childhood Yet to the help of any considering Man in his Reflection I shall hint at some Blemishes thereof Some have mentioned Vitium naturae gentis personae The common Vice of Nature and the more particular evils of the Clime and Person All have the common disease which vents it self in Nations Families and Complexions in a different manner So some Natures are more mild some more fervide In some the Irascible in others the Concupiscible appetite doth Predomine This would be well considered that man may be the more fitted to correct the corruption of this inconsiderat time of his Age But the more particular errors of this Circumstance are Ignorance Idleness Careleness Inconsideraâ—ness and Falsenâ—â— whereby Man is Inclined to Lying Châ—â—ing and Stealing So that this indiscâ—â— Fool hath some Wisdom to do evil 〈◊〉 he be simple to good As also Envy 〈◊〉 Spirit that is in us sayeth St. James lustâ—â— to Envy and St. Augustine after him saiâ—â— Vidi zelantem puerum a sort of Emulatiâ—â— and Envy in Young Ones together wiâ—â— evil custom Especially in speech wheâ—â— by a man alas layes aside his Glorâ—â— and soon learneth to speak the Languaâ—â— of Hell As also how prone is the Nâ—ture of man in this Circumstance to leaâ—â— and use sinfull Childish Tricks In thinâ—â— belonging to Nature which fair Natuâ—â— hath put a Vail over to hid theâ—â— from the Eyes of Curiosity And aâ—â— these are Nursed by an inconsiderate minâ—â— and an unactive Conscience But whaâ—â— need I mention these evils Since thâ—â— poor Stripling is exposed naked to all evils under the Sun So that Manâ—â— when he hath any power to reflect is to consider the mercy of GOD that ever he hath been reduced to any Sense and Judgement For § 3. If he shall now delineat himself he shall find the Root the rise the spruteing of these evils in him Ignorance is the â—â—ause of all our wandrings he is born blind â—nd like a whelp seeth not till such a day â—s long ere the scales fall off his eyes and â—s by a mercifull miracle of Grace that â—ver he sees He 's ignorant of GOD â—hat rude conceptions and Ideas doth his â—ind and phansy conceive of the Deity â—ot considering GOD in his Spiritual and â—oly Nature and excellent Properties the Eternal and first Being the infinite Reaâ—on and Light of all the rational World And so good that if known Man cannot â—ut adore fear love and choise him â—hen he beholds him in the mirrour of â—is word and works and in the express iâ—age of his person Jesus Christ He is also â—gnorant of himself tho' nosâ—e teipsum be a common principle He knows not whom he represents being the image of the invisible GOD tho much eclipsed by sin Yet there remains some sparks and scintils of it in his Rational Nature Which if by Grace improved may reduce this wandring Creature to the paths of Righteousness He is also ignorant of the way to Salvation and his eyes will be no sooner opâ—ed but he 'l have reason to cry out What shall I do to be saved Acts 20. 37. altho he may think at first the way to 〈◊〉 strait for so indeed it is sayeth our Savioâ—â— Yet shall he see his corruption to be 〈◊〉 cause that it is so difficult and if throuâ—â— GOD's blessing he shall consult Graceâ—â— he shall find rhe way so straight and plaâ—â— that a wayfairing Man tho a fool shall 〈◊〉 err therein Isaiah 35 8. § 4. I shall not enlarge upon the othâ—â— evils incident to our Nature Since if thâ—â— of Ignorance were Removed and Coâ—â—scence awaked to any exercise man shaâ—â— find it highly rational to correct the reâ—â— for when Light comes in it will make 〈◊〉 ashamed of those things we have taken pleasuâ—â— in When we feed the Brute in Darkneâ—â— and forgot the Soul and left it lyinâ—â— maimed and dying in its Blood Thâ—â— light will easily discover the preferance of love to Envy Truth and Honesty to falshood And make the man when he finds himself naked to hid his eyes from himself and bestow the more abundant honour upon his more uncomely parts this light will discover the Leopards spots of ill custome and turn the man from black to white It will reduce the straying sheep and let him see where he is what he is and what he shall do § 5. Solomon gives unto such an excelâ—ent Direction The fear of the LORD is the â—eginning of Wisdom And the LORD's word makes the simple wise sayeth the Psalmist This parents and teachers should mainly â—nculcate upon young and tender Hearts And as man has by Education The advantage of these Instructions So he would be also taught to moderate and Govern his passions and to Rule his own Spirit especially ro guard against any peculiar and personal infirmity of his nature and to strangle the Eruption thereof by Discretion And with-all to learn to bow his knee betimes and seek Grace from GOD who giveth liberally and upbraideth no man For which he is to consider the advantage of Early piety and to weaken sin ere it come to an habite Isaack had the advantage of good education but his sons were more pregmatick and possibly lost much of his