to friends friendly constant and just but not open Be not proud but keep distance admit none a full approach to thy power or secrets Triviall envies emulations censures oppositions regard not but goe substantially about thine owne businesse Though thou intendest not his hurt prevent him that would doe thee hurt Chiefes in commotions and such as have accusing consciences are commonly but half-couraged men He that is valiant and active loves and seeks peace without feare or softnesse Make so good use of things commendable in others that they may be praysed in thy selfe but be reall in them else thou wilt be scorned Christian circumpection may timely and easily prevent troubles when much care and labour can hardly if ever deliver from them A man may be outwardly at times friendly yet want respect towards thee inwardly this appeares by often crosse and slighting carriage Birds are intangled by their seet and men by their tongues Take heed where when to whom and of what thou speakest alwaies let thy tongue first consult with thy braines Speake not at all where thy words are not heard beleeved or regarded shew by thy silence and countenance thou art sensible of being slighted Forbeare sometimes to tell strange things though true least thou beest counted and called an over-reacher Never interrupt another in speaking first heare him out then answer there is time enough for both In discoursing goe not farre about bring in no needlesse circumstances or parenthesis but declare the businesse advisedly deliberately plainly freely truly with a low voyce and affablenesse without interruption faultring flattering distaste or conceitednesse and regard not how thou art censured Let thy countenance to every one be grave setled curteous take heed of lightnesse distraction harshnesse accustome thy selfe hereto it is gracefull and will cause respect by constancy herein wipe away the remembrance of former misgovernment Envy not that some are praysed undeservedly or more then they merit thou knowest feare flattery hope of gaine or the like causeth it Distaste not that others slight deserved prayses or thy friend if thou canst not help it onely speak a word or two to shew thou takest notice of it and take a more convenient time to question more fully about it Be more friendly and lesse free opennesse causeth contempt but curtesie commendation and reservednesse respect HAving renewed his resolutions in the new yeare by the grace of God to lead a new life he bethought himselfe of this course for the conscionable worshipping of and walking with the Lord which according to his disposition of mind and condition of life he conceived was most fitting for and would by Gods blessing be most comfortable for him in all having respect to the warrant of Gods word and Christian conveniency O Lord grant hereto thy grace and blessing I beseech thee The Lord sayes Isa 1.16 17. Cease to doe evill learne to doâ— wâ—ll c. well then my soule in the strength of the Almighty from henceforth resolve pray watch against all sinne in gonerall and against thy especiall corruptions as sloath neglect or customary performing 〈◊〉 holy duties habituall distractions in them worldly-mindel-nesse distrust discontent pass on lust intemperance and following vain customes c more especially resolve pray watch endeavour to imbracâ— and practice the contrary duties and every way according to the restimony of a well in formed conscience to walk piously righteously soberly dicreetly and unblamably in this present evill world more particularly for his more solemâ—â— and setled seeking the Lord iâ— his private devotions beside his publike family duties to observe this course every day constantly at such time of the day as may be with least hinderance and most fitnesse viz. with premeditation to frame his prayer as briefly and substantially as he can after this manner inserting in their proper places new occasions of confessions Supplications or thanksgivings c. the summe of the prayer then to be this First confession of especiall sinnes with their especiall circumstances 2 Acknowledgment of especial judgments due justly inflicted yet graciously mittigated 3 Self-deniall renewing resolutions to amend 4 Craving pardon and reconciliation in Christ 5 Deprecation of Gods judgements feared and for a lanctified use of all present and future susterings 6 Begging conversion and reformation especially in especiall sinnes and failings with restauration increase and perseverance 7 Also godly sorrow true faith with peace and comfort 8 To be prepared to dye 9 Prayer for continuance of common blessings and for especiall direction and help in especiall occasions and necessities 10 For sincerity confidence patience and contentation at all assayes 11 Thanksgiving for generall and especiall inward and outward blessings 12 Prayer for the estate of Gods Children in generall and particular 13 For his family 14 And for all such as he is any way bound to pray for Thus for his daily private prayer Next to read three Chapters in the Bible every day with a briefe prayer before and after and holy meditation thereupon yea labouring to turne the chiefe observations thereout into solemne prayer for conscionable practice Thirdly seriously to read in some good book and because these following books and writings are of singular use for his edification and that he cannot every day read in each he conceives it best to read onely in one and in another the next day c. as for example On the Sabbath day affectionately calling to mind some of Gods especiall mercies recorded by him On Munday solemnly remembring some of his holy Vowes written by him On Tuesday cheerfully having recourse to some of Gods Promises collected by him On Wednesday attentively reading somewhat in Master By fields Marrow of the Oracles of God On Thursday somewhat in the Practice of Piety On Friday the like in the Christians daily Sacrifice or in the Observations and Advises On Saturday serious Examination by some part of the true Watch and Rule of life And when God please in continuance of time he shall have by this constant course ended any of these to begin againe c. alwayes turning what he reads into humble and unfained prayer for application and performance a little at a time and that well is better and will be more profitable then much customarily and insensibly slubbered over Fourthly every day to sing a Psalme or part understandingly and feelingly Thus for his private practice of pious duties every day Now for his other spare time that it be not mispent to imploy it in Christian conversing with good men or in reading usefull morall Histories and quoting thereout needfull observations or in some other lawfull necessary seemly profitable businesse or recreations Lord settle me in such a christian course of serving thee as may be most acceptable to thee and comfortable to my conscience continually One that had power commanding him more out of malice then reason upon a perilous imployment he said Gods strength is my sufficiency and protection my safety so I goe
In particular 1 Taking all in the best part 2 Passing by offences 3 Rejoycing at others weifare 4 Contentation with his estate 5 Humility 6 Trust in God according to his nature and promises 7 To cast his care on God 8 Inward peace joy and assurance 2 In his house to avoid 1 In words 1 In generall all prophane talke 2 In particular 1 Hastinesse to mine 2 Medling in others matters In his house 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 In words 1 In generall all edifying talk 2 In particular 1 Sobernesse to mine 2 Speaking the best of others 2 To eschew in behaviour 1 All loosnesse 2 Unseemlinesse 3 Filthinesse 2 To imbrace in behaviour 1 Stayednesse 2 Comlinesse 3 Purity 3 In company to eschew 1 In heart 1 Evill surmises of the words or carriage of others towards him 2 Partiality 3 Self-conceitednesse 2 In words 1 Unadvisednesse 2 Superfluousnesse 3 Unseasonablenesse 4 Uncharitablenesse 5 Contentiousnesse 3 In carriage 1 Lightnesse or familiatity 2 Strangenesse 3 Loftinesse 4 Uncomlinesse 4 In actions 1 Society with prophane persons 2 Excesse or tipling 3 Giving any evill example to any 4 Shewing any liking of sin 5 Seeking to humour men in ill In company to embrace 1 In heart 1 Taking all in good part 2 Directnesse 3 Lowlinesse 2 In words 1 Pre-consideration 2 Paucity 3 To the purpose 4 Charitablenesse 5 Friendlinesse 3 In behaviour 1 Gravity or reservednesse 2 Affability 3 Humility 4 Seemlinesse 4 In action 1 Good company 2 Following good example 3 Giving good example 4 Wisely reproving sinne 5 By all meanes honouring God 4 Concerning Gods publike family or private worship 1 To eschew 1 All will worship 2 Superstition 3 Unpreparednesse 4 Negligence 5 Customarinesse 6 Habituall distractions 7 Relying too much on the meanes And to embrace 1 The warrant of Gods word for the duties 2 For the manner of performing them 3 Preparation 4 Attention 5 Conscionablenesse 6 Setlednesse 7 Resting on Gods blessing Amen Amen Considerations to move to Christian watchfulnesse 1 In seeking thus Gods glory he will honour us againe 1 Sam. 2.30 2 That we are every where in the sight of God who knoweth the heart Jeremiah 17.9 10. heareth our words Ps 139.4 beholdeth all our wayes ver 1 2 3. to reward every one according to their doings Jerem. 17.10 3 We shall hereby enjoy sweet communion with our God in Christ John 14.21 Rev. 3.20 4 And be most blessed here and for evermore in every thing Ps 144.15 84.11 Rom. 8.28 For the moouth of the Lord hath spoken it therefore it shall be performed and nothing shall let it Amens All by Gods grace onely From henceforth constantly Every day seasonably With Christian conveniency In the Morning To awake with God To shake off sloath To arise timely To pray for himselfe solemnly To read in Gods Word reverendly To call to mind some of his Vowes seriously And some of the promises deliberately To sing part of a Psalme understandingly In the Afternoon To pray for his Family affectionately To read in Gods Word advisedly And in his holy Advices observantly And somewhat in the Oracles of God distinctly In the Evening To pray for Gods Church humbly To read in Gods Word holily And somewhat in the Practice of Piety carefully And in the true watch for Examination impartially To lye downe to rest with prayer to avoyd all occasions of impurity And so to sleep securely Every Sabbath Besides accustomed publike Family and private duties on that day Three severall times to caâ—â— to mind some of Gods especiall and recorded mercies By the Lords most seasonable mercifull powerfull faithfully promised constant assistance which to this end I crave rest on and look for onely without which instead of doing better I shall doe worse then formerly yea every way most hainously I resolve and shall endeavour watchfully and constantly to avoyd all intemperance immoderate taking Tobacco vaine talking unseemly carriage pride lust passion and discord and all occasions of each and to embrace the contrary graces and all meanes thereto As thou art a God of mercy power and truth show it herein unto me and let thy grace my God in Christ be alwales sufficient for me Concerning decay in Prayer A Lwayes when he found himselfe so decay in zeale and care to pray his conscience checkt him for unthankfulnesse for former assistance in praying or for depending too much upon his prayers whereupon he felt a deadnesse to all other good duties a yeelding to the motions and occasions of sinne an inward puffing up a carelesnesse and self-presuming yea a miserable distemper in all things and then he conceived himselfe to be neare some sore temptation foule fall grievous inward dejection or great outward calamity therefore he held it his instantly to fall to prayer that the Lord would please to restore unto him the spirit of prayer to work in him a willingnesse to all other holy exercises to give him strength to resist and overcome the provocations to evill to humble him deeply in the sense of his former faults and present corruptions to make him truly thankfull and watchfull and in the strength of the Almighty onely out of conscience to doe his duty to bring all into good order and to keep all so constantly and most graciously powerfull and faithfully to prevent the sinnes perplexities and troubles he feares merits and hath cause to expect to be left unto and which he else by no means can escape so awaiting the Lords leasure and submitting to his good pleasure goe all how it will all shall goe well Amen my Father in Christ of thine owne meere mercy be I never so unworthy as thou hast promised whatsoever opposeth Amen Amen even so be it Amen Some most especiall choice places of sacred Scripture that concerne my self in most especiall manner reduced to these heads 1 COncerning government of the mind page 349 2 Of the tongue p. 351 3 Of the conversation page 361 4 Of passion and sobriety p. 368 5 Of pride and humility p. 374 6 Of strise and peace 7 Of envy and charity 8 Of discontent and quiet 9 Of medling and reservednesse 10 Of sullennesse and chearfulnesse 1 Concerning government of the mind In the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom Exod 31.6 Give therefore thy servant an under standing heart that I may discerne between good and bad 1 King 3.9 Keepe thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life Pro. 4 23. The preparations of the heart in man is from the Lord Pro. 16.1 The wise in heart shall be called prudent Pro. 16.21 A wise mans heart discerneth both time and iudgement Eccl. 8.5 A wise mans heart is at his right hand but a fools heart is at his left Eccl. 10.2 How weak is thine heart saith the Lord God seeing thou doest all these things Ezek. 16.30 Set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee Ezek. 40.4 If our heart condemnes us God is
expect all mercy grace peace comfort strength health safety succour help deliverance and salvation onely from thee oh grant each seasonably and effectually unto me Lord work all thy works iâ— me that I may serve thee as â— ought and work all my work for me that I may prosper a thou hast promised Lord make me as thou would dest have me and require whâ—â— thou wilt of me give me which thou seest best for me and dâ—â— what thou wilt with me Lord be my strength refuge and ready help at hand mâ— sufficiency safety and good successe and when where and how thou pleasest imploy me Lord cleare my innocency stop the mouth of injury faithfully worthily and in-offensively make me to discharge each part of my duty Lord make me wise warned watchfull and well governed by my former folly rashnesse weaknesse and misgovernment Lord let me no more be conformable to the sinfull and unseemly fashions of the world but reforme my whole man according to thy will Lord forgive and keep me from those sinnes whereby I have most dishonoured thee disgraced my Christian profession injured others clog'd my conscience terrified my souse or any way procured my selfe shame or harme Lord make me to make and let me find each part of thy Word my guide and comfort Lord direct governe restore comfort support establish inable protect provide for and blesse me as every one of my especiall occasions doe or may require of thee Lord at one time or other by one meanes or other ere we do part hence work for the effectuall conversion and everlasting salvation of every one of mine and I desire no more for them of thee Lord prepare me to meet the ere thy wrath come upon me in the day of calamity hide me under thine hand till thy indignation be over past Lord in wisdome love and faithfulnesse visit me and deale as thou pleasest with me Lord when all is past hope thou canst most easily help my case is fully knowne and wholy commended to thee thou hast helped remarkably thy hand is not shortned thy mercy never faileth thy truth endureth for ever towards me Lord let not my hope deceive nor thy help faile me oh cause me to make and let me find thy providence my portion continually so shall I be supplied seasonably and never want any thing thou seest good for me Lord prepare me to suffer to dye let every thing draw me neerer to thee let death bring me to life eternall with thee doe then what thou wilt with me call then when where and how thou pleasest for me Lord from sin shame harme in thy feare in a good repute and peace preserve me Lord how shall I behave my selfe in my present distressed estate and how wilt thou therein deale with me oh that thou wouldest dispose and dispatch all my businesse for me Lord all help faileth me none cares for me every thing seemâ— to crosse me yet help thou and all shall goe well with me Lord cause me to goe the right way to work and to submit to thy disposing wholy Lord let it appeare the right way is the best way never of never faile forsake or forget me let them that now for wel-doing scorn me see thou fovourest and releevest me Lord cause me secretly and sensibly to sorrow for my owne sinnes and to mourne for the abominations of the times and this uncessantly Lord affect me with the affections of Joseph rightly dispose me to pray for the peace of Zion seriously in all reforme and pardon me Lord give me feeling feeling feeling of all the good things I know and utter before thee thou knowest and I acknowledge the same to be extreamly wanting in me Lord let no thought of my heart nor word of my mouth be in vain for me but thou that art my strength and my Redeemer accept all my Meditations and expressions continually Lord carry me with wisdome patience comfort and good successe through all my great occasions Lord change my disposition reform my conversation speedily and powerfully wherein I am most averse from good and prone to evill especially Lord that thou wouldest instruct and inable me sincerely and circumspectly to order my lawfull affaires substantially whatsoever others may thinke speake or worke against me and that thine owne seasonablâ— and effectuall working to afforâ—â—n happy issue might according to thy mercy and truth appeare towards me Lord put me not off with outward mercies but vouchsafe me a portion of thy best blessings From sloath lust and carelesnesse from tatling tipling and trifling away time from putting off my private devotions from discontent and discord Good Lord deliver me Grounds of comfort against the nick-name of Puritane and Round-head It is nothing in respect of what hath been objected against Christ and the godly for there hath been objected against them grieuous things (a) Acts 25.7 gluttony (b) Mat. 11.18.19 madnesse (c) Joh. 10.20 blasphemy (d) Mat. 26.65 Mark 9.3 Acts 6.11 13 14. murder (e) Acts 28.4 deceiving (f) Joh. 7.12 2 Cor. 6.8 rebellion (g) Acts 17.6 7. rayling (h) Acts 23.4 babling idolatry (i) Acts 17.18 bringers of strange things (k) Acts 17.20 scisme (l) Acts 28.22 wickednesse of life (m) 1 Pet. 2.12 the abjects abused them (n) Psa 35.15 drankards sang of them (o) Psal 69.12 the basest derided them (p) Job 30.1 they were a reproach of men (q) Psal 22.12 a by-word (r) Psal 44.14 a proverbe (s) Psal 69.11 a wonder (t) Psal 17.7 Isa 8.18 gazing-stocks (u) 1 Cor. 4.9 fools (w) 1 Cor. 4.10 insufficient despised (x) Idem defamed made as filth and off-scowring (y) 1 Cor. 4.13 great men rayle at them (z) Psa 31.13 godly men censure them (a) Jobs friends 1 Cor. 4.4.10 and by slander excommunicate them (b) Isa 66.5 are most fouly scandalized (c) Ps 69.7 44.15 condemned by a whole Counsell (d) Mat. 27.1 Joh. 11.47 48. Acts 6.12 4.6.15 5.27 23.1 yea to suffer as evill doers (e) 2 Tim. 2.9 Psal 37.32 33. Psal 41.8 Isa 53.4 well if God condemnes us not what matters the censures and reproachfull nick-names of others (f) 1 Pet. 3.16 If good bad men both should judge amisse Keep conscience cleare tâ—ou needst not care I wisse Alas this is not to resist unto blood h Heb. 12.4 my Saviour sayes Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and shall say all manner of evill falsly for my sake reioyce and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven for so persecuted they the Prophets that were before you i Mat. 5.11 12. yea my most blessed Redeemer so have they abused thee and all thy dearest Servants oh then why should I that am not worthy the name of a Servant or Disciple think to be above my Lord and Master and better
be humbled to confesse 〈◊〉 waile beg pardon for 〈◊〉 strength against them resolving and endeavouring to 〈◊〉 sake them t Jâ—â— 4.16 Psal 3 â— 51.3.1 Pâ—â— 21.13 Jam. 4.9 Psal 86.16 Psal 17.3 119.28 106. ver 2 Cor. 5.9 Pro. 28.14 be to be c. If to crave especiall assistance against especiall faults and more fitnesse to serve God wherein I have most failed u Psal 19.13 51.10 14. Psal 71.9 Rom. 12.21 Psal 85.8 be to be c. If to resolve to suffer any shame or harme rather then to sinne wilfully w Heb. 11.25 1 Pet. 3.14 16. 1 Pet. 4.15 19. be to be c. If speedily and seriously to dispatch those businesses that concernes my eternall peace and to slight whatsoever can afford no solid comfort in the time of visitation or at the hour of death x Mat. 6.33 Luke 10.42 Pro. 10.2 11.4 1 Cor. 15.58 1 Thes 4.18 be to be c. If in the sense of any sinne or affliction not to be too much dejected if not to despaire of Gods mercies nor to distrust his promises nor to doubt of his providence or not to question Christs al-sufficient merits and perpetuall mediation y Rom. 8 37. 2 Cor. 4.8 9 Psal 77.7 8 9 10. 42.11.6 43.5 Psal 56.3 4 10 11 13 1 Tim 2.8 Acts 27.25 Gen. 11.8 Job 38.41 Mat. 6.25 to the end 1 Tim. 1.15 Heb. 7.25 2 Tim. 2.5 be to be c. If when I think I stand to taâ—â— heed least I fall if to labour a renew my first love if to string to increase inward grace and outward practice if to recover from former fals and bewail of future back slidings if moâ—â— to feare secret sinne then opâ—â— shame if in things doubtfull â—â— take he surest course if to peâ—severe in godlinesse and liveâ— hope if to dye in the feare aâ— favour of my God in Christ z 1 Cor. 10.12 Rom. 11.20 Rev. 2.4 5. Col. 1 10â— 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7 8. Psal 23.3 51.8 10. 2 Pet. 2.20 21 21. be to be c. If by true lively and stedfast faith at least in unsained desire and endeavour to seeke all wisdome righteousnesse sanctification redemption all mercy grace peace consolation and happinesse according to the free plain plentifull and faithfull promises of our reconciled God most gracious Father and alone almighty helper in covenant with us onely through the al-sufficient satisfaction and never failing intercession of his most deare and onely Sonne our alone Saviour and Mediator notwithstanding our most hainous sinfulnesse in nature and by life notwithstanding our daily many and great wants failings doubts and discomforts notwithstanding our unmeasurable grievous ingratitude unworthinesse insufficiencies and all other though never so many and great impediments and impossibilities be to be a Puritane or Round-head Lord in all these make and ever continue me to be a Puritane and Round-head I most humbly unfainedly and uncestantly beg pray beseech and urge let then the devill and all his instruments let then who that will and how they will miscall nick-name scorne and abuse me with the name of Puritane with a fulâ— mouth never so fouly Lord governe and help me Mark â—â— 22. Rom. 3.28 4.19 20. Câ—â— 5.1 1 Cor. 16.13 2 Cor 5. â— Gal. 3.22 Eph. 3.12 6 1â— Col. 2.5.7 1 Tim. 1.5 â—â— Heb. 10.22 11. Chapt. 1 Cor. 1.30 Mat. 15.22 1 Tim. 1. â—â— Gal. 6.16 2 Cor. 1.3 4 5 6 2 Thes 2.16 17. Heb. 6.17 18 Acts 4.12 Ezek. 36.22 Gal. 3 12. Hos 14.4 Psal 86.5 130 7. 1 Cor. 1.9 10.13 1 Thes 5 24. 2.3 3 Heb. 2.17 10 23. 2 Cor. 1.20 Rom. 5.10 2 Cor 5.18 20. Col. 1.21 Psal 86 15 111.4 145.8 2 Cor. 1.3 Dan. 3.17 2 Tim. 1.12 Heb. 2 18 7 25 Rom. 4 21 Psal 46 1 Jer 31 33 Heb 8 10 Col 3 11 1 Cor 3 21 22 23 Isa 53 chap Rom 4 25 3 24 25 1 John 2 1 Rom 8 34 Gal 3 19 Heb 8 6 9 15 12 24 Mat. 3 17 John 3 16 Heb. 11 17 Hos 13 4 2 Tim 2 5 Ezek 36 22 23 Hos 14 4 Isa 58 11 Psal 73 24 A commendable Course tending to contentment of divers necessary as well Divine as Morall Observations and Counsels gathered by experience IN regard of Gods worship because every holy duty cannot wel be every day performed with out great hast and hinderance so with little power profit I conceive it most convenient and comfortable no day to neglect the most necessary as prayer and reading the Scriptures and for the rest to redeem the time to performe them as we may also howsoever let every holy duty be performed with solemne preparation and sensible affection at least with an holy bewailing the want of the same and that the Lord will please to work the same in us In his ordinary course at home and abroad upon all occasions in all his words behaviour and actions out of conscience to God and by his government to demeane himselfe circumspectly plainly faithfully freely soberly and friendly without any by-respect or troubling himself with trifles or with what he cannot thereby prevent or remedy in his greatest perplexities and troubles using onely the lawfull meanes to serve Gods providence to commend all to hiâ— dispossing and blessing wholy and so to rest content with his good pleasure who in wisdome love and faithfulnesse will assuredly cause all to goe well goe all how it will Amen my heavenly Father in Christ Jesus in mercy as thou hast promised be I never so ugworthy and whatsoever opposeth Amen Be Pious and Patient Be Just and Quiet Be Temperate and Peaceable Be Direct and Sober Be True and Provident Be Faithfull and Contented Be Chaste and Wary Be Modest and Grave Be Watchfull and Reserved Be Retired and Compassionate Be Secret and Charitable Be Silent and Liberall Be Humble and Inoffensive Be Meeke and Teachable Be Friendly and Constant be not Prophane nor Impatient be not Unjust nor Captious be not Excessive nor Contentious be not Double nor Passionate be not False nor Prodigall be not Faithlesse nor Male-content be not Filthy nor Rash be not Wanton nor Light be not Carelesse nor Loose be not Gadding nor Cruell be not Open. nor Mercilesse be not Lavish nor Covetous be not Proud nor Oftensive be not Highminded nor Wilfull be not Surly nor Wavering Every one that shewes a smooth face or gives faire words is not a faithfull friend therefore take heed what you say and whom you trust Trust no man with that which if it ever be discovered may any way prejudice you for he that is now for you may hereafter faile discover or oppose you neither speake ill of him that doth not now befriend thee his mind may change towards thee and then it will repent thee Be friendly to and speak well of those that have wronged or doe not
give over but strive the more for such striving is our victory Whose charity hath not been recompenced wherefore the ready way to be rich is to give liberally Yea this is a true though a strange saying the way to be richer is having much to give more The tenth to the Lord brings a tenfold blessing Wicked men neither know beleeve nor consider they fare the better for good mens sakes yet it is most true Are they not children fools and mad men who detest scorn slander and abuse their dearest friends Yet such are those though never so wise in their owne conceits who use good men so It is an infallible signe we shall obtaine if we persevere to aske the thing we want according to the will of God Impatiency in trouble neither easeth the mind nor relieveth the need why then should we give way to it All our carking cares cannot compasse our ends nor change the case therefore away with them Watch against all sinfull distempers in any case for the Lord is not pleased with nor bound to please our fond affections but doeth what he pleaseth Hope beyond hope beleeve beyond feeling in well-doing trust God most in greatest extremity and thou shalt help beyond present expectation The more zealous for God the more opposed in the world The better man the more hated of ill men but most dearly loved of God It is a signe of goodnesse to be nick-named of vaine persons It is a sinfull and false conclusion to say because most men and the greatest doe so it is well done common experience sayes otherwise Gods precepts not examples must be our rules Better goe to Heaven with a few poore creatures here contemned then burne in hell with multitudes of rich and glorious worldlings for there company brings no comfort but increaseth misery If riches made happy woe to the poore but the poore in spirit are the richest and shall be blessed Faithfulnesse in our calling is excellent yet a diligent man may be unfaithfull to God He that judgeth himself most censureth another least He that hath experience and feeling of his owne weaknesse will beare with anothers infirmities and feare his former falls A prophane person cryes out when a good man faileth but never thinks of his owne abominations An unregenerate Civilian thinks his owne case good and speaks largely of others failings but forgetteth that his owne case is more miserable Better often to fall and rise againe by repentance then live in secret sinne without remorse of conscience He that never doubted never truly beleeved so he that never sorrowed for sinne never repented of sinne Neither signes nor wonders judgements nor mercies prosperity nor adversity that can cause man rightly to seek his God except grace work upon the heart witnesse the hard-hearted Jewes in our Saviours time No mervaile though men remaine wicked who make not right use of what they heare see or feele This is a true token of repentance if we break off the sinne we lived in Oh the Sugar-bit under the tongue the darling sinne spit it out away with it or it will poyson all Better suffer open shame undeservedly then live in secret sinne impenitently Of all beautifull creatures a sanctified Soule pleaseth God best After deep affliction of spirit comes much sweet inward comfort to a conscionable Christian For want of humble thankfulnesse and carefull watching we fall into deepe dejections againe A sharp answer to an honest heart propounding a just matter throwes downe the mind exceedingly Take heed of bitternesse when a matter is moved to us considering the like would not please us It is not the doing but well doing of a good worke pleaseth God It is a good signe of sincerity to humble our selves in secret for the failings in our holiest performances and for such faults as others cannot discerne in us I take and find it a truth that to dispence with our selves for omitting of good duties openeth a door for the committing of foule offences He that speaks by experience is not deceived if he addes no more to it Bewaile in private thy failings in Gods publike services hold not habituall distractions for small matters for that savours of falshartednesse As we would our courses should not be mis-conceived let us take heed we give no just occasion of distaste When we think we stand surest we are like to fall soonest therefore be humble and watch then most Sinne cannot be good yet it is good for us we sinne sometimes to make us the more humble and watchfull thereby Take heed of spirituall pride it often procures spirituall disertion The more knowledge the more practice or else the more vexation of spirit or sharper stripes It is not amisse sometimes to a good end to doe a thing that may seem unseasonable if the same be lawfull All things unfitting are not unlawfull but whatsoever is unlawfull cannot be truly fitting Doest thou feele thou canst not pray pray that thou mayest pray for prayer quickneth prayer That prayer is not rejected that is without feeling if we have prayed in obedience and bewaile our insensiblenesse It is a signe we have feeling if we feele we want it No good work is accepted for its owne worth nor rejected for its wants if we be in Christ Set we our hearts to seek God in the duty we doe or our service is abominable Ceremonies are sometimes necessary yet make not the worke good or bad simply for the Lord looketh to the heart chiefly yet oftentimes seemly gestures shew inward holinesse they may be used as helps to devotion but we must not put holinesse in them When we ought and doe not reprove and punish sinne in others it is just with God to let us fall into the same sinnes and to punish us for them We have to do with a most holy al-knowing just and jealous God therefore take we heed of dallying delaying or excuses he sees whether our hearts stand right or no. He that hath authority and leaves vice unpunisht provokes the Lord to punish him He that useth not his bell meanes to convert his charge shall answer before God for such his neglect and their miscarriage Readily forgive him that injures thee but forbeare not him that offends God Authority may and must compell to outward obedience in the use of the meanes although to convert the heart is the onely work of God It is true the Lord saveth none against their wils yet none can be saved by their own free will It is not in him that willeth nor in him that runneth but in God that sheweth mercy yet he sheweth mercy to none but those that by his mercy will and runne Good in the worst men we ought to follow but evill in the best we are bound to eschew He that reveales my secrets though he intends my injury does me a curtesie in making me more circumspect and secret If one out of malice make knowne my misdemeanour and I thereby amend he does me a
matter seem it never so much precisenesse especially of such duties to which thou art most indisposed or in which thou hast been most carelesse or the which stesh and blood thinketh least necessary for the Lord will have sincere and seasonable obedience in every particular 4 Think it not enough to doe one good thing and then to follow some other evill as to make conscience of sanctifying the Sabath and yet to take leave to take Gods Name in vaine or to apply thy selfe diligently to Gods publike worship yet not to stick to lye sweare deceive forsweare extort in thy particular calling or to be strict in thy outward conversation and yet dare to harbour discontent envy hatred malice discord revenge or to seeme friendly abroad or yet be currish at home or to be temperate in some places and companies and yet to tipple drink healths and be drunk in some other or to be modest in behaviour and yet abound in filthy conceits or to seem religious and yet want government of the tongue or to be just in outward dealings and yet be uncharitable and the like as also on the contrary for every sinne as well as any sinne must be conscionably avoided or none is sincerely eschewed 5 Neither rest contented in straining at a Gnat if thou darest to swallow a Camell or though thou escapest grosse and open sinnes if thou allowest thy selfe in some lesser and secret evils these are most deceitfull dangerous devillish and without repentance damnable conceits and are sure signes of an huge hypocrite and must unsound soule But O my soule who is sufficient for these things well endeavour uprightly watchfully constantly in every particular that the Lord hath revealed to thee and it is in Gods estimation perfect obedience onely give not thy selfe the least freedome in the least matter against conscience to transgresse then beleeve and thou mayest be assured the Lord Jesus Christ his alsufficient satisfaction both in his absolute obedience and infinite sufferings is imputed unto thee and thou in him hast fully obeyed and suffered all that the Lord can in his exactest justice require of thee we may keep all though we cannot fulfill any one of Gods Commandements we may often break and yet not forsake his holy Covenant Thus farre of this His Verses on the Bible P leasure and profit piety and peace H ealth for the soule all happinesse encrease I n each estate within this golden Mine L yes couched close yet of pe to all mens eyne L ets then delves search and curiously pry I nto the same and mark what we can spy P repare good instruments the ground is hard P romise is made we shall find rich reward S oare first in faith with prayer above the Sunne K eep constant courses carelesnesse still shunne I oyne with your reading reverence be attent P ractice with knowledge from on high are sent P ray more and more such graces to attaine O n Sacred Writ to meditate take paine N eglect not application of the same N o doubt so striving we shall win the Game His Verses on his Hour-Glasse AS this Glasse runs so runs thy Glasse of life Each houre one houre neerer thy lives end Ere sand be out Death with his fatall knife Cats short thy dayes perhaps repent amend Delay no time see how away he hyes Once past past calling backe with loudest cryes Behold this Glasse and then take heedfull view What 's thy estate more brittle then the same Soon broke as sand in wind in hast oh rue Thy sinnes forepast with sorrow and with shame Henceforth aye runne of godlinesse the race While thy Glasse runs and daies fleet hence apace Let thy oft turning of this running Glasse Cause in thy mind to run that thou still turne To great Jehovah let no houre passe While God vouchsafe thou in this world sojourne Without some worke of grace oh spend no time In plotting following any sinfull crime So though this Glasse and life at once run out Time past mispent bewaild to come redeemd Of dying well thou needst not stand in doubt Ill having hated done what best beseemd Were every houre the latest of thy breath The happiest houre shall be the houre of death Morning Thoughts BEthink performe each morning thou survivest Thy duty to thy God while here thou livest Arake with him in humble chearfull wise Open thine heart as early as thine eyes Who holy thoughts his Majesty salute Of a true godly life what is the fruit Of rising from thy sinnes to wayes of grace The resurrection set before thy face Eke unto judgement thy most sure arising By light of day be with thy self devising Of that most glorious armour of pure light And of thy naturall darknesse take in sight And works of darknesse labour off to cast Bidding thy God good morrow thus make hast Upon his holy Name to invocate Confessing and bewailing thine estate By nature actuall offendings too Labour for feeling though with much adoe Weigh to thy sinnes all judgement are most due Thy just desert whereof take paines to rue With deprecation then will fervency To thy good God in Christ for pardon cry Resolving by his grace which beg henceforth In heart word deed to esteem of highest worth His holy feare and service every way Beleeve for these in faith will reeling pray In and from danger preservation Strength to resist Satans temptation Comfort in griefe help in adversity Reliefe in any kind of misery For deaths preparing dying to the world That it's and flesh his lusts may be controld Heaven hungred after in each thing content To please the Lord in all that heart be bent To walke uprightly in thy lawfull calling In others matters not thy selfe inthralling For companies and privaties right use Against thoughts words deeds behaviours abuse Concerning all in each alwaies to watch That thou nor others harme thereby to catch Briefly to thy most blessed God commend Whatsoever any way thou dost intend That better and not worse they still mayest grow By all thou hearest seest or else doest know Labouring to keep sweet peace with thy sweet God Which being even no maner what is odde In every thing submitting to his will Then from thy heart thy mouth with praises fill For all his blessings great and manifold Past present and to come both new and old In speciall for protection in the night Judgements prevented now with morning light Sweet motions grant every gift firme fading For this or better life thy selfe perswading Thy Gods rich mercy is the ground of all Thou didst before doest now or ever shall Enjoy and entire thanks to manifest Let soule and body all thou hast be prest To doe his will in all his Word requireth That thou mayest be such as his heart desireth To live and dye in happy state of grace And so in mercy aye behold his face Thus as thine owne thinke on the Churches peace To attend thy prayers with practice doe not cease And thou wilt
us which is an especiall token of his favour to us being the meanes to save our soules 3 And that if the enemy should prevaile we should not onely lose these blessings but they should be scofft at prophaned and trodden under foot by them and their abominations set up to the exceeding greeat dishonour of our blessed God and the Losse of innumerable soules 2 Couragiously and that 1 Because it is the Cause of God Almighty who is able to defend and deliver us in the middest of the greatest perils and if none apparent were nigh unto us 2 Who governeth all things in all places that no bullet can fly or any other instrument of warre move but according to his especiall disposing nor doe any hurt to me but by his expresse commission and according to his good pleasure 3 That he who is most faithfull in remembring and keeping his word hath abundantly promised he will preserve and deliver me as he sees best for me 4 That he hath preserved and delivered others even prophane persons who have shewed little care to obey seek or trust him and that in extreamest dangers 5 That he hath often and most remarkably done the like to others of his and to me the most helplesse and unworthy formerly 6 That many through feare seeking to avoyd danger have the sooner hurt and slaine and others who have been warrantably and worthily valiant have by Gods protection escaped 7 That divers have been slain in a Tent hut or house or in other places where they thought themselves secure have been hurt or slaine when others in the trench or battell have been safe 8 That if the Lord please I shall be safe be the perils never so many and great for he can preserve from the greatest as well as the least from many as well as any 9 If he please I end my dayes in fight against his foes I dye a Martyr and the very instrument of my death is a meanes to send me Heaven 10 If we be fearfull and insufficient in our selves to doe our duty valiantly let us seek courage and ability from the Lord he will in some good measure undoubtedly grant it because he hath expresly promised it 3 Faithfully because the Lord hateth eye service and all unfaithfulnesse and loveth a faithfull carriage in our callings 4 Diligently and vigilantly because 1 By sloathfulnesse negligence and backwardnesse much time is lost much evill may ensue to the businesse and much shame disfavour scorne and harme may come upon our selves 2 Because time is redeemed the Cause advanced and we shall be commended and be the better trusted with imployment 5 Circumspectly that is to pursue all lawfull imployments of our calling seasonably for time place and manner with good advice worthily weighing all circumstances throughly 6 Conscionably propounding Gods glory chiefly the goodnes of the Cause seriously and our sincere obedience to his Majesty and to testifie we are Christians indeed that lay his Cause to heart deeply 7 In faith resting fully perswaded that our good God of his great mercy for the worthinesse of the Lord Jesus will graclously accept our endeavours though never so full of unworthinesse and will assuredly blesse us 8 Wiâ—h humble instant and earnest prayer especially 1 That the Lord will supply with fitting gifts for his service 2 That our endeavours may be blessed for the maintainance of the Cause 3 That he will please by all meanes in all places continually to maintaine the same and oppose the contrary Thirdly divers motives to stirre up by all meanes to help to our uttermost to maintaine the Cause of God 1 Such as have respect to the Lord most blessed for evermore as he is our God in foure respects among many more 1 That he is our Creator and hath made us for his own glory and that we cannot any way better answer the end of our creation then by offering our service yea to the death if he thinks sit for his names sake 2 That he is our Father therfore it were an unnaturall cowardly and shamefull part to stand still and look on when other of our Christian brethren are abused smitten and slaine 3 That he is our Lord then were it a base uncivill hatefull part in us to be quiet when others of our deare and loving fellow-servants are wronged and persecuted 4 That he is our chiefe good from whom we have received and doe expect all good therefore we are bound to testifie our thankfulnesse in this respect especially 2 Such as have respect to the Lord Jesus Christ our Redeemer as 1 As he is our Redeemer and dyed for us we should not suffer his Crosse to be defaced his blood to be trodden under foot as is done by Idolaters against whom we must in this case contend to the uttermost 2 Because he is persecuted and fought against in his Church should we not take his part who hath done and suffered so much for us that were his enemies and with holy wrath and indignation and deep desire of godly revenge for the wrongs done to him fight and doe all we can 3 Because he saith he that seeketh to save his life and that not for him loseth it and he that loseth his life for his sake shall find it 4 And because he protesteth if we be ashamed of him here he will be ashamed of us before his heavenly Father and what greater shame for us then not to take his part against the subtle cruell mighty wicked enemies of his and our fellow-members 3 Such as have respect to God the holy Ghost our Sanctifier and Comforter 1 He sanctifying us how should we not help them whom he hath sanctified together with us also 2 And labour to maintaine the meanes of our sanctification even his Ordinances which these his enemies would bereave us of 3 As he is our comforter would we be comforted by him and should we not be a meanes as well as we and all we may to comfort others comfortlesse and afflicted 4 Because he worketh in us all that are his one faith one hope one way alike desires and affections and sealeth unto us the assurance of that onely and eternall happinesse and that to this end chiefly the more to oblidge us to love and help one another which can no way be better manifested then in this manner 4 Such motives hereunto as may be drawne from the consideration of the disposition and demeanour of those his and our enemies as 1 They blaspheme the name of our God by their abominable idolatries 2 They rob him of his honour and give that to their idolatries 3. They mock our prayers too and serving of God 4 They deride our trust in his name 5 They reproach and revile our holy profession 6 They have defiled do and will defile the places of Gods worship where they have the upper hand 7 They banish imprison torment and kill the sevants of God and will serve us so if they prevaile 2 They ravish
of Christ Jesus Resolve TO doe nothing without the warrant of Gods Word To order all affaires by judgement To speak the best of all men and all things To resist all manner of evill thoughts motions purposes affections passions to use only wise few true acceptable words To be grave affable circumspect all to the Lord shunning all by-respects No sufficiency in our selves all sufficiency in the Lord. Beg grace and labour to understand remember affect beleeve and practice In company avoid lightnesse and lumplishnesse in behaviour in talk filthinesse falshood jesting rashnesse superfluous words in action gluttony drunkenesse drinking healths Tobacco drinking Tobacco taking Endeavour stayednesse and and cheerfulnesse in behaviour gracious honest harmlesse discourses in action temperance speedy breaking up gratefulnesse In generall labour to hinder swearing obicene talk excesse contention and to further good discourse to bewaile what we cannot help to give no offence to take all in good part that concernes our selves More Resolutions OBey lawfull commands willingly Take reproofes gently And advice thankfully Doe duty diligently Sweare not rashly Speak soberly Examine complaints conscionably Understand both Parties throughly Deale directly Hate partiality Punish vice strictly Avoid words of superfluity Beare thy selfe humbly To each degree respectively Drink not immoderately Use not familiarity Be carelesse of others envy Worship God religiously In season and with constancy Strive to walk wisely Doe all in faith sincerely To the Lords glory Learne to make Conscience of mourning for the abom nations abounding among us BEcause God requires it Jer. 22.30 complaines of the negtect of it Isa 52.16 63. â—â— markes those for his and preserves them in times of generall judgements that doe it Ezek. 9.4 6. and will be intreated by them as by Moses c. therefore let us seriously ponder them and the judgements due unto them and acknowledge them craving an heart to be touched with godly sorrow and awfull feare bceause of them eschewing them in our selves suppressing them in others ill we can begging pardon for and reformation of them vexing our soules seeing or hearing of them desiring the Lord to keep his judgements from us that are due for them so sighing to the Lord sensibly because of them His acknowledgement of God THe Lord God (a) Psal 71.16 whom I alone (b) 1 Sam. 7.3 and alwayes (c) Deut. 14.23 desire to serve (d) Neh. 1.11 Jos 24.15 and trust (e) 2 Sam. 22.3 and in whose name (f) Psal 124 8. fear (g) Isa 8.13 presence (h) 2 Cor. 2. â—â— and assistance (i) Psal 121.2 I desire to order all my wayes (k) Psal 16. â—â— and from whom onely I look for all grace (l) 1 John 1.16 and good (m) Jam. 1. â— is God the Father (n) 2 Thes 1.1 God the Son (o) John 10. â—â— and God the holy Ghost (p) Acts. 5.3 4. three Persons (q) Mat. 3.16 â—â— but one (r) 1 John 5.7 onely (s) Deut. 6.4 true (t) Jer. 10.10 and most wonderfull (v) Isa 9.6 Lord God (w) 1 Chron. 11.16 who by his Word alone (x) Psal 33.6 9. most wisely (y) Prov. â—â— powerfully (z) Jer. 13.10 graciously (a) Psal 111. â— hath created all things of nothing (b) Gen. 1. who in like manner preserved doeth and will preserve (c) Heb. 1.3 and dispose all the vvorks of his hands (d) Mat. 10.29 30. for his owne glory (e) Pro. 16.4 and his childrens vvelfare (f) Rom. 8. â—â— vvhatsoever opposeth (g) Isa 14.24 27. vvho is the eternall (h) Dut. 33.27 everliving (i) Heb. 7.25 everlasting (k) Isa 40.28 most glorious (l) Dâ—â— 28.58 great (m) 2 Sam. 7.22 tearful (n) Exâ—â— 15.11 invisible (o) 1 Tim. 1.17 invincible (p) 2 Chrâ—â— 29.11 unconceivable (q) Rom. 11.33 34. un-utterable (r) Jâ—â— 21.31 incomprehensible (s) 1 King 8.27 inaccessible (t) 1 Tâ—â— 6.16 incorruptible (v) Rom. 1.23 infinitely vvise (w) Rom. â—â— 27 most holy (x) Isa 6.3 just (y) Job 34.19 jealous (z) Ex. 34.14 righteous (a) Dan. 9.14 Almighty (b) Jâ—â— 42.2 al-sufficient (c) Gen. 17.1 every where present (d) Jer. 23 2â— 24. alknowing (e) Heb. 4.13 most blessed (f) Rom. 9. â— and onely Potentate (g) 1 Tim. 6.15 most gracious (h) Psal 145. â— good (i) Mat. 19.17 free (k) Ezek. 36 2â— bountifull (l) Ps 116.7 most patient (m) Rom. 15.5 long-suftering (n) Eâ— 34.6 compassionate (o) Psal 78.38 pittifull (p) Jam. 5.11 most loving q Hos 14.4 faire r Psal 50.2 pure s Hab. 1.13 comely t Cant. 2.14 beautifull v Isa 4.2 most mercifull w 2 Cor. 1.3 faithfull x Deut. 7.9 immutable y Mal. â— â— and never enough to be admired Majesty z 2 Thes 1.12 my Lord a Isa 49.14 my God b John 20.28 my Father c John 20.17.28 my Redeemer d Job 19.25 my Intercessor e 1 Joh. 2.1 my Sanctifier f Rom. 15.16 my Comforter g John 14.26 my Guide h Psal 48 14. my Sufficiency i 2 Cor. 3.5 my safety k Prov. 31.21 my Deliverer l Ps 40.17 my good successe m Psal 37.5 my life n Acts 17.28 my health o Psal 43.5 my strength p Psal 28.7 my succour q Heb 2.18 my chiefe good r Psal 119.68 my all in all for good s Psal 73.25 my onely helper at all assayes t Heb. 13.5 6. in greatest extremities most remarkably v Ps 72.12 in whom I have all w 1 Cor. 3 22 23. without whom I have nothing x Hos 13.9 nor can doe nothing y Joh. 15.5 of whom alone I have received z 1 Cor. 4.7 by whom alone I doe enjoy a Acts 17.28 from whom alone I crave b Psal 5.2 and expect c Psal 62.5 all good d Psal 62.5 for this and a better life e Ps â—4 11 yea whom I desire above all things f Psal 73.25 and to whom onely in all above all alwayes be glory g Rom. 11.36 Amen g Rom. 11.36 How to endeavour to walk with God in the Leaguer FIrst to walk circumspectly and that 1 In dividing the times aright for the duties of Religion the works of my calling and other lawfull imployments that them be no confusion that the lesser be not hinderances but help to the greater 2 By serious consideration that I have warrant out of the Word of God for all my proceedings Secondly what religious duties be performed daily with Christian conveniency 1 Prayer for my selfe minâ— Gods people 2 Reading the Scripture and somewhat in a good books 3 Meditation
4 To sing out of the Psalms 5 To imbrace all occasions for Gods publike worship In each of these to seek the Lord conscionably 1 Labouring for preparation revetence sincerity feeling chearfulnesse and faith 2 Striving against carelesnesse coldnesse drousinesse hypocrisie and customary service 3 When any urgent businesse of my calling causeth the deferring any of these duties to take a more convenient time yea to redeem the time for the performance thereof Thirdly concerning the duties of my particular calling 1 In generall to walk faithfully diligently and wisely 2 In particular towards Supenours in all things lawfull obediently towards those I command gravely towards equals friendly 3 When I am commanded to pursue my businesse earnestly and chearfully till the same be effected 4 In commanding others to doe all distinctly throughly plainly and impartially to seâ— the same effected accordingly to check and punish neglect sharply 5 If joyned with other in command to seek and follow the best counsell and commendablest course 6 Not to despise the good advice of any though never so meane but by all good meanes to grow more fit for service 7 For better furnishing himselfe with ability to listen to others discourses to observe what others doe commendably in this or that occasion to consider the use of things with silent application Fourthly what company to avoid viz. of swearers drunkards quarrellers gamsters whore-masters filthy talkers scoffers at goodnesse c. to imbrace the society of honest men though meane Fiftly what places to avoid as of uncleannesse excesse playing c. though inticed or provoked thereto and to frequent such places where good is to be gotten Sixtly what especiall sinnes to strive against 1 In heart unadvised anger remembring injuries desire of revenge hatred envy impure lusts 2 In words brawling railing reviling scoffing indiscreet superfluous obscene boasting unnecessary selfconceited censuring ungracious familiar blasphemous speeches 3 In behaviour lightnesse lumpishnesse pride familiarnesse 4 In looks wandrings wantonnesse lustfulnesse 5 In action hard dealing impurity secret or open intemperance all sinne folly and disorder Seventhly to entertaine these contrary vertues 1 In heart watchfulnesse sobriety putting up wrongâ— forgetting injuries passing by offences without taking notice of them if God be not dishonoured or my selfe disabled else to use all good meanes to stand for the truth and cleare my innocency and quietnesse 2 In words that they be wise few seasonable to the purpost charitable true meek gracious 3 In behaviour gravity modesty humility curtesie seemlinesse to make a covenant with mine eyes not to behold vanity with delight 4 In action to shew tenderlie artednesse to live chastly temperately thriftily and to deale justly Eightly in case of justice and judgement 1 Not to condemne the innocent or justifie the offender 2 Nor to accept persons for any respect 3 To examine the cause throughly 4 To heare both parties deliberately 5 To hate bribes unfainedly 6 To helpe the afflicted against the rich and mighty 7 To execute justice rightly 8 To pronounce sentence according to warrant gravely boldly briefly impartially substantially how many who whatsoever opposeth Ninthly for convenient maintainance according to place and calling 1 To live within compasse 2 To weare plaine serviceable and decent apparrell 3 To avoyd running into debt and to pay debts by all good meanes possible 4 Not to live at anothers Table 5. Not to lay out on thinâ— superfluous 6 To allow what is fitting for my Family 7. In weldoing to depend â—â— God 's providence Tenthly in more espeâ—â— imployments in my plate To propound in each Goâ— glory to have respect to hiâ— Cause to be affected to hiâ— Church to order all affaires â—â— judgement where my calling requires though never 〈…〉 gerous to be willing forward couragious bould industrioâ—â— fearelesse to the death â—â—â—mending my self into the 〈◊〉 of God wholly for helpe 〈◊〉 and good successe To avoyd and strive agaâ—â—â—â— rash adventures without a warrantable calling foolish cuâ—osity ostentation unwillingnesse sloathfulnesse backwardnesse frivolous excuses cowardlinesse fear flying distrust of Gods help for sufficiency and protection for safety and blessing for a good issue Eleventhly and lastly concerning lawfull recreation 1 To take such time for them that things of more consequence â—â— the same time be not hindered by them 2 To use such exercises as are manly comely and fittest for my calling place and age 3 With nien most free from offence and of a good report 4 All with moderation not spending too much time labour or cost therein 5 Especially to spend some spare time in reading in some good morrall Author as Plutarks Lives Caesars Coâ—â—entaries c. and to ride abroad to view the Trench Works c. both for better enabling him to doe service To endeavour all in a conscinable manner seeking in all Gods glory chiefly by the help of his holy Spirit onely spite of all oppositions trusting through his grace in sincerity to testifie obedience and in all unwilling failings not to doubt of his most mercifull forgivenesse gracious acceptation and favourable blessing in the face of Christ Jesus in whose name my Father I beg a disposition and ability to discharge each part of my duty seasonably wisely uprightly and constantly according to what I have purposed and expressed before thee that thou in mercy â—ccording to thy truth in him â—â—ayest please at all times in 〈◊〉 things to be with me for â—â—â—d Amen How to stirre up and embrace right Christian resolutions for the Cause of God and against his enemies FIrst be fully assured it is the Cause of God else it is sinful and shall not be blessed but undoubtedly it is the Cause of God because his pure worship accooding to his Word is stood for because we have been and are grievously persecuted by tyrannous Idolaters for the same and that neverthelesse the Lord for his great names sake according to his truth in great mercy hath many and miraculously delivered and preserved us and still doth as at this day Secondly therfore as all good Christians are strictly bound so I my self must endeavour to doe my best to maintaine this his Cause and that because 1 The Lord requires it 2 And curseth bitterly such as helpe him not against the mighty 3 And hath plagued such for their neglect 4 Because I have the warrantable examples of Gods children who willingly ventured their lives for this Cause 5 The commendations in Scripture of such is also a spur hereunto 6 And the blessings of the Lord upon them both which we may look for 7 We are Fellow-helpers with the Lord in his Worke against his enemies an acceptable work Thirdly the manner how to performe this commanded warrantable commendable blessed and acceptable work 1 Zealously and that 1 Because the glory of the great name of the eternall God of which he is so jealous is the thing we fight for the Cause being his 2 The preservation of his holy Word and pure worship among