thou shalt meditate therein day and night And accordingly the godly-wise have beene wont to exercise themselves See Gen. 24.63 The Patriarch Isaac vvent out into the field to meditate at eventide It seemeth it was his usuall course David was frequent herein See Psal 119. â— O how I love thy law it is my meditation the day I. REAS. Because godly meditation very profitable and helpfull to furnish a store the heart with good matter to be uâ—red according to occasion offering it selâ—â— The most wise king Solomon had good â—â—perience herein See Psal 45.1 My heâ—â— inditing a good matter I speake of the things whâ—â— I have made touching the King My tongue is â—pen of a ready vvriter c. II. REAS. Because good meditation 〈◊〉 much affect the heart according to 〈◊〉 subject that is meditated upon See Psâ—â— 119.15 I vvill meditate saith David on 〈◊〉 precepts and have respect unto thy vvaies Aâ—â— he had said A meditation on Gods precepâ— is singularly usefull to worke my heart uâ—â—â— a respect of Gods waies and therefore I wâ—â— meditate on them So likewise vers 55. ibiâ—â— I have remembred thy Name O Lord in the nigâ—â— and have kept thy lavv As if he had said Mâ—â— remembring and meditating on thy Naâ—â— in the night season hath beene effectuall â—â— stirre me up unto the observing keeping of thy law OBSERV Meditation is either occasioâ—nall or set and deliberate I. Occasionall meditation is a making use â—f such things as by the providence of God â—o offer themselves to our eyes eares c. 〈◊〉 we are in our callings as the circumstances will permit Thus Peter meditated on his â—eliverance out of prison See Act. 12.11 II. Set and deliberate meditation is when here is a purposed sequestring ones selfe part to performe this exercise more thoâ—oughly and a making use of some fit and â—lect matters to be meditated on and then â—â—larging the minde and affections thereâ—bouts See Gen. 24.63 XXI PROPOSITION The most seasonable and fitting â—ime of every day ought to be â—llotted and taken for the daily â—orship and service which God â—equireth his people to performe unto him PROOF The Lord himselfe giveth this direction unto his people of Israel See Numb 28.1 2. And the Lord spake unto Moses saying Command the children of Israel and say unto them My offering and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire for a svveet savour unto me shall yee observe to offer unto me in their due season Levit. 23.4 These are the feasâ—â—â— the Lord even holy convocations vvhich yeeâ—â—â— proclaime in their seasons I. REAS. Because Time being a neceâ—â—ry and unseparable adjunct of every actioâ—â— be done therefore the most seasonableâ— convenient time ought to be discernedâ— laid hold on thereunto Eccles 3.1 〈◊〉 every thing there is a season and a time to 〈◊〉 purpose under the heaven c. II. REAS. Because seasonable performâ—â—ces of any businesses takeÌ„ in hand doe mâ—â— beautify and adorne the same Eccles 3.1 God hath made every thing beautifull in his tiâ—â— Prov. 15.23 A word spoken in due season 〈◊〉 good is it OBSERV When in Scripture the peoâ—â—â— of God are required to doe any duety 〈◊〉 waies or continually viz. 1 Thess 5. â— 17. Rejoyce evermore Pray without ceasing 〈◊〉 The meaning seemeth to be that thankâ—â—â—ving and prayer and other religious dutiâ—â—â— and exercises ought to be performed at sâ—â—sonable and fitting times for performaâ—â—â— thereof Otherwise the duties of their pâ—â—ticular callings would be wholly interrupâ— and neglected which yet are allowed 〈◊〉 enjoyned to be done 2 Thess 3.10 Albâ—â— these are not to be left undone Math. 2â— 23. Allus For as Mephibosheth his eaâ—â—â— â—read continually at Davids table 2 Sam. 9.7 â—mported that he did eate every day at Daâ—ids table at usuall meale-meale-times or at the â—ccustomed times of eating so it is in this â—ase also of time for religious duties viz. in â—he seasons thereof XXII PROPOSITION Morning and Evening are the most seasonable and fitting times of every day for the performance of the religious duties of prayer â—nd Scripture-exercises above mentioned PROOF God the Father who hath put â—he times and seasons in his owne power Act. 1.7 did appoint the morning and the â—vening for his service day by day even his â—aily burnt offering of two lambs Numb â—8 4 The one lambe shalt thou offer in the morâ—ing and the other lambe shalt thou offer at even c. And accordingly the godly who have â—ehaved themselves wisely in their waies â—ave ordered their course See Psal 5.3 My voice shalt thou heare in the morning O Lord â—n the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee Psal 141.2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee â—s incense and the lifting up of my hands as the â—vening sacrifice I. REAS. Because the variety of the â—â—â—casions and affaires of every day and the â—â—cessities of every night are such as have 〈◊〉 of Gods counsell and encouragement in 〈◊〉 outgoing of the morning and evening 〈◊〉 every day and night if so they may be mâ—â—â— to rejoyce Now this shal be effected 〈◊〉 a seasonable converse with God morning 〈◊〉 evening every day See Psal 65.2 Oâ—â—â— that hearest prayer unto thee shall all flesh coâ—â—â— compar vers 8. Thou makest the outgoing of 〈◊〉 morning and evening to rejoyce II. REAS. Because in the morning uâ—â—ally mens spirits are most fresh and apâ—â—â— any undertakings as is implied Job 11. â—â— So that it is meetest to give unto God sâ—â—â— first fruits Allus Prov. 3.9 Honour 〈◊〉 Lord with thy substance and with the first frâ—â—â— of all thine increase And in the evening uâ—â—ally men are freest from the distractions 〈◊〉 their worldly businesses and imploymenâ—â— in regard of darknesse overtaking as is iâ—plied Psal 104.23 And in that respect 〈◊〉 freest at such time for Gods service Sâ—â—â— Psal 3. vers 4 5. I cried unto the Lord with 〈◊〉 voice and he heard me out of his holy hill Selâ—â—â— I laid me downe and slept c. OBSERV Prayer Scripture-exercisâ—â— morning and evening are the godly 〈◊〉 his keyes to unlock and open for him 〈◊〉 blessings to be enjoyed in the day time and to lock and shut up the discomforts and dangers of the night season So that the Sunne â—hall not smite by day nor the Moone by â—ight Psal 121.6 XXIII PROPOSITION Albeit Prayer and some Scripture-exercise ought to be conversed in both morning and evening every day yet in some cases viz. of mercy and necessity there may be an omission thereof otherwise not PROOF The Passeover that solemne ordinance of God for the Israelites might â—n some cases be forborne and omitted for time viz. in case of a journey or some uncleanesse c. Numb 9.13 So the religious duties for the day when such works doe interpose as the time and occasion will not permit to be performed may be omitted at such time See Math. 12.7 I will have mercy and not sacrifice
time of this distresse did he trespasse yet more against the Lord This is that King Ahaz XLV PROPOSITION As the sanctifying and religious observing of the Sabbath day doeth not exempt and excuse Christians from the performance of some religious duties upon the sixe working daies as it hath beene shewed and proved above Proposit 7. so neither doeth the performance of some religious duties on the sixe working daies morning and evening usually and at other times of the day or whole daies occasionally give any exemption or liberty unto them from their sanctifying oâ— the Sabbath day wholly But they are bound to keepe the Sabbath day holy both in a forbearance of all civill works recreations and also in an applying of themselves to pious services throughout the day either in publick or private or secret as occasion and opportunity serveth PROOF This is the maine scope of the fourth commandement of the Decalogue Exod. 20.8 10. Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy In it thou shalt not doe any worke thou nor thy sonne nor thy daughter nor thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant c. And thus the godly have been wont to approve themselves both in the old and new Testament See this in the religious Eunuchs and sons of strangers who kept Gods Sabbath and did not pollute it Isaiah 56.4 6. The Apostle John being in the Isle called Patmos was in the spirit or spiritually exercised on the Lords day Revel 1.10 The disciples at Troas observed the first day of the weeke or Lords day comming together to the word and Sacrament and conversing therein throughout the day I. REAS. Because the Lord hath blessed and hallowed the Sabbath day unto religious exercises and propounded his owne example to be a president herein See Exod. 20.11 And he rested the seventh day Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it II. REAS. Because such families as keepe the Sabbath day holy doe thereby declare themselves to be the people of God forâ— hallowing the Sabbath is an indicant signe of acknowledgment of respect unto the affirmative parts of the three first commandements of the first Table viz. of having the Lord to be ones God and worshipping and honouring him c. See Ezek. 20.19 20. I am the Lord your God walke in my Statuteâ— keepe my Iudgments doe them And hallâ—â— my Sabbaths and they shal be a signe betweeneâ— and you that ye may know that I am the Lorâ— your God III. REAS. Because the Lord hath made very precious promises to all such as doe conscionably keepe and sanctify the Sabbath day See Isa 58.13 14. If thou turne away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine owne waies nor finding thine owne pleasure nor speaking thine owne words Then shalt thou delight thy selfe in the Lord and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth anâ— feede thee with the heritage of Jacob thâ— father for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it This goodnesse of God shoulâ— prevaile with his people to feare him anâ— keepe his commandements See Hos 3.5 IV. REAS. Because of the severity of God against profaners and breakers of the Sabbath day manifested by his threatning and executing of punishments See Jerem. 17.27 But if you will not hearken unto me to hallow the Sabbath day and not to beare a burden even entring in at the gates of Ierusalem on the Sabbath day then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof and it shall devoure the palaces of Ierusalem and it shall not be quenched Exod. 35.2 Whosoever doeth worke therein shal be put to death Numb 15.36 And all the Congregation brought him the Sabbath breaker without the campe and stoned him with stones and he died as the Lord commanded Moses This terrour of the Lord should perswade men See 2 Cor. 5.11 I. OBSERV The law of the Sabbath day is one of the ten commandements Exod. 34.28 It is one of the lawes of nature written in mens hearts that sufficient time be taken unto Gods solemne worship which God according to his infinite wisdome hath appointed determined shal be one of seven See Rom. 2.14 15. Eccles 3.1 compar Exod. 20.10 11. Act. 20.7 II. OBSERV The doing of the works of piety mercy and necessity on the Sabbath day in a due way are not any breach or profanation of the day but rather such duties as ought to be done which doe also tend to the sanctifying thereof as being agreeabâ—â— to the minde of God who is the Lord 〈◊〉 the Sabbath day and will have mercy anâ— not sacrifice inasmuch as he made the Sabbath for man and not man for the Sabbath See Math. 12.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. Mark 2 2â— Luk. 13.15 16. III. OBSERV It is a vaine sinfull pretence of Anabaptists and Libertines that iâ— these daies of the Gospell our Christian lâ—berty freeth us from the strict observation of any one day of the weeke unto the Lord more then any other of the sixe pretending that every day ought to be a Sabbath day to Christians alledging and objecting Coloss 2.16 Hebr. 4.10 in defence of their errour and so for want of understanding learning and stability doe wrest these other places in the Apostle Pauls Epistles to their owne destruction as the Apostle Peter sheweth 2 Pet. 3.15 16. The text Coloss 2.16 Let no man therefore judge you in meate or in drinke or in respect of an holy day or of the new Moone or of the Sabbath daies is to be understood of Jewisâ— festivities in their severall kindes and not of the morall Sabbath day But if the morall Sabbath day be at all meant then it is only in respect of observing the last day of the weeke sith the first day of the weeke was now appointed to be observed for the Sabâ—ath day in the daies of the new Testament â—ee Act. 20.7 1 Corinth 16.2 Revel 1.10 The text Hebr. 4.10 For he that is entred â—nto his rest he also hath ceased from his owne â—orke as God did from his is to be understood â—ouching the state condition of the people â—f God that did live and were under the old Testament aswell as of their state that doe â—ive and are under the new Testament and â—herefore ought not to be restrained unto â—hese daies and times of the Gospell For so â—he scope and coherence of the text doeth â—asily and plainly make manifest to any considerate and judicious reader thereof XLVI PROPOSITION The religious duties and services which Christian families ought to observe and attend on the Sabbath day are cheifly those which ought to be performed conversed in in the publick and solemne assemblies of the Church or Congregation assembled together to such end PROOF The members of the Church at Troas and other brethren occasion there assembled on
Isa 58.13 Calling the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and honouring him not doing their owne waies nor finding their owne pleasure nor speaking their owne words c. True it is the generality both of the Ministers People in England have conceited too meanly and unbeseemingly of the Lords day as is palpably argued by the common neglect and contempt of preaching and by the unwarrantable liberties given and taken on that day Yea there have beene found some in England like those of (q) Act. 6.9 the Synagogue of Libertines that coÌ„tradicted the blessed martyr StepheÌ„ who have imployed both their witts tongues pennes to plead against the necessary and strict keeping holy the Sabbath day But albeit the more number-some and greater sort doe (r) Hos 11.12 compasse God about with lyes deceit yet the better more pious people doe rule with God and are faithfull with the Saints being heartily (Å¿) Ezek. 9.4 greived for the abominations done in the midst of the land on the Sabbath day Secondly the sincere respects of the people of God in England to Lectures appeare both by their great (t) 2 Sam. 24.24 costs to uphold and establish them where maintenance hath beene wanting otherwise and likewise by the fulnesse of the assemblies not only in London and greater cities but also in other parts of the countrey where they are used Oh how my spirits are revived and cheered and my heart (v) Psal 122.1 2. comforted within me when I call to minde the great concourse of well-affected Christians in severall parts of Lancashire and Cheshire where sometimes I had my station who have resorted to Lectures and monethly exercises as (x) Isa 60.8 doves fly to their windows going from strength to strength many miles round about till they appeared before God in the assembly of Saints Such their course seemed to be a reall experimentall commentary on the 84 Psalme True it is there hath beene speciall opposition against Lectures in England I tremble to mention it through the absurd unreasonablenesse of some seeking (y) 2 Thess 3.2 to hinder the free course of the Gospell But such their (z) 2 Tim. 3 8 9. folly and madnesse in resisting the trueth is made manifest to all men Thirdly the respective performance of religious family-family-duties by the people of God in England crowneth their keeping of the Sabbath and attendance on Lectures sith thereby it is demonstrated that their (a) Deut. 6.6 7. Christian profession is to purpose turning words into works and attaining a power of godlinesse aswell as the forme of it True it is that some professing themselves to be the people of God notwithstanding that family-duties are (b) Hos 8.12 of the great things of the law yet doe count them as a strange thing Not unlike those ignorant baptized (c) Act. 19.2 disciples at Ephesus who being asked whether they had received the holy Ghost since they had beleeved said They had not so much as heard whether there be any holy Ghost But (d) Hebr. 13.22 I beseech such to suffer the words of instruction and exhortation in the discourse ensuing True it is also there are some (e) Gen. 21.9 Gal. 4.29 scoffing Ismaels and (f) 2 Sam. 6.16 20. giering Micals who doe despise in their hearts and persecute what in them lieth the families that call upon Gods Name for their performance of family-duties But let such know that godly families are not wont to be daunted by (g) Hebr. 11.36 the tryall of cruell mockings as being resolved in their measure with David to be (h) 2 Sam. 6.22 yet more vile then thus if this be to be vile and with Joshua that however it may seeme evill to others to serve the Lord Yet (i) Josh 24.15 as for them their houses they will serve the Lord. Now forasmuch as many of the Lords approved workmeÌ„ have taken in hand to set forth their well studied labours to defend and promote the religious observation oâ— the Lords day and to justify and encourage effectuall preaching and fruitfull hearing of the word It seemed good to me also knowing that I am (k) Philip. 1.17 set for the cause of the Gospel to put forth my slender talent in composing an Essay touching the necessity nature and manner of performance of religious family-duties if so I may give an (l) Math. 25.19 Hebr. 13.17 Luk. 16.2 Neh. 13.22 account of my stewardship with joy and be spared according to the greatnesse of Gods tender mercies when I shal be summoned to a reckoning in that day And this I have attempted the rather (m) Psal 122.8 for my brethren companions sakes whose spiritual good and prosperity I unfeignedly desire and seeke after partly to stirre up and helpe forward the sincere and zealous devotions of such as desire to (n) Psal 10.2 walke within their houses with a perfect heart partly likewise to provoke such as are of greater abilities to contribute our of their (o) Math. 13.52 old and new store into our Lords treasury who standeth (p) Mark 12.41 to behold and observe and will graciously accept and commend the liberality of offerers be the gift never so meane It is undoubtedly (q) Math. 25.22.23 well done of Gods good and faithfull servants the godly-zealous preachers in England that in their sermons and treatises they doe most seriously call for and frequently inculcate an exercise and practise of religious family-duties but yet me thinks it may seeme to be some upbraiding of the reformed times that there is no peculiar treatise bestowed on this subject at least that I have either seene or ever heard of The blessing of God (r) Ephes 3.14 15. the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and on earth is named and (Å¿) Jerem. 31.1 the God of all the families of the English Israel goe along graciously with this poore and weake endeavour for the glory of his great Name and the spirituall welfare of my most endeared countreâ— men Even so prayeth his Lord unworthy servant and humble pâ—â—titioner at the throne of grace THOMAS PAGE A Series or order of the severall Propositions in the ensuing Demonstration 1. IT is a grand concernment to know and beleeve that the Lord is God 2. Such as know and beleeve that the Lord is God ought to worship and serve him 3. God ought to be worshipped and served according to his owne appointment 4. The word of God is the rule of the worship and service which God hath appointed 5. The rule directed in the Word is not only expressed in doctrinall precepts but also is implied in the promises threatnings and examples 6. One cheife direction is that God be served every day in some religious exercises 7. A religious sanctifying of the Sabbath day doeth not exempt any from religious duties on the working daies 8. The
kindes of religious exercises to be observed every day are Prayer Exercise in the Scripture and Meditation 9. Prayer ought to be performed every day 10. Conceived prayer is best approved 11. Yet it is lawfull and may be expedient for some to use set formes of prayer 12. Exercise in the Scripture ought to be every day 13. Scripture-exercise consisteth in Reading Singing of Psalmes Catechizing Conferenâ—â— 14. Reading of the Scripture ought to be used daily 15. It is a good course for the most part to read the Word in order 16. Singing of Psalmes ought to be used frequently 17. Catechising ought to be used frequently 18. It is lawfull and may be expedient to use a sâ— forme of some approved Catechisme 19. Conference of Scripture matters ought to be frequent 20. Meditation ought to be daily 21. The most seasonable time of every day should be taken for religious duties 22. Morning and Evening are the most seasonable times of every day for the service of prayer and Scripture-exercise 23. In some cases the performance of religious services may sometimes be omitted 24. When such cases are it ought to be greivous to such as by occasion are necessitated to such omissions 25. Vnjust or sleight pretences for omissions should be taken heed of 26. More or lesse time must be taken unto religious duties according as circumstances will allow 27. The Families of Gods people ought both morning and evening to performe such religious services 28. Such religious services for every day ought to be performed by the whole family joyntly and together 29. But Meditation ought notwithstanding to be performed by the severall members of the family apart by themselves 30. In performance of religious family-family-duties some one of the family should be as the mouth of the rest for the utterance of what is performed 31. Yet in singing of Psalmes all the members of the family ought to lift up their voices together 32. The Governour of the family ordinarily is the fittest person to be as the mouth of the rest of the family 33. The Governour of the family may according to his place and gift instruct his family aswell as pray with them 34. Yet he may not presume above his place and abilities in a course of instructing of them 35. The Governour of the family in some cases may lawfully depute some fit person of his houshold to performe some service which he himselfe otherwise ought to see unto 36. If the Governour be remisse or indisposed hereunto then the wife or some other ought to put the worke forward 37. If the Governour be froward so as not to admit of family-duties then the inferiours ought to redeeme time with as good conveniency as possibly they may 38. The severall members of the family ought to performe religious services in secret besides their joynt service of God 39. Vpon extraordinary occasions religious families ought to spend more then ordinary time yea sometimes whole daies together in religious services 40. Vpon occasion of extraordinary service it lawfull may be expedient to crave the asistance of neighbour godly-brethren 41. In extraordinary cases and occasions religâ—ous fasting may and ought to be added to thâ— other religious services 42. Religious fasting may be used in families with assistants aswell as publickly as occasiâ—â— shall require 43. There are sundry extraordinary occasions foâ— religious services to be accompanied with fasting 44. As the occasions may be more frequent so oughâ— the services to be frequent also 45. As sanctifying the Sabbath day exempteth mâ— from working-daies service in families ss neither doe working-daies services exempâ—â— from keeping the Sabbath day holy wholly 46. Publick services in the solemne Congregation ought cheifly to be seene unto on the Sabbath day 47. Yet it concerneth Christian families and thâ— members thereof to see to other services alsâ— on the Sabbath day both in the family and in secret 48. All due caution and circumspection ought to be used for the declining of finister cariage in any kind of religious duties 49. All religious services ought to be performed by all sorts in a spirituall and holy manner and due order 50. The performance of religious family-duties ought not to be rested in but God is to be depended on for his blessing the same 51. Such families as call not on Gods Name are in a most dangerous state 52. So likewise are such families as doe performe religious duties amisse 53. So are they also that are carelesse of learning to reade and of procuring or making use of Bibles 54. Those families are altogether inexcusable as doe walke contrary to the good waies of God 55. Governours of families ought to endeavour earnestly after soundnesse of judgment and godlinesse of conversation 56. Governours ought to see to the waies of the members of their families committed to their charge 57. Members of families ought to be tractable and ready to joyne in family-duties submitting to their Governours therein 58. Those families are happy as having the Lord to be their God doe serve him according to his will A DEMONSTRATION OF FAMILY-DUTIES I. PROPOSITION It is the cheife grand concernment of all people to know beleeve that the Lord is God Infallible proofes taken out of the word of God to confirme the Proposition THe importance of this first Proposition is declared by two sure witnesses even the two most eminent Prophets of the old new Testament Moses Christ Moses the man of God doeth effectually inculcate it to the Israelites in the booke of Deuteronomie according to all that the Lord had given him in commandement unto theÌ„ Deut. 4.39 Know therefore this day consider it in thine heart that the Lord he is God in heaven above upon the earth beneath there is none else And Christ Iesus who was faithfull to him that appointed him as also Moses was faithfull in all his house Hebr. 3.2 being asked Mark 12.28 Which is the first commandement of all Answered vers 29. The first of all 〈◊〉 commandements is Heare O Israel the Lord 〈◊〉 God is one Lord. Reasons or arguments taken out of Gods word to demonstrate the 1. Proposition I. REASON Because God himself who is infinite in wisdome and understaâ—ding Psal 147.5 doeth plainly testify thâ—â— the most seeming considerable valuabâ—â— estimates of people are of no worth in comparisoÌ„ of knowing him to be the Lord Goâ— See Ierem. 9.23 24. Thus saith the Lord 〈◊〉 not the wise man glory in his wisdome neither 〈◊〉 the mighty man glory in his might let not then man glory in his riches But let him that glorieâ—â— glory in this that he understandeth known me that I am the Lord c. II. REAS. Because knowledge and be leefe that the Lord is God is both a goâ—â— meanes also a cleere evidence of life eteâ—nall For so our blessed Saviour acknowledgeth affirmeth in his heavenly prayer 〈◊〉 the behalfe of his disciples a little before hâ—â— sufferings Iohn
that I may daily performe my vowes So the Christians in the new Testament had respect not only unto the Lords day to keepe it holy Act. 20.7 Vpon the first day of the weeke the disciples came together to breake bread c. but also to religious exercises daily Act. 17.11 And searched the Scriptures daily I. REAS. Because God is the absolute soveraigne Lord of every day to order and dispose of it as seemeth good unto the will of his divine pleasure Psal 74.16 The day is thine the night also is thine thou hast prepared the light and the Sunne And therfore he hath authority to command and appoint such service to be done as he pleaseth either in our generall or particular callings II. REAS. Because in the old Testament there were sundry times set apart unto divine worship by Gods owne institution and appointment besides the morall Sabbath day Levit. 23.4 c. These are the feasts of the Lord even holy convocations which ye shall proclaime in their seasons viz. The Passover The feast of the first fruits of Pentecost of Trumpets of Tabernacles the day of atonement c. So that the keeping of the morall Sabbath should be no prejudice to religious service at any other seasonable times OBSERVAT. The meaning of the argument used to perswade unto the religious keeping of the Sabbath day in Exod. 20.9 Sixe daies shalt thou labour doe all thy worke c. seemeth to be that the works of mens particular callings may ought to be done only within the space of the sixe daies of the weeke and not on the seventh or Sabbath day But it doth not follow hence as if men were not allowed to serve God religiously at any time within the sixe daies And this will further appeare if it be also observed that labour in mens particular callings is not commanded in the fourth commandement of the Decalogue sith it is in the first table which enjoyneth our duty towards God but it seemeth to be required in the eight commandement which is in the second table directing our duty towards our selves and our neighbours VIII PROPOSITION The worship and religious seâ—vice which ought to be perfoâ—med unto God every day is tâ— Prayer 11. Some exercise in thâ— holy Scripture and III. Godlâ— Meditation The Proofes and Reasons of this Propâ—sition are to be seene in the declaration 〈◊〉 these kindes of religious services distinctly as followeth IX PROPOSITION Prayer unto God is a princâ—pall part of such religious woâ—ship service as is taught in thâ— holy Scriptures in which the people of God ought to spend somâ—time every day PROOF This Proposition is by goodâ— just consequence implied in the Lords prâ—yer as it is usually styled in that fourth â—â—rection or petition Math. 6.11 Give us 〈◊〉 day our daily bread which is also expressed the same effect Luk. 11.3 For hereâ—â— we are given to understand that it is our duty to seeke unto God every day for a supply of daily requisites for subsistance in this life And this is manifest the rather if we doe observe that the terme or adverbiall particle of time This day or To day implieth Every day as it shall succeed other day by day continually I. REAS. Because whereas the evills miseries of sinne punishment are every day incident Math. 6.34 Sufficient unto the day is the evill thereof Prayer to God is a most effectual meanes to prevent or stay or remove the same See this Amos 7.2 3 4 5 6. 1. Chron. 4.10 Amos and Iabez by their prayers prevented stayed and removed invading evills God accepting them And thus much may also be gathered from the following directions and deprecations in the Lords prayer Math. 6.12 13. Forgive us our debts Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evill For God is able to keepe from falling Iude ver 24. to subdue iniquity Micah 7.19 to deliver out of temptation 2. Pet. 2.9 to uphold in weaknesse 2. Cor. 12.9 and to stay the course of evills 2. Chron. 30.20 Yet notwithstanding he wil be sought unto therein Ezek. 36. vers 37. Thus saith the Lord God I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel to doe it for them II. REAS. Because Prayer to God that most powerfull way and meanes whicâ— God hath ordained and sanctified for thâ— obteining of such blessings as he purposeâ— to bestow upon his people As it is directâ— taught Math. 7.7 8. Aske and it shal be givâ—â— you seeke and ye shall finde knock and it shâ—â—â—â— opened unto you For every one that asketh â—â—ceiveth and he that seeketh findeth and to bâ— that knocketh it shal be opened Ierem. 29 1â— 13. Then shall ye call upon me and ye shall go 〈◊〉 pray unto me and I will hearken unto you Aâ—â— ye shall seeke me and finde me when ye shall seâ—â—â—â— for me with all your heart III. REAS. Because Prayer giveth 〈◊〉 sanctified and comfortable use of such blâ—â—sings and mercies as are already possessed aâ—â— enjoyed by the people of God See 1 Tiâ— 4.4 5. Every creature of God is good c. for 〈◊〉 is sanctified by the word and prayer OBSERVAT. When God is sought unâ—â— every day by prayer for a bestowing of daâ—â—â— requisites it is a good testimony that theâ—â— is an acknowledgment and dependance tâ— his gracious providence fatherly dispeâ—sation continually as it is implied in Psal 6 2. O thou that hearest prayer unto thee shall 〈◊〉 flesh come The Psalmist David in time of thâ— famine which lasted three yeeres soughâ— unto God for daily bread 2. Sam. 21.1 c And having received an answer of peace he penned as may be probably conjectured the 65th Psalme to expresse his gratitude and to teach others how to demeane themselves in time of straits and wants namely to goe to God that heareth prayers when he is sought unto and called upon X. PROPOSITION The best and most acceptable way and course for the people of God to approve themselves in the performance of the service of prayer is that having a gift of knowledge and utterance they doe not limit stint themselves unto a set forme of words but rather that they doe conceive their Prayer as cause occasion shall justly require PROOF The holy servants of God mentioned and approved of in Scripture in their course of praying have beene wont usually for the most part to coÌ„ceive their prayers Daniel greatly beloved wheÌ„ he understood by his reading in the booke of the prophesy of Jeremiah the number of the yeeres to be accomplished in the desolations of Jerusalem conceiveth his prayer accordingly See Dan. 9.1 c. The booke of God is plentifull in instances of this kinde as may be seene in the booke of Psalmes and otheâ— historicall books I. REAS. Because every gift of God Spirit and consequently the gift of prayer ought to be stirred up and exercised according to just occasions offering themselves See 2 Timoth. 1.6 I
A DEMONSTRATION OF FAMILY-DVTIES OR Certaine Propositions and Reasons of them taken â—â—t of the holy Scriptures tending to shew the necessity nature and manner of performance of such Religious duties as Christian Families ought to spare some time unto from common affaires every day BY T. P. Joshua 24.15 But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. M DC XLIII Printed by H. A. for Thomas Vnderhill dwelling at the signe of the Bible in Woodstreet LONDON To the truly Noble much honoured GEORGE BOOTH Esquire of Dunham-Massie together vvith the Right Honourable the Lady KATHARINE BOOTH his pious Consort And also to the vvel-affected Gentry and Commons in CHESHIRE and in Manchester Parish in LANCASHIRE THOMAS PAGET SINCERELY WISHETH an increase of the power of godlinesse which is profitable unto all things and hath the promises of the life that now is and of that which is to come AND HUMBLY PRESENTETH the ensuing discourse touching Religious Family-duties in testimony of his reall engagements to serve them in the LORD as long as he is in this tabernacle THE PREFACE THe (a) Tit. 2.11 grace of God that bringeth salvation hath abundantly appeared unto his people in these latter daies of the Christian world in their effectuall (b) Revel 18.4 calling and comming out of mysticall Babylon that they partake not of her sinnes nor receive of her plagues The (c) Revel 11.11 Spirit of life from God hath entred into his two witnesses who (d) Revel 11.7.8 had beene warred against and slaine by the beast and whose dead bodies did lie in the streets of the great city which spiritually is called Sodome and Egypt so that they have stood upon their feet and (e) Revel 6.2 gone forth conquering and to conquer by the (f) Ephes 6.17 Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (g) 2 Cor. 10.4 5. the strong holds of Antichrist and all spirituall adversary power whatsoever And hence it is come to passe that (h) Revel 11.13 a great part of Romish Babylon is fallen and a most glorious remnant in England Scotland Ireland the United Netherlands Germany Bohemia Denmark Sweden Poland Hungary Helvetia France Geneva c. are become Protestants giving glory to the God of heaven (i) Zach. 4.7 shouting Grace Grace and (k) Revel 15.3 4. singing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lambe saying Great and marveilous are thy workes Lord God Almighty just and true are thy waies thou King of Saints Who shalâ— not feare thee O Lord and glorifie thy Name for thou only art holy for all nations shall come worship before thee for thy judgments are made manifest The dispensation of (l) Ephes 3.8.10 the unsearchable riches of Christ according to the manifold wisdome of God in the behalfe of his Churches and people which have obteined deliverance from their spirituall captivity hath likewise been (m) 1 Cor. 12.11 made manifest in dividing to every one severally as he will (n) Math. 13.23 either thirty sixty or an hundredfold As may further appeare by a short survey of the state of his severall Churches viz. I. The Lutherane Churches as they are commoÌ„ly called through the grace of God (o) 1 Tim. 3.13 have purchased unto themselves a good degree and great boldnesse in the faith which is in Christ Jesus by their separating from Antichristian heresies and entertaining the fundamentall doctrines of justification and salvation by Christ alone For howbeit they (p) 1 Cor. 3.12 15. have built in some part wood hay stubble c. upon the foundation and in that respect shall suffer losse yet they shal be saved notwithstanding as by fire II. The Reformed Evangelicall Churches as (q) Act. 17.11 the Bereans were more noble theÌ„ the Thessalonians have (r) 2 Thess 3.1 glorified the Word of God not only in their orthodoxall soundnesse in the (Å¿) Hebr. 6.1 2. Principles and doctrine of the Sacraments (t) 1 Cor. 3.12 building gold silver precious stones c. on the foundation but also in the vindication of the glory of Gods free grace touching his absolute Election of some to grace and happinesse The efficacy of the death of Christ for his chosen called and faithfull ones Effectuall conversion Saving faith Certainty of Salvation Perseverance in grace unto the end All which may be fully read over in the acts of that most renowned and most profitable Synod assembled at Dort in Holland Anno 1618. 1619. III. The French Scotish and Belgick Reformed Churches have beene singularly beautified with their (v) Coloss 2.5 comely order decently (x) 1 Pet. 5.5 clothed with amiable humility (y) Rom. 12.3 not thinking more highly of themselves then they ought to thinke nor hierarchically (z) 3 John 9. affecting preeminence but thinking soberly As appeareth not only by their demeaning and deporting of themselves as God (a) Rom. 12.6 7 8. hath dealt to every one in office his gift of exhorting teaching ruling and distributing for the benefit comfort of the CongregatioÌ„s to which they doe minister and the Congregations submitting themselves to their Church-officers in the Lord but also by their combining themselves into (b) 1 Tim. 4.14 Presbyteries (c) Act. 15.2 Classes and Synods for the better and more (d) Prov. 11.14 prudent determination of their more weighty affaires (e) Math. 18.17 according to Christs order and rule of Discipline IV. The people of God in England howbeit their Ecclesiasticall officers have beene too like to the (f) Revel 3.15 17. Angel of the Church of Laodicea as he is notified in the Apocalyps yet they themselves are like unto those (g) Revel 3.4 few in Sardis which defiled not their garments and who shall walke with Christ in white as being worthy of (h) 1 Chron. 4.9 a more honourable name then any of the Reformed Churches for their (i) Psal 16.3 excelling in the power of godlinesse There are three choyce vertues as (k) Eccles 4.12 a threefold coard that is not quickly brokeÌ„ which have truely ennobled and renowned the people of God in England and greatly magnified the grace of God conferred on them above other Churches viz. 1. The (l) Jer. 17.24 high prizing and conscionable sanctifying of the Lords day 2. The (m) Act. 13.44 due esteeme and joyfull frequenting of Lectures 3. The (n) Genes 18.19 carefull and constant performance of religious family-family-duties First the unfeigned respects of the people of God in England to the sanctifying of the Lords day are (o) Rom. 1.8 spoken of throughout the Christian world both in regard of their godly-learned treatises in justification of the morality of the fourth commandement and keeping holy of the Sabbath day beyond what is ordinarily to be seene in the books of forraine Divines and also in regard of their most spirituall exemplary practise (p)
teach them as hath â—eene declared Proposit 33. â—et notwithstanding if the said Governour of the family be a priâ—ate man onely and not an apâ—roved teacher of the word then â—e may not presume above his â—ift and calling to interpret and â—pply the Scriptures sith he is â—â—bordinate to the ministeriall â—ffice PROOF To this effect the Apostle Paul â—iveth speciall advertisment and caution Rom. 12.3 For I say through the grace given unto men to every man that is among you not to thinke of himselfe more highâ—ly then he ought to thinke but to thinke soberly as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith I. REAS. Because God himselfe hath â—istinguished and put a difference betwixt â—he gifts and callings of his people So that â—herefore they ought to walke answerably See 1 Corinth 12.4 5. Now there are diâ—â— versities of gifts but the same Spirit And there are differences of administration but the same Lord. II. REAS. Because although any one competently qualified and endowed 〈◊〉 gifts yet he may not presume to miniâ—â—â— untill his gifts be approved and after appâ—â—bation he do receive a calling See such â—â—rection given touching Deacons 1 Tim 3.10 Let them be first proved which seâ—â— as a president much rather to such as aâ—â— exercise their gifts for the spirituall gooâ— others either in the Church of Family OBSERV A speciall calling is reqâ—â—â— unto a speciall dispensation See Hebr. â— No man taketh this honour unto himselfe 〈◊〉 that is called of God as was Aaron XXXV PROPOSITION The Governour of the famâ—â—â— in some cases upon just and goâ—â— grounds reasons moving theâ— unto may lawfully depute 〈◊〉 substitute some one in the famâ—â—â— whom he judgeth fittest uâ—â—â— such service and imployment 〈◊〉 himselfe should ordinarily pâ—â—forme and execute And conâ—â—quently to performe the duties of â—eligion in his stead or to be as 〈◊〉 were the mouth of the family 〈◊〉 that service to God PROOF It belonged to Abraham acâ—ording to Gods ordinance Deut. 7.3 as â—e godly have approved themselves Ruth â— vers 1. to take a wife for his sonne unto â—hich yet he substituted his servant See â— Gen. 24.2 3 4. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house that ruled over all that he had Put I pray thee thy hand under my thigh And I will make thee sweare by the Lord the God of heaven and the God of the earth that thou shalt not take a wife unto my sonne of the daughters of the Canaanites amongst whom I dwell But thou shalt goe unto my countrey and to my kinred and take a wife unto my sonne Isaac I. REAS. Because all Christians indefiâ—â—â—ely consequently the severall members 〈◊〉 families are members of the mysticall â—â—dy of Christ and therefore in due waies â—ay be usefull and serviceable for the good â—â—d benefit of the whole body See 1 Coâ—inth 12.21 25. And the eye cannot say unto the hand I have no need of thee and againe the head to the feet I have need of you The members should 〈◊〉 the same care one for another II. REAS. Because under one case abâ—â— doing of any thing expressed in the 〈◊〉 Scripture all cases of the like nature may comprehended For so our Saviour Châ—â— doth cleere this point in the case of wâ—â— of mercy and necessity to be done on 〈◊〉 Sabbath day See Math. 12. vers 1 2 â— 5 7 11. Luk. 13.12 13 14 15 16. 〈◊〉 therefore it is lawfull for governours of 〈◊〉 milies to depute some meet person to 〈◊〉 performance indifferently aswell as to 〈◊〉 performance more specially if no just â—â—ception can be taken thereunto OBSERV Cases of such deputation 1. In greater families such as are the milies of Princes Noblemen Gentleâ—â— of higher degree c. where there is mâ—â—titude of businesse and a great number inhabitants they may there have their Sâ—â— wards and deputies So Abraham haviâ—â— large family Gen. 14.14 he had is Stewâ—â—â— See Gen. 15.2 II. In case of old age and weaknesse body there may be just occasion to mâ—â— some use of deputies Even as Samuel beâ—â— old made his sonnes to be Judges 〈◊〉 1 Sam. 8.1 III. Want of good utterance in expressing what is to be said may require some use of another to be a spokesman in weightier affaires As Aaron was Moses his spokesman and instead of a mouth unto him See Exod. 4. vers 10 16. IV. Want of boldnesse and audacity arising from a consciousnesse of weaknesse modest bashfulnesse and unworthinesse in any one may become an occasion to make use of the assistance of others As the good Centurion sent the Elders of the Jews to Christ to intercede for him See Luk. 7.3 V. In case that a Minister of the Gospel doe sojourne in ones family as Archippus did in Philemon his house Philem. vers 2. it may be convenient in respect of his gifts to make use of him for the performance of religious family-duties sith we ought to covet the best gifts 1 Corinth 12.31 VI. In case of the necessary absence of the Governour of the family for some time there may be a use of some one of the family to be deputed by him unto the performance of the duties As the Apostle Paul made Timotheus his deputy to the Christian Thessalonians See 1 Thess 3.1 2. c. XXXVI PROPOSITION If the Governour of the family be remisse or carelesse and dâ—â— want zeale to performe famiâ—â— duties in his owne person bâ—â— yet can be prevailed with by 〈◊〉 wife or some other to give wâ—â— thereunto Then ought some 〈◊〉 gifted for the worke to put tâ—â—â— same forward by setting upâ—â— the performance thereof haviâ—â— the approbation of the said gâ—vernour PROOF As the noble Shunamitish 〈◊〉 man did in another case goe to the maâ— God having with some importunity pâ—â—vailed with her husband for consent alâ—â—â— he was not free thereunto see 2 King 4 1â— 23. So it may be done herein See Propâ—â—â— sit 35. Reas 2. I. REAS. Because it is matter of joy whâ—â— the worke and duty which God hath aâ—pointed to be done is promoted by 〈◊〉 meanes whatsoever seeme it never so 〈◊〉 likely This is implied in another case by 〈◊〉 Apostle Paul See Philip. 1.18 Whâ—â— then Notwithstanding every way whether in pâ—â—tence or in trueth Christ is preached and lâ—â—â— therein rejoyce yea and will rejoyce II. REAS. Because a discreet and zealous course in such kinde is a probable meanes to winne the Governour of the family through Gods blessing to set upon the exercise and practise thereof himselfe in due time as it is implied 1 Pet. 3.1 Husbands that obey not the word may without the word be wonne by the conversation of the wives OBSERV Albeit it be some dishonour and may justly occasion shame when Governours in the Commonwealth Church or family failing in what is meet to be done by them are outstripped in zeale by inferiours yet God doth approve and accept the service both of the
one and the other joyning together in duty See Judg. 4.8 9. 2 Chron. 30.15 XXXVII PROPOSITION If the Governour of the family be froward and refractary and neither will observe nor allow nor permit the exercise and practise of religious duties in the presence of the whole family joyntly and together Then the severall members of the family that feare God ought to redeem some times thereto apart bâ— themselves with as good conveniency as possibly they can PROOF Queene Esther albeit she coâ—â— not expect that King Ahashuerus woâ—â— allow openly in his house a setting upon 〈◊〉 religious exercise of prayer and fasting according to occasion but rather that 〈◊〉 would be wholly averse thereunto yet 〈◊〉 resolved that she would not be wantiâ—â— therein in her owne particular nor wheâ— she had any power See Esth 4.16 I 〈◊〉 and my maidens will fast c. Good Obadâ—â— the servant of King Ahab in another case considering what was meet to be done 〈◊〉 the evill times in which he lived approve himselfe as became him notwithstanding Ahab the King and Jezebel the Queen were averse and contrary minded Sâ—â— 1 King 18.13 Prudent Abigail the wife 〈◊〉 Nabal did in another case as became he although her husband was a froward aâ—â— foolish profane man even a sonne of Beliâ—â— as it appeareth 1 Sam. 25.23 24 25 26 c. I. REAS. Because every one ought to a prove his owne waies to God See Gal. 6.4 Let every one prove his owne works c. Foâ— there is a possibility for Christians that are discreet and zealous to walke as becommeth Saints even in wicked families There were Saints in that tyrannous persecuting Emperour Nero his house See Philip. 4.22 II. REAS. Because it may come to passe through Gods abundant mercy and gracious dispensation that the whole family may fare better for their sakes who doe behave and demeane themselves therein religiously walking in all the waies of God Even as the Lord blessed the house of Potiphar the Egyptian for pious Joseph his sake See Gen. 39.5 OBSERV It need not seeme strange that the reasonable service of God as it is styled Rom. 12.1 doeth sometimes meet with opposition from unreasonable wicked men fith all men have not faith as it is implied 2 Thess 3.2 But yet in such cases the worke of God ought to be put forward notwithstanding See this Act. 4.19 20. chap. 5.20 21. XXXVIII PROPOSITION Every member of a Christian family who feareth God notwithstanding his partaking and joyning in the family-exercises both morning and evening every day ought to performe some religious duty unto God daily iâ— secret and alone as occasion offereth and opportunity will moâ—â— conveniently permit so to doe PROOF This is implied in the direction given by our Saviour Christ Math. 6. â—â— When thou prayest enter into thy closet c. thaâ— is to say When thou prayest privately aâ—â— doest not joyne with others in prayer thâ— enter into thy closet or take some secrâ—â— place thereunto c. And answerable here unto was Christs owne practise redeeming some time to private prayer See Mark 1. vers 35. I. REAS. Because every Christian maâ— ought to doe something himselfe for the stirring up of the gift of God that is in him 2 Timoth. 1.6 sith he is to live by his owâ—â— faith Hab. 2.4 and must have his joy iâ— himselfe alone and not in another Gal. 6.4 See 1 Cor. 11.28 Let a man examine himselfe c. II. REAS. Because every member of the family may have some particular cases or speciall occasions of their owne which peradventure either are not knowne or else it may be are not meet to be mentioned by him that uttereth the requests and supplications of the family for so it seemeth it was in Hannah her case sith it had not beene convenient that Elkanah her husband in the presence of Peninnah and the rest of the family should have uttered her petition at that time Neither did Eli the priest understand or know what her condition was See 1 Sam. 1.10 c. OBSERV A performance of religious duties by particular persons in secret and apart Zach. 12.12 13 14. tendeth notably to good evidence and comfortable assurance which requireth speciall diligence to be given unto it 2 Pet. 1.10 of the trueth and sincerity of their hearts and that there is no guile nor hypocrisie in their spirits as it is intimated in our Saviour Christ his directions and encouragements unto secret prayer and fasting c. See Math. 6.6 18. XXXIX PROPOSITION Albeit morning and evening every day being the fittest seasons for the performance of family-family-duties as hath beene already shewed ought therefore to be observed as likewise some tiâ—â— ought to be redeemed to a privaâ—â— course yet upon extraordinarâ— occasions and as opportuniâ—â— serveth thereunto Christian families or persons may yea anâ— ought to exercise themselves iâ— prayer and in the word anâ— other Spirituall duties severaâ— times on a day and somtime whole daies together PROOF Thus David professeth of himselfe See Psa 55.17 Evening and morning 〈◊〉 noone will I pray and cry aloud and he shall heaâ—â— my voice Psal 119.164 Seven times a day 〈◊〉 I prayse thee because of thy righteous judgment Daniel the Prophet a man greatly beloved did thus approve himselfe on the extraordinary occasions of evill times See Dan. 6.10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed he went into his house and his windowes being open in his chambeâ— toward Jerusalem he kneeled upon his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God as he did aforetime And when he understood by reading in the booke of the Prophet Jeremiah the number of the yeeres determined touching the desolations of Jerusalem he prayed a whole day continuing therein even to the evening See Dan. 9.2 3 21. I. REAS. Because extraordinary causes and occasions doe require and call for extraordinary services of prayer and exercise in the word See Isaia 22.1 12. when there was a burden of the valley of vision In that day the Lord called to sutable demeaning of themselves And thus the godly brethren have beene wont to order their course See Act. 12.5 When Peter was kept in prison Prayer was made of the Church unto God without ceasing for him II. REAS. Because otherwise God will have a controversy with his people sith it is some sleighting contempt controlement of his infinite wisdome and other his divine attributes according to his diverse manner of working when a proportioned and answerable deportment is not observed For so the Lord God professeth himselfe Isaia 22.14 Surely this inquity of unsutable walking shall not be purged till ye dye saith the Lord of hosts OBSERV The people of God ought to be are in their measure zealously affected Tit. 2.14 Revel 3.19 John 2.17 2 Cor. 7.11 that is to say such whose affections and pâ—â—tises are enlarged and increased according just objects and occasions
offering themselves See Gal. 4.18 It is good to be zealâ—â— affected alwaies in a good thing c. And therefore according to just occasion may oâ—â— to enlarge their religious services and tâ—â—â— more time thereunto See 2 Chron. 30. â—â— And the whole assembly tooke counsell to keepe oâ—â—â— seven daies and they kept other seven daies 〈◊〉 gladnesse XL. PROPOSITION Moreover it is not only lawfuâ—â—â— and expedient but also usefâ—â—â— and necessary that the goveâ—nour of a family sometimes 〈◊〉 extraordinary occasions require and opportunities serve thereunto do call for and crave thâ— company and assistance of somâ— godly brethren and Christiaâ— neighbours for the more solemne performance of religion duties together PROOF It having beene an usuall counâ— in the primitive Churches planted by the Apostles in the purest times that godly neighbours did come and meet together for their mutuall edification as occasion served but as it seemeth being begunne to be neglected by some of theÌ„ the Apostle Paul therefore endeavoureth to quicken and stirre them up againe thereunto in that his most effectuall exhortation Hebr. 10.24 25. Let us consider one another to provoke unto love to good works Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the maner of some is but exhorting one another and so much the more as ye see the day approching And this duty is implied also in an admonition given by the Apostle James chap. 5. vers 16. Confesse your faults one to another and pray one for another For how could the duty of mutuall confession accompained with mutuall prayer be performed unlesse there had beene a meeting together to such end and purpose I. REAS. Because it is lawfull and may be requisite upon speciall or extraordinary occasion to invite and call friends and neighbours to rejoyce feast together as appeareth by that which is written of our Saviour Christ and his Disciples who being called to a mariage feast in Cana of Galilee were present at it See the history John 2.1 2. And the third day there was a mariage in Cana of Galilee and the mother of Jesus was there Aâ—â— both Jesus was called and his disciples to the â—â—â—riage c. Therefore also upon speciall 〈◊〉 extraordinary occasion it is lawfull to inâ—â—â— Christian friends and neighbours to 〈◊〉 mournfully and to pray together For thâ—â— is the same reason of contraries This argument is excellently illustrated in that demand and answer to it propounded Maâ—â— 9. vers 15. Can the children of the bride chamber mourne as long as the bride groome is with them But the daies 〈◊〉 come when the bridegroome shal be takâ—â— from them and then shall they fast 〈◊〉 that hence it followeth that according 〈◊〉 occasion justly offered as friends and neighbours may feast and rejoyce together so likewise according to occasion they may fast 〈◊〉 pray together For it is a divine advise aâ—â— monition Rom. 12.15 Rejoyce with them 〈◊〉 rejoyce and weepe with them that weepe II. REAS. Because it may sometime come to passe that one family is too little sâ—â— the performance of some kindes of religion services to God Thus God himselfe 〈◊〉 suppose and foresee it might happen in the celebration of the Passeover and therefore it was one of his ordinances in the institution thereof that there should be some assistance accordingly See Exod. 12. vers 4. And if the houshold be too little for the lambe let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the soules every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lambe As it was in the Passeover so on like occasions it might be in other services III. REAS. Because God doeth graciously accept and is very well pleased with all those who doe apply themselves to edifie one another in the waies of godlinesse as it is most remarkably expressed Malach. 3.16 17. Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another and the Lord hearkned and heard it and a booke of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord that thought upon his Name And they shal be mine saith the Lord of hosts in the day when I make up my jewels I will spare them as a man spareth his sonne that serveth him See also Math. 18.20 Where two or three are gathered together in my Name there am I in the midst of them saith our Lord Jesus Christ I. OBSERV The more weighty and extraordinary any imployment and service for God is the more need there is of helpe and assistance even as Moses his father in law doeth convince perswade at large Exâ—â— 18. vers 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26. And accordingly the godly-wiâ—â— have beene wont to menage their weighâ— affaires See Judg. 1.3 And Judah saidâ— Simeon his brother come up with 〈◊〉 into my lot that we may fight against tâ—â— Canaanites and I likewise will goe wiâ—â— thee into thy lot So Simeon went wiâ—â— him vers 17. And Judah went with Sâ—â—meon his brother and they slew c. II. OBSERV Two are better then one becâ—â—â—â— they have a good reward for their labour For 〈◊〉 they fall the one will lift up his fellow but woâ—â—â— him that is alone when he falleth for he hath 〈◊〉 another to lift him up Againe if two lie together 〈◊〉 then they have heat but how can one be waâ—â—â— alone And if one prevaile against him two shâ—â—â— withstand him and a threefold coard is not quickâ—â— broken See Eccles 4.9 10 11 12. XLI PROPOSITION Religious fasting is a singular helpe and meanes ordained by God to promote and further a due performance of the extraordinary occasionall services of prayer and exercise in the Word PROOF This is expressely set downe Joel 1.14 Sanctify ye a fast c. See also Joel 2.12 Turne ye to me saith the Lord with all your heart and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning And according to this ordinance the people of God have been wont to frame their course See Dan. 9.3 And I set my face unto the Lord God to seeke by prayer and supplications with fasting and sackcloth and ashes c. 2. Sam. 12.16 David therefore besought God for the child and David fasted and went in and lay all night upon the earth I. REAS. Because fasting being an abstinence from all the helps and comforts of this life so farre as necessity and decency will suffer as is to be seene Levit. 23.28 Exod. 33.5 Dan. 10.3 doeth argue and imply a selfe accusing and selfe judging in a holy revenge so as the heart is thereby wrought to humiliation and stirred up to devotion See this in Nehemiah and Cornelius who when they fasted were thereby quickned to pray more fervently and effectually upon their speciall occasions as appeareth Nehem. 1.4 Act. 10.30 II. REAS. Because fasting and prayer are most powerful meanes to effect some things of great and weighty consequence and that
heart so let him give not grudgingly or of necessity for God loveth a cheerfull giver See likewise Deut. 28.47 VII Reverence and godly feare or â—rembling See Hebr. 12.28 Let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly feare See also Psal 2.11 VIII Humility 1 Pet. 5.5 Beclothed with humility for God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble IX Contrition of heart Psal 51.17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit a brokeâ— a contrite heart O God thou wilt not deâ—â— See also Psal 34.18 X. Poverty of spirit Isaiah 66.2 〈◊〉 this man will I looke even to him that is poo◠〈◊〉 See also Math. 5.3 XI Sense of spirituall wants weakâ—◠〈◊〉 with a desire of supply Math. 5. vers 6. â—â—â—â—sed are they which doe hunger and thirst aftâ—â—â—â—â—â—teousnesse c. See also Isa 55.1 2. XII Godly sorrow 2 Corinth 7.9 〈◊〉 were made sorie after a godly manner See 〈◊〉 Math. 5.4 XIII Selfe accusing Psal 51.3 I ackâ—â—â—ledge my transgression See also Prov. 28.13 XIV Selfe judging 1 Corinth 11.31 〈◊〉 we would judge ourselves we should not be judâ—â—â—â—â— See also Gen. 32.10 XV. Fervency of spirit or holy zeâ—◠〈◊〉 Rom. 12.11 Not slothfull in businesse feâ—â—â—â—â— in spirit serving the Lord. See also Galat. 4â— XVI Perseverance and patient constaâ—â—â—â— Ephes 6.18 Praying alwaies with all prâ—â—â—â— and supplication in the spirit and watching thâ—â—â—unto with all perseverance c. See also Coâ—â—â— 4. vers 2. XVII Love of God Exod. 20.6 〈◊〉 shewing mercy to thousands of them that lou◠〈◊〉 and keepe my commandements See also Deâ—◠〈◊〉 7. vers 9. XVIII Love of Neighbour 1 Corinth â—3 1 Though I speake with the tongues of men and 〈◊〉 Angels have not charity I am become as sounâ—ing brasse or a tinckling cimball See also Ephes 5.2 XIX An honest and good heart purified from bad qualities Luk. 8.15 They which in â—n honest and good heart having heard the word keepe it c. See also 1 Pet. 2.1 2. XX. In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ Coloss 3.17 Whatsoever yee doe in â—ord or deed doe all in the Name of the Lord Jesus c. See also Ephes 5.20 L. PROPOSITION The performance of religious worship service in the family or otherwhere may not be rested on or trusted unto as if the work done or duty performed did or could commend any one to God for the worke sake but God is to be depended on only and his blessing is to be waited for in his ordinance and his providence to be served in the use of the meanes which he hath ordained to 〈◊〉 walked in PROOF This Proposition may be â—â—ferred from an intimation given by the â—postle Paul in another case 1 Corinth 3â— So then neither is he that planteth any thing neâ—â—â—â—â— he that watereth but God that giveth the incâ—â—â—â—â— And thus also Solomon observeth in his pâ—â—â—verbs See Prov. 10.22 The blessing of 〈◊〉 Lord it maketh rich I. REAS. Because whatsoever religiâ—â—â— duties and services the people of God 〈◊〉 performe unto God according to his wâ—â—â—â— it is no more then their duty enjoyned 〈◊〉 them For so our Lord Christ teacheth 〈◊〉 confesse and acknowledge See Luk. 17. â—â— Yee when yee shall have done all those things whâ—â—â—â— are commanded you say We are unprofitable â—â—â—vants we have done that which was our duty to 〈◊〉 II. REAS. Because many and great 〈◊〉 the weaknesses and polluted imperfectâ—â—â—â— which doe adhere and cleave unto the 〈◊〉 services and performances of the people 〈◊〉 God So that they stand in need of parâ—â—â— and remission of such miscariage as hath â—â—â—tended and accompanied them therein Tâ—â—â— is implied in that advertisment for Aaroâ—â— and the people Exod. 28.38 That Aâ—◠〈◊〉 may beare the iniquity of the holy things which 〈◊〉 children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts Yea thus the people of God in their serious solemne confessions have beene wont ingenuously and freely to acknowledge See Isaiah 64.6 But wee are all as an uncleane thing and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags c. See this also in that deprecation of worthy Nehemiah who having done that which for the matter of it was right in the fight of the Lord yet being conscious of his imperfections therein doeth therefore crave pardon and mercy from God Nehem. 13.22 Remember me O my God concerning this also and spare me according to the greatnesse of thy mercy III. REAS. Because so farre as any duty and service is performed unto God which for matter and manner is wel-pleasing to his divine Majesty by any of his servants the same ought not to be attributed unto themselves but to the Lord who graciously acteth and worketh for them and in them as may be seene Isa 26.12 Lord thou wilt ordaine peace for us for thou also hast wrought all our works in us or for us See also 1 Cor. 4.7 For who maketh thee to differ from another And what hast thou that thou didst not receive Now if thou didst receive it why doest thou glory as if thou hadst not received it OBSERV Every good performance and disposition thereunto ought to be referred and attributed to Gods gracious dispeâ—â—tion as may appeare in some instances 1. The will the deed are both wrouâ—â—â— by God See Philip. 2.13 For it is God whâ— worketh in you both to will and to doe of his gâ—â—â— pleasure II. The preparation of the heart unto 〈◊〉 religious duty is of God See Psal 10 1â— Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humâ—â—â—â— thou wilt prepare their heart thou wilt cause thâ—â—â— eare to heare III. The utterance and wel-ordering 〈◊〉 what is religiously expressed and spoken 〈◊〉 likewise from the Lord. See Psal 51 1â— O Lord open thou my lips my mouth shall 〈◊〉 forth thy prayse IV. Helpe and assistance against infirmitiâ—â— that doe usually assault and disfit to reliâ—â—ous duties is from the Lord even from 〈◊〉 Spirit See Rom. 8.26 Likewise the Spâ—â—â—â— also helpeth our infirmities for wee know not 〈◊〉 we should pray for as we ought but the Spiriâ—â—â—selfe maketh intercession for us with groaâ—â—â—â—â— which cannot be uttered V. The faculty and ability to profit 〈◊〉 any religious course is given by the Lord. See Isaiah 48.17 I am the Lord thy God whiâ—â— teacheth thee to profit which leadeth thee by 〈◊〉 way that thou shouldest goe VI. The Lord Jesus Christ graciously peâ—fumeth the religious services of his people that so they may become acceptable to God our Father See Revel 8.4 And the smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the Saints ascended up before God out of the Angels hand LI. PROPOSITION Those families are in a most dangerous and wretched state condition which doe wholly faile to serve the Lord in a performance of family-duties PROOF See Jerem. 10.25 Powre out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not and upon the families that call not