blessing Thirdly seasonably and as meanes is offered to prouide things honest euen for this life nourishing them 1 Tim. 5.10 bringing them vp in some lawfull calling Ephes 6.4 timely marrying them as the Lord shall direct Fourthly 1 Cor. 7.36 to keepe them from places of danger and lewd company Q. What is the duty of children towards their parents A. First to loue and obey them in the Lord Col. 3.20 although they be carnall or meane in condition Secondly reuerently to submit vnto them while they command instruct correct c. Gen. 31.35 Thirdly to be thankefull vnto them for their care and paines in our education expressing this thankefulnesse by praying for them Heb. 12.7 Prou. 23.22.27.10 as they shall see them stand in need reioycing their hearts and crowning their heads by our vertuous life helping them in all their wants according to our power louing their friends for their sakes and defending their honour both in life and death Q. What is the duty of Masters in the Family towards their Seruants A. First to bee alwayes mindfull they themselues haue a Master in heauen Col. 4.1 doing as they would be done vnto Iob 31.13 Secondly hearking to them and reasoning with them meekely 1 Tim. 3.5 Thirdly commanding them things lawfull and possible Fourthly carefully prouiding for the good of their soules by teaching them and praying for them requiring from them no seruice on the Lords day but such as may stand with the true sanctification thereof Ephes 6.9 2 King 5.13 Fifthly gouerning them as fellow-seruants children nay brethren in Christ Sixthly Rewarding them as the Lord hath blest vs and their seruice to vs knowing that it is a great blessing to haue a good seruant paying them their wages duly rather more then lesse Gen. 39.5 Iam. 5.4 preferring them as we may and respecting them euer after kindly Seuenthly the last Prou. 17.2 not the least duty to bee carefull whom they entertaine Psal 101.6 and to keepe no irreligious incorrigible persons enemies to God long in their family Q. What is the duty of seruants A. First to seat themselues where they may serue God as well as man Secondly to feare 1 Cor. 7.21 Mal. 1.6 reuerence and honour their Masters whether good or bad Thirdly to bee content with their wages not coueting to bee commanders before their time Fourthly 1 Tim. 26.1 Col. 3.22 23. humbly to submit to their commands and deserued correction without murmuring or answering againe 1 Pet. 2.18 Fifthly to be faithfull no way wasting their Masters goods Tit. 2.9 or divulging secrets and painefull for the good of their Masters Gen. 24.12 Sixthly to pray vnto the Lord daily to direct assist and blesse them about their Masters businesse Seuenthly to bee humble gentle and sparing in words Q. What sinnes are hero forbidden A. All which are contrary to the formerly mentioned duties with all like vnto them and all occasions leading to the dishonour of our selues or others especially superiours Q. What sinnes are here condemned in Magistrates A. First to walke vnworthy of honour sordidly proudly 1 Sam. 15.27 lightly dissolutely c. Secondly to gouerne tyrannously Thirdly to passe sentence partially 2 Kin. 3.14 Fourthly to correct furiously and for carnall ends 2 King 10.6 Fifthly to heare or see God dishonoured patiently Q. What in Subiects An. First to curse or rise vp in their owne thoughts against their rulers Eccl. 10.20 to despise them in authority by vnreuerent behauiour Secondly to disobey their lawfull commands Thirdly Rom. 13.2 to deny their iust demands for their owne maintenance and better support in their places Matth. 15 6 Fourthly to resist or murmure against their correcting power Prou. 15.10 Fifthly to liue vnder them and receiue benefit by them 1 Tim. 2.1 2. without praying and praising God for them Q. What sinnes are condemned in Ministers A. First Symonie so called either from the fact of Symon Magus Acts 8.18 or the wicked practice of our couetous patrons who will not present till they See-mony whereby men runne and indirectly purchase places for themselues before they bee called Cant. 1.6 Ezec. 44.8 1 Tim 4.12.16 Secondly carelesse non-residencie either not teaching or teaching to no purpose Thirdly euill examples in life and conuersation when they are intemperate irreligious vncharitable couetous c. Q. What in the people A. First carelesnesse of them not weighing much whether they haue any or none Amos 7.12 13. good or bad when they are the greatest blessing or iudgement that can befall a people Secondly disobedience and disrespect vnto them Deut. 18.19 Gal. 6.6 manifested by not hearing not practising or not making them partakers of all their temporall good things Q. What sinnes are here condemned in Schoole-masters A. First disability Secondly imprudencie seene either in a neglect of their calling following it amisse or not discerning the nature of children Thirdly impiety omitting one halfe of their duty teaching but not correcting or correcting but not instructing them in faith and manners Q. What in Schollers A. First idlenesse and negligence not hearing what their Master teacheth or not caring to learne what they heare Secondly disobedience not doing what is commanded or doing it in an vndutifull vnreuerent manner Thirdly repining and murmuring at moderate correction which is one of Gods ordinances Fourthly complaining abroad without cause and hearing their Master euill spoken of with delight and consent Q. What sinnes are here condemned in Husbands A. First to hate their Wiues so as to beate them driue them from bed or board denie them competent maintenance according to abilitie 1 Tim. 2.11 1 Pet. 3.7 Secondly basely to betray their wiues for gaine Thirdly to neglect or omit their instruction either out of ignorance because they cannot or out of weakenesse that they dare not so more wiues perish then either seruants or children for want of knowledge Col. 3.19 1 Kin. 11.4 Fourthly furiously to rule with a kind of rigorous tyrannie stamping chaffing frowning threatning as if their wiues were slaues Fifthly fondly to dote vpon them and so to become their vnderlings contrarie to the order of nature Q. What in wiues A. Fiâ—st to reiect the coniugall yoke put on them by the Lord 1 Tim. 2.11 12. and to vsurpe vnlawfully and to their owne disgrace dominion ouer their Husbands 2 Sam. 6.16 Secondly not to cherish and reuerence their Husbands as the head and chiefest part of themselues Thirdly to prouoke them by words gesture and doing that in the house which being of an indifferent nature they know will be displeasing vnto them Fourthly to hinder them when as they were appointed to bee helpers and this may bee done First Prou. 7.11 12. by idlenesse Secondly euill housewifery within dores or wanton gosipping abroad Thirdly pride feeding or cloathing themselues and their children beyond
people should bee exhorted not only to learne them themselves but also to teach them to their children and family that once a yeere all their Parishioners should be examined therein and that none should presume to come unto the Lords Table let all Ministers take notice to see this order which by the Law of God ought and by the lawes of our Land may be observed in every Parish without a true knowledge thereof the same for substance during the Raigne of that renowned Queene Elizabeth King Iames and his Majestie that now is renewed still continued and confirmed notwithstanding all this lamentable it is to observe how the neglect of this dutie increaseth daily especially there where nothing or as nothing is done the later part of the Lords day secondly to render you your owne as God commands some testimony of thankfulnesse for your ready and continuing love more worth then wealth since my first comming amongst you what the good Shunamite did for Elisha 2 Kings 4.10 you have doubled to me every way and behold now you have been thus carefull for mee with all this care what is to be done for you lesse I could not and more you expect not dwelling contentedly among your owne people then meanes to further your salvation the Lord grant his Word may be in that powerfull and plaine evidence of the Spirit delivered as that many sonnes and daughters may bee borne unto Christ amongst you Thirdly to save the wearisome labour of transcription called upon we have beene lately and begun to goe over the same againe this benefit the Presse affoards not only to communicate with ease but also to prevent some inconveniences might happen both to you and mee by reason of many imperfect Copies abroad which cannot be recalled not otherwayes over-mastered now if any thing be amisse it may be amended if any point obscure it may be explained or if in any part deficient a supply may bee added Fourthly to minde men and women of that solemne vow and promise made at the Font in their behalfe for whom they become sureties to teach or see they be taught the use and end of Baptisme the Creed Lords Prayer and ten commandements in the English tongue with all other things which Christians ought to know and doe for their soules health and that they be vertuously brought up c. which many I feare undertake rashly as a matter of forme and complement never thinking of it after Fifthly to point out a common calamity which I find rife in every place many old people have no other religion nor ground for salvation but what consists in a bare and often senselesse repetition of this Cathechisme not finding but making it a prayer hoping only in the grace of regeneration by Baptisme never thinking of nor endeauouring to performe the conditions exprest in the administration of this Sacrament Sixthly in desire at least to redeeme many precious houres mispent in wanton prodigalitie which blessed be the Lord I live to bewaile and make some verball satisfaction for reall wrongs I remember done to others by enticement silence example c. which to persons remote and disperst cannot else be effected as also to repay somthing to the poore and ignorant in lieu of what I received from the richly-learned a number of good helps I found and would not lessen them learning as lands concealed is forfeit the talent hid is lost riches are counterfeit if not currant so as a portion may successively fall to every mans share who knowes what good weakest endeavours may doe to the Church unborne whose papers shall longest escape the devouring teeth of time and tyrannie or what dismall cloud of Popish darkenesse which the Lord prevent and keepe off may in after times once againe overspread this British I le to lash our wantonnesse and make our people prize more the meanes of knowledge when courser fare will be more esteemed then dainties now Secondly a purpose and desire I had If the Lord should remoove mee from you a crazie body and the daily departure of others my deare friends and neighbours minde mee often of mortalitie to leave remaining with you who have beene either called or confirmed by my ministry the summe of all which I have at severall times delivered not without presidents Saint Matthew having preacht to the Iewes and being called to the Gentiles as Bellarmine interprets Eusebius deemed it profitable to leave and that in his owne countrey language some memoriall of his doctrine with them from whom hee was to depart in body Bellar. lib. 4. de verbo Dei non scrip cap. 4. out of Eusebius lib. 3. hist Eccles cap. 21. The same is confirmed by Epiphanius and Nicephorus adding it was absentiam scripto compensare I wish all Ministers would so recompence their wilfull absence Such was the care and practice of Saint Peter 2 Peter 1.14 15 knowing that shortly I must put off this tabernacle I will endeavour that you may be able after my decease to have these things alwayes in remembrance if good bookes abound instead of Cards and Dice it will proove both exemplary and beneficiall to you and yours necessitie is laid on vs in publike and woe be unto you if private duties be neglected every governour hath a charge to teach as well as feed your wives children servants must be instructed out of the word else what doe you for them more then to your irrationall labourers so Iosephus lib. 2. cont Apion according to a continuing practice of his countreymen who point children at five yeeres to the Bible Hilarius in Psal 118. or 119. referring to that place 2 Tim. 3.14 15 16. Chrysost in Col. Hierom highly commends certaine godly Matrons of his time by name Paula Algasia Marcella Laeta Fabiola c. as by his Epistles to them appeares for such spirituall employments in their families Servulus is noted and laid downe for a patterne by Gregory one Iosephus by Epiphanius Theodorus by Cassianus Cornelia by Cicero c. but Abraham and the Baereans by the Spirit of God Timothy by Paul 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. therefore let no prophane person ignorant of antiquitie censure private duties as Puritanicall novelties nor any feare such labours can be in vaine in the Lord. Thirdly it was not the last nor least part of my care to leave these thus legible for a helpe unto my partner a meet helper and a true Israelite in performance of her duty toward our family as beeing if the Lord call mee from them the greatest legacie and love-token I am like to leave them Master W. Crompton of the Grange in Bedford neere Leigh in Lancashiere Lastly a hope these notes would bee welcome pleasing and profitable to one unto whom I owe next unto God my Father in Christ what I have or am if by any meanes I might supply that want of service which distance of place and necessary absence inevitably occasioneth not without griefe Other and better helps
for you lead me into this errour I conclude with our Apostle my dearely beloued if there be any consolation in Christ if any comfort of loue if any fellowship of the Spirit if any bowels and mercies fulfill yee my ioy that yee be like minded hauing the same loue being of one accord of one mind blamelesse and harmelesse the Sonnes of God without rebuke in the middest of a crooked and peruerse generation among whom yee shine as lights in the world what soeuer things are honest iust pure louely and of good report thinke of and follow them and the God of peace who brought againe from the dead our Lord Iesus that great Sheepheard of the sheepe through the bloud of the euerlasting couenant make you perfect in euery good worke to doe his will in this hope I leaue you and will neuer cease to pray for you while I remaine From my study in Barum this 9 of May 1633. Yours to doe you seruice in the Lord. W. CROMPTON Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free that you be not intangled againe with the yokes of bondage To that end Pray continually O Most gratious God and Almighty Lord Creator and Commaunder of Heauen and Earth with all therein contained in Iesus Christ a most louing and mercifull father of whose meere goodnesse it commeth that so much of the truth is reuealed vnto vs miserable sinners lying in the shaddow of death and spirituall darknesse preserue vs good Lord in the knowledge and loue thereof mae vs walke in all thankefull obedience worthy of this fauour for Christ his sake we entreate accept of him for vs of vs in him vnite vs as members into his mysticall body conuay spirituall light and life into vs that we may liue in him and get victory by him ouer all our spirituall enemies pardon all our sinnes and giue vs power ouer our many corruptions remember not the follies of our youth blot out all our transgressions as it is promised O bury them in the Graue of Christ they neuer rise vp to appeare against vs bathe our wounded and stayned soules in his precious bloud infuse and stirre vp in vs a sound and sauing faith to receiue and put on the spotles roab of his Righteousnesse wherein appearing we shall be iustified Open the eyes of our vnderstandings that seeing wee may know the truth rectifie our affections that knowing wee may loue it conforme our wils that louing we may expresse obedience in practice with perseuerance in the day of tryall and trouble and all to the glory of that great name good example of our brethren the present comfort and future safety of our poore soules that so with the rest of the Saints we may be timely prepared for death and Heauen through Iesus Christ our Lord and onely Sauiour Amen Errata Pag. 14. l. 18.20 for naturally read mutually and for worldly read worthy pag. 13. A. 1. l. 17. for euen read euer pag. 41. A. 1. l 4. for remaines read remained pag. 70. A. 2. l. 6. for and read or pag. 53. A. 1. l 18. for the read though pag. 74. A. l. 1. 3. for bound read borne pag. 102. A. 1. l. 7. for Communication read Commination p 103. l. 1. read to bring in and aduance so for confirme l 12. read conforme pag. 109. A. 1. l 5. for degrees read decrees pag. 112. l. 26. for taking read lacking an ordinary oath in some countries pag. 131 A. 2. l 9. for deuill read euill p. 154. l. 14 for remissiues read remissenesse p. 155. A. 2. l. 12. for wates read wakes a terme well knowne in Lancash pag. 167. l. 7. for sext read sexe p. 172. A. 1. l. 8. for immodesty read modesty p. 217. A. 1. l. 5. for of read it pag. 229 l. 1. place or betweene profession and power pag. 237. A. 1. l. 8. adde thirdly and pag. 246. l. 6. for 3 set 4 pag. 258. l. 3. adde these words and doth nor pardon pag. 270. A. 1. l. 3. eschew read reschew or raise vp pag. 313. A. 1. l. 16. for desire it read desire after it pag. 367. l. 3. blot out of pag. 371. l. 21. for intermission read intermissiue p. 378. A. 1. l. 2. for life our life read life of our life Multis non mihi Question WHat is Catechizing A. A diuine ordinance perpetually requisit in the Church Deu. 11.19 1 Cor. 3.1 Heb. 6.1 2. wherein the principles of Christian Religion are familiarly laid open to the capacity of the ignorant by way of question and answer Q. Who are to performe this duty A. In publike the Pastor of euery congregation Mat. 28.19 Gen. 18.19 Deut. 6.7 he is to doe it or by his Curate or lawfull Deputy to see it done In priuate Husbands are to Catechize their Wiues Parents their Children Masters their Seruants Schoole-masters their Schollers God-fathers and God-mothers their vndertaken charge Q. Who are they that are publikely to be Catechized A. Either those who being of yeeres of discretion are not yet baptized but desire to be whether they be the seed of beleeuing Parents or Proselyt's Prou. 22.6 1 Pet. 3.15 Or else such as are already baptized who stand bound to learne and giue account of their faith as the Lord shall enable them Q. Why is this exercise so requisite in the Church A. First because it is the best remedy against naturall ignorance Prou. 29.18 Gen. 4.3 Secondly it helpes to cure the backwardnesse of many superiours who neglect it till feare of publike censure driue them to it Thirdly because it is ancient hath euer beene inioyned to all sorts in euery age and place and that profitably to procure obedience preserue order and vnity in the Church for matters of faith to ground children helpe weake memories confirme the strongest to remoue rudenesse and to restraine prophanenesse in all Q. How may this duty be performed publikely A. First by insisting on a set portion of Scripture containing a principle of Religion Luke 4.17 Heb 6.2 touching Mans creation Fal Redemption duty after c. Secondly by vnfolding the summe of al things Catechetically necessary to be knowne or donâ— though without a text both wayes commendable yet for vniformity it is best that there should be one such fully compleate Catechisme generall Q. What Catechisme should Diuines make vse of in this case A. That Catechisme is most fit and conuenient Rom. 13.1 2. 1 Cor. 10.33.11.16 to be explained in the assembly which is inioyned by publike authority exprest for vs in our booke of Common Prayer being agreeable to Scripture containing all fundamentall points necessary to saluation both for beliefe and practice if fully vnderstood Q. How many parts are there in that Catechisme A. Two the first declareth what is done for vs by the Church in our baptisme the second shewes what the Church requireth to be done by vs after baptisme as first to forsake the Diuell and all his workes
I know are extant many the very same points handled farre more exactly by divers only this you may call your owne wherein some things toucht by others about the attributes and decrees of God the nature and order of being and subsisting in the B. Trinitie about Angels Originall sinne Ecclesiasticall orders Offices Discipline and seperated soules c. are omitted the rest bee you pleased to accept with the same hand they are offered and I shall the lesse feele or feare what others censure all I seeke from you for all is practice if any poore soule be convinc'd confirmed comforted or instructed in any point of our Religion or religious dutie I shall deeme it a rich recompence all I would say unto you more is by way of advise content not your selves with meere civill honestie let not formalitie delude you search to finde out all your sinnes French Spanish English what you confesse bewaile and reforme the Lord will cover and pardon build not your faith upon a morrall change iudging your selves good enough because not so bad as formerly give all diligence to make your calling and election sure rejoycing most when you have got any assurance your names are written in heaven let mee beseech you by the tender mercies of God in Christ that you study to adorne your profession with pious practice let your light so shine with unblemisht brightnesse before men that they may see your good works and bee ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ slanderously reporting that wee are all for faith and nothing for obedience Bee thankefull for the meanes of grace for your preservation from deserved judgements such I meane as doe usvally befall populous places by fire and the plague of pestilence for your plentie and prosperitie that your soules may prosper as your bodies doe for the mercy of God showed unto his Church beyond the Seas by the hand of that renowned Prince the King of Sweden praying for accomplishment in his time 3. In election of capitall Burgesses whence principall officers are annually called to governe your societie let private carnall ends be set aside that so you may joyntly ayme at the publike good as you desire the glory of Christ the advancement of his truth and to stand with comfort before his judgement seat at the last day pitch on such as are able to doe him best service say they be not so rich or great in kinred as others yet they will bring more credit and profit to your companie then any other as being the props of nature the noblest of the world so Schoolemen call them and are so respected where Christ is honoured who did himselfe and taught us to preferre our spirituall before our carnall kinred 4. For your Worke-house I should reioyce to see it as full as your Schoole-house One of the Iudges in his charge this last Assizes proposed Dorchester for a patterne to these parts enough you may finde may it please you mercifully to stop your eares sgainst the deceitfull cries of fond parents and to send your eyes abroad into the high wayes to compell them to come in a matter it is of great consequence as that which will proove an ease unto your selves in regard of that other wayes inevitable burden by poore people daily increasing an honour to your societie a benefit to the state and a good meanes to enlarge Christs kingdome omit not such an opportunitie delay not duties death is at hand 5. Let the priuate exercise of recalling reading prayer and catechising bee more generally and constantly obserued the later part of Saturday which some of our ancestours made a vacation for better preparation to the day following and such parts of the Lords day as remaining before and after publike employment may be profitably spent that way to the furthering of which good end I hope it will please the Lord to put it into the hearts of some of you to honour him with part of his substance by building another Church or Chappell for those poore people I feare many who cannot when they wcd finde roome to stand within the fold while you haue opportunity doe good and defer not all till death 6. If fasting might take a turne with feasting and sometimes goe round in priuate I meane it would helpe much to further the worke of mortification the Lord calls now loude for th' one not excluding thother so vnderstand me feasts of loue may increase if built vpon the decay of excessiue meetings Symons poore boord that fed many with little was preferd to Lucullus his rich Table that fed a few with superfluous varieties striue who shall be most eminent not in building feasting or wearing of rich and ouer-costly appearell but in promoting and prosecuting good causes as some of you haue done and at present are so employed let not good propositions want a conclusion through carnall delay or factious opposition Husband well your time for on the expence of this moment depends eternity of weale or woe 7. Let none of your sonnes or seruants bee vntimely sent beyond Seas where there is manifest danger of infection no ordinary hope of instruction till they bee armed and seasoned with the knowledge and loue of sound principles moreouer in forraigne traffique let the world see you preferre the publike weale to your owne priuate gaine Non remittitur peccatum nisi restituatur ablatum August and to that end euer content your selues with reasonable increase and make restitution of what soe-euer you can remember to haue beene vnlawfully or doubtfully gotten for what will it profit a man c. as Matth. 16. vers 26. 8. Let brotherly loue continue and abound that so you may often taste of that blessing which the Lord offers you in the neerenesse of dwelling one by another to encourage by councell and conference and stir vp one another in the way for my part I am perswaded of you brethren that yee are full of goodnesse filled with all knowledge able to admonish one another your obedience is gone abroad and I am glad on your behalfe but yet I would haue you wise vnto that which is good and simple concerning euill and therefore I haue written the more boldly vnto you in some sort as putting you in mind because of the Grace that is giuen to me of God and because I long to see a vnanimous growth in spirituall strength your hearts as your houses compact together in the Lord that so you may ioyne to serue him with one mind and soule cheerefully trauailling towards heauen in Vnitie and Amitie a speciall meanes to witnesse your sinceritie in the profession of Religion and to shield you from all scandalous aspersions of faction pride strangenesse and diuision you see how large a letter I haue written vnto you with mine owne hand too large for such a discourse were that respected only but not knowing whether I should euer haue the like opportunity againe my loue vnto you and care
our naturall Parents Schoole-masters Magistrates Ministers Masters Husbands Benefactors c. yea and all that excell others in common gifts sauing grace multitude of daies c. Q. What is meant by honour A. All due respect in words deeds and gesture which the place age gifts or condition of any of our superiours require as First reuerence either inward to acknowledge approue and submit vnto Gods Ordinance Leu. 19.3 32 1 Pet. 3.6 or outward to manifest this submission by action rising â—p to them 1 Tim. 5.4 going to meet them standing bare bowing the bodie 2 Cor. 8.22 keeping silence while they speake giuing place and termes of honour Secondly loue to their persons place and gifts Col. 3.20 Thirdly cheerefull obedience to all their commands lawfull and possible Rom. 13.1 1 Tim. 2.1 2. Gen. 9.23 Fourthly thankfulnesse to God for them and vnto them vnder God for the good wee enioy by them to aide them with our persons purse and praiers Fifthly patience ioyned with modestie and humilitie towards them bearing with their passions couering their infirmities so far as we may with a good conscience Q. But suppose your superiours be carnall impious and so vnworthy of honour A Howeuer God is worthy to be obeyed Acts 23.5 let them bee neuer so vnworthy to haue it seeing God hath iudged them worthy of the place Math. 22.21 either with his liking or leaue disposition or permission 1 Pet. 2.18 may not iudge them vnworthy of that honour which belongs to the place only in honouring them I must learne to distinguish the person and his office from the viciousnesse in either Q. What are here commanded A. All those duties which superiours and inferiours ought mutually to performe each to other for the preseruation of that honour and dignitie which God hath bestowed vpon them Q. What is the duty of Magistrates A. First to gouerne in the Lord seeking his glory the aduancing of his truth and the good of his people Secondly to correct for the Lord with courage Rom. 13.4 discretion and moderation so bearing the sword that the good may reioyce and the euill tremble Q. What is the duty of subiects A. First to acknowledge their authoritie Secondly to testifie their awfull submission thereunto by obedience praying for them paying what their necessitie demands 1 Pet. 2.19.20 and patiently suffering without rebellious thoughts Matth. 15.4 5. what shall be laid vpon them Q. What is the duty of Ministers Heb. 5.4 A. First to waite till the Lord be pleased to call them vnto a charge Acts 20.28 not to run before they be sent much lesse to purchase it Secondly to reside amongst those people 1 Pet. 5.2 of whose soules the holy Ghost hath made them ouer-seers Thirdly to teach them the good wayes of God fully and faithfully Acts 20.18 19 20. Fourthly 2 Tim. 4.12 to liue and walke before them according to the strictest rules of godlinesse 1 Tim. 4.16 considering the common sort are more led by the eye then the eare for the particulers let Ministers reade Pauls Epistles to Timothy and Titus Q. What is the peoples duty A. First to cleaue vnto them firmely Iohn 10.5 so as not to prefer and follow strangers Secondly to affect them dearely Thirdly 1 The. 5.13 to reuerence them highly as instruments of greatest good Heb. 13.17 Fourthly to obey them readily when they bring diuine authoritie with them Fifthly 1 Tim. 5.17 18. to reward them liberally it is a great shame for men to suffer their Pastors to want Gal. 6.6 while themselues haue any thing Sixthly to procure a supply speedily where a Shepheard shall chance to bee wanting lest while they feare to giue a part the Woolfe come and deuoure all Q. What is the duty of Schoole-masters A. First to be both able and willing to spend themselues and their time wholly in that function Secondly Rom. 12.6 7. to instruct painfully and profitably in the grounds of their art Thirdly Psal 34.11 to obserue the nature and seuerall conditions of their Schollers Col. 3.21 Psal 101.2 1 Tim. 4.12 terrifying the stubborne drawing the tender-hearted with the cords of loue correcting all seasonably and moderately Fourthly to giue them good example Fifthly to Catechize them in the necessary grounds of religion to enquire of their behauiour both at home and abroad that they may encourage and reproue accordingly Q. What is the duty of Schollers 1 Cor. 12.31 Phil. 4.8 1 Pet. 2.18.20 A. First to learne what shall be taught them out of their owne book the booke of God and the booke of manners Secondly to loue reuerence and obey their Master in all his iust commands Thirdly to keepe their Masters counsell not tatling abroad what is forbidden Fourthly patiently to vndergoe deserued correction without murmuring or complaining wheÌ„ there is no iust cause Q. What is the husbands duty towards his wife A. First Ephes 5.25.28.33 to loue her and manifest it by bearing with and passing by all infirmities Secondly 1 Pet. 3.7 to dwell with her as a man of knowledge instructing her in points whereof shee is ignorant or doubtfull protecting her against enemies cherishing her as the most tender part of himselfe 1 Tim. 5.8 See my Wedding Ring prouiding and communicating things necessary wisely gouerning her and others that she may haue honour as the weaker vessell and all this that their prayers be not hindered Q. What is the duty of a good wife towards her husband A. First 1 Pet. 3.6 Col. 3.18 to acknowledge him as her head and lord giuing him reuerence accordingly by her gesture silence feare to offend c. Secondly to obey him in the Lord keeping house and wisely dispensing what is left to her trust T it 2.4 Thirdly to cherish him in sicknesse by attendance in health by louing behauiour endeauouring to conforme her selfe to his conditions beeing good 1 Pet. 3.4 Fourthly to keepe her only vnto him 1 Pet. 3.1 2 3 4 5 6. shewing no light behauiour nor frequenting any suspected company which might stirre vp iealousie Fifthly to doe him good and not euill all the dayes of her life Gen 2.18 both in the things that concerne this and a better life Prou. 31.10 11 12 13 14 15. that if any obey not the word they may be wonne by the conuersation of the wiues c. the rest see Prou. 31.10 11 c. Q. What is the duty of parents Iudges 13.8 A. First to loue their children Secondly carefully to see vnto their spirituall estate and so to pray for them while they are in the wombe Psal 103.13 to procure for them the signe of the couenant Luke 1.59 and to bring them vp in the feare of God Prou. 22.6.23.13 14. catechizing and correcting them by words and blowes sutable to their age and faults grieuing and praying for a
abilitie and calling Q. What sinnes are here condemned in parents A. First want of naturall affection Secondly neglect of education Rom. 1.31 both in regard of their spirituall and temporall estate Thirdly indulgencie 1 Tim. 5.8 whereby fond parents nourish the seeds of pride and traine them vp in all idlenesse and vanitie to the dishonour of God and their owne griefe 1 Sam. 2.23 24. Fourthly to send them into places or countries dangerously infected or permit them to spend their time in wicked company Ephes 6.4 Fifthly to hinder and discourage them in any pious proceeding of profession or practice Q. What in Children A. First to hate their Parents curse or strike them Secondly to vncouer their nakednesse Prou. 20.20 and propose them to scorne and derision Thirdly to despise their persons because of their age or pouertie Gen. 9.22 Prou. 15.20 30.17.5.12 13.15.5 or disobey their commands Fourthly to refuse instruction or correction Fifthly to be vnthankefull not praying releeuing honouring them euery way Sixthly to marry without their knowledge or consent c. Q. What sinnes are here condemned in Masters of Families A. First to forget their Great Master in Heauen a maine occasion of all rebellion Psal 50.22 Secondly Psal 101.6 7. to bee carelesse in the choyce of their seruants retaining euery ragged Ruffian swearer drunkard lyer c. any that can doe their seruice well-a-fine Thirdly Deut. 24.14 15. to tyrannize ouer them and be too hard vnto them seene in commanding things vnlawfull or aboue their strength Ephes 5.9 requiring much worke affoording little and heartlesse meat grudging to pay wages at the last c. Fourthly to let loose the reines of authority Prou. 29.19 and permit them to doe what they list Fifthly to neglect their spirituall good while they be with them and not to further their temporall good when they goe from them Deut. 15.13 14. Q. What in seruants A. First a desperate boldnesse aduenturing to liue any where so they may haue meat and wages Secondly an inward loathing of them and a carelesnesse of their credit and welfare with whom they liue seene in slothfull idlenesse vnskilfulnesse and vnfaithfulnesse taking more vpon them then they can doe wasting their goods purloyning victuals or cloathes to please their idle and vnpleasant neighbours Ephes 6.5 who sinne in tempting poore seruants to such vngodlinesse 1 Tim. 6.2 Thirdly disobedience to them which appeares 1. in despising them not standing in awe of them and their words 1 Pet. 2.18 2. in answering againe repeating their words scornefully Tit. 2.9 pleading for some other thing to be done first more necessarie as they thinke 3. in eye-seruice only 4. in divulging secrets abroad to one another when they meete so mispending precious houres and sinning against God Fourthly neglect of prayer and Gods seruice he or shee can neuer be a faithfull seruant to man who is vnfaithfull to the Lord. Fifthly in pride stubbornenesse and a multitude of words c. Q. Why must we be so carefull to obserue all these A. First it is for the preseruation of ciuill societies in being and order Secondly Prou. 30.17 euery man desires to liue long these duties seasonably performed are the meanes vnder God Thirdly it is very pleasing vnto God Exod. 21.17 he hauing forbidden threatned and seuerely punisht the contrary as in Cham Korah 2 Kings 2.23 24. Numb 16.3 Dathan and Abiram Elies sonnes and those fortie two children which mockt the Prophet it doth appeare Fourthly it is a marke of sound Grace when any man knoweth to doe the duties of his place and calling in obedience to God commanding Q. What is required in you that you may endeauour to keepe this Law A. First a restoration of the Image of God defaced by sinne and Satan Gen. 1.26 Secondly vnderstanding to discerne the image of God in all superiours Matth. 7.12 Thirdly a serious consideration of the law of nature to doe as I would be done vnto if I were a superiour 1 Thess 5.6 Mat. 26.41 Fourthly Christian watchfulnesse ouer my selfe and mine in that place and calling wherein the Lord hath placed me Q. What doe you learn hence A. First as a superiour to walke worthy honour Secondly Mal. 1.6 as an inferiour to giue honour and respect vnto all my superiours Thirdly to bee alwayes more ready to giue then to take honour much lesse to striue for it Mat. 25.26 Luke 14.7.8.9 it being commendable in giuing honour to goe before another Fourthly that long life if good Rom. 12.10 is a blessing and obedience to our superiours a meanes to procure it Prou. 16.31 Fifthly that ignorance or negligence of mutuall duties Ios 23.16 in publike or priuate is sinne enough to bring the sword famine banishment and death to a nation many waies Q. Which is the sixt Commandement A. Thou shalt doe no murther Q. What is the meaning of this command A. First that the life of man ought to be precious in our eyes Secondly Gen. 9.4 5. that in humane societies there should be mutuall care one of another for the preseruation of the whole Thirdly that no man may desire seeke or procure the destruction of any himselfe or others inwardly 1 Cor. 12.25 or outwardly but must study to preserue both Q. What is murther A. A fellonious killing of another vpon malice pretended or a hurting of the life of any person by hindering the being or well-being of our selues or others Q. How many sorts of murther are there A. Two in generall First of our selues and so first by hurting or cutting off the life naturall 2 Sam. 17.23 Matth. 27.5 as when men refuse the meanes of preseruation wilfully cast themselues vpon danger committing some crime deseruing death though the Magistrate neuer know Prou. 6.32 nor the law take hold becomming their owne butchers laying violent hands on themselues as Achitophel and Iudas did Secondly hindering or destroying the life spirituall as when men neglect the meanes of saluation Prou. 19.16 seeking for life in death happinesse and content in the world continuing in any knowne sinne or which may be possibly known of opinion or practice without repentance Secondly of others and that first of the outward man Prou. 24.11 Tit. 3.2 by suffering any to perish whom we might and ought to preserue by fighting wounding in words or blowes Leuit. 24.19 Gen. 9.6.4.8 2 Sam. 11.15 killing by open violence as Abell was murthered pretended law as Naboth politike stratagems as Vriah or by secret potions of poysonfull receits as many others secondly 1 King 21.13 2 Pet. 2.8 of the inward man which may be done diuers waies first by wrongfull vexation of the soule of the righteous secondly by sowing the tares of heresie and false doctrine in the hearts of men Ezech. 33.6 thirdly by vnlawfull commands or a carelesse permission of some to
or conditionally true onely Thirdly 1 Sam. 1.13 Acts 28.4 by groundlesse suspitions raised by enuie or tyrannizing iealousie Fourthly by imperfect relations taking some part not the whole sentence the words but not the apprehended meaning of the speaker 1 Sam. 22.9 Math. 26.61 Fifthly by slanderous reports flying tales and popular rumors raised receiued and spread with delight and so it is broken by common lyers tatling gossips tale-bearing sowers of sedition Exod. 23.1 the drunken crew and time-seruing ciuillists whose Religion stands not in mending but finding faults Sixthly Prou. 27.14 Acts 12.22 by flattery and dissimulation commending men excessiuely fainedly impiously for their owne gaine Ier. 9.8 and the parties ruine counterfeiting loue common in ordinary salutations and inuitations saying eate eate when the heart is not with them Seuenthly Matth. 7.1 by malicious accusations rash vncharitable iudgement of mens persons or conditions with all opposition of truth morall or diuine Q. What must they doe that haue broken it A. First they must seriously consider what a foule sinne it is hatefull to God hurtfull to men and be humbled for it Secondly they must vndoe it where it was done Iob 34.32 Psal 39.1 by acknowledgement if that cannot bee let them confesse it vnto the Lord. Thirdly they must set and keepe a watch before the doore of their lips that they offend not so againe Qu. What is here commanded An. A right ordering of speech and behauiour so that heart and tongue agree in one truth Psal 15.2 Ephes 4.15 as first to be such as we seeme to be in all companies and and causes intending what wee pretend Secondly to mainetaine the truth that it be neither euill spoken on for vs nor trampled vnder feet and betrayed by vs. Thirdly studiously to preserue our owne credit and the good name of our Neighbour in priuate and publike as much as in vs lyeth Quest What is required for the preseruation of our owne creit Ans First to haue a right conceit of our selues gifts and place Rom. 12.3 2 Cor. 12.6 neither debasing nor exalting more then meet Secondly to keepe our Word tho past much to our hinderance Thirdly Psal 15.4 to frequent good company Fourthly to pursue such things onely as are of honest report among the best Phil. 4.8 Eccle. 10.1 carefully auoyding all vndiscreet carriages of our affaires Fifthly Prou 10.7 to be wisely zealous in profession and maintenance of the true Religion Psal 112.6 a good man cannot long liue in obscurity or infamy Sixtly to cleere our selues from false imputations Acts 22.1.25.11 as much as wee may by apologies or appealing to authority and declaring the truth Seuenthly to shunne all appearance of euill not doing if wee may chuse Ruth 3.14 Rom. 14.21 1 Cor. 8.13 what wee know will be offensiuely taken by strong or weake bretheren Q. What is to be done that the good name of our Neighbour may be preserued A. First the iudgement must be rightly informed how pretious a good name is Secondly the heart charitably disposed to tender it Thirdly the whole man must be diligently employed in professing and applying both as occasion is offered and so it is required First that we giue not eare lightly to euery flying tale Pro. 25.23 much lesse to spread reports which are or may be slanders Secondly that we make the best of things so farre as we may not harming the truth 1 Cor. 13.7 nor thwarting the rule of right vnderstanding Thirdly Mat. 10.16 Pro. 10. â—2 that we couer and conceale what infirmities may be inoffensiuely kept secret Fourthly that wee admonish them freely in priuate what is spoken abroad or obserued tending to their discredit Mat. 18.15.22 39. Fifthly that we be ready to doe good vnto all 2 Iohn 4. Gal. 6.10 especially vnto the houshold of faith reioycing and grieuing together standing vp in their defence against their malignant enemies Sixthly that we daily consider what duties the Lord requires of vs in our places to that end Q. What is a Christians duty as a witnesse Ans To testifie the truth Prou. 14.15.24.11 freely onely wholly and vprightly Q. What is a Christians duty as a Lawyer A. First to ayme at Gods glory finding out and mainetayning of the truth with the preseruation of iustice and charity Secondly Mat. 22.35 36 37 38 39. to entertaine no causes which appeare to be vnsound or vniust Thirdly to maintaine a good cause with a good conscience not desiring so much his owne gaine as that the wronged party might bee righted Q. What is a Christians duty before he may and while he goeth to law A. First patiently to beare some wrongs to see whether he can ouercome his Neighbour by suffering 1 Cor. 6.7 Secondly to conferre priuately Mat. 18.15 meekely making knowne his demands and offering conditions of peace Thirdly 1 Cor. 6.5 to referre differences vnto such who are able to iudge betweene their brethren Fourthly then to seeke the benefit of the law before beleeuers onely and that iustly plainely charitably not seeking nor taking all aduantages which subtle heads may offer Q. What is the duty of a Christian as a Iudge A. First to cut of all needles controuersies Secondly to keep himselfe that he be notwilfully accessary to any false testimony by prolonging of suits to enrich Clerkes and pay Notaries wages rashly imposing oathes vpon vnaduised witnesses swearing they know not or care not what or admitting of an oath contrary to his owne knowledge Thirdly Deu. 19.18 Gen. 18.21 to heare and see a through discussing of the cause both by aduocates parties themselues witnesses Fourthly to passe an impartial sentence Exod. 18.21 according to euidence without respect of persons or gifts Leui. 19.15 Fifthly to maintaine his said sentence against vniust appeales and to defend the oppressed poore Q. What is required more generally in all Christians that would endeauour to keepe this Law A. First loue to their neighbours and the truth with ioynt equality Secondly 1 Kin. 15.5 delight in prosperity of both as in their owne good Thirdly Rom. 1.8 deliberation before they assent vnto or publish abroad any thing may tend to their Neighbours hurt Eccle. 5.2 Fourthly Christian valour and courage Psal 50.19 20. Mat. 28.15 neuer to betray the truth or wrong their neighbour by any testimony for gaine or reuenge Psal 15.4 Fifthly constancy in promises aduising before resoluing in to performe seasonably after if the Lord permit Considering often that a false witnesse shall not bee vnpunished Prou. 19.9 and he that speaketh lyes shall perish and that of euery idle word men shall speake they must giue account in the day of iudgement Mat. 12.36 Quest What doe you learne hence Ans First rightly to esteeme and iudge of the precious excellency of a good name Prou. 22.1 studying by a godly life to
after and censuring the faults of others especially superiours Fourthly Luk. 18.11 he builds much vpon outward prosperitie of his bodie family and temporall estate comforting himselfe by a deceitfull comparison Mat. 14.3 4 with such as are euery way inferiour to himselfe in his owne conceit Fifthly 1 Kin. 22.8 he cannot endure to haue his beloued sinne toucht Prou. 12.5 affecting those ministers most who giue greatest libertie in gainefull things Sixtly his thoughts alwaies impure and vnprofitable range vp and downe without trouble or bounds Seuenthly Gen. 4.5 6 7 hee takes it euill any mans endeauours in matter of religion should be prefer'd before his Eighthly he is euerie day worse then other 2 Tim. 3.13 and worst at last Ninthly the close hypocrite is not sensible of his hypocrisie doing good duties onely for his owne good Q. What remedie is there against this maladie A. First feare it search after and pray against it Reu. 3.2 Secondly be watchfull ouer all you waies carefull to keepe correspâ—ndencie betweene the heart and the hand affection and conscience Thirdly decaying graces must be renewed and strengthened daily Fourthly see you be better within and in the presence of God by faith vnfained then you can appeare to be outward in the sight of men Fifthly ayme at a right end in all your religious actions Gods glorie obedience to his will and the soules safetie Q. What is Saluation A. It is the fruition of perfect happinesse in and by Iesus Christ Mat. 25.34 Acts 4.12 the Fountaine of felicity in the Kingdome of Heauen Q. What is damnation Mat. 25.41 A. It is a finall exclusion of wicked men from heauen and all hope of glory Reu. 20.14 15. being shut vp by the Iustice of God in a burning lake to be tormented euerlastingly without hope of deliuery as a punishment of sinne and impenitency Q. How may a Christian auoyd the one and attaine the others A. Onely by a sauing knowledge of Iesus Christ God and Man in one person Acts 4.12 dying to become the Sauiour of his Body which whosoeuer hath Mat. 16.24 doth first deny himselfe to rest wholly on him Secondly leaue worldly lusts to liue soberly righteously and godlily in this present world Tit. 2.11 there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ who liue not Rom. 8.1 warre not walke not after the flesh but after the Spirit Q. What must a Christian doe to get Christ A. First hee must beleeue that Iesus Christ is the Messiah foretold and promised that God the Father is well pleased with that which hee hath done Iohn 1.29 and that he himselfe hath a part in this redemption Mat 3. ult 11.28 Secondly he must abandon wicked company seeke and ioyne himselfe to the society of true Christians Prou. 4.14.2.20 pray the Lord to direct him in hearing and reading the good Word Psal 119 9.33 Thirdly hee must examine his life past Psal 4.4 confesse and bewaile his sinnes in particular resoluing to forsake all hee knowes Pâ—o. 28.14 for the loue of Christ then apply the promises which hee must particularly take notice of belonging to him Ioel 2.12 Iob 33.27 Q. Which is the second part of Christian examination necessary for our preparation to the Communion A. Concerning our life and that considered three wayes Ier. 8.6 First what it hath beene in time past Psa 119.59 with respect to those seuerall changes of age place Gen. 47.9 company and employment we haue beene in Secondly what it is for the present Thirdly what it ought to haue beene and must bee for the time to come if we thinke to attaine Heauen Q. What must wee examine our selues about in the third place A. About those sins we haue committed in our life time Psal 51.5 and that first in regard of our nature in euery passage of our life Ephes 2.3 more prone to one sinne then another Secondly 1 Pet. 4.10 11. in respect of our calling and place of employment generall and personall Eze. 9.4 Luk. 12.56 priuate or publike in Church or Common-weale Thirdly with reference to the time some corruptions beare sway more at one time in one age then another sinne like the giddie world loues to be in fashion Q. What is the fourth thing a Christian must looke vnto in his examination A. Vnto those graces which are or should be in him before hee presume to come to the Lords Table especially faith and repentance Q. What is faith A. It is a rich and precious grace of God whereby the new man is enabled Heb. 11.1 Iam. 2.5 Rom. 4.5 and doth actually and firmely rest on Christ for remission and saluation grounded vpon knowledge of the goodnes and truth of diuine reuelation concerning Christ Acts 16.21 assented vnto and applyed in particular Q. How may a Christian discerne this grace in himselfe A. First by that feare hee hath had Mat. 10.28 or doth feele in him of Gods wrath and Hell torments due to him for his many sinnes Luke 1â— 4 Secondly by a following perswasion wrought it may be he knowes not how Matth. 8.2 that his sinnes are pardonable Thirdly by a desire after faith in the least measure Mark 9.24 that hee might apply one promise and touch but the Hem of his Sauiours garment Fourthly Psal 116.10 Mat. 4.31 by an earnest prayer for pardon and Gods fauour in Christ aboue all things in the world remembring still how worthy he is of Iudgements 2 Cor. 4.8 how vnworthy of any mercy Fifthly by intermissiue doubtings of himselfe and the truth of his grace Sixthly by a finall casting of himselfe into the Armes of Christ Iob 13.15 Phil. 3.8 9. confident of the truth of his promises and resolued to thinke so what euer come Acts 15.9 Seuenthly Gal 5.6 by that purity of hart though imperfect feruent loue vnto God and the faithfull and spirituall ioy euen to admiration some times 2 Thes 1.3 and beyond expression all following Faith 2 Cor. 8.3 Eighthly by a communicating charity making him to abound in euery good worke euen beyond ability Q. What is false and faigned faith A. It is a carnall presumption and a groundlesse perswasion Luke 13.3 of men and women within the pale of a visible Church Heb. 12.14 to attaine saluation without sanctification to haue pardon of sinne without parting from sinne Q. How may this be knowne A. First by the beginning thereof Rom. 10.17 Gal. 2.20 issuing from the proud flesh without any loue or vse of Gods ordinances Secondly by diuiding in conceit selfe-crucifying from Christ crucified Math. 4.6.7.26 Thirdly by perswading men to thinke they may and doe beleeue Gods promises although they distrust his prouidence prouiding for and aduancing themselues or others vnto wealth and worldly honour indirectly Fourthly by boasting of a full perswasion
worke of the stomacke if that bee wanting or miscarry there is no nutrition chewing of the cud vnder the Law 1 Tim. 4.15 did signifie holy meditation in and after any spirituall exercise Secondly obseruation of euery act and circumstance done about that Supper by the Minister and the people Thirdly application Mat. 26.26 intermiâ—sion of euery thing to our selues Fourthly short and spirituall ejaculation of prayers and praise for Christs inestimable loue Mat. 26.30 so waiting till the rest haue receiued that all may ioyne in publique thankesgiuing if any man know a better let him in offensiuely follow it where authoritie diuine and humane are silent it is left to the discretion of particular assemblies to determine in such matters of indifferency as shall appeare to be best for the assembly prouided all be done without tumult decently and in order 1 Thes 4.11 remembring who saith study to be quiet Q. What is meditation A. A branch of speculation whereby the soule freed from the burden of the Body for a time by a mentall separation Psa 42.5 11. Nehem. 1.2 feeds in a steady fixt discourse vpon some choyce subiect till she haue brought the same to a profitable issue Acts 12.11.17.23 where of there are two kinds First occasionall vpon euery thing we see heare or do Gen. 24.36 Secondly deliberate when men are called or do freely settle themselues both for time place subiect to this diuine exercise Q. But suppose one say hee cannot meditate A. First 1 Cor. 11.28 no comming without preparation no preparation without examination no examination without some competency of ability to meditate Secondly he may as well say hee cannot liue reason watch nor pray c. such employment is vnseparable from the soule Thirdly want of power is pretended when will onely is wanting crying out they cannot when indeed they will not goe about it Fourthly Mat. 19.26 to him that hath faith knowledge and desire all necessary duties are possible much more meditation both sweet easie and profitable to euery practiced Christian Fifthly if after all endeuour it appeare many cannot benefit themselues this way for the auoyding of manifest and greater inconueniences especially if the time be long some other publike employment may be appointed I thinke at the discretion of the pastour prouided it be not such whereby the Minister may be disturbed or Communicants distracted in the act of receiuing Q. Of what must we meditate as the Subiect A. Vpon any profitable Subiect whatsoeuer Psal 1.2.63 6. as first of God his Word or workes Secondly of man as created fallen redeemed of body and soule vnited to bee separated Thirdly of Christ his incarnation and passion Psa 119.15 23 48 54 78. with the manner of both exprest in Scripture Fourthly of sinne and sauing grace with the miseries of this life and compleat ioyes of that to come here nothing but mutabilitie and mortalitie there to be swallowed vp by the constancy of eternitie Fifthly of your selues in speciall Psal 143.5 what God hath done for you in regard of your corporall and spirituall estate how you haue behaued your selues towards him what you deserue how you can and why you hope for fauour in his sight c. Sixthly of death and your departure hence Q. How must wee meditate for the manner A. First make choyce of your Subiect left through defect you grow wearie or bee confounded by a multitude confusedly offring themselues Psa 119.148 Gen. 24.63 Secondly keepe your minds firmely fixt close vnto the matter chosen supposing you neither heare see nor remember any other thing Thirdly set open before you the booke of memorie and inuention make vse if you are able of logique and Rhetorique artificiall or naturall that your matter may bee moulded into profitable order Q. What lets are there which deterre distract and hinder men in or from this duty A. First disuse and want of practice Heb. 13.9 Ier. 17.9 makes it seeme harsh if not impossible Heb. 13.9 Ier. 17.9 Secondly lightnesse and inconstancie of mind to admit many and runne a little after euery one hee is no where that is euery where variety of obiects draw away their minds that want experience Heb. 3.12 1 Tim. 6.9 Thirdly impuritie and impenitencie such vnsauorie vessels are not capable of holy meditations Fourthly spirituall barrennesse which vnder the meanes is a great and heauie curse Fifthly customarie cogitation and plodding about vaine toyes vnprofitable impossible c. to all such I may say as the Lord by Ieremy Ier. 4.14 O Ierusalem wash thy heart from wickednesse that thou mayest be saued how long shall thy vaine thoughts lodge within thee Q. What helpes are there for meditation I runne my selfe out of breath and am quickely weary A. First know it is not possible the soule so farre as it is regenerate should be wearie of this employment Mat. 26.41 no more then Angels of moouing or reasoning intuitiuely the spirit is willing but the flesh is weake Secondly begin to practice obseruing one method Eph. 5.16 let your order and ends be euer the same vse makes perfect in all things I can giue you a personall president of one who washing his hands did once occasionally meditate vpon the blood of Christ cleansing the soule from the sting the staine and filth of sinne c. and now can neuer doe it but the same subiect offers it selfe instantly Thirdly Mar. 13.37 2 Tim. 4.5 1 Pet. 5.8 keepe a daily and true watch ouer your soules and wayes remembring Gods presence obseruing his workes of mercy and iustice considering the proper end of your life here with the vncertaintie of death Fourthly 2 Pet. 3.18 enrich your minds with the knowledge of diuine mysteries by hearing reading c. gayning something from euery exercise priuate or publique sacred or secular Fifthly learne to separate the gold from the drosse Mat. 14.23 Iames 1.5 Luk. 19.37 spirituall from carnall thoughts venter not on many at once though heauenly leaue not a good subiect imperfect to squander out the time in vncertaine varieties Sixthly begin with a short prayer and end with praise Q. What fruits and benefits issue from this dutie to encourage vs in practice A. Many First it is the life our life yeelding vs what spirituall ioy the soule is capable of in this world Phil. 3.20 thereby wee trauell ouer all the world with ease from Earth to Heauen and haue our conuersation with Angels in the presence of God Secondly Psal 119.97 it is both a vocation and a recreaâ—â—â—â— he that can meditate may recreate himselfe and yet mispend no precious houres it tames the flesh and cheeres the minde by a present apprehension of sweet and lasting contentment Thirdly Ios 1.8 9. it is a precious preseruatiue against the venemous baites of this wiâ—y world Fourthly Psa 77.12 it dries vp the corrupt humours of carnall