Avoid also all evil times some times and seasons as well as some places are evil dangerous to walk in especially at some places as the night late or very early in some places Every man by nature is like to dry wood yea to dried tinder which is apt to take fire so soon as any spark of temptation to sin is cast into us by Satan and if the Devil do not tempt us yet our corrupt hearts are apt to take fire as soon as the least occasion is offered to us or we meet with it as too frequent experience proves Yea Fourthly Labour to mortifie sin every inordinate lust Col. 3.5 Mortifie your members which are upon the earth i. e. your sinful lusts desires and motions that are born and bred up with us and are as dear to us as our natural members are as a right hand or right eye Rom. 8.13 If ye live after the flesh ye shall die but if ye by the Spirit do mortifie the deeds of the body ye shall live Secondly Mind well and look to these things 1. Make choice of and improve good company yea the best company you can I count that the best company that is truly religious and godly which will further us in the best things especially be furthered by us to whom we may do good and by whom we may receive good And I count him my best friend that will help me most in the way to Heaven Worldly company I count also good company in this respect and so far as being otherwise civil and unblameable they may be helpful to me for the managing of my worldly affairs wisely and discreetly so as they may be most subservient to the highest ends You know Davids profession and practice Psal 16.23 My goodness extends not to thee but to the Saints that are in the earth and to the excellent in whom is all my delight Psal 119 63. I am a companion of all them that fear thee and of all them that keep thy Commandments Psal 119.115 Depart from me ye evil-doers for I will keep the Commandments of my God Let your most familiar intimate bosome-friend be as much as in you lieth one that is a most godly wise and grave experienced Christian 2. Look well to your actions give a good Example and the greater and more esteemed any of you are the more cause to look well to your actions every where to give a good Example of godliness humility gravity faithfulness justice righteousness and the like Do nothing but what is commendable virtuous and praise-worthy Beware of doing any thing that may leave an ill savour behind you which may open the mouths of evil men to speak or think evil of you or of Religion harden them in their evil ways or sadden the hearts of good men or be a stumbling-block to weak Christians that are coming on not light vain foolish idle vile and prophane carefully shun and avoid all such 3. Look to your words that they be true sober grave and seasonable not false idle filthy vain foolish ridiculous bitter or railing Ephes 4 25. Wherefore putting away lying speak every man the truth unto his Neighbour ver 29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace to the hearers Jam. 5.12 Above all things my Brethren swear not Ephes 5.3 4. But fornication and all uncleaness and covetousness let it not be once named among you as it becometh Saints Nor filthiness nor foolish talking nor jesting that is scurrility or jeering scurrilous jesting and unseemly mirth are much unbeseeming the gravity and sanctity of a Christian For we must give an account of every idle word at the day of Judgment Matt. 12.36 37. much more of scurrilous and unclean words And if any man seem to be religious and yet bridleth not his tongue that mans Religion is vain Jam. 1.26 Not but that Christians may be cheerful and merry in company but their mirth must be harmless and innocent not light vain idle foolish much less vile and prophane In all things labour to shew your selves Patterns especially elder persons of goodness truth faithfulness righteousness uprightness c. and in all your dealings that you may adorn the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and gain credit to Religion by your good conversation Let the Name of God Christ and his word be seldome in your mouths unless in an humble reverent manner to do or receive some good not in ordinary worldly discourse but let them be often in your minds hearts let them be to you as hony in your months and musick to your ears that you may say as David Psal 139.17 18. How precious are thy thoughts unto me O God How great is the sum of them If I should count them they are more than the sand when I awake I am still with thee Titus 3.2 Speak ill of no man be gentle shewing all meekness to all men Make the best construction of other mens words and actions as far as may be with a good conscience Love thinketh no evil is not easily provoked beareth all things believeth all things hopeth all things endureth all things 1 Cor. 13.5 7. Be not jealous be not suspitious yet labour wisely to foresee and prevent evils that may be Use not many words in speaking be not full of speech for as Solomon observes Eccles 5.7 In many words there are also divers vanities but fear thou God ver 3. A fools voice is known by a multitude of words It is often observed that even some very good persons and worthy to be honoured for the truth that is in them who are of a free speech when they speak of a person or thing which they like or dislike suppose it be of some distemper are sometimes so superlative and excessive in their expressions that they do speak often very much beyond what the thing in truth is to the grief of some tender consciences to hear such persons lash out beyond measure and which 't is believed if themselves did before God in their own consciences seriously consider surely they would not speak so largely It is good to speak always within the bounds of apparent truth also to perform what they promise lest some others censure us as lyers and say as too many are apt to do without cause Professors will not swear but they will lye or stretch foully This is sad and to be bewailed 4. Look to your affâ—ctions love desire delight hope fear joy sorrow anger hatred and the like that they be set on right objects so as to desire hope love delight and rejoyce in good things especially spiritual so to sorrow and grieve for sin to shan and hate it Col. 3.2 Set your affections on things above not on things on the earth Let David be your pattern Psal 16.3 In the Saints and the excellent in whom it all my delight Psal 119.104 I hate every
false way ver 113. I hate lying vanities but thy Law do I love Psal 40.8 I delight to do thy will O God yea thy Law is within my heart Psal 119.113 I hate vain thoughts but thy way do I love and as Paul Rom. 7 22. I delight in the Law of God after the inward man Rom. 8.6 7. To be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace 5. Look also to your thoughts that they be good useful holy heavenly spiritual of good things yea as much as may be on the best things to desire them labour for them love them delight and rejoyce in them And on evil things especially of sin to shun avoid and abhor them Prov. 22.3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil hideth himself but the simple pass on and are punished Be careful to watch against and avoid vain foolish idle thoughts but much more vile wicked thoughts envious malicious unclean revengeful proud and all other ungodly thoughts You read what a reproof God gave Jerusalem Jer. 4.14 Oh Jerusalem wash thy heart from wickedness that thou mayest be saved how long shall thy vain thoughts lodge in thee 6. Above all look to your hearts they are the spring and fountain of all good and evil thoughts affâ—ctions words and actions Therefore the Wiseman counselleth Prov. 4.25 Keep thy heart with all diligence the Hebrew is above all keeping mark his reason for out of it are the issues of life All good holy gratious thoughts desires affections words and actions spring from a good and holy heart and all evil and wirked from an evil and wicked heart Make the heart good and all will be good if that it be naught all is naught Tit. 1.15 To the unclean all things are unclean Mat. 12.34 35. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things and an evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil things And then remember that God always sees you and his eyes are upon you Prov. 15.3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good The thoughts of some eminent grave person standing by as Cato Laelius or Scipio would be a means to keep men from doing any uncomely thing as the Heathens supposed and so adjudged Seneca How much more will the believing that the All-seeing holy and righteous Lord is always present The Rabbins were wont to say that if a man did remember three things he should not sin viz. 1 His creation that he came from the dust 2. His end he must return to the dust and 3. the strict account he must give The Hebrews have another like saying to that purpose That if a man did think of three things he would not sin viz. 1. Of the Eye that sees all 2. of the Ear that hears all and 3. of the Book in which all his faults are written 17. Study to carry your selves affably courteously neighbourly to all persons as well to the poor as to the rich to be beneficially publike spirited and ready to do good to all persons charitable open-handed to the poor when they come hid them welcome sit down Job professes he did not eat his morsel alone but the fatherless eat thereof he was to him as a father the loyns of the poor blessed him and he was warmed with the fleece of his sheep Job 31.17 18 20. Humility affability Charity do much adorn Religion put a beauty and lustre on it honor our conversation stop the mouths of evil men are pleasing to God good and profitable to men gain the esteem and good will of many and a good report in the world Luk. 7.5 Act. 10.22 oftentimes make friends of foes at least sweeten their sour natures and stop the mouths of such as would otherwise be open against Professors and Religion it self But a sour high losty slighting carriage scarce bidding a poor or mean Neighbour drink or sit down or perhaps as some proud persons scarce speak to them or take notice of them doth very much unbecome civil persons much more persons professing Christianity and loseth them much in their hearts and affections and often gives occasion to slight and speak evil of them and of Religion for their sakes While God gives and I have it I would not willingly let any poor Neighbour go away without some refreshing unasked or other expressions of charity and neighbourliness I have often seen the good fruit of it and am sure Christ Luk. 6.38 saith Give and it shall be given to you again good measure pressed down and shaken together and running over shall men give into your bosoms Matth. 10.42 Whosoever shall give a cup of cold water only in the name of a Disciple verily I say unto you he shall not lose his reward Remember also that loving courteous words to them and of them though they be never so inferiour and bad also is as cheap as evil harsh surly or churlish words and only pleasing to God and men words of contempt are commonly returned in the like kind full measure running over by some others Not railing or evil-speaking but let every one of us please his Neighbour for good saith the Apostle Rom. 15.2 But what good office soever you do do it heartily as to the Lord and not to man Gal. 3.23 Ephes 6.5 18. Vse moderation at all times in all things and to all persons Phil. 4.5 Let your moderation be known to all men the Lord is at hand Be not only temperate and moderate but let it appear abhorring vain-glory in all things and always so that all that know you and your conversation may see it and be gained by you not unlike to that of our Saviour Mat. 5.16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven This the Apostle exhorts to in the word sober 1 Thes 5.6 8. 1 Pet. 1.13 and 4.7 and 5.8 one of the three great lessons the Gospel teacheth Titus 2.11 12. Vse a moderation in the use of meat drink and apparel for the quantity the quality and the fashionableness that it be not too much too rich or costly nor too conformable to the world and garish but always within the bounds of Religion reason your estate calling degree and condition of life never beyond but alas the devil pride and self have so blinded all sorts and ranks of men and women and almost all of all sorts that our eyes are almost out that we cannot see wood for trees but take one for another vice for virtue Vse a moderation in spending and laying out your estate if you have never so great an overplus there are other ways and uses that may be laid out more to the Glory of God the good of others and much more to your own advantage whereas vain and lavish spending in the former or any
oftentimes fall into the sins also which he should not and 't is like would not to his shame and sorrow when too late to repent them therefore 1 Thes 5.22 says the Apostle Abstain from all appearances of evil 4. And where occasions cannot be avoided there especially arm your selves by prayer meditation on the word power justice and goodness of God and by holy resolution constantly and resolutely to oppose the evil the motions of sin temptations of Satan and the allurements of the world looking unto God and relying on him for assistance strength and wisdom to withstand and overcome them Jam. 4 7. 1 Pet. 5.9 Mat. 26.41 Watch and pray always that ye enter not into temptation And we have great reason so to do to be watchful if we consider what enemies we have viz. the Devil the world and the flesh 1. The Devil a most cunning malicious subtil vigilant and diligent and deceitful adversary to tempt and draw us to sin and destruction See 1 Pet. 5.8 one that is invisible a spirit and so can be present and see us outwardly inwardly that knows our nature temper and disposition by his great knowledge and thousands of years diligent observation and can and doth sute his temptations accordingly and press them home again and often and not be seen nor discerned of us because a spirit and invisible 2. The World another great enemy both the men of the world and worldly things The men of the world earthly carnal sensual men and men of corrupt judgments and evil conversations that will be tempting and drawing to sin by their counsel promises threatnings fair and foul usage hard dealings by their examples habits carriage and the like Therefore there are so many warnings given us by the Lord in his word as Pro. 1.10 My son if sinners intice thee consent thou not Prov. 4.14 Enter not into the path of the wicked c. Mat. 10.16 17 18. Beware of men Mat. 7.15 Beware of false Prophets that come unto you in sheeps clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves i. e. with fair pretences but with foul malicious devouring hearts Phil. 3 2. 1 Cor. 15.32 Evil words corrupt good manners 2 Tim. 2.17 Their words do eat as doth a canker One man is oftentimes a wolf a devil to another and yet many discern it not Also the things of the world as profit pleasure preferment ease liberty credit and the like are great snares many times to draw into sin Who is not many times ensnared by them or too much taken up with them therefore great cause we have to be watchful 3. The flesh within us is as bad an enemy or worse than either of the other because within us natural to us born and bred up alwayes up with us as near to us as a right hand or a right eye that is always present with us and ready to open to Satan who is not always present therefore be watchful And thus labour to walk circumspectly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 exactly precisely for so the word most properly signifies not as fools but as wise redeeming the time because the days are evil Ephes 5.15 16. from pleasures recreations idle words and frivolous discourses which are apt to steal away and swallow up much time though not evil in themselves also from vain thoughts and unprofitable musings which are very apt to steal in upon us in the bed at night in the morning and at other times at home and abroad walking and journeying also from sight frothy and amorous Books Romances and the like very unfit for Christians professing Godliness to read or hear for they steal much precious time move the affections in vain corrupt youth and take their affections off from and disrelish the spiritual appetite to the Holy Scriptures and other divine Treatises very necessary to be read frequently and seriously thought of Also redeem the time from unnecessary journeys visits yea even from sleep and worldly businesses for spiritual exercises to get and grow in knowledge grace and holiness to make sure of Gods favour pardon of sin interest in Christ and eternal life and to be useful in your generation that you may be able to to say with the Apostle Phil. 3.20 Our conversation is in Heaven from whence we look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ who shall change our vile bodies c. 11. As God gives and according to your abilities be ready to be good to and relieve them that are sick weak in want or other affliction Gal. 6.10 As we have opportunity let us do good to all men especially unto them that are of the houshold of faith i. e. that are of the same Religion with us especially such as are Godly Heb. 13.16 To do good and to communicate forget not for with such sacrifice God is well pleased It is an odour of a sweet savour a sacrifice acceptable well-pleasing to God Phil. 4.18 And do it chearfully and liberally not grudgingly and sparingly for God loveth a cheerful giver and will plentifully require them in full measure pressed down and running over Luk. 6.38 It is compared to a sowing-seed 2 Cor. 9.6 He that sows sparingly shall reap sparingly and he that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully Liberality supplieth the want of the necessitous giving occasion of much thanksgiving and of glory to God doth adorn the Christian Religion honor the Gospel of Christ stop the mouths of worldly men but opens the mouths and hearts of them that are relieved refreshed and comforted to praise God for you speak wel of you pray to God for you and doth as I may in some sense say engage God to deal liberally with you for your liberal distribution to others though our good works do not merit in the least degree and to inrich you with every good thing to all bountifulness 2 Cor. 6.7 8. and 9.8 to the end The Holy Ghost often presseth this duty Read Eccles 11.1 2. Cast thy bread upon the waters though it seem in the eye of natural reason as bread cast into the River quite lost yet saith he after many days thou shalt find it again yea with much advantage as the husband-man doth his corn cast into the earth and long buried yet after many moneths he receives it again many for one many times ten twelve yea more for one bushel Ver. 2. Give a portion to seven and also to eight for thou knowest not what evil shall be on the earth that is what plundering times or casualties may come when all may be taken away or consumed and then it will not repent you that you were liberal and charitable whilst you had it to poor Christians and other prous uses that is so given is sure and safe but that which is not given but taken away or consumed is quite gone lost unless lost for Christs sake But remember as to give cheerfully and liberally to also for Christs sake love to God and obedience to his command
that power over her Also she ought to declare her reverence to him by an inward wife-like fear of offending him and outwardly by her mild courteous loving and modest speech to him and of him behaviour before him and respective obedience to him as her husband 3. To nourish and cherish him and provide things needful and convenient for him most especially in time of sickness weakness and the like as for her self Ephes 5.29 4. To go soberly modestly and gravely and after a seemly manner in her apparel as becomes godliness not garish flanting and fantastick 1 Tim. 2.9 I will that women adorn themselves with modest apparel modest apparel then is an ornament as well as garish rich and fine or costly apparel and in some respects much more and doth more win the the affections of all sober persons with shamefastness and sobriety and which becometh godliness with good works 1 Pet. 3.4 5. whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair and of wearing of of gold or of putting on of apparel but let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which in the sight of God is of a great price For after this manner in old time the holy women who trusted in God adorned themselves being in subjection to their own husbands 5. To look to the house and the affairs of it and to preserve the goods of it as her own and order them for the best advantage also the children and maid-servants this is expresly commanded in terms 1 Tim. 5.14 6. To advise with her husband ask and learn of him in private 1 Tim. 2.11 7. But especially to be a true helper to her husband in the things of God that concern their spiritual good according to her power And it is a great advantage the wife hath by reason of her interest in her husband and children and the frequent being with him and them to instruct the children mind him of his duty lovingly and meekly advise comfort and encourage him to every good work as well as he her one great end of Marriage Gen. 2.19 20 21. 23. Parents you whom God hath given the honour to be fathers and mothers of children Let me mind you of the particular duties God requireth of you in reference to your children I need not advise you to have care of their bodies and to provide for them in due season all things needful for them Nature teacheth that and he is worse than an infidel or Heathen that doth not provide for his own house 1 Tim. 5.8 but do not mind them more than God but their spiritual good I chiefly aim at 1. Teach and instruct your children in the grounds and Principles of Religion as soon as they are capable of retaining any thing though they do not for the present understand it yet children do many times understand more than we think they do teach them a little at once as they are capable the most easie and fundamental truths first Deut. 6.6 7. These words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart and thou shalt teach them thy children diligently The word signifies to whet or sharpen as a man sharpens his knife by degrees often drawing it to and fro so should parents teach their children and mark what follows and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou liest down when thou risest up Eph. 6.4 Ye fathers provoke not your children to anger but bring them up in the nourture and admonition of the Lord. A good Catechisme is of great use to this end amongst others Mr. Perkins Catechisme Mr. John Balls and the Exposition also and the Assemblies are all of singular use learned by heart more especially with the proofs the shortest and easiest way to furnish children with the main grounds of Religion and to fit them to hear Sermons 2. Pray often with them and for them 3. Read the Holy Scriptures to them and other good Books as you have opportunity 4. Teach them to read betimes and to read well and hear them read daily 5. See that they attend reverently in time of Religious duties and on the publike Ministry also Exod. 20.8 9 10. 6. Repeat the Sermons unto them or the heads as well as you can and God will help you 7. Examine what they remember what they have heard or read otherwise they will not mind and so not profit by hearing and reading 8. Commend and encourage them when they do well Reprove them when they do evil Correct them also when need requires not in passion a sinful thing and doth little good yet too common and which is worse some foolish Parents presently after correction are ready to take them into their bosom this is of evil consequence and besides it shews they did not correct them in love and judgment but only vent their sinful passion but correct them wisely in meekness and love and let them see you are angry with them for their Souls good till they melt kindly for their faults and humble themselves and beg your pardon Consider well Prov. 19.18 and 22.15 and 23.13 Ephes 6.4 but provoke them not to anger Col. 3.21 Use not threatnings nor many words lest when they see they are but words they slight them and regard not your words nor commands nor your selves neither in a while as I have often seen 9. Give them always a good example in word and deed carry your selves gravely meekly religiously and after a seemly manner towards them evil examples will do them more hurt than all your good instructions will do them good Children have a great conceit of all the Parent doth though bad or untrue and are wonderful apt to imitate them Col. 4.6 Let your speech be always seasoned with salt that is discretion and prudence that it may rellish savour and season others well Avoid all corrupt communication foolish and scurrilous words and jesting Ephes 4.29 And the rather you have great reason thus to do and to endeavour their regeneration and salvation because you have been instruments of their corrupt sinful miserable and damnable estate by natural generation If you be instruments under God of begetting them again as furthering a new spiritual birth and life in them and so of their salvation it will add much to your comfort and crown at the day of your account But if they miscarry and perish through your evil example or neglect of due educating them they shall die in their sins but your Souls must answer to God for them at the day of death and judgment and that may be very soon and will be very sad for you 10. Busie them in some honest and fit imployment as soon as they are capable teach them to be good husbands and house-wives Skill diligence and providence are alone a good portion and livelihood and many times
that may tend to the glory of God and their Masters good for soul body or outward being in the world not in things sinful for we may not think that God would have any servant to obey his earthly Master contrary to his own will and rule who is the Supreme and absolute Lord over men and Creatures And when I say and use the word Masters I understand as the Apostle doth both Sexes the Mistress and Dame also as well as the man And great is the benefit servants procure to themselves by faithful obedience to their Masters Now for the manner of your obedience I must put you in mind of what the Spirit of God hath set down for your direction and practice 1. With fear and trembling Eph. 6.5 that is with an awful fear of offending or displeasing them in doing what is required for matter or manner for a slavish fear or dread is not here meant or allowed especially in Christian servants who are spiritually free but a careful reverential fear a fear of punishment or just displeasure as aforesaid is to be used Rom. 13.3 4. 2. In singleness of heart Ephes 6.5 Col. 3.22 that is truly sincerely from the heart not hypocritically or in dissimulation but heartily as in the sight of God who seeth and knoweth your hearts 3. Not with eye-service as men pleasers Ephes 6.6 that is not with a meer outward service only to satisfie the eye of man and to please man which is hypocritical or to be diligent nimble and careful while the Masters eye is upon them and when his back is turned and he gone to be idle lazie careless doing nothing at all or little or to halves which is Pharisaical a defrauding deceiving of the Master both which are hateful to God and displeasing to man A servant ought to do his Masters will and command heartily as to the Lord with care diligence and faithfulness when he is absent and far off as well as when he is present and looketh on because God requires it and seeth and will call him to account 4. With good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men Ephes 6.7 that is not only in singleness but also readily cheerfully and desiring that it may be for the Masters profit and benefit which argues a good will to their Masters 5. Not answering again Titus 2.9 that is not gainsaying reasoning and arguing cavilling against it yet may a servant and ought in some cases humbly to shew his reason against the doing of this or that or after this or that manner when he verily beleeves it to be sinful and unlawful or tending to his Masters prejudice and disadvantage as Naamans servants did 2 Kin. 5.3 13. 2. Be careful to serve your Masters with all faithfulness Tit. 2.10 1 Cor. 4.2 as it is said of Moses Heb. 3.5 Moses was faithful as a servant that is with faithfulness diligence and care to manage your Masters business as may be most for his benefit as Joseph did This faithfulness must appear in dealing truly with him in all things endeavoring carefully to keep preserve and manage your Masters goods to his advantage look to his cattle children person credit keep his secrets and do all things faithfully that you are intrusted to do not purloining imbezeling wasting or unnecessarily spending your Masters goods for that is dishonesty next door to robbery not suffering through your carelessness or negligence any hurt or damage to come to your Master or to any person or thing he hath for that is unfaithfulness and as you deal with others others no doubt will hereafter deal with you 3. Be careful to give all due reverence and respects hear what the Apostle saith 1 Tim. 6.1 2. Let as many servants as be under the yoke count their own Masters worthy of all honour Observe and understand that many of those Masters the Apostle then spake of were Infidels Heathens Idolaters and otherwise laid on heavy yokes which he expresses by the word yoke and their slavery by being under the yoke and though their servitude was an heavy burden a yoke to serve them which were Idolaters and enemies to the true God and Jesus Christ whom the Christian servants beleeved in loved honoured and served in their spirits and perhaps many of them in other respects very unworthy men yet being and while they were their Masters the Christian servants must count them and accordingly carry themselves towards them as worthy of all honor from them as their Masters and next under God over them And observe his reason which is very good That the Name of God and his Doctrine be not blasphemed v. 1. that is evil spoken of by the Heathen Masters for if they should refuse to serve their Masters or to reverence them though Infidels under pretence of their Christian liberty this would occasion their Infidel Masters to reproach the Christian Religion as if it taught them disobedience pride and undutifulness Much more then should Christian servants cheerfully and gladly serve and honour beleeving Christian-Masters especially such as are truly religious godly and conscientious as ver 2. shews And they which have beleeving Masters c. And this reverence must be inward in the heart otherwise it is hypocritical and must be expressed outwardly in their speech and words to them and of them behind their backs it must be also sparing humble mild the truth and at a fit season by forbearing to speak when the Master seems to be unwilling they should speak any more at that time Also in their behaviour and carriage dutiful submissive obeysance or courtefie to them standing modestly decently and humbly before them uncovered and the like usual reverend respectful carriages All which reverence and humble respects is due also from children to their Parents yea and also from wives in some degree to their own husbands who in many things have a joynt authority power with their husbands Eph. 5.33 therefore the rather is due from servants to their own Masters who are in a far inferiour condition thâ—n wives Wherefore sawciness boldness in speaking without respect as if equals replying again and again stoutness crosness that will not answer when they are spoketo or crosly or flee away in a passion or slap him in the mouth with a lye pride in not giving the title due to the Master because it may be he is poor or mean or not very wise muttering and murmuring are carriages very unworthy to be condemned though from a Christian servant to a Heathen Master much more if to a Christian Master worst of all if to a godly Master 4. Patiently bear reproofs and correction also if you meet with them even when you do well much more if for evil doing it is both a sin and shame to murmur complain or be impatient 1 Pet. 2.18 19. Servants be subject to your masters with all fear not only to the good and gentle but also to the froward for this is
are those that having by their labour gotten a little money either lavish it out in some finery or dainty fare and strong drink above their ability in a moderate way at some special time is not to be blamed And so feasting as it were one day and then are forced to fait or go with an empty belly two or three days after whereas a wise husbanding that little they get might supply their wants at all times something comfortably Thus living and walking according to these and the former rules and directions none need to fear either want or death but may comfortably say with David The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want Psal 23.1 and apply that of Isaiah Isa 57.2 He shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds None need to fear want that hath an All-sufficient God and a most tender Father to provide for them nor need to fear death seeing to die to a Godly man is to enter into peace and rest in his bed none fear to go to bed when they know they shall rest Object Thus to live perhaps some will say or at least think were to banish all joy and comfort and to live an heavy mopish melancholy life Ans 1. The world is much mistaken and deceived The Godly man is forbidden or debarred no joy natural or worldly that is lawful and convenient for matter and other circumstances but only meer carnal sensual delights and others when and so far as they are evil in respect of circumstances which worldly delights so far worldly and voluptuous men must and will repent of when they shall give an account of themselves and their sinful pleasures and delights unto God 2. None under Heaven have so much true joy delight and content as the truly Godly man hath or may have even the most strict and most religious of them But indeed their joy and delights are not carnal but spiritual not outward in the face voice and lungs but inward in the heart a true sound solid joy but the joy of worldlings is a slight superficial underling joy of the bo y not of the soul like the flash of a bavin in the fire or straw it will make a great flame and noise but yeeld little hear it doth scorch rather than heat kindly and is quickly gone and out but the Godly mans joy is in his soul Luk. 1.46 47. Psal 13.5 and 33.21 a substantial hearty and lasting joy What greater joy can there be What greater comfort and cause of rejoycing than to know and be assured or have some comfortable grounds of hope that they are freed from the reigning and condemning power of sin from the destroying power of the devil death and hell have their sins pardoned God reconciled Christ to be their Saviour God to be their Father the Holy Ghost to be their sanctifier instructer guide and comforter and Heaven to be their everlasting inheritance and that in the mean time all things even the worst shall work together for their spiritual and everlasting good comfort and happiness the all wise and over-ruling gratious Providence of God Rom. 8.28 Psal 25.10 Therefore says the Apostle Phil. 4.4 Rejoyce in the Lord always and again I say Rejoyce Such a joy as the world can neither give nor take away nor understand Isa 9.3 Prov. 14.10 John 16.22 Object 2. Yet again p ssibly some may think this seems to be too much preciseness and niceness more than needs What shall none go to Heaven but such as live very precisely and strictly Answ I cannot deny but many shall go to Heaven yea all that are truly Godly and live holily though they are not of so strict a life as some are But 2. I never heard or read of so much as one in all my life that was truly Godly that thought himself too holy and strict but of many no doubt truly Godly strict who have complained and were troubled that they were no more holy and conformable to the will and Law of God and to Jesus Christ Read and consider David Psal 119.5.14 15 16 33 34. and many other places Paul also Rom. 7.18 19 c. and Phil. 3.9 10 12 13 14. 3. I say also that even wicked loose prophane persons when themselves come to die if the eyes of their understandings be truly open and conscience awaked they will justifie the most holy strict Christians and heartily wish that themselves had lived so I have heard and seen some do so on their sick beds when they had dying thoughts 4. Consider what Christ saith and commandeth us and all men Mat. 5.48 Be ye perfect even as your heavenly Father is perfect and what the Apostle saith and enjoyns in the name of God 1 Pet. 1.15 16. As he which has called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation Because it is written Be ye holy for I that is God or Christ am holy Now who can be perfect in this life for degree as God our Father in Heaven is Holy And who can be so holy in all manner of conversation while in the state of mortality as Jesus Christ is holy yet this we are all commanded to endeavour after here And now dear Friends and Christians give me leave to add only a few choice places of Scripture to be always ready at hand and before your eyes Ephes 4.22 23 c. Put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts And be you renewed in the spirit of your mind and that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Wherefore putting away lying speak every man truth with his neighbour for we are members one of another Be angry namely when there is a just cause but sin not let not the Sun go down upon your wrath neither give place to the Devil Let him that stole steal no more but labour with his own hands the thing which is good that he may have to give to him that needeth Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouths but that which is good for edifying that it may minister grace to the hearers And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby you are souled up unto the day of redemption Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice And be ye kind to one another tender hearted forgiving one another even as God for Christ sake hath or as you desire God should forgive you Phil. 2.1 2 to 7. If there be any consolation in Christ if any comfort of love if any fellowship in the Spirit if any bowels of mercy fulfil ye my joy that ye be like minded having the same love being of one accord of one mind Let nothing be done through strife and vain-glory but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves Look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of another Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Rom. 12.1 2 I beseech you by the mercies of God Brethren that ye present your selves a living sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service and be not conformed to the world but be ye transformed in the renewing of your minds Phil. 4.8 Whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report if there be any vertue if there be any praise think on these things 1 Pet. 3.8 9 10 11. Be all of one mind having compassion one of another love as Brethren be pitiful be courteous not rendring evil for evil or railing for railing but contrariwise blessing knowing that ye are thereunto called that ye should inherit a blessing For he that will love life and see good days let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no guile For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open unto their prayers but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil Colos 3.12 13. Put on therefore as the elect of God holy and beloved bowels of mercies kindness humbleness of minde meekness long-suffering forbearing one another and forgiving one another if any man have a quarrel one against another even as Christ forgave you so also do ye And above all things put on charity which is the bond of perfectness And let the peace of God rule in your hearts to the which ye are called in one body and be ye thankful Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ giving thanks unto God and the Father by him Act. 20.32 And now Brethren I commend you to God and the word of his Grace which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified 2 Cor. 13.11 Finally Brethren farewel be perfect be of good comfort be of one mind live in peace and the God of peace and love shall be with you Heb. 13.18 20 21. Pray for us for we trust we have a good conscience in all things willing to live honestly Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ that great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 5.10 11. And the God of all Grace who hath called us to his eternal Glory by or in Jesus Christ after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stablish strengthen settle you To whom be glory and dominion for ever and ever Amen Now dear Christians Brethren and friends consider what I have written and the Lord give you understanding in all things and forget not to pray for him and his who is April 1670. Your very affectionate kinsman and friend to love and serve your Souls good while he is T. M.