'le still advance and mend my pase in every Period 6 A monument I was and am of Grace and still remain I 'le Bless and Laud and never cease with Praise to say Amen A VALE to the WORLD § 1. FArewel to all the flattering hopes of Happiness upon Earth All that have been in pursuit of this Shadâ—w have been frustrated For all is Vanitâ— and Vexation of Spirit there is no satisfaction in the World separated from GOD And what portion we have of it from Him we must use it as the Means but not as the End Give me LORD the Vâ—ctory over the World by Faith that I use it well and never abuse it Let me never over value it least it undoe me and make me a miserable wretch of no Value ss 2. Away with all the follies of Childhood and all the prejudices of that imperfâ—ct age against what is Solide and Serious Away with all the indigested notions that flow from the simple Brain of such as have not yet well formed Reason and Religion § 3. Away with all the promising Notions which our Ruder Phantasies â—â—rm in this State with all the follies thaâ—â—â—ow in this Age with all Glorying in Strength Beauty Feature and Fawning Fortune with all ostentive Boasting of Gifts and Parts and even of Grace as it were ouâ— own since we have nothing but what we have received together with all Garnal phansie Fondness Folly and amorous conceits since Wisdom is the principal Thing it being only Solid and Permanent § 4 Away with all eggar desire after the World and all Covetous Court-ship of that Idol-god let it fall like Dagon before the ARK with all petted and fretting humour the Unruliness of Passion and all the Distempers of Youthfull Age and all discontents and disorders and anxious fears for our Provision with all carking Care anent the World let us study Honesty for falshood hath no feet and he that walketh Uprightly walketh surely § 5. Away with all Immaturities of Growing Age let us labour well get Good Seed and wait the Season of the Grace of GOD beware of the deceitfull World which is not faithfull in its Promises it is but a Cheat we should not believe it when it speaketh favourably for all that is in the World is but the lust of the flâ—sh of the eye and pride of Life and is Enmitâ— against GOD we should not love GODs enemy tho it pretend friendship § 6. Away with all impertinencies of our former Life for alas we have been foolish and dissobedient and too much taken up with vain customs of the World Ah how many acts the fool upon this Stage and do pass their time in a Comedy til their end be traâ—ical § 7. Away with all that discomposeth our reason that we may well conduct our Mind and Life and not to expose our selves to the floating billows of the Storms of this Life Learn rather to be Catholick and Uniform in thy Course and pray GOD to bring in our stâ—aying hearts and unite them to fear His Name § 8 Away with all debates and contradictions among Relations and let us be Careful to keep our Soul and house in order to guide our Spirit and Passion with moderation and patience even Under Provocations and not to trouble our selves much with the extravagancies of others learn to quench incident heats in converse and families let us submit one to another and comport with iâ—firmities and co 〈…〉 mit our cause to GOD least such fre 〈…〉 ing and discontents imbitter our ne 〈…〉 est Relations listen not to anâ— lust th 〈…〉 may feed the flame still keep Religioâ— and reason on your side Put awaâ— thereforâ— all Clamour ill speaking and Bitterness Kindly loving one another forgiving one another as GOD for CHRISTS sake hath forgiven 〈◊〉 § 9. Away with all â—â—iâ—kie policie to Circumveeâ— our Neighbouâ—s with all hastiness to be Rich and to compass the World for it is very uncertain and takes Wings and flees away and let ouâ— pursuits of it be with the conduct of Religion within the lines of equity and honesty otherwayes we maâ— find all it's Product to turn as a Mâ—shrâ—m or Jonah's Gourd let us be Anxiously â—areful for nothing and seek first the Kingdome of GOD and his Righteousness Matt. 6 33. And other things that are good for us will be added Let us never Glory but in GOD and be humble in our best Circumstances Let not the World go above it's Sphere least it take fire and Consume it self and us Study the Art of contentment How can any men complain that have GOD for their Portion and if we secure our intrest 〈◊〉 Christ then all is ours Solace thy self 〈◊〉 GOD delight in him and he will Give thee the desire of thine heart Psal 37. 4. and if thy Crosses be bitter and heavy they are the liker Christs if your troubles pinch you and put you in a manner to your wits end come out of your self and stay upon the name of God for he can give strength to bear the Temptation and a Gracious out gate and say with Jehosaphat I wet not what to do but my Eyes are towards thee § 11. Away with all murmurs under the burdens and infirmities of declining Age as pains of Body dimness of Sight dullness of Hearing Rehums and Rehumatisms difficulties of Breathing weakness of Stomach Obstructons Gravel Gut Feebleness and other incident Infirmities Let the GOD of Hope and Patience be your Hope and Strength and learn to exercise thy patience § 12. Away with all too Carnal Love to any thing of the World and if we have known any after the flesh Henceforth know we them no more § 13. Away with all doubts of GODS Mercy and fears of death providing we be unitted to CHRIST Rom 8 to the end When we cannot act much let uâ— take up our selves with Contemplationâ— and by Faith take a View of that Glory which is to be revealed that unspeakable Glory that is Yonder above in our Fathers House Let us draw Water out of the Well of Salvation in the Conduitâ— which GOD hath made to entertain a Communion betwixt HEAVEN and Earth Doubt not of any difficulty about the Intrigs of Providence for tho some of the Godly have been shaken with the prosperity of the wicked as David Psal 73. and Jeremiah chap 12. Yet settle your self that GOD can bring Light out of darkness and can make all things work together for the Good of them that love Him and that there is a day of Retribution and Restitution of all things when the Soveraign Judge will destribute Rewards according to these two Attributes of Justice and Mercy § 14. Away with all debates Divisions and contests in the Christian Church for now we pass to the Land oâ— peace to be joyned in the Harmony of love and concord where we hope the East and west Church in the beginning of Christianity it contests anent the feast of Easter is now
to my Pâ—â— in His strengh I count all things loss 〈◊〉 Him Who is my LORD My Love aâ— my Choice I believe LORD help 〈◊〉 Unbelief I renunce all affection to Sâ—â— and the Life which I now live is by Faâ—â— in the Son of GOD I choice the way 〈◊〉 Righteousness which produceth peace anâ— Assurance for ever This builds our houâ— upon the Rock when we can say with St. Paul I know in Whom I have trusted that he 〈◊〉 able to keep that I have committed to His trust A diligent and constant endurance is faireâ—â— for the full assurance GOD is sure CHRIST is fixed the Covenant is steddy and duty the plain way to serenity and peace labour then to ensure unto your selves this inneffable Joy which is calcuâ—ed to the highest aspiration of our imâ—â—rtal Souls The Prayer O Exalted King who dwelleth in the Emperial Heaven I long to be happie with thee â—ake my Soul humble siaâ—ere and contrite to a spiritual Throne to the High and exalted â—e Purifie and clarifie my Heart and Nature â—at I may be fitted to feed on these pleasures at â—hy Right Hand for ever set up Heaven in me â—at I may be ripe for Heaven give me to feel the â—wer of the other World and to be an overjoyed â—itizen of Zion and be the LORDs free Man â—or ever Amen STAGE Third Treateth of such things as the serious Consideration of Eternity should suggest ss 1. The best way to conceive Eternity is to read the WORD that endureth for ever and to improve our short time and well digest in our mind What will be for ever more it is impossible in this mortal state to have full conceptions of Eternity for we Roll in a course of time Oâ— thoughts are measured by dayes aâ— years We should not therefore too muâ—â— by speculation pore upon this Vast Eâ—pansion least instead of clear conceptioâ— we turn confused Rest therefore 〈◊〉 mind in these modest considerations I. thâ— Eternity is the Oâ—b of the Eternal GOâ— as by searching we cannot find out thâ— Almighty for no man can see GOD aâ—â— live so we cannot conceive of Eterniâ—â— It is only Faith that gets satisfaction 〈◊〉 this matter while Curiosity lyes in thâ— dark Eternity is much hidden from Mâ—â— tals therefore we should not enquire 〈◊〉 it since it is hidden Look well then 〈◊〉 thy duty in order to Eternity and leaâ—â— the uptaking till thou be more capacitaâ—â— by the Beatifick vision delay till thoâ— come to Eternity and then thou shall be satisfied be very busie here because thoâ—â— woâ—ks for Eternity ss 2. 2ly After this life we shal be like thâ— Angels of nimble conception but noâ— such knowledge is too high for us it 〈◊〉 supra nos in the instant of our life and theâ—â— fore as to speculation Non ad nos in thâ—â— â—nterim of time We can scarcely conâ—â—eive of time much less of Eternity our â—â—ith prompâ—s us to Prepare for Eternal life â—â—t not to stand and pore in the Sun â—â—ast we dazel our Eyes and fall in the â—â—itch It is our Wisdom then to number â—â—wr dayes in time because we cannot number the Ages of Eternity these two words Never and Ever have great emphasis O sad To be never happy and ever miserable O Blesâ—ed thing to be ever happâ— and never miserable Sow then the good seed for Eternity and fix thy house so in time as to bring thee through all the storms of life to have a house with GOD Eternal in the Heavens lay up treasure â—oâ— your self in heaven which may mantain you World without end work with intense projects for Eternity every seed we sow in our finite life tends to infinity and let a sinner be still stated in his formercirumâ— stances he would sin in infinitum and never cease to be evil And this is the reason that some of the School men give for the Eternal punishment of sin For a sinner as a sinner would live in a perpâ—tual emnitâ— against GOD but the seed sown by the Godly has a great vertue to spring in time and last to Eternity where Grace is crowned with Glorâ— We should therefore like Noah build aâ— Ark to carry us through the storms of Lifâ— and make us arâ—ive on a mountain muâ—â— more fixed than Ararat there to dwell 〈◊〉 Eternal Splendors for Mount â—ion 〈◊〉 not be removed Exâ—rcise then your Graâ— aright that your Faith may end in seâ— ing your hope in Fruition and your labour in Rest The Prayer LORD GOD of Eternal Perfection 〈◊〉 Glory before the World was shined and â—â—dures to Eternity fix my wavering mind to center and repâ—se in thee and lâ—t never thâ— Transitorie Pleasures of this Life hinder me froâ— a vigorous pursuit of these pleasures at 〈◊〉 Right Hand which are for evermore Giâ—â— me to be a person of a large Heart and high desigâ—s above the World that I may work for Eternitie and through Thy Grace be so happie as to enjoâ— Thee O Eternal GOD World without End Amen STAGE Last The Contents A Lamentation for the sad decay of Religion and Apologie for the Devotion used in this Treatise with a Vale to the World And all sweetened with suitable Devotion ss 1. I Should thus concluded were not that I cannot well ommit to vent my Lamentation for the great neglect and decay of practical Religion and speak something concerning the Devotion used in this Treatise ss 2. And First Of that Pathetick threne and regrate for the great Declension of Christian piety and practice which has been well handled by an unknown Author and others some years ago But alas time hath still produced great Causes of Regrate For such is the Impietie Irreligion and immoralitâ— of the most part of men under the Christian Name that the first Propogators of this excellent Religion so perfective of humane Nature would now misken the Christian Chutch and see nothing but a Rudera and Confusion in stead of the well compact beauty of Zion For even they that pretend to be the true Church and would inhance the whole Prerogatives thereof to their own Romisâ— Sect What errors of Doctrine What corruption of Worship What Iameness of Morals is among them I leave it to any such serious men as travels into these places What darkness and ignorance What prophanity What leaudness and abomination is there is but too Visible to all the World Moreover that Church that carries that Glorious Name of Protestant and Reformed is much deformed and degenerate in manners from the practice of the purest primitive times And GODS Laws are violated by a pâ—ophane age Christs Gospel Offices in stitutious and Ministers are all vilified contemned dissowened and almost utterly rejected by our licentious Age and wicked Generation O What boldness of Men affrontedly in the fâ—ce of the Sun to incroatch invade all things Sacred what swearing for swearing what profanity what peâ—jurâ— does the great part of the Chrisâ— tian World
Soul I choise thy Statutes as my Heritage in the Land of my pilgrimage and Thy Salvation as my Inheritance for ever Give me victory over the World by Faith and grant me Peace Patience and Perseverance to the End Amen Sixthly Devotion for Old Age on Saturday O Ancient of Dayes who remains still in that prime of purest Light and Glory look upon me whom Thou hast preserved in all the periods of life in great mercy Visit me in this my groaning stage with Thy Salvation Let all the errors of my Youth and by gone Age be done away that I may have no burden from my former life now support me when old age hath overtaken me Blessed be God that I have escaped sad Accidents and the hurtful effects of any miss-government of my Life Grant I may now be taken up with Heavenly Exercise and contemplations that I may Receive Dimission with Christ not only in my Arms but in my Heart Renew my inner-man day by day that tho my Limbs be weak my Faith Hope and Charity may be strong And grant me a house with Thee 2 Cor. 5. 1. When my Earthly House shall fall I entered into the World with a groan and nature of necessity must groan being Burthened But Lord exhileraâ—e my Spirit that I may leave the World with great Joy that the day of my Redemption draweth near and may be Refreshed in the Suburbs of Heaven with the Joyful Musick of the Saints that so I may sing in Death and triumph over the Grave through JESUS CHRIST the Prince of life my LORD and life my strength and Redeemer Amen Devotion in order to the Eternal Sabbath On Sunday or the Christians LORDS Day O Lord of Sabbaoth I Bless thee that has brought me out of the toils of the World to rest with thy self Lord take me up to some mouâ—t to â—ee thy Glory where I may erect a Tabernacle not for Earth but Heaven Quicken me with the Life of CHRIST to seek those things above and if I look back to the World it is not for love to it but to see it's vanity I admire the works of Creation and providence and the portract of the little World to show the praise of GOD But I cannot get words nor thoughts to expatiat tiat on the work of our Redemption by Thy Son Nor capacity to Comprehend the height deepth breadth and length of thy love in him But I desire so love him with all my heart and above all the World I behold him now Rising from a Sea of Blood with the Glory of all his conquest LORD put me in the Spirit on this day to Relish the sweet influences of the Holy Ghost that I may be fitted foâ— the Eternal Sabbath where all duties and longing shall be turned into rewards and enjoyments and thy Name be Celebrated with Everlasting wonder Hymns Hallelujahs World without end Amen AND in Regard that Evangelical work of Praise and Singing of Psalms is a special Part of Devotion cease not in thy Pilgrimage and Solitudes to Sing And if you restrict your selves to David's Psalms For your Birth and Child-hood Sing Psalm 51. From the Beginning and the 71. Psalm from Verse 5. For your Youth Psalm 25. And Psalm 109 from Verse 9. For your â—iper Years and your Family the 101 Psalm and Psalm 144 at the End For your Old Age Psalm 71 9 and 18 Verses and if the Church thought fit ye may also make use in your Devotion other Scripture Psalms The Song of Israel on the Banks of the Red-Sea â—he Song of Simeon Zacharias and the Blessed Virgin and the Songs in the 1 5. and 7. Chapters of the Revelation And particularly the Doxologie which hath been of constant use in the Christian Church and is no other but an ascribing of sempeternal Praise to the Ever Blessed Trinity Which tho the Leprous Church of Rome use yet is it Clean to the Pure and it is very sad that it should be controverted in the Militant Church since it will be sung for ever in the Triumphant And since the Mysterious but Salutary Doctrine of the Trinity was contradicted by the Arians in Old and some of that same Gang under another Name of Late there is still occasion for the using of it And to distinguish the Modest and Regular Christian from such as in vade it by Opposition for to commend their Beloved Sect it is not amiss to rise up in token of a more immediat Address and closing with the custom of the Church wherein we should not be contentious And if â—ou please in your Private Devotion to Sing after this manner 1. MY heart is fix'd my â—eart is fix'd now will I sing and praise I 'le praise the Lord with songs unmix'd and still Thy Glorie raise 2. Now Haâ—elujah's shall extoll the Lord God of my praise And still in praises Thee enroll and laud and never cease 3. My little Harp is tun'd to laud my Lord my God my Love With Heavenlie Queer Thy Name applaud Thy Glories all approve 4. All Songs below â—ad not the Clief to raise Thee thus in ault They were sincere but not the chief as those which GOD exalt Second Hymne 1. I Wear the Crown Christ still renown I reign and He 's Supream I am extol'd to praise my King and glorie in His Name 2. I am as well as heart can wish mâ— Soul is all in bless With Joy and Peace Rests and Relish the sweets I now express 3. I see my God my Christ my joy all mysteries are gone Nothing now but Love I know and melodie Divine 4. The Tree of Life maâ—tains my life never to die again O Death in time thou art so rife but here thy strength is vain 5. I live I love I much delight I â—raise and never cease I see and feeâ— with Soul and Sp'riâ— I m all in Light and Bless 6 What can I â—ake For I have all my God is here with me And I with him perpetual my Christ and God to see 7. Here without doubt I 'le glorie give to Father Son and Spirit I 'le praise my God and not deprive frâ—m his just Right and Merit 8. From the first Minute to Ages all I will â—ssert â—â—y Golre In melodies sempiternal to Triâ—e Vne evermore Third Hymne 1. O Sp'rit of Light tune now my sp'rit with Heaven fill my heart And give me seâ—se of that great Light that I may act my part 2. With all the Host and Heav'nlie Queer that never ceass to cry Thrice holie Lord and Thee admire in Peace and Rest and Joy 3 My Soul my Heart my Sp'rit my Powers all joyn to Praise Thy Name My GOD my Life my Hope my Help I 'le praise Thy Mercies Fame 4 Thy Help in need hath made me Glad Thy Grace was still my claim And fresh Supplie hath me releiv'd I magnifie Thy Name 5. I 'le Praise I 'le â—ing I 'le Hope and Joy in Thy great Grace so Good I
be diligent since we know not the hour § 7 It cannâ—t then be impertinent seriously to warn the World to look to the Periods of their Life Which is the great Scope and Design of the following Treatise to lead the Christian through the Labyrinth of Life that he may well consider how short his time is with the Psalmist Psal 86. 47. And follow the Threed of the Word of GOD to direct him in all the Stages and Periods of his Life which is here set before thee in the following Periods Period first Of our Beginning and bygone Life and the Stages thereof Period second Of our present Time and the State of Our Growing Age and the several Stages thereof Period third Of the future Age or what is to come in the Declensions of Nature and the Stages thereof With a Vale to the WORLD Period first Of our beginning and bygone life and the Stages thereof MAn's Age is but a Span and but an Instant 'twixt our birth and our death Man comes to the World and knows not how and goes to a World of Eternity and knows not when He lives he groans he acts awhile and dyes And it takes a great part of the short Span of his time ' ere he well know where he is how he is and what he hath to do He lives long the life of a Brute as it were without reason It 's fit then when he begins to reflect to act as a rational Creature that he consider what he is and review the bygone time Yesterday can not be brought back But time may be Redeemed His life is but a dream yet he may gather some good out of it When he awakes if he consider The Prayer ANd Thou O LORD who only Remains unchangeable in all the stages and Changes of time and the inexpressible permanence of Eternal ages World without end Fix the heart of unconstant Man upon thee alone Our Soul is the Daughter of an high House Give us Grace with the Psalmist to say unto thee LORD thou art my LORD Psal 16. 2. Keep us O GOD in thy Name and make us pure and clean to be fit for Thee Keep our Immortal Soul in life and still upon wing to Flee to its Center and repose for where shall it Flee to be happie but to Thee thou only has the words of Eternal Life O JESV the Powerful attractive of Hearts who makes all Generous Souls sigh after thee draw us to thee for this is our Rest and only repose which sweetneth all the acerbities of time and Bitterness of this World here will we dwell for ever and If we Change upon the Wheel of time we roll indeed but in Thee we can not be moved nor Removed Amen Come I now to consider the stages and several Tuâ—ns of the first Period of our Life STAGE First The Contents OF the Formation and Production of the Infant of the propagation of the Soul and of sin of Infant Baptism and the right that the Children of Church Members have unto it The duty to be extended to Infants as Care Provision Prayer for them to study their Nature and Humour and acting accordingly Grave example and a serious timeous dedication of them to GOD which for more distinct clear uptaking thereof shall be considered by a Particular account of the purpose and dâ—ctrine of the first Stage in the first period of our life § 1. Let Naturalists and Ancient or modern Masters of Medicine discourse of the Formation of the Child in the womb Job and the Royal Psalmist draweth this unseen Embryo best with a Divine Pencil Job 10. 8. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me together round about thou hast fashioned me as the Clay Has thou not powred me out as Milk and croudled me as Chees Thou hast Clothed me with Skin and Flesh and fenced me with Bones and Sinews And Psal 139. from 13. Thou hast possessed my Reins thou hast covered me in my Mothers Womb. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and Curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the Earth and in thy book all my members were written which in continuance were fashioned when yet there was none of them Man 's a wonder before the World see him lying in the dark Cells of the womb and if he consider from what he Flows and his little Chamber in the womb and how nourished there It may humble him he flows from Blood and lives on Blood and dwells amongst Blood and Ordurs Thy very nature may humble thee For as it proves the Wisdom and power of the GOD of Nature who can extract a quintessence out of Dullest matters so doth it bid thee look unto thy Original All the Earth being of one Blood Acts 17. 26. And there being no differance 'twixt the Prince and the Peasent and that GOD who teacheth Art to extract Rarities who by nature brings Silk from a Worm a Pearl from a Shell and precious Minerals from Dust and Rubbish doth make this Raritie Man Ex Humo Eccle. 12 7. For Dust thou art and to Dust thou shalt return thou comes from the womb and goes to thy long home the Grave If thou boast of thy Pedigree Go to the House of Rottenness and look to the worms that makes thy Flesh to shrink and learn to confess with Abraham that thou art Dust and Ashes Gen 17. 28. And with Job abhor thy self in Dust and Ashes Job 42. 6. And if thou shall consider that thou art not only Dust but fallen in the Dust and comes forth with a Contaminate Blood dying in thy sin and no Eye pitying thee Ezek 16. 1. it may further abase thee and not suffer thee to be proud when thou lyest in the Dunghill all besmeared with filth and uncleanness Consider then thy rise and thy fall and learn to be humble else thou art proud of nothing or worse than nothing § 2. Next As to the Propogation of the Soul and how the dust body comes to be animated not only with vital spirits but with a rational Soul I shall leave the curiousity of this also to Philosophers For altho some will have the Soul ex traduce because if not so Man doth not beget a perfect Man and commonly Children Patriscent follow the ill of the Parents and they are Father-like there is not only vitium Gentis familiae of the Nation and Family but also personae of the Person Yet its safest to joyn with the universal Church that the soul is infused according to that of St. Aug Creando infunditur infundendo Creature By creation it is infused and by the infusion of the Soul it is created And this common Vote is not infringed by the sentiments of some Private Men For although Man begetteth not a Soul yet he begets a spirituâ— Organ and Embryo disposed for the Soul aâ— so doth he begett Man Virtually And the Scripture favours this Infusion as Solomon sayeth Dust shall return to Dust and the spirit to
with most natural and â—â—easant inclinations For it 's hard to act â—gainst tide invita Minverva this makes â—ut â—oil and labour to little purpose and â—ithout proficiency And although Suâ—eriors are not fully to be concluded by â—â—e swing of their Children's inclinations â—et are they carefully to observe their â—ay in their after Education and Act â—ccordingly in the Observing the methods of the Stage following STAGE Fourth From the 12 to the 18 Year of Man's Age. The Contents Resumeth the Doctrine and Instructions for Children And further presseth home the special concerns of their life wâ—â— the Reinforcement of the Care and Duâ—â— of Parents and Overseers with a Traâ—â—tion from Child hood to Growing Aâ—â— and entrance upon the Limits of Youâ—â— with some Rules and Motives directâ—â— and pressing this § 1. IT is now high time for theâ— O Man to lift up thy Eyeâ— higher then the firmament and 〈◊〉 mind thy Creator look well then thaâ— thou consider thy bounden duty 〈◊〉 GOD the timous dedication and givinâ— up of thy name to Him and to poâ—der thy early engadgement and Baptismal Vow and as Baptism is the Lâ—ver of Regeneration thou art to look 〈◊〉 it hath any influence upon thee and 〈◊〉 thou finds any thing of the motions of aâ— new life within thee if Baptism has haâ—â— lowed thee and if thou does seriously consider that thou art washed that thou mavest begin now to escape the polutious of the World through lust and that as new born Babes thou desire the sincere milk of the word that thou mayest grow thereby and if thou hast learned the Language of Canaan to speak with GOD and for GOD if thou hast attained to any discretion to put on Modesty humility and patience If thou hast learned to govern thy homour propassions and passions If thou yet knows any thing of the Vanity and Deceitfulness of the World and the necessity of renuncing the same If these things be in thee O Child of Man then thou layest a good foundation against the time to come and for thy progress in Piety and Vertue § 2. And for Parents and Overseers Let me in all modesty enquire of you if your heart approves you as to your Duty to your Children and Pupils in order to their Religious education Some are ready to boast of Blood and Kinred Friends and Riches and other worldly priviledges but the great bussiness is to look well they be illuminated with the Rayes of Grace and the beauties and properties of Religion As also if you have used the rod with discretion for he that spareth the rod hateth the Child sayeth Solomon Which must be used not out of passion but from good Principles to holy ends For this is an instance of your Tender love of them since GOD Himself the Father of us all hath said Whom I love I Chastise that we may be Zealous and Repent Rev. 3. 21. And â—e chastneth every 〈◊〉 whom He Receiveth Heb 12. 6. Folly is knit to the heart of the Child till the Rod of Correction take it out And it is far better for your Children to feel the Lash of your Rod then to be stricken and wounded with the effects of their own after miscarriage when their own Iniquity find them out § 3. And it is an excellent Mean for your Childrens happiness that you study their genius and proper Gift as I before hinted that so ye may prepare them to enter such Callings as may make them most useful in their Generation That their Calling be laudable and approved as little lyable to snares as possible a Calling that may most naturally dispose them for a course of Vertue And therefore they would be instructed to be Industrious Honest and diligent in the Exercise thereof And of whatever Rank they be it is a greater blemish then obscure blood to be idle in their Generation So that even the Noble and Rich as they have a High and Noble general Caling So must they act in some particular Calling and Exercise in these more Eminent Spheres GOD has placed them in And if ye find your Children's genius so disposed it may be very helpful and behoveful for their Comfort in this Life and that to come to give them to GOD and separate them for the Holy Tribe by the Holy and Honourable Calling of the Gospel Ministry Wherein if Men would answer their Character they might get Esteem and Respect and with their Master Grow in favour with GOD and Man § 4. Neither is the Femal Sex to be neglected as to this Religious Education The Daughters are to be directed as well as the Sons For as they have Interest in the Covenant 2 Cor 6. to the end I will be a Father unto you sayeth the LORD and ye shall be unto Me Sons and Daughters So when our Sons are as plants grown up in their Youth and our Daughters as Corner Stones polished after the similitude of a Palace it is a great token of the Happiness of a People Psal 144. 12. 15. Our Danghters are not born or bred to be idle For beside their General they have a particular Calling to be Employed in For which end and to illuminate their life they are to be very careful and such as Oversee them that they be neither like a gadding Dina nor a painted Jezebel or like the Daughter of Midian who were a stumbling block by the counsel of Balaam to the People of GOD They must shun the way of the prostitute Woman in the Prov and learn to do vertuously after the Copy of the gravest Matrons And to attire themselves with modesty and Vail themselves with shamefacedness and learn Humility which is a foundation Grace and to beware of pride and vanity since this may make them like the daughters of Zion Isa 2. 24. and bring baldness and a Scab upoâ— them in stead of Beauty They would labour also to refine Purifie all their Passions by giving Christ who is fairer than the Soâ—â— of Men The first and highest place in their love and to Espouse themselves to such a Blessed Husband ere they think upon their Nupâ—ials That when by the Approved methods of GOD and their Parents they begin a conjugal state they may enter the Marriage bed White as Swans and Purer then the Snow of Lebanon They would learn also to moderate all their affections speech and way with the Spirit of meekness for a meek and quiet Spirit is the Ornament of a Woman 1 Pet. 3. 4. And this being observed let them be as vertuous as they can both in a single and married life Let reason rather then Romances be their Study let them Deck their minds ere they adorn their Body Let them consider that they are the Weaker Vessel and under subjection and still think it to be unsuitable to their Sex and way to be Imperious and not to keep within the Sphere in which GOD hath placed them least they make Clamour Noise and in discretion which doth
much blot and Blur their delicacy § 5. And now by way of transition from the bygone time to the present For in this Stage of Mans life its high time for him to begin to reflect upon bygone and to consider where he is and that he ascends to an higher Horizon I shall leave all what I have said in order to the first Period of our life and the Stages thereof and take Man in his ascendant by the hand and lead him by Religion in this second Period of his life and the Various Circumstances and Stages thereof The Prayer AND thou O Great Father of the World who by the wise providence Carries Man from the Womb to Youth in the weak beginnings of his life and darker Rudeness of unjointed Judgement who pities his infirmities and provides for his healing and help bâ— the expresses of Purest reason Sanctifie this Period of his life Principle and ballast this new Vessel well with the sweet Odours of Religion that there be not any thing wrong in the first Region and no error and misdiet in the first concoction that so Man may be shaped and formed for thy self and Prepared for Felicity in the lustrous and lightsome Steps of thy holy Religion Amen Period second Of our Present time and the State of our Growing Age. STAGE I. Which commenceth from the 18 year of Mans age to twenty two or thereabout The Contents Considereth the portraiture and lineaments of Youth and the evils incident to that age with some directions and motives for the Right ordering of this circumstance of our age and some hints of particular Directions as to Our Natural Spiritual and Moral Capacitie for the help of youth Now entering more visible upon the Stage in the open View of the World With sutable Devotion § 1. NOw come I to consider a very turbulent and dangerous part of Man's Age Let man now consider what he is now arrived to almost at the top of the wheel and may be a little look back to the darker Region of his Childish years and how long he hath been buried in Oblivion without true sense solidity his many Unmanly and Unchristian Infirmities It hath been enquired concerning Childish follies See Dr. Taylors Ductor dubitantium Pag 800. How long they are excused as Inevitable Errors and Invincible Ignorance But since our Original sin makes us Culpable miserable before GOD I think it best to reflect with grief upon bygon infirmities and to labour in our growing Age nad Youth-hood which I have guessed to begin about the eighteen year of Man's Age to correct our selves of bygon infirmities and prepare to act more wisely and solidly in the more grave and settled state of Life § 2. Youth now iâ— his Morning Rise having the timous season to begin a course of Vertue and Duty having put off childish habits childish things being now dissintangled from these triffles must act like a Man God doth make some embrace his Yoke from their Youth by his Grace makes the motion and life of the New Creature appear in them and their way and such a Youth is like to be usefull in his Generation to GOD the World and himself and O how happy is such a 〈◊〉 whom GOD takes by the heart and by the hand betimes and fitteth him with good inclinations and warm tender Affections to love GOD and fear Him And to remember his Creator in his Youth Ecc 12. 1. Whereby much sin and folly in him is prevented and such corruptions as make the way to Life difficult if not impossible to Man Thus many seek to enter in at the strait gate and are not found able like that young Man in the Gospel Mat 19 6. Who probably had some good in him and came to CHRIST sincerely and not as the Pharisees did to tempt him Yet Because the Idol of the World was lurking in his heart he went away sorowfull from CHRIST But the Youth that hath reminded his Baptism Vow is put in a fair way to make progress in Vertue and Duty § 3. But alas Youth is in a sharp fever with a phrensie till GOD cool aâ—d câ—re him some are rather Gazers then Discerneâ—s a sort of Animal that but stares on the World and knows not well what he is doing Like a Bullock or wild Colt unacquainted with the easie yoak of duty He Evaporates in Air and Vanity like an imaginary Prince thinks himself None such who but he he towers up in t the Air there to build a Castle and propose to get a name through phansie without the methods of Fame and Vertue No considering that he lyes like a silly fool exposed to all temptation § 4. The Wisdom of GOD pronunceth that Child-hood and Youth are Vanity Ecâ— 11. 10. And the Psalmist praveth thaâ— the Errors of his Youth be not Remembred Psal 25. 7. The most of Youth without Restrain are evil there may be some better natures and Humours but all have the Common Corrupt nature which makes it's Eruptions like Aetna and giveth Cause of Regrate all the following life-time Great Augustine who of a profligate youth became the Oracle of Doctors because of the extravagancieâ— of his younger Age is very full and particular in his confessions Youth is wise in it's own conceit and so the Greater Fool he 's a little Gay with warm blood strength and health so that he is ready to think himself invincible and being of uncertain Humour concludes himself without a change But what 's thy strength O Young Man to the strength of a horse Behemoth or Leviathan A Lion or a beast of Prey may soon devour thee a Feverish disease may soon consume thee and Death thou so little thinks upon may turn thy White and Red Complexion into Black and Pale Dust The strength of the horse may fail but such as trust in the LORD shall renew their strength Isa 40 29. It is good then for Youth to pray for the Influence of that CALL that raised Lazarus from the Dead For if Grace interveen not There is a Law in the Members which rebels against the law of the mind which leads the Youth Captive to the power of sin and Death Rom 7. 23. § 4. But I must descend to more minute Particulars concerning Youth For this is in many a very unruly part of their Age very confused in the Rational Part And man in this State is altogether lighter then Vanity Who lives much by Phansie and Imaginations and is not so careful to â—ress the Soul as to attire the Body Yet a Roâ—e hath a greater gloss and beauty than all his artificial Decorement O it is sad to be proud of that which hides his nakedness and discovers that he is fallen Let this painted Spectacle appear in view he is like a Willâ— Ass snuffing up the wind Some are Lâ—â— quacious others Tongue-tyed Yet what is wanting in words is made upâ—â— Vaunts and vain Glory they look 〈◊〉 high that they
your selves and ere you give slumber to your eye lids seek out a habitation for the mighty GOD of Jacob that he may dwell in your heart and house And Pray after this manner The Evening Prayer O Most Gracious GOD and Father of mercies we thy unworthy servants come this Night before the Throne of thy Grace to present our Evening oblation through the perfect sacrifice of thy Son our Saviour once offered and still effectual through his containued Intercession in presenting that meritorious blood on our behalf We adore thee Our Good and Gracious GOD and gives Glory to thy name confessing our sinfulness Original and actual and our escapes in thought word and deed We have sinned Alace we have sinned againâ—t thy mercies and the warnings of thy word and Rod In the sight of an all-seeing GOD LORD give us Repentance and Remission and from henceforth guide us in the pathes of Righteousness for thy Name sake LORD watch over us this night that we may be Refreshed under the Cloud of thy covert and have matter of rejoicing in thee in the morning prepare us for all duty and all tryals and our last tryal Be with us to the end and in the end of our life and hereafter receive us into thy Glory Lord let thy Kingdome come have mercy on the World heal the Christian Church and in this Nation powr out a spirit of Grace truth peace and charity upon it be with all our friends and all that fear thee give us Charity to give and forgive as thou requires We commit our selves and all ours to thy keeping through Jesus Christ our LORD The grace of our LORD JESVS The love of GOD the Father and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with us for now and ever Amen § 9. If thou can read or if there be some few to sing a Psalm GOD's Word and Praise may help to Hallow your House if not fail not to make use of these Prayers till thou get better and be more dexâ—â—rous in Devotion and wait on GOD in the way of Duty Shun Idleness and Sin and wandring from your house which will obstruct this work and consider that it is good to begin well and to bring forth fruit in this Season Use makes perfection and ye can not breath a free Air till you dwell in the Wholesome Regions of Religion Make progress under the Gale of the Spirit Stir up the faculties of reason to be holy happy in the flower of your age and you shall find that Dimidium facti qui bene cepit habet that a Good beginning is a great progress for true Wisdom hews her Pillars and builds her house Prov. 9. 1. The Prayer O LORD through thy providence I am now come to some consiâ—â—ence of age I thank thee for the happy opportunities I have Enjoyed of the light of thy word teaching me to be wise sober solid Just and honest And had I improved well I had been an expert souldier of CHRIST Pardon my Fâ—â—lours wherein I have been shaken by temptation I desire now to stand under the Guard of the whole Armour of GOD. LORD thou has led me by thy invisible hand through a labyrinth of Childhood and Indigested youth It is a mercie I have not spleeted upon Rocks and ruined but by Grace I stand LORD unite my heart to fear 〈◊〉 Name I know that difficulties attend me 〈◊〉 the credit of my course the assistance of my Câ—â—tain the honour of my engagement and 〈◊〉 comfort of my Reward do animat me 〈◊〉 to faint for in due time I shall Reap throâ—â— JESUS CHRIST Amen STAGE Third Which commenceth from the 30 to the 〈◊〉 year of our age or there about which being a very material part of our Life I shall for clearness sake consider in three courses 1. Of the Ordering thy person Familâ—â— and walking in the pathes of Vertâ—â— and Religion 2. A Discourse to several Ranks of peoplâ—â— with all seriousness and modesty 3. What fine your labour in Vertue Piety Good Government of your lifâ—â— and family and the progress of your Religion the ordering of your House and the setting forth of your Childrenâ— to Laudable and Lawfull callings and settlement hath come to COURSE first The Contents Of the Right methods of Religion and Vertue for the Ordering of our person our Families And General and particular calling in this long and serious course of our life with means and motives for the furthering of these ends and suteable Devotion § 1. HAving led thee hitherto to some digested and setled Course of Life and helped thee by the Light and guidance of Religion out of the darker cells of Minority to clearer Air And from the beginning of thy Majority a very difficult scene of thy Life to the consistence of thirty Years of thy Age wherein if ever thou look to be Vertuous thou wilt make some ground of Hope bud fâ—rth This is a time wherein thou must either appear to be a man and a Christian Or a Mushrome and a Grape of unsavoury fruit â—ook first then to thy bygone way if thy work be begun and carried on hitherto or yet any solid Work of Grace very imperfect and scarse well founded For experience anâ—â— perhaps thine own senses if exerciseâ—â— will make thee feel thy pronness to 〈◊〉 off and delay Make â—ound work therefore and follow the streight Line of Religion and Morality Redeem misspeâ—â— time cleave to the LORD with full purpose of Heart and because thy Heart 〈◊〉 inconstant say with the Psalmist Unâ—â— my Heart O LORD to fear Thy Namâ—â— Psal 36. 12 Serve thy Generation anâ— carry worthily in it 2ly After this Reflection see what form thou now are itâ— If thy Heart be Right and stedfast in thâ— Covenant if thou be free of visible Blemishes Deut 32. 5. Which are noâ— the spots of GODS Children If thy lifâ— and family begin to blink with anâ— lustre If thou be thriving in Vertue anâ— piety if thou carry Creditably and be reputed to have an Honest and Religioâ—â— family and Grace and Peace beautifie the same 3ly If thou grow in Grace For Grace being a principle of new life iâ— may ly hid in the Root for some Seasons as a Plant or a Tree in Winter after which verdent greenness doth appear So is it with Grace it may lurk in the Heart and then come forth with greater Life and Fruit And this will distinguish betwixt a Real and Counterfit Christian his Light Life and Fruit will declare that the Seed of GOD remains in him And this you may perceive by the decay of sin and the greater vigour of Vertue in thee And it is with thee as it was with the House of Saul and David The House of Saul waxed weaker and weaker The House of David Stronger and Stronger Thou must be as Joseph a fruitful Bough both in thy General and Paricular Calling Water thy Garden every Morning for the refreshing of thy tender Plants Learn the
settling of your Family and the Education of yoâ— Children I have already discoursed 〈◊〉 that now it remains principally that yâ—â— be instructed in your present duty Aâ—â— for this there be these things worthy 〈◊〉 your enquiry and observation First Wâ— Product and fine your work is come to both as your generall and particular Calling 2ly Wâ—â— course ye are upon as to the setting forth 〈◊〉 religious and rational settlement of the Childrâ— that God has given you 3ly If you have religioâ— disposed of all your spiritual and secular Conâ—â—n to good and holy Ends. § 2. First In this Course of thy lifâ— its time to stand and pause look about yoâ— behind you and before you its high tiâ— now to know where ye are and what yâ—â— are and if â—e have gathered any Stock Grace and Vertue and in fine what the Product of your general and particulaâ— Calling § 3. And for the Resolution of the first Qâ—ere thou must look what thou has done since every one must give an account of himself to GOD and thou knows not how soon Yea thô thou should neglect GOD hath a Register Let conscience therefore read the legend of thy life seriously digest the scenes acts thereof that so thou may attain to some clearness as to thy state and case and be the Better prepared for following duties and tryals To think on thy former wayes Psalâ— 119. 59. Reâ—apitulate and Recognize thy former doings that thou mayest take a more serious account of thy errors failours and â—ollies that you May retract what is amiss and it is high time now seriously and unâ—eignedly to Repent and to correct what hath been wrong to put your self in a better dress for your following Life and for Death and Judgement which are to follow that And if thou has been so happy by Grace to do any Good you are to keep warm the Nursery of your Vertues Take the little Foxes that hurt the Vineyard and seek to serve GOD with full purpose of Heart and a settled and solid Course of Duty And if thou lean upon GODS Direction and not to thine own Understanding The LOâ—â— hath fully shewed thee what 〈◊〉 good Mic 6. 8. And here it will be very pertinent for thee to regrate thy former â—â—rayings and sad omissions O 〈…〉 rmer life is but like a Dream Learn therefore O man to be sober and Vigilant and build suitable Work Work out your Salvation and by the diligent use of the means and practice of Vertue Make your Calling and Election sure Look to the frame of thine Heart the state of thine Affairs and the Case of your Family and particular Calling And do not satisfie thy self so as not to acknowledge that thou might have done more than thou has done and to take that Check from the Apostle that Whereas ye might have been teachers of others ye had need to be taught the first principles of the Oracles of GOD Heb 5. 12. If a Man now be scrious he will easily see great blanks in his Life And great emptiness in what he has done particularly as to Devotion and Charity Which our LORD declares will be a great Charge against the World in that day he will Judge it And if thou will be convinced thou shall find that thou has much adoe that the most part does less than they should do for there is much Work behind thee to undoe To put away all superfluety of naughtiness as St. James sayeth Jam 1. 21. we cannot indeed get Yesterday again nor undo sin once done but there is yet time for thee to take such wise measures as to undo thy sins by Repentance and make up thy failoures through Faith in the perfect satisfaction of Christ who sayes himself I have done the work which Thou gavest me to do Joh 17 5. § 4. 3ly Look how thou hast ordered thy family the oeconomy whereof if it be guided by Grace and Peace doth very much advance Religion and Humane society for if Families were walking in the clear Orb of Religion it would lay the foundation of Righteousness in a Nation if the Husband were dutiefull to the Wife of his bosom and the Wife respectfull to the Husband of her Youth if the Children were obedient to their Parents and the Parents carefull for the spiritual and secular concerns of their Children if the servants were dutiefull to their Masters and the Masters gave what is just and right to them then would a golden Age revive and the Land shine as a lamp and especially if the Parents labour to ripen their Children to Religion and Vertue and to settle them in a course of life that may tend to contentment and by all means labour to promote love peace and comely order of theâ—r station and of the Church of GOD that from their house as a Bethelâ— they go up to the Temple and there receive instruction and offer sacrifice and return home with the bâ—â—ssing of the Gospel of peace and that it be the great care of younger elder to shun idleness unnecessary digressions ill company divisive destructive Employments having such a great work adoe as to commend Religion by their ways and walk worthily in their Generation The Prayer LORD who knows his errors cleanse thou me from secret and known sins I know enough of my self to humbâ—e me But thy Eyes which are as flames of fire sees more in me than I can observe Accept Good LORD the humble designes I have had to do well and pity my faint performance make up my wants through him who is perfâ—ct in whom thou aquiesces and I repose I find great dissatisfaction in any thing in me that has been contrary to thy Eternal will and holy word LORD now I aim no lower than to center my soul in thee I have been but too slow give me the wings and alacrity of an Angel to do thy will I can never be well till I be at thee O help me GOD. Amen Period third Of the future Age or what is to come in the Declensions of Nature And the Stages thereof MAN is now to be looked upon as enterring his declining Age For as he riseth in his Youth and maketh progress in the Augment of his Life from the 30 year thereof to the 50 So hath he much adoe when he begins to hang his Head and to decline from the 50 year of his Age to the End His gloss and sprightful Feature is now much failed and he looketh out with the aspect of old Age And gray hairs are here and there upon him Hos 7. 9. And except some be swelled with a load of Flesh and have a Ruddy Tincture from the Cup and there are others that do Remain longer undecayed through a more vigorous Constitution yet shall they begin to find some declining in all the Organs and therefore from what we have seen in our by gone time and what we see in our selves and others We may
the equity thereof 2ly The Nature of it particularly as expressed by fire 3ly How to evite it § 2. First Even the Heathen World as they had their Elizium so had they some thoughts of their Tartara and dark Cells for their wicked and the most wicked have been postest with a dread of future rewards and punishments Snares fire and Brimstone shall be the portion of the Wâ—ckeds Cup. And this is so clearly revealed in the Word and even to natural Conscience that no Man except he be a Dull Brute can deny it GOD hath not set up Tophet to boggel us and fill us with Pannick fears but that ye may fear Him Who can cast your Soul and Body into Hell and in so far as sin is in thee it kindles this fiâ—e which shall burn to the lowest hell and a sinfull Nature is devilish and makes hell regard this Truth then to purifiâ— thy affections and make thâ—e flee from the wâ—ath to come for verily it shall be ill with the Wicked § 3. 2ly As to the nature of it If the wrath of GOD and his firie Indignaâ—ion against sin Be more Terrible than a River of Brimstone then it is needless to be Curious into the nature of Hell and it is one of the most sad and unfortunate sciences that mortals can Experiment for tho sometimes It signifies Affliction as Jonah 2. 2. And the Psalmist Calls his trouble a horrible Pit And also tho Hell do sometimes express the Grave yet Our Saviour still mentions it as the punishment of the Wiâ—ked It was never questioned in the Apostolick times whether it's fire was material or not Our LORD is positive Matt. 25. 41. Depart ye Wicked into â—verlasting fire And St. Paul Rom. 2. 1 Calls it fiery indignation And the Apostle Jude the Vengeance of Eternal Fire It is best for us to beleive according to the Scripture and such an apprehension of it may be very useful to the Godly to sâ—ir up in them a holy Fear Some of the Schoolmen have laboured to prove a material fire for the spirit of the Wicked By the Sympathy of Body and Spirit and that Contact that is still betwixt them Some have called it Light Because of the clear manifestation the wicked have of the wrath of GOD there Some have called iâ— hidden because it is much hidden from mortals at least the most part will not consider of it But it is safest to keep by the Scriptures and well to apprehend the sentiments of men their spirit feeling in time the Troubles of the Body so may it in Eternity § 4. It is therefore Thirdly best to leave Curiosity and labour how to escape the wrath of GOD by abandoning sin and possessing our Hearts with a Religious fear to â—ffend him knowing that it is a fearful â—hing to fall in the hands of the living GOD For our GOD is a consuming fire The Prayer O Lord who has the Reâ—es of Hell free me from the bands of sin expell all the fewel of Hell from my heart and nature And grant me such knowledge from thy word of the evil of sin and it's merit that I never experimentally feel Hâ—ll LORD where thou art not there is Hell Thy Face makes Heaven and Thy Furie makes Hell Expell O LORD the Wild-fire of sin and all the longings after the forbidden Fruit Save me that I walk not in darkness of sin that I may escape these dark Regions where thou art not Grant me such a Godly sorrow for sin that all my Hell may be a Penitent Remorse on Earth that I may be delivered from that Gnawing Worm that never dies Grant me that Holie revenge of sin by Repentance that I may escape the vengeance of GOD in the place of torment where there is Weeping and Gnâ—shing of teeth Give me to beleive Hell that I live not a dying life in it Amen The fourth last thing HEAVEN THOU canst not vigorously strive to enter in except thou hast some foretaste and foresight of it Grace is the beginning of Heaven in thee the Holy Man is aâ—â— Heavenly Man To discourse of Heaven aright requires great Light and Insight iâ— the Things of God and to help theâ— Christ came from Heaven to Reveal it His word is the path-way to it and the Holy Spirit the Blessed Guide of the Church And tho thou attain not to Raptures with St. John Rev 2ly Yet true Faith gives us a view of it so as that we may have our Conversation there Phil 3. 20. And therefore let us consider 1st The Vamâ—ie of this World 2ly That Heaven upon Earâ—â— to which the Saints should aspire 3ly The full Satisfaction and Joy which is to be the Portiâ— of the Saints in Glorie ss 2. First The World is an empty thing but a Phantasm and shadow It cannot satisfie it hath not substance men are eager in the pursuit of it as a Fish after a rotten Worm and when it is catcht it proves unsavoury Let us therefore set our Affections on things Above § 3. 2lie Set up Heaven in our hearts by setting up Christ therein For where His Image is stamped it makes us all in Glory keep a closs Communion with God and you are in a Heaven upon Earth for thus are ye carried on from Grace to Glory and from Glory to Glory by the Spirit of God § But 3ly The full Enjoyment of Heaven is so sublimc incommunicable that Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard what good things He hath laid up for them that love Him And tho this too Radient Object in a manner hurts our weak â—piritual Sences yet must we look upon it tho not directly yet by Reflection and Vew it in the Glories of of the Word For Glorious Things are speken â—f the City â—f GOD. The Crown of Glâ—ry iâ— the Gift of GOD the purchase of CHRIST and the Transcendant Pertection of the Saints there is enough revealed to attract our Hearts to refine our Natures and to ripen â—ur Graces for Glory and to repose us in our proper Center Which is GOD Himself and this being such a precious Pearl let us be Vigorous in pursuit after it and lobour by Faith and Patience and a constant course of Virtue to find the accomplishment of the Promises The Apostle had His Plerophory Rom 8 end And such as follow him as he followed CHRIST may attain to a well grounded Hope for it is a pregnant and approved Proposition that such as believe in CHRIST shall not perish but hâ— everlasting Life to wit with a Lively perative and Obediential Faith shall undoubtedly saved But the Second Prâ—position is of our selves to wit I belieâ— which is not so certain as the first that De side This being only de nobis Tâ— Conclusion halts therefore except we gâ—â— All diligence to make sure our Calling and Eâ—tion so that we can say I do unfienged close with CHRIST and the Terms His Covenant and I resolve whatevâ—â— Temptation occure to stand
Heart with the Salt of Grace and make me to grow in Grace Imprint O LORD upon the Table of my Heart the A B C of Christianity teach me to know Love Fear Choice and Obey Thee give me to savour something of Reason and Religion in my ruder Age that I may mind my moment not trifle my time away abouâ— things of no moment Pardon and heal the corruption of my nature and the Vices of my person give me the new Heart in my younger dayes take away all Impediments and prejudices at Vertue and Religion And so shape sharpen and Sanctifie me that I may become an Instrument of Thy Glory and be prepared for Duty in the following Periods of the Life that thou shalt grant me Amen Devotion in order to Youth to be Exercised on Tuesday NOw Blessed GOD thou hast enlarged me from the bondage of None-Age the yoak of Discipline Keep me under thy Discipline For thy yoak is easie and thy commands are not grievous I am now lifted up to the Prime of my Age LORD make me steddy by Thy Grace that I do not turn giddy and stagger When I look back I find I have been Childish in mind as well as body What dark conceptions have I had of thee And any little spark of Grace was smuthered with a Mass of corruption the Brute in me much mastered it How raw and rude were my Notions of Religion And how contracted and deadned was my Conscience I was almost in all evil and knew it not and much under the Senses and sensitive Appetite The root of all evil was in me and I was content with my pleasant Fetters and were not Thy Mercy Thou hadst fully cast me off the Stage as a miscreant unworthy to live Yet LORD thou hast brought through all this dark trance of Childhood 1 Kings 18. 26. Save me from youthful lusts and grant mewith Obadiab that I may fear thee from my youth purge me from the Dregs of Nature Let them not fix in my Bones least in fuller years I â—e made to possess the sins of my Youth Joâ—â— 20. 11. Make me vigorous to engage under the Banner of CHRIST to fight against the infernal Trinity the devil the world and the Flesh and own the Holy TRINITY Blessed for ever Give me to offer the first fruits of my Life to Thee LORD make me to relish the sweetnesâ— of Vertue above all the pleasures of the World and pardon the Errors of my Youth Psal 25 11. and so ballast and establish me with Grace that I may lanch out unto a longer Life and not make shipwrack of Faith and good Conscience but have Thy Word for my Pilote Thy Spirit for my Star Humility for my Ballast the Gail of Grace to fill the Soul of my Affections Thy Glory for my End and Eternal Life for my Harbour Through JESUS CHRIST My LORD Amen 3ly Devotion As to our Entrance to a â—alling and Relation to be exercised on Wednesday O GOD of Love the Father of all sweet Harmony and Peace and the great Proveditor of Man Thou hast made him a Sociable Creature and hast united Mankind in a Society as Members of one Body Thou hast ordained him to live by his own Industry in the use of the Means which by Thy Blessing tends to his Provision As Nature abhores Vacuity so Thou O LORD abhores Idleness and hath given a particular Vocation to Man for Vertue LORD make me religious in my general Calling as a Christian and frugall in my particular Calling grant me the composed Wisdom to make choice of a Helper like unto Me let neither Lightness â—ondness nor carnal phansie be the principle and measures of my Affection and choice let the Advice and council of those whom I ought to follow be consulted and bless me with such purity in my Design that if by Thy Allowance I enter into a conjugal State I may ascend that bed with Innocence and Whiteness without the very knowledge of the carnal Tricks of Sin and Satan And when enteredâ— to entertain a constant Conjugal Affection to the wife or Husband of my Youth and if ever I have escaped in the least wash me throughly and Cement our Relation with the Endearments of the best Bond that our Family may be a Betâ—el to Thee Make our Calling Honest and Creditable and wherein we may be usefull to Thee and if Thy Providence hath brought us to Fortunes give us to consider that Thou wilt only honour them that honour Thee make us usefull in our Generation in the Stations Thou hast put us and may we with all Descretion pursue the Ends of our General and particular Calling to Thy Glory and our Comfort Amen Fourthly Devotion for our Riper years to be exercised on Thursday O Eternal Life and Action who dwells in a perpetual Repose grant me in all my Actions to aim Thee and repose in Thee and since now I must resolve with Action having not only the charge of my self but of a Family grant me to be active to what is accountable and agreeable for the increase of my Talents and the Improvement of the opportunities of my Time and Station Save me from vexing cares and doubtful aâ—xiety but grant me rational and providential Caâ—e in the diligent Use of the Means Help me to Cast all my Care upon Thee 1 Pet 5 7. And as to distâ—ust to be careful for nothing Save me from all impertinent and destructive digresions and let me never be worse than an Infidel in not providing for my Family and grant me O LORD Thy Blessing without which my â—arly and late Endeavours will not profit us Save me from all wrong measures in the Improvement of my Stock knowing that A little that the Righteous Man hath is better thâ—n the Treasures of the wicked For thou can turn my Mite into Talents Give me to seek the Kingdâ—m of GOD and mind the one Thing necessary without which all bussiness is but trouble give me to win my Soul and do Good in my place and time that when I cease from my labours I may enter into the Repose of everlasting Rest Through JESUS CHRIST my LORD Amen 3ly Devotion For our Declining Age on Friday O Unchaâ—geable GOD the same to Day Yesterday for ever the whole Creation hath been is and will be under a Decay untill the Deliverance of the Children of GOD. Our Life is but a vapour and a shadow the World so weights us that man begins to Decline ere he well consider that he lives Help O LORD my bowing and declining age give me to â—loath my self against the Winter and fill me well against a troubled Sea LORD give me to superstruct well upon solid Foundations to build my House upon a Rock 'T is time for me now to be wise since I have seen and done so much folly I will not choice the World for my portion it is Thee O LORD and Thee only as the Cenâ—er and Repose of my
fully made up in the perpetual festival which they shall enjoy in their Fathers house where we hope Luther and Calvin and their biguit adherents Having keept the main of Religion are now agreed And all the debates about Modus Rei the manner of our LORDS presence in the Eucharist are now settled and saâ—iâ—fied in the Celestial Communion Where all debates anent the outward policy of the Church shall evanish When we come to a continual Doxologie of the Trine-Une GOD anâ— aâ—tain unto the General Assemly of the first-born where also we hope that Papists who have walked suitably to fundamentals of Religion yet through the Unhappiness of their Birth and Education have been under a sort of invincible Ignorance shall join with the Protestant Where also we do charitably hâ—pe that many who are without aâ—d have answered their Light in Morality and have implicitly closed with the Mercy of GOD which takes in all the methods of its communication may come to share of the deepth of that Mercy which is the very Nature of GOD And that Tremendous Justice which rendereth to every man according to his Works and impartiaâ—â— Judgeth such as are under and such as aâ—â— without Law And particulary we hoâ—â— that all the private Contests among Fam 〈…〉 lys and Relations which have floweâ—â— from humour weakness temptations and incumberances of the World shall all be gone when the warm Flame of the infinite Love of GOD shall fill their Hearts § 15. Away with all biguit adherance to a Sect or Party since neither Papisâ— nor Protestanism Parity nor Prelacy will save us if we be not real Christians We ought indeed to search all things and hold what is best but withall we should not so much lean to our own understanding but follow after Charity that Ephraim no more vex Israel but all be joyned in one faith to the LORD § 16. Away with all fears of the frowns of providence for there is a wise disposer Away with all vexation about the troubles of Revolutions since we hope to be Citizens of a Continuing City that hath a Foundation Let us labour to vanquish the World by Faith and be still doing good and we need not fear what man can do ss 17. Adiâ—w all Relatives and Acquaintances We leave you to the â—race and Guidance of God Farewel Sun â—nd Mâ—on and that glâ—riâ—us Canopy of â—he Firmament bespangled with dividâ—d Lights For we hope to Live above â—he Clouds in our Fathers House where there is no need of the Sun because the Son of Righteoâ—sness is there we leave all the flowers and pleasures of an earthly paradise to feed upon the Tree of Life And last of all farewell beloved Body the Spirit and Voice of our Beloved sayes come we must gird up the loins of our Mind we leave thee to the dust but we hope to return-again for tho thou hast been corrupted by sin yet now sanctified by the Blessed Body of CHRIST we lay thee down as precious dust to be refined in the bowels of the Earth Our Souls can not be fully perfect without Thee therefor go to thy Dormitory and sleeping house till the last Trump sound and then shall we be made perfect in Soul and Body and be ever with the LORD The Devotion Suitable ANd now what clogs and fetters thee O my Soul thou sees what sin and the world can do linger not but arise for thisâ—â— not thy Rest look to the recompence of reward with Moses think upon the calmnâ—â— of a better life in the tâ—mpests of this fight the Good fight of Faith and GOD will give thee the Crown of Life Prepare for Judgâ—mâ—nt and Eternity for the Judge is aâ— the Door The Prayer LORD make up my wants and Remove what is superfluous in me adorn me with the Weâ—ing Garment and deck my soul that through thy Grace I may be able to enter in Courage Courage O my Soul for CHRISTS mercy and Grace iâ— before thee let not Death be Irksome to thee but LORD grant me the Wish that I have long breathed for to Die in peace and lay down my Tabernacle with joy and render up my Soul to GOD with delight I have seen an end of all perfection in the short span of my life I have seen the Glory of the World pass away like a Scroll there 's nothing certain but in Thee all flesh is Grass but thy word endureth for ever I have seen Riches flee away with the Wings of the morning and strength and vigour turn to weakness but Thou O LORD art the only sure portion of thy People I count all things loss for thee I have none in Heaven but thee and none is there on Earth that I desire beside Thee I aquiesce in thee as my Repose for ever Thou art all my bless and happiness for ever Amen The End AN APPENDIX The Pastoral legacy and latter will of a Gospel Minister to his flock in some Sermous upon 2 Pet Chap. 1. from v 12. to the middle of 16. Preached from the 2 Sunday of April to the 4th Sunday of June 1693. To the Reader Courtious Reader COnsidering the weakness and uncertainty of my life being under often Infirmities some years bygon to which I humbly submit and kisses the hand that smites me considering also the uncertainty of the times not knowing how soon I may be turned out I did resolve to leave this Valedictarie behind me for the good of my flock and of any that shall pursue it which I dedicatâ— to the glorie of GOD and the Edification of the Church and to my Reverend Brethren of the Ministrie Moses took hie leave of Israel and left directions after him Deut. 1. 32. So did Solomon Eccl. 12. 8. And He that is greater than Solomon our Blessed Lord had his farewell Sermon John chap 14 15 16 Saint Paul Acts 20 29. And. St. Peter here So I desire to leave my Flock with some Advertisement and monument of my care for them Sermon I. Containing the Compact Chain of our Holy Religion exactlie knitting the Priviledges and Properties of a Christian together in one link in the particle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Wherefore I Shall leave it to such as write upon the whole Epistle to vendicate it from the false Aspersion of some who denyed it to be Canonical of whom Eus speaks in his Church history 3 Book 25. Chap Which indeed was very unjust since the Epistle savoâ—rs of its Author and the genious of Christianity So that its like whoever they were that refused it to be Canonick could not bâ—â— be among the number of those false Prophers mentioned by this Apostle Chap 2 d Vers 1. Or of â—hese scoffers of whom he writes Chap 3 d Verse 1. Neither shall I insist upon the design and scope of this Epistle since it is so clearly manifest to any that â—eads it mentioning the great priviledges and properties of a Christian and a preserv â—ive against false Prophers and
brâ—ken and Strangers shall not meddle with our Jâ—yeâ— nor the Impure eat the Childrens food This shall confute all such as decry Religion and comfort all that have the Real Life of it and make them say with St. Paul The Life we now live is by Faith in the Son of GOD. 4ly This will open a door and Entrance to the Kingdom of Oâ—r LORD JESUS CHRIST and will prove a more solid way to make us Draw near to GOD with full assurance of faith and be a more sure ground to us than all the heats and heights of Religion which are but transient and perhaps flow from humour and Complexion but this makes the spirit of Gâ—ory dwell in us Gives us a clean conscience washt with pure water Heb 10. end to draw near to GOD So that a trembling humble Ghâ—istian that with St. Paul cryes â—ut O wretched man that I am Rom. 7. end May be neerer the Joy of the Lord than the other So that whoever seek a proof of Christ sn us We shall prove it best by Works and Fruits and the New Creature is the most infallible mark of beinâ— in Christ 2 Cor 5 17. and True siâ—â—cere Obedience is the great specifick and genuine propertie of true Christianism And further to clear you in all this let us confront the privilidges and properties of the Christiâ—n if any separate them he is like a Man catching the Crown with out the Conquest but the true Christian reacheth one hand in the Crown and wiâ—h the other holds his Wâ—apon to fight for the Prize that through â—aith and pâ—tience and unwearied Wâ—ll â—â—ing he may inheriâ— the Promises What more excellent then the precious Promisâ—pâ—ut we must add Vertue to our faith 〈◊〉 thâ—se Promises the Christians Claim is indâ—ed great for all are yours sayeth 〈◊〉 But such as are Christs sayeth he have crucified the flesh with its lusts and effections But to come nearer the conâ—â—xt from 2. ver to this 12 the Apostlâ— speaks of beleivers attaining like precious faith with the Apostlesfor their is but one faith which the Apostles Beleived prâ—pagated once delivered to the Sa 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 Jâ—de sayeth and this faith Acts 15. 9. purifiâ—th the heart and life And having that same faith of the Apostles we should live according to our measures as the Apostles then should the Pure and Primitive Church revive But alas Were St. Paul now at Rome he should find it much more Heathen than in his time and very unlike these whose faith was spoken of through the World O then if people would walk suitably to that noble Gift of Faith which is given us 2ly The full Instructions the Christians have All things sayes the Apostle that pertain to Life and Godliness Glory and Veriâ—e We want nothing to furnish us for every good Work The whole Council of GOD Acts 20. 27. All things to make us Godly and Glorious we have the Word of GOD to make us wise to Salvation and the Spirit of GOD to lead us into all Truth Improve then your priviledges For if ve know these things happy are ye if ve do them 3ly We have the great Gift of the Promises as the Apostle sayeth here But yet having these Promises let us cleanse our selves from all silthiness of flesh and spirit 2 Cor. 7. 1. and take head least a promise being made thus of entering into his Rest we fall short But if Piety be joyned with the Promises then we partake of the Divine Nature and have another Spirit a new Heart Lifâ— and new Affections and thus the Saiâ—â— are in their measure Divinized and spâ—ritualsed and Created after GOD 〈◊〉 Righteousness and true Holmess And so to conclude this truth 〈◊〉 would warn you not haâ—ilv to catch aâ— the Promises but labour to lay hold on them by a lively Faith and Well-doinâ— Be not too â—aring least ye presume prove your title first And then glory in your priviledges make your selves meet for the Inheritance and then you are sure of it and let the glory of that great Claim indeer your Hearts to Duty to joâ—n your selves in a perpetual Covenant with the LORD never to be forgot Jer. 50. Sermon II. The Duty and Diligence of the Apostolick Câ—rate or Gospel Minister described With the Matter and manner of his Preaching and the Quality of Christians in the time of the prime of Christianity Vpon Verse 12. THe Apostle falls now to a closs Application of the Doctrin formerly mentioned in this Chapter wherein he relates the Duty of the Minister that he should not be negligent but busie in the exercise of his holy Office 2ly The great Subject of his Dâ—ctrine these Things 3ly The way of his Iâ—culcating the said Doctrine upon the Hearts of People And 4ly The Qualification of People in these Times I begin with the First bâ—th negatively and positively described Doct. 1 which teacheth us That a Gospel Minister should be very intent upon his great and weighty Work This St Peter declares of himself and St. Paul also frequently mentions his great business These two Pillars of the Church the Apostles of the Câ—rcumcision Uncircumcision follow the the great Luminary their Blessed Master and stand as eminent Examples to all the Officers of the Church of Christ And this Apostle describeth his Duty 1st In his care for the Good of Souls to whom he wrote 2ly That he was not negligent but Diligent in his Imployment First His great care for the Church and the good of Souls The care of Souls is worthy to â—e fined from the most intensive affections of the Hâ—art It is such 〈◊〉 Pious and Divine Affection that GOD Himself describs His eaâ—nest Compassionâ— to His People thereby As our Saviout shâ—ws us in His Sermon upon the Mount Upon which account St. Paul bids us be careful for nothing but by Prayer and Supplication make our request known to GOD And St. Peter so exhorts also casting all your caâ—es upon GOD who careth for you It was our Saviour's care for Souls that brought Him from Heaven to us and when on Earth made Him so diligent to Preach Pray and Weep for his Church This care of Souls went nearer St. Pauls Heaâ—t than all his troubles for beside all things that are without said he that which comes upon me dayly the care for all the Churches The true natural Father hath a great care for his Children and the Spiritual Parent no less for I have no greater Joy sayeth St. John than to see my Children walking in the Truth Fâ—r such is the subtility and labour of the evil one â—o seduce and corrupt our Flock And alas such is the carelesness and incuriousness of the most as to Spiritnol Matters like Gallio careing for none of these things and such are the many incumbrances anent the World and what is worst of all even a careful Contrivnance of many to prosecute their sinful ends that a faithful Minister shall find great Reason of serious
who brings these things to Ouâ— Remembrance The labour of faithful Ministers the short and clear digest of our Holy Faith and Gospel designe as to good works frequent Prayer for a Blessing upon our pains and to digest these things well in our mind so that they may take impression never to be obliterated 2ly Res Retenta the thing Remembred which is the things of GOD of CHRIST and the Truths of the Gospel the concerns of the Soul and what is conducive to advance them The first and second relates to the principles of our Religion The third and fourth concerneth people as to their practice of these things First then let it be your care to know GOD and the Gospel which if thou hast had any ear to hear and heart to understand thou may be a great proficient But alas that may be said to many for which the Apostle reproveth the Hebrews Heb. 5. 12. And secondly If people would walk according to the Light they have they might attain to the end of their Faith which is the Salvation of their Souls And this Practice would give them the more facility to do the thing they know 3ly The help of the Remembrances which consists in his Prayers and patience that he weary not in his work that he inâ— struct and warn every man that he preach sound Doctrine and observe the form of sound words that he press and propagate the Essence of Religion and do not please himself much with circumstances and time debates and that which the most of our people are not concerned in And never a white the better tho they be but the necessary things are our great instructions from our Great Master and to press these Qui populariter docet optime docet so popularly as Luther said most profitably And we must be intent upon our work and press people to cooperate with GOD and us and be busie themselves attend the ordinances and using the means let Ministers also Rule well their own Life that it may correspond with their Doctrine and follow the steps of Holy Men whose ashes seem yet to exhale from their Tombs a sweet Savour which makes their memory for ever Blessed And if we put the Brethren in mind of these things we shall be good Ministers 4ly Peoples improvement by right Remembring Memoria excolendo augetur Culture and Industrie will make a barren ground Fertile Improve well the many Remembrances thou gets from the Word and that Monument Christ built for Himself by the Sacrament remember the novissima the last things the prima media ultima to wit thy Conversion Progress and Perfection therein Consider what thou hast been what thou art and what thou shall be Be not a forgetful hearer consider the Beacon set up in the Scripture aâ— gainst sin Remember Lots Wife Jam 1. 22. And the Encouragement of Vertue in the practice of Holy Men and Women keep a Diary as to thy time have thy Memorandum and labour still by remembering to practice and do Sermon VI. Concerning the Truth and Excellency of our Holy Religion and the infallible Proofs thereof with the Duty of such as own it For we have noâ— followed cunningly devised fables when we made known upto you the Power and Coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST c. Verse 16. THIS is the Base and Found of all Religion Which as it Convinces Men to Embrace it so doth it invite them to the Practice of it And as this Apostle was very Competent to give his Sentiments of the Truth and Power of this Holy Religion being called by Power enlightned by Knowledge and having seen a Demonstration of it in the Oracles and Miracles of his Master So doth he direct Gospel Ministers to Inculcate upon their People the Truth and Power of the Christian Religion that every faithful Pastor may have the Occasion to attract People to the Obedience oâ— the Faith and in their measure to say unto them We preach not unto you vain and frivolous things but the Magnalia Veritatis the great Things of Truth And it cannot but be great Satisfaction to a Gospel Minister that he can refresh his mind as well as satisfie the People that he hath Preached nothing to them but the Truth of GOD. For when the account of the Stewartship is called for it will afford but small Peace to the Pastor to reflect that he hath been taken up with ventilations of Controversie Circumstances and External Polity of the Church that he hath been biguit about his beloved Sect that he hath Pharisaically insisted upon Gerimonies and much neglected the Life and Power of the Truth of GOD. Now more particularly to take up the Scope and Parts of this Text I shall reduce it to these Points following 1. That the Doctrine of the Gospel is not a eunningly devised Fable but the Infallible Truth of God 2. That though Christ and the Gospel came to the Eye of the World in Weakness yet to a Right Discerner His coming was with Great Power and Majesty 3. As the coming of Christ is very evident by many infallible Proofs so is it banded down to us and confirmed by Eye-witnesses First That the Doctrine of the Gospel is not a cunningly devised Doct. 1 Fable but the infallible Truth of GOD. It is a faithfull saying and worthy of all Acceptance 2 Tin 2. 1â— Nor a cunning fable and a subtile contrivance to impose upon and deceive the World No â—ut let GOD be True and all men liars First Then It is no cunningly devised fable as the Apostle sayes here but it is the Contrivance of the Wise Council of GOD transacted in Heaven and given to Men as their Guide and Comfort it is the Emanation of the Love and Good Will of GOD to Man through a Mediator Have I not written unto thee Things excellent that thou mayest know the Words of Truth Sayes GOD by Solomon It is as true as CHRIST Himself and He is the Way the Truth and the Life If He Himself was really upon Earth which is evident as a Demonstration and the most verified Matter of Fact that ever was in the World not done in a Corner or Clancularly but in the View of the sun and the sight of friends and foes For He did moe Miracles for the Confirmation of His Doctrine and the discovering of His Person than ever was dâ—ne before Him miracles of Mercy so great and stupendious that had not the Ancient People been prejudged at his Doctrine and the Humility of His Person and the fear of the Rulers All Jury had gone after him And further the influence of his Doctrine had upon the Hearts of Men and the great Demonstration of his being the Messiah and the Son of GOD by His Resurrection from the Dead And the wonderful effects that the Preaching of the Cross of Christ had upon Jew and Gentile All these write the Verity of our Religion with a Beam of the Sun that the Gospel câ—nnot be
hid but to such as are lost Moreover If we consider the exact Impletion of the Prophesies concerning him even unto the least circumstance of his Incarnation Conâ—â—â—tion Birth Breeding Life Death and Resurrection We have an Accumulation of Proofs for the Verity of the Christian Religion and the Founder of it for if we consider its Original the Purity of its Precepts the Glory of its design the Comfort of its promises and the Divinity of its Proposals We may acquiesce here and confess its Truth and Verity And if we shall confront it with other Religions of the Jews which was but temporary of the Heathens which was but Vanity of the Mabumitants which is a devilish delusion made up of lies and impossibilities We shall find that the Spirit of Christianity remains in the bosome of Glory alwayes Holy Victorious and Triumphant over impiety and confirmed by a cloud of Witnesses sealed by the blood of millions of Martyls approved by General Councils and the Universal Consent of the Catholick Church and clearly demonstrated to be of GOD and for GOD that a Christian may upon good Ground say sit anima mea cum Christianiâ— Let my Soul be with the Christians But there is so much said to this purpose that I cannot add but to resume the Doctrine of the Apostle That Christianity is not fabulous but infallible Truth And because there are so many Pretenders to True and Holy Religion and the different Sentiments of the Papal and Protestant Church And even Differences among themselves I hope I shall not di gress from the Paths of Tâ—uâ— to assert that True Protestanisâ—n in true Christianity It being the very Doctrine of Christ and his Apostâ—es and the purest and pâ—imitive times of the Church And having made Sucession from the Spurious Doctrine of the degenerate Church of Rome And it may be safely said that the Trash of its impure Doctrine its lying Wonders and Legends doth expose that Church to the Impious and Blasphemous Expâ—ession of one of its Popes who said Quantum nobâ—â— prodest haec fabula Christi What avail is that Fable of Christ to us And as the Truth of Christianity is fully demonstrated so in the next place are we to consider The Power wherewith the coming of Christ was attended It would seem from Isaiah 53. That he came in weakness and so did the Jewish and Heathen World look upon him But they took that measures from outward Appearance and did not consider the Vertue that was in him as God and God man which made his Manger more glorious to the Eye of Faith than a Palace or Bed of State he was Crucified through Weakness yet conceals His Power for Who might abide the Day of his first coming Mal. 3. 2. He was Glorious in his Abaseours Honourable in his Humiliation and was the King of Gloâ—ie's Son in his Pilgrimage He was a Lamb in his Meekness but a Lyon in his Power He came to dash the dark Kingdom to destroy the Wâ—rks of the Devil and to bring Life and Immortality to Light by his Gospel and to cast down the Prince of this World to deliver his People from Bondage and to lead Captivity Captive to tread Satan under our Feet to discover the Evil of Sin and the Beauty of Holiness And this he did by a Seraphick and Angelical Purity yet in a wonderous Condescention and Familiarity attended with such Glorious Miâ—acles famous Monuments powerful Doctrine With Authority and not as the Scribes That we shall see his Glories Conspicuous under the Vail of flesh and all the Umbrage of his Life served to raise his Glory to a higher pitchâ— as the Sun is more conspicuous after a cloud So that it is very evident and observable That Christ's first coming was with Power Doct. 2 and the Doctrine he propagate is the Power of God to Salvatâ—on Let his People therefore be willing in the day of his Power And learn to be swayed with the right Scepter of this Kingdom If a Foelix tremble before a Prisoner in a Chain if King Agrippa be almost perswaded to be a Christianâ— Let us learn to give our Necks to his Powerful though Easie yoak Least he dash us iâ— peices when there is none to deliver Let us not stumble with the Jew nor count it foolishâ—ess with the Greek but believe it and we shall behold Christ the Power of Godâ— and the Arm of God Although there be no need of further Witnesses yet the more to confirm us of the Truth and Power of the Gospel We have this Apostle and others with him is Oculati Testes of CHRIST's Majâ—stie famous and unanimous in their Testimony who could say vincit Veritas Vidi Scivi audivi Truth prevails and has the Testimony of GOD and Man of Angels and Saints Prophets and Apostles Martyrs and Confessors And every One that hath received this Testimony hath put tâ—o their Seal that GOD is True The greaâ— improvement that Improv I shall make of this whole purpose is that the Character of our life ccrrespond with the truth and Realitie of our Religion that is that we be Ethically of true and morally true in the practice of our holy Profession that we be not paint ed formal and false as to a real way bus suitable to the excellent principles of our holy faith if ye abide in my word sayes CHRIST ye are my Disciples indeed Joh. 8 3. It is not a name of a Christian but the truth of Christianity that approves us to GOD. Many have a name not only general as Christians but as more eminent professors I say a name that they are living when dead Rev 3. 1. many flatter themselves in a Profession and Church Priviledge even into the end and will say have we not eaten and drunken in thy presence hast thou not taught in our streets To whom CHRIST will say depart from me c. I never owned nor approved you as mine Many have CHRIST in their mouth and can say LORD LORD but do not the works that he bids them This was a sad disease in the Ancient Church for the Circumcised l ived as the uncircumcised Moab Ammon and Amalek were uncircumcised and the house of Israel uncircumcised in their heart This the Prophets cryed out against reproving people that boasted of the Temple Jer 8. And yet lived in villany But GOD and his Temple are no sanctu arie to prophanity and such boastings are so fan from excusing that they aggravate Peoples faults and in effect GOD sayes to the Wicked what hast thou to do to declare my statues It was so in the times of our Saviour and the Apostles and in the beginning of Christianity the filthy Gnosticks were great boasters of knowledgeâ— and priviledges and prophanity came to such a hight that Irreligion became to be patronised by false Prophets As the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans Jezebâ—l and â—thers and this Spirit of lyes was justly poured out upon many for not suitable to
Council of Nice In convincing and clearing of a Philosopher by a bare recital of the Creed When Learned Men could not gain groâ— of him Listen not then to the Wisdoâ— the world but seek after that humble 〈◊〉 dom that mâ—keth your face to shine Bâ—â— your selves and honour your place by 〈◊〉 mility in kissing the holy Jesus who not power nor by might but by his Spâ—â— thtough weak means and mean Instâ—â— ments bringeth to pass great effects Loâ—â— To King David in old and to Câ—nst anâ—â— that prime Gentleman of Christianiâ—â— Theodosius and others And let yoâ—â— Worldly honour give place to 〈◊〉 mean things of Christ which are 〈◊〉 busked with the Glittering splendors 〈◊〉 vain World and let the power 〈◊〉 Crucified Saviour humble indeâ—â— and heal your hearts 2ly As to the 〈◊〉 nisters of Christ who altho they mayâ—â— but mean men yet behold their Maâ—â— in and with them iâ— they do not dispâ—â— rage their Character by miscarriage 〈◊〉 Respect them for their works sake Possibâ—â— they have not that well bread mean 〈◊〉 address that becomes you Their breâ—â— ing not having been at Court but in 〈◊〉 Colledge and Cloister And perhaps they halt as to wordly policy and prudence yet if they Carrie well in their Holy caling it is your honour to Countenancâ— and encourage them in assisting their Discipline and thus shall ye Rank your selves in that Glorious Sphere in helping the LORD in his Servants against the Powers of Darkness Fourthly As to your Carriage as Peers and Patriots in the Nation § 9. As it is much becoming your place to shine in your Orb with a publick Spirit So will it much advance your honour to keep your selves within the line of Loyaltie and warm the Countrey by your befriending it in the higher courts to shun biguitry and to labour to advance a solid Religion and Government and consider well what has been the constant course and Polity of the universal Church That men of yesterday be not flattered in that phansie that they will reform the World and that doubtless they are the People and Wisdom doth dwell with them I shall detain your Honours no longer but pray GOD to bless your Persons and Families with the Blessings of His Right Hand that as you may be useful in your Generation so you may leave unto your Noble Off-â—prinâ— the best Inheritance of excellent Exampâ— and Eminent Vertue Amen Secondly To the Gentry § 10. Religion is so necessary to the Hâ—â— nour of your House that it is essential 〈◊〉 make you truely Gentlemen GOD haâ—â— taken you from the common Toils of thâ—â— World hath given you proper Orbs 〈◊〉 shine in which are only made luminoâ—â— by Religion and Vertue It 's great Hâ— nour to fear GOD and makes you trâ—â— ly Generous with Caleb And as Stars 〈◊〉 shine in your Orbs For GOD will not fail 〈◊〉 Honour them that Honours Him 1 Sam 〈◊〉 30. when I shal speak to those of more Aâ—â— cient And 2ly Those of a more Receâ—â— Rise Let the first consider the Providence of GOD that hath Entailed aâ—â— Inheritance upon them Ye should then be thankful and shine in Religion and Vertue and walk worthily in your Generation Which tends so much to the Honour of your House that the neglects of it may provoke GOD to shake its Foundations and to Cause it vomit you out For this end you must walk within the paths of Equity Frugality which â—an be best measured promoted by Reâ—igion For first Justice is such an even â—ine that it will justifie you in all the Traâ—ersing turns of your life beware of all â—igid and rigorous Courses defraud not give every man his due oppress none â—nd let your Generous vertue mitigate the Rigours of the law since in some cases Summum Jus may be Summa injuria look well whether Recognitions and other Subtile Tricks of Law will weigh well in the ballance of Equity 2ly Follow frugality GOD having put a fortune and opurtunity in your hands Beware that ye provoke not an Exterminating Angel to enter your doors and if you build your house with stones unpolished by Vertue it will not stand and as it is a disgrace to loose that which your Progenitors have put in your hand so will it be a greater imputation to your person if your family fall by sin and wickedness And so that which Copstons all is to manifest the excercise â—f Vndefiled Religion in your house and life Beware therefore of Sensuality pride passion and ommission of duâ—y and learn to respect the Ordinances and Ministers of Christ for your Souls Good For I know not by what unlucky faâ—â— some Gentlemen are readier to take up 〈◊〉 pikue at Christs Ministers than at aâ—â— Rank of People in the World So thâ—â— the Laird and Minister stands seldom iâ— even Terms I shall not absolutely purgâ— some of my Tribe from want of that Prudence conduct that becomes their Character Yet tho he be an Angel as to hâ—â— Office he is subject to passion in the Body and therefore he should be looked upon because of his holy Office under the protection of GOD with a Noli me tangere and touch not mine Anointed and do my Prophets 〈◊〉 harme Pâ—al 105. 15. And it hath been found a stain and loss to some Honourable Families to encroach upon the Ministers And for you of the other seize consider by whose Hand ye are put into this Capacity and ponder by what means ye have Creept up a little higher thaâ— your Fathers in coming from the Camp the Ship the Shoap the Trade and the Plough c. To be ranked in among the rolls oâ— Lairds and Heritors For tho such are to be respected who improve their Talent well and advance by Vertue Yet consider that your House â—e layed on a good Foundation since an â—heritance got hastily and by perhaps â—â—accountable means is like to run the â—â—e of Jonah's Gourd to spring up and â—ther in less than a day It is good then â—r you to be well poised in an even â—allance to look to yesterday and what 〈◊〉 Morrow may bring forth And if â—ou be proud because under a greater â—ad of Earth GOD who raised you â—om the Dust can Reduce you thither aâ—ain so that what ever you think of your â—lves see that you carry not by pride â—nd ostentation to conciliat Respect from â—â—e world for it is by vertue and humility â—hat man riseth to the favour of God and Man Thirdly To the Clergy It is Not to Reflect upon any of that Character For in that I would â—ave many Copartners in this evil and wanton age Neither is it to inform my Brethren Desiring rather to be taught my self from the mouth of GOD by you It is only to Remember you that your Office Oblidgeth you to a Retired and abstracted life and tho I should not desiâ—e you to Retire from your duty for Action is the life of your Calling yet
I would warn you to shun avocations from and Impediments of your duty for no converse except It be with the gravest can havâ— such influence upon your heart as to leavâ— the World and Contemplat God wherâ— by in all the tempests of this life yoâ— may by faith and devotion sweem Calâ— ly as a fish in troubled waters and whâ—â— you make GOD your study you câ—â— the better read the state and case of meâ— and I assure you by your conversing 〈◊〉 Heaven you will be fitter to come doâ—â— from the Mount with the will of GOâ— in your mouth and the Tables of the Laâ— in your hand with Moses and when 〈◊〉 are at the greatest distance from thâ— World by this habitual contemplatioâ— of GOD and things spiritual and Eâ—ternal you may be the more capable 〈◊〉 serve the â—â—terest of him that is invisiblâ— and the happiness of the Immortal Soul 2ly What ye speak to People must be 〈◊〉 the Oracles of GOD and the word oâ— Faith which you preach from the knowledge of the Scriptures make CHRIST near to your people and there shall yâ— find the mind and will of the Eternal GOD for the directing of their Faith Worship and manners And if you conclude â—ell from the Scriptures you may say â—ith St. Paul we have the mind of Christ â—nd thus be a voice with the Baptist and monitor with St. Paul to warn every man 〈◊〉 all Wisdom that you may present them perâ—ct in Christ Col. 1. 28. 3ly Because â—ou have fallen in bad times Arm your â—elves with patience and courage Endure â—ardness as the Souldiers of CHRIST 2 Tim. 〈◊〉 3. For if ye be reproached for the â—ame and Ministry of CHRIST Happy â—re ye Make the Cavils of this World â—our Crown consider what indignities â—nd reproaches your Blessed Master met with that now when his Religion is out of request you may comport with your â—lights and strive the more to avouch his way because abandoned by so many wrap your selves up in your Calling where ye shall be secure as in a Sanctuary From the strife of Tongues and whatsoever men do to deminish and cry down your Character yet labour ye to magnifie your office with St Paul for it is both holy and Honourable and at length the Reprover in the Gate shall be thought more wise and happy than him That perisheth in the way Fourthly To the Commons of all sorts As you are to be careful of all thâ— common concerns of your Religion anâ— particular duties of your Calling Relâ—â— tions in approving your selves in yoâ— sphere both to God man so particularâ— I would Recommend to you 1 st Morâ— honesty 2ly Civility and discretion Lâ—bâ—ur then first to be morally honest anâ— think not that ye can be Religious bâ— external duties publick or private you neglect mâ—rality for GOD seeth aâ— your wayes and hath shewed unto thee 〈◊〉 man what is good Study then honesty iâ— your principles your ends your wordsâ— your bargains Buying and Selling. Aâ—â— with Conscience beware of Covetousneâ— and deceit knowing that such aâ— turn aside to crooked wayes GOD wil lead them forth with the workers of iniquity Psal 115. 5. And may put a secret Moath into your hidden things of dishonesty 2ly Learn to be discreet and Civil for both Morality and Religion teacheth this Lesson And is the best discipline in the World to guide you in your Carriage to GOD and Man The Heathens by the light of Nature did polish and Civilize themselves how much more thou in following the even Line of Righteousness Which teacheth us that Whatever things are Just and Honest and of good Report and to cast away that barbarous Rudness that hath so much through slouth and carelesness debased the life of the most Learn good Manners in the right Government of thy Tongue and passions by the patience and precepts of the Prince of Peace And tho perhaps thou can not be so accurate as those that have the best Education Yet must thou have as much Religion as can not only Sanctifie but Calm thee and fit thee for those sweet serene Regions where there is nothing of boisterous passion and licentious talk And in thy passage thither there be two Rocks that you are Carefully to guard against First The sin of rash swearing and cursing 2ly The sordidness of sensuality and drunkenness First What canst thou propose unto thy self by Rash Swearing except it be that thy corrupt nature Glorys to be wickedâ— and swagered out in profanity till thou fall into the borders of blasphemy By this thou makes thy self to be looked upon as an ingoverned and an indiscreet person a son of Belial in thy Generatioâ— And by your Cursing you discover muâ—â— of the Nature and Venom of the Seprâ—â— much contrary to that sweetness and geâ—tleness that becomes thy Religion Thâ—â— proves hereby an Execrable Executionâ—â— and involves thy self in the sad curse dâ—â—nunced by the Prophet As he loved cursiâ—â— so let it come upon him Psal 110. 17. And tho it may please thy vendictive humouâ— for the time yet thy curses like a stingless Wasp to others recoils and returnâ— with malignant venom upon thine owâ— pate 2ly As to Sordid Sensuality Altho alas there be too much cause of complaint of this in persons that should be better bred yet there are many that show this shame without shame And they are so prone to this upon Occasion that even Charity almost doth not hinder others to think with regrate that their bellâ— is theâ— God and their shame their Glory And that your filthy Vomits reâ—ling Staggerings and distracted Deliriums makes you not only like the Eliots in Laâ—edemon that were exposed to publick view as spectacles to make the younger abhorr the Vice But puts a note upon you if ye do not repent of a dismal fate that you shal not inherti the Kingdom oâ— GOD 1 â—or 6. 10. Learn then to temper your Life with Temperance knowing that fair Nature is soon satisfied And Religion teacheth thee Not to be drunk to excess but filled with the Spirit Eph 5. 18. The Prayer AND Thou O LORD the soveraign Judge of all the Earth and the Great Master of all Lords â—ennants and Tenements therein follow this humble Application to all Ranks of Men with Thy Majestick Power that tho many may be ready rather to redicule than read these lines yet O GOD of Wisdom give them to have their second thoughts that they may through Thy Grace shun the dreadful Handwriting of Mene Tekel against them and be by the power of Thy Spirit made Citizens of Zion Amen COURSE Third The Contents What fine your labour in Vertue Piety good government of your life and Family and the progress of your Religion the ordering of your house and the setting forth of your Children to â—audable and lawfull Callings and Setlement hath come to § 1. I Hope I have not need much to insist here since as to the