Christians Prayer for a holie life and blessed death Helpe Lord Iesus Christ mee ignorant and vnwise creature earnestly to attend thy Word and redresse my life thereafter that I may keepe that couenant of Grace made with thee in Baptisme Ps. 119.9 and worthily receiue the Holy Communion willingly and patieâ—tly beare the Crosse truely and faithfully liue in my Vocation euer in my heart thanking and praying thee that this my life may be passed ouer in daylie Repentance seruing Thee and my Neighbour truely and so continue constant to my death in sauing Faith in Thee my God and onely Lord and Sauiour to whom with the Father and the Holie spirit three Persons but one God be giuen all honor power and glorie Amen Flesh. Expound vnto mee I pray you these Sixe heads to the end I may rightly vnderstand them and liue according thereunto the time I haue here to remaine Spirit The first poynt of diligent hearing the Word and against Sathans temptations Verie willingly first then I say keepe thee by Gods-word and behaue thy selfe in all thy actions as it directeth Ps. 119. for it is a Lanthorne vnto our Pathes and a Light vnto our Feet so that if wee follow this Light wee may walke without impediment and not stumble but learne especially to distinguish this word aright and marke what difference there is between the Law and the Gospell Gods Law or his Commaundements is a doctrine and word wherein God wills and commaunds vs to be obedient vnto him in heart and whole life that is Ex. 20. Mat. 22. Deut. 6. Leu 9. That wee should loue the Lord our God with our whole heart soule mind strength our neighbor as our selfe which things albeit they are impossible for man eyther to doe or keepe notwithstanding thou shalt daylie meditate and weigh these precepts Rom. 3. to the end thou mayest learn to know the corruption of thy nature and sinne and also they may be a rule after which thou oughtest to lead thy life as a new creature in holie Obidience The Gospell is such a Word and Doctrine wherein God onely of meere mercie giues Remission of sinnes Ioh. 3. and euerlasting Life for all the Prophets witnessed that in his name Euerie one that beleeued should haue Remission of sinnes Act. 10. and therefore neuer suffer this preaching of mercie to depart from thy eyes that thou mayest find comfort against sinne and Sathan his temptations and that in all afflictions vntil death thou mayest commit thy selfe vnto God with ioy but vnderstand deare Soule that Both these doctrines are Gods-word and are deliuered to the Church from the beginning and must both therein continue and neineyâ—her of them is to bee dissolued therefore giue diligent heede to them both that thou mayest rightly diuide them and in time conuenient vse them When thou therfore deare Soule daylie ponderest on the Commaundements and thereof conceiuest how disobedient thou art to Gods will and seest that through Adams trespasse thou art so corrupt that thou canst fulfil not one of the least of them and therefore that thou by sinne deseruest Gods wrath and euerlasting perdition despaire not yet for all this but thanke God for his commaundements that by them thou art brought to acknowledge thy sinnes for this is the dearest and most pretious thing that can bee in this world Christs fauour excepted to know Sinne for Christ and his benefits doe neuer tast vs well vntill wee be brought to the knowledge of our sins and perceiue our selues to be vnder the wrath and fury of the Lord our God But if Satan shall come and greatly heape vp thy sinnes and terrifie thee with the consuming fire of Gods anger with hell and endlesse destruction then strengthen quicken thy selfe with these and such like sentences God so loued the world that he hath giuen his onely begotten sonne Ioh. 3.6 that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life vers 17. God sent not his sonne into the world that hee should condemne the world but that the world through him might be saued Ezek. 33. Verily as I liue saith the Lord I haue no pleasure in the death of a sinner but that he turne from his waies and liue I will redeeme thee from the power of the graue Hos. 13.14 I will deliuer thee from death ô death I will be thy death ô ô graue I will bee thy destruction Where sinne aboundeth Rom. 5.20 there grace aboundeth much more This is a true saying 1 Tim. 1.15 and by all meanes to be receiued that Christ Iesus came into the world to saue sinners Resist Sathan with a stedfast faith 1 Pet. 5.9 and he shall depart from thee For these sentences are true and more certaine 1 Pet. 1.25 and sure then heauen and earth his word is truth Ioâ— 17.17 And if Sathan come on the other hand changing himselfe into an Angell of light 2 Cor. 11. 14. lessening sin and Gods wrath perswading that sin is easily forgiuen and Gods rich mercy soone obtained beware beloued Soule thou giue him not eare but remember Gods fearefull and powerfull Law in the which all sins are so greatly taxed and accused that none can be called small and withall remember thy Lord Iesus Christ his passion and meditate thus thereupon Fiâ— on thee lying Sathan I consider how heauie and greeued my Lord Iesus was Matth. 26.38.42 when once he was vnder the curse of the law and satisfied for my sinne and beared his fathers wrath for the same Matth. 27.46 I will therefore heereafter be enimy to all sin keep me from it as from the Diuell himselfe I thank thee ô God who hast once deliuered mee from sinne which is the Diuels snare should I giue my selfe to be intrapped againe in his net our soule is escaped eueÌ„ as a bird out of the snare of a fowler Psal. 124.7.8 the snare is broken we are deliuered our helpe is in the name of the Lord which hath made heauen earth And if Sathan shall cast before thee the course of this world and entise thee to the pleasure thereof call to minde that wee should not fashion our selues like vnto this world but be changed by the renewing of ouâ— minde that wee may proue what that good and acceptable Rom. 12.2 and perfect will of God is take heede deare soule for thou knowest well how bent and prone thy flesh and bloud is to sinne daunt thy selfe by the force of the Law bee not seduced for the way of the world leadeth vnto sinne Luk. 13.24 Doth Sathan contend against thee and alledge that thou art poore and sufferest hunger nakednesse and distresse c. then doe thou say man liueth not by bread onely Matt. 4.4 but by euery word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God for thou ô Lord giuest mee more ioy of hart theÌ„ they haue had when
at euery occasion and minute I may bee ready to take my leaue of this world and raigne with thee my Lord and Sauiour eternally in the world to come Amen Meditation of the fourth the manner Concerning the fourth thou art ignorant deare soule by what kinde of disease the Lord will call thee from hence whether it shall happen by pestilence maladie in the head ague c. by shipwracke or fire and it may bee God hath appointed thee to be ouertaken by robbers wilde beasts or some such casualtie yea O soule many neuer intend repentance in all the time and space they haue health and prosperitie vntill some languishment and sicknes seize vpon them but who knoweth whether at any time hee shall haue sicknesse and leisure together Haue wee not daily examples how many decease by palsie by sword and sudden death through sundry other maladies of body and before they were euer sicke or diseased or that God suffered them to haue the benefit of their bed and rest A praier to forsake the world and follow Christ. O God how foolish are wee miserable and fond creatures how smal heed and attention giue wee to daily occurrences The fowle is an vnreasonable creature yet when it seeth another to bee killed beside it shee presently swingeth and flieth away and when it spieth a man to bend his bow aime at it there is no longer staying but quickly conueieth it selfe thither where it may bee secure and safe Euen so O soule death breakes in all places many mens hearts and they do fall on euery side then feare O soule and flie from sinne to righteousnesse from hell to heauen from this damnable and deceitfull world to Iesus Christ that then thou maist boldly say Now shoot death when thou wilt for although thou bereaue mee of this transitorie and momentanie life Heb. 13. yet by a strong and constant faith I possesse the kingdome of heauen which shall giue mee infinitely more then thou canst take from mee Meditation of the soule not to delay repentance Delay not O soule thy repentance vntil thou be sicke Eccl. 12. but worke thy conuersion euen now with-all diligence put not off from day to day thy amendment of life neither continue in wickednesse vntill deaths vncertaine houre approach A praier when first we fall sicke O Iesus Christ my Redeemer preserue me from a painfull sicknesse violent and hastie death ouertake mee not in my sinnes and suffer mee not to die without repentance and giue vnto mee if it be thy pleasure a quiet and patient departure that without great paine and griefe I may in my right wits attaine a blessed end confessing thy most holy name vntill the last gaspe and so to commend my soule and spirit with my whole heart carefully into thy mercifull hands my most gratious and louing Sauiour and Redeemer to whom with God the Father and the holy spirit be rendred from the bottome of my heart all honour power might maiestie and dominion now and for euer Amen CHAP. II. Wherein is comprehended the true and right art to die well and first of Christian repentance Flesh. BEcause wee neuer are vnpursued by death it is very needfull therefore that both Young and Old Great and Small Rich and Poore should learne the art of dying blessedly Spirit Yes truely daily examples may teach vs so for consider thy neighbour like as he is dead so shalt thou bee yesterday was his this day for thee Eccl 38. to day a King to morrow dead yea ô Soule death is like a Mower Eccl. 10. which walkes in a greene meadowe cutting with his Sithe all he commeth at and maketh no account whether it be grasse thistle or rose neither considereth hee how old how beautifull or how pretious the hearbes bee there are none too strong for him none too young no castle for height nor bulwarke for securitie can hold him backe he wil not be corrupted with siluer and gold yea if it were possible that thou couldest giue him the whole kingdomes and riches of the world hee would not hold off a minute to abide thy time nor waite a moment for the performance of thy pleasure and will now this should be our daily meditation diligently to marke and carefully learne the day both to liue in Gods feare and dye in his faour The young mans prayer O my God how is man verely as nothing how goeth all beautie away as a shadowe and wretched man knoweth not whether he shall dye old or young neither can any by his riches strength and powre Ps. 144.4 deliuer himselfe or his brother helpe mee my God that from my youth vpward I may constantly giue heed to walke vpright in my wayes Ps. 119.1.9 according to thy word gouerne me by thy holie Spirit that my heart goe not a whoring from thee that my youth neuer puffe mee vppe to bragge thereof Ps. 73.27 and that I put not my trust in health strength honour riches or beautie graunt that I may in my inward mind heare the end of all which is to serue thee and keepe thy commaundements Eccles. 22.13.14 for this is the whole duetie of man for thou wilt bring euerie man vnto iudgement with euery secret thing whether it bee good or euill Lord write this same in my heart and giue me thy grace not onely to vnderstand the same but also to rectifie my life and conuersation thereby vnto my last end and graunt that I may die vnto sin and liue vnto righteousnesse to the glorie of thy holy name through Iesus Christ my sauiour Amen Flesh. How may I then prepare my selfe to die blessedly Spirit The right preparation to a happy death is in the cōstant leading of a Christian and righteous life A Meditation of the Soule for earnest repentance Wouldst thou then dye blessedly beloued Soule make earnest and serious repentance and continue stedfast therin to thy last for God accepteth well conuersion from sin Wis. 12. Ma◠24. and who so abideth to the end he shall be saued A Prayer for speedie Repentance Praysed bee thou my God who hast no pleasure in our death and destruction but rather that wee should turne from our sinfull waies and liue Ezek. 18. Ezek. 33. helpe me Lord Iesus that I delay not my conuersion to thee and shift not ouer my repentance from day to day for thou hast promised me thy mercie but that I might deferre my repentance vntil the morrow second or third day thou hast not promised vouchsafe therefore thy mercie on mee this verie day Ps 95. Tit. 3. that I may redeeme the time lost by an earnest repentance and not bee taken in my sins and trespasses the day following graunt this for the glorie of thy blessed name through Iesus Christ my Lord and Sauior Amen Flesh. What is then true and Christian repentance Spirit Repentance is nothing else then that a man rise from his sinne and turne with all his
will and pleasure that I may serue thee with a cleane sober obedient chaste and vpright heart and voluntary deniall of my selfe O Lord my God let me bee taught alwaies by thy holy Spirit and suffer me not to fall in my weaknes and infirmities lead mee by thy right hand that all my thoughts and deedes may bee gouerned according to thy good will and pleasure My God take from me pride of heart and let all my strength and courage be from thee let not my mouth speake any wickednes neither yet boast in my sinnes much lesse abuse thy name that I may liue temperately and continently and not giue the members of my body to wantonnesse and loosenesse Rom. 12. Grant ô my God that I neither disdaine nor slander my neighbour and passe not the bounds of of my calling neither hunt after riches by vnrighteousnesse neither gape for high honours that I bee not hypocriticall nor counterfet giue me grace that I despise not the meane and weake sort but willingly lend to the needie and bestow vpon the poore Psal. 37.8.9.10 take couetousnesse from mee and preserue mee from Enuie Anger and Malice and all Vngodlinesse O my Creator purge mee from Vanitie Stifneckednesse Foolishnesse Obstinacie Wilfulnesse from a Rebellious mind and Misdemeanor O my mercifull God I entreate thee for Iesus Christ thy deare Sons sake thou wouldest giue mee an vnderstanding heart 2. King 2. to the end I may exercise my selfe in all good actions of loue and manifest my sinceritie and truth to all men assist mee that I may recompence euill with good and commit vengance vnto thee benefit and relieue my enemies and goe before euerie man in honour that I may tread the footsteps of the godlie and follow theÌ„ but shun euil continually free mee from Shame and make mee so depart this Life as professed enemie to Sinne and Wickednesse knit my heart vnto thee that I may feare thy name that I may proue know whether I am in the right way Psal. 86.11 Making my Faith in good Workes to shine before all men and deliuer mee at the last â—nd from euill that I may coÌ„temne these earthly and worldly cogitations and onely set my thoughts on things that are aboue from whence I waite for Iâ—sus Christ in whose most blessed name I do come with my prayers vnto the Throne of mercy crauing pardon for my sinnes for Iesus Christs sake in whose c. Flesh. Is it sufficient that a man once make such repentance or as it happeneth once a yeere Spirit No verily no for Iesus Christ commanded vs without intermission to say forgiue vs our trespasses Mat. 6. and we are desired to grow and encrease in the mercy and grace of God 2 Pet. 2. of our Lord Iesus Christ so should wee learne to bee strengthened in the holy Spirit in the inward man and therâ—fore euery one that is godly must make his praier vnto him in a time when hee may bee found Psal. 3â— â— Meditation of the Soule for Repentance Thou must not therefore deare soule onely once or once a month or once a yeere and after returne to thy wonted sins but they whose life must and should beâ— a continuall repentance for the Christian by the holy Sacrament of Baptisme is borne againe and made the childe of God that the old Adam in him by daily remorse and repentance should bee drowned perish and die with all sinnes and concupiscences that he may be a new creature to liue in holinesse and righteousnesse before God for euer Rom. 6. for the way of the righteous shineth as the light that shineth more and more vnto the perfit day Pro. 4.18 A Prayer for true râ—pentance O God the father of all mercy and grace who hast called mee in Iesus Christ to euerlasting purity 1 Pet. 4. and granted that by truth and vpright faith I should taste of the sweetnesse of thy grace and goodnesse become the dwelling place of thy holy Spirit and heire of thy heauenly Kingdome lead me alwaies by the selfe same spirit that I may walke forward in true repentance striuing and wrastling continually against sinne making progresse in pietie and knowledge of thee growing vp in all Christian vertues as a new-borne creature and that the more thou prolongest my daies on earth I may the more encrease in a stronger faith in thee grant that I may escape for my life and not looke behinde mee Gen. 19.17 that I turne not to my vomit aâ—gaine as the Dog and the Sow that was washed Pro. 16 11. 2 Pet. 2.22 to her wallowing in the mire so that the last bee worser then the first yea my God Luk. 11.26 my strength is nought how easily am I ouercome but thou art hee that giuest both to will and to doe according to thy good pleasure Phil. 2.13 so wilt thou also strengthen perfect and accomplish this thy worke thou hast begunne in me vntill my last end forsake me not that I doe not leaue thee take not thy hand and blessing from mee ô God my Redeemer trie mee and know my heart examine and prooue my thoughts Ps. 139.33 if I bee in the wrong way bring mee to the right path Psal. 26 2. that I may walke as the childe of light before thee in holinesse and righteousnesse all the daies of my life that so I may walke and liue after thy godly will and pleasure through Iesus Christ my Lord and Sauiour Amen CHAP. III. Wherein is contained six poynts which appertaine to a true Christian life Flesh. NOw seeing I daily encrease in repentance and must looke for great opposition whiles I am in the right way how should I behaue my selfe that my faith faile noâ— and that I goe not astray Spirit That question deare Soule is verie necessarie for albeit wee be regenerate are become Gods children by Faith yet carry wee these pretious iewels in earthen vessells and weake bodies and therefore Sathan euer goeth about like a Roaring-Lyon 2. Cor. 4.7 seeking to deuoure vs and plotteth all his engins against vs the World with her glistering shew giues euill Example verie pleasant to Flesh Bloud which also it gladly followeth and remembreâ—h not that the Broad-Way leadeth to Damnation and many enter therein and therefore deare Soule if thou wouldest continue in thy course and attayne to the end of thy Faith which is 1. Pet. 1.9 The Saluation of thy Soule thou must daily lay these Sixe Poynts before thy eyes and haue them in thy heart that thou mayest carrie thy selfe in life and conuersation thereafter continually 1 Wait diligently vpon the hearing of the Word learne to vnderstand practise and vse the same 2 Remember euer thy Baptisme 3 Often after due examination communicate of the Lords-Supper 4 See thou rightly behaue thy selfe in all worldly crosses or aduersities 5 Abide in thy calling with all watchfulnesse 6 Pray continually The
thine in Iesus Christ in whose name wee call vpon thee as hee hath â—aught vs saying Our Father c. FINIS THE SOVLES REQVEST OR A most sweet and comfortable Dialogue betweene CHRIST and the SOVLE full of heauenly and spiritual consolaâ—ionâ— to 〈◊〉 vp the heart cast 〈◊〉 for sinne and sence of Gods wrath PSALMâ— 27.8.9 When thou saydest seeke my face 〈…〉 said vnto thee thy faâ—e Lord I 〈…〉 Hide not thy face farre from 〈…〉 seruant away in anger c. LONDON Printed by Edw 〈…〉 Iohn Marriot and are to be 〈◊〉 at his shop at the White flowe◠〈◊〉 â—uce neere Fetterâ—lane end in Fleet-street 1618. TO THE WORshipful his approued good Friend M r. William Howpill grace mercie and peace in our Lord Iesus Christ. LVke the Euangelist writeth his Histâ—rie of Christ God Luc. 1.3 and Man and dedicated it to Theophilus a louer of God 2 Iob. 1.1 Iohn the Apostle writeth to the elect Ladie of Chriâ—stian loue And who should haue more interest in this my small Dialogue of spirituall comfort then they by whome the bowels of the Saints are so often refreshed Phiâ— 7. Life it selfe is tedious where the taste of the assurance of mercie is absent what peace can please where the peace of conscience raigneth not and that loue of God is not shed abroad in the heart Rom. 5.5 by the holy Ghost which is giuen vs wher forgiuenes of sin is not sealed in the soule filled with ioy which no man can take away what dainties can like when wee eate not that fatted calfe Luc. 15.23 1 Cor. 5.7 Mat. 22.12 Reuel 2.17 and pascall Lambe Iesus Christ that clâ—athed with his righteousnesse as with a garment we may enioy that hidden Manna and tree of life which is in the middest of the Paradice of God Ibid. vers 7. quenching out thirst with those pure waters of life Of the which according to the measure of grace giuen mee I haue briefly written which I recommend vnto your Worship And I beseech the God of all comfort according to the riches of his mercie hee would make you feele and fill you with all heauenly consolation that you may glorying in the Lord looke for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God Tit. 2.13 and our Sauiâ—ur Iesus Christ to your immortalitie To whom be all power and praise in the Church for euer 2 Tim. 4.8 Amen Your Worships in all christian duties Bartholl Robertson THE SOVLES REQVEST OR A most comfortable Dialogue betwixt Christ and the Soule full of spirituall and heauenly consolations to raise vp the heart cast downe for sin and sense of Gods wrath CHRIST O My Beloued Soule why art thou so sad frettest in thy breast knowest thou not that thy afflictions are so sanctified by my spiritâ— that euen thereby thou art made partaker of my holines Heb. 12.10 Heb. 12.14 1 Thess. 1.6 Gal. 6.14 enioyest the sweet fruit of righteousnesse and obtainest a greater measure of ioy in the Holy Ghost that thereby thou art crucified to the world and the world vnto thee haue I not put sweet wood in these bitter waters to make them sauoury destroyed that death that was in the pot of thy troubles by the meale of my mercies greeueth it thee to wade in the waters which I haue swimmed in The SOVLE O Sauiour giue mee that most precious dearest giue of all thy Holy Spirit the Comforter that I may offer a voluntary and free sacrifice of obedience to thee Giue mee that thou askest and aske what thou wilt Alas as of all other kinde of sinne so haue I in my selfe sufficient matter and seede to breed this corruption for in my feeling I cannot see comfort in my sufferings in so exceeding great measure is my vnderstanding corrupt and affections disordered CHRIST I Worke the sense of sin and mercy by degrees in my children and the yeelding to one draweth on another Take heed least at any time there be in thee an vnbeleeuing heart to depart from mee the liuing God Heb. 3.12.13 lest thou be hardned through the deceiâ—fulnes of sinne To see the length height bredth and depth of my mercy is to behold thy sinne and naturall pollution but let not thine â—eart bee eaten vp with greefe Looke alwaies to my mercies thine enemy indeede is a Lyon and so am I and that of the Tribe of Iuda of thine owne flesh he is a Serpent I am that brazen Serpent to sting all the fiery inuasions of sinne death and condemnation if I be heere so to help thee what shall I doe in glory when I come with thousands of Angels hast thou no knowledge of saluation fearest thou thy sinne is there nothing but doubtfulnesse dulnesse and deadnesse in thee thou must know whatsoeuer knowledge experience and power is in mee the same is made thine 1 Cor. 1.30 I am my Fathers counseller and am thy wisdome the Teacher and the thing taught I haue no holinesse in my selfe by the flesh by being borne of my mother yet do saue great sinners seek then righteousnesse out of thy selfe in mee who being no sinner was accounted a sinner and punished as a sinner for thee that thou hauing no righteousnesse mightest bee accounted righteous and rewarded as righteous through mee who am thy righteousnesse Hebr. the authour and finisher of thy saluation so that albeit of thy selfe to perseuere it seemeth impossible yet with mee it is both possible easie And as for the multitude of thy sinnes whereof thou complainest and thou doest well Marie-Magdalen had seuen Deuills yet first honoured with the sight of my Resurrection Moreouer Mathew a notorious and infamous Sinner crowned with the dignitie of an Euangelist and Paule whosâ— clothes tooke a Purple-dye and Crimson colour in the bloud of the Saints is one of the chief and glorious Apostles Thy naturall corruptions I doe chaunge into the power of a supernaturall grace thy wounded spirit vnto a peace of mind I am the Lord of the whole earth and the heyre of heaueÌ„ yet had not wherwith to helpe my necessitie A Lord of Libertie and yet put in Prison and yet am thy Redemption who will not suffer thee to be ouercome and wil wholly free thee from sin and anguishes in the life to come I cannot lye beleeue my Word whereby I am euidently set forth Gal. 31. and crucified before thy heart Attend Prayer which worketh a feeling of thy faith in mee To Heauen I tell thee I haue a two-fold title one by Inheritance which I reserue to my selfe alone another by purchace and conquest which I haue giuen thee freely and wilt thou not relie on these my Mercies The SOVLE LOrd Iesus I doe often call to mind the things thou hast done for thy glory and my Soules health the matter of my thankfulnesse but I do perseuere in sinne and deserue not the least crumme of Mercie that fall from thy Table anie more
ones for so saith the Redeemer Take eat this is my body Matth. 26.16 Mar. 14.22 Luk. 22.19 Cor. 11.24 which is giuen for you to the remission of sins and againe Take and eat all hereof this cup is the new Testament in my bloud which is shed for you Meditation of the Soule for the receiuing of the Communion Now heare my Soule what delicates the Lord thy Sauiour presenteth before thee in this his table truely not bare and naked bread and wine but his body and bloud for the bread which wee breake is it not the Communion of the body of Christ and the cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the Communion of the bloud of Christ 1 Cor. 10.16 therefore beleeue I and know that my Lord Iesus Christ both God and Man according to his institution is present to my Soule giues his body and bloud to bee eaten and drunke spiritually by a true and liuely faith wrought in me by his holy spirit and applying the merits and benefits of his death vnto mee the manner and way being best knowen vnto himselfe yea Lord Iesus thou thy selfe art here my host and I thy guest heere come I poore creature out of the wicked wildernes of this world fraught with trouble and misery and bring with mee an hungry thirsty and languishing yet a faithfull heart reuiue me my Lord Iesus by this thy table and strengthen mee by this nourishment that I may bee satiate and safe Approach heereunto my Soule to strengthen thy faith and quicken thy heart Ioh. 20.27 and bee not longer faithlesse but faithfull beâ—hold the Lord thy Redeemer assureth thee as with a true token and pawne that thou of meere grace and mercy art appoynted heire of all his blessings and hee imputes vnto thee whatsoeuer he hath procured by the sacrifice of his body and bloud to wit the forgiuenesse of all thy sinnes Rom. 4.8 that righteousnesse which is accepted before God and eternall life all these shall aâ— certainely be thine as if thou in thine own person hadst hung vpon the crosse and there merited them yea and he witnesseth heereby that thou for his sake art counted before God as righteous holy and as beloued as Christ himselfe is and moreouer by the same Sacrament through the holy Spirit he giueth himself vnto thee Reu. 3.20 to dwell with thee and sup with thee neuer to depart froÌ„ thee but worke a new life ioy light yea Lord Iesus so am I in thee Ioh. 17.23 Eph. 5.30 and thou in mee and I will sticke vnto thee my Redeemer as a liuing member to a liuing body as a bride vnto her bridegroome for I am a member of thy body Ioh. 15.4 of thy blood and bones yea I am in thee as the branch is in the vine and as a bough receiueth continuall sap vertue from the trees roote so doe I draw comfort life and quickening from thee and so by a true faith both in soule and body abide in thee and thou in mee by thy holy spirit that neither death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor nor things present nor things to come nor hight nor depth nor any other creature can separate me from thy loue A prayer when thou hast receiued the Communion Praised bee thou O God my Sauiour for thy fatherly care ouer me for preparing this heauenly banquet for me whereby I may quench the appetite of my hungry soule and mittigate the thirst of my heart so that now by this meanes I depart emboldened and established in grace and faith will follow thee my Redeemer with courage Heb. 13.9 will abide constantly with thee and remayne in perseuerance with thee through thy spirit vnto the last gaspe Amen Meditation of receiuing the holie Communion Thou hast said Doe this in my remembrance O my God how holie is the memorie of that how inwardly am I comforted therewith for by this sacrament I call to minde many other Festiual daies and times for in thy Table I remember thy Natiuitie for it testifieth vnto mee that thou in verie deed hast taken my human nature vpon thee and art farre neerer joyned vnto mee than vnto the Angells for thou in no sort tookedst vpon thee the Angells nature but thou tookest the seed of Abraham it likewise represeÌ„teth vnto mee that thou art the true Sacrifice for sinnes and therefore doe I eate the right Pasouer 1. Cor. 5.7 euen Christ which is sacrificed for mee as also I beleeue and trust seeing I am thy member and that thou art risen from the dead and liuest so shall I also so that thou wilt not leaue my Soule in Graue neyther shall death haue power ouer mee but I shall rise and sing vnto the Lord in the land of the liuing and possesse that place where thou my head Iesus Christ liuest world without end And all these things are engrafted and sealed in mee by thy holie Spirit of Promise 1. Eph. 13.14 which is the earnest of my Inheritance for the redemption of that libertie purchased vnto the prayse of his glorie whereby also peace and joy is kindled in my hart for I receiue the spirit of adoption whereby I crie Abba Father the same Spirit bearing witnesse to my Spirit Rom. 8.15 16. that I am the Sonne of God And not onely that but I participate the whole Trenitie the Father Sonne and Holie-Spirit who come vnto mee Ioh. 14.23 and dwell with mee so life euerlasting shall be bestowed vpon mee after this transitorie where I shall continually behold my Lord my God face to face and finally I haue here an vnion and fellowshippe with all the Saints for as hee sayd He that eateth my flesh Ioh. 6.56 and drinketh my bloud abideth in mee and I in him so hath hee sayde also that they all may bee one as thou O Father art in mee and I in thee euen that they may be also one in vs for we that are many are one bread and one bodie because wee are all partakers of one bread how joyfull am I of this heauenlie companie how glad am I of thy Saints to whose number thou hast adopted mee for the which I giue thee thankes honour and prayse for euermore Besides this it is written as oft as you eate of this Bread and drinke of this Cup ye declare the Lords death vntill his comming againe wherein deare Soule I am rauished to the contemplation of the Third-heauen with Paule whereof this thy last Supper is as it were an entry and beginning for in thy Fathers Kingdome I shall sit downe with Abraham Isaack and Iacob and there feed vpon Thee the Bread of Life eternally and therefore sigh I from the bottome of my heart saying euen so Come Lord Iesus come quickly my Redeemer and tarrie not and therefore I am taught to powre out hartie thanksgiuings for all thy blessings wherewith thou hast blessed mee in heauenly things in
thy word doe I hope My Soule wayteth for thee O Lord more than they which watch for the morning if it be thy pleasure O Redeemer and profitable and necessarie for my selfe that I should liue be preserued from death and destruction because that I may liue hereafter a godly holie and Christian life to my last end but if it shall not be thy will to prolong my dayes but that I must depart out of this world theÌ„ come Lord Iesus Christ my Redeemer receiue my soule into thy hands and giue me place and possession in Paradise in Abrahams bosome with the blessed Angells and all Saints Amen Flesh. Shew mee how I should vse the ordinarie meanes of Physicke in time of sicknesse Spirit Fourthly thou mayest conueniently vse ordinarie meanes and physicke then giue place to the physitian for the Lord hath created him Let him not goe from thee for thou hast need of him but beware that thou haue not recourse vnto the Physitian before thou come vnto the Lord for so did King Asa â— Chr. 16.12 when hee was diseased in his Feet therefore the Lord gaue no blessing vnto his Physicke and so he dyed But especially take heed that you vse no forbidden means and aske not counsell of Witches or those which doe helpe by the meanes of the Deuill through the abuse of Gods holie name 2 Kin. 1.6 for so did King Ahaziah consult with the Idoll of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether he should recouer of his disease Is it because there is not a God of Israell that thou sendest to inquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron therefore thou shalt not come off from that bedd on which thou art gone vp but shalt surely dye Be circumspect also and seeke out the best practised and skilfullest Physitians for mans bodie is the pretious creature of God and should be honoured and no wayes neglected Another Prayer for the Sicke I thanke thee Lord Iesus Christ true Physitian of my soule that thou hast cured my heart and clensed it from sinne by that heauenlie medicine from aboue I earnestly intreat thee who hast made all things that thou wouldest blesse these outward helpes and meanes which thou hast ordayned Mat. 8.2 Lord if thou wilt thou canst make mee whole and by these ayds restore mee to health but if thou wilt not those cannot helpe mee Loe here I am doe with mee according to thy will and pleasure so that euer respect bee had to thy glorie my weale and saluation Graunt these blessings vnto mee for Iesus Christ thy sonnes sake in whose name I pray vnto thee saying Our Father which art in Heauen c. Flesh. Shew mee how I may obtayne the gift of Patience in the time of sicknesse Spirit Fiftly deare Soule see thou alwayes lay hold on patience and request the Lord that he would preseâ—ue thee from impatiencie O how pretious a thing is patience to trust alwaies in the Lords help for it is of the Lords mercie that wee are not consumed Lam. 3.22 because his compassions fayle not they are new euerie morning great is his faithfulnesse for faith and patience cannot bee disseuered Heb. 6.12 Be not therfore slothfull but bee a follower of them who through faith and patience inherit the promiâ—e â—o if we rejoyce in the hope of the glorie of God weâ— must also glorie in tribulations knowing that tribulations worke patience and patience Experience Rom. 5.2.3 4.5 and experience Hope anâ— hope maketh not ashamed Behold and immitate thy Sauiour Iesus Christ Pet. 2.21.24 who hath left vs an example that we should follow hiâ— steps who his owne selfâ— bâ—re our sinnâ—s in his own bodie on the tree and euer committed himselfe to him that iudgeth righteously so must wee take all â—hings patiently for this is acceptable with God and in this must wee â—esemble euen our young ones who when their headakes come and make their mâ—anes to their mothers layes downe their heads in their mothers laps and crie for helpe euen so do thou my deere Soule make thou thy lamentation before the Lord cast thy burthen vpon him and hee shall sustaine thee Euening and Morning Ps. 55.22 vers 17. and Noone pray and crie aloud and let him heare thy voyce and exspect him with patience And aboue all things flie impatience for it destroyeth and corrupteth all Christian vertues it offendeth God our Lord it hindereth letteth praier and maketh vs the longer that it holds the more vehement we are so as Patience is a pretious and powerfull hearbe so Impatiencie is venimous and poyson to the heart The Sicke persons prayer for patience Take from mee Lord Iesus that noysome offence of impatiencie keep mee that it neuer haue dominion ouer mee least I make the crosse thereby heauier but plant Christian patience in my heart that I may continually attend thy blessed time and leisure for thy time is the right and thy season the true season Indeed truely make mee continually be stedfast in Hope and put my whole confidence in thâ—e 1. Cor. 10 1â— for thou art true and wilt suffer none to be tempted aboue his strength And this I intreate thee for Iesus Christ thy Sonnes sake Amen Flesh. Shew mee some comforts if sicknâ—sse continue long with mee that so I may not despaire in Gods mercie Spirit Sixtly deare Soule if thy sicknesse abide longer time than thy expectation was thinke not that the lord hath forgot thee but vnderstand that in the greatest crosses thou art dearest vnto him Ps. 55.19 but the wicked because they haue no changes therefore they feare not God But as for thee no more than a mother can forget her child can hee forget thee Esa. 49.15.16 for behold he hath graueÌ„ thee vpon the palmes of his hands yea the sicker the child is the greater is the mothers loue and the more diligently watchfully doth she attend and so doth the Lord with thee speakes he not consolation in thy heart and saith Art thou not my deare Sonne and beloued child Ier. 31.20 I haue loued thee with an euerlasting loue therefore with louing kindnesse haue I drawne thee thy Soule shall be as a watered Garden 12. and thou shalt not sorrow any more at all I will satiate thy Soule with fatnesse 14. and thou shalt bee satisfied with goodnes saith the Lord and therefore the Lord is mercifull and gratious slow to anger and plenteous in mercie Ps. 103.8 9 10.11.13 he will not alwayes chide neyther will hee keepe his anger for euer Hee hath not dealt with vs after our sinnes nor rewarded vs according to our iniquities for as the heauen is high aboue the earth so great is his mercy toward them that feare him like as a Father pittieth his children so the Lord hath pittie of them that feare him Loe deare Soule thy Father nor mother haue such pittie towards thee as thy Sauior and therefore thou oughtest to
thy dearest friends then say Hide not thy face farre from me Psal. 27.9 10. put not away thy seruant in anger thou hast beene my helpe leaue me not neither forsake mee ô God my saluation When my father and my mother forsake mee then the Lord will take mee vp In another place Psal. 73.25 26. whom haue I in heauen but thee and there is none vpon the earth that I desire but thee my flesh and my heart failes but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for euer If Sathan say thou must yet neuerthelesse die answer blessed are the dead which die in the Lord Reu. 14.13 and if hee proceede and say thou shalt neuerthelesse be condemned for hee will not depart at one repulse then mayest thou with all boldnesse and courage of Spirit say Thou liâ—st Satan for thou art a lyer from the beginning for none that beleeue in Iesus Christ shall perish but shall haue euerlasting life The sicke persons prayer for comfort and victory ouer all tentations of Sathan O thou Lord Iesus Christ Almighty destroyer of hell death and condemnation and eternall victor and conquerour for mee strengthen mee in all my weaknesse by thy holy Spirit that I may take vnto me the whole armour of God Eph. 6.13 that I may be able to withstand in the euill day and hauing finished all things to stand fast my loynes girded about with verity 14. and hauing on the brest-plate of righteousnesse and my feet shod with the preparation of the Gospell of peace 15. 16. hauing the shield of faith wherewith I may bee able to quench all the fierie darts of the wicked 17. the helmet of saluation and sword of the spirit which is thy word 18. and pray alwayes with all manner of prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseuerance That thus being in armes like a valiant champion and Christian souldier I may manfully fight vnder thy banner and hauing ouercome may through thy grace bee crowned with glory wherethou art at the right hand of thy father in the heauens blessed God for euer and euer Amen Flesh. Shew mee how I may conclude my dayes and coÌ„mend my spirit to God Spirit As for the â—ighth and ninth point beloued soule looke to the end of thy sicknesse and if thou shalt perceiue that thou canst not liue long then with all patience thou mayest say Act. 7.59 Lord Iesus Christ receiue my Soule I desire to be dissolued to be with thee Into thy hands O Lord I commend my spirit And continue herein euen to thy last gaspe and when words and motions of thy outward members shall begin to fayle thee then betake thee to thy inward and most heauenly contemplations as of the place whether thou art going of them that are there before thee of the Saints to whom thou shalt be welcome and of Iesus Christ the Doore and Way by whom thou shalt enter with whom thou shalt be blessed eternally But if it shall so bee that God shall restore thee to thy wonted health then thanke him all thy life time both in heart and word and deed and giue diligent heed seeing thou art made whole Iohn 5.14 that thou sinne no more least a worse euill come vnto theâ— Wherfore fall vpon thy knees and oft and diuers times recite this Prayer following A thanksgiuing after sicknesse I thanke thee Almightie Lord God that thou so kindly fatherly hast visited and chastised mee for my offences it is good for mee that thou hast humbled mee that I might learne thy precepts O my God how often remeÌ„bred I thy deare seruant king Ezekiah who sayd I shall not see the Lord Esa. 38.11.12 euen the Lord in the land of the liuing I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the Earth my age is departed and is gone from mee as a Sheepeheards Tent I haue cut off like a Weauer my life from day euen to night thou wilt make an end of mee But I now vnderstaÌ„d O Lord that this my sicknesse is not vnto death but for the glorie of God that thou Son of God mightest be glorified thereby for thou hast had mercie vpon mee thou hast cast all my sinnes behind thy back Thou louedst my soule and deliueredst it from the pit of corruption how comfortably hast thou turned my sicknesse into health I thanke thee my God yea I thanke thee from the bottom of my hart that thou hast raysed mee from my bed that I may visit and frequeÌ„t thy house walke in my calling and perfit my actions Lam. 3 22. It is of thy goodnesse and mercies that I am not consumed because thy compassions fayle not O how oft should I remember this thy rod of correction how wisely should I walke all my dayes that I may eschew thy wrath assist mee my God that with the new health of my bodie I may begin to lead a new life graunt that I may alwayes praise thy name gouerne mee by thy holy Spirit that I may glorifie thee by my life and not giue my membersweapons of vnrighteousnesse to serue sinne for thou hast deliued my soule from death which hath waited for me thou art my help and my shield my heart shall reioyce heereafter euery moment in thee for thou hast compassed me with songs of deliuerance I will praise thee in the congregation in the midst of the people I will sing vnto thee ô Lord To whom be praise and glory now and for euer Amen CHAP. V. Containing a spiritual confutation of all worldly fleshly thoghts which molest-men when as they intend the Art to die well Flesh. FOr so much as the Christian in his sicknesse or in any other estate should daily aduise himselfe on the houre of his death yet notwithstanding there are many terrours in mens hearts whereby they are afraid of Death Spirit That is naturall deare soule for our nature in the beginng was not created to dy but to liue but death is come into the world by sione for death is the wages of sinne Rom. 5.12 Yea beloued Soule like as death is a consumer of all that haue life so all that haue life are foes enemies to death for seeing man of nature hath but a short time to liue it is no maruell neither yet sinne nor to bee discommended in any man to be afâ—aid of death and to auoyd it by all meanes possible Wee haue a remarkable example in our Sauiour Iesus Christ hee began to bee sorrowfull and very heauy before death Mat. 25.37 for hee knew that his howre did approach for albeit there were many causes of his sorrow and sadnesse vpon the mount of Oliues yet was this one because hee was a very true man and had in him all our naturall conditions and affections and therefore while the God-head which is the Word rested it selfe and held it selfe quiet in that anguish of his
CHRIST IS there nothing to bee obtayned of Mee vnlesse thou bring of thy own to present mee withall Is not this to discredit my Mercie to bring credit to thy Merits and rather to binde Mee to thee than thee to Mee Is there not with mee plentifull Redemption If thy sins be great my redemption is greater thy merits are beggarly my Mercie is a Rich Mercie If thy perill bee not come euen to a desperate case and past hope of recouery there is no prayse of redemption for herein is the power of it that when all sins haue gone ouer thy head and all creatures Sun Moon Heauen and Earth c. come as it were in iudgement against thee yet a cleare and full ransome shal be giuen in thy hand therewith to purchase thy deliuerance beyond all expectation and so as it were to fetch something out of nothing And when I put to the ordinarie meanes it is not to withdraw my helpe in vsing the means but traine vp thy faith that after I may make knowne vnto thee I haue a helpe beyond all helps for I come to them that calleth not for mee the possessed that would not doe I cure and the dead that cannot doe I rayse Beleeuest thou this The SOVLE LOrd my sight is verie dimme to behold Thee that Serpent exalted in the Wildernesse my Faith is as smoaking Flax Blow on it I pray thee by the wind of thy Spirit anâ— make it burne more cleare My sins and conscience arrest mee and summon mee before thy iustice thou my Iudge art greater who knowest all and righteous are thie iudgements CHRIST THou poore Soule pourest out the sence of thy inward sight on the wrong object Thou gazest on Sathan the false accuser of the brethren and on Sâ—nne thy guilt but beholdest not Mee the Lambe of God that taketh away thy sinne I am not come to call the â—ighteous but Sinners â—o Repentance Mat. 9.12 If thou be grieued for sinne I am for thee The whole need no Physitian but the sicke I will bind vp thy sores and heale all thy woundes Soule be of good comfort thy sinnes are forgiuen thee I inuite all the Wearie and Laden to come to mee and I will ease them Mat. 11.28 Feelest thou the burthen of thy sinne I am for such as thou art with a troubled and aking conscience Esa. 44.22 for I put away their transgressions as a thicke Cloud and Sinnes as Mist I doe cast them in the bottome of the Sea Mic. 7.19 Esa. 43.25 I put them away I say for my owne Mercies sake for what art thou but dust and ashes yea a wind that goeth and returneth not But I thy Aduocate with thy Father euen thy owne Iesus Christ Heb. 7.25 the righteous who am perfectly able to saue all those that come vnto God by Mee who am Euer-liuing to make intercession for thee For by my owne bloud I haue once entered the Holie-place and obtayned eternall redemption for thee Heb. 9.22 Why lookest thou to thy sinne and wages thereof I euen I was made sinne for thee who knew no sinne that thou mayest bee made the righteousnesse of God in Mee 2. Cor. 5.21 I was wounded for thy transgressions and broken for thy inquities the chastisement of thy peace was vpon mee With my stripes thou art healed Esa. 53.5 and now I doe require this Who dâ—th lay any thing to thy charge Rom. 8. it is I that iustifie thee Who shall condemne thee it is I that died or rather which is risen agayne for thee who am at the right hand of God and maketh request for thee Haue not I lead captiuitie captiue Col. 2.25 spoyled principalliâ—ies and powers and made an open shew of them and triumphed ouer them in my Crosse 1 Coâ— 15.25 O Death I will be thy Death O Graue I will be thy destruction yea O Death where is thy Sting O Graue where is thy victorie O but I pittifully complaine Ps. 81.13 O that thou wouldest hearken vnto mee for then thy prosperitie would bee as the floud Esa. 48 18. and thy righteousnesse as the waters of the Sea Hos. 6.4 and now what shall I doe vnto thee How shall I entreat thee What can I doe vnto thee that I haue not done I beseech thee 2. Cor. 5.20 I beseech the I say be reconciled vnto God for my father so loued the World that hee hath giuen Mee vnto it that whosoeuer beleeueth in Mee should haue euerlasting Life And I my selfe trust Me haue set out my loue to thee that when thou wast a sinner I died for thee much more beeing now iustified by my bloud thou shalt be saued from wrath by Mee Rom 5.8 When thou wast an enemie thou wast reconciled to God by my death much more beeing reconciled thou shalt be saued by my Life I was partaker of thy flesh and bloud yea and became a Worme Ps. â—2 6 for all creatures almost to treade vpon mee For thee I was made obedient to death yea to the death of the Crosse Manie more degrees did I The Sonne of righteousnesse goe backe that thou maiest be certified of eternal life than the Sunne did in Ezechias time to assure him the lengthening of his temporall Life Let nothing shake thy faith how weake soeuer it be Come to Mee haue Milke and Honie and of the Well of the Water of Life freely Reu. 21.6 Take here Eye-salue that thou mayest see and amend that blindnesse thou art in and looke to my euerlasting mercies that endure for â—uer sinnes past cannot hurt thee if sinnes present doe not like thee and in finne thou takest no pleasure The SOVLE O Tâ—y lips are full of grace thy words sweeter then the hony the honycomb O that I might eat them thy word spoken to me now is like an apple of gold with pictures of siluer Pro. 25 11. I wash my garment in thy bloud by it that hand-writing that was against me is cancelled and anulled but this scruple rest that I doe euermore yet sinne this body of sinne dwelling in me is so pregnant and powerfull I feare it will bring forth the fruit of the flesh which is death and euerlasting condemnation CHRIST WHy doest thou attribute â—o much strength to thy poysoned nature and derogatest srom mine infinite mercy and grace thou wilt not nor canst not denie but God hath giuen mee a perfect Redeemer vnto thee hee hath sealed on thee the assurance therof by his holy Spirit the Word and Spirit haue begot faith in thee by which thou hast begotten ioyes in heauenly things This ioy hath wrought a sincere heart and well willingnesse to please God accompanied with loue vnfained to my father aboue and brethren on earth thou hast a care tâ—â— obey the Commandements and a renewed feare to please God â—hy sinne rebuked worketh I know in thee a mourning spirit are not thy â—eareâ— in my
Faith and not by feeling I teach thee humilitie and not to glorie but in infirmiâ—ies 2. Cor. 11.30.31 for Paul for all his Reuelations was afraid of Aretas and let downe in a basket Elias who commaunded as it were the Heauens to rayne and not to raine hid himselfe in a caue from Iesabell 1. â—i 19.9 Iacob was afraid of his brother Abraham of Pharoah and the Philistims in Gerah O how dearly loued I them but when the starre appeareth againe Mat. â— the wisemen reioiced with an exceeding great ioy Rachel had Labans gods which made him more eager to seeke them I may frowne for a while yet not alwaies retaine my anger No truely Ps. 103.9 I am not angrie at all as a Iudge to punish but as a Father to correct a brother to admonish I cannot cease to loue my owne members Doth anie man strike his owne flâ—sh at any time Thou art one of my members ingrafted in my body by my Spirit and a liuely faith I haue said and doe not repent thou that beleeuest in me art deliuered from the power of darkenesse by my Father and art translated into the kingdome of Mee his deare Sonne The SOVLE THe wordes that thou speakest sweet Redeemer of Mankind are Spirit and Life but thou speakest of affections reformed which I find not How cold are my Prayers O how hard is my hart it cannot powre it selfe out like Water before Thee it cannot admit any impression of thy Word or finger of thy spirit my wauering faith is not confirmed by it I lacke that heauenly light to discerne of my troubles and crosses aright Finally I haue little or no comfort in thy Word wanting the apprehending applyâ—â—g faith the hand of my Soule O Sonne of Dauid haue mercy vpon me miserable sinner O sweet Samaritan take mee vp which am halfe dead CHRIST THou hast redemption in my bloud Col. 1.14 euen the forgiuenesse of thy sinnes for they shall neuer bee imputed vnto thee neither heere nor elsewhere neither doe they raigne in thy mortall body but thou hast a serious reluctation against them neither thy vnworthines maketh thee vncapable of the greatest mercies they are of my meere and free loue and grace thou art not the obiect of thine owne faith but I my merits obedience who am by faith vnited vnto thee as a head to a member then look vpon mee I am in thee and thou art in me that which God hath conioyned who can separate it or who can plucke thee out of my fathers hand my father and I am one and my Spirit which hath wrought in thee that desire of profiting by the Word whereof thou so heauily complainest will make thee reape manifold fruits of the immortall seed of the Word in due season which is sowed in the furrowes of thy hart I do feed thee for a time with a sparing hand to sharpen thine appetite wait and trust on me and I will comfort thy heart Psal. 27.16 truly flesh and bloud hath not reuealed the hardnes of thy heart vnto thee but my spirit which worketh the sight of thy corruptions Esa. 63. â—7 I which haue begunne this good worke will performe it Phil. 1.6 It is good for thee that thou bewailest thy defects and wants quench not these motions of my spirit in thee prayer is my gift it is I that worke both the will deede Lam. 1.22 it is I that mark thy many sighs the faintings of thy heart yea my spirit doth make request for thee with sighs that cannot bee expressed when thou holdest thy peace or little knowest of it The sacrifice of God are not words Psal. 51.17 but a contrite spirit a contrite and broken heart I will not despise I know thy thoughts before thou thinke them Psal. 1 39.2 thy sighing is not hid from me I doe heaâ—e thy desire Psal. 38.9 Psal. 10.17 it is I that doe put vp as Mediator betwixt thee and my father thy prayers vnto the golden viols which are full of the precious odours of my merits thereby perfumeth and maketh them an offring of sweet smelling sauour vnto him Reu. 5.8 and purgeth their corruptions in my bloud and vnto my throne there is a purple ascent the perfectest bewty is the perfectest mixture of red and white afflictions staineth not but adorneth the beautie of my graces The SOVLE I Am not so washed I see in the lauer of regeneration but that there remaineth in mee slaines of that scarlet engrained die of my corruption I am not wholly spirit as the carnall man is wholly slesh but 〈◊〉 at ciuill wars within my selfe In the spirit I serue the Law of God in the flesh the law of sinne O deare Iesus grant me thy spirit grace 1 Thess. 5.22 that I may auoid the occasions of sinne I may make conscience of my lâ—ast sinnes I may carefully watch ouer my heart that I be not surprized at vnawares I may rest in thy promised assistance and not in mine owne power and haue recourse vnto thee by feruent praier crauing thy ayd that I may bee enabled to stand in the daie of temptations but alas deare Sauiour it vexeth mee greatly that I doe not much Lord thou knowest feele my faith nor the fruits thereof which maketh mee I know not what to thinke that I haue no true faith or if I haue it is yet in the infancy thereof CHRIST FAith is the eye hand and foot of the Soule for by it it commeth seeth and layeth hold on mee seeke light in the Word which is Truth by praier that thou bee not deceiued and follow the same light so farre as thou shalt be warranted thereby the conscience maketh the assumption but examined it by my word lest thou fall in errour and for to learne deere Soule to discerne betwixt the punishment for sinne and trial of thy faith patience and purging of Sinne for I often afflict inwardly the soule with deep sense of sinne and the bodie with crosses outwardly not to prosecute sinne in thee Ier. 51.7 for then it should follow that as the wicked mine enemies exceede in sinne so should they exceed in afflictions also but thee I lead as a louing Spouse with cords of aman Hos. 11.4 euen with bands of loue for whom I loue I rebuke For I am good a strong hold in the daie of trouble and know them that trust in me Nah. 1.7 Nourish this in thine heart it is more certaine and durable then heauen and earth The SOVLE O My sweet Sauiour thou hast taken my feet out of the mire I stucke iâ— Psal. 4.1 Luk. 1.49 and put me at more large liberty of minde thou that art mighty hast done for me great things and holy is thy name thou wilt performe thy worke toward me O Lord Psal. 138.8 thy mercie endureth for euer forsake not the worke of thy owne hands thou hast deliuered me from
sustayning it the more Sathan winneth thee the more effectuall is my intercession that thy Faith fayle not the feebler thy faith is in appreheÌ„ding mee the more powerfull is my Spirit in apprehending thee and in ioyning thee inseperably with mee I wil not condemne the least measure of my grace bestowed vpon thee neyther take it away after it is once bestowed but rather to him that hath will I giue Mat. â—5 29 vntill he haue aboundance Hee that hath one taleÌ„t shall haue it double I doe reproue for small faith but neuer for weake faith no not him who in the sence of his weaknesse sayd vnto mee Mar 9.24 Lord I beleeue helpe my vnbeliefe The SOVLE O Lord increase my faith Luk. 1.68 Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel because thou hast visited and redeemed my Soule and hast raysed vp the horne of saluation vnto mee that beeing deliuered from my enemies and the hands of all that hate mee I should serue thee without feare all the dayes of my life in holinesse and righteousnesse before thee O how great is that peace of conscience and ioy in the Holie Ghost which may be tasted but cannot be vttered Now will I not dispute against my selfe longer for my actions for beeing displeased with my person I cannot be pleased with my doings The body of sinne shall neuer be from me while I liue the skum thereof is euer boyling in mee foming out stinking sauour in my mind I am wearie of my sinne yet there is no time too late to repent I will not count what I haue beene but what I would bee My workes will do nothing in the matter of my iustification which from thee in thee is freely giuen mee I cannot resist Sathan it is not possible I canne encounter him but in thee I am more than a Conqueror ouer them all Neuer one fulfilled the Law but thou and that thou hast giuen mee My conscience seruing the Lawe of Grace is a glorious Prince to triumph ouer sinne CHRIST O How faire art thou now my Loue Cant. 1.15 how fayre arâ— thou Thou hast Doues-eyes Thou hast seene thy shadow in the Water of Life I haue brought thee â—o the banquetting-house and my Banner ouer thee is Loue Ibid. 2.4 So much right haue thie sins against thee as how much they could doe against mee thou art in me and I in thee I haue become sinne for thee and Death like a Humming-Bee hath lost it sting I will tell thee deare soule the Wife is not suable but the Husband I haue made all thy enemies sufficient answer who shall iudge thee I am Iudge and acquite thee Loe heare my sentence I will not thy death To excuse thee I am better than the best man of Lawe euer was I was accursed for thee I am thy Law and libertie for sin I am thie Righteousnesse against Sathan thie Sauiour against Death thy Life Lay downe thy head in my lap with my beloued Iohn and take thy rest The SOVLE MEe-thinkes I heare â—he voyce of my beloued behold he commeth leaping ouer the Mountaines of my sinnes Cant. 2.8 skipping vpon the Hillâ— of my griefes Haue mercie vpon mee heale my soule for I haue sinned against thee forgiue all my iâ—iquities and heale all my infirmities yea thou healest those that are broken in heart and bindest vp their sores Why art thou cast downe oh my Soule and why art thou disquieted within mee Wait still on God for I will yet giue him thankes hee is my present helpe and my God Yet my Soule keep thou silence before God of him commeth thy saluation He is thy strength therfore shalt thou not much bee moued Henceforth sweet Iesus I will not measure thy loue by my sence humor neyther can any temptation ouer-take mee but such as hath fallen in the nature of man which haue all found mercie at thie hands that thou mightest bee feared Auoyd Sathan I am not vnder the Law but vnder grace My sinnes are not only pardonable but pardoned and from this time my conuersation is in Heauen But alas I doe yet dailie hourâ—lie and eâ—uerie minute sinne against thee Gen. 6.5 yea and euerie imagiâ—nation of the thoughts of my heart are onelie euill continually Because of my corrupâ—ion I am vnworthie and vnfit for the kingdome of heauen And where is then that weake faith which thoâ— earst requiredst in mee CHRIST I haue fulfilled the law that thou by mee 2. Co. 5.21 might be made my Righteousnesse for I did alwaies the things that pleased my father to abolish thy corâ—ruption Haue I not Ioh. 8.21 for thy sake sanctified my selfe In me are all the promises of God are 2. Cor. 1. yea and Amen vnto the glorie of God by thee For it pleased the Father that in mee all fulnesse should dwell in whom thou also art perfected for there is no condemnation to them that are in Mee I am thy Aduocate to pleade thie cause yea rather my own cause The question is not of thie worthinesse which thou renouncest but of the merit of my obedience and value of my death vnto thy saluation thy faith dependeth not vpon thy aduersaries testimonie It is enough that thou feelest by my grace that thou beleeuest yea that thou mayest the rather persuade thy selfe of Faith because he saith Thou hast none knowing that Sathan is not only a Murtherer from the beginning Ioh 8 44. and abode not in the truth but also a Lyer and the Father of it He is a notorious Deceiuer vnwoâ—thie of credit so ofâ— silâ—nced by mee and my seruants Mar 2.24 Act. 16. â—â— Content thee to haue a competent knowledge of the Mysterie of thy Saluation by Mee And whereas thou afflicted Soule desirest nothing more than to beleeue though thou feele not a present operation of comfort by faith yet that desire argueth a secret sence which thou now canst not easily discerne with assurance of better estate in time to come Esa. 65.13 Mat 5.6 Luk. 15.3 for thou art blessed that hungeredst for righteousnes I will surely fil such with good things This secret seed of faith nourished by my Spirit in thee witnesseth Sathans ejection out of thee by thy resistance which is a part of a former worke in thee Disquiet not thy heart for that thou wantest make vse of that thou hast which though it seeme little to thee yet is more thaÌ„ Sathan is able to ouercome Hee that fighteth is not yetcaptiue he â—hat staÌ„deth against his enemies face is not vanquished yea thy holding out in so great weakenesse argueth that thou standest by a greater strength than thy owne and shalt in the end triumph Rom. 8.10 For though the bodie bee deade in respâ—ct of Sinne yet the Spirit is Life for righteousnesse sake The Sinnes tâ—erefore proceeding from thie Corruption Rom. 7.17 are not thine but Workes of the Flesh wounded vnto death by My Death and shall bee abolished
finally by Death which shall end the battle betwixt the Flesh and the Spirit The Sunne and Moone doe not perish in their Eclipses no nor loose Light for euer Neyther the sence of my goodnesse in thee shall loose his vertue for euer I found thee when thou soughtest mee not I will returne vnto my owne worke I sende blessing with crosâ—es least thou shouldest despaire and crosses with blessinges least thou shouldest presume Grieue thee not at my vvise Dispensation The SOVLE I Finde deare Redeemer an interchangeable condition of Sorrowe and Comfort of Faith and Feare I haue had some affection to heare knowledge of thie Will purpose of amendment in zealâ— of Spirit called vpon Thee but nâ—w I am in such agonie and conflict of conscience that my Sinnes at all times yea in my Prayers yea while I begin to speake with thee â—ow sweet Iesus so liuely present themselues to my inward sight that I am almost agâ—st and at my Wits-end CHRIST AS the sence of an aguish Man is corrupt so is thie iudgement in Temptation things that are seeme not to be or not such as they are Heb. 10.32.34 Iob. 29.3 Ps. 77.6.12 spirituall things must bee spiritually discerned When Men are diseased deare Soule it cannot thereof bee concluded that they were neuer in health none can say they are a sleepe which are so indeed Preseâ—â— discomforts take away the sence of mercie for a time but in heauinesse and anguish of thy Spirit remember comforts past and assure thee of my returne in due time The day was when thy assurance of my fauor was such as Saâ—han himselfe could not then deny the testimony which then my Spirit did beare to thie Spirit Kom 8.16 greater than eyther the testimonie of Men or Angels for I loued thee before the foundation of the World was layd Be not cruell vnto thy owne bowells Why wouldst thou conspire with Sathan against thy selfe rather resist him 1. Pet. 5.9 beeing stedfast in Faith Resist him I say and hee will flie from thee for hee cannot worke any thing in thee but by thy own consent no motion shall hurt thee whereunto thou giuest not consent in hart thou hast no sinne whiles in heart thou longest to bee free from it thou wantest no goodnesse which in heart thou couetest tâ— haue Rom. 7. It is Sathans nature to contradict my spirit for thus hee doth distresse and anguish afflicted soules holding them in the cogitations of their sinnes and suffers them not to see the length bredth heigth and depth of my mercies Eph. 3.18 neither to know that my lâ—ue which passeth allvnderstanding that thou mayest be filled with all the fulnesse of mee who shall once determine these conslicting daies where I which am in the mids of the throne shall feede thee and lead thee vnto liuing fountaines of waters Reu. 7. â—7 14 13. Heb. 10.37 and shall wipe away all teares from thine eyes Cast not therefore away thy confidence which hath so great recompence of reward And to vse thine enemies weapons against himselfe he seeketh by torment of minde to driue thee to dispaire This is the most euident and sensible testimonie of grace and fauour with mee if thou feele iâ— thy selfe the conflict of the flesh and spirit that is of faith against vnbeleefe and of mee in thee against his power and which is more thou must know the worke of sanctification beginnes in the heart and thence floweth into our whole life Now thoughts meditations and desires are deeds before me and the fruits of faith are testifications of my spirit dwelling in thee more pregnant and euiden then they may or dare bee by Sathan himselfe denied Striue not so to that thou hast not as thou forget that which by my grace thou hast already but assure thee of the continuance of it for â—e that beleeueth maketh no haste but liueth by faith good things to come thou must hold in hope Hab. 2.3 and pursue them in peace for yet a little while and I that shall come Heb. 10.37 wil come and will not tarry couenant made in the sprinckling of my bloud My people after their calling may fal in many foul sins for this cause haue I coÌ„mended my mercy in the Law for many and seuerall sorts of sins Exod. 24.6.7 The Iewes in Esaias daies were as Sodom Gomorrha yet I said though their sinnes were â—s crimson Esa. 1.10 they should bee white as snow I exhorted them to turne to mee Esa. 31.6 which had deepely reuolted yea when they had rebelled and vexed my holy spirit yet I desired them to pray vnto mee and forgaue them Esa. 3.7.10 15.16 and did I not heare Ephraim bemâ—aning himselfe thus thou hast chastized me and I was chastized as a bullocke vnaccustomed to the yoake Ier. 31.18.20 turne thou me and I shall be turned thou art the Lord my God But since I did speake against him as now thou doest against thy selfe I do earnestly remember him still therefore my bowels are troâ—bled for him I wil surely haue mercy vpon him surely I am â—esus Christ vnchangeable was yesterday is to day and shall bee the same for euer Heb. 13.8.6 I am thy helper feare not what man can doe vnto thee wheÌ„ sicknes is at the highest then there is greatest hope of diminishing hee cannot bedrowned which hath his head aboue the water I am thy head in heauen who haue bruized the Serpents head on earth The SOVLE OH I feele if thy spirit make mee free Ioh. 8.36 I shall bee free indeede create in mee a cleane heart deare Iâ—â—us and renew a right spirit within mee restore to me the ioy of thy saluation and establish me with thy free spirit let my prayer be directed in thy sight as incense and the lifting vp of my hands as an euen sacrifice Psal. 141.2 Psal. 119.108 O Lord I beseech thee accept the free offerings of my mouth teach mee thy iudgements Zach. 19.9 Reioice greatly my Soule behold thy King is come vnto thee he is iust hauing saluation he is lowly O open ye the gates of my soule and let in the Prince of glorie Thou that dwellest in the heauens doest looke vnto me that am poore Esa. 66.2 and of a contrite hâ—â—r 〈◊〉 and I tremble at thy words I was very sore â—â—flicted ô Lord quicâ—en me according to thy word Psal. 119.10 119 52. I haue remembred thy iuâ—gements of olde and haue beene comforted I liue yet not I now but thou liuâ—st in me thy father that gaue me vnto thee is greater then all Gal. 2.20 and none can take me out of thy hand Ioh. 10.29 To thee therefore that loueth me and washeth mee from my sinnes in thine owne bloud and hast madâ— mee King and Priâ—st vnto Thee onely wise God my Sauiour bee glory and Maiestie dominion and power now and for euer Amen FINIS