The Christian CENTURIAN Observations Advices and Resolutions Containing Matters DIVINE and MORALL Collected according to his owne experience By PHILIP SKIPPON Serjeant-major-generall c. In all things I have said unto you be circumspect Exod. 23.13 Finally brethren whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report c. Phi. 4.9 Those things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen according to Gods warrant Isa 20.8 doe Phil. 4.10 London printed by T. B. for Samuel Enderby at the Starre in Popes-head Alley 1645. To all Souldiers of what degree soever that desire to walk Christianly and Circumspectly Fellow souldiers and friends TO the two former Treatises of Gods promises of good things to us and of our Vowes of obedience to him which by his alone help I have published I adde these few fragments following and because I will be as little tedious as I can I shall only commend them to your carefull consideration observation and practice as you may find them agreeable to sound doctrine and good manners and usefull to your occasions and them and you to the especiall blessing of our God in the Lord Jesus The Contents RIght rules to live by page 4. A sure Stay in extremity p. 8 The right way to goe to worke p. 46. Briefe Prayers upon divers occasions p. 53 Short Ejaculations p. 69 Comforts against the Nick-name of Puritane p. 81 Many divine and morall Observations p. 98 Renewed Resolutions p. 115 Some marks of a malicious man and the contrary p. 131 The former Observations continued p. 133 Resolutions in an especiall businesse p. 142 Christian carriage in a great calamity p. 145 Commendable carriage in his place p. 148 More Observations added p. 155 Sufficiency of Gods grace p. 171 How to urge the Lord to preserve us from sinne p. 173 Concerning governing the tongue p. 175 Concerning walking vvith God p. 181 Briefe Rules for particular practice p. 191 Examples of godly Souldiers p. 19â— Rules of Justice p. 19â— Undeniable proofe of the truth â—â— God 's Word p. 22â— A few plaine and pleasing in structions for all times p. 23â— An Advertisement about the sâ—â— of our Calling p. 23â— Concerning generall Obedience p. 272 Five sorts of Verses p. 277 The Observations continued p. 290 More of vvalking vvith God p. 292 More holy Resolutions p. 296 Of mourning for the sinnes among us p. 299 His acknowledgement of God p. 301 How to carry himselfe conscionably and commendably in the Leaguer p. 305 How to stirre up right Christian Resolutions for Gods Cause and against his Enemies p. Of Mortification p. 332 Helpes to an holy Life p. 337 Motives to Watchfulnesse p. p. 342 More Christian Resolutions p. 343 Decay in Prayer p. 346 Serious Admonitions to his Family when they are to worship God p. 379 Thus farre of the Contents briefly and acording to these numbers God willing you shall find the severall matters marked A Prayer O Lord God of all wisdome goodnesse grace power truth my reconciled God most gracious Father and onely helper in Jesus Christ I the most ignorant sinfull unworthy weake wretched of all other doe most humbly unfainedly instantly entirely and uncessantly befeech and urge thee of thy infinite mercy through thy unsearchable wisdome by thy unresistable working according to thy infallible promises notwithstanding my dark ignorance unmeasurable sinfulnesse great weaknesse and most extreame wretchednesse yea notwithstanding all my unworthniesse and all other impediments speedily seasonably effectually constantly through the assistance of thy most holy Spirit to stirre up my heart diligently to fearch to enlighten my understanding clearly to discerne to strengthen my memory constantly to retaine to sanctifie my affections feelingly to apply to inable me in my practice conscionably to make use of every particular of the following observations advices and resolutions as may be most to thy great glory the good of thy Church the gracing my Christian profeision the stopping the mouth of prophanenesse and injury the preventing distasting others and other advantage against me the benefit of my Family my outward credite and comfort in thy feare with thy favour and blessing my poore soules present peace everlasting happinesse all as 〈…〉 best in thy sight onely through the al-sufficient merits and peâ—petuall mediation of thy most deare and onely Son my alone sweet Saviour and intercessor Christ Jesus through whom as I have infinite cause beyond all I can conceive remember or expresse for all thy mercies for this and a better life afforded and assured to me especially for the understanding life health time opportunity and grace thou hast pleased to vouchsafe unto me to collect and write these observations advices and resolutions for my better government greater setting and further edification to thy most glorious Name be all honour ascribed by all meanes for evermore Amen even so be it Amen Amen Some short and streight solid and sound Rules to levell his life by 1. WHen thou risest let thy thoughts ascend that grace may descend let thy Sacrifice be an inocent heart offer it daily with that devotion that it may shew thou both knowest and acknowledgest his holinesse and greatnesse with whom thou hast to doe 2. Where thou owest pay duty where thou findest return curtifie where thou art known deserve love desire the best disdaine none but evill company take heed of proud peevish prating passionate dissembling distastfull jeering malicious lying contentious tipling filthy fellowes 3. Grieve but be not angry at discurtesies redresse but revenge no wrongs doe good to them that use thee unkindly yet so remember pitty that thou forget not decency 4. Let thy attire be such as may shew a sober mind frame thy selfe with such modesty as may silence the untemperate tongue 5. Be mindfull of things past carefull of things present and provident of things to come 6. Goe as thou wouldest be met sit as thou wouldest be found speake as thou wouldest be heard and doe as thou wouldest be seen 7. Beare affliction patiently converst cheerfully order thy businesse secretly wisely surely avoid freenesse and familiarity discover no affection hastily speak not thine owne suspitions suddenly meddle not in others matters needlesly trust God most in greatest extremity forget not how he hath helped formerly commend all in wel-doing unto him continually 8. Demeane thy selfe in all things as in the sight of God conâ—â—â—ually who is acquainted with all thy wayes throughly who though thou beest never so secret seeth thee who doubtlesse will have a strict account of thee therefore deceive not thy selfe for he will not be mocked by thee 9. Take heed of sinne and the occasions thereof watchfully having sinned lye not therein impenitently neither sooth thy self therein foolishly for sinne will bring sorrow and shame undoubtedly 10. Repent break off beg pardon grace and peace speedily and soundly watch to doe
grace and supplication that I may at this present poure out my heart in prayer before thee so that thou mayest be pleased to heare and help from Heaven seasonably and effectually thy great name shall have all the glory Or Thus O Lord prepare my miserable unprepared heart to pray heare me graciously though I be most unworthy as thou hast promised whatsoever opposeth thy great name shall have all the glory Or Thus O Lord help my heart to pray heare my prayers thy name shall have the praises If he comes into Gods House before the beginning of publike worship O Most holy Lord God prepare every one of our unprepared hearts in most holy manner to seek thy face in every one of thy most holy Ordinances work effectually with thy most holy spirit upon every one of our hearts that the meanes of grace may prove effectuall to every one of our most sinfull soules to the building of them up in all grace to our present comfort and eternall happinesse in Christ Jesus Amen When Amen is pronounced at the end of the publike prayers Amen Lord Amen of thy infinite mercy according to thy immutable truth by thy unresistable working notwithstanding our unworthinesse insufficiency and all other impediments thy great name shall have all the glory to which alone the same is due wholy When he gives Almes Good Lord accept the will for the deed forgive and reforme what is amisse vouchsafe a plentifull blessing in due season according to thy wonted goodnesse and faithfull promises in Christ Jesus When the blessing is pronounced O Lord our God most mighty mercifull and true vouchsafe graciously seasonably and effectually to leave thy promised blessing of mercy grace and peace behind thee Amen When he awakes in the morning O Lord my God it is of thine owne and onely wonted undeserved infinite never failing mercies that I have not in this night past been smothered in my sleep and sinnes that I may behold the light of this day in peace awaken my heart with all holy affections towards thee cause me to cast off all works of darknesse and to walk in the light before thee renew remission unto me for my sins of the night renewed against thee throughout this day governe me by thy Word and spirit in all I goe about and let thy blessing be upon me in all that any way concernes me my soule through Jesus Christ shall more and more magnifie thee Amen When he layes him downe at night to take his rest O Lord my God by thy especiall providence assistance I lay me downe in peace at this present and blesse thy name unfainedly that all things throughout this day hath gone so well with me whereas else I had been every way most unhappy Oh multiply pardon to me for my fauls multiplyed against thee even this day past I beseech thee and watch over me the rest of this night to preserve me from sinning against thee though never so secretly and to keep off whatsoever would any way harme me for all grace and good my soule shall more and more through Jesus Christ glorifie thee Amen Before his going to heare Gods Word preached O Lord my God whose word I goe to heare grant me thy grace to heare it as thy word with all due reverence earnest attention and holy affection oh help me against all dead heartednesse distractednes and wearinesse make my heart as the good ground rightly to receive this heavenly seed water the same with the dew of thy grace that it may bring forth fruit abundantly in my knowledge resolution and practice in faith and godlinesse with all patience and constancy thus work in and for me mercifully powerfully faithfully notwithstanding my unprepared insensible unprofitable hearing therof whereof alas I am most hainously continually guilty for which I beg pardon and amendment yea in spite of all that the flesh the world the devill labour to the contrary Amen Amen my Father in Christ herein help me I most humbly and earnestly beg pray and beseech thee Amen at this time and upon the like occasions continually When be comes from hearing Gods Word Now my good and gracious God having by thy especiall providence goodnesse and grace injoyed the gracious meanes happy opportunity and thy help to heare thy most holy word for which exceeding great favours make me truâ—â— thankfull and of which crave the continuance unto my lives end bring the same to my remembrance affect me with each part thereof throughly cause me to mix it with faith rightly and to put each part thereof in practice Christianly as the necessities of my poore soule require especially heare and blesse in mercy as thou hast promised though I have sinned and whatsoever opposeth Amen Before his reading Gods Word in private O my heavenly Father be intreated mercifully powerfully faithfully now and at all other times be I never so unworthy indisposed and whatsoever opposeth to strengthen and blesse me in the reading understanding remembring applying and practising of thy most holy word as may be most to thy great glory and my eternall good through Christ Jesus Amen After his reading Gods Word in private O my God I most heartily thank thee for this most inestimable Jewell of thy most holy Word for this great freedome and thy especiall help to be exercised therein and for all the good that by thy blessing my poore soul hath received thereby Oh forgive my unthankfulnesse therefore and abusing thereof reforme these foule offences in me and notwithstanding the same and whatsoever else would hinder continue these great mercies unto me and make each part of thy most holy word my guide and comfort in life and death through Jesus Christ Amen I beg of thee Before his meditating in private Good Lord it is my most humble earnest suit unto thy most sacred Majesty that thou wilt not lay to my charge my long wilfull neglect of miserable aversnesse from and extream indisposition to this so much required and exceeding needfull dutie of divine Meditation but notwithstanding these and though I neither know how nor have any abilitie to discharge the same as I ought I pray and beseech thee to learne me the right way thereto and to dispose me in some good measure to the performance thereof help me to begin goe on and end in respect of the present matter thereof with sound judgement moved affection powerfull application and unfained purpose to put all to conscionable practice to the encrease of all grace and godlinesse through thy alone deare Sonne my alone sweet Saviour Christ Jesus Amen After his meditating in private My deare God my soule magnifieth thee for this opportunitie and assistance thou hast vouchsafed me most weak and unworthie in the performance of this holy dutie oh pardon pittie and reforme my ignorance insensiblenesse and manifold distempers herein oh helpe me more and more better hereunto and doe me this exceeding great favour that I may constantly beare
that this way have suffered in their persons and reputation better fall into yea perish by an honourable enemy then to be called to account and censured by your owne party your businesse being well done and over be then at rest and let another take his turne if I might advise others as I doe my selfe let this be our constant course Lord my God govern and watch for and over me Feare and backwardnesse secures not from the perils that cause them but often layes more open to them howsoever they disable exceedingly and procure shame and harme inevitably Selfe Meditations and seasonable Exhortations being ready to goe upon dangerous services viz. with our soules let us now seek and trust God promise and performe sincere obedience to him if he please to grant help and deliverance be of good courage in the strength of the Lord let us doe worthily follow my example let the Lord doe what seemeth good unto him we fight for the Cause of God for our lives safety honour and victory Lord sight thou for us encourage strengithen preserve and prosper us of thy mercy as thou hast promised Psal 46.1 2. through Christ Jesus be we never so unworthy and whatsoever opposeth us Amen Observe this Lord let such as shame scorne or wilfully neglect to seek help of thee or that trust to their own wisdome worth or sufficiency or to any other meanes of help besides thee never have help from thee but as for me who am most sinfull weak and unworthy who deny my selfe and all other meanes of help without thee utterly who by thy grace doe seek for depend upon and await for thy help only afford thy wonted needfull most gracious mighty seasonable and faithfully promised help unto me (a) Prov. 2 6 Isa 40 13 14. Acknowledge and direction (b) Psal 59 10. Prov. 3 9. prevention and government (c) Isa 28 5. Isa 40.29 31 courage and sufficiency (d) 2 Cor. 3 5. 1 Sam. 8 6 14. strength and safety (e) Ps 18.2 Jos 1 8. deliverance and prosperity (f) 1 Chron. 29.10 11 12. Ps 121.2 come from thee O Lord onely (g) Jer. 21.33 Ephes 1.5 Therefore my God in Christ (h) Psa 120.1 1. Psal 136. all I beseech thee in mercy (i) Psal 71 20. Psal 119.49 as thou hast done and promised (k) Isa 41 14. Ezek. 36 22. be I never so weak and unworthy (l) Psal 9 9. Psa 46 1 2 3. in due season and greatest extremity (m) Psal 32 8 Prov. 3 6 to instruct and direct (n) Psal 79.8 Exod. 4 15. to prevent and governe (o) Isa 51 12. Is 41.10 to encourage and strengthen (p) Neb. 6.9 1 Tim. 1.12 every way to enable (q) Psal 68.12 Psal 68.35 to doe well and worthily (r) Job 15 20 2 Sam. 22.2 preserve and deliver (s) Deut. 31.8 Deut. 28.8.11 be with and prosper me (t) Psal 71.16 Ephes 6.20 I will goe forward â—n thy strength onely (u) Numb 24.18 Psal 108 13 through thee I shall doe valiantly (x) Psal 18.2 Psal 140 7 In the day of battle thou hast covered me (y) Pro. 3 6 Psal 37.5 I referre all alwayes to thee (z) 2 Sam. 15 26 Mat. 6.10 as thou pleasest deale thou with me (a) 2 Chron. 14.11 2 Chr. 20.12 help thou and all shall goe well (b) Psal 33.16 17 Ps 128 1 2. else nothing can avail me (c) Exod. 22 27 Ps 69.30 31. oh hear me graciously (d) Psal 34.1 Psal 103.1 2 my soul for all help blesseth thee (e) Mic. 7.7 Psal 72 12. and looks for all good onely from thee (f) Psal 62.1 Hos 13.9 for any help thou shalt vouchsafe me (g) Isa 63 7 Ps 56.12 my soule shall alwayes praise thee (h) Ps 41.18 Psal 31.9 Amen Amen I beg of thee Love is an honest faithfull thiefe stealing from us and yet letting us keep the graces God hath given us a most strange yet most certaine manner of curing the diseased when the Physician drinks the potion and the Patient is thereby cured so deales our Saviour by us The Jewes say there are 72 Members in a mans body and understand the curse Deutre 27. ult to be 72 plagues denounced thereunto Let all endeavours be done out of conscience or the best are bootlesse Things done in greatest shew of sanctity and not to Gods glory chiefly deceives us miserably and is but painted iniquity Better a good work laden with weaknesse if done in sincerity then glorious shewes from a false heart let thy heart be right with God approve it to him and care not what others speak or think of thee This I find and expect when his offend him the Lord will visit their transgressions with the rods of men and this I know and beleeve his everlasting mercies he will never take from me Better want the good we have had and would have to humble us then to abound and forget our Maker Oh most miserable and accursed prosperity where wickednesse gets wealth Oh rich and happy poverty that hath a good conscience though with never so little Afflictions of body or mind must turne to our good if they move us to seek God Feare not God for feare of a punishment onely yea feare him least he should punish thee for not fearing him Love not meerly in hope of good yet love him in hope he will doe thee good Sorrow for sinne not for feare of wrath simply yet sorrow for sinne least wrath over-whelme thee Practice as thou prayest or they prevaile not We pray rightly when we practice conscionably Sathan seeks to hinder one good work by moving to another lesse seasonable at the same time therefore divide the times aright and preferre the best first He that would meditate well must give his mind but to one good point at one time and beat that out throughly with prayer and application Better to have troubles in the flesh with a quiet conscience then the pleasures of sinne with horrour of heart Better to live in misery then sinne The worst of suffering is to be chosen before the best of sisning Soule lost all lost soule well all well Some while they think to free themselves from sorrowes by living in sinne thereby bring the same evils upon themselves and so are doubly wretched That which thou thinkst shall be thy comfort shall prove thy crosse yea thy curse except thou lookest chiefly to God in seeking it and he please to sanctifie it In reading labour for knowledge but chiefly for affection Miraculous help is not ordinary yet may and must we build upon the power of God for help be our distresse never so great and meanes of reliefe never so small By encrease of inward and outward troubles finding encrease of comfort and help why should I not willingly suffer Though we often strive against an evill without prevailing let us not
you have said who seeth us who knoweth of it Isa 29.15 Therefore the Lord saith Behold I will bring a plague upon you which you shall not be able to escape and that which will be worst of all though you cry unto me I will not heare you Jer. 11.11 because when I called you refused Prov. 1.24 to 31. verse read and remember for your soules safeties sake I beseech you yea heare and give eare be not proud for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Jer. 13.15 oh may not the Lord justly say to us as he said Jer. 6.15 were they ashamed when they had committed abomination nay they were not ashamed no neither could they have any shame and as is Chap. 8.6 I hearkned heard but none spake aright no man repented him of his wickednesse saying what have I done for many of us thinke and dare say it is shame for such as doe otherwise and instead of repenting most impudently say we have not sinned but these are rebellious people lying children and children that would not heare the Law of the Lord Isa 30.9 remember this and be ashamed bring it againe to mind O you transgressors Isa 46.8 the like places exceeding many oh then plead not plead not against the Lord be not high minded but feare Rom. 9.20 be not deceived God cannot will not be mocked Gal. 6.7 these things were written to admonish us 1 Cor. 10.6 and if we turne not the fierce wrath of the Lord shall not returne untill he hath done untill he hath performed the intents of his heart hereafter you shall understand it and if you take not heed smart for it for the Lord of hosts hath determined it and sworne to it it shall come to passe who shall disanull it his hand is stretched out who shall turne it awayâ— it is he hath consulted it shall stand he hath spoken it and will bring it to passe he hath purposed it and will also doe it the word and this is the word that goeth out of his mouth shall not returne voyd and shall accomplish that which he will Isa 14.24 27. 46.11 55.11 Dare we contend with God oh farre be it from us or else woe unto us for he is stronger then we 1 Cor. 10. â—â— and we shall find it a most fearfull thing to fall into his hands when he is angry For our God is a consuming fire Hebr. 12.29 How then what remedy oh provoke the Lord God most mighty just and jealous no more no longer to wrath but I most humbly for Gods sake and most earnestly for your owne sake beseech thee whosoever thou art let this my councell be acceptable unto thee break off thy sinnes by righteousnesse and thy iniquities by shewing mercy unto and dealing justly with the poore especially under thy command Dan. 4.24 and pitty thine own poore soule by confessing and forsaking all secret and open wayes of deceit and violence Pro. 28.13 make peace with the Lord be at one with him Isa 27.5 it will be far the wisest surest course for then the Lord hath promised thee all shall be wel with thee Is 3.10 God hath shewed thee O man what is good and what the Lord requireth of thee surely to doe justly to love mercy to humble thy selfe to walk with God Micah 6.8 now therefore without any longer delay Psal 95.7 amend your wayes and your works and hear the voyce of the Lord youâ— God Jer. 26.13 that the Lord may repent him of the plague that he hath pronounced against you Cease to doe evill learne to doe well come now saith the Lord and let us reason together though your sinnes were as Crimson they shall be made white as Snow though they were red like Scarlet they shall be as wools if you consent and obey you shall eat the good things of the Land you shall prosper here and for ever Isa 1.16 17 18 19. 1 Tim. 4.8 But if when a man heareth the words of the curse he blesseth himselfe in his heart saying I shall have peace although I walk according to the stubbornnesse of mine owne heart thus adding drunkennesse to thirst the Lord will not be mercifull unto him but when the wrath of the Lord and his jealousie shall smoak against that man and every curse that is written in this book shall light upon him and the Lord shall put out his name from under Heaven and every sicknesse and every plague which is not written in the book of this law will the Lord heap upon thee untill thou beest destroyed Deut. 29.19 20 21. 28.6 Behold I have set before thee life and good death and evill choose Deut. 30.15 heare and feare and doe no more so Oh consider the snortnesse of life and the certainty of death the suddennesse of judgement the plainnes of hell the terrour of that great day of account the meere nothingnesse of all worldly excuses and conceited priviledges 1 Sam. 12.21 and despise not the riches of Gods bountifulnesse patience and long-suffering consider that the goodnesse of God ought to lead thee to repentance doe not after the hardnesse of thy heart and impenitent disposition treasure up unto thy selfe wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God who will render to every man according to his deeds Rom. 2.4 5 6. yea the Lord will seperate thee unto evill Deut. 29.21 for although sentence against an evill work be not executed speedily and that therfore the heart of the children of men is fully set in them to doe evill yea though a sinner doe evill an hundred times and God prolong his dayes yet shall it not he well with him Eccle. 8.11 12 13. for sinne lyeth at his doore Gen. 4.7 he hath neither can or ever shall have true peace continuing so Isa 57.21 his owne wickednesse Num. 32.23 and Gods hand will find him out Jer. 2.19 and know for all these things God will bring thee to judgement Eccl. 11.9 But some will say I have taken too much upon me and medled with that which doeth not concerne me I might have been more generall covert and sparing you see I brought my warrant with me which makes me thus bold with you and as to you I speak to my selfe also therefore you may not teare this out what if you should tear them out hence you dare not teare the ground of these things out of Gods booke you cannot teare the truth and remembrance of them out of your own consciences Rom. 2.15 neither shall you teare Gods remembrance of them out of his book of accounts at that great and terrible day of judgement when he will set them all in order before you Psal 50.21 when even the chiefe Captains shall say to the Mountains fall on us and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the Throne and from the wrath of the Lambe for the great day of his wrath is come who shal be able to stand
Vow and said O Lord of hosts if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine hand-maid and remember and not forget me but wilt give unto me c. then I will give unto thee c. shee spake in her heart onely her lips moved but her voyce was not heard I am of a sorrowfull spirit and have poured out my soule before the Lord out of the abundance of my complaint and griefe have I spoken The Lord God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him so the woman went her way and did eat and her countenance was no more sad and the Lord remembred her and she said The Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him for the Lord is a God of knowledge and by him actions are weighed 1 Sam. 1.6 7 10 11 13 15 16 17 18 19 27. 2.3 If the Lord were pleased to kill us he would not have received a burnt Offering and a meat Offering at our hands neither would he have shewed us all these things nor would as at this time have told us such things as these Judges 13.23 Lord grant me the spirit of understanding and application of every one of these and according to my most urgent occasions thou that art the same for ever unto thine let me find the comfort and profit of these for thy mercy and thy truth unto me my soule my God in Christ shall alwayes and in all things magnifie thee Amen Who knoweth the work of the Lord who worketh all Eccl. 11.5 My God I wait the issue from thee I beseech thee make it good for me I unfainedly promise unto thee To observe diligently To remember constantly To regard carefully To acknowledge thankfully Thy gracious dealing towards me In this and every extremity Which so much overchargeth me That I can see no remedy Lord I depend upon thee Do thy good pleasure with me Oh heare forgive accept and help me Amen Amen my God in Christ I pray thee Some more though briefe yet sound Meditations for his further assurance of support and succour in his present exceeding great or any future though never so hopelesse and helplesse misery O Lord my God thou art throughly acquainted with my condition which threatneth extreame misery thou knowest what is best for me and dispofest all things according to thine owne will for my good in the end assuredly whatsoever doth or may oppose me behold I looke round about me and can see no hope of help left me but I looke up to thee in the highest Heavens from whom alone all my help commeth who knoweth thy worke that worketh all thou hast innumerable waies to help when al else faileth thou hast oftentimes heretofore seasonably unexpectedly amply wonderfully wrought for my reliefe and deliverance when I was most helplesse and whatsoever opposed and that of thine owne meere goodnesse notwithstanding my unmeasurable great sinfulnesse I know and beleeve thy hand is not shortned that thou art the same for ever unto me for good as thou art gracious work for my reliefe and deliverance notwithstanding my exceeding great unworthines all other impossibilities the earth is thine and the fulnesse thereof all things obey thy voyce speak but one word and it is done command and it shall stand fast all the world cannot hinder it thou hast provided thou doest canst hast promised must and wilt provide in the Mount in greatest extremity apparently it shall be Lord let it be seen Why then should I faint feare or doubt thou art my help in greatest need I give over all unto thee I call upon thee I depend alone on thee I await alwaies for thee thou hast never failed me never Oh never faile forsake or forget me I remember thy wonted goodnesse I fly to thy undeserved mercies I trust in thy almighty power I found my prayers on thy most faithfull promises I submit to thy most wise disposing now I beseech and urge thee most humbly and instantly in mercy as thou art wont and hast promised be pleased most powerfully as seemeth good unto thee to consider my condition to remember my estate to pitty my distresse to behold my trouble to regard my sighes to heare my prayers to relieve my wants to prevent feared calamities and to deliver me out of this great misery Oh if it be thy will let me find by experience thy fatherly love care and providence so manifested and magnified towards me that I may be freed from this in mans judgement irrecoverable misery with which and with all its circumstances thou art acquainted fully Oh let no man lose by me or have just cause to complaine of me Oh work for me that I may live of mine owne commendably without being chargeable to any that I provide for mine honestly and so remove and prevent much trouble in my selfe and sorrow shame and misery to mine that I may put all my things in good order before I depart hence that in this respect I may be the more willing to leave this world and the more desirous of a better life that in all these I may acknowledge thy goodnesse and praise thy name who hast dealt so graciously and wonderfully with me by thy grace if it please thee to doe it I will never forget it but will alwayes confesse that thy hand onely hath wrought it and shall ever endeavour to testifie true thankfulnesse for it yet O Lord my God in all these not as I will but as thou wilt who knowest what is most needfull for me yea rather deny in mercy then give me in displeasure what I conceive I so much want and doe so earnestly crave if it be thy will this burthen shall grow so heavy and lye so long upon me that I be brought unto the uttermost extremity doe buâ— encrease inward strength within me that I may come the nearer home unto thee and 〈◊〉 is enough for me I crave 〈◊〉 more of thee all shall goe well with me whatsoever betideâ— me doe not oh doe not suffeâ— me to use any unlawfull or unbeseeming means to help mâ—selfe thereby let no by-respect prevaile with me herein but direct and inable me conscionable and worthily to do my duty and so to leave the successe unâ—â— thee who wilt cause the samâ— to fall out well for me never oh never suffer me to be impatient discontented over doubtfull over carefull or discouraged or to murmure against to dispute with to complaint of or to limit thee but enable oh enable me to possesse mâ— soule in patience to rest heartly well contented with all thou sendest as that which thou in wisdome love and faithfulnesse seest best for me and wilt remarkably turne to good unto me help me to acknowledge thee aright in all my wayes oh direct my pathes cause me with an holy carelesnesse to cast my care upon thee oh take care for me make me to roule my burthen on thee oh nourish thou me raise up my heart to
be humbled to confesse 〈◊〉 waile beg pardon for 〈◊〉 strength against them resolving and endeavouring to 〈◊〉 sake them t Jâ—â— 4.16 Psal 3 â— 51.3.1 Pâ—â— 21.13 Jam. 4.9 Psal 86.16 Psal 17.3 119.28 106. ver 2 Cor. 5.9 Pro. 28.14 be to be c. If to crave especiall assistance against especiall faults and more fitnesse to serve God wherein I have most failed u Psal 19.13 51.10 14. Psal 71.9 Rom. 12.21 Psal 85.8 be to be c. If to resolve to suffer any shame or harme rather then to sinne wilfully w Heb. 11.25 1 Pet. 3.14 16. 1 Pet. 4.15 19. be to be c. If speedily and seriously to dispatch those businesses that concernes my eternall peace and to slight whatsoever can afford no solid comfort in the time of visitation or at the hour of death x Mat. 6.33 Luke 10.42 Pro. 10.2 11.4 1 Cor. 15.58 1 Thes 4.18 be to be c. If in the sense of any sinne or affliction not to be too much dejected if not to despaire of Gods mercies nor to distrust his promises nor to doubt of his providence or not to question Christs al-sufficient merits and perpetuall mediation y Rom. 8 37. 2 Cor. 4.8 9 Psal 77.7 8 9 10. 42.11.6 43.5 Psal 56.3 4 10 11 13 1 Tim 2.8 Acts 27.25 Gen. 11.8 Job 38.41 Mat. 6.25 to the end 1 Tim. 1.15 Heb. 7.25 2 Tim. 2.5 be to be c. If when I think I stand to taâ—â— heed least I fall if to labour a renew my first love if to string to increase inward grace and outward practice if to recover from former fals and bewail of future back slidings if moâ—â— to feare secret sinne then opâ—â— shame if in things doubtfull â—â— take he surest course if to peâ—severe in godlinesse and liveâ— hope if to dye in the feare aâ— favour of my God in Christ z 1 Cor. 10.12 Rom. 11.20 Rev. 2.4 5. Col. 1 10â— 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7 8. Psal 23.3 51.8 10. 2 Pet. 2.20 21 21. be to be c. If by true lively and stedfast faith at least in unsained desire and endeavour to seeke all wisdome righteousnesse sanctification redemption all mercy grace peace consolation and happinesse according to the free plain plentifull and faithfull promises of our reconciled God most gracious Father and alone almighty helper in covenant with us onely through the al-sufficient satisfaction and never failing intercession of his most deare and onely Sonne our alone Saviour and Mediator notwithstanding our most hainous sinfulnesse in nature and by life notwithstanding our daily many and great wants failings doubts and discomforts notwithstanding our unmeasurable grievous ingratitude unworthinesse insufficiencies and all other though never so many and great impediments and impossibilities be to be a Puritane or Round-head Lord in all these make and ever continue me to be a Puritane and Round-head I most humbly unfainedly and uncestantly beg pray beseech and urge let then the devill and all his instruments let then who that will and how they will miscall nick-name scorne and abuse me with the name of Puritane with a fulâ— mouth never so fouly Lord governe and help me Mark â—â— 22. Rom. 3.28 4.19 20. Câ—â— 5.1 1 Cor. 16.13 2 Cor 5. â— Gal. 3.22 Eph. 3.12 6 1â— Col. 2.5.7 1 Tim. 1.5 â—â— Heb. 10.22 11. Chapt. 1 Cor. 1.30 Mat. 15.22 1 Tim. 1. â—â— Gal. 6.16 2 Cor. 1.3 4 5 6 2 Thes 2.16 17. Heb. 6.17 18 Acts 4.12 Ezek. 36.22 Gal. 3 12. Hos 14.4 Psal 86.5 130 7. 1 Cor. 1.9 10.13 1 Thes 5 24. 2.3 3 Heb. 2.17 10 23. 2 Cor. 1.20 Rom. 5.10 2 Cor 5.18 20. Col. 1.21 Psal 86 15 111.4 145.8 2 Cor. 1.3 Dan. 3.17 2 Tim. 1.12 Heb. 2 18 7 25 Rom. 4 21 Psal 46 1 Jer 31 33 Heb 8 10 Col 3 11 1 Cor 3 21 22 23 Isa 53 chap Rom 4 25 3 24 25 1 John 2 1 Rom 8 34 Gal 3 19 Heb 8 6 9 15 12 24 Mat. 3 17 John 3 16 Heb. 11 17 Hos 13 4 2 Tim 2 5 Ezek 36 22 23 Hos 14 4 Isa 58 11 Psal 73 24 A commendable Course tending to contentment of divers necessary as well Divine as Morall Observations and Counsels gathered by experience IN regard of Gods worship because every holy duty cannot wel be every day performed with out great hast and hinderance so with little power profit I conceive it most convenient and comfortable no day to neglect the most necessary as prayer and reading the Scriptures and for the rest to redeem the time to performe them as we may also howsoever let every holy duty be performed with solemne preparation and sensible affection at least with an holy bewailing the want of the same and that the Lord will please to work the same in us In his ordinary course at home and abroad upon all occasions in all his words behaviour and actions out of conscience to God and by his government to demeane himselfe circumspectly plainly faithfully freely soberly and friendly without any by-respect or troubling himself with trifles or with what he cannot thereby prevent or remedy in his greatest perplexities and troubles using onely the lawfull meanes to serve Gods providence to commend all to hiâ— dispossing and blessing wholy and so to rest content with his good pleasure who in wisdome love and faithfulnesse will assuredly cause all to goe well goe all how it will Amen my heavenly Father in Christ Jesus in mercy as thou hast promised be I never so ugworthy and whatsoever opposeth Amen Be Pious and Patient Be Just and Quiet Be Temperate and Peaceable Be Direct and Sober Be True and Provident Be Faithfull and Contented Be Chaste and Wary Be Modest and Grave Be Watchfull and Reserved Be Retired and Compassionate Be Secret and Charitable Be Silent and Liberall Be Humble and Inoffensive Be Meeke and Teachable Be Friendly and Constant be not Prophane nor Impatient be not Unjust nor Captious be not Excessive nor Contentious be not Double nor Passionate be not False nor Prodigall be not Faithlesse nor Male-content be not Filthy nor Rash be not Wanton nor Light be not Carelesse nor Loose be not Gadding nor Cruell be not Open. nor Mercilesse be not Lavish nor Covetous be not Proud nor Oftensive be not Highminded nor Wilfull be not Surly nor Wavering Every one that shewes a smooth face or gives faire words is not a faithfull friend therefore take heed what you say and whom you trust Trust no man with that which if it ever be discovered may any way prejudice you for he that is now for you may hereafter faile discover or oppose you neither speake ill of him that doth not now befriend thee his mind may change towards thee and then it will repent thee Be friendly to and speak well of those that have wronged or doe not
us which is an especiall token of his favour to us being the meanes to save our soules 3 And that if the enemy should prevaile we should not onely lose these blessings but they should be scofft at prophaned and trodden under foot by them and their abominations set up to the exceeding greeat dishonour of our blessed God and the Losse of innumerable soules 2 Couragiously and that 1 Because it is the Cause of God Almighty who is able to defend and deliver us in the middest of the greatest perils and if none apparent were nigh unto us 2 Who governeth all things in all places that no bullet can fly or any other instrument of warre move but according to his especiall disposing nor doe any hurt to me but by his expresse commission and according to his good pleasure 3 That he who is most faithfull in remembring and keeping his word hath abundantly promised he will preserve and deliver me as he sees best for me 4 That he hath preserved and delivered others even prophane persons who have shewed little care to obey seek or trust him and that in extreamest dangers 5 That he hath often and most remarkably done the like to others of his and to me the most helplesse and unworthy formerly 6 That many through feare seeking to avoyd danger have the sooner hurt and slaine and others who have been warrantably and worthily valiant have by Gods protection escaped 7 That divers have been slain in a Tent hut or house or in other places where they thought themselves secure have been hurt or slaine when others in the trench or battell have been safe 8 That if the Lord please I shall be safe be the perils never so many and great for he can preserve from the greatest as well as the least from many as well as any 9 If he please I end my dayes in fight against his foes I dye a Martyr and the very instrument of my death is a meanes to send me Heaven 10 If we be fearfull and insufficient in our selves to doe our duty valiantly let us seek courage and ability from the Lord he will in some good measure undoubtedly grant it because he hath expresly promised it 3 Faithfully because the Lord hateth eye service and all unfaithfulnesse and loveth a faithfull carriage in our callings 4 Diligently and vigilantly because 1 By sloathfulnesse negligence and backwardnesse much time is lost much evill may ensue to the businesse and much shame disfavour scorne and harme may come upon our selves 2 Because time is redeemed the Cause advanced and we shall be commended and be the better trusted with imployment 5 Circumspectly that is to pursue all lawfull imployments of our calling seasonably for time place and manner with good advice worthily weighing all circumstances throughly 6 Conscionably propounding Gods glory chiefly the goodnes of the Cause seriously and our sincere obedience to his Majesty and to testifie we are Christians indeed that lay his Cause to heart deeply 7 In faith resting fully perswaded that our good God of his great mercy for the worthinesse of the Lord Jesus will graclously accept our endeavours though never so full of unworthinesse and will assuredly blesse us 8 Wiâ—h humble instant and earnest prayer especially 1 That the Lord will supply with fitting gifts for his service 2 That our endeavours may be blessed for the maintainance of the Cause 3 That he will please by all meanes in all places continually to maintaine the same and oppose the contrary Thirdly divers motives to stirre up by all meanes to help to our uttermost to maintaine the Cause of God 1 Such as have respect to the Lord most blessed for evermore as he is our God in foure respects among many more 1 That he is our Creator and hath made us for his own glory and that we cannot any way better answer the end of our creation then by offering our service yea to the death if he thinks sit for his names sake 2 That he is our Father therfore it were an unnaturall cowardly and shamefull part to stand still and look on when other of our Christian brethren are abused smitten and slaine 3 That he is our Lord then were it a base uncivill hatefull part in us to be quiet when others of our deare and loving fellow-servants are wronged and persecuted 4 That he is our chiefe good from whom we have received and doe expect all good therefore we are bound to testifie our thankfulnesse in this respect especially 2 Such as have respect to the Lord Jesus Christ our Redeemer as 1 As he is our Redeemer and dyed for us we should not suffer his Crosse to be defaced his blood to be trodden under foot as is done by Idolaters against whom we must in this case contend to the uttermost 2 Because he is persecuted and fought against in his Church should we not take his part who hath done and suffered so much for us that were his enemies and with holy wrath and indignation and deep desire of godly revenge for the wrongs done to him fight and doe all we can 3 Because he saith he that seeketh to save his life and that not for him loseth it and he that loseth his life for his sake shall find it 4 And because he protesteth if we be ashamed of him here he will be ashamed of us before his heavenly Father and what greater shame for us then not to take his part against the subtle cruell mighty wicked enemies of his and our fellow-members 3 Such as have respect to God the holy Ghost our Sanctifier and Comforter 1 He sanctifying us how should we not help them whom he hath sanctified together with us also 2 And labour to maintaine the meanes of our sanctification even his Ordinances which these his enemies would bereave us of 3 As he is our comforter would we be comforted by him and should we not be a meanes as well as we and all we may to comfort others comfortlesse and afflicted 4 Because he worketh in us all that are his one faith one hope one way alike desires and affections and sealeth unto us the assurance of that onely and eternall happinesse and that to this end chiefly the more to oblidge us to love and help one another which can no way be better manifested then in this manner 4 Such motives hereunto as may be drawne from the consideration of the disposition and demeanour of those his and our enemies as 1 They blaspheme the name of our God by their abominable idolatries 2 They rob him of his honour and give that to their idolatries 3. They mock our prayers too and serving of God 4 They deride our trust in his name 5 They reproach and revile our holy profession 6 They have defiled do and will defile the places of Gods worship where they have the upper hand 7 They banish imprison torment and kill the sevants of God and will serve us so if they prevaile 2 They ravish