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
roofe speak but one word and I shall be helped Mat. 8.8.13 Lord if thou wilt thou canst make me cleane I will be thou cleane say thou unto me and I shall be cleansed Mat. 8.2 3. Lord Jesus speak unto me that it is thou that will comfort and helpe me that I be not feared oâ— troubled over much Mat. 14.27 Well then by thy especiall grace O my God in Christ in the sorrow of my spirit I will poure out my soule before thee O Lord and ouâ— of the abundance of my complaint and griefe with Hannah will I speak 1 Sam. 1.15 19. And untill God shall grant an issue out of my pressing and even hâ—â—plesse fâ—are griefe and distresse I will with David continue seeking ease and reliefe from Heaven 2 Sam. 12.16.23 And say with him when he was in greatest misery If I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord I shall be belped but if he thus say I have no delight in thee behold here I am let him doe to me as seemeth good unto him 2 Sam. 15.25 26. And according to his example even when he had distrusted God 1 Sam. 29.1 fled and fell to the enemy verse 2. when he made shew promise and proster of his service against Gods people ch 29.2 8. when in his absence his Towne was surprized spoyled pillaged and burned and the Wives of his Souldiers captived and all that he had was lost and carried away by the enemy when he and his people wept that they could weep no more when they murmured against him laid all the blame upon him and spake of stoning of him by all which judge how he was distressed I will encourage my selfe in the Lord my God and in all things seek direction and help from him doubtlesse the Lord as he did him will answer me graciously and deliver me effectually 1 Sam. 30.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 19. And though as Jacob served twenty yeers ere he could provide for his owne houshold Gen. 31.38 30.30 It hath pleased the Lord that I have served many yeers already and if God spare my life and please not to work wonderfully for me am like to serve many yeers more to serve others turnes to the great prejudice of me mine I hope by the good providence of my good God if he sees it good for me to live the day at Jacob did to acknowledge my God hath dealt graciously with me because he hath vouchsafed a competency and enough unto me Gen. 33.11 And although which mercy I am most unworthy to live to receive of acknowledge I dare not for conscience sake to help my selfe by indirect meanes in my misery whereby great losse and prejudice hath befallen me yet I will trust in this that the Prophet in the Lords name said to Amaziah who was troubled with the losse of the â—00 Talents that the Lord is able and if he sees it good for me will give more then this unto me 2 Chron. â—â— 8 9. And not to murmure grumble be impatient and discontented with my condition considering Jobs example of suffering and the end of the Lord towards him for the Lord is very pittifall and of tender mercy James 5.11 For Job was perfect and upright one that feared God and eschewed evill by the Lords owne testimony Job 1.1.5.8 chap. 2.3 yet though he looked for good evill came unto him and when he waited for light there came darknesse Job 30.26 for the thing that he feare greatly came upon him and that which he was afraid of befell him he was not in safety neither had he rest neither waâ— he quiet yet trouble came Joâ— 3.25 26. witnesse what followes The Sabeans fell upon hâ—â— Oxen and took them away 〈◊〉 1.14 15. fire fell from Heaveâ— and burnt his Sheep and Seâ—vants verse 16. The Caldeaâ—â— fell upon the Camels and caâ—â—ied them away verse 17. 〈◊〉 Sonnes and Daughters weâ—â— eating and drinking in theâ—â— elder Brothers house and bâ—hold there came a great winâ— and smote the foure corners of the house and it fell upon the young men and they are all dead verse 18 19. Satan gat leave from God to smite his body all over with fore and loathsome boyles that he was forst to sit in the ashes and scrape himselfe with a potsheard chap. 2.6 7 8. his wife that should have been his comfort was his heavy crosse urging him to curse God in this condition ch 2. â—9 and was as a stranger to him and would hardly know him or come at him chap. 19.17 his neerest kinred failed him his familiar friends forgot him his servants contemned him his most inward friends abhorred him children despised him ch 19.13 14 15 16 18 19. his most godly friends that should have been his best counsellours comforters in this his wofull comfortlesse estate grieved censured and pleaded against and reproached him Iob â— 1â—â— ch 16.20 19.21 God made his heart soft the Almighty troubled him Iob 23.16 and every way seemed to let himselfe against him chap. 19.8 to 13. yea the arrowes of the Almighty stuck within him perplexity and horrour seized on him ch â— â— c. yet at length the Lord turned away his captivity and gave him twice as much as he had before and blessed the latter end of Iob more then the beginning Iob 42.10 12. and is the same Lord God and helper for ever to them that feare before call upon and trust in him My sweet Saviour grant me as thou advisest and commandest me to possesse my soule in patience Luke 21.19 and to cast my care upon thee who takest care for me 1 Pet. 5.7 and because strict reservednesse keeps concealed my estate and affections and prevents giving advantage against me the Lord assisting me I will follow Micahs counsell Mac. 7.5 not to trust in a friend nor to put confidence in a guide but to keep the doore of my mouth from her that lyeth in my bosome And with Abrahams servant to hold my peace to wit whether the Lord will make my businesse prosperous or not Gen. 24.21 And in these times of generall calamities as the Lord wils Baruch upon the like occasions not to seek great things for my selfe nor to be overmuch troubled with these triviall personall perplexities and afflictions but to be humbly and heartily content if the Lord please as he hath done hitherto most remarkably to give me my life for a prey whethersoever I goe Ier. 45.4 5. To rest assured with Mordecay that God will send help one way or other if not as I conceived or imagine by some other means undoubtedly Est 4.14 To say as my most blessed Saviour did in his most bitterest passion O my Father if it be possible let this Cup passe from me neverthelesse not as I will but a thou wilt Mat. 26.39 And with Abraham to hopâ— beyond hope and to beleevâ— beyond sense being fully perswaded that what my God hatâ— promised he is also able to
greater then our heart and knoweth all things 1 John 3.20 A man of understanding is of an excellent spirit Pro. 17.27 He that hath no rule over his owne spirit is like a City that is broken downe and without walls Pro. 25.28 Therefore take heed to your spirit Mal. 2.15 16. The heart of the wicked is little worth Pro. 10.20 Heare thou my Sonne and be wise and guide thine heart in the way Pro. 23.15 2 Concerning Government of the Tongue A word spoken in due season â—â—w good is it Pro. 15.23 A word fitly spoken is like Apples of gold in pictures of silver Pro. 25.11 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sinne Pro. 10.19 He that hath knowledge spareth his words Pro. 17.27 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words there is more hope of a foole then of him Pro. 29.20 A fools voyce is knowne by multitude of words Eccl. 5.3 In many words there are also divers vanities Eccl. 5.7 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more then the cry of him that ruleth among fools Ecc. 9.17 The words of a wise mans mouth are gracious Eccl. 10.12 A foole also is full of words Eccl. 10.14 Every idle word that men shall speake they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement for by thy words thou shall be justified and by thy words thou shall be condemned Mat. 12.36 37. Teach me and I will hold my tongue Job 6.24 Keep thy tongue from evill Pl. 34.13 His tongue talketh of judgment Psal 37.30 I said I will take heed to my wayes that I sinne not with my tongue Psal 39.1 There is not a word in my tongue but loe O Lord thou knowest it altogether Psal 1 39 4. The froward tongue shall be cut out Pro. 10 31. The tongue of the wise is health Pro. 12 18. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright Pro. 15.2 A wholsome tongue is as the Tree of life Pro. 15 4. The answer of the tongue is from the Lord Pro. 16 1. He that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischefe Pro. 17 20. Perversnesse therein is a breach â—â— the spirit Pro. 15 4. Death and life are in the power of the tongue Pro. 18 21. Who so keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soule from troubles Pro. 21 23. And the Lord said who hath made mans mouth have not I the Lord now therefore goe and I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say Exod. 4.11 12. I am purposed my mouth shall not transgresse Psal 17.3 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdome Psal 37 30. I will keep my mouth with a bridle Psal 39 1. Set a Watch O Lord before my mouth keep the doore of my lips Psal 141 3. Put away from thee a froward mouth and perverse lips put farre from thee Pro. 4 24. A naughty person a wicked man walketh with a froward mouth Pro. 6 12. The mouth of the foolish is neere destruction Pro. 10 14. The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdome Psal 10 31. The mouth of the wicked speaketh froward things Pro. 10 32. The mouth of the upright shall deliver them Pro. 12 6. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth Pro 12 14. 13.2 The mouth of fooles poureth out foolishnesse Pro. 15 2. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth Pro. 15 23. The mouth of the wicked poureth out evill things Pro. 15 28. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth Pro. 16 23. A fools mouth calleth for strokes a fools mouth is his destruction Pro. 18 6 7. It not rash with thy mouth and â—â—â— not thine heart be hasty to utâ—â—â— any thing let thy words be few Eccl. 5 2. But those things which proceed â—ut of the mouth come forth from â—he heart and they defile the man Mat. 15.18 Out of the abundaÌ„ce of the heart â—he mouth speaketh Mat. 12 34. To provoke him to speak many things seeking to catch something â—ut of his mouth that they might â—â—cuse him Luke 11 53 54. If any man among you seem to be religious and bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his owne heart this mans Religion is vain James 1 26. The tongue is a little member â—nd boasteth great things the tongue is a fire a world of iniquity the tongue can no man tame it is an unruly evill full of deadly poyson James 3 5 6 8. He that will love life and see good dayes let him refraine his tongue from evill 1 Peter 3 10. I will give a mouth and wisdome Luke 21 15. In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdome is found Pro. 10 13. He that refraineth his lips is wise Pro. 10 19. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable Pro. 10 31. The wicked is nared by the transgression of his lips Prov. 12 13. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction Pro. 13 3. The lips of the wise shall preserve them Pro. 14 3. The talk of the lips tendeth only to penury Pro. 14 23. Even a foole when he holdeth his peace is counted wise and be that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding Pro 17 28. A fools lips are the snare of his soule Pro. 18 6 7. Every man shall kisse his lips that giveth a right answer Pro. â—4 26. I create the fruit of the lips Isa 17 19. Teach us what we shall say unto him for we cannot order our speech because of darknesse Job 17 19. Excellent speech becommeth not â— foole Pro. 17 7. Let your speech be alway with grace seasoned with salt that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man Col. 4 6. Sound speech that cannot be condemned that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed Tit. 2 8. If any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body Jam. 3 2. A prating foole shall fall Pro. 10 8 10. Should a man full of talke be justified Job 1.2 The lips of a foole will swallow up himselfe the beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishnesse and the end of his talk is mischievous madnesse Eccl. 10.12 13. Speak not in the eares of a fool for he will despise the wisdome of thy words Pro. 23 9. A time to keep silence and a time to speak Eccl. 3 7. The vile person will speak villany and his heart will worke iniquity to practice hypocrisie and to utter errour against the Lord Isa 32 5. Even so we speak not as pleasing men but God which trieth our hearts 1 Thes 2 4. Let every man be swift to hear low to speak James 1 19. So speak ye as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty Jam. 2 12. Speak not evill one of another James 4 11. If any man speak let him speak as the Oracles of God 1 Peter 4 11. Let not an evill
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
thy most holy Spirit through the alone al-sufficient merits and mediation of thy most deare and onely Sonne my alone most sweet Saviour and perpetuall intercessor Christ Jesus even so be it Amen Amen Thus farre here for governing the Tongue now to God onely wise my onely helper be all the glory Concerning walking with God with some Meditations for Prayer according to the plain and powerfull word of God to be the better enabled thereunto 1 GOD commands it He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to doe justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Micah 6.8 Thus saith the Lord stand yee in the wayes and see aske for the old paths where is the good way and walk therein Jer. 6.16 2. Examples of Obedience And Enoch walked with God Noah was a just man and Noah walked with God Ge. 5.24 6.9 3 Neglect hereof must be acknowledged Neither have we obeyed the voyce of the Lord our God to walk in his lawes c. Dan. 9.10 4 And our ignorance indisposition and insufficiency hereunto O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himselfe it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps Jer. 10.23 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God 2 Cor. 3.5 Without me ye can doe nothing John 15.5 5 We must crave pardon for all these And now Lord what wait I for my hope is in thee deliver me from all my transgressions and forgive all my sinnes Psal 39.7 8. 25 18. 6 We must ask a way of God in generall Thus saith the Lord stand ye in the wayes and see and ask for the old paths where is the good way Jer. 6 16. 7 Yea this by solemne humiliation Then I proclaimed a Fast that we might afflict our selves before our God to seek of him a right way for us Ezra 8.21 We must beseech him to grant us these particulars 1 Knowledge of the good way Shew me thy paths O Lord teach me thy Statutes make me understand the way of thy precepts Psal 25.4 119 27. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk for I lift up my soule to thee Psal 143 8. 2 An heart disposed to walke therein Incline my heart unto thy testimonies Psa 119.36 He will teach us his wayes and we will walk in his paths Isa 2 3. 3 Ability thereto Make me to goe in the path of thy Commandements Psal 119 35. 4 Restauration out of former errors relapsed into Renew a right spirit within me restore unto me the joy of thy sal-vation Psal 11 10 12. 5 To be sincere herein I am God al-sufficient walk before me and be thou perfect Gen. 17 1. Let integrity and uprightnesse preserve me Psal 25 21. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes Psal 19 80. 6 To be watchfull hereto Hold thou me up and I shall be safe and I will have respect unto thy Statutes continually Psal 119 117. Keep thy heart with all diligence ponder the path of thy feet and let all thy wayes be established turne not to the right hand nor to the left Prov. 4 23 26 27. 7 That we may encrease in all these Being fruitfull in every good work and encreasing in the knowledge of God Col. 1 â—0 8 And be established Uphold me with thy free spirit Psal 51 12. Uphold me according to thy Word that I may live and let me not be ashamed of my hope Psal 119 116. 9 And to persevere Teach me O Lord the way of thy Statutes and I will keep it unto the end Psal 119 33. I have inclined my heart to performe thy Statutes alway unto the end Psal 119 112. 10 We must pray to be freed and preferved from every evill way in opinion and practice The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the Congregation of the dead Prov. 21 16. The wicked have laid a snare for me yet I erred not from thy precepts Psal 119 110. Remove from me the way of lying I have refrained my feet from every evill way Ps 119.29.101 Incline not my heart to any evill thing to practice wicked works Psal 14 4. We must lay to heart rely upon urge God to reforme await his leasure till he please to make good his word unto us in every particular we have thus sought him for in generall Thy Word have I hid in my heart Psal 119.11 I will meditate in thy precepts and have respect unto thy wayes I will not forget thy Word v. 15 16. In God will I prayes his Word in the Lord will I prayse his Word Psal 56.10 Remember thy word unto thy servant on which thou hast caused me to hope this is my comfort in my affliction for thy Word hath quickned me Psal 119 49 50. Let I pray thee thy mercifull kindnesse be for my comfort according to thy Word unto thy servant Psal 119 76. Therefore I will look unto the Lord I will wait for the God of my salvation my God will heare me Micah 7 7. O my Father neverthelesse not as I will but as thou wilt Mat. 26 39. In the particulars following 1 In that we have acknowldged our neglects and defects The Lord saith he that confesseth and forsaketh his sinnes shall have mercy Prov. 28 13. If we acknowledge our sinnes he is faithfull and just to forgive us our sinnes and to cleanst as from all unrigteousnesse 1 John 1 9. 2 In that we have craved pardon The Lord saith I will save you from all your uncleannesses c. yet will I for this be enquired of to doe it Ezek. 36 29 37. 3 In that we have asked a my of God He sayes Ask and it shall be given you Mat. 7.7 We besought our God for this and he was intreated of us Ezr. 8 23 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way that thou shalt go and I will guide thee with mine eye Psal 32 8. 4 To the desire of knowledge the Lord saith If thou callest after knowledge and cryest for understanding thou shalt find the knowledge of God Prov. 2 3 5. 5 To the desire of a good disposition Thus a new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you Ezek. 36 2â— 6 And of ability to walk with God He promiseth thus I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walke in my Statutes and yee shall keep my judgements and doe them Ezel 36 2â— For it is he that worketh in you both to will and to doe of his good pleasure Phil. 2 13. 7 If we desire restauration He restoreth my soule and leadeth me into the paths of righteousnesse Psal 23 3. 8 If we desire herein sanctity Yee shall keep my Statutes and doe them I am the Lord which sanctifieth you Levit 20 8 24. 9 Watchfulnesse I will hearken what the
not repent this little paine â—o much will be thy comfort and thy gaine â—e all be done as thou Lord seest fit Amen Amen Lord Jesus so be it Woe for the abuses of these sinful times Our Callings common crying chiefest crimes IS it not a wicked world when honesty Is called and counted childish foolery When lying perjury and falshood foule Are followed gract maintaint without controule When to extort opresse by force or fraud Instead of right and mercy most applaud When place and power abused are shamefully To wrong the poore and suppresse equity When avarice pride lust excesse to cherish We cause our owne and others soules to perish No attestations false to prov 't I need Those most accursed do it leave off take heed When great ones customes though in things amisse Before Gods expresse Law preferred is When because most doe so it must so be Or who doth otherwise strange man is he When vertue is for shew not deed esteemed When all is well if honest he be deemed Though guilty conscience tels us to our face Seem what we will we are in evill case When to our shame if but our turnes we serve We crouch to such who small respect deserve When he the wise wise man a counted is That closest carrieth all 〈◊〉 knaveries When he that freely plaâ—â— deales and truly Is worthlesse witlesse held 〈◊〉 most unruly Is hated scorned frowned of and hardly used Belyed defamed watcht scoâ—â— at and misused When the malicious partall man doth threat Yet his best cause before faâ—â—e justice seat Dares not present who darknesse works hates light A conscience foule dares not appeale to right But underhand scandall 〈◊〉 raise ne're ceaseth Th' are heard stood for by such as such things pleaseth When a wrongd-just cause which craves to be righted Shall scarce be heard at best put off and slighted When falshood many truth few friends shall find A true discovery how we are inclin'd Enough vaine foolish men run on your race Horrour shame mischiefe misery disgrace Your portion is and truth that now is blamed Shall once prevaile and never be ashamed Comfort help Heaven in no wise looke you for Continuing thus your wayes he doth abhorre The right Religion understand me well The galled guilty will fret raile and swell He that 's a griev'd and findeth fault with this I more then think himselfe most faulty is Silence with godly sorrow and t' amend To just suspition sinne shame harme puts end THe proud peevish jest mâ— and vexing humour of a Preacher is most offensive and unseemly An humble quiet grave and friendly carriage does much good and is most comely Hate thy sinne as well as know it forsake it as well as beg pardon for it if thou my self practice it it little availes thee to reprove it Doe well trust God and be merry whosoever mislikes it There is no fence against the ungrounded suspitions oâ— the slanderous spitefull injurious uncharitable speechs oâ— others which thou knowest not of in this case approve thy heart to God give no cause of offence and care not for harme shee they shall not Parents must not be tyrants nor children masters To be temperate in eating and drinking To make a covenant with our eyes To be more watchfull sober and wise in speaking To rise every morning timely To premeditate before holy â—uties To strive against deadnesse wearinesse customarinesse in performing them To labor for an holy harmlesse carriage furthers inward quier and prevents outward scandall Avoid all by-respects all evill thoughts all misgovernment of the tongue all unscemly behaviour and all sinfull actions Endeavour Gods glory in all things to entertaine godâ— thoughts to strive to govern the tongue to embrace a coâ—â—ly behaviour to walk always as in Gods presence to apprâ—â— our hearts to him helps forwâ—â— in holinesse Pray pray pray that God would shew thee the right way 1 Because he requires it Jer. 6.16 2 Because he hath promised to shew it Psal 32.8 Jer. 33.3 3 And to cause us walk in 〈◊〉 Ezek. 26.37 Hos 14.19 4. And that we shall perseven therein Psal 66.9 5 And because the Lord hath promised his blessing to all that walk in it Ps 1. 50.23 119. Gal. 6.16 Or thus of the same Pray to be enabled to walke with God and therefore to avoid evill company a maine hinderance thereof Prov. 4.14 1â— to imbrace good society a great furtherance therto Pro. 2. â—0 to be shewed the right way Ps 119.5 part Jer. 10.23 to be kept from all deceitfull wayes Psal 119.5 part and that the Lord will knit our hearts to feare his Name Psal 86.11 For the attaining to and furtherance of a pious acceptable profitable conversation keep my heart above all things therfore avoid and strive against prophane uncharitable lofty thoughts ungrounded discontented conceits spirituall worldly pride hipocrisie deceitfulnesse in heart dispensation to neglect good or to commit evil inward danger envy fretting at others prosperity murmuring against disputing with God to strive against the occasions of sinne offered and the sinne it selfe be it never so secret To entertaine and to labour after reverend awfull holy thoughts in respect of God presence loving charitable thoughts in respect of others humble and lowly thoughts is respect of our selves soundnesse of judgement to discerne thing aright inward content meâ—â—nesse sincerity sobriety stâ—â—ednesse peaceablenesse to dea good and fly evill according â—â— the light of a well informeâ— conscience Pray to leave sinne whereof we are guilty to be preserved from those whereof we are not so apparently faulty to mount for what we cannot mend For the first sort confesse them flye the occasions of them falling sometimes through frailty not to lye still therein but to repent and amend speedly and to watch there-against more carefully vow the more earnestly against them For the second feare our selves think we our selves never so free watch against the accasions least we fall before we feare For the third lay them before the Lord beg reformation endeavour to practice all we can If we would pray to be heard ground all on the word of God pray in the name of Christ beleeve acceptation in him await such an answer as he sees fit rest on the Lords al-sufficient assistance attend with good endeavours let words be few at least with great judgement and affection let thy heart be lift up be advised what thou prayâ—â— for strive against habituall at stractions passions lusts be fervent in spirit with instanty without failing or discouragement with perseverance truth Lord thou requirest it but I am wholly insufficient to it but thou hast promised to give it therefore I crave it relying thereon for times of prayer when he can to be more large and solemne wanting convenicy hereto to be full of short Ejaculations and when neither of these can be conveniently performed to pray in hean for all are commanded commended acceptable and powerfull all in the name
16. As many as vvalk according to this rule peace be on them and mercy Gal. 6 16. Let its vvalk by the same rule Phil. 3 16. Finally my Brethren vvhatsoever things are honest vvhatsoever things are just vvhatsoever things are pure vvhatsoever things are lovely vvhatsoever things are of good report if there be any vertue and if there be any praise think on these things Ph. 4 8. 4 Of passion and sobriety We are men of like passions Act 14 15. A man subject to like passions James 5 17. Their Princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue Hosea 7 16. The foole rageth and is confident Pro. 14 16. Cease from anger and forsake wrath Psal 37 8. A fooles vvrath is presently knowne but a Prudent man covereth shame Pro. 12 16. He that is slow to vvrath is of great understanding but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly Pro. 14 29. A soft answer turneth away vvrath but grievous words stirre up strife Pro. 15 1. A man of great vvrath shall suffer punishment for if thou deliver him yet thou must doe it againe Pro. 19 19. A gâ—ft in secret pacifieth anger and a reward in the bosome strong vvrath Pro. 21 14. Proud and haughty scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath Pro. 21 24. A stone is heavy and the sand vveighty but a fools vvrath is 〈◊〉 then both Pro. 27 3. Wrath is cruell and anger is out 〈◊〉 Pro. 27 4. Give place unto wrath Ro. 12.19 Be angry and sinne out let not the Sâ—nne goe downe upon your vvrath neither gâ—ve place to the Devill Eph. 4 26 27. Let all bitternesse and vvrath and anger and claimour and evill speaking be put away from you Epâ— 4 31. Be slow to wrath for the vvrath of â—â—n vvorketh not the righteouâ—nesse of God James 1 19 20. Be â—â—â— hasty tâ— thy spirit to be angry for anger resteth in the bosoms of fooles Eccl. 7 9. As vvrathfull man stirreth up strife but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife Pro. 15 18. He that is slow to anger is better then the mighty and he that ruâ—â—oâ—h his spirit then she that taketh a City Pr. 15 32. The discretion of a man deferreth his anger and it is his glory to passe over a transgression Pro. 19 11. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly Pro. 14 17. It is better to dwell in the Wildernesse then vvith a contentious and an angry vvoman Pro. 21 19 9 25 24. Make no friendship vvith an angry man and vvith a furious man thou shall not goe least thou learne his vvayes and get a snare to thy soul Pro. 22 24 25. An angry man stirreth up strife and a furious man aboundeth in transgression Pro. 29 22. Not soon angry T it 1 7. The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge Isa 32 4. And to doe nothing rashly Acts 19 36. Patient not a brauler Tim. 3 3 No braulers but gentle Tit. 3 2. Put away from thee a frâ—ward mouth and perverse lips put farre from thee Pro. 4 24. He that is of it perverse heart shall be despised Pro. 12 8 He that is perverse in his wayes despiseth the Lord Prov. 14 2. He that hath a froward heart fâ—â—deth no good and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischiefe Pro. 17 20. He that is perverse in his vvays shall fall at once Pro. 28 18. He that perverteth his vvayes shall be knowne Pro. 10 9. The Counsell of the froward is carried headlong Job 5 13. A froward heart shall depart from me Psâ—l 101 4. They are froward in their paths Pro. 2 15. The froward is an abomination to the Lord Pro. 3.32 11.20 A naughty person a wicked man vvalketh with a froward mouth Pro. 6 1â— The froward mouth doe I have Pro. 8 13. The froward tongue shall be out out Pro. 10 31. The vvay of a man is froward and strange Pro. 21 8. Thornes and snares are in the vvay of the froward he that doth keep his soule shall be farre from them Pro. 22 5. Let us vvatch and be sober 1 Thes 5 6. Sober of good behaviour 1 Tim. 3.2 11. Sober just holy temperate Tit. 1 8. Likewise exhort to be sober-minded Tit. 2 6. Gird up the loynes of your mind be sober 1 per. 1 13. Be ye therefore sober and watch 1 pet 4 7. Be sober be vigilant 1 pet 5 8. I speak forth the words of truth and sobernesse Acts 26 25. We should live soberly righteously and godly in this present World Tit. 2 12. The fruit of the Spirit is meeknesse temperance against such there is no law Eph. 5 22 23. Adde to knowledge temperance 2 pet 1 6. Let your moderation be knowne unto all men the Lord is at hand phil 4 5. Wise men turne away vvrath prov 29 8. 5 Of pride and humility The feare of the Lord is to have evil pride arrogancy pro. 8.13 When pride commeth then commeth shame but with the lowly is vvisdome pro. 11 2. Onely by Pride commenth contentention but vvith the lowly is wisdome Prov. 11.12 Onely by pride commeth contention but with the vvell-advised is vvisdome pro. 13 10. Pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall pro. 16 18. A mans pride shall bring him low but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit pro. 29 23. Those that vvalke in pride he is able to abase Dan. 4 37. A perpetuall desolation this shall they have for their pride Zeph. 2.9 10. He smiteth through the proud Job 26 12. Look on every one that is proud and bring him low Job 40 12 11 Him that hath an high look and a proud heart vvill I not suffer psal 101 5. Though the Lord be high yet hath he respect unto the lowly but the proud he knoweth a farre off psal 138 6. A proud look doth the Lord hate pro. 6 16 17. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord pro. 16 5. Better it is to be of an humble spirit vvith the lowly then to divide the spoyle vvith the proud pro. 16.19 An high look and a proud heart and the plowyng of the vvicked is sinne pro. 21 4. He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife pro. 28 25. He that trusteth in his owne heart is foole but vvhoso walketh vvisely shall be delivered pro. 28 26. The patient in spirit is better then the proud in spirit Eccl. 7 8 God resisteth the proud but giveth grace to the humble James 4 5. 1 pet 5 5. Lord my heart is not haughty nor mine eyes lofty psal 131.1 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty and before honour is humility pro. 18.12 the haughty shall be humbled Isa 10.33 Thou wilt bring downe high looks Psal 18 28. Boast not thy selfe oâ— to morrow for thou knowest not vvhat a day may bring forth let another prâ—ise thee and not thine owne mouth a stranger and not thine owne lips pro.
performe Rom. 4.18.20 21. And never to cast away 〈◊〉 confidence which hath great recompence of reward He. 10 3â— But as I have great needâ—â— imbrace patience that after have done the will of my God by his grace I may receiâ—â— the promise Heb. 10.36 Being most confident that the hatred envy unpeaceablenesse malice scorne cruelty of Iosephs Brethren against him Gen. 37.4.8.11.19 their purpose to kill him their casting him into the pit their selling him to the Ismalites the Ismalites selling him againe to the Aegyptians Potiphar verse 22.24.28.36 the stander of his Mistresse his hard imprisonment thereupon Gen. 39.19 20. the Butlers Bakers Pharaohs dreames the extreame dearth and all things whatsoever seemed to make never somuch against him wrought in the end most remarkably for him Gen. 41.9 45.5 7 8. 50.24 so my God without doubt will most fatherly powerfully faithfully seasonably carefully constantly work in with and for me being the same God for ever for good to his that all my present and future inward perplexities and outward troubles all that Satan or any of his instruments doe or may doe against me all the malice and scorne of evill men all the oppositions and injuries of any though never so great and many all my instant seares cares and most hopelesse and helplesse miseries yea my folly sinne and misgovernment my felt or lookt for shame and losse my crosses and poverty yea even that intolerable hurthen Lord thou knowest my meaning and necessity that even overwhelmeth me and whatsoever doth or may seem to make most against me that all shall turne remarkably for good unto me Rom. 8.28 Lord thou hast spoken it and will also bring it to passe thou hast purposed it and wilt also doe it and nothing shall let it Isa 46.10 11. Therefore to conclude as Joseph did and to say to my selfe in every crosle and calamity yea though never so grievous and desperate even in my present misery as he did to his Brethren be not grieved nor angry that this or that betides thee it is God that sends it to thee and remaines thy most wise and tender-hearted Father continually howsoever he please to afflict thee and whatsoever by the devil or man may be intended or wrought against thee thy God intendeth and will work all for thy good undoubtedly Gen 45.5.7 50.20 Well then my soule is not all this enough for thee I thus beset with paine and grief did pray to God for grace plaint And he forthwith did heare my out of his holy place Ps 18 6. On me some signe of favour shew that all my foes may see And be ashamd because Lord thou doest help and comfort me Psal 86.17 And now my soul sith thou art safe returne unto thy rest For largely loe the Lord to thee his bounty hath exprest Ps 16.7 See more at large in my collection of Promises these following particulars which will by Gods blessing afford more matter of consolation and setling in any kind of misery as in my booke of the Promises concerning afflictions in generall page 102 to 112 Concerning trouble of mind pag. 116. Concerning a desolate estate pag. 118 Concerning any kind of outward want pag. 135 Concerning Gods blessing pag. 164. Concerning the manner of Gods hearing our prayers pag. 208. A briefe commending all to the LORD Oh Lord helpe mine heart to pray heare my prayers thy Name shall have the praises O Thou that art the onely and alwayes true God whom alone I desire to serve and trust â—ternall al-knowing every where present almighty most wise mercifull faithfull and immutable in Jesus Christ by vertue of thine owne most free and faithfull Covenant my reconciled God most gracious Father and alone al-sufficient helper it is thy will I should call upon thee in every need and hast promised thou wilt deliver me that I may glorifie thee I have never sought thee in vaine thou hast alwayes heard me and that most remarkably in greatest extremity thou hast often done more for me then I desired or expected from thee behold as well as I can though alas at the best exceeding weakly in the sense of my especiall necessities fully known to thee with all circumstances I set my soule to seeke all help at thy hands onely deâ—â—ying all other meanes of reliefe wholly this in obedience to thy will in the assistance of thy Spirit in the name and mediation of thy deare and onely Sonne my alone al-sufficient Saviour and continuall intercessor Christ Jesus founding my prayers on thy promises which I lay before thee with which I urge thee flying to thy mercies building on thy power submitting to thy will wisdome and providence acknowledging all my inward and outward welfare past present and to come to come onely from thee or else woe woe woe unto me and nothing could or can availe me a waiting for thy salvation continually promising all possible praises to thee onely for whatsoever grace or good thou hast pleased to vouchsafe or shalt please to vouchsafe unto me and now thou that art such a God as I acknowledge thee and thou hast revealed thy selfe to be intreated in mercy as thou hast promised by thy unresistable working in due season upon all occasions especially in greatest extremities more particularly in my particular present or future prossing inward and outward necessities to guide to prevent to governe to restore to receive to streng then to comfort to support to establish to relieve to protect to deliver every way to help and prosper me notwithstanding all my horrible ingratitude most hainous sinfulnesse exceeding unworthinesse extreame weaknesse and all other though never so many great impediments you according to all thy great name manifested and magnified to thine for good whereby so freely plainly plentifully infallibly thou hast revealed and assured audience and help to thine to hear and help me even beyond all that I now or at any other time can think or aske that it may appeare thou Lord hast done all for me all this all else as may be most to the glory of thy name the service of thy Zion the gracing of my Christian profession the stopping the mouth of prophanenesse malice scorn and injury the preventing my distasting others or others especially such as most wish and would be glad of my shame and harme having advantage against me the good of those most neare and deare unto me my outward credite and comfort in thy fear with thy favour my soules present peace and everlasting happinesse in Heaven with thee as seemeth best unto thee wherewithall in all good conscience and Christian considence make me contented heartily and it is enough for me and all the glory shall he thine onely to whom alone the same is due wholly and continually Amen Observe HEr Adversary provoked her sore for to make her fret therefore shee wept and did not eat shee was in bitternesse of soule and prayed unto the Lord and wept sore and shee vowed a
In particular 1 Taking all in the best part 2 Passing by offences 3 Rejoycing at others weifare 4 Contentation with his estate 5 Humility 6 Trust in God according to his nature and promises 7 To cast his care on God 8 Inward peace joy and assurance 2 In his house to avoid 1 In words 1 In generall all prophane talke 2 In particular 1 Hastinesse to mine 2 Medling in others matters In his house 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 In words 1 In generall all edifying talk 2 In particular 1 Sobernesse to mine 2 Speaking the best of others 2 To eschew in behaviour 1 All loosnesse 2 Unseemlinesse 3 Filthinesse 2 To imbrace in behaviour 1 Stayednesse 2 Comlinesse 3 Purity 3 In company to eschew 1 In heart 1 Evill surmises of the words or carriage of others towards him 2 Partiality 3 Self-conceitednesse 2 In words 1 Unadvisednesse 2 Superfluousnesse 3 Unseasonablenesse 4 Uncharitablenesse 5 Contentiousnesse 3 In carriage 1 Lightnesse or familiatity 2 Strangenesse 3 Loftinesse 4 Uncomlinesse 4 In actions 1 Society with prophane persons 2 Excesse or tipling 3 Giving any evill example to any 4 Shewing any liking of sin 5 Seeking to humour men in ill In company to embrace 1 In heart 1 Taking all in good part 2 Directnesse 3 Lowlinesse 2 In words 1 Pre-consideration 2 Paucity 3 To the purpose 4 Charitablenesse 5 Friendlinesse 3 In behaviour 1 Gravity or reservednesse 2 Affability 3 Humility 4 Seemlinesse 4 In action 1 Good company 2 Following good example 3 Giving good example 4 Wisely reproving sinne 5 By all meanes honouring God 4 Concerning Gods publike family or private worship 1 To eschew 1 All will worship 2 Superstition 3 Unpreparednesse 4 Negligence 5 Customarinesse 6 Habituall distractions 7 Relying too much on the meanes And to embrace 1 The warrant of Gods word for the duties 2 For the manner of performing them 3 Preparation 4 Attention 5 Conscionablenesse 6 Setlednesse 7 Resting on Gods blessing Amen Amen Considerations to move to Christian watchfulnesse 1 In seeking thus Gods glory he will honour us againe 1 Sam. 2.30 2 That we are every where in the sight of God who knoweth the heart Jeremiah 17.9 10. heareth our words Ps 139.4 beholdeth all our wayes ver 1 2 3. to reward every one according to their doings Jerem. 17.10 3 We shall hereby enjoy sweet communion with our God in Christ John 14.21 Rev. 3.20 4 And be most blessed here and for evermore in every thing Ps 144.15 84.11 Rom. 8.28 For the moouth of the Lord hath spoken it therefore it shall be performed and nothing shall let it Amens All by Gods grace onely From henceforth constantly Every day seasonably With Christian conveniency In the Morning To awake with God To shake off sloath To arise timely To pray for himselfe solemnly To read in Gods Word reverendly To call to mind some of his Vowes seriously And some of the promises deliberately To sing part of a Psalme understandingly In the Afternoon To pray for his Family affectionately To read in Gods Word advisedly And in his holy Advices observantly And somewhat in the Oracles of God distinctly In the Evening To pray for Gods Church humbly To read in Gods Word holily And somewhat in the Practice of Piety carefully And in the true watch for Examination impartially To lye downe to rest with prayer to avoyd all occasions of impurity And so to sleep securely Every Sabbath Besides accustomed publike Family and private duties on that day Three severall times to caâ—â— to mind some of Gods especiall and recorded mercies By the Lords most seasonable mercifull powerfull faithfully promised constant assistance which to this end I crave rest on and look for onely without which instead of doing better I shall doe worse then formerly yea every way most hainously I resolve and shall endeavour watchfully and constantly to avoyd all intemperance immoderate taking Tobacco vaine talking unseemly carriage pride lust passion and discord and all occasions of each and to embrace the contrary graces and all meanes thereto As thou art a God of mercy power and truth show it herein unto me and let thy grace my God in Christ be alwales sufficient for me Concerning decay in Prayer A Lwayes when he found himselfe so decay in zeale and care to pray his conscience checkt him for unthankfulnesse for former assistance in praying or for depending too much upon his prayers whereupon he felt a deadnesse to all other good duties a yeelding to the motions and occasions of sinne an inward puffing up a carelesnesse and self-presuming yea a miserable distemper in all things and then he conceived himselfe to be neare some sore temptation foule fall grievous inward dejection or great outward calamity therefore he held it his instantly to fall to prayer that the Lord would please to restore unto him the spirit of prayer to work in him a willingnesse to all other holy exercises to give him strength to resist and overcome the provocations to evill to humble him deeply in the sense of his former faults and present corruptions to make him truly thankfull and watchfull and in the strength of the Almighty onely out of conscience to doe his duty to bring all into good order and to keep all so constantly and most graciously powerfull and faithfully to prevent the sinnes perplexities and troubles he feares merits and hath cause to expect to be left unto and which he else by no means can escape so awaiting the Lords leasure and submitting to his good pleasure goe all how it will all shall goe well Amen my Father in Christ of thine owne meere mercy be I never so unworthy as thou hast promised whatsoever opposeth Amen Amen even so be it Amen Some most especiall choice places of sacred Scripture that concerne my self in most especiall manner reduced to these heads 1 COncerning government of the mind page 349 2 Of the tongue p. 351 3 Of the conversation page 361 4 Of passion and sobriety p. 368 5 Of pride and humility p. 374 6 Of strise and peace 7 Of envy and charity 8 Of discontent and quiet 9 Of medling and reservednesse 10 Of sullennesse and chearfulnesse 1 Concerning government of the mind In the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom Exod 31.6 Give therefore thy servant an under standing heart that I may discerne between good and bad 1 King 3.9 Keepe thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life Pro. 4 23. The preparations of the heart in man is from the Lord Pro. 16.1 The wise in heart shall be called prudent Pro. 16.21 A wise mans heart discerneth both time and iudgement Eccl. 8.5 A wise mans heart is at his right hand but a fools heart is at his left Eccl. 10.2 How weak is thine heart saith the Lord God seeing thou doest all these things Ezek. 16.30 Set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee Ezek. 40.4 If our heart condemnes us God is