The crovvne of life Containing the combate betwixt the flesh and the spirit, with meditations and prayers in time of afflictions, directing to liue christianly, and die blessedly. Also a comfortable and heauenly dialogue betweene Christ and the soule. Written to comfort the afflicted consciences of all those that groane vnder the burthen of their sinnes. Robertson, Bartholomew, fl. 1620. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A10825 of text S103183 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 21097). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 390 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 308 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A10825 STC 21097 ESTC S103183 99838940 99838940 3332 2240873246

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A10825) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 3332) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1217:07) The crovvne of life Containing the combate betwixt the flesh and the spirit, with meditations and prayers in time of afflictions, directing to liue christianly, and die blessedly. Also a comfortable and heauenly dialogue betweene Christ and the soule. Written to comfort the afflicted consciences of all those that groane vnder the burthen of their sinnes. Robertson, Bartholomew, fl. 1620. [64], 392 [i.e. 390], [12], 71 [i.e. 81], [1] p. Printed by E. G[riffin] for Iohn Marriot, and are to be sold at his shop at the White flowr de Luce, neere Fetter-lane, in Fleet street, London : 1618. By Bartholomew Robertson. Printer's name from part 2 title page. In two parts, with separate signatures and pagination. Part 2 has separate title page, with same imprint date, reading: The soules request: or, A most sweet and comfortable dialogue betweene Christ and the soule, full of heauenly and spiritual consolations to raise vp the heart cast downe for sinne, and sence of Gods wrath. Dedication part 2 signed: Barthol. Robertson. Part 1: pages 166-67 misnumbered 136-37; 261-62 missing in number only. Part 2: pages 51-60 repeated in number only. Title page marked, torn and stained; copy filmed lacks pages 65-66 in part 2. Pages 250-75 of part 1 and 40-end of part 2 from Bodleian Library copy spliced at end. Reproduction of the original in the Cmabridge University Library. eng Christian life -- Early works to 1800. eebo The crovvne of life. Containing the combate betwixt the flesh and the spirit, with meditations and prayers in time of afflictions, directing to liue c Robertson, Bartholomew, 1618 548 67359 541 0 0 0 0 5 303 F The rate of 303 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the F category of texts with 100 or more defects per 10,000 words. 2003-11 Assigned for keying and markup 2003-12 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-04 Sampled and proofread 2004-04 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-07 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

CROWN OF LIFE Containing the 〈◊〉 betwixt the Flesh and the ●pirit , with Meditations and P●●ers in time of afflictions , directing 〈◊〉 liue christianly , and die blessedly ALSO A comfortable and heauenly Dialogue betweene CHRIST and the SOVLE .

Written to comfort the afflicted consciences of all those that groan●● vnder the burthen of t●eir sinnes .

REVEL. 2.10 .

Be thou faithful vnto the death , and I 〈◊〉 giue thee the crowne o● life .

LONDON , Printed by E G. for Iohn Marri●● and are to be sold at his 〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 la●e , in Fl●et stree●

TO THE MOST Royall and renowned MAIESTY , of the high-borne Princesse ANNA of DENMARKE , by the grace of God , Queene of Great Brittaine , France , and Ireland , &c. Imperiall and incomparable MAIESTY .

THE holy Ghost teacheth vs godlines most forcibly , by the breuitie of our life , naming it a vapour , grasse , Iam. 4.14 . 1 Pet. 1.24 Esay 4.6 . a span long ; yea , it may abide any extenuation in the world ; Psa. 144.4 . as to be called a bubble , a sleepe , a shadow ; and the holy men of God , come so farre , as that they compare it to a thought , whereof there may be vnspeakeable thousands in one day , yea in an houre . Psal. 90.9 . King Dauid saith , Behold , thou hast made my daies as a hand bredth , Psal. 39.5 . and my age is nothing in respect of thee : surely euery man in his best estate is altogether vanitie . And another Ki●g , My habitation is departed and remooued like a sheepheards Tent , Esay 38.12 I haue cut off like a Weauer my life . And thus it is euident , that mans life ( for its speedie motion in her short way ) is as swift as a Weauers shittle , Ps. 103.16 . and passeth as the wind . The swiftest thing in nature for motion ( the Sun ) may stand still , Iosh. 10 13 but mans life doth not stay , For euen when the Sunne stoode still a dayes iourney , mans life went forward . Wise Salomon ▪ called it vaine , and not contented therewith seemed to correct himselfe , and called it vanity it selfe . Psal. 62 9. But Dauid his Father goeth farther , and saith , Man is lighter then vanity , being layd in a bal●ance . We ( so fond we are ) increase our count of daies , as the euill seruant did ; Mat. 24.50 ▪ But his Master came in a day when hee looked not for him so did the foolish Virgins . It is good not to beguile our selues in computation , but to be taught to number our dayes , which is a verie rare Arithmetique . If there were worlds in possession of them that are departed , they would gladly giue them vs for one day , or houre , which wee so little esteeme of .

Besides , death often taketh violently from vs the time to come , yea from them which are most deare to God . Rachiell dyed in childe-bed , Elie brake his necke , the Prophet was killed by a Lyon , 1 Sa ▪ 4.18 . 1 King . 13.24 Iob 1.18.19 . 2 King . 23.29 . 2 Kin. 39.6 Iobs children in their banqueting strucke dead , Iosiah kild by Pharaoh Necho , Isbosheth slept at noone , but was slaine before he awoke , &c. Neither hath any Liuer surer charter of his life , vnlesse he could haue a lease of it , as Ezekiah in some sort had of his by Esaiah , wherein hee had very ill successe . Thus we ought to apply our hearts vnto wisedome , perswading ourselues that death is within a minute , that it will easily dispatch that , which no Law , Prince , or Punishment could doe : and if we would euery day thinke wee draw our last breath , wee should prepare vs , and repaire to the word , and goe boldly to the throane of grace , Heb. 4.16 . that there wee may receaue mercie , and finde grace to helpe in time of need , knowing that it is a greater benefit to be a liuing Dog , Eccles. 9.4 . then a dead Lyon . For while that we liue , there is space for repentance , but after death there is none . And this Christ alloweth as a high poynt of wisedome in Marie , in that shee ha● made so fit a choise of her times , in bestowing them on such a thing as should not be taken from her . Luc. 10.42 And here in this little Treatise , I shew that those times we bestowe on Gods worship , shall not end with the number of our dayes , but shall haue their abiding fruite for euer , and shall last as long as God himselfe shall endure . The which here I commend to your Maiesties gracious acceptance , hauing an eye to the matter rather then to the manner , 1 Cor. 1. for I would be seene in the simplicity of the Gospell , and euidence of the spirit , that the power thereof may appeare . And now vnto him that is able to keepe you , that you fall not , and to prese●t you faultlesse before the presence of glory with ioy , that is , to God onely wise , our Sauiour , be glorie , and Maiestie , and dominion , and power , both now and euermore , Amen .

Your Maiesties most humble and loyall rememb●ancer at the thro●e of grace , Barth●l . Robertson .
To the Christian READER .

MY purpose ( gentle Reader ) in the frame of this Booke is , by short questions to quicken and put edge on thy vnderstanding , and by meditations to make the doctrine thine owne : which thou must haunt frequently , by chewing the cud , and so by the holy Ghost , applying the doctrine more particularly to thy selfe , which thing no other ( although neuer so effectuall a Preacher ) can do so fitly ; because each of vs is most priuie to his owne estate . For that knowledge by hearing & reading , whilest that it swimmeth in the braine , but is not setled in the affections by meditation , is but a vanishing knowledge . And by prayer , the graces of God are moystened , which cannot bee drie so long as thou resortest to Christ by feruent supplications . These three thou mayest vse in the day time , but exercise praier and meditation , assoone as thou awakest in the night , ioyning thereunto the examination of thy heart ; for then is the soule ( as it were ) at home . Which in the day time had wandred abroad . And so to reade , and not to meditate , is vnfruitfull ; to meditate , and not to read is dangerous for errors ; and to reade and meditate without prayer is hurtfull . For without prayer our mindes shall be driuen from the things vnder our meditation , to roue , & wander after other matters , whither our own corruption and Satan is about to lead vs . Wherefore ( beloued Reader ) I haue according to the measure of gr●ce giuen vnto me , conioyned them three for thy benefit , for in hearing with others , and reading with our selues , we thinke we haue to deale but with men , but by prayer and meditation , which is the very life and strength of reading , we call our selues to account before gods iudgement seate for that we reade or heare , laying our hearts naked before God , accusing our selues , confessing our sinnes , crauing forgiuen●sse for them , acknowledging his mercie , which wee haue receaued , & begging the continuance of the gift ; and so as by these means good ●ffections are bred , so by the same we are carried to practise g●dlines in our selues . And the Lord blesse th●e to his glory , and these to thy vse . Octob. 16. 1617.

The table and order of of the speciall heads and doctrines , with the meditations and prayers contained in the Crowne of Life . CHAP. I. WHerein is contained , that men are not only mortall , but also altogether ignorant , when , how , ●r in what place , God will call them out of this present life . 1 That a Christian may learne only out of Gods Word , to liue well , and die blessedly . pag. 1. A meditation of the Soule , to liue foreuer . pag 2. 2 What a Christian life is . p 2. The Christians godly prayer . p. 4. 3 What is called a Christian death . p. 5. A pr●yer for a happy departure . p. 5 4 That euery man must die . p. 6. A meditation of the Soule , that we must but once die temporally . pag. 6. A prayer vnto God , that he would seriously put into our hearts , that the time of our death is vncertaine . p. 8. 5 That God hath not manifested vnto vs the houre of death , that we might prepare vs euer to die . pag. 9. A praier for a blessed preparation . pag. 10. Foure meditations concerning the vncertainty of our death . First , the time , when . pa. 11. A prayer of mans vanitie . pa. 13. The second meditation , the place where . pag. 15. A praier that we may ioyfully meet death . pag 16. The third meditation , the state , in what . pag. 17. A short praier to forsake the world . pag. ●8 . The fourth , the manner how . p 19 A prayer of the misery of sinne , and to follow Christ . p. ●0 . A meditation of the Soule , not to delay repentance . p. 22. A prayer when first ▪ wee fall sicke . pag. 23. CHAP. II. WHerein is comprehended the true and right art to die well . And first of Christian repentance . p. 24. 1 Because we cannot bee exempted from death , wee should learne that Science and Art to die happily . p. 25. The young mans prayer . p. 27. 2 How a man by sound and true repentance , pre●are himselfe to die blessedly . p. 2● . A meditation of the Soule for earnest repentance . p. 29. Another prayer for spee●y repentance . p. 30 3 What true repentance is in three heads . p. 31. Another praier for repentance . p 32 4 An instruction of the first part of true repentance . p. 33. A pray●r bewailing the corruptition of nature . p. 34. A meditation of the Soule vpon the acknowledgement of sin . pag. 36. A prayer for the confession of our sinnes . p. 37. 5 A declaration of the second part of true repentance . p. 44. A meditation of the Soule of faith in Christ p. 51. The sinners prayer to relie on Christ . p. 59. 6 Declaring the third part of true repentance . p. 61. A most excellent prayer to be vsed at all times . p. 62. 7 That our whole life ought , and should be a continuall repentance . A prayer for true repentance . pag. 73. CHAP. III. COntaining six points belonging to a Christian life . p. 76. The Christians prayer for a holy life and blessed death . p. 79. 1 Point , diligently to heare the Word of God , learne to vnderstand it , and to diuide and conueniently vse and practise it . pag. 81. A prayer to the same effect . p. 93. 2 Point , daily to comfort himselfe in his Baptisme . p. 96. A Meditation of thy Baptisme . pag. 97. A prayer for a new life and faith in Christ . p. 99. 3 Point , often to repaire to the Lord● Supper with due examination . p. 102. A Meditation of the Soule for the receiuing of the holy Communion . p. 10● ▪ A Prayer when thou hast receiued the holy Communion . p. 108 Another meditation of receiuing the holy Communion . p. 109 Another prayer after the receiuing the holy Communion . p. 115. 4 Wisely to behaue himselfe in all crosses and aduersities handled in seuen rules . p. 120. 1 Rule concerning the crosse . pag. 123. A prayer willingly to follow Christ in all crosses and afflictions . p. 126. 2 Rule of bearing the crosse . pag. 127. A prayer for obedience in the crosse of Christ . p. 128. 3 Rule , how to beare the crosse of Christ patiently . p. 129. A meditation of the Soule concerning the comfort which Christ doth giue vnto all those that suffer for his sake . p. 130. A Prayer for stedfast faith in all afflictions . p. 131. 4 Rule , concerning the crosse of Christ . p. 132. 5 Rule , concerning the crosse of Christ . p. 135. A prayer when we haue obtained faith in Christ . p. 138. 6 Rule , concerning the crosse of Christ , and the crosses of this life . p. 139. A prayer for a true and liuely faith in Christ . p. 143 And last rule concerning the crosse of Christ p. 145 A meditation of the crosse of Christ . p. 146 A prayer for continuance in Faith . p. 148 5 Poynt of a godlie , and Christian life is to abide in his calling and vocation . p. 149 A meditation of the frailtie of this Life . p. 152 6 And last , is the Soules meditation diligently to call on Gods name , by earnest and feruent prayer . p. 158 A most comfortable prayer to God for the gifts of the Spirit of prayer , and accepting of our prayers . p 163 CHAP. IIII. COntayneth how a Christian should behaue himselfe , when God sendeth sicknesse vpon him . p. 167 A prayer against sudden death p. 171 1 He m●st learne the true cause of his sickn●sse , which is ●inne . p. 173 A meditati●n of the Soule , learning to know the cause of sicknesse . p. 175 A comfortable prayer in time of sicknesse . p. 178 2 Diligently to seeke for remission of sinne , and to be reconciled vnto God . p. 180 The sicke persons prayer , and confession . p. 181 3 To call on Gods name himse●fe , and to cause the Saints a●d Congregation to doe the same . p. 183 The si●k● persons prayer and protest●tion . p. 186 4 Not to contemne the ordinarie mean●s of physicke the Lord hath appointed . p 188 Another pra●er for the patient . p. 190 5 To bee p●tient , if thy sicknesse continue . p. 192 The sicke persons praier for patience . p. 195 6 To comfort himselfe in his greatest extremitie , that he is the Lords deare and adopted Sonne . p. 196 The sicke persons prayer for comfort in affliction . p. 200 7 To resist Sathans assaults by a liuely faith . p. 204 The sicke persons prayer for consolation and victorie ouer all temptatious of Sathan . p. 212 8 To render and submit himselfe to Gods good will and pleasure , when the houre of death shall approach , and to offer vp praises and thankes-giuing from thy very heart , if thou beest restored to thy former health againe . p. 214 A thanks-giuing after sicknesse . p. 216 CHAP. V. COntayning a spirituall confutation of all worldly and fleshly thoughts , which molest men when as they intend the art to die blessedly . . 1 How a man should be strengthened against the feare of death . p. 220 A prayer against the feare of death . p. 222 2 That manie , for diuers causes doe long for death . p. 224 A prayer for patience in trouble . p. 227 3 If a man with a good conscience may pray for long life . p 229 A meditation of the Soule tossed with the troublesome waues of this life . p. 230 A prayer for health , and Gods blessing on our labours . p. 232 4 What may moue a man willingly to dye . p. 234 A prayer for obedience vnto the will of God , and willingly denie himselfe . p. 237 5 How a man shall keepe his heart constant against the pleasant course of this World . p. 239 A prayer to be kept in the way of life . p. 242 6 By what meanes a man may comfort himselfe when h●e sha●● leau● Wife , Children , Friends , &c. in miserie pouertie , and distresse . p. 249 The dying-mans prayer , bequeathing all his charge into the hands of God . p 255 CHAP. VI. DEclaring how a Christian shall willingly giue himselfe to dye , ouercome the bitternesse thereof , and how in constant perseuerance hee may continue to the end . 1 How the faithfull Soule shall pacifie the terrours of death , and willingly wi●h ioy commit himselfe vnto Death p 260 A meditation of the soule agains● the sorrowes of Death p. 263 The Sickemans prayer and faith in Christ . p. 265 2 How the faithfull heart shall comf●rt himselfe , that hee with patience shall abide constant to the end . p. 272 A meditation of the Soule , of faith in Christs promises . p. 274 The Sick-mans prayer and comfort in Christ . p. 277 3 How the Christian may be● comforted when the streng●h of his faith beginneth to wauer , and doubteth whether he be one of the elect to saluation , or not . p. 27● A meditation of the great comfort the children of God haue in this world . p 282 A prayer for stedfast faith in Christ . p. 290 CHAP. VII . COntayning spirituall consolations and instructions , that eyther the Soule or conscience of man ( now readie to die ) can obiect . 1 Consolations against the horrible shape of death . p. 294 A prayer against Death . p. 296 2 Comfort against that fearesull name of death , graue , rottennesse , and corruption . p. 297 A prayer against the terrours of the graue . p. 300 3 Comfort against the taste of Death . p 301 A prayer for the me●cies of Christ . pag. 306 4 Consolations against groaning and sighing at the last agonie of Death . p. 307 A prayer to Christ to keepe vs from a troublesome death . p. 309 5 Heauenly and experimentall phisick against the bitternesse and sting of death . p. 310 A prayer of the Christians stedfast hope of heauen . p. 316 CHAP. VIII . COmprehending remar●able sentences of Scripture , with some earnest prayers to bee powred out for them that are in present perill of death , as also , how they shold behaue themselues that are present with the sicke person . 1 Containing comfortable speeches and sentences of holie Scripture , which may bee vsed to the sicke , or those in perill of Death . p. 319 A meditation of the Soule . 336 A prayer for a diligent and stedfast faith in Gods word . 339 2 Some short and compendious ayds the Sicke-man may haue in his mouth at the verie time of death . p. 340 3 What should bee their dueties which stand by the sick or dead person , who haue alreadie ioyned theyr Prayers with him . pag. 343 A prayer for those that are about the partie departed . 345 CHAP. IX . DEclaring where the immortall Soule goeth after death , the r●surrection of the bodie , the ioyes of eternall Li●e , and contrariwise , the paynes which the Vngodlie shall haue in their destruction . 1 Whether the godlie Soule , and in what estate it is after death . pag. 348 A meditation of the soules departure and blessednesse after death . pag. 352 The Christians most earnest praier to leaue this World , and to bee with Christ his Sauiour . p. 355 2 If the blessed soule long for the resurrection of the bodie , that they may be vnited and glorified both together . p. 358 A prayer of the faithfull Soule for her dissolution . p. 362 3 Of the resurrection from the dead . p. 365 A meditation of the Soule on the resurrection . p 367 4 Of eternall Life , and euerlasting blessednesse . p. 372 A prayer for the ioyes of heauen . pag. 385 5 A consideration of the paynes of Hell , and condemnation of the Vngodlie . pag 384 A prayer for a safe deliuerance from the paynes of Hell , and to liue with Christ for euer . pag. 290 The Soules Request , or a Dialogue betwixt Christ and the Soule . Fol. 1. Sig. A.
AN ADMONITION to the Christian Reader , declaring the difference betwixt the reprobate and true Christian in their life and death ; and likewise of the vse and benefit of this Booke .

IT is true ( deare Brother ) that all the worde of God compriseth nought else , but that wee should liue as his children , according vnto his word , and dye Christs brethren , and faithfull seruants . Now therfore I haue compiled the most spirituall doctrine , first , of a christian life ; and secondly ▪ of a blessed death .

Of the which , the man that saw God had his greatest regard ▪ Lord ▪ saith he , Psal. 90.12 . teach me to number my daies , that I may apply my heart vnto wisedome . So did also another , Eccles. 7 . 3● What●oeuer thou takest in hand , r●m●mber thy end , and thou shal● n●uer do amisse . For what is a christian life , but a continuall meditation on Gods fauour , a life in true repentance ▪ exercised in faith , keeping of a good conscience , & so it cannot go astray ; and that a man should neuer suffer himselfe to be in such euill state , wherein he might not bee blessed , yea , and happily dye . What is it then to dye blessedly ? Euen this , when a Christian not onely consid●reth that hee is mortall , and neuer free from death , but also is resolued that hee must depart hence , and that he shall bee inheritour of euerlasting saluation . This is that high Science and Arte which Moses speake●h of , which is not elsewhere to bee had but in Gods word ▪ As if he should haue said , Teach vs to rem●mber that we shall dye , to the end wee may bee wise , that by thy holy Spirit , and grace , and practise of thy holy word , wee may so liue that wee may haue life euerlasting .

This holy Art to dye aright was neuer knowen by Phylosophers , and as yet is hid from all those that know not Iesus Christ the Redeemer . Indeed Cicero gessed at it , Orat. pro. Publ. Quin. where hee saith , Vita turpis ne morti quid●m ho●estae locum relinquit ; that is , An honest life goeth before an honourable de●th . Yet there is an vnspeakeab●e difference , Inter v●●am honestam & Christianam , mortem honest●m & Christianam seue salu●arem ; that is , Betweene an honourable life and a Christian life , betweene an honourable death and a Christian and sauing death . Augustus Caesar desired euery day 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to wit , that he might dye well , but hee vnderstood not by what meanes , only he hunted for name , fame , and renown : and euen so it was with the rest of the Ethickes and Heathens , they knew that they should dye , but neuer apprehended the christian vertues faith , and ●ope : but onely infirmitie , corruption , and distresse , and so departed , as hee speaketh of Tur●us , Virg. Aen. Vitaque cum g●mi●u fugit indignata sub vmbras .

And therefore there is nothing contained in their records but miserie and complaint , of the shortnesse of life , as that , Totum quod est homo , miseria : that is , All that a man is , is nothing but wretchednesse .

King Xerxes beholding his armie , and seeing the number , and considering their man-hoode and courage , wept bitterly , that after an hundred yeares , there should none of them be l●ft aliue . And great Aristotle , Omnium ●erribilium terribilissimum est mors . That death of all terrible and dreadfull things , was the most terrible and powerfull . Sundrie of them haue sought and busied themselues for a remedie against the feare and terrour of death , but could not come farther , then to make it familier vnto them ( as it is indeed ) that they might meete it when it approached ; As Seneca saith , De nat. quaest . Effice mortem tibi cogitatione familiarem , vt , si ita sors tulerit poss●s ill●●buiam ire : that is , Make thy selfe a●quainted with death , that when it commeth thou mayest meate it . Hence is it that the Aegipt●●ns custome was in banqueting and greatest mirth , to cause the image of death to be borne , with this inscription , In hun● intuens , Herod . in enter . bibe & fis animo hilari , post mortem enim talis e●is : that is , Loe heere , drinke and be● glad , and remember alwayes that death shall make thee like this picture . And this was all the● preparation to a foreseene death .

And so Agag the King of the Amalekites , when Samuell was to cut him in peeces , said , 1 Sam. 15.32 . truely the bitternesse of death is past , as if he would say , I must once dye , rather now then another time , it must once bee done , and then it is gone .

The secure Soule , at her last time grudgeth and fretteth both against God and Heauen , for after her vtmost endeauours and trauell , she can come no farther then this , Ego tenta●us rebus omnibus nihil inuenio in quo quiescam . After all my manifolde tryals and searches , I cannot finde any one ●hing whereon to rest and repose my selfe . And when she perceaueth the certaintie of death , she breakes out into these words , O te dementem & oblitum fragilitatis t●ae , Sen. de ●●tur . quaest . si nunc timeas mortem cum to●at . Foole hast thou not remembred thy weaknes , that now thou art affraid of death when it thundr●th .

And as concerning eternall life , Plato , Cicero , and others vex and greeue themselues : for they acknowledge that mans Soule is immortall , but yet neuer dreamed of the resurrection of the body . Yea , and Cicero ioyeth in this , that once hee should come to the assembly of Soules , but whither , he did not know . O praeclarum diem , Cic. de sen. ●●m ad illum animarum concilium coetumque propr●ficiscar , & cum e● hac turba & colluuione de●edam . That is , O happy day , in the which I shall take my way to the assemblie and conuent of Soules , & shall depart from this vile and mischeeuous world . And seeing they lacked faith , the earnest of the spirit , and hope and constant confidence in God , they held ●hemselues vp with foolish magnanimitie , full of distrust and doubt . For that excell●nt Romane Oratour could speake of the immortality of the Soule , but farther light & knowledge had he not , Quod si hic erro quod hominum animas immortales esse credo , libenter erro , Cic. de s●n . non mihi hunc errorem quo delector dum viuo ex torqueri volo . That is , If in this poynt Ierre , because I beleeue the immortalitie of the Soule , I am an heretike with all my hart , the which ●rroneous opinion so long as I breathe no man shall be able to root out of mine heart , or constrain me to forsake .

And farther , did no Ethicke come , neither had more prepaparation and resolution against deaths approaching , euen as the Hypocrites and Infidels in these our dayes , which haue no faith in Iesus Christ our Redeemer : And therefore all these wicked and profane creatures , must vnderstand that their condemnation shall bee the greater in the last day , then those Ethick Philosophers : for they haue a greater occasion , and more ample matter , by the light which now shineth abroad by the Gospell ; yet they will not rectifie their liues by true repentance conformable thereto . And therefore they haue their noluerunt , for so saith Christ , Matth. 10.14.15 . whosouer shall not receiue you , nor heare your words , when ye depart out of that house , or that city shake off the dust of your feet .

Truely I say vnto you , it shall bee easier for them of the land of Sodome and Gomorrha in the day of iudgdement , then for that Citie . He that hath eares to heare let him heare . Reu 2.11 . And therefore aboue all things , we must consider of the difference betweene a Christian mans life and conuersation , hauing faith and repentance , and the life of the Infidell , Hypocrite , and Vngodly ; to the end we may feele and sensibly apprehend Gods eternall and euerlasting mercy bestowed vpon vs Christians : that we may ( I say ) seriously and earnestly meditate night & day vpon the goodnesse and fauour of our God in this specialty shewed vnto vs . Psal. 1.

As for the first , the Hypocrite hath no familiarity with God , nor sight of heauen : but vseth the precious gifts of God after the same manner , as doth the swine the akornes vnder the tree , being neuer mindefull that there is a God i● heauen , nor giuing him thankes for his temporall food , health , welfare and felicitie , much lesse meditating vpon that eternall food , but he taketh his pleasure and fleshlydelight , remaining on the earth : yea , true it is , that vnreasonable beasts , haue a better life then such a reasonable creature , although hee be created according to Gods similitude .

But contrarily , the Christian , faithfull and hopefull , acknowledgeth God his Creator , reioyceth in him , vseth all his gifts with thankefulnesse , loueth God which hath done all things so wisely & wonderously well , vseth himselfe in those both night & day commeth to the Lord his God and brayeth after eternall life .

Secondly , the Infidell ( it may bee ) hath heard that God will punish an vngodly and wicked life , with a wretched and miserable death . Yet neuer giueth place to penitency and contrition vn●till death liueth still in sinne , yet can say with the Pharisie , I thanke thee , O my God , I am not like th● man , Luk. 18 . 1● . an extortioner , vniust , adulterer , or euen as this Publican : and therefore ( it may bee ) concludeth hee shall haue eternall happines , because of his outward politicall demeanour , although hee hath not faith in Christ , the art to die aright , neither hearty repentance , nor anie testimony of redemption , no sweet hope that God will accept of him , much lesse is he exercised in the preseruation of faith , and a good conscience to the end . 1 Tim. 1. 19.

The Hypocrite while hee is in good temporary estate will brag of Chris●ianitie , will bee a teacher of others to learne patience vnder the crosse , will boast of his perseuerance in time of aduersity , but when one deepe calleth another , Psal. 42.7 . by the noyse of the water-sp●uts , and all the waues & floud● of God are gone ouer him ; then falleth all his courage , then is heauen out of his way , and the earth is sunke vnder him , there is no attention to comfort , but hee beginnes to sing Gedeons song with impatiency , Iudg. 6.13 . Ah my Lord , if the Lord bee with vs , why then is all this come vpon vs .

But the faithfull and Christian heart maketh account , that not by prosperitie and wealth , but by much aduersitie and many crosses , Act. 14.22 . he must enter into the Kingdom of heauen : & therfore if it be well with him , he thanketh God for his bountie towards him , is no way secure , but serueth the Lord in feare , & reioyceth in trembling . Psal. 2.11 . And when as it is otherwise with him , then hee saith with holy Iob , shall wee receiue good at the hand of God , an● not receiue euill ? and layeth stedfast hold on the crosse , and hath Dauids melodie in his mouth : My soule● waiteth o● the Lord , Psal ▪ 130. 6.7 . more than the morning watch watcheth for the morning .

I will wait on the Lord , for with the Lord is mercy , & with him is great redemption . And if it shall be very heauy , yet notwithstanding hee will say with faithfull Paul , 1 Cor. 10.13 . God is faithfull , & will not suff●r mee to bee tempted aboue that I am able , but will euen giue the issue with the tentation , that I may bee able to beare it . And if flesh and bloud bee timorous , and would not willingly vndergoe the crosse , yet he beleeueth , and is perswaded that neither life nor death , Rom. 8.38.39 . &c. nor any other creature shall be● able to separate him from the loue of God , which is in Christ Iesus our Lord ; for to him that feareth God , all things worke tog●ther for the b●st .

Fourthly , the chîldren of this world remembring that death shall separate them from their goods , honours , wiues , children , lands and possessions , and that they shall goe naked out of this world crie out , O death , how bitter is thy remembran●e to a man that liueth at rest in his possessions , Eccl. 41.1 . vnto the man that hath nothing to vex him , and that hath prosperity in all things , and say with the Emperour S●uerus , I haue beene great , and now it profiteth nothing : but contrarily , the Christian Soule doth chuse the good part , which shall not bee taken away from it , and euery minute i● ready to let slip these transitorie things , and saith with that holy King , Lord lift vp the light of thy countenance vpon me , thou hast giuen me more ioy of hart , Psal. 4 6.7 . then they haue had when their wheat and wine did abound

The vnprepared Hip●cr●te when hee falleth sicke , bethinkes him of nothing else than how his sicknesse came to him , what vn●holes●me foode he had eate , by what meanes he got this drunken surfeit , Mat. 10.30 where he catched that cold , or too much heat , is vnquiet and impati●nt that such mischance should betide him . But the faithfull man knoweth that all the haires of his head are numbred , and that the pretious gift of his health cannot be taken away without the Lords speciall pleasure , and therefore imputeth all vnto Sin , My owne wickednesse hath corrected mee , Ierem. 2.19 and my turnings backe haue reproued mee . I know therefore and behold it , that it is an euill thing , and bitter , that I haue forsaken the Lord my God , and that his feare was not in mee . And he beginneth with Paule to say : F●r this cause am I weake and sicke , 1. Cor. 11.30.31.32 . for if I would iudge my selfe , I should not bee iudged of thee : but when I am iudged of thee , I am chastised of the Lord , because I should not be condemned with the world ; whereby hee is taught repentance , and amendment of Life . The Wicked and Infidells doe neuer worke vpon their Soules vntill they be sicke ; then first begin they to bee holie , and before that time , all their dayes they haue beene enemies to the Word and Ministerie . But now must the Preacher be sent for , and with sugred speeches must be entreated for consolation , &c. But the faithfull Christian is euerie minute in preparation to a blessed death , and neuer suffereth himselfe to fall into that condition and behauior of life wherin he would not die , and therefore can say with constant magnanimitie , Come Lord Iesus my Ioy and Comforter , euery houre I attend thee , come when thou ●i't , I am readie . And when neuer so little sicknesse ouertakes him , then saith hee ( with mirth of heart ) Now let Thou thie Seruant depart in peace . 2. Luk. The Infidel and Reprobate , whenas he lacketh counsell and helpe in sicknsse , hath recourse to Sathan , Witches , and to vnlawfull meanes , and saith most desperately , If God will not helpe , then helpe Deuill . But the Christian beleeuer knoweth , that the Lord hath forbidden all such inconuenient meanes , and vnderstandeth Sathans policie and craft , Exod. 20.3 that it is not for his good , but that his soule should separate it selfe from the true SAVIOVR ; Yea , 1 Sam. 28.8 hee is assured it is an hundred times better to die in constant inuocation on Gods name , then to liue vnder protection of Sathan : and therefore vseth such meanes as the Lord hath appoynted , hee will not tempt the Lord his God , he will not seeke after the ministerie of such as God hath not promised a blessing vnto , but wil say , Mat. 8.2 . Here am I Lord Iesus , let it be vnto me according to thy will , if thou wilt thou canst make me clean , but , Psal. 40.8 . if not , Loe here I am , thy will be done , I desire to do thy good wil , O God , yea , thy lawe is within my heart . And to be short , the children of this world neuer haue memorie on Gods word , ( for they haue not learned ) and cannot comfort themselues by their baptisme , nor that excellent Sacrament of the Lords Supper , but cause some scurrilous History and false fable to be read vnto them , with such foolishnesse , whereby they may dispossesse the thoughts of death , and quiet their hearts ; but the faithful one is acquainted and exercised in gods word , diuideth that word of truth , puts a difference betwixt Law and Gospell , reioyceth in the couenant of mercie in his baptisme , seeketh comfort in the other Sacrament , wherewith he was fed and refreshed , and so obtaineth new trust and ioye from time to time , momentanie hee esteemeth , but as they are he● counteth noth●ng of any i●y or pleasure , but that which is in Christ his red●emer , that heauenly life , and is glad of that blessed houre . S●condly , how different is their acceptation and entertainment of death : for the wicked seeing it by euident experience , that he must dye as others do , complaineth of mans great miserie , and of the shortnesse of this sweet and pleasant life ; but maketh not preparation by repentance therevnto , but fretteth against God , inueigheth against his iustice , because man hath but a short time giuen him to liue .

Now the true Christian touched with the daily examples of humane infirmitie and corruption , groaneth because of that our first fall , lamenteth for his sinnes and wickednesse , for the which the diuine punishment ceaseth not vpon vs , Lam. 3.22.23.24.41.5 6. lifteth vp his heart with his hands vnto God in the Heauens , who heareth his voyce , and hideth not his eare at his breathing and crye , 57. who draweth neere in the day that hee calleth vpon him , and say●h , feare not , the Lord , I say , who pleadeth the cause of his Soule , who redeemeth his life , and will say , I will beare the wrath of the Lord , because I haue sinned against him , vntill he pleade my cause , and execute iudgement for mee . Mich. 7.9 . Hee will bring me forth to the light , and I shall behold his righteo●snesse , O Lord thou art wise , and thy word is truth . Yea , Psal. 119. he attributeth the true honour vnto God , for hee doth all things iustly and well , and so prepareth himselfe euery houre of the day to a blessed departure . Againe , the Hypocrite when his heart meditateth on death , is afraid for the terrible visage and countenance thereof ; for flesh and bloud can doe no lesse , for death is our enemie , and killeth vs all , but the hopefull christian openeth the eyes of faith , looketh vpon death not according to the Law , but according to the Gospell , comforts him in his Lord Iesus Christ , Ioh. 11.11 . who hath changed the bitternes of death , and made it a sweet sleepe , and beleeueth constantly that hee shall not dye , but quietly rest , vn-the Lord shall awake him vp by the shout of the Arch-angell , and trumpet of God .

The wretched Hypocrite when hee considereth how that death shall after a most fearefull manner apprehend him , and make him an ill fau●ured Corps , which must be hidden from the eyes , and cast in the bosome of the cold Earth : Then beginneth hee to sorrow and weepe , his courage is gone , and can doe no more than king X●rxes , who hearing mention made of Earth , did say , Missahaec faciamus , Hie. in polyh . neque tristiis rerum mentionem faciamus , cum iucunda in manibus habeamus : Away with these things , for they are sorrowfull , and let vs to our iollitie and mirth . But the religious Christian proceedeth , plus vltra , a great way further , bidds feare , adue ; looketh through the terrour of death , and corruption of the graue ; he passeth not for the ho●rible dissolution of his bodie , neyther that he shall be corrupt , and rot in the earth ; for he seeth a great deale further , how in the last day he shal come forth beautifull , and pleasant , and be made like the glorious bodie of his Sauiour Ie●us Christ . Besides this , the Wicked and Prophane bethinkes him selfe on his death , and considereth that once he must die , and that he cannot chuse : and here h●s wits faile him , and in this ex●gent and strait , he knoweth not whether to turne him , to what way he should betake him , only he hoysteth vp courage , plucketh vp a good heart , that ●f it were once done , and t●at debt payd ●o nature , then were it ouer . But the godlie S●ule lifteneth not to temporary magnanimitie , ne●ither relieth on the fl●shly courage and arme , but vpon the consolation of the holie spirit , which dwelleth in him , which hee hath tasted by true faith , Phil. 4.7 . which passeth all vnderstanding , which also wil keep his hart and mind though Iesus Christ to eternall Life .

Besides , the Infidell when he feeles death comming , is at his wits end , hath no counsel , that is , no faith , no hope , yea no certayne word to anchor vpon , no confidence to rest on how hee may depart from hence , but is r●plenished with feare and raging tumult within himselfe ; neuer casteth his eyes on the great Almightie God . But on the contrarie , the righteous Christian hath fraught himselfe with faith and hope , Rom. 8.73 . and with vnspeakeable groanes , waiting for the adoption , to wit , the redempt●on of our bo●ies , to the which he ioineth the true word of God , which cannot deceiue , giueth it place and roome in his heart , and saith powerfully and gladly , Ioh. 8.12 . Thou Lord Iesus art the light of the world ; he that followeth Thee , and keepeth thy Word , shall not walke in darknesse , but haue the light of Life .

Now againe , the Wicked , dissembling , and counterfeit Christian , when he is vnd●r the power of death complaineth that he is forsaken , all his friends , kinsmen , and brethren , doo stand from him , and none will helpe . But the sparke of Faith in the religious mans heart , saith , Lord , whom haue I in heauen , but Thee ; Ps. 73.25.26 . and there is none vpon earth that I desire besides Thee , although my flesh and my heart fayle , God is the strength of my heart , and my portion for euer : for he knoweth that God giueth onely helpe from ●rouble ; Ps. 60.11 . for vaine is the helpe of Man . Through God I shall do valiantly , for he it is that shall tread downe my enemies ; for hee builds and God onely , and that if hee bee with him , nothing can be against him for he hath the holie Trinitie dwelling in his heart , and manie holie Angells at his sicke bed attending for his Soule , and abiding to carrie it into Abrahams b●s●me .

Now when the Infidell doth heare that his Soule is immortall , & that after this life there shall be another , wherein the blessed of the Father inherit the Kingdome prepared for them from the foundation of the world , Mat. 25.34 . and that the wicked shall goe into euerlasting punishment , then he trembleth & quaketh , and would wish it were vn●rue , and desireth that he might neuer rise againe : for his misbeleeuing heart doth instruct him , that if it be so , he is eternally ●ondemned , and there●fore he wisheth that he had neuer beene borne . But the true childe of God reioyc●th from his very heart , that there is another life prepared for him , Rom. 5.9 . and he shall be saued from the wrath to come , and therefore sighes to be dissolued , Phil. 1.2 3. and to be with Christ , which is far better ; and that this wretched life might be shortly cut off , that the eternall and euerlasting m●ght beginne : Rom. 5.15 . for his expectation is constant and sure , wherby he is assured of a better life to come , vnto the which hee was redeemeed .

By such and sundry more A●titheses and oppositions may bee easily seene the difference betwixt both the life and death of the faithfull and Infidell : and therefore wee should daily and hourely consider , and neuer be contented vntill then , that wee haue Iesus Christ our Redeemer & Sauiour dwelling in vs , by a true and liuely faith , accounting him our greatest treasure & goods , placing all our ioy and comfort in him ; and that with diligent prayer , and constant meditation by faith & power of the holy spirit , we may euer loue that ●ternal life , aboue this temporall , bee enemies to sinne from our harts , take pleasure in righteousnesse , learne to know aright the misery of this sinnefull life , neglect the pomp and traine of this world , haue inward de●ire and constant purpose after the heauenly mansions , loue the Lord Iesus Christ with all our s●●lesmind and strength , and daily thirst for his second comming , perseuering in a Christian calling , and prepared at all times to make a happy departure from this vale of miserie .

And this is that heauenly preparation to a blessed death , by the which we are distinguished and separated from the misbeleeuing Ethicke , Turke and Iew , and from the disobydient hypocrite and children of this world ; of the which there are a great number alas on whom the Sun of righteousnesse hath not shined , but sit as yet in darknesse , and in the shade of death , haue neither heard , nor yet can speake of Christ , indeede some might haue heard , but with the deafe adder they shut their eares at the voyce of the Inchanter . Others doe heare sermons , but yet did neuer know Christ for their Sauiour and Redeemer , because the Word was not mixt with faith in the heare●s , such are good lip-Christians , but their harts are far from him , they boast of faith , but declare it not by their workes , and talke of eternall life : but will not learne the way to come thither .

And if thou wouldest ( gentle Reader ) be taught aright , then must thou often read diligently , heare , and meditate vpon God● Word , exercise thy selfe daily in it , and liue according thereunto ; for now there is ( praised be God ) the holy Scriptures in euery mans hand , and sundry and diuers comfortable and holy bookes out of that pure Fountaine which holy Fathers haue penned , by the which thou maist be taught profitable doctrine , liuely faith , & holy admonitions for a Christian life and blessed death , of the which Writers , some are some what obscure for the Simple-ones , and full of disputations and logicall discourses . And to ease thee of them I haue here set downe a plaine Treatise for thy instruction , a●ter my long experience and visitation of the sicke , distr●ssed , and ●ss●ulted by S●tan , tryall of crosses in aduersities , and sense of the sting of death . Whereby being long exercised of my owne proofe , I do now publish vnto thee for the benefit of gods Church , wherevnto I was much importuned by many godly and religious persons , I was much holpen in this Worke , by that reuerend Father Martinus Mollerus , Preacher at Gorli●z in Silesia ; whose worthy works are well knowne . entreating mee to set forth these comfortable rules , hauing had so long tryall . Which I did still intend , but was hitherto hindred ( S●than doubtlesse enuying the benefite and publication thereof ) and therefore I the most vnworthy of all Christs seruants , doe reioyce onely in Gods mercy , and say with Paul , Cor. 15.10 . No● I , but the grace of God which was with mee , hath caused these to c●me to light , trusting it shall tend to the praise and glorie of God , benefite and weale of his Church , and to be a spur to euery priuate man vnto a Christian life and holy death : for it is the meaner and weaker sort that it is written , to their ●dification and saluation . For it often happeneth , that sundry in a strange Countrie cannot haue the vse of Preachers , neither yet in warfare , nor sailing , nor yet at home in the time of plague and pestilence can they haue frequent society with the men of God , to bee taught by them . And there are men where no plantation of the G●spel is , sighing and gro●ning for the word of grace , comfort , and admonition . In these and the like defects , this little Manuell can supply the place of a Friend , to speake vnto them that we be not hindred in our Christian course , but constantly go foward , that through the mercy of God we may make a blessed departure , and glad good-night from this world ; which our good and gracious God g●aunt vnto vs , for his owne mer●●e● sake , when it shall please him to translate vs from this Hadradrimmo● and vale of miserie . Amen .

THE CROWNE OF LIFE .
CHAP. I. Wherein is contained , that men are not only mortall , but also altogether ignorant , when , how , or in what place , God will call them out of this present life .
Flesh.

I PRAY YOV shew mee the contents of the whole Bible , and su●me of all the Sermons preached by the holy men of God .

Spirit .

That is , to learne to liue Christianly , Psal. 90.12 Eccl. 12.1 . and die blessedly .

A meditation of the soule to liue for euer .

O Lord my God , helpe mee in such wayes to liue in this world , that I may elsewhere liue with thee eternally ; Reu. 2. & 3 for what haue I in this present world but thee ? or what in the heauens but thee ? Psal. 73.25.28 . It is good for mee to cleaue vnto thee .

Flesh.

What call you a Christian life ?

Spirit .

This is a Christian life , that a man should rightly know , first , the Lord his God , Ier. 9. Psal. 79. Exod. 20. Deut. 6. Mat. 28.19 Psal. 67. Ioh. 17. Ioh. 1.14 . Ezek. 18. and secondly himselfe : first ( I say ) the onely one God in essence or being , distinct in three persons , Father , Sonne , and Holy Ghost , that the middle one of these three , which is the Sonne , was sent of God into the world , and there hath taken our humane nature vpon himselfe , to become our Redeemer and Sauiour ▪ thereto man must learne to know himselfe aright , that is , that we are poore , miserable , & vile sinners in Gods sight , and shall be eternally condemned , vnlesse we be conuerted , and lay hold by a stedfast faith on this Sonne of God , become new creatures , and continue in obedience to God , and loue to our neighbours , euen to our last end .

The Christians godly Praier .

O thou only one , eternall , almighty God , Father , Sonne , and holy Ghost , threefold in persons , but one in substance , power , and glory , I humbly intreat thee , teach mee to know thee , and my selfe truly , that I may more and more increase and grow daily in this knowledge , to the end that I may so addresse my short and wretched life here on earth , that it may redound to thy praise and feare , to the good and benefit of my neighbour , and by no meanes be hurtfull to my selfe , alwayes walking as in thy presence , in humilitie and holinesse . Amen .

Flesh.

What call you a happy or blessed death ?

Spirit .

To end and conclude the dayes of this life in true faith , Luk. 2. Philip. 1. recommending thy soule to the Lord Iesus , with an heartie desire and longing for a ioyfull sleeping from this world in patience to bee with the Lord . 1 Tim. 4.

A praier for a happy departure .

Lord Iesus Christ , thou only knowest my time and houre , Matt. 6. Act. 7. I request thee from the bottome of my heart , to vouchsafe vpon me an happy departure from hence , and to preserue my soule from all anguish and annoyance , that so I may rest with thee eternally . Amen .

Flesh.

Shall all mankinde then die ?

Spirit .

Heb. 9.27 . Yes , it is appointed all shall die , and after this life bee summoned to their appearance for iudgement .

A meditation of the soule , that wee shall but once die temporally .

Heare then ( O my soule ) if death shall goe ouer all , Eccl. thou shalt not escape : to day this man , to morrow , or soone , must thou . It is not said , nor determined that thou shouldest die twice , but once . If that it were permitted wee should twice die , then if one had not well and godly disposed himselfe the first time hee died , hee might reforme himselfe at the second essay . Oh but not so : if thou die il once from this world , thou shalt be carried to euerlasting anguish and woe .

A praier to God that hee would seriously put into our hearts that the time of our death is vncertaine .

O Lord my God instruct mee , that I may deeply and seriously consider I must depart , and that my life hath sure and limited bounds , and I must be gathered to my fathers , Gen. 25. Gen 49. Num. 20. Psal. 39.5 . for behold my dayes are but an handbreadth in respect of thee , and my age is nothing in regard of thee : surely euery man in his best estate is altogether vanitie , for what man liueth and shall not see death ? Psal. 90.48 . shall he deliuer his soule from the hand of the graue ? My God , Psal 90.12 teach mee so to number my dayes , that I may applie my heart vnto wisdome , wherby I may learne the manner and way to die the death of the righteous , and blessed in the Lord my God , to whom be rendred all thankes , power and glory . Amen .

Flesh.

Hath not God manifested vnto vs the houre of death , that wee conueniently might prepare vs thereunto ?

Spirit .

There are foure things ( my soule ) most vncertaine concerning death , which euery Christian daily and hourely should earnestly meditate vpon , mortis tempus , locus , status , modus ; for not only is the houre and point of death hid from vs , but also wee doe not know in what place , by what meanes , and occasions , by what sicknesse or manner , death shall separate vs from hence .

A praier for a blessed departure .

O holy and wise God , thy thoughts are not as our thoughts , Isa. 55.8 . neither our wayes as thy wayes , Vers. 9. but as the heauens are higher than the earth , so are thy wayes higher than our wayes , and thy thoughts than our thoughts , grant that in a full purpose of cleannesse of heart , I may walke here before thy face , and depart in blessed time of death , with sure confidence , that nothing can betide mee , Rom 8. but what shall be good and profitable vnto mee . Grant this , good Father , for the gratious mediation of thy Sonne Iesus Christ my Lord and onely Sauiour . Amen .

Flesh.

Seeing then these foure things are of so great moment , how may I rightly and duly consider of them ?

Spirit .

After this manner , The time . for the first : Thou doest not know ( deare soule ) in what day , moneth , or yeere , God will ●all thee from this world , whether it shall happen in the day , or in the night , euen or morne . God might easily haue reuealed the same , Eccl. 38. if it had beene his heauenly will , but it is of his diuine prouidence and great goodnesse , that hee hath not so done .

Meditation on the first , the time .

Behold ( my soule ) we wretched creatures are so corrupt by sinne , and are so inamoured with this world , that if the day of our death were reuealed vnto vs , neuer should we thinke on God , feare him , or call vp●n his name , neuer be stirred vp to repentance , vntill at the very instant time it were appointed wee should die ; then would man first applie himselfe to learne repentance , but come short thereof , therefore it is not hurtfull , but very gainfull and necessary , that wee should be ignorant of the houre of our death .

A praier of mans vanitie .

O my God , make mee consider how altogether man is vanitie , Psal. 39.5 . who passeth so swiftly away , truly man borne of a woman liues but a short time , and that full of vnquietnesse , he commeth forth like a flower , and is c●t downe like the grasse ; hee slieth also as a shadow , and continueth not : his dayes are determined , the number of his moneths are with thee , thou hast appointed him bounds , which hee cannot passe . And now , my God , thou who of thy great wisedome hast hid from mee the day of the dissolution of this my tabernacle of clay , 1 Cor. 5.1 . helpe mee , that I neuer let passe any time without true repentance , and seeing thou hast hid from mee the time of my departure , vouchsafe on me thy mercy and grace , that I may so bestow my whole life , that night and day , Psal. 6. yea euery houre and twinckling of an eye , I may be in a Christian preparation and readinesse to die the death of the godly , through Iesus Christ my Lord and Sauiour . Amen .

Meditation on the second , the place .

For the second , The place . thou knowest not in what place thou shalt end thy dayes , whether in thine owne house , or in a strangers , in thy bed , or in the field . The sand-glasse of our life continually runneth out , and no man knoweth , no man is certified when it hath done running : so death is euer present , and followes vs at our heeles , and ouertaketh taketh vs wheresoeuer it findeth vs ; it attendeth vs euery where , for as the lightning commeth out of the East , Mat. 24.27 and shineth euen vnto the West , so shall also the comming of the Son of man be . If thou therefore be a faithfull and wise seruant , Luk. 12.42 . in euery houre thou wouldest expect it , that when thy Lord commeth , hee may finde thee so doing .

Praier that wee may ioifully meet death .

O my God , make mee euer and continually vnderstand , that I am a poore mortall creature , who can in no place preserue my selfe from death , seeing it continually waiteth in all places , and lurketh for me , make me meet it euermore circumspectly , with a ioifull and glad heart . Grant this ( most mercifull God ) for thy deare Sonne Iesus Christ his sake . Amen .

Meditation vpon the third , thy state or behauiour .

As for the third , Thy state what . thou canst not tell ( O my soule ) in what state or behauiour the Lord thy God shal finde thee , whether sleeping or awake , merry or sad , in worldly or spirituall exercise , quiet or angry , or howsoeuer otherwise distempered : giue therefore diligent heed ( my soule ) that thou neuer bee in such case , wherein willingly thou wouldest not die , for death neuer loseth opportunitie , neither is neglectful to take aduantage , and thou knowest well what couenant thou hast with death , Eccl. 14. yea moreouer ( deare soule ) as the Lord shall finde thee , so will hee iudge thee hereafter .

A short praier to forsake the world .

Keepe me ( Lord Iesus ) from drowsines , idlenes , and slumbering in sinne , that I liue not inconsiderately , Luk. 19. as the vngodly , which haue no hope , 1 Thess. 4. but that at euery occasion and minute , I may bee ready to take my leaue of this world , and raigne with thee my Lord and Sauiour eternally in the world to come . Amen .

Meditation of the fourth , the manner .

Concerning the fourth , thou art ignorant ( deare soule ) by what kinde of disease the Lord will call thee from hence , whether it shall happen by pestilence , maladie in the head , ague , &c. by shipwracke or fire , and it may bee God hath appointed thee to be ouertaken by robbers , wilde beasts , or some such casualtie , yea ( O soule ) many neuer intend repentance in all the time and space they haue health and prosperitie , vntill some languishment and sicknes seize vpon them : but who knoweth whether at any time hee shall haue sicknesse and leisure together ? Haue wee not daily examples how many decease by palsie , by sword , and sudden death , & through sundry other maladies of body , and before they were euer sicke or diseased , or that God suffered them to haue the benefit of their bed and rest ?

A praier to forsake the world , and follow Christ .

O God , how foolish are wee miserable and fond creatures ? how smal heed and attention giue wee to daily occurrences ? The fowle is an vnreasonable creature , yet when it seeth another to bee killed beside it , shee presently swingeth and flieth away , and when it spieth a man to bend his bow & aime at it , there is no longer staying , but quickly conueieth it selfe thither , where it may bee secure and safe : Euen so ( O soule ) death breakes in all places many mens hearts , and they do fall on euery side ; then feare ( O soule ) and flie from sinne to righteousnesse , from hell to heauen , from this damnable and deceitfull world , to Iesus Christ , that then thou maist boldly say , Now shoot death when thou wilt ; for although thou bereaue mee of this transitorie and momentanie life , Heb. 13. yet by a strong and constant faith I possesse the kingdome of heauen , which shall giue mee infinitely more then thou canst take from mee .

Meditation of the soule not to delay repentance .

Delay not ( O soule ) thy repentance vntil thou be sicke , Eccl. 12. but worke thy conuersion euen now with-all diligence : put not off from day to day thy amendment of life , neither continue in wickednesse vntill deaths vncertaine houre approach .

A praier when first we fall sicke .

O Iesus Christ ▪ my Redeemer , preserue me from a painfull sicknesse , violent and hastie death , ouertake mee not in my sinnes , and suffer mee not to die without repentance , and giue vnto mee ( if it be thy pleasure ) a quiet and patient departure , that without great paine and griefe I may in my right wits attaine a blessed end , confessing thy most holy name vntill the last gaspe , and so to commend my soule and spirit with my whole heart carefully into thy mercifull hands , my most gratious and louing Sauiour and Redeemer , to whom with God the Father and the holy spirit be rendred from the bottome of my heart all honour , power , might , maiestie and dominion , now and for euer . Amen .

CHAP. II. Wherein is comprehended the true and right art to die well , and first of Christian repentance .
Flesh.

BEcause wee neuer are vnpursued by death , it is very needfull therefore , that both Young and Old , Great and Small , Rich and Poore , should learne the art of dying blessedly .

Spirit .

Yes truely , daily examples may teach vs so , for consider thy neighbour , like as he is dead , so shalt thou bee , yesterday was his , this day for thee , Eccl 38. to day a King , to morrow dead , yea ( ô Soule ) death is like a Mower , Eccl. 10. which walkes in a greene meadowe , cutting with his Sithe all he commeth at , and maketh no account whether it be grasse , thistle , or rose , neither considereth hee how old , how beautifull , or how pretious the hearbes bee , there are none too strong for him , none too young , no castle for height , nor bulwarke for securitie can hold him backe ; he wil not be corrupted with siluer , and gold , yea if it were possible that thou couldest giue him the whole kingdomes and riches of the world , hee would not hold off a minute to abide thy time , nor waite a moment for the performance of thy pleasure and will , now this should be our daily meditation , diligently to marke and carefully learne , the day both to liue in Gods feare , and dye in his faour .

The young mans prayer .

O my God , how is man verely as nothing ? how goeth all beautie away as a shadowe ? and wretched man knoweth not whether he shall dye old or young , neither can any by his riches strength and powre , Ps. 144.4 . deliuer himselfe or his brother , helpe mee my God , that from my youth vpward , I may constantly giue heed to walke vpright in my wayes , Ps. 119.1.9 according to thy word , gouerne me by thy holie Spirit , that my heart goe not a whoring from thee , that my youth neuer puffe mee vppe to bragge thereof , Ps. 73.27 . and that I put not my trust in health , strength , honour , riches , or beautie : graunt that I may in my inward mind heare the end of all , which is , to serue thee , and keepe thy commaundements : Eccles. 22.13.14 . for this is the whole duetie of man , for thou wilt bring euerie man vnto iudgement , with euery secret thing , whether it bee good or euill : Lord write this same in my heart , and giue me thy grace , not onely to vnderstand the same , but also , to rectifie my life and conuersation thereby , vnto my last end ; and graunt that I may die vnto sin , and liue vnto righteousnesse , to the glorie of thy holy name through Iesus Christ my sauiour . Amen .

Flesh.

How may I then prepare my selfe to die blessedly ?

Spirit .

The right preparation to a happy death , is in the constant leading of a Christian and righteous life .

A Meditation of the Soule for earnest repentance .

Wouldst thou then dye blessedly ( beloued Soule ) make earnest and serious repentance , and continue stedfast therin to thy last , for God accepteth well conuersion from sin , Wis. 12. Ma●. 24. and who so abideth to the end , he shall be saued .

A Prayer for speedie Repentance .

Praysed bee thou my God , who hast no pleasure in our death and destruction , but rather that wee should turne from our sinfull waies and liue , Ezek. 18. Ezek. 33. helpe me Lord Iesus , that I delay not my conuersion to thee , and shift not ouer my repentance from day to day , for thou hast promised me thy mercie ; but that I might deferre my repentance vntil the morrow , second or third day , thou hast not promised , vouchsafe therefore thy mercie on mee this verie day , Ps 95. Tit. 3. that I may redeeme the time lost , by an earnest repentance , and not bee taken in my sins , and trespasses the day following , graunt this for the glorie of thy blessed name , through Iesus Christ my Lord and Sauior . Amen .

Flesh.

What is then true and Christian repentance ?

Spirit .

Repentance is nothing else , then that a man rise from his sinne , and turne with all his heart vnto God , which consisteth in these three heads .

1 That a man acknowledge his sinne , and be sorrowfull and grieued for it from his verie hart .

2 That he despaire not by reason of his sinne , but beleeue in Iesus Christ , who hath payed and satisfied for him , and reioyce greatly therein .

3 That hee witnesse his faith by a dayly and new obedience both to God and Man .

A Prayer for Repentance .

O Lord my God , I know that of my owne n●ture and power I cannot obtayne repentance , neither beleeue , ô my Lord Iesus Chris● , I beseech thee waken my heart by thy holie spirit , Eccl. 1. and grant my conuersion be not hypocriticall and counterfait , nor my saith false and deceitfull , but vpright and from my heart , and may shew it selfe in true fruits vnto the end : Mat. 13. heare mee gratious God I beseech thee , that so I may attaine life euerlasting , through Iesus Christ my Lord and Sauiour . Amen .

Flesh.

Declare the three points of true repentance , and make me vnderstand how I should daily behaue mee in obseruing of them .

Spirit .

The first is , Acknowledgement and sorrowing for sinne , for without them thy faith is hypocrisie and not pure , therefore learne to know thy sinnes , and Gods wrath due vnto them , and lament hartily for them .

A Prayer bewayling the corruption of nature .

O Lord Iesus how afraid is my heart , when I remember the day I shall die , my God , how sorrowfull and troubled is my Soule , when I bethink me of the fearefull day of Doome : I may not haue graunted mee an houres respit from death , and I know not what moment thou wilt call mee before thy righteous iudgement seat , too little haue I been afraid for my sinnes , Oh how am I astonished before thy presence ; for loe ( my God ) thy commaundements are before mine eyes , yea written in my conscience , and I know they are the rule & square of euerlasting equitie , whereby I should haue beene taught thy holy obedience ; vnder payne of losse of Saluation , but O wretched corruption , alas the miserable confusion and perturbation of all my sences , affections and powres , alas that great euil , that hath ouerwhelmed vs by Adams fal , my heart alas , can no wayes condiscend to the performing of thy will .

Meditation of the Soule vpon the acknowledgment of Sinne. .

Ps. 51. Truly , I confesse and feele in my selfe , that I was borne of my mother in that hereditary wickednesse , the whole head is sicke , Esa. 1. the whole heart is troubled , from toppe to toe there is no health in mee ; but I am altogether corrupted through Sinne dwelling in mee : Rom. 5. fie on thee Sathan , thou murderer of mankind , how wretched hast thou made mee , thou hast darkened my vnderstanding , made my will peruerse and backward , and my hart altogether obstinate and disobedient .

A Prayer for confession of our sinnes .

O my God , I know and confesse that in mee , Rom. 7. Esay 1. that is in my flesh there dwelleth no good , but it is full of sinfull sores and biles , and if I had not at any time committed any trespasse , yet am I the childe of wrath , by that originall pollution , for the which I might and should bee eternally condemned & banished from thy countanance : but alas , not onely this originall sinne hath borne sway in mee ; but also I haue from my youth despised all thy iudgements , Psal. 25 ▪ 7. and commandements , which I haue not kept , Ephes. 2.1 . neither could , such is the deadnesse of my nature in sinne , but , I haue trespassed against both the greatest and the least of them , terribly and fearfully in my sinfull minde and thoughts , sinnefull words and deedes , in commission and omission , against thee my good Lord and God , and against my neighbour , I knew , and yet doe , that no sinne is so small , no transgression so meane , Gen. 6. yea no imagination of my heart so little , but merits eternall death and condemnation , and woe is me there are yet so many sinnes , I doe not remember committed in my infancie and greater ag● , which I neuer esteemed sinnes , but rather good workes , Psal. 19.12 ( oh who can vnderstand , cl●●se 〈◊〉 from my secret faults ) all these will bee laid before my face in their owne colours ( o how blacke ) and will destroy mee vnawares as a thunderbolt . What shall I do ? whither shall I flie from thy presence ? Psal. 139.7 if thou contend with me , there is nothing but condemnation for me , ô my soule thou vnfruitfull tree , Matth. 3. ô drie stocke , thou deseruest to be hewen downe and cast in vnquenchable fire . O prodigall and forlorne sonne . Luk. 15. why hast thou thus gone from thy good father , and eaten huskes with swine , tumbling and wallowing in all kinde of filthie and stincking sinnes ? what answer canst thou giue at the last day for thy whole life time , Matt. 12. yea for the least idle word ? O wicked and hypocriticall seruant , thou owest tenne thousand pound , Matt. 18. and many vnspeakable thousand times hast thou sinned against the Lord thy God , ô thou vnrighteous husband-man , Luk. 16. how shamelesly hast thou consumed and wasted the gifts of thy minde , and abused thy precious heart and vnderstanding , cursed are thou , Deut. 27. for thou hast not kept all that is written in the Law . Woe is me miserable creature , what haue I done ? ô how wickedly haue I done ? ô thou wrath of the most high fall not vpon mee , ô thou rage of the most mighty , Psal. 6.1 . who can endure thee ? ô misery ! ô wretchednesse ! ô thou vncleane , sinnefull and euill sauoured soule ! I am weary and loathsome to my selfe , that I haue become so abominable to my God , yea my God , I am not worthy to be called thy creature , nor that I should walke vpon the ground , and it were no wonder , if the earth should open her selfe vnder mee , and swallow mee vp , so that I should goe liuing downe to hell , ô lament and greeue thee miserable soule ; ô weepe and crie thou wicked creature , yea if it be possible let bloudy teares fall for thy sinne , sorrow thou with thy whole power and strength , ô woe to thee thou hard-heart , can no feare nor dread waken thee vp from thy dead sleepe , cannot the Lords lighted torch of indignation fright thee ? wilt thou drinke all the cup , yea the dreggs of his furie ? Vp ( beloued Soule ) vp , addresse thee to a better life , least thou be ouertaken in thy sinnes , behold the Lords day is at thy dore , Luk. 21. and commeth vpon thee as a theefe in the night , loe death snatcheth at thee , and thou knowest not how soone hee shall apprehend thee , therefore speake , and I will not keepe silence , I acknowledge & confesse before my God , all that is in my heart , O that I had water enough in my head , Ierem. 9. & that mine eies were fountaines of waters , that night and day I might weepe for my sins , yea cause my bed euerie night to swim , and water my couch with my teares ! ô thou ( deare soule ) lament , shed thy teares as a well , cease not , neither leaue off , for the Almighty is angry for thy sinnes , Lam. 2. pardon them , ô Lord I bese●ch thee , and grant that when I shall sleepe in death , my bodie may rest temporally , and my soule may liue with thee eternally , for Iesus &c.

Flesh.

Shall man then in such sorrow doubt and despaire for his sinnes ?

Spirit .

No , God forbid ; but he should embrace the second part of Christian repentance , which is , faith in our Lord Iesus Christ , who hath satisfied for our sinnes , and reconciled vs to God his heauenly father , Rom. 5. in this case raise vp & encourage thy selfe , & learne comfort after this manner .

ô most louing Iesus Christ thou most sweet Sauiour and Redeemer , how heauy is my hart ? how sad is my Soule in my brest ? Ps. 43.5 . Esa. 38. My God , thou hast broken all my bones like a Lyon , I beseech thee , that thou wouldest not despise my contrite and broken hart , my Redeemer , Ps. 51.17 . giue mee thy mercifull hand , and draw mee out of this heauinesse , and suffer me not to sinke and perish of too much sorrow : O my God , I thanke thee , thou hast touched my heart , in making mee vnderstand my sinnes , and giuing mee thy mercie to bewaile them vnfainedly : O I am become godly sorrowfull , not to my hurt , for godly sorrow worketh Saluation , 2. Cor. not to be sorrowed for , where else might I haue found comfort for my disquieted Soule ? of what other shold I haue found rest for my broken heart ? but of thee onely , ô most dearely beloued Sauiour , for thou camest into the world to saue miserable sinners , 1. Tim. 1. therefore is thy name Iesus , Mat ▪ 1. to saue thy people from all their sinnes .

Here am I ô Sauiour , although a verie great , yet a Penitent sinner , Loe I heare thy comfortable voyce , Mat. 11. Come vnto mee all yee that are laden and we aried , I will refresh you . B●hold my God , I come and bring with mee a sorrowfull , broken , Ps. 51.17 . and contrite heart : O reuiue my dead soule , O heale my sinful● wounded conscience , O Lambe of God , that takest away the sins of the world , take from mee my sinne , Ps. 51.9 . and the guilt thereof , and forgiue all mine iniquities ; Thou art my Redeemer , and the onely sacrifice by which God thy Father and I am re●conciled : Ioh. 3. for as Moyses exalted the Serpent in the wildernesse , so wast thou exalted on the Crosse , to the end , that I and all that beleeue in thee should not perish , but haue euerlasting Life : Mar. 9. I beleeue , Lord helpe my vnbeleefe , yea Lord thou knowest all things , thou knowest I beleeue in thee , Ioh. 21. albeit with a weake faith , neuerthelesse by the same little & small faith : I put all my trust and confidence in thee , and beleeue & doubt not : I beleeue and know well , that all my bitter and grieuous sinnes , are surely and verely satisfied for , and remitted by thy bloud and death : I know and beleeue , I am assured and persuaded , ô my Redeemer , that thy pure conception cleanseth my sinfull conception ; thy vndefiled birth purgeth my vncleane birth ; thy holie life sanctifieth my sinfull life ; thy humiliation is my exaltation ; thy hellish sorrowes are my heauenly comforts ; thy bonds are my freedome ; thy contempt is my honour ; thy sores are my salue ; the expulsion of thee , is the in-bringing of mee ; thy smart and payne , is the ioy of my Soule ; thy desert is my Redemption ; thy passion and death is a sacrifice for all my sinnes ; thy obedience is satisfaction for all my wickednesse ; thy descending into hell , is my deliuerance from the Deuill , power and force of hell ; Rom. 4. thy resurrecti●on is my righteousnesse ; and thy ascending into heauen is a seale and assurance that I am heire of eternall Life , and that through Thee I haue alreadie right title and possesion of the kingdome of heauen .

Yea , Lord Iesus , all these hast thou merited for me , giuen and bestowed them freely vpon mee , and thy heauenly Father accepts of them , and accounts them to mee in such maner , as if I had deserued all the same in my owne proper person , and as if euerie faithfull ones Redemption had beene purchased by himselfe : Mat. 9. bee joyfull therfore , & comfort thee , thy sinnes are forgiuen , and thou reighteous before God : thou hast a mercifull Father in heauen ; thou art heire of eternall Life , thou hast the earnest of thy inheritance in thy heart , which beares witnesse vnto thy spirit that thou art the Sonn● yof God : Who will craue ought ? here is Christ that hath payed and satisfied for thee : Who will accuse thee ? Rom. here is God that pronounceth thee Iust and Holie .

Meditation of the Soule of faith in Christ .

Doest thou meditate on that hurt thou incurredst by the first fall ? doth that corruption deriued vnto thee from Adam grieue thee ? O giue thankes and praise to the Lords name , for thou hast obtayned more in Iesus Christ thy Redeemer , than thou hast lost in Adam the trespasser : ô miracle of all miracles ! who can comprehend such things ? bee glad ô my soule and consider narrowly what thou losest in the first , & what was gotten in the second Adam againe .

Behold how Sathan is disappointed of his purpose , for hee minded to draw thee altogether , and finally from God , and to draw thee in the pit of Gods euerlasting displeasure , but contrarywise Christ thy Lord hath not onely reconciled thee with thy father , quenched his wrath and anger , and purchased mercy to thee , but also hath aduanced thee to such vnspeakable promotion , Heb. 2. that thou art become Gods kinsman , for he hath taken thy flesh & bloud vpon him , thou couldest neuer haue come to higher promotion and preferment , vnlesse thou hadest beene euen God himselfe . And Sathan bethought him to driue thee out of the garden of Paradise , and so bereaue thee of the companie and societie of the holy Angels : but quite contrarie , Christ thy Sauiour not only brings thee to that healie Paradise and eternall life , but exalteth thee aboue all Angels , and maketh thee most honourable in that he took not the Angels , but mans nature vpon him : Heb 2. Sathan also intended to take from thee the food of life , and it so happened , for the Lord God excluded man by reason of his transgression that he should not eat of the tree of life in Paradise , Gen. 3. but now Christ is that nourishment , Ioh. 6. and tree of life farre more excellent and good then that first , which extends and dilateth his boughes and branches , whereby wee come vp to heauen , hideth vs vnder him , feedeth vs of him , and wee are satiate and shall haue vnder his shadow , quietnesse and rest for euermore . Againe , Sathan would haue carried thee from thy righteousnesse , cast thee deepely downe into sinne , spoyled thee of thy originall justice , wherein without sinne thou wert first created to Gods similitude ; but on the other side , Christ thy Lord freely giueth thee a constanter , surer , and better righteousnesse , which is his merit and satisfaction by Faith imputed vnto thee , Philip. 3. and is that Righteousnesse which God onely accepteth of .

Sathan moreouer , by Adams sinne hath blotted and defaced Gods Image in thee , and deadly wounded thee in all thy powres and operations , and left thee lying halfe dead , Luk. 10. so that there was no desire or motion left or remayning in thee to satisfie Gods will , and therefore shouldest die ●ternally , but on the contrarie Iesus hath not onely clothed thee with his owne righteousnesse , Gal. 3 27. Esa. 55. Col 3.10 . healed thy soares and wounds by his stripes and death , begot thee againe by the holie spirit , and imprinted his image of new , but also he will at the last day cleare thy mortall bodie , and make it like to his glorious bodie .

To be short , Sathans course was to take all thy gifts and heauenly ornaments from thee , and throw thee head-long to euerlasting perdition : but Iesus Christ opposed himselfe , and ayded thee in such wayes , that not onely hee tooke this flesh and bloud vpon him , satisfied for thee , made attonement for thee , reconciled thee with his Father , obtayned eternall remission for thee , gaue thee his righteousnesse , his holie spirit , and euerlasting life , but also he promoted thee to bee accounted righteous , holie , Gods child , Gods heyre , his brother , his cousin , his bride and bed-fellow heyre , the Temple and habitation of the holy and glorious Trinitie .

Now mayest thou say ( deare Soule ) Omnia benefecit , Mar. 7. He hath done al things well , and therefore ô Lord thy name be praysed and glorified for euer & euer . ô my God how gratiously hast thou comforted me ? how mildly hast thou refreshed my drowsie and drooping Soule ? how sweete is thy consolation ? wherfore now I am quiet and setled in mind , and will say truly thou art that mercifull Gate and Ladder to eternall Life : Ioh. 14. Gen. 28. Thou art the Way , Veretie , and Life ; no man commeth vnto the Father , but by thee ; thou art the Way , and there is Saluation in no other : Act. 4. for there is no other name giuen vnto man vnder heauen in the which wee shall be saued but in thy name : Thou ar the Truth , for he that abideth not in thy learning , hath not God ; but he that abides in thy learning , hath both the Father and the Sonne : Thou art Life , for hee that beleeueth in thee hath eternall Life , but he that beleeueth not in thee shall not see Life , but Gods wrath shall abide on him .

The Sinners prayer to relie on God .

O Iesus Christ , Ioh. 1. who art that right and heauenlie doore , without whom none can come to the Father , graunt that by a true and constant faith , I may euer depend and relie vpon thee , & by thee mount vp to heauen , and there be possessor of that euerlasting inheritance of glorie , prepared by thy Son my Lord and Sauiour , in whose name I call vpon thee , saying as hee himselfe hath taught mee : Our Father which art in heauen , &c.

Flesh.

Seeing that now by Christ I am reconciled vnto the Father , and iustified before him by Faith , and in my hope alreadie blessed , may I doe what I will vntill the day of death .

Spirit .

No , by no meanes ( beloued Soule ) for if true Faith be in thy heart , Rom. 8. and thou made a new creature by the holie spirit , thou must think for other wise , for the regenerate delighteth in a new life , attentiuely watcheth that hee fal not into sinne , and is grieued in his heart for his owne and other mens vngodlinesse , Pro. 24.16 . abhorreth and hateth sinne eagerly , and if the faithfull man be miscarried and seduced by Sathan , or fall by inborne and naturall infirmitie , hee daylye repenteth and comforteth himselfe in Iesus Christ , whose seede abideth in him : therefore there is no condemnation to him , Rom. 8.1 . seeing by the hand of Faith hee alwayes apprehendeth Iesus Christ , and therefore did I call new obedience the Third part of Repentance , which declareth it selfe in a iust , sober , godlie life and conuersation both to God and man , in thankefulnesse and loue , so mayest thou daylie exercise thy selfe in forme following .

A most excellent Prayer for all times to be vsed .

I thanke thee my God , heauenly father , for creating me according to thy similitude and likenesse , Gen. 1. and when I had fallen away by sinne , and therby became the childe of wrath , thou didst bestow and freely giue thy well-beloued sonne to bee my redeemer , what shall I render vnto the Lord for all his benefits towards me , Psa. 116.12 gouern me by thy holy spirit , that I may take pleasure in thy Law , for in vaine serueth man thee , Matt. 15. by mens lawes and traditions , grant that I doe no more liue after the flesh , Rom. 8. but after the spirit , so that I may fight that good fight , alwayes keeping faith and a good conscience , 1 Tim. 1. teach mee euer to bee of the minde that Iesus Christ my Lord was of , who hath left me an example that I should walke in his foot-steps , Phil. 1. 1 Pet. 2. Ephes. 6. Rom. 12. Ioh. 2. Gal. 5. strengthen my faith and hope that I may withstand Sathan , and not fashion my selfe like to this wicked and euill world , for her course tends to destruction , giue mee thy grace , that I may euer crucifie my sinnefull flesh , mortifie and daunt the sinnefull lusts and concupiscences thereof , that I may daily die to sinne , and exercise my selfe in all goodnesse and vertue , 1 Cor. 9. helpe me my Lord , euer to feare thee from my heart , to loue thee with all my power , Deut. 6. and with all my strength , that all my ioy and pleasure may be in thee : Psal. 18. grant that I thy creature may aright know thee my creatour , and bee found faithfull , manfull & couragious in seeking thy glory , 1 King . 19. and in all humility euer call on thee , I may desire thy word more then gold , yea more then fine gold , and bee obedient to thy commandements , Ps. 19.8.10 for in keeping of them is great reward , Ezek. 19. ô Lord Iesus Christ enflame my heart with thy loue , Psal. 73.25 that I may esteeme thee aboue the greatest treasure , and that I may consider what it is to loue this wretched world , bow my heart to thee my redeemer , that I may repute this earth , and the glory thereof to bee ( as it is indeede ) nothing , and that I may long and groane for that eternall Kingdome to come , ô Lord keepe me from immoderate sollicitude and care for worldly sustenance , and cause mee neuer giue trust to this temporary life .

Grant vnto mee , ô my redeemer , stedfast patience vnder the crosse of all afflictions , constant magnanimity , fortitude and faith in all tentations , and that in the crosses of this life I despaire not , grant gracious father , that I may humble my selfe in greatest prosperity , encline my heart to godlinesse , and make my will conformable to thy will and pleasure , that I may serue thee with a cleane , sober , obedient , chaste and vpright heart , and voluntary deniall of my selfe .

O Lord my God , let me bee taught alwaies by thy holy Spirit , and suffer me not to fall in my weaknes and infirmities , lead mee by thy right hand , that all my thoughts and deedes may bee gouerned according to thy good will and pleasure .

My God take from me pride of heart , and let all my strength and courage be from thee , let not my mouth speake any wickednes , neither yet boast in my sinnes , much lesse abuse thy name ; that I may liue temperately and continently , and not giue the members of my body to wantonnesse and loosenesse . Rom. 12.

Grant , ô my God , that I neither disdaine nor slander my neighbour , and passe not the bounds of of my calling , neither hunt after riches by vnrighteousnesse , neither gape for high honours , that I bee not hypocriticall nor counterfet , giue me grace that I despise not the meane and weake sort , but willingly lend to the needie , and bestow vpon the poore , Psal. 37.8.9.10 . take couetousnesse from mee , and preserue mee from Enuie , Anger , and Malice , and all Vngodlinesse : O my Creator purge mee from Vanitie , Stifneckednesse , Foolishnesse , Obstinacie , Wilfulnesse , from a Rebellious mind and Misdemeanor .

O my mercifull God I entreate thee , for Iesus Christ thy deare Sons sake , thou wouldest giue mee an vnderstanding heart , 2. King . 2. to the end I may exercise my selfe in all good actions of loue , and manifest my sinceritie and truth to all men : assist mee , that I may recompence euill with good , and commit vengance vnto thee ; benefit and relieue my enemies , and goe before euerie man in honour , that I may tread the footsteps of the godlie , and follow them , but shun euil continually ; free mee from Shame , and make mee so depart this Life , as professed enemie to Sinne and Wickednesse : knit my heart vnto thee , that I may feare thy name that I may proue & know whether I am in the right way , Psal. 86.11 . Making my Faith in good Workes to shine before all men : and deliuer mee at the last ●nd from euill , that I may contemne these earthly and worldly cogitations , and onely set my thoughts on things that are aboue , from whence I waite for I●sus Christ , in whose most blessed name I do come with my prayers vnto the Throne of mercy , crauing pardon for my sinnes , for Iesus Christs sake , in whose &c.

Flesh.

Is it sufficient that a man once make such repentance , or as it happeneth once a yeere .

Spirit .

No verily no , for Iesus Christ commanded vs without intermission to say , forgiue vs our trespasses , Mat. 6. and we are desired to grow and encrease in the mercy and grace of God , 2 Pet. 2. & of our Lord Iesus Christ , so should wee learne to bee strengthened in the holy Spirit in the inward man , and ther●fore euery one that is godly must make his praier vnto him in a time when hee may bee found . Psal. 3● . ● .

Meditation of the Soule for Repentance .

Thou must not therefore ( deare soule ) onely once , or once a month , or once a yeere , and after returne to thy wonted sins but they whose life must and should be● a continuall repentance , for the Christian by the holy Sacrament of Baptisme is borne againe , and made the childe of God , that the old Adam in him by daily remorse and repentance , should bee drowned , perish and die with all sinnes and concupiscences , that he may be a new creature to liue in holinesse and righteousnesse before God for euer , Rom. 6. for the way of the righteous shineth as the light , that shineth more and more vnto the perfit day . Pro. 4.18 .

A Prayer for true r●pentance .

O God the father of all mercy and grace , who hast called mee in Iesus Christ to euerlasting purity , 1 Pet. 4. and granted that by truth and vpright faith I should taste of the sweetnesse of thy grace and goodnesse , become the dwelling place of thy holy Spirit , and heire of thy heauenly Kingdome , lead me alwaies by the selfe same spirit , that I may walke forward in true repentance , striuing and wrastling continually against sinne , making progresse in pietie and knowledge of thee , growing vp in all Christian vertues , as a new-borne creature , and that the more thou prolongest my daies on earth , I may the more encrease in a stronger faith in thee , grant that I may escape for my life , and not looke behinde mee , Gen. 19.17 that I turne not to my vomit a●gaine as the Dog , and the Sow that was washed , Pro. 16 11. 2 Pet. 2.22 . to her wallowing in the mire , so that the last bee worser then the first , yea my God , Luk. 11.26 my strength is nought , how easily am I ouercome ? but thou art hee that giuest both to will and to doe according to thy good pleasure , Phil. 2.13 . so wilt thou also strengthen , perfect , and accomplish this thy worke thou hast begunne in me vntill my last end , forsake me not that I doe not leaue thee , take not thy hand and blessing from mee , ô God , my Redeemer , trie mee and know my heart , examine and prooue my thoughts , Ps. 139.33 . if I bee in the wrong way bring mee to the right path , Psal. 26 2. that I may walke as the childe of light before thee in holinesse and righteousnesse all the daies of my life , that so I may walke and liue after thy godly will and pleasure ▪ through Iesus Christ my Lord and Sauiour . Amen .

CHAP. III. Wherein is contained six poynts which appertaine to a true Christian life .
Flesh.

NOw seeing I daily encrease in repentance , and must looke for great opposition whiles I am in the right way , how should I behaue my selfe , that my faith faile no● , and that I goe not astray ?

Spirit .

That question ( deare Soule ) is verie necessarie , for albeit wee be regenerate , & are become Gods children by Faith , yet carry wee these pretious iewels in earthen vessells and weake bodies , and therefore Sathan euer goeth about like a Roaring-Lyon , 2. Cor. 4.7 . seeking to deuoure vs , and plotteth all his engins against vs ; the World with her glistering shew giues euill Example , verie pleasant to Flesh & Bloud , which also it gladly followeth and remembre●h not that the Broad-Way leadeth to Damnation , and many enter therein , and therefore ( deare Soule ) if thou wouldest continue in thy course , and attayne to the end of thy Faith , which is , 1. Pet. 1.9 . The Saluation of thy Soule , thou must daily lay these Sixe Poynts before thy eyes , and haue them in thy heart , that thou mayest carrie thy selfe in life and conuersation thereafter continually .

1 Wait diligently vpon the hearing of the Word , learne to vnderstand , practise and vse the same .

2 Remember euer thy Baptisme .

3 Often , after due examination , communicate of the Lords-Supper .

4 See thou rightly behaue thy selfe in all worldly crosses or aduersities .

5 Abide in thy calling with all watchfulnesse .

6 Pray continually .

The Christians Prayer for a holie life and blessed death .

Helpe Lord Iesus Christ mee ignorant and vnwise creature , earnestly to attend thy Word , and redresse my life thereafter , that I may keepe that couenant of Grace made with thee in Baptisme , Ps. 119.9 . and worthily receiue the Holy Communion ; willingly and patie●tly beare the Crosse ; truely and faithfully liue in my Vocation ; euer in my heart thanking and praying thee that this my life may be passed ouer in daylie Repentance ; seruing Thee and my Neighbour truely , and so continue constant to my death , in sauing Faith in Thee , my God and onely Lord and Sauiour , to whom , with the Father , and the Holie spirit , three Persons , but one God , be giuen all honor , power , and glorie . Amen .

Flesh.

Expound vnto mee ( I pray you ) these Sixe heads to the end I may rightly vnderstand them , and liue according thereunto the time I haue here to remaine .

Spirit .

The first poynt of diligent hearing the Word , and against Sathans temptations .

Verie willingly : first then I say keepe thee by Gods-word , and behaue thy selfe in all thy actions as it directeth ; Ps. 119. for it is a Lanthorne vnto our Pathes , and a Light vnto our Feet , so that if wee follow this Light wee may walke without impediment and not stumble ; but learne especially to distinguish this word aright , and marke what difference there is between the Law and the Gospell .

Gods Law or his Commaundements is a doctrine and word wherein God wills and commaunds vs to be obedient vnto him in heart and whole life , that is , Ex. 20. Mat. 22. Deut. 6. Leu 9. That wee should loue the Lord our God with our whole heart , soule , mind , & strength , & our neighbor as our selfe , which things albeit they are impossible for man eyther to doe or keepe , notwithstanding thou shalt daylie meditate and weigh these precepts , Rom. 3. to the end thou mayest learn to know the corruption of thy nature and sinne , and also they may be a rule , after which thou oughtest to lead thy life , as a new creature in holie Obidience .

The Gospell is such a Word and Doctrine , wherein God onely of meere mercie giues Remission of sinnes , Ioh. 3. and euerlasting Life ; for all the Prophets witnessed , that in his name Euerie one that beleeued should haue Remission of sinnes : Act. 10. and therefore neuer suffer this preaching of mercie to depart from thy eyes , that thou mayest find comfort against sinne , and Sathan his temptations , and that in all afflictions vntil death , thou mayest commit thy selfe vnto God with ioy : but vnderstand ( deare Soule ) that Both these doctrines are Gods-word , and are deliuered to the Church from the beginning , and must both therein continue , and neiney●her of them is to bee dissolued , therefore giue diligent heede to them both , that thou mayest rightly diuide them , and in time conuenient vse them . When thou therfore ( deare Soule ) daylie ponderest on the Commaundements , and thereof conceiuest how disobedient thou art to Gods will , and seest that through Adams trespasse thou art so corrupt , that thou canst fulfil not one of the least of them , and therefore that thou by sinne deseruest Gods wrath and euerlasting perdition , despaire not yet for all this , but thanke God for his commaundements , that by them thou art brought to acknowledge thy sinnes , for this is the dearest and most pretious thing that can bee in this world , ( Christs fauour excepted ) to know Sinne , for Christ and his benefits doe neuer tast vs well , vntill wee be brought to the knowledge of our sins , and perceiue our selues to be vnder the wrath and fury of the Lord our God .

But if Satan shall come and greatly heape vp thy sinnes , and terrifie thee with the consuming fire of Gods anger , with hell and endlesse destruction , then strengthen & quicken thy selfe with these and such like sentences .

God so loued the world , that he hath giuen his onely begotten sonne , Ioh. 3.6 . that whosoeuer beleeueth in him , should not perish , but haue euerlasting life .

vers. 17. God sent not his sonne into the world , that hee should condemne the world , but that the world , through him might be saued .

Ezek. 33. Verily , as I liue ( saith the Lord ) I haue no pleasure in the death of a sinner , but that he turne from his waies and liue .

I will redeeme thee from the power of the graue , Hos. 13.14 . I will deliuer thee from death , ô death I will be thy death , ô ô graue I will bee thy destruction .

Where sinne aboundeth , Rom. 5.20 there grace aboundeth much more .

This is a true saying , 1 Tim. 1.15 and by all meanes to be receiued , that Christ Iesus came into the world to saue sinners .

Resist Sathan with a stedfast faith , 1 Pet. 5.9 . and he shall depart from thee .

For these sentences are true and more certaine , 1 Pet. 1.25 . and sure then heauen and earth , his word is truth . Io● . 17.17 .

And if Sathan come on the other hand , changing himselfe into an Angell of light ; 2 Cor. 11. 14. lessening sin and Gods wrath , perswading that sin is easily forgiuen , and Gods rich mercy soone obtained , beware ( beloued Soule ) thou giue him not eare but remember Gods fearefull and powerfull Law , in the which all sins are so greatly taxed and accused , that none can be called small , and withall remember thy Lord Iesus Christ his passion , and meditate thus thereupon .

Fi● on thee lying Sathan , I consider how heauie and greeued my Lord Iesus was , Matth. 26.38.42 . when once he was vnder the curse of the law , and satisfied for my sinne , and beared his fathers wrath for the same , Matth. 27.46 . I will therefore heereafter be enimy to all sin , & keep me from it , as from the Diuell himselfe , I thank thee , ô God , who hast once deliuered mee from sinne , which is the Diuels snare , should I giue my selfe to be intrapped againe in his net ? our soule is escaped euen as a bird out of the snare of a fowler , Psal. 124.7.8 . the snare is broken & we are deliuered , our helpe is in the name of the Lord which hath made heauen & earth . And if Sathan shall cast before thee the course of this world , and entise thee to the pleasure thereof , call to minde that wee should not fashion our selues like vnto this world , but be changed by the renewing of ou● minde , that wee may proue what that good and acceptable , Rom. 12.2 . and perfect will of God is , take heede ( deare soule ) for thou knowest well how bent and prone thy flesh and bloud is to sinne , daunt thy selfe by the force of the Law , bee not seduced , for the way of the world leadeth vnto sinne . Luk. 13.24 .

Doth Sathan contend against thee , and alledge that thou art poore and sufferest hunger , nakednesse and distresse , &c. then doe thou say man liueth not by bread onely , Matt. 4.4 . but by euery word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God , for thou ô Lord giuest mee more ioy of hart , than they haue had when their wheat and wine did abound , Psal. 4.7 . and these words cannot deceiue thee , Psal. 89.33 . for he will not fal●ifie his truth .

Vpbraideth hee thee that thou art wretched sicke , and desolate , & c ? though I bee ( mayst thou say ) poore and needy , Psal. 40.17 . the Lord thinketh on mee ▪ therfore if I can haue but thee my God , I account of nothing in heauen and in earth , suppose my flesh faile , and my heart , Psal 73.25 . thou God art the strength of my heart , and my portion for euer : relie ( ô my soule ) all thy life time heereon , for hee will not alter the thing that hath gone out of his lips . Psal. 89.34 .

If the diuell doth affright thee with death , gainstand him with a stout and faithfull heart , and say , thy dead men shall liue , Esay 26.19 euen with my body shall they liue , awake and sing ye that dwell in dust , for thy deaw is as the deaw of herbs , and the earth shall cast out the dead . And so I beleeue the remission of my sinnes , resurrection of my body , and life euerlasting : this is verily true , and hereon I repose my selfe , for heauen and earth shall passe away , Luk. 16.17 but his word shall not fall ; so that all they that leane to the word & shut themselues in the word , shall with the word and in the word endure for euer .

A Prayer to the same effect .

Lord Iesus Christ , King of euerlasting Triumph , helpe that I may continually haue thy Law and Gospel before mine eyes , and rule all my Thoughts , Words , and Deeds , according to them ; teach mee by thy holy Spirit at euerie occasion to put them in practise , that in thy Law I may perceiue my Sinne and Vildnesse , with true comfort in my hart , that in all miserie and griefe I may haue these sweete speeches in fresh memorie , that they may bee my weapons and a●mour To kill my Foe , Pro. 30.5 . and my Sheild and defence a●gainst the Deuill , Psal. 23.4 . thy rodde and staffe to hold mee vppe my food and refreshing in al● trouble and anguish : grant I may wholly betake mee to thy Word , both sleepe and rise therewith , that I may liue and die according to thy Word : and if at any time my heart through weakenesse shall distrust , assist mee then O Lord , that I neuer despaire , for neyther thou nor thy Word will deceiue mee : I know and doe beleeue it , O eterna● true God , that thou wilt keepe thy Word : ●herefore shall I be preserued : I beleeue and know thou canst not lye , therefore s●all I not bee deceiued ; and although that my heart shall doubt and denie , yet art thou constant in thy promise , because thou art greater than our hearts , and knowest all things , therefore shall I neuer be cofounded , 1 Ioh. 3.20 because I put my trust in thee . Psal. 25.2 . To thee O God the Father , Sonne , and holie Ghost , bee all honour , dominion , power and glorie now and for euer , world with out end . Amen .

Flesh.

What is the second point that concerneth Christian life ?

The second poynt ( Baptisme . ) Spirit .

Secondly ( deare Soule ) meditate daily in thy baptisme , and let it comfort thee , because God thy Lord in it hath purged thee , receiued thee to be his child , and in it sealeth with thee that mercifull couenant , that he will be thy gracicious God and father , and thou shalt be his deare Son and heire , yea ( ô my soule ) thy Lord Iesus in thy holy baptisme hath called thee by thy name , 1 Pet. 3. Esay 62. Ier. 14. Esay 45. before thou knewest him , and hath giuen thee a new name , that thou shouldest bee called a Christian , to witnesse , that thou wert brother to Christ , and fellow-heire , Rom. 8. that thou shalt enioy and bee paticipant with him of all whatsoeuer hee hath bought , and merited by his bloud , as of remission of sinnes , righteousnesse , and eternall life .

Meditation of thy Baptisme .

Therfore so often as thou shalt heare or recite the Creed , I beleeue in God &c. I beleeue in Iesus Christ , &c. I beleeue in the holy Ghost &c. heere is thy surmounting consolation , that thou art in the number of those of whom it is sayd , he that beleeueth , and is baptized , Mark . 16.16 . shall bee saued , and heereby art separated from Turks , Iewes , Atheists and all Infidels , and other vngodly persons , of whom it is said , but hee that will not beleeue shall be damned : and finally , in thy baptisme , thou obligest thy selfe , not to liue after the flesh , Rom 8.12 . Luk ▪ 1.75 . to fulfill the lusts and desires thereof , but to serue the liuing God , in righteousnesse and holinesse all the daies of thy life , Tit. 2.12 . according to his pleasure .

Prayer for a new life and faith in Christ .

I thanke thee my good Lord Iesus Christ , for this thy vnspeakable goodnesse , in that thou hast not onely taken mee aliue out of the wombe , but when I was dead in sinne , made me be baptized , Psal. 22.9 . Ephes. 2.1 . and thereby enrolledst and registeredst mee in thy mercifull couenant & band , didst regenerate me by thy holy spirit , Eph. 2.12.13 . accept mee to be thy sonne , and inheritor of blessednesse , 1 Pet. 3.21 . not that I loued thee first , but thou louedst mee before I was ô my Redeemer , Tit. 5.5 . how can I render thankes for all thy benefits towards mee ; I will take the cup of saluation and call vpon thee , Psal. 116.12 . I beseech thee therefore , vphold mee by thy holy spirit , that I may stand stedfast in this couenant of grace , whereunto I haue had this accesse , reioycing vnder the hope of the glory of God , comforting my soule therewith : confirme my faith that I may cleaue vnto thee alwayes , and abhorre and detest Infidelitie and Atheisme , seruing thee zealously in the spirit , in whatsoeuer calling or condition of life I shall liue , yea my God , seeing through baptisme I am dead vnto sinne and borne againe , Rom. 6.4 . grant me thy grace , that I may walke in newnesse of life , that my conuersion and giuing my members , as weapons of righteousnesse vnto God , may beare record before thee and men , that I haue reciued that Sacrament to my weale and saluation ; conduct mee safely through this wearisome valley of misery , neuer leaue mee vntill thou hast brought me to thy fathers Kingdome , which is those riches and treasures thou hast promised mee in my baptisme , and thereof assured me , and sealed vp the same in my heart , by thy spirit giuen vnto me . Grant me gracious father , forgiuenesse of all my sins , that so I may walke before thee , in true repentance and amendment of life , that so I may liue in thy feare , and die thy faithfull seruant , Amen .

Flesh.

Shew me the third means whereby a Christian life is maintained ?

The third poynt ( the Lords Supper . ) Spirit .

Thirdly , ( deare soule ) repaire diligently and of ten to the Lords S●pper , for that is the table the Lord hath prepared for his regenerate children , that is the food wherwith hee strengtheneth and refr●sheth his new purged ones , for so saith the Redeemer , Take , eat , this is my body , Matth. 26.16 Mar. 14.22 Luk. 22.19 . Cor. 11.24 which is giuen for you , to the remission of sins ; and againe , Take and eat all hereof , this cup is the new Testament in my bloud , which is shed for you .

Meditation of the Soule , for the receiuing of the Communion .

Now heare ( my Soule ) what delicates the Lord thy Sauiour presenteth before thee in this his table , truely not bare and naked bread and wine ▪ but his body and bloud , for the bread which wee breake , is it not the Communion of the body of Christ ? and the cup of blessing which we blesse , is it not the Communion of the bloud of Christ ? 1 Cor. 10.16 . therefore beleeue I and know , that my Lord Iesus Christ both God and Man , according to his institution , is present to my Soule , & giues his body and bloud to bee eaten and drunke spiritually , by a true and liuely faith wrought in me by his holy spirit , and applying the merits and benefits of his death vnto mee ( the manner and way being best knowen vnto himselfe ) yea Lord Iesus , thou thy selfe art here my host , and I thy guest , heere come I poore creature out of the wicked wildernes of this world , fraught with trouble and misery , and bring with mee an hungry , thirsty , and languishing , yet a faithfull heart , reuiue me my Lord Iesus , by this thy table , and strengthen mee by this nourishment , that I may bee satiate and safe . Approach heereunto ( my Soule ) to strengthen thy faith and quicken thy heart , Ioh. 20.27 . and bee not longer faithlesse but faithfull , be●hold the Lord thy Redeemer assureth thee as with a true token and pawne , that thou of meere grace and mercy , art appoynted heire of all his blessings , and hee imputes vnto thee , whatsoeuer he hath procured by the sacrifice of his body and bloud , to wit , the forgiuenesse of all thy sinnes , Rom. 4.8 . that righteousnesse which is accepted before God , and eternall life , all these shall a● certainely be thine , as if thou in thine own person hadst hung vpon the crosse , and there merited them , yea , and he witnesseth heereby , that thou , for his sake , art counted before God , as righteous , holy , and as beloued , as Christ himselfe is : and moreouer , by the same Sacrament , through the holy Spirit , he giueth himself vnto thee , Reu. 3.20 . to dwell with thee , and sup with thee ; neuer to depart from thee , but worke a new life , ioy , & light : yea Lord Iesus , so am I in thee , Ioh. 17.23 . Eph. 5.30 . and thou in mee ; and I will sticke vnto thee my Redeemer , as a liuing member to a liuing body ; as a bride vnto her bridegroome ; for I am a member of thy body , Ioh. 15.4 . of thy blood and bones ; yea I am in thee as the branch is in the vine , and as a bough receiueth continuall sap & vertue from the trees roote ; so doe I draw comfort , life , and quickening from thee , and so by a true faith , both in soule and body , abide in thee , and thou in mee , by thy holy spirit ; that neither death , nor life nor Angels , nor principalities , nor powers , nor nor things present , nor things to come , nor hight nor depth , nor any other creature , can separate me from thy loue .

A prayer when thou hast receiued the Communion .

Praised bee thou ( O God my Sauiour ) for thy fatherly care ouer me , for preparing this heauenly banquet for me , whereby I may quench the appetite of my hungry soule , and mittigate the thirst of my heart ; so that now by this meanes , I depart emboldened , and established in grace and faith , & will follow thee my Redeemer with courage , Heb. 13.9 . will abide constantly with thee and remayne in perseuerance with thee , through thy spirit vnto the last gaspe . Amen .

Meditation of receiuing the holie Communion .

Thou hast said , Doe this in my remembrance ( O my God ) how holie is the memorie of that ? how inwardly am I comforted therewith ? for by this sacrament I call to minde many other Festiual daies and times ; for in thy Table I remember thy Natiuitie , for it testifieth vnto mee , that thou in verie deed hast taken my human nature vpon thee ; and art farre neerer joyned vnto mee , than vnto the Angells ; for thou in no sort tookedst vpon thee the Angells nature , but thou tookest the seed of Abraham : it likewise representeth vnto mee that thou art the true Sacrifice for sinnes , and therefore doe I eate the right Pasouer , 1. Cor. 5.7 . euen Christ which is sacrificed for mee : as also , I beleeue and trust , seeing I am thy member , and that thou art risen from the dead , and liuest , so shall I also , so that thou wilt not leaue my Soule in Graue , neyther shall death haue power ouer mee ; but I shall rise and sing vnto the Lord in the land of the liuing , and possesse that place where thou my head Iesus Christ liuest world without end . And all these things are engrafted and sealed in mee by thy holie Spirit of Promise , 1. Eph. 13.14 . which is the earnest of my Inheritance , for the redemption of that libertie purchased vnto the prayse of his glorie , whereby also peace and joy is kindled in my hart for I receiue the spirit of adoption , whereby I crie Abba , Father ; the same Spirit bearing witnesse to my Spirit , Rom. 8.15 16. that I am the Sonne of God . And not onely that , but I participate the whole Trenitie , the Father , Sonne , and Holie-Spirit , who come vnto mee , Ioh. 14.23 . and dwell with mee , so life euerlasting shall be bestowed vpon mee after this transitorie , where I shall continually behold my Lord , my God , face to face : and finally , I haue here an vnion and fellowshippe with all the Saints : for ( as hee sayd ) He that eateth my flesh , Ioh. 6.56 . and drinketh my bloud , abideth in mee , and I in him : so hath hee sayde also , that they all may bee one , as thou ( O Father ) art in mee , and I in thee , euen that they may be also one in vs ; for we that are many are one bread , and one bodie , because wee are all partakers of one bread : how joyfull am I of this heauenlie companie ? how glad am I of thy Saints , to whose number thou hast adopted mee ; for the which I giue thee thankes , honour , and prayse for euermore ?

Besides this , it is written , as oft as you eate of this Bread , and drinke of this Cup , ye declare the Lords death vntill his comming againe : wherein ( deare Soule ) I am rauished to the contemplation of the Third-heauen with Paule , whereof this thy last Supper is as it were an entry and beginning , for in thy Fathers Kingdome , I shall sit downe with Abraham , Isaack , and Iacob , and there feed vpon Thee the Bread of Life eternally , and therefore sigh I from the bottome of my heart , saying euen so ; Come Lord Iesus , come quickly my Redeemer , and tarrie not : and therefore I am taught to powre out hartie thanksgiuings for all thy blessings , wherewith thou hast blessed mee in heauenly things in Christ both for soule and bodie : as for thy creation , manifestation in the Flesh , Tim. 3.6 . assumption of humane nature , redemption , for thy holie word , for the Faith thou hast endued my Soule with , for thy holie Spirit , which thou hast enspired into my heart , for thy holie Sacrament , for Temporall and Spirituall gifts and benefits : Luk. 1.4.9 How can I in this my weakenesse comprehend the great things which thou hast bestowed vpon mee .

Another Prayer after receiuing the holie Communion .

Helpe me Lord ( Iesus my Redeemer ) that I may frequent this holie communion , and joyfully embrace that remembrance of thee : behold I am thy brother , and fellow-heyre , and haue right to thy kingdome : where should I goe but to thy own table ? succor me my Sauiour , that I may greedily desire this thy great Feast : let my mind neuer loose remembrance of Thee , but that my repose , quietnesse , and faith and greatest joy may bee in Thee , and euermore giue Thee thankes with feruencie from the ground of my heart , for all thy goodnesse and graces , so plentifully showred down vpon mee , but more specially , for that after this perishing world shall decay , I am ordayned to eat that Bread of Life with all thy Saints in the Heauens for euermore . And therefore ( beloued Soule ) when thou drawest thither , forget not thy neighbour , that eateth and drinketh with thee , and sitteth by thee ; for hee is the member of Christ no lesse then thou , therefore thou oughtest to loue him from thy hart for his sake that loued thee ; and be ready to do him all kindnesse , as vnto thy selfe , and therefore ( deare Soule ) haue respect and care of the needy , & poore , and cast not thine eyes from thine owne flesh , but forasmuch as hee nourisheth thee with that bread , and giueth thee drinke of that cup , should I not minister vnto my brother , fellow-heire with mee my bread , and refresh him with that thou hast giuen mee ? gouerne me , ô Lord Iesus , by thy holy spirit , that I euer may dearely loue my neighbor , & be touched at my heart with the miserie of the poo●e and distressed , to giue the hungrie meat , the thirsty drinke , the stranger lodging , to cloth the naked , to visit the sicke , and come to them that are in prison , according to my power and measure of thy blessings bestowed vpon mee , that I may heare that comfortable voice proceede out of thy mouth at the last daie , verily , I saie vnto you , insomuch as you haue done it vnto one of the least of these my brethren , yee haue done it to mee , and verily I say vnto you , inasmuch as you did it not to one of the least of these you did it not vnto mee , Matth. 25.40.45 . Let not therefore , ô my God , my charitie grow colde , but that I may extend it with a fellow-feeling compassion to my empouerished neighbours , members with mee of the mysticall body of thy son , the Lord Iesus Christ , to whom with thee and thy holy Spirit , bee rendred all honour , and glorie , power and dominion , now and euer . Amen .

Flesh.

Shew mee the fourth meanes , how to attaine to a Christian and godlie life , concerning the tolleration of the Crosse , and aduersitie thereof .

Spirit .

Fourthly ( deare Soule ) prepare thee euerie day , for the crosses and chastisements , which the children of God in this world must beare after their Mr. for we must throgh many afflictions enter into the kingdome of God : Act. 14.22 yea ( my Soule ) that doctrine of the Crosse is one of the most secret and hid mysteries , into the which mans iudgement and knowledge cannot reach , but both it and all other concealed matters , are manifested in Gods word onely , out of which word we ought to be edified in this poynt . Now hereof it commeth ( beloued Soule ) that the crosse is heauie for vs to beare ; wee are greatly affrayd of it , euen as though the Lord had left vs , or as if hee were our mortall foe , & deadly enemie . A prettie and pithie similitude hereof we haue in the Two Desciples , Luk. 24 13 which went from Ierusalem to Emmaus in perplexitie and sorrow , to whom the Lord manifested himselfe in another forme , so that their eyes were held that they could not know him ; Loe ( deare soule ) this is a figure of the crosse , in the which the Lord so clotheth and couereth himselfe , that hee appeareth to be a stranger , yea euen to his most beloued children , and so doth take solace in the compasse of this earth , Pro. 8.31 . and delight with the children of men , yea sometime hee seemeth so farre against them , that they imag●ne God hath forgot all loue and goodnesse to them , Esa. 64.9.12 . but Hee will make himselfe knowne in conuenient time , and fill their harts with gladnesse , and no man shall take their ioy from them : Ioh. 16.22 . and therefore thou must learne in this verie high poynt , how to behaue thy selfe , and diligently to consider these seuen following rules con●cerning the crosse , and thy griefe shall not bee so vehement .

Flesh.

I pray you shew mee thee first rule concerning the bearing of the Crosse.

Spirit .

All true Christians are thereto appoynted of God , for whom he knew before he also predestinated to be made like to the image of his Sonne , that he might be the first born among many brethren , so wast thou ordayned to Anxieties & Crosses , not onely before thou wast born of thy mother , Rom ▪ 8.29 but also , before the foundation of the world was layd , that thou mightest resemble the Lord Iesus Christ , yea thou art flesh of his flesh , and bone of his bone , shall thou not then suffer with him ? Eph. 6.30 . he is thy Maister , and thou his desciple , he thy Bridegroome , and thou his Bride , he is thy Head , and thou art his Members , why wilt thou then desire to bee in better condition than he was ? Looke on the Lord as on the Prince of the Crosse , and consider how all the Saints and faithfull ones haue euer followed him . Mat. 11.29.30 .

Christ goeth first , making way with the most heauie Crosse vpon his shoulders , and the godlie tread on his footsteps , for euerie one beareth his owne yoake : Rom 8.37 . neuerthelesse in all troubles they are more than conquerours through him that loued them : and because they are conformable vnto Christ in suffering , so shall they bee conformable vnto him in glorie also .

Prayer willingly for to follow Christ in all crosses and afflictions .

O Lord God , thou who hast prouided thy son for mee to beare the burden of the crosse , giue mee a wise heart , that I may perceiue thy wonderfull purpose and counsell heerein , that I may take it vp willingly , and follow my Redeemer cheerfully , and so shew my submission and obedience to him heere for a short time , but heereafter eternally , to raigne with him euerlastingly , to God the Father , Sonne and holy Ghost , bee giuen of mee and all true Christians , all honour , power and glory . Amen .

Flesh.

Shew me the second rule of bearing the Crosse ?

Spirit .

This is the Lord Iesus Christs commandement , Matth. 11.30 . take my yoak vpon you , for he that will follow mee , must forsake himselfe , and take vp his crosse daily and come after mee , and this precept is not giuen to any Infidell and wicked man , Luk. 9.23 . but vnto the faithfull and holy ones . For the crosse of Christ is such a precious iewell , that hee will not commit it to the vngodly and incredulous , yet such an ornament hee will not bestow vpon proph●ne and godlesse people , behold Simon of Cyrene , Luk. 23.28 . what greater honour could there come vnto him , then that hee helped Christ to beare his Crosse behinde him ? ô what commendations shall it be vnto him at the last day ?

A Prayer for obedience in the Crosse of Christ .

O Lord Iesus Christ , thou who hast enioyned that I should beare thy Crosse , giue mee an obedient heart , that I may with all humility receiue it vpon my shoulders , 1 Kin. 3.9 . and in all possible readinesse follow thee , according to thy good pleasure : through the same Lord Iesus Christ , in whose name I call on thee saying , Our Father , &c.

Flesh.

Shew me the third rule , how to beare the crosse of Christ patiently ?

Spirit .

Iesus our Sauiour , hath three sorts of schooles of aduersity ?

The first is of nurture , when as hee reclaimeth his owne from sinne , 1 Cor. 11.32 . and chastizeth them for the same .

The second schoole is of probation or triall , when hee exercizeth their faith , Mic. 7 9. Esay 28. Esay 28.26 Esay 44. Rom. 8. hope and prayer .

The third is martyrdome , when hee suffereth his Saints to bee pers●cuted for his name sake .

A Meditation of the soule , concerning the comfort of Christ , to those that suffer for his sake .

Hearken ( ô my Soule ) thou art the Lords Disciple and Scholler , and hee will not faile , neither must thou grudge to bee brought vnto one of these schooles : for if it so happen that hee punish thee for thy sinne , as he did King Dauid , thanke him for his correction , It was good for mee ( saith Dauid ) that thou chastizedst mee that I might learne thy iudgements . Psal. 119. And if hee put thee to triall as he did Ioseph and Iob , Psal. 44. then bethinke thee that heereby he puts an edge vpon thy faith , wakens thy hope , prouokes thee to prayer , Esay 25.9 . and if he aduance thee to that honour , to be persecuted , cast in prison , or dy for his name sake , then reioyce that thou art counted worthy to suffer rebuke for his name . Act 5.14 .

A Prayer for stedfast faith in all afflictions .

O Lord Iesus Christ , thou who wast not ashamed to hang vpon the crosse with disdain and all kind of reproch , grant that I neuer blush to stand by thy crosse with the Virgin Mary , and if thou bring me thereunto mercifully & maruellously help me to follow thee , Ioh. 19.25 . & bee prepared ( if neede bee ) to lay down my life for thy sake , according to thy pleasure : grant this heauenly father , for Iesus Christs sake , my only Sauiour and Redeemer , to whom bee all honour and glory . Amen .

Flesh.

Shew me the fourth rule of Christs Crosse.

Spirit .

The crosses of the faithfull are a token and signification of Gods loue , for whom hee loueth , hee chastizeth , Reu 3.19 . but the world shall reioyce ( saith he ) but yee shall weep and lament , Ioh. 16.20 . for so iudgement must beginne at Gods house , and therefore in the daies of Ieremiah , 1 Pet. 4.17 . the Lord began to bring euill on the City which is called by his name , Ier. 25.29 . and hee that loues his childe , will not spare the rod , Hebr. 12.6 . but if thou art without chastisement , whereof all are partakers , which are his sons , then art thou a bastard and not a sonne , behold thy Lord Iesus Christ , the onely begotten sonne of his father , how angry was his father with him , how bitterly did God smite him , although it was not for his owne sinne ; but for the offences of other men ?

A Prayer for willingnesse to vndergoe the Crosse of Christ .

Lord Iesus helpe mee , that I neuer withdraw my selfe from thy crosse and correction ; but willingly embrace and kisse the same , as a well ●nclined childe , and heartily thank thee at all times , for whatsoeuer blowes or scourges it shall please thee to inflict vpon me . Grant this ( ô heauenly father ) for the same my Sauiour Iesus Christs sake , Amen .

Flesh.

Shew mee the fifth rule concerning Christs Crosse ?

Spirit .

The greater the euill is , the Lord is the neerer , for he will bee with vs in trouble , hee will deliuer vs , and honour vs , Psal. 90.15 . yet how hard is it to flesh & bloud to beleeue it , for we suppose that when sorrow and greefe is at hand , the Lord hath forgot vs , and giuen vs vp to Satan , and to all kinde of mischance , ô not so ( my soule ) for although Sathan bee thy professed enemy , and goeth about night and day to deuoure thee , yet can he not touch an haire of thy head by his will , Mat. 10.30 . yea , how is it possible the Lord should not remember vs , for in acceptable time will he heare vs , and in a day of saluation will hee help vs , Esay 49.8 . can a woman forget her sucking childe , that shee should not haue compassion on the sonne of her wombe , yet will I not forget thee , saith the Lord ; but if it is for a small moment , that hee forsaketh thee , but with great mercies will he gather thee : in a little wrath he will hide his face from thee for a moment : but with euerlasting kindnesse will I haue mercy on thee , Esay 54.7 . saith the Lord thy Redeemer : the mountaines shall depart and the hils be remoued : but his kindnesse shall not depart from thee , neither shall the couenant of my mercy and peace bee remoued from thee , Vers. 10. saith the Lord , that hath mercy on thee : for how should hee lie , who is verity himselfe , Light therefore is sowen vnto the godly in darknesse , and therefore , Psal. 112 4 Rom. 8. Psal. 23.1 . if God be with vs , who can bee against vs . Now then the Lord is thy sheepheard , thou shalt want nothing that is good for thee .

A Prayer when wee haue obtayned faith in Christ .

Lord Iesus , I hauing once the possession of thee , I account nothing of the heauen or earth , or fulnesse thereof , but esteeme all to be dung and naught in regard of thee and thy knowledge : Ps. 73. and albeit my soule and life should be grieuously tormented , eyther with inward or outward torments and afflictions : thou art my lot , and the portion of inheritance for euer ; grant therefore ( O Lord God ) my faith fayle not , but with assured hope of glorie I may call on thee my Sauiour . Amen .

Flesh.

Shew mee the sixt rule concerning the crosse of Christ , and the crosses of this life .

Spirit .

The Crosse serueth Gods children to their good , for wee know that all things worke together for good to them that loue God , to them who are called according to his purpose ; Rom. 8.28 . Pro. 27.6 . and faithfull are the wounds of a freind .

And truely it serueth many waies to our weale , for it teacheth vs the knowledge of our sinnes , for hee doth correct in measure , and will not leaue vs altogether vnpunished : Ier. 30.11 . and therefore the Lord knoweth that the way of man is not in himselfe , neyther is it in man that walketh to direct his steps : Ier. 10.13.14 . O Lord ( sayth the Prophet ) correct mee but with iudgement , not in thine anger , least thou bring mee to nothing : thus hee chastiseth vs for sinne , and will not leaue vs wholly vnpunished , Ier. 46.28 . to the end we may bee driuen narrowly to espie our sinnes and transgressions , & descend more earnestly into the inward parts of our harts Againe , the crosse sends vs to the word of God , when we are frosen in our sinnes , it thawes vs again ; for to whom doth God teach knowledge , Esa 28.9 . and whom shall he make to vnderstand Doctrine ? them that are weaned from the Milke , and drawne from the breasts ; and truely , temptations make vs to runne to consult with Gods Oracle , which is , his Word .

Besides this , it stirreth vp our Faith , for such grieuances and annoyances befall vs , and wee often haue the sentence of death in our selues , that wee should not trust in our selues , but in God which raiseth the dead , who deliuereth from so great a death , and doth deliuer , in whom we trust that he will yet deliuer vs , the crosse teach vs also to pray ; for Lord in trouble haue they visited thee , they powred out their prayers , Esa. 26. when thy chastising hand was vpon them . Yea it instructeth vs to auoyde sinne , for so it is sayd to the man that was cured on the Sabbath-day : Behold , thou art made whole , sinne no more , least a worse thing come vnto thee .

And finally , it maketh this earthly life loathsom vnto vs , and rayseth an earnest desire and longing after that which is to come : Heb. 13.14 for heere wee haue no continuing citie , but we seeke one to come but we looke for a citie which hath foundations , whose builder and maker is God : and therfore may it be well sayd vnto vs , Arise , yea and depart , for this is not your rest , because it is polluted : it shal destroy you , euen with a sore destruction ; and so to conclude all things , serue the godly , Aug. Soliloq. cap. 28. to the best yea euen their veri● sins worke to their weale ; for wee alway recouer more by Christ , than we loose by sinne ; so Peters fall of pusillanimity made him afterward bolder to auouch Christ .

A Prayer for true and liuelie Faith in Christ .

Lord Iesus Christ , Son of the liuing God , imprint this heauenly consolation in my heart , and preserue mee , that I neuer despaire in any kind of griefe , but euer vnto my dying day perceiue thee to be a watchfull , prouident , and fore-seeing God for mee , who as an expert artificer canst worke good workes of euill stuffe for thy iudgements are vnsearchable , Rom. 9.33 and thy counsells past finding out : yet neuerthelesse in thine owne time thou bringest them to purpose for the weale and benefit of thy owne Saints . To thee therefore ( O God ) doe wee thy Saints and seruants giue all honour , power and glorie , now and euer . Amen .

Flesh.

Shew mee the seuenth and last rule , concerning the Crosse of Christ .

Spirit .

Patience , Prayer , and Hope , make the crosse light ; for it is good that a man should both Hope , and quietly waite for the Saluation of the Lord , for remembring mine affliction and my miserie , Lam. 1.26 . the wormewood and the gall , my soule had them still in remembrance , and is humbled in mee : these I call to minde , and therfore haue I hope . And so call vpon the Lord in the day of trouble , Lam. 19. 20.21 . Psal. 50.15 . hee will deliuer thee , and thou shalt glorifie him , beholde then the ancient fathers , and marke them as an example of true godlinesse , was there euer any ashamed , that put his trust in thee ?

A Meditation of the crosse of Christ .

Yea ( my deare soule ) when one beares a heauy burden , if he take it rightly on him , it will not bee so heauy , especially if hee haue any ayde o● help for to assist him in his heauy load : so patience , prayer ▪ and hope , as hands and armes , wherby the faithfull hart imbraceth his crosse , & goeth forth with it , for patience doth all things willingly , & therfore is not wearied , & prayer steps in before God , & obtaineth either that the crosse shal be quite taken away , or else lessened : now hope makes vs not ashamed , Rom. 5.5 . but knoweth assuredly that God is faithfull , who will no● suffer vs to be tempted aboue that we are able , but will with the temptation also make a way to escape , 1 Cor. 10. 13. that we may bee able to beare it , but impatiency offendeth God , hindereth prayer , and doth all things by constraint , lay the Lord Iesus before thine eyes , and learne of him , 1 Pet 2.21.22.23 . who when hee was re●uiled , reuiled not againe , when he suffered , he threatned not , but committed himselfe to him that iudgeth righteously , and vpon iust and vpright Iob , If the Lord slay me , Iob 13.15 . yet will I trust in him : but woe vnto him that hath lost patience , what will he do when the Lord shall visit him ? Eccl. 2.24 .

A Prayer for continuance in Faith .

Lord Iesus Christ , giue vnto mee long-suffering and patience of heart , that I may continue and abide in thy good pleasure and will , I may cast all my care , greefe and sollicitude vpon thee , for thou carest for mee , and euermore expect better and better at thy hands : for thou onely knowest what is good for mee : to thee therfore be ascribed , from the bottome of my heart , all honour and glory . Amen .

Flesh.

Shew mee the fifth poynt , which appertaineth to a Christian and godly life .

Spirit .

Fiftly ( beloued Soule ) abid in that calling wherin God hath called thee , and obserue the same , with all truth and diligence , that thou mayest in all thine actions giue an account thereof , both before God and man : for God will not that man heere vpon earth should be idle , Matth. 12. 36. but hath allotted vnto euery one , his seuerall trade and worke in their owne measure : for the Lord our God himselfe is not idle : but worketh , gouerneth , vpholdeth , and ordereth all things , preserueth , blesseth , heares and helps euery true heart . My father ( saith he ) worketh hit herto , Ioh. 5.17 . and I worke , yea , if God should be idle but the twinckling of an eye , then should the whole world decay and perish .

So likewise the holy Angels are ministring spirits , Heb. 1.4 . sent foorth to minister for them who shall bee heires of saluation : beholde the Sunne , the Moone , and all the Starres , how constantly they keep their course , Psal. 8.3 . Psal. 19.1 . 2. and perfit their appoyntment and calling , euen so ( deare Soule ) should euery man that is whole , euery day exercise his calling in his owne estate , earnestly and diligently : for hee should learne , preach , gouerne , correct , defend , spare , beg , augment , and haue care for his household , and those committed to his charge , as if hee were heere euer to abide , and neuer to die , and that he must doe by Gods commandement , and loue to his successors : but hereto hee should so liue euerie day , 1 Tim. 1.19 . so keepe faith and a good conscience , as if at euery moment hee were to take his fare-well from this world , and that hee may say with Paul , The time of my departure is at hand , I haue fought a good fight , I haue finished my course , I haue kept the faith , hencefoorth is layd vp for mee a crowne of glorie : which the righteous Iudge shall giue mee at that day , and not to mee onely , but vnto them also that loue his appearing . 2 Tim. 7.8

A Meditation of the vanity of this life .

Therefore ( deare soule ) walk worthy of the vocation wherewith thou art called with all lowlinesse and meeknesse , and with long suffering , and see also that , that thou rather abide in a low estate , which is better then that which the world climbeth vnto , but if the Lord shall promote and exalt thee , bee not proud , but the greater thou art , and higher in authority in this world , be thou the humbler : for the Lord is high aboue all nations , Psal. 113.5.7.8 . and his glory aboue the heauens , yet hee humbleth himselfe to behold the things that are in heauen and in earth , hee raiseth vp the poore out of the dust , and lifteth the needie out of the mire , that he may set him with the Princes of his people : so the Lord casts downe the proud , Eccl. 3.18 . and giueth grace vn-the humble , the greater thou art , then the more humble thy selfe , and thou shalt finde fauour before the Lord , for in lowlinesse of minde , Phil. 2 3. each should esteeme other better then themselues , wherfore seeke not the things that are too hard for thee , neither search the things that are aboue thy strength , but what is commanded thee , Eccle. 3 21.22 . think therupon with reuerence : for thou must giue a reckoning of all thy behauiour , trouble thee not with the thing that is impertinent to thy calling : for there is much more enioyned thee then thou canst accomplish : meddle not in strange affaires , and thrust not thy selfe in any calling befor● God , thinke not that thou art appointed vnto euerie one , for such conceits hath deceiued many , and thei● rashnes hath ouerthrown them ; for what profiteth it thee , that thou shouldst gape for that which is not ordained for thee , follo● not thine owne fancie in thy calling , and be not proud when any man shall haue neede of thee , and if aduersity and pennury shall straight the , yet be of good courage : because they happen vnto thee in thy lawfull calling : for who will honour him , who dishonoureth his own trade ? be alwayes diligent , and craue the blessing of God which maketh thee rich , and he addeth no sorrow with it , Pro. 10.22 . truely blessings shall be vpon the head of the iust , many hunt after riches , Vers. 6. and they hurt the possessour , and many are feeble and poore , yet the Lord helps them of his grace , so that sundry do wonder therat . Stay thou alwayes in thy calling , and be not iealous ouer the wicked , although they encrease in riches , depend thou vpon the Lord , for it is very easie vnto him to make a poore man rich , if it be be his pleasure , and for thy good call vpon mee in the day of affliction , Psal. 50.15 and I will deliuer thee and thou shalt glorifie mee : aske and you shall receiue , seeke and you shall finde , knocke and it shall bee opened vnto you , and for our assurance , the reason followeth , for euery one that asketh , receiueth ; Matt. 7.7 . hee that seeketh , findeth ; and to him that knocketh , it shal be opened : but heere is a very glorious and ioyfull promise , Verily , verily , I say vnto you , Ioh. 16.23 . whatsoeuer that you shall aske the father in my name , hee will giue it you : and which of all is most comfortable , before they call , I will answer , Esay 65.23 and whiles they are yet speaking , I will heare : the proofe whereof Dauid had in his greatest anxiety , I sayd , I will confesse my transgressions vnto the Lord , and thou forgauest the iniquity of my sinne , the which he noteth with his accustomed particle of attention . Selah .

The Soules meditation concerning the excellency of praier .

Now maiest thou contemplate thy Lord Christs example , whom thou art carefully to imitate , how often , how diligently , how willingly , how heartily hee prayed , how he fled to the wildernesse , that he might powre out his heart to his heauenly father , and there prayed , not onely for himselfe , but taught his Disciples , and prescribed vnto them , that absolute compendi●us forme , the Lords Prayer , wherby hee hath put ( as it were ) words in thine , Matth. 6.9 . and in all the hearts of the Elect , wherby thou mayest present thy selfe before the most great & glorious maiesty of God , and that thou shalt not wander in thy prayers , he sheweth thee , how thou mayest boldly go forward vnto the thron of grace , Heb. 4.16 . that thou mayest finde mercy and obtaine grace , to finde helpe in time of neede , and in whose name thou shalt make thy supplications , that is , Ioh. 16.19 . in my name , saith hee , and for their sakes , I sanctifi● my selfe that they also may bee sanctified through the truth , yea , in thy Redeemer Iesus Christ , thine onely Sauiours name , lift vp thy hands and heart , by a true and liuely faith , and stedfast confidence ; and so truely , as Christ thy Redeemer is at the right hand of his father in heauen , as truely are all thy sighes , and groanes , and paines heard by him , and hee will grant them , according to his will . And moreouer , thou hast to consider what benefits thou s●alt aske , and with what condition thou oughtest to pray for temporall gifts , which thou art to request with this exception and restraint , if it may stand with his blessed will , and with thy good and saluation : for the Almighty onely wise God knoweth best what his children stand in neede of , and he is so vnspeakably good , Luk 11.11.12.13 . that hee will giue them nothing that can hurt them , although they of misknowledge and ignorance , doe most seriously desire it , yet spirituall blessings , which tend to thy saluation , should bee craued of him with sure hope and full confidence , such as are our heritable gifts , remission of sinnes , righteousnesse , holy Spirit ▪ and life euerlasting , euen when it shall please him .

Who will not then reioyce to pray , when as all our teares are seene , our groanings waighed , and our words heard , who will not seeke there where he may certainely find all goodnes ? who will not knock , when he knoweth hee shall bee let in ? yea , and in mid-way wee shall be met , and shall receiue in our bosome all things necessarie both for soule and bodie , therefore pray wee continually , 1 Thess 5.17 . while wee are heere ; call vpon the Lord in all thy actions , seek for help and counsel of him , in all thy redresse and sorrow , feare God , hope in him , beleeue in him , and stay for his comming , so shall mercie and grace , blessings and life , compasse thee euerie where round about , for non● euer was ashamed that put their trust in him , Rom. 10.10.11 . or yet that had called rightly on his name ; Ps. 145.18.19 . for the Lord is neere vnto all them that call vpon him , to all that call vpon him in truth , hee will fulfill the desire of them that feare him , hee also will heare their crie , and will saue them .

A most comfortable Prayer to God for receiuing and accepting our Prayers .

I thanke thee , my Lord and my God , for these thy vnspeakable benefits , that thou hast not onely commaunded vs , to call vpon thy name in all distresse , but of thy fatherly loue and kindnesse hast giuen vs to vnderstand that thou willingly wilt heare and graunt , in conuenient season , whatsoeuer is good and profitable eyther to the soule or bodie . I beseech thee my good God , powre out on me thy holie spirit , Zach. 12.10 . that Spirit of Prayer , Grace , and Supplications , that I may delight and take pleasure in calling on thee , and euery day bow the knee of my heart before thee my Father , who art the right father ouer all thy children in Heauen , and in Earth : Helpe mee daylie to ap●proach more and more vnto thee , with all confidence and trust on the name of Iesus Christ my Lord , that I may call on him , as a good child doth on his beloued father : Graunt I may lift vp holy hands without wrath and doubting , that all my Prayers , yea the meanest thought of my heart , is certainely heard of thee : Lend me patience whensoeuer my helpe is delayed ; Hab. 2.3 . for I cannot prescribe vnto thee time or maner : though thou tarrie , I may waite for thee , because thou wilt surely come , and wilt not tarrie , Heb. 10.38 that I doe not slide backe , but still liue by faith : Let mee haue thy Grace , whereby I may serue thee acceptably , Heb. 12.28 with reuerence and godly feare ; for the Lord taketh pleasure in them that feare him , Ps. 147.11 . in those that hope in his mercie : gouerne mee ( my God ) and make mee remember by thy holie spirit daylie to bethinke mee of my mortallitie , that I may euer bee in readinesse , and may pray at euerie occasion from my heart for a blessed seperation from this world ▪ graunt this mercifull father for Iesus Christs sake , in whose blessed name , we call on thee , saying : Our Father , &c.

CHAP. IIII. Containeth how a Christian man should behaue himselfe when God sends sicknesse vpon him .
Flesh.

How then shall a Christian man behaue himselfe , when God shall visit him with sicknesse .

Spirit .

Thou knowest not ( deare Soule ) whether God will visit thee by sicknesse , or suddainely ( witho●● bodily disease ) call thee hence . The faithfull Soule should euer remember the vncertainetie of death . Therefore often haue I aduertised thee , that thou shouldest not delay repentance till thou beest sicke , but daylie call on God , yea the selfesame time thou art in bodily health , stand stedfastly in the faith , and good preparation , wherein thou needest not stand in feare of safetie , thinke vpon that rich , foolish , & drunken Naball , how hastily the Lord smote him that he● died . Sam. 25.38 Remember that rich man , who denied to Lazarus the crums which fell from his Table , how short ▪ Luk. 16.22 . his being here was : Forget not that wretched wealthie man of whom it is sayd , Thou Foole , this night thy Soule shall bee required of Thee , then whose shall all those things be which thou hast prouided : Luk. 12. ●0 And what should I say more ? wee are daylie taught by euident eye-sight , that innumerable numbers dye before euer they be diseased , truly ( before God ) thou art of no better account than other , nor knowest thou what chance he will permit to ouertake thee : but if it shall so happen , the Lord should call thee from hence by bodily sicknesse , and cast thee downe on thy bed : thou mayest thus learne to dispose of thy selfe .

1 Learne to know the causes of thy sicknesse , which is sinne .

2 Seeke remission of thy sinnes , and reconciliation with God .

3 Pray to God for a gratious departure , and cause the congregation to pray for thee .

4 Contemne not the ordinarie menanes , and physicke , so thou canst haue the opportunitie of it .

5 If thy sicknesse continue , striue to be patient , and beware of impatiencie .

6 Haue euer this full assurence in thy heart , that thou in thy greatest malladie and weakenesse , art Gods deare child .

7 If Sathan assault thee , resist him by Faith , so will he depart from thee .

8 If thy time and houre be come , giue the● ouer vnto Gods will and pleasure .

9 If the Lord shall restore thee to thy health agayne , bee thankefull euen from thy heart , vnto his gratious Maiestie for thy recouerie .

A Pray●r against sudden death .

Preserue mee ( O Lord Iesus Christ ) if it bee thy will , from a sudden death , suffer me not to dye in my sinnes , but that I may d●y and night bethinke mee on the hour of my death , euer prepared in a sauing repentance , in strong faith , and stedfast hope , that I may blessedly sleepe from hence , when it shall please thee : but if so be thou do not call mee by bodily infirmitie , here am I in all lowlinesse before thee , for I know thou art so mercifull and good , that thou dost suffer nothing to betide mee , but which shall be good and sauing for mee : Graunt me but this that I may alwayes bee in readinesse , as a good patient , that both sicknesse and death may redound to thy glorie . And this I craue at thy hands for Iesus Christs sake , and in his name I call on thee saying : Our Father , &c.

Flesh.

Now open vnto mee those nine f●resayd heads , that I may bee taught how to vse my selfe in my sicknesse .

Spirit .

First , remember well that as death is the wages of sinne , so likewise are all sicknesses , Gods punishments , whereby hee brings vs to him , when wee haue gone astray by sinne : Doe not ( O soule ) as the couetous and vngodly and In●idells doe , who when they are sicke , beginne to wrastle and lament therefore , that their costs are spent , and they cannot haue health to earne more ; or else , they begin to meditate how it happened them , whether they haue Eat any vnwholsome Meats , or Drunke any hurtfull Drinkes ; or if by other means their maladie hath taken them : But remember what the Prophet saith , Ier. 2.19 . Thine owne Wickednesse shall correct thee , and thy back-sliding shall reproue thee . Know therefore , and see that it is an euill thing , and bitter , that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God , and that my feare is not in in thee ( saith the Lord of Hostes ) and therefore he who sinnes against his maker , shall fall into the hands of his flesh .

A Meditation of the soule , learning to know the cause of sicknesse .

Hearest thou , ô Soule , in this poynt thou shouldest bee singularly attentiue , for when the Lord shall intend to call thee , all outward meanes must obey him : for when we his creatures will not know the diseases of our soules , then doth the Lord send sicknesse of body , that wee might haue greater consideration of our soules , and bee alwayes in repentance , and as our children sometimes me●it the rod and correction , so do we dese●ue sicknesse and punishment at Gods hands , ô thou merciful God , if thou shouldst visit vs so often with sicknesse , as wee deserue , wee should not bee one twinckling of an eye in perfect health : but it is but now and then , that thou chastizest vs , to the intent wee should euer remember and feare thy holy name . And often it commeth to passe , thatinfants and young ones are chastized of the L. so that they make the elder in yeeres sorrowfull , and are mooued to lament and pity the poore distressed soules : 2 Sam. 12.15 . for sicknesse is an Ambassadour sent of God , counselling vs to rise from sinne , and not to perish in our wickednesse ; lest it bee sayd , Woe vnto their soules , Esay 3.9 . for they haue rewarded euilto themselues ; marke ( deare Soule ) how insolently and carelesly men lead their liues , that are not touched with the crosse , or any sicknesse at all , they regard not the word of God , neither the Sacraments , they forget both faith in Christ and prayer , then are their soules in greatest danger , for the lesse a father corrects , the more disobedience groweth in his children : so is it with mankinde , the greater health and wellfare they haue , the more negligent wax they and secure .

A comfortable Prayer in time of sicknes .

Lord Iesus Christ , here lie I full sicke , and acknowledge that it is thy fatherly pleasure , that it should bee so ; for there cannot perish an haire of my head without thy will , how then should I lose the precious gift of my health , but by thy pleasure ? behold Lord , thou hast euen made me such an one , as thou willingly wouldst looke vpon , and as thou in thy passion wast a worme , and not a man , Psal. 22.6 . ●uen so hast thou made mee like vnto thee , Psal. 39 11. ô my God , when thou with rebukes doest correct man for his iniquity , like a moth thou makest his beauty to consume away , I thank thee my God , that thou hast corrected mee , for I know that it is for my weale , my God thou louest mankinde , well and faithfull are the wounds of a friend , helpe me my God , Pro. 27.6 . that I may bee mindefull of this chast●zement , all the dayes of my life , and may feare thee , and depart from euill , which shall bee the health to my nauell , Pro. 3.8 . and marrow to my bones , make mee circumspect ouer sin , that some danger or other , a great deale worse then this , befall not : euen for my Sauiour Iesus Christ sake : to whome be all honor and glory , now and for euer . Amen .

Flesh.

Shew me how I may haue remission of my sinnes , and be reconciled to God ?

Spirit .

Secondly , seeing that now thine outward sicknesse affrayes thee , and thou art sicker where thou feelest it not , giue di●igence aboue all things , to apply physicke thereto , thy true health is repentance , and stedfast faith in Iesus Christ , by which thou mayest attaine forgiuenesse of sinne , and a mercifull father in heauen : for by faith thy hart is purified and accounted righteous , thou receiuest peace and ioy in conscienc : so that thou art reuiued , although thy body be weak and diseased .

The sicke persons prayer and confession , that his sinnes are cause of his sicknesse .

I confesse before thee , my Lord Iesus Christ , with a broken and contrite heart , that I haue procured this my sicknesse by my sinnes , and am greeued from my soule and heart , that I haue offended thy Maiestie , and brought my selfe to this mishap , yet ( ô Lord ) thou settest not light by a sorrowfull soule , looke therefore vnto my miserie , Psal. 147.3 . and heale my wounded heart , ●orgiue me all my trespasses , and cleanse mee from my wickednesse , wherby I haue kindled thy wrath against me , ô Lord my Redeemer , who speakest alway peace vnto thy p●ople , and consolation to the perplexed : Comfort my Soule , say vnto my hart ioyfull words , Sonne be of good cheere , Matth 9.2 thy sinnes are forgiuen thee , how am I thereby refreshed in my soule , life , marrow and bones ? Yea Lord Iesus , if thy holy word were not my trust , then should I perish in my weaknesse : I beleeue and am perswaded , that by thee Iesus Christ , attonement is made for mee , reconciliation with thy father purchased , and I am ordained to that heauenly blessednesse : to which , thou of thine infinit mercy bring mee , for Christ sake : to whom bee glory and honour . Amen .

Flesh.

Shew me how I may pray for a gracious departure in time of sicknesse ?

Spirit .

Thirdly , in time of sicknesse , we should haue our recourse vnto our God : Psal. 41.3 . the Lord will strengthen vs vpon the bed of languishing , and make our beds in sicknesse , and therefore my sonne , in thy sicknes be not negligent , but pray vnto the Lord ( as did Ezekiah ) and he will make thee whole , Esay 38.2 . leaue off from sin , and order thy hands , aright , and cleanse thine heart from all wickednes , and see thou communicate thine inward sorrow and greefe , Eccles. 38.9.10 . vnto the congreg●tion of the Saints of God , that they may ioyne with thee in praier : for many stickes make the greater fire . Verily , verily , I say vnto thee ( saith our Sauiour ) that if two of you shall agree on earth , Mat. 18.19 as touching any thing , what they shall aske , shall bee done for them of my father which is in heauen ; for where two or three are gathered together in my name , Vers. 20. there am I in the midst of them : and if it be , that thy sicknesse bee so vehement , and thou so weake , that thou canst not pray with thy mouth , make then sighes and groanings of a true heart , to ascend vnto the Lord : for the spirit helpeth our infirmities , for wee know not what wee should pray for , as we ought : but the Spirit it selfe maketh intercession for vs , Rom. 8.26 . with groanings which cannot bee vttered , perseuer therefore in inuocating on Gods name by thy voice , thoughts and cogitations , and by the Church , and delay not , before that the Lord doe looke vpon thee , and helpe thee .

The sicke mans Prayer .

O LOrd Iesus Christ , thou hast sent thy messenger , which is sicknesse , vnto me , to waken vp my repentance , be hold my Lord , I know it is thy will , thou wouldest haue me obedient and conuerted vnto thee , I haue nothing to direct vnto thee : but my prayers , and the poore sinfull and imperfect sighes of my heart , out of the deeps therefore I haue cried vnto thee , Lord heare my voice , let thine eares bee attentiue to the voice of my supplications . I wayte for the Lord , my Soule doth waite , and in thy word doe I hope : My Soule wayteth for thee ( O Lord ) more than they which watch for the morning , if it be thy pleasure ( O Redeemer ) and profitable and necessarie for my selfe , that I should liue & be preserued from death and destruction , because that I may liue hereafter a godly , holie , and Christian life , to my last end : but if it shall not be thy will to prolong my dayes , but that I must depart out of this world , them come Lord Iesus Christ my Redeemer , receiue my soule into thy hands , and giue me place and possession in Paradise , in Abrahams bosome with the blessed Angells , and all Saints . Amen .

Flesh.

Shew mee how I should vse the ordinarie meanes of Physicke , in time of sicknesse .

Spirit .

Fourthly , thou mayest conueniently vse ordinarie meanes and physicke , then giue place to the physitian ; for the Lord hath created him : Let him not goe from thee , for thou hast need of him ; but beware that thou haue not recourse vnto the Physitian , before thou come vnto the Lord ; for so did King Asa , ● . Chr. 16.12 . when hee was diseased in his Feet : therefore the Lord gaue no blessing vnto his Physicke , and so he dyed . But especially take heed that you vse no forbidden means , and aske not counsell of Witches , or those which doe helpe by the meanes of the Deuill , through the abuse of Gods holie name , 2 ▪ Kin. 1.6 . for so did King Ahaziah consult with the Idoll of Baalzebub ( the god of Ekron ) whether he should recouer of his disease . Is it because there is not a God of Israell , that thou sendest to inquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron ? therefore thou shalt not come off from that bedd on which thou art gone vp , but shalt surely dye . Be circumspect also , and seeke out the best practised and skilfullest Physitians ; for mans bodie is the pretious creature of God , and should be honoured and no wayes neglected .

Another Prayer for the Sicke .

I thanke thee Lord Iesus Christ , true Physitian of my soule , that thou hast cured my heart , and clensed it from sinne , by that heauenlie medicine from aboue . I earnestly intreat thee ( who hast made all things ) that thou wouldest blesse these outward helpes and meanes which thou hast ordayned ▪ Mat. 8.2 . Lord ( if thou wilt ) thou canst make mee whole , and by these ayds restore mee to health : but if thou wilt not , those cannot helpe mee . Loe , here I am , doe with mee according to thy will and pleasure , so that euer respect bee had to thy glorie , my weale and saluation ; Graunt these blessings vnto mee for Iesus Christ thy sonnes sake , in whose name I pray vnto thee , saying : Our Father which art in Heauen , &c.

Flesh.

Shew mee how I may obtayne the gift of Patience , in the time of sicknesse .

Spirit .

Fiftly ( deare Soule ) see thou alwayes lay hold on patience , and request the Lord that he would prese●ue thee from impatiencie : O how pretious a thing is patience , to trust alwaies in the Lords help for it is of the Lords mercie that wee are not consumed , Lam. 3.22 because his compassions fayle not ; they are new euerie morning : great is his faithfulnesse ; for faith and patience cannot bee disseuered . Heb. 6.12 . Be not therfore slothfull , but bee a follower of them , who through faith and patience inherit the promi●e : ●o if we rejoyce in the hope of the glorie of God , we● must also glorie in tribulations , knowing that tribulations worke patience ; and patience , Experience ; Rom. 5.2.3 4.5 and experience , Hope ; an● hope maketh not ashamed Behold and immitate thy Sauiour Iesus Christ , Pet. 2.21.24 . who hath left vs an example that we should follow hi● steps , who his owne self● b●re our sinn●s in his own bodie on the tree , and euer committed himselfe to him that iudgeth righteously : so must wee take all ●hings patiently , for this is acceptable with God , and in this must wee ●esemble euen our young ones , who when their headakes , come and make their m●anes to their mothers , layes downe their heads in their mothers laps , and crie for helpe ; euen so do thou ( my deere ▪ Soule ) make thou thy lamentation before the Lord ; cast thy burthen vpon him , and hee shall sustaine thee : Euening and Morning , Ps. 55.22 . vers. 17. and Noone , pray and crie aloud , and let him heare thy voyce , and exspect him with patience .

And aboue all things flie impatience , for it destroyeth and corrupteth all Christian vertues : it offendeth God our Lord : it hindereth & letteth praier , and maketh vs ( the longer that it holds ) the more vehement we are , so as Patience is a pretious and powerfull hearbe , so Impatiencie is venimous , and poyson to the heart .

The Sicke persons prayer for patience .

Take from mee ( Lord Iesus ) that noysome offence of impatiencie ; keep mee that it neuer haue dominion ouer mee , least I make the crosse thereby heauier ; but plant Christian patience in my heart , that I may continually attend thy blessed time and leisure ; for thy time is the right , and thy season the true season . Indeed , truely make mee continually be stedfast in Hope , and put my whole confidence in th●e , 1. Cor. 10 . 1● . for thou art true , and wilt suffer none to be tempted aboue his strength . And this I intreate thee , for Iesus Christ thy Sonnes sake . Amen .

Flesh.

Shew mee some comforts if sickn●sse continue long with mee , that so I may not despaire in Gods mercie .

Spirit .

Sixtly , ( deare Soule ) if thy sicknesse abide longer time than thy expectation was , thinke not that the lord hath forgot thee ; but vnderstand , that in the greatest crosses thou art dearest vnto him ; Ps. 55.19 . but the wicked , because they haue no changes , therefore they feare not God : But as for thee , no more than a mother can forget her child , can hee forget thee ; Esa. 49.15.16 . for behold he hath grauen thee vpon the palmes of his hands ; yea the sicker the child is , the greater is the mothers loue , and the more diligently & watchfully doth she attend ; and so doth the Lord with thee : speakes he not consolation in thy heart ? and saith , Art thou not my deare Sonne , and beloued child ? Ier. 31.20 . I haue loued thee with an euerlasting loue : therefore , with louing kindnesse , haue I drawne thee : thy Soule shall be as a watered Garden , 12. and thou shalt not sorrow any more at all . I will satiate thy Soule with fatnesse , 14. and thou shalt bee satisfied with goodnes ( saith the Lord ) and therefore the Lord is mercifull and gratious , slow to anger , and plenteous in mercie : Ps. 103.8 9 10.11.13 . he will not alwayes chide , neyther will hee keepe his anger for euer : Hee hath not dealt with vs after our sinnes , nor rewarded vs according to our iniquities ; for as the heauen is high aboue the earth , so great is his mercy toward them that feare him : like as a Father pittieth his children , so the Lord hath pittie of them that feare him . Loe ( deare Soule ) thy Father nor mother haue such pittie towards thee , as thy Sauior ; and therefore thou oughtest to bemoane thy selfe thus ; Ier. 31.18 . Thou hast chastised mee , and I was chastised as a Bullocke , and accustomed to the Yoake : Turne thou mee , and I shall be turned , thou art the Lord my God : surely after that I was turned I repented , & after that I was instructed , I smot vppon my Knee ▪ I was ashamed , yea euen confounded , because I did beare the reproch of my youth ; yet if thou shalt be patient , since I spake against thee ( saith the Lord ) I doe earnestly remember thee still : therfore my bowells are troubled for thee ; I will surely haue mercie on thee saith the Lord .

The sicke persons Prayer for comfort in affliction .

Lord Iesus Christ my Redeemer , I complayne that my miserie vexeth mee so sore , and that my sicknesse endureth so long . I request thee thou eternall Word of thy eternall Father , thou liuely comforter , proclayme Consolation in my heart ; that I in my greatest infirmitie , anguish , and pangs of death , may vnderstand that I am thy deare child , and cast my selfe in thy armes and bosome : turn neuer thy gratious countenance from mee , yea Lord the time thou diddest hang vpon the crosse , tookest our rebuke and reproach vpon thee , and wast destitute of the helpe of all creatures : yet wast thou notwithstanding thy Fathers onely begotten Sonne , and shalt so bee eternally . When faithfull Ioseph was in Bonds , Ge. 41.14 . and had no whit of any creatures fauour : Yet wast thou with him , loued him , and deliuered him in due season . When Stephan was lead to death , Act. 7.55 . and stones cast at him , didst not thou manifest thy selfe vnto him , when replenished with inward ioy , and full of the holy Ghost ; he looked vp stedfastly into heauen , and saw the glory of God , and Iesus standing on the right hand of God . And Lazarus when hee lay at the rich mans gate full of sores : Luk. 16.22 yea , and the dogs came and shewed greater humanity than man , yet was he carried by the Angels into Abrahams bosom . O my God , I am thy wretched Lazarus , heere lie I knocking at thy gate , with my pitifull groans ; naked and full of sores am I , my pain is great , and my torment will ouercome me : but I know assuredly , and heereunto 1000. witnesses haue I in mine heart , by thy holy Spirit , that thou wilt not forsake me : thine eyes are ouer mee night and day , as one of thine Elect , I appertaine to thy euerlasting life ; therefore thou art with mee in this my distresse , Psal. 91.9 . I haue made thee my refuge and my habitation ; ô set not mine iniquities before thee , neither secret sinnes in the light of thy countenance ; for who knowes the power of thine anger , Psal. 90.11 euen according to thy feare , so is thy wrath . O let the beauty of my Lord my God bee vpon me , and satisfie mee early with thy mercy , that I may reioyce and bee glad , all the daies I haue to liue : now Lord I loue loue thee , therefore deliuer me , and shew me thy saluation , for Christ Iesus thy sonnes sake , to whom with the holy Spirit , be all honour . Amen .

Flesh.

Shew me how I may resist Sathan in my sicknesse , or any other temptation ?

Spirit .

Seuenthly , if Sathan insist in assaulting thee with his fiery darts of tentations , Eph. 6.16 . enter not in deepe cogitations and disputations with him : for hee is too craftie and subtil for thee : for of thine owne nature , Gen. 3.1 . thou canst neuer gaine-stand him ; remember Adam and Eue , who were deceiued by him , and miserably seduced , although they were in the state of innocency , and in their pure and holy nature ; how canst thou then wretched and corrupt sinner encounter him ? But cast thine eyes vpon Iesus Christ , and heerewi●hall comfort thy sicke soule , that he in all his tentations abideth constant , and was not ouercome ; but ouercame Sathan for thy weale , hath giuen thee freely his victorie , to the end that howsoeuer hee shall double his assaults against thee , yet hee shall goe confounded .

Moreouer , the weapons which Iesus Christ vsed against him , are to bee considered of thee , which were places and sentences of Scripture ; Eph. 6.17 . euen so lay thou hand on the holy sword of Gods word , the sword ( I say ) of the Spirit , 1 Pet. 5.9 . Iam. 4. and resist him stedfast in thy faith , and he will flie from thee .

If so be hee say , thy sins are greater then can bee forgiuen : Gen. 4.13 . then kill him with the true word of God , and constantly affirme , thou liest Sathan , for where sinne hath abounded , Rom. 5.20 . there grace hath superabounded : If he say , that Christs merits belong not vnto thee , thou art not of the number of the Elect , then exclaime and say , thou liest Sathan : for Christ hath sayd , come vnto mee all yee that are weary and are heauy laden , and I will giue you rest : and gaine , as in Adam all die , euen so in Christ shall all be made aliue . 1 Cor. 15. 22.

If he shall make Gods indignation and wrath for sinne , huge and great against thee , say without ceasing , Ioh. 3.16 . God so loued the world , that he gaue his only begotten Sonne , that whosoeuer beleeued in him should not die , but haue euerlasting life . And in another place , God commendeth his loue towards vs , in that while wee were yet sinners , Rom. 5.8 . Christ died for vs , and thou hast loued them , Ioh. 17.23 . as thou hast loued me .

If hee shall open hell before thee , defend thy selfe with this word of God , 1 Ioh. 3.8 . and say : For this cause the Sonne of God was manifested , that hee might destroy the workes of the Diuell . Hos. 13.14 . And againe , I will ransom them from the power of the graue , I will redeeme them from death , ô death , I will be thy plagues , ô grau● I will bee thy d●struction .

Doth hee vpbraid thy weake faith ? then say thou , the Lord will not breake the bruised reede , and the smoking flax shall he not quench ▪ And againe , Esay 42.3 . Psal. 51.17 . A broken and contrite heart , ô God , thou wilt not despise . And in another place , thus saith hee , Esa. 57.15 . 19. & 66.2 . the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternitie , whose name is holy : I dwell in the high and holy place with him also , that is , of a contrite and humble spirit , to reuiue the spirit of the humble , and to reuiue the heart of th● contrite ones . And therefore hee saith , peace , peace , to him that is farre off , and to him that is neere .

If Sathan obiect thy coldnesse and drowzinesse in prayer , thou mayest answer , Although I do not speake , yet I sigh and groane , which is acceptable vnto him .

If hee affirme that thy crosse & sicknes lasts long , and that the Lord hath cast thee out of his mind , thou mayest answer , Ca● a woman forget her sucking childe , Esa. 49.15 . that shee should not haue compassion in the sonne of her wombe : shee may forget , yet will I not forget thee saith the Lord . If hee obiect thy pouerty , and that thou art despised of all , yea , of thy dearest friends : then say , Hide not thy face farre from me , Psal. 27.9 . 10. put not away thy seruant in anger ; thou hast beene my helpe , leaue me not , neither forsake mee , ô God , my saluation . When my father and my mother forsake mee then the Lord will take mee vp . In another place : Psal. 73.25 26. whom haue I in heauen but thee , and there is none vpon the earth , that I desire but thee , my flesh and my heart failes : but God is the strength of my heart , and my portion for euer .

If Sathan say , thou must yet neuerthelesse die , answer , blessed are the dead which die in the Lord , Reu. 14.13 . and if hee proceede and say , thou shalt neuerthelesse be condemned , for hee will not depart at one repulse : then mayest thou with all boldnesse and courage of Spirit say , Thou li●st Satan , for thou art a lyer from the beginning , for none that beleeue in Iesus Christ shall perish , but shall haue euerlasting life .

The sicke persons prayer for comfort and victory ouer all tentations of Sathan .

O thou Lord Iesus Christ Almighty , destroyer of hell , death , and condemnation , and eternall victor and conquerour for mee , strengthen mee in all my weaknesse , by thy holy Spirit , that I may take vnto me the whole armour of God ; Eph. 6.13 . that I may be able to withstand in the euill day ; and hauing finished all things , to stand fast , my loynes girded about with verity , 14. and hauing on the brest-plate of righteousnesse , and my feet shod with the preparation of the Gospell of peace , 15. 16. hauing the shield of faith , wherewith I may bee able to quench all the fierie darts of the wicked , 17. the helmet of saluation , and sword of the spirit , which is thy word : 18. and pray alwayes with all manner of prayer and supplication in the Spirit , and watching thereunto with all perseuerance .

That thus being in armes , like a valiant champion and Christian souldier : I may manfully fight vnder thy banner , and hauing ouercome , may through thy grace bee crowned with glory , wherethou art at the right hand of thy father in the heauens blessed God for euer and euer . Amen .

Flesh.

Shew mee how I may conclude my dayes , and commend my spirit to God .

Spirit .

As for the ●ighth and ninth point ( beloued soule ) looke to the end of thy sicknesse , and if thou shalt perceiue that thou canst not liue long , then with all patience thou mayest say , Act. 7.59 . Lord Iesus Christ receiue my Soule , I desire to be dissolued , & to be with thee . Into thy hands ( O Lord ) I commend my spirit . And continue herein euen to thy last gaspe : and when words and motions of thy outward members shall begin to fayle thee , then betake thee to thy inward and most heauenly contemplations : as of the place whether thou art going , of them that are there before thee , of the Saints to whom thou shalt be welcome , and of Iesus Christ the Doore and Way , by whom thou shalt enter , with whom thou shalt be blessed eternally . But if it shall so bee , that God shall restore thee to thy wonted health , then thanke him all thy life time , both in heart , and word , and deed , and giue diligent heed seeing thou art made whole , Iohn . 5.14 . that thou sinne no more , least a worse euill come vnto the● . Wherfore fall vpon thy knees , and oft and diuers times recite this Prayer following :

A thanksgiuing after sicknesse .

I thanke thee ( Almightie Lord God ) that thou so kindly & fatherly hast visited and chastised mee for my offences : it is good for mee that thou hast humbled mee , that I might learne thy precepts . O my God , how often remembred I thy deare seruant king Ezekiah , who sayd , I shall not see the Lord , Esa. 38.11.12 . euen the Lord in the land of the liuing , I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the Earth : my age is departed , and is gone from mee as a Sheepeheards Tent , I haue cut off like a Weauer my life from day euen to night ; thou wilt make an end of mee . But I now vnderstand ( O Lord ) that this my sicknesse is not vnto death , but for the glorie of God , that thou Son of God mightest be glorified thereby ; for thou hast had mercie vpon mee : thou hast cast all my sinnes behind thy back : Thou louedst my soule and deliueredst it from the pit of corruption : how comfortably hast thou turned my sicknesse into health : I thanke thee my God , yea I thanke thee from the bottom of my hart , that thou hast raysed mee from my bed , that I may visit and frequent thy house , walke in my calling , and perfit my actions . Lam. 3 22. It is of thy goodnesse and mercies that I am not consumed , because thy compassions fayle not . O how oft should I remember this thy rod of correction ? how wisely should I walke all my dayes , that I may eschew thy wrath : assist mee ( my God ) that with the new health of my bodie I may begin to lead a new life : graunt that I may alwayes praise thy name , gouerne mee by thy holy Spirit , that I may glorifie thee by my life , and not giue my membersweapons of vnrighteousnesse to serue sinne , for thou hast deliued my soule from death ; which hath waited for me , thou art my help and my shield , my heart shall reioyce heereafter , euery moment in thee ; for thou hast compassed me with songs of deliuerance , I will praise thee in the congregation , in the midst of the people I will sing vnto thee , ô Lord : To whom be praise and glory , now and for euer . Amen .

CHAP. V. Containing a spiritual confutation of all worldly & fleshly thoghts , which molest-men , when as they intend the Art to die well .
Flesh.

FOr so much as the Christian in his sicknesse , or in any other estate , should daily aduise himselfe on the houre of his death , yet notwithstanding , there are many terrours in mens hearts , whereby they are afraid of Death .

Spirit .

That is naturall ( deare soule ) for our nature in the beginng was not created to dy , but to liue , but death is come into the world by sione , for death is the wages of sinne . Rom. 5.12 . Yea ( beloued Soule ) like as death is a consumer of all that haue life , so all that haue life , are foes & enemies to death ; for seeing man of nature hath but a short time to liue , it is no maruell neither yet sinne , nor to bee discommended in any man to be af●aid of death and to auoyd it by all meanes possible . Wee haue a remarkable example in our Sauiour ) Iesus Christ ▪ hee began to bee sorrowfull and very heauy before death , Mat. 25.37 for hee knew that his howre did approach , for albeit there were many causes of his sorrow and sadnesse vpon the mount of Oliues ; yet was this one , because hee was a very true man , and had in him all our naturall conditions and affections : and therefore while the God-head , which is the Word , rested it selfe , and held it selfe quiet in that anguish of his death , and became obedient to admit such pain , feare and astonishment of death to come ouer his body , which was wi●hout sinne , it s●eweth vs that his humane nature had no pleasure to die , yea and himselfe saith : I haue a baptisme to bee bapt●zed with , Luk. 12. ●0 . and how am I straitned till it be accomplished ?

A Prayer against the feare of Death .

I thanke thee Lord Iesus Christ , for that thou hast not created mee to death , but to life , and hast implanted a loue in mine heart to liue , I request thee from the bottome of my heart , teach mee to vnderstand that death rule●h ouer all , because of sinne , and ouercometh me : grant by thy holy spirit , that so oft as death shall assault me , I may be enemie to iniquitie , and euer flie and efchew sinne , as death it selfe : helpe me , ô Lord , that in true faith I may hold me fast by thee , for thou art life it selfe , Ioh. 11.25 . and so may freely and boldly say , I shall taste of death ( although I were dead ) but liue and declare the workes of the Lord . Psal. 118.17 . Grant I may beleeue from my heart , that by Thee ( the Prince of life ) I may be deliuered from eternall death , and attaine vnto that euerlasting life , through Iesus Christ thy deere Sonne . Amen .

Flesh.

But there are yet some that earnestly craue to die , and long for it .

Spirit .

Yes truely , but it is to be vnderstood that there are tw● kindes of men which desire to die . The Infidell , prophane , vngodly , often wish to die , and that of impatiency , because of the great misery wherewith God punisheth them for their sinnes : for seeing they are without the knowledge of God , and without faith , they are not participant of the crosse of Christ , but despaire in impatiency , grudge against God , & wish themselues not onely to die , but also often times lay violent hands on themselues , as Iudah , Saul and Achitophel did : purposing to put an end thereby to their sorrow and misery , but then is it , that first they begin to haue proofe of their wickednesse , sweet heauenly Father keepe vs from hence .

But the children of God , the more they grow in knowledge , and increase in faith and loue of Christ , the more they are weary of this wretched world , and long for that eternall rest , and haue Pauls wish in their hearts , I desire to depart , and to bee with Christ ; Phil. 1.23 . yea , our Sauiour commandeth vs , Matt. 6.13 . that we should daily craue to bee deliuered from euill , for therein not onely doe we pray for deliuerance from transitory distresses of soule or bodie : but we aske from our heart , that God would either put an end to this sinnefull and wicked world ; or else come in a blessed time , and pull vs from hence to euerlasting rest and quietnesse .

A Prayer for patience in trouble .

Now helpe mee Lord Iesus Christ , that I in the abundance of my crosses , may rightly order my selfe , and learne of thee how I should beare the waight of my yoke : Mat. 11.30 preserue mee that I neuer craue my death through impatiency , much lesse that euer I shorten the dayes of my life which thou hast giuen bee ; but grant that euermore day by day , I may learne to know thee , to establish and confirme my faith , and the longer I shall liue , the more dearly to loue thee , to the end I may learne to contemne this world , and to long after that heauenly world , which thou hast made to stand in the conquest of Christ by his bloud . To whom with thee and thy holy spirit , one blessed God , I render praise and and glory , now and euer . Amen .

Flesh.

May a man with a good conscience pray for a long life ?

Spirit .

Vnto this question S. Paul answereth , for Christ should alwaies be magnified in our bodies , whether it be by Life or by Death ; Phil. 1 . 20.2●.22.23.24 . for to mee to liue ( saith he ) is Christ ; and to me to dye , is gayne : but if I liue in the Flesh , this is the fruit of my labour : yet what I shall chuse , I wote not : for I am in a strait betwixt two , hauing a desire to depart , and to be with Christ , which is farre better : Neuerthelesse , to abide in the flesh is more needfull for you , and hauing this confidence , I know that I shall abide and continue with you all , for your furtherance and ioy of Faith .

A meditation of the Soule tossed in the troublesome waues of this life .

Here mayest thou perceiue ( beloued Soule ) that Paule was tossed with two diuers opinions and thoughts : he longed for rest , and counted it best , esteemed it also good that hee should abide in the flesh longer , and beleeued that God would spare him , that in his ministerie hee might further serue both God and Man : yet in both these , had this only before his eyes , that Christ should be magnified in his bodye , whether it were by life or by death . So doth also the king Ezekiah , 2. King . 20.1.2.6 . to whom the Prophet Amos denounced death : but he turned his face vnto the Wall , and prayed vnto the Lord , who added vnto his daies fifteene yeares . And so was also Paule greatly joyed for his brother , and companion in labour , and fellow-souldier Epaphroditus who was sicke , Phil. 2.25.27 neere vnto death ; but God had mercie on him , and not on him onely , but on me● also ( saith Paule , ) least I should haue sorrow vpon sorrow . Follow these examples , and thou shalt not goe amisse ; for if thou canst be necessarie vnto God , and thy neighbour , it is conuenient thou shouldest craue a long and sound life , that thou mayest bee a profitable vessel of mercie , and chosen to good actions : Neuertheles , submit thee alwayes to his will , and be readie euerie day to be dissolued , for time is but lent thee .

A Prayer for Health , and Gods blessings on our Labours .

Euerlasting Almightie God , thou art my Life , and Length of my daies ; my time is in thy hands ; for in Thee wee liue and mooue , and haue our being . Act. 17.28 . I thank thee from the ground of my heart , that thou has● to this present houre su●stayned mee , and giuen me a healthfull life , and good vnderstanding , tha● in my calling I migh● serue thee my God , and my neighbour . O God thou seest and knowest m● heart , that I am willin● and verie desirous faith●fully and truely to walk● forward in my vocation and trade ; and that I haue no wicked purpose , no● false pretence in my hart . I humbly therefore entreat ( if it shall stand with thy praise and glorie , and my owne saluation ) that thou wouldest prolong my daies , and conduct me by thy holy spirit , that I may learn to know thee more fully , and serue my neighbour more intirely : yet if it bee not thy pleasure , and that thou knowest it to be better for mee , take mee hence vnto thy selfe when thou wilt ; for I wholely renounce mine owne will , and submit me to thy good wil and pleasure : Graunt this vnto mee for Iesus Christ thy Sonnes sake . Amen .

Flesh.

What shall moue euerie man generally , that willingly he may giue himselfe to dye .

Spirit .

Obedience ; wherein we are obliged vnto God : for of him wee haue our Life : and God may rightly clayme the same agayne of vs : no man of himselfe came here into the world ; and no man can stay longer than it pleaseth him : for it is hee that turneth man to destrction , Psal. 90.3 . and saith , Returne yee Children of Men.

A Meditation of the Soule for obedience to Gods Will .

But beware ( deare Soule ) least when thy time is come , thou dye against thy will , and fret against God : say not I am constrayned , I would rather liue ; so doe the Infidells , which build onely vpon this miserable life : and it fareth so with them as Christ saith , Ioh. 12.25 . He that loueth his life , shall loose it : and hee that hateth his life in this world , shall keepe it vnto eternall life : & therfore shew thy selfe obedient to liue as long as hee will , and dye when it is his pleasure : Let nothing detayne thee , nor hinder thee of all that are in the world : and thou must reckon this life , and all the sufferings of this pre●sent time , Rom. 8.18 are not worthie to bee compared to the future Coelestiall glorie which shall bee reuealed in vs .

A Prayer for obedience vnto the will of Christ , and willingly to forsake this world .

O Lord Iesus Christ , thou who wast so resolute and ready to thy passion , and so obedient vnto death , euen the death of the crosse , and didst say , Phil. 2.8 . father not as I will , but as thou wilt . I request thee my Redeemer , giue me a submissiue heart , that when the day of my dissolution shall approach , I may willingly condiscend to thy will : for thou knowest my infirmity , and that flesh and bloud is afraid to vndergo it . Lord bow mee to thy word , and conduct mee in thy footsteps ; that I may euer commit my selfe and my life vnto thy trust , my Lord and God , and most comfortable Redeemer , thou art God , and all that thou doest is good , thou neuer didst disappoint any that put their hope in thee : heere I am Lord in thy mercifull hand , If I liue , I liue vnto thee , If I die , Rom. 14.8 . I die to thee , whether wee liue or die , wee are the Lords . For I know and am assured , Vers. 9. that to this end , Christ both died & reuiued , that he might be Lord , both of the dead and liuing : In whose name I pray vnto thee , as hee hath taught : Our Father , &c.

Flesh.

It is yet notwithstanding pleasant to bee in the world , for beautifull is this earth which wee see , who would not rather abide heere then depart ?

Spirit .

All the children of the world sing that song , but ( deare Soule ) be not thou conformed to this world : say not , this is the course and custome of the world , but remember that the course of the world tendeth to hell , but wee are the children of the faithfull , and looke for a life , which the Lord will giue vnto them , that abide constantly in faith before him . But as for the world , the Scripture determineth of it , and saith , that the whole world lyes in wickednesse , Ioh. 5.19 . and therefore commandeth that wee should not loue the world , nor the things that are in the world ; 1 Ioh. 2.15 16.17 . for if any man loue the world , the loue of the father is not in him , for all that is in the world , the lust of the flesh , the lust of the eyes , & the pride of life , is not of the father , but of the world : and the world passeth away , and the lust thereof : but he that doth the will of God abideth for euer : And againe , striue to enter in at the narrow gate , for wide is the gate , Matt. 7.13.14 . & broad is the way that leadeth to destruction , and many there bee which goe in thereat : because straight is the gate , and narrow is the way that leadeth vnto life , and few there bee that finde it . Now mayst thou cleerly see , and as in a glasse , what the course of the world is , and whither it tendeth ; and marke how wide and farre off it goeth from the way of life . Pray therefore vnto the Lord thy God , that hee would translate thee from the way of the world , and place thy feet in the gate of life , that thou mayest be transformed by the renuing of thy minde , that thou mayest prooue what is that good , Rom. 12.2 . that acceptable and perfit will of God .

A Prayer to bee kept in the way of life .

Now Lord Iesus Christ open thou mine eyes , and teach my hart , that I may accept this true aduertisement , and rectifie my selfe according thereto . Alas thou knowest , my God , how altogether my heart hangs vpon this world , how easily it suffereth it selfe to bee miscarried from that ●ure way of life , and Sa●●an rests not : but kindlet● lust and concupiscence in my heart , and ministreth one opportunity after another to sinne , and pursueth me on euery side , to the end he may deuoure my soule . O my Sauiour , enlighten mine eyes , that I may find thy way , lead me by thy holy spirit , that I goe not amisse : confirme my hart by the power of faith , that I may abide stedfastly in thy knowen truth , that neither sweet nor sowre , Matt. 7.33 . miserie nor death disseuer me therefrom : yea , thogh life were therefore to bee lost , that I may rather chuse to be diuided into 1000. parts , then giue ouer . Lord helpe me , that I may ouercom and keep the victorie : O God help mee manfully to wrestle , that in death and life I may continue with thee for euermore . Amen .

Flesh.

It may so bee , yet it is very hard , when one hath goods and money enough , and swims in honour and beautie , liues in pleasure and mirth , that hee should forsake all these things , and part from them .

Spirit .

Yes truely , it is hard to the children of this world , who are enclosed in their owne fat , Psal. 17.10.14 . and haue their portion heere in this life , and whose belly , God hath filled with his hid treasure , for so saith hee elsewhere . O death , how bitter is the remembrance of thee , Eccl. 41.1 . to a man that liueth at rest in his possessions , vnto the man that hath nothing to vex him , and that hath prosperity in all things . Yea , vnto him that is yet able to receiue meat . But it is farre otherwise with the children of God , for although they haue many of his blessings and goods , and many are exalted to glorious places and great honours , and haue the benefit of the ground in ioy and pleasure , Esay 1 19. yet doe they not make an Idoll thereof ; Psal 6● . 10 . and if riches encrease , they doe not set their hearts thereupon : but thank God , & vse the same aright : for they know they are but worldly goods which are current heere onely before this world , but not before God : and vncessantly meditates on his most pure word : what helpeth it any man , if hee possesseth all the goods in the world , & lose his own soule ? or what shall a man giue in exchange for his soule ? Mark . 8.36 37. euen so doe thou , place not thy heart on thy riches , if God doe promote thee to dignitie , be thou humble , behold the examples of the Patriarches , Abraham , Isaak , Iacob , Ioseph , Dauid , Daniel , &c. Yea , and of our Sauiour Iesus Christ himselfe , Pet. 2.21 . and follow thou their steps , esteeme euer Iesus Christ thy best and cheefest goods , so shalt thou alwayes easily forgoe thy earthly treasure .

A Prayer against the pleasures of this world .

Helpe mee Lord Iesus Christ , that I may vse the pleasures and riches of this world , as a pilgrim ▪ which shall passe to morrow : for surely , euerie man walketh in a vaine shew , hee is disquieted in vaine , hee heapeth vp riches , and knoweth not who shall gather them ? and now Lord what wait I for , my hope is in thee , deliuer mee from all my transgressions , Psa. 39.7.8 . let my heart desire no more then my daily bread , to my sustentation ; cause me to be contented , keepe me that Mammon be not my Master , and that I place not my confidence in any transitory thing ; for it will hinder mee in the time of death : but help mee , my God , that I may rightly chuse that good part , which shall not be taken away from mee , Luk 10.42 . which is thee my God , my Redeemer and Sauiour ; that all my ioy and pleasure may bee in thee . Grant that I may be rich in my soule , honourable in faith , ioyfull in thee ▪ so shall I haue enough , both heere and in the world to come : that I may willingly leaue this world , and gladly without any impediment , be carried by thy Angells into Abrahams bosome , to rest for euer . Amen .

Flesh.

It is notwithstanding great griefe that the Wife shall forsake her married Husband , and the Husband his Wife and Children , who haue liued so long together in pouertie and distresse ; and now being in p●osperity and joy in their Callings and Trade , shall now be s●perated .

Spirit .

These are fleshly and incredulous thoughts , by the which Sathan often disquieteth the heart of man ; so that there is great paynes to be taken before man will be rightly aduised . For we haue experience of many men grudging against God , as though he did doe them great vnrighteousnesse , because hee maketh them so soone die , and leaue the pleasures of this Life ; especially when they haue all their affaires to dispose , and put the matters of all their life time in order . So did that noble Romane GAIVS MARIVS , who ( although hee had beene Consull seuen times in Rome , and was seuentie yeares of age ) yet fretted against his FORTVNA ( which was his Goddesse ) protesting in bitter exclamations , that there was great wrong offered him , before that all his dessignements had beene accomplished , and brought to passe . But the faithfull Children of God doe farre otherwise : for they know they are not the God or Makers of their friends , neyther can prouide for them , but that they are Stewards and Seruants appoynted vnder God , Luk. 16.2 . so long as it pleaseth him . And man in these his dayes layes hold on eternitie , but God hath so prouided for them , that one time or other hee wil call them to giue an account of their Stewardship , and may no longer be Stewards . And so he himselfe will be both Father and Tutour , as hee often nameth himselfe in the Scripture , Ps. 68.5 . Defender of the Widow ; and Father of the fatherlesse , euen God in his holie habitation . And so both scripture and daylie experience teach vs , that many Widowes are in better case after their Husbands death ; and manie Husbands in better condition of Life after their Wiues death and Children often better prouided and cared for , their Parents beeing out of this world , than if they liued , or than they could haue done for them , if they should haue liued longer . The Lord deceiue●h not , Ps. 120 3. he neither sleepes nor slumbers that keepeth thee : make the Lord thy Keeper , and to bee thy shade vpon thy right hand : for hee respecteth euerie one that calleth vpon his name , and will neuer bee accused of ouersight of the godlies weale and saluation . For although he be high aboue all Nations , Ps. 113.46 . and his glorie aboue the Heauens , yet hee humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heauen , and in earth : Yea ( deare Soule ) therefore causeth hee manie Widowes and Fatherlesse-Children , that he in them may magnifie his goodnesse . And therfore this is a sure ground to build vpon , that hee will in such wayes haue care & foresight for them if they will acknowledge him and accept him for their Father ; yea neuer a one of them shall haue occasion in the last day to complayne of his prouidence ouer them , and defence of them : for it is hee onely that rayseth vp the Poore out of the dust , Ps. 113.6.7 and lifteth the needie out of the dung-hill ; that he might set them with Princes , euen with the Princes of his people : yea it is he onely who setteth the Poore on high from affliction , and maketh them families like a flocke . Ps. 107.41 . Settle thee therfore hereupon , for this is Gods vndoubted truth .

The dying mans Prayer , bequeathing all his charge vnto the hands of GOD .

O Lord my God , thou who hast appoynted mee to bee a steward and seruant vnder thee , and hast commanded mee to vnderstand my duty : I haue ( through thy mercy ) beene about my businesse , in all infirmity and weaknesse of body , yet with care and diligence , kept my conscience , and saued me from infidelitie , now seeing I can beare charge no longer ; but am diseased and tied to my bed , I render vnto thee , that my charge and st●wardship , it may bee thou wilt dispose of it to another , who may better administrate then I. And if I shall liue , let it bee a Chri●stian and godly life , that I with far greater diligence then heeretofore , may vnderstand my selfe : but if it shall so be , that I here end my dayes , let it bee a sauing and blessed conclusion of my life . Heere am I , and commit , bequeath and deliuer all whatsoeuer I haue vnto thee , great and small : be thou father , mother and defender vnto them . O thou Iudge of widdowes , and helper of the fatherlesse , thou knowest misery and pouerty well , the poore committeth himselfe vnto thee , Psa. 10.14 . thou art the support of the fatherlesse , yea Lord , it is thou who hast care ouer them , and thinkest vpon them . Now therfore sweet Christ enter into thine owne roome and function , Psa. 44.18 . for I giue it ouer , deliuering them to thy maintenance and my soule to thy merci● , withhold not thy tender mercy from mee , ô Lord , let thy louing kindnesse and thy truth , continually preserue mee . Lord Iesus Christ , Psa. 40.11 . thou didst ordaine a prouisor for thy deare mother Mary , raise vp also to my sorrowfull wife , Ioh. 9.26 . 27. kind hearted and honest men , which may haue attention to her , and whom she may trust in her faithfull and godly affaires : yea , and as thy mother was left a widdow , so wast thou also fatherlesse , for Ioseph liued not long with thee ; therefore thou knowest both estates : yea , what is hid from thee , ô thou searcher of hearts ? yea , ô Lord Iesus , thou becamest fatherlesse ; for all the poore orphans sakes . I deliuer vnto thee now my fatherlesse children , there receiue thou them , it may well be , that both I & they shall praise and thanke thee therfore vpon that last day . Blesse and replenish their hearts with true godlinesse ; their bodies with soundnesse according to thy will , their life with Christian education ; and grant them whatsoeuer may comfort them in this world , or in the world to come . Satiate them with a long life , and shew them thy saluation , ô thou horne of my saluation . Thou gouernest thy children maruellously , Psal. 91.16 . thou teachest and rulest them euermore , they know thy voice and follow it ; grant them patience and mercie , that they neuer separate themselues from thee , and neuer desist from obedience and true loue to thee , and their neighbours ▪ vntill thou shalt receiue them into those eternall and euerlasting habitations , to be with my Sauiour in heauen for euermore . Luk. 16.9 . Amen .

CHAP. VI. Declaring how a Christian man shall willingly giue himselfe to die , ouercome the bitternesse thereof , and how in constant perseuerance hee may continue to the end .
Flesh.

I Pray you shew mee how I may quiet the feare of death , to the end I may willingly adayes , which speech i● had of death : Tush ( sa● they ) a stout heart will ouercome death .

A Meditation of the Soul● against the feare of Death .

But ( deare Soule ) these are nothing else but fleshly and miserable cogitations : for our owne courage shall neuer carrie confort to the hart , nor hope of eternall life . For these wicked mens hearts are notwithstanding replenished with perplexitie and griefe ; for they know not to whom they should come to render their Soules . O but the children of God haue a farre more forcible and pithie physicke against the feare of death , yea a notable secret reuealed vnto them from aboue : which is in true faith and cheerefull confidence in our Lord Iesus Christ : which whosoeuer hath , and thereby shall lay hold on him , hath a preseruatiue and antidote against all the terrors and feares of death . And why wilt thou ( O my Soule ) be afraid of death ? knowest thou whose thou art , and what thou art ? thou art ●arth , and must returne to earth ; but Iesus Christ is thy Life , Col. 3.3 . why mistrustest thou ? Death is thy Life , knowest thou whither thou shalt goe ? Col. 3 3. Iohn . 14.6 . Behold , Christ is the Way and Ladder to Heauen ; attend therefore thou must , and kisse his Sonne , and thou shalt not perish from the way : Ps. 2.12 . for blessed are they that put their trust in him ; for hauing him thou hast all things , and without him , all other things are naught .

The Sick-mans prayer and faith in Christ .

Yea ( my Lord Iesus Christ ) thou diedst for my sinnes , thou hast reconciled mee with thy father : thou hast ouerthrowne death , and meri●ted eternall life for them that constantly beleeue , and hold out vnto the end . Now therefore there ariseth mirth and joy in my heart , and rest and peace , and I count nothing of death : for by thee Iesus Christ I haue remission of all my sinnes , and am pure and righteous before God . O he is a good mercifull father vnto mee : I am his deare child and heauenlie heyre ; and now Lord Iesus I am thine own peculiar , whom thou hast redeemed , not with corruptible things , as siluer and gold , but with thy precious bloud , as of a lambe without blemish and without spot . And hast deliuered mee from hell , yea I am thy brother , and fellow heire , and all that thou hast is mine ; yea I am thy beloued deere bride , thy pleasure and thy joy , thy treasure which thou hast dearely bought . I am likewise the temple and habitation of thy holie spirit , by whom I am sealed vnto the day of redemption : yea Lord Iesus thou hast so reconciled , and vnited mee , that I am Bone of thy Bone , and Flesh of thy Flesh : yea all thy creatures should rather come to naught , than that I should bee seperated from thy loue : what then can death worke vpon mee ? surely nothing else , but that I may more nearely approach vnto thee my God . Therefore respect I not death , but haue life in my thoughts and mind , and speake of nothing else but life : for Christ is vnto mee both in life and death againe , yea I will sing and say with faithfull Iob : Iob. 19.25.26.27 . I know that my Redeemer liueth , and that he shall stand at the later day vpon the earth ; and though after my skinne be perished , wormes destroy this bodie , yet in my flesh shall I see thee , whom I shall see for my selfe ; and mine eyes shall behold , and not an others . Though my raynes bee consumed within mee , Lord Iesus Christ thou knowest that I both beleeue in thee , and by my faith remaine with thee eternally : yea and I also know , that I beleeue in thee , and feele the sweetenesse of my faith , & taste of euerlasting life in my heart . Thou art mine , and I am thine , and I am possessor of all that thou hast , as life , with euerlasting peace and joy : what account I then these transitorie things ? Hauing thee , I haue all things I could wish , both earthly and heauenly . A way with this temporall pleasure , and beautie of this life , and all other fading and perishing things , for thou Lord Iesus art my comfort alone ; my goods , and wealth , my honour , delight , and euerlasting riches . I haue trusted in thy mercie , my heart shall rejoyce in thy Saluation . O how dearely loue I thee , Ps. 13.5 . Ps. 18.1 . Ps. 28.7 . ô Lord my strength , ô Lord my rocke , my sheild , the horne of my saluation , and strong defence . Such faith , such loue burneth in my heart to thee Lord Iesus , the which hath so possessed mee , and incouraged mee , that I am affraid neither of death nor distresse : for I am sure that death it selfe , and all things , shall worke together for my best . Now come Lord when thou wilt , come I say , I am certainely and surely persuaded , that in thee , and by thee I shall haue life , and euerlasting contentment , then come Lord Iesus , ●ho● true God , conclude this life , destroy thou the last enemie , which is death : place me in my fathers inheritance , whereof I haue thy bloud sprinckled on my heart , an vndoubted pawne . I am far from home heere , and a forr●iner in a strange countrey , take me home to mine owne , that there I may sit at thy table , with Abraham , Isaak and Iacob : that as Iohn enclined on thy bosome at the last Supper ▪ so I may rest my wearied soule on thee , my God for euer . Amen .

Flesh.

I haue truely conceiued comfort and and life in mine heart , if I could constantly keepe it , but I am afraid my faith will decay in time of triall .

Spirit .

Thou hast thine owne Lord Iesus Christ , an Almighty promiser , and powerfull performer , vnto thee ; for ( saith he ) all the father giueth me , Ioh. 6.37.38.39.40 . shall come to mee , and him that commeth vnto mee , I will in no wise cast out : for I came downe from heauen , not to doe mine owne will , but the will of him that sent me , and this is the fathers will , which hath sent mee , that of all which he hath giuen mee , I should lose nothing , but should raise it vp againe at the last day : and this is the will of him that sent mee , that euery one that seeth the Sonne , and beleeu●th on him , may haue euerlasting life , and I will raise him vp at the last day . Heare then ( deare Soule ) what comfortable speeches these are , out of the mouth of Verity it selfe . Wouldest thou haue more to glad thine heart and stirre thy courage ? Heare the Lord him selfe witnessing , who cannot lie , thy faith s●all not decay , thou shalt not bee lost , but abide constant to the lad end . And againe , I haue prayed for thee , Luk ▪ 22.13 . that thy faith faile not , for my sheepe heare my voyce , and I know them ( saith hee ) and they follow mee , Ioh. 10.27.28.29.30 . and I giue vnto them eternall life , and they shall neuer perish ; neither shall any man plucke them out of my hand ; my father which gaue them me , is greater than all , & no man is able to pluck them out of my father hand , I and my father am one : And againe Mary hathchosen the good part , Luk. 10.42 . which shall not bee taken away from her .

A Meditation of the soule , of faith in Christs promises .

How could the Lord giue vnto thee greater security ? thou hast his promise , that he by the power of his holy Spirit , shall giue his word for thee , thy faith shal not decay : and will not his father heare him , when he prayed for Peter and for thee , that thou shouuldest not be pluckt out of his , or his Fathers hand ; and that the good part in thine heart , should not bee reft from thee ? Now therefore art thou sure , both of eternall life , and of thy constancy and perseuerance thereunto , and that thou ( through his mercie ) mayest stedfastly abide vnto the end , hee will not leaue thee , and thou shalt not leaue him : yea , thou shalt apprehend him , o●●hom thou art apprehended . Therefore bee of courage , and comfort thy selfe , and say with Paul , I know whom I haue beleeued , 2 Tim. 1.12 . and am perswaded , that h●e is able to keep that which I haue committed vnto him against that day . And in another place ▪ I am perswaded , that nei●ther death , nor life , nor Angels , nor principali●ies , nor powers , nor things present , nor things to come , nor height , nor depth , nor any creature shall bee able to separate vs from the loue o● God , which is in Christ Iesus our Lord .

The sicke mans Prayer and comfort in Christ .

O Lord Iesus Christ , Thou alone art my eternall Portion and Part , which I haue chosen , and am certaine , that euen when mine heart shall breake , it shall not bee taken from mee : ô Thou Almighty Redemer , who can doubt of thee ? ô Thou powerfull Sheepheard , who shall pluck me out of thy hands ? ô Thou louing Sauiour , 1 Ioh. 4.8 . who art loue it selfe , who will separate me from thy loue ? Thou hast kindled and raised in mine heart ( already ) a taste of the sweetnesse of the euerlasting habitations , and thou hast made me haue experience therof , by many and ioyfull deliuerances . Yea Lord , I perceiue the witnesse of thy holy Spirit in mine heart , which witnesseth vnto my spirit , that I am the childe of God , and so fellow-heire with thee thou art the vine and I am a branch in thee , thou art the tree of life , and I am engrafted in thee : thou art the Bride-groome , and I the Bride wedded vnto Thee , made one with thee , and ioyned with thee by an euerlasting indissoluable couenant , that neither the Diuell or distresse shall weaken , crosse or infirmity loose and breake for euer . For I am betrothed vnto Thee , in righteousnesse , Hos. 2.19.20 . in iudgement , and in louing kindnesse , and in mercies : yea , I am betrothed vnto Thee in faithfulnesse , and I doe know thee my Lord . O how burneth my heart to thee ! Psal. 42 2. O when shall I come and appeare before thee , my God in heauen , there to liue with thee for euer ? Amen .

Flesh.

What shall the Christian doe , when hee shall not finde such assurance of faith , but great imbecillity , coldnesse and drowzinesse , oftentimes doubting whether he be one of the Elect or not ?

Spirit .

Hee should not suffer such doubtings and weaknesses to lodge in his hart , but remember that the Kingdome of Heauen suffereth violence , Matth. 11.12 . and is gotten by force , and the violent take it by force : yea , thou shouldst bee mindefull of the Apostles admonition : 2 Tim. 1.6 . I put thee ( saith he ) in remembrance , that thou stirre vp the gift of God which is in thee , and he will comfort thee with these words . A bruized reede wil he not breake , Esay 42.3 . and the smoaking flax shall he not quench ; and hee shall reuiue thy soule , by that comfortable promise , be not afraid , onely beleeue , Matt. 9 29. thy faith shall make thee safe , for according to thy faith it shall bee vnto thee : And therefore be of good cheere , Matt. 9.2 . thy sinnes be forgiuen thee . For daily experience doth teach , that the more one resorts to the word of God , and pondereth vpon the comfortable sentences of the Scripture in his minde , he obtaineth the greater comfort in his heart , but especially when he meditates vpon this heauenly summons and citation of the Lord , Mat. 11.28 . Come vnto mee all you that labour and are heauie laden , and I will giue you rest .

A Meditation of the great comfort the children of God haue in this world .

O perceiue ( deere soule ) how mercifully , and louingly the Lord cals vpon thee , how he gathereth thee , euen as a hen gathers her chickens vnder her wings , Matth. 23.37 . or as a good sheepheard goeth after that which is lost , Luk. 15.4.5.6 . vntill hee finde it , and when hee hath found it , hee layeth it on his shoulders , reioycing , and when hee commeth home , hee calleth together his friends , and his neighbours , saying vnto them , rejoyce with mee for I haue found the sheepe which was lost , Consider therefore that thou art euen one of these who are wearied and burthened , to whom the Lords Proclamation belongeth : and therefore wheere hee saith , Seeke my face continually ; answer thou in thy heart , and say , I will seeke thy face continually . Thus the Lord will looke vnto him that is poore , Esay 66..2 . and of a contrite Spirit , & trembleth at this word Knowest thou not ( deare Soule ) that the Lord receiues him that is weake in faith ? For a weake faith is a true faith , when as it wrastleth , striues , and leaues not off , but sticketh vnto the word , wherein in the promise is contayned . And therefore is it well sayd by Luther , In Gen. ca. 26. If God keepe not promise , wee haue done with saluation : but God will keepe it , and not lye . And therefore albeit our h●arts doubt , wee must haue our recourse vnto him , who will not change : for the Lord speaketh so of himselfe ; I am the Lord , and lye not . And againe , Gods gifts and callings are without repentance . Consider this ( deare Soule ) and hold thee fast by Gods word . He appeareth to be angry but is well pleased , 1. Ioh. 3.20 . for God is strong , and his Word much more sure than thy owne heart . And therefore learne to vnderstand the Lords Customes : his delight is with the children of men : hee ieast● and dallieth with th●m , as Fathers with their children , yea hee withholds his hands a little from them , to prooue them , not for their hurt and destruction , but that they should not lean to themselues , 1. Cor. 1.9 . but on him who rayseth the dead , and can make the weak and feeble strong and valiant . Hee hath no pleasure in presumption , but his will is that we should serue him with feare , Ps. 2.11 . and reioyce with trembling . And we may see in Peter and Thomas , what it is to bee too much confident , and to build vpon our own courage and strength . Ier. 17.9 . No man knoweth himselfe aright , but all things are naked , and open to the eyes of him with whom we haue to doe . And therefore pray continually , that mercifully hee would vphold thee to the end ; and bee persuaded , if at any time thou hast felt comfort , that God will certainely come again to thee : and if that at any time he hath ioyed thy heart , that hee certainly oftner & oftner will doe it for thy comfort . Yea , if in all thy life time thou hadst receiued but onely one drop of comfort ; yet doubt not , but pray , beleeue , hope , and haue patience : Hab. 2.3 . the Lord will certainely come , and will not delay , vnlesse thou bee altogether stifnecked and vnwilling . Remember the example of the Cananitish woman . Mat. 15.21 . Behold how her Lord ieasteth with her , how he dismisseth her , yea euen thrice : First , hee holdeth his peace , and answereth not a word : Secondly , hee heareth , but that hee is not come for her good , but for the benefit of the Children of Israel : but the third time he calleth her a Dogge , as vnworthie of his comfort ; but what doth shee ? for the first ( in that Christ was silent ) she meeteth him with a patie●t heart , which well could stay and trust : For the second , she answers with a faithfull heart , that shee must haue some portion of his promises : For the third , she meeteth him with an humble heart , and willingly wil be a Dogge , desiring that which appertayned to him , that is , the crums which fal from the table , that is , a verie small helpe , a little deale of comfort , wherewith shee and her daughter would bee contented . Here the Lord cannot hide himselfe longer from her , but presenteth a copious measure of mercie vnto her , saying , O woman , great is thy faith , be it vnto thee euen as thou wilt .

But if thou shalt now say , behold , she was strong in Faith , and I am weake , thou must vnderstand , that our faith is resembled vnto a Fencer , who is in the lists against another , for he is euer in feare that he shall be ouercome and be too feeble against his Enemie ; euen so is it with Faith , for when we wrastle and fight , wee thinke that wee are weake , and shall loose the Victorie : But it shall not fall out so , for victorie belongeth vnto faith : let it incline whether it will , it appertaineth euer vnto her , yea and a weake Faith shall win the field , and through the Lords strength & power , we shal be kept through faith vnto saluation , 1 Pet. 1.5 . readie to bee reuealed in the last time . Remember also the Patriarch Ia●obs wrastling , how he straue with God , and stucke hardly vnto him , and let him not goe , but sayd , Gen. 32.26 . I will not let thee goe , except thou blesse mee .

A Prayer for stedfast Faith in Christ .

Now Lord Iesus Christ thou knowest I beleeue , although but with a weake faith , yet by the selfe same I put my whole trust and confidence in thee : reach mee thy comfortable hand , and draw mee to thee O Lord , I am weake , increase my faith , stand not farre off from mee , for thou art mine onely hope , to whom else can I goe ? Kindle that little sparke in my heart by thy holie spirit , that I may euermore doe thy will . Behold , to will is present with mee , Rom. 7 18. but how to performe that which is good , I find not . Yea lord Iesus thou art my Life , my Hope , and Saluation ; for hauing thee I haue all things : Now haue I thee , although by a weak hand ; now haue I thee , albeit my hand be weake , thine is strong : Let me not goe from thine hand , to the end that I let thee not go from mee . Looke chearefully vpon mee , as thou didst vpon Peter , Marie Magdalen , & the woman of Canaan , & the holy Patriarch Iacob , driue away darkenes from my heart , & let me enioy the consolation of thy mercies : here am I as a poore Dog , and stay for the crums which fal from the table of mercie . Behold , I thus wrastle with thee by praier . O thou strong Lord , insinuate thy selfe into my hart , for by thy strength , I striu● with thy selfe , giue thy selfe vnto me . I wil not le● thee passe by any meanes before thou blesse mee : I will not desist before the s●n of consolation rise brightly vnto me : & now thou Lord Iesus Christ , who hast praied for Peter , dost sit at the right hand of thy father , Intercessor for me , that my faith shall not decay . Arise ( O Lord ) & still the tempest of my heart , and rages of temptation , that in a liuely sence I may see and rast the sweetnesse of thy word and holy spirit ; that thereby I may learne , that inward ioy and freedome from sinne and power thereof , by the death and passion of thy deare Sonne , my Sauior , the Lord Iesus Christ : to whom , with thee and thy holie Spirit , bee rendered ( as most due is ) all honor , power , and glorie , of all true Christians , from this time forth for euer . Amen .

CHAP. VII . Contayning spirituall consolations and Instructions against the terrours , that eyther the Soule , or the conscience of Man ( now readie to dye ) can obiect .
Flesh.

It may bee neuerthelesse euidently seene that euerie man is mortall , and yeeldeth vnto death .

Spirit .

Men dye ( truely ) and loose their liues by reason of sinne , but they that haue the true comfort of the heart infused by Iesus Christ , and rejoyce therein : They account death nothing else but a passage from this miserable world , to their owne natiue inheritance : for Christ that dwelleth in them , hath tasted death for them , taken away the power therof , and broaken her sting ; so that death can doe no more but disseuer the Soule from the body , and bereaue vs of this transitorie Life . Yet it shal serue ( as all other things doe ) to our good ; for we rest from our labors , and enioy happinesse , because the righteous mans Soule is in Gods hands , Wisd. 3.1 . and there shall no torment touch it . And Christ himselfe professeth that hee will come againe , and receiue vs vnto himselfe , Ioh. 14.3 . that where he is , there we may be also . Hearken therefore and learne what it is to dye ; for it is nothing else than a passage , and home going to rest , yea the death of the faithfull , is Christs taking of them vnto himselfe .

A Prayer against Death .

O Lord Iesus Christ , thou eternall true Light , inlighten my heart , that as a new creature I may looke vpon Death with new eyes , and not esteeme it for a hurter of mee , but for a messenger by whom thou callest mee from this wretched world , and translatst me to the kingdome of thy Sonne , from this valley of darkenesse . Euen so , Come Lord Iesus with that Chariot of Elias , and take mee from hence : Now let thy Seruant depart in peace , Luk 2.29 . who longeth for quietnesse & rest , through Iesus Christ my onely sauiour . Amen .

Flesh.

Yet Death is verie terrible , cold , and euill fauored , wee become stiffe , and so must rot in our graues .

Spirit .

That is also a punishment which God inflicts on the bodie for sinne , but the children of God look not to the present shew and shape of Death , but looke further off , & consider , how pleasaunt , how soone , how beautifull , how cleare and honourable their bodies shall rise vp at the last day : and corruption shal put on incorruption : 1 Cor. 15.53 . & this mortallitie shall put on immortallitie . Then shall be brought to passe the saying that is written ; Death is swallowed vp in victorie , and by this the holie man Iob comforted himselfe , for he knew that his Redeemer liued , and that he should rayse him vp from the earth . O how beautifull shall our bodies bee ; there is no starre in heauen shall be so cleere , neuer shined the Sunne or the Moon so perfectly , as when the Lord shall change our vile bodies , that they may be fashioned like vnto his glorious body , according to the working , Phil. 3.21 . whereby he is able to subdue all things vnto himselfe : for wee are the Lords wheat , ● Cor. 15.37 . Ioh. 12.24 . sowen in his ground , which shall rise againe , and beare euerlasting fruit : So also is the resurrection of the dead , it is sowen in corruption , it is raised in incorruption , it is sowen in dishonor , it is raised in glory , it is sowen in weaknesse , it is raised in power , it is sowen a naturall body , it is raised a spirituall body , there is a naturall body , and there is a spirituall body .

A Prayer against the terror of the graue .

Strengthen mee , ô my Lord Iesus Christ , that I bee not amazed at the fearefull sight of dead members , nor when I thinke vpon the rottennesse in the graue ; and that I shall turne to dust and ashes , but helpe mee , that in a ioyfull hope , I may behold the beauty and cleerenesse , which shall not onely bee in my soule ; but euen manifest in my body , that I may bee encouraged thereby , gladly to meet thee , when euer thou shalt please to call mee , to that spirituall wedding , from this life vnto life eternall , through Iesus Christ my Lord and Sauiour . Amen .

Flesh.

It is very terrible , neuerthelesse to taste of death , ye● to be put in that darke hole in the graue , couered with earth , full of rottennesse and corruption .

Spirit .

That feare ariseth of the sense of sinne ; for death is our enimy , and God created man to bee immortall , and made him to be an image of his eternity , neuertheles , Wis. 2.23.24 . throgh the enuy of the Diuell , death came into the world and he●rein is a figure ; representing the de●sert of sin for the breach of Gods Law , in that wee not onely die temporally heere , but must eternally perish , be thrust downe in to the darke dungeon of hell , and there bee ouerspred with the flames of perpetuall fire , with the riuers of brimstone ; if that our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ had not come to our redemption . And of this comes that terrour , and hangs on vs vntill wee come to the graue . Euen as a man that had been pluckt out of a great fire , or out of some deepe and dangerous water : so oft as hee thinkes vpon it , hee is afraid : so is it with vs , wee are greatly astonished and amazed , when wee bethinke vs on that miserie , wherein wee should haue beene destroyed , had not the death of Iesus come betweene , by whom our attonement is made with the Father .

But yet all the children of God should l●●rne a new language , and attend how the holy Gospell speaketh heereof : for it calleth the death of the faithfull , a sleepe : and their graues , chambers to sleepe in ; for as Iesus Christ hath taken the punishment of death from vs , and suffered the paines of hell , fulfilled Gods righteousnesse , and procured eternall life for vs ; so the holy Spirit in his Gospell , doth take away the harsh and hard names of death , and doth comfort the Lords Elect , with a new tongue , Esa. 26.20 . as when he saith , Come my people , enter thou into thy chambers , and shut thy doores abou● thee , hide thy selfe ( as it were ) for a little moment , vntill the indignation passe ouer . And in another place , Dan. 12.2 . Many of them that sleepe in the dust of the earth shall wake , some to shame & euerlasting contempt , and some to euerlasting life . And againe , our friend Lazaru● sleepeth , Ioh. 11.11 . but I goe that I may awake him out of sleepe . Also , the childe is not dead , Matth. 27. but sleepeth , and there arose many that slept , and so in infinite more places . Heere hast thou then thy death changed into a soft sleep , and thy graue vnto a warme bed . When thou diest thou art said to goe to sleepe , because he that betaketh himselfe to his rest , is in expectation that the next day after he shall rise ; and when they beat the earth of the graue with the shouell , it i● called to shut the dore , and when we rot in the earth , w●e are sayd to rest and to hide vs vntill wrath passe ouer our soules .

A Praier for the mercies of Christ .

O Lord God , holy Spirit , take thou my heart , and replenish it with the comfortable mercies of our Lord Iesus Christ , teach me to put due difference betwixt the Law & Gospell ; abolish terror and feare for death , and learne me that new language of Canaan , that I heare it not onely with mine eares ; but pronounce it by my mouth , that I may beleeue , and in experience prooue , that when the time of my dissolution shall draw neere , I shall not die , but sweetly sleep , vntill it shall please thee , by thine Arch-angell and trumpet of God , to awake and raise me vp , and so do I lie downe now Lord Iesus in thine armes , as a childe in the mothers lap , and commit my soule vnto thee , and sleep as long a time , as it pleaseth thee , Grant , ô God , that my soule may liue and raigne with thee eternally . Amen .

Flesh.

Thou sayest well , yet I see when men are in the agony of death , their eyes turne in their heads , they become blackish , and they sweat for paine .

Spirit .

That is not onely to be spied in the children of this world , who depart with out repentance , but euen in the verie faithfull , and Saints of God ; for so the sinnefull and deadly body must feele the sting of death , and vndergoe the the punishment and wa●ges of sinne : and although wee see in the children of God , such anguish and smart , it is nought ; for so they easily ouercome all the miseries and bitternesse thereof , for the comfort of Iesus Christ , is so great , that he is insteede of all things vnto them , and that name Iesus so sweet , that it consumeth all the acrimonie and bitternesse in death , and causeth the faithfull in the verie period of death , to taste euerlasting ioy and saluation .

A prayer to Christ , to keepe vs from a troublesome death .

Lord Iesus Christ , thou who tasted st the bitter vinegar of death vpon the Crosse due vnto my sin , and hast greatly complained and bemoaned thy selfe , and in the daies of thy flesh didst offer vp prayers and supplications , Heb. 5.7 . with strong crying and teares vnto him that was able to saue thee from death , and wast heard in that thou fearedst , I beseech thee keepe me from a troublesome and paine full death . Fill my heart with liuely faith , and a rich hope , that I be not greatly affraid of death , nor terrified for the sting thereof : O Iesus , let thy deare and sweet name neuer depart from my heart and memorie , vnto my last breth , that I giue vp the Ghost , and commit my soule vnto thee , to rest for euermore , Amen .

Flesh.

Is there no kinde of phisicke then a man may vse , that hee should not taste the sharpe sting of death ?

Spirit .

Yes verely , Ioh. 8.51 . for so the Lord thy redeemer hath said , Verily , verily , I say vnto thee , if a man keepe my saying , hee shall neuer see death . Thou must then learne rightly to applie this phisicke , which is Iesus Christs word ; not the word of Moses , which is Gods law ; nor mans word , diuels , or witches , but the mercifull preaching of the Gospell , in the which hee promiseth vnto all belieuers remission of sins , righteousnesse which is accepted before God , the holie spirits consolation , and life eternall . And this is the word which the Lord giueth to the hearts of the Saints , the which vpholdeth them , and whereon they relye both in life and death , and finde Christ and consolation therein ; with the which they are so detained and comprehended , that they taste not the bitternes of death because of that sweetnes that is in his promise , and comfort that is in his word .

For Christ is in his word , and the word carrieth Christ and his power , he who wil haue the Lord must haue his word , and hee who hath the Lord himselfe , the sweetnesse of his grace and comfort , shall neuer see death , th●t is , shall neuer be agashed , or tast the smart of death , and so the Lord himselfe expoundeth it , Verily , Mat. 6.28 . verily , I say vnto you , there be some standing here which shal not taste of death , till they see the Son of man comming in his kingdome . And again , Luk. 9.27 . But I tell you of a truth , there be some standing here which shal not tast of death , vntill they see the ki●gdome of God , that is , they build vpon his true word , taste Christ , and his comfort in the word , yea , they winde themselues in the word , as a dead corpes is wrapped in his winding sheete : and so it commeth to passe , they feele Christ and his mercie in his word , and thereby taste in their hearts euerlasting life . O thou pretious , pleasant , and excellent doctrine , which art certaine , and cannot deceiue . What would you haue more ( O deare Soule ) and for what stayest thou ? Rom. 3.4 . Receaue that heauenly doctrine in thy heart , vse it well , & keepe it daily , yea euerie moment . Behold how bosting and bragging the world is , hauing found phisicke for an ague , tooth-ach , or for the eyes , how costly and pr●tiously doe they esteeme it . How much more should wee glorie in this our redeemer . Heauenly and diuine phisicke , which hath taken away death , the father ouer all sicknesses .

Thou needest not inquire of the trial & proofe hereof , behold the examples of the faithfull which haue vsed this phisicke , and by the benefit thereof haue felt no griefe in their vnspeakeable paines , as Saint Stephen , Act. 7.56.59 . Who being full of the holy Ghost and faith in Iesus Christ , looked vp steadfastly into heauen and saw the glorie of God , and Iesus standing on the right hand of God , & they stoned him , calling vpon God , and saying , Lord Iesus receaue my spirit . And Paul hauing this preseruing phisicke , durst daily bragge against death . I desire to depart , and to bee with Christ . So did Ignatius , and so Policarpus , and St. Laurance , with St. Vincentius , and infinite numbers of others .

A prayer of the Christians stedfast hope of Heauen .

O Lord Iesus Christ , thou hast the words of eternall life , Ioh. 6.68 . how doth my soule thirst and long after thy consolation , yea , my redeemer ! He that meditates on thy word diligentlie , he hath that true heauenlie phisicke , which shall neuer faile in time of death , but setteth it selfe against the gates of Hell . O Lord Iesus feede my hungrie heart with thy word , and ouer-sprinkle mee altogether and at all times with thy comfort , for thy worde and thy truth abideth for euer : therefore shall I by the meanes of faith in thy word , be preserued foreeuer ; for hee that belieueth thy word , belieueth in thee , and hee that keepeth thy word , hath thee , and hee who hath thee , hath eternall life , and hee who hath life , neither can nor shall taste of eternall death : for thou art the resurrection and the life , Ioh. 11.25 . he th●t belieueth in thee , though he were dead , yet shall he liue : and whosoeuer liueth and beleeueth in thee , shall neuer die . Beleeuest thou this ( my soule ) yea Lord Iesus , thou knowest all things , thou knowest I beleeue in thee , and haue thee in mine heart , and that I do comfort me in thy word , rest and repose my selfe therupon ; therefore am I certaine , that I am one of those which shall neuer see death , taste his bitternesse , or feele his sting . Grant me this Lord Iesus Christ , for thy true holy words sake . For vnto thee doe I commit both soule and body , helpe mee therefore , euen for Iesus Christ his sake , to whom bee giuen all glory and honour , now and euer . Amen .

CHAP. VIII . Comprehending remarkable sentences of Scripture , with some earnest praiers to be powred out for them that are in present perill of death , as also how they should behaue themselues that are present with the sicke person .
Flesh.

I Pray thee rehearse some sentences of Gods holy Word , wherewith I may comfort my Soule at the very poynt of death .

Spirit .

First , euery Christian must diligently learne to comfort himselfe , by reciting the articles of our faith , which is the compend and summe of all doctrine and comfortable speeches : but especially , hee must learne the three last articles , I beleeue the forgiuenesse of sinnes , resurrection of the body , and life euerlasting . So the faithfull soule must apply the whole articles to himselfe in particular , and so appropriate them vnto himselfe , as if there were none in the world , but hee alone , which should haue benefit thereby . Thereto the Lord hath appointed the Sacraments to confirme that our faith , as faithfull and true seales , and mercifull tokens , which hee hath appointed to these articles . Here thou maiest apprehend thy holy baptisme , wherein thou hast receiued and concluded with God an euerlasting and inuiolable band and couenant of mercy , and so art washed and cleansed by the blood of Christ : Next maist thou comfort thee by the holy Supper , because thou ( as the Son of God ) art nourished and refreshed at thy Fathers Table , and thereby assured that thou art a true member of Christ , a righteous heire to whatsoeuer Christ with the sacrifice of his body and bloud hath merited .

Besides these things , ●hou mayest cause to bee ●ead or sayd , these or such ●ike sentences of the Scripture .

The seede of the woman shall bruize the head of the Serpent , Gen 3.15 . and the Serpent shall bruize his heeles .

1 Ioh. 3.8 For this purpose the Son of God was manifested , that he might destroy the workes of the Diuell .

Esa. 35.10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall returne , and come to Sion with songs and euerlasting ioy vpon their heads , they shall obtain ioy & gladnesse ; and sorrow and sighing shall flie away .

Thy dead men shall liue together , Esa. 26.19 . with my dead body they shall arise ; awake and sing yee all that dwell in the dust , for thy deaw is as the deaw of herbs , and the earth shall cast out the dead .

Come my people , enter thou into thy chambers , Vers. 20. and shut thy doores about thee , hide thy selfe , as it were , for a little moment , vntill the indignation bee passed ouer .

Naked came I out of my mothers wombe , Iob 19·25 . and naked shall I returne thither , the Lord gaue , and the Lord hath taken away , blessed bee the name of the Lord .

I know that my Redeemer liueth , Vers. 26. and that he shall stand at the latter day vpon the earth , and though after my skinne wormes destroy this body , yet in my flesh shall I see God , whom I shall see for my selfe , and mine eyes shall behold , and not a stranger .

Is not Ephraim my deere sonne , Ier. 31.20 . is hee not my pleasant childe ? for since I spake against him , I doe earnestly remember him still : therefore my bowels are troubled for him , I will surely haue mercy vpon him , saith the Lord .

So verily as I liue ( saith the Lord ) I haue no pleasure in the death of a sinner , but that hee should turne from his euill way and liue .

I will ransome them from the power of the graue , Hos. 13.14 I will redeeme them from death : ô death I will be thy plagues , ô graue I will bee thy destruction .

As the Hart panteth after the water brookes , Psal. 42.1 . so panteth my soule after thee , ô God .

My soule thirsteth for God , for the liuing God , 2. when shal I come & appeare before God .

Why art thou cast downe , ô my Soule , 5. why art thou disquieted within mee ? hope thou in God , for I shall yet praise him for the helpe of his countenance .

Whom haue I in heauen but thee ? Psa. 73.25 . and there is none vpon the earth that I desire beside thee .

My flesh and mine heart 26. faileth , but God is the strength of mine heart , and my portion for euer .

Wisd. 3.1 . The soules of the righteous are in the hands of God , and there shall no torment touch them .

2. In the sight of the wise they seemed to die , and their departure was taken for misery ; 3. and their going from vs to bee vtter destruction , but they are in peace .

Hee that endureth to the end , Mat. 24.13 . shall be safe .

Mat. 11.28 Come vnto me all ye that labour and are heauy laden , and I will giue you rest .

Behold the Lambe of God , Ioh. 1.29 . which taketh away the sinnes of the world .

Ioh. 3.16 . God so loued the world , that he gaue his onely begotten Sonne , that whosoeuer beleeued in him , should not perish , but haue euerlasting life .

Verily , verily , I say vnto you , Ioh. 5.24 . hee that heareth my word , and beleeueth on him that sent mee , hath euerlasting life , and shall not come into iudgement ; but hath passed from death to life .

I am the bread of life , Ioh. 6.35 . he that commeth to mee , shall neuer hunger ; and hee that beleeueth on mee shall neuer thirst .

All that the Father giueth mee shall come to mee , vers. 37. and him that commeth vnto me , I will in in no wise cast out .

And this is the will of him that sent me , vers. 40. that euery one that seeth the Sonne , and beleeueth on him , may haue euerlasting life , and I will raise him vp at the last day .

Vers 47. Verily , verily , I say vnto you , hee that beleeueth on mee , hath euerlasting life .

Ioh. 8.12 . I am the light of the world , he that followeth me , shall not walke in darknesse , but shall haue the light of life .

Vers. 51· Verily , verily , I say vnto you , if a man keep my saying , he shall neuer see death .

My sheep heare my voice , and I know them , Ioh. 10.27.28.29.30 . and they follow mee , and I giue vnto them eternall life . And they shall neuer perish , neither shall any man plucke them out of my hands . My father which gaue them me is greater then all , and no man is able to plucke them ▪ out of my fathers hands , I and my father am one .

I am the resurrection vnto life , Ioh. 11.25 . he that beleeueth in mee , though hee were dead , yet shall I liue .

In my fathers house are many mansions , Ioh. 14.2 . if it were not so , I would haue tolde you , I goe to prepare a place for you .

And if I goe and prepare a place for you , 3. I will come againe , and receiue you vnto my selfe , that where I am , there you may be also .

I am the way , the truth , 6. and the life , no man commeth vnto the father , but by mee .

Iohn 17.3 . This is life eternall , that they might know thee the onely true God , and Iesus Christ whome thou hast sent .

verse 24 Father , I will that they also whome thou hast giuen me , be with me where I am , that they may beholde my glorie , which thou hast giuen me , for thou loue●st mee before the foundation of the world .

Neither is there saluation in any other , Acts 4.12 . for there is none other name vnder heauen giuen among men , wherby we must be saued .

To him giue all the Prophets witnesse , Act. 10.43 that through his name , whosoeuer belieueth in him , shall receiue remission of sinnes .

Where sinne aboundeth , Rom. 5.20 grace aboundeth much more .

If God be for vs , Rom 8.31 . who can be against vs .

Hee that spared not his owne Sonne , but deliuered him vp for vs all , how shall he not with him giue vs all things ? who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect ? it is God that iustifieth , who is hee that condemneth ? It is Christ that dyed , yea , rather that is risen againe , who is at the right hand of God , who also maketh intercession for vs .

I am perswaded that neither death , nor life , Rom. 8.38 . nor Angels , nor principalities , nor powers , nor things present , nor things to come , &c.

Rom. 11.32 . God hath concluded all in vnbeliefe , that hee might haue mercie vpon all .

Rom. 14.7 None of vs liueth to himselfe , and no man dieth to himselfe , for whither we liue wee liue vnto the Lord , or whether we die , we dye vnto the Lord , whither wee liue therefore , or die , we are the Lords .

1 Cor. 15.22 . For as in Adam all dye , euen so in Christ shall all bee made aliue .

1 Cor. 10.13 . God is faithfull , who will not suffer you to bee tempted aboue that you are able , but with the temptation also will make away to escape , that you may be able to beare it ▪

Phil. 1.20 ●1. ●● . 23 . Christ shall be magnified in my bodie , whether it bee by life , or by death , for to me to liue is Christ , and to die is gaine : but if I liue in the flesh , this is the fruite of of my labour : but what I shall chuse I wot not , for I am in a straight betwixt two hauing a desire to bee with Christ , which is farre better .

Our conuersation is in heauen , Phil. 3.20 . from whence also wee looke for the Sauiour , the Lord Iesus Christ .

This is a faithfull saying , 1 Tim. 1.15 and worthy all acceptation , that Christ Iesus came into the world to saue sinners , of whom I am chiefe .

I am readie now to bee offered , 2 Tim. 4.6 . and the time of my departure is at hand : I haue fought a good fight , I haue finished my course , I haue kept the faith .

Henceforth there is layd vp for me a crowne of righteousnes , which the Lord the righteous iudge shal giue me at that day ; and not vnto me onely , but vnto them also which loue his appearing .

1 Tim. 6.12 Fight the good fight of faith , lay holde of eternall life , whereunto thou art also called .

I know whome I haue beleeued , 2 Tim ▪ 1.12 for I am perswaded he is able to keep that which I haue committed vnto him against that day .

We are kept by the powre of God through faith vnto saluation , 1 Pet. 1.15 . ready to be reuealed in the last time .

The bloud of Iesus Christ Gods Son cleanseth vs from all sinne . 1 Ioh. 1.7 .

In this was manifested the loue of God towards vs , because that God sent his only begotten Sonne into the world , that wee may liue throgh him here in his loue , not that wee loued God ; but that hee loued vs , and sent his Sonne to be the propitiation for our sinnes .

Here haue wee no continuing Citie , Heb. 13 14 but wee seeke one to come .

As many as I loue I rebuke and chasten . Reuel ▪ 3.19

Bee thou faithfull vnto death , Reuel . 2.10 and I will giue thee a crowne of life .

To him that ouercommeth will I graunt to sit with mee in my throne , Reuel ▪ 3 21 ●uen as I also ●●ercame , and am set down with my father in his throne .

Reu. 12.11 . And they ouercame him by the bloud of the Lambe , and by the word of their testimonie , and they loued not their liues vnto death .

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth , Reu. 14.13 yea , saith the spirit , that they may rest from their labours , and their workes do follow them .

Meditations of the Soule .

Of these and many other comfortable speeches and sentences ( deare Soule ) choose and select some which best may comfort thee . Make them as familiar vnto thee as the Lords prayer ; and as some vse to prouide thei● winding sheet some yeres before they die , against the time there shall be occasion of it , that their bodies may bee enfolded therein . Euen so , picke thou out some remarkeable sentences , and learne to vnderstand them , to the ende that in time of death thou mayst wrappe thy soule therein ; for at that time it happeneth , that the vnderstanding is mightily lessened , the memorie taken away ; long Sermons cannot bee heard , Mat. 4 4. Deut. 8.3 . there is no attention giuen to perswation , nor Rhetoricall allurements , but one comfortable word which proceedeth out of the mouth of God , reioyceth , gladdeth , nourisheth , refresheth the heart , life , and soule . But time is too short to learne these things , when thou art on thy death bed . And therefore acquaint thy selfe diligentlie with Sermons , and preachings , reading , and meditating on Gods word , that thou mayest haue these spirituall weapons , in the houre of thy greatest combate . Make diligent vse of thy going to Church , and euerie time see thou learne that wherof thou wast ignorant before , so shalt thou encrease in the knowledge of the Lord Iesus Christ , corroborate thy faith , kindle thy loue , augment thy hope , and be prouident against that greatest and last assault of Sathan .

A Praier for a diligent and stedfast faith in Gods word .

O Lord Iesus Christ , open my heart by thy holy spirit , that I may giue place to thy word , ponder th●reon , and weigh it diligently , and make it familier vnto my soule , and not be as a vessel that is crackt and can holde no liquor . H●b. 2.1 . Illuminate my vnderstan●ding , and confirme my memorie , that I may euer call thy ioyfull comfort to minde , and bee that good portion of ground which in an honest and good heart , may heare and keepe thy word , and bring forth fruite with patience vnto the end ; grant this O Lord God for Iesus Christs sake , to whom be all glorie and honour , Amen .

Flesh.

What else is behoouefull to comfort the sicke on his bed ?

Spirit .

I haue set downe euery where prayers for thee , which thou mayest vse as occasion serueth , and the disposition of thy sicknes requires , but the most speciall is the Lords prayer , which heere also thou shouldest remember , saying , Our Father which &c. sundry Prayers and Meditions mayest thou haue , out of the learned and godly Fathers , as Augustine and Bernard , and out of holy latter Writers , as also out of the booke of Psalmes , in the which thou mayest vse these most frequently .

O Lord rebuke me not in thine anger , &c. Psal. 8.

The Lord is my Sheepheard , &c. 23.

Vnto thee , ô Lord , doe I lift vp my Soule , &c ▪ 25.

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiuen . 32.

As the Hart panteth after the water brookes . 42.

Haue mercy on me , ô God . 51.

And so according to the seuerall constitutions of thy Soule , and as thou findest thy tentation to encrease , or bee diminished , thou mayest make election of this or that Prayer , or Psalme in the Scripture . And if it be so , that thou growest exceeding weake , and that thy speech begin to faile thee , these sentences which are but short , thou mayest remember .

Lord now lettest thou thy seruant depart in peace . Luk. 2.29 .

Luk. 25. Father into thy hands I commend my spirit .

Psal. 31. Into thy hands I commit my spirit , thou hast redeemed me Lord God of truth .

Lord Iesus receiue my spirit . Act. 7.59 .

Abide with vs Lord Iesus , Luk. 24.29 for it is towards euening , and the day is farre spent .

I desire to bee dissolued , Phil. 1. and to be with Christ .

Flesh.

What shall they then doe that stand by , when as they see the sicke take his last goodnight from this world , and to depart comforted in Soule , and to attaine a blessed end ?

Spirit .

They are to lament and mourne , seeing it is a thing very naturall , it cannot bee forbidden ; but thou must not sorrow euen as others which haue no hope , for we that are Christians must admit comfort , ought to bee constantly and certainely perswaded , that our dead are not dead but sleepe , that they doe not perish , neither are lost ; but deliuered from this wicked world , and gone home to the Lord , and would not for the price of this whole world , if it were possible , to returne hither againe ; and therefore wee should rather be thankefull vnto God for their happy dedeparture , and learne of them to liue regiously and Christianly : and remember them who haue spoken vnto vs the word of God , whose face wee should follow considering the end of their conuersation , Heb. 13.7 . and therefore falling on their knees , they may pray as followeth .

The Prayer of those that are about the sicke person when hee is departed .

We thanke thee Lord Iesus Christ thou euerlasting Prince of life , for vpholding this thy creature in true confession and constant faith , and for granting him a blessed departure : O how gloriously shall his soule bee carried to heauen to euerlasting rest and ioy , by the Angels to Abrahams bosom , thine owne celestiall spirits attend at his beds side , although with our carnall eyes wee do● not apprehend them : now doth hee repose himselfe in the Lord Iesus armes , now hath all displeasure and greefe an end , now shall the Lord wipe away all teares from his eyes , Reu. 21.4 . and giue him euerlasting peace and comfort , with ioy and s●luation . Now euerlasting ioy shal be vpon his head , hee shall obtaine ioy and gladnesse , Esa. 35.10 . and sorrow , & sighing shall flie away .

O thou blessed Soule , ô deere and sweet friend , happy is the case thou art in ▪ thou hast borne Christs yoke , now art tho● dead , but yet thou liuest , ô Lord Iesus haue mercy vpon vs that are liuing , and as yet remaine on the earth , and teach vs to runne out the course of this irkesome misery , to the end that we may imitate such faith , and constancie , daily and hourely to bee prepared , that wee , as this thy creature hath done , may make a blessed good-night , and follow him with peace and ioy . To raigne with Abraham , Isaak and Iacob , in heauen for euermore . Amen .

CHAP. IX . Declaring where the immortal soule goeth after death , the resurrection of our body , the ioyes of eternall life , and paines which the vngodly haue in their destruction .
Flesh.

NOw seeing the soule is immortall , what becommeth of it ? or whither goeth it after this worldly death ?

Spirit .

Heareof speaketh the Scripture , in these and other places full of comfort and consolation .

Feare not them which kill the bodie , Mat. 10.28 and are not able to kill the Soule ; but rather feare him which is able to destroy both Soule and bodie in Hell .

I desire to bee dissolued , Phil. 1.22 . and to be with Christ , which is farre better .

The Theefe on the crosse when he was to giue vp the Ghost , sayd , Luk. 23.43 Lord remember mee when thou commest into thy kingdome : and Iesus sayd vnto him , To day thou shalt be with mee in Paradise .

The Soules of the righteous are in the hands of God , Wisd. 3.1 . and there shall no torment touch them .

In the sight of the Wise they seemed to dye , 2. and their departure is taken for miserie .

And their going from vs to be vtter destruction , 3. but they are in peace .

Though the righteous be preuented with death , Wis. 4 7. yet shall they be in rest .

There remaineth therfore a rest to the children of God . Heb. 4.

Luk. 16.22 . And it came to passe that the Begger dyed , and was carried by the Angells vnto Abrahams bosome .

But now he is comforted and thou art tormented . Vers. 25.

Ioh. 14 2. In my Fathers house are many Mansions , if it were not so , I would haue told you I goe to prepare a place for you .

And if I goe and prepare a place for you , I will come agayne , and receiue you vnto my self , that where I am , there may you bee also .

For wee know that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolued , 2. Cor. 51. wee haue a building of God , an house ( not made with hands ) eternally in the heauens .

Therefore wee are alwayes confident , knowing that whiles wee are at home in the bodie , wee are absent from the Lord .

But yee see mee , Ioh. 14.19 . because I liue ; yee shall liue also .

Set your affections on things aboue , Col. 3.2 . not on things of the earth .

But Hierusalem which is aboue is free , Gal. 4.26 . which is the mother of vs all .

Ps. 16.11 . Thou wilt shew mee the the path of Life : in thy presence is fulnes of ioy ; & at thy right hand there are pleasures for euermore .

A meditation of the Soules departure , and blessednesse after death .

Behold ( deare Soule ) these speeches ful of comfort proceeded out of Gods mouth , to witnesse that there must be a seuerall consideration had of mens soules : for the Soule is a Spirit , as are the Angells , and Immortall : and when the Soule of the righteous shal be sundred from the bodie , it shall be taken by the Angells , and carried to God , to liue with Christ in Paradise aboue in the Heauens , where it shal bee in glorie , and rest in Gods hand , farre from sorrow or griefe : for when the Soule is seperated from the bodie , it is at freedome , and can doe much more without the bodie than when it is ioyned vnto it , and imprisoned therein : because the bodie in this life is verie he●uie , and hindereth the Soule from seeing heauens comfort , while it is here vpon ear●h , it can prayse God , honour , and serue him , reioyce and comfort it selfe therewith , while it is in this mortal and miserable bodie , much more can it perfect and doe , when it is without sinne , and natiue corruption , and hath no such let and impediment .

Behold therfore ( deare soule ) what is more acceptable and pretious ? who will now bee affraide of death ? but on the contrarie , the Soule of the Vnfaithful and Vngodlie , is deliuered to Sathan , and caried incontinent to payne ( as wee may see in that Rich-mans Soule ) where it shall remayne in trouble and miserie , Luk. 16. anguish and smart , and Woe vnspeakable , without all mercie and comfort , for euer in stinke and darkenesse , where there is weeping and guashing of Teeth , to the last day , at what time their miserie shall first begin to be exceeding great , and neuer shall cease .

The Christians most earnest Prayer to leaue this world , and to be with Christ his Sauiour .

Lord Iesus Christ , my Hope , and Ioy , how heartilie longeth my soule for thee , yea ●uen as the Hart panteth for the water-brooks , so panteth my Soule after thee ( O God ) my Soule thirsteth for God , Ps. 42.1 . for thee ( O God ) the Liuing-God . When shall I come and appeare before thee , O how weary am I of this loathsome vale of misery , in the which I endeuour to serue thee my God in great weakenesse , I may say , Phil. 1.23.24 . I am in a strait betwixt two , hauing a desire to depart , and to be with Christ which is farre better : Neuerthelesse , to abide in the flesh is verie profitable that I may bring forth fruit , yet what I should chuse I know not . Lord Iesus thou euerlasting wisdome , which knowest my time , my dayes are in thy hands : euen come , take mee to thee when thou wilt , my heart longeth for rest , yea for that euerlasting quietnesse , from this darknesse to light , from sorrow to ioy , from the troubles of this world , to peace , from loathsome miserie , to glorie , from imperfection to an accomplished perfection . Lord Iesus , thou knowest all things , and doest know that my soule doth heartilie loue thee , and hath an inward desire to behold thy countenance . Behold ( most louing Redeemer ) the teares of loue which fall from my eyes , and consider how I weep for meere ioy : my heart is sicke for loue ; it sighes , Song . 8 6. Song 2.5 . groa●es , and longeth to be at home with thee , to rest it selfe in thy bosome . O my Lord and God , how well shall I bee then ? How highly shall my soule crie out , greatly ioying and prai●ing thee , Mat. 17.4 . Luk. 23. saying , Lord it i● good for me to be here , Lord remember mee in thy Kingdome , and say vnto my soule , thou shalt bee with mee in Paradise , there to rest for euer , Amen .

Flesh.

Doth not the soule then long for the body , seeing it knoweth it is rotten in the cold ground , and expecteth the day of resurrection and euerlasting life for it ?

Spirit .

I must confesse that such thoughts often make men sorrowfull ; but wee must vnderstand that our soules after their departing are with Christ , and must haue much more vnderstanding and knowledge , and farre cleerelier know Gods wonderfull righteou● counsell and will ; and therefore are perswaded that no mischaunce can befall thei● bodies in the earth , but that they shall plea●antly and softly sleep and rest , and all their bones dust and ashes shall bee so kept through the Almighty power of God , that they shall neuer bee consumed & brought to nought , but shall questionlesse ( and wi●hout all doubt ) rise againe . Secondly , the soules of the godly are in such place and ioy , where is no vnquietnesse or wretched desire : foralthough they bethink them of their bodies , and would haue that righteous day of doome approch , Reu. 6.10 . saying ; How long , O Lord , holy and true , doest thou not iudge and auenge our bloud on them that dwel on the earth ? Yet such thoughts are without sorrow , and appertaine to their ioy , Gods glorie and praise , vnto the which they alwaies submit their wils , and as the children of God in this wretched life , they long for their dissolution , and sigh for the comming of Ie●us Christ ; and hee that doth not so hath not a sound and true loue to Iesus Christ : yet the blessed soules which are with Christ . desire that all sinne in the wo●ld should come to end ; and that euerlasting persecution shold then beginne , but that their desire should carrie sorrow , or any painefull longing vpon them , it is not possible : for they rest with the Lord our God , and from this world , for there is no time , nor difference of day and night , and where there is no time , there can be no heauie longing for , Psal 90.4 . because a thousand yeares in his sight ar● but as yesterday , when it is past : and as a watch in the night . And againe , One day with the Lord is as a thousand yeares . 2 P●t 3. ● . As one day therfore ( deare soule ) let such thoughts passe , and cast thy selfe vnder Gods powerful hand , who is thy Creatour , thy hope and rest , defendor , and contenting perfection , both in this life , in that eternall which is to come .

A Prayer of the faithfull soule for her dissolution .

2 Tim. 4. Now Lord Iesus Christ , thou who seest and knowest that I haue earnest loue of thy manifestation . I request thee with all my power that thou wouldest through thy defence abate the vngodly and sinnefull waies of the world , and shew righteous doome vpon Sathan , and all our aduersaries , and let that euerlasting glorie of our ioy come when thou shalt bee all in all . 1. Cor. 15. Yea Lord Iesus , Rom. 18.20.22 . the whole creation groaneth and trauaileth in paine together , wayting for the deliuerance from the bondage of corruption , and vanitie vnto the which it is made subiect ; waiteth , I say , for the manifestation of the Sonnes of God , when they shall be deliuered vnto the glorious libertie of the Children of God . Should not wee then verie earnestly long for the loosing of our bodies ? but if it bee thy holy will O Lord Iesus , and that thou hast so concluded in thy counsell that I shall here abide to thy ioyfull comming againe , euen so bee it my God and my Redeemer . O with what ioy of heart shall I heare thy trumpet ! how gladly shall I leape and meete thee in the cloudes ; but if thou call mee from hence before , and take my soule vnto thee to that peaceable Paradise : Loe here am I , and willingly come , and shall not cease with all comfort to crie vnto thee , and say , Amen , euen so come Lord Iesus , R●u. 22.20 . come to iudge the quicke and the dead , Amen .

Flesh.

Thou beleeuest then certainely that this our bodie shall rise againe , and liue with the soule eternally .

Spirit .

Yes truely , that I beleeue , and therefore confesse in the articles of my faith , and say , I beleeue the resurrection of the bodie , and life euerlasting . For when our Lord Iesus shall come againe vpon that last day to iudge : Mat 25. ●3 and all the holy Angels with him : then shall he set vpon the throne of his glorie , and before him shall be gathered all Nations liuing and dead , small and great , Reu. 20.12 . good and bad , shall stand before him ; and the Sea shall giue vp the dead which were in it , & death and hell deliuer vp the dead which were in them , and the soule in a moment shall returne to the dead body thereof , 1 Thes. 4.17 . and come liuing before the Lord . Then wee which are aliue and remaine , shall be caught vp together with them in the clouds , to meete the Lord in the ayre : where he shall separate them one from another , Math. 25.32.33.34.41 . as a sheepheard diuideth the sheepe from the Goates , and hee shall set the sheepe on his right hand & the Goates on the left , them shall he say to them on his right hand Come ye blessed of my Father , inherite the kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world , then shall hee say vnto them on his left hand , Depart from me yee cursed into euer lasting fire , prepared for the Diuell and his Angels , and these shall go away into euerlasting punishment , but the righteous into life eternall .

A Meditation of the Soule on the resurrection .

Now ( deare Soule ) thou mayest meditate , not only heereupon , which is the vndoubted truth of God , but for thy farther certification thou mayest ponder on these following poynts , Thy dead men shall liue together , Esa. 26.19 . with my dead bodie shall they arise , awake and 〈◊〉 , ye that dwel in the dust .

Mat. 22.31 . As touching the resurrection of the dead , haue yee not read that which was spoken vnto yee by God , saying , I am the God of Abraham , the God of Isaak , and the God of Iacob , God is not the God of the dead , but of the liuing ?

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake , Dan. 12.2 . some to euerlasting life , and some to shame and euerlasting contempt .

I know that my Redeemer liueth , Iob 19.25 . and that he shall stand at the latter day vpon the earth , and though after my skinne , wormes destroy this body , yet in my flesh shall I see God , 26. whom I shall see , and mine eyes shall behold , and not another for me .

Verily , verily , Ioh. 5.25 . I say vnto you , the houre is comming , and now is , when the dead shall heare the voyce of the Sonne of God , and they that heare shall liue . &c.

Now mayest thou diligently marke ( deare soule ) how easie it is vnto the Lord to raise the dead , Ioh. 17. for it will done by a word , as wee may see when hee raised the widdowes son of Naim , which was dead , he onely said , Young man , Luk. 7.14.15 . I say vnto thee arise , and he that was dead sate vp , and began to speake . So raised he the Ruler of the Synagogue● daughter in Capernaum , saying , Talithacumi , which is , being interpreted , Mar. 5.41 . Damosell , I say , vnto thee , arise ; and after this same manner also , did he to Lazarus in Bethania , who had now la●en foure dayes in the graue , for hee cried with a lowd voyce , Lazarus come forth , and hee that was dead , came foorth bound hand and feet with graue-cloths . See now ( beloued Soule ) although to the eyes of man it appeared to bee impossible , yet with the Lord our God nothing is impossible . Luk 1.37 . For as a mother knoweth well in what chamber or bed shee hath laid her childe to sleepe , and thither commeth in the morning , awakes and taketh it vp : euen so the Lord our God knoweth where our bodies do sleep which were his own temples and habitations , vnto whom it shall bee farre more easie to make vs aliue , then to a mother to waken her sleeping child . Besides this , wee haue our Lord Iesus Christ the head of his Church , not onely that hee should bee an example vnto vs , but also that hee should goe before vs , as the beginning of our resurrection ; for hee died for our sins , & lay in the graue , & the third day rose againe for our iustification , 1 Cor. 15.16 . Rom 4.25 . Ioh. 4.19 . and therefore with lowd voyce sayeth vnto vs all , because I liue yee shall liue also .

Flesh.

Shall then eternall life be such as cannot bee comprehended by man , nor vnderstood in this world ?

Spirit .

Yes truely , thou sayest well , Of the ioyes of heauen . for so it is that the eye hath not seene , nor the eare heard , nor entred into the heart of man , the things which God hath prepared for them that loue him . Eternall God , what peace , what ioy , what glory , what pleasant being shall they haue ? who would not daily meditate heereupon ? but who would not wil●lingly enioy the same ? who would not willingly speake and commune heereof ? but rather , who would not feele and possesse the same , oh if there were any that could teach vs the glory hereof , wherof our narrow heart and shallow soule is not capable of , how would we be glad to heare , and ioyfully long for it ! Certainely ( deare Soule ) if neither Esaias that excellent . Prophet , nor the Apostle Paul , Esay 64.4 . who was rauished into the third heauens , and saw things vnutterable , could not declare the meanest iot of it , but he●● him dumb , then may the glory , peace and ioy be there exceeding great : yet notwithstanding , the holy Scripture portryeth in some places , by notable sentences and speeches , the supereminent goodnesse thereof , so farre as our tenuity can comprise .

1 Ioh. 3.2 . Beloued , now are we the sonnes of God , and it doth not yet appeare what we shall be , but wee know that when he shall appeare , we shall bee like him , for wee shall see him as he is .

Then shall the righteous shine foorth , Iob 19. Mat. 13.43 as the Sunne , in the kingdom of their father .

Dan. 12.3 . And they that bee wise , shall shine as the brightnesse of the firmament , and they that turne many to righteousnesse , as the starres for euer and euer .

And GOD shall bee all in all . 1 Cor. 15.28 .

And we shal euer be with the Lord . 1. Thes. 4.17 .

Who shal change our vile bodie , Phil. 3.21 . that it may be fashioned like vnto his glorious bodie .

For in the resurrection they neyther marrie nor are giuen in marriage , Mat. 22.30 . but are as the Angells of God in Heauen .

And I Iohn saw the holie Citie , Rev. 21.2.3 4 5. new Hierusalem , come downe from God out of Heauen , prepared as a bride , and adorned for her husband , and I heard a great voyce out of heauen , saying , Behold , the Tabernacle of God is with men , and he will dwel with them , and they shall be his people : and God himselfe shall bee with them , and bee their God , and God shall wipe away al teres from their eyes , and there shall bee no more death , neither sorrow , nor crying , neither shall there be any more payne , for the former things are passed away . And he that sate vpon the Throne , sayde , Behold I make all things new , &c.

Reu. 21.22 And I saw no Temple therein , for the Lord God Almightie and the Lambe are the Temple of it .

23. And the Citie hath no need of the Sunne , nor of the Moone to shine in it , for the Glorie of God did enlighten it , and the Lambe is the light thereof .

24. And the Nations of them which are saued shall walke in the light of it : and the Kings of the earth doe bring their glorie and honour to it .

And the Gates of it shall not be shut at all by day : ●5 . for there shall be no night there .

And they need no candle , neyther the light of the Sun , Reu. 22.5 . for the Lord giueth them light , and they shall shine for euer and euer .

These words ( beloued Soule ) are short , but replenished with vnspeakable comfort : and although the Scripture had beene more large herein , yet our weake and infirme hearts are such , and our vnderstanding so small , that wee could not comprehend it : and therefore the holie Spirit by these speeches openeth but a little windowe , through the which wee may see a little glance , to the end wee may know what wee should beleeue , and hope for , and what to comfort and reioyce vs withall . But when we shall come thither , and possesse such ioy and such gladnesse , then shall wee say one to another as old Elizabeth sayde vnto the Virgin Marie : Luk. 1.45 . O blessed art thou that beleeuest , for there is a performance of those thing● which were told thee of the Lord. O eternall Life , O pleasant Life , O perpetuall Ioy and Peace , O euerlasting Hierusalem , Citie of the holie God . O how pretious , how beautifull art thou vnto mee ! thy pulchritude surmounts , & there is no blemish in thee . My heart longeth for thee , yea for Hierusalem my Mother , For Hierusalem my natiue Land , and for thee Iesus Christ ; thou which art hid there , my Life , Lord , and euerlasting Sheepheard .

O holie Life , O blessed Life , which the Lord hath prepared for them that loue him , in the which shall be no death , for man shall see God face to face , for our hearts shall be superaboundantly satiate with the food of Life . Oh the oftner I thinke vpon thee , the sweeter thou appearest vnto mee .

O how well wilt thou be , my Soule , when thou shalt bee loosed from this earthly body , and so passe in freedomevnto heauen , how welcome shalt thou bee ! how kindly shalt thou be receyued ? thou shalt come to great rest and securitie : thou needest not stand in feare of any foe or dea●h : Thou shalt euermore beholde the face of thy God and Redeemer , Ps. 45.2 . the bea●tifullest among the children of men : hearest thou not him ( my Soule ) calling on thee ? Song . 2.20 . Rise vp my loue , my fayre one , and come away : for loe the Winter is past , the rayne is ouer , and gone : Arise my Loue , my fayre one , and come away . Come vnto mee my Elect , I haue pleasure in thy beautie ; come and reioyce before my face with the Angells , whose societie I haue promised thee : Come out of all thy distresses and feares , and enter into thy Fathers rest . O reioyce my Soule , and be glad thou beautifull daughter , for the King hath pleasure in thee . O thou sweet Life , shew me thy Ports , and thy gates , ●hy walls and thy manifolde Mansions ▪ Reu. 21. ●8 . 19 . Thy Walls are of pretious stones , and thy gates are costly Pearle , and the ●treet of the Citie is pure ●old , as it were transpa●ent glasse , in the which is sung perpetually a Halleluiah : thy light is God , the God of light , the Son of Righteousness● neuer go●th downe in thee . There is a feast and banquet where all wearied Pilgrims refresh themselues . Ioh. 17.24 O how pleasant is the harmonie which shal be heard there ! O then shall I find the accomplishment of that promise ! Father I will that these that thou hast giuen mee should be with me where I am , that they may behold the glorie which thou hast giuen mee , for thou louedst me before the foundation of the world .

A Prayer for the ioyes of Heauen .

O thou Fountayne of Life , O springing Well of all comfort , when shall I drinke aboundantly of that Water of Life , which is thy consolation ? when shall I appeare before thy ioyefull countenaunce ? when O LORD shall I see that day of saluation , Ps. 118.24 . wherin I may reioyce and be glad ? O how light , cleare , and ioyfull shall that day be , wherein there shall be no euening . Math. 25. Enter my soule into thy fathers rest , where I shall haue that holy Tri●nitie , one euerlasting God in three persons . Come my light and Redeemer , and deliuer my soule from from this miserable prison . O euerlasting peace , Phil. 1.4 . which passeth all vnderstanding , wherein the holy ones soule doth repose it selfe , there is that eternall life , which is , to know God our Lord , and to see God face to face : happie are they for euer , which are disburdened of this cumbersome and miserable life , and are come to that heauenly , eternall , and ioyfull life , to liue with Christ for euer , Amen .

Flesh.

What shall then become of the reprobate and vngodly ?

Spirit .

They shall enter both soule and bodie into euerlasting paine : Of the paines of Hell . for as the ioy of the godly cannot be expressed ; so neither can the paines of the wicked and condemned bee shewed , for there is such poenarum multiplicitas , acerbitas , ●eternitas ; that is , first , the paine of the condemned shall bee so great and manifold , that none can declare it , for they shall be cast into vtter darknesse , Mat. 22.13 where shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth . They shall be tormented in the flame , Luk. 16.24 The Lord shall raine vpon them snares , fire , and brimstone , and a horrible tempest , this shall be the portion of their cup , their wormes shall not dye , neither shall their fire be quenched , Esay 66.24 and they shall bee an abhorring vnto all the people .

A Meditation of the soule on the paines of hell .

Behold with these and such like phrases the Scripture giueth vs to vnderstand , that vnspeakeable and vnconceiueable miserie the wicked shall come to , with that grieuous societie of the diuel , who shall ioye in tormenting them , which the religious should often meditate vpon .

Secondly , there shall be Poenarum acerbitas , for that their paine shall bee so bitter and hard , that the condemned cannot endure , and yet they must needes suffer it eternally ; for they shal seeke death , Revel 9.6 . and shall not finde it , and shal desire to dye , and death shall slie from them ; for there shall be neither life nor death , but betwixt life and death shall they bee tormented for euermore . Euen as a red hot coldron vpon a flaming furnace , so shal they be in fire vnspeakeably tormented , and abide in such case for all eternitie .

Thirdly , Poenarum aeternitas , for their manifolde and bitter torments shall at no time come to an end , for so it is said , they shall goe to euerlasting paine : Mat. 25. for were it of a long continuance , and so haue an end , would bee some comfort in their expectation , but eternitie is endlesse , Esa. 34.89 for it is the day of the Lords vengeance , and the streames shall bee turned into pitch , which shal not bee quenched night nor day , yea , their plagues shall ascend in all eternitie , Reuel. 14. and shall haue no end day nor night . Consider ( deare Soule ) that if one should lie in a costly bed , or well-ga●nished hall , and there be delicately entertained with nourishment , if hee were notwithstanding tyed to his bed , and should neuer come from it ; truely hee would not desire to liue in that condition . But the damned as they haue no pleasure , but swimme in the euerlasting fire of hell , in eternall anguish and woe , in terrible stincke and darkenesse , in the which they shall not receaue one drop , wherby they might coole or refresh themselues . O then hearken , thou poore miserable childe of the world ! meditate hereupon , thou louest the world and pleasures therof , and sayest , it is good to bee heare , behold the time commeth , and truely is not farre off , when thou shalt say with the rich man , Oh , I am greatly tormented in this flame ! yea , thou shalt lament and say with a blasphemous mouth , It is not good to bee here , but there : yet must thou stay , and that euermore , euer burning , & neuer consumed ; from the which God of his infinite mercie deliuer vs .

A Prayer for a safe deliuerance from the paines of hell , and to liue with Christ for euer .

O Lord Iesus Christ , giue me eares to heare , & an heart to vnderstand , that I diligently hearken vnto thy true seruants & messengers , to the rectifying and bettering of my life , and alwaies separate my selfe from the children of darkenesse . Helpe me , that I conforme not my selfe to this wicked world , & so be cast downe to the lowest hels torment : gouerne , teach , and lead mee by thy holy spirit , that I may learne christianly to liue , and when it shall please thee , to dye blessedly ; that I come not in the place of euerlasting paine and torment , but with thee Lord my Redeemer , thy Angels , and all thy Saints , may enioy and possesse that endlesse and euerlasting life , purchased by the bloud of thy Son our Lord Iesus Christ , as of a Lambe vnspotted and vndefiled , to whom with thee and the holy spirit in the Church , be euerlasting glorie , praise , and dominion , for euermore , Amen .

FINIS .
A Morning Prayer for Christian families .

O Lord God , deare Father in Christ , we do acknowledge that this night we haue receaued one of the greatest temporall blessings that can bee bestowed vpon Mankinde , the fast sleepe & sound rest of our bodies : entreating thee this day , and euermore , our mindes do not sleepe in sinne and darknesse of the world , from that second sleepe in the graue , Restore vs wee beseech thee to euerlasting life , that both body and soule may be together partners of blessednesse . O thou true light , which enlightenest euerie man which commeth into the world , shine in vs that wee may see thee , and walke as the children of life in all our wayes , that as thou hast raised these our heauy and burdensome bodies , so lift vp our minds to thy knowledge , that wee may liue the rest of our liues in all lowlines , meeknes , chastity , charity , patience , godlines , warines , and circumspection , as to render an ac●ount vnto the● who shall iudge the quicke and the dead , and the world with fire . Strip vs therfore out of the olde corrupt ▪ Adam , & cloath our soules with thy righteousnesse , make our ●yes to be fixed & setled on that thy great and free mercie , in electing vs to be thy children before the foundation of the world : when others , as good as we by nature , are reiected , in that thy hidden counsell which is made knowne vnto our spirits , by thy holy spirit , working faith in our hearts to beleeue , and so to be iustified before thee . O thou our life Iesus Christ ! worke more and more the death of sinne in vs , and giue vs freedome of conscience , that we may labour to serue th●e , with perfect heart and willing mind , casting aside carelesnesse and vnfeeling of our sinnes , dulnesse , and deadnes of soule , we may see and sigh for our offences , with a continuall remembrance , and effectuall con●●deration , we shall not alwaies liue heere in this wretched world , but must appeare before thy tribunall seate of iudgement , and receaue according to our deeds , good or bad : giue vs feeling of that vnspeakeable and eternall waight of glory , which shal follow our seruing of thee heare . Yea , set before our faces the dreadful and fearfull torments of the pit of hell , which the disobedient and wicked shall fall into : To the end we may haue a true hatred of sinne , and loue to righteousnes , this day , and all the dayes of our liues . Blesse thy word with fruite vnto our soules , and send out faithfull labourers into thy haru●st , grant that wee may bee prepared when hearts , with open consciences , there to giue an account of whatsoeuer we haue thought , done , or sayd , when the faithfull and obedient shall possesse the kingdome prepared for them : but the sinfull and carelesse liuers shall drink of the Wine of the wrath of thee the God , who is a consuming fire , and the smoake of their torment shal ascend for euerm●r● . Father of heauen knit our hearts fast vnto Thee , an● while we haue time giue vs grace rightly to meditate and thinke thereon : continue the word of thy grac● among vs , and make it bring for t fruit according to this pleasure , that we may striue to reforme our wicked liues thereby . Keepe vs from hardnesse of heart , security and hypocrisie : stay our inordinate affections , and peruerse perturbations , and renue vs more & more againe , to thy image lost in Adam . Oppresse vs not ( deare Father ) with the vnspeakable and infinite weight of our sins in the time of ignorance , willing and knowne offences . Preserue thy Church vniuersall , the great and m●ine member therein our deare and dread Soueraigne K. IAMES , the Queene● Maiestie Prince , and th●ir Royall progeny ; blesse the nobles and magistrates , cloath them with righteousnesse as with a garment ; increase in this thy Israel true Leuites ; giue them wisdome and discretion to cut thi● word aright ; bring the remnants which are thine to thy fold ; bee gratious to our friends & kindred in the flesh ; lighten them with the knowledge of Thee and thy Son , that they may glorifi● thee all the dayes of their liues : Comfort thy afflicted members whereso●uer , and in whatsoeuer crosse . Grant peace in 〈◊〉 dayes if it bee thy pleasu●e ▪ And because ( gratious God ) the night ●s now vpon vs , which thou hast appointed 〈◊〉 rest in , let the bed strike i● our hearts , that the graue is almost readie for vs : which of vs can tell whether these eyes of ours once closed vp shall euer open any more .

Now therefore into thy hands we commend and bequeath our bodies and soules ; and bee thou present with vs , before vs by the insight of our minds , that we may not be absent from thee , no euen in our sleepe , with all puritie and cleannesse , that nothing disquiet or disturbe this rest , but all things may bee still and calme through that peace of thine in Iesus Christ , in whose name wee call vpon thee as hee hath ●aught vs saying : Our Father , &c.

FINIS .

THE SOVLES REQVEST : OR , A most sweet and comfortable Dialogue betweene CHRIST and the SOVLE full of heauenly and spiritual consola●ion● to 〈◊〉 vp the heart cast 〈◊〉 for sinne , and sence of Gods wrath .

PSALM● 27.8.9 When thou saydest , seeke my face 〈…〉 said vnto thee , thy fa●e Lord I 〈…〉 Hide not thy face farre from 〈…〉 seruant away in anger , &c.

LONDON , Printed by Edw: 〈…〉 Iohn Marriot , and are to be 〈◊〉 at his shop at the White flowe● 〈◊〉 ●uce , neere Fetter●lane end , in Fleet-street . 1618.

TO THE WORshipful his approued good Friend Mr. William Howpill , grace , mercie , and peace , in our Lord Iesus Christ .

LVke the Euangelist writeth his Hist●rie of Christ , God , Luc. 1.3 . and Man , and dedicated it to Theophilus , a louer of God . 2 Iob. 1.1 . Iohn the Apostle writeth to the elect Ladie of Chri●stian loue . And who should haue more interest in this my small Dialogue of spirituall comfort , then they by whome the bowels of the Saints are so often refreshed ? Phi● . 7. Life it selfe is tedious , where the taste of the assurance of mercie is absent : what peace can please where the peace of conscience raigneth not , and that loue of God is not shed abroad in the heart , Rom. 5.5 . by the holy Ghost which is giuen vs , wher forgiuenes of sin is not sealed in the soule , filled with ioy which no man can take away ; what dainties can like , when wee eate not that fatted calfe , Luc. 15.23 . 1 Cor. 5.7 . Mat. 22.12 Reuel. 2.17 . and pascall Lambe Iesus Christ : that cloathed with his righteousnesse , as with a garment , we may enioy that hidden Manna , and tree of life , which is in the middest of the Paradice of God : Ibid. vers. 7. quenching out thirst with those pure waters of life . Of the which , according to the measure of grace giuen mee , I haue briefly written , which I recommend vnto your Worship . And I beseech the God of all comfort , according to the riches of his mercie , hee would make you feele , and fill you with all heauenly consolation , that you may ( glorying in the Lord ) looke for that blessed hope , and the glorious appearing of the great God , Tit. 2.13 . and our Saui●ur Iesus Christ , to your immortalitie . To whom be all power and praise in the Church for euer : 2 Tim. 4.8 . Amen .

Your Worships in all christian duties , Bartholl . Robertson .
THE SOVLES REQVEST : OR , A most comfortable Dialogue , betwixt Christ and the Soule , full of spirituall and heauenly consolations to raise vp the heart , cast downe for sin , and sense of Gods wrath . CHRIST .

O My Beloued Soule , why art thou so sad , & frettest in thy breast ? knowest thou not that thy afflictions are so sanctified by my spirit● that euen thereby thou art made partaker of my holines , Heb. 12.10 Heb. 12.14 1 Thess. 1.6 . Gal. 6.14 . enioyest the sweet fruit of righteousnesse , and obtainest a greater measure of ioy in the Holy Ghost ; that thereby thou art crucified to the world , and the world vnto thee , haue I not put sweet wood in these bitter waters , to make them sauoury , destroyed that death that was in the pot of thy troubles , by the meale of my mercies , greeueth it thee to wade in the waters which I haue swimmed in ?

The SOVLE .

O Sauiour , giue mee that most precious & dearest , giue of all thy Holy Spirit the Comforter , that I may offer a voluntary and free sacrifice of obedience to thee . Giue mee that thou askest , and aske what thou wilt . Alas , as of all other kinde of sinne , so haue I in my selfe sufficient matter and seede , to breed this corruption , for in my feeling I cannot see comfort in my sufferings , in so exceeding great measure is my vnderstanding corrupt , and affections disordered .

CHRIST .

I Worke the sense of sin and mercy by degrees in my children , and the yeelding to one draweth on another . Take heed least at any time there be in thee an vnbeleeuing heart to depart from mee the liuing God : Heb. 3.12.13 . lest thou be hardned through the decei●fulnes of sinne . To see the length , height , bredth , and depth of my mercy , is to behold thy sinne ▪ and naturall pollution ; but let not thine ●eart bee eaten vp with greefe . Looke alwaies to my mercies , thine enemy indeede is a Lyon , and so am I : and that of the Tribe of Iuda , of thine owne flesh : he is a Serpent ; I am that brazen Serpent to sting all the fiery inuasions of sinne , death and condemnation , if I be heere so to help thee , what shall I doe in glory , when I come with thousands of Angels ? hast thou no knowledge of saluation ? fearest thou thy sinne , is there nothing but doubtfulnesse , dulnesse and deadnesse in thee ? thou must know whatsoeuer knowledge , experience and power is in mee , the same is made thine . 1 Cor. 1.30 . I am my Fathers counseller , and am thy wisdome , the Teacher and the thing taught , I haue no holinesse in my selfe by the flesh , by being borne of my mother , yet do saue great sinners : seek then righteousnesse out of thy selfe in mee , who being no sinner , was accounted a sinner , and punished as a sinner for thee , that thou hauing no righteousnesse , mightest bee accounted righteous , and rewarded as righteous through mee , who am thy righteousnesse , Hebr. the authour and finisher of thy saluation : so that albeit of thy selfe to perseuere , it seemeth impossible , yet with mee it is both possible & easie . And as for the multitude of thy sinnes , whereof thou complainest ( and thou doest well ) Marie-Magdalen had seuen Deuills , yet first honoured with the sight of my Resurrection . Moreouer , Mathew , a notorious and infamous Sinner , crowned with the dignitie of an Euangelist : and Paule ( whos● clothes tooke a Purple-dye , and Crimson colour in the bloud of the Saints ) is one of the chief and glorious Apostles . Thy naturall corruptions I doe chaunge into the power of a supernaturall grace : thy wounded spirit vnto a peace of mind . I am the Lord of the whole earth , and the heyre of heauen , yet had not wherwith to helpe my necessitie . A Lord of Libertie , and yet put in Prison , and yet am thy Redemption , who will not suffer thee to be ouercome ; and wil wholly free thee from sin , and anguishes in the life to come . I cannot lye , beleeue my Word , whereby I am euidently set forth , Gal. 31. and crucified before thy heart . Attend Prayer , which worketh a feeling of thy faith in mee . To Heauen ( I tell thee ) I haue a two-fold title , one by Inheritance , which I reserue to my selfe alone ; another , by purchace and conquest , which I haue giuen thee freely , and wilt thou not relie on these my Mercies ?

The SOVLE .

LOrd Iesus , I doe often call to mind the things thou hast done for thy glory and my Soules health , the matter of my thankfulnesse : but I do perseuere in sinne , and deserue not the least crumme of Mercie that fall from thy Table anie more .

CHRIST .

IS there nothing to bee obtayned of Mee , vnlesse thou bring of thy own to present mee withall ? Is not this to discredit my Mercie , & to bring credit to thy Merits , and rather to binde Mee to thee , than thee to Mee . Is there not with mee plentifull Redemption : If thy sins be great , my redemption is greater : thy merits are beggarly , my Mercie is a Rich Mercie . If thy perill bee not come euen to a desperate case , and past hope of recouery , there is no prayse of redemption : for herein is the power of it , that when all sins haue gone ouer thy head , and all creatures , Sun , Moon , Heauen , and Earth , &c. come as it were in iudgement against thee , yet a cleare and full ransome shal be giuen in thy hand , therewith to purchase thy deliuerance beyond all expectation , and so as it were to fetch something out of nothing . And when I put to the ordinarie meanes , it is not to withdraw my helpe , in vsing the means , but traine vp thy faith , that after I may make knowne vnto thee , I haue a helpe beyond all helps , for I come to them that calleth not for mee : the possessed , that would not , doe I cure ; and the dead , that cannot , doe I rayse . Beleeuest thou this ?

The SOVLE .

LOrd , my sight is verie dimme to behold Thee , that Serpent exalted in the Wildernesse : my Faith is as smoaking Flax , Blow on it I pray thee ( by the wind of thy Spirit ) an● make it burne more cleare . My sins and conscience arrest mee , and summon mee before thy iustice ; & thou ( my Iudge ) art greater , who knowest all , and righteous are thie iudgements .

CHRIST .

THou ( poore Soule ) pourest out the sence of thy inward sight on the wrong object : Thou gazest on Sathan , the false accuser of the brethren : and on S●nne , thy guilt , but beholdest not Mee , the Lambe of God , that taketh away thy sinne : I am not come to call the ●ighteous , but Sinners ●o Repentance . Mat. 9.12 . If thou be grieued for sinne , I am for thee ; The whole need no Physitian , but the sicke . I will bind vp thy sores , and heale all thy woundes . Soule be of good comfort , thy sinnes are forgiuen thee . I inuite all the Wearie and Laden to come to mee and I will ease them . Mat. 11.28 Feelest thou the burthen of thy sinne , I am for such as thou art , with a troubled and aking conscience ? Esa. 44.22 . for I put away their transgressions as a thicke Cloud , and Sinnes as Mist , I doe cast them in the bottome of the Sea . Mic. 7.19 . Esa. 43.25 . I put them away ( I say ) for my owne Mercies sake : for what art thou but dust and ashes , yea a wind that goeth and returneth not ? But I thy Aduocate with thy Father , euen thy owne Iesus Christ , Heb. 7.25 . the righteous , who am perfectly able to saue all those that come vnto God by Mee , who am Euer-liuing , to make intercession for thee . For by my owne bloud I haue once entered the Holie-place , and obtayned eternall redemption for thee . Heb. 9.22 . Why lookest thou to thy sinne and wages thereof ? I euen I was made sinne for thee , who knew no sinne , that thou mayest bee made the righteousnesse of God in Mee . 2. Cor. 5.21 . I was wounded for thy transgressions , and broken for thy inquities : the chastisement of thy peace was vpon mee : With my stripes thou art healed , Esa. 53.5 . and now I doe require this , Who d●th lay any thing to thy charge ? Rom. 8. it is I that iustifie thee : Who shall condemne thee , it is I that died or rather which is risen agayne for thee , who am at the right hand of God , and maketh request for thee . Haue not I lead captiuitie captiue , Col. 2.25 . spoyled principalli●ies and powers , and made an open shew of them , and triumphed ouer them in my Crosse ? 1 Co● . 15.25 . O Death I will be thy Death , O Graue I will be thy destruction : yea , O Death , where is thy Sting , O Graue , where is thy victorie ? O but I pittifully complaine , Ps. 81.13 . O that thou wouldest hearken vnto mee ! for then thy prosperitie would bee as the floud , Esa. 48 18. and thy righteousnesse as the waters of the Sea , Hos. 6.4 . and now what shall I doe vnto thee ? How shall I entreat thee ? What can I doe vnto thee , that I haue not done ? I beseech thee , 2. Cor. 5.20 . I beseech the ( I say ) be reconciled vnto God ; for my father so loued the World , that hee hath giuen Mee vnto it , that whosoeuer beleeueth in Mee should haue euerlasting Life . And I my selfe ( trust Me ) haue set out my loue to thee , that when thou wast a sinner , I died for thee : much more beeing now iustified by my bloud , thou shalt be saued from wrath by Mee . Rom 5.8 . When thou wast an enemie , thou wast reconciled to God , by my death ; much more , beeing reconciled , thou shalt be saued by my Life . I was partaker of thy flesh and bloud , yea and became a Worme , Ps. ●2 . 6 . for all creatures ( almost ) to treade vpon mee . For thee I was made obedient to death , yea to the death of the Crosse : Manie more degrees did I The Sonne of righteousnesse goe backe , that thou maiest be certified of eternal life , than the Sunne did in Ezechias time , to assure him the lengthening of his temporall Life . Let nothing shake thy faith , how weake soeuer it be . Come to Mee , haue Milke and Honie , and of the Well of the Water of Life freely : Reu. 21.6 . Take here Eye-salue , that thou mayest see , and amend that blindnesse thou art in , and looke to my euerlasting mercies that endure for ●uer , sinnes past cannot hurt thee , if sinnes present doe not like thee , and in finne thou takest no pleasure .

The SOVLE .

O T●y lips are full of grace , thy words sweeter then the hony & the honycomb , O that I might eat them , thy word spoken to me now , is like an apple of gold with pictures of siluer . Pro. 25 11. I wash my garment in thy bloud , by it that hand-writing that was against me is cancelled and anulled : but this scruple rest , that I doe euermore yet sinne , this body of sinne dwelling in me , is so pregnant and powerfull , I feare it will bring forth the fruit of the flesh , which is death and euerlasting condemnation .

CHRIST .

WHy doest thou attribute ●o much strength to thy poysoned nature , and derogatest from mine infinite mercy and grace ? thou wilt not , nor canst not denie , but God hath giuen mee a perfect Redeemer vnto thee , hee hath sealed on thee the assurance therof , by his holy Spirit : the Word and Spirit haue begot faith in thee , by which thou hast begotten ioyes in heauenly things . This ioy hath wrought a sincere heart and well willingnesse to please God , accompanied with loue , vnfained , to my father aboue , and brethren on earth : thou hast a care t●● obey the Commandements , and a renewed feare to please God ; ●hy sinne rebuked worketh ( I know ) in thee a mourning spirit ( are not thy ●eare● in my bottle ) yea , and true meeknesse and hunger after mee ? Psal. 56.8 . all outward benefits turne to thy blessings , as seales of my fauour , thy crosses are no curses , but being sanctified turne to thy good , in faith patienly possessing thy soule , thou doest wait and looke assuredly for my glorious kingdome , after this life it is not thine actions , it is thy affections I respect , desirest thou to bee righteous● ? then art thou righteous . Meanest thou to leaue thy sin●es , I repute thee as if thou hadst left them ? wouldest thou not fall ? I esteeme thee as a valiant Worthy , who neuer was vanquished : For if there bee a willing minde in thee , it is accepted according to that thou hast , and not according to that thou hast not , 2 Cor. 8.12 . thou art blessed that feelest thy wants , and desirest to haue them supplied . I haue giuen thee a sight of thy sinne , a sorrow for it , a feeling of the forgiuenes of it in my bloud , a power to crucifie it , & lay holde on my righteousnesse by my resurrection , a hope for strength from the same to sanctification and perseuerance to the end . What now , hadst thou these in thy nature , wherby thou wast dead in sin ? no not so , it is my grace which in thee is not in vaine , howbeit thou hast receiued but the first fruits of the spirit , which are but as a handfull of corne in respect of the whole field : See , though thy spi●ituall growth bee slow , yet it is certaine and goeth surely , neither begun nor continued by thee , but by my spirit . Be perswaded therefore that I who haue begun this good worke in thee , will performe it vntill my day : for with mee there is no change , Phil. 1.6 . Iam. 1.17 . nor shadow of change , and therefore as my gifts and callings are without repentance , so will I fulfill the desires of them that feare mee . Psal. 145.19 .

The SOVLE .

I Must grant , and doe not deny , thou hast loued mee ( deare Iesus ) and giuen thy life for mee , Gal. 2 20. 1 Ioh. 5.10 else ( God forbid ) I should make thee a lier for thou crauest no other thing at my hand , but that I should beleeu● and haue faith : for the assurance of thy loue , I should sinne blasphemously , if I should not beleeue thy Word , both confirmed by thy selfe , and ratified by thine oath , though I doe else sinne , and sorry am I for it : yet will I not thus blaspheme , nor adde this to other vnworthinesse , for this mistrust will weigh downe all the rest : for none is damned for sinne , if hee doe not ioyne to it infideli●y : that soueraigne salue of thy bloud doth cure all sores of sinne , but not this , because it doth refuse the cure , and ( as it were ) pulleth off this precious plaster when it is layd on it , beside this distrust of thy loue ( deare Christ ) tormenteth the minde , and setteth the conscience vpon the wracke , when as men haue no other assurance of thy loue , but onely so farre foorth as they finde themselues worthy of : making no other ground of thy loue , but their owne deserts , thus ouerballanced with the vnsupportable waight of sinne , they sinke in desparation , when I sinne I am greeued at the very heart , because I haue displeased thee , yet my sinnes doe not make mee doubt of thy loue towards mee , founded not vpon my worthinesse , but vpon thine owne free mercie , grace and good-will , for how should I loue thee , if I were not perswaded of thy loue , yea , I loue thee , 1 Ioh. 4.19 . because thou louedst me first : and I know , that , as loue is the fulfilling of the lawe , Rom. 13.8 . so want of it is transgressing of all . For loue is strong as death , iealousie is cruell as the graue , the coales thereof are coales of fire , Cant. 8.6 . which ●ad a most vehement flame . But yet alasse ( poore wretch ) I feare my sinnes doe bereaue me oft his thy spirit , I feele for this time , I greeue the spirit , 1 Thes. 5.19 . & quench him vtterly .

CHRIST .

I Haue once giuen thee my spirit , I am faithfull and iust in all my wayes , Ps. 145.17 . and my Father is faithfull , by whom thou hast been called vnto my fellowship . 1 Cor. 1.9 . I am not as a man that I should lie , neither the Sonne of a man that I can repent ; thou hast receaued my spirit , that thou mayest know the things giuen thee of me ; 1 Cor. 2.12 for he had knowledg● truth , and faithfulnesse : and so , because thou art a Sonne , my father hath sent forth his spirit in thy heart , which crieth Abba , G●l. 4 6. father . This is the spirit of thy adoption , and the same spi●it ( because of thy weakenesse , and that thy faith is mixed with doubting ) is the earnest of thy inheritance , purchased vnto the praise of my glorie , Ephes. 1.14 by whome thou art sealed vnto the day of thy redemption : a seale to secure thee concerning the couenant I haue made with thee in my bloud , that it neuer shall be reuoked ; farre surer then that scaled with King Ahassuerus Ring . Ester . 8.8 . For to this effect had my father sealed mee also , that thou shouldest neuer doubt of my meditation , Mat. 3.17 . & 17.5 . Iohn 1.32 . For being reconciled by my death , my father giueth thee his spirit in hostage and pledge , that hee will not misse a day in performing his promise , and in assurance of eternall peace . Thou canst not denie but my spirit ( which rebukest the world of sinne ) wrought in thee a generall astonishment for sinne , Ioh. 16. a speciall griefe for speciall sins , a renuing of the affections , arauishmēt with vnspeakable ioy of my free mercy and peace of conscience , which passeth all vnderstanding ; the vnderstanding englighteneth , the iudgement reformeth , and godly anger . Ephes. 3.18 This is the life of God in thee , for they who haue receaued the spirit , are led by the spirit , great weakenesse is ioyned with thee , Collos. 3.4 but thy life is hid with mee in God , and when I thy life shall appeare , then shalt thou also appeare with mee in glorie : and as I said , a little while ye shall see me , and after a while yee shall not see me , for I go vnto my father : So is it very gainefull for thee ( beloued Soule ) that there be an interposition betwixt thee and me , that a cloude and dampnesse should ouertake thee , yet shalt thou not bee tempted aboue that thou art able to beare , bu● with the temptation will giue thee the issue . A milde rod shall serue thee , euen the rod of the roote of Iesse , Num. 17.10 . which flowreth among the other rods , that so the sweetnesse of the flowre , may mitigate the sharpenesse of the rod . I doe often humble euen my dearest children by masking and disguising my selfe vnto them . The eyes of the two Disciples going to Emaus were holden , they did not know mee speaking with them . The Spirit doth liue in thee , when his graces are dead in thee , neither doth feeling ioy and practise alwayes follow Faith . I am holden , and thou art saued by Faith , and not by feeling . I teach thee humilitie , and not to glorie but in infirmi●ies : 2. Cor. 11.30.31 . for Paul ( for all his Reuelations ) was afraid of Aretas , and let downe in a basket . Elias ( who commaunded as it were the Heauens to rayne , and not to raine ) hid himselfe in a caue from Iesabell . 1. ●i . 19.9 . Iacob was afraid of his brother ; Abraham of Pharoah , and the Philistims in Gerah . O how dearly loued I them : but when the starre appeareth againe , Mat. ● . the wisemen reioiced with an exceeding great ioy . Rachel had Labans gods , which made him more eager to seeke them , I may frowne for a while , yet not alwaies retaine my anger . No truely , Ps. 103.9 . I am not angrie at all as a Iudge to punish , but as a Father to correct , a brother to admonish . I cannot cease to loue my owne members : Doth anie man strike his owne fl●sh at any time ? Thou art one of my members , ingrafted in my body by my Spirit , and a liuely faith . I haue said ( and doe not repent ) thou that beleeuest in me art deliuered from the power of darkenesse by my Father , and art translated into the kingdome of Mee his deare Sonne .

The SOVLE .

THe wordes that thou speakest ( sweet Redeemer of Mankind ) are Spirit and Life , but thou speakest of affections reformed , which I find not : How cold are my Prayers , O how hard is my hart , it cannot powre it selfe out like Water before Thee , it cannot admit any impression of thy Word , or finger of thy spirit , my wauering faith is not confirmed by it , I lacke that heauenly light to discerne of my troubles and crosses aright . Finally , I haue little or no comfort in thy Word , wanting the apprehending & apply●●g faith ( the hand of my Soule ) O Sonne of Dauid haue mercy vpon me miserable sinner , O sweet Samaritan , take mee vp which am halfe dead .

CHRIST .

THou hast redemption in my bloud , Col. 1.14 . euen the forgiuenesse of thy sinnes : for they shall neuer bee imputed vnto thee , neither heere nor elsewhere ; neither doe they raigne in thy mortall body , but thou hast a serious reluctation against them , neither thy vnworthines maketh thee vncapable of the greatest mercies , they are of my meere and free loue and grace , thou art not the obiect of thine owne faith : but I , my merits & obedience , who am by faith vnited vnto thee , as a head to a member , then look vpon mee , I am in thee , and thou art in me : that which God hath conioyned who can separate it ? or who can plucke thee out of my fathers hand ? my father and I am one , and my Spirit which hath wrought in thee that desire of profiting by the Word ( whereof thou so heauily complainest ) will make thee reape manifold fruits of the immortall seed of the Word , in due season , which is sowed in the furrowes of thy hart . I do feed thee , for a time , with a sparing hand , to sharpen thine appetite , wait and trust on me , and I will comfort thy heart . Psal. 27.16 . truly flesh and bloud hath not reuealed the hardnes of thy heart vnto thee , but my spirit , which worketh the sight of thy corruptions . Esa. 63. ●7 . I which haue begunne this good worke will performe it . Phil. 1.6 . It is good for thee that thou bewailest thy defects and wants , quench not these motions , of my spirit in thee , prayer is my gift , it is I that worke both the will & deede , Lam. 1.22 . it is I that mark thy many sighs & the faintings of thy heart ; yea , & my spirit doth make request for thee with sighs that cannot bee expressed , when thou holdest thy peace , or little knowest of it . The sacrifice of God are not words , Psal. 51.17 . but a contrite spirit , a contrite and broken heart I will not despise , I know thy thoughts before thou thinke them , Psal. 1 39.2 . thy sighing is not hid from me , I doe hea●e thy desire , Psal. 38.9 . Psal. 10.17 . it is I that doe put vp ( as Mediator ) betwixt thee and my father , thy prayers vnto the golden viols , which are full of the precious odours of my merits , thereby perfumeth and maketh them an offring of sweet smelling sauour vnto him , Reu. 5.8 . and purgeth their corruptions in my bloud , and vnto my throne there is a purple ascent , the perfectest bewty is the perfectest mixture of red and white , afflictions staineth not , but adorneth the beautie of my graces .

The SOVLE .

I Am not so washed I see in the lauer of regeneration , but that there remaineth in mee slaines of that scarlet engrained die of my corruption . I am not wholly spirit , as the carnall man is wholly slesh , but 〈◊〉 at ciuill wars within my selfe . In the spirit , I serue the Law of God , in the flesh the law of sinne , ( O deare Iesus ) grant me thy spirit & grace , 1 Thess. 5.22 . that I may auoid the occasions of sinne , I may make conscience of my l●ast sinnes , I may carefully watch ouer my heart , that I be not surprized at vnawares , I may rest in thy promised assistance , and not in mine owne power , and haue recourse vnto thee by feruent praier , crauing thy ayd , that I may bee enabled to stand in the daie of temptations : but alas ( deare Sauiour ) it vexeth mee greatly , that I doe not much ( Lord thou knowest ) feele my faith nor the fruits thereof : which maketh mee ( I know not what ) to thinke that I haue no true faith , or if I haue , it is yet in the infancy thereof .

CHRIST .

FAith is the eye , hand and foot of the Soule : for by it , it commeth , seeth , and layeth hold on mee : seeke light in the Word ( which is Truth ) by praier , that thou bee not deceiued , and follow the same light so farre as thou shalt be warranted thereby , the conscience maketh the assumption , but examined it , by my word , lest thou fall in errour ? and for to learne ( deere Soule ) to discerne betwixt the punishment for sinne , and trial of thy faith , patience and purging of Sinne : for I often afflict inwardly the soule with deep sense of sinne , and the bodie with crosses outwardly , not to prosecute sinne in thee : Ier. 51.7 . for then it should follow , that as the wicked ( mine enemies ) exceede in sinne , so should they exceed in afflictions also , but thee I lead as a louing Spouse , with cords of aman , Hos. 11.4 . euen with bands of loue , for whom I loue I rebuke . For I am good , a strong hold in the daie of trouble , and know them that trust in me . Nah. 1.7 . Nourish this in thine heart , it is more certaine and durable then heauen and earth .

The SOVLE .

O My sweet Sauiour , thou hast taken my feet out of the mire I stucke i● , Psal. 4.1 . Luk. 1.49 . and put me at more large liberty of minde , thou that art mighty , hast done for me great things , and holy is thy name , thou wilt performe thy worke toward me , O Lord , Psal. 138.8 . thy mercie endureth for euer , forsake not the worke of thy owne hands , thou hast deliuered me from great dangers , 2 Cor. 1.10 . and doest deliuer me , and I trust that yet thou wilt deliuer me . Helpe mee , that I giue no place to these misconstructions in my heart : I will not say with Iob in his impatiency , Thou hast set me as a marke against thee to shoote at , Iob 7.20 . and so confound this processe of my afflictions in no right discussing them : I will entertaine by thy grace my priuy checks , whereby thou knockest vpon mine heart , ô open thou it wide and fill it , ô thou that hast the key of Dauid , oh my faith , my small faith , how feeble and weake art thou ? thou doest not answer nor satisfie my heart , by apprehending and applying straightly into the armes of my soule ( O my poore soule ) that sauiour of mankind Iesus Christ .

CHRIST .

REason not ( most beloued Soule ) so vnsoundly faith is in thee , albeit it shew not in actions , and fruits , by which it is sen●ibly discerned ; for once wrought in thy soule , it alwaies continueth ; a sounding man is not dead , by the sicknesse of the soule in sinne , or outward violence of temptations it seemeth depriued of loue , hope , patience , &c. but by prayer , word , and spirit , it soone reuiueth ; weather-beaten trees in winter are naked of fruit and leaues , yet liue , and sucke nourishment of the earth . When the sweet shewers of my spirit shall distill vpon thee as in the spring , and the warme sunneshine of my Fathers loue appeare to thee , thou shalt growe greene and new in holy actions . Fire couered with ashes is no● extinguished . Is man without reason , because he hath no vse of it while hee sleepeth ; drousie , securely , hardnesse of heart , and dulnesse of spirit ouertaketh sometimes my best seruants , whose soules seeme so sick in the sence of sinne , that there oft appeareth no signe of life . Prescribe vnto mee no time , but wayt my leasure , and I will surely helpe thee : thou ca●st not discerne now of faith and infidelity , loue of me , and rebellion against me , betwixt sanctifications , ●nd the heauie masse of filthie corruption . Bee perswaded , that though thou hast no present sense and feeling of righteousnesse , Rom. 11.29 peace , and ioy in the holy Ghost : Yet , if euer thou hadst them truely in any degree , they are not taken from thee , intermission is not ab●uption , I will in my time finish my worke . Phil. 1.6 . The woman with child feele●h not the motion thereof alwaies , but hauing once felt it shee is perswaded shee is with childe ; so by the seede of the word , faith is begotten and sence of pardon of thy sins , yet after a while thou mayest wound thy conscience by sinne ; for i● pleaseth mee thereby to exercise thy faith , and manifest my power in thy weaknesse , yeelding to my selfe the praise of thy saluation . In this case prop vp thy declining fai●h , call to minde how oft I haue shewen thee my mercifull countenance , so doe the Saints , Psal. 77.5 . ●● . 11 . they remember my works and my wonders of olde , vpon them , and in them . Set before thy eyes my seruant Iob , who did comfort himselfe in his greatest extreamity with his friends ▪ and in his perplexity with himselfe , by calling to minde the by-past fruits of faith , and wonted workes of sanctification , which hee had obserued in himselfe in former times ; and concluded of them , Behold my signe that the Almighty is witnesse for mee . Iob 3.12.35 . Learne wisely to distinguish betwixt the habite and act of thy faith , for it is the ground of things which are hoped for , Heb. 11.1 . 1. Cor. 2.9 . and neither the eye hath seen , nor eare hath heard , nor heart can conceiue them . Remember it is a kind of infidelity to beleeue onely things subiect to sence● & vnderstandings , where feeling ceaseth , then faith beginneth the chiefe worke ; thy best faith sheweth it selfe when thou hast no sence , but rather discerne and feele the cleane contrarie , as to behold my loue through the vizard of my anger , and say , Iob 13.15 . Though thou kill me , yet will I trust in thee : for faith is not founded vpon thy feeling but vpon my gracious promises , immutable goodnesse , and infallible truth . If once thou hast tasted of mercy ( the which I know , and thou art perswaded thou hast done sundry and diuers times ) whatsoeuer thou apprehendest in thy present feeling , yet faith concludeth thou art still in fauour , Ioh. 13.1 . For whome I loue , I loue to the end , and of my own will , I did beget thee with the word of truth , Iames 1.18 bee not therefore faithlesse , but faithfull . Ioh. 20.27 .

The SOVLE .

MY spirit is refreshed , as the thirsty ground , O giue me more of the pure riuer of that water of life , Reuel . 22.1 pure as christall , proceeding out of the throne of God , and of thee the Lambe . This water thou giuest mee , is a Well of water in me , springing vp to eternall life . Ioh. 4.14 . But ( O my God ) my God , I make my moane to thee , of the weakenesse of my faith ! I doe not fully assent , vnto that I know , I am not surely perswaded of my saluation , but assaulted with doubting , that thy promises doe not belong vnto me , and that by my manifolde sins , I may bee separate ( which God forbid ) from thy loue .

CHRIST .

TO haue true faith is not to haue a perfect faith , neuer shaken with any temptations , for there was neuer such faith in anie man in the world ; for the most perfect , are partly Flesh , and partly Spirit ; the fruit of the Spirit is faith , the fruit of the flesh is doubting , which euer fight one against another : Rom. 1.17 . but there are Babes in me growing from fa●th to faith , Heb. 10.22 . till they attaine to that f●lnesse of pe●suasion , yet this weake faith is a true faith , as neuer so little gold is gold , and sufficient to saue the beleeuer : for my promises are not made to a strong faith , but to those that haue a true faith : Ioh. 3.18 . for hee that beleeueth shall bee saued . I haue no respect to the Quantitie and apprehension , but Qualitie : if it bee true and liuely , a little man is as truly man , as a great Gyant . My Apostles were ignorant in manie things , as , that I should redeeme mankind by my death : Mat. 16. Mat. 18.20 ●8 . Luk. 9 45 Luk. 24 11 Mar. 9.32 . Ioh. 13.36 Ioh. 14.5 . Act. 1.16 . Mar. ●0 . 37 when I told them I should be crucified , they vnderstood it not ; they knew not that I should rise againe : and being taught it , thought it a faigned thing : Were ignorant of my ascension and kingdome : for they dreamed of worldlie preferment . See now ( deare Soule ) how weak and smal this their faith is , which also is euident in that my reprehension . Wherefore are yee fearefull , O yee of little faith ? And yet notwithstanding , I compared it to a Rocke , against which the gates of Hell should not preuaile . Yea ( deare Soule ) al the power of Hel shal neuer preuaile against the smallest measure of faith : Phi. 3.13 . the weaker it is , the stronger is my power in sustayning it : the more Sathan winneth thee , the more effectuall is my intercession that thy Faith fayle not : the feebler thy faith is in apprehending mee , the more powerfull is my Spirit in apprehending thee , and in ioyning thee inseperably with mee . I wil not condemne the least measure of my grace bestowed vpon thee , neyther take it away after it is once bestowed ; but rather to him that hath will I giue , Mat. ●5 . 29 vntill he haue aboundance . Hee that hath one talent , shall haue it double . I doe reproue for small faith , but neuer for weake faith , no not him , who in the sence of his weaknesse sayd vnto mee , Mar 9.24 . Lord I beleeue , helpe my vnbeliefe .

The SOVLE .

O Lord increase my faith : Luk. 1.68 . Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel , because thou hast visited and redeemed my Soule , and hast raysed vp the horne of saluation vnto mee ; that beeing deliuered from my enemies , and the hands of all that hate mee : I should serue thee without feare all the dayes of my life , in holinesse and righteousnesse before thee . O how great is that peace of conscience and ioy in the Holie Ghost , which may be tasted , but cannot be vttered ! Now will I not dispute against my selfe longer for my actions , for beeing displeased with my person , I cannot be pleased with my doings : The body of sinne shall neuer be from me while I liue , the skum thereof is euer boyling in mee , foming out stinking sauour in my mind . I am wearie of my sinne , yet there is no time too late to repent . I will not count what I haue beene , but what I would bee : My workes will do nothing in the matter of my iustification , which from thee , & in thee , is freely giuen mee . I cannot resist Sathan , it is not possible I canne encounter him ; but in thee I am more than a Conqueror ouer them all : Neuer one fulfilled the Law but thou , and that thou hast giuen mee : My conscience seruing the Lawe of Grace , is a glorious Prince to triumph ouer sinne .

CHRIST .

O How faire art thou now my Loue ; Cant. 1.15 how fayre ar● thou ; Thou hast Doues-eyes : Thou hast seene thy shadow in the Water of Life : I haue brought thee ●o the banquetting-house , and my Banner ouer thee is Loue ; Ibid. 2.4 . So much right haue thie sins against thee , as how much they could doe against mee : thou art in me , and I in thee . I haue become sinne for thee , and Death ( like a Humming-Bee ) hath lost it sting . I will tell thee ( deare soule ) the Wife is not suable , but the Husband . I haue made all thy enemies sufficient answer , who shall iudge thee ? I am Iudge and acquite thee . Loe , heare my sentence , I will not thy death : To excuse thee I am better than the best man of Lawe euer was . I was accursed for thee : I am thy Law and libertie : for sin , I am thie Righteousnesse : against Sathan : thie Sauiour against Death , thy Life . Lay downe thy head in my lap with my beloued Iohn , and take thy rest .

The SOVLE .

MEe-thinkes I heare ●he voyce of my beloued ; behold , he commeth , leaping ouer the Mountaines of my sinnes , Cant. 2.8 . skipping vpon the Hill● of my griefes . Haue mercie vpon mee , heale my soule , for I haue sinned against thee ; forgiue all my i●iquities , and heale all my infirmities : yea , thou healest those that are broken in heart , and bindest vp their sores . Why art thou cast downe ( oh my Soule ? ) and why art thou disquieted within mee ? Wait still on God , for I will yet giue him thankes ; hee is my present helpe , and my God : Yet ( my Soule ) keep thou silence before God ; of him commeth thy saluation : He is thy strength , therfore shalt thou not much bee moued . Henceforth ( sweet Iesus ) I will not measure thy loue , by my sence & humor , neyther can any temptation ouer-take mee , but such as hath fallen in the nature of man , which haue all found mercie at thie hands , that thou mightest bee feared . Auoyd Sathan , I am not vnder the Law , but vnder grace : My sinnes are not only pardonable , but pardoned ; and from this time my conuersation is in Heauen . But ( alas ) I doe yet dailie , hour●lie , and e●uerie minute sinne against thee ; Gen. 6.5 . yea and euerie imagi●nation of the thoughts of my heart are onelie euill continually . Because of my corrup●ion I am vnworthie , and vnfit , for the kingdome of heauen . And where is then that weake faith which tho● earst requiredst in mee .

CHRIST .

I haue fulfilled the law , that thou , by mee , 2. Co. 5.21 might be made my Righteousnesse ; for I did alwaies the things that pleased my father , to abolish thy cor●ruption : Haue I not , Ioh. 8.21 . for thy sake , sanctified my selfe ? In me are all the promises of God are , 2. Cor. 1. yea , and Amen . vnto the glorie of God by thee : For it pleased the Father that in mee , all fulnesse should dwell , in whom thou also art perfected ; for there is no condemnation to them that are in Mee . I am thy Aduocate to pleade thie cause , yea rather my own cause . The question is not of thie worthinesse which thou renouncest , but of the merit of my obedience , and value of my death vnto thy saluation ; thy faith dependeth not vpon thy aduersaries testimonie : It is enough that thou feelest by my grace , that thou beleeuest , yea that thou mayest the rather persuade thy selfe of Faith , because he saith Thou hast none : knowing that Sathan is not only a Murtherer from the beginning , Ioh 8 44. and abode not in the truth ; but also a Lyer , and the Father of it . He is a notorious Deceiuer , vnwo●thie of credit , so of● sil●nced by mee and my seruants . Mar 2.24 Act. 16. ●● . Content thee to haue a competent knowledge of the Mysterie of thy Saluation by Mee . And whereas thou ( afflicted Soule ) desirest nothing more than to beleeue , though thou feele not a present operation of comfort by faith , yet that desire argueth a secret sence , which thou now canst not easily discerne , with assurance of better estate in time to come ; Esa. 65.13 . Mat 5.6 . Luk. 15.3 for thou art blessed that hungeredst for righteousnes , I will surely fil such with good things .

This secret seed of faith nourished by my Spirit in thee , witnesseth Sathans ejection out of thee by thy resistance , which is a part of a former worke in thee . Disquiet not thy heart , for that thou wantest ; make vse of that thou hast , which though it seeme little to thee , yet is more than Sathan is able to ouercome . Hee that fighteth is not yetcaptiue : he ●hat standeth against his enemies face is not vanquished : yea , thy holding out in so great weakenesse , argueth , that thou standest by a greater strength than thy owne , and shalt in the end triumph : Rom. 8.10 For though the bodie bee deade in resp●ct of Sinne , yet the Spirit is Life for righteousnesse sake . The Sinnes t●erefore proceeding from thie Corruption , Rom. 7.17 . are not thine , but Workes of the Flesh , wounded vnto death by My Death ; and shall bee abolished finally by Death , which shall end the battle betwixt the Flesh and the Spirit . The Sunne and Moone doe not perish in their Eclipses , no nor loose Light for euer . Neyther the sence of my goodnesse in thee shall loose his vertue for euer . I found thee when thou soughtest mee not : I will returne vnto my owne worke . I sende blessing with cros●es , least thou shouldest despaire ; and crosses with blessinges , least thou shouldest presume . Grieue thee not at my wise Dispensation .

The SOVLE .

I Finde ( deare Redeemer ) an interchangeable condition of Sorrowe and Comfort , of Faith and Feare . I haue had some affection to heare , knowledge of thie Will , purpose of amendment , in zeal● of Spirit called vpon Thee : but n●w I am in such agonie and conflict of conscience , that my Sinnes at all times , yea in my Prayers , yea while I begin to speake with thee ●ow ( sweet Iesus ) so liuely present themselues to my inward sight , that I am almost ag●st , and at my Wits-end .

CHRIST .

AS the sence of an aguish Man is corrupt , so is thie iudgement : in Temptation , things that are , seeme not to be , or not such as they are : Heb. 10.32.34 . Iob. 29.3 . Ps. 77.6.12 spirituall things must bee spiritually discerned . When Men are diseased ( deare Soule ) it cannot thereof bee concluded , that they were neuer in health : none can say they are a sleepe , which are so indeed . Prese●● discomforts take away the sence of mercie for a time , but in heauinesse and anguish of thy Spirit , remember comforts past , and assure thee of my returne in due time . The day was when thy assurance of my fauor was such , as Sa●han himselfe could not then deny the testimony which then my Spirit did beare to thie Spirit , Kom . 8.16 greater than eyther the testimonie of Men or Angels : for I loued thee before the foundation of the World was layd : Be not cruell vnto thy owne bowells : Why wouldst thou conspire with Sathan against thy selfe ? rather resist him , 1. Pet. 5.9 beeing stedfast in Faith : Resist him ( I say ) and hee will flie from thee ; for hee cannot worke any thing in thee , but by thy own consent : no motion shall hurt thee whereunto thou giuest not consent in hart , thou hast no sinne whiles in heart thou longest to bee free from it : thou wantest no goodnesse , which in heart thou couetest t● haue : Rom. 7. It is Sathans nature to contradict my spirit : for thus hee doth distresse and anguish afflicted soules , holding them in the cogitations of their sinnes , and suffers them not to see the length , bredth , heigth and depth of my mercies ; Eph. 3.18 . neither to know that my l●ue which passeth allvnderstanding , that thou mayest be filled with all the fulnesse of mee , who shall once determine these conslicting daies , where I which am in the mids of the throne shall feede thee , and lead thee vnto liuing fountaines of waters , Reu. 7. ●7 . & 14 13. Heb. 10.37 and shall wipe away all teares from thine eyes . Cast not therefore away thy confidence , which hath so great recompence of reward . And to vse thine enemies weapons against himselfe , he seeketh by torment of minde , to driue thee to dispaire . This is the most euident and sensible testimonie of grace and fauour with mee , if thou feele i● thy selfe the conflict of the flesh and spirit , that is , of faith against vnbeleefe , and of mee in thee against his power : and which is more , thou must know the worke of sanctification beginnes in the heart , and thence floweth into our whole life . Now thoughts , meditations and desires are deeds before me , and the fruits of faith are testifications of my spirit dwelling in thee , more pregnant and euiden then they may , or dare bee by Sathan himselfe denied . Striue not so to that thou hast not , as thou forget that which by my grace thou hast already , but assure thee of the continuance of it : for ●e that beleeueth maketh no haste , but liueth by faith ; good things to come thou must hold in hope , Hab. 2.3 . and pursue them in peace for yet a little while , and I that shall come , Heb. 10.37 wil come , and will not tarry .

& couenant made in the sprinckling of my bloud . My people after their calling , may fal in many foul sins , for this cause haue I commended my mercy in the Law for many and seuerall sorts of sins . Exod. 24.6.7 . The Iewes in Esaias daies , were as Sodom & Gomorrha , yet I said , though their sinnes were ●s crimson , Esa. 1.10 . they should bee white as snow . I exhorted them to turne to mee , Esa. 31.6 . which had deepely reuolted : yea , when they had rebelled and vexed my holy spirit , yet I desired them to pray vnto mee and forgaue them , Esa. 3.7.10 15.16 . and did I not heare Ephraim bem●aning himselfe thus ? thou hast chastized me , and I was chastized as a bullocke vnaccustomed to the yoake : Ier. 31.18.20 . turne thou me and I shall be turned , thou art the Lord my God . But since I did speake against him ( as now thou doest against thy selfe ) I do earnestly remember him still , therefore my bowels are tro●bled for him , I wil surely haue mercy vpon him : surely I am ●esus Christ vnchangeable ; was yesterday , is to day , and shall bee the same for euer . Heb. 13.8.6 . I am thy helper , feare not what man can doe vnto thee : when sicknes is at the highest , then there is greatest hope of diminishing ; hee cannot bedrowned which hath his head aboue the water , I am thy head in heauen , who haue bruized the Serpents head on earth .

The SOVLE .

OH I feele if thy spirit make mee free , Ioh. 8.36 . I shall bee free indeede : create in mee a cleane heart ( deare I●●us ) and renew a right spirit within mee ; restore to me the ioy of thy saluation , and establish me with thy free spirit ; let my prayer be directed in thy sight as incense , and the lifting vp of my hands , as an euen sacrifice , Psal. 141.2 ▪ Psal. 119.108 . O Lord I beseech thee accept the free offerings of my mouth , teach mee thy iudgements , Zach. 19.9 Reioice greatly my Soule behold thy King is come vnto thee , he is iust , & hauing saluation & he is lowly . O open ye the gates of my soule , and let in the Prince of glorie : Thou that dwellest in the heauens doest looke vnto me that am poore , Esa. 66.2 . and of a contrite h●●r 〈◊〉 and I tremble at thy words . I was very sore ●●flicted , ô Lord quic●en me according to thy word . Psal. 119.10 . & 119 52. I haue remembred thy iu●gements of olde , and haue beene comforted . I liue , yet not I now , but thou liu●st in me , thy father that gaue me vnto thee is greater then all , Gal. 2.20 . and none can take me out of thy hand . Ioh. 10.29 . To thee therefore that loueth me , and washeth mee from my sinnes in thine owne bloud , and hast mad● mee King , and Pri●st vnto Thee , onely wise God , my Sauiour , bee glory and Maiestie , dominion and power , now and for euer . Amen .

FINIS .