The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature and necessity of it is discovered. : As also the Christian directed how he may perform it in [brace] religious duties, natural actions, his particular vocation, his family directions, and his own recreations. / By George Swinnock ...

1 TIM. 4.7 .

But refuse prophane and old wives fables , and exercise thy self unto godliness .

Exercise thy self unto Godliness .

CHAP. I. The Preface and Coherence of the Text.

THe unclean spring of ungodliness divideth it self ( like the third African gulf ) into two main cursed channels Atheism and Superstition . In one of which , Plin. nat. hist. lib. 5. cap. 4. all the children of men swim by nature , and very many , as the filly fish , down the streams of Jordan , till they descend into the lake of Sodom , the dead sea of hell , and perish . Which of these two passages are most fatal and perillous , seems worth our inquiry . The waters in the former stream are deepest ; Atheism denieth the very being of God : But to prevent sinking in these waters , Nature her self hath provided some skin-deep bladders ; for though there be many Atheists in practice , yet there be no Atheists in principles . The being of a Deity was so fairly written on the tables of mans heart at first , that though it be exceedingly blotted and blurred by the fall , yet it is still legible . Those Heathen , as Caligula and others who endeavoured to extinguish that candle of the Lord , which shewed them a first cause , or being of beings , could never accomplish it . It is a part of that Law which is written in all mens hearts , Rom. 2.15 . The * * Cicer. de rat deorum . Orator could say , That no Nation was so barbarous , as to deny the being of a God . † † ●actant . Inst Epicu● u●●psum quem nibil pudendum pudet , tamen Deum neg●e pudet . Mornae●s de verit . Christ . relig c 1. Tullus Hostilius , third King of the Romans , who derided his Predecessor Numas sacrifices , saying , That Religion did but effeminate mens mind , did himself ( as Lactantius in Instit. observes ) worship the god Fear . Idolatry is a clear proof that all men beleive a Deity , otherwise they would never worship ( not onely the Sun , as the Masagetes , but ) dead men as the Grecians ; whom their Governours would appoint , as the Romans ; Cats , Dogs and Horses , as the Aegyptians , Idem ibid. and any thing rather then nothing . Though there be , saith a learned Author , Nations without Kings , without Laws , without cloaths , yet there are none without a God . When man fell , this truth stood .

The waters in the latter stream are not so deep , but they seem more dangerous ; for Nature is a friend to Superstition , though an enemy to Atheism : It would give God some worship , but it must be in its own way . Atheism denieth the being of a Deity ; Superstition undermineth the authority of God . The Atheist would have no God , the Superstitious would be his own God ; his Will not Gods Word is the rule of his Worship . In this gulph , hath many a soul been swallowed up : The Atheist turneth to the left hand , the Superstitious to the right hand , but he must turn to neither , that will keep his feet from evil , Prov. 4. ult.

The Text presenteth us with a caution against the poison of * * Fabulosam doctrinam & prophanam vocat eam quae in ritihus & disciplina vitae aliquid excogitat praeter sacrae scripturae mentem , Huic opponit 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 hoc est veram rationem colendi deum . Aret. in loc. ●ngiendum est in disciplina morali 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , fabulosum , hoe est quod speciem habet antiquitatis sed cum vero D●i cultu non congruit . Idem . ibid. Superstition , and propoundeth to us the golden Medium between the two extreams ; Avoid or refuse old wives fables , and exercise thy self unto godliness .

The scope of the Apostle in this Epistle is to furnish Timothy with necessary directions for , and to fortifie him against the opposition he should meet with in the work of the Ministry .

In this Chapter Paul doth prophetically forewarn Timothy of , and practically forearm him a-against the Apostacy of the latter times .

In it first , the Malady is described , and 2. The Remedy is prescribed .

First , The Apostacy is described . 1. By the sure determination of it ; the Spirit speaketh expresly , had it been doubtful , it need not have been so dreadful , but its certain , and therefore calls for the more caution .

2. By the season of it , In the latter times . When the world groweth old , it will dore and decline ; when it comes to the bottom , it will run dregs . Its last days which should be best , will be its worst days

3. By the causes procuring it , Seducing spirits , and Doctrine of devils , Satan and his Emissaries will , like Sampsons Foxes carry firebrands abroad to set the world in a hellish flame .

Secondly , The Remedy is prescribed , in reference to himself .

Something he must forbear , Refuse prophane and old wives fables ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Rejice Piscat . Beza . Excommunica , alii . If thou wouldst not swim down with the tide of those apostatising times , take heed of steering thy course by prophane though ancient customs : Refuse them with scorn , reject them with anger ; let thy spirit rise and thy stomack turn at the very sight of such sins . One way to prevent Apostacy , is to refuse ungrounded antiquity . The will of the Father of spirits , not the ways of the fathers of our flesh is to be the rule of our walking . It is well observed that God in no command but the second ( which forbids his Worship in any way not appointed by his Word ) threatneth to visit the sins of the fathers upon the children , because superstitious . Worshippers are of all men most strengthned by the Traditions of their Fathers . They will tell us . Shall we be wiser then our Fathers . Now because they are resolved to sin with their Fathers , God is resolved they shall suffer for their Fathers . They that will follow their forefathers in sin , for ought I know must follow their forefathers to hell . If Timothy would not share in others declensions , he must forbear others traditions , Refuse prophane and old wives fables .

Something he must also follow after , Exercise thy self unto godliness : This is the special help which the skilful physician appointeth his beloved patient in those infectious times to preserve his soul in health . As a pestiferous air is very dangerous to the body , yet for a man to get , and make it his work to keep a sound constitution will be an excellent means to prevent infection : So an Apostatizing place or people is very dangerous to the soul ( spiritual diseases are more catching and killing then corporal ) but a spiritual habit of a real sanctity , with a constant care to continue and increase it , will be a soveraign means to preserve it in safety . Bodies without life quickly corrupt and become unsavory ; not so living creatures : Running waters are sweet and clean , when standing ponds putrifie and abound in vermine . He that is ever trading and thriving in godliness need not fear that he shall prove a bankrupt : Carts overthrow not going up hill .

Timothy is considerable in his twofold capacity .

1. As a Minister of Christ , or in his particular calling , in this respect he must exercise himself to godliness . Non tan tum sana doctrina , sed eti●m pia & relig●ola vita m●●i●ri verbo opus ●st Beza in loc A Pastor must not onely some days give precepts , but every day give a pattern to his people , he must not onely 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , but also 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 not onely divide the word rightly , but also order his conversation aright . He must as Nazianzen said of Basil , thunder in his doctrine , and lighten in his life . Singular holiness is required of those that minister about holy things : as Painters , they must teach by their hands , by their lives , as well as by their lips .

Ministers must exercise themselves to godliness , that is , do their duties with the greatest diligence . They are sometimes called the Salt of the earth , Matt. 5 13 14 , because they must waste themselves to prevent corruption in others . Sometime the light of the world , they must consume themselves to direct others in the way to heaven . Greg in 1. cap. lob . Gregory observeth that the Spirit of God appeared in two shapes , in the shape of a Dove signifying innocency , in the shape of Fire signifying activity . The zeal of Gods house ( not the rust of idleness ) must eat the Minister up ; he must be a burning shining light ; if ever he would thaw the frozen hearts of his hearers , Quic quid d●cit Lutherus quicquid scribit id in a●in : as pe●etrat & mirificos relinquit acul●os in cordibus ●o minum Melch. Adam . in vit. Luther . our Chappels must not be turned into Chappels of ease ; Christ neglected his food , spent his strength , wrought so hard that he was thought to be beside himself . We are called Fishers , Labourers , Souldiers , Watchmen , all which are laborious callings . We are compared to clouds , the clods of the earth lye still , but the clouds of heaven are ever in motion , and dissolve themselves to refresh others .

But alas how many fleece their flocks , Sacerdotum nomi●a acce●imus non ad quiet●n● sed ad labore●● ut inver amu● in oper● q●od sig●amur in no mine Greg. l. 4. ep. 8. but never feed them , as if their Benesices were Sine cures . The Green-sickness is the maids , and laziness many Ministers disease : Who is instant in season and out of season ? It was a notable speech of Boniface the Martyr , to one that asked him , whether it was lawful to give the Sacramental wine in a wooden cup. Time was , when we had wooden cups and golden Priests , but now we have golden cups and wooden priests .

CHAP. II. The opening of the Text and the Doctrine .

2. TImothy is to be considered as a member of Christ , or in his general calling ; and so this Exhortation belongs to every Christian .

In it we may observe these three parts .

1. The act , Exercise . 2. The subject of that act , Thy self . 3. The object about which it was to be conversant , Vnto godliness ; Exercise thy self unto godliness .

I shall briefly open the terms in the Text , and then lay down the Doctrinal truth .

Exercise ] The word signifieth , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Exercei semeti●sem ad pietatem qui diligerter intambit action bus qui bus deus servitur . Est . in loc strip thy self naked ; it s a metaphor from Runners , or Wrestlers , who being to contend for the prize , and resolved to put forth all their strength and power , lay aside their cloaths which may hinder them , and then bestir themselves to purpose ; as if Paul had said , O Timothy , let godliness be the object of all thy care and cost . Follow thy general calling with the greatest industry ; pursue it diligently , do not loiter but labour about it : lay aside what may hinder , lay hold of what may further , and mind it as the main and principal work which thou hast to do in this world .

Thy self ] A Christians first care must be about his own spiritual welfare . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Religion commands us to be mindful of , and helpful to our neighbours and relations ; The Sun rayeth out his refreshing beams , and the Spring bubleth up her purling streams for the good of others . Fire in the chimney warmeth the whole room , but it is burning hot on the hearth . Grace in a Saint will make him useful to sinners , but chiefly ( though not solely ) to his own soul . Timothy , be not like a burning glass to put others into a flame , whilst thou thy self remainest unfired , but work hard to exalt holiness in thine own heart : Exercise thy self .

Vnto godliness ] Godliness is taken in Scripture either strictly or largely . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Verum & rectum dei culium significat maxi ●● socris Scrip 〈◊〉 . H●braea ph●asi timor domini vocatur . Sv●us interp. justitiam vocat . Est in loc.

1. Strictly , and then it includeth onely the immediate worship of God , or obedience to the First Table , and is distinguished from righteousness , Tit. 2.11 , 12. so ungodliness is distinct from unrighteousness , Rom. 1.18 .

2. Largely , And then it comprehendeth our duty to our neighbour , as well as to God , and obedience to the Second as well as the first Table , so righteousness is religion , and in our dealings with men we may do our duty to God ; it s taken thus , 1 Tim. 6.6 . and in the Text. The good Husbandman makes no balks in the field of Gods precepts . Timothy must make it his trade to pay God and men their due . He must not like the Pharisees seem as tender of the First Table as of the apple of his eye , and trample the second as dirt under his feet ; they prayed in Gods house all day , to prey upon the widows house at night ; nor as some ( whom the world call honest men ) who will not wrong their neighbours of the least mite , and yet wickedly rob God of many millions ; they steal from him both time and love , and trust and bestow them on earthly trifles ; the bird that will flye well must use both wings ; the Waterman if he would have his boat move rightly , must ply both oars ; the Christian if he would make any thing of his heavenly trade must minde both Tables .

The Truth that I shall draw from the Text is this , That Godliness ought to be minded , as every ones main and principal business . Exercise thy self unto godliness .

Religion must be our cheif occupation . The great Trade that we follow in this world , must be the Trade of Truth .

It is observable , that the more noble and singular a being is , the more it is imployed in a suitable working . God who is the highest in perfections , is not onely the holiest but the most constant and diligent in his operations . Hitherto my Father worketh and I work , Joh. 5.17 . His work indeed is without weariness , his labour without the least lassitude ( as they say of Heaven Coeli motus quies ) all Gods working days are Sabbaths , days of rest ; but he is a pure act , and he is every moment infinitely active from and for himself . Angels are next to God in being , and so are next to him in working . They do God the most service , and they do him the best service ; they serve God without sin , and they serve him without ceasing ; he makes his Angels spirits , and his Ministers a flame of fire , Heb. 1.7 . spirits are the most active creatures with life , fire is the most active creature without life , a flame is the most operative part of the fire : Thus active are Angels in working for God . Some by fire understand lightnings , by spirits , winds . As winds and lightnings presently pass through the earth , so Angels presently fulfil Gods holy Will.

Now as he hath given man a more excellent being , then the rest of the visible world , so hath he called him to follow after and abound in the most excellent work . God hath appointed contemplation or vision to be mans reward in heaven . To see God as he is , and to know him as he is known of him ; but service and action to be his work on earth , to exercise himself to godliness .

Some read that , Job 5.7 . thus , Man is born to work as the sparks flie upward . Indeed it is the decreed lot of all mankind to labour . Adam was called to industry in his state of innocency , Gen. 2.15 . and since mans fall , Non est panis cujusquam proprius , nec summi quidem re gis nisi strenue laboret in vocatione sua . Rol. 1 Thess. 3.6 . his work which was before his pleasure , is now his punishment , if he eat not his bread in the sweat of his brow or his brains , he steals it : He that like a body louse lives upon others sweat , is like Jeremiahs girdle good for nothing . But the main work which God commandeth and commendeth to the children of men , is to glorifie him upon earth , by exercising themselves to godliness . This is Gods precept , and this hath been the Saints practice : This is Gods precept , Work out your salvation with fear and trembling , Phil. 2.12 . In which words we have the Christians end , eternal life , Salvation ; and the means to attain it diligent labour , work out your salvation ; he had need to labour hard that would attain Heaven . Non dicit 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , operaminised 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , acurate magnoque cum stud●o operamini , cum m●●ta dil●gentia & solicitudine pergite vestram operari salutem . A Lapid . in Phil. 2. Godliness must be not 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , his by-business , but 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , his main business . The Jews have a proverb ( alluding to Manna , which was to be gathered the sixth day for the seventh , because on the seventh none fell from heaven ) He that gathereth not food on the Sabbath eve , shall fast on the Sabbath day . Intimating thereby that none shall reign in Heaven but such as have wrought on earth .

This hath been the Saints practice , Our conversation is in heaven , Phil. 3.18 . Though our habitations be on earth , yet our 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , our negotiation is in heaven . As a Merchant that lives in London drives a great trade in Turky , or the remotest part of the Indies : So Paul and the Saints traded and traffiqued afar off in the other world above , even when their abodes were here below . Godliness was their business ; Christianity was minded and followed as their principal trade and calling : It is the calling of some , to plough , and sow , and reap : The Christian makes and follows it as his calling , to plough up the fallow ground of his heart , to sow in righteousness , that he may reap in mercy , Hos. 10.12 . The trade of others is to buy and sell ; the godly man is the wise Merchant trading for goodly pearls , that sells all to buy the field where the pearl of great price is , Matth. 13.43 .

For the Explication of this Truth , That religion or godliness ought to be every ones principal business , I shall speak to these three things :

First , What Religion or godliness is .

Secondly , What it is for a man to make Religion his business , or to exercise himself to Godliness

Thirdly , Why every Christian must mind Godliness as his main business .

CHAP. III. What Godliness is .

FOr the first , what Religion is . The derivation of the word , will somewhat help to the explication of the thing , the Latin word Religio from which our English word comes , C●●er . ●b. 2. de 〈◊〉 d●●r . ●●●●h . ●on . ● . lib. 1. de relig. cap. 13. Some derive a Relegendo , because men by serious reading come to be Religious , grace sometimes findeth a passage through the sight into the soul . The eye ( as in Austin and Junius ) hath affected the heart , Zanchy derives it a Religendo , or rather a re-eligendo from chosing again , or a second time , because a Religious person chuseth God for his chiefest good and portion . His first choice was carnal of the flesh and the creature but his second choice is spiritual of God and Christ , and this choice is Religion . Austin and Lactantius ( to whom I rather incline ) derive it a Religando from binding or knitting , Aug. Tom. 1. lib. de vera relig. Lact. lib. 4. Divin . inflit . c. 18. because it is the great bond to joyn and tie God and man together . As the parts of the body are knit to the head , by the nerves and sinews , so man is knit to God by Religion . Sin and irreligion separate God and man asunder , your iniquities have separated between you and your God , Isa. 59.2 . Godliness and Religion unite God and man together , I will dwell in them and walk in them , and I will be their God , and they shall be my people . 2 Cor. 6.16 : Atheism is a departing or going away from God , Eph. 4.18 . Heb. 3.12 . Religion is a coming or returning unto God , Heb. 10.22 . Jer. 3.1 . The great misery of man by his fall , is this , He is far from God ; And the great felicity of man by favour , is this , He draweth nigh to God , Psa. 73.2 . ult. Jam. 4.8 . Irreligion is a turning their backs upon God , but Religion is a seeking the face of God , and a following hard after him , Psa. 2.3 . Psa. 27.8 . Psa. 63.8 . By ungodliness men wander and deviate from God , by godliness men Worship , and are devoted to God , Psa. 119.150 and 38. verses .

The Grecians call it 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Beza thinks , Beza in Col. 2.18 from Orpheus a Thracian , who first taught the Mysteries of Religion among his Countrymen . Ab 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 hene vel recte & 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 colo . The word in the Text is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , which in a Word signifieth right or straight worship , according to which I shall describe it thus .

Godliness is a Worshipping the true God in heart and life , according to his revealed Will .

In this description of Godliness I shall observe four parts . First , The Act , it is a Worship . Secondly , The Object of this Act , the true God . Thirdly , The Extent of this Worship , in heart and life . Fourthly , The Rule , according to his revealed Will .

First , Cultus religiosus est obsequium supremum illi soli debitum qui est principium & autor tam creatio is quam beatificationis nostrae Daven . Determ . For the Act , Godliness is a Worship ; Worship comprehends all that respect which man oweth and giveth to his Maker , it is that service and honour , that fealty and homage , which the creature oweth and tendereth to the fountain of his being and happiness ; it is the Tribute which we pay to the King of Kings , whereby we acknowledge his Soveraignty over us , and our dependance on him . Cultus corporis & cultus conscientiae . Give unto the Lord the Honour due unto his Name , Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness , Psa. 29.2 . To Worship God is to give him the Glory which is due to him ; It is a setting the Crown of Glory on Gods Head , to render him due honour , is true Holiness ; To deny this is Atheisme and Irreligion . All that inward reverence and respect , and all that outward obedience and Service to God , which the word injoyneth , is included in this one word Worship .

This Worshipping God , is either external or internal , God is to be worshipped with the body , Joshua fell on his face and Worshipped , Josh. 5.14 . Moses bowed his head and Worshipped , Exod. 4.32 . Jesus lifted up his eyes to Heaven and Prayed , Joh. 17.1 . David lifted up his hands to God , Psa. 63.4 . The bodies of Saints shall be glorified with God hereafter , and the bodies of Saints must glorifie God here , Phil. 3.21 . Rom. 12.1 .

Inward worship is sometimes set forth by loving God , Jam. 2.5 . sometimes by trusting him , Psa. 16.1 . sometimes by delighting in him , Psa. 37.3 . sometimes by sorrow for offending him , Psa. 51.3 . because this Worship of God ( as one peice of gold containeth many peices of silver ) comprehendeth all of them . All the graces are but so many links of this golden chain . As all the members of the natural body are knit together , and walk always in company , so all the parts of the new man are joyned together , and never go but as the Israelites out of Egypt , with their whole train ; If there be one Wheel missing in a Watch , the end of the whole is spoiled ; if one grace should be wanting in a Saint , he would be unsainted . There is a concatenation of graces , as well as of moral vertues . Those that Worship God give him their hottest love , their highest joy , their deepest sorrow , their strongest faith , and their greatest fear , as Abraham gave Isaac , he gives God all .

What Moses cals fearing God , Deut. 6.13 . our Saviour quoting , calls Worshipping God ( Mat. 4.9 , 10. ) by a Synecdoche , because the former is both a part and a sign of the latter . As when the guard are watching at the Court gate , or on the stairs , and examining those that go in , it s a sign the King is within , so when the fear of God stands at the door of the heart , to examine all that go in , least the Traytor Sin should steal in slily , it s a sign that God is within , that he sits upon the Throne of the soul and is worshipped there .

Secondly , The Object , the true God . All Religion without the knowledge of the true God , is a meer notion , a very empty nothing , Divine Worship is one of the chiefest jewels of Gods Crown , Cove ne qu●cquam vel mente agnoscas vel corpore colas ut Deum , praet r me Ienovam Deum iuum . Calv. in 1. mand . which he will by no means part with , God alone is the Object of the godly mans worship , Exod. 20.2 . His hope is in God , Psa. 39.7 . his dependance is on God , Psa. 62.8 . His dread is of God , Psa. 119.122 . His love is to God , Ps. 18.1 . God is the onely object of his prayers , Psal. 5.3 . and 44 20. and of God alone are all his praises , Psal : 103.1 . God alone is to be worshipped , because he alone is worthy of worship ; Thou art worthy , O Lord , to receive glory , and honor , and power , for thou hast created all things , Rev. 4.11 .

To hold any thing in opinion , or to have any thing in affection for God which is not God , is Idolatry ; to worship either men , as the Samaritans did Antiochus Epiphanes , ( stiling him the mighty God ) or the host of Heaven , as the Ammonites ; or the Devil , as the Indians ; or the Belly , as the Glutton ; or Riches , as the Covetous ; or the Cross , as the Papist , is unholiness .

There is a civil worship due to men , Gen. 48.11 . but sacred worship is due onely to God ; and he is a jealous God , who will not give his glory to strangers , nor his praise to images .

The Heathen worshipped several gods , the Assyrians worshipped Belus ; the Tyrians , Baal ; the Athenians , Diana ; the Samians , Juno ; the Lemnians , Vulcan ; the Moabites , Chemosh ; the Syrians Rimmon ; the E Kronites , Baalzebub ; the Babylonians , Bell ; those Infidels , as one observeth well had their Deos mortuos , Idols ; mortales men ; mortiferos Lusts : therefore its considerable that when the Apostle speaketh of the Gentiles , during the time of their unregeneracy , whilst they served false gods , he saith , they lived without God , Eph. 2.12 . False gods are no Gods ; an Idol is nothing . 1 Cor. 4.8 .

Thirdly , The extent , In heart and life : Godliness is the worshipping God in the inward motions of the heart , and the outward actions of the life ; where the spring of the affections is clear , and the stream of the conversation runs clear , there is true godliness , the Egyptians of all fruits would make choice of the Peach to consecrate to their goddess , and they gave this reason for it , because the fruit thereof resembleth an heart , and the leaf a tongue . As they gave heart and tongue to the false god , we must to the true God . Heart-godliness pleaseth God best , but Life godliness honours him most ; the conjunction of both make a compleat Christian . In a godly mans heart , though some sin be left , yet no sin is liked ; in his life , though sin may remain , yet no sin reigns : His heart is suitable to Gods Nature , and his life is answerable to Gods Law ; and thence he is fitly denominated a Godly man .

In heart , Hypocrisie is a practical Blasphemy ; I know the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews and are not . Gods eye taketh most notice of the jewel of spiritual devotion ; the eyes of men , of the cabinet of outward adoration . My son give me thy heart , saith God , Pro. 33.26 . The Heart is the King in the little world , Man ; which giveth Laws both to the inward powers , and outward parts , and reigneth and ruleth over them at pleasure .

The life of Godliness lyeth much more in the heart then in the life ; and the Saints character is from their inward carriage towards God , they worship God in the Spirit , Phil. 3.3 . A great French Peer is called le bon Chrestien , the good Christian , because they say it is never rotten at the core ; God is a Spirit , and he will be worshipped in spirit and in truth , Joh. 4.24 . In truth , that is scripturally , opposite to the inventions of mens heads : In Spirit , that is sincerely , opposite to the dissimulation of mens hearts . The deeper the belly of the Lute is the pleasanter the sound ; the deeper our worship comes from the heart , the more delightful it is in Gods ears .

And Life godliness , as it sets God on the Throne of the conscience , so it walks with God in the conversation . Though the spiritual ( as the natural ) life begin at the heart , yet it doth not end there , but proceeds to the hands ; the same water appeareth in the Bucket which is in the Well . As when the heart is like a dunghil full of filth , it sends forth a noisom and unsavoury stench in the life ; so when the heart is like a box of musk , it perfumes and sents the tongue , and eyes , and ears , and hands , and whatsoever is near it with holiness : Worship is called the name of God , Ps. 29. and worshipping , a praising him , 2 Chron. 7.3 . Because as a man by his name , so God by his worship is known in the world ; and those that worship him in their practices , do before the eyes of the world give him praise .

Fourthly , The Rule , according to his revealed will Every part of Divine Worship , must have a Divine Precept . As the first Command teacheth us what God is to be worshipped , so the second Command teacheth in what way he will be worshipped . The Tabernacle and all the instruments thereof , yea the very snuffers and ash-pans were to be made exactly according to the pattern in the mount , Exod. 25.40 . Heb. 8.5 . Typifying that all the exercise of worship used by the Church , whether in Doctrine or Discipline , must be conformed to the written Word , Gal. 1.8 . Our Religion must be not onely rational but regular ; our worship must be both universal and canonical , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Gal. 6.16 . As many as walk according to this canon , or rule , peace be unto them . The Saints service must be Word-service , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Ro. 12.1 . so the word is rendred by our Translators , 1 Pet. 2.2 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , the sincere milk of the Word . The institutions of Christ , not the inventions of men are the rule of worship . Our work is not to make Laws for our selves or others , but to keep the Laws which the great Prophet of his Church hath taught us : that coyn of worship which is currant amongst us must be stampt by God himself . Traditioni humanae nomen religionis applicant , ut religio appelletur , cum sit sacrilegium quia quod contra authorear est sacrilega mente in ventum est Amb. in Col. 2. We are to be governed as the point in the compass , not by the various winds ( the practices of former ages , or the fashions of the present generation which are mutable and uncertain ) but by the constant heavens . Our devotion must be regulated exactly according to the Standard of the Word . It is Idolatry to worship a false god , or the true God in a false manner .

Men indeed are no sooner pluckt out of the pit of Atheism , Nihiladeo offendit hominum mentes ut sim plicitas divinorum operum , Tertul. but they presently climb the high places of superstition , delighting to go from one extream to another . As a gay suit of apparel , so the service of God in a gaudy dress , is most taking with carnal eyes . I have read of a Popish Lady in Paris , that when she saw a glorious procession to one of their Saints , cryed out , Oh how fine is our Religion beyond , that of the Huguenots , they have a mean and beggarly religion , but ours is full of bravery and solemnity . But as Heraulds say of a coat of Arms , The second commandment bindes to the true worship of the true God , which is only as himself commandeth and by the means , rites and services which he ordaineth . Ainsw Arrows . against Idols cap. 1. if it be full of gays and devices it speaks a mean descent ; so truly that manner of worship which is mingled with mens inventions , speaks its descent to be mean ; namely , from man . To the Law and to the Testimonies , if they speak not according to this , it is because there is no light in them , Isa. 8.20 .

Such may serve God with more pomp then others , but I am confident they serve him to less . profit then others , In vain do they worship me , teaching for doctrines the commandments of men , Matth. 15.9 . their worship is in Gods account no worship , they who made Temples , Altars and Ceremonies of their own heads , thought that they had remembred God , but he tells them plainly that they had forgotten him , Hos. 8.11 , 13 , 14. Men manifest abundance of arrogancy in undertaking to prescribe newer and neater ways of worship then God himself , as if they excelled his Majesty in wisdom ; but little do they think how exceedingly by such practices they provoke him to fury , Will-worship Ezek. 8.3 , 4 , 5 , per tot . Ezek. 43.8 . In their setting of their thresholds by my thresholds , and their posts by my posts , they have even defiled my holy name by the abominations which they have committed ; wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger , So Ezek. 6.9 . 2 Chron. 7.20 .

CHAP. IV. What it is for a man to make Religion his business , or to exercise himself to Godliness

I Proceed to the second particular promised , is to shew what it is for a man to exercise himself to Godliness . It implyeth these three things .

First , To give it the precedency in all our actions ; that which a man maketh his business he will be sure to minde , whatsoever he omits . A good Husband will serve his shop before his sports , and will sometimes offer an handsom & warrantable kind of disrespect to his friends , that his calling may have his company ; he will have some excuse or other to avoid diversions , and force his way to his trade through all opposition , and all because he makes it his business : He that makes Religion his business , carrieth himself towards his general , as this man doth towards his particular calling : In his whole life he walks with God , and is so mannerly and dutiful as to give God the upper hand all the way . He knoweth that his God must be worshipped , that his family must be served , and that his calling must be followed ( for Religion doth not nullifie , onely rectifie his carriage towards his earthly vocation ) but each in their order , that which is first in regard of excellency , is first in regard of his industry . He is not so unnatural as to serve his cattle before his children , nor so Atheistical as to serve his body and the world before his soul and his Saviour . He is so sensible of his infinite ingagements to the blessed God , that he allotteth some time every day for his religious duties , and he will be sure to pay God home to the utmost of his ability whosoever he compounds with or pays short .

As he saile along through the tempestuous sea of this world towards his eternal Haven of rest , he hath many temporal affairs in his company , but he is specially careful that they keep their distance , and strike sail through the whole voyage . If his worldly-businesses offer , like Hagar , to justle or quarrel for preheminence with their superior , Religion , he will if possible chide them , into subjection and cause them to submit ; but rather cast them out , then suffer them to usurp Authority over their Mistris .

He that minds Religion by the by , will if other things intervene , put it back , and be glad of an excuse to wave that company , to which he hath no love ; nay he doth in the whole course of his life , prefer his Swine , as the Gadarens , before his soul ; set the Servant on Horse-back , and suffer the Master to go on foot . His voice to Religion is like the Jews to the poor man in vile Rayment ; stand thou there , or fit thou here under my foot-stool ; and his words to the World , are like theirs to the man in goodly apparel , Come up hither , or sit thou here in a good place , James 2.2 , 3. He doth like Jacob , lay the right hand of his care and diligence upon the youngest Son , the body ; and the left hand upon the first born of the soul ; That which was Esaus curse is esteemed by him as a blessing , that the Elder serves the Tounger ; He is so unwise as to esteem lying vanities before real mercies ; often so unworthy , as to forget God , whosoever he remembreth ; and so uncivil at best , as to give God the Worlds leavings , and to let the Almighty Creator Dance attendance till he pleaseth to be at leasure . If he be in the midst of his devotion , he makes an end upon the smallest occasion , Plut. and is like the Patriarch , who ran from the Altar when he was about his Office , to see a Fole new fallen from his beloved Mare .

But every Saint like Solomon first builds an house for God , and then for himself . Whoever be displeased , or whatever be neglected , he will take care that God be worshipped ; Abrahams Steward , when sent to provide a Wife for Isaak , though meat were set before him , refused to eat till he had done his errand , Gen. 24.33 . Godliness is the errand about which man is sent into the World , now as faithful servants we must prefer our Message before our meat , and serve our Master before our selves .

He that makes godliness his business , gives it the first of the day , and the first place all the day . He gives it the first of the day ; Jesus Christ was at prayer , a great while before day , Mark 1.35 . Abraham rose up early in the morning to offer Sacrifice . Gen. 22.1 . So did Job 1. and 5. David cryeth out O God , my God , early will I seek thee , Psa. 63.1 . In the morning will I direct my prayer to thee , and look up , Psa. 5.3 . The Philistines in the morning early offered to their God Dagon . The Persian Magi Worshipped the rising Sun , with their early hymns , The Saint in the morning waits upon Heavens Majesty . As soon as he awakes , he is with God , one of his first works when he riseth , is to ask his Heavenly Father Blessing . Like the Lark he is up early , singing sweetly the praise of his Maker , and often with the Nightingale late up , at the same pleasant tune .

He finds the morning a greater friend to the Graces , then it can be to the Muses . Naturalists tell us that the most orient pearles , are generated of the Morning dew . Sure I am , he hath sweet communion with God in morning duties .

Reader , Let me tell thee , if Religion be thine occupation , thy business , God will hear from thee in the morning , one of the first things after thou art up will be to fall down and worship him . Thy mind will be most free in the morning , and thine affections most lively ( as those strong waters are fullest of spirits which are first drawn ) and surely thou canst not think but that God who is the best and chiefest good , hath most right to them , and is most worthy of them .

As a godly man gives religion the precedency of the day , so he gives it the precedency in the day ; The Jews ( some say ) divide their day into prayer , labour and repast , and they will not omit prayer , either for their meat or labour . Grace ( as well as nature ) teacheth a godly man not to neglect either his Family or body , but it teacheth him also to prefer his soul , and his God before them both . Seneca though an Heathen , could say , I am greater , and born to greater things then to be a drudge to , and the slave of my body . A Christians Character , is that he is not carnal , or for his body , but spiritual , or for his soul , Rom. 8. It was a great praise which Ambrose speaks of Valentinian , Never man was a better servant to his Master , then Valentinians body was to his soul .

This is the godly mans duty , to make Heaven his Throne , and the Earth his foot-stool . It s the exposition which one gives upon those words , Subdue the Earth , Gen. 1.28 . that is thy body , and all earthly things to thy soul . Our earthly callings must give way to our Heavenly , we must say to them as Christ to his Disciples . Tarry you here while I go and pray yonder , and truely godliness must be first in our Prayers , Hallowed be thy Name , thy Kingdom come , before , give us this day our daily bread ; and first in all our practices seek first the Kingdom of God , and the righteousness thereof , and all other things shall be added to you . Mat. 6.33 .

Secondly , to make Religion ones business , containeth to pursue it with industry , in our conversations . A man that makes his calling his business , is not lazy but laborious about it , what pains will he take ? what strength will he spend ? how will he toil and moil at it early and late ? The Tradesman , the Husbandman , eat not the bread of Idleness , when they make their callings their business ; if they be good Husbands , they are both provident to observe their seasons , and diligent to improve them for their advantage , they do often even dip their food in their sweat , and make it thereby the more sweet . Their industry appears in working hard in their callings , and in improving all opportunities for the furtherance of their callings .

1. Thus he that makes Religion his business , is industrious and laborious in the work of the Lord . The heart of his ground , the strength of his inward man , is spent about the good corn of Religion , not about the weeds of earthly occasions . He makes hast to keep Gods Commandements , knowing that the lingring lazy Snail is reckoned among unclean creatures , Levit. 11.30 . and he is hot and lively in his devotion , knowing that a dull , Eo quòd pigrnns & tardum ani●● 〈…〉 est . ●ellarm . drou sie Ass ( though fit enough to carry the image of Isis yet ) was no fit sacrifice for the pureand active God , Exod. 13.13 . He giveth God the top , the cheif , the cream of all his affections , as seeing him infinitely worthy of all acceptation : He is not slothful in business , but fervent in spirit , when he is serving the Lord , Rom. 12.11 . He beleiveth that to fear God with a secondary fear , is Atheism ; that to trust God with a secondary trust , is Treason ; that to honour God with a secondary honour , is Idolatry ; and to love God with a secondary love , is Adultery ; therefore he loveth ( and he feareth , and trusteth , and honoreth ) the Lord his God , with all his heart , and with all his soul , and with all his strength , Mat. 22.36 , 37. His love to God is a labour of love , as strong as death , the coals thereof are coals of Juniper , which do not onely burn long ( some say twelve moneths together . ) but burn with the greatest heat . His measure of loving God is without measure .

The Samseans in Epiphanius were neither Jews , Gentiles nor Christians , yet preserved a fair correspendency with all : An Hypocrite is indifferent to any , never servent in the true Religion .

It is reported of Redwald King of the East Saxons , Cambd Brittan . the first Prince of this Nation that was baptized , that in the same Church he had one Altar for the Christian Religion , another for the Heathenish Sacrifices . The true Beleiver doth otherwise , he that makes Religion his work , gives God the whole of his heart without halting and without halving .

Set him about any duty , and he is diligent in it . In prayer , Innuit certamen & quasi luctam cum deo ipso . Epis. Dav. in loc. he laboureth in prayer , Col. 4.12 . he cryeth to God , 1 Sam. 7.9 . he cryeth mightily , Jonah 3.8 . he poureth forth his soul , Lam. 2.19 . he strives in supplication with God , Rom. 15.30 . stirs up himself to lay hold on God , Isa. 27.5 . and even wrestleth with Omnipotency , Gen. 32.14 . When the mill of his prayer is going , his fervent affections are the waters that drive it . There is fire taken from Gods own Altar ( not the ordinary hearth of Nature ) and put to his incense , whereby it becomes fragrant and grateful to God himself . His fervent prayer is his key to Gods Treasury , and his endeavour is that it rust not for want of use . When he goeth to the Sacrament he is all in a flame of affection to the Author of that feast : With desire he desires to eat of the Passover . He longs exceedingly for the time , he loves the Table ; but when he seeth the Bread and Wine , the wagons which the Lord Jesus hath sent for him , oh how his heart revives ! When he seeth the Sacraments the Body and Blood of Christ in the elements , who can tell how soon he cents ? how fast this true Eagle flyeth to the heavenly carkass .

At hearing he is heedful , he flyeth to the salt-stone of the Word with swiftness and care , as Doves to their columbaries , Isa. 60.8 . As the new born babe , he desires the sincere milk of the Word , and when he is attending on it , he doth not dally nor trifle , but as the Bee the flower , and the childe the breast , suck with all his might for some spiritual milk , Isa. 66.11 . Deut. 28.1 . he hearkneth diligently to the voyce of the Lord his God ; let him be in company , taking notice of some abominable carriage , he will rebuke cuttingly , Tit. 1.13 . If he gives his bitter pill in sweet syrrup , you may see his exceeding anger against sin , whilst you behold his love to the sinner ; he is though a meek Lamb when himself , yet a Lion when God is dishonoured ; his anger waxeth hot when men affront the most High , Exod. 32.19 . If he be counselling his child or friend to minde God and godliness , how hard doth he woo to win the soul to Christ ? how many baits doth he lay to catch the poor creature ? you may perceive his bowels working by his very words : How fervent , how instant , how urgent , how earnest is he to perswade his relation or acquaintance to be happy ? He provokes them to love and to good works .

Set him about what religious exercise you will , and he is , according to the Apostles words , zealous ( or fiery fervent ) of good works ; like spring water , he hath a living principle , Plin. lib. 5. cap. 5. and thence is warm in winter , or like Debris in Cyrene is seething hot : As Augustus said of the young Roman , Quicquid vult , valde vult ; Whatsoever he goeth about , that concerns the glory of his Saviour and the good of his soul , he doth it to purpose . As Paul saith of himself , I follow after if that I may apprehend , Phil. 3.10 . The word in the original is emphatical 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , I prosecute it with all my strength and power , that I may attain if it be possible . The word is either an allusion to persecutors , Matth. 5.10 , 11 , 12. for its used of them frequently , so Piscator takes it . Or to Hunters , Est more vena tarum persequi feram . Ar●t . according to Aretius ; take either and the sence is the same , and very full . As persecutors are industrious and incessant in searching up and down for poor Christians and hailing them to prison ; and as Huntsmen are up betimes at their sport , follow it all day , and spare for no pains , even sweating and tyring themselves at this their pleasure ; so eager and earnest , so indifatigable and industrious was Paul , and so ought every one of us to be ( the command is delivered to us , in the same word , Heb. 12.14 . ) about godliness .

A man that minds godliness onely by the by , looks sometimes to the matter , seldom to the manner of his performances . Opus operatum the work done is a full discharge for him , how slightly or slovenly soever it be done . If he stumble sometimes upon a good work , yet it is not his walk , and when he is in that way he cares not how many steps he treads awry . It may be said of him as of Jehu , He takes no heed to walk in the way of the Lord God of Israel , with his heart , 2 King . 10.31 . He makes an Idol of the blessed God , ( he prays to him , and hears from him , as if he had eys and saw not , as if he had ears and heard not , as if he had hands and wrought not ) and any thing will serve an Idol . How aptly and justly may God say to him after his duties , as Cesar to the Citizen after Dinner ( who having invited the Emperour to his Table , made but slight preparation and slender provision for him ) I had thought that you and I had not been so familiar .

But he that exerciseth himself to godliness hath a more awful and serious carriage towards God . ‛ Er 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 omnibus viribus vobementer , prolixe , toto animo . A Lapide . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 dicitur quod in longum protenditur . ●eza . The twelve Tribes served God , instantly day and night , Acts 26.7 . fervently , vehemently to the utmost of their power ; the word implyeth both extension and intention , the very * * Macro . Satur lib. cap. 4. heathen could say that the Gods must be worshipped , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 either to our utmost with all , or not at all .

2. The industry of a man about his calling , or whatsoever he makes his business , appeareth in his taking all advantages for the furtherance thereof . A Tradesman that minds his employment , doth not onely in his Shop , but also abroad , and when he is from Home , drive forward his Trade . Indeed , when he is in his Shop , his eyes are most about him , to see what is wanting , that it may be supplied , to take care that all his customers may be satisfied , and to order things so , that by his buying and selling , his stock may be increased ; but if he walk from home , he doth not wholly leave his Trade behinde him If he visit his friends or acquaintance , and there be any likelyhood of doing any good , you may observe him questioning the price of such and such commodities , enquiring at what Rates they are afforded in those parts , and if they be cheap , possibly furnishing himself from thence , if dear ( it may be ) putting off a considerable quantity of his own . Because he makes it his business , his mind runs much upon it , that wherever he is , he will be speaking somewhat of it , ( if occasion be offered ) whereby he comes now and then to meet with such bargains as tend much to his benefit ; so the Christian that makes Religion his business , is industrious to improve all opportunities for the furtherance of his general calling : as his time ( for he is Gods servant ) so his trade goeth forward every hour ; He is David like as a sparrow upon the house top looking on this side and that side to see where he may pick up some spiritual food . He doth not onely in the Church and in his Closet , but also in all his converses with men walk with his God . If God prosper him , as the ship mounts higher according to the increase of the Tide , so his heart is lifted up the nearer to God , as Gods hand is enlarged towards him . If God afflict him , as the nipping north wind purifies the air , so the besom of affliction doth sweep the dust of sin out of his heart . As his pulse is ever beating , so his heavenly trade is ever going forward His visits to his friends are out of conscience as well as out of courtesie , & his endeavor is either by some savoury Scripture expression , or some sober action to advantage his company : He will watch for a fit season to do his own and others souls service , and catch at it as greedily , and improve it as diligently as Benhadads servants did Ahabs words .

If he be eating or drinking , the salt of grace is ever one dish upon the table to season all his diet : He will raise his heart from the daily bread , to the bread that came down from heaven ; he eateth , is full , and blesseth the Lord : Before he begins he asketh God leave , while he feeds , he tasteth Gods love , and when he hath done he giveth God thanks .

If he be buying or felling , he is very willing that God should be a witness to all his bargains , for he prayeth to God as if men heard him , and he tradeth with men as if God saw him ; His shop as well as his Chappel , is holy ground .

If he be amongst his Relations , he is both desirous and diligent to further Religion . His endeavour is that those that are nigh him in the flesh may be nigh God in the spirit . He is careful that both by his precepts and pattern he may do somwhat for their profit . His house as well as his heart is consecrated to God .

As Cesars Image was stampt on a penny , as well as on a greater piece , Mat. 22.20 . So godliness which is the Image of the King of Kings is imprinted not onely on his greater and weightier , but also upon his lesser and meaner practices .

Godliness is not his Physick which he onely now and then ( as at Spring and Fall ) makes use of , but his food , which he daily dealeth about ; besides his set times for his set meals of Morning and Evening devotion , he hath many a good bait by the by , in the day time . Evening , Morning , and at Noon will I pray , and cry aloud , Psa. 55.17 . Oh how love I thy Law , it is my meditation , ( not some part but ) all the day . Whether the actions he be about be natural or civil , he makes them sacred ; whether the Company he be in be good or bad , he will mind his holy calling ; whether he be riding or walking , whether he be at home or abroad , whether he be buying or selling , eating or drinking , whatsoever he be doing , or wheresoever he be going , still he hath an eye to further godliness , Anima est tota in toto & tota in qualibet parte because he makes that his business . What the Philosopher said of the soul in relation to the body , The soul is whole in the whole body , and whole in every part of it , is true of godliness , in reference to the life of a Christian , godliness is whole in his whole conversation , and whole in every part of it . As the constitution of mans body is known by his pulse , if it beat not at all he is dead , if it beat and keep a constant stroke , it s a sign the body is sound : Godliness is the pulse of the soul , if it beat not at all , the soul is void of spiritual life , if it beat equally and constantly , it speaks the soul to be in an excellent plight .

It was the practice of our Saviour ( who left us a blessed pattern therein ) to be always furthering godliness ; when bread was mentioned to him , upon it , he diswaded his Disciples from the leaven of the Pharisees , Mat. 16.5.6 . When water was denyed him by the Samaritan woman , he forgets his thirst and seeks to draw her to the Well-spring of happiness , John 4.10 . When people came to him for bodily cures , how constantly doth he mind the safety of their souls ; Thou art made whole , go sin no more , or thy sins are forgiven thee . He went about doing good , in the day time working Miracles and Preaching , in the night time he often gave himself to meditation and prayer .

He that minds Religion by the by doth otherwise , he can ( Proteus like ) turn himself into any shape which is in fashion . Purch . Pilgr . Vol. 1. p. 416. As the Carbuncle , a Beast amongst the Blackamores , which is seen onely by night , having a stone in his Fore-head , which shineth incredibly and giveth him light whereby to feed , but when he heareth the least noise , he presently lets fall over it a skin , which he hath as a natural covering , least its splendor should betray him ; So the half Christian shines with the light of holiness by fits and starts , every fright makes him hold in and hide it . The mark of Antichrist was in his followers hands , which they can cover or discover at their pleasure , but the mark of Christs Disciples was in in their Foreheads , visible at all times .

Thirdly , To exercise our selves to godliness , implyeth to persevere in it with constancy to our dissolution . Men follow their Trades , and open their Shops till death shut their eyes , and gives them a writ of ease ; men pursue their earthly works , till death sound a retreat , and command their appearance in the other World . Many a one hath breathed out his last in the midst of his labour : His life and his labour have ended together . Let every man abide in the calling whereto he is called saith the Apostle . 1 Cor. 7.24 .

They who make Religion their business , are constant , immoveable and do always abound in the work of the Lord . Their day of life is their day of labour , the sun ariseth and man goeth to his labour , until the Evening , Psa. 104.23 . Death onely is their night of resting , when they die in the Lord , then , and not till then they rest from their labours . Saints are compared to Palm Trees , because they flourish soon ; to Cedars , because they continue long ; True Saints in youth always prove Angels in age . B. Hall med. ti . cent . ● . they often set out with the first , but always hold on to the last . The Philosopher being asked in his old age , why he did not give over his studies ; answered , When a man is to run a race of forty furlongs , he will not sit down at the thirty ninth and lose the price . The pious soul is faithful unto death , and injoyeth a Crown of life . As Cesar he is always marching forward , and thinks nothing done whilst any thing remains undone ; Nil actumc edens si quid su per sset agend●m i●u●an . As they are fervent in their work , so they are constant at their work . The Church of Ephesus had Letters Testimonial from Heaven , for my names sake thou hast laboured , and hast not fainted . Rev. 2.3 .

Water in the Baths is always warm ; As long as there is Water , there is heat ; not so our ordinary water , though this may be warmed by the fire at present , yet if taken off , it returnes to its former coldness ( nay it is colder then before , because the spirits which kept it from the extremity of cold , are by the fire boyld out of it ) The reason is plain , the heat of the Baths is from an inward principle , and therefore is permanent , the heat of the latter is from an external cause , and therefore is inconstant .

That warmth of piety which proceeds from an inward principle of a purified conscience , is accompanied with perseverance ; but that profession which floweth from an outward motive ( wheremen as Chamelions take their colour from that which stands next them , their Religion from those they have their dependence upon , ) is of short duration .

A man that minds Religion by the by , is like Nebuchadnezzars Image , he hath an head of gold but feet of clay . His beginning may be like Nero's first five years , full of hope and encouragement , but afterwards as a carcass he is more filthy and unsavory every day then other . His insincerity causeth his inconstancy . Trees unsound at the root , will quickly cease their putting forth of fruit . Such men if godliness enjoy a summer of prosperity may like a Serpent creep on the ground and stretch themselves at length , to receive the warmth of the Sun , but if Winter come he will creep into some Ditch or Dunghil , least he should take cold .

Travellers that go to Sea , meerly to be Sea-sick , or in sport , if there arise a black cloud or storm , their voyage is at an end , they hasten to the harbour ; they came not to be Weather beaten , or to hazard themselves amongst the boistrous Billowes , but onely for pleasure : But the Merchant that is bound for a voyage , whose calling and business it is , is not daun●ed at every Wave and Wind , but drives through all with resolution . He that onely pretends towards Religion , if a storm meet him in the way to Heaven , he leaves it and takes shelter in the earth ; as a Snail , he puts out his head to see what Weather is abroad ( what countenance Religion ●ath at Court , whether great men do smile or frown upon the Ways of God ) and if the Heavens be lowring he shrinks into his shell , esteeming that his onely safety . But they that make godliness their business , do not steer their course by such cards , they follow their trade , though they meet with many trials ; as resolved travellers , whether the ways be fair or foul , whether the weather be clear or cloudy , they will go on towards their Heavenly Canaan , They go from strength to strength , till they appear before God in Sion , Psa. 84.8 .

When men follow godliness by the by , and in jest , they take it to farm and accept leases of it for a time , but if the times come to be such , that in their blind judgments , it prove an hard penny-worth , they throw it up into their Land-Lords hands ; Vadat Christus ( as he said ) cum suo Evangelio ; but men that make Religion their business , take it as their free hold , as their fee simple which they enjoy ( and esteem it their priviledge so to do ) for the whole term of their lives , I have chosen thy statutes as my heritage for ever , I have enclined my heart to perform thy statutes always unto the end . Psa. 119.11 , 12.

The godliness of an unsound professour , is like the light of a Candle , fed with gross and greasie matter ( as profit and honour and pleasure ) which continueth burning , till that tallowy substance be wasted , but then goeth out and leaves a stench behind it ; the holiness of a true Christian is like the light of the Sun , which hath its original in heaven , and is fed from above , and thereby shines brighter and brighter to perfect day . Prov. 4.18 .

CHAP. V. Religion is the great end of mans Creation .

I Come in the third place to the reasons , The Reason of the Doctrine . Why godliness should be every mans main and principal business .

First , Because it is Gods chief end in sending man into , and continuing him in this World . It is without question , that the work should be for that end , to which it is appointed , and for which it is maintained by a soveraign and intelligent workman . Where the Master hath authority to command , there his end and errand must be chiefly in the servants eye . Laert invit . Zen Zeno well defines Liberty to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a power to act and practice at a mans own Pleasure ; opposite to which , servitude must be a determination to act at , and according to the will of another . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Arist Polit. c. 9. A servant is ( as the Oratour saith well ) nomen officii a word that speaks one under command , he is not one that moveth of himself , but the Masters living instrument ( according to the Philosopher ) to be used at his pleasure . According to the title or power which one hath over another , such must the service be . Where the right is absolute , the obedience must not be conditional ; God having therefore a perfect soveraignty over his creatures , and compleat right to all their services ; his end and aim , his will and word , must be principally minded by them . Paul gathers this fruit from that root . The God whose I am , and whom I serve Act. 27.23 . His subjection is founded on Gods Dominion over him .

Now the great end to which man is designed by God , Hic si . is Iu●a naefornationis ut homo si etmplem De , & Deus ara homi nis . is the exercising himself to godliness . God erected the stately fabrique of the great World for man , but he wrought the curious piece of the little World [ man ] for himself , Of all his visible works he did set man apart for his own Worship . Man saith one , ●ustum est ut creatura laudet creatorem ipse enim ad laudan dum secreavit . Aug. is the end of all in a semicircle , intimating that all things in the World were made for man , and man was made for God . It is but rational to suppose that if this World was made for us , we must be made for more then this World . It is an ingenious observation of Picus Mirandula , God created the Earth for beasts to inhabit , the Sea for fish , the Air for fowls , the Heavens for Angels and Stars , man therefore hath no place to dwell and abide in , but the Lord alone .

The great God according to his infinite Wisdom hath designed all his creatures to some particular ends , and hath imprinted in their natures an appetite and propensity towards that end , as the point and scope of their being . ( Yea the very inanimate and irrational creatures are serviceable to those ends and uses in their several places and stations ) Birds build their nests exactly , bringing up their young tenderly . Beasts scramble and scuffle for their Fodder , and at last become mans food . The Sun , Moon and Stars move regularly in their orbes , and by their light and influence ●dvantage the whole World . The little Common-wealth of Bees work both industriously and wonderfully for the benefit of mankind . Flowers refresh us with their sents ; Trees with their shade and fruits ; Fire moveth upward , Earth falleth downward , each by nature hastning to its center ; Thunder and Winds being exhalations drawn up from the earth by the heavenly bodies , The ancient Philosophers and the old Divines among the Pagans did pourtray their gods in wood and stone with musical instruments , not that they beleeved the gods to be fidlers or lovers of musick , but to shew that nothing is more agreeable to the nature of God , then to do all in a sweet harmony and proportion . Platarch . are wholly at ( though stubborn and violent creatures ) the call and command of the mighty possessor of Heaven and Earth , and with them , as with besoms he sweeps and purifieth the air ; Fish sport up and down in rivers ; Rivers run along sometimes seen , sometimes secret , never ceasing or tiring till they empty themselves into the Ocean ; the mighty Sea ( like a pot of water ) by its ebbing and flowing purgeth it self , boyleth and prepareth * * Piscis à pasco sustenance for living creatures . Through this womb of moisture , this great pond of the world ( as ** ** In contemp Bishop Hall termeth it ) men travel in moveable houses , from Country to Country , transporting and ex changing commodities . Thus the Almighty Creator doth ( 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as Plato saith ) observe a curious comely order in all his work , and appoints them to some use according to their nature . Surely much more is man ( the point in which all those lines meet ) designed to some noble end , suitable to the excellency of his being ; and what can that be but to worship the glorious and blessed God , and the exercising himself to godliness ?

The Lord made all things for himself , Prov. 16.4 . God made things without life and reason , Plato finem hujus mundi bonitatem dei esse affirmavit . to serve him passively and subjectively by administring occasion to man , to admire and adore his Maker ; but man was made to worship him actively and affectionately , as sensible of , and affected with that Divine wisdom , power , and goodness which appear in them . As all things are of him , as the efficient cause ; so all things must necessarily be for him , as the final cause . But man in an especial manner is predestinated and created for this purpose , Isa. 43.1 , and 7. Thou art mine ; I have created him for my glory ; I have formed him , yea I have made him . There is both the author and the end of our creation ; the author , I have created him ; the end , for my glory . As man is the most exact piece on which he bestowed most pains , Sol●s homo sapientia instructus est ut religianem solus intelligat & haec est hominis atque mutorum vel praecipua vel sola di●antia . Lact. de●ira dei . so from him he cannot but expect most praise . Lactantius accounteth religion the most proper and essential difference between men and beasts . The praises which Beasts give God are dumb , their sacrifices are dead ; but the sacrifices of Men are living , and their praises lively .

God did indeed set up the admirable house of the visible world ( floaring it with the earth , watering it with the Ocean , and ceiling it with the pearly Heavens ) for his own service and honor , but the payment of this rent is expected from the hands of Man the inhabitant . He was made and put into this house upon this very account , that be might as Gods Steward gather his rents from other creatures , and pay in to the great Landlord his due and deserved praise . Man is made as a glass to represent the perfections that are in God . A glass can receive the beams of the Sun into it , and reflect them back to the Sun again . The excellencies of God appear abundantly in his works ; man is made to be the glass where these beams of Divine glory should be united and received , and also from him reflected back to God again .

O how absurd is it to conceive that God should work a body so curiously in the lowest parts of the Earth , embroyder it with nerves , veins , variety and proportion of parts ( miracles enough saith one between head and foot , to fill a Volume ) and then enliven it with a spark of his own fire , a ray of his own light , an Angelical and Heaven born soul , and send this picture of his own perfections , this comely creature into the World , meerly to eat , and drink , and sleep , or to buy and sell , and sow and reap . Surely the onely wise God had an higher end , and nobler design in forming and fashioning man with so much care and cost .

The upright figure of mans body ( as the poetical Heathen could observe ) may mind him of looking upward to those blessedmansions above ; Os hominisublime dedit taelumque tueri jussit . Ovid. and that fifth muscle in his eye ( whereby he differeth also from other creatures ) who have onely four , one to turn downward , Columb . de re anat . l. 1. c. 9. another to hold forwards , a third to turn the eye to the right hand , a fourth to turn the eye to the left , but no unreasonable creature can turn the eye upward as man can ) may admonish him of viewing those superiour glories , and exercising himself to godliness , it being given him for this purpose , saith the Anatomist , that by the help thereof he might behold the Heavens ; thus the blessed God even by sensible demonstrations speaks his mind and end in making man , but the nature of mans soul being a spiritual substance , doth more loudly proclaim Gods pleasure , that he would have it conversant about spiritual things . He made it an heavenly spark , that it might mount and ascend to Heaven .

A Philosopher may get riches , Arist. Polit. lib. 1. cap. ult . saith Aristotle , but that is not his main business , a Christian may , nay must follow his particular calling , but that is not his main business , that is not the errand for which he was sent into the World . God made particular callings for men , but he made men for their general callings . It was a discreet answer of Anaxagoras Clazamenius to one that asked him why he came into the World , Coelum mihi patria cuius cura summa est Anaxago . Diogen Laert. Vt coelum contempler , that I might contemplate Heaven . Heaven is my Country and for that is my chiefest care . May not a Christian upon better reason , confess that to be the end of his creation that he might seek heaven , and be serviceable to the Lord of Heaven , and say as Jerom , I am a miserable sinner , and born onely to Repent . The Jewish Talmud propounds this question , Why God made man on the Sabbath-eve , and gives this answer , That he might presently enter upon the command of sanctifying the Sabbath , and begin his life with the worship of God , which was the chief reason and end why it was given him .

CHAP. VI. Religion is a work of the greatest weight . It is Soul-work , it is God-work , it is Eternity-work .

SEcondly , Godliness ought to be every mans main business , because it is a work of the greatest concernment and weight . Things that are of most stress call for our greatest strength . Our utmost pains ought to be laid out upon that which is of highest price : Mans diligence about any work must be answerable to the consequence of the work . The folly of man seldom appears more then in being very busie about nothing , in making a great cry where there is little Wool ; like that empty fellow that shewed himself to Alexander ( having spent much time and taken much pains at it before hand ) and boasted that he could throw a Pea through a little hole , expecting a great reward , but the King gave him onely a bushel of Pease for a recompence , sutable to his diligent negligence , or his busie Idleness . Things that are vain and empty are unworthy of our care and industry . The man that by hard labour and hazard of his life did climb up to the top of the Steeple , to set an Egg an end , was deservedly the object of pity and laughter : We shall think him little better then mad , that should make as great a fire for the rosting of an Egg , as for the roasting of an Ox.

On the other side , the wisdom of men never presenteth it self to our view in livelier colours , then in giving those affairs , which are of greatest concernment , precedency of time and strength . Of brutes man may learn this lesson . When the cart is empty , or hath but little lading , the Team goeth easily along , they play upon the road , but when the burden is heavy or the Cart stuck , they pull and draw , and put forth all their strength .

Now godliness is amongst all mans works of the greatest weight . The truth is , he hath no work of weight but this ; this is the one thing necessary , and in this one thing are mans all things . Our unchangeable weal or wo in the other world is wrapt up in our diligence or negligence about this ; our earthly business be they about food , or raiment , about honours or pleasures , or whatsoever , are but toys and trifles , but bables and Butterflies to this . As Candles before the sun they must all disappear and give place to this .

Moses a pious and tender Father , when leaving them ( in his Swan-like Song ) gives savoury advice to his Children . We need not doubt but his spiritual motions were quickest , when his natural motions were slowest ; that the stream of grace ran with full strength , when it was to empty it self into the Ocean of glory . Mark what special counsel he gives them who were committed to his special care , Deut. 32.46 . Set your hearts to all the words which I command you this day , for it is not a vain thing because it is your life , in which words we have 1. a Commandment , and 2. an Argument . The commandment is , Set your hearts to all the words which I command you this day , that is , exercise your selves to godliness . He doth not say lend them your ears , to listen to them slightly , or let them have your tongues to speak of them cursorily . No , it is not set your heads , but set your hearts to all the words , &c. He doth not say , let your works be according to these words , or let your feet ever make them your walk ; No , it is not set your hands but set your hearts to the words that I speak unto you . Make it your business , and then your Ears and Tongues , your Feet , your Heads , your Hands , and all will be employed about them to the purpose . But what special Argument doth Moses urge for the enforcement of this great work , Surely that which I am speaking of , the weight of it . Set your he arts to all the words which I command you this day , For it is not a vain thing , because it is your life v. 47. Moses had experience that the hearts of the Israelites were exceeding knotty wood , and therefore he useth an heavy Beetle to drive home the Wedge : It is not a vain thing , it is life ; as if he had said , Were it a matter of small moment , ye might Laze and Loyter about it , but it behoves you to bestir your selves lustily to follow it , laboriously to set your hearts to it , for it is as much worth as your lives ; that pearl of matchless price is eng●g●d , and at stake in your pursuit of godliness . Life though but natural , is of so much value , that men will sacrifice their honours , and pleasures , their wealth , and liberty , and all , to it .

The Egyptians parted with their costly jewels willingly , Hinc clamor ille desperation is index ; omnes mortui sumus , binc facilitas illa in dando Calo. in Exod. 12. ●anquam si hoc pretio animas redimissent . Jun. in loc. to redeem their lives , as Calvin observeth . The widow in the Gospel spared none of her wealth to obtain health , which is much inferior to life . Skin for skin , all that a man has will he give for his life , Throw but a brute into the water to drown it , how will it labour , and toll , and sweat to preserve its life . View a man on his death-bed , when a distemper is like a strong enemy , fighting to force life out of the field , how doth Nature then with all the might and strength it hath , strive and struggle to keep its ground ? What panting and breathing , what sweating and working of all the parts do you behold ? and no wonder , The man laboureth for life : If there be such labour for a natural life , that is but umbra vitae , a shadow to this the substance , which is but the union of the body and soul , and lyeth under a necessity of dissolution ? what labour doth a spiritual life deserve that consisteth in the souls union and communion with the blessed Saviour , and which neither men nor devils , neither death nor hell , shall ever deprive a beleever of , but in spight of all it will grow and increase till it commence eternal life ? Well might Moses expect that such an heavy weight as this should make great impression , and sink deep into their affections . For it is not a vain thing because it is your life .

We may say of this work of Christianity , compared with all other works , what David said of Goliahs sword , There is none like it ; this is soul-work , this is God-work , this is eternity-work , and therefore of greatest weight , and requireth us all to make it our business : Such blows as these three are , one would think might force fire out of a flint .

This is Soul-work : As soul wo is the heaviest wo , and soul-wants are the greatest wants , so soul-work is the weightest work ; the dangers of a soul are the deepest dangers , the loss of the soul is the dreadfullest loss , the neglect of the soul is the dolefullest neglect : The consequence of the action is frequently specified from the excellency of the person or subject concerned in it . The soul of man is a most excellent piece , both in regard of the spirituality and immortality of its substance , as also in regard of that divine image imprinted on it , those heavenly qualities with which it was at first endowed . Princes stamp not their image ( except in cases of necessity ) on brass , or tynn , or leather , but on gold and silver , the chiefest and most excellent mettals ; therefore though those affairs which concern the body are but of ordinary respect , yet those that concern the soul are of unconceivable weight and regard . One soul is more worth then ten thousand bodies , then ten thousand worlds .

The greatest thing ( saith one ) in this world is Man , and the greatest thing in man is his Soul . It is an abridgement of the invisible world , as the body is of the visible : The body though no mean work considered absolutely , yet of ordinary worth considered comparatively to the soul . It is a mud-wall inclosing a rich treasure ; as a common mask to a beautiful face , as a course cabinet having in it a precious carkanet .

The very Heathen acknowledged that the soul was the man , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Plat. the body but its servant ; and therefore the Christian may well call it , and care for it as his darling , as his onely one , as the original is in that place , Psal. 22.20 . Chrysostom observeth , Omnia Deus dedit duplicia . Homil. 22. ad popul. Antioch . God hath given man two Eyes , two Ears , two Hands , two Feet , that the failing of the one , may be supplied by the help of the other ; Animam vero unam , but one Soul ; if that miscarry there is no remedy : Nebuchadnezzar lost his Reason , and that was restored ; David lost his Wives , Children and Goods , and yet they were recovered ; nay Lazarus lost his life and was revived , but for the loss of the Soul , no power can recover it , no price can redeem , no pearls , no not the whole world can recompence its loss .

Well might Charls the Fifth , Val. Rath . Car. lib. 3. when sollicited by a great Counsellor Antonino de Leva to cut off all the Princes in Germany , that he might rule alone , forbear to put his advice into practice , and cry out , O Anima , Anima ! O my soul , my soul , what then will become of my soul ? It was a royal answer which Maximilian King of Bohemia gave the Pope , who perswaded him to turn good Catholique , promising him much advantage ; I thank your Holiness , but my souls health is dearer to me then all the things in the world . Hist. Counc . Trent .

The Apostle calls the body a vile body , Phil. 3. ult. in regard of its original production ( it was made not of heavenly materials , as Sun or Stars ; nor of precious materials , as pearls or jewels , but ex pulvere limoso & lutoso , of dust mingled with water ) and in regard of its ultimate resolution , it becomes first an ugly gastly carkass , and then moulders into earth ; but the Holy ghost calls the Soul , The breath of the Almighty , Job 33.4 . It was not as the body framed of the dust , but immediately breathed by God himself ; it was not the fruit of some praeexistent matter , but the immediate effect of Divine power : The soul is in a spiritual as well as in a natural sense , the life of the body , especially if you take vivere for valere , to live for to be lusty , and to be in health ; for what the Sun is to the greater , that the Soul is to the lesser World . When the sun shineth comfortably how chearfully do all things look ? how well do they thrive and prosper ? the birds sing merrily , the beasts play wantonly , the trees and hearbs put forth their buds and fruits ; the whole Creation enjoyeth a day of light and joy : But when the Sun departeth , what a night of horror followeth ? how are all things wrapt up in the sable mantle of darkness ? nay let but the heat of its beams abate , how do all faces gather paleness ? the creatures are buried , as it were in the winding sheet of Winters frost and snow : so when the soul shineth pleasantly on the body , refreshing it with its beams of holiness , with its rays of grace , the body cannot but enjoy a Summer of health and strength . Such a soul in such a body , is like a pure wax candle in a chrystal lanthorn , refreshing with its sent , directing by its light , and comforting with its heat ; but if the soul be weak , and full of spiritual wants , the body must needs wither . The soul is the ship in which the body sails , if that be safe the body is safe , if that sinks the body sinks for ever .

From all this it appeareth that Soul-work is a weighty work ( not to be dallied or trifled with ) b●t to be made the business of every man . Godliness must therefore be followed with care and conscience because of soul consequence . It was our deprivation of godliness which was the souls greatest loss , and therefore for the regaining of it , ought to be our greatest labour . God sent his Son into the world for this very purpose , that he might by his bloody passion restore man to his primitive purity and perfection . Godliness is the souls food which nourisheth it ; who would feast his horse ( ●orpus est jumentum animae ) and starve himself ? The souls rayment both for its defence and warmth , nay the life of its life . The life of the soul as Jacobs in Benjamin , is bound up in godliness . Take godliness away and the soul goeth down into the grave of the other world with unspeakable sorrow .

Godliness , as it is Soul-work , so it is God-work ; as the excellency of the subject in which , so also the excellency of the object about which it is conversant speaks it to be weighty . Actiones specificantur à fine objecto & circumstantiis . Eustath . de mor. Philos. The Moralists tell us ; That actions are specified not onely from their ends and circumstances , but likewise from their objects . And the Divines assure us , that the cheifest source of mans sin and sorrow is his causing the bent and stream of his inward man to run after wrong objects . If objects then can vary the species , they may much more add to the degree , to the weight of an action . Where the object is great , no slip can be small

Evil words spoken , or blows given to an ordinary man , bear but a common action at Law , but in case they relate to the King , they are Treason . The higher the person is with whom we converse , the holier and more exact should our carriage be . If we walk with our equals , we toy and trifle by the way , and possibly if occasion be , wander from them ; but if we wait upon a Prince , especially about our own near concernments , we are serious and sedulous , watching his words , and working with the greatest diligence , for the performance of his pleasure . A Lawyer will mind the Countrymans cause when he is at leisure , when greater affairs will give him leave , and then ( it may be ) do it but coldly and carelesly : But if he have business committed to him by his Soveraign , which concerns the prerogative , he will make other causes stay , crowd out of the Press to salute this , attend it with all his parts , and power , and ability , and industry , and never take his leave of it till it be finished . I need not explain my meaning in this , it is obvious to every eye that godliness is the worshipping the infinite and ever blessed God ; surely his service is neither to be delayd nor dallied with , it is not to be slighted or slubberd over , Cursed is he that doth the Work of the Lord negligently .

When we deal with our equals , with them that stand upon the same level with us , we may deal as men , our affections may be like Scales that are evenly poized , in regard of indifferency , but when we have to do with a God ( so great , that in comparison of him , the vast Ocean , the broad Earth , and the highest Heavens are all less then nothing , and so glorious that the great lights of the World , though every Star were a Sun , yet in respect of him are perfect darkness ) we must be like Angels , our affections should be all in a flame in regard of fervency and activity . The very Turks though they build their own houses low and homely , Turk . Hist. Fol. 342. yet they take much pains about their Moschees , their Temples , they build them high and stately . David considered about a Temple for God . The work is great for the palace is not for man , but for the Lord God . Now ( saith he ) I have prepared with all my might for the House of my God . Upon this foundation that it was God-work , David raiseth this building to make it his business , to prepare for it with all his might , as if he had said . Had it been for man , the work had been mean , it had wanted exceedingly of that weight which now it hath ; but the work is great for the palace is not for man , but for God ; and because it is a work of such infinite weight , therefore I have prepared for it with all my might . I can think no pains great enough for so great a Prince .

It was provided in the Old Law , that the weights and measures of the Sanctuary , should be double to the weights and measures of the Commonwealth , Godw. Iew. Antiq. l. 6. c. 9. & 10. The shekel of the Sanctuary was half a Crown of our money , and the shekel of the Commonwealth but fifteen pence ; the cubit of the Sanctuary a full yard , the Common cubit but half a yard , compare 1 Kings 7.15 . with 2 Chron. 3. and 15. The common Talent was one hundred eighty seven pound ten shillings ; the Kings Talent two hundred eighty one pounds five shillings ; the Talent of the Sanctuary was three hundred seventy five pounds , Itinerarium Sac. And what was the Gospel of this , but to teach us , that in things that appertain to God , we must give double weight , double measure , double care , double diligence ; though men be slothful and sluggish in the service of men , yet they must be fiery and fervent in spirit , when they are serving the Lord , Rom. 12.11 . To give brass money to any is lamentable , but to cast it into the treasury is most abominable , God is a great God , and looks to be served like himself , and according to his excellent greatness , Cursed be the deceiver which hath in his flock a Male , and sacrificeth to the Lord a corrupt thing ; for I am a great King saith the Lord of Hosts , and my name is dreadful among the Heathen , Mal. 1. ult.

There are some of the Heathen , ●ohu . Pierii Hieroglyph . that Worship the Sun for a God , and would offer to the Sun somwhat suitable , and therefore because they wondred at the Suns swift motion , they would offer a Horse with Wings ; Now an Horse is a swift creature , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Paus . and one of the strongest to continue in motion for a long time together , then having Wings added to him , they conceived him a sacrifice somwhat suitable to the Sun . Surely much more cause have Christians to take care that their sacrifices to the glorious and boundless Majesty , be some way suitable to his unconceivable and infinite excellencies .

Further , Godliness is Eternity-work and therefore must needs be of infinite weight , and is worthy of all our pains and diligence . We esteem Lands which we hold in fee-simple to us and our heirs for ever , at a far greater rate , and are more diligent to secure our Titles to them , then those lands which we have onely a lease of , or a life in . Mens estates are of more or less value , according to the term of years they have in them ; Ministers are often much more exact in their Printing , then in their Preaching . Such in whose ordinary Preaching , words like a spring run full and fast ; and sense , or at least judgement , like a pond stands still ; will if they Print , scrue their parts to the highest pitch , and spare for no pains , that if possible ) sense and sentences , reason and expressions may keep equal pace . Even those whose Sermons when delivered in their Auditories smell ( as Chalcus said of Demosthenes orations ) of the Lamp , Plut in vit. Demost. are the fruits of much prayer , and study , yet when they are to publish them to the World , they will survey every sentence , weigh every word , bestow more care and labour on them , hence possibly ou● proverbial speech , when a thing is done exactly . This is done in Print . But what is the ground of this ? I suppose one of the chiefest : because men print in a sense for Eternity , Sermons preached , or mens words pass away ( with many ) like wind , how soon are they buried in the grave of oblivion ; but Sermons printed are mens works , live when they are dead , and become an image of eternity ; This shall be written for the generation to come .

Godliness is a work that relates not onely to few lives , as lands do , or to a few generations as mens books do , but to the boundless bottomless Ocean of eternity indeed , and therefore calleth for all our care and diligence : Drex . Eternit . Conclus . lib. Drexelius observeth well out of the Father , Our works do not pass away as soon as they are done ( as they may seem to do ) but as seed sown in time , they rise up to all Eternity . A little neglect now may prove an eternal loss ; Whatsoever we think , speak or do , once thought , spoke or done it is eternal , it abideth for ever .

Eternal life is promised to the diligent ; Idem Non consid . cap. 1. Eternal death is the portion of the negligent : The former shall be bathed in the rivers of Gods eternal pleasures , the latter shall suffer the vengeance of eternal fire . To be tormented day and night for ever and ever , and to enjoy the exceeding and eternal weight of glory are certainly no jesting matters , but of more concernment then we can possibly conceive . Who would not labour hard to attain eternal life ? Who would not work night and day to avoid eternal death , eternal wo.

Zeuxis the famous Limner made painting his bufiness , and was exceeding careful and curious in drawing all his lines ; he would let no piece of his go abroad into the world to be seen of men , till he had turned it over and over ; viewed it on this side and that side , again and again , and being asked the reason , answered , Because what I paint , I paint for eternity ; so it is with every man and woman in the exercise of godliness , it is of eternal concernment ; we pray , we hear for eternity , we read , we sing , we watch , we fast we live , we die for eternity ; O how exactly , how diligently should all be done ?

The Holy Ghost urgeth it as a reason , why mens eyes and hearts should not be set upon riches , because they are not eternal . In one place Solomon tells us , That riches are not , Prov. 23.5 . In another place , that they are not for ever , Prov. 27.4 . because things that are not for ever , are as if they were not at all . Eternal life is the true life , saith Augustine , this is but the shadow or semblance of life . The affairs of time are but trifles to the affairs of eternity ; but our eyes and hearts must be set upon godliness , because it is for ever , it will do a soul good for ever ; our Saviour doth from this argument command us to make godliness our chief imployment ; Labour not for the meat that perisheth , but for that meat which endureth to everlasting life , Joh. 6.27 . where labour for temporal food is not prohibited , but labour for eternal food , is preferred .

It was the consideration of this that made the forty Martyrs suffer so ventrously and valiantly under Licinius , Basil. 40. Mart. Anno . 300. When Agricolaus his Deputy and one of the devils agents , set upon them several ways to draw them to deny Christ , and at last tempted them with an offer of Wealth and Preferment ; they all cryed out with one consent , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , O Eternity , Eternity ; give us money that will last to Eternity , and glory that will abide for ever . They slighted that pittiful wealth which was currant onely in this beggarly world , and made Religion their business , because it brought them in durable riches . Things that are transient and temporal may , like hasty storms , salute onely the surface of our hearts and away , but things that are permanent and eternal , must like soft showrs sink deep into our affections and command all our actions . Ah did but man know what it is to be eternally in Hell fire , and what it is to live eternally in Gods Favour , he would do any thing were it never so hard to arrive at Heaven .

The Romans build their Temples round , and the rule of Pythagoras was , When men worshipped they must turn themselves round : Those Heathens had confused notions of Eternity , and represented it by round things , because such had neither beginning nor end . If they by the light of Nature saw a little of it , and thence would have their Temples and Worship suitable to it ; then much more we , who have clearer apprehensions by the light of Scripture must , have our conversations answerable .

CHAP. VII . The necessity of maki●g Religion our business both in regard of the opposition a Christian meets with , and the multiplicity of business which lieth upon him .

THirdly , Godliness must be made our principal business , our main work , because otherwise we shall lose our reward . We say As good never a whit as never the better . Piety without much pains will redound to little or no profit : How foolish is that builder , who in setting up an house hath been at much cost , and yet loseth all because he will be at no further charge : Many lose what they have wrought , 2 Joh. 8. Their works , because not their business , are not perfect , and so to small purpose . The sloathful roasts not what he took in hunting , Prov. 12.27 . He was at some labour to catch the Beast , but was loath to be at any more in dressing it , and so all was lost ; laboriousness to godliness is as the soul to the body ; which being separated from it , godliness dyeth and quickly becomes unsavoury .

The reward of Godliness is of infinite worth , the end of Holiness ( as of Hope ) is the salvation of the soul , the eternal and immediate enjoyment of God in Heaven . Now who can think to atrain the place of such ravishing pleasures without much pains . Iter per angusta ad augusta .

Things that are most delicate cannot be had without the greatest difficultie ; they that will enjoy large Diadems must run through many deaths , and dangers , and use much diligence . Nature her self will not bestow her precious treasure without much unwearied labour . Dust and Dirt lye common in Streets , but the gold and silver mines are buried in the bowels of the earth , and they must work hard and dig deep that will come at them . Ordinary stones may be had in every quarry , but pearls are secret in the bottom of the Sea , and they must dive low and hazard their lives that will ( fetch up the Oysters in which they breed , and ) enjoy them .

When did we ever find Nature so prodigal of her gifts , as to bestow skill and excellency in any art or science , without industry and diligence . Doth she not force her students to beat their brains , to wast their bodies , to break their sleep , to burn up their strength , before she will permit them to pry into her secrets , to pick the lock of her curious Cabinet , and gain any considerable knowledge of her Wealth and richness . And can we think the God of Nature will give men to know him , as they are known of him , will bestow on them the unspeakable gift , the pearl of price , the holy of holies , such things as eye hath not seen , nor ear heard , neither mans heart conceive , while they lie lazing on the bed of Idleness .

Heaven is not unfitly compared to an Hill ; among Heathen to Olympus , among Christians to Mount-Sion . They that will climb up to it , must pant , and blow , and sweat for it . Elijahs Translation to the place of bliss , was much more speedy and facile then ordinary . We see no p●nting heart , no trembling hands , no quivering lips , no ghastly looks to be the forerunners of his passage into Eternal life . Where the union is neer and natural , there the separation is hard and painful , but behold here the Marriage knot betwixt body and soul is not untied . Those loving Relations like Husband and Wife , ride triumphantly together in a stately Chariot to the Heavenly Court ; yet even in this rapture , God would teach us that the Virgin inheritance must be ravished : There appeared a Chariot of fire , and horses of fire , and Elijah went up by a Whirle-wind into Heaven , 2 Kings 2.11 . Why a Chariot of fire but to note that Heaven must be stormed and taken by force . Fire is the most active inanimate Creature ; hereby is figured that laborious action is the way to the beatifical vision . The Chariot is made of fire , the Wheels upon which it runs are a whirlewind . Activeness and violence are the onely way to the blessed inheritance . Who ever entred into Heaven with ease ? They that will be knighted must kneel for it ; they that will wear the Crown must win it . A man is not crowned except he strive lawfully , that is strenuously , 1 Tim 2.25 . He that will be saved , must work out his salvation , and that with fear and trembling , Legitime certare est ad pugnam se preparare & animose adversarium aggredi . Bald. Phil. 2.

Christ who first bought the purchase , hath already set the price , upon which , and no other the Sons of men may come to the possession . There is indeed a twofold price of a thing , a natural price , when so much is layd down , as is commensurate or proportionable to the thing bought , so the price of Heaven was the blood of Christ , Heb. 10.19 .

A pactional price , when so much is laid down , ( though inferiour to the commodity ) upon which the seller is contented that you enjoy the thing desired ; so labour , knocking , working is the price of Heaven , Isa. 55.3 . This price is made of mans future felicity , and Christ is resolved not to abate the least farthing , Strive , saith he , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Conamini omnibus virib us Extremas summatque vires velut agonizantes exerite , quass provita si vincitis , pro morte si vincimini luctaturi . A Lapid . in Loc. to enter in at the straight gate , for many will seek to enter in and shall not be able , Luk. 13.24 . As if he had said , there will be many Seekers , Many that will both cheapen Heaven by a profession , and bid somewhat by performances , but they shall miss the place for want of more pains , they shall not be able ; if ye therefore have any love to your souls , be not onely seekers but strivers , do not onely cheapen and offer a little , but come up to the price . Put forth all your strength as Wrestlers do , that strive for Masteries , as ever ye would enjoy those eternal pleasures . Men were as good bid nothing as not come up to the sellers price .

All run in a Race , but one receiveth the prize ; Sicnotat diligentiam & celeritatem . Cor. A. Lapid . So run that ye may obtain , 1 Cor. 9.24 . They that intend for the Crown , do before hand diet themselves , breath their bodies , and when they run for the Conquest strive and stretch themselves to the utmost , he that loytereth is as sure to lose as if he sate still .

The lazy World , because Christ sends chapmen up and down with his wares , to offer them to every house , to every heart , think to have them at their own ordinary rates , but they shall find that grace which is many degrees short of glory , is not to be had by sloth and idl●ness ; there must be lifting up the heart , lending the ears , seeking , searching , begging , digging , attention of the ou●ward intention of the inward man , before men can understand the fear of the Lord , and find the knowledge of God , Prov. 2.3 , 4 , 5. Though it be easie to let the backet into the Well , yet it is hot work , and hard labour to draw water out of the Well of Salvation . The laborious Bee , onely is laden with hony .

The desire of the slothful killeth him , O si , O si , O tiosi because his hands refuse to labour , Non est e terris mollis ad aslra via Se●●c . Prov. 21.5 . He is full of wishing , but far from working . As the Cat , he would fain have the Fish , but is unwilling to wet his Feet ; his desires are destitute of sutable endeavours , and therefore rather harm him , then help him . Like Ishbosheth he lazeth on his bed till he is deprived of his life . He thinketh to be hurried in hast to Heaven , to be carried as passengers in a Ship , asleep in their cabins to their Haven , but is all the while in a deceitful Dream . There is no going to those Heavens where Christ is in his glory , as the sick man came to the house where Christ was , in his estate of ignominy , let down in a bed .

He that will be but almost a Christian , must be content to go but almost to Heaven .

Idleness is the burial of our persons , and negliligence is the burial of our actions . Writing on the Sand is easie , but soon worn out . It s mar'd wit● a small breath of wind , but writing on marble , as it is more permanent , so it costeth more pains . An idle servant is in Gods esteem an evil servant ; he doth not distinguish betwixt a slothful and an unfaithful man : His Word tells us that he hath bonds for those hands that are folded in the bosom , when they should be working for a blessing ; that he hath fetters for those feet that stand still and stick fast in the mire and mud of sinful pleasures , when they should be running the way of his precepts ; nay , that he hath utter darkness for them that will not walk and work while they enjoy the light , Matth. 25.26 , and 30. He that takes his ease in this world must travel in the next .

Two things shew a necessity that Godliness must be made our business , if ever we would make any thing of it .

First , Because of the opposition we meet with in the way of Religion , When the Wind and Tide are both with the Marriner he may hoise up his sail and sit still , but when both are against him , he must row hard or never think to come to his Haven . The way to Heaven is like Jonathans passage against the Philistims , betwixt two rocks , the one Bozez , dirty ; the other Seneb , thorny ; the men of the world will be ever diligent , either with dirt to bespatter their credits , or with thorns to wound and pierce their consciences that walk in this path ; he must therefore have a mind well resolved to take pains , and his feet well shod with patience , that will go this way to Paradise . The way of this world is like the vale of Siddim , slimy and slippery , full of lime-pits and stumbling-blocks to maim or mischief us . Saints are Princes in all lands , but as Princes that pass through a Country in disguise meet with many affronts , so do Christians .

The flesh is like Birdlime , which when the spirit would at any time mount up to Heaven with the wings of Faith and Meditation , hampers and hinders it ; it is the holy souls prison , wherein it is fettered and fastned that it cannot as it would walk at liberty , and seek Gods precepts . The Devil , both a Serpent for craft , and a Lion for cruelty , doth out of his hatred to God make it his constant business by his power and policy to hinder Godliness . As the Panther , because he cannot come at the person , he tears the picture where-ever he finds it ; We wrestle not with flesh and blood but with Principalities and Powers , Ephes. 6.12 . While Satan reigneth in a creature all may be quiet and calm , but if he be once cast out he will rage and roar to purpose . While Israel serveth the Egyptians , carrying their crosses , bearing their burdens , doing their drudgery all is well ; but when once they shake off Pharoahs yoke , turn their backs upon Egypt , and set out for Canaan , with what force and fury are they pursued to be brought back to their former bondage ? Christ was no sooner baptized then buffetted ; he went as it were out of the water of baptism into the fire of temptation : and if the Prince were all his time persecuted , his Subjects must not expect to be wholly priviledged . The cross is tied as a tag to the profession of Christianity , Matth. 10.30 . One Article in the Indenture which all Apprentices must seal to , that will call Christ Master , is to bear the cross daily , Matth. 16. The Saints are as vessels floating on the waters of Meribah , where ( Omne quod flat Aquilo est , as Tertullian saith of Pontus ) no wind blows but what is sharp and keen . The Hebrews were no sooner enlightned to their conversion , but they indured a sharp fight of affliction ; their lightning was accompanied with a grievous storm , Heb. 10.32 . Holiness is usually followed with much hatred and hardship . The enemies of mans salvation are impudent and uncessant , ever raging never resting . Plut. in vit. Marcel . What the Carthaginian Commander said of Marcellus , may be truly spoken by us in regard of them ; Per varios casus per tot discrimina rerum . Tendimus ad coelum That we have to do with those who will never be quiet , either Conquerors or conquered ; but Conquerors , they will pursue their victory to the utmost ; and conquered , labour to recover their loss . Satan especially is both wrathful and watchful to undermine souls . He is fitly called Beelzebub , the master Fly , because as a Fly he quickly returns to the bait from which he was but now beaten . Though Emperors may turn Christians , saith Austin , yet the Devils will not .

Doth not this fully speak the necessity of making Godliness our business ? — Opposuit Natura Alpemque nivemque Deduxit scopulos & montem ru oit Aceto . Juv. Sat. 10. Can such difficulties be conquered without much diligence ? Who can eat his way like Hannibal ) through such Alps of opposition without hot water and hard work . If like Sampson we would break all these cords of opposition in sunder , we must awake out of sleep and put forth all our strength ; Saints are all called to be Souldiers : Our whole life is a warfare , All the days of my appointed time , Job 14.14 . An Expositor reads it , Ad agendum nat●milites . Cicer. All the days of my warfare I will wait till my change come . The Souldiers life , is no lazy life ; Armies are wholly for action , especially when they deal with such subtile , strong adversaries that assault them day and night without ceasing . Who can conquer three such mighty Monarchs as Flesh , World and Devil are , or force his way through their temptations and suggestions , unless he fight in earnest , and make it his business . That fire , if ever any , had need to be hot that must melt and overcome such hard mettal ; and that hand , if ever any , had need to work hard that will remove and level such high mountains . If the silly Hare , pursued by such a pack of Hounds offer once to stand still or lye down , she is sure to be torn in pieces and devoured . There is a time , saith the holy Bishop , Hall Holy observ. 20. when Kings go not forth to warfare ; our spiritual war admits no intermission , it knows no night , no winter ; abides no peace , no truce ; this calls us not into Garison , where we may have ease and respite , but into pitcht fields continually ; we see our enemies in the face always , and are always seen and assaulted ; ever resisting , ever defending , receiving , and returning blows ; if either we be negligent or weary , we dye ; We can never have safety and peace but in victory : There must our resistance be couragious and constant where both yielding is death , and all treaties of peace , mortal .

Secondly , There is a necessity of making it our main work , Because of the multiplicity of businesses that is incumbent on every Christian . That stream had need to run freely and with full force , that must be divided into many channels . That estate had need to be large that must be parted among many children . Who can count the variety of works that every Christian must be engaged in ? how many Dangers he must wade through ? how many Snares must he avoid ? how many Taunts and Mocks must he abide ? how many Temptations must he conquer ? how many Graces must he exercise ? how many Lusts must he mortifie ? how many Duties must he perform ? every relation , every condition calls for answerable duty and diligence ; every Ordinance must be improved by him , every Providence must be sanctified to him ; Mercies must like a ladder mount him nearer to Heaven ; Misery must , like the famine to the Prodigal , force him to hasten to his Fathers house : His Wife , his Children , his Servants , his Neighbors , his Friends , his Enemies , his shop , his closets , his visits , his journeys do all require suitable service , and who can perform it that is not diligent and sedulous ?

Consider him in reference to Gods immediate Worship , he must pray , hear , read , meditate , watch , fast , sanctifie Sabbaths , sing Psalms , receive the Sacrament , and in all walk humbly , reverently and uprightly with his God . Consider him in reference to poor men , he must love mercy and supply their necessities according to his ability , and not like a muck-heap , good for nothing till carried forth ; whatever men he deals with , he must do justly , love his Neighbor as himself , and as God gives him opportunity provoke them to mind Grace and Sanctity ; as Musk , perfume if possible all that he comes near . Consider him in reference to himself ; he must live soberly , vigilantly ; his heart is like a subtle sturdy theif , ever seeking to break the goal , and therefore must have a strong guard ; his corrupt nature is like fire , and his whole man like thatch , and therefore he must keep a narrow watch ; his Sences are the Out-works which Satan is ever assaulting , by them to gain the Royal Fort of the Soul , that he must defend them with care and courage day and night . What is said of the Husbandman is true of every Christian , His work is never at an end ; The end of one work is but the beginning of another ; He must always be imployed , either in dunging , dressing , ploughing , sowing , harrowing , weeding or reaping his ground ; he hath no leisure to be idle and lazy who hath so much work lying upon his hand . Nullus mihi per ●tium exiit dies partem etiam noctium studiis vendico non vacosomno sed juc cumbo , & oculos vigilia fatigatos cadentesque in opere detinco . Sen. epist 67. Seneca thought Philosophy cut him out so much work , that he was necessitated to spend every day and part of the nights in making it up . Christianity , a nobler Mistris , as she gives better wages , so she commands greater work ; that her servants may say well with the Emperor , Let no day pass without a line ; and with Solomons Houswife , not let their candle to go out by night , Prov. 30.

The French Duke de Alva could say ( when he was asked by Henry the Fourth , Whether he had seen the Eclipse of the Sun ) That he had so much business to do upon Earth , that he had no time to look up to Heaven . Sure I am , the Christian may say with more truth and conscience , That he hath so much business to do for Heaven , that he hath no time to mind vain or earthly things . That servant who doth ponder the strictness of his Master , consider the shortness of his time , conceive the largeness of his task , and beleeve the weightiness of his work , how it must be done , or he is undone for ever , will be easily convinced that it nearly concerns him , that it highly behoves him to shake off sloth and sluggishness , to gird up the loins of his mind , to give it the precedency in all his actions , to pursue it with industry against all opposition , to persevere in it with constancy to his dissolution , and in a word , to make it his main business , his principal work .

CHAP. VIII . A Complaint that this Trade is so dead , and the Worlds trade so quick .

THe Use which I shall make of this Doctrine , shall be either by way of Complaint or Counsel .

First , By way of Lamentation : If Godliness ought to be every ones principal business , How sadly should it be lamented that this calling is so exceedingly neglected ? What one man is there of many that doth follow this trade , and exercise himself to Godliness ? Men generally cry out Trading is dead , their particular callings are gone ; they make no considerable returns , they stand in their shops all the day idle : But may not God rather complain , The holy , heavenly trade is decayed and dead ; general callings are left and lost ; Why stand ye all the day idle , and refuse to work in my vineyard . While the Devil has whole droves to do his drudgery ; the Flesh vast flocks to flatter its fancies , and the World many millions to admire and adore its vanities ; the ways of Sion mourn , they are unoccupied , none come to the solemn feasts , all her gates are desolate . While the Lawyers Closet is filled with Clients for counsel about their Estates , the Physicians chamber with Patients about their bodily health , and the Tradesmans shop crowded with customers , Jesus Christ is left alone . Though he offereth wares which are of infinite worth , and stretcheth out his hand all the day long yet no man regardeth .

It is reported of some Spaniards that live near the place where is store of fish , P. P●grim . that they will rather go without them then take the pains to catch them ; Heaven and Happiness , Saviour and Salvation are near men , they are brought to their very doors , and yet men will rather lose then labour for them , rather go sleeping to Hell , then sweating to Heaven ; All seek their own , and none the things of Jesus Christ .

Offer a crust to a dog and he will catch at it , offer him a Crown and he will contemn it ; offer these men the crusts of vanity , and how greedily are they imbraced , while the Crown of Glory is most unworthily dispised ; like beastly swine they trample this pearl under their feet , and love to wallow in the mire .

But possibly you may say , that there are many that make Religion their business , onely they are so near me that ( according to the rule of Opticks which requires a due distance between the faculty and the object ) I cannot behold them ; they abound in every Country , Parish , Family , All are Christians and make the Worship of God their main work .

I must answer as he did when he saw the vast Army of Antiochus , There are many men , but few Souldiers ; many mouths but few hands ; there are many nominal but few real Christians ; many that flourish like fencers , beating onely the air , but few that fight in earnest the good fight of faith . Godliness hath many complemental servants that will give her the cap and the knee , a few good words and outward ceremonies , but Godliness hath few faithful friends that make her the Mistris of their affections , that give her the command of their hearts , and that wait upon her , and walk with her all the day long . Pretenders to her service are indeed like the sand of the sea numerous but practitioners or faithful servants are like the pearl of the sea rare and precious ; many court her , but few marry her ; for indeed men generally deal with Godliness as the Germans with the Italians , or the Dutch with the Spaniards , hold a fair out ward correspondency , enough to serve for mutual trade and traffick , but enter not into a near familiarity ; they have no great intimacie with Godliness ; it s rather a stranger to them , whom now and then they bestow a visit on for fashion sake , then an indweller or constant inhabitant .

Lepidus Major a loose Roman , when his Comrades were exercising themself in the Camp , would lay himself down to sleep in the shade , and cry out , Vtinam hoc esset laborare , would this were all the duty I were to do : Such Souldiers are many who pretend to fight under Christs Banner ; when they should be watching their souls , and warring with Satan and fin , they are sleeping and snoring as if that were the way to work out their salvations . Reader , I must acquaint thee with the Physicians rule , that Spontanae lassitudines morbos loquuntur ; Weariness without some apparent cause is a sign of a diseased body ; so thy laziness doth speak a very unsound soul .

This complaint is urged with a threefold consideration .

First , How eager is the worldling for wealth and earthly things ? though they loyter about the meat which endureth to eternal life , yet they can labour for the meat that perisheth ; though they are so negligent about the Kingdom of Heaven , yet the Kingdom of Earth suffereth violence . What pains do the Mariners take for treasure ? What perils doth the Souldier under go for plunder ? what labour and industry doth the Husbandman use for profit ? he riseth early , sits up late , denieth himself , loseth his sleep , rides and runs too and fro , imbraceth all opportunities , is eaten up almost with cares and fears , all for the earthly ma●●●● , whilst the heavenly Mansions are like the unknown part of the world , which no man regardeth or looketh after : They pant after the dust of the earth as greedily as hot creatures do after the air to cool their scorched intrails , Amos 2.7 . The Serpents curse is entailed on that poysonous brood , the dust is their diet , they feed on ashes , Gen. 3.14 . Amos 7. They laugh at dangers and trample upon difficulties , they force their way through darkness , and the shadow of death , through stifling damps and overflowing floods , through rocks and mountains in the pursuit of earthly treasures , Job 28.9 , 10 , 11. It s said of the Dutch they are so industrious at Navigation that if it were possible to sail in ships to Heaven they would not come short of that Haven : Ah what pity is it that this jewel should hang in a swines snout , which would so well become the Christians finger ; that this diligence , this violence should be exercised about mens earthly and particular , which would so well suit their heavenly and general calling . The ambitious person , like the Panther , Pliny nat. hist. lib. 8. cap 27. is so greedy of the poisonous Aconite ( hung up by the Hunters purposely in vessels above their reach ) of air and honour , that he never leaves leaping and straining thereat till he breaks and bursts himself in sunder .

The covetous man ( saith one ) that hath more then enough yet perplexeth himself with his own wants ; look how like a fool he goeth , leading his horse in his hand , and carrying his saddle on his back till he be pickled in his own sweat , and killed with cares , when his horse would with ease carry him and his saddle The Voluptuous man , like the Drone , is busie about the glass of water baited with honey , in it he labours and wearieth himself even till he be drowned .

How do men ( like the Israelites in the Egyptian bondage ) travel up and down and even weary themselves to gather straw . What pains do they take to hew unto themselves broken cysterns . Their chief strife is with the Toads , who shall fall asleep with most earth in their mouths , who shall leave this world with most wealth in their hands : Their parts and gifts , their time and talents , are all improved to help forward their earthly trade , They are wiser in their generation then the children of light .

Oh how lamentable is it that the oynions and garlick of Egypt are preferred before the milk and honey of Canaan . Luthers Colloq. Mensal p. 85. Lysippus made Alexanders picture with this posie . tupiter asserai terram mihi ta assere coelum Luther . tells us of a noble man at Vienna , in the time of his abode there , which made a great Supper , and in the midst of his mirth belched out this windy and blasphemous speech , If God will leave me this world to live and injoy my pleasure therein but a thousand years , then let him take his Heaven to himself . This man spake what most men think ; the bramble of their bodies reigneth and fire ariseth out of it to consume the cedar of their souls .

The Heathen have admired and bemoaned mans industry about earth , Sen. lib. 6. nat. cap. 26. they have wondered what made man , who is of an erect countenance looking up to Heaven , Tertal . de corona militis . thus to bow down and bury himself alive in the earth . Tertullian stood amazed at the folly of the Romans , who would undergo all manner of hazards and hardships to be Consul , which he fitly calls , One years fleeting joy . The Prophet tells such that they rejoyce in a thing of naught , Amos 7. Nay the forementioned Moralist tels us that such worldlings operose nihil agunt , Take a great deal of pains to do nothing . That their whole life is but a laborious loytering , or at most a more painful kind of playing ; their account will be nothing but ciphers ; like children they run up and down and labour hard to catch a gaudy Butterflie , which when caught will foul their fingers and flye from them . O mortal men , how long will ye love vanity and follow after leasing , Psa. 4.

Is it not sad that so noble a being as mans soul should be wholly taken up with such mean sordid things . That phrase in Psa. 24.5 . That hath not lift up his soul untovanity , is read by Arius Montanus , He that hath not received his soulin vain . O how many receive their souls in vain , making no more use of them , then the Swine of whom the Philosopher observes , Cujus anima pro sale , their souls are onely for salt to keep their bodies from stinking . Who would not grieve to think that so choice a piece should be employed about so vain a use .

Reader , If one should be intrusted with the education of a great Prince ( who was descended of the blood royal , and heir to a large Empire ) and should set him onely to rake in Dungils , or cleanse Ditches , thou wouldst exceedingly condemn such a governour . Wouldst thou not think , It is pity indeed that so Noble a person should be busied about such low unworthy projects .

God hath intrusted thee with a precious soul , descended highly even from God himself , claiming kindred with the glorious Angels , and capable of inheriting that kingdom to which the most glorious Empires of the World are but Muck-heaps . Art thou not one of them that employ this Princely soul , altogether about unsutable and earthly practices , and causing it ( as the lapwing though it have a coronet on its head ) to feed on excrements ? It was one cause of Jeremiahs sad lamentation , that the precious Sons of Sion comparable to fine gold should be esteemed as earthen Pitchers , the work of the hands of the potter , that they which were brought up in Scarlet , should embrace Dunghils , Lament 4.2 , 5. Have not we more cause of sorrow that mens souls , the precious sons of God should be put to no better use then earthen pitchers , that they which should be brought up delicately in the nurture and admonition of the Lord , should be busie about dross , and imbrace Dunghils , that thy precious soul should thus lacquey after earth and vanity , when it should like an Angel , be always standing and waiting in the presence of God .

Who can read the stories how Domitian the King spent his time in catching Flies , Solyman the Magnificent in making Arrow-heads ; Achmat the last in making strings for Bows ; Harcatius the King of Persia in catching Moles ; Caligula the Emperour in playing the Poet ; Nero the Emperour in Fidling , and not admire at their folly ; that such great Princes should busie themselves in things so infinitely below their places . But thy folly Reader ( if one of them I am writing of ) is far greater , in that thy practices are more below thy spiritual and heavenly principle . May I not say to thee as Philip to Alexander , ( when he heard him singing ) Art thou not ashamed being a Kings Son , to sing so well ; Art thou not ashamed being an immortal angelical substance , the off-spring of God , and capable of his likeness and love , to be glewed as a Toad-stool to the earth , to spend thy time and strength , venture the perishing of thy mortal body and immortal soul too , for that meat which perisheth . It is storied of Pope Sixtus the fifth , that he sould his soul to the Devil for Seven years enjoyment of the Popedom . What fool ever bought so dear ? what mad man ever sold so cheap ? yet every worldly person doth implicitly the same with this Pope . He selleth what is more worth then all the World for a little Wind. Ah , how costly is that treasure which makes him a beggar to all eternity .

O Lord , what a foolish silly thing is man , to prize and take pains for husks before bread , vanity before solidity , a shadow before the substance , the Worlds seraps , before the costly feast , the dirty Kennels , before the Christal water of life , an Apple before Paradise , a mess of Pottage before the Birthright , and the least fleeting and inconstant good , before the greatest truest and eternal good . Their particular callings are but about earth , the lowest , meanest and vilest of all the elements in these callings , they deal but with men and bruits , their gains here at best cannot be large , because their lives here cannot be long , and yet how eagerly are they pursued ? how closely are they followed ? how constantly are they busied about them ? their general callings are about their souls , their eternal salvations , in these they have to do with the blessed God , the lovely Saviour , in communion with whom is Heaven upon Earth , their gains here are above their thoughts , and beyond their most enlarged desires , no less then infinite and eternal . The profit of godliness is invaluable above price . It cannot be gotten for gold , neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof , It cannot be valued with the Gold of Ophir , with the precious Onix or the Saphir . The Gold and the Christal cannot equalit , and the exchange of it shall not be for Jewels of fine gold ; No mention shall be made of Coral or of Pearls , for the price of Wisdom is above Rubies . The Topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it , neither shall it be valued with pure gold , Job 28.15 , to 20. yet how lingringly is this calling entred upon , how lazily is it followed , and how quickly cast off , O foolish man who hath bewitched thee , that thou dost thus dislike and disobey the truth .

I cannot more fitly resemble man then to a silly Hen , which though much good Corn lie before her , takes little notice of it , but still scrapes in the Earth . The favour of God , the promises of the Gospel , the Covenant of Grace , the blood of Christ , the embroydery of the Spirit , the life of faith , the hope of Heaven , joy in the Holy Ghost , are laid before man , yet he overlooks them all , and lives like a Mole digging and delving in the earth .

Though men see before their eyes , a period and end of all earthly perfections , that the beauty , bravery , of all earthly things is but like a fair Picture drawn on Ice , quickly perishing ; that their riches and estates are but like Snow , which children take much pains to rake and scrape together , to make a Ball of , which upon the Suns shining on , it presently melteth away ; though they see daily men that hoarded up Silver , and wrought hard for wealth , hurried away into the other World , leaving all their heaps behind them ; yet they will take no warning , but as the silly Lark still play with the feather in the Glass , till they are caught and destroyd by the Fowler : Men wrong themselves , and misconstrue God , who ( as if he had hidden those things because he would have them sought , and laid the other open for neglect ) bend themselves onely to the seeking of those earthly commodities , and do no more mind Heaven , then if there were none . If we could imagine a beast to have reason , how could he be more absurd in his choice .

What a beast is he to love his silver above his soul , Plut. in vit. Anton. and lose his God for a little corruptible gold ? While he lives ( like the King of Armenia by Marc. Anton. ) he is a close prisoner in golden fetters , and when he dieth , this worldling may say to his darling , as Cornelius Agrippa to his familiar spirit neer his end , Abi perdita bestia , quae me perdidisti , Be gone thou wicked wretch , thou hast undone me .

It was good counsel which was given John the third King of Portugal , to meditate a quarter of an hour every day on that divine sentence . ( And O that Reader , I could perswade thee to it ) What will it profit a man to gain the whole World and lose his own soul , or what will a man give in exchange for his soul , Mat. 16. I have read of a Philosopher , who living near a Black Smith , and hearing him up every morning , at his Hammer and Anv●l , before he could get out of his Bed to his Book ; profest himself much ashamed , that such an ignoble trade ( as a Smiths ) should be more diligently atended then his more serious and excellent studies : What sayst thou , Reader , Dost thou not blush to think that Worldlings are more busie and laborious about the low things , the rattles and trifles of this life , then thou art about the high affairs of God and thy Soul , the noble and serious concernments of Eternity ?

CHAP. IX The ●omplaint continued that this Calling is so much neglected , when superstition and sin are embraced , and diligently followed .

SEcondly , How do men make Superstition and Idolatry their business . Though they are carel●ss about Divine institutions , yet they are zealous for humane traditions . How zealous were the Pharisees for the inventions of their Elders . They called them Mashlamathath , Completions or Perfections ; esteeming them both helpful to the observation of the Law of God , and also to the perfection of it . Superstitious persons do naturally think that their postures , gestures , ceremonies , and additions do render the Worship of God more comely and more compleat ; but truely such embrace a cloud instead of Juno , worship the shadow of Christ , whilst the Prince himself goeth unsaluted . Men are exceeding prone to , and earnest for such vain and false ways and worship ; partly because its pleasing to corrupt spirits , who naturally love a fair shew in the flesh . A pompous holiness , sutes best with a proud heart ; partly because these traditions were received from their Ancestours ; and as Austin observed in his time ; Men were resolved right or wrong to be followers of their Fathers . ( Sutable to which Cicero said , I will never forsake that way of Divine service which I have received from my Fore-fathers , for any mans pleasure , or by any mans perswasion ) No not though Christ himself dyed to redeem them from their vain conversations , received by tradition from their Fathers , 1 Pet. 1.18 , 19. hence , though they are so backward where God Commands , yet they are forward when men command . What an outcry doth Micah make for his Idol ? What a privy search doth Laban make for his Image ? Gideon , must dye for throwing down the Alter of Baal . How earnest are many for priests , Tapers , Altars , Sacrifices , Days , Meats , Conservations , the Holy of Holies , Crossing and Cringings . In these their zeal is hot , boyling over to the scalding of themselves and others . Though this fervency is aptly compared to a Ship without Ballast , over-beared with Sails , which in a strom casts away all aboard her ; they disesteem their estates and possessions in comparison of Idolatry and Superstition . Such persons are not onely liberal but lavish ; Jeroboam will be at great cost for his Idols , they must be , not Iron or Brazen , no not Silver , but Golden Calves , not Guilded over , but Massie , molted Gold ; they lavish gold out of the bag , and weigh silver in the ballance , and hire a Gold-Smith , and he maketh it a God , and they fall down and Worship it . Isa. 46.6 . The Israelites will spare their Jewels for their Idols , Exod. 32.3 . Micha's mother to make molten and graven Images will lay out eleven hundred shekels of silver , Judg. 17.2 , 3. The Papists are so prodigal though it is the less wonder in them , because they hold such actions meritorious of Salvation , ( and what would not a man give or do to be saved ? ) that not onely their Churches but even Clorsters are stuck and stuft with costly , pearly presents , to their supposed Saints . The Indians in the Isle of Zeylon having a consecrated Apes tooth got from them , offered an incredible mass of treasure to recover it . How many zealots that will hardly give a penny to the releif of a poor Christian throw away pounds for the maintenance of Superstition ?

They slight their relations to further their idolatrous devotion . The superstitious Jews would sacrifice their children to Moloch , 2 King . 17.17 . Diodor Sic. The Carthaginians at one time ( after they had received an overthrow by Agathocles ) sacrificed two hundred of their prime Nobility to appease their incensed Deity : Good God whether is nan fallen ! to be more cruel then a Beast to the children of his own body ? What slavery is it to serve Satan , and what liberty to serve thee ?

Nay they will sacrifice not onely their Estates and children , but their lives and all their outward comforts to superstition : Verberari à dae mone mallebat quam à Deo coronari . Mendoz. in 1 Sam. 8. How did the worshippers of Baal cut and lance themselves . Ahaz sacrificed to the gods of Damascus that smote him , 2 Chron. 28.23 . So fervent he was that he chose rather , in the service of false gods to be scourged , then in the service of the true God to be saved . Pur. Pilgrim . p. 1478.

Among the Mahometans are a sect called the Dervises , whose sharp and strict penances exceed those of the Papists ; they live on the tops of hills , solitary , for contemplation , fast till nature be almost decayed , have no cloaths but to cover their nakedness , wear such massie fetters of iron upon their legs , that they can scarce stir , and yet go as fast as they can with them many miles to visit the Sepulchres of their deluded Saints . Al. oran . The Turks willingingly lay down their lives in their Wars to propagate their Religion , which their Prophet hath taught them must be done , non disputando , sed pugnando , not by disputing with , but by destroying others . The unhappy Jesuite ( though his Religion be an heap of formalities , as the Turks a bundle of fooleries ) is yet so zealous for it , that Campian could impudently in a Letter to Q. Elizabeths Council affirm , That as long as there was one Jesuite left for Tiburn , they had vowed never to desist endeavors to set up their Religion in this Nation . O devout ungodliness , or ungodly devotion ! How few take such pains to go to Heaven , as many do to go to Hell ?

Alas what sorrow doth this call for and command ? that men should be so hot and fiery in Will-worship , in false Worship , wasting their wealth , cutting and carving their bodies , as if they were made onely to be their slaves , and themselves to be the Tyrants over them ; laying out so much cost , and exercising so much cruelty , for that which is worse then nothing , for that which will not onely not profit them , but extreamly and eternally prejudice them ; and in the interim the easie yoke of Christ is scorned , the power of Godliness slighted which might be minded with much more mildness and mercy to their outward and inward man .

It was a good meditation of a forequoted Author , Those that travel in long pilgrimages to the holy Land , what a number of weary paces they measure ? What a number of hard lodgings and known dangers they pass ? and at last when they are come within view of their journeys end , what a large tribute they pay at the Pisan Castle to the Turks ? and when they are come thither , what see they but the bare sepulchre wherein their Saviour lay , and the earth that he trode upon , to the encrease of a carnal Devotion ? What labour should I willingly undertake in my journey to the true Land of Promise , the celestial Jerusalem , where I shall see and enjoy my Saviour himself ? What tribute of pain or death should I refuse to pay ●or my entrance not into his Sepulchre , but his Palace of glory , and that not to look upon , but to possess it .

Thirdly , As many make the World their main work , and others Superstition their principal occ●pation , so most make wickedne their cheif , their constant trade and busine . While sanctity is but coldly entertained , but complemented with , sin is laid in the bosome and heartily embraced ; the turnings and windings that are in the sinners way , are not easily to be observed ; the pains which he takes to bring forth and breed up those Birds which will peck out his own eyes , can neither be fully described , nor sufficiently lamented . In what hast and hurry is Absolom for an Halter ? what work doth lust make in Ammon , to wast his body , and send his soul to endless wo ? How fast doth Gehazi run after a Lepros●e , as if he might come too late ? How sick and violent is Ahab for Naboths Vine yard ? How fiercely doth Balaam ride even without raigns , after the wages of unrighteousness ? How eager and earnest were Pharaoh , and his Egyptians , to fight against God ? what a stir , what a do , they make to overtake destruction , and to sink like Lead , in the midst of the migthy waters Joshua could stop the Sun in his course , but not Achan in his covetous career ; Paul before his conversion ( as one observes ) followed the Saints with such close persecution , and was so mad upon it , that like a tyred Wolf , wearied in worrying the flock , he lay panting for breath , and yet still breathed out persecution . In one Journey he travelled one hundred and sixty miles ( namely from Jerusalem to Damascus ) as an inquisitour for private Heresie . At Muscleborough field many of the Scots ran away so fast , that they fell down dead ; truely so do men by sin , run away a pace from God , even to the tyring of themselves here , and tormenting themselves hereafter . They run as fast as if they feared that Hell would be full before they came thither .

The wicked man travelleth with pain all his days , Job 15.20 . A wicked mans whole course , is spent in carking care , as the Seventy read it . He hath many sharp throws , bitter pangs , before he can bring forth that hideous horible Monster , Sin . Some Women are very long in labour , several days in pain ; but a wilful Wicked man , travelleth with pain all his days ; He works himself weary in digging descents into Hell , and labours harder at it then many do for Heaven . I remember Buntingus in his Itinerarium totius Sacrae Scripturae , when he comes to the Travails of Antiochus Epiphanius , that fierce enemy of Gods people , first relates the tedious journies ( in all eight thousand one hundred fifty three Miles ) various hazards , desperate dangers and difficulties , which this wicked wretch underwent to satisfie his malice , and gratifie his revengeful spirit , and then concludes thus . We see that the Wicked with more sorrows , troubles and vexations , gain eternal damnation , then the just , though they suffer greivous affliction , obtain everlasting Salvation . For amongst all the Patriarchs , good Princes and Prophets , there is not found any that had so many long and tedious journies as this Antiochus , who continually oppressed his mind and conscience with unprofitable vanities and wicked thoughts , and at length had a miserable and terrible end .

Though God hath few diligent Servants , yet the Devil hath many drudging slaves that work hard at grinding in his Mill all their days . Their calling is a trade of corruption which they follow with diligence and constancy . They plow iniquity , sow wickedness , and reap the same , Job 4.8 . Alass what pains do they take to pollute themselves spiritually , and perish eternally ? They Plow iniquity , Plowing is no easie , lazy work . We say of such works as require much pains , a man were as good go to Plow all day ; These sons of Belial , that will not stoop to the easie yoke of the Saviour , can submit their proud Necks to the hard yoke of Satan , and follow his Plow willingly . Sin is their diet , their meat and drink , they eat the bread of violence , and drink the wine of deceit , Prov. 4.17 . Nay it is their dainties their delicates , let me not eat of their dainties , Psa. 141.4 . These Apish Monkies ( who now and then act the part of Christians without a principle of Christianity ) feed on Spiders , on Poyson . Further , it is not onely their nourishment in the day , but their refreshment in the night , They cannot sleep unless they cause some to fall , Prov. 4.16 . Till their stomachs are gorged and glutted with the sweet meats of sin , and thereby their heads filled with filthy fumes and vapours arising thence , they can take no rest . They love sin above sleep , and let them but riot , they will lose their rest . The Murderer riseth with the light , to cut asunder the silver thread of his Neighbours life . The Drunkard that hellish good Husband , can be all night drinking healths to others , whilst he leaves none to himself , how often doth his brains crow before break of day ; the Chief and Adulterer love and long for darkness , to cover and countenance their cursed deeds , Job 24.14 , 15 , 16. Pro. 7.9 . Once more . As sin is their nourishment , their food and sleep , so it is their Garment their Ornament . Pride compasseth them about as a chain , violence covereth them as a Garment , Psa. 73.6 . A chain of pearle doth not better become their Necks , nor the richest robes adorn their Backs , then sin doth in their judgements become and sute their souls . They glory in their shame ; Plato saith of Protagoras , that he boasted whereas he had lived ●ixty years , he had spent Forty years in corrupting youth . They brag of that which they ought to bewayl .

They plot sin with their heads , They conceive mischief , Psa. 7.14 . they affect sin with their hearts , their hearts are after their covetousness , Ezek. 33. They act with their hands , what their heads forge , and their hearts favour ; they do evil with both hands earnestly . Micah 7.3 . They work so hard till they are weary , thou hast wearied thy self in the multitude of thy counsels , Isa. 47.13 . Pliny saith of the Scorpion , that there is not one minute wherein he doth not put forth his sting ; these cannot cease from sin , 2 Pet. 2. they do even contend which of them shall exceed in sin , as unhappy boys strive who shall go farthest in the Dirt.

All the rubs which are layd in their way , do rather increase their rage then hinder their riot . When God would stop the stream of their lusts by his prohibitions , laws , judgements , like waters dammed up , they swell the more , and like the possessed person break all those cords in peices . When Paul chides the Ephesians for their Idolatry , they cry out for it with the greater vehemency . When Steven had reproved the Jews for their cruelty , they were cut the to heart and gnash upon him with their teeth . Acts 7.54 , 57. When Ahaz . was hampered in affliction , like a mad Dog he bites at his Chain , and sins yet more in his distress , against the Lord . When the sinners tide of nature is thwarted and croft by the winds of reproof or some judgement , what a storm is presently raised ? how doth he like the Sea presently discover and foam out his own shame . Though God command , intreat , perswade , threaten , promise , yet all this Physick doth often but move and stir , not remove nor purge away their ill humours . O how deadly is that disease which no physick can cure ? and how tough is that wood which no wedge can cleave ? The bird will beware of the pitfal in which she bath been caught , and the beast of the snare in which he hath been taken , but brutish man more foolish then beasts , will not be parted from sin though he have been sharply punished for it .

The Wicked are estranged from the womb they go astray as soon as they are born , speaking Lies ; Their poison is like the poyson of a Serpent , they are like the deaf Adder that stoppeth her ears , which will not hearken to the voyce of Charmers , charming never so wisely , Psa. 58.3 , 4 , 5. The Serpent when she begins to feel the Charmer , clappeth one ear presently to the ground , and stoppeth the other ear with her tail , although by hearkening to the Charmer ( as some observe ) she would be provoked to spit out her poyson , and renew h●r age . So hot is man upon his Harlot sin , that he is deaf to all that would counsel him to the contrary , he stoppeth his ear , hardeneth his heart , stifneth his neck , against the thunders of the Law , the still voice of the Gospel , the motions of the Spirit , and the convictions of his own conscience . When sin calls they run through thick and thin for hast , when the World commands how readily do they hearken , how quickly do they hear , how faithfully do they obey ? but when the blessed God cryeth to them , chargeth them by his unquestionable authority , beseecheth them for their own unchangeable felicity , they ( like statues of men rather then living creatures ) stand still and stir not at all . Other things move swiftly to their centers , Stones fall tumbling downward , Sparks fly apace upward , Conies run with speed to their burrows , Rivers with violence to the Ocean , and yet filly man hangs off from his maker ; that neither intreaties , nor threatnings , nor the word , nor the Works of God , nor hope of Heaven , nor fear of Hell , can quicken or hasten him to his happiness . Who would imagine that a reasonable souly should act so much against sense and reason ? Where is the Saint that is not shamed by the very damned , sinners drive furiously ( like Jehu ) against their God , their Soveraign , but Saints like Egyptians drive heavily though they are marching in the road to the Heavenly Canaan . Ah who presseth towards the mark , for the price of the high calling ? Who works so hard to be preferd to the beatifical vision , as wicked men do to be punisht with eternal destruction ? they sweat at sowing in the Devils field , when all they shall reap thereby will be damnation , and thou freezest in seeking Gods favour when the fruit thereof will bee everlasting Salvation .

O Reader , Consider and mourn , that the deceitful world ( who will leave their lovers in the greatest danger ) should have such hot and violent woers ; that Superstition should be so greedily caught at , though like Hemlock , it makes them run mad that eat it , and ends often in desperation ; nay that the loathsom monster Sin ( whose Father is the Devil , whose service is perfect slavery , whose Joynture is blackness of darkness for ever ) should have so many and such eager , earnest Suitors ; and ●et Godliness ( whose birth is noble from Heaven , whose person is lovely , the beautiful image of the blessed God , whose portion is large , no less then Eternal life ) should be by most wholly slighted , and it best but coldly courted . Surely this ought to be for a lamentation . Good God whither did man go when he departed away from thee !

The ancient men wept when they saw the foundation of the Second Temple laid , considering how far it came short of the glory and beauty of the First , Ezra 3.12 . What cause have we then to weep floods of tears when we ponder how short man is , nay how contrary man is to his primitive purity and perfection . Godliness was then his business but is now his burthen ; Sin was then loathed as his bane , but is now loved as his daily bread .

CHAP. X. An Exhortation to make Godliness our business in the whole course of our lives .

THe second and principal Use which I shall make of this Doctrine , shall be by way of Exhortation ; Ought Godliness to be every ones business ? then Reader let me perswade thee in the fear of God to put this Precept into practice ; Exercise thy self to Godliness . Let it be the chief trade thou drivest , the principal calling thou followest , to worship the true God in heart and life , according to his revealed Will . I hope thou art satisfied in the weight of the Reasons already delivered ; what canst thou say , why thou shouldst not presently set upon the work . Thou hast heard it is the great end of thy being and continuance in this world , That it is an employment of the greatest concernment ; How it is Soul work , God-work , Eternity-work ; That it must of necessity be made the main business , or otherwise all thy labour will be lost : ●anst thou easily break this threefold cord ; let conscience judge between God and thee , whether such a work as this is , doth not deserve all thy time and strength , thine utmost care and greatest diligence , and ten thousand times more then thou canst possibly give it . Thou hast also read how fiery and furious Worldlings , Formalists , Sinners are for their Dalilahs and Minions ; Oh why art thou so slothful to go in and possess the land , Judg. 18.3 .

Themistocles seeing two Cocks fight , Aelian● 2 Va. H●st c. 28. when he was going to a battel , pointed his Souldiers to them and said , Do you see ●onder Combatants , how valiantly they deal their blows ? with what fury they fight ? and yet they fight not for their Country , nor for their Gods , nor for the honour of their Ancestors , nor for Glory , nor Liberty , nor Children ? What courage then , my brave Countrymen , should this put into our hearts , on whose resolution all these depend , and by whose valour they subsist ? So say I to thee , Reader , Dost thou see yonder Worldling , how he rideth , runneth , toileth , moileth , sweateth , wasteth his strength , wrongeth his body , makes a very pack-horse of it , and will searce allow it time to eat or sleep ? Dost thou see yonder Superstitious person , how zealous he is for the inventions of men , laying his Estate , Limbs , Laberty and Life at the feet of his own Idol 〈◊〉 how like one upon a fiery Steed full of mettle , he rides post out of Gods way , and from Gods Word ? Nay dost thou see yonder Sinner , what time he spends , what miseries he endures ? what Wealth he wastes ? how hard he labours to gratifie his Lust ? And yet these work not for the Blood of Christ , nor for the Love of the Father , nor for the Graces of the Spirit , nor from freedom from the Curse of the Law , the slavery of Satan , the torments of Hell , nor for their Souls , nor for their God , nor for fulness of joy , and the pleasures that are at Gods right hand for evermore ? What Zeal and Fervency should this put into our hearts , Dear Friends ! and what diligence and industry into our hands , when we work and trade for all these ? and if we make them our business our labour shall not be invain in the Lord .

Exercise thy self to Godliness , not to Superstition : As the Ivy in time eats up the very heart of the Oake it groweth about ; so doth Formality and Superstition the very heart and life of Religion ; Let Gods Laws , not thy own or others Lusts be the rule whereby thou governest thy heart and life .

Superstition ( saith an eminent Divine ) is to true Holiness , Gurnal . Christ . incomp . arm. part . 2. edit. 2. p. 224. what the Concubine is to the true Wife , who is sure to draw the Husbands love from her ; this Brat the Devil hath long put out to nurse to the Romish Church , which hath taken a great deal of pains to bring it up for him , and no wonder when she is so well paid for its maintenance , it having brought her in so much worldly treasure and riches .

What some observe of Horse hairs , that , though liveless , yet lying nine days under water , they turn to Snakes , may pertinently be applyed to superstitious Ceremonies , which though at first dead , or held at most but indifferent , yet in continuance of time have quickened and done much mischeif . There is a simplicity in the Word and Worship of God , which I would intreat thee to look after . ( I fear least your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity which is in Christ , 2 Cor. 11.3 . ) not as simplicity is opposed to wisdom , but as simplicity is opposed to mixtures ; Compositions do but diminish and abate the vertue of Simples . The more natural and simple the Wine is , the more pure it is , mixtures do but adulterate it . The more simple the Worship of God is , ( I speak of Gospel simplicity and order ) the more pure it is , humane inventions and mixtures may abase it , they cannot adorn it . Gods Altar under the law must be of earth . If thou lift up a tool upon it , thou hast polluted it . Exod. 20.24 , 25. Men are apt to think , that by lifting up tools on Gods altar , they polish it , but God himself saith they pollute it .

When the Church was in her infancy , she was drest in the swadling clothes of Ceremonies , but since she is grown up , God hath provided her other attire . To the Jews , the Sun of righteousness was behind , and therefore the shadow of those Ceremonies was before . They were in force and power , but to us Gentiles the Sun of righteousness is before , and therefore the shadow of ceremonies is behind . When Christ came , those shadows seemed to say as the Angels to Jacob , Let us go , for the day breaketh , Gen. 32.26 . at the death of Christ the Vail of the Temple was rent in twain , from the top to the bottom , to acquaint us that the Jewish Ceremonies must then vanish , Mat. 27.51 .

Reader , I would not be mistaken , I do not advise thee against that order and decency , which is commanded in the Worship of God , nor against active obedience to authority in things that are circumstantial , or not directly , nor consequentially forbidden in Scripture , but I would counsel thee to beware , least ( like the Dog in the Fable ) whilst thou art snapping at any shadow thou dost not lose the substance ; and withal I must tell thee that as when the shadows grow long , it s a sign the Sun is declining ; so when those shadows , those even indifferent things increase , usually the substance , the light of holiness decreaseth .

When Corn runs out into straw and chaff , those that feed on it , may well be thin and lean , but when it runs into ear and kernel , thou mayst expect such as eat of it to be fat and well favourd ; when Religion runs into Formalities and Ceremonies , her followers can never be thriving spiritually , they may starve for all the gaudy flowers wherewith the several dishes on her table are decked and set forth ; it is the power of godliness alone , which like wholsom and substantial food , will distribute nourishment and strength to the inner man ; I expect nourishment from bread , not from straw or stones , because God hath annext his blessing to the former , not to the latter . I look for spiritual strength from divine institutions , not from humane inventions , because Gods promise is made to word-worship , not to will-worship ; one would think the sparks of that fire wherewith Aarons Sons were consumed , should fly in the faces of men , and make them affraid to offer up to the Lord what he commanded them not , Lev. 10.1 , 2.

Exercise thy self to this Worshipping the true God according to his revealed will . Do not dally and trifle at it , be not cold and careless about it . Take heed of the Worldlings politique principles . Fair and softly goeth far ; Too much of one thing is good for nothing ; It s good to be Religious , but not too conscientious ; A little moderation would not do amiss . These men would serve thee as ignorant Montebanks do their Patients , that whilst they go about to cool the liver ( least it should set the blood in a flame ) kill the stomach , and thereby necessarily destroy the body . They pretend some fear that thou mayst work too hard , even to thy hurt , when thou canst never do enough , much less , too much , for thy God and thine everlasting good : I must needs tell thee that there is an impossibility of dividing thy service betwixt thy sins and thy Saviour , and of parting thy heart and work between the world and the word . No man can serve two Masters . Mat. 6.24 . If like a Meteor thou hangest between heaven and earth , haltest between Christ and the flesh , as a hunting Dog between too Hares , running sometime after this , sometime after that , thou wilt be sure at last to lose both .

Those creatures under the Law , which did both move in the waters , and hover up and down in the Air , were unclean in Gods account . Lev. 11.10 . There is a story of a Bastard Eagle , which hath one foot close like a Goose , with which she swims in the waters , and dives for fish , and another foot open and armed with talons , with which she soareth in the Air , and seiseth her prey ; but she participating of both natures , is weak in either , and at last becomes a prey to every ordinary Vulture . The am bodexter in Religion who is both for the flesh and the Spirit , for Riches and Righteousness is all his time a servant of sin , and will at last become a prey to Satan .

Wherefore I must intreat thee , Reader , to make godliness thy sole design and delight , thy main occupation and recreation . If thou find not the golden veins upon the surface , or just under the skin of the earth , do not throw off thy trade nor cast away thy Tools , but delve and dig lower , thou shalt certainly at length come to the rich treasure . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 The vertuous man in Greek is denominated from a word that signifieth industrious and diligent . Labour is the way to get and increase vertue , and the more vertuous thou art , the more laborious thou wilt be , frequent use must keep thy spiritual arms from rust .

It is a more worthy thing to abound in work , In operibus , sit abundantia mea , div tiis per me l●cet abundet quisquis volue . rit . then to abound in wealth . Melancthon spake nobly Let others take Riches , give me Labour . They who have been busie about much meaner studies , have yet pursued them with incredible pleasure , and extraordinary pains . Plutarch Endymion spent whole nights on Rocks and Mountains , in contemplating the motions of the Stars . It is said of Crisippus , That he was so intent on his Book that he had starved his Body , had not his maid put meat into his mouth . Cicer Ep. lib. 9. Cicero profest , He would part with all he was worth that he might but live and dye among his Books ; did they reckon Humane Knowledge , that curious piece of vanity at so high a rate that they would trample on their possessions , take any pains to procure it , to promote it ? What a price shouldst thou set upon Godliness , upon Divine Knowledge , which is the very seed of eternal life ? Joh. 17.3 . shouldst not thou undervalue thy estate and strength for it ? shouldst not thou spend all thy time , imploy all thy talents , and improve all thy opportunities for the furthering of it ? O that holy Paul might be thy pattern : Herein I exercise my self , to keep a conscience void of offence towards God and Men , Act. 24.16 . Here is Pauls precious cabinet , and his care to preserve it ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 me exerceo laboro , ●otus sum in hac re , ut inculpate deo serviam nec homines offendam . his Cabinet was his conscience void of offence , a treasure of inestimable value ; in this Cabinet were all the jewels of Divine Graces . His Faith and Love , his Hope and Humility , his Patience and Heavenly mindedness were glistering in it gloriously , like so many costly and sparkling Diamonds ; but observe Pauls care of this Cabinet , I exercise my self to keep a conscience void of offence ; Paul knew many subtle theives were abroad , and therefore he must make it his business to keep his pearls , or otherwise they would be stoln from him . He knew if he were robbed he were ruined ; nay if but a flaw were made in the jewel of his conscience , it would be of exceeding ill consequence to him , therefore he did exercise himself to keep a conscience void of offence .

Again , Exercise thy self to Godliness , make it thy business , in the whole course of thy life , nay in every passage of thy conversation . As the blood runs through the whole body , and every vein of the body ; so Godliness must run through our whole conversation , and every particular action of it . Godliness must be like the Sun ( though its scituation be in Heaven , and that the main place of its residence ) enlighten and warm the whole body of the air , and all the earth by its influence , shine on all thy natural , civil and spiritual works , nothing must be hid from the heat thereof . Reader , observe the command , Be ye holy in all manner of conversation , 1 Pet. 1.15 .

The Greek word ( 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ) and the Latin word ( conversatio ) for conversation , come of a verb that signifieth to turn , to note that which way soever a Christian turneth himself he must be holy ; he must be holy in his closet alone , holy among company , holy at home , holy abroad , holy in his shop , holy among his sheep , holy in the Church , holy in his chamber , holy at his table , holy in his travails , holy in prosperity , holy in adversity , holy in every relation , and in every condition , in all manner of conversation . As oyl is laid over all colours to make them durable ; so Godliness must be laid on every part and practice of our conversation , and thereby they will be permanent to our comfort , and run parallel with the line of Eterity . We lay gold , because excellent , on all sorts of mettals ; Godliness , which is more precious then fine gold , must be laid on our Naturals , Morals , Intellectuals , all of them must have their vertue and value from it . The truth is , they all like Cyphers stand for nothing , unless this figure be joyned with them , and put before them .

Beleevers are commanded to be holy men , Exod. 22. ult. In the Original it is men of holiness , and ye shall be men of holiness unto me , that is all over holy ; As Christ is called a man of sorrows , because his whole man , body and soul was steeped in tears , and his whole time from the womb to the tomb was spent in sorrows and sufferings , full of tribulations . And as Antichrist is called a man of sin , because he is , as Beza observes well , Merum scelus , Meer sin , nothing but sin , Isa. 53.3 . 2 Thess. 2.3 . so the children of God should be men of holiness , meer holiness , made up of holiness , nothing but holiness , every part of them should be holy , and every deed done by them should be holy ; holiness in their hearts should , as the Lungs in the body , be in continual motion , and holiness in their life must run through all their words as the Woof through the whole Web.

The Jews had their daily , weekly , monthly , yearly addresses unto God , to teach us that we must be always trading heavenward , that there must be an unwearied commerce , an uninterrupted intercourse betwixt God and our souls . Saints lives are therefore compared to a walk , and called a walking with God , or a walking before God ; they must still walk as in company with him , and tread every step as under his eye , Gen. 5.22 . and 17.1 . The Planets because of their wandering nature , are sometime nearer to , sometime further from the earth , yet always within the Zodiack , the high-way of the Sun . So the Christian , though he be sometimes stooping to the earth in his particular calling , sometime mounting up to Heaven in the immediate Worship of God , yet he must always be in the path of godliness ; The highway of the Sun of Righteousness . Be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long , saith Solomon , Prov. 23.17 . Whether a Christian be eating , or drinking , or buying , or selling , or plowing , or sowing , or riding , or walking , whatever he be doing , or whereever he be going , he must be always in the fear of the Lord ; Godliness must be his guide , his measure and his end ; as the salt it must be sprinkled on every dish to make it savoury . Thy life , O Christian , must be so led that it may be a continued serving of God .

The Precept is full ( though if a true Christian thou wilt esteem it thy priviledge ) that whatsoever thou dost , thou art to do all to the glory of God , 1 Cor. 10.31 . God must be the Alpha and Omega , the beginning and end of all thy actions , thy duty is to pass the whole time of thy sourjourning here in fear , 1 Pet. 1.17 . Every moment must be devoted to God ; and as all seasons so all actions must be sacred . There is a Prophesie , that in Jerusalem , in that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses , Holiness to the Lord , and the pots in the Lords house shall be like the bowles before the Altar , yea every put in Judah and Jerusalem shall be holiness to the Lord of Hosts , Zach. 14.20 , 21. Mark , the same Inscription is to be upon the bells of horses , and on every pot wich was on the High Priests mitre , Holiness to the Lord : to teach us , That every thing though but of common use should be sanctified to Gods service ; Vt quicquid aggrediatnr homines sit sacrificium . Calv. in loc. That every ordinary enterprize ( saith Calvin ) should be a sacrifice .

In the prosecution of this Exhortation , I shall First , Speak to the nature of this duty , and Manner how a Christian must exercise himself to Godliness in the whole course of his life , and in every part thereof .

Secondly , I shall lay down some Means for the accomplishing this duty .

Thirdly , I shall annex some Motives to encourage the Reader in this holy Trade and calling .

First , As to the Manner , how a Saint may in every passage of his life follow this Trade , I shall divide my Discourse into these several Heads .

1. How a man may make Godliness his business in religious actions , or the Worship of God in general , as also in his carriage , in hearing or reading , in Prayer , at the Lords Supper , and on the Lords day in particular .

2 , How a Christian may make Religion his business in his natural actions of eating , drinking , sleeping and cloathing .

3. In his Recreations .

4. In his particular vocation or calling .

5. In reference to his Relations and Family .

6. In his dealings with all men .

7. In all conditions , whether of prosperity , or adversity .

8. In all companies , whether good or bad .

9. In solitariness , or when he is alone .

10. On a weak-day from morning to night .

11. In his visiting the fick .

12. Vpon a dying bed .

CHAP. XI . How a Christian may make Religion his business in spiritual Performances and religious Actions .

FIrst , Make Godliness thy business in religious Duties . I shall put that first in order which is first in nature and excellency ; and truly Friend , thy special care must be here ; thy greatest diligence will be little enough when thou comest solemnly into Gods presence . Cleanly men , wash their hands and brush their cloaths every day , but when they are to dine with a King , they will wash and scour their hands , they will brush their cloaths over and over again , that their hands may be if possible clean from the least dirt , and their garments from the least dust : The true Christian is in all company and in the whole course of his life , every day careful to keep his soul clean , and his conscience clear , nay to encrease his Godliness , but when he draweth nigh to God , and he hath more special care and extraordinary caution ; though Tradesmen are all the year long doing somewhat at their callings , either casting up their accounts , or gathering in their debts , or amending something in their commodities which are amiss ; and therefore have no time for idleness , yet at some times of the year they are full of trading , their shops are crowded with customers , they are all the week either sending out or taking in wares ; now this time calls for their greatest diligence and watchfulness .

The time of sacred duty is a Christians market day , wherein he is much imployd , and therefore it calls for his greatest diligence . He that leaves his Shop , or loyters in it at such a time , must expect that his Shop will quickly leave him . The Husbandman hath his seasons to Plow and Sow in , which if he be heedless and careless about , that either his seed be smutty , or his servant slothful , he can look for but a mean and poor harvest . The hours of praying , and reading , and hearing , are the Saints opportunities and seasons of grace ; if he be not then careful and consciencious to Plow up the fallow ground of his heart , and to sow to the Spirit ; his return will be very inconsiderable , he will Reap but a thin crop . But truely friend if thou hast no respect to thy souls good , God hath to his own glory , and though he stoop to thee , ingiving thee leave to seek his face , and hear his voice , yet he will not be slighted by thee . He is a glorious and jealous Majesty , and esteemeth it a disparagement to him , for any to wait upon him without their best attire ; Though Vzzah be dead , yet he speaketh to thee to take heed how thou touchest the Ark.

A Prince may be pleased , if his Kitchin be but indifferent neat and handsom , but he looks that in his Parlour ( where he gives entertainment to his friend ) all things should be in Print . Where Gods special walk is amongst his Candlesticks , and amidst his Myrtle Trees , there Godliness must be our special work , Holiness becometh thy house , O Lord for ever . Psa. 93. ult. Godliness doth always sute the back of a Saint : This gracious garment is a glorious ornament to him , whatever he is doing or where ever he is going ; but the apparel doth become him best in his approaches to the holy God . No Hangings , no Tapestry becomes Gods house so well as Holiness ; and no place is so proper as the House of God for this costly , comely furniture .

God is more honored or dishonoured in our Religious actions , then in all the actions of our lives ; in them we do directly and immediately pretend his Honor and Service , and therefore if we do not walk in them watchfully , and intend them seriously the greater is our sin . For a trespass committed against holy things , the Jews were to bring a Ram to be valued by the shekel of the Sanctuary ; for a trespass against their brethren , a Ram was required , but no such valuation expressed ; whence Origen infers , Aliud est peccare in sanctis , aliud extra sancta : It is one thing to sin in holy things , another thing to sin beside them , and he urgeth that place in Samuel , 1 Sam. 2.25 . If a man sin against another man the Judge shall judge him , but if a man sin against the Lord , who shall intreat for him ? Lev. 5.15 . and 6.6 . When men are some way off in a Kings eye , they will be comely in their carriage ; but when they come into his Presence-chamber to speak with him , they will be most careful : Because Saints are always in Gods sight , their constant deportment must be pious and seemly , I have kept thy precepts , for all my ways are before thee , Psal. 119.68 . But because the Ordinances of God are the very face of God , and they who worship him therein do solemnly appear before him , therefore at such seasons they are bound to be most holy and serious , Exod. 23 17. Psal. 42.2 . The saying of the Sage Orator hath some weight , Isocrat . ad Demon . Worship the gods at all times especially in publick ; that is in their sacrifices . God is very curious how men carry themselves in his Courts , and commandeth thee Reader , be to eminently pious when thou appearest in his presence . Do but observe under the Law how choyce he was about all things relating to his Worship ; the Tabernacle must be made of the best wood , the purest gold , the finest linnen , and every part and pin of it done exactly according to Gods own precept ; the persons called to set it up must be rarely gifted and singularly endowed for that very purpose . He that offereth sacrifice must be without blemish , For whatsoever man he be that hath any blemish , he shall not approach , a blinde man , or a lame man , or he that hath any thing superfluous , or a flat nose , or he that is broken faced , or broken handed , or crooked backt , or a Dwarf , or that hath any blemish in his eye , or the scurvy , or is scabbed ; no man that hath any blemish of the Sons of Aaron the Priest shall come nigh to offer the Offerings of the Lord made by fire , he hath a blemish , he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God , Levit. 21.17 , 18 , 19 , 20. So the sacrifice also must be perfect without spot , If it were blind , or broken , or maimed , had a wen , the scurvy , or were scabbed , Levit. 22.19 , 21 , 22 , 24. It must not be offered , it must be a male without blemish , of the best of the flocks , nay the best of these beasts , the fat ( even all the fat ) which covereth the Inwards , Lev. 3.3 . And what is the substance of all these shadows , but this , That God will be served by holy men in the purest , holiest manner ; that we must be very exact both as to our persons and performances when we are in his presence ; that he expects the best of living Sacrifices , the hearts and spirits of men , nay the best of the best , all the heart , and all the soul , and all the strength , Prov. 23. Joh. 4.24 . Matth. 22.37 . O how much is an ordinary , slight performance below and unsucable to so great and glorious a Prince . Religion is as tender a thing as the apple of thine eye ; by playing with the eye it may be put out ; by dallying with duties thou mayst spoil all .

If the Egyptians did reverence Mercurius Trismegistus so much , that they did forbear , out of respect to him , to pronounce his name rashly ; what respect shouldst thou bear to Ordinances which are the name of God ? Exod. 20.24 . How fearful shouldst thou be of taking the name of God in vain .

The blind Heathen were choyce and devout in the service of dumb Idois ; they served them in white , an embleme of purity . They thought nothing too good for those false Gods , for whom the worst was not bad enough . Solon , the Athenian Law-giver , enacted , that none should serve the Gods , Obiter , or by the by ; that their sacrifices should be all select and chosen , and that the Sacrificers should purifie themselves some days before hand . Lycurgus had made a law that no man should be at any great charge in a sacrifice , least he should grow weary of Divine service , yet when Phidias the famous carver advised the Athenian , to make the statute of Minerva of marble rather then Ivery 1. Because it was more durable , this reason was approved . 2. Because less chargeable ; at the mention hereof , with much rage and wrath , they commanded him silence . They had an higher respect for those lies and falshoods , then many have for the true God . Eras . praef in adag . When they were going to offer sacrifice , their Priest cryed 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 who is here . Those present answered 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 many and good . Were they so choice and chary in the service of their dunghil deities ; and wilt not thou friend be circumspect and consciencious in the service of the living God ? did they think nothing costly enough for inanimate creatures , and wilt thou offer to the Lord thy God , that which cost thee nothing ? Can thy box of precious oyntment , though it be worth never so much , be bestowed better then on thy dearest Saviour , and can thy care and caution , thy love and labour be employed better then in his service ? Or dost thou think that the false Gods were more affected with their dishonour , or more to be feared in their displeasure , then the living true God . Dost thou not know that he will be sanctified in them that draw nigh to him , Lev. 10.3 . great persons are impatient of contempts and affronts , especially when they are offered to them in their own houses : God will sooner overlook thy forgetfulness of him in thy trade or travails , then in his Tabernacle . When thou drawest nigh to him , there he will be sanctified , either in thee or upon thee . If thou refuse to give him glory in his service , beleive it , he will get himself glory by thy suffering ; His Worship is his face , and look for his fury , if thou darest him to his face .

The waters of the Sanctuary , are like the waters given to a suspected Wife , if she were innocent , it witnest her honesty , made her fruitful if barren , and did her good ; but if she were guilty sweld her belly , rotted her bowels , and did her hurt . If thou make godliness thy business in the ordinances of God , thou mayst get much spiritual good , thou mayst meet Christ in them , receive grace through them , and thrive as the babe by the breasts , in health and strength , but if thou like the horse in the Mill , onely goest thy round in Religious duties , never minding the true end of them , nor thy carriage in them , thy prayer will be an abomination , the word a savour of death unto death , and the very sacrament a seal of thy damnation . It doth therefore nearly concern thee to hearken to that counsel which I shall give thee from the word , to prevent thy miscarriage in the duties of Gods worship ; For preparation to duties , I shall speak , when I come to treat of sanctifying the Lords day .

First , Be heedful and watchful over thy self , when thou art about religious duties . Heedless service is fruitless service ; What measure of care we give God in duties , the same measure of comfort we may expect from duties , Eccles. 5.1 . Keep thy feet when thou goest to the house of God , and be more ready to hear then to give the Sacrifice of fools . Thine heart like Dinah , is apt to wander abroad , especially from the way and Worship of God ; it behoves thee then to have a strict hand over it , if thou wouldst keep it at home : Observe , consider , thy feet , so the word signifieth .

The feet of the Harlot abide not within her house , neither will thy affections easily within the House of God ; doth not experience tell thee that they love to be gadding , and therefore require a strong and vigilant guard . Parents set their Children before them at Church , and have their eyes much upon them , because otherwise they will be toying and playing ; truly so will thy heart , if thine eye be not on it . Alass thy heart in duty is like one that looks through an Optick Glass on some small object , with a Palsie hand , its long before he can discern it , and as soon as he hath found it , so unsteady is his hand that he hath lost it again ; therefore it behoves thee to keep it diligently , and to watch it narrowly : There is a bottomless depth of deceit in thine heart , how unwillling is it to a duty ? how much wandring in a duty ? how soon weary of a duty ? The heart is deceitful above all things , and desperately wicked , who knoweth it ? Jer. 17 . 9● . Take notice of the center of the poison , the heart is deceitful ; a deceitful hand is nothing so dangerous as a deceitful heart , when poyson gets to the very seat of life , in what danger is a ●oul of death . Here is also the measure of the pollution ; The heart is deceitful above all things , the best part is unspeakably poisoned . The Prophets expression hath a three fold gradation . First , there is deceit in mans heart , it is a word used of ways Isa. 40.5 . which are full of windings and ●urnings , and therefore are hard to be found ; so is mans heart full of nooks , and corners , slights and craft , and so doth easily supplant us , it hath not onely weakness and proneness to be deceived by others , but also an activeness and aptness to deceive it self . Secondly , there is the degree of its deceit , and indeed it is beyond all degrees . The heart is deceitful above all things ; No creature so sly and subtle as mans heart ; Nothing in this World can equal it for tricks and wiles ; Nay as this deceit of mans heart is so great that none can match it , so also it is so deep that none can find it , none can fadom it , Who can know it ? The largest , the longest line of mans understanding , can never search to the bottom of this Sea . Thirdly , Here is the danger of it , The heart of man is deceitful above all things , and desperately wicked . It is not deceitful in such a degree , so much through weakness as through wilfulness , it is desperately carried towards deadly courses . It devotes it self wholly to deceive and destroy . How many pretences will it have to make thee to omit holy performances ? if thou overcome them how subtle will it be to make thee heedless and heart-less in the service of God ? It will fill thee with cares and thoughts of the World , purposely to choak the good seed of the Word ; if at any time thou wind it up to any seriousness in an ordinance , how quickly , and how swiftly like a Clock or a Jack , doth it run down . Surely Reader , the Master that hath such a cozening Servant , must look narrowly to him , if he would not be cheated by him . If thou dost not watch at the Altar , the Birds will devour the Sacrifice .

Those that were before the Throne day and night , were full of eyes behind and before and within , Rev. 4.6 , and 8. Extraordinary heed is necessary when we come into Gods House . We had need to have our eys about us , when we come to deal immediately with him who is of purer eys , then to behold iniquity . The Athenians in time of their Sacrifice , had a Monitor to bid them be serious , calling on them , Hoc agite , mind the work ye are about , Plut. Cyprian observeth that in the Primitive times , the Deacon oft cried out to the people , Sursum corda , lift up your hearts ; and the Pastor stird them up with , Oremus , attendamus , Let us pray , let us attend ; Commanding their greatest attention when they were about Religious actions .

Eutychus was Drowsie while he was hearing which had like to have cost him his life , God will not be slighted when he is speaking to the children of men . Christ commandeth thee to take heed how thou hearest . Luk. 8.18 . The heart is needful in hearing more then the ears . We read of those that had ears and yet heard not , Audientis corporis sensu non cordis assensu Aug. Isa. 6.9 , 10. Mat. 13.13 . It is one thing to hear , and another thing to heed a Sermon ; Let him that hath an ear , hear what the spirit saith to the Churches , Rev. 2. When the word passeth through both ears , as waters through a leaking Vessel , no wonder if it be unprofitable . Least it should do so , let us give the more diligent heed saith the Apostle , Heb. 2.1 . If men be told of the dreadful end of sin , and the great danger of their precious souls , and they mind it not , will they ever strive to prevent it ? Our proficiency by the Word depends not a little upon our earnest attention to the Word , Luk. 19.48 . It s said there , the people were very attentive to hear him . They hanged on Christ , as if their ears and minds had been tyed to his tongue , or as eagerly as the little Bird , on the Dams Bill for Corn.

In prayer also be heedful , watch unto prayer , Mark 13.33 . Nehemiah when building , did work and watch , watch and work , because of his Enemies ; when thou art at prayer , temptations without will be waiting , corruptions within will be working ; and therefore its requisite for thee to be watching .

Those that performe their duties , as Papists say their Pater nosters , and Musitians play their Lessons with their Fingers , when their minds are busied about other things , will make but harsh and displeasing Musick in Gods ears , O God , saith the Psalmist , thou art terrible out of thy holy places , Psa. 68.35 . The Sanctuary or place of Worship was divided into three parts , thence called thy holy places ; now out of them God was comfortable to his watchful and diligent Servants , but terrible to the slothful and negligent . He is terrible not onely in the high places of the field , but also in the holy places of the faithful .

How canst thou expect that God should heed thy prayers , when thou dost not heed them thy self ; Wouldst thou give Almes to a Beggar that by his carriage and language should slight both thee and thy bounty ? If a condemned malefactor were suing to a Prince for his life , and in the midst of his intreaties should see a Moth or a Fly , and leave his suit and follow after that ; would this wretch deserve a pardon . And is it not as unreasonable that God should grant thy requests , if thou wilfully follow those foolish objects which thy heart or the Devil offer to thee in the midst of thy prayers ; monstrous compositions , wherein is the face and voice of a man , the heart and feet of a beast , must needs be odious to God ; O bind thine heart to its good behaviour , when thou goest into Gods House . Men put Locks and Fetters on Wild Horses , whom no inclosure can keep in . This watching the heart in duties , will fasten and tye it , as with cords to the Altar .

Secondly , Act grace in duties , the acting of grace in a duty , is the grace of a duty . The Christian must attend on the means of grace , in a gracious manner ; the manner of performing duties , Non tantum considerandum est id quod agimussed etiam quibus circum ●anti●s Ca●et in Thom. 1 〈◊〉 quest. 9. is the most spiritual part of them , and therefore must most of all be minded . God made a breach on them who sought him , not after the due order , 1 Cron. 15.13 . If the matter of thy performance be according to the word , and thou wilfully fail in the manner , thou wilt instead of a blessing , meet with a blow . God had Sacrifices from the Jews of his own appointment for the matter , and yet they were unsavoury to him , Isa. 1.13 , 14 , 15. It is the manner which makes or mars every action , that is the form which specificates all our devotion ; grace is Gods own Image , abundantly amiable in his eye , and that must be Stampt on all our Coyn of duties , or they will never be currant with Heaven . Kings suffer no Coyn to go in their Dominions , but what hath their own stamp . Tamberlane would not own a pot of gold which his Souldier found and brought him , because it wanted his Fathers impression . Christ will own no performances unless they have his Fathers Picture , somwhat of his Image on them .

Indeed the Christian hath no natural power for these spiritual performances , but God gives him his Spirit for this purpose , that he might be enabled to do sacred duties , with sutable graces ; we know not how to pray as we ought , but the spirit helpeth our infirmities , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Rom. 8.26 . Man is impotent , but the spirit is an able assistant , helpeth our infirmities . The word is either an allusion to a Nurse which helps her weak little Child to go , so the spirit affords his hand and helps us to go to God in duties , or ( as the composition of the word imports ) it s an allusion to those who lift at a weighty peice of Timber , too heavy for one alone , one man tugs and puls hard , but he cannot wag it , till one stronger then he comes and helps him , then he bears it away chearfully ; so the Christian be puls and hales at his own heavy heart in a duty : to perform the duty aright , and yet makes nothing of it till the spirit comes and helps him , and then he goes along comfortably through the duty . As to Preaching there is required external mission , so to every prayer and performance there are required internal motions ; therefore we find the spirit of grace and supplication joyn'd together Zach. 12.10 . Samsan when his lock was cut off , became like another man , the Christian when the spirit withdraweth , that grace be not acted , he performeth duties like a carnalman . It is the b●eath of the Spirit of God in a duty , which is so sweet and savory to God , gifts may do somwhat as to the outward part of a duty , as a Carver may make an Image with the external lineaments of a man , but unless grace and spiritual life be in it , it is but the counterfeit , the resemblance of a true duty .

The two special graces which I shall speak of to be acted in Religious exercises are fear and fa●th , upon these two feet David walked into Gods House . I will go into thine House , in the multitude of thy mercies , there was his faith ; and in thy fear will I worship towards thy holy Temple Psa. 5.6 . here is his fear . The Christian like a Net , must have both the lead of an holy Fear , and the cork of a lively Faith , if he would catch any thing out of the waters of the Sanctuary ; if the cork of Faith was without the lead of Fear , the Net would lie too high ; if the lead of Fear were without the cork of Faith the Net of the Soul would fall too ●ow● and so nothing would be caught ; but both together lay in the likest place for a good draught .

1. Fear and awful apprehensions of Gods infinite Majesty , is requisite in our religious actions ; This must he the hand-maid to wait upon the Mistris of the soul in all its addresses to the King of Heaven . Serve the Lord with fear , and rejoyce with trembling , Psa. 2.11 . God alloweth an humble familiarity in the walks of Obedience , yet he will always have the children of men to know their distance . And though this habit of Fear must be ever in our hearts , as fire was constantly on the Altar , yet he expects that it should be blown up and flame out at the time of offering sacrifice . ●●od non netur co●●●m u● , & quod ●tem●●ur 〈◊〉 ●li . ur . Act. de ira c lib. 8. Our greatest reverence is then most needful , when we approach the great God in his Ordinances . God is greatly to be feared in the Assembly of his Saints , and had in reverence of all them that are round about him , Psa. 89.7 .

When God intended to give the Law to Israel , Exod. 19.11 , 12 , 14. the Jews must sanctifie themselves three days beforehand ; and when God came on the third day to deliver his pleasure to the people , with what pomp and terror was proclamation made ? He descends in his Royal robes with a noble Retinue of Saints and Angels ; and with the dreadful ensigns of his Power , Majesty and Jealousie . Deut. 33.2 . The Lord came from Sinai , and rose from Seir , he shined forth from mount Paran , and he came with ten thousand of Saints , from his right hand went a flery law for them . Exo. 19.16 , 18 Then were there thunders and lightnings , and a thick cloud upon the mount ; and the voyce of the Trumpet exceeding loud , so that all the people that were in the camp trembled . And mount Sinai was altogether in a smoke because the Lord descended upon it in fire , and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace , and the whole mount quaked greatly ; and why is all this ? Why doth the Mighty possessour of Heaven and earth , appear at that time in such state and royalty , and magnificence , with such a rich Train of Heavenly Courtiers , with such Thundring Vallies of Shot , with the Mountain Smoking under him , and Trumpets sounding before him ? but to assure us that he is not so contemptible as to be slighted by any ; that he is not impotent , but able to revenge himself on all that affront him ; nay to teach us that he will be feared and reverenced in all them that draw nigh to him . Therefore he will make even Moses whom he knew face to face ; Heb. 12 21. at such a time exceedingly to quake and fear .

Civil or natural difference amongst us here below , commandeth proportionable reverence ; the Subject must fear his Soveraign , 1 Pet. 2.17 . The Servant must obey his Master with fear and trembling , Ephes. 6.5 . the Wife must see that she reverence her Husband , Ephes. 5. ult. If there be such reverence due from one creature to another , when they were all made of the same course earthly mold , and must all be buried in the bowels of their common Mother ; when there is no essential , but onely an extrinsecal difference between them ; what reverence is due from poor dust and ashes , to the God of the Spirit of all flesh ? the King of Kings , and Lord of Lords , between whom and his creatures there is an infinite distance ?

It behoveth us , The worship of God is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a partic 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 valde pavere 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 qu●d est more canis ad pedes alicujus tanqua m domini totum sese prost●rnere subjectionis gratia . ●anch . said Bernard , to enter into the celestial Court ( at prayer time ) where the King of Heaven sits on his Starry , stately throne , environed with an innumerable company of glorious Angels , and crowned Saints , with great reverence and fear ; Ah with what humility should a poisonous poluted Toad , creep and crawl out of a Ditch into the presence of so glorious and dreadful a Majesty ? The holy Servants of God , were antiently called Nephalim ( from Nephal to fall down ) Prostrates , or fallers , because in the Worship of God thy usually fell on the earth .

The Elders of Israel trembled at the coming of Samuel , 1 Sam. 16.4 . and shall not we tremble when the great God cometh to us in his Ordinances .

Every Relation in which men stand to , God calls for awfulness and dread of him . If I be a Father , where is mine honour ? If I be your Master , where is my fear ? Mal. 1.6 . but especially in the Saints approaches to him , they must stand in aw of him . When God appeared to Jacob at Bethel , where he saw nothing but Visions of love ; he cryeth out , This is none other but the House of God ; How dreadful is this place ? Gen. 28.17 . The great Turk when he goeth into his Temple , layeth aside all his state , and hath none to attend him but a professour of the Law .

Therefore Reader , Deut. 28.58 . be perswaded to fear that glorious and fearful Name , the Lord thy God . That Name which is the greatest prop of thine affiance , commandeth thy fear and reverence .

When thou hearest ; In the fear of God give audience to his word ; Act. 13.16 . Poor peasants must be trembling when this Prince is speaking . With meekness receive that word which will damn or save thy soul . Alass with what fear should a condemned Prisoner attend to his King , when every word he speaks is life or death . It becomes the greatest Persons ●o be awful in Gods presence . Constantine the Great , when hearing a Sermon , Euseb de v●t Constant. l. 3. c 17. would start out of his Chair of State , being ravished with the word , and stand up for a long time ; and being minded by his Courtiers , that such a posture was unbecoming his high place , he would not hearken to them . Eglon though a fat unweildy man , as soon as Ehud told him that he had a Message from God to him , rose up to hear it , Judg. 3.20 . Abraham , who had the honour and favour to be Gods friend , yet when God spake to him fell on his face , Gen. 17.3 . Moses though high in the heart of God , yet is hun●ble when he hears from God , He boweth his head to wards the Earth and Worships , Exod 34.8 .

When thou prayest , put up thy petitions to him with awful apprehensions of him . The vulg. Lat. read that Psa. 84.11 . abjectus in domo Dei mei , to be cast upon the Earth , to lie prostrate in the House of God . The Eastern Christians when they called on God , threw themselves on the ground . Luther prayed with confidence , as to a Father ; but with reverence , as to a God . Remember when thou takest upon thee to speak unto the Lord , yet thou art but dust and ashes , Gen. 18.27 . Thou art at best but a Beggar , and a proud heart will not suit a Beggars purse . The poor must use intreaties , Prov. 18.23 . The twenty four Elders , fell on their faces and worshipped , Rev. 4.16 . So did Jesus Christ himself in prayer , Mat. 26.39 . O come let us Worship and bow down , let us kneel before the Lord our Maker , Psa. 95.6 . The Elephant that could not bow nor kneel , was no fit Beast for a Sacrifice .

Go to the Sacrament , Mat. 28.8 . that representation of Christs suffering , as the Disciples went from his Sepulchre , with fear and great joy ; The Fathers call it , misterium tremendum , the nearer we draw to God in any Ordinance , the greater must be our reverence . In a Sermon we draw nigh to him , as Pupils to their Tutor ; In prayer , as Children to their Father , but at a Sacrament we talk with God face to face ; We Sup with him , and he with us . If Angels vail their faces in his presence , much more cause have we to serve him with fear and trembling in every ordinance . In a word , Let us have grace whereby we may serve him acceptably with reverence and godly fear , for our God is a consuming sire , Heb. 12.28 , 29. Mark the way to serve God acceptably , is to serve him reverently . As the Quaver addeth a grace to the Musick , and makes it more acceptable to us , so an holy trembling graceth our performances , and makes them more acceptable to God .

2. Perform religious duties with Faith as well as Fear ; Fear will keep the heart awful , and Faith will make it chearful in the service of God . Let us draw nigh to God with full assurance of faith , Heb 10 . 2● . In Ordinances man draweth nigh to God , but if he would do it with acceptance he must do with affiance , with faith ; By Faith Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice then Cain , Heb. 11.4 . Faith doth instrumentally justifie both our persons and performances , because it looks up to , and lays hold on Christ , who justifieth both meritoriously . God is of purer eyes then to behold iniquity ; now there are many sins in our best services ; we must therefore carry all our sacrifices , ( as the Israelites did , Exod. 28.38 . ) to our High Priest , who will take away the inuqitie of our holy things , and procure their acceptance with the Lord ; He shall purge them as gold and silver , that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness , then shall the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord , Mal. 3.2 , 3 , 4. It is a prophefie of Christ . He shall purge away the dross from our duties , and then they shall be pleasing to God .

It was a sacred Law among the Molossians , that whosoever came to the King with his son in his arms should be pardoned whatsoever offence he were guilty of : The Athenian General therefore , when banished his Country , fled to Admetus King of the Molossians his deadly enemy , and prostrated himself before him with his Son in his arms , and found favour . God and man are enemies , there is no appearing before this dreadful King without his Son in our arms , and with him there is no fear of a repulse ; In him we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him , Ephes. 3.12 . As God and man are angry , Christ is medium reconciliationis , he makes them friends ; as God and man are reconciled , Christ is medium communionis , he is the means of their fruition of each other . Therefore Reader whatever thou dost , whether thou prayest , or hearest , or singest , or readest , do all in the name of Christ , Col. 3.17 . Consider thy admission into Gods presence is by Christ : No man cometh to the Father but by the Son , Joh. 14.6 . Through him we have access unto the Father , Eph. 2.18 . It is his blood which hath purchased thee this gracious priviledge . He alone hath turned the seat of Justice into a Throne of Grace . When thou approachest God , he would be a fire to consume thee , not a Father to imbrace thee , were it not for his Son . Consider also thy assistance in duties is from Christ ; Without him thou canst do nothing , Joh. 15.3 . O how dull and dead is thy heart in the most solemn duty , unless this Lord of life quicken it . Though thou hast a real principle of spiritual life , yet unless Christ draw thee , give the quickning and enciting Grace thou canst not run after him in a duty .

Further , Thine acceptance in the Ordinances of God is through Christ . O how unsavoury would thy best duties be were it not for the odors of his most sweet sacrifice . The golden Censor and the Incense under the Law typified that all our performances must be perfumed and presented by Christ , before they can be accepted with God . The smoke of the Incense must ascend with the Saints prayers before they can be pleasing . The incense ( which signified the merits of Christ ) is the pillar of smoak in which the beleevers performances mount up to Heaven , Rev. 8.3 , 4. No wonder that David begged so hard Let my prayers come before thee like incense . The Priests when they went into the Tabernacle to sacrifice were commanded to put off their own , and to put on the holy garments provided for them , Exod. 28.43 . intimating , that none must approach God in the rags of their own , but in the robes of Christs Righteousness . The Ark which was a special type of Christ ( without of Shittim wood , speaking his Humanity , within of wrought gold , typifying his Deity ) did signifie thus much to us ; it covered the two Tables , so Christ the Law ; there God gave his gracious answers , and was propitious to his people , so God accepteth the persons and prayers of men in Christ , Ephes. 1.6 . If the Patriachs were welcome to Pharoah it was for Josephs sake ; and if the people of God are welcome at any time to him , it is for Jesus sake .

Faith in Christ is the eye which ravisheth the heart of God ; Thou hast stoln away mine heart with one of thine eyes , Cant. 4. Of all the Virgin-Graces none find such favour in his sight . This , this is the Hester on whose head he sets the Crown ; when she appears before him , though it be contrary to the Law of Works , he constantly holds out the golden Scepter of Grace : He is so delighted with her beauty , so ravished with her comeliness that he granteth her request ( be it ) to the half or whole of his Kingdom . Therefore Reader when thou goest to God be sure to take Christ along with thee , as ever thou wouldst speed . Let thy prayers and petitions be in his name with an eye to his promise ; Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name , I will do it , Joh. 14.13 . Let thy Prayses and thank●givings be in his name , according to his precept , Giving thanks always , and in all things unto God and our Father , in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ , Ephes. 5.20 . To be short , As an holy Priest offer up all thy spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ .

Thirdly , If thou wouldst make Religion thy bufiness in holy duties , Perform them to give God glory by them , and to receive grace through them : Ordinances must be used both as a testimony of our subjection to God , and as the way of communion with God . God is present in his Ordinances . 1. In majesty and beauty , and in that respect our end in them must be to give him glory . 2. In communication and bounty , and in that respect our end in them must be to receive Grace from him , Psal. 27.4 . Rev. 2.3 , 6. Exod. 20.24 . Gods eye is very much on our ends in duties ; he takes notice when he is neglected , and self exalted ; When ye fasted and mourned even these seventy years , did ye all fast unto me , even to me ? And when ye did eat , and when ye did drink , did ye not eat for your selves and drink for your selves ? Zich . 7.6 , 7. God seeth when self-credit , or self-profit is the end of a performance , Matth. 6 , 1 , 2. Hos. 7.14 . He weigheth all our actions by our aims . Now as duties are considerable in a twofold respect , so a Christian must have in them a twofold end .

1. Duties are considerable as services , in relation to the command ; and so a Christian must mind them , that he may testifie his obedience to God , and his dependance on him , Thou hast commanded me to keep thy precepts diligently ; O that my ways were directed to keep thy commandments , Psal. 119.5 , 6.

Warn the unruly , comfort the feeble minded , support the weak , be patient towards all men , rejoycing evermore , pray without ceasing , in every thing give thanks ; For this is the will of God concerning you , 1 Thess 5.14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18. God required the Israelites to bring a sheaf in a Ghomer , about a pottle , for all their increase of the fruits of the earth , Lev. 23.10 . whereby they acknowledged that they receive all from him . Though man be unable to satisfie Gods Justice by all his devotion , yet God will be owned and acknowledged in holy duties . Copy-holders though they have the profi●s of their Houses and Lands to themselves , yet pay some small Quit-Rent , and at certain times do suit and service to the Lord ●f their Manor , acknowleding thereby that the Fee-simple is his , and they enjoy the● through his favour . The earth is the Lords , and th● fulness thereof , He is the mighty possessor of heaven and earth , and though he gives the earth by leases for lives ( as it were ) and copies to the children of men , yet the Fee-simple and original right is still in himself , and he hath appointed seasons daily and weekly for duties , wherein Christians should acknowledge that they hold all of him , and enjoy all through his grace and good will .

The worshipping of God in his Ordinances is the homage , which as creatures , we ow to our Maker , and as Christians , we owe to our Redeemer ; God alloweth us the comfort of our mercies , but he reserveth to himself the credit of our mercies , and hath appointed the hours of prayer to be the set times for the payment of this small Quit-rent ( infinitely inferior to our engagements ) to his sacred Majesty .

Truly Reader , This end must be minded in thine attendance on the means of grace , namely to give God glory by acknowleding his Soveraignty over thee , and bounty to thee ; or else when thou bendest the bow of thine heart , and shootest thy spiritual arrows thou wilt never hit the mark .

2. Duties are considerable as means , in relation to the Promise ; and so they are channels cut out by Christ to convey grace into the hearts of men , therefore thine end in this respect must be to derive grace from the God of all grace , through the means of grace . The place of Ordinances is called by some The door of Heaven , because there Christ gives his alms , his dole . Others call it The Celestial Exchange between God and his people ; God doth there exchange mercies for duties , and they exchange Glory for Grace . At the Tabernacle , saith God , I will meet with the children of Israel , and it shall be sanctified by my glory : And I will dwell a-among the children of Israel , and will be their God Exod. 29.43 45. When God comes to his house , he never comes empty handed . If Paul comes with the fulness of the blessings of the Gospel of Christ , with what clusters of blessings is the true Vine laden ? with what a train of Graces and Comforts is this great King attended ; I will meet with the children of Israel there . When Jacob met Joseph they kist and wept , Gen. 46.29 . But when God meets the Beleever , they have a merrier meeting , they kiss and rejoyce .

And I will dwell among them ; Who can imagine the house which God keeps , where he dwells , the dainties , the delicates which he provides for his friends and Family . Great Princes have great provision in their Courts , answerable to their quality ; but what provision doth the great God make ? surely answerable to his infinite majesty .

The table in the Tabernacle was furnished with so many loaves as there were Tribes in Israel , Moses unveyled , c. 27. p. 10 signifying that God keeps a constant and plentiful table in his Church for all Beleevers .

Ordinances are canales gratiae , Conduit-pipes whereby the water of life is derived from Christ into the hearts of Christians . As the light and beams of the Sun is the vehiculum or chariot to convey the heat and influence of the Sun to the world ; so the Ordinances of God are the chariots whereby God conveyeth the heat of his Grace , and the influences of his Spirit to men and women . Saints behold his face in the gla●● of Ordinances , and are changed into his image from glory to glary , 2 Cor. 3.18 . Those Divine graces which are for meat to satisfie and for medicine to heal the soul , are found growing onely upon the banks of the waters of the Sanctuary ; Clark M●r. part. 2. p. 213. therefore go to Ordinances , as the Viema● lim , a bird in America flieth to the fields , for the dew which falls down from Heaven , thereupon which it liveth .

Socrates one day meeting Zenophon the Son of Corillus in a certain Port Town , ●●og of ae● in vi● . stopt him with his staff , and asked him , Where was the place where several commodities were to be had ? He answered readily , In such a place : Then saith Socrates , Where is the place that a man might be made good ? Zenophon answered , he could not tell . Then follow thou me , saith Socrates , and thou shalt learn ; and from that time he became Socrates Schollar . The Ordinances of God are the places for both , there true riches and vertue may be had ; the Temple is both the Exchange for traffique , and a School for learning . The good Mast●r teacheth his Schollars there those lessons which make them wise to salvation .

Reader , the Ordinances are the food of the soul ( milk for babes , and meat for men ) do thou feed on them to get spiritual health ●nd strength ; It is a shame for a Christian to be like an An●●busie about a molehil & never to grow greater : Go●o those wells that the vessels of thy soul may be filled with living water .

David longed ( as a Woman with Child , so the word signifieth ) to see the beauty of the Lord , and receive of his bounty in the Sanctuary , Psa. 84.2 . and 63.1 , 2. and 27. Thou goest to the Market to supply thy bodily necessities , and art ashamed to come home empty ? Dost thou not come to the Ordinances of God for the releif of thy soul indigencies , and art thou not greived to come away poor and beggarly ? Merchants take in some goods from one part , some from another part , and at last come home richly laden ; do thou get some true riches at prayer , some from the word , and then how comfortably mayst thou conclude thy duties .

Do not rest in the formal performance of duties , as the Harlot that cryed out , Prov. 7.14 . I have had my peace-offering to day , and therefore all must be well ; but as the people when Moses went to speak to God for them , Exod. 33.8 , they all looked after him to see what speed , what success . After thine attendance on Ordinances , long and look for the fruit of them ; If a man present a Petition to a King , he gives attendance to see whether it will be granted or no. It is a contempt both of Gods Majesty and Mercy , for thee to throw down thy prayers before him , and then to run away not caring what becomes of it . When thou hast been speaking to God hearken what God will speak to thee , for he speaketh peace to his people , and to his Saints , that they return no more to folly . Let down thy Net into the Waters , and expect to catch somwhat which may feed thy soul ; if thou fish all night and ( as the Disciples ) catch nothing , look for the coming of Christ in the morning , and that purposely to give thee a good draught of fish .

Reader , remember thine errand at ordinances is to get grace , thou hast Gods promise to them , and his power and faithfulness , both ingaged for its performance , and it s thy fault and folly if thou goest hungry from a full table , and empty from a free and large treasure . Be as wise for thy soul as others are for their bodies . The Country Tradesman wants commodities , he goeth to London ▪ where is a Merchant that hath variety and abundance ; when he comes there , he doth not spend his time in seeing fashions , and visiting friends , but in going to this and that Ware-house as his occasions require , to buy Wares ; and you see sometimes what considerable quantities he sends home : Go thou and do likewise . Thou complainest that thou wantest grace , go to Christ who hath variety and sufficiency for thy supply ; but do not go to see men , or to be seen of men , but to see God , and to be transformed into his likeness ; go to this and that duty , as shops ( where Christ sits and sels ) and buy Wine and Milk without Money and without price , little dost thou know , were this but thy business , how certainly , how liberally he would satisfie thee ? Why should the Tradesman be a better Husband for corruptible wares , then thou art for durable riches ? Alas , alas , Christ is more willing to sell , then thou canst be to buy ; to give , then thou art to ask .

Balaam , as bad as he was , when he had prepared seven Altars , and offered seven Sacrifices could expect to meet God , and canst thou , O Christian , contentedly miss him , surely he is a pittiful beggar that can go to the gate of a bountiful Peer , where is plenty of provision for the poor , and come away willingly without his Almes .

A good wish about religious Duties in general , wherein the former Heads are Epitomized .

THe immediate Worship of the infinite God , being a work of the greatest weight that ever I did , or can possibly undertake , yea that men and Angels are capable of ; I wish therefore that I may never enter rashly upon it , but may ordinarily take some pains before hand , The Introduction to the directions analised . to aw my heart by a serious apprehension of the unconceivable greatness , jealousie , and holiness of that God to whom I am approaching , ( how he is resolved to be sanctified either actively or passively , Preparation . in every one that draweth nigh to him , ) and by a savoury consideration of the unspeakeable consequence of the duty in which I am ingaged , how it concerneth the unchangeable welfare of my never dying soul in the other World . I wish that all the time of the duty , I may look as narrowly to my heart , Attention . as ever keeper did to that prisoner for whose escape he was to dye , and bind it to the Altar ( as they of old , their Sacrifice ) with the strongest cords of all watchfulness , and circumspection imaginable . Acting grace . I wish that I may perform each part of the duty with sutable grace ; and to this end , that all my graces may be upon the wing , ready upon the least call to mount up to Heaven ; as several strings of a Vial , wound up to their due height and pitch , each in their place , upon the least touch ( as occasion shall be ) to make M●si●k in the ears of the Lord my God ; O that while my beloved sitteth at his Table , my Spikenard may send forth a pleasant smell . In particular , Fear I wish that I may be so sensible of the infinite distance which is betwixt the incomprehensible Lord of Heaven , and me a poor worm , who lie groveling here on earth , that I may both in my carriage and language , affections and expressions , behave my self throughout the ordinance with all godly fear , humility and reverence . I wish that I may be so truely affected with the sins and unworthiness of my person and performances , and my Saviours infinite meritoriousness , that I may carry all my Sacrifices , to the High-Priest of my profession , beleiving assuredly , that they being perfumed with the odours of his death , Faith and presented by his hands , shall be Offerings of a sweet smelling savour to my God . The end of duties . Finally , I wish that all ends of pride , merit and self , set a side , I may therefore attend on duties , that I may by my poor Peppercorn , acknowledge those millions of eternal obligations by which I am bound to my God , and also that by those Buckets ( O that they might never come up empty to me ) I may draw water out of the Well of Salvation , Amen .

CHAP. XII . How a Christian may exercise himself to Godliness in Prayer . And first , of Prayer in general ; and of the antecedents to it .

THe infinite and glorious God , though be be so high , that he humbleth himself to behold things in Heaven , and so holy that the Heavens are unclean in his sight , is yet so gratious that he condescendeth to , and converseth with poor sinful dust and ashes ; amongst all those ways which he hath appointed the children of men to walk with him in , Prayer is one of the fairest and pleasantest . In this duty the children of God whisper him in the ear , open their minds , and unbosom themselves to him , as his intimate friends and favourites . He hath been pleased to command it , not onely out of his Dominion over them , and for his own glory ( He that offereth praise glorifieth me ) but also out of his compassion to them , and for their good , that by prayers ( as men far distant do by letters ) there might be a constant and uninterrupted intercourse and correspondence betwixt Heaven and earth .

Men by discoursing together come to be acquainted at first , and continue their acquaintance by sending to and hearing from one another . Prayer which is the speech of man with his Maker , is a special means whereby he comes to be acquainted with God , as also to increase and continue this acquaintance . Prayer indeed bringeth Heaven down to man , and prayer carrieth man up to heaven ; It is the chief duty wherein all the graces meet , they shine brightly like so many glorious Stars in this Firmament .

Of all graces , faith obtaineth the crown , above all take the shield of faith ; Other jewels are of great value , but this is the fairest sparkling Diamond . Among all duties prayer seems to challenge the garland of honour , Concerning the work of my hands command ye me . This is the Favourite in the Heavenly Court , to whom the King of Kings can deny nothing . This duty is of such weight that it is frequently put for Gods whole worship , Seek ye the Lord seek his strength , seek his face evermore . Psa. 105.4 , 5. Gods Temple which was the beauty of holiness , the habitation of the most high , was baptized by God himself with this name , My House shall be called of all Nations an house of prayer , Isa. 56.7 . Gods people which are higher then the Kings of the Earth are known to be nobly born by this practice . This is the generation of them that seek him , that seek thy face O Jacob , Psa. 24.6 . Nay God himself is pleased to wear prayers Livery , and to be distinguished by the royal Robes of his relation to this duty , O thou that hearest prayer , unto thee shall all flesh come , Psa. 65.1 , 2. Pearles of a very high price , are never set but in gold , the choicest mettal . The Worship and people of God are more worth then all this World , but O how much is God worth ! yet all these glister gloriously in the ring of prayer .

There is no duty in my observation which hath so many precepts for it , or promises to it , as prayer , and sure I am , there is no duty which giveth more honour to God , or receiveth more honour from God then prayer .

Prayer hath a twofold preheminence above all other duties whatsoever . In regard of the universality of its influence , and opportunity for its performance . The universality of its influence . As every sacrifice was to be seasoned with Salt , so every undertaking , and every affliction of the creature must be sanctified with prayer ; nay as it sheweth the excellency of gold , that it s laid upon silver it self , so it speaketh the excellency of prayer , that not onely natural and civil , but even Religious and spiritual actions are overlaid with prayer . We pray not onely before we eat or drink our bodily nourishment , but also before we feed on the bread of the Word , and the bread in the Sacrament ; prayer is requisite to make every providence , and every ordinance blessed to us ; Prayer is needful to make our particular callings succesful , prayer is the guard to secure the fort royal of the heart , prayer is the Porter to keep the door of the lips , prayer is the strong Hilt which defendeth the hands , prayer perfumes every relation , prayer helps us to profit by every condition , prayer is the Chymist that turnes all into Gold , prayer is the Master workman , if that be out of the way , the whole Trade stands still , or goeth backward . What the Key is to the Watch , that prayer is to Religion , it winds it up and sets it a going . It is before other duties in regard of opportunity for its performance . A Christian cannot always hear , or always read , or always communicate , but he may pray continually . No place , no co●pany can deprive him of this priviledge . If he be on the top of a House with Peter , he may pray , if he be in the bottom of the Ocean with Jonah , he may pray , if he be walking in the field with Isaak , he may pray when no eye seeth him ; if he be waiting at table with Nehemiah , he may pray when no ear heareth him . If he be in the mountains with our Saviour , he may pray ; If he be in the prison with Paul , he may pray ; where-ever he is , prayer will help him to find God out : Every Saint is Gods Temple ; And he that carrieth his Iemple about him , saith Austin , may go to prayer when he pleaseth . Indeed to a Christian every house is an house of prayer , every closet a chamber of presence , and every place he comes to , an Altar whereon he may offer the sacrifice of prayer .

Prayer is an humble lifting up the heart , or pouring out the soul to God in the name of Christ : It is a crying Abba Father . As Scripture is Gods Letter wherein he openeth his mind to man , so Prayer is mans Letter wherein he openeth his mind to God . It is fitly resembled to Jacobs Ladder , the bottom of which was on earth , but the top reached to Heaven : A thought can fly speedily to the uttermost parts of the earth , so can prayer in a moment to the highest heavens . One of the Fathers compareth it to a chain , one end of which is tied to mans tongue , the other end to Gods ear . Another , Ascensus mentis ad Deum , A lifting up the mind to God . Paul calls it a making known our requests to God , Phil. 4. Jamblicus a prophane writer calleth prayer , Rerum divinarum ducem & lucem & copulam qua homines cum Deo conjunguntur ; The guide and light of Divine truths , the band whereby God and man are joyned together ; Clavis instarqua Dei penetralia aperiuntur , Like a key that openeth Gods secrets . Austin calls it , Dei sacrificium , diaboli flagellum . & Christiani subsidium ; A sweet savour to God , a terror to the Devil , and a shelter to a Christian . Bernard calls it , Vinculum invincibilis , ●he Conqueror of him who is invincible . Luther saith , It is omnipotent . Archimedes made such an engine that saith he , Could I but finde where to fasten it , I would not doubt but to remove the whole earth with it . Such an engine is Prayer . By prayer fire hath been quenched , waters divided , the mouths of Lions stopped , iron gates opened , the bottles of heaven opened and stopped , the course of nature overturned , diseases removed , health restored , sin subdued , grace bestowed , Kingdoms supported , Church enemies scattered , the blind restored , the dead enlivened , devils dispossessed , and the blessed God himself conquered . The Jews have a proverb , Sine stationibus non staret mundus , alluding to their standing posture in prayer ; the World would not stand without prayer .

When a great fire in Constantinople had fastned on a great part of the City , took hold of the Church , flamed in at several of the windows , the Bishop ran into the Church , fell down on his knees , and would not rise from prayer till the fire was vanquished . And as prayer hath hindred fire , so it hath brought down water : The Legions of Christians under Aurelius in a time of drought intreated rain of God and prevailed , for which they were called The lightening Legion .

Prayer is the Midwife to bring all those mercies into the world to the Beleever , which are conceived in the womb of the Promises . It is the Christians messenger which he sends to Heaven for the supply of his necessities , and like Jonathans bow it never returneth empty . Oftentimes as the Eccho doubleth the voyce , so doth the answer the prayer ; when the soul , like Gehezi asketh but one talent , God , like Naaman , forceth two upon it . The Lord is rich unto all that call upon him , Rom. 10.12 . Prayer is the Thames in which all sorts of commodities are brought up for the releif of the Citizens of Zion . Some say of Cornucopia that it hath all things necessary for food in it . Prayer hath in it all things pertaining to this life and a better .

It is said of the Pope , He can never want money while he can hold a pen , His writing of Pardons and Indulgencies filleth his coffers . It is more true of the Christian , he need never want if he will but pray . Prayer is a key to Gods own coffers wherein there are infinite , and all sorts of comforts . I have no friends , said a good woman , but I have a prayer , and so long as I have a praying heart , God will find a pitying heart and a helping hand . It is but ask , and receive ; seek , and find ; knock , and it shall be opened . Matth. 7.7 , 8. The child presenteth his petition to his Father , and at the foot of it there is Fiat quickly written .

Prayer is like the Spaniards Plate fleet which returns home worth thousands and millions . A Courtier will sometimes get more by a petition to his Prince in a morning , then some Tradesmen do all their lives . A regenerate person being in favour at Court gaineth more by a morning 〈◊〉 , then a wicked man , though he works hard , gets while he liveth . I never said to the seed of Jacob seek ye me in vain : Some asked but the cure of their bodies , when God healed their bodies and souls too ; he hath forced many an unexpected favour upon an upright fervent prayer .

Prayer , is not onely a Storehouse of mercies , but a Fort-royal to defend the soul against miseries ; as some write of the herb Panaces , it is good for all diseases . When Satan entred the field against Paul , the Apostle held up this shield of prayer to defend himself against his fiery darts ; For this I besought the Lord thrice , 2 Cor. 12.7 . Prayer hath stormed and surprised more Cities , conquered and routed more Armies , then old mens heads or young mens hands , then all the policy and power on earth .

Prayer is like the ring which Queen Elizabeth gave to the Earl of Essex , bidding him if he were in any distress send that ring to her , and she would help him : God commandeth his people if they be in any perplexity to send this ring to him ; Call upon me in the day of trouble , I will hear thee , and thou shalt glorifie me , Psa. 50.15 .

O what a priviledge dost thou enjoy Reader , in having freedom of access to the Throne of Grace . The Persian Kings took state upon them , and enacted that none should come uncalled upon pain of death : But the gates of Heaven , as the Aediles at Rome are always open : Thou hast liberty night and day of presenting thy petitions in the name of ●hrist to the King of the whole earth , and needst not fear ( so thy prayers be according to Scripture directions ) so much as a chiding for thy presumption : The poets say that Litae , Prayers , are Jupiters Daughters , and always about the Throne . If it be esteemed such a favour to have an earthly Princes ear , what a favour art thou invested with , that hast the ear of the blessed and onely Potentate ? Elisha offered his courteous Host a great kindness , when he asked her , wilt thou be spoken for to the King ? 2 Kings 4.13 . Some purchase that liberty , as the chief Captain his Roman freedom , with a great sum , but thou mayst speak to the King of Kings thy self , and be welcome , and needst not be at the charge of having either Saints or Angels thy mediatours , or any of those Heavenly Courtiers , to bring thee into the Kings presence . The Son of God himself will do it for thee gratis . In him we have boldness , Ephes. 3.12 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 liberty of speech , freedom to speak all thy mind , to lay open thy very inwards to God . If thou art in doubts about thy spiritual estate , and about thy title to the inheritance of the Saints in light , thou mayst by prayer go to him who is marvellous in counsel , and have his advice for nothing . If any disease appear in thy soul , which ( thou fearest ) may endanger its life , at least hinder its peace and health , thou mayst by prayer knock up the true Physician at mid-night , and prevail with him to hasten to thy help and cure . If thou art surrounded with many and bloody Enemies , that thou knowest not what to do , nor where to go , thou mayst by prayer send post to Heaven , and thou needst not fear but Christ will meet the Messenger half was , and come in timely to thy rescue . If thou art bound wi●h the bond of iniquity , and like Peter watched narrowly night and day , nay though thou art encompassed round with the black guard of Hell , lest thou shouldst make an escape , yet prayer without ceasing would knock off thy chains , break open the Prison doors , and in spight of all the Legions of Devils that kept thee , set thee at liberty . If thou art like the Psalmist over-whelmed with sorrow , this sighing into Gods eares by prayer will ease thy heart . When the Glass of thy soul is so full of those strong spirits , fear and grief , that it threatneth to burst , thou mayst give it vent by prayer to God and there will be no danger . Whilst thou art in this valley of teares , thou art encompast with Enemies , hast many and urgent necessities , doubts and dangers , but prayer , like Moses , will go before thee ( ingage him on thy side that will ) overcome them all , and guide thee all the way through the Wilderness of this World , to the very borders of Canaan , and never leave thee till thou comest to enter into the place of prai●e .

But Reader , the more richly this Vessel of prayer is laden , the more careful and skilful must the Pilot be that steers it , lest it suffer Ship-wrack . Queens that have great heirs in their wombs , must be tenderly used , lest they miscarry . If prayer be so bountiful a friend ( as thou hast heard ) thou oughtest to be the more fearful of abusing it . Princes who allow firourites their eares , yet expect that they should know their distance , and ask in such a ma●● as they appoint , and such things for the matter as will be consistent with their honour to give , or else instead of a grant they may meet with a repulse , and a sharp reproof . Haman though he were so intimate with the King , that he had his Hand and Seal at pleasure , found by woful experience what it was to abuse the Kings favour , by desiring the satisfaction of his own lust , in that which was exceedingly to the Kings loss .

The Incense under the Ceremonial Law was a tipe of prayer ; Let my prayer come before thee like Incense , but if it had not been made exactly , both for matter and manner according to Gods own prescription , ( who himself gave special direction about it , Exod. 30.34.35 , 36. ) as sweet as the Spices were , it had been loathsom and unsavoury to him , the burning of Incense had been but as the blessing of an Idol , Isa. 66.3 . I shall therefore for thy right management of this duty which is of such weight and importance to thee , speak to these three particulars .

1. To the Antecedents , or those things which must go before prayer .

2. To the Concomitants , or those things which must accompany prayer .

3. To the Consequents , or those things which must follow after prayer .

1. To the Antecedents of prayer . Preparation is necessary before prayer . Zopher acquainteth Job how his prayers might come to be prevalent . If thou prepare thine heart , and stretch out thine hand unto him , Job 11.13 . The heart is the Forge where these Vessels for the Sanctuary are formed and fashioned , and made in secret ; the tongue is but the thop wherein they are exposed to publique view ; therefore the heart must do its work well before the tongue can commend its ware ; the heart must indite a good matter , before the tongue will be as the pen of a ready writer .

God commandeth us both to look to our hearts and mouths when we are in his house ; be not rash with thy mouth to utter any thing before God , and keep thy feet when thou art in the House of God , Eccles. 5.1 , 2. The former is a bridle for our mouths and expressions , the latter is a guard for our hearts and affections .

In reference to the Antecedents . 1. Some things which will further the duty must be used . 2. Some things which will hinder the duty must be refused .

First , Those things which will further the duty , are meditation , and the stirring up of grace . Meditation will be helpful to the matter of prayer ; The quickning and stirring up of grace , will be hel●ful to the manner of the duty .

First , Meditation ; Meditation fits the soul for supplication . Meditation fils the soul with good liquor , and then prayer broaches it , and sets its a running . David first mused , and then spake with his tongue , Lord make me to know mine end , Psa. 39.3.4 . Nay to ass●re us that meditation was the Mother which bred and brought forth prayer , he calls the child by its parents name , Give ear to my words , O Lord , consider my meditation , Psa. 5.1 . Meditation is like the chargeing of a piece , and prayer the discharging of it . Isaac went into the field to meditate . Gen. 24.63 . The Septuag. the Geneva translation , and Tremelius ( in his marginal Notes on it ) read it to pray , and the Hebrew word Suach used there , signifieth both to pray and meditate , whereby we may learn , that they are very neer a kin , like twins they lie in the same womb , in the same word , meditation is the best beginning of prayer , and prayer is the best conclusion of meditation . When the Christian , like Daniel , hath first opened the windows of his soul by contemplation , then he may kneel down to prayer .

Prayer is a building which reacheth up to Heaven , meditation layeth in all the costly materials which are requisite for this building . He that would make any riddance of his work , must take care that all his materials be brought in before-hand ; if they be to fetch when he comes to work , he will make long and tedious Church-work indeed .

Something thou art to meditate on , relating to thy self , somthing relating to God .

Those things which relate to thy self , are thy sins , wants and mercies ; There are three parts of prayer ( though I know some reckon the first rather an adjunct ) Confession , Petition , and Thanksgiving : Now meditation gives each of these the work which they are to do , like a faithful Steward it gives every one their proper and peculiar portion . Meditation on our sins helpeth in confession ; Meditation on our wants helpeth in petition ; Meditation on our mercies helpeth in thanksgiving . A Christian ought to keep a Catalogue , at least in the Table book of his heart of these three particulars , David did so : He Registred his unrighteousness , or the wrong he had done to God , my sin is ever before me , Psa. 51.3 . He thought much upon his wants and sufferings ; He often cryeth out , I am poor and needy , Psa. 109.21 . Psa. 25. my sorrow is ever before me . Psa 38.17 . And for Gods mercies he did not write them in the Sand , but he treasured them up in his memory . Thy loving kindness is before mine eyes , Psa. 26.3 . And though some of them were stale ( ancient mercies ) yet they were not sowre to Davids taste , he did not throw them away as Old Almanacks out of date , I will remember the days of old , the years of antient times , Psa. 77. Rather then God should not be paid his thanks , for favours to his Fore-fathers , David would take the Debts from their score , and set them upon his own File .

Confession of sin must be with shame and sorrow ; petition for mercy must be with faith and fervency ; Thanksgiving must be with admiration of God , and delight in God ; Now it is meditation of our sins , wants and miseries , which provides fuel for the fire of these graces to work upon , and which they break out into an Heavenly flame .

Meditate on thy sins ; Thy duty in prayer is to Indict , Arraign , and Condemn , and Execute those Malefactors and Transgressors of the Royal Law , which can never be done till they are apprehended . If thou wilt kill those Foxes that spoil the Vine , those lusts which hinder thy regenerate part from thriving ; thy care must be by meditation to hunt them out of their lurking holes , and take them . Thy wounds which stink and are so unsavoury to God , must by serious consideration be searched and felt , before they can be healed . When thou art going to prayer , do as Jehu when he went to sacrifice to Baal , send out and f●●ch●n all thy false Worshippers ; those Enemies of the true God , that deny his supremacy , and bowed the knee to the World or the flesh , and then by an humble penitential confession , and self judging , cut them off . Who ever bewailed his sins , that did not know their sinfulness , or who ever was ashamed that did not see his own nakedness . When the Jews came to know that they were the betrayers and Murderers of the Lord Jesus , then they were pricked to the heart ; O do that for thy self which God will do for many others , set thy sins in order before thine eys , thine original and thine actual , thine omissions and commissions , thy personal and relative , thy secret and publique , thy sins about natural , civil , or spiritual actions , thy sins under mercies and against afflictions . Say to thy conscience as Samuel to Jesse , Are all thy Sons here ; Are all thy ●ins here ; if any be wanting to thy knowledge , cause it to be sent for , and brought , and sit not down to Sacrifice before it come ; when this is done , put them all into their own colours , accent them with their several aggravations , consider what light , what love , what motions of Gods spirit , what convictions of thy own spirit , they were committed against .

Above all , meditate on the infinite Majesty , Purity and Mercy of that God against whom thou hast sinned . Those three Attributes duly weighed would like Moses three strokes fetch water out of a rock : Ah couldest thou that hast heard of this God by the hearing of the ear , but see him with the seeing of the eye , thou wouldest quickly abhor thy self in dust and ashes . How ugly , how loathsom would sin be , couldst thou behold the Glory , Holiness and Grace of that God whom thereby thou hast offended ? Ah how great an evil must that be which is so opposite and offensive to the greatest good ? Think also on the blood of the dearest Jesus , which was let out by thy lusts ; and surely when thou beholdest those knives before thee which made those bloody mortal wounds in his blessed body , Anger and Grief will both strive within thee for the mastery .

Meditate on thy wants . He that is ignorant what he ailes cannot complain , at least so as to be relieved . The messenger who knoweth not the errand upon which he comes , must expect to be sent back as wise as he came . Do as the good Huswife when she is going to market where provision is to be had doth ; First , she considereth with her self what her family needs , what food , what cloaths , what her Husband , what her Children , what her self , and accordingly disposeth her mon●y at Market ; so when thou art going to God by pr●yer , who is able to supply all thy necessities , consider what thou wantest , what pardoning mercy , what purifying mercy , what sin thou didst lately foil , and art afraid it will recover again , that thou mayst beg strength to pursue the victory ; what l●st lately got the better of thee , that thou maist intreat pardon of it , and power against it ; what grace thou art defective in , either in reference to thy calling , or relations , or any condition , that thou mayst request God to bestow it on thee ; what new providence hath befallen thee , or new work is laid upon thee , that thou mayst beseech God to give the sutable grace and power .

This consideration of thy wants , with the weight of them , will make thee more urgent and instant with God for supply ; they that feel hunger how hard will they beg for bread ? poor prisoners that are ready to famish for want of food , how earnest are they for relief ? Bread , bread for the Lords sake ; Remember the poor prisoners for the Lords sake . Confideration of thy soul-necessities , and of what infinite concernment the releif of them is to thee , will make thee feel thy wants , and then thou wilt be importunate with God for mercy . A man that considereth not his indigencies , is like a full stomack that loaths the honey comb .

Consider thy Me●cies , meditate on the several particular passages of Gods providence towards thee from thy birth to this moment ; how many devils thou hast been delivered from , how many journeys thou hast been preserved in that seasonable succour God hath sometimes sent thee in dangers , what sutable support he hath afforded thee in distress , what counsel he hath given thee in doubts , what comforts he hath vouchsafed thee in sorrows and darkness . Make past mercies , by meditation present with thee . How many years hast thou lived , and every moment of thy life hast breathed in mercy ? Do not forget former favours bestowed on thee or thine . The Civet box when the Civet is gone still retains it scent ; the vessel when the liquor is gone hath still a savour of it : So when thy mercies are past and spent , thou shouldest still have the scent and savour of them in thy spirit .

Meditate upon the number of thy present mercies , personal , domestical , national , temporal , spiritual : How many are the mercies which thou enjoyest in bed , at board , at home , abroad ? Thy house , thy barns , thy children , thy body , thy soul , are all full of blessings ; thou hast many positive , many privative mercies . Many , O Lord , my God are thy wonderful works which thou hast done , and thy thoughts to us ward , they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee : If I would declare and speak them , they are more then can be numbered , Psal. 40.4 . Think of them particularly ; meat swallowed down whole doth not yield such nourishment as when it is cut into small pieces . If jewels are bundled up together , their riches and worth are hid , they must be viewed and considered one by one , then their value will appear .

Meditate on the nature of them how freely they are bestowed : When thou wast Gods enemy he fed thee , and cloathed thee , and maintained thee ; as when a man turneth his back upon the Sun , the Sun even then refresheth him with his beams ; so when thou didst depart away from God , he even then followed thee with goodness ; like the fountain , he giveth his pleasant streams to thee gratis . For alas thou art less then the least of all Gods mercies , worse then any loathsome Toad , or poisonous Serpent : This will be an excellent file to set off the mercies of God in their lively , lovely colours : that David so great a King should do so much for such a dead Dog as Mephibosheth , did exceedingly affect his heart , 2 Sam. 7. So do thou think with thy self , What am I , and what is my Fathers house , that the Lord should do so much for me .

Meditate upon the fulness and greatness of thy mercies : What distinguishing mercies are thy Body-mercies ? they are more then God oweth thee , and more then he bestoweth upon others . Alas , many want health , liberty , food , rayment , sleep , limbs , senses , reason , and possibly thou enjoyest them all . But Oh! of what concernment are thy Soul-mercies , the image of God , the blood of Christ , eternal Life , the Gospel of thy Salvation , Sabbaths , Sacraments , and seasons of grace : God hath not dealt so with every people , as with this Nation ; nor with every person , as with thee : Thou art , as the Psalmist phraseth it , laden with benefits , hast such a weight , such a burthen of benefits upon thy back , that thou canst hardly stir or stand under them . Hast thou not blessings of the womb , blessings of the field , blessings of the Throne , blessings of the foot-stool , blessings in thy going out , blessings in thy coming in , which way canst thou look and not see blessings ? where canst thou tread and not stand on blessings ? thy whole life is in this respect a bundle of blessings ; these thoughts before prayer may stir thee up to bless the giver . If thou shouldst bless men when they curse thee , much more shouldst thou bless God , when he blesseth thee .

Meditate on the God to whom thou art to pray , Consider his Majesty and greatness , Nehemiah calls him , The great and terrible God , Nehem. 1.5 . He is so great , the Heavens and heavens of heavens cannot contain him , that the Earth , Heavens and Ocean , are in comparison of him as nothing ; yea , less then nothing , and vanity . Think of his attributes and infinite excellencies . God is in Heaven and thou art on Earth , therefore let thy words be few , Eccles. 5.2 . As God riseth in our thoughts self falleth . That Sun discovereth all our dust . O how are we ashamed of our drops , when we stand by this Ocean . This serious apprehension of thy distance will quicken thee to reverence . Gods greatness and mans vileness , are both arguments to make man humble and wary in the Worship of God . Couldst thou behold God in Heaven , in what Majesty he there appeareth on his Throne of glory , how his heavenly Courtiers vail their faces in his presence , lay their Crowns at his feet , and serve him , though joyfully , yet humbly and awfully , with what reverence and holy fear , wouldst thou go to prayer ?

Meditate on his mercy and goodness , what promises he hath made to prayer , how bountiful he is to his suppliants . He doth more then they can ask or think , he gives liberally without upbraiding . It was said of Severus the Emperor , that he was more troubled that men asked nothing , then that he gave much . God delighteth both to be sought and found . This is necessary to strengthen the faith . He that commeth to God , must beleive that he is , and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him , Heb. 11.6 . He that would pray and obtain a blessing , must beleive Gods being , that he is , and Gods bounty , that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him . Meditate on his rich bounty , Abraham asked but one Son , God gives him seed like the Stars in the Heavens for multitude ; the Debtor desires but forbearance , and he freely forgives the whole Debt . The shekel of the Sanctuary is double to the ordinary shekel .

God delighteth to see men joyful in his house of prayer , Isa. 56.7 . to see their countenances commend his chear : now meditation of his Royal bounty , how he giveth like a King , like a God , will help thee to this hearty chearfulness . Beleive before thou prayest , that thy hand of prayer shall not knock at Heavens gate in vain , that God will not send thee away sad . It is reported of the Emperor Flavius , that he should say , I am sorry that any man should present a petition to me as if he were offering meat to an Elephant , with a trembling hand . Consider not onely his habitation , which art in Heaven , but also his relation to thee , Our Father ; before thou callest he will answer , and when thou speakest he will say , here am I , Isa. 65.24 . Thus when thou hast by meditation cut the Sacrifice in peices , put the wood in order , and laid all upon the Altar , thou mayst by prayer put fire to them , and offer up a Sacrifice to God of a sweet smelling savour .

Secondly , As Meditation , so the stirring up of thy graces is needful to further this duty . Meditation will do much towards it ( as thou hast heard ) I shall therefore speak the less to it . Every person that hath grace doth not always pour out his prayers rightly . Graces must be exercised in our duties . Grace may lie as fire under ashes upon the hearth of thy heart , and be so far from flaming , that it may not so much as glow , and how then canst thou expect any warmth from it , thy duty is therefore to stir up the coales , and endeavour that the fire may blaze out . It is the language of Canaan , communication seasoned with grace , which onely is savoury to God . Cato being asked why he was so diligent to learn the Greek language in his old age , answered , I hear , the Gods speak Greek , and I would willingly speak to them in their own language , All the words of God are gracious , It s said of his Son , Grace is poured into thy lips Psa. 45.2 . Those therefore that would not speak to God in an unknown language , a tongue wich he understandeth not , must accent all their expressions to him with grace . It is the smell of the spice of grace in the Israelite , not of Garlick and Onions in the Egyptian , which is so pleasant and fragrant to God , Who is this that cometh out of the Wilderness like Pillars of smoke , perfumed with Myrrhe and frankincense , with all powders of the Merchant ? Cant. 3.6 . Some take the words to be the voice of the Angels , those friends of the Bride groom , admiring the Churches gracious expressions and continual assentions of her soul , in her prayers to God , others take them to be the words of Christ , being ravished with the odoriferous smell of those graces which his Spouse acted in her Sacrifices he stood amazed at the beauty of her person , and the sweetness of her breath , the graciousness of her petitions : What lovely Lady , what woman is here ? ( so the Hebrew ) What peerless Paragon is this , which sendeth up such Spiritual Sacrifices , such sweet Incense , kindled by the fire of Gods own Spirit ; laid upon a meritorious Altar , ascending and fuming up like the rowllings and agglomerations of smoak to the Lord himself , and more welcome and grateful then all the costly evaporations of myrrhe and frankincense , and all powders of the Merchants . The Angel which ascended to heaven in the flame of the Altar , is said to do wonderously , Judg. 13.19 , 20. It was wonderful both to Christ and his friends , to behold the acceptance of his Spouses gracious performance , how it ascended to Heaven , elationibus fumi , like pillars of smoak , and came up for a memorial before God . The desire of nature in prayer , is like sparks which fly out of the tunnel of the chimney , and then vanish ; but the desire of grace in prayer , is like pillars of smoak , which mounteth up to the highest Heavens .

When Jacobs sons went down to Egypt to fetch corn , they carried some along with them to support them by the way ; when the Christian goeth to Christ by prayer for more spiritual food , he must carry some along with him to strengthen him in the duty : A little water poured into the pomp , will fetch up much : a little grace acted in a duty , may help thee to much more . As the ship is sometimes wind-bound , that it cannot move towards its haven ; so without the exercise of grace , the soul is wind-bound , there is no stirring towards Heaven . A graceless man in prayer ( as was said of Alcibiades ) may talk much , but speaketh little .

2. Some things which will hinder the duty must be refused .

All sin in general , sin regarded in the soul , makes prayers disregarded of God , If I regard iniquity in my heart , God will not hear my prayer , Psa. 66.18 : He that expecteth pardon , must throw down his Weapons of Rebellion . The Child that asketh forgiveness of his Oaths , must not desire it of his Father with Curses in his mouth ? When dust clogs the Wheel of the Watch or Clock , they cannot strike true ; when sin hampereth and clogs the Wheels of the affections , the mouth will never speak true or right in its Petitions . He that turneth away his ear from hearing the Law , even his prayer shall be an abomination , Pro. 28.9 . It is high impudency , for him that will not hear God , to look that God should hear him .

When the sin of the petitioner is before Gods eyes , his petitions cannot enter into Gods ears . The wide mouth of sin out-cryeth the voice of his prayers ; as the Fish called the Remora , though it be but little , will stop a great Ship in its full career , truely so the sinallest sin loved and liked will hinder the course of prayer , though it be never so instant and vehement . The Lords ear is not heavy that it cannot hear , but your iniquities separate between you and your God , Isa. 59.1 , 2. Men by falls somtimes lose their speeches , men by fin lose their prayers .

When the Ninivites prayed and turned from their evil ways , then God granted their requests , Jonah 3. The Israelites cryed to God but in vain ( he bid them go to the Gods whom they had served ) till they put away the strange Gods from among them , then his soul was greived for the misery of Israel , Judges 10.10 , to 17. Reformation is a good usher to go before supplication . When the Duke of Saxony prepared War against the Bishop of Magdenburg , the Bishop hearing of it , falls to praying and reforming , saying , At ego curabo ecclesiam meam & Deus pugnabit pro me , I will take care to reforme my Church , and God will take care to fight for me . When the Duke heard this , he Disbanded his forces with this speech , I am too weak for him that caningage God on his side .

Be sure Reader to put away iniquity far from thee , when thou art drawing neer to the throne of grace , then shalt thou make thy prayer unto God , and he shall hear , Job 22.23 , 27. Prayer is ( as it were ) a plaister to heal a man that is wounded . Now as a plaister to one peirced with an Arrow or Bullet will do no good , till the Dart or Bullet be taken out of the body , so prayer will not be healing and prevalent till sin ( in regard of love and delight ) be taken out of the soul .

As all sin in general most be laid by , so Worldly thoughts and wrath in particular . Wrath ; Anger like Leven sowreth the acrifice ; I will that men lift up holy hands without wrath , 1 Tim. 2.8 . He that beggeth peace at Gods hands , must not do it with war in his own heart . How canst thou think that God will forgive thee many millions , when thou wilt not for give thy b●other one mite . God is peremptory that he will reserve for them his wrath , who will not remit their wrongs , Mat 6.15 . Cont. Vig●l . Hierom confessed of himself that when he had been angry , he durst not enter into the Church , but totum animo & corpore contremuisse , he did tremble very much both in body and mind : Christians must be singular as in their principles , so in their practices ; It is more comfortable to love a friend , but this an Heathen may do , it is more honourable to love an Enemy , and this every Christian must do .

There are two things in forgiving those that wrong us . First , An inward remission of the fault , so much as it concerneth us , or a removal of wrath and revengeful desires towards the person wronging us ; and this if we do not , we lose our prayers . A stormy troubled Sea , casteth up mire and dirt , so when there is a storm of passions in the soul , the heart foameth up its own shame in prayer , it bubleth up a great deal of filth . Secondly , In forgiveness there is an outward profession of this inward remission , and this must be done when the party acknowledgeth his fault . If the offender say , I repent ; the offended mast say , I remit : Surely did men but consider the infinite wrongs they do , and affronts which they offer to the glorious God every day , and yet how they expect to be pardoned , they would , when abused say , as Francis the first King of France ( to one that begged pardon for a friend of his , who had used ill speeches against his Majesty ) Let him for whom thou art a Suitor learn to speak little , and I will learn to pardon much . The Spouse of Christ is compared to a Dove , which ( some say ) is sine-felle , without Gall ; The very Heathen when they offered Sacrifice , threw the Gall of the Beast away ; and Reader , wouldst thou offer to God the Gall of malice , revenge wrath and bitterness with the Sacrifice of thy prayers ? Remember where the Gall is broke the flesh tasteth bitter , and when the strings jar , the Instrument will make but harsh Musick , Mat. 5.24 .

Worldly thoughts must also be laid by . Our Saviour when he taught us to pray , by the preface to the Petitions telleth us where our affections in prayer should be ; Our Father which art in Heaven . Our hearts in prayer must be in Heaven , the eys of our minds must look up thither , as well as the eyes of our bodies . The Mahometans in India when they begin their devotion stop their ears , and fix their eyes , that nothing may disturb their minds , or divert their thoughts . When the meat is fly-blown , it quickly corrupts ; when our petitions to God are blown upon by worldly thoughts , and mingled with mental discourses with men , they lose their sweetness .

Some poor people whose houses are troubled much with Vermine , have sometimes a great part of their small provision eaten up of Rats and Mice ; truly , sometimes a poor Christian loseth half a meal by these Vermine of Worldly thoughts , they devour sometimes half his prayer . Resolve before thou prayest to watch thy heart narrowly , that these may not hinder thee in prayer .

CHAP. XIII . Of the Concomitants of Prayer .

SEcondly , I come now to the Concomitants of prayer ; and herein I shall speak , 1. To the matter of our petitions . 2. To the person that prayeth . 3. To the properties of our prayers .

1. To the matter of our prayers : Gods Word and Will must be the rule of our prayers , what we must ask of him , as well as of our practice what we must do for him : Subjects must set bounds to their desires , and take heed that their petitions do not encroach upon the Prerogative Royal. Divine precepts , what God commandeth us to act ; Divine promises ( what God engageth himself to do for us ; ) and Divine prophesies ( what God hath foretold shall come to pass ) are to be the bounds of our prayers ; he wandereth to his loss , that in his requests goeth beyond these limits . ●alaam would needs ask leave of God , that he might be the Devils Chaplain to curse Israel , but mark the issue , he hath an ironical concession to go to his own destruction ; the sharp razour indeed of his tongue would not pierce the Israelites , who had armour of proof , but the sword of the Israelites soon entred his body , and sent his soul to receive its wages of that Master that set him a work . The Israelites on a sudden are all in a hurry for a King , God gave them a King in his anger for their p●nishment , rather then for their protection ( and how soon were they sick , like children , of that which they cryed so loud for ) the King and people , at least many of them , perished together . O how much better is a favourable denial , then an angry grant of such prayers , but immodest desires never have profitable answers .

And as some erre in the matter of their petitions , so others in the matter of their tha●ksgiving . We read of them , that when like Thieves they had robbed others , looked up to Heaven and blessed God for a good booty , that they had prospered in their calling : Thus saith the Lord God , feed the flock of the slaughter , whose possessors slay thee , and they that sell them say , Blessed be the Lord I am rich Zach. 11.5 , 6. That spurious Brat the Devil begot upon their cursed hearts , they lay at Gods door , as if he were its Father .

Take heed Reader , of exceeding the limits of prayer : those Beasts which will not be kept within their bounds , are soonest caught , and kild . Israel had their wish to their woful cost , when they cryed out , Would God we had dyed in the Wilderness , Numb. 14.27.28 , 29. Be not unwise , but understanding what the Will of the Lord is , Ephes. 5.17 . Indeed the Christian may have any thing of God , if he do but in his prayer secure Gods honour ; but he that exalteth his own will ( not minding Gods ) like a proud begger , will be a chuser , and therefore he shall be sent away either without an Alms , or else with the Serpents which he desired , instead of the fish which he denyed . The Christians Charter is wide enough , he hath no cause to defire its inlargement : And this is the confidence that we have in him , that if we ask any thing according to his will , he heareth us , John 1.5 , and 14.

2. The Petitioner must be a justified and regenerate person , or the prayer will never be prevalent . He must be a favourite at Court , that presenteth his supplication with confidence of success . Others must pray and may speed through Christ , but where there is no faith , there will be much fear about the event . The precept is to all , but the promise is onely to the beleiver : The righteous cry , and the Lord heareth , and deleivereth them out of all their troubles . The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous , and his ears are open unto their cry , Psa. 34.15 , 17. Strangers may howl , and we take little notice what they ail , it is a venture whether we releive them or no , but if our children cry being in great distress , we hasten to their help . Our relation to God may well strengthen our hope , that our desires shall be heard . He that can cry Abba Father , may be confident of the success of his suit , and that God will deal with him as a Son .

Faith in Christ is essential to prayer , as I shewed in religious duties in general ( and therefore omit it here : ) now an unbeleiver goeth to God without the blessed Saviour , and therefore may well come away without an answer . The Israelites in their prayers were still to mind the Temple , either to pray in it , or towards it ; which Temple was a type of Christ , the alone Altar upon which our prayers must be offered , if ever they be accepted , 2 Chron. 7.38 . Dan. 6.10 . Kings will not gratifie or pardon Traytors , whilst they continue in their Treasonable designes . A sinner even while he is wooing God for mercy , is warring against God ; when his voice is the voice of Jacob , his hands are the hands of Esau , and therefore with what face can be expect favour ; I will saith Paul , that men lift up holy hands , 1 Tim. 2.8 . meaning in prayer . Where the hands are unholy and wicked the heart is worse , and God cannot abide a stinking breath . Some write of Diacletes , that it hath many excellent vertues in it , but if it be put into the mouth of a man without life , it loseth all . Prayer , ( as I shewed before ) hath many rare and incomparable qualities , but being in the mouth of one that is dead in sins and trespasses , it loseth them all . When a vicious man propounded in the Roman Senate , a most excellent Law , they rejected the motion because it was made by a bad mouth . When the face is comely , the person beautiful through Christ , then onely the voyce will be pleasant , Cant. 2. Eccles. 14.

When Godfrey of Beloign was demanded ( in the holy War ) by an Ambassador from the King of the Sarazens , How he became so strong to fight , and to do such exploits ? He answered , Quia manus semper habui puras , Because I kept my hands always as clean as I could from the filth of sin . A pure hand in prayer is ever prevalent , through Christ , to conquer the strongest Enemies : But it is a principle in nature , that God heareth not a sinner , John 9.31 . The prayers of a natural man are like Jehoshaphats ships which were made to go to Tarshish for gold , but were broken by the way ; they come short of that merchandize which is better then silver , and that gain which is more precious then choice gold , for which they pretended to lanch forth : But the prayers of a regenerate person are like Solomons Navy , which were sent forth to Ophir , went through with their voyage , and brought from thence four hundred and twenty Talents of gold : Unsearchable are the riches which the vessel of his prayer returneth fraught with , 1 Kings 22.48 . 1 Kings 9.28 .

3. The properties of our prayers ; they must be Humble , Hearty , Fervent and Constant .

1. Our prayers must be humble : Prayer is one of our nearest approaches to God on this side Heaven , in it we speak to God mouth to mouth , and therefore must be poured out with much humility . Rebecca , though she rode along on the road , mounted upon a Camel , yet when she drew neer to Isaac , she lighted off her stately beast , putteth on her vail , and presenteth herself to him in an humble posture . Humility ought to be a Christians c●nstant cloathing ( Be ye cloathed with humility ) butit never fits him better , then when by prayer he doth solemnly draw near to God . We are then most careful to put on our best raiment , when we go to speak with great persons . Subjects present their petitions to their Soveraigns upon their knees . O come let us Worship and bow down , let us kneel before the Lord our Maker , Psa. 95.6 . Princes must have silken words given them as the mother of Artaxerxes told one , Our words to the great God must be submissive .

The special end of prayer , is to exalt God , and debase man ; he therefore that is proud in that performance , doth wholly thwart Gods end in its institution , and may be confident that God will thwart him in his petitions . When we go to God in this duty for grace and mercy , we do not go to him as those that go to market to buy or relieve ; but as those that go to a rich mans door to beg an alms : And surely of all persons beggars , who live wholly upon anothers charity , have least reason to be proud . The proud beggar never got any thing at Gods door .

It is observable , how the children of God though they were never so rich in grace , were poor in spirit , and humble in language and carriage , when they approached the Lord of glory : Every one of ●hem , notwithstanding the greatness of their spiritual stock , sued in forma-pauperis : Behold now I have taken upon me to speak unto thee Lord , who am but dust and ashes , saith Abraham , Gen. 18.27 . I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies , which thou hast shewed to thy servant , saith Jacob , Gen. 32.10 . I am a worm , and no man , saith David . So foolish was I , and ignorant , even as a beast before thee , saith Asaph . I am more bruitish then any man , I have not the understanding of a man , saith Agur. O my God , I am ashamed , and blush to lift up my face to thee , for our iniquities are encreased over our heads , and our trespasses is grown up unto the Heavens , saith Ezra . I am a man of unclean lips , saith Isaiah . They all have learned the same Lesson , as Scholars in the same form ; they all speak the same Language , as children of the same Father .

It is reported of Aristippus the Cynick , that he used to fall on the ground before Dionysius , when he presented a petition to him . O what posture is low enough when we go to the infinite and incomprehensible God in prayer . He humbleth himself to open his eyes upon us , well may we be humble when we open our mouthes and hearts to him , Job 14.3 .

Reader , if thou wouldst have thy prayers heard , let them be humble . God loves to walk in the low valleys : Lord thou hast heard the desires of the humble , thou wilt prepare their heart , and wil● bow thine ear , Psal. 10.17 . Though God behold the proud afar off , and disdains so much as to open his eyes , or give them a look , yet he will be sure to draw near to the humble , and vouchsafe to open his ears , and his very heart to them , Psal. 138.6 . Isa. 66. ●2 . He that can have his face shine , and take no notice , is a fit person to go up into the Mount and converse with God .

2. Thy prayers must be hearty : Thy tongue and heart must keep time and tune ; Give ear to my prayer that goeth not out of feigned lips , Psal. 17.1 . If in prayer thou art as Ephraim , a silly Dove without an heart , and givest God onely the calves of thy lips , they will be as unacceptable as Jeroboams Calves at Dan and Bethel , which provoked the Lord to anger . The Jews have this Sentence written in their Synagogues , where they meet to pray , A prayer without the heart , is like a body without a soul . What a deformed , loathsome spectacle , is a body without a soul ? truly so is thy prayer without thy heart . God respecteth the heart in prayer above any thing ; men minde the expressions most , but God mindeth the affections most : Let us draw night to God with a true heart ; let us lift up our hearts with our hands unto God in the Heavens , Heb. 10.22 . Lam. 3.41 . God looketh not so much to the Elegancy of thy prayers , how neat they are , nor to the Geometry of thy prayers , how long they are , but to the sincerity of thy prayers , how hearty they are . Senec. lib. 1. henefic . cap 8. Socrates made more account of poor Aeschines , for giving himself to him , then of Alcibiades , and other rich Scholars , who gave him large presents : God esteemeth infinitely more of an heart-sprung ( though broken ) prayer , then of dissembling petitions , cloathed with , and drest up in the neatest and most gaudy expressions .

The heart is the mettal of the bell , the tongue is but the clapper : When the mettal of the bell is right and good ( as silver ) such will the sound be ; if the mettal of the bell be crackt , or lead , the sound will soon discover it to a judicious ear . God can see the diseases and spots of the heart upon the tongue : O it is dangerous to do , as some Princes with their neighbours , who set on foot a Treaty of peace for their own ends , but resolve beforehand that it shall never be brought to any period . As Jacob said to his mother , If I dissemble , my Father will finde me out , and I shall meet with a curse instead of a blessing : So say I to thee , if thou dissemblest in prayer , thy God will finde thee out , and thou wilt meet with a curse , a blow , instead of a blessing . There is no going to God , as Jeroboams wife thought to go to the Prophet , in a disguise .

Under the Law , Notandum illud est quod quae offeruntur in Holocaustan interiorasunt quod exterius esi , Domino no : offertur , ●tpel li , Hom. 5. the inward parts were onely to be offered to God in Sacrifice : The skin belonged to the Priests ; whence Origen inferreth , That truth in the inward parts , is that which is most pleasing in a Sacrifice . Indeed others compass God about with lies , and therefore highly provoke him : They did flatter him with their mouth , and they lyed unto him with their tongue , for their heart was not right with him , Psal. 78.36 , 37. Hosea 11.12 . It is sinful for thee to tell a lye to thy fellow Creature , but how abominable is it to tell a lye to the Almighty Creator ? Thy prayer without thy heart will be Sacriledge , not a Sacrifice .

When the heart is Rector chori , cheif leader of the Quire , then the voice is pleasant indeed in Gods ear . The Lord is nigh to all that call upon him , to all that call upon him in truth , Psa. 145.18 . When the Wife giveth the Husband her heart , and defileth not the Marriage bed , he will ( if wise ) bear with many infirmities in her . When the heart in prayer is devoted to God , he is pleased out of his grace and goodness , to pardon and pass by many imperfections in the duty ; but if that bed be prostituted to any other , he gives a divorce to the Sacrifice , and putteth it away , for he is a jealous God . Jacobs small present could not but be acceptable to Joseph , because it was the best of the Land . The heart of man is but little , yet it is the best of man , and therefore taken kindly by God . The main enquiry at prayer is concerning the heart ; As Jonadab was asked by Jehu , so is the Christian by God , Is thy heart right as mine is ? Then come up into my Chariot ; then come to the Throne of grace and welcome .

Thirdly , thy prayers must be fervent : Prayer is a duty which consisteth not in words or expressions , but in the working of the affection ; therefore it is called a crying to God , Out of the depth I have cryed to thee , Psa. 130. a renting the heart , Joel 2.13 . as if the heart were by prayer torn in peices ; and a pouring out the soul , as if the body had been left without life , the soul being departed and ascended to Heaven in holy petitions . The true Beggar is ever earnest for spiritual Almes , he will not let God go without a blessing , Gen. 32. Paulus Aemilius , being to fight with the Macedonians , would never give over Sacrificing to his God Hercules , till he had some sign of victory . The Christian is more urgent with the true God , then the Heathen is with his God of clouts . When Daniel prayed , with what force were his words uttered ? with what fire was his Sacrifice offered ? O Lord hear , O Lord forgive , O Lord defer not for the Lords sake . That wine is best which is fullest of these heavenly spirits ; Winter fruits are sowre and unplesant to men , and so are cold petitions to God , Dan. 9.13 . Reader when thou art praying for pardon , how shouldst thou even poure out thy soul ! Alass when thou considerest if God do not pardon , I perish eternally ; if sin be imputed , I am damned , how should thy heart cry out , Have mercy upon me O God , according to thy loving kindness , after the multitude of thy tender mercies , blot out mine iniquities ; ( again ) Wash me from mine iniquities , and cleanse me from my sin ; ( and again ) Hide thy face from my sins , and blot out all my iniquities ; ( once more ) Deliver me from blood guiltiness . O God , thou God of my salvation , Psa. 51.1 , 2 , 11 , 14. When thou art begging grace and purity , with what earnestness shouldst thou pray ? beleiving how destructive sin is to thy precious soul , and how offensive to the jealous , just and Almighty God , and in what absolute necessity thou standest in of holiness , without which thou canst never see God . As when the Clock strikes , the Wheels within move notably , we may hear them run round , so when thy tongue is pleading with God for remission of sins , and repentance towards God , for the Son of God , the Spirit of God , and thine everlasting Salvation , how should thine heart move ? what work should there be among thine affections , to enforce those weighty petitions ? This fervency is necessary to prepare thy soul for the mercy thou desirest : What men get lazily , they spend lavishly ; but that food which a devout woman longeth for , she prizeth much , and eateth with most delight . When one whispered Demostenes in the ear that he was beaten , and desired him to plead his cause , the Orator would not believe him , till at last the man cryed out . Now , saith he , I feel your cause .

It is the intension of the Spirit , which giveth efficacy to our petitions : It is not the length of the arm , but the strength of it , which draweth the bow , so as to make the arrow fly fast and far . Fervency to prayer , is as wings to the Bird , by which it mounteth up to heaven : The effectual , fervent prayer of the righteous prevaileth much , James 5.16 . When prayers are drivel'd , like rhume out of a mans mouth , they fall down at his feet . The Mother will let the childe alone , if it onely whimper and whine a little in the cradle , but when it crieth outright , then she hasteth to take it up : This poor man cryed ( was not dull and drowsie , there is his fervency ) and the Lord heard him , and delivered him out of all his troubles , Psal. 34.9 . here is his prevalency . There is no getting to the Indian Mines by the cold Northerz Seas , though because it is a shorter cut , some have attempted that way , but they lost their labour . Other duties are a serving God , Prayer is a seeking God : Now they that seek him early shall finde him , Prov. 8.17 . A low voice doth not cause a loud eccho , neither doth a lazy prayer procure a liberal answer . Sleepy requests cause but dreams , meer fancied returns . Where there is a cushion of ease under the knees , and a pillow of idleness under the elbows , there is little work to be done .

When Daniel had been fervent all day at prayer , an Angel is sent to him at night with an answer . Importunity prevaileth with an unjust Judge , much more with a righteous and gracious God : Though God be Almighty , yet a fervent prayer ( through his grace ) hath held his hands : Let me alone , Exod. 32. Who holdeth the Lord ? saith Austin . Moses earnest cry was the cord , which I may speak with reverence , fastned Gods hands .

Prayer is a sword to wound both sin and Satan , but fervency is the edge of it , doing the execution , Zeph. 18.2 Cor. 12. For this I besought the Lord thrice , When a man strikes his Enemies with his full strength , then the wounds are made .

The lack of this fervency , is the loss of many prayers . The lazy petition tires , before it comes half way to Heaven : indeed it is eaten up ( as the cold honey of Wasps and Flies ) of wandring thoughts ; when fervent prayers , like honey boiling over the fire , is free from such ill guests . An idle prayer , like a lazy beggar , wandreth and gaddeth up and down , and as a rowling stone , gathereth no moss . The working of the affections in prayer , like Davids harp , allayeth those Devils which would disturb the Christian in this duty . When a man is intent upon the God to whom he prayeth , and eager after the mercies for which he prayeth , though the World whisper him in the ear , he cannot hear ; though Satan jog him by the elbow , he will not heed him .

But here a caution will be seasonable : The fire of thy fervency must be from Heaven ; not such strange fire as Nadab and Abihu . offered to the Lord : I mean , it must not be the voice of nature , an earnest cry for the enjoyment of creatures ; but the voice of the Spirit , an importunate desire for conformity to , and communion with the Lord Jesus Christ . We read of those that howled upon their beds for corn , and wine , and oyl , Hosea 7.17 . Many , like children , roar , are much out of quiet , disturb others with the noise they make , but it is for clouts for a Babey : Who will shew us any good ? The voice of a Saint must be , as of a wise son at full age , for the inheritance ; Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon me .

The Petitioner herein must be very careful ; he that rides apace , had need to be sure that he is in the right way , or else the freer his horse is , the more he wandreth to his loss . The greater the fire is , the more watchful we must be that it be kept within the chimney ; the more earnest our affections are , the more we must minde what our petitions be : The promises of God must be the foundation of our prayers . What he promiseth to give , I may pray to receive : Remember the word unto thy servant , upon which thou hast caused me to hope , Psal. 119.49 . but its dangerous for the building to jet out ( upon the Kings high-way ) beyond the foundation ; this may cause the house to fall , or be taken down . Because godliness hath the promise of this life , I am bound to pray , Give me this day , my daily bread . Temporal good things must be part of the matter of my prayer ; but because God promiseth these things conditionally ( so far onely as he seeth fit for his honor , and my comfort ) therefore I must pray for them conditionally . The Apish childe that crieth and squeeketh for the knife , to be its own carver , and will not be satisfied with its Parents feeding it , deserveth the rod ; our prayers both for the matter and the manner , must run parallel with Gods promises . Prayer is a putting Gods promises into suit ; but he that sueth a Bond , must minde the condition in it , or the verdict will be to his cost and damage . That which boils gently over a small fire , may be of use to us , which if it should boil hastily , and run over , it may raise ashes enough to spoil it self . The way to lose our requests for temporals , is to be as hot and hasty for them as if they were our all , even our eternals .

That incomparable patern of prayers , the Lords Prayer ( which is like a Standard-measure in a Corporation Town , for present use , and an example for others ) hath five petitions for Spirituals , and but one for Temporals .

God hath promised spiritual things absolutely , therefore thou mayest desire them absolutely : For pardon , and the image of God , and the blood of Christ , and fulness of joy in the other World , thou mayst be as earnest ( so humble and reverent ) as thou wilt . And O! what a mercy is it that God , though , like a wise father , he deny us leave to cry for the candle , which would burn , and the thorns which would prick our fingers ; yet he giveth us liberty to , nay commandeth us to besiege and storm Heaven , to follow him up and down , to cry day and night , to give him no rest , to be instant , urgent , and fervent with him , that our persons may be justified , our natures sanctified , and our souls and bodies glorified eternally .

Fourthly , Thy prayers must be constant : Thy duty is to give thy self to prayer , as a servant devoted to , and at the command of his noble Master . This fire , like that on the Altar , must never go out day nor night ; Night and day praying exceedingly , 1 Thess. 3.10 . Paul speaks , as if his practice had been nothing but prayer ; he did that so much , that he seemed to do nothing else . Prayer is a Saints breath , which he constantly draweth , Ephes. 6.18 Praying alwayes , with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit , and watching thereunto with all perseverance , and supplication for all Saints . Those that work in Iron Mills , keep a continual fire ; though they suffer it sometimes to slack or abate , yet never to go out : A Christians prayer may have an intermission , but never a cessation .

Our blessed Saviour besides his set times for ordinary , did pray whole nights : David was a good Husband , up early at it , mine eyes prevent the dawning of the morning , Psa. 119.147 . At night he was late at this duty , at mid-night will I rise to give thanks to thee , Psa. 119.62 . this surely was his meaning , when he said he should dwell in the House of the Lord for ever , he would be ever in the House of Prayer .

Gregory writes of his Aunt Trucilla , that her Elbows were as hard as an horn , by often leaning upon a Desk when she prayed .

J●●chim , the Father of the Virgin Mary , used to say , that prayer was his meat and drink .

There is no duty injoyned a Christian for his constant trade , so much as prayer ; Pray always , pray continually , pray without ceasing , pray with perseverance , pray evermore . But why is all this ? would God have his people do nothing else but pray ? must they cast by their callings , cast off all care of their children , and shut themselves up into some Cell or Cloyster , and there be always upon their knees at prayer , as the Euchites fancied . No , I shall therefore give a brief description of this praying without ceasing .

1. Thy soul must be ever in a praying frame . The Souldier hath his Weapons ready , though not always in fight with his enemy . Thy heart must be ever in Tune , and ready upon the least touch to make heavenly Musick . The Churches lips are compared to an hony-comb , Cant. 4.11 . The hony comb doth not always drop , but it is always ready to drop . The beleivers spirit is like fire upon the Hearth , though it do not blaze , yet its ready upon any opportunity , to be blown up into a flame .

2. No considerable business must be undertaken without prayer . Thou art Gods servant , and thy duty is to ask his leave in all thou dost , Ephes. 4.6 . In all things let your requests be made known to God . When thou risest up or liest down , when thou goest out or comest in , prayer must still be with thee . Prayer is the way to prevent evil . The Worlds poison may be expelled with this antidote . Joh. 17.11 . He that converseth with God by prayer , dwelleth in Heaven , and to such a one the earth is but a small point . Prayer is both a Charm to inchant , and a scourge , to torment Satan . It ingageth Christ in the combat with the Devil , and so assureth the soul of conquest . When the Saint is fighting and like to be foild , either by the World , the Flesh , or the Wicked one , prayer is the Letter which he sendeth Post to Heaven for fresh supplies of the spirit , whereby he becometh more then a conqueror . Prayer is the way to procure good , he that will not speak , must not expect to speed . It sanctifieth our food , raymont , sleep , callings , and all our enjoyments to us . The Christian like the Chymist extracteth all good things out of this one body of prayer .

3. He that prayeth constantly , hath set times every day for prayer ; The Morning and Evening Sacrifice were called the continual Sacrifice . Numb. 28.4 . The Christian hath his set meals for his soul every day , as well as for his body . With the Mary-gold he opens himself in the morning , for the sweet dews of Heavens grace and blessing , and he doth at night ( though his occasions hinder him in the day ) like a Lover find some opportunity to converse with his beloved .

He is most free and fresh in the morning , the top of the milk is the cream , and he doth not think his best too good for God . His evening fare is sometime extraordinary , like the Jewish feasts which were at Supper . The spiced cup is best at the bottom . Prayer is the key of the morning , to open the door of mercy , and prayer is the bolt at night to shut him up in safety . The Jews prayed in the Temple the third , sixth , and ninth hour of the day ; our priviledges under the Gospel are enlarged , and I know no reason why our prayers should be lessened .

He that prayeth continually , doth upon all occasions in the day time , whatever he be about , put up his supplication to God . He hath his ejaculations his holy Apostrophes , wherein he doth turn his speech ( at least internal and inarticulate ) ●●om man to God . This liberty is a great priviledge , and this practice turnes to wonderful profit . When Jacob was blessing his Sons , he takes breath with , I have waited for thy Salvation O Lord , Gen 49.14 . Nehemiah when at the Kings Elbow , would not open his mouth to the King , till he had opened his heart to God . Neh. 2.6 .

When Noah was cursing Cham : he had a short ejaculation for a blessing on Japhet , God shall perswade Japhet to dwell in the tents of Shem , which prayer hath been answered , and will be to the end of the World ; We Gentiles fare the better for that prayer : Christ upon the Cross darted up a short ejaculatory prayer , for his Murderers , Father forgive them , for they know not what they do , and as an answer to it , we find some thousands of them presently converted .

Truely Reader , I would commend these ejaculations , as an excellent receipt for all companies , and in all conditions . If thou art a stranger to it , thou dost not know the vertue of it . It is as some write of the herb Panaces , a universal remedy for all diseases , a special though cheap preservative both against the evil of sin and suffering . This is the best way to avoid dangers , to overcome difficulties , and to prosper us in our lawful designs , Gen. 24.12 .

When thou receivest a sudden mercy , hearest unexpected good news , thou mayst presently rear an Altar , and offer up a Sacrifice of praise to God . If thou art protected through grace from any transgression , in which thou wast falling , or afflictions of which thou wast affraid , thou mayst suddenly dispatch a Messenger to Heaven with thanks , who will be more welcome there , then thou art aware of . So did a good Servant , Gen. 24.26 . and a godly Souldier and governour , Iudg. 7.15 . I will bless the Lord at all times saith David , his praise shall be continually in my mouth . When thou art in a suddain plunge , thou mayst dart up a thought to God for counsel or protection : these short breathings , would prepare thee for a long race .

There are indeed some seasons for prayer , which must by no means be slighted ; when the Spirit of God stirreth in thee , and cometh for thee , then make haste to God . Courtiers watch for convenient seasons to present their petitions to their Kings , and will be sure to lay hold of such seasons . If the King himself offer any discourse relating to their requests , then they will close and strike in : When the Spirit of God in a morning or evening , or in the day time , commandeth thee to go and cry to God for pardon and life ( I speak of regular motions , for no other come from the Spirit ) then is a fit time to present thy requests , he sendeth for thee for that end : Take heed of delaying or denying ; Thou saidst seek ye my face , my heart said , thy face Lord will I seek . Suitors have their mollissima tempora fandi , their special times of wooing . Hester waited once and again for a fit time to beg her life , and the lives of her people , of the King ; and when Ahashuerus put her upon it , gave her an opportunity , she then did it , and prevailed .

Whatsoever actions thou entrest upon , whether Civil , Natural , or Religious , let prayer be to thee , as the Baptist to Christ , the messenger to prepare the way before thee . Bonaventure , that Seraphical Doctor , being asked by Aquinas , How he got such Divine knowledge ? pointing to a Crucifix in his study , said , Ille est liber meus , by praying to that Crucifix : A Christian by praying to God , in the name of a crucified Christ , may get saving knowledge . Be confident of this , those mercies will be most savoury , which come flying to thee upon the wings of prayer . Those favours are suspicious , which steal in at a window , and come not in at the door of prayer . How sweet was that water to Sampson , which streamed to him in the channel of prayer , Judges 15.19 . he called the name of it En-hakkore , the well of him that prayed . Jacob saw God smiling , in Esau's smooth countenance , because prayer was the Sun which scattered and cleared that sky . When thou canst say of the mercy which God giveth thee , as Hannah of Samuel , For this childe I prayed ( saith she ) he is the travel of my soul , as well as of my body ; he is the fruit of my heart , as well as of my womb ; when thou must say , For this blessing I prayed , many a time did I weep and make supplication , and lo I have prevailed . Such a mercy will be a double mercy , a Samuel indeed Asked of God , and Dedicated to God .

As Jesus Christ was more welcome to Mary his Mother , when she and his Father had sought him sorrowing ; so those blessings , especially spiritual , will be received with most joy , which were sought with most sorrow : What thou winnest with prayer , thou wilt wear with prayer .

But it may be Reader , thou art one that art so far from constant praying , that the garment of the Atheist will fit thy back very well : They call not upon God , Psal. 14.4 . if so , bethink thy self , for thou livest like a Beast , as Nebuchadnezzar did , though thou hast the shape of a man : They are become brutish , and have not sought the Lord , Jer. 10.21 . Brutes are like Mutes : O it is a dreadful condition , to be possessed with a dumb Devil . When men once grow speechless , it s a sign death is hard by . If that bloody Butcher can but muzzle thy mouth , and with cords hinder thy crying , expect the stroke of the ax : Or possibly that livery which Eliphaz made for Job , though it was much below him , yet will become thee , Thou restrainest prayer before God , Job 15.4 . The pulse of thy soul faulters ; thou layest by thy prayers , as some do their best cloathes , till they go to Church again , or for some Holy-day . O this is a sad sign that prayer , which should be thy element , is thy torment . Friends that love one another , long to converse together , and take all opportunities of sending to , and hearing from each other : Hadst thou any love to the blessed God , it would be so with thee . But as painfulness in speaking , often argueth unsound inwards , so thy inconstancy in praying , giveth thee cause of suspecting thy spiritual unsoundness and insincerity .

CHAP. XIV . The Subsequent duties after Prayer .

THirdly , I shall speak to the consequents , or those duties which must follow after prayer ; and they are principally two , Watching and Working .

1. Watching for an answer : Pious prayers are precious commodities ; and who , unless a mad man or a fool , will throw away what is of value and worth ? When thou hast shot thine arrow , observe where it lights , and how near it flew to the mark . Wise men when they have delivered their petitions to their Prince , watch and wait sometimes a year together , all the while longing and looking for an answer : Thy requests to God are of infinite concernment , thy Heaven , thy eternal happiness is involved in them ; with what holy impatience then shouldst thou desire an answer ? In the morning I will direct my prayer unto thee , and will look up , Psa. 5.3 . The words discover Davids posture in prayer , and his practice after prayer : His posture in prayer , I will direct my prayer unto thee . Disponam tibi Calvin . The word is an allusion to an Archer , or to a General , as some observe on it .

1. To an Archer , and then the meaning is , I will be up betimes , and take as good aim as I can possibly at the mark , and so draw my bow , and direct my arrow that I may hit it .

2. To a General , and then it importeth thus much , I will rise early , and set my requests to God , as Souldiers in Battalia , in rank and file , in good array : I will so marshal them , that they be not routed by being out of order : I will see that they stand in their places , and keep their ground ; and what then ? his practice after prayer , And will look up : I will observe what became of the arrow I shot . Or the word being an allusion to a Watchman , as the former word to a Commander in chief of an Army , speaketh this , When I have marshalled my prayers in good array , and sent them forth to fight against my spiritual Enemies , and to wrestle with God himself for his grace and love , I will get up to my Watch-Tower , to see what execution they do upon my adversaries , what power they have with God , whether they get or lose ground , whether they prevail and win the day . It was the custome in those days , when forces were sent forth to fight , for the General to command one to watch in some high place , if he could spie any coming from the Armies with news . So when Davids Souldiers were engaged with Absoloms , the watchman went up to the roof over the gate , and spied Ahimaaz and Cushi coming with tidings . Thus holy David stood ( as it were ) sentinel and watched as a spie , longing every moment to hear and see the event , issue and success of his prayers .

Men that work for a dead horse , as we say , when their business is done , look no further , because they had their pay before-hand ; but those whose reward is behind , labour in expectation of it , and after they have wrought , look for it : An unbeleivers hopes are in this present world , and therefore if he procure but some earthly profit , it is no wonder if he look no more after his prayers , he had his pay before hand : But a beleiver whose reward ( not of debt but of grace ) is ever behind and to come , while he is upon earth , when he hath prayed in obedience to Gods precept , cannot but expect the performance of Gods promise .

He that ventureth nothing in a ship , save a small parcel of pins , or a few quire of paper , or something which is little better then nothing , takes little thought what becomes of the vessel , if it sink or swim , it s all one to him , he loseth not a moments sleep for it . But the Merchant who ventureth all he is worth in a Vessel , and sendeth it out very richly laden , though it be a long journey , yet he is impatient to hear of it : many an anxious thought hath he about it , many a time he putteth the supposition to himself , What if this Ship should miscarry ? What will become of me , my Wife and Children ? He can hardly eat or drink with comfort , or sleep with quietness , till he hears it is safe . A wicked man that is worth nothing , ventureth nothing in his prayers , and therefore whether they miscarry or no , it matters not much with him : when he prayed for pardon and grace , he counted them little worth , he prized his stock and his riches at a far higher rate , and so must needs be very indifferent whether the Vessel wherein things of such small worth ( in his esteem ) were hazarded , come home safe or no. But a godly man hazardeth all he is worth , for this , and the other world , in his prayers : he knoweth that all his happiness is involved in the pardon of his sins , in the righteousness of his Saviour , in the love of his God , and the renovation of his nature , all which he beggeth with strong cries and groans . He esteemeth these things as the very life of his life , and the very soul of his soul , and O ( thinks he ) how richly laden , is this Vessel which I have sent forth ! My precious soul , my dearest Jesus , my interest in the covenant of grace , my eternal fruition of the ever blessed God , are all aboard her . If she should miscarry ( good Lord ) what would become of me ? I am lost , I am damned , I am undone eternally . Was ever Ship better fraught ? Her burden is of inestimable value . My joy , my peace , my love , my delight , my hope , my heaven , my all , are in her . Oh what should I do , if the Arch-pirate Satan should seise her ? or if she should split upon the rock of my presumption ? or sink in the quicksands of my infidelity ? Alass , alass , whether should I go ? where should I appear ? Such a soul never failed of a rich return of his venture .

Reader , when thou hast prayed , wait and expect an answer . Though thy prayers were mingled with many imperfections , if they were the travail of thy soul , ( upright I mean ) do not give them over for lost .

When Moses Mother could keep him no longer , she made an Ark of Bul-rushes , and daubed it with Pitch , and put him in , and hid it in the Flags , by the River brink ; and his Sister stood a far off , to see what would become of him . And Pharaohs daughter came to wash her self , spied the Ark , sent and fetched it , the babe wept and she had compassion on it : sent for the Mother , gave it her to nurse , paid for its nursing and the Child became the great deliverer of Israel . Truely so when the fruit of thy heart , thy tears and sighs , and groans , and prayers , are ready in the eye of sense to be given over for dead , they lie floating upon the water , let thy faith and hope be near at hand , to see what will become of them ; the Kings Son may take pity on the weeping babe , pay the charge of its nursing up , bringing it into favour at the heavenly Court , and make it serviceable for the conducting thy soul through the Wilderness of this World , towards the true and celestial Canaan .

Though the Messenger thou sendest to Heaven tarry long , yet wait and expect his return . Those that send to the Indies for the golden wedges , wait many months , though they long every moment for their arrival .

If after thy expectation , thou findest little fruit of thy petitions , do not therefore lay aside that calling , Continue in prayer , and watch in the same , Col. 4.2 . Anglers , though they have fished many hours and caught nothing , do not therefore break their Cane , and Line , but draw out their hook , and look upon their bait , which ( it may be ) was fallen off , or not well hung on , and mend it , and then throw it in again ; So when thou hast been earnest in prayer , and yet received no answer , reflect upon thy prayers , consider whether something were not amiss , either in thy preparation for the duty , or in the matter or manner of thy petitions ; it is possible thou mightest desire stones instead of bread , or fuel for thy lusts , or didst forget to deliver thy petitions to the onely Master of Requests , the Lord Jesus , that he might present it to the Father , if any of these were the fault , no wonder if they failed ; what ever it be , be diligent to find it out , amend it and fall to thy work again with confidence , that thou shalt not work at the labour in vain . The Archer if he shoot once , and again , and miss the mark , considereth what the reason was , whether he did not shoot too high , or too low , or too much on the right hand , or too much on the left hand , takes the same Arrow again , onely reformeth his former error , and winneth the wager .

Secondly , Working is necessary after prayer , as well as Watching . Begging and Digging must go together . Thy duty is to pray , as knowing assuredly that thou canst do nothing of thy self , and yet to work as if thou wert to do all by thine own power . He that doth not indeavour in a lawful use of those meant which God affordeth him to attain the mercies he needeth and asketh , doth tempt , not trust God , and may expect a rod sooner then releif . A good use may be made of that story ; A Carter having over-thrown his Cart , sat in the way crying , help Hercules , help , ( Hercules was counted by the Heathen a God for his strength ) O Hercules help . At length one appeared to him in Herculus shape , with a good Cudgel in his hand , and beat him handsomely ; saying , Ah thou silly lazy fellow , dost thou call to me for help , and sit still thy self , arise and set to thy shoulder , do thy part , and I will do the rest .

If thou prayest for thy dayly bread , be thou diligent in thy calling , or else expect a crop out of the Ocean . If thou prayest against some particular sins , avoid the occasions of those sins . If it be against Drunkenness , avoid evil company ; If it be against Pride , avoid and discourage such as will flatter thee , for otherwise thou dost as he that runneth into the fire , and prayeth to God that it may not burn him ; such a man mocketh God , but himself most ; if thou prayest for Holiness and Grace , hear , read , meditate , watch , use the means , and expect a good issue from God .

Observe David , his prayer was , Set a watch O Lord before my mouth , keep the door of my lips , Psa. 141.3 . But now because he had committed the main charge of this unruly prisoner , his tongue , to God , desiring him to lock the double doors of his lips and teeth fast upon it , and to have a main guard always watching before the doors , least it should break through and attempt an escape , doth he therefore sleep himself , thinking the prisoner was safe enough ? no , he himself would be upon the guard . I said I will take heed to my ways that I sin not with my tongue ; I will keep my mouth with a a bridle while the wicked is before me , Psal. 39.1 , 2. David as he desired God to put a good bit into the mouth of this wanton beast , so he would himself keep a strict hand and rein him in .

A good Wish about prayer , wherein all the forementioned particulars are epitomized .

PRayer is one of my nearest and solemnest approaches to the most high God , The Introduction to prayer analyzed . and one of my choicest priviledges on this side the place of praise : wherein I may go to my God at all times and acquaint him what I ail , where it is well , where it is ill with my poor soul : I wish in general that I may never suffer this key ( to Gods own treasury ) to rust for want of use , nor to be ineffectual to the opening of the Divine bounty by my unskilfulness in turning it , that neither by my unfitness for the duty , miscarriage at the duty , nor misbehaviour after the duty , I may demean my self unworthy of so great a favour , so high an honor , and so good a Master . In particular , I wish that I may ( at least morning and evening ) before I enter upon this ordinance , The antecedents to prayer , 1. Meditation Of sins . whether in my closet or family , make a privy search for those Barabasses which have moved sedition in my soul , and murthered my dearest Saviour , and that I may have such a sight of them all , in their horrid nature , and bloody colour , that I may arraign them at the Tribunal of God with confusion of face , and contrition of heart , and may with all possible ardency plead for their execution . Of wants . I wish that my necessities may ever be in my memory , that as the sick childe , I may point readily to the place of my pain , when ever I go to make my moan to my heavenly Father , and that affected with the weight and importance of them , I praying feelingly , may pray the more fervently .

I wish that the many and weighty mercies which I unworthy Wretch enjoy , Of mercies . may be written so firmly in my minde , and presented to me before prayer , in the various and lively colours of their freeness , fulness and seasonableness , that I may never steal the custom of thanks from my God ( which is all he desires ) for those rich and full vessels which he sendeth me in every day : but may pay him this impost of Praise and Glory , with all uprightness and alacrity .

I wish that my Graces may never be , like Jonah , Quickning of grace . asleep , when I am to call upon my God , but as the Heavenly Host they may be moving in their several places , and fighting in their courses against my spiritual Enemies ; O that like holy Bradford I might never leave confession , without sorrow for sin , petition , without some sense of the worth of mercies , nor thanksgiving , Laying as●●● what may hinde pr●y●● . without some solace and joy in God , the Author and Fountain of all my happiness . I wish that I may draw nigh to God with a pure conscience , and before I go to desire the lovely portion of his friends , All sin in general . give a bill of divorce to all my lusts and ( at least ) banish from the bed of my heart those enemies of his which would not have him to reign over me . I wish that I may never desire mercy at his hands with the least degree of malice in my heart , Anger . but may love ( as Saints , because they are Christs seed , so ) sinners , and them that hate me , for Christs sake : and as a special medicine against that poison , whatsoever friend I should forget in my prayers , I wish I may resolve before hand to remember in particular my Enemies , to beg of God that he would pardon , sanctifie , and save them . I wish that my affections may not as Sauls person , Worldly thoughts . be hid among the stuff of Worldly affairs , when I should be busie about the concernment of an eternal crown ; but that I may leave those servants always at the door behind , while I go in to speak to the King of Nations , Concomitants of prayer . and may all the time of the duty serve and seek the Lord my God without distraction . I wish that I may be specially careful to look up to the Master of requests , Person must be justified . the Lord Jesus Christ : First , for the justification of my person , and then for the acceptation of my prayer , and that I may be so enabled with the hand of faith , to put on the glorious robes of his perfect righteousness , that neither the nakedness of my person nor performance , may appear to my shame . The matter of prayer . I wish that all the flowers which I present to my God , in the posie of prayer , may be gathered out of his own garden , the Scriptures ; I mean , that I may never exceed those bounds which he hath set me , for the matter of my prayer ; but may use much caution that all those spices which I make my incense of , may be of his own prescription : and O that to this end , his holy spirit who knoweth his mind fully , Properties of prayer . might draw up all my petitions for me . I wish that my prayers may be ever presented upon the bended knees of my soul , Humble and also in regard of my body in the lowest and most submissive posture ; Ah how humble should dust and ashes be , when he takes upon him to speak to the most High God . Hearty I wish above all that I may never mock the most jealous God in this duty , by speaking Parrot like , what I neither mind nor mean , but whatsoever dish be wanting on the Table , to which I invite my God , my heart which I know he loveth above all , may be there , and that my prayer may be the travail of my soul , and not the labour of my lips . I wish that I may so feel my spiritual wants , that my bowels may so pinch me , that as the hungry and almost starved begger , I may cry aloud for the bread of life , yet not so much , Fervent in regard of the extension of my voice , as the intension of my spirit . When I am petitioning for pardon and grace , I wish I might beg as earnestly and beseech God as importunately as if it were in the power of my prayer , to change his mind , and procure the blessing , but when I am asking temporals ; Caution I would not as the dry earth , cry , and cleave , and gape , for corn and wine and oyl , but willingly be at my fathers allowance , and desire no more then what his infinite wisdom seeth needful to hear my charges , till I come to my blessed and everlasting home . Constant I wish that I might observe that standing law : according to which Heavens bounty is dispensed : In all things to make my requests known to God , and never expect , though the mercies of God be never so ripe , that any of them should fall down upon me in mercy , unless I shake the tree by prayer . I wish that every mercy may come flying to me upon the Wings of prayer , and may fly back to God upon the Wings of praise ; that prayer may be the Mother to breed and bring forth all my blessings , that not one child of them but may be named Samuel asked of God , that when I first open my eyes in the morning , I may then in some ejaculatory prayer , open my heart to my God , that at night prayer may make my bed soft , and lay my pillow easie , that in the day time prayer may perfume my cloaths , sweeten my food , oyl the wheels of my particular vocation , keep me company upon all occasions , and guild over all my natural , civil and Religious actions . I wish that after I have poured out my prayer in the Name of Christ , Subsequents of prayer . according to the Will of God , having sowed my seed , Waiting I may expect a crop , looking earnestly for the springing of it up , and beleiving assuredly that I shall reap in time , if I faint not ; yea , that though the promise may stick long in the birth , yet it will at last bring forth , when God will give me large interest for my forbearance . Finally I wish that ( though before sorrowful ) having opened my mind to God about any suffering , my countenance like Hannahs , may be no more sad ; that I may never busie my self about Gods work , the success and event of things , nor like an idle lazy begger , Working be careless about my own work , but may in my place and to my power be industrious in the use of all those lawful means which his providence affords me , for the enjoyment of my desires , that as I did lift up my heart in praying , so I may lift up my hands in working , to God , who dwelleth in the Heavens .

CHAP. XI . How a Christian may exercise himself to godliness in hearing and reading the word , and of preparation for hearing .

THe blessed God as he appointeth the Children of men their ends , namely to serve him here , and to injoy him hereafter , so he doth also afford them directions about the way , how they may attain and accomplish those ends . He is our Master , and cutteth out that work for us , which he expecteth we should make up . He bestoweth on all the starlight of nature , which though it be but small and dull by reason of our first fall , yet it ruleth and commandeth the night of the Pagan World , and is sufficient to leave them inexcusable , for not working and walking by it . When Heathen shall be thrown into the Goal of Hell , and bound with chains of everlasting darkness , their own consciences will hinder them from the least thought of commencing a suite against God for false imprisonment , because they are judged not by the Law Moral , written in Tables of stone , but by the Law Natural , written in the Tables of their hearts .

But out of his infinite favour , he is pleased to give some ( in those places where he intendeth to gather a people to himself , for his eternal praise ) beside the twinkling Star-light of nature , the clear and perfect Sun-light of Scripture , to guide their feet in the ways of peace ; Which word is one of the most signal mercies , that ever he bestowed upon the Sons of men , the whole World without it , being but a barren and rude Wilderness .

The Word of God , is a Spring of living water , a deep Mine of costly treasure , a table furnished with all sorts of food , a Garden wherein is variety of pleasant fruits , the Churches Charter , containing all her priviledges , and her deeds , many infesting her Title to the purchased possession . It hath pious precepts for the Christians reformation ; and precious promises for his consolation . If the Saint be afflicted , it can hold his head above water , and keep him from sinking , when the billows go over his soul , there are Cordials in it rich enough to revive the most fainting spirit . If the Saint be assaulted , the word is armour of proof , whereby he may defend himself manfully , and wound his fo●s mortally . If the soul be unholy , this word can sanctifie it , ye are clean through the word which I have spoken to you , Joh. 15.3 . this water can wash out all the spots and stains : if the soul be an heir of Hell , this word can save it ; From a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures , which are able to make thee wise to salvation , 2 Tim. 3.15 . Other writings may make a man wise to admiration , but this onely , can make him wise to Salvation .

This word which is of such unspeakable worth , God hath deposited as a special treasure , into the hands of the Children of men , that they might obey his will , and know the just one . And Reader , it is thy duty to search and study this book . When Kings send out their Proclamations , either concerning acts of grace , or some Law which their Subjects ought to obey , they expect that all should take notice of them , and give them the reading and hearing . What an affront dost thou offer to the King of the whole World , if thou turnest thy back upon his word ? I must tell thee , it is no less then crimen loesae Majestatis . He that heareth you , heareth me , and he that despiseth you , despiseth me , and he that despiseth me , despiseth him that sent me , Luke 10.16 . Thou mayst think ( possibly ) that by neglecting to hear , thou dost onely contemn the Preacher , but beleive me , it is a contempt of thy Maker , Ministers are Gods Embassadors ; Now to deny an Embassador audience , is one of the greatest disrespects which can possibly be offered him , nay it is an affront to his Prince on whose errand he cometh , and whose person he representeth , and what is the conclusion usually of such bad premises but a bloody War ? Consider what thou dost , when thou refusest him that speakest from heaven ; for if thou shuttest the windows of thine eyes from reading , and the door of thine ears from hearing , God may clap such a padlock of a judiciary curse upon them both , that thou shalt never open thine eyes nor ears , till thou comest , as the rich Glutton , to see Abraham afar off , and Lazarus in his bosom , and to hear and bear thy part in those dreadful screechings and howlings which are in Hell .

It is a mercy that the Tree of Knowledge , the Word of God , is not forbidden , but commanded fruit ; nay , that it groweth in the very path to the Tree of life : O why shouldst thou then like the Pharisees , reject the counsel of God against thy own soul ? If thou art a childe of Adam , I am sure thou hast thy deaths wound ; now by neglecting the Word , thou like a frantick Patient , throwest away that plaister which onely can cure thee .

Do not say thou wast not warned of thy danger and duty : I do here shew thee the hand and seal of the King of kings to that Warrant to which I require thy obedience . The Scripture is the Word of Christ , and God commandeth thee upon thine allegiance to hear him , Colos. 3.16 . Matth. 3.17 . The Word is the Cabinet in which thy Saviour , that Pearl of infinite price , is laid up ; and therefore thou art commanded to look into it for this Jewell , Search the Scriptures , for they are they which testifie of me , John 5.39 , The Word is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and speaketh such a diligent search as covetous men make for silver ; they spare for no labour , that they may attain their Deified Treasure : What shouldst not thou do for durables Riches and Righteousness ?

But Reader , if thou art a childe of God , I doubt not but thou delightest to look into thy Fathers will , and weightest every Word in it , as knowing , that in his Testament there is a great charge committed , and a great legacy bequeathed to thee . It is thy daily Companion and Counsellour ; thou darest not go without thy cordial , being liable every day to faint ; nor without thy weapons , being called every hour to fight . The Scriptures are the light by which thou walkest , and the tools with which thou workest . Let me perswade thee to persevere in this gracious practice : Take the counsel of the Author of it , who is fittest to give Laws for thy carriage towards it : Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly , Colos. 3.16 . The Word is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and signifieth to keep house with you : Do not leave thy Bible , as some do , at Church , and hear nothing of it all the week long ; but bring it home to thy house , let it dwell with thee : Let not the Word be as a way-faring man , to tarry with thee but for a night , and so be gone ; but let it be an inhabitant , one that accompanieth thee to bed and board , and with whom thou conversest continually as thy familiar and intimate friend : Make thine heart ( as Jerome saith of Nepotians , by his assiduous reading and hearing the Scriptures ) Bibliothecam Christi , The Library of Jesus Christ . I cannot but think that thou hast found the Bible so bountiful a Guest , to pay thee so liberally for its board , that thou hast bid it heartily welcome , and wouldst not part with it for the whole world . Agesilaws is commended , saith Xenophon , because he never went to bed , nor rose up , before he had looked into Homer , whom he called his Sweet-heart : Advise thou with a Divine , at least , as often as he did with a prophane Author . Kings have their Counsellors , and great men their Remembrancers : Let Gods testimonies be the men of thy council , Psa. 119.24 .

Let not others negligence abate the least of thy diligence , but rather by an Antiperistasis , let their extreme coldness double thine inward heat . As the fire is hotest , when the weather is coldest ; so Davids heart boiled with zeal after it , when the waters of others affections to it were frozen : They have made void thy Law , therefore I love thy Commandments above gold , yea above fine gold : Therefore I esteem all thy Precepts , concerning all things , to be right , Psal. 119.126 , 127 , 128.

O consider what love the Saints of God have ever had to his Law . Luther said , That he hated the Books he made , and could wish them all burnt , lest the time spent in reading them , might hinder the reading of the Scriptures . O how love I thy Law ! saith David . The godly have meditated therein day and night ; they have esteemed it above the sweetest honey , and the finest gold ; the Martyrs in England have given much of their Estates for a few leaves of it , and they laid down their lives , before they would lose the precious fruit in it . The French Protestants ( saith their Historian ) burnt in zeal to the Word , whilest the bloody Papists burnt them for the Word . Scipio Africanus was applauded , for having usually in his hands the books of Xenophons Institutions of Cyrus : O let this Book of books be often before thee , and always in thee , let it be thy mediation all the day . One would think , that he who knoweth and believeth the contents of the Word , should hardly ever let a Bible be out of his hand , at least , he will lay it up ( as the two Tables in the Ark ) in his heart . Scriptura est cor & ipsa anima Dei . Greg. One of the Fathers calls it , The heart and soul of God . Indeed as a man by his word discovereth his minde and will ; so God by the Gospel , which is his Word , revealeth his eternal good will to men : It is the Copy of his everlasting love , of which his Decree is the Original , containing all his pecious thoughts ( before the foundation of the World ) of redeeming miserable man with the blood of his Son , and making him an heir of the eternal weight of glory . Those gracious and mysterious purposes of his , which were hid in the night of many ages , when the Sun of Righteousness once appeared in the Horizon of the Gospel , were visible and legible to every eye : He hath brought Life and Immortality to light by the Gospel , 2 Tim. 1.10 .

The Apostle calls it , The grace of God ; and , The word of his grace , Tit. 2.11 . Acts 20.32 . not onely because the rain of the Word goeth by coasts , as a gift of grace , Psal. 147.19 , 20. ( He causeth it to shower down upon one City , and not on another , Amos 4.7 . ) and not onely because like a seal , it stampeth grace , the image of God upon the soul , Acts 2.37 . but chiefly , because on the stage of the Word , the grace and favour of God to mankinde is fully displayed : The Gospel presenteth us with the whole method of Gods grace and love to poor sinners . This world is the Theatre in which Grace acteth its part ( the Triumph of Justice is reserved for the other World ) and the Gospel is the Throne on which Grace sits , and from whence it holds out its golden Scepter . The language of the Law is no less then a sentence of death ; but the Gospel alloweth a Psalm of mercy , and in it Grace reigneth , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , playeth the King , commandeth in chief , unto Justification of life , Rom. 5.17 , 18 , 21.

But the more precious this Water of Life is , the more fearful thou shouldst be of spilling it . Kings cannot endure that their Acts of Grace should be tampled under foot : Abused favour , turneth into greatest fury . Men surfeit soonest of the greatest Dainties , and further their Misesery , by that which was given them as in Mercy .

Our Saviour therefore commandeth , Take heed how ye hear , Luke 8.18 . There are two special Lessons which Christ commendeth to his Scholars : The first concerneth the matter of their hearing , Take heed what ye hear , Mark 4.24 . Ministers are Christs Ushers , Christ himself is the head-Master ; now Christ forbiddeth the pinning our faith upon our Ushers sleeve . The Bereans have an honorable crest put into their coat of Armes by God himself , to distinguish , them in nobility from others , for bringing the coyn offered to them to the touchstone of the Scripture , to try whether it were true gold or counterfeit ; And these were more noble then those of Thessalonica , because they received the Word of God with all readiness of mind , and searched the Scriptures daily , whether those things were so , Acts 17.11 . Men must not like Children take down whatever their Nurses put into their mouthes , whether meat or poison , but know how to distinguish between good and evil . Our faith must not stand in the wisdom of men , but in the Power of God . All weights and measures must be compared with , and tryed by the Kings Standards . The Copy is no farther authentique then it agreeth with the Original Deed.

The second Lesson concerneth the manner of their hearing , take heed how ye hear . The richest Cordial may be lost as it may be taken . It will be requisite therefore to give thee some prescription , how thou mayst take this costly Physick to thy greatest profit .

In reference to which duty I shall speak , 1. To thy preparation for it . 2. To thy carriage at it . 3. To thy behaviour after it .

1. As to thy preparation for hearing the word , I shall request thee from God to mind these ensuing particulars .

1. Empty thine heart of evil frames , and prejudice . Evil frames . The dish must not be sluttish , into which we put these spiritual dainties . If the stomach be cloged with filth and flegm , it cannot digest and concoct our food . The light of the Sun , as pleasant and delightful as it is to sound , is yet offensive and painful to sore eyes . This part of preparation is injoyned us by the Spirit of God . Wherefore lay apart all filthiness , and all superfluity of naughtiness , and receive with meekness the engrafted word , which is able to save your souls , Jam. 1.21 . If the body be feaverish , the sweetest Syrup will tast bitter ; If any ill humour or lust be predominant in thee , like the full and foul stomach thou wilt loath even the hony comb . The Table book of thine heart must be wiped clean , before any new thing ( as the Law of God ) can be written in it . Briars and Thorns must be stubbed up before the ground be capable of the grain .

As evil humours because of the Doctrine taught , so prejudice against the person teaching , must be removed . Prejudice against the Preacher , is the greatest prejudice to the Hearer . A condemned person will esteem a begger when he brings a pardon . How beautiful are ( not the lips onely and hands , but the meanest parts ) the feet of them that bring the glad tydings of peace ; I confess it is a mercy to be related to a Pastor who hath both parts and piety , gifts and grace ; and if thou art to chose a dwelling , I would wish thee to bear with many outward inconveniences , to sit down under such a Ministry . But suppose thy teacher , at least in thy thoughts , is a man of mean parts , wilt thou thence conclude , his pains will yeild thee little profit Truely shouldst thou gratifie Satan so far , it would be the speediest way to find a truth in what thou dost fancy . Friend , friend , doth the efficacy of the ordinance , depend on the parts of man , or on the power of God ? May not a costly treasure be brought to thee in an earthen Vessel ? Consider , thou maist light thy candle as well ( it may be better ) with a brimstone match , as at a great fire . Christ taught his Apostles by a little Child , Mat. 18.2 . A small damsel was instrumental for Naamans recovery both of his spiritual and corporal leprosie . And who art thou that none must instruct thee , but such a one as like Saul is higher then others by head and shoulders in gifts and abilities ; I wish it be not from the pride of thy spirit , that none is worthy enough to teach thee thy Grammar Lesson , but some head of the Vniversity . A picking stomach ( I am sure ) argueth a diseased body , and then a squemish heart and itching ear , cannot argue a sound soul . The industrious Bee , Plut. sucks honey from the Thime , an harsh and dry hearb . The Meat is as good in a Pewter , as in a Silver Dish .

It may be thou goest to Table onely for the sauce , to Church for the stile and elegancy of the language ; if so , I dare be bold to tell thee , that thine heart is not right in the sight of God . Dost thou not know that it is the naked sword which doth the Execution , that a crucified Christ is the great conquerour , not a pompous gaudy Messiah , which the Jews dreamed of . Paul is commanded to Preach not with Wisdome of words , least the Cross of Christ , should be made of none effect . 1 Cor. ● . 17 . so 〈◊〉 verse 27 , 28.

Truly , if thou lustest after the Quails of some new dish , it is a sign that thou louthest Manna , the Bread of Heaven ; and what a condition is thy poor soul in then ? They that have the Green-sickness , care not for solid food , but hanker after trash : They have souls sadly sick , that neglect the good Word of God , and long after the fancies and wit of men .

God doth by the foolishness of preaching , save them that believe , that he alone might have the glory of their salvation , That the excellency of the power may be of God , and not of us , 2 Cor. 4.7 . When men nibble at the bait of Humane Eloquence , and are caught , the skill of the Angler is applauded ; but when men bite at the naked hook , the simplicity of the Gospel , all will grant this to be a miracle , and say , This is the finger of God .

Dost thou not see , that as Daniel and his companyons thrived better , and looked fairer , with feeding upon pulse , then the other Captives who fed on the Kings dainty provision ? Optimi concionatores ad vulgus sunt , dixit Lutherus , qui puriliter , trivi aliter , populariter & sim liei● sime d●cent . Melch. Adam in vita . So those Christians ( in every Parish , look abroad where you will ) thrive more in holiness , and are fairer in Gods eye , who feed on plain , naked Scripture , then those whom no dishes will please , but such as are curiously cooked for a Kings Palate . Thou wilt not believe but that thy face may be seen in a glass , where the sides are not guilded ; thou wilt chuse an horse , not by its trappings and fine furniture , but by its usefulness and serviceableness : Why shouldst thou be so childish , as to be in love with no garments , but what are daubed with Silver lace , when other plain raiment will warm thy body as well .

Reader , if the fault be not thine own , thou mayest gain much ( nay I must say ) most good by plain preaching . Those that dwell by the Sea side gather up those precious commodities ( bequeathed to the Sea , at the death or wrack of the ship ) when the Sea is lowest , which they cannot do when the waters are highest : I do not here plead for vain repetitions , and tedious circumlocutions ; nor for them that dress their meat so slovenly that their Guests loath it . I know it s below the Majestie of a King , when he is delivering his minde by his Ambassador , to play the Orator ; but it is not below him to speak sense and reason . Wise men love a neat , compact discourse , but it must be more full of matter then words , convincing the judgement , and working upon the affections . Plain , solid Sermons , are most acceptable to pious and serious souls : There is a vast difference between washing the face of a Discourse clean , and painting it ; the former is lawful and commendable , the latter sinful and abominable . Ministers must minde the capacities of their Auditories , and not put that meat into their mouthes which their teeth cannot chew , nor their stomachs concoct : Their Sermons of quiddities , haeccieties , and School nicities , may ( in the opinion of giddy men ) tend to their own praise , but never to their hearers profit : Such men when their children ask bread , give them stones which may choak them , but will not cherish them . It is pity he should ever teach School , that will not speak to his Scholars , so as they may understand him .

But the worst supposition is , Thy Teacher may be untaught himself ; his life may give the lye to his lips . As to this prejudice , 1. Remember , That an accusation must not be received against an Elder , except under two or three witnesses ; thy charity , O Christian , and the Dignity of his Calling , must both move thee to be slow to believe . As it is sinful to raise up an evil report ( Constantine the Emperor said , That if he saw a Bishop committing uncleanness , he would rather cover that foul fact with his Imperial robe , then suffer it to be divulged to the dishonor of the Gospel ) so it is sinful to take up an evil report , whoever laid it down ready for thee . But secondly , if thy Pastor , like a wooden Vessel , giveth that wine to thee which he never tasteth , nor savoureth himself , be not therefore wholly discouraged : If it be true , that thy Minister is false to God and his own soul , that he onely wears Christs livery , that he might the more unsuspected do the Devils work : I confess it is matter of great lamentation ( the good Lord take care either for their conversion or ejection ) for certainly they being listed under Christs colours , and false to their Captain , do his adversary the Devil double service . The sins of Teachers are , the Teachers of sins ; they who forget their Sermons , will remember their sins , to patronize their own : But if the providence of God should binde thee to such a Pastor , which is no small unhappiness ; consider , that God fed Elijah by a Raven , and surely he can feed thee by an unclean creature . He increaseth sometimes his Enemies gifts that they might be instrumental to increase his peoples graces . It is unquestionable in my judgement ( though some I know doubt it ) that a sinner may convert a soul ; and my reason is this , because the operation of the word doth not depend upon the piety of the Preacher , but upon the free grace and power of the Lord . Yet I must also confess that I beleive that God doth not so often vouchsafe to his enemies as to his friends , that honour and happiness . But as bad as he is , God may use him to do thee good . As the best Ministers Sermons are not to be received for their good lives sake , so the worst Ministers Preaching is not to be rejected because of their evil practices . A blind man may hold a Candle to give light to others , whilst he himself remains in the dark ; the Sun of righteousness may convey the light of holiness into the house of thine heart , through this sluttish Window . Thou mayst derive water from the Fountain of life , through a leaden pipe ; A deaf bell may be useful to call a Christian to Church , and he that never heard so as to live , may call a soul to Christ . Wholesom Sugar may be in a poisoned Cane .

The Egyptian Jewels were helpful to the Tabernacle ; David made the spoiles of the Gentiles , service able to the Temple ; and surely the son of David can make the parts and guifts of an Egyptian , an Enemy to God serviceable to thy soul . The Pharisees in the days of Christ , were many of them vicious persons , yet they fitting in Moses Chair , Christ doth not deny them audience , but commandeth his Disciples to distinguish between their words and their works ; he doth not forbid them to hear their Doctrine , but enjoyn them to forbear their doings , Mat. 23.2 , 3.

2. The second thing requisite to preparation is this ;

Before thou goest to hear , labour to affect thine heart with the necessity , excellency and efficacy of the word . There was half an hours silence in Heaven before the seventh Trumpet sounded ; thy duty is to weigh the nature and end of the word , before thou goest to hear that Trumpet sounded by one of the Angels of the Churches . Consider its necessity ; Mary minded the one thing necessary ( indeed she gave the word her heart , but the way to it was this , she gave it her ear ) She sat at Christs feet and heard his word . The custom even in those days , was for the Teacher to Preach either out of a Desk or Pulpit , or some place above the people ; hence their hearers sitting below them , are said to sit at their feet . Urge thy soul with this , The word which I am going to hear , in regard of the ordination of God , is absolutely necessary to my spiritual and eternal good . I am dead , and it is the word that must enliven me ; I am blind , & it is the word that must enlighten me . It is absolutely necessary that I know my sins and misery ; now the word must do this , and is therefore called a glass , Jam. 1. It is absolutely necessary that I know my Saviour , and the way of my recovery ; now the word must do this , and is therefore called faith and life , Joh. 6. Rom. 3. It is necessary to open mine eyes to see Christ , to open my heart to receive Christ , and that Heaven hereafter may be open to my poor soul . My soul is sinful , and its the word that must sanctifie it ; My soul is sick , it is the word that must heal it ; My soul is hungry , and its the word must feed it , or I shall starve ; My soul is thirsty , and its the word that must satisfie it , or I shall die for thirst ; whatsoever conditions of misery I am in , it is the word that must give sutable consolations to support me ; whatsoever relations of life I stand in , it is the word that must give sutable exhortations to direct me ; whatsoever service I am called to , whether of doing or suffering , it is the word which must releive me with sutable supply . O , of what concernment is this word to my well being , in this and the other World ! I must be sanctified , or I can never be saved ; I must turn to God , or burn in hell ; and the word must do this for me , or it will never be done ; good Lord how should I hear ! Men are careless about things which are indifferent , but they are careful about things that are absolutely necessary ; Necessity makes men strive oftentimes beyond their strength . None work so hard as they that have necessity for their Master .

Consider its excellency . It is the Word of God ; though thou dalliest when men are speaking , yet surely it becomes thee to be serious when the great God is speaking . It is of divine inspiration ; All Scripture is given by inspiration of God . The Ephesians cryed up their Idol Diana , because it was the Image which fell down from Jupiter , Great is Diana of the Ephesians ; O how shouldst ●●ou prize and prepare for the Word , when it came down from the great God : Men were but the Organs through which the Almighty God spoke ; Non vox hominum sonat ; It is the voyce of God , and not of man . It is of Divine operation ; I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ , which is the power of God to salvation , Rom. 1.16 . What wonders hath the great God wrought by his Word ? He hath given eyes to the blinde , feet to the lame , ears to the deaf , life to the dead , by his Word . What legions of Devils and lusts hath he unkennel'd and cast out with his Word ? Hannibals Sword . Some write of the Weezel , that it doth aure concipere & ore parere , conceive in the ear . &c. He hath caused many a soul to hear and live by his Word ; he hath awakened many a soul that was asleep in sin , by the voice of the Scriptures , and caused them to arise and work out their own salvations : Thousands of poor creatures , who were sinking into the bottomless Hell , have by Gods hand , stretched out in his Word , been delivered from going down to the pit , and lifted up to Heaven .

It is a Word of Divine Institution , and of Divine Benediction , Revel. 1.3 . It is the Word in which the Father speaketh , John 6.45 . Every one that hath heard and learned of the Father , cometh to me . It is the Word of Christ , Heb. 12.25 . Col. 3.16 . In it the Spirit speaketh to the Churches , Rev. 2.11 . The pearl hid in it ( the Scriptures are they that testifie of Christ , John 5.39 . ) the price paid for it ( both Testaments are sprinkled with the blo●● of Jesus , Heb. 9.27 . ) do fully speak the excellency of it .

Now Reader , think with thy self thus , I am going to hear that Word which hath God for its Author , Jesus Christ for its matter , and Eternal Life for its end : Shall I like a beastly Swine , trample these invaluable Jewels under my feet ? shall that which is infinitely more precious then fine gold , be esteemed by me as dirt ? It is the picture of Gods own excellencies ; how chary should I be of the picture , for the Persons sake ? Ah , how tender should I be of that glass , which hath wine in it more worth then Heaven and Earth ? Would it not be a thousand pities that I should suffer the Flies of my wandring thoughts , to corrupt and spoil this Box of Precious Oyntments .

Consider the efficacy of it : The revealed Word is like the essential Word ; for the fall , as well as for the rise of many in Israel . As there is nothing so evil , but a serious holy person may get good out of it , like some Creatures we read of , he may digest and fetch nourishment out of Serpents ; so there is nothing so good , but a careless , graceless heart may pervert to his hurt ; like the Spider , he may suck poyson out of the sweetest Rose . The Word will work one way or other ; if it work not for thy salvation , it will work for thy damnation ; if it be not a savour of life to life , it will be a savour of death to death : As the rain cometh down and watereth the earth , and returneth not thither again ; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth , it shall not return unto me void , Isa. 55.10 , 11. The Word is compared to fire : Fire doth either purifie the mettal , or consume it ; the Word will either convert thee , or confound thee . The Sea sinks some Vessels , and lands others safely ; the Scripture will either further thee towards Heaven , or towards Hell : The ways of the Lord are right , and the just shall walk in them ; but the transgressors shall fall therein , Hosea 14. ult.

Mark Reader , what an Engine is here to screw thee up to the greatest attention to the Word which is possible ? It is like strong physick to a person exceeding sick , which either mends them , or ends them . Think thus with thy self , I am going to hear that Word which will not be in vain , but will either kill me , or cure me ; this Sword of the Spirit is sharp and keen ; if it doth not defend me , it will destroy me : O it is bad jesting with such edged tools ! How sad will it be for me to finde death about the lips of Christ , to fall into Hell with a stumble at the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven ? How exceedingly am I concerned to set my heart to all the words which I shall hear this day ? for it is not a vain thing , but it is for my life , Deut. 32.46 , 47.

Urge thy soul in earnest with these particulars . As Elisha stretching himself upon the young dead child , at last got life and quickning into it ; so thou forcing and stretching , as it were , these things upon thy heart , mayst quicken it , how dull and dead soever it is .

Thirdly , if thou wouldst prepare thy self for the Word , entreat God to bless it to thee : The operations of the Spirit must accompany the administration of the Word , or it will be ineffectual : It is the Spirit that quickneth , John 6.63 . The fire burneth naturally , and the water cooleth naturally ; but if the fire of the Word ever burn up thy corruptions , or the water of the Word refresh thee with real consolations , it must not be by its own nature , but by a Divine power . If thine eye be opened by that eye-salve of Scripture , to see Christ in his native beauty , or thy self in thy natural deformity , God must anoint thine eyes therewith ; therefore David beggeth this favour at Gods hand , Open mine eyes , that I may see wonderful things out of thy Law , Psal. 119.18 . As good sight as David had , he could not read in Gods Law , without Gods light . If the door of thine heart be opened by this key , to give admission to the King of Glory , Gods hand must turn the key . The Lord opened the heart of Lydia , that she attended to the words of Paul , Acts 16. Paul might have preached his heart out , before Lydia's heart would have opened to let the Word in , if God had not undertaken the work .

If the Sword of the Word pierce thy soul , hack and hew , and slay thy most beloved sins ( those enemies within thee , which would not have Christ to reign over thee ) the arm of the Lord must weild it : The weapons of our warfare are not carnal , but mighty through God , to the pulling down of strong holds , casting down imaginations , and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God , 2 Cor. 10.4 . Surely that voice of Thunder must come from Heaven , which can pluck up the strong trees of thy natural unbelief and senslessness , and pull down the high Towers of pride and self . If the Word , which is called a Seal ( Rom. 6.17 . ) ever imprint thy Saviours Image on thee to thy Regeneration , God must adde weight to the Seal , or it will make no stamp : He hath of his own will begotten you by the Word of Truth , James 1.21 . He that made the Watch , can make it strike right ; and he that made the Word , can make it strike home , even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit , and of the joynts and marrow , Hebr. 4.12 . If the Word which is called life ( John 6.63 . ) quicken thee to thine eternal Salvation , God must breathe on thy dry bones , and bid thee live : I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ , which is the power of God to salvation , Rom. 1.16 .

It was the Angels troubling the waters , which made the Pool of Bethesda medicinal to the diseased people : And it is not the water of the Word which can heal thy soul-sicknesses , unless the Angel of the Covenant work in it , and with it .

Elijahs mantle could not divide the waters of Jordan , but the Lord God of Elijah did it : The Preacher may shew thee thy Lesson , but God onely can help thee to learn it .

Reader , before thou hearest , Remember it is Gods prerogative to open thine ear : Mine ear hast thou boared , Psal. 40.6 . There is a thick film in thine ears naturally , which hindreth thine hearing ; thine ears are stopt , that Sermons can have no passage : Now God alone can with his Seringer dissolve the wax congealed there , and break through the skin , whereby thou mayest come to hear , and live . Remember , that the seeing eye , and the hearing ear , the Lord hath made them both , Prov. 20.12 . Therefore intreat him to open thine eyes , that thou mayst see his comely face , in the Glass of the word , and to open thine ears that thou mayst hear his lovely voice in the word , and to open thine heart that thou mayst receive grace from him through the word . Say as David , Shew me thy way O Lord , teach me thy paths . Make me to understand the way of thy precepts , so shall I talk of thy wondrous works , Psa. 25.4 . Psa. 119.27 . And be not discouraged either at the misteriousness of the word , or at thine own dulness ; for he that made the lock , can help thee to a key that will fit all its wards .

But be sure thou forget not to commend thy Minister to God . As thy duty is to beg a door of entrance for thy self , so a door of utterance for thy Pastor . Withall praying for us , that God would open to us a door of utterance , to speak the mystery of Christ , Col. 4.3 . Ephes. 6.19 . Thy profit by him will be not a little furthered by thy prayer for him . He that loves his child , will often remember the Nurse that feeds it . He that loves his precious soul , will often mind the Preacher that prepareth and bringeth its spiritual portion . I have known some to praise their Cooks highly , when they would prevail with them to dress a Dish curiously for their palates . I am sure thy way is to pray for thy Pastor fervently , if thou wouldst have him provide such food as may be for thy souls pleasure and profit . Starve the Mother , and you starve the child in her womb . If the Heavens do not favour the Hils with shours , they cannot fatten the Valleys with their chalky streams . If the Pipes be broke which convey water to our houses from the River , we can expect no supply .

4. Let thine end in going to hear , be to please God and profit thy soul . Propound a good endin hearing , if thou wouldst have a good end of hearing ; Some go to Church for nothing , like the Athenians , the greatest part knew not wherefore they were met together , Act. 17. They have as much as they come for ; They come for nothing , and they often go away with nothing . Others go to carp and catch at the Preacher ; as the Herodians went to Christ to entangle him in his talk , Mat. 22.15 . These go not to hear Gods word , but to do the Devils work , and he will pay them their wages . These flie to the carcass , not to defend it , but to devour it . A third sort go to hear wit and parts , neat expressions , and an affecting graceful pronounciation , like the Jews to hear Ezekiel , Lo thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice , and can play well on an instrument , Ezek. 33.32 . These go to hear man , not to hear God . They hear out of curiositie , not out of conscience ; they desire to have their ears tickled , not their hearts touched . They hear and do not , vers. 33. Such go to Church , just as they who go to a noise of Musitions , onely for the pleasant sound , for nothing but to hear .

Reader , take heed of these and other finful ends , least God answer thee according to the Idols of thine heart . Children go to Fayrs for babies , and rattles , but men go for some serviceable commodities , for the supply of their own , and their Relations necessities . Though foolish men go to Church to quarrel with the Person teaching , or to admire at some fine cadencies or allusions in the Doctrine taught ; do thou go to the word for the releif of thy spiritual wants ; As a new born babe defire the sincere milk of the word , that thou mayst grow thereby , 1 Pet. 2.2 . Here is a good end of a good action , not to gaze upon the people or Pastor , but to grow by his Preaching . Some men go to Gardens to gather Gilly-flowers or Roses , meerly to smell to them , or look on them and in a short time throw them away , when a good house-wife goeth to her garden for a better end ; she gathereth them to make a precious conserve or syrrup of them , which she keeps constantly by her to comfort her in a time of sickness . Though too many go to a Sermon , meerly to look on the gaudiness of its dress , or to sente the wit and fancy of the preacher , which sight and sente are quickly gone ; do thou gather those flowers which grow in Eden , the garden of the Lord , that thou mayst by faith make such a cordial of them as may be ever ready at hand to revive thy spirit in each fainting fit , whether of death , or any civil or spiritual danger , whilst thou livest .

Lastly , If thou would prepare thy self to hear or read the word rightly , leave thy Worldly thoughts behind thee . It is written of Bernard , that when he came to the Church-door he would say ; Stay there all my earthly thoughts Say to the cares of this life ( when thou art about reading or hearing ) as Abraham to his Servant ; Abide you here and I will go yonder and Worship , Gen. 22.5 . If thou shouldst suffer those weeds , they would hinder the springing up of the good seed , the word . They are like Theeves never dogging thee at this duty but to do thee a mischief , either to steal thy comforts , or to wound thy conscience .

Christ sharply reproveth the Jews for turning his Fathers house , which should be called an house of prayer , into a Den of Theeves ; but how did they do this ? By buying and selling , and changing Mony in the Temple If thou Reader shouldst in thine heart be buying in thy provision , or selling out thy commodities , or hankering after thine hoards and heaps of Corn , or Wares , or Money , when thou art in Gods House , thou turnest the House of prayer into a Den of Theeves ; therefore thy best way is to keep them out , and if they come in afterwards ( as Christ did ) to whip them out .

When men hear with their Harvest ears ( meditating and musing on their flocks , or shops , or fields ) no wonder if the word be ineffectual to them . If the wits of men be a woolgathering , the Word of God will be like water spilt on the ground , which cannot be gathered up again . Some Garden Seeds are mingled with Ashes when they are sown , and thereby they spring up the better ; but this Seed must not be mixt with Dust and Ashes ; if it be , it will not spring up at all .

It is reported of one of Englands Lord Treasurers ( some say Cecil , others say Burleigh ) that though by reason of his Office he was crouded with business all day , yet when he was going to rest at Night , he would throw off his Gown and say , Lie there Lord Treasurer ; What he did going to Bed , we must do when we go to this heavenly Banquet ; though the concernments of our families and callings throng us at other times , yet when we go to hear or read the uncomparable word , we must lay them by , with Lye here all my thoughts of this lower beggerly World . Thus I have dispatched the first particular , Preparation for the Word .

CHAP. XVI . Of the Christians duty in hearing .

SEcondly , I come now to the second , which is thy carriage at the word ; in reference to which I shall commend to thee these three things .

1. When thou art hearing or reading , set thy self seriously as in the presence of God . God setteth before thee in his word , and offereth to thee life or death , blessing or cursing , his infinite favour or fury , Heaven or Hell ; and friend , are these things to be jested with ? Imitate Cornelius in his carriage , when he was to hear Peter ; We are all here present before God , to hear all things that are commanded thee of God Act. 10.33 . The piety of this Centurion appeareth in the ground and motive of his hearing ; he came not to hear men , but God ; to hear all things which are commanded thee of God , 2. In the gracious manner of his hearing ; he doth not say , we are all here present before thee , but we are all here present before God .

When the heart is awed with the apprehension of a Divine presence , the iron gates of the ears will fly open of their own accord , and give the Word a free passage . The Creature dares not but hearken diligently to the speech of that God , on whose breath depends his life and death , when he seeth him immediately before his eyes : I can speak it by experience , saith Erasmus , that there is little good to be got by the Scriptures , if a man read or hear it cursorily and carelesly ; but if a man do it out of conscience , and as in Gods presence , he shall finde such an efficacy in it , as is not to be found in any other Book . This setting thy self seriously , as in Gods presence , is like the Masters eye to his servant , which will make him ply his work whether he would or not ; or rather like the fire to the Smiths bar of iron , which doth so mollifie it , that he striking whilst it is hot , may beat it into what form and mould he pleaseth .

This temper of soul in the Thessalonicans was so great a favour , that Paul thought he could never praise the Author of it sufficiently : For this cause thank we God without ceasing , that when ye heard the word of God , ye heard it not as the word of man , but as it is indeed the word of God , 1 Thess. 2.13 . The Apostle knew his children could not but thrive , when they received their meat in such a manner as the Word of God . It is the speech of Seniclaeus concerning Diarius the Martyr , Methought when I heard him speak , I heard the Holy Ghost himself preaching to me .

Truly the want of this , is one main cause why the Word of God doth so little good . The Devil is very diligent at duties : he is every Lords Day the first at Church : The Children of God never gather together , but Satan is amongst them . His great design is , to render this Engine of the Word fruitless , whereby the Strong-holds of his Kingdom have been battered and broken down . Therefore as a Jaylor will sometimes let his prisoners have their hands and feet at liberty , so long as the doors of the Prison are barred and bolted , that they cannot run away ; So he will let thee have thy hand at liberty for some acts of charity , and thy feet at liberty to walk in some path of civility , so long as he can but have the doors of thine ear and heart lockt fast , that thou canst not get from him : He knoweth Christ waiteth at the outward door of the ear , that he might thereby come to the inward door of thy heart , and deliver thee a poor Captive out of his hands : For this cause , if it be possible , he will keep the street door shut , he will hinder thee from hearing as in Gods presence , he will finde thee other work to do then to hear ; it may be he will get thee to play and toy , as he doth many great ones ; or if not , to be talking to thy pew-fellows , or to be reading ( possibly somewhat finful , at least somewhat unseasonable ) or to have thy heart in thine own house , whilest thy body is in Gods house ; or as a childe , though thou art at thy book , he will make thee look off , if but a Butter-fly come by ; he will set thee about some business or other , unless thou art serious as in Gods sight , that thou shalt never have so much leisure as to hear , even when thou art in the Church .

It is reported of Henry the third , King of France , that in a solemn Procession at Paris , hecould not be without his Jester ; who walking between the King and the Cardinal , made mirth to them both ; in the mean time there was brave devotion . Alas , they that hear in jest , will finde Hell to be hot in earnest : Were not men Indians and Infidels in English habits ; did they but believe the invaluable worth of their souls , the consequence and weight of their unchangeable estates ; what a searching , trying time the hour of death will be ; and what dreadful , terrible things will be seen at the day of Judgement ; Good Lord , how would they hear ! The Minister need not call to them to attend to the Word of God , they would of themselves give it their ears , and mindes , and hearts , and think all too little for it .

2. Apply the Word to thine own soul : The Word is a salve of soveraign vertue . Some talk of the Weapon-salve , that it heals at a distance ; but the Word will not ; it must be applied to the sore , or it will never cure . The Word is seed , preaching is the sowing of this soed ; application of it to thy heart , is the harrowing of this seed into the earth : If the seed be thrown on the ground , and not harrowed in , we can expect no harvest .

A good hearer is said to eat the Word : Thy words were found by me , and I did eat them , Jer. 15.16 . Eat of my bread , and drink of the wine which I have mingled , Prov. 9.5 . It is not the bread in the cupboard of the Bible , or on the table of a Sermon , which will nourish thy soul , unless it be by application of it to thy self , eaten and taken down into thy stomack : The glass of wine in thine hand , will not make thy heart glad ; the precious promises in thine ears will not rejoyce thee , they must by application be drunk down , then they will refresh and comfort thy Conscience .

Faith is both the mouth to receive in , and the stomack to digest this spiritual food . It is worthy thy observation , how frequently the Holy Ghost attributeth the famous effects , and heroick acts of the Word , to this Commander in chief , under whose couragious and wise conduct it warreth . The Word fighteth boldly , and worketh miraculously under Faiths banner : The Gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation to them that believe , Rom. 1.16 . It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe , 1 Cor. 1.21 . so also 2 Tim. 3.15 . Application is the life both of preaching and hearing .

If the Threatnings and Curses of the Law are preached , faith is to them as the powder to the bullet , causing them to make grievous havock , and to do great execution upon the lusts of a man . Faith turneth those stones , as I may speak , into bread , and helpeth the Christian ( like Sampson ) to fetch meat out of the eater .

If the Precepts and Commands of the Law are preached , Faith is the eye to see the Equity in them , and the Excellency of them , and Faith is the hand to put them into practice .

If the Promises and Comforts of the Gospel are preached , Faith is to them as Induction to a Minister , it gives him actual possession of them , it makes them his own . Faith in the Threatnings , causeth Humiliation ; Faith in the Precepts causeth Subjection ; and Faith in the Promises worketh Consolation .

If at any time thou goest from hearing dead and undone , thou mayest say to Faith , as Martha to Christ , If thou hadst been here , my soul had not dyed . The unbeliever , like a man in a swoon , shuts his mouth against those life-recalling Cordials which are before him in the Gospel . Other sins wound the soul , but Unbelief , like Joab , strikes under the fifth rib , and kills outright .

Unbelief spoileth all . An Unbeliever is dead , he cannot hear Christ in his Word ; he is blind , he cannot see God in the Gospel ; like Hagar , though a Fountain be before him , he beholdeth it not . Unbelief makes the Word like rain upon Rocks , wholly useless and fruitless . What is said of the Essential Word , is true of the Revealed Word , It can do no mighty works , because of their unbelief . Unbelief is a Bulwark whereby sin secureth it self , against all the darts and shot which the Word dischargeth at it . What was the reason that the Word was not helpful to the Jews , Heb. 4.2 . The word preached did not profit them , not being mixed with faith in them that heard it . Unbelief was the crack in the Glass , through which this inestimable Water of Life did leak out , and so was lost .

Nay , What made the Word hurtful to them ? This leaven of Unbelief sowred all , 1 Pet. 2.8 . That Rock on which Faith builds an house which reacheth up to Heaven , Unbelief stumbleth at , and tumbleth the soul into Hell .

3. Let the Word come with Authority and Power to thy Conscience : This is one of the chiefest ingredients that goeth to the composition of a Preacher , that he speak as Paul did , in demonstration of the Spirit , and of power , 1 Cor. 2.4 . By this force wherewith he spake , and execution which he did , that incomparable pattern of Preachers , the Captain of our Salvation , was distinguished from the Pharisees , who in discharge of this holy Ordinance , onely made false fire : He taught as one having Authority , and not as the Scribes : And the people were astonished at his Doctrine , Matth. 7.2 , ult. ver. He is the best Souldier , who in this Warfare makes bloodiest work amongst our spiritual Enemies . This is preaching to purpose .

This is also the best disposition requisite in a Religious hearer ; For our Gospel came not to you in word onely , but in power , 2 Thess. 1.15 . When the Word of God cometh like a mighty rushing winde , rooting up the tall Trees of thy sins , bringing down high thoughts , overturning all before it ; when as fire , it burneth within thee , consuming thy lusts , and turning thee into its own likness , making thee holy , spiritual and heavenly : O this is excellent hearing , this is hearing to purpose .

The word is Preached to many , and not to their profit . They hear the Minister as Chickens hear the Hen ; the Hen cals to the Chickens to come to her , they lye scraping in the dust , still many times and will not hear her , till the Kite come and devoureth them . So God endeavoureth in his word by his Ministers to cluck sinners to himself . Wisdom cryeth , understanding putteth forth her voice . But they lie scratching , and digging in the earth , and will not hear him , till at last the Devil comes and destroyeth them ; but when the word cometh with power , the soul heareth it as Peter heard the Cock ; He goeth out and weepeth bitterly , when he hears of the boundless mercy which he hath deserted , and the matchless misery which he hath deserved ; and the infinite love which he hath abused , and the righteous law which he hath transgressed , he is cut to the heart , he goeth out and weeps bitterly .

The word is compared to rain Deut. 32.2 . now the rain fals upon flints and doth no good ; makes no impression . Ministers drop it on many to as little purpose as Bede did when he Preached to an heap of stones . They spend their strength in vain , and labour in vain ; nay like many high-ways and low grounds , they are the worse for these showres . But this rain fals on others to much advantage ; My Doctrine shall drop as the rain , and my speech shall distill as the dew , as the small rain upon the tender grass , and as the showers on the hearbs . Deut. 32.2 . The fine soft showrs of the word , soaks into their affections , softeneth their hearts , and makes them fruitful in holiness .

The Naturalists observe of the Salamander , that though she live in the fire constantly , yet she is never the hotter . How woful is the condition of thousands who live all their days under the Word of God , in which is kindled the heavenly fire of Gods infinite love in Christ to poor sinners , and the hell-fire of the hideous horrid nature of sin , yet they are never the hotter ! neither warmed with the former , nor scorched with the latter ; nay though these fires are sometimes by the workmen who divide the word aright , heated ( as I may say ) seven times hotter then ordinary ( by discovering the freeness ( without , yea against desert ) fullness ( a known ; unknown love ) and fastness ( whom he loveth he loveth to the end ) of this divine affection , and by declaring the ugliness and loathsomness of corruption , in its contrariety to a righteous law , and a gratious Lord ; and in its opposition to the souls happiness and perfection , that the very Ministers who take them up , to put them into this fire , are themselves with the extremity of its heat , turned into a live Coal , or all in a flame of love to the blessed God , and hatred against his and their enemy , sin ; yet these hearers like the three Children are not touched with all this fire , their garments are not so much as singed , nor the least smell of the fire on them . O woful wonder !

What little comfort can poor Ministers take in their lives , when they converse with such dead carcasses , though they cut them with the laws curse , pierce them to the quick ( one would think ) with the terrible day of judgment , and the unquenchable fire , yet they ail nothing , feel nothing , and complain not at all .

Reader , when thou art hearing , let thy care be , that thy soul may be changed into the similitude of the Scripture , that the word may come with power . When the threatnings are shot off , do thou fall down before them with fear : My flesh trembleth for fear of thee , and I am afraid of thy righteous judgements ; When God thundred , Josiahs heart trembled . When thou viewest the precepts and patterns in the word , labour to resemble them ; It is said of the Earl Elzearus , one much given to passion , that he was cured by reading and hearing of Christs patience .

When the glad tidings of peace are Preached , let thine heart leap with hope . O let the nearer approach of the sun call forth , and ripen thy fruits of righteousness . When the law comes like a corrosive eating out thy festered flesh and corruption ; when the Gospel is like a lenitive both refreshing and refining thee , then they come with power ; when the threatnings like wine search the wound , and the promises like Oyl heal it , then itcometh with authority and majesty . If search be made by a reproof for thy beloved sin , do not like Rachel hide it , neither do thou fret when thy sore is touched , but hold thine arme forth to that knife which should prick thy vein , and let out thy bad blood . Be not angry when a Prophet smites thee in the Name of the Lord ; Beleive it , he that hates thy sins most , loveth thee best . If thou favour thy lusts so much as to keep them safe from the Sword of the spirit , it will prove like Jorams respect to Jehu , thine own destruction . Their hearts surely were very rugged , which cryed out Prophesie unto us smooth things : Those feet are very sore or gouty which cannot go but in downy , mossie walks , where the ground yeilds to them . Let a reproof be welcom for his sake that sendeth it . Thy father knoweth that a bitter potion sometimes , though not pleasant , yet is profitable to thee .

As the working of physick kindly and well , commendeth both the Physitian , and body of the Patient ; so the powerful operation of the Scriptures , whether of the purging potions of judgements denounced , or cordial julips of mercies discovered , do highly applaud both the skill of thy Saviour , and state of thy soul . It is written of Philetus a Disciple of Hermogenes the Conjurer , that going to dispute with St. James the Elder , the Apostle Preached Christ to him so powerfully , that he returned to his Master , and told him , Magus abieram , Christianus redeo ; I went forth a Conjurer , but am come back a Christian ; O how happy will it be for thee , if whatever thine end were in going to Church ; yet when thou returnest , thou canst upon good ground say ; I went forth proud , but am come home humble ; I went to Church a bondslave of Satan , but am returned a free man of Christ ; I went out earthly , carnal , a malicious and obstinate sinner ; But for ever blessed be the most high God , I am come back , an heavenly , spiritual , and gracious Saint .

CHAP. XVII . Of the Christians duty after Hearing .

THirdly , I proceed now to the third thing , which is , Thy behaviour after Hearing or Reading ; and I must tell thee , that it concerneth thee now to be very watchful ; for many Birds wait to peck up the corn , as soon as the Husbandman hath sowed it . Our Saviour telleth us , He that received seed among thorns , is he that heareth the word , and the care of this World , and the deceitfulness of riches choak the Word , and he becometh unfruitful , Mat. 13.32 . As High-way men watch the honest Countreyman , as he cometh from the Fair , where he hath sold his Cattel , and filled his purse , and then set upon him , and rob him : So do the cares of the world dog the honest Christian , as he cometh from the Word , where he got some Spiritual treasure , and then fall upon him to plunder him .

Besides , Satan is so subtle , that he will be sure to haunt the soul after reading or Hearing the Word : When any one heareth the Word , then cometh the wicked one , and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart , Mat. 13.19 . The season ( then ) is worthy our observation : When the Christian hath made a good meal , then the Devil tryeth all his wiles and tricks to make him vomit it up again . Servants when they carry full cups of wine in the midst of unlucky boys , must be wary and watchful , or they will spill it . Some people take physick , and though it doth them some good at present , yet all is quickly marr'd by their neglect of those rules which should be observed afterwards : The Word ( possibly ) when thou heardst it , made some work among thy affections ; the beauty of Christs person was displayed before thine eyes , and thy heart began to fall in love with thy Saviour ; the extremity of his passion was described to thee , and thine heart began to loath the cause thereof , thy sins : Well now then , thy conscience is a little warmed and awakened , and the pores of thy soul opened ; shouldst thou go into the cold presently , all would come to nothing . If water be taken from the fire , when it is a little warm , it cooleth quickly ; he that would have it boil , must rather encrease the fire .

There are two things which God requireth of thee after hearing and reading the Word , namely , Prayer and Practice .

1. Prayer ; Petition for a blessing upon the Word , and Thanksgiving for the blessing of the Word .

Petition for a blessing upon the Word : After the seed is sown , the influence of Heaven must cause it to spring up and ripen , or otherwise there will be no harvest . Paul may plant , and Apollo water , but God must give the encrease , 1 Cor. 3.6 . The Minister preacheth , thou hearest , but it is the Lord who teacheth to profit . Thou mayest , like Mary , have Christ before thee in a Sermon , and yet not know him , till he discover himself to thee . The Eunuch could read of Christ in the Prophet , but could not reach Christ till God came to his Chariot . There is a twofold light requisite to a bodily vision , light in the eye , and light in the air , the former cannot ( as we experience in the night ) do it without the latter . There is also a twofold light necessary to Spiritual sight ; beside the light of understanding which is in a man , there must be Illumination from the Spirit of God , or there will be no beholding the Lord in the glass of the Word .

When the Disciples had heard Christs Doctrine , they were not able to understand or profit by his preaching ; and therefore they cry to him , Lord open to us this parable . When thou hast read or heard the Word , go to God , and say , Teach me , O Lord , the way of thy Statutes ; Give me understanding , and I shall keep thy Law , yea I shall observe it with my whole heart . Make me to go in the path of thy Commandments . Encline my heart unto thy Testimonies , and not unto covetousness , Psal. 119.33 . to 37. Intreat God to write his Law on the fleshly tables of thine heart . Bernard observes , bodily bread in the Cupboard may be eaten of Mice , or moulder and waste ; but when it is taken down into the body , it is free from such danger : If God enable thee to take thy soul-food down into thine heart , it is safe from all hazards .

Thanksgiving . Consider what a distinguishing mercy , what a precious treasure the Word of God is ; how without it thou hadst for ever been both unholy , and unhappy ; how by it thou mayst eternally be both gracious and glorious ; and without question thou wilt finde cause to bless the giver for such a rare and profitable gift . The Apostle ranketh this favour amongst the blessings of the highest form : What advantage hath the Jew ? or what profit is there of Circumcision ? Much every way ; chiefly that unto them were committed the Oracles of God . And the Psalmist mentioning this differencing-Mercy , concludeth it with , Praise ye the Lord , Psal. 147.2 . ult.

The light of the Sun , Moon and Stars is of such concernment to men , that without them the beauty of the old Creation would be buried in darkness ; and therefore the children of God have given the Most High the credit of those greater and lesser Candles , Psal. 136.7 , 8 , 9. nay , they have seen eternal love by those luminaries . The light of Gods Law and Word is of infinitely more worth ; for by it the glory and beauty of the new Creation , and that curious piece of mans Redemtion is seen and known : What honor then doth God deserve for this favour .

Ptolomy King of Egypt was at great cost and charge to have the Law of the Jews translated by the Septuagint into Greek . Euseb. Hist. lib 5. cap. 8. Thou hast the Old and New Testament both at a cheap and easie ra●e : Thou mayest read thy Fathers Will , in thy Mother Tongue ; thou hast in it a suitable Medicine for every Malady ; seasonable succour in all thy Miseries ; the costliest Cordials , and choicest comforts , without Money , and without Price ; and surely all this deserveth thanks and praise .

Didst thou but know the misery of those places and persons who want the Word , surely thy heart could not but be affected with thy mercy in the enjoyment of the word . It is sometimes described by Famine ; I will send a famine , not of bread and water , but of hearing the Word of the Lord , Amos 4. How dreadful are the concomitants and consequents of Famine ! what shrivel'd cheeks , hollow eyes , pale visages , fainting hearts , and trembling limbs , have men in a famine ! they seem rather like walking Ghosts , and moving carcasses , then living creartures . The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth , for thirst ; the young child asketh bread , and no man breaketh it unto them . Their visage is blacker then a coal , they are not known in the streets , their skin cleaveth to their bones , it is withered , it is become like a stick . The hands of the pitiful Women , have sodden their own children , they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people , Lam. 4.4 , 8 , 10. These ( friend ) are the woful fruits of a bodily famine , but a soul famine is the sorer famine . How many starve for want of the bread of life ! Thou sittest ( it may be ) at a full Table ; but couldst thou conceive what millions famish for lack of this spiritual food , thou wouldst pray to God earnestly to pity such places , and praise him heartily for providing so plentifully for thee . Their misery is sometimes set forth by darkness , and the shadow of death ; Darkness is dreadful though but external . T was one of the greatest plagues which befel the Egyptians . When Job would curse his day with a witness , what is his wish ? Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it , let a cloud dwell upon it , let the blackness of the day terrifie it . Job 4.4 . It was sad when Paul and his companions saw neither Sun nor Stars in many days ; but O how sad is it when men see not the Sun of righteousness shining in the Heavens of the Gospel all their days ! Such may enjoy the light of Gods providence , but they enjoy not the light of his countenance . How can they work that want the light of the word to direct them ? or how can they walk ? surely they that walk in the dark stumble , ( the dark corners of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty ) and fall even into Hell . Where no vision is , the people perish . O Reader , what infinite cause hast thou to bless the Lord , that thou art not in their condition ! If thou hast any compassion for the poor , dark , dead souls be instant with the Lord ; pray , O send out thy light and thy truth , that thy ways may be known upon earth , and thy saving health unto all Generations . If thou hast any affection to thy own soul , praise God for his Law ; Blessed be the Lord who hath shown us light . Procopius reporteth that nigh to the Pole where the night endureth for many Months together , the Inhabitants in the end of their long night , get up to the top of the Mountains , striving who shall have the first sight of the Sun , and as soon as they see it , they embace and hug each other , crying out , Ecce , Sol apparet ; Behold , Lo , the Sun , the Sun appeareth . This poor Island had a long night of darkness , when the people in it served dumb Idols and Devils ; blessed for ever be the unsearchable goodness of God , the Sun of the Gospel hath appeared amongst us . Nay as it s said of Rhodes , it may be said of England , The Sun always shines on it . What shall we render to the Lord for this benefit .

On the town house of Geneva is writen upon a Marble Table , in letters of gold , Post tenebrass Lux. After darkness light . In remembrance of , and thankfulness for their deliverance from the pride , power , tyranny , and abominations of the Pope , Anno. 1535. I doubt not but we in these parts of the World , have as much cause to set up a Monument of praise and thanks to the blessed God , for bestowing upon us the light of his glorious Gospel , and freeing us from the power of that man of pride , who exalteth himself above all that is called God .

Reader , Is it not a priviledge for thee , to sit by the fire of the word , when many poor souls are freezing in the cold ! for thee to walk in the light of the word , when many sit in darkness , and the shadow of death ! for thee to be clothed out of the rich Wardrobe of the word , when many have their nakedness appearing to their eternal shame ! nay what an advantage hast thou , that when thousands and millions , have none to give them bread , but starve and famish , thou hast a Table fairly spread , and fully furnished with all sorts of food , both for necessity and delight ! yea , and if sickness hinder thee from coming down to Dine or Sup with thy brethren ; and sisters , upon that day of exceedings , the Lords day , thy God is so tender of thee , that he sendeth thee somewhat up to thy chamber ( alloweth thee his Bible and blessing at home ) for thy nourishment and comfort ; O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness , and his wonderful works to the children of men .

2. Practice ; when the Preacher hath done in the Pulpit , the Hearer must begin in his practice ; He heareth a Sermon best who practiseth it most , what one saith of Psa. 119. I may say of the whole Scriptures , They are verba vivenda , non legenda , words to be loved , more then to be read or heard . A Christians life should be a legible comment on Gods Law . The strokes in Musick must answer to the notes and rules set down in the Lesson .

It is observable that the blood was to be sprinkled on Aarons right ear , right thumb , and great toe of his right foot , Exod. 29.20 . the first did note his right hearing the Word , the second and third his working according to it , and walking in it . The doing , not the hearing or reading Christian , goeth away with the blessing ; And he said , yea rather , blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it , Luke 11.28 . The occasion of the expression is confiderable ; one of Christs hearers , having tasted , was so taken with the lusciousness of his Doctrine , that she could not before all the company forbear commending the tree for the fruits sake , Blessed is the womb that bare thee , and the paps which thou hast sucked ; Yea rather ( saith Christ ) Blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it ; In which words he doth not deny her assertion , but her inference , or the foundation of it . Mary though happy , yet was not so happy in bearing the essential , as in keeping the Written Word of God . She was rather blessed in having Christ formed in her , then in having him formed of her ; It was her greater honour and happiness to be a member of Christ , then to be the Mother of Christ . The Porter is not so rich by carrying a bag of Gold , as the Merchant that oweth it . The Christian onely that keepeth the word of Christ , is truely related to Christ the Word , Matth. 12. ult.

It is reported of the Nobles of Polonia , that when the Gospel is read , they lay their hands upon their Swords , and begin to draw them ; intimating thereby that they will defend it with the hazard of their lives : Saints must be ready to die for the Gospel , but a Christian may defend it as truely by an holy life , as by a bloody death . A scandalous conversation , is an offence to Religion , and openeth the mouths of its enemies ; but as fire is a good defence to a man in a Wilderness , against the fury of ravenous beasts , so the heat of grace flaming , and the light of holiness shining in the lives of professors , defendeth the word against its opposers . A Sermon practiced , is a Sermon in print , and by it the hearer teacheth all the Week long .

The Romans were commended for obeying from the heart , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the form of Doctrine delivered to them . Rom. 6.17 . In the Original it is whereunto they were delivered ; A good hearer , as I said before , is one that eats the word ; now as meat eaten becomes one with the body , and takes the same form with it , the body and meat are so much the same , that they are one , and you cannot know them asunder : So the Word is well heard , when it becomes one with the Christian , when they are both of the same form ; the hearer is delivered up into the likeness and form of the Scripture ; the Word of God may be read in every leaf , in every line of the volume of his life .

Our blessed Saviour describing good hearers , tells us , they are such as bring forth fruit , some thirty , some sixty , some an hundred fold , Mat. 13.23 . And elsewhere he compares the obedient hearer , to the man who built his house upon a Rock , which stood firm and immoveable in the midst of all winds , waves , and weather ; and the man that heareth and doth not practice , to him who built upon the sands , which house quickly fell , when the winds blew , and the waves beat , Mat. 7. latter end . His meaning and intention ( Reader ) was to quicken thee and me to minde subjection to the Word , without which we must perish . Suppose thou art never so great an hearer , yet if not a doer , thou deceivest thine own soul : Alas , what will become of the frequent hearer , when the non , or negligent doer shall be thrown to hell !

I have read a story of two men , who walking together , found a young Tree laden with fruit , they both gathered , and satisfied themselves at present : One of them took all the remaining fruit ; and carried it away with him ; the other took the tree , and planted it in his own ground , where it prospered , and brought forth fruit every year ; so that though the former had more at present , yet this had some when he had none : They who hear the Word , and have large memories , and nothing else , may carry away most of the Word at present ; yet he that ( possibly ) can remember little , who carrieth away the tree , plants the Word in his heart , and obeys it in his life , shall have fruit when the other hath none : The practical memory , is the greatest mercy .

It is reported of a good man , that coming from a Lecture , and being demanded , Whether all were done , he should fetch a deep sigh , and say , All is said , but all is not done .

Reader , when thou hast heard the word , consider , though the Sermon be at an end , yet there must not be an end of the Sermon . Practice , which is the heart of hearing , is still behinde . Observe the properties of those persons to whom , and their posterity , God will be propitious : The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting , and his righteousness to childrens children : To such as keep his Covenants , and remember his Commandments to do them , Psal. 103.17 , 18. They are described by their act ; they lay the word up , they remember his Commandments ; and by their end , to lay the word out in their lives , to do them . A good husband having received a bag of money , locketh it up safe , that none may rob him of it , and as occasion is , fetcheth it down , and layeth it out , some for food , some for cloathes , some for rent , some for servants wages , some for this , some for that , as his necessities require : So ( Friend ) do thou lay up the precious Treasure of the word safe in the Cabinet of thine heart , and bring it out as thy occasions call for it in thy life : Art thou in adversity , fetch out the Promises for thy comfort ; broach that strong liquor , which was purposely tunned up for thee against a groaning hour : This is my comfort in mine affliction , for thy word hath quickned me , Psal. 119.15 . Art thou in prosperity , bring forth the precepts for thy carriage : Look to that Card and Compass by which thou mayest sail eavenly and trim , notwithstanding those high winds , and swelling waters : Thy Word is a light to my feet , and a lamp to my paths , Psal. 119.4 . Wouldst thou resist and conquer Satans Temptations ? The word is a Shield , which ( as they say of Vulcans Armour ) is full proof against all thrusts and darts : By the words of thy mouth , I have kept my self from the pathes of the destroyer , Psal. 17.4 . Nay , fetch but this Sword of the Spirit out of Gods Armory , and the Devil will run like a Coward ; he is more afraid of it , then Leviathan his name-sake is of the Sword-fish , which some write he dreadeth more then all the fish in the Ocean . Thy Saviour gave Satan such a wound with the Sword of the word , that he feeleth it to this day If thou wouldst overcome the worlds insinuations , d● but feed on the word , and thou wilt scorn th● scraps of the world . As the Greeks in their sailing to fetch the Golden Fleece , when the Syrens endeavoured to inchant them with their Songs , found help against those assaults , by hearkning to Orpheus pipe : So when that Harlot the World striveth to bewitch thee with her pleasant voyce , and poysonous breath , thereby to hinder thy pursuit of the Golden Crown of Righteousness , do but hearken to those Spiritual Songs , that ravishing Musick , those high and noble delights which are in the Gospel , and thou wilt finde assured help . That thy corruptions within thee may be subdued , let still the Word of God be consulted : Thou mayest finde in it such a bit and curb , as will bridle thy youthful most headstrong lusts : By what means may a young man cleanse his way ? by taking heed thereto according to thy Word , Psalm 119.11 . If thine evil humors be never so many and filthy ; yet the Word , like the Catholicon Drug , is instead of all purges . That thy Relation duties may be performed , the holy Scriptures must be fetcht out , and minded . Whether thou art an Husband , or Wife , or Parent , or Child , or Master , or Servant , to defray the charge of all those duties , thou mayest take enough out of the Word of God . It is a well drawn Picture , that looks on all that look on it , and it guides thee by its eye how to order and govern thy feet ; on what ground soever thou standest , whether on the higher ground of a Superior , the plain even ground of an equal , or the lower ground of an Inferior . He that layeth up the word for these purposes , and bringeth it out in these practices , is the right profitable hearer ; for he Remembreth the Commandments of God to do them .

Some hear and jear , they go to a Sermon as to a Stage-play , to laugh and be merry . Others hear and fret and fume , as those that live under the Torrid Zone , curse the very Sun . Others hear and forget what would do them most good , their memories are true to the flesh , but treacherous to the spirit ; they are like Vessels made of Ivy , which ( some say ) if wine and water be poured into them , will leak out the wine , and keep in the water . Others hear and admire ; but Reader if thou wouldst not have the word to witness against thee , when thou shalt be judged by it , for thine everlasting life or death , do thou hear and amend . Charles the great did set his Crown upon the Bible , intimating thereby that his Crown , his carriage as a King , should be according to the commands of the word . O do thou hide this word in thine heart , that thou mayst hold it forth to thy companions , by the hand of an holy conversation . Walk according to this Rule .

A good Wish about the word , wherein the former heads are epitomized .

THe holy Scriptures being of such authority , The Introduction . as the hand writing and heart of God himself , and so singular a mercy to me , that by the guidance of this Star I am directed ( as the wise men ) to Jesus Christ ; I wish in general that I may set an high price upon every part thereof , ( that every peice may be currant with me ) for his sake , whose Image and superscription it beareth . O that my carriage before , at , and after hearing , may witness to God and my conscience , Preparation for hearing . that I esteem the law of his lips above thousands of Gold and Silver ; In particular , I wish that as the Jews when they went to hear the law , Preparation for hearing , by laying aside evil frames . sanctified themselves , and washed their cloaths ; so before I go to read or hear the word , I may sanctifie my soul , and wash my heart from all superfluity of naughtiness , and with meekness receive that ingrafted word which is able to save my soul . Prejudice , I wish that like Jehoshaphat I may prefer one Micaiah , before four hundred false Prophets ; yet that I may ever make a difference betwixt an evil Ministers Preaching and practice , and even when the Minister is full of grace , may so distinguish between the treasure and the vessel , as not to vallue the Message for the Messengers sake , but to bid the workman welcome for the words sake . I wish that I may be so sensible of my owninability , to profit by this holy ordinance , By prayer . and of the speakers impotency to Preach home to my conscience , that I may cry mightily to my God , that he would open my heart to receive the word with all affection , and so direct the Arrows , which the Preacher taketh out of the quiver of Scripture , that they may hit and pierce my dearest corruptions . Consideration . I desire that the consideration of the words excellency may cause me to prize it highly : Of its necessity , may make me to improve it diligently , and of its efficacy may move me to go to hear , ( as a Prisoner going to a bar ) to be tryed for my everlasting life or death . Good ends in hearing . I wish that the weight of the word may sink so deep into my heart , that I may never hear Sermons to pick flowers of Oratory , or to please my fancy , but to receive virtue from Christ , for the drying up my issue of sin , and that I might cleanse my ways by taking heed thereto according to Gods Word ; Worldly thoughts laid by . That the noise of the World may never hinder me from hearing the voiee of my God : At hearing . I wish that when I come into the place of worship I may set my self solemnly as before the Judge of quick and dead , Seriousness as in Gods presence . and as in the presence of the Lord , with fear and awe , give audience to his word . If I were hearkening to an earthly Prince , I would be serious ; O with what reverence should I hear from the blessed and onely Potentate ! Because without application the word will be unprofitable . Application of it . I wish that I may never draw a curtain before my own Picture , but overlooking others , may see my own face in the glass of the law . O that by faith I may so take down the hook of the word , as to be caught and taken by it . Renovation by it . My prayer is that the Gospel may come to me , not in word onely , but in power also , that I may go to it as clean paper for any inscription , as soft wax for any impression , which my God shall be pleased to make upon me . O that I might behold the Lord so effectualy in that glass , as to be changed into his Image , from glory to glory ! In special I wish that my sins may be placed by me in the front of this spiritual battle ( as Uriah ) purposely to be slain ; and that those smooth stones which are taken out of the silver streams of the Sanctuary , may be thrown by so skilful and powerful a hand , that they may sink deep into the foreheads of those uncircumcised ones , After hearing . Petition for a blessing . to their death and destruction . I wish that after the seed is sown I may beg that the showres of Heavens blessing may accompany it , that it may spring up in the fruits of righteousness , to the glory of my God , and good of my precious soul . And because the Gospel is a dish which is not set on every Table , Thanksgiving for the Word . though free grace bestoweth it on me , I wish that I may rise from this spiritual food , before I have given thanks to the Master of the feast . Practice . I desire finally , that as I looked like a Saint in hearing , I may live like a Saint after I have heard ; that those blossoms of good purposes , which sprouted forth while the Minister was preaching , may ripen into practice ; that whatsoever characters others are known by , to be Christians , I may be known by this ear mark , to be one of Christs sheep , even by hearing his voyce , so as to follow him wheresoever he goeth . Though others , like petty Chapmen , deal onely in some particular commodities , and those such as will serve their own turns , I desire that I may deal with the Word by whole-sale , and esteem all Gods Precepts concerning all things to be right . O that I might order my whole conversation aright , and at the last see the salvation of my God! Amen .

CHAP. XVIII . How a Christian may exercise himself to Godliness in receiving the Lords Supper ; and 1. Of the Nature of that Ordinance , and preparation for it .

VVHen God had caused his everlasting Decree to fall in labour , and had delivered it by giving the world a being ; and upon infinite consultation had formed Man to be his Vice-Roy over all the works of his hands , he embarqued him ( with all abilities needful for such a voyage ) in the bottom of the Covenant of Works . Adam set forth fully furnished with skill , and richly fraught with all the Fortunes , Hopes and Happiness of Mankinde , but he had scarce lanched out of sight , before Satan , who knew very well the worth of the prize ( envying man the Haven of bliss to which he was sailing , and envying God ( who was the owner ) the honor of such of a venture ) raised a storm , whereby the Vessel , through the unfaithfulness of Adam the Pilot , ran upon a Rock , and miscarried . O what a joyful spectacle was that to Satan ! What a doleful sight to Adam ! to behold himself and all his posterity , sinking into the boundless , bottomless Ocean of destruction and misery , through his falseness and treachery : When lo , on a sudden the Glorious God , out of the superabundant riches of his mercy ( resolving that the Devil should never rob him of the honor of that manifold Wisdom , unsearchable Goodness , and Almighty Power which had been manifested in the work of Creation ) did provide and cast out the Covenant of Grace , a plank sufficient for his poor shipwrackt Creature , to swim safe to shore on .

As all the Rivers meet in the Sea , and all the lines in the Centre ; so do all the comforts of Mankind meet in this Covenant . The whole Scripture is sincere milk , but this Covenant is the Cream of it : All our mercies are contained in it , all our hopes are sustained by it , and our Heaven is at last attained through it .

The blessed God doth not onely enter into a Covenant of mercy , but out of compassion to our infirmities , hath been pleased to confirm it by his hand and seal : By his hand , in his word ; by his seals , by the privy-seal of his Spirit , and by the broad-seals of the Sacraments , that by these immutable things , in which it is impossible for God to lye , we might have strong consolation , who have fled for refuge , to lay hold upon the hope set before us , Heb. 6.18 .

The Lords Supper is a sign and seal of the Righteousness of Faith , or the Covenant of Grace , Rom. 4.11 .

When the blessed Saviour was taking a doleful farwel of an ungrateful world , as a lively resemblance of his sufferings for his , and as an undeniable evidence of his love to his , he instituted this Supper : 1. As a lively resemblance of his passion for his people . A crucified Christ is the sum of the Law , and the substance of the Gospel ; the knowledge of him is no less worth then Eternal life . Now as he was crucified by the Jews and Souldiers actually , and by unbelieving Gentiles who live amongst us interpretatively ; so he is crucified in the Gospel declaratively , and in the Sacrament representatively . This Cup , saith Christ , is the new Testament in my blood , 1 Corinth. 11.25 . The Old Testament was sprinkled with the blood of Beasts , but the New Testament with the blood of Christ , Hebr. 9.15 , 19. This precious blood , which was the costly price of mans Redemption , which is the onely path to Eternal Salvation ; which was promised to Adam , believed by the Patriarchs , shadowed in the Sacrifices , foretold by the Prophets , and witnessed in the Scriptures , is drunk , received , signified and sealed in the Supper .

Christ instituted this ordinance also to be a standing evidence of his affection to his . The same night that he was betrayed he took bread . The dearest Jesus , kept his best wine till the last . He knew his Disciples would be full of sorrow for his departure ; he therefore provided his strongest cordial against their saddest fainting fits . After the Passover he took bread and instituted the Sacrament . After Supper then comes the Banquet , the Sweet-meats . At the Lords Table Christ kisseth his Spouse with the sweetest kisses of his lips , and ravisheth her heart with his warmest love . In other Ordinances he Wooeth her ; in this he Marrieth her . In other Ordinances she hath from him the salutes of a loving friend ; but in this the embraces of an Husband ; Other duties are pleasant and wholsom food , but this is the costly delightful feast . In this Christ bringeth his beloved into his Banqueting house , ( a store-house of all sweet delights , of variety of delicacies ) and his Banner over her is love , Cant. 2.4 .

A certain man made a great Supper , Luk. 14.16 . I may truely say so of the Sacrament . This is a great Supper , in regard of its Author : The great God is Master of the feast . He gave his own Son for the life of the World . 2. In regard of the matter of it , which is the flesh of Jesus Christ ; Men set bread and wine on the Table ; but Christ setteth his own body and blood there . In this ordinance we eat not onely ( Panem Domini , sed panem Dominum ) The bread of the Lord , but the bread which is the Lord . The gods ( say they ) are come down in the likeness of man ; behold here God the Son cometh down in the likeness of bread and wine ; he himself is eat and drunk by faith . Is not this a rare banquet ? 3. In regard of the great price of it . Banquets are costly ; but O what did this feast cost ? Beasts are slain before they can be food for our bodies ; but , Lo , here the Lord of life was put to death , that he might be food for our starving souls . Cleopatra dissolved a pearl worth 50000. l. in Vinegar , and drunk it up at a draught ; but as costly as her liquor was , it was much worse then puddle water , in comparison of the precious blood of Christ , which the beleiver drinketh at this great Supper . 4. In regard of its great effects ; It sealeth pardon , peace , and salvation , to the Saint ; it conveyeth the Image and love of God , nay God himself into the soul ; Through the golden pipe of this Ordinance , is conveyed the golden Oyl of divine influence . There is Manna indeed in this pot . Well may it be called a great Supper . The Elements are of small value , but the Sacrament is of infinite worth . A conveyance of land fairly written in Parchment with wax fastened to it , is of little price , but when it is signed , sealed , and delivered to the use of a person , it may be worth much , it may convey thousands : A little bread and a spoonful or two of wine , are in themselves of very small value ; but when received according to Christs institution , and accompanied with his benediction , they will be of unspeakable value , they will convey thousands and millions to the beleiver .

The Lords Supper is indeed like an Elixar , which is small in quantity , but great in value , and efficacy , having in it the spirits and substance of many excellent things ; In prayer all the graces are exercised , and so also at the Supper ; but not onely all the graces , but most of the other Ordinances of God are invited to this feast . The Word , Prayer , Singing , do all meet at the Table , and contribute their help , to carry the Christian up to Heaven . I premise these things Reader , purposely to make thee more wary . The corrupting of the best , is worst of all . Poison in Wine is much worse then in Water ; Kings expect that their Children should be respected , though their officers be refused . Surely saith God , They will reverence my Son , Mat. 21.37 . The very work about which he comes , will make him welcome . Though they refuse my Servants , yet they will reverence my Son . The Casuists , say Sacramentum & articulus mortis aequiparantur ; A man must be looked upon at the Sacramental board as if he were on a bying bed ; Friend , thou shouldst be as serious when thou art going to the Lords Supper , as if thou wert going into the other World .

He that cometh carelesly , gets nothing from Christ ; It is one thing to take the Supper of the Lord , and another thing to taste the Supper of the Lord . Not one of them which were bidden , shall taste of my Supper , Luk. 14.24 . Many croud near a Kings person , on some days , when he sheweth himself in publique , who never injoy his gracious presence . Hundreds receive the Elements , but few receive the Sacrament .

If a Beast did but touch the Mount ( when God solemnly appeared on it ) it was to dye : What then will become of thee , if thou shouldst touch the Table of the Lord with a brutish heart ? If any did eat of the Passoever in his uncleanness , he was to be cut off from Israel , Exod. 12. which some interpret of a violent death by the hand of the Magistrate ; Others , of a cutting off from the priviledges of Gods people on earth , and their possession in Heaven : Surely it is as dangerous to eat the Supper in thy pollution , as the Passoever .

It is evil to dally with the Jealous God in any duty ; but worst of all in this , where the great affection of the Father in giving his Son , and the grievous Passions of Christ ( to satisfie Gods justice for sin ) the most serious things which mans heart can conceive , are represented . Melancthon telleth a story of a Tragedy which was acted of the death of Christ ( but it proved a Tragedy indeed at last ; for ) he that acted Christs part on the Cross , being wounded to death ( by one that should have thrust his sword through a bladder of blood ) fell down , and with his fall killed one acting a womans part , and lamenting under the Cross : His brother who was first slain , slew the murtherer , for which himself was hanged by order of Justice . Cyprian speaketh of an ancient woman , who had denied the Faith , and yet ventured to this Heavenly Feast ; but it proved her bane ; for as soon as she had received the Elements , she fell down dead . O 't is sad jesting with the Sufferings and Ordinances of Christ ! Friend , let others wo be thy warning : Take example by others , lest God make thee an example to others .

I shall lay down two motives to quicken thee to a serious preparation for this Ordinance :

1. Consider Christs diligent inspection : The Lord Jesus will take special notice what respect thou hast for his Body and Blood : And when the King came in to see his guests , he saw there a man which had not on a Wedding-garment , Mat. 22.11 , 12 , 13. Jesus Christ observeth all his wedding guests , whether they come with the Wedding-garment or no. Though there was but one , yet he could not lie hid , and escape in the crowd ; the King quickly spied him .

The King of Saints taketh exact notice , in what manner thou comest to his Supper ; whether thou examinest thy Regeneration , and provest thy self to be one of the family , before thou offerest to eat of their food ; whether thou carriest the Gold of thy Graces to the Touchstone of the Scripture , and triest their truth , before thou tenderest them to him for currant coyn . He observeth with what sense of thy misery thou runnest for refuge to the spring of mercy : He knoweth whether when thou art going to this Heavenly Feast , thou hast the mouth of Faith ; with what resolution against sin for time to come , thou goest for pardon of sins past : He seeth whether thou goest to this Gospel-Ordinance , in a Gospel-order ; if not , both thy preparation for the Sacrament , and thy carriage at it , and after it , are eye-services to Jesus Christ : How holy therefore should thou be in them ? Wouldst thou trample upon the picture of thy dear Friend , or of thy lawful Soveraign , before their faces ? Wilt thou tread under foot the infinitely precious blood of the Son of God , as if it were the blood of a Malefactor , or of a Dog , and that while he himself standeth by , and looketh on ? Canst thou ( Friend ) finde in thine heart to offer such an abominable affront to thy best Friend , and that before his face ? Truly , if thou art not faithful in thy preparation for it , thou dost all this . Think with thy self , I am now to sit down at the Table of the Lord , amongst his own children : I know beforehand that the King will come in to see his Guests ; even that King who is too just to be bribed , too great to be slighted , too wise to be deceived , and too good to be forfeited . O , my soul ! what solemn provision wilt thou make for so sacred a presence ? If in any time of thy life thou wouldst be extraordinarily serious , this is the season . O let thy preparation be such for this glorious Supper , that the Master of the Feast may see that thou art tender of his honor , watchful of his eye , and fearful of his anger .

2. Consider the dreadful condition of those that receive the Lords Supper unworthily : Their sin , They are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord ; Their suffering , They eat and drink their own damnation ; 1 Cor. 11.27 , 29.

1. Their sin : They are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord : The unworthy receiver is a Christ murtherer . He that tears the Letters , or defaceth the Picture , or clippeth the coyn of a Prince , offereth the indignity to his person . The Romans when they would dishonor a person , would disfigure the statue which was erected to his praise . The same wickedness of heart which carrieth a man out to prophane the Sacrament , would carry him out to kill the Saviour .

When one shoots at another to slay him , though he miss , he is a murderer ; the error of the hand doth not wipe out the malice of the heart . Josephs Brethren were guilty concerning their Brother , though they did not lay violent hands upon him , Gen. 42.21 . When Julian shot darts up to Heaven , his cruelty and rage were as bad , as if he had hit Christs body . Besides , men may be guilty of murther , by approving it after it is committed , Mat. 23.35 . What doth the unworthy receiver less then justifie Judas and the Jews in all their treacherous and barbarous carriage towards Jesus Christ !

Consider therefore what thou dost , when thou goest unpreparedly to the Lords Table ; Thou art guilty of the body and blood of the Lord . Simple murther is a crying sin : The voyce of thy Brothers blood cryeth to me from the earth , Gen. 4.10 . It is one of those sins which will give God no rest , till he take vengeance on the actor and author of it , and is therefore called a crying sin . The light of Nature taught the Barbarians , that Vengeance would not suffer a murtherer to live , Acts 28.4 . The Scripture acquainteth us , that no satisfaction shall be taken for the life of a murtherer ; for blood defileth the land , Numb. 35.31 , 36. But the murther of a Superior is a far greater sin . Cicero telleth us , He that killeth his Father , committeth many sins in one ; he killeth him that begot him , and brought him up ; he sinneth against many obligations . To kill a King is High-Treason : Who can stretch his hand against the Lords Anointed , and be guiltless ? 1 Sam. 26.9 . But what is it to murther the Son of God ? no tongue can tell , no pen can write the horrid , hainous nature of Christ-murther . He is thy everlasting Father . It made a dumb childe speak to see another stabbing his Father ; and wilt thou imbrue thine own hands in thy Fathers blood ? Jesus Christ is thy King , and wilt thou stretch forth thy hands against thy Head , thy Soveraign ? Had Zimri peace , who slew his Master ? Nay , Jesus Christ is thy Redeemer ; and wilt thou put him to death , who is the Author of thy life ? He gave thee thy being ; and wouldst thou deprive him of his being ? He is the onely Physician that can cure thee ; and wilt thou kill him ? Once more , Jesus Christ is God , and wilt thou lift up thy hand ( I would say a thought ) against the blessed God ? God deserveth infinitely more love then thou canst possibly give ; and shall thine heart be so full of hatred , as to let fly against the God of Heaven ? Oh! say with David , ( when Abishai perswaded him to slay Saul ) The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth my hand against the Lords anointed . When Satan , or thy own heart , would perswade thee to be slight in the examination of thy self , and formal in thy humiliation for sin , that thou mightest be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord , let Conscience cry out , God forbid that I should stretch out my hand against Jesus Christ , the Lords Anointed ; And truly Friend , if after such warning as God gives thee in this head , thou shouldst dare to receive unworthily , thou wouldst finde it hereafter to thine unspeakable hurt : As Reuben told his Brethren , when they were in distress , Spake I not unto you , saying , Do not sin against the child ; and ye would not hear ? therefore behold his blood is required , Gen. 42.22 . So , if thou now darest to approach the Lords Table , in thy sinful unregenerate estate , in thy filth and pollution , when thou comest to lie under some smart rod , or on thy dying bed , or at least in the other World , Conscience will fly in the face , Did I not speak unto thee , saying , Do not sin against the holy Childe Jesus , and thou wouldst not hear ? therefore behold his blood is required at thy hands ! O Friend , Friend , what wilt thou do in such an hour ! If on him who slew Cain , vengeance should be taken sevenfold ; what vengeance shall be taken on him who slayeth Jesus Christ ? How dreadful will thy perdition be , if the onely Saviour be thine Accuser , and that blood which alone can procure thy pardon , shall cry for thine eternal punishment !

O think of it seriously , Hast thou never had hard thoughts of the Jews for their cruelty to the Son of God ? and wilt thou do worse thy self ! The Jews crucified him but once , but thou by continuing an unworthy receiver , crucifiest him often : The Jews did it ignorantly ; Had they known , they would not have crucified the Lord of glory , 1 Cor. 2.8 . but thou knowest him to be the Son of God , the Saviour of the World : They crucified him in his estate of Humiliation , but thou in his estate of Exaltation : They had not not thee for a Warning , when they put him to death ; but thou hast them for a Warning to thee : They crucified him when he was to rise again the third day ; but thou so crucifiest him , that he might never rise more , were it in thy power . O take heed what thou dost , and be not worse then a Jew .

Thy suffering : He that eateth and drinketh unworthily , eateth and drinketh damnation to himself , 1 Cor. 11.29 . Some I know are offended at the translation of the Greek Word 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Damnation ; but I see little reason for it ; for Damnation is the end of every sin , though it be not the end of every sinner . Paul speaketh of Believers indeed ; but as it may be truly said of one that drinketh poyson , Such a man drunk his bane , though by the help of a Physician such an Antidote may be given as may prevent the Patients death ; so it may be truly spoken of a Believer who receiveth unworthily , He eateth and drinketh his own damnation ; though , through the Grace and Help of Jesus Christ ( no thank to himself ) he is recovered out of that sin , and saved . Beza , and the Geneva Translation take it in this sense . So the word is taken , John 3.17 , 18. Rom. 3.8 . and in several other places .

Now what an argument is here , to disswade thee from going rashly or unpreparedly to the Table of the Lord . That which is a worthy receivers meat , will be thy poison ; the same red Sea of Christs blood , which is salvation to others ( they pass safely through it into the land of promise ) will be damnation to thee . King John , Speed . as our English Croniclers write , Sim●s Eccks . Hist. was poisoned by a cup of Wine . The Emperour Henry the seventh was poisoned by the bread in the Sacrament , through the treachery and treason of a Monk . The Israelites did all eat the same spiritual meat , and did all drink the same spiritual drink , but with many of them God was not well pleased , for they were overthrown in the Wilderness , 1 Cor. 10.3 , 4.5 . Those that eat and drink in Christs presence , were punished with everlasting perdition , Mat. 7.23 . And do not please thy self because thou feelest no such poisonous operation at present in unworthy receiving , that therefore thou needst not fear it . They that eat Italian Figs , carry their death about them , though they fall not down dead suddenly .

Therefore Reader , take some time and pains to commune with thy own heart , before thou goest to the Sacrament . Charge it upon its allegiance to God , to hear thee patiently , and to carry it self sutably . If I receive this Supper with an holy preparation , it will be a seal of , and an help to my eternal salvation ; it will be an earnest of matchless love , and an entrance into an endless happy life ; but if I eat and drink unworthily there is death in the pot death in the cup ; I eat and drink my own damation . O how doleful is that one word Damnation ! What a dreadful sound doth it make in mine ears ! What fearful sighs doth it cause in my soul ! Damnation is no trifling business . God threateneth it in earnest . The damned feel it in earnest , and shall I jest with it ? Surely I were better eat the bread of affliction , and drink the water of adversity , then eat this bread , and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily . Canst thou be so bloody as to stab thy self , and thy Redeemer to the heart with one blow ! O my soul , bestir thy self , awake out of sleep , and do not dally about the concernments of eternal life and death , let thy care and conscience be such ; in fitting thy self for this sacred Ordinance , that thy Saviour may see , thou hast an high respect for his precious blood , and a tender regard to thine own everlasting good .

For thy help about this Ordinance , I shall speak , 1. To thy duty before the Sacrament . 2. To thy duty at the Sacrament . 3. To thy duty after the Sacrament .

First , To thy duty before the Sacrament ; and herein my counsel is , that thou wouldst prepare thy self solemnly for this Ordinance . The Jews had their preparation for their Passover , John 19.24 . It was the preparation of the Passover . Nay , they took their Lamb the tenth day of the moneth , and did not kill it till the fourteenth , Exod. 12.3 . ( and as some of their Writers observe , they tied it all the while to their bed posts ) that in the interim they might prepare themselves for it . Our Lord Jesus when he was to eat the Passoever , and institute the Supper , would have so much as the house in which he would do it , prepared before-hand , Mark 14.15 . The ancient Fathers , and primitive Christians , used to sit up whole nights at prayer , before the Lords Supper , which they called their Vigiliae .

Reader , thy care must be to trim thy lamp , and make sure of oyl in the vessel now thou art going to meet the Bridegrom . Samuel spake to the inhabitants of Bethlehem , Sanctifie your selves , and come to the Sacrifice : so say I to thee , Sanctifie thy soul , and then come to the Sacrament , 1 Sam. 16.9 . Joseph prepared himself , by shaving himself , and changing his raiment , before he went unto Pharaoh ; And wilt not thou prepare thy self , by putting thy soul into the holiest posture thou canst , when thou art to go in unto the King of Heaven and Earth ? He that would make a good meal , even when he is to feast at anothers cost , must prepare his stomack beforehand by moderate fasting , or exercise . God expecteth that the hands be pure , but especially that the heart be prepared : The good Lord ( saith Hezekiah ) pardon every one that prepareth his heart , though it be not cleansed according to the purification of the Sanctuary . 2 Chro. 30.18 , 19. the King speaketh of those who came to the Passover with some ceremonial pollution , yet had moral purity ; and his words are to this purpose , Lord , though several of my people have failed , in regard of external purification ; let it please thee to pardon them , if they have minded internal preparation . Friend , there is no hope of remission , without this heart-preparation : The Devil himself would not come into an house , till it was ready swept and garnished , Mat. 12. And dost thou think that Jesus Christ will come into thy heart , while it lieth nastily and sluttishly , before the filth of sin be swept out , and it be garnished with the Graces of his Spirit . Surely that room had need be richly hung , with the embroidery of the Spirit , in which the glorious and blessed Potentate will sup and lodge . Where thy expectation is great from a person , there thy preparation must be great for him . Dost thou not look like Herod , to see some miracle done by Jesus , some extraordinary thing for thy soul ? Therefore I say to thee , as Joshua spake to the Israelites , Sanctifie your selves , for to morrow the Lord will do wonders amongst you , Josh. 3.5 . O sanctifie thy self , and to morrow ( on the Sacrament-day ) the Lord will do wonders for thee ; he will feast thee at his own Table ; he will feed thee with his own flesh ; he will give thee that love , which is better then wine ; he will embrace thee in his arms , and kiss thee with the kisses of his mouth ; he will delight thine eyes with the sight of his beautiful Person ; ravish thine ears , with the sound of his precious promises ; and rejoyce thine heart , with the assurance of his gracious pardon . O do but sanctifie thy self , and to morrow the Lord will do wonders for thee : This preparation consisteth in a serious examination of thy self , and a sincere humiliation for thy sins .

Thy serious examination of thy self , must be , First , Of the Good in thee . Secondly , Of the Evil done by thee .

Let a man examine himself , and so ( and no otherwise ) let him eat of this bread , and drink of this cup , 1 Cor. 11.28 . Examine himself , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : Some take it to be a Metaphor of a Goldsmith , as he trieth Gold in the fire whether it be pure or no ; so thy duty is to try thy graces , by the fire of the Word , whether they be true or not : So the word is used , 1 Pet. 1.7 . Others take it as an allusion to Ministers who are tried whether they are fit for their office or no , 1 Tim. 3.10 . so thou oughtest to try thy self , whether thou art fit for this Ordinance or no. This examination must be ;

First , Of the Good in thee , Thy duty is to examine thy self in general , concerning thy Regeneration , or spiritual life . The Sacrament is childrens bread , and it must not be given to dogs : Dogs must be without doors , not within , snatching the Meat from the Table ; Men must prove their right to the Purchase , before they take Possession ? He must have an interest in the Covenant of grace , who will finger the seal of the Covenant ; It is high Treason to annex the Kings broad Seal to forged Writings .

Thy Navel is like a round Goblet which wanteth not liquor , thy belly is like an heap of Wheat , set about with Lillies , Cant 7.2 . The words are Christs praise of his spouse , for her fruitfulness in bringing Children forth , and her faith fulness in bringing them up . By the Navel Expositors agree that Baptism is understood , by which ( as children by the Navel ) the members of the Church are nourished , even then when they are so feeble that they cannot feed themselves , but their whole sustenance is conveyed to them by others . By the belly is meant the Lords Supper ; Now observe the provision , how the Table is furnished , and the persons which are to sit at it . For the provision ; Thy belly is like an heap of Wheat . Ainsworth on the words observeth , that in those times , they brought their Corn in and stackt it up in heaps , so that as the belly distributeth to every part of the body its proportion of nourishment , and as an heap of Wheat satisfieth the hunger of , and affordeth strength to a whole Family , so doth the Church by this Sacrament bestow on all her children , ( through Christ ) that food which is needful for health and strength . The persons which are to eat of this Wheat , set about with lillies ; They must be Saints and are compared to Lilies . First , For their innocency , they are Lilly-white . Secondly , for their glory and Nobility . Mat. 6.29 . Pliny telleth us that Lilies are next to the Rose for Nobility ; Plin. l. 22. c. 5. Christ is the Rose of Sharon , the plant of most renown , but his Church is next to him . Thirdly , for the savour , Cant. 4.12 . The graces of beleivers are like sweet perfumes , and sented as far as Heaven . The Lords Supper is a Sacrament not of Regeneration , but of sustentation ; When the Prodigal came to himself , then the fatted Calf was killed for him , Luk. 15. Men must have natural life , before they can eat natural meat , and men must have spiritual life , before they can eat spiritual meat . It was an ancient abuse of the Sacrament , cast out by the Carthaginian Council , to give it to dead men . The invitation is not to Enemies but friends , Eat O friends , drink abundantly O beloved , Cant. 5.1 . The waters of life is onely for the thirsty , and the bread of life onely for the hungry ; the Shew-bread under the Law was to be eaten onely by the Priests , Lev. 24.9 . so the bread of the Sacrament is to be eaten onely by such as are spiritual Priests unto God , as Saints are , Rev. 1.5 .

Reader , examine thy self therefore whether thou art born again or no. Look into the Word of God , and compare thy self with the Characters which are there given of new born Creatures . They are sometimes described by their hearts . God is good to Israel , to such as are of a clean heart . Psa. 73.1 . Their hearts are clean , not with a legal cleanness , which denyeth the being of sin in them ; In that sense none can say I have made my heart clean ( this spotless robe is reserved for the Saints wearing in the other World ) but with an Evangelical cleanness , which denyeth the dominion of sin over them ( this cleanly garment is the Saints ordinary attire in this world . ) We call River-water clean water , though there be some kind of illness and impurity in it , because it will not ( like pond water ) mingle with it , and suffer the filth to rest there , but worketh it out , and seadeth it forth in its scum and froth . Now how is it with thee Friend ? Doth sin rest quietly in thee ? or is it resisted by thee ? Dost thou love sin or loath sin ? Dost thou count it thy pleasure or thy poison ? When the body is dead , Vermine crawl in it without opposition . When the soul is dead , lusts abound in it and reign without any considerable disturbance . An unclean heart is quickly overcome by sin . As when a Chimny is foul , it is apt to be fired by every spark that flieth up , whereas when it is clean , though many flye up it remaineth safe ; so when the heart is unclean , Satan can no sooner throw in his fiery Darts , but presently it is in a flame ; whereas a clean heart is like wet tinder not so soon burning when he strikes fire . Godly men as they have clean hearts , so they have clean hands , Job 17.9 . The hand is the instrument of action ; by clean hands , the Spirit of God meaneth clean and holy actings .

Saints are described by their lives . They walk after the Spirit . They order their conversations aright . Per brachium fit judicium de corde , was Galens rule . Physitians feel the pulse of the Arme , that they may know the state of the vitals ; Now how beats the pulse of thy conversation ? according to that , judge of the soundness or sickness of thy constitution . Dost thou walk in reference to thy self soberly , in reference to others righteously , in reference to God religiously ? Rom. 8.1 , 5. Tit. 2.12 .

Thy duty is to examine thy self in particular also of those graces , which are specially requisite in a Communicant . Of thy knowledge to discern the Lords body . There is a competency of knowledge needful if thou wouldst receive acceptably . Dost thou know the threefold estate of man ? His Innocency , Apostacy , and Recovery . What a pure piece he was , how holy when he came out of Gods hands ! what a miserable polluted creature he hath made himself by disobeying God , and harkning to the Tempter ! what a glorious remedy God hath provided to restore man to his primitive purity ! Dost thou know God as he discovereth himself in his works , but especially as he is represented in the Glass of his word ? Dost thou know Jesus Christ , his two Natures , his three Offices , how he executeth them , both in his estate of humiliation , and exaltation ? Dost thou know the nature and end of the Lords Supper ?

An ignorant person can no more discern Christs body , then a person stark blind can discern the bread . God hath expresly forbidden lame and blind Sacrifices , Mal. 1.8 . The Hypocrits Sacrifice is Lame , for he halteth in Gods Way . The ignorant persons Sacrifice is blind , for he can give no account of his own work . When the Leprosie was in the head , the Priest was to pronounce the party utterly unclean , exclude him the Camp , Lev. 13.44 . Do not say , though thou art ignorant , yet thy heart is good , when God himself saith ; Without knowledge the mind is not good : Fish stink first in the head , and then the whole body putrifieth .

Examine thy Faith . This grace is thy spiritual taste , without which thou canst relish nothing on the Table . This is the Bucket , and if it be wanting I may say to thee as the Woman to Christ , The Well is deep , and thou hast nothing to draw with . This is the hand to receive Christ , Joh. 1.12 . This is as the Armes whereby we imbrace Christ . They embraced the promises by faith , Heb. 11.13 . As loving friends that have been a great while asunder , when they meet together , hug and embrace each other in their Arms ; so the Christian who longeth to see Jesus Christ in the promises , when at a Sacrament he meeteth him , huggeth and embraceth him in the Arms of faith .

Examine not so much the strength as the truth of thy faith . The wings of a Dove may help her to mount up towards Heaven , as well as the wings of an Eagle . Try whether thy faith be unfeigned , 1 Tim. 1.5 . What price dost thou set upon Christ ? To them that beleive , Christ is precious , 1 Pet. 2.7 . An unbeleiver ( like the Indians ) seeth no worth in this golden Mine , but preferreth a peice of Glass , or a few painted Beads , mean , earthly things before it ; but a beleiver ( like the Spaniard ) knoweth the value of it , and will venture through all stormes and tempests that he may enjoy it . Dost thou prise the precepts of Christ , the promises of Christ , the people of Christ , the person of Christ ( is that altogether lovely in thine eyes ) and the passion of Christ ? Is thy greatest glory in Christs shameful Cross ? Dost thou esteem it above the highest Emperours most glorious Crown ? One of Englands Kings , bestowed as much on a Crucifix , as the revenues of his Crown were worth in a Year . God forbid ( saith Paul ) that I should glory save in the Cross of Christ , Gal. 6.14 .

Doth thy faith purifie thine heart ? Having their hearts purified by faith , Acts 15.9 . The hand of faith which openeth the Door to let Christ into the heart , sweepeth the heart clean . Faith looks to be like Christ in glory and faith ; labours to resemble Christ in grace . An unbeleiver ( like a sluttish Woman ) though he keep the room of his life a little clean , which others daily observe , yet he cares not how dirtily those rooms of his inward man lye , which are out of their fight ; unbeleiving and defiled are joyned together , Tit. 1.15 .

Examine thy love , The primitive Christians kissed each other at the Supper , which they called Osculum pacis , A kiss of peace . They had their feasts of charity , Jude v. 12. The bread which we eat , is it not the Communion of the body of Christ ? As the bread is made of many grains , and the cup of wine of many grapes united ; so is the body of Christ of many members , united under one head . Eating together was ever a sign of love and friendship . Joseph hereby shewed his love to his brethren . The Sons of Brutus , Plutarch . in vita Publico . and the Vitellii when they conspired with Tarquins Ambassadours , against the Consul , drank the blood of a man together , to confirm their amity . Even Beasts have been brought to agree , by feeding at the same Rack .

Now Reader what love-fire hast thou for this love-feast ?

Dost thou love the brethren as brethren , because they are related to God , and because they have the Image of God ? Or dost thou love them onely for the natural qualities in them , and their courtesie to thee ? this fire I must tell thee is Kitchin fire , which must be fed with such course fuel ; the former onely is the fire which is taken from Gods Altar ? Dost thou love Christ in a Cottage as well as in a Court ? Dost thou love a poor as well as a rich Christian ? Dost thou love grace in rags , as much as grace in robes ? Is it their honour or their holiness which thou dost admire ?

As thy duty is to examine thy self concerning thy graces , so also concerning thy corruptions . Before a Sacrament there should be a through search for all thy sins . The Jews before their passover searched all over their houses for leaven , nay they searched every corner and Mouse-hole with a wax Candle ( as some write . ) There is a threefold leaven ; First , a leaven of Hypocrisie , Beware of the leaven of the Pharises , which is Hypocrisie , Luk. 12.1 . Secondly , a leaven of Heresie , a little leaven , leaveneth the whole lump , Gal. 5.9 . Thirdly , a leaven of Enormity or scandal , purge out the old leaven , 1 Cor. 5.7 . Thy care must be to make a diligent enquiry for all this leaven . The iniquities of wicked men will find them out , but good men will finde out their iniquities . I know mine iniquites , saith David , Psa . 51. When evil humours lie hid in the body , they hinder the strength it might get by food . When sins lye undiscovered in the soul , they will hinder its digesting spiritual meat and drink .

At a Sessions there are some indictments read , and ( it may be ) some execution done ; but at an Assize there are many Malefactours arraigned , and many executed , the Goal is then cleared of those vermine ; A Christian should keep a petty Sessions in his heart every day , do what he can for the conviction and condemnation of his sins ; but before a Sacrament , he must keep an Assize , there must be a general Goal delivery ; all his sins must be sought after , indicted and executed ; the room of his heart must be cleared of those vipers . Particularly examine thy self of thy sins since the last Sacrament ; how forgetful thou hast been of the Oath of the Lord , which thou dist then enter into ; be not slight or formal in searching after thy sins , like some officers , that willingly over-look the Theeves they search for ; but be as diligent to find them out , as thou wouldst be to find out the Murderers of thy father or best friend .

But be sure thou compare thy heart and life with the Law of God . O how many spots will that glass discover . When the woman hath swept her house and gathered the dust up altogether , she thinks there is none left , but when the Sun doth but shine in through some broken Pane of Glass , she seeth the whole House swarm with innumerable Motes of dust , floating too and fro in the Air. The light of Gods law will make innumerable sins visible to thee , which without it will lie hid .

2. There is requisite as a serious examination of thy self , so also sincere humiliation for thy sins . The cleanly Dame is careful always to keep her Peuter and Brass clean , but against a good time , she is very curious to have her Vessels not onely clean but bright , and for this end she will not onely wash them but take much pains in scouring them ; Christian , Now is the good time before which thou shouldst scour the vessel of thy heart , that no dirt ( if possible ) may stick to it . This true humiliation consisteth partly in mourning for sin , partly in turning from sin .

1. In mourning for sin . The Pharisees would not eat their common bread with unwashed hands , least they should transgress the traditions of their Elders . Friend , if thou shouldst eat this sacred bread with an unwashed heart , thou wilt horribly transgress the Commandment of thy God . The Jews did eat the Passover with bitter hearbs , and truely we Gentiles must eat a broken body with broken bones . The more bitter sin is to thee before , the more sweet thy Saviour will be to thee at the Sacrament ; Blessed are they that mourn , for they shall be comforted , Mat. 5.3 . A wet seed time will bring a Sun-shiny and plentiful Harvest . One of the Fathers observeth that David the greatest mourner in Israel , was the sweetest singer in Israel . Beanes thrive best if steept in water before they be sown , and truely so will thy soul if steept in godly sorrow before thou goest to the Sacrament . Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish , and wine to these that are of heavy hearts . Prov. 31.6 . When thy heart is heavy under the sense of thine unholiness , and thou art ready to perish under the weight of thy wickedness , then Jesus Christ will give thee that wine , that blood which will refresh and make thine heart glad .

Those Trees shoot highest in Summer , that shoot lowest into the earth in Winter ; No Christian usually riseth so high in consolation , as he that is cast down lowest in Evangelical humiliation . There are two in the New Testament famous for their contrition , and they are famous for Gods respect and affection to them . Mary was a great mourner , We seldom have a view of her in Scripture without dew on her face , and tears in her eyes , Luk. 7.38 , 39. Luk. 23.27 , 28. Joh. 19.25 . and 20.11 , 15. But she had the special honour and favour of seeing the best sight which ever mortal eyes beheld before all others ; even the blessed Redeemer in the first step of his exaltation . Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week , he appeared first to Mary Magdalen out of whom he had cast seven Devils , Mark 16.9 . Mary had sinned greatly , and sorrowed greatly , and was upon it greatly respected by God . Peter wept bitterly ; A look from love broke his heart in peices ; but Christ took special care to bind up this broken heart , to pour Oyl into his wounded conscience , and therefore when a messenger is dispatched from Heaven to acquaint the World with the joyful news of the Saviours resurrection , no name is particularly mentioned in his commission but Peters . God gives him an express command , that whosoever should remain ignorant of those happy tidings , he should be sure that Peter have notice of it . Go your way ( saith the Angel ) Tell his Disciples and Peter , that he goeth before you into Galilee , there ye shall see him . When a King hath some extra-ordinary good news , and sendeth a Courtier to acquaint his intimate friends with it , but chargeth him , Tell them all of it , but be sure such an Earl have notice of it ; whoever you forget , remember him ; All will conclude this is the favourite ; Peter thought that because he had forsworn Christ , therefore Christ might justly forget him ; but Christ took such care that if but one in the World besides those two Women at the Sepulchre , had notice of his Resurrection , penitent Peter should be the man . O the Rhetorique , the power of an unfeigned tear ! Repentance hath more prevalency with the blessed God , then all the robes , riches , crowns and Diadems of the greatest Potentates in the World .

O Reader , if thou would have heavenly musick at the feast , mind this holy mourning ; when Josephs brethren were sensible of their sin in selling him , then and not till then he made them a feast . Jesus Christ made the best wine that ever was , of water . The Bee ( Naturalists tell us ) gather the best hony of the bitterest hearb ; God hath solid joy for the broken bones , the contrite spirit ; cast up the accounts betwixt God and thy soul , see how infinitely thou art indebted to his Majesty , Abhor thy self , with Job , Bemoan thy self , with Ephraim , and judge thy self ( as Paul enjoyneth his Corinthians , in relation to this ordinance ) as ever thou wouldst have God at the Sacrament to seal thee a general acquittance .

Sacrament-days are sealing days ; God doth then seal his love and stamp his Image more fairly on the soul ; now if thy heart be melted into godly sorrow , and made thereby like soft wax , thou wilt be fit for this seal and stamp . The Hart in grasing kills and eates a Serpent whith so inflames her , that she can have no rest till she drink of the water brooks . Repentance will make thee feel the scorching nature of that Serpent , sin , and thereby long for and relish the water of life .

2. There must be a turning from sin . Thou canst never communicate with true comfort , if thou dost not communicate with a clear conscience . Purch . Pilgrim . vol. 2. p. 1477. The Mahumetans before they enter into their Temples , wash their feet , and when they are entring in put off their Shoos . As thy duty is to wash thy soul in godly sorrow , so also to put off thy sinful affections , before thou entrest into Gods house to partake of this Ordinance . If God takes it ill when men take his Name into their mouthes , who hate to be reformed , how ill will he take it , if such take the body and blood of his Son into their mouthes ! Christs body was not to see corruption , neither will it mingle with corruption . He lay in a new womb , in a new tomb , and he will lye in a new heart . When sin is cast out , then Jesus Christ will enter into thy soul . Draw nigh to God , and he will draw nigh to you . But mark how they must prepare themselves , who would approach the Lord , Cleanse your hearts ye sinners , and purifie your hands ye double minded . Ja. 4.8 , 9.

The Jews before the Passover cleansed all their Vessels , which they feared might have Leaven sticking to them , burnt all the Leaven they could find , and cursed all in their houses whether found or not found ; as their Antiquaries informe us . Truely when thou goest to the Supper , it concerneth thee to cleanse thy soul of the leaven of sin ; by an high indignation at it , and hearty resolution against it . Purge out therefore the old leaven , that ye may be a new lump ; for Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us . Therefore let us keep the feast not with the old leaven , nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness , but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth , 1 Cor. 5.7 , 8. Reader , It would be a trampling under foot the blood of Christ , and counting it as an unholy thing , if thou shouldst go to the Table of the Lord with love to any lust ; For the Lords sake , and for thy souls sake , take heed of padling in the blood of Christ as if it were Kennel water . Alass , thou dost little less if thou partakest of the Sacrament without anger and indignation against every sin . True repentance implyeth an aversion from sin . If they shall humble themselves , and turn from their evil ways , 2 Chron. 7.14 . The burnt Child will dread the fire . The man that hath smarted for surety-ship , will by no means be perswaded to come again into bonds ; Urge him to it never so much , he will tell you he hath paid dear for it , and therefore you must excuse him ; he is resolved , nay hath vowed against it , and though he be never so much intreated , is still inexorable . The Christian who hath truely repented , is so sensible of the weight of sin and wrath of God , that he is resolved never more to meddle with those burning coals ; Alas they are too heavy for him : David that had repented of his sin , would not drink of that water which had but been the occasion of hazarding mens lives , though before he could drink the blood of Vriah . Penitent Peter though before he was so full of self confidence , that he preferred himself before the other Apostles ; Though all deny thee , yet will not I ; yet afterwards , though occasion were offered him of commending himself , forbears it ; Peter , lovest thou me more then these ? Lord thou knowest I love thee . He saith , not more then these . O Reader , It was Esaus expression , The days of mourning for my father are coming , and then I will slay my brother Jacob ; so say thou , The days of mourning for the death of my dear Saviour , and everlasting father are come , and now I will slay my most beloved lusts ; now will I be revenged of them for their endeavour to rob me of my spiritual birth-right , to wrong me of my eternal blessing .

This repentance exercised before the Sacrament , would prepare thy stomach for the Feast , it would cleanse it , and cause it to savour the dainties there ; It would make the hungry , and hunger is the best sauce . Artaxerxes flying for his life , fed on barly bread , and a few dryed figs , and said , It was the best meal that ever he made .

When thou hast thus prepared thy stomach for this heavenly Banquet , take heed of relying upon thy pains , and preparation , either for a right performance of the duty , or for thine acceptance in the Ordinance . Many a poor creature I am perswaded goeth with much humiliation for sin , and cometh away without any consolation , because they made a Saviour of their sorrow . Praise thy Physition , if he have made the sensible of thy sickness , but do not provoke him by making thy pain to be the plaister for thy cure . Alas , thy preparation it self needeth much pardon ; if God should deal strictly with thee , thy prayers would be found dung , thy sighs unsavory breath , thy very tears puddle water . Reflect on them thy self , and compare them with the Law of God , and thou wilt find cause to pray over thy prayers , to weep over thy tears , to be ashamed of thy shame , and to abhor thy self for thy self abhorrency .

Do not think with thy self , I have examined my heart faithfully , and find that I do not come short of the grace of God ; I have acknowledged mine iniquities , and been sorrowful for my sins , and therefore I cannot miscarry at this Sacrament . Such a trusting of thy self , would be a tempting of thy Saviour , and would certainly hinder the success of the Sacrament : It would be to thee , as the cutting off Sampsons locks was to him : Judg 16.20 . He thought to have gone forth as at other times , and shake himself : And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him . Thou mayest think after such self-confidence , to go to the Lords Supper as at other times ; but alas , what wilt thou do ? for the Lord will depart from thee ; and then what sport will Satan and sin , those uncircumcised ones make with thee ?

Reader , let me perswade thee when thou hast been diligent in the trial of thy spiritual estate , and hast with many tears bewailed the pollution of thy nature , and transgressions of thy life , to cast thy self wholly upon Jesus Christ for assistance in the duty . As Jehosaphat when he had 50000. men ready Armed for the battel , cryed out , O Lord our God , we have no might against this great company , 2 Chron. 20.6 neither know we what to do , but our eyes are unto thee . So after thou hast made the greatest preparation possible , as beleiving the weight and worth of the supper , the purity and Majesty of the Master of the Feast , do thou look up to Christ and say , Lord , I have no ability , no might for this great supper , for a right performance of this great ordinance , neither know I what to do but my eys are unto thee . When Asa had an Army of two hundredand fourscore thousand men of valour to fight with the Ethiophians , he prayeth and trusteth to God , as if he had not one man . Lord , it is nothing for thee to help , whether with many , or with them that have no power . Help us O Lord God , for we rest on thee , 2 Chron. 8 , 1. and in thy name we go against this great multitude . So do thou say , Lord , I have no power for this holy Supper ; help me O Lord my God , for I rest on thee , and in thy name I go to this great and weighty Ordinance . Truely couldst thou after all the provision thou hast made , disclaim it wholly in regard of dependance , and cast thy self on Christ for assistance , I durst be the Prophet to foretel a good day . The gaudy flower which standeth upon its own stalk , doth quickly wither , when the plain Ivy that depends upon the house and leans on it , is fresh and green all the year ; He that trusteth to his own legs in this duty , is as sure to fall as if he were down already ; the weak child walketh safest that all the way holdeth by , and hangeth upon its parent .

If thou wert now going to receive , be advised to write after Davids Copy . He looked up to God , both for assistance and acceptance ; I will go in the strength of the Lord , I will make mention of thy righteousness , yea of thine onely , Psa. 71.16 . Let thy practice be sutable to his , when thou goest out of thy house ; And let thy prayer be the same with the Spouses when thou art entring into Gods house ; O then look up to heaven and cry mightily , Awake thou Northwind , and come O South , blow upon my Garden , that the Spices thereof may flow out . Let my beloved come into his Garden , and eat his pleasant fruits , Cant. 4. ult.

CHAP. XIX . How a Christian may exercise himself to godliness at the Table .

I Come to the second particular about the Lords Supper , Secondly , and that is thy behaviour at the Table , or in the time of receiving . In reference to which I would advise thee , 1. To mind the sutable subjects which are to be considered at it . 2. To observe the special graces which are to be exercised in it . There are three principal subjects of meditation when thou approachest the Table , in order to the three graces which must then be acted . The Subjects of meditation are Christs passion , his affection , and thy own corruptions . The three graces are Faith , Love , and godly sorrow . Christs death is sure footing for Faith . Paul never desired better , 1 Cor. 2.2 . it is not onely an elect and precious , but a tried stone and a sure foundation on which whosoever beleiveth shall never be confounded . Isa. 28.16 . Faith picks excellent food from this heavenly carkass . The love of Christ displayed in his death , causeth and calleth forth the love of a Christian . Faith bringeth the soul ( that is like a dead coal ) near to the live coals of Gods burning love , in giving his onely Son , and Christs burning love in giving himself , and by these it is turned into fire , all in a flame of love ; as the Eccho answereth the voice , it returneth the love it receiveth . Our own sins meditated on , stit up the third grace , which is godly sorrow . Though indeed this liquor will run from any of the three Vessels , if they be but peirced . When Christ hung upon the Cross under the weight of Gods wrath , water came out of his sides as well as blood . Who can think of his sufferings without sorrow ? and of his blood without tears ? His love in its heat , may well thaw the most frozen spirit ; but sin the cause of his sufferings will like a knife cut and prick to the heart indeed ; but

First , I begin with the subjects of meditation , and among them in the first place with the passion of Christ .

First , Meditate now on the suffering of thy Saviour ; the wound of Christ out of which came precious balsom to heal all thy sinful sores , ought never to be forgotten ; but the remembrance of them is never so seasonable as at a Sacrament . One end of the institution of this Ordinance , was the commemoration of Christs death ; As oft as ye eat this brrad , and drink this cup , ye shew forth the Lords death till he come , 1 Cor. 11.26 , 27. The Sacrament is a lively crucifix , wherein Jesus Christ is evidently set forth , crucified before thine eyes . When thou seest the bread and wine consecrated and set apart , consider how God the Father did from eternity set a part his onely Son for his bloody passion , and thy blessed redemption . Consider he was a Lamb slain before the foundation of the World . When thou seest the bread and wine upon the Table , consider that as the Corn was ground in the Mill , to make that bread , and the grapes squezed to make that wine , so thy Saviour was beaten in the Mill , and Wine-press of his Fathers wrath , before he could be meat indeed , and drink indeed , to nourish thee unto life everlasting . When thou seest the bread broken in peices , think how the body of Christ was broken for thine iniquities . It pleased the Lord to bruise him ( as Spice is beaten small in a mortar with a Pessel , so the word signifieth , Isa. 53.10 . ) Well might he cry out , I am feeble and sore broken , I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart , Psa. 38.8 . When thou seest the Wine poured out , meditate on his precious blood , which was shed for many , for the remission of sins . O consider his wounds and his words , I am poured out like water , and all my bones are on t of joynt , my heart is like Wax , it is melted in the midst of my bowels , Psa: 22.14 . Consider the doleful tragedy which he acted from first to last ; Meditate on his incarnation . For the Son of God to become the Son of man ; for him that lived from all eternity to be born in time ; for him that thundereth in the clouds , to cry in the Cradle ; for him that created all things , to become a creature , is a greater suffering , then if all the men and Angels in this and the other World were crowded into an atome , or turned into nothing . This was the first and greatest step of his humiliation . Consider the manner of his birth ; he was born , not of some great Princes , but of mean and indigent Parents ; not in a Royal Palace , but in a place where Beggers and Beasts are entertained , a Stable ; he was no sooner born , but sought after to be butchered . He fled for his life in his very swadling clouts , and was an early Martyr indeed . When he grew up , though he was of ability to have sway'd the Scepter of all the Empires in the World , to have instructed the greatest Potentates and Counsellours in the mysteries of wisdom and knowledge ; though to him Adam and Solomon , yea and Angels themselves were fools ; yet he lived privately with his supposed Father many years , and suffered his deity to be hid as light in a Dark Lanthorn neer thirty years , save that once it darted a little out , when at twelve years of age he disputed , which confuted the great Rabbies of the Jews , Luk. 2.46 .

When he entred upon his publique Ministry , he is no sooner ascended the Stage , but all the Divels in Hell appear against him , and he is forced to fight hand to hand with them for forty days together , and when they left him , they did not take their leave , but departed onely for a season , Luk. 4.13 . His whole life was a living death . How poor was he , when he was fain to work a miracle to pay his Tax ! The Foxes had holes , and the Birds of the Air had Nests , but the Son of man had not where to lay his head , though he were heir of all things , Mat. 8.20 . What did he suffer in his name , when the worst words in the mouths of the Jews were thought not bad enough for him ? He is called the Carpenters Son , a Glutton , a Drunkard , a Blasphemer , a friend of Publicans and sinners , a Samaritan , a Devil , nay the Prince of Devils . What hunger , and thirst , and weariness did he undergo ? He that feeds others with his own flesh , had many an hungry belly . He that gave others that water of which whosoever drinketh shall thirst no more , had his own veins sucking and paining him for thirst . He that is himself the onely Ark for the weary Dove to flie too for rest , did himself take many a wearisom step , and travail many a tiresome journey . Well might the Prophet call him , a man of sorrows , and acquainted with greifs , though he had suffered no more then what is already written , but all this was but the beginning of his sorrows . The dregs of the cup were at the bottom . Doubtless many an aking heart had he ( as a Woman with Child ) beforehand when he thought of the bitter pangs , sharp throws , and hard labour , which he was to suffer at the close of his life . O Friend , Remember this Son of David and all his troubles ; but to come to his end which is specially represented in this Ordinance ; I will take him in the Garden , where he felt more then I can write or think . Consider his body there , it was all over in a goar blood ; Ah what suffered he when he did sweat clods of blood . To sweat blood is against nature , much more in a cold season , most of all when he was full of fear and terrour , then the blood retreats to the heart to guard it , and to be guarded by it .

But behold , Reader , thy Saviour for thy sake , and under the weight of thy sins , did sweat blood in a cold night , when he was exceedingly afraid : Ah , who would not love such a Saviour ; and who would not loath sin ! But the sufferings of his body were nothing , to the sufferings of his soul ; these were the soul of his sufferings . Observe his expression , My soul is exceeding sorrowful : My soul is sorrowful unto death . Vnto death ; not onely Extensively , seventeen or eighteen hours , till death ended his life ; but chiefly Intensively , such sorrow as the pangs of death bring , surely far greater . Again , Father , if it be possible , let this cup pass from me : Wise and valiant men do not complain of nothing . Ah , how bitter was that cup which Valour and Resolution it self seemed unwilling to drink ! The two most tormenting passions which are , Fear and Grief , did now seize upon him in the highest degree : He began to be sorrowful , and very heavy , saith Matthew , Chap. 26. vers. 37. He began to be sore amazed , and very heavy , saith Mark , Chap. 14. vers. 33.

Reader , follow him farther ; One Disciple selleth him at the price of a Slave ; another Disciple forsweareth him ; all of them for sake him , and fly ; the greedy Wolves lay hold on this innocent Lamb ; the bloody Jews apprehend him , binde his hands like a Thief , and hale him away to the High-Priest ; then they hire persons to belye Truth it self : But when their testimony was insufficient , upon his own most holy confession , a sentence of condemnation is past upon him . Consider now how the servants smite his blessed cheeks with their fists , and spit on that beautiful face with their mouths , which Angels counted their honor to behold ; the Masters flout him with their scornful carriage , and mock him with their petulant language : He must be the sink into which they fling all their silth . Afterwards they carry him to Pilate ; he sendeth him to Herod ; Herod with some scorns and scoffs sendeth him back : Thus is he , like a foot-bal , spurned up and down between those inhumane wretches : Pilate tears his flesh with wounds and wails , and presenteth him to the people with a crown of Thorns on his head , to move pity ; the people thirsting after his blood , can by no words be perswaded , by no means be prevailed with , to let this innocent Dove escape . Though he be put in competition with a Murtherer , yet the Murtherer is preferred before him ; and as the worst of the two , he is at last condemned as a seditious person , and a Traytor against Caesars Crown and Dignity , to be crucified without the gate , lest the City should be polluted with his blood . Now , Reader , come along like the beloved Disciple , and behold thy Saviour bearing his own Cross , and going to the place of execution , to dye the death of a Slave ; for no Freeman was ever crucified ; therefore Julian in derision called him , The staked God . He is no sooner come to the dismal place of dead mens skulls , but they tear off his cloathes ( and some think skin and all ) glued to his back with their bloody scourgings . Now they stretch his body , as cloth with tenters , and rack it so that his bones start out of his skin : ( I may tell all my bones , Psal. 22.17 . ) in nailing his two hands to the two horns , and his feet ( those parts so full of nerves and sinews , and so the most sensible of any parts of the body ) to the stump of the Cross : ( They digged my hands and my feet : ) and hang him up between two Thieves , as the most notorious Malefactor of the three : He was numbred among the Trangressors . His bloody , watching , fasting , scorched , wracked body , is oppressed with exquisite pain , and his anguish so vehement , that he cryeth out , I thirst ; to quench which , they give him vinegar and gall , and spice it with a scoff to make it rellish the better ; Let us see whether Elias will come and save him . But Oh! who can imagine what he suffered in his soul , when he hung under the weight of mens revenge , Devils rage , the Laws curse , and the Lords wrath ! Men revile him , wagging their heads , and saying , Thou that destroyest the Temple , and buildest it in three days , save they self : He saved others , himself he cannot save : To him that was afflicted , pity should have been shewn ; but they added affliction to the afflicted , and forsook the fear of the Almighty . All the Devils in Hell were now putting forth their utmost power and policy ( for this was their hour , and the power of darkness ) to encrease his sufferings , that if possible , they might provoke him to sin , thereby to have separated his Humane nature from his Divine , that it might have perished eternally , and all mankinde with it ; but the sting of his death is yet behind . The head of that arrow which pierced his heart indeed , was the frown of his Father : That his Kinsmen , the Jews , whom he came to sanctifie and redeem ; ( for he was the glory of his people Israel ) should deliver him up to be crucified , was not a small aggravation of his misery : That his Apostles that had been eye-witnesses of his miracles , and ear-witnesses of his Oracles ( to whom he had spoken so pathetically , Will ye also forsake me ? and who had told him so resolutely , We will go with thee into prison , and to death , Luke 22.33 . Mat. 26.35 . ) should now in his greatest extremity turn their backs upon him , added some more gall to his bitter cap : That his Mother should stand by the Cross weeping , and have her soul pierced through with the sword of his sufferings , was far from being an allay to his sorrows ; but that his Father , of whom he had often boasted , It is my Father that honoreth me , My Father loveth me , I and my Father are one , should now in his low estate , in his day of adversity , in his critical hour , not onely not help him , and leave him alone , as an harmless Dove , amongst so many ravenous Vultures , to contest with all the fury of Earth and Hell ; but also pour out the Vials of his own Wrath upon him , and ( though the Union was not dissolved , yet ) suffer the beams , the influences to be restrained , that he might fully bear the curse of the Law , and feel the weight of sin ; this was the hottest fire in which the Paschal Lamb was roasted ; this caused that Heart-breaking , Soul-cutting , Heaven-piercing expression , My God , My God , why hast thou forsaken me ! O how ! how justly might he have cryed out with Joh. Have pity upon me my friend , have pity upon me , for the hand ( not onely of my Enemies and my friends , of multitudes of men , and of Legions of Divels , but the hand ) of God hath touched me . How truely might the Husband have taken up his Spouses lamentation . Is it nothing to you , all ye that pass by ? Behold and see , if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow , which is done unto me , wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me , in the day of his fierce anger . Ah who can write or read such a tragedy with dry eyes .

Friend , when thou art at the Sacrament , think of these sufferings , and beleive it , they will make work among thy sins . When thou takest the cup of wine , do not forget the cup of Worm-wood , which thy Saviour drunk for thy sake ; he drank of the Brook in the way , he drank the cup of his Fathers wrath infinitely imbittered with the curse of the law , that thou mightest drink the cup of blessing . At the Table obey his own command , Do this in remembrance of me .

Secondly , Meditate on the affection of Christ . We will remember thy love more then wine , saith the Spouse , when thou seest the wine ; think of that love which is better then wine . Belevie it , if ever there were a love-feast , this is it . Men testifie their love in bestowing food on their hungry friends , but ah what love was that which gave his blessed body and precious blood to feed his starving enemies . He that considereth what Christ suffered , and for whom , may well think he was little else , but a lump of love ; His compassion is infinitely visible in his passion . What love was that which moved him to lay down his life for thee ! Friend , if ever thou hadst hard thoughs of Christ , take a view of him in the former subject of meditation , and consider whether his heart be not set upon sinners , when he shed his heart blood for their souls . The redness of the fire discovers its heat . O how did the redness of this Rose of Sharon , the blood which issued from his head , and back , and hands , and feet , and heart , and whole body , speak his burning , his fiery love ! Well might the Apostle John joyn and pair those Turtle-Doves ; Who hath loved us and washed us in his blood , Rev. 1.5 . In every drop of his blood there is an Ocean of love . Well might the Apostle Paul p●oduce this as an undeniable testimony of the truth of his love , Who loved me , and gave himself for me , Gal. 2.20 . His bleeding passion was such a full demonstration of his dearest affection , as the whole World never saw the like before , nor ever shall again . In it his love was dissected and ript up ; you may tell all its bones . Judas gave him to the Jews , out of love to money ; The Jews gave him to Pilate to becondemned , out of love to envy ; Pilate gives him to the Souldiers to be Crucified , out of love to self interest ; but Christ gave himself out of pure love to save souls . The great and glorious God doth things that are singularly eminent for the manifestation of his attributes . When he would evidence his power , he produceth with a word the whole creation out of the barren Womb of nothing ; He did but will it , and the whole world presently started into a being . By this he often proves his deity , Isa. 45.12 . Isa. 43.11 . As shadows represent the figure of those bodies from whence they are derived , so do the creatures manifest the power of their Maker .

When he would manifest his Justice , he layeth the dark vault of Hell , and layeth in , and storeth it with fire , and brimstone , and chains , and blackness of darkness , and gnawing wormes , and pure wrath , and Devils , and all the instruments of eternal death , Rom. 9.22 . When he would make known his wisdom , he findeth out a fit Mediatour , and thereby reconcileth those attributes which before were at ods , his justice and his mercy . When man was fallen , justice pleaded for his deserved damnation , according to the threatnings of the law ; mercy pleadeth for his gracious salvation , he being deluded by the Devil . Now it would have non-plust the heads of all the men and Angels in the World , had they been united in a consultation , to have found out a way to satisfie both the demands of justice , and the intreaties of mercy ; but God did it ; he causeth mercy and justice to meet together , pity and righteousness to kiss each other ; therefore the Mediatour is called the Wisdom of God , 1 Cor. 1.14 and the finding out this way is called the manifold wisdom of God , or the embroydered Wisdom of God , Eph. 3.10 . It s an allusion to a curious peice of Needle-work , wherein there are various expressions of Art . So in this way of mans recovery , there are various and curious expressions of divine wisdom . But when God would proclaim his love , that attribute which like Oyl swimmeth at the top of them all , which is most in favour , which he delighteth so exceedingly in , what will he do ? Why , he layeth down his life , greater love then this hath no man , then that a man lay down his life for his friends . Joh. 15.13 . Jacob shewed his love to Rachel by enduring the heat of the day , and the cold of the night for her . But Jesus shewed his love to his beautiful Spouse , by undergoing the cursed , painful , and shameful death of the Cross for her . O what love was that ? It is storied of the Pelican , that when her young ones are stung with some poisonous Serpent , she beats her breast with her beak , till the warm blood gusheth out , which they suck and recover . We were all stung mortally by the Old Serpent the Devil , but behold the love of this heavenly Pelican , he lets out his heart blood to recover us . In his birth and life he manifested his love , the midst of that Chariot in which he drew his Spouse before , was paved with love ; but his death wrot his love in the greatest Print , in the largest Character , though all in red letters , for his whole body was the book , his precious blood was the ink , the nails were the pens , the contents of it from the beginning to the end are Love , Love . There is nothing else to be read , but Love , Love in this was manifest the Love of God ( saith the Apostle , 1 John 4.9 . ) His love before was glorious , yet hid as the Sun under a cloud , but at his death it did shine forth in its Meridian Splendor , in its noon-day brightness , with such hot beams and refreshing rays , that every one must needs take notice of it . The Jews say of Esdras , that if the Lamp of Love were quite extinct , it might be lighted again at his brain : How true is this of Christ ? If Love were quite lost amongst all the Creatures , all might be found in Jesus Christ : His name is love , his nature is love , all his expressions were love , all his actions were love , he brought love , he bought love , he preached love , his lips dropt love ; he practised love , he lived in love , he was sick of love , nay he dyed for love ; 't was love that took upon him our natures , 't was love that walked in our flesh , 't was love that went up and down doing good , 't was love that took our infirmities ; 't was love that gave sight to the blinde , speech to the dumb , ears to the deaf , life to the dead ; 't was love that was hungry , and thirsty , and weary ; 't was love that was in a bloody agony ; 't was love that was sorrowful unto his own death , and my life ; 't was love that was betrayed , apprehended , derided , scourged , condemned , and crucified ; 't was love that had his head pierced with thorns , his back with cords , his hands and feet with nails , and his side with a spear ; 't was love that cryed out , Weep not for me , weep for your selves : Father , forgive them , they know not what they do : Love left a glorious Crown , and love climbed a shameful Cross : O dearest Saviour , whither did thy love carry thee !

Reader , I could lose my self in this pleasant Maze of Christs love : Methinks thy heart should be ravished with the sense of this love . The truth is , it is a bottomless love , none can sound it ; the Apostle might well call it , A known unknown love , Ephes. 3.19 . It is well thou canst finde it , but I am sure thou canst not fadom it . One Disciple may shew his love to another , by giving a cup of cold water ; but the Master shewed his love to his Disciples , by broaching his heart to give them a cup of warm blood . The Sacraments , as Calvin observeth , did flow out of the sides of Christ : When the Souldier pierced his side , there came out Water ( for Baptism ) and Blood for the Supper .

Reader , when thou beholdest the broken bread , and remembrest the bruised body of Christ , do not forget his love , which is the best sauce to thy meat . I must tell thee , though there be never so many dishes at the Table , this love is the Banquet . Consider his willingness to be wounded for thee , because his heart was so deeply wounded with love to thee . Thou hast heard of such indignities and injuries offered to him , as the Sun himself was ashamed to behold , and hid himself from them ; yet Christ was ready for them , and willing to them : The Lamb of God did not struggle , when he was led to the slaughter , but did bear his own Cross : He was his own Priest , as well as his own Sacrifice and Altar . His death was violent , in regard of others ; but voluntary , in regard of himself : He cryed to his Father , Lo , I come to do thy will , O God , Heb. 10.4 . When his sinless nature had a reluctancy against it ( though when he was in a bloody sweat ) he soon corrects it with , Not my will , but thy will be done . He went to the place which Judas knew , John 18.2 . He struck them ( that came to apprehend him ) down , to shew that he could , if he had pleased , have struck them dead . Rather then they shall want proof for his condemnation , he will confess himself guilty of the charge : He might ( if he had listed ) have commissionated twelve Legions of Angels for his Life-guard , but he forbore it : He laid down his life , he gave himself : He gave up the Ghost : He had a Baptism to be baptized with , and he longed to have it accomplished . But Friend , what thinkest thou was the lump of sugar which did so sweeten this cup ( notwithstanding all its bitter ingredients ) to make it go down so glib and pleasant ? truly nothing but love . Love to Dinah made Sechem willing to be circumcised ; love to Christians , made Christ willing to bleed , and be buffeted , and crucified . The Mother can toil and moil all day with her childe , and count it a pleasure ( when another had rather go to plough all day ; ) but what 's the reason ? nothing but her love . Jesus Christ delighted in the work of mans Redemption ; I delight to do thy will , O God , which would have broke the backs of the very Angels ; and why ? because of his love .

It is observed , the myrrhe which is let out by the incision of the tree , is precious ; but that which floweth of its own accord , is most choice and precious . Christs veins were indeed opened by others incision , when Pilat scourged his back , and the nails his hands and feet ; but one drop of this blood is more worth then millions of World ; for even at these times he bled voluntarily , as well as in the Garden , when the myrrhe of his blood dropt of its own accord : O , of vvhat infinite value is his blood ! O , hovv much did he love his , vvhen the very oyl vvhich consecrated him to those unknovvn sorrovvs , vvas the oyl of gladness to him ! Remember this love more then vvine :

Thirdly , Meditate on thy corruptions : As his love vvas the invvard moving cause ; so thy sins vvere the outvvard procuring cause of his sufferings : He was wounded for thy transgressions , he was bruised for thine iniquities , the chastisement of thy peace was upon him , Isa. 53.5 . When thou art at the Sacrament , vvhich fitly representeth Christs sufferings , consider vvith thy self , What vvas that vvhich brought the blessed Saviour into such a bleeding condition ! It vvas my sin , I vvas the Judas vvhich betrayed him , the Jew vvhich apprehended him , the Pilate that condemned him , and the Gentile vvhich crucified him : My sins vvere the thorns vvhich pierced his head , the nails vvhich pierced his hands , and the spear vvhich pierced his heart : 'T vvas ! that put to death the Lord of life : He dyed for my sins ; He was made sin for me , who knew no sin ; his blood , is my balm ; his Golgatha , is my Gilead . O vvhat a subject is here for meditation ! He suffered in my stead , he bore my sins in his body on the tree , he took that loathsome purging physick for the diseases of my soul : When he was in the Garden in his bloody agony , groveling on the ground , there was no Judas , no Pilate , no Jew , no Gentile there , to cause that unnatural sweat , or to make his soul sorrowful unto death , but my pride , my unbeleif , my hypocrisie , my atheism , my blasphemy , my unthankfulness , my carnal-mindedness , they were there and caused his inward bleeding sorrows , and outward bloody sufferings , ( Ah what an heavy weight was my sin to cause such a bloody sweat in a frosty night ! ) My dissimulation was the trayterous kiss ; My ambition the thorny crown . My drinking iniquities like water made him drink Gall and Vineger ; My want of tears caused him to bleed ; My forsaking my Maker , made him to be forsaken of his Father . Because the members of my body were instruments of iniquity , therefore the members of his body were objects of such cruelty ; because my soul was so unholy , therefore his soul was so exceeding heavy . O my soul what hast thou done !

We do not say the Executioner kils a man for theft or murder ; but his theft or murder , they hang him ; so in this case , it was not so much the Jews , or Souldiers ( for they were the Executioners ) that put Christ to death , as our thefts and murders , and breaches of Gods Law , which were imputed and laid to his charge .

There is a story of a King of France named ladoveyus , that when he was converted to Christianity , one day hearing Remigius the Bishop reading the Gospel of our Saviours passion , he presently fell into this passionate expression , O that I had been but there with my French-men , I would have cut all their throats ; little considering that his and others iniquities were Christs greatest and most cruel enemies . Reader when thou art at the Table , think of those sins which caused such sufferings . Consider the deepness of that stain , which the blood onely of God could wash out . Ah what a sickness is sin , when nothing less then the blood of the Son of God can heal it !

Secondly , as at the Table some Subjects must be considered , so some graces must be exercised ; A Sacrament is a special season , a spring time for those trees of Gods own planting , to bud , blossom , and put forth their fruit . Now Reader , if ever , rouse up thy spirit , and stir up the gifts of God which are in thee . Call aloud to thy graces which may possibly be sleeping , as David . Psa. 57.8 . Awake my glory , awake Psaltery and Harp , I my self will awake early . Awake my graces , can ye not watch with my dearest Saviour one hour ? Awake my faith , love , and Repentance , I my self will awake presently . It is not the Ha●wk which sitteth hood-winkt on the fist , but the seeing , flying Hawk which doth the service , The Clock which standeth still , is of no use ; it is the going , moving Clock which attains its end : Grace acted will now do thee eminent service , and help thee to attain the end of the Sacrament .

First , Act faith ; Dormit fides & dormit Christus , saith Austin ; If faith sleepeth , Christ sleepeth . Call forth first that Commander in chief , and then the private Souldiers , the other graces will all follow . Faith must be the eye whereby thou seest Christ , Zach 12.10 . They shall see him whom they have peirced , and mourn ; Faith is the mouth by which thou feedest on Christ , John 6.53 . Faith is the feet by which thou goest to Christ , John 6.35 . Faith may say to thee as Christ did , Without me thou canst do nothing ; without me thou canst do nothing for thy own welfare , nothing for Gods honour at this ordinance ; It is said of the Indian Gymnosophists that they will lye all day upon their backs gazing on the beauty of the natural Sun . Friend , at this Ordinance if at any time of thy life , view the beauty of this true Sun . As Pilate when he had scourged him in such a bloody , barbarous manner , brings him forth to the Jews , with , Behold the man . So when thou considerest the bread and wine , Behold the man ; Behold the broken bruised Saviour . A man without faith , like the unbeleiving lord , seeth the plenty , but doth not eat of it .

There is a threefold act of Faith to be put forth at a Sacrament . First , Faith must look out for Christ . Secondly , Faith must look up to Christ for grace . Thirdly , Faith must take Christ down or receive him and grace .

1. Faith must look out for Christ : Consider that Jesus Christ is the very soul of the Sacrament ; without him it is but the carcass of an Ordinance . Christ and the Scripture bring comfort ; Christ and prayer cause spiritual profit ; Accedat Christus ad elementum , & fiet Sacramentum . Christ and the elements make a Sacrament . Christ and the Sacrament make a rare feast . Therefore be sure thou look out for Christ ; Rest not in the bread and wine , but look farther . When thou sittest at the Table , let the speech of thine heart be , Saw ye him whom my soul loveth ? Turn to God and say as they to Philip , Sir , I would fain see Jesus ; Lord I would fain see Jesus Christ . Let neither word nor prayer nor elements , nor all things content thee without Christ . As Isaac told his Father ; Father , behold here is the wood and the fire , but where is the Lamb for a burnt offering ? So do thou look up to thy Heavenly Father ; Father , behold here is the Preacher , and here is the Scripture , here is the bread and here is the wine , but where is the body and blood of my Saviour ? Lord where is the Lamb for a Sacrifice ? Father , Father , Where is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the World ? If the Angels that are present at the Sacrament , should speak to thee , give them occasion for the same language , which they gave the Woman at the Sepulchre , We know whom thou seekest , thou seekest Jesus which was Crucified : come see the place where the Lord lay . Come see the promise , see the elements in which the Lord lyeth , Mat. 28.5 , 6.

If the Spirit of God seeing thee so eager and earnest for a sight of Christ , should put by the hangings , behind which the Lord Jesus hid himself , ( purposely to be sought ) and present him to thee with his glorious retinue of graces and comforts , with the precious fruits of his grievous passion , and bespeak thee thus , Chear up poor Christian , behold the Lamb of God ; Behold King Jesus with the Crown of thorns , wherewith his foes crowned him in the day that he was a man of sorrows , and acquainted with greifs . Behold King Solomon with the crown wherewith his Father crowned him , in the d●● of his Espousals , and in the day of the gladness of his heart . O Friend , what would such a sight be worth to thee ? I am confident thou wouldst value it above all the silver in the World . Well , be of good comfort , do but look for him , and he will look after thee ; Say to him as the Spouse , Make haste my Beloved , be thou like the Hart and Roe upon the Mountains of Spices : Make no tarrying , O my God ; and doubt not but he will answer thee almost as he doth his Spouse ( in a sense of mercy , not of judgement ) Behold I come quickly , and my reward is with me , to give to thee according to thy faith .

Reader , act Maries part , and thou shalt meet with Maries portion . When Mary went to the Sepulchre , John 20.13 . she looketh into it , seeth the linnen , but not the Lord , and presently falleth a weeping : O , saith she , they have taken away my Lord ! They have taken away my Lord , and I know not where they have laid him . Jesus Christ could now no longer absent himself ; he heard the voice of her weeping , and gave her a gracious meeting : Mary , saith Christ ; Rabboni , saith Mary . Now her heart cleaves to him , and her hands clasp about him ; and she hears that golden Message , Go to my brethren , and tell them , I go to my Father , and your Father : So when thou comest to the Table , and seest the linnen , and not the Lord Jesus , be not satisfied ; O dart up thy complaints to Heaven , Lord , I came not to see the linnen , I came not for the bread and wine , I came to see Jesus Christ : O Lord ! what shall I do ? they have taken away my Lord , and I know not where to finde him : Ah Lord , wh●● is the Word to me without Christ , but as a conduit without water ? and what is the element to me without Christ , but as a cup without wine ? O , what wilt thou give me , if I go from thy Table Christless ! Thou mightest be confident that Jesus Christ would hear such sighs , and would hasten away to bless and kiss thee .

2. Faith must look up to Christ for grace : Look up to Christ as a Treasury of grace , for the supply of all thy necessities , and put thy hand of faith into this Treasury , and thou shalt take out unsearchable riches . Austin puts the question , how a Christian may put out a long arm to reach Christ in Heaven ? and answers , Crede & tenuisti ; Believe , and thou hast taken hold of him . Christ is a full breast , faith is the mouth which draweth and sucketh the breast , and getteth spiritual nourishment out of it . The blessed Saviour is a precious and deep mine ; but faith is the instrument whereby we dig the gold out of it . As the Spanish Ambassador said of his Masters Treasury , in comparison of that Treasury of S. Mark in Venice , In this , among other things , my Masters Treasury differeth from yours , in that my Masters Treasury ( alluding to his Indian Mines ) hath no bottom , as I see yours to have : For thy comfort know , that the riches in Christ are inexhaustible , and his bags are bottomless : He can supply all thy needs , Philip. 4.13 .

When thou art at this Ordinance , look on Christ as a Fountain running over with the Water of Life ; and the Sacrament as a Channel cut out by Christ himself to convey Living Water to thy soul . Thou art diseased ; go in this Ordinance to Christ as a Physician to heal thee . Thou art an indigent beggar go to Christs Door , I mean the Sacrament , with an expectation of a large dole . Do not sit down in despondency ( as the Patriarchs in a scarcity of food ; ) but since thou hast heard there is corn in Egypt , bread enough in thy Fathers house , sufficiency of grace in Jesus Christ , go make haste to this son of Joseph , who is Lord of the Countrey , and hath the command of all the store houses in the Land , and will load thee with more then thou canst desire . Are thy wants many ? he hath infinite wealth . Hast thou no Money to buy , no Merits to offer ? why , he selleth without money , and without price : They that bring Money , have it returned back in their sacks , for he takes none : Whosoever will , may drink of the Water of Life freely , Revel. 22.17 .

The Sacrament is as a Conduit , which receiveth water from the River ; therefore when thou hast brought the Vessel of thy soul to the Conduit , thy work must be by faith to turn the Cock , and then it will run freely , and fill thy Vessel ; be sure that thou minde the promise , This is my Body : This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood . Thy faith will be celestial fire to extract the quintessence and spirits of the Promise .

3. Faith must receive Christ , and apply him to thy soul ; When thou puttest forth the hand of thy body to take the bread and wine , do thou put forth the hand of faith to receive the body and blood of Christ . This is one principal act of Faith , like Joseph of Arimathea , to take Jesus down from his Cross , and lay him in the new Tomb of thine heart ; Like Thomas , put thy finger of faith into his side , and cry out , My Lord , and my God ; Be not discour aged O penitent soul . Are thy sins many ? His mercy is free . Are thy sins weighty ? His merits are full . Thou comest for bread , and will thy Saviour give thee a stone ? He took notice of thy ferious preparation for this Ordinance , and will he frustrate thine expectation at it ? Did he ever send hungry soul empty away ? The law of man provides for the poor in purse , and will not the Gospel of Christ provide for the poor in spirit ? Is not his commission to bind up the broken hearted ? and can he be unfaithful ? Why shouldst thou mistrust truth it self ? Let me say to thee , as the Disciples to the blind man , Be of good chear , he calleth for thee . See how he casteth his eyes upon thee ( with a look of love ) as once upon Peter . Observe he stretcheth out his Armes wide to embrace thee . He boweth down his head to kiss thee . He cryeth to thee as to Zacheus , I must abide at thy house , in thy heart to day . O make haste to receive him , and make him a feast by opening the doors of thy soul , that the King of Glory may enter in . Say to Christ , Lord , though I am unworthy that thou shouldst come under my roof , yet thou art so gracious as to knock at the door of my heart , and to promise if I open , that thou wilt come in and sup with me , ( and then call to him as Laban to Abrahams Steward ) Come in thou blessed of the Lord , why standest thou without ? I have prepared lodging for thee . Gen. 24.

Truly Reader , shouldst thou having mourned unfeignedly for thy sins , now by unbeleif hang off from thy Saviour , thou woulst much dishonour him , and disadvantage thy self . Christs greater things are for them that beleive : If thou wilt now beleive , thou shalt see the glory of God . I am very consident , if thou hadst been by the Cross ( broken heart ) when thy Saviour suffered , and shouldst have kneeled down before him , and said , Dearest Saviour , Why art thou now wrastling with the wrath of Heaven , and rage of Hell ? He would have answered , To satisfie ( poor soul ) for thy sins . Again , Why dost thou dye such a cursed death ? He would have said , To take the curse of the law from thy back , that so thou mightest inherit the blessing . Once more , Let not my Lord be angry , and I will speak this once ; Blessed Redeemer , Why didst thou cry out I thirst , and drink Gall and Vinegar ? Thou mightest have heard such a reply , To assure thee , Thirsty sinner , that I am sensible of thy thirst , being scorched with that fury which is due to thy sins , and that thou mightest drink of that love which is better then Wine . But stay O weary , thirsty soul but a while , and by and by thou shalt see this side opened , and blood issuing out to quench thy thirst . O put the mouth of faith to that wound , and what thou shalt suck thence , shall do thee good for ever . Reader , I have read that the Souldier who peirced Christs side , was blind , and that the blood flying out upon him recovered his sight . Sure I am , that this blood sprinkled on thy conscience , will purge it from dead works , to serve the living God . O therefore bathe thy soul in this blood ; when thou art at the Sacrament , say to God as the Eunuch to Philip ; Here is water , what hindereth but I may be Baptized ? Lord , here is blood , here is a fountain , what hindereth but I may wash in it ? Rom. 3.24 . 1 Joh. 1.7 , Heb. 9.14 , Gal. 6.14 . Heb. 12.13 . True Lord , my person is unrighteous , but thy blood is justifying blood . My heart is polluted , but O Christ , thy blood is sanctifying blood . My lusts are many and strong , but thy blood is mortifying blood . My soul is lost , but sweetest Saviour thy blood is saving blood . This Justifying , Sanctifying , Saving blood , I drink , I apply for these ends . O let this blood be upon me and my children for ever .

AWay despair , my gracious Lord doth hear , Though Winds and Wave assault my keel , He doth preserve it , Herbert the bag he doth steer ; Ev'n when the Boat seems most to reel . Storms are the Triumph of his Art , Well may he close his eyes , but not his heart . Hast thou not heard what my Lord Jesus did ? Then let me tell thee a strange story ? The God of power , as he did ride In his Majestick robes of glory , Resolv'd to light , and so one day , He did descend , undressing all the way . The Stars his tire of light , and rings obtain'd , The Clouds his bow , the fire his spear , The Skie his Azure mantle gain'd , And when they ask'd what he would wear , He smil'd and said as he did go , He had new cloaths a making here below . When he was come , as travellers are wont , He did repair unto an Inn ; Both then and after , many a brunt He did endure to cancel sin , And having giv'n the rest before , Here he gave up his life to pay our score . But as he was returning , there came one Who ran upon him with a Spear ; He who came hither all alone , Bringing no man , nor armes nor fear , Recio'd the blow upon his side , And straight he turn'd , and to his Brethren cryd , If ye have any thing to send or write , ( I have no bag , but here is room ) Vnto my Fathers hands and sight ( Beleive me ) it shall safely come ; That I shall mind what you impart , Look you may lay it very near my heart . Or if hereafter any of my friends Will use me in this kind , the door Shall still be open ; what he sends I will present , and somewhat more , Not to his hurt ; sighs will convey Any thing to me . Heart-despair away .

2. The second Grace to be called forth is love : And truly if thou hast acted thy faith in his Passion for , and affection to thy soul , I shall not in the least doubt but thy love to him will play its part . The Creatures ( some tell us ) follow the Panther , being drawn after her by her sweet odours : When Jesus Christ , out of infinite love , offered up himself a Sacrifice for thy sins , surely the sweet savour thereof may draw thy heart after him : Because of the savour of thy good oyntments , therefore the Virgins love thee , Cant. 1.4 . There is nothing in Christ , but what may well command thy love : He is the fairest of ten thousand : He is altogether lovely . But his bloody sufferings for thee , and his blessed love to thee ( one would think ) are such Loadstones , that if thou wert as cold and hard as steel , would draw thy soul both to desire him , and to delight in him : Meditate a little more on his love to thee . Publicans and sinners love their friends who love them ; and wilt thou be worse then Publicans and sinners ? Consider seriously , Jesus Christ loved thee when thou wast in a loathsome estate , Ezek. 16. when thou wast wallowing in thy blood , when no eye pitied thee , then was his time of love ; he passed by thee , and said unto thee , Live : yea , when thou wast in thy blood , he said unto thee , Live : And wilt thou not love him ?

Ponder the heat of his love ; possibly the greatness of that fire may warm thy heart , and thou mayest reflect some heat back again ; for indeed , love is a Diamond , which must be written upon with its own dust . He loveth thee as a servant , surely this is a favour ; for he hath thousands of glorious Angels , who count it their honor and happiness to serve him : To be made one of his hired servants , was the great priviledge desired by the Prodigal ; Ye call me Lord and Master , and ye say well , for so I am , John 13.13 . but though this may be somewhat , it is not enough for him . He loveth thee as a friend : Ye are my friends , John 15.15 . I have not called you servants , but friends . Friends love entirely , witness Jonathan and David : Jonanathan loved David as his own soul . Friendship is one soul in two bodies , saith the Philosopher : This is much ; but his love to thee is more then so ; he loveth thee as his Brother : He is not ashamed to call them brethren : I will declare thy name unto my brethren , Heb. 2.11 . Some Brethren are knit very close in the bond of love . Camh. Brit. In Queen Elizabeths Reign , in a fight between the Earl of Kildare , and Earl of Ter Owen , two of the Earl of Kildares Brethren were slain , which he took so heavily , that he dyed shortly . Some write , that there is no such love in the World , as between Foster-Brethren in Ireland : This love is great , but his love is greater . He loveth thee as his childe ; the stream of love descendeth most swiftly from Parents to their children : He shall see his Seed , Isa. 53.10 . How tender is the Mother of her childe : Can the Mother forget her childe that sucketh her breast ? The Mothers bowels will yern towards her childe ; the Mothers breasts will ( put her to pain , if not drawn , and thereby ) minde her of her childe : But though the Mother may prove a Monster , and like the Ostrich , leave her young to be destroyed ; yet will I not forget thee , saith the Lord : Thou art engraven upon the palms of my hands , thy walls are ever before me , Isa. 49.13 , 14 , 15. Children , have you any meat ? If not , lo here is my body . Thou mayst say of Christs love to thee , as David of Jonathans , Thy love to me is wonderful , it far surpasses the love of women ; for he loveth thee as his Spouse : Men do , or at least should love their wives above all relations ; For this cause shall a man leave Father and Mother , and cleave to his wife . But who can conceive Christs love to his Spouse ? Thou art all fair my love , thou hast ravished my heart , my Sister , my Spouse : How fair is thy love my Sister , my Spouse ! Cant. 4.8 , 9 , 10. The nearest affinity is Spouse , and the nearest consanguinity is Sister ; to shew that his affection is like that of the nearest relations . If this be not enough , Reader , he loveth thee as himself , nay above himself ; he did , as it were , hate himself out of love to thee . He denied himself , displeased himself , and gave himself to be buffeted , scourged , condemned , wracked , crucified , and to be a sacrifice for thy sins . Well , is it possible for thee to read of this infinite love without love ! When wood hath been laid a sunning , it takes fire presently : Hast not thou been so fitted by the warm hot beams of this Sun , that now upon the very thoughts of Christ , thou art all in a flame ! Truly it would be as great a miracle for thee to be in such a furnace of love , and not fired with love to him , as for the three Worthies in Daniel to be in the midst of the fiery furnace and not burnt . Christ loved thee so unspeakably as thou hast read , as a servant , as a friend , as a brother , as a childe , as a wife , as himself , nay above himself , & all this when thon wast a sinner , without strength , yea his enemy ( which threefold gradation the holy Ghost taketh special notice of , Rom. 5.6 , 8 , 10. ) and wilt thou ever give him cause to complain of thee , as Paul of his Corinthians , the more I love , the less I am beloved ! Love him dearly , love him entirely , love him above all , love him more then all ; say with the Spouse , Stay me with flagons , comfort me with apples , for I am sick of love ; and with holy Brandford , sprinckle thy trencher , thy food with tears , that thou canst love so loving and so lovely a Saviour no more .

3. When thou art at the Table , Exercise repentance ; what sorrow for , and anger against thy sins should the sight of a crucified Saviour cause ? Some tell us that if the murderer be brought near and touch the body slain by him , it bleeds afresh . O when thou ( who art indeed the murderer of the Son of God ) dost touch and taste his body and blood , shouldst not thou fall a bleeding , a weeping a fresh ; Behold his broken , bleeding body with an eye of faith , and thine eye cannot but affect thine heart with grief : I am confident thou canst not see it with dry eyes . Was his soul exceeding sorrowful , heavy even unto death for thy sake , and is not thine , friend for thy sins ? Did he drop so much blood , and canst thou drop never a tear ? the very rocks were rent at his sufferings , and is thy heart harder then those stones ? Is it possible for the head to be so pained and peirced , and the members not be affected with it ? surely , Deep calleth unto Deep . Deep sufferings in Christ , for deep sorrow in thee , O Christian . If his body were broken to let his blood out , thy soul may well be broken to let it in . They shall see him whom they have peirced , and mourn for him as one that mourneth for his onely Son . Zach. 10.12 .

His love may make ( as Davids kindness ) even a Saul to lift up his voice and weep . It is so great and so hot a fire , that ( one would think ) it would distil water out of thee , wert thou never so dry an herb ; When Christ sat at Supper in the Pharisees house , Mary washed his feet with her tears . When Christ and thy soul are supping together , thou mayst well weep in remembrance of thy unkindness and wickedness .

But the cheifest reason why I mention repentance now to be exercised , is not so much for thy contrition or sorrow for sin ( though when the sweet sauce is a little sharp with Vinegar , the meat will rellish the better for it ) as for thine indignation and anger against sin ; When thou considerest that thy dearest Saviour in a cold night lay groveling on the ground all over in a bloody sweat , that thy best friend in the World was so inhumanely used , so barbarously but chered , thou shouldst cry out ( as David ) in a holy passion , As the Lord liveth , the ( man , the ) sin that hath done this thing shall surely be put to death . When Antonius ( after Caesar was Murdered in the Senate house ) brought forth his Coat all bloody , cut , and mangled , and laying it open to the view of the people , said , Look here is your Emperors Coat ; and as the bloody-minded Conspirators have dealt by it , so have they dealt with Caesars body ; Upon this they were in an uprore , and cryed out to slay the Murderers , and took Brands , and ran to the Houses of the Conspirators , and burnt them down to the ground , and as they apprehended the Murderers put them to death . Reader , thou seest at the Sacrament , the wounds and blood of thy blessed Redeemer , the dreadful painful death which thy Soveraign underwent . O what canst thou do less then vow to be revenged on his Murderers , thy corruptions ; and in an holy anger , endeavour their speedy execution : if thou wouldst have a full sight of sins filth and sinfulness , go to Mount Calvary , and behold thy Saviour hanging upon the Cross , and good Lord what thoughts wilt thou have of thy lusts ! Physitians in unseemly convulsions , advise their Patients to look into a glass , that beholding their deformity , they may strive the more against it . The world never had such a glass as the sufferings of Jesus Christ , for the discovery of sins loathsom , ugly features , and its horrid , hideous , hellish face ; now how should this light provoke thee to loath and hate sin ! O what Child would not abhor those weapons which murdered his dearest Father !

It was the glory of Alexander , that as soon as ever he had opportunity , he slew the Murderers of his Father , upon his fathers Tomb. Truely Reader a Sacrament day is a special opportunity , and thou wilt shew but little love to thine everlasting Father , if thou dost not now put his Murderers to death , upon those Monuments of his passion . Now thou art at the Table , think of thy unthankfulness , ambition , hypocrisie , covetousness , irreligion , and infidelity , and the rest , how these crucified the Lord of glory , and resolve through the strength of Christ , that these Hamans shall be all hanged , that these sins shall be condemned and crucified .

CHAP. XX. What a Christian ought to do after a Sacrament .

I Shall speak to thy duty after the Supper . Thirdly , Which consisteth mainly in these two things , Thankefulness and Faithfulness .

1. Thankefulness . After such a Banquet as this is , thou mayst well give thanks . The Jews at their Passover , did sing the hundred and thirteenth Psalm with the five following Psalmes , which they called the Great Hallelujah . A Christian should in every thing and at all times give thanks ; but at a Sacrament , the great Hallelujah must be sung ; then God must have great thanks , then we must with our souls bless the Lord , and with all within us paise his holy name . O Reader , call upon thy self as Barak and Deborah did ; Awake , awake , Deborah ; Awake , awake , Barak , utter a song and lead captivity captive thou son of Abinoam , Judg. 5. Awake my love , awake my joy , utter a song ; a feast is made for laughter , and wine rejoyceth the heart of man . Friend , is not this a rare feast ? where is thy chearful face ? Is not here good wine , a cup of Nectar indeed , the blood of the Son of God ? what mirth , what musick hast thou to this Banquet of Wines ? Antiently it was the beginning and ending of Letters , Gaudete in Domino , Rejoyce in the Lord . It will be an excellent conclusion of this Ordinance , to rejoyce in the Lord. O let thy soul magnisie the Lord , and thy spirit rejoyce in God thy Saviour , Luk. 1.46 , 47.

The cup in the Sacrament is called the Eucharistical cup , or the cup of blessing ; let it be so to thee . Let thy heart and mouth say , Blessed be the Lord God of Israel , who hath visited and redeemed his people , Luk. 2.

Canst thou think of that infinite love which God manifested to thy soul without Davids return , VVhat shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits ! His heart was so set upon thy salvation , His Love was so great to thy soul , that he delighted in the very death of his Son , because it tended to thy good . It pleased the Lord to bruise him , Isa. 53.10 . Valde delectatus est , Junius reads it , He was exceedingly delighted in it . Surely the mind of God was infinitely set upon the recovery of lost sinners , in that ( whereas other Parents ( whose love to their children in comparison of his to Christ , is but as a drop to the Ocean ) follow their children to their graves with many tears , especially when they dye violent deaths ) he delighted exceedingly in the barbarous death of his onely Son , in the bleeding of the head , because it tended to the health and eternal welfare of the members : Friend , what manner of love hath the father loved thee with ? He gave his own Son to be apprehended , that thou mightest escape ; his own Son to be condemned , that thou mightest be acquitted ; his own Son to be whipped and wounded , that thou mightest be cured and healed ; yea his own Son to dye a shameful , cursed death , that thou mightest live a glorious , blessed life for ever . Glory to God in the highest , peace on earth , and good will to men . Alass how unworthy art thou of this inestimable mercy . Thou art by nature a child of wrath as well as others , and hadst been now wallowing in sin with the worst in the World , if free grace had not renewed thee , nay thou hadst been roaring in Hell at this hour , if free grace had not repreived thee . Thy conscience will tell thee that thou dost not deserve the bread which springeth out of the earth , and yet thou are fed with the bread which came down from heaven ; with Angels food . O infinite love ! Mayst not thou well say with Mephibosheth to David . VVhat is thy servant , that thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am ? For all my fathers house were as dead men before my Lord , yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own Table ; Lord , I was a lost , dead , damned sinner before thee , liable to the unquenchable fire , and yet thou hast been pleased to set me among them that eat at thine own Table , and feed on thine own Son . O what is thy servant that thou shouldst take such notice of such a dead dog as I am !

Look abroad in the World , and thou mayst see others refused , when thou art chosen ; others past by , when thou art called ; others polluted , when thou art sanctified ; others put off with common gifts , when thou hast special grace ; others fed with the scraps of ordinary bounty , when thou hast the finest of the floor , even the fruits of saving mercy . As Elkanah gave to Peninnah and to all her sons and Daughters portions , but to Hannah he gave a worthy portion , because he loved her ; So God giveth others outward portions , some of the good things of this life ; but to thee O Christian , he giveth a Benjamins mess , his image , his spirit , his son , himself , a worthy portion , a goodly heritage , because he loveth thee .

Others have a little meat , and drink , and wages , but thou hast the inheritance . Others , like Jehosaphats younger Sons have some Cities , some small matters given them , but thou like the first born , hast the Kingdom , the Crown of glory ; others feed on bare elements , thou hast the Sacrament ; others stand without doors , and thou art admitted into the presence Chamber ; others must fry eternally in Hell flames , and thou must enjoy falness of joy for evermore . O give thanks unto the Lord , for he is good , for his mercy endureth for ever . To him that chose thee before the foundation of the World , for his mercy endureth for ever . To him that called thee by the word of his grace , for his mercy , &c. To him that gave his onely Son to dye for thy sins , for his mercy , &c. To him that entred into a Covenant of grace with thee , for his mercy endureth for ever . To him that hath provided for thee an exceeding and eternal weight of glory ; for his mercy endureth for ever . O give thanks unto the Lord , for he is good , for his mercy endureth for ever .

Remember the poor on that day ; Gods bounty to thee in spirituals , may well provoke thy mercy to others in carnals . The Jews at their Passover released a Prisoner in remembrance of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage . Surely at the Lords Supper , when thy heart is warmed with Gods compassion to thee , thy hand should be enlarged in contribution to the poor , in remembrance of thy redemption out of slavery to sin and Satan . The Primitive Christians had their collections for the poor , and the Lords Supper , both on a day , On the first day of the week : Because the Saints like the wall being then heated by the Sun , should reflect that heat on the passengers , on others , Acts 20.7 . 2 Cor. 16.1 . Thy cup runneth over , O let others drink with thee ; Thy Charity may make thy Coffer lighter , but it will make thy crown heavier . It was a notable expression of one , who having given much away , was like to want , and asked , what she would do ? I repent not of my charity , for what I have lost in one World , I have gained in another .

2. Faithfulness . The Sacrament is a strong engagement to sanctity ; Sacramentum est juramentum . At the Lords Supper thou takest a new Oath of Allegiance to the King of Saints , whereby every wilful iniquity after it becomes perjury . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; Septuam , a Hedge . The Greek word for an Oath , cometh from a word signisieth an Hedge , to shew that an Oath should keep men in , and prevent their wandering out of the field of Gods word . It is the character of an Harlot , She forgetteth the Covenant of her God . Prov. 2.17 . I know that the Devil will come to sit with thee after Supper . Flies love to settle on the sweetest perfumes . When Israel had drunk of the Rock which followed them ( which Rock was Christ ) then Amalek fought them . When Jesus Christ had received the Sacrament of Baptism , then the Devil pursued him with his fierce assaults . When thou hast been at the Table , expect the Tempter . That subtle theif will hear of the new treasure of grace which is brought into thy house , thy heart , and will use all his pollicy and power to rob thee of it ; thy care must be by stronger Bolts and Locks then ordinary , by greater diligence and watchfulness then before , to secure it .

Surely Reader , If thou didst but find the Saviour in the Sacrament , thou canst not but fear sin after the Sacrament . Thou hast seen what sin cost Christ ; didst thou not at the Table see the Lord Jesus hanging on the Cross ? Didst thou not thus bespeak thy soul ? Look O my soul , who hangeth there ! Alass , it is thy dearest Redeemer . See his bloody head , bloody hands , bloody back , belly , his body all over bloody , But O his bleeding soul ! Dost thou not hear his lamentation . My God , My God , why hast thou forsaken me ? What thinkest thou , is the cause of all this ? Ah t is thy sins which is the source of all these sorrows . And canst thou joyn with them , or love those lusts that hate the Lord ? Canst thou wound him whom God hath wounded , and crucifie the Lord Jesus afresh . Hath not thy Saviour suffered enough already ! O here is a Medicine instar omnium , instead of all , to kill those diseases of thy soul . It is said of the Souldiers of Pompey , that though he could not keep them in the Camp by any perswasion , yet when Pompey threw himself upon the ground and told them , If ye will go , ye shall trample upon your General . Then saith Plutarch ( in the life of Pompey ) they were overcome . Truely if nothing will disswade thee from sin , yet this consideration , that it is a trampling upon thy blessed Saviour , should prevail with thee . Though thou shouldst be marching never so furiously , yet ( as Joabs Souldiers , when they saw the dead body of Amasa , stay'd their march and stood still ) when thou seest the mangled , wounded , peirced , crucified body of thy Saviour , thou shouldst stop & proceed no further .

How many arguments mayst thou find in this ordinance , to be close in thy obedience ! The greatness of Christs love calleth for graciousness in thy life . The love of Christ constraineth , 2 Cor. 5.14 . Other Motives may perswade , but this compelleth . If deliverance from the yoke of Pharoah were such a bond to obedience , what is deliverance from sin , & wrath , & hell ? mayst not thou Reader , say with the Jews , After such a deliverance as this , should I again break thy Commandements , woulst thou not be angry with me till thou hast consumed me ? Ezr. 9.13 . They that receive such courtesies ( if any men the World ) sell their liberty , and ought to be Christs servants , 〈…〉 Friend , hath God wiped off the old score ? & wilt thou run again in debt ? did Christ speak peace to thee at the Table , and wilt thou turn again to folly ? O Reader , when thou art tempted to sin , say with the Spouse , I have washed my feet , how shall I defile them ? I have washed my soul , how shall I pollute it with sin ? I have given my self wholly to God before Angels & men , and how can I do this great wickednes & sin against my God , against my Saviour , against my Covenant . There is a beast ( some write ) which if she be feeding , & doth but turn her head about , forgeteth what she was doing . O do not thou after thou hast fed on the bread of life forget what thou wast doing ; but as at the Sacrament thou hast remembred Christs death , so do it after by dying to sin all the days of thy life . O do not use this ordinance , as Papists do the Popes Indulgences , to purchase a new licence to sin . Judas went from the Supper to betray his Master ; Absolom as arrant a dissembler as he was , pretended to hate such ingratitude ; Is this thy kindness to thy friend ( saith he to Hushai ) why hast thou left him ? when thou art by any finister carriage departing from Christ , give conscience leave to ask thee , Is this thy kindness to thy friend ? Ah why dost thou leave him , & serve him thus ? thy sins will be more sinful because God is more merciful to thee then to others ; The children of Israel have ( onely the Seventy read ) done evil from their youth up , Jer. 32.30 As if there had been no sinners in the world but they ; their priviledges being greater then others , their provocations were more grievous . The unkindness of a friend hath much of an enemy in it . David was not much troubled at Shimei's rayling , but Absoloms rebellion pierced his very soul ; My son that came out of my bowels hath lifted up his hands against me . Wilt thou give thy Saviour cause to complain , He that did eat bread with me hath lift up his heels against me ? Psal. 41.3 . He that did eat at my table , nay eat of my flesh and drink of my blood , he hath lift up his heart , and his hand , and his heel against me ? It was an aggravation of Sauls fall , he fell as though he had not been anointed , 2 Sam. 1. And it will be a sad aggravation of thy fall , if thou shouldst fin as if thou hadst not been at a Sacrament .

It is reported of an Elephant that being faln down , and by reason of the inflexibleness of his legs , unable to rise , a Forrester came by and helped him up , with which kindness the Elephant was so taken that he followed the man up and down , did him much service , and never left him till his dying day . Reader , the moral is plain , thou wast faln , and never able to rise of thy self : The Lord Jesus Christ forsook his Father in Heaven and his Mother on Earth , suffered unconceivable sorrows to help thee up ; what love shouldst thou have to him ? what service shouldst thou do for him ? Thou canst not do less , since he hath redeemed thee out of the hands of thine enemies , then serve him in holiness and righteousness all thy days . As the Hop in its growing follows the course of the Sun from East to West , and will rather break then do otherwise ; So shouldst thou in all thy actions follow the course of the Sun of Righteousness , and rather dye then deny him .

When Moses came from the Mount where he had been conversing with God , his face shined , Exod. 34.30 . When thou goest from the Table where thou hast had sweet communion with thy God , The face of thy conversation must shine so with holiness that others may take notice of it .

It s said of the High Priest and Elders that observing the language and carriage of Peter and John , They marvelled , and they took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus , Acts 4.13 . So thy words should be so gracious , and thy works so exemplary after a Sacrament , that all those with whom thou hast to do , may marvel and take knowledge that thou hast b●en with Jesus ; that at the Table thou didst sup with Christ , and Christ with thee .

I shall onely answer a doubt or two from a troubled Conscience ; and conclude this Ordinance .

Object . 1. But possbly thou wilt say ( O penitent Soul ! ) I have been at the Sacrament and found little joy , what shall I do ?

Answ. Though thou didst not finde any ravishing comfort at the Table , yet it may be thou mightst receive more grace from Christ . When thou didst not spring upward in Joy , thou mightst root thy self more downward in Humility . Here is no loss ; Heaven is the proper place for comfort , Earth for Grace . I expect my reward in another World ; if I can but do my work well here , I shall be satisfied . A serious Christian may well be contented with solid peace without extasies . Therefore be not discouraged .

Object . 2. But I finde no peace , no calmness of spirit . I fear my heart was so dead and dull , that I did neither act grace in the ordinance , nor receive grace through the ordinance , for I saw never a smile in Gods face all the while .

Answ. Didst thou not go in thine own strength ? if so , no wonder that thou art disheartned . Jacob told his Wives , I perceive that your Fathers countenance is not towards me as at other times ; but what was the matter ; This Jacob , say Labans sons , hath taken away all that was our Fathers , he hath got his riches . The glory of God ( as I may say ) is his Wealth , his Treasure , The riches of his glory , Rom. 9.23 . Now if thou didst rob God of any part , of his treasure by thy self-confidence , it is no marvil that thy fathers countenance was not so pleasant towards thee as at other times . In brief , I would wish thee to reflect both upon thy preparation for , and carriage at the Ordinance , and if thou findest thy self faulty , confess and bewail it ; hereby thou mayst yet attain the efficacy of the Ordinance . When Physick is taken down , and doth not work , Physitians often give their Patients something to quicken it , and it proves exceeding instrumental for the diseased persons good ; A sincere lamentation of thy negligence before , or carelesness at the Table ( supposing that thy heart be right with God ) will much help forward the operation of the Sacrament . If thou findest that thou wast faithful in the discharge of thy duty , then by no means despond , but wait . Food doth not nourish as soon as it is taken into the body , there must be time allowed for concoction . The strongest meats are longest in digesting , but they give the most and the best nourishment . Faith and Prayer will at last , like skilful Midwives , deliver the promises safely of those blessings which did stick for a time in the birth . It is good that thy soul should both hope , and quietly wait for the salvation of God . There is light sown for thee , O thou child of light , who walkest in darkness , and be confident it will spring up .

A good Wish about the Lords Supper , wherein the sormer Heads are Epitomized .

THe Lords Supper being one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian Religion , The Introduction . a lively representation of my dearest Saviours bleeding passion , and blessed affection , and a real taste of that eternal Banquet which I shall hereafter eat of in my Fathers house at his own Table , I wish in general that I may never distaste the person of my best friend by abusing his picture ; that I may not go to the Lords Table as Swine to their trough , in my sin and pollution , but may receive those holy elements into a clean heart . Motives to preparation . Christs inspection . O that my lamp might be flaming and my vessel filled with oyl , when ever I go to meet the Bridegroom ! I wish in particular that my soul may be so throughly affected with Christs special presence at this sacred Ordinance , that I may both prepare for it , and proceed at it with all possible seriousness and diligence . O let me never be so unworthy and impudent as to defile that holy Feast before the Authors face .

* * The unworthy persons dreadful condition guilty of Christs death I wish that my heart may have an infinite respect for the blood of my Saviour , the stream in which all my comforts both for this and a better World come swiming to me , which hath landed thousands safely at the Haven of eternal happiness , one drop of which I am sure is more worth then heaven and earth ; that as all murder is abominable , being against the light of nature , so Christ-murder may be most of all abhorr'd by me , as being directly against the clearest light of Scripture , and the choicest love which ever was discovered to the children of men . Good Lord , whatever I jest with , let me never sport or dally with the death of thy Son ! Let me not give him cause to complain of me ( as once of Judas ) he that dippeth his hand with me in the dish , is the same that betrayeth me ! Let me never buy a Sacrament ( as the Jews the Potters field with the price of blood ) Deliver me from blood-guiltiness O God , thou God of my Salvation , and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy loving kindness .

I wish that true self-love may be so prevalent with me , Of his own damnation . that since I beleive the prophanation of the most precious things will be most pernicious to my soul ( as the whitest Ivory is turned by the fire into the deepest black , and the sweetest wine becometh the sharpest vinegar ) I may tremble and fear before I receive , lest I should poison my self with that potion which is intended for my health , and cut the throat of my precious soul , with that Knife wherewith I may cut bread , feed on it , Preparation , which consisteth in Examination of the good in us . and live for ever .

I wish that I may prepare my heart to meet the God of Israel at this holy Ordinance ; and to this end that I may be impartial in the search and examination of my soul , whether I come short of the grace of God or no. Of the truth of grace . Physitians judge sometimes of the inward parts by the tongue . The Roman Emperor Tiberius when one pretended to the Crown of a Kingdom , discovered him to be a counterfeit , by feeling his hands , and finding that they were not soft , as of a person tenderly bread , but hard as the hands of a Mechanicke . I desire that both by my tongue and hand , by my words and works , I may know the state and condition of my heart . In special , my prayer is , Of Faith that I may never fail to try my faith which is to the soul , what the natural heat is to the body , by vertue of which the nutritive faculty turneth the food into nourishment , but may make sure of an interest in the Vine , before I drink of the fruit thereof .

I wish that before I go for a discharge , Examination of the evil in us . I may look into the book of my conscience , cast up my accounts , and consider how insinitely I am indebted to my God , that I may consider whence I am fallen , Humiliation and Repent , and like Tamar , though I am ravished and defiled by force , may yet rent my garments , my heart I mean with godly sorrow , and self-abhorrency . O that my soul might be so searched to the bottom , that none of my wounds may fester , Reformation but all may be discovered and cured . I pray that I may not dare to turn the Table of the Lord into the Table of Divels , by receiving the Sacrament in the love of any known sin , but may go to it with an hearty detestation of every false way , and an holy resolution against every known wickedness . Dependance on Christ . I wish that after all my pains in preparing my self , I may look up to Christ alone for assistance , as knowing that I am not sufficient of my self so much as to think any thing , but my sufficiency is of God ; Blessed Saviour , be thou surety for thy Servant , and bound for my good behaviour at thy last and loving Supper .

I wish that when I come to the Table , At the Table Subjects to be considered . Christs passion . I may like the beloved Disciple , behold the wounds of my Saviour , and see that water and blood which did flow out of his side , that as in the Gospel I read a narrative , so in this ordinance I may have a prospective of his sufferings ; how he emptied himself to fill me , and to raise my reputation with his Father , laid down his own ; how he humbled himself , though he had the favour of a Son , to the form of a servant , and though he were the Lord of life , and glory to the most ignominious death , even the death of the Cross .

I wish that in his special passion I may ever take notice of his affection , Christs affection . and esteem the laying down his life , as the Hyperbole of his love , the highest note that love could possibly reach . Ah how neer did this High Priest carry my name to his heart , when he willingly vnderwent the rage of Hell , to purchase for me a passage to heaven . I will remember thy love more then Wine . Our own corruptions . I desire that when I see Christ crucified before mine eyes , in the breaking of the bread , and pouring out of the wine , I may not forget the cause , my corruptions , but may so think of them , and my Saviours kindness , in dying to make satisfaction for them , that as fire expelleth fire , so I may be enabled by the fire of love to expel and cast out the fire of lust .

I wish that however my body be attired , Graces to be exercised . Faith my soul may by faith put on the Lord Jesus Christ at this Heavenly feast ; that I may not onely look up to him ( as the Criple to Peter and John ) expecting an almes , but may receive him by beleiving , and so banquet on his blessed body , and bathe my soul in his precious blood ; that my spirit may rejoyce in God my Saviour , whilst I am assured that though the pain were his , yet the profit is mine ; though the wounds were his , yet the balm issuing thence is mine ; though the thorns were his , yet the Crown is mine ; and though the price were his , yet the purchase is mine . O let him be mine in in possession and claim , and then he will be mine in fruition and comfort ; Lord I beleive , Love help mine unbeleif ! I wish ( since love is the greatest thing my Saviour can give me ; for God is love , and the greatest thing which I can give my Saviour ) that his love to me may be reflected back to him again , that my chiefest love may be as a fountain sealed up to all others , and broched only for him who is altogether lovely , that I may hate Father , Mother , Wife , Child , House and Land , out of love to him ; that many waters of affliction may not quench this love , but rather like Snuffers make this lamp to burn the brighter . Beasts love them who feed them . Wicked men love their friends and benefactours ; My very cloaths warming me , are warmed by me ; again , and shall not I love him who hath loved me , and washed me in his own blood ! O that I could groundedly cry out with Ignatius , My love was crucified ; and meet this Lord of Heaven , as Elijah went up to Heaven in a Chariot of fire , in a flame of love ; Repentance I desire that I may follow Christ at this Ordinance , as the Women did to his Cross , weeping , considering that my sins were the cause of his bitter and bloody suffering ; and O that as Saul eyed David , I might eye them all from that day forward , to slay and destroy them .

When my soul hath been thus feasted with Marrow and fatness , After the Sacrament . Thankfulness Lord let my mouth praise thee with joyful lips . Ah what am I , and what is my Fathers house ? that when others eat the bread of violence , and drink the wine of deceit , I should eat the flesh and drink the blood of thine own Son ! What is man that thou art so mindful of him , and the Son of man that thou dost thus visit him ? I wish that I may shew my thankefulness to my God and dearest Saviour , for these benefits ( the worth of which men and Angels can never conceive ) by the love of my heart , the praises of my lips , Faithfulness and the exemplariness of my life . At the Sacrament Christ gave his body and blood to me , and I gave my body and soul a living Sacrifice to him , and that before God , Angels , and Men ; the Sacrament was Beersheba , the Well of an Oath . Shall I pollute that heart which was solemnly devoted to God , and prophane that Covenant which I have seriously contracted with the most High ? Should I like Sampson , break those bands asunder and fetch that Sacrifice away from the Altar , which was tyed with such strong cords of Oaths and Covenants ; must I not expect to bring the fire along with it ! O let me never start aside from my vow like a deceitful bow . Lord I have sworn and will perform , that I will keep through thy strength thy righteous judgements . Lastly I desire that I may not onely differ from them who like the Habassiness , In Prester Iohns Country . will not fpit on a Sacrament day , but will spue the next day ; deny sin at present , but afterwards Deifie it ; that I may not onely be faithful to my Oath of Allegiance , but also fruitful in obedience ; that as Elijah walked in the strength of one meal forty days , I may walk in the strength of that Banquet , serving my Saviour , and my Soul , all my days . In a word , I wish that I may ever after walk worthy of my birth , having Royal , Heavenly blood running in my veins ; worthy of my breeding , being brought up in the nurture of the Lord , fed at his own Table with the bread of Heaven , cloathed with the Robes of his Sons Righteousness ; and that my present deportment may be answerable to my future preferment : O that I might in all companies , conditions and seasons , walk worthy of him , who hath called me to his Kingdom and glory ! Amen .

CHAP. XXI . How to exercise our selves to godliness on a Lords Day .

BEcause the Lords Day is the special time for Religious Duties , I shall therefore Reader , give thee here some particular directions for thy Sanctification of it , and Edification by it .

As of all actions , none call for more care then holy duties ; so of all seasons for those actions , none commandeth so much caution and Conscience as the Lords Day .

The first Command teacheth us the object of Worship ; the second , the matter of Worship ; the third , the manner of Worship ; the fourth , the time of Worship .

That God is to be worshipped , Time of worship is juris naturalis , one of seven is juris positivi . that some time must be set apart for that work , is Moral , Natural , and written on the Tables of all our hearts ; but that one day of seven must be consecrated to this end , is Moral , Positive , and written on the Tables of stone .

All Nations have had their seasons for Sacrifice , even the Heathen who worshipped dumb Idols , had their Festivals and Holy days . It is reported of Alexander Severus , Emperor of Rome , that he would on a Sabbath Day lay aside his Wordly affairs , and go into the Capitol to Worship his gods . Among those that acknowledge the true God , the Turks have their Stata tempora , set times of devotion , nay , they have their Fryday Sabbath .

But to keep the Lords Day upon a conscientious ground , and in a religious manner , is peculiar to the true Christian . In the primitive times , the observation of this day was esteemed the principal sign of a Saint . Indeed our Sanctification of it , is by God himself counted a sign that he hath sanctified us , Exod. 31.13 .

It is observable , that God hath fenced this Command with more hedges then ordinary , to prevent our excursions :

1. It is markt with a Memento above other commands , Remember the Sabbath Day , to keep it holy ; partly , because of our forgetfulness ; and partly , because of its concernments .

2. It s delivered both Negatively , and Affirmatively , which no other commands is , to shew how strongly it bindes .

3. It hath more Reasons to enforce it then any other Precept ; Its Equity , Gods Bounty , His own Pattern , and the Days Benediction .

4. It s put in the close of the first , Est caput Religionis & totum Dei cultum continet . Willet in Exod. 35.1 . and beginning of the second Table , to note , that the observation of both Tables , depends much upon the Sanctification of this day .

It is considerable also , that it is more repeated then other of the Commands , Exod. 20.31 . & 14.34 . and 24.35 . & 1.19 . Levit. 3.28.30 .

God would have Israel know , Omni tempore Sabbato debere cessare , Aug. in Exod. quaest. 160. in those fore-quoted places , that their busiest times , earing and harvest , and the very building of the Tabernacle , must give way to this Precept .

On the Lords Day we go into Gods Sanctuary , and his pleasure is , that we reverence his Sanctuary , Levit. 19.30 . The Jews indeed made a great stir about their outward reverencing the Temple : Willet in loc. They tell us , they were not to go in with a staff , nor shoes , nor to spit in it , nor when they went away , to turn their backs upon it , but go sideling , Ezek. 8.16 . but certainly Gods meaning is principally , that we do with inward reverence and seriousness worship him in his Sanctuary .

Reader , I desire thee to take notice , that the more holy any action is , the more heedful thou oughtest to be about it : Upon which account , the duties of this day require extraordinary diligence ; for they have a double die of holiness upon them , they are double gilt : Thy task on that day , or the exercises thereof , are of Divine Institution , and so is the time , the day : Thou hast Gods hand and seal to the duties , he commands thee to pray , hear , sing , meditate , receive the Sacrament ; and thou hast also Gods hand and seal to the day , Acts 20.7 . 1 Cor. 16.2 . Revel. 1.10 . It is considerable , that in the fourth Command , God doth not say , Remember the seventh day , to keep it holy ; but , Remember the Sabbath Day , to keep it holy ; this Zanchy takes great notice of : further , the seventh , or a seventh , is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God ; so then the morality of that Command is one day of even . The Jews seventh day was buried in Christs grave , though its shadow walked a little while after . Take heed how thou observest this day , Gods eye is very much upon thy behavior in his house ; therefore in the Tabernacle , the place of publike worship , it was commanded , Ne putes te in domo Dei male posse conversari , & occultari . Oleaster . Exod. 25.37 . Thou shalt make seven lamps , and they shall light the lamps that they may give light : to teach us , that nothing there escapes his sight , for in his house there is always light : His eye beholds all thy commission of evil , and all thine omission of good there : In his Sanctuary thou canst not sin in secret ; there are seven Lamps to discover thy miscarriages in the Lords house , and therefore it behoves thee to be very pious in that place . Afterwards , when the Temple was built , and became heir to the Tabernacle , as that succeeded this in the Celebration of Gods Worship , so also in Gods observation of all the works done there : Mine eye ( saith God ) shall be there perpetually , 1 Kings 9.3 . There is a threefold eye of God present in the Assemblies of his people .

1. There is the eye of observation and inspection : God seeth what uprightness and seriousness there is in thy prayers and performances ; God eyeth and takes notice , what integrity and fervency thou hast in thy services and sacrifices : Mine eyes are upon all their ways , Jer. 16.17 . Whether thou art praying , or reading , or hearing , or singing , his eye is upon thee ; and whether thou performest thy duties slothfully and sluggishly , or dutifully and diligently , he observeth thee : His eyes behold , and his eye-lids try the children of men .

2. There is the eye of favour and benediction : Gods eye can convey a blessing as well as his hand : I will set mine eyes upon them for good , Amos 9.4 . And Gods eye can speak his good will as well as his heart : Mine eye and my heart shall be there ; that is , in my house , 2 Chron. 7.16 . The affection of the breast is seen at the brows , Mine eye shall be upon the faithful of the Land , Psal. 101.6 . Gods eye is in his house , to approve and bless thee , if thou sanctifie him in Ordinances . Friend , keep the Lords Day with care and conscience , perform thy duties with suitable graces , and Gods eye will be upon thee , thou shalt see his love in his pleasant and gracious looks . Jesus Christ beholds and approves the gracious performances of his people ; he seems to say to them , as Paul to the Colossians , Though I am absent from you in the flesh , yet am I present with you in the Spirit , joying and beholding your order , Col. 2.15 .

3. There is the eye of fury and indignation : Gods looks will speak his anger , as well as his blows : His fury is visible by his frowns ; Mine eyes shall be upon them for evil . Gods sight can wound as deeply as his Sword . Job speaks of him , He sharpneth his eyes upon me , Job 16.9 . Wilde Beasts when they fight , whet their eyes , as well as their teeth . An Enemy enraged , looks on his Antagonist , as if he would look through him . He sharpneth his eyes upon me , as if he would stab me to the heart with a glance of his eye ; so an Expositor glosseth on it . If thou wait on God irreverently , Worship him carelesly , and prophanest his Day , either by Corporal labour , or Spiritual idleness , thou mayest not expect his eye of favour , but of fury : If ye will not hearken unto me , to hallow the Sabbath , then will I kindle a fire , which shall devour the Palaces of Jerusalem , and none shall quench it , Jerem. 17. ult. Ezek. 22.26 , 31. Gods severity hath been remarkable on the Prophaners of his Sabbath . The first blow given the German Churches , was on the Lords Day , which they carelesly observed ; on that day Prague was lost . When men disturb Gods rest , God doth usually deprive them of rest . The day of the Lord is like to be a dreadful day to them that despise the Lords Day .

Truly God is as jealous in his Courts under the Gospel as he was under the Law . Christ , whose eyes are as a flame of fire , walks in the midst of the Golden Candlesticks throughout the World ; He observes how holy duties are performed , and how his holy day is sanctified ; When two or three are gathered together in his name , he is in the midst of them , Mat. 18.20 . He is in the midst of us , to behold our inward and outward carriage in his Courts ; he observeth in praying , what confessions are made of sin , with what confusion of face , and contrition of heart , what petitions are put up for grace and pardon , with what integrity of spirit , and fervency of affection . He observeth in hearing , whether men hear with attention sutable to that word which is able to save their souls , whether men receive the truth in the love of it , whether they resolve on subjection , and to give themselves up to that form of Doctrine which is given down to them , or whether men hear Sermons as Children turn over books meerly for the gays that are in them ; He goeth down into the garden of Nuts , to see the fruits of the Valley , Cant. 6.11 . He seeth the rotten bough of Hypocrisie , the leaves of profession , without the fruits of an answerable conversation , He seeth all thine unripe , sowre , indigested duties .

Reader , If I were to counsel thee how to spend a Market day so , that thou mightest gain much wealth and treasure , I doubt not but thou wouldst hearken to me ; I am now to advise thee how to spend the Lords day , the Market day for thy soul , so , that thou mayst get the true treasure , durable riches and righteousness ; I pray thee to hear and obey the directions which I have to deliver thee from the Lord , for that end .

First , Make preparation for the day . There is scarce any work which admits of any considerable perfection , but require some previous preparation . In works of nature , the ground must be dunged , dressed , plowed , harrowed , and all to prepare it for the seed . In works of Art the Musitian tuneth his Viol , screwing up some of his strings higher , letting some down lower , as occasion is , and all to prepare it for his lesson , and indeed without this he would make but sad M●sick . Truely Friend thus it is with us in matters of higher moment ; hearts , like soil , must be prepared for the seed of the Word ( how many a Sermon hath been lost , because this was wanting ! ) and the Viols of our souls must be tuned to praise God , or otherwise they will sound but harshly in his ears .

The Priests were to wash in the Laver , when they went into the Tabernacle , and when they came near to the Altar to Minister upon pain of death , Exod. 30.19 , 20. Signifying that to holy performances there is required holy prepartion ; Sutable to which is Davids speech , I will wash my hands in innocency , so will I compass thine Altar , Psa. 26.

When the Temple was to be built , the stones were hewn , and the timber squared and fitted , before they were brought to the place where the Temple stood ; there was neither ax , nor hammer , nor any use of them in the Temple : And what doth this speak , but that the Christian must be pollished and prepared to be a spiritual Temple , an habitation for the God of Jacob , and also fitted for his worship , which was then in the Temple .

There is no duty but requires some previous dispositi on . A little break-fast quickens the appetite to a good dinner ; duty fits the heart for duty ; Consider prayer . The Christian must be poor in spirit , that would prevail in prayer for spiritual riches . The vessel must be empty before it can be fil'd . O Lord , thou wilt prepare their heart , thou wilt cause thine ear to hear , Psa. 10.17 . for hearing ; the weeds must be pluckt up before the grain be thrown into the ground ; Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile and Hypocrisies , As new born born babes desire the sincere milk of the word , 1 Pet. 2.1 , 2. In singing ; the lungs must be good , the inwards clean , before the voice will be sweet and clear . O God , my heart is fixed , my heart is fixed , I will sing and give praise , Psa. 57.7 . So for the Lords day , the Israelites had their preparation . It was the preparation , that is , the day before the Sabbath , Mark . 15.42 .

The preparation for the Lords day , consisteth partly in care so to order Worldly businesses , that they may not incroach on the Sabbath ; Some expositours observe that the word Remember , in the fourth Command , enjoyneth a provident foresight and diligent dispatch of earthly affairs on the day before , that nothing may remain to disquiet us in , or disturb Gods day of rest ; There is an observable place , If thou keep thy foot from my Sabbath , Isa. 58.13 . that is from treading on my holy ground with the dirty feet of earthly affairs , or affections . The Jews preparation began at three of the clock in the afternoon , Inritibus Pagan which the Hebrews called the Sabbath Eve ; The antient Fathers called Caena pura , from the Heathen ( say some ) whose Religion taught them in their Sacrifices to certain of their Gods , to prepare themselves by a strict kind of holiness , at which time they had a Supper consisting of meats holy in their opinion .

The Jews were so careful in their preparation , Buxto●● . Syna gog Iud. c. 10. extalm●d . that saith mine Author , to further it , the best and wealthiest of them , even those that had many servants , and were Masters of Families , would chop hearbs , sweep the house , cleave wood , kindle the fire and do such like things . The marriner that intendeth a voyage , putteth his Ship off from Land ; so truly , Friend , if thou woulst lanch Heaven-ward upon a Lords day , there is a necessity that the Vessel of thy heart be put off from the earth . When our blessed Saviour was teaching the people , he was disturbed by one that told him , Behold thy Mother and thy brethren , standwithout desiring to speak with thee , Mat. 12.47 . So when thou art hearing , or praying , or about any Religious Ordinance , what an hinderance , what a disturbance will it be for thy heart to suggest to thee , Man , thy calling , thy companions , or such and such things which lye upon the spoil through thy negligence in the week-days , they all stand without desiring to speak with thee . If thou wouldst avoid distraction , prevent the occasions ; As Isaiah said to Hezekiah , Set thine house in order against thy deaths day ; So I say to thee , Set thy house in order , and thy heart in order against the Lords day .

The main preparation of the heart for a Sabbath , lyeth in removing the filth of Sin , Accedentiad divina mysteria deique contemplationem deponenda sunt calceamenta , i.e. passiones , affectiones simul & rationes humanae & terrenae . Cor. a Lapid . in Exod 3. and in quickening , and awakening grace , sin must be removed ; If the stomach be foul , it must be purged before it be fed , or the meat will nourish and strengthen , not nature , but the ill humours ; If a man purge himself from these ( It is true of evil affections , as well as evil persons ) he shall be a Vesselunto honor , sanctified and meet for the Masters use , and prepared unto every good work , 2 Tim. 2.21 .

Superfluity of naughtiness , must be laid aside before we can receive the word with meekness , James 1.21 . When the Vessel is unclean , it sowres quickly the sweetest liquors powred into it ; when the heart is unclean , it loseth the good it might receive by the truths of God .

As sin must be cast out , so grace must be called up ; Grace is like fire apt to be deadish and dull , thy duty is before-hand , therefore to blow it up ; Most people upon a Sabbath adorn their bodies , with their best cloaths ; but , Alass , who almost attireth his soul as he ought on this day , when he is going to meet the blessed Redeemer !

Reader , Suppose thou wert a person of great quality and estate , and the King should send thee word , that he would dine with thee to morrow , what preparation wouldst thou make for his entertainment ? would not thy first work be to cleanse thy house , by causing the dust to be swept out , the flores to be washt , nay rubd , every thing to be neat and cleanly ? Wouldst thou not put up thy choicest Hangings , lay on thy richest Carpets , bring out thy best plate , adorn thy room with thy costliest furniture , endeavour that all things should be in print , somwhat suitable to the dignity of so great a Prince . I tell thee , that the great King of all the World , doth give thee notice in his Word , that on such a day , being the Sabbath , he intends to sup with thee : Now friend , what preparation wilt thou make , to testifie thy respect to this blessed and onely Potentate ? Canst thou beforehand do less then sweep out the dust of sin , and wash the room of thine heart clean , adorn it with the best furniture , the Graces , the embroidery of the Holy Ghost . Truly unless this be done , Christ will not think himself welcome , nay all thy pretended entertainment of him , will be not onely infinitely unworthy of , but also provoking to so jealous and glorious a Prince .

Believe it , thy profit by a Sabbath , depends not a little upon thy preparation for the Sabbath ; till the matter be prepared , how can it receive the form , Job 11.12 , 13. Thou hast enjoyed many Lords Days , and it may be got little soul-saving good : Thou goest to the House of God , where a table ( in the preaching of the Gospel ) is set before thee , spread with all the dainties of Pardon , Love , Grace , Peace , and Eternal Life , at which others sit and feed , their Souls are fill'd with Marrow and Fatness , and their mouthes praise the Lord with joyful lips ; but thou hast no stomack , canst eat little , and savour nothing : I dare be the Physician to tell thee the cause & cure of this ; the cause is , Thy stomack is foul , thy heart is unclean ; and therefore as a man that hath a cold , or some disease predominant , cannot rellish his meat , but complains sometimes of the meat , sometime of the Cook , when the fault is in himself ; so thou canst taste no goodness in the best meat , neither Prayer , nor Scripture ; neither Sermon , nor Sabbath are savoury to thee , yet it may be thou blamest the Preacher , he doth not dress the meat to thy mind , when the fault is in the foulness of thy affections : Thy cure must be , to purge out this old leaven , to take some pains beforehand in cleansing thy heart . When the stomack is clean , as after purging or fasting , how sweet is a piece of bread ! So if thou wouldst but in secret search thy soul , vomit up thy filth , by a penitent confession , cleanse thine heart by sincere contribution , and wouldst then frequent the publique Ordinances , thou wouldst finde prayer sweet , preaching sweet , the Sacrament sweet , every service sweet : O how wouldst thou love the habitation of Gods House , and the place where his honor dwelleth !

Prepare to meet thy God , O Christian ; betake thy self to thy chamber on the Saturday night , confess and bewail thine unthankfulness for , and unfruitfulness under the Ordinances of God ; shame and condemn thy self for thy sins ; entreat God to prepare thy heart for , and assist it in thy Religious performances ; spend some time in consideration of the infinite Majestie , Holiness , Jealousie and Goodness of that God , with whom thou art to have to do in sacred duties ; ponder the weight and importance of his holy Ordinances , how they concern thy salvation or damnation , thine everlasting life or death ; how certainly they will either further thine unchangeable welfare , or encrease thine endless wo ; meditate on the shortness of the time thou hast to enjoy Sabbaths in , how near thy life may be to an end , how speedily , and how easily God may take down thine earthly Tabernacle , how there is no working , no labouring , no striving in the other World , to which thou art hastning , and continue musing and blowing , till the fire burneth ; thou canst not think the good thou mayest gain by such fore-thoughts , how pleasant and profitable a Lords Day would be to thee , after such a preparation . The oven of thine heart thus baked in ( as it were ) over night , would be easily heated the next morning ; the fire so well raked up when thou wentest to bed , would be the sooner kindled when thou shouldst rise : If thou wouldst thus leave thine heart with God on the Saturday night , thou shouldst finde it with him in the Lords Day morning .

Secondly , Possess thy soul in the morning with the greatness of thy priviledge , in the enjoyment of a Sabbath , and such seasons of grace : Look upon thy work that day , as thy reward ; thy duty on that day , as thy greatest Dignity . O what a favour , what an honor , what happiness doth God vouchsafe to thee , in affording thee such a golden season ! David , though a King , the Head of the best people in the World , esteemed it an honor to be the lowest Officer in Gods House ; to be a Door-keeper there , to fit at the threshold , as it is in the Hebrew , Psal. 84.10 . If the Queen of Sheba could say , when she saw the wealth , and heard the wisdom of Solomon , Happy are these thy men , happy are these thy servants , which stand continually before thee , and that hear thy wisdom ; and blessed be the Lord God of Israel , which delighted in thee , to set thee on the Throne of Israel ; because the Lord loved Israel for ever , therefore made he thee King , 1 Kings 10.8 , 9. mayest not thou when thou beholdest the beautiful face of thy Saviour , in the glass of Ordinances ; and hearest the sweet delightful voyce of Jesus Christ , a greater then Solomon ; when thou seest the delicate and plentiful provision , the feast of fat things , of wine on the lees well refined , which he makes for his people , upon better ground say , Blessed are thy servants that hear thee daily , watching at thy gates , waiting at the posts of thy doors , Prov. 8.34 . Blessed are they that dwell in thy house , they will be still praising thee : And blessed be the Lord God of Israel , which delighted in thee , to set thee on the Throne of Israel ; because he loved Israel for ever , therefore hath he made thee King .

The Ordinances of God are called an appearing before God ; the fruition of them is a seeing his face : Capernaum , because of them , was said to be lifted up to Heaven . Who can tell what honor it is to appear in the presence of this King ; or what happiness it is to see his comely countenance ! Those that enjoy this , are lifted up to Heaven .

Israel was an unparallel'd people , because of this incomparable priviledge ; For what Nation is there so great , which hath God so nigh unto them ? Deut. 4.7 . In the Ordinances of God , the Christian hath sweet communion , with ravishing delight in , and enflamed affection to the blessed God ; in them he tastes God to be gracious , hath the First-fruits of his Glorious and Eternal Harvest .

Well might the French Protestants call their place of publique meeting Paradise : Well might David cry out , Psal. 84.1 , 2. & 27.4 . How amiable are thy Tabernacles , O Lord of Hosts ! At the Tabernacle God did meet David : Who can tell what joyful greeting there was at that holy meeting ; what sweet kisses , what loving embraces God gave his soul ?

As the Ordinances are Heaven in a glass ; so the Lords Day is Heaven in a map : This is to be valued at an high rate , because therein we enjoy all the means of communion with God , in the highest degree and measure , without interruption . The Hebrews call thee Week days prophane days , but this is an holy , pious day . The Greeks call them working days , but this is a day of sweet rest . Other days are common and ordinary handmaids , but this is fitly termed by the Jews , the Queen of days : Many Daughters have done wisely , but thou hast excelled them all : Many days , as Lecture-days , Fast-days , Thanksgiving-days , have done vertuously , have done valiantly ; but thou , O Queen of days , hast excelled them all : They , like Saul , have slain their thousands of Spiritual Enemies ; but thou hast slain , as David , thy ten thousands : They , like the people , must worship afar off , but thou , like Moses , mayest draw near , go up into the mount : There is none like thee , whom God knoweth face to face . Well may other days say to thee , as the people to David , Thou art worth ten thousand of us : Well might the good Soul run to meet thee in the morning , and salute thee with Veni Spousa mea , Come my sweet Spouse , thee I have loved , for thee I have longed , and thou art my dearest delight .

Take heed of counting the Sabbath thy burden , and thine attendance upon that day on the Ordinances of God , thy bondage : It argued spirits full of froth and filth , to cry out , When will the new Moon be gone , that we may sell our corn ; and the Sabbath , that we may set forth wheat , Amos 8.5 . Count Religious duties , not thy fetters , but thy greatest freedom .

Think what the Phaenix is amongst birds , the Lyon among beasts , Fire among the Elements , that is the Lords Day among the days . Ordinary days , like wax in a shop , have their use , are worth somewhat ; but this like wax to some Deeds , or which hath the Kings Seal to it , is worth thousands . What is said of that Day of the Lord , may in a gracious sense be spoken of the Lords Day , There is none like it , before it , neither shall be after it . Upon this day Christ carrieth the Soul into his Wine-cellar , and his Banner over it is Love : Upon other days he feeds his members upon this day , he feasts them ; they have their ordinary every day , but upon this day exceedings ; Upon this day he brings forth his living water , his best Wine ; On this day , he gives the sweetest bread , the finest flower , the true meat , his own body . On this day he met the two Disciples and made their hearts warm , and even burn within them by the fire of his words ; On this day , Saints that slept , arose out of their beds , their graves ; Mat. 27. On this day , the Holy Ghost descended on the Apostles ; On this day , the Lord brought forth the light of the World in Creation ; On this day , Christ brought forth the light of his new Heavens and new Earth by his Resurrection ; On this day , St. John had his glorious Revelation , containing the Churches state to the Worlds dissolution ; On this day , he visited his dear Apostles with grace and peace ; saying to them , Peace be unto you , behold my hands and my feet . On this day , he burst asunder the bands of death , he broke in peices the gates of Hell , he led captivity captive , trampled upon Principalities and Powers , and and triumphed over , grave , sin , the curse of the law , and Satan ; Upon this day , he still rides triumphantly in the Chariot of his Ordinances , conquering and to conquer , casting down high thoughts , and subduing sinners to himself . It may be said of the Sabbath as of Sion , This and that man was born in her and the highest himself shall establish her . The Lord shall count when he writeth up the people , that this man was born then , Selah . Psa. 87.56 . O blessed day , how many thousands souls have known thee the day of their new births ! How willing have the people been in thee day of Gods power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning , thou hast the dews of thy youth . Blessed art thou among days , from hence forth all generations shall call thee blessed . Blessed be the Father who made thee ; blessed be the Son who bought thee ; blessed be the Spirit who sanctifieth thee , and blessed are all they that prize and improve thee . Reader , thou hast not a drop of true holiness , if thou dost not bless God ( as is reported of the Jews ) at the coming in , and going out of this holy and blessed day .

Thirdly , Consider there is a present price put into thy hands , to get and increase grace , and therefore improve it . The wisdom of a Christian consisteth in observing his seasons ; the High God sends man to School to the silly Ant , to learn this Art and peice of good Husbandry , Go to the Ant thou sluggard , consider her ways and be wise , which having no Guide , Overseer , nor Ruler , provideth her food in the Summer , and gathereth her meat in the Harvest , Prov. 6.6 , 7 , 8. The Ants are a feeble folk , but famous for their forecast , and deserve saith one , to be fed with the finest of the Wheat , for the pattern they give to man . They labour not onely all day , but even by Moon-light they gather huge heaps together , lay it out a drying in a warm day , least it should putrifie , & bite off the ends of the ends of the grain least it should grow ; but observe the season of this care and diligence ; She provideth her food in the Summer , and gathereth her meat in the Harvest . Then that time is the Ants opportunity ; if she do it not then , she cannot do it at all ; therefore she makes use of that season . O that Friend , thou wert but as wise for the bread which came down from Heaven , as this poor Pismire is for the bread which springs out of the earth ! Christians are called Doves . The Turtle Dove is called in the Hebrew Tor , of the Original Tur , and thence comes our Latin Turtur , which signifieth to observe or search , for so this Bird observeth her time of going and coming , Jer. 8.7 . for she departeth before Winter into some warm climate . The Lords day is the Summer , thine Harvest time ; Labour now for Christ and grace , or thou art lost for ever . The Farmer that loyters at other times , will work hard and sweat in Harvest . If he do not reap then , he knows he can never pay his rent and feed his Family , but is ruined . Reader , if thou dost not on a Lords day gather in grace , how wilt thou do to lay out grace in the week days ? nay how wilt thou do to spend grace upon a dying bed , when thou art to step into the other World ! He that gathereth in Summer , is a wise son ; but he that sleepeth in Harvest , is a son that causeth shame , Prov. 10.5 . The Jews might gather no Manna on the Sabbath , but Gentiles must then especially get the bread of life . The Water-man must observe when Wind and Tide are for his turn , and then bestir himself , or otherwise he must come short of his Haven . It concerns thee to mind Sabbaths ; then the gales of the Spirit blow fair for thy voyage ; then the waters of Ordinances run right for the port to which thou art bound ; therefore do not then laze and loyter , but labour for thy God , thy soul , and thine everlasting life ; Therefore shall every one that is godly , seek thee in a time when thou mayst be found . Psa. 32.6 .

The Musitian must play his lesson whilst the instrument is in Tune , because the weather may alter . The good Husband for his soul must buy of Christ gold to inrich him , and raiment to cloath him , while the Fayr lasts , for it will quickly be over . Esau came too late and lost thereby the blessing ; many come too late and lose their souls by it . To every thing there is a season , saith God , Eccles. 3.1 . The Lords day is thy season when grace and mercy are tendered to thee ; how will thou escape if thou neglectest ( or carest not for , as the word 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 signifieth ) so great Salvation . Heb. 2.3 . Open unto Christ when he knocketh at the door of thy heart with the finger of his Spirit . Do not bid him come to morrow , lest that morrow never come ,

It s good ( we say ) to make Hay while the Sun shines , for the Heavens may be cloudy . It s good to embrace a present opportunity , for time is bald behind ; thou canst not assure thy self of a second Sabbath . Seasons of grace are not like Tides , that a man may miss one and take another . What Christ said of himself , is true of Sabbaths ; The poor ye have always with you , but me ye have not always . Time thou hast always with thee while thou livest , but the Sabbath thou hast not always . Nay within a shorter time then thou imaginest ; God may deprive thee both of time and opportunity , both of Week days and Lords days ; and if thou art now sleeping and snoring when thou should be waking and working , what a cut will it be to thy heart to reflect upon the Sabbaths which thou hast had and lost , enjoyed and mispent ! Jerusalem in the days of her affliction and of her misery , remembred all her pleasant things that she had in the days of old , Lam. 1.9 . So Reader if thou shouldst neglect to improve Sabbaths now in the day of thy misery , or rather in the everlasting night of thine affliction in hell , thou wilt remember thy Sabbaths seasons of grace , and all thy pleasant things which thou hadst in the days of old . Good Lord , what a rueful woful remembrance will it be to call to mind the means , the mercies , the helps which were afforded thee to have avoided Hell , and attained Heaven , and yet thou like a fool or rather a mad man , didst dally about them , and delay till the Market was done ! Now is the time for thee to accept of grace , because now is the onely time that grace will accept of thee . O that thou wouldst know in this thy day , the things which concern thy peace , before they be hid from thine eyes .

Fourrhly , Esteem the publique Ordinances the chief work of the day , and let thy secret and private duties be so managed , that thy soul may be prepared for them , and profited by them . Duties in thy closet and family are of use , and have their blessing ; but to put God off with these , and neglect the publique Worship , is to rob God of a greater sum , to pay him a lesser : The Sacrifice of the Jews on that day was double ; they offered Sacrifice in the Tabernacle , besides their Lambs for the daily Sacrifice . It is worthy our observation , that the Sabbath and publique Service are by God himself joyned together , and therefore let no man put them asunder : Ye shall keep my Sabbaths , and reverence my Sanctuary , I am the Lord , Lev. 19.30 . They that despise Gods Sanctuary , cannot observe Gods Sabbath .

Every thing is beautiful in its season : Private duties are beautiful , and in season every day ; but publique Ordinances are never so lovely and beautiful , because never so much in their prime and season , as on a Lords Day .

In publique Worship , God receiveth the highest praises : I will praise thee in the great Congregations , Psal. 29.9 . In his Temple doth every one speak of his glory . I had gone with the multitude to the House of God , with the voyce of joy and praise , with a multitude that kept holy day , Psal. 42.4 . The gracious God is pleased to esteem it his glory to have many Beggars thronging at the beautiful gate of his Temple for Spiritual and Corporal alms . What an honor is it to our great Landlord , that multitudes of Tenants flock together to his house , to pay their rent of Thanks and Worship for their All which they hold of him ! How loud and lovely is the noise of many golden Trumpets ! Good Lord , what an eccho do they make in Heavens ears ! Deus pluris facit preces in Ecclesia quam domi factas , non ob locum sed ob considerationem multitudinis fidelium Deum communi consensu invo . cantium . Riv. in Cath. Orth. When many skilful Musicians play in consort , with well-tuned and prepared Instruments , the Musick cannot but be ravishing to God himself . Methinks its a notable resemblance of the sweet melody which is made by the Celestial Quire above , Psal. 68.26 . Bless ye God in the Congregation , even the Lord , from the fountain of Israel : for he loveth the gates of Zion , above all the dwellings of Jacob , Psal. 87.2 .

As in publique God receiveth the highest praises , so there he bestoweth the richest mercies : Blessed is the man whom thou chusest , and causest to approach unto thee , that he may dwell in thy Courts : We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy House , even of thy holy Temple , Psal. 65.4 . Here is Davids Position , and its proof : His Position is , That the Templer , or Inhabitant in Gods House , is an happy man ; Blessed is the man whom thou chusest , and causest to approach unto thee , that he may dwell in thy House : The proof of it is from the quality and quantity of the provision , which God makes for them that are of his Houshold : For the quality of it , it is not onely good , but Goodness ; which word signifieth , not onely the good will which God beareth to , but all the good things which God bestoweth upon his people ; Pardon , Peace , Love , Grace , every good thing ; all good things are in the womb of that one word Goodness : Gods provision for his people is beyond all their knowledge or apprehension .

There be four ordinary ways by which men come to the knowledge of good things ; either by hearing them immediately themselves , or by hear-say from others , or by the sight of the eyes , or by discourse of Reason : But from the beginning of the World , men have not seen , nor heard , nor perceived by the ear , nor hath it entred into the heart of man to conceive , what God hath provided for them that love him , 1 Cor. 2.9 . Isa. 64.4 . The love discovered there , is an unknown love ; the joy bestowed there , is unspeakable joy : All the costliest dainties prepared for Heavens Table , the fulness of joy and pleasures for ever at Gods right hand , are expressed by this one word Goodness , Psal. 31.19 . So that the quality of the provision is beyond all exception , it is Goodness . For its quantity , it is to satisfaction : We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house , even of thy Holy Temple : The Saint shall have enough of this luscious fare to content him : Indeed the Christians full meal is reserved for him , till he comes to eat bread in the Kingdom of Heaven ; but here he hath enough to stay his stomach : He is very well satisfied , that his allowance in this World is sufficient . God calls him in the other World to greater work , and so will give him a greater allowance for suitable strength ; but God doth not in this World underkeep him . He feeds proportionable to their employments , nay to their satisfaction and contentment , all that are in his inferior family : His children have till they leave .

But Reader , Where is the place of this good , this great provision ? is it not in Gods House , in his holy Temple , in the publique Worship ? Great Princes bestow their Largesses , and shew their Bounty , Glory , and Magnifience before much people : If thou wouldst know where Believers have seen their best sights , where they have heard their most ravishing sounds , where they have made their most delightful meals ; it was in the House of God : They have seen thy goings , O God , in the Sanctuary , Psal. 68.24 . They have heard the joyful sound of thy Word : They have been abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy House .

Do but consider Davids tears and grief for want of , and his fervent prayers for the fruition of publike Ordinances , even then when he had opportunities for private performances ; and surely thou wilt esteem the Ministery of the Word no mean mercy : See his sorrow when he was driven from Gods Sanctuary ; When I remember these things , my soul is poured out : for I had gone with the multitude , I went with them to the House of God , Psal. 42.3 , 4. My soul is poured out ; that is , I am overwhelmed with grief , and even ready to dye , when I compare my present condition with my former happiness , in the fruition of Religious Assemblies . There is an Elegancy in the phrase Poured out ; the word is applyed to water , or any liquid thing , and in Scripture signifieth abundance , Joel 2.28 . My life is ready to be poured out as water upon the ground , which cannot be gathered up again , when I remember my former mercies , and consider my present misery . How bitterly and passionately doth he plead with Saul ? If the Lord hath stirred thee up against me , let him accept an Offering ; but if they be the children of men , cursed be they before the Lord ; for they have driven me out this day from the Inheritance of the Lord , 1 Sam. 26. & 19. How pathetically doth he bemoan it to his own soul ? Wo is me , for I dwell in Meshech , and my habitations are in the Tents of Kedar : The loss of his Father , Mother , Wives , Children , Lands , Liberty , nay of his very Life , would not have gone so near his heart , as the loss of publique Ordinances : As his sorow was great for the want , so was his suit most earnest for the enjoyment of them ; How many a prayer doth he put up for the liberty of the Tabernacle ? Psal. 43.3 , 4. & 27.4 . It is the one thing , the principal special request which he begs of God : One thing have I desired of the Lord , that will I seek after , that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life ; and verse 8. how hard doth he pray for this priviledge : Thou saidst , Seek ye my face ; my heart said unto thee , Thy face Lord will I seek : To seek the face of God in a general sense , is taken for the substance of Religion , or to seek God , Psal. 24.6 . but by the face of God in a strict sense , is meant the Ark of God , and place of his residence : Now David at this time being deprived of this inestimable benefit , in the ardency of his zeal presseth God , with all the arguments he could devise , to restore him to that happiness ; among the rest , he urged God with his own words , Thou hast commanded me to worship thee in thy Tabernacle , to appear before thee , that is my desire and delight , my heart would seek and see thy face there : Thus he presseth God for performance on his side , that he might be enabled to obey Gods precept .

Where God denyeth publique Ordinances , there he himself will be a little Sanctuary to his chosen , Ezek. 11.16 . But where he affords them , he expects that they should be attended : Christ himself went often into the Synagogues .

Peter and John went up into the Temple at the hour of prayer , Acts 3.1 . On the Sabbath we went out of the City by a rivers side , where prayer was wont to be made , Acts 13.23 . and Paul reasoned in the Synagogue every Sabbath , Acts 18.4 . Those that by their practices contemn publique Worship , have neither Christ nor his Apostles for their pattern .

One of the Jewish Rabbies hath a saying , He that dwells in a City where there is a Synagogue , and cometh not to Prayers , Merito dicitur vicinus malus , is deservedly stiled a bad neighbour . Beader , if thou forsakest the Assemblies of the Saints , how useful soever thou mayest be to others bodies , yet thou art a bad neigbour in neglecting soul-service .

The Lord Jesus Christ as he was faithful as a Son in his own house , took special care to provide and prepare such publique servants , as might give every one their meat in due season . The Ministers of the word are his publique Officers appointed by himself to have the oversight of his Saints . They are both Fathers to beget , and Tutours to bring up his Sons and Daughters . They are his Stewarts to dispense publiquely the mysteries of the Gospel of peace . But little do they think , who set light by publique Ordinances , what a price Christ paid , that he might enable and qualifie them for his Churches profit . The gifts he bestoweth on Pastors are not the least sign of his good will to his people . Wherefore he saith , When he ascended up on high , he gave gifts to men . And he gave some Apostles ; and some Profits ; and some Evangelists ; and some Pastours ; and some Teachers . For the perfecting of the Saints , for the work of the Ministry , for the edifying of the body of Christ , till we all come in the unity of the faith , and of the knowledge of the Son of God , unto a perfect man , unto the measure of the stature , of the fulness of Christ , Ephes. 4.8 , 11.12 , 13. As Kings on the day of their Coronation , usually appear in all their Majesty and magnificence , and do some famous act ( as of a general pardon or the like ) which may speak their love and respect to their Subjects . So Jesus Christ when he rode Triumphantly in the Chariot of his ascension into Heavens glorious City , to sit and reign there at the right hand of the Majesty on High , gave abilities to Ministers , endowed them with answerable gifts and graces , that they might dispense the Ordinances of God powerfully , and profitably , as a special fruit of his passion for , and a singular testimony of his affection to his Church .

I would wish thee therefore to be present at , and to continue to the end of publique Ordinances . David would be a Door-keeper in the House of God . Because a Door-keeper is first in , and last out . Friend , if thou wert feasting some Noble person thou wouldst not rise from Table , unless necessity forced thee , before all were taken away , and thanks returned . I must tell thee that when thou art feeding with the blessed Potentate , it is much below good manners , to turn thy back upon him , without his leave and blessing .

Fifthly , If thou wouldst make Religion thy business on a Lords day , Tune thine heart to spiritual joy and delight therein . Holy alacrity and joy is not onely a crown and credit to , but also a special part of Christianity . The Kingdom of God consisteth not in meats and drink , but in righteousness , and peace , and joy in the holy Ghost , Rom. 14.17 . Gods ways are not so bad , but that the Travellers in them may be chearful ; His work is good wages , and therefore it s no wonder that his Servants are so joyful .

Because beleivers have ever cause of comfort , therefore they are commanded always to rejoyce , Phil. 3. Whether their sins or sufferings come into their hearts , they must not sorrow as they that have no hope ; In their saddest conditions , they have the spirit of consolation . There is seed of joy sown within them , when it is buried under the clods , and appears not above ground . But there are special times when God calls for this grain to spring up ; They have some red letters , some holy days in the Calendar of their lives , wherein this joy as Wine at a Wedding , is most seasonable , but among all those days it never relisheth so well , it never tasteth so pleasantly as on a Lords day , joy sutes no person so much as a Saint , and it becomes no season so well as a Sabbath . Joy in God on other days is like the Birds Chirping in winter , which is pleasing , but joy on a Lords day is like their warbling Tunes , and pretty notes in Spring , when all other things look with a sutable delightful aspect . This is the day which the Lord hath made ( he that made all days , so especially of this day , but what follows ) we will rejoyce and be glad therein , Psa. 118.24 . In which words we have the Churches solace or joy , and the season or day of it . Her solace was great . We will rejoyce and be glad . Those expressions are not needless repetitions , but shew the exeuberancy or high degree of their joy . The season of it . This is the day the Lord hath made , Compare this place with Mat. 21.22.23 . and Act. 4.11 . and you will find that the precedent verses are a prophetical prediction of Christs Resurrection , Sic. Arnob. and so this verse foretels the Churches joy upon that memorable and glorious day . And indeed if a feast be made for laughter , Eccles. 10.19 . Then that day wherein Christ feasteth his Saints with the choicest mercies , may well command his greatest spiritual mirth , A thanksgiving day hath a double precedency of a fast day ; On a Fast-day we eye Gods anger ; On a Thanksgiving-day we look to God favour . In the former we specially mind our own corruptions . In the latter Gods compassions , therefore a Fast-day calls for sorrow , a Thanksgiving day for joy . But the Lords day is the highest thanksgiving day , and deserveth much more then the Jewish Purim , to be a day of feasting and gladness , and a good day .

On this day we enjoy the Communion of Saints and shall we not delight in those excellent ones , Psa. 16.3 . On this day we have fellowship with the blessed Saviour , and shall we not fit under his shadow , with great delight ? Cant. 1. On this day we are partakers of the Ordinances of God and shall we not be joyful in the House of prayer ? Isa. 56.7 . On this day we have special converse with the God of Ordinances , and who would not draw water with joy out of the Well of Salvation ? Isa. 12.3 . Surely whilst we are in the midst of so much Musk , we must needs be perfumed . Who can walk where the Sun shines so hot , and not be warmed ?

It is Gods precept ( as well as thy priviledge ) to make Gods day thy delight , If thou call the Sabbath a delight , the holy of the Lord , Isa. 58.13 . Delights , Tremel reads it . Thy delicate things according to the Septuag. Whether thou art meditating on Gods works , or attending on Gods Word , which are the two principal duties of the day , they both call for delight and joy .

If on this day of rest thou considerest the work of creation , and Gods rest , it behoveth thee to follow Davids pattern , Thou Lord hast made me glad through thy works , I will triumph in the works of thy hands , Psa. 92.4 .

If thou considerest the work of Redemption , and Christs rest , surely out of the carcass of the Lion of the tribe of Judah , thou mayst get some Honey as may delight thy soul , and force thee to sing , My soul doth magnifie the Lord , my spirit rejoyceth in God my Saviour , Luk. 1.46 , 47. The babe in the womb leapt for joy of him before he was born . The heavenly host sung at his birth , and wilt not thou at his second birth , his resurrection from the dead . O let the Primitive Christians salutations be thy consolation , The Lord is risen .

If thou meditatest on glorification , and thine own rest canst thou do less then rejoyce in hope of glory , what Prisoner shackled with Satans temptations , and fettered with his own corruptions , in the dark Gaol of this World , can think of the time when his Irons shall be knockt off , and he enjoy the pleasant light and glorious liberty of the Sons of God , and not be transported with joy ? What heir in his minority , banisht from his kindred and country , can think without comfort of his full age , when he shall have the full fruition both of his estate and friends ; doubtless friend , the Sabbaths of the holy , are the Suburbs of heaven . In heaven there is no buying , no selling , no ploughing , no sowing , nothing but worshiping God , communion with him , fruition of him , and delight in him ; There remains a rest for the people of God . There they rest from their labours ; If thou on a Lords day turnest thy back upon the World , and goest up into the mount , conversing with , and rejoycing in the blessed God , what dost thou less then begin thine eternal Sabbath here . Such a Lords day can be no less then Heaven in a looking glass , representing truly , though darkly , thy future eternal happiness ; There is no perfume so sweet to a Pilgrim , as his own smoak .

When thou art attending on the word , truely that Aquavitae , that hot water may well revive thy spirit . Thy testimonies are my delight , saith David , I have rejoyced more in thy testimonies , then in all manner of riches , Psa. 119.24 , 77. The Word of God is sometimes called a treasure , and what beggar would not rejoyce in a treasure ; sometimes fire , and truly Reader thine heart is frozen , to purpose if this fire do not heat it ; Salomon tell us , As cold water to a thirsty soul , so is good news from a far Country , Prov. 25.25 . The Word of God contains the best news that ever ears heard . Peace on earth , good will towards men ; and the glad tidings of the Gospel come from Heaven a far Country . What canst thou say then ? why they should not be as welcome and refreshing to thee as cold water to a thirsty soul .

Variety of things that are excellent is not a little ground of complacency in them . Variety of choice voices please the ear , variety of curious colours delight the eyes ; variety of dainties are acceptable to the taste . Nero promises rewards to them that invented new pleasures . God hath for that purpose disht out his worship into several and various duties , that it might be more pleasant to us . Sometimes we speak to God , sometimes we hear from God , sometimes we are praying for supply of our necessities , sometimes we are praysing him for his infinite excellencies , sometimes our mouthes are open to sing , sometimes our ears are open to hear the Sermon , sometimes our eyes are open to see the Sacrament . The same meat is drest several ways to make it the more welcome , and so the more strengthning to us . Hippocrates observes that that food which nature receives with delight , though not so good in it self , affords better nourishment then that which is more wholesome , against which nature hath a reluctancy . Reader , thy delight and pleasure in the sacred Ordinances of the Lords day will help to make them more profitable to thee . Some colours which do delight , do also strengthen the sight .

Sixthly , if thou wouldst make godliness thy business on a Lords day , Let no duty satisfie without communion with God in it . Ordinances are the Galleries and Gardens ( and for that end appointed ) wherein God and thy soul may walk together . For this cause they are called a glass , because therein the Christian beholds the glory of the Lord , 2 Cor. 3.18 . As Zacheus climbed up to the Sycamore Tree to see Jesus , and when he once had a sight of him , he came down joyfully ; so go thou up into the Trees of duties for this purpose , that thou mayst see God in Christ ; and unless this be granted thee , come down sorrowfully . When men go to meet a friend at a certain place , and they miss him , how discontentedly do they go away ?

Alas , what are the Ordinances without God , but as a Table without meat , from which a living soul must needs depart thirsty and hungry ? David loved the habitation of Gods house , but it was because it was the place where Gods honour dwelt , Psa. 27. David longed for the courts of God , more then for his Crown relations or possessions , or any outward comforts , but it was because God afforded there his gracious presence ; Gods glorious presence is in his Church Triumphant , but he is graciously present in his Church Militant . My soul longeth , yea even fainteth for the Courts of the Lord ; my heart and my flesh eryeth out for the living God , Psa. 84.2 . His desire was as eager and earnest as of a longing woman with child , who is ready to faint away and dye if she be not satisfied : Sometimes he compares his desire to thirst , of which creatures are more impatient then hunger . Psa. 63.1 . Sometimes to the thirst of an Hart after the water-brooks , which creature being naturally hot and dry , in a very great degree , is exceeding thirsty ; but the object of his desire , of his thirst , was God . My soul thirsteth for God , for the living God , O when shall I come and appear before him ! Psa. 42.1 , 2. To see thy beauty and glory , as I have seen thee in the Sanctuary . It was communion with God in his life and love , in his graces and comforts , which the Psalmist so much longed for . The sweet smiles of Gods face , the honey dews of his Spirit , were Davids Paradise of pleasure , his heaven upon earth .

They that come to duty meerly for duty , know not what it meanes to meet with God , and therefore though they neither see his face nor hear his voice , yet are contented , like those that were born in some dark Dungeon , and never yet saw the Sun , they are well enough satisfied without it ; but those who have seen it , and know that that light is pleasant , if they look up to the heaven of Ordinances , & see not the Sun of righteousness , it s no longer day with them ; The true Disciples met together the first day of the week , and enjoying Jesus among them , rejoyced indeed ; but they are onely glad in duties , when they had seen the Lord , John 20.20 . They were glad when they had seen the Lord .

Reader , when thou goest to the Ordinances of God , go to meet God in the Ordinances . As Moses , go up into the Mount of duties to converse with thy Maker . Go to view the beauty of his face when thou enquirest into his holy Temple . When thou goest to prayer , let it be in hope to get thy heart nearer to heaven .

When thou goest to hear , mind communion with him that speaks from heaven , and then onely rejoyce in the word , when as the star to the wise men , leads thee to the place where Christ is . It is God in the Word which causeth efficacy , it is God in prayer who causeth prevalency , it is God in the Sacrament who causeth alacrity , it is God in a Sabbath who causeth complacency .

When thou goest to the waters of the Sanctuary , say as Elisha at the waters of Jordan , Where is the Lord God of Elijah ? Where is the God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ ? Why is thy Chariot , O Son of righteousness so long a comming ! Why tarry ? what clogs the wheels of thy Chariot ? O when wilt thou come unto me , Psa. 101.2 . When thou comest from the Ordinances , and hast not met God in them , though thou hast shewed never so great parts or gifts , or outward devotion , say as Absolom , All this avails me nothing , so long as I may not see the Kings face . 1 Sam. 28 15. Saul himself was sad and sorrowful , when he enquired of the Lord , and the Lord answered him not ; and canst thou O Saint be joyful when thy beloved hath withdrawn himself !

Look upon performances as boats to ferry thy soul over , and give it a passage to God , and take heed of going contentedly from God without God ; Psa. 43.3 , 4. let thy prayer be , O send out thy light , and thy truth ; let them lead me , let them bring me to thy holy hill , to thy Tabernacle ; then will I go unto the Altar of God , unto God my exceeding joy .

Seventhly , Sanctifie the whole day to Gods service ; Be early up in the morning , and as late as thy body will permit at night . The Israelites when they were to batter down the strong holds of Jericho , rose up early in the morning , Judg. 6.15 . Upon the Lords day thy work must be to batter down the strong holds of sin ; rise early , lose no time . Do not lose the least moment ( if it be possible ) of this sacred day . The very filings of Gold are of worth ; The smallest part of this holy day is of great price ; The word Shamur to keep ( the Sabbath ) Lev. 19.30 . signifieth to keep with care and diligence as a great treasure , of which a man would lose none . When men beat Ginger , they will ( if good Husbands ) be careful that little fly out of the Mortar ; but if they beat pearl , they are extraordinary watchful , that not the least of that be lost , because a little of that is of great value . Reader , if thou art a good Husband for thy soul , I doubt not but thou esteemest thy time in the week days at so high a rate that thou darest not sqander it away in doing nothing , or in that which is worse then nothing ; but O what worth , what price wilt thou set upon an opportunity upon a Lords day ? How diligent wilt thou be to improve the least peice of that day ? God giveth thee six whole days for thine own works ; do not deny to him one whole day in seven . Let thy conscience be Judge ; Is it not unrighteousness to buy by one measure which is greater , and sell by another measure which is lesser ? when the day is consecrated to God , as the goods of Ananias , it is dangerous to keep back any part of it for our own use .

Do thou all the day long live and walk as it were in the other World ; Make it a Sabbath , a day of rest . 1. From sin and wickedness , this is thy duty every day , but especially on this day ; Every sin on a Sabbath is double , the season is a great aggravation of the sin . The wicked indeed are like the raging Sea , which cannot rest , but every day bubble up mire and dirt , Isa. 57.20 . 2. From the World and the works of thy calling ; Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore , for it is holy unto you . Every one that defileth it , shall surely be put to death ; for whosoever doth any work therein , that soul shall be cut off from among his people , Exod. 31.14 . The Jews were to rest from works of least importance , as gathering sticks ( he that fetched in sticks , was sent out of the World with stones ) and of greatest concernment , as building the Tabernacle ; and though the Christian now hath more liberty , yet he hath no leave at all to pollute the day by wickedness , or to prophane the day by any earthly work which might have been done before the day , or may be done as well after it .

May I not say to thee of this day , as Elisha to Geehezi ? Is this a time to receive money and garments , and sheep , and oxen , and men-servants , and maid-servants ? 2 Kings 5.26 . Is the Sabbath a time for civil affairs ? The Sabbath day is therefore called a day of restraint , Deut. 16.8 . because then men are forbidden all work , saith Junius . As none were ever losers by laying afide their own works to attend Gods Worship ; he took care of Israels safety whilst they were in his service , that none of their Neighbours though bitter enemies , should so much as desire their Cities , Exod 34.24 . so none I am confident were ever gainers by inching in some part of their callings unnecessarily at the end of Gods day , and by setting God aside to serve themselves ; the very time will be a Canker to consume their estates ; And as they that take Crocus into their stomachs , bring up not onely ill humours , but that also which would prove good nourishment ; So some have had experience that their prophanation of Gods day to increase their estates , hath forced them to vomit up the whole , God hath given thee days enough for thy calling , space enough to mind it in , thou needst not trespass upon his holy day , upon his holy ground . It was no small aggravation of Adams sin , that though he had choice of fruits , he would eat of the forbidden fruit ; so it will much increase thy sin , if when thou hast choice of time for thy trade , thou shouldst meddle with it on a Sabbath .

Reader , Debet totus dies festivus à Christiano expendi in operibus bonis Grostead in precept . as thy duty is to rest the whole day from wickedness and worldly work , so also to imploy the whole day in Gods Worship , be either praying , or reading , or hearing , or singing , or meditating , or discoursing with others about the Works or Word of God : Be always taken up , either with publique , Hoc sensu loquitur propheta , Sià primo mane incipimuslauda . re d●um , continuandas esse ejus laudesad ultimam noctis partem . Calvin in loc. private or secret duties . In the 92. Psalm , that Psalm for the Sabbath , v. 1 , and 3. we are exhorted to shew forth Gods loving kindness in the morning , and his faithfulness at evening . Now we know that in Scripture sense the morning and the evening are the whole day ; The whole day is Gods by ordination , and why should not it be his by observation ; God hath dedicated this day wholly to hsi own Worship , now every devoted thing is most holy to the Lord . Lev. 27.28 .

The Pope and Church of Rome have half holy days , as St. Blacies day , which is holy in the forenoon onely ; but God and the Church of Christ have no half holy days . Observe how exact God is in expressing a whole natural day . From evening to evening you shall keep the Sabbath , Lev. 23.32 . Their days were reckoned from evening to evening , from the creation ; but ours ( because Christ rose in the morning ) from morning to morning .

If thou hast any sincere delight in God , and esteem of the true riches , I cannot but think that thou wilt be covetous of the smallest part of Gods day , and wish as R. Jose , Iewish Antiq. l. 3. c. 3. Ex Buxtorf . Comment mas . that thy portion may be to begin the Sabbath with those of Tiberias , because they began it sooner then others , and to end it with those of Tsepphore , because they continued it longer then others . If thy soul ever met God on a Sabbath , thou wilt surely be ready to say with Joshua , Thou Sun stand still in Gibeon , Iosh. 10 12. and thou Moon in the vallies of Ajalon ; O that the day were longer , that I might have more time to fight the Lords battels against my spiritual enemies !

Eightly , If thou wouldst make Religion thy business on a Lords day , Meditate therein on the word and works of God . Consider his works ; This is part of the work of the day . David in that Psalm for the Sabbath , gives thee a pattern , O Lord how great are thy works ! and thy thoughts are very deep , Psa. 92.5 . Is a dishonour to a workman , to make excellent peices , and to manifest abundance of Skill and Art , and ingenuity , and then not to have them taken notice of . God hath done his mighty works to be remembred , and wondred at . It s said of Pythagoras , that he lived sequestred from men in a cave for a whole year together , that he might meditate on the abstruse points of Philosophy . I wish thee to an easier and pleasanter task , to sequester thy self some time every Lords day , to ponder the infinite perfections which appear in the operations of his hand . God will be both admired and magnified by his people on earth as well as in Heaven , which none can do but those that seriously consider his works ; Men have been much wondred at for some peculiar rare works , though in them a Christian should look farther , even to God the Author of their skill and wisdom . The very Greeks acknowledged somewhat like this , that all Arts come from God , in making Minerva the Daughter of Jupiter , and to have had her generation in his Divine brain ; but alas the choicest peices of men to the smallest Works of God , are but as childrens houses of dirt to the stateliest Courts of Christendom . Archites was much extolled for causing a Dove of Wood to hang in the Air , being equally poised with its own weight ; but what is this to the work of God in hanging the earth upon nothing ? Job 26.7 . The earth is the heaviest and lowest Element . A little peice of earth held up and let fall , will never cease moving till it come to rest upon some solid body ; and yet behold the great mass of earth with innumerable bodies upon it , hangs fast in the midst of the open Air , having no visible Pillar nor foundation to rest upon . Well might God reckon it to Job among his wondrous works , Job 38.4 , 5 , 6. Vpon what be the Sockets of it fastened ? Aristotle himself could not but admire it . Archimedes was famous for contriving the motions of the Sun , Moon and Stars in his Horology ; but alass what is this to the glorious heavens themselves , which God stretcht out like a Curtain , and to the Noble Host of great and glittering bodies , keeping their Rank and File , and being not onely incredibly swift , but also regularly and orderly in their motions ! The Heavens declare the glory of God , and the Firmament sheweth his handy work . There is so much of God appearing in the Heavens , that many have taken them for God , and given them divine worship . Naturalists tell us that the head of Nilus cannot be found , but many sweet springs issuing from it are discovered . Though thy finite capacity can never reach fully the fountain and head , Gods infinite Being and Excellencies ; yet thou mayst finde many refreshing streams which flow from it . A little River will lead thee to the Ocean Ohow much of the goodness , power and wisdom of God appeareth in the work of creation ! The Rabbies say that in every Apex of the Law there is a Mountain of sense ; sure I am that in the smallest Creatures there is abundance of the Creatour ; How doth the Wisdom of God shine forth in the exquisite workmanship , variety , order , subordination , and serviceableness of the Creatures one to another , that David might well cry out , O Lord , how marvellous are thy works , in wisdom hast thou made them all .

Pontanus , Scultet . Annal. Chancellour of Saxony , propoundeth to be viewed and weighed the most beautiful Arch-work of Heaven , resting upon no post but Gods power , and yet standing fast for ever . The clouds as thin as the liquor contained in them ; behold , saith he , how they hang and move though weighty in their burden , thy salute us onely , or threaten us rather , and pass we know not whither ; How doth his goodness appear in furnishing the World so richly for the supply of his Creatures ! the earth is full of thy goodness . Luther in his Colloquia Me●s . tells us that God is at more charge every day to maintain Sparrows , then all the yearly Revenues of the King of France are worth ; but especially towards man , in making him so excellent a Creature , and in making so many excellent creatures for him .

His power is also evident both in creating such great and noble creatures of nothing ( he used not the least tool or instrument in making the Heavens and earth ) and in having them all at his beck and bidding , at his call and command ; the greatest do him homage , and the smallest do him service . The Sun as strong and swift as he is ( moving as some write every hour 16000 Miles ) yet he flies back like a Coward if God speak but the word , Josh. 10.12 . Job 9.5 , to 10. He armeth Flies and Lice ; and what Execution did they do upon the Egyptians ?

Cambden tels us the Armes of the Shagburies in Warwick-shire , being Stars , Camb. Britain . are found engraven in the very stones within their Manor of Shagbury ; Whether that be true or no , I know not ; but sure I am that the Armes of the Infinite God , his eternal power , manifold wisdom , and matchless goodness , are so plainly written on his works in the World , in that first volume of Creation , that he that runs may read them . Solomon tels us , God hath set the World in mens hearts ; namely , that the skilfulness of the Workman may be admired in the exactness of his works , Eccles. 3.11 .

I might draw thee farther , and shew thee ( but that I would not be so large ) how these glorious perfections of God are Printed in a larger letter , in a fairer character , in the second volume , the work of Redemption . This is the object of Angels admiration , and ought to be of thy meditation .

Truly thy duty is to read God in the first book , the book of the creatures ; and more especially in the second , in Jesus Christ upon his own day .

Thy meditation of Gods works , as it will give honour to God , so it will not a little further thy spiritual good ; When David considered the work of creation , ●a . 8.1 . to 4 he falls presently upon exalting God , and debasing himself . When I consider the Heavens , the work of thy hands , the Moon and the Stars which thou hast made , O Lord our Lord , how excellent is thy name in all the earth , and thy glory above the Heavens ; there he sets God up high ; but then be casts himself downlow , What is man that thou art mindful of him , and the son of man , that thou dost thus visit him !

When thine heart is like Wax hardened , bring it by meditation to the warm beams of this Sun , and they will soften it .

So when David considered the work of Redemption , how doth he magnifie God , and vilifie himself . What am I ! and what is my Fathers House , that thou hast brought me up hitherto ! and yet this was a small thing in thine eyes O God ; for thou hast also spoken of thy servants house for a great while to come , 1 Chron. 16.16 , 17. O Friend , as rubbing the Limbs with hot Oyls is a great means to recover them when they are benumb'd ; so when thy heart is dull and dead , on a Lords day , if thou wouldst but ply it with the meditation of the infinite love and goodness of God in sending his Son to dye for thy soul , it would be a Soveraign means to quicken and revive it .

Consider also the Word of God which thou hast heard on that day ; Do thou like Mary , ponder it in thine heart . Meditation to the word , is what fire is to water ; though water be naturally so cold , yet put fire under it , and it will make it hot and boyling ; so though thine heart be cold in regard of affection to the word , put but this fire under it , and it will boyl with love to it ; O how love I thy law ! there is his heat of affection ( the expression is both by way of interrogation and acclamation , shewing the fervency and intension of his love ) but what was the fire which caused it ? it is my meditation all the day , Psa. 119.

The reason why some men profit so little by the word , is , want of meditation . If a man eat his food , and as soon as it is in his stomach vomit it up again , it is no wonder if he get little strength by it , or if he pine and consume away . Truly , if Sermons enter in at one ear and out at the other , making no stay with thee , I shall not marvail if they work no change in thee .

CHAP. XXII . Brief Directions for the Sanctification of the Lords day , from morning to night .

REader , beside those general directions which I have largely insisted on , I shall annex here some short directions , how thou mayst spend a Lords day from the begining to the end of it , as may be most for the honour of God , and the furthering thine own everlasting good .

1. Be sure thou takest some paines with thy heart the afternoon ( or evening at least ) before , to prepare thy soul for the ensuing Sabbath . As our whole life should be a preparation for death ; yet the nearer we draw to the night of our dissolution , the more gloriously ( as the setting Sun ) we should shine with holiness ; so in the whole Week we should be preparing for the Lords day ; but the more the day doth approach , the more our preparation must increase . The bigger the Vessel is , the more Water may be carried from the Fountain . According to the measure of the Sacks which the Patriarchs carried to Joseph , so were they filled with Corn by Joseph ; preparation doth not onely fit the heart for grace , but also widen the heart that it may receive much of the Spirit of God . Some Servants when they are to bake in the Morning , put their Wood in the Oven over night , and thereby it burneth both the sooner and the better . Men make much the more riddance of their work , who being to travail a great journey , load their Carts , or put up their things , and lay them ready over night . If thou art a Christian , thy experience will tell thee , that after thou hast on a Saturday called thy self to account for thy carriage on the foregoing Week , bewailed thy miscarriages before the Lord ; in particular , thy playing the Truant on former Lords days , when thou shouldst have been learning those Lessons which Christ hath set thee in his Law , and hast been earnest with God for pardon of thy sins , and a sanctified improvement of the approaching Sabbath ; I say thy experience cannot but teach thee that thy profit after such preparation will make thee abundant amends for thy pains ; and that thou hast the best visits , the sweetest kisses , when thy lips , thy heart , are thus made clean beforehand .

2. If the weakness of thy body do not hinder rise earlier on the Lords day then ordinary . When the Israelites were encompassing Jericho ; on the seventh day , they rose early in the morning ; and according to many Expositors it was on the Sabbath day the walls of Jericho fell down , Josh. 6.15 . One main work which thou hast to do on a Lords day , is , to batter down the strong holds of sin , to conquer those Canaanites which would keep thee out of the promised land ; do thou rise early for this end . He that riseth and setteth out early , goeth a considerable part of his way before others awake . It s sordid to lie lazing and to turn upon thy bed as a door on the hinges ( and never the farther off ) upon any day , butmost sad and sinfull on a Lords day .

3. When thou first awakest , turn up thy heart to God in praise for his protection the night past , for the light of another day , especially of his own day ; and in Prayer for the light of his countenance , and for assistance in every duty , and his direction throughout the day . As thou art rising , if no other more profitable Subject offer it selfe to thy thoughts , Meditate how the night is spent , the day is at hand ; it concerneth thee therefore to put off the works of darkness , and to put on the armor of light . When thou thinkest on the nakedness of thy body , how unseemly it would be for thee to walk up and down without raiment do not forget the nakedness of thy soul by sin , and how uncomely thou art in the sight of God , without the robes of Christs righteousness and the graces of the Holy Ghost .

4. When thou art drest , let nothing hinder thee from thy secret devotion . When thou art in thy closet consider of the price which God hath put into thy hand , the value and worth of a Lords day , the weight and concernment of the duties therein , and the account thou art ere long to give for every Sabbath and season of grace . These thoughts , as heavy weights on a clock , would make thee move more swiftly in the work of the day . After some time spent in meditation , in some short , yet reverent and hearty petitions , intreat Gods help in the present and subsequent duties of the day ; After which read some portion of the Scripture and pour out thy soul in prayer . Get thy heart effectually possessed with this truth , That God must work his own work in thee and for thee , or it will never be done ; that as the Spirit moved on the waters at first , and then the living creatures were formed ; so the Spirit must move upon the waters of Ordinances , before they can produce or increase spirituall life . Hereby thou wilt be stirred up to more fervent supplication for , and more importunate expectation of help from heaven ; In thy prayers remember all the assemblies of the Saints that they may see Gods beauty , power and glory , as they have sometimes beheld them in his sanctuary . Intreat God to cloath his ordinances with his own strength that they may be mighty through him for the bringing in , and building up many souls . In speciall , when thou art at prayer , think of the Preachers of the Gospel ; Conceive that thou hearest every one of them speaking to thee as Paul to his Romans , I beseech thee for the Lord Iesus Christs sake , and for the love of the spirit , that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me , Rom. 15.30 . Their work is of infinite weight , it is God-work , Soul-work , Temple-work ; Not one of them but may say ( with Nehemiah ) on a Lords day , upon much greater reason , O I am doing a great work . Nehem. 6.3 . Their opposition is great The Devill will do what may be to hinder them ; the world hates them , their own hearts will distub them ; Their strength is small , their graces are weak ; Alas what can they do ! O therefore pray for them .

5. After thy secret duties thou mayst ( if nature require ) refresh thy body with convenient food . Thy God alloweth thee to cherish , though not to overcharge thy outward man , I shall speak to thy carriage about eating and drinking in the twenty third chapter , and therefore omit it here . Vide Family duties in Cap. 27

6. In the next place it will be fit that thou call thy family together and enter upon family duties . Namely to read the word of God , to call upon the name of God , and to sing to the prayse of God .

7. Let as many of thy family as can conv●●●enny be spared accompany thee to publick Ordinances . Vide more of this in Cap. 27. Remember the command , Thou , thy Son , thy daughter , thy man-servant and maid-servant , and all within thy gate . Do not pamper their bodies , and starve the souls of thy houshold ; It is Recorded of Dr. Chaterton , Mr. of Emannel Colledge , that he never caused any of his Servants to stay at home on a Lords day , barely to dress meat ; be able to say with Cornelins , ( who feared the Lord with all his house ) we are all here present before God .

8. As thou art going to the place of publique Ordinances , consider with thy self that thou art going to converse , not with men , but with God ; even with that God who searcheth the heart , who will not be mocked , and who is of purer eyes then to behold iniquity , that thou mayst hereby be quickened unto uprightness , and seriousness , and to dart up some ejaculatory prayer to God for aid and assistance .

9. In every part of publique worship , carry thy self with reverence , humility , love , faith , and sincerity . Hear , sing , pray , receive the Sacrament as one that doth all in Gods sight , as one that is working for his immortal soul , and as one that within a few days shall enter the gates of death , and never have a season more for such sacred duties . Depart not from the Church till all be done . In a Court of civil Judicature , thou willt stay till the Court riseth ; If thou wouldst have Gods blessing with thee , do not leave it behind th●●●● As thou comest from the Church , meditate on what thou hast heard , chew that meat which the Minister hath put into thy mouth , thereby thou mayst get much spiritual nourishment .

10. When thou art come home , usually let nothing hinder from prayer , either in thy family or closet , wherein I would advise thee to turn the heads of the Sermon and Chapters read , into Petitions , as also to beg pardon of thy wandrings in the Worship of God , and beseech him who with his own hand wrote the Law in two Tables , that he would write the word Read and Preached in the Tables of thine heart .

11. At Dinner take heed of excess , whereby thy body will be unfitted to serve thy soul ; yet do not pinch or punish thy body , because the day is a day of joy and delight ; I would wish thee to watch thy heart and tongue all the day long , but especially at meals , that thou mayst not think thine own thoughts , nor speak thine own words . If thy self or others start any unseasonable or earthly discourse at Table , give conscience leave to speak to thee , as Judas to the Apostles , What needeth this wast ? What needeth this wast of precious time , of so rich a treasure as every part of this day is . Let the first dish at Table be Gods , I mean when a blessing is desired , let presently some savory discourse be offered ; hereby fin may be prevented ; The Jews had two notable defeats on the Sabbath day , because they would not defend themselves ; Iosephus l. 12. c. 8. & l. 14 c , 8 the first defeat was by Antiochus , the second by Pompey the Great . Reader if thou wouldst not have Satan to foil thee on a Lords day , keep a strict watch over thy thoughts , words , and works . After Dinner , as time will give leave , either Sing , or Pray with thy family , or repeat what thou hast heard , or busie thy self in Godly conference chiefly about what was Read or Preached that morning .

12. Neglect not afternoon Ordinances . Some Persons are like some Physitians , Fore-noon men ; they must be sought to in the morning onely , if you would find them about Religious duties . Friend , If thy soul ever met thy Saviour in publique duties , thou canst not but love and prize them at an high rate . In the close of the day sometimes God sendeth in the cheif blessing of the day . A Sabbath Tide hath brought in many a good draught of Fish . Be present at , & serious in publique Ordinances . As an error in the first concoction can never be mended in the second , so an error or carelesness in publique , cannot be mended by carefulness in private .

13. When thou returnest from publique Ordinances , take some time to meditate on the word or Works of God ; thou mayst read over the eighth particular in the twenty one Chapter to help thee therein .

14. Do not lessen thy secret or private duties on that day ; let them rather be increased then diminished . The Offerings under the Gospel were Prophesied to be greater then under the Law . Under the Law one Lamb was to be offered ; Under the Gospel six Lambs , Numb . 28. Ezek. 46.

15. Call thy Children and Servants to account what they have learned that day , and explain what they understand not ; hereby thou wilt benefit both thy self and others . Chemnitius observeth that our blessed Saviour in the 4. of Mark , and 14. of Luke , Examen de dieb fest. after he had instructed the people as a publique Preacher on the Sabbath day , did examine and teach his Apostles as a private Master of a Family .

16. At Evening , Sing , Pray , and ( if thou canst ) repeat ( the heads at least of ) both the Sermons . Plutarch reporteth of a River which runneth sweet in the morning , and bitter at night ; Let it not be said of thee , that thy Morning was like Nebuchadnezzars Image of Gold , and thy evening like the feet of it , of clay .

17. Before thou goest to rest , examine thy self what thou hast got or lost that day . Reflect upon the carriage of thy heart in the several duties , as also what welcome thou hadst at the Throne of grace ; what covered dishes were brought thee by the spirit from Gods own Table ; that accordingly thou mayst beg pardon or return praise . If thou hast been melted with Gods affection , obtained any strength against thy corruptions , or received any degree of grace , take heed of ascribing the glory to thy self ; In Justinians law it was decreed , That no Work-man should set up his name within the body of that building which he made out of another mans cost . If thou didst pray , or hear , or sing , or read , or meditate with any life or delight , seriousness or sincerity , in any measure agreeable to his Word and Will , all was from God ; there was not a stone used by thee towards this spiritual building , but it was taken out of his Quarrey . As he is the Author , so let him have the honour .

18. Be watchful over thy self at the latter end of the day , with all imaginable circumspection , that the last part of the day , may be the best part of the day ; Some Souldiers prevail in the day , but lose all again at night , because they are slothful when their Quarters are beaten up by their Enemies . Some lose at night what they got in the day ; like Hannibal , they know how to obtain a Victory , but not to improve a Victory . Usually the Evenings are cold though the days are hot .

19. As Oratours at the close of their speech , use all their Art and Skill to move the affections of their Auditors , so at the close of the Lords day , put forth all thy grace and spiritual strength , to prevail with God for a blessing . Say of the Sabbath , as Jacob to the Angel , I will not let the go without a blessing .

20. Labour to keep the influence of Lords day Ordinances warm upon thy spirit all the week after ; let not thy devotion pass away with the day . Some Children when they put on new Shooes on a Sabbath , are very careful to keep them clean , are unwilling to set their feet to the ground for fear of dirt , but in the week days will run up to the Ankles in Water or Mire . O let not childrens play be thy earnest , but endeavour that thy practices in secret and private , in thy calling and in all companies on the Week days , may be answerable to the great priviledges which thou didst enjoy , and the grace which thou didst receive on the Lords day .

A good wish about the Lords day , wherein the former heads are Epitomized .

THe first day of the Week being of divine institution , The Introduction . and Baptized by God himself with that Honorable name of the Lords day , partly in regard of its Author , This is the day which the Lords hath made ; partly in regard of the blessed Redeemer , who rose that day and Triumphed over the Grave , the Devil , the Curse of the Law , and Hell ; it being a day Sanctified for the glory of my Saviour , of which I may say as of Jacob , The Lord hath chosen it to himself for his peculiar Treasure , Psa. 135.4 . and a day set apart for the spiritual and eternal good of my precious soul , wherein I may enjoy communion with my God in all his Ordinances , without interruption , I wish in general that as the Spirit may be in me in the week days , so that I may be in the Spirit on the Lords day , filled therewith , and enabled thereby to have my conversation all the day long in Heaven . O that my care in fitting my soul for it , my holy carriage at it , and my sutable conversation after it , may testifie that I had rather be a Door-keeper in the House of my God , then to dwell in the Tents of Wickedness ; and that I esteem one day in his Courts , better then a thousand else-where . I wish in particular that I may prepare for it , Preparation as for a Wedding day , wherein Christ and my soul are to be espoused together , and to that end before it cometh , may be careful , so to order my earthly affairs that they may not incroach upon this Holy ground ; and so open the door of my heart , and adorn it with spiritual excellencies , that the King of Glory may enter in , and think himself a welcome Guest in my soul : O that I might never give my God cause to complain of me , as once of the Jews , Your Sabbaths and solemn feasts I cannot away with , for your hands are defiled . As Nehemiah shut the Gates of the City , that no burdens might be carried in on the Sabbath day , so let me secure the Gate of my heart , that no Worldly things may disturb me in Sabbath duties . O let me not like Martha be careful , and troubled about many things , but on this day especially , sit at Christs feet , mind the one thing necessary , and chuse the good part which shall never be taken from me . I wish that I may long more for it then ever a Bride-groom did for his Bride ; that when it is come in , I may bid it heartily Welcome , and that as my Saviour rose early , that morning to justifie me , so I may rise early on this day to glorifie him .

I desire that this holy day may be an high day in my account , both because the Lord of the Sabbath hath separated it to sacred uses , and because it is the day of his resurrection , whence so much good cometh to my soul . Esteem the day as a priviledge . By his passion he layd down the price of my redemption ; but by his rising again ( the Judge of Quick and dead sending his officer , an Angel , to roul away the stone , open the prison door , and let him out ) he manifesteth to the world that the debt is discharged and the law fully saatisfied : O of what value should this day be to me ! My Redeemers humiliation indeed , was like Josephs imprisonment , but his delivery out of the grave , like Josephs enlargement and preferment , whereby he came into a capacity to advance and enrich all his relations .

I pray that I may look on this day as a special season to sow to the spirit in , and improve it accordingly . A price to get and increase grace . I believe that my God will not hold him guiltless that takes his name or spends his day in vain . O let me not like a foolish child , play by that candle which is set up for me to work by , lest I go to the bed of my grave in the dark of sin and sorrow . Publique Ordiuances to be esteemed the chiefest work of the day . I wish that I may not neglect either secret or family duties on this sacred day , but yet that I may so perform them , that they may be helps , not hinderances to publique Ordinances ; that since God loveth the gates of Sion above all the the dwellings of Jacob , I may set an high price upon , and have an ardent love to the habitation of Gods house , and the place where his honor dwelleth ; Delight in it that as a true child of my heavenly Father , I may love most , and like best , that milk which is warm from the breasts of publick ordinances : I wish that I may call the Lords day my delight , it being a day wherein I enter into the suburbs of the holy City ; and begin that work of praysing , pleasing , and enjoying my God , which I hope to be employed in to eternity ; that it may be my meat and drink to do the Will of my God . O that I might so savour the things of the Spirit , and so taste the Lord to be gracious , that love may be the Loadston to draw me to my closet , family and to Church ; and season every service I am called to upon the Sabbath ; Sanctifie the whole day . Because every part of this day is of great price , more worth then a whole World , I desire that not the least moment of it may be squandred away , but ( as the Disciples after the miracle of loaves ) I may gather up with care and conscience , the smallest fragments , that nothing be lost . My God giveth me good measure , heaped up , pressed down , shaken together , and running over ; why should I be niggardly to him ( to my self indeed , for it is my profit , not his ) when he is so liberal , so bountiful to me . I wish in regard the blessed God is not onely the Master , Communion of God in Ordinances . but also the Marrow of his day , that no Lords day may satisfie me , without the Lord of the day . Alass what is the best time , without the Rock of eternity ? what is the best day without the Ancient of days ? what are the Ordinances of God without the God of Ordinances ? what are Sabbaths , Sermons , Sacraments , and Seasons of Grace without the dearest Saviour , but as broken Cisterns , glorious Dreams , or guilded nothings ? I have read of a good soul who answered his Friend , Speak to me while you will , no words can satisfie , except you mention Christ ; write to me what you will , it will not satisfie , except in your Letters I may read Christ . O that in no Sermon I might be contented till I hear Christ , and that in no Chapter I might be pleased till I can read Christ ; that as the Needle touched with the Load-stone , never resteth till it turn to the North , so my heart may be re●● less in holy duties , till it turneth to , and hath fellowship with the Lord of Heaven . The Lords day is an excellent resemblance of my future blessedness , wherein I shall enjoy my Saviour fully , and my God shall be all in all to me ; Lord , let never this day pass without some taste of those celestial pleasures . Meditation on the Works and Word of my God , being a duty most in its prime and season on a Sabbath day , I beg that what time I spare from publique , private , or secret performances , I may imploy to this purpose , that I may behold my God to be infinite in wisdom , power , and goodness in his foot-steps of creation , and stand amazed at that rare Workmanship , those curious contrivances of his ( which Angels look into with admiration ) that appear in his Master-peice , that work of Redemption : and for his word , let my heart be able to say with David , O how love I thy law ! it is my meditation all the day .

I wish that I may watch over my thoughts , words , Watchfulness . and actions all the day long ; in special , that as when the holy things belonging to the Sanctuary were to be removed , they were covered all over , lest any dust should soil them ; so I may cover my heart with such circumspection that no dust of sin may cleave to it . O that I might be so wise and watchful , that there may not be the least minute of the day wherein I may not either do , or receive some good . Lord , let no Sabbath pass without some saving good to my precious soul .

I desire Finally , Conclusion of the day . that I may not lose the heat of the day in the cool of the Evening ; I mean , that what good , If gain from my God , through his Ordinances in the day , may not be lost by my negligence at night ; but that as a wise Commander , I may then double my Guard , and expect with much importunity some evening dews of comfort and grace . O that I might so keep the Sabbath of my God , chuse the things that please him , and take hold of his Covenant , that I might so turn away my foot from the Sabbath , from doing my pleasure on his holy day , Is. 56.4 , 5. and 58.13 . and call the Sabbath my delight , the holy of the Lord ; that I may have ( with the Eunuch ) within the House of my God , a name better then of Sons and Daughters , even an everlasting name that shall not be cut off . Amen .

A Good Wish to the Lords day .

HAil thou that art highly favoured of God , Luk. 1.28 . thou map of Heaven , thou golden spot of the week , thou Market-day of souls , thou Day-break of eternal brightness , thou Queen of days ; the Lord is with thee , blessed art thou among days . I may say to thee what the Angel said to Daniel , Dan. 9.23 . O day greatly beloved . Psa. 45. Thou art fairer then all the Children of time , grace is poured into thy lips ; God , even thy God hath anointed thee with the Oyl of gladness above thy fellows . Of the Jewish Sabbaths and other Festivals , in comparison of thee it may be spoken , They perish , but thou remainest , and they all wax old as a Garment ; Heb. 1.11 , 12. And as a vesture hast thou folded them up , and they are changed , but thou shalt ( maugre the malice of men and Devils ) continue the same and thy years shall not fail . As the Temple succeeded and exceeded the Tabernacle ; this was fleeting , that was fixed ; so dost thou all former Sabbaths , they were but morning stars to usher in thee , the Sun , and then to disappear . Other Festivals in all their Royalty are not arrayed like unto thee . All the graces triumph in thee , all the Ordinances conspire to enrich thee ; the Father ruleth thee , the Son rose upon thee , the Spirit hath overshadowed thee . Thus is it done to the day which the King of Heaven delighteth to honour . Thou hast not onely a common blessing with other days by the law of nature , but a special blessing above all other days , from the love of thy Maker . Let thousands mark thee for their new birth-day ; Exod. 12.42 be thou a day ( as it was said of that night to the Jews ) much to be Remembred , much to be observed to the Lord , for bringing many out of worse then Egyptian bondage ; Esther . 8.16 . be thou to them a day of light and gladness , of joy and honour and a good day . On thee light was created , the Holy Ghost descended , life hath been restored , Satan subdued , sin mortified , souls sanctified , the Grave , Death and Hell conquered . O how do men and women flutter up and down on the Week-days , as the Dove on the waters , and can find no rest for their souls , till they come to thee their Ark , till thou put forth thy hand and take them in ! O how do they sit under thy shadow with great delight , and find thy fruit sweet to their taste ! O the mountings of mind , the ravishing happiness of heart , the solace of soul which on thee they enjoy in the blessed Saviour ! They are sorry when the days shorten for thy sake , they wish for thee before thou comest , they welcome thee when thou art come , and they enjoy so much of heaven in thee , that thence they love , and look , and long the more for their eternal Sabbath . Go forth , O thou fairest among Women , and be thou fruitful in bringing forth Children to thy Maker and Husband . Gen. 24.60 . Be thou the Mother of thousands and of millions , and let thy seed possess the Gate of them that hate them . Do thou , like Rachel and Leah , build up the House of Israel , do thou worthily in Ephratah , and be thou famous in Bethlehem . Gird thy sword upon thy thigh , O thou mighty and gracious day , and in thy Majesty ride prosperously , because of meekness , righteousness , and truth , let thy right hand teach the terrible things ; let thine arrows be sharp in the hearts spiritual enemies , whereby the people may fall under thee . Psa. 132. The Lord hath chosen thee , he hath desired thee for his habitation ; Thou art his rest for ever ; in thee he will dwell , for he hath desired it . Let him abundantly bless thy provision , and satisfie thy poor with bread ; let him cloath thy Priests with salvation , and let thy Saints shout aloud for joy ; lot thine Enemies be cloathed with shame , but upon thy head let the Crown flourish ; let Nations bow down to thee , let Kingdomes fall down before thee ; Let all the Kingdomes of the earth become the Kindomes of thy Lord and of thy Christ ; be thou honoured as long as the Son and moon shall endure , even throughout all Generations Thou art like Joseph a fruitful bough , even a fruitful bough , by a Wall whose Branches run over the Wall . The Archers have sorely greived thee , and shot at thee ( endeavouring to weaken thy morality ) and hated thee , but thy bow abode in strength by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob , from thence is the Shepherd , the stone of Israel ; Even by the Lord of Sabbaths who shall help thee , and by the Almighty who shall bless thee with blessings of Heaven above , blessings of the deep that lieth under , blessings of the breasts and of the womb ; the blessings of this day have prevailed above the blessings of all other day ; let them be continued and increased on the heads of this holy and honourable day , and on the head of that day which is separate from it brethren . Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after thy hurt , let them be turned back and put to confusion that desire thy ruine ; let all those that seek thee rejoyce and be glad in thee ; let them that love thy sanctification say continually , Let the Lord be magnified who delighteth in the prosperity of his Saints , and therefore hath set apart his Sabbath for their soul good ; Thou ( like Jacob ) hast got away the blessing from the other days , yea thy God hath blessed thee , and thou shalt be blessed , Blessed are they that bless thee , and cursed are they that curse thee ; In a word , The Lord be gracious to thee , and delight in thee , and cause the light of his countenance to shine upon thee ; let all thine Ordinances be cloathed with power and be effectual for the conversion and salvation of millions of souls ; Let thy name be great from the rising of the Sun to the going down of the same . Finally , farewel sweet day , thou cream of time , thou Epitome of eternity , thou heaven in a glass , thou first fruits of a blessed and everlasting harvest did I say farewel ? A welfare I wish to thee ; but O let me never lose thee , or take my leave of thee , till I come to enjoy thee in an higher form , to see the Sun of righteousness ( who early on thy morning rose and made a day indeed while the natural Sun was behind ) face to face , and to know thy Maker and Master as I am known of him when I shall be a pillar in the Temple of my God , and shall go out no more but serve him day and night , to whom for the inestimable dignity and priviledge of his own day , be Honour and Glory for ever and ever , Amen , Amen .

CHAP. XXIII . How a Christian may exercise himself to Godliness in natural actions . And first in eating and drinking .

AS thy duty is to make religion thy business in religious , Secondly , so also in natural actions . A good Scrivener is not onely careful how he makes his first and great letters , his flourishes , but also the smallest letters , nay his very stops and comma's . A Scribe instructed for the Kingdom of heaven , is heedfull not only that the weightest actions of Gods immediate worship , but also that the meaner passages of his life be conformable to Gods law . A wise builder will make his Kitchin as well as his Parlor , according to rule . A holy person turns his natural actions into spiritual , and whilst he is serving his body , he is serving his God . It is said of a Scotch Divine , That he did eat , Non semper ore non semper meditor , sed vestio dormio , edo , bi bo ; haec omnia si in fide fiunt , tanquam recte facta , divino judicio approbantur . Luth. in Gen. 33. drink and sleep eternal life . Luther tels us , that though he did not always pray and meditate , but did sometimes eat , and sometimes drink , and sometimes sleep , yet all should further his account ; the latter as truly , though not so abundantly , as the former : And indeed it is our priviledge that natural actions may be adopted into the family of religion , and we may worship God as really at our tables as in his temple .

Saints must not like brute beasts , content themselves with a natural use of the creatures , but use them as chariots to mount them nearer , and cords to bind them closer to God . Piety or Holiness to the Lord must be written upon their pots , Zac. 14.20 . Whether ye eat or drink , or whatsoever ye do , do all to the glory of God , 1 Cor. 10. ●31 Philo observeth that the ancient Jews made their feasts after sacrifice , in the temple , that the place might mind them of their duty to be pious at them . It is a memorable expression Exod. 18.12 . And Aaron came , Sancti manducant et bibunt in conspectu Dei Origen in loc: and all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses father in law before God . In which words we have the greatness of their courtesie , and the graciousness of their carriage . For their courtesie , though Jethro were a stranger , and no Israelite , yet the elders honored him with their company . And Aaron and all the elders came to eat bread with Moses father in law . But mark the graciousness of their carriage , they came to eat bread with him before God ; that is , In gloriam et honorem Dei , to the honor and glory of God , saith Calvin . They received their sustenance , as in Gods sight , and caused their provision to tend to Gods praise .

God takes it ill when we sit down to table and leave him out , Zach. 7.6 . When ye did eat and when ye did drink , did ye not eat for your selves , and drink for your selves ? He sends us in all our food , we live at his cost ; and therefore our eating may well be to his credit , who is the Master of the feast .

The Jews according to some , had officers at every feast , whom they called Praefecti morum ; their work was , the inspection of the guests , that none should disorder themselves : I must tell thee , Gods eye is upon thee every meal , he takes notice whether thy behaviour is as becometh a Saint .

And truly friend , It behoves thee to use religion as a bridle in thy mouth , to hold thee in , when thou art eating and drinking . Thy throat is a slippery place , and sin may easily slip down ; It s no hard matter to sin , whilst the thing thou art about is not sinfull . How many feed without fear , and thereby fatten themselves to the slaughter , Jude ver . 12. We read of some whose tables are snares , in which they have been caught by Satan , Psal. 69.22 . Job feared his Sons had sinned in their eating and drinking , Job . 1.5 . There are more guests every meal then thou invitest to thy table . The devil lyeth in ambush behind the lawfull enjoyment , and will certainly surprise thee before thou art aware , if thou art not watchfull . The fatal wound he gave Adam at first was in his throat ; By getting him to eat , he brought him , and us all to die . If Adam strengthned with his perfect original purity , was yet caught with this hook ; sure I am , it concerns thee to beware of the bait : Have a care lest the quinsie in thy throat kill thee . Satan is a subtile angler , thou art a poor filly fish ; be carefull lest he take thee by the teeth and send thee to the fire .

God hath given thee a rule , as for his table , when thou art eating of that body which is meat indeed , and drinking of that blood which is drink indeed , so for thy table when thou art feeding on ordinary creatures . He sends in thy provision , and he gives thee direction according to which , and no other , thou mayst use it . A tenant who holds lands of his Lord , may not use them , otherwise then according to the conditions on which his Lord let them to him , If he do , the premises are forfeited . Now the great God , who is Lord of the whole earth , giveth his creatures to thee conditionally that thou make use of them according to his will revealed in his word ; if thou usest them otherwise thou makest a forfeiture , and mayest expect every moment that he should take possession .

For thy direction , I shall here set down the conditions upon which God giveth thee thy food . That thou use it sacredly , soberly , and seasonably .

First , Thy duty is to eat and drink sacredly . Piety must be mingled with all thy provision , or else t will be poison . Grace must spice every cup , and be sauce to every dish , or nothing will rellish well : Water taken from the fountain quickly corrupts , and becomes unsavoury , but in the fountain its sweet indeed . Godliness will cause thee to enjoy the creatures in God , the fountain of them , and thereby they will be pleasant to thee .

The daily bread which the Israelites did eat was made of the same corn with the shew bread which was always before the Lord ; to teach us , B. Babington in loc: that we should be holy as in Gods sight when we are eating our ordinary bread , Exod. 25.30 . Therefore Saints are said to eat to the Lord , Rom. 14.6 . As they eat by him , so they eat to him .

Thy piety at meales consisteth , in begging a blessing before thou eatest ; in holy expressions and affections when thou art eating ; and in thanksgiving after thou hast eaten .

1. In begging a blessing upon thy food . The creatures on thy Table are Gods creatures , and I must tell thee that thou art more bold then welcome , if thou makest use of his goods , without asking his leave ; He expecteth though not to be satisfied for his mercies , yet to be acknowledged and sanctified in his mercies . Every creature of God is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer , 1 Tim. 4.5 . By the word : All the creatures were polluted to us by the first Adam , but they are purified to us by the second Adam . Psa 8. The word of promise to Christ , the heir of all things , is our warrant , and speaks our permission . And prayer ; The word gives us leave to use them , and prayer brings down a blessing upon them . The word sheweth our right to them through Christ , and prayer acknowledgeth Gods right ( Gen. 9.3 . ) to them and us .

Gods blessing onely is the staff of bread , Exod. 23.25 . Man liveth not by bread alone , but by every word which proceedeth out of the mouth of God , Mat. 4.4 . Bread doth not nourish us by its own power , but by Gods Word of promise ; He can easily withhold his blessing , and then bread will strengthen no more then chips of bords . And when I have broken the staff of your bread , ten women shall bake your bread in one Oven , and they shall deliver your bread again by weight , and ye shall eat and not be satisfied , Lev. 26.26 .

Even Heathen Princes begun their solemn Feasts with Sacrifices . The Israelites would not eat before Samuel came , because he used to bless the Sacrifice , 1 Sam. 9.13 . Our blessed Saviour though he were Lord of all , yet would not feed before he had looked up to Heaven and blessed the fish , Mark 6.41 . Paul though amongst many Infidels , yet before meat , would desire a blessing in presence of them all , Acts 27.35 . He is worse then an Ox or Ass , who will not acknowledge his owner , Isa. 1.5 .

Reader , God can give thee soure sauce to thy sweet meat , if thou dost banish him thy Table ; he can make thy meat lye so hard and heavy at thy stomach , either by sickness , Job 33.20 . or sorrow , Psa. 107.17 . that thou shalt never digest it whilst thou livest . When thou art at thy merriest meeting , he can send such a mournful terrible message ( as to Belshazer carousing in his cups ) that shall make thine eares to tingle , and every joynt thou hast to tremble . He can make thy feast to end either as Adonijahs in a fright , or as Absoloms sheep-shearing , in a funeral . When thine heart is merry with Wine , he can summon thee as Ammon into the other World ; Thy wisest way therefore is to beseech his company , whomsoever thou wantest .

The fruits of trees under the law , were the three first years unclean , the forth year offered to God , and after that free for the owners . All thy comforts are by reason of sin unclean and cursed to thee ; if thou wouldst have them clean and blessed , they must be sanctified by the Word of God and prayer . The Elephant is said to turn up towards Heaven the first Sprig that he feedeth on . O Friend , wilt thou be worse then a beast ? For shame be not so Swinish as to feed on the Acorns , and never look up to the tree that bears them .

2. In holy expressions and affections when thou art eating . Whilst thy body is filling , thy soul must not be forgotten . Though it be not unlawful at meales to talk of other matters , yet its pitty Saints should ever meet to eat earthly bread , and not have some discourse of their eternal . Heavenly banquet . How often did our Saviour at such a meeting raise the hearts of his company to better meat ? Luk. 5.31 . As their outward man was feeding , he feasted their inward man . When the Publican was at much cost to make him a great feast , he entertains him and the rest too with better chear ; The whole neeed not a Physitian , but the sick ; I came not to call the righteous , but sinners to repentance . When one of the chief of the Pharisees invited him to his Table , observe how he teacheth the Guests humility , and the Master of the Feast charity , Luk. 14.7 , 8 , 12 , 13. His Lips dropt Honey to sweeten and make all their Dishes savoury . One of the Fathers writeth that the Primitive Christians were so holy in their talk at their Table , that one would have thought they had been at a Sermon , Non tam caenam caenant quam disciplinam . Tertul. Apologet . cap. 39 not at a Supper . Plato gives rules for the writing down the Table Talk of men , thereby to make them more serious ; Luthers Colloquia Mensalia , Printed in a large Folio , do abundantly prove that he was not idle when he was eating , but that his Table was his Pulpit , where he read many profitable Lectures ; There is scarce a meeting of ungodly men to eat , but the Devil hath his Dish among them . Psa. 35.16 . The Drunkards have a song of David to sugar their Liquor . The Gluttons have some Taunts to fling at Saints as Sauce to their meat . At Herods Birth-day Banquet , one Dish served in , was the Baptists head .

Should not ( friend ) God have his dish at thy Table ? When thou art eating bread , let thy meditation and expression be like his who sat at Table with Jesus Christ , Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the Kingdom of God , Luk. 14.15 .

Consider Gods bounty and mercy in feeding thee , and cloathing thee , when many hungry bellies and naked backs are abroad in the World ; how many would be glad of thy scraps ! when thou hast asked God leave for his creatures , thou mayst taste his love in the creatures . Mayst thou not gather and conclude if the Streams are so refreshing and satisfying , what refreshment and satisfaction is there in the well of living waters ? If bread be so savoury to an hungry body ; how sweet , how savoury is the bread which came down from heaven to an hungry soul ! Lord , give me evermore that bread .

Do as the Jews , They did eat and delighted themselves in thy great goodness , Nehem. 9.21 . When thou art feeding thy body , delight thy soul in Gods great goodness ; Thus ( like Mary when Christ was at meat ) thou mayst break thy box of precious Ointment and perfume the whole room with its fragrant smell .

3. In returning thanks when thou hast eaten ; Thy duty is to begin thy meales with prayer , and to end them with praise . Thou canst not give God his due price for mercies , but thou mayst give him his due praise . Though thou art never able to buy them of him , yet thou art able to bless him for them . If thou didst Dine at thy Neighbours Table , thou wouldst think thy self very unmannerly to turn thy back upon him without any acknowledgment of , and thankfulness for , his courtesie . Every meal thou makest , is at Gods cost ; for shame be so civil as to thank him for his kindness ; Saints are compared to Doves , Isa. 60.8 . especially for their eyes , Thou hast Doves eyes , Cant. 5. Now Doves after every grain they peck , look upward as it were giving thanks . When God opens his hand , thou mayst well open thy lips ; When thou hast eaten and art full , Joel . 2.26 . thou shalt bless the Lord thy God , Deut. 8.10 .

Do not like the fed Hauk forget thy Master , or like them that go to the Well , as soon as they have fild their Buckets at it , turn their backs upon it ; Why shouldst thou forget God , when he remembreth thee ? When thou shalt have eaten and be full , then beware least thou forget God , Deut. 6.11 , 12. Let not thy fulness breed forgetfulness ; you think him a surly beggar , who if he receive but a small peice of bread , shall fling away from your doors , and give you no thanks .

The Primitive Christians did break bread from house to house , and did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart , praysing God ; Some understand it of Sacramental , others of Corporal bread , Acts 2.46 , 47. The Lord Jesus was known by his actions or expressions in giving of thanks , Luk. 24.31 . Nay the Heathen would acknowledge their Dunghil deities , in those outward mercies , Dan. 5.4 . They drank Wine and praysed the gods of Gold , and of silver , and of brass , of iron , of wood , and of stone . Wilt not thou do as much for the true God , as they for their false Gods ! O let him have all thy praise , who sendeth in all thy provision . God takes it very ill when we do not own and honour him as the Author of our Meat and Drink . Because Israel was so prided with her Pronounces Possessives , My bread , and my water , my wool , and my flax , mine oyl , and my drink , God turnes them all into privatives ; For she did not know that I gave her Corn and Wine and Oyl , therefore will I return and take away my Corn in the time thereof , and my Wine in the season thereof , and recover my wool and my flax , Hosea 2.5.8 , 9. Trumpeters love not to sound in those places where they are not answered with a considerable Eccho ; God delights not to bestow mercies on those persons who will not return him sutable praise ; those that return things borrowed without thanks , must expect the next time they need , to be denyed .

I have read a story ( in the writings of an eminently pious Minister , who was an eye and ear witness of the truth of it ) of a young man who lying upon his sick bed , was always calling for meat , but as soon as he saw it was brought to him , at the sight of it he shook and trembled dreadfully in every part of his body , and so continued till his food was carried away ; and thus being not able to eat , he pined away , and before his death acknowledged Gods Justice , in that , in his health he had received his meat ordinarily without giving God thanks . The despisers of Gods benificence , have been patterns of his vengeance . He hath remembred them in fury , who have forgotten his favours .

Some write of the Jews , that in the beginning of their Feasts , the Master of the House took a cup of Wine in his hand , and began its consecration after this manner ; Blessed be thou O Lord our God , the King of the World , Ex P. Fagi . in Deut. 8. which createst the fruit of the Vine ; this they called Bircath hajaiin , the blessing of the cup ( possibly to this David alludeth in Psa. 116.13 , 14. What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits ! I will take the Cup of Salvation , and call upon the Name of the Lord ) after the cup , the Master of the House took the bread and consecrated it thus , Blessed be thou O Lord our God , the King of the World , which bringest forth bread out of the Earth ; this they called Bircath halechem : At the end of the Feast , the Master called to his Friends , Let us bless him who hath fed us with his own , and of whose goodness we live ; and concluded with a large Thanksgiving , wherein he blest God , First , For their present Food . Secondly , For their deliverance from Egyptian bondage . Thirdly , For the Covenant of Circumcision . Fourthly , For the Law given by the Ministry of Moses ; And then he prayed , that God would have mercy On his people Israel . Secondly , On his own City Jerusalem . Thirdly , On Sion the Tabernacle of his glory . Fourthly , On the Kingdom of the house of David his annointed . Fifthly , That he would send Elias the Prophet . Sixthly , That he would make them worthy of the days of the Messiah , and of the life of the World to come . After this prayer , the Guests with soft and low voices said unto themselves , Fear ye the Lord all ye his holy ones , because there is no want to them that fear him . The young Lions want and suffer hunger ; but they that seek the Lord shall want no good thing .

Alas , alass , how few Gentiles spend half that time in devotion at their Tables , which the pious among the Jews did ! Many go from their food as the Cow from her fodder , taking no notice of the Author of it , and like the Idolatrous Israelites , they sit down to eat and drink , and rise up to play , Exod. 32.6 . They sit down to Eat and Drink , and rise up to play the Beast , to play the Atheist .

Remember every creature of God is good , if it be received with thanksgiving , 1 Tim. 4.4 . but this thanksgiving must not be onely in thy words , but also in thy works ; thy unblameable conversation , and thy charitable contribution , must speak thy thankfulness . When the Master hath fed the Servant , he expects that he should go about his business , and do the work appointed him . That strength which thou receivest from God , must be improved for God ; It s good to bless God with thy lips , but best of all to bless him with thy hands and in thy life ; God will judge of thy thankfulness by thy conversation . Think thus with thy self , This is the God that feedeth me , that satisfieth me with good things ; how sweet , how comfortable are his mercies ! What sweet refreshment have I had from the creatures , when some better then my self want food , Others have it , but their lives abhor bread , and their souls dainty meat . Job 3.20 . Why should I not love fear , and trust , and serve this God! I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living . O be ashamed to live at Gods cost , and to do Satans work ; Be not like the young Mulets , which when they have sucked their fill , turn up their heels and kick at their Dam. Further , thy duty is to manifest thy thank fulness by supplying the wants of the needy . Job would not eat his morsels alone , but the Fatherless had a share with him , Job 31.16 , 17. The forementioned Author observes , that the Heathen were not forgetful ( when they were feeding ) of their absent friends . Gods hand is open to thee ; why should thy heart and hands be shut against the hungry bellies and naked backs ? Thy goods extend not to Gods Person , therefore they must to Gods poor , Psa. 16.2 . Have a Monitor within thee , to call upon thee when at meals , Remember the poor , Remember the poor ; Remember poor Christ , and hungry Christ , and naked Christ ; by this test he will try thee for thine eternal estate , and upon the neglect of this , he will sentence thee to the eternal fire , Mat. 25.41 .

If thou art a rich person , do thou frequently mind this duty . Great House-keepers , must be Good House keepers ; All must contribute ( according to their abilities ) to the poors necessities ; but where God gives much , he requires much ; he expecteth an harvest sutable to the seed he soweth . It is credibly reported of Mr. Sutton , Founder of Suttons Hospital , that he used often to repair into a private garden , Fullers Church Hist. of Brit. where he poured forth his prayers unto God , and amongst other passages was overheard , frequently to use this expression , Lord , thou hast given me a liberal and large estate ; give me also an heart to make a good use it . I am confident an heart to use wealth aright , is a greater mercy then the greatest heap of wealth ; I had rather have a little , with an heart to improve it for God , then much , then millions without such an heart . Make thee friends of the unrighteous Mammon , that when that failes thee , thou mayst be received into the Celestial habitation . Iustin lib. 51. When Dionysius the Syracusian Tyrant , saw what heapes of gold and silver his Son had hoarded up in his closet , he asked him what he meant to let it lie there , and not to make friends with it , to get the Kingdom after his death ; O Son , saith he , thou hast not a spirit capable of a Kingdom . The rust of many a rich mans weal●h will eat his heart with pain and torment in the other World , and the Apostle calls upon such to weep and houl for the miseries that are coming upon them , James 5.1 , 2 , 3 , 4. God findeth fault with them that could fare on the finest bread , and fattest flesh themselves , and yet forget the afflictions of others , Amos 6.5 .

How many riotous rich men are there , that though they cannot eat and drink all with sobriety , will rather spoil it by gluttony and drunkenness , then let the poor have part with them ; like Children who will rather crumble away their food , then impart any to their fellows ! O how justly was the rich man denyed a drop in the other world , when he denyed a crum in this world ; Willet . Hexap . in Levit. How many covetous Muck-worms , like Hogs are nourished onely to be destroyed ! they are good for nothing whilst they are alive ; the Hog is neither good to draw as the Ox , nor to bear as the Horse , nor to cloath us as the Sheep , nor to give milk as the Cow , nor to keep the House as the Dog , but good onely to be kild . Such are these scraping wretches , good for nothing , till they come to the Knife . Like barren trees they do but cumber the ground , and serve for no use till they are cut down for the unquenchable fire . And truely their hearts will never bewail him dead , whose bowels did not bless him alive . His life did not deserve a prayer , nor his death a tear , who laid out that to serve his pride , which God laid in to serve the poor .

Reader , if God have dealt thee a considerable portion of outward good things ; consider that thou art but Gods Factor , he is the Merchant . The Factor knoweth that the goods transported to him are his Masters goods , and he must dispose them according to directions from his Master . All thine estate is Gods ; thou art but his servant , his Factor ; he gives thee order in his word to dispose it thus and thus to such poor members of Christ , so much to one , and so much to another , and he will shortly reckon with thee how thou obeyest his directions ; and if thou forbearest charity now , thou wilt then be counted and found as real a theif , before the whole world , as ever servant was that put hundreds into his own purse which his Master appointed him to pay to other persons . Withhold not thy goods from the owners thereof , Pro. 3.27 . from them to whom it is due , either by the law of justice , or by the law of love , Rom. 13.8 . And truly Charity is the best way to plenty ; He gets most that gives most ; He that soweth liberally , shall reap liberally .

I have sometimes considered with my self and wondred why Nabal should be so exceeding churlish to David as not to spare of his superfluities to supply Davids necessities , when David had been so exceeding civil to him as to preserve his flocks in safety from the rage of hungry Souldiers ; But when I marked well the story , I quickly found the cause of Nabals covetous carriage ; He looked upon himself as Master of his estate , and not as Gods servant to improve it for his profit and praise ; Shall I take my bread , and my water , and my flesh , and give it to men whom I know not whence they be ? 1 Sam. 25.11 . Had he but had so much grace as to have called it Gods bread , and Gods water , he would have disposed it according to Gods word , and not have denied a poor persecuted Saint ; but because he counted it his own proper wealth , therefore it must be disposed according to his own pernicious will .

Reader , look upon thy self in regard of thine estate , only as a servant in trust , which thou must shortly give an account of , and then to do good and to distribute thou wilt not forget , as knowing that with such sacrifices God is well pleased , Heb. 3.16 .

Secondly Thy duty is to eat and drink soberly . The grace of God which bringeth salvation , hath appeared to us , teaching us to live soberly in this present evill world , Tit. 2.12 . This sobriety respecteth both the quantity and the quality of thy diet .

First , Thy duty is to be temperate as to the quantity of thy diet . Reason is content with a little , Religion with less . Although no certain proportion of food can be prescribed to men , for those showers which drown the clay vallies , do hardly quench the thirst of the sandy hills ? Neither the bodies of men , nor their stomacks are all of a size ; yet this is a certain rule , for a man to eat or drink so much as to oppress nature , and to unfit himself for prayer , is a degree of intemperance . God gave man food to further , not to hinder him in his general , and particular calling ; and surely they sin who feed till like fatted horses , they are unfit for service . Turtull . speaking of the carriage of the Primitive Christians at their meals tells us , Non prius discumbitur quam oratio ad deum praegustetur ; editur quantum esurientes cupiunt ; b●bitur quantum pudicis est utile , ita saturantur ut qui meminerint eti am per noctem sibi adorandum deum esse . Tertull. Apologet. They do not sit down before they have prayed ; they eat as much as may satisfie hunger , they drink so much as is sufficient for temperate men , are filled as they that remember they must pray afterwards .

Christians may chear nature , but they must not clog it . It is a great prviledge in the charter granted us by the King of Kings , that we should have dominion over the creatures ; but it will be a forbid bondage if we suffer them to have dominion over us , instead of being our servants to become our Masters , Psa. 8.5 , 6 , 7. God in the very framing of man , intended him for temperance by giving a little mouth , with a narrow throat , and a lesser belly then other creatures ; And in mans charter which speaks his leave to slay the beasts in Gods forrest , observe in what tenure it runs ; Every living thing that moveth shall be meat for you ( There is the general concession ) even as the green hearb have I given you all things ( here is the special limitation , ) That is , saith an Expositour , to use them soberly and moderately , Wilet Hex. in gen . not to gluttony and excess .

It is an abominable shame to a Saint to be a slave to the beast in him , his sensitive appetite . He that striveth for the mastery , is temperate in all things . Beasts seldome surfet at their food , never sin . Epicurus who esteemed mans happiness to consist in pleasures , was yet very temperate , as Cicero and others observe . Socrates was wont to say , That evil men live that they may eat and drink , but good men eat and drink that they may live .

Some of the heathen did very much hate excess , either in eating or drinking . The old Gauls were very sparing in their diet , and fined them that out-grew their girdles . Drunkenness , by Solons law , was punished with death , The Spartans brought their children to loath drunkenness by causing them to behold the beastly behaviour of their servants when they were drunk .

But how many nominal Christians , in regard of temperance , come short of heathens ! Wo to the drunkards of Ephraim , of England ( God hath a cup of red wine , of pure wrath , and these must drink the dregs therof ) how doth this iniquity abound ! men drink healths so long till they drink away their health and their heaven too ? Some mariners observe that as the waters grow shallower ( the sea losing ) about the coasts of Holland and Zealand , the waters grow deeper ( the sea gaining ) about the English coasts . Whether drunkenness ebb in Holland or no , I know not , I am sure it floweth in England . We may complain , as Diogenes Laertius of his country men , that when they went to sacrifice to health , they did then most riotously abuse health .

There was a street in Rome called Sobrius vicus , The sober street , because there was never an Ale-house there : But how few towns have we which may be called sober towns , because there are no drunkards there !

Reader if thou art one guilty of this sin , for the Lords sake bethink thy self speedily ; dost thou know what thou dost ?

Thou wrongest . thy body . Vermine abound , as ●ats and mice , where there is much corn ; and Diseases abound in bodies given to excess . Too much wood puts out the fire . Meat kills more then the Musket ; The glutton digs his grave with his teeth , and the drunkard drowns himself in his cup. Stratonicus spake fitly of the Rhodians , They build their houses as if they were immortal , but feed as if they intended to live but a little while .

Spare diet is the best cordial of nature ; Moderate fasting is the best physick . He that riseth with an appetite , Camb. Brit. Eliz. secures his digestion : It was said of Queen Elizabeth , That she ever rose with an appetite , and that Edward the sixth was wont to call her , his sweet sister Temperance , and she lived seventy years . Gallen lived 140 years , and almost all the time without any sickness , and this natural reason is given , that he did never eat his fill .

It wrongs thy estate : The drunkard and glutton shall come to poverty , Pro. 23.21 . Their throats are open sepulchers to bury their estates in . Diogenes when he heard of a drunkards house to be sold , cried out , I thought he would ere long vomit up his house .

It wrongs thy Soul : After rioting and drunkenness , followeth chambering and wantoness , Rom. 13.12 . and wo , and sorrow , and wounds without cause , look not upon the wine , at last it biteth like a Serpent ; thine eyes shall behold strange women , and thine heart shall utter perverse things , Pro. 23.20 . Excess turnes men into swine ; and then they are fit for legions of divels . Intemperance calls off the guard ( thy watchfulness ) and then the enemies may enter thick and threefold . They that are not sober , cannot be vigilant , 1 Pet. 5.8 .

How unfit is a man in his intemperance for any duty . Ambrose observes , Tabulas legis quas accepit abstinentia , conteri fercit ebriteas Amh. cap 6 de Ebri . Aug. Confess : lib 10. As Moses received the tables fasting , so he broke them when the people had been feasting , judging them at that time very unfit to hear the law .

It may be thou art not a drunkard , but yet usest to exceed in eating . Austin avoided the sin of drunkenness , sed crapula non nunquam surrepit servo tuo ; he sometimes transgrest in eating ; but Lord , saith he , thou hast taught me to use my meat as my medicine .

Let thy rational faculty command thy sensitive ; consider how contrary to reason it is for a man , like a Dolphin , to have his mouth in his maw ; and like the Ass-fish , Epicharmus cals the Ass-fish 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 such a one as varieth from the ordinary course of nature . to have his heart in his belly ; and how contrary to Religion it is , to have the Kitchin for thy Church ; a Table for thine Altar , and the Belly for thy God , Luke 21.34 . Take heed lest your hearts be overcharged with surfeting and drunkenness , and so that day come upon you unawares . God alloweth us sometimes a liberal use ( as in days of Thanksgiving , and at Marriages ) but never a lustful abuse of his Creatures .

Secondly , Thy duty is to be temperate as to the quality of thy diet . Though here no certain quality of food can be set down , God allowing something to the conditions , and much more to the weakly and sickly constitutions of men ; yet in general this must be observed , that we make not provision for the flesh , Rom. 13.12 . We may preserve the flesh , but we must not provide for the flesh ; Our Enemie is strong enough already , we need not put more Weapons into his hands . To live after the flesh , is the sign of a sinner , Rom. 8.13 . It s intemperance for a person in health to study and strive how he may gratifie his palate . The Spirit of God cals it a sowing to the flesh , Gal. 6.7 . The Husbandman plots , contrives and labours , how he may sow his seed to his best advantage . A Fleshmonger will be meditating in the morning before he riseth , with what art his dinner may be so sauced and drest , that if possble he may excell a beast in carnal delights ; he is sowing early , that he may reap liberally . The Christian may take his food , but his food must not take him . It s sinful to be given to our appeties . It s not un lawful to eat dainties , but it is unlawful to set the mind upon them . We may receive them into our stomachs , but not into our hearts : When thou sittest to eat with a Ruler , consider diligently what is before thee , and put a Knife to thy throat , if thou be a man given to appetite ; be not desirous of his dainties , they are deceitful meat , Pro. 23.1 , 2 , 3. In which words we may take notice . 1. Of a supposition , If thou be a man given to appetite ; For a man to be given to Wine , it notes his extraordinary love to , and likeing of that liquor ; For a man to be given to Women , it speaks his excessive care and endeavour to enjoy that brutish and ungodly pleasure . For a man to be given to prayer , Psa. 109.4 . it speaks prayer to be his trade , his imployment , the work which he chiefly minds and putsueth . For a man to be given to God , Rom. 12.1 . it notes the soul to be wholly at Gods service , to go when God bids him go ; to come when God bids him come ; so for a man to be given to his appetite , it implyeth that all his projects are to please his palate , he is a caterer for the flesh , wholly subject to that sence , altogether at the devotion of his appetite ; our appetites are given to us , but we must not be given to our appetites ; as Heliogabalus who was served in at on meal with 7000. Fish , and 5000. Fowles : And 2. here is an imposition , Be not besirous of his dainties ; this is a disswasion from the former irregular affection . We may eat and digest dainties , but we may not crave and desire dainties ; God made man not for fleshly dainties , but for spiritual delights ; It is a beastly principle and practice , to be at the command of provender , as Apicius the Roman , who wrote ten books of directions how to set forth a feast with all sorts of dainties , and it s said the expences of his Kitchin amounted to two millions of Gold . 3. Here is a position . For they are deceitful meat . The desire of dainties is a deadly desire . There is murder under the meat ; Ordinary ( nay Manna extraordinary ) fare would not satisfie the sweet-tooth'd Israelites ; they lusted for quailes , but God gave them their desire , they had flesh and death together . Some read the former verse thus , Thou puttest a knife to thy throat , if thou be a man given to appetite . To pamper the body , is the way to destroy soul and body too ; Dainties entice to excess . He that erreth in the quality of his food , will quickly exceed in the quantity . They that plot night and day to please the flesh , declare publiquely that they have nothing of the spirit ; sensual , not having the spirit , Jude v. 19. The flesh and the spirit are like two Buckets in a Well , as the one mounts up , the other falls down . There is a flat opposition between sowing to the flesh , and sowing to the Spirit , Gal. 6.7 . Nay the Apostle is express in the mention of this kind of intemperate men . They serve not the Lord Jesus Christ , but their own bellies , Rom. 15. All the Servants of Christ , are Soveraigns over the flesh . Ordinances are ineffectual to persons that are sensual ; Rain falls off , as it falls on , upon an Oyled post . When the waters of the Sanctuary flowed , the Miry places ( that is sensual hearts ) could not be healed , Ezek. 47.11 . Behemoth lyeth in the Fens , that is , saith an Expositour , the Devil in fleshly men , Job 40.21 . Epicurus , saith one , whilst he favoureth his fleshly palate , doth neglect the heavenly palace .

There is a distinction of diet to be considered , in regard of bodies , in regard of estates , and also in regard of times ; all which piety and prudence must direct the Christian about : But sure I am it is a duty to keep under the body , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 I club it down , beat it black and blue . and to bring it into subjection , 1 Cor. 9.27 . They that acquaint us with the Jewish customs , tell us that their Ordinary meals were neither many in a day , nor costly ; they were called Arucoth , which signifieth such ordinary fare as travellers have in their journey .

The feast which Moses made for his Father in Law , and the Elders of Israel , is called bread . Exod 18.11 . So also the entertainment of Christ at the House of one of the chief of the Pharisees , Luk. 14.1 , 2. and the daily fare of the Disciples , Acts 2.46 , 47. Elijah could be content with a Raven for his Cook . Daniel sed and thrived upon Pulse , he looked fairer by it , then those that did eat of the Kings fare . Brown bread and the Gospel are good chear , said the Martyr . John the Baptist could live upon locusts and wild hony . The Apostles had some ears of Corn for a Sabbath days Dinner . Though God is pleased out of mercy to afford us better provision , yet our work must be to mind moderation . O how great a curse is it for thee like Cham to be a servant of servants , a servant to thy belly , which should be a Servant to thee ! Thy soul in such a body , is but a bright Candle in a greasie Lanthorn ; How much was that speech below a rational creature , which Philoxenus uttered , I wish that I had the throat of a Crane , that the pleasure of my tast might last the longer ! The Spider is little else save belly , but she is full of poison .

Besides , it will be a poor account which such men can give for their expences this way at the great day . God give thus our wealth for necessaries , conveniencies and moderate delight , not for prodigality and luxury ; Heliogabalus made whole meals of the tongues of Singing-Birds and Peacocks , and brains of costly creatures ; He used to say , That meat is not savoury , whose sauce is not costly . Many men have sold all their Lands for their Kitchin .

What a pattern doth the heir of all things give us of providence , Joh. 6.12 . Gather up the fragments that remain , that nothing be lost .

Some indeed are Debtours to their bellies , they pinch and pine them with penury , not allowing them what nature requires , whose Gold is their God . They are worse then Cannibals , eating their own flesh . He that is cruel to his flesh , troubleth his own house , Prov. 11.17 . But the bellies of most , are debtours to them , receiving much more then is fit or due , as if they had been born to bow down to , and worship their bellies .

If Esau had the Title of prophane for selling his birth-right for a mess of pottage when he was hungry , Heb. 12. How prophane then are they that sell their estates , and reason , and health , and souls , and Saviour and salvation , and all for a a moments brutish pleasure , intemperate eating or drinking .

Our Lord Jesus commandeth his Disciples not to be curious about their diet ; Whatsoever is set before you eat , Luk. 9. If it be wholesome , though it be not toot-some , accept it . The Turks will drink no Wine , because Mahomet their false Prophet fordids it . Reader , be thou temperate both in regard of the quantity and quality of thy food , because the blessed Jesus ; the true Prophet of his Church commandeth it .

Thirdly , thy duty is to eat and drink seasonably ; We read of eating in due season , Eccles. 10.17 . As there is a season for spiritual actions , when they are most profitable , so there is a season for natural actions , when they are most proper ; It s a foul fault , not to observe fit hours for our food . Our diet is unseasonable , when we begin the day with it . There is a wo to the Nation whose Princes eat in the morning , Eccles. 10.17 . and a wo to the persons that rise up early in the morning to follow strong dring , Isa. 5.11 . It is a bad sign when men leap out of their Beds into their Butteries ; and like Children call for their breakfasts as soon as they are up . The Servant must wait on his Master till he hath fed ; After him is manners . The body must wait on the soul till that hath broke its fast , and had some spiritual refreshment with the blessed God . The bodies place is after , not before the soul . The first of the day must ordinarily be given to the ancient of days ; God hopeth to hear from men , before either their Butlers or Cooks hear from them . He expecteth that we should serve him before we serve our selves , though indeed our serving of him is the onely serving of our selves . Moller . pinsal. 5.3 . Mollerus observeth that David thence pleaded for early protection , because he was early at his petitions . He was early in the morning at his prayer , and therefore he hoped that God would not come late at night with his answer .

Food is unseasonable when one meal treads upon the heels of another , like Jobs Messengers . The Holy Ghost speaks of some that are early up at it , and continueat it till night , Isa. 5. Some make but one meal ( as it were ) all day ; If either meat or drink be offered them , they can no more refuse it , though they were full before , then a Dog his bones . Like Children and Chickens , they are always feeding : Too much Oyl puts out the Lamp .

Men eat and drink unseasonably , when they turn the night into day ; and when God and nature call them to rest , they ordinarily like the Roman glutton , spend that time in pampering their bodies . I have read of one that boasted he had not in so many years seen the Sun .

The Dutch will sit at a Wedding Feast , from eight at night , to four in the morning , rising in the interim two or three times to ease nature , and then to their dainties and Sweet-mea●s again . They are industrious on the water , and Gluttonous on the land . Reader , I hope though they are prodigal , yet grace hath taught thee to be more provident of thy time .

CHAP. XXIV . How a Christian may exercise himself to Godliness in his Apparel and Sleep .

Apparel and Sleep being of less concernment then some other subjects , I shall speak but little to them ; yet because in these things we must walk by the rule of Gods Word , I shall not wholly omit them . And first for Apparel . The Saints outward , as well as his inward clothing must be sacred ; Spiritual Priests do all wear ( in a sense ) holy Garments . Sin may cleave to our cloaths ; The Leprosie was not only in the Israelites houses , but also in their Habits , Lev. 13. Some persons carry the plague up and down in their Rayment , their Garments are spotted with the flesh ; with pride , and wantonness , and prodigality . A Christian may manifest grace in his Garments ; he may clothe his soul in covering the nakedness of his body ; his Garments may smell of Myrrhe , Aloes and Gassia , Psa. 45. Exod. 19. Numb. 11. As under the Law the cloaths of Gods people were washed and purified Ceremonally ; so our apparel under the Gospel ( if we observe Gods Counsell about it ) may be clean and pure spiritually . For thine help herein Reader , I shall speak briefly ,

1. To the ends of Apparel , which must be minded .

2. To the sins about Apparel , which must be avoided .

3. To the vertues ( in Apparel ) which must be manifested .

First , To the ends of Apparel , which are four .

1. To cover our nakedness . Innocency at first was mans comely Robe , in comparison of which the richest cloaths are but nasty rags ; Ah how lovely did he look in that Heaven-spun attire ! In his primitive splendor , the most gaudy and costly apparel , would have been but as a Cloud over the face of the Sun , or a course Curtain over a beautiful Picture . But sin caused shame , and shame called for clothes to cover it , Gen. 3.7 . They knew that they were naked , and they sewed Fig-leaves together and made themselves aprons .

2. To defend our bodies from cold . Cloaths are a great shelter against the sharpness of the Air , and Weather . Some mens Coats are Pistol-proof , all mens cloaths should be Weather-proof ; God knew that Adams Fig-leaves were as far from keeping his body warm , as from hiding his soul-wickedness ; and therefore made him a coat of skins , Gen. 3.21 . This end of Apparel is mentioned , Pro. 31.21 . She is not afraid of the Snow for her Houshold , for all her shoushold are cloathed with scarlet .

3. To adornus . Cloaths render men more comely . A decent habit is handsome , naked Ghosts are frightful . Those members of the body which we think to be less honourable , upon these we bestow more abundant honour , Vi●e Decd●● in l●c . v. ● . and our uncomely parts have more abundant comliness , 1 Cor. 12.23 .

4. To distinstuish Sexes and persons . One end of Apparel is to difference Sexes ; The Law of nature , and the custome of all Nations , do teach a distinction between the Habits of Men and Women . God himself in Scripture doth expresly command it . The Woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man , neither shall a man put on a womans Apparel : for all that do so , are an abomination unto the Lord thy God , Deut. 22.5 . Those that have worn the Apparel of women as Caligula , Clodius and others , have been noted for the worst of men .

Another end of Apparel is to distinguish persons . The Nobility among the Romans , were anciently distinguished from the meaner sort by their Ornaments about their Shoos ; As God hath made a difference among men , some are high , some are low , some are rich , some are poor ; so doth he also allow a difference in their Apparel , Behold they which are gorgeously apparelled , are in Kings Houses , Luk. 7.25 . Robes and Rich attire become Judges , and Justices . They are honourable additions to their Office , and cause reverential apprehensions of their persons . The habits of men should be sutable to their conditions and honours , Dan. 5.29 . Ester 8.15 . Gen. 45.42 . As it is sinful for men to go above their abilities , so it is sordid for men to go much below their estates and places ; such draw contempt on their persons . Charles the fifth Emperour of Germany , being to make a Royal entrance into Millane , there was great preparation made for his entertainment , the Houses and Streets were beautified and adorned , the Citizens drest in their richest attire , Li●●xem . and a Golden Canopy prepared to be carried over his head , and a great expectation to see a glorious Emperor : but when he came into the City in a plain cloake and with an old hat on his head , the people would not beleive , their eyes but still asked which was he , and laughed at themselves for being so much deceived .

Secondly , The vices about our apparel , which must be avoided , 1. Pride . Pride is a moth which is soon bred in fine garments , but a Christian will consider , that the meanest apparel is natures garment , and the best but sins garnish ; The pedigree of our raiment must be remembred to allay our pride . Our richest cloaths are characters of reproach ; and as Adams livery , they are an implicite confession of our sin and shame . The dim-sighted person is not proud of his spectacles ; nor he who hath lost one eye , of the plaister which covereth it . When the thief looketh on his fetters , he thinketh of his felony , which was the cause of them ; When we behold our habits , we may well be humble , reflecting upon our apostacy , the cause of them ; Before the Fall , Adam and Eve were both naked , and were not ashamed , Gen. 2. ult. A murderer hath as much reason to be proud of his halter , as a man of his habit .

Beside the matter of our cloaths is considerable ; We are beholden to the beasts for them , what are they but the skin , hair or wooll of beasts ? and the finest but the spittle of the silkworm ? Alas , what a pin is this to peirce the Bladder of pride , and abate its swelling ? One would think if this weed should grow , it must be like the miscletos out of the rocks ; for here is not the least earth to breed or feed it , not the least cause for it .

This pride consisteth inwardly in mens valuing themselves the higher for their habit , which indeed is Childish : They discover their want of wit whose spirits rise with their garments , as the boat with the waters . The dogs that kept Vulcans temple , fawned upon a good sute ; but if a man came in ragged apparel , they would tear him in peices . They are brutish who judge either themselves or others to have reall worth from the bravery of what they wear . Pride is manifested outwardly , by mens readiness to follow new fashions . It is no commendation to English men that they are French mens apes . A la mode de France , is most in the Gallants mouths : But they who borrow ( saith one ) fashions of Egyptians , may meet with their botches and boiles . They who affected the Babylonian finery , had with it the Babylonian fetters , Ezek. 23.15 . I will punish the Princes , and the Kings children , and all such as are cloathed with strange apparel , Zeph. 1.8 . God speaketh of them , who in their cloaths imitated the Egiptians , Oh what enemy of thine hath taught thee so much vanity ? said Mr Iohn , Fox to his son , returning from his travails , and attired in a loose outlandish fashion . Hist of modern Divin . or the Babylonians . Though they were never so high , ( Princes and Kings children ) yet being vain in their habit , they were sure to feel the weight of Gods hand ; I will punish them . Idolaters are no fit measure for Gods people to make their cloaths by . The prophet Isaiah draweth up an Inventory of the Ladies wardrobe in Jerusalem , and pronounceth both a sharp objurgation and severe commination against them for their twinkling with their eyes , and tinkling with their feet ; for their lofty gate , and stately garb , Isa. 3.18 , to 24. We may read there what strange fury God hath for strange fashions . The daughters of London ( saith one ) do in pride of countenance and earriage , for exceed the daughters of Sion . Willet Hexa . in Levit. Alas how many men are drest like Poppets in a play , and women like Bartholmew babies . Some that are professours , by their antick habits ( which are the covers of their shame ) become a shame to their profession . Prodigus est animi vitio re tinenda Profoudens .

2. Prodigality in our apparel must be avoided . A man must cut his sute according to his cloth . I mean , his apparel must not be above his rank and estate . Some men famish their bellies to make their backs fine ; others turn their rents into ruffs , their riches into robes , Prodigi singulis auribus bina aut terna perdent patrimonia . Senec. their lands into laces , and hang ( as Seneca saith ) two or three Lordships in their ears ; that when they have their best clothes on , we may say of them , They are in midst of all their wealth .

Even those whose honor may allow richer garments then the vulgar , ought to distinguish between prodigality , and what is sutable to their places . Alcisthenes had a costly cloak , sold by Dionysius to the Carthaginians for an 120 talents . Heliogabalus had rich apparel , yet never wore it twice , his shoes were embellished with diamonds , his seats were strewed with muske and amber , his bed was covered with silver and gold , and beset with pearl . But Augustus Cesar was much on the other hand , and wore no other garments then what his wife , Sueton. his sister , or his daughter , made him ; and being asked the reason , answered , That rich and gay cloathing was either the ensign of Pride , or nurse of luxury . So Alaxander Severus , Emperor of Rome , Lips . Exem . p. 184. did always cloath himself in ordinary apparrel , saying , That the Empire did consist invertue , not in bravery .

The ancester of us all was clad in leather , Gen. 3.21 . and so were the Lords worthies , of whom the world was not worthy , Heb. 11.37 . Though now every servant forsooth must be clad in silk , and for gallantry outvie their Lady . It is recorded as a peice of high presumption , of Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury , Speed . that when King John had put his courtiers into a new livery , he put his servants into the same ; but in our days presumption and prodigality exceed ; for peasants can be more gaudy then their Prince . The Peacock hath more gayfeathers then the eagle the King of birds .

A wise man that dwelleth in an hired house , having no certain time of abode in it , will so far take care of it , that it may be a shelter to him against the weather , and possibly that it be neat and handsom ; but he will not be at the cost of curious ornaments or rich pictures , because he knoweth not how soon he may have warning to be gone . Our bodies are the houses of clay in which our souls dwell ; we know not how soon death may seal a lease of ejectment and turn our souls out of doors ; it is prudence to fence our bodies so well with garments , that they may be defended against the cold , yea to be cloathed somewhat sutable to our conditions ; but it is extream folly to be prodigal in garnishing our earthly tabernacles , when ( it may be ) this night our souls shall be required of us . Confident I am that Taylors long bills , and their poor neighbours short coats ( who have scarce enough to cover their nakedness ) will be little for many rich mens credit at the day of Christ . Reader , if thou art a wealthy man , remember this note whilst thou livest , That one plain coat bestowed on the back of the poor , will become thee better at this day , and yeild thee more comfort at the last day , then twenty silver laced ones , on thy own back .

There is another thing to be avoided about Apparel , Vestium curio●●tas , morum & mentium deformitatis indicium est . Bern. and that is curiosity and wastful expence of time . Excessive out ward neatness is often accompanied with excessive inward nastiness . Seneca speaketh of some that spend all their morning , inter pectinem & speculum ; between the comb and the glass , and are more troubled at a tangle in their hair , then at a disorder in the Common-wealth . How many in our days spend the whole Forenoon in decking their dying bodies , and leave no time to dress their immortal souls , they spend that precious time between the comb and the glass , Cultus magna tura , virtutis magna incuria Cato . which should be spent between Prayer and Scripture ; These painted carcasses will tell us , that if they can but dress themselves by dinner time , it is as much as they desire . Alas poor souls , what will they do when they come to enter into their eternal estates , when time shall be no more ! A dying bed ( if their consciences be but awakened ) will teach them to value time at an higher rate , and make them know that a commodity of such worth is not to be wasted .

3. I shall speak to the vertues in Apparel which must be manifested .

1. Modesty . One end of Apparel is to cover our shame and nakedness ; those therefore that discover their naked necks and breasts , cross this end , and glory in their shame . Such women proclaim their wantonness . Lascivious habits are unhandsom and unholy ; That Women adorn themselves with modest Apparel , with shamefacedness and sobriety , not with broydered Hair , or Gold , or Pearls , or costly array , 1 Tim. 2.9 . Modesty is a womans special beauty , and a needful vertue in them that are the weaker Vessels . As some tempt men to folly by their tongues , so others by their attire ; this the very Heathen were so sensible of , that Zalucus the Law-giver of Locris enacted , That no woman should be attended with above one Maid in the Street , except she were drunk ; that she should not wear embroydered nor undecent Apparel , but when she intended to play the Whore .

2. Gravity , Antient men , those that are in seats of justice , and professors , must not take up every new-fangle fashion . Cloaths of light colours on their backs will not be comely . Joseph a child might be handsom enough in a particoloured coat , but not so a man . When a grave Roman Petitioned the Emperour for a favour , and was denyed , and had afterwards coloured his hair , shaved himself , and in light cloaths requested the same courtesie , he was wittily answered by Caesar , who understood the fraud , I denyed your Father yesterday ; and should I grant it you to day , he might take it ill .

Christians must be much guided by the credit of Religion . Whatsoever things are of good report , is both a general and a special rule for a Saint to walk by in all such things .

There may be excellent use of that place , Rom. 12.2 . be not conformed to this World 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Beza translates it ; fashion not your selves , I love not affected singularity ; but I like a Christian Gravity , both in countenance , carriage , and attire .

3. There is another thing which a Christian must have a respect to in his Apparel , and that is his calling and ability . It is dishonourable both to a mans person and profession , when God hath ranked him among the rich , for him to rank himself among the poor and ragged . Of Lewis the 11. King of France , it is written in his Chamber of accounts , Two shillings for fustian to new sleeve his Majesties old Doublet ; and three half pence for liquor to grease his Boots . Agesilaus King of Sparta was slighted by the Persians for his over-plain Habit. Covetous men often please themselves , that they are not guilty either of pride or prodigality in their Apparel , when it may be often said to them , what Socrates told the ragged Grecian , A man may see your Pride through the holes of your Coat . As the Prodigal erreth in excess , so the Niggard erreth in defect .

One of the Jewish Rabbies used to say , That men should apparel themselves below their estates , that they may thrive the sooner ; that they should cloth their Wives above their estates , that they might live the more peaceably ; but their Children according to their estates , that they might Marry them the better .

Of Sleep .

I Shall now speak to Sleep , which is the last natural action I have mentioned . In reference to which three things are principally to be minded .

1. The Quantity of it .

2. The season .

3. The end of it .

1. The quantity of it . Thy Sleep , Reader , must be moderate ; but how much , or how little , thy own prudence , or piety together must judge . No certain time can be prefixed , though some general rules may be propounded . Seven hours sleep , is by Physitians judged sufficient for any ordinary person in health ; youth requires more sleep then age ; Weak men then strong men . Thy discretion will much help thee , if thou observest thy constitution . Cholerick and Melancholick bodies need longer sleep then the Phlegmatick or Sanguin , that the acrimony of Choler may be tempered , and the concoction furthered . To the Plegmatick much sleep doth increase their cold and moyst humours , and will in time make their bodies altogether sickly ; The Sanguin are apt to wax gross , and corpulent , and unfit for action , all which is helped forward by much sleep . Take heed of immoderate sleep . There is no part of our lives so totally lost , as that which is spent in sleep . Sleep cometh like a Publican , saith Plutarch , and stealeth away a third part of our time . Laentius . Therefore the wise Heathen have been watchful against this enemy : Aristotle used to sleep with a Bullet in his hand , over a brazen pan , that when it fell out of his hand , he might be awakened with the noise . Pythagoras used with a thread to tye the hair of his head to a beam over him , that so when he did but nod , he might be awakened thereby ; Christians have more cause for bodily as well as spiritual watchfulness .

David was so far from sleeping at prayer , that he would break his sleep for prayer , Psa. 119.62 . v. 147. I prevented the dawning of the morning , and cried ; I hoped in thy word .

Many are the discommodities of immoderate sleep . It wasteth time , a most precious talent , which is committed to us by God , and must be accounted for at the great day . A man asleep can hardly be said to live . Sleep is a kind of death . It injureth the soul , hindring it of time , robbing it of the bodies service , Pro. 26.13 . to 17. and by blunting its tools , dulling its faculties , that they become unfit for those ends to which they were designed .

It wrongeth the body by weakening the natural heat , and filling the head with vapours , by abating the memory , lessening the understanding , and by making the body heavy , lumpish , and in a word a sink of diseases .

It is an enemy to a mans estate . Solomon diswades from sluggishness , from this argument , So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth , and thy want as an armed man , Pro. 6.11 . Wealth will not come without working . They are deceived who think to have the pleasure of slothfulness , and the plenty of laboriousness . The diligent hand maketh rich , but slothfulness will cloath a man with rags . Pro. 10.4 . & 23.21 .

2. The season of sleep ; In general , the day is by the command of God and order of nature , the time for watching , and the night for sleeping . The Sun approaching draweth forth the spirits from the center to the Circumferent parts , and openeth the pores of the body , both which do provoke to working and waking ; but when the Sun departeth , the spirits return to the inmost parts of the body , which inviteth to sleep ; and besides , the naturall moysture and silence of the night , are according to Physitians , very conducible to sleep : Wherefore to sleep in the day , and watch in the night , is ( unless necessity compelleth it ) sinful , and a perverting the course of nature ; They that sleep , sleep in the night , 1 Thes. 5.6 , 7. Which may be understood literally of a natural , as well as mystically of a spiritual sleep . That Roman Emperor that turned the day into night , and the night into day , was abhord as a monster in nature : Such persons are great hinderers of their own health , and thereby of their outward happiness ; for sleep draweth the natural heat inward , and the heat of the day draweth it outward , whereby there ariseth a fight with nature , to the ruine of the body . Sleep after dinner in young persons , caufeth heaviness of the head , dulness of wit , defluxions of humors , lethargies , and other cold diseases of the brain , and also palsies by relaxing the finews ; Besides it is not to be forgotten , that Ishbosheth lost his life , and David his chastity , by lazing on their beds in the day time .

The most convenient season ( I suppose ) for sleep ( I confess I speak in anothers art ) is some considerable time after a moderate supper . When thou hast commended thy soul to God and put off thy cares with thy cloaths , then thou mayst commit thy body to thy bed . He giveth his beloved sleep Psa. 127.2 . Ahashuerus , who commanded 127 provinces , could not command one hours sleep , Ester . 1.

3. The ends of sleep must be minded ; Sleep is given us by God , not for the solution or weakning , but for remission and refreshing of nature ; which would be not onely wearied , but quite tired out by continual labour . The effects of moderate sleep will speake its ends : Sleep will ( if taken seasonably , and not in excess ) help digestion , recreate thy mind , repair the spirits , comfort the whole body : It concocteth not only the meats , but also the humors . By the retreating of the heat into the inner parts , the vital faculty is much strengthned , because the heart is abundantly supplyed with blood for the breeding of spirits .

The ends of sleep will somewhat direct us about the measure : Sleep may be followed till the concoctions in the stomack and liver are finished , which will be discovered upon our awaking ordinarily by a sensible lightness of the body , especially of the head , and the passage down of the meat from the stomack .

Thus I have dispatched natural actions , and discovered how a Christian in eating and drinking , cloathing and sleeping , may serve Jesus Christ .

A good Wish about Natural actions , wherein the former heads are epitomized .

MY corrupt heart being prone to turn things lawfull into fuel for lust , The introduction . like the spider to suck poison out of the sweetest flowers , and to make what my God giveth me for a comfort , to prove , through the subtilty of the Serpent ( as Eve to Adam ) a cross and a curse : I wish in general that whilst I use my meat , and drink , and sleep , and apparel , I may never abuse them , but that I may so ensure my right to them through Christ , the heir of all things , so taste the love of my God in them , and make such an holy and sanctified improvement of them , that I may have a spiritual title to natural good things ; may hold all in capite , and the things of this life may be whet-stones to quicken my holiness , and load-stones to draw my affections nearer to heaven . In particular because the snare in eating and drinking is unseen ( and so the less suspicious , About eating and drinking which must be done sacredly . but the more dangerous ) I wish that I may never feed without fear , but eat all my bread before the Lord , that I may not as the horse and mule which hath no understanding , drink of the streams , Desiring a blessing . and never look up to the spring ; but may acknowledge my God to be the author of every favour , and be so sensible of the weakness of the creature to strenghten me without the influence of the creatour , that I may constantly look up to heaven for a blessing on that food which springeth out of the earth .

I desire that my heart may so rellish the goodness of my God in the bounty of his hand , Holy discourse at tabl● . that whilst I am filling my body , I may by some savoury serious discourse feed my own and others souls , that by the blessings of the footstool , as by a lader , I may mount up to the blessings of the throne . Lord , when thou remembredest me an unworthy wretch above many others , let me not be so sordidly ungratful as to forget thy Majesty ; but as the rivers lead me to the Sea , Thanks after meals so let common blessings direct me to thy self , the Father & Fountain of all my mercies ; open thou my lips that my mouth may shew forth thy praise . O let not my thanks be onely verbal , but cordial and reall ; Let thy mercy be returned to thy self again in sutable duty , and thy beneficence by answerable obedience . If I receive curtesies from men , I esteem my self bound to requite them to my power ; ah why should not I then , since I receive millions of mercies from my God , improve all to his praise ! I desire that I may not as the Israelites bestow that corn and oyl on Baal , ( or make provision for any sin with those favours ) which my God bestoweth on me ; but that all those cords of love may draw me nearer , and bind me closer to himself ; I live at thy cost , enable me to live to thy credit ; Let thy loving kindness be ever before me , that I may walk in thy truth .

I wish that I may not only take my food piously , Soberly . as from Gods hand , but also use it temperately , as in Gods eye . Excess hath been abhord by mere heathens . Beasts know when they have drunk enough , and by no beating will be forced to more ; and shall I who , beside my reason , have the help of Religion , perish in the waters like the Swine possessed with devils ? O let my sensitive faculty be such a servant to myrational , and both so serviceable to my God , that I may use my food as my Physick , receive it sparingly , and for healths sake , to become thereby more instrumental for the glory of my Saviour . I do not live to eat , but eat to live ; why then should I use my food as if like the Locust , I were all belly , or as some beasts made only to be filled and fatted for the slaughter ? I wish that I may observe the seasons for feeding my body , Seasonably . as well as those golden opportunities for my soul ; that I may not prefer the beast before the Angel within me , but may usually every morning serve my God before my self , and refresh my inward , before my outward man . In a word , I beg that all my pots may be so spiced with piety , and all my meat so sauced with religion , that whether I eat , or drink , or whatever I do , I may do all to the glory of my God ; that so when I shall eat and drink no more in this infirm estate , I may drink of the rivers of his own pleasures , and eat of that tree of life which groweth in the midst of Paradise .

I wish in general , Apparel . that my cloaths as well as my closet may be perfumed with godliness , that the smell of my garments ( as Isaac said of Jacobs raiment ) may be as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed . I desire in particular that I may so observe the ends for which apparel is appointed , that I may wholy forbear those vices about them which my God forbideth , and truly exercise those vertues on them which my God commandeth .

I wish that since garments are given me to cover my nakedness , I may never discover the lust of my spirit in any lewd or loose attire on myflesh , nor ever be proud of those rags , be they never so gaudy or costly , which call aloud to me to be humble , as being the signs of my first and most dreadful sin and shame . I desire that I may not be of the number of them that wast their wealth about that which is at the mercy of the moth , yet that I may not through covetousness offer my self by my cloaths to just contempt , but may so walk between the two extreams , as one who wears the livery of Beligion , that my God may never be dishonoured , nor the Gospel disgraced by any spots in my garments ; O that my soul may so put on the garments of my Elder brother , and the graces of the holy Spirit , that thereby I may be known ( as Davids daughters by their raiment of divers colours ) to belong to the heavenly Court , and thereby be prepared to walk with my God in the white of glory . Sleep . I wish that I may observe the ends of sleep , how my God alloweth it for the strengthning , not the weakening of nature , that I may not by excess herein turn my friend into an enemy , and whilst I seem to indulge my flesh , wrong both flesh and spirit too . O that prudence and piety might both so guide me , that I may ever be watchful against his incroaching adversary , and not like a Dormouse live as if I were born to sleep . Finally , I wish that I may be so sensible of the worth of those narrow streames of time , because of their tendency to the boundless Ocean of eternity , that like holy Hooper , I may be spare of sleep , sparer of diet , and sparest of time , that I may redeem it as much as may be conveniently from those natural actions which are necessary ; and that when eating , drinking , and clothing , and sleeping , and days , and weeks , and years , and ages shall be no more , I may eat of my Saviours hidden Manna , drink of the new Wine in my Fathers kingdom , be arrayed with the White Linen of the Saints , and inherit that rest which remaineth for the people of my God , for ever and ever , Amen .

CHAP. XXV . How a Christian may exercise himself to Godliness , in his Recreations and Pleasures .

THy duty is to exercise thy self to Godliness in thy Recreations ; the Christian in his walking , Thirdly , as well as in his working , must be furthering his eternal weal. Our Gardens or places of delights , as well as our Houses , must be consecrated ground ; Davids Cimbal , Viol and Timbrel were all useful in , and serviceable to the Tabernacle ; with them he praised God , Psa. 150. Saints outward pleasures must be some way or other subservient to their inward purity . Bern de bonis disserendis . It was a witty observation of Bernard on the signification of Isaac ( which is laughter or joy ) Sacrifice your Isaac , and your Isaac shall live . It is the Ram , the rankness and stoutness of your heart which shall dye . Reader , sacrifice thy recreations , thy joys , thy delights to God , and they shall all live ; it is rankness of them which God desireth should be put to death . That these pleasures are not simply unlawful , is plain ; Eat thy bread ( saith God ) with joy , drink thy Wine with a merry heart ; live joyfully with the Wife of thy youth , Eccles. 9.7 , 8 , 9. Epicurism is not at all commanded , but moderate delight in creatures is allowed and commended ; He gives all things richly to enjoy . To enjoy , not to behold , nor to hoard up ; He condemneth those rich cormorants that starve at a full Table , and like Asses laden with good victuals , feed on thistles , Eccl. 6.2 , 3. & 2.24 . & 3.12 . The merciful God is pleased out of his bounty , not onely to allow his creatures what is for necessity , but also what is for delight . Christian , it is more then God requireth of thee to be always pondering and poring on such subjects as make thy heart sad , whereby thou thy self art disadvantaged , banishing that chearfulness from thee , which is an ornament to Christianity ; and others discouraged , supposing that all who walk in heavens way , must needs be ( as thou art ) mopish and melancholy . Piety doth regulate , but not extirpate our pleasures . It is a pruning-knife to cut off the luxuriancy of them , not a Weeding-hook , to pluck them up by the roots ; If thy body be as one of the Fathers calls it , jumentum animae , The souls Beast , then it must be allowed some rest and refreshment , or else it will carry thee but heavily along in thy journey .

It is reported of a Primitive Christian , St. Iohn Cass . Col. 24. cap. 21 that as he was on a time playing with a bird , two or three youths going by , saw him , and one of them spake to the other , See how this old man plays like a child with a Bird , which the good old man overhearing , called him to him , and asked him , what he did with the Bow in his hand , and how he used it ? whereupon the young man bent his bow , shewed him what he did with it , and unbent it again . Why do you unbend it ? saith the Old man ; because saith the youth , if my Bow should always stand ready bent ; it would prove a slug and be unserviceable . Such is the condition of man , saith the Old Christian ; If his mind were always bent and intent about the best things , the wings of devotion would soon flag , and the arrows of contemplation flye but slowly towards Heaven .

The most I know need a curb in this particular of recreation rather then a whip ; yet some there are that whilst they strive to keep under their bodies , ride over them , and make them much more unserviceable then they would be . Whilst they go about to punish their bodies for their former wantonness , and excess , in the end they punish God and their souls too . Temperies animi sequitur temperamen●um corporis . The temper of the soul ( Philosophers tell us ) followeth the temperament of the body ; A dull Knife cannot cut well . A pen worn out will not make good Letters ; he that would do his work well , must see that his tools be right for his turn , otherwise he will but bungle at the best .

I am confident that it is thy duty to keep thy body in the best plight and health , vigour and liveliness that thou canst for thy souls sake . I must confess I intend in this head those recreations which exercise the body or mind , so as to fit them to follow the better our general or particular callings .

A Holy man could indeed wish that his body needed no such diversion , but when he findeth that after long sitting , or much labour , his body clogd and tired , he is forced to give way to reason . For vain and sinful recreations , Reader , I must in the Name of God forbid them ; I am not about to teach thee how to honour God by doing Satans work . They that study the Devils books , will hardly learn Christs Lesson . There be some that take pleasure in unrighteousness , Rom. 1.32 . Holy things are too good to be sported with , and vicious things are too bad ; things of an indifferent nature are fit to be the subjects of our recreations . Those sports which are of evil report amongst Saints , or which thou hast experienced to be bellows to blow up the fire of thy passion , or fuel to thy covetousness , must be avoided . Avoid all occasions and appearances of evil ; sports sinful in the act , like the play between Abners and Joabs Souldiers , will be bitterness in the end .

When Thespis a Poet at Athens , Plutarch in vit S●l . made a play which delighted all the Citizens , Grave Solon himself went to see it ; but when the play was ended , wherein Thespis acted a part , Solon called him to him , and asked him , if he were not ashamed to lye so openly in the face of the whole City ? Thespis answered him , that it was no matter , so long as it was but in sport . But Solon beating his Staff on the ground , replyed , If we allow lying in sport , we shall shortly find it in earnest , in our bargains and dealings . Certainly heathens will another day condemn our mungril Christians . The sober sort of them , seemed to hate and abhor that harlot vice , though presenting her self upon a stage with her painted face , and most gaudy dress , when many among us love , and like , and even doat upon her ; But such must know that sins in jest , will bring at last , sufferings in earnest . Men laugh , and jest , and mock at sin ; its asport to a fool to do mischief , Pro. 10.23 . but surely they will find hell a serious thing ; for God will not be mocked : They pretend now that they have time to spare , and if they should not spend it at a play-house ( I had almost said a whore-house ) they should spend it worse . Alas do they not know that God gave them time to provide in for their eternal felicity , and not to squander it away in such foolish vanities . If time be a drug that hangs on their hands to their trouble , God may take it off , before they are willing or aware , and send them to their everlasting home . Those were worthily condemned that took the Timbrel , and Harp , and rejoyced at the sound of the organ , and therefore said unto God , depart from us , Job . 21.14 .

But Reader , thou mayst be merry and not mad , enjoy thy pleasures without such poyson ; thou mayst have thy recreation , and never be beholden either to sin or Satan for them ; God alloweth thee choice enough of trees in his garden , though thou dost wholly forbear the forbidden fruit : nay thou mayst , like a skilfull mariner , make use of this side-wind of recreation to help thee towards the haven of rest .

The author of the Belgick Commonwealth tels us , Belgick Common wealth . that printing was first invented by one Laurence Jans when he walked abroad for his recreation . It is said , of Socrates that he profited his companions by his recreations , no less then if he had been reading lectures . I have read of one that by hearing musick , Mr. Esty . tuned his heart to think of , and admire the melody and musick in heaven . Truly I see no reason but a Christian may cause his recreation to do that which naturalists deny to Odours , Odores non nutriunt . even both to refresh and nourish him . Onely be sure thy recreation be innocent , neither dishonerable to God , nor disadvantagious to thy neighbour . Think of that rule , All things are lawful for me , but all things are not expedient . Some recreations are lawful , which are not expedient , either in regard of thy age , calling , or the compapany thou art with . He that will do all he may , will quickly be brought to do what he ought not . It is much easier and safer for the fowl to pass by the share when she is out , then to get out when she is once in .

We say It s not evil to marry , but its good to be wary ; so say I , It s not bad to use recreations but its good to be watchfull that we do not abuse them ; which that thou mayst not do , I desire thee to inclose this Common , which many wander in to their wo , with these three Cautions

First , Mind moderation at them ; remember thy recreation is not to be thy occupation ; God made Leviathan to sport in the waters , but God made not man to play upon the land . Our time here is our pilgrimage , and therefore not to be spent in pleasures ; The candle of our lives is set up , not to play , but to work by . Spinster is a tittle given to our greatest women in our law language . A man that builds an house , will not make it very full of windows , for then it would be weak ; neither will he make it without any , for then it would be dark . Recreations to our natural , are like windows to our artificial houses ; Some are convenient , many weaken the building , and strengthen the Thief , who hath the more advantage thereby to Steal .

Fish that leap into the Air for their recreation , return quickly to their own element again ; Beasts that play up and down in the Fields , in a short time return to their food . Recreation is like some pleasant house which we may call at , as we pass on towards our heavenly country , but must not stay , much less dwell there . Sir Francis Bacon said of Parliaments , in reference to the English body politique , That they are good purging Physick ( to be made use of now and then ) but bad diet-drink ( to be taken constantly ) the same may be said of recreations , If used in measure , they are helpful ; if immoderately , they are hurtful . They are good sauce , but bad meat . Diogen . Laert. Plato reproved a young man for playing at Dice ; The young man answered him , For how small a matter do you reprove me ? I but saith Plato , the custom is no small matter .

Those that put their hands to their mouthes , when they drank water , were elected by God to fight his bartels . Those that bowed down to the ground upon their knees , were rejected , Judg. 7.5 , 6 , 7. Those that soop their handful of pleasant waters , are fitter for Gods work , then they that swill their belliful ; God taxeth them sharply , who make carnal delights the end of their lives , ye have lived in pleasure on earth , and been wanton . God alloweth us pleasures in our lives , but God doth not allow us to live in pleasures , Jam. 5.5 . When our lives are nothing else but a diversion from one pleasure to another , we may fear our deaths will be the beginning of our pains . Nimrod , Ishmael , Esau , all vicious persons , are noted to be given up to such pastimes .

The people of Tombutum in Africk , are said to spend their whole time in singing and dancing . Some persons , especially Gentlemen , spend their whole time in Hawking or Hunting , or gaming , of whom I may speak as Pliny to his Son ( when he saw him spend his time in talking , Lib. 3. cap. 5. and walking and neglect his studies ) They might put those hours to better use . Or as the Holy Ghost saith of the voluptuous Widow , they are dead while they live , 1 Tim. 5.6 .

Great men think with Galba , Nemorationem otii reddere cogetor Suet. in Gal. that no man shall be called to account for his idleness , but they will one day hear of wicked and slothful servants , and find a truth in the German Proverb , that Gentlemen are Venison in heaven ; they seldom come thither .

Reader take heed of the hook that is hid under this bait of pleasures ; thou mayst nibble at it safely , but if once thou goest with open mouth to swallow it down , thou art caught , and in danger to be undone . The flye that cometh to a glass of sweet Syrrup , and onely tasteth it , may get away securely ; but if once he bathe his body and wallow in it , he is limed and loseth his life . Some drugs are given to procure sleep , which if taken moderately may give the Patient rest , and do him good ; but if in any great quantity , may cause him to sleep his long sleep , and send him to the place where the weary are at rest . Weigh thy pleasures warily in the ballance of the Sanctuary , lest thou shouldst eat of that luscious diet , Invite , more then ●hon canst possibly digest . In a word , follow the advice of reverend Bede ; For pleasures ( saith he ) we must deal with it as we do with hony ; onely touch it with the tip of the singer , not with the whole hand , for fear of surfeit ; though a little honey be sweet and comfortable , yet much causeth gripings , and breedeth choler : Fragrant Flowers if used moderately , refresh the brain , but if too much , cause the headach ; Light is sweet , and it is a pleasant thing to behold the Sun ; yet a man by staring too long , too much , may dazzle , nay blind his eyes . Do as Jonathan did ; He put forth the end of the Rod which was in his hand , and dipt it in an hony-comb , and put his hand to his mouth , and his eyes were enlightned , 1 Sam. 14.27 . His eyes were enlightned ; A little will satisfie , much will surfeit . Though Swine lye night and day in such mud , do thou as the Sheep which sometimes fall into the mire , but hasten out of it to the pleasant Medows . Though the necessity of thy body calleth thee to thy recreations for a season , yet let the necessities of thy soul and family call thee off from them in due time . Let thy recreations be like a Porter whom thou mayst use for half an hour , or an hour , as thy occasions are , and dismiss ; and not like an Houshold servant to dwell with thee constantly . The Lacedemonians were so sparing that they are said to be even covetous of their time .

Secondly , Look that thine end in them be right . The end here will speak much to the specification of the act ; thy recreation must be as sauce to thy meat ; we eat sauce to sharpen our appetites to our food , and to make us relish it the better ; so we must use recreations to whet our stomach to our callings , and to make them the more savoury to us . As musick to the Jews did stir up their minds and prepare their hearts for holy performances ; so lawful recreations may be used by us Gentiles , to fit us for the service of God in our general and particular vocations . The Saint by the comforts of his life may delight more in God the life of all his comforts ; He may follow these streams so long till he comes to the fountain of living waters ; He may conclude with himself , If recreations by the creature be so sweet , how sweet is communion with the Creatour .

The Musitian doth not leave his strings constantly wound up , but sometimes lets them down , and his end is , that when he goeth again to use his Viol , it may make the better Musick . The wise Husbandman will not always cross-crop his ground but lets it sometimes lye fallow , and his end is , that sowing upon a Tilt , he may have the greater crop : So the Christian may allow his mind moderate release , he may afford the ground of his outward man some rest ; but his end must be , that when it comes again to be sowed , to be employed , it may be the more serviceable to God and his soul ; and truly so by going back a little , he may have this advantage to leap the farther .

O how sordid a thing is it for men to use sports meerly to pass away their time ! hence they foolishly call them pastimes . Reader , art thou in haste to have some part of the thread of thy life cut off , as if it were too long ? Wilt thou never consider that time is a silver stream , running along into the Ocean of eternity , and that eternity dependeth on the spending of this moment of time ! Dost thou not beleive that thy jovial companions now in Hell , would give a whole world if they had it for one hour ; and that when thou thy self comest to dye , and to look into the other World , thou wilt say with the Roman General Sertorius ( in answer to his Souldiers , who told him t was dishonourable to the Romans , to pay tribute to the barbarous people inhabiting the Pyrenean Mountain . ) Plut. Time is a precious commodity to be taken up at any rate . Good God , how much wilt thou think a Week , a Day , nay an hour worth !

For thy souls sake weigh thy time , as it stands in relation to thine everlasting condition , and then I am confident thou wilt aim at another end in thy recreations . Though children go to school and work in hope of play , yet men play to fit themselves for work . Though wicked men have such sordid sinful ends in their delights , do thou mind more noble and worthy designs ; Postotia virtus . therefore oyl the wheels that thou mayst move the more chearfully , and run the more swiftly , in the way of Gods commandments .

Thirdly , have an eye to the season of them . Scholers have their play-hours ; yet if they be found playing when they should be at their books , they must expect to be beaten ; The Master that doth not grudge his servant time to visit his friends , and rejoyce with his familiars , yet if he should do it when his work lieth upon the spoil , he could not but take it very ill . God alloweth us liberty for moderate delights , but it is only when our general and particular callings will give us leave . Cardinal Angelot is chronicled for a sordid person , for stealing away the oats which his man had given his mare ; how sordid are those parents who steal their childrens food , to pursue their own pleasures ! He that neglecteth his particular calling to follow his sports , is like him that starveth his son , to feed his swine ; And he that omits his prayers and religious duties to mind his pleasures , is like him that is condemned to be hanged , and hath only three days allowed him to procure his pardon in , yet he spends all that time in hawking or hunting .

Recreations are like some fruits not always in season , though at sometimes they are very wholsome , yet at other times they are very hurtful . The wise man tells us there is a time to weep , and a time to laugh , a time to mourn , and a time to dance , Eccles. 3.2 , and 5. There is a time to weep ; Sorrow , is not always seasonable . Dalilah disparaged her discretion by weeping on the day of her wedding . There is a time to laugh ; Delights are sometime out of fashion . He forfeits his credit that sports at a funeral ? Musick never suited with mourning

In general , recreations are then unseasonable when God and mens families are neglected ; that they may be minded when to give them water , we are forced to make the Mill of our general and particular callings to stand still . O what a fool is that voluptuous youngster , who having no more horses then what is sufficient for his ploughing , will yet take one to hunt upon , and thereby cause the rest to be idle , and his business to be undone ! But how mad is that person who , Esau like , is hunting , and thereby misseth the blessing !

In particular , our recreations are unseasonable on a Lords day , and in times of publick calamities .

1. Recreation are unseasonable on a Lords day ; Carnal pleasures must then vanish , and spiritual pleasures must take place : Our joy must be pure and heavenly on that day . It is an holy day , and therefore cals for holy delights ; God inviteth the Saint on that day to his own table , provideth for him costly , curious food , and expecteth that he should come , and not bring along with him the worlds course fare . Observe the precept in the Evangelical prophet , If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath , from doing thy pleasure on my holy day , and call the sabbath a delight , the holy of the Lord , honorable , & shal honor him , not finding thine own pleasures , then shalt thou delight thy self in the Lord . Is. 58.13 , 14. Take notice , from doing thy pleasure on my holy day ; our pleasures are such as flow from creatures ; now the Wine which makes glad the heart of a Saint on a Sabbath , must be drawn from another Pipe . That which runs from the World , is too flat , low , and full of dregs , to be served in to the great King .

When Aristotle was asked what he thought of Musick ; he answered , Jovem nec canere , nec citharam pulsare ; that Jupiter cared not either for singing or fidling ; he was for higher and more refined exercises . The infinite God doth always overlook our puddle-water , more especially on his own day , when he alloweth us to drink of his own richest Wines . They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house , and thou shalt make them drink of the River of thy pleasures , Psa. 36.8 . Mark , 1. The excellency of the provision , fatness of thy house , the River of thy pleasures . The fattest is esteemed the fairest , and the most excellent food ; therefore the Saint was enjoyned to offer the fat in Sacrifice under the law . As God expects the best from us , so he gives the best to us ; this made David when he had feasted so curiously , to sing so chearfully . Fatness here is the top , the cream of all spiritual delicacies . My soul is filled as with marrow and fatness ; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips , Psa. 63.5 . But though God keep so noble an house to satisfie his peoples hunger , what special care doth he take to quench their thirst ? Thou shalt make them drink of the Rivers of thy pleasures . O he drinks to them , and they pledge him in his own cup. Hath the Child then any cause , when his father keeps so rare and costly a Table , to leave such dainties , and go a begging up and down the Country for scraps and fragments ? O how much do these disgrace their Parents provision , and their own discretion ? But mark Reader 2. the plenty as well as the excellency of this provision . Here is fatness in the abstract ; a river of pleasures , and so much as that they who enjoy it shall be satisfied , and abundantly satisfied . A River is overflowing and everflowing , it communicates its water , and yet is never empty ; It is fed with Springs and Fountains , and therefore it s no wonder if it always be full ; They that are at such a Well , need not complain of want ; but here is not onely Rivers and fatness , for some have much , and yet cannot feed ; but of Gods people it s said , they shall be abundantly satisfied ; in the Original it is inebriated , they shall have not onely a sufficiency , but a redundancy of spiritual delights ; the Vessels of their souls shall be filled to the brim , out of that River , whose streams make glad the City of God . Surely then , they that may have bread in such abundance , enough and to spare in their Fathers House , made of the Kidneys of the Wheat , of the finest Flower , need not hanker after the Worlds homely fare . Our Heavenly Father doth not keep so starveling an house , that the Worlds scraps should go down with us .

Besides , how abominable is it to disturb Gods rest with our sports ! Some work hard on the week day , and play on the Lords day . No melody so delightful to them as Temple Musick , no draughts so sweet as in Temple Vessels , Amos 6.5 . Dan. 5.2 . No time so fit for their foolish Triumphs as Gods time . The Heathen Philistines , when they offered a great Sacrifice to their god Dagon , call for Sampson to make them sport . These uncircumcised persons , mingle their Sacrifices to the true and living God with sports , and carnal , nay sinful pleasures . Week days , like ordinary Virgins , are excused ; and the Lords Day , the Queen of days , must be deflowred .

Reader , If thou art guilty of this fin , know , that to steal time from thy Family or Master on a week day is theft ; but to steal time from thy Maker and Redeemer on this day , is Sacriledge . Hast thou no Mettal to disfigure and embezle , but that which hath the Kings stamp on it ! Hast thou no time to sleep in thy Cabin , or play on the Deck , but just when the wind blows fair for the Vessel of thy Soul to lanch forward towards Heaven ! I must tell thee , that God calls thee on this day to be wholly taken up in working out thy salvation , and not at all in minding thy recreations . It were better , as Austin saith ( though that were very bad ) to plough all day , Melius toto die ararent , quam toto d●e●altarem Aug. in tit . Psal. 92. Iustin , lib. 1. then to play all day . But as Cyrus dealt with the Lydians , when he had conquered them in Battel , he allowed them liberty for all sports and pastimes , and thereby subdued them in such a manner , that they became his servants for ever : So Satan dealeth with the children of men ; when they are his already in part , by Sabbath bath day pastimes , he makes them his sure and settled servants altogether , and so they become his for ever .

Secondly , Recreations are unseasonable in times of publique calamities : The Son is very undutiful , who laughs under the rod ; and that Daughter very unnatural , who is sporting when her Mother is dying : A Sword , a Sword is sharpned , and also furbished ; it is sharpned to make a sore slaughter ; it is surbished that it may glitter : Should we then make mirth ? Ezek. 21.9 , 10. Should we then make mirth ? as if he had said , Such Seasons call for sighing , not for singing ; for mourning , not for mirth .

The Jews tells us , the very beasts abstained from copulation in time of the Deluge . Plin. lib. 11. cap. 17. Naturalists tell us of the Bees , that when one is sick , the rest in the Hive are all sad . Experience tells us , that the very birds , who in Summer sing division prettily , with divers tunes and variation of their pleasant voyces , in Winter forbear their notes , and seem to sympathize with the season : And shall not we humble our hearts when Gods hand is lifted up ? How much is he displeased , when his chastenings are despised ! Amos 6.5 , 6 , 7. In that day did the Lord God call to weeping and mourning , and to baldness , and to girding with sackcloth : And behold joy and gladness , slaying oxen , and killing sheep : And it was revealed in mine ears by the Lord of Hosts ; Surely this iniquity shall not be purged away till ye dye , saith the Lord of Hosts , Isa. 22.12 , 13. In that day : When the Persians invaded Gods people , then they minded their pleasures : The unseasonableness of their laughter , provoked God to anger : Solace in the day of Jacobs troubles , is like Winter fruits , harsh and sowre , Jer. 9.1 . The Church may speak to such , as they did to the Philosopher , Aul. Cell . who in a great tempest at Sea was asking many trifling questions , Are we perishing , and dost thou trifle ?

Our duty is , to sympathize with our fellow members in their sufferings : Weep with them that weep , Rom. 12.15 . Now if we give our selves then to take our ease , we shall hardly feel our Brethrens hard cords through our soft beds .

Alexander , Q. Curt. though in exteme thirst ( when his Army was ready to famish for want of water ) refused the cup of water presented to him , with this excuse , I cannot drink alone , and here is not enough for every one of my Souldiers to wet their lips . Surely Christianity layeth a stronger obligation upon us , when the Church is like her Husband , carrying her Cross , to cut our selves short , in regard of worldly comforts .

Reader , Is thy Mother sick , and art not thou sorrowful ? Is thy God , thy Father pierced and dishonored by sin , and canst thou take thy pleasures ? Are thy Brethren and Sisters in great affliction , and hast thou no fellow-feeling affections ? When David asked Vriah why he went not to his house after his journey : He answered him , The Ark , and Israel , and Judah abide in Tents , and my Lord Joab , and the Servants of my Lord are in the open fields : Shall I then go into mine house , and eat , and drink , and lie with my wife ? as thou livest , and as thy soul liveth , I will not do this thing , 2 Sam. 11.10 , 11. Truely if thy flesh should tempt thee to carnal mirth in aday of Zions tribulations , do thou repell it as he did ; The beautiful Spouse of Jesus Christ , the blessed members of his body are in great affliction , they water their couches with tearts , and they mingle their drink with weeping ; and shall I mind my play , and sports , and earthly delights ! through the Lords help I will not do it . No , by the Rivers of Babylon , let me sit down and weep when I remember Sion . Alas how foolish is that man who can laugh and jest , and be merry in his private Cabin , as if he were safe and secure , when the ship of the Church in which he sayleth , is in a boystrous and dangerous storm .

Thus I have dispatched the third particular , wherein a Christian must exercise himself to Godliness , namely Recreations .

A good Wish about Recreations .

REcreation being the intermission of my labour , The Introduction . and spending of some time in delightful exercise , for the refreshing of my body and mind , which ( by working much ) are apt to tire and grow weary , I wish in general that I may never abuse this favour which my Master affordeth me ( as some drunken servants ) to make me unfit for his work , but may be so consciencious in observing those cautions about it , which his law prescribeth , that my vigour and strength being thereby repaired , I may after it , follow his business with the more alacrity and ability . In particular , I wish that my teeth may never water after forbidden fruit , For the kind it , must be lawful . that I may not be so prodigal as to lay my precious inestimable soul at stake by any sinful pleasure . My God hath told me how I may be merry and not have the Devil for my Play-fellow . O let me never defile my Spirit , whilst I am delighting the flesh , but let my sport for the kind of it , be like Cesars wife , without the least suspicion of fault . I desire that my carriage at it may be wholly free from passion and covetousness ; and to this end , that I may never venture what I esteem at any value ; my mind hereby would be dist urbed , not refreshed , and so the end of recreation altogether frustrated . Moderation about them . I wish that such delights may be used as my medicine , onely now and then when nature requireth them , not as my meat constantly every day ; let my God of all consolation lye ( as a Wife ) in the bed of my heart , in my bosom , be the delight of my eyes , whom I would by no means have out of my sight ; but let these low pleasures as my servants , always remain in an outward room , and go or come as occasion shall require , and Religion direct . I wish that I may never mind recreations for those foolish sinful ends , The end to be good . of passing away the time , or pleasing the flesh ; but as Elijah called for a Minstrel , that his mind being thereby calmed and cheared , he might be the more fitted to prophesie : so I may refresh my body for this very end , that it may be the more serviceable to my soul , and both of them thereby to my dearest Saviour . I wish that my earthly delights may not be unsavoury , Seasonable because ( as fish at some times of the year ) they are unseasonable ; that when my general or particular occupatition , require my presence , In general they are unseasonable when particular or general callings are neglected for them . I may not be absent at recreations . Why should I like the rich fool be talking of taking my bodily ease , when my soul is in danger of endless pain , or like prophane Esau , be following my carnal pleasures , to the loss of my spiritual priviledge ! Finally , I desire that I may not ( as Nero when Rome was o● fire ) be singing , when the people of God are sighing , but moderate or deny my mirth , In special . In a time of the Churches troubles . when the members of Christ are mourning ; O let me prefer Jerusalem before my chief joy . In a word , I wish that I may not disparage my God , by medling with drossie comforts , when he calleth me to golden Cordials ; that I may not disobey his law , by minding my pleasure on his holy day , but may delight my self , On a Lords day . on that day of the Lord , in the Lord of that day ; O let me gather 1. from recreations , with the Holy Father ; If ordinary glass be at such a price , how precious is a true Diamond ! If the Worlds trash drain such joy , what joy will flow from the true treasure !

Lord let my cheifest and constant recreations be to walk with my beloved in the Garden of thy word , to refresh my spiritual sente and sight with the fair and fragrant flowers of thy promises and precepts , to do the work which thou hast given me to do , and to enjoy fellowship with thy self in Ordinances , till I come to that place , where bodies are above such dreggie delights , and souls above all mediate communion , and thou thy self art all in all , Amen .

CHAP. XXVI . How to exercise our selves to Godliness in our Partiular Callings .

AS Religion must be our business in our Spiritual and Natural , Fourthly , so also in our Civil Actions , and particular Callings . The Heavenly Bodies have an influence , not onely on men and women , but also on trees and plants : The holiness of a Saint must be operative , not onely in his more nobler exercises , the Ordinances of God , but likewise in his earthly and inferior employments . Thy duty is Reader , to minde thy general in thy particular calling , and to drive a trade in Heaven , whilest thou art following thy trade on Earth : When thou art called to the Lord , thou art not called from thy labour ; nay , as thou art a servant of Christ , thou art bound to be serviceable to thy Countrey , in some mental or manual Calling ; but thy diligence therein must proceed from Conscience , not from Covetousness ; from subjection to Gods Word , not from affection to thy wealth .

As thy particular Calling is the Zodiack through which thou daily passest ; so Godliness must be the Ecliptick line to go through the midst of it : Godliness must be the key to open the shop ; Godliness must be the whip to drive the Cart ; Godliness must be the Cock to call thee up to thy work ; Godliness must be the clock to call thee off from thy work ; Godliness must be the principle , the rule , and the end of thy work ; Holiness to the Lord was written upon the bridles of the horses , Zach. 14.21 .

Truly Reader , thy care had need to be great about thy calling , lest it cause thy ruine : More dye by meat then by poyson . By lawful things many perish ; Worldly things will court thee , that they may kill thee : They that dig deep into the bowels of the earth , have not seldom been stifled with the damps that arise thence . These things are so subject to defile and destroy us , that God made a Law that they should not be used , before they were purified , Numb. 31.22 , 23. Some are destroyed by those houses which were made to defend them ; like Saul , they fall on those swords which should have been for their safety . Particular Callings were designed for our good ; but how often do they prove our grief ? Are there not those , who like Corah and his company , are swallowed up alive of earth , and consumed ! Pliny observes , Pliny Nat. Hist. l. 2. c. 106. that in Phoselis the hill Chimaera burneth night and day : The fire , saith he , is kept burning by water , but quenched by earth : The earth of particular Vocations , hath sometime put out that fire of devotion , which the water of affliction could not do .

It behoves thee to take heed how thou handlest these thorns , if thou wouldst not prick thy fingers , and pierce thy conscience . I shall for that end give thee some Directions out of the Word .

First , be diligent in thy Calling : It is observable , that the Apostle adviseth the Romans , Be not slothful in business , serving the Lord , Rom. 12.11 . All the children of Adam are enjoyned to minde their particular callings , by vertue of that command or threatning to their Father , In the sweat of thy brows thou shalt eat thy bread , Gen. 3. As in the Body Politick , so in the Body Natural , there must be order ; to which three things are requisite , 1. That every part be in its proper place , each Star in its own Orb. 2. That the parts have each to other a due proportion . 3. That every member do its duty , and be some way or other helpful to the Body . Idle persons are like Wens in the face , which receive of the bodies nourishment , but serve onely to disfigure it . Those that are no workers , in Gods account are disorderly walkers , 1 Thess. 5.14 . Augustus built an Apragapolis , a City void of business ; but God made not the World to be a Nursery of idleness . Alex. ab Alex. The Ethiopians ( as the Historian observeth ) would acquaint their youth , that they were born to labour , by accustoming them betimes to fling great stones . Amongst the Turks , every man must follow some Trade , the Grand Seigneur himself not excepted . The Censores morum among the Romans , were to observe who were diligent , who were negligent in their Vocations , and accordingly to commend or condemn them . The Grecians , according to Solons Law , were great discouragers of them , that like Vermine , lived onely to eat what others earn . The Council of the Areopagites enquired how every man lived , and punished such as they found idle . The Devils themselves are diligent about their deeds of darkness : Creatures void of life are serviceable in their places and stations ; Angels , nay God himself is always working . An idle person cannot finde either in Heaven or Hell a pattern . Our lives are therefore called , The lives of our hands , because they are to be maintained by Gods blessing on our labours .

The Patriarchs , those persons of renown , were eminent for taking pains , they did not eat the bread of idleness : How frequently , and how ardently doth the Word call upon us to be working in our particular callings ? What Precepts doth the Scripture give for it , That you do your own business , and work with your own hands , as we commanded you ? 1 Thess. 4.11 . What Promises doth God make to it ? He that tilleth his land , shall be satisfied with bread , Prov. 12.11 , 24. The soul of the diligent shall be made fat , Prov. 13.4 . That arm which is most used , groweth stronger and bigger then the other : The more the Vine spreadeth it self against the wall , the more it receiveth of the Suns Warmth and Influence .

Pliny reporteth of one Oressianus , Lib. 18. cap. 6 who from a little piece of ground got much wealth , and more then his neighbours could from a greater quantity , whereupon he was accused of Witchcraft ; but to defend himself , he brought forth his servants and instruments of labour on the day of tryal , and said , Veneficia mea Quirites haec sunt : These , O Romans , are all my Witchcrafts ; I say not to my Servants , Go and do this ; but , Come let us do this and that , and so the work goeth on . The keys that men keep in their Pockets and use every day , wax brighter and brighter ; but if they be laid aside , and hung by the Wals they soon grow rusty . Students who are given to a sedentary life , often waste in their strength , when others whose time is spent in bodily labour , increase in strength ; In all labour , saith the wise man , there is profit .

There is a threefold care mentioned in the Word of God . There is a care of the head , a care of the hand , and a care of the heart . The care of the head is the care of providence , this is commendable , Pro. 31.16 . The care of the hand , is the care of diligence , this is profitable , Pro. 21.5 . The care of the heart , is the care of diffidence , this is abominable , Phil. 4.6 . Upon which words Zanchy observeth well . God doth not say 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , not do nothing , but be careful for nothing . The two first are commanded , but the last is forbidden . Reader , thou mayst as well expect riches to rain down from Heaven in silver showres , as to provide for thy family and Children without industry in thy calling . Solomon telleth us , the blessing of the Lord maketh rich ; and the diligent hand maketh rich , Pro. 12.24 . and 10.4 , 22.

As the nether Milstone is heavy , slow , and of small riddance , yet the upper Milstone though of greater agility , and quicker dispatch , doth not grind without the nether , but both together make good meal ; so the diligent hand of it self , can do little , nay nothing without the blessing of God ; yet the Blessing of God , though of infinite efficacy , will seldom do any thing without the diligent hand , but both together make a person rich .

Besides negligence about mens vocations is one great cause of corruption . The proud person is Satans Throne , and the idle man his Pillow ; He sitteth in the former , and sleepeth quietly on the latter ; when men have nothing to do , the Devil always sets them a work . As a Bird that wandreth from his Nest , so is a man that wandreth from his place , Pro. 27.8 . By place , the Holy Chost understandeth particular callings . Now God had taken care that none should molest a Bird in her Nest , there she was safe , Deut. 22.6 , 7. but when she begins to wander , then she is in danger , either to be shot by the Fowler , or caught in the Snare , or made a prey to other ravenous birds ; So a man that is diligent in his calling , whilst he is imployed therein , is in Gods precincts , and so under Gods protection ; but when he wandreth abroad from his calling , going out of his bounds to sit and talk , he is a weft and a stray , and so falleth to the Lord of the Mannor , the God of this World .

Reader , thou mayst expect to be preserved whilst thou art a working , but not when thou art wandring . Tertullian speaks of a Christian woman who going to a play , was possessed by the Devil , and when he was asked by those that came to cast him out , how he durst possess one that was a Christian ? he answered , I found her in my own place . Friend , they who like Dinah gad abroad , are often defiled before they come home . Those Souldiers who leave their places in a March and stragle to pilfer , are many times snapt and slain by their enemies , when they who keep their places are safe and secure . O mind thy calling in its place and season , and know this for thy comfort , that whilst thou art about thy lawful work ( observing Scripture rules in it ) thou art under Gods Wing .

Secondly , Deal righteously in thy calling . Take heed of unjust gain ; believe this truth , A clear and clean conscience is infinitely better then a full purse . A little with the fear of the Lord , is better then the possessions of many wicked men , Psa. 37.15 . A little wholesome food is better then a thousand poisoned Dishes . All the Wealth which is got in Gods way is pleasant ; but all the wealth which is got unjustly by wickedness is poison . The blessing of the Lord maketh rich , and bringeth no sorrow of heart with it , Pro. 10.22 . Defrauding thy Neighbour , and cheating thy Customers maketh rich , and bringeth the sorrow of Hell with it . He that resolveth to be unrighteous ( it is commonly said ) may soon be rich . When the spring of conscience is screwed up to the highest pin , that it is ready to break , and godliness is locked up fast into an outhouse , and not suffered so much as to peep into the Shop or Warehouse , to take notice of what is done there , such a Tradesman may gain silver , but alass he loseth his precious Saviour , and his never dying soul . O what a dreadful gain is it to get earth with the loss of Heaven ! He that will be rich in hast , shall be poor enough in Hell . Know y● not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven ! be not deceived , God will not be mocked . 1 Cor. 6.9 . Do not think ( Reader ) though thou canst cheat thy Chapmen , that thou canst cozen God ; no , he will not be mocked ; he seeth thy false weights and false measures , which thou ordinarily usest , though thou hast others to bring forth ( for a colour ) if occasion be , and he will deal justly with thee for thy injustice , by sending thee to that place where there is judgement without mercy . I have read of an old rich covetous wretch , that lying upon upon his death-bed , he asked his Son whether he would not do any thing that his Father should desire him . His Son answered yea : then saith the Father , Hold your finger in the flame of that Candle an hour . Sir , saith the Son , I cannot possibly endure that . No , saith the Father ! I must burn for ever in Hell , for raking up an estate unjustly for you , and yet you will not burn a finger one hour for me ! O Reader , if thou art guilty of this sin , think of it betimes . Thy ill gotten wealth will breed those wormes which will gnaw thee eternally . Besides , thou mayst think to raise thy House by such heaps ; but God himself saith it is the way to ruine it ; He that is greedy of gain , troubleth his own house , Pro. 15.27 . Whilst he thinks to feather his nest , he doth indeed fire it . It is an observation of the house of Desmond in Ireland , That Maurice the first Earl of that family , raised it by injustice ; and by injustice Girald the last Earl ruined it . The crafty Fox in the Fable hugd himself , that he had cozend the Crow of his break-fast , but when he found himself poisoned therewith , he wisht it out of his belly . Unjust gain like the Italian buttered Spunge , may go down glib , but it swelleth in the body , and never cometh away till it hath ruined the party , Such men spin a fair thred to strangle themselves with . The getting of treasures by a lying tongue , is a vanity tossed too and fro of them that seek death , Pro. 21.6 , 7. Cornelius a Lapide hath a pretty fable , wherein he compareth men unjust in their dealings to Spiders , the righteous to Bees ; The Spider ubraided the Bee for going up and down for hony ; Thou stayest at home , saith the Bee , but in thy working losest thy life ; Salis onus unde veneratillus abiit . Erasm . adag . How often is that Latin Proverb fulfilled ? The burthen of Salt , returneth to the place whence it came . The occasion of which was the falling of Salt by the wrack of a Ship into the Sea , the place whence it came . God often sendeth some to squeeze those Muck worms when they have sucked themselves full . Deceitful dealing ( as an huge heap of Ice by the Sun ) by the scorching fire of Gods wrath dissolveth into nothing . As the Patridge sitteth on eggs and hat cheth them not , so he that getteth riches , and not by right ; shall leave them in the midst of his days , and at his end shall be a fool , Jer. 17.11 .

Thirdly , Be careful that thy particular Calling incroach not upon thy general : Many lose Religion in a crowd of earthly businesses . The interposition of the earth ( as to the Moon ) eclipseth the light of their Holiness . It is reported of the inhabitants of Oenoe , a dry Island near Athens , that they bestowed much labour to draw in a River to water it , and make it fruitful , but when the passages were opened , the water came in so plentifully that it overflowed the Island and drowned all the people . Many that will be rich by their extraordinary labours , to make their Flocks and Fields fruitful , fall into temptations and snares , and many foolish and hurtful lusts , which drown them in destruction and perdition , 1 Tim. 6.9 . A Candle that burns well above ground , when put under ground , doth many times burn blew and go out ; the light of holiness which hath shined eminently in some profess ors , when they have had little to do with the World , hath been abated in a great degree , when they have had great dealings . They in regard of much business , have been like those in a Mill , who cannot hear what is spoken by reason of the clacking and noise which is made there . Christ calleth , and the Spirit of God cryeth to them , but their eares are stopt with earth that they hear not .

As we say of fire and water , they are good Servants , but bad Masters ; Keep them within their bounds , and they are exceeding useful , but when they go beyond their bounds how hurtful are they ? What mischief hath fire done in England ? what sad work hath water made in Holland ? The same is true of our particular callings , they are faithful Servants , but they are dreadful Masters ; Keep them within their limits and they are helpful to our selves , our relations , and our neighbours ; but suffer them once to transgress their bounds , and they will make miserable work ; they will rob God , wrong the soul , nay often ruine it eternally . When those that were born slaves and servants , come once to be Kings and Commanders , they are ever the worst Tyrants .

Now if thou wouldst not have thy particular calling to incroach upon thy general , take heed that it steal not away thy heart , nor thy time .

1. Take heed that thy particular calling steal not away thy heart from thy general calling . If the Mistris keep her distance and maintain her authority over her maidens , she may find them obedient and serviceable ; but if she grow fond of them , and familiar with them , they will grow saucy and incroach upon her ; Reader , keep thy inward distance , and maintain that authority which God hath given thee over the things of this life , and then all will be well ; butif once thou doatest on them , and delightest in them , expect to have them thine hinderances in all holy exercises ; The World may have thy hands , but it must not have thy heart . Thy actions may be about thy particular calling , but thy affections must be above it . Set your affections on things above , and not on things below , Collos. 3.2 . Thy occupation is as the first Adam of the earth , carthly ; but thy conversation must be like the second Adam ( the Lord from Heaven ) heavenly . A Christian should follow the things of this World with such a slightness and indifferency of Spirit as Wicked men do the things of a better World . The holy Angels behold our earthly affairs but as strangers to them . It is happy for him that can carry himself towards his own estate as if it were another mans . An heathen could say , I do not give but onely lend my self to my business . Surely then a Saint should go through th World as one in a deep study , Rebus non me trodo sedcousmodo Senec de benef his mind being the whilst intent upon a better object . Brutish Horseflies fasten on Dunghils , Swallows make their nests of earth . They who have no Heaven hereafter , may give their hearts to the earth ; but , Christian if thou lovest thy soul , though riches increase , set not thine heart upon them . Love not the World , nor the things of the World , Psa. 62.10 . This is a certain truth , the hotter thy love is to the World , the colder it is to the Lord . When the sap of Worldliness is in a man , he will never flame well heavenward . The Ship may sail in the water and be safe , but when the water getteth into the Ship it sinketh it . Thou mayst work about thy earthly affairs and all may be well ; but if thine affairs once work themselves into thee , then thou art in danger . Thy God alloweth thee to warm thy self at the Sun of creature comforts , but not to turn Persian and worship it .

The Riviers lightly salute the earth as they pass along , and make no stay , but pass forward to the Ocean . Thy affections should but slightly touch the earth , weeping for worldly crosses as if thou wepst not , and rejoycing for Worldly comforts as if thou rejoycedst not , and so pass on to the Ocean of thy happiness ; It s said , Germanicus reigned in the Romans hearts , Tiberius onely in the Provinces . Thy general must reign in the City , in thy heart ; thy particular calling onely in the Suburbs of thy hands . Reader , if the World ever get into the throne of thine inward man , fare wel all Religon . I have read of a custom among the Germans , to know whether their children be bastards or not , to throw them in Fluvium Rhenum , into the River Rhine ; If they floated above , then they acknowledged them to be their own ; but if the waters carried them away , then they esteemed them as Bastards ; Truely Reader , if thou canst float above the waters of thy worldly imployments , thou art a child of God , but if that carry thee away by lying near thy affections , look to thy self and fear thy condition . It is not the greatness of mans estate or employment so much as the nearness of it to his heart which will hinder holiness . A small hat held near our eyes , will hinder our sight of the Sun , which a great mountain a far off will not do . A little near the affections will hinder our sight of Christ , when thousands far from the heart may , as imployed , further it . Besides the closer we lay the flowers of our earthly mercies to our breasts , the sooner they wither . A nosegay in the hand will continue fresh and sweet ; ( as is generally observed ) much longer then when it is stuck in the bosome .

2. That thy particular calling may not incroach upon thy general , be careful that it steal not away thy time . Thy piety Reader , and thy prudence is so to order thine affairs relating to heaven and earth , to God and thy family , that they may not interfere or cross each other . A wise foreceast will much help thee in this particular . As to the winding a skein of silk , he that begins at the right end , will make quick riddance of it ; so to the dispatching of Wordly imployments , that they may not prove heavenly impediments , he that hath discretion to forecast them well , may do very much . However thy duty is to give the affairs of thy soul , and thy God , precedency . I know the Devil and thy corrupt heart will often justle and quarrel with thy Closet and Family duties , by suggesting to thee that they must of necessity be omitted , because otherwise such and such concernments of thy calling ( upon which the welfare of thy self , Wife , and Children doth depend ) will be neglected . As when Moses spake of the Israelites sacrificing to God , then Pharoah spake of work to put them off ; so when thou art thinking of entring upon the performance of duties , whether in secret or private , thy back friend ( the evil one ) will send thee a message , either by thy Wife , or friend , or thine unregenerate part , that some other affairs of weight call for thy company elsewhere , and therefore a dispensation must be granted thee at present , as to thy solemn devotion . Friend , if thou lovest Jesus Christ , take heed of hearkening to such temptations ; let the flesh but once obtain such a conquest over thee , and thou shalt hear of it again , it will pursue its victory to purpose . Sins is a subtle Sophister , it will bring Arguments and Reasons for all it doth ; as is plain in Sauls sparing Agag , and the best of the flock : The beasts were to be Sacrificed to God ; and in Jeroboams Calves , they were set up to save the Jews those tiresome journeys to Jerusalem ; but take heed that thy heart be not hardened through the delightfulness of sin . Remember , Piety is the best path to outward prosperity .

Aristotle though a blind heathen , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , &c. Arist Poli. lib. 7. cap. 8. could see and say , Make Religion thy first and chief care that thou mayst prosper . The Mahometans are so sensible of this , that what occasion soever they have , they will pray five times a day ; Because the Jews suffered Gods house to lie wast , therefore God blew upon their heaps and wasted their wealth .

He that stealeth away time from his general for his particular calling , like a thief in the Candle wasteth all ; our work on earth is done best , when our work in heaven is done first . Religious duties in reference to our Worldly occasions , is like sharpening the tools , which helpeth our work forward with more speed and ease . Mass and Meat hinder no mans thirst , was a truth visible in the dark night of Popery . He that neglecteth the service of his God , for the following his trade , may put what he getteth into his eye ( as our proverb is ) and never see the worse ; nay like the gold of Tholouse , or the Vineyard of Naboth to Ahab , the profit will be the perdition and ruine of the possessor . They who want time to do Gods Work , must want an eternity to receive Gods reward . If men are so busie as not to attend their souls , God will be so busie as not to bestow salvation . I know , Farmes and Oxen and Wives do hinder many from holiness : and I know also that they will hinder many from Heaven , Luk. 14.24 . Mat. 22.5 . That German Prince who would not part with his silver to pay his Souldiers , lost thereby his Empire and treasure too ; He that will not spare time from his present business for his future blessedness , is like to lose both .

How much time dost thou squander away in long meales , in vain sports , inidle discourse , in superfluous sleep , and yet hast thou the face to tell God that thou hast no time in a whole day to seek his favour , and to mind thine eternal felicity ! The truth is thou dost not so much want time as waste time .

Do not think that it will be a sufficient excuse at the last day to tell God , that thy devotion was neglected , because thy earthly occasions abounded and pressed upon thee . If thy servant should tell thee , when he hath neglected thy business of concernment , that he could not help it because he had business of his own to look after , a Friend called him to the Ale-house , wouldst thou think that a sufficient plea ? Beleive it , thy defence is far worse when thou omittest the service of God for thy particular calling .

The Philosopher could say , Aristippus apud Plot. de tranq. a nimae . that he would rather neglect his means then his mind , and his farm then his soul . The very Turks though they work their Slaves hard , will yet allow them time every day for food and rest . Wilt thou Reader deal worse with thy precious soul , then the Turks do with their Gally-slaves ? For shame man be not so cruel to thy best part .

A Good Christian if business crowd in upon him so much , that he cannot wait on them , and Worship God daily in his Closet and Family as he ought , will rather like a wise Marriner ( when the ship is overburdened ) cast some overboard , then endanger the loss of all and himself too . Times of earing and harvest were very busie times with the Israelites , yet then God would not allow them to make bold with him , Exod. 32.21 .

He that is a faithful and wise Steward , will give every one their portion , their meat in due season ; as he will give his body and his family their portion every day , so he will give his God and his soul their portion every day ; surely he is not faithful who atteneth the lacquey all day , and neglecteth his Lord ; much worse is he who feedeth his flesh and starveth his spirit . Reader take notice that there is a time for all things ; as there are plowing times , so there are praying times every day ; as there is daily time for thy shop , so also for thy Closet . When the Jewish daily sacrifice was intermitted as in the days of Antiochus , it was the abomination of desolation

I am the larger in this particular , as observing that professours are exceeding faulty in suffering the Canker of their particular callings to devour and eat up the gold and silver of their general callings . Sometimes they will wholly omit family duties , because the world will not permit them to be at leisure , but too too often when they perform them , they turn them off with a short cut , in a hudling manner , ( as a Physitian his poor patients , though their business with him concern their lives , when rich men stand without , expecting to be called in ) because the World stayeth at their doors to speak with them . Friend , as a special help against this soul-hinerance , let me perswade thee to be early in the morning at thy Religious duties . Some men must be spoke to betimes in the morning , or not at all ; their publique affairs take up the whole day , and would if it were twice as long . The Devil hath a thousand divices to make him an Athiest all day , who neglecteth morning duties . Be not so hasty about thy calling in the morning , as to forget to take God along with thee . Remember this one note , If the World gets the start of Religion in the morning , religion seldom overtaketh it all day . Something warm in the morning , before men go to work is very wholesom . A warm prayer , warm communion , with the blessed God , in meditating or reading , will help thee to work with more comfort and courage , and may prevent infections from ill fumes and vapours in the day time . Job had a large family , much Cattel ; he had besides his domestical , much civil business , for he was a Magistrate ; Job 1.5 . yet Job rose up early in the morning to offer up Sacrifice , and thus did Job continually . In the day time also , or at evening , let nothing put by the concernments of thy God , and thine everlasting estate ; what company soever thou art in , say as a devout soul I have read of , when his hour of prayer was come , you must excuse me , I must be gone , a friend ( meaning his God ) stayeth to speake with me .

Cato repented of three things , one of which was , Plut. in vit. That he had spent a whole day idly . Truely friend , if thou neglectest thy general calling , how busie soever thou hast been all day long about thy particular , I must tell thee ( though an hour cannot be bought with the revenues of the whole earth ) Thou hast spent a whole day idly , and thou hast much cause to sigh out with the Roman Emperour at night when he had neither done norreceived any good all day , Hodie diem perdidi , Today I have lost a day .

Fourthly , If thou wouldst exercise thy self to godliness in thy particular calling , look up to God for a blessing upon thy labours therein . Creatures may be the object of thy diligence , but God alone the object of thy confidence . Thy supplication must be to God , and thy expectation from God . Thou canst as soon by thine own power add a cubit to thy stature , as a penny to thy purse . Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God , for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth , Deut. 8.18 . All thy endeavours without Gods blessing are but ( as Cesar said of Senecas works ) arena sine calce , Sand without Lime , they will not hang together ; if God bless them they prosper , if he blast them they perish . The Devil himself was so far Orthodox , Job . 1.10 . Thou hast blessed the work of his hands , and his substance is increased in the land . Alas the whole course of nature turneth onely as it is moved by the hand of God . It is not in the frame of nature as in frames of Art ; when a watch is made , it may go though the workman be many miles off , or though he be dead ; but there is not the least wheel in the frame of nature which doth not depend upon God for its motion every moment . As the vapours exhaled by the Sun , depend so much upon it , that if that withdraw its influence , they fall to the earth ; so do the Creatures depend on God ; if he withdraw his influence from them , they presently come to nothing .

Take notice , Reader ( to instance but in one calling ) how the genealogie of Corn and Wine , by a Concatenation of causes , is resolved into Jehovah : I will hear the Heavens , and the Heavens shall hear the Earth , and the Earth shall hear the Corn , and Wine , and Oyl , and they shall hear Jezreel , Hos. 2.21 , 22. God hath the key of food under his own girdle , Psal. 145.16 . Hence some call the Earth Gods great Purse , which he openeth for mans profit , and shutteth for mans punishment . The Jewish Rabbies call the Earth Alma Parens , A kinde Mother ; and the rain her Husband , because the showers do foecundate and make that great Mother of plenty fruitful : But as likely a Mother as the Earth is to bring forth , she is barren unless God open her womb : 1. The plowing and sowing of the ground is from God ; the hands of men cannot do it , without his protection and providence ; and the heads of men would not have thought of it without his direction and assistance , Isa. 28.24 , 25 , 26. to the end . 2. When the ground is plowed and sowed , it must be watered , or the grain will quite dye ; this also is from God alone . The Monarch of Mexico was wont to take an Oath at his Coronation , that it should be what weather he pleased ; but , Can any of the vanities of the Heathen cause rain ? Jer. 14.22 . God alone can unstop those bottles of Heaven ; they are all above mans reach : The most spungy clouds distil not one drop , no more then a rock , till God give the Word of command : He decreeth rain , Job 28.26 . He prepareth rain , Psal. 135.7 . and he poureth down the former and latter rain , Deut. 28.12 . Joel 2.21 . Job . 5.10 . He also covereth the body of the Earth with the white mantle of snow , whereby the corn is warmed , and the ground mellowed , Psal. 147.16 . 3. The Stars , those purses of gold ( as one calleth them ) out of which God throweth down riches , which good men gather , and bad men scramble for , are all at Gods beck and bidding , Psal. 19.4 , 5. Mat. 5.45 . Job 38.32 . 4. The fruitfulness of the earth after it is ploughed , sowed , watered with the clouds , and warmed with the influence of the Sun and Stars , is wholly from God : Thou crownest the year with thy goodness , and thy pathes drop fatness , Weems Cerem . Law . Psal. 65.11 . Heb. 6.7 . This some of the Heathen acknowledged by the light of Nature ; and therefore when they went to plough in the morning , they did lay one hand upon the plow ( to speak their own part to be painfulness ) and hold the other hand up to Ceres , the Goddess of Corn , to testifie their expectation of plenty to be from their supposed Deity . How easily can God blast all the corn in the field , or blow upon it in the barn ! if he do but will it , it is done . The whole Creation indeed is but a glass without a bottom , which cannot stand of it self , but as God is pleased to hold it up . The Philosophers tell us , the Sun and man beget a man ; the Sun and the earth bring forth corn ; and speak of the Sun in every thing as a principal efficient ; But the Divines tell us more truly , God and the Heavens , God and the Earth cause harvest ; God by the Creatures doth all things , God is the onely principal efficient ; the Sun it self , and all other Creatures , are but liveless instruments , moved and acted by God according to his purpose and pleasure : Except the Lord build the house , they labour in vain that build it : It is in vain for you to rise up early , to sit up late , and to eat the bread of sorrows ; Psal. 127.1 , 2. Apricock trees that depend upon their own strength , leaning on nothing ( as experience teacheth us ) bring forth little or no fruit , when they that lean on the wall abound in clusters : The way to thrive in thy trade , is not to trust to thy own head or hands , but to trust in the Lord for a blessing on thy endeavors .

Fifthly , If thou dost prosper in thy Calling , let God alone have the praise : Do not Sacrifice to thy own net , Hab. 1.10 . ( as the Jews did ) as though by thy skill and wisdom thou hadst met with such a draught ; but consider , the providence of God hath brought in all thy profit : Beware when thy herds and thy flocks multiply , and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied , lest thine heart be lifted up ; and thou say in thine heart , My power , and the might of my hands hath gotten me this wealth , Deut. 8.14 . to 18. Man is apt to make himself his Idol , and to attribute all to his own pains and prudence . Men boast , saith Luther , Hoc ego feci , Luther in Psal. 1.7 . & hoc ego feri , and shew themselves to be meer feces : They brag , This I have done , and this I have done , and thereby appear to be nothing but dregs . God took it ill that Tyrus should say , By my traffick and my wisdom I have encreased my wealth ; and telleth her , That she had set her heart as the heart of God , Ezek. 28.3 , 4 , 5.

The Israelites were commanded to bring their first ripe fruits to God , whereby they acknowledged him the owner and author of all their encrease , Exod. 23.16 , 19 , Levit. 23.10 .

The very Heathen were somewhat sensible of this : Strabo Geog. The Metapontines after a plentiful Harvest , which had much enriched them , dedicated an Harvest cut in gold , to Apollo their God . Praise the Lord , O Jerusalem ; praise thy God , O Zion : For he maketh peace in thy borders , and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat , Psal. 147.12 , 13 , 14. When God sendeth thee in profit , thy duty is to give him praise . Do not bury Gods mercies as the barren earth the seed , that when once it s thrown into the ground , we hear no more of it : God expecteth , as the trees by their leaves in Autumn pay their tribute of thanks to the Earth , the Mother of their fruitfulness ; so that we should honor him when he heapeth favours on us .

Some men are like Fishermens weels , wide to receive in mercies , but there is no passage out for the returning of praises . Those places where the Rivers are shallowest , make the greatest sound ; those where they are deepest , are most silent . Men while they are poor , sound with prayers , make a great noise for mercies ; but when God blesseth them with wealth , they are silent in regard of thanks ; they are lifted up with pride , but look not up to God with praise .

It is reported of Willigis a Wheelers son , Calius lect. Antiq. lib. 13. c. 1. that being made Archbishop of Mentz , and one of the Prince Electors in Germany , he did constantly acknowledge Gods great providence in his great preferment ; and therefore gave in his coat of Arms three Wheels , with this Motto ( written in his bed chamber in great letters ) Willigis , Willigis , Recole unde veneris : Willigis , Willigis , remember from whence thou camest ! Thus holy Jacob in his prosperity remembred both his former poverty , and his present plenty to its Authors praise : O God of of my father Abraham , I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies , and all thy truth which thou hast shewed unto thy servant ; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan , and now I am become two bands , Gen. 32.9 , 10. So do thou Reader ; when God blesseth the work of thy hands , ponder his goodness , that thou mayest give him his praise , and think of thy own unworthiness ; thereby thou mayst be preserved from pride . It is reported of that noble Captain Iphicrates , that being enriched , he should cry out , From how small , to how great an estate am I raised !

Sixthly , Labour for contentedness , and an holy composedness in all conditions : Let your conversation be without covetousness , and be content with such things as ye have ; for he hath said , I will never leave thee nor forsake thee , Heb. 13. Thy duty is , to have the scales of thy minde equally poized in all providences ; not rising in prosperity through lightness , nor sinking in adversity under the heaviness of the load . As the tree bendeth this way and that way with the wind , but still keepeth its place ; so thou mayest yield according to the gales of providence , but still retain and keep thy standing , thy piety . If thine estate decrease , let not thine heart despair ; if the World flow in , let not thine heart flow out : O it was an excellent Lesson which Paul had learned , I know in what state soever I am to be content ; I know how to be abased , and I know how to abound ; I know how to be full , and how to be empty , Phil. 4.11 . Paul was not like a musical Instrument out of tune with every change of weather ; but like the Cypress tree , which no storms ( Naturalists tell us ) can alter ; and like the Hill Olympus , above all winds and weather .

Some men are like the leaves of a tree , which every wind sets a shaking and trembling ; or like a bone out of joynt , which a man cannot stir without pain ; if the World do but frown upon them , you may see it in their faces , they are quite dejected with sorrow : O how heavy presently are their hearts , as if they had lost their Heaven ! It is to be feared that bough is rotten , which breaketh if but a little weight be hung upon it . A godly man should be like a Rock , immoveable , though high winds , and boisterous waves of Providence blow and beat upon him ; and like a Die , however he be thrown , always to fall upon a square . The Traveller need not murmure , though his Inn afford him but mean fare , and an hard bed , when he knoweth that he must be gone next morning . The Ox is not happier which hath two or three mountains to graze on , then the Bee which feedeth upon that dew which falleth daily from the store-house of Heaven : If thou hast secur'd thine ever lasting estate , the boundless God is thy portion , and surely then thou mayst be like a spring full , under the most scorching Providence .

It was a worthy speech of Mr. Bradford the Martyr ( to one who asked him whether he should petition the Queen for his life ) If the Queen will take away my life , I will thank her ; if she will give me my life , I will thank her ; if she will banish me , I will thank her ; if she will burn me , I will thank her ; let her deal with me how she pleaseth , I will thank her . So Reader , thy heart will be in an excellent frame indeed , if thou canst thank God when he enricheth thee , and thank him when he impoverisheth thee ; if thou canst thank him when he smiles on thee with the light of his countenance , and thank him also if he frown by some sad Providence ; if thou canst thank him when he is at Addition , and thank him when he is at Substraction ; thank him giving to thee , and thank him taking from thee : O here is an heart worth gold indeed ; Truly the want of this calmness and composedness of minde , is a great impediment to Christians . Alas , when their spirits are like some mens flesh , no sooner razed with a pin , but they rankle and fester ; no sooner touched with a light affliction , but they faint , and are dejected ; how unfit are they for Religious actions ! as men in extremity of pain , they rather chatter , then pour out a prayer . Either men must use the World , as if they used it not ; or they will serve the Lord , as if they served him not : He who knoweth that nothing can befal him whilest he is diligent in his calling , but what is the fruit of bottomless love , and the result of infinite wisdom , may certainly be steady in the greatest storm : Thrice happy is that soul who hath so much care of doing his work , and such an eye to the recompence of reward , that the allurements and affrightments of the World ( though they may assault the outworks ) can never surprize the Royal Fort of his heart .

The onely way , Reader , to finde thine own will , is , to lose it in Gods will : Those that grumble at his doings , and quarrel at his dealings , do but like a Bull in the net , and the silly Bird among the lime-twigs , by strugling intangle themselves the more . Unsubmissiveness to Gods will , is the fountain of all mans wo ; the quiet resignation of our persons and portions to Gods pleasure , is the onely sleeping pill which can give rest to the soul . Christian , let me ask thee this question , Didst thou give up thy self to Christ for Temporal , or for Eternal comforts ? Didst thou enter upon Relien to save thine Estate , or thy Soul ? O why then shouldst thou be so sad , when thy Eternal happiness is so safe ! For shame live like a childe of God , an heir of Heaven ; and let the World know , that thy hopes and happiness are in a better World ; that though thou art denyed those Acorns which thy Father giveth to his Hogs , yet thou hast the Childrens bread and expectest thine inheritance when thou comest to Age.

Thus I have dispatched the fourth particular how a Christian may exercise himself to Godliness in his particular calling .

A good Wish about Particular Callings , wherein the former heads are Epitomized .

MY particular calling being a peculiar and distinct station , The Introductîon . wherein I am bound to be serviceable to my country , and family , and wherein also I have this priviledge , that I may further my general calling , if I mind it out of conscience to the Lord , and in obedience to his word , I wish in general , that I may never cross the wise providence of my God ( in the government of the World ) by neglecting it , or thinking lightly of it , but since I am listed under the Captain of my salvation , may serve him faithfully , not onely in general as a Souldier , but also in that place or office to which he hath chosen and called me . I wish in particular , Our general callingsmust be followed with diligence . that what my hand findeth to do , I may do it with all my might ; that I may be of the number of them that spend themselves with labour , and not of them who wast with rust and laziness ; my diligence herein is some help against the temptations of the Devil . The sluggards heart is like his field overgrown with weeds . Lord let me rather wear out with work then consume ( like a Garment laid by with moths ) for want of use . Yet I wish that I may not by my industry make more hast to be rich then good speed , With righteousness . I mean that I may never increase my riches by dealing unrighteously in my calling , knowing that unjust gain is a morsel which the strongest stomach in the World cannot possibly digest , but may esteem a penny got by the blessing of God upon my honest labour , at a far greater price then thousands of pounds by rapine and robbery , and may weigh all my wares in the Scales of loving my neighbour as my self , by the standard of that royal Law , Whatsoever you would that men should do unto you , do you even so unto them ; for this is the law and the Prophets . O that I might not upon any pretence whatsoever , either by taking advantage of the buyers ignorance , or by putting unserviceable wares into his hands , or by false weights and measures , or by defrauding my neighbour any other way , consult shame to my house , Hab. 2.10 . and sin against my own soul , but when I am in my shop or warehouse , or instructing my servant how to sell , I may hear the sound of that dreadful threatning against unrighteous dealers in mine eares , Job . 20.15 . He hath swallowed down riches , he shall vomit them up again ; God shall cast them out of his belly ; He shall suck the poison of Asps , the Vipers tongue shall slay him ; the increase of his house shall depart , and his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath . They must not incroach upon our general calling . I desire that I may watch my calling ( as they who make powder do their fire ) with my greatest care to keep it within its own bounds , that I may so give to the World the things of the World , as to give to my God the things of God . In stealing away either out love . To this end I wish that I may not like Demas , embrace this present world , but how deep soever I wade in earthly affairs , may be sure to keep my head ( I would say my heart ) above water , least I sink and perish in them eternally . Lord , though I possess outward things , yet let outward things never possess me ; I am married to thy sacred Majesty ; though I converse with my calling as a friend , yet let the bed of my heart never be defiled therewith , but reserved onely for thy blessed self to lodge in . Or time . My prayer is that my earthly traffique may never be suffered to play the thief , and to steal away that precious treasure of time , which at least morning and evening my heavenly trade requireth in my Closet and family ; but though like the Eagle I stoop to the earth for my prey , my outward provision , I may not dwell there , but mount up again to heaven ; O that I might be deaf to all the vain excuses ; which the World will plead for the total omission or shortning of Religious exercises , and even when a real necessity , not through any negligence of mine , appeareth by some sudden providence , I am denyed time to draw the long sword of solemn devotion , I may be then so affected with my duty and danger as to draw the short Dagger of ejaculatory petitions to defend my self against my spiritual enemies . My God never intended that my trade should be my trouble , or my calling like the clouds to impede my sight of the true Sun ; therefore if so much business lye upon my hands , that if that be attended my soul must be neglected , let me rather as a wise Traveller , ease my self of some part of my burthen , then permit it to hinder me in my journey to heaven .

I desire that I may be so sensible that good things here below come from the most high God , Prayer for a blessing . and the success of my labours dependeth more on his providence then my diligence , that I may never in a morning open my shop , or lift up a tool , ( as my trade is ) before I have opened my heart and lifted up my soul to my God for his blessing upon my endeavours . All creatures in the hands of my God , are as dead tools in the hands of a living workman , by whose force and influence alone they act . Lord , let me never look upon second causes as more then the order in which , and the means with which thou art pleased to work . Thanks to God for success . I wish that if God shall by my calling increase my wealth , I may not sacrifice to my own nets , nor burn incense to my own drags , but may be so spiritual as to acknowledge my God the Author of temporals , and receive them so thankefully from his hand of bounty that I may improve them faithfully as may be most for his glory . The earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof ; He is the owner of all I enjoy , I am but his Steward , and must shortly give account of my Stewardship . O let me make me friends of the unrighteous Mammon , that I may be trusted with the true riches ; let my whole estate be employed according to thy word , for the furtherance of my own everlasting weal.

Finally , Contentedness in all . I wish that I may sail trim and even in all waters ; that when it is full tide in regard of outward comforts , I may not swell with pride ; nor when it is low water , grumble through peevishness ; murmuring is the musick of Hell ; holy contentedness is the foretast of Heaven . Why should I rejoyce my worst enemie , and dishonour my best friend by being fretful at that which the onely wise God seeth to be fit and needful : The lean Ox is fitter for service then the fatted one . The true Israelite may well be satisfied in his journey to Canaan with his Homer a day , with his Statute measure , and his Fathers allowance . What though my Father deny me that entertaintment at present , which he giveth to strangers , yet I have his love now , and the inheritance hereafter shall be mine : My God will give grace and glory , and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly . Lord , let me never discredit thy House-keeping , by my grumbling carriage , or frowning countenance ; but so by the Prospective-glass of Faith , behold those things which are invisible , that I may in all things give thanks ; like some Birds , sing even in Winter ; and as cloaths dyed in grain , retain my colour in all weathers ; that when the Fig-tree doth not blossom , nor the Vine yield her fruit ; when the labour of the Olive shall fail , and the fields yield no meat , then I may rejoyce in the Lord , and be glad in the God of my salvation . In a word , I wish that I may , like the wise Merchant , sell all I have to buy the Pearl of great price ; the gold tried in the fire , that I may be rich ; the white rayment , that I may be cloathed , and drive such a constant trade with my God in the other World , hearing from thence , and sending thither daily , that when the King of Terrors shall give me a Writ of Ease from my particular calling , I may dye in the Lord , rest my labours , and have my works following me through free grace , into an exceeding and eternal weight of glory . Amen .

A good Wish about the Calling of a Minister ; wherein the several Properties and Duties of a Consciencious Pastor are Epitomized .

THe Ministery of the Word being a Calling above all others of greatest weight , The Introduction . as set up by the ever blessed God , for the payment of himself the deserved praise of his Curious , Eternal , and Infinitely wise purpose ; and for the payment of the Lord Jesus Christ , the precious fruits of his bloody Passion ; by the turning of sinners from darkness to light , and from the power of Satan to God : In which he is pleased to commit to men ( duly qualified , and rightly called ) the Word of Reconciliation , and commandeth them in his name , as his Ambassadors , to offer terms of peace , and to perswade and beseech rebellious sinners , with all earnestness and faithfulness ( as they would not have the blood of their peoples souls required at their hands ) to accept of , and submit to those Articles of Grace and Pardon . I wish in general , That since my God hath counted me faithful , put me into the Ministery , and entrusted me with that which so nearly relateth to his own glory , and which so highly concerneth the Eternal felicity of precious souls , Acts 20.28 . The properties of a Minister . He must be , 1. Gracious . That I may take heed to my self , and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost-hath made me Overseer , to feed the Church of God , which he hath purchased with his own blood . In particular I wish , That I may know experimentally , what Regeneration meaneth , before I travel with others till Christ be formed in them ; that I may disswade from compliance with sin , and perswade to an hearty acceptance of the Saviour , not by hearsay , or at second hand , but upon my own knowledge of the bitterness of the former , and the goodness and sweetness of the latter . Let me not like some Cooks , dress that meat for others , which I eat not of my self : Let not my Sermons be ( as Minerva ) the children of my brain , but the travel of my soul , that I may serve my God with my spirit in the Gospel of his Son ; and as a true Vessel of the Sanctuary , have within me a savour of that water of life , which I pour out to others . It is doleful to fall into Hell , from under the Pulpit : But ah how dreadful is it to drop thither out of it ! Doth not my heart tremble to think , that it is possible for me , like the unbelieving Spies , to coast the Heavenly Canaan , to commend it to others , and yet never to possess it my self ! that whilest I preach to others , I my self may be a Cast-away ! Lord , let me so exalt thee in my heart , as my chiefest good ; in my life , as mine utmost end ; and preach so effectually to my own soul , and to others , That I may both save my self , and them that hear me .

I wish that the Spring of my motions and principle of all my work , may be love to my Master , That he may act from a right principle , love to God ; and not expectation of any Temporal reward : That I may never be so sordidly sinful , as to sell the incomparable Saviour for a little corruptible silver ; to turn my Fathers house , into an house of merchandize ; and to cry up my God , as the Ephesians their Goddess , because by that Craft they had their wealth ; but that unfeigned affection to the bleeding head , and tender compassion to his blessed members , may be all the oyl to feed that lamp wherewith I enlighten others in the way to life . O that that pathetical , affectionate expression of my dearest Redeemer , might sound often in mine ears , and pierce my very soul , If thou lovest me , feed my Lambs : If thou lovest me feed my Sheep !

I desire that my ends in the Ministery , may be purely to exalt the glorious name of my God , And for right ends , the glory of God and the salvation of sou● . in the conversion and edification of his precious and chosen ones . That I may not use preaching , as a Theif a Picklock , to open mens Coffers ; but as a Key to open their Hearts , that the truth of God , and the God of truth may enter in . Why should I prophane so pious an Ordinance , by so poysonous an end ; and serve my self , like the Eagle , by having my eye to the prey , whilest I soar aloft , and pretend to the World that I serve my Saviour ! Let me not like Balaam , Divine for money , nor through covetousness , with feigned words , make merchandize of inestimable souls , which Christ thought worth his precious blood . O that I might seek , not my peoples goods , but good ; not my own profit , but the profit of many , that they might be saved . Lord , let this design lie at the bottom of my heart , in every act of my Office ; that I may , as Abrahams Steward , provide a Wife for my Masters Son ; and enable me through thine help , so to set forth the beauty of his Person , the excellency of all his Preceps , and the vastness of his Portion : that I may woo to purpose , and prevail to present my People , as a Chaste Virgin , unto Christ .

I wish , 2 2 Able . That because the work I am occupied about is great , in regard it is not for man , but for the Lord , that I may ( as Bezaleel and Aholiah for the Service of the Sanctuary ) be singularly gifted and endowed by my God , for the building of his Spiritual Temple ; that as a wise Builder , I may lay the foundation of Sound Doctrine , raise it upon strong Pillars of convincing Reasons , and cover it with useful and powerful Application . I would not like some young Shop-keepers , for want of stock , set out Pictures of Wares instead of Parcels ; but be so throughly furnished unto every good work , that I may upon all occasions bring out of my Treasury , things both new and old . Lord , let a double portion of thy Spirit be poured on me , and let thy Blessing so prosper my Studies , that I may be an able Minister of the New Testament , not of the Letter , but of the Spirit ; a Workman that needeth not to be ashamed , rightly dividing the Word of truth , 2 Cor. 3.6 .

I wish that since I am a steward of the mysteries of Christ , and that it is required of a Steward , 3 3 Faithful . that he be found faithful , that I may upon no pretence be false to the souls of my people , that I may not daub with untempered morter , or sow pillows under mens elbows for any gain or advantage , but may be a Barnabas , a son of consolation to the Penitent , a Boanerges , a son of thunder to the Presuptuous , that knowing the terrour of the Lord I may perswade men , and give to every one their particular and proper portion , in due season . O let me not be curious to provide meat toothsom for polluted pallats , to the feeding of their distempers ( like Ahabs 400. Trencher-Chaplains , who sold their Lords life , at the Cheap rate of a lye ) but as Micaiah be careful to distribute food that is wholesome and sutable to their several spiritual constitutions . Though my patients may be angry at present , when I search their festered wounds to the bottom , and thereby put them to pain , yet when upon my faithful dealing they recover , they will give me hearty thanks . It was the saying of Mauritius the Emperor when he heard that Phocas was a Coward , If he be a Coward , he is a Murderer ; if I be fearful to tell men of their sins , I murder their souls . Lord , when I am visiting my Parishioners in private , or preaching to them in publike , cause me to hear thy voyce behind me ; When I say unto the wicked , Ezek. 3.18 . that he shall surely dye , and thou givest him no warning , nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way , that he may live , the same wicked man shall dye in his iniquities , but his blood will I require at thine hand .

I desire that I may not be obnoxious to the censure of a wicked and slothful Servant ; 4 4 Industrious not of wicked , by hiding my sins in the cloak of excuses ; nor of slothful by hiding my Talent in the Napkin of idleness : but may mind the work of the Ministery , and make it appear that both in my preparation for , and execution of my office , I labour in the Word and Doctrine . My time , and parts are not mine own , but ( under God ) my peoples , and to be improved for their profit . If men dye for robbing single persons , what shall befal me , should I be such a thief , as to rob the poor , the rich and indeed the whole parishes stock ! My prayer is , In preparation for his Office . that I may not offer to the Lord my God , that which cost me nothing , that my meat which I set before the family committed to my charge , may not be ( like Ephraim half-baked ) raw or rude , and so unmeet for their stomachs to concoct , because of my negligence in preparing it ; 1 Tim. 4.13.15 . that I may give attendance to reading , meditate on those things ; give my self wholly to them , that my profitting may appear to all men . They that spend upon the main stock where it is but small , will quickly prove bankrupts . My layings out are considerable ; my comings in , had need to be answerable . Surely if any in the World should feed high , should study , read , and pray hard , those should do it who carry so many in their wombs , or give so many suck . I wish that I may be industrious as well in rearing the Temple , In the execution of his Office . as in providing materials ; that I may chearfully spend , and be spent in the service of Christ . My Saviour was taken to be fifty , when he was little above thirty ; by reason of his excessive industry , his very countenance was aged . O my soul follow thou this blessed pattern , do not play , but work the work of him that sent thee in the Lord ; Improve all opportunities to the utmost , be instant in season and out of season , serve thy God with all thy strength ; Like fuel consume thy self in burning to warm the spirit of the Saint , and to thaw the frozen heart of the sinner . Thy work is of infinite consequence ; Thy time is exceeding short , thy reward is glorious and eternal , up and be doing ; and like the silk-worm wear out thine own bowels to hide others nakedness , waste thy self to prevent thine own and others endless wo. Be thou a fruitful mother to conceive and bring forth new creatures , though thou conceivest with sorrow , and bringest forth with much pain , and thy labours at last should cost thee thy life .

I desire that I may be tenderly affected to all the souls in my charge , 5 5 Compassionate to souls . as knowing their worth , and beleiving of what concernment their unchangeable estates are in the other world ; Lord what melting bowels should I have towards them , when I consider that every one of them must dye within a few days , and either live in Heaven , or fry in Hell to all eternity ! My Saviour was a faithful and merciful High Priest ; he had compassion on the multitude , when they had nothing to eat , and would not send them away empty , least they should faint in the wilderness . O that I had but that pity for the souls , which he had to the bodies of men ! Nature will help me to pity a body without a soul ; why should not grace teach me to pity a soul without a God ? Lord when I behold wounded , bleeding , dying souls , let mine eyes affect my heart with sorrow , that both mine eyes and heart may be up to thee , with the greatest importunity for a blessing upon my most diligent endeavours for their recovery . Make me so tender and affectionate a mother , that I may patiently bear with the frowardness , and willingly go through with the burden of instructing my children . Though others nurse children for the love of wages , let me nurse mine for the wages of love . Let all my actions towards them flow from sincere affection to them , and not onely my counsel and comforts , but even my rod of reproof , like Jonathans , be dipt in this hony . When I am rebuking them cuttingly , and frighting them from sin with the fear of the unquenchable fire , let all my bitter pils be given in this sweet syrrup of love , that they may know and acknowledge my greatest anger against their sins to proceed from a tender respect and love to their immortal souls .

I wish that being a sworn Souldier of the Lord of Hosts , Full of courage . whatsoever trials and tribulations I meet with in my holy warfare , whatsoever dangers and death shall look me in the face , I may never flye from my colours or forsake my Captain , but endure hardshipas a good Souldier of Jesus Christ . When I first listed my self in his Muster-Roll , I understood the greivous hardships , and various hazards , which all his Army , but especially his Officers must encounter with , that to Preach the Gospel is as Luther saith , to draw the hatred of the whole World upon a man ; yea that Earth and Hell would both conspire and plant their strongest batteries against the Bulworks of the Church ( under God ) the Ministers of the word , notwithstanding all which , I entred my name as a Volunteer , and promised to live and dye in his quarrel , and shall I now because the enemies appear numerous , and the Bullets flye thick , like Peter , deny my righteous cause , and disown my glorious Captain . Lord let me dye with thee rather then deny thee ; Enable me through thy strength to be ready not onely to be bound , but to dye for the name of the Lord Jesus . My onely safety consisteth in keeping close to my Saviour . Should I through cowardliness run away , I must expect Marshal law ; If any man draw back , thy soul will have no pleasure in him . If I , like Jonah , should run from thy presence as unwilling to deliver an unwelcome message , I must expect a storm to follow after me , and either the waves to swallow me up , or the Whale to swallow me down ; I should but go out of thy blessing into the warm Sun : If the service of my God be not in all respects the best , why did I chuse and like it ? If it be , why should I refuse and leave it ? My cause is good , I fight against sin and Satan , the desperate and bloody enemies of my soul ; My Crown is better ; after a a temporal conflict , followeth an eternal Crown of glory . ( O my soul be thou faithful unto death , and thou shalt have a Crown of life ) but my Captain is best of all , he looketh upon me , goeth before me , fighteth for me , and as he leadeth me on to this tryal , so he will not , like the Devil and the World , who leave their servants and Lovers in the lurch , but bring me off with triumph , either safe on earth , or safe to heaven : Lord , whatsoever dirt of calumny , shall be thrown in my face ; whatsoever dart of cruelty , shall be stuck in my body , Act. 20.22 . for keeping the word of thy patience in an hour of temptation , yet let none of these things move me , neither let me count my life dear unto me , so that I may finish my course with joy , and the Ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus , to testifie the grace of God .

As to the preaching of the Gospel , The several duties of a Minister , 1. To preach the Gospel . which is the principal work of the Minister , as being the main Engine in the hand of God , wherewith he undermineth and overturneth the strong-holds of sin , and the Kingdom of darkness ; I wish that I may prepare for this work diligently , ever handle this weapon warily , deliver the message of my God soberly ( as may be most for his glory , and my peoples good ) not with the enticing words of mans wisdom , but in the demonstration of the Spirit , and of power . To this end I desire , His Sermons must be the fruits of servent prayer . that all my Sermons may be like Monica's son , children of many prayers and tears , and thereby the more unlikely to perish . Luther saith , He that prayeth hard , studieth hard . Lord , let all my Sermons as dew , be Heaven-born , that they may drop down upon my people , like rain upon the mown grass . Let prayer be the key to open the mysteries of Christ to me ; and let prayer be the turning of the key , to lock them up safe within me . Let prayer open and shut all my Books , form and write , begin and conclude every Sermon . Ah , how should he pray both for his preaching , and before he preacheth , who by every Sermon , preacheth his beloved Neighbours into Eternal burnings , or Eternal pleasures !

I wish also , for the furtherance of the former ends , Preached over first to his own soui . That I may preach over every Sermon to my own heart , before I preach them to my hearers : That I preaching feelingly , may preach the more effectually ; and the milk of the Word coming warm out of the Mothers breasts , may be as more natural , so more pleasing and nourishing to the children . Why should I , like a Lawyer , plead the cause of my God ( for my fees ) and 〈…〉 have my own person concerned in it ! O let 〈◊〉 rather , as a Physician , drink of those potions my self , which I prescribe and administer to my Patients .

I desire , He must preach the Word , 1. Purely . That I may never dare to play the Huckster with the Word of God , to sophisticate or adulterate it by my additions to it ; but that I may receive from the Lord , what I deliver to men ; and feed all my charge with the sincere milk of the Word , that they may grow thereby . If it be Treason to counterfeit the Kings Coyn , what High Treason is it for me to imprint the King of Kings stamp on my brass Money ? O that as I am an Ambassador , I might keep close to my Instructions ; and as a Builder , may lay every stone in his Temple by the line and rule of his Word ; and as a Physician , may never try experiments upon the souls of my people ; but hold fast to the form of wholesome words , and ever prescribe those tryed and approved receits , which the Great Physician hath left me under his own hand . Because my work is to touch and pierce my hearers hearts , 2 2 〈◊〉 . and not to tickle and please their ears , I wish , That I may preach a crucified Saviour , in a crucified stile : That I may not blow up my Sermons ( as Butchers some joynts of meat , to make them shew fairer ) with a windy pomp of words ; but by using all plainness , and stooping to the lowest capacity , may become all things to all men , that I may save some . I am a Barbarian to my people , whilest I preach to them in an unknown language : I starve their souls , whilest I give them such meat as they can never digest . Let me not read Authors , as the Butter-fly goeth to flowers , onely to gild her wings ; but as the Bee , to gather honey , and bring it home to the hive for the supply of her young . Lord , let me never be guilty by painting the windows , of hindring the light of thy glorious Gospel from shining powerfully into the hearts of men and women .

My prayer is , 3 3 Prudently . That I may not strengthen the hands of sinners , nor sadden the hearts of the godly ; but be able to distinguish between the vile and the precious , and accordingly give them their several portions : That I may give milk to babes , and strong meat to stronger men ; order my prescriptions suitable to their particular constitutions ; use the needle of the Law , to make way for the thread of the Gospel ; and lead my sheep , as Jacob drove his flock , as they were able to bear it ; and as Christ taught his , as they were best able to hear him . 4 4 Powerfully . O that I might not onely preach prudently , but also powerfully : That my Sermons may be delivered , not as Prologues to a Play , as matter of sport or pastime ; but as the Message of an Herauld , with all imaginable seriousness and fervency , as containing Conditions of Life and Death . The Word is an hammer , but it will never break the stony heart , if lightly laid on : What is preached coldly , is heard carelesly . Lord , let me not , like the Moon , give some light without any heat ; but cause me to lift up my voyce like a Trumpet ; to give ( as fire ) heat as well as light ; to be eaten up with the zeal of thine House ; to beseech poor souls to be happy , with as much fervency , as if I were begging for my life ; and to preach so successfully , that I may raise up much spiritual seed to my Elder Brother .

I wish , 2 2 To pray for his people . That all my Parishoners , without exception , may have so deep a share in my affection , upon a Religious account , that without ceasing , I may make mention of them always in my prayers : That my hearts desire and prayer to God , both in secret , private and publique , for poor and rich , may be , that they may be saved . O let me daily offer Sacrifice for them , confess their iniquities , bewail their misery , and cry mightily to God for mercy . Lord , let me prevail with thy Majestie , to speak to their hearts , and I shall prevail with them to hearken to thee , yea , I shall stand before thee at the last day with courage , and say , Behold , here am I , and the children which thou hast given me .

Because the small keels of children are quickly overturned ( when they meet with the high winds of temptations , 3 3 To cathechise . as they sail along in the Sea of this World ) if they be not ballasted with the principles of the Oracles of God , I pray , That I may be a diligent Instructer of babes , and a faithful Teacher of the simple : That I may season , through Gods help , those new vessels , with the precious water of life , that they may retain their savour to their old age : That the younger amongst my people may from their childehood know the holy Scriptures , be wise to salvation , through Faith which is in Christ Jesus .

I wish , 4 4 To administer the Saments . That in the Administration of the Sacraments , I may have an impartial regard to the fitness and meetness of the subjects , lest I set those precious Seals of the Covenant of Grace to blanks , whereby they should signifie nothing , especially that about the Lords Supper , as I would not be partaker of other mens sin , nor be an instrument of furthering their eternal suffering , I may be tender , and walk altogether by the rule of Scripture . O let me never pollute that Sacred Ordinance , by giving it to prophane persons ; nor be so prodigal of my dearest Saviours blood and body , as to give those holy things to Dogs , and to cast those Pearls before Swine , who will trample them under their feet . Ah , it is much better that such scandalous sinners should be angry with me on earth , for my wholesome severity , then curse me for ever in Hell for my foolish pity , and soul-damning flattery .

I wish , That like a faithful Shepherd , 5 5 To visit his flock , and to admonish , advise and comfort as occasion shall be . I may often visit my flock , and warn every one night and day with tears ; and not as a careless non-Resident , expose them to the rage and cruelty of the devouring Wolf , by my absence from them , or by my negligence when present among them ; lest another day , when it s too late , they cry to me , and complain of me , Sir , if thou hadst been here , our Souls had not dyed . The Priest under the Law , visited the suspected or leprous houses , enquired how it was with them ; and as he found it , so gave sentence . O that I might under the Gospel , visit diseased hearts , and diligently enquire how things stand betwixt the great God , and their poor souls , and give them suitable , savoury and profitable advice . Though I therefore desire a great Auditory , because among many Fish , there is the greater probability that the baits of the Gospel will take and catch some ; yet therefore I should desire a small Parish , because thereby I am in the greater capacity to deal with every one in it in particular , about the concernments of their everlasting peace . Lord , let thy strict Command frequently come into my minde , I charge thee before God , and the Lord Jesus Christ , who shall judge the quick and dead at his appearing , and his Kingdom : Preach the Word , be instant in season , and out of season , Reprove , rebuke , exhort , with all long suffering and doctrine , 2 Tim. 4.1 , 2.

I wish , 6 6 To give a good example in his conversation . That I may be as the Baptist , both a Burning Light in my Sermons , and a Shining Light in my Conversation , lest my works give the lye to my words : Whilst I as Mercury direct others in the right way , but walk not in it my self . The Priests under the Law had their Vrim and Thummim , signifying purity of Doctrine , and sanctity of life , a bell and a pomgranate , a Bell and a pomgranate , typifying that Preaching and practice must go together . O that I might preach as powerfully by my life , as by my lips ; and like a faithful nurse , avoid the scandals of distempers ( and even forbear those meats which I love , though lawful in themselves , when not expedient ) not onely for my own sake , but also for their sakes to whom I give suck ; Nazianzen saith of him that was the voyce of one crying in the Wilderness ; That he was all voice , a voice in his habit , a voice in his diet , a voice in his conversation . 2 Titus 7. Lord enable me in all things , so to shew my self a pattern of good works to my people , 1 Tim. 4.12 . to be such an example to beleivers in word , in conversation , in charity , in spirit , in faith , in purity , Phil. 3.17 . that I may be able to say to my flock as Paul to his Philippians , 1 Cor. 11.1 . Brethren be followers together of me , ( and to his Corinthians , Be followers of me as I am of Christ ) and mark them which walk as ye have me for an example .

I wish that though my labours should prove unfruitful , 7 7 Not to be discouraged for want of success . when I in the discharge of my trust am faithful , that I may not be discouraged , knowing that I shall be a sweet savour to my God , as well in them that perish , as in them that are saved ; and though Israel be not gathered by me , Isa. 6.10 . but I spend my strength in vain , yet surely my judgement is with the Lord , and my work with my God ; yet O that I might not be sent about that dreadful message to make the hearts of any people fat , to make their ears heavy , and to shut their eyes , lest they should see with their eyes , and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts , and convert , and be healed , but that I may turn many sinners from the errours of their ways , save many souls from death , and hide a multitude of sins .

I wish that as Joab when he took the City of Rabbah with Davids Souldiers , 8 8 To give the glory of success to God . was willing to have the Crown set on the Kings head ; so when my God hath enabled me by his spirit , to cast down imaginations , and high things that exalted themselves against the knowledge of him , and to bring into captivity many sinners to the Obedience of Christ , that I may set the crown of glory upon the head of God alone , and not suffer the least part of his honour to stick to my singers ; I am but the instrument , he is the principal efficient ; I am but the pipe , he is the spring whence the water of life floweth ; I do but lay on the plaister , he made the precious salve of the word , and bestoweth also healing vertue on it . O that I might never be so ungrateful ( when he is pleased to honour me ) as to dishonour him by thinking of my self above what is meet , but that all my services may be as so many Scaffolds ●erected purposely for the raising of his his name , and the setting up of his praise .

Finally , The conclusion 1 Tim. 4.16 . 2 Tim. 4.5 . I wish that I may take heed to my self , to my Doctrine , to my life , be watchful in all things , endure affliction , make full proof of my Ministry do the work of a faithful Pastor , Mat. 7.21.23 . least ( as they who prophesied in Christs name , and in his name cast out Devils ) I be cast to Devils as a worker of iniquity , and find that gate of life which I opened to others , shut against my own soul . O let me not as Porters in great Houses lodge without my self , whilst I let others into Heaven ; Let it please thee O God of all grace to fill me with the fruits of thy spirit , that I may feed thy people with knowledge and understanding , Take the oversight of them , not by constraint , but willingly : 1 Pet. 5.2 , 3 , 4. not for filthy lucre , but of a ready mind , not as being a Lord over Gods heritage , but as being an ensample to the flock , that so when the chief Shepherd shall appear ( on the great day in which the Sheep shall be separated from the Goats ) I may receive a crown of glory which fadeth not away . Amen .

CHAP. XXVII . How a Christian may exercise himself to Godliness in his Family as the governour thereof .

IT is thy duty to exercise thy self to godliness in thy Family and relations . Fifthly , A Christian must not like the Israelites Pillar in the Wilderness , be light on one side , and dark on the other ; be diligent in one relation , and negligent in another ; but as a candle in a Chrystial Lanthorn , be lightsom quite round it , be holy in every Relation in which he standeth .

Reader , I shall consider thee as Governor or Governess of a Family , and herein direct thee what thou shouldst do for the faithful discharge of thy trust in that relation .

Houses under the Law were to be dedicated to God at their first setting up : Deut. 20.5 . Which was done ( saith Ainsworth on the place ) with singing and praising God , Psal. 30. vide Title . as well as feasting . Davids Psalm at the dedication of his House , is worthy our imitation . Hezekias upon the Law touching the fanctifying an house to God ( Levit. 27.14 , 15. ) giveth this Exposition , That to dedicate or sanctifie an house to God , is for the Governor to be careful for the instruction of his Family , and the Religious Conversation of his Houshold ; that his house may be Gods house ; and his children , Gods children ; and his servants Gods servants .

A Family is a natural and simple Society of certain persons , having mutual relation one to another , under the private government of one head , or chief . Aristotle calleth Families the first Society in nature , and the ground of all the rest . Before the Flood , the whole form of Civil and Ecclesiastical Government , was confined within the Precincts of private Families . A Family is the Epitome of a Kingdom and Commonwealth in a little volume . The way to make godly Parishes , and godly Countreys , and godly Kingdoms , is to make godly Families . When sin as a plague speadeth abroad , it beginneth in Families : One Atheistical Family , defileth and destroyeth many ; it sendeth a son into one house , a daughter into another , a servant into a third , and every of them , like infectious persons , poyson those with whom they converse : Like a nest of Foxes , they destroy and devour all the Countrey over . As one House on fire , often burneth down many , so one prophane Family injureth many ; one godly Family on the contrary , doth good to many : As one stock of Bees sendeth forth swarms and honey , into many parts of the Countrey ; so one Religious Familie sending Religious Children and Servants abroad ( they come in time to have Families of their own ) may bring much honor to God , and be helpful to the eternal welfare of many souls .

A Godless Family , like a Gun or Cannon , killeth at a distance , as their swearing children , and drunken servants come to spread abroad . A gracious Family , like the Weapon-salve , healeth at a distance , as the pious Relations in it , come to be dispersed in other places . Solomon was a Religious House-keeper , and it is observable his servants were so seasoned by him with godliness , that their children five hundred years after , were recorded by the Spirit of God , to be the most eminent in their time for Religion , Ezra 2.58 . Solomon being a godly Governor of his Family , did good after he was dead , at so great a distance . Theodosius being asked , how a private person might be a publique good : answered , By ordering all things well at home . The way to make our Orchards good , is to look well to our Nurseries .

It concerneth thee therefore , Reader , nearly , to exalt godliness in thy house , as well as in thy heart ; nay , I will be bold to tell thee , if there be in thee the truth of Religion , thou wilt propagate it amongst thy Relations : Thou wilt not be like the Whirpool , to suck all into thy self , but be diffusive for the good of others . A good Christian is like a needle touched with the Loadstone , which being drawn it self , will draw others along with it . When Christ had drawn Philip , he presently draweth Nathaniel , 1 John 43.45 . The Bird hath no sooner found an heap of corn , but she chirpeth and calleth her fellows , and will be sure to carry some home to her nest . A Saint should endeavour the conversion of his neighbours , that they may eat of the bread of life with him ; but he should have a special regard to his own family , that all in it may feed on Christ by faith , and live . Nature hath taught the Bevers to help one another in swiming ; and the Cranes flying over the Mountain Taurus , when the foremost is weary in beating the ayr , that the next should succeed , and so in order every one to labour for the safety of them all . Christians are taught from other creatures , to be helpful one to another ; but the Master of the family , like the Sun , must outshine all in respect of publique influence .

Plutarch saith of the neighbour Villages about Rome in Numa's time , That sucking in the ayr of that City , Niceph. they breathed righteousness . Thy Family ought to be a wholesome ayr for others to breathe in . It is reported of Andronicus the elder , that he was Mr. of such a Family as was the shop of Vertue ; Enar. in Hos. Prael . and therefore it was called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , The Sun of the Earth . Tremellius , who for a time sojourned in Bishop Cranmers Family , telleth us , that it was Schola vel Palaestra Pietatis & Literarum ; The School or Nursery of Piety and Learning . The houses of the primitive Christians were little Churches , in regard of the Worship and Service of God : To the Church that is in thine house , Philem. v. 2. Rom. 16.5 . 1 Cor. 16.9 . Colos. 4.15 . Though many a mans house is so far from being Gods Church and Temple , that its the Devils stye and kennel , that God may say to the Master of the Family , as in Rev. 2.13 . I know where thou dwelleft , even where Satans Throne is : Nay , though they are civil abroad , then they will have some rags to cover their naughtiness , they are sordid at home , and discover there all their nakedness and nastiness . David on the contrary , whatever steps he might take awry , and whatsoever slips he might meet with in his publique walking , would be sure to look to his feet in his private dwelling : I will walk in the midst of my house with a perfect heart , until thou come unto me , Psal. 101.2 . David was no Hypocrite , he did not put on his best cloathes when he went out , and put them off when he came in ; but Purity was his livery , as abroad , so at home .

Imitate that pious Governor ( who though he had the burthen of all the Israelites , Civil and Military affairs lying upon his shoulders , yet could say , I and my house will serve the Lord .

Reader , I shall offer two thoughts to quicken thee to this necessary duty , and then give thee directions for the management of it .

1. Consider , that Religion in a Family is the way to procure Gods blessing on thy Family . The holy family alone is the happy family . The Lord blessed the house of Obed-Edom for the Arks sake , 2 Sam. 6.11 . If the Ark be in the house ; that is , Religion , God is there , for the Ark was a type of Gods presence ; and canst thou need any comforts when thou hast Gods Company ?

The Philosopher could say , Though he had few goods in his house , yet he had the Gods in his house . Though thou hast a poor dwelling , yet if Godliness be there , thou shalt have Gods blessing . His presence will make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous , Job 8.6 . Thou mayst say of thy house as Jacob of Bethel , The Lord is in this place , this is none other but the House of God . Basil speaketh that in some Countries they draw other Pigeons to their Dove-houses by anointing one of their Pigeons wings with sweet Ointment . If thy house be anointed with the Oyl of godliness , it will allure the blessed God to it , and then what evil needst thou fear , or what good canst thou want ? It is observed of the Palladium in Troy , that whilst that remained amongst them , their City was safe . The onely way to have a destroying Angel pass by thy house , is to have the door-posts sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ . Through wisdom is an house builded , and by understanding it is established ; And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all pleasant and precious riches , Pro. 24.3 , 4. Here is true wealth , and the right way to injoy it . 1. The true wealth , thy chambers shall be filled with all pleasant and precious riches .

Righteousness is the best way to riches . 2. The way to this , by wisdom an house is builded , and it is established by understanding . By wisdom and understanding , Godliness is understood ; And unto man he said , Behold the fear of the Lord , that is wisdom , and to depart from evil is understanding , Job 28. ult. This wisdom is the best foundation for any house to stand upon . When Religion layeth the foundation , raiseth the walls , and covereth the roof , such a house is built upon a Rock , and will stand against all the Winds and Waves , wrath and rage of men and devils . Some Families had lasted longer , saith Luther , if they had been holier .

Religion will bring a blessing on thy estate , Job 1.10 . Blessed is he that feareth the Lord , that delighteth greatly in his Commandements ; For thou shalt eat the labour of thy hands ; happy shalt thou be , and it shall be well with thee , Psa. 128.1 , 2. It will bring a blessing on thy Children . God will be a God to thee and to thy seed after thee , Gen. 17.7 . Pro. 20.7 . The branches will fare the better for the sap of grace which is in the root . It will bring a blessing on thy name , Pro. 10.7 . Holiness will make thy house truely honorable ; It will bring a blessing on all thine affairs . In a word , that day in which Religion is set up in thy house , I may say to thee as Christ to Zacheus , This day Salvation is come to thy house .

2. Consider , A Family without Religion is a cursed family . That house which is not Bethel , an House of God , but Bethaven , an house of vanity , is Bethany an house of sorrow and misery . The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked , Pro. 3.33 . Whatsoever Cordials or comfors , dishes or dainties are there , the curse● of God , like the wild gourd , which the sons of the Prophets put into their pottage , will spoil and poison all . As a little Leven , a little of this curse of God will sowre the whole lump of thy family-blessings . I have seen the foolish taking root , but suddenly I cursed his habitation , Job 5.3 . The words are not a malediction from Eliphaz private spirit , but a prediction from Gods spirit , as if he had said I was neither malicious against his person , nor envious at his prosperous condition , but by the help of the Holy Ghost , I foresaw his destruction , that though his house was built high , yet his unholiness would lay it low . Thou mayst possibly presume that though thou livest without God , yet thou art beyond the reach of his rod ; thou canst mote thy house round against the fire of divine fury , but thy confidence shall be rooted out of thy tabernacle , and brimstone shall be scattered on thy habitation . God will unkennel all such foxes , and drag them to their deserved destruction . When Dioclesian the Persecutor retired from the Empire to a private life , Fuseb . l●b . 5. De vit. Constant . after he had feathered his nest , fire rained down from Heaven and consumed his house . When Nicephorus Phocas had built a mighty Wall about his Pallace for his defence , he heard a voice in the night saying , Though thou buildest thy wals as high as heaven , sin is within , and that will pluck it down . The Leprous house must be pul'd down . God will have every Brick , Stone , Tile , and piece of Timber down . Where is the House of the Prince ? and where is the dwelling place of the wicked ? Job 21.28 .

Atheism in thy house will bring a curse upon thy calling , Job 5.2 , 3. The works of thy hands will fare the worse for the wickedness of thy heart : On thy children ( its ill to be related to a Traytor ) diseases , and so destruction may be hereditary . Children may inherit both their Parents riches and ruine , Job 5.4 , 5. Isa. 14.20 . His seed are far from safety , they are crushed . When a wicked man pulls down his house upon his head , many in it perish with him ; as when Sampson pulled the house down upon the Philistines .

The curse of God will be a moth in thy Wardrobe , murrain among thy cattel , mildew in the field , the plague to thy body , wrath to thy soul , will indeed make thy house a very hell upon earth . The highest Family in the World without godliness , though never so rich and ruffling , is but like Golgatha , a place full of frightful skulls ; and like a Church-yard , full of carkasses , gilded , rotten , and golden Damnation .

I shall now lay down some Directions how thou may exercise thy self to godliness , as the Governor of a Family .

First , Be careful whom thou admittest into thy Family : Art thou unmarried , and to chuse an Husband or Wife ? Do thy occasions call for a man-servant , or a maid-servant ? Be careful where thou fixest ; for believe it , not onely thy grace will appear in a good choice , but also godliness will be much hindred or furthered by thy choice : One sinner destroyeth much good , Eccles. 9.18 . One man may pull down that house , which many with much care , cost and pains did set up . We read , that wicked men have been the better , for taking godly men into their families , as Laban and Potiphar ; but we never read that godly men were ever the better for having wicked persons into their families ; nay , how much have they been the worse , and by such been brought to great wickedness ! As black corn , they smut and sully the good corn ; as rusty armor , they injure that which is bright , by being near it . The Lacedemonians were so sensible of this , that they would not suffer a stranger to abide among them above three daies , lest by his evil example , he should corrupt others . And wilt thou , Friend , take them into thy house to dwell with thee , that will bring the plague along with them , and thereby probably destroy the bodies and souls of others ? Canst thou think it safe , for a little Worldly advantage , to be nigh them who are under Gods fury , and next door to eternal fire ? Shall thy House be as Noahs Ark , abounding in Creatures clean and unclean , when God commandeth thee to worship him uprightly , with thy whole family ? I hope , Christian , betthings of thee . It was written over Plato's door , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , There is no man may come hither , who is not a Geometer . Let it be written over thy door , None may expect to dwell here , who will not make Religion his business .

Magnus a Roman Orator complaineth of St. Hicrom Epist. Tom. ● . Hierom that he brought many uncircumcised Greeks into the Temple , and defiled Candorem Ecclesiae sordibus Ethnicorum , the unstained chastity of the Church with the impure Sentences of Heathen Authors . Take heed that thou dost not defile the Church of God ( for such thy house should be ) with Heathen themselves in Christian Habits .

If thou wantest a Wife , consider before thou choosest : Take heed whom thou takest into thy bed , into thy bosom , lest thou meetest with a Yoke-fellow that will draw as strongly towards Hell , as thou dost towards Heaven . It is rendred as the reason why one of the Kings of Israel was so wicked , because he had to Wife the daughter of Ahab . There is little work to be done , when the second horse in the teem is always drawing back . The Devil can make use of Eve , to draw thee to undo thy self and posterity : He can make use of the rib ( saith the Father , alluding to that part of man out of which the woman was taken ) to break thy head . The Heathen tell us , that every man when he marrieth , bringeth a good or an evil Spirit into his house , and thereby makes his house either a Heaven or a Hell .

Be sure that wickedness do not woo for thee : Do not send the unclean Spirits either of lust or covetousness , or pride , to make the match . When men do as those Sons of God , Gen. 6.1 . who saw the Daughters of men , that they were fair , and took them Wives of them , Gen. 6.1 . hand over head ; it is no wonder that they are married and marr'd together . Consider , a Wife or a Husband , is the greatest outward comfort or Cross in this World ; and let prayer be the messenger thou imployest about it : A good wife is from the Lord , Prov. 19.14 . It is Gods special gift , and therefore do thou go to him for it . Peter Martyr saith , That Adam in that deep sleep in which God formed Eve out of him , was then praying for a meet help : And Isaac went forth to pray , when he had sent forth for a Wife . He had need to have good counsel , who is to take one to be his constant companion . When Joshua entred into a League with the Gibeonites , and never asked counsel of God , how sad were the effects of it ! If thou entrest into a League with a man or a maid ( for I know not what Sex thou art of ) and dost not ask counsel of God , expect a sad consequence of such rashness . Why shouldst thou , as our Proverb is , for a little land , take a fool by the hand ; sell the comfort of thy life , for a little perishing wealth , and make thy whole time on earth bitter , out of a love to a little fading Treasure .

It was the advice of the late Earl of Salisbury , in his Book of Precepts to his Son , That he should be exceeding careful whom he matched with , because as in a project of War , when an Army is foiled by the Enemy , they seldom recover ; so to erre once in the choice of a Wife , is usually to be undone for ever ; and the more cause there is of special care , because he that seeketh out for a wife , goeth to a Lottery , where he shall meet with ahundred blanks for one prize .

But I am perswading thee to circumspection in this particular , not upon a Politick , but a Consciencious principle , as thou wouldst exalt Religion in thy habitation . Next to thy self , thy Wife will be the best friend , or worst foe , that Godliness can have in thy Family . Nay , possibly , and probably too , if thy Wife should be wicked , though thou art at present like a sound Apple , thou mayst quickly be speckt , by lying neer one that is all over rotten : The nearer the relation , the easier and speedier is the infection . He that could overcome a Lyon to his glory , was himself overcome by a woman to his sin and shame . The most perfect man , Adam ; the strongest man , Sampson ; the wisest man , Solomon ; were all betrayed by their Wives into the hands of their spiritual Enemies ; the meekest man , Moses , hearkened so much to his Wife , that it was like to have cost him his life . Some Expositors give this reason why Satan spared Jobs Wife , when he slew his children , not to comfort him ( surely the Devil did not love Job so well ) but to cross him , by provoking him to curse God : The Devil knew that none was so fit to present that poysonous potion with success to Job , as his Wife ; that if he ever took it , her fair hands must give it , and her sugred words sweeten it . Solomon saith , Wo be to him that is alone ; surely it is also true , Wo be to him who is not alone , but hath a wicked wife like a snake in his bosom .

Reader , Dost thou want a Servant ? choose for God , not for thy self : Let not thy main quaere be , Whether he can do thy work ; but , Whether he will submit to Gods Word : Though the former must not be neglected , yet the latter must be preferred . It may be for advantage sake , thou receivest a drunken or swearing person into thy house ; but dost thou consider that he will be an Achan , a troubler of thy Family ? Canst thou think to do Gods work with the Devils tools ? Put off thy disguise of Christianity , if thou esteemest thy particular calling above thy general . Besides , Dost thou know what thou hast done ? thou hast taken into thy house an Usher to instruct thy children in the black Art of Hell : Believe it , thy children will catch sins as soon as vermine , from those that are of Satans ragged Regiment : Thy Sons and Daughters are like Polypus in Aelian , that turneth to the colour of that rock , or weed in the Sea , which lieth nearest . Once more , thou wilt be frustrated in the end , of thy entertaining such a servant ; for they will never be faithful to their Master , who are unfaithful to their Maker . Constantius , the Father of famous Constantine , gave out , That all such as would not deny the faith , should be deprived of their honor and offices : Whereupon several forsook the Faith , others stuck close to the Truth : Whereupon the Emperor when he had discovered those halting , hypocritical persons , turned them all out of their places , saying , That they who were false to God , would never be faithful to man : I do a little question his policy in the premises ; but his piety in the conclusion is out of question ; for they who will rob God of his glory , will ( if opportunity serve ) rob men of their goods and good name too . It is recorded to the credit of Queen Elizabeth , that she would suffer no Lady to approach her presence , of whose dishonesty she had the least suspition . Friend , mark and follow the man after Gods own heart . Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land , that they may dwell with me : He that walketh in a perfect way , he shall serve me . He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house ; he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight , Psa. 101.6 , 7.

As thou wouldst have Gods company in thy family , do not entertain his enemies into thy family . What communion hath God with Belial . As thou wouldst make Religion thy business , avoid those quench-coals , those hinderers of holiness , Bid the workers of iniquity depart , if thou wouldst keep the commandments of thy God , Psalm . 119.115 .

Secondly , Mind holy performances in thy family ; Every Master of a Family is a Priest , and his whole family should be a royal Priesthood , offering at least morning and evening sacrifice to God , Ita ha●eto solicitudinem D●musut aliquam tamen vacationem animae tribuas Hier. ad Celant . acceptable through Jesus Christ . The Jews had sacrifice in their Families , as well as in the Tabernacle , Exod. 12.2 . Let me go I pray thee , for our family hath a sacrifice in the City , saith David to Jonathan , 1 Sam. 6.20 .

It was prophesied that in the days of the Gospel , the spirit should be poured down upon men , and they should see Christ , and mourn every family apart , Zac. 2.10 . It was the advice of Hierom to a pious Matron ; So take care of thine house as alway to allow liberty and time to thy soul ; the Governour hath the cure of the souls , as well as of the bodies in his familie ; and if he mind their outward man and neglecteth their inward , he is but a brute in humane shape , for beasts feed the bodies of their young .

As the School fitteth young men for the University ; so holy performances in private , prepare servants and children for , and help them to profit by the Ordinances of God in publique . A foundation well laid by the Master of a Family , is a great help to the Minister , when he goeth to rear and raise the building : Confident I am , our work would not have half that difficulty which now it hath , if Masters of Families would but do their duties ; he that findeth his timber ready hewn to his hand , hath a great advantage in setting up an house , of him that must fell , bark , season and hew it himself . It is no wonder that an Apprentice is so backward to his work , and so bungling at it when he is wholly unacquainted with it , and a stranger to it ; If Children and Servants were accustomed to religious exercises at home , Sermons would not be so tedious , nor Sabbaths so tiresome to them as they are .

The ordinary duties in Families are prayer , reading the Word , with instructing Children and Servants out of it , and singing .

1. Dr. Bernard in his life and death . Prayer must be in families ; It s said of Bishop Vsher , that he had Family prayer four times a day . At six in the morning , & eight at night , and before dinner and Supper in his Chappel , David returned to bless his house , 2 Sam. 6.21 . that is , say Expositors , to bless God with his Family , and to beg Gods blessing on his family . He ster prayed and fasted with her Maidens , Hest. 4.16 . The holy Ghost enjoyneth Husband and wife , to dwell together as fellow-heirs of the grace of life , that their prayers be not hindered , 1 Pet. 3.7 . Our blessed Saviour is to be our pattern , now he prayed with his family of Disciples ; And it came to pass as he was alone praying , his Disciples were with him , Luk. 9.18 . He was alone , not secretly , to exclude all society , but privately , to include onely his own family . Our Houses are Gods Houses , and in Gods House there must every day be morning and evening Sacrifice ; I will that men pray every where , surely then in private as well as in secret , and in publique , 1 Tim. 2.8 . Families need direction in the day , and protection in the night , and truely either of them is worth a prayer . Thy family sins must be pardoned , thy family wants must be supplied , and if they do not deserve a prayer they deserve nothing . Horses kneel before they lye down at night , and when they rise up in the morning ; and shall thy house be worse then a stable of beasts !

They that will not beg family supplies , and blesse God for family mercies , may well be branded for ungodly and ungrateful wrethces . Prayer and prayse are like the double motion of the lungs ; what we suck in by petition , we breath out in thanksgiving , and without this , Religion cannot live in a family . What dangers are thy family liable to every day , and without prayer thou hast no guide , no guard ? Origen going once to comfort a Martyr was himself apprehended and constrained either to have his body abused by a Blackamore , or to offer to the Idol ; which latter he did , but bewailing it saith , I went out that morning without prayer , which I know was the cause of that evil .

It s said of the Egyptians , that there was a great cry at midnight , for in every house there was one dead . Reader , are there not dead souls in thy family , Children and servants dead in sins , and trespasses , and shall there be no cry , no complaining to God there ! I must tell thee thy house is worse then a Pest-house , for thou hast infected , and dangerously diseased souls in it , and not so much as Lord have mercy upon us , written on thy door . Heathens , and families without prayer , are fitly joyned together , Jerem. 10. ult. The truth is , such persons are English in their language , but Indian in their Athiestical carriage . They feed and cloath their bodies like English men , but they starve and go naked in their souls , like Indians . Onely herein they differ , that they cannot be prayerless in their Houses at so cheap a rate , but must expect an hotter Hell , because they sin against a clearer light . Many families are the picture of Hell , one may hear twenty Oaths for one prayer ; the Master will often curse but seldom or never bless his family ; he loveth cursing , so it will come to him , and as he delighted not in blessing , so it will be far from him .

Do not say , thou canst not pray . Had the father of spirits ever any dumb children . Every begger at thy door who is pinched with hunger , will tell thee , that sence of misery will teach thee to be earnest for mercy . If thou wert condemned to be hanged , thou wouldst not want words to p●en for a pardon . Surely eternal death to which thou art liable is far more lamentable , and if ever God make thee sensible of it ( which must be done or thou art lost for ever ) thou will quickly follow him with prayers and tears for grace and life .

Thy affections in prayer , if right , will abundantly make up thy want of expressions : A sanctified Heart , is better then a silver Tongue . Though thou hast not the gift of prayer , yet if if thou canst act grace in prayer , all will be well .

Pray much in secret , and thou wilt quickly learn to pray well in private : Use at any Trade , will make me prompt and perfect .

Rather use a form out of a Book , then omit the duty . They who cannot dress their meat themselves , must be beholden to their Neighbours to do it for them : Set upon it presently , it is thy honor , thy priviledge , and use crutches till thou art able to go alone ; onely do not content thy self with them ( Alas , who ever was proud of stilts ! ) but labour to gain knowledge in spiritual things , by reading , secret praying and conference , that thou mayest throw them away .

2. The Word of God must be read in thy Family , and thy Houshold instructed there : As by prayer thy duty is to acquaint God with thy family-wants ; so by reading some portion of Scripture daily , thy duty is to acquaint thy family with Gods will . An house without light , is in a dreadful , lamentable condition ; Thy houshold without the Word , sit in darkness , and thereby in the shadow of death . The Commandment is a lamp , and the Law is Light , Prov. 6.23 . Alas , how can thy servants or children do their heavenly Masters and Fathers work , when they are wholly ignorant of his will . The weeds of sin grow of themselves , but the ground must be ploughed , and sown , and harrowed , and watered , before good Corn will spring up .

God expecteth that thou shouldst be both a Priest to offer up Sacrifice for , and a Prophet to instruct and teach thy Family . A good House-keeper is like that Nobleman , who had for his impress two boundles of ripe Millet , with this Motto , Servare & servari meum est ; for the nature of Millet is ( say some ) to guard it self from corruption , and that which lieth nearest to it . The Word of God , and holy instructions to a Family , are as salt which is helpful against putrifaction , Mat. 5. Ye are the salt of the earth . Masters must be sure to have salt in themselves , and for their families : It s said , that the Hammanients in Cyrene made their houses of salt hewn out of their hills in maner of stone . Hierom counselled Leta , Let thy children daily give thee some account of some choice flowers gathered out of thy Bible . Teach thy children to remember their creatour in the days of their youths . It is too late to season flesh when it crawleth with wormes ; Do it therefore betimes . Bishop Rider read and expounded the Psalm 101. ( which treateth the good Government of Families ) often to his houshould , and hired them with mony to learn it .

Abraham had letters testimonial from Heaven of his sincerity , and the favour to be trusted with Arcana imperii , Gods secrets , because of his faithfulness in this particular . And the Lord said shall I hide from Abraham the things which I do ? For I know him that he will command his Children and his House hold after him , and they shall keep the Way of the Lord , Gen. 18.17 , 19. O how few Abrahams are there in England ? Many teach their Families the works of the Devil , but few teach them the way of the Lord ; many lop their trees , prune their plants , break their horses , train their hauks , yea teach their dogs , yet never instruct their children .

Friend , consider the worth of thy children and servants souls , and the weight of their everlasting estates , and how in the dark of ignorance they must unavoidably stumble into Hell ; and for the Lords sake be perswaded to instruct them in the knowledge of the true God , and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent , John 17.3 . Naturalists tell us that bees carry small gravel in their feet to poise their bodies as they fly through stormy Winds . If thou wouldst not have thy little ones blown away with the Winds of temptations , do thou labour to poise them with the principles of the Oracles of God , Ah what pity is it that men , like silly Doves , without hearts , should sit in their Dove-coats , see their Nests destroyed , and their young ones killed before their eyes , but the old Manslayer the Devil , and never stir or offer once to rescue or revenge them ! Good Lord , what unnaturalness is is many Parents and Masters ! Cardan speaks of one that had a receipt for the certain dissolving the stone in the bladder , and I question not ( saith he ) but he is damned for not discovering it before his death : Thou knowest the word under God must cure the persons in thy family of the stone in the heart , and wilt thou neglect to acquaint them with it , but suffer them to dye eternally . O Reader , be not guilty of such horrid and barbarous cruelty . Do as that holy Bishop of Armagh , who one day in every week did Catechise his family . It is reported of Lewis the ninth of France , that he was found instructing a poor Kitchin Boy , and being asked the reason , answered piously , I know the meanest in my family hath a soul as precious as my own , and bought with the blood of Jesus Christ . Our Saviour taught his Disciples often in private as their Governor , and according to their capacities , Mar. 4.33 . Mat. 16.17 , 18. It is an honour to the highest prince to teach his Houshold Gods precepts . O let thy words in thy family , as the waters of Nilus , often overflow to make others fruitful . The Papists confess that all the ground which we have got of them is by Chatechising and instructing our youth .

3. Singing of Psalms must be used in thy family . The Lord Iesus and his family did practice this duty , Mat. 26.30 . And when they sang an Hymn , they went out into the Mount of Olives . David in that Psalm , at the dedication of his house speaketh that his glory should sing praise to God and not be silent , Psal. 30. Title , ver. 4. and ult. Our tongues are called our glory , not onely because by our speech we excel beasts , but chiefly because therewith we should glorifie God . It is observable that most of those places which prophesie the Gentiles conversion , do mention their worshipping the true God by singing , Psa. 108.3 . and 100. Psa. 66.4 . Isa. 54.1 . and 52.8 . The Holy Ghost when he commandeth that the word should keep house with us , doth also enjoyn us to teach and admonish one another in Psalms , and Hymns , and spiritual Songs ( which are the titles of Davids Psalms , and the known division of them expresly answering to the Hebrew words , Shurim , Tehillim and Mizinurim , by which his Psalms are distinguished and entitled , as the learned observe ) singing and making melody with grace in our hearts to the Lord , Col. 3.16 . Ephes. 5.19 . Basilde Virt & laud. Psa. Tom. 1 Jam 5.13 . Basil speaks high in the prayse of praysing God by this holy exercise . Chrysostom speaketh of some in his time who always concluded their suppers with singing a Psalm , and saith he , they lived like Angels .

This ordinance will much quicken holy affections , and help a Christian to serve God with more chearfulness . When the Israelites were singing the hundred and thirty six Psalm at the bringing in the Ark , the glory of the Lord filled the House , 2 Chron. 20.22 . The sweet singer in Israel was the man after Gods own heart .

Onely Reader be careful to sing Davids Psalms with Davids spirit , and not like a Nightingale to sing by rote ; I will sing with my spirit , and I will sing with understanding , also making melody with grace in the heart , is the best tune to set all Davids Psalms with .

Thirdly , Set a good pattern to thy family . The fore-horse in the Team had need to go right , because all the rest follow in the same road . If the Commander be treacherous , how soon may he betray his Souldiers , who follow him at the heels , into the enemies hands !

A governour of a family , must like Moses , be mighty both in word and deed . Patterns are very prevalent both to good and evil . Precepts teach , but examples draw . Why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews ? Gal. 2.14 . Peter did not compel them by his Preaching , but by his pattern . His example was so powerful , that even Barnabas ( as well as others ) was drawn away therewith . It is observable that Jeroboam seldom appeareth in the Heaven of Scripture , but in the form of a Blazing Star , with a tayl after him , Jeroboam the son of Nebat who made Israel to sin ; by his precepts he commanded them to sin , but by his pattern he compelled them to sin . As examples are attractive to evil , so also to good . That if any beleive not , they may be won without the word by the conversation of the wife , 1 Pet. 3.1 , 2. If godliness be written in the book of thy life , in a fair Character , in a large lovely letter , it may invite thy children and servants to read and like it , who otherwise possibly would not have taken the least notice of it .

He that ruleth others , must not be unruly himself . If a ruler hearken to lies , all his servants are wicked , Pro. 29.12 . If a Governour of a family , a father , or mother be a Drunkard , a Swearer , or an Atheist , their Children will quickly imitate them ; They will as certainly inherit their lusts , as their lands . As some parents make their Children rich by their Lordships , so they make them riotous by their evil lives . Observe , Abraham , a good man , denyeth his Wife ; Isaac is his heir not onely in his wealth , but also in that weakness ; Isaac denieth his Wife likewise , Gen. 20.2 . with Gen. 26 7. Jacobs wives got little good by the pattern and practice of Laban their father , Gen. 31.19 . and 35.1 , 2.

The Parents of the Children destroyed by the two she-Bears , were wont to jeer Elijah in their ordinary talk ; What Elijah the bald-pate must be taken up to Heaven , Forsooth , as well as Elias . The Chidren hearing it spoken by them , learned it of them , though they paid dear for their learning , for it cost them their lives , and for ought I know their souls , 2 King . 2.24 . O Reader , doth not thine heart ake to read this , and hast thou not abundant cause to be heedful , lest by thy pattern thou shouldst draw thy Children to sin , and to Hell ! The Idolatrous Israelites drew their children to joyn with them in the Worship of false Gods , Ezek. 18.2 .

Plutarch observeth of Cato that he was very wary not to speak an uncomely word in the presence of his Children . Plut. in vit Cat. This Heathen will condemn many Christians , who will curse , and swear , and drink and roar , and that in presence of their children ; Reader , avoid sin , both for thy own and others sake . As a stone thrown into the water , makes but one circle at first , but that one begetteth many ; so though the sin in thee at first be but one , ye it may cause many both in thy children and servants . The sin of a Master or Mistris is like an infectious Air , which others breathing in are infected by it . Thy servants will as readily put on thy lusts as thy livery , and thy Children will be proud of such a patronage , such a cloak for their villany . A dark eye benights the whole body . Weigh all thy words and all thy works , considering how many followers thou hast , he that sinneth once , sinneth twice if he sin before others .

Be serious and diligent about the concernments of God and thy soul , that others may take example by thee . The biggest Stars are brightest and give light to those that are of a lesser magnitude ; Thou who art the greatest , shouldst be the most gracious in the family ; if the Sun shine not on the mountains , it must needs be set in the vallies . If thy children and servants behold thee careful of thy language , and consciencious in thy carriage , when they see thee humble , fervent , constant and serious in holy duties , they may learn by thee and write after thee ; such a patten may tend exceedingly to thy spiritual profit .

It is observed of Caesar by Cicero , that he would never say to his Souldiers Ite sed Venite , Go ye , but , Come ye , marching before them himself , and giving them a pattern . Do thou Reader , go before thy Family in Sobriety and Sanctity , as their faithful Captain , and they may sooner then thou expectest follow after thee .

Naturalists tell us of the Mulberry tree , that there is nothing in it but what is Medicinal in some sort or other ; the fruit , the root , the bark , the leaf , all are useful . Truly , so it ought to be with thee : All thy expressions , all thy actions should be instructions to thy Inferiours . Thy behaviour in private , in publique towards God , towards thy Wife , towards thy Children , towards thy Servants , towards thy Neighbours , should all be Lectures to teach others Religion and Righteousness ; that you may be able to say to your Children , as Seneca to his Sister , Though I can leave you no great portion , yet I leave you a good pattern .

Besides , one work required of thee ( as I shall shew thee before the conclusion of this Chapter ) is , to admonish and reprove others in thy family for their faults ; which with what face canst thou do , or with what hope of success , unless thou art free thy self ? It was a shame to Plutarch that his Servant should say , My Master writeth falsly ; he saith it is unbeseeming a Philosopher to be angry , & ipse mihi irascitur , and he himself is angry with me . If thou reprovest thy childe for not praying , and thy servant for drunkenness , and art guilty thy self , though thou acquaintest them never so much with the wrath of God , which will certainly seize upon Atheists and Drunkards , they will never believe thee ; for they know thou dost not believe thy self . Thy words would seem to draw the nail of sin out , but thy works are such an heavy hammer , that they drive it in to the very head . When the rude Souldiers saw the Roman Senators sit gravely , and discourse soberly , they took them for gods , and were awful of them ; but when they perceived one of them to grow waspish , they took them for men , and spoiled them . Herod feared Johns reproof , knowing that he was a just man , Mark 6.20 . Where there is piety in the person , there is majestie and authority in the reprehension . Let the Righteous smite me , Psal. 141.5 . The Snuffers of the Sanctuary were of pure gold : He that would reprove others dimness , and make them shine brightly with the light of holiness , had need to be irreproveable himself .

Reader , walk unspottedly ; otherwise when thou threatenest thy children or servants with the judgements of God against fin , thou dost , like David , pass a sentence of death and condemnation against thy own soul .

Fourthly , Be careful and diligent that thy whole Family may sanctifie the Lords Day : When the Israelites were to sacrifice to God in the Wilderness , they went with ther little ones , and all their housholds , Exod. 12. When Elkanah went up to sacrifice to the Lord , all his house went with him , 1 Sam. 1.21 . Thy duty is , according to these examples , to see that all thy family ( unless necessity should hinder ) serve the Lord in publique . Do not suffer any of thine to be playing idly in the Churchyard , when they should be praying earnestly , in the Church ; nor to be talking vainly of the World , when they should be hearkning reverently to the Word . O what pity is it , that they should be sucking poyson , when they should be sucking milk out of the breasts of Consolation ! The fourth Commandment doth fully speak thy duty , not onely to be careful that they forbear thy work , but also that they minde Gods Worship . Thou knowest not , but that thy childe or servant , by missing one season , may miss of salvation . Possibly they are wrought hard in the Week days , and have very little time for their souls , so that their onely time of improving their spiritual stock , by trading towards Heaven , is on a Sabbath Day . Or it may be they are careless of their main work ( of providing for the other World ) all the Week , that if thou shouldst neglect them on the Lords Day , they will he left under a necessity of perishing : Surely they who have but one good meal in seven days , and are robbed of that , are unconceiveably wronged . When David came to his Brethren to the Camp , Eliab said to him , How camest thou down hither ? Where is the flock ? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the Wilderness ? ( 1 Sam. 17.28 . ) I know the pride , and the haughtiness of thy heart . Give not God cause to greet thee thus at Church , How camest thou hither ? Where is thy flock , thy Family ? With whom hast thou left those few sheep , thy Children , and thy Servants ? I know thy pride , they are not good enough to come along with thee , or to be minded by thee : or , I know thy covetousness , thou hast imployed them about earthly businesses : or , I know thy carelesness and Soul-cruelty , thou carest not what becometh of them , whether they be saved or damned for ever . I tell thee Friend , some Gentlemen by going abroad alone without their servants , have lost their silver ; and for ought I know , by thy going to Church without thy company , thou mayest lose the blessing and efficacy of the Ordinances . How canst thou expect that God should have any care of thy soul , when thou tramplest the precious souls of others under thy feet , which he hath given thee special charge of ?

O Reader , think of it ; Are not thy children and Servants strangers to God , and alienated from his life , through the ignorance that is in them ? And is not the Ministery of the Word appointed to turn men from darkness to light , and from the power of Satan to God ? How shall they be converted , if the Ordinances of God be neglected ? Though a person be dangerously diseased , if he observe his purging days , according to the advice of his able Physician , there may be hopes of recovery ; but if he neglect the means , if he perish , it will be no marvel : If thy children and Servants are holy , canst thou expect the fire of Grace should continue or encrease , whilst thou takest away the fuel ? Dost thou think that Spiritual Life can be maintained without Spiritual Meat ?

In private also be watchful over thy Family , that all under thy charge be present at holy duties , as Singing , Praying , repetition of Sermons , and the like : Thou art careful that in the Week days they do work diligently ; and why shouldst thou not be as careful that they do Gods work on his day ? Is thy work of greater concernment then Gods ? or dost thou love thy self , the poor withering World I mean , above the blessed God ?

Examine those who waited on the Word of God in publique , what good they have got , what lessons they have learned from the great Master of Assemblies ? Our Saviour after Sermon , asked those of his Family , Have ye understood all these Sayings ? Mat. 13.5 . Hereby thou wilt make them more attentive in publique Ordinances , and better their memories ; as also , by this means , thou mayest quicken thy own affections .

Suffer none of thy house to spend any part of the day either in idleness , pastimes , or worldly business . Thou art accountable to God as well for sins of permission , as for sins of commission ; and it will another day be imputed to thy charge , if the day be prophaned by thy carelesness : If thou wouldst not suffer for others , do not suffer others in sin .

Fifthly , Let Discipline be set up in thy Family : When Jacob would dedicate his house to God , he commandeth all his Family to change their garments , and put away their strange gods : Their change of garments , did signifie that change of heart and life which he desired should be his housholds livery , Gen. 35.1 , 2. As the Governor of a Family must be a Priest to pray , and a Prophet to teach , so also a King to rule ; to be a terror to evil doers , and an encouragement to them that do well in his family : Let not wickedness dwell in thy Tabernacle , Job 11.14 . Zophar meaneth not a natural or personal ( though so the word is sometimes taken , as 2 Cor. 5.1 . ) but a domestical and civil Tabernacle . Though sin may come into thy house by children or servants commission , yet it must not dwell there , but be cast out by severe reprehension . Wickedness is a bold guest , it will come uncalled ; but it must be more bold then welcome ; it must not dwell in thy Tabernacle . It is said of Cato , he would bear with faults any any where rather then at home . Bishop Jewel at night called his servants to an account how they had spent the day , and after prayer , admonished them accordingly .

Thy duty is to warn the unruly , 1 Thess. 5.13 . to acquaint them of sin ( how near and dear soever to thee ) with the dishonor they bring thereby to God , the disgrace to the Gospel , and the disadvantage and destruction to their own souls . If the fault be the first , or of infirmity , or not so great a sin as to waste the conscience , and poyson thy family by its pattern , let the medicine thou appliest for its cure be milde : Earthen glasses must be tenderly washed , when iron vessels must be scoured with wisps : Of some have compassion , making a difference , Jude v. 22. Who would that is wise , give the same physick to an infant , which would purge a lusty grown person ? Isa. 28.27 , 28. For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument , neither is a cart-wheel turned about with the Cummin ; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff , and the Cummin with a rod.

If the crime be crimsom , and scandalous , or repeated , or justified , rebuke sharply ; hard knots must have strong and sharp wedges : Others save with fear , pulling them out of the fire , Jude v. 23. In such a case , weak physick will onely stir , not remove the disease , and thereby leave the Patient in a worse condition then it found him . Nettles touched gently , sting the more : A prick with a rapier is more dangerous sometimes then a wound with a sword , because the latter wideneth the orifice , and thereby maketh the place more open to the plaister which should heal it . It is much better for them to be preserved in brine and pickle , then to rot in flesh-pleasing and fondness . Kindeness , and bearing with such in thy family , is like the kiss of Judas to Christ , a betraying them ; and like Joabs salutation to Abner , destroying and killing them .

Be sure therefore not to bear with any under thy charge in sin : Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness , but rather reprove them . He is a drone unserviceable to his house , his hive , who hath lost this sting of reproof . Pious Asa would not suffer sin in his own Mother : Asa removed his mother Maachah from being Queen , because she made an Idol in a grove ; and Asa cut down her Idol , and stamped it , and burnt it at the brook Kidron , 2 Chron. 15.16 . Patient Job would not suffer sin in his own Wife ; Thou speakest like a foolish woman , Job 2.6 . Plain-hearted Jacob would not suffer sin his his own Children , Ye have troubled me , to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the Land : Cursed be their anger , for it was fierce ; and their wrath , for it was cruel , Gen. 34.30 . and 49.7 . David would not abide sin in a Servant , Psal. 101.7 . nor Edward the sixth in his own Sister .

Let thy reproofs against sin be mingled with , and so managed , that they may manifest love to to their souls . When the nail is dipt in grease , it entreth without renting the board : When reprehension is dipt in , and tipt with love , it will probably enter the heart without cutting it in pieces with rage and revenge . Prudence may do much towards the advancement of the offendors profit in this particular .

Though thy words should be soft , yet thine Arguments should be hard against the sin committed : To this end , let thy reproofs be as near as may be in Scripture phrases , that the offendor may see it is not so much man as God , who rebuketh him for his fault . The Word is a hammer , if well laid on , it will drive the nail of reproof to the head . If the oyl of reprehension be gently and prudently bathed in by the hot fire of the Word , it may abate very great swellings . But be sure to perform this duty : The Magistrate who spareth a man slayer , Spencer , 182.576 . is guilty of his second murther : Plato seeing a childe commit a fault , went and corrected his Father . The Master of a family who alloweth any in sin , is partaker of their sin : We perpetrate those sins which we may , and do not prevent ; we shall answer one day for sins of communion , as well as for sins of commission . O how miserable will thy condition be , when the provocations in thy Family ( which thou knowest of , and winkest at ) shall all be charged upon thee ! Naturalists tell us , that if a Serpent eat a Serpent , it becomes a Dragon : If thou to thy own sins , adde the sins of thy children and servants , what a Monster in sin wilt thou be ? Are not thy own sins heavy enough ? dost thou want more load upon thy precious soul to sink thee deeper into Hell ! Is not thy iniquity ( already ) great , and thy wickedness infinite ? as Eliphaz said to Job , Job 22.5 . Great for the nature of thy sins , and infinite for their number ; and wilt thou like one that is pressing to death , cry and call for more weight .

Maintain thy power and authority in thy Family : A wise , grave carriage will sharpen the weapon of reproof , and make it pierce the deeper . Foolish familiarity blunteth the edge of it . He that would throw a stone forcibly to do execution , must stand at some distance .

Encourage small beginnings of good in any in thy family : Shine with a lightsome countenance , cast a warm influence upon the blossoms of holiness , hereby thou mayest do much towards their ripening . Davids eye of favour was upon the faithful , Psal. 101.6 . A Governor of a family must like a Gardener , pluck up weeds , but cherish and tender the good flowers and plants .

Sixthly , Take care that all in thy Family be well employed : Not to permit idleness in thy house , is one way to prevent ungodliness . There is employment suitable to every person in thy dwelling : Servants should be diligent in the discharge of their duties : Jobs Servants were about their work , when the Sabeans and Chaldeans fell upon them , and sent them into the other World , Job 1.14 , 17. Jacob served his Master Laban with all his might , Gen. 31. and 5. Apelles painted a Servant with Hindes feet ( to shew that he should be nimble in dispatching any errand ) with broad shoulders ( signifying , that he should contentedly bear hard usage ) and with his hands full of tools , because he should be always at work . Children also ( if at home ) must be employed in their places ; if young , in Learning ; if elder , in some Calling . Plutarch in vita . Solon the Athenian Law-giver enacted , That the Son should not relieve his Father in his old age , who had brought him up idle , and without a trade . The Patriarchs , though principal men in their Generation , brought up all their Children to some Calling ; their tender Daughters were not exempted from Houshold business : Rebeccah ( the Mother of Prophets and Princes ) was not ashamed of her Pitcher , and drawing water therewith for her Fathers Cattel .

Those dainty Dames who plead her pattern for their ear-rings and bracelets , will hardly plead it for a pitcher and painfulness . Augustus Cesar brought up his daughters in Carding and Spinning . Gentlemen though they are not bound to bring up their Children to low or mean callings , yet are bound to keep them out of the snare of idleness , and to take care that they be in some lawful business , serviceable to themselves and others . The Wife as well as Servants and Children ought to be industrious in her station . Spinster is a term given to the greatest woman in our Law . It is said of the good housewife , She seeketh Wool and Flax , and worketh willingly with her hands , she looketh well to the ways of her houshold , and eateth not the bread of idleness , Pro. 31.13 , 27. A Womanswork consisteth in sowing and doing somwhat her self , and overseeing others , as appeareth in the forequoted place , besides the charge of her children ; hereby a wise woman is said to build her house , Pro. 14.1 . As a Carpenter layeth the plat-form of an house in his head , and so studieth that none of his stuff be cut to waste ; So a good Housewife doth so overlook the affairs of her family , and so contrive and order things by a prudent provident forecast , that there may be no waste , but all things disposed for the best . Hence it is that though the Husband is called the guide of the Wife , yet the Wife is called the guide of the House , Pro. 2.17 . 1 Tim. 5.14 . And for this end they are commanded to be keepers at home , Tit. 2.5 . They that gad much abroad , do their families at home but little good ; such are according to the signification of the second Wife of Lamech , Zillah's , the shadows of Wives ; The Grecians had a custom when the new married Bride was brought home to her Husbands house , to burn the Axeltree of the Chariot or Cart in which she was brought , before the door ; to teach her that she must abide at home . But the main work lyeth upon the governour of the Family ; Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flock , and look well to thy herds , Pro. 27.23 . He that is far from his work , is not far from want . The Jews have a Proverb The Masters foot makes his ground fat ; which speaks thus much , that if the Master be not forward with his own hands , all things will go backward in his house . Io Manlii Loc. Com. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , The Master is the greatest servant in the house . It s said of Albanus Bishop of Scotland , Stotswood History of the Church of Scotland . that he was never idle , nor ever suffered any in his family to be so .

Reader , this particular of overseeing , that all under thy roof mind their proper work , will be some help to godliness , and a great stop to wickedness . Polym . Stratag . Lib. 3. Iphicrates would never let his souldiers be idle in their Garrisons , but would set them to lop trees , or dig , or carry burdens : saying , That if they had nothing to do , they would mutinie or commit some villany . The bird that sitteth still , is a fit mark for the murderer of souls , when the flying Bird is safe . As corrupt blood is the cause of all natural , so is idleness of all spiritual diseases . When persons in a family neglect their task , then is their hour of temptation ; Idleness is often the cause of Drunkenness . They leave their work-house who run to the Ale-House , Amos 6.2 . Uncleanness is the Daughter of Idleness ; Lust will easily creep in upon those that are lazy , as did appear sadly in ●odom , Ezek. 16.49 . Otia si tollas , periere Cupidinis arcus ; hence fellow-servants commit uncleanness together . Idleness is the mother of unrighteousness . They who neglect their tasks turn thieves ; they must not starve ( they say ) and will not work , therefore they must steal , 2 Thes. 3.12 . When Servants are idle , many times they rob their Masters ; Talebearing also is one of the fruits that groweth upon this tree . When Servants are idle , they run tatling from house to house making difference amongst Neighbours , 1 Tim. 5.13 . Pro. 11.23 . Carping Momus was never found working . Truly Friend , thou canst not think the wrong thou dost thy family , if thou suffer them like Milstones to consume themselves thus for want of work . Mr. Graenham in his works . St. Greenham ( as Bishop Hall calleth him ) when a Woman tempted much by the Devil came to him for advice , gave her this direction ; Never be idle , but be always well imployed ; for in my own experience I have found it , when the Devil came to tempt me , I told him that I was not at leasure to hearken to his temptations , but was busie in my calling , and thereby resisted his assaults .

Seventhly , Maintain peace and love in thy family . Contentions will hinder Religion ; Strife like fire is wholly opposite to the water of grace . As in times of warring the laws of men are silent in a state , ( inter arma silent leges ) so in jarring families the Laws of God can be little heard . God was not in the tempestuous rough wind , nor in the fire , but in the still low voyce , 1 Kings 19.12 . Live in peace , and the God of love and peace shall be with you , 2 Cor. 13.11 . If thy house be in a flame , it is time for thy best friends to be gone . Thy House should be a lesser Heaven ; in it thy God must be worshipped and glorified , but in heaven there are no storms ; tempests ascend no higher then the middle Region . Where God is served with perfect purity , there is perfect peace . As in the Ringing of Bells where every one keepeth its place , and time , and order , they make an harmonious sound , and delight the Daughters of Musick ; but when they jar and strike against each other , their noise is harsh and distastful . The holy performances of Families that live in love , are Heavens musick ; but brawlings in houses ( make prayers ungrateful , and ) have too much resemblance of the yellowings in Hell . When the wind of contention is high , the smoak of thy incense cannot ascend , it will be beaten down again . In stormy weather , one but a little way distant sometimes cannot hear his Neighbour calling ; storms of passions will hinder Gods hearing thy petitions .

It s said that in Cimmeria there is no light ; and truely its more sad that in some Families there is no love . The Husband is against the Wife , and the Wife against the Husband ; Master and Servants , Parents and Children are ever quarreling . Seven Devils could agree in one heart , nay a Legion ( which is seven thousand six hundred twenty two , if Varro may be believed ) in another ; and yet seven persons cannot agree in one house . The language in it is usually like Billings gate , and the carriage often like Bedlam ; But the hand of the Devil is in all this , who knoweth his best time to fish , is when the waters are troubled . When there is a tempest raised in the spirits of men , we may quickly know that Satan was the Conjurer to raise the high winds . He knoweth one way to take an house is by firing it .

Truely Satan hath a mighty advantage against an Idle and a brawling family ; As the Dog , he devoureth the sheep in peices , which he could not do whole . When Cyrus came near Babylon with his great Army , and finding the River by reason of its depth unpassable , he divided it into many Channels , whereby the main River sank so on a suddain , that his Army went over and took the City . Thus by division doth Satan conquer and surprise families .

There is mention made of a dispute betwixt Mars and Pallas , Ioh. Bodin . Method . Hist. c. 6. which of them should have the honour to give the name to the City of Athens ; at length is was resolved , that he should give the name , who could find out that which could most conduce to the benefit of the City . Hereupon Mars presented them with a stately Horse , signifying Wars and divisions ; but Pallas came in with an Olive Branch the emblem of peace . Upon which the City chose Pallas to be their Guardian , as knowing that unity is the way to prosperity .

Godliness in a family ebbeth and floweth much , Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 2. according to the wranglings or love in a family . As the Lapis Tyrrhenus , Pliny speaketh of , which being entire swimmeth ; but broken , every part of it sinketh to the bottom . Truely thy family may float above water while it is whole and undivided , but if it be in peices it will quickly sink .

But I must especially commend this duty to the governours of families , Husbands and Wives . Children are seldom so impudent , and servants may either be made quiet within , or be turned out of doors ; but if the chief strings jar all the melody is marr'd . Observe how the Holy Ghost giveth this particular precept , in order to the promotion of piety in a family ; The Wife must be of a meek and quiet spirit , and the Husband must give honour to the Wife as unto the weaker Vessel , as heirs together of the grace of life , that prayers be not hindered , 1 Pet. 3.4 , 7. We may consider the injunction , and the reason of it ; the injunction is first to Wives , They must be of meek and quiet spirits ; quiet not quarrelsom , meek not murmuring through peevishness , or mad with passion . A contentious wife is a continual dropping , saith Solomon , Pro. 19.13 . The man would stay at home , but her tongue like rain dropping through the roof upon his head where-ever he sitteth down , drives him out of his house . Where is godliness in the mean time ? The wise man saith again , It s better to dwell in the Wilderness , ( amongst venemous creatures ) then with such a Wife , Pro. 21.13 . when she should be praying , she is like a mad Dog barking or biting . Such a Wife , saith Lycophron , is but a cold armful . This made Sylla say , I had been blessed if I had continued a Batchelor . Upon this ground I suppose Julian the Apostate ( whose mouth was often black with blasphemies ) said that Moses instead of meet-help , might have written meet-hinderer . But certainly whatsoever some mens perversness may drivel and utter , or some womens peevishness occasion , a woman , if of a godly and quiet spirit , is the greatest comfort on earth , and a great help she may be to her Husband in his journey to Heaven . The Injunction is secondly to the Husband ; he must honor his Wife as the weaker vessel , as his fellow-heir of the grace of life : He must honor her , not be bitter to her : He must give her his greatest love , not deny her a good look . Some Husbands are so Currrish and Crabbed , they are always raging and fretting at their Wives , nay , like those that are distracted , they sometimes beat and tear their Wives , themselves ; For they two are one flesh : How far are such from obedience to Gods Law ? Let the Husband honor the Wife as the weaker vessel , that is , use her tenderly : China dishes , and Venice glasses must be tenderly handled , because they are weak vessels . The Husband must with the mantle of love , cover many infirmities : An Heathen could tell Sarah , That Abraham was a covering of the eyes to her , Gen. 20.16 . The eye is the tenderest part of the body ; God hath provided a special cover to fence it . When God would speak his infinite respect to , and care of his people , he saith , They are as dear to him as the apple of his eye . Truly , Husbands ought to be as tender of their Wives , as of the apple of their eyes . But Reader , see the reason of this Injunction of love to Husbands and Wives , That your prayers be not hindred ; as if he had said , Winde up those weights of meekness and love , or Religion will stand still : Take away those needful props , and piety will fall to the ground . O friend , as thou hast any love to the honor of God , honor thy Wife as the weaker vessel , if God hath caled thee to that relation : If thou art a Wife , be of a meek and quiet spirit . If there be not concord in affections , there will be sad discord in petitions . When there is War in a Kingdom , how are Sabbaths prophaned , Ordinances despised , Prayer and Scripture neglected ? men are hurried away in haste to this and that place , and leave duties behinde them : So in a family , which is a Kingdom in a little volume , Divisions will put Religion behinde , and force it to stand back . Rubenius Celer would needs have it engraven on his Tomb , that he had lived with his Wife Ennea forty three years , and eight moneths , and yet they never fell out .

It is happy where the Husband and Wife are like the two branches in the Prophet Ezekiels hand , so closed together in one bark , that both made but one piece : or like Pilades and Orestes , of whom it is said , They both lived but one life ; and where the whole family , like the multitude of Believers , is of one accord , of one heart , and of one soul in the Lord , Acts 4.32 . with the encrease of God .

I have now dispatched what I intended to offer thee , for the advancement of Godliness in thy Family : If thou art a stranger to this honorable , comfortable work of worshipping God in , and with thy Family ; O that I could prevail with thee to put the counsel of God speedily into practice ! I must assure thee from the Living and Almighty God , That thou art accountable to the Judge of quick and dead , for all the souls in thy Family ; God hath the chief propriety in every person in thy dwelling . As the flock which Jacob looked after was Labans ; so the family which thou hast the oversight of , is Gods : Thy sons and thy daughters which thou hast born to me , Ezek. 16.20 . God may say to thee more truly then Laban did to Jacob , These sons are my sons , Gen. 39.43 . and these daughters are my daughters , and these servants are my servants , and all that thou seest is mine . Indeed God doth in effect say to thee , what Pharaohs Daughter did to Moses Mother , Take this childe , and nurse it for me , and I will give thee thy wages , Exod. 2.9 . Take this Son , this Daughter , and nurse them for me , in my nurture and admonition : Take this man-servant , this maid-servant , and bring them up for me , in my fear and service ; and I will give thee an eternal reward . Friend , thou wouldst be faithful in bringing up Children or Servants for thy Brother or Soveraign ; and wilt thou be unfaithful in bringing up Sons and Servants to thy God and Saviour ? Is it fit that Gods servants should do the Devils work ? Let Conscience judge . Did God give thee them to be brought up in drinking , or swearing , or lying , or Atheism ; or like so many Heathen , or Beasts , without any knowledge of his Word and Will ? Did he honor and intrust thee with their education , to have thee poyson their souls by thy irreligious pattern , and starve their souls by not giving them spiritual food ? Is this thy love to thy Maker and Redeemer ?

Besides , I must tell thee , As Jacob was answerable to Laban for the whole flock ; if any were torn by beasts , or stollen by day or night , he bore the loss of all , Gen. 31.39 . Of his hands it was required : So art thou answerable to God for every one in thy Family ; if any one be devoured and torn in pieces by the roaring Lyon the Devil , through thy negligence , God will require his soul at thy hands .

O Reader , consider , Death will shortly break up thine house , when thy children and servants must go to everlasting fire , if they dye without grace , and the knowledge and fear of God . If thou art now careless about the eternal good of thy children and servants , that they perish for ever , through thy falseness and unfaithfulness , how dreadful will thy account be ? What wilt thou do , when the blood of their souls shall be required of thee ? If Christ sentence men to Hell , for not visiting sick and imprisoned bodies , for not feeding hungry bodies ; what sentence will he pass on thee , for not visiting those souls committed to thy charge , which were imprisoned by the Devil , and sick unto death ; and for not giving them the bread of life , but suffering them to starve and dye ?

If on him that brought a temporal death on Cain , vengeance should be taken sevenfold ; what vengeance shall be taken on thee who tumblest others into eternal death ? Believe it , Reader , these are no jesting things : If therefore thou hast any bowels towards the children of thine own body ; if thou hast any compassion towards thy poor servants , whom Christ thought worth his own blood ; if thou hast any love to thy dearest Saviour , or thine own everlasting salvation ; if thou would leave this withering World with comfort , and look into the other World with courage , exercise thy self to godliness in thy family , obey the particulars for that end commanded thee by the infinite God ; do thine utmost that all of thy family , may be of the family of Faith ; and all of thine houshold , may belong to the houshold of God ; that so when the King of Terrors shall give a discharge from all relations , thou mayest with thy family be translated from living together in one House , to dwell for ever in one Heaven .

Reader , Thou mayest perceive in the close of the tenth Chapter , that much more is promised then I have in this Treatise performed ; the payment of which , though I do at present defer , yet through the strength of Christ , I shall not deny . If thou hast any interest at the Throne of Grace , I do earnestly desire thy prayers , that this part may finde acceptance with the Saints , and be instrumental for the advantage of many souls ; and that in the other part I may receive much assistance from the blessed Saviour ; thereby I shall be the more enabled to be serviceable to thine and others salvations .

A good Wish about the Government of a Family , wherein the former heads are epitomized .

THe Government of my Family being a special talent and trust committed to me by the blessed God ; The introduction . and being a business of exceeding concernment , both in regard of its influence upon the whole Kingdom , which is raised or ruined by the good or wicked management of Families ; and in reference to the everlasting estates of the precious Souls in it , wherewith I am charged ; I wish in general , That I may never like a rotten post , endanger the whole building of Church and State in any degree , by my unfaithfulness in my place ; nor be so unmerciful and unnatural , as to see that bloody Butcher Satan , drive my children and servants ( like silly sheep ) to the Shambles of Hell , and never stir or strive to rescue them out of his hands : But th●t my resolution and practice may be according to Joshua 's religions pattern , that whatsoever gods others serve , whether the World or the flesh , yet I and my house may serve the Lord. O that I might so walk in the midst of my house with a perfect heart , that Grace , like Maries box of Oyntment , may perfume the whole house with its savour ; and that in every corner of it ( as it was said of holy Hoopers ) there may be some sent of godliness .

In particular I wish , That I may keep my house so cleanly swept from the filth of sin , Motives to exalt godliness in a family . and so curiously furnished with the ornaments of the Spirit , that it may invite the noblest Guest , the ever glorious God , to take up his abode in it . My God hath told me , Gods blessing will be on a godly family . That the House of the Righteous shall stand , Pro. 12.7 . ( though sin rotteth the timber , and maketh the houses of the wicked to fall ) that in the house of the Righteous is much treasure , Prov. 15.6 . ( even when there is but little silver ) th●t he blesseth the habitation of the Righteous , Prov. 3.33 . Surely his blessing can make my bed easie , my sleep sweet , my food savoury , my cloaths warm , my dwelling pleasant , my children hopeful , my wife a meet help , my ground full of plenty , and all I set my hands to , to prosper . O my soul , what an argument is this , to move thee to exalt holiness in thy house ! Thy God will bless it , nay that God whom the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain , will come and dwell in it . Without question , his coming will ( as to Zacheus ) bring salvation to thy house ; the company of this King , will turn thy Cottage into a Court ; and his presence will change thy dwelling , were it a Prison , into a Palace . O! let nothing be in thy house , which may be distasteful to so great , and so good a Friend : Let no sin dwell in thy Tabernacle ; but let Holiness to the Lord be written on every person , room and vessel in it ; that whatsoever name other houses are known by , the name of thy house may be from henceforth , and for ever , Jehovah Shammah , The Lord is there .

I wish , Gods curse , will be on a wicked family . That I may so give credit to the Word of Truth , which saith , That the Curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked ; that the flying Roll of Curses ( the length whereof is twenty cubits , and the breadth ten cubits ) shall enter into the house of the Thief , and into the house of him that sweareth falsly , ( and shall consume it with the timber thereof , and the stones thereof , Zach. 5.2 , 3 , 4. and that he will pour out his wrath upon the Heathen which know him not , and upon the families that call not on his name : That I may tremble for fear that Atheism should raign in my house , and so it should be ranked amongst the irreligious , and markt for vengeance . Ala● , what a direadful noise do those Murthering pieces make in mine ears ! The Curse of God will canker all my comforts , and blast all my blessings , and that both speedily and irresistibly . But O , my soul , meditate a little upon the latter Text , which is a Prediction , as well as a Petition . What a bitter potion doth thy God give thee , to purge Atheism out of thy family ! Consider its nature , it is Wrath : Pour out thy Wrath. Gods Anger is terrible , like fire , burning and overturning all before it ; if but a spark of it light upon his own people , Psal. 99. ● . a●d 85.4 . how pitifully do they roar out ! We are consumed by thine anger : Cause thine anger towards us to cease . O Lord , rebuke me not in thine anger : There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger . Truly , no wonder that they thus bewail it ; for who knoweth the power of his anger ? Eut his Wrath is anger in the greatest degree , Anger boiled up to the height : O how scalding is this boiling Lead ! If the wrath of a King be the Messenger of death ; What is the wrath of an Almighty God ? This wrath can stuff thy bed with thorns , and appoint wearisome nights unto thee ; it can sauce thy dishes with poyson , infect thy raiment with plague sores , fill thy body with torturing distempers , thy soul with horrors and terrors ; it can waste all thy wealth in a moment , and turn thy Wife , Children , and all thy comforts into amazing crosses and terrifying curses . Hell it self is nothing else but this wrath to come ; one Spoonful , one Drop of it will turn an Ocean of the sweetest Wine into Gall and Wormwood . Wouldst thou be an Atheist in thy family for all the World , to live one hour under this scorching wrath ! Alas it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of thy God , for thy God is a consuming fire . Observe further its measure , pour out thy wrath ; When thy God poureth out his Spirit , he giveth it in an extraordinary degree . The persons upon whom it was poured , are said to be full of the Holy Ghost . If thy family be irreligious , thou mayst expect this scalding wrath , not by drops , but by shorews to come pouring down upon it . O my soul , let this thought soak and sink so deep into thee , that thou mayst dread the omission of duties in thy family as much as the unquenchable fire . Let his favour make thee chearful in his service , and let his anger make thee fearful of the least sin in thy house .

To this end I wish that I may use much circumspection whom I admit into my dwelling ; Directions for the exalting godliness in a Fam●ly . that as those who are to plant an Orch-yard , get the best grafts they can ; so that mine house may be an Eden , the garden of the Lord , a Paradise on earth ; 1 1 Take heed whom thou makest members of thy Family . I may ( as my occasions require ) look out for the choycest flowers , the best and fruitfulest trees , the holiest Christians in the Country . O let me never make my house a Pest-house , by taking in irreligious and infectious persons and such as will bring the plague along with them . One scabbed sheep may wrong the whole flock , one putrid grape corrupt a cluster ; a little Leaven Leaveneth the whole lump ; Lord in the choyce of inhabitants for my house , let my eye be not onely upon my own welfare , and their fitness for my work , but chiefly on thy glory and their willingness to work the work of him that sent them into the World . Ioh. 9.4 . Psa. 26.4 , 5. and 119. Let me hate the congregation of evil doers . Let me not sitwith vain persons . Let mine eyes be upon the faithful in the Land . Let them that fear thee turn unto me , and such as keep thy righteous judgements . Let me dwell with them here on earth , with whom I shall dwell hereafter in the house not made with hands , but eternal in the Heavens .

I wish that that there may be a Church in my house ; and all the persons in it , 2 2 Mind holy performances in thy Family . both Morning and Evening at least , imploved in those holy performances which my God requireth . My house should be a resemblance of Heaven Above ; in his greatest and most glorious house , my God is served without ceasing , and without sinning . O that though in his lower and lesser house , natural and civil actions cause intermission of , and the body of death causeth imperfections in holy duties : yet he might be worshipped both constantly and perfectly in a Gospel and Evangelical sence . I have read that amongst the worst of Turks , the Moors , it is a just exception against any Witness by their law , Prayer . that he hath not prayed four times in every natural day . ● Hall Contemp. I wish that none in my Familie may be worse then Turks ; but that both all apart may secretly , and all together may privaetly offer up the Morning and Evening Sacrifice of prayer and praise to the Lord my God . Daniel would pray three times a day though he were cast to the Lions for it ; and shall my Family neglect prayer , when the Omission of it will make them a prey to roaring Lions . It is the honour and happiness of my house , to exalt the Worship of my God in it ; his Service is the greatest freedom , his work is a reward to it self ; why should we be our own enemies , in banishing our best friends out of our family ? The mercies of my God are renewed upon me and mine every Morning ; his care and love is continued to us all the day long , the dews and showrs of his compassion fall down upon us every Evening ; shall we be forgetful of him who is every moment so mindful of us ! O let my Family never be so void of grace and manners , as not to bid our God Good-Morrow and Good-Night upon any pretence whatsoever .

I wish that the word of Christ may dwell richly in my heart and house , Scripture instruction and Catechising . that my whole familie may have their set meales every day of this Spiritual food . How can I expect that Children or Servants who know not the God of their Fathers , should serve him with perfect hearts ? Alas how often are their ignorant hearts ( like dark Cellers abounding in vermine ) full of sin ! 1 Cron. 28.9 . O that I might so talk of the Word of God in my house , Deut. 6.7 , 8. when I lye down and when I rise up , that it may be written upon the Posts of my House , and on my Gates , that I may so often water the young plants in it , that their first acquaintance may be acquaintance with God , and from their childhood they may know the holy Scriptures , and be wise to Salvation , through faith which in Christ Jesus . Though others care be to instruct their Servants onely in their own work , let my care be to instruct mine in Gods Will and Word : Though others labour to leave their children rich , let my endeavour be to leave mine religious . Lord , enable me so to teach them thy Trade in their youth , that they may not depart from it when they are old , Prov. 22.6 . that their young years well led , may be like the Sweetness of a Rose , whose swell remaineth in the dried leaves .

I wish , That all the voyces in my house may tuneably sing Gods praises ; Singing Psalms . yet that they may not , like Trumpets and Pipes , make a sound , being filled onely with winde ; but have hearts fixed and prepared , when they sing and give praise . O that all the Viols in my house may be so in tune , and their strokes so true , that singing with grace in our hearts , we may make melody to the Lord. Drunkards have their Songs in derision of them that are good ; Atheists have their Sonnets in dishonor of the blessed God : Why should not the voyce of joy and rejoycing be in the Tabernacle of the righteous ? Psal. 118.15 . Though my house is a Tabernacle , and all the inhabitants in it Travellers , yet our work is pleasant : O let us go merrily on , and make Gods Statutes our Songs in this house of our pilgrimage .

Because my pattern of evil will do more hurt to my family , 3 3 Set them a good example . then my precepts can do good ( servants and children being apt to be led more by the eye then the ear ) I wish , That I may take heed to my self , weigh and watch over all my words and works , not onely for my own , but also for the sake of them that are committed to my charge . Distillations from the head , often consume and destroy the vitals : My family is like a flock of sheep ; if the first leap through into a ditch , or river , the rest are ready to follow . O that I might therefore be wary in all my ways , and be so serious in Spiritual , so sober in Natural actions ; so righteous towards men , so religious towards my God ; so faithful in every relation , and so holy and heavenly in every condition , that I may have cause to say to my children and servants , as Gideon to his Souldiers , Look on me , and do likewise , Judg. 7.17 .

I wish , 4 4 See that thy family sanctifie the Lords Day . That my house may not onely spend some part of every Week day , but also the whole Sabbath day , in the service of my God . It is a special priviledge granted me by the Lord , for my families profit , wherein I may be singularly helpful to my own , and my housholds everlasting happiness . O that not the least part of it may be lost , or prophaned by any within my gate , either by worldly labour , pastimes , or idleness ; but that I may be so mindeful of my charge , as to take care that my children and servants do forbear what my God forbiddeth , and spend that Sacred Day , altogether in Sacred Duties : To which purpose I desire , That all my houshold , both males and females ( if of capacity ) may appear before the Lord in publique , and in his Temple give him praise ; and that in private I may whet the Word on them ( as the mower doth his sithe ) by going over it again and again , according to the precept . Lord , Deut. 6.6 , 7. let my house on thy day , be like thy house , employed wholly in thy Worship ; and let thy gracious presence so assist us in every Ordinance , that the glory of the Lord may fill the house .

I wish , 5 5 Discipline in a Family . That I may manifest my love to the Souls in my family , by manifesting my anger against their sins . My God hath told me , Thou shalt not hate thy brother : Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour , and not suffer sin upon him , Lev. 19.17 . If it be my duty not to bear with the corruptions of neighbours , much less of my servants and children . Should I suffer them in unholiness , I should bring them up for Hell : Those deepest purple sins , many times , are those which are died the Wool of youth . O the sad aches which many have when they are old , by falls which they received when they were young ! Let me never , like Eli , honor my sons ( or servants ) above my God , lest my God judge my house for ever , for the iniquities which I know , because my children , ( or servants ) make themselves vile , and I restrain them not . Lord , let me never be so fand and foolish ; as to kill any in my family with ( Soul-damning ) kindness ; but let my house be as thine Ark , wherein there may be not onely the golden pot of Manna , seasonable and profitable instructions ; but also Aarons Red , suitable and proper reprehension and correction .

I wish , 6 6 See that all be well employed . That I may never expose my family to the suggestions of Satan , by allowing any in laziness ; but may be busie my self in my particular vocasion ; and see that others be diligent in their distinct stations . The lazy Drone is quickly caught in the honeyed glass , and kild , when the busie Bee avoideth that snare and danger . O that I and mine might always be so employed in the work of our God , that we may have no leisure to hearken to the wicked one . Adams store-house was his work-house ; Paradise was his place of labour . Lord , since thou hast intrusted every one in my house with one talent or other wherewith he must trade , cause me and mine to labour and work in this , and to look after rest in the other World .

I wish , 7 7 Peace and love must be maintained in the family . for the furthering of holiness and purity in my house , That I may be careful to keep it in peace . Our bodies will thrive as much in Feavers , as our Souls in the flames of strife : Satan by the Granado's of Contention , will hope in time to take the Garrison : Where strife is , there is confusion , and every evil work , Jam. 3.16 . O that love ( which is the new Commandment , the old Commandment , and indeed all the Commandments ) might be the livery of all in my family : That there might be no contention there , but who should be most holy , and go before each other in the path which leadeth to eternal pleasures . Because marriage is a fellewship of the nearest union , and dearest communion in this World ; and because the fruits of Religion will thrive much the better , if cherished by the sweet breath , and warm gale of love in this relation : Lord , let my wife be to me as the loving Hinde , and pleasant Roe ; let me be ravished always with her love : Let there be no provocation but to love , and to good works : Let our onely strife be , who shall be most serviceable to thy Majesty , in furthering one anothers eternal felicity : Enable us to bear one anothers burthens , and so fulfil the Law of Christ ; and to dwell together as fellow-heirs of the Grace of life , that our prayers be not hindred .

In a word , I wish , That I may like Cornelius , Conclusion . fear the Lord with all my house : So govern it according to Gods Law , that all in it may be under the influence of his love , and heirs of everlasting life . Lord , be thou pleased so to assist and prosper me in the management of this great and weighty trust , that my house may be thy house ; my servants , thy servants ; my children , thy children ; and my wife , belong to the Spouse of thy dear Son ; that so when death shall give a bill of divorce , and break up our family , we may change our place , but not our company ; be all preferred from thy lower house of prayer , to thine upper house of praise ; where is neither marrying , nor giving in marriage , but all are as Angels , ever pleasing , worshipping , and enjoying thy blessed self ( of whom the the whole family in heaven and earth is named ) to whom be glory , hearty and universal obedience , for ever and ever . Amen .

FINIS .