A practical discourse concerning vows with a special reference to baptism and the Lord's Supper / by Edmund Calamy.
         Calamy, Edmund, 1671-1732.
      
       
         
           1697
        
      
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             A practical discourse concerning vows with a special reference to baptism and the Lord's Supper / by Edmund Calamy.
             Calamy, Edmund, 1671-1732.
          
           [8], 310 p.
           
             Printed by Geo. Larkin, and are to be sold by John Lawrence ...,
             London :
             1697.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in Union Theological Seminary Library, New York.
             Table of contents: p. [7]-[8]
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Vows.
           Baptism.
           Lord's Supper.
        
      
    
     
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           A
           Practical
           Discourse
           CONCERNING
           VOWS
           :
           WITH
           A
           Special
           Reference
           to
           BAPTISM
           AND
           THE
           LORD's
           SUPPER
           .
        
         
           By
           
             EDMUND
             CALAMY
          
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           :
           Printed
           by
           
             Geo.
             Larkin
          
           Jun.
           and
           are
           to
           be
           Sold
           by
           
             Iohn
             Lawrence
          
           ,
           at
           the
           Angel
           in
           the
           Poultrey
           .
           1697.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
         
           To
           THOSE
           Who
           are
           under
           the
           PASTORAL
           CARE
           Of
           the
           Reverend
           Mr.
           
             DANIEL
             WILLIAMS
          
           .
        
         
           
             Hoxton
             ,
             
               May
               24.
               1697.
               
            
          
           
             My
             Dear
             Friends
             ,
          
        
         
           WHAT
           I
           here
           put
           into
           your
           Hands
           ,
           is
           your
           Own
           already
           .
           To
           you
           was
           the
           Substance
           of
           the
           ensuing
           Discourse
           Deliver'd
           from
           the
           Pulpit
           ;
           and
           't
           was
           your
           Request
           that
           put
           me
           upon
           Preparing
           it
           for
           the
           Press
           .
           I
           am
           glad
           to
           understand
           that
           I
           did
           not
           wholly
           lose
           my
           Labour
           ,
           while
           I
           so
           many
           Sacrament
           Days
           successively
           entertain'd
           you
           on
           this
           Subject
           :
           And
           am
           not
           without
           hope
           that
           what
           you
           have
           found
           Beneficial
           ,
           may
           be
           Profitable
           to
           some
           others
           also
           .
           I
           expect
           to
           pass
           under
           a
           variety
           of
           Censures
           ,
           but
           so
           the
           great
           End
           of
           my
           Ministry
           be
           but
           furthered
           ,
           I
           can
           easily
           over-look
           them
           .
        
         
         
           IT
           hath
           been
           my
           Earnest
           Endeavour
           ever
           since
           I
           have
           been
           with
           you
           ,
           to
           promote
           Serious
           ,
           Practical
           ,
           Christianity
           ,
           among
           you
           ,
           without
           attempting
           to
           draw
           you
           to
           ,
           or
           fix
           you
           in
           ,
           any
           Particular
           Sect
           ,
           Party
           ,
           or
           Interest
           whatever
           .
           I
           heartily
           rejoyce
           to
           find
           a
           Catholick
           Spirit
           prevail
           so
           much
           among
           you
           ,
           the
           general
           want
           whereof
           ,
           all
           who
           are
           truly
           concern'd
           for
           the
           Honour
           of
           Religion
           ,
           find
           so
           much
           cause
           to
           lament
           .
        
         
           I
           HIGHLY
           Esteem
           and
           Honour
           you
           ,
           on
           the
           Account
           of
           your
           Inviolable
           Respect
           ,
           and
           firm
           Adherence
           to
           your
           Reverend
           Pastor
           ,
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           all
           those
           Storms
           the
           great
           Enemy
           of
           Souls
           hath
           rais'd
           against
           him
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           the
           diminishing
           his
           Usefulness
           :
           Your
           Steadiness
           in
           so
           violent
           a
           Tempest
           as
           he
           not
           long
           since
           past
           through
           ,
           which
           plainly
           had
           its
           Rise
           from
           beneath
           ,
           was
           God's
           great
           Mercy
           ,
           the
           Devil's
           Disappointment
           ,
           your
           Pastors
           Support
           ,
           and
           your
           Glory
           .
        
         
           I
           HEARTILY
           thank
           you
           for
           all
           the
           Testimonies
           of
           Respect
           and
           Kindness
           ,
           I
           have
           receiv'd
           from
           you
           ,
           since
           I
           have
           been
           spending
           my
           pains
           amongst
           you
           .
           I
           bless
           the
           Lord
           that
           he
           hath
           made
           any
           use
           of
           me
           ,
           to
           promote
           your
           Knowledge
           ,
           Faith
           ,
           of
           Holiness
           :
           And
           I
           desire
           he
           may
           have
           all
           the
           Glory
           of
           any
           Good
           wherein
           I
           may
           have
           been
           Instrumental
           .
        
         
         
           I
           BESEECH
           you
           ,
           my
           Dear
           Friends
           ,
           to
           go
           on
           more
           and
           more
           to
           adorn
           your
           Christian
           Profession
           :
           Let
           your
           Tempers
           and
           Lives
           shew
           to
           whom
           you
           belong
           :
           This
           will
           be
           the
           way
           to
           honour
           God
           ,
           to
           strengthen
           the
           Hands
           ,
           and
           chear
           the
           Hearts
           of
           your
           Ministers
           ,
           and
           you
           'll
           reap
           the
           Fruit
           in
           due
           time
           .
           Go
           on
           to
           shun
           Extreams
           ,
           and
           you
           'll
           avoid
           the
           Dangers
           that
           attend
           them
           .
           Place
           as
           little
           of
           your
           Religion
           as
           is
           possible
           in
           Separation
           .
           Be
           always
           ready
           to
           receive
           Light
           in
           Divine
           Things
           ;
           and
           never
           think
           your selves
           past
           Improvements
           .
           Love
           all
           that
           love
           God
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           how
           much
           soever
           they
           differ
           from
           you
           .
           As
           far
           as
           you
           are
           able
           ,
           speak
           Well
           of
           those
           who
           speak
           Ill
           of
           you
           ;
           and
           return
           not
           Railing
           for
           Railing
           :
           But
           do
           what
           in
           you
           lies
           to
           live
           Peaceably
           with
           all
           Men.
           Beware
           of
           more
           
             Serpentine
             Subtilty
          
           than
           a
           
             Dove-like
             Innocence
          
           can
           temper
           .
           Be
           strictly
           Just
           in
           all
           your
           Dealings
           ;
           Circumspect
           in
           your
           Walk
           ,
           Temperate
           in
           all
           things
           ;
           and
           let
           your
           Moderation
           be
           known
           unto
           all
           Men
           ;
           For
           the
           Lord
           is
           at
           hand
           .
           Let
           it
           be
           your
           Endeavour
           to
           get
           well
           surnish'd
           Minds
           ,
           warm
           Hearts
           ,
           Governable
           Spirits
           ,
           tender
           Consciences
           ,
           and
           heavenly
           Affections
           ,
           and
           your
           Stability
           and
           Fruitfulness
           will
           be
           signal
           .
        
         
         
           OFTEN
           Reflect
           on
           the
           Strength
           and
           Sacredness
           of
           the
           Divine
           VOWS
           you
           are
           under
           ,
           which
           the
           Ensuing
           Treatise
           is
           design'd
           to
           help
           you
           rightly
           to
           Understand
           and
           Improve
           :
           And
           take
           care
           to
           live
           Faithfully
           up
           to
           them
           ,
           if
           you
           have
           any
           Regard
           to
           the
           Favour
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           Honour
           of
           Christ
           ,
           your
           own
           Present
           Peace
           ,
           or
           Future
           Happiness
           .
        
         
           AND
           now
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           I
           commend
           you
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Word
           of
           his
           Grace
           :
           I
           leave
           the
           Success
           of
           my
           Endeavours
           to
           Him
           who
           led
           me
           into
           these
           Meditations
           ;
           And
           make
           it
           my
           Request
           to
           you
           ,
           That
           when
           you
           are
           most
           Serious
           and
           Fervent
           at
           the
           Throne
           of
           Grace
           ,
           you
           would
           not
           be
           Unmindful
           of
        
         
           
             Your
             Affectionate
             Soul-Servant
             ,
             Edm.
             Calamy
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           THE
           Reader
           is
           desired
           before
           he
           proceeds
           to
           the
           Perusal
           of
           the
           ensuing
           Treatise
           ,
           to
           correct
           the
           following
           Errata
           with
           his
           Pen.
           Pag.
           9.
           lin
           .
           12.
           blot
           out
           
             more
             an
          
           ,
           and
           read
           ,
           
             no
             intimation
          
           .
           P.
           13.
           last
           line
           ,
           for
           a
           put
           the
           Sense
           .
           P.
           147.
           l.
           5.
           in
           without
           dele
           
             out
             .
             P.
          
           149.
           l.
           2.
           between
           in
           and
           Service
           add
           his
           .
           P.
           165.
           l.
           22.
           change
           to
           into
           so
           .
           P.
           198.
           l.
           2.
           change
           curbs
           into
           rubs
           .
           P.
           213.
           l.
           27.
           for
           decreases
           r.
           encreases
           .
           P.
           216.
           l.
           24
           ,
           25.
           put
           God
           into
           the
           place
           of
           stop
           ,
           and
           stop
           into
           the
           place
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           There
           are
           some
           few
           other
           literal
           Mistakes
           and
           Faults
           in
           Pointing
           ,
           which
           must
           be
           charged
           on
           the
           haste
           of
           the
           Press
           ;
           which
           need
           not
           be
           particularly
           mentioned
           ,
           because
           the
           Sense
           and
           Connexion
           sufficiently
           corrects
           them
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           THE
           CONTENTS
           .
        
         
           
             THE
             Introduction
             .
             Page
             1.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               I.
               
            
             Certain
             Preliminary
             Observations
             concerning
             the
             Nature
             and
             Kinds
             of
             Divine
             Vows
             .
             
               p.
               4.
            
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               II.
               
            
             Of
             the
             General
             Vow
             whereby
             all
             that
             we
             are
             and
             have
             ,
             is
             sincerely
             devoted
             to
             God
             as
             our
             Absolute
             Owner
             and
             Proprietor
             .
             p.
             14.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               III.
               
            
             Of
             Sacramental
             Vows
             .
             p.
             20.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               IV.
               
            
             Of
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             .
             The
             sum
             of
             it
             in
             Form
             ,
             as
             made
             by
             Persons
             Baptiz'd
             when
             Adult
             .
             p.
             36.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               V.
               
            
             Of
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             as
             to
             those
             Baptiz'd
             in
             Infancy
             .
             An
             Account
             of
             the
             different
             concern
             of
             Parents
             and
             Children
             in
             it
             ;
             and
             a
             distinct
             Address
             to
             each
             concerning
             the
             Duty
             resulting
             from
             it
             .
             p.
             48.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               VI.
               
            
             Certain
             Useful
             Observations
             about
             the
             Consequence
             of
             Keeping
             or
             Breaking
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             :
             And
             of
             the
             Recognition
             of
             it
             ,
             as
             necessary
             to
             a
             Regular
             Admission
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             .
             p.
             73.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               VII
               .
            
             Of
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             .
             That
             it
             is
             a
             Faederal
             Ordinance
             ,
             implying
             a
             Covenant
             Transaction
             between
             God
             and
             Us
             ;
             and
             supposing
             a
             Renewal
             of
             Solemn
             Vows
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             .
             p.
             94.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               VIII
               .
            
             Of
             an
             express
             Renewal
             of
             our
             Christian
             Vows
             every
             time
             we
             go
             to
             the
             Holy
             Communion
             :
             And
             Directions
             about
             the
             right
             management
             of
             it
             .
             p.
             190.
             
          
           
             
             
               CHAP.
               IX
               .
            
             Of
             the
             Nature
             ,
             Sacredness
             ,
             and
             Strength
             of
             the
             Obligation
             which
             lies
             on
             all
             those
             to
             lead
             an
             Holy
             Life
             ,
             who
             often
             Repeat
             Sacramental
             Vows
             .
             p.
             137.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               X.
               
            
             Of
             the
             dreadful
             Case
             which
             all
             those
             are
             in
             ,
             who
             heap
             vows
             upon
             vows
             ;
             without
             any
             serious
             sense
             of
             their
             force
             ,
             and
             without
             any
             real
             hearty
             endeavours
             to
             answer
             and
             pay
             them
             .
             p.
             151.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               XI
               .
            
             Of
             the
             great
             Happiness
             of
             all
             those
             who
             are
             Serious
             in
             Making
             and
             Renewing
             their
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             and
             sincere
             in
             Keeping
             them
             .
             p.
             174.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               XII
               .
            
             Of
             the
             difficulty
             of
             living
             up
             to
             our
             Sacred
             Vows
             ,
             with
             that
             exactness
             that
             we
             ought
             :
             With
             the
             Solution
             of
             some
             common
             cases
             relating
             thereto
             .
             p.
             192.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               XIII
               .
            
             Directions
             that
             may
             help
             us
             to
             live
             more
             Correspondently
             to
             our
             many
             Solemn
             Sacramental
             vows
             .
             p.
             214.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               XIV
               .
            
             Sundry
             Serious
             Considerations
             ,
             to
             enforce
             the
             sense
             of
             our
             vows
             upon
             us
             ,
             and
             engage
             us
             to
             pay
             them
             .
             p.
             233.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               XV.
               
            
             The
             Temper
             and
             Carriage
             of
             a
             Soul
             that
             is
             rightly
             sensible
             of
             the
             Force
             and
             Sacredness
             of
             Sacramental
             vows
             ,
             briefly
             Exemplif●…d
             p.
             254.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               XVI
               .
            
             Of
             Particular
             vows
             .
             How
             they
             must
             be
             limited
             that
             they
             may
             be
             warrant
             able
             ;
             and
             how
             far
             and
             in
             what
             cases
             they
             may
             be
             dispens'd
             with
             .
             p.
             273.
             
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               XVII
               .
            
             Of
             vows
             made
             in
             a
             time
             of
             Sic●…ness
             ,
             Distress
             ,
             or
             Danger
             ;
             and
             the
             sense
             of
             them
             that
             should
             be
             afterwards
             retain'd
             .
             p.
             290.
             
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           A
           Practical
           Discourse
           CONCERNING
           VOWS
           .
        
         
           
             PSALM
             LVI
             .
             12.
             
          
           
             
               Thy
               Vows
               are
               upon
               me
               ,
               O
               God.
               
            
          
        
         
           
             The
             INTRODUCTION
             .
          
           
             WHOEVER
             is
             conversant
             in
             
             David's
             Psalms
             ,
             will
             find
             him
             frequently
             making
             Vows
             ,
             and
             careful
             in
             paying
             them
             .
             When
             these
             words
             dropt
             from
             him
             ,
             he
             was
             just
             deliver'd
             out
             of
             a
             pressing
             danger
             among
             the
             Philistines
             ,
             with
             whom
             he
             took
             Shelter
             from
             the
             Rage
             
             of
             King
             Saul
             ,
             who
             unweariedly
             pursu'd
             him
             ;
             but
             he
             soon
             found
             ,
             that
             the
             remembrance
             of
             his
             past
             Atchievments
             to
             their
             damage
             was
             still
             so
             fresh
             amongst
             them
             ,
             and
             they
             so
             exasperated
             thereupon
             ,
             that
             his
             Life
             was
             in
             constant
             Danger
             .
             In
             his
             Distress
             he
             flies
             to
             God
             his
             wonted
             Refuge
             ,
             and
             sends
             up
             earnest
             Addresses
             to
             him
             ,
             Vowing
             if
             he
             would
             open
             a
             way
             for
             his
             Deliverance
             out
             of
             these
             new
             Straits
             ,
             he
             would
             shew
             his
             grateful
             sense
             of
             so
             Signal
             a
             Mercy
             ,
             by
             the
             Exactness
             and
             Accuracy
             of
             his
             Future
             Obedience
             .
             God
             hears
             and
             Succours
             him
             ,
             and
             works
             out
             an
             Escape
             for
             him
             ;
             and
             he
             thereupon
             gratefully
             looks
             back
             ,
             endeavours
             to
             renew
             the
             sense
             of
             his
             former
             Obligation
             to
             his
             great
             Delive●…er
             ,
             and
             to
             stir
             up
             himself
             to
             suitable
             Returns
             ,
             and
             so
             crys
             out
             ,
             
               Thy
               Vows
               are
               upon
               me
               ,
               O
               God.
            
             i.
             e.
             I
             Resolve
             
               (
               O
               Lord
            
             )
             not
             to
             forget
             what
             was
             transacted
             while
             I
             was
             under
             my
             Fears
             .
             Thou
             hast
             heard
             my
             Cryes
             ,
             and
             I
             own
             my self
             firmly
             bound
             by
             my
             Vows
             .
             I
             was
             serious
             and
             in
             earnest
             when
             I
             made
             them
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             endeavour
             to
             shew
             that
             I
             was
             so
             ,
             by
             my
             care
             to
             perfo●…m
             them
             .
             
               Thy
               Vows
               O
               God
            
             ;
             made
             indeed
             on
             my
             part
             ,
             but
             justly
             to
             be
             exacted
             on
             Thine
             :
             
               Are
               upon
               
               me
            
             ;
             They
             do
             in
             reality
             hold
             me
             fast
             ,
             and
             I
             desire
             not
             to
             be
             released
             :
             I
             am
             sensible
             I
             deserve
             to
             be
             Stigmatiz'd
             for
             a
             Perfidious
             Wretch
             if
             I
             ever
             forget
             them
             .
          
           
             THIS
             Temper
             of
             Davids
             ,
             with
             reference
             to
             the
             Vows
             he
             made
             on
             this
             occasion
             ,
             should
             be
             ours
             with
             reference
             to
             all
             the
             Sacred
             Vows
             we
             any
             way
             come
             under
             .
             All
             Christians
             ,
             as
             such
             ,
             are
             necessarily
             under
             Vows
             to
             the
             Blessed
             God
             ;
             and
             particular
             Circumstances
             may
             make
             it
             expedient
             for
             us
             to
             come
             under
             Special
             Engagements
             to
             Him.
             But
             where-ever
             they
             are
             such
             as
             that
             they
             may
             justly
             be
             denominated
             
               Vows
               of
               God
            
             ;
             i.
             e.
             are
             such
             as
             his
             word
             will
             warrant
             ;
             we
             should
             make
             Holy
             David
             ,
             as
             speaking
             in
             this
             Text
             ,
             our
             Pattern
             ,
             and
             set
             our selves
             to
             imitate
             him
             ,
             in
             seriously
             owning
             their
             binding
             Force
             ,
             and
             endeavouring
             to
             answer
             and
             pay
             them
             .
             And
             on
             this
             account
             was
             this
             passage
             of
             Holy
             Writ
             ,
             singled
             out
             as
             the
             Foundation
             of
             the
             ensuing
             Discourse
             ,
             wherein
             the
             Elucidation
             of
             those
             Sacred
             Vows
             ,
             whereby
             Men
             are
             bound
             to
             God
             ,
             is
             the
             thing
             mainly
             intended
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             
          
           
             
               Certain
               Preliminary
               Observations
               ,
               concerning
               the
               NATURE
               and
               KINDS
               of
               Divine
               Vows
               .
            
          
           
             THOSE
             who
             will
             be
             at
             the
             pains
             to
             look
             into
             Casuistical
             Writers
             ,
             *
             will
             meet
             with
             a
             great
             many
             Nice
             Observations
             ,
             and
             Curious
             Distinctions
             ,
             under
             the
             Head
             of
             Vows
             ,
             the
             recital
             whereof
             would
             tend
             more
             to
             puzzle
             than
             edify
             ,
             and
             therefore
             I
             shall
             forbear
             transcribing
             them
             .
             I
             shall
             only
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             the
             opening
             my
             way
             to
             what
             I
             intend
             ,
             make
             the
             following
             Remarks
             ,
             not
             affecting
             a
             Philosophical
             Accuracy
             ,
             but
             aiming
             at
             the
             guarding
             against
             Pernitious
             Mistakes
             ,
             and
             the
             avoiding
             Confusion
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             'T
             IS
             to
             God
             only
             that
             Vows
             are
             to
             be
             made
             .
             David
             sufficiently
             intimates
             it
             ,
             in
             saying
             ,
             
               Thy
               Vows
               O
               God
            
             ;
             and
             again
             ,
             
               Vow
               and
               pay
               unto
               the
               Lord
               your
               God.
            
             
             i.
             e.
             and
             to
             none
             else
             ,
             which
             is
             plainly
             imply'd
             .
             Vowing
             is
             a
             part
             of
             Religious
             Worship
             .
             The
             making
             a
             Vow
             to
             any
             one
             ,
             is
             an
             ascribing
             Divine
             Honour
             to
             him
             .
             It
             is
             a
             sort
             of
             Invocation
             ,
             whereby
             we
             beg
             his
             help
             ;
             and
             sometimes
             
             it
             carries
             in
             it
             ,
             an
             imprecation
             of
             Punishment
             ,
             from
             him
             to
             whom
             't
             is
             made
             on
             the
             maker
             of
             it
             ,
             if
             he
             wilfully
             breaks
             it
             .
             It
             includes
             also
             a
             Reposing
             of
             Trust
             and
             Confidence
             ;
             and
             it
             many
             times
             supposes
             an
             Omniscience
             in
             him
             to
             whom
             it
             is
             addrest
             ,
             it
             being
             made
             by
             meer
             In
             ward
             Thought
             ,
             without
             any
             outward
             intimation
             or
             expression
             .
             On
             all
             which
             Accounts
             ,
             the
             making
             Vows
             to
             Saints
             ,
             which
             is
             so
             common
             in
             the
             
               Roman
               Church
            
             ,
             is
             an
             unwarrantable
             Practice
             .
             It
             's
             an
             advancing
             them
             beyond
             their
             due
             pitch
             ;
             and
             comes
             too
             near
             an
             equalling
             them
             with
             the
             Most
             High.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             THAT
             is
             properly
             a
             Vow
             with
             reference
             to
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             a
             promise
             among
             Men.
             When
             we
             have
             to
             do
             with
             Men
             like
             our selves
             ,
             we
             promise
             to
             do
             this
             or
             that
             ;
             and
             Equity
             and
             Veracity
             oblige
             us
             to
             be
             true
             to
             our
             Word
             .
             But
             a
             Vow
             which
             relates
             to
             God
             ,
             carries
             in
             it
             a
             greater
             Solemnity
             ,
             and
             hath
             a
             greater
             Force
             ;
             by
             reason
             of
             his
             Supereminence
             with
             whom
             we
             are
             therein
             concern'd
             ;
             our
             Dependence
             on
             him
             ,
             and
             his
             Power
             over
             us
             ▪
             he
             being
             able
             immediately
             to
             punish
             the
             least
             slight
             or
             neglect
             ,
             which
             tends
             much
             to
             strike
             an
             Awe
             .
             A
             Vow
             therefore
             ,
             
               Is
               a
               Sacred
               
               Promise
               to
               God
               ,
               whereby
               we
               bind
               our selves
               to
               him
               .
            
             It
             leaves
             no
             room
             for
             the
             alteration
             of
             our
             minds
             upon
             further
             thoughts
             and
             searches
             (
             as
             common
             Purposes
             and
             Resolutions
             do
             )
             unless
             flatt
             Sinfulness
             or
             apparent
             Prejudice
             be
             discern'd
             .
             And
             if
             it
             hath
             an
             Imprecation
             attending
             it
             ,
             't
             is
             the
             self-same
             thing
             with
             an
             Oath
             ,
             whereby
             God
             is
             Invocated
             both
             as
             a
             Witness
             and
             a
             Revenger
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             A
             Vow
             can
             never
             make
             that
             our
             Duty
             ,
             that
             was
             Antecedently
             in
             it self
             Unlawful
             .
             Such
             a
             Vow
             is
             plainly
             Wicked
             ,
             and
             therefore
             can't
             oblige
             .
             Vows
             are
             design'd
             to
             be
             
               Incentives
               to
               Piety
            
             ,
             but
             can
             never
             be
             allow'd
             to
             be
             
               Bands
               of
               Iniquity
            
             .
             A
             Wicked
             Vow
             is
             to
             be
             Lamented
             and
             Repented
             of
             ,
             and
             not
             Perform'd
             .
             For
             a
             Man
             would
             thereby
             oblige
             himself
             to
             what
             God
             had
             before
             absolutely
             prohibited
             ;
             to
             allow
             which
             ,
             were
             to
             put
             it
             in
             our
             power
             to
             enervate
             any
             ,
             even
             the
             most
             Essential
             Precepts
             of
             the
             Divine
             Law.
             They
             are
             Unhappy
             who
             fall
             into
             this
             Snare
             .
             For
             there
             's
             hazard
             in
             breaking
             such
             a
             Vow
             ,
             altho'
             't
             would
             be
             a
             sin
             to
             keep
             it
             .
             There
             would
             be
             danger
             lest
             Persons
             breaking
             such
             a
             Vow
             ,
             should
             diminish
             the
             force
             of
             Divine
             Bonds
             upon
             them
             ,
             where
             they
             are
             really
             Obligatory
             .
             But
             to
             
             keep
             it
             ,
             would
             to
             be
             sure
             be
             a
             direct
             thwarting
             the
             Divine
             Authority
             .
             Humble
             and
             Penitent
             Addresses
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             may
             prevent
             the
             former
             ;
             but
             the
             latter
             ,
             if
             persisted
             in
             when
             discover'd
             ,
             is
             inexcusable
             ;
             whence
             it
             s
             easily
             discernable
             which
             over-ballances
             .
             However
             such
             a
             Person
             ,
             one
             that
             Vows
             things
             contrary
             to
             the
             
               Divine
               Law
            
             ,
             either
             Natural
             or
             Positive
             ;
             cannot
             to
             be
             sure
             with
             David
             ,
             look
             up
             and
             say
             ,
             
               Thy
               Vows
               O
               God
            
             are
             upon
             me
             :
             For
             they
             are
             
               his
               own
               Vows
            
             ,
             not
             Gods.
             He
             can't
             own
             ,
             approve
             ,
             or
             allow
             ,
             but
             detests
             and
             abhors
             them
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             A
             Vow
             may
             make
             that
             our
             Duty
             that
             was
             before
             Indifferent
             :
             By
             Indifferent
             ,
             I
             mean
             such
             a
             thing
             as
             is
             in
             it self
             Law
             ful
             ,
             but
             the
             Manner
             ,
             Measure
             ,
             Time
             ,
             Degree
             ,
             and
             other
             circumstances
             whereof
             are
             left
             to
             our
             Discretion
             ,
             which
             being
             made
             the
             subject
             of
             a
             Vow
             ,
             becomes
             plain
             Duty
             :
             To
             make
             a
             Vow
             about
             such
             a
             thing
             ,
             is
             Arbitrary
             ;
             but
             to
             keep
             it
             when
             made
             ,
             Necessary
             :
             For
             such
             Vows
             bind
             out
             Consciences
             ,
             and
             the
             keeping
             of
             them
             cannot
             be
             neglected
             without
             Sin
             :
             For
             instance
             ;
             I
             reckon
             it
             indifferent
             
               (
               i.
               e.
            
             left
             to
             the
             discretion
             of
             an
             honest
             Heart
             )
             how
             often
             we
             shall
             keep
             private
             Religious
             Fasts
             :
             But
             if
             I
             make
             a
             Vow
             that
             
             I
             'll
             keep
             one
             every
             Month
             ,
             or
             once
             every
             Quarter
             ;
             it
             ceases
             to
             be
             Indifferent
             to
             me
             ,
             and
             becomes
             my
             plain
             Duty
             ;
             from
             which
             nothing
             but
             Necessity
             can
             afford
             a
             Dispensation
             .
             It
             was
             Indifferent
             for
             Ananias
             to
             have
             sold
             or
             held
             his
             Possession
             :
             But
             when
             once
             by
             a
             Solemn
             Vow
             he
             had
             devoted
             it
             unto
             God
             ,
             the
             keeping
             back
             any
             part
             of
             the
             Price
             in
             his
             own
             hands
             ,
             was
             no
             less
             than
             Sacriledge
             .
             Some
             I
             know
             are
             too
             strait
             lac'd
             to
             assent
             to
             this
             Position
             ;
             but
             they
             'd
             find
             themselves
             hard
             put
             to
             it
             ,
             to
             assign
             any
             just
             Reason
             ,
             why
             a
             Man
             may
             not
             bind
             himself
             in
             Sacred
             as
             well
             as
             in
             Civil
             Matters
             ,
             where
             the
             Divine
             Law
             lays
             no
             Curb
             or
             Restraint
             .
             As
             for
             the
             Limitations
             that
             should
             attend
             Vows
             of
             this
             kind
             ,
             they
             may
             be
             seen
             in
             the
             Sixteenth
             Chapter
             of
             this
             Discourse
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             
               A
               Solemn
               Vow
            
             ,
             may
             and
             doth
             super-add
             a
             Force
             to
             the
             Obligation
             we
             might
             before
             be
             under
             to
             any
             thing
             as
             an
             unquestionable
             Duty
             :
             This
             the
             Romanists
             generally
             deny
             ;
             and
             Bellarmine
             particularly
             warmly
             opposes
             it
             :
             *
             It
             is
             their
             common
             Doctrine
             ,
             That
             a
             thing
             due
             and
             necessary
             ,
             cannot
             be
             the
             matter
             of
             a
             proper
             Vow
             to
             God
             :
             But
             it
             must
             always
             be
             something
             Indifferent
             
             and
             Arbitrary
             :
             But
             herein
             they
             are
             needlesly
             litigious
             :
             For
             was
             Iacobs
             Vow
             about
             a
             thing
             Indifferent
             ,
             when
             he
             Vowed
             
               The
               Lord
               should
               be
               his
               God
               ?
            
             
             Was
             it
             not
             his
             Duty
             to
             own
             and
             honour
             God
             before
             he
             made
             that
             Vow
             ?
             How
             then
             can
             their
             Doctrine
             hold
             ?
             And
             why
             may
             not
             we
             be
             several
             ways
             bound
             and
             obliged
             to
             the
             same
             thing
             ?
             A
             double
             is
             stronger
             than
             a
             single
             Cord
             ;
             and
             a
             double
             Obligation
             more
             strongly
             binds
             .
             A
             Vow
             is
             no
             more
             an
             intimation
             ,
             that
             the
             matter
             of
             it
             was
             not
             before
             a
             Duty
             ,
             but
             when
             it
             was
             so
             ,
             implies
             a
             sense
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             is
             design'd
             to
             be
             a
             spur
             to
             it
             .
             When
             I
             Vow
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             Commanded
             ,
             besides
             my
             Obligation
             to
             that
             which
             is
             the
             subject
             of
             my
             Vow
             ,
             and
             the
             matter
             of
             my
             Duty
             ,
             I
             am
             also
             under
             another
             Divine
             Obligation
             to
             keeep
             my
             Vow
             :
             And
             I
             who
             was
             before
             oblig'd
             by
             God
             ,
             do
             by
             my
             Vow
             oblige
             my self
             ;
             and
             therefore
             a
             greater
             Penalty
             will
             be
             my
             due
             ,
             if
             I
             now
             offend
             ,
             than
             before
             :
             Which
             is
             so
             consonant
             both
             to
             Reason
             and
             Scripture
             ,
             that
             it
             can't
             be
             contested
             by
             any
             who
             love
             not
             to
             strive
             about
             Words
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             
               DIVINE
               Vows
            
             are
             of
             several
             sorts
             ,
             and
             so
             are
             capable
             of
             different
             Consideration
             ;
             they
             may
             be
             much
             diversify'd
             
             by
             the
             different
             consideration
             ,
             either
             
               of
               him
               to
               whom
               they
               are
               made
               ,
            
             or
             of
             
               Us
               who
               come
               under
               them
            
             ,
             or
             of
             
               their
               matter
            
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             Circumstances
             that
             attend
             them
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             As
             for
             the
             Blessed
             God
             ,
             
               to
               whom
               Vows
               are
               made
            
             ,
             they
             may
             refer
             to
             him
             under
             several
             Notions
             :
             Either
             ,
             First
             ,
             As
             our
             Absolute
             Owner
             and
             Ruler
             and
             Chief
             Benefactor
             .
             Or
             ,
             Secondly
             ,
             As
             our
             Gracious
             Redeemer
             and
             Saviour
             from
             that
             Universal
             Ruin
             ,
             that
             was
             the
             deserved
             fruit
             and
             effect
             of
             Mans
             Revolt
             and
             Apostacy
             .
             Or
             ,
             Thirdly
             ,
             As
             either
             desir'd
             to
             be
             ,
             or
             actually
             being
             ,
             our
             Temporal
             Deliverer
             and
             Preserver
             .
             Or
             ,
             Fourthly
             ,
             As
             the
             great
             Searcher
             of
             Hearts
             ,
             Inspector
             of
             our
             Actions
             ,
             and
             Universal
             Judge
             of
             the
             World.
             Which
             Notions
             of
             him
             to
             whom
             our
             Vows
             are
             addrest
             are
             so
             very
             different
             ,
             that
             according
             as
             either
             of
             them
             is
             principally
             regarded
             ,
             they
             must
             needs
             much
             alter
             them
             ,
             in
             their
             Nature
             ,
             Intent
             ,
             Purport
             ,
             and
             Consequences
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             As
             for
             us
             ,
             
               who
               come
               under
               Vows
               to
               God
               ,
            
             we
             may
             be
             considered
             ,
             either
             as
             
               Rational
               Creatures
            
             ,
             or
             as
             Christians
             ,
             which
             makes
             a
             considerable
             difference
             :
             For
             tho'
             no
             Vows
             can
             become
             us
             under
             the
             latter
             ,
             that
             are
             any
             way
             inconsistent
             with
             the
             former
             Notion
             ;
             yet
             do
             
             those
             whereto
             the
             former
             obliges
             ,
             fall
             far
             short
             of
             what
             the
             latter
             engages
             to
             :
             Nay
             further
             ,
             as
             Christians
             ,
             we
             may
             in
             this
             case
             be
             considered
             in
             our
             several
             different
             
               Relations
               ,
               Capacities
               ,
               Stations
            
             ,
             and
             Circumstances
             ,
             which
             may
             create
             no
             small
             difference
             in
             the
             Vows
             that
             respectively
             suit
             them
             :
             Nay
             we
             may
             be
             consider'd
             either
             as
             Acting
             for
             our selves
             ,
             or
             as
             being
             bound
             by
             what
             's
             done
             by
             others
             :
             Which
             makes
             it
             necessary
             for
             us
             to
             allow
             of
             a
             Distinction
             between
             Personal
             and
             Parental
             Vows
             ;
             the
             Vows
             of
             Parents
             having
             in
             some
             cases
             as
             real
             a
             binding
             force
             on
             their
             Children
             ,
             as
             those
             wherein
             they
             actually
             engage
             themselves
             .
             As
             will
             appear
             in
             the
             Process
             of
             this
             Discourse
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             THE
             
               Matter
               of
               our
               Vows
            
             may
             be
             different
             .
             Not
             to
             multiply
             Distinctions
             ;
             that
             about
             which
             we
             go
             to
             make
             a
             Vow
             may
             be
             either
             Necessary
             or
             Arbitrary
             .
             We
             may
             either
             be
             oblig'd
             to
             it
             before
             ,
             or
             left
             to
             our
             Liberty
             ;
             which
             Liberty
             of
             ours
             we
             for
             our
             own
             Security
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             may
             be
             at
             a
             fixed
             point
             ,
             set
             Limits
             and
             Restraints
             to
             ;
             which
             in
             many
             cases
             may
             be
             expedient
             ,
             lest
             we
             err
             ,
             either
             by
             excess
             on
             the
             one
             hand
             ,
             or
             neglect
             on
             the
             other
             .
             Again
             ,
             Vows
             of
             either
             kind
             ,
             may
             be
             either
             Positive
             ,
             or
             
             
               Negative
               .
            
             ;
             according
             as
             we
             bind
             our selves
             either
             to
             the
             doing
             ,
             or
             forbearance
             of
             any
             thing
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             THE
             
               Circumstances
               that
               may
               attend
               our
               Vows
               ,
            
             may
             be
             very
             different
             ,
             by
             which
             they
             may
             be
             much
             diversify'd
             :
             'T
             would
             be
             to
             little
             purpose
             to
             mention
             the
             many
             Divisions
             into
             which
             they
             might
             be
             sorted
             on
             that
             Account
             .
             Among
             others
             ,
             they
             may
             make
             them
             either
             Absolute
             or
             
               Conditional
               ;
               Private
            
             or
             
               Solemn
               ;
               Stated
            
             or
             
               Occasional
               ;
               Temporary
            
             or
             Perpetual
             ;
             the
             difference
             whereof
             I
             need
             not
             explain
             :
             But
             there
             is
             one
             Division
             arising
             hence
             ,
             which
             is
             into
             Virtual
             and
             Explicit
             ,
             that
             needs
             a
             Remark
             .
             For
             a
             Vow
             may
             be
             impli'd
             where
             't
             is
             not
             positively
             exprest
             ;
             it
             may
             be
             intimated
             by
             attendant
             Actions
             ,
             where
             't
             is
             not
             expresly
             specifi'd
             .
             It
             was
             so
             heretofore
             in
             Circumcision
             .
             That
             Rite
             ,
             contained
             in
             it
             a
             
               Virtual
               Vow
            
             of
             keeping
             the
             whole
             
               Mosaick
               Law
            
             ;
             and
             it
             may
             be
             so
             in
             other
             cases
             .
             But
             generally
             Speaking
             the
             more
             express
             and
             particular
             we
             are
             in
             matters
             of
             this
             Nature
             ,
             the
             clearer
             is
             our
             procedure
             ,
             and
             the
             less
             danger
             is
             there
             of
             Mistakes
             or
             Failures
             ,
             and
             the
             greater
             is
             the
             Awe
             that
             is
             likely
             to
             be
             thereby
             imprest
             .
          
           
             BUT
             waving
             the
             many
             sortments
             
             into
             which
             Divine
             Vows
             may
             be
             rank'd
             :
             'T
             is
             my
             design
             in
             the
             ensuing
             Discourse
             ;
             First
             ,
             Lightly
             to
             touch
             on
             the
             
               General
               Vow
            
             ,
             whereby
             we
             devote
             our Selves
             and
             our
             All
             to
             the
             Great
             God
             ,
             as
             our
             Absolute
             Owner
             and
             Proprietor
             ,
             which
             all
             Rational
             Creatures
             ,
             as
             such
             ,
             are
             obliged
             to
             do
             :
             And
             then
             to
             proceed
             to
             the
             Consideration
             of
             the
             
               Sacramental
               Vows
            
             of
             Christians
             (
             which
             I
             principally
             had
             in
             my
             Eye
             in
             this
             Undertaking
             )
             whereby
             they
             are
             engag'd
             to
             an
             Hearty
             ,
             Constant
             Devotedness
             to
             God
             the
             Father
             ,
             the
             Son
             ,
             and
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ;
             which
             Vows
             ,
             with
             their
             attendant
             Solemnities
             ,
             I
             shall
             distinctly
             open
             ,
             and
             endeavour
             to
             inforce
             ;
             doing
             my
             utmost
             to
             help
             my
             Readers
             ,
             rightly
             to
             understand
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             engage
             them
             faithfully
             to
             pay
             them
             .
             Whereto
             I
             shall
             subjoyn
             some
             brief
             Remarks
             on
             
               Particular
               Vows
            
             ;
             shewing
             how
             they
             must
             be
             limited
             that
             they
             may
             be
             Warrantable
             ;
             and
             in
             what
             cases
             they
             may
             be
             dispens'd
             with
             .
             To
             which
             an
             Account
             of
             
               Sick-Bed
               Vows
            
             ,
             or
             such
             as
             are
             made
             in
             the
             time
             of
             Distress
             ,
             together
             with
             a
             Sense
             of
             them
             that
             should
             be
             afterwards
             retain'd
             ,
             being
             added
             ;
             I
             think
             I
             shall
             have
             taken
             in
             all
             that
             is
             most
             Needful
             and
             Useful
             ,
             wherewith
             
             this
             Subject
             of
             Vows
             could
             furnish
             me
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               
                 General
                 Vow
              
               ,
               whereby
               all
               that
               we
               are
               and
               have
               ,
               is
               sincerely
               Devoted
               to
               God
               ,
               as
               our
               Absolute
               Owner
               and
               Proprietor
               .
            
          
           
             AMONG
             the
             several
             sorts
             of
             Vows
             ,
             whereby
             we
             are
             capable
             of
             binding
             our selves
             to
             the
             Blessed
             God
             ;
             that
             which
             first
             offers
             it self
             to
             our
             consideration
             ,
             is
             a
             General
             or
             Universal
             One
             ;
             whereby
             we
             ,
             with
             a
             Sincere
             and
             Hearty
             Affection
             ,
             Consecrate
             to
             him
             ourselves
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             we
             are
             and
             have
             :
             Humbly
             Submitting
             all
             to
             his
             Will
             ,
             and
             freely
             leaving
             it
             to
             him
             ,
             to
             do
             with
             us
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             's
             ours
             ,
             as
             he
             sees
             good
             .
             Whereon
             I
             make
             the
             ensuing
             Observations
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             A
             VOW
             of
             this
             sort
             all
             Rational
             Creatures
             are
             obliged
             to
             make
             .
             The
             Great
             God
             is
             our
             Maker
             ,
             and
             constant
             Maintainer
             ;
             the
             Owner
             and
             Donour
             of
             all
             we
             enjoy
             any
             delight
             or
             comfort
             in
             ,
             or
             have
             any
             help
             and
             succour
             from
             ,
             and
             therefore
             hath
             an
             indisputable
             right
             to
             do
             what
             he
             pleases
             with
             all
             .
             He
             retains
             the
             Propriety
             even
             where
             he
             gives
             us
             
             the
             fullest
             Possession
             and
             freest
             Use
             ;
             and
             certainly
             may
             do
             what
             he
             will
             with
             his
             own
             :
             The
             Acknowledgement
             of
             this
             his
             Right
             ,
             is
             our
             unquestionable
             Duty
             :
             Which
             Acknowledgment
             can
             no
             way
             be
             so
             well
             made
             as
             by
             a
             Vow
             of
             this
             Nature
             .
             The
             Duty
             of
             Prayer
             indeed
             eyes
             God
             under
             the
             Notion
             of
             our
             Absolute
             Proprietor
             ,
             and
             carries
             in
             it
             an
             Acknowledgment
             of
             this
             Right
             of
             his
             ;
             but
             not
             with
             that
             Engagement
             of
             a
             Return
             of
             suitable
             Duty
             that
             is
             imply'd
             in
             such
             a
             Vow
             ;
             which
             Engagement
             ,
             is
             that
             which
             a
             due
             sence
             of
             Gods
             Right
             most
             naturally
             calls
             for
             ,
             and
             necessarily
             demands
             .
             Would
             I
             here
             give
             my self
             scope
             (
             which
             my
             design'd
             brevity
             allows
             not
             )
             I
             could
             cite
             sundry
             Passages
             out
             of
             Heathen
             Writers
             *
             looking
             this
             way
             ,
             that
             might
             convince
             Multitudes
             of
             Christians
             of
             a
             Shameful
             Neglect
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             THIS
             Vow
             must
             be
             made
             Absolutely
             .
             We
             must
             not
             pretend
             to
             add
             any
             Limits
             ,
             Clogs
             ,
             or
             Conditions
             .
             But
             whatever
             comes
             ,
             whatever
             we
             want
             ,
             or
             however
             we
             in
             any
             respect
             are
             dealt
             withal
             ,
             we
             must
             engage
             to
             Acquiesce
             in
             the
             Will
             of
             God
             ;
             we
             must
             heartily
             give
             up
             ourSelves
             and
             our
             all
             to
             him
             ,
             without
             any
             Restrictions
             .
             This
             Vow
             indeed
             when
             
             made
             by
             Iacob
             ,
             seems
             to
             have
             a
             limitation
             annext
             to
             it
             ;
             for
             we
             are
             told
             ,
             That
             Jacob
             
               Vowed
               a
               Vow
               ,
               saying
               ,
               if
               God
               will
               be
               with
               me
               ,
               and
               will
               keep
               me
               in
               this
               way
               that
               I
            
             
             
               go
               ,
               and
               will
               give
               me
               bread
               to
               Eat
               ,
               and
               Rayment
               to
               put
               on
               ,
               so
               that
               I
               come
               again
               to
               my
               Fathers
               house
               in
               Peace
               :
               then
               shall
               the
               Lord
               be
               my
               God.
            
             Then
             will
             I
             take
             him
             for
             my
             Portion
             ,
             and
             give
             up
             my self
             and
             my
             all
             to
             him
             .
             Some
             may
             be
             apt
             to
             take
             this
             restrainedly
             ;
             as
             if
             Iacob
             meant
             ,
             that
             unless
             God
             did
             so
             and
             so
             by
             him
             ,
             he
             would
             not
             stand
             engag'd
             :
             But
             't
             is
             no
             such
             matter
             ,
             he
             makes
             no
             such
             terms
             :
             For
             it
             may
             be
             observ'd
             ,
             That
             God
             ,
             in
             the
             15th
             verse
             of
             this
             Chapter
             ,
             had
             made
             Iacob
             a
             Promise
             of
             that
             of
             which
             he
             in
             this
             Vow
             of
             his
             intimates
             his
             desire
             :
             Being
             therefore
             assured
             God
             would
             deal
             so
             Mercifully
             with
             him
             ,
             he
             engages
             himself
             anew
             ,
             to
             that
             to
             which
             he
             was
             before
             oblig'd
             ,
             from
             the
             consideration
             of
             this
             his
             design'd
             and
             assured
             Kindness
             .
             And
             tho'
             we
             read
             it
             IF
             
               God
               will
               be
               with
               me
               ,
               and
               keep
               me
               ,
            
             &c.
             yet
             we
             might
             as
             well
             turn
             it
             ,
             SEEING
             
               God
               will
               be
               with
               me
               and
               do
               so
               and
               so
               to
               me
            
             ;
             I
             am
             therefore
             the
             more
             obliged
             to
             give
             up
             my self
             to
             him
             ,
             which
             Obligation
             ,
             I
             'll
             carefully
             endeavour
             to
             Answer
             .
             So
             that
             there
             remains
             not
             
             the
             least
             shadow
             of
             a
             Limitation
             or
             Condition
             in
             Iacobs
             Vow
             ;
             nor
             should
             there
             in
             any
             Vows
             of
             ours
             of
             the
             same
             Nature
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             THIS
             Vow
             is
             seldom
             heartily
             made
             by
             any
             ,
             till
             some
             Awakening
             Providence
             produces
             a
             lively
             Convictiof
             their
             entire
             Dependance
             on
             the
             Almighty
             .
             I
             say
             ,
             seldom
             ,
             not
             never
             ;
             by
             reason
             there
             are
             Extraordinary
             Persons
             and
             Cases
             ;
             but
             I
             am
             satisfied
             they
             are
             not
             often
             to
             be
             met
             with
             .
             We
             hear
             not
             of
             Iacobs
             making
             such
             a
             Vow
             while
             he
             was
             at
             home
             ,
             in
             his
             Fathers
             House
             ,
             and
             in
             his
             Mothers
             Arms
             ;
             while
             he
             lived
             there
             free
             from
             Cares
             and
             Fears
             ;
             but
             when
             he
             was
             forc'd
             to
             flye
             to
             save
             his
             Life
             ,
             and
             put
             to
             shift
             for
             himself
             in
             the
             wide
             World
             ,
             he
             then
             seriously
             reflects
             upon
             his
             absolute
             Dependence
             on
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             need
             he
             stood
             in
             of
             his
             Protection
             and
             Care
             ,
             which
             put
             him
             upon
             making
             the
             Vow
             before
             mentioned
             :
             And
             I
             verily
             believe
             ,
             There
             are
             few
             that
             seriously
             and
             in
             earnest
             make
             the
             like
             Vow
             ,
             that
             are
             not
             by
             some
             Trouble
             ,
             Distress
             ,
             or
             Difficulty
             ,
             convinc'd
             of
             the
             Necessity
             of
             it
             :
             Which
             is
             a
             sad
             instance
             of
             the
             prevailing
             disingenuity
             of
             Humane
             Nature
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             When
             such
             a
             Vow
             is
             once
             Seriously
             
             made
             ,
             it
             must
             needs
             much
             influence
             the
             after
             Life
             .
             It
             may
             be
             made
             from
             the
             Teeth
             outward
             ,
             and
             produce
             no
             considerable
             Effects
             :
             But
             where
             this
             Affair
             is
             manag'd
             with
             any
             degree
             of
             that
             Seriousness
             that
             suits
             a
             matter
             of
             such
             Importance
             ;
             it
             cannot
             but
             command
             the
             stated
             Temper
             and
             Carriage
             .
             Those
             that
             were
             in
             earnest
             when
             they
             made
             such
             a
             Vow
             ,
             must
             necessarily
             be
             Contented
             and
             Patient
             ,
             Submissive
             and
             Resigned
             to
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ;
             without
             giving
             way
             to
             Fretting
             ,
             Murmuring
             ,
             or
             Repining
             ;
             Careful
             to
             employ
             all
             for
             God
             which
             they
             have
             Devoted
             to
             him
             ;
             and
             often
             mindful
             of
             their
             future
             Account
             .
             Allowance
             must
             indeed
             be
             made
             for
             that
             mixture
             of
             Corruption
             ,
             and
             those
             Weaknesses
             ,
             Failures
             and
             Defects
             ,
             that
             are
             observable
             in
             the
             best
             :
             But
             thus
             it
             must
             be
             with
             them
             in
             a
             prevailing
             degree
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             A
             Due
             sense
             of
             such
             a
             Vow
             ,
             lays
             a
             Foundation
             for
             a
             Solid
             Peace
             ,
             in
             all
             estates
             and
             conditions
             of
             Life
             .
             What
             can
             disturb
             those
             that
             thus
             Stay
             themselves
             on
             God
             ;
             and
             are
             bent
             and
             determin'd
             to
             acquiesce
             in
             his
             Pleasure
             ?
             They
             have
             put
             themselves
             in
             his
             hands
             ,
             and
             so
             are
             out
             of
             the
             reach
             of
             many
             of
             those
             things
             that
             are
             most
             apt
             to
             Ruffle
             
             and
             Shatter
             us
             .
             They
             lye
             at
             Anchor
             and
             are
             Safe
             ,
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             the
             greatest
             Storms
             and
             Tempests
             .
             They
             have
             a
             Refuge
             at
             hand
             in
             the
             Greatest
             Troubles
             ,
             whither
             they
             may
             flye
             and
             be
             Secure
             .
             While
             they
             can
             keep
             their
             hold
             of
             him
             to
             whom
             they
             have
             Devoted
             themselves
             and
             their
             all
             ,
             they
             need
             never
             be
             at
             a
             loss
             ;
             they
             can
             have
             no
             just
             occasion
             for
             Tormenting
             Anxiety
             ,
             or
             Sinking
             Fears
             .
          
           
             6thly
             and
             Lastly
             ,
             THIS
             Vow
             may
             and
             should
             be
             repeated
             ,
             upon
             certain
             Occasions
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             our
             Excitation
             ,
             Confirmation
             and
             Support
             .
             Suppose
             we
             meet
             with
             any
             Uncommon
             Troubles
             ;
             are
             Exercised
             with
             variety
             of
             Tryals
             successively
             ;
             are
             under
             a
             complicated
             Affliction
             ,
             that
             hath
             been
             Long
             and
             Burdensome
             ;
             or
             in
             any
             other
             cases
             that
             need
             not
             be
             Specifi'd
             ,
             when
             we
             find
             our
             Faith
             weakned
             ;
             our
             Patience
             almost
             tir'd
             ,
             and
             our
             Hope
             sinking
             (
             which
             hath
             been
             the
             case
             of
             many
             of
             Gods
             Dearest
             and
             most
             Faithful
             Servants
             )
             we
             should
             do
             well
             to
             renew
             this
             Vow
             ,
             and
             that
             with
             all
             the
             Seriousness
             and
             Solemnity
             we
             are
             able
             ;
             which
             would
             be
             as
             likely
             a
             means
             as
             any
             to
             Excite
             our
             Languishing
             Vigour
             ,
             Confirm
             our
             Faith
             ,
             Support
             our
             Hope
             ,
             and
             
             help
             us
             to
             that
             Comfort
             ,
             which
             none
             can
             have
             such
             just
             grounds
             to
             expect
             ,
             as
             those
             who
             are
             the
             Faithful
             Devoted
             Ones
             ,
             of
             the
             Lord
             most
             High.
             
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               Sacramental
               VOWS
               .
            
          
           
             VOWS
             of
             all
             sorts
             are
             Sacred
             and
             Awful
             Things
             ,
             but
             none
             so
             Tremenduous
             ,
             as
             those
             which
             are
             attended
             with
             
               Sacramental
               Solemnities
            
             ;
             in
             which
             ,
             both
             Gods
             Promises
             ,
             and
             Mans
             Purposes
             ,
             are
             by
             sensible
             signs
             and
             external
             actions
             ,
             Represented
             ,
             Ratified
             and
             Establisht
             :
             We
             had
             need
             therefore
             take
             care
             rightly
             to
             understand
             them
             ,
             because
             our
             Lives
             are
             to
             be
             constantly
             Govern'd
             by
             them
             .
          
           
             THE
             Christian
             Vow
             
               (
               i.
               e.
            
             The
             Vow
             which
             our
             Holy
             Profession
             ,
             as
             such
             ,
             engages
             us
             in
             )
             is
             of
             all
             others
             the
             most
             Weighty
             and
             Important
             ,
             the
             most
             Sacred
             and
             Inviolable
             :
             'T
             is
             that
             wherein
             all
             ,
             both
             Young
             and
             Old
             ,
             that
             name
             the
             Name
             of
             Christ
             ,
             are
             most
             nearly
             concern'd
             ;
             no
             less
             a
             matter
             than
             the
             Life
             or
             Death
             of
             their
             Immortal
             Souls
             ,
             depending
             on
             the
             faithful
             keeping
             ,
             
             or
             perfidious
             breaking
             of
             it
             :
             Which
             consideration
             ,
             should
             methinks
             ,
             command
             a
             Serious
             Regard
             to
             what
             is
             laid
             down
             in
             order
             to
             its
             Explication
             ,
             from
             all
             that
             are
             not
             utterly
             Stupid
             and
             Sensless
             .
          
           
             THAT
             I
             may
             be
             as
             Clear
             and
             Distinct
             as
             I
             can
             ,
             I
             'll
             First
             ,
             Consider
             
               Sacramental
               Vows
            
             more
             generally
             ;
             and
             then
             ,
             Secondly
             ,
             Consider
             the
             
               Christian
               Vow
            
             ,
             as
             made
             in
             each
             of
             the
             Instituted
             Sacraments
             ,
             more
             particularly
             .
          
           
             WHAT
             is
             most
             needful
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             the
             opening
             the
             general
             nature
             of
             
               Sacramental
               Vows
            
             ,
             is
             comprehended
             in
             the
             following
             Propositions
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             VOWS
             have
             ever
             been
             an
             Essentlal
             part
             of
             Covenant
             Transactions
             between
             God
             and
             Man.
             It
             hath
             pleas'd
             the
             Great
             God
             ,
             whose
             Right
             to
             Command
             us
             is
             Absolute
             and
             Uncontroulable
             ,
             so
             far
             to
             Condescend
             ,
             as
             to
             Treat
             with
             Man
             in
             a
             Covenant
             Way
             :
             That
             is
             to
             say
             ,
             He
             doth
             not
             meerly
             exert
             his
             Authority
             in
             Commanding
             ,
             but
             hath
             pitcht
             on
             a
             way
             of
             Mutual
             Agreement
             .
             His
             Language
             to
             us
             might
             have
             been
             of
             this
             Nature
             ;
             
               Do
               this
               and
               that
               ,
               and
               whatever
               I
               think
               fit
               to
               enjoyn
               ,
               upon
               pain
               of
               my
               utmost
               Displeasure
               ;
               Do
               it
               ,
               or
               I
               'll
               severely
               punish
               you
               ;
               Do
               it
               ,
               or
               I
               'll
               come
               forth
               
               in
               an
               Hostile
               manner
               ,
               and
               Fight
               against
               you
               till
               I
               have
               quite
               Consum'd
               you
               ;
               Do
               what
               I
               require
               ,
               or
               expect
               the
               Severest
               Treatment
               that
               's
               possible
               from
               an
               Angry
               God
            
             ;
             and
             so
             he
             might
             have
             exacted
             Duty
             of
             us
             ,
             upon
             a
             Terrible
             Penalty
             Threatned
             ,
             without
             any
             Promise
             annexed
             .
             But
             he
             delights
             not
             in
             acting
             upon
             meer
             Prerogative
             ;
             and
             hath
             therefore
             tempered
             his
             Authority
             and
             Soveraignty
             with
             great
             Sweetness
             and
             Beneficence
             ;
             still
             treating
             with
             us
             upon
             Gracious
             Terms
             .
             
               Do
               you
            
             (
             says
             he
             to
             us
             )
             
               thus
               and
               thus
               ;
               and
               such
               and
               such
               shall
               be
               my
               Carriage
               ;
               be
               you
               careful
               of
               your
               Duty
               ,
               and
               I
               'll
               afford
               you
               my
               Favour
               ;
               and
               give
               you
               this
               and
               that
               ,
               and
               the
               other
               mark
               of
               it
               .
               Behold
               ,
            
             says
             God
             to
             us
             ,
             
               I
               am
               ready
               to
               Bless
               you
               :
               But
               as
               ever
               you
               expect
               I
               should
               do
               it
               ,
               I
               expect
               you
               should
               do
               what
               I
               command
               you
               .
            
             This
             is
             a
             Covenant
             Form
             of
             Dealing
             ;
             in
             which
             there
             are
             suppos'd
             to
             be
             Blessings
             Promis'd
             on
             Gods
             part
             ,
             and
             Duties
             required
             on
             ours
             ;
             which
             Duties
             are
             pre-requir'd
             to
             the
             actual
             Enjoyment
             of
             the
             Blessings
             promis'd
             .
             When
             a
             Covenant
             therefore
             is
             enter'd
             into
             between
             God
             and
             Man
             ,
             as
             there
             is
             a
             Stipulation
             on
             Gods
             part
             of
             the
             Blessings
             promis'd
             ;
             so
             is
             there
             suppos'd
             to
             be
             a
             Vow
             on
             Mans
             part
             ,
             of
             the
             Duty
             
             requir'd
             :
             And
             this
             Vowing
             is
             an
             Essential
             part
             of
             every
             such
             Covenant
             .
             'T
             is
             the
             end
             of
             every
             Covenant
             to
             bring
             us
             nearer
             to
             God
             ;
             't
             is
             in
             order
             to
             it
             that
             he
             makes
             us
             such
             Promises
             :
             Now
             a
             Serious
             and
             Sincere
             Vow
             on
             our
             part
             ,
             is
             the
             Band.
             T
             is
             that
             properly
             that
             binds
             us
             to
             God
             ;
             and
             consequently
             engages
             him
             to
             make
             good
             his
             general
             Promises
             to
             us
             in
             Particular
             .
          
           
             WE
             may
             observe
             therefore
             a
             Vow
             in
             all
             Covenants
             between
             God
             and
             Man.
             Thus
             we
             find
             God
             entring
             into
             Covenant
             with
             Abraham
             .
             Gen.
             17.
             
             
               I
               will
               make
               my
               Covenant
               between
               me
               and
               thee
               ,
            
             says
             God
             to
             him
             .
             verse
             2.
             
             The
             particular
             Promises
             of
             this
             Covenant
             on
             Gods
             part
             ,
             you
             have
             verse
             6
             ,
             7
             ,
             8.
             
             
               I
               will
               make
               thee
               exceeding
               fruitful
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               esta
               lish
               my
               Covenant
               between
               me
               and
               thee
               ,
               and
               thy
               Seed
               after
               thee
               ,
               in
               their
               Generations
               ,
               for
               an
               Everlasting
               Covenant
               ,
               to
               be
               a
               God
               unto
               thee
               ,
               and
               to
               thy
               Seed
               after
               thee
               :
               And
               I
               will
               give
               unto
               thee
               ,
               and
               to
               thy
               Seed
               after
               thee
               ,
               the
               Land
               of
            
             Canaan
             .
             This
             was
             it
             ,
             that
             God
             engag'd
             to
             :
             Now
             there
             must
             further
             be
             something
             requir'd
             by
             God
             to
             be
             engag'd
             to
             on
             
             Abraham's
             part
             ,
             or
             else
             't
             would
             be
             a
             meer
             Promise
             ,
             and
             not
             a
             Covenant
             .
             What
             
             that
             was
             ,
             we
             see
             
               verse
               10.
               
               This
               is
               my
               Covenant
               which
               ye
               shall
               keep
               between
               me
               and
               you
               ,
               and
               thy
               Seed
               after
               thee
               ,
               every
               Man-Child
               among
               you
               shall
               be
               Circumcised
               .
            
             This
             God
             makes
             Abrams
             Duty
             ,
             as
             ever
             he
             expected
             he
             should
             make
             good
             his
             Word
             and
             fulfil
             his
             Promises
             .
             This
             therefore
             Abraham
             in
             entring
             into
             Covenant
             with
             God
             ,
             Solemnly
             Vow'd
             ;
             and
             he
             kept
             his
             Vow
             ;
             for
             that
             very
             day
             he
             Circumcis'd
             all
             the
             Males
             in
             his
             Family
             ;
             and
             he
             left
             it
             as
             as
             his
             Command
             to
             his
             Posterity
             in
             all
             Successive
             Generations
             ,
             to
             Circumcise
             their
             Children
             when
             they
             were
             Eight
             Days
             old
             ;
             which
             they
             punctually
             obey'd
             .
             So
             also
             afterwards
             ,
             when
             God
             enter'd
             into
             a
             National
             Covenant
             with
             the
             wholeBody
             of
             the
             Israelites
             ,
             as
             he
             did
             at
             
               Mount
               Sinai
            
             :
             He
             ,
             First
             ,
             Lays
             before
             them
             their
             duty
             with
             reference
             to
             Morals
             ,
             Exod.
             20.
             
             And
             as
             to
             Judicial
             and
             Ceremonial
             Matters
             :
             Chap.
             21
             ,
             22.
             and
             part
             of
             the
             23.
             
             And
             so
             gives
             them
             a
             full
             and
             particular
             account
             of
             what
             he
             expected
             from
             them
             :
             And
             then
             he
             proceeds
             to
             tell
             them
             ,
             what
             he
             would
             do
             for
             them
             ;
             and
             makes
             them
             a
             great
             many
             Promises
             of
             Peculiar
             Kindness
             ;
             from
             verse
             23
             ,
             of
             Chap.
             23
             ,
             to
             the
             end
             .
             He
             engages
             ,
             if
             they
             would
             be
             
             Obedient
             ,
             to
             guide
             them
             in
             their
             Way
             ,
             to
             drive
             out
             their
             Enemies
             before
             them
             ,
             to
             bring
             them
             safe
             into
             the
             Land
             promis'd
             to
             their
             Fathers
             ,
             and
             there
             Preserve
             and
             Bless
             them
             .
             This
             being
             done
             ,
             the
             actual
             Covenanting
             follows
             .
             Chap.
             24.
             7
             ,
             8.
             
             Consisting
             of
             a
             Solemn
             Vow
             on
             the
             part
             of
             all
             the
             People
             ,
             and
             a
             confirming
             Rite
             on
             
             Moses's
             part
             ,
             as
             Gods
             Representative
             .
             
               And
               he
               took
            
             (
             says
             the
             Text
             )
             
               the
               Book
               of
               the
               Covenant
               (
               i.
               e.
            
             the
             Law
             forementioned
             ,
             the
             matter
             of
             of
             the
             Covenant
             they
             were
             entring
             into
             )
             
               and
               read
               in
               the
               Audience
               of
               the
               People
               :
               And
               they
               said
               ,
               All
               that
               the
               Lord
               hath
               said
               will
               we
               do
               ,
               and
               be
               Obedient
               .
            
             Here
             we
             see
             all
             the
             People
             ,
             as
             one
             Man
             ,
             expresly
             Vowing
             Obedience
             to
             the
             whole
             Law.
             And
             then
             (
             it
             follows
             )
             Moses
             
               took
               the
               Blood
               and
               Sprinkled
               it
               on
               the
               People
               ,
               and
               said
               ,
               Behold
               the
               Blood
               of
               the
               Covenant
               ,
               which
               the
               Lord
               hath
               made
               with
               you
               ,
               concerning
               all
               these
               words
               .
            
             They
             having
             first
             by
             a
             Solemn
             Vow
             ,
             bound
             themselves
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             Obedience
             to
             him
             ,
             Moses
             by
             Gods
             command
             ,
             uses
             the
             External
             Sign
             of
             Sprinkling
             Blood
             ,
             to
             show
             that
             God
             lookt
             on
             his
             Promises
             as
             binding
             upon
             him
             .
          
           
             Now
             under
             the
             New
             Testament
             ,
             there
             are
             two
             Foederal
             Transactions
             
             between
             God
             and
             us
             .
             Instituted
             as
             Ordinances
             in
             the
             Christian
             Church
             ,
             to
             which
             we
             commonly
             give
             the
             Name
             of
             Sacraments
             ;
             in
             both
             which
             ,
             we
             may
             observe
             the
             same
             Procedure
             .
             Both
             are
             on
             Gods
             part
             seals
             of
             the
             Blessings
             of
             the
             Covenant
             of
             Grace
             ;
             and
             on
             Man's
             part
             Engagements
             to
             all
             the
             Duties
             of
             that
             Covenant
             .
             As
             Gods
             part
             lies
             in
             Promises
             ,
             and
             their
             Ratifications
             and
             Assuring
             Pledges
             ;
             so
             doth
             Man's
             in
             Vows
             ,
             and
             their
             Confirming
             Rites
             .
             God
             engages
             to
             be
             our
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             carry
             it
             to
             us
             like
             a
             God
             :
             We
             Vow
             to
             be
             his
             People
             ,
             and
             to
             carry
             it
             to
             him
             like
             his
             People
             .
             God
             engages
             to
             make
             good
             his
             Promises
             not
             only
             in
             the
             general
             ,
             but
             to
             those
             Persons
             in
             Particular
             ,
             who
             seriously
             enter
             into
             Covenant
             with
             him
             :
             Man
             is
             thereby
             bound
             and
             engag'd
             to
             all
             Prescribed
             Duty
             ,
             not
             only
             in
             general
             and
             in
             common
             with
             others
             ,
             but
             Particularly
             and
             by
             Name
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             Christian
             Vow
             ,
             in
             both
             the
             Sacraments
             of
             the
             New
             Testament
             ,
             hath
             a
             particular
             Relation
             to
             God
             the
             
               Father
               ,
               the
               Son
            
             ,
             and
             the
             
               Holy
               Ghost
            
             ,
             according
             to
             their
             distinct
             Agency
             in
             the
             great
             Work
             of
             our
             Redemption
             and
             Salvation
             .
             Each
             Person
             in
             the
             Sacred
             Trinity
             ,
             hath
             an
             hand
             in
             Saving
             Man
             :
             The
             
             work
             of
             each
             is
             distinct
             ;
             and
             therefore
             the
             Duty
             to
             each
             is
             distinct
             ;
             and
             consequently
             the
             Christian
             Vow
             ,
             must
             besides
             what
             is
             owing
             to
             the
             Great
             God
             in
             common
             ,
             contain
             an
             Engagement
             to
             the
             special
             Duties
             owing
             to
             each
             Person
             .
          
           
             TO
             the
             Father
             we
             find
             in
             Scripture
             ,
             the
             Honour
             is
             peculiarly
             Ascrib'd
             ,
             of
             being
             the
             Contriver
             of
             the
             Method
             of
             our
             Salvation
             .
             'T
             was
             He
             whose
             Love
             to
             us
             was
             such
             ,
             as
             to
             move
             him
             to
             send
             his
             Son
             to
             Redeem
             us
             ,
             and
             his
             Spirit
             to
             Sanctify
             us
             .
             'T
             was
             He
             that
             sent
             his
             Son
             in
             our
             Nature
             ,
             to
             Dye
             a
             Sacrifice
             ,
             and
             make
             Expiation
             for
             Sin
             ;
             and
             't
             is
             He
             that
             sends
             his
             Spirit
             to
             apply
             and
             convey
             the
             Benefits
             Merited
             by
             the
             Oblation
             of
             that
             Sacrifice
             .
             'T
             was
             the
             Father
             that
             Invested
             Christ
             the
             Mediator
             with
             his
             Authority
             and
             Power
             :
             'T
             is
             on
             the
             Father
             (
             as
             maintaining
             the
             Rights
             of
             the
             whole
             Deity
             )
             Man's
             Apostacy
             is
             Represented
             as
             peculiarly
             Reflecting
             :
             And
             't
             is
             He
             who
             thro'
             his
             Son
             ,
             offers
             to
             be
             Reconcil'd
             to
             a
             Rebellious
             World.
             He
             is
             the
             Father
             of
             our
             Lord
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             and
             in
             and
             thro'
             him
             ,
             Ready
             to
             be
             our
             Father
             .
             'T
             is
             back
             again
             to
             him
             that
             Christ
             Dy'd
             to
             bring
             us
             ;
             He
             is
             therefore
             to
             be
             regarded
             as
             our
             Ultimate
             End.
             
          
           
           
             ACCORDINGLY
             ;
             that
             part
             of
             the
             Christian
             Vow
             ,
             which
             relates
             to
             God
             the
             Father
             ,
             is
             this
             :
             Admiring
             his
             Matehless
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             Adoring
             his
             Unfathomable
             Love
             ,
             to
             give
             up
             our selves
             to
             him
             anew
             ,
             with
             hearty
             Sorrow
             that
             ever
             we
             should
             have
             Revolted
             from
             him
             :
             To
             take
             him
             for
             our
             Father
             thro'
             Christ
             ,
             engaging
             to
             carry
             it
             like
             Children
             to
             him
             ;
             with
             a
             Child-like
             Love
             to
             him
             ,
             Reverential
             Fear
             and
             Worship
             of
             him
             ,
             Delight
             ,
             Trust
             ,
             and
             Confidence
             in
             him
             ,
             Hearty
             D●…dence
             on
             him
             ,
             and
             Obedience
             to
             ●…im
             :
             to
             make
             his
             Glory
             our
             utmost
             Aim
             ,
             and
             expect
             our
             Final
             Happiness
             in
             him
             alone
             .
          
           
             AS
             for
             the
             Son
             ,
             He
             is
             represented
             as
             the
             Worker
             out
             of
             our
             Redemption
             :
             'T
             was
             he
             who
             Purchas'd
             our
             Pardon
             ,
             and
             paid
             the
             price
             of
             our
             Peace
             .
             He
             is
             the
             Fathers
             Prime
             Messenger
             to
             this
             Lower
             World
             ;
             the
             Great
             Prophet
             of
             the
             Church
             ;
             sent
             on
             purpose
             to
             Reveal
             Gods
             Mind
             and
             Will
             to
             Men
             ,
             and
             instruct
             them
             in
             the
             way
             to
             Heaven
             .
             He
             was
             constituted
             the
             Great
             High
             Priest
             ,
             to
             make
             Atonement
             ,
             Satisfie
             Offended
             Justice
             ,
             and
             Salve
             the
             Injur'd
             Rights
             of
             the
             Divine
             Government
             ;
             to
             Expiate
             Sin
             ,
             by
             Offering
             an
             Acceptable
             Sacrifice
             ,
             
             and
             to
             Interceed
             with
             the
             Blood
             of
             it
             within
             the
             Veil
             ,
             in
             the
             Holy
             of
             Holies
             ,
             in
             the
             Heavenly
             Tabernacle
             .
             Him
             hath
             God
             set
             as
             his
             King
             on
             Zion
             ;
             and
             to
             him
             is
             every
             knee
             to
             Bow
             ,
             and
             him
             are
             all
             to
             Honour
             ,
             even
             as
             they
             do
             the
             Father
             :
             For
             he
             hath
             put
             all
             Power
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             into
             his
             Hands
             :
             'T
             is
             on
             his
             Shoulders
             the
             Divine
             Government
             lies
             ;
             and
             to
             him
             it
             belongs
             to
             give
             Laws
             to
             his
             Church
             .
             He
             was
             a
             walking
             Mirrour
             of
             Divinity
             in
             this
             Lower
             World
             ,
             being
             Emanuel
             ,
             God
             with
             us
             ;
             a
             compleat
             Pattern
             of
             the
             Perfection
             of
             Holyness
             .
             He
             is
             the
             Captain
             of
             our
             Salvation
             ;
             the
             Skilful
             Physician
             of
             Souls
             ;
             the
             Light
             of
             the
             World
             ;
             the
             way
             to
             the
             Father
             ,
             and
             the
             Lord
             of
             Life
             :
             And
             he
             will
             come
             again
             at
             last
             ,
             to
             raise
             us
             from
             Death
             ,
             and
             Judge
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             Justifie
             his
             Saints
             ,
             and
             bring
             them
             to
             Eternal
             Glory
             ,
             and
             cast
             the
             Wicked
             into
             utter
             Misery
             .
          
           
             AND
             accordingly
             that
             part
             of
             the
             Christians
             Sacramental
             Vows
             that
             relates
             to
             
               God
               the
               Son
            
             ,
             is
             this
             :
             Admiring
             his
             Amazing
             Condescention
             and
             Matchless
             Love
             ,
             in
             taking
             our
             Nature
             upon
             him
             ,
             with
             its
             many
             Infirmities
             ,
             and
             therein
             doing
             ,
             undergoing
             ,
             and
             Suffering
             
             so
             much
             for
             our
             sakes
             ;
             to
             Consecrate
             our selves
             to
             him
             ;
             firmly
             Resolving
             (
             with
             Divine
             Assistance
             )
             that
             we
             will
             not
             live
             unto
             our selves
             ,
             but
             to
             him
             who
             Dy'd
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             Rose
             again
             .
             'T
             is
             an
             hearty
             taking
             him
             for
             our
             Saviour
             ;
             closing
             in
             with
             all
             the
             parts
             of
             his
             Saving
             Office.
             An
             engagement
             readily
             to
             hearken
             to
             his
             Voice
             ,
             by
             whom
             God
             who
             in
             times
             past
             ,
             spake
             to
             the
             Fathers
             by
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             hath
             in
             these
             last
             days
             spoken
             to
             us
             .
             To
             Credit
             all
             his
             Reports
             ;
             and
             Trust
             in
             all
             his
             Promises
             ;
             to
             depend
             solely
             on
             his
             Atonement
             for
             Pardon
             and
             Divine
             Acceptance
             ,
             Justification
             and
             Life
             ;
             to
             use
             him
             upon
             all
             occasions
             as
             our
             Advocate
             ,
             who
             sits
             in
             our
             Nature
             at
             the
             Right
             hand
             of
             the
             Throne
             of
             the
             Majesty
             on
             high
             .
             It
             is
             a
             swearing
             Fealty
             to
             him
             as
             our
             Soveraign
             ;
             engaging
             to
             yield
             Submission
             to
             his
             Authority
             and
             Governing
             Power
             ;
             to
             stand
             in
             awe
             of
             all
             his
             Threatnings
             ,
             and
             sincerely
             obey
             all
             his
             Commands
             :
             To
             Immitate
             his
             Example
             ;
             and
             endeavour
             to
             copy
             out
             in
             ours
             ,
             the
             Excellencies
             and
             Perfections
             of
             his
             Temper
             and
             of
             his
             Life
             :
             To
             follow
             him
             as
             our
             Captain
             whither
             soever
             he
             shall
             lead
             us
             :
             To
             Fight
             under
             his
             Banner
             against
             all
             his
             Enemies
             ;
             and
             
             to
             bear
             all
             his
             Discipline
             :
             To
             use
             him
             as
             our
             Physician
             ,
             Trusting
             in
             his
             Skill
             ,
             following
             all
             his
             Prescriptions
             ,
             and
             chearfully
             taking
             all
             his
             Saving
             Medicines
             ,
             how
             bitter
             and
             distastful
             soever
             to
             Flesh
             and
             Blood
             :
             To
             wait
             in
             expectation
             of
             his
             return
             in
             Glory
             ;
             and
             live
             in
             the
             comfortable
             hope
             of
             his
             coming
             to
             Judgment
             ,
             and
             owning
             us
             before
             his
             Father
             and
             all
             his
             Holy
             Angels
             ;
             and
             taking
             us
             to
             himself
             ,
             to
             be
             for
             ever
             with
             him
             beholding
             his
             Glory
             .
          
           
             AS
             for
             the
             
               Holy
               Ghost
            
             ,
             his
             work
             is
             to
             supply
             our
             Saviours
             Place
             here
             on
             Earth
             ;
             to
             be
             the
             Guide
             and
             the
             Inmate
             ,
             the
             Helper
             and
             Asistant
             ,
             the
             Comforter
             and
             Support
             of
             all
             the
             Faithful
             :
             To
             apply
             all
             the
             Benefits
             that
             our
             Lord
             hath
             Purchas'd
             .
             'T
             was
             he
             that
             Inspir'd
             all
             the
             Penmen
             of
             Holy
             Writ
             ;
             and
             't
             was
             under
             his
             peculiar
             conduct
             that
             they
             committed
             the
             Sacred
             Records
             to
             Writing
             ,
             for
             the
             use
             of
             the
             Church
             in
             all
             Ages
             :
             'T
             was
             he
             that
             gave
             such
             convincing
             Evidence
             of
             the
             Truth
             of
             Christianity
             at
             first
             ,
             by
             Innumerable
             ,
             Open
             and
             Uncontroulable
             Miracles
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             the
             first
             Introducing
             it
             into
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             the
             confirming
             the
             Faith
             of
             it
             in
             all
             after
             times
             ;
             and
             't
             is
             he
             that
             hath
             been
             giving
             his
             Testimony
             to
             the
             Truth
             thereof
             in
             all
             
             succeeding
             Ages
             ,
             even
             down
             to
             this
             very
             day
             ,
             in
             producing
             the
             Saving
             Effects
             thereof
             on
             Mens
             Hearts
             ,
             notwithstanding
             so
             much
             ,
             such
             united
             and
             such
             vigorous
             Opposition
             .
             'T
             is
             his
             office
             to
             Illuminate
             ,
             convince
             of
             Sin
             ,
             Righteousness
             and
             Judgement
             ;
             to
             Quicken
             ,
             Strengthen
             ,
             Comfort
             ,
             Succour
             ,
             Guard
             ,
             and
             Enliven
             ,
             and
             Seal
             unto
             the
             day
             of
             Redemption
             ▪
             He
             is
             the
             Author
             of
             all
             saving
             Light
             and
             Grace
             ;
             and
             the
             first
             spring
             of
             every
             good
             Work
             ;
             the
             Beginner
             ,
             Maintainer
             ,
             and
             Encreaser
             of
             the
             Spiritual
             Life
             ,
             and
             Issuer
             of
             it
             in
             that
             that
             will
             be
             Eternal
             .
          
           
             AND
             accordingly
             that
             part
             of
             a
             Christians
             
               Sacramental
               Vows
            
             that
             relates
             
               to
               God
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
            
             ,
             is
             a
             serious
             engagement
             to
             use
             him
             as
             our
             Saviours
             Deputy
             in
             all
             the
             parts
             of
             his
             Office
             ;
             to
             take
             the
             Holy
             Scriptures
             as
             of
             his
             Inspiration
             ,
             as
             the
             rule
             of
             our
             Faith
             and
             Life
             ;
             and
             to
             adhere
             to
             that
             Religion
             ,
             the
             Truth
             whereof
             he
             hath
             so
             many
             ways
             attested
             :
             Earnestly
             to
             implore
             his
             help
             and
             assistance
             ;
             and
             carefully
             to
             use
             it
             when
             given
             :
             to
             keep
             our
             Minds
             open
             to
             his
             Light
             ;
             to
             yield
             to
             his
             Convictions
             ,
             and
             comply
             with
             his
             Motions
             ;
             to
             hearken
             to
             his
             Voice
             and
             follow
             his
             Conduct
             ;
             to
             wait
             humbly
             for
             him
             in
             all
             ways
             of
             
             Divine
             Appointment
             ;
             to
             depend
             upon
             his
             Aids
             ;
             to
             receive
             his
             Comforts
             ;
             and
             by
             Strength
             derived
             from
             him
             ,
             to
             be
             continually
             walking
             in
             the
             way
             of
             Holiness
             towards
             Everlasting
             Happiness
             .
             Thus
             are
             each
             of
             the
             Persons
             in
             the
             Trinity
             distinctly
             concern'd
             in
             our
             
               Sacramental
               Vows
            
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             OUR
             
               Sacramental
               Vows
            
             summarily
             comprehend
             the
             whole
             of
             our
             Religion
             .
             A
             great
             Noise
             and
             Stir
             there
             hath
             been
             in
             the
             World
             about
             Fundamentals
             ;
             fierce
             and
             earnest
             have
             been
             the
             Disputes
             among
             the
             Learned
             about
             the
             number
             and
             nature
             of
             them
             ;
             and
             various
             have
             been
             the
             ways
             pitcht
             on
             to
             determine
             what
             points
             are
             absolutely
             Necessary
             ,
             and
             what
             not
             :
             But
             when
             all
             's
             done
             ,
             the
             Christian
             Covenant
             ,
             which
             in
             Baptism
             is
             Initiated
             ,
             and
             afterwards
             at
             the
             Lords
             Table
             renew'd
             ,
             confirm'd
             and
             ratifi'd
             ;
             would
             ,
             if
             rightly
             consider'd
             ,
             give
             us
             the
             clearest
             Notions
             of
             the
             great
             Essentials
             of
             our
             Holy
             Religion
             .
             All
             the
             great
             Principles
             of
             our
             Faith
             ,
             are
             comprehended
             under
             the
             distinct
             Agency
             of
             God
             the
             Father
             ,
             Son
             and
             Spirit
             ,
             in
             bringing
             about
             our
             Salvation
             and
             Happiness
             ,
             to
             which
             our
             Sacramental
             Vows
             have
             a
             direct
             Reference
             ,
             
             as
             appears
             from
             the
             former
             head
             :
             And
             as
             for
             the
             Practical
             part
             of
             our
             Religion
             ,
             no
             Essential
             of
             that
             can
             be
             wanting
             in
             them
             ,
             since
             they
             take
             in
             the
             whole
             compass
             of
             our
             Duty
             .
             The
             whole
             Moral
             Law
             ,
             which
             always
             was
             ,
             is
             and
             will
             be
             the
             Rule
             of
             Duty
             ,
             is
             reducible
             to
             two
             Heads
             :
             The
             Love
             of
             God
             and
             our
             Neighbour
             .
             As
             for
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             is
             to
             be
             exprest
             by
             a
             serious
             Acknowledgement
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             renouncing
             all
             that
             would
             rival
             it
             with
             him
             ;
             an
             hearty
             zeal
             for
             his
             Worship
             ,
             and
             his
             Name
             ;
             and
             a
             punctual
             Sanctifying
             of
             that
             Portion
             of
             time
             he
             hath
             consecrated
             for
             himself
             .
             And
             if
             we
             heartily
             Love
             our
             Neighbours
             ,
             we
             shall
             be
             ready
             to
             do
             to
             them
             ,
             as
             we
             would
             have
             them
             in
             like
             Circumstances
             do
             to
             us
             ;
             to
             give
             all
             the
             respect
             to
             any
             that
             is
             due
             to
             their
             place
             ;
             and
             to
             be
             tender
             of
             the
             Life
             ,
             Chastity
             ,
             Goods
             and
             Name
             ,
             of
             all
             we
             have
             to
             do
             with
             ;
             and
             never
             envy
             their
             Prosperity
             :
             To
             all
             which
             our
             
               Sacramental
               Vows
            
             are
             Solemn
             Engagements
             :
             And
             so
             are
             they
             also
             to
             all
             those
             Duties
             ,
             which
             our
             Blessed
             Saviour
             ,
             hath
             in
             the
             Gospel
             peculiarly
             enforct
             ;
             as
             Self-denial
             ,
             Mortification
             ,
             the
             taking
             up
             of
             our
             Cross
             ;
             giving
             and
             forgiving
             
             Charity
             ;
             Relieving
             the
             Poor
             ,
             Succouring
             the
             Distressed
             ,
             and
             helping
             the
             Necessitous
             ;
             forgiving
             Injuries
             without
             Retalliating
             ,
             or
             giving
             way
             to
             Revenge
             ;
             Unity
             and
             Peace
             and
             the
             like
             .
             Would
             we
             therefore
             have
             a
             compleat
             and
             full
             ,
             a
             distinct
             and
             clear
             and
             comprehensive
             Idea
             of
             our
             whole
             Religion
             ;
             would
             we
             take
             it
             in
             at
             one
             view
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             the
             better
             discern
             its
             Excellency
             ,
             Order
             and
             Beauty
             ,
             and
             be
             the
             more
             Enamoured
             with
             it
             ,
             let
             us
             turn
             our
             eyes
             to
             the
             Christian
             Covenant
             ,
             to
             our
             
               Sacramental
               Vows
            
             ,
             and
             there
             we
             may
             have
             it
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             THE
             Obligation
             and
             Binding
             Force
             of
             
               Sacramental
               Vows
            
             ,
             is
             Perpetual
             and
             can
             never
             cease
             .
             The
             Acts
             themselves
             may
             be
             quickly
             perform'd
             ,
             and
             soon
             over
             :
             But
             their
             Obligation
             will
             last
             as
             long
             as
             our
             lives
             .
             Some
             sorts
             of
             Vows
             may
             cease
             to
             be
             binding
             ;
             when
             the
             reason
             of
             them
             ceases
             ,
             or
             a
             greater
             Duty
             would
             be
             hinder'd
             ,
             or
             a
             greater
             danger
             Incurr'd
             ,
             or
             the
             like
             :
             But
             none
             of
             these
             things
             can
             happen
             as
             to
             those
             our
             Vows
             that
             are
             attended
             with
             Sacramental
             Solemnities
             .
             Perseverance
             and
             Constancy
             in
             our
             Duty
             to
             the
             last
             ,
             is
             one
             part
             of
             the
             matter
             of
             those
             Vows
             :
             For
             we
             do
             therein
             engage
             ,
             not
             only
             that
             we
             'll
             be
             Faithful
             and
             Dutiful
             and
             Obedient
             
             in
             the
             general
             ,
             but
             that
             we
             'll
             persist
             and
             hold
             on
             in
             our
             Duty
             ,
             whatsoever
             it
             costs
             us
             ,
             and
             whatever
             troubles
             or
             difficulties
             we
             meet
             withal
             :
             That
             by
             the
             strength
             of
             God
             we
             won't
             flinch
             nor
             give
             way
             ;
             that
             if
             we
             fail
             ,
             we
             'll
             be
             Sorry
             and
             Repent
             ,
             and
             Divine
             Grace
             assisting
             us
             ,
             to
             our
             work
             again
             ;
             and
             so
             doing
             hold
             out
             to
             the
             last
             ;
             till
             in
             fighting
             the
             good
             fight
             of
             Faith
             ,
             we
             have
             finisht
             our
             course
             ,
             and
             so
             come
             to
             lay
             hold
             on
             Eternal
             Life
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               
                 BAPTISMAL
                 VOW
              
               .
               The
               Sum
               of
               it
               in
               Form
               ,
               as
               made
               by
               Persons
               Baptiz'd
               when
               ADULT
               .
            
          
           
             BAPTISM
             was
             Instituted
             by
             our
             Blessed
             Lord
             as
             a
             Sacred
             Rite
             ,
             whereby
             Persons
             were
             to
             be
             first
             Initiated
             into
             the
             Christian
             Covenant
             :
             And
             be
             it
             sooner
             or
             later
             Administred
             ,
             it
             carries
             in
             it
             an
             Obligation
             to
             all
             the
             duties
             of
             that
             Covenant
             ,
             on
             which
             its
             Blessings
             ,
             are
             suspended
             .
             In
             Baptism
             there
             is
             always
             either
             exprest
             or
             imply'd
             a
             Vow
             of
             hearty
             complyance
             with
             all
             the
             demands
             of
             our
             Holy
             Religion
             ;
             without
             which
             
             suppos'd
             ,
             the
             pouring
             on
             of
             Water
             ,
             in
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             Son
             and
             Spirit
             ,
             by
             the
             Minister
             as
             Gods
             Representative
             ,
             would
             be
             utterly
             Unavailable
             either
             to
             seal
             or
             convey
             those
             Inestimable
             Gospel
             Blessings
             of
             Pardon
             and
             Peace
             ,
             Adoption
             ,
             and
             a
             Right
             to
             Life
             .
             But
             this
             Vow
             must
             be
             differently
             consider'd
             by
             all
             that
             would
             avoid
             Confusion
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             
               Different
               state
               of
               the
               Subjects
               of
               Baptism
            
             ;
             which
             are
             either
             Persons
             Adult
             ,
             that
             are
             come
             to
             years
             of
             Understanding
             ,
             and
             so
             are
             capable
             of
             transacting
             Personally
             for
             themselves
             ;
             or
             the
             Children
             of
             Christian
             Parents
             in
             their
             Infant
             State.
             The
             case
             of
             the
             former
             is
             the
             subject
             of
             this
             ;
             and
             that
             of
             the
             latter
             ,
             of
             the
             following
             Chapter
             .
          
           
             ADULT
             Persons
             before
             they
             are
             Baptiz'd
             ,
             ought
             seriously
             to
             consider
             ,
             what
             Christianity
             will
             oblige
             them
             to
             ,
             and
             to
             reckon
             their
             costs
             before
             hand
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             come
             under
             so
             Solemn
             an
             Engagement
             as
             Baptism
             carries
             in
             it
             ,
             understandingly
             ,
             deliberately
             ,
             and
             with
             full
             consent
             of
             Heart
             ,
             that
             there
             may
             be
             no
             danger
             of
             after
             drawing
             back
             .
          
           
             THE
             Vow
             which
             they
             in
             their
             Baptism
             actually
             ,
             and
             voluntarily
             ,
             make
             and
             come
             under
             ,
             is
             of
             this
             Tenour
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             drawn
             up
             in
             Form
             thus
             :
          
           
             
             
               I
               Believe
               in
               an
               Eternal
               Infinitely
               Glorious
               God
               ,
               who
               made
               Heaven
               and
               Earth
               :
               and
               in
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               his
               only
               Son
               ,
               who
               Redeem'd
               Mankind
               from
               Misery
               and
               Wrath
               :
               And
               in
               the
               Ever
               Blessed
               Spirit
               ,
               the
               Fountain
               of
               all
               Grace
               and
               Peace
               .
            
             
               TO
               this
               God
               the
               Father
               ,
               Son
               and
               Spirit
               ,
               I
               willingly
               ,
               freely
               ,
               and
               chearfully
               consecrate
               my self
               .
               For
               I
               am
               sensible
               God
               is
               my
               Owner
               and
               Proprietor
               ;
               to
               him
               therefore
               I
               make
               an
               Absolute
               Resignation
               of
               my self
               ,
               and
               all
               that
               is
               or
               ever
               shall
               be
               mine
               as
               his
               own
               ;
               engaging
               to
               use
               my self
               ,
               and
               all
               that
               I
               have
               as
               his
               ,
               and
               contentedly
               to
               rest
               in
               all
               his
               Disposals
               .
               And
               it
               being
               my
               Rectitude
               and
               Happinefs
               to
               Obey
               and
               Please
               Him
               ,
               I
               'll
               labour
               to
               bring
               both
               my
               Soul
               and
               Body
               into
               the
               most
               Absolute
               Subjection
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               to
               make
               it
               my
               Delight
               and
               Business
               sincerely
               and
               exactly
               to
               Obey
               Him.
               I
               'll
               Love
               Him
               with
               my
               whole
               Heart
               and
               Soul
               ,
               and
               Mind
               and
               Might
               ;
               and
               quiet
               my self
               in
               his
               Love
               and
               Faithfulness
               ,
               whatever
               shall
               befall
               me
               in
               the
               World.
               I
               'll
               lead
               a
               Life
               of
               Thankfulness
               to
               him
               for
               his
               Innumerable
               Benefits
               ,
               and
               endeavour
               to
               Glorify
               him
               with
               the
               estimation
               of
               my
               Mind
               ,
               the
               Praises
               of
               
               my
               Mouth
               ,
               and
               the
               Holiness
               of
               my
               Life
               and
               Conversation
               .
            
             
               WITH
               Humble
               Thankfulness
               I
               Adore
               my
               Dearest
               Saviour
               for
               his
               Redeeming
               Love
               ;
               and
               on
               his
               Merits
               I
               'll
               bottom
               all
               my
               hopes
               of
               Pardon
               ,
               Justification
               and
               Eternal
               Life
               :
               I
               am
               heartily
               griev'd
               for
               all
               my
               Sins
               ,
               and
               sensible
               they
               would
               undo
               me
               without
               his
               help
               and
               interposition
               ;
               to
               him
               therefore
               I
               flye
               as
               my
               City
               of
               Refuge
               ;
               Him
               I
               resolve
               constantly
               to
               use
               as
               the
               means
               of
               my
               Souls
               access
               to
               God
               ,
               acceptance
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               help
               and
               comfort
               from
               him
               ;
               and
               I
               'll
               entertain
               no
               thoughts
               of
               coming
               to
               the
               Father
               but
               by
               him
               .
               And
               he
               being
               the
               great
               Prophet
               and
               Teacher
               of
               his
               Church
               ,
               I
               'll
               humbly
               wait
               as
               a
               Scholar
               in
               his
               School
               ,
               to
               learn
               of
               him
               by
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               Word
               ,
               and
               Ministers
               ,
               the
               further
               knowledge
               of
               God
               and
               of
               the
               things
               that
               tend
               to
               my
               Salvation
               ;
               and
               this
               with
               an
               honest
               ,
               willing
               ,
               and
               teacheable
               Mind
               ;
               in
               Faith
               ,
               Dilligence
               ,
               Obedience
               ,
               Patience
               and
               Peace
               .
               I
               now
               swear
               ●…ealty
               to
               him
               as
               my
               Lord
               and
               King
               ;
               and
               Vow
               sincere
               Obedience
               to
               all
               his
               Holy
               Laws
               and
               Commandments
               .
               I
               'll
               Imitate
               him
               as
               my
               Pattern
               ;
               and
               write
               after
               the
               Copy
               that
               he
               hath
               set
               me
               ,
               
               both
               as
               to
               my
               Temper
               and
               my
               Life
               .
               I
               'll
               use
               him
               as
               the
               Great
               Physician
               of
               Souls
               ,
               and
               take
               all
               his
               saving
               Medicines
               ,
               how
               unpleasing
               and
               distastful
               soever
               .
               I
               'll
               follow
               him
               as
               the
               Captain
               of
               my
               Salvation
               ,
               whithersoever
               he
               shall
               lead
               me
               ;
               and
               spend
               my
               days
               in
               a
               Vigilant
               ,
               Resolute
               ,
               and
               Constant
               War
               ,
               against
               the
               Flesh
               ,
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               the
               Devil
               .
            
             
               FOR
               I
               renounce
               the
               Flesh
               that
               is
               Naturally
               pleas'd
               with
               Sin
               ,
               and
               impatient
               of
               Necessary
               Confinements
               ;
               I
               renounce
               Self
               as
               my
               end
               :
               I
               also
               renounce
               the
               World
               ,
               which
               is
               so
               apt
               to
               administer
               Food
               and
               Fuel
               to
               my
               Lusts
               ;
               I
               renounce
               all
               that
               in
               it
               wherewith
               the
               Carnal
               part
               is
               gratifi'd
               ;
               as
               Matters
               of
               Pleasure
               ,
               Profit
               ,
               or
               Honour
               ;
               not
               regarding
               them
               as
               means
               to
               my
               Happiness
               :
               I
               renounce
               the
               Devil
               and
               all
               subjection
               to
               him
               ;
               't
               is
               Christ
               the
               Lord
               of
               Life
               to
               whom
               I
               'll
               look
               ,
               't
               is
               his
               Subject
               I
               resolve
               to
               be
               .
            
             
               I
               'll
               Humbly
               ,
               Earnestly
               ,
               Daily
               ,
               Implore
               the
               help
               and
               assistance
               of
               the
               Blessed
               Spirit
               of
               Grace
               ;
               that
               he
               may
               reside
               in
               me
               ,
               and
               be
               the
               Life
               of
               my
               Soul
               ;
               and
               by
               the
               help
               of
               God
               ,
               I
               wont
               Resist
               or
               Quench
               him
               ,
               but
               
               thankfully
               Obey
               him
               .
               The
               Scriptures
               by
               him
               Inspir'd
               ,
               I
               take
               for
               the
               Rule
               of
               my
               Faith
               and
               Life
               ,
               and
               engage
               to
               keep
               close
               to
               :
               And
               Christianity
               ,
               to
               the
               Truth
               whereof
               he
               so
               many
               ways
               hath
               set
               his
               Seal
               ,
               is
               the
               Religion
               I
               'll
               profess
               ,
               thereto
               I
               'll
               adhere
               ,
               and
               therein
               alone
               expect
               Salvation
               .
               On
               the
               assistance
               of
               this
               Blessed
               Spirit
               alone
               ,
               shall
               be
               all
               my
               dependence
               in
               the
               Christian
               Life
               ;
               and
               his
               Conduct
               I
               'll
               follow
               thro'
               all
               Difficulties
               and
               Temptations
               ,
               in
               the
               way
               of
               Holiness
               towards
               Everlasting
               Happiness
               .
            
             
               FOR
               it
               shall
               be
               my
               constant
               endeavour
               to
               adorn
               the
               Doctrine
               of
               God
               my
               Saviour
               in
               all
               things
               ,
               by
               living
               Soberly
               ,
               Righteously
               ,
               and
               Godlily
               in
               this
               present
               World.
               I
               'll
               do
               my
               Gracious
               God
               all
               the
               service
               ,
               and
               others
               all
               the
               good
               I
               can
               ,
               in
               works
               of
               Piety
               ,
               Justice
               ,
               and
               Charity
               ,
               with
               Prudence
               ,
               Fidelity
               ,
               Industry
               ,
               Zeal
               and
               Delight
               ;
               like
               one
               that
               knows
               't
               is
               God
               that
               intrusts
               me
               with
               all
               my
               Talents
               ,
               of
               the
               Improvement
               whereof
               I
               must
               give
               a
               strict
               Account
               .
               I
               'll
               be
               careful
               to
               render
               unto
               all
               their
               dues
               ;
               Tribute
               to
               whom
               Tribute
               is
               due
               ;
               Custom
               to
               whom
               Custom
               ,
               Fear
               to
               whom
               Fear
               ,
               and
               Honour
               to
               whom
               Honour
               ;
               and
               to
               owe
               no
               
               Man
               any
               thing
               but
               Love
               :
               And
               that
               is
               a
               Debt
               which
               I
               'll
               be
               continually
               paying
               by
               all
               suitable
               expressions
               of
               Affection
               and
               Tenderness
               to
               all
               I
               have
               to
               do
               with
               ;
               especially
               those
               to
               whom
               Nature
               or
               Providence
               hath
               peculiarly
               link'd
               me
               .
               I
               'll
               Love
               all
               that
               have
               the
               same
               Nature
               with
               my self
               ;
               but
               more
               especially
               who
               are
               Children
               with
               me
               of
               the
               same
               Heavenly
               Father
               ;
               Members
               of
               the
               same
               Body
               ,
               and
               Heirs
               of
               the
               same
               Inheritance
               :
               And
               in
               general
               I
               'll
               make
               this
               my
               Rule
               ,
               to
               do
               to
               others
               as
               I
               would
               my self
               be
               done
               unto
               .
               I
               'll
               carefully
               put
               a
               way
               from
               me
               all
               Wrath
               ,
               Anger
               ,
               and
               Clamour
               ,
               and
               beware
               of
               all
               Violent
               Passion
               .
               I
               'll
               keep
               at
               the
               greatest
               distance
               from
               any
               sort
               of
               Lewdness
               or
               Wantonness
               ;
               I
               'll
               hate
               and
               abhor
               all
               Lying
               and
               Slandering
               ,
               Backbiting
               and
               Detracting
               ;
               and
               by
               the
               Grace
               of
               God
               never
               suffer
               my self
               to
               envy
               my
               Neighbours
               Prosperity
               ,
               or
               Rejoyce
               in
               his
               Adversity
               :
               But
               I
               will
               be
               Pittiful
               and
               Courteous
               ,
               Tender-hearted
               and
               Compassionate
               ;
               I
               'll
               Relieve
               the
               Necessitous
               ,
               Feed
               the
               Hungry
               ,
               Cloath
               the
               Naked
               ,
               Entertain
               Strangers
               ,
               and
               visit
               the
               Sick
               and
               the
               Imprison'd
               ,
               as
               I
               have
               ability
               and
               oportunity
               ,
               which
               are
               things
               my
               
               Blessed
               Lord
               hath
               testifi'd
               are
               very
               acceptable
               and
               pleasing
               to
               him
               .
               I
               'll
               faithfully
               endeavour
               to
               fill
               up
               all
               my
               places
               and
               Relations
               with
               suitable
               prescribed
               Duty
               ;
               and
               to
               employ
               all
               my
               Trusts
               for
               
                 God.
                 I
                 'll
              
               be
               orderly
               in
               in
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               therein
               submit
               to
               all
               his
               Discipline
               ,
               and
               endeavour
               to
               keep
               the
               Unity
               of
               the
               Spirit
               in
               the
               Bond
               of
               Peace
               .
               I
               'll
               maintain
               no
               Grudges
               against
               any
               ;
               but
               when
               injur'd
               ,
               will
               be
               ready
               to
               forgive
               ,
               as
               God
               
                 (
                 I
              
               hope
               )
               for
               Christs
               sake
               will
               forgive
               me
               .
               I
               'll
               take
               up
               my
               Cross
               whenever
               call'd
               to
               it
               ,
               and
               rather
               forsake
               all
               things
               than
               desert
               my
               God
               and
               Saviour
               .
            
             
               And
               since
               my
               Weakness
               is
               such
               ,
               as
               that
               let
               me
               do
               my
               best
               ,
               I
               shall
               often
               stumble
               and
               fall
               ;
               whenever
               I
               do
               so
               ,
               I
               'll
               renew
               my
               Repentance
               ,
               and
               Divine
               Grace
               enabling
               me
               ,
               return
               again
               to
               my
               Obedience
               .
            
             
               AND
               since
               it
               hath
               pleas'd
               my
               Dearest
               Saviour
               to
               Institute
               a
               standing
               Memorial
               in
               his
               Church
               ,
               of
               his
               Death
               and
               Passion
               ,
               to
               be
               Solemnized
               by
               all
               who
               pretend
               to
               be
               his
               Followers
               ;
               I
               do
               therefore
               Solemnly
               Vow
               and
               Promise
               ,
               with
               an
               Humble
               Penitent
               and
               Believing
               Heart
               ,
               to
               come
               unto
               his
               Table
               when
               I
               am
               invited
               and
               call'd
               :
               
               And
               to
               joyn
               in
               that
               Sacred
               Solemnity
               ,
               that
               I
               may
               thereby
               testifie
               my
               Union
               with
               the
               Church
               ,
               my
               Charity
               for
               all
               ,
               and
               my
               Thankfulness
               to
               Christ
               ;
               And
               will
               never
               forget
               his
               Unspeakable
               Love
               to
               my
               poor
               Soul
               ,
               manifested
               in
               his
               Sacrifice
               of
               Everlasting
               Vertue
               ;
               and
               will
               hope
               according
               to
               the
               Integrity
               of
               my
               Heart
               ,
               that
               tho'
               my
               Failings
               be
               many
               ,
               yet
               he
               will
               encrease
               my
               Graces
               and
               Heavenly
               Comforts
               upon
               my
               waiting
               upon
               him
               therein
               .
            
             
               AND
               in
               the
               keeping
               of
               this
               my
               Vow
               ,
               and
               acting
               agreeably
               thereunto
               ,
               I
               Resolve
               ,
               by
               the
               Assistance
               of
               that
               Grace
               which
               God
               hath
               promis'd
               ,
               to
               Persevere
               and
               hold
               on
               to
               the
               end
               of
               my
               days
               ;
               Living
               in
               the
               constant
               expectation
               of
               Death
               ,
               Judgment
               ,
               and
               Eternity
               ,
               and
               my
               Lords
               Return
               .
            
          
           
             THIS
             is
             the
             Nature
             and
             Purport
             of
             that
             Vow
             or
             Engagement
             which
             Christianity
             obliges
             all
             its
             Adult
             Votaries
             freely
             to
             come
             under
             :
             And
             this
             is
             the
             substance
             of
             all
             our
             Religion
             .
          
           
             I
             Appeal
             to
             all
             (
             that
             will
             take
             the
             pains
             to
             read
             and
             review
             it
             )
             Whether
             this
             Vow
             thus
             drawn
             up
             ,
             contains
             any
             thing
             unreasonable
             ?
             Whether
             there
             is
             not
             the
             highest
             Reason
             running
             thro'
             it
             ?
             Whether
             any
             Branch
             of
             it
             is
             liable
             to
             
             any
             just
             Exceptions
             ?
             Whether
             those
             who
             refuse
             to
             come
             under
             it
             ,
             or
             being
             under
             it
             ,
             to
             obey
             it
             ,
             are
             not
             Enemies
             to
             themselves
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             to
             God
             ?
             Whether
             it
             contains
             any
             thing
             impossible
             to
             a
             willing
             Mind
             ?
             And
             whether
             it
             would
             not
             be
             happy
             for
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             reflect
             a
             great
             Lustre
             upon
             Religion
             ,
             if
             it
             were
             faithfully
             and
             punctually
             kept
             by
             all
             that
             are
             under
             it
             ?
          
           
             HERE
             I
             desire
             it
             may
             be
             Observ'd
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             THAT
             it
             was
             much
             more
             usual
             for
             Persons
             first
             to
             come
             under
             this
             Vow
             in
             Baptism
             in
             an
             Adult
             State
             ,
             in
             the
             Primitive
             Church
             than
             in
             after
             times
             .
             For
             when
             Christianity
             first
             made
             its
             entrance
             ,
             it
             found
             the
             World
             in
             possession
             of
             sundry
             Religions
             ;
             in
             which
             those
             of
             that
             Age
             were
             bred
             up
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             practice
             whereof
             they
             persisted
             ,
             till
             they
             were
             better
             inform'd
             by
             Gospel
             Light
             ;
             which
             spreading
             and
             diffusing
             it self
             far
             and
             wide
             ,
             insinuating
             it self
             into
             Mens
             minds
             ,
             and
             carrying
             its
             own
             convictive
             evidence
             along
             with
             it
             ,
             which
             was
             back'd
             by
             the
             Miraculous
             Power
             then
             resident
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             brought
             in
             Proselites
             in
             abundance
             ,
             from
             Iudaism
             and
             Gentilism
             ,
             in
             all
             its
             Forms
             to
             Christianity
             in
             a
             full
             age
             ;
             till
             which
             time
             therefore
             they
             were
             incapable
             of
             being
             Baptiz'd
             ,
             
             and
             coming
             under
             the
             Vow
             foregoing
             :
             But
             when
             Christianity
             having
             justled
             out
             its
             Rival
             Religions
             came
             to
             be
             fixt
             and
             setled
             ,
             Parents
             generally
             thought
             it
             their
             Duty
             to
             get
             their
             Childrens
             Names
             inscrib'd
             in
             the
             Christian
             Roll
             from
             their
             Infancy
             ,
             and
             to
             enter
             them
             into
             a
             Sacred
             Bond
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             in
             Baptism
             ,
             and
             actually
             did
             so
             :
             So
             that
             afterwards
             none
             remain'd
             to
             be
             Baptiz'd
             when
             Adult
             ,
             but
             either
             those
             whose
             Parents
             neglected
             to
             devote
             them
             to
             the
             Lord
             by
             that
             Sacred
             Rite
             ,
             in
             their
             Infant
             state
             ;
             or
             those
             who
             were
             themselves
             Proselyted
             to
             Christianity
             after
             they
             came
             to
             Maturity
             ;
             which
             after
             the
             three
             or
             four
             first
             Ages
             of
             the
             Church
             were
             all
             along
             comparatively
             few
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             THAT
             the
             more
             publickly
             this
             Vow
             is
             made
             by
             those
             who
             are
             Baptiz'd
             when
             Adult
             ,
             't
             is
             so
             much
             the
             better
             .
             In
             the
             Primitive
             Church
             't
             was
             generally
             in
             the
             face
             of
             a
             Christian
             Assembly
             that
             this
             Affair
             was
             transacted
             and
             tho'
             it
             cannot
             be
             justly
             pretended
             that
             its
             validity
             at
             all
             depends
             upon
             the
             publickness
             of
             it
             ,
             yet
             is
             it
             unquestionable
             that
             its
             ends
             will
             be
             thereby
             the
             better
             answer'd
             :
             It
             makes
             it
             much
             more
             Solemn
             ;
             
             there
             will
             be
             the
             more
             Witnesses
             ,
             who
             may
             be
             afterwards
             Monitors
             if
             there
             be
             occasion
             ;
             and
             the
             greater
             Force
             will
             it
             probably
             have
             ,
             and
             the
             greater
             is
             the
             Awe
             that
             is
             likely
             to
             be
             thereby
             imprest
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             THAT
             this
             Vow
             is
             by
             no
             means
             to
             be
             confin'd
             to
             the
             Adult
             :
             But
             even
             those
             who
             are
             Baptiz'd
             when
             Infants
             ,
             areas
             much
             concern'd
             in
             it
             .
             For
             (
             1.
             )
             their
             Infant
             Dedication
             to
             God
             in
             Covenant
             ,
             obliges
             them
             to
             stand
             to
             and
             keep
             this
             Vow
             as
             much
             as
             if'twere
             Personally
             made
             in
             their
             first
             Consecration
             .
             And
             (
             2.
             )
             Their
             Infant
             Baptism
             obliges
             them
             actually
             to
             make
             a
             Vow
             of
             this
             Nature
             when
             they
             come
             to
             Age
             ,
             and
             so
             are
             capable
             of
             Personal
             Covenanting
             for
             themselves
             .
             Which
             matters
             will
             receive
             no
             small
             light
             from
             the
             following
             Chapter
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             V.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Baptismal
               Vow
               ,
               as
               to
               those
               Baptiz'd
               in
               Infancy
               .
               An
               Account
               of
               the
               distinct
               concern
               of
               Parents
               and
               Children
               in
               it
               ;
               and
               a
               distinct
               Address
               to
               each
               concerning
               the
               Duty
               thence
               resulting
               .
            
          
           
             THO'
             the
             case
             of
             Persons
             Baptiz'd
             when
             Adult
             be
             more
             clear
             ,
             yet
             is
             that
             of
             those
             Baptiz'd
             in
             Infancy
             much
             more
             common
             in
             the
             days
             we
             live
             in
             ;
             and
             so
             it
             hath
             been
             in
             the
             Church
             now
             for
             several
             Ages
             .
             Tho'
             the
             Obligation
             of
             the
             former
             by
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             be
             more
             immediate
             ,
             and
             therefore
             more
             obvious
             and
             sensibly
             discernable
             ,
             yet
             is
             that
             of
             the
             latter
             ,
             as
             fully
             and
             sufficiently
             evident
             ,
             if
             rightly
             stated
             .
          
           
             I
             design
             not
             to
             run
             out
             into
             Disputes
             ;
             and
             shall
             therefore
             take
             that
             for
             granted
             which
             so
             many
             Eminent
             Persons
             of
             all
             Professions
             have
             so
             Laboriously
             and
             Clearly
             Prov'd
             ,
             viz.
             That
             it
             is
             the
             Duty
             of
             all
             Christian
             Parents
             to
             enter
             their
             Children
             ,
             while
             Infants
             ,
             into
             the
             Visible
             Church
             ,
             and
             the
             Christian
             Covenant
             ,
             by
             Baptism
             ,
             and
             so
             from
             the
             first
             to
             bring
             them
             under
             the
             Vow
             fore
             .
             
             going
             .
             I
             lay
             that
             down
             here
             as
             a
             Postulatum
             ;
             and
             take
             it
             to
             be
             but
             a
             reasonable
             one
             :
             And
             supposing
             it
             evident
             ,
             shall
             set
             my self
             to
             show
             what
             Apprehensious
             we
             are
             to
             form
             of
             the
             Engagement
             which
             such
             Baptiz'd
             Infants
             come
             under
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             manner
             of
             their
             coming
             under
             it
             .
             And
             here
             I
             think
             it
             undeniable
             ,
             That
             as
             't
             is
             in
             the
             Parents
             right
             ,
             that
             Infants
             are
             admitted
             to
             Baptism
             ,
             so
             't
             is
             by
             their
             engagement
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             brought
             under
             the
             Vow
             ,
             which
             that
             Solemnity
             carrys
             in
             it
             .
             That
             we
             may
             be
             clear
             in
             this
             matter
             therefore
             ,
             it
             is
             needful
             distinctly
             to
             consider
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             THE
             part
             and
             work
             of
             Parents
             in
             Devoting
             their
             Children
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             bringing
             them
             under
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             THE
             concern
             of
             Children
             in
             what
             upon
             that
             occasion
             is
             done
             by
             their
             Parents
             for
             them
             ,
             and
             on
             their
             hehalf
             .
             And
          
           
             3.
             
             THE
             Parents
             Power
             to
             bring
             them
             ,
             and
             the
             Childrens
             Capacity
             of
             being
             brought
             ,
             under
             such
             an
             Obligation
             as
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             AS
             for
             the
             part
             and
             work
             of
             Parents
             in
             Devoting
             their
             Children
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             bringing
             them
             under
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             ;
             that
             is
             compriz'd
             under
             the
             following
             Particulars
             .
          
           
           
             1.
             
             THEY
             disclaim
             all
             Right
             to
             their
             Children
             that
             is
             inconsistent
             with
             Gods
             Absolute
             Propriety
             ;
             and
             Resign
             them
             as
             a
             part
             of
             themselves
             ,
             entirely
             to
             his
             Management
             and
             Disposal
             .
             From
             him
             they
             receiv'd
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             him
             they
             return
             them
             ,
             begging
             his
             acceptance
             of
             them
             for
             his
             own
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             THEY
             bring
             them
             to
             God
             for
             his
             Blessing
             ;
             and
             hold
             them
             up
             before
             him
             ,
             with
             earnest
             desires
             that
             these
             little
             parts
             of
             themselves
             ,
             may
             be
             not
             only
             under
             his
             Providential
             Care
             ,
             but
             under
             the
             entail
             of
             his
             Covenant
             Love.
             As
             they
             embrace
             that
             Covenant
             which
             the
             Gospel
             offers
             for
             themselves
             ,
             so
             is
             it
             also
             their
             earnest
             request
             ,
             that
             their
             Children
             may
             partake
             of
             the
             Inestimable
             Blessings
             of
             it
             ;
             in
             order
             whereto
             ,
             they
             bring
             them
             to
             receive
             the
             Instituted
             Seal
             of
             the
             Covenant
             ;
             that
             so
             that
             Promise
             (
             of
             Pardon
             ,
             Favour
             ,
             Grace
             ,
             and
             Mercy
             )
             which
             is
             to
             
               their
               Children
            
             as
             well
             as
             them
             ;
             may
             actually
             reach
             
             them
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             THEY
             consent
             for
             their
             Children
             ,
             to
             all
             Gods
             claims
             and
             demands
             ;
             and
             bind
             them
             (
             if
             they
             live
             )
             to
             all
             the
             Duties
             of
             the
             Covenant
             ,
             as
             ever
             they
             expect
             or
             desire
             they
             should
             share
             in
             the
             Blessings
             of
             it
             .
             That
             their
             Children
             
             shall
             eventually
             live
             in
             Gods
             Fear
             ,
             and
             walk
             in
             his
             ways
             ,
             and
             carry
             it
             as
             his
             Devoted
             Servants
             ,
             is
             not
             in
             the
             power
             of
             the
             best
             of
             Parents
             to
             promise
             ;
             that
             can
             only
             be
             brought
             about
             by
             the
             aid
             of
             Divine
             Grace
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             at
             their
             dispose
             :
             But
             having
             a
             natural
             power
             and
             right
             to
             judge
             for
             them
             ,
             and
             act
             for
             them
             ,
             till
             they
             become
             capable
             of
             judging
             and
             acting
             for
             themselves
             ;
             they
             consent
             on
             their
             behalf
             to
             the
             Justness
             and
             Equity
             of
             the
             Covenant's
             demands
             ,
             and
             engage
             for
             them
             to
             a
             compliance
             therewith
             ;
             and
             so
             bring
             them
             under
             a
             Vow
             of
             the
             same
             nature
             with
             that
             before
             recited
             ,
             with
             reference
             to
             the
             Adult
             ,
             its
             Personality
             only
             excepted
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             THESE
             Children
             being
             born
             in
             Christ's
             Family
             ,
             to
             which
             their
             Parents
             belong
             ,
             they
             bring
             them
             to
             his
             Authoriz'd
             Representative
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             Enroll'd
             in
             the
             list
             of
             his
             Servants
             ,
             and
             receive
             his
             Badge
             ,
             and
             put
             on
             his
             Livery
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             their
             sharing
             in
             all
             the
             blessed
             Priviledges
             of
             his
             Domesticks
             .
             It
             was
             ordain'd
             in
             the
             Levitical
             Law
             ,
             
               That
               if
               any
               one
               had
               Children
               during
               his
               Servitude
               ,
               they
               should
               be
               his
               Masters
            
             ;
             for
             they
             
             were
             
               Born
               in
               his
               Family
            
             .
             So
             all
             the
             Children
             of
             Christians
             may
             be
             said
             to
             be
             born
             in
             Christs
             Family
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             a
             part
             of
             
             his
             peculiar
             Propriety
             ;
             which
             Propriety
             of
             his
             is
             own'd
             in
             their
             Infant
             Dedication
             :
             For
             Parents
             in
             that
             Solemnity
             ,
             acknowlege
             our
             Blessed
             Redeemer
             to
             be
             the
             Rightful
             Lord
             and
             Master
             both
             of
             them
             and
             theirs
             ,
             to
             the
             Rules
             and
             Orders
             of
             whose
             Family
             they
             bind
             both
             themselves
             and
             their
             Children
             to
             keep
             close
             :
             And
             he
             on
             the
             other
             side
             is
             Graciously
             pleas'd
             to
             testify
             his
             acceptance
             of
             theirs
             as
             well
             as
             them
             ,
             by
             certain
             Solemn
             Rites
             ,
             he
             hath
             appointed
             to
             be
             us'd
             by
             his
             Ministers
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Christian
             Parents
             do
             as
             it
             were
             enter
             a
             Protest
             against
             the
             fruit
             of
             their
             own
             Bowels
             ,
             and
             Solemnly
             lay
             them
             under
             the
             Curse
             of
             God
             ,
             if
             they
             live
             to
             cast
             off
             his
             Yoke
             ,
             and
             lay
             aside
             his
             Fear
             ,
             and
             revolt
             from
             his
             Covenant
             .
             I
             believe
             this
             is
             but
             rarely
             so
             much
             as
             the
             matter
             of
             an
             actual
             thought
             of
             a
             Parent
             upon
             such
             an
             occasion
             :
             But
             it
             is
             the
             language
             of
             the
             Solemnity
             it self
             .
             A
             Vow
             can't
             be
             made
             without
             a
             Penalty
             ,
             either
             suppos'd
             or
             exprest
             :
             And
             all
             
               Sacramental
               Vows
            
             ,
             in
             their
             own
             nature
             carry
             Imprecations
             in
             them
             .
             The
             
               Baptismal
               Vow
            
             made
             personally
             by
             any
             one
             hath
             this
             Imprecation
             imply'd
             in
             it
             ,
             if
             not
             expresly
             intimated
             ;
             
               The
               Lord
               do
               so
               to
               me
               ●…nd
               more
               also
               ,
               if
               I
               ●…erfidiously
               break
               it
            
             ;
             the
             
             Lord
             shut
             me
             for
             ever
             out
             of
             the
             number
             of
             the
             Blessed
             ,
             and
             verify
             all
             his
             Threatnings
             in
             my
             Exemplary
             Punishment
             ,
             if
             I
             wickedly
             revolt
             from
             him
             :
             So
             also
             when
             Parents
             come
             to
             devote
             a
             little
             one
             of
             theirs
             to
             God
             in
             Baptism
             ,
             such
             is
             the
             nature
             of
             their
             Transaction
             on
             its
             behalf
             ,
             that
             they
             do
             as
             't
             were
             say
             ,
             
               The
               Lord
               renounce
               thee
               my
               Child
               ,
               if
               ever
               thou
               livest
               to
               renounce
               this
               Vow
               I
               am
               entring
               thee
               under
               to
               be
               his
               ;
               the
               Curse
               of
               God
               be
               upon
               thee
               if
               thou
               breakest
               his
               Bonds
               ,
               and
               irreclaimably
               persistest
               in
               Rebellion
               against
               him
               .
            
          
           
             6.
             
             PARENTS
             Solemnly
             Vow
             and
             Promise
             to
             do
             all
             that
             in
             them
             lies
             ,
             as
             their
             Children
             grow
             up
             ,
             to
             make
             them
             sensible
             of
             their
             engagement
             and
             obligation
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ;
             to
             whom
             they
             were
             so
             early
             Consecrated
             and
             Devoted
             .
             They
             oblige
             themselves
             ,
             if
             they
             and
             their
             Children
             live
             ,
             to
             Instruct
             them
             in
             the
             great
             Principles
             of
             Religion
             ;
             to
             help
             them
             to
             understand
             what
             their
             Baptism
             obliges
             them
             to
             ;
             and
             to
             engage
             them
             to
             live
             answerably
             to
             that
             Sacred
             Vow
             they
             then
             enter'd
             them
             under
             ;
             and
             to
             bring
             them
             understandingly
             ,
             seriously
             and
             personally
             to
             renew
             it
             themselves
             ;
             that
             so
             its
             binding
             and
             obliging
             force
             may
             be
             the
             stronger
             upon
             them
             ,
             and
             the
             entail
             
             of
             Covenant
             Blessings
             ,
             may
             be
             the
             more
             firmly
             secur'd
             to
             them
             .
          
           
             THIS
             in
             short
             is
             Parents
             work
             in
             the
             Baptismal
             Consecration
             of
             their
             little
             Ones
             :
             Whence
             it
             appears
             ,
             That
             they
             in
             that
             Solemnity
             ,
             not
             only
             bring
             their
             Children
             under
             a
             Sacred
             Vow
             ,
             but
             also
             come
             under
             one
             themselves
             .
          
           
             YOU
             may
             take
             the
             Sum
             of
             their
             Vow
             in
             Form
             briefly
             thus
             :
          
           
             
               BEHOLD
               
                 (
                 O
                 Lord
              
               )
               we
               who
               have
               devoted
               our selves
               ,
               and
               all
               that
               we
               are
               and
               have
               to
               thee
               ,
               do
               according
               to
               thine
               injunction
               and
               expectation
               ,
               particularly
               now
               Consecrate
               a
               little
               one
               of
               ours
               ,
               to
               thee
               from
               whom
               we
               have
               receiv'd
               it
               .
               We
               own
               it
               to
               be
               more
               thine
               than
               ours
               by
               Right
               ;
               and
               we
               desire
               that
               thy
               Right
               may
               take
               place
               .
               It
               was
               born
               in
               thy
               Family
               ;
               we
               therefore
               bring
               it
               to
               be
               enroll'd
               in
               the
               List
               of
               thy
               Servants
               ;
               and
               to
               receive
               thy
               Badge
               ,
               and
               put
               on
               thy
               Livery
               ,
               in
               order
               to
               its
               sharing
               in
               all
               the
               Blessed
               Priviledges
               of
               thy
               Domesticks
               .
               We
               have
               handed
               it
               into
               a
               Miserable
               World
               ;
               and
               been
               instrumental
               to
               convey
               a
               a
               corrupt
               nature
               to
               it
               ;
               but
               thou
               alone
               by
               giving
               it
               thy
               Grace
               canst
               make
               it
               Happy
               .
               We
               present
               it
               to
               thee
               for
               thy
               Blessing
               .
               We
               now
               enter
               it
               into
               thy
               
               Covenant
               ;
               the
               Blessings
               whereof
               thou
               hast
               in
               thy
               word
               been
               Graciously
               pleas'd
               to
               declare
               do
               descend
               from
               Believers
               to
               their
               
                 Infant
                 Seed
              
               .
               We
               offer
               it
               to
               receive
               the
               outward
               Seal
               ,
               and
               beg
               that
               thou
               wouldst
               convey
               and
               assure
               ,
               the
               great
               things
               thereby
               betoken'd
               and
               intimated
               :
               We
               humbly
               lay
               hold
               of
               thy
               Covenant
               for
               our selves
               and
               this
               little
               one
               ;
               on
               whose
               behalf
               we
               freely
               consent
               to
               all
               thy
               claims
               and
               demands
               :
               Hoping
               that
               if
               it
               shall
               please
               thee
               to
               to
               remove
               it
               out
               of
               this
               sinful
               and
               troublesome
               World
               ,
               before
               it
               shall
               become
               capable
               of
               Transacting
               with
               thee
               Personally
               for
               it self
               ,
               thou
               wilt
               take
               it
               to
               thy self
               ,
               and
               make
               it
               happy
               in
               thy self
               ;
               and
               firmly
               binding
               and
               engaging
               it
               if
               thou
               shalt
               please
               to
               spare
               its
               life
               ,
               to
               live
               in
               thy
               Fear
               ,
               and
               walk
               in
               thy
               Ways
               ,
               and
               sincerely
               keep
               all
               thy
               Holy
               Commandments
               ,
               as
               ever
               we
               desire
               or
               expect
               it
               should
               share
               in
               the
               Invaluable
               Blessings
               which
               thou
               hast
               promis'd
               to
               thy
               Servants
               .
               And
               if
               (
               which
               we
               humbly
               beseech
               thee
               Mercifully
               to
               prevent
               )
               it
               should
               live
               perfidiously
               to
               break
               thy
               Bonds
               ,
               and
               wickedly
               to
               Revolt
               from
               thee
               ,
               and
               persist
               so
               doing
               ,
               without
               being
               reclaim'd
               ,
               we
               can
               desire
               no
               other
               ,
               than
               
               that
               it
               may
               be
               treated
               as
               an
               Insolent
               contemner
               of
               thy
               Covenant
               ,
               ,
               and
               a
               perfidious
               Revolter
               from
               it
               :
               To
               prevent
               which
               nevertheless
               ,
               we
               Solemnly
               Promise
               ,
               as
               in
               thine
               especial
               presence
               ,
               to
               do
               all
               that
               lies
               in
               our
               power
               ;
               by
               Wholsome
               Instructions
               ,
               and
               Serious
               Admonitions
               ,
               Parental
               Counsels
               ,
               Seasonable
               Reproofs
               ,
               and
               Suitable
               Corrections
               ,
               as
               we
               can
               discern
               occasion
               :
               Which
               endeavours
               of
               ours
               we
               humbly
               and
               earnestly
               beseech
               thee
               to
               accompany
               with
               thy
               Heavenly
               Blessing
               ;
               that
               they
               may
               be
               Effectual
               .
            
          
           
             LET
             's
             now
             consider
             the
             concern
             of
             Children
             ,
             in
             this
             Transaction
             of
             their
             Parents
             on
             their
             behalf
             ;
             of
             which
             you
             may
             take
             an
             Account
             in
             the
             following
             Particulars
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             THEY
             are
             hereby
             bound
             to
             lead
             a
             life
             of
             Holy
             Devotedness
             to
             God
             the
             Father
             ,
             Son
             ,
             and
             Spirit
             .
             To
             this
             they
             henceforth
             stand
             bound
             ,
             not
             only
             by
             that
             DivineLaw
             that
             requires
             it
             of
             them
             ,
             but
             also
             by
             their
             Parents
             Engagement
             and
             Stipulation
             ;
             which
             in
             matters
             of
             plain
             Duty
             to
             be
             sure
             is
             binding
             ,
             whatever
             it
             may
             be
             in
             things
             that
             are
             indifferent
             .
             We
             find
             Samuel
             under
             the
             Law
             ,
             thought
             himself
             oblig'd
             by
             his
             Mothers
             Vow
             ,
             and
             therefore
             gives
             himself
             freely
             
             to
             serve
             the
             Lord
             in
             his
             Tabernacle
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             dedication
             she
             had
             made
             of
             him
             :
             Yea
             ,
             
             Iepthath's
             Daughter
             complies
             with
             her
             Fathers
             Vow
             ,
             tho'
             (
             as
             most
             think
             )
             it
             was
             to
             be
             offer'd
             up
             in
             Sacrifice
             :
             
               My
               Father
            
             (
             saith
             she
             )
             
               if
               thou
               hast
               open'd
               thy
               mouth
               to
               the
               Lord
               ,
               do
            
             
             
               to
               me
               according
               to
               that
               which
               hath
               proceeded
               out
               of
               thy
               Mouth
               .
            
             How
             much
             more
             then
             must
             those
             Children
             who
             were
             in
             Infancy
             enter'd
             into
             the
             Christian
             Covenant
             by
             their
             Parents
             ,
             be
             oblig'd
             to
             stand
             to
             it
             ,
             when
             it
             engages
             them
             to
             nothing
             but
             what
             was
             of
             it self
             antecedently
             their
             Duty
             .
             It
             's
             a
             part
             of
             the
             Honour
             Nature
             hath
             made
             due
             to
             Parents
             from
             their
             Children
             ,
             that
             they
             own
             themselves
             bound
             by
             their
             engagements
             for
             them
             ;
             and
             interest
             in
             this
             case
             falls
             in
             with
             Duty
             ;
             the
             advantages
             of
             a
             compliance
             with
             their
             Parental
             Dedication
             being
             very
             great
             ;
             and
             the
             mischiefs
             of
             a
             Refusal
             evident
             and
             notorious
             .
             Withal
             they
             are
             bound
             to
             conform
             to
             the
             Rules
             of
             that
             Family
             in
             which
             they
             were
             born
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             Master
             whereof
             their
             Parents
             brought
             them
             to
             pay
             so
             early
             an
             Homage
             :
             And
             to
             continue
             in
             the
             service
             of
             that
             Lord
             whose
             Badge
             they
             so
             soon
             receiv'd
             ;
             till
             they
             can
             find
             a
             better
             ;
             and
             if
             they
             stay
             till
             then
             
             without
             all
             question
             they
             'll
             never
             quit
             him
             .
             The
             Obligation
             Infants
             by
             vertue
             of
             their
             Baptism
             come
             under
             to
             an
             Holy
             Devotedness
             ,
             is
             of
             a
             mixt
             Nature
             :
             'T
             is
             partly
             Natural
             and
             partly
             Positive
             .
             'T
             is
             Natural
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             it
             is
             an
             effect
             of
             the
             Parental
             power
             duly
             exercis'd
             :
             'T
             is
             Positive
             so
             far
             as
             there
             is
             any
             force
             in
             the
             Rites
             then
             us'd
             ,
             which
             are
             of
             Divine
             Institution
             :
             and
             the
             case
             was
             in
             this
             respect
             the
             same
             as
             to
             Circumcision
             of
             old
             .
             St.
             Paul
             observes
             ,
             
               That
               every
               man
               that
               is
               Circumcis'd
               is
               a
               debtor
               to
               do
               the
               whole
               Law
               :
            
             Circumcision
             oblig'd
             all
             that
             
             receiv'd
             it
             to
             a
             subjection
             to
             the
             whole
             Mosaick
             Law
             ;
             and
             that
             altho'
             t'
             was
             administred
             to
             all
             of
             Jewish
             Extraction
             in
             their
             Infancy
             ,
             and
             on
             their
             Parents
             Account
             ,
             and
             at
             their
             desire
             ;
             they
             were
             bound
             by
             it
             without
             staying
             for
             their
             consent
             :
             So
             also
             are
             all
             Baptiz'd
             Persons
             ,
             tho'
             Infants
             ,
             bound
             to
             asubjection
             to
             the
             whole
             Gospel
             .
             And
             the
             denial
             hereof
             by
             any
             so
             Baptiz'd
             ,
             is
             a
             spitting
             in
             their
             Parents
             face
             ;
             nay
             a
             pouring
             contempt
             on
             God's
             Sacred
             Institutions
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             THEY
             are
             bound
             to
             own
             their
             Baptismal
             Obligation
             ,
             as
             soon
             as
             capable
             .
             If
             they
             are
             bound
             to
             stand
             to
             it
             ,
             there
             's
             certainly
             all
             the
             reason
             in
             the
             World
             they
             should
             own
             they
             do
             so
             .
             They
             are
             
             bound
             to
             own
             it
             in
             Duty
             to
             their
             Parents
             ;
             who
             by
             giving
             them
             up
             to
             God
             ,
             more
             effectully
             consulted
             their
             Happiness
             and
             Welfare
             than
             they
             could
             have
             done
             any
             other
             way
             :
             They
             are
             bound
             also
             to
             do
             it
             in
             Gratitude
             to
             God
             ,
             for
             so
             Inestimable
             a
             Priviledge
             ,
             as
             is
             so
             early
             an
             admission
             into
             his
             Family
             ,
             and
             coming
             under
             his
             Covenant
             .
             It
             's
             necessary
             they
             should
             do
             it
             in
             order
             to
             the
             securing
             the
             entail
             of
             Covenant
             Blessings
             ;
             to
             which
             their
             own
             personal
             taking
             upon
             them
             that
             Vow
             which
             they
             first
             came
             under
             in
             Baptism
             is
             necessary
             .
             For
             they
             are
             no
             longer
             to
             be
             consider'd
             as
             part
             of
             their
             Parents
             ,
             than
             till
             they
             arrive
             at
             a
             Capacity
             of
             acting
             for
             themselves
             ;
             at
             which
             time
             God
             expects
             both
             that
             they
             should
             own
             their
             Baptismal
             Dedication
             to
             have
             been
             a
             signal
             Mercy
             ,
             declare
             their
             readiness
             to
             stand
             to
             the
             Vow
             they
             were
             then
             enter'd
             under
             ,
             and
             personally
             make
             it
             for
             themselves
             ,
             and
             in
             their
             own
             Names
             ,
             as
             ever
             they
             expect
             to
             reap
             the
             Blessed
             Benefits
             that
             depend
             thereon
             .
             And
             tho'
             this
             Vow
             was
             really
             binding
             when
             it
             was
             
               meerly
               Parental
            
             ,
             yet
             is
             it
             more
             firmly
             binding
             when
             it
             thus
             becomes
             Personal
             .
             And
             those
             must
             look
             upon
             the
             power
             of
             Parents
             over
             Children
             to
             be
             very
             small
             ,
             that
             question
             whether
             
             they
             may
             rightfully
             exert
             their
             Authority
             in
             bringing
             their
             Children
             under
             a
             Bond
             to
             do
             that
             when
             they
             come
             to
             Age
             ,
             which
             is
             their
             unquestionable
             Duty
             then
             to
             do
             ,
             whether
             there
             be
             such
             a
             Prior
             Engagement
             or
             not
             :
             But
             however
             we
             may
             hence
             observe
             another
             notion
             of
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             that
             is
             proper
             enough
             ,
             viz.
             That
             it
             is
             that
             Vow
             which
             we
             by
             vertue
             of
             Infant
             Baptism
             are
             oblig'd
             to
             make
             explicitly
             when
             we
             come
             to
             Age
             ;
             in
             which
             case
             the
             Form
             drawn
             up
             in
             the
             foregoing
             Chapter
             is
             as
             suitable
             ,
             as
             't
             is
             with
             reference
             to
             those
             who
             are
             not
             Baptiz'd
             till
             they
             are
             Adult
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             THOSE
             who
             stand
             not
             to
             their
             Infant
             Baptismal
             Obligation
             when
             they
             grow
             up
             ;
             are
             liable
             to
             be
             treated
             as
             obstinate
             contemners
             of
             the
             Divine
             Favour
             ;
             as
             Sacrilegious
             Alienators
             of
             what
             was
             peculiarly
             devoted
             ;
             and
             as
             perjur'd
             Violators
             of
             Gods
             Covenant
             .
             Their
             case
             is
             not
             the
             same
             with
             that
             of
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             who
             remain
             Undedicated
             ,
             and
             Unconsecrated
             to
             God
             :
             But
             as
             their
             Advantages
             would
             be
             great
             if
             they
             were
             Faithful
             ,
             so
             will
             their
             Miseries
             be
             great
             if
             they
             are
             false
             to
             the
             Vow
             they
             came
             under
             in
             their
             Baptism
             .
             That
             very
             Bond
             that
             should
             have
             kept
             them
             close
             
             to
             God
             ,
             will
             consign
             them
             over
             to
             the
             more
             aggravated
             Woes
             ,
             when
             put
             in
             suit
             against
             them
             .
             For
             tho'
             Parents
             were
             the
             main
             Agents
             ,
             yet
             are
             they
             mainly
             concern'd
             and
             bound
             ,
             and
             on
             them
             therefore
             will
             the
             Penalty
             annex'd
             take
             place
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             THE
             Minister
             that
             Baptiz'd
             them
             ,
             their
             Parents
             that
             Devoted
             them
             ,
             and
             as
             many
             as
             were
             Spectators
             of
             their
             Infant
             Consecration
             ;
             are
             so
             many
             Witnesses
             for
             God
             against
             them
             ,
             if
             in
             their
             after
             Life
             they
             break
             Gods
             bands
             in
             sunder
             ,
             and
             cast
             away
             his
             cords
             from
             them
             .
             They
             are
             Witnesses
             (
             I
             say
             )
             for
             God
             against
             them
             ,
             and
             as
             such
             will
             be
             ready
             to
             appear
             at
             the
             last
             day
             .
             Ministers
             will
             then
             be
             ready
             to
             say
             ,
             Lord
             here
             are
             such
             and
             such
             that
             we
             Baptiz'd
             in
             thy
             Name
             ,
             and
             introduc'd
             into
             the
             visible
             Church
             ,
             in
             the
             method
             which
             thou
             Institutedst
             ,
             and
             thine
             Apostles
             practis'd
             :
             But
             before
             we
             did
             so
             ,
             we
             thought
             we
             bound
             them
             fast
             unto
             thee
             ;
             we
             exacted
             of
             their
             Parents
             ,
             on
             their
             behalf
             ,
             a
             Renunciation
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             the
             Devil
             ,
             and
             a
             free
             consent
             to
             all
             thy
             claims
             and
             demands
             ;
             that
             they
             were
             engag'd
             to
             this
             ,
             we
             are
             Witnesses
             :
             If
             they
             have
             broken
             therefore
             the
             Vow
             they
             then
             came
             under
             ,
             and
             persisted
             so
             doing
             ,
             we
             
             can
             testify
             they
             are
             perfidious
             Traytors
             and
             Faithless
             Rebels
             ,
             and
             deserve
             the
             Severest
             Treatment
             .
             Pious
             Parents
             will
             also
             be
             ready
             to
             say
             ;
             Behold
             O
             Lord
             we
             gave
             these
             Children
             of
             ours
             to
             thee
             ,
             from
             whom
             we
             receiv'd
             them
             ,
             in
             thy
             Service
             we
             Listed
             them
             ,
             and
             under
             thy
             Bonds
             we
             brought
             them
             with
             the
             Instituted
             Solemnity
             ,
             even
             in
             their
             very
             Infancy
             :
             and
             we
             did
             all
             that
             in
             us
             lay
             to
             bring
             them
             under
             as
             strong
             and
             firm
             engagements
             as
             was
             possible
             ;
             and
             often
             did
             we
             as
             they
             grew
             up
             ,
             endeavour
             to
             make
             them
             sensible
             how
             much
             they
             were
             oblig'd
             to
             live
             to
             thee
             to
             whom
             they
             were
             Devoted
             ;
             their
             Blood
             therefore
             be
             upon
             themselves
             :
             If
             they
             have
             wickedly
             and
             obstinately
             Revolted
             from
             thee
             ,
             their
             Ruin
             will
             lye
             at
             their
             own
             doors
             ,
             whereof
             we
             are
             Witnesses
             .
             All
             others
             also
             who
             
               were
               present
               at
               the
               Solemnity
            
             of
             their
             Baptism
             ,
             will
             be
             ready
             to
             bear
             Witness
             ,
             that
             they
             came
             early
             under
             Gods
             Gracious
             Covenant
             ,
             and
             were
             enter'd
             in
             a
             Bond
             to
             be
             faithful
             in
             all
             the
             Duties
             of
             it
             ;
             which
             if
             they
             have
             wickedly
             neglected
             ,
             and
             liv'd
             to
             themselves
             instead
             of
             living
             to
             God
             ,
             they
             can
             attest
             they
             have
             broken
             a
             Divine
             Vow
             that
             was
             upon
             them
             ,
             which
             implies
             an
             highly
             aggravated
             Guilt
             .
             And
             Oh!
             
             How
             sad
             a
             thing
             will
             it
             be
             ,
             for
             Persons
             to
             have
             
               Ministers
               ,
               Parents
            
             ,
             and
             
               Christian
               Friends
            
             ,
             Rising
             up
             in
             Judgment
             against
             them
             at
             last
             ,
             for
             their
             Revolting
             from
             that
             God
             to
             whom
             they
             in
             their
             Infancy
             were
             Consecrated
             ,
             and
             breaking
             those
             Bands
             that
             should
             have
             fastned
             them
             to
             him
             ?
          
           
             BUT
             after
             all
             ,
             because
             there
             are
             some
             to
             be
             met
             with
             ,
             that
             Question
             Parents
             power
             to
             bring
             their
             Children
             while
             Infants
             ,
             under
             such
             an
             Obligation
             as
             that
             of
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             ,
             and
             make
             their
             Incapacity
             Personally
             to
             consent
             a
             Grand
             Objection
             against
             this
             Practice
             .
             I
             shall
             now
             ,
          
           
             5thly
             .
             A
             little
             distinctly
             consider
             the
             Power
             of
             Parents
             to
             bring
             them
             ,
             and
             the
             Childrens
             Capacity
             of
             being
             brought
             under
             such
             an
             Obligation
             as
             the
             
               Baptismal
               Vow
            
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             AS
             for
             the
             
               Parental
               Power
            
             ,
             it
             s
             the
             greatest
             that
             Nature
             gives
             .
             The
             Interest
             of
             Parents
             in
             their
             Children
             is
             great
             ;
             and
             such
             also
             must
             their
             Power
             over
             them
             needs
             consequently
             be
             .
             Children
             have
             no
             use
             of
             their
             Understandings
             to
             deliberate
             ,
             or
             wills
             to
             choose
             ;
             they
             have
             no
             Power
             to
             act
             :
             Nature
             invests
             Parents
             therefore
             with
             a
             right
             of
             Deliberating
             ,
             Choosing
             ,
             and
             Acting
             for
             them
             ,
             during
             their
             own
             Incapacity
             .
             
             Children
             are
             the
             product
             even
             of
             their
             own
             Bowels
             ,
             and
             therefore
             it
             may
             be
             well
             suppos'd
             they
             'll
             do
             their
             best
             for
             them
             :
             And
             they
             can
             never
             make
             their
             Parents
             a
             return
             for
             what
             they
             have
             receiv'd
             from
             them
             ;
             can
             never
             pay
             them
             the
             Debt
             that
             is
             naturally
             owing
             them
             ,
             and
             therefore
             may
             well
             be
             suppos'd
             ready
             to
             hearken
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             comply
             with
             them
             in
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             reasonable
             .
             Nature
             puts
             Parents
             in
             the
             place
             of
             God
             to
             Children
             .
             During
             their
             Infant
             State
             ,
             they
             have
             as
             great
             a
             power
             of
             Command
             over
             them
             ,
             even
             as
             over
             their
             own
             Hands
             or
             Feet
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             Members
             of
             their
             Body
             ;
             where
             provided
             they
             keep
             within
             the
             limits
             and
             inclinations
             of
             Nature
             ;
             
               i.
               e.
            
             Love
             and
             Cherish
             ,
             and
             are
             tender
             of
             them
             ,
             they
             can't
             overdo
             .
             All
             Civil
             Laws
             have
             allow'd
             great
             scope
             to
             the
             
               Parental
               Power
            
             ,
             because
             it
             s
             presum'd
             't
             would
             be
             us'd
             for
             their
             Childrens
             Good.
             In
             no
             Countreys
             hath
             it
             been
             so
             straitned
             by
             any
             particular
             Laws
             ,
             as
             that
             Parents
             have
             not
             had
             a
             free
             liberty
             of
             disposing
             of
             their
             Children
             ,
             and
             entring
             into
             Contracts
             for
             them
             ,
             which
             shall
             be
             binding
             upon
             them
             ,
             and
             of
             laying
             Charges
             and
             Commands
             on
             them
             ,
             which
             shall
             be
             Obligatory
             :
             We
             have
             a
             known
             instance
             of
             this
             latter
             
             sort
             in
             the
             case
             of
             the
             Rechabites
             ,
             who
             were
             char'd
             by
             Ionadab
             their
             Fore-father
             ,
             
               that
               none
               of
               them
               ,
               their
               Wives
               ,
            
             
             
               their
               Sons
               ,
               or
               their
               Daughters
               ,
               should
               Drink
               any
               Wine
               ;
               that
               they
               should
               neither
               Build
               House
               ,
               nor
               Sow
               Seed
               ,
               nor
               Plant
               Vineyard
               ,
               nor
               have
               any
               ;
               but
               all
               their
               days
               dwell
               in
               Tents
               :
            
             Which
             charge
             they
             punctually
             Obey'd
             :
             And
             there
             is
             a
             Solemn
             Blessing
             given
             them
             by
             God
             ,
             for
             this
             their
             Obedience
             .
             And
             can
             it
             
             be
             suppos'd
             ,
             Parents
             should
             have
             great
             Power
             over
             their
             Children
             ,
             in
             Natural
             Matters
             ,
             and
             Civil
             Affairs
             ,
             and
             none
             in
             Religious
             Concerns
             ?
             God
             takes
             care
             of
             the
             Infant
             Seed
             of
             Pious
             Parents
             ,
             hath
             made
             great
             Promises
             ,
             and
             extends
             his
             Covenant
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             offers
             to
             entail
             the
             Blessings
             of
             it
             on
             them
             ;
             And
             have
             Parents
             no
             Power
             to
             give
             up
             their
             Children
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             enter
             them
             into
             his
             Covenant
             ,
             and
             bind
             them
             to
             the
             Duties
             of
             it
             ?
             Children
             are
             bound
             to
             stand
             to
             any
             Engagements
             their
             Parents
             come
             under
             for
             them
             ,
             unless
             in
             any
             thing
             Sinful
             and
             of
             dangerous
             consequence
             ?
             And
             can
             they
             safely
             reject
             the
             force
             of
             the
             Vow
             they
             bring
             them
             under
             in
             Baptism
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ;
             and
             plead
             that
             it
             was
             a
             stretch
             of
             the
             Parental
             Power
             ?
             Why
             if
             Parents
             have
             power
             to
             choose
             
             a
             Physician
             for
             their
             Bodies
             ,
             an
             Instructor
             for
             their
             Minds
             ,
             a
             Master
             for
             their
             Calling
             ,
             &c.
             
             What
             should
             hinder
             their
             Power
             from
             exte●…ing
             to
             the
             choosing
             of
             God
             for
             the
             Portion
             of
             their
             Souls
             ,
             and
             binding
             them
             to
             discharge
             the
             Duties
             owing
             to
             him
             ?
             It
             may
             perhaps
             be
             pleaded
             ,
             That
             Parents
             would
             not
             want
             Power
             in
             the
             case
             ,
             were
             but
             their
             Children
             capable
             of
             such
             an
             obligation
             in
             their
             Infant
             State
             ;
             but
             they
             are
             unmeet
             subjects
             for
             the
             exercise
             of
             such
             a
             Power
             ,
             and
             therefore
             it
             is
             Insignificant
             .
             Le
             ts
             therefore
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             A
             little
             consider
             Childrens
             Capacity
             of
             coming
             under
             such
             a
             Bond
             as
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             ;
             
               i.
               e.
            
             their
             Passive
             ,
             not
             their
             Active
             Capacity
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             pretended
             or
             pleaded
             for
             :
             And
             here
             I
             desire
             it
             may
             be
             consider'd
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             they
             are
             capable
             of
             being
             bound
             in
             Civils
             :
             Why
             not
             in
             Spirituals
             ?
             To
             Man
             :
             Why
             not
             to
             God
             ?
             An
             Infant
             may
             have
             an
             Estate
             made
             over
             and
             secur'd
             to
             him
             by
             Law
             ;
             he
             is
             capable
             of
             becoming
             a
             Tennant
             ,
             and
             being
             oblig'd
             to
             pay
             a
             certain
             Rent
             and
             Homage
             when
             he
             comes
             to
             Age
             ;
             and
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             of
             having
             Provisions
             from
             the
             Estate
             he
             hath
             a
             Title
             to
             :
             In
             such
             a
             case
             none
             will
             deny
             but
             a
             Parent
             or
             even
             
             a
             Guardian
             may
             act
             for
             him
             ,
             and
             that
             so
             as
             that
             he
             shall
             stand
             Engag'd
             :
             If
             so
             ,
             Why
             is
             he
             not
             as
             capable
             of
             being
             oblig'd
             by
             a
             Sacred
             Vow
             ,
             whereby
             his
             Parents
             would
             bind
             him
             to
             God
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             the
             securing
             the
             Everlasting
             Inheritance
             ,
             which
             He
             ,
             by
             Gospel-grant
             ,
             hath
             setled
             on
             all
             his
             Children
             .
             Let
             it
             therefore
             here
             be
             observ'd
             ,
             That
             whatever
             is
             pleaded
             ,
             in
             proof
             of
             the
             Incapacity
             of
             Infants
             ,
             to
             come
             under
             a
             Vow
             to
             God
             in
             Baptism
             ,
             by
             vertue
             of
             their
             Parents
             transacting
             on
             their
             behalf
             ,
             proves
             them
             equally
             incapable
             of
             coming
             under
             any
             obligation
             whatsoever
             ,
             till
             they
             are
             able
             to
             transact
             for
             themselves
             :
             Which
             is
             contrary
             to
             the
             sense
             of
             all
             the
             Wise
             and
             Prudent
             that
             have
             liv'd
             in
             all
             Ages
             of
             the
             World.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             LET
             it
             be
             further
             observ'd
             ,
             That
             Infants
             (
             even
             while
             such
             )
             are
             capable
             of
             sharing
             in
             the
             Blessings
             of
             Gods
             Covenant
             :
             And
             if
             so
             ,
             Why
             not
             of
             coming
             under
             an
             Obligation
             to
             the
             Duties
             of
             it
             ?
             They
             are
             capable
             of
             sharing
             in
             the
             Merits
             of
             Christs
             Blood
             ,
             and
             the
             Influences
             of
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             other
             marks
             of
             Divine
             Favour
             ;
             and
             of
             being
             treated
             by
             God
             as
             his
             Children
             ;
             and
             that
             by
             their
             Parents
             means
             ,
             whose
             Covenant
             Interest
             is
             Available
             for
             their
             Good
             in
             
             their
             Infant
             State
             :
             Why
             may
             they
             not
             then
             by
             their
             means
             also
             ,
             come
             under
             an
             Engagement
             and
             Obligation
             to
             carry
             it
             as
             becomes
             the
             Members
             of
             Gods
             Family
             as
             soon
             as
             they
             become
             capable
             ?
             But
             these
             things
             deserve
             a
             more
             accurate
             handling
             ,
             than
             I
             can
             (
             at
             least
             at
             present
             )
             pretend
             to
             give
             them
             .
          
           
             FOR
             a
             close
             of
             this
             Chapter
             ,
             I
             shall
             Annex
             a
             brief
             Admonition
             both
             to
             Christian
             Parents
             that
             have
             brought
             their
             Children
             under
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             in
             their
             Infant
             State
             :
             And
             to
             their
             Children
             ,
             that
             so
             early
             came
             under
             an
             Obligation
             ,
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             to
             him
             ,
             with
             reference
             to
             Duty
             consequent
             thereupon
             .
          
           
             AS
             for
             you
             that
             have
             Devoted
             your
             Children
             to
             God
             in
             Baptism
             ,
             remember
             (
             I
             beseech
             you
             )
             and
             take
             care
             to
             breed
             them
             up
             for
             him
             ,
             to
             whom
             you
             have
             Consecrated
             them
             ;
             expecting
             to
             be
             call'd
             to
             an
             account
             about
             your
             carriage
             towards
             them
             ,
             and
             management
             of
             them
             another
             day
             .
             Take
             care
             to
             season
             their
             tender
             minds
             well
             :
             Instruct
             them
             diligently
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             their
             Duty
             to
             him
             ;
             and
             in
             the
             Nature
             and
             Import
             of
             that
             Divine
             Vow
             you
             brought
             them
             under
             :
             Shew
             them
             what
             will
             be
             the
             Benefits
             of
             keeping
             it
             ,
             the
             danger
             of
             breaking
             it
             ,
             
             and
             the
             Duties
             they
             are
             oblig'd
             to
             by
             it
             ;
             and
             do
             what
             you
             can
             to
             bring
             them
             to
             take
             it
             upon
             themselves
             ,
             and
             renew
             their
             Covenant
             with
             God
             in
             their
             own
             Persons
             ,
             as
             soon
             as
             they
             are
             capable
             .
             Preserve
             them
             as
             much
             as
             may
             be
             from
             the
             Infections
             of
             an
             Evil
             Age
             :
             Set
             them
             Good
             Examples
             your selves
             ,
             and
             get
             them
             among
             as
             many
             other
             lively
             Patterns
             of
             Serious
             Godliness
             as
             you
             can
             ;
             That
             you
             may
             thereby
             provoke
             them
             to
             Imitation
             :
             Inure
             them
             to
             Holy
             Exerercises
             from
             their
             Youth
             up
             :
             Possess
             them
             with
             as
             great
             a
             Reverence
             of
             the
             Holy
             Scriptures
             as
             you
             can
             :
             Narrowly
             watch
             their
             Tongues
             from
             the
             first
             that
             they
             begin
             to
             use
             them
             ;
             and
             do
             what
             in
             you
             lies
             ,
             betimes
             to
             learn
             them
             to
             govern
             their
             Appetites
             :
             Teach
             them
             the
             worth
             of
             Time
             ;
             and
             spur
             them
             on
             to
             make
             a
             diligent
             Improvement
             of
             it
             :
             Encourage
             them
             when
             they
             do
             well
             ;
             and
             Reprove
             and
             Correct
             them
             when
             they
             do
             amiss
             .
             Whatever
             Neglects
             or
             Miscarriages
             you
             over-look
             or
             pass
             by
             ,
             be
             sure
             you
             allow
             them
             in
             nothing
             that
             in
             Sinful
             :
             This
             will
             be
             the
             way
             for
             you
             to
             have
             Peace
             and
             Comfort
             ,
             whatever
             be
             the
             Consequences
             .
          
           
             Remember
             how
             many
             ways
             you
             are
             oblig'd
             hereto
             ;
             how
             solemnly
             you
             have
             
             promis'd
             it
             ;
             how
             certainly
             God
             expects
             it
             ;
             and
             how
             severely
             he
             'll
             punish
             the
             neglect
             of
             it
             .
             How
             sad
             a
             thing
             will
             it
             be
             ,
             to
             have
             the
             Blood
             of
             your
             Childrens
             Souls
             lying
             atyour
             door
             on
             the
             account
             of
             your
             Carelessness
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             where
             your
             utmost
             Diligence
             was
             required
             ?
             Should
             they
             hereafter
             prove
             Crosses
             and
             Heart-breaking
             Afflictions
             ,
             thro'
             their
             Undutifulness
             ;
             What
             a
             Sad
             Aggravation
             will
             it
             be
             of
             your
             Trouble
             ,
             to
             think
             that
             all
             this
             hath
             arisen
             from
             your
             want
             of
             Care
             in
             their
             Education
             ?
             How
             will
             they
             cry
             out
             upon
             you
             hereafter
             ,
             if
             ever
             they
             come
             to
             be
             Sensible
             and
             Awaken'd
             ,
             for
             your
             Unnatural
             Cruelty
             ;
             who
             tho'
             you
             might
             be
             tender
             enough
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             kind
             enough
             to
             them
             in
             other
             respects
             ,
             yet
             minded
             not
             their
             Souls
             ,
             took
             not
             any
             suitable
             care
             to
             Breed
             them
             up
             for
             him
             to
             whom
             you
             Devoted
             them
             ?
             Nay
             ,
             How
             will
             they
             in
             another
             World
             ,
             if
             they
             finally
             persist
             in
             Wickedness
             ,
             exclaim
             against
             you
             who
             were
             the
             Instruments
             of
             conveying
             their
             Being
             to
             them
             ,
             as
             their
             Soul
             Murderers
             ,
             and
             the
             first
             Occasions
             of
             their
             endless
             Ruin
             ,
             by
             your
             neglect
             to
             take
             that
             care
             of
             them
             which
             you
             engag'd
             to
             when
             you
             Baptiz'd
             them
             ?
             I
             beseech
             you
             therefore
             ,
             if
             you
             have
             any
             regard
             
             to
             God
             ,
             any
             desire
             to
             see
             True
             Religion
             ,
             Serious
             Piety
             and
             Godliness
             flourish
             ;
             if
             you
             have
             any
             Love
             to
             the
             fruit
             of
             your
             own
             Bowels
             ;
             and
             any
             regard
             to
             your
             own
             Peace
             now
             or
             hereafter
             ;
             that
             you
             would
             make
             Conscience
             of
             this
             matter
             :
             Pay
             the
             Vow
             you
             made
             ,
             when
             you
             Devoted
             your
             Children
             to
             God
             in
             Baptism
             .
          
           
             AND
             as
             for
             you
             who
             thro'
             Gods
             great
             Goodness
             and
             your
             Parents
             Care
             ,
             had
             the
             happy
             Priviledge
             of
             an
             Early
             Baptism
             :
             Oh
             be
             not
             so
             foolish
             as
             to
             ●…avil
             your selves
             out
             of
             the
             Benefit
             of
             it
             .
             Your
             Parents
             brought
             you
             under
             Vows
             to
             God
             ;
             Oh
             desire
             not
             to
             be
             released
             .
             Had
             there
             been
             a
             considerable
             Temporal
             Estate
             of
             some
             Hundreds
             a
             year
             ,
             settled
             on
             your
             Family
             before
             you
             were
             Born
             ,
             upon
             some
             certain
             easie
             Conditions
             to
             be
             perform'd
             not
             only
             by
             your
             Parents
             ,
             but
             by
             you
             after
             them
             ;
             to
             the
             performance
             whereof
             ,
             they
             should
             have
             oblig'd
             not
             only
             themselves
             ,
             but
             you
             their
             Children
             :
             Would
             you
             not
             in
             such
             a
             case
             ,
             where
             the
             Profit
             on
             the
             one
             hand
             ,
             and
             Hazard
             on
             the
             other
             ,
             is
             so
             sensible
             and
             apparent
             ;
             own
             the
             binding
             force
             of
             their
             Obligation
             upon
             your selves
             in
             order
             to
             your
             keeping
             the
             Inheritance
             ?
             And
             will
             you
             be
             more
             unjust
             to
             God
             ,
             than
             you
             would
             to
             Man
             ?
             Will
             you
             
             own
             your
             Parents
             power
             to
             engage
             you
             for
             a
             Trifle
             ,
             and
             not
             in
             order
             to
             an
             Everlasting
             Crown
             ?
             But
             however
             if
             you
             think
             your
             Parents
             did
             you
             wrong
             ,
             and
             that
             you
             are
             hardly
             dealt
             with
             ,
             you
             may
             be
             out
             of
             Covenant
             when
             you
             will
             :
             But
             at
             the
             same
             time
             be
             it
             known
             to
             you
             ,
             if
             you
             disown
             it
             ,
             you
             forfeit
             the
             Benefits
             of
             it
             ;
             if
             you
             renounce
             your
             Vow
             ,
             you
             cast
             off
             God
             ,
             and
             reject
             his
             Favour
             ,
             and
             must
             never
             expect
             an
             Admission
             into
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             .
          
           
             BUT
             if
             you
             have
             any
             concern
             for
             your
             Souls
             ,
             any
             sense
             of
             the
             Wretchedness
             of
             your
             Natural
             State
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             desireableness
             of
             the
             favour
             of
             God
             thro'
             a
             Christ
             ,
             you
             cannot
             but
             prize
             your
             early
             Dedication
             to
             God
             ,
             as
             an
             Invaluable
             Mercy
             :
             Oh
             Prize
             it
             ,
             Improve
             it
             ,
             Heartily
             Bless
             God
             for
             it
             ;
             and
             stand
             to
             the
             Vow
             you
             then
             came
             under
             ;
             and
             let
             it
             be
             the
             business
             of
             your
             Lives
             to
             Discharge
             and
             Pay
             it
             .
             Don't
             pretend
             its
             Hard
             and
             Strict
             :
             For
             there
             's
             nothing
             in
             it
             but
             what
             's
             Necessary
             :
             Ben't
             impatient
             of
             its
             Confinements
             ,
             for
             they
             are
             all
             for
             your
             Good.
             Think
             often
             and
             Seriously
             of
             the
             Unsuitableness
             of
             your
             Carriage
             and
             Behaviour
             to
             the
             Vow
             that
             is
             upon
             you
             ;
             and
             that
             with
             Sorrow
             and
             Lamentation
             :
             Think
             what
             
             would
             become
             of
             you
             should
             God
             take
             your
             Forfeitures
             of
             the
             Blessings
             of
             his
             Covenant
             :
             And
             if
             you
             have
             any
             regard
             to
             God
             ,
             any
             Love
             to
             your
             own
             Souls
             ,
             any
             desire
             to
             be
             happy
             here
             or
             hereafter
             ,
             lay
             aside
             all
             Excuses
             ,
             and
             without
             delay
             ,
             Freely
             and
             Solemnly
             own
             and
             acknowledge
             this
             Vow
             of
             God
             that
             is
             upon
             you
             ,
             and
             set
             your selves
             with
             all
             your
             might
             to
             Live
             answerably
             to
             it
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP
             VI.
             
          
           
             
               Certain
               Useful
               Observations
               about
               the
               Consequence
               of
               KEEPING
               or
               BREAKING
               the
               Baptismal
               Vow
               :
               And
               of
               the
               RECOGNITION
               of
               it
               as
               Necessary
               to
               a
               Regular
               Admission
               to
               the
               Lords
               Table
               .
            
          
           
             FROM
             the
             
               Baptismal
               Vow
            
             ,
             I
             should
             now
             pass
             to
             the
             Consideration
             of
             the
             Solemn
             Stated
             Renewal
             of
             it
             at
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             whereto
             our
             Holy
             Religion
             straitly
             obliges
             us
             :
             But
             that
             some
             Intermediate
             Observations
             offer
             themselves
             ,
             which
             may
             be
             of
             no
             small
             use
             ,
             which
             I
             shall
             therefore
             first
             lay
             down
             :
             You
             may
             take
             them
             in
             the
             following
             order
             .
          
           
           
             1.
             
             OBSERVE
             that
             by
             the
             Serious
             Keeping
             and
             Adhering
             to
             the
             
               Baptismal
               Vow
            
             ,
             all
             
               Church
               Priviledges
               ,
               and
               Special
               Covenant
               Blessings
            
             are
             effectually
             secur'd
             .
             'T
             was
             before
             hinted
             ,
             That
             in
             all
             Transactions
             by
             way
             of
             Covenant
             ,
             as
             there
             are
             two
             parties
             at
             least
             suppos'd
             to
             be
             concern'd
             ,
             so
             is
             there
             something
             suppos'd
             to
             be
             agreed
             to
             by
             each
             of
             these
             Parties
             .
             In
             all
             Covenants
             between
             God
             and
             Man
             ,
             God
             engages
             to
             something
             on
             one
             side
             ,
             and
             Man
             on
             the
             other
             ;
             and
             a
             Faithful
             bent
             of
             Heart
             on
             Mans
             part
             ,
             is
             pre-requir'd
             to
             Gods
             actual
             fulfilling
             his
             Engagements
             Gods
             part
             in
             all
             such
             Covenants
             lies
             in
             Promises
             ,
             and
             Mans
             in
             Vows
             ,
             which
             have
             the
             place
             of
             a
             Band
             between
             God
             and
             us
             :
             Let
             Man
             keep
             true
             to
             his
             Vows
             ,
             and
             God
             will
             ever
             be
             sure
             to
             fulfil
             his
             Promises
             .
             In
             the
             Baptismal
             Covenant
             ,
             God
             promises
             and
             ensures
             much
             ,
             and
             we
             engage
             to
             much
             :
             But
             let
             us
             but
             take
             care
             to
             be
             true
             to
             our
             Vow
             ,
             and
             we
             need
             not
             fear
             but
             he
             will
             most
             punctually
             stand
             to
             his
             Word
             and
             Engagement
             .
             Now
             the
             Promises
             Ratifi'd
             on
             Gods
             part
             in
             the
             Baptismal
             Contract
             are
             of
             two
             sorts
             ;
             which
             I
             may
             call
             Common
             and
             Special
             :
             The
             Former
             relate
             to
             External
             Helps
             ,
             Assistances
             ,
             and
             Furtherances
             ,
             as
             to
             Serious
             Piety
             and
             
             Godliness
             ;
             which
             tho'
             they
             are
             not
             actually
             Saving
             ,
             may
             yet
             very
             much
             promote
             Salvation
             .
             The
             Latter
             relate
             to
             real
             Marks
             of
             Divine
             Favour
             ,
             and
             Peculiar
             Love
             ,
             to
             be
             communicated
             in
             order
             to
             Actual
             Salvation
             .
             The
             Former
             refer
             to
             things
             that
             are
             indeed
             vast
             Advantages
             in
             themselves
             ;
             tho'
             alas
             too
             often
             neglected
             and
             misimprov'd
             :
             The
             Latter
             to
             things
             vastly
             Higher
             ,
             and
             which
             intimate
             a
             State
             incapable
             of
             missing
             of
             Final
             Happiness
             and
             Bliss
             .
             Under
             the
             Former
             are
             contain'd
             all
             
               Church
               Priviledges
            
             accompanying
             a
             visible
             Relation
             to
             God
             :
             As
             
               an
               Admission
               to
               the
               Lords
               Table
               ,
            
             there
             to
             receive
             Divine
             Nutriment
             in
             the
             company
             of
             his
             Children
             ;
             
               the
               common
               operations
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               in
            
             Holy
             Motions
             and
             Serious
             Convictions
             ;
             the
             
               Pastoral
               Care
            
             of
             those
             whom
             God
             hath
             set
             over
             them
             ,
             and
             order'd
             to
             watch
             for
             their
             Souls
             ;
             
               the
               hearty
               Prayers
               and
               Fraternal
               Admonitions
               of
               the
               Faithful
               ,
            
             with
             whom
             they
             are
             joyn'd
             in
             Communion
             ;
             and
             the
             like
             .
             Under
             the
             Latter
             are
             comprehended
             ,
             
               Forgiveness
               of
               Sins
               ;
               Acceptance
               both
               of
               Persons
               and
               Services
               ;
               Sanctification
            
             ;
             the
             constant
             
               Guidance
               and
               Help
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
            
             effectually
             to
             further
             progress
             in
             the
             Divine
             Life
             ;
             together
             with
             all
             other
             Blessings
             suiting
             a
             State
             of
             Adoption
             .
          
           
           
             THESE
             are
             the
             things
             whereto
             God
             in
             Baptism
             as
             't
             were
             sets
             his
             Seal
             ,
             upon
             the
             requisite
             Vows
             preceeding
             :
             And
             by
             our
             keeping
             this
             Vow
             ,
             we
             (
             as
             I
             may
             say
             )
             secure
             to
             our selves
             the
             Actual
             Performance
             of
             the
             several
             Promises
             made
             and
             ratify'd
             .
             As
             to
             
               Church
               Priviledges
            
             ,
             we
             by
             our
             standing
             and
             acting
             agreeably
             to
             our
             Baptismal
             Engagement
             ,
             have
             an
             undoubted
             right
             to
             them
             ,
             which
             none
             can
             warrantably
             call
             in
             Question
             :
             And
             whatever
             further
             is
             requir'd
             as
             necessary
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             our
             enjoying
             them
             ,
             is
             an
             Humane
             Invention
             .
             For
             Baptism
             being
             an
             Admission
             into
             the
             Visible
             Church
             ,
             it
             follows
             ,
             That
             none
             can
             warrantably
             deny
             any
             of
             the
             Priviledges
             thereof
             to
             any
             so
             admitted
             ,
             unless
             it
             can
             be
             made
             appear
             ,
             That
             they
             don't
             heartily
             stand
             to
             that
             Vow
             of
             God
             they
             then
             came
             under
             ,
             by
             the
             open
             disagreeableness
             of
             their
             Lives
             thereto
             .
             And
             then
             as
             to
             those
             which
             are
             more
             peculiarly
             
               Covenant
               Blessings
            
             ;
             as
             Pardon
             ,
             and
             Peace
             ,
             and
             the
             Sanctifying
             ,
             Guiding
             ,
             and
             Comforting
             Influences
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ;
             these
             unless
             the
             whole
             tenour
             of
             the
             Covenant
             of
             Grace
             be
             directly
             '
             thwarted
             ,
             cannot
             be
             deny'd
             to
             those
             who
             faithfully
             keep
             this
             Vow
             :
             For
             it
             includes
             a
             Serious
             Repentance
             ,
             and
             an
             hearty
             Faith
             ;
             besides
             which
             the
             Gospel
             requires
             nothing
             
             further
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             Persons
             entring
             upon
             a
             Pardon'd
             and
             Justifi'd
             State
             ,
             thro'
             the
             Merits
             of
             our
             Dear
             Redeemer
             ;
             and
             then
             upon
             
               Iustification
               by
               Faith
            
             ,
             follows
             
               Peace
               with
               God.
            
             Further
             ,
             
             They
             being
             
               Born
               of
               Water
               and
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
            
             are
             become
             the
             
               Temple
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               have
               the
               Spirit
               of
               God
               dwelling
               in
               them
               :
            
             
             And
             where
             this
             Blessed
             Spirit
             dwells
             ,
             nothing
             necessary
             to
             Salvation
             can
             possibly
             be
             wanting
             .
          
           
             BUT
             't
             is
             observable
             ,
             That
             there
             is
             this
             Remarkable
             difference
             in
             the
             case
             ,
             between
             
               Church
               Priviledges
            
             ,
             and
             
               Special
               Covenant
               Blessings
            
             ;
             That
             where
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             is
             not
             openly
             contradicted
             by
             the
             Life
             ,
             and
             but
             Professedly
             adhered
             to
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             right
             unto
             the
             former
             ;
             by
             reason
             that
             it
             is
             not
             in
             the
             power
             of
             Man
             to
             judge
             of
             Hearts
             :
             But
             it
             must
             be
             Faithfully
             and
             Sincerely
             kept
             ,
             and
             most
             heartily
             adher'd
             to
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             the
             reaching
             of
             the
             latter
             ,
             wherein
             't
             is
             with
             God
             immediately
             that
             we
             are
             concern'd
             ,
             who
             is
             not
             by
             any
             Artifices
             of
             ours
             to
             be
             impos'd
             upon
             .
             Would
             you
             then
             at
             once
             effectually
             secure
             all
             the
             Benefits
             both
             of
             Visible
             and
             Real
             Christianity
             ,
             do
             but
             sincerely
             adhere
             to
             the
             Vow
             of
             God
             you
             came
             under
             in
             Baptism
             ,
             and
             act
             Correspondently
             ,
             and
             the
             work
             is
             done
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             OBSERVE
             ,
             That
             by
             wilful
             and
             allow'd
             Breaches
             of
             this
             Vow
             of
             God
             ,
             both
             
               Church
               Priviledges
               ,
               and
               Special
               Covenant
               Blessings
            
             are
             directly
             forfeited
             :
             The
             Benefits
             of
             Covenant
             Keeping
             on
             the
             one
             hand
             are
             not
             greater
             ,
             than
             are
             the
             mischiefs
             of
             Covenant
             Breaking
             on
             the
             other
             .
             
               The
               breaking
               Gods
               Bands
               in
               sunder
               and
               casting
               away
               his
               Cords
            
             (
             which
             is
             the
             
             common
             practice
             of
             Lawless
             Souls
             )
             is
             an
             actual
             forfeiture
             of
             the
             several
             Blessings
             that
             accompany
             either
             a
             Visible
             or
             Real
             Relation
             to
             God.
             For
             what
             signifies
             an
             Infant
             Dedication
             by
             Parents
             to
             the
             Most
             High
             God
             ,
             tho'
             ever
             so
             Serious
             ?
             What
             signifies
             the
             Vow
             they
             then
             came
             under
             ,
             tho'
             ever
             so
             Solemn
             ?
             To
             them
             who
             when
             they
             grow
             up
             ,
             disown
             the
             Bond
             ,
             Disclaim
             Subjection
             ,
             and
             give
             themselves
             up
             to
             the
             Conduct
             of
             their
             own
             Hearts
             Lusts
             ;
             Living
             
               without
               God
               in
               the
               World
            
             ,
             forgetting
             their
             Dear
             Redeemers
             Love
             ,
             and
             Rebelling
             against
             the
             Blessed
             Spirit
             of
             Grace
             ,
             than
             which
             hardly
             any
             thing
             's
             more
             common
             ?
             What
             ,
             I
             say
             ,
             can
             it
             avail
             to
             such
             Persons
             ?
             How
             can
             they
             pretend
             to
             lay
             any
             claim
             to
             
               Church
               Priviledges
            
             ,
             when
             advanc't
             in
             Years
             ,
             who
             by
             their
             disorderly
             Lives
             openly
             renounce
             the
             Vow
             ,
             on
             which
             their
             Admission
             to
             
               Infant
               Church-membership
            
             
             was
             founded
             ?
             How
             can
             they
             have
             any
             share
             in
             the
             
               Special
               Blessings
            
             of
             the
             Covenant
             Promis'd
             on
             Gods
             part
             ,
             who
             are
             so
             far
             from
             doing
             what
             was
             engag'd
             to
             on
             their
             part
             ,
             that
             they
             do
             the
             quite
             contrary
             ?
             Live
             to
             themselves
             instead
             of
             of
             living
             to
             God
             ;
             follow
             the
             vain
             guise
             and
             fashion
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             instead
             of
             obeying
             their
             Lord
             Redeemer
             ;
             and
             walk
             after
             the
             flesh
             instead
             of
             following
             the
             Conduct
             and
             Yielding
             to
             the
             motions
             of
             the
             Divine
             Spirit
             ?
             Persons
             whose
             case
             this
             is
             ,
             shew
             that
             they
             belong
             to
             the
             World
             ;
             out
             of
             which
             the
             Church
             is
             suppos'd
             to
             be
             gather'd
             :
             It
             can't
             therefore
             own
             them
             ;
             for
             it
             must
             disclaim
             those
             whose
             Conversations
             savour
             wholly
             of
             this
             World.
             It
             plainly
             appears
             that
             such
             Persons
             are
             Children
             of
             Wrath
             ,
             and
             not
             the
             Children
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             therefore
             have
             nothing
             to
             do
             with
             those
             marks
             of
             Favour
             that
             belong
             to
             such
             .
             So
             that
             the
             interest
             in
             either
             the
             Common
             or
             Special
             Blessings
             of
             the
             Covenant
             is
             hereby
             forfeited
             .
             Altho'
             it
             must
             be
             own'd
             possible
             for
             a
             right
             to
             the
             former
             to
             remain
             ,
             even
             when
             the
             latter
             are
             effectually
             lost
             .
             But
             to
             prevent
             Mistakes
             ,
             I
             desire
             it
             may
             be
             here
             observ'd
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             tho'
             there
             is
             so
             vast
             a
             difference
             many
             times
             between
             the
             
               Infant
               
               Adult
               state
            
             of
             Persons
             Baptiz'd
             ,
             That
             duringtheir
             Infancy
             they
             were
             in
             a
             state
             of
             favour
             with
             God
             ,
             on
             the
             account
             of
             their
             Believing
             Parents
             ,
             as
             a
             part
             of
             whom
             they
             were
             then
             considered
             ;
             and
             with
             the
             requisite
             Solemnity
             were
             admitted
             into
             Gods
             Visible
             Family
             here
             on
             Earth
             ;
             and
             yet
             when
             they
             come
             to
             grow
             up
             ,
             and
             stand
             on
             their
             own
             Legs
             ,
             they
             are
             rejected
             ,
             on
             the
             account
             of
             their
             Impenitence
             and
             Infidelity
             ,
             and
             the
             Ungodliness
             of
             their
             Lives
             :
             Tho'
             there
             is
             (
             I
             say
             )
             many
             times
             as
             great
             a
             difference
             as
             this
             comes
             to
             ,
             manifestly
             discernable
             in
             this
             case
             ;
             vet
             is
             not
             God
             in
             the
             least
             chargeable
             with
             Changing
             ,
             but
             't
             is
             we
             that
             Change
             and
             make
             the
             difference
             .
             
               The
               Gifts
               and
               Calling
               of
               God
            
             (
             says
             the
             Apostle
             )
             
             
               are
               without
               Repentance
            
             .
             He
             Repented
             not
             of
             the
             kindness
             he
             engag'd
             to
             shew
             the
             Israelites
             for
             their
             Fathers
             sakes
             :
             '
             I
             was
             they
             who
             by
             breaking
             the
             Covenant
             in
             which
             they
             were
             bound
             to
             him
             ,
             forct
             him
             to
             punish
             their
             Disobedience
             :
             So
             God
             Repents
             not
             of
             the
             kindness
             he
             in
             the
             Ordinance
             of
             Baptisin
             engages
             to
             shew
             to
             the
             Children
             of
             Believing
             Parents
             ,
             He
             is
             willing
             to
             make
             every
             thing
             good
             to
             a
             tittle
             ,
             that
             he
             then
             engag'd
             to
             :
             But
             the
             Persons
             I
             am
             speaking
             of
             ,
             who
             openly
             break
             with
             
             him
             ,
             and
             renounce
             his
             kindness
             in
             the
             face
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             by
             living
             in
             the
             wilful
             violation
             of
             their
             Solemn
             Vow
             ,
             make
             it
             inconsistent
             with
             his
             Honour
             to
             own
             them
             for
             his
             ;
             by
             their
             Rebellion
             against
             him
             ,
             so
             long
             as
             they
             persist
             in
             it
             ,
             they
             incapacitate
             him
             to
             deal
             with
             them
             as
             with
             faithful
             Subjects
             ,
             which
             they
             are
             not
             .
             But
             it
             is
             more
             proper
             to
             say
             ,
             That
             such
             Persons
             throw
             themselves
             out
             of
             Gods
             Family
             ,
             than
             that
             they
             are
             thrown
             out
             of
             it
             .
             Observe
             further
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             THAT
             tho'
             a
             willful
             and
             allow'd
             Breach
             of
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             ,
             Liv'd
             in
             ,
             doth
             directly
             forfeit
             the
             Blessings
             engag'd
             to
             on
             Gods
             part
             ;
             yet
             doth
             it
             not
             irrecoverably
             forfeit
             them
             .
             For
             be
             it
             known
             to
             all
             ,
             so
             Gracious
             is
             God
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             backward
             to
             take
             advantages
             against
             us
             .
             
               He
               is
               not
               willing
               that
               any
               should
               perish
               ,
               but
               that
               all
               should
               come
               to
               Repentance
               .
            
             
             How
             open
             and
             notorious
             soever
             have
             been
             our
             Breaches
             of
             our
             Baptismal
             Vow
             ,
             there
             's
             still
             room
             for
             Repentance
             :
             Upon
             our
             serious
             Profession
             whereof
             ,
             the
             door
             stands
             open
             in
             order
             to
             our
             Re-admission
             to
             all
             forfeited
             
               Church
               Priviledges
            
             ;
             and
             our
             Gracious
             God
             is
             ready
             again
             to
             receive
             and
             embrace
             us
             ;
             our
             Abused
             Saviour
             to
             Interceed
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             the
             Affronted
             Spirit
             to
             Assist
             and
             Help
             
             us
             ;
             all
             the
             Blessings
             we
             have
             forfeited
             ,
             may
             be
             Recover'd
             and
             Restor'd
             upon
             our
             Repentance
             and
             Reformation
             ,
             our
             Renewing
             our
             Vow
             ,
             and
             after
             keeping
             it
             sincerely
             .
             But
             yet
             a
             Forfeiture
             there
             certainly
             doth
             ensue
             upon
             willful
             and
             allow'd
             Breaches
             of
             it
             ;
             both
             of
             Church-Priviledges
             ,
             and
             
               Special
               Covenant
               Blessings
            
             :
             Which
             all
             those
             would
             do
             well
             seriously
             to
             consider
             of
             ,
             who
             have
             receiv'd
             the
             Christian
             Badge
             ,
             call
             themselves
             Christians
             ,
             and
             hope
             to
             be
             dealt
             withal
             as
             such
             ,
             and
             yet
             lead
             Unchristian
             and
             Ungodly
             Lives
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             IT
             may
             be
             observ'd
             ,
             that
             the
             after
             Exercises
             of
             Religion
             ,
             which
             build
             on
             Baptism
             as
             their
             Foundation
             ,
             have
             this
             for
             their
             great
             design
             ,
             to
             engage
             and
             help
             us
             to
             keep
             the
             Vow
             of
             God
             we
             then
             came
             under
             ,
             or
             to
             restore
             us
             ,
             and
             renew
             the
             force
             of
             it
             upon
             us
             ,
             when
             we
             have
             broke
             it
             .
             It
             is
             the
             great
             design
             of
             Catechization
             to
             ground
             us
             well
             in
             the
             great
             Principles
             of
             our
             Faith
             ,
             and
             Rules
             of
             Practice
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             distinctly
             know
             what
             we
             are
             to
             Believe
             and
             Do.
             It
             is
             the
             great
             design
             of
             the
             
               Preaching
               of
               the
               Word
            
             (
             which
             the
             Spirit
             is
             wont
             to
             accompany
             with
             his
             Efficacy
             to
             those
             who
             seriously
             and
             faithfully
             attend
             upon
             it
             )
             to
             for
             those
             things
             (
             a
             National
             
             knowledge
             whereof
             will
             be
             of
             no
             avail
             )
             home
             upon
             our
             Hearts
             ;
             to
             warn
             us
             of
             our
             Danger
             when
             running
             on
             in
             Sin
             ;
             to
             Rouz
             us
             from
             our
             Sloth
             ,
             and
             Carnal
             Security
             ;
             to
             Re-call
             us
             from
             our
             Wandrings
             ;
             to
             Press
             us
             with
             the
             most
             Urgent
             Arguments
             and
             Motives
             to
             be
             heartily
             his
             ,
             who
             alone
             can
             make
             us
             Happy
             ;
             and
             to
             live
             to
             him
             to
             whom
             we
             are
             Devoted
             ;
             and
             to
             Encourage
             ,
             Further
             and
             Help
             us
             ,
             in
             the
             way
             of
             Well-Doing
             ,
             if
             our
             Hearts
             are
             truly
             set
             Heaven-ward
             .
             It
             is
             the
             great
             design
             of
             
               Publick
               Prayers
            
             ,
             by
             our
             joint
             Entreaties
             in
             the
             Assemblies
             of
             Gods
             People
             ,
             to
             Supplicate
             for
             Grace
             ,
             and
             the
             Super-natural
             Aids
             of
             the
             Divine
             Spirit
             ,
             to
             render
             our
             Tempers
             and
             Lives
             agreeable
             to
             our
             Christian
             Profession
             :
             And
             of
             our
             
               Publick
               Praises
            
             ,
             by
             Celebrating
             the
             Divine
             Perfections
             of
             our
             Great
             Creator
             ,
             Redeemer
             ,
             and
             constant
             Benefactor
             ,
             with
             one
             common
             Ardour
             ,
             especially
             his
             Kindness
             ,
             Grace
             and
             Goodness
             ;
             to
             engage
             our
             hearts
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             stir
             up
             our selves
             for
             shame
             ,
             to
             some
             suitable
             Returns
             of
             Holy
             Obedience
             .
             It
             is
             the
             great
             design
             of
             the
             
               Lords
               Supper
            
             ,
             and
             its
             frequent
             Repetition
             ,
             to
             keep
             our
             Hearts
             under
             the
             most
             lively
             sense
             that
             is
             possible
             of
             Redeeming
             Love
             ,
             and
             to
             give
             
             us
             an
             oportunity
             of
             Renewing
             our
             Baptismal
             Vow
             with
             great
             Solemnity
             ,
             over
             the
             Memorials
             of
             that
             Sacrifice
             that
             is
             of
             Everlasting
             Vertue
             ;
             of
             which
             more
             in
             the
             Sequel
             .
             And
             it
             is
             the
             design
             of
             all
             
               Church
               Censures
            
             (
             wherever
             they
             are
             kept
             up
             agreeably
             to
             the
             end
             of
             their
             Institution
             )
             to
             curb
             open
             Sin
             and
             Vice
             ,
             to
             prevent
             Scandals
             and
             Blemishes
             to
             Religion
             ,
             to
             recover
             Offenders
             ,
             and
             to
             promote
             Sincere
             Piety
             and
             Holiness
             ;
             to
             keep
             from
             Transgressing
             ,
             and
             stimulate
             to
             the
             Obeying
             of
             the
             Laws
             of
             Christ
             ,
             to
             which
             we
             have
             in
             our
             Christian
             Vow
             all
             sworn
             Subjection
             .
             All
             Christian
             Ordinances
             ,
             Duties
             ,
             and
             Exercises
             ,
             some
             how
             or
             other
             relate
             to
             this
             Vow
             ;
             and
             are
             design'd
             either
             to
             Instruct
             us
             in
             the
             Latitude
             Compass
             and
             Extent
             of
             it
             ,
             or
             to
             stir
             us
             up
             to
             keep
             it
             ,
             or
             to
             help
             us
             to
             perform
             it
             ;
             either
             to
             keep
             us
             from
             breaking
             it
             ,
             or
             to
             convince
             us
             of
             our
             Breaches
             ,
             and
             deter
             us
             from
             persisting
             ;
             either
             to
             help
             us
             to
             repeat
             it
             with
             a
             renew'd
             Ardour
             not
             having
             wickedly
             broke
             it
             ;
             or
             to
             help
             us
             to
             renew
             it
             after
             Repentance
             for
             having
             broken
             it
             ;
             to
             bind
             our
             Souls
             more
             and
             more
             closely
             to
             God
             by
             it
             ;
             and
             either
             to
             draw
             or
             drive
             us
             to
             act
             like
             those
             that
             have
             a
             Sacred
             Vow
             of
             God
             upon
             us
             .
          
           
           
             4.
             
             A
             Fourth
             Observation
             I
             have
             to
             make
             is
             this
             ;
             That
             a
             Recognition
             of
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             is
             necessary
             in
             Persons
             admission
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             .
             Nothing
             can
             be
             more
             plain
             ,
             Than
             that
             Baptiz'd
             Persons
             ,
             as
             such
             ,
             are
             not
             therefore
             to
             be
             admitted
             to
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             :
             For
             some
             renounce
             the
             Faith
             which
             they
             were
             Baptiz'd
             into
             ;
             some
             that
             were
             Solemnly
             Devoted
             to
             God
             in
             Infancy
             ,
             have
             no
             Fear
             of
             him
             before
             their
             Eyes
             ,
             when
             they
             come
             to
             Maturity
             ;
             and
             instead
             of
             spending
             their
             Lives
             in
             his
             Service
             ,
             to
             which
             they
             were
             bound
             ,
             they
             give
             themselves
             to
             commit
             all
             manner
             of
             Iniquity
             with
             greediness
             :
             Would
             to
             God
             there
             were
             not
             multitudes
             of
             such
             Persons
             among
             us
             !
             Others
             that
             yet
             are
             not
             by
             far
             so
             bad
             as
             the
             former
             ,
             never
             think
             seriously
             of
             the
             Obligation
             which
             they
             were
             laid
             under
             by
             their
             Baptismal
             Consecration
             ,
             never
             study
             how
             to
             answer
             it
             .
             It
             's
             as
             plain
             as
             the
             Sun
             ,
             that
             such
             Persons
             are
             unfit
             for
             such
             an
             Ordinance
             as
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             ;
             for
             they
             are
             incapable
             of
             reaching
             the
             ends
             of
             its
             Institution
             .
             Since
             therefore
             none
             but
             Baptiz'd
             Persons
             may
             approach
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             but
             all
             Baptiz'd
             Persons
             may
             not
             ;
             the
             Question
             is
             ,
             Where
             the
             discrimina
             tion
             of
             some
             from
             others
             of
             them
             ,
             proper
             
             to
             this
             case
             lies
             ?
             And
             what
             it
             is
             that
             is
             necessary
             as
             a
             pre-requisite
             Qualification
             ?
             I
             answer
             ;
             the
             difference
             lies
             here
             ,
             That
             some
             stand
             to
             their
             Baptismal
             Engagement
             ,
             and
             others
             don
             't
             ;
             and
             the
             qualification
             pre-requir'd
             ,
             is
             an
             owning
             of
             it
             .
             For
             if
             Persons
             don't
             own
             the
             Vow
             they
             once
             came
             under
             ,
             't
             is
             to
             no
             purpose
             to
             think
             of
             Repeating
             it
             again
             .
          
           
             NOW
             the
             owning
             of
             this
             Vow
             is
             pre-requir'd
             to
             Persons
             Right
             Receiving
             of
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             ,
             in
             a
             double
             respect
             :
             either
             with
             
               Reference
               to
               God
               ,
               or
               the
               Church
               .
            
          
           
             1.
             
             
               WITH
               Reference
               to
               God
            
             ;
             and
             so
             the
             Hearty
             owning
             the
             Obligation
             of
             this
             Vow
             is
             necessary
             ;
             without
             which
             we
             cannot
             approve
             our selves
             to
             him
             ,
             or
             so
             transact
             with
             him
             as
             to
             reap
             those
             Benefits
             which
             he
             designs
             for
             us
             by
             that
             Ordinance
             whereto
             we
             are
             suppos'd
             to
             pretend
             .
             Our
             Hearts
             must
             be
             really
             Consecrated
             ,
             and
             our
             Lives
             Devoted
             to
             him
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             tenour
             of
             our
             Engagement
             in
             Baptism
             ,
             before
             we
             can
             justly
             pretend
             anew
             to
             strike
             Covenant
             with
             him
             who
             searcheth
             Hearts
             ,
             and
             trieth
             Reins
             ,
             as
             we
             are
             to
             do
             at
             his
             Table
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             OUR
             owning
             our
             Baptismal
             Vow
             is
             also
             requisite
             
               with
               reference
               to
               the
               
               Church
               ,
            
             to
             our
             admission
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             :
             We
             must
             make
             a
             
               Credible
               Profession
            
             of
             adhering
             to
             it
             ;
             of
             which
             kind
             is
             every
             such
             Profession
             ,
             as
             is
             not
             contradicted
             by
             an
             Unsuitable
             Life
             and
             Conversation
             .
             This
             
               Credible
               Profession
            
             ,
             of
             an
             Adherance
             to
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             is
             necessary
             ▪
             that
             it
             may
             appear
             there
             is
             a
             difference
             between
             those
             that
             are
             admitted
             to
             Church
             Communion
             ,
             and
             those
             that
             are
             debarr'd
             it
             :
             and
             for
             the
             same
             reason
             it
             would
             be
             well
             if
             it
             were
             Publick
             :
             It
             would
             be
             very
             becoming
             and
             Advantageous
             did
             Persons
             every
             where
             before
             they
             first
             Communicated
             ,
             freely
             profess
             their
             Sincerity
             and
             Constancy
             in
             their
             Baptismal
             Covenant
             or
             Vow
             ,
             and
             openly
             declare
             themselves
             in
             the
             face
             of
             a
             Christian
             Congregation
             ,
             Enemies
             to
             the
             Devil
             ,
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             the
             Flesh
             :
             And
             this
             is
             the
             most
             considerable
             part
             of
             that
             which
             hath
             been
             wont
             to
             be
             call'd
             Confirmation
             :
             A
             thing
             much
             practic'd
             and
             insisted
             on
             in
             the
             
               Primitive
               Church
            
             ,
             tho'
             of
             later
             times
             much
             neglected
             ,
             and
             by
             some
             quite
             laid
             aside
             as
             useless
             ;
             the
             more
             's
             the
             pity
             .
          
           
             IT
             much
             Rejoyces
             me
             therefore
             (
             and
             I
             cann't
             forbear
             mentioning
             it
             on
             this
             Occasion
             )
             to
             know
             and
             hear
             of
             several
             ,
             even
             of
             the
             Dissenting
             Congregations
             in
             
             the
             Nation
             ,
             wherein
             this
             Practice
             is
             still
             kept
             up
             :
             Among
             whom
             't
             is
             usual
             ,
             for
             the
             Pastors
             after
             their
             private
             Transactions
             with
             those
             who
             are
             to
             be
             Admitted
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             either
             on
             some
             day
             in
             the
             preceeding
             Week
             ,
             or
             just
             before
             the
             Administration
             of
             the
             Holy
             Communion
             ,
             Publickly
             to
             demand
             of
             them
             ;
             whether
             they
             don't
             stand
             to
             their
             Baptismal
             Vow
             ,
             and
             take
             it
             on
             themselves
             ?
             Whether
             they
             don't
             cordially
             give
             up
             themselves
             to
             God
             the
             Father
             ,
             Son
             ,
             and
             Spirit
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             tenour
             of
             it
             ?
             And
             whether
             they
             don't
             engage
             to
             walk
             agreeably
             to
             all
             the
             Laws
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ?
             Or
             to
             that
             purpose
             .
             Which
             is
             really
             a
             thing
             of
             great
             weight
             and
             moment
             ;
             and
             I
             could
             wish
             't
             were
             more
             universally
             minded
             .
             This
             (
             as
             I
             was
             saying
             )
             is
             the
             most
             considerable
             part
             of
             that
             which
             the
             Antients
             us'd
             to
             call
             Confirmation
             .
             And
             such
             a
             Declaration
             as
             this
             ,
             made
             by
             Persons
             in
             the
             face
             of
             a
             Christian
             Congregation
             ,
             is
             really
             an
             Act
             of
             Confirmation
             ;
             for
             they
             do
             thereby
             further
             ratify
             and
             establish
             the
             Contract
             which
             is
             between
             God
             and
             them
             ;
             and
             by
             confessing
             it
             to
             be
             valid
             and
             good
             ,
             and
             openly
             owning
             that
             the
             Vow
             of
             God
             is
             upon
             them
             bind
             themselves
             still
             faster
             to
             him
             whose
             
             they
             were
             before
             .
             Some
             may
             perhaps
             think
             this
             to
             be
             more
             ado
             then
             needs
             ,
             by
             reason
             the
             very
             coming
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             with
             antecedent
             Preparation
             ,
             and
             siting
             down
             there
             among
             the
             Faithful
             ,
             who
             are
             bound
             to
             God
             by
             Covenant
             ,
             is
             a
             Tacit
             or
             Virtual
             owning
             of
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             :
             And
             at
             most
             ,
             they
             may
             apprehend
             that
             the
             doing
             this
             in
             private
             ,
             before
             the
             Pastor
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             might
             be
             sufficient
             .
             To
             whom
             I
             can
             without
             any
             difficulty
             grant
             ,
             that
             what
             I
             aim
             at
             ,
             is
             indeed
             virtually
             imply'd
             in
             such
             a
             case
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             private
             performance
             of
             it
             may
             suffice
             to
             render
             Persons
             worthy
             Communicants
             :
             But
             yet
             it
             follows
             not
             ,
             but
             that
             the
             Publick
             Transacting
             of
             this
             matter
             may
             be
             much
             more
             Eligible
             .
             Many
             Instances
             may
             be
             produc'd
             ,
             where
             very
             near
             as
             much
             depends
             on
             the
             manner
             of
             doing
             a
             thing
             ,
             as
             on
             the
             thing
             it self
             ;
             and
             this
             I
             take
             to
             be
             one
             .
             For
             I
             pray
             observe
             ;
             Persons
             ,
             upon
             their
             first
             coming
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             pass
             out
             of
             the
             state
             of
             Infant
             ,
             into
             that
             of
             Adult
             Members
             of
             the
             Church
             :
             The
             faster
             therefore
             they
             are
             bound
             to
             GOD
             ,
             the
             more
             likely
             will
             they
             be
             to
             credit
             Religion
             ;
             of
             which
             the
             generality
             of
             the
             World
             are
             apt
             to
             pass
             a
             Judgement
             from
             the
             Demeanor
             and
             Conversations
             
             of
             such
             Persons
             :
             Now
             the
             more
             publickly
             such
             a
             Profession
             is
             made
             ,
             the
             more
             likely
             it
             is
             to
             influence
             them
             ;
             since
             they
             will
             have
             so
             many
             as
             Witnesses
             against
             them
             ,
             ready
             to
             admonish
             them
             upon
             occasion
             of
             their
             open
             Engagement
             ;
             which
             cann't
             but
             strike
             an
             awe
             .
             And
             ,
             but
             that
             it
             would
             be
             too
             great
             a
             Digression
             ,
             I
             could
             make
             it
             appear
             that
             the
             Scripture
             favours
             such
             a
             publick
             Recognition
             of
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             agreeable
             to
             the
             Practice
             of
             the
             Church
             in
             several
             Successive
             Ages
             .
             True
             it
             is
             ,
             in
             process
             of
             time
             the
             Romanists
             in
             a
             shameful
             manner
             abus'd
             it
             ;
             but
             that
             's
             no
             just
             Reason
             for
             our
             slighting
             or
             rejecting
             it
             ,
             who
             may
             have
             it
             pure
             and
             free
             from
             their
             Abuses
             .
             However
             ,
             this
             I
             think
             is
             plain
             and
             clear
             ,
             That
             a
             Recognition
             of
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             ,
             is
             necessary
             to
             Persons
             Regular
             Admission
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             .
             I
             add
             further
             ,
          
           
             5.
             
             THAT
             the
             more
             Solemn
             this
             Recognition
             of
             the
             Baptismal
             Vow
             is
             ,
             't
             is
             so
             much
             the
             better
             ;
             where
             I
             mean
             not
             Ceremonicus
             ,
             by
             Solemn
             ;
             as
             if
             this
             matter
             would
             be
             ever
             the
             better
             ,
             the
             more
             Ceremonious
             it
             was
             :
             No
             ,
             that
             is
             far
             from
             my
             Intention
             :
             The
             Papists
             indeed
             have
             made
             it
             a
             Sacrament
             ,
             and
             turn'd
             it
             all
             into
             Ceremony
             ;
             for
             they
             use
             Oil
             in
             the
             
             Administring
             it
             ,
             and
             Balsam
             ,
             and
             sign
             with
             the
             Sign
             of
             the
             Cross
             ,
             &c.
             
             But
             of
             these
             things
             we
             can
             safely
             say
             ,
             
               They
               were
               not
               from
               the
               beginning
            
             ;
             for
             the
             time
             when
             they
             first
             began
             to
             be
             us'd
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             can
             be
             mark'd
             out
             :
             But
             my
             meaning
             in
             the
             word
             Solemn
             ,
             is
             this
             ;
             that
             the
             more
             Seriously
             and
             Gravely
             it
             is
             manag'd
             ,
             on
             the
             part
             of
             the
             Persons
             coming
             to
             Confirmation
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             Authoritatively
             on
             the
             part
             of
             the
             Minister
             ,
             as
             Christ's
             Officer
             ,
             the
             more
             likely
             is
             it
             to
             Answer
             its
             End.
             The
             Establish'd
             Church
             of
             England
             hath
             taken
             care
             enough
             in
             this
             latter
             point
             ,
             as
             to
             the
             Authoritativeness
             of
             this
             Transaction
             ;
             but
             't
             is
             the
             Desire
             and
             Wish
             of
             all
             sober
             Observers
             ,
             even
             among
             themselves
             ,
             it
             were
             generally
             manag'd
             with
             more
             Gravity
             and
             Seriousness
             ,
             that
             so
             it
             might
             be
             kept
             from
             degenerating
             into
             an
             empty
             Formality
             .
          
           
             AND
             here
             it
             may
             be
             enquir'd
             ,
             Whether
             or
             no
             it
             be
             fitting
             ,
             requisite
             ,
             or
             allowable
             ,
             that
             Imposition
             of
             Hands
             ,
             joyn'd
             with
             serious
             Prayers
             to
             God
             for
             the
             strengthening
             and
             confirming
             Grace
             of
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             for
             those
             who
             come
             to
             own
             their
             Baptismal
             Vow
             openly
             in
             the
             face
             of
             a
             Christian
             Congregation
             ;
             and
             an
             Authoritative
             Benediction
             on
             the
             part
             
             of
             the
             Minister
             ,
             as
             God's
             Officer
             ,
             should
             be
             us'd
             on
             this
             occasion
             ?
             Whereto
             I
             answer
             ,
             That
             thereis
             a
             general
             Unanimity
             among
             those
             who
             have
             been
             most
             diligent
             in
             searching
             into
             Eclesiastical
             Antiquity
             ,
             in
             reporting
             this
             as
             the
             current
             Practice
             of
             the
             Primitive
             Church
             ;
             and
             that
             not
             only
             while
             Miraculous
             Gifts
             continued
             ,
             but
             afterwards
             :
             That
             it
             is
             Convenient
             ,
             and
             warrantable
             by
             Scripture
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             Antiquity
             ,
             was
             the
             Opinion
             of
             our
             first
             Reformers
             here
             in
             England
             ,
             and
             the
             most
             celebrated
             Divines
             we
             have
             had
             among
             us
             ever
             since
             .
             This
             was
             also
             the
             Judgment
             of
             the
             Learned
             Grotius
             ,
             who
             was
             perhaps
             one
             of
             the
             Greatest
             Men
             these
             parts
             of
             the
             World
             ever
             produc'd
             :
             Nay
             ,
             the
             same
             was
             the
             Sentiment
             of
             the
             famous
             Calvin
             ;
             who
             founded
             Confirmation
             by
             Imposition
             of
             Hands
             ,
             on
             
               Heb.
               VI.
            
             2.
             where
             we
             find
             
               Laying
               on
               of
               Hands
            
             in
             the
             Rank
             of
             Fundamentals
             ,
             in
             the
             fourth
             place
             ;
             after
             
               Repentance
               ,
               Faith
            
             ,
             and
             Baptism
             ;
             and
             before
             the
             Resurrection
             and
             
               Eternal
               Iudgment
            
             .
             On
             which
             Passage
             of
             Scripture
             ,
             Calvin
             hath
             this
             Note
             ;
             
               That
               this
               one
               Place
               sufficiently
               manifests
               ,
               that
               the
               Ceremony
               of
               Laying
               on
               of
               Hands
               ,
               on
               those
               who
               past
               out
               of
               the
               Infant
               ,
               into
               the
               Adult
               state
               of
               Believers
               ,
               upon
               their
               open
               Prosessing
               the
               Christian
               Faith
               ,
               had
               its
               Rise
               
               from
               the
               Apostles
               :
            
             And
             therefore
             he
             declares
             ,
             
               That
               tho'
               the
               Romanists
               had
               superstitiously
               abus'd
               it
               ,
               yet
               he
               was
               altogether
               against
               laying
               it
               aside
               ,
               but
               for
               keeping
               the
               Institution
               pure
               .
            
             The
             same
             was
             
             Beza's
             Judgment
             .
             Herein
             also
             Gerrard
             agrees
             ,
             with
             divers
             of
             the
             most
             famous
             Lutheran
             Divines
             .
             And
             finally
             ,
             That
             Eminent
             Servant
             of
             God
             ,
             Mr.
             
               Richard
               Baxter
            
             ,
             (
             than
             whom
             this
             Nation
             never
             afforded
             one
             more
             earnestly
             intent
             on
             the
             promoting
             Practical
             Godliness
             ,
             or
             true
             Christian
             Discipline
             )
             hath
             wrote
             a
             Treatise
             on
             purpose
             for
             the
             Revival
             of
             this
             Antiquated
             Practice
             ;
             which
             is
             Entituled
             ,
             
               Confirmation
               and
               Restauration
               ,
               the
               necessary
               means
               of
               Reformation
               and
               Reconciliation
            
             ;
             whereto
             I
             refer
             those
             that
             would
             desire
             full
             Satisfaction
             in
             this
             matter
             .
          
           
             HOWEVER
             ,
             I
             shall
             take
             this
             Opportunity
             of
             warning
             All
             ,
             to
             take
             heed
             of
             imagining
             that
             every
             thing
             is
             to
             be
             quite
             laid
             aside
             ,
             that
             hath
             been
             abus'd
             to
             Superstition
             :
             That
             's
             a
             very
             fond
             Conceit
             ;
             and
             some
             that
             have
             unwarily
             imbib'd
             it
             ,
             little
             observ'd
             whither
             it
             would
             lead
             ,
             if
             pursu'd
             with
             Rigour
             .
             Suppose
             a
             Man
             superstitiously
             abuses
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             (
             which
             I
             am
             satisfied
             is
             no
             impossible
             thing
             )
             am
             I
             therefore
             obliged
             to
             lay
             it
             aside
             as
             useless
             ?
             What
             an
             unhappy
             
             case
             were
             I
             in
             ,
             if
             another
             Man's
             Superstition
             might
             rob
             me
             of
             that
             which
             would
             be
             so
             Useful
             to
             me
             !
             Any
             one
             almost
             in
             such
             a
             Case
             would
             be
             ready
             to
             say
             ,
             What
             an
             Argument
             is
             anothers
             Abuse
             ,
             against
             my
             right
             Use
             of
             that
             Invaluable
             Book
             ,
             which
             God
             hath
             left
             as
             a
             Legacy
             to
             his
             Church
             ?
             In
             like
             manner
             how
             weak
             an
             Argument
             is
             it
             ,
             for
             Persons
             to
             s●…y
             ,
             The
             Papists
             have
             abus'd
             Confirmation
             ;
             or
             they
             have
             abus'd
             Absolution
             to
             Superstition
             ;
             therefore
             we
             must
             lay
             it
             quite
             aside
             ?
             What
             ,
             I
             pray
             ,
             hinders
             us
             from
             using
             that
             rightly
             ,
             which
             they
             have
             abus'd
             ?
             We
             need
             not
             throw
             away
             the
             Wheat
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             get
             rid
             of
             the
             Chaff
             ;
             for
             the
             Fan
             will
             suffice
             to
             separate
             and
             scatter
             that
             ,
             and
             leave
             the
             Wheat
             remaining
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VII
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               
                 LORDS
                 SUPPER
              
               .
               That
               it
               is
               a
               Faederal
               Ordinance
               ,
               implying
               a
               Covenant-Transaction
               between
               God
               and
               us
               ;
               and
               supposing
               a
               Renewal
               of
               Solem
               Vows
               to
               be
               the
               Lords
               .
            
          
           
             HAving
             sufficiently
             open'd
             the
             Christian
             Vow
             that
             we
             first
             come
             under
             in
             Baptism
             ,
             and
             shewn
             what
             sense
             
             of
             it
             is
             to
             be
             afterwards
             retain'd
             ,
             and
             how
             it
             is
             to
             be
             recogniz'd
             ;
             I
             now
             proceed
             to
             treat
             of
             the
             Renewal
             of
             it
             at
             the
             
             Lord's
             Table
             ;
             whereby
             the
             Ends
             of
             our
             Baptismal
             Consecration
             are
             further
             answer'd
             ,
             and
             the
             blessed
             Benefits
             thereof
             are
             more
             firmly
             secur'd
             to
             us
             .
             For
             be
             it
             known
             to
             all
             ,
             That
             it
             is
             not
             enough
             to
             come
             under
             this
             Vow
             ,
             either
             when
             Infants
             or
             Adult
             ,
             and
             solemnly
             to
             own
             afterwards
             that
             we
             are
             under
             it
             ,
             but
             we
             are
             often
             to
             renew
             it
             with
             great
             Solemnity
             over
             the
             sacred
             Memorials
             of
             our
             dearest
             Saviour
             ,
             who
             gave
             his
             Life
             a
             Ransom
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             Seas'd
             with
             his
             Blood
             that
             Covenant
             of
             Grace
             and
             Peace
             that
             is
             between
             God
             and
             us
             .
             Our
             Vow
             in
             Baptism
             doth
             indeed
             bind
             us
             fast
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             our
             after
             owning
             its
             Obligation
             on
             us
             ,
             doth
             tend
             to
             encrease
             its
             force
             :
             But
             yet
             God
             thinks
             fit
             to
             require
             and
             take
             new
             Security
             of
             us
             ;
             and
             orders
             us
             to
             come
             to
             his
             Table
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             there
             strengthen
             our
             Obligations
             ;
             and
             not
             only
             own
             again
             and
             again
             that
             we
             are
             his
             by
             Right
             ,
             but
             be
             enforc'd
             by
             the
             Awful
             and
             Affecting
             Considerations
             there
             presented
             to
             us
             ,
             to
             New
             Resolutions
             and
             Engagements
             ,
             and
             Solemn
             Vows
             ,
             to
             lead
             a
             Life
             of
             Holy
             Devotedness
             :
             And
             in
             requiring
             this
             of
             us
             ,
             He
             very
             much
             
             consults
             our
             Benefit
             .
             That
             I
             may
             handle
             this
             matter
             to
             the
             best
             Advantage
             ,
             I
             will
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             MAKE
             it
             appear
             that
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             is
             a
             Faederal
             Ordinance
             ,
             that
             it
             naturally
             implies
             a
             Covenant
             Transaction
             between
             God
             and
             us
             ,
             and
             therefore
             supposes
             renewed
             Vows
             on
             our
             part
             :
             Vows
             (
             as
             hath
             been
             before
             observ'd
             )
             being
             ever
             an
             Essential
             Part
             of
             such
             Transactions
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             SHEW
             that
             the
             more
             expresly
             the
             Christian
             Vow
             is
             Renew'd
             by
             us
             every
             time
             we
             come
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             the
             more
             effectually
             and
             plentifully
             we
             are
             like
             to
             reap
             the
             Benefits
             of
             that
             Ordinance
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             GIVE
             some
             Directions
             for
             the
             right
             Management
             of
             the
             Renewal
             of
             our
             Vows
             at
             such
             a
             time
             ;
             and
             endeavour
             to
             give
             some
             help
             as
             to
             the
             reducing
             th●…s
             matter
             to
             Practice
             .
             The
             first
             of
             these
             Particulars
             is
             the
             Subject
             of
             this
             Chapter
             ;
             the
             other
             Two
             ,
             of
             the
             next
             .
          
           
             
               THE
               Lords
               Supper
               is
               in
               its
               own
               Nature
               a
               Faederal
               Ordinance
               ,
               which
               implies
               a
               Covenant
               Transaction
               between
               God
               and
               us
               ,
               and
               supposes
               a
               Renewal
               of
               our
               Vaws
               to
               be
               the
               Lords
               .
            
             This
             is
             that
             which
             I
             am
             now
             to
             make
             out
             ;
             to
             which
             Undertaking
             I
             am
             the
             more
             inclin'd
             ,
             because
             I
             doubt
             there
             
             are
             Multitudes
             that
             sit
             down
             ,
             time
             after
             time
             ,
             at
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             who
             don
             't
             sufficiently
             consider
             this
             matter
             :
             They
             look
             on
             that
             sacred
             Festival
             as
             an
             Ordinance
             instituted
             to
             keep
             up
             the
             Remembrance
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             what
             he
             hath
             Done
             and
             Suffer'd
             for
             the
             Recovery
             of
             a
             lost
             World
             ;
             and
             therefore
             when
             they
             come
             to
             it
             ,
             they
             endeavour
             to
             think
             affectionately
             of
             his
             Incarnation
             ,
             Passion
             ,
             and
             Crucifixion
             ;
             and
             thus
             far
             indeed
             't
             is
             well
             :
             But
             while
             they
             stop
             here
             ,
             and
             go
             no
             further
             ,
             they
             leave
             out
             a
             main
             thing
             ;
             which
             lies
             in
             that
             Covenant-Transaction
             between
             their
             God
             and
             Saviour
             and
             them
             ,
             which
             is
             thereby
             design'd
             :
             Withal
             ,
             there
             are
             many
             others
             ,
             who
             indeed
             look
             on
             themselves
             as
             oblig'd
             to
             renew
             their
             Covenant
             ,
             and
             repeat
             their
             Solemn
             Vows
             ,
             every
             time
             they
             come
             to
             this
             Ordinance
             ,
             who
             yet
             know
             not
             why
             they
             are
             obliged
             to
             it
             then
             ,
             more
             than
             at
             another
             time
             ;
             know
             not
             on
             what
             to
             bottom
             this
             apprehension
             of
             theirs
             ,
             which
             they
             have
             receiv'd
             from
             others
             ,
             and
             taken
             for
             granted
             ,
             without
             any
             Examination
             of
             its
             Grounds
             .
             I
             shall
             therefore
             from
             the
             following
             Considerations
             make
             it
             appear
             ,
             That
             that
             of
             a
             Renewed
             Covenanting
             ,
             is
             one
             Notion
             of
             this
             Ordinance
             ,
             necessary
             to
             be
             taken
             
             in
             by
             those
             who
             would
             rightly
             conceive
             of
             it
             ;
             and
             that
             't
             is
             not
             without
             Cause
             that
             Persons
             are
             ordinarily
             press'd
             hereto
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             FIRST
             therefore
             consider
             the
             Mutual
             Action
             in
             this
             Ordinance
             ,
             of
             Giving
             and
             Taking
             ,
             between
             God
             and
             us
             ,
             and
             you
             'll
             see
             plain
             Evidence
             in
             the
             Nature
             of
             the
             Thing
             ,
             of
             a
             Covenant-Transaction
             .
             Giving
             and
             Taking
             are
             the
             first
             obvious
             Actions
             in
             this
             Solemnity
             :
             Giving
             is
             God's
             part
             ,
             and
             Taking
             ours
             .
             God
             gives
             us
             Bread
             and
             Wine
             by
             his
             deputed
             Officer
             ;
             we
             receive
             them
             from
             the
             Minister
             ,
             as
             from
             his
             Representative
             .
             Now
             pray
             consider
             a
             little
             ,
             what
             't
             is
             that
             is
             given
             and
             taken
             at
             that
             time
             :
             'T
             is
             plain
             simple
             Bread
             and
             Wine
             ,
             you
             'll
             say
             ;
             and
             't
             is
             true
             ,
             no
             more
             falls
             under
             the
             view
             of
             Sense
             :
             But
             what
             is
             it
             that
             is
             thereby
             signified
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             a
             bruised
             ,
             nay
             ,
             a
             broken
             Christ
             ,
             giving
             his
             Soul
             an
             Offering
             for
             Sin
             ,
             and
             shedding
             his
             Blood
             to
             make
             Atonement
             ?
             'T
             is
             Christ
             with
             all
             his
             Benefits
             that
             there
             is
             given
             to
             the
             Believing
             Soul.
             As
             certainly
             as
             Bread
             and
             Wine
             is
             put
             into
             the
             Devout
             Communicant's
             Hands
             ,
             so
             certainly
             is
             he
             invested
             in
             all
             Gospel-Priviledges
             ;
             so
             certainly
             hath
             he
             made
             over
             and
             convey'd
             to
             him
             ,
             all
             Gospel-Benefits
             .
             
             God
             Gives
             Himself
             ,
             his
             Son
             ,
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             his
             Grace
             ,
             his
             Favour
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             can
             be
             reasonably
             desir'd
             ,
             or
             truly
             wanted
             ,
             to
             the
             Believing
             Soul
             :
             This
             is
             on
             one
             side
             .
             On
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             the
             Believer
             Takes
             ;
             Takes
             with
             his
             Hands
             the
             distributed
             Bread
             and
             Wine
             ;
             and
             receives
             with
             all
             his
             Heart
             what
             is
             thereby
             Figured
             and
             Represented
             .
             He
             receives
             an
             offer'd
             Christ
             in
             his
             Arms
             ,
             and
             into
             his
             Heart
             ;
             in
             short
             ,
             God
             actually
             makes
             over
             ,
             makes
             a
             Delivery
             ,
             as
             't
             were
             ,
             of
             all
             that
             he
             promises
             in
             the
             Covenant
             of
             Grace
             ;
             on
             his
             part
             :
             We
             by
             Taking
             then
             what
             he
             Gives
             ,
             do
             naturally
             engage
             to
             all
             that
             in
             that
             Covenant
             he
             hath
             made
             our
             Duty
             :
             Which
             is
             the
             more
             evident
             from
             hence
             ,
             in
             that
             a
             firm
             Disposition
             ,
             and
             Bent
             of
             Heart
             ,
             to
             the
             performance
             of
             all
             such
             Duty
             ,
             is
             pre-requir'd
             to
             the
             actual
             Conveyance
             of
             those
             Benefits
             .
          
           
             FURTHER
             ,
             We
             may
             observe
             how
             Customary
             it
             hath
             been
             ,
             and
             is
             amongst
             Men
             ,
             by
             Giving
             and
             Taking
             of
             the
             smallest
             things
             ,
             to
             Ratify
             Compacts
             of
             the
             greatest
             Consequence
             :
             A
             Man
             may
             among
             us
             give
             away
             all
             he
             hath
             by
             the
             Delivery
             of
             a
             Flaggon
             :
             Which
             Custom
             considered
             ,
             may
             answer
             the
             Objection
             ,
             which
             the
             appearing
             Meanness
             of
             the
             
             things
             Given
             and
             Taken
             at
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             ,
             compar'd
             with
             the
             great
             things
             thereby
             represented
             and
             made
             over
             ,
             might
             give
             occasion
             to
             :
             The
             giving
             and
             taking
             but
             of
             Sixpence
             to
             strike
             up
             a
             Contract
             ,
             doth
             lay
             as
             fast
             hold
             of
             a
             Man
             ,
             as
             Ten
             Thousand
             Pounds
             in
             Hand
             :
             Much
             more
             then
             doth
             this
             Solemn
             Giving
             and
             Taking
             of
             Bread
             and
             Wine
             ,
             which
             Christ
             hath
             made
             a
             part
             of
             his
             Religion
             ,
             and
             whereby
             he
             is
             so
             closely
             represented
             ,
             bind
             us
             as
             fast
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             if
             we
             should
             repeat
             every
             word
             that
             he
             hath
             said
             ,
             and
             profess
             our
             hearty
             Consent
             unto
             it
             .
          
           
             OBSERVE
             further
             ,
             under
             what
             Notion
             Christ
             is
             given
             at
             that
             Ordinance
             ,
             to
             every
             truly
             hungering
             and
             thirsting
             Soul
             :
             Behold
             ,
             says
             God
             there
             ,
             to
             all
             such
             Persons
             ,
             Here
             's
             a
             Christ
             for
             you
             ,
             to
             be
             taken
             by
             you
             ,
             as
             your
             Prophet
             ,
             Priest
             ,
             and
             King
             :
             Whereto
             the
             prepared
             Soul
             ,
             naturally
             replies
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             I
             'm
             ready
             to
             take
             Him
             as
             thou
             offerest
             him
             to
             me
             :
             I
             'm
             for
             a
             whole
             Christ
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             parts
             of
             his
             Saving
             Office
             :
             I
             'll
             take
             him
             for
             my
             Prophet
             ,
             and
             credit
             him
             in
             all
             things
             ;
             for
             my
             Priest
             ,
             and
             in
             him
             I
             'll
             put
             all
             my
             trust
             ;
             and
             for
             my
             King
             ,
             to
             whom
             thy
             Grace
             inabling
             me
             ,
             I
             'll
             yield
             a
             sincere
             persev
             ring
             Obedience
             :
             Which
             is
             plainly
             
             a
             renew'd
             Covenant
             ,
             a
             short
             Summary
             of
             the
             Christian
             Vow
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             CONSIDER
             also
             the
             Actions
             of
             Eating
             and
             Drinking
             ,
             and
             you
             'll
             see
             further
             Evidence
             of
             a
             Covenant-Trans●…ction
             .
             At
             the
             holy
             Supper
             we
             come
             to
             eat
             and
             drink
             with
             the
             blessed
             God.
             He
             is
             indeed
             invisible
             to
             us
             ,
             but
             hath
             deputed
             one
             in
             each
             Christian
             Assembly
             to
             Represent
             Him
             ,
             and
             in
             his
             Name
             and
             stead
             to
             Entertain
             those
             who
             come
             to
             him
             as
             his
             Guests
             .
             He
             spreads
             a
             Table
             ,
             and
             provides
             us
             Food
             ,
             that
             Eating
             and
             Drinking
             we
             may
             receive
             Nourishment
             for
             our
             Spiritual
             Life
             ,
             and
             Supports
             for
             our
             Spiritual
             Warfare
             .
             Now
             Eating
             and
             Drinking
             ,
             and
             Feasting
             together
             ,
             we
             may
             observe
             in
             Scripture-History
             were
             the
             usual
             Appendages
             of
             Compacts
             or
             Covenants
             ,
             as
             we
             may
             see
             Gen.
             XXVI
             .
             30.
             and
             Gen.
             XXXI
             .
             44
             ,
             46.
             where
             we
             find
             Isaac
             and
             
               Abimelech
               ,
               Iacob
            
             and
             Laban
             ,
             concluding
             their
             Compacts
             with
             a
             Feast
             ;
             the
             like
             is
             evident
             in
             many
             other
             places
             :
             The
             Eating
             and
             Drinking
             together
             of
             those
             that
             were
             at
             variance
             ,
             implies
             an
             antecedent
             Agreement
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             a
             Token
             of
             Friendly
             Familiarity
             ,
             not
             wont
             to
             be
             afforded
             to
             Enemies
             :
             A●…imelech
             hated
             Isaac
             ,
             and
             would
             not
             have
             eaten
             and
             drank
             with
             him
             ,
             but
             upon
             
             supposition
             they
             were
             agreed
             :
             Nor
             would
             Laban
             have
             done
             the
             like
             with
             Iacob
             ,
             whom
             he
             pursued
             with
             a
             Design
             of
             Destruction
             ,
             but
             upon
             the
             same
             supposition
             .
             It
             is
             an
             Axiom
             in
             the
             Civil
             Law
             ,
             That
             if
             any
             one
             doth
             but
             drink
             to
             one
             against
             whom
             he
             hath
             an
             Accusation
             of
             Slander
             ,
             or
             other
             Verbal
             Injury
             ,
             he
             loses
             his
             Action
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             supposed
             to
             be
             Reconcil'd
             to
             him
             .
             The
             Hebrew
             Word
             that
             signifies
             a
             Covenant
             ,
             or
             any
             Faederal
             Communion
             between
             Parties
             ,
             is
             deriv'd
             from
             another
             word
             that
             signifies
             
               to
               Eat
            
             ,
             because
             it
             was
             the
             constant
             Custom
             of
             the
             Hebrews
             ,
             and
             other
             Oriental
             Nations
             ,
             to
             Establish
             Covenants
             by
             Eating
             and
             Drinking
             together
             .
          
           
             NOW
             by
             Nature
             there
             is
             a
             great
             variance
             between
             God
             and
             us
             ,
             on
             the
             account
             of
             our
             Hereditary
             Apostacy
             :
             Sin
             as
             it
             sets
             us
             against
             God
             ,
             so
             doth
             it
             set
             him
             against
             us
             .
             Where
             Sin
             therefore
             Reigns
             and
             bears
             sway
             ,
             it
             's
             plain
             there
             's
             a
             great
             Unfitness
             for
             Eating
             and
             Drinking
             with
             God
             at
             his
             Table
             .
             That
             is
             a
             Solemnity
             that
             supposes
             a
             Persons
             Peace
             first
             to
             be
             made
             with
             God
             through
             Christ
             ;
             otherwise
             he
             's
             not
             likely
             to
             be
             a
             welcome
             Guest
             .
             But
             even
             where
             a
             Persons
             Peace
             is
             actually
             made
             ,
             there
             are
             
             frequent
             Falls
             ,
             for
             which
             there
             must
             be
             a
             Renew'd
             Repentance
             ;
             and
             God's
             admitting
             us
             from
             time
             to
             time
             to
             feast
             with
             him
             at
             his
             Table
             ,
             notwithstanding
             our
             manifold
             Failings
             and
             Defects
             ,
             is
             a
             sufficient
             Argument
             of
             his
             Readiness
             to
             pass
             them
             by
             ,
             and
             anew
             to
             be
             Reconcil'd
             :
             Whenever
             therefore
             we
             come
             to
             eat
             and
             drink
             with
             him
             ,
             we
             are
             to
             Renew
             our
             Self-Dedication
             .
             There
             's
             none
             ,
             not
             even
             the
             best
             ,
             but
             what
             between
             one
             Sacrament
             and
             another
             ,
             do
             enough
             to
             forfeit
             all
             their
             Interest
             in
             the
             Divine
             Favour
             ,
             were
             God
             severe
             to
             mark
             Iniquity
             .
             Eating
             and
             Drinking
             therefore
             with
             God
             ,
             after
             such
             Renew'd
             Offences
             ,
             supposes
             us
             anew
             to
             make
             our
             Peace
             with
             him
             ,
             to
             devote
             our selves
             to
             him
             a
             fresh
             ,
             as
             ever
             we
             would
             keep
             his
             Favour
             ;
             for
             which
             we
             at
             no
             time
             have
             such
             an
             Advantage
             as
             at
             his
             Table
             :
             Which
             will
             be
             further
             evident
             from
             ,
          
           
             3.
             
             A
             THIRD
             Consideration
             ,
             which
             is
             taken
             from
             that
             which
             we
             feast
             upon
             at
             the
             Lord's
             Table
             ;
             viz
             The
             Memorials
             of
             the
             great
             
               Christian
               Sacrifice
            
             .
             The
             most
             general
             and
             proper
             Notion
             of
             the
             Lords
             ▪
             Supper
             ,
             and
             to
             which
             all
             that
             relates
             to
             it
             may
             very
             aptly
             be
             referr'd
             ,
             is
             this
             ,
             
               That
               it
               is
               a
               solemn
               Feast
               upon
               the
               Memorials
               of
               that
               Sacrifice
               of
               Infinite
               Vertue
               ,
               
               that
               was
               offer'd
               by
               our
               Saviour
               upon
               the
               Crofs
               for
               Sin
               :
            
             Which
             Notion
             is
             too
             
             large
             to
             be
             here
             distinctly
             handled
             ;
             and
             therefore
             I
             shall
             meddle
             with
             no
             more
             of
             it
             than
             what
             concerns
             my
             present
             purpose
             .
             It
             is
             easie
             to
             observe
             how
             commonly
             Covenants
             between
             God
             and
             Man
             ,
             were
             attended
             with
             Sacrifices
             :
             Thus
             it
             was
             in
             
             Noah's
             case
             ;
             't
             was
             the
             
             same
             in
             
             Abram's
             case
             ;
             so
             also
             Sacrifices
             accompanied
             the
             Covenant
             God
             enter'd
             into
             with
             the
             Israelites
             all
             in
             a
             Body
             ;
             
             and
             by
             such
             Sacrifices
             offer'd
             ,
             the
             Covenants
             made
             were
             confirm'd
             .
          
           
             IT
             may
             be
             further
             observ'd
             ,
             That
             Sacrifices
             were
             founded
             upon
             a
             Covenant
             .
             The
             Covenant
             God
             enter'd
             into
             with
             the
             Iews
             ,
             requir'd
             them
             to
             offer
             up
             the
             several
             Sacrifices
             prescrib'd
             in
             the
             Law
             ;
             which
             had
             they
             not
             been
             founded
             on
             a
             Divine
             Covenant
             ,
             would
             have
             been
             no
             way
             likely
             to
             have
             been
             accepted
             .
             But
             suppose
             the
             Covenant
             once
             settled
             that
             requir'd
             them
             ,
             and
             Sacrifices
             appear
             to
             have
             been
             Faederal
             Rites
             ,
             they
             were
             Memorials
             of
             the
             Covenant
             between
             God
             and
             the
             People
             ;
             Memorials
             
               to
               God
            
             ,
             put-him
             in
             mind
             of
             his
             Promises
             ;
             and
             Memorials
             
               to
               the
               People
            
             ,
             putting
             them
             in
             mind
             of
             ,
             engaging
             aed
             quickening
             them
             to
             their
             Duty
             .
             Each
             Sacrifice
             offer'd
             ,
             
             imply'd
             a
             Covenant
             Transaction
             ,
             between
             God
             and
             him
             that
             made
             the
             Oblation
             :
             Which
             points
             to
             the
             true
             meaning
             of
             that
             passage
             ,
             which
             some
             have
             esteem'd
             so
             difficult
             .
             
               Gather
               my
               saints
               together
               that
               have
               made
               a
               Covenant
               with
               me
               by
               sacrifice
               .
            
             
             For
             Sacrifices
             were
             appointed
             to
             be
             signs
             and
             seals
             of
             the
             Covenant
             between
             God
             and
             his
             People
             .
             Whereto
             our
             Blessed
             Lord
             seems
             to
             allude
             ,
             when
             at
             the
             Institution
             of
             the
             Supper
             ,
             he
             says
             ,
             
               This
               Cup
               is
               the
               New
               Testament
               in
               my
               Blood
               :
            
             Which
             is
             ,
             
               qu.
               d.
            
             Covenants
             were
             of
             old
             Ratify'd
             by
             Sacrifices
             ;
             the
             Blood
             of
             the
             Sinner
             being
             originally
             required
             by
             the
             Law
             ,
             but
             the
             offering
             being
             of
             the
             Blood
             of
             another
             Creature
             :
             But
             I
             pour
             out
             my
             own
             Blood
             for
             you
             ,
             and
             behold
             I
             now
             I
             give
             it
             to
             you
             .
             It
             is
             therefore
             a
             New
             Covenant
             ,
             because
             not
             seal'd
             with
             the
             Blood
             of
             Victims
             ,
             but
             my
             Own
             Blood.
             Which
             is
             also
             intimated
             by
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             when
             he
             says
             ,
             
               Not
               by
               the
               Blood
               of
               Goats
               and
               Calves
               ,
               but
               by
               his
               Own
               Blood
               ,
               He
               enter'd
            
             
             
               into
               the
               Holy
               Place
               ;
               and
               for
               this
               Cause
               he
               is
               the
               Mediatour
               of
               the
               New
               Testament
               .
            
          
           
             IT
             may
             be
             further
             observ'd
             ,
             That
             as
             Sacrifices
             were
             heretofore
             Seals
             of
             the
             Covenant
             ,
             so
             was
             eating
             of
             the
             Sacrifices
             a
             proper
             Appendix
             of
             most
             of
             their
             Oblations
             .
             They
             had
             four
             sorts
             of
             Sacrifices
             
             in
             use
             among
             them
             .
             
               Burnt
               Offerings
               ,
               Sin
               Offerings
               ,
               Trespass
               Offerings
               ,
            
             and
             
               Peace
               Offerings
               .
               Burnt
               Offerings
            
             were
             wholly
             offer'd
             up
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             consum'd
             on
             the
             Altar
             ;
             neither
             Priests
             nor
             People
             having
             therein
             any
             part
             or
             portion
             .
             In
             
               Sin
               Offerings
            
             and
             
               Trespass
               Offerings
            
             God
             had
             a
             part
             consum'd
             on
             his
             Altar
             ,
             and
             the
             Priests
             a
             part
             to
             eat
             of
             ;
             who
             eat
             of
             them
             as
             the
             Peoples
             Proxies
             ,
             they
             being
             Mediators
             with
             God
             for
             them
             ,
             who
             by
             bringing
             an
             Oblation
             for
             a
             Sin
             or
             Trespass
             ,
             were
             suppos'd
             to
             be
             sensible
             of
             a
             Defilement
             .
             But
             of
             their
             
               Peace
               Offerings
            
             ,
             as
             God
             had
             a
             part
             ,
             and
             the
             Priests
             a
             part
             ,
             so
             had
             they
             themselves
             also
             who
             brought
             them
             a
             part
             ,
             of
             which
             they
             might
             eat
             ,
             together
             with
             their
             Friends
             ,
             Feasting
             and
             Rejoycing
             before
             the
             Lord.
             We
             have
             in
             the
             Old
             Testament
             divers
             instances
             of
             Persons
             feasting
             before
             the
             Lord
             ,
             on
             these
             Sacrifices
             ,
             that
             were
             call'd
             
               Peace
               Offerings
            
             .
             Thus
             we
             find
             Moses
             and
             Aaron
             ,
             
               and
               all
               the
               Elders
               of
               Israel
               Offering
            
             
             
               Sacrifices
               ,
               and
               Feasting
               upon
               them
               before
               God
            
             when
             they
             had
             done
             .
             So
             also
             at
             the
             general
             Covenant
             before
             mention'd
             ,
             many
             Sacrifices
             being
             offer'd
             ,
             we
             find
             
               They
               eat
               and
               drank
               and
               saw
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
            
             
             
               upon
               the
               Nobles
               of
               the
               Children
               of
               Israel
               he
               laid
               not
               his
               hand
               .
            
             And
             again
             we
             find
             
             Elkanah
             making
             an
             yearly
             Journey
             to
             the
             
             Holy
             City
             ,
             to
             Offer
             Sacrifices
             ,
             and
             Feast
             upon
             them
             with
             his
             Family
             before
             the
             Lord
             ;
             and
             many
             other
             passages
             are
             there
             of
             the
             same
             nature
             ,
             which
             its
             needless
             to
             mention
             .
          
           
             IT
             may
             be
             further
             observ'd
             ,
             That
             the
             thus
             eating
             of
             Gods
             Sacrifices
             was
             a
             Faederal
             Rite
             ,
             between
             God
             and
             those
             that
             offer'd
             them
             .
             For
             God
             designing
             to
             have
             a
             peculiar
             Residence
             among
             the
             Jews
             ,
             resolv'd
             to
             Live
             ,
             as
             't
             were
             in
             Regal
             State
             among
             them
             .
             And
             therefore
             the
             Temple
             was
             his
             Palace
             ;
             the
             Priests
             and
             Levites
             his
             Guard
             and
             Attendance
             ;
             His
             House
             had
             its
             several
             Apartments
             for
             several
             Offices
             ;
             and
             Furniture
             suited
             thereunto
             ;
             on
             the
             Altar
             was
             his
             Fire
             ,
             whi●…h
             was
             never
             to
             go
             out
             ;
             and
             the
             Sacrifices
             offer'd
             were
             his
             Provision
             :
             Not
             that
             he
             could
             really
             
               eat
               the
               Flesh
               of
               Bulls
               ,
               and
               drink
               the
               Blood
               of
               Goats
            
             ;
             as
             he
             upbraids
             those
             who
             were
             apt
             to
             rest
             in
             
             Externals
             :
             But
             he
             by
             these
             things
             ,
             and
             their
             Allusive
             Significations
             ,
             serv'd
             sundry
             wise
             and
             great
             ends
             and
             purposes
             .
             Now
             Sacrifices
             then
             passing
             under
             the
             Notion
             of
             Gods
             Provision
             ,
             it
             was
             a
             mark
             of
             great
             favour
             to
             be
             admitted
             to
             partake
             of
             them
             :
             And
             Sacrifices
             being
             seals
             of
             the
             Covenant
             ,
             the
             Feasting
             upon
             the
             
             Remainders
             of
             them
             ,
             was
             a
             further
             engagement
             to
             the
             Offerers
             of
             them
             ,
             to
             stand
             to
             their
             part
             of
             the
             Covenant
             with
             God
             ,
             of
             whom
             by
             their
             being
             admitted
             to
             feast
             with
             him
             ,
             they
             had
             reason
             to
             hope
             they
             were
             accepted
             .
          
           
             LET
             not
             any
             think
             all
             this
             a
             Digression
             ;
             for
             besides
             that
             such
             Thoughts
             and
             Reflections
             as
             these
             may
             be
             of
             use
             ,
             by
             helping
             us
             to
             understand
             these
             matters
             ,
             without
             some
             light
             in
             which
             (
             and
             in
             others
             of
             the
             like
             nature
             )
             we
             must
             necessarily
             be
             in
             the
             dark
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             reading
             the
             greatest
             part
             of
             the
             Old
             Testament
             ;
             besides
             this
             I
             say
             ,
             they
             are
             all
             to
             my
             present
             purpose
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             resemblance
             these
             things
             carry
             in
             them
             ,
             to
             those
             that
             I
             am
             now
             upon
             .
             For
             as
             Sacred
             Covenants
             were
             heretofore
             attended
             with
             Sacrifices
             ,
             so
             the
             Covenant
             between
             God
             and
             us
             ;
             that
             Covenant
             on
             which
             all
             our
             hopes
             are
             founded
             is
             attended
             with
             and
             confirm'd
             by
             the
             Sacrifice
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             which
             at
             his
             Table
             we
             Commemorate
             .
             As
             their
             Sacrifices
             were
             Faederal
             Rites
             ,
             and
             Signs
             and
             Seals
             of
             the
             Covenant
             between
             God
             and
             the
             People
             ,
             so
             is
             our
             Solemn
             Commemoration
             of
             the
             Sacrifice
             once
             offer'd
             for
             us
             on
             the
             Cross
             ,
             a
             Faederal
             Rite
             ;
             and
             this
             Sacred
             Institution
             a
             sign
             and
             seal
             of
             
             the
             Covenant
             between
             God
             and
             us
             ,
             founded
             in
             the
             Blood
             of
             our
             Dearest
             Saviour
             :
             And
             as
             they
             were
             then
             to
             make
             a
             Covenant
             with
             God
             by
             Sacrifice
             ;
             so
             are
             we
             now
             to
             strike
             Covenant
             with
             him
             over
             the
             Memorials
             of
             our
             great
             Gospel
             Sacrifice
             .
             Further
             ,
             as
             the
             Jewish
             Feasts
             were
             upon
             the
             Flesh
             of
             the
             Sacrifices
             they
             offer'd
             to
             God
             ;
             so
             is
             our
             Holy
             Supper
             a
             Feast
             ,
             upon
             the
             Sacrifice
             which
             Christ
             once
             offer'd
             for
             us
             :
             And
             as
             their
             Feasts
             upon
             their
             Sacrifices
             were
             Faederal
             Rites
             and
             Bands
             of
             Faederal
             Communion
             between
             God
             and
             them
             ;
             so
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             which
             is
             also
             a
             Feast
             upon
             a
             Sacrifice
             ,
             must
             needs
             be
             a
             Faederal
             Feast
             between
             God
             and
             us
             ,
             where
             by
             Eating
             and
             Drinking
             at
             his
             own
             Table
             ,
             and
             partaking
             of
             his
             Meat
             ,
             we
             are
             taken
             into
             a
             Sacred
             Covenant
             and
             Inviolable
             League
             of
             Friendship
             with
             him
             :
             As
             God
             by
             those
             Sacrifices
             and
             the
             Feasts
             upon
             them
             did
             Ratify
             his
             Covenant
             with
             those
             who
             did
             partake
             of
             them
             ,
             in
             as
             much
             as
             they
             did
             in
             a
             manner
             Eat
             and
             Drink
             with
             him
             ;
             so
             doth
             he
             confirm
             his
             Covenant
             with
             us
             ,
             by
             the
             Sacred
             Symbols
             at
             his
             Table
             ,
             of
             which
             he
             allows
             us
             to
             partake
             :
             And
             as
             the
             People
             by
             Feasting
             on
             those
             Sacrifices
             with
             God
             ,
             did
             Ratify
             and
             Confirm
             
             the
             Covenant
             on
             their
             part
             ;
             so
             do
             we
             by
             feasting
             on
             this
             sacrifice
             ratify
             &
             confirm
             the
             Covenant
             between
             God
             and
             us
             .
             Finally
             ;
             as
             the
             Jews
             joyn'd
             themselves
             to
             God
             ,
             by
             Feasting
             in
             his
             House
             ,
             on
             his
             Sacrifices
             ;
             so
             we
             joyn
             our selves
             to
             Christ
             ,
             by
             Feasting
             in
             the
             place
             of
             his
             Worship
             ,
             at
             his
             Table
             ,
             upon
             the
             Memorials
             of
             his
             Body
             and
             Blood
             :
             And
             our
             Obligations
             to
             stick
             to
             him
             ,
             follow
             and
             obey
             him
             ,
             do
             as
             much
             exceed
             all
             other
             tyes
             ,
             in
             their
             Sacredness
             Strength
             and
             Vertue
             ,
             as
             the
             Sacrifice
             of
             Christ
             excels
             that
             of
             a
             Beast
             ,
             or
             the
             Eating
             and
             Drinking
             his
             Body
             and
             Blood
             ,
             is
             beyond
             all
             participation
             of
             the
             meat
             of
             the
             antient
             Altars
             .
             There
             being
             therefore
             in
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             ,
             so
             plain
             a
             Representation
             of
             a
             Sacrifice
             ,
             which
             ever
             had
             a
             relation
             to
             a
             Covenant
             ;
             and
             it
             being
             a
             feasting
             upon
             the
             Memorials
             of
             this
             Sacrifice
             ,
             which
             feasting
             was
             ever
             a
             faederal
             Rite
             ,
             must
             needs
             be
             a
             faederal
             Ordinance
             .
             Add
             hereto
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             THE
             Consideration
             of
             the
             Adjuration
             which
             naturally
             seems
             to
             be
             imply'd
             in
             this
             Ordinance
             .
             Our
             Lord
             is
             at
             his
             Table
             Represented
             in
             our
             view
             as
             a
             Sacrifice
             for
             Sin
             ,
             enduring
             the
             utmost
             Torments
             ,
             Miseries
             and
             Dolours
             for
             our
             sakes
             ;
             all
             which
             have
             a
             loud
             voice
             to
             us
             .
             
             He
             seems
             as
             it
             were
             at
             his
             Table
             to
             adjure
             every
             one
             ,
             by
             his
             Agonies
             and
             Conflicts
             ,
             by
             his
             Blood
             and
             Wounds
             ,
             by
             his
             Cross
             and
             Passion
             ,
             by
             all
             that
             he
             underwent
             for
             their
             sakes
             ,
             to
             Love
             him
             and
             be
             faithful
             to
             him
             ;
             to
             hate
             and
             flye
             from
             Sin
             ;
             and
             Renounce
             the
             Devil
             and
             all
             his
             works
             ,
             lest
             they
             as
             much
             as
             in
             them
             lies
             ,
             undo
             what
             he
             hath
             been
             doing
             ,
             Crucify
             him
             afresh
             ,
             and
             renew
             his
             Pain
             :
             Those
             therefore
             who
             after
             this
             ,
             lay
             their
             hands
             on
             the
             Memorials
             of
             the
             Broken
             ,
             Bleeding
             Body
             of
             Christ
             ,
             do
             as
             it
             were
             call
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             to
             witness
             ,
             That
             they
             'll
             ever
             Live
             to
             Him
             who
             Dy'd
             fot
             them
             ,
             and
             rather
             Dye
             than
             renounce
             his
             Service
             .
             Now
             the
             very
             Heathens
             reckon'd
             that
             a
             Vow
             or
             Oath
             ,
             made
             when
             Persons
             laid
             their
             hands
             on
             the
             warm
             Entrails
             of
             a
             Beast
             ,
             (
             which
             was
             upon
             occasion
             customary
             with
             them
             )
             was
             the
             Solemnest
             Oath
             that
             could
             be
             made
             :
             How
             much
             more
             Solemn
             then
             ,
             should
             we
             esteem
             Vows
             made
             ,
             when
             we
             lay
             our
             hands
             on
             the
             Memorials
             of
             the
             Sacred
             Body
             of
             Christ
             ?
          
           
             5thly
             and
             Lastly
             ,
             IT
             hath
             been
             the
             sense
             of
             all
             Christians
             down
             from
             the
             first
             Ages
             to
             the
             present
             day
             ,
             That
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             is
             a
             Faederal
             Ordinance
             ;
             
             which
             is
             a
             consideration
             of
             no
             small
             weight
             in
             a
             matter
             of
             this
             Nature
             .
             Among
             many
             Evidences
             that
             might
             be
             given
             hereof
             ,
             I
             shall
             mention
             but
             two
             .
             The
             Old
             Primitive
             Christians
             did
             so
             Sacredly
             and
             Solemnly
             bind
             themselves
             by
             Vows
             at
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             to
             their
             God
             and
             Saviour
             ,
             that
             the
             Heathens
             were
             ready
             to
             suspect
             them
             of
             dangerous
             Plots
             and
             Conspiracies
             ;
             from
             which
             charge
             while
             Pliny
             the
             younger
             ,
             a
             Learned
             Heathen
             ,
             doth
             candidly
             endeavour
             to
             acquit
             them
             ,
             he
             at
             the
             same
             time
             gives
             us
             an
             account
             of
             some
             of
             the
             Vows
             they
             every
             time
             Renew'd
             at
             this
             Ordinance
             .
             
               They
               Assemble
               themselves
            
             (
             says
             he
             in
             a
             Letter
             to
             Trajan
             the
             Emperour
             ,
             still
             extant
             )
             
             
               before
               day
               break
               ,
               and
               sing
               an
               Hymn
               to
               Christ
               as
               if
               he
               were
               God
               ;
               and
               then
               bind
               themselves
               with
               a
               Sacrament
               or
               Oath
               ,
               not
               to
               do
               Mischief
               to
               any
               ,
               that
               they
               will
               not
               Rob
               or
               Steal
               ,
               or
               Commit
               Adultery
               ,
               nor
               falsify
               their
               Words
               ,
               nor
               deny
               their
               Trust
            
             ;
             and
             the
             like
             ;
             
               and
               then
               after
               they
               have
               eaten
               together
            
             (
             says
             he
             )
             
               they
               depart
               to
               their
               own
               homes
               .
            
             But
             tho'
             his
             account
             is
             made
             up
             of
             Negatives
             ,
             we
             may
             be
             well
             satisfied
             they
             added
             Positive
             Vows
             to
             them
             .
             My
             other
             Evidence
             is
             taken
             from
             the
             name
             of
             Sacrament
             ,
             which
             they
             gave
             to
             this
             Ordinance
             joyntly
             with
             that
             of
             Baptism
             .
             
             The
             word
             Sacrament
             is
             no
             where
             to
             be
             found
             in
             Scripture
             ,
             but
             is
             plainly
             of
             Humane
             Original
             ;
             and
             it
             was
             us'd
             very
             early
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             to
             express
             and
             signify
             those
             two
             Ordinances
             of
             Baptism
             and
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             ;
             and
             in
             process
             of
             time
             't
             was
             also
             apply'd
             to
             other
             things
             .
             Now
             the
             word
             Sacrament
             properly
             signifies
             an
             Oath
             .
             It
             was
             originally
             the
             Military
             Oath
             ,
             which
             the
             Soldiers
             took
             when
             they
             swore
             Fealty
             to
             their
             Emperours
             .
             When
             therefore
             we
             find
             this
             term
             of
             Sacrament
             ,
             apply'd
             by
             Christians
             in
             the
             first
             Ages
             ,
             to
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             ,
             and
             us'd
             all
             along
             ever
             since
             whereby
             to
             express
             it
             ,
             it
             implies
             that
             they
             have
             all
             been
             sensible
             that
             it
             was
             a
             Faederal
             Ordinance
             ;
             since
             the
             word
             they
             have
             made
             use
             of
             for
             it
             intimates
             ,
             that
             we
             in
             that
             Ordinance
             come
             under
             an
             Oath
             to
             Christ
             ,
             much
             like
             the
             oath
             of
             Fealty
             which
             the
             Soldiers
             took
             to
             their
             Emperours
             :
             And
             indeed
             if
             we
             would
             acquit
             our selves
             rightly
             ,
             we
             must
             every
             time
             we
             come
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             Vow
             and
             Engage
             ,
             That
             we
             'll
             continue
             Christs
             Faithful
             Servants
             and
             Subjects
             ,
             and
             Soldiers
             ,
             and
             never
             do
             any
             thing
             against
             his
             Crown
             and
             Dignity
             as
             long
             as
             we
             live
             .
          
           
             Le
             ts
             then
             a
             little
             Reflect
             and
             make
             a
             pause
             :
             Le
             ts
             think
             how
             strange
             
             an
             instance
             't
             is
             of
             Condescention
             in
             the
             great
             Majesty
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             That
             He
             should
             vouchsafe
             to
             hold
             any
             Faederal
             Communion
             with
             such
             as
             we
             are
             :
             With
             us
             Sinners
             ,
             who
             have
             so
             much
             Provok'd
             him
             ,
             as
             to
             deserve
             to
             be
             utterly
             abandon'd
             by
             him
             :
             With
             us
             Sinners
             of
             the
             Gentiles
             ,
             who
             were
             once
             without
             God
             and
             without
             Christ
             ,
             and
             strangers
             to
             the
             Covenant
             of
             Promise
             :
             That
             God
             should
             suffer
             us
             to
             lay
             hold
             of
             his
             Covenant
             ,
             That
             he
             should
             admit
             us
             to
             feast
             with
             him
             upon
             the
             signs
             and
             seals
             of
             it
             ;
             admit
             us
             to
             such
             an
             instance
             of
             Familiarity
             ,
             and
             advance
             us
             to
             such
             an
             Honour
             ,
             which
             is
             at
             the
             same
             time
             so
             much
             ●…or
             our
             Benefit
             ,
             Comfort
             and
             Security
             .
             Oh
             Bless
             the
             Lord
             and
             Magnify
             his
             Name
             :
             Exalt
             him
             highly
             and
             shew
             forth
             his
             Praise
             :
             Who
             disdains
             not
             to
             regard
             us
             ,
             tho'
             Low
             and
             Mean
             ,
             and
             Vile
             ,
             and
             Despicable
             ;
             nay
             ,
             who
             treats
             us
             poor
             Mortals
             ,
             time
             after
             time
             ,
             as
             if
             we
             were
             a
             sort
             of
             Angels
             ,
             admitting
             us
             to
             Feast
             and
             to
             Rejoyce
             with
             him
             ,
             in
             our
             Commemoration
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             and
             Renovation
             of
             his
             Covenant
             .
             Le
             ts
             think
             withal
             ,
             and
             that
             Seriously
             ,
             of
             his
             great
             kindness
             to
             us
             in
             multiplying
             Tyes
             and
             Bonds
             upon
             us
             ,
             that
             so
             he
             may
             the
             more
             effectually
             engage
             
             us
             to
             himself
             .
             Our
             God
             is
             sensible
             of
             the
             slipperyness
             of
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             and
             therefore
             he
             's
             for
             binding
             us
             as
             fast
             as
             may
             be
             .
             He
             hath
             so
             ordered
             matters
             ,
             as
             that
             we
             are
             to
             be
             Consecrated
             and
             come
             under
             a
             Vow
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             soon
             almost
             ,
             as
             we
             begin
             to
             be
             ;
             this
             Vow
             we
             are
             with
             great
             Solemnity
             to
             own
             and
             renew
             ,
             as
             soon
             as
             we
             become
             capable
             of
             Transacting
             for
             our selves
             ;
             and
             afterwards
             we
             are
             requir'd
             frequently
             to
             give
             new
             security
             of
             our
             Fidelity
             ,
             over
             the
             Consecrated
             Elements
             at
             the
             Supper
             of
             our
             Lord
             :
             And
             the
             design
             of
             all
             is
             only
             this
             ,
             the
             more
             effectually
             to
             engage
             us
             to
             that
             which
             is
             our
             unquestionable
             Duty
             ,
             wherewith
             our
             interest
             is
             closely
             connected
             .
             In
             obliging
             us
             time
             after
             time
             ,
             to
             renew
             our
             Bonds
             ,
             God
             hath
             consulted
             our
             good
             ,
             designing
             thereby
             to
             further
             our
             security
             of
             reaching
             those
             Inestimable
             Benefits
             which
             he
             hath
             design'd
             for
             us
             :
             We
             should
             therefore
             be
             so
             far
             from
             thinking
             much
             of
             them
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             prize
             our
             Bonds
             ;
             we
             should
             look
             upon
             our selves
             as
             so
             much
             the
             more
             Honour'd
             ,
             by
             how
             much
             the
             more
             they
             are
             multiply'd
             upon
             us
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             VIII
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               an
               
                 EXPRESS
                 RENEWAL
              
               of
               our
               Christian
               Vows
               ,
               every
               time
               we
               come
               to
               the
               Holy
               Communion
               :
               And
               DIRECTIONS
               about
               the
               right
               Management
               of
               it
               .
            
          
           
             IT
             now
             follows
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             second
             place
             ,
             I
             show
             how
             the
             Express
             Renewal
             of
             the
             Christian
             Vow
             ,
             every
             time
             we
             come
             to
             the
             Supper
             of
             our
             Lord
             ,
             will
             help
             us
             the
             more
             effectually
             to
             reap
             the
             Benefits
             of
             that
             Holy
             Ordinance
             :
             Which
             comes
             in
             very
             properly
             by
             way
             of
             Motive
             ,
             to
             that
             which
             I
             doubt
             is
             too
             commonly
             neglected
             by
             many
             Christians
             ;
             viz.
             Expresly
             Renew'd
             Covenanting
             at
             every
             Sacrament
             .
             What
             I
             have
             to
             propound
             under
             this
             Head
             ,
             will
             (
             I
             say
             )
             properly
             come
             in
             by
             way
             of
             Motive
             :
             For
             if
             I
             can
             make
             it
             appear
             ,
             That
             this
             is
             the
             way
             for
             our
             reaching
             the
             Benefits
             design'd
             for
             us
             by
             this
             Sacred
             Institution
             of
             our
             Religion
             ;
             I
             think
             there
             are
             none
             ,
             who
             are
             not
             their
             own
             enemies
             ,
             but
             must
             readily
             fall
             in
             with
             it
             ,
             and
             set
             themselves
             to
             put
             it
             in
             practice
             .
             It
             is
             indeed
             certain
             and
             undeniable
             ,
             
             That
             Persons
             growth
             in
             Grace
             ,
             and
             Advancement
             in
             the
             Divine
             Life
             ,
             may
             be
             promoted
             by
             their
             Devout
             Partaking
             of
             the
             Holy
             Supper
             ;
             while
             yet
             either
             thro'
             Ignorance
             ,
             or
             Forgetfulness
             ,
             or
             Unskilfulnefs
             how
             to
             manage
             themselves
             at
             that
             
               Sacred
               Solemnity
            
             ,
             they
             may
             neglect
             the
             Express
             Renewing
             their
             Vows
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             :
             But
             if
             it
             be
             evident
             that
             this
             Ordinance
             would
             do
             them
             more
             good
             ,
             and
             be
             attended
             with
             much
             greater
             Advantage
             to
             the
             same
             Persons
             ,
             did
             they
             positively
             and
             expresly
             every
             time
             ,
             make
             an
             act
             of
             surrender
             of
             themselves
             to
             him
             who
             gave
             himself
             for
             them
             ;
             and
             anew
             engage
             to
             live
             to
             him
             who
             dy'd
             for
             them
             ;
             it
             will
             follow
             that
             they
             must
             be
             enemies
             to
             themselves
             if
             they
             continue
             Negligent
             :
             Now
             this
             will
             be
             made
             appear
             from
             these
             three
             considerations
             ;
             viz.
             That
             our
             slipery
             Hearts
             will
             be
             more
             fix'd
             and
             aw'd
             ;
             our
             Faith
             and
             Hope
             be
             more
             eonfirm'd
             and
             strengthen'd
             ;
             and
             our
             Comfort
             more
             encreas'd
             by
             this
             means
             ,
             than
             could
             be
             otherwise
             supposable
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             THE
             Express
             Renewing
             our
             Vows
             every
             time
             we
             come
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             will
             much
             fix
             and
             awe
             our
             slippery
             Hearts
             .
             None
             ,
             that
             are
             not
             great
             great
             strangers
             at
             home
             ,
             can
             be
             ignorant
             
             how
             apt
             our
             Hearts
             are
             to
             turn
             aside
             like
             a
             deceitful
             bow
             ,
             and
             to
             lose
             the
             sense
             of
             those
             things
             which
             ought
             continually
             to
             influence
             and
             govern
             us
             ,
             especially
             if
             remov'd
             from
             us
             by
             any
             distance
             of
             time
             ;
             how
             easily
             the
             continually
             surrounding
             objects
             of
             sense
             ,
             deface
             those
             Impressions
             which
             are
             at
             any
             time
             made
             on
             our
             minds
             by
             higher
             things
             ;
             and
             how
             difficult
             't
             is
             to
             keep
             sensible
             from
             prevailing
             over
             Spiritual
             Engagements
             .
             Alas
             the
             Sensual
             Carnal
             part
             is
             so
             powerful
             in
             the
             best
             ,
             and
             our
             Hearts
             are
             so
             apt
             to
             fall
             in
             with
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             Temptations
             we
             meet
             with
             to
             draw
             off
             our
             Hearts
             from
             God
             are
             so
             numerous
             ,
             and
             we
             so
             prone
             to
             yield
             unto
             them
             ,
             that
             we
             can
             hardly
             tye
             our selves
             fast
             enough
             ,
             or
             sufficiently
             multiply
             obligations
             on
             our selves
             to
             an
             Holy
             ,
             a
             Christian
             ,
             and
             a
             Divine
             Life
             .
             If
             the
             sense
             of
             often
             repeated
             engagements
             is
             apt
             to
             wear
             off
             (
             and
             who
             sees
             not
             that
             it
             too
             too
             often
             does
             so
             even
             in
             the
             best
             ?
             )
             How
             unlikely
             is
             it
             that
             a
             single
             act
             of
             Consecrating
             our selves
             to
             our
             God
             and
             Saviour
             ,
             or
             the
             same
             repeated
             only
             now
             and
             then
             ,
             after
             large
             and
             considerable
             intervals
             ,
             should
             retain
             a
             constant
             governing
             power
             over
             us
             ?
             But
             the
             frequency
             and
             expresness
             of
             our
             Renew'd
             
             Vows
             (
             if
             we
             take
             but
             care
             to
             apply
             our selves
             to
             them
             with
             any
             degree
             of
             that
             Seriousness
             that
             suits
             such
             a
             Solemnity
             )
             will
             much
             promote
             their
             influence
             upon
             us
             :
             For
             it
             will
             keep
             us
             under
             a
             standing
             sense
             of
             our
             Obligation
             ;
             it
             will
             fortify
             us
             against
             Temptations
             ;
             it
             will
             be
             a
             constant
             Fence
             ,
             and
             Spur
             ,
             and
             Monitor
             ,
             to
             us
             .
             For
             if
             I
             have
             the
             least
             degree
             of
             Grace
             ,
             and
             resolve
             not
             in
             the
             most
             daring
             and
             provoking
             manner
             possible
             to
             trifle
             with
             God
             and
             my
             own
             Conscience
             ;
             Can
             I
             who
             month
             after
             month
             ,
             while
             I
             am
             feasting
             on
             the
             Memorials
             of
             Redeeming
             Love
             ,
             Renew
             my
             Self-Dedication
             to
             the
             Most
             High
             ;
             can
             I
             (
             I
             say
             )
             presently
             forget
             that
             I
             am
             anothers
             and
             not
             my
             own
             ?
             Can
             I
             or
             any
             one
             ,
             so
             easily
             forget
             this
             ,
             as
             if
             it
             were
             but
             once
             or
             twice
             in
             an
             whole
             Lives
             space
             that
             solemn
             Vows
             were
             made
             ?
             And
             doth
             not
             their
             Expresness
             as
             well
             as
             their
             Frequency
             add
             to
             their
             force
             ?
             For
             this
             implies
             not
             only
             a
             Recollection
             that
             we
             are
             the
             Lords
             ,
             but
             a
             Serious
             Resolution
             taken
             up
             in
             his
             Presence
             ,
             and
             form'd
             over
             the
             most
             awful
             Emblems
             of
             his
             Greatness
             ,
             and
             Majesty
             and
             
               Purity
               ▪
            
             and
             the
             most
             Endearing
             Pledges
             of
             his
             
               Goodness
               ,
               Grace
            
             ,
             and
             Love
             ;
             that
             we
             will
             be
             his
             for
             the
             future
             ,
             more
             than
             ever
             
             we
             were
             before
             .
             If
             we
             are
             Serious
             in
             such
             frequently
             Repeated
             Engagements
             ,
             we
             cannot
             but
             be
             made
             more
             Watchful
             ,
             more
             Considerate
             and
             Provident
             ,
             more
             Diligent
             ,
             and
             more
             Setled
             Christians
             ,
             both
             in
             our
             Tempers
             and
             Lives
             ,
             than
             we
             should
             otherwise
             be
             .
             Consciences
             work
             will
             be
             made
             more
             easie
             :
             For
             we
             shall
             have
             but
             a
             little
             way
             at
             any
             time
             to
             look
             back
             ,
             to
             that
             which
             of
             any
             thing
             that
             can
             be
             thought
             of
             will
             be
             the
             most
             likely
             ,
             to
             curb
             the
             fury
             of
             Lust
             ,
             and
             abate
             the
             violence
             of
             Temptation
             ,
             and
             quicken
             us
             to
             our
             Duty
             ,
             and
             cause
             Repentance
             and
             Rising
             again
             after
             our
             Sins
             and
             Falls
             .
             Now
             this
             is
             one
             one
             of
             the
             Blessed
             Benefits
             design'd
             for
             us
             by
             the
             Institution
             of
             the
             Sacrament
             of
             the
             Supper
             ;
             no
             other
             way
             more
             likely
             to
             be
             gain'd
             than
             by
             this
             Practice
             of
             Expresly
             Renewing
             the
             Christian
             Vow
             ,
             every
             time
             we
             joyn
             therein
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             THIS
             Practice
             will
             help
             to
             strenthen
             our
             Faith
             and
             Hope
             .
             There
             's
             no
             Grace
             that
             is
             more
             employ'd
             at
             the
             Sacrament
             ,
             by
             Devout
             Communicants
             ,
             than
             Faith.
             Its
             work
             is
             to
             view
             Christ
             thro'
             the
             Elements
             whereby
             he
             is
             Represented
             ,
             to
             receive
             him
             when
             offer'd
             ,
             and
             to
             return
             our
             all
             back
             to
             him
             again
             ;
             tho'
             not
             by
             way
             of
             Requital
             ,
             or
             out
             of
             
             any
             hope
             of
             Desert
             ,
             yet
             out
             of
             a
             sense
             of
             Duty
             ,
             and
             as
             a
             Token
             uf
             the
             highest
             Gratitude
             .
             A
             further
             Office
             of
             the
             same
             Grace
             ,
             is
             ,
             To
             behold
             the
             Fathers
             Mind
             and
             Heart
             ,
             in
             that
             Amazing
             Mirror
             of
             his
             Love
             that
             there
             is
             set
             before
             us
             ;
             and
             to
             behold
             the
             Divine
             Spirit
             in
             all
             his
             Sanctifying
             Gifts
             and
             Graces
             ,
             pourd
             forth
             on
             all
             truly
             Covenanting
             Believers
             ,
             as
             the
             Fruit
             of
             Christ's
             Purchase
             ;
             and
             to
             yield
             up
             the
             Soul
             to
             be
             transformed
             into
             the
             same
             Image
             ,
             by
             the
             same
             Spirit
             .
          
           
             NO
             where
             hath
             Faith
             such
             an
             Advantage
             for
             this
             Work
             ,
             as
             at
             the
             
               Holy
               Communion
            
             ;
             and
             never
             is
             this
             Advantage
             so
             well
             improv'd
             there
             ,
             as
             when
             our
             Vows
             are
             seriously
             and
             expresly
             Renew'd
             :
             For
             thereby
             do
             we
             shew
             that
             the
             Discoveries
             that
             are
             made
             by
             Faith
             at
             that
             Ordinance
             ,
             do
             truly
             Affect
             us
             ,
             and
             rightly
             Work
             upon
             us
             ;
             thereby
             is
             our
             Faith
             approv'd
             of
             the
             right
             stamp
             ;
             and
             thereby
             is
             it
             made
             a
             Governing
             Principle
             of
             our
             Tempers
             and
             Lives
             .
             Withal
             ,
             't
             is
             observable
             how
             express
             God
             is
             at
             his
             Table
             ,
             as
             to
             all
             the
             several
             Marks
             of
             his
             Favour
             and
             Love
             ,
             which
             he
             makes
             over
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             bestows
             on
             us
             .
             These
             are
             receiv'd
             by
             Faith
             ;
             certainly
             therefore
             it
             becomes
             us
             to
             be
             as
             express
             in
             our
             Returns
             
             to
             him
             :
             And
             hereby
             will
             our
             Faith
             be
             strengthened
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             Correspondence
             of
             our
             Carriage
             in
             this
             respect
             towards
             God
             ,
             to
             his
             dealing
             vvith
             us
             ;
             and
             also
             by
             reason
             of
             that
             Riveted
             Sense
             of
             
             Faith's
             Transactions
             at
             this
             Ordinance
             ,
             that
             vvill
             be
             hereby
             occasioned
             .
          
           
             OUR
             Hope
             also
             will
             hereby
             be
             strengthened
             .
             Our
             Hope
             of
             the
             Acceptance
             of
             what
             we
             do
             ;
             and
             of
             Assistance
             in
             what
             we
             need
             :
             Our
             Hope
             of
             Grace
             here
             ,
             and
             Glory
             hereafter
             .
             The
             more
             express
             (
             if
             serious
             )
             any
             one
             is
             ,
             in
             giving
             himself
             up
             to
             God
             at
             his
             Table
             every
             time
             he
             comes
             there
             ,
             the
             more
             Reason
             hath
             he
             to
             hope
             that
             God
             Accepts
             him
             ,
             who
             never
             Rejects
             a
             
               Self-Resigning
               Soul
            
             ;
             the
             more
             Reason
             to
             hope
             for
             all
             the
             blessed
             Fruits
             of
             the
             Sacrifice
             and
             Death
             of
             Christ
             ,
             to
             whom
             he
             consecrates
             himself
             ;
             the
             more
             Reason
             to
             hope
             for
             all
             needed
             Guidance
             and
             Assistance
             ,
             from
             the
             blessed
             Spirit
             of
             Grace
             ,
             under
             whose
             Conduct
             he
             freely
             puts
             himself
             ;
             the
             more
             reason
             to
             hope
             for
             all
             he
             can
             need
             either
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             or
             another
             ,
             since
             he
             so
             intirely
             commits
             himself
             to
             ,
             and
             reposes
             his
             Trust
             in
             him
             ,
             that
             is
             a
             suitable
             Portion
             .
             for
             him
             in
             either
             .
             Further
             ,
          
           
           
             3.
             
             WHICH
             follows
             upon
             the
             former
             ;
             This
             Practice
             will
             encrease
             our
             comfort
             ,
             which
             it
             is
             one
             great
             Design
             of
             the
             Sacrament
             to
             promote
             .
             'T
             is
             indeed
             much
             to
             our
             comfort
             ,
             to
             be
             treated
             at
             so
             Noble
             and
             costly
             a
             Feast
             ,
             as
             God
             prepares
             for
             us
             ,
             when
             he
             spreads
             his
             Table
             before
             us
             ;
             't
             is
             comfortable
             to
             see
             what
             is
             there
             to
             be
             beheld
             ,
             to
             Receive
             what
             is
             Offer'd
             ,
             and
             to
             stand
             and
             take
             so
             delightful
             a
             Prospect
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             there
             Opportunity
             for
             :
             But
             the
             serious
             express
             Renewal
             of
             our
             Vows
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ,
             and
             Solemn
             Engagement
             to
             live
             like
             Persons
             devoted
             to
             him
             ,
             is
             as
             great
             a
             Spring
             of
             spiritual
             Comfort
             ,
             as
             any
             in
             all
             that
             Ordinance
             .
             For
             this
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Gospel-Constitution
             ,
             lays
             a
             just
             Foundation
             for
             a
             Claim
             of
             all
             Gospel-Blessings
             ,
             by
             vertue
             of
             the
             Promises
             made
             through
             the
             Blood
             we
             there
             Commemorate
             .
             The
             
               Holy
               Communion
            
             implies
             an
             Investiture
             in
             Pardon
             and
             Peace
             ,
             Reconciliation
             ,
             Adoption
             ,
             and
             a
             Right
             to
             Eternal
             Life
             ,
             to
             all
             truly
             Devout
             Participants
             ;
             to
             all
             who
             heartily
             devote
             themselves
             to
             their
             Lord
             Redeemer
             :
             Renewed
             Vows
             therefore
             confirm
             our
             Title
             to
             all
             both
             present
             and
             future
             Blessings
             ;
             and
             consequently
             lay
             a
             firm
             Foundation
             for
             the
             highest
             Comfort
             .
             For
             what
             can
             be
             
             more
             comfortable
             ,
             than
             for
             me
             ,
             upon
             a
             Review
             of
             what
             past
             in
             that
             Ordinance
             ,
             to
             find
             that
             I
             am
             Entitled
             to
             all
             those
             peculiar
             Marks
             of
             Divine
             Favour
             ,
             which
             God
             in
             that
             Ordinance
             makes
             over
             to
             his
             Children
             ;
             of
             which
             nothing
             can
             give
             greater
             Assurance
             ,
             than
             our
             Repeated
             Devoting
             our Selves
             ,
             with
             all
             the
             Seriousness
             and
             Solemnity
             we
             are
             able
             ,
             to
             be
             his
             Servants
             and
             Subjects
             to
             our
             Lives
             End.
             All
             which
             things
             taken
             together
             ,
             are
             methinks
             abundantly
             sufficient
             to
             recommend
             this
             Practice
             .
          
           
             IT
             yet
             remains
             ,
             That
             I
             give
             some
             Directions
             about
             this
             matter
             ,
             and
             shew
             how
             we
             should
             manage
             the
             Renewal
             of
             our
             Vows
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ,
             at
             the
             Return
             of
             every
             Sacrament
             .
             Which
             having
             been
             Excellently
             done
             already
             ,
             by
             so
             many
             ,
             I
             shall
             be
             but
             brief
             in
             it
             .
             However
             ,
             these
             Eight
             following
             Directions
             I
             can
             dare
             to
             recommend
             to
             any
             serious
             Christians
             .
          
           
             Direct
             .
             I.
             BEFORE
             you
             go
             to
             Renew
             your
             Vows
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ,
             Recollect
             your
             past
             Breaches
             ,
             especially
             those
             since
             your
             last
             Solemn
             Engagement
             .
             Look
             not
             on
             this
             as
             an
             indifferent
             or
             inconsiderable
             matter
             ,
             but
             as
             a
             thing
             needful
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             your
             Dedicating
             your selves
             anew
             to
             God
             ,
             with
             any
             Advantage
             .
             
             Take
             a
             convenient
             Opportunity
             for
             Rering
             from
             the
             World
             ;
             and
             when
             alone
             ,
             set
             your selves
             down
             seriously
             to
             consider
             what
             strong
             Tyes
             and
             Bonds
             you
             are
             already
             under
             ,
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ,
             and
             how
             little
             you
             Answer
             them
             .
             Review
             your
             Lives
             ;
             rip
             up
             your
             Miscarriages
             ;
             canvass
             all
             the
             Secrets
             of
             your
             Hearts
             ;
             endeavour
             to
             know
             the
             worst
             :
             For
             since
             God
             knows
             all
             ,
             't
             is
             every
             way
             best
             that
             you
             should
             do
             so
             too
             ,
             that
             so
             what
             is
             amiss
             ,
             may
             be
             rectified
             ,
             and
             his
             deserved
             Displeasure
             averted
             .
             Consider
             your
             prevailing
             Temper
             ,
             and
             stated
             Tenour
             ,
             and
             recollect
             your
             Demeanor
             upon
             particular
             Occasions
             ,
             when
             you
             may
             find
             Reason
             to
             conclude
             the
             Eye
             of
             God
             was
             most
             upon
             you
             .
             Think
             how
             you
             have
             carried
             it
             to
             the
             blessed
             God
             ;
             how
             you
             have
             behav'd
             your selves
             towards
             your
             Redeemer
             ;
             and
             what
             hath
             past
             between
             you
             and
             the
             holy
             Spirit
             .
             Think
             how
             you
             have
             manag'd
             your selves
             in
             Secret
             ,
             in
             your
             Families
             ;
             and
             in
             your
             several
             Relations
             ;
             in
             your
             Callings
             and
             Business
             ,
             and
             in
             your
             Retirements
             :
             How
             you
             have
             carry'd
             it
             towards
             your Selves
             ,
             and
             to
             Others
             .
             Observe
             what
             Corruptions
             you
             have
             most
             indulg'd
             ;
             what
             Temptations
             you
             have
             given
             way
             to
             ;
             what
             Neglects
             you
             have
             fallen
             into
             ;
             
             and
             what
             positive
             Guilt
             you
             have
             contracted
             .
             When
             Time
             will
             allow
             it
             ,
             the
             running
             as
             far
             back
             in
             our
             Lives
             ,
             as
             our
             Memories
             will
             help
             us
             to
             do
             ,
             will
             be
             very
             Proper
             and
             Useful
             :
             And
             this
             should
             be
             done
             with
             more
             than
             ordinary
             Carefulness
             ,
             at
             Persons
             first
             Approach
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             :
             But
             when
             our
             Confinements
             are
             strait
             ,
             the
             Recollecting
             what
             hath
             past
             since
             the
             last
             Sacrament
             ,
             may
             suffice
             ;
             in
             which
             the
             more
             strict
             we
             are
             ,
             the
             better
             .
             Our
             Eyes
             should
             particularly
             be
             on
             our
             Dalilahs
             ,
             whereby
             our
             Affections
             are
             most
             entangled
             ;
             and
             it
             should
             be
             a
             particuly
             Subject
             of
             Enquiry
             ,
             What
             Breaches
             of
             our
             last
             Vows
             they
             have
             drawn
             us
             into
             .
             In
             General
             ;
             Let
             's
             lay
             our
             Rule
             before
             us
             ,
             and
             compare
             our Selves
             and
             our
             Carriage
             with
             it
             ,
             and
             that
             will
             soon
             discover
             our
             Defects
             .
             I
             need
             not
             tell
             a
             serious
             and
             considerate
             Person
             the
             Benefit
             of
             this
             Practice
             .
          
           
             Direct
             .
             II.
             HUMBLE
             your selves
             seriously
             before
             God
             ,
             for
             all
             past
             Breaches
             with
             Him
             ,
             whether
             known
             or
             unknown
             ,
             before
             you
             offer
             to
             come
             under
             New
             Vows
             to
             Him.
             The
             more
             pains
             we
             take
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             foregoing
             Direction
             ,
             in
             searching
             and
             viewing
             our selves
             ,
             the
             more
             reason
             shall
             we
             find
             to
             
             cry
             out
             with
             the
             Psalmist
             ,
             
               Who
               can
               unstand
            
             
             
               his
               Errors
               ?
               Cleanse
               thou
               me
               from
               secret
               Faults
               :
            
             For
             we
             have
             all
             some
             secret
             Faults
             that
             we
             overlook
             .
             Therefore
             I
             say
             be
             humbled
             for
             all
             past
             Breaches
             ,
             known
             and
             unknown
             :
             Throw
             your selves
             at
             
             God's
             Feet
             ,
             and
             own
             your
             Forfeitures
             of
             his
             Favour
             ,
             and
             Desert
             of
             his
             Displeasure
             .
             Abase
             your selves
             out
             of
             a
             fense
             of
             your
             Vileness
             ,
             that
             while
             you
             were
             engag'd
             and
             pretended
             to
             live
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             your
             Redeemer
             ,
             you
             should
             have
             liv'd
             so
             much
             to
             your selves
             ,
             so
             much
             to
             this
             present
             World
             ,
             and
             so
             much
             according
             to
             the
             Dictates
             of
             your
             Lusts
             :
             And
             be
             peculiarly
             humbled
             for
             any
             particular
             Failures
             ,
             that
             may
             have
             had
             peculiarly
             aggravating
             Circumstances
             attending
             them
             .
             Think
             not
             of
             being
             Accepted
             upon
             the
             Making
             of
             New
             Vows
             ,
             while
             you
             are
             Chargeable
             with
             manifest
             Breaches
             of
             your
             Old
             Ones
             ,
             that
             are
             Unrepented
             of
             .
             This
             Humiliation
             and
             Self-Abasement
             ,
             with
             Sorrow
             and
             Shame
             for
             past
             Breaches
             ,
             is
             necessary
             by
             way
             of
             Preparation
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             our
             Acceptable
             Consecrating
             our selves
             to
             God
             afresh
             .
          
           
             Direct
             .
             III.
             Take
             heed
             of
             the
             Extreams
             of
             Levity
             ,
             and
             over-great
             Scrupulosity
             ,
             when
             you
             come
             to
             Renew
             your
             Vows
             
             at
             the
             Lords
             Table
             .
             Take
             heed
             of
             Levity
             ;
             as
             if
             it
             were
             a
             common
             ;
             ordinary
             and
             customary
             thing
             ,
             you
             were
             setting
             your selves
             about
             ,
             when
             you
             went
             to
             give
             up
             your selves
             to
             God
             anew
             ;
             this
             were
             the
             way
             to
             pull
             down
             a
             Curse
             upon
             your
             Heads
             ,
             instead
             of
             a
             Blessing
             :
             Beware
             therefore
             of
             rushing
             upon
             such
             sacred
             Work
             ,
             with
             a
             common
             and
             unhallowed
             Heart
             ;
             with
             an
             Heart
             full
             of
             the
             World
             ;
             with
             a
             Heart
             prevailingly
             addicted
             to
             any
             Lust.
             And
             on
             the
             other
             hand
             also
             ,
             Beware
             of
             too
             great
             Scrupulosity
             ,
             in
             running
             matters
             too
             high
             ;
             as
             if
             unindulg'd
             Infirmities
             ,
             and
             the
             want
             of
             Assurance
             ,
             were
             Bars
             to
             Acceptance
             ;
             or
             as
             if
             Perfection
             was
             necessary
             to
             the
             obtaining
             the
             Blessings
             of
             a
             Devoted
             State.
             This
             were
             to
             pull
             thy self
             backward
             ,
             instead
             of
             advancing
             forward
             in
             the
             Divine
             Life
             .
             Levity
             in
             this
             case
             ,
             is
             the
             effect
             either
             of
             habitual
             Profaneness
             (
             than
             which
             ,
             nothing
             is
             more
             dreadful
             )
             or
             of
             great
             Negligence
             in
             Preparatory
             Work
             ,
             or
             of
             gross
             Ignorance
             of
             the
             Nature
             ,
             Design
             ,
             Import
             and
             Solemnity
             ,
             of
             Repeated
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             Initial
             ,
             Self-Dedication
             .
             Over-great
             Scrupulosity
             in
             this
             case
             ,
             is
             sometimes
             the
             effect
             of
             a
             very
             timerous
             Natural
             Temper
             ,
             heightened
             by
             a
             Bodily
             Indisposition
             ,
             
             which
             makes
             Persons
             the
             Objects
             of
             Compassion
             :
             At
             other
             times
             it
             arises
             from
             a
             Mistake
             about
             the
             Method
             of
             God's
             Dealing
             with
             us
             under
             the
             New-Covenant-Dispensation
             ;
             from
             a
             Misunderstanding
             of
             the
             Terms
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             and
             too
             hard
             ,
             sowr
             ,
             and
             severe
             thoughts
             of
             the
             blessed
             God
             ,
             unwarily
             imbib'd
             ;
             which
             Errors
             of
             theirs
             ,
             if
             they
             value
             their
             own
             Peace
             or
             Welfare
             ,
             are
             carefully
             to
             be
             corrected
             .
             Tho'
             the
             former
             is
             generally
             the
             much
             more
             dangerous
             Extream
             of
             the
             two
             ;
             yet
             is
             the
             latter
             very
             troublesome
             ,
             by
             reason
             that
             it
             will
             fill
             the
             Soul
             with
             such
             Fears
             ,
             as
             will
             exceedingly
             damp
             and
             discompose
             it
             ,
             and
             unfit
             it
             for
             such
             Work
             as
             is
             the
             free
             ,
             solemn
             ,
             chearful
             Consecrating
             and
             Devoting
             it self
             to
             God.
             Both
             therefore
             are
             as
             much
             as
             in
             us
             lies
             ,
             to
             be
             watch'd
             against
             .
          
           
             Direct
             .
             IV.
             WHENEVER
             we
             go
             to
             Renew
             our
             Vows
             to
             God
             ,
             we
             should
             carefully
             mind
             with
             whom
             we
             are
             to
             Transact
             ;
             who
             we
             are
             ,
             that
             Transact
             with
             Him
             ;
             and
             for
             what
             purposes
             we
             do
             so
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             WE
             should
             remember
             
               with
               Whom
            
             we
             Transact
             ;
             and
             to
             Whom
             our
             Vow
             is
             to
             be
             Renew'd
             ;
             and
             that
             is
             ,
             to
             God
             the
             Father
             ,
             Son
             ,
             and
             Spirit
             :
             
               God
               the
               Father
            
             ,
             
             from
             whom
             we
             have
             Apostatiz'd
             ,
             who
             yet
             is
             the
             Fountain
             of
             Blessedness
             ,
             in
             whom
             only
             we
             can
             be
             Happy
             :
             
               God
               the
               Son
            
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             only
             way
             to
             the
             Father
             ,
             our
             Mediator
             ,
             Priest
             ,
             Patron
             ,
             Advocate
             ,
             and
             Helper
             :
             The
             
               Holy
               Spirit
            
             ,
             who
             must
             be
             the
             Actual
             Conveyor
             and
             Introducer
             of
             all
             that
             Light
             ,
             and
             Life
             ,
             and
             Love
             ,
             that
             shall
             capacitate
             us
             to
             enjoy
             the
             Father
             through
             the
             Son
             ,
             either
             in
             this
             ,
             or
             a
             better
             Life
             .
             'T
             is
             with
             the
             great
             God
             we
             in
             this
             Affair
             have
             to
             do
             ;
             't
             is
             to
             Him
             whose
             Majesty
             ,
             Glory
             ,
             Power
             ,
             Greatness
             ,
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             are
             Inconceivable
             and
             Inexplicable
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             every
             time
             we
             come
             to
             the
             Communion
             anew
             to
             give
             up
             our selves
             :
             'T
             is
             with
             all
             that
             are
             called
             God
             ,
             we
             in
             this
             Affair
             are
             to
             Transact
             .
             This
             one
             thought
             well
             imprest
             upon
             us
             ,
             would
             suffice
             to
             command
             the
             utmost
             Awe
             ,
             Reverence
             ,
             Seriousness
             and
             Devotion
             ,
             whenever
             we
             set
             our selves
             to
             this
             matter
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             WE
             should
             also
             remember
             
               who
               we
               are
            
             ,
             that
             are
             to
             Renew
             Vows
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             .
             Particularly
             we
             should
             remember
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             Creatures
             laden
             with
             Guilt
             ,
             which
             we
             can
             never
             expiare
             ,
             and
             owing
             an
             Obedience
             that
             we
             can
             never
             fully
             pay
             :
             (
             1.
             )
             We
             should
             well
             remember
             that
             we
             are
             Creatures
             laden
             with
             guilt
             
             which
             we
             can
             never
             expiate
             ;
             and
             therefore
             for
             whom
             God
             out
             of
             meer
             pity
             hath
             provided
             a
             Sacrifice
             ,
             which
             at
             his
             Table
             he
             sets
             before
             us
             ;
             over
             the
             Memorials
             whereof
             ,
             whenever
             we
             come
             to
             receive
             them
             ,
             we
             are
             to
             devote
             our selves
             afresh
             to
             the
             Lord.
             We
             should
             therefore
             every
             time
             ,
             as
             guilty
             condemned
             Criminals
             ,
             promise
             Obedience
             for
             the
             future
             ,
             with
             the
             deepest
             sense
             of
             our
             unworthiness
             of
             that
             Mercy
             ,
             that
             must
             be
             our
             only
             Plea
             for
             our Selves
             ,
             through
             the
             Merits
             of
             Another
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             We
             should
             also
             remember
             that
             we
             are
             Creatures
             ,
             that
             owe
             an
             Obedience
             that
             we
             can
             never
             fully
             pay
             .
             That
             tho'
             we
             vow
             and
             vow
             never
             so
             often
             ,
             we
             cann't
             pay
             the
             least
             part
             of
             what
             we
             vow
             ,
             unless
             as
             acted
             and
             influenc'd
             by
             him
             to
             whom
             our
             Vows
             are
             made
             :
             And
             that
             when
             we
             have
             done
             our
             best
             towards
             the
             paying
             our
             Vows
             ,
             and
             answering
             our
             innumerable
             Obligations
             ,
             there
             will
             be
             much
             wanting
             .
             And
             when
             we
             have
             done
             all
             we
             can
             ,
             we
             are
             but
             unprofitable
             Servants
             ;
             God
             is
             not
             in
             reallity
             a
             whit
             the
             better
             ,
             for
             all
             the
             Service
             we
             can
             do
             him
             .
             The
             thought
             of
             this
             well
             impress'd
             ,
             will
             keep
             us
             from
             pretending
             to
             any
             thing
             in
             our
             own
             strength
             ;
             it
             will
             lead
             us
             to
             a
             constant
             dependance
             on
             Superiour
             Aids
             ;
             
             it
             will
             prompt
             us
             ,
             whenever
             we
             renew
             our
             Vows
             ,
             to
             fly
             to
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             ,
             for
             Assistance
             and
             Help
             ,
             to
             answer
             and
             keep
             them
             ;
             and
             't
             will
             prevent
             our
             Boasting
             ,
             if
             any
             time
             by
             his
             Influence
             we
             have
             been
             kept
             in
             any
             measure
             sincere
             and
             faithful
             .
             Both
             these
             Considerations
             taken
             from
             our selves
             ,
             will
             tend
             to
             make
             us
             deeply
             humble
             ,
             out
             of
             a
             sense
             of
             our
             Vileness
             ,
             Weakness
             ,
             and
             Helplesness
             ,
             whenever
             we
             go
             to
             give
             up
             our selves
             to
             God
             afresh
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             WE
             should
             also
             remember
             
               for
               what
               Ends
            
             and
             Purposes
             we
             are
             every
             time
             we
             come
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             anew
             to
             vow
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ;
             and
             they
             in
             short
             are
             these
             two
             ,
             the
             more
             firmly
             to
             secure
             to
             our selves
             his
             Favour
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             effectually
             to
             bind
             and
             quicken
             our selves
             to
             our
             Duty
             .
             These
             are
             the
             Ends
             we
             ought
             to
             have
             in
             our
             Eye
             in
             this
             matter
             ;
             and
             the
             serious
             Consideration
             of
             them
             ,
             will
             help
             to
             make
             us
             in
             earnest
             ,
             at
             the
             time
             of
             Renewing
             our
             Vows
             ,
             and
             cause
             us
             often
             to
             think
             of
             them
             afterwards
             .
          
           
             Direct
             .
             V.
             OF
             the
             whole
             Sacramental
             Solemnity
             ,
             select
             that
             as
             the
             properest
             Instant
             ,
             for
             thee
             to
             give
             thy self
             up
             to
             Christ
             ,
             when
             thou
             art
             receiving
             him
             and
             all
             his
             Benefits
             into
             thy
             hands
             ,
             as
             I
             
             may
             say
             ,
             and
             into
             thy
             heart
             .
             It
             may
             without
             all
             question
             be
             done
             acceptably
             enough
             at
             other
             Instants
             ,
             during
             the
             Administration
             of
             this
             Ordinance
             :
             But
             the
             Reception
             of
             the
             Elements
             seems
             to
             be
             the
             most
             advantagious
             season
             .
             At
             every
             Sacrament
             therefore
             ,
             when
             thou
             takest
             the
             Bread
             and
             Wine
             ,
             as
             sensible
             Representations
             of
             Christ
             and
             his
             Benefits
             ;
             as
             visible
             Pledges
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             through
             Christ
             to
             thy
             Soul
             ;
             do
             thou
             give
             up
             thy self
             afresh
             to
             God
             thro'
             Christ
             ,
             to
             live
             continually
             in
             his
             Love
             and
             Fear
             ,
             and
             in
             strict
             Obedience
             to
             his
             Laws
             ,
             till
             thou
             shalt
             be
             taken
             to
             Glory
             .
             When
             the
             Minister
             ,
             as
             Christs
             Messenger
             ,
             puts
             the
             Consecrated
             Elements
             into
             thy
             hands
             ,
             then
             do
             thou
             after
             a
             thankful
             Adoration
             of
             the
             Divine
             Clemency
             and
             Bounty
             ,
             expressing
             it self
             by
             such
             inexpressible
             Gifts
             as
             are
             thereby
             represented
             ;
             then
             ,
             I
             say
             ,
             do
             thou
             ,
             from
             the
             bottom
             of
             thy
             Heart
             ,
             cry
             out
             ,
             I
             willingly
             accept
             of
             thine
             offer'd
             Covenant
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ;
             my
             Soul
             doth
             gladly
             take
             thee
             for
             my
             God
             and
             Father
             ,
             for
             my
             Saviour
             and
             my
             Sanctifier
             :
             And
             here
             I
             give
             up
             my self
             to
             thee
             ,
             as
             thy
             Own
             ,
             thy
             Subject
             and
             thy
             Child
             ,
             to
             be
             sanctified
             and
             saved
             by
             thee
             ;
             to
             be
             beloved
             by
             thee
             ;
             and
             to
             be
             happy
             in
             loving
             thee
             to
             all
             Eternity
             .
             
             O
             seal
             up
             this
             Covenant
             by
             thy
             Spirit
             ,
             which
             thou
             sealest
             to
             me
             in
             thy
             Sacrament
             ,
             that
             without
             Reserve
             ,
             I
             may
             be
             entirely
             and
             for
             ever
             thine
             .
          
           
             Direct
             .
             VI.
             EVERY
             time
             thou
             at
             the
             Sacrament
             Renewest
             thy
             Vows
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ,
             take
             care
             particularly
             to
             vow
             the
             Death
             of
             that
             Corruption
             that
             sticks
             closest
             to
             thee
             ;
             whereby
             God
             is
             most
             dishonoured
             ,
             and
             thy
             Comfort
             and
             Welfare
             most
             endangered
             :
             Give
             it
             up
             freely
             to
             be
             sacrificed
             for
             him
             ,
             who
             gave
             himself
             a
             Sacrifice
             for
             thee
             .
             Thy
             Darling
             Corruption
             is
             thy
             nearest
             ,
             thy
             closest
             ,
             and
             one
             of
             thy
             most
             dangerous
             Enemies
             ;
             Vow
             therefore
             to
             maintain
             a
             constant
             Combat
             against
             it
             ;
             that
             tho'
             thou
             canst
             have
             little
             hope
             of
             quite
             eradicating
             it
             ,
             yet
             Divine
             Grace
             assisting
             thee
             ,
             thou
             wilt
             not
             yield
             and
             give
             way
             to
             it
             ,
             thou
             wilt
             not
             be
             over-power'd
             by
             it
             .
             Take
             care
             expresly
             to
             vow
             an
             opposition
             to
             that
             which
             by
             its
             prevalence
             would
             make
             all
             thy
             Vows
             ineffectual
             ,
          
           
             Direct
             .
             VII
             .
             THOU
             shouldst
             at
             every
             Sacrament
             ,
             not
             only
             vow
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             in
             general
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             his
             
               in
               all
               Conditions
            
             .
             Give
             up
             thy self
             time
             after
             time
             ,
             to
             be
             disposed
             of
             by
             him
             ,
             in
             all
             respects
             ,
             as
             he
             shall
             see
             good
             .
             Take
             this
             particularly
             into
             thy
             Vows
             at
             the
             
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             That
             thou
             wilt
             Acquiesce
             in
             all
             the
             Disposals
             of
             Providence
             ,
             and
             be
             contented
             in
             every
             state
             whereinto
             God
             sees
             it
             fit
             to
             bring
             thee
             .
             Disclaim
             being
             the
             Carver
             of
             thy
             own
             Lot.
             By
             thy
             Renew'd
             Vows
             willingly
             resign
             all
             that
             belongs
             to
             thee
             to
             Divine
             Management
             and
             Conduct
             ,
             and
             resolve
             that
             thou
             wilt
             cleave
             to
             God
             ,
             whatever
             it
             cost
             thee
             ;
             that
             tho'
             he
             slay
             thee
             ,
             yet
             thou
             wilt
             trust
             in
             him
             ;
             that
             thou
             wilt
             follow
             him
             when
             he
             frowns
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             when
             he
             smiles
             ;
             that
             thou
             wilt
             bear
             his
             Rebukes
             as
             the
             
               Chastisements
               of
               a
               Father
            
             ,
             design'd
             for
             thy
             good
             ;
             that
             thou
             wilt
             look
             on
             every
             thing
             as
             best
             ,
             whatever
             he
             allots
             thee
             ;
             in
             a
             word
             ,
             that
             thou
             wilt
             intirely
             resolve
             thy
             will
             into
             his
             .
             The
             doing
             this
             at
             every
             Sacrament
             seriously
             ,
             would
             prevent
             us
             a
             great
             deal
             of
             Trouble
             ;
             it
             would
             be
             a
             Spring
             of
             Peace
             and
             Comfort
             to
             us
             ,
             what
             ever
             were
             our
             Condition
             ,
             whatever
             should
             befall
             us
             .
          
           
             Direct
             .
             VIII
             .
             TAKE
             care
             that
             the
             deepest
             Thankfulness
             be
             a
             constant
             Concomitant
             of
             all
             thy
             Renewed
             Vows
             :
             No
             greater
             occasion
             for
             Thankfulness
             than
             this
             :
             That
             we
             have
             any
             ground
             at
             all
             for
             hope
             of
             being
             accepted
             ,
             upon
             our
             Devoting
             our selves
             to
             God
             thro'
             Christ
             :
             Tho
             past
             Vows
             have
             been
             broken
             ,
             we
             may
             be
             
             again
             accepted
             upon
             Renewing
             them
             ;
             That
             we
             have
             Hearts
             and
             Inclinations
             to
             Renew
             them
             ;
             that
             we
             have
             any
             ground
             to
             hope
             for
             strength
             from
             Heaven
             ,
             to
             enable
             us
             to
             keep
             them
             when
             we
             have
             Renew'd
             them
             ;
             that
             we
             have
             so
             advantagious
             a
             Season
             for
             Renewing
             them
             ,
             as
             the
             Sacrament
             brings
             with
             it
             ;
             all
             minister
             cause
             of
             Thankfulness
             .
             Let
             's
             therefore
             with
             an
             holy
             Exultation
             of
             Soul
             ,
             with
             that
             Chearfulness
             and
             Joy
             that
             are
             the
             Natural
             Indications
             of
             a
             Thankful
             Heart
             ,
             give
             up
             our selves
             to
             God
             from
             time
             to
             time
             ;
             that
             it
             may
             appear
             we
             don't
             look
             upon
             it
             as
             a
             piece
             of
             Slavery
             or
             Drudgery
             ,
             but
             as
             our
             greatest
             Happiness
             .
          
           
             THESE
             few
             Directions
             well
             follow'd
             ,
             would
             make
             Sacraments
             otherguess
             things
             than
             they
             ordinarily
             are
             ,
             and
             would
             help
             us
             to
             a
             much
             more
             sensible
             encrease
             of
             Grace
             and
             strength
             by
             them
             ,
             than
             we
             are
             wont
             to
             receive
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             IX
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Nature
               ,
               Sacredness
               ,
               and
               Strength
               of
               the
               Obligation
               that
               lies
               on
               all
               those
               to
               lead
               an
               
                 HOLY
                 LIFE
              
               ,
               who
               often
               repeat
               Sacramental
               Vows
               .
            
          
           
             NOTHING's
             more
             obvious
             to
             be
             observ'd
             ,
             Than
             that
             Persons
             may
             in
             many
             cases
             be
             several
             ways
             oblig'd
             to
             the
             same
             thing
             .
             Those
             who
             are
             under
             no
             Sacramental
             Vows
             at
             all
             ,
             do
             yet
             stand
             bound
             to
             the
             same
             thing
             ,
             to
             which
             they
             oblige
             those
             that
             are
             under
             them
             :
             viz.
             To
             Love
             and
             Serve
             the
             Lord
             all
             their
             days
             ,
             with
             all
             their
             Heart
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             their
             Might
             ;
             to
             Live
             continually
             in
             his
             Fear
             ;
             and
             Walk
             in
             all
             Holy
             Obedience
             to
             his
             Laws
             :
             All
             Rational
             Creatures
             ,
             as
             such
             ,
             are
             plainly
             oblig'd
             hereto
             ,
             without
             any
             such
             Vows
             Antecedent
             as
             those
             before
             explain'd
             ,
             or
             with
             part
             of
             them
             only
             .
             Suppose
             Persons
             therefore
             to
             remain
             Unbaptiz'd
             (
             which
             yet
             methinks
             none
             that
             are
             come
             to
             the
             use
             of
             their
             Reason
             ,
             who
             have
             any
             value
             for
             their
             Souls
             ,
             should
             be
             content
             to
             remain
             )
             and
             so
             not
             to
             have
             come
             under
             the
             Christian
             Vow
             at
             all
             with
             any
             of
             the
             
             prescrib'd
             Solemnities
             ;
             or
             suppose
             them
             to
             have
             taken
             the
             Christian
             Vow
             initially
             upon
             them
             in
             Infant
             Baptism
             ,
             without
             a
             Solemn
             Recognition
             of
             it
             when
             at
             Age
             ;
             and
             without
             ever
             coming
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             to
             Renew
             and
             Repeat
             it
             ;
             (
             which
             is
             the
             much
             to
             be
             lamented
             case
             of
             many
             who
             pass
             for
             Christians
             in
             the
             days
             we
             live
             in
             )
             notwithstanding
             the
             defects
             in
             either
             case
             ,
             the
             Persons
             concern'd
             are
             yet
             highly
             oblig'd
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             to
             him
             :
             Withal
             Vows
             made
             on
             a
             Sick
             Bed
             ,
             or
             in
             any
             hour
             of
             Distress
             and
             Danger
             ,
             give
             a
             Superadded
             enforcement
             to
             the
             same
             Obligation
             :
             But
             there
             is
             a
             peculiar
             Sacredness
             and
             Strength
             ,
             and
             binding
             force
             in
             those
             Vows
             that
             are
             manag'd
             in
             the
             Order
             before
             describ'd
             ;
             and
             which
             particularly
             are
             frequently
             repeated
             at
             the
             Lords
             Table
             .
             For
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             THE
             Obligation
             Persons
             are
             hereby
             laid
             under
             ,
             hath
             all
             the
             marks
             of
             Freedom
             and
             Voluntariness
             ;
             which
             is
             to
             be
             understood
             of
             their
             Confirming
             ,
             and
             Renewed
             ,
             and
             not
             of
             their
             Initial
             Vows
             :
             Persons
             hereby
             freely
             oblige
             themseves
             to
             that
             whereto
             God
             had
             before
             oblig'd
             them
             .
             They
             own
             the
             validity
             of
             the
             Obligation
             they
             were
             under
             to
             God
             ,
             antecedently
             to
             any
             consent
             or
             
             act
             of
             theirs
             ,
             by
             owning
             the
             Justice
             ,
             Equity
             and
             Reasonableness
             of
             his
             Claims
             ,
             and
             consenting
             to
             yield
             to
             them
             :
             And
             so
             that
             which
             both
             was
             and
             is
             the
             matter
             of
             their
             Duty
             ,
             appears
             to
             be
             the
             matter
             of
             their
             Choice
             ;
             for
             of
             their
             own
             accord
             ,
             they
             bind
             themselves
             to
             a
             Faithful
             Performance
             .
             Now
             this
             is
             a
             great
             Additional
             Obligation
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             a
             
               Self
               Obligation
            
             .
             I
             am
             bound
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ,
             before
             I
             Vow
             it
             ,
             and
             whether
             I
             Vow
             it
             or
             not
             ;
             but
             if
             I
             Vow
             it
             I
             am
             doubly
             bound
             :
             For
             God
             hath
             bound
             me
             ,
             and
             I
             bind
             my self
             :
             And
             the
             oftner
             I
             Vow
             it
             ,
             the
             more
             firmly
             do
             I
             bind
             my self
             ;
             and
             the
             greater
             appearance
             is
             there
             of
             a
             Plenary
             full
             Consent
             .
             So
             that
             I
             have
             not
             only
             the
             Authority
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             the
             authority
             of
             my
             own
             Resolved
             Mind
             ,
             to
             awe
             me
             to
             a
             faithful
             discharge
             of
             my
             Duty
             :
             And
             tho'
             a
             Command
             of
             Gods
             is
             a
             sufficient
             Obligation
             ,
             yet
             doth
             my
             own
             engagement
             give
             a
             Super-added
             force
             thereto
             ;
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             power
             God
             hath
             given
             us
             over
             our selves
             :
             So
             that
             by
             Vowing
             we
             will
             be
             the
             Lords
             ,
             and
             his
             only
             ,
             and
             his
             for
             Ever
             ,
             which
             is
             our
             own
             free
             voluntary
             act
             ,
             we
             utterly
             renounce
             all
             indifference
             in
             the
             matter
             ,
             and
             quite
             put
             it
             out
             of
             our
             power
             (
             as
             I
             may
             say
             )
             ever
             to
             refuse
             any
             instance
             
             of
             Duty
             and
             Obedience
             ,
             without
             an
             open
             contradicting
             our selves
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             going
             contrary
             to
             our
             God.
             Now
             if
             our
             own
             free
             Promises
             ,
             Oaths
             ,
             and
             Engagements
             have
             not
             an
             Obliging
             and
             a
             Binding
             force
             upon
             us
             ,
             we
             may
             bid
             adieu
             to
             all
             Civil
             Society
             and
             Religion
             at
             once
             .
             How
             can
             it
             be
             suppos'd
             we
             should
             mind
             or
             be
             govern'd
             by
             any
             Obligations
             we
             are
             laid
             under
             by
             another
             ,
             be
             he
             never
             so
             much
             above
             us
             ;
             if
             we
             are
             not
             Influenc'd
             by
             those
             Obligations
             under
             which
             we
             voluntarily
             lay
             our selves
             ?
             If
             anothers
             Authority
             can
             firmly
             bind
             us
             ,
             certainly
             our
             own
             free
             Engagements
             may
             strongly
             oblige
             us
             :
             If
             God
             may
             bind
             us
             to
             what
             he
             pleases
             by
             his
             Command
             ;
             certainly
             we
             bind
             our selves
             firmly
             by
             our
             own
             voluntary
             Vows
             .
          
           
             THIS
             Consideration
             doth
             indeed
             as
             well
             suit
             those
             Vows
             that
             are
             made
             on
             a
             Sick-Bed
             ,
             or
             in
             an
             hour
             of
             Distress
             ,
             as
             those
             that
             are
             first
             form'd
             and
             renew'd
             at
             a
             Sacrament
             :
             (
             and
             it
             would
             be
             well
             if
             any
             Persons
             who
             have
             such
             Vows
             lying
             on
             them
             unperform'd
             ,
             would
             duly
             weigh
             it
             )
             But
             yet
             the
             Repetition
             of
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             by
             those
             who
             statedly
             frequent
             the
             Holy
             Communion
             ,
             gives
             it
             a
             peculiar
             force
             in
             our
             case
             .
             I
             add
             ,
          
           
           
             2.
             
             THAT
             Persons
             don
             't
             hastily
             and
             on
             a
             sudden
             rush
             on
             ,
             and
             are
             not
             e'er
             they
             are
             aware
             drawn
             into
             the
             Obligation
             they
             are
             by
             these
             Sacramental
             Vows
             laid
             under
             ,
             but
             there
             is
             abundant
             time
             and
             scope
             for
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             marks
             of
             Deliberation
             ,
             which
             much
             adds
             to
             its
             force
             .
             There
             is
             in
             this
             case
             no
             Circumvention
             or
             Surprize
             ;
             no
             force
             or
             craft
             is
             us'd
             ,
             to
             draw
             persons
             to
             oblige
             themselves
             to
             that
             ,
             of
             which
             they
             should
             have
             any
             occasion
             to
             repent
             ,
             upon
             the
             withdrawment
             of
             the
             Inducement
             ;
             which
             in
             any
             case
             much
             weakens
             an
             Obligation
             :
             But
             Persons
             proceed
             deliberately
             in
             binding
             themselves
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             .
             'T
             is
             true
             when
             they
             are
             first
             consecrated
             to
             God
             in
             their
             Infant
             State
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             room
             ,
             no
             Capacity
             for
             Deliberation
             :
             But
             in
             all
             after
             acts
             ,
             in
             their
             Recognition
             of
             the
             Christian
             Vow
             at
             years
             of
             Maturity
             ,
             and
             all
             its
             renewals
             and
             repetitions
             ,
             tho'
             there
             is
             a
             vast
             difference
             in
             the
             degree
             of
             deliberation
             us'd
             by
             several
             Persons
             ,
             yet
             is
             there
             a
             sufficient
             degree
             of
             it
             ,
             to
             give
             it
             a
             strong
             binding
             force
             ,
             ever
             necessarily
             presuppos'd
          
           
             THOU
             wert
             not
             its
             true
             ,
             capable
             of
             deliberating
             on
             the
             matter
             ,
             when
             thou
             wert
             first
             bound
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             in
             thy
             Swadling
             Cloaths
             :
             But
             hadst
             thou
             not
             
             abundant
             time
             and
             scope
             for
             serious
             deliberation
             after
             thou
             grewst
             up
             ?
             Nay
             ,
             Did
             not
             thy
             after
             desiring
             to
             come
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             imply
             that
             thou
             hadst
             seriously
             consider'd
             the
             matter
             ,
             and
             wert
             come
             to
             a
             full
             determination
             to
             stand
             to
             thy
             Baptismal
             Vow
             ,
             and
             live
             answerably
             to
             it
             ?
             For
             why
             else
             shouldst
             thou
             desire
             to
             be
             admitted
             to
             the
             Communion
             ,
             there
             to
             renew
             thy
             Engagement
             ,
             and
             repeat
             thy
             Vow
             ?
             Nay
             ,
             Didst
             thou
             not
             at
             lest
             pretend
             to
             him
             by
             whom
             thou
             wert
             admitted
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             that
             thou
             hadst
             fully
             deliberated
             on
             the
             matter
             ,
             and
             wert
             come
             to
             a
             fixed
             settled
             Resolution
             ,
             to
             stand
             to
             the
             engagement
             thou
             cam'st
             under
             in
             Baptism
             ?
             Wer
             't
             thou
             not
             told
             that
             this
             was
             absolutely
             necessary
             in
             order
             to
             thy
             admission
             to
             ,
             right
             acquitting
             thy self
             in
             ,
             and
             reaping
             any
             benefit
             by
             that
             Ordinance
             ?
             Wer
             't
             thou
             not
             therefore
             seriously
             call'd
             on
             ,
             sedately
             and
             soberly
             to
             weigh
             matters
             in
             thy
             Retirement
             ,
             as
             thou
             wouldst
             not
             by
             thy
             Prophaneness
             and
             egregious
             Trifling
             with
             God
             in
             his
             most
             Sacred
             Institutions
             ,
             pull
             down
             ruin
             on
             thine
             own
             Head
             ?
             Wer
             't
             thou
             not
             warn'd
             rather
             to
             keep
             away
             ,
             and
             forbear
             proceeding
             any
             further
             ,
             in
             Polluting
             Holy
             Things
             ,
             if
             it
             were
             not
             thy
             formed
             purpose
             ,
             (
             Divine
             
             Grace
             enabling
             thee
             )
             to
             lead
             a
             Christian
             Life
             ,
             under
             a
             Christian
             Name
             and
             Profession
             ?
          
           
             Was
             not
             an
             owning
             of
             thy
             Baptismal
             Vow
             ,
             whereby
             thou
             first
             wer't
             bound
             to
             thy
             Lord
             Redeemer
             ,
             and
             an
             express
             Promise
             to
             keep
             and
             live
             up
             to
             it
             ,
             exacted
             of
             thee
             and
             given
             by
             thee
             ,
             before
             thou
             wer
             't
             admitted
             a
             guest
             at
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             there
             to
             feast
             on
             the
             Memorials
             of
             his
             Love
             ?
             And
             what
             O
             Man
             ,
             O
             Woman
             !
             Could'st
             thou
             do
             this
             without
             deliberation
             ?
             Without
             thinking
             what
             thou
             didst
             ,
             what
             thou
             wer
             't
             about
             ,
             and
             what
             all
             these
             things
             meant
             ?
             If
             thou
             didst
             not
             use
             all
             the
             Deliberation
             which
             thou
             ought'st
             to
             have
             done
             in
             a
             matter
             of
             so
             great
             a
             Consequence
             and
             Importance
             ,
             't
             is
             thy
             own
             fault
             ,
             thou
             can'st
             blame
             none
             but
             thy self
             :
             But
             it
             appears
             ,
             thou
             thought'st
             thou
             hadst
             deliberated
             long
             enough
             for
             a
             just
             determination
             ,
             by
             thy
             proceeding
             and
             coming
             to
             joyn
             with
             Devout
             Communicants
             at
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             after
             such
             Warnings
             ,
             Admonitions
             ,
             and
             Intimations
             :
             Thou
             must
             certainly
             have
             had
             some
             thoughts
             about
             the
             matter
             ,
             otherwise
             thou
             would'st
             have
             had
             no
             reason
             at
             all
             to
             have
             prefer'd
             coming
             to
             the
             Sacrament
             ,
             before
             staying
             away
             from
             it
             :
             Why
             didst
             thou
             not
             
             then
             ,
             I
             pray
             ,
             throw
             off
             thy
             Masters
             Livery
             once
             for
             all
             ,
             if
             thou
             thought'st
             his
             Service
             a
             slavery
             ?
             Why
             didst
             thou
             not
             lay
             aside
             the
             Christian
             Name
             ,
             if
             thou
             didst
             not
             seriously
             intend
             a
             Christian
             Life
             ?
             Why
             didst
             thou
             go
             to
             make
             new
             Vows
             ,
             unless
             thou
             resolvedst
             to
             live
             answerably
             to
             them
             ?
             Why
             dost
             thou
             now
             continue
             to
             heap
             Bonds
             upon
             Bonds
             ,
             and
             Vows
             upon
             Vows
             ,
             if
             thou
             art
             really
             unwilling
             of
             that
             to
             which
             thou
             Engagest
             thy self
             ?
             I
             pray
             observe
             it
             ;
             There
             's
             a
             great
             deal
             of
             Deliberateness
             in
             thine
             Engagements
             to
             lead
             an
             Holy
             and
             a
             Pious
             Life
             :
             There
             was
             so
             at
             first
             ,
             when
             thou
             Professedst
             thine
             adherence
             to
             the
             Baptismal
             Covenant
             ;
             and
             there
             is
             so
             at
             every
             Sacrament
             ,
             where
             thy
             Covenant
             is
             suppos'd
             to
             be
             renew'd
             .
             By
             thy
             very
             coming
             time
             after
             time
             to
             the
             Communion
             ,
             thou
             professest
             thy self
             not
             to
             be
             weary
             of
             thy
             Master
             ,
             nor
             his
             Service
             ;
             not
             to
             be
             asham'd
             either
             of
             his
             work
             or
             his
             wages
             ;
             but
             that
             thou
             art
             Resolv'd
             whatever
             befalls
             thee
             ,
             thou
             wilt
             adhere
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             faithfully
             follow
             him
             :
             And
             is
             there
             not
             plainly
             all
             the
             marks
             of
             Deliberateness
             in
             an
             act
             that
             is
             thus
             persisted
             in
             for
             a
             course
             of
             years
             together
             ,
             and
             often
             Repeated
             ?
             But
             what
             signifies
             all
             this
             ,
             
             if
             thou
             Vowest
             ,
             and
             Breakest
             ;
             Engagest
             and
             Falsifiest
             thy
             Word
             ,
             as
             soon
             as
             thou
             hast
             done
             ?
             What
             signifies
             its
             Deliberateness
             ,
             were
             it
             an
             hundred
             times
             as
             great
             as
             't
             is
             ,
             if
             thou
             art
             not
             to
             be
             prevail'd
             on
             to
             keep
             thy
             Vow
             ?
             But
             however
             ;
             what
             I
             aim
             at
             is
             plain
             ;
             any
             Promise
             or
             Engagement
             of
             weight
             and
             moment
             ,
             by
             how
             much
             the
             more
             deliberate
             it
             is
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             more
             Binding
             and
             Obliging
             is
             it
             :
             Deliberation
             being
             a
             guard
             against
             our
             being
             deceiv'd
             or
             impos'd
             on
             ;
             against
             our
             being
             surpriz'd
             or
             ensuar'd
             :
             And
             a
             security
             that
             we
             are
             well
             satisfi'd
             in
             what
             we
             do
             :
             That
             our
             grounds
             are
             firm
             and
             our
             way
             safe
             :
             Now
             no
             Promise
             or
             Engagement
             that
             can
             be
             mention'd
             is
             more
             deliberate
             ,
             than
             is
             the
             Vow
             which
             those
             who
             frequent
             the
             Holy
             Communion
             are
             often
             Repeating
             :
             None
             therefore
             can
             be
             more
             binding
             and
             obliging
             than
             that
             .
             I
             add
             further
             ,
          
           
             3.
             
             THAT
             no
             actions
             can
             have
             greater
             Solemnities
             attending
             them
             than
             those
             Vows
             have
             ,
             we
             often
             come
             under
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ;
             and
             to
             Live
             to
             him
             .
             Altho
             '
             there
             hath
             been
             very
             great
             variation
             discernable
             in
             the
             Solemn
             Rites
             that
             have
             attended
             Faederal
             Transactions
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             different
             Inclinations
             
             of
             several
             People
             and
             Nations
             ;
             yet
             have
             they
             all
             agreed
             in
             their
             design
             and
             tendency
             ;
             which
             is
             to
             encrease
             their
             awfulness
             ,
             and
             bind
             the
             parties
             concern'd
             the
             more
             effectually
             to
             the
             performance
             of
             what
             they
             engage
             to
             ;
             waving
             other
             instances
             that
             might
             be
             produc'd
             ;
             let
             's
             a
             little
             consider
             the
             Solemnity
             that
             attends
             our
             Christian
             Covenanting
             .
             In
             Baptism
             Parents
             give
             up
             their
             Children
             to
             God
             as
             his
             :
             God
             by
             his
             Ministers
             ,
             who
             are
             his
             Representatives
             ,
             accepts
             them
             :
             He
             orders
             them
             to
             pour
             Water
             on
             them
             ,
             in
             token
             of
             his
             readiness
             to
             pour
             on
             them
             his
             Grace
             and
             Favour
             .
             The
             poor
             Infants
             are
             washt
             ,
             to
             betoken
             their
             need
             of
             Divine
             Grace
             to
             purge
             away
             their
             Defilements
             ;
             and
             this
             Water
             is
             also
             the
             Representative
             of
             Blood
             ;
             the
             
               Blood
               of
               Atonement
            
             :
             Which
             Blood
             will
             be
             upon
             them
             in
             order
             to
             their
             Acceptance
             ,
             if
             when
             they
             come
             to
             years
             ,
             they
             live
             to
             him
             to
             whom
             they
             were
             Devoted
             ;
             but
             't
             will
             be
             upon
             them
             to
             their
             confusion
             ,
             if
             they
             revolt
             and
             rebel
             ;
             lead
             dissolute
             ,
             carnal
             ,
             wicked
             and
             ungodly
             Lives
             .
             In
             the
             
               Lords
               Supper
            
             ,
             the
             visible
             Memorials
             of
             a
             Crucifi'd
             Christ
             ,
             a
             Christ
             Crucify'd
             for
             Sin
             ,
             are
             set
             before
             all
             the
             Communicants
             ,
             and
             distributed
             amongst
             them
             .
             There
             is
             a
             Beholding
             ,
             
             and
             a
             Receiving
             ,
             and
             a
             Feasting
             ,
             and
             an
             admission
             to
             the
             utmost
             Familiarity
             and
             nearest
             Communion
             ,
             which
             our
             embody'd
             Spirits
             are
             at
             present
             capable
             of
             ,
             with●…
             our
             Glorifi'd
             and
             Exalted
             Saviour
             .
             And
             what
             can
             awe
             us
             ,
             if
             not
             the
             sight
             of
             the
             Blood
             of
             our
             Dearest
             Saviour
             ,
             which
             was
             shed
             to
             Expiate
             Sin
             ?
             But
             we
             not
             only
             see
             it
             ,
             but
             we
             drink
             it
             ;
             intimating
             our
             firm
             Resolution
             to
             Revenge
             it
             on
             our
             Sins
             ,
             which
             were
             the
             cause
             of
             its
             Effusion
             .
             We
             swear
             over
             our
             Lords
             Body
             and
             Blood
             ,
             that
             we
             will
             be
             true
             to
             him
             ;
             as
             ever
             we
             hope
             for
             any
             Interest
             in
             his
             Death
             and
             Sufferings
             ,
             we
             engage
             to
             be
             subject
             to
             him
             ;
             we
             Vow
             with
             his
             Blood
             in
             our
             hands
             ,
             with
             his
             Blood
             in
             our
             mouths
             ,
             that
             we
             will
             be
             true
             to
             him
             to
             the
             death
             ,
             who
             shed
             his
             Blood
             for
             us
             ;
             and
             that
             we
             will
             be
             the
             death
             of
             those
             Sins
             and
             Lusts
             ,
             by
             indulging
             which
             we
             should
             Crucify
             him
             afresh
             .
             Withal
             we
             do
             this
             not
             under
             a
             covert
             ,
             or
             in
             a
             corner
             ,
             but
             openly
             ,
             before
             Men
             and
             Angels
             ;
             we
             do
             it
             in
             the
             face
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             which
             much
             adds
             to
             its
             Solemnity
             ;
             by
             reason
             that
             so
             many
             Spectators
             as
             are
             present
             at
             our
             Vows
             and
             Engagements
             ;
             so
             many
             Witnesses
             should
             we
             have
             of
             our
             horrid
             Perfidiousness
             ,
             should
             we
             falsify
             and
             break
             them
             .
             
             The
             very
             Solemnity
             of
             these
             our
             Vows
             and
             Engagements
             ,
             adds
             to
             their
             awe
             ,
             and
             encreases
             their
             Sacredness
             and
             Force
             .
             And
             then
             further
             ,
          
           
             4.
             
             
               Direful
               Imprecations
            
             attend
             and
             accompany
             our
             Repeated
             Vows
             ;
             which
             much
             adds
             to
             their
             awfulness
             ;
             
               Direful
               Imprecations
            
             (
             I
             say
             )
             if
             we
             should
             not
             be
             faithful
             and
             true
             to
             our
             Engagements
             .
             When
             we
             from
             time
             to
             time
             Solemnly
             Profess
             our selves
             to
             be
             Christs
             Disciples
             at
             his
             Holy
             Supper
             ;
             and
             promise
             to
             live
             in
             Obedience
             to
             the
             Laws
             he
             hath
             given
             us
             ,
             and
             the
             Pattern
             he
             hath
             set
             us
             ,
             in
             hope
             of
             the
             Blessings
             he
             hath
             purchas'd
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             is
             at
             his
             Table
             ready
             to
             make
             over
             to
             us
             ;
             we
             call
             for
             all
             the
             Curses
             of
             God
             upon
             our
             Heads
             ,
             if
             we
             don't
             take
             care
             to
             pay
             our
             Vows
             .
             It
             was
             a
             Custom
             in
             old
             times
             ,
             which
             we
             find
             often
             mention'd
             and
             hinted
             at
             in
             Holy
             Writ
             ,
             To
             hew
             a
             Beast
             in
             pieces
             ,
             and
             divide
             the
             pieces
             into
             2
             parts
             ,
             and
             then
             walk
             between
             them
             ;
             the
             Language
             whereof
             was
             this
             :
             That
             the
             Parties
             concern'd
             wisht
             they
             might
             have
             the
             like
             treatment
             ,
             if
             they
             were
             not
             Faithful
             and
             True.
             So
             while
             we
             ,
             at
             the
             Communion
             are
             striking
             Covenant
             with
             God
             ,
             over
             the
             mangled
             and
             broken
             Body
             of
             our
             Dearest
             Lord
             ,
             we
             wish
             as
             
             't
             were
             for
             the
             like
             treatment
             ,
             if
             we
             are
             not
             faithful
             in
             Service
             ,
             and
             true
             to
             his
             Honour
             and
             Interest
             .
             The
             Natural
             Language
             of
             such
             a
             Rite
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Jewish
             manner
             of
             Imprecating
             at
             the
             time
             of
             their
             making
             Compacts
             ,
             is
             this
             ,
             
               God
               do
               so
               to
               us
               and
               more
               also
               ,
               if
               we
               forget
               ,
               or
               perfidiously
               break
               our
               Vows
               .
            
             When
             we
             take
             the
             Blood
             of
             our
             Lord
             into
             our
             Hands
             ,
             we
             do
             as
             't
             were
             wish
             it
             may
             be
             upon
             our
             Heads
             ,
             if
             we
             live
             not
             to
             him
             who
             dy'd
             for
             us
             :
             This
             is
             the
             natural
             language
             of
             Actions
             ,
             tho'
             it
             ben't
             express'd
             in
             words
             .
             The
             chief
             Priests
             and
             Seribes
             ,
             that
             were
             the
             Murderers
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             cry'd
             out
             ,
             
               His
               Blood
               be
               upon
               us
            
             ,
             when
             Pilate
             ,
             convinc'd
             of
             his
             Innocency
             ,
             would
             have
             Released
             him
             ,
             and
             all
             succeeding
             Ages
             have
             cry'd
             out
             against
             them
             for
             their
             horrid
             Impiety
             and
             Audaciousness
             :
             But
             they
             and
             their
             Progeny
             have
             felt
             the
             fruit
             of
             that
             Curse
             they
             brought
             on
             themselves
             ,
             with
             a
             witness
             ,
             to
             this
             day
             :
             And
             so
             will
             they
             also
             sooner
             or
             later
             do
             ,
             who
             from
             time
             to
             time
             joyn
             in
             a
             Sacred
             Action
             ,
             that
             hath
             such
             an
             imprecation
             attending
             it
             ,
             or
             imply'd
             in
             it
             ;
             to
             which
             by
             their
             wilful
             and
             allow'd
             Breaches
             of
             their
             Vows
             ,
             they
             openly
             expose
             themselves
             over
             and
             over
             .
             Withal
             the
             Communicants
             
             at
             a
             Sacrament
             do
             all
             profess
             to
             believe
             the
             whole
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             to
             submit
             themselves
             to
             it
             :
             Now
             the
             Threatnings
             of
             Christ
             are
             a
             part
             of
             his
             Gospel
             ,
             which
             therefore
             they
             choose
             to
             fall
             under
             if
             they
             don't
             obey
             his
             Commands
             .
             if
             they
             lead
             Ungodly
             and
             Unchristian
             Lives
             ,
             they
             consign
             themselves
             over
             to
             Eternal
             Death
             ,
             and
             bind
             themselves
             to
             endure
             the
             Torments
             of
             Hell
             Fire
             .
             What
             besotted
             Creatures
             then
             must
             they
             be
             ,
             who
             live
             in
             the
             wilful
             and
             allow'd
             Breach
             of
             many
             and
             often
             repeated
             Vows
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             like
             Devoted
             ones
             ,
             as
             securely
             as
             if
             all
             were
             well
             ?
             Whose
             case
             is
             the
             subject
             of
             the
             Chapter
             next
             ensuing
             .
          
           
             From
             these
             four
             considerations
             taken
             conjunctly
             ,
             which
             so
             fully
             lay
             opon
             the
             Sacredness
             and
             Strength
             of
             our
             Christian
             Vows
             ;
             viz.
             Their
             
               Voluntariness
               ,
               Deliberateness
               ,
               Solemnity
            
             ,
             and
             
               Attending
               ,
               Imprecations
            
             ,
             I
             might
             ,
             I
             think
             ,
             warrantably
             draw
             this
             Conclusion
             :
             That
             no
             Ties
             can
             bind
             those
             fast
             to
             God
             ;
             no
             Bonds
             can
             be
             strong
             enough
             for
             such
             Persons
             ,
             as
             can
             cvade
             the
             force
             of
             such
             Vows
             as
             these
             .
             But
             this
             will
             more
             properly
             come
             to
             be
             consider'd
             in
             another
             place
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             X.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               dreadful
               case
               which
               all
               those
               are
               in
               ,
               who
               heap
               Vows
               upon
               Vows
               ,
               without
               any
               serious
               sense
               of
               their
               force
               ,
               and
               without
               any
               real
               hearty
               endeavours
               to
               answer
               and
               pay
               them
               .
            
          
           
             MANY
             there
             are
             (
             alas
             too
             too
             many
             !
             )
             who
             were
             Solemnly
             Dedicated
             to
             God
             by
             Baptism
             in
             their
             Infancy
             ;
             who
             own'd
             the
             Obligation
             of
             their
             Baptismal
             Vow
             ,
             when
             they
             came
             to
             Age
             ,
             and
             afterwards
             went
             to
             renew
             it
             at
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             where
             they
             have
             again
             and
             again
             repeated
             it
             ,
             engaging
             to
             Live
             Soberly
             Righteously
             and
             Godlily
             ,
             in
             imitation
             of
             their
             Redeemers
             Example
             ,
             under
             his
             strict
             Discipline
             ,
             agreeable
             to
             his
             Laws
             ,
             and
             under
             the
             conduct
             of
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             so
             are
             bound
             by
             many
             and
             strong
             Sacred
             Tyes
             ;
             and
             yet
             all
             this
             while
             they
             have
             no
             serious
             suitable
             sense
             of
             their
             Force
             .
             They
             heap
             Vows
             upon
             Vows
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ,
             without
             ever
             heartily
             and
             in
             earnest
             endeavouring
             to
             answer
             and
             pay
             them
             ;
             nay
             the
             stated
             course
             and
             tenour
             of
             their
             Lives
             is
             oppoposite
             and
             contrary
             to
             them
             .
             So
             far
             
             are
             they
             from
             the
             Psalmists
             temper
             and
             practice
             ,
             who
             seriously
             and
             solemnly
             looking
             up
             to
             God
             ,
             Heartily
             owns
             that
             his
             Vows
             are
             upon
             him
             ,
             that
             they
             wilfully
             break
             all
             Bonds
             ,
             and
             snap
             the
             strongest
             ties
             asunder
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             have
             scope
             for
             their
             Lusts
             ,
             and
             without
             controul
             live
             as
             they
             list
             .
             The
             Unhappiness
             of
             such
             Persons
             case
             deserves
             to
             be
             consider'd
             .
          
           
             THE
             Apostle
             speaks
             of
             some
             that
             are
             
               Hearers
               of
               the
               Word
               and
               not
               Doers
            
             ;
             
             whom
             he
             
               likens
               to
               Men
               beholding
               their
               natural
               face
               in
               a
               glass
               ,
               ;
               who
               behold
               themselves
               ,
               and
               go
               their
               way
               ,
               and
               straitway
               forget
               what
               manner
               of
               men
               they
               were
               .
            
             They
             'll
             give
             the
             word
             of
             God
             (
             whereby
             both
             their
             Tempers
             and
             Lives
             ought
             to
             be
             Regulated
             )
             the
             Hearing
             ,
             but
             never
             mind
             it
             afterwards
             .
             I
             doubt
             such
             Hearers
             are
             very
             numerous
             amongst
             us
             at
             this
             day
             ;
             otherwise
             we
             should
             certainly
             see
             otherguess
             effects
             of
             so
             many
             Serious
             Awakening
             and
             Useful
             Sermons
             as
             are
             time
             after
             time
             deliver'd
             in
             the
             Publick
             Assemblies
             .
             And
             I
             as
             little
             doubt
             that
             there
             are
             many
             ,
             who
             go
             Sacrament
             after
             Sacrament
             reaking
             in
             their
             Lusts
             ,
             to
             renew
             their
             Engagements
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ,
             over
             the
             Sacred
             Emblems
             of
             his
             Body
             and
             Blood
             ,
             and
             then
             and
             there
             
             make
             fair
             Promises
             ,
             of
             denying
             Ungodliness
             and
             Worldly
             Lusts
             ,
             of
             living
             as
             becomes
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             leading
             mortify'd
             ,
             holy
             ,
             heavenly
             Lives
             ;
             who
             go
             their
             way
             ,
             and
             are
             no
             sooner
             come
             into
             the
             World
             again
             ,
             but
             they
             presently
             forget
             what
             they
             have
             seen
             ,
             and
             what
             they
             have
             done
             ,
             and
             what
             sort
             of
             Bonds
             they
             are
             under
             ;
             what
             manner
             of
             Persons
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             ,
             and
             what
             they
             have
             engag'd
             they
             would
             be
             .
          
           
             I
             would
             willingly
             give
             such
             Persons
             ,
             who
             upon
             serious
             Reflection
             ,
             and
             searching
             their
             own
             Consciences
             ,
             find
             themselves
             herein
             too
             justly
             chargeable
             ,
             matter
             for
             their
             sober
             thoughts
             to
             work
             upon
             ;
             that
             so
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             possible
             they
             may
             be
             awaken'd
             out
             of
             their
             secure
             and
             dangerous
             Estate
             .
          
           
             I
             know
             very
             well
             ,
             that
             there
             are
             some
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             who
             while
             their
             thoughts
             and
             Opinions
             of
             others
             run
             very
             low
             ,
             have
             so
             high
             Conceit
             of
             themselves
             ,
             and
             those
             of
             their
             own
             way
             ,
             as
             to
             take
             all
             for
             real
             Saints
             that
             are
             in
             Communion
             with
             them
             :
             And
             therefore
             they
             continually
             speak
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             respects
             deal
             with
             them
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             were
             wholly
             such
             ,
             and
             free
             from
             all
             mixtures
             ;
             on
             which
             account
             ,
             they
             cann't
             bear
             being
             dealt
             with
             on
             the
             Supposition
             
             which
             I
             now
             take
             for
             my
             Foundation
             :
             All
             that
             I
             shall
             say
             ,
             is
             ,
             I
             wish
             their
             Actions
             would
             shew
             them
             to
             be
             ,
             such
             as
             they
             take
             it
             for
             granted
             that
             they
             are
             .
             But
             when
             all
             's
             done
             ,
             let
             Persons
             pretend
             to
             what
             Purity
             they
             will
             above
             their
             Neighbours
             ,
             and
             let
             there
             be
             never
             such
             care
             taken
             ,
             while
             the
             Church
             is
             on
             Earth
             ,
             there
             will
             be
             Tares
             among
             the
             Wheat
             ;
             the
             Gold
             will
             have
             a
             mixture
             of
             Dross
             ;
             there
             will
             be
             some
             of
             the
             Devil's
             Servants
             wearing
             Christ's
             Livery
             ;
             there
             will
             be
             some
             that
             make
             so
             splendid
             a
             Profession
             ,
             that
             none
             can
             justly
             debar
             them
             from
             Eating
             and
             Drinking
             in
             our
             Lord's
             Presence
             ,
             and
             at
             his
             Table
             ;
             whom
             yet
             He
             at
             the
             last
             Day
             will
             publickly
             disown
             ,
             and
             cause
             to
             depart
             from
             him
             ,
             as
             Workers
             of
             Iniquity
             ,
             and
             wilful
             Violaters
             of
             the
             Vows
             they
             came
             under
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             appears
             from
             Luke
             XIII
             .
             26
             ,
             27.
             
             But
             tho'
             such
             Persons
             may
             and
             often
             do
             creep
             into
             the
             purest
             Communions
             ,
             without
             any
             ground
             at
             all
             for
             a
             Charge
             of
             Negligence
             on
             the
             part
             of
             those
             to
             whose
             Inspection
             God
             hath
             subjected
             these
             matters
             ;
             (
             by
             reason
             't
             is
             not
             in
             their
             power
             to
             know
             Mens
             Hearts
             )
             and
             tho'
             they
             may
             continue
             Church-Members
             ,
             and
             in
             reputation
             too
             ,
             for
             Piety
             ,
             through
             their
             deceitful
             Wiles
             and
             
             Artifices
             ,
             while
             they
             keep
             their
             Viees
             out
             of
             the
             reach
             of
             Publick
             Observation
             ;
             yet
             so
             long
             as
             they
             live
             in
             wilful
             and
             allow'd
             Breaches
             of
             their
             Christian
             ,
             their
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             and
             persist
             in
             violating
             the
             sacred
             Engagements
             they
             time
             after
             time
             Renew
             at
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             their
             Case
             is
             inconceivably
             dreadful
             :
             Which
             must
             needs
             appear
             ,
             if
             the
             Aggravated
             Guilt
             which
             they
             contract
             ,
             and
             the
             Proportionable
             Danger
             they
             incur
             ,
             be
             but
             duly
             Considered
             :
             Both
             which
             I
             'll
             a
             little
             open
             and
             unfold
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             LET
             us
             consider
             the
             Aggravated
             Guilt
             which
             those
             Persons
             contract
             ,
             who
             are
             under
             many
             Vows
             to
             God
             ,
             but
             mind
             them
             not
             ;
             who
             professedly
             give
             up
             themselves
             to
             their
             Saviour
             ,
             Month
             after
             Month
             ,
             at
             his
             Table
             ,
             and
             engage
             to
             live
             like
             his
             .
             Disciples
             and
             Followers
             ,
             but
             falsifie
             their
             Professions
             ,
             and
             break
             their
             Engagements
             ,
             by
             the
             Carelesness
             ,
             Irregularities
             ,
             Wickedness
             ,
             and
             allow'd
             Disorders
             of
             their
             Lives
             .
             The
             following
             Particulars
             will
             give
             a
             sufficient
             view
             of
             such
             Persons
             Guilt
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             THEY
             stand
             chargeable
             with
             the
             utmost
             height
             of
             Profaneness
             :
             'T
             is
             an
             abominable
             thing
             to
             see
             to
             how
             high
             a
             contempt
             of
             all
             that
             's
             Sacred
             ,
             some
             that
             are
             the
             profest
             Enemies
             of
             Religion
             ,
             
             arrive
             ;
             but
             in
             reality
             ,
             't
             is
             not
             comparable
             to
             that
             of
             those
             who
             pretend
             to
             be
             its
             Votaries
             and
             great
             Admirers
             ,
             who
             yet
             live
             oppositely
             to
             the
             Rules
             and
             Laws
             of
             it
             .
             All
             Profaneness
             is
             very
             provoking
             to
             the
             blessed
             God
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             unworthy
             and
             dishonourable
             Reflections
             it
             casts
             upon
             him
             ;
             but
             none
             so
             much
             as
             that
             which
             is
             cover'd
             with
             glozing
             Hypocrisie
             :
             Which
             being
             the
             case
             here
             ,
             carries
             the
             Profaneness
             of
             the
             Person
             concern'd
             ,
             to
             the
             highest
             pitch
             .
             For
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ,
             God
             ,
             Angels
             and
             Men
             ,
             are
             often
             call'd
             to
             witness
             to
             that
             Transaction
             ,
             which
             is
             of
             it self
             of
             the
             greatest
             importance
             ,
             but
             is
             by
             such
             Persons
             hartlesly
             manag'd
             ,
             and
             little
             minded
             :
             They
             pretend
             frequently
             to
             come
             in
             the
             Fervours
             of
             Devotion
             to
             Commemorate
             their
             Dying
             Lord
             ;
             to
             recollect
             their
             Obligations
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             feast
             on
             the
             Tokens
             of
             his
             never-to-be-forgotten
             Love
             ;
             to
             own
             themselves
             Redeem'd
             by
             him
             ,
             from
             Misery
             and
             Ruine
             ;
             and
             to
             give
             up
             themselves
             to
             him
             as
             his
             purchas'd
             ones
             :
             They
             pretend
             through
             him
             to
             strike
             Covenant
             with
             their
             offended
             God
             and
             Father
             that
             is
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             having
             the
             Memorials
             of
             that
             Sacrifice
             that
             alone
             hath
             Vertue
             to
             procure
             them
             
             Acceptance
             ,
             in
             their
             View
             ,
             in
             their
             Hands
             ,
             and
             in
             their
             Mouths
             .
             They
             pretend
             to
             lay
             their
             Hands
             upon
             their
             Hearts
             ,
             and
             their
             Faces
             in
             the
             Dust
             ,
             humbling
             themselves
             for
             past
             Offences
             ;
             Renouncing
             ,
             for
             the
             future
             ,
             all
             ,
             even
             their
             most
             beloved
             Lusts
             ;
             and
             Vowing
             and
             Swearing
             in
             the
             nearest
             presence
             of
             the
             Majesty
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             to
             which
             they
             are
             capable
             of
             being
             admitted
             ,
             a
             dutiful
             Affection
             ,
             faithful
             Obedience
             ,
             and
             holy
             Devotedness
             :
             And
             the
             more
             to
             Awe
             themselves
             ,
             they
             call
             in
             all
             above
             them
             ,
             and
             round
             about
             them
             ,
             to
             bear
             witness
             to
             this
             their
             Act
             and
             Deed
             ,
             whereby
             they
             solemnly
             bind
             themselves
             to
             all
             that
             their
             holy
             Religion
             obliges
             them
             to
             :
             And
             all
             this
             is
             done
             but
             from
             the
             Teeth
             outwards
             (
             as
             I
             may
             say
             )
             and
             very
             superficially
             ;
             their
             God
             and
             Saviour
             have
             not
             their
             Hearts
             ,
             but
             their
             Lusts
             bear
             sway
             ;
             they
             remain
             the
             same
             Men
             they
             were
             ;
             and
             by
             their
             Lives
             shew
             that
             all
             this
             was
             meer
             Trifling
             ;
             they
             never
             in
             reality
             cordially
             meant
             ,
             what
             they
             with
             such
             a
             Train
             of
             Solemnities
             bound
             themselves
             to
             ;
             and
             are
             as
             careless
             about
             the
             Performance
             ,
             as
             if
             none
             were
             privy
             to
             their
             Engagements
             :
             And
             this
             not
             in
             a
             single
             Instance
             ,
             but
             a
             stated
             Course
             .
             What
             Profaneness
             can
             be
             greater
             !
             On
             such
             
             Persons
             the
             most
             sacred
             things
             ,
             its
             plain
             ,
             can
             strike
             no
             Awe
             !
             For
             they
             in
             reality
             Ridicule
             ,
             what
             in
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             thing
             calls
             for
             the
             greatest
             Seriousness
             ;
             and
             that
             even
             whilst
             in
             appearance
             they
             are
             as
             much
             in
             earnest
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             capable
             of
             being
             in
             any
             thing
             .
             If
             the
             Sin
             of
             Nadab
             and
             Abihu
             was
             great
             ,
             who
             offered
             strange
             Fire
             at
             the
             Altar
             of
             God
             ,
             how
             great
             must
             their
             Guilt
             then
             be
             ,
             who
             thus
             profane
             the
             holiest
             of
             Gods
             Institutions
             !
          
           
             2.
             
             THE
             highest
             Contempt
             is
             hereby
             pour'd
             on
             the
             Pretious
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             ,
             which
             is
             pretendedly
             highly
             priz'd
             and
             valu'd
             .
             Those
             who
             are
             Communicants
             at
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             profess
             a
             mighty
             value
             for
             that
             pretious
             Blood
             of
             his
             ,
             whereby
             we
             are
             Redeem'd
             .
             They
             ,
             even
             by
             their
             Appearance
             there
             ,
             profess
             themselves
             under
             a
             full
             Conviction
             ,
             that
             that
             was
             the
             
               Blood
               whereby
               they
               were
               purchased
            
             ,
             
             that
             that
             is
             the
             Blood
             whereby
             they
             must
             
               be
               justify'd
            
             ;
             that
             that
             is
             the
             Blood
             that
             
             must
             
               purge
               their
               Consciences
               ,
               and
               cleanse
               them
               from
               all
               Sin
            
             ;
             in
             a
             word
             ,
             That
             that
             Blood
             is
             the
             only
             thing
             that
             can
             plead
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             procure
             from
             Him
             any
             Mercy
             for
             them
             .
             By
             their
             frequent
             solemn
             partaking
             of
             the
             Memorial
             of
             it
             in
             the
             Sacramental
             Cup
             ,
             they
             pretend
             to
             be
             sensible
             that
             nothing's
             so
             
             dear
             to
             them
             ,
             nothing's
             so
             much
             esteem'd
             by
             them
             ;
             and
             therefore
             they
             magnifie
             its
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             extol
             its
             Worth
             ;
             on
             that
             they
             pretend
             to
             place
             their
             whole
             Dependance
             ;
             and
             on
             the
             Covenant
             thereby
             seal'd
             to
             ground
             all
             their
             hopes
             :
             The
             partaking
             of
             the
             vertue
             of
             it
             ,
             is
             that
             of
             which
             they
             profess
             themselves
             most
             earnestly
             desirous
             ;
             in
             the
             contemplating
             the
             blessed
             effects
             thereof
             they
             pretend
             to
             take
             the
             most
             ravishing
             delight
             ;
             and
             the
             effusion
             of
             it
             ,
             they
             swear
             to
             revenge
             upon
             their
             Lusts
             ,
             which
             were
             the
             occasions
             of
             it
             .
             This
             is
             the
             Language
             of
             the
             Celebration
             of
             the
             Ordinance
             of
             the
             Supper
             ;
             this
             in
             part
             is
             the
             common
             purport
             of
             his
             Discourse
             ,
             Profession
             ,
             and
             Petitions
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             Administrator
             ;
             wherein
             all
             that
             are
             present
             seem
             to
             fall
             in
             ;
             and
             it
             also
             is
             the
             distinct
             Language
             of
             the
             several
             Communicants
             :
             And
             all
             this
             while
             the
             Persons
             I
             am
             pointing
             at
             ,
             count
             this
             Sacred
             
               Blood
               an
               unholy
               thing
            
             ,
             
             they
             do
             in
             reality
             (
             whatever
             they
             may
             pretend
             )
             no
             more
             value
             it
             ,
             ascribe
             no
             more
             vertue
             to
             it
             ,
             see
             no
             more
             excellency
             in
             it
             ,
             than
             in
             common
             Blood
             ;
             they
             in
             their
             Hearts
             slight
             and
             neglect
             it
             ,
             as
             a
             mean
             ,
             trivial
             ,
             insignificant
             ,
             worthless
             thing
             ;
             and
             this
             plainly
             appears
             by
             the
             Affronts
             they
             in
             the
             course
             of
             their
             
             Lives
             put
             on
             him
             ,
             whose
             Blood
             it
             is
             ;
             by
             their
             allowance
             of
             themselves
             in
             those
             Sins
             ,
             from
             which
             it
             was
             design'd
             to
             redeem
             them
             ;
             by
             their
             wilful
             Breaches
             of
             those
             Vows
             ,
             the
             keeping
             whereof
             is
             the
             the
             only
             way
             to
             secure
             them
             an
             Interest
             in
             it
             ;
             and
             their
             careless
             forfeiting
             the
             blessed
             Benefits
             of
             it
             ,
             without
             any
             considerable
             Remorse
             and
             Concern
             .
             Now
             by
             their
             frequent
             trifling
             with
             the
             Blood
             of
             so
             sacred
             a
             Person
             as
             our
             Dear
             Redeemer
             ,
             in
             swearing
             over
             it
             to
             him
             that
             shed
             it
             ,
             (
             and
             that
             on
             their
             Account
             )
             that
             they
             will
             be
             his
             ,
             and
             his
             alone
             ;
             and
             depend
             on
             the
             vertue
             of
             his
             Atonement
             ,
             in
             the
             way
             he
             hath
             prescrib'd
             ;
             to
             which
             Vow
             and
             Profession
             ,
             their
             After-Life
             too
             plainly
             gives
             the
             Lie
             ;
             hereby
             they
             pour
             the
             highest
             Contempt
             upon
             it
             ,
             and
             so
             are
             guilty
             of
             the
             most
             egregious
             and
             daring
             Profaneness
             .
             But
          
           
             2.
             
             Such
             Persons
             are
             also
             chargeable
             with
             the
             basest
             Persidiousness
             :
             for
             they
             profess
             the
             strictest
             Amity
             with
             the
             blessed
             God
             ,
             while
             yet
             they
             cherish
             Enmity
             against
             him
             ,
             and
             carry
             it
             in
             an
             hostile
             manner
             towards
             him
             .
             Feasting
             with
             any
             one
             ,
             was
             ever
             esteem'd
             a
             Token
             of
             Friendship
             ;
             and
             to
             cover
             Enmity
             under
             the
             Symbol
             of
             Amity
             ,
             was
             ever
             esteem'd
             basely
             Perfidious
             ,
             and
             nothing
             is
             wont
             to
             
             be
             more
             heinously
             resented
             .
             Now
             the
             Communicants
             ,
             time
             after
             time
             ,
             at
             the
             sacred
             Supper
             ,
             feast
             before
             God
             ;
             nay
             ,
             they
             feast
             with
             him
             at
             his
             own
             Table
             ;
             and
             thereby
             profess
             themselves
             to
             have
             laid
             aside
             all
             Enmity
             against
             him
             ,
             who
             shews
             himself
             so
             ready
             to
             be
             Reconcil'd
             to
             them
             :
             And
             as
             the
             blessed
             God
             by
             the
             Pledges
             of
             his
             Love
             which
             he
             gives
             at
             his
             Table
             ,
             firmly
             assures
             of
             his
             Favour
             ,
             so
             doth
             the
             Communicant
             by
             receiving
             these
             Pledges
             ,
             solemnly
             engage
             a
             Return
             of
             Duty
             :
             And
             yet
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             there
             's
             an
             hostile
             Heart
             ,
             cover'd
             over
             with
             a
             Friendly
             Vail
             ,
             which
             abundantly
             appears
             in
             the
             After-Life
             .
             'T
             was
             reckon'd
             a
             great
             Aggravation
             of
             
             Achitophel's
             Crime
             ,
             by
             David
             ,
             that
             when
             he
             
               pretended
               to
               be
               his
               familiar
               Friend
               ,
               and
               ate
            
             
             
               of
               his
               Bread
               ,
               he
               yet
               listed
               up
               his
               Heel
               against
            
             
             him
             .
             The
             same
             was
             reckon'd
             a
             great
             Aggravation
             of
             Iudas
             his
             Crime
             by
             our
             Saviour
             ;
             and
             the
             same
             is
             also
             a
             great
             Agravation
             of
             these
             Persons
             Guilt
             :
             They
             pretend
             ,
             by
             their
             frequent
             feasting
             with
             God
             ,
             to
             be
             at
             Peace
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             Renew
             their
             Engagements
             to
             banish
             all
             things
             offensive
             to
             him
             from
             their
             Tempers
             and
             Lives
             ,
             as
             far
             as
             they
             are
             able
             ,
             every
             time
             they
             come
             to
             his
             sable
             :
             But
             their
             Backsare
             no
             sooner
             turn'd
             ,
             but
             they
             carry
             
             on
             Hostility
             against
             him
             afresh
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             were
             their
             open
             Enemy
             :
             Than
             which
             ,
             nothing
             can
             be
             more
             horridly
             base
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             NO
             Crimes
             carry
             in
             them
             greater
             Audaciousness
             than
             those
             of
             these
             Persons
             ;
             which
             highly
             aggravates
             them
             :
             For
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             THEY
             in
             the
             most
             wretched
             manner
             that
             is
             conceivable
             ,
             attempt
             to
             impose
             on
             the
             blessed
             God.
             Every
             Sin
             indeed
             ,
             of
             whatever
             kind
             it
             be
             ,
             doth
             imply
             an
             Attempt
             to
             impose
             upon
             the
             Heart-searching
             God
             ;
             a
             deep
             and
             riveted
             sense
             of
             whose
             Omniscience
             ,
             Universal
             Inspection
             ,
             and
             Omnipresence
             ,
             would
             be
             sufficient
             at
             any
             time
             to
             deter
             from
             it
             ,
             how
             great
             soever
             were
             the
             Temptation
             to
             it
             .
             But
             none
             are
             chargeable
             therewith
             in
             so
             egregious
             a
             manner
             ,
             as
             these
             Persons
             ;
             who
             think
             to
             put
             him
             off
             with
             a
             mock
             Consecration
             of
             themselves
             to
             him
             ,
             which
             hath
             nothing
             of
             reality
             at
             the
             bottom
             of
             it
             ;
             who
             think
             to
             put
             him
             off
             with
             that
             which
             would
             not
             satisfie
             the
             meaneft
             and
             weakest
             of
             their
             fellow
             Creatures
             ;
             viz.
             often-repeated
             Promises
             without
             Performance
             ;
             and
             fancy
             they
             shall
             please
             him
             by
             mocking
             him
             in
             the
             most
             contemptuous
             manner
             ;
             and
             imagine
             they
             may
             undo
             all
             past
             faults
             by
             a
             new
             Vow
             ,
             which
             yet
             they
             take
             no
             
             more
             care
             to
             keep
             ,
             than
             they
             did
             those
             which
             went
             before
             it
             :
             And
             think
             to
             obtrude
             themselves
             upon
             him
             for
             his
             Servants
             ,
             by
             vertue
             of
             their
             frequent
             Promises
             of
             Fidelity
             to
             him
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             the
             receiving
             of
             his
             Wages
             ,
             while
             yet
             they
             spend
             their
             Lives
             in
             doing
             the
             Devil's
             Work.
             This
             is
             a
             sort
             of
             Audaciousness
             ,
             that
             is
             much
             aggravated
             ,
             and
             very
             provoking
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             They
             virtually
             bid
             him
             defiance
             ,
             and
             call
             upon
             him
             to
             do
             his
             worst
             ,
             for
             that
             they
             fear
             him
             not
             .
             They
             would
             not
             dare
             ,
             I
             suppose
             ,
             to
             express
             any
             thing
             like
             this
             in
             words
             ;
             but
             their
             Actions
             speak
             it
             .
             For
             when
             they
             ,
             Month
             after
             Month
             ,
             call
             God
             to
             witness
             ,
             that
             't
             is
             the
             firm
             Resolution
             of
             their
             Souls
             to
             be
             his
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             to
             him
             ;
             and
             then
             go
             their
             way
             ,
             and
             still
             persist
             living
             to
             themselves
             and
             to
             their
             Lusts
             ,
             they
             do
             interpretatively
             tell
             him
             ,
             that
             they
             value
             not
             his
             Threatnings
             any
             more
             than
             they
             do
             their
             own
             Promises
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             are
             not
             afraid
             of
             the
             utmost
             severity
             he
             can
             use
             towards
             them
             ;
             which
             certainly
             is
             as
             great
             Audaciousness
             as
             Mortals
             can
             be
             guilty
             of
             ;
             and
             no
             small
             Aggravation
             of
             their
             Sin.
             Further
             ,
          
           
             4.
             
             NO
             Ingratitude
             is
             comparable
             to
             that
             of
             these
             Persons
             .
             For
             ,
          
           
           
             1.
             
             THEY
             crucify
             their
             Saviour
             afresh
             ,
             and
             that
             every
             time
             they
             come
             to
             commemorate
             him
             at
             his
             Table
             :
             
               They
               crucifie
               him
               afresh
               ,
               and
               put
               him
               to
               open
               shame
            
             ;
             they
             murder
             the
             Lord
             of
             Life
             as
             't
             were
             anew
             ,
             and
             make
             his
             Wounds
             bleed
             afresh
             .
             And
             is
             this
             a
             suitable
             Return
             for
             such
             Love
             as
             his
             was
             ?
             Can
             any
             thing
             be
             more
             ungrateful
             ?
             Was
             it
             not
             enough
             ,
             O
             ye
             harden'd
             Wretches
             ,
             that
             our
             dear
             Lord
             should
             once
             so
             far
             condescend
             ,
             as
             to
             come
             down
             from
             Heaven
             ,
             suffer
             ,
             bleed
             ,
             and
             die
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             your
             Salvation
             ?
             Must
             he
             be
             always
             suffering
             from
             you
             ,
             who
             once
             suffered
             for
             you
             ?
             Did
             he
             not
             suffer
             enough
             from
             Friends
             and
             from
             Enemies
             ,
             from
             the
             chief
             Priests
             the
             Scribes
             ,
             the
             Pharisees
             ,
             the
             Souldiers
             ,
             and
             the
             common
             People
             ,
             when
             he
             was
             here
             on
             Earth
             ;
             that
             you
             cannot
             let
             him
             rest
             now
             he
             is
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             but
             must
             be
             renewing
             his
             Sufferings
             by
             profaning
             his
             Institutions
             ,
             and
             doing
             what
             in
             you
             lies
             to
             make
             all
             his
             Sufferings
             ineffectual
             ,
             by
             your
             persisting
             in
             those
             Sins
             ,
             to
             save
             you
             from
             which
             he
             dy'd
             ;
             and
             to
             leave
             and
             forsake
             which
             ,
             he
             engages
             you
             ,
             every
             time
             you
             appear
             before
             him
             at
             his
             Table
             ?
             Is
             this
             all
             the
             Return
             you
             'll
             make
             him
             for
             his
             unspeakable
             Kindness
             to
             you
             ?
             Can
             all
             he
             hath
             done
             and
             suffer'd
             
             for
             you
             ,
             no
             more
             influence
             you
             ,
             than
             this
             comes
             to
             ?
             No
             such
             Ingratitude
             can
             possibly
             be
             instanc'd
             in
             ,
             as
             this
             bespeaks
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             THEY
             contemptuously
             undervalue
             that
             Covenant
             that
             was
             the
             effect
             of
             Infinite
             Wisdom
             ,
             Amazing
             Pity
             ,
             Strange
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Rich
             Grace
             ;
             the
             Blessings
             whereof
             were
             purchas'd
             at
             a
             vast
             Expence
             ,
             which
             also
             shews
             their
             monstrous
             Ingratitude
             :
             This
             Covenant
             they
             undervalue
             ;
             for
             they
             wilfully
             neglect
             performing
             the
             Conditions
             ,
             on
             which
             the
             Benefits
             promised
             in
             it
             are
             to
             be
             bestow'd
             ,
             and
             by
             which
             perform'd
             ,
             they
             may
             be
             secur'd
             ;
             and
             that
             altho'
             they
             time
             after
             time
             vow
             and
             promise
             a
             Performance
             of
             them
             ;
             by
             their
             Negligence
             and
             Carelesness
             ,
             wherein
             they
             shew
             that
             they
             value
             not
             the
             Covenant
             ,
             nor
             the
             Inestimable
             Blessings
             of
             it
             in
             reality
             a
             rush
             ;
             and
             so
             return
             Contempt
             for
             all
             the
             Love
             ,
             Pity
             ,
             Pain
             ,
             Cost
             and
             Charge
             of
             their
             God
             and
             Saviour
             in
             order
             to
             the
             putting
             them
             into
             a
             capacity
             of
             Salvation
             ,
             which
             was
             a
             Blessing
             fallen
             Angels
             never
             enjoy'd
             ;
             this
             is
             horridly
             ungrateful
             ,
             and
             therefore
             very
             provoking
             .
             Great
             therefore
             certainly
             must
             their
             Guilt
             be
             ,
             who
             are
             chargeable
             with
             such
             horrid
             Profaneness
             ,
             such
             base
             Persidiousness
             ,
             
             such
             tremendous
             Audaciousness
             ,
             and
             detestable
             Ingratitude
             .
          
           
             TO
             all
             which
             ,
             I
             shall
             add
             one
             Consideration
             more
             ,
             which
             possibly
             may
             affect
             some
             ,
             much
             more
             than
             any
             abstracted
             Arguings
             :
             Which
             is
             this
             ,
             That
             the
             Sin
             of
             the
             Persons
             before
             describ'd
             ,
             is
             greater
             than
             that
             of
             Peter
             ,
             who
             deny'd
             Christ
             ,
             and
             in
             some
             respects
             greater
             even
             than
             that
             of
             Iudas
             who
             betray'd
             Christ
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             Iews
             that
             crucify'd
             him
             :
             And
             if
             so
             ,
             certainly
             it
             must
             be
             horridly
             enormous
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             THEIR
             Sin
             is
             greater
             than
             that
             of
             Peter
             who
             deny'd
             Christ.
             For
             
             Peter's
             Sin
             was
             in
             a
             particular
             Act
             ;
             the
             Sin
             of
             these
             Persons
             in
             a
             stated
             Course
             .
             Peter
             was
             acted
             by
             the
             Power
             of
             a
             Temptation
             which
             accosted
             him
             on
             a
             sudden
             ;
             these
             Persons
             cannot
             make
             any
             such
             pretence
             for
             a
             partial
             Excuse
             .
             
             Peter's
             Sin
             ,
             tho'
             great
             ,
             was
             yet
             such
             as
             was
             consistent
             with
             Sincerity
             ,
             which
             can
             by
             no
             means
             be
             said
             of
             the
             Sin
             of
             those
             ,
             who
             run
             a
             round
             of
             making
             and
             breaking
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             whereby
             they
             plainly
             shew
             they
             have
             no
             fear
             of
             God
             before
             their
             Eyes
             ,
             no
             true
             love
             to
             their
             Saviour
             in
             their
             Hearts
             .
             Peter
             had
             no
             sooner
             sinn'd
             ,
             but
             he
             went
             out
             and
             wept
             bitterly
             :
             These
             Persons
             
             persist
             in
             their
             Impiety
             ,
             and
             are
             as
             impenetrable
             as
             a
             Rock
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             THEIR
             Sin
             is
             in
             some
             respects
             greater
             even
             than
             the
             Sin
             of
             Iudas
             ,
             who
             betray'd
             Christ.
             I
             doubt
             not
             but
             Iudas
             thought
             that
             our
             Lord
             (
             who
             had
             so
             many
             ways
             shewn
             his
             Power
             in
             his
             view
             )
             would
             escape
             ,
             altho'
             he
             should
             deliver
             him
             into
             his
             Enemies
             hands
             :
             But
             't
             is
             meer
             riveted
             Malignity
             against
             Christ
             ,
             by
             which
             these
             Persons
             are
             acted
             ;
             which
             won't
             admit
             even
             of
             any
             such
             weak
             Plea
             as
             that
             ,
             even
             for
             a
             partial
             Excuse
             .
             Iudas
             his
             Sin
             ,
             tho'
             unspeakably
             heinous
             ,
             was
             yet
             a
             single
             Fact
             :
             But
             the
             Sin
             of
             these
             Persons
             is
             repeated
             over
             and
             over
             .
             Iudas
             his
             Perfidiousness
             was
             great
             in
             betraying
             his
             Master
             :
             But
             I
             know
             not
             whether
             their
             Perfidiousness
             be
             not
             to
             the
             full
             as
             great
             ,
             if
             not
             greater
             ,
             who
             time
             after
             time
             vow
             Fidelity
             to
             him
             with
             all
             possible
             Solemnity
             ,
             and
             yet
             break
             their
             Vow
             immediately
             ,
             and
             continue
             so
             doing
             .
             Iudas
             endeavoured
             to
             undo
             what
             he
             had
             done
             ,
             when
             he
             came
             to
             bethink
             himself
             :
             These
             Persons
             may
             undo
             what
             they
             have
             done
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             a
             thing
             once
             done
             ,
             is
             capable
             of
             being
             undone
             ,
             viz.
             by
             serious
             Repentnce
             ;
             but
             refuse
             ,
             and
             persist
             .
             Iudas
             consider'd
             of
             his
             guilt
             ,
             till
             it
             over
             match'd
             him
             ;
             which
             intimated
             
             some
             sorrow
             for
             what
             he
             had
             done
             :
             These
             Persons
             go
             on
             without
             any
             sorrow
             at
             all
             ,
             as
             if
             all
             were
             well
             ,
             and
             there
             were
             nothing
             amiss
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             THEIR
             guilt
             is
             in
             some
             respect
             greater
             than
             that
             of
             the
             Iews
             who
             crucify'd
             Christ
             ,
             for
             they
             persecuted
             Christ
             in
             his
             state
             of
             Humiliation
             :
             These
             Persons
             Affront
             ,
             Despise
             ,
             and
             Abuse
             him
             ,
             and
             after
             a
             sort
             Crucify
             him
             ,
             even
             in
             his
             estate
             of
             Exaltation
             .
             They
             ,
             when
             they
             Crucifi'd
             him
             ,
             knew
             not
             what
             they
             did
             ;
             but
             these
             persons
             knew
             that
             't
             was
             Sin
             that
             brought
             Christ
             from
             Heaven
             to
             Earth
             ;
             Sin
             that
             occasion'd
             all
             his
             sorrow
             ;
             Sin
             that
             nail'd
             him
             to
             the
             Cross
             ;
             and
             bury'd
             him
             in
             his
             Grave
             ;
             and
             that
             was
             ever
             hated
             by
             him
             as
             the
             worst
             of
             all
             his
             Enemies
             ,
             and
             yet
             they
             will
             persist
             in
             it
             in
             defiance
             of
             him
             ,
             notwithstanding
             their
             frequent
             Vows
             against
             it
             .
             They
             did
             what
             they
             did
             against
             Christ
             out
             of
             zeal
             for
             their
             Law
             ,
             to
             which
             they
             lookt
             on
             him
             as
             an
             Enemy
             :
             These
             Persons
             can
             pretend
             nothing
             but
             Love
             to
             their
             Lusts.
             They
             were
             instigated
             by
             others
             :
             These
             Persons
             can
             lay
             the
             blame
             on
             none
             but
             themselves
             :
             They
             break
             their
             Vows
             and
             they
             will
             do
             so
             ,
             because
             whatever
             they
             pretend
             ,
             they
             can't
             bear
             to
             have
             Christ
             to
             
             Reign
             over
             them
             .
             These
             things
             seriously
             weigh'd
             ,
             must
             needs
             make
             the
             guilt
             of
             wilful
             allow'd
             breakers
             of
             Repeated
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             appear
             to
             be
             very
             great
             and
             enormous
             .
             But
             further
             :
          
           
             2.
             
             LET
             's
             also
             consider
             the
             Danger
             which
             such
             persons
             incur
             ,
             which
             is
             proportion'd
             to
             their
             guilt
             .
             Their
             Danger
             must
             needs
             be
             great
             :
             For
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             THE
             course
             they
             take
             hath
             a
             natural
             tendency
             to
             Harden
             their
             Hearts
             ,
             and
             Sear
             their
             Consciences
             ,
             and
             make
             them
             impenetrable
             by
             any
             thing
             that
             might
             do
             them
             good
             .
             That
             Persons
             Heart
             that
             is
             not
             softned
             by
             the
             blood
             of
             Christ
             often
             View'd
             ,
             Commemorated
             ,
             and
             Drunk
             at
             the
             Sacrament
             ,
             must
             needs
             grow
             more
             obstinate
             and
             unmalleable
             .
             Christ
             will
             depart
             from
             that
             Soul
             that
             can
             by
             nothing
             be
             fastned
             to
             him
             ;
             God
             will
             withdraw
             his
             Grace
             ,
             where
             no
             Ties
             are
             strong
             enough
             to
             hold
             :
             And
             if
             Christ
             depart
             ,
             and
             the
             Spirit
             forsake
             ,
             What
             can
             follow
             but
             Coldness
             ,
             Hardness
             ,
             and
             Stupidity
             !
          
           
             2.
             
             THEY
             are
             the
             Devils
             sure
             Prey
             ,
             and
             have
             no
             guard
             against
             his
             utmost
             Malice
             .
             They
             fall
             to
             the
             Devils
             share
             on
             course
             who
             deal
             thus
             triflingly
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             thus
             contemn
             and
             abuse
             their
             Saviour
             .
             If
             our
             
             Vows
             won't
             hold
             us
             fast
             to
             our
             Redeemer
             ,
             our
             Lusts
             will
             hold
             us
             fast
             to
             the
             Devil
             ;
             and
             every
             Sacrament
             we
             come
             to
             ,
             he
             'll
             get
             greater
             power
             over
             us
             ;
             and
             be
             still
             gaining
             a
             fuller
             and
             fuller
             possession
             of
             us
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             EVERY
             time
             such
             Persons
             come
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             
               They
               eat
               and
               drink
               damnation
               ,
               or
               judgment
               ,
               to
               themselves
               .
            
             i.
             e.
             
             (
             as
             is
             plain
             by
             the
             Apostles
             discourse
             there
             )
             they
             expose
             themselves
             to
             a
             variety
             of
             Temporal
             Judgments
             ,
             by
             their
             egregious
             trifling
             with
             the
             Blessed
             God
             ,
             and
             profaning
             so
             Sacred
             an
             Institution
             :
             They
             are
             in
             danger
             of
             feeling
             the
             bitter
             fruits
             of
             this
             their
             horrid
             Sin
             ,
             either
             in
             their
             Mind
             ,
             or
             Body
             or
             Estate
             .
             
               For
               this
               cause
            
             (
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             )
             
               many
               are
               sick
               and
               weakly
               among
               you
               ,
               and
               many
               Sleep
               .
            
             Those
             that
             persist
             in
             breaking
             their
             Vows
             ,
             and
             yet
             come
             time
             after
             time
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             may
             e'er
             they
             are
             aware
             pull
             down
             Judgments
             on
             themselves
             .
             And
             I
             don't
             much
             doubt
             ,
             but
             the
             Sickness
             ,
             Weakness
             ,
             Melancholy
             ,
             Losses
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             Crosses
             in
             Friends
             ,
             Disappointments
             in
             Designs
             ,
             and
             unhappy
             Disasters
             which
             give
             so
             much
             trouble
             ,
             nay
             the
             untimely
             ends
             ,
             that
             some
             Persons
             come
             to
             ,
             are
             the
             effects
             of
             this
             their
             Sin.
             
          
           
           
             4.
             
             THEIR
             danger
             must
             needs
             be
             great
             ,
             for
             that
             they
             have
             the
             Abused
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             crying
             to
             Heaven
             for
             vengeance
             on
             them
             .
             And
             if
             they
             are
             miserable
             who
             have
             not
             the
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             to
             plead
             for
             them
             ,
             how
             dreadful
             must
             their
             case
             needs
             be
             ,
             who
             have
             the
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             pleading
             against
             them
             ;
             which
             to
             be
             sure
             is
             their
             case
             ,
             who
             so
             much
             abuse
             ,
             despise
             ,
             and
             profane
             it
             ,
             and
             pour
             such
             contempt
             upon
             it
             .
          
           
             5thly
             and
             Lastly
             ,
             THESE
             Persons
             lay
             themselves
             open
             to
             the
             heaviest
             condemnation
             in
             another
             Wold
             .
             Their
             own
             Sacramental
             Vows
             and
             Engagements
             will
             rise
             up
             in
             Judgment
             against
             them
             ,
             and
             sink
             them
             the
             deeper
             in
             Everlasting
             Misery
             .
             The
             utmost
             threatnings
             of
             God
             are
             directly
             Levell'd
             against
             such
             ;
             and
             will
             without
             Repentance
             in
             a
             little
             time
             overtake
             them
             to
             their
             utter
             Ruin.
             In
             the
             Epistle
             to
             the
             Hebrews
             ,
             we
             find
             the
             Apostle
             twice
             arguing
             strongly
             with
             a
             comparative
             ,
             If
             ,
             which
             may
             also
             be
             aptly
             used
             in
             this
             case
             .
             If
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             
               the
               word
               spoken
               by
               Angels
               was
               stedfast
               ,
               and
            
             
             
               every
               transgression
               and
               disobedience
               receiv'd
               a
               just
               recompence
               of
               reward
               ;
               How
               shall
               we
            
             
             
               escape
               if
               we
               neglect
               so
               great
               Salvation
               ?
               And
               if
               he
               that
               despis'd
            
             Moses
             '
             
               s
               Law
               ,
               dy'd
               without
               Mercy
               under
               2
               or
               3
               witnesses
               ,
               of
               how
               
               much
               sorer
               punishment
               shall
               he
               be
               thought
               worthy
               who
               hath
               troden
               under
               foot
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             In
             like
             manner
             may
             we
             strongly
             argue
             by
             way
             of
             Comparison
             in
             our
             case
             :
             Thus
             ;
             If
             they
             were
             severely
             punish'd
             who
             broke
             the
             Mosaick
             Covenant
             ,
             of
             how
             much
             sorer
             punishment
             will
             they
             be
             worthy
             that
             wilfully
             violate
             the
             Covenant
             of
             the
             Everlasting
             Gospel
             ?
             If
             they
             were
             formerly
             severely
             punisht
             who
             broke
             a
             Legal
             Vow
             ,
             about
             a
             Ceremonial
             Rite
             ;
             What
             punishment
             may
             not
             they
             expect
             who
             break
             their
             Repeated
             Vows
             ,
             about
             things
             of
             infinitely
             greater
             Importance
             ?
             If
             Covenant
             Breakers
             amongst
             Men
             are
             to
             be
             severely
             punisht
             ;
             how
             much
             more
             those
             that
             break
             their
             Vows
             to
             the
             Blessed
             God
             ?
             If
             Achan
             deserv'd
             to
             be
             ston'd
             for
             robbing
             God
             of
             a
             little
             Devoted
             Wealth
             ;
             What
             Judgments
             may
             they
             not
             fear
             ,
             who
             Sacrilegiously
             Alienate
             their
             Devoted
             Selves
             ?
             If
             Nadab
             and
             
             Abibu's
             Profaneness
             in
             offering
             strange
             fire
             ,
             brought
             down
             fire
             from
             Heaven
             upon
             them
             that
             consum'd
             them
             ;
             What
             may
             not
             they
             expect
             ,
             whose
             Profaneness
             is
             risen
             to
             such
             an
             hight
             ?
             If
             
             Ioab's
             perfidiousness
             to
             Abner
             ,
             in
             covering
             so
             base
             a
             design
             against
             him
             under
             a
             friendly
             Vail
             ,
             deserv'd
             such
             a
             Curse
             as
             it
             met
             with
             ;
             
             What
             Curses
             will
             not
             fall
             on
             their
             heads
             ,
             who
             deal
             thus
             perfidiously
             with
             God
             ?
             If
             
             Uzzah's
             Audaciousness
             in
             but
             touching
             the
             Ark
             of
             God
             without
             just
             occasion
             ,
             brought
             upon
             him
             present
             Death
             ;
             What
             that
             God
             can
             inflict
             will
             not
             their
             Audaciousness
             expose
             them
             unto
             ,
             who
             do
             as
             't
             were
             dare
             him
             to
             do
             his
             worst
             ?
             If
             the
             Israelites
             ingratitude
             in
             forgetting
             and
             abusing
             the
             wonderful
             Goodness
             of
             God
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             making
             such
             unsuitable
             Returns
             for
             it
             ,
             was
             so
             severely
             punisht
             as
             we
             find
             it
             was
             ;
             What
             Punishment
             can
             be
             great
             enough
             for
             those
             whose
             Ingratitude
             is
             incomperably
             greater
             .
          
           
             AND
             now
             methinks
             't
             is
             high
             time
             ,
             for
             any
             ,
             who
             have
             read
             thus
             far
             ,
             to
             look
             inward
             ;
             and
             I
             would
             beg
             of
             them
             ,
             that
             they
             would
             do
             so
             .
          
           
             WHOEVER
             you
             are
             ,
             if
             you
             are
             under
             Vows
             to
             God
             ,
             spend
             a
             few
             thoughts
             by
             way
             of
             enquiry
             ,
             Whether
             the
             before
             describ'd
             be
             not
             your
             case
             ?
             If
             upon
             enquiry
             your
             Hearts
             smite
             you
             ,
             your
             Consciences
             tell
             you
             ,
             you
             are
             guilty
             ;
             certainly
             it
             can't
             but
             amaze
             you
             :
             You
             can't
             surely
             think
             this
             a
             state
             and
             course
             to
             be
             rested
             in
             !
             Be
             deeply
             Humbled
             out
             of
             a
             sense
             of
             your
             great
             Sin
             ,
             and
             Folly
             ;
             and
             be
             awaken'd
             out
             of
             a
             sense
             of
             your
             
             Danger
             ,
             which
             is
             so
             very
             great
             .
             Persist
             no
             longer
             in
             a
             breach
             of
             thy
             Sacred
             Vows
             ,
             lest
             a
             successive
             train
             of
             Temporal
             Judgments
             follow
             thee
             ;
             and
             those
             be
             accompany'd
             with
             Spiritual
             Judgments
             too
             ;
             and
             both
             issue
             in
             Eternal
             ones
             ,
             which
             are
             infinitely
             greater
             .
             Do
             but
             lay
             these
             things
             to
             Heart
             ,
             and
             endeavour
             by
             repeated
             Reflections
             to
             drive
             them
             home
             ,
             and
             methinks
             they
             can't
             but
             move
             you
             .
             And
             if
             you
             come
             but
             to
             be
             deeply
             sensible
             ,
             let
             me
             tell
             you
             ,
             Your
             case
             is
             not
             Hopeless
             :
             Your
             Sin
             ,
             tho'
             great
             ,
             is
             not
             Unpardonable
             :
             Pray
             therefore
             earnestly
             that
             your
             great
             guilt
             may
             be
             forgiven
             you
             ;
             and
             change
             your
             course
             lest
             you
             Perish
             without
             Remedy
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XI
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Great
               Happiness
               of
               all
               those
               who
               are
               Serious
               in
               Making
               and
               Renewing
               their
               
                 Sacramental
                 Vows
              
               ,
               and
               Sincere
               in
               Keeping
               them
               .
            
          
           
             THOSE
             who
             trifle
             in
             ,
             and
             wilfully
             break
             their
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             are
             not
             more
             Miserable
             ,
             than
             those
             who
             seriously
             make
             them
             ,
             and
             faithfully
             (
             tho'
             imperfectly
             )
             keep
             
             them
             are
             happy
             .
             I
             shall
             therefore
             now
             endeavour
             to
             give
             as
             distinct
             a
             view
             of
             the
             ones
             Happiness
             ,
             as
             I
             have
             done
             of
             the
             others
             Misery
             :
             But
             that
             neither
             the
             former
             Chapter
             nor
             this
             ,
             may
             be
             wrested
             to
             serve
             different
             Purposes
             ,
             than
             they
             were
             design'd
             for
             ,
             it
             seems
             needful
             ,
             that
             I
             premise
             this
             Caution
             :
             That
             as
             in
             the
             Chapter
             foregoing
             I
             aim'd
             at
             those
             ,
             and
             those
             only
             ,
             who
             live
             in
             such
             Breaches
             of
             their
             Sacred
             Vows
             as
             are
             inconsistent
             with
             Sincerity
             ;
             so
             what
             I
             have
             now
             to
             subjoyn
             is
             safely
             applicable
             to
             all
             who
             can
             approve
             their
             own
             Hearts
             sincere
             .
             'T
             is
             not
             indeed
             possible
             for
             any
             Mortal
             Man
             ,
             to
             assign
             such
             certain
             Universal
             Marks
             of
             Distinction
             ,
             between
             such
             Breaches
             with
             God
             as
             are
             consistent
             with
             Sincerity
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             are
             not
             so
             as
             will
             hold
             .
             So
             great
             is
             the
             variety
             of
             particular
             Circumstances
             ,
             here
             falling
             under
             Consideration
             ,
             as
             makes
             this
             a
             matter
             uncapable
             of
             a
             general
             Determination
             .
             And
             for
             my
             part
             ,
             I
             must
             declare
             ,
             that
             were
             I
             able
             positively
             to
             certify
             Persons
             ,
             what
             guilt
             they
             might
             contract
             ,
             how
             far
             and
             how
             often
             they
             might
             break
             their
             Solemn
             Vows
             ,
             and
             yet
             retain
             their
             Integrity
             ,
             I
             should
             not
             dare
             to
             do
             it
             ,
             for
             fear
             it
             should
             be
             abus'd
             .
             But
             yet
             't
             is
             certain
             there
             are
             
             many
             sorts
             of
             Breaches
             ,
             which
             may
             make
             Persons
             sincerity
             justly
             questionable
             and
             all
             wilful
             ones
             do
             so
             ,
             more
             or
             less
             ;
             and
             the
             more
             gross
             and
             habitual
             they
             are
             ,
             the
             oftner
             they
             are
             repeated
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             numerous
             and
             strong
             those
             Bonds
             are
             which
             Persons
             break
             ,
             the
             more
             dubious
             do
             they
             make
             it
             :
             And
             on
             the
             other
             hand
             't
             is
             as
             certain
             that
             the
             most
             upright
             have
             considerable
             frailties
             ,
             after
             their
             utmost
             care
             and
             pains
             ,
             and
             watchfulness
             ;
             they
             will
             be
             continually
             offending
             in
             many
             things
             .
             Who
             can
             pretend
             to
             steer
             exactly
             in
             such
             a
             strait
             ?
             't
             is
             God
             alone
             can
             guide
             :
             When
             we
             have
             done
             our
             utmost
             ,
             he
             alone
             can
             keep
             from
             daugerous
             mistakes
             and
             abuses
             .
             Let
             it
             suffice
             therefore
             to
             intimate
             ,
             That
             I
             would
             have
             all
             those
             who
             find
             themselves
             chargeable
             with
             frequent
             wilful
             Breaches
             of
             their
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             give
             Conscience
             free
             leave
             to
             judge
             ,
             whether
             they
             are
             not
             in
             the
             dismal
             state
             before
             describ'd
             :
             And
             on
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             I
             would
             have
             all
             those
             who
             find
             in
             the
             main
             that
             sin
             grows
             weaker
             in
             them
             ;
             and
             Grace
             stronger
             ;
             that
             they
             particularly
             get
             ground
             of
             their
             own
             Iniquity
             ;
             more
             abhor
             it
             ;
             strive
             more
             against
             it
             ;
             and
             are
             more
             griev'd
             at
             any
             discern'd
             vergencies
             towards
             it
             ;
             to
             satisfy
             themselves
             
             as
             to
             their
             own
             safety
             .
             Such
             as
             they
             ,
             cannot
             but
             be
             sincere
             in
             their
             Sacramental
             Engagements
             ;
             and
             therefore
             are
             unspeakably
             happy
             .
          
           
             I
             shan't
             go
             to
             heap
             up
             a
             Variety
             of
             Arguments
             ,
             to
             prove
             the
             Happiness
             of
             such
             Persons
             ;
             (
             which
             were
             indeed
             all
             one
             as
             to
             go
             about
             to
             prove
             that
             there
             is
             a
             reality
             in
             Religion
             )
             but
             I
             shall
             only
             briefly
             shew
             wherein
             it
             lies
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             the
             Allurement
             and
             Excitation
             of
             such
             as
             are
             yet
             Strangers
             to
             it
             ;
             and
             the
             Encouragement
             of
             those
             to
             whom
             it
             belongs
             ,
             and
             their
             Comfort
             and
             Joy.
             
          
           
             NOW
             we
             may
             take
             a
             View
             of
             the
             Happiness
             of
             those
             who
             seriously
             come
             under
             Sacramental
             Vows
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             faithfully
             keep
             them
             ,
             in
             the
             following
             Particulars
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             THEY
             are
             drawn
             the
             nearer
             ,
             and
             bound
             the
             faster
             to
             God
             ,
             by
             every
             approach
             to
             him
             in
             the
             Ordinance
             of
             the
             Supper
             .
             They
             come
             to
             his
             Table
             ,
             
               and
               sit
               down
               under
               his
               Shadow
               with
               great
               delight
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               find
               his
               Fruit
               to
               be
               sweet
               to
               their
               Tast
               ;
               and
               his
               Banner
               over
               them
               to
               be
               Love.
            
             Whenever
             they
             come
             thither
             with
             prepared
             Hearts
             ,
             their
             dear
             Lord
             refresheth
             them
             with
             his
             Love
             ,
             replenisheth
             them
             with
             his
             Grace
             ,
             encourages
             them
             in
             his
             Ways
             ,
             and
             ravishes
             them
             with
             
             the
             sweetness
             of
             his
             Entertainment
             :
             He
             puts
             forth
             his
             Hand
             to
             lift
             them
             up
             nearer
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             gives
             them
             a
             glympse
             of
             that
             which
             is
             to
             be
             their
             future
             Possession
             ;
             a
             tast
             of
             what
             is
             to
             be
             their
             everlasting
             Entertainment
             :
             He
             warms
             their
             Hearts
             afresh
             ,
             till
             he
             makes
             them
             burn
             and
             glow
             ;
             and
             then
             their
             All
             is
             alas
             too
             little
             to
             offer
             up
             in
             Flames
             of
             Love
             ,
             to
             him
             that
             hath
             so
             many
             ways
             endear'd
             himself
             to
             them
             ,
             to
             him
             that
             hath
             so
             much
             power
             over
             them
             :
             A
             separation
             from
             him
             is
             what
             they
             can
             now
             less
             bear
             the
             thoughts
             of
             than
             ever
             .
             They
             give
             up
             themselves
             therefore
             to
             him
             anew
             ,
             resolving
             they
             will
             never
             forsake
             him
             ;
             and
             by
             such
             renew'd
             Vows
             and
             Engagements
             ,
             the
             Bond
             that
             fastens
             them
             to
             him
             is
             strengthen'd
             ,
             and
             the
             awe
             of
             Sacred
             Things
             ,
             which
             is
             so
             apt
             to
             wear
             off
             from
             the
             best
             is
             renew'd
             ,
             and
             further
             riveted
             .
             Their
             Lord
             on
             his
             part
             as
             't
             were
             embraces
             them
             in
             his
             Arms
             ,
             in
             token
             that
             the
             Bond
             is
             mutual
             ,
             and
             as
             a
             Pledge
             that
             the
             Union
             between
             them
             shall
             be
             inseparable
             ;
             and
             he
             sends
             them
             in
             fresh
             supplys
             of
             Grace
             for
             their
             assistance
             and
             support
             .
             I
             am
             sensible
             how
             great
             unevenness
             there
             is
             in
             the
             best
             ;
             which
             may
             produce
             Spiritual
             Distempers
             ,
             Decays
             ,
             and
             Declensions
             ,
             
             whereby
             those
             sensible
             Incomes
             and
             reviving
             Influences
             ,
             that
             might
             otherwise
             be
             obtain'd
             in
             this
             Ordinance
             ,
             may
             be
             very
             much
             abated
             :
             But
             something
             or
             other
             of
             this
             kind
             ,
             more
             or
             less
             ,
             hath
             been
             experienc'd
             at
             some
             such
             seasons
             by
             sincere
             Souls
             ,
             which
             by
             those
             who
             know
             how
             to
             value
             things
             aright
             ,
             cannot
             but
             be
             esteem'd
             far
             beyond
             any
             sensible
             Comfort
             or
             Refreshment
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             IT
             is
             no
             mean
             part
             of
             the
             Happiness
             of
             such
             ,
             that
             they
             take
             the
             most
             effectual
             method
             to
             secure
             their
             Peace
             ,
             and
             make
             it
             solid
             ,
             stable
             ,
             and
             lasting
             ;
             they
             take
             the
             right
             course
             to
             maintain
             both
             
               Peace
               with
               God
            
             ,
             and
             
               Peace
               of
               Conscience
            
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             THOSE
             who
             are
             serious
             in
             making
             ,
             and
             sincere
             in
             keeping
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             take
             an
             effectual
             course
             to
             maintain
             
               Peace
               with
               God.
            
             He
             can't
             slight
             or
             reject
             a
             sincere
             ,
             self-resigning
             Soul.
             He
             can't
             but
             with
             Tenderness
             ,
             Love
             ,
             and
             Pity
             ,
             behold
             a
             Soul
             that
             seriously
             endeavours
             to
             keep
             close
             to
             him
             ;
             he
             can't
             break
             with
             that
             Soul
             that
             he
             sees
             carefully
             shuns
             breaking
             with
             him
             :
             And
             tho'
             none
             use
             the
             utmost
             care
             they
             might
             ;
             tho'
             there
             are
             none
             (
             in
             our
             present
             lapsed
             State
             )
             but
             if
             they
             did
             would
             often
             halt
             and
             falter
             ;
             yet
             shall
             none
             of
             
             their
             Breaches
             which
             are
             consistent
             with
             Sincerity
             ,
             disanul
             or
             cancel
             that
             Treaty
             of
             Peace
             ,
             between
             God
             and
             them
             ,
             of
             which
             Christ
             is
             the
             powerful
             Mediatour
             ,
             or
             hinder
             their
             partaking
             of
             its
             blessed
             Effects
             .
             To
             this
             Treaty
             God
             sets
             his
             Seal
             at
             every
             Sacrament
             .
             The
             Devout
             Communicant
             at
             every
             such
             Solemnity
             thankfully
             accepts
             and
             joyfully
             embraces
             the
             Overtures
             of
             it
             ;
             and
             renews
             Vows
             of
             an
             holy
             Course
             of
             Life
             .
             The
             sincere
             keeping
             these
             Vows
             secures
             God's
             Approbation
             and
             Special
             Favour
             .
             'T
             is
             Sin
             that
             is
             the
             only
             cause
             of
             separation
             between
             God
             and
             us
             ;
             and
             no
             Sin
             more
             than
             the
             Violation
             of
             Solemn
             Vows
             ;
             where
             this
             therefore
             is
             guarded
             against
             ,
             by
             a
             steddy
             course
             of
             faithful
             Obedience
             ,
             there
             remains
             no
             cause
             for
             any
             considerable
             breach
             between
             God
             and
             us
             .
             For
             as
             for
             daily
             Infirmitys
             where
             the
             Heart
             is
             upright
             ,
             and
             the
             Course
             of
             the
             Life
             holy
             in
             the
             main
             ,
             God
             hath
             promis'd
             he
             
               will
               not
               remember
               them
            
             ,
             he
             'll
             on
             the
             Account
             of
             Christ's
             Intercession
             easily
             overlook
             and
             pass
             them
             by
             ,
             and
             maintain
             Peace
             with
             us
             ,
             upon
             a
             general
             Repentance
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             Humiliation
             for
             them
             .
             Now
             what
             Man
             is
             so
             happy
             as
             he
             that
             hath
             Peace
             with
             the
             Blessed
             God
             ?
             And
             who
             can
             be
             so
             likely
             
             to
             reach
             this
             Happiness
             ,
             as
             he
             that
             is
             rightly
             sensible
             of
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             the
             main
             lives
             up
             to
             those
             Vows
             of
             his
             that
             he
             is
             under
             ?
             'T
             is
             true
             all
             Peace
             with
             God
             is
             the
             effect
             of
             Christ's
             Death
             ,
             the
             Merit
             of
             his
             Blood
             ,
             and
             the
             Fruit
             of
             his
             Purchase
             ,
             and
             whereever
             't
             is
             bestow'd
             't
             is
             his
             Gift
             who
             is
             the
             Prince
             of
             Peace
             :
             But
             we
             may
             be
             well
             assur'd
             he
             'll
             bestow
             it
             on
             none
             who
             carry
             on
             Hostility
             against
             his
             Father
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             case
             of
             all
             habitually
             wilful
             and
             allow'd
             Breakers
             of
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ;
             we
             may
             be
             satisfy'd
             he
             'll
             deny
             it
             to
             none
             that
             are
             stedfast
             in
             his
             Covenant
             ,
             and
             who
             earnestly
             study
             and
             faithfully
             endeavour
             to
             answer
             the
             Demands
             of
             it
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             case
             of
             those
             I
             am
             speaking
             of
             :
             On
             them
             he
             'll
             freely
             bestow
             it
             ;
             to
             them
             he
             'll
             take
             care
             to
             continue
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             Blessed
             Consequences
             of
             it
             ;
             so
             that
             nothing
             shall
             intervene
             considerably
             to
             interrupt
             it
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             THEY
             also
             take
             the
             most
             effectual
             course
             to
             maintain
             
               Peace
               of
               Conscience
            
             :
             For
             what
             is
             
               Peace
               of
               Conscience
            
             ,
             but
             an
             inward
             quiet
             and
             composure
             ,
             arising
             from
             a
             well-grounded
             sense
             and
             hope
             ,
             that
             things
             are
             as
             they
             should
             be
             between
             God
             and
             us
             .
             Whatever
             therefore
             hath
             any
             tendency
             to
             promote
             or
             maintain
             our
             Peace
             with
             God
             ,
             doth
             naturally
             
             tend
             to
             make
             and
             keep
             us
             at
             Peace
             with
             our selves
             ;
             by
             preventing
             or
             allaying
             those
             disquieting
             Fears
             that
             naturally
             arise
             from
             an
             apprehension
             of
             the
             Divine
             Displeasure
             .
             That
             these
             Persons
             therefore
             take
             the
             best
             course
             to
             secure
             Peace
             within
             ,
             is
             a
             genuine
             Consequence
             of
             the
             foregoing
             Consideration
             .
             There
             's
             no
             better
             ground
             for
             Peace
             of
             Conscience
             in
             the
             World
             than
             they
             enjoy
             ,
             who
             devoutly
             renew
             their
             Vows
             to
             be
             the
             Lord's
             time
             after
             time
             at
             his
             Table
             ,
             and
             live
             correspondently
             to
             them
             .
             Tho'
             they
             have
             a
             Body
             of
             Sin
             and
             Death
             sticking
             fast
             to
             them
             ,
             under
             which
             they
             groan
             ,
             and
             from
             which
             they
             never
             expect
             to
             be
             fully
             freed
             ,
             so
             long
             as
             they
             are
             surrounded
             with
             a
             Vail
             of
             Flesh
             ,
             and
             till
             Mortality
             comes
             to
             be
             swallow'd
             up
             of
             Life
             ;
             yet
             may
             they
             sensibly
             discern
             that
             things
             in
             the
             main
             are
             well
             with
             them
             ,
             by
             their
             Hearts
             approv'd
             Integrity
             .
             It
             could
             not
             methinks
             but
             be
             a
             great
             comfort
             to
             Peter
             who
             had
             so
             shamefully
             deny'd
             his
             Master
             ,
             to
             find
             himself
             able
             to
             make
             so
             solemn
             an
             Appeal
             to
             him
             as
             that
             ;
             
               Lord
               ,
               thou
               knowest
               all
               things
               ,
               thou
               knowest
               that
               I
               Love
               thee
               :
            
             
             So
             must
             it
             needs
             be
             a
             great
             quieting
             to
             serious
             Persons
             ,
             to
             find
             themselves
             able
             ,
             in
             His
             Most
             Sacred
             Presence
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             
             Searcher
             of
             Hearts
             ,
             notwithstanding
             their
             sense
             of
             their
             own
             Infirmities
             ,
             which
             nothing
             can
             make
             them
             lose
             ,
             to
             stand
             to
             it
             that
             they
             will
             be
             the
             Lord's
             ,
             and
             his
             alone
             ;
             and
             to
             resolve
             and
             vow
             that
             nothing
             shall
             ever
             be
             discover'd
             to
             them
             to
             be
             his
             Will
             ,
             how
             difficult
             soever
             it
             be
             ,
             but
             his
             Grace
             enabling
             them
             ,
             they
             will
             do
             it
             ;
             and
             then
             afterwards
             to
             find
             that
             notwithstanding
             their
             many
             Frailtys
             ,
             the
             scope
             of
             their
             Lives
             answers
             the
             Resolution
             of
             their
             Hearts
             ;
             their
             Vows
             in
             the
             main
             are
             kept
             ,
             and
             not
             faithlesly
             broken
             .
             Peace
             may
             for
             some
             time
             be
             suspended
             ,
             but
             it
             can't
             long
             be
             a
             Stranger
             to
             such
             Persons
             :
             And
             I
             think
             I
             need
             not
             intimate
             how
             happy
             this
             bespeaks
             them
             .
             Further
             ,
          
           
             3.
             
             SUCH
             Persons
             are
             out
             of
             the
             danger
             of
             many
             Temptations
             that
             others
             meet
             with
             ;
             and
             are
             fortify'd
             against
             those
             whereby
             they
             are
             most
             likely
             to
             be
             assaulted
             ,
             which
             is
             no
             small
             Happiness
             .
             What
             a
             safeguard
             had
             Ioseph
             against
             a
             strong
             Temptation
             wherewith
             he
             was
             assaulted
             ,
             altho'
             't
             was
             both
             insinuating
             ;
             because
             of
             its
             suitableness
             to
             his
             Carnal
             Inclination
             ,
             the
             means
             of
             privacy
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             prospect
             of
             advancement
             upon
             his
             Compliance
             with
             it
             ;
             and
             at
             the
             same
             time
             shaking
             ;
             because
             of
             the
             
             Disgrace
             which
             thro'
             his
             Mistresses
             Malice
             would
             attend
             his
             refusal
             ;
             what
             a
             safeguard
             (
             I
             say
             )
             had
             he
             ,
             by
             this
             one
             thought
             strongly
             imprest
             upon
             him
             ?
             
               How
               can
               I
               do
               this
               wickedness
               and
               sin
               against
               God
               ?
            
             So
             what
             a
             safeguard
             are
             frequently
             
             repeated
             Vows
             ,
             seriously
             made
             ,
             and
             strongly
             imprest
             ,
             against
             most
             Temptations
             ?
             Let
             such
             Persons
             be
             tempted
             to
             Sin
             ,
             and
             they
             have
             this
             soon
             occurs
             to
             them
             ,
             How
             can
             I
             run
             into
             this
             and
             break
             my
             Vows
             to
             my
             God
             and
             Saviour
             ?
             Whenever
             the
             Devil
             doth
             any
             thing
             to
             entice
             them
             to
             himself
             ,
             the
             sense
             of
             their
             solemn
             Engagements
             strongly
             imprest
             ,
             will
             put
             them
             upon
             lifting
             up
             their
             Hearts
             in
             a
             strain
             much
             like
             that
             of
             my
             Text
             ;
             
               Thy
               Vows
               are
               upon
               me
               ,
               O
               God.
            
             This
             in
             many
             cases
             is
             such
             a
             Preservative
             ,
             that
             where
             the
             Devil
             finds
             the
             sense
             thereof
             strong
             ,
             he
             wont
             so
             much
             as
             assault
             .
             But
             suppose
             him
             by
             some
             or
             other
             of
             his
             subtle
             Artifices
             to
             have
             insinuated
             himself
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             got
             any
             footing
             ;
             he
             is
             no
             sooner
             discover'd
             than
             resisted
             by
             those
             who
             retain
             a
             fixed
             sense
             of
             the
             Vows
             of
             God
             they
             are
             under
             ;
             and
             he
             can't
             long
             be
             resisted
             by
             any
             ,
             but
             he
             'll
             be
             put
             to
             flight
             :
             For
             that
             's
             a
             standing
             Truth
             ;
             
               Resist
               the
               Devil
               ,
               and
               ●…e
               will
               flee
               from
               you
               .
            
             If
             those
             
             
             then
             are
             happy
             that
             have
             a
             Preservative
             from
             the
             hurt
             of
             Temptation
             ,
             (
             and
             who
             can
             question
             it
             )
             they
             are
             very
             happy
             that
             have
             a
             riveted
             sense
             of
             the
             Sacredness
             of●…eir
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             and
             that
             set
             themselves
             to
             square
             their
             Lives
             by
             them
             :
             For
             none
             have
             a
             better
             ,
             a
             more
             general
             ,
             a
             more
             effectual
             and
             safe
             Preservative
             than
             they
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             THEY
             have
             many
             excellent
             Promises
             upon
             record
             ,
             which
             they
             upon
             just
             grounds
             may
             apply
             to
             themselves
             ,
             and
             take
             comfort
             from
             ,
             and
             live
             upon
             .
             I
             'll
             mention
             two
             or
             three
             .
             
               All
               the
               Paths
               of
            
             
             
               the
               Lord
               are
               Mercy
               and
               Truth
               unto
               such
               as
               keep
               his
               Covenant
               and
               his
               Testimonies
               .
               The
               Mercy
               of
               the
               Lord
               is
               from
               everlasting
            
             
             
               to
               everlasting
               upon
               them
               that
               fear
               him
               ;
               to
               such
               as
               keep
               his
               Covenant
               ,
               and
               to
               those
               that
               remember
               his
               Commandments
               to
               do
               them
               .
            
             Who
             can
             express
             the
             Comfort
             which
             such
             Persons
             may
             derive
             from
             such
             Promises
             as
             these
             ?
             As
             also
             from
             all
             those
             that
             are
             made
             to
             the
             Upright
             ;
             and
             in
             general
             to
             the
             Doers
             of
             God's
             Commandments
             .
             Come
             to
             the
             New
             Testament
             Promises
             and
             you
             'll
             find
             few
             but
             what
             such
             Persons
             may
             justly
             apply
             to
             themselves
             .
             All
             the
             Blessings
             of
             the
             Covenant
             of
             Grace
             are
             promis'd
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             they
             may
             safely
             depend
             upon
             them
             .
             
             There
             's
             one
             Promise
             of
             which
             so
             much
             notice
             is
             not
             taken
             as
             it
             deserves
             ,
             which
             might
             methinks
             dwell
             in
             the
             thoughts
             of
             such
             .
             
               He
               that
               hath
               my
               Commmandments
               and
               keepeth
               them
               ,
               he
               it
               is
               that
               loveth
            
             
             
               me
               ,
               and
               he
               that
               loveth
               me
               ,
               shall
               be
               loved
               of
               my
               Father
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               love
               him
               ,
               and
               will
               manifest
               my self
               to
               him
               .
            
             Such
             an
             one
             
               hath
               Christs
               Commandments
            
             ,
             not
             only
             in
             his
             hand
             ,
             but
             in
             his
             heart
             ;
             and
             he
             keeps
             them
             ,
             
               i.
               e.
            
             Faithfully
             obeys
             them
             ;
             and
             thereby
             shews
             the
             sincerity
             of
             his
             Love
             to
             his
             dear
             Saviour
             ;
             both
             the
             Father
             and
             Son
             therefore
             shall
             love
             him
             ;
             and
             Christ
             will
             
               manifest
               himself
               to
               them
               :
               i.
               e.
            
             He
             will
             open
             and
             unfold
             to
             such
             those
             Gospel
             Mysteries
             whereto
             others
             notwithstanding
             all
             their
             light
             are
             real
             strangers
             ;
             He
             will
             impart
             a
             full
             knowledge
             of
             himself
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             fill
             them
             with
             his
             Spirit
             ;
             which
             is
             a
             
               Spirit
               of
               Wisdom
               and
               Revelation
            
             .
             He
             will
             manifest
             the
             Secrets
             of
             Divine
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             the
             traces
             of
             Eternal
             Love
             to
             them
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             their
             present
             capacities
             will
             bear
             ;
             and
             in
             the
             future
             Life
             ,
             he
             will
             lay
             himself
             and
             all
             those
             Treasures
             of
             Wisdom
             and
             Knowledge
             that
             lie
             hid
             in
             him
             ,
             open
             to
             their
             view
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             for
             ever
             entertain
             themselves
             with
             their
             Contemplation
             ,
             and
             Enrich
             themselves
             by
             a
             
             constant
             Derivation
             .
             Such
             Promises
             as
             these
             that
             may
             be
             so
             comfortably
             apply'd
             by
             sincere
             Covenant
             Keepers
             with
             God
             unto
             themselves
             ,
             make
             their
             state
             and
             condition
             Exceeding
             Happy
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             THEY
             are
             provided
             with
             what
             may
             help
             to
             support
             them
             ,
             under
             any
             Crosses
             ,
             Troubles
             or
             Afflictions
             they
             may
             be
             Exercis'd
             with
             .
             Come
             what
             will
             they
             are
             safe
             .
             They
             may
             stand
             their
             ground
             without
             giving
             way
             ,
             they
             need
             not
             be
             terrify'd
             or
             dismay'd
             :
             And
             Oh
             what
             a
             Happiness
             is
             this
             !
             Who
             knows
             what
             Personal
             or
             Domestiek
             Troubles
             they
             may
             meet
             withe'er
             they
             Dye
             ?
             And
             how
             Terribly
             and
             Violently
             they
             may
             be
             Assaulted
             as
             strong
             as
             they
             apprehend
             their
             mountain
             to
             stand
             ?
             Who
             can
             fore-see
             what
             Publick
             Calamaties
             a
             wait
             us
             ,
             wherein
             all
             particular
             Persons
             must
             unavoidably
             be
             sharers
             ?
             now
             for
             Perfons
             to
             be
             able
             in
             whatever
             troubles
             they
             meet
             with
             ,
             to
             say
             with
             the
             Church
             ,
             
               All
               this
               is
               come
               upon
               us
               ,
               yet
            
             
             
               have
               we
               not
               forgotten
               thee
               ;
               neither
               have
               we
               dealt
               falsly
               in
               thy
               Covenant
               :
               Our
               Heart
               is
               not
               turn'd
               back
               ,
               neither
               have
               our
               steps
               declin'd
               from
               thy
               way
               :
            
             Fo●…
             Persons
             then
             to
             be
             able
             to
             look
             back
             on
             their
             Sacramental
             Transactions
             ,
             and
             Remember
             the
             Seriousness
             and
             Devotion
             wherewith
             they
             
             oft
             have
             Renew'd
             their
             Vows
             to
             the
             Lord
             at
             his
             Table
             ;
             and
             to
             look
             back
             on
             their
             Lives
             and
             find
             a
             general
             ,
             stated
             correspondency
             thereto
             ,
             would
             be
             a
             spring
             of
             greater
             Refreshment
             to
             them
             than
             is
             well
             conceivable
             by
             them
             who
             have
             not
             had
             some
             experience
             of
             it
             .
             Let
             's
             suppose
             a
             Person
             to
             meet
             with
             great
             Distress
             in
             his
             Mind
             ,
             in
             his
             Body
             ,
             in
             his
             Estate
             or
             any
             other
             way
             ;
             if
             seriously
             looking
             upwards
             ,
             he
             can
             be
             able
             to
             say
             with
             
               David
               ,
               I
               have
               kept
               the
               way
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             
             
               I
               have
               not
               wickedly
               departed
               from
               my
               God
            
             ;
             it
             must
             needs
             be
             a
             great
             Comfort
             and
             Support
             to
             him
             .
             Incredible
             is
             the
             Consolation
             which
             such
             Persons
             lay
             in
             against
             trying
             Times
             they
             may
             be
             call'd
             to
             pass
             thro'
             in
             the
             course
             of
             their
             Lives
             ;
             Great
             the
             Supports
             wherewith
             they
             are
             provided
             against
             the
             time
             when
             they
             shall
             be
             under
             the
             assaults
             of
             Death
             the
             King
             of
             Terrors
             :
             To
             be
             able
             then
             to
             look
             back
             on
             seriously
             renew'd
             and
             faithfully
             perform'd
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             will
             make
             those
             Pangs
             easy
             at
             which
             Nature
             trembles
             ;
             't
             will
             make
             their
             Passage
             into
             another
             World
             safe
             and
             comfortable
             :
             Who
             then
             can
             express
             their
             Happiness
             ?
             And
             then
             ,
          
           
             6thly
             and
             Lastly
             ,
             THEY
             take
             the
             most
             Effectual
             Course
             to
             secure
             themselves
             
             from
             falling
             away
             .
             That
             of
             the
             Perseverance
             of
             the
             Saints
             is
             a
             very
             comfortable
             Doctrine
             ;
             and
             rightly
             understood
             is
             so
             far
             from
             an
             evil
             and
             vicious
             tendendency
             ,
             as
             some
             imagine
             ,
             that
             it
             tends
             every
             way
             to
             make
             us
             better
             .
             Now
             the
             satisfying
             ▪
             Assurance
             of
             a
             true
             Christians
             Perseverance
             ,
             is
             built
             on
             these
             three
             grounds
             :
             
               The
               Favour
               and
               Love
               of
               God
               to
               him
               ;
               the
               Sufficiency
               of
               the
               Divine
               Assistance
               ;
               and
               the
               Conscience
               of
               his
               own
               Integrity
               .
            
             That
             these
             Persons
             take
             the
             best
             course
             to
             secure
             the
             
               Favour
               and
               Love
               of
               God
            
             ,
             hath
             before
             been
             made
             appear
             .
             What
             can
             hinder
             those
             who
             often
             seriously
             ▪
             Faederally
             transact
             with
             God
             and
             are
             stedfast
             in
             his
             Covenant
             ,
             from
             hoping
             for
             every
             thing
             from
             him
             ,
             which
             beloved
             Children
             may
             expect
             from
             a
             tender
             and
             kind
             Father
             ?
             As
             for
             the
             
               Sufficiency
               of
               Divine
               Grace
            
             ,
             they
             have
             no
             reason
             to
             question
             it
             :
             And
             that
             they
             shall
             have
             it
             imparted
             to
             them
             in
             the
             measures
             and
             degrees
             wherein
             they
             need
             it
             ,
             is
             the
             purport
             of
             many
             promises
             ,
             which
             they
             upon
             just
             ground
             may
             apply
             to
             themselves
             .
             And
             then
             as
             for
             the
             
               Conscience
               of
               their
               own
               Integrity
            
             ,
             on
             which
             the
             Personal
             Comfort
             of
             the
             two
             foregoing
             grounds
             depends
             ,
             none
             are
             so
             likely
             to
             get
             and
             keep
             it
             as
             those
             
             who
             often
             with
             great
             Solemnity
             renew
             the
             acts
             of
             their
             Self-Dedication
             to
             the
             Blessed
             God
             ,
             repeat
             their
             Vows
             of
             all
             prescribed
             Duty
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             main
             in
             their
             whole
             course
             demean
             themselves
             suitably
             .
             What
             can
             shake
             such
             persons
             hopes
             of
             Perseverance
             ?
             Their
             frequent
             slips
             and
             failings
             need
             not
             :
             For
             tho'
             they
             are
             to
             be
             lamented
             and
             bewail'd
             ,
             yet
             do
             they
             not
             forfeit
             those
             aids
             of
             Grace
             whereby
             they
             may
             be
             enabled
             to
             hold
             out
             ;
             yet
             do
             they
             not
             cut
             of
             the
             entail
             of
             Divine
             Favour
             ,
             whereby
             this
             perseverance
             is
             secur'd
             .
             It
             is
             unquestionable
             that
             many
             may
             go
             far
             in
             Religion
             ,
             and
             yet
             fall
             off
             at
             last
             ,
             and
             come
             to
             nothing
             ;
             they
             may
             begin
             well
             and
             hold
             on
             for
             a
             time
             ,
             and
             for
             want
             of
             holding
             out
             lose
             the
             Crown
             ,
             that
             the
             Gospel
             propounds
             as
             a
             Reward
             to
             the
             Faithful
             .
             But
             that
             which
             I
             assert
             is
             this
             ;
             That
             those
             who
             are
             serious
             in
             the
             frequent
             repeating
             ,
             and
             afterwards
             faithful
             in
             keeping
             their
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             may
             on
             this
             very
             Consideration
             ,
             bottom
             a
             comfortable
             and
             well
             grounded
             hope
             of
             their
             own
             Perseverance
             ;
             that
             they
             shall
             not
             be
             in
             the
             number
             of
             them
             that
             fall
             away
             .
             I
             am
             far
             from
             thinking
             that
             any
             are
             so
             far
             out
             of
             all
             danger
             as
             to
             have
             any
             reason
             to
             grow
             secure
             ;
             and
             if
             they
             do
             grow
             
             secure
             and
             careless
             ;
             't
             is
             a
             plain
             evidence
             to
             me
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             not
             yet
             out
             of
             Danger
             :
             But
             yet
             I
             doubt
             not
             but
             there
             are
             such
             things
             ,
             as
             that
             those
             who
             do
             them
             shall
             never
             fall
             :
             And
             thus
             much
             I
             think
             may
             be
             plainly
             learnt
             from
             2
             Pet.
             1.
             10.
             
             And
             of
             this
             number
             I
             take
             this
             course
             to
             be
             ,
             of
             serious
             Repeating
             and
             faithful
             paying
             Sacramental
             Vows
             .
             For
             it
             argues
             the
             Heart
             to
             be
             establisht
             with
             Grace
             ;
             it
             seems
             to
             imply
             an
             incapacity
             of
             forsaking
             their
             Saviour
             whose
             Love
             hath
             taken
             so
             fast
             hold
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             bound
             them
             so
             firmly
             to
             himself
             ;
             it
             argues
             an
             incapacity
             of
             being
             guilty
             of
             such
             crying
             Provocations
             as
             those
             must
             be
             whereby
             the
             Blessed
             Spirit
             should
             be
             quencht
             ,
             or
             God
             oblig'd
             to
             desert
             them
             ;
             it
             argues
             Persons
             to
             be
             arriv'd
             at
             so
             fixed
             an
             habit
             of
             Goodness
             ,
             as
             cannot
             be
             lost
             and
             eradicated
             .
             Needs
             then
             must
             it
             argue
             unspeakable
             Happiness
             in
             their
             state
             who
             have
             arriv'd
             to
             it
             .
             Who
             ought
             therefore
             certainly
             to
             be
             fill'd
             with
             Thankfulness
             ,
             and
             transported
             with
             Joy
             ;
             and
             will
             be
             inexcusable
             ,
             if
             their
             Souls
             don't
             Magnify
             the
             Lord
             ,
             if
             their
             Spirit
             don't
             Rejoyce
             in
             God
             their
             Saviour
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XII
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               difficulty
               of
               Living
               up
               to
               our
               Sacramental
               Vows
               ,
               with
               that
               Exactness
               that
               we
               ought
               .
               With
               the
               Solution
               of
               some
               common
               Cases
               relating
               thereto
               .
            
          
           
             NOTHING's
             more
             easie
             to
             be
             observ'd
             ,
             Than
             that
             many
             are
             the
             imperfections
             which
             attend
             those
             who
             are
             most
             faithful
             in
             paying
             their
             Sacramental
             Vows
             :
             Hardly
             any
             thing
             creates
             some
             Persons
             so
             much
             perplexity
             as
             this
             :
             And
             those
             must
             be
             great
             strangers
             to
             Religious
             matters
             ,
             who
             know
             not
             that
             't
             is
             very
             difficult
             to
             walk
             evenly
             with
             God
             ,
             closely
             to
             follow
             Christ
             ,
             to
             live
             under
             the
             conduct
             of
             the
             Divine
             Spirit
             ,
             to
             live
             by
             Faith
             ,
             to
             lead
             such
             Holy
             ,
             Heavenly
             ,
             Circumspect
             and
             Mortify'd
             Lives
             ,
             as
             Christianity
             obliges
             to
             ,
             and
             as
             we
             in
             our
             often
             Repeated
             Sacred
             Vows
             engage
             to
             do
             .
             A
             distinct
             handling
             of
             this
             matter
             may
             be
             of
             common
             which
             I
             shall
             therefore
             endeavour
             in
             this
             method
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             I
             'LL
             enquire
             how
             it
             comes
             about
             that
             the
             keeping
             our
             Sacramental
             Vows
             
             with
             any
             Exactness
             ,
             should
             be
             so
             very
             difficult
             as
             't
             is
             found
             to
             be
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             I
             'LL
             lay
             down
             some
             general
             Considerations
             ,
             to
             prevent
             Peoples
             apprehending
             it
             to
             be
             a
             more
             difficult
             matter
             ,
             than
             it
             really
             is
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             I
             'LL
             solve
             two
             or
             three
             Particular
             Cases
             ,
             which
             commonly
             occur
             with
             reference
             to
             this
             matter
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             THEN
             let
             us
             a
             little
             enquire
             how
             it
             comes
             about
             that
             the
             Keeping
             our
             Sacramental
             Vows
             with
             any
             exactness
             ,
             is
             so
             very
             difficult
             as
             't
             is
             found
             to
             be
             ;
             which
             is
             a
             needful
             enquiry
             to
             prevent
             mistakes
             .
             Our
             ascribing
             the
             difficulty
             in
             this
             case
             to
             a
             false
             cause
             ,
             might
             lead
             us
             into
             many
             Errors
             ,
             To
             prevent
             which
             ,
             I
             shall
             lay
             down
             three
             Observations
             by
             way
             of
             Negation
             ;
             and
             as
             many
             by
             way
             of
             Affirmation
             .
          
           
             By
             way
             of
             Negation
             let
             it
             be
             observ'd
             That
             the
             difficulty
             of
             keeping
             our
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             arises
             not
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             FROM
             any
             rigorous
             demands
             of
             our
             Holy
             Religion
             .
             We
             Vow
             time
             after
             time
             at
             the
             Lords
             Table
             Obedience
             to
             the
             whole
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             he
             is
             pleased
             to
             make
             it
             known
             to
             us
             :
             When
             we
             have
             done
             ,
             we
             find
             it
             indeed
             very
             difficult
             to
             do
             as
             we
             have
             engag'd
             ;
             but
             this
             difficulty
             arises
             not
             from
             any
             over
             rigorousness
             in
             any
             part
             of
             Gods
             Revealed
             
             Will
             ;
             it
             arises
             not
             from
             any
             unnecessary
             over
             harsh
             ,
             or
             needlesly
             severe
             and
             strict
             commands
             ,
             which
             among
             others
             we
             have
             vow'd
             Obedience
             to
             ;
             No
             ,
             we
             have
             not
             to
             do
             with
             an
             hard
             Master
             :
             Tho'
             he
             had
             a
             right
             to
             have
             prescrib'd
             us
             whatever
             he
             thought
             good
             ,
             yet
             hath
             he
             temper'd
             his
             Prerogative
             with
             great
             Wisdom
             and
             Love
             ,
             and
             suited
             his
             Prescriptions
             every
             way
             to
             our
             greatest
             Good
             and
             best
             Advantage
             :
             So
             that
             which
             way
             soever
             we
             cast
             our
             Eyes
             ,
             we
             can
             find
             no
             part
             of
             the
             Duty
             we
             have
             vow'd
             to
             our
             God
             and
             Saviour
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             most
             highly
             reasonable
             ;
             but
             what
             did
             we
             without
             prejudice
             or
             partiallity
             study
             and
             mind
             our
             own
             truest
             interest
             ,
             we
             should
             readily
             comply
             and
             fall
             in
             with
             .
             The
             difficulty
             therefore
             in
             the
             case
             would
             be
             unjustly
             ascrib'd
             to
             any
             thing
             in
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             Duties
             which
             are
             the
             matter
             of
             our
             Vows
             .
             Nor
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             IS
             this
             difficulty
             to
             be
             ascrib'd
             to
             any
             natural
             Incapacity
             on
             our
             parts
             to
             comply
             with
             the
             demands
             of
             our
             Holy
             Religion
             .
             We
             can't
             say
             but
             that
             were
             we
             duly
             serious
             ,
             observant
             ,
             vigorous
             ,
             resolute
             ,
             diligent
             ,
             and
             watchful
             ,
             we
             might
             pay
             the
             Vows
             that
             we
             make
             and
             often
             repeat
             to
             God
             ;
             we
             can't
             say
             but
             that
             if
             we
             us'd
             that
             intentness
             and
             appliplication
             which
             such
             a
             matter
             deserves
             ,
             and
             calls
             for
             at
             our
             hands
             ,
             we
             might
             live
             
             continually
             like
             those
             who
             are
             consecrated
             and
             devoted
             to
             our
             God
             and
             Saviour
             ;
             making
             his
             Glory
             our
             end
             ,
             his
             Law
             our
             Rule
             ,
             and
             his
             Pattern
             our
             Copy
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             summary
             of
             of
             our
             Vows
             .
             We
             can't
             truly
             say
             ,
             That
             any
             of
             the
             Commands
             whereto
             we
             have
             vow'd
             Obedience
             ,
             repuire
             any
             thing
             of
             us
             whereof
             we
             are
             utterly
             incapable
             ,
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             impossible
             to
             us
             ,
             would
             we
             set
             our selves
             to
             it
             with
             that
             Seriousness
             and
             Earnestness
             ,
             that
             becomes
             those
             who
             are
             under
             such
             strong
             Bonds
             ,
             such
             Sacred
             and
             Solemn
             Engagements
             .
             Neither
             ,
          
           
             3.
             
             Can
             we
             justly
             ascribe
             this
             Difficulty
             to
             any
             backwardness
             in
             God
             to
             give
             us
             needed
             Aids
             .
             We
             can't
             truly
             say
             that
             therefore
             we
             do
             fall
             so
             short
             in
             paying
             our
             Vows
             ,
             because
             God
             is
             wanting
             to
             us
             in
             those
             Supernatural
             Assistances
             ,
             without
             which
             such
             poor
             weak
             Creatures
             as
             we
             ,
             are
             able
             to
             do
             nothing
             to
             purpose
             .
             We
             should
             be
             very
             injurious
             to
             God
             ,
             should
             we
             pretend
             that
             he
             was
             wanting
             to
             his
             Word
             and
             Promise
             of
             sending
             us
             in
             help
             by
             his
             Blessed
             Spirit
             ,
             which
             he
             declares
             himself
             so
             ready
             to
             bestow
             on
             them
             that
             ask
             it
             of
             him
             .
             No
             alas
             ,
             't
             is
             not
             therefore
             difficult
             for
             us
             to
             be
             so
             Holy
             and
             Heavenly
             ,
             and
             Patient
             and
             Mortify'd
             ,
             as
             we
             time
             after
             time
             vow
             we
             will
             be
             ,
             because
             God
             is
             sparing
             in
             the
             Communications
             of
             his
             
             Grace
             ,
             on
             which
             all
             our
             hopes
             of
             success
             must
             needs
             be
             founded
             ;
             for
             he
             is
             ever
             free
             and
             open
             handed
             ,
             he
             is
             never
             wanting
             to
             us
             ,
             but
             't
             is
             we
             that
             are
             wanting
             to
             our selves
             .
          
           
             BY
             way
             of
             Assirmation
             therefore
             on
             the
             other
             hand
             ,
             Let
             it
             be
             observ'd
             ,
             that
             the
             difficulty
             of
             Keeping
             and
             Living
             up
             to
             our
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             arises
             from
             a
             triple
             Cause
             conjunctly
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             FROM
             the
             great
             Slipperiness
             and
             Deceitfulness
             of
             our
             Hearts
             :
             Which
             is
             such
             as
             that
             many
             times
             when
             they
             seem
             well
             fixt
             and
             firmly
             bent
             ,
             they
             shall
             on
             a
             sudden
             
               turn
               a
               side
               like
               a
               deceitful
               Bow.
            
             Good
             Impressions
             that
             seem'd
             strong
             ,
             shall
             soon
             be
             lost
             and
             worn
             off
             by
             contrary
             impressions
             ,
             for
             want
             of
             a
             due
             guard
             which
             few
             take
             care
             to
             keep
             up
             .
             Would
             but
             our
             Hearts
             keep
             in
             an
             even
             tenour
             ,
             could
             we
             retain
             that
             warm
             sense
             of
             the
             things
             of
             God
             which
             we
             sometimes
             feel
             ;
             could
             we
             maintain
             the
             same
             Holy
             Resolution
             we
             sometimes
             find
             excited
             in
             a
             Sacrament
             ;
             the
             difficulty
             we
             are
             so
             apt
             to
             complain
             of
             would
             soon
             vanish
             ;
             we
             should
             find
             the
             paying
             of
             our
             Vows
             an
             easie
             thing
             :
             But
             herein
             our
             slipery
             Hearts
             deceive
             us
             :
             For
             let
             us
             be
             never
             so
             warm
             to
             day
             ,
             we
             shall
             it
             may
             be
             be
             cold
             to
             morrow
             .
             We
             feel
             our
             Hearts
             so
             often
             change
             ,
             that
             there
             's
             no
             knowing
             how
             to
             reckon
             upon
             
             them
             ,
             and
             where
             to
             find
             them
             ;
             and
             it
             requires
             great
             Application
             to
             keep
             them
             in
             any
             fixedness
             of
             Temper
             .
             Now
             this
             being
             no
             easie
             matter
             ,
             renders
             the
             paying
             our
             Sacramental
             Vows
             so
             difficult
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             THE
             prevalence
             of
             Inward
             Corruption
             is
             another
             grand
             cause
             of
             this
             difficulty
             .
             Our
             Inward
             Corruption
             is
             like
             tinder
             ;
             't
             will
             catch
             fire
             upon
             every
             spark
             .
             And
             't
             is
             so
             riveted
             that
             there
             's
             no
             total
             laying
             it
             aside
             but
             together
             with
             our
             Bodies
             .
             It
             is
             like
             an
             impure
             Fountain
             continually
             casting
             forth
             mire
             and
             dirt
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             the
             checking
             the
             pure
             motions
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Grace
             .
             'T
             is
             very
             strong
             and
             powerful
             in
             most
             :
             'T
             will
             be
             continually
             striving
             against
             the
             force
             of
             those
             Divine
             Considerations
             whereby
             our
             minds
             should
             be
             govern'd
             ,
             and
             kept
             in
             awe
             ;
             and
             pulling
             of
             us
             back
             when
             we
             are
             with
             any
             seriousness
             attempting
             to
             answer
             our
             Christian
             Obligations
             and
             Engagements
             .
             Could
             we
             quell
             and
             master
             this
             contrary
             principle
             in
             us
             ,
             we
             should
             find
             it
             an
             easie
             thing
             to
             live
             up
             to
             our
             Sacred
             Vows
             :
             But
             this
             is
             a
             painful
             and
             laborious
             task
             ,
             of
             which
             we
             are
             apt
             to
             be
             very
             soon
             weary
             ,
             and
             therefore
             is
             it
             that
             we
             find
             that
             so
             difficult
             a
             matter
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             THE
             many
             bewitching
             Temptations
             we
             are
             constantly
             beset
             with
             are
             great
             Occasions
             of
             this
             difficulty
             .
             We
             
             have
             a
             subtle
             Devil
             to
             deal
             with
             ,
             who
             'll
             lay
             all
             the
             curbs
             in
             our
             way
             that
             possibly
             he
             can
             ;
             who
             so
             surrounds
             us
             on
             all
             hands
             with
             snares
             ,
             that
             we
             can
             hardly
             take
             an
             inadvertent
             step
             without
             falling
             into
             some
             or
             other
             of
             them
             .
             Let
             us
             but
             set
             our selves
             in
             earnest
             to
             live
             up
             to
             our
             Engagements
             ,
             and
             he
             'll
             start
             a
             thousand
             discouragements
             to
             clog
             and
             damp
             us
             :
             He
             'll
             interpose
             with
             a
             variety
             of
             occasions
             that
             shall
             seem
             to
             be
             necessary
             ,
             on
             purpose
             to
             take
             off
             our
             intention
             and
             divert
             our
             thoughts
             ,
             till
             we
             by
             degrees
             grow
             cold
             :
             He
             'll
             make
             our
             Callings
             ,
             our
             Relations
             ,
             our
             Successes
             ,
             our
             Disappointments
             ,
             our
             Comforts
             ,
             or
             our
             Crosses
             ,
             or
             any
             thing
             that
             comes
             in
             the
             way
             ,
             his
             engines
             to
             hinder
             us
             :
             He
             'll
             call
             in
             our
             flesh
             to
             his
             assistance
             ,
             to
             the
             voice
             whereof
             't
             is
             difficult
             not
             to
             listen
             .
             He
             'll
             entice
             us
             by
             charming
             Insinuations
             ;
             or
             affright
             us
             by
             Terrors
             ;
             and
             select
             that
             method
             of
             dealing
             with
             us
             that
             we
             are
             least
             able
             to
             resist
             ,
             and
             leave
             nothing
             unattempted
             that
             lies
             in
             his
             power
             to
             hinder
             us
             from
             that
             Holy
             ,
             Christian
             ,
             Exemplary
             Life
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             matter
             of
             our
             Sacramental
             Vows
             :
             No
             wonder
             therefore
             that
             't
             is
             so
             difficult
             .
             Nay
             ,
             I
             believe
             most
             Christians
             may
             generally
             observe
             ,
             That
             when
             they
             have
             thought
             themselves
             most
             serious
             at
             a
             Sacrament
             ,
             when
             their
             hearts
             have
             seem'd
             
             most
             earnest
             and
             resolute
             in
             repeating
             their
             Solemn
             Vows
             to
             God
             and
             their
             Saviour
             there
             ;
             then
             is
             the
             Devil
             more
             than
             ordinarily
             busie
             in
             his
             onsets
             and
             attacks
             ;
             then
             is
             he
             starting
             unthought
             of
             diversions
             to
             cool
             and
             damp
             them
             ;
             then
             shall
             he
             with
             unusual
             earnestness
             follow
             them
             with
             Temptations
             ;
             till
             he
             finds
             their
             Spirits
             cool
             ,
             their
             Resolutions
             flag
             ,
             and
             they
             return
             to
             their
             wonted
             Remisness
             .
             And
             having
             given
             this
             short
             account
             of
             the
             rise
             of
             the
             difficulty
             of
             living
             up
             to
             our
             Vows
             with
             any
             exactness
             ;
             I
             proceed
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             TO
             lay
             down
             some
             general
             Considerations
             to
             prevent
             our
             apprehending
             this
             to
             be
             a
             more
             difficult
             matter
             than
             it
             really
             is
             .
             'T
             is
             indeed
             difficult
             to
             keep
             and
             pay
             our
             Christian
             Vows
             ;
             but
             still
             not
             so
             difficult
             as
             some
             are
             apt
             to
             imagine
             it
             :
             which
             these
             four
             Considerations
             among
             many
             that
             might
             be
             alleg'd
             ,
             do
             sufficiently
             evince
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Perfect
             sinless
             Obedience
             is
             not
             the
             matter
             of
             our
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             is
             not
             necessary
             in
             order
             to
             our
             Acceptance
             :
             It
             is
             indeed
             to
             be
             thirsted
             and
             aspir'd
             after
             ,
             but
             we
             may
             despair
             of
             reaching
             it
             ,
             till
             we
             come
             to
             be
             reckon'd
             among
             the
             Spirits
             of
             Just
             Men
             made
             Perfect
             :
             We
             are
             to
             be
             ever
             reaching
             towards
             it
             ,
             but
             to
             vow
             that
             we
             will
             reach
             it
             ,
             is
             needlesly
             to
             hamper
             our selves
             ,
             by
             binding
             our
             
             selves
             to
             an
             utter
             impossibility
             .
             We
             are
             at
             every
             Sacrament
             to
             vow
             against
             all
             Sin
             ,
             
               i
               e.
            
             against
             a
             willing
             loving
             Entertainment
             of
             any
             Sin
             whatever
             :
             And
             this
             Vow
             is
             sincerely
             kept
             by
             all
             who
             hate
             and
             strive
             against
             all
             Sin
             ,
             and
             forbear
             every
             wilful
             Sin
             ,
             and
             are
             humbled
             under
             the
             sense
             of
             all
             their
             Remaining
             Imperfections
             ,
             being
             far
             more
             desirous
             to
             be
             rid
             of
             them
             ,
             than
             to
             retain
             them
             .
             Our
             vows
             to
             Christ
             at
             his
             Table
             against
             Sin
             ,
             are
             much
             of
             the
             same
             nature
             with
             the
             Promise
             we
             may
             make
             to
             a
             Physician
             ,
             that
             we
             'll
             be
             careful
             of
             our
             Health
             :
             Such
             a
             Promise
             to
             a
             Physician
             don't
             at
             all
             intimate
             that
             we
             'll
             never
             be
             sick
             more
             ;
             no
             more
             do
             our
             Vows
             to
             Christ
             that
             we
             will
             never
             sin
             more
             ;
             but
             such
             a
             Promise
             to
             a
             Physician
             would
             imply
             ,
             that
             we
             would
             not
             wilfully
             bring
             Diseases
             on
             our selves
             ,
             but
             would
             use
             the
             means
             that
             are
             appointed
             to
             preserve
             and
             encrease
             our
             Health
             ;
             and
             that
             whatever
             Sickness
             cleaves
             to
             us
             should
             be
             our
             Trouble
             ,
             and
             we
             would
             desire
             and
             earnestly
             endeavour
             to
             be
             freed
             from
             it
             .
             So
             our
             Vows
             at
             the
             Lords
             Table
             bind
             us
             carefully
             to
             regard
             the
             health
             of
             our
             Souls
             ;
             to
             look
             upon
             Sin
             as
             a
             Spiritual
             Sickness
             ,
             and
             therefore
             never
             to
             fall
             in
             Love
             with
             it
             ,
             but
             to
             do
             our
             best
             towards
             its
             utter
             Removal
             .
             Even
             those
             infirmities
             the
             best
             are
             liable
             to
             ,
             are
             not
             to
             be
             
             cherisht
             and
             pleaded
             for
             ,
             any
             more
             than
             we
             would
             plead
             for
             a
             little
             of
             the
             Head-ach
             ,
             or
             any
             bodily
             pain
             .
             We
             should
             not
             by
             our
             good
             will
             be
             guilty
             so
             much
             as
             of
             a
             vain
             thought
             ,
             or
             an
             Idle
             Word
             ,
             or
             at
             all
             cherish
             the
             least
             motion
             to
             any
             Sin
             ;
             but
             yet
             God
             doth
             not
             require
             of
             us
             positively
             that
             we
             will
             never
             sin
             more
             ;
             nor
             are
             we
             to
             look
             on
             our selves
             as
             perfidious
             breakers
             of
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             because
             we
             find
             sundry
             imperfections
             cleave
             to
             us
             ,
             so
             long
             as
             we
             from
             our
             Hearts
             abhor
             them
             ;
             and
             do
             ordinarily
             overcome
             temptations
             to
             more
             gross
             and
             wilful
             Sins
             .
             That
             which
             we
             are
             properly
             to
             vow
             at
             every
             Sacrament
             with
             reference
             to
             Sin
             is
             this
             ;
             that
             we
             won't
             live
             and
             allow
             our selves
             in
             it
             ;
             and
             that
             we
             'll
             keep
             up
             a
             constant
             struggle
             and
             combat
             against
             it
             .
             The
             Gospel
             finds
             us
             Sinners
             ,
             and
             supposes
             us
             such
             in
             its
             first
             grand
             Address
             to
             us
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Offer
             of
             a
             Saviour
             :
             And
             tho'
             it
             works
             a
             great
             Change
             where
             it
             is
             heartily
             entertain'd
             ,
             yet
             doth
             it
             not
             make
             us
             quite
             cease
             to
             be
             Sinners
             :
             It
             makes
             us
             indeed
             cease
             to
             be
             obstinate
             ,
             resolute
             ,
             harden'd
             ,
             habitually
             wilful
             ,
             impenitent
             Sinners
             ;
             but
             altho'
             it
             works
             Repentance
             and
             Faith
             ,
             and
             all
             other
             saving
             Grace
             in
             us
             ,
             yet
             doth
             it
             not
             root
             out
             all
             the
             Remains
             of
             Sin
             out
             of
             us
             :
             And
             where
             Sin
             remains
             it
             will
             show
             it self
             at
             times
             .
             
             To
             suppose
             it
             necessary
             in
             order
             to
             our
             Salvation
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             be
             free
             from
             sin
             ,
             were
             to
             make
             it
             not
             only
             difficult
             ,
             but
             impossible
             .
             We
             must
             take
             heed
             of
             this
             mistake
             therefore
             ,
             least
             we
             needlesly
             trouble
             our selves
             ,
             by
             fancying
             this
             matter
             more
             difficult
             than
             it
             is
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             We
             Vow
             nothing
             at
             all
             at
             the
             Sacrament
             in
             our
             own
             strength
             .
             So
             weak
             and
             impotent
             are
             we
             in
             Spirituals
             ,
             that
             if
             we
             had
             no
             higher
             strength
             than
             our
             own
             to
             depend
             on
             ,
             we
             could
             not
             safely
             come
             under
             the
             least
             engagement
             ;
             for
             we
             might
             easily
             foresee
             we
             should
             certainly
             fall
             short
             .
             In
             our
             own
             Strength
             we
             could
             not
             safely
             vow
             or
             promise
             the
             performance
             of
             the
             least
             duty
             ,
             or
             an
             avoidance
             of
             the
             least
             sin
             ;
             much
             less
             a
             firm
             adherence
             to
             God
             ,
             in
             a
             course
             of
             holy
             Universal
             Obedience
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             purport
             of
             our
             Sacramental
             Engagements
             .
             To
             suppose
             it
             necessary
             for
             us
             of
             our selves
             without
             superiour
             Aids
             to
             keep
             our
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             is
             another
             way
             of
             representing
             our
             doing
             so
             ,
             not
             only
             difficult
             but
             impossible
             ;
             and
             therefore
             carefully
             to
             be
             avoided
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             He
             to
             whom
             Vows
             are
             made
             on
             our
             part
             ,
             engages
             on
             his
             part
             to
             supply
             us
             with
             all
             needed
             strength
             .
             Christ
             hath
             ●…c
             has'd
             the
             Aids
             of
             the
             Spirit
             for
             all
             his
             hearty
             Followers
             :
             And
             whoever
             
             come
             to
             the
             Lord's
             Table
             with
             an
             earnest
             desire
             of
             Grace
             to
             be
             there
             given
             them
             from
             Christ
             ,
             to
             enable
             them
             to
             fulfil
             the
             Promises
             ,
             and
             pay
             the
             Vows
             they
             there
             renew
             ,
             they
             may
             very
             confidently
             expect
             strength
             and
             and
             assistance
             from
             him
             .
             Were
             it
             not
             for
             this
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             purport
             of
             divers
             Promises
             in
             the
             Covenant
             of
             Grace
             ,
             there
             were
             no
             hope
             for
             us
             :
             We
             might
             vow
             and
             vow
             as
             long
             as
             we
             would
             ,
             all
             would
             signify
             nothing
             .
             How
             difficult
             soever
             therefore
             we
             find
             it
             to
             live
             up
             to
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             in
             this
             may
             we
             take
             comfort
             ,
             That
             
               the
               Grace
               of
               Christ
               is
               sufficient
               for
               us
               ,
               and
               his
               Strength
               is
               made
               perfect
               in
               Weakness
               :
               And
               tho'
               without
            
             
             
               him
               we
               can
               do
               nothing
            
             .
             Yet
             
               thro'
               his
            
             
             
               Strength
               we
               may
               do
               all
               things
               .
               i.
               e.
            
             We
             may
             do
             all
             things
             requir'd
             in
             an
             acceptable
             manner
             :
             We
             may
             do
             all
             that
             we
             at
             his
             Table
             vow
             we
             will
             do
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             be
             accepted
             .
             Tho'
             therefore
             thro'
             the
             great
             Disorders
             of
             our
             Spirits
             ,
             the
             many
             Temptations
             whereto
             we
             are
             on
             all
             hands
             incident
             ,
             and
             our
             own
             weakness
             it
             be
             exceeding
             difficult
             ,
             to
             live
             up
             to
             our
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             yet
             Strength
             and
             Aids
             from
             Heaven
             ,
             which
             those
             that
             keep
             in
             the
             way
             of
             their
             Duty
             may
             comfortably
             expect
             and
             hope
             for
             ,
             will
             not
             only
             render
             it
             possible
             ;
             but
             by
             degrees
             abate
             the
             Difficulty
             ,
             and
             make
             it
             easy
             .
          
           
           
             4.
             
             THE
             Gospel
             Covenant
             leaves
             room
             for
             Repentance
             of
             our
             frequent
             Breaches
             ,
             and
             manifold
             Defects
             and
             Infirmitys
             .
             Our
             Sacramental
             Vows
             suppose
             not
             that
             we
             should
             live
             without
             slips
             and
             stumbles
             :
             (
             Unspeakably
             wretched
             were
             our
             case
             ,
             should
             they
             presently
             cast
             us
             out
             of
             the
             Divine
             Favour
             ;
             )
             but
             they
             oblige
             us
             upon
             discerning
             our
             Falls
             to
             rise
             again
             by
             true
             Repentance
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             recourse
             anew
             to
             the
             Bloud
             of
             Christ
             for
             Mercy
             ,
             and
             to
             his
             Spirit
             for
             fresh
             strength
             ;
             resolving
             to
             take
             more
             heed
             to
             our
             Ways
             for
             time
             to
             come
             :
             And
             thus
             doing
             we
             need
             not
             fear
             being
             accepted
             .
          
           
             SOME
             indeed
             are
             by
             this
             Consideration
             so
             encourag'd
             in
             presumption
             ,
             that
             they
             run
             a
             round
             of
             sinning
             and
             repenting
             ,
             repenting
             and
             sinning
             ;
             giving
             themselves
             scope
             ,
             and
             then
             thinking
             that
             a
             slight
             asking
             God
             pardon
             when
             they
             have
             done
             will
             be
             sufficient
             :
             But
             by
             this
             course
             they
             wretchedly
             mock
             God
             ,
             and
             egregiously
             deceive
             and
             endanger
             their
             own
             Souls
             .
             But
             altho'
             it
             be
             liable
             to
             be
             thus
             abus'd
             ,
             and
             actually
             is
             so
             by
             many
             presumptuous
             daring
             Sinners
             ,
             it
             yet
             remains
             a
             truth
             ;
             and
             a
             very
             comfortable
             truth
             it
             is
             to
             sincere
             Souls
             ,
             for
             whom
             God
             hath
             by
             this
             means
             provided
             great
             relief
             .
             Let
             us
             vow
             against
             Sin
             never
             so
             seriously
             and
             solemnly
             ;
             let
             us
             endeavour
             to
             live
             
             up
             to
             such
             Vows
             never
             so
             diligently
             ,
             never
             so
             carefully
             ,
             we
             yet
             after
             all
             shall
             find
             the
             Scripture
             true
             ,
             which
             declares
             ,
             That
             
               there
               is
               no
               Man
               that
               sinneth
               not
               .
               And
               in
               many
            
             
             
               things
               we
               offend
               all
               .
               And
               if
               we
               say
               we
               have
               no
               sin
               ,
               we
               deceive
               our selves
               ,
               and
               the
               Truth
               is
               not
               in
               us
               .
            
             But
             here
             's
             our
             Comfort
             ,
             
               If
               we
               confess
               our
               Sins
               ,
               i.
               e.
            
             truly
             repent
             of
             them
             ,
             
               God
               is
               faithful
               and
               just
               to
               forgive
               us
               our
               Sins
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               to
               cleanse
               us
               from
               all
               Unrighteousness
               .
            
          
           
             From
             these
             four
             Considerations
             taken
             together
             ,
             I
             draw
             this
             plain
             ,
             single
             ,
             useful
             Inference
             :
             That
             tho'
             our
             experience
             of
             the
             difficulty
             of
             living
             up
             to
             our
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             be
             a
             proper
             Call
             to
             Humiliation
             ,
             yet
             is
             not
             a
             just
             occasion
             for
             sinking
             discouragement
             .
             A
             Call
             to
             Humiliation
             indeed
             it
             is
             ,
             to
             find
             that
             we
             in
             any
             measure
             fail
             of
             our
             Duty
             to
             God
             ,
             of
             whose
             Benignity
             ,
             Love
             and
             Grace
             we
             have
             had
             so
             great
             experience
             :
             That
             when
             we
             have
             done
             our
             best
             ,
             our
             Returns
             to
             our
             dear
             Saviour
             for
             his
             Redeeming
             Love
             ,
             whereby
             he
             bought
             us
             to
             himself
             with
             an
             invaluable
             Price
             ,
             fall
             so
             short
             ,
             &
             are
             so
             defective
             :
             That
             such
             solemn
             Tyes
             and
             Bonds
             as
             we
             are
             continually
             renewing
             ,
             repeating
             ,
             and
             further
             strengthning
             are
             so
             little
             able
             to
             hold
             our
             slippery
             Hearts
             fast
             to
             our
             God
             and
             Saviour
             :
             That
             after
             all
             our
             
               serious
               Vows
            
             and
             Promises
             Sin
             should
             be
             so
             powerful
             in
             us
             ,
             Temptations
             so
             prevalent
             with
             us
             ,
             
             and
             the
             great
             Motives
             and
             Incentives
             wherewith
             our
             Holy
             Religion
             presents
             us
             ,
             should
             have
             so
             little
             influence
             upon
             us
             :
             But
             yet
             all
             this
             is
             not
             a
             just
             occasion
             for
             sinking
             Discouragement
             .
             For
             tho'
             we
             are
             very
             imperfect
             ,
             yet
             may
             we
             still
             be
             acceptably
             faithful
             :
             Tho'
             we
             have
             abundant
             experience
             of
             our
             own
             weakness
             ,
             yet
             is
             Christ
             ready
             to
             strengthen
             us
             ;
             tho'
             we
             often
             stumble
             and
             fall
             ,
             yet
             may
             we
             be
             accepted
             upon
             our
             Repentance
             .
             What
             Christ
             therefore
             once
             said
             upon
             a
             particular
             occasion
             to
             poor
             fearful
             doubting
             Thomas
             ,
             say
             I
             in
             his
             Name
             to
             all
             fearful
             ,
             doubting
             ,
             but
             sincere
             Souls
             ,
             
               Be
               not
               faithless
               but
               believing
            
             .
          
           
             I
             now
             proceed
             to
             the
             solving
             two
             or
             three
             particular
             Cases
             that
             commonly
             occur
             with
             reference
             to
             this
             matter
             :
             Under
             which
             I
             'll
             add
             some
             special
             Considerations
             suiting
             each
             Case
             ,
             to
             the
             general
             ones
             before
             laid
             down
             ,
             that
             may
             be
             apply'd
             to
             all
             .
             The
             first
             of
             these
             Cases
             is
             of
             one
             who
             never
             was
             at
             the
             Lord's
             Table
             ,
             who
             by
             this
             difficulty
             of
             answering
             the
             Engagements
             he
             should
             there
             come
             under
             is
             kept
             and
             affrighted
             thence
             .
             The
             second
             of
             one
             that
             hath
             oft
             been
             there
             ,
             but
             is
             afraid
             again
             and
             again
             to
             renew
             Vows
             there
             ,
             which
             he
             knows
             he
             can
             so
             difficulty
             keep
             .
             The
             third
             of
             one
             that
             oft
             goes
             there
             ,
             and
             oft
             renews
             his
             Vows
             ,
             but
             
             is
             discourag'd
             by
             his
             frequent
             Breaches
             .
             The
             foremention'd
             Difficulty
             lies
             at
             the
             bottom
             in
             each
             of
             these
             Cases
             .
          
           
             
               The
               first
               Case
               .
            
             
               
                 Therefore
                 may
                 a
                 Person
                 say
                 ,
                 Do
                 I
                 forbear
                 coming
                 to
                 the
                 Lord's
                 Table
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 am
                 there
                 to
                 come
                 under
                 Vows
                 ,
                 which
                 I
                 know
                 before
                 hand
                 I
                 shan't
                 keep
                 ?
                 Withal
                 I
                 know
                 my
                 Sins
                 ,
                 after
                 such
                 a
                 Solemnity
                 ,
                 will
                 be
                 much
                 aggravated
                 ,
                 and
                 my
                 Guilt
                 be
                 the
                 greater
                 ;
                 it
                 seems
                 to
                 me
                 therefore
                 better
                 to
                 forbear
                 and
                 stay
                 away
                 ,
                 than
                 to
                 run
                 my self
                 on
                 such
                 a
                 Precipice
                 .
                 If
                 I
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 Lord's
                 Table
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 to
                 Vow
                 against
                 all
                 Sin
                 ;
                 but
                 this
                 Vow
                 I
                 dare
                 not
                 make
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 am
                 satisfy'd
                 I
                 should
                 not
                 keep
                 it
                 .
              
            
             
               I
               Answer
               :
               1.
               
               We
               are
               to
               vow
               nothing
               at
               a
               Sacrament
               but
               what
               we
               are
               antecedently
               oblig'd
               to
               ;
               nothing
               but
               what
               is
               absolutely
               necessary
               in
               order
               to
               our
               Happiness
               .
               We
               make
               nothing
               our
               Duty
               by
               our
               Sacramental
               Vows
               ,
               that
               was
               not
               so
               before
               ;
               but
               only
               bind
               our selves
               to
               that
               to
               which
               we
               are
               sensible
               we
               were
               before
               oblig'd
               .
               We
               bind
               our selves
               to
               no
               unnecessarys
               ;
               but
               only
               engage
               to
               adhere
               to
               that
               God
               in
               whose
               Favour
               lies
               our
               Life
               ;
               we
               renounce
               sin
               ,
               which
               alone
               is
               enough
               to
               make
               us
               miserable
               ;
               we
               vow
               Holiness
               of
               Life
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               only
               way
               to
               Happiness
               .
               To
               say
               therefore
               we
               know
               before
               hand
               that
               we
               should
               not
               keep
               the
               
               Vows
               we
               should
               make
               at
               a
               Sacrament
               ,
               is
               to
               consign
               our selves
               over
               to
               certain
               Misery
               ;
               for
               unless
               we
               do
               that
               which
               Sacramental
               Vows
               import
               ,
               we
               are
               unavoidably
               undone
               for
               ever
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               IF
               thou
               dost
               not
               seriously
               intend
               to
               keep
               thy
               Sacramental
               Vows
               ,
               I
               own
               thou
               hadst
               better
               not
               make
               them
               .
               If
               thou
               in
               thy
               Heart
               really
               dislikest
               the
               Holy
               Laws
               and
               Government
               of
               Christ
               ,
               take
               not
               an
               Oath
               ,
               make
               not
               solemn
               Vows
               in
               a
               mockery
               that
               thou
               wilt
               be
               subject
               to
               him
               ,
               which
               thou
               before
               intendest
               not
               to
               keep
               .
               Beware
               how
               thou
               playest
               with
               Edge
               Tools
               .
               These
               are
               serious
               things
               ;
               wherefore
               either
               be
               serious
               and
               sincere
               in
               thy
               meddling
               with
               them
               ,
               or
               keep
               at
               a
               distance
               .
               But
               then
               withal
               take
               notice
               ,
               that
               by
               thy
               forbearing
               on
               this
               Account
               to
               come
               to
               the
               Lord's
               Table
               ,
               thou
               renouncest
               all
               the
               Benefits
               of
               Christ's
               Mediation
               and
               Purchase
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               THERE
               's
               no
               difficulty
               in
               any
               part
               of
               the
               Vows
               we
               come
               under
               at
               a
               Sacrament
               ,
               but
               what
               is
               superable
               by
               a
               diligent
               ,
               serious
               ,
               painful
               Christian
               ,
               aided
               with
               Divine
               Strength
               .
               We
               run
               upon
               Mistakes
               if
               we
               imagine
               there
               is
               any
               other
               ground
               for
               fear
               that
               we
               should
               not
               be
               able
               to
               keep
               the
               Vow
               we
               at
               the
               Lord's
               Table
               should
               come
               under
               ,
               but
               our
               own
               Carelessness
               and
               Sloth
               ,
               Negligence
               ,
               Carnality
               ,
               
               and
               sinful
               Self-Indulgence
               :
               These
               given
               way
               to
               ,
               will
               make
               not
               only
               our
               keeping
               any
               Vows
               we
               might
               come
               under
               to
               God
               ,
               but
               our
               Salvation
               also
               ,
               not
               only
               difficult
               but
               impossible
               .
               The
               Vow
               we
               are
               at
               the
               Lord's
               Table
               suppos'd
               to
               come
               under
               ,
               carrys
               no
               other
               difficulty
               in
               it
               ,
               than
               what
               by
               the
               help
               of
               Grace
               ,
               in
               the
               use
               of
               vigorous
               Endeavours
               ,
               we
               might
               get
               over
               .
               Take
               it
               therefore
               which
               way
               we
               will
               ,
               the
               Plea
               of
               this
               Case
               is
               unaccountable
               .
               If
               we
               are
               in
               earnest
               for
               Christ
               ,
               't
               is
               foolish
               to
               let
               such
               a
               fear
               as
               this
               keep
               us
               from
               his
               Table
               :
               If
               we
               are
               not
               so
               ,
               't
               is
               vain
               to
               plead
               this
               fear
               as
               a
               reason
               for
               staying
               away
               ;
               when
               in
               reality
               't
               is
               our
               love
               of
               Sin
               ,
               and
               unwillingness
               to
               come
               under
               the
               Government
               of
               Christ
               ,
               is
               the
               true
               Cause
               of
               our
               backwardness
               to
               come
               thither
               .
               Which
               all
               those
               who
               live
               in
               the
               neglect
               of
               the
               Lord's
               Supper
               ,
               would
               do
               well
               to
               consider
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               second
               Case
               .
            
             
               I
               ,
               says
               another
               ,
               
                 have
                 oft
                 been
                 at
                 the
                 Lords
                 Table
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 come
                 under
                 Vows
                 to
                 God
                 ;
                 but
                 have
                 so
                 often
                 broke
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 find
                 it
                 so
                 difficult
                 to
                 keep
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 cannot
                 tell
                 how
                 to
                 think
                 it
                 my
                 Duty
                 again
                 to
                 renew
                 them
                 :
                 For
                 how
                 can
                 it
                 be
                 my
                 Duty
                 to
                 run
                 a
                 Round
                 of
                 Vowing
                 and
                 Breaking
                 ,
                 which
                 I
                 find
                 by
                 Experience
                 will
                 be
                 my
                 Case
                 .
              
            
             
             
               I
               Answer
               :
            
             
               1.
               
               IT
               may
               be
               thou
               thinkest
               them
               Breaches
               of
               
                 Sacramental
                 Vows
              
               ,
               that
               are
               not
               so
               :
               If
               thou
               keepest
               up
               but
               a
               sincere
               Resolution
               to
               do
               what
               in
               thee
               lies
               to
               please
               God
               ,
               and
               takest
               care
               not
               to
               run
               wilfully
               into
               those
               Actions
               which
               thou
               knowest
               are
               contrary
               to
               his
               Will
               ;
               how
               numerous
               soever
               thy
               Infirmities
               be
               ,
               thou
               art
               not
               chargeable
               ,
               as
               a
               perfidious
               Breaker
               of
               thy
               Vows
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               IT
               may
               be
               thou
               forgettest
               the
               part
               that
               Repentance
               must
               bear
               ,
               in
               every
               true
               Christians
               Life
               :
               Thou
               thinkest
               ,
               it
               may
               be
               ,
               to
               make
               work
               for
               Repentance
               ,
               is
               to
               make
               thy
               Case
               next
               kin
               to
               Desperate
               :
               Whenas
               we
               are
               all
               making
               work
               for
               it
               daily
               ,
               and
               cannot
               in
               the
               state
               we
               are
               in
               do
               otherwise
               :
               To
               be
               continually
               Renewing
               our
               Repentance
               ,
               is
               our
               constant
               Duty
               ;
               and
               to
               be
               accepted
               upon
               our
               R●…pentance
               ,
               is
               a
               great
               Mercy
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               TO
               forbear
               Renewing
               thy
               Vows
               ,
               because
               thou
               hast
               fallen
               ,
               is
               to
               give
               the
               Devil
               a
               great
               Advantage
               against
               thee
               .
               For
               by
               keeping
               thee
               from
               it
               ,
               he
               keeps
               thee
               from
               that
               which
               would
               the
               most
               of
               any
               thing
               (
               if
               seriously
               manag'd
               )
               help
               thee
               to
               rise
               ,
               and
               resist
               him
               with
               a
               Renew'd
               Vigour
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               SIN
               fallen
               into
               ,
               can
               never
               make
               the
               Obligation
               to
               Duty
               cease
               .
               God
               obliges
               
               thee
               to
               come
               frequently
               to
               his
               Table
               ,
               and
               there
               renew
               thy
               Engagements
               to
               be
               his
               ,
               and
               his
               alone
               .
               Whatever
               thy
               Sins
               be
               ,
               this
               remains
               thy
               Duty
               .
               As
               for
               thy
               Sins
               ,
               thou
               oughtst
               with
               grief
               and
               sorrow
               of
               Heart
               to
               lament
               and
               bewail
               them
               ,
               and
               seriously
               to
               repent
               of
               them
               :
               But
               plain
               Duty
               is
               not
               to
               be
               neglected
               .
               To
               neglect
               Duty
               because
               we
               have
               sinned
               ,
               is
               to
               add
               Sin
               to
               Sin
               ,
               and
               to
               neglect
               this
               Duty
               especially
               ,
               is
               to
               refuse
               the
               use
               of
               that
               means
               which
               is
               most
               likely
               to
               help
               us
               to
               strength
               against
               Sin.
               
            
             
               5thly
               and
               lastly
               ,
               Consider
               ,
               That
               to
               forbear
               Renewing
               our
               Vows
               ,
               because
               of
               the
               difficulty
               of
               keeping
               them
               ,
               argues
               either
               an
               Impatience
               of
               Christs
               Yoak
               ,
               and
               Tiredness
               with
               his
               Bonds
               ,
               as
               too
               close
               and
               strait
               ,
               and
               therefore
               not
               to
               be
               born
               ;
               or
               a
               distrust
               of
               his
               Promise
               of
               affording
               help
               and
               strength
               to
               enable
               us
               to
               live
               up
               to
               them
               to
               such
               a
               degree
               as
               that
               we
               shall
               be
               accepted
               .
               And
               either
               of
               these
               are
               plainly
               very
               dishonourable
               to
               Christ
               ,
               and
               therefore
               are
               wholly
               to
               be
               watch'd
               against
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               Third
               Cas●…
               .
            
             
               We
               ,
               say
               some
               ,
               
                 are
                 so
                 sensible
                 of
                 our
                 Duty
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 continue
                 vowing
                 time
                 after
                 time
                 ,
                 at
                 the
                 Lora's
                 Table
                 ;
                 but
                 still
                 to
                 our
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 we
                 find
                 we
                 break
                 our
                 Vows
                 ;
                 nay
                 ,
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 how
                 to
                 keep
                 them
                 ;
                 we
                 are
                 therefore
                 
                 much
                 disheartened
                 :
                 To
                 forbear
                 Renewing
                 our
                 Vows
                 we
                 are
                 afraid
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 keep
                 them
                 we
                 find
                 we
                 cann't
                 :
                 And
                 between
                 the
                 one
                 and
                 the
                 other
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 great
                 Perplexity
                 .
                 What
                 's
                 to
                 be
                 done
                 in
                 this
                 great
                 strait
                 ?
              
            
             
               I
               Answer
               hereto
               ,
               I
               can
               only
               put
               this
               Question
               ,
               close
               to
               the
               Consciences
               of
               the
               Complainants
               ,
               Whether
               they
               are
               known
               wilful
               Sins
               ,
               or
               common
               Infirmities
               ,
               that
               are
               the
               Root
               of
               their
               Trouble
               ?
               If
               they
               find
               themselves
               chargeable
               with
               the
               former
               ,
               their
               only
               way
               to
               Comfort
               ,
               Peace
               ,
               or
               Safety
               ,
               is
               to
               avoid
               them
               :
               They
               must
               take
               great
               Care
               ,
               least
               by
               living
               in
               the
               neglect
               of
               the
               Holy
               Communion
               ,
               they
               give
               the
               Devil
               Advantage
               against
               them
               ;
               and
               if
               they
               come
               to
               it
               at
               its
               stated
               Returns
               ,
               they
               must
               take
               heed
               least
               by
               a
               wilful
               breaking
               of
               the
               Bonds
               they
               renew
               there
               ,
               they
               pull
               down
               a
               Curse
               on
               themselves
               ,
               instead
               of
               a
               Blessing
               .
               But
               if
               they
               are
               common
               Infirmities
               that
               disturb
               them
               ,
               I
               would
               suggest
               these
               following
               things
               to
               their
               Consideration
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               TO
               have
               an
               humble
               sense
               of
               our
               own
               Insufficiency
               and
               Weakness
               ,
               kept
               upon
               our
               Spirits
               ,
               is
               a
               great
               Advantage
               .
               It
               will
               preserve
               us
               from
               that
               Self-confidence
               and
               Security
               which
               betrays
               to
               many
               a
               Temptation
               ;
               and
               't
               will
               put
               us
               upon
               seeking
               earnestly
               for
               strength
               from
               
               Heaven
               ,
               of
               which
               it
               discovers
               to
               us
               so
               great
               need
               :
               And
               therefore
               't
               is
               a
               great
               Mercy
               ,
               and
               ought
               not
               to
               be
               esteem'd
               at
               all
               a
               Burthen
               or
               Grievance
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               TO
               be
               enabled
               to
               persist
               in
               our
               Duty
               ,
               notwithstanding
               Discouragements
               ,
               is
               also
               a
               great
               Mercy
               .
               It
               argues
               a
               firm
               bent
               of
               Heart
               for
               God
               ,
               and
               a
               fixed
               Resolution
               of
               Adherence
               to
               him
               ,
               whatever
               befalls
               us
               :
               which
               is
               very
               pleasing
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               should
               also
               be
               very
               comfortable
               to
               us
               ;
               and
               therefore
               we
               should
               be
               thankful
               for
               it
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               WE
               should
               take
               heed
               of
               Imagining
               that
               Unavoidable
               Infirmities
               ,
               Common
               Inadvertencies
               ,
               or
               any
               such
               Slips
               as
               are
               consistent
               with
               Sincerity
               ,
               cast
               us
               out
               of
               the
               Divine
               Favour
               .
               This
               were
               to
               entertain
               unbecoming
               Thoughts
               of
               God
               ,
               to
               disparage
               Christs
               Mediation
               ,
               to
               mistake
               the
               the
               tenour
               of
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               and
               gratifie
               our
               grand
               Enemy
               the
               Devil
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               WHILE
               we
               keep
               on
               in
               the
               Course
               of
               our
               Duty
               ,
               in
               an
               humble
               Dependance
               on
               Christ
               ,
               we
               may
               comfortably
               hope
               our
               strength
               may
               encrease
               ;
               and
               proportionably
               as
               that
               decreases
               ,
               shall
               we
               find
               the
               difficulty
               of
               that
               Holiness
               of
               Life
               we
               vow
               to
               him
               at
               his
               Table
               ,
               abate
               and
               wear
               off
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               OUR
               frequent
               Slips
               and
               Falls
               ,
               should
               cause
               us
               to
               redouble
               our
               Watchfulness
               ;
               
               and
               to
               keep
               the
               stricter
               Guard
               on
               our selves
               ;
               which
               would
               be
               ,
               as
               't
               were
               ,
               to
               fight
               against
               the
               Devil
               with
               his
               own
               Weapons
               .
            
             
               6.
               and
               Lastly
               ,
               TAKE
               this
               for
               thy
               comfort
               ,
               If
               thou
               art
               but
               brought
               to
               such
               a
               frame
               as
               this
               ;
               to
               be
               truly
               grieved
               that
               Sin
               and
               Satan
               should
               have
               so
               much
               Interest
               in
               thee
               ;
               and
               do'st
               heartily
               desire
               that
               God
               would
               cast
               them
               forth
               ;
               and
               take
               possession
               of
               thee
               for
               himself
               ,
               thou
               art
               in
               a
               good
               way
               to
               a
               Deliverance
               .
               If
               God
               sees
               thee
               labouring
               under
               the
               Burden
               of
               thy
               Corruptions
               ,
               which
               after
               all
               thy
               Vows
               ,
               and
               thy
               utmost
               care
               against
               them
               ,
               do
               still
               too
               often
               prevail
               over
               thee
               ;
               if
               he
               sees
               thee
               tugging
               with
               thy
               backward
               Heart
               ,
               to
               bring
               it
               to
               him
               ,
               he
               will
               soon
               afford
               thee
               help
               .
               Do
               but
               hold
               on
               ,
               and
               persevere
               ,
               and
               thou
               wilt
               find
               ,
               according
               to
               Philip.
               II.
               12.
               that
               in
               time
               God
               will
               work
               in
               thee
               to
               do
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               to
               will
               ,
               of
               his
               own
               good
               pleasure
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIII
             .
          
           
             
               DIRECTIONS
               that
               may
               help
               us
               to
               live
               more
               Correspendently
               to
               our
               many
               Solemn
               Sacramental
               Vows
               .
            
          
           
             WHERE
             a
             thing
             appears
             difficult
             ,
             help
             is
             generally
             acceptable
             :
             I
             shall
             therefore
             do
             what
             I
             can
             to
             afford
             it
             ,
             
             in
             the
             Case
             of
             Living
             up
             to
             our
             many
             sacred
             Vows
             .
             The
             foregoing
             Chapter
             will
             from
             most
             be
             apt
             to
             draw
             forth
             this
             further
             Enquiry
             ;
             How
             may
             we
             come
             to
             live
             correspondently
             to
             our
             many
             solemn
             Tyes
             ?
             What
             course
             must
             we
             take
             ,
             that
             the
             sense
             of
             our
             Christian
             Vows
             may
             not
             wear
             off
             ?
             What
             should
             we
             particularly
             do
             ,
             after
             we
             have
             Renew'd
             our
             Vows
             to
             our
             God
             and
             Saviour
             at
             his
             Table
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             the
             fastening
             of
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             and
             engaging
             our selves
             effectually
             to
             answer
             and
             pay
             them
             ?
             For
             whose
             satisfaction
             ,
             I
             lay
             down
             the
             following
             Directions
             and
             Cautions
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             BEWARE
             of
             Imagining
             that
             so
             weighty
             an
             Action
             as
             that
             of
             Renew'd
             Vowing
             and
             Covenanting
             ,
             terminates
             in
             it self
             ;
             and
             that
             all
             's
             done
             ,
             when
             the
             Ordinance
             of
             the
             Supper
             is
             over
             .
             Take
             not
             a
             Sacrament
             for
             a
             Charm
             ,
             that
             is
             to
             work
             Magically
             ;
             and
             to
             make
             you
             better
             by
             an
             unperceivable
             sort
             of
             a
             Physical
             Operation
             ;
             for
             that
             were
             to
             turn
             it
             into
             an
             Useless
             and
             Unprofitable
             Ceremony
             .
             Don't
             think
             that
             your
             joyning
             in
             it
             ,
             altho'
             you
             were
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             in
             a
             serious
             frame
             ,
             during
             its
             Celebration
             ,
             is
             enough
             for
             you
             :
             But
             reckon
             upon
             it
             ,
             that
             God
             minds
             your
             Carriage
             as
             much
             after
             wards
             as
             at
             that
             instant
             ,
             if
             not
             more
             :
             For
             the
             great
             design
             of
             that
             Ordinance
             is
             to
             
             be
             an
             Engagement
             to
             ,
             and
             help
             for
             Holiness
             of
             Life
             .
             God
             was
             there
             attempting
             to
             bind
             you
             fast
             to
             himself
             and
             his
             Son
             ;
             and
             you
             profest
             and
             pretended
             to
             bind
             your selves
             :
             What
             can
             shew
             that
             you
             in
             this
             were
             sincere
             and
             hearty
             ,
             but
             your
             future
             holy
             and
             exact
             walking
             ?
             Whereby
             only
             you
             can
             rightly
             Answer
             the
             end
             of
             this
             Institution
             .
             To
             sit
             down
             then
             contented
             ,
             with
             the
             bare
             promising
             ,
             over
             the
             sacred
             Symbols
             at
             the
             holy
             Supper
             ,
             that
             we
             will
             be
             the
             Lords
             ,
             as
             thinking
             that
             we
             thereby
             sufficiently
             acquit
             our selves
             ;
             would
             be
             all
             one
             ,
             as
             if
             in
             a
             matter
             of
             vast
             consequence
             between
             Man
             and
             Man
             ,
             and
             on
             which
             much
             depends
             ,
             we
             should
             satisfie
             our selves
             with
             signing
             a
             Contract
             ,
             and
             thereby
             obliging
             our selves
             under
             large
             Penalties
             ;
             thinking
             our selves
             thereupon
             presently
             discharg'd
             ,
             without
             taking
             any
             care
             to
             fulfil
             Articles
             :
             Alas
             !
             who
             would
             care
             a
             rush
             for
             such
             a
             Contract
             ,
             if
             he
             knew
             the
             engag'd
             Party
             would
             look
             no
             further
             ?
             So
             how
             can
             God
             at
             all
             regard
             those
             Vows
             of
             ours
             ,
             that
             stop
             even
             in
             the
             making
             ;
             and
             that
             
               Sacramental
               Seriousness
            
             that
             ends
             with
             the
             Ordinance
             .
             If
             we
             rest
             in
             the
             Work
             done
             ,
             and
             think
             that
             enough
             ,
             't
             is
             no
             wonder
             at
             all
             ,
             if
             any
             good
             impressions
             made
             ,
             are
             as
             the
             
               Morning
               Cloud
            
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             
               Early
               Dew
            
             ,
             which
             quickly
             passeth
             away
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             ENDEAVOUR
             by
             after
             serious
             and
             warm
             Meditation
             ,
             to
             rivet
             and
             strengthen
             your
             renew'd
             Resolutions
             Vows
             and
             Promises
             .
             Think
             seriously
             with
             whom
             you
             have
             been
             transacting
             ,
             and
             what
             you
             have
             been
             doing
             .
          
           
             Take
             pains
             with
             your
             own
             Hearts
             in
             your
             Retirements
             ,
             to
             drive
             things
             home
             .
             Endeavour
             to
             fix
             the
             impressions
             you
             were
             under
             when
             you
             had
             the
             emblems
             of
             your
             Crucifi'd
             Lord
             before
             your
             Eyes
             ,
             so
             firmly
             on
             your
             Hearts
             ,
             as
             that
             nothing
             may
             be
             able
             to
             deface
             them
             .
             Think
             how
             odious
             sin
             in
             general
             then
             appear'd
             to
             you
             ;
             how
             loathsome
             your
             own
             iniquities
             seem'd
             to
             be
             ,
             when
             you
             anew
             resolv'd
             against
             them
             :
             And
             how
             necessary
             ,
             aimiable
             and
             lovely
             a
             Christ
             appear'd
             to
             you
             ,
             when
             you
             anew
             Consecrated
             your selves
             to
             his
             Service
             ;
             and
             how
             firmly
             then
             you
             seem'd
             bent
             against
             your
             Lusts
             ,
             and
             for
             your
             Saviour
             :
             How
             Resolute
             to
             shake
             of
             every
             weight
             ,
             especially
             the
             sin
             that
             most
             easily
             besets
             you
             ,
             and
             to
             run
             with
             Patience
             and
             Perseverance
             the
             Holy
             Race
             that
             is
             set
             before
             you
             .
             Think
             how
             you
             blam'd
             and
             condemn'd
             your selves
             for
             your
             past
             sin
             and
             folly
             ;
             and
             how
             asham'd
             you
             were
             to
             reflect
             on
             your
             own
             vileness
             ;
             and
             with
             what
             seeming
             warmth
             and
             vigour
             you
             Vow'd
             ,
             thro'
             the
             Assistance
             of
             Divine
             
             Grace
             ,
             to
             lead
             an
             Holy
             and
             a
             Pious
             Life
             .
             Say
             each
             one
             to
             your selves
             ,
             Behold
             O
             my
             Soul
             ,
             I
             have
             enter'd
             into
             a
             new
             League
             of
             Friendship
             with
             God
             ;
             a
             League
             Firm
             and
             Strong
             ,
             and
             Solemn
             and
             Perpetual
             ;
             I
             must
             not
             ,
             I
             cannot
             ,
             I
             dare
             not
             ,
             I
             will
             not
             draw
             back
             .
             I
             am
             come
             under
             new
             Bonds
             to
             my
             God
             and
             Saviour
             ;
             Bonds
             that
             will
             never
             be
             cancell'd
             ;
             Bonds
             that
             can
             never
             be
             discharg'd
             ;
             and
             therefore
             I
             'll
             endeavour
             to
             be
             always
             paying
             the
             Debt
             I
             owe.
             My
             Saviour
             hath
             made
             himself
             and
             all
             his
             Benefits
             over
             to
             me
             ,
             in
             an
             Everlasting
             Covenant
             ;
             what
             could
             I
             then
             do
             less
             then
             return
             my self
             back
             to
             him
             ?
             Was
             not
             this
             Reasonable
             ,
             Just
             ,
             and
             Fit
             ?
             His
             I
             ought
             to
             be
             ,
             his
             I
             have
             engag'd
             to
             be
             ,
             and
             his
             I
             will
             be
             .
             Drive
             things
             thus
             home
             to
             a
             peremptory
             Conclusion
             ,
             and
             you
             'll
             find
             the
             Benefit
             of
             it
             .
             This
             will
             be
             a
             satis-fying
             Evidence
             to
             you
             ,
             that
             your
             Vows
             were
             not
             the
             effect
             of
             a
             meer
             Passionate
             Transport
             ,
             which
             is
             flitting
             and
             transient
             and
             soon
             worn
             off
             ;
             but
             of
             a
             firm
             bent
             of
             Heart
             which
             is
             vastly
             better
             .
             Think
             then
             seriously
             of
             what
             hath
             past
             between
             God
             and
             you
             ,
             and
             leave
             not
             off
             ruminating
             on
             the
             matter
             ,
             till
             you
             are
             brought
             to
             a
             fixed
             point
             ;
             Resolving
             to
             stand
             to
             what
             you
             have
             done
             :
             Till
             you
             can
             cry
             out
             with
             David
             ,
             Psal.
             119.
             106.
             
             
               I
               have
               sworn
               and
               I
               will
               perform
               it
               ,
               to
               keep
               
               thy
               Righteous
               Iudgments
               .
            
             Some
             time
             in
             the
             Evening
             ,
             after
             we
             have
             been
             at
             the
             Communion
             ,
             spent
             with
             this
             design
             ,
             might
             be
             very
             useful
             :
             We
             should
             then
             find
             this
             work
             easier
             than
             afterwards
             .
             And
             as
             bad
             as
             we
             are
             ,
             we
             are
             not
             so
             chilly
             ,
             but
             if
             we
             were
             at
             all
             serious
             ,
             we
             should
             find
             some
             sense
             of
             what
             we
             have
             been
             about
             remaining
             on
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             which
             would
             be
             an
             advantage
             to
             us
             in
             our
             setting
             our selves
             seriously
             to
             drive
             things
             home
             .
             If
             we
             did
             the
             like
             the
             next
             morning
             after
             ;
             nay
             if
             we
             did
             something
             of
             the
             same
             kind
             every
             day
             almost
             (
             tho'
             it
             should
             be
             but
             short
             )
             't
             would
             turn
             to
             a
             good
             account
             ,
             and
             we
             should
             have
             no
             cause
             to
             repent
             our
             pains
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             OFTEN
             recollect
             and
             think
             on
             the
             Mischiefs
             ,
             you
             your selves
             have
             found
             by
             your
             so
             frequent
             Breaches
             of
             your
             past
             Solemn
             Vows
             .
             How
             sadly
             your
             peace
             hath
             been
             thereby
             interrupted
             ,
             your
             Consciences
             wounded
             ,
             your
             Graces
             weakned
             ,
             your
             Enemies
             gratify'd
             ,
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             griev'd
             ,
             and
             your
             motions
             Heaven-ward
             retarded
             .
             Have
             you
             not
             found
             &
             tasted
             it
             to
             be
             a
             bitter
             thing
             to
             play
             fast
             and
             loose
             with
             God
             ;
             to
             falsify
             your
             Engagements
             ,
             and
             break
             his
             Bonds
             ?
             whence
             is
             it
             that
             he
             frowns
             upon
             you
             ,
             and
             withdraws
             his
             presence
             and
             his
             aids
             in
             any
             measure
             from
             you
             ?
             Whence
             is
             it
             that
             
             you
             go
             on
             so
             heavily
             ,
             still
             mourning
             and
             complaining
             ,
             that
             you
             are
             backward
             unto
             Duties
             ,
             cold
             and
             lifeless
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             little
             if
             at
             all
             the
             better
             for
             them
             ?
             Whence
             is
             it
             that
             the
             Devil
             hath
             gain'd
             so
             much
             influence
             upon
             you
             ,
             and
             gotten
             so
             great
             an
             Advantage
             against
             you
             ,
             and
             so
             easily
             catches
             you
             by
             his
             wiles
             and
             snares
             ,
             which
             you
             formerly
             so
             carefully
             avoided
             ?
             Whence
             is
             it
             that
             that
             little
             Good
             ,
             that
             little
             Grace
             that
             is
             in
             you
             is
             so
             withering
             pining
             and
             languishing
             ?
             Whence
             is
             it
             that
             you
             who
             once
             were
             chearful
             in
             Religion
             ,
             having
             comfortable
             hope
             thro'
             Grace
             of
             your
             good
             Estate
             ,
             are
             now
             so
             despondent
             and
             drooping
             ,
             and
             so
             full
             of
             Doubts
             and
             Fears
             ?
             Is
             not
             all
             this
             chargeable
             upon
             your
             frequent
             and
             sad
             Breaches
             of
             your
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ?
             Think
             of
             it
             then
             seriously
             ;
             Recollect
             all
             the
             sad
             Consequences
             that
             have
             thence
             ensued
             ,
             as
             exactly
             and
             faithfully
             as
             you
             can
             ;
             and
             then
             think
             how
             by
             the
             like
             breaches
             of
             fresh
             Vows
             ,
             you
             expose
             your selves
             to
             the
             like
             breaches
             for
             time
             to
             come
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             a
             higher
             degree
             than
             before
             ;
             and
             this
             certainly
             if
             any
             thing
             will
             help
             to
             quicken
             you
             to
             Care
             ,
             Constancy
             and
             Fidellity
             ,
             in
             living
             up
             to
             your
             Renew'd
             Engagements
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             THINK
             also
             often
             with
             your selves
             ,
             how
             happy
             you
             might
             have
             been
             had
             you
             
             been
             but
             faithful
             to
             your
             Sacramental
             Vows
             and
             Promises
             .
             To
             what
             a
             confirm'd
             State
             might
             you
             by
             this
             time
             have
             been
             advanc't
             ?
             To
             how
             flourishing
             a
             pitch
             of
             Grace
             might
             you
             have
             arriv'd
             ?
             How
             much
             Honour
             might
             you
             have
             brought
             to
             God
             ?
             How
             much
             Good
             might
             you
             have
             done
             in
             the
             World
             ?
             What
             Peace
             Delight
             and
             Pleasure
             might
             you
             have
             found
             in
             the
             ways
             of
             God
             ?
             How
             free
             and
             undisturb'd
             might
             your
             Communion
             with
             him
             have
             been
             ?
             And
             how
             well
             establisht
             might
             you
             have
             been
             by
             this
             time
             against
             all
             Assaults
             ,
             had
             you
             but
             honestly
             paid
             the
             Vows
             you
             have
             often
             made
             and
             repeated
             to
             your
             God
             and
             Saviour
             ?
             Little
             do
             you
             know
             what
             your
             false
             heartedness
             hath
             lost
             you
             .
             Little
             are
             you
             aware
             of
             what
             your
             Carelessness
             and
             Unfaithfulness
             to
             your
             God
             hath
             depriv'd
             you
             .
             Think
             of
             it
             seriously
             after
             every
             Sacrament
             .
             Reason
             the
             case
             with
             thy self
             .
             What
             O
             my
             Soul
             have
             I
             not
             lost
             enough
             already
             !
             Hath
             not
             my
             Treachery
             and
             Sacriledge
             and
             Falseness
             been
             detrimental
             enough
             to
             me
             already
             !
             Shall
             I
             still
             go
             on
             to
             break
             my
             Vows
             ,
             and
             rob
             my
             God
             ,
             and
             damage
             my self
             ,
             and
             take
             a
             course
             that
             will
             deprive
             me
             of
             that
             Peace
             and
             Pleasure
             ,
             and
             Sweetness
             ,
             and
             much
             of
             the
             Profit
             too
             ,
             which
             Religion
             is
             capable
             of
             affording
             me
             ?
             Such
             thoughts
             
             as
             these
             pursu'd
             home
             after
             every
             Sacrament
             ,
             could
             not
             but
             be
             helpful
             to
             stir
             and
             quicken
             ,
             rouz
             and
             warm
             us
             ,
             and
             keep
             us
             close
             to
             him
             ,
             to
             whom
             we
             are
             a
             new
             Devoted
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             RUN
             not
             too
             hastily
             into
             the
             World
             after
             the
             Renewal
             of
             your
             Solemn
             Vows
             .
             Too
             hasty
             changes
             are
             easily
             observ'd
             to
             be
             pernitious
             to
             the
             Body
             ;
             and
             they
             are
             full
             as
             hurtful
             to
             the
             Soul.
             For
             a
             Man
             that
             hath
             been
             in
             violent
             motion
             ,
             whereby
             he
             is
             well
             heated
             ,
             to
             wash
             in
             cold
             Water
             ,
             would
             be
             the
             way
             for
             him
             to
             chill
             his
             spirits
             ,
             and
             bring
             upon
             himself
             a
             deadning
             damp
             :
             So
             for
             them
             who
             have
             been
             well
             warm'd
             with
             Spiritual
             Matters
             ;
             have
             been
             seriously
             renewing
             their
             Covenant
             with
             God
             ;
             to
             rush
             immediately
             and
             carelesly
             into
             Worldly
             Affairs
             ,
             is
             the
             way
             to
             have
             their
             Hearts
             presently
             grow
             Cold
             ,
             and
             I
             hill
             ,
             and
             Dead
             .
             'T
             is
             true
             we
             are
             oblig'd
             to
             mind
             our
             Callings
             ;
             and
             God
             hath
             appointed
             us
             six
             days
             for
             that
             purpose
             ,
             having
             reserv'd
             a
             Seventh
             for
             himself
             ;
             on
             which
             we
             ordinarily
             receive
             the
             Communion
             ;
             and
             in
             which
             ,
             if
             we
             have
             any
             true
             Concern
             for
             our
             Souls
             ,
             we
             shall
             be
             careful
             ,
             as
             he
             requires
             us
             ,
             to
             banish
             all
             Worldly
             Thoughts
             and
             Affairs
             out
             of
             our
             Minds
             and
             Hearts
             :
             But
             that
             of
             which
             I
             would
             have
             you
             be
             careful
             ,
             is
             that
             you
             rush
             not
             into
             the
             world
             after
             a
             Sacrament
             ,
             
             without
             taking
             a
             Preservative
             along
             with
             you
             .
             You
             cannot
             ,
             if
             you
             consult
             past
             Experience
             ,
             be
             insensible
             how
             apt
             the
             World
             is
             to
             withdraw
             you
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             deaden
             you
             to
             Duty
             ,
             and
             hinder
             you
             in
             the
             minding
             of
             those
             matters
             that
             are
             of
             infinitely
             greater
             importance
             :
             To
             many
             a
             Breach
             of
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             hath
             your
             over
             great
             eagerness
             in
             the
             pursuit
             thereof
             it
             may
             be
             betray'd
             you
             .
             Think
             therefore
             after
             you
             have
             anew
             given
             your selves
             up
             to
             God
             ,
             before
             you
             engage
             in
             your
             Temporal
             Affairs
             ,
             that
             you
             are
             oblig'd
             to
             pursue
             and
             value
             and
             use
             the
             World
             like
             persons
             that
             are
             Devoted
             to
             the
             Most
             High
             God
             ;
             that
             
               you
               cannot
               serve
               him
               and
               Mammon
               together
               .
               That
               the
               Friendship
               of
               the
               World
               is
               enmity
            
             
             
               with
               God.
               That
               the
               fashion
               of
               this
               world
            
             
             
               passeth
               away
            
             .
             But
             that
             he
             to
             whom
             you
             are
             Consecrated
             hath
             much
             more
             valuable
             Treasures
             ,
             and
             a
             more
             enduring
             substance
             in
             reserve
             for
             his
             faithful
             Servants
             .
             Some
             such
             Thoughts
             as
             these
             a
             little
             pursued
             ,
             will
             help
             to
             season
             your
             Minds
             ,
             and
             antidote
             you
             against
             the
             Infection
             ,
             of
             which
             ,
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             Worldly
             Affairs
             ,
             you
             are
             in
             constant
             danger
             .
             They
             will
             be
             helpful
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             all
             the
             cares
             and
             concerns
             of
             which
             you
             are
             subordinately
             mindful
             ,
             to
             keep
             
             your
             Hearts
             free
             for
             him
             ,
             whose
             Servants
             you
             have
             vow'd
             to
             be
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             EXPECT
             that
             the
             Devil
             will
             quickly
             endeavour
             to
             cause
             you
             to
             undo
             what
             you
             have
             done
             at
             a
             Sacrament
             ,
             to
             hamper
             and
             embarrass
             you
             ,
             to
             deaden
             and
             damp
             your
             Hearts
             ,
             and
             cut
             the
             Sinews
             of
             holy
             Diligence
             ;
             and
             therefore
             prepare
             for
             his
             Assaults
             .
             Think
             not
             that
             he
             'll
             let
             you
             alone
             ,
             and
             suffer
             you
             without
             molestation
             ,
             to
             pay
             your
             Vows
             ;
             don
             't
             imagine
             he
             'll
             give
             way
             ,
             and
             yield
             ,
             and
             suffer
             God's
             Right
             quietly
             to
             take
             place
             :
             Think
             not
             that
             any
             Resolutions
             of
             yours
             ,
             tho'
             ever
             so
             serious
             ,
             firm
             and
             strong
             ,
             will
             carry
             you
             out
             of
             his
             reach
             :
             But
             rather
             expect
             the
             more
             heartily
             you
             renounc'd
             him
             ,
             the
             more
             he
             'll
             rage
             against
             you
             :
             The
             more
             vigorously
             you
             resolv'd
             to
             oppose
             him
             ,
             the
             more
             strenuously
             he
             'll
             set
             himself
             to
             baffle
             you
             .
             He
             'll
             start
             a
             thousand
             things
             in
             your
             way
             ,
             to
             divert
             you
             ;
             if
             that
             wont
             do
             ,
             he
             'll
             terrifie
             and
             scare
             you
             ,
             discourage
             and
             dishearten
             you
             ;
             if
             that
             won't
             do
             ,
             he
             'll
             stir
             you
             up
             Oppostion
             that
             you
             little
             thought
             of
             ,
             and
             press
             you
             with
             difficulties
             from
             all
             Quarters
             .
             This
             is
             what
             you
             should
             before-hand
             expect
             and
             reckon
             upon
             ;
             that
             so
             you
             may
             be
             duly
             provided
             ,
             and
             not
             surpriz'd
             .
             There
             are
             many
             honest
             Souls
             ,
             that
             if
             they
             can
             but
             find
             themselves
             any
             thing
             serious
             
             and
             warm
             in
             Renewing
             their
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             if
             they
             find
             any
             holy
             Fervours
             excited
             on
             that
             Occasion
             ,
             are
             apt
             to
             think
             that
             now
             they
             are
             safe
             :
             The
             Devils
             wonted
             Method
             won't
             do
             with
             them
             ,
             they
             are
             so
             well
             fix'd
             that
             he
             cann't
             hurt
             them
             ,
             and
             thereupon
             they
             grow
             secure
             :
             And
             by
             this
             means
             he
             ,
             before
             they
             are
             aware
             ,
             gains
             upon
             them
             ;
             they
             lose
             their
             ground
             ,
             and
             he
             's
             too
             hard
             for
             them
             .
             Let
             's
             therefore
             beware
             of
             him
             ;
             since
             
               we
               are
               not
               ignorant
               of
               his
               Devices
               .
            
             Let
             us
             ever
             expect
             the
             most
             vigorous
             Assaults
             of
             our
             Spiritual
             Adversary
             ,
             when
             we
             have
             been
             most
             serious
             at
             a
             Sacrament
             ,
             in
             Renewing
             our
             Vows
             of
             Fidelity
             ,
             Vigour
             and
             Diligence
             ,
             in
             our
             Holy
             Warfare
             :
             And
             let
             us
             prepare
             our selves
             to
             resist
             at
             first
             ,
             which
             would
             do
             much
             towards
             the
             strengthening
             of
             our
             own
             footing
             ,
             and
             the
             securing
             the
             Payment
             of
             our
             Vows
             :
             But
             if
             we
             let
             him
             gain
             the
             least
             Advantage
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             it
             very
             difficult
             to
             recover
             it
             again
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             OFTEN
             pray
             over
             your
             own
             Vows
             ,
             and
             seriously
             and
             fervently
             look
             upwards
             ,
             for
             those
             Aids
             and
             Succours
             ,
             without
             which
             there
             's
             no
             ground
             for
             us
             to
             hope
             to
             pay
             them
             .
             We
             read
             of
             our
             Blessed
             Saviour
             ,
             That
             
               in
               the
               Days
               of
               his
            
             
             
               Flesh
               ,
               he
               offer'd
               up
               Prayers
               and
               Supplications
               with
               strong
               Crying
               and
               Tears
               .
            
             In
             this
             ,
             we
             should
             be
             like
             him
             ,
             if
             ever
             we
             would
             be
             
             to
             our
             trust
             ,
             as
             he
             was
             .
             The
             most
             praying
             Christian
             is
             ordinarily
             likely
             to
             be
             the
             most
             improving
             ,
             thriving
             ,
             diligent
             Christian
             .
             You
             made
             not
             your
             Vows
             in
             your
             own
             strength
             ;
             but
             to
             him
             to
             whom
             your
             Vows
             were
             made
             ,
             must
             you
             be
             beholden
             for
             strength
             to
             keep
             them
             .
             The
             first
             time
             therefore
             you
             retire
             after
             the
             Renewing
             them
             at
             a
             Sacrament
             ,
             bend
             your
             Knees
             to
             the
             Father
             of
             Mercies
             ,
             and
             God
             of
             all
             Grace
             ,
             and
             earnestly
             beg
             of
             him
             Wisdom
             and
             Strength
             to
             fulfil
             your
             Engagements
             .
             Nay
             ,
             be
             not
             more
             frequent
             in
             begging
             of
             him
             
               your
               daily
               Bread
            
             ,
             than
             in
             sending
             up
             this
             request
             ,
             That
             he
             would
             not
             
               lead
               you
               into
               Temptation
            
             ;
             i.
             e.
             that
             he
             would
             not
             suffer
             you
             to
             be
             overcome
             by
             it
             .
             Beg
             earnestly
             of
             him
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             lead
             your
             Hearts
             into
             his
             Love
             ,
             and
             constantly
             keep
             you
             under
             the
             governing
             Influences
             thereof
             ;
             and
             so
             order
             your
             steps
             ,
             as
             that
             you
             may
             faithfully
             keep
             his
             Commandments
             .
             Beg
             of
             him
             that
             he
             would
             rouz
             you
             ,
             when
             slumbring
             ;
             spur
             you
             ,
             when
             loitering
             ;
             reduce
             you
             ,
             when
             wandering
             ;
             uphold
             you
             ,
             when
             sinking
             ;
             chear
             you
             ,
             when
             drooping
             ;
             and
             so
             guide
             ,
             assist
             ,
             and
             succour
             you
             ,
             as
             that
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             all
             the
             Infirmities
             and
             Imperfections
             whereto
             you
             are
             liable
             ,
             and
             and
             with
             which
             you
             will
             be
             always
             chargeable
             ,
             you
             yet
             may
             be
             able
             to
             approve
             your selves
             to
             him
             as
             sincerely
             
             faithful
             .
             Prayer
             must
             be
             always
             the
             great
             Engine
             of
             our
             help
             and
             strength
             .
             If
             we
             are
             beset
             ,
             and
             find
             our selves
             unable
             to
             withstand
             the
             vigour
             wherewith
             we
             are
             attaqu'd
             ,
             we
             should
             take
             Wing
             upwards
             ,
             and
             beg
             Grace
             to
             help
             in
             the
             time
             of
             our
             need
             .
             If
             we
             are
             mastered
             ,
             we
             should
             look
             upwards
             for
             strength
             ,
             whereby
             we
             may
             be
             recover'd
             ,
             and
             brought
             to
             our selves
             again
             .
             Prayer
             will
             be
             needful
             and
             useful
             ,
             from
             first
             to
             last
             .
             Where
             Sacramental
             Vows
             are
             not
             attended
             with
             fervent
             Prayers
             ,
             't
             is
             not
             at
             all
             to
             be
             wondered
             at
             ,
             if
             they
             are
             soon
             broken
             .
             For
             it
             is
             an
             Argument
             of
             too
             much
             dependance
             on
             our
             own
             strength
             ,
             which
             in
             reality
             is
             but
             weakness
             ;
             and
             too
             little
             dependence
             on
             him
             without
             whom
             we
             can
             do
             nothing
             .
             'T
             is
             a
             Mercy
             ,
             in
             such
             a
             Case
             ,
             for
             God
             to
             suffer
             us
             to
             fall
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             the
             more
             fully
             convinc'd
             how
             helpless
             we
             are
             without
             him
             .
             If
             therefore
             we
             would
             ever
             come
             in
             any
             measure
             to
             answer
             and
             pay
             our
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             we
             should
             follow
             them
             with
             serious
             and
             earnest
             Prayers
             :
             And
             yet
             we
             must
             not
             rest
             there
             neither
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             follow
             our
             Prayers
             with
             our
             Endeavours
             .
             And
             therefore
             ,
          
           
             8.
             
             KEEP
             up
             a
             strict
             Watchfulness
             over
             your selves
             in
             all
             things
             ;
             we
             should
             set
             a
             Watch
             over
             our
             Eyes
             ,
             Ears
             ,
             Tongues
             ,
             Appetites
             ,
             Hearts
             and
             Hands
             ,
             that
             they
             betray
             
             us
             not
             into
             a
             Miscarriage
             .
             And
             there
             especially
             should
             we
             be
             most
             careful
             ,
             and
             make
             our
             guard
             the
             strongest
             ,
             where
             we
             have
             formerly
             tripped
             most
             frequently
             .
             If
             we
             are
             not
             very
             careful
             afterwards
             ,
             we
             shall
             shew
             that
             our
             Vows
             were
             not
             made
             in
             earnest
             .
             We
             must
             Watch
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             
               Pray
               ,
               that
               we
               enter
               not
               into
               Temptation
               .
            
             We
             should
             observe
             the
             first
             stirrings
             of
             Corruption
             ,
             and
             endeavour
             to
             quell
             them
             ;
             and
             labour
             to
             curb
             Sin
             in
             its
             first
             beginnings
             ,
             before
             it
             have
             gone
             too
             far
             ,
             and
             gain'd
             too
             much
             upon
             us
             .
             We
             should
             maintain
             a
             constant
             Jealousie
             of
             our
             own
             treacherous
             Hearts
             .
             We
             should
             watch
             against
             even
             the
             appearance
             of
             Evil
             ;
             and
             never
             intermit
             our
             guard
             ,
             as
             we
             would
             not
             have
             our
             
               Hearts
               hardened
               through
               the
               Deceitfulness
               of
               Sin
               ,
            
             and
             as
             we
             would
             not
             
             lose
             the
             sense
             of
             our
             Sacred
             Engagements
             ,
             which
             is
             better
             kept
             from
             the
             first
             ,
             by
             the
             constant
             maintaining
             some
             degrees
             of
             an
             holy
             warmth
             within
             ,
             than
             it
             is
             afterwards
             recover'd
             ,
             when
             it
             hath
             been
             lost
             ,
             and
             the
             Heart
             hath
             been
             dampt
             ,
             and
             chill'd
             ,
             and
             cool'd
             .
          
           
             9.
             
             OFTEN
             call
             your selves
             to
             an
             Account
             what
             Influence
             the
             Vows
             of
             God
             have
             upon
             you
             ;
             how
             well
             you
             answer
             and
             pay
             them
             .
             Let
             not
             things
             run
             on
             ,
             time
             after
             time
             ,
             without
             Examining
             ;
             which
             is
             the
             high-way
             to
             danger
             ,
             and
             
             loss
             ,
             and
             disorders
             of
             all
             kinds
             :
             But
             often
             pause
             ,
             and
             bethink
             your selves
             how
             matters
             stand
             .
             Go
             out
             upon
             the
             Enquiry
             ,
             Whether
             or
             no
             you
             retain
             any
             suitable
             sense
             of
             your
             Solemn
             Engagements
             ;
             whether
             your
             Hearts
             and
             Lives
             are
             under
             the
             force
             of
             them
             ,
             yea
             ,
             or
             not
             ?
             Keep
             Court
             in
             your
             own
             Breasts
             ,
             and
             bring
             your selves
             to
             the
             Test
             ,
             that
             you
             may
             see
             how
             well
             you
             have
             kept
             or
             lost
             your
             ground
             .
             A
             Tradesman
             many
             times
             hardly
             knows
             how
             it
             stands
             with
             him
             ,
             as
             to
             his
             Estate
             ,
             till
             he
             comes
             to
             cast
             up
             his
             Accounts
             :
             No
             more
             can
             you
             without
             Self-Examination
             ,
             so
             well
             judge
             how
             
               your
               Vows
            
             have
             been
             kept
             or
             broken
             .
             Were
             it
             frequent
             ,
             provided
             it
             were
             serious
             ,
             't
             would
             be
             very
             beneficial
             ;
             for
             it
             would
             help
             to
             keep
             Conscience
             tender
             ,
             by
             causing
             it
             to
             smite
             us
             upon
             the
             least
             omission
             or
             transgression
             ;
             it
             would
             help
             to
             keep
             our
             Minds
             in
             awe
             ,
             and
             be
             a
             Curb
             to
             that
             Levity
             whereinto
             we
             are
             so
             
               very
               prone
            
             to
             slide
             ;
             it
             would
             be
             a
             sort
             of
             an
             Anticipation
             of
             the
             future
             
               Day
               of
               Account
            
             ,
             when
             all
             things
             shall
             be
             strictly
             examin'd
             and
             enquir'd
             into
             ;
             and
             be
             a
             constant
             Spur
             to
             Watchfulness
             and
             Care.
             Let
             us
             often
             therefore
             in
             our
             Retirements
             ,
             seriously
             and
             strictly
             examine
             our
             Hearts
             and
             our
             Ways
             ,
             if
             we
             would
             live
             up
             to
             the
             Vows
             of
             God
             that
             we
             are
             under
             :
             And
             when
             
             we
             have
             done
             what
             we
             can
             of
             this
             kind
             ,
             let
             's
             beg
             of
             God
             to
             supply
             our
             Defects
             ;
             and
             make
             use
             of
             the
             pious
             strain
             of
             
               David
               ,
               Search
               me
               ,
               O
               God
               ,
               and
               try
               me
               ,
               and
               see
               if
               there
               be
               any
               wicked
               way
               in
               me
               ,
               and
               lead
               me
            
             
             
               in
               the
               way
               everlasting
            
             .
          
           
             10thly
             and
             Lastly
             ,
             WHENEVER
             you
             find
             your selves
             sliding
             or
             already
             sliden
             into
             Deadness
             and
             Remisness
             ,
             earnestly
             plead
             the
             cause
             of
             God
             with
             your
             own
             Hearts
             ,
             and
             do
             what
             you
             can
             to
             chide
             them
             out
             of
             their
             perfidious
             Inclination
             .
             Urge
             Sacramental
             Transactions
             upon
             your
             Hearts
             ,
             to
             quicken
             your
             Faith
             and
             Love
             and
             Obedience
             .
             God
             hath
             given
             us
             (
             that
             is
             our
             Mental
             Powers
             )
             a
             considerable
             Authority
             over
             our selves
             ;
             which
             if
             ever
             ,
             is
             certainly
             to
             be
             us'd
             in
             this
             Case
             .
             In
             nothing
             would
             
               Self
               Excitation
            
             and
             
               Self
               Objugation
            
             be
             more
             beneficial
             than
             in
             this
             matter
             .
             Reason
             the
             case
             therefore
             soberly
             and
             yet
             Authoritatively
             with
             your selves
             ,
             whenever
             you
             find
             the
             sense
             of
             Sacramental
             Vows
             diminishing
             ,
             abating
             ,
             or
             wearing
             off
             :
             Argue
             with
             your selves
             at
             some
             such
             rate
             as
             this
             .
             Is
             this
             like
             a
             Christian
             ?
             Is
             this
             the
             way
             to
             show
             the
             Resentments
             I
             have
             of
             my
             Redeemers
             amazing
             Love
             ?
             Is
             this
             the
             way
             to
             grow
             and
             thrive
             in
             Grace
             and
             Piety
             ?
             Or
             is
             it
             not
             rather
             the
             way
             to
             decline
             and
             go
             backward
             ?
             Is
             this
             the
             way
             to
             secure
             the
             
             Divine
             favour
             ?
             Or
             is
             it
             not
             rather
             the
             way
             to
             incur
             Gods
             Displeasure
             ?
             Shall
             I
             not
             by
             this
             means
             dishonour
             God
             ,
             lose
             my
             own
             Peace
             ,
             and
             deaden
             others
             ?
             Shall
             I
             not
             bafflle
             my
             own
             Hopes
             ,
             and
             blur
             my
             Evidences
             ,
             and
             grieve
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             wretchedly
             indispose
             my self
             for
             Renew'd
             Engagements
             ,
             to
             which
             I
             am
             frequently
             call'd
             ,
             by
             my
             Deadness
             ,
             Carelesness
             and
             Sloth
             ?
             What
             ails
             thee
             then
             O
             my
             Soul
             ?
             Why
             art
             thou
             so
             stupid
             and
             sensless
             ?
             Why
             so
             Base
             ,
             Unworthy
             and
             False
             ?
             What
             can
             ever
             hold
             thee
             fast
             to
             thy
             God
             and
             Saviour
             ,
             if
             not
             such
             bonds
             as
             thou
             ar●…
             under
             ?
             What
             can
             engage
             thee
             to
             thy
             Duty
             ,
             if
             not
             such
             Solemn
             Vows
             and
             Promises
             as
             thou
             hast
             often
             made
             ?
             How
             ungovernable
             dost
             thou
             show
             thy self
             ,
             that
             such
             Sacred
             Transactions
             as
             are
             manag'd
             at
             every
             Sacrament
             ,
             do
             no
             more
             affect
             and
             awe
             thee
             ?
             For
             shame
             stir
             up
             thy self
             .
             If
             ever
             thou
             wert
             really
             Serious
             and
             in
             Earnest
             ,
             now
             show
             it
             :
             If
             thou
             hast
             any
             thing
             of
             sincerity
             in
             thee
             make
             it
             appear
             by
             thy
             care
             to
             pay
             thy
             Vows
             .
          
           
             THIS
             is
             a
             sort
             of
             work
             we
             find
             Holy
             David
             frequently
             engag'd
             in
             .
             He
             once
             found
             himself
             very
             despondent
             :
             But
             how
             doth
             he
             chide
             himself
             ?
             
               Why
               art
               thou
               cast
            
             
             
               down
               O
               my
               Soul
               ?
               And
               why
               art
               thou
               disquieted
               within
               me
               ?
            
             vers
             .
             5.
             and
             he
             's
             at
             it
             again
             vers
             .
             11.
             
             He
             endeavour'd
             to
             reason
             himself
             
             out
             of
             his
             discomposure
             and
             disorder
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             he
             did
             at
             other
             times
             :
             So
             should
             we
             in
             this
             case
             ;
             Why
             art
             thou
             so
             Treacherous
             O
             my
             Soul
             ?
             And
             why
             so
             false
             to
             thy
             God
             and
             Saviour
             ?
             May
             he
             not
             justly
             resent
             it
             ?
             And
             may'st
             thou
             not
             reasonably
             expect
             to
             smart
             for
             it
             ?
             And
             such
             sort
             of
             Reasonings
             as
             these
             we
             should
             dilligently
             pursue
             ,
             and
             not
             give
             over
             till
             our
             Hearts
             are
             warm'd
             .
             If
             we
             would
             often
             trye
             it
             ,
             we
             should
             find
             nothing
             more
             effectual
             than
             this
             ,
             to
             keep
             our
             Hearts
             under
             a
             serious
             sense
             of
             Sacramental
             Vows
             .
          
           
             BUT
             after
             all
             ,
             when
             we
             have
             taken
             the
             greatest
             Care
             ,
             and
             us'd
             our
             utmost
             dilligence
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             the
             Apostles
             observation
             true
             ,
             
               That
               in
               many
               things
               we
               offend
               all
               .
            
             We
             shall
             find
             Sin
             will
             stick
             so
             close
             ,
             as
             that
             we
             cannot
             shake
             it
             off
             in
             our
             present
             infirm
             and
             crazy
             state
             .
             When
             we
             fall
             into
             Sin
             therefore
             let
             's
             not
             lie
             in
             it
             ,
             but
             let
             us
             speedily
             rise
             again
             by
             Repentance
             ,
             and
             renew
             our
             Resolutions
             of
             Obedience
             ;
             begging
             both
             Strength
             and
             Succours
             from
             on
             high
             .
             And
             let
             us
             from
             the
             sense
             of
             our
             manifold
             present
             imperfections
             ,
             be
             mov'd
             earnestly
             to
             long
             for
             that
             time
             and
             state
             ,
             when
             we
             shall
             need
             no
             Ties
             and
             Bonds
             ,
             no
             Vows
             and
             Promises
             ,
             to
             fasten
             us
             to
             our
             God
             ,
             and
             engage
             us
             to
             our
             Duty
             :
             But
             we
             shall
             be
             inseparably
             
             united
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             admitted
             to
             the
             Blissful
             Fruition
             of
             his
             immediate
             presence
             ,
             and
             have
             no
             more
             failures
             and
             breaches
             ,
             no
             more
             sins
             and
             falls
             to
             trouble
             and
             disturb
             us
             ,
             but
             shall
             be
             advanc't
             to
             unalterable
             Perfection
             ,
             receiving
             to
             all
             Eternity
             additional
             encreases
             ,
             proportionably
             as
             our
             growing
             Capacities
             can
             bear
             them
             .
          
           
             
               AND
               the
               good
               Lord
               grant
               that
               we
               may
               so
               faithfully
               pay
               the
               Vows
               which
               we
               are
               now
               ever
               and
               anon
               repeating
               ,
               as
               that
               we
               may
               at
               present
               receive
               all
               the
               Blessings
               he
               hath
               promis'd
               to
               sincere
               Souls
               ,
               and
               be
               accepted
               ,
               owned
               ,
               and
               approved
               by
               him
               at
               the
               great
               day
               of
               Account
               at
               last
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIV
             .
          
           
             
               Sundry
               Serious
               Considerations
               ,
               to
               enforce
               the
               sense
               of
               our
               Vows
               upon
               us
               ,
               and
               engage
               us
               to
               pay
               them
               .
            
          
           
             BEING
             thus
             far
             engag'd
             ,
             I
             would
             not
             methinks
             desist
             without
             leaving
             some
             Impressions
             on
             the
             Hearts
             of
             my
             Readers
             ,
             the
             goode
             ffects
             whereof
             may
             be
             discernable
             ;
             I
             shall
             therefore
             do
             my
             utmost
             by
             arguing
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             pressing
             them
             with
             the
             most
             strong
             and
             urgent
             Considerations
             I
             could
             think
             of
             ,
             to
             engage
             
             them
             to
             live
             up
             to
             their
             Sacred
             Vows
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             it
             with
             greater
             Care
             and
             Industry
             ,
             with
             greater
             Zeal
             and
             Fervency
             than
             ever
             heretofore
             .
             And
             here
             I
             have
             two
             sorts
             of
             Persons
             to
             deal
             with
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             THOSE
             who
             have
             no
             care
             at
             all
             in
             earnest
             about
             this
             matter
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             SUCH
             as
             are
             seriously
             thoughtful
             about
             it
             ,
             and
             do
             set
             themselves
             to
             keep
             and
             pay
             their
             Vows
             ,
             but
             often
             fall
             short
             ,
             which
             is
             their
             Grief
             and
             Trouble
             .
             These
             are
             Cases
             vastly
             different
             ;
             and
             the
             Persons
             concern'd
             are
             to
             be
             very
             differently
             dealt
             with
             .
             To
             distinguish
             between
             the
             one
             sort
             and
             the
             other
             is
             out
             of
             my
             Power
             ;
             but
             't
             will
             be
             no
             difficult
             matter
             for
             any
             Persons
             who
             will
             employ
             their
             Consciences
             in
             a
             diligent
             and
             impartial
             Search
             and
             Examination
             ,
             to
             find
             out
             to
             which
             Class
             they
             belong
             .
          
           
             AS
             for
             you
             then
             who
             have
             the
             Vows
             of
             God
             indeed
             upon
             you
             ,
             but
             you
             mind
             them
             not
             ;
             who
             repeat
             them
             time
             after
             time
             ,
             but
             are
             as
             far
             from
             setting
             your selves
             to
             pay
             them
             as
             ever
             ;
             I
             mean
             not
             in
             Perfection
             ,
             but
             in
             any
             measure
             of
             Sincerity
             ;
             who
             run
             on
             in
             a
             careless
             ,
             carnal
             ,
             wicked
             Course
             and
             State
             ,
             without
             any
             considerable
             effectual
             Stop
             or
             Check
             ,
             notwithstanding
             all
             your
             Sacramental
             Promises
             and
             Engagements
             ;
             I
             would
             make
             the
             following
             Demands
             of
             you
             ,
             which
             I
             
             would
             desire
             you
             closely
             to
             pursue
             when
             alone
             ,
             begging
             of
             God
             that
             he
             would
             bless
             the
             Thoughts
             which
             they
             will
             lead
             you
             to
             ,
             and
             make
             them
             effectual
             to
             rouze
             and
             awaken
             you
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             WHAT
             would
             you
             think
             of
             any
             that
             should
             go
             to
             deal
             with
             you
             ,
             as
             you
             deal
             with
             the
             Blessed
             God
             ?
             Suppose
             any
             Persons
             that
             had
             offended
             and
             injur'd
             you
             ,
             should
             come
             time
             after
             time
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             seeming
             Concern
             and
             Sorrow
             for
             what
             is
             past
             earnestly
             desire
             to
             be
             at
             Peace
             with
             you
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             possible
             Solemnity
             promise
             to
             lay
             aside
             all
             Enmity
             against
             you
             ,
             and
             engage
             to
             be
             your
             hearty
             Friends
             ;
             to
             study
             your
             Interest
             ;
             to
             respect
             and
             honour
             you
             ,
             to
             gratify
             and
             please
             you
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             respects
             make
             your
             Concerns
             their
             own
             :
             and
             never
             afterwards
             mind
             what
             they
             have
             said
             or
             done
             ,
             but
             the
             more
             securely
             pursue
             their
             wonted
             Enmity
             under
             the
             Covert
             of
             a
             pretended
             Friendship
             ?
             Or
             suppose
             any
             with
             whom
             you
             had
             been
             at
             variance
             ,
             should
             come
             to
             Articles
             of
             Agreement
             with
             you
             ,
             to
             which
             all
             possible
             external
             Marks
             of
             an
             hearty
             Consent
             should
             be
             given
             ;
             which
             Articles
             for
             further
             Security
             should
             be
             once
             and
             again
             ,
             as
             often
             as
             was
             desir'd
             ,
             publickly
             ratify'd
             by
             being
             sign'd
             and
             seal'd
             before
             sufficient
             Witnesses
             ;
             and
             yet
             they
             continue
             to
             act
             as
             when
             at
             open
             
             Variance
             ,
             without
             any
             regard
             to
             such
             Articles
             and
             Agreements
             :
             Or
             suppose
             a
             Servant
             of
             yours
             that
             had
             been
             dishonest
             ,
             careless
             ,
             and
             slothful
             ,
             pretending
             to
             beg
             pardon
             for
             what
             is
             past
             ,
             should
             again
             and
             again
             promise
             by
             all
             that
             's
             sacred
             to
             be
             diligent
             ,
             honest
             and
             faithful
             ,
             but
             never
             mind
             such
             Promises
             after
             they
             were
             made
             ,
             but
             remain
             as
             bad
             if
             not
             worse
             than
             ever
             :
             What
             Thoughts
             would
             you
             have
             of
             Persons
             by
             whom
             you
             should
             be
             thus
             dealt
             with
             ?
             Could
             you
             have
             any
             regard
             to
             them
             ?
             Would
             you
             care
             to
             have
             any
             more
             to
             do
             with
             them
             ?
             Could
             you
             mind
             any
             thing
             that
             came
             from
             them
             ?
             Could
             you
             have
             any
             Patience
             with
             them
             ?
             I
             believe
             not
             :
             And
             yet
             this
             is
             the
             rate
             of
             your
             dealing
             with
             the
             Blessed
             God.
             Consider
             what
             you
             'd
             think
             of
             such
             Persons
             as
             these
             ,
             and
             that
             will
             help
             you
             to
             judg
             what
             the
             Great
             God
             may
             think
             of
             such
             as
             you
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             WHAT
             can
             you
             suppose
             could
             ever
             bind
             you
             to
             God
             ,
             or
             effectually
             engage
             you
             to
             your
             Duty
             ,
             if
             such
             Vows
             ,
             and
             Ties
             ,
             and
             Bonds
             as
             you
             are
             under
             won't
             do
             it
             ?
             You
             cannot
             certainly
             but
             have
             some
             Sense
             that
             the
             Blessed
             God
             must
             be
             the
             Author
             of
             your
             Happiness
             ,
             if
             ever
             you
             reach
             it
             ;
             and
             that
             in
             his
             Favour
             lies
             your
             Life
             ;
             and
             that
             without
             his
             Help
             you
             are
             lost
             and
             ruin'd
             .
             Your
             
             very
             Coming
             to
             the
             Lord's
             Table
             speaks
             this
             ,
             if
             it
             speaks
             any
             thing
             .
             Why
             come
             you
             there
             if
             this
             be
             not
             the
             Sense
             of
             your
             Souls
             ?
             If
             it
             be
             ,
             why
             don't
             you
             take
             the
             Course
             whereto
             you
             are
             bound
             by
             so
             many
             seemingly
             solemn
             Vows
             and
             Promises
             ,
             whereby
             alone
             you
             can
             get
             and
             keep
             his
             Favour
             ?
             If
             the
             intrinsick
             Excellency
             of
             the
             several
             Duties
             of
             Religion
             ,
             the
             Pleasure
             that
             attends
             Obedience
             ,
             and
             the
             Rewards
             that
             would
             follow
             upon
             it
             ,
             have
             no
             attractive
             Influence
             upon
             you
             ;
             if
             the
             Fear
             of
             what
             your
             Disobedience
             would
             have
             consequent
             upon
             it
             ,
             would
             not
             suffice
             to
             move
             you
             ;
             if
             the
             happy
             or
             doleful
             Issue
             of
             an
             holy
             or
             a
             wicked
             Life
             respectively
             ,
             which
             you
             may
             evidently
             discern
             in
             many
             Examples
             that
             are
             frequently
             before
             your
             Eyes
             ,
             were
             not
             effectual
             with
             you
             ;
             yet
             methinks
             your
             own
             voluntary
             ,
             solemn
             ,
             frequently
             repeated
             Vows
             ,
             Oaths
             ,
             and
             Promises
             ,
             might
             prevail
             for
             a
             religious
             Life
             .
             If
             it
             be
             not
             the
             best
             Course
             you
             can
             take
             ,
             why
             do
             you
             vow
             you
             'l
             lead
             it
             ?
             If
             it
             be
             ,
             why
             then
             are
             you
             so
             much
             worse
             than
             your
             Word
             ?
             Methinks
             if
             ever
             you
             are
             serious
             ,
             it
             should
             be
             at
             a
             Sacrament
             :
             If
             any
             thing
             could
             hold
             you
             fast
             ,
             it
             should
             be
             your
             own
             Engagements
             .
             In
             civil
             Affairs
             ,
             where
             an
             Oath
             hath
             lost
             its
             awe
             ,
             there
             's
             no
             hold
             ;
             there
             's
             no
             Band
             of
             Society
             
             with
             such
             Persons
             :
             so
             what
             hold
             can
             God
             have
             of
             us
             ,
             what
             Band
             of
             Society
             can
             there
             be
             between
             him
             and
             us
             ,
             if
             Vows
             have
             no
             Force
             ;
             if
             we
             make
             them
             and
             break
             them
             ,
             without
             Care
             or
             Concern
             ?
             Where
             Perjury
             prevails
             ,
             common
             Honesty
             's
             banish'd
             :
             and
             where
             Sacramental
             Vows
             are
             not
             minded
             but
             slighted
             ,
             and
             allowedly
             and
             unconcernedly
             broken
             ,
             Religion
             dies
             ;
             it
             can
             have
             no
             Force
             ;
             it
             can't
             come
             to
             any
             thing
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             CAN
             you
             imagine
             your
             frequent
             repeating
             your
             Vows
             ,
             at
             all
             diminishes
             your
             sin
             or
             lessens
             your
             guilt
             ?
             Or
             rather
             doth
             it
             not
             wofully
             add
             to
             ,
             and
             enhance
             it
             ?
             Would
             it
             at
             all
             extenuate
             a
             Rebels
             crime
             ,
             for
             him
             to
             be
             ever
             now
             and
             then
             throwing
             himself
             at
             his
             Princes
             feet
             ,
             promising
             to
             give
             undoubted
             evidences
             of
             an
             unblemisht
             Loyalty
             for
             time
             to
             come
             ;
             who
             no
             sooner
             departed
             than
             he
             renew'd
             and
             still
             persisted
             in
             his
             Rebellion
             ?
             Would
             any
             one
             think
             it
             lessned
             the
             faults
             of
             a
             Child
             ,
             to
             come
             to
             his
             Parents
             ,
             and
             own
             them
             ,
             and
             beg
             Pardon
             ,
             and
             that
             again
             and
             again
             ,
             promising
             amendment
             ;
             and
             yet
             after
             all
             continue
             irreclaimable
             ,
             and
             wilfully
             persist
             in
             his
             Disobedience
             ?
             If
             not
             ,
             as
             in
             both
             cases
             't
             is
             evident
             it
             would
             not
             ,
             How
             can
             you
             then
             perswade
             your selves
             ,
             That
             Renew'd
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             the
             allow'd
             wickedness
             of
             your
             
             Lives
             the
             less
             heinous
             ?
             That
             Repeated
             Engagements
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             ,
             make
             your
             wilful
             breaches
             of
             them
             the
             less
             dangerous
             ?
             No
             ;
             so
             far
             is
             that
             from
             being
             true
             ,
             that
             both
             guilt
             and
             danger
             is
             thereby
             increased
             :
             Had
             you
             not
             better
             make
             no
             Vows
             at
             all
             ,
             than
             wilfully
             and
             allowedly
             break
             them
             ?
             In
             the
             former
             case
             ,
             you
             'd
             but
             be
             chargeable
             with
             a
             Neglect
             ;
             but
             the
             latter
             implies
             the
             most
             audacious
             Contempt
             .
             'T
             is
             true
             a
             neglect
             may
             be
             so
             circumstantiated
             as
             to
             be
             contemptuous
             ;
             and
             so
             may
             become
             near
             upon
             (
             if
             not
             to
             the
             full
             )
             as
             heinous
             as
             a
             Profanation
             .
             We
             may
             therefore
             take
             this
             as
             a
             general
             Rule
             ;
             that
             
               a
               fear
               of
               Profanation
               will
               never
               excuse
               a
               contemptuous
               Neglect
               ;
               nor
               will
               a
               fear
               of
               Neglect
               in
               the
               least
               excuse
               a
               Profanation
               .
            
             Say
             not
             therefore
             that
             't
             is
             your
             Duty
             to
             come
             to
             the
             Lord's
             Table
             ,
             and
             so
             think
             at
             all
             to
             excuse
             your selves
             that
             way
             ,
             by
             pleading
             that
             you
             discharge
             your
             Duty
             :
             For
             tho
             it
             be
             the
             Duty
             of
             all
             who
             profess
             to
             be
             Christians
             to
             come
             to
             the
             Lord's
             Table
             ,
             and
             there
             seriously
             make
             Vows
             of
             an
             Holy
             and
             a
             Christian
             Life
             ;
             yet
             do
             those
             very
             Vows
             aggravate
             the
             Guilt
             of
             those
             Persons
             who
             mind
             them
             not
             afterwards
             ;
             and
             on
             whom
             they
             have
             no
             Force
             to
             disingage
             them
             from
             the
             Wickedness
             renounc'd
             ,
             and
             engage
             them
             to
             the
             Holiness
             promis'd
             :
             
             as
             in
             the
             foremention'd
             case
             ,
             tho
             it
             be
             the
             Duty
             of
             a
             Rebel
             to
             submit
             to
             his
             Prince
             ,
             and
             promise
             Obedience
             ;
             yet
             if
             after
             pretending
             to
             do
             so
             he
             persists
             in
             Rebellion
             ,
             his
             Crime
             is
             doubled
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             DOTH
             not
             God
             ,
             think
             you
             ,
             take
             notice
             of
             your
             wretched
             trifling
             with
             him
             ?
             Men
             are
             easily
             impos'd
             on
             ;
             a
             shadow
             of
             Devotion
             may
             pass
             with
             them
             for
             the
             reality
             :
             They
             may
             reckon
             slight
             Vows
             serious
             ;
             and
             thro'
             unacquaintedness
             with
             Persons
             state
             ,
             may
             charitably
             esteem
             such
             things
             as
             in
             reality
             are
             gross
             and
             wilful
             ,
             and
             allow'd
             Breaches
             ,
             proceeding
             from
             an
             unchang'd
             Heart
             ,
             to
             be
             such
             Slips
             as
             are
             consistent
             with
             Sincerity
             :
             But
             is
             the
             great
             God
             also
             ,
             think
             you
             ,
             thus
             to
             be
             deceiv'd
             ?
             Can
             the
             Searcher
             of
             Hearts
             be
             ignorant
             with
             how
             little
             seriousness
             
               you
               make
               your
               Sacramental
               Vows
            
             ,
             and
             how
             little
             you
             mind
             them
             afterwards
             ?
             Can
             you
             ever
             think
             to
             hide
             from
             him
             ,
             who
             is
             privy
             to
             all
             
               your
               Ways
            
             ,
             the
             Deceitfulness
             of
             
               your
               Dealing
            
             with
             him
             ?
             And
             do
             you
             think
             he
             can
             observe
             you
             running
             a
             Round
             of
             careless
             making
             ,
             and
             wilful
             breaking
             of
             seemingly
             Solemn
             Vows
             and
             Promises
             ,
             and
             not
             resent
             it
             ?
             Because
             you
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             forget
             how
             often
             you
             renew
             your
             Vows
             at
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ,
             and
             how
             often
             you
             wickedly
             break
             them
             ,
             do
             you
             think
             the
             great
             God
             doth
             the
             like
             ?
             No
             ,
             no
             ,
             assure
             your
             
             selves
             ,
             he
             remembers
             ,
             notes
             and
             records
             ;
             and
             he
             'll
             make
             even
             your
             own
             Consciences
             another
             Day
             ,
             to
             serve
             as
             Memorials
             both
             to
             himself
             and
             you
             :
             For
             your
             Conviction
             and
             Condemnation
             ;
             and
             for
             his
             Justification
             ,
             and
             your
             own
             inexpressible
             Terror
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             WHAT
             Treatment
             can
             you
             expect
             from
             Him
             ,
             with
             whom
             you
             deal
             so
             perfidiously
             ?
             Do
             you
             think
             he
             'll
             easily
             overlook
             ,
             or
             slightly
             animadvert
             on
             such
             Despisers
             and
             Contemners
             of
             all
             that
             's
             Sacred
             ,
             as
             you
             ,
             that
             run
             on
             in
             a
             course
             of
             wilful
             breaking
             
               Sacramental
               Vows
            
             and
             Promises
             ,
             shew
             your
             selves
             to
             be
             ?
             Doth
             not
             your
             aggravated
             Guilt
             cry
             aloud
             for
             Vengeance
             ?
             And
             what
             can
             be
             too
             severe
             for
             you
             ?
             May
             you
             not
             justly
             expect
             ,
             that
             a
             Train
             of
             Temporal
             Judgments
             should
             follow
             you
             ?
             On
             what
             account
             ,
             I
             pray
             ,
             was
             it
             ,
             that
             the
             Apostle
             tells
             the
             Corinthians
             ,
             That
             
               many
               were
               sick
               and
               weak
               among
               them
               ,
               and
               many
               slept
               ?
            
             Was
             it
             not
             because
             they
             came
             to
             the
             Lord's
             Table
             ,
             and
             did
             not
             discern
             the
             Lord's
             Body
             ?
             And
             if
             the
             truly
             Upright
             and
             Sincere
             ,
             may
             thro'
             their
             Irreverence
             and
             Unpreparedness
             ,
             expose
             themselves
             to
             such
             Temporal
             Judgments
             as
             those
             (
             as
             the
             Apostle
             there
             seems
             to
             intimate
             )
             how
             much
             more
             doth
             your
             far
             greater
             guilt
             ,
             which
             shews
             it self
             in
             an
             habitual
             Profanation
             of
             the
             most
             sacred
             
             of
             Divine
             Institutions
             ,
             and
             allow'd
             Breaches
             of
             the
             most
             solemn
             
               Sacramental
               Promises
            
             ,
             expose
             you
             to
             the
             same
             and
             greater
             Judgments
             ,
             even
             in
             this
             Life
             ?
             And
             how
             justly
             may
             they
             be
             follow'd
             with
             an
             Eternal
             Vengeance
             ?
             And
             how
             certainly
             will
             they
             be
             so
             ,
             without
             a
             speedy
             and
             sorrowful
             Repentance
             ?
             Let
             me
             then
             further
             ask
             you
             ,
          
           
             6.
             
             DO
             you
             never
             think
             of
             a
             Day
             of
             Reckoning
             that's
             coming
             ?
             Have
             you
             not
             sometimes
             in
             your
             Retirements
             some
             pre-apprehensions
             of
             a
             sad
             Account
             that
             you
             have
             to
             give
             to
             God
             another
             Day
             ?
             Doth
             Conscience
             never
             read
             
               you
               your
            
             Doom
             ,
             summoning
             you
             ,
             as
             't
             were
             ,
             before
             hand
             ,
             to
             the
             Bar
             of
             God
             ?
             Do
             you
             never
             think
             of
             the
             Day
             that
             's
             near
             ,
             and
             not
             far
             off
             ,
             when
             all
             things
             will
             be
             narrowly
             scann'd
             ;
             the
             Books
             open'd
             ;
             and
             among
             other
             things
             your
             Sacramental
             Bonds
             put
             in
             suit
             against
             you
             ?
             I
             believe
             you
             could
             hardly
             be
             so
             stupid
             in
             your
             worldly
             Concerns
             ,
             but
             that
             if
             you
             knew
             you
             ow'd
             ten
             times
             as
             much
             as
             you
             could
             pay
             ,
             and
             were
             in
             constant
             danger
             of
             being
             fallen
             upon
             by
             your
             Creditors
             ,
             and
             arrested
             ,
             and
             perpetually
             imprisoned
             ;
             you
             'd
             be
             in
             constant
             fear
             ;
             you
             'd
             be
             so
             taken
             up
             with
             the
             thoughts
             of
             your
             unhappy
             state
             ,
             and
             what
             's
             coming
             upon
             you
             ,
             that
             you
             'd
             be
             able
             to
             mind
             nothing
             :
             And
             what
             ?
             Do
             the
             Affairs
             of
             time
             ,
             in
             
             your
             esteem
             ,
             so
             much
             exceed
             those
             of
             Eternity
             ,
             that
             you
             ,
             that
             would
             be
             so
             much
             concern'd
             in
             the
             former
             Case
             ,
             can
             remain
             unmov'd
             ,
             when
             you
             know
             that
             you
             are
             perfect
             Bankrupts
             in
             Spirituals
             ,
             and
             in
             constant
             danger
             of
             being
             arrested
             by
             God
             ,
             for
             ten
             thousand
             Talents
             ,
             no
             one
             of
             which
             you
             can
             ever
             be
             able
             either
             to
             pay
             ,
             or
             to
             get
             discounted
             ?
             Can
             you
             be
             unconcern'd
             ,
             when
             you
             know
             ,
             that
             within
             a
             little
             time
             you
             must
             be
             summon'd
             to
             the
             Bar
             of
             a
             Righteous
             God
             ,
             where
             your
             very
             Sacramental
             Bonds
             put
             in
             suit
             against
             you
             ,
             would
             utterly
             confound
             and
             over-whelm
             you
             ,
             were
             all
             other
             Debts
             over-look'd
             and
             forgiven
             ?
             Whence
             is
             it
             that
             in
             this
             case
             you
             are
             so
             undisturb'd
             ?
             Do
             but
             set
             your selves
             down
             ,
             and
             sedately
             reckon
             up
             your
             Sacramental
             Bonds
             ,
             and
             see
             what
             they
             amount
             to
             :
             O
             what
             a
             vast
             summ
             comes
             up
             !
             Doth
             it
             not
             then
             deserve
             many
             serious
             thoughts
             how
             this
             sum
             shall
             be
             discharg'd
             ?
             And
             what
             ,
             will
             you
             never
             begin
             ?
             Will
             you
             go
             on
             to
             add
             Bond
             upon
             Bond
             ,
             and
             heap
             Vows
             upon
             Vows
             ,
             and
             never
             in
             earnest
             begin
             to
             pay
             ?
             I
             beseech
             you
             remember
             and
             consider
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             Sacraments
             you
             have
             profan'd
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Vows
             you
             have
             made
             at
             them
             ,
             which
             you
             afterwards
             wilfully
             ,
             habitually
             ,
             and
             wickedly
             broke
             ,
             will
             rise
             up
             in
             Judgment
             against
             you
             at
             last
             ,
             and
             eternally
             condemn
             
             you
             .
             Let
             me
             then
             further
             ask
             you
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             WHAT
             can
             you
             plead
             in
             your
             own
             Excuse
             ?
             That
             you
             run
             on
             wilfully
             breaking
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ;
             that
             's
             your
             Charge
             .
             Produce
             your
             Pleas
             ,
             and
             you
             'll
             see
             as
             weak
             a
             Creature
             as
             I
             can
             shew
             you
             their
             Insufficiency
             .
             It
             may
             be
             you
             'll
             plead
             your
             pronenefs
             to
             sin
             ;
             Alas
             !
             that
             's
             your
             fault
             ,
             but
             no
             Excuse
             :
             'T
             is
             what
             you
             have
             cherish'd
             and
             delighted
             in
             ;
             therefore
             to
             be
             sure
             it
             diminishes
             not
             your
             guilt
             .
             It
             may
             be
             you
             'll
             plead
             the
             force
             of
             Temptation
             ;
             but
             how
             can
             that
             excuse
             you
             ,
             who
             don't
             watch
             ,
             and
             pray
             ,
             and
             strive
             against
             it
             ?
             It
             may
             be
             you
             'll
             plead
             that
             the
             Best
             have
             Frailties
             ;
             and
             live
             not
             up
             to
             their
             
               Sacramental
               Vows
            
             ,
             as
             they
             should
             :
             But
             what
             Excuse
             can
             this
             help
             such
             as
             you
             to
             ,
             who
             han't
             a
             dram
             of
             sincerity
             ?
             Which
             appears
             ,
             in
             that
             you
             have
             us'd
             no
             serious
             thoughtfulness
             ,
             diligence
             ,
             pains
             or
             care
             at
             all
             in
             this
             matter
             ;
             which
             are
             known
             Evidences
             of
             the
             Sincerity
             of
             the
             Upright
             ?
             It
             may
             be
             you
             'll
             plead
             a
             want
             of
             sufficient
             Grace
             ;
             and
             so
             endeavour
             to
             throw
             the
             blame
             on
             God
             :
             But
             that
             's
             a
             vain
             Attempt
             ;
             he
             never
             expects
             to
             reap
             where
             he
             hath
             not
             sown
             ,
             or
             gather
             where
             he
             hath
             not
             strawn
             ;
             but
             will
             be
             satisfied
             with
             that
             which
             bears
             proportion
             to
             what
             he
             gives
             .
             And
             can
             you
             pretend
             that
             you
             have
             rightly
             us'd
             the
             Grace
             that
             hath
             been
             afforded
             you
             ?
             
             And
             might
             you
             not
             have
             had
             more
             ,
             had
             that
             but
             been
             duly
             improved
             ?
             The
             Case
             will
             therefore
             allow
             of
             no
             Excuse
             :
             the
             Guilt
             of
             such
             Persons
             can
             by
             no
             Considerations
             be
             either
             extenuated
             or
             diminish'd
             .
          
           
             I
             now
             proceed
             to
             the
             other
             sort
             of
             Persons
             that
             are
             to
             be
             dealt
             with
             ,
             viz.
             such
             as
             are
             indeed
             thoughtful
             about
             their
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             and
             do
             sincerely
             set
             themselves
             to
             answer
             and
             pay
             them
             ,
             who
             yet
             do
             often
             fail
             and
             faulter
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Matter
             of
             their
             Grief
             and
             Trouble
             .
             I
             would
             not
             willingly
             do
             any
             thing
             to
             the
             needless
             sadning
             of
             any
             upright
             Soul
             ,
             and
             should
             therefore
             be
             sorry
             that
             any
             such
             should
             receive
             Disturbance
             from
             any
             thing
             mention'd
             under
             the
             former
             Heads
             ,
             which
             are
             calculated
             for
             those
             of
             another
             stamp
             ;
             and
             need
             not
             give
             those
             who
             are
             sincere
             ,
             tho
             imperfect
             ,
             any
             Molestation
             :
             I
             have
             other
             Considerations
             to
             suggest
             to
             such
             which
             have
             their
             weight
             ,
             but
             are
             of
             another
             nature
             .
             I
             have
             the
             following
             Questions
             to
             put
             to
             them
             ,
             which
             I
             would
             beg
             of
             them
             seriously
             and
             impartially
             to
             weigh
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             MIGHT
             not
             any
             ,
             even
             the
             best
             of
             you
             ,
             take
             much
             more
             care
             to
             live
             up
             to
             your
             Sacramental
             Vows
             than
             you
             do
             ?
             You
             can't
             be
             more
             free
             to
             plead
             ,
             than
             I
             to
             own
             ,
             that
             all
             your
             Care
             could
             not
             
             keep
             you
             from
             all
             Sin
             :
             For
             when
             all
             's
             done
             ,
             
               there
               's
               no
               Man
               that
               liveth
               and
               sinneth
               not
               .
            
             But
             might
             you
             not
             do
             much
             more
             towards
             the
             avoiding
             of
             Sin
             ;
             might
             you
             not
             avoid
             much
             more
             Sin
             than
             you
             ordinarily
             do
             ?
             I
             appeal
             to
             your
             Consciences
             about
             this
             Matter
             .
             Should
             not
             the
             Sense
             of
             the
             Deceitfulness
             of
             your
             Hearts
             ,
             your
             many
             former
             Falls
             and
             Smarts
             for
             them
             ,
             and
             Sufferings
             by
             them
             ;
             and
             of
             the
             too
             great
             Strength
             of
             the
             fleshly
             part
             in
             you
             ,
             keep
             you
             more
             in
             awe
             ,
             and
             make
             you
             more
             careful
             ?
             and
             might
             you
             not
             be
             much
             more
             diligent
             ,
             and
             watchful
             ,
             and
             circumspect
             ,
             and
             provident
             ,
             and
             serious
             ,
             than
             you
             are
             ?
             Don't
             you
             find
             a
             great
             and
             very
             remarkable
             Difference
             in
             your selves
             ,
             in
             your
             Tempers
             and
             your
             Lives
             ,
             when
             your
             Guard
             is
             strict
             ,
             your
             Eyes
             about
             you
             ,
             your
             Prayers
             frequent
             ,
             close
             and
             servent
             ,
             and
             your
             Intercourse
             with
             Heaven
             uninterrupted
             ;
             from
             what
             you
             are
             when
             your
             Guard
             is
             intermitted
             ,
             your
             Spirits
             are
             clogg'd
             ,
             your
             Prayers
             are
             heavy
             ;
             and
             the
             Reins
             are
             out
             of
             your
             Hands
             ?
             Whence
             comes
             the
             Difference
             that
             is
             so
             discernible
             even
             among
             real
             Christians
             ,
             who
             all
             are
             sincere
             ?
             How
             even
             ,
             uniform
             ,
             steddy
             ,
             vigorous
             ,
             holy
             ,
             and
             heavenly
             shall
             some
             be
             over
             others
             ?
             To
             the
             Eye
             there
             is
             not
             a
             greater
             Difference
             between
             some
             Saints
             and
             some
             Sinners
             ,
             
             than
             there
             is
             between
             some
             Saints
             and
             others
             ;
             nor
             indeed
             so
             great
             .
             Whence
             comes
             this
             ?
             What
             can
             it
             be
             imputed
             to
             ,
             but
             the
             different
             degrees
             of
             Resolution
             ,
             Watchfulness
             ,
             Care
             ,
             Caution
             ,
             Diligence
             ,
             and
             Painfulness
             ,
             that
             several
             Persons
             reach
             to
             .
             It
             would
             be
             no
             objection
             against
             this
             ;
             for
             any
             to
             say
             ,
             That
             all
             this
             difference
             is
             owing
             to
             the
             Grace
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             alone
             ,
             which
             is
             imparted
             by
             God
             to
             every
             man
             severally
             as
             he
             will
             :
             For
             it
             s
             freely
             granted
             ;
             and
             these
             things
             mention'd
             that
             are
             instrumental
             in
             this
             difference
             ,
             are
             only
             so
             many
             parts
             of
             that
             ,
             Grace
             of
             God
             which
             receives
             different
             names
             according
             to
             the
             diversity
             of
             objects
             about
             which
             't
             is
             employ'd
             :
             So
             many
             parts
             (
             I
             say
             )
             of
             that
             Grace
             which
             God
             is
             pleas'd
             freely
             to
             impart
             :
             But
             let
             it
             withal
             be
             noted
             ,
             that
             't
             is
             not
             meerly
             Arbitrarily
             that
             't
             is
             imparted
             ,
             but
             by
             Rule
             ;
             by
             that
             most
             wise
             and
             equitable
             Rule
             ,
             
               That
               to
               every
               one
               that
               hath
               shall
               be
            
             
             
               given
               ,
               and
               he
               shall
               have
               abundance
               .
            
             Every
             one
             that
             
               hath
               ;
               i.
               e.
            
             hath
             improv'd
             former
             Vouchsafements
             .
             How
             comes
             it
             then
             that
             you
             let
             so
             many
             out
             strip
             you
             ?
             If
             you
             look
             about
             you
             you
             'll
             find
             this
             and
             that
             ,
             and
             the
             other
             Person
             ,
             that
             walks
             more
             closely
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             lives
             more
             up
             to
             their
             Sacramental
             Engagements
             than
             you
             do
             .
             You
             are
             always
             almost
             stumbling
             ;
             
             they
             ,
             compar'd
             with
             you
             ,
             go
             on
             as
             't
             were
             evenly
             :
             Were
             you
             as
             Humble
             ,
             Watchful
             ,
             Diligent
             ,
             and
             Industrious
             as
             they
             ,
             you
             might
             keep
             pace
             with
             them
             :
             And
             might
             you
             not
             be
             so
             if
             you
             would
             ?
             What
             I
             pray
             hinders
             you
             ?
             It
             may
             be
             you
             'll
             say
             ,
             you
             cann't
             be
             so
             of
             your selves
             :
             True
             ,
             but
             the
             God
             you
             serve
             ,
             will
             be
             as
             free
             to
             you
             as
             to
             them
             ,
             if
             you
             carry
             it
             to
             him
             as
             they
             do
             .
             And
             as
             for
             them
             who
             so
             much
             out
             strip
             you
             ,
             they
             might
             be
             yet
             much
             better
             than
             they
             are
             ,
             they
             might
             walk
             much
             more
             closely
             with
             God
             ,
             better
             pay
             their
             Vows
             ,
             and
             live
             yet
             more
             agreeably
             to
             their
             Christian
             Engagements
             than
             they
             do
             :
             If
             this
             were
             not
             possible
             then
             must
             they
             be
             suppos'd
             to
             be
             arriv'd
             at
             Perfection
             ,
             which
             for
             any
             to
             pretend
             to
             in
             this
             Life
             ,
             is
             the
             height
             of
             Folly.
             But
             I
             suppose
             there
             are
             none
             really
             think
             but
             that
             they
             might
             be
             better
             and
             do
             better
             ,
             and
             live
             better
             ,
             and
             answer
             their
             Sacramental
             Vows
             better
             ,
             if
             they
             were
             more
             careful
             .
             And
             should
             not
             this
             thought
             shame
             you
             ?
             To
             think
             ,
             that
             you
             who
             have
             given
             your
             selves
             up
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             so
             firmly
             resolv'd
             for
             God
             ,
             and
             so
             frequently
             declare
             you
             stand
             to
             your
             Resolution
             ,
             should
             for
             want
             of
             care
             ,
             so
             often
             ,
             and
             so
             shamefully
             fail
             in
             your
             Duty
             ,
             and
             break
             your
             Vows
             at
             the
             rate
             you
             do
             ?
             Let
             me
             ask
             you
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             WHAT
             are
             those
             things
             which
             divert
             
             you
             from
             that
             care
             and
             application
             ,
             which
             a
             matter
             of
             so
             vast
             importance
             as
             this
             is
             ,
             plainly
             requires
             ?
             Are
             they
             things
             of
             greater
             weight
             and
             moment
             ,
             and
             that
             more
             nearly
             concern
             you
             ?
             Are
             they
             things
             your
             concern
             about
             which
             will
             turn
             to
             better
             account
             than
             your
             care
             in
             this
             matter
             ?
             Surely
             no
             :
             Generally
             they
             are
             the
             affairs
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             matters
             of
             Profit
             or
             Interest
             ,
             Common
             Civil
             Affairs
             ;
             they
             might
             and
             should
             be
             minded
             in
             their
             place
             ,
             but
             need
             not
             justle
             out
             things
             of
             much
             greater
             weight
             .
             But
             what
             comfort
             can
             you
             ever
             expect
             in
             any
             thing
             ,
             the
             pursuit
             of
             which
             hindred
             your
             carefulness
             to
             keep
             your
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ?
             How
             can
             you
             expect
             a
             Blessing
             on
             those
             Affairs
             of
             yours
             ,
             by
             which
             you
             are
             diverted
             from
             what
             ought
             to
             be
             your
             principal
             care
             ;
             viz.
             The
             Living
             up
             to
             your
             Christian
             Vows
             ?
             If
             you
             'll
             weigh
             things
             in
             an
             even
             ballance
             ,
             you
             'll
             soon
             see
             which
             side
             preponderates
             .
             And
             will
             you
             be
             so
             foolish
             as
             by
             things
             comparatively
             inconsiderable
             ,
             to
             be
             diverted
             from
             ,
             and
             deadned
             in
             ,
             that
             which
             you
             have
             often
             vow'd
             and
             engag'd
             should
             be
             the
             business
             of
             your
             Lives
             ,
             and
             which
             well
             deserves
             to
             be
             so
             ?
             Again
             ,
          
           
             3.
             
             Is
             not
             God
             more
             dishonour'd
             by
             your
             failures
             and
             neglects
             ,
             than
             any
             others
             whatsoever
             ?
             Doth
             not
             your
             Relation
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             interest
             in
             him
             ,
             make
             
             your
             Breaches
             the
             more
             Provoking
             ?
             You
             are
             His
             Covenant
             People
             ;
             His
             Children
             ;
             His
             Domesticks
             ;
             you
             belong
             to
             his
             Family
             ;
             He
             treats
             you
             as
             Friends
             and
             Intimates
             if
             you
             after
             all
             thro'
             Carelessness
             do
             break
             your
             Vows
             ,
             and
             deal
             Treacherously
             may
             he
             not
             
               justly
               highly
            
             Resent
             it
             ?
             Is
             not
             Gods
             Honour
             much
             in
             your
             hands
             ?
             Will
             not
             your
             Failures
             and
             Neglects
             tho'
             they
             are
             such
             as
             are
             consistent
             with
             
               Sincerity
               ;
               your
            
             falling
             so
             sadly
             short
             of
             your
             Sacramental
             Vows
             in
             many
             cases
             occasion
             disparaging
             Reflections
             upon
             Religion
             ,
             deaden
             others
             ,
             encourage
             them
             in
             their
             Remissness
             ,
             and
             cause
             the
             World
             to
             say
             ,
             that
             after
             all
             there
             's
             little
             real
             difference
             between
             the
             Godly
             and
             the
             Wicked
             ?
             And
             if
             you
             have
             any
             concern
             for
             the
             Divine
             Honour
             must
             not
             this
             needs
             affect
             you
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             May
             not
             God
             altho'he
             eventually
             and
             finally
             pardon
             and
             forgive
             you
             ,
             yet
             at
             present
             justly
             frown
             upon
             you
             ,
             to
             punish
             you
             for
             your
             Carelessness
             and
             Folly
             ?
             May
             he
             not
             justly
             cause
             you
             to
             walk
             mournfully
             and
             heavily
             ,
             who
             often
             walk
             so
             carelesly
             and
             remisly
             ?
             Must
             be
             nibling
             at
             the
             bait
             till
             you
             are
             caught
             with
             the
             hook
             ;
             and
             are
             for
             ventring
             as
             far
             as
             you
             may
             with
             any
             safety
             ,
             till
             you
             run
             too
             far
             to
             make
             a
             safe
             retreat
             ?
             May
             he
             not
             justly
             suffer
             the
             Devil
             to
             take
             the
             advantage
             
             against
             you
             which
             you
             give
             him
             by
             your
             Breaches
             of
             your
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ?
             And
             hide
             his
             face
             from
             you
             to
             convince
             you
             of
             the
             disingenuity
             of
             your
             dealings
             with
             him
             ;
             and
             show
             you
             how
             he
             's
             displeased
             therewith
             ?
             What
             if
             he
             makes
             you
             smart
             by
             those
             very
             Corruptions
             ,
             your
             indulging
             which
             ,
             occasion'd
             your
             Renew'd
             Breaches
             ?
             Must
             you
             not
             blame
             your
             selves
             ,
             and
             justify
             him
             ?
             Again
             ,
          
           
             5.
             
             MAY
             not
             your
             frequent
             Breaches
             of
             your
             Sacramental
             Engagements
             ,
             much
             blur
             the
             evidences
             of
             your
             sincerity
             ?
             time
             was
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             when
             upon
             a
             serious
             examination
             of
             your
             Heart
             and
             survey
             of
             your
             Life
             ,
             you
             found
             comfortable
             ground
             to
             hope
             that
             you
             were
             a
             Child
             of
             God
             ,
             had
             a
             special
             interest
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             were
             well
             fixt
             for
             Heaven
             ;
             but
             now
             make
             the
             same
             enquiry
             ,
             and
             alas
             you
             find
             the
             matter
             dubious
             :
             Your
             ground
             of
             hope
             is
             exceedingly
             diminisht
             ;
             you
             know
             not
             whether
             that
             which
             appears
             like
             Grace
             in
             you
             be
             true
             and
             genuine
             ,
             or
             not
             ;
             and
             therefore
             are
             full
             of
             Fears
             :
             Upon
             what
             can
             you
             charge
             this
             difference
             ?
             Is
             not
             your
             Carelessness
             and
             Remissness
             in
             keeping
             and
             living
             up
             to
             your
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             as
             likely
             and
             probable
             a
             Cause
             of
             it
             as
             any
             thing
             whatsoever
             ?
             May
             not
             that
             which
             betrays
             the
             great
             Prevalence
             of
             Corruption
             in
             you
             ,
             often
             make
             your
             
             Integrity
             dubious
             ?
             And
             will
             you
             not
             then
             endeavour
             to
             take
             up
             ?
             Will
             you
             persist
             in
             a
             Course
             ,
             which
             continued
             ,
             may
             make
             your
             Uprightness
             ,
             and
             the
             Truth
             of
             your
             Grace
             ,
             and
             Sincerity
             of
             your
             Piety
             ,
             a
             thing
             always
             questionable
             ;
             and
             so
             perpetually
             fill
             you
             with
             Doubts
             and
             Fears
             .
             Again
             ,
          
           
             6.
             
             ARE
             not
             the
             Eyes
             of
             him
             to
             whom
             your
             Vows
             are
             made
             always
             upon
             you
             ?
             Doth
             not
             he
             search
             and
             try
             you
             ,
             eye
             and
             view
             you
             ?
             and
             will
             you
             be
             careless
             and
             remiss
             even
             while
             he
             looks
             on
             ?
             Doth
             not
             he
             see
             your
             Warmth
             and
             Seriousness
             at
             a
             Sacrament
             ?
             and
             doth
             not
             he
             afterwards
             see
             how
             soon
             you
             grow
             cold
             ,
             and
             dead
             ,
             and
             dull
             again
             ;
             returning
             to
             former
             Remissness
             ?
             and
             how
             little
             you
             are
             influenc'd
             by
             renewed
             and
             repeated
             Vows
             ?
             and
             shall
             not
             the
             Thought
             of
             his
             Inspection
             awe
             and
             affect
             you
             ?
             Again
             ,
          
           
             7.
             
             WON'T
             your
             Experience
             teach
             you
             ?
             Have
             you
             not
             felt
             the
             good
             Effects
             of
             Care
             and
             Watchfulness
             after
             a
             Sacrament
             ,
             that
             you
             might
             answer
             and
             pay
             the
             Vows
             you
             renew'd
             there
             ;
             and
             the
             sad
             Effects
             of
             Negligence
             and
             Remissness
             ,
             many
             and
             many
             a
             time
             heretofore
             ?
             and
             will
             you
             never
             learn
             to
             keep
             close
             to
             God
             ?
             Have
             you
             not
             smarted
             for
             past
             Faults
             ,
             and
             will
             you
             run
             into
             the
             same
             again
             ?
             Will
             you
             leave
             the
             same
             Gaps
             
             open
             by
             which
             Dulness
             and
             Formality
             formerly
             crept
             in
             upon
             you
             ?
             Will
             you
             let
             the
             same
             Temptations
             draw
             you
             into
             Sin
             ,
             and
             the
             same
             Corruptions
             prevail
             upon
             you
             ,
             and
             the
             same
             Toys
             and
             Trifles
             divert
             you
             from
             your
             Duty
             as
             heretofore
             ?
             What
             would
             this
             be
             but
             to
             do
             that
             in
             Spirituals
             ,
             which
             you
             would
             blame
             as
             unaccountable
             and
             amazing
             Folly
             in
             common
             and
             civil
             Affairs
             ?
             And
             then
             ,
          
           
             8.
             and
             Lastly
             ;
             WHEN
             do
             you
             expect
             to
             arrive
             at
             a
             confirmed
             State
             ?
             How
             can
             you
             think
             to
             grow
             in
             Grace
             ,
             and
             to
             thrive
             and
             improve
             in
             the
             Ways
             of
             God
             ,
             if
             you
             are
             not
             more
             careful
             and
             faithful
             in
             keeping
             and
             paying
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ?
             Can
             you
             be
             satisfied
             with
             the
             lowest
             degree
             of
             Grace
             that
             's
             saving
             ,
             and
             that
             's
             capable
             of
             helping
             you
             to
             Heaven
             ?
             If
             so
             ,
             that
             alone
             might
             justly
             make
             the
             Truth
             of
             your
             Grace
             questionable
             :
             but
             if
             you
             desire
             to
             improve
             in
             Grace
             ,
             and
             that
             to
             such
             a
             degree
             as
             that
             you
             may
             
               have
               an
               abundant
               Entrance
               ministred
               to
               you
               into
               God's
               Heavenly
               Kingdom
               ,
            
             as
             't
             is
             natural
             for
             all
             those
             who
             have
             the
             Truth
             of
             Grace
             to
             do
             ;
             methinks
             you
             should
             not
             be
             your
             own
             Hindrance
             by
             your
             Carelesness
             ,
             about
             your
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ;
             which
             the
             more
             faithfully
             you
             keep
             ,
             the
             more
             may
             you
             hope
             to
             do
             so
             ;
             and
             the
             less
             careful
             you
             are
             about
             them
             ,
             the
             less
             Hope
             is
             there
             in
             the
             case
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XV.
             
          
           
             
               The
               Temper
               and
               Carriage
               of
               a
               Soul
               that
               's
               rightly
               sensible
               of
               the
               Force
               and
               Sacredness
               of
               Sacramental
               Vows
               ,
               briefly
               EXEMPLIFY'D
               .
            
          
           
             HAving
             thus
             far
             endeavour'd
             to
             open
             ,
             illustrate
             ,
             and
             enforce
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ;
             and
             done
             what
             in
             me
             lies
             to
             help
             my
             Readers
             to
             understand
             them
             rightly
             ,
             and
             to
             engage
             them
             to
             repeat
             them
             seriously
             ,
             and
             keep
             them
             saithfully
             ,
             I
             shall
             close
             with
             a
             brief
             but
             distinct
             View
             of
             the
             Temper
             and
             Carriage
             which
             was
             the
             Scope
             of
             this
             present
             Endeavour
             .
             I
             'll
             draw
             a
             Model
             ,
             and
             that
             as
             exactly
             and
             faithfully
             as
             I
             am
             able
             in
             a
             short
             Compass
             ,
             from
             whence
             all
             may
             discern
             what
             they
             should
             be
             ,
             and
             how
             they
             should
             carry
             it
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             the
             approving
             themselves
             sincere
             ,
             and
             reaping
             the
             Benefit
             of
             their
             frequent
             Sacramental
             Federal
             Transactions
             .
             In
             doing
             which
             I
             'll
             avoid
             running
             things
             to
             such
             an
             height
             as
             ordinary
             Persons
             are
             incapable
             of
             arriving
             at
             ,
             or
             as
             few
             attain
             to
             ;
             which
             might
             prove
             a
             Discouragement
             instead
             of
             an
             Assistance
             :
             and
             shall
             instance
             in
             the
             common
             pitch
             of
             upright
             
             and
             sincere
             Souls
             ,
             that
             are
             rightly
             sensible
             of
             the
             Vows
             of
             God
             which
             they
             are
             under
             .
          
           
             SUCH
             Persons
             may
             be
             consider'd
             in
             several
             Instants
             :
             and
             I
             shall
             select
             those
             that
             are
             most
             remarkable
             ;
             and
             in
             each
             show
             the
             Temper
             ,
             and
             Posture
             ,
             and
             Resentments
             of
             a
             sincere
             Soul
             ;
             how
             its
             Pulse
             beats
             ;
             what
             are
             its
             usual
             Affections
             and
             Motions
             ,
             and
             most
             natural
             Stirrings
             .
          
           
             SUCH
             a
             Soul
             may
             be
             consider'd
             either
             as
             preparing
             it self
             for
             the
             renewing
             sacred
             Vows
             ;
             or
             in
             the
             Act
             of
             renewing
             them
             ;
             or
             after
             it
             is
             finish'd
             ,
             and
             the
             Bonds
             are
             renew'd
             :
             and
             so
             ,
             either
             as
             immediately
             retiring
             ;
             or
             in
             the
             after
             Life
             .
             A
             sincere
             Soul
             immediately
             after
             the
             renewing
             Sacramental
             Vows
             may
             be
             consider'd
             either
             as
             recollecting
             what
             's
             past
             ,
             or
             as
             praying
             for
             Grace
             and
             Strength
             ;
             or
             as
             charging
             it self
             to
             be
             faithful
             :
             And
             then
             again
             in
             the
             After-Life
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             consider'd
             either
             as
             first
             setting
             out
             ;
             or
             as
             meeting
             with
             Temptations
             and
             Struggling
             with
             them
             ;
             or
             as
             stumbling
             and
             falling
             ,
             and
             so
             expostulating
             and
             chiding
             ;
             or
             as
             rising
             again
             by
             Repentance
             and
             renewing
             its
             Resolutions
             ;
             or
             as
             bemoaning
             its
             Unhappiness
             by
             reason
             of
             its
             Imperfections
             ;
             or
             as
             longing
             for
             that
             State
             where
             it
             shall
             ever
             keep
             close
             to
             its
             God
             
             and
             Saviour
             ,
             without
             any
             Failures
             and
             Breaches
             .
             Many
             more
             Periods
             or
             Postures
             might
             be
             mention'd
             and
             considered
             ,
             but
             these
             are
             the
             most
             signal
             and
             the
             most
             common
             :
             and
             they
             who
             can
             as
             I
             go
             along
             from
             point
             to
             point
             find
             their
             Temper
             and
             Carriage
             correspondent
             to
             the
             Model
             propos'd
             ;
             they
             who
             arrive
             but
             at
             the
             pitch
             here
             exemplify'd
             ,
             need
             not
             question
             their
             Sincerity
             ,
             or
             doubt
             of
             Divine
             Acceptance
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             THEN
             ,
             let
             's
             begin
             with
             viewing
             a
             sincere
             Soul
             ,
             preparing
             it self
             for
             the
             renewing
             sacred
             Vows
             to
             be
             the
             Lord
             's
             at
             the
             Holy
             Communion
             :
             and
             we
             shall
             find
             it
             seasonably
             retiring
             from
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             disingaging
             it self
             from
             sensual
             Intanglements
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             be
             free
             without
             Clog
             and
             Incumbrance
             ,
             for
             transacting
             with
             its
             God
             and
             Saviour
             about
             Matters
             of
             the
             vastest
             Consequence
             and
             Importance
             ;
             studiously
             ridding
             it self
             of
             worldly
             Thoughts
             and
             Cares
             that
             would
             fasten
             it
             down
             to
             this
             Earth
             ,
             when
             it
             ought
             with
             the
             greatest
             Ardour
             to
             be
             aspiring
             Heaven-ward
             .
             Follow
             it
             into
             its
             Retirements
             and
             you
             'll
             find
             it
             mighty
             busy
             in
             examining
             and
             enquiring
             into
             its
             past
             Carriage
             and
             present
             State
             ;
             narrowly
             searching
             all
             the
             Corners
             of
             the
             Heart
             ,
             and
             bringing
             the
             Actions
             of
             the
             Life
             to
             the
             Scrutiny
             ,
             that
             no
             considerable
             
             Failures
             ,
             Neglects
             ,
             or
             Disorders
             ,
             may
             be
             unobserv'd
             .
             It
             attempts
             not
             to
             cover
             or
             extenuate
             discover'd
             Faults
             or
             Breaches
             ,
             but
             aggravates
             them
             to
             the
             height
             in
             order
             to
             the
             greater
             Self-abasement
             .
             It
             falls
             therefore
             to
             grieving
             ,
             blushing
             ,
             and
             self-condemning
             ;
             it
             throws
             it self
             at
             God's
             Feet
             ,
             owning
             an
             entire
             Forfeiture
             of
             all
             Covenant
             Blessings
             ,
             by
             its
             Negligence
             ,
             Carnality
             ,
             Sloth
             and
             Folly
             ;
             and
             breathes
             out
             its
             penitent
             Remorse
             in
             unaffected
             strains
             of
             Devotion
             :
             After
             which
             it
             stirs
             up
             it self
             to
             transact
             a-new
             with
             God
             ,
             with
             the
             utmost
             Seriousness
             ;
             endeavouring
             to
             renew
             its
             Sense
             of
             his
             just
             Right
             and
             manifold
             Claims
             .
             It
             chears
             it self
             by
             the
             Consideration
             of
             the
             known
             and
             experienc'd
             Clemency
             and
             Pity
             of
             the
             God
             with
             whom
             it
             hath
             to
             do
             ;
             and
             fires
             it self
             by
             devout
             Meditations
             on
             its
             Redeemer's
             matchless
             Love
             ,
             and
             earnestly
             begs
             to
             feel
             more
             and
             more
             the
             constraining
             Power
             of
             it
             .
             It
             takes
             all
             possible
             care
             to
             get
             its
             Wedding-garment
             on
             ,
             that
             so
             it
             may
             become
             a
             welcome
             Guest
             at
             the
             sacred
             Festival
             on
             that
             Peace-Offering
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             only
             Cement
             between
             it
             and
             its
             God.
             It
             sets
             it self
             to
             burnish
             up
             its
             Graces
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             all
             be
             in
             readiness
             to
             act
             their
             part
             .
             It
             pants
             ,
             it
             thirsts
             ,
             it
             longs
             for
             Christ
             ;
             it
             endeavours
             to
             enlarge
             its
             Desires
             ;
             and
             
             to
             
               open
               wide
               the
               everlasting
               Doors
               ,
               that
               the
               King
               of
               Glory
               may
               come
               in
               ,
            
             and
             have
             a
             free
             Admission
             ,
             and
             a
             fuller
             Possession
             ,
             and
             a
             more
             absolute
             Dominion
             than
             ever
             ;
             and
             strives
             with
             all
             its
             Might
             to
             excite
             in
             it self
             such
             a
             Sense
             of
             the
             Justness
             of
             its
             dear
             Saviour's
             Authority
             ,
             as
             may
             make
             the
             Bonds
             it
             renews
             to
             him
             more
             strong
             ,
             fixed
             and
             lasting
             ;
             more
             powerful
             and
             prevalent
             than
             ever
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Let
             's
             view
             such
             a
             Soul
             in
             the
             Act
             of
             renewing
             Sacred
             Vows
             ;
             and
             we
             shall
             see
             it
             humbling
             it self
             under
             a
             Sense
             of
             its
             great
             Treachery
             and
             Baseness
             ,
             Fickleness
             and
             Inconstancy
             ;
             asham'd
             to
             look
             upwards
             on
             the
             account
             of
             its
             Defilements
             and
             Disorders
             ,
             heartily
             owning
             it self
             unworthy
             such
             an
             Honour
             as
             the
             being
             admitted
             into
             the
             Divine
             Service
             ,
             admiring
             at
             God's
             great
             Benignity
             ,
             that
             after
             all
             that
             's
             past
             there
             's
             room
             for
             Acceptance
             ,
             and
             ground
             for
             Hope
             ,
             adoring
             its
             Redeemer's
             unspeakable
             Condescention
             ,
             and
             endeavouring
             to
             lose
             its
             self
             in
             the
             Wonders
             of
             his
             Love
             ;
             recollecting
             all
             those
             Divine
             Excellencies
             which
             shone
             forth
             in
             the
             Course
             of
             his
             Life
             ,
             throughout
             all
             his
             Sufferings
             ,
             and
             at
             the
             Hour
             of
             his
             Death
             ;
             and
             wistfully
             viewing
             him
             from
             first
             to
             last
             as
             an
             exact
             Mirror
             of
             Divinity
             ,
             peculiarly
             fixing
             on
             his
             Death
             ,
             when
             his
             Body
             was
             broken
             ,
             
             and
             his
             Blood
             pour'd
             forth
             ;
             being
             pierc'd
             with
             grief
             at
             the
             remembrance
             of
             those
             Sins
             which
             help'd
             to
             pierce
             his
             sacred
             Body
             ;
             and
             full
             of
             Astonishment
             ,
             that
             it
             should
             be
             apt
             to
             have
             such
             light
             thoughts
             of
             that
             which
             was
             so
             full
             of
             Malignity
             ,
             that
             it
             needed
             his
             precious
             Blood
             to
             make
             Atonement
             .
             It
             views
             the
             appointed
             Emblems
             ,
             but
             it
             looks
             beyond
             them
             ,
             and
             with
             sorrow
             considers
             the
             share
             it
             had
             in
             that
             doleful
             Tragedy
             which
             is
             thereby
             pointted
             at
             .
             It
             concernedly
             reflects
             on
             the
             need
             it
             stands
             in
             of
             a
             share
             ,
             in
             the
             Benefit
             of
             that
             Sacrifice
             which
             they
             represent
             ;
             it
             rejoyces
             in
             its
             own
             Capacity
             of
             being
             interested
             in
             it
             ;
             it
             takes
             the
             sacred
             Emblems
             ,
             when
             offer'd
             ,
             with
             a
             mixture
             of
             Joy
             and
             Sorrow
             ,
             Fear
             and
             Love
             ;
             and
             embraces
             a
             crucified
             Saviour
             in
             the
             Arms
             of
             Faith
             ,
             yielding
             up
             the
             Heart
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             a
             part
             of
             the
             Victory
             and
             Conquest
             of
             his
             Love
             ;
             resigning
             up
             it self
             ,
             and
             its
             all
             ,
             entirely
             to
             his
             Disposal
             ,
             Management
             ,
             and
             Government
             ;
             not
             as
             a
             free
             Gift
             ,
             but
             as
             his
             just
             Right
             ,
             which
             to
             with-hold
             from
             him
             ,
             would
             be
             the
             highest
             Sacriledge
             ;
             and
             as
             an
             Offering
             infinitely
             beneath
             the
             desert
             of
             his
             Matchless
             Obligations
             .
             It
             contentedly
             quits
             all
             other
             things
             whatever
             ,
             as
             but
             
               Dung
               and
               Dross
               without
               a
               Christ
            
             ;
             being
             perfectly
             asham'd
             to
             think
             that
             any
             Creature
             should
             be
             his
             Rival
             .
             It
             declares
             
             it self
             satisfy'd
             with
             him
             as
             a
             Portion
             ;
             by
             reason
             that
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             with
             him
             ,
             it
             will
             have
             all
             that
             is
             needful
             ;
             and
             cares
             not
             what
             it
             wants
             ,
             nor
             how
             it
             fares
             ,
             nor
             what
             it
             parts
             with
             ,
             so
             it
             may
             but
             share
             in
             his
             Merits
             ,
             and
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             his
             Grace
             ,
             and
             his
             Glory
             .
             It
             not
             only
             throws
             it self
             into
             its
             Saviour's
             Arms
             for
             an
             instant
             ,
             but
             with
             a
             design
             to
             abide
             there
             ;
             detesting
             whatever
             tends
             to
             with-draw
             it
             from
             him
             ,
             with
             whom
             it
             is
             so
             enamour'd
             .
             It
             renounces
             Sin
             ,
             Satan
             ,
             and
             the
             World
             ,
             as
             his
             known
             Enemies
             ;
             fetching
             strength
             from
             his
             Cross
             ,
             to
             resist
             and
             oppose
             them
             .
             It
             disclaims
             Self
             ,
             as
             an
             Usurping
             Tyrant
             ,
             renouncing
             it
             so
             far
             as
             't
             is
             opposite
             ,
             and
             firmly
             resolving
             to
             subject
             it
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             't
             is
             capable
             ,
             to
             his
             Scepter
             and
             Government
             .
             In
             humble
             Dependance
             on
             his
             promised
             Aids
             ,
             it
             takes
             a
             New
             Oath
             of
             Fealty
             to
             him
             ;
             it
             engages
             to
             a
             thorow
             Discipleship
             ;
             solemnly
             swearing
             over
             his
             sacred
             Emblems
             ,
             heartily
             to
             be
             subject
             to
             him
             ,
             to
             study
             to
             resemble
             him
             ,
             to
             carry
             it
             as
             one
             of
             his
             Followers
             ,
             to
             stick
             to
             his
             Interest
             ,
             to
             fight
             against
             his
             Enemies
             ,
             to
             follow
             his
             Conduct
             ,
             to
             submit
             to
             his
             Discipline
             ,
             to
             be
             content
             with
             his
             Allotments
             ,
             and
             patiently
             to
             wait
             for
             his
             Rewards
             .
             It
             embraces
             that
             Covenant
             which
             his
             Death
             so
             firmly
             ratify'd
             ;
             stands
             amaz'd
             at
             the
             inestimable
             Blessings
             made
             over
             in
             it
             ;
             and
             
             firmly
             engages
             strenuously
             to
             apply
             it self
             to
             answer
             the
             Demands
             of
             it
             .
             And
             out
             of
             a
             sense
             of
             its
             own
             weakness
             ,
             which
             time
             past
             hath
             but
             too
             much
             discover'd
             ,
             it
             sends
             up
             the
             most
             Pathetical
             Supplications
             to
             its
             once
             crucify'd
             ,
             but
             now
             glorify'd
             Redeemer
             ,
             for
             fixing
             ,
             stablishing
             ,
             confirming
             ,
             preserving
             ,
             persevering
             Grace
             ,
             and
             constant
             Supplies
             of
             it
             ;
             that
             so
             the
             sense
             of
             such
             Obligations
             as
             he
             hath
             laid
             upon
             it
             ,
             and
             such
             Bonds
             as
             it
             is
             voluntarily
             enter'd
             into
             to
             him
             ,
             may
             by
             nothing
             ever
             be
             defac'd
             or
             worn
             out
             :
             In
             hope
             whereof
             it
             triumphs
             and
             rejoyces
             ;
             magnifying
             ,
             adoring
             ,
             blessing
             and
             praising
             all
             the
             three
             Persons
             in
             the
             sacred
             Trinity
             ,
             the
             Father
             ,
             the
             Son
             ,
             and
             the
             holy
             Spirit
             ,
             on
             the
             Account
             of
             their
             distinct
             Concern
             and
             Agency
             ,
             in
             the
             Redeeming
             and
             Saving
             of
             lost
             Sinners
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             LET
             's
             view
             the
             same
             Soul
             immediately
             after
             the
             Renewal
             of
             such
             
               Sacramental
               Vows
            
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             find
             its
             first
             Work
             to
             be
             the
             Recollecting
             what
             past
             in
             the
             foregoing
             Transaction
             .
             
               How
               did
               I
               burn
               and
               glow
            
             (
             says
             such
             a
             Soul
             )
             
               when
               I
               found
               my self
               under
               the
               Direct
               Beams
               of
               my
               Saviour's
               Love
               at
               his
               Table
               !
               And
               what
               shall
               I
               do
               to
               retain
               my
               Warreth
               ?
            
             Or
             ,
             
               How
               little
               was
               I
               affected
               ,
               suitably
               to
               such
               a
               Solemnity
               !
               And
               what
               can
               fire
               my
               frozen
               Heart
               ?
            
             Such
             a
             Soul
             cann't
             rest
             in
             the
             Work
             done
             ;
             or
             
             think
             all
             's
             at
             an
             end
             ,
             when
             the
             solemnity's
             over
             .
             It
             cann't
             forbear
             either
             commending
             or
             chiding
             it self
             ,
             according
             as
             the
             posture
             and
             carriage
             hath
             been
             ;
             it
             cann't
             forbear
             endeavouring
             to
             drive
             things
             home
             .
             Follow
             it
             close
             ,
             and
             you
             'll
             find
             it
             upon
             the
             first
             convenient
             Opportunity
             running
             all
             over
             again
             in
             its
             thoughts
             ,
             and
             endeavouring
             to
             rivet
             good
             Impressions
             ,
             and
             fix
             pious
             Resolutions
             ,
             and
             establish
             and
             confirm
             holy
             Purposes
             ,
             and
             back
             Renew'd
             Vows
             with
             strong
             enforcing
             Considerations
             ;
             and
             doing
             what
             it
             can
             to
             engage
             it self
             to
             answer
             it's
             Engagements
             and
             Obligations
             to
             its
             God
             and
             Saviour
             .
             
               Shall
               I
               go
               and
               undo
               what
               I
               have
               been
               doing
               ,
               by
               a
               lazy
               Indifferency
               ,
               a
               negligent
               and
               careless
               course
               of
               Life
               ?
               Shall
               I
               forget
               whose
               I
               am
               ,
               and
               who
               I
               am
               to
               serve
               ,
               and
               what
               are
               my
               Engagements
               ,
               and
               to
               whom
               and
               how
               I
               am
               bound
               ?
               Will
               not
               my
               Guilt
               be
               much
               encreas'd
               ,
               my
               dear
               Saviour
               more
               offended
               ,
               the
               blessed
               Spirit
               more
               griev'd
               ,
               and
               my
               Heart
               more
               deaden'd
               than
               ever
               ,
               if
               I
               return
               again
               to
               Folly
               ?
               Was
               not
               what
               I
               did
               in
               Renewing
               my
               Vows
               the
               Effect
               of
               Consideration
               ?
               Is
               not
               every
               thing
               that
               I
               have
               vow'd
               antecedently
               my
               Duty
               ?
               Hath
               not
               every
               part
               of
               my
               Duty
               Benefit
               attending
               it
               ?
               Is
               not
               He
               with
               whom
               I
               have
               been
               Transacting
               able
               to
               assist
               me
               ?
               And
               hath
               he
               not
               given
               me
               his
               Promise
               in
               his
               Word
               ,
               and
               seal'd
               it
               at
               his
               Table
               ?
               He
               will
               never
               change
               or
               draw
               
               back
               :
               Why
               then
               should
               I
               ?
               No
               ,
               I
               have
               vow'd
               and
               I
               'll
               stand
               to
               it
               ;
               Christ
               is
               mine
               ,
               and
               I
               'll
               be
               his
               :
               Him
               I
               'll
               love
               ;
               Him
               I
               'll
               serve
               ,
               and
               follow
               .
               He
               shall
               have
               my
               Heart
               and
               my
               Life
               .
               And
               alas
               !
               That
               little
               All
               I
               am
               able
               to
               give
               him
               ,
               is
               not
               the
               thousandth
               part
               of
               what
               I
               owe
               Him.
            
             These
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             these
             ,
             are
             the
             Retir'd
             Thoughts
             and
             Reasonings
             of
             a
             sincere
             Soul
             ,
             presently
             after
             Renewing
             Sacramental
             Vows
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             THE
             former
             Exercise
             is
             no
             sooner
             over
             ,
             but
             if
             you
             'll
             persist
             in
             your
             suit
             ,
             you
             'll
             find
             the
             same
             Soul
             wrestling
             with
             God
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             and
             sending
             its
             most
             earnest
             Petitions
             and
             Supplications
             upwards
             ,
             for
             Grace
             and
             Strength
             to
             pay
             the
             Vows
             Renew'd
             .
             
               I
               have
               vow'd
               indeed
               (
               O
               Lord
               )
            
             (
             says
             such
             a
             Soul
             to
             God
             )
             
               that
               I
               'll
               be
               thine
               ;
               I
               have
               anew
               Consecrated
               my self
               to
               my
               Blessed
               Redeemer
               ,
               and
               I
               desire
               not
               to
               draw
               back
               :
               But
               I
               have
               of
               my self
               no
               strength
               to
               perform
               ;
               all
               my
               sufficiency
               is
               of
               thee
               :
               Lord
               ,
               keep
               a
               sense
               of
               my
               Renew'd
               Engagements
               ever
               fresh
               and
               warm
               upon
               my
               heart
               .
               Thou
               know
               '
               st
               my
               Weakness
               and
               my
               Treachery
               :
               I
               beseech
               thee
               to
               aid
               me
               constantly
               by
               thy
               powerful
               Spirit
               ,
               that
               how
               numerous
               soever
               my
               Infirmities
               and
               Imperfections
               be
               ,
               I
               may
               in
               no
               case
               wickedly
               depart
               from
               thee
               .
               O
               that
               I
               who
               have
               been
               viewing
               a
               crucify'd
               Iesus
               ,
               and
               engag'd
               to
               be
               his
               constant
               follower
               ,
               might
               be
               crucify'd
               unto
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               have
               that
               crucify'd
               unto
               me
               .
               O
               
               that
               I
               ,
               who
               have
               been
               commemorating
               my
               de
               Lords
               Dying
               for
               Sin
               ,
               may
               by
               vertue
               deriv'd
               from
               his
               Death
               ,
               be
               enabled
               to
               die
               unto
               Sin
               daily
               :
               That
               I
               ,
               who
               have
               vow'd
               to
               live
               to
               him
               in
               a
               course
               of
               holy
               Obedience
               ,
               may
               have
               the
               Grace
               to
               be
               faithful
               ;
               that
               so
               he
               may
               own
               me
               at
               last
               for
               his
               ,
               before
               his
               Father
               and
               all
               his
               holy
               Angels
               .
            
             These
             are
             much
             like
             the
             strains
             of
             a
             sincere
             Soul
             ,
             after
             Renewed
             Vows
             at
             the
             holy
             Communion
             :
             But
             as
             for
             the
             Spirit
             that
             breathes
             in
             them
             at
             such
             a
             time
             ;
             the
             Fervour
             and
             Ardour
             wherewith
             they
             are
             vented
             ,
             (
             which
             is
             that
             that
             is
             most
             considerable
             )
             it
             is
             out
             of
             my
             reach
             to
             describe
             it
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             ONE
             can
             hardly
             suppose
             a
             Soul
             thus
             affected
             ,
             to
             have
             long
             given
             over
             sending
             its
             Supplications
             upwards
             ,
             before
             it
             will
             be
             apt
             to
             lay
             a
             strict
             Charge
             on
             its
             self
             ,
             suitably
             to
             these
             premises
             .
             I
             have
             little
             reason
             (
             will
             such
             a
             Soul
             be
             apt
             to
             say
             to
             its
             self
             )
             to
             fear
             the
             want
             of
             aid
             from
             on
             high
             ;
             little
             reason
             to
             call
             my
             Dear
             Saviours
             readiness
             ,
             to
             help
             me
             into
             question
             ;
             't
             is
             my self
             I
             have
             most
             cause
             to
             suspect
             ,
             and
             my
             own
             Carelessness
             and
             Treachery
             that
             I
             have
             most
             cause
             to
             fear
             .
             I
             charge
             you
             therefore
             (
             says
             Conscience
             )
             in
             the
             name
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             take
             care
             lest
             you
             break
             your
             Vows
             ,
             and
             frustrate
             your
             Prayers
             ,
             by
             your
             Negligence
             ,
             Sloth
             and
             Remissness
             .
             Often
             therefore
             think
             to
             
             whom
             you
             are
             devoted
             ;
             whose
             badge
             you
             wear
             ;
             how
             observant
             an
             Eye
             is
             always
             upon
             you
             ;
             how
             strict
             an
             account
             of
             your
             Carriage
             you
             must
             one
             day
             give
             to
             him
             to
             whom
             you
             have
             profest
             to
             give
             up
             your selves
             .
             Consider
             how
             much
             Religion
             will
             be
             disparag'd
             and
             discredited
             ;
             if
             you
             ,
             that
             are
             under
             the
             strongest
             Ties
             that
             it
             is
             capable
             of
             bringing
             you
             under
             ,
             to
             an
             unspotted
             Holiness
             of
             Life
             ,
             have
             no
             discernable
             difference
             in
             your
             Carriage
             from
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             that
             pretend
             to
             no
             such
             strictness
             as
             you
             do
             .
             Think
             what
             advantage
             you
             give
             the
             Devil
             against
             your selves
             by
             your
             heedlessness
             ,
             rashness
             and
             folly
             .
             Think
             what
             grief
             and
             sorrow
             you
             have
             pretended
             ,
             your
             past
             breaches
             ,
             and
             trifling
             so
             much
             with
             God
             occasion'd
             you
             ;
             and
             now
             take
             care
             ,
             and
             stand
             on
             your
             guard
             .
             Where
             you
             are
             weakest
             ,
             there
             let
             your
             Watch
             be
             the
             closest
             ,
             and
             your
             Guard
             the
             strongest
             .
             Be
             not
             a
             stranger
             at
             home
             ;
             but
             often
             call
             thy self
             to
             an
             Account
             ;
             and
             whenever
             you
             do
             so
             ,
             think
             what
             the
             matchless
             Love
             of
             your
             Redeemer
             requires
             at
             your
             hands
             ,
             and
             how
             little
             you
             answer
             its
             Demands
             .
             Of
             this
             nature
             is
             
             Conscience's
             Charge
             ;
             which
             if
             seriously
             ,
             solemnly
             ,
             and
             authoritatively
             given
             ,
             cannot
             but
             strike
             an
             Awe
             .
          
           
             AND
             being
             come
             thus
             far
             ,
             let
             's
             now
             take
             the
             other
             part
             of
             the
             Prospect
             ,
             and
             consider
             
             the
             
               After
               Life
            
             :
             The
             after
             state
             and
             carriage
             of
             one
             thus
             seriously
             renewing
             Sacramental
             Vows
             ,
             and
             thus
             endeavouring
             to
             rivet
             the
             sense
             of
             them
             .
             We
             may
             view
             such
             a
             Person
             in
             six
             several
             Instants
             or
             Periods
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             AS
             setting
             out
             and
             first
             attempting
             to
             answer
             Renew'd
             Vows
             and
             Engagements
             .
             To
             begin
             well
             is
             in
             many
             cases
             a
             great
             matter
             ;
             tho'
             in
             others
             it
             signifies
             little
             because
             of
             the
             difficulty
             of
             persisting
             :
             However
             in
             this
             case
             it
             argues
             the
             sense
             of
             Sacramental
             Transactions
             to
             be
             very
             small
             and
             weak
             ,
             if
             Persons
             set
             not
             out
             well
             ;
             of
             this
             therefore
             those
             who
             are
             sincere
             ,
             will
             be
             generally
             Careful
             .
             They
             'll
             look
             before
             them
             anew
             ,
             and
             round
             about
             them
             ;
             and
             consider
             their
             work
             and
             their
             way
             ;
             their
             Friends
             and
             their
             Enemies
             ;
             their
             Encouragements
             and
             their
             Difficulties
             ;
             their
             Helps
             and
             their
             Hindrances
             ;
             their
             Dangers
             ,
             and
             their
             Remedies
             and
             Preservatives
             ;
             and
             will
             endeavour
             to
             fortify
             themselves
             ,
             and
             make
             provision
             accordingly
             .
             Such
             a
             Soul
             as
             hath
             been
             before
             describ'd
             ,
             will
             therefore
             at
             first
             setting
             out
             summon
             all
             its
             powers
             to
             act
             their
             parts
             in
             the
             payment
             of
             its
             Vows
             ;
             to
             stand
             on
             their
             guard
             for
             fear
             of
             a
             surprize
             :
             Will
             revive
             in
             it self
             the
             sense
             of
             its
             own
             weakness
             to
             prevent
             Security
             ;
             will
             again
             call
             in
             aid
             from
             Heaven
             ;
             will
             be
             jealous
             of
             every
             thing
             
             that
             is
             grateful
             to
             Flesh
             and
             Sense
             ;
             will
             take
             heed
             of
             runing
             to
             the
             utmost
             bounds
             of
             what
             is
             lawful
             ,
             whence
             it
             s
             so
             easie
             to
             to
             step
             into
             excess
             ;
             will
             watch
             against
             first
             motions
             to
             Sin
             ,
             and
             endeavour
             presently
             to
             eject
             them
             with
             abhorrence
             ;
             will
             often
             consider
             his
             Character
             ,
             and
             what
             becomes
             it
             ;
             will
             prepare
             for
             opposition
             ,
             and
             expect
             to
             be
             various
             ways
             assaulted
             ;
             will
             endeavour
             to
             keep
             himself
             open
             to
             the
             Spirits
             Influences
             ,
             and
             to
             follow
             his
             Conduct
             ;
             will
             set
             himselfto
             discharge
             his
             duty
             in
             every
             different
             Relation
             and
             Capacity
             wherein
             he
             may
             be
             consider'd
             ;
             will
             peculiarly
             guard
             against
             his
             own
             Iniquity
             ,
             whereby
             he
             is
             most
             likely
             to
             be
             betray'd
             and
             baffled
             ;
             and
             endeavour
             to
             arm
             himself
             with
             an
             Holy
             Resolution
             and
             Undauntedness
             ,
             without
             which
             nothing
             is
             to
             be
             done
             to
             purpose
             in
             the
             Christian
             Life
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             THE
             next
             posture
             wherein
             you
             'll
             find
             him
             ,
             will
             be
             assaulted
             by
             a
             variety
             of
             Temptations
             ,
             with
             which
             he
             is
             struggling
             and
             grappling
             .
             He
             hath
             scarce
             begun
             in
             earnest
             to
             set
             himself
             to
             Answer
             his
             Vows
             ,
             before
             the
             Devil
             attempts
             to
             divert
             ,
             discourage
             ,
             or
             hamper
             ,
             him
             .
             The
             World
             presently
             steps
             in
             ;
             its
             Affairs
             are
             apt
             to
             hurry
             him
             ,
             its
             cares
             to
             fill
             him
             ;
             and
             its
             disappointments
             to
             perplex
             him
             .
             The
             Flesh
             that
             rebels
             and
             is
             impatient
             of
             such
             close
             confinement
             as
             is
             
             laid
             upon
             it
             ;
             and
             tumultuously
             rejects
             the
             yoke
             of
             Christ
             ,
             as
             too
             severe
             and
             galling
             .
             The
             Mans
             Dalilah
             displays
             it self
             in
             all
             its
             charms
             again
             before
             him
             ,
             to
             entice
             his
             Affections
             ;
             it
             discovers
             where
             his
             Strength
             lies
             ,
             which
             is
             in
             his
             Union
             with
             his
             God
             ,
             and
             by
             its
             wiles
             endeavours
             to
             rob
             him
             of
             it
             .
             A
             variety
             of
             Examples
             of
             those
             who
             call
             themselves
             Christians
             present
             themselves
             ,
             who
             allow
             themselves
             in
             a
             greater
             Latitude
             than
             their
             Religion
             can
             warrant
             :
             Who
             being
             Dead
             ,
             and
             Cold
             and
             Careless
             ,
             Remiss
             and
             Formal
             ,
             their
             Conversation
             is
             Infectious
             ,
             and
             apt
             to
             cast
             a
             chilling
             damp
             .
             Thus
             is
             the
             Man
             on
             all
             hands
             beset
             ;
             both
             within
             and
             without
             .
             He
             cann't
             be
             safe
             a
             minute
             if
             he
             intermits
             his
             guard
             .
             He
             must
             be
             continually
             strugling
             ;
             and
             that
             particularly
             with
             himself
             and
             his
             own
             heart
             ,
             which
             will
             be
             apt
             to
             be
             deadned
             ,
             when
             so
             many
             ways
             assaulted
             .
             For
             a
             while
             therefore
             (
             which
             is
             sometimes
             longer
             sometimes
             shorter
             )
             he
             however
             mostly
             keeps
             his
             ground
             :
             He
             spurs
             his
             backward
             Heart
             ,
             and
             by
             frequent
             plying
             keeps
             it
             warm
             :
             And
             by
             often
             interspers'd
             Ejaculatory
             Addresses
             Heaven-wards
             ,
             obtains
             many
             a
             kind
             list
             from
             thence
             .
             He
             maintains
             his
             Resolution
             ,
             Re●…ists
             Temptations
             ,
             keeps
             his
             heart
             for
             God
             ;
             and
             tho'
             with
             great
             difficulty
             ,
             and
             much
             imperfection
             ,
             he
             yet
             faithfully
             pays
             his
             Vows
             :
             But
             ,
          
           
           
             3.
             
             KEEP
             your
             Eye
             still
             fixt
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             little
             time
             you
             'll
             be
             likely
             to
             find
             him
             in
             another
             posture
             ;
             you
             'll
             see
             him
             stumbling
             and
             falling
             through
             Temptations
             prevailing
             .
             Being
             so
             many
             ways
             assaulted
             ,
             and
             somewhere
             or
             other
             unguarded
             ,
             Sin
             creeps
             in
             upon
             him
             ;
             the
             World
             entangles
             him
             ,
             or
             the
             Flesh
             prevails
             over
             him
             ;
             he
             breaks
             his
             Vows
             ;
             he
             's
             again
             ensnar'd
             ;
             his
             Redeemer
             is
             dishonour'd
             ,
             his
             Conscience
             is
             wounded
             ,
             his
             Peace
             is
             interrupted
             ;
             he
             in
             part
             loses
             his
             hold
             ;
             he
             's
             clogg'd
             and
             hamper'd
             ;
             and
             the
             vivacity
             of
             his
             Spirit
             much
             abated
             .
             There
             's
             a
             great
             deal
             of
             difference
             in
             the
             temptations
             that
             prevail
             on
             such
             ;
             in
             the
             degree
             of
             their
             prevalence
             ,
             and
             the
             time
             of
             their
             continuance
             ;
             which
             makes
             a
             great
             difference
             in
             the
             state
             of
             a
             Soul
             in
             such
             a
             case
             :
             But
             this
             is
             not
             to
             be
             sure
             ,
             a
             state
             for
             such
             an
             one
             to
             continue
             in
             ;
             he
             's
             uneasie
             under
             it
             ;
             he
             often
             blames
             ,
             and
             chides
             ,
             and
             expostulates
             with
             himself
             ;
             and
             looks
             upwards
             for
             help
             :
             And
             therefore
             you
             won't
             find
             him
             in
             this
             case
             long
             ;
             but
             in
             a
             little
             time
             you
             may
             ,
          
           
             4.
             
             OBSERVE
             him
             rising
             again
             by
             Repentance
             ,
             and
             Renewing
             his
             Resolutions
             of
             a
             Conscientious
             Fidelity
             .
             His
             Merciful
             Saviour
             pities
             him
             ;
             and
             tho'
             he
             falls
             ,
             yet
             raises
             him
             with
             his
             hand
             ,
             and
             sets
             him
             on
             his
             Legs
             again
             ,
             for
             which
             he
             thinks
             he
             can
             never
             be
             duly
             thankful
             :
             
             And
             then
             as
             the
             Apostle
             Paul
             observes
             in
             a
             particular
             Case
             ,
             with
             reference
             to
             his
             
               Corinthians
               ;
               What
               Carefuless
               it
               wrought
               in
               him
               ;
               yea
               ,
               what
               Indignation
               ;
               yea
               ,
               what
               fear
               ;
               yea
               ,
               what
               vehement
               Desire
               ;
               yea
               ,
               what
               Zeal
            
             ;
             
             
               yea
               ,
               what
               Revenge
            
             !
             Altho'
             he
             fell
             into
             the
             mire
             ,
             yet
             he
             wallow'd
             not
             in
             it
             ,
             he
             took
             no
             delight
             in
             it
             :
             And
             being
             recover'd
             ,
             he
             doubles
             his
             Diligence
             ,
             Watchfulness
             ,
             and
             Care.
             With
             a
             Renew'd
             Vigour
             he
             resolves
             to
             pay
             his
             Vows
             ;
             the
             force
             whereof
             he
             owns
             ,
             and
             his
             Breaches
             whereof
             he
             laments
             with
             unfeigned
             Sorrow
             .
             He
             repeats
             his
             Addresses
             to
             Heaven
             for
             fresh
             strength
             ,
             which
             being
             afforded
             ,
             he
             sets
             himself
             to
             his
             Duty
             ,
             without
             satisfying
             himself
             with
             any
             Delays
             or
             Excuses
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             ANOTHER
             Posture
             wherein
             you
             'll
             often
             find
             him
             ,
             is
             bemoaning
             his
             unhappiness
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             his
             manifold
             imperfections
             .
             
               O
               wretched
               Man
               that
               I
               am
               ,
               who
               shall
               deliver
               me
               from
               this
               body
               of
               death
               ?
            
             Is
             his
             frequent
             complaint
             .
             Often
             will
             his
             Soul
             be
             sending
             forth
             its
             sorrowful
             moans
             in
             secret
             ,
             on
             the
             account
             of
             his
             sickleness
             and
             instability
             ;
             his
             Hearts
             deceitfulness
             and
             treachery
             ;
             the
             power
             of
             Sin
             ,
             and
             pravity
             of
             his
             Flesh
             ;
             and
             the
             weakness
             of
             his
             Grace
             ,
             and
             his
             great
             proneness
             to
             be
             led
             aside
             from
             his
             God
             and
             Saviour
             ;
             notwithstanding
             the
             many
             strong
             Bonds
             he
             is
             under
             ,
             and
             the
             many
             
             powerful
             Motives
             and
             quickning
             Considerations
             he
             hath
             to
             engage
             him
             to
             keep
             close
             to
             him
             .
             Oh
             who
             hath
             so
             dead
             ,
             and
             cold
             ,
             and
             dull
             ,
             and
             listless
             ,
             and
             slipery
             an
             heart
             as
             I
             ,
             will
             he
             often
             say
             ?
             Certainly
             I
             am
             more
             sensless
             than
             any
             Man
             !
             Sure
             God
             hath
             few
             such
             careless
             Servants
             that
             are
             in
             any
             measure
             true
             to
             him
             :
             Christ
             hath
             few
             such
             followers
             ,
             that
             are
             at
             all
             sincere
             :
             Sure
             it
             is
             not
             with
             others
             as
             it
             is
             with
             me
             !
             Oh
             the
             Levity
             and
             Blindness
             of
             my
             Mind
             !
             The
             Hardness
             and
             Stupidity
             of
             my
             Heart
             !
             The
             Carnallity
             of
             my
             Affections
             !
             The
             Unevenness
             of
             my
             Temper
             !
             The
             many
             Irregularities
             of
             my
             Life
             !
             So
             many
             Vows
             not
             strong
             enough
             to
             hold
             me
             fast
             to
             my
             Saviour
             ,
             and
             engage
             me
             to
             my
             Duty
             !
             O
             Unhappy
             Creature
             !
             to
             be
             so
             changeable
             ,
             so
             unmanageable
             ,
             so
             inconstant
             ,
             so
             in
             love
             with
             vanity
             ,
             so
             little
             enamourd
             with
             thy
             Saviour
             ,
             so
             soon
             to
             forget
             what
             he
             hath
             done
             for
             thee
             and
             to
             thee
             !
             which
             naturally
             leads
          
           
             6.
             and
             lastly
             ,
             TO
             a
             longing
             for
             that
             state
             where
             he
             will
             ever
             keep
             close
             to
             God
             ,
             without
             any
             Failures
             or
             Breaches
             ;
             which
             is
             another
             Posture
             wherein
             you
             'll
             often
             find
             him
             .
             O
             (
             will
             he
             often
             say
             )
             
               that
               I
               had
               but
               the
               Wings
               of
               a
               Dove
               ,
               that
               I
               might
               fly
               into
               the
               Coelestial
               Regions
               ,
               and
               be
               at
               rest
               .
               This
               that
               I
               now
               inhabit
               is
               ,
               at
               best
               ,
               a
               Region
               of
               Sorrow
               and
               Darkness
               ,
               Sin
               and
               Misery
               .
               Now
               
               I
               often
               break
               with
               my
               Saviour
               ,
               and
               lose
               the
               sight
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               f●…ll
               into
               sin
               ,
               notwithstanding
               all
               my
               Resolutions
               against
               it
               .
               My
               pr●…sent
               Vows
               I
               find
               at
               best
               too
               weak
               to
               hold
               me
               so
               close
               as
               I
               would
               be
               to
               my
               dearest
               Saviour
               :
               But
               had
               I
               once
               laid
               aside
               my
               Fleshly
               Vail
               ,
               then
               I
               hope
               I
               should
               have
               another-guess
               sight
               of
               him
               than
               I
               can
               now
               attain
               unto
               :
               Which
               sight
               would
               kindle
               another
               sort
               of
               a
               Love
               to
               Him
               ,
               than
               any
               thing
               now
               can
               raise
               me
               to
               :
               Then
               I
               should
               see
               him
               as
               he
               is
               ;
               continually
               behold
               his
               Glory
               ;
               be
               over-power'd
               with
               his
               Love
               ,
               and
               perpetually
               enjoy
               him
               ,
               without
               any
               danger
               of
               stumbles
               or
               falls
               ,
               without
               any
               mixtures
               of
               frowns
               ,
               and
               without
               being
               ever
               parted
               from
               him
               .
               Lord
               ,
               let
               me
               stay
               no
               longer
               in
               this
               distant
               imperfect
               state
               ,
               than
               I
               may
               serve
               the
               Purposes
               of
               thy
               Glory
               ;
               smile
               on
               me
               ,
               and
               assist
               me
               ,
               in
               all
               my
               present
               Conflicts
               ;
               and
               when
               they
               are
               finish'd
               ,
               take
               me
               unto
               thy self
               ,
               into
               thy
               most
               desirable
               Everlasting
               Embraces
               .
            
          
           
             AND
             now
             I
             'll
             leave
             it
             to
             any
             to
             judge
             ,
             whether
             the
             state
             and
             temper
             before
             describ'd
             (
             Falls
             and
             Breaches
             only
             being
             bated
             ,
             to
             which
             nevertheless
             the
             Best
             are
             incident
             )
             and
             the
             Spirit
             that
             runs
             thro'
             the
             several
             Periods
             and
             Postures
             mention'd
             ,
             be
             not
             very
             desirable
             ,
             very
             fitting
             ,
             very
             lovely
             ,
             very
             becoming
             ,
             very
             pleasing
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             comfortable
             to
             Persons
             themselves
             ;
             and
             therefore
             earnestly
             to
             be
             pray'd
             and
             labour'd
             for
             ,
             and
             aspir'd
             after
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XVI
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               
                 PARTICULAR
                 VOWS
              
               .
               How
               they
               must
               be
               limited
               that
               they
               may
               be
               warrantable
               :
               And
               how
               far
               ,
               and
               in
               what
               Cases
               they
               may
               be
               dispens'd
               with
               .
            
          
           
             HAving
             thus
             largely
             handled
             and
             improv'd
             the
             Sacred
             Vows
             which
             both
             the
             Sacraments
             of
             our
             Holy
             Religion
             naturally
             carry
             in
             them
             ,
             (
             which
             was
             the
             main
             Intent
             and
             Aim
             of
             this
             Discourse
             )
             I
             shall
             now
             subjoin
             a
             brief
             Account
             of
             Vows
             made
             on
             Particular
             Occasions
             ,
             and
             especially
             in
             an
             Hour
             of
             Distress
             ,
             Trouble
             ,
             or
             Danger
             ;
             and
             make
             those
             Remarks
             on
             them
             ,
             that
             may
             be
             most
             helpful
             to
             a
             plain
             ,
             serious
             Christian
             ,
             to
             enable
             him
             to
             discern
             his
             Duty
             ,
             and
             put
             it
             in
             practice
             .
          
           
             
               Particular
               Vows
               are
               those
               ,
               whereby
               we
               seriously
               engage
               our selves
               to
               God
               ,
               either
               to
               give
               or
               withhold
               ,
               to
               do
               or
               forbear
               ,
               any
               thing
               mention'd
               ,
               for
               ends
               either
               directly
               specify'd
               ,
               or
               plain
               to
               be
               understood
               .
            
             Concerning
             which
             ,
             we
             may
             observe
             ;
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             the
             
               Mosaick
               Law
            
             allow'd
             them
             ,
             and
             gave
             special
             Directions
             about
             them
             .
             The
             Mosaical
             Oeconomy
             had
             indeed
             something
             peculiar
             in
             it
             with
             reference
             to
             Vows
             ;
             there
             was
             a
             Vow
             in
             use
             under
             it
             ,
             that
             was
             in
             a
             special
             manner
             of
             Divine
             Ordination
             :
             That
             is
             ,
             God
             himself
             appointed
             the
             Manner
             and
             Rites
             of
             it
             ,
             leaving
             it
             free
             to
             any
             who
             were
             so
             inclin'd
             and
             dispos'd
             ,
             to
             bind
             themselves
             to
             it
             ,
             
             without
             any
             sorce
             ;
             and
             that
             was
             the
             Vow
             of
             the
             Nazarites
             :
             Which
             Vow
             of
             Nazaritism
             ,
             was
             properly
             a
             Vow
             of
             Humiliation
             ,
             that
             a
             Man
             would
             chastize
             himself
             ,
             and
             deny
             himself
             in
             .
             his
             ordinary
             delight
             of
             Liberty
             and
             Neatness
             ;
             the
             Particular
             Rules
             and
             Laws
             of
             which
             Vow
             ,
             may
             be
             seen
             at
             large
             ,
             Numb
             .
             6.
             
             And
             some
             of
             the
             Rules
             of
             it
             are
             easily
             intelligible
             ;
             but
             others
             of
             them
             are
             very
             difficultly
             accounted
             for
             by
             us
             ,
             as
             to
             their
             design
             :
             But
             besides
             this
             peculiar
             Institution
             ,
             it
             was
             at
             that
             time
             lawful
             for
             either
             Men
             ,
             or
             Women
             ,
             (
             that
             were
             in
             their
             own
             Power
             ,
             and
             not
             under
             Controul
             )
             by
             a
             Vow
             upon
             any
             particular
             Occasion
             ,
             to
             consecrate
             to
             God
             what
             part
             of
             their
             Goods
             ,
             or
             Possessions
             ,
             or
             any
             thing
             wherein
             they
             had
             a
             Propriety
             ,
             that
             they
             thought
             meet
             :
             Concerning
             which
             sort
             of
             Vows
             ,
             we
             have
             this
             Law
             upon
             Record
             ;
             
               When
               thou
               shalt
               Vow
               a
               Vow
               unto
            
             
             
               the
               Lord
               thy
               God
               ,
               thou
               shalt
               not
               slack
               to
               pay
               it
               :
               for
               the
               Lord
               thy
               God
               will
               surely
               require
               it
               of
               thee
               :
               and
               it
               would
               be
               sin
               in
               thee
               .
               But
               if
               thou
               shalt
               forbear
               to
               Vow
               ,
               it
               shall
               be
               no
               sin
               in
               thee
               :
               That
               which
               is
               gone
               out
               of
               thy
               Lips
               ,
               thou
               shalt
               keep
               and
               perform
               ;
               even
               a
               fr●…e-will-Offering
               ,
               according
               as
               thou
               hast
               vow'd
               unto
               the
               Lord
               thy
               God
               ,
               which
               thou
               hast
               promised
               with
               thy
               Mouth
               .
            
             Which
             Law
             is
             the
             more
             carefully
             to
             be
             observ'd
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             of
             standing
             Obligation
             ,
             and
             reaches
             even
             to
             
             us
             .
          
           
             ACCORDINGLY
             't
             was
             usual
             among
             the
             Israelites
             by
             Vow
             to
             consecrate
             Victims
             out
             of
             their
             Flocks
             for
             Sacrifices
             to
             God
             ,
             or
             other
             Gifts
             out
             of
             any
             part
             of
             their
             Poffessions
             ,
             for
             his
             Service
             in
             his
             Tabernacle
             or
             Temple
             .
             For
             
             we
             may
             observe
             ,
             that
             tho'
             God
             allow'd
             the
             Israelites
             to
             dedicate
             what
             they
             pleas'd
             to
             Him
             by
             Vow
             ,
             in
             token
             of
             the
             devout
             Disposition
             of
             their
             Minds
             ;
             yet
             did
             he
             ,
             as
             a
             Testimony
             of
             his
             Self-sufficiency
             ,
             and
             to
             show
             that
             he
             needed
             nothing
             ,
             appoint
             ,
             that
             what
             was
             thus
             vow'd
             and
             consecrated
             ,
             should
             either
             be
             sacrific'd
             ,
             or
             else
             be
             set
             a
             part
             for
             the
             Use
             of
             his
             Priests
             and
             Ministers
             ,
             or
             the
             necessary
             Occasions
             of
             his
             House
             .
             Of
             things
             thus
             vow'd
             ,
             and
             devoted
             ,
             some
             were
             allow'd
             to
             be
             redeem'd
             with
             a
             Price
             ,
             and
             others
             not
             :
             Of
             which
             we
             have
             a
             particular
             Account
             ,
             Levit.
             27.
             27
             ,
             &c.
             which
             being
             a
             thing
             wherein
             we
             are
             little
             concern'd
             ,
             I
             shall
             pass
             it
             over
             .
             But
             who
             ever
             is
             conversant
             in
             the
             History
             of
             the
             Old
             Testament
             ,
             may
             observe
             sundry
             Instances
             of
             Vows
             made
             by
             Pious
             Persons
             upon
             Particular
             Occasions
             ,
             which
             they
             afterwards
             punctually
             kept
             ;
             as
             to
             which
             ,
             they
             had
             no
             reason
             to
             question
             the
             Divine
             Approbation
             .
             But
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             NEITHER
             doth
             the
             Gospel
             any
             where
             disallow
             of
             such
             Vows
             ,
             nor
             can
             they
             (
             generally
             speaking
             )
             be
             made
             appear
             to
             be
             any
             way
             inconsistent
             with
             Christianity
             .
             'T
             is
             as
             lawful
             now
             as
             ever
             ,
             for
             Persons
             to
             devote
             one
             or
             more
             of
             their
             Children
             to
             the
             Sacred
             Ministry
             ,
             or
             any
             part
             of
             their
             Estate
             or
             Possession
             to
             the
             use
             of
             the
             Poor
             ,
             or
             the
             support
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             that
             by
             a
             Vow
             :
             Or
             by
             the
             same
             Sacred
             Bond
             to
             oblige
             themselves
             to
             an
             abstaining
             from
             what
             they
             find
             prejudicial
             ,
             or
             to
             the
             doing
             of
             what
             they
             discern
             may
             ,
             all
             things
             consider'd
             ,
             tend
             to
             their
             furtherance
             in
             Piety
             and
             Holiness
             .
             Some
             I
             know
             there
             are
             ,
             who
             apprehend
             
             Vows
             to
             have
             been
             altogether
             peculiar
             to
             the
             Jewish
             Dispensation
             ;
             but
             without
             any
             just
             Grounds
             .
             Were
             it
             so
             ,
             they
             could
             certainly
             be
             able
             to
             make
             it
             appear
             either
             from
             Scripture
             or
             Reason
             ;
             but
             they
             can
             do
             neither
             .
             Nothing
             out
             of
             Scripture
             can
             be
             alledg'd
             to
             prove
             it
             any
             ways
             unlawful
             for
             us
             under
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             even
             in
             particular
             Cases
             ,
             to
             bind
             our
             slippery
             Hearts
             ;
             or
             fix
             the
             Proportion
             and
             Circumstances
             to
             our selves
             of
             a
             Duty
             which
             God
             hath
             requir'd
             in
             general
             ,
             without
             determining
             either
             ;
             to
             awe
             or
             to
             stint
             and
             limit
             our selves
             by
             means
             of
             a
             Vow
             ;
             provided
             due
             Seriousness
             ,
             Care
             ,
             and
             Caution
             be
             not
             wanting
             .
             And
             as
             for
             Reason
             ,
             I
             think
             that
             clearly
             determines
             ,
             that
             vows
             that
             were
             heretofore
             lawful
             on
             
               moral
               Grounds
            
             (
             which
             are
             perpetual
             rnd
             unalterable
             )
             can
             never
             become
             unlawful
             .
             What
             ,
             I
             pray
             ,
             should
             make
             it
             unlawful
             for
             a
             serious
             Christian
             to
             vow
             something
             in
             token
             of
             Thankfulness
             for
             something
             receiv'd
             ;
             or
             to
             vow
             a
             return
             of
             more
             than
             usual
             Duty
             ,
             upon
             the
             receipt
             of
             an
             unusual
             Favour
             ;
             which
             was
             plainly
             lawful
             to
             a
             Member
             of
             the
             Commonwealth
             of
             Israel
             ?
             Whatever
             made
             it
             lawful
             for
             the
             one
             ,
             makes
             it
             so
             also
             for
             the
             other
             .
             With
             those
             Vows
             that
             were
             formerly
             in
             use
             ,
             that
             were
             purely
             Ceremonial
             ,
             't
             is
             freely
             own'd
             we
             have
             now
             nothing
             to
             do
             .
             But
             Vows
             that
             are
             Moral
             in
             their
             Matter
             ,
             Manner
             ,
             and
             Ends
             ,
             can
             never
             become
             simply
             unlawful
             .
             Withal
             ,
             the
             Benefit
             of
             such
             Vows
             ,
             if
             well
             manag'd
             ,
             may
             be
             now
             as
             great
             as
             ever
             :
             They
             may
             be
             as
             effectual
             to
             make
             Persons
             more
             steddy
             ,
             circumspect
             ,
             and
             wary
             ;
             and
             more
             vigorous
             
             in
             striving
             again
             Sin
             ;
             and
             to
             quicken
             ,
             spurr
             ,
             and
             engage
             to
             Duty
             ;
             under
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             as
             ever
             they
             were
             under
             the
             Law
             :
             They
             must
             therefore
             certainly
             be
             as
             lawful
             and
             warrantable
             now
             ,
             as
             then
             .
             Which
             hath
             also
             been
             the
             common
             Sentiment
             of
             Christians
             all
             along
             ,
             down
             to
             the
             Days
             wherein
             we
             live
             .
             Observe
             farther
             ,
          
           
             3.
             
             THAT
             such
             sort
             of
             Vows
             are
             Religious
             Matters
             ;
             for
             Persons
             thereby
             tie
             themselves
             in
             a
             Bond
             to
             God.
             They
             are
             too
             Sacred
             to
             be
             us'd
             in
             common
             Affairs
             .
             In
             ordinary
             Concerns
             ,
             or
             any
             Matters
             of
             Civil
             Prudence
             ,
             Resolutions
             may
             suffice
             ;
             between
             which
             ,
             and
             Vows
             strictly
             taken
             ,
             there
             's
             a
             great
             difference
             A
             Man
             may
             resolve
             wisely
             ,
             justly
             ,
             and
             warrantably
             ,
             such
             and
             such
             things
             concerning
             his
             Estate
             ,
             and
             Affairs
             in
             the
             World
             ;
             whereas
             it
             may
             be
             no
             way
             fitting
             to
             turn
             such
             Resolutions
             into
             Vows
             .
             A
             Man
             may
             resolve
             that
             he
             'll
             never
             be
             bound
             for
             another
             ,
             or
             that
             he
             'll
             spend
             but
             so
             much
             ,
             weekly
             ,
             monthly
             ,
             or
             yearly
             on
             such
             an
             Occasion
             ;
             but
             for
             any
             one
             to
             bind
             himself
             to
             any
             such
             things
             by
             Vows
             ,
             wherein
             God
             is
             call'd
             to
             Witness
             ,
             and
             the
             Soul
             laid
             under
             a
             Curse
             ,
             is
             the
             height
             of
             Imprudence
             ,
             and
             altogether
             unwarrantable
             .
             We
             find
             not
             in
             Scripture
             any
             Vow
             of
             a
             good
             Man
             ,
             but
             it
             was
             aim'd
             at
             a
             Religious
             End
             ,
             and
             in
             tendency
             to
             the
             Service
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             any
             worldly
             Interest
             or
             Respect
             .
             To
             make
             use
             of
             them
             in
             common
             Matters
             ,
             makes
             them
             ludicrous
             ,
             and
             tends
             to
             take
             away
             their
             Awe
             where
             they
             are
             justly
             ,
             fitly
             ,
             and
             properly
             made
             use
             of
             .
             Farther
             ,
          
           
           
             4.
             
             SUCH
             Particular
             Vows
             may
             be
             made
             conditionally
             .
             Although
             the
             general
             Vow
             ,
             (
             whereof
             Chap.
             2.
             )
             whereby
             we
             give
             up
             our selves
             and
             our
             All
             to
             God
             ,
             must
             be
             Absolute
             ;
             yet
             Vows
             made
             upon
             Particular
             Occasions
             ,
             often
             have
             been
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             Conditional
             .
             Of
             this
             nature
             was
             
             Hanah's
             Vow
             ,
             if
             God
             would
             but
             look
             on
             her
             Affliction
             ,
             and
             give
             her
             a
             Man-child
             ,
             she
             vow'd
             she
             wou'd
             in
             an
             especial
             manner
             return
             him
             to
             the
             Donor
             ,
             and
             there
             should
             no
             Razor
             come
             upon
             his
             Head
             ;
             but
             he
             should
             be
             a
             Nazarite
             .
             By
             which
             vow
             of
             hers
             ,
             she
             was
             no
             ways
             bound
             ,
             unless
             it
             pleas'd
             God
             to
             give
             her
             a
             Man-child
             ;
             and
             such
             a
             Condition
             as
             that
             ,
             is
             at
             any
             time
             lawful
             ,
             because
             the
             thing
             vow'd
             can't
             be
             perform'd
             ,
             but
             upon
             the
             supposition
             of
             that
             as
             antecedent
             .
             Such
             also
             was
             
             Iephthah's
             Vow
             ;
             if
             God
             brought
             him
             back
             safe
             ,
             he
             would
             offer
             what
             first
             met
             him
             out
             of
             his
             House
             as
             a
             Burnt-Offering
             ;
             though
             that
             Vow
             of
             his
             was
             on
             sundry
             Accounts
             unwarrantable
             .
             That
             Vow
             of
             all
             Israel
             also
             ,
             which
             we
             meet
             with
             Numb
             .
             21.
             2.
             was
             Conditional
             .
             They
             vow'd
             ,
             That
             if
             God
             would
             deliver
             the
             Canaanites
             into
             their
             hands
             ,
             they
             would
             utterly
             destroy
             their
             Cities
             .
             And
             many
             other
             Instances
             there
             are
             in
             Scripture
             .
             And
             I
             am
             fully
             satisfied
             ,
             that
             ,
             generally
             speaking
             ,
             our
             Ground
             would
             be
             more
             safe
             ,
             our
             Procedure
             more
             clear
             ,
             and
             we
             should
             be
             much
             the
             less
             hamper'd
             and
             perplext
             by
             means
             of
             any
             after-change
             in
             our
             State
             and
             Circumstances
             ,
             that
             might
             happen
             to
             us
             ,
             would
             we
             affix
             and
             specifie
             the
             Conditions
             on
             which
             we
             make
             our
             Vows
             on
             Particular
             Occasions
             .
          
           
           
             5.
             
             THERE
             are
             four
             several
             Ends
             to
             which
             such
             particular
             and
             special
             Vows
             have
             been
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             directed
             :
             two
             of
             which
             Ends
             
               relate
               to
               time
               past
            
             ,
             and
             the
             other
             two
             
               to
               that
               which
               is
               to
               come
               .
            
             Those
             Vows
             relate
             
               to
               time
               past
            
             ,
             whereby
             we
             intend
             either
             to
             express
             our
             Gratitude
             to
             God
             for
             Benefits
             receiv'd
             ,
             or
             in
             order
             to
             the
             averting
             his
             Displeasure
             ,
             inflict
             a
             Punishment
             on
             our selves
             ,
             as
             't
             were
             ,
             for
             Offences
             committed
             .
             We
             may
             call
             the
             former
             the
             Exercises
             of
             Thanksgiving
             ,
             and
             the
             latter
             of
             Repentance
             :
             Of
             the
             former
             sort
             we
             have
             an
             instance
             in
             Iacob
             ,
             in
             the
             fore-cited
             28th
             of
             Genesis
             ,
             at
             the
             latter
             end
             :
             where
             to
             the
             general
             Vow
             before
             insisted
             on
             ,
             of
             taking
             the
             Lord
             for
             his
             God
             ,
             &c.
             he
             adds
             this
             special
             one
             ;
             That
             if
             
               God
               would
               bring
               him
               back
               safe
               from
               his
               Banishment
               ,
               into
               the
               Land
            
             promis'd
             to
             his
             Fathers
             ,
             
               he
               would
               consecrate
               the
               tenth
               part
               of
               all
               his
               Substance
            
             to
             his
             immediate
             Service
             ;
             and
             this
             to
             show
             his
             grateful
             Resentment
             of
             the
             kind
             Protection
             and
             Conduct
             of
             the
             Divine
             Providence
             .
             Of
             the
             like
             kind
             were
             the
             Peace-Offerings
             ,
             or
             Thank-Offerings
             ,
             vow'd
             in
             ancient
             times
             by
             Pious
             Kings
             and
             Generals
             when
             engag'd
             in
             a
             just
             War
             ,
             if
             they
             got
             the
             victory
             ,
             or
             were
             succour'd
             in
             extremity
             .
             And
             thus
             is
             that
             Text
             in
             particular
             that
             was
             singled
             out
             for
             the
             foundation
             of
             this
             Discourse
             to
             be
             understood
             ;
             and
             in
             general
             all
             those
             places
             in
             the
             Book
             of
             Psalms
             that
             speak
             of
             Vows
             :
             And
             such
             Vows
             may
             be
             ,
             and
             often
             are
             us'd
             by
             many
             pious
             Person
             -
             in
             our
             times
             :
             if
             God
             will
             give
             them
             success
             in
             such
             or
             such
             an
             Enterprize
             or
             Design
             ;
             if
             he
             will
             thus
             and
             thus
             prosper
             
             them
             in
             their
             Business
             ;
             if
             he
             will
             extricate
             them
             out
             of
             this
             Perplexity
             ,
             and
             avert
             that
             Calamity
             ,
             they
             will
             erect
             such
             a
             Monument
             of
             their
             Thankfulness
             ,
             and
             bind
             themselves
             to
             this
             or
             that
             ,
             whereto
             they
             were
             not
             straitly
             before
             oblig'd
             :
             Which
             practice
             is
             very
             laudable
             ,
             provided
             Persons
             are
             careful
             and
             exact
             in
             paying
             what
             they
             have
             vow'd
             .
             I
             'll
             exemplifie
             the
             second
             sort
             of
             vows
             ,
             which
             I
             said
             may
             be
             call'd
             Exercises
             of
             Repentance
             by
             a
             familiar
             instance
             :
             Suppose
             a
             Man's
             Appetite
             have
             drawn
             him
             into
             a
             snare
             ,
             he
             may
             ,
             to
             mortifie
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             punish
             himself
             for
             an
             Act
             or
             Acts
             of
             Intemperance
             whereinto
             he
             hath
             been
             betray'd
             ,
             for
             a
             time
             renounce
             all
             sorts
             of
             Dainties
             ,
             and
             forbear
             those
             things
             which
             are
             most
             pleasing
             and
             grateful
             ,
             and
             make
             use
             of
             a
             vow
             too
             ,
             that
             the
             Bond
             may
             be
             the
             stronger
             .
             Not
             that
             all
             in
             such
             a
             case
             are
             oblig'd
             to
             this
             course
             ;
             but
             this
             they
             may
             do
             who
             find
             reason
             to
             conclude
             such
             a
             Vow
             would
             be
             beneficial
             .
             Such
             a
             Vow
             is
             lawful
             ,
             and
             yet
             free
             .
             Vows
             that
             
               relate
               to
               time
               to
               come
            
             ,
             tend
             partly
             to
             make
             us
             more
             cautious
             ,
             and
             partly
             to
             quicken
             and
             spurr
             us
             to
             the
             performance
             of
             our
             Duty
             .
             Of
             the
             former
             sort
             this
             may
             be
             an
             instance
             ;
             suppose
             a
             Man
             finds
             a
             Diversion
             in
             it self
             innocent
             ,
             stirs
             his
             Passions
             ,
             ruffles
             his
             Mind
             ,
             and
             so
             insensibly
             draws
             him
             into
             Sin
             ;
             it
             may
             be
             useful
             for
             such
             an
             one
             ,
             by
             the
             interposition
             of
             a
             Vow
             ,
             to
             deny
             himself
             for
             a
             time
             that
             Diversion
             ,
             altho
             '
             it
             be
             in
             it self
             innocent
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             learn
             the
             better
             afterwards
             to
             bridle
             his
             Passions
             ,
             and
             stand
             upon
             his
             guard
             :
             And
             withal
             suppose
             a
             Man
             finds
             upon
             Reflection
             ,
             that
             he
             hath
             
             let
             a
             great
             deal
             of
             time
             slip
             thro
             ▪
             his
             hands
             ,
             of
             which
             he
             's
             able
             to
             give
             no
             account
             ,
             and
             so
             hath
             lost
             it
             he
             knows
             not
             how
             :
             Why
             may
             he
             not
             by
             a
             Vow
             rouze
             up
             himself
             ,
             shake
             off
             his
             Sloth
             ,
             and
             firmly
             bind
             himself
             to
             make
             a
             better
             Improvement
             for
             the
             future
             ?
             which
             may
             be
             taken
             for
             an
             Instance
             of
             the
             last
             sort
             of
             Vows
             ;
             the
             proper
             Use
             whereof
             is
             to
             drive
             on
             the
             backward
             lingring
             Soul
             to
             do
             its
             Duty
             ,
             breaking
             through
             Difficulties
             and
             Delays
             ,
             that
             by
             strengthning
             our
             Bonds
             ,
             and
             setting
             the
             Danger
             before
             our
             Eyes
             ,
             we
             may
             be
             excited
             to
             escape
             it
             .
             But
             if
             we
             would
             go
             upon
             sure
             Grounds
             ,
             approve
             our selves
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             leave
             no
             room
             for
             Regret
             ,
             Trouble
             ,
             and
             Repentance
             ,
             we
             must
             in
             all
             our
             particular
             vows
             use
             these
             following
             Cautions
             ,
             and
             keep
             within
             the
             ensuing
             Limitations
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             WE
             must
             take
             care
             to
             vow
             nothing
             but
             what
             we
             know
             and
             are
             assured
             is
             agreeable
             to
             the
             Will
             of
             God.
             The
             Design
             of
             vowing
             is
             to
             please
             God
             ;
             but
             if
             we
             vow
             any
             thing
             displeasing
             to
             him
             we
             provoke
             him
             .
             Our
             vowing
             it
             wont
             make
             it
             lawful
             if
             it
             was
             not
             before
             so
             ;
             for
             no
             Vows
             of
             ours
             can
             dissolve
             the
             Obligation
             laid
             upon
             us
             by
             the
             Law
             of
             God.
             Strange
             was
             that
             Vow
             whereof
             we
             read
             ,
             Acts
             23.
             12.
             whereby
             above
             40
             Persons
             bound
             themselves
             under
             a
             Curse
             ,
             that
             they
             would
             neither
             eat
             nor
             drink
             till
             they
             had
             killed
             Paul.
             And
             often
             indeed
             hath
             Persons
             Wickedness
             carry'd
             them
             out
             that
             way
             ,
             viz.
             to
             make
             Vows
             that
             are
             directly
             even
             against
             the
             Law
             of
             Nature
             ;
             and
             often
             also
             hath
             God
             severely
             animadverted
             on
             such
             Persons
             .
             'T
             is
             a
             common
             
             but
             true
             Relation
             that
             is
             to
             be
             met
             with
             in
             several
             Practical
             Writers
             of
             a
             parcel
             of
             Pot
             Companions
             ,
             who
             made
             a
             Vow
             that
             they
             would
             not
             stir
             till
             they
             had
             drunk
             out
             a
             Barrel
             of
             Drink
             ,
             which
             while
             they
             were
             about
             with
             great
             Mirth
             and
             Jollity
             ,
             one
             of
             the
             Company
             sunk
             down
             dead
             in
             the
             place
             ,
             and
             never
             stirr'd
             more
             .
             'T
             is
             very
             dangerous
             in
             any
             case
             ,
             to
             make
             a
             thing
             that
             is
             sinful
             the
             matter
             of
             a
             Vow
             ;
             and
             yet
             of
             this
             the
             Jewish
             Doctors
             were
             in
             many
             Instances
             grosly
             guilty
             :
             Particularly
             they
             allow'd
             Persons
             directly
             to
             thwart
             and
             cross
             the
             5th
             Commandment
             ,
             by
             vowing
             that
             they
             would
             not
             of
             themselves
             or
             by
             others
             ,
             afford
             their
             Brethren
             ,
             Sisters
             ,
             Kindsfolks
             ,
             Neighbours
             ,
             no
             nor
             even
             their
             Parents
             themselves
             ,
             any
             Maintenance
             or
             Support
             ,
             or
             any
             thing
             whence
             they
             might
             receive
             any
             Fruit
             ,
             Profit
             ,
             Benefit
             or
             Advantage
             :
             And
             this
             they
             covered
             under
             the
             specious
             Title
             of
             a
             Vow
             ,
             when
             in
             reality
             't
             was
             rather
             a
             most
             abominable
             Curse
             .
             Of
             which
             sort
             of
             Vows
             we
             are
             to
             understand
             ,
             
               Mat.
               15.
               5.
               
               It
               is
               a
               Gift
               ,
               by
               whatsoever
               thou
               mightest
               be
               profited
               by
               me
               .
            
          
           
             BUT
             neither
             are
             things
             doubtful
             fit
             Matter
             for
             a
             Vow
             :
             To
             make
             a
             Vow
             in
             a
             dubious
             case
             ,
             is
             as
             it
             were
             to
             run
             blindfold
             upon
             a
             Precipice
             .
             We
             must
             never
             venture
             therefore
             to
             make
             vows
             ,
             till
             we
             are
             sure
             the
             Matter
             of
             them
             are
             not
             things
             forbidden
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             WE
             should
             take
             heed
             of
             vowing
             any
             thing
             above
             our
             own
             Strength
             .
             We
             should
             measure
             the
             Gifts
             and
             Grace
             God
             hath
             bestowed
             upon
             us
             ,
             before
             we
             pretend
             to
             vow
             any
             thing
             ,
             left
             we
             shoot
             beyond
             the
             Mark
             ,
             and
             
             hamper
             instead
             of
             benefiting
             our selves
             .
             Thus
             for
             instance
             ,
             a
             Vow
             of
             Celibacy
             is
             unwarrantable
             ,
             because
             there
             are
             few
             can
             safely
             bear
             it
             :
             and
             who
             can
             say
             he
             is
             in
             the
             Number
             of
             those
             few
             ?
             Or
             if
             he
             is
             at
             present
             ,
             that
             he
             shall
             always
             continue
             so
             ?
             How
             knows
             any
             one
             he
             shall
             have
             Strength
             to
             keep
             such
             a
             Vow
             ,
             when
             he
             hath
             made
             it
             ?
             To
             vow
             any
             thing
             above
             our
             Strength
             ,
             is
             one
             proper
             Notion
             of
             tempting
             God.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             WE
             should
             take
             heed
             of
             vowing
             any
             thing
             rashly
             ,
             and
             hand
             over
             head
             .
             Vows
             are
             things
             to
             be
             manag'd
             with
             great
             Dread
             and
             Tenderness
             .
             Whatever
             we
             vow
             ,
             we
             should
             do
             it
             maturely
             ,
             left
             we
             leave
             room
             for
             Repentance
             :
             The
             Case
             of
             Iepthah
             and
             Herod
             ,
             and
             sundry
             others
             ,
             lets
             us
             know
             what
             Snares
             Persons
             may
             bring
             themselves
             into
             ,
             by
             rushing
             rashly
             into
             such
             Engagements
             .
             Iepthah
             vow'd
             that
             whatever
             met
             him
             first
             out
             of
             his
             House
             ,
             when
             he
             returned
             from
             his
             Victory
             ,
             should
             be
             offered
             up
             in
             Sacrifice
             :
             To
             punish
             him
             for
             his
             Rashness
             ,
             Providence
             so
             ordered
             it
             ,
             that
             his
             Daughter
             was
             the
             Person
             ;
             and
             therefore
             he
             presently
             repented
             .
             This
             was
             also
             
             Saul's
             Fault
             ,
             who
             vow'd
             the
             Death
             of
             any
             of
             his
             Followers
             ,
             that
             should
             stay
             to
             taste
             any
             of
             the
             Honey
             that
             lay
             in
             his
             way
             ;
             whereby
             he
             exceedingly
             prejudic'd
             himself
             ,
             by
             reason
             that
             the
             want
             of
             this
             Refreshment
             disabled
             his
             Army
             from
             pursuing
             the
             Enemy
             .
             Of
             this
             sort
             also
             was
             the
             Vow
             of
             the
             eleven
             Tribes
             ,
             that
             they
             would
             none
             of
             them
             give
             any
             Wives
             to
             the
             Men
             of
             the
             Tribe
             of
             Benjamin
             ;
             which
             we
             meet
             with
             Iudg.
             21.
             
             But
             we
             find
             when
             they
             came
             soberly
             
             to
             reflect
             on
             the
             Consequence
             of
             what
             they
             had
             done
             ,
             viz.
             that
             a
             Tribe
             was
             hereby
             likely
             to
             be
             cut
             off
             from
             Israel
             ,
             they
             presently
             repented
             .
             And
             indeed
             we
             may
             generally
             observe
             that
             Repentance
             and
             Sorrow
             are
             the
             genuine
             Products
             of
             rash
             Vows
             ,
             we
             should
             beware
             therefore
             of
             making
             a
             Vow
             in
             a
             Passion
             ;
             which
             being
             once
             mov'd
             ,
             blinds
             Reason
             and
             Judgment
             ,
             and
             hinders
             the
             weighing
             things
             in
             a
             just
             Ballance
             .
             A
             calm
             Spirit
             and
             deliberate
             Judgment
             is
             most
             likely
             to
             make
             Vows
             that
             will
             give
             no
             Cause
             for
             Repentance
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             WE
             should
             take
             heed
             of
             making
             too
             many
             particular
             Vows
             ,
             by
             means
             whereof
             we
             may
             easily
             run
             into
             Superstition
             .
             This
             was
             the
             great
             Fault
             of
             the
             Times
             next
             preceding
             the
             Reformation
             in
             these
             Parts
             of
             the
             World
             :
             All
             Religion
             almost
             was
             generally
             run
             into
             Vows
             about
             Abstinence
             from
             certain
             Meats
             ,
             Fasting-days
             ,
             Pilgrimages
             ,
             and
             visits
             to
             the
             Shrines
             of
             Saints
             ,
             bodily
             Mortifications
             ,
             and
             a
             thousand
             Monkish
             Inventions
             :
             which
             is
             also
             one
             great
             Fault
             of
             the
             Romanists
             to
             this
             day
             ;
             who
             by
             their
             particular
             Vows
             eat
             out
             all
             real
             Religion
             .
             But
             we
             should
             beware
             of
             framing
             a
             Law
             and
             Religion
             to
             our selves
             by
             our
             voluntary
             Vows
             ,
             which
             God
             never
             made
             us
             by
             his
             Authority
             :
             They
             are
             not
             to
             make
             us
             new
             Duties
             and
             Religions
             ,
             but
             to
             further
             us
             in
             the
             Obedience
             of
             that
             which
             our
             Lord
             hath
             imposed
             on
             us
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             IT
             would
             be
             Wisdom
             in
             us
             to
             take
             care
             that
             our
             particular
             Vows
             be
             for
             the
             most
             part
             temporary
             .
             For
             that
             Vow
             which
             for
             a
             time
             might
             be
             tolerable
             ,
             and
             really
             beneficial
             ,
             may
             
             in
             time
             grow
             intolerable
             ,
             and
             wretchedly
             perplex
             us
             .
             We
             should
             take
             heed
             of
             binding
             our selves
             for
             Futurity
             ,
             to
             all
             that
             may
             possibly
             be
             our
             Duty
             at
             present
             ;
             by
             reason
             that
             a
             Change
             of
             Things
             and
             Circumstances
             may
             work
             a
             Change
             in
             our
             Duty
             .
             We
             should
             therefore
             take
             care
             that
             what
             we
             vow
             be
             not
             only
             consistent
             with
             our
             Duty
             at
             present
             ,
             but
             that
             we
             bind
             our selves
             to
             it
             by
             our
             Vow
             no
             longer
             than
             it
             shall
             remain
             consistent
             with
             our
             Duty
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             IF
             we
             are
             under
             Government
             ,
             we
             should
             not
             without
             our
             Governour
             's
             Consent
             vow
             to
             do
             any
             thing
             which
             we
             might
             not
             lawfully
             do
             without
             their
             Consent
             ,
             in
             case
             we
             had
             not
             vow'd
             it
             :
             For
             that
             were
             for
             Persons
             actually
             at
             present
             to
             disobey
             those
             to
             whom
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             subject
             ;
             and
             to
             bind
             themselves
             to
             disobey
             them
             for
             the
             future
             .
             In
             the
             thirtieth
             of
             Numbers
             God
             hath
             plainly
             determined
             this
             Matter
             as
             to
             Women
             that
             are
             in
             subjection
             either
             to
             their
             Fathers
             or
             Husbands
             ;
             their
             Vows
             are
             not
             binding
             unless
             they
             are
             ratified
             by
             those
             to
             whom
             they
             are
             in
             Subjection
             ;
             and
             therefore
             they
             should
             not
             vow
             without
             their
             Consent
             .
             And
             we
             may
             naturally
             draw
             a
             Parallel
             as
             to
             the
             cases
             of
             others
             also
             that
             are
             proportionably
             in
             a
             state
             of
             Subjection
             .
             But
             in
             case
             it
             be
             a
             thing
             that
             we
             may
             or
             must
             do
             ,
             altho
             our
             Governours
             should
             forbid
             it
             ,
             then
             may
             we
             vow
             it
             altho
             they
             should
             be
             averse
             to
             it
             .
          
           
             THESE
             Limitations
             and
             Cautions
             we
             must
             mind
             and
             observe
             ,
             if
             we
             desire
             to
             make
             use
             of
             
             David's
             Words
             with
             reference
             to
             them
             ;
             
               Thy
               Vows
               are
               upon
               me
               O
               God.
            
             For
             of
             all
             particular
             Vows
             these
             only
             he
             allows
             ;
             't
             is
             none
             but
             such
             as
             these
             that
             he
             approvs
             .
          
           
           
             AND
             if
             we
             'll
             put
             all
             together
             ,
             we
             may
             without
             much
             Difficulty
             discern
             what
             's
             to
             be
             said
             to
             the
             three
             Monastick
             Vows
             ,
             so
             much
             celebrated
             among
             the
             Papists
             ,
             viz.
             the
             Vow
             of
             
               Continence
               ,
               Poverty
            
             ,
             and
             
               blind
               Obedience
            
             .
             None
             of
             them
             are
             any
             where
             commanded
             of
             God
             ;
             nor
             are
             they
             lawful
             or
             allowable
             ;
             for
             things
             that
             are
             not
             in
             our
             Power
             ,
             nor
             depend
             at
             all
             on
             our
             Will
             's
             Determination
             ,
             are
             the
             Subject
             of
             them
             ;
             and
             they
             are
             repugnant
             to
             Christian
             Liberty
             ,
             and
             the
             common
             Calling
             of
             all
             Christians
             .
             Continence
             in
             their
             Sense
             ,
             
               (
               viz.
            
             a
             total
             Abstinence
             from
             the
             Female
             Sex
             )
             without
             Burning
             ,
             is
             not
             in
             some
             Mens
             Power
             ,
             nor
             doth
             it
             depend
             on
             the
             Pleasure
             of
             the
             Will
             ,
             but
             is
             the
             singular
             Gift
             of
             God.
             A
             blind
             Obedience
             to
             a
             mortal
             Man
             is
             contrary
             to
             Christian
             Liberty
             .
             And
             to
             live
             by
             begging
             ,
             and
             on
             others
             Labours
             ,
             without
             doing
             any
             thing
             ,
             is
             contrary
             to
             the
             common
             Calling
             of
             all
             ;
             to
             whom
             this
             is
             given
             as
             a
             general
             Rule
             ;
             that
             he
             who
             labours
             not
             ,
             should
             not
             eat
             .
             But
             those
             who
             would
             see
             the
             Unlawfulness
             of
             these
             sort
             of
             Vows
             display'd
             ,
             must
             consult
             our
             Protestant
             Writers
             in
             their
             Controversies
             with
             the
             Romanists
             .
             *
          
           
             AFTER
             all
             't
             is
             an
             easy
             thing
             to
             observe
             how
             wretchedly
             some
             Persons
             are
             hamper'd
             and
             perplex'd
             about
             the
             binding
             and
             obliging
             Force
             of
             their
             particular
             Vows
             ;
             for
             whose
             sake
             I
             shall
             close
             this
             Chapter
             with
             some
             brief
             Touches
             on
             this
             Question
             .
          
           
           
             HOW
             far
             and
             in
             what
             cases
             such
             Vows
             may
             be
             dispens'd
             with
             ?
          
           
             PLAIN
             it
             is
             that
             Vows
             ,
             well
             ,
             lawfully
             ,
             and
             deliberately
             made
             about
             a
             thing
             that
             is
             in
             our
             Power
             ,
             are
             not
             to
             be
             carelessly
             ,
             nor
             would
             they
             be
             impunely
             violated
             :
             This
             were
             to
             break
             our
             Faith
             with
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             a
             great
             Impiety
             .
             But
             't
             is
             sufficiently
             evident
             such
             Vows
             are
             not
             to
             be
             paid
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             WHICH
             are
             made
             about
             a
             wicked
             and
             unjust
             thing
             .
             Such
             Vows
             are
             in
             their
             own
             Nature
             null
             ,
             and
             to
             attempt
             to
             pay
             them
             is
             an
             aggravated
             Crime
             .
             Herod
             therefore
             needed
             not
             for
             his
             Oath
             or
             Vows
             sake
             have
             done
             what
             his
             Conscience
             told
             him
             was
             flatly
             unlawful
             ,
             as
             he
             did
             in
             taking
             away
             
               Iohn
               Baptist's
            
             Life
             ,
             whom
             he
             knew
             to
             be
             a
             just
             Man
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             done
             nothing
             deserving
             of
             Death
             .
             Sorrow
             for
             his
             wicked
             vow
             or
             Oath
             had
             been
             vastly
             preferable
             to
             the
             Performance
             of
             it
             .
             In
             any
             such
             cases
             the
             Conscience
             of
             him
             who
             makes
             the
             vow
             ,
             as
             soon
             as
             he
             discerns
             it
             to
             be
             unjust
             suffices
             to
             deliver
             him
             from
             the
             Obligation
             of
             it
             ,
             which
             is
             properly
             none
             at
             all
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             NEITHER
             are
             such
             Vows
             to
             be
             paid
             as
             are
             made
             about
             a
             thing
             which
             is
             not
             in
             our
             power
             ;
             for
             they
             were
             not
             lawfully
             made
             :
             nor
             is
             any
             thing
             necessary
             to
             loose
             us
             from
             them
             ,
             besides
             a
             discerning
             that
             the
             thing
             vow'd
             was
             not
             in
             our
             power
             ,
             or
             that
             he
             who
             vow'd
             it
             was
             not
             at
             liberty
             to
             do
             so
             :
             for
             such
             vows
             are
             really
             null
             .
             The
             Vower
             in
             such
             a
             case
             should
             indeed
             be
             griev'd
             at
             his
             Rashness
             and
             Inconsiderateness
             ,
             repent
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             beg
             Pardon
             of
             God
             ;
             but
             he
             needs
             not
             the
             Help
             of
             any
             Superiour
             
             to
             loosen
             his
             Conscience
             before
             God.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             MUCH
             less
             are
             those
             vows
             to
             be
             paid
             ,
             which
             can't
             possibly
             be
             punctually
             discharged
             ,
             or
             not
             without
             a
             Man's
             incurring
             great
             and
             inevitable
             Danger
             ,
             or
             running
             the
             risk
             of
             ruining
             himself
             or
             his
             Family
             For
             such
             vows
             are
             against
             Christian
             Charity
             .
             
               God
               will
               have
               Mercy
               and
               not
               Sacrifice
            
             ;
             and
             is
             more
             delighted
             with
             Piety
             and
             Charity
             ,
             than
             detrimental
             and
             dangerous
             Oblations
             ,
             whereby
             a
             Man
             should
             hazard
             the
             Ruin
             of
             his
             Health
             ,
             his
             Estate
             ,
             or
             his
             Family
             .
             If
             a
             Person
             by
             vow
             consecrates
             to
             God
             any
             Land
             or
             Money
             ,
             or
             any
             part
             of
             his
             Estate
             ,
             for
             the
             use
             of
             the
             Poor
             or
             his
             Church
             ,
             and
             can
             be
             without
             it
             ,
             without
             apparent
             and
             considerable
             Detriment
             ,
             he
             is
             undoubtedly
             bound
             to
             pay
             his
             Vow
             ,
             and
             would
             otherwise
             be
             unfaithful
             and
             a
             perjur'd
             Person
             :
             But
             if
             he
             can't
             do
             it
             without
             considerable
             Damage
             and
             Mischief
             ,
             that
             Rule
             of
             the
             Apostle
             which
             we
             meet
             with
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             8.
             13.
             must
             take
             place
             ;
             where
             says
             he
             ,
             
               I
               mean
               not
               that
               others
               be
               he
               eas'd
               ,
               and
               you
               burden'd
               .
            
          
           
             IF
             a
             Man
             hath
             vow'd
             that
             he
             'd
             for
             all
             his
             Life
             abstain
             from
             Wine
             or
             Flesh
             ,
             and
             by
             Experience
             finds
             that
             he
             can't
             do
             so
             without
             prejudicing
             his
             Health
             ,
             or
             endangering
             his
             Life
             ,
             it
             is
             much
             better
             for
             him
             to
             break
             his
             Vow
             ,
             than
             run
             so
             great
             a
             Hazard
             :
             tho
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             he
             ought
             to
             repent
             of
             his
             rash
             Vow
             ,
             and
             seriously
             lament
             the
             Necessity
             of
             breaking
             it
             before
             God
             ,
             who
             if
             he
             sees
             him
             humble
             and
             penitent
             ,
             will
             be
             ready
             to
             pardon
             and
             forgive
             his
             inconsiderate
             Rashness
             ;
             for
             he
             will
             have
             Mercy
             and
             not
             Sacrifice
             .
             We
             may
             further
             observe
             ,
          
           
           
             4.
             
             THAT
             a
             Change
             of
             Things
             and
             Circumstances
             may
             cause
             the
             binding
             Force
             of
             Vows
             to
             cease
             :
             Not
             every
             Change
             ,
             (
             for
             then
             Vows
             would
             signify
             nothing
             )
             but
             a
             Change
             in
             any
             thing
             wherein
             the
             Essence
             of
             them
             was
             concern'd
             .
             As
             in
             the
             Matter
             of
             them
             ;
             as
             suppose
             I
             vow
             to
             give
             such
             a
             Sum
             yearly
             to
             the
             Poor
             ,
             but
             have
             met
             with
             so
             many
             Crosses
             ,
             that
             I
             have
             not
             so
             much
             left
             to
             give
             ;
             I
             am
             not
             oblig'd
             :
             Or
             in
             the
             End
             of
             them
             ;
             As
             suppose
             a
             Parent
             before
             it
             's
             born
             ,
             vows
             to
             give
             up
             his
             Child
             if
             a
             Male
             ,
             to
             the
             Service
             of
             God
             in
             the
             Work
             of
             the
             Ministry
             ;
             if
             it
             afterwards
             evidently
             appear
             that
             he
             's
             better
             capable
             of
             promoting
             the
             Divine
             Honour
             in
             another
             Post
             or
             Employment
             ,
             the
             Vow
             binds
             not
             :
             for
             if
             the
             End
             of
             a
             Vow
             ceaseth
             ,
             the
             Obligation
             ceaseth
             together
             with
             it
             :
             Or
             in
             the
             State
             of
             the
             Persons
             that
             made
             the
             Vows
             on
             which
             the
             Capacity
             of
             paying
             them
             depends
             ;
             tho
             he
             that
             is
             the
             culpable
             Cause
             of
             that
             Change
             of
             State
             and
             Circumstances
             that
             incapacitates
             him
             to
             pay
             his
             Vows
             ,
             is
             justly
             chargeable
             with
             the
             violation
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             BUT
             those
             who
             are
             desirous
             to
             see
             these
             Matters
             fully
             handled
             ,
             I
             would
             refer
             to
             the
             Learned
             
             Sanderson's
             
               Praelectiones
               de
               Iuramento
            
             ;
             and
             Mr.
             
             Baxter's
             Directory
             ,
             
               Part
               3.
               
               Chap.
            
             5.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XVII
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Vows
               made
               in
               a
               time
               of
               Sickness
               ,
               Distress
               ,
               or
               Danger
               ,
               and
               the
               sense
               of
               them
               that
               should
               be
               afterwards
               retain'd
               .
            
          
           
             OF
             all
             the
             Vows
             that
             are
             and
             may
             be
             made
             upon
             particular
             Occasions
             ,
             none
             more
             deserve
             to
             be
             consider'd
             ,
             than
             those
             made
             upon
             a
             sick
             Bed
             ,
             or
             in
             an
             hour
             of
             Trouble
             and
             Danger
             ;
             for
             the
             forgetting
             and
             breaking
             which
             ,
             many
             have
             much
             to
             answer
             ;
             and
             the
             retaining
             a
             due
             sense
             whereof
             ,
             many
             ,
             even
             of
             the
             best
             of
             Persons
             ,
             find
             to
             be
             exceeding
             difficult
             :
             I
             'll
             therefore
             spend
             this
             Chapter
             in
             doing
             these
             three
             things
             ;
             and
             therewith
             close
             this
             Treatise
             .
          
           
             
               1.
               
               I
               'LL
               lay
               down
               some
               Observations
               concerning
               the
               making
               Vows
               in
               a
               time
               of
               Trouble
               and
               Distress
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               I
               'LL
               propound
               some
               Motives
               to
               induce
               those
               that
               make
               them
               ,
               to
               a
               serious
               remembrance
               and
               faithful
               payment
               of
               them
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               I
               'LL
               lay
               down
               some
               few
               Directions
               that
               may
               be
               helpful
               to
               keep
               up
               a
               lively
               sense
               of
               them
               upon
               our
               Minds
               .
            
          
           
           
             THE
             Observations
             I
             make
             ,
             are
             these
             following
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             THAT
             God
             expects
             that
             Persons
             when
             they
             are
             rebuk'd
             for
             Sin
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             in
             distress
             ,
             and
             under
             his
             afflicting
             Hand
             ,
             should
             ,
             out
             of
             a
             sense
             of
             past
             Miscarriages
             ,
             make
             Vows
             of
             Amendment
             .
             This
             is
             many
             times
             God's
             aim
             and
             intent
             in
             sending
             Trouble
             and
             Afflictions
             ;
             he
             expects
             Persons
             should
             then
             look
             back
             ,
             and
             think
             of
             their
             ways
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             turn
             their
             feet
             unto
             his
             Testimonies
             :
             That
             they
             should
             humble
             themselves
             under
             his
             mighty
             Hand
             ,
             acknowledge
             their
             past
             Sins
             ,
             be
             abas'd
             for
             them
             ,
             and
             promise
             to
             leave
             them
             :
             That
             they
             should
             recollect
             the
             Duties
             they
             have
             neglected
             ,
             with
             sorrow
             own
             their
             past
             Faults
             ,
             and
             seriously
             engage
             to
             amend
             .
             When
             Affliction
             produces
             not
             some
             Fruit
             or
             other
             of
             this
             kind
             ,
             God
             reckons
             
               he
               hath
               smitten
               People
               in
               vain
               ,
               and
               that
               they
               receive
               no
               Correction
               .
            
          
           
             2.
             
             WE
             may
             observe
             ,
             that
             't
             is
             natural
             almost
             to
             all
             when
             in
             distress
             ,
             trouble
             ,
             and
             anguish
             ,
             to
             make
             Vows
             to
             God
             of
             better
             Obedience
             .
             Hardly
             any
             thing
             's
             more
             common
             than
             for
             Persons
             when
             they
             come
             to
             feel
             the
             weight
             of
             God's
             Hand
             ,
             and
             the
             smart
             of
             his
             Rebukes
             ,
             to
             vow
             and
             promise
             that
             they
             will
             be
             better
             ,
             and
             live
             better
             ;
             more
             mind
             God
             ,
             and
             their
             Souls
             ,
             and
             another
             World
             ;
             and
             lay
             the
             Concerns
             of
             Eternity
             more
             to
             heart
             :
             and
             that
             especially
             when
             they
             are
             under
             
             Death-threatning
             Sickness
             ,
             and
             they
             seem
             to
             themselves
             just
             to
             face
             another
             World
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             upon
             passing
             into
             it
             :
             Then
             Conscience
             ,
             as
             drowsie
             as
             it
             might
             have
             been
             before
             ,
             is
             apt
             to
             fly
             in
             most
             People's
             faces
             ,
             to
             lay
             open
             their
             Guilt
             ,
             and
             display
             their
             Sins
             in
             their
             true
             Colours
             ,
             attended
             with
             all
             their
             several
             aggravating
             Circumstances
             ;
             then
             those
             Faults
             and
             Miscarriages
             that
             before
             were
             over-lookt
             or
             counted
             small
             ,
             shall
             appear
             to
             have
             been
             very
             great
             and
             provoking
             ;
             and
             little
             Neglects
             which
             in
             Health
             and
             Strength
             occasion'd
             not
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             a
             concerned
             Thought
             ,
             shall
             then
             cast
             the
             Soul
             into
             Pangs
             and
             Agonies
             that
             are
             scarce
             conceivable
             .
             Then
             oh
             might
             they
             but
             be
             spar'd
             ,
             how
             good
             would
             they
             be
             !
             how
             exactly
             would
             they
             live
             !
             how
             conscientiously
             would
             they
             discharge
             their
             Duty
             !
             what
             improvement
             would
             they
             make
             of
             their
             Time
             !
             how
             faithful
             would
             they
             be
             in
             the
             management
             of
             their
             Talents
             !
             how
             diligently
             and
             seriously
             would
             they
             pray
             ,
             and
             hear
             ,
             and
             meditate
             ,
             and
             perform
             all
             other
             holy
             Duties
             !
             and
             what
             pains
             would
             they
             take
             to
             get
             their
             Evidences
             for
             Heaven
             clear
             !
             What
             Vows
             and
             Promises
             will
             most
             then
             make
             of
             a
             strictly
             pious
             and
             religious
             Life
             ;
             of
             a
             careful
             shunning
             all
             Sin
             ,
             and
             vigorous
             pursuit
             of
             universal
             Holiness
             !
             and
             that
             with
             such
             a
             vehemence
             ,
             that
             any
             one
             almost
             would
             think
             they
             were
             really
             in
             earnest
             .
             And
             if
             we
             suppose
             the
             Affliction
             to
             be
             of
             a
             lower
             nature
             ;
             as
             in
             the
             case
             of
             severe
             Pain
             ,
             or
             under
             any
             considerable
             Disappointment
             or
             Cross
             that
             is
             dejecting
             ,
             or
             in
             
             the
             prospect
             of
             Danger
             approaching
             ,
             if
             Conscience
             be
             at
             all
             awaken'd
             ,
             Persons
             are
             generally
             apt
             to
             be
             very
             ready
             to
             make
             Vows
             and
             Resolutions
             against
             those
             Sins
             ,
             which
             appear
             to
             them
             to
             have
             been
             the
             occasion
             of
             the
             Divine
             Frowns
             ,
             or
             to
             have
             had
             any
             hand
             in
             their
             distress
             and
             trouble
             ,
             or
             to
             be
             likely
             to
             pull
             down
             Divine
             Displeasure
             upon
             them
             .
             'T
             is
             natural
             to
             all
             almost
             in
             trouble
             to
             betake
             themselves
             to
             their
             Prayers
             ;
             and
             Prayers
             at
             such
             times
             are
             most
             usually
             accompany'd
             with
             Vows
             .
             But
             ,
          
           
             3.
             
             OBSERVE
             farther
             ,
             that
             't
             is
             very
             common
             for
             Persons
             to
             forget
             such
             Vows
             afterwards
             ;
             to
             lose
             the
             sense
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             never
             pay
             them
             .
             The
             Sailor
             mention'd
             by
             Erasmus
             ,
             who
             when
             he
             was
             in
             a
             dangerous
             Storm
             ,
             and
             in
             great
             fear
             of
             his
             Life
             ,
             made
             a
             Vow
             to
             a
             certain
             Saint
             of
             a
             Wax-Taper
             as
             big
             as
             the
             Main
             Mast
             of
             the
             Ship
             ;
             but
             when
             he
             came
             to
             be
             in
             safety
             ,
             thought
             a
             Farthing
             Candle
             might
             be
             sufficient
             ,
             gives
             us
             a
             Model
             of
             most
             Men's
             Tempers
             :
             who
             are
             much
             more
             forward
             to
             make
             Vows
             when
             they
             are
             in
             trouble
             and
             danger
             ,
             than
             to
             pay
             them
             when
             they
             are
             out
             of
             it
             .
             How
             often
             shall
             we
             see
             Persons
             ,
             who
             by
             the
             apprehensions
             of
             Death's
             near
             approach
             to
             them
             ,
             were
             cast
             into
             inexpressible
             Agonies
             ,
             and
             thereupon
             cry'd
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             begg'd
             and
             intreated
             of
             him
             ,
             with
             all
             imaginable
             earnestness
             and
             importunity
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             spare
             them
             a
             ltttle
             longer
             ,
             and
             try
             them
             once
             more
             ;
             which
             if
             he
             would
             do
             ,
             they
             vow
             and
             
             promise
             their
             whole
             future
             Lives
             shall
             show
             forth
             and
             express
             their
             grateful
             Resentments
             ;
             for
             that
             they
             will
             spend
             them
             entirely
             in
             his
             Service
             ,
             and
             that
             at
             anotherguess
             rate
             than
             formerly
             :
             They
             'll
             rip
             up
             their
             past
             Actions
             ,
             freely
             confess
             their
             Sins
             ,
             and
             bewail
             their
             Follies
             ,
             and
             vow
             by
             all
             that
             's
             Sacred
             ,
             that
             for
             time
             to
             come
             they
             'll
             stand
             on
             their
             guard
             ,
             watch
             against
             Temptation
             ,
             allow
             themselves
             in
             no
             Sin
             ,
             nor
             in
             the
             neglect
             of
             any
             Duty
             ,
             but
             will
             lead
             an
             Holy
             ,
             Heavenly
             ,
             Mortify'd
             ,
             Self-denying
             Life
             ,
             in
             the
             strict
             observance
             of
             the
             Rules
             of
             our
             Religion
             :
             who
             when
             God
             hath
             heard
             their
             Cries
             ,
             and
             gratify'd
             them
             with
             a
             farther
             time
             of
             Trial
             ,
             and
             prolongu'd
             and
             renew'd
             their
             Lives
             unto
             them
             ,
             suffer
             their
             Heat
             in
             a
             little
             time
             to
             wear
             off
             ,
             slide
             into
             their
             wonted
             deadness
             ,
             carelesness
             ,
             and
             lukewarmness
             ,
             and
             return
             to
             their
             old
             Sins
             ,
             Failures
             ,
             and
             Neglects
             :
             in
             a
             little
             time
             indulge
             to
             their
             old
             Lusts
             as
             freely
             as
             before
             ,
             if
             not
             worse
             than
             ever
             ;
             and
             are
             not
             a
             whit
             chang'd
             or
             alter'd
             ,
             but
             the
             same
             as
             before
             ,
             as
             if
             nothing
             at
             all
             had
             past
             between
             God
             and
             them
             .
             And
             if
             it
             be
             so
             when
             there
             's
             the
             apprehension
             of
             Death
             in
             the
             case
             ,
             we
             may
             well
             conceive
             it
             is
             the
             same
             in
             lower
             instances
             ;
             as
             under
             the
             fearful
             apprehensions
             of
             any
             thing
             short
             of
             it
             ;
             under
             racking
             Pain
             ,
             or
             any
             sinking
             Disquietment
             ;
             in
             which
             cases
             ,
             and
             others
             of
             the
             like
             nature
             ,
             't
             is
             a
             very
             common
             thing
             for
             Persons
             to
             vow
             and
             promise
             ,
             a
             more
             careful
             guarding
             against
             such
             or
             such
             a
             Corruption
             ,
             or
             such
             a
             Temptation
             ,
             as
             they
             know
             is
             most
             apt
             
             to
             prevail
             upon
             them
             ,
             or
             a
             more
             faithful
             discharge
             of
             such
             a
             Duty
             as
             hath
             been
             before
             neglected
             ,
             a
             more
             close
             walking
             with
             God
             ,
             a
             more
             steddy
             trust
             in
             Him
             ,
             and
             more
             entire
             resignation
             to
             Him
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             :
             But
             let
             but
             the
             Danger
             be
             over
             ,
             and
             the
             Trouble
             at
             an
             end
             ,
             and
             oh
             how
             soon
             are
             such
             Vows
             forgotten
             ,
             as
             if
             never
             made
             !
             how
             quickly
             is
             the
             sense
             of
             them
             lost
             !
             We
             are
             told
             ,
             Luke
             17.
             that
             our
             Saviour
             cleans'd
             ten
             Lepers
             at
             once
             ;
             and
             but
             one
             of
             them
             had
             any
             thing
             like
             a
             sense
             of
             his
             Deliverance
             ,
             or
             came
             to
             return
             Thanks
             to
             his
             Great
             Benefactor
             :
             This
             our
             Lord
             seem'd
             to
             wonder
             at
             ,
             and
             therefore
             cries
             out
             ,
             
               Where
               are
               the
               Nine
            
             ?
             Here
             was
             however
             one
             in
             ten
             that
             was
             duly
             affected
             with
             the
             Goodness
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             made
             suitable
             Returns
             :
             But
             I
             believe
             I
             should
             keep
             within
             compass
             if
             I
             should
             say
             ,
             that
             scarce
             one
             in
             an
             hundred
             of
             those
             who
             come
             under
             Vows
             to
             God
             in
             trouble
             and
             distress
             ,
             take
             care
             with
             any
             Faithfulness
             to
             pay
             them
             afterwards
             .
             An
             Eminent
             Divine
             (
             now
             with
             God
             )
             who
             had
             with
             with
             great
             Faithfulness
             for
             a
             course
             of
             many
             Years
             exercis'd
             his
             Ministry
             in
             this
             City
             ,
             being
             ask'd
             by
             one
             ,
             what
             number
             of
             the
             many
             he
             had
             known
             to
             be
             in
             great
             Agonies
             in
             Sickness
             ,
             and
             under
             the
             apprehensions
             of
             Death's
             approach
             ,
             who
             then
             profest
             Repentance
             of
             their
             past
             wicked
             Lives
             ,
             and
             promis'd
             and
             vow'd
             a
             serious
             and
             holy
             Life
             afterwards
             ,
             to
             which
             they
             had
             before
             been
             Strangers
             ;
             what
             number
             of
             such
             he
             had
             known
             ,
             that
             in
             a
             Judgment
             
             of
             Charity
             he
             could
             apprehend
             ,
             were
             truly
             chang'd
             by
             their
             Sickness
             ,
             and
             faithful
             in
             paying
             their
             Vows
             when
             recover'd
             :
             He
             answer'd
             ,
             That
             he
             could
             not
             say
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             whole
             course
             of
             his
             Ministry
             he
             had
             met
             with
             above
             Three
             of
             that
             Number
             .
             This
             is
             methinks
             very
             sad
             and
             doleful
             to
             consider
             .
             I
             have
             often
             in
             my
             own
             Thoughts
             been
             enquiring
             what
             should
             be
             the
             cause
             of
             this
             common
             Failure
             and
             Neglect
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             ,
             I
             think
             ,
             well
             worth
             our
             enquiring
             after
             .
             The
             best
             Account
             I
             can
             give
             of
             it
             in
             short
             is
             this
             :
          
           
             'T
             is
             because
             there
             's
             commonly
             much
             more
             of
             Fear
             than
             Love
             ,
             in
             the
             Vows
             made
             in
             Trouble
             and
             Distress
             :
             Persons
             under
             Affliction
             ,
             if
             they
             are
             not
             utterly
             stupid
             ,
             are
             under
             a
             sensible
             Conviction
             of
             their
             strait
             and
             close
             Dependence
             upon
             God
             ,
             in
             whose
             hands
             they
             are
             ,
             and
             who
             can
             do
             with
             them
             as
             seems
             good
             in
             his
             sight
             ,
             without
             any
             check
             or
             controul
             :
             This
             ,
             attended
             with
             a
             sense
             of
             Guilt
             ,
             is
             naturally
             apt
             to
             excite
             strong
             Fear
             ,
             lest
             he
             should
             deal
             severely
             ;
             lest
             he
             should
             utterly
             take
             away
             forfeited
             Mercies
             ,
             and
             punish
             the
             abuse
             of
             them
             by
             their
             withdrawment
             ;
             lest
             he
             should
             deny
             Succour
             in
             Danger
             ,
             to
             those
             who
             are
             so
             sensible
             they
             are
             far
             from
             deserving
             it
             ;
             lest
             he
             should
             suffer
             the
             Desert
             of
             their
             Sins
             to
             come
             upon
             them
             ,
             and
             then
             to
             be
             sure
             woful
             must
             be
             their
             Case
             :
             Which
             Fear
             ,
             if
             not
             duly
             temper'd
             with
             Love
             ,
             and
             other
             Graces
             ,
             will
             only
             prompt
             to
             look
             out
             for
             a
             guard
             for
             Self-preservation
             ;
             and
             so
             self
             ,
             and
             not
             
             God
             ,
             will
             be
             mainly
             ey'd
             in
             the
             vows
             made
             in
             such
             a
             case
             .
             If
             't
             were
             a
             true
             sense
             of
             Duty
             ,
             a
             real
             love
             to
             God
             ,
             that
             was
             the
             Spring
             of
             such
             Vows
             ,
             they
             'd
             have
             a
             Foundation
             in
             the
             habitual
             Temper
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             so
             the
             effects
             of
             them
             would
             be
             visible
             :
             the
             cause
             would
             remain
             ,
             even
             when
             the
             Trouble
             was
             over
             ,
             which
             excited
             the
             particular
             Vows
             made
             ,
             and
             therefore
             the
             Effect
             would
             appear
             .
             But
             when
             Fear
             is
             the
             sole
             Spring
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             that
             Fear
             wears
             off
             ,
             as
             the
             Trouble
             and
             Distress
             blows
             over
             ,
             we
             need
             not
             wonder
             that
             the
             Vows
             are
             forgotten
             ,
             and
             the
             Effects
             cease
             ,
             together
             with
             their
             Cause
             .
             And
             because
             it
             is
             so
             common
             a
             thing
             for
             Persons
             in
             their
             Vows
             in
             such
             a
             case
             ,
             to
             be
             much
             more
             acted
             by
             Fear
             than
             Love
             ,
             therefore
             is
             it
             so
             much
             more
             common
             for
             the
             sense
             of
             such
             vows
             to
             be
             lost
             than
             retain'd
             .
          
           
             Withal
             ,
             such
             Vows
             generally
             arise
             more
             from
             passionate
             Transport
             ,
             than
             a
             deliberate
             Confent
             of
             Heart
             ;
             which
             is
             another
             cause
             of
             their
             being
             so
             often
             forgotten
             and
             unminded
             .
             View
             a
             Person
             in
             distress
             and
             anguish
             ,
             or
             under
             the
             apprehension
             of
             danger
             ,
             and
             you
             'll
             find
             the
             Spirit
             in
             a
             sort
             of
             Ferment
             :
             Now
             in
             the
             Body
             while
             the
             Blood
             is
             in
             a
             fermentation
             ,
             the
             animal
             Spirits
             are
             much
             more
             eager
             and
             impetuous
             than
             at
             other
             times
             ;
             and
             so
             it
             is
             also
             in
             the
             mind
             .
             Trouble
             and
             Danger
             produces
             a
             Ferment
             ,
             and
             vehement
             Commotion
             ;
             then
             presently
             
             there
             may
             be
             an
             eager
             bent
             towards
             that
             to
             which
             there
             's
             no
             habitual
             Inclination
             :
             serious
             Thoughts
             to
             which
             the
             Soul
             was
             before
             perhaps
             a
             Stranger
             ,
             find
             a
             place
             during
             this
             Commotion
             ;
             and
             God
             must
             be
             ey'd
             ,
             who
             before
             possibly
             was
             little
             minded
             or
             regarded
             ;
             and
             so
             vows
             may
             be
             made
             of
             the
             Duties
             owing
             to
             him
             ,
             with
             a
             seeming
             earnestness
             ;
             but
             let
             the
             Bow
             be
             unbent
             ,
             and
             it
             presently
             returns
             to
             its
             natural
             state
             ;
             so
             let
             but
             this
             Commotion
             and
             Disturbance
             cease
             ,
             upon
             the
             removal
             of
             its
             Cause
             ,
             and
             God
             may
             without
             any
             cause
             of
             wondring
             be
             as
             much
             disregarded
             as
             ever
             .
             'T
             was
             in
             a
             passionate
             Transport
             such
             Persons
             made
             their
             vows
             ;
             when
             they
             come
             to
             be
             still
             and
             calm
             ,
             the
             sense
             of
             them
             vanishes
             :
             But
             let
             Vows
             at
             such
             a
             time
             be
             made
             with
             a
             full
             ,
             deliberate
             ,
             fixed
             Consent
             of
             Heart
             ,
             and
             you
             'll
             see
             the
             Effects
             of
             them
             will
             be
             lasting
             .
          
           
             FINALLY
             ;
             therefore
             are
             vows
             made
             at
             such
             a
             time
             so
             often
             forgotten
             and
             unminded
             ,
             because
             the
             most
             in
             making
             them
             aim
             but
             at
             the
             gaining
             the
             Mercy
             they
             need
             ;
             which
             being
             obtain'd
             ,
             they
             see
             no
             cause
             for
             minding
             them
             any
             farther
             .
             Most
             seek
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             to
             bribe
             God
             to
             give
             them
             the
             Deliverance
             ,
             Help
             ,
             and
             Succour
             they
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             ,
             by
             making
             vows
             and
             Promises
             to
             him
             ;
             by
             means
             whereof
             they
             think
             to
             engage
             him
             to
             relieve
             and
             befriend
             them
             .
             The
             Great
             God
             ,
             tho'
             he
             sees
             from
             the
             first
             such
             Persons
             Treachery
             and
             
             Baseness
             ,
             is
             yet
             many
             times
             pleas'd
             to
             step
             in
             with
             relief
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             their
             farther
             Trial
             ,
             and
             that
             their
             latent
             Corruption
             may
             be
             discover'd
             ,
             and
             for
             other
             wise
             Ends
             :
             But
             as
             for
             them
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             deliver'd
             ,
             and
             out
             of
             their
             danger
             ,
             and
             their
             trouble
             's
             over
             ,
             they
             have
             no
             farther
             concern
             about
             the
             matter
             .
             And
             the
             reason
             is
             ,
             because
             their
             End
             is
             answer'd
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             most
             that
             is
             in
             any
             case
             aim'd
             at
             .
             These
             are
             some
             of
             the
             most
             common
             Occasions
             of
             this
             general
             neglect
             ,
             tho'
             they
             are
             far
             from
             justifying
             it
             .
             We
             may
             farther
             observe
             ,
          
           
             4.
             
             THAT
             even
             truly
             pious
             Persons
             are
             too
             apt
             to
             forget
             the
             Vows
             they
             make
             to
             God
             in
             their
             trouble
             and
             distress
             ;
             too
             prone
             to
             lose
             the
             sense
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             let
             it
             wear
             off
             :
             Which
             need
             not
             be
             thought
             strange
             by
             any
             that
             know
             that
             the
             Best
             have
             but
             weak
             Graces
             ,
             a
             subtil
             Enemy
             ,
             and
             treacherous
             Hearts
             ,
             and
             live
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             Snares
             and
             Temptations
             ,
             whereby
             they
             are
             liable
             to
             be
             withdrawn
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             diverted
             from
             their
             Duty
             .
             Eventhose
             who
             are
             truly
             serious
             in
             making
             Vows
             of
             a
             more
             close
             ,
             strict
             ,
             and
             uniform
             Obedience
             ,
             for
             time
             to
             come
             ,
             when
             under
             Divine
             Rebukes
             ;
             even
             those
             who
             make
             such
             Vows
             out
             of
             true
             Love
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             full
             Consent
             of
             Heart
             ,
             and
             a
             sincere
             Aim
             at
             the
             Divine
             Glory
             ,
             are
             too
             apt
             to
             be
             tardy
             and
             defective
             :
             They
             shall
             retain
             the
             Impressions
             of
             them
             sometimes
             for
             a
             longer
             ,
             and
             otherwhiles
             for
             a
             shorter
             season
             ;
             but
             generally
             lt
             may
             be
             observ'd
             
             their
             Warmth
             by
             degrees
             abates
             .
             There
             is
             indeed
             a
             difference
             in
             this
             case
             discernible
             between
             those
             that
             are
             upright
             in
             the
             main
             ,
             and
             those
             who
             do
             but
             trifle
             with
             God.
             The
             former
             have
             defects
             as
             well
             as
             the
             latter
             ;
             but
             they
             are
             their
             burthen
             ;
             and
             the
             matter
             of
             their
             Sorrow
             and
             Lamentation
             ,
             and
             not
             their
             contented
             Choice
             ;
             they
             are
             ready
             to
             aggravate
             them
             ,
             and
             seek
             not
             to
             extenuate
             their
             Guilt
             ,
             that
             so
             their
             Sin
             may
             seem
             the
             smaller
             ,
             and
             they
             be
             the
             more
             easily
             satisfied
             ,
             as
             the
             latter
             usually
             do
             :
             If
             they
             find
             the
             sense
             of
             their
             Vows
             worn
             off
             ,
             they
             endeavour
             to
             renew
             it
             ;
             and
             don
             't
             shun
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             them
             ,
             lest
             they
             should
             be
             reminded
             of
             the
             state
             they
             were
             in
             that
             occasion'd
             them
             ,
             and
             so
             have
             their
             Trouble
             renew'd
             .
             And
             in
             many
             other
             respects
             do
             these
             two
             sorts
             of
             Persons
             differ
             ;
             but
             yet
             that
             's
             no
             excuse
             for
             breaking
             Divine
             Bonds
             ,
             and
             loosing
             the
             sense
             of
             the
             Divine
             Vows
             they
             are
             under
             ,
             of
             which
             the
             Best
             should
             be
             afraid
             .
             I
             would
             therefore
             caution
             all
             to
             beware
             of
             playing
             fast
             and
             loose
             with
             God
             ;
             to
             beware
             of
             vowing
             and
             not
             paying
             ;
             to
             beware
             of
             losing
             the
             sense
             of
             renew'd
             Engagements
             ;
             to
             beware
             of
             sliding
             again
             into
             Defects
             that
             were
             lamented
             and
             vow'd
             against
             under
             Affliction
             .
             And
             that
             my
             Caution
             may
             be
             the
             more
             effectual
             ;
             I
             'll
             proceed
             now
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             TO
             propound
             some
             Motives
             that
             should
             and
             ought
             to
             induce
             those
             who
             have
             made
             Vows
             in
             a
             time
             of
             Trouble
             and
             Distress
             ,
             
             to
             a
             serious
             remembrance
             ,
             and
             faithful
             payment
             of
             them
             .
             And
             they
             are
             these
             :
          
           
             1.
             
             Consider
             they
             are
             
             God's
             Vows
             that
             you
             are
             under
             :
             He
             remembers
             and
             records
             them
             ,
             and
             will
             exact
             them
             at
             your
             hands
             .
             'T
             is
             not
             a
             Mortal
             like
             your selves
             that's
             easily
             eluded
             ,
             or
             put
             off
             ,
             or
             impos'd
             on
             ,
             that
             you
             have
             herein
             to
             deal
             with
             ;
             but
             the
             Great
             God
             who
             searches
             Hearts
             ,
             and
             whose
             exact
             notice
             nothing
             can
             escape
             ;
             and
             who
             weighs
             all
             things
             in
             a
             just
             Balance
             .
             You
             had
             need
             therefore
             take
             care
             to
             be
             punctual
             and
             faithful
             .
             He
             can't
             be
             deceiv'd
             ;
             He
             won't
             be
             mock'd
             .
             Your
             Vows
             must
             be
             another
             day
             accounted
             for
             .
             Which
             is
             a
             Thought
             that
             methinks
             should
             strike
             an
             awe
             ;
             and
             powerfully
             stir
             up
             diligence
             and
             care
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             CONSIDER
             ,
             That
             those
             Vows
             you
             made
             to
             God
             ,
             when
             in
             distress
             and
             trouble
             ,
             are
             
               upon
               you
            
             ,
             whether
             you
             mind
             and
             pay
             them
             ,
             yea
             or
             not
             .
             Your
             forgetting
             ,
             or
             not
             regarding
             them
             ,
             doth
             not
             at
             all
             diminish
             their
             Force
             ,
             or
             cause
             their
             Obligation
             to
             cease
             ;
             but
             you
             are
             still
             responsible
             for
             their
             neglect
             .
             Did
             they
             ,
             if
             over-lookt
             and
             disregarded
             ,
             lose
             their
             binding
             force
             ,
             't
             were
             some
             excuse
             ;
             but
             't
             is
             no
             such
             matter
             .
             '
             Tho'
             you
             should
             never
             think
             of
             them
             more
             ,
             yet
             your
             Engagements
             would
             be
             really
             as
             strong
             as
             ever
             .
             You
             'd
             continue
             bound
             by
             them
             ,
             
             tho'
             you
             'd
             lose
             the
             Benefit
             of
             them
             :
             you
             'd
             be
             the
             worse
             for
             them
             ,
             because
             you
             were
             not
             better'd
             by
             them
             .
             Think
             of
             it
             therefore
             ;
             your
             Vows
             hold
             their
             force
             ,
             whether
             you
             keep
             or
             break
             them
             .
             You
             can't
             loosen
             the
             Band
             ,
             tho'
             you
             may
             lose
             the
             sense
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             CONSIDER
             how
             disingenuous
             and
             ungrateful
             't
             is
             ,
             when
             God
             hath
             heard
             our
             Supplications
             ,
             and
             answer'd
             our
             Requests
             ,
             and
             sent
             us
             the
             help
             implor'd
             and
             begg'd
             ,
             for
             us
             to
             forget
             and
             not
             to
             mind
             our
             Vows
             .
             How
             unsuitable
             a
             return
             would
             this
             be
             ,
             for
             his
             Kindness
             in
             succouring
             and
             delivering
             us
             ,
             and
             interposing
             on
             our
             behalf
             ;
             preventing
             our
             Fears
             ,
             and
             exceeding
             our
             Hopes
             ;
             and
             turning
             our
             Sorrow
             into
             Joy
             ,
             and
             our
             Heaviness
             and
             Sadness
             ,
             into
             Mirth
             and
             Gladness
             !
             May
             not
             God
             justly
             expect
             otherguess
             Treatment
             at
             our
             hands
             ?
             May
             he
             not
             justly
             resent
             it
             in
             a
             very
             high
             manner
             ,
             to
             have
             have
             his
             Kindness
             thus
             slighted
             ?
             May
             not
             God
             say
             to
             us
             ,
             Was
             this
             it
             that
             I
             deliver'd
             and
             spar'd
             you
             for
             ;
             that
             you
             might
             have
             an
             opportunity
             of
             abusing
             my
             Goodness
             by
             breaking
             your
             vows
             ?
             No
             certainly
             ,
             by
             no
             means
             :
             When
             you
             come
             therefore
             into
             new
             Straits
             and
             Difficulties
             ,
             go
             to
             whom
             you
             will
             to
             succour
             and
             deliver
             you
             ,
             for
             I
             'll
             do
             it
             no
             more
             ▪
             Which
             suggests
             a
             farther
             Motive
             :
             And
             therefore
             ,
          
           
           
             4.
             
             CONSIDER
             how
             woful
             an
             Accent
             't
             will
             add
             to
             any
             new
             Troubles
             whereinto
             we
             may
             fall
             ,
             for
             us
             then
             to
             remember
             Vows
             made
             in
             former
             straits
             ,
             that
             have
             been
             neglected
             and
             unpaid
             .
             Think
             a
             little
             ,
             and
             that
             seriously
             ,
             how
             sadly
             your
             Consciences
             will
             be
             wounded
             ,
             and
             your
             Souls
             dismayed
             ,
             when
             the
             next
             Distress
             and
             Trouble
             comes
             ,
             if
             you
             then
             find
             upon
             Reflection
             you
             were
             unthankful
             for
             your
             last
             merciful
             Deliverance
             and
             Preservation
             ,
             and
             soon
             lost
             any
             Impressions
             it
             made
             upon
             you
             .
             How
             will
             it
             then
             cut
             you
             to
             the
             Heart
             to
             think
             how
             falsly
             ,
             and
             treacherously
             ,
             and
             deceitfully
             you
             dealt
             with
             God
             in
             breaking
             your
             solemn
             Vows
             and
             Promises
             !
             How
             will
             this
             Thought
             weaken
             your
             hold
             of
             God!
             and
             what
             a
             matter
             of
             sinking
             Discouragement
             will
             it
             be
             to
             you
             !
             think
             of
             it
             therefore
             soberly
             ,
             and
             prevent
             the
             doubling
             and
             trebbling
             of
             your
             own
             Difficulty
             in
             any
             further
             Trials
             God
             may
             have
             in
             store
             for
             you
             ,
             by
             a
             faithful
             Payment
             of
             your
             Vows
             .
             And
             then
             ,
          
           
             5.
             
             CONSIDER
             further
             what
             Ground
             your
             Forgetfulness
             of
             ,
             and
             Unfaithfulness
             to
             the
             Vows
             you
             made
             when
             in
             Trouble
             and
             Distress
             ,
             may
             give
             you
             (
             as
             Circumstances
             may
             be
             )
             to
             question
             the
             Sincerity
             of
             your
             own
             Hearts
             .
             'T
             is
             true
             as
             I
             before
             hinted
             ,
             there
             are
             certain
             Failures
             (
             and
             those
             not
             inconsiderable
             ones
             )
             in
             this
             Matter
             ,
             that
             are
             consistent
             with
             Sincerity
             of
             Heart
             :
             but
             it
             is
             not
             an
             easy
             thing
             in
             all
             cases
             to
             distinguish
             them
             from
             such
             Neglects
             as
             
             are
             Arguments
             and
             Indications
             of
             a
             rotten
             Heart
             and
             trifling
             Spirit
             ;
             and
             how
             wofully
             may
             you
             embarrass
             your selves
             in
             this
             respect
             ?
             Do
             but
             take
             care
             to
             act
             agreeably
             to
             the
             Vows
             and
             Engagements
             you
             came
             under
             in
             the
             Hour
             of
             your
             Trouble
             ,
             and
             you
             'll
             be
             clear
             and
             free
             ;
             you
             'll
             have
             a
             comfortable
             Evidence
             of
             your
             own
             Integrity
             :
             but
             if
             you
             are
             thoughtless
             and
             careless
             ,
             allow
             your selves
             to
             live
             at
             the
             wonted
             rate
             ,
             altho
             you
             are
             under
             new
             Engagements
             ;
             and
             loose
             the
             Impressions
             which
             the
             afflictive
             Providences
             you
             were
             under
             ,
             made
             upon
             you
             ,
             and
             that
             once
             and
             again
             ,
             over
             and
             over
             ;
             believe
             it
             ,
             you
             'll
             find
             the
             time
             will
             come
             when
             you
             'll
             be
             very
             apt
             to
             question
             whether
             all
             your
             Transactions
             with
             God
             ,
             from
             first
             to
             last
             ,
             have
             not
             been
             hypocritical
             ;
             and
             whether
             there
             hath
             been
             any
             thing
             of
             Reality
             and
             Sincerity
             at
             the
             bottom
             on
             your
             part
             ;
             and
             you
             'll
             find
             your selves
             so
             wofully
             embarrass'd
             ,
             as
             not
             to
             be
             able
             to
             quiet
             your selves
             ,
             or
             receive
             Satisfaction
             from
             others
             .
             As
             you
             would
             not
             have
             this
             to
             prove
             your
             Case
             ,
             I
             beseech
             you
             be
             punctual
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             faithful
             to
             him
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             CONSIDER
             also
             what
             Advantage
             you
             give
             the
             Devil
             by
             negecting
             to
             pay
             your
             Vows
             .
             Who
             would
             do
             any
             thing
             to
             rejoice
             his
             worst
             and
             bitterest
             Enemy
             ,
             and
             put
             him
             in
             a
             capacity
             of
             doing
             him
             an
             inconceivable
             Mischief
             ?
             and
             yet
             this
             is
             done
             by
             all
             you
             that
             make
             Vows
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             forget
             and
             neglect
             them
             when
             you
             have
             done
             .
             You
             give
             an
             advantage
             to
             that
             subtil
             Enemy
             of
             yours
             that
             watches
             for
             
             your
             halting
             ,
             and
             will
             make
             use
             of
             the
             least
             Slip
             or
             Failure
             you
             indulge
             your selves
             in
             ,
             as
             a
             means
             to
             withdraw
             you
             further
             and
             further
             from
             God
             ,
             till
             at
             length
             Conscience
             is
             sorely
             wounded
             ,
             and
             Grace
             sadly
             weakned
             ;
             and
             so
             unless
             God
             be
             strangely
             merciful
             to
             you
             ,
             you
             may
             go
             halting
             to
             your
             Graves
             .
             Let
             but
             these
             things
             be
             duly
             weigh'd
             ,
             and
             you
             can't
             want
             Inducements
             to
             a
             serious
             Remembrance
             and
             faithful
             Payment
             of
             any
             Vows
             you
             made
             in
             Distress
             or
             Trouble
             .
          
           
             IT
             now
             remains
             that
             I
             add
             some
             Directions
             that
             may
             be
             helpful
             to
             keep
             up
             a
             lively
             Sense
             of
             Vows
             made
             upon
             a
             sick
             Bed
             ,
             or
             in
             any
             time
             of
             Fear
             ,
             Distress
             or
             Danger
             .
             To
             any
             that
             are
             seriously
             desirous
             thereof
             ,
             and
             would
             do
             what
             in
             them
             lies
             to
             engage
             themselves
             to
             pay
             their
             Vows
             to
             the
             most
             High
             ,
             I
             would
             give
             the
             following
             Advice
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             OFTEN
             endeavour
             to
             call
             to
             your
             lively
             Remembrance
             the
             State
             ,
             Condition
             ,
             and
             Frame
             that
             you
             were
             in
             ,
             and
             the
             Sense
             you
             had
             of
             things
             when
             you
             made
             your
             Vows
             to
             God.
             Retire
             from
             the
             World
             ever
             and
             anon
             ,
             and
             soberly
             set
             your selves
             down
             ,
             and
             recollect
             what
             Thoughts
             and
             Apprehensions
             you
             had
             in
             the
             time
             of
             your
             Trouble
             ,
             of
             God
             and
             Christ
             ,
             of
             Sin
             and
             Holiness
             ,
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Hell
             ,
             and
             of
             a
             calm
             and
             peaceable
             Conscience
             ;
             what
             Sense
             you
             had
             of
             your
             past
             Neglects
             and
             Failures
             and
             future
             Duty
             ;
             what
             were
             your
             Cares
             ,
             and
             Fears
             ,
             and
             Hopes
             ,
             and
             
             Comforts
             ;
             how
             your
             Spirits
             work'd
             ;
             what
             were
             Consciences
             Admonitions
             ,
             and
             your
             Resentments
             .
             Did
             you
             not
             then
             think
             an
             Interest
             in
             God
             and
             Christ
             to
             be
             worth
             more
             than
             a
             thousand
             Worlds
             ?
             And
             would
             you
             not
             if
             they
             had
             been
             in
             your
             power
             rather
             have
             chosen
             to
             have
             parted
             with
             them
             ,
             than
             to
             have
             gone
             without
             it
             ?
             Did
             not
             Sin
             then
             sit
             heavy
             upon
             your
             Minds
             ,
             and
             depress
             your
             Spirits
             ?
             And
             did
             you
             not
             heartily
             wish
             that
             you
             had
             carefully
             shunned
             it
             ,
             and
             watched
             against
             it
             ?
             How
             mean
             Thoughts
             had
             you
             of
             this
             Earth
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Riches
             ,
             Honours
             ,
             Pleasures
             ,
             and
             Comforts
             of
             it
             ,
             when
             you
             did
             not
             know
             but
             you
             were
             just
             upon
             leaving
             it
             ?
             Did
             you
             not
             then
             think
             those
             the
             happiest
             of
             Persons
             how
             low
             soever
             their
             present
             Circumstances
             were
             ,
             that
             had
             a
             Treasure
             above
             ,
             and
             could
             eye
             Heaven
             as
             their
             proper
             home
             ?
             and
             the
             like
             :
             The
             frequent
             recollecting
             of
             such
             Thoughts
             will
             help
             to
             perpetuate
             the
             Impressions
             they
             made
             ,
             and
             their
             good
             Effects
             :
             And
             because
             our
             Memories
             are
             commonly
             weak
             and
             treacherous
             ,
             and
             not
             so
             faithful
             as
             they
             should
             be
             to
             us
             in
             Matters
             of
             the
             greatest
             moment
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             a
             considerable
             help
             to
             us
             to
             make
             use
             of
             Writing
             ;
             we
             should
             find
             it
             abundantly
             worth
             our
             while
             ,
             and
             of
             no
             small
             Use
             to
             us
             ,
             would
             we
             as
             soon
             as
             we
             are
             deliver'd
             out
             of
             Affliction
             and
             Trouble
             commit
             to
             Writing
             the
             State
             of
             our
             Case
             ,
             and
             Frame
             of
             our
             Spirits
             ,
             when
             we
             were
             under
             it
             ;
             what
             our
             Thoughts
             and
             Apprehensions
             were
             ;
             what
             supported
             and
             relieved
             us
             ;
             what
             Engagements
             particularly
             
             we
             made
             ,
             and
             upon
             what
             Inducements
             :
             Our
             Recourse
             whereto
             ,
             whenever
             we
             find
             our selves
             apt
             to
             grow
             cold
             ,
             might
             help
             to
             renew
             our
             Sense
             of
             our
             past
             vows
             ,
             and
             engage
             us
             to
             answer
             and
             pay
             them
             ;
             and
             keep
             our
             after
             Lives
             from
             being
             like
             the
             new
             Editions
             of
             some
             Mens
             Books
             ,
             which
             are
             always
             worst
             :
             by
             reason
             that
             besides
             the
             old
             Errata
             ,
             new
             ones
             creep
             in
             ,
             and
             are
             added
             to
             the
             former
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Engage
             your
             Friends
             and
             Relations
             who
             were
             Witnesses
             of
             your
             Trouble
             ,
             that
             knew
             your
             Fears
             ,
             and
             were
             acquainted
             with
             your
             vows
             then
             made
             of
             a
             better
             Life
             for
             time
             to
             come
             ,
             to
             remind
             you
             of
             your
             Promises
             and
             Engagements
             ,
             to
             watch
             over
             you
             ,
             and
             tell
             you
             of
             them
             as
             there
             is
             occasion
             ,
             and
             take
             it
             kindly
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             be
             thankful
             to
             them
             ,
             whenever
             they
             do
             so
             .
             A
             serious
             faithful
             Yoke-fellow
             for
             a
             Monitor
             in
             such
             a
             Case
             is
             a
             vast
             Advantage
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             constant
             Oversight
             and
             Inspection
             which
             that
             Relation
             gives
             Opportunity
             for
             :
             but
             if
             that
             be
             wanting
             ,
             it
             may
             in
             part
             be
             made
             up
             by
             other
             serious
             Christian
             Friends
             ,
             whose
             Admonitions
             may
             be
             very
             helpful
             .
             And
             indeed
             in
             such
             a
             case
             there
             are
             few
             but
             need
             spurring
             ,
             need
             to
             be
             put
             in
             mind
             of
             their
             Vows
             and
             Promises
             :
             We
             may
             see
             it
             in
             
             Iacob's
             case
             ,
             who
             after
             he
             had
             ,
             upon
             leaving
             his
             Father's
             House
             ,
             made
             the
             solemn
             vow
             that
             hath
             been
             before
             cited
             out
             of
             Gen.
             28.
             and
             when
             God
             had
             performed
             his
             Desire
             ,
             and
             kept
             him
             safe
             ,
             and
             brought
             him
             back
             again
             ,
             he
             yet
             lingred
             a
             great
             while
             before
             he
             payed
             
             his
             vow
             ,
             needed
             to
             be
             reminded
             ,
             and
             was
             as
             one
             asleep
             ,
             till
             a
             Call
             of
             God
             to
             go
             up
             to
             Bethel
             awakened
             him
             ;
             as
             we
             see
             ,
             Gen.
             35.
             1.
             and
             then
             presently
             we
             find
             he
             remembers
             what
             had
             past
             between
             God
             and
             him
             ;
             and
             therefore
             cries
             to
             his
             Houshold
             ,
             
               ver
               .
               3.
               
               Let
               us
               arise
               and
               go
               up
               to
            
             Bethel
             ;
             
               and
               I
               will
               make
               there
               an
               Altar
               unto
               God
               ,
               who
               answered
               me
               in
               the
               day
               of
               my
               Disiress
               ,
               and
               was
               with
               me
               in
               the
               way
               which
               I
               went.
               
            
          
           
             3
             ,
             BE
             sure
             to
             take
             the
             first
             Opportunity
             of
             beginning
             to
             pay
             your
             vows
             .
             'T
             is
             a
             part
             of
             Dishonesty
             not
             to
             give
             to
             God
             according
             to
             the
             time
             in
             which
             he
             hath
             been
             merciful
             and
             gracious
             .
             And
             we
             may
             still
             observe
             that
             one
             Neglect
             shall
             always
             make
             way
             for
             another
             .
             Men
             are
             very
             apt
             to
             adjourn
             the
             Paiment
             of
             their
             vows
             to
             what
             they
             call
             a
             more
             convenient
             Season
             ,
             which
             with
             those
             who
             put
             it
             off
             from
             time
             to
             time
             ,
             is
             never
             like
             to
             come
             .
             The
             longer
             we
             put
             off
             the
             paying
             of
             our
             Debts
             ,
             the
             more
             unwilling
             and
             the
             less
             able
             shall
             we
             be
             at
             last
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             PRAY
             often
             and
             earnestly
             to
             God
             ,
             to
             keep
             up
             a
             lively
             Sense
             of
             your
             renewed
             Engagements
             on
             your
             Hearts
             and
             Spirits
             .
             As
             your
             vows
             were
             accompanied
             with
             Prayers
             ,
             so
             let
             them
             be
             followed
             by
             them
             .
             Beg
             of
             God
             that
             he
             would
             guard
             you
             from
             the
             Temptations
             of
             an
             infectious
             World
             ,
             and
             keep
             your
             Hearts
             from
             cooling
             .
             And
             let
             such
             Petitions
             be
             frequent
             and
             serious
             .
          
           
           
             5.
             
             Look
             for
             a
             Return
             of
             Trouble
             .
             Think
             not
             because
             this
             Affliction
             is
             at
             an
             end
             ,
             and
             that
             Trial
             is
             over
             ,
             and
             the
             other
             Burden
             is
             remov'd
             ,
             that
             thou
             art
             therefore
             safe
             ,
             thy
             Mountain
             stands
             strong
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             never
             be
             moved
             :
             for
             thou
             mayst
             have
             more
             to
             go
             through
             than
             thou
             art
             aware
             of
             .
             Some
             Persons
             need
             not
             look
             far
             for
             a
             Prospect
             of
             fresh
             Trouble
             ;
             as
             teeming
             Women
             ,
             and
             those
             Persons
             that
             are
             liable
             to
             the
             racking
             and
             tormenting
             pain
             of
             Cholick
             ,
             Gout
             or
             Stone
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             .
             Think
             not
             therefore
             that
             all
             is
             over
             with
             thee
             ,
             but
             expect
             new
             Trials
             and
             Difficulties
             ;
             live
             in
             the
             expectation
             of
             being
             sick
             again
             ,
             and
             that
             to
             that
             degree
             as
             that
             thou
             shalt
             not
             recover
             ;
             in
             the
             expectation
             of
             being
             pained
             afresh
             ,
             when
             it
             may
             be
             thou
             wilt
             not
             so
             easily
             find
             Relief
             ;
             think
             in
             any
             case
             that
             thy
             last
             Pressures
             ,
             or
             others
             of
             the
             same
             kind
             ,
             as
             bad
             ,
             or
             worse
             ,
             may
             return
             ;
             and
             as
             ever
             thou
             expectest
             God
             should
             then
             be
             thy
             Stay
             and
             Helper
             ,
             thy
             Shield
             and
             Buckler
             ,
             pay
             the
             vows
             thou
             madest
             him
             in
             thy
             last
             Distress
             .
             Do
             but
             really
             look
             for
             fresh
             Exercises
             and
             Conflicts
             ,
             (
             which
             thou
             canst
             never
             want
             reason
             to
             do
             ,
             whilst
             thou
             art
             encompass'd
             with
             a
             vail
             of
             Flesh
             )
             and
             that
             will
             help
             to
             keep
             up
             a
             Sense
             of
             your
             vows
             under
             your
             last
             .
             And
             then
             ,
          
           
             6.
             
             BE
             duly
             sensible
             of
             the
             Treachery
             of
             your
             own
             Hearts
             .
             Take
             heed
             of
             depending
             on
             your
             own
             Strength
             .
             If
             you
             once
             grow
             secure
             ,
             you
             are
             in
             constant
             Danger
             of
             a
             Surprize
             .
             
             Remember
             that
             confident
             Peter
             presently
             fell
             .
             Give
             not
             way
             to
             any
             such
             Thoughts
             as
             these
             ,
             that
             your
             Vows
             were
             so
             serious
             ,
             and
             your
             Resolutions
             so
             strong
             ,
             that
             it
             's
             almost
             impossible
             for
             you
             ever
             to
             lose
             the
             Sense
             of
             them
             .
             Alas
             !
             so
             far
             is
             it
             from
             that
             ,
             that
             how
             strong
             and
             serious
             soever
             they
             were
             ,
             when
             you
             come
             into
             the
             midst
             of
             Snares
             and
             Temptations
             ,
             you
             'll
             find
             it
             very
             difficult
             to
             retain
             any
             Impressions
             that
             shall
             signify
             any
             thing
             .
          
           
             Let
             every
             one
             therefore
             whom
             God
             hath
             succour'd
             in
             Distress
             ,
             and
             deliver'd
             in
             an
             hour
             of
             Danger
             ,
             say
             with
             
               David
               ,
               I
               will
               sing
               Praise
               unto
               thy
               Name
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               for
               ever
               ;
               that
               I
            
             
             
               may
               daily
               perform
               my
               Vows
            
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
         
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A32091-e1090
           
             *
             Let
             him
             who
             is
             dispos'd
             consult
             Aquin
             Sum.
             
               2d
               2d
            
             Qu.
             88.
             
             Filliucius
             tr
             .
             26.
             
             C.
             1.
             
             Sanches
             l.
             4.
             
             Moral
             .
             C.
             1.
             
             Navar
             .
             C.
             12.
             
             Azor.
             1.
             p.
             l.
             11.
             
             C.
             13.
             &c.
             
          
           
             Ps.
             76.
             11.
             
          
           
             *
             Bellarm.
             Disputat
             .
             de
             Controversiis
             Tom
             2.
             
             Lib.
             2.
             
             Cap
             19.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             28.
             21.
             
          
           
             *
             Many
             pas
             sages
             to
             this
             purpose
             are
             obvious
             in
             
               Epictetu
               ,
               &
               Arrian
               ,
               &
               Simplicius
            
             his
             Comments
             on
             him
             ;
             in
             
               Seneca
               &
               Antoninus
               ,
               &
               Maximn
               ▪
               Tyrius
               ,
            
             and
             sundry
             others
             of
             the
             same
             stamp
             .
          
           
             Gen.
             28.
             20.
             21.
             
          
           
             Acts
             2.
             39.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             21.
             4
             
          
           
             Judg.
             11.
             36.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             3.
             
          
           
             I●…r
             .
             35.
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             ▪
             
          
           
             vers
             .
             19.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             5.
             1.
             
             Joh.
             3.
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor
             3.
             16.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             11
             29.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             39.
             
          
           
             This
             is
             excellently
             Open'd
             and
             Explain'd
             by
             the
             Learned
             Dr.
             Cudworth
          
           
             Gen.
             chap.
             8.
             
             &
             9.
             
             Gen.
             15.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             24.
             5
             ,
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             50.
             5
             
          
           
             Heb.
             9.
             12.
             15.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             18.
             12.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             24.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             1.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             50.
             16.
             
          
           
             C.
             Plin.
             Epist
             .
             Lib.
             10.
             
             Ep.
             97.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             19.
             12.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             1.
             23.
             24.
             
          
           
             Act.
             20.
             28
             
          
           
             Rom.
             5.
             9.
             
             Heb.
             9.
             14.
             1
             
             John
             1.
             7
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             2●…
             
          
           
             Psal.
             41.
             9.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             13.
             18.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             11.
             29.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.
             2
             ,
             3.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10
             ,
             28
             ,
             29.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             2.
             3
             ,
             4.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             21.
             17.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             39.
             
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             4.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             25.
             10
             
          
           
             Psal.
             103.
             17
             ,
             18.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             14.
             21.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             44.
             17
             ,
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             18.
             20.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             12.
             9.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             15.
             5.
             
             Phil.
             4.
             13.
             
          
           
             1
             Kings
             8.
             46.
             
             Jam.
             3.
             2.
             1
             
             Joh.
             1.
             8.
             
          
           
             vers
             .
             9.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             6.
             24.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             4.
             4.
             1
             
             Cor.
             7.
             31.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             5.
             7.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             3.
             13.
             
          
           
             Ps.
             139.
             23
             ,
             24.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             42
             ▪
             
          
           
             Mat.
             25.
             29.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             7.
             11.
             
          
           
             De●…t
             .
             23.
             21
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             See
             
               the
               L●…arned
            
             Selden
             ,
             de
             Iure
             Na●…rae
             &
             G●…tium
             ●…xia
             Discip●…m
             H●…rorum
             
               lib.
               7.
               c
            
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             *
             Particularly
             Peter
             Martyr
             
               in
               his
            
             Defence
             against
             Smith
             ;
             
               and
               in
               his
            
             Loci
             Communes
             ,
             Class
             .
             3.
             c.
             6.
             
             Calvin
             
               in
               his
            
             Institutions
             ,
             
               lib.
               4.
               cap.
            
             13.
             
             Musculus
             
               in
               his
            
             Loci
             Communes
             ,
             de
             Votis
             .
             Chemnitius
             
               in
               his
            
             Examen
             Concilii
             Tridentini
             ,
             Part
             3.
             
             Riv
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             
               in
               his
            
             Summa
             Controuersiarum
             ,
             
               Tract
               .
               2.
               
               Quaest.
               22
               ,
               &
            
             51.
             
             Chamier
             
               in
               his
            
             Pansirat
             .
             Cathol
             .
             Tom.
             3.
             lib.
             20.
             
             Thes.
             Salmuriens
             .
             
               Part
               3.
               pag
               ,
               705
               ,
               716
               ,
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             Psal.
             61.
             8.