A Christian new-years gift or exhortations to the chief duties of a Christian: Written in Latine by Harbot. Grimstone, Esquire, one of the members of the House of Commons in Parliament. Translated for the more publick benefit. Grimston, Harbottle, Sir, 1603-1685. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A85716 of text R208799 in the English Short Title Catalog (Thomason E1210_1). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 53 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 65 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A85716 Wing G2029 Thomason E1210_1 ESTC R208799 99867722 99867722 120044 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A85716) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 120044) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 168:E1210[1]) A Christian new-years gift or exhortations to the chief duties of a Christian: Written in Latine by Harbot. Grimstone, Esquire, one of the members of the House of Commons in Parliament. Translated for the more publick benefit. Grimston, Harbottle, Sir, 1603-1685. [6], 117, [5] p. Printed by R. Daniel, printer to the University of Cambridge, [Cambridge] : ann. Dom. 1644. Place of publication from Wing. Annotation on Thomason copy: "26 Aprill". Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng Christian life -- Early works to 1800. A85716 R208799 (Thomason E1210_1). civilwar no A Christian new-years gift: or exhortations to the chief duties of a Christian: Written in Latine by Harbot. Grimstone, Esquire, one of the Grimston, Harbottle, Sir 1644 9170 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 B The rate of 1 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2007-11 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2008-01 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-02 Robyn Anspach Sampled and proofread 2008-02 Robyn Anspach Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A CHRISTIAN NEW-YEARS GIFT : OR Exhortations to the chief Duties of a Christian : Written in Latine by HARBOT . GRIMSTONE , Esquires ; one of the Members of the House of Commons in Parliament . Translated for the more publick benefit . This is a faithfull saying , and these things I will that thou affirm constantly , That they which have believed in God , may be carefull to maintain good works . Tit. 3.8 . Printed by R. Daniel , Printer to the University of Cambridge . Ann. Dom. 1644. ¶ To my Sonne G. Grimstone . I Charge thee before God , who quickneth all things , and before Jesus Christ , who witnessed a good confession that thou read these Exhortations , meditate and teach them , unto others : that so thy profiting may be known unto all men . Let no man despise thy youth , but be thou an example of believers in word , in conversation , in charity , in spirit , in faith , in purity . And the God of peace , who brought again from the dead Christ Jesus , that great Shepherd of our souls , through the bloud of the eternal covenant , establish thee unto every good work for the performance of his will ; working in thee that which is acceptable in his sight by Jesus Christ : These things I entreat thee , I exhort and beseech thee , who am Cal. JAN . 1644. Thy father ▪ Harbottle Grimstone . CHAP. I. The Exercise of Faith . IN the morning , after thy solemne and CHRISTIAN Prayers , standing in heart before the Tribunall of God , thou shalt make Confession of thy Faith , saying the Apostles Creed . 2 Let the Holy Scriptures be thy chaste delight , reade them often , and be sure that Gods word is the most exact Rule of Truth . In matters of Faith admit of nothing , but what agrees with the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets . Abide in all things , which thou hast learned ; For the Holy Scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation through the faith of Jesus Christ . 1. Tim. 3.14 . Adde not unto the words of God lest perhaps thou be found a liar , and he rebuke thee . Prov. 30.6 . 3 Preferre the Bible before all treasures in the World , and as oft as thou goest to reade , take it into thy hands with reverence and pray after this manner : O Lord Jesu ! reveal unto me what here lies hidden , open the mysteries , enlighten things that are dark , define what are doubtfull : Make me to hate all vices , and to love all virtues ; to tremble at thy Judgements , and to have a respect unto thy Rewards . Preserve me in thy truth , and correct me in my errours : Confirm me in all Truth which I stagger in ; and free me from false and noxious opinions which I stumble in : That so I may know thy Word rightly , and perform it religiously , and may profit therein to the glorie of thy holy Name , and the salvation of my self , and others . Amen . 4 Behave thy self according to the Pattern of holinesse which is set down in holy Writ . 5 When thou art tempted to any heinous or beastly sinne , either in thought or deed , exercise thy self in this act of Faith ; I verily believe , that my God is present here and every where else a Beholder and Searcher , and a severe Judge , not onely of my actions , but even of my very thoughts . I see not Thee indeed , O my God! yet thou beholdest me ; And shall I be so impudent , as to do this wickednesse before thy face ? oh rather let me die a thousand deaths . 6 Thou shalt pray often , & by good works strive to obtain of God the conversion of Hereticks and infidels , either by thy own means , ( if so God hath enabled thee ) or by the means of others who can and ought to further the propagation of the Gospel . 7 And lastly , as oft as time and occasion require , with a chearfull heart and countenance thou shalt make profession of thy Christian Religion and Devotion . But if the Devil go about to shake thy faith , the foundation of thy ghostly building , ( which chiefly he strives to do at the houre of Death ) answer him : I defie thee , O thou deceiver ! whatever shadows of arguments thou pretend , I shunne and detest ; and verily believe whatever God by his Prophets , Evangelists and Apostles hath revealed to his Church . I place all my confidence in the merits of Christ , and in the mercies of my heavenly Father in Christ , which for his sake he hath promised unto me and all that believe in him ; In this faith I will live and die . God is my witnesse . Wherefore if any idle word hath fallen from me , I utterly renounce it . Increase O Lord this my faith ; and undertake for me , for I am oppressed . CHAP. II. The Exercise of Hope . IN the morning amidst thy other devotions pray thus : O God infinite in power and mercie ! I , a weak and wretched man , who of my self neither have nor am any thing , come unto thee , O thou well-spring of all goodnesse ! and trusting in thy immense goodnes , through the merits of thy dear Son and my Redeemer , hope assuredly to obtain of thee grace and power and aid and all other goods of body and mind , which are needfull to the attaining of heavenly happinesse . O WHEN WILL THAT TIME BE , WHEN I SHALL COME AND APPEAR BEFORE THE PRESENCE OF GOD ? Grant me so to run that I may obtain . Then shalt thou say the Lords Prayer with all vehemencie of mind . Our Father which art , &c. 2 In a fair day or a starrie night , when heaven and earth smile together , or any other pleasing , beautifull , or glorious object presents it self unto thy eyes , then crie out with Saint Augustine ; O my God , If thou shewest so glorious works to us here in prison , what wilt thou shew us there , when we enter into thy Courts ! If thou bestowest thus many and various benefits on thy enemies as well as friends , how great & pleasant things hast thou reserved for thy friends alone ! If such comforts for this time of tears what will our Bridegroom bring us on that wedding day ! 3 When thou feelest thy mind moved at trifles , chide and rebuke thy self for shame . Alas , poore soul ! why doest thou admire these toyes , and heap up riches with so much perill of thy salvation ! God is All , and this world is nothing . doest thou love pleasures , God hath laid up for thee eternall ones in heaven ; doest thou seek honours ? pursue those true honors there , why doest thou catch at shadows , and fumes and follies ? And why feedest thou thy mind with phancies , husks for swine , who art invited to the Kings table ? sigh and look up to Heaven , for which thou wert created : There be treasured the true and eternall goods ; these below are beneath thee , therefore tread and trample them under thy foot . 4 When thou sufferest pain and anguish in thy bodie , being afflicted with diseases or other miseries , then stirre up thy tyred asse with this spurre : It will not be thus ever , nor long neither . It is but momentanie what ever hath an end . But I know that my Redeemer liveth , and that at the last day I shall rise out of the earth , and be clothed with my skinne again ; and in my flesh shall behold God my Saviour , whom I shall see my self with these eyes , and not another . Job 19.25 . In his bosome will I repose my hope . 5 When crosses contrary to flesh and bloud are to be undergone for God and heavens sake , sweeten the bitter Cup with this sugar and honie : O my soul , The sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us . These light and short afflictious which are but for a moment , work in us a farre more exceeding weight of glorie , while we look not at the things which are seen , but the things which are not seen , for the things which are seen are temporall , but the things which are not seen are eternall ; Rom. 8.18 . With this handkerchief that excellent wrastler S. Paul wiped away all the sweat of his most hard labours ; by the proposall of this prize the other most valiant souldiers of Christ fought with beasts , with flames , with gibbets , nay with death it self , and overcame . 6 If through strong temptations thou feel thy self falling into the pit of despair , especially on thy death-bed , cast forth this Anchor of hope , and say , Why doest thou make shipwrack of thy self , O my soul ! Put thy trust in God , for I will yet give him thanks who is the help of my countenance , and my God , Psal. 43.5 . Cast thy burden upon him , he will not suffer thee to fall : for he is infinitely good , more ready to give then we to ask or hope . He is thy Father who made thee , and made so much of thee that he gave his onely begotten Sonne to redeem thee a bondslave And for three and thirty years together how much did he do and suffer for thy sake ! And now thou hast this same Jesus an Advocate for thee with the Father , who is the propitiation for thy sinnes , and his blood shall cleanse thee from all sin , 1. Joh. 2.1 . O be thou with me my dear Jesus , help thy humble supplicant lest thy bloud be shed in vain for me : by thy help I shall hope as long as I live ; and though warre rise up against me , yet shall not my heart be afraid . CHAP. III. The Exercise of Love to God , and zeal of his glory . THou shalt use these ejaculations to enflame thy mind to the love of God : It is written , Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart , and all thy mind , & all thy strength . He that loveth not abideth in death , Matth. 22.37 . He who loveth not his brother , 1. Joh. 3.19 . how much more he that loveth not God ? Thou therefore commandest me to love , O good God , and threatnest death , eternall death , if I love thee not . Is it not torment enough not to love thee , or need we be tied by laws and threats to love thee ? Am I so blind as not to know thy manifold blessings and graces , and immense perfections ? or rather am I so stupid and senselesse , that I have no heart to love thee , O thou infinite goodnesse : Thou bottomlesse sea of goodnesse ! Thou immense goodnesse it self ! And now if love ought to be requited with loving again , what love is that which can equallize thy love ? Thou lovedst me from eternity , before I was , or could gainsay thy love . Thou createdst soul & body and all things else , which were nothing to thee , for my sake ; and conservest them for me to this day . Thou hast given thy Angells charge over me , to keep me in my wayes , even then ( ah wretch ) when I am sinning against thee . Thou hast prepared for me an exceeding great reward , and hast called me into thy grace that I might inherit it . And when I fell away so oft and lost thy love , yet didst thou call me back again unto repentance . The cogitation of this is pleasant to my soul : But , O far more sweet ( O sweetest Saviour ) that thou shouldest daigne to become Man , to suffer so bitter and horrid things , and at last to die upon the Crosse for me ; O cruell me ! who crucified thee . But that which lies sweetest of all upon my soul , is , That when thou wert about to die , thou ordainest the Sacrament of thy precious Body and Bloud , a wonderfull token of thy love towards me . And now to make amends for so great benefits , thou requirest onely that I love thee again , O Love ! exstasie of love ! How doest thou deserve , O thou infinite goodnesse ! to be loved of all and above all created things ! So let me love thee therefore , O Jesus ! Thou Saviour of lovers , and onely love of all that are saved . Let the fire of thy love consume me quite , that so I may live and die for love of thy love , as thou vouchsafedst to die for love of mine . When thou hast thus blown this fire of Divine Love , then let it break forth into these flames : O my God! my infinite goodnesse ! I do love thee above all created beings : I love thee with all my heart , with all my mind , and with all my strength , & am stedfastly purposed to keep all thy righteous commandments , and to conform my self to thy most holy will . And why do I love thee thus ? but because thou art infinitely more lovely then it is possible thou canst be loved of me : for thy unmeasurable perfections sake , thy incomprehensible power , most unsearchable wisdome , for thy unbounded Holinesse and goodnesse sake , viz. For thine own sake , O Father , Sonne and Holy Ghost , three persons and one God! I will love thee above all things , who art become all things to me . 2 Frequent this duty often , chiefly when any tentations befall thee ; for it helps much thy perseverance in grace . 3 Often looking up towards heaven , thou shalt crave this excellent gift of love toward God , with this short prayer : O Thou love , which art alwaies flaming and never exstinct , my God Love inflame me with the fire of thy love . Ah! too late do I love thee . O Beauty so ancient and so fresh ! too too late have I loved thee . Make me to know my self and to know thee , that so I may despise my self , and love thee . 4 Be glad whatsoever happens to thee , if thou find that Gods providence would have it so . Reioyce though adversity and afflictions befall thee , and let righteous Jobs song be thine , As the Lord pleased , so is it , Blessed be the Name of the Lord , Job 1.21 . 5 Be sorry if any thing happen repugnant to the will of God ; if any man sinne and offend God , let this trouble thee . And do thy endeavour to prevent such deeds , and remove the offence when it is committed , if thou canst 6 If the devil tempt thee with any grievous temptation , pray thus : Thou permittest me to be tempted , O Lord , to try me whether I love thee or not ; yet thou wilt not suffer me to be tempted above what I am able ; I know that without thy grace , I should contemn thee , O thou universall goodnesse ! and to please that enemy of Mankind , incurre eternall death for a momentany pleasure . But I have sworn and am stedfastly purposed to keep thy righteous judgements . Be thou my helper , O forsake me not , neither despise me . 7 When upon any occasion thou runnest into any danger of a mortall sinne , O let me be torn into a thousand pieces , and rent asunder ( shalt thou say ) rather then preferre any thing before the love of God : often objecting to the devil that Christians sentence , I had rather die then be defiled . 8 But if thou chance to fall ( wretch that thou art ) make all haste to rise again ; and by renewing thy first love , eschewing evil and doing good , deferre not to reconcile thy self to God , through the merits of Jesus . 9 Be sure thou commit not the least fault wittingly or willingly for the dearest friends sake : O rather let all friendship fall to the dust , then thy friendship with God should be endangered . 10 Thou shalt pray for all men , and strive to obtain of God truly to know him , love him , worship him , and thou shalt endeavour by all means truly to bring all to the knowledge of him , to love him , and to worship him . 11 Fail not to be a frequent partaker of his holy Communion , that so thou mayst cleave nearer to him by faith , and more sweetly converse and delight thy self with him in one Spirit . 12 In every creature thou shalt contemplate God , who in the least things is most great . Thou shalt love him in them , and them for his sake . Seest thou the Sunne ? It is God ( say ) that sendeth forth these beauteous beams , who is the Fountain of all beauty himself , and ten thousand times brighter then the Sun . Is meat set before thee ? say , God hath prepared a table for me . And so forth of the rest . CHAP. IIII. The Exercise of Religion towards God . IN all distresses and afflictions make Prayer thy refuge . 2 And upon all occasions , at any time or place when thou prayest , pray not onely in spirit , but also exhibite a lowly reverence by the outward gesture of thy body : especially in thy private devotions , where God alone is witnesse of thy actions : and in publick so farre forth as thou seem not unto men to affect hypocrisie , or vain ostentation with the Pharisee , Matt. 6.5 . But in private ejaculations which are the arrows of the soul shot to heaven , every outward gesture is not so needfull to be expressed . 3 The Common-Prayer , and Sermons , and other duties of devotion neglect not ; but say with David , I was glad when they said unto me , We will go into the House of the Lord , Psal. 122. 4 Be carefull that Divine Service be performed aright , and delight thy self in the beauty of Gods House . 5 If God hath given thee riches , adorn Churches therewith , buy Books , Chalices , Vestments , and other ornaments for them at thine own cost ; especially in such places where Divine Service is not altogether so devoutly and purely administred . 6 Set aside appointed times for thy private devotions , and observe them not onely out of custome , but of fervency to encrease thy piety . 7 Use not thy self to swearing , yet if thou swear , perform thy oaths . 8 Vow nothing rashly , but upon great deliberation ; and when thou hast vowed , pay . 9 Imitate the life of Jesus Christ , and follow the steps of his Saints in all things , wherein they may or ought to be imitated . 10 The pious rites and Ceremonies of the Church esteem highly of , which are not repugnant to Gods word ; and on the other side , flie superstition . CHAP. V. The Exercise of Charitie towards our Neighbour . IF thou seest men flourishing and in prosperitie , think that thou beholdest God in them , who is the wellspring of all good : If on the contrary thou seest any poore and despised , Christ and him crucified . By these considerations thou wilt nourish and shew love to both sorts . In love make no difference between thy friends and enemies , Charitie embraceth these as well as them ; them indeed with more tendernesse , these with more noblenesse . 2 Thou shalt strive by all wishes and prayers , all pains and endeavours , that all may have sufficiencie of the gifts of Nature and prosperitie , but especially of divine Grace , that so they may be truly happie : And if thou seest any to abound in these with affluence , shew thy self glad of it , with all cheerfulnesse of countenance ; but if thou findest any to want them , or be in any distresse or perill , thou shalt be sad and endeavour by all means to rid him from his calamitie . 3 Thou shalt interpret all things from others in the better sense , thou shalt scorn none , nor detract from any ; nor provoke them by opprobrious terms . Honour all with due respect . If any detract or rail against other thou shalt interpose , & maintain his credit with what buckler thou canst Thou shalt further all thou canst in the fear and worship of God ; and to good works thou shalt perswade by word but much rather by example , they indeed move , but these draw . 4 Denie not to succour , to lend when thou art askt , nay do such courtesies without asking ; Feed the hungrie , give drink to the thirstie , entertain the stranger , clothe the naked , and visit the sick , redeem the prisoners , and burie the dead : This Charitie belongs to the bodie . 5 As for the soul , Instruct the ignorant , correct the sinner , counsell the doubtfull , comfort the afflicted , indure injuries , forgive wrongs , pray for others , yea for thy enemies . 6 Observe friendship with constancie , fasten that knot , and if it be loosed , tie it again : Reconcile those who are fallen out ; strifes and contentions which are the bane of Charitie extinguish and wipe away : these and all other deeds of mercie and goodnesse perform with all cheerfulnesse . CHAP. VI . The Exercise of Zeal for the salvation of Souls . VSe constantly the appointed prayers for the Church , by name , For the Kings Majestie , his Royall Consort , and their princely Progenie ; for all the Magistrates and Clergie . It much concerns the publick good , to have speciall care of publick Persons . 2 Thou shalt promote the good of others by setting forth books , catechismes , exhortations , sermons , lections , either by thy self or others ; by thy munificence towards the Universitie and Schools , &c. or by any other wayes thou canst. 3 If any offends or hath incurred any fault , do thy endeavour to forbid it , or take it away ; and be as diligent as if thou thy self hadst been wounded thereby . 4 And if it shall please God hereafter to make thee a Father of a familie , and blesse thee with wife and children , thou shalt have a singular care of them , they are more near to thee . Discipline thy children betimes , provide a good nurse , good guides for them : Here lies the main businesse , if thy children or servants offend grievously , correct & chastise them severely ; rule thy wife with prudence , and provoke her to good works . Be vigilant and carefull night and day for the chastitie of thy daughters : thou hast no treasure so much exposed as these . 5 Lastly , govern all thy familie piously and religiously , let all resort to Prayer morning and evening , privately or publickly if it may be . Let all that can assemble in Common Prayers at Church ; let this be a law to thy Familie ; Whosoever comes within this house let him be sober , chast , just , religious honest in all things . Lie not , forsweare not , blaspheme not ; detract not from others : mind not cups and revells : offend not anybodies eyes or eares or mind , either by words or deeds , Who so doth otherwise , let him depart hence . CHAP. VII . The Exercise of Repentance and Contrition . INto the bottome of thy penitent soul shoot these fierie darts : Ah me ! What thoughts have I had ! what have I said ? what have I done ? mad man that I am ! I have transgressed contrary to all reason and conscience : and oh me ! against whom ? and who am I that have done it ? I a vile and contemptible wretch , a base clod of earth , more foul and more unworthy then all Creatures , have dared ( and with what face ! ) in the presence of my God himself , to defie him who is my Maker , who formed me out of nothing : who is my Redeemer , and ransomed me with his bloud , when I had made my self worse then nothing : Who is my God , my onely God . Yet the wages of sinne is death . Oh what a terrible thing is it to fall into the hands of the living God! 2 And for a momentanie pleasure ( ah shamefull Merchant that I am ! ) in contempt of heaven I have purchased to my self the everlasting torments of hell fire . I am confounded and ashamed ; for though none be privie to my sinne besides my self , yet what will become of me when my uncleannes shall be unfolded before , all Saints and Angels . And how great is my ungratitude to offend him thus who hath done so much for me ? to have despised all his mercies and loving kindnesses ? O unthankfull I ! who have trampled his bloud under my feet : O cruell and thrice wicked me ! who have thus often crucified thee , O sweet Jesu ! And yet thou art patient , nay stretchest forth thy nailed arms to embrace me , and hangest down thy blessed head to kisse me ! O infinite Goodnesse ! I am sorrie sorrie for my sins , and lament now , not so much that I have lost heaven and purchased hell , as that I have offended thee O mercifull Father , who now doest not onely not strike me dead , but also knockest , that I may come to thee and begge for mercie ; which thing surely thou wouldest not do , unlesse thou intendedst to have mercie upon me . And now faln flat on my face I come to thee like the Prodigall sonne that had spent all , and crie , Father , I have sinned against Heaven and before thee , and am no more worthie to be called thy son , Luke 15. But pardon me , O my Father . 3 Then when thou feelest thy soul to grow warm with a heavenly fire , break forth into these Flames of lively sorrow : O my most Gracious God! O my most sweet Jesus ! I repent from the bottom of my heart , that by my foul transgressions I have offended thy Majestie and most infinite Goodnesse , which I ought and will now love above all created things ; and this , cause thou art the God Almightie , wise , holy , and good , to whom all sinne is more odious and detestable then can be possibly imagined . Wherefore for this thy Love sake I firmly resolve never to offend thee any more , to shun all occasions of evil , and perform all that thou hast commanded me : Forgive I beseech thee , as I forgive all trespasses against me : and as I humbly crave pardon of my offences so I hope by thy merits of thy precious bloud , O Jesus ! I shall obtain what I ask for , and by thy Grace shall amend the remainder of my life and persevere in thy service unto my death . Amen . 4 Let this be thy constant dutie , morning and evening , and as oft as thou shalt fall into any sinne , that so thou mayest recover Gods favour to thee again . 5 And to prove thy repentance to be sincere , chastise and mortifie thy flesh , by abating thy flesh of all pleasant food , by sobrietie and temperance in thy diet , by prayers labours and fastings ; that thy flesh may be subdued to the spirit , and yet think not that thou deservest or mayest challenge pardon at Gods hands for all these . CHAP VIII . The Exercise of Humilitie . THou art a sinful & a wretched man , and art mad if thou arrogate any thing to thy self : Wherefore if thou be commended at any time by others or highly esteemed of ascribe all the praise to God who is the Fountain of all Goodnesse , from whence whatever good is in thee first flowed . 2 If in all thy life thou hast committed any sinne against God or thy Neighbour , either by will or deed , thou hast deserved hell fire ; if therefore by Gods providence thou suffer any afflictions or injuries or reproches from thine enemies think thus with thy self , I have deserved to be punished in hell , how small then are these troubles in comparison of those torments ! 3 Flie riot in clothes or feasting , and all vain pomp and gaudinesse in familie or houshold-stuff . 4 If the spirit of pride move thee at any time , say with that humble and humbled Saint , I have said to rottennesse thou art my father , and to the worm thou art my mother and my sister . Job 17. And adde , Wherefore art thou proud , O dust and ashes ! 5 Make no open of thy good works , yet let them think that so God may be glorified thereby and the Church edified . 6 Scorn not to put thy hand to the lowest and meanest offices for thine own good or the good of others . 7 Give good heed to wholsome counsell and correction , and be not thou forward to make excuses . 8 Think oft and oft upon thy death , judgement and hell ; let these be alwayes written in the tables of thy mind . Especially when thou goest to bed , think that thy bed is thy voluntarie grave , and sleep but the image of thy death . 9 Repeat not what may make for thy own commendation , bragge not , nor vaunt of great matters ; of thy naturall endowments , thy virtues , learning , nor thy ancient stock . What hast thou which thou didst not receive ? and if thou receivedst it , why doest thou brag as if they were thine own ? 1. Cor. 4.7 . O most vain man ! cover thy self with thy dust , for dust thou art and to dust shalt thou return . Gen. 3.19 . Nothing is properly thine own but sinne , which may justly make thee ashamed but not proud . 10 Carrie thine eyes lowly , behold the earth sometimes , and judge thy self an unprofitable burden thereof . 11 When thou passest through a Church-yard , say , This is our home , appointed for all men , hither we all tend , and are we proud ? 12 Cast not angrie looks upon any out of hate , nor offend them by word or gesture . Gentlenesse is daughter or the sister of Humilitie . 13 Yield to other mens judgements if they agree with right reason , Be not high minded nor wise in thine own conceit , Rom. 12. Give the place which is more honourable and fit for others : Converse willingly with the poore and lowly : Visit Prisons , Hospitalls and Almshouses to do good to them . 14 Moreover account not onely thy self the meanest and lowest of all , but professe it openly to others ; and if others esteem so of thee , be not sad but rather rejoyce , Jam. 1.10 . 15 Lastly , if thou find thy mind at any time prone unto pride , keep down its swelling with this thought , What was I once , O Lord ! what am I now , and what shall I be hereafter ? I was nothing once , I am nothing , and perhaps shall be worse then nothing . I was conceived in sinne and have heaped up actuall transgressions , and now unlesse I repent and obey the Gospel , I shall be damned for ever , Mar. 1.15 ibid. 16.16 . Luk. 13.5 . I was once unclean seed , and am now but a masse of corruption and shall be food for worms . If I had remained as thou at the first created us , I could not have been damned , and now by reason of my sinnes I cannot be saved but through thy merits , and I shall be at last either eternally damned for my own faults , or eternally saved for thy mercies sake . I know what once I was ; I know not what I am now , except thou illuminate me ; and what I shall be hereafter I am ignorant unles thy Spirit confirm me . Pardon O Lord what I have been rectifie what I am now , and guide me in thy paths hereafter , that I may ever meditate these things and think humbly of my self CHAP. IX . The Exercise of Modesty . MOdesty , the sister or daughter of Humilitie , regards the decencie and fit carriage of the whole body . 2 Let thy garments be neither too gay , nor yet beggarly . 3 Let thy gesture be without affectation , yet not phantasticall ; but as becometh thee . 4 Let thy countenance be free , but not lofty : cheerfull , not lowring . Thine eyes neither frowning , nor yet wanton ; fixt upon no bad object . Carrie thy mouth seemly . Let thy voice be manlike , and yet not loud . Thy speech pure , simple , harmlesse ; and expresse no stage-player in thy gesture , without mimicall actions . Consider whether thou art faulty in these , and take to thee a faithfull counsellour , because we cannot so well behold our selves . 5 Use Modestie even then when thou art alone , else thou mayest easily slip in publick , and behave thy self in thy private closet as if the eyes of all looked upon thee . CHAP. X. The Exercise of Patience . TAke it not grudgingly if unseasonable weathers , cold , and heat , and rain , and other inconveniencies of nature ; nay , though drought & famine happen to thee ; because thy manifold offences which thou hast committed , have deserved a thousand-times more heavy plagues then these be . If thou considerest those , these will seem lighter to thee . 2 Diseases also be they never so grievous and continuall , thou oughtest to kisse these rods as love tokens received from the Almightie . What thou thinkest to be strokes are strokings . That holy man knew this to be true , who once cryed , Burn me here , O Lord ! cut me , and lance me here , so thou spare me hereafter . 3 If through tedious and heavie sicknes thou break into impatience , chear up thy troubled soul thus ; Be strong , O my heart , be strong . He who now chastiseth thee is thy most indulgent Father . He who cauterizeth thee and launceth thee now , remember , is thy most wise and skilfull Physitian . It will be better with thee ere long , and he that torments thee a little now , will spare thee for ever hereafter . This fiery triall does but purge away thy drosse , and make thy gold shew brighter . Meditate moreover upon Christ dying on the Crosse , and so many Martyrs dying for him : If we suffer with him , we shall also reigne with him . 4 And if revilements , reproches , or other injuries be thrown upon thee , strengthen thy soul and undergo them not onely valiantly , but also constantly . 5 In all these ( whatever the causes may be ) be silent , for 't is impatiency to complain . Beware thou accuse not heaven , or the elements , or men . None is more injurious to thee then thou to thy self , if thou be impatient : Righteous is the Lord , & true are his judgements . 6 If thou find no comfort all this while , nor thy soul any dew of heaven , but onely gall to drink , yet drink even that , and say , Why , It is not fit to take the childrens bread , and throw it unto dogs . It is enough that the dogs gather up the crumbs under their Masters table , but my sinfull life hath not deserved the least crumbe . 7 But here take heed lest in these worldly troubles , forgetting thy Creatour , thou seek redresse by vile means & desire to thrive by unlawfull courses ; for it may often happen when thou wouldest hold fast and retain thy innocence , divers occasions and men may disswade thee , objecting thy poverty and crosses , but do not thou therefore let go , nor depart from thy righteousnesse . 8 Thy wrongs tell not unto others , neither reckon them , up to thy self . If thy friends , thy father and mother forsake thee , yet say , I will leave all and follow my Jesus . Then say with greater fervency , Our Father which art in heaven , &c. and with David , When my father and my mother forsake me , the Lord taketh me up , Psal. 27. and Know this , that in the last times troublesome daies shall come , and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution , 2. Tim. 3.12 . 9 If the times compell thee to suffer for Religion and righteousnesse sake , be not afraid of imprisonment , nor death it self : but rather rejoyce with the Apostles , that thou art accounted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus , Acts 5.41 . and with S. Paul be ready to lay down thy life , if need require . CHAP. XI . The Exercise of leaving all for Christs sake . UPon urgent necessity part with thy wealth , as when the generall poverty of thy brethren requires it , when heat of persecution rages , or lastly , when temptations frō thence increase so upon thee , that either thou must forsake all , or lose Christ , Act. 4.32 , 34 , 35. Hebr. 10.34 . Matth. 19.21 . And yet if thou leave all , pride not thy self in any desert . The Apostle S. Paul said , Those things which were gain to me I accounted losse for Christ ; yea , and I account all but dung , that I may gain Christ , and be found in him , not having mine own righteousnesse which is by the Law , but the righteousnes which is through the faith of Christ , the righteousnesse which is of God by faith , Phil. 3.7 . &c. 2 Throw away all vain desire of riches ; despise this world , yea , all solace of acquaintance & worldly goods , if they hinder thee from Christ , or a godly life . 3 If our Profession require not to forsake all , and give all to the poore ; yet thou shalt cast off all superfluous cares and anxieties of this life : Hate and fly covetousnesse which the Apostle calls worshipping of idols , Col. 3.5 . 4 Avarice is the root of all evils , which some following have erred from the faith , and pierced themselves thorough with many sorrows . But thou , flie these things and follow righteousnesse , holines , faith , charity , patience , meeknesse , 1. Tim. 6.10 . 5 If riches encrease set not thy mind upon them , said that Kingly Prophet , Psal. 62.10 . Be thou lord over thy wealth , but let not that be over thee . 6 Settle thy self rather to endure poverty and death it self , then to encrease wealth by fraud or any sinne . Nay , be ready to forsake Crowns and Scepters if thou hast them , if the Crown and Kingdome of heaven call thee away . 7 At any feasting , if thou prepare a wedding or a funerall feast , or the like , set aside a portion for the poore and sick , whom the prison or bed detains . 8 If thou hast wherewithall , give something daily to the poore ; He that hath pitie on the poore , lendeth unto the Lord , Prov. 19.17 . Wherefore to him that asketh thee an almes , give without delay : to those chiefly whom necessity may urge to take evil courses , or modesty will not permit to beg . And if thou hast nothing to give give them good words at least . For remember that it is the Lord who of all he hath given thee , requires a peny back again , a morsel of bread , a cup of drink , by the hands of the poor . And teach thy children or servants to say , Father , or Master , Christ stands at the doore desiring an almes . Let thy children carry it , that they likewise may learn to have mercy . Out of thy daily gains sever one part to give to the poore . This is true piety . Some do so ; and happy art thou if thou do likewise . 9 This same duty to the poore forget not on thy dying bed , and in thy Will make Christ heir of some of thy estate at least . So shalt thou purchase a reward in heaven . CHAP. XII . The Exercise of Justice . DO Justice , and speak the truth from thy heart detract not with thy tongue , and do no evil to thy neighbour . If thou swear to thy neighbour disappoint him not , though it be to thine own hinderance . 2 Render to every man his due , hurt no body , do as you would be done by : As ye would that men should do unto you , so do unto them , Matth. 7.12 . 3 Pay that thou owest , restore what is not thine own : Beware that thou keep not the hire of the poore by thee , it is an abomination unto the Lord , Lev. 19.13 . 4 Thou shalt not have divers weights in thy bag , a greater and a lesse ; neither shalt thou have measures , a greater and a lesse in thine house ; but thy weight shall be just and true , and thy measure even & true , that thou mayst live long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee : For the Lord thy God hateth him who doth so , and turneth away himself from all unrighteousnesse , Deut. 25.13 . &c 5 Be not unthankful , but acknowledge and professe from whom & how great benefits thou hast received , and shew thy self willing and ready to return all possible and honest thanks to thy benefactours . 6 Thou shalt not justifie the wicked , neither shalt thou pervert judgment , nor shalt thou judge with respect of persons . Thou shalt not take a gift ; because gifts blind the eyes of the wise , and alter the sentence of the just , Deu. 16 7 Preserve peace and quietnes , and prefer the publick good before thy private . CHAP. XIII . The Exercise of Obedience . HEarken unto the commands of thy Fathers , especially of Gods Ministers , as unto the Oracles of God . 2 Obey Rulers and thy Parents , and do what they bid thee . Thou shalt perform all their commands whom God hath set over thee , Deut. 17.10 . 3 Observe truly and constantly the laws of the Commonwealth or societie wherein thou livest . Let every soul be subject unto the higher Powers . Rom. 13.1 . 4 If thou be a sonne or a servant attend the will of thy Superiours , and do what they command thee . 5 If their commands distaste thee , yet be thou obedient , unlesse they command a thing apparently evil : for when any thing is commanded against God , then obey God rather then men , Acts 5. 29. 6 But if their commands be just , perform them though they be adverse to thy inclination ; and do them heartily without delay . CHAP. XIIII . The Exercise of Chastitie . THou shalt stirre up in thee an exceeding love of Chastitie , and a vehement hatred of all wantonnesse . 2 By all means shun all occasions of luxurie ; Turn away thine eyes from alluring beauties , and look not after women , fix them not there . 3 Keep with a double lock thy eares and tongue from obscenitie and scurrilitie . Abstain from impudent jests & gestures ; from shamelesse companions and evil conversation flie as from a serpent . 4 When thou art alone , incline not to lust , sinne not ; for God seeth . 5 Pamper not thy flesh ; soft raiment , drinking , and daintie meats effeminate both mind and bodie . Go not to suspicious places ; use not idlenesse , wanton Books , lascivious Pictures , nor immodest dances : It is a true saying , Who flies wantonnesse , puts it to flight . 6 When thou goest to sleep , close up thy eyes with heavenly thoughts . When thou awakest shake off all foul imaginations . Call on thy Jesus , and set thy mind on divine objects . 7 If in the day time foul imaginations and suggestions arise , repell them by Prayer and strengthen thy mind against them . Meditate of the presence of God and his holy Angels , of the Crosse of Christ , thy own death , judgement , and hell . Such golden nails will soon drive out the other . 8 Wash and cleanse thy soul full oft ; if thou hast polluted thy self with sinnes of the flesh , confesse with David thy transgressions unto the Lord , Psal. 32.5 . Take to thee some wise and faithfull Nathan who may comfort thee in thy Repentance , and say , The Lord hath taken away thy sinne , thou shalt not die , 2. Sam. 12.13 . 9 Go , and sinne no more . Confession is the sinners physick : But resist by all means temptations in the beginning . When first therefore thou feelest thy sensitive appetite to rebell against reason , and the devil at hand ; resist him presently or thou art undone . If the old serpent gets but in his head , he will soon draw in his whole bodie : therefore be readie to crush that cockatrice in the shell ; think of some other matter . Call upon God , for his aid , set thy self to some hard labour , honest and profitable , lest the devil find thee idle . 10 I beseech thee by the mercie of God , to present thy body a lively sacrifice , holy and acceptable to God , Rom. 12. Make not the members of Jesus Christ the members of an harlot . Thy body ought to be the temple of the H. Ghost ; Thou art bought with a price , therefore glorifie God in thy body and in thy spirit which are Gods : S. Paul speaks excellently of this , 1. Cor. 6. CHAP. XV . The Exercise of Temperance . EAt such aquantitie of food as may stand with the health of thy body , and not the destruction of thy soul . In feeding flie all greedinesse and voracity . Take thy food but as Physick . 2 Be sober and vigilant , because your adversary the devil goeth about like a roaring lion , seeking whom he may devour , 1. Pet. 5.8 . Take heed lest at any time thy heart be burdened with surffeting and drunkennesse and cares of this life , and the day of the Lord come upon thee unawares , Luk. 21.34 . Wo to thee if thou risest early to follow strong drink , and continue till night . Wo to thee if thou be strong to mingle strong drink . Isa. 5. 11 , 22. Wherefore I command thee and adjure thee by that terrible day of judgement , to flie drunkennesse with all thy power , and Gods help . Drunkards together with fornicators , idolaters , adulterers , lascivious , abusers of themselves with mankind thieves , covetous , railers , extortieners , are utterly excluded from the kingdome of God , 1. Cor. 6.9 , 10. 3 Give not strong drink to another to make him drunk . Wo be to thee if thou doest . We may here apply that of the Prophet , speaking , of the judgement of the Chaldeans , Hab. 2. 15 , 16. Drink thou also — The cup of the Lords right hand shall be turned unto thee , and shamefull spewing shall be on thy glory . 4 Though thou be adjur'd by great and dear names to drink off whole ones , consent not . 5 Thou oughtest to abstain not onely from imitating , but also from the company of drunkards ; according to that of the Apostle ; If any who is called a brother , be a drunkard , with such an one do not eat , 1. Cor. 5.11 . And if the Church neglect to excommunicate such a notorious unrepentant sinner ; if the Magistrate punish him not , yet let every man in particular shun his company , lest they appear to comply with other mens sinnes , or to partake with them This is to be done then at least , when there is no hope of his repentance . 6 Let it suffice thee for the time past to have lived as the heathens live ; walking in lasciviousnesse , lusts , drinkings , revellings , and abominable idolatries — The end of all is at hand , be thou therefore sober , and watch unto prayer , 1. Pet. 4.3 . I charge thee by Christ to consider what I say , and the Lord grant thee understanding in all things . God sanctifie thee throughout , that thou mayst be blamelesse in soul and body , and mayst be found so at his coming , when he shall come to judgement to render unto all according to their works . The Lord preserve thee unto his heavenly Kingdome : To whom be glory for ever and ever . Amen . FINIS . The Table . CHAP. I. The Exercise of Faith . pag. 1. CHAP. II. The Exercise of Hope 10 CHAP. III. The Exercise of Charitie towards God , and zeal for his glory 22 CHAP. IIII. The Exercise of Religion to God-ward 39 CHAP. V. The Exercise of charity towards our Neighbour 44 CHAP. VI . The Exercise of zeal for the salvation of souls 50 CHAP. VII . The Exercise of repentance and remorse for sinnes 55 CHAP. VIII . The Exercise of Humility 65 CHAP. IX . The Exercise of Modesty 76 CHAP. X. The Exercise of Patience 79 CHAP. XI . The Exercise of forsaking all for Christs sake 88 CHAP. XII . The Exercise of Justice 96 CHAP. XIII . The Exercise of Obedience 100 CHAP. XIIII . The Exercise of Chastity 103 CHAP. XV . The Exercise of Temperance 110 FINIS .