Small offers towards the service of the tabernacle in the wilderness four discourses accommodated unto the designs of practical godliness : preached partly at Boston, partly at Charleston / by Cotton Mather ; published by a gentleman lately restored from threatening sickness as a humble essay to serve the interest of religion, in gratitude unto God for his recovery.
         Mather, Cotton, 1663-1728.
      
       
         
           1689
        
      
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             Small offers towards the service of the tabernacle in the wilderness four discourses accommodated unto the designs of practical godliness : preached partly at Boston, partly at Charleston / by Cotton Mather ; published by a gentleman lately restored from threatening sickness as a humble essay to serve the interest of religion, in gratitude unto God for his recovery.
             Mather, Cotton, 1663-1728.
          
           [6], 128 p.
           
             Printed by R. Pierce, sold by Jos. Brunning,
             [Boston] :
             1689.
          
           
             "The first concerning the methods wherein men ought to engage both themselves and their houses in the service of God, the second concerning the right and best waies of redeeming time in the world, the third concerning the carriage which we should have under trials used by God upon us, the fourth concerning the end which in our desires of life we should propound unto ourselves."
             Reproduction of original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Christian life.
           Piety.
           Spiritual life.
        
      
    
     
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             SMALL
             OFFERS
          
           Towards
           the
           
             Service
             of
             the
             Tabernacle
          
           in
           the
           Wilderness
           .
           Four
           Discourses
           ,
           accommodated
           unto
           the
           Designs
           of
           
             PRACTICAL
             GODLINESS
          
           .
           
             
               The
               First
               ,
               Concerning
               the
               Methods
               wherein
               men
               ought
               to
               Engage
               both
               Themselves
               and
               their
               Houses
               in
               the
               Service
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               The
               Second
               ,
               Concerning
               the
               Right
               and
               Best
               waies
               of
               Redeeming
               TIME
               in
               the
               World.
               
            
             
               The
               Third
               ,
               Concerning
               the
               Carriage
               which
               we
               should
               have
               under
               TRIALS
               used
               by
               God
               upon
               us
               .
            
             
               The
               Fourth
               ,
               Concerning
               the
               END
               which
               in
               our
               Desires
               of
               Life
               ,
               we
               should
               propound
               unto
               ourselves
               .
            
          
        
         
           Preached
           partly
           at
           Boston
           ,
           partly
           at
           
             Charlston
             .
             By
          
           COTTON
           MATHER
           ,
           Pastor
           of
           a
           Church
           in
           Boston
           .
        
         
           Published
           by
           a
           Gentleman
           lately
           Restored
           from
           threatning
           Sickness
           ;
           as
           an
           humble
           ESSAY
           to
           serve
           the
           Interest
           of
           Religion
           ,
           in
           Gratitude
           unto
           GOD
           for
           his
           Recovery
           .
        
         
           Printed
           by
           
             R.
             Pierce
          
           .
           Sold
           by
           
             Ios.
             Brunning
          
           at
           his
           shop
           near
           the
           Exchange
           in
           Boston
           .
           MDCLXXXIX
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           ERRATA
           .
        
         
           PAge
           11.
           
           Line
           7.
           for
           Possession
           ,
           r.
           Profession
           .
           p.
           43.
           line
           .
           3.
           after
           to
           ,
           add
           Pray
           .
           p.
           76.
           l.
           7.
           blott
           out
           a.
           p.
           112.
           l.
           2.
           for
           and
           r.
           an
           p.
           125.
           for
           ●hms
           r.
           Thus.
           
        
      
       
         
         
           To
           my
           Ever-honoured
           Father-in-Law
           ,
           JOHN
           PHILIPS
           
             Esq
          
        
         
           
             Sir
          
        
         
           YOu
           cannot
           but
           Rememember
           ,
           and
           I
           should
           not
           have
           this
           Occasion
           of
           Telling
           you
           so
           ,
           if
           you
           did
           not
           well
           Remember
           ,
           That
           many
           months
           are
           not
           passed
           since
           You
           encountred
           a
           Dangerous
           Fever
           ;
           by
           which
           the
           
             Vital
             Ty
          
           between
           what
           must
           
             Return
             to
             God
             that
             gave
             it
             ,
          
           and
           what
           must
           
             Return
             into
             the
             Earth
             as
             it
             has
             been
             there
             ,
          
           was
           very
           near
           burned
           asunder
           in
           you
           ;
           But
           
             God
             had
             then
             mercy
             on
             You
             ,
             and
             not
             on
             You
             only
             ,
             but
             on
             me
             also
             ,
             lest
             I
             should
             have
             had
             sorrow
             upon
             sorrow
             .
          
           It
           was
           a
           darker
           Time
           in
           your
           House
           ,
           than
           (
           thro'
           Grace
           )
           with
           your
           Soul
           ,
           when
           we
           beheld
           You
           lying
           under
           what
           look'd
           like
           an
           Arrest
           laid
           on
           you
           by
           the
           cold
           Hand
           of
           Death
           ,
           and
           saying
           ,
           
             I
             shall
             go
             the
             gates
             of
             the
             Grave
             ,
             I
             am
             deprived
             of
             the
             Residue
             of
             my
             years
             .
          
           But
           the
           Blessing
           which
           if
           you
           study
           to
           be
           a
           Blessing
           you
           can
           never
           want
           ,
           was
           then
           your
           priviledge
           ;
           even
           ,
           
             To
             be
             much
          
           pray'd
           for
           ;
           and
           behold
           ,
           the
           Effect
           of
           those
           our
           Applications
           to
           the
           
             God
             of
             your
             Life
          
           !
           On
           that
           very
           day
           when
           your
           faithful
           and
           worthy
           
           Pastor
           the
           Reverend
           
             Charles
             Morton
          
           ,
           with
           your
           pious
           Neighbours
           were
           together
           praying
           for
           You
           ,
           we
           had
           our
           Answer
           ,
           and
           You
           are
           yet
           alive
           .
           
             The
             living
             ,
             the
             living
             ,
             they
             shall
             praise
             God
          
           ;
           and
           You
           have
           a
           blessed
           Opportunity
           ,
           I
           hope
           not
           without
           some
           Inclination
           to
           be
           doing
           so
           .
           T
           was
           from
           such
           an
           Inclination
           ,
           that
           your
           Vowes
           did
           accompany
           our
           Prayers
           ,
           and
           your
           Sickness
           expired
           in
           Resolutions
           ,
           
             To
             endeavour
             the
             doing
             of
             something
             for
             the
             Service
             of
             the
             Churches
             here
             ,
          
           and
           this
           particularly
           ,
           
             By
             the
             Publication
             of
             some
             little
          
           Book
           ,
           
             accommodated
             unto
             the
             Designes
             of
          
           Practical
           Godliness
           
             in
             the
             Persons
             and
             Houses
             of
             this
             professing
             people
             .
          
           T
           is
           pitty
           indeed
           that
           ever
           any
           
             special
             Trouble
          
           ,
           or
           any
           
             special
             Mercy
          
           should
           befal
           us
           ,
           without
           producing
           some
           
             special
             service
          
           to
           the
           Name
           of
           our
           God
           ,
           upon
           whose
           Orders
           and
           Errands
           every
           such
           Dispensation
           comes
           .
           Accordingly
           ,
           you
           have
           commanded
           me
           to
           give
           you
           certain
           Discourses
           ,
           which
           You
           thought
           agreeable
           to
           your
           serious
           purposes
           ;
           and
           These
           are
           They.
           Unto
           You
           first
           I
           ought
           to
           make
           the
           Dedication
           of
           them
           ;
           because
           it
           is
           by
           your
           Desire
           and
           Expence
           that
           they
           are
           to
           pass
           under
           any
           further
           Dedication
           ;
           they
           are
           now
           therefore
           no
           longer
           Mine
           but
           Yours
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           Enti●uled
           ,
           
             The
             Writing
             of
             a
             W●ll-willer
             to
             Religion
             ,
             after
             he
             had
             been
          
           sick
           ,
           
             and
             was
             Recovered
             of
             his
             Sickness
             .
          
           These
           Composures
           are
           
             singled
             out
          
           from
           other
           Effects
           of
           my
           
             Daily
             Studies
          
           ,
           not
           because
           of
           any
           singular
           Excellency
           adorning
           of
           them
           ;
           for
           
           they
           are
           but
           the
           first
           ,
           rude
           ,
           untranscribed
           Notes
           of
           Sermons
           uttered
           in
           my
           ordinary
           Course
           of
           Preaching
           more
           than
           once
           or
           twice
           commonly
           in
           a
           Week
           ;
           and
           strangers
           abroad
           in
           the
           world
           may
           without
           the
           least
           wrong
           to
           me
           ,
           believe
           ,
           That
           New-England
           is
           a
           Countrey
           wherein
           there
           are
           every
           week
           in
           the
           year
           delivered
           more
           than
           Two
           
             Hundred
             Sermons
          
           ,
           to
           be
           preferred
           unto
           the
           
             Best
             of
          
           These
           .
           But
           these
           are
           by
           You
           pitch't
           upon
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           most
           Expressive
           of
           the
           Resolutions
           ,
           and
           Exercises
           and
           Experiences
           ,
           which
           your self
           would
           choose
           to
           recommend
           unto
           the
           Children
           of
           your
           People
           ;
           and
           tho
           they
           may
           amount
           to
           no
           better
           than
           
             Goat's
             hair
          
           and
           Rams-skins
           ,
           it
           was
           thought
           they
           might
           be
           accepted
           among
           ,
           
             Small
             offers
             to
             the
             Service
             of
             the
             Taberacle
             .
          
           There
           was
           once
           a
           great
           King
           ,
           to
           whose
           Triumphs
           while
           many
           others
           made
           their
           more
           noble
           Offerings
           ,
           a
           poor
           man
           in
           some
           Transport
           of
           Affection
           ,
           having
           nothing
           else
           ,
           took
           up
           his
           palm-full
           of
           water
           from
           the
           street
           ,
           and
           offering
           of
           That
           ,
           Received
           from
           the
           generous
           Conquerour
           a
           Gracious
           Recompance
           .
           Even
           such
           a
           King
           is
           our
           God!
           Sr.
           You
           have
           chosen
           to
           fetch
           a
           Thank-Offering
           for
           Him
           ,
           from
           such
           a
           Kennel
           ,
           such
           a
           Puddle
           (
           alas
           ,
           it
           is
           no
           better
           !
           )
           as
           the
           Head
           and
           Heart
           of
           the
           
             greatest
             Sinner
             in
             all
             the
             Rising
             Generation
             .
          
           But
           I
           can
           only
           say
           ,
           T
           is
           as
           welcome
           from
           me
           to
           You
           ,
           as
           I
           believe
           ,
           t
           is
           from
           You
           to
           Him
           that
           
           made
           us
           Both.
           It
           is
           indeed
           a
           peice
           of
           Self-Denial
           that
           your
           Commands
           have
           obliged
           me
           unto
           ;
           for
           whatever
           others
           may
           think
           of
           
             Appearing
             in
             Print
          
           ,
           my
           own
           Opinion
           of
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           unless
           a
           man
           be
           extremely
           unacquainted
           both
           with
           himself
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           world
           ,
           he
           will
           be
           rather
           Afraid
           or
           Asham'd
           of
           it
           ,
           than
           Taken
           with
           it
           ;
           Let
           him
           that
           wants
           Humbling
           become
           an
           Authour
           ,
           and
           he
           shall
           have
           it
           ,
           if
           
             mean
             Thoughts
          
           have
           not
           made
           him
           utterly
           Vnsensible
           .
           Nothing
           but
           a
           Respect
           unto
           the
           Interest
           of
           God
           and
           of
           Truth
           ,
           and
           a
           Resolve
           to
           go
           cheerfully
           thro'
           much
           Contempt
           ,
           Obloquy
           ,
           Detrectation
           ,
           can
           make
           any
           considerate
           Person
           to
           Salute
           mankind
           in
           the
           Quality
           of
           a
           Writer
           .
           But
           Since
           it
           is
           my
           Duty
           to
           be
           (
           like
           holy
           Bradford
           )
           alwayes
           doing
           Good
           ,
           with
           Tongue
           ,
           or
           Pen
           ,
           or
           Purse
           ,
           I
           should
           account
           it
           my
           Honour
           if
           my
           Pen
           may
           be
           employed
           for
           any
           Advancement
           of
           
             Practical
             Godliness
          
           ,
           tho'
           it
           Cost
           me
           never
           so
           many
           Temptations
           ,
           as
           it
           must
           cost
           me
           not
           a
           few
           .
        
         
           Accept
           then
           ,
           
             Dear
             Sir
          
           ,
           the
           Little
           Book
           which
           You
           have
           called
           for
           ;
           I
           may
           more
           fairly
           speak
           it
           than
           he
           of
           old
           unto
           his
           Father
           ,
           
             I
             have
             done
             according
             as
             thou
             badest
             me
             ;
             arise
             ,
             I
             pray
             thee
             ,
             Sit
             ,
             and
             eat
             of
             my
             venison
             ,
             that
             thy
             soul
             may
             bless
             me
             .
          
           The
           Blessing
           which
           once
           Caleb
           gave
           to
           a
           Son-in-law
           as
           I
           do
           not
           Want
           ,
           I
           need
           not
           Ask
           ;
           But
           the
           Blessing
           which
           I
           am
           now
           Craving
           is
           ,
           That
           of
           your
           Prayers
           on
           my
           Behalf
           ,
           to
           the
           EterEternal
           
           Father
           ,
           for
           such
           Gifts
           ,
           and
           Graces
           ,
           and
           Improvements
           ,
           as
           t
           is
           
             His
             Work
             alone
          
           to
           bestow
           upon
           us
           ;
           and
           especially
           that
           I
           may
           be
           preserved
           from
           the
           Sins
           and
           Snares
           which
           Ministers
           in
           their
           younger
           years
           are
           most
           endangered
           by
           ;
           of
           which
           I
           have
           long
           thought
           PRIDE
           (
           the
           natural
           Effect
           of
           Self-Ignorance
           and
           
             Small
             Experience
          
           )
           to
           be
           the
           principal
           .
           The
           Prayers
           of
           one
           so
           Related
           ,
           have
           an
           
             Authoritative
             Blessing
          
           in
           them
           ;
           and
           that
           I
           may
           further
           earn
           them
           ,
           I
           take
           the
           liberty
           to
           mention
           my
           own
           Supplications
           unto
           the
           God
           of
           Heaven
           for
           Yourself
           .
           May
           the
           Almighty
           God
           Long
           preserve
           your
           Life
           ,
           and
           give
           your
           
             Hoary
             Head
          
           to
           be
           
             found
             in
             the
             way
             of
             Righteousness
             .
          
           May
           You
           have
           before
           you
           the
           Exemple
           of
           that
           Nehemiah
           who
           was
           ,
           
             A
             man
             come
             to
             seek
             the
             welfare
             of
             the
             Children
             of
             Israel
          
           ;
           of
           that
           Cornelius
           ,
           who
           was
           ,
           
             A
             Devout
             man
             ,
             that
             jeared
             God
             with
             all
             his
             House
             ,
             and
             pray'd
             to
             God
             alwayes
          
           ;
           of
           that
           Treasurer
           ,
           who
           made
           the
           Bible
           his
           perpetual
           Companion
           ,
           and
           
             Beleeved
             with
             all
             his
             Heart
          
           :
           and
           as
           You
           have
           Opportunity
           ,
           
             Do
             Good
             unto
             all
             men
          
           .
           May
           the
           Death
           (
           I
           dare
           not
           say
           ,
           the
           Loss
           )
           of
           your
           
             Ten
             Children
          
           ,
           the
           last
           of
           which
           going
           from
           you
           made
           a
           
             Tenth
             Wave
          
           in
           your
           Tryals
           ,
           only
           promote
           your
           Vnion
           &
           Communion
           with
           Him
           who
           is
           
             Better
             than
             Ten
             sons
          
           ;
           and
           may
           you
           enjoy
           in
           the
           House
           of
           God
           ,
           a
           Place
           and
           a
           
             Name
             better
             than
             that
             of
             
             sons
          
           &
           daughters
           .
           May
           all
           the
           Storms
           besides
           those
           which
           the
           Adventures
           of
           your
           younger
           years
           upon
           the
           
             Atlantic
             Ocean
          
           ,
           made
           you
           betimes
           acquainte
           withal
           ,
           in
           an
           unstable
           &
           a
           tempestuous
           World
           ,
           prove
           so
           many
           fresh
           &
           fair
           Gales
           ,
           to
           be
           friend
           your
           late
           but
           sure
           Arrival
           unto
           the
           
             Rest
             which
             remains
             for
             the
             people
             of
             God
          
           ;
           Wherein
           the
           Anchor
           of
           your
           Hope
           ,
           is
           already
           Cast
           ,
           and
           where
           to
           You
           are
           with
           the
           more-than-half
           Furled
           Sails
           of
           Time
           hastening
           apace
           ,
           after
           him
           that
           said
           ,
           
             I
             desire
             to
          
           loose
           Anchor
           
             and
             be
             with
             Christ
             ,
             which
             is
             by
             far
             the
             best
             of
             all
             .
          
           T
           is
           by
           these
           Prayers
           that
           I
           would
           approve
           my self
           ,
        
         
           
             Sir
             ,
          
           
             Your
             Dutiful
             Son
             and
             very
             humble
             Servant
             ,
             
               COTTON
               MATHER
            
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           THE
           GOOD
           MANS
           RESOLUTION
           .
        
         
           
             Josh.
             24.
             15.
             
          
           
             But
             as
             for
             MEE
             and
             MY
             HOVSE
             we
             will
             serve
             the
             Lord.
             
          
        
         
           
             SECT
             .
             I.
             
          
           
             NEVER
             was
             there
             in
             this
             world
             a
             People
             more
             obliged
             or
             encouraged
             unto
             the
             Service
             of
             the
             Great
             God
             ,
             than
             we
             the
             
               New-English
               Israel
            
             are
             .
             The
             God
             of
             Heaven
             is
             
               Our
               God
            
             ,
             and
             it
             becomes
             us
             to
             Fear
             Him
             ;
             
               our
               Fathers
               God
            
             ,
             and
             how
             much
             ought
             we
             to
             worship
             Him
             ?
             
               To
               serve
               God
            
             was
             the
             very
             Errand
             which
             we
             were
             brought
             into
             this
             Wilderness
             upon
             ;
             and
             has
             hitherto
             been
             both
             our
             Glo-Glory
             &
             our
             Defence
             .
             That
             we
             now
             grow
             so
             dull
             and
             cold
             in
             this
             ,
             we
             may
             write
             an
             Ichabod
             upon
             all
             our
             enjoyments
             ,
             and
             therein
             see
             our
             Chariots
             
             and
             our
             Horse-men
             gone
             .
             To
             Revive
             the
             Decay'd
             Service
             of
             God
             among
             us
             ,
             would
             be
             to
             reduce
             us
             into
             that
             Favour
             and
             Friendship
             of
             him
             who
             was
             
               The
               Hope
               of
               our
               Fathers
            
             ,
             which
             would
             make
             us
             happy
             enough
             to
             refute
             all
             the
             Lies
             of
             our
             Enemies
             .
             Thus
             would
             
               God
               the
               Lord
               speak
               peace
               unto
               us
               .
            
             Thus
             would
             
               Salvation
               be
               nigh
               to
               us
            
             ,
             and
             
               Glory
               dwell
               in
               our
               Land.
            
             
          
        
         
           
             SECT
             .
             II.
             
          
           
             TO
             do
             some
             ,
             and
             gain
             more
             Service
             for
             our
             God
             ,
             the
             Text
             now
             before
             us
             is
             to
             be
             Discoursed
             on
             .
          
           
             These
             words
             are
             among
             the
             last
             words
             of
             
               Ioshuah
               ,
               the
               servant
               of
               the
               Lord
            
             ;
             they
             are
             a
             Dev●ut
             and
             a
             Divine
             sentence
             uttered
             by
             the
             renouned
             Ioshua
             in
             a
             Speech
             to
             
               The
               Parliament
               of
            
             Israel
             .
             The
             
               Dying
               Words
            
             of
             all
             Great
             and
             Good
             men
             ,
             have
             usually
             been
             esteemed
             Remarkable
             by
             the
             Survivers
             ;
             and
             those
             books
             which
             contain
             
               Apo●●thegmata
               morientium
            
             have
             been
             reckoned
             perhaps
             among
             the
             most
             useful
             in
             the
             world
             .
             Tho
             the
             
               Dying
               Songs
            
             of
             Swans
             have
             not
             been
             such
             things
             as
             the
             
               Vulgar
               ▪
               Error
            
             has
             reputed
             them
             ;
             yet
             the
             
               Dying
               Words
            
             of
             Saints
             have
             afforded
             a
             fit
             Moral
             for
             the
             Fable
             .
             The
             speech
             of
             a
             Dying
             Saint
             has
             as
             deep
             a
             favour
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             as
             the
             Breath
             of
             a
             dying
             man
             has
             of
             Earth
             .
             But
             m●thinks
             ,
             the
             
               Dying
               Words
            
             of
             a
             Ioshua
             should
             be
             peculiar
             Oracles
             ;
             peruse
             them
             ,
             and
             you
             will
             find
             them
             so
             .
             He
             had
             been
             first
             ,
             the
             Lord-General
             of
             Israels
             Army
             ;
             and
             
             was
             now
             the
             
               Lord
               Protector
            
             of
             Israels
             Common-Wealth
             .
             In
             this
             Capacity
             ,
             a
             few
             months
             before
             he
             dy'd
             ,
             he
             issued
             our
             orders
             for
             a
             
               Convention
               of
               States
            
             ,
             to
             meet
             at
             Sh●chem
             ,
             a
             place
             about
             forty
             miles
             from
             his
             own
             Abode
             .
             The
             Senate
             ,
             the
             Iudges
             ,
             &
             the
             Officers
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Representa●tives
             of
             the
             people
             being
             assembled
             ,
             before
             the
             Tabernacle
             ,
             which
             on
             this
             extraordinary
             occasion
             was
             removed
             hither
             ,
             this
             famous
             Prince
             endeavours
             to
             settle
             &
             confirm
             them
             in
             the
             Service
             of
             the
             living
             God.
             It
             is
             likely
             he
             seared
             a
             secret
             Retaining
             of
             Idolatry
             among
             many
             ,
             while
             he
             was
             yet
             alive
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             certain
             ,
             he
             fore-saw
             an
             open
             Defection
             to
             Id●●atry
             hastening
             upon
             them
             ,
             when
             he
             should
             be
             dead
             and
             gone
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             he
             laies
             in
             against
             it
             ,
             by
             a
             most
             powerful
             and
             pathetic
             Speech
             ,
             which
             has
             in
             it
             ,
          
           
             First
             ,
             An
             History
             of
             
               Memorable
               Providences
            
             wherein
             they
             had
             experienced
             the
             matchless
             kindness
             of
             God
             unto
             them
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             An
             Inference
             from
             this
             History
             ;
             which
             is
             expressed
             in
             two
             things
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             A
             Counsil
             .
             He
             concludes
             ,
             
               Now
               therefore
               fear
               the
               Lord
               and
               serve
            
             Him.
             Therefore
             !
             Wherefore
             ?
             Why
             ,
             inasmuch
             as
             you
             find
             the
             Lord
             so
             bountif●l
             ,
             that
             you
             cannot
             possibly
             A●mend
             your selves
             if
             you
             leave
             Him
             ,
             or
             excuse
             your selves
             if
             you
             grieve
             Him.
             Therefore
             are
             you
             to
             fear
             Him
             ,
             serve
             Him.
             Every
             Mercy
             of
             God
             hath
             a
             Therefore
             ,
             in
             it
             ;
             it
             calls
             for
             Gratitude
             
             and
             Obedience
             .
             When
             God
             has
             been
             merciful
             to
             us
             ,
             even
             common
             Ingenuity
             ,
             end
             much
             more
             ,
             holy
             Ingenuity
             will
             put
             us
             upon
             that
             Enquiry
             ,
             
               What
               shall
               I
               render
               to
               the
               Lord
               ?
            
             Behold
             an
             Answer
             in
             this
             ,
             Therefore
             !
             We
             are
             Therefore
             to
             
               fear
               the
               Lord
               and
               serve
               him
            
             ;
             we
             are
             Therefore
             to
             put
             away
             all
             our
             Idols
             ,
             all
             our
             Follies
             for
             ever
             more
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             A
             Copy
             .
             He
             gives
             them
             a
             Precedent
             ,
             an
             Exemple
             ,
             to
             induce
             them
             hereunto
             .
             The
             Pattern
             of
             a
             
               considerable
               person
            
             ,
             has
             no
             inconsiderable
             Influence
             upon
             the
             Observers
             of
             it
             .
             Such
             an
             one
             does
             good
             or
             ill
             ,
             even
             like
             a
             Briareus
             ,
             with
             an
             Hundred
             Hands
             .
             An
             Hundred
             ,
             &
             an
             Hundred
             more
             will
             do
             like
             Him.
             If
             he
             be
             wickked
             ,
             he
             does
             according
             to
             the
             Language
             of
             
               Solomon
               ,
               Speak
               with
               his
               Feet
               .
            
             If
             he
             be
             Godly
             ,
             he
             is
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Character
             of
             Iohn
             ,
             a
             Voice
             ,
             Such
             an
             One
             most
             effectually
             bespeaks
             all
             about
             him
             ,
             as
             Gideon
             did
             once
             ,
             
               Do
               what
               you
               see
            
             me
             
               to
               do
            
             .
          
           
             Thus
             Ioshua
             enforces
             his
             
               farewel
               Exhortation
            
             here
             ;
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               Be
               it
               known
               to
               you
               ,
               that
               I
               and
               my
               house
               will
               serve
               the
               Lord
            
             ;
             I
             was
             once
             your
             Leader
             ,
             pray
             let
             me
             be
             so
             still
             .
             As
             I
             leadd
             you
             into
             the
             Canaan
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             let
             me
             have
             so
             much
             credit
             with
             you
             ,
             as
             also
             to
             lead
             you
             unto
             the
             Service
             of
             the
             Lord.
             Be
             assured
             ,
             I
             shall
             be
             a
             Witness
             against
             you
             another
             day
             ,
             if
             you
             do
             not
             now
             receive
             me
             as
             a
             Copy
             for
             you
             .
          
           
           
             You
             have
             here
             
             Ioshua's
             Resolution
             ;
             and
             it
             was
             founded
             upon
             such
             
               moral
               Reasons
            
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             take
             it
             as
             
               Written
               for
               the
               Admonition
               of
               us
               all
               .
            
             Wherefore
             this
             is
             the
             Doctrine
             ,
             which
             I
             would
             demand
             your
             Attention
             to
             .
          
           
             
               DOCT.
               
            
             
               Every
               man
               should
               engage
               both
               HIMSELF
               and
               
                 HIS
                 HOUSE
              
               in
               the
               Service
               of
               the
               Almighty
               GOD.
               
            
          
        
         
           
             SECT
             .
             III.
             
          
           
             VVE
             have
             diverse
             Propositions
             now
             before
             us
             ,
             to
             discourse
             upon
             .
             The
             First
             of
             them
             is
             this
             .
          
           
             
               PROP.
               I.
               
            
             
               The
               whole
               Duty
               of
               man
               ,
               is
               contained
               in
               the
               true
               Service
               of
               God.
               Both
               in
               the
               First
               Covenant
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               New
               Covenant
               which
               God
               has
               made
               with
               man
               ,
               there
               is
               a
               Duty
               which
               man
               must
               pay
               to
               God.
               In
               the
               First
               Covenant
               this
               Duty
               was
               to
               be
               paid
               in
               a
               way
               of
               
                 meritorious
                 Obedience
              
               ;
               in
               the
               New
               Covenant
               ,
               this
               Duty
               is
               to
               be
               paid
               in
               a
               way
               of
               
                 ingenuous
                 Gratitude
              
               .
               But
               the
               Service
               of
               God
               ,
               this
               ever
               comprizes
               all
               our
               Duty
               in
               it
               .
               It
               is
               the
               same
               that
               the
               Wise
               man
               refers
               unto
               ,
               in
               
                 Eccl.
                 12.
                 13.
                 
                 Fear
                 God
                 and
                 keep
                 His
                 commandmens
                 ;
                 for
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 whole
                 duty
                 of
                 man.
              
               There
               are
               diverse
               comprehensive
               and
               synonymous
               Terms
               ,
               by
               which
               our
               Duty
               to
               God
               is
               expressed
               in
               the
               Scripture
               of
               Truth
               .
               Our
               
               
               
               
               
               Duty
               is
               called
               
                 A
                 Serving
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               as
               it
               refers
               to
               the
               Acts
               of
               our
               lives
               in
               which
               ;
               but
               it
               s
               also
               called
               
                 A
                 Fearing
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               and
               
                 A
                 Loving
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               as
               it
               refers
               to
               the
               Frames
               of
               our
               hearts
               ,
               with
               which
               we
               are
               to
               do
               it
               .
               It
               is
               called
               ,
               
                 A
                 Knowing
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               as
               it
               refers
               to
               the
               principle
               of
               it
               ;
               it
               is
               likewise
               a
               Living
               to
               Him
               ,
               and
               Walking
               with
               Him
               ,
               on
               the
               same
               accounts
               that
               it
               is
               a
               Serving
               of
               Him.
               
            
             
               The
               Service
               of
               God
               notes
               two
               things
               ,
               which
               are
               to
               accompany
               our
               whole
               Duty
               to
               him
               .
            
             
               It
               notes
               ,
               first
               ,
               the
               Homage
               therein
               done
               to
               our
               God.
               The
               Service
               of
               God
               is
               His
               Worship
               ,
               H●s
               natural
               Worship
               ,
               and
               His
               appointed
               Worship
               .
               Hence
               the
               Septuagint
               so
               translate
               our
               Text
               ,
               
                 I
                 and
                 my
                 house
                 will
              
               worship
               
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               We
               serve
               God
               ,
               when
               we
               render
               to
               him
               his
               Natural
               Worship
               .
               So
               t
               is
               intimated
               in
               
                 Deut.
                 10.
                 12.
                 
                 Fear
                 the
                 Lord
                 thy
                 God
                 ,
                 walk
                 in
                 His
                 waies
                 ,
                 love
                 him
                 ,
                 &
              
               serve
               
                 the
                 Lord
                 thy
                 God
                 with
                 all
                 thy
                 Heart
                 .
              
               When
               we
               hope
               in
               God
               ,
               when
               we
               call
               on
               God
               ,
               when
               we
               cleave
               to
               God
               ,
               then
               we
               serve
               Him.
               And
               we
               serve
               God
               when
               we
               render
               to
               Him
               his
               appointed
               Worship
               .
               This
               was
               intended
               in
               
                 Exod.
                 8.
                 1.
                 
                 Let
                 my
                 people
                 go
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 serve
                 me
                 .
              
               We
               serve
               Him
               when
               we
               observe
               the
               Ordinances
               of
               God
               ,
               when
               we
               adore
               him
               according
               to
               the
               Rules
               of
               His
               Word
               in
               His
               House
               ,
               and
               wait
               upon
               him
               in
               the
               use
               of
               his
               blessed
               and
               sacred
               Institutions
               .
            
             
               It
               ,
               Secondly
               ,
               notes
               the
               Honour
               therein
               brought
               
               to
               our
               God.
               Service
               is
               perform'd
               to
               God
               ,
               when
               Glory
               is
               procur'd
               for
               Him.
               His
               Essential
               Glory
               we
               can
               by
               no
               means
               advance
               ,
               we
               may
               His
               declarative
               :
               and
               therein
               we
               serve
               the
               Lord.
               T
               is
               a
               passage
               in
               
                 Isa.
                 43.
                 10.
                 
                 Ye
                 are
                 my
                 witnesses
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 my
                 servant
                 .
              
               Our
               Testimonies
               to
               God's
               Excellencies
               are
               the
               things
               by
               which
               we
               serve
               Him.
               We
               serve
               God
               ,
               when
               we
               acknowledge
               Him
               as
               our
               
                 Best
                 Good
              
               ,
               and
               our
               
                 last
                 End
              
               ,
               and
               our
               
                 Omnipresent
                 Iudge
              
               .
               We
               serve
               him
               when
               we
               think
               and
               speak
               well
               of
               him
               our selves
               ,
               and
               obtain
               many
               others
               to
               do
               so
               too
               .
               A
               Witness
               for
               God
               is
               a
               Service
               to
               him
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             SECT
             .
             IV.
             
          
           
             THis
             being
             thus
             explained
             ,
             I
             pass
             on
             to
             a
             Second
             Proposition
             .
          
           
             
               PROP.
               II.
               
            
             
               Every
               man
               should
               engage
               HIMSELF
               in
               the
               Service
               of
               the
               Almighty
               God.
               
            
             
               The
               purpose
               and
               study
               of
               every
               man
               should
               be
               this
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 serve
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               We
               should
               all
               be
               able
               truly
               to
               say
               of
               God
               ,
               as
               in
               
                 Act.
                 27.
                 23.
                 
                 His
                 I
                 am
                 ,
                 and
                 Him
                 I
                 serve
                 .
                 A
                 Servant
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               this
               was
               the
               Title
               ,
               not
               of
               Ioshua
               alone
               ,
               but
               of
               other
               Worthies
               too
               ;
               when
               Abraham
               is
               mentioned
               ,
               it
               is
               ,
               
                 Abraham
                 the
              
               Servant
               
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               When
               Moses
               is
               mentioned
               ,
               it
               is
               ,
               
                 Moses
                 the
              
               Servant
               
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               When
               God
               speaks
               of
               Iob
               ,
               he
               says
               ,
               
               
                 Iob
                 my
                 Servant
              
               .
               Thus
               was
               Ionah
               ,
               thus
               was
               Eli●jah
               ,
               thus
               was
               Zerubbabel
               also
               styled
               .
               And
               it
               is
               a
               style
               which
               Wee
               too
               should
               be
               ambitious
               of
               .
               If
               we
               would
               not
               be
               miserable
               for
               ever
               ,
               we
               must
               be
               the
               mystical
               ,
               the
               
                 Spiritual
                 seed
                 of
                 Israel
              
               ;
               but
               such
               are
               so
               saluted
               in
               1
               
                 Chron.
                 16.
                 13.
                 
                 O
                 ye
                 seed
                 of
                 Israel
                 his
                 Servant
                 .
              
               As
               our
               
                 Fathers
                 Friend
              
               ,
               so
               our
               
                 Fathers
                 Lord
              
               ,
               we
               must
               not
               forsake
               .
               We
               must
               all
               be
               the
               Servants
               of
               God
               ,
               as
               our
               Father
               before
               us
               was
               .
               And
               this
               especially
               for
               the
               three
               ensuing
               causes
               .
            
             
               
                 REASON
                 I.
                 
              
               
                 We
                 are
                 to
                 
                   serve
                   God
                
                 ,
                 because
                 God
                 hath
                 Mad●
                 us
                 .
                 The
                 Argument
                 with
                 which
                 Paul
                 perswaded
                 Philem●n
                 to
                 receive
                 a
                 
                   Run-away
                   Servant
                
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 ,
                 was
                 that
                 in
                 
                   Phil.
                   1.
                   19.
                   
                   Thou
                   owest
                   unto
                   me
                   even
                   thine
                   own
                   self
                   .
                
                 By
                 that
                 Argument
                 should
                 each
                 one
                 of
                 us
                 be
                 perswaded
                 to
                 become
                 a
                 
                   Dutiful
                   Servant
                
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 
                   We
                   owe
                   unto
                   him
                   even
                   our
                   own
                   selves
                   .
                
                 Man
                 !
                 〈◊〉
                 most
                 fit
                 thing
                 that
                 thy
                 Maker
                 should
                 be
                 thy
                 Master
                 .
              
               
                 There
                 are
                 two
                 Questions
                 which
                 I
                 hope
                 every
                 Child
                 within
                 these
                 Walls
                 can
                 give
                 some
                 right
                 Answer
                 to
                 .
                 The
                 Answer
                 to
                 them
                 will
                 render
                 it
                 unquestionable
                 ,
                 That
                 you
                 and
                 I
                 are
                 to
                 Serve
                 God
                 for
                 ever
                 .
              
               
                 
                   One
                   Question
                   is
                
                 ,
                 By
                 whom
                 were
                 you
                 made
                 ?
              
               
                 We
                 have
                 an
                 Answer
                 to
                 this
                 ,
                 in
                 
                   Psal.
                   ●00
                   .
                   3.
                   
                   Know
                   ye
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   he
                   is
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   is
                   He
                   
                   that
                   has
                   made
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   we
                   our selves
                   .
                
                 Thus
                 ▪
                 〈◊〉
                 the
                 Psalmist
                 once
                 argue
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   come
                   ,
                   let
                   us
                   worship
                   before
                   the
                   Lord
                   our
                   maker
                   .
                
                 Why
                 ?
                 If
                 he
                 be
                 our
                 Maker
                 ,
                 He
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 Object
                 of
                 our
                 Service
                 .
                 And
                 this
                 the
                 rather
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 another
                 Question
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   For
                   What
                   were
                   you
                   made
                
                 ?
                 We
                 have
                 an
                 Answer
                 to
                 this
                 in
                 
                   Isa.
                   43.
                   21.
                   
                   This
                   people
                   have
                   I
                   formed
                   for
                
                 my Self
                 ,
                 
                   they
                   shall
                   shew
                   forth
                
                 my
                 praise
                 .
                 When
                 we
                 praise
                 God
                 ,
                 we
                 serve
                 God.
                 Why
                 ,
                 This
                 is
                 the
                 very
                 business
                 which
                 we
                 were
                 sent
                 into
                 the
                 world
                 upon
                 .
                 We
                 had
                 never
                 appeared
                 in
                 the
                 Rank
                 of
                 
                   Actual
                   Beings
                
                 if
                 God
                 had
                 not
                 propounded
                 some
                 Service
                 to
                 be
                 done
                 unto
                 Himself
                 ,
                 by
                 creatures
                 of
                 our
                 shape
                 and
                 mould
                 .
                 We
                 are
                 Created
                 by
                 God
                 and
                 Endowed
                 by
                 him
                 .
                 What
                 could
                 it
                 be
                 for
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 ?
                 That
                 God
                 may
                 have
                 some
                 service
                 from
                 us
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 said
                 in
                 
                   Act
                   17.
                   28.
                   
                   In
                   him
                   we
                   live
                   and
                   move
                   and
                   have
                   our
                   being
                   .
                
                 Most
                 absurd
                 shall
                 we
                 be
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 
                   for
                   Him
                
                 too
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 REASON
                 .
                 II.
                 
              
               
                 We
                 are
                 to
                 serve
                 God
                 ,
                 because
                 Christ
                 has
                 Bought
                 us
                 .
                 Indeed
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   Arminian
                   universal
                   Redemption
                
                 we
                 reject
                 with
                 a
                 just
                 abhorrence
                 .
                 The
                 Satisfaction
                 of
                 our
                 Lord
                 Redeemer
                 ,
                 was
                 not
                 Intended
                 by
                 Him
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 Redemption
                 of
                 all
                 mankind
                 ;
                 nor
                 was
                 it
                 Intended
                 any
                 further
                 than
                 his
                 Intercession
                 is
                 ,
                 which
                 reaches
                 only
                 to
                 the
                 Elect
                 of
                 God.
                 The
                 Virtue
                 and
                 Success
                 of
                 our
                 Lords
                 death
                 depends
                 not
                 wholly
                 on
                 something
                 
                 to
                 be
                 done
                 by
                 men
                 which
                 God
                 is
                 not
                 the
                 Doer
                 of
                 ▪
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 men
                 would
                 themselves
                 be
                 the
                 Principals
                 in
                 procuring
                 their
                 own
                 Salvation
                 .
                 But
                 one
                 scope
                 of
                 our
                 Lord's
                 Death
                 was
                 even
                 to
                 purchase
                 for
                 us
                 ,
                 that
                 Grace
                 ,
                 that
                 Faith
                 ,
                 that
                 Free-Will
                 ,
                 which
                 may
                 qualifie
                 us
                 to
                 enjoy
                 the
                 Virtue
                 and
                 Success
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 Certainly
                 Peter
                 was
                 more
                 beholden
                 unto
                 the
                 Merit
                 of
                 Christ
                 for
                 his
                 Redemption
                 ,
                 than
                 Iudas
                 was
                 for
                 his
                 .
                 Yet
                 the
                 Purchase
                 of
                 Christ
                 wonderfully
                 binds
                 us
                 all
                 to
                 the
                 Service
                 of
                 God.
                 
              
               
                 For
                 First
                 ,
                 the
                 Redemption
                 of
                 Christ
                 has
                 made
                 our
                 Serving
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 a
                 
                   possible
                   thing
                
                 .
                 Had
                 it
                 not
                 been
                 for
                 this
                 ,
                 poor
                 fallen
                 undone
                 man
                 had
                 never
                 been
                 in
                 a
                 Capacity
                 to
                 serve
                 the
                 Lord.
                 We
                 had
                 never
                 heard
                 this
                 Call
                 from
                 heaven
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   Repent
                   ,
                   Return
                   ,
                   Reform
                   !
                
                 this
                 voice
                 from
                 on
                 high
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   set
                   your selves
                   now
                   to
                   the
                
                 serving
                 of
                 that
                 God
                 ,
                 
                   whom
                   you
                   have
                   been
                   sinning
                   against
                
                 ;
                 it
                 had
                 never
                 sounded
                 in
                 our
                 Ears
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 had
                 not
                 made
                 Himself
                 a
                 Sacrifice
                 .
                 We
                 must
                 have
                 continued
                 the
                 Slaves
                 of
                 the
                 devil
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 if
                 the
                 Stings
                 of
                 the
                 Dragon
                 had
                 not
                 fastned
                 on
                 the
                 Lord.
                 The
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 has
                 bought
                 us
                 all
                 into
                 such
                 a
                 Condition
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Proffers
                 and
                 the
                 Tenders
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 might
                 be
                 made
                 unto
                 us
                 .
                 We
                 are
                 told
                 of
                 some
                 in
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Pet.
                   2.
                   1.
                
                 
                 Who
                 
                   Deny
                   the
                   Lord
                   that
                   bought
                   them
                   .
                
                 Ovile
                 Sacriledge
                 and
                 Impiety
                 !
                 That
                 we
                 might
                 all
                 have
                 the
                 priviledge
                 of
                 〈◊〉
                 Invitation
                 to
                 the
                 Service
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 this
                 has
                 
                 cost
                 no
                 less
                 than
                 the
                 Heart-bloud
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 a
                 monstrous
                 villany
                 were
                 it
                 for
                 us
                 now
                 to
                 despise
                 the
                 Invitation
                 ?
                 Again
                 ,
              
               
                 The
                 Redemption
                 of
                 Christ
                 has
                 made
                 our
                 Serving
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 a
                 Reasonable
                 thing
                 .
                 We
                 are
                 all
                 among
                 the
                 Redeemed
                 ,
                 either
                 in
                 Reality
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 least
                 in
                 Possession
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 Chosen
                 and
                 Called
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 are
                 most
                 really
                 interested
                 in
                 the
                 Sacrifice
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 for
                 them
                 to
                 decline
                 the
                 Service
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 were
                 as
                 unequal
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 unlikely
                 .
                 But
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 us
                 is
                 at
                 least
                 professedly
                 interested
                 in
                 it
                 .
                 Man
                 ,
                 art
                 thou
                 willing
                 to
                 quit
                 all
                 claim
                 unto
                 the
                 Death
                 and
                 Blood
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ?
                 O
                 No
                 ,
                 not
                 for
                 ten
                 thousand
                 worlds
                 .
                 Every
                 one
                 saies
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   hope
                   I
                   am
                   Redeemed
                
                 !
                 Well
                 then
                 ,
                 The
                 Service
                 of
                 God
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 we
                 must
                 count
                 our selves
                 Redeem'd
                 unto
                 .
                 What
                 saies
                 the
                 Appostle
                 ,
                 in
                 1.
                 
                 Cor.
                 6.
                 20
                 
                 
                   Ye
                   are
                   not
                   your
                   own
                   ,
                   for
                   ye
                   are
                   bought
                   with
                   a
                   price
                   ;
                   therefore
                   glorifie
                   God.
                
                 We
                 that
                 have
                 been
                 the
                 
                   Captives
                   of
                   the
                   mighty
                   and
                   the
                   prey
                   of
                   the
                   terrible
                   ,
                
                 apprehend
                 our selves
                 to
                 be
                 set
                 at
                 Liberty
                 from
                 their
                 horrible
                 Tyrannies
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 Suffering
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 What
                 less
                 than
                 the
                 Service
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 are
                 we
                 thereby
                 obliged
                 unto
                 ?
                 In
                 a
                 word
                 ,
                 We
                 are
                 the
                 
                   Bought
                   servants
                
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 and
                 wo
                 to
                 us
                 if
                 our
                 Behaviours
                 be
                 not
                 agreeab
                 ▪
                 to
                 our
                 Obligations
                 .
              
            
             
               
               
                 REASON
                 III.
                 
              
               
                 The
                 Lords
                 daily
                 Mercy
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 requires
                 our
                 hearty
                 Service
                 to
                 Him.
                 It
                 is
                 noted
                 of
                 the
                 rudest
                 among
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 ,
                 in
                 Lu●
                 .
                 22.
                 25.
                 
                 Their
                 Benefactors
                 exercise
                 a
                 Lordship
                 over
                 them
                 .
                 Never
                 ,
                 Never
                 had
                 we
                 any
                 Benefactor
                 like
                 to
                 our
                 God
                 ,
                 who
                 
                   daily
                   loads
                   us
                   with
                   his
                   Benefits
                   .
                
                 Unthankful
                 wretches
                 are
                 we
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 shake
                 off
                 the
                 Lordship
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 Lord.
                 It
                 was
                 an
                 Address
                 once
                 made
                 to
                 a
                 Governour
                 in
                 
                   Act.
                   24.
                   2.
                   
                   By
                   thee
                   we
                   enjoy
                   great
                   quietness
                   ▪
                   and
                   very
                   worthy
                   deeds
                   are
                   done
                   unto
                   us
                   by
                   thy
                   providence
                   .
                
                 It
                 were
                 a
                 disloyal
                 ,
                 an
                 unworthy
                 thing
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 serve
                 such
                 a
                 Governour
                 .
                 Truly
                 ,
                 From
                 God
                 we
                 enjoy
                 
                   great
                   quietness
                
                 ;
                 by
                 the
                 Providence
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 delivered
                 from
                 a
                 Thousand
                 perils
                 
                   every
                   day
                
                 :
                 and
                 we
                 are
                 surrounded
                 with
                 ten
                 thousand
                 Comforts
                 
                   Every
                   day
                
                 ;
                 by
                 the
                 Providence
                 of
                 God
                 we
                 are
                 directed
                 ,
                 protected
                 ,
                 sustained
                 and
                 supplyed
                 ,
                 
                   every
                   day
                
                 .
                 This
                 calls
                 for
                 the
                 Service
                 of
                 God
                 at
                 our
                 hands
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 said
                 ,
                 in
                 Rom.
                 12.
                 1.
                 
                 
                   I
                   beseech
                   you
                   ,
                   brethren
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                   mercies
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   that
                   you
                   present
                   your
                   bodies
                   a
                   living
                   sacrifice
                   unto
                   Him.
                
                 What
                 a
                 persuasive
                 piece
                 of
                 Oratory
                 is
                 that
                 !
                 
                   I
                   beseech
                   you
                   by
                   the
                
                 Mercies
                 
                   of
                   God.
                
                 He
                 that
                 urges
                 you
                 to
                 the
                 Service
                 of
                 God
                 may
                 thus
                 plead
                 with
                 you
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   beseech
                   you
                   ,
                   Brethren
                   ,
                   by
                   the
                
                 Mercies
                 
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   that
                   God
                   may
                   not
                   have
                   one
                
                 Servant
                 
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   the
                   less
                   for
                   you
                   .
                   I
                   beseech
                   you
                   ,
                   Breth●●●
                   ▪
                   that
                   when
                   the
                   Goodness
                   ,
                   and
                   mercy
                   of
                   God
                   is
                   following
                   of
                   you
                   ,
                   you
                   do
                   
                   not
                   turn
                   your
                   backs
                   on
                   the
                
                 Service
                 
                   of
                   God.
                
                 To
                 pursue
                 ,
                 this
                 Argument
                 ;
                 
                   I
                   beseech
                   you
                   Brethren
                
                 ,
                 Whose
                 Light
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 whereby
                 you
                 are
                 every
                 day
                 revived
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 God's
                 Whose
                 Air
                 is
                 it
                 ,
                 whereby
                 you
                 are
                 every
                 day
                 refreshed
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 God's
                 .
                 Whose
                 Fire
                 is
                 it
                 that
                 warms
                 you
                 ?
                 Whose
                 Meat
                 is
                 it
                 that
                 feeds
                 you
                 ?
                 Whose
                 Raiment
                 is
                 it
                 that
                 covers
                 you
                 ?
                 All
                 is
                 God's
                 .
                 O
                 then
                 ,
                 Serve
                 Him.
                 These
                 are
                 the
                 
                   Cords
                   of
                   a
                   man
                
                 ,
                 with
                 which
                 we
                 are
                 bound
                 to
                 the
                 Service
                 of
                 our
                 Lord.
                 This
                 is
                 the
                 Poesie
                 which
                 God
                 has
                 inscribed
                 in
                 the
                 Ring
                 of
                 every
                 mercy
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   learn
                   to
                
                 serve
                 
                   the
                   Giver
                   of
                   this
                
                 !
                 It
                 was
                 a
                 sad
                 Complaint
                 which
                 the
                 Lord
                 made
                 in
                 Isa.
                 1.
                 2.
                 
                 
                   I
                   have
                   nourished
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   brought
                   them
                   up
                   ,
                
                 yet
                 
                   have
                   they
                   rebelled
                   against
                   me
                
                 .
                 Alas
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 YET
                 is
                 there
                 ?
                 Our
                 God
                 has
                 been
                 as
                 a
                 Father
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 and
                 yet
                 shall
                 not
                 we
                 Serve
                 Him
                 as
                 our
                 Master
                 ?
                 He
                 Relieves
                 us
                 ,
                 He
                 Supports
                 us
                 ,
                 He
                 Bestowes
                 on
                 us
                 the
                 mercies
                 of
                 Children
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 not
                 we
                 yet
                 return
                 so
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 the
                 Respects
                 of
                 Servants
                 unto
                 Him
                 ?
                 The
                 Heavens
                 will
                 hear
                 and
                 be
                 amazed
                 ,
                 the
                 Earth
                 will
                 
                   give
                   ●ar
                
                 and
                 be
                 astonished
                 ,
                 at
                 a
                 thing
                 so
                 much
                 exceeding
                 Brutality
                 it self
                 ,
                 as
                 this
                 .
              
            
          
        
         
           
             SECT
             .
             V.
             
          
           
             BUt
             we
             are
             not
             to
             be
             Alone
             in
             the
             Service
             of
             God
             Man
             is
             a
             
               sociable
               Creature
            
             ;
             &
             as
             he
             does
             need
             ,
             so
             he
             must
             help
             Humane
             Society
             ,
             in
             this
             
               Grand
               concern
            
             .
             Wherefore
             we
             have
             a
             Third
             
             Proposition
             yet
             to
             be
             reflected
             on
             .
          
           
             
               PROP.
               III.
               
            
             
               Every
               man
               should
               engage
               HIS
               HOUSE
               also
               in
               the
               Service
               of
               the
               Almighty
               God.
               We
               are
               all
               related
               unto
               some
               House
               or
               other
               .
               Sometimes
               a
               Nation
               is
               called
               by
               that
               name
               .
               So
               t
               is
               said
               in
               Exek
               .
               3.
               1.
               
               
                 Speak
                 to
                 the
              
               House
               
                 of
                 Israel
              
               .
               And
               thus
               ,
               every
               man
               should
               labour
               to
               promote
               the
               Service
               of
               God
               in
               the
               Nation
               which
               he
               belongs
               unto
               .
               All
               that
               can
               be
               properly
               done
               by
               him
               for
               his
               Nation
               ,
               in
               his
               Station
               to
               set
               up
               and
               bring
               in
               the
               Service
               of
               God
               ,
               so
               much
               every
               man
               is
               to
               do
               ,
               if
               ever
               he
               would
               give
               a
               good
               Account
               of
               his
               Talents
               ,
               in
               the
               Day
               of
               God's
               appearing
               .
               But
               most
               usually
               ,
               a
               Family
               is
               called
               by
               this
               Name
               ;
               and
               so
               it
               is
               in
               the
               Text
               now
               before
               us
               .
               T
               is
               a
               Metonymie
               ;
               the
               House
               is
               put
               for
               them
               who
               dwell
               in
               the
               house
               .
               Those
               who
               cohabit
               in
               the
               
                 same
                 house
              
               are
               to
               endeavour
               that
               the
               
                 same
                 God
              
               may
               be
               served
               by
               all
               under
               the
               Roof
               .
               And
               this
               is
               incumbent
               especially
               on
               the
               Superiors
               in
               the
               House
               .
               All
               that
               are
               About
               us
               ,
               but
               cheefly
               all
               that
               are
               Vnder
               us
               ,
               are
               by
               us
               to
               be
               drawn
               or
               driven
               to
               the
               Service
               of
               God.
               The
               Master
               of
               the
               Family
               is
               to
               see
               unto
               it
               ,
               that
               every
               one
               under
               his
               Charge
               become
               the
               Servant
               of
               the
               Lord.
               And
               this
               because
               of
               such
               things
               as
               these
               .
            
             
               
                 REASON
                 .
                 I.
                 
              
               
                 We
                 should
                 engage
                 our
                 Houses
                 to
                 the
                 Service
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 Respect
                 to
                 God
                 Himself
                 .
                 To
                 the
                 
                 Householder
                 it
                 may
                 well
                 be
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   For
                   God●s
                   sake
                   look
                   after
                   thy
                   House
                   ;
                   For
                   God's
                   sake
                   ,
                   Let
                   there
                   be
                   God●
                
                 Service
                 〈…〉
                 To
                 speak
                 particularly
                 ,
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 The
                 Commandment
                 of
                 God
                 calls
                 for
                 it
                 .
                 We
                 have
                 this
                 Commandment
                 often
                 repeated
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 That
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 careful
                 about
                 the
                 Instruction
                 and
                 Conversion
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 charged
                 with
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 a
                 Commandment
                 inc●lcated
                 in
                 the
                 Old
                 Testament
                 .
                 We
                 have
                 in
                 Deut.
                 6.
                 6
                 ,
                 7.
                 
                 
                   The
                   words
                   which
                   I
                   command
                   thee
                   ,
                   th●u
                   shalt
                   diligently
                
                 teach
                 
                   them
                   unto
                   thy
                
                 Children
                 .
                 We
                 have
                 it
                 again
                 ,
                 in
                 Psal.
                 78.
                 67.
                 
                 
                   He
                   commanded
                   our
                   fathers
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   should
                   make
                   known
                   unto
                   their
                
                 Children
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   these
                   might
                   set
                   their
                   hope
                   in
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   keep
                   his
                   Commandments
                   .
                
                 We
                 have
                 it
                 once
                 more
                 in
                 Deut.
                 4.
                 9
                 ,
                 10.
                 
                 
                   Gather
                   the
                   people
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   learn
                   to
                   fear
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   they
                   may
                
                 teach
                 
                   their
                   Children
                
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 a
                 Commandment
                 not
                 unmentioned
                 in
                 the
                 New
                 Testament
                 also
                 .
                 We
                 find
                 in
                 
                   Eph.
                   6.
                   4.
                   
                   Ye
                
                 Fathers
                 ,
                 
                   bring
                   up
                   your
                
                 Children
                 
                   in
                   the
                   Nurture
                   and
                   Admonition
                   of
                   the
                   Lord.
                
                 Behold
                 ,
                 How
                 many
                 solemn
                 Charges
                 are
                 laid
                 upon
                 us
                 to
                 do
                 our
                 part
                 ,
                 that
                 God
                 may
                 be
                 served
                 by
                 all
                 that
                 are
                 under
                 our
                 Inspection
                 .
                 God
                 does
                 Command
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 command
                 them
                 ,
                 thereabout
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ▪
                 The
                 Interest
                 of
                 God
                 calls
                 for
                 it
                 .
                 Our
                 Lord
                 said
                 unto
                 a
                 Peter
                 ,
                 in
                 
                   Ioh.
                   21.
                   15.
                   
                   Lovest
                   thou
                   me
                   ?
                   —
                   Then
                   Feed
                   my
                   Lambs
                   .
                
                 The
                 like
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 unto
                 a
                 Master
                 ,
                 If
                 thou
                 doest
                 love
                 God
                 ,
                 then
                 bring
                 thy
                 lambs
                 to
                 serve
                 Him.
                 
                 To
                 propagate
                 Religion
                 is
                 to
                 magnify
                 and
                 glorify
                 the
                 Lord.
                 It
                 is
                 said
                 in
                 Prov.
                 14.
                 28.
                 
                 
                   In
                   the
                
                 multitude
                 
                   of
                   people
                   is
                   the
                   Kings
                   honour
                   :
                
                 as
                 t
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 an
                 earthly
                 ,
                 so
                 may
                 it
                 be
                 said
                 of
                 the
                 Heavenly
                 King.
                 Now
                 if
                 we
                 cause
                 our
                 Houses
                 to
                 serve
                 God
                 in
                 Conjunction
                 with
                 our selves
                 ,
                 hereby
                 we
                 propagate
                 Religion
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 to
                 many
                 generations
                 .
                 I
                 remember
                 ,
                 Solomon
                 assigns
                 this
                 as
                 one
                 Cause
                 ,
                 why
                 he
                 did
                 well
                 educate
                 his
                 own
                 Children
                 ;
                 t
                 was
                 because
                 his
                 father
                 had
                 so
                 dealt
                 with
                 him
                 ;
                 Saith
                 he
                 in
                 
                   Prov.
                   4.
                
                 begin
                 .
                 
                   Hear
                   ye
                   children
                   the
                   instruction
                   of
                   a
                   father
                   ;
                   for
                   I
                   was
                   my
                   father's
                   son
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   taught
                   me
                   .
                
                 Let
                 us
                 fix
                 our
                 children
                 in
                 the
                 Service
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 will
                 afterwards
                 do
                 do
                 so
                 by
                 theirs
                 .
                 Thus
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 alwaies
                 have
                 
                   A
                   seed
                   to
                   serve
                   him
                   ,
                   which
                   Will
                   be
                   accounted
                   for
                   a
                   generation
                   .
                
                 Our
                 Children
                 ,
                 did
                 I
                 say
                 ?
                 yea
                 ,
                 our
                 Servants
                 too
                 ,
                 may
                 in
                 like
                 manner
                 carry
                 on
                 a
                 Succession
                 of
                 Service
                 to
                 the
                 Lord.
                 It
                 was
                 the
                 Commendation
                 of
                 Solomon
                 ,
                 in
                 1.
                 
                 
                   King.
                   10.
                   8.
                   
                   Happy
                   are
                   these
                   thy
                   servants
                   ,
                   which
                   hear
                   thy
                   wisdome
                   .
                
                 Now
                 many
                 ages
                 after
                 ,
                 we
                 find
                 the
                 posterity
                 of
                 them
                 Servants
                 ,
                 retaining
                 a
                 savour
                 of
                 Devotion
                 and
                 Affection
                 to
                 the
                 House
                 of
                 God.
                 
              
            
             
               
                 REASON
                 II.
                 
              
               
                 We
                 should
                 engage
                 our
                 Houses
                 to
                 the
                 Service
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 out
                 of
                 Respect
                 to
                 our
                 Houses
                 too
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 said
                 
                   A
                   righteous
                   man
                   regards
                   the
                   life
                   of
                   his
                   beast
                   .
                
                 How
                 much
                 more
                 will
                 a
                 
                   righteous
                   man
                
                 regard
                 the
                 
                 state
                 of
                 his
                 House
                 ?
                 We
                 have
                 two
                 things
                 also
                 to
                 be
                 particularized
                 here
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 our
                 Houses
                 are
                 miserable
                 thro'
                 us
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 do
                 not
                 serve
                 God.
                 It
                 is
                 hinted
                 as
                 a
                 most
                 extraordinary
                 misery
                 upon
                 any
                 person
                 ,
                 in
                 
                   Prov.
                   5.
                   35.
                   
                   He
                   shall
                   dy
                   without
                   instruction
                   .
                
                 Fearful
                 and
                 woful
                 will
                 be
                 the
                 case
                 of
                 those
                 in
                 our
                 Houses
                 ,
                 whom
                 our
                 Instruction
                 shall
                 not
                 endear
                 the
                 Service
                 of
                 God
                 unto
                 .
                 Our
                 Houses
                 are
                 starving
                 ,
                 while
                 our
                 God
                 is
                 not
                 serving
                 in
                 them
                 .
                 The
                 Prophet
                 said
                 in
                 
                   Lam.
                   2.
                   11.
                   
                   Mine
                   eyes
                   do
                   fail
                   with
                   tears
                   ,
                   because
                   the
                   children
                   swoon
                   in
                   the
                   streets
                   of
                   the
                   city
                   ;
                   they
                   say
                   to
                   their
                   mothers
                   ,
                   where
                   is
                   the
                   corn
                   ?
                
                 O
                 doleful
                 spectacle
                 !
                 But
                 while
                 our
                 Children
                 are
                 strangers
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 worse
                 Famine
                 in
                 our
                 
                   Houses
                   ,
                
                 ;
                 we
                 suffer
                 their
                 Souls
                 to
                 pine
                 and
                 perish
                 without
                 the
                 Bread
                 of
                 life
                 .
                 Yea
                 ,
                 our
                 Houses
                 are
                 Burning
                 while
                 our
                 God
                 is
                 not
                 Serving
                 in
                 them
                 .
                 What
                 a
                 terrible
                 desolation
                 was
                 that
                 on
                 Sodom
                 !
                 in
                 allusion
                 to
                 which
                 ,
                 t
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 a
                 wicked
                 man
                 ,
                 in
                 
                   Iob.
                   18.
                   15.
                   
                   Brimstone
                   shall
                   be
                   scattered
                   upon
                   his
                   habitation
                   .
                
                 Why
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 dreadful
                 storm
                 of
                 ardent
                 Brimstone
                 ,
                 ready
                 to
                 fall
                 upon
                 those
                 Houses
                 ,
                 where
                 the
                 Children
                 are
                 not
                 bringing
                 up
                 for
                 God
                 ;
                 the
                 Wrath
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 like
                 an
                 
                   horrible
                   Tempest
                
                 of
                 burning
                 Brimstone
                 is
                 impending
                 over
                 them
                 .
                 What
                 shall
                 I
                 say
                 more
                 ?
                 Our
                 poor
                 Children
                 are
                 enslaved
                 unto
                 Satan
                 ,
                 until
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 be
                 serving
                 of
                 God.
                 If
                 a
                 Devil
                 had
                 a
                 Bodily
                 Possession
                 of
                 our
                 Children
                 ,
                 how
                 
                 impatient
                 should
                 we
                 be
                 to
                 see
                 them
                 delivered
                 ?
                 We
                 should
                 cry
                 out
                 like
                 the
                 Woman
                 of
                 Canaan
                 ,
                 in
                 
                   Matth.
                   15.
                   22.
                   
                   Have
                   mercy
                   upon
                   me
                   ,
                   O
                   Lord
                   ,
                   my
                   child
                   is
                   grievously
                   vexed
                   with
                   a
                   devil
                   .
                
                 But
                 know
                 ,
                 the
                 Devil
                 has
                 a
                 spiritual
                 Possession
                 of
                 our
                 Children
                 ,
                 till
                 they
                 come
                 to
                 serve
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 the
                 
                   evil
                   spirit
                
                 ,
                 he
                 takes
                 them
                 ,
                 he
                 tears
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 fome
                 and
                 pine
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 thrown
                 into
                 the
                 water
                 ,
                 and
                 into
                 the
                 fire
                 .
                 O
                 pitty
                 them
                 ;
                 if
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 more
                 stupid
                 than
                 the
                 Ostrich
                 ,
                 pitty
                 we
                 our
                 forlorn
                 Houses
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 not
                 the
                 
                   Service
                   of
                   God
                
                 be
                 wanting
                 thro●
                 any
                 fault
                 of
                 ours
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ▪
                 We
                 are
                 Accountable
                 for
                 our
                 Houses
                 ,
                 if
                 they
                 do
                 not
                 
                   serve
                   God.
                
                 As
                 the
                 Daughter
                 of
                 Pharaoh
                 said
                 unto
                 the
                 Mother
                 of
                 Moses
                 ,
                 in
                 
                   Exod.
                   2.
                   9.
                   
                   Take
                   this
                   child
                   and
                   nurse
                   it
                   for
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   will
                   give
                   thee
                   thy
                   wages
                   .
                
                 Thus
                 does
                 the
                 Lord
                 say
                 unto
                 us
                 ;
                 
                   Take
                   these
                   children
                   ,
                   take
                   these
                   young
                   ones
                   ,
                   and
                   bring
                   them
                   up
                   to
                
                 serve
                 
                   me
                   I
                   will
                   reward
                   thee
                   for
                   it
                   .
                
                 The
                 Apostle
                 saies
                 ,
                 of
                 Ministers
                 ,
                 
                   They
                   watch
                   for
                   souls
                   ,
                   as
                   they
                   that
                   must
                   give
                   an
                   account
                
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 of
                 all
                 House-keepers
                 ,
                 
                   They
                   must
                
                 give
                 an
                 account
                 
                   of
                   the
                   souls
                   that
                   belong
                   unto
                   their
                   Families
                   .
                
                 T
                 was
                 confessed
                 by
                 the
                 Prophet
                 in
                 the
                 Parable
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 King.
                 20
                 39.
                 
                 
                   Behold
                   a
                   man
                   turned
                   aside
                   ,
                   and
                   brought
                   a
                   man
                   to
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   said
                   ,
                   Keep
                   this
                   man
                   ;
                   if
                   by
                   any
                   means
                   he
                   be
                   missing
                   ,
                   then
                   shall
                   thy
                   life
                   be
                   for
                   his
                   .
                
                 This
                 ,
                 This
                 is
                 a
                 thing
                 certainly
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 pass
                 in
                 the
                 dreadful
                 Day
                 of
                 God.
                 Man
                 ,
                 
                   Thy
                   life
                   shall
                   be
                   for
                
                 his
                 
                   life
                   ,
                   who
                   did
                   
                   not
                
                 serve
                 
                   God
                   ,
                   because
                   thou
                   didst
                   not
                   teach
                   him
                   ,
                
                 and
                 Thy
                 soul
                 shall
                 be
                 for
                 his
                 soul
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 lost
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 because
                 thou
                 didst
                 not
                 look
                 after
                 him
                 .
                 Iacob
                 could
                 say
                 to
                 his
                 Uncle
                 about
                 his
                 Lambs
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   which
                   was
                   torn
                   of
                   Beast
                   ,
                   of
                   my
                   hands
                   didst
                   thou
                   require
                   it
                   .
                
                 Behold
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 Lambs
                 in
                 thy
                 Fold
                 ,
                 Little
                 ones
                 in
                 thy
                 House
                 ;
                 God
                 will
                 strain
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 —
                 if
                 wild
                 beasts
                 ,
                 and
                 Lusts
                 carry
                 any
                 of
                 them
                 away
                 from
                 the
                 Service
                 of
                 God
                 through
                 any
                 neglect
                 of
                 thine
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 smart
                 for
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 fiery
                 prison
                 of
                 God's
                 terrible
                 Indignation
                 .
                 Wherefore
                 ,
                 as
                 Paul
                 saies
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   keep
                
                 ,
                 so
                 I
                 say
                 ,
                 O
                 Save
                 ,
                 
                   that
                   which
                   is
                   committed
                   unto
                   thy
                   trust
                   .
                
              
            
          
        
         
           
             SECT
             VI.
             
          
           
             IT
             is
             now
             Time
             that
             we
             make
             a
             due
             Application
             of
             these
             
               Faithful
               Sayings
               ▪
            
             And
             there
             is
             a
             double
             Exhortation
             which
             I
             have
             to
             manage
             .
          
           
             The
             First
             Exhortation
             ,
             is
             ,
          
           
             Let
             us
             all
             Resolve
             to
             engage
             OUR SELVES
             in
             the
             Service
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             To
             Quicken
             you
             to
             it
             ;
          
           
             Consider
             seriously
             ,
             Who
             your
             Fellow-servants
             are
             ,
             when
             once
             you
             serve
             the
             Almighty
             God.
             O
             come
             in
             ,
             and
             serve
             God
             ,
             for
             shame
             ;
             lest
             in
             the
             whole
             world
             ,
             you
             have
             none
             but
             Devils
             to
             bear
             you
             company
             :
             And
             will
             you
             be
             of
             their
             side
             ,
             of
             their
             sort
             ?
             Rebellion
             truly
             
               is
               as
               the
               sin
               of
               Witchcraft
               ,
            
             for
             this
             peice
             of
             Madness
             in
             it
             .
             All
             other
             Beings
             make
             a
             Surrender
             of
             themselves
             
             unto
             the
             Service
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             said
             of
             the●
             in
             Psal.
             119.
             91.
             
             
               All
               are
               thy
            
             Servants
             .
             O
             do
             not
             you
             stand
             out
             .
             Hearken
             ,
             ye
             immortal
             souls
             ;
             You
             have
             the
             call
             of
             Christians
             to
             entice
             you
             into
             this
             happy
             Service
             .
             All
             the
             Eminent
             Believers
             of
             the
             By-past-Ages
             ,
             the
             men
             ,
             
               of
               whom
               the
               world
               was
               not
               worthy
               ,
            
             all
             these
             do
             with
             one
             voice
             ,
             and
             a
             loud
             one
             ,
             urge
             this
             upon
             you
             ;
             
               Come
               and
            
             serve
             
               our
               God
               ,
               as
               we
               have
               done
               before
               you
               .
            
             Even
             Iames
             himself
             ,
             the
             Kinsman
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             ambitious
             rather
             of
             this
             Denomination
             The
             Servant
             
               of
               the
               Lord.
            
             And
             puissant
             Emperours
             before
             now
             ,
             have
             gladly
             espoused
             ,
             such
             a
             Title
             as
             that
             ,
             
               The
               Vassals
               of
               the
               Lord.
            
             More
             than
             this
             ,
             you
             have
             the
             Call
             of
             Angels
             to
             incite
             you
             thereunto
             .
             Those
             bright
             
               Morning
               stars
            
             ask
             this
             of
             you
             ,
             
               Will
               you
               come
               and
               move
               in
               our
               Sphaere
               ?
            
             They
             all
             are
             the
             
               servants
               of
               the
               Lord
            
             ,
             and
             they
             
               do
               his
               pleasure
            
             .
             At
             his
             Beck
             they
             clap
             their
             
               silver
               wings
            
             ,
             and
             they
             
               do
               his
               Commandments
            
             .
             An
             Angel
             said
             once
             to
             Iohn
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               I
               am
               thy
            
             Fellow-Servant
             .
             That
             Angel
             is
             yet
             alive
             ;
             &
             he
             makes
             the
             motion
             to
             every
             one
             of
             us
             ,
             
               Wilt
               thou
               be
               my
            
             Fellow-Servant
             
               before
               the
               Lord
            
             ?
             Yea
             ,
             the
             SON
             of
             GOD
             Himself
             gives
             you
             this
             Call.
             Of
             Him
             saith
             our
             God
             ,
             in
             Isa
             ;
             42.
             1.
             
             
               Behold
               my
            
             Servant
             !
             Shall
             God
             say
             thus
             of
             Christ
             ?
             and
             shall
             .
             He
             not
             say
             it
             of
             thee
             ?
             O
             do
             not
             scorn
             to
             be
             the
             Servant
             of
             that
             GOD
             ,
             who
             has
             for
             a
             Servant
             ,
             Him
             whom
             all
             the
             Third
             
             Heaven
             is
             with
             endless
             Raptures
             adoring
             of
             .
          
           
             Consider
             ,
             yet
             again
             ,
             What
             your
             Service
             is
             ,
             while
             you
             serve
             the
             Almighty
             God.
             No
             Service
             was
             ever
             so
             delightsome
             as
             this
             ?
             t
             is
             ,
             
               All
               peace
            
             ,
             and
             
               perfect
               peace
            
             .
             No
             Service
             was
             ever
             fo
             profitable
             ;
             it
             brings
             in
             those
             things
             ,
             
               The
               gain
               whereof
               is
               better
               than
               fine
               Gold
            
             ;
             you
             shall
             be
             sure
             to
             experiment
             the
             Truth
             of
             that
             Maxim
             ,
             
               God
               is
               a
               Rewarder
            
             .
             No
             Service
             was
             ever
             so
             Honourable
             .
             It
             prefers
             us
             to
             be
             Favourites
             of
             a
             greater
             Monarch
             than
             he
             that
             had
             an
             hundred
             and
             seven
             and
             Twenty
             Provinces
             under
             him
             .
             A
             Service
             do
             we
             count
             it
             ?
             No
             ,
             t
             is
             a
             Freedom
             .
             We
             are
             Lords
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             
               The
               Lord's
            
             ;
             Then
             ,
             as
             he
             said
             ,
             
               sumus
               Domini
            
             ,
             is
             true
             ,
             not
             only
             
               in
               Genitivo
               singulari
            
             ,
             but
             
               in
               Nominativo
               plurali
            
             .
             It
             is
             a
             
               Freedom
               ,
               Yea
            
             ,
             t
             is
             a
             Kingdom
             .
             It
             gives
             us
             to
             sing
             ,
             
               Lord
               ,
               Thou
               hast
               made
               us
            
             Kings
             
               and
               Priests
            
             .
             It
             has
             been
             well
             said
             ,
             
               Deo
               servire
               est
               regnare
            
             .
             We
             have
             Crowns
             on
             our
             heads
             ,
             all
             the
             while
             we
             are
             in
             the
             Service
             of
             God
             ;
             but
             how
             massy
             ,
             how
             weighty
             will
             they
             be
             grown
             when
             our
             Pay-day
             comes
             !
             Every
             Servant
             of
             God
             may
             now
             say
             ,
             as
             in
             2.
             
             
               Tim.
               4.
               8.
               
               Henceforth
               is
               laid
               up
               for
               me
               a
               crown
               of
               righteousness
               .
            
             But
             Then
             ,
             Then
             ,
             we
             shall
             ascend
             those
             glittering
             and
             glorious
             Thrones
             ,
             which
             
               Eye
               hath
               not
               seen
            
             ;
             on
             them
             we
             shall
             be
             
               ever
               with
               the
               Lord.
            
             
          
           
             Consider
             ,
             finally
             ,
             (
             and
             let
             me
             warn
             you
             faithfully
             )
             .
             If
             you
             do
             not
             Resolve
             to
             serve
             God
             ,
             it
             
             had
             been
             
               good
               for
               you
               ,
               that
               you
               never
               had
               been
               born
               .
            
             All
             that
             forsake
             the
             Service
             of
             God
             ,
             are
             employ'd
             in
             another
             Service
             ,
             which
             every
             soul
             may
             tremble
             at
             the
             Description
             of
             ;
             't
             is
             a
             Service
             to
             those
             hellish
             Tigres
             in
             Eph.
             22.
             
             
               The
               course
               of
               this
               world
               ,
               the
               prince
               of
               the
               power
               of
               the
               air
               ,
               and
               the
               lust
               of
               the
               flesh
               .
            
             You
             cast
             off
             the
             Service
             of
             One
             ;
             but
             you
             incurr
             a
             Bondage
             to
             three
             :
             let
             Horror
             sieze
             thee
             ,
             O
             man
             ,
             and
             let
             thy
             ears
             tingle
             ,
             at
             the
             intimations
             of
             it
             .
             The
             World
             ,
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             &
             the
             Devil
             are
             thy
             Lords
             ,
             if
             God
             have
             not
             Service
             from
             thee
             .
             All
             the
             Galleys
             in
             the
             
               Mediterranean
               Sea
            
             ,
             cannot
             shew
             a
             more
             dismal
             Vassalage
             !
             And
             what
             will
             the
             Issue
             of
             that
             Service
             be
             ?
             Truly
             ,
             
               The
               Wages
               —
               is
               Death
            
             .
             God
             will
             not
             
               save
               you
            
             ,
             if
             you
             do
             not
             
               serve
               Him.
            
             You
             that
             now
             grind
             for
             the
             Phili●●ines
             of
             Hell
             every
             day
             ,
             must
             one
             day
             be
             requited
             with
             only
             Coals
             and
             Wounds
             ,
             for
             all
             your
             fatal
             Dr●dgeries
             ;
             and
             though
             you
             then
             roar
             ,
             
               Lord
               ,
               pitty
               me
            
             !
             He
             will
             reply
             with
             a
             furious
             Rebuke
             ,
             
               Depart
               ,
               I
               know
               you
               not
               .
            
          
           
             Let
             me
             then
             address
             you
             in
             the
             Words
             of
             
               Ioshua
               ;
               Choose
               now
               ,
               whom
               you
               will
            
             Serve
             .
             Come
             ,
             speak
             up
             ;
             come
             to
             some
             Resolution
             .
             Say
             ,
             Will
             you
             serve
             the
             cursed
             and
             cruel
             Enemies
             of
             your
             Souls
             ?
             or
             will
             you
             serve
             the
             GOD
             Whom
             it
             is
             
               good
               for
               you
               to
               draw
               near
               unto
               ?
            
             O
             make
             this
             Return
             ,
             
               Lord
               ,
               we
               come
               unto
               thee
               ,
               for
               thou
               art
               the
               Lord
               our
               God.
               
            
          
        
         
           
           
             SECT
             .
             VII
             .
          
           
             YOu
             have
             been
             told
             Why
             ;
             now
             here
             How
             ,
             you
             are
             to
             become
             ,
             
               The
               Servants
               of
               God.
            
             There
             are
             diverse
             Counsils
             to
             be
             given
             hereabout
             .
          
           
             
               The
               First
               COUNSIL
               .
            
             
               Renounce
               and
               Forsake
               the
               Service
               of
               those
               Idols
               which
               you
               have
               heretofore
               been
               enslaved
               unto
               .
               We
               must
               ,
               as
               Ioshua
               here
               assures
               us
               ,
               we
               must
               
                 put
                 away
                 other
                 gods
              
               ,
               if
               we
               we
               would
               
                 serve
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               Our
               Lord
               has
               admonished
               us
               ,
               in
               
                 Matth.
                 6.
                 24.
                 
                 Ye
              
               cannot
               ●erve
               
                 God
                 and
                 Mammon
              
               .
               Even
               so
               ,
               
                 Ye
                 cannot
              
               serve
               
                 God
                 and
                 Satan
              
               .
               And
               again
               ,
               
                 Ye
                 cannot
              
               serve
               
                 God
                 and
                 Sin.
              
               The
               Holy
               God
               may
               say
               of
               you
               as
               of
               them
               ,
               long
               since
               ,
               
                 Ye
                 have
              
               served
               
                 strange
                 gods
              
               .
               But
               ,
               O
               do
               you
               now
               say
               to
               Him
               ,
               as
               they
               in
               Isal.
               21.
               13.
               
               
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 other
                 lords
                 besides
                 thee
                 have
                 had
                 dominion
                 over
                 us
              
               ;
               but
               we
               will
               no●
               ▪
               be
               for
               Thee
               alone
               .
               Become
               weary
               of
               your
               Captivity
               under
               those
               Task-masters
               which
               have
               hither
               to
               been
               torturing
               your
               souls
               .
               There
               are
               two
               sorts
               of
               Tyrants
               that
               every
               unregenerate
               man
               is
               a
               Servant
               unto
               ;
               his
               Tempers
               ,
               and
               his
               Tempters
               .
               Let
               the
               Tempers
               within
               us
               ,
               no
               more
               cause
               us
               to
               toil
               ,
               and
               run
               ,
               and
               sweat
               ,
               for
               the
               gratifying
               of
               them
               .
               Let
               the
               Tempters
               without
               us
               ,
               no
               more
               hurry
               us
               too
               &
               fro
               that
               their
               Humours
               may
               be
               pleased
               .
               Souls
               ,
               I
               give
               you
               no
               
                 bad
                 counsil
              
               ,
               when
               I
               propound
               this
               ;
               and
               I
               do
               propound
               it
               ,
               
                 O
                 ,
                 Run
                 away
                 from
                 your
                 old
                 masters
                 .
              
               Come
               away
               poor
               souls
               ,
               come
               away
               from
               the
               land
               of
               your
               Captivity
               .
               
               Look
               upon
               the
               grim
               face
               of
               the
               Patroons
               und●r
               which
               you
               groan
               ;
               say
               to
               them
               all
               ,
               
                 Farewel
                 ,
                 you
                 malicious
                 ,
                 you
                 bloudy
                 ,
                 you
                 for
                 did
                 Masters
                 ,
                 Farewel
                 ;
                 We
                 hope
                 you
                 shall
              
               never
               
                 have
                 any
                 of
                 our
              
               Service
               more
               .
               O
               look
               upon
               the
               Calamities
               of
               your
               Service
               under
               your
               invisible
               Adversaries
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 T
                 is
                 enough
              
               !
               Say
               ,
               
                 The
                 time
                 past
                 may
                 suffice
              
               !
               Thus
               ,
               Take
               ye
               the
               
                 Wings
                 of
                 a
                 Dove
              
               ,
               and
               flee
               away
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               Second
               Counsil
               .
            
             
               Bind
               your selves
               unto
               the
               Service
               of
               God
               by
               a
               Covenant
               never
               to
               be
               Forgotten
               .
               It
               was
               the
               good
               Counsil
               of
               Hez●k●ah
               ,
               in
               2.
               
               Chron.
               30.
               8.
               
               
                 Yeild
                 yourselves
                 unto
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               In
               the
               Hebrew
               Original
               t
               is
               ,
               
                 Give
                 the
                 Hand
                 unto
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               The
               giving
               of
               the
               Hand
               was
               a
               Rite
               in
               the
               making
               of
               a
               Covenant
               Men
               and
               Brethren
               ,
               Look
               Zion●ards
               ,
               I
               beseech
               you
               ;
               and
               say
               now
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 join
                 my self
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 a
                 perpetual
              
               COVENANT
               .
               Think
               on
               the
               Service
               which
               God
               is
               to
               have
               of
               you
               ,
               and
               be
               able
               then
               to
               declare
               ,
               as
               in
               
                 Psal.
                 119.
                 110.
                 
                 I
                 have
                 sworn
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 perform
                 it
                 .
              
               Make
               a
               
                 solemn
                 Covenant
              
               ,
               that
               you
               will
               be
               the
               Lord's
               .
               Yea
               ,
               a
               Written
               ,
               a
               Formal
               ,
               a
               subscribed
               Covenant
               for
               it
               ,
               has
               by
               some
               been
               advised
               and
               practised
               .
               Written
               and
               Formal
               Indentures
               are
               made
               between
               man
               and
               man
               ;
               Why
               should
               not
               there
               be
               so
               between
               God
               and
               man
               ?
               when
               a
               Service
               is
               to
               be
               Entred
               into
               .
               Especially
               ,
               since
               t
               is
               said
               ,
               in
               ●sai
               ,
               44.
               5.
               
               
                 A
                 man
                 shall
                 subscribe
                 
                 with
                 his
                 hand
                 unto
                 the
                 Lord
                 ?
              
            
             
               In
               a
               Sacred
               Covenant
               say
               ,
            
             
               I
               Renounce
               all
               the
               Vanities
               and
               Idols
               of
               this
               World.
               
            
             
               I
               Engage
               that
               I
               will
               cleave
               unto
               the
               Lord
               Iehovah
               ,
               as
               my
               
                 Best
                 Good
              
               ,
               and
               my
               
                 Last
                 End
              
               ;
               promising
               to
               live
               upon
               Him
               ,
               and
               unto
               Him
               ,
               hoping
               are
               long
               to
               live
               with
               Him
               for
               ever
               .
            
             
               I
               Engage
               ,
               That
               I
               will
               cleave
               unto
               the
               Lord
               Iesus
               ,
               as
               my
               Prophet
               ,
               and
               my
               Priest
               ,
               and
               my
               King
               ;
               Promising
               to
               acknowledge
               Him
               as
               the
               Author
               of
               all
               my
               Salvation
               .
            
             
               I
               Engage
               ,
               That
               I
               will
               ever
               study
               what
               is
               my
               Duty
               in
               these
               things
               ;
               and
               wherein
               I
               find
               my self
               to
               fall
               short
               ,
               I
               will
               ever
               count
               it
               my
               Grief
               ,
               my
               Shame
               ,
               and
               for
               pardon
               betake
               my self
               to
               the
               Blood
               of
               the
               
                 Everlasting
                 Covenant
              
               .
            
             
               All
               this
               I
               Engage
               ,
               humbly
               imploring
               the
               Grace
               of
               the
               Mediator
               to
               be
               sufficient
               for
               me
               .
            
             
               It
               would
               hurt
               no
               Godly
               man
               ,
               to
               set
               his
               Name
               with
               Hand
               and
               Heart
               to
               such
               an
               Instrument
               ;
               afterwards
               frequently
               Reflecting
               on
               it
               ,
               frequently
               Renewing
               of
               it
               .
               However
               ,
               let
               every
               man
               this
               Day
               ,
               make
               this
               Confession
               ,
               in
               
                 Psal.
                 116.
                 16.
                 
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 truly
                 I
                 am
                 thy
              
               Servant
               ,
               
                 I
                 am
                 thy
              
               Servant
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               Third
               Rule
               .
            
             
               And
               now
               demean
               your selves
               in
               all
               things
               as
               the
               Servants
               of
               God
               ought
               to
               do
               .
            
             
             
               There
               is
               a
               Four-sold
               Concernment
               that
               will
               now
               lye
               upon
               you
               .
            
             
               First
               .
               Be
               studious
               to
               know
               what
               Service
               God
               calleth
               for
               .
               Ly
               at
               His
               Feet
               ,
               and
               say
               as
               Paul
               of
               old
               ,
               
                 Lord
                 ,
                 What
                 wouldest
                 thou
                 have
                 me
                 to
                 do
                 ?
              
               or
               like
               Samuel
               once
               ,
               
                 Speak
                 Lord
                 ,
                 for
                 thy
                 servant
                 heareth
                 .
              
               Be
               daily
               Reading
               of
               the
               Word
               ,
               be
               daily
               Thinking
               on
               the
               Word
               :
               upon
               every
               opportunity
               say
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 hear
                 what
                 God
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 say
                 .
              
               To
               all
               ,
               add
               That
               ,
               as
               your
               daily
               Petition
               unto
               God
               ;
               in
               
                 Psal.
                 119.
                 115.
                 
                 I
                 am
                 thy
              
               servant
               ,
               
                 O
                 Lord
                 ;
                 give
                 me
                 understandeng
                 that
                 I
                 may
                 know
                 thy
                 testimonies
                 .
              
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               Be
               ready
               to
               Do
               what
               Service
               God
               calleth
               for
               .
               Never
               object
               ,
               never
               cavil
               against
               any
               of
               Gods
               Commands
               ;
               never
               dispute
               any
               thing
               that
               He
               requires
               ;
               but
               own
               ,
               
                 'T
                 is
                 all
                 holy
                 ,
                 and
                 just
                 ,
                 and
                 Good.
              
               Be
               not
               more
               undutiful
               unto
               God
               ,
               than
               the
               servants
               of
               the
               Centurion
               were
               to
               him
               ,
               If
               He
               say
               ,
               Go
               ,
               then
               go
               ;
               if
               He
               say
               Come
               ,
               then
               come
               ;
               if
               He
               say
               ,
               
                 Do
                 this
              
               ,
               then
               
                 do
                 it
              
               ,
               without
               any
               Grumbling
               at
               it
               .
               Say
               not
               ,
               
                 I
                 won't
              
               ,
               altho
               there
               be
               
                 Hard
                 Sayings
              
               pressed
               upon
               thee
               .
               Albeit
               God
               may
               enjoin
               this
               ,
               
                 Pluck
                 out
                 thy
              
               right
               eye
               ,
               
                 cut
                 off
                 thy
              
               right
               hand
               ;
               and
               albeit
               the
               Injunction
               of
               God
               may
               be
               ;
               
                 Take
                 up
                 thy
                 Cross
              
               ;
               yet
               Comply
               ,
               yet
               ,
               Conform
               ,
               without
               any
               Reluctancies
               ;
               and
               say
               with
               him
               in
               Psal.
               119.
               128.
               
               
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 I
                 esteem
                 all
                 thy
                 precepts
                 concerning
                 all
                 things
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 right
                 .
              
            
             
               Thirdly
               .
               Be
               greatly
               Contriving
               how
               to
               be
               
               most
               serviceable
               unto
               God.
               Ponder
               well
               ,
               What
               you
               are
               ,
               What
               you
               have
               ,
               What
               you
               can
               ;
               and
               Ponder
               how
               all
               may
               be
               improved
               in
               the
               Service
               of
               the
               Lord.
               Thus
               be
               
                 Zealous
                 of
                 good
                 Works
              
               .
               Never
               be
               satisfied
               unless
               you
               can
               say
               ,
               
                 I
                 am
                 at
                 work
                 for
                 God.
              
               Let
               even
               your
               Eating
               ,
               your
               
                 I
                 ●●ding
              
               ,
               your
               Visiting
               ,
               be
               done
               as
               a
               Service
               for
               the
               Lord
               ;
               and
               let
               your
               Time
               ,
               your
               Strength
               ,
               your
               Estates
               ,
               all
               the
               Powers
               of
               your
               Spirits
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               Members
               of
               your
               bodies
               ,
               be
               ingeniously
               la●●
               out
               in
               that
               Service
               .
               Often
               ask
               your
               own
               souls
               ,
               
                 What
                 is
                 there
                 that
                 I
                 may
                 do
                 for
                 God
                 ?
              
               Even
               court
               ,
               and
               hunt
               Advantages
               to
               be
               serviceable
               ;
               Say
               like
               the
               Prophet
               ,
               in
               Isa
               6.
               8.
               
               Say
               
                 Lord
                 ,
                 if
                 〈◊〉
                 hast
                 any
              
               Service
               
                 to
                 be
                 done
                 ;
                 here
                 I
                 〈…〉
                 me
                 .
              
            
             
               Fourthly
               .
               Be
               sweetly
               Contented
               with
               all
               the
               Allowances
               of
               the
               Lord.
               
                 Iohn
                 Bapi●st
              
               gave
               this
               Counsel
               to
               the
               servants
               in
               the
               Roman
               Ga●●sons
               ,
               
                 Luc.
                 3.
                 14.
                 
                 Be
              
               content
               
                 with
                 your
                 Wages
              
               .
               The
               Servants
               in
               God's
               Houshold
               ,
               ha●e
               the
               same
               Counsel
               ,
               in
               Heb
               13
               5
               Be
               content
               
                 〈…〉
                 as
                 you
                 have
              
               .
               Tho
               you
               should
               have
               but
               ●hort
               Commons
               ,
               and
               straw
               lodgings
               in
               the
               world
               ;
               tho
               you
               should
               be
               without
               many
               Flesh
               ●●leasing
               Curiosities
               and
               Conveniencies
               ,
               let
               this
               quiet
               you
               ,
               
                 I
                 am
                 a
              
               Servant
               .
               Don't
               complain
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               as
               the
               slothful
               and
               wicked
               servant
               once
               ,
               
                 He
                 is
                 〈◊〉
                 hard
                 Master
              
               .
               Let
               your
               Wills
               be
               moulded
               and
               melted
               into
               His
               ;
               and
               cheerfully
               leave
               Him
               to
               judge
               ,
               What
               may
               be
               Food
               convenient
               
                 for
                 you
              
               .
               
               Count
               that
               you
               have
               enough
               ,
               when
               God
               saies
               ,
               
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 no
                 more
              
               ;
               and
               alwaies
               have
               a
               good
               Opinion
               of
               Gods
               Disposals
               .
               Learn
               Pauls
               Lesson
               ,
               
                 In
                 whatever
                 state
                 to
                 be
                 content
                 .
              
               It
               is
               not
               for
               Beggars
               ,
               nor
               Servants
               to
               be
               Choosers
               .
            
             
               
                 This
                 ,
                 This
                 t
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 a
              
               Servant
               
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               Blessed
               is
               the
               servant
               ,
               whom
               his
               Lord
               ,
               when
               he
               cometh
               shall
               find
               so
               doing
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             SECT
             .
             VIII
             .
          
           
             BUt
             This
             is
             not
             all
             that
             we
             have
             to
             do
             .
             We
             have
             Houses
             too
             that
             we
             ought
             to
             be
             concerned
             for
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
          
           
             The
             Second
             Exhortation
             ,
             is
          
           
             Let
             us
             also
             study
             to
             Engage
             OUR
             HOUSES
             in
             the
             Service
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             It
             is
             the
             property
             of
             every
             Good
             man
             to
             desire
             Company
             in
             the
             Service
             of
             the
             Lord.
             O
             that
             we
             might
             have
             the
             Company
             of
             all
             that
             belong
             to
             our
             Houses
             in
             it
             !
             But
          
           
             What
             shall
             we
             do
             ?
          
           
             In
             short
             ,
             Would
             we
             truly
             say
             with
             
               Ioshua
               ,
               My
            
             House
             
               shall
               serve
               the
               Lord
            
             ?
             We
             must
             then
             Do
             like
             
               Iesus
               .
               Iesus
            
             the
             blessed
             Name-sake
             ,
             and
             Antitype
             of
             Ioshuah
             ,
             hath
             a
             Three-fold
             Offfice
             ;
             that
             of
             a
             Priest
             ,
             a
             Prophet
             ,
             and
             a
             King.
             In
             His
             
               lesser
               Family
            
             of
             Disciples
             once
             ,
             in
             His
             
               greater
               Family
            
             of
             Believers
             alwaies
             ,
             we
             find
             Him
             so
             .
             Every
             Householder
             should
             be
             all
             of
             this
             in
             his
             own
             Family
             Each
             man
             pretends
             to
             he
             a
             
               King
               in
               his
               own
               house
            
             ;
             he
             should
             there
             
             be
             a
             Priest
             ,
             and
             a
             Prophet
             too
             .
             There
             are
             Three
             great
             Cares
             lying
             upon
             us
             in
             our
             Families
             ;
             there
             is
             Family
             
               -
               Prayer
            
             ,
             and
             Family
             
               -
               Instruction
            
             ,
             and
             Family
             
               -
               Government
            
             .
             T
             is
             by
             the
             Discharge
             of
             these
             three
             things
             ,
             that
             we
             engage
             our
             Houses
             to
             serve
             
               the
               Lord.
            
             
          
        
         
           
             Family-PRAYER
             .
          
           
             SECT
             .
             IX
             .
          
           
             FIrst
             ,
             then
             .
             Let
             Family-Prayer
             be
             maintained
             in
             our
             Houses
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             
               serve
               the
               Lord.
            
             My
             Neighbours
             ,
             
               I
               have
               told
               you
               often
               ,
               and
               I
               now
               tell
               you
               weeping
               ,
            
             That
             it
             will
             be
             a
             sad
             thing
             ,
             if
             so
             much
             as
             one
             Prayerless-Family
             be
             found
             among
             you
             all
             .
             The
             owners
             of
             that
             House
             will
             never
             be
             able
             to
             stand
             or
             live
             in
             the
             fiery
             day
             of
             of
             God's
             pleading
             with
             him
             .
             You
             have
             been
             Warned
             and
             Warned
             full
             many
             a
             time
             ,
             that
             if
             your
             Houses
             be
             not
             Warmed
             with
             your
             Prayers
             ,
             the
             fierce
             Wrath
             of
             God
             abideth
             on
             them
             ;
             and
             I
             hope
             ,
             none
             of
             you
             will
             venture
             to
             meet
             me
             at
             the
             Bar
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             with
             the
             fearful
             heavy
             guilt
             of
             this
             Omission
             upon
             your
             souls
             .
             The
             very
             Turks
             themselves
             at
             this
             day
             uphold
             a
             Family-Worship
             among
             themselves
             ;
             God
             forbid
             that
             any
             styled
             Christians
             here
             should
             be
             worse
             than
             they
             .
          
        
         
           
             SECT
             .
             X.
             
          
           
             THe
             Method
             in
             which
             I
             shall
             treat
             with
             you
             here
             about
             ,
             shall
             be
             ,
          
           
           
             
               I.
               To
               offer
               some
               Directions
               about
               Family-Prayer
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               First
               Rule
               .
            
             
               Let
               all
               Persons
               that
               should
               attend
               Family-prayer
               ,
               count
               themselves
               concernd
               to
               
                 Pray
                 without
                 ●easing
              
               .
               Eve●y
               Master
               of
               an
               House
               ,
               is
               to
               carry
               on
               the
               Pr●yer
               in
               it
               .
               That
               man
               is
               not
               fit
               to
               have
               a●
               H●use
               ,
               that
               cannot
               make
               a
               Prayer
               .
               But
               if
               the
               Ma●ter
               be
               absent
               ?
               Then
               the
               Mistress
               is
               to
               see
               ●till
               that
               Prayer
               be
               not
               wanting
               .
               It
               seems
               affi●med
               of
               E●ther
               ,
               a
               Woman
               ,
               in
               
                 Cap.
                 4.
                 16.
              
               
               That
               she
               Pray'd
               with
               her
               Maidens
               .
               There
               should
               not
               be
               one
               Prayer
               the
               less
               in
               a
               Family
               ,
               because
               〈◊〉
               is
               become
               the
               Ruler
               there
               :
               No
               ,
               the
               L●sses
               of
               a
               Family
               ,
               should
               increase
               the
               Prayers
               of
               it
               .
               And
               let
               the
               Master
               of
               a
               Ship
               ,
               remember
               ,
               That
               the
               Sailers
               are
               his
               Family
               .
               He
               should
               pray
               with
               them
               aboard
               ,
               every
               day
               while
               they
               are
               at
               Sea
               together
               .
               You
               that
               see
               the
               Wonders
               of
               God
               together
               ,
               should
               together
               sing
               the
               Praises
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               together
               beg
               the
               Mercies
               of
               God.
               Methinks
               ,
               the
               poor
               Sea-men
               ,
               should
               be
               the
               
                 best
                 〈◊〉
              
               in
               the
               world
               .
               With
               what
               face
               can
               you
               pray
               in
               a
               Storm
               ,
               if
               you
               do
               not
               also
               pray
               in
               a
               C●lm
               ?
               Now
               Master
               ,
               t
               is
               your
               Work
               ,
               t
               is
               part
               of
               your
               
                 Order
                 ▪
              
               from
               your
               great
               Own●r
               to
               see
               that
               this
               ●e
               done
               〈◊〉
               all
               Mariners
               call
               upon
               their
               Master
               ,
               as
               thos●
               Mar●ners
               did
               upon
               the
               Passinger
               in
               ,
               〈◊〉
               1
               ▪
               6
               Ar●●e
               ,
               〈…〉
               
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 perish
                 〈◊〉
                 ▪
              
               Let
               the
               Master
               of
               〈◊〉
               School
               also
               ▪
               Remember
               ,
               
               That
               the
               Scholars
               are
               his
               Family
               ;
               He
               should
               pray
               with
               them
               ,
               and
               bless
               them
               in
               the
               Name
               of
               the
               Highest
               .
               God
               provides
               Angels
               .
               and
               will
               not
               you
               afford
               Prayers
               for
               the
               safety
               of
               those
               
                 little
                 ones
              
               ?
               We
               read
               of
               some
               in
               
                 Mark.
                 10.
                 13.
              
               who
               
                 brought
                 young
                 children
                 unto
                 the
                 Lord
                 Iesus
                 Christ
                 :
              
               The
               Children
               that
               are
               brought
               to
               you
               ,
               by
               Parents
               or
               Guardians
               ,
               these
               are
               by
               you
               to
               be
               brought
               unto
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               that
               He
               would
               lay
               His
               Blessing
               and
               saving
               hands
               upon
               them
               .
               Yea
               ,
               the
               Captain
               of
               a
               Train'd
               Band
               ,
               is
               to
               esteem
               the
               Souldiers
               as
               his
               Family
               .
               That
               good
               Captain
               Cornelius
               ,
               could
               s●y
               ,
               in
               
                 Act.
                 10.
                 30.
                 
                 I
              
               prayed
               
                 in
                 my
                 House
              
               .
               As
               for
               those
               that
               will
               not
               pray
               in
               the
               Field
               ,
               t
               is
               to
               be
               questioned
               ,
               whether
               they
               will
               Fight
               there
               .
               Trainings
               without
               Prayings
               are
               like
               to
               degenerate
               into
               meer
               Debaucheries
               .
               The
               
                 Prayeres●
                 Captain
              
               gives
               a
               very
               dangerous
               and
               desperate
               Word
               of
               Command
               when
               he
               saies
               ,
               
                 Follow
                 your
                 Leader
              
               .
               Briefly
               ,
               All
               Superiors
               generally
               have
               a
               Family
               in
               the
               Kind
               of
               their
               Superiority
               ,
               which
               they
               are
               to
               attend
               Prayers
               withal
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               Second
               Rule
               .
            
             
               Let
               all
               the
               Matters
               that
               would
               hinder
               Family-Prayer
               be
               put
               
                 far
                 from
                 our
                 Taberna●les
              
               .
               There
               are
               diverse
               Impediments
               of
               our
               family-Prayers
               ,
               ●hi●h
               ●e
               are
               to
               be
               Cautioned
               against
               .
               As
               now
               ,
               Let
               not
               family
               -
               Iarrs
               hinder
               family-Prayers
               ▪
               The
               Apos●●●●aith
               to
               them
               that
               are
               in
               ●
               C●njogal
               Re●lation
               ,
               
               that
               they
               should
               be
               meek
               ,
               tender
               ,
               lov●ng
               ;
               for
               this
               cause
               in
               1.
               
               Pet.
               3.
               7.
               
               
                 That
                 your
              
               Prayers
               
                 be
                 not
                 hindred
              
               .
               if
               Peace
               be
               gone
               from
               a
               family
               ,
               then
               Prayer
               is
               gone
               .
               How
               can
               Scolding
               ,
               and
               it
               may
               be
               Striking
               too
               ,
               agree
               with
               
                 Praying
                 ▪
              
               in
               which
               we
               are
               to
               
                 lift
                 up
                 pure
                 ●ands
                 ,
                 without
                 wrath
                 ?
              
               Again
               ,
               Let
               not
               family
               -
               Scabs
               hinder
               family-Prayers
               .
               Bad-Members
               in
               a
               family
               ,
               often
               cause
               that
               there
               are
               no
               Prayers
               in
               it
               .
               Many
               men
               will
               not
               pray
               ,
               because
               others
               will
               scoff
               and
               flout
               .
               But
               let
               your
               Houses
               have
               no
               such
               In-mates
               ,
               no
               such
               Ishmaels
               in
               them
               .
               It
               is
               recorded
               of
               Elisha
               ,
               in
               2
               King.
               4.
               33.
               he
               would
               not
               have
               a
               servant
               with
               him
               ,
               which
               he
               could
               not
               pray
               withal
               .
               If
               any
               profane
               ,
               graceless
               ,
               Despisers
               of
               Prayer
               ,
               would
               impose
               themselves
               upon
               us
               ,
               let
               us
               then
               say
               to
               them
               ,
               
                 Depart
                 ye
                 workers
                 of
                 iniquity
                 .
                 for
                 I
                 will
                 call
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               Once
               more
               ,
            
             
               Let
               not
               Family-Prayers
               be
               hindred
               by
               
                 unsuitable
                 Times
              
               .
               The
               earlier
               we
               dispatch
               them
               ,
               the
               easier
               .
               We
               should
               not
               ordinarily
               let
               Business
               royl
               us
               in
               the
               Morning
               ,
               nor
               ●ro●siness
               drown
               us
               in
               the
               Evening
               ,
               before
               
                 Family
                 Prayer
              
               be
               over
               .
               As
               
                 To
                 every
                 purpose
              
               ,
               ●
               thus
               
                 to
                 every
              
               Prayer
               
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 and
                 judgment
              
               ;
               and
               a
               
                 wise
                 mans
                 heart
                 will
                 discern
                 it
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               The
               Third
               Rule
               .
            
             
               Be
               frequent
               enough
               ,
               and
               yet
               very
               serious
               in
               your
               family
               -
               Prayers
               .
               Very
               shameful
               is
               their
               neglect
               ,
               who
               have
               Prayers
               in
               their
               Families
               but
               
                 once
                 a
                 
                 day
              
               .
               The
               Apostle
               saith
               in
               
                 Col.
                 4.
                 2.
                 
                 Masters
                 ▪
                 continue
                 in
                 prayer
              
               ;
               he
               speaks
               with
               a
               manifest
               Allusion
               to
               the
               
                 daily
                 Offering
              
               under
               the
               Law
               of
               old
               ;
               which
               was
               both
               morning
               and
               evening
               .
               We
               should
               have
               
               Morning-Prayers
               ,
               and
               
               Evening-Prayers
               ,
               correspondent
               unto
               the
               
                 daily
                 Sacrifice
              
               .
               And
               hence
               ,
               because
               the
               Sacrifice
               was
               doubled
               on
               the
               Sabbath
               ,
               I
               have
               known
               some
               pious
               people
               ,
               pray
               
                 four
                 times
              
               every
               
               Lords-Day
               with
               their
               Families
               .
               Be
               sure
               ,
               Twice
               a
               day
               is
               ordinarily
               the
               seldomest
               and
               slenderest
               Repetition
               that
               our
               Family-prayers
               are
               to
               have
               .
            
             
               O
               but
               we
               should
               therein
               
                 stir
                 up
                 our selves
                 to
                 take
                 hold
                 on
                 God.
              
               When
               you
               keel
               before
               the
               Lord
               ,
               you
               should
               not
               be
               rash
               ,
               hasty
               ,
               sudden
               in
               it
               ;
               you
               should
               not
               be
               sleig●ty
               in
               this
               great
               Excercise
               of
               of
               Religion
               .
               Before
               we
               pray
               ,
               we
               should
               think
               ,
               Think
               seriously
               ,
               To
               WHOM
               
                 am
                 I
                 to
                 pray
              
               ?
               and
               For
               What
               
                 am
                 I
                 to
                 Pray
              
               ?
               and
               
                 How
                 soon
                 may
                 I
              
               dye
               ,
               
                 and
                 my
                 praying
                 seasons
                 all
                 be
                 over
                 ?
              
               And
               before
               we
               pray
               ,
               we
               should
               Read.
               Read
               seriously
               something
               of
               the
               
                 Things
                 which
                 are
                 commanded
                 you
                 of
                 God.
              
               The
               Scriptures
               are
               to
               accompany
               our
               prayers
               .
               T
               is
               said
               ▪
               
                 They
                 are
                 to
              
               dwell
               
                 with
                 us
              
               .
               The
               Bible
               is
               to
               be
               one
               of
               the
               House
               ,
               When
               we
               betake
               our selves
               to
               our
               P●ayers
               ,
               we
               should
               not
               let
               the
               Bible
               say
               ,
               
                 I
                 should
                 have
                 been
                 as
                 one
                 of
                 the
              
               Family
               ;
               
                 pray
                 ,
                 why
                 was
                 not
                 I
                 called
                 in
                 ?
              
            
          
           
             
               The
               Fourth
               Rule
               .
            
             
               Let
               not
               your
               
               Family-prayers
               be
               your
               only
               
               prayers
               ▪
               Understand
               ,
               that
               Se●ret
               Prayers
               ,
               ●s
               ●●ll
               as
               private
               Prayers
               ,
               are
               to
               be
               performed
               by
               ●s
               all
               .
               For
               this
               ,
               the
               word
               of
               our
               Lord
               is
               very
               positive
               ,
               in
               
                 Matth.
                 6.
                 6.
                 
                 When
                 thou
                 prayest
                 ,
                 enter
                 into
                 thy
                 closet
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 thou
                 hast
                 shut
                 thy
                 door
                 ,
                 pray
                 to
                 thy
                 Father
                 which
                 is
                 in
              
               secret
               .
               T
               is
               a
               great
               fondness
               and
               folly
               in
               any
               of
               us
               ,
               if
               private
               prayer
               cause
               us
               to
               lay
               aside
               secret
               prayer
               .
               No
               ,
               There
               is
               
               Closet-Prayer
               as
               well
               as
               
               Parlour-Prayer
               which
               we
               ought
               to
               labour
               in
               .
               I
               would
               say
               ,
               as
               our
               Lord
               in
               another
               case
               ,
               
                 One
                 you
                 ought
                 to
                 do
                 ;
                 &
                 not
                 leave
                 the
                 other
                 undone
                 .
              
               We
               have
               
                 special
                 Trans●●iss●●ns
              
               to
               be
               confessed
               in
               our
               prayers
               ;
               these
               are
               〈◊〉
               to
               be
               confessed
               .
               To
               divulge
               a
               
                 secret
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               is
               to
               add
               a
               
                 further
                 sin
              
               ,
               Our
               
                 secret
                 sins
              
               ,
               do
               call
               for
               our
               
                 secre●
                 Prayers
              
               .
               We
               have
               
                 special
                 Temp●●●●s
              
               to
               be
               bewailed
               in
               our
               prayers
               ;
               and
               these
               〈◊〉
               sec●etly
               to
               be
               bewailed
               .
               Our
               Desires
               are
               sometimes
               to
               be
               too
               secret
               for
               our
               Neighbours
               .
               Our
               
                 secret
                 Griefs
              
               and
               our
               
                 secret
                 Fears
              
               call
               for
               our
               
                 secret
                 Prayers
              
               .
               And
               as
               one
               of
               the
               Ancients
               elegantly
               expresses
               it
               ,
               
                 Invisible
                 prayers
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 often
                 made
                 to
                 an
                 invisible
                 God.
                 Secret
                 prayer
              
               is
               one
               good
               sign
               of
               a
               
                 gracious
                 heart
              
               .
               Let
               the
               Lord
               oft
               see
               you
               like
               Nathanael
               at
               
                 secret
                 prayer
              
               under
               the
               〈◊〉
               ,
               and
               He
               will
               say
               ,
               
                 Behold
                 an
                 Israelite
                 i●deed
              
               !
               Would
               you
               get
               Internal
               Blessings
               ?
               then
               pray
               in
               
                 secret
                 .
                 Solomon
              
               got
               his
               Widom
               ,
               his
               Vertue
               ,
               by
               
                 secret
                 prayer
                 .
                 Peter
              
               by
               
                 secret
                 prayer
              
               in
               〈…〉
               car●ied
               with
               Tran●es
               and
               Raptures
               
               into
               the
               other
               world
               .
               Would
               you
               get
               External
               Blessings
               ?
               Then
               pray
               in
               
                 secret
                 .
                 H●●nah
              
               with
               
                 secre●
                 prayer
              
               asked
               one
               Son
               ,
               and
               had
               
                 six
                 .
                 Iacob
              
               had
               all
               his
               House
               preserved
               by
               
                 secret
                 prayer
              
               .
               Yea
               ,
               Would
               you
               be
               General
               Blessings
               ?
               Pray
               then
               in
               
                 ●●c●et
                 .
                 Moses
              
               by
               
                 secret
                 prayer
              
               diverted
               wrath
               &
               plagues
               from
               all
               the
               Congregation
               .
               That
               infamous
               Apostate
               Iulian
               ,
               was
               killed
               by
               the
               
                 secret
                 prayer
              
               of
               a
               good
               man
               ,
               at
               that
               hour
               very
               far
               distant
               from
               him
               ▪
               What
               shall
               I
               say
               ?
               No
               
                 Supe
                 sedeas
              
               ,
               no
               Diversion
               should
               ever
               be
               given
               to
               your
               
                 secret
                 prayers
              
               .
            
             
               Moreover
               ,
               besides
               your
               Prayers
               with
               all
               the
               Family
               ,
               you
               may
               do
               well
               sometimes
               to
               Re●●r●
               unto
               prayers
               with
               this
               or
               that
               particular
               person
               in
               it
               .
               Some
               do
               so
               translate
               that
               passage
               in
               
                 Gen
                 ▪
                 25.
                 21.
                 
                 Isaac
                 entrea●ed
                 the
                 Lord
              
               with
               
                 his
                 wife
              
               .
               It
               were
               but
               a
               discreet
               and
               a
               decent
               practice
               ,
               fo●
               married
               persons
               to
               
                 〈◊〉
                 likewise
              
               .
               Thus
               ,
               holy
               P●rents
               ,
               have
               often
               taken
               their
               Children
               ,
               one
               by
               one
               alone
               ;
               and
               there
               pray'd
               and
               wept
               ,
               and
               pour'd
               out
               their
               souls
               ,
               over
               the
               
                 poor
                 lambs
              
               in
               secret
               places
               before
               the
               Lord.
               Thus
               are
               we
               to
               do
               ,
               Thus
               to
               pray
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             SECT
             .
             XI
             .
          
           
             BUt
             the
             Sluggard
             will
             pretend
             ,
             
               A
               Lion
               in
               th●
               way
            
             .
             Wherefore
             I
             pass
             on
             ,
          
           
             
               II.
               To
               Remove
               some
               Obje●ctions
               against
               Family-Prayer
               .
            
          
           
             A
             Threefold
             want
             is
             plead●d
             by
             many
             ,
             to
             ●●●cuse
             
             their
             Prayerless
             Conversation
             with
             ;
             a
             Want
             of
             Time
             ,
             a
             Want
             of
             Confidence
             ,
             and
             a
             Want
             of
             Vtterance
             .
          
           
             
               The
               First
               Excuse
               .
            
             
               One
               man
               doth
               so
               Excuse
               himself
               .
               
                 I
                 want
              
               Time
               
                 for
                 Family-prayer
                 ;
                 especially
                 in
                 a
              
               Morning
               ,
               
                 I
                 can't
                 spare
                 the
              
               Time.
               
            
             
               This
               is
               a
               most
               horrrid
               and
               wicked
               Excuse
               .
               Thou
               Madman
               ,
               
                 From
                 Whom
              
               hast
               thou
               all
               thy
               
                 Time
                 ?
                 All
              
               thy
               Time
               is
               given
               by
               God
               ,
               and
               shall
               None
               of
               thy
               Time
               be
               given
               to
               God
               ?
               What
               ,
               
                 No
                 Time
              
               to
               pray
               with
               thy
               Family
               ?
               God
               ●uowes
               thou
               canst
               find
               time
               to
               eat
               with
               thy
               family
               ,
               time
               to
               sleep
               with
               thy
               family
               ,
               perhaps
               ,
               time
               to
               smoke
               with
               thy
               family
               ;
               and
               no
               Time
               to
               pray
               with
               ●em
               ?
               Once
               more
               ,
            
             
               What
               is
               it
               that
               does
               engross
               thy
               Time
               ,
               and
               put
               by
               thy
               Prayer
               ?
               T
               is
               the
               World
               ,
               the
               World
               !
               And
               is
               that
               such
               a
               Portion
               indeed
               ,
               as
               to
               bespeak
               thy
               Contempt
               of
               an
               Eternal
               GOD
               ,
               and
               of
               an
               immortal
               Soul
               ,
               in
               the
               pursuance
               of
               it
               .
               Thou
               shalt
               quickly
               take
               an
               everlasting
               Farewel
               of
               all
               this
               World
               ;
               
                 This
                 World
              
               will
               not
               stand
               thee
               in
               any
               stead
               ere
               long
               ,
               when
               thy
               Soul
               ,
               thy
               Soul
               shall
               ●e
               trembling
               on
               thy
               cold
               lips
               ,
               just
               ready
               (
               as
               the
               Atheist
               said
               )
               to
               
                 ●ake
                 a
                 great
                 leap
                 in
                 the
                 Dark
                 .
              
               Yea
               ,
               That
               very
               Day
               ,
               wherein
               thou
               goest
               abroad
               without
               thy
               
                 Family
                 Prayers
              
               ,
               may
               prove
               
               the
               very
               Day
               ,
               wherein
               an
               Angry
               God
               may
               say
               ▪
               
                 This
                 day
                 shall
                 thy
                 soul
                 be
                 required
                 of
                 thee
                 .
              
               And
               what
               a
               phrensy
               is
               this
               ?
               To
               be
               extreme
               busy
               &
               earnest
               about
               the
               trifles
               of
               this
               world
               ,
               while
               a
               precious
               never-dying
               soul
               is
               unprovided
               for
               ?
               I
               wish
               that
               all
               
                 Prayerless
                 Houses
              
               ,
               had
               this
               Admonition
               engraved
               on
               their
               walls
               ,
               
                 What
                 is
                 a
                 man
              
               profited
               ,
               
                 if
                 he
                 gain
                 the
                 whole
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 lose
                 his
                 own
                 soul
                 ?
              
               Could
               you
               see
               it
               engraved
               on
               those
               walls
               ,
               with
               an
               Hand
               writing
               ,
               like
               what
               Belshazzer
               saw
               of
               old
               it
               would
               no
               doubt
               amaze
               and
               startle
               you
               .
               Look
               into
               these
               leaves
               ,
               and
               see
               i●
               ▪
               with
               a
               
                 sharp
                 Style
              
               engraven
               here
               !
               Besides
               .
               
                 Family
                 Prayers
              
               are
               no
               real
               prejudice
               to
               
                 Saecular
                 Affairs
              
               .
               They
               should
               not
               be
               Long
               ,
               Tedious
               ,
               Burdensome
               ;
               and
               they
               'le
               
                 hinder
                 no
                 Iourney
              
               ,
               no
               concern
               ;
               all
               will
               prosper
               the
               better
               for
               them
               .
               In
               short
               ,
               God
               will
               find
               an
               Eternity
               to
               Damn
               the
               man
               that
               cannot
               find
               a
               Time
               to
               Pray
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               Second
               Excuse
               .
            
             
               Another
               man
               doth
               so
               excuse
               himself
               ,
               
                 I
                 wa●●
              
               Confidence
               
                 for
                 Family
                 prayer
                 ;
                 I
                 would
              
               pray
               ,
               
                 but
                 I
                 am
              
               Asham'd
               .
            
             
               This
               Excuse
               is
               little
               beter
               .
               To
               be
               ashamed
               of
               Prayer
               is
               to
               be
               ashamed
               of
               Christ
               :
               And
               it
               is
               the
               plain
               Word
               of
               our
               Lord
               JESUS
               in
               ▪
               
               Marc
               8.
               38.
               
               
                 Whosoever
                 shall
                 be
                 ashamed
                 of
                 me
                 ,
                 of
                 him
                 also
                 shall
                 the
                 Son
                 of
                 man
                 be
                 ashamed
                 .
              
               O
               direful
               Doom
               !
               Will
               not
               such
               a
               smart
               Thunder
               clap
               ,
               cause
               ●hee
               and
               th●
               Famil●
               to
               fall
               down
               ●pon
               their
               knees
               ?
               Never
               be
               ash●m●d
               of
               Pray●r
               but
               be
               asham●d
               of
               sin
               ;
               t
               is
               a
               〈◊〉
               to
               live
               without
               prayer
               .
               If
               you
               have
               any
               Scoffers
               in
               your
               Houses
               ,
               whom
               t
               is
               not
               fi●
               you
               should
               pray
               before
               ,
               then
               do
               as
               Abraham
               did
               ;
               e'en
               ,
               
                 ●urn
                 ●em
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 doors
                 .
              
               Better
               Turn
               them
               out
               ,
               than
               Turn
               Go●
               out
               .
               They
               that
               use
               not
               Family-prayer
               ,
               say
               to
               the
               Almighty
               ,
               
                 Depart
                 from
                 us
              
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               Third
               Excu●e
               .
            
             
               But
               the
               Excuse
               of
               some
               is
               ,
               
                 I
                 want
              
               Utterance
               
                 for
                 Family-prayer
                 .
                 I
                 would
                 pray
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 am
                 not
              
               gifted
               
                 for
                 it
                 .
                 I
                 cannot
                 pray
                 .
              
               To
               this
               I
               answer
               ,
               we
               often
               say
               ,
               
                 I
                 cannot
              
               ,
               when
               
                 I
                 will
                 not
              
               ,
               is
               the
               Bottom
               of
               it
               .
               Suppose
               ,
               a
               sevcre
               p●nal●y
               were
               by
               the
               Magistrate
               laid
               upon
               every
               prayerless
               Family
               .
               Daniel
               ,
               because
               he
               would
               pray
               with
               his
               Family
               was
               thrown
               to
               the
               Lions
               for
               it
               .
               Suppose
               a
               lighter
               punishm●nt
               far
               away
               were
               to
               be
               inflicted
               on
               all
               them
               who
               do
               not
               pray
               in
               their
               Family
               ;
               Suppose
               a
               God
               ,
               or
               a
               Fine
               were
               inflicted
               on
               you
               for
               it
               :
               Would
               you
               then
               continue
               Prayerless
               ?
               Behold
               ,
               the
               great
               God
               has
               by
               the
               
                 Statute
                 Lawes
              
               of
               Heaven
               ,
               ordeined
               that
               a
               
                 Prayerless
                 Family
              
               sahll
               have
               all
               manner
               of
               Calamities
               inflicted
               on
               it
               ;
               The
               Lions
               ,
               the
               Devils
               of
               the
               pit
               below
               ,
               shall
               devour
               the
               unhappy
               Master
               of
               such
               a
               Family
               .
               And
               will
               not
               
               this
               make
               you
               pray
               ?
               Besides
               ,
               When
               you
               find
               that
               you
               
                 Want
                 things
              
               ,
               then
               you
               don't
               wan●
               Words
               ;
               the
               poor
               man
               does
               not
               
                 want
                 words
              
               ;
               when
               he
               is
               to
               
                 Ask
                 Alms.
              
               O
               sit
               down
               and
               look
               upon
               the
               the
               Wants
               &
               Woes
               of
               your
               poo●
               Family
               ,
               you
               cannot
               then
               but
               have
               
                 something
                 to
                 say
              
               for
               them
               .
               And
               what
               tho
               you
               cannot
               pray
               Quaintly
               ?
               Yet
               you
               may
               pray
               Gracio●sly
               ,
               and
               pray
               Acceptably
               .
               Florid
               ▪
               Elegant
               Orations
               in
               your
               Prayers
               ,
               God
               expecteth
               not
               ;
               a
               few
               humble
               ;
               penitent
               ,
               broken-hearted
               Groans
               ,
               are
               of
               more
               account
               with
               Him
               ▪
               Tho
               you
               
                 Chatter
                 like
                 a
              
               Crane
               
                 or
                 a
                 Swallows
              
               ,
               〈◊〉
               once
               Hezekiah
               did
               yet
               the
               success
               may
               be
               wonderful
               and
               glorious
               .
               What
               shall
               I
               say
               ?
               Moses
               was
               unwilling
               to
               do
               what
               God
               bade
               ,
               on
               this
               very
               Score
               in
               
                 Exod.
                 4.
                 10.
                 
                 I
                 am
                 not
                 Eloquent
                 ●
              
               But
               the
               reply
               of
               God
               was
               ,
               
                 Go
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
              
               teech
               
                 thee
                 what
                 thou
                 shalt
                 say
              
               .
               O
               that
               you
               would
               make
               a
               Tryal
               of
               it
               .
               Friend
               ,
               By'nd
               by
               Call
               thy
               Family
               together
               ;
               Tell
               them
               ,
               That
               you
               must
               not
               let
               them
               remain
               prayerless
               any
               longer
               ,
               lest
               the
               Wrath
               of
               God
               break
               out
               upon
               them
               .
               So
               Fall
               down
               before
               the
               Lord
               among
               them
               all
               ,
               and
               pray
               as
               well
               as
               God
               shall
               enable
               thee
               :
               go
               ,
               I
               am
               verily
               perswaded
               ,
               
                 God
                 will
              
               teach
               
                 thee
                 what
                 thou
                 shalt
                 say
              
               ,
               I
               am
               sure
               ,
               thou
               wilt
               never
               have
               cause
               to
               Repent
               of
               the
               Attempt
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             SECT
             .
             XII
             .
          
           
             YOu
             have
             not
             so
             much
             as
             a
             shadow
             of
             Reason
             to
             render
             ,
             why
             you
             
               should
               not
            
             pray
             with
             
             your
             Families
             ;
             Let
             me
             now
             a
             little
             repre●●●●
             why
             you
             should
             ;
             for
             I
             am
          
           
             
               III.
               To
               propound
               some
               Incentives
               unto
               Family-Prayer
               .
            
          
           
             And
             there
             are
             cheef●y
             Two
             Considerations
             which
             I
             have
             to
             set
             before
             you
             .
          
           
             Consider
             ,
             First
             ,
             the
             Direful
             &
             grievous
             Curses
             which
             prayerless
             Families
             are
             exposed
             unto
             .
             Such
             Families
             ,
             they
             are
             the
             very
             Suburbs
             of
             H●●●
             it self
             .
             A
             Prison
             ,
             A
             Dungeon
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             chosen
             before
             a
             Living
             in
             them
             .
             There
             is
             a
             Words
             ▪
             a●
             awfull
             Word
             ,
             which
             a
             Prophet
             of
             God
             ha●
             written
             in
             a
             certain
             place
             ;
             Methinks
             ,
             that
             Word
             〈◊〉
             like
             a
             Thunderbolt
             of
             Death
             upon
             the
             Families
             ,
             in
             which
             God
             is
             not
             prayed
             unto
             〈◊〉
             t
             is
             Written
             in
             ler.
             10.
             25.
             
             
               O
               Lord
               —
               pour
               out
               ●hy
            
             fury
             
               on
               the
               beathe●
               ,
               which
               know
               thee
               not
               ;
               on
               the
            
             Families
             
               which
               call
               not
               on
               thy
               name
               .
            
             Strikes
             it
             no●
             cold
             unto
             the
             heart
             of
             the
             Reader
             ?
             Man
             ▪
             These
             are
             the
             Treful
             and
             the
             direful
             words
             of
             the
             Lord
             Tesus
             Christ
             himself
             :
             He
             counts
             thy
             
               Prayerless
               Family
            
             no
             better
             than
             a
             
               Pagan
               Family
            
             .
             And
             now
             ,
             he
             speaks
             not
             as
             an
             Advocate
             for
             thy
             poor
             Family
             ;
             He
             saies
             not
             ,
             
               Lord
               ,
               vouchs●se
               thy
               ▪
            
             ●itty
             ,
             
               and
               thy
            
             pardon
             
               to
               that
               Family
            
             ;
             But
             He
             saies
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             pour
             
               out
               thy
            
             fury
             
               upon
               that
               family
               ▪
               because
               it
               calls
               not
               on
               thy
               Name
               .
            
             Alas
             ,
             have
             yo●
             no
             more
             Kindness
             for
             your
             Families
             ,
             than
             to
             lay
             them
             open
             to
             the
             Fury
             of
             a
             great
             and
             a
             terrible
             GOD
             ?
             
               cruel
               people
            
             ,
             that
             you
             are
             .
             We
             
             read
             in
             
               Zech.
               5.
            
             begin
             .
             about
             a
             
               Flying
               Roll
            
             ,
             Twenty
             Cubits
             long
             ,
             Ten
             Cubits
             broad
             ,
             entring
             into
             these
             and
             those
             
               Houses
               ,
               to
               consume
               them
            
             .
             I
             am
             to
             tell
             you
             ,
             That
             
               Prayerless
               Houses
            
             are
             to
             feel
             the
             force
             of
             this
             
               Flying
               Roll.
            
             An
             huge
             Roll
             of
             Curses
             belongs
             to
             that
             House
             in
             which
             Prayer
             is
             not
             upheld
             .
             The
             Curse
             of
             God
             is
             the
             Sauce
             in
             every
             Dish
             ,
             the
             Curse
             of
             God
             is
             the
             Cover
             to
             every
             Bed
             ,
             in
             that
             lamentable
             Family
             .
             Houses
             molested
             with
             Devils
             ,
             are
             not
             more
             miserable
             than
             Houses
             destitute
             of
             Prayers
             .
             I
             have
             seen
             it
             in
             an
             house
             ,
             where
             the
             Devils
             have
             had
             Possession
             of
             a
             Child
             ,
             that
             when
             Family-Prayer
             began
             ,
             the
             Devils
             would
             make
             hideous
             Roarings
             and
             Noises
             in
             the
             Room
             ,
             as
             being
             under
             a
             Vexation
             thereat
             ,
             which
             was
             intolerable
             to
             them
             .
             Truly
             ,
             The
             Devils
             have
             no
             Disturbance
             in
             Houses
             where
             Family-prayers
             is
             not
             maintained
             ;
             prayerless
             houses
             are
             haunted
             houses
             ,
             and
             the
             Fiends
             of
             Darkness
             reign
             ,
             and
             ramp
             ,
             there
             without
             Contro●l
             .
             Indeed
             ,
             
               Prayerless
               Families
            
             ,
             are
             not
             only
             the
             Cages
             ,
             but
             also
             the
             Causes
             of
             all
             Impiety
             .
             They
             bring
             an
             Irresistible
             Deluge
             of
             Disorder
             upon
             all
             the
             Town
             and
             Land
             ;
             and
             cause
             all
             the
             Countrey
             to
             swarm
             with
             the
             
               workers
               of
               iniquity
               who
               call
               not
               upon
               the
               Lord.
            
             And
             as
             the
             
               prayerless
               Householder
            
             is
             now
             cursed
             by
             God
             ,
             so
             he
             will
             one
             day
             be
             cursed
             by
             all
             his
             House
             ;
             he
             brings
             curses
             on
             them
             ,
             and
             they
             will
             spend
             curses
             on
             him
             ,
             in
             the
             Day
             of
             Vengeance
             .
             In
             the
             ever-burning
             
             lake
             ,
             they
             will
             curse
             the
             day
             that
             ever
             they
             saw
             thy
             
               prayerless
               house
            
             ,
             and
             ,
             That
             House
             
               brought
               me
               to
               this
               Hell
            
             !
             This
             ,
             this
             will
             be
             their
             Cry
             world
             without
             End.
             
          
           
             Consider
             ,
             next
             ,
             the
             marvellous
             Blessings
             which
             belong
             to
             all
             
               Praying
               Families
            
             .
             It
             was
             noted
             about
             the
             Family
             of
             Obed-Edom
             ,
             in
             1.
             
             Sam
             6.
             11.
             
             
               The
               Lord
               blessed
            
             Obed-Edom
             
               and
               his
               househould
            
             ,
             while
             the
             
               Ark
               of
               the
               Lord
            
             was
             there
             .
             So
             shall
             it
             be
             noted
             about
             the
             Family
             of
             a
             
               praying
               Householder
            
             ;
             The
             Lord
             will
             
               bless
               that
               man
               and
               his
               Household
               ,
            
             while
             that
             
               Prayer
               to
               the
               Lord
            
             is
             there
             .
             Family-prayers
             ,
             are
             conjoined
             prayers
             ,
             and
             united
             prayers
             ;
             thus
             they
             become
             very
             successful
             prayers
             .
             What
             Encouragement
             is
             there
             given
             to
             them
             ,
             in
             that
             promise
             ,
             Matth.
             18.
             19.
             
             
               If
               two
               of
               you
               shall
               agree
               on
               earth
               ,
               touching
               any
               thing
               that
               they
               shall
               ask
               ,
               it
               shall
               be
               done
               for
               them
               .
            
             O
             let
             your
             Families
             Agree
             in
             the
             Asking
             of
             grace
             ,
             in
             the
             Asking
             of
             glory
             ,
             in
             the
             Asking
             of
             every
             
               good
               thing
               ;
               Prayer
               in
               Confort
               ,
            
             will
             obtain
             it
             all
             .
             When
             Cornelius
             was
             at
             his
             Family-prayer
             ,
             what
             a
             signal
             favour
             did
             the
             Almighty
             God
             show
             unto
             him
             ?
             Some
             while
             since
             ,
             a
             whole
             Town
             in
             Switzerland
             was
             very
             suddenly
             destroyed
             by
             an
             Earth-quake
             ,
             all
             except
             one
             peice
             of
             an
             house
             ,
             in
             which
             a
             good
             man
             happned
             then
             to
             be
             at
             Prayer
             with
             his
             Family
             .
             T
             is
             impossible
             to
             tell
             ,
             
               O
               how
               great
               is
               the
               goodness
            
             which
             God
             has
             laid
             up
             for
             Houses
             that
             seek
             unto
             Him
             !
             But
             besides
             all
             the
             
             other
             comforts
             of
             a
             
               praying
               Householder
            
             ,
             he
             has
             This
             peculiar
             to
             him
             ,
             
               He
               teacheth
               all
               his
               Family
               to
               .
            
             A
             praying
             Parent
             will
             have
             praying
             
               children
               .
               David
            
             prayed
             in
             his
             Family
             ,
             and
             his
             Son
             Solomon
             prov'd
             a
             praying
             young
             man.
             A
             praying
             Master
             will
             have
             praying
             
               Servants
               .
               Abraham
            
             pray'd
             in
             his
             Family
             ,
             and
             his
             Man
             Eliezer
             became
             a
             very
             praying
             person
             .
             Thus
             ,
             O
             man
             ,
             all
             thy
             
               young
               people
            
             ,
             will
             be
             filling
             every
             corner
             of
             thy
             house
             with
             Prayers
             for
             thy
             Felicity
             .
          
           
             O
             consider
             of
             these
             things
             ;
             and
             such
             let
             the
             Impression
             of
             them
             upon
             you
             be
             ;
             That
             you
             may
             by
             Prayers
             with
             your
             Families
             Engage
             your
             Houses
             to
             
               serve
               the
               Lord.
            
             
          
        
         
           
             SECT
             .
             XIII
             .
          
           
             THere
             are
             two
             Things
             more
             ,
             by
             the
             Discharge
             of
             which
             ,
             we
             Engage
             our
             Hoxses
             to
             
               serve
               the
               Lord
            
             ;
             and
             those
             Two
             are
             in
             a
             manner
             One
          
           
             
               Family-Instruction
               ;
               and
               Family-Government
            
             .
          
           
             I
             link
             these
             together
             ,
             because
             of
             their
             near
             Dependance
             and
             Agreement
             in
             their
             Exercise
             .
             This
             therefore
             is
             the
             Address
             now
             to
             be
             made
             unto
             us
             ,
          
           
             Let
             Family-Instruction
             and
             so
             Family-Government
             be
             maintained
             in
             our
             Houses
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             
               serve
               the
               Lord.
            
             
          
           
             Let
             there
             be
             no
             un●aught
             and
             unrul'd
             Families
             
             among
             us
             ;
             but
             let
             us
             be
             careful
             about
             the
             Education
             of
             such
             as
             belong
             to
             our
             Families
             .
             I
             beseech
             you
             ,
             let
             there
             be
             a
             difference
             between
             
               English
               Houses
            
             and
             
               Indian
               Wigwams
            
             in
             the
             middest
             of
             us
             ,
             and
             let
             not
             English
             Parents
             be
             as
             indulgent
             and
             negligent
             as
             they
             report
             the
             Indians
             are
             .
             And
             give
             me
             leave
             to
             say
             ,
             You
             that
             are
             Mothers
             have
             a
             special
             Advantage
             to
             instil
             the
             Fear
             of
             God
             into
             the
             souls
             of
             them
             that
             sit
             upon
             your
             knees
             .
             T
             is
             said
             in
             Prov.
             1.
             8.
             
             
               My
               son
               ,
               forsake
               not
               the
               law
               of
               thy
            
             Mother
             .
             Solomon
             was
             well
             instructed
             by
             his
             Mother
             ,
             and
             it
             proved
             his
             eternal
             Benefit
             .
             T
             is
             not
             for
             Nothing
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             
               Sacred
               Records
            
             ,
             when
             men
             have
             proved
             good
             or
             bad
             ,
             it
             is
             noted
             ,
             Their
             Mothers
             were
             such
             and
             such
             .
             You
             that
             are
             Mothers
             may
             insi●uate
             Religion
             into
             your
             Children
             earlier
             and
             easier
             than
             their
             Fathers
             can
             .
          
        
         
           
             SECT
             .
             XIV
             .
          
           
             I
             shall
             Repeat
             the
             Method
             ,
             which
             we
             were
             in
             before
             ;
             and
             under
             Family-Instruction
             take
             in
             that
             Family-Government
             which
             you
             are
             to
             be
             studious
             of
             .
             I
             am
          
           
             
               I.
               To
               offer
               some
               Directions
               about
               Family-Instruction
               .
            
          
           
             The
             Directions
             to
             be
             given
             hereabout
             ,
             may
             ●e
             referr'd
             unto
             two
             Heads
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             The
             Matter
             of
             Family
             Instruction
             .
          
           
             The
             Family-Instruction
             ,
             with
             which
             we
             urge
             
             our
             houses
             to
             the
             Service
             of
             God
             ,
             are
             to
             have
             〈◊〉
             less
             than
             Four
             things
             composing
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             There
             are
             Holy
             Lessons
             ,
             with
             which
             we
             are
             to
             Instruct
             our
             Families
             .
             We
             are
             to
             make
             them
             hear
             ,
             and
             make
             them
             learn
             those
             Lessons
             ,
             which
             may
             
               give
               to
               the
               young
               ones
               Knowledge
               and
               Discretion
               .
            
             Teach
             them
             the
             Scriptures
             of
             Truth
             .
             T
             was
             said
             to
             Timothy
             ,
             in
             Cap.
             3.
             15.
             
             
               From
               a
            
             Child
             
               thou
               hast
               known
               the
               Holy
               Scriptures
            
             ;
             No
             doubt
             ,
             his
             Godly
             Mother
             and
             Grandmother
             were
             the
             cause
             of
             his
             doing
             so
             .
             We
             should
             procure
             that
             our
             Young
             ones
             may
             read
             the
             
               holy
               Scriptures
            
             ,
             and
             mind
             the
             
               holy
               Scriptures
            
             ,
             and
             know
             the
             
               holy
               Scriptures
            
             ,
             even
             
               from
               a
               Child
            
             .
             Let
             them
             have
             by
             heart
             ,
             here
             and
             there
             a
             Verse
             ,
             or
             a
             Paragraph
             ;
             Especially
             in
             the
             Psalms
             and
             in
             the
             Proverbs
             :
             if
             you
             would
             have
             them
             good
             ,
             teach
             them
             the
             Psalmes
             of
             David
             ;
             if
             you
             would
             have
             them
             wise
             ,
             teach
             them
             the
             Proverbs
             of
             Solomon
             .
             And
             Scripture●
             Stories
             are
             to
             be
             told
             unto
             them
             ,
             as
             soon
             as
             ever
             they
             enquire
             after
             new
             things
             and
             strange
             .
          
           
             But
             while
             we
             do
             thus
             ,
             we
             are
             also
             to
             teach
             them
             the
             Doctrines
             of
             God.
             Inculcate
             upon
             them
             the
             
               Principles
               of
               Religion
            
             ,
             as
             often
             as
             you
             do
             the
             Knife
             on
             the
             Stone
             in
             the
             Whe●ting
             of
             it
             .
             T
             was
             said
             unto
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             in
             Matth.
             22.
             16.
             
             
               Master
               ,
               Thou
               ●e●chest
               the
               way
               of
               God
               in
               Truth
               .
            
             Every
             M●ster
             should
             render
             his
             young
             ones
             able
             to
             say
             that
             unto
             himself
             ,
             
               Master
               ,
               Thou
               
               teachest
               the
               Truth
               of
               God.
            
             Especially
             ,
             We
             should
             be
             sure
             that
             they
             be
             not
             ignorant
             of
             any
             Saving
             Truths
             .
             Tell
             them
             ,
             What
             they
             are
             come
             to
             by
             the
             
               First
               Adam
            
             ,
             and
             what
             they
             may
             come
             to
             by
             the
             
               Second
               Adam
            
             .
             Tell
             them
             what
             Covenant
             man
             was
             once
             ,
             and
             What
             Covenant
             man
             is
             now
             to
             be
             saved
             by
             .
             Yea
             ,
             let
             none
             of
             the
             Things
             to
             be
             believed
             ,
             none
             of
             the
             Things
             to
             be
             practised
             ,
             none
             of
             the
             Things
             to
             be
             
               pray'd
               for
               ▪
            
             be
             left
             unmentioned
             in
             your
             Instructions
             .
             All
             the
             Lessons
             of
             the
             Creed
             ,
             the
             Commandments
             ,
             and
             the
             
               Lords
               Prayer
            
             are
             to
             be
             laid
             before
             them
             .
             And
             we
             are
             to
             be
             particularly
             faithful
             to
             them
             ,
             in
             the
             
               present
               Truths
            
             ;
             the
             labouring
             Truths
             ,
             the
             witnessed
             Truths
             of
             the
             Times
             ,
             we
             should
             see
             ou●
             young
             ones
             well
             informed
             in
             .
             Give
             them
             
               at
               this
               day
            
             to
             be
             sensible
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             Supreme
             Head
             ,
             and
             King
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             what
             Orders
             He
             has
             appointed
             to
             be
             observed
             there
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             .
             There
             are
             ferious
             Questions
             with
             which
             we
             are
             to
             Instruct
             our
             Families
             .
             And
             there
             are
             peculiarly
             Two
             Things
             which
             we
             are
             to
             question
             our
             young
             ones
             about
             .
          
           
             Some
             Questions
             we
             are
             to
             put
             unto
             them
             ,
             First
             ,
             Which
             Concern
             their
             Souls
             .
          
           
             And
             here
             ,
             yet
             further
             to
             particularize
             ,
             We
             are
             to
             try
             them
             with
             Questions
             about
             their
             Vnderstanding
             .
             Our
             Lord
             Jesus
             asked
             his
             Disciples
             ,
             in
             Matth.
             13.
             51.
             
             
               Have
               ye
            
             understood
             
               all
               these
               things
            
             ?
             Thus
             are
             we
             to
             ask
             our
             young
             people
             ,
             
             
               Do
               you
            
             understand
             
               the
               great
               Mystery
               of
               Godliness●
            
             O
             keep
             up
             the
             great
             Ordinance
             of
             Catechising
             in
             your
             houses
             .
             Before
             your
             little
             Folks
             have
             left
             off
             living
             upon
             Milk
             ,
             let
             them
             be
             so
             well
             versed
             in
             their
             
               Milk
               for
               Babes
            
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             readily
             answer
             any
             Question
             there
             .
             The
             Echoes
             of
             this
             Exercise
             ,
             are
             a
             most
             refreshing
             Melody
             in
             the
             ears
             of
             God
             himself
             .
             Ask
             we
             our
             young
             ones
             ,
             What
             they
             think
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             of
             Themselves
             ;
             and
             let
             them
             be
             able
             to
             refound
             the
             
               Words
               of
               Truth
            
             .
          
           
             We
             are
             to
             search
             them
             also
             with
             Questions
             about
             their
             Experience
             .
             As
             our
             Lord
             asked
             His
             Family
             ,
             in
             Joh.
             16.
             31.
             
             
               Do
               ye
               now
               believe
            
             ?
             So
             should
             we
             ask
             our
             young
             people
             ,
             
               Have
               you
            
             Experieneed
             
               a
               work
               of
            
             Regeneration
             
               in
               your
               souls
            
             ?
             Ask
             them
             ,
             
               Have
               you
               ever
               yet
               carried
               a
               labouring
               and
               heavy-laden
               soul
               unto
               the
               Lord
               Iesus
               Christ
               ?
            
             It
             was
             the
             Advice
             of
             Wisdom
             ,
             
               Know
               the
               state
               of
               thy
               Flocks
               .
            
             Thus
             ,
             we
             should
             endeavour
             to
             
               Know
               the
               state
               of
               the
               Souls
            
             which
             we
             are
             to
             be
             concerned
             for
             ;
             to
             know
             whether
             they
             are
             in
             a
             Natural
             ,
             or
             a
             Renewed
             state
             .
          
           
             Once
             more
             ,
             We
             are
             to
             help
             them
             with
             Questions
             about
             their
             Temptations
             .
             It
             was
             a
             Question
             once
             given
             to
             some
             ,
             in
             Luc.
             24.
             38.
             
             
               Why
               do
               Thoughts
               arise
               in
               your
               hearts
               ?
            
             Even
             so
             we
             should
             Enquire
             of
             our
             young
             people
             ,
             What
             Thoughts
             
               are
               you
               most
               troubled
               with
            
             ?
             Enquire
             ,
             what
             Fears
             ,
             enquire
             what
             Snares
             they
             are
             most
             endangered
             
             by
             .
             Be
             alwaies
             jealous
             ,
             lest
             
               as
               the
               serpent
               beguiled
               Eve
            
             ,
             so
             their
             
               minds
               be
               corrupted
            
             .
             Moreover
             Some
             Questions
             we
             are
             to
             put
             upon
             them
             ,
             Secondly
             ,
             which
             concern
             their
             Lives
             .
             It
             was
             once
             an
             Interrogatory
             which
             some
             were
             put
             unto
             ,
             in
             Luc.
             23.
             17.
             
             
               What
               manner
               of
               communications
               have
               ye
               ?
            
             Thus
             we
             are
             to
             Examine
             our
             young
             people
             about
             the
             Words
             and
             the
             Works
             ,
             that
             fill
             their
             Lives
             .
             There
             are
             especially
             three
             things
             which
             they
             should
             be
             Examined
             about
             ;
             their
             Prayer
             ,
             their
             Time
             ,
             and
             their
             Company
             ;
             Ask
             them
             ,
             whether
             they
             live
             without
             Prayer
             or
             no
             ?
             Whether
             in
             Prayer
             they
             secretly
             and
             sincerely
             pour
             out
             their
             souls
             before
             the
             Lord
             ?
             Ask
             them
             ,
             How
             they
             spend
             their
             Time
             ?
             How
             much
             
               Idle
               Time
            
             ,
             and
             how
             much
             useful
             Time
             ,
             they
             allow
             unto
             themselves
             ?
             And
             ask
             them
             ,
             What
             their
             Company
             is
             ?
             Whom
             they
             sit
             withal
             ?
             Whether
             
               vain
               Persons
            
             and
             Fools
             ,
             or
             
               the
               Saints
               which
               are
               the
               excellent
               ,
            
             and
             
               all
               those
               that
               fear
               God
            
             ?
             Our
             Question
             will
             prove
             their
             Safeguard
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             well
             administred
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             There
             are
             faithful
             Reproofs
             with
             which
             we
             are
             to
             Instruct
             our
             Families
             .
             T
             is
             said
             in
             Prov.
             6.
             33.
             
             The
             Reproofs
             
               of
               Instruction
               are
               the
               way
               of
               life
               .
            
             When
             we
             give
             Instruction
             ,
             we
             shall
             have
             occasion
             to
             give
             Reproof
             ,
             too
             often
             with
             it
             .
             There
             is
             no
             Family
             that
             has
             not
             Miscarriages
             that
             are
             to
             be
             reproved
             in
             it
             .
             Young
             people
             too
             commonly
             are
             wild
             people
             ;
             and
             without
             
             some
             Castigations
             they
             will
             rarely
             be
             kept
             in
             order
             .
             To
             some
             of
             them
             smart
             Wor●s
             ,
             to
             others
             of
             them
             smart
             Blowes
             ,
             will
             be
             too
             often
             due
             .
             T
             is
             said
             in
             Prov.
             13.
             24.
             
             
               He
               that
               spareth
               his
               Rod
               hateth
               his
               s●n
               ;
               but
               he
               that
               loveth
               him
               ,
               chastens
               him
               betimes
               .
               Frowns
            
             are
             due
             to
             all
             ,
             and
             Rods
             to
             some
             Transgressors
             in
             the
             Family
             .
             But
             there
             are
             two
             Negative
             and
             two
             Positive
             Rules
             to
             be
             minded
             in
             Reproving
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             The
             Negative
             Rules
             are
             these
             two
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             Reprove
             not
             Furiously
             .
             It
             is
             said
             in
             
               Iam.
               1.
               20.
               
               The
               wrath
               of
               man
               ,
               worketh
               not
               the
               righteousness
               of
               God.
            
             Remember
             ,
             Nothing
             will
             be
             so
             well
             done
             in
             a
             passion
             ,
             but
             what
             may
             be
             done
             better
             out
             of
             it
             .
             If
             you
             are
             to
             chide
             ,
             yet
             chide
             not
             in
             a
             Fury
             .
             Do
             not
             call
             
               vile
               Names
            
             ;
             much
             more
             ,
             do
             not
             swear
             ,
             do
             not
             curse
             ,
             do
             not
             Rage
             with
             a
             
               Tongue
               set
               on
               fire
               of
               hell
               .
            
             If
             you
             are
             to
             smi●e
             ,
             yet
             smite
             not
             in
             a
             Fury
             .
             Bloody
             ,
             wounding
             ,
             outragious
             Buffettings
             are
             to
             be
             avoided
             ;
             lest
             there
             be
             cause
             to
             say
             of
             you
             ,
             
               Cursed
               is
               their
               Anger
               for
               it
               is
               fierce
               ,
               and
               their
               Wrath
               for
               it
               is
               cruel
               .
            
          
           
             Secondly
             Reprove
             not
             
               for
               ever
            
             .
             T
             is
             said
             in
             
               Ps.
               103.
               9.
               
               God
               will
               not
            
             alwaies
             
               chide
               ,
               neither
               will
               He
               keep
               his
               anger
               for
               ever
               .
            
             To
             be
             alwaies
             finding
             faults
             ,
             is
             the
             way
             never
             to
             be
             curing
             them
             .
             A
             
               perpetual
               Warngling
            
             is
             a
             
               continual
               Dropping
            
             ,
             which
             there
             is
             no
             enduring
             of
             ;
             it
             prejudices
             the
             minds
             of
             them
             that
             feel
             it
             ,
             against
             all
             that
             shall
             
             be
             said
             unto
             them
             .
          
           
             The
             Positive
             Rules
             are
             these
             Two.
             
          
           
             First
             Reprove
             Reasonably
             .
             Let
             there
             be
             just
             Cause
             for
             it
             .
             When
             you
             reprove
             ,
             it
             must
             be
             for
             a
             
               true
               cause
            
             .
             As
             it
             was
             said
             of
             our
             Saviour
             in
             
               Isai.
               11.
               3.
               
               He
               shall
               not
               reprove
               after
               the
               hearing
               of
               His
               ears
               .
            
             Thus
             ,
             we
             may
             not
             go
             by
             meer
             Hear-say
             ,
             when
             we
             reprove
             those
             that
             are
             under
             us
             .
             And
             it
             must
             be
             for
             a
             great
             Cause
             .
             T
             is
             said
             of
             the
             Spirit
             in
             
               Io●
               .
               16.
               8.
               
               He
               will
               reprove
               the
               world
               for
               SIN
               .
            
             The
             sinful
             thing
             ,
             the
             thing
             for
             
               which
               the
               wrath
               of
               God
               comes
               ,
            
             the
             thing
             which
             the
             
               soul
               of
               the
               Lord
               hates
            
             ,
             this
             we
             are
             to
             reprove
             .
             We
             must
             not
             throw
             away
             Reproofs
             upon
             Nothing
             ,
             or
             upon
             
               Every
               thing
            
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             Reprove
             Scripturally
             .
             T
             is
             said
             in
             2.
             
             Tim.
             3.
             16.
             
             
               All
               Scripture
               is
               profitable
               for
               Reproof
               .
            
             A
             Reproof
             with
             a
             Scripture
             comes
             with
             a
             more
             than
             ordinary
             Majesty
             and
             Authority
             .
             When
             we
             Reprove
             those
             that
             are
             under
             us
             ,
             First
             ,
             make
             them
             read
             a
             Text
             which
             does
             Condemn
             what
             we
             would
             rebuke
             ,
             and
             then
             set
             it
             home
             with
             a
             very
             warm
             lively
             vigorous
             Application
             .
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             There
             are
             solemn
             Charges
             with
             which
             we
             are
             to
             Instruct
             our
             Families
             .
             It
             was
             the
             Character
             which
             the
             Lord
             gives
             of
             Abraham
             ,
             in
             Gen.
             18.
             19.
             
             
               I
               know
               him
               ,
               that
               he
               will
            
             command
             
               his
               children
               and
               his
            
             household
             
               after
               him
               ,
               and
               they
               shall
               keep
               the
               way
               of
               the
               Lord.
            
             O
             that
             this
             might
             
             be
             said
             of
             every
             Householder
             here
             ;
             
               I
               know
               him
               ,
               that
               he
               will
               take
               all
               of
               his
               house
               ,
               one
               by
               one
               ,
               and
            
             Charge
             
               every
               one
               of
               them
               to
               keep
               the
               way
               of
               the
               Lord
               !
            
             What
             saies
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             in
             i●
             Thes
             2.
             11.
             
             We
             charged
             
               every
               one
               of
               you
               ,
               as
               a
               father
               his
               children
               .
            
             We
             should
             call
             aside
             our
             young
             people
             ,
             and
             lay
             upon
             them
             ,
             the
             Charge
             of
             David
             ,
             in
             1.
             
             Chron.
             28.
             9.
             
             
               My
               son
               ,
               know
               thou
               the
               God
               of
               thy
               Father
               ,
               and
            
             Serve
             Him
             
               with
               a
               perfect
               Heart
               and
               a
               willing
               mind
               ;
               for
               the
               Lord
               searcheth
               all
               Hearts
               ▪
               if
               thou
               seek
               Him
               ,
               He
               will
               be
               found
               of
               thee
               ,
               if
               thou
               forsake
               Him
               ,
               He
               will
               cast
               thee
               off
               for
               ever
               .
            
          
           
             Charge
             them
             ;
             and
             this
             especially
             about
             four
             Things
             .
             Lay
             upon
             them
             that
             Charge
             of
             God
             in
             1.
             
             Joh.
             3.
             23.
             
             
               This
               is
               His
               Commandment
               ,
               that
               you
               believe
               on
               the
               Name
               of
               his
               Son.
            
             Charge
             them
             to
             accept
             of
             Christ
             Jesus
             ,
             as
             their
             Prince
             and
             their
             Saviour
             ;
             Charge
             them
             to
             repair
             unto
             Christ
             Jesus
             for
             
               Wisdom
               ,
               Righteousness
               ,
               Sanctification
               ,
               and
               Redemption
               .
            
             Lay
             also
             upon
             them
             that
             Charge
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             Mat.
             6.
             6.
             
             
               Enter
               into
               thy
               Closet
               and
               pray
               to
               thy
               Father
               in
               secret
               .
            
             Charge
             them
             to
             Retire
             for
             their
             Devotions
             every
             day
             ;
             Charge
             them
             to
             let
             not
             a
             day
             pass
             them
             ,
             without
             Crying
             to
             God
             for
             His
             Mercy
             ,
             and
             Pardon
             ,
             and
             Salvation
             .
             Once
             more
             ,
             Lay
             upon
             them
             that
             Charge
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             Prov.
             1.
             10.
             
             
               My
               son
               ,
               if
               Sinners
               entice
               thee
               ,
               consent
               thou
               not
               ,
            
             Charge
             them
             ,
             that
             they
             be
             not
             the
             
               Companions
               of
               Fools
            
             ;
             Charge
             
             them
             that
             they
             do
             not
             associate
             themselves
             into
             an
             Intimacy
             and
             a
             Familiarity
             with
             any
             but
             such
             as
             may
             be
             sober
             ,
             discreet
             ,
             blameless
             persons
             .
             Finally
             ,
             Lay
             upon
             them
             that
             Charge
             of
             God
             in
             Hag.
             1.
             5.
             
             
               Thus
               saith
               the
               Lord
               of
               hosts
               ,
            
             Consider
             your
             waies
             .
             Charge
             them
             ,
             that
             they
             Consider
             what
             their
             present
             Condition
             is
             ,
             and
             what
             their
             future
             Condition
             is
             like
             to
             be
             ;
             Charge
             them
             ,
             that
             they
             consider
             of
             their
             past
             Behaviours
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             Death
             ,
             and
             Iudgment
             ,
             and
             Eternity
             which
             is
             yet
             before
             them
             .
             A
             young
             man
             has
             become
             a
             real
             Convert
             by
             being
             obliged
             unto
             Consideration
             for
             one
             Quarter
             of
             an
             Hour
             in
             a
             Day
             .
             Wish
             for
             them
             ,
             say
             to
             them
             ,
             
               Oh
               that
               they
               were
               wise
               ,
               that
               they
               would
            
             Consider
             !
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             Let
             your
             Charge
             on
             them
             ,
             be
             that
             ,
             which
             Holy
             Bolton
             gave
             to
             his
             Children
             ,
             when
             he
             dyed
             ,
             
               I
               charge
               you
               ,
               that
               at
               the
               Day
               of
               Iudgement
               ,
               none
               of
               you
               dare
               to
               meet
               me
               in
               an
            
             Unregenerate
             estate
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             .
             The
             Manner
             of
             Family-Instruction
             .
          
           
             T
             is
             to
             be
             performed
             in
             such
             a
             Manner
             ,
             as
             may
             best
             Attain
             the
             Ends
             of
             it
             .
             Particularly
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             We
             are
             to
             Instruct
             our
             Families
             very
             Seasonably
             .
             We
             are
             told
             in
             Matth
             ,
             24.
             45.
             
             The
             
               Ruler
               over
               the
               Household
            
             is
             to
             
               give
               them
               their
               meat
               in
               due
            
             Season
             .
             There
             lies
             much
             in
             the
             Time
             we
             take
             for
             the
             Work.
             We
             should
             indeed
             have
             our
             Frequent
             Times
             ,
             to
             do
             it
             :
             We
             should
             speak
             what
             may
             be
             for
             the
             Instruction
             of
             our
             Families
             ,
             
             every
             day
             ,
             and
             often
             in
             a
             day
             ;
             and
             on
             various
             occasions
             be
             dropping
             our
             savoury
             Admonitions
             .
             Even
             when
             we
             sit
             at
             the
             Table
             ,
             we
             should
             rarely
             Rise
             without
             feeding
             the
             Minds
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             the
             Mouthes
             of
             our
             Attendents
             .
             Much
             more
             at
             the
             
               H●urs
               of
               Prayer
            
             ,
             we
             should
             do
             something
             that
             may
             make
             them
             more
             acquainted
             with
             
               Divine
               Objects
            
             then
             they
             were
             before
             .
             But
             we
             should
             likewise
             have
             our
             Stated
             Times
             to
             do
             it
             .
             Especially
             Sacred
             Time
             will
             be
             very
             properly
             a
             Stated
             Time
             for
             it
             .
             On
             the
             Dayes
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             we
             should
             instruct
             our
             Houses
             in
             the
             Things
             of
             the
             Lord
             ;
             that
             were
             infinitely
             better
             than
             to
             be
             Sleeping
             or
             Talking
             at
             an
             idle
             rate
             ,
             as
             then
             too
             many
             do
             .
          
           
             But
             about
             the
             
               Stated
               Time
            
             for
             Family-Instruction
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             double
             Discretion
             to
             be
             used
             .
             It
             is
             to
             be
             dispatched
             in
             a
             Quiet
             Time
             ,
             in
             a
             Time
             when
             there
             is
             no
             Disturbance
             by
             Passions
             within
             ,
             or
             Noises
             without
             .
             It
             is
             said
             in
             Eccles.
             9.
             16.
             
             
               The
               words
               of
               wise
               men
               are
               heard
               in
               quiet
               :
            
             and
             no
             
               wise
               man
            
             will
             speak
             when
             there
             is
             not
             Quietness
             enough
             to
             allow
             an
             Audience
             for
             him
             .
             And
             it
             is
             to
             dispens'd
             in
             a
             Lively
             ,
             Time
             ,
             in
             a
             Time
             when
             Spirits
             are
             stirring
             ,
             and
             Affections
             are
             vigorous
             .
             T
             is
             said
             in
             Rom.
             12.
             11.
             
             
             Be
             ●ervent
             
               in
               spirit
               ,
               serving
               the
               Lord
            
             ;
             thus
             ,
             this
             peice
             of
             Service
             for
             the
             Lord
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             when
             there
             is
             a
             Fervency
             of
             Disposition
             thereunto
             .
          
           
           
             Secondly
             ,
             We
             are
             to
             Instruct
             our
             Families
             very
             pertinently
             .
             Accommodate
             our
             Instructions
             to
             their
             Conditions
             .
          
           
             Are
             there
             any
             Vnconverted
             persons
             in
             our
             Families
             ?
             Let
             them
             be
             Suitably
             Instructed
             .
             Say
             to
             them
             as
             in
             Psal.
             34.
             11.
             
             
               Hearken
               to
               me
               and
               I
               will
               Teach
               you
               the
               Fear
               of
               the
               Lord.
            
             Let
             them
             be
             warned
             of
             the
             Dangers
             which
             do
             threaten
             their
             miserable
             souls
             ;
             and
             let
             them
             be
             stirred
             to
             the
             Duties
             that
             may
             lay
             them
             at
             the
             Pool
             ,
             in
             the
             way
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ.
             
          
           
             Are
             there
             any
             Converted
             persons
             in
             our
             Families
             ?
             Let
             them
             too
             be
             suitably
             Instructed
             .
             We
             read
             in
             Joh.
             8.
             31.
             
             
               Iesus
               said
               unto
               the
               Iewes
               which
            
             believed
             
               on
               Him
            
             ,
             continue
             
               in
               my
               word
            
             .
             Let
             them
             be
             quickned
             to
             continue
             in
             their
             Faith
             ,
             and
             Love
             and
             Zeal
             .
             Let
             them
             have
             
             Weapons
             ●o
             furnish
             them
             against
             all
             their
             Difficulties
             ,
             and
             Cordials
             to
             Revive
             them
             under
             all
             their
             Discouragements
             .
          
           
             Are
             there
             any
             Vnfruitful
             Souls
             ,
             in
             our
             Families
             ?
             Instruct
             them
             suitably
             ,
             by
             setting
             before
             them
             what
             is
             the
             Doom
             of
             the
             Barren
             Free
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             Barren
             Ground
             ;
             even
             ,
             to
             be
             
               cut
               down
            
             ,
             and
             
               burnt
               up
            
             for
             ever
             .
             And
             say
             ,
             
               O
               glorifie
               your
               heavenly
               Father
               by
               bringing
               forth
               much
               fruit
               .
            
          
           
             Are
             there
             any
             Back-sliding
             Souls
             ,
             in
             our
             Families
             ?
             Instruct
             them
             suitably
             ,
             by
             setting
             before
             them
             the
             Displeasure
             of
             God
             at
             such
             as
             draw-back
             ,
             and
             His
             extreme
             Wrath
             on
             them
             whose
             
             Goodness
             is
             as
             the
             
               Morning
               cloud
            
             and
             
               the
               early
               dew
            
             ;
             and
             say
             ,
             
               Remember
               whence
               thou
               art
               fallen
               ,
               repent
               ,
               and
               do
               thy
               first
               works
               .
            
             Thus
             are
             we
             to
             suit
             the
             the
             case
             of
             those
             whom
             we
             give
             Instruction
             to
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             .
             We
             are
             to
             Instruct
             our
             Families
             very
             Diligently
             .
             T
             is
             a
             thing
             that
             we
             are
             to
             labour
             in
             .
             T
             was
             enjoind
             in
             Deut
             6.
             7.
             
             
               The
               words
               which
               I
               command
               thee
               ,
               thou
               shalt
               teach
               them
            
             Diligently
             
               unto
               thy
               Children
            
             .
             It
             calls
             for
             our
             Hearts
             and
             our
             Pains
             .
             When
             we
             set
             about
             it
             ,
             we
             should
             think
             with
             our selves
             ,
             
               We
               know
               not
               how
               short
               our
               Opportunities
               may
               be
               ;
               we
               know
               not
               whether
               we
               shall
               ever
               speak
               more
               to
               those
               whom
               we
               now
               direct
               our selves
               unto
               .
            
             In
             this
             as
             well
             as
             in
             other
             such
             Cases
             ,
             we
             should
             hear
             the
             voice
             of
             our
             own
             Vncertainty
             &
             Mortality
             ;
             t
             is
             that
             in
             
               Eccles.
               9.
               10.
               
               Do
               with
               thy
               might
               what
               thy
               hand
               finds
               to
               do
               ,
               for
               there
               is
               no
               work
               ,
               nor
               wisdom
               in
               the
               grave
               whither
               thou
               art
               going
               .
            
             T
             is
             the
             
               Work
               of
               the
               Lord
            
             ,
             about
             which
             we
             are
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             ,
             Instructing
             our
             Families
             ,
             t
             is
             not
             to
             be
             done
             slothfully
             ;
             we
             find
             in
             
               Ier.
               28.
               10.
               cursed
               is
               the
               man
               ,
               who
            
             doth
             it
             so
             ;
             t
             is
             to
             be
             done
             heartily
             ;
             we
             find
             in
             2.
             
             
               Chron.
               31.
               21.
            
             that
             is
             the
             way
             to
             prosper
             in
             it
             .
             O
             let
             us
             be
             as
             Diligent
             in
             Instructing
             of
             our
             young
             people
             ,
             as
             the
             Emissaries
             of
             Hell
             are
             in
             Seducing
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             We
             are
             to
             Instruct
             our
             Families
             by
             Exemple
             .
             Be
             Exemplary
             ;
             and
             follow
             the
             Directory
             of
             that
             geat
             man
             ,
             who
             said
             in
             Psal.
             101.
             10.
             
             
               I
               will
               walk
               within
               my
               house
               with
               a
               perfect
               heart
               .
            
             
             Let
             our
             Walk
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             our
             Talk
             ,
             show
             the
             young
             people
             with
             us
             how
             they
             are
             
               to
               walk
               and
               to
               please
               God
            
             ;
             and
             let
             us
             be
             able
             to
             call
             upon
             them
             ,
             
               Do
               you
               follow
               me
               ,
               as
               I
               follow
               Christ.
            
             Let
             us
             give
             such
             Expressions
             of
             Love
             to
             God
             and
             his
             Truths
             and
             His
             Wayes
             ,
             that
             our
             Families
             may
             come
             after
             us
             in
             the
             like
             .
             Let
             them
             discern
             how
             to
             seek
             the
             Face
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             how
             to
             bear
             the
             Hand
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             how
             to
             prize
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             ,
             by
             seeing
             how
             We
             do
             it
             our selves
             .
             When
             Elisha
             would
             get
             for
             himself
             
               a
               double
               Portion
            
             of
             the
             spirit
             in
             Elijah
             ,
             he
             said
             in
             2.
             
             King
             2.
             10.
             
             
               If
               thou
            
             see
             
               me
               ,
               it
               shall
               be
               so
               unto
               thee
               .
            
             O
             that
             the
             Sight
             of
             us
             ,
             that
             the
             Sight
             of
             our
             Piety
             ,
             and
             Gravity
             might
             Instruct
             our
             Houses
             ,
             and
             help
             them
             to
             a
             
               double
               Portion
            
             of
             those
             Graces
             and
             Vertues
             which
             are
             
               the
               Fruits
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             .
             We
             shou'd
             study
             an
             
               Instructive
               Conversation
            
             ;
             and
             we
             should
             never
             permit
             a
             Cham
             ,
             a
             young
             Cham
             in
             our
             families
             ,
             to
             see
             us
             overcome
             with
             Drink
             ,
             Disguised
             with
             Vice
             ,
             or
             naked
             with
             Folly
             ;
             but
             
               In
               all
               things
               we
               should
               show
               our selves
               a
            
             Pattern
             
               of
               good
               works
            
             .
          
           
             Fifthly
             .
             We
             are
             to
             Instruct
             our
             Families
             with
             Authority
             .
             As
             the
             Minister
             is
             to
             imitate
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             of
             whom
             t
             is
             said
             in
             
               Mat.
               7.
               29.
               
               He
               taught
               as
               one
               having
               Authority
               .
            
             So
             should
             the
             Householder
             do
             .
             And
             hence
             we
             are
             to
             keep
             up
             our
             Authority
             in
             our
             families
             ;
             not
             permitting
             
               the
               child
               to
               be
               have
               himself
               proudly
               against
               
               the
               Ancient
               .
            
             It
             is
             required
             in
             Lev.
             19.
             3.
             
             
               Ye
               shall
               fear
               every
               one
               his
            
             Mother
             
               and
               his
               Father
            
             ,
             the
             Mother
             is
             here
             put
             before
             the
             Father
             ,
             because
             commonly
             she
             first
             loseth
             her
             Authority
             :
             but
             neither
             Mother
             nor
             Father
             should
             suffer
             themselves
             to
             be
             trampled
             upon
             .
             T
             is
             an
             intolerable
             thing
             ,
             for
             a
             saucy
             ,
             impudent
             ,
             unmannerly
             child
             to
             reply
             ,
             
               I
               wont
            
             ,
             when
             a
             Parent
             bids
             him
             do
             this
             or
             that
             .
             You
             sin
             grievously
             ,
             if
             you
             do
             not
             curb
             and
             break
             the
             Wills
             of
             them
             that
             you
             are
             to
             bring
             up
             in
             the
             
               nurture
               of
               the
               Lord
            
             ;
             and
             if
             you
             don't
             make
             'em
             tremble
             to
             break
             any
             of
             your
             commands
             .
             Wherefore
             let
             there
             be
             that
             Wisdom
             ,
             that
             Meekness
             ,
             that
             Reservedness
             ,
             and
             Seriousness
             in
             our
             Deportments
             ,
             with
             which
             we
             may
             
               Rule
               well
               our
               own
               house
               ,
               and
               have
               our
            
             Children
             in
             Subjection
             
               with
               all
               g●●vity
            
             .
             This
             is
             that
             Family-Instruction
             and
             Family
             
               -
               Government
            
             by
             which
             we
             must
             bring
             our
             Houses
             to
             
               serve
               the
               Lord.
            
             
          
        
         
           
             SECT
             .
             XV.
             
          
           
             ONe
             might
             Rationally
             imagine
             ,
             that
             no
             Exception
             could
             be
             taken
             at
             such
             a
             profitable
             and
             necessary
             thing
             as
             
               Family
               Instruction
            
             is
             .
             Yet
             this
             also
             has
             Exceptions
             made
             against
             it
             ;
             and
             therefore
             I
             am
             endeavouring
          
           
             
               II.
               To
               Remove
               some
               Objections
               against
               Family
               Instruction
               .
            
          
           
             Diverse
             things
             are
             by
             many
             pleaded
             ,
             wherefore
             they
             take
             no
             care
             to
             have
             their
             Families
             par●akers
             of
             
               Instruction
               in
               Righteousness
            
             .
          
           
             
             
               The
               First
               Exception
               .
            
             
               
                 One
                 person
                 will
                 for
                 this
                 Plea
                 Exempt
                 himself
                 .
              
               The
               Inferiors
               in
               my
               Family
               are
               very
               Dull
               :
               T
               is
               an
               hard
               thing
               to
               beat
               into
               them
               ,
               any
               sense
               of
               Eternal
               Concernments
               .
            
             
               On
               this
               Pretense
               it
               is
               ,
               that
               poor
               Negro's
               especially
               are
               kept
               Strangers
               to
               the
               
                 way
                 of
                 Life
              
               :
               they
               are
               kept
               only
               as
               Ho●ses
               or
               Oxen
               ,
               to
               do
               our
               Drudgeries
               ;
               but
               their
               Souls
               ,
               which
               are
               as
               white
               and
               good
               as
               those
               of
               other
               Nations
               ,
               their
               Souls
               are
               not
               look'd
               after
               ,
               but
               are
               
                 Destroyed
                 for
                 lack
              
               of
               Knowledge
               .
               This
               is
               a
               desperate
               Wickedness
               .
               But
               are
               they
               dull
               ?
               Then
               instruct
               them
               the
               rather
               ;
               That
               is
               the
               Way
               to
               sharpen
               them
               .
               T
               is
               said
               in
               
                 Psal.
                 119.
                 130.
                 
                 The
                 Entrance
                 of
                 thy
                 word
                 gives
              
               Understanding
               
                 to
                 the
              
               Simple
               .
               Be
               they
               never
               so
               simple
               ,
               you
               may
               increase
               their
               Wit
               by
               God's
               Word
               .
               And
               are
               they
               truly
               Dull
               ?
               Then
               be
               not
               you
               so
               too
               ;
               Let
               your
               Labour
               be
               equal
               to
               their
               Dulness
               .
               We
               are
               told
               in
               
                 Eccl.
                 10.
                 10.
                 
                 If
                 the
                 Iron
                 be
              
               blunt
               ,
               
                 then
                 a
                 man
                 must
                 put
                 to
                 the
                 more
                 Strength
                 .
              
               You
               must
               be
               at
               the
               Trouble
               to
               stoop
               unto
               their
               Capacities
               .
               Be
               you
               as
               plain
               ,
               be
               you
               as
               breef
               in
               your
               Instructions
               ,
               as
               they
               are
               dull
               in
               their
               Intellectuals
               .
               And
               be
               frequent
               ,
               be
               patient
               in
               them
               ;
               give
               
                 Line
                 upon
                 line
                 ,
                 and
                 Precept
                 upon
                 precept
                 ,
                 here
                 a
                 little
                 and
                 there
                 a
                 little
                 .
              
               Even
               
                 Gutta
                 cavat
                 lapidem
                 —
                 a
                 Stone
              
               will
               receive
               the
               mark
               of
               the
               Drop
               that
               shall
               often
               fall
               upon
               it
               .
            
          
           
             
             
               The
               Second
               Exception
               .
            
             
               Another
               person
               will
               for
               this
               Cause
               Exempt
               himself
               .
            
             
               The
               Inferiors
               in
               my
               Family
               are
               very
               Young.
               T
               is
               too
               soon
               to
               begin
               with
               them
               ;
               we
               shall
               only
               make
               them
               
                 take
                 the
                 Name
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 vain
              
               by
               teaching
               them
               to
               
                 talk
                 like
                 Parrots
              
               of
               Religion
               ,
               before
               they
               can
               conceive
               better
               of
               it
               .
            
             
               To
               this
               I
               answer
               ,
               No
               ,
               You
               can't
               begin
               with
               them
               
                 Too
                 soon
              
               .
               `
               T
               was
               said
               in
               
                 Isai.
                 28.
                 9.
                 
                 Whom
                 shall
                 hee
                 teach
                 knowledge
                 ?
                 Them
                 that
                 are
                 weaned
                 from
                 the
                 milk
                 and
                 drawn
                 from
                 the
                 breasts
                 .
              
               They
               are
               no
               sooner
               wean'd
               but
               they
               are
               to
               be
               taught
               ;
               and
               God
               may
               give
               them
               righter
               and
               riper
               Conceptions
               of
               things
               ,
               than
               you
               are
               well
               aware
               .
               What
               saies
               the
               Wise
               man
               ,
               
                 Trai●
                 up
                 a
              
               Child
               
                 in
                 th●
                 way
                 he
                 should
                 go
                 .
              
               Let
               the
               first
               liquor
               that
               is
               put
               into
               them
               be
               sweet
               and
               good
               ;
               and
               they
               will
               keep
               the
               tang
               of
               it
               all
               their
               dayes
               .
               
                 Quo
                 semel
                 est
                 imbuta
                 recens
              
               —
            
             
               Are
               they
               Young
               ?
               Yet
               the
               Devil
               has
               been
               with
               them
               already
               .
               T
               is
               said
               in
               Psal.
               58.
               3.
               
               
                 They
                 go
                 astray
                 as
              
               soon
               as
               they
               are
               born
               ,
               
                 speaking
                 lies
              
               .
               They
               no
               sooner
               step
               than
               they
               stray
               ,
               they
               no
               sooner
               lisp
               than
               they
               ly
               .
               Satan
               gets
               them
               to
               be
               proud
               ,
               prosane
               reviling
               and
               revengeful
               as
               young
               as
               they
               are
               .
               And
               I
               pray
               ,
               Why
               should
               not
               you
               be
               afore-hand
               with
               him
               ?
               And
               this
               the
               rather
               ,
               since
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               calleth
               for
               them
               .
               He
               saies
               
               in
               Marc.
               10.
               13.
               
               Suffer
               little
               
                 children
                 to
                 come
                 unto
                 me
              
               .
               For
               know
               ,
               T
               is
               not
               an
               Affront
               ,
               but
               an
               Honour
               unto
               the
               Name
               of
               God
               ,
               for
               such
               young
               ones
               to
               
                 Learn
                 the
                 truth
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 Iesus
                 .
              
               It
               was
               very
               pleasing
               unto
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               when
               in
               Matth.
               21.
               15.
               
               The
               Children
               
                 cryed
                 Hosannah
              
               to
               Him.
               If
               your
               Children
               do
               not
               cry
               Hosanna
               ,
               they
               will
               call
               wicked
               Names
               ,
               they
               will
               curse
               and
               lie
               ,
               and
               take
               the
               Name
               of
               God
               in
               vain
               ;
               and
               which
               is
               best
               ?
               
                 Iudge
                 ye
              
               .
               Besides
               we
               have
               the
               Call
               of
               God
               ,
               in
               Psal.
               148.
               12.
               
               Ye
               Children
               ,
               praise
               
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               
            
          
           
             
               The
               Third
               Exception
               .
            
             
               A
               Third
               person
               will
               urge
               this
               against
               it
               .
            
             
               I
               want
               Abilities
               to
               manage
               this
               work
               ,
               my
               Parts
               and
               Gifts
               are
               too
               mean
               to
               go
               thro
               it
               .
            
             
               To
               this
               I
               answer
               ;
               God
               will
               Accept
               you
               ,
               tho●
               you
               do
               it
               meanly
               .
               The
               Prophet
               made
               this
               Apology
               for
               himself
               ,
               in
               Jer.
               1.
               6.
               
               
                 Ah!
                 Lord
                 God
                 ,
                 I
                 cannot
                 speak
                 .
              
               But
               God
               answered
               ,
               
                 Say
                 not
                 so
              
               .
               Tho
               you
               have
               but
               
                 one
                 Talent
              
               ,
               yet
               let
               it
               not
               ly
               by
               .
               Though
               you
               have
               only
               
                 Goats
                 hair
              
               ,
               or
               
                 Badgers
                 skins
              
               ,
               yet
               employ
               them
               for
               the
               use
               of
               the
               Tabernacle
               .
               The
               Apostle
               tells
               the
               Hebrews
               ,
               
                 You
                 need
                 one
                 to
                 teach
                 you
                 the
              
               first
               principles
               
                 of
                 the
                 O●●cles
                 of
                 God
              
               ;
               yet
               unto
               them
               he
               said
               ,
               
                 Exhort
                 one
                 ●nother
              
               .
            
             
               Moreover
               ,
               God
               will
               Assist
               you
               to
               do
               it
               better
               .
               T
               was
               affi●med
               to
               him
               in
               
                 Ioshua
                 1.
                 9.
                 
                 
                 Have
                 not
                 I
                 commanded
                 thee
                 ?
                 Be
                 strong
                 and
                 of
                 a
                 good
                 Courage
                 ,
                 for
                 the
              
               Lord
               
                 thy
                 God
                 is
                 with
                 thee
              
               .
               Thus
               be
               it
               affirmed
               here
               ;
               God
               has
               commanded
               thee
               ,
               Do
               it
               as
               courageously
               and
               as
               comfortably
               as
               thou
               canst
               :
               His
               Presence
               will
               continually
               cause
               thee
               to
               grow
               in
               thy
               Accomplishments
               
                 To
                 him
                 that
              
               hath
               
                 shall
                 be
                 given
              
               .
               Keep
               watering
               the
               Olive-plants
               about
               thy
               Table
               .
               
                 He
                 that
              
               watereth
               
                 shall
                 be
              
               watered
               
                 also
                 himself
              
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               Fourth
               Exception
               .
            
             
               A
               Fourth
               person
               perhaps
               will
               not
               blush
               to
               say
               ,
               
                 I
                 want
              
               Opportunity
               
                 to
                 attend
                 this
                 Work
                 ,
                 my
                 Employment
                 will
                 not
                 suffer
                 me
                 .
              
            
             
               But
               let
               no
               man
               argue
               so
               Man
               hast
               thou
               Time
               to
               Feed
               thy
               Family
               and
               no
               time
               to
               Teach
               them
               ?
               The
               poorest
               among
               you
               all
               should
               say
               ,
               as
               in
               Psa.
               119.
               92.
               
               
                 The
                 Law
                 of
                 thy
                 mouth
                 is
                 better
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 than
                 thousands
                 of
                 Gold
                 and
                 silver
                 .
              
               T
               is
               better
               to
               lay
               up
               for
               thy
               Family
               the
               Riches
               of
               
                 God's
                 Law
              
               ,
               than
               Thousands
               of
               pounds
               .
               Nothing
               ,
               nothing
               should
               put
               by
               their
               Instruction
               in
               the
               
                 way
                 of
                 peace
              
               If
               you
               do
               not
               want
               an
               Heart
               ,
               you
               will
               not
               want
               a
               Time
               for
               the
               Instruction
               of
               your
               Families
               .
               No
               man
               could
               have
               more
               business
               lying
               on
               his
               hands
               than
               David
               had
               who
               had
               the
               Affayrs
               of
               a
               mighty
               Kingdom
               to
               distract
               him
               ;
               yet
               of
               him
               could
               his
               own
               Son
               say
               as
               in
               Prov.
               4.
               4.
               
               
                 He
                 taught
                 me
              
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               Fifth
               Exception
               .
            
             
               T
               is
               possible
               a
               fifth
               person
               may
               have
               uncomfortable
               cause
               to
               plead
               ,
            
             
             
               I
               have
               those
               in
               my
               Family
               that
               
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 Instructed
              
               ;
               I
               can't
               Order
               them
               so
               far
               as
               to
               make
               them
               submit
               unto
               it
               .
            
             
               In
               this
               unhappy
               Case
               ,
               What
               shall
               be
               done
               but
               this
               ?
               We
               are
               to
               pray
               for
               these
               Creatures
               ,
               that
               their
               Hearts
               may
               be
               tam●d
               and
               bow●d
               by
               Him
               ,
               that
               has
               them
               in
               His
               Hand
               .
               We
               are
               also
               to
               watch
               when
               some
               Affliction
               or
               some
               Amazement
               is
               come
               upon
               them
               :
               then
               God
               
                 opens
                 their
                 ear
                 to
                 Discipline
              
               ;
               then
               the
               
                 Wild
                 Asses
              
               are
               
                 in
                 the
                 Month
              
               where
               you
               may
               
                 find
                 them
              
               .
               We
               may
               likewise
               call
               in
               the
               help
               of
               some
               grave
               ,
               pious
               ,
               holy
               Minister
               ,
               who
               may
               come
               to
               them
               with
               the
               spirit
               and
               power
               of
               Elias
               ,
               To
               
                 turn
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 the
              
               Children
               
                 to
                 their
              
               Fathers
               .
            
             
               Finally
               .
               If
               your
               Children
               refuse
               to
               be
               Instructed
               ,
               What
               saies
               the
               Wise
               man
               ,
               A
               Rod
               
                 for
                 the
                 fools
                 back
              
               .
               If
               your
               Servants
               refuse
               to
               be
               Instructed
               ,
               What
               saies
               the
               Good
               man
               ,
               
                 He
                 that
                 worketh
                 deceit
              
               shall
               not
               dwell
               
                 within
                 my
                 house
              
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             SECT
             .
             XVI
             .
          
           
             BEfore
             I
             have
             done
             ,
             I
             must
             Endeavour
          
           
             
               III.
               To
               propound
               some
               Incentives
               unto
               Family-Instruction
               .
            
          
           
             Wherefore
          
           
             Consider
             ,
             first
             ,
             the
             Needfulness
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             Christians
             ,
             Instruct
             your
             Families
             ,
             for
             I
             may
             say
             ,
             
               This
               is
               the
               Will
               of
            
             God
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             
               concerning
               you
            
             .
             And
             as
             Gods
             Will
             ,
             so
             their
             State
             
             calleth
             for
             it
             .
             O
             look
             upon
             the
             Ignorance
             of
             your
             Families
             .
             May
             it
             not
             be
             said
             of
             them
             as
             in
             Psal.
             14.
             2.
             
             
               The
               Lord
               looked
               on
               the
               Children
               —
               to
               see
               if
               there
               were
               any
               that
               did
               understand
               ;
               they
               are
               all
               gone
               aside
               .
            
             Instruct
             them
             ;
             lest
             they
             be
             
               destroyed
               for
               lack
               of
               knowledge
            
             .
             Look
             upon
             the
             Corruption
             of
             your
             Families
             .
             May
             it
             not
             be
             said
             of
             them
             ,
             as
             in
             Eccles.
             5.
             3.
             
             
               The
               hearts
               of
               the
               Children
               is
               full
               of
               Evil.
            
             Instruct
             them
             ,
             lest
             they
             be
             the
             
               Children
               of
            
             Belial
             ,
             to
             
               consume
               your
            
             eyes
             
               and
               grieve
               your
            
             hearts
             .
          
           
             In
             a
             Word
             ,
             Instruct
             your
             Families
             or
             else
             the
             Blood
             of
             their
             Souls
             will
             be
             required
             at
             your
             hands
             .
             It
             was
             complain'd
             of
             old
             ,
             in
             Jer.
             2.
             34.
             
             
               In
               thy
               skirts
               is
               found
               the
               blood
               of
               the
               souls
               of
               poor
               innocents
               .
            
             What
             a
             dreadful
             word
             is
             that
             !
             and
             what
             a
             dreadful
             thing
             will
             it
             be
             ,
             for
             your
             poor
             Families
             to
             follow
             you
             in
             the
             ever-burning
             Lake
             below
             ;
             shrieking
             and
             roaring
             ,
             
               If
               you
               had
               done
            
             your
             Duty
             
               to
               us
               ,
               t
               is
               like
               we
               had
               never
               arrived
               here
               !
            
          
           
             Consider
             ,
             Secondly
             the
             Vsefulness
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             Instruct
             your
             Families
             and
             it
             will
             issue
             in
             
               their
               Good.
            
             They
             shall
             be
             brought
             home
             to
             God.
             As
             he
             said
             in
             Psal
             51.
             13.
             
             
               I
               will
            
             teach
             
               them
               ,
               and
               they
               shall
               be
            
             converted
             
               unto
               thee
            
             .
             You
             may
             see
             converted
             Children
             ,
             and
             converted
             Servants
             ,
             filling
             of
             your
             Families
             .
             They
             may
             bless
             the
             name
             of
             God
             for
             ever
             ,
             that
             ever
             they
             knew
             your
             House
             ,
             or
             saw
             your
             Face
             ;
             because
             you
             have
             
             promoted
             in
             them
             that
             Knowledge
             which
             is
             
               Life
               Eternal
            
             .
          
           
             Instruct
             your
             Families
             ;
             and
             it
             will
             issue
             in
             
               your
               Ioy.
            
             They
             shall
             afford
             you
             that
             ●ight
             ,
             of
             which
             the
             Apostle
             said
             ,
             
               I
               have
               no
               greater
               Ioy.
            
             T
             is
             said
             in
             Prov.
             10.
             1.
             
             
               A
               wise
               Son
               makes
               a
               glad
               Father
               .
            
             T
             is
             a
             taught
             son
             that
             proves
             a
             wise
             son
             .
             What
             a
             joyful
             thing
             will
             it
             be
             ,
             for
             you
             to
             see
             all
             your
             Children
             and
             Servants
             ,
             calling
             you
             their
             
               spiritual
               Father
            
             ,
             here
             !
             But
             what
             a
             much-more
             joyful
             thing
             will
             it
             be
             for
             you
             to
             meet
             them
             all
             at
             the
             
               Right
               Hand
            
             of
             our
             Lord
             in
             the
             day
             of
             His
             Appearing
             !
          
           
             O
             Consider
             of
             these
             Things
             ;
             and
             go
             away
             determined
             ,
             [
             I
             hope
             you
             are
             now
             determined
             ]
             
               Thus
               I
               and
               my
            
             House
             will
             serve
             
               the
               Lord.
            
             
          
        
      
       
         
         
           TIME
           DISCERNED
           .
        
         
           
             ECCLES
             .
             VIII
             .
             5.
             
          
           
             A
             wise
             man's
             heart
             discerneth
             TIME
          
        
         
           THe
           Famous
           Writer
           of
           these
           Words
           was
           that
           Royal
           
             Preacher
             ,
             Solomon
          
           .
           After
           much
           Experience
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           after
           much
           Repentance
           for
           that
           Experience
           ,
           he
           drew
           up
           a
           Treatise
           
             De
             summo
             bono
          
           ,
           concerning
           the
           
             chief
             Good
          
           of
           man.
           The
           penitent
           and
           inspired
           Monarch
           ,
           having
           arrived
           unto
           the
           Top
           of
           this
           world
           ,
           pitties
           the
           poor
           men
           whom
           he
           sees
           toiling
           and
           sweating
           to
           get
           up
           the
           rocky
           hill
           after
           him
           ,
           and
           expecting
           to
           find
           Happiness
           there
           ▪
           &
           with
           a
           loud
           voice
           he
           gives
           this
           warning
           to
           them
           ,
           
             Sirs
             ,
             You
             will
             be
             all
          
           mistaken
           ,
           
             you
             will
             meet
             with
          
           nothing
           but
           Vanity
           and
           Vexation
           here
           .
        
         
           The
           Context
           here
           contains
           the
           Reflections
           of
           this
           wise
           prince
           on
           the
           Countenance
           which
           he
           
           had
           given
           to
           publick
           and
           open
           Idolatry
           in
           Israel
           ,
           and
           the
           compliance
           which
           they
           that
           should
           have
           advised
           the
           contrary
           yeilded
           thereunto
           .
           Men
           
             seek
             out
             many
             inventions
          
           to
           excuse
           themselves
           from
           bearing
           an
           humble
           but
           a
           
             faithful
             Testimony
          
           against
           any
           sinful
           thing
           which
           their
           Superiors
           may
           invite
           them
           to
           .
           One
           of
           these
           Inventions
           is
           mentioned
           in
           the
           fourth
           verse
           of
           this
           Chapter
           ;
           it
           is
           drawn
           from
           the
           
             Vncontrouleable
             Power
          
           of
           them
           that
           sometimes
           enjoin
           a
           sinful
           thing
           .
           To
           this
           Excuse
           we
           have
           a
           two-fold
           Answer
           in
           the
           fifth
           verse
           .
           We
           have
           two
           things
           in
           it
           .
           First
           ,
           the
           Good
           of
           Religion
           .
           T
           is
           sai●
           ,
           
             Whoso
             keepeth
             the
             commandment
             shall
             feel
             no
             evil
             thing
             .
          
           q.
           d.
           Be
           true
           to
           Gods
           Commandments
           &
           thy
           own
           Conscience
           ,
           let
           who
           will
           be
           offended
           at
           it
           ;
           the
           wonderful
           providence
           of
           the
           Almighty
           will
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           be
           concerned
           for
           thy
           Safety
           and
           Security
           .
           A
           man
           gets
           no
           real
           Hurt
           by
           doing
           of
           his
           Duty
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           the
           Need
           of
           Discretion
           .
           T
           is
           said
           
             A
             wise
             mans
             heart
             discerneth
             both
          
           Time
           
             and
             Iudgment
          
           .
           q.
           d.
           In
           the
           doing
           of
           this
           ,
           and
           every
           other
           Duty
           ,
           two
           things
           are
           to
           be
           much
           regarded
           .
           Mind
           the
           Season
           of
           the
           duty
           ,
           and
           mind
           the
           Manner
           of
           the
           duty
           :
           much
           harm
           will
           thereby
           be
           prevented
           in
           discharging
           of
           it
           .
           T
           is
           the
           former
           of
           these
           two
           Regardables
           that
           I
           would
           now
           insist
           upon
           .
           Behold
           a
           general
           Rule
           apply'd
           unto
           a
           particular
           Case
           :
           the
           Case
           is
           ,
           
             the
             Rebuking
             and
             Refusing
             of
             Sin
          
           ;
           but
           the
           Rule
           is
           ,
           
             A
             wise
             
             man
             alwai●s
             will
          
           discern
           
             his
             time
             to
             do
             what
             he
             has
             to
             do
             .
          
           To
           Discern
           the
           Time
           ,
           —
           it
           must
           needs
           also
           signifie
           to
           Improve
           the
           Time.
           Wherefore
           the
           Doctrine
           is
           ,
           
             
               A
               wise
               man
               will
               discern
               and
               improve
               his
               Time
               ,
               to
               do
               what
               is
               incumbent
               on
               him
               .
            
          
        
         
           Our
           Propositions
           are
           to
           be
           such
           as
           these
           .
        
         
           
             Prop.
             I.
             
          
           
             The
             Blessed
             God
             affordeth
             to
             men
             in
             this
             World
             a
             Time
             to
             discharge
             the
             Duties
             incumbent
             on
             them
             .
             There
             are
             two
             things
             incumbent
             on
             us
             ;
             to
             Do
             good
             ,
             and
             to
             Get
             good
             .
             The
             good
             we
             are
             to
             do
             ,
             is
             to
             Honour
             God
             ;
             and
             the
             good
             we
             are
             to
             get
             ,
             is
             to
             Enjoy
             God.
             Those
             two
             things
             comprise
             all
             our
             Duties
             ;
             and
             they
             make
             up
             the
             Errand
             which
             we
             come
             into
             the
             World
             upon
             .
             Now
             ,
             while
             we
             are
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             God
             allowes
             us
             a
             Time
             for
             this
             work
             ;
             we
             have
             time
             not
             only
             in
             the
             larger
             sense
             of
             it
             ,
             but
             also
             in
             the
             stricter
             sense
             of
             it
             ;
             We
             have
             time
             not
             only
             in
             Duration
             ,
             but
             also
             in
             Opportunity
             .
             There
             is
             not
             any
             Duty
             enjoined
             uppon
             us
             ,
             but
             there
             is
             a
             Season
             for
             it
             allowed
             unto
             us
             .
             T
             is
             an
             Observation
             about
             the
             things
             that
             shall
             be
             ,
             in
             Eccles.
             3.
             1.
             
             
               To
               every
               thing
               there
               is
               a
            
             Season
             ,
             
               and
               a
            
             Time
             
               to
               every
               purpose
            
             .
             Thus
             it
             may
             be
             said
             about
             the
             things
             that
             should
             be
             ,
             
               There
               is
               no
            
             Duty
             ,
             
               but
               God
               hath
               provided
               us
               a
            
             Time
             
               and
               a
            
             Season
             
               for
               it
            
             .
             We
             have
             some
             
               golden
               spots
               of
               Time
            
             ,
             whereof
             we
             may
             say
             ,
             
               This
               is
               the
            
             
             Time
             
               for
               such
               a
               duty
            
             ;
             and
             again
             ,
             
               This
               is
               the
            
             Time
             
               for
               another
               duty
            
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             We
             have
             a
             Time
             to
             
               do
               Good
            
             while
             we
             are
             here
             in
             the
             world
             .
             We
             have
             a
             time
             to
             exercise
             every
             Vertue
             ,
             to
             use
             all
             that
             Piety
             and
             Charity
             ,
             all
             that
             Holiness
             &
             Righteousness
             ,
             which
             the
             Lord
             requireth
             of
             us
             .
             The
             Good
             which
             we
             are
             to
             do
             is
             expressed
             in
             
               Mic.
               6.
               8.
               
               He
               hath
               shewed
               thee
               ,
               O
               man
               ,
               what
               is
            
             good
             ,
             
               to
               do
            
             justly
             ,
             
               ●and
               to
            
             love
             Mercy
             ,
             
               and
               to
            
             walk
             humbly
             
               with
               thy
               God.
            
             We
             meet
             with
             many
             Times
             to
             do
             those
             
               Good
               things
            
             before
             we
             dye
             .
             We
             have
             now
             our
             ●●me
             to
             acquaint
             our selves
             with
             God
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             methods
             of
             Devotion
             ;
             our
             Time
             to
             acknowledge
             God
             in
             all
             the
             waies
             of
             New
             Obedience
             We
             have
             also
             our
             Time
             to
             advantage
             our
             Neighbours
             ;
             our
             Time
             to
             promote
             the
             internal
             and
             eternal
             Salvation
             ,
             and
             the
             external
             Prosperity
             of
             them
             that
             are
             about
             us
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             We
             have
             likewise
             a
             Time
             to
             
               Get
               Good
            
             while
             we
             are
             in
             the
             world
             .
             We
             have
             a
             Time
             to
             obtain
             all
             that
             Favour
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             Fellowship
             with
             God
             which
             our
             Mighty
             Redeemer
             is
             the
             Authour
             of
             .
             The
             Good
             which
             we
             are
             to
             get
             ,
             is
             comprised
             in
             Isai.
             55.
             3.
             
             
               The
               sure
               Mercies
               of
               David
            
             .
             We
             have
             our
             Times
             to
             secure
             all
             those
             
               Good
               things
            
             .
             Every
             man
             of
             us
             may
             say
             ,
             
               I
               have
               a
            
             Time
             
               to
               get
               my
               Sin
               pardoned
            
             ;
             he
             may
             say
             ,
             
               I
               have
               a
            
             Time
             
               to
               get
               my
               Soul
               renewed
            
             ;
             he
             may
             say
             ,
             
               I
               have
               a
            
             Time
             
               to
               get
               all
               the
            
             Promises
             
               of
               the
            
             
             New
             Covenant
             
               fulfilled
               unto
               my
               soul
               for
               evermore
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             Prop.
             II.
             
          
           
             It
             is
             no
             small
             part
             of
             Wisdom
             for
             men
             to
             discern
             and
             improve
             the
             Time
             which
             God
             affordeth
             unto
             them
             .
             When
             the
             Gales
             of
             Opportunity
             blow
             in
             the
             Sails
             of
             Time
             ,
             every
             man
             should
             see
             and
             watch
             his
             own
             Opportunity
             .
             To
             Discern
             the
             Time
             ,
             is
             to
             mind
             the
             time
             ,
             and
             to
             use
             the
             time
             ,
             for
             the
             performance
             of
             our
             Duty
             .
             Now
             t
             is
             a
             wise
             man
             that
             will
             so
             discern
             the
             
               Time.
               Sapience
            
             or
             Wisdom
             is
             a
             Vertue
             of
             the
             Vnderstanding
             ,
             whereby
             a
             man
             perceives
             the
             Dependence
             of
             things
             ;
             the
             Co●nexion
             of
             things
             ,
             and
             the
             
               Consequence
               of
               things
            
             being
             understood
             ,
             therein
             Wisdom
             is
             discovered
             .
             To
             
               discern
               the
               time
            
             is
             an
             instance
             of
             this
             .
             T
             is
             Wisdom
             for
             a
             man
             to
             lay
             his
             Time
             and
             his
             Work
             together
             .
             T
             is
             Wisdom
             for
             a
             man
             to
             fore-see
             what
             will
             be
             the
             Issue
             of
             such
             a
             Work
             at
             such
             a
             Time.
             But
             besides
             the
             Nature
             of
             Wisdom
             evidently
             appearing
             in
             this
             thing
             ,
             we
             have
             a
             two
             fold
             further
             witness
             to
             the
             Wisdom
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             The
             Testimony
             of
             Scripture
             there
             about
             ,
             shewes
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             Wisdome
             for
             men
             to
             discern
             and
             improve
             their
             time
             .
             What
             the
             all
             -
             wise
             ,
             the
             only
             -
             wise
             GOD
             calleth
             Wisdom
             ,
             is
             unquestionably
             to
             be
             esteemed
             so
             .
             The
             Redeeming
             of
             Time
             is
             great
             Wisdom
             in
             the
             Language
             and
             the
             Account
             of
             God.
             T
             was
             said
             in
             Eph.
             5.
             16.
             
             
               Walk
               as
            
             wise
             ,
             Redeeming
             
               the
               time
            
             —
             Much
             of
             the
             same
             Date
             
             and
             Tenour
             ,
             was
             the
             Epistle
             to
             the
             Colossians
             .
             In
             that
             Epistle
             also
             we
             have
             the
             like
             passage
             ,
             in
             Cap.
             4.
             5.
             
             
               Walk
               in
            
             Wisdom
             ,
             Redeeming
             
               the
               time
            
             .
             T
             is
             probable
             the
             Apostle
             therein
             has
             a
             special
             Reference
             to
             Persecutions
             ,
             which
             good
             men
             were
             then
             exposed
             unto
             .
             To
             
               Redeem
               the
               Time
            
             ,
             was
             a
             proverbial
             Phrase
             of
             old
             ,
             signifying
             ,
             To
             
               Keep
               out
               of
               trouble
               as
               long
               as
               one
               can
               .
            
             Thus
             the
             
             Chaldean-Soothsayers
             were
             told
             in
             their
             distress
             ,
             
               Dan.
               2.
               8.
               
               I
               know
               that
               ye
               would
            
             gain
             
               the
               time
            
             .
             This
             was
             the
             Counsil
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               By
               a
               prudent
               ,
               holy
               ,
               careful
               ,
               and
               inoffensive
               Carriage
               towards
               them
               that
               would
               interrupt
               you
               in
               the
               worship
               of
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
            
             gain
             Time
             
               what
               you
               can
               for
               the
               quiet
               practice
               of
               it
               .
            
             Well
             ,
             If
             it
             be
             Wisdom
             to
             gain
             time
             for
             the
             Service
             of
             God
             ,
             surely
             ,
             t
             is
             Wisdom
             to
             spend
             time
             in
             the
             Service
             of
             God.
             It
             was
             the
             singular
             Character
             &
             Commendation
             of
             the
             Issacharites
             ,
             in
             1.
             
             Chron.
             12.
             32.
             
             
               They
               had
            
             Understanding
             
               in
               the
            
             times
             ,
             to
             know
             
               what
               Israel
               ought
               to
               do
            
             .
             T
             is
             an
             understanding
             man
             ,
             who
             doth
             so
             know
             his
             Time
             ,
             as
             to
             do
             his
             Work.
             Of
             a
             Time-losing
             man
             ,
             the
             Scripture
             saith
             ,
             
               He
               is
               a
               Fool.
            
             It
             saies
             in
             Prov.
             18.
             16.
             
             
               Wherefore
               is
               there
               a
               price
               in
               the
               hand
               of
               a
            
             Fool
             ?
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             The
             Prevention
             of
             Sorrow
             thereby
             ,
             shewes
             ,
             That
             it
             is
             Wisdom
             for
             men
             to
             discern
             and
             improve
             their
             Time.
             It
             is
             great
             Wisdom
             to
             prevent
             great
             Sorrow
             .
             Now
             nothing
             in
             the
             world
             fills
             the
             heart
             of
             man
             more
             with
             Anguish
             
             and
             Anger
             ,
             than
             the
             Missing
             of
             Time.
             When
             a
             man
             has
             missed
             his
             Time
             for
             his
             Work
             ,
             it
             causeth
             an
             unspeakable
             Regret
             within
             him
             .
             We
             read
             of
             some
             professors
             ,
             who
             missed
             their
             〈◊〉
             to
             Entertain
             Christ
             Jesus
             and
             His
             Mercy
             :
             with
             what
             a
             marvellous
             Agony
             did
             they
             cry
             out
             ,
             in
             Matth.
             25.
             11.
             
             
               Lord
               ,
               Lord
               ,
               open
               to
               us
               !
            
             Well
             might
             they
             be
             called
             Foolish
             ,
             who
             thus
             cam●
             too
             late
             .
             The
             horrour
             of
             it
             being
             once
             only
             Represented
             by
             some
             profane
             people
             ,
             who
             acted
             the
             
               Foolish
               Virgins
            
             in
             a
             Play
             ,
             at
             a
             City
             in
             Germany
             ,
             it
             even
             kill'd
             a
             Prince
             that
             was
             a
             Spectator
             of
             it
             .
             T
             is
             impossible
             to
             utter
             the
             Confusion
             which
             the
             slipping
             of
             time
             does
             put
             the
             souls
             of
             men
             into
             .
             When
             Esau
             had
             missed
             his
             Time
             to
             procure
             a
             Blessing
             for
             himself
             ,
             how
             did
             he
             resent
             it
             ?
             We
             are
             told
             in
             Gen.
             27.
             34.
             
             
               He
               cry'd
               with
               a
            
             great
             and
             exceeding
             bitter
             Cry.
             Alas
             ,
             how
             should
             it
             be
             otherwise
             ?
             The
             slipping
             of
             Time
             is
             an
             
               Ill
               ,
               and
               an
            
             exceeding
             bitter
             thing
             .
             There
             are
             but
             two
             sorts
             of
             men
             ;
             both
             of
             them
             find
             the
             
               Loss
               of
               time
            
             ,
             to
             prove
             at
             some
             time
             or
             other
             ,
             a
             sad
             ,
             an
             evil
             ,
             a
             troublesome
             thing
             unto
             them
             ,
             'T
             is
             thus
             esqecially
             when
             their
             time
             is
             come
             to
             Dy
             ,
             when
             their
             time
             is
             to
             
               be
               no
               more
            
             .
             As
             for
             
               Good
               men
            
             ,
             the
             
               Loss
               of
               time
            
             usually
             strowes
             Thorns
             on
             their
             Beds
             when
             they
             come
             to
             dy
             .
             It
             grieves
             the
             best
             man
             to
             think
             ,
             My
             Time
             ,
             my
             Time
             ,
             
               I
               have
               not
               so
               laid
               it
               out
               for
               God
               as
               I
               should
               have
               done
               .
            
             He
             was
             a
             painful
             &
             a
             pious
             Minister
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             
             who
             yet
             breathed
             out
             this
             among
             his
             last
             ,
             Groans
             ,
             
               O
               the
               Loss
            
             of
             Time
             !
             
               it
               〈…〉
               on
               my
               spirit
               now
               .
            
             As
             for
             
               Bad
               men
            
             ,
             the
             
               Loss
               of
               Time
            
             flash●
             Hell
             fire
             into
             their
             spirits
             when
             they
             come
             to
             Dy.
             It
             causes
             terrible
             wounds
             ▪
             and
             pains
             in
             the
             departing
             soul
             of
             a
             Sinner
             to
             think
             
               I
               had
               ,
               once
               a
            
             Time
             
               to
               Beleeve
               ,
               a
            
             Time
             
               to
               Repe●t
               ,
               a
            
             Time
             
               to
               lay
               up
               for
               Eternity
               ,
               but
               now
               my
            
             Time
             is
             gone
             
               for
               ever
            
             .
             The
             sh●●ek
             of
             a
             poor
             man
             going
             out
             of
             the
             world
             sometimes
             has
             been
             ,
             
               A
               would
               of
               Weal●h
               for
               an
               inch
               of
               Time.
            
             〈◊〉
             ,
             t
             is
             Wisdom
             to
             prevent
             such
             things
             as
             these
             .
          
           
             The
             Vse
             of
             these
             things
             remains
             .
          
           
             
               USE
               .
            
             
               Let
               us
               all
               he
               hence
               advised
               to
               Discern
               and
               
                 Improve
                 Time
              
               ,
               which
               we
               have
               to
               discharge
               our
               D●tyes
               in
               .
               The
               most
               of
               us
               ,
               t
               is
               to
               be
               〈◊〉
               ,
               may
               discern
               Iudgment
               ;
               we
               know
               〈◊〉
               our
               Duty
               is
               ,
               and
               How
               it
               is
               to
               be
               dispatched
               .
               〈…〉
               us
               also
               
                 discern
                 Time
              
               :
               Suffer
               we
               not
               our
               time
               to
               run
               from
               us
               ,
               while
               we
               neglect
               the
               
                 great
                 Ends
              
               which
               we
               ,
               have
               it
               for
               .
               O
               let
               not
               the
               Lord
               have
               cause
               to
               complain
               of
               us
               as
               in
               Jer.
               8.
               7.
               
               
                 The
                 Birds
                 in
                 the
                 Heaven
                 know
                 their
                 appointed
              
               times
               ,
               
                 but
                 my
                 people
                 do
                 not
                 know
                 .
              
            
             
               That
               we
               may
               
                 Discern
                 time
              
               ,
               and
               
                 improve
                 time
              
               ,
               such
               Directions
               as
               these
               may
               well
               be
               followed
               .
            
             
               
                 Direction
                 I.
                 
              
               
                 Let
                 us
                 Discern
                 our
                 Time
                 ▪
                 and
                 not
                 Mis-spend
                 our
                 Time.
                 Avoid
                 those
                 
                 Time-wasting
                 things
                 ,
                 
                 Which
                 would
                 serve
                 us
                 about
                 our
                 Time
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 High-way
                 men
                 did
                 the
                 poor
                 Traveller
                 in
                 Luc.
                 10.
                 30.
                 in
                 his
                 way
                 to
                 Iericho
                 .
                 We
                 are
                 all
                 Travelling
                 in
                 the
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 Eternity
                 ;
                 there
                 are
                 these
                 and
                 those
                 Robbers
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 that
                 would
                 plunder
                 us
                 of
                 our
                 time
                 :
                 shun
                 them
                 ,
                 fly
                 them
                 .
                 Count
                 Mis-spenc●
                 of
                 Time
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 most
                 wicked
                 and
                 woful
                 follies
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 .
              
               
                 Let
                 us
                 discern
                 three
                 things
                 in
                 all
                 Time
                 ,
                 and
                 permit
                 no
                 Time
                 to
                 be
                 devoured
                 by
                 two
                 things
                 which
                 we
                 may
                 be
                 under
                 Temptation
                 to
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 things
                 which
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 discern
                 in
                 all
                 Time
                 are
                 these
                 ,
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 discern
                 the
                 Worth
                 of
                 all
                 Time.
                 Let
                 not
                 an
                 hour
                 pass
                 without
                 this
                 opinion
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   This
                   hour
                   is
                   too
                   good
                   to
                   be
                   lost
                   .
                
                 If
                 we
                 prise
                 the
                 Jewel
                 we
                 shall
                 not
                 lose
                 it
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 for
                 our
                 shame
                 that
                 even
                 an
                 Heathen
                 made
                 that
                 complaint
                 ,
                 
                   Q●uem
                   mibi
                   dabis
                   qui
                
                 diem
                 est●met
                 ?
                 Where
                 will
                 you
                 find
                 a
                 man
                 that
                 esteems
                 his
                 Time
                 as
                 he
                 ought
                 to
                 do
                 ?
              
               
                 Ponder
                 well
                 what
                 a
                 vast
                 price
                 our
                 Lord
                 paid
                 for
                 our
                 Time.
                 We
                 had
                 forfeited
                 all
                 our
                 Tune
                 into
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 infinite
                 revenging
                 Justice
                 ;
                 the
                 just
                 wrath
                 of
                 God
                 would
                 have
                 taken
                 away
                 ●ime
                 and
                 Life
                 from
                 us
                 long
                 ago
                 ,
                 if
                 our
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 had
                 not
                 laid
                 down
                 such
                 a
                 price
                 as
                 that
                 in
                 1.
                 
                 Pe●
                 .
                 1.
                 18.
                 
                 
                   Ye
                   were
                   redeemed
                   ,
                   not
                   with
                   silver
                   and
                   gold
                   ,
                   but
                   〈◊〉
                   the
                
                 precious
                 bloud
                 
                   of
                   Iesus
                   Christ.
                
                 O
                 don't
                 throw
                 away
                 any
                 of
                 that
                 which
                 cost
                 so
                 dea●
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 ponder
                 well
                 what
                 a
                 vast
                 price
                 the
                 dying
                 &
                 
                 the
                 damned
                 set
                 on
                 their
                 Time.
                 We
                 may
                 say
                 of
                 it
                 as
                 Iob
                 of
                 another
                 thing
                 ,
                 in
                 Cap.
                 28.
                 22.
                 
                 
                   Destruction
                   and
                   death
                   ,
                   say
                   ,
                   we
                   have
                   heard
                   the
                   fame
                   thereof
                   with
                   our
                   ears
                   .
                
                 Even
                 so
                 ,
                 
                   Destruction
                   and
                   Death
                   set
                   an
                   high
                   rate
                   upon
                   it
                   .
                
                 Ask
                 men
                 when
                 Destruction
                 and
                 Death
                 is
                 near
                 to
                 seizing
                 upon
                 'em
                 ,
                 
                   How
                   much
                   would
                   you
                   give
                   now
                   for
                   a
                   little
                   of
                   the
                
                 time
                 
                   that
                   is
                   gone
                
                 ?
                 They
                 will
                 reply
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   ,
                   whole
                   mountains
                   of
                   gold
                   for
                   one
                   hour
                   of
                   it
                   !
                
                 Judge
                 now
                 as
                 you
                 will
                 judge
                 then
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Let
                 us
                 Discern
                 the
                 Irrevokableness
                 of
                 our
                 Time.
                 When
                 our
                 time
                 is
                 once
                 gone
                 ,
                 it
                 remains
                 Irrevokable
                 ,
                 and
                 Irrecoverable
                 for
                 evermore
                 .
                 We
                 may
                 say
                 of
                 every
                 Time
                 that
                 is
                 past
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 Psal.
                 49.
                 8.
                 
                 
                   It
                   is
                   precious
                   and
                   it
                   ceaseth
                   forever
                   .
                
                 The
                 Wish
                 of
                 Hezekiah
                 could
                 once
                 bring
                 back
                 the
                 shadow
                 of
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 but
                 never
                 could
                 any
                 man
                 procure
                 a
                 Return
                 of
                 his
                 Time.
                 Sometimes
                 the
                 doleful
                 Cryes
                 of
                 distressed
                 ones
                 have
                 been
                 ,
                 Call
                 Time
                 
                   again
                   !
                   call
                
                 Time
                 again
                 !
                 But
                 alas
                 ,
                 Time
                 won't
                 come
                 back
                 for
                 Calling
                 .
                 Oh
                 how
                 should
                 this
                 make
                 us
                 to
                 takeheed
                 that
                 we
                 don't
                 abuse
                 any
                 part
                 of
                 our
                 Time
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   shall
                   never
                   have
                
                 this
                 
                   time
                   again
                
                 !
                 When
                 once
                 our
                 Time
                 has
                 
                   taken
                   wing
                
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 said
                 of
                 
                   Love
                   ▪
                
                 in
                 Cant.
                 8.
                 7.
                 that
                 may
                 be
                 said
                 of
                 
                   Time
                   ,
                   If
                   a
                   man
                   would
                   give
                   all
                   the
                   substance
                   of
                   his
                   house
                   for
                   it
                   ,
                   it
                   would
                   utterly
                   be
                   contemned
                   ,
                
                 When
                 once
                 Time
                 is
                 gone
                 ,
                 
                   't
                   is
                   gone
                
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 Discern
                 our
                 Accountableness
                 for
                 all
                 our
                 Time.
                 God
                 maintains
                 us
                 and
                 supplies
                 
                 us
                 with
                 Time
                 continually
                 .
                 He
                 keeps
                 a
                 Sun
                 to
                 measure
                 it
                 .
                 The
                 time
                 will
                 come
                 when
                 He
                 will
                 reckon
                 with
                 us
                 about
                 all
                 our
                 Time.
                 T
                 is
                 said
                 in
                 
                   Ecc.
                   11.
                   9.
                   
                   O
                   young
                   man
                   walk
                   in
                   the
                   wayes
                   of
                   thy
                   heart
                   ;
                   but
                   know
                   thou
                   that
                   for
                   all
                   these
                   things
                   ,
                   God
                   will
                   bring
                   thee
                   into
                   judgement
                   .
                
                 In
                 like
                 sort
                 ,
                 let
                 me
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   Come
                   ,
                   squander
                   away
                   thy
                
                 Time
                 ,
                 even
                 contrive
                 
                   to
                   get
                   the
                   dead
                   commodity
                   off
                   thy
                   hands
                   ;
                   but
                   know
                   thou
                   that
                   in
                   the
                   day
                   ,
                   when
                   God
                   shall
                   judge
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   all
                   this
                
                 Time
                 
                   of
                   thine
                   must
                   be
                
                 accounted
                 for
                 .
                 It
                 was
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 old
                 ,
                 in
                 
                   Exod
                   21.
                   18.
                   
                   If
                   one
                   man
                   smite
                   another
                   ,
                   so
                   that
                   he
                   keep
                   his
                   bed
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   walk
                   abroad
                   again
                   ,
                   he
                   shall
                   pay
                   for
                   his
                   healing
                   and
                   the
                
                 Loss
                 
                   of
                   his
                
                 Time
                 :
                 Truly
                 so
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 impenitently
                 lose
                 any
                 of
                 the
                 Time
                 which
                 God
                 hath
                 given
                 us
                 ,
                 He
                 will
                 make
                 us
                 pay
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 his
                 pleac●ng
                 with
                 us
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 said
                 in
                 Matth.
                 12.
                 36.
                 
                 
                   Men
                   shall
                   give
                   an
                   account
                   of
                   every
                
                 idle
                 wo●d
                 .
                 Much
                 more
                 in
                 that
                 day
                 shall
                 men
                 give
                 an
                 account
                 of
                 every
                 
                   idle
                   Hour
                
                 .
                 The
                 God
                 that
                 hath
                 numbred
                 our
                 Hairs
                 ,
                 hath
                 also
                 numbred
                 our
                 
                   Hou●es
                   ▪
                
                 It
                 will
                 be
                 a
                 fearful
                 thing
                 ,
                 if
                 at
                 last
                 He
                 say
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 
                   Thou
                   wicked
                   and
                   slothful
                   servant
                   ,
                   thy
                
                 life
                 
                   has
                   been
                   made
                   up
                   of
                
                 idle
                 hours
                 .
              
               
                 These
                 things
                 are
                 we
                 to
                 discern
                 in
                 
                   all
                   Time.
                
                 For
                 the
                 sake
                 hereof
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 now
                 permit
                 
                   no
                   Time
                
                 to
                 be
                 misplac'd
                 in
                 such
                 things
                 as
                 these
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 ,
                 Let
                 us
                 
                   mispend
                   no
                   Time
                
                 in
                 vanity
                 ,
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 live
                 in
                 
                   vain
                   pleasures
                
                 't
                 is
                 said
                 in
                 1
                 Tim
                 5.
                 6.
                 
                   they
                   are
                   Dead
                   while
                   they
                   live
                   .
                
                 They
                 discrn
                 
                 no
                 Time
                 ,
                 and
                 enjoy
                 none
                 .
                 Too
                 much
                 Time
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 laid
                 out
                 in
                 Eating
                 and
                 Drinking
                 .
                 To
                 affect
                 
                   Long
                   Meals
                
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 
                   tarry
                   long
                   at
                   the
                   Wine
                
                 ,
                 does
                 not
                 become
                 a
                 Christian.
                 Thy
                 Soul
                 is
                 a
                 little
                 too
                 noble
                 a
                 thing
                 sure
                 to
                 be
                 made
                 the
                 Cook
                 of
                 thy
                 Body
                 .
                 Moreover
                 ,
                 Too
                 much
                 Time
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 laid
                 out
                 in
                 Attiring
                 and
                 Adorning
                 .
                 It
                 made
                 an
                 holy
                 man
                 among
                 the
                 Ancients
                 to
                 weep
                 ,
                 when
                 in
                 a
                 morning
                 he
                 ●aw
                 a
                 person
                 longer
                 in
                 Dressing
                 ,
                 than
                 himself
                 had
                 been
                 in
                 praying
                 .
                 Thy
                 Carcase
                 that
                 is
                 to
                 feed
                 the
                 Worms
                 ere
                 long
                 should
                 not
                 put
                 by
                 thy
                 cares
                 about
                 thy
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 which
                 must
                 be
                 in
                 Weal
                 or
                 Woe
                 for
                 ever
                 .
                 Once
                 more
                 ,
                 Too
                 much
                 Time
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 laid
                 out
                 in
                 Sporting
                 and
                 Gaming
                 .
                 There
                 are
                 some
                 
                   lawful
                   Recrea●ions
                
                 ,
                 of
                 which
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 shy
                 ,
                 lest
                 they
                 steal
                 away
                 our
                 Heart
                 and
                 our
                 Time.
                 That
                 blessed
                 Martyr
                 ,
                 
                   Iohn
                   Hus
                
                 ,
                 just
                 before
                 he
                 dyed
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 Letter
                 thus
                 bewaild
                 himself
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   beg
                   of
                   God
                   to
                   pardon
                   me
                   for
                   the
                
                 Time
                 
                   I
                   have
                   lost
                   at
                   such
                   a
                   Play
                   ,
                
                 that
                 yet
                 in
                 it self
                 was
                 very
                 innocent
                 .
                 But
                 there
                 are
                 some
                 
                   unlawful
                   Recreations
                
                 also
                 ,
                 in
                 which
                 multitudes
                 play
                 away
                 their
                 Time.
                 The
                 plays
                 which
                 depend
                 upon
                 a
                 
                   pure
                   Lot
                
                 are
                 such
                 .
                 The
                 moral
                 Heathen
                 Zealously
                 reproached
                 them
                 .
                 And
                 severe
                 Statutes
                 were
                 made
                 against
                 them
                 when
                 the
                 Roman
                 Empire
                 became
                 a
                 Christian.
                 Men
                 always
                 loose
                 at
                 them
                 ,
                 those
                 things
                 which
                 are
                 better
                 than
                 any
                 that
                 they
                 win
                 ,
                 their
                 Time
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 their
                 Soul.
                 
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Let
                 us
                 mispend
                 no
                 Time
                 in
                 Idleness
                 .
                 
                 It
                 was
                 an
                 ill
                 world
                 where
                 the
                 Apostle
                 could
                 say
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 2.
                 
                 Thes
                 3.
                 11.
                 
                 
                   There
                   are
                   s●me
                   that
                   walk
                   disorderly
                   ,
                
                 working
                 not
                 
                   at
                   all
                
                 .
                 Every
                 man
                 should
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 make
                 a
                 good
                 Answer
                 to
                 the
                 Question
                 which
                 Pharaoh
                 put
                 unto
                 
                 Ioseph's
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   pray
                   ,
                   What
                   is
                   your
                
                 Occupation
                 ?
                 A
                 big
                 part
                 of
                 our
                 Time
                 should
                 be
                 laid
                 out
                 on
                 our
                 
                   particular
                   Callings
                
                 .
                 A
                 Calling
                 is
                 an
                 Ordinance
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 Adam
                 in
                 Paradise
                 had
                 a
                 Labour
                 imposed
                 on
                 him
                 .
                 Be
                 diligent
                 in
                 some
                 one
                 or
                 other
                 .
                 No
                 man
                 so
                 fully
                 and
                 foully
                 falls
                 into
                 the
                 possession
                 of
                 the
                 Devil
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 idle
                 man.
                 The
                 Ants
                 ,
                 the
                 Bees
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 Creatures
                 exclame
                 against
                 him
                 .
                 Idleness
                 ,
                 ti●
                 thundred
                 against
                 in
                 
                   Ezek.
                   16.
                   49.
                
                 as
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 Sins
                 that
                 brought
                 Hell
                 out
                 of
                 Heaven
                 upon
                 Sodom
                 long
                 ago
                 ;
                 it
                 will
                 carry
                 from
                 Earth
                 to
                 Hell
                 the
                 souls
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 in
                 it
                 snore
                 away
                 their
                 lives
                 .
              
               
                 When
                 men
                 do'nt
                 misspend
                 their
                 Time
                 ,
                 then
                 do
                 they
                 
                   discern
                   it
                
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 Direction
                 ,
                 II.
                 
              
               
                 Let
                 us
                 Discern
                 our
                 Time
                 ,
                 and
                 Attend
                 
                   every
                   Duty
                
                 in
                 the
                 
                   proper
                   Time.
                
                 
              
               
                 There
                 is
                 a
                 two-fold
                 Prudence
                 which
                 the
                 
                   Wise
                   man's
                   heart
                
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 no
                 stranger
                 to
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 First
                 Prudence
                 is
                 ,
              
               
                 Let
                 no
                 Duty
                 be
                 done
                 out
                 of
                 its
                 Time.
                 We
                 are
                 told
                 in
                 Eccles
                 3.
                 11.
                 
                 
                   God
                   hath
                   made
                   every
                   thing
                   beautiful
                   in
                   the
                
                 Time
                 
                   of
                   it
                
                 .
                 There
                 is
                 a
                 Nick
                 of
                 Time
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 take
                 for
                 all
                 we
                 do
                 .
                 Not
                 Snow
                 but
                 Fruit
                 is
                 beautiful
                 in
                 the
                 Summer
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 
                 not
                 beautiful
                 for
                 the
                 Duty
                 of
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 done
                 at
                 a
                 sleepy
                 time
                 ,
                 or
                 at
                 a
                 busy
                 time
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 not
                 beautiful
                 for
                 the
                 Duty
                 of
                 Reproof
                 to
                 be
                 done
                 at
                 a
                 time
                 when
                 it
                 can
                 do
                 no
                 good
                 at
                 all
                 .
                 Set
                 not
                 upon
                 this
                 or
                 that
                 Duty
                 at
                 a
                 time
                 when
                 God
                 calls
                 to
                 another
                 Duty
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 said
                 in
                 Eccles.
                 8.
                 6.
                 
                 
                   To
                   every
                   purpose
                   there
                   is
                   a
                
                 Time
                 
                   and
                   Iudgement
                
                 .
                 We
                 may
                 render
                 all
                 our
                 Duties
                 like
                 
                   Apples
                   of
                   gold
                   in
                   pictures
                   of
                   silver
                   ,
                
                 by
                 well
                 timing
                 of
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 Second
                 Prudence
                 is
                 ,
              
               
                 Let
                 no
                 Time
                 pass
                 away
                 without
                 its
                 Duty
                 :
                 Let
                 none
                 of
                 our
                 times
                 be
                 unaccompanied
                 with
                 the
                 Duties
                 which
                 belong
                 unto
                 them
                 .
                 As
                 now
                 ,
                 there
                 are
                 Duties
                 that
                 belong
                 to
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 Prosperity
                 ,
                 and
                 Duties
                 which
                 belong
                 to
                 a
                 Time
                 of
                 Adversity
                 .
              
               
                 T
                 is
                 said
                 in
                 
                   Eccles.
                   7.
                   14.
                   
                   In
                   the
                   day
                   of
                
                 Prosperity
                 be
                 joyful
                 ,
                 
                   but
                   in
                   the
                   day
                   of
                
                 Adversity
                 Consider
                 .
                 In
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 Prosperity
                 :
                 now
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 for
                 men
                 to
                 Remember
                 their
                 
                   Creator
                   before
                   the
                
                 evil
                 
                   days
                   come
                
                 ;
                 Now
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 for
                 men
                 to
                 
                   set
                   their
                   heart
                   and
                   their
                   soul
                   to
                
                 seek
                 the
                 Lord
                 
                   who
                   hath
                   given
                   them
                   rest
                   on
                   every
                   side
                   .
                
                 In
                 a
                 time
                 of
                 Adversity
                 ,
                 now
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 for
                 men
                 to
                 bring
                 
                   sin
                   to
                   remembrance
                
                 ;
                 now
                 is
                 a
                 time
                 for
                 men
                 to
                 
                   meet
                   the
                   Lord
                
                 in
                 all
                 the
                 ways
                 of
                 Repentance
                 and
                 Obedience
                 .
                 This
                 is
                 to
                 
                   Discern
                   the
                   Time.
                
                 But
                 there
                 are
                 especially
                 three
                 sorts
                 of
                 times
                 which
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 fill
                 with
                 the
                 Dutyes
                 of
                 those
                 Times
                 .
              
               
                 First
                 .
                 Let
                 the
                 Dutyes
                 of
                 
                   Worshipping
                   times
                
                 ,
                 be
                 done
                 in
                 those
                 times
                 .
                 We
                 have
                 our
                 times
                 every
                 
                 day
                 wherein
                 the
                 Lord
                 saith
                 ,
                 
                   seek
                   my
                   Face
                
                 .
                 Now
                 let
                 the
                 Echo
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 be
                 that
                 in
                 Psal.
                 27.
                 8.
                 
                 
                   Thy
                   Face
                   ,
                   Lord
                   ,
                   we
                   will
                   seek
                   .
                
                 We
                 have
                 every
                 day
                 our
                 times
                 for
                 private
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 our
                 times
                 for
                 secret
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 our
                 times
                 for
                 Reading
                 of
                 ,
                 and
                 Thinking
                 on
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 God.
                 Let
                 those
                 things
                 be
                 faithfully
                 done
                 in
                 those
                 Times
                 .
              
               
                 Especially
                 ,
                 
                   Remember
                   the
                   Sabbath
                   Day
                
                 .
                 Let
                 
                 Sabbath-time
                 be
                 sanctifyed
                 time
                 .
                 On
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 ly
                 all
                 the
                 day
                 long
                 at
                 the
                 pool
                 of
                 Mercy
                 ;
                 
                   Mercy
                   ,
                   Mercy
                
                 ,
                 and
                 Salvation
                 for
                 an
                 immortal
                 soul
                 is
                 this
                 day
                 to
                 be
                 traded
                 for
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 a
                 Time
                 that
                 the
                 great
                 God
                 is
                 very
                 Jealous
                 about
                 .
                 He
                 does
                 wonderfully
                 curse
                 the
                 Souls
                 ,
                 and
                 blast
                 the
                 Houses
                 ,
                 and
                 ruin
                 the
                 Countryes
                 where
                 this
                 Holy
                 Time
                 is
                 not
                 acknowledged
                 .
                 He
                 will
                 terribly
                 break
                 the
                 rest
                 of
                 those
                 whom
                 His
                 Rest
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 regarded
                 by
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Let
                 the
                 Dutyes
                 of
                 Visiting
                 Times
                 be
                 done
                 in
                 those
                 Times
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 too
                 commonly
                 seen
                 that
                 
                   Amici
                   temporis
                   Fures
                
                 ;
                 our
                 Friends
                 are
                 our
                 Theeves
                 ;
                 they
                 Steal
                 our
                 time
                 ,
                 b●●●ause
                 we
                 don't
                 use
                 our
                 time
                 ,
                 when
                 then
                 they
                 are
                 with
                 us
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 observable
                 ,
                 in
                 
                   Col.
                   4.
                   6.
                
                 as
                 soon
                 as
                 the
                 Apostle
                 had
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   Redeem
                   the
                   time
                   ▪
                
                 he
                 adds
                 ,
                 
                   Let
                   your
                   speech
                   be
                   always
                   with
                   Grace
                   .
                
                 That
                 ,
                 that
                 indeed
                 is
                 a
                 rare
                 way
                 to
                 Redeem
                 the
                 time
                 .
                 Let
                 us
                 ordinarily
                 study
                 to
                 do
                 some
                 good
                 ,
                 whatever
                 Company
                 we
                 come
                 into
                 .
                 It
                 was
                 observed
                 of
                 that
                 excellent
                 Vrsin
                 by
                 his
                 renowned
                 Friend
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   〈◊〉
                   was
                   
                   in
                   his
                   company
                   ,
                   but
                   I
                   went
                   away
                
                 (
                 Doctior
                 ●ut
                 Melior
                 )
                 the
                 wiser
                 
                   or
                   the
                
                 better
                 
                   from
                   him
                
                 .
                 Abhor
                 ,
                 O
                 abhor
                 the
                 useless
                 visits
                 that
                 are
                 quite
                 contrary
                 to
                 all
                 such
                 designs
                 .
                 Mourn
                 if
                 you
                 have
                 been
                 in
                 any
                 Company
                 without
                 being
                 profitable
                 thereunto
                 .
              
               
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 Let
                 the
                 Duties
                 of
                 Intervening
                 times
                 be
                 done
                 in
                 those
                 times
                 .
                 We
                 have
                 large
                 Fragments
                 of
                 time
                 ,
                 that
                 are
                 the
                 Intervals
                 of
                 our
                 businesses
                 ;
                 about
                 these
                 Fragments
                 of
                 time
                 ,
                 I
                 would
                 say
                 as
                 our
                 Lord
                 said
                 about
                 the
                 Fragments
                 of
                 Bread
                 ,
                 in
                 Joh.
                 6.
                 12.
                 
                 
                   Gather
                   up
                   those
                
                 Fragments
                 
                   that
                   nothing
                   be
                   lost
                
                 .
                 How
                 many
                 thousands
                 of
                 happy
                 thoughts
                 might
                 we
                 have
                 as
                 we
                 are
                 sitting
                 in
                 the
                 House
                 ,
                 or
                 walking
                 in
                 the
                 Street
                 ,
                 otherwise
                 wholly
                 unimployed
                 ?
                 The
                 very
                 Filings
                 of
                 Gold
                 and
                 of
                 Time
                 are
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 cast
                 away
                 .
                 To
                 discern
                 our
                 time
                 ,
                 is
                 to
                 adapt
                 our
                 time
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 Direction
                 .
                 III.
                 
              
               
                 Let
                 us
                 discern
                 our
                 Time
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 none
                 but
                 
                   Good
                   B●●gains
                
                 about
                 the
                 time
                 .
                 The
                 Scripture
                 once
                 and
                 again
                 tells
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 
                   Eph.
                   5.
                   16.
                
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 
                   Buy
                   up
                
                 the
                 time
                 ,
                 or
                 
                   buy
                   out
                
                 the
                 time
                 .
                 This
                 is
                 to
                 discern
                 the
                 Time
                 !
                 We
                 must
                 be
                 at
                 some
                 Cost
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 some
                 Charge
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 we
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 ill-husbands
                 of
                 our
                 time
                 :
                 We
                 must
                 pay
                 down
                 either
                 Mony
                 or
                 Monyes-worth
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 we
                 must
                 
                   fore
                   go
                
                 and
                 
                   under
                   go
                
                 many
                 things
                 for
                 it
                 .
                 Many
                 things
                 must
                 we
                 
                   give
                   up
                
                 ,
                 that
                 our
                 time
                 so
                 may
                 be
                 well-imployed
                 .
                 The
                 case
                 is
                 ordinarily
                 
                 so
                 ,
                 that
                 either
                 we
                 must
                 resign
                 many
                 Pleasures
                 ,
                 many
                 Profits
                 ,
                 many
                 Honours
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 we
                 must
                 part
                 with
                 our
                 time
                 .
                 Now
                 rather
                 
                   give
                   up
                
                 all
                 Delights
                 ,
                 than
                 suffer
                 precious
                 time
                 to
                 be
                 pyrated
                 away
                 .
                 All
                 the
                 things
                 of
                 time
                 ,
                 are
                 sometimes
                 Expence
                 little
                 enough
                 for
                 time
                 .
                 Yea
                 ,
                 many
                 things
                 must
                 we
                 give
                 back
                 ,
                 that
                 so
                 we
                 may
                 not
                 misemploy
                 our
                 time
                 .
                 The
                 Devil
                 and
                 our
                 Lusts
                 have
                 been
                 trucking
                 for
                 our
                 time
                 .
                 The
                 Devil
                 ,
                 that
                 hellish
                 Hucster
                 ,
                 would
                 engross
                 all
                 our
                 Time
                 for
                 his
                 own
                 .
                 He
                 deals
                 with
                 us
                 as
                 the
                 Europeans
                 dealt
                 at
                 first
                 with
                 the
                 silly
                 Indians
                 ,
                 who
                 le●●
                 go
                 their
                 ●old
                 ,
                 and
                 Silver
                 ,
                 and
                 Diamonds
                 for
                 glass-Beads
                 and
                 tinsil-Toyes
                 .
                 The
                 Answer
                 that
                 our
                 Lust
                 makes
                 to
                 the
                 Tempter
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   Let
                   me
                   have
                
                 the
                 pleasures
                 of
                 sin
                 for
                 a
                 season
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   every
                   season
                   of
                   my
                
                 time
                 
                   shall
                   be
                   thine
                
                 .
                 O
                 but
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 content
                 to
                 
                   give
                   back
                
                 all
                 that
                 Satan
                 has
                 proffer'd
                 us
                 for
                 our
                 time
                 ;
                 let
                 it
                 be
                 never-so-much
                 that
                 we
                 might
                 have
                 had
                 for
                 the
                 
                   misuse
                   of
                   time
                
                 ,
                 begrutch
                 it
                 not
                 .
                 'T
                 was
                 the
                 Speech
                 of
                 
                   Austin
                   ,
                   Perde
                   aliquid
                   ut
                   Deo
                   vaces
                
                 If
                 you
                 would
                 have
                 Time
                 for
                 God
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 Good
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 part
                 with
                 something
                 for
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 In
                 a
                 Word
                 ,
                 Let
                 us
                 labour
                 now
                 to
                 Regain
                 the
                 Time
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 been
                 cheated
                 of
                 .
                 The
                 cheef
                 way
                 to
                 do
                 that
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 
                   By
                   a
                
                 double
                 
                   Diligence
                   for
                   the
                   time
                   to
                   come
                   .
                   Make
                   up
                
                 the
                 time
                 we
                 have
                 made
                 an
                 ill
                 market
                 of
                 ,
                 by
                 an
                 extraordinary
                 Industry
                 and
                 Activity
                 in
                 the
                 time
                 yet
                 before
                 us
                 .
                 
                 The
                 Israelites
                 in
                 their
                 Journey
                 to
                 Canaan
                 made
                 more
                 way
                 the
                 last
                 year
                 or
                 two
                 ,
                 than
                 they
                 had
                 done
                 in
                 almost
                 forty
                 years
                 before
                 .
                 All
                 the
                 many
                 Sermons
                 in
                 the
                 Book
                 of
                 Deuteronomy
                 seem
                 preached
                 by
                 Moses
                 in
                 the
                 last
                 month
                 or
                 two
                 before
                 he
                 dy'd
                 .
                 O
                 sit
                 down
                 and
                 think
                 well
                 ,
                 
                   How
                   shall
                   I
                   lay
                   out
                   my
                
                 time
                 
                   for
                   the
                   best
                   Advantage
                
                 ?
                 Let
                 that
                 be
                 said
                 of
                 us
                 when
                 we
                 dye
                 ,
                 
                   Diu
                   vixit
                   ,
                   licet
                   non
                   diu
                   fuit
                   .
                
                 He
                 lived
                 long
                 in
                 a
                 
                   little
                   time
                
                 .
              
               
                 To
                 Purchase
                 our
                 time
                 ,
                 is
                 to
                 discern
                 our
                 time
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 Direction
                 .
                 IV.
                 
              
               
                 Let
                 us
                 Discern
                 our
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 us
                 Improve
                 the
                 
                   Present
                   time
                
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 our
                 peace
                 with
                 the
                 Eternal
                 God.
                 
              
               
                 Alas
                 ,
                 All
                 the
                 sinful
                 and
                 woful
                 time
                 of
                 our
                 Vnregeneracy
                 is
                 
                   Lost
                   time
                
                 .
                 One
                 that
                 was
                 converted
                 but
                 about
                 seven
                 years
                 before
                 he
                 dyed
                 ,
                 ordered
                 that
                 Epitaph
                 to
                 be
                 inscribed
                 on
                 his
                 Grave
                 ,
                 
                   Here
                   ●●es
                   an
                   Aged
                   man
                   who
                   dy'd
                   but
                   seven
                   years
                   old
                   .
                
                 Thou
                 dost
                 not
                 live
                 till
                 thou
                 dost
                 repent
                 ,
                 till
                 thou
                 dost
                 beleeve
                 .
              
               
                 Be
                 sure
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 Duty
                 so
                 much
                 incumbent
                 on
                 us
                 ,
                 as
                 that
                 of
                 
                   Turning
                   from
                
                 Sin
                 to
                 God
                 
                   in
                   Christ.
                
                 Well
                 ,
                 the
                 great
                 God
                 hath
                 stated
                 the
                 present
                 time
                 for
                 the
                 doing
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 the
                 Warning
                 ,
                 the
                 solemn
                 warning
                 of
                 the
                 Holy
                 God
                 unto
                 us
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 Cor.
                 6.
                 2.
                 
                 Behold
                 ,
                 Now
                 
                   is
                   the
                
                 Accepted
                 time
                 ,
                 Now
                 
                   is
                   the
                   Day
                   of
                   Salvation
                
                 .
                 Let
                 those
                 that
                 are
                 not
                 yet
                 born-again
                 ,
                 discern
                 this
                 their
                 time
                 .
                 O
                 yee
                 souls
                 in
                 peril
                 ,
                 What
                 is
                 it
                 that
                 ye
                 resol●e
                 upon
                 ?
                 
                 Your
                 time
                 is
                 
                   to
                   Day
                   ,
                   to
                   Day
                   ,
                   if
                   you
                   will
                   hear
                   the
                   voice
                   of
                   God.
                
                 Let
                 me
                 say
                 about
                 this
                 Time
                 ,
                 as
                 Boaz
                 about
                 that
                 Land
                 in
                 
                   Ruth
                   ,
                   4.
                   4.
                   
                   If
                   you
                   will
                   redeem
                   it
                   ,
                   redeem
                   it
                   .
                
                 O
                 Delay
                 not
                 ;
                 Dally
                 not
                 ,
                 Trifle
                 not
                 about
                 this
                 grand
                 Concern
                 ;
                 Do
                 not
                 say
                 as
                 the
                 unhappy
                 Felix
                 did
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   'le
                   mind
                   it
                   at
                   a
                   more
                   convenient
                   season
                   .
                
                 No
                 ,
                 No
                 ,
                 Discern
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 most
                 
                   conv●nient
                   season
                
                 is
                 just
                 NOW
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 all
                 unconverted
                 men
                 would
                 consider
                 the
                 Danger
                 the
                 Madness
                 of
                 their
                 Procrastinations
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 said
                 in
                 Eccles.
                 9.
                 12.
                 
                 
                   Man
                   knoweth
                   not
                   his
                   time
                
                 .
                 Man
                 ,
                 discern
                 thy
                 time
                 as
                 a
                 flying
                 time
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 uncertain
                 time
                 .
                 A
                 Jewish
                 Rabbi
                 gave
                 that
                 Co●nsel
                 to
                 a
                 Scholar
                 of
                 his
                 ,
                 
                   Besure
                   you
                   repent
                   at
                   least
                   a
                
                 day
                 
                   before
                   you
                   dy
                
                 .
                 Truly
                 ,
                 t
                 is
                 a
                 fearful
                 thing
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 when
                 he
                 comes
                 to
                 dye
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   T
                   is
                   at
                   least
                   a
                
                 day
                 
                   since
                   that
                   I
                   made
                   my
                   peace
                   with
                   God.
                
                 Well
                 ,
                 who
                 of
                 us
                 can
                 say
                 ,
                 that
                 
                   this
                   day
                
                 is
                 not
                 our
                 
                   last
                   day
                
                 ?
                 We
                 cannot
                 be
                 sure
                 that
                 we
                 
                   repent
                   a
                   day
                   before
                   we
                   dy
                   ,
                
                 unless
                 we
                 repent
                 this
                 
                   very
                   day
                
                 .
                 Suppose
                 you
                 were
                 to
                 suffer
                 an
                 horrible
                 Death
                 in
                 case
                 you
                 had
                 not
                 finished
                 some
                 notable
                 Undertaking
                 before
                 night
                 .
                 O
                 how
                 would
                 every
                 stroke
                 of
                 the
                 Clock
                 strike
                 to
                 your
                 very
                 hearts
                 within
                 you
                 !
                 Behold
                 O
                 Sinner
                 ,
                 be
                 amazed
                 ,
                 stand
                 Astonished
                 ,
                 and
                 take
                 the
                 
                   present
                   time
                
                 to
                 get
                 out
                 of
                 thy
                 
                   present
                   state
                
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 possible
                 thou
                 mayst
                 be
                 a
                 
                   dead
                   man
                
                 before
                 to
                 morrow
                 ,
                 t
                 is
                 possible
                 
                   this
                   night
                   thy
                   soul
                   may
                   be
                   required
                   .
                
                 Horrid
                 will
                 thy
                 condition
                 be
                 ,
                 if
                 this
                 happen
                 before
                 
                 thy
                 peace
                 be
                 made
                 with
                 GOD.
                 There
                 are
                 Graves
                 in
                 the
                 Burying-Place
                 shorter
                 than
                 the
                 youngest
                 of
                 us
                 all
                 .
                 Thou
                 mayst
                 Conclude
                 with
                 saying
                 as
                 David
                 to
                 
                   Ionathan
                   ,
                   As
                   the
                   Lord
                   lives
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   but
                   a
                
                 step
                 
                   between
                   me
                   and
                   death
                
                 .
                 Wherefore
                 ,
                 let
                 me
                 Conclude
                 with
                 saying
                 as
                 Michal
                 to
                 David
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   save
                   thy self
                   to
                   night
                   ,
                   for
                   to
                   morrow
                   thou
                   mayst
                   be
                   slain
                   .
                
                 Let
                 no
                 man
                 
                   Repent
                   too
                   late
                
                 ,
                 but
                 let
                 every
                 man
                 
                   Discern
                   the
                   time
                
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 the
                 sigh
                 of
                 our
                 GOD
                 over
                 us
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   that
                   they
                   understood
                   !
                   that
                   they
                   would
                
                 Consider
                 
                   their
                   Latter
                   END
                
                 !
              
            
          
        
      
       
         
         
           The
           TRYED
           CHRISTIAN
           .
           A
           Discourse
           delivered
           ,
           upon
           Recovery
           from
           SICKNESS
        
         
           
             IOB
             .
             XXIII
             .
             10.
             
          
           
             When
             He
             hath
             Tryed
             me
             ,
             I
             shall
             come
             forth
             as
             GOLD
             .
          
        
         
           
             THere
             was
             a
             Man
             in
             the
             Land
             of
          
           Arabia
           ,
           
             whose
             name
             was
          
           Job
           ;
           
             and
             that
             man
             was
             perfect
             and
             upright
             .
          
           The
           Church
           of
           GOD
           is
           enriched
           with
           an
           excellent
           History
           ,
           in
           an
           elegant
           Poesie
           ,
           relating
           the
           great
           Prosperity
           ,
           the
           sad
           Adversity
           ,
           and
           strange
           Recovery
           of
           that
           
             perfect
             and
             upright
             man.
          
           T
           is
           probable
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           an
           Edomite
           ,
           and
           the
           very
           Iobab
           whom
           Esau
           was
           Great-Grandfather
           unto
           ;
           but
           this
           I
           
           am
           sure
           of
           ,
           
             He
             was
             an
             Israelite
             indeed
          
           !
           From
           a
           Rich
           and
           Fair
           estate
           ,
           He
           suddenly
           became
           ,
           
             As
             poor
             as
             Iob
          
           ;
           and
           while
           he
           was
           in
           this
           poor
           Condition
           ,
           his
           noble
           Friends
           gave
           him
           their
           friendly
           Visits
           and
           Respects
           .
           Many
           admirable
           Dialogues
           now
           passed
           between
           them
           ;
           wherein
           they
           endeavoured
           to
           Accuse
           and
           Convince
           him
           of
           some
           remarkable
           Iniquity
           ,
           as
           the
           Cause
           of
           his
           Calamity
           ;
           and
           he
           laboured
           to
           vindicate
           himself
           ;
           to
           assert
           his
           own
           Integrity
           and
           Sincerity
           .
        
         
           In
           our
           Context
           here
           ,
           the
           good
           man
           is
           expressing
           his
           Willingness
           and
           Readiness
           to
           appear
           before
           the
           Judgement-seat
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           in
           our
           Text
           ,
           he
           declares
           what
           he
           expects
           would
           be
           the
           Result
           of
           his
           Tryals
           by
           the
           Lord.
           He
           comforts
           himself
           by
           those
           two
           Considerations
           .
           First
           ,
           that
           God's
           Knowledge
           did
           reach
           him
           .
           He
           saith
           ,
           God
           knowes
           
             the
             way
             that
             is
             in
             me
          
           ;
           q.
           d.
           Tho
           I
           cannot
           see
           God
           ,
           yet
           God
           can
           see
           me
           ;
           and
           the
           most
           inward
           Purposes
           or
           Appetites
           of
           my
           mind
           ,
           are
           not
           concealed
           from
           Him.
           And
           Next
           ,
           that
           God's
           Tryal
           would
           clear
           him
           .
           This
           is
           the
           Article
           that
           lyes
           before
           us
           to
           be
           Explained
           and
           Improved
           ;
           and
           the
           Doctrine
           ,
           which
           may
           guide
           our
           Discourse
           upon
           it
           ,
           is
           ,
        
         
           That
           
             Good
             men
             come
             forth
             as
          
           GOLD
           ,
           
             under
             and
             after
             the
          
           Trials
           
             of
             the
             Almighty
             God.
          
           
        
         
           It
           is
           by
           the
           ensuing
           Propositions
           that
           we
           may
           arrive
           to
           right
           thoughts
           about
           the
           Truth
           before
           us
           .
        
         
           
           
             Proposition
             .
             I.
             
          
           
             There
             is
             a
             various
             Tryal
             which
             the
             God
             of
             Heaven
             causes
             to
             pass
             upon
             His
             people
             .
             No
             Christian
             can
             be
             without
             his
             Tryals
             .
             But
             there
             are
             especialy
             two
             sorts
             of
             Tryals
             which
             ou●
             God
             will
             subject
             us
             all
             unto
             .
             First
             ,
          
           
             There
             are
             the
             Trials
             of
             Divine
             Examinations
             ,
             Which
             will
             be
             critical
             upon
             us
             .
             T
             is
             said
             in
             Psal.
             11.
             4
             ,
             5.
             
             
               The
               Lords
               eyes
               behold
               ,
               and
               His
               ey-lids
            
             try
             
               the
               children
               of
               men
               ;
               the
               Lord
            
             sounds
             (
             as
             the
             French
             Translation
             hath
             it
             )
             
               both
               the
               righteous
               and
               the
               wicked
               .
            
             Every
             man
             in
             the
             world
             falls
             under
             the
             Notice
             ,
             and
             so
             ,
             under
             the
             Tryal
             of
             the
             omniscient
             God.
             The
             all-seeing
             Eyes
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             Examine
             us
             ,
             and
             His
             Ey-lids
             knit
             themselves
             for
             a
             Scrutiny
             into
             our
             Hearts
             and
             lives
             .
             The
             blessed
             God
             will
             pass
             a
             Iudgment
             ,
             after
             a
             Trial
             upon
             us
             ;
             whether
             we
             
               truly
               love
               Him
               and
               seek
               Him
               ,
            
             or
             no.
             We
             are
             told
             in
             Psal.
             7.
             9.
             
             
               The
               righteous
               God
            
             trieth
             
               the
               Hearts
               and
               the
               Reins
            
             ;
             an
             Assertion
             ,
             an
             Expression
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             more
             than
             seven
             times
             repeted
             in
             the
             Word
             of
             God!
             The
             Examination
             and
             Observation
             of
             God
             ,
             extends
             it self
             to
             the
             most
             interior
             parts
             of
             men
             ;
             the
             motions
             of
             their
             very
             Hearts
             and
             Reins
             come
             under
             His
             exactest
             Cognizance
             .
             Every
             man
             may
             so
             far
             say
             after
             that
             godly
             man
             ,
             in
             Psal.
             17.
             3.
             
             Lord
             ,
             
               thou
               hast
               proved
               my
               heart
               ,
               thou
               hast
               visited
               me
               ,
               thiu
               hast
            
             tried
             me
             .
             To
             use
             a
             
             Similitude
             made
             Legitimate
             and
             Canonical
             by
             the
             Apostle
             himself
             ,
             in
             Heb.
             4.
             13.
             
             The
             
               Sacrificeing
               Knife
            
             of
             old
             ,
             never
             did
             penetrate
             so
             far
             into
             the
             Bowels
             of
             the
             Creatures
             it
             was
             imployed
             upon
             ;
             it
             never
             laid
             them
             so
             ●aked
             and
             open
             ,
             before
             the
             standers-by
             ;
             as
             the
             
               examining
               Eye
            
             of
             God
             makes
             a
             discovery
             of
             what
             is
             in
             our
             Souls
             and
             our
             wayes
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             There
             are
             the
             Trials
             of
             Divine
             Dispensations
             which
             we
             must
             have
             Experience
             of
             ▪
             God's
             Providences
             are
             our
             Probations
             ;
             by
             them
             we
             are
             tried
             what
             we
             are
             .
             The
             things
             which
             befal
             us
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             fetch
             out
             of
             us
             ,
             those
             things
             which
             manifest
             what
             metal
             we
             are
             made
             of
             .
             Particularly
             ,
             t
             is
             said
             in
             2.
             
             Cor.
             6.
             3
             ,
             7.
             
             We
             are
             
               Approved
               by
            
             things
             on
             the
             
               Right
               hand
            
             and
             on
             the
             Left.
             
          
           
             First
             ,
             The
             Merciful
             Dispensations
             of
             God
             ,
             are
             Trials
             of
             us
             :
             these
             are
             Trials
             on
             the
             Right
             hand
             .
             It
             is
             a
             sacred
             Proverb
             ,
             in
             
               Prov.
               27.
               21.
               
               As
               the
               Fining-pot
               for
               silver
               ,
               and
               the
               Furnace
               for
            
             Gold
             ,
             
               so
               is
               a
               man
               to
               his
               praise
            
             ;
             or
             
               so
               the
               mouth
               which
               praises
               any
               one
               ,
               is
               to
               try
               him
               .
            
             As
             when
             a
             man
             is
             praised
             by
             his
             Neighbour
             ,
             so
             when
             a
             man
             is
             Blessed
             of
             his
             Maker
             ,
             he
             is
             then
             tried
             unto
             the
             utmost
             .
             Honours
             from
             below
             ,
             do
             
               Indicare
               virum
            
             ;
             they
             soon
             Try
             &
             show
             the
             man
             that
             is
             perfum'd
             therewith
             ;
             and
             the
             same
             is
             done
             by
             Merc●es
             from
             above
             .
             Therein
             the
             Lord
             brings
             us
             ,
             as
             He
             did
             the
             Souldiers
             of
             Gideon
             ,
             to
             a
             River
             of
             Plenty
             ,
             and
             He
             saies
             ,
             
             as
             in
             
               Iudg.
               7.
               4.
               
               Now
               I
               will
            
             try
             
               them
               there
            
             .
             The
             Favours
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             put
             us
             into
             a
             Crucible
             ,
             in
             a
             Furnace
             ,
             where
             it
             soon
             becomes
             apparent
             ,
             whether
             we
             fear
             him
             or
             no.
             They
             are
             so
             many
             Trials
             ,
             
               Whether
               we
               will
               hear
               God
               speaking
               to
               us
               in
               our
               prosperity
            
             ;
             or
             
               whether
               when
               we
               wax
               fat
               ,
               we
               shall
               kick
               against
               the
               Lord.
               
            
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             The
             Afflictive
             Dispensations
             of
             God
             ,
             are
             likewise
             Tryals
             of
             us
             .
             And
             these
             are
             Trials
             on
             the
             
               Left
               hand
            
             .
             So
             much
             is
             intimated
             in
             1.
             
             Pet.
             1.
             6
             ,
             7.
             
             
               Ye
               are
               in
               heaviness
               thro'
               many
            
             Temptations
             ,
             
               that
               the
            
             trial
             
               of
               your
               faith
               ,
               being
               much
               more
               precious
               than
               that
               of
               gold
               which
               perisheth
               ,
               though
               it
               be
               tried
               with
               fire
               ,
               may
               be
               found
               unto
               praise
               .
            
             All
             Afflictions
             are
             Tentations
             ;
             by
             them
             we
             are
             tried
             whether
             we
             have
             the
             Grace
             of
             God
             in
             us
             or
             no.
             T
             is
             Faith
             ,
             but
             not
             Faith
             alone
             ,
             which
             our
             Troubles
             here
             are
             the
             Trials
             of
             .
             A
             Sick-bed
             is
             a
             Furnace
             ,
             a
             Reproach
             is
             a
             Furnace
             ,
             a
             Loss
             ,
             or
             a
             Goal
             is
             a
             Furnace
             ,
             in
             which
             t
             is
             tried
             whether
             we
             have
             the
             spirits
             ,
             not
             of
             Bastards
             ,
             but
             of
             Children
             in
             us
             .
             Hence
             we
             read
             of
             
               A
               great
            
             Tryal
             of
             Affliction
             .
             Afflicted
             persons
             may
             make
             that
             Confession
             in
             Ps.
             66.
             10
             ,
             11
             ,
             
               Thou
               ,
               O
               God
               ,
               hast
            
             proved
             
               us
               ,
               thou
               hast
            
             tried
             
               us
               as
               silver
               is
            
             tried
             ;
             
               thou
               hast
               laid
            
             Affliction
             
               upon
               our
               loins
            
             .
             Hereby
             we
             are
             Try'd
             
               whether
               we
               will
               despise
               the
               Chastning
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             or
             
               whether
               we
               will
               faint
               when
               rebuked
               of
               Him.
               
            
          
        
         
           
             Proposition
             II.
             
          
           
           
             Upon
             the
             Trials
             of
             God
             ,
             good
             men
             
               come
               forth
               as
               gold
            
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             that
             in
             Gold
             ,
             which
             good
             men
             may
             be
             compar'd
             unto
             .
             We
             read
             in
             Deut.
             1.
             1.
             about
             the
             mountains
             of
             Dizahab
             :
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             Golden
             mountains
             ;
             because
             Gold
             was
             probably
             dug
             from
             thence
             .
             The
             Churches
             of
             God
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             are
             such
             Mountains
             of
             gold
             .
             Every
             true
             Believer
             is
             a
             rich
             lump
             of
             Gold
             before
             the
             Lord.
             Of
             such
             persons
             t
             is
             said
             in
             Lam.
             4.
             2.
             
             
               They
               are
               the
               precious
               sons
               of
               Zion
               ,
               comparable
               to
               fine
            
             gold
             .
             There
             are
             diverse
             properties
             in
             Gold
             ,
             which
             a
             good
             man
             will
             have
             a
             blessed
             Resemblance
             of
             .
             I
             should
             offer
             you
             not
             Gold
             ,
             but
             Hay
             and
             stubble
             if
             I
             should
             read
             you
             here
             a
             Lecture
             of
             Metallogy
             ,
             or
             discourse
             to
             you
             all
             that
             I
             could
             Philosophize
             about
             this
             King
             of
             Metals
             .
             Let
             me
             only
             touch
             on
             a
             few
             common
             Reflections
             ,
             As
             now
             ,
          
           
             Gold
             is
             a
             pure
             metal
             .
             Hence
             we
             read
             near
             some
             scores
             of
             times
             in
             the
             sacred
             Scripture
             ,
             about
             
               pure
               Gold.
            
             It
             will
             not
             readily
             admit
             a
             Mixture
             ▪
             or
             an
             Alloy
             with
             more
             imperfect
             Metals
             ;
             unless
             with
             Silver
             :
             Especially
             the
             Dust-gold
             of
             Guinea
             ,
             Gold
             whereof
             Iob
             saith
             ,
             t
             is
             
               Dust
               of
               gold
            
             :
             wonderful
             is
             the
             Purity
             thereof
             !
             Thus
             a
             good
             man
             is
             a
             pure
             man
             ;
             He
             is
             one
             of
             those
             that
             are
             called
             in
             
               Matth.
               5.
               8.
               
               The
               pure
               in
               heart
               :
            
             He
             is
             pure
             in
             his
             
               Ends
               ,
               pure
            
             in
             his
             principles
             ,
             pure
             in
             his
             practises
             ,
             pure
             from
             the
             dross
             of
             Lust
             :
             and
             he
             is
             not
             so
             much
             Nominally
             as
             really
             ,
             
               A
               Puritan
            
             .
          
           
           
             Again
             ▪
             Gold
             is
             a
             Ductil
             Metal
             .
             T
             is
             marvellously
             extensible
             when
             beaten
             into
             Leaves
             ;
             t
             were
             incredible
             to
             tell
             how
             far
             one
             Grain
             of
             Gold
             may
             be
             extended
             and
             continued
             .
             So
             dense
             and
             compacted
             ,
             and
             united
             ,
             are
             the
             parts
             of
             it
             ,
             that
             an
             Ounce
             of
             it
             may
             be
             beaten
             (
             I
             suppose
             )
             into
             a
             Thousand
             Leaves
             .
             Thus
             a
             good
             Man
             can
             be
             
               Drawn
               forth
            
             into
             large
             Expressions
             of
             goodness
             and
             vertue
             .
             It
             was
             said
             by
             such
             an
             one
             in
             Psal.
             11.
             3.
             
             
               My
               goodness
               Extendeth
            
             .
             He
             extends
             his
             Piety
             ,
             his
             Charity
             ,
             he
             extends
             his
             lnfluence
             far
             and
             near
             ;
             and
             he
             is
             a
             Diffusive
             good
             .
          
           
             Once
             more
             ,
             Gold
             is
             a
             Beautiful
             metal
             .
             'T
             is
             called
             ,
             Aurum
             ,
             for
             that
             very
             cause
             ;
             
               ab
               Aura
            
             ,
             i.
             e.
             
               a
               Splendore
            
             .
             T
             is
             a
             shining
             and
             glitt'ring
             thing
             ;
             and
             hence
             things
             that
             are
             very
             splendid
             ,
             are
             said
             to
             be
             
               covered
               with
               ●ellow
            
             Gold.
             For
             this
             reason
             ,
             an
             Hook
             of
             it
             once
             catch't
             〈◊〉
             by
             
               the
               Lust
               of
               the
               Eye
            
             .
             Thus
             ,
             a
             good
             man
             has
             a
             transcendent
             Beauty
             in
             him
             .
             To
             such
             an
             one
             ,
             t
             was
             said
             in
             Cant.
             6.
             4.
             
             
               Thou
               art
            
             Beautiful
             .
             There
             is
             a
             Lustre
             on
             the
             Face
             ,
             and
             a
             Lustre
             in
             the
             Walk
             of
             such
             a
             man
             ;
             he
             has
             even
             the
             Splendor
             of
             
               A
               light
               in
               the
               world
            
             .
          
           
             Furthermore
             ,
             Gold
             is
             a
             Durable
             Metal
             .
             Tho'
             the
             Bible
             affirms
             that
             it
             is
             Corruptible
             ,
             and
             ●●●kerable
             ,
             and
             Perishing
             ,
             yet
             there
             is
             a
             mighty
             Strength
             to
             be
             ascribed
             unto
             it
             .
             It
             will
             endure
             the
             hottest
             Fire
             with
             small
             or
             no
             Dimin●●●on
             ▪
             and
             Aqua-fortis
             it self
             will
             not
             eat
             into
             it
             .
             ●●ch
             
             an
             Enduring
             thing
             is
             a
             good
             man.
             His
             Character
             is
             that
             in
             Matth.
             24.
             13.
             
             
               He
               shall
            
             endure
             
               to
               the
               end
            
             .
             No
             Fire
             ,
             no
             Water
             ,
             no
             Vexation
             shall
             consume
             his
             Devotion
             .
             He
             is
             the
             Overcomer
             ,
             whom
             neither
             the
             Flattery
             nor
             the
             Fury
             ,
             neither
             the
             Frowning
             nor
             the
             Fawning
             of
             any
             Tempter
             can
             dissolve
             the
             Religion
             of
             .
          
           
             Moreover
             ,
             Gold
             is
             a
             Ponderous
             Metal
             .
             Even
             Lead
             it self
             in
             its
             weight
             ,
             is
             to
             Gold
             as
             far
             short
             as
             Sixty
             is
             of
             an
             Hundred
             ;
             if
             I
             mistake
             it
             not
             .
             Such
             is
             the
             Quality
             ,
             such
             the
             Gravity
             of
             a
             good
             man.
             A
             godly
             man
             is
             a
             Weighty
             man.
             T
             is
             said
             in
             Prov.
             12.
             26.
             
             
               A
               righteous
               man
               is
               more
               excellent
               than
               his
               neighbour
               .
            
             One
             such
             man
             will
             weigh
             down
             multitudes
             and
             myriads
             of
             other
             men
             .
             His
             being
             a
             
               pondering
               man
            
             ,
             it
             soon
             makes
             him
             become
             ponderous
             man.
             His
             unconverted
             Neighbourhood
             may
             own
             of
             him
             ,
             
               Thou
               art
               worth
               ten
               thousand
               of
               us
               .
            
          
           
             Finally
             Gold
             is
             a
             precious
             Metal
             .
             It
             s
             precious
             for
             the
             Vse
             which
             t
             is
             of
             in
             Nature
             .
             Rich
             Cordials
             and
             Medicines
             are
             to
             be
             extracted
             from
             it
             .
             It
             s
             precious
             also
             for
             the
             Price
             which
             t
             is
             of
             in
             Esteem
             ;
             the
             
               Auri
               sacra
               fames
            
             ,
             the
             unhallowed
             Appetite
             which
             men
             crave
             it
             with
             ,
             prefers
             it
             above
             all
             common
             things
             .
             T
             is
             in
             Scripture-phrase
             a
             precious
             thing
             indeed
             ,
             of
             which
             it
             might
             be
             said
             ,
             
               It
               is
               more
               precious
               than
               gold
               .
            
             But
             of
             a
             good
             man
             might
             such
             a
             thing
             be
             spoken
             :
             it
             may
             be
             said
             of
             such
             a
             man
             ,
             as
             in
             
               Isa.
               13.
               12.
            
             
             The
             man
             is
             
             
               more
               precious
               than
               fine
            
             gold
             ;
             
               even
               than
               the
               golden
               wedge
               of
            
             Ophir
             ;
             [
             i.
             e.
             Peru
             ,
             as
             some
             with
             much
             pretense
             of
             Reason
             do
             conjecture
             it
             ]
             A
             gracious
             man
             ,
             is
             a
             precious
             man
             ;
             all
             Beholders
             ought
             to
             put
             a
             value
             upon
             him
             ;
             he
             is
             even
             ,
             
               precious
               in
               the
               eyes
               of
               the
               Lord.
               
            
          
           
             Thus
             like
             to
             Gold
             will
             good
             men
             come
             forth
             ,
             under
             and
             after
             the
             Tryals
             of
             the
             Lord
             ;
             which
             comprehends
             these
             two
             Conclusions
             in
             it
             .
          
           
             
               Conclusion
               .
               I.
               
            
             
               A
               good
               man
               is
               found
               good
               by
               the
               Examinations
               of
               God.
               When
               God
               comes
               to
               try
               a
               good
               man
               ,
               He
               finds
               the
               heart
               of
               the
               man
               to
               be
               right
               before
               Him.
               The
               good
               man
               may
               say
               with
               him
               in
               
                 ●
                 .
                 Chron.
                 29.
                 17.
                 
                 O
                 my
                 God
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 that
                 thou
              
               triest
               
                 the
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 hast
                 pleasure
                 in
                 uprightness
                 ;
                 as
                 for
                 mee
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 uprightness
                 of
                 my
                 heart
                 have
                 I
                 offered
                 .
              
               Indeed
               our
               God
               uses
               not
               an
               Extremity
               of
               Justice
               and
               Rigour
               in
               our
               Trial
               ;
               He
               would
               find
               a
               world
               of
               Iniquity
               in
               us
               ,
               if
               He
               did
               ;
               and
               He
               would
               utterly
               consume
               us
               .
               The
               Lord
               said
               in
               Isa.
               48.
               10.
               
               
                 Behold
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 refined
                 thee
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 like
                 silver
                 .
              
               No
               ,
               the
               Refiner
               of
               gold
               or
               silver
               will
               not
               allow
               the
               the
               least
               measure
               of
               Dross
               therein
               .
               But
               our
               merciful
               .
               G●d
               overlooks
               many
               grains
               of
               Corruption
               many
               grains
               of
               Defilement
               &
               of
               Debasement
               in
               us
               ;
               for
               we
               all
               have
               our
               Grains
               .
               However
               upon
               the
               Trial
               of
               a
               good
               man
               ,
               the
               good
               God
               pronounces
               this
               of
               h●m
               ,
               
                 This
                 is
                 a
                 d●●r
                 Son
                 and
                 a
                 pleas●nt
                 ch●ld
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 surely
                 have
                 mercy
                 on
                 hi●
              
               ;
               He
               pronounces
               
               this
               ,
               
                 I
                 find
                 good
                 metal
                 in
                 the
                 soul
                 of
                 th●●an
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 shall
                 be
                 mine
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 when
                 I
                 make
                 up
                 my
                 Iewels
                 .
              
               The
               Devil
               ,
               the
               Satan
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               
                 Accuser
                 of
                 the
              
               Brethren
               ,
               he
               may
               load
               a
               good
               man
               with
               Calumnies
               not
               a
               few
               ;
               that
               
                 evil
                 spirit
              
               will
               accuse
               a
               good
               man
               as
               guilty
               of
               Hypocrisie
               in
               the
               power
               of
               it
               ;
               but
               the
               Holy
               God
               brings
               it
               unto
               a
               Tryal
               ,
               and
               then
               He
               pronounces
               as
               in
               
                 Iob.
                 2.
                 3.
              
               
               I
               have
               tried
               him
               ;
               
                 and
                 he
                 is
                 my
                 servant
                 ,
                 a
                 perfect
                 and
                 an
                 upright
                 man
                 ;
                 One
                 that
                 feareth
                 God
                 and
                 escheweth
                 evil
                 ;
                 and
                 still
                 he
                 holdeth
                 fast
                 his
                 integrity
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Conclusion
               .
               II.
               
            
             
               A
               good
               man
               is
               made
               better
               by
               the
               Dispensations
               of
               God.
               It
               is
               to
               him
               that
               there
               is
               granted
               the
               Fulfilment
               of
               that
               promise
               in
               
                 Rom.
                 8.
                 28.
                 
                 All
                 things
                 shall
                 work
                 together
                 for
                 good
                 .
              
               As
               for
               the
               merciful
               Dispensations
               of
               God
               ,
               these
               do
               encline
               as
               well
               as
               oblige
               a
               good
               man
               to
               all
               manner
               of
               Obedience
               ;
               they
               cause
               him
               to
               think
               ,
               
                 What
                 shall
                 I
                 render
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ?
              
               they
               cause
               him
               to
               say
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 fear
                 the
                 Lord
                 and
                 His
                 goodness
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 never
                 sin
                 against
                 so
                 good
                 a
                 God
                 as
                 He.
              
               Thus
               we
               are
               told
               in
               Rom.
               2.
               4.
               
               
                 The
                 goodness
                 of
                 God
                 leadeth
                 to
                 repentance
                 .
              
               It
               even
               melts
               and
               breaks
               the
               heart
               of
               a
               good
               man
               ,
               so
               that
               he
               cannot
               find
               in
               his
               heart
               
                 after
                 such
                 deliverances
                 again
                 to
                 break
                 his
                 commandments
                 .
              
               As
               for
               the
               Afflictive
               Dispensations
               of
               God
               ,
               these
               also
               cause
               a
               good
               man
               more
               than
               ever
               to
               
                 Abound
                 in
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
              
               ;
               they
               put
               him
               upon
               more
               
                 Thinking
                 on
                 his
                 waies
              
               ,
               and
               upon
               
               
                 turning
                 his
                 feet
                 more
                 unto
                 the
                 testmonies
                 of
                 God.
              
               It
               was
               said
               in
               Psal.
               119.
               71.
               
               
                 It
                 is
                 good
                 for
                 me
                 that
                 I
                 have
                 been
              
               afflicted
               ;
               
                 that
                 I
                 might
                 learn
                 thy
                 statutes
                 .
              
               A
               good
               man
               gets
               this
               good
               thereby
               ;
               his
               Wisdom
               and
               his
               Vertue
               is
               thereby
               augmented
               ;
               and
               he
               
                 Learns
                 Obedience
                 by
                 the
                 things
                 which
                 he
                 suffers
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               USE
               .
            
             
               There
               is
               a
               two-fold
               Exhortation
               which
               I
               must
               now
               bespeak
               your
               earnest
               Heed
               unto
               .
            
             
               I.
               Let
               us
               approve
               our selves
               as
               Gold
               under
               the
               Examinations
               of
               the
               Blessed
               God.
               There
               are
               who
               take
               notice
               that
               the
               Original
               in
               Job
               .
               37.
               22.
               is
               ,
               
                 Gold
                 cometh
                 out
                 of
                 the
              
               North.
               God
               grant
               that
               the
               best
               Gold
               may
               here
               be
               found
               in
               our
               North
               !
               that
               you
               the
               inhabitants
               of
               the
               North
               may
               for
               your
               Vertues
               be
               as
               Gold
               before
               the
               Lord.
               Yea
               ,
               that
               North-Boston
               may
               be
               like
               Havilah
               ,
               and
               it
               may
               be
               said
               ,
               
                 The
                 gold
                 of
                 that
                 land
                 is
                 good
              
               ;
               or
               ,
               there
               are
               Extraordinary
               golden
               and
               precious
               Christians
               there
               .
            
             
               T
               is
               a
               Three-fold
               Counsel
               which
               you
               may
               therefore
               be
               advised
               with
               .
            
             
               
                 Counsil
                 .
                 I.
                 
              
               
                 Beleeve
                 ,
                 and
                 Expect
                 the
                 Trials
                 of
                 the
                 eternal
                 God.
                 
              
               
                 Beleeve
                 that
                 God
                 now
                 does
                 Vnderstand
                 what
                 you
                 are
                 .
                 It
                 was
                 an
                 Article
                 in
                 that
                 famous
                 Prophets
                 Creed
                 ,
                 in
                 Jer.
                 12.
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Thou
                   ,
                   O
                   Lord
                   knowest
                   me
                   ,
                   thou
                   hast
                   seen
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                
                 tryed
                 my
                 heart
                 
                   towards
                   
                   thee
                
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 us
                 were
                 enough
                 sensible
                 of
                 that
                 awful
                 solemn
                 Truth
                 !
                 T
                 is
                 a
                 common
                 thing
                 to
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   God
                   knowes
                   my
                   heart
                
                 ;
                 but
                 who
                 does
                 enough
                 lay
                 that
                 thing
                 
                   to
                   heart
                
                 ?
                 Who
                 reckons
                 any
                 more
                 upon
                 it
                 than
                 the
                 false
                 Gehazi
                 did
                 ?
                 It
                 was
                 an
                 Orthodox
                 perswasion
                 in
                 Psal.
                 139.
                 3
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 
                   O
                   Lord
                   thou
                   hast
                   searched
                   me
                   and
                   known
                   me
                   ;
                   thou
                   understandest
                   my
                   thought
                   afar
                   off
                   .
                
                 T
                 is
                 very
                 certain
                 ,
                 that
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 our
                 thoughts
                 are
                 known
                 to
                 the
                 infinite
                 God
                 ,
                 even
                 
                   afar
                   off
                
                 ,
                 long
                 enough
                 before
                 they
                 come
                 into
                 our
                 minds
                 .
                 But
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   Lord
                   ,
                   who
                   has
                   believed
                   our
                   Report
                   ?
                
                 Men
                 and
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 do
                 you
                 beleeve
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 apprehend
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 reallize
                 it
                 .
                 Beleeve
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 God
                 is
                 
                   all
                   Eye
                
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 He
                 needs
                 not
                 a
                 
                   Glass
                   Window
                
                 in
                 your
                 breasts
                 for
                 the
                 Exploration
                 of
                 you
                 .
                 Beleeve
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 
                   the
                   eyes
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   run
                   to
                   &
                   fro
                   ,
                   through
                   the
                   whole
                   earth
                
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 he
                 will
                 not
                 by
                 a
                 Mistake
                 drop
                 a
                 Blessing
                 wrong
                 as
                 blind
                 Isaac
                 did
                 of
                 old
                 .
                 Yea
                 ,
                 let
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 frequent
                 Meditation
                 with
                 you
                 ,
                 
                   All
                   that
                   I
                
                 am
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   all
                   that
                   I
                
                 think
                 ,
                 
                   is
                   well
                   known
                   unto
                   the
                   Lord.
                   
                
              
               
                 And
                 Expect
                 that
                 God
                 will
                 one
                 day
                 Discover
                 what
                 you
                 are
                 .
                 There
                 is
                 a
                 
                   Day
                   of
                   Discovery
                
                 that
                 shall
                 shine
                 upon
                 us
                 all
                 ;
                 and
                 ,
                 
                   Behold
                   the
                   Day
                   comes
                   that
                   shall
                   burn
                   as
                   an
                   Oven
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   that
                   do
                   wickedly
                   shall
                   be
                   stubble
                   in
                   it
                   .
                
              
               
                 Expect
                 that
                 the
                 great
                 God
                 will
                 have
                 a
                 Snare
                 in
                 this
                 world
                 ,
                 for
                 your
                 Detection
                 .
                 Ever
                 now
                 &
                 then
                 there
                 happen
                 some
                 Discriminating
                 Things
                 ,
                 
                   That
                   they
                   which
                   are
                   approved
                   might
                   be
                   made
                   manifest
                   .
                
                 
                 God
                 will
                 have
                 His
                 Times
                 and
                 His
                 Wayes
                 ,
                 possibly
                 to
                 uncase
                 our
                 hearts
                 before
                 all
                 our
                 Neighbours
                 .
                 It
                 was
                 said
                 of
                 that
                 blessed
                 man
                 in
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Chron.
                   32.
                   31.
                   
                   God
                   left
                   him
                
                 (
                 in
                 one
                 thing
                 )
                 to
                 try
                 
                   him
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   might
                   know
                   all
                   that
                   was
                   in
                   his
                   heart
                   .
                
                 You
                 may
                 look
                 for
                 some
                 Temptation
                 before
                 you
                 dye
                 ,
                 which
                 will
                 make
                 the
                 Inclinations
                 of
                 your
                 souls
                 notorious
                 to
                 the
                 world
                 ;
                 especially
                 ,
                 If
                 your
                 Hearts
                 be
                 not
                 
                   right
                   with
                   God.
                
                 It
                 is
                 a
                 Simile
                 us'd
                 by
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 Ancients
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 ;
                 You
                 shall
                 have
                 an
                 Ape
                 drest
                 in
                 the
                 Attire
                 of
                 a
                 Man
                 ,
                 for
                 a
                 while
                 imitating
                 the
                 Look
                 ,
                 and
                 shape
                 ,
                 and
                 Gesture
                 of
                 a
                 man
                 :
                 but
                 if
                 a
                 Nutt
                 ,
                 or
                 an
                 Apple
                 be
                 thrown
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 he
                 soon
                 showes
                 what
                 he
                 is
                 .
                 Thou
                 Hypocrite
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 have
                 something
                 to
                 
                   throw
                   before
                
                 thee
                 ,
                 which
                 Object
                 will
                 decoy
                 thee
                 into
                 a
                 natural
                 suitable
                 Expression
                 of
                 thy self
                 ;
                 and
                 as
                 our
                 Lord
                 speaks
                 ,
                 in
                 Rev.
                 2.
                 23.
                 
                 
                   All
                   the
                   Churches
                   shall
                   know
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   am
                   He
                   that
                   searcheth
                   the
                   Heart
                   .
                
              
               
                 Expect
                 also
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 great
                 God
                 will
                 have
                 a
                 Bar
                 for
                 your
                 Detection
                 in
                 another
                 world
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 confessed
                 by
                 all
                 Christians
                 ,
                 as
                 in
                 2.
                 
                 Cor.
                 5.
                 10.
                 
                 
                   We
                   must
                   all
                   appear
                   before
                   the
                   Iudgment
                   seat
                   of
                   Christ.
                
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 could
                 every
                 one
                 of
                 us
                 now
                 seriously
                 place
                 our selves
                 before
                 
                   the
                   Iudgment
                   seat
                   of
                   God!
                
                 Remember
                 ,
                 O
                 immortal
                 souls
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 must
                 all
                 very
                 shortly
                 appear
                 before
                 a
                 Iudge
                 who
                 hath
                 
                   Eyes
                   like
                   a
                   flame
                   of
                   fire
                
                 ;
                 and
                 you
                 must
                 then
                 be
                 exposed
                 in
                 the
                 full
                 view
                 of
                 Heaven
                 &
                 Earth
                 .
                 
                 Remember
                 that
                 you
                 shall
                 then
                 have
                 no
                 Vizard
                 ,
                 no
                 Disguise
                 to
                 cover
                 you
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 men
                 and
                 Angels
                 must
                 hear
                 truly
                 what
                 you
                 are
                 .
                 It
                 was
                 the
                 warning
                 in
                 
                   Eccl.
                   11.
                   9.
                   
                   —
                   know
                   thou
                   ,
                   that
                   God
                   will
                   bring
                   thee
                   to
                   Iudgment
                   .
                
                 Even
                 so
                 
                   Know
                   thou
                
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 canst
                 not
                 avoid
                 the
                 day
                 when
                 
                   God
                   shall
                   bring
                   every
                   worke
                   into
                   Iudgement
                   ,
                   with
                   every
                   secret
                   thing
                   .
                   Know
                   thou
                   ,
                
                 that
                 when
                 the
                 dead
                 ,
                 
                   small
                   and
                   great
                   stand
                   before
                   God
                   ,
                
                 then
                 thou
                 shalt
                 stand
                 among
                 '
                 em
                 !
                 
                   Know
                   thou
                
                 ,
                 that
                 tho'
                 thou
                 shouldst
                 then
                 shriek
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   Rocks
                   ,
                   hide
                   me
                
                 ,
                 or
                 
                   O
                   Mountains-defend
                   me
                
                 ,
                 the
                 the
                 Rocks
                 and
                 the
                 Mountains
                 would
                 be
                 deaf
                 unto
                 that
                 lamentable
                 cry
                 .
                 Holy
                 Ierom
                 could
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   Wherever
                   I
                
                 am
                 ,
                 
                   or
                   whatever
                   I
                
                 do
                 ,
                 
                   Methinks
                   I
                   hear
                   the
                   Alarums
                   of
                   the
                   last
                   Trumpet
                   ,
                
                 Arise
                 ye
                 dead
                 &
                 come
                 to
                 Iudgement
                 .
                 O
                 that
                 you
                 would
                 often
                 Reflect
                 upon
                 the
                 Day
                 ,
                 when
                 
                   God
                   shall
                   judge
                   the
                   secrets
                   of
                   men
                   by
                   Iesus
                   Christ.
                   
                
              
            
             
               
                 Counsil
                 .
                 2.
                 
              
               
                 Cry
                 mightily
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 He
                 would
                 give
                 you
                 the
                 Gold
                 which
                 will
                 endure
                 all
                 Tryals
                 whatsoever
                 .
                 Our
                 Lord
                 saith
                 unto
                 us
                 in
                 Rev.
                 3.
                 18.
                 
                 
                   I
                   counsel
                   thee
                   to
                   buy
                   of
                   me
                
                 Gold
                 tried
                 
                   in
                   the
                   fire
                
                 .
                 That
                 Gold
                 is
                 Grace
                 ;
                 let
                 us
                 buy
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 beg
                 it
                 of
                 Him.
                 Let
                 us
                 make
                 that
                 our
                 servent
                 &
                 our
                 frequent
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 in
                 Psal.
                 119.
                 80.
                 
                 
                   Let
                   my
                   heart
                   be
                   sound
                   in
                   thy
                   statutes
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   may
                   not
                   be
                   ashamed
                   !
                
                 Be
                 careful
                 and
                 prayerful
                 ,
                 that
                 you
                 may
                 be
                 
                   New
                   Creatures
                
                 and
                 have
                 
                   the
                   Root
                   of
                   the
                   matter
                
                 in
                 your
                 souls
                 :
                 Be
                 careful
                 and
                 prayerful
                 ,
                 That
                 you
                 
                 may
                 have
                 
                   Oyl
                   in
                   your
                   vessels
                
                 :
                 Be
                 careful
                 and
                 prayerful
                 ,
                 That
                 you
                 may
                 have
                 in
                 you
                 ,
                 
                   the
                   well
                   of
                   water
                   which
                   springs
                   up
                   into
                   everlasting
                   life
                   .
                
                 Let
                 your
                 prayers
                 be
                 restless
                 ,
                 till
                 you
                 find
                 that
                 you
                 are
                 indeed
                 
                   Born
                   again
                
                 ,
                 indeed
                 Converted
                 ,
                 indeed
                 Sanctified
                 .
                 As
                 for
                 the
                 Grace
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 
                   my
                   son
                   ,
                   seek
                   it
                   as
                   silver
                
                 ;
                 for
                 indeed
                 ,
                 the
                 
                   Gain
                   of
                   it
                   is
                   better
                   than
                   fine
                   gold
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 Counsel
                 ,
                 3.
                 
              
               
                 Often
                 bring
                 your selves
                 to
                 the
                 Tryals
                 of
                 a
                 Self-Examination
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 the
                 Charge
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 in
                 2.
                 
                 Cor.
                 13.
                 5.
                 
                 
                   Examine
                   your selves
                   whether
                   you
                   be
                   in
                   the
                   Faith
                   ;
                   prove
                   your
                   own
                   selves
                   .
                
                 Your
                 souls
                 are
                 as
                 Vessels
                 ,
                 then
                 Pierce
                 them
                 to
                 see
                 what
                 they
                 have
                 .
                 Your
                 souls
                 are
                 as
                 Metals
                 ,
                 then
                 Touch
                 them
                 to
                 see
                 what
                 they
                 
                   are
                   ▪
                   Such
                
                 are
                 the
                 Allusions
                 of
                 the
                 
                   Holy
                   Spirit
                
                 there
                 .
                 
                   Know
                   thy self
                
                 ,
                 was
                 a
                 
                   golden
                   Rule
                
                 of
                 Old
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 will
                 make
                 a
                 golden
                 Saint
                 when
                 we
                 make
                 much
                 use
                 of
                 that
                 Rule
                 ,
                 
                   Try
                   thy self
                
                 .
                 We
                 are
                 to
                 use
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 God
                 as
                 a
                 Glass
                 in
                 which
                 we
                 are
                 to
                 behold
                 our selves
                 ;
                 and
                 we
                 are
                 often
                 to
                 compare
                 our selves
                 with
                 what
                 is
                 therein
                 required
                 of
                 us
                 .
                 When
                 we
                 are
                 in
                 a
                 Meditation
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 should
                 every
                 day
                 be
                 upon
                 some
                 Truths
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 then
                 examine
                 ourselves
                 ,
                 
                   Whether
                   we
                   are
                   moulded
                   according
                   thereunto
                   .
                
                 And
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 under
                 a
                 Visitation
                 ,
                 as
                 we
                 sometimes
                 are
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 Rods
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 we
                 should
                 then
                 Examine
                 our selves
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 that
                 of
                 Old
                 said
                 ,
                 
                   Let
                   us
                   now
                   search
                   and
                
                 try
                 
                   our
                   wayes
                
                 .
                 Especially
                 when
                 we
                 are
                 approching
                 to
                 the
                 Table
                 
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Self-Examination
                 is
                 not
                 then
                 to
                 be
                 omitted
                 .
                 So
                 hath
                 the
                 Apostle
                 urged
                 ,
                 in
                 1.
                 
                 Cor.
                 11.
                 28.
                 
                 
                   Let
                   a
                   man
                
                 examine
                 himself
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   so
                   let
                   him
                   eat
                   of
                   that
                   bread
                   ,
                   and
                   drink
                   of
                   that
                   cup.
                
                 T
                 is
                 a
                 fearful
                 Impiety
                 and
                 Presumption
                 ,
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 sit
                 down
                 at
                 the
                 
                   Holy
                   Supper
                
                 without
                 enquiring
                 ,
                 
                   Have
                   I
                   a
                   Wedding
                   garment
                   on
                   ,
                   or
                   no
                   ?
                
                 Yea
                 t
                 is
                 convenient
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 
                   every
                   Evening
                
                 ,
                 before
                 he
                 sleeps
                 to
                 examine
                 himself
                 and
                 ask
                 ,
                 
                   If
                   I
                   dy
                   this
                   night
                   ,
                   is
                   my
                   immortal
                   spirit
                   safe
                   ?
                
                 O
                 tremble
                 exceedingly
                 least
                 your
                 doom
                 should
                 be
                 that
                 in
                 Jer.
                 2.
                 37.
                 
                 
                   The
                   Lord
                   hath
                   rejected
                   thy
                   confidences
                   ,
                   and
                   thou
                   shalt
                   not
                   prosper
                   in
                   them
                   .
                
                 Therefore
                 be
                 much
                 in
                 Examining
                 your selves
                 .
              
               
                 Examine
                 Whether
                 you
                 have
                 true
                 REPENTANCE
                 .
              
               
                 Wherefore
                 Try
                 whether
                 you
                 are
                 at
                 so
                 much
                 pains
                 for
                 no
                 Outward
                 and
                 Earthly
                 thing
                 ,
                 as
                 you
                 are
                 for
                 the
                 mortification
                 of
                 every
                 lust
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 Try
                 whether
                 Afflictions
                 themselves
                 are
                 welcome
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 when
                 you
                 see
                 you
                 sins
                 thereby
                 embittered
                 and
                 subdued
                 .
              
               
                 Examine
                 Whether
                 you
                 have
                 true
                 FAITH
                 .
              
               
                 Wherefore
                 Try
                 whether
                 your
                 Souls
                 are
                 extremely
                 affected
                 with
                 the
                 blessed
                 Fulness
                 &
                 Glory
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 Christ.
                 And
                 Try
                 whether
                 your
                 hearts
                 most
                 affectionately
                 close
                 with
                 the
                 
                   Gospel-way
                   of
                   Salvation
                   by
                
                 Jesus
                 Ch●ist
                 ,
                 so
                 as
                 cheerfully
                 to
                 venture
                 the
                 Lives
                 of
                 your
                 souls
                 upon
                 it
                 .
              
               
               
                 Examine
                 ,
                 Whether
                 you
                 have
                 true
                 LOVE
                 .
              
               
                 Wherefore
                 Try
                 ,
                 whether
                 any
                 thing
                 that
                 has
                 a
                 Tendency
                 to
                 promote
                 the
                 Honour
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 be
                 readily
                 embraced
                 by
                 you
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 thing
                 more
                 desirable
                 than
                 all
                 the
                 Riches
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 Try
                 whether
                 you
                 count
                 no
                 Service
                 too
                 much
                 to
                 be
                 done
                 for
                 the
                 
                   People
                   of
                   the
                   Saints
                   of
                   the
                   Most
                   High.
                
                 Put
                 the
                 Question
                 to
                 your selves
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 the
                 Preface
                 of
                 your
                 Answer
                 be
                 that
                 Request
                 in
                 Psal
                 139.
                 23.
                 
                 
                   Search
                   me
                   O
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   try
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   help
                   me
                   to
                
                 know
                 my self
                 .
              
               
                 To
                 be
                 much
                 in
                 such
                 Self-Examination
                 is
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 
                   Golden
                   Christian
                
                 ,
                 and
                 indeed
                 ,
                 none
                 but
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 will
                 have
                 a
                 Value
                 for
                 the
                 Exercise
                 .
              
               
                 II.
                 Let
                 us
                 also
                 approve
                 ourselves
                 ,
                 as
                 gold
                 ,
                 under
                 the
                 Dispensations
                 of
                 the
                 Blessed
                 GOD.
                 
              
               
                 Particularly
                 ,
              
               
                 First
                 .
                 Let
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 in
                 Prosperity
                 behave
                 themselves
                 well
                 under
                 the
                 Tryals
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
                 It
                 may
                 be
                 that
                 you
                 are
                 come
                 to
                 have
                 store
                 of
                 Gold
                 ;
                 O
                 that
                 you
                 may
                 Be
                 like
                 what
                 you
                 Have
                 !
                 T
                 is
                 possible
                 that
                 you
                 have
                 been
                 in
                 much
                 Distress
                 and
                 Sorrow
                 :
                 But
                 God
                 has
                 brought
                 you
                 forth
                 ,
                 as
                 t
                 is
                 said
                 He
                 brought
                 Israel
                 out
                 of
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 in
                 Ps
                 ▪
                 105.
                 37.
                 
                 
                   He
                   brought
                   them
                   forth
                   with
                
                 Gold.
                 
              
               
                 Consider
                 ,
                 That
                 God
                 is
                 now
                 Trying
                 of
                 your
                 Faithfulness
                 .
                 No
                 doubt
                 ,
                 you
                 have
                 sometimes
                 promised
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 That
                 if
                 you
                 might
                 have
                 such
                 a
                 measure
                 of
                 Health
                 and
                 Strength
                 ,
                 or
                 ,
                 
                 That
                 if
                 you
                 might
                 have
                 such
                 a
                 Degree
                 of
                 Estate
                 and
                 Honour
                 you
                 would
                 glorify
                 God
                 with
                 a
                 wonderful
                 Activity
                 .
                 Well
                 ,
                 saith
                 our
                 God
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   'll
                   try
                
                 .
                 God
                 is
                 trying
                 whether
                 you
                 will
                 be
                 true
                 to
                 those
                 Professions
                 and
                 Engagements
                 ,
                 which
                 you
                 made
                 before
                 He
                 so
                 smil'd
                 upon
                 you
                 .
                 God
                 is
                 trying
                 whether
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 Confirm
                 that
                 Observation
                 ,
                 in
                 Jer.
                 17.
                 9.
                 
                 The
                 Heart
                 
                   is
                   deceitful
                   above
                   all
                   things
                   and
                   desperately
                   wicked
                   .
                
              
               
                 Consider
                 moreover
                 ,
                 That
                 God
                 is
                 now
                 trying
                 of
                 your
                 Thankfulness
                 .
                 A
                 very
                 terrible
                 Wrath
                 is
                 denounced
                 against
                 them
                 in
                 Deut.
                 28.
                 47.
                 
                 
                   Who
                   serve
                   not
                   God
                   for
                   the
                   abundance
                   of
                   all
                   things
                   .
                
                 God
                 gives
                 you
                 an
                 
                   Abundance
                   of
                   all
                   things
                
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 try
                 whether
                 you
                 will
                 serve
                 Him
                 ,
                 and
                 praise
                 Him
                 for
                 it
                 .
                 God
                 is
                 Trying
                 whether
                 you
                 will
                 now
                 often
                 say
                 ,
                 
                   Bless
                   the
                
                 LORD
                 ,
                 
                   O
                   my
                   soul
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   that
                   is
                   within
                   me
                   !
                
                 God
                 is
                 Trying
                 whether
                 you
                 will
                 now
                 think
                 ,
                 
                   What
                   shall
                   I
                
                 render
                 
                   to
                   the
                
                 LORD
                 
                   for
                   all
                   His
                   benefits
                
                 ?
                 Let
                 us
                 be
                 as
                 Gold
                 by
                 affording
                 now
                 a
                 good
                 Experiment
                 .
              
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Let
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 in
                 Adversity
                 ,
                 likewise
                 behave
                 themselves
                 as
                 under
                 the
                 Tryals
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
                 We
                 may
                 most
                 or
                 all
                 of
                 us
                 ,
                 Lament
                 ,
                 
                   I
                   am
                   the
                   man
                   that
                   hath
                   seen
                   Affliction
                
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 Variety
                 of
                 Calamity
                 which
                 we
                 are
                 try'd
                 withal
                 .
                 God
                 forbid
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 procure
                 to
                 our selves
                 the
                 Brand
                 set
                 upon
                 that
                 wicked
                 man
                 of
                 old
                 ,
                 
                   In
                   the
                   time
                   of
                   his
                
                 Distress
                 
                   did
                   he
                
                 trespass
                 yet
                 more
                 
                   against
                   the
                
                 LORD
                 .
                 Never
                 was
                 there
                 in
                 this
                 
                 world
                 a
                 more
                 doleful
                 sight
                 than
                 that
                 of
                 a
                 Theef
                 on
                 a
                 Cross
                 ,
                 yet
                 Neglecting
                 and
                 Affronting
                 the
                 Son
                 of
                 God.
                 We
                 that
                 have
                 been
                 lately
                 under
                 Affliction
                 ,
                 (
                 particularly
                 ,
                 under
                 that
                 Affliction
                 of
                 Sickness
                 )
                 have
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 
                   lain
                   among
                   the
                   pots
                
                 ;
                 God
                 has
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 laid
                 us
                 by
                 among
                 the
                 meanest
                 Lumps
                 of
                 clay
                 ;
                 but
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 now
                 come
                 sorth
                 Doves
                 ,
                 having
                 
                   Wings
                   covered
                   with
                   Silver
                
                 ,
                 and
                 
                   Feathers
                   with
                   yellow
                   Gold
                
                 !
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 may
                 come
                 forth
                 of
                 our
                 Tryals
                 more
                 gracious
                 ,
                 more
                 Savoury
                 ,
                 more
                 Heavenly
                 ,
                 than
                 ever
                 we
                 were
                 in
                 our
                 lives
                 before
                 ;
                 that
                 the
                 Iron-Age
                 of
                 Grief
                 may
                 issue
                 in
                 a
                 Golden-Age
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 unto
                 us
                 ;
                 that
                 our
                 Adversity
                 may
                 procure
                 more
                 grace
                 to
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 than
                 ever
                 the
                 Prosperity
                 of
                 Solomon
                 did
                 gold
                 to
                 him
                 .
                 T
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 desired
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 
                   Transmutation
                   of
                   Metals
                
                 may
                 be
                 Exemplified
                 in
                 us
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 the
                 most
                 exquisite
                 Vitrioli●
                 powder
                 may
                 not
                 be
                 so
                 powerful
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 
                   Natural
                   gold
                
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Dust
                 of
                 Affliction
                 may
                 be
                 to
                 make
                 
                   Spiritual
                   gold
                
                 of
                 our
                 souls
                 .
                 Look
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 Lest
                 our
                 Character
                 be
                 that
                 ,
                 
                   Reprchate
                   Silver
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                
                 rejected
                 
                   by
                   the
                
                 Lord.
                 
              
               
                 
                   The
                   First
                   DESIRE
                   .
                
                 
                   Let
                   us
                   come
                   forth
                   more
                   out-of-Love
                   with
                   Gold
                   
                     which
                     perisheth
                  
                   .
                   Our
                   GOD
                   hath
                   taught
                   us
                   that
                   no
                   gold
                   will
                   deliver
                   from
                   Death
                   and
                   Hell
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   no
                   gold
                   can
                   be
                   carried
                   away
                   
                   with
                   ,
                   us
                   at
                   our
                   Departure
                   hence
                   .
                   Our
                   God
                   hath
                   told
                   us
                   ,
                   That
                   though
                   we
                   should
                   have
                   never
                   so
                   much
                   gold
                   about
                   us
                   ,
                   we
                   may
                   in
                   a
                   moment
                   be
                   taken
                   away
                   from
                   all
                   .
                   Wherefore
                   Let
                   us
                   become
                   Indifferent
                   unto
                   gold
                   ,
                   and
                   all
                   the
                   Delights
                   of
                   this
                   miserable
                   World.
                   Look
                   ,
                   Look
                   upon
                   thy
                   most
                   golden
                   Comforts
                   ,
                   and
                   imagine
                   thou
                   hearest
                   that
                   Voice
                   of
                   GOD
                   ,
                   in
                   Prov.
                   23.
                   5.
                   
                   
                     Wilt
                     thou
                     set
                     thine
                     eyes
                     upon
                     that
                     which
                     is
                     not
                     ?
                  
                   When
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   Martyrs
                   had
                   money
                   proffer`d
                   unto
                   him
                   ,
                   he
                   Refused
                   it
                   ,
                   saying
                   ,
                   
                     The
                     Coyn
                     is
                     not
                  
                   current
                   ,
                   
                     in
                     the
                     Countrey
                     to
                     which
                     I
                     am
                     going
                     .
                  
                   O
                   despise
                   all
                   gold
                   but
                   what
                   will
                   be
                   Current
                   there
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   The
                   Second
                   Desire
                   .
                
                 
                   Let
                   us
                   come
                   forth
                   more
                   Admiring
                   of
                   ,
                   more
                   Affected
                   with
                   such
                   things
                   as
                   are
                   
                     better
                     than
                     gold
                  
                   .
                   The
                   Fear
                   of
                   God
                   is
                   one
                   of
                   those
                   things
                   ,
                   Whereof
                   t
                   is
                   said
                   it
                   Job
                   ,
                   28.
                   16.
                   
                   
                     It
                     cannot
                     be
                     valued
                     with
                     the
                  
                   Gold
                   
                     of
                     Ophir
                  
                   .
                   Let
                   it
                   be
                   then
                   our
                   prime
                   and
                   cheef
                   Study
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   daily
                   acting
                   of
                   it
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   Since
                   we
                   have
                   lately
                   seen
                   Time
                   loudly
                   calling
                   on
                   us
                   to
                   Redeem
                   it
                   ,
                   Let
                   a
                   
                     Respect
                     to
                     God
                  
                   now
                   ennoble
                   all
                   the
                   Actions
                   of
                   our
                   Lives
                   .
                   The
                   Word
                   of
                   God
                   is
                   another
                   of
                   those
                   things
                   ,
                   Whereof
                   t
                   is
                   said
                   ,
                   in
                   Psal.
                   19.
                   10.
                   
                   
                     It
                     is
                     more
                     to
                     be
                     desired
                     than
                     much
                     fine
                  
                   Gold.
                   
                
                 
                   Let
                   us
                   then
                   set
                   an
                   unspeakable
                   Value
                   thereupon
                   ;
                   Yea
                   ,
                   since
                   we
                   have
                   lately
                   
                     seen
                     an
                     
                     End
                     of
                     all
                     Perfection
                  
                   elsewhere
                   ;
                   Let
                   the
                   Bible
                   of
                   God
                   be
                   now
                   more
                   than
                   ever
                   the
                   Companion
                   of
                   your
                   Solitary
                   Hours
                   .
                
                 
                   Finally
                   ,
                   The
                   SON
                   of
                   GOD
                   ,
                   is
                   the
                   
                     Pearl
                     of
                     great
                     price
                  
                   ,
                   which
                   no
                   Gold
                   is
                   to
                   be
                   equaliz'd
                   unto
                   .
                   We
                   read
                   of
                   a
                   Brazen-Serpent
                   [
                   or
                   more
                   truly
                   a
                   
                   Coper-Serpent
                   ]
                   marvellously
                   useful
                   to
                   Israel
                   of
                   old
                   ,
                   O
                   let
                   us
                   now
                   Esteem
                   the
                   Antitype
                   of
                   that
                   Brasen
                   or
                   Coper
                   Shadow
                   ,
                   before
                   the
                   Richest
                   Gold.
                   The
                   holy
                   God
                   has
                   newly
                   sent
                   me
                   back
                   from
                   the
                   Sides
                   of
                   Eternity
                   to
                   tell
                   you
                   ,
                   That
                   One
                   
                     CHRIST
                     is
                     worth
                  
                   ten
                   Worlds
                   .
                   T
                   is
                   a
                   thing
                   whereof
                   you
                   have
                   been
                   heretofore
                   advised
                   with
                   frequent
                   ,
                   solemn
                   ,
                   lively
                   Warnings
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   Eternal
                   God
                   :
                   As
                   Ioshua
                   could
                   say
                   ,
                   in
                   
                     Cap.
                     24.
                     27.
                     
                     Behold
                     ,
                     this
                     stone
                     shall
                     be
                     a
                     Witness
                     ,
                     for
                     it
                     hath
                     heard
                     all
                     the
                     words
                     of
                     the
                     Lord.
                  
                   So
                   may
                   I
                   say
                   ,
                   Let
                   this
                   Pulpit
                   ,
                   and
                   these
                   Walls
                   and
                   Seats
                   and
                   Pillars
                   Remember
                   ,
                   if
                   you
                   have
                   forgotten
                   ,
                   That
                   you
                   have
                   been
                   often
                   told
                   ,
                   
                     All
                     the
                     gold
                     in
                     the
                     world
                     is
                     not
                     worth
                     one
                     Christ.
                  
                   And
                   behold
                   ,
                   I
                   repeat
                   unto
                   you
                   one
                   Warning
                   more
                   .
                   Let
                   this
                   House
                   be
                   a
                   Witness
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   you
                   witnesses
                   of
                   it
                   O
                   ye
                   Angels
                   that
                   are
                   invisible
                   here
                   ;
                   That
                   it
                   has
                   been
                   earnestly
                   affirmed
                   in
                   our
                   Hearing
                   ,
                   A
                   Christ
                   
                     is
                     better
                     than
                     a
                  
                   Thousand
                   Worlds
                   ,
                   
                     and
                     they
                     that
                     sl●ight
                     Him
                     ,
                     will
                     be
                  
                   miserable
                   
                     for
                     infinitely
                     more
                     than
                  
                   ten
                   Thousand
                   Ages
                   .
                
              
            
          
        
      
       
         
         
           LIFE
           DESIRED
           .
           Vpon
           the
           Death
           of
           a
           Relation
           .
        
         
           
             Psal.
             CXIX
             .
             175.
             
          
           
             Let
             my
             Soul
             live
             ,
             and
             it
             shall
             praise
             thee
             ,
             and
             let
             thy
             Iudgements
             help
             me
             .
          
        
         
           SWeeter
           Words
           than
           these
           could
           not
           come
           from
           the
           
             Sweet
             Singer
             of
             Israel
          
           himself
           .
           The
           Hundred
           and
           Nineteenth
           ,
           is
           the
           longest
           ,
           and
           yet
           ,
           if
           the
           Comparison
           be
           not
           odious
           ,
           the
           sweetest
           ,
           of
           all
           the
           Psalms
           ;
           and
           perhaps
           the
           Psalm
           ,
           like
           the
           Grace
           wherewith
           it
           was
           Composed
           ,
           has
           a
           
             growing
             Sweetness
          
           ,
           towards
           the
           Conclusion
           of
           it
           .
           The
           one
           and
           twentieth
           Octonary
           in
           this
           excellent
           Psalm
           ,
           is
           a
           Bundle
           of
           
             Heavenly
             Affections
          
           ;
           this
           two
           and
           twentieth
           Octonary
           is
           an
           Heap
           of
           
             Holy
             Petitions
          
           .
           There
           are
           especially
           Six
           Petitions
           in
           this
           last
           part
           of
           the
           Psalm
           .
           The
           fourth
           and
           fifth
           of
           them
           are
           in
           the
           
           words
           now
           before
           us
           .
           He
           begs
           ,
           First
           ,
           for
           his
           Life
           ,
           then
           for
           God's
           Help
           .
           The
           Life
           petition`d
           for
           ,
           may
           be
           understood
           as
           Two-fold
           :
           it
           is
           called
           ,
           
             The
             life
             of
             the
             Soul
          
           ;
           both
           Natural
           Life
           ,
           and
           Spiritual
           Life
           may
           be
           intended
           in
           that
           Expression
           .
           But
           cheefly
           the
           former
           .
           
             Let
             my
             soul
             live
          
           ;
           it
           is
           q.
           d.
           
             Let
             my
          
           Self
           live
           .
           T
           is
           an
           usual
           Hebraism
           .
           In
           that
           signification
           it
           was
           the
           Choice
           of
           Sampson
           ,
           Let
           
             me
             dy
          
           ,
           in
           the
           Hebrew
           it
           is
           ,
           
             Let
             my
          
           Soul
           
             dy
             with
             the
             Philistines
          
           .
           The
           Help
           petition'd
           for
           ,
           has
           Two
           Things
           declared
           concerning
           it
           .
           We
           have
           the
           For-What
           of
           this
           Help
           ;
           this
           is
           ,
           That
           he
           might
           attend
           the
           Business
           for
           which
           he
           desired
           to
           live
           ;
           namely
           ,
           To
           
             praise
             God.
          
           And
           we
           also
           have
           the
           From-Whence
           ,
           of
           this
           Help
           ;
           this
           is
           ,
           From
           the
           Iudgments
           of
           God.
           
             Thy
             Iudgments
             ▪
          
           this
           is
           one
           of
           the
           Ten
           various
           Phrases
           used
           here
           ,
           to
           signify
           ,
           the
           Wayes
           and
           Means
           whereby
           God
           ,
           reveals
           Himself
           unto
           the
           world
           .
        
         
           In
           short
           ,
           the
           Doctrine
           before
           us
           ,
           is
           ,
           That
        
         
           While
           we
           pray
           to
           live
           ,
           we
           should
           account
           the
           Praises
           of
           God
           to
           be
           the
           Cheef
           End
           of
           our
           Life
           ,
           in
           which
           the
           Judgments
           of
           God
           are
           to
           be
           sought
           and
           used
           as
           our
           Help
           .
        
         
           The
           Propositions
           which
           may
           shape
           this
           Truth
           unto
           our
           minds
           are
           these
           .
        
         
           
             Prop.
             I.
             
          
           
             The
             Praise
             
               of
               God
               is
               to
               be
               accounted
               the
               cheef
               end
               of
               our
            
             Life
             
               on
               Earth
            
             .
             If
             our
             Souls
             do
             
               live
               in
               our
               Bodies
            
             ,
             if
             we
             enjoy
             that
             Life
             which
             is
             an
             Union
             
             between
             Soul
             and
             Body
             ,
             this
             is
             to
             be
             the
             End
             of
             it
             ;
             
               That
               we
               may
            
             praise
             
               the
               God
               of
               our
               lives
            
             .
             It
             was
             the
             pious
             Expectation
             of
             the
             Psalmist
             ,
             in
             Psal.
             118.
             17.
             
             
               I
               shal
               not
               dy
               but
            
             live
             ,
             and
             declare
             the
             works
             
               of
               the
               Lord.
            
             This
             is
             to
             be
             the
             Resolution
             of
             every
             man.
             Can
             we
             say
             ,
             
               I
               do
               not
               dy
               but
               live
               ?
            
             We
             should
             add
             ,
             
               I
               will
               then
            
             declare
             the
             Praises
             
               of
               the
               Lord.
            
             The
             first
             Question
             that
             the
             Thoughts
             of
             men
             should
             be
             employed
             upon
             is
             ,
             
               What
               is
               the
               Cheef
               End
               of
               Man
               ?
            
             The
             true
             and
             Just
             answer
             To
             that
             Question
             is
             ,
             
               The
               Cheef
               End
               of
               man
               is
               to
            
             glorifie
             God.
             Well
             ,
             put
             the
             Question
             so
             ,
             
               What
               is
               the
               Cheef
               End
               of
            
             Life
             ?
             The
             Answer
             to
             that
             Question
             too
             will
             be
             the
             same
             ;
             
               It
               is
               to
            
             glorifie
             God.
             
          
           
             To
             praise
             God
             ,
             What
             is
             that
             ?
             To
             praise
             God
             ,
             is
             to
             Render
             and
             Procure
             ,
             a
             due
             Acknowlement
             of
             His
             Excellencies
             .
             Indeed
             all
             the
             Duties
             of
             Religion
             are
             Contained
             in
             this
             Comprehensive
             thing
             .
             When
             we
             own
             ,
             when
             we
             serve
             ,
             when
             we
             Adore
             the
             Great
             God
             in
             any
             or
             all
             the
             waies
             of
             His
             Worship
             ,
             Then
             we
             praise
             Him
             ;
             and
             we
             further
             praise
             Him
             ,
             when
             we
             provoke
             others
             to
             join
             with
             us
             in
             doing
             so
             .
             This
             ,
             This
             Praise
             of
             the
             LORD
             is
             the
             End
             of
             our
             Life
             in
             the
             World.
             
          
           
             This
             is
             the
             End
             of
             our
             Being
             .
             We
             are
             told
             that
             
               We
               have
               our
            
             Being
             
               in
               God.
            
             Of
             all
             things
             whatever
             this
             is
             then
             most
             Reasonable
             ,
             that
             
               We
               should
               have
               our
            
             Being
             for
             God
             ;
             and
             our
             
             Being
             for
             Him
             ,
             is
             not
             expressed
             without
             our
             
               praising
               of
            
             Him.
             The
             blessed
             God
             looks
             from
             on
             high
             upon
             mankind
             ,
             and
             saith
             ,
             as
             in
             Isa.
             43.
             21.
             
             
               This
               people
               have
               I
               formed
               for
               my self
               ,
               they
               should
               show
               forth
               my
            
             Praise
             .
             Now
             that
             which
             is
             the
             End
             of
             our
             Being
             ,
             is
             the
             End
             of
             our
             Living
             too
             .
             Two
             things
             are
             to
             be
             affirmed
             of
             it
             ,
          
           
             First
             ,
             The
             Law
             of
             God
             doth
             Appoint
             this
             as
             as
             the
             End
             of
             our
             Lives
             .
             Unto
             every
             man
             living
             ,
             this
             is
             the
             Voice
             of
             God
             ,
             
               I
               spare
               thy
            
             life
             ,
             
               that
               so
               thou
               mayst
            
             live
             
               my
               praise
            
             .
             It
             is
             said
             in
             Rom.
             14.
             7.
             
             
               If
               we
               live
               ,
               we
            
             are
             to
             
               live
               unto
               the
               Lord.
            
             What
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             of
             Eating
             and
             Drinking
             ,
             may
             much
             more
             be
             said
             of
             Living
             ;
             as
             in
             1.
             
             Cor.
             10.
             30.
             
             It
             must
             
               be
               unto
               the
            
             Glory
             
               of
               God.
            
             God
             gives
             our
             Lives
             ,
             God
             keeps
             our
             Lives
             ,
             and
             this
             is
             His
             reveled
             ,
             His
             Preceptive
             Will
             concerning
             our
             Lives
             ;
             
               Man
               ,
               I
               suffer
               thy
            
             life
             ,
             
               yea
               ,
               I
               support
               thy
            
             life
             ,
             
               that
               I
               may
               be
               praised
               ,
               loved
               ,
               admired
               by
               thee
               as
               long
               as
               thou
               livest
               .
            
             It
             was
             an
             heavy
             dismal
             Charge
             against
             Belshazzer
             ,
             in
             
               Dan.
               5.
               23.
               
               God
               in
               whose
               Hand
               thy
               breath
               is
               ,
               thou
               hast
               not
               glorified
               .
            
             The
             Almighty
             God
             gives
             us
             notice
             of
             this
             ,
             
               Thy
               Breath
               is
               in
               my
               hand
            
             ;
             at
             the
             same
             time
             He
             also
             requires
             this
             of
             us
             ,
             
               Let
               thy
            
             life
             
               be
               to
               my
               pr●ise
            
             .
             That
             man
             makes
             a
             sacrilegious
             Incroachment
             and
             Invasion
             upon
             Gods
             Right
             ,
             who
             makes
             not
             God●s
             Praise
             ,
             the
             End
             of
             his
             living
             upon
             God`s
             Earth
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             therefore
             ,
             Secondly
             this
             to
             be
             added
             thereunto
             .
          
           
           
             The
             Heart
             of
             man
             should
             Embrace
             this
             as
             the
             End
             of
             our
             lives
             .
             It
             becomes
             every
             man
             to
             say
             ,
             I
             live
             
               that
               God
               who
               is
               worthy
               to
               be
            
             praised
             ,
             
               may
               have
               the
            
             praises
             
               of
               my
               Obedience
               to
               Him.
            
             It
             was
             the
             godly
             purpose
             of
             the
             Psalmist
             ,
             in
             Psal.
             147.
             2.
             
             
               While
               I
            
             live
             
               I
               will
            
             praise
             
               the
               Lord.
            
             And
             a
             kin
             to
             this
             is
             the
             
               Right
               Thought
            
             ,
             which
             every
             man
             should
             entertain
             ,
             
               I
               do
            
             live
             ,
             
               that
               I
               may
            
             praise
             
               the
               Lord.
            
             Hence
             this
             is
             one
             of
             the
             principal
             Pleas
             which
             the
             Saints
             have
             used
             in
             their
             Sup●lications
             for
             their
             Lives
             .
             Good
             Hezekiah
             pray'd
             in
             his
             Distress
             ,
             
               Lord
               ,
               let
               me
            
             live
             .
             And
             what
             was
             his
             Argument
             ?
             It
             was
             that
             in
             Isa.
             38.
             17.
             18.
             
             The
             Grave
             cannot
             praise
             
               thee
               ;
               the
            
             living
             ,
             the
             living
             ,
             
               he
               shall
            
             praise
             thee
             .
             The
             heart
             of
             man
             should
             readily
             close
             with
             such
             an
             End
             for
             the
             life
             of
             man.
             Satan
             saies
             ,
             
               Thou
               livest
               only
               to
               Enjoy
               the
               delights
               of
               the
               Flesh
               in
               the
               world
               ;
               thou
               livest
               only
               to
               seek
               ,
               to
               get
               ,
               and
               to
               tast
               the
               saecular
               pleasures
               provided
               for
               thee
               .
            
             The
             soul
             of
             man
             should
             rise
             with
             unspeakable
             Indignation
             at
             this
             wild
             proposal
             .
             On
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             our
             God
             saies
             ,
             
               The
               Business
               of
               thy
            
             life
             
               is
               to
            
             magnifie
             
               Mee
               ,
               to
               make
               my
            
             Praise
             glorious
             .
             Here
             now
             ,
             Here
             the
             Soul
             of
             every
             man
             should
             fall
             in
             ,
             and
             Reply
             ,
             This
             
               is
               all
               my
            
             Salvation
             ,
             
               and
               all
               my
            
             Desire
             .
          
           
             But
             this
             leads
             to
          
        
         
           
             PROP.
             II.
             
          
           
             Prayers
             for
             life
             are
             then
             ,
             and
             only
             then
             rightly
             
             qualified
             ,
             when
             they
             have
             Respect
             unto
             the
             Praises
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             To
             clear
             this
             matter
             ,
             there
             are
             these
             things
             to
             be
             conceived
             .
          
           
             One
             Conclusion
             is
             ,
             That
             the
             Living
             on
             Earth
             have
             many
             
               peculiar
               Opportunities
            
             to
             be
             Praising
             of
             God.
             Indeed
             ,
             
               Blessed
               are
               the
               dead
               who
               dy
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             for
             they
             too
             are
             alwaies
             praising
             of
             Him.
             But
             yet
             they
             rest
             from
             some
             Praises
             ,
             when
             they
             
               rest
               from
               their
               Labours
            
             here
             .
             The
             departed
             Saints
             are
             continually
             shouting
             ,
             
               H●llelujah
               ,
               Hallelujah
            
             ,
             before
             the
             Throne
             of
             God.
             The
             Saints
             ,
             they
             are
             
               joyful
               in
               glory
            
             ;
             and
             the
             
               High
               Praises
            
             of
             God
             are
             perpetually
             Proceeding
             from
             those
             blessed
             Souls
             .
             But
             Christians
             in
             this
             world
             have
             their
             
               peculiar
               Opportunities
            
             ,
             to
             be
             Glorifying
             of
             Him
             that
             made
             them
             .
             This
             did
             the
             Psalmist
             speak
             in
             Ps
             88.
             11.
             
             
               Shall
               the
            
             dead
             
               praise
               thee
            
             ?
             To
             instance
             in
             some
             particulars
             :
          
           
             The
             Living
             here
             may
             be
             praising
             of
             God
             by
             the
             Discharge
             of
             many
             Relations
             ,
             which
             the
             dead
             Saints
             are
             strangers
             unto
             .
             We
             may
             now
             praise
             God
             as
             Parents
             ,
             as
             Masters
             ,
             as
             Officers
             in
             the
             the
             Church
             or
             Common-Wealth
             .
             All
             those
             Capacities
             will
             dy
             with
             us
             ,
             when
             we
             shall
             
               go
               hence
               and
               be-no
               more
            
             .
          
           
             Again
             ,
             The
             Living
             here
             may
             be
             Praising
             of
             God
             ,
             by
             Bearing
             many
             a
             Witness
             to
             the
             Truths
             and
             Wayes
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ.
             We
             may
             now
             bestow
             many
             Rebukes
             upon
             the
             Errors
             and
             
             the
             Evils
             of
             a
             sinful
             World.
             We
             may
             part
             with
             and
             esteem
             ,
             an
             Estate
             ,
             with
             our
             Ease
             ,
             and
             our
             Life
             it self
             ,
             out
             of
             Respect
             unto
             the
             Name
             of
             God.
             But
             our
             Testimonies
             expire
             with
             our
             Lives
             .
          
           
             Once
             more
             ,
             The
             Living
             may
             be
             Praising
             of
             God
             by
             Advancing
             His
             Kingdom
             here
             below
             .
             In
             this
             Life
             we
             may
             be
             instrumental
             to
             Convince
             and
             Convert
             Vnregenerate
             Sinners
             ,
             to
             build
             up
             the
             Church
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             and
             to
             Do
             good
             among
             the
             ignorant
             by
             an
             
               Exemplary
               Conversation
            
             .
             But
             this
             is
             to
             be
             done
             only
             below
             the
             stars
             .
          
           
             Furthermore
             ,
             There
             are
             Graces
             proper
             to
             this
             Life
             which
             God
             is
             praised
             by
             the
             Exercising
             of
             .
             The
             Tears
             of
             
               Sorrow
               for
               Sin
            
             will
             be
             dry`d
             up
             ,
             when
             we
             come
             to
             the
             State
             in
             which
             all
             Sorrow
             shall
             flee
             away
             .
             Charity
             in
             Giving
             and
             Forgiving
             to
             them
             that
             need
             it
             ,
             —
             there
             is
             no
             occasion
             for
             that
             Charity
             among
             them
             that
             are
             
               above
               ;
               they
            
             are
             all
             perfect
             and
             happy
             there
             .
             Patience
             under
             Tryals
             belongs
             to
             our
             present
             Condition
             only
             ;
             there
             are
             no
             Afflictions
             to
             trouble
             us
             ,
             when
             our
             
               few
               dayes
               full
               of
               trouble
            
             are
             passed
             away
             .
             In
             a
             Word
             .
             Our
             
               Spiritual
               Warfare
            
             is
             to
             be
             attended
             only
             in
             this
             
               Valley
               of
               the
               Shadow
               of
               Death
               .
            
             We
             cannot
             
               fight
               the
               Battles
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             and
             therein
             we
             cannot
             
               shew
               the
            
             praises
             
               of
               the
               Lord
            
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             arrived
             at
             the
             
               End
               of
               our
               Faith
               the
               Salvation
               of
               our
               Souls
               .
            
             Our
             Fight
             is
             done
             ,
             our
             Crown
             is
             come
             when
             we
             have
             been
             Faithful
             to
             the
             Death
             .
          
           
           
             A
             Second
             Conclusion
             is
             ,
             That
             Opportunities
             for
             the
             Praising
             of
             God
             are
             the
             things
             for
             which
             we
             should
             desire
             to
             be
             living
             on
             Earth
             .
             There
             is
             a
             Three-fold
             
               Desire
               of
               Life
            
             which
             the
             Living
             have
             .
             There
             is
             a
             Natural
             Desire
             of
             Life
             .
             This
             is
             common
             both
             to
             good
             men
             and
             bad
             men
             .
             Nature
             it self
             startles
             at
             the
             Approach
             of
             Death
             ;
             Innocent
             Nature
             shivers
             and
             recoyls
             ,
             when
             this
             
               King
               of
               Terrors
            
             is
             ready
             to
             lay
             his
             cold
             l●y
             hand
             upon
             us
             .
             This
             was
             
             Ioab's
             Desire
             :
             that
             valiant
             Souldier
             ,
             The
             Lord-General
             of
             Israel
             himself
             ,
             in
             1.
             
             King.
             2.
             28.
             being
             in
             cold
             blood
             under
             Apprehensions
             of
             Death
             ,
             fled
             unto
             the
             Horns
             of
             the
             Altar
             ,
             as
             a
             Sanctuary
             to
             save
             his
             Life
             .
             There
             is
             also
             a
             Sensual
             Desire
             of
             Life
             .
             This
             is
             that
             which
             Bad
             men
             are
             under
             the
             power
             of
             .
             Many
             are
             loth
             to
             dye
             because
             they
             would
             not
             leave
             the
             Pleasures
             and
             Profits
             and
             Honours
             which
             did
             surround
             them
             here
             .
             They
             are
             like
             the
             Miser
             who
             on
             his
             Death-Bed
             ,
             hugg'd
             his
             Baggs
             of
             Gold
             ,
             and
             cry'd
             out
             ,
             
               Must
               I
               leave
               you
               ?
               Must
               I
               leave
               you
               ?
            
             Their
             Love
             of
             their
             Life
             ,
             comes
             from
             their
             love
             of
             their
             Flesh.
             This
             was
             the
             
               Rich
               Fools
            
             Desire
             ,
             in
             Luc
             12.
             20.
             
             He
             wished
             for
             
               many
               Years
            
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             
               eat
               and
               drink
            
             ,
             and
             
               be
               merry
            
             here
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             likewise
             a
             gracious
             Desire
             of
             Life
             .
             And
             this
             is
             that
             which
             good
             men
             are
             affected
             with
             :
             They
             desire
             to
             live
             ,
             because
             they
             desire
             to
             praise
             .
             They
             would
             live
             ,
             because
             they
             would
             honour
             
             God
             in
             those
             matters
             &
             those
             manners
             for
             which
             their
             Lives
             do
             afford
             them
             blessed
             Opportunities
             and
             Advantages
             .
             Now
             this
             gracious
             Desire
             of
             of
             Life
             is
             a
             Regular
             Desire
             .
             A
             Desire
             of
             Life
             for
             the
             Praise
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             the
             only
             Desire
             of
             Life
             ,
             that
             will
             have
             praise
             of
             God.
             This
             was
             
             David's
             Desire
             when
             he
             was
             visited
             with
             Sickness
             ,
             when
             he
             was
             weak
             ,
             and
             his
             Bones
             were
             pained
             ,
             then
             said
             he
             in
             Psal.
             6.
             5.
             
             
               O
               save
               me
               ,
               for
               in
            
             Death
             
               there
               is
            
             no
             Remembrance
             
               of
               thee
               ,
               in
               the
            
             Grave
             
               who
               shall
               give
               thee
               thanks
            
             ?
             Such
             Desires
             are
             the
             only
             right
             and
             chast
             Desires
             .
             It
             is
             not
             fit
             for
             a
             Christian
             to
             say
             ,
             I
             desire
             to
             live
             ,
             
               because
               I
               am
            
             afraid
             
               to
               dy
            
             .
             Much
             less
             is
             it
             fit
             for
             him
             to
             say
             ,
             I
             desire
             my
             life
             in
             
               the
               world
               ,
               that
               I
               may
               turn
               and
               wind
               still
               the
               Affairs
            
             of
             
               the
               World.
            
             But
             This
             is
             that
             which
             Leg●timates
             the
             Desire
             of
             Life
             :
             As
             every
             thing
             is
             to
             be
             i●●roved
             for
             God
             ,
             so
             every
             thing
             should
             be
             desired
             for
             God.
             And
             thus
             Life
             it self
             .
             We
             are
             daily
             Praying
             ,
             as
             he
             in
             Psal.
             102.
             24.
             
             
               O
               my
               God
               ,
               take
               me
               not
               away
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               my
               dayes
               .
            
             Well
             ,
             Our
             God
             enquires
             of
             us
             ,
             
               Why
               art
               thou
               unwilling
               to
               be
               taken
               away
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               thy
               dayes
               ?
            
             We
             should
             have
             this
             to
             be
             our
             true
             Account
             of
             it
             ,
             
               Because
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               I
               am
               loth
               to
               be
               taken
               away
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               my
            
             Praise
             .
          
        
         
           
             PROP.
             III.
             
          
           
             The
             Judgments
             of
             God
             are
             to
             be
             sought
             and
             used
             by
             us
             as
             our
             Help
             in
             those
             Praises
             of
             God
             which
             are
             the
             End
             of
             our
             life
             .
          
           
           
             There
             are
             blessed
             Helps
             ,
             which
             God
             hath
             provided
             for
             us
             ,
             by
             which
             we
             may
             be
             both
             
               Assisted
               in
            
             and
             
               Excited
               to
            
             ,
             the
             work
             of
             our
             lives
             .
          
           
             Behold
             a
             double
             Help
             ,
             both
             implyed
             in
             the
             Iudgments
             of
             God.
             And
             he
             that
             shall
             consult
             other
             passages
             in
             this
             Hundred-and-nineteenth
             Psalm
             ,
             will
             find
             both
             under
             this
             Notion
             insisted
             on
             .
             The
             Scriptures
             of
             Truth
             ,
             and
             the
             
               Troubles
               of
            
             Life
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             The
             Word
             of
             God
             is
             to
             be
             sought
             as
             the
             Help
             ,
             of
             our
             Praising
             Him.
             The
             Prophet
             of
             old
             could
             say
             as
             in
             
               Mich.
               6.
               8.
               
               The
               Lord
               hath
               shewed
               thee
               ,
               O
               man
               ,
               the
               thing
               that
               good
               is
               .
            
             Thus
             ,
             the
             Lord
             hath
             shewed
             us
             how
             to
             be
             praising
             of
             Him
             ,
             by
             living
             to
             Him.
             But
             Where
             has
             he
             shewed
             it
             ?
             Truly
             in
             the
             sacred
             Bible
             .
             The
             Bible
             is
             the
             Directory
             given
             to
             us
             .
             Every
             Child
             is
             well
             taught
             to
             say
             ,
             
               The
               Scriptures
               of
               the
               Old
               and
               New
               Testament
               are
               the
               Rule
               which
               God
               hath
               given
               to
               instruct
               us
               how
               we
               are
               to
               glorify
               Him.
            
             To
             order
             a
             Life
             in
             a
             dark
             world
             ,
             is
             as
             hard
             as
             to
             manage
             a
             Ship
             in
             a
             dark
             night
             ,
             we
             are
             in
             the
             Dark
             about
             the
             Practises
             which
             our
             lives
             are
             to
             be
             employed
             in
             .
             What
             shall
             we
             then
             do
             that
             we
             may
             leave
             no
             part
             of
             our
             due
             Homage
             to
             God
             unperformed
             ?
             The
             Apostle
             speaks
             fully
             to
             this
             Case
             in
             2.
             
             Pet.
             1.
             18.
             
             
               We
               have
               a
               sure
               word
               of
               Prophecy
               ,
               whereto
               ye
               do
               well
               to
               take
               heed
               ,
               as
               to
               a
            
             light
             
               shining
               in
               a
            
             dark
             place
             .
             There
             ,
             There
             it
             is
             :
             our
             Bible
             is
             our
             Pole-Star
             :
             keep
             an
             eye
             to
             That
             and
             we
             shall
             
             shape
             a
             course
             Right
             .
             All
             the
             Directions
             ,
             all
             the
             Promises
             ,
             all
             the
             Threatnings
             of
             God
             ,
             will
             be
             so
             many
             Helps
             ,
             of
             our
             Obedience
             .
             If
             any
             man
             ask
             ,
             
               How
               do
               the
            
             Scriptures
             
               of
               God
               help
               men
               in
               the
            
             Praises
             
               of
               God
            
             ?
             Know
             ,
             The
             Scriptures
             themselves
             give
             an
             Answer
             thereunto
             ,
             in
             Psal.
             19.
             7
             ,
             8.
             
             
               The
               law
               of
               the
               Lord
               converts
               the
               soul
               ,
               the
               testimonies
               of
               the
               Lord
               make
               wise
               the
               simple
               ;
               the
               statutes
               of
               the
               Lord
               rejoice
               the
               heart
               ;
               the
               commandments
               of
               the
               Lord
               enlighten
               the
               eyes
               .
            
             That
             Conversion
             ,
             that
             Instruction
             ,
             that
             Ioy
             and
             that
             Ligh●
             which
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             affords
             unto
             us
             ,
             will
             be
             no
             little
             Help
             in
             the
             Praise
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             The
             Rod
             of
             God
             is
             to
             be
             used
             as
             the
             Help
             of
             our
             Praising
             Him.
             The
             Lord
             sends
             many
             Afflictions
             upon
             us
             .
             An
             H●man
             ,
             is
             afflicted
             in
             his
             mind
             :
             a
             Iob
             is
             Afflicted
             in
             his
             Estate
             ;
             a
             Gaius
             is
             afflicted
             in
             his
             Body
             ,
             a
             Paul
             in
             his
             Credit
             ,
             and
             a
             David
             in
             his
             Children
             ,
             they
             
               live
               ill
            
             and
             they
             
               dy
               worse
            
             before
             him
             .
             What
             is
             the
             Use
             we
             are
             now
             to
             make
             of
             these
             things
             ?
             Truly
             our
             Afflictions
             are
             to
             be
             the
             Help
             of
             our
             Devotions
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Call
             of
             God
             in
             
               Mic
               6.
               9.
               
               Hear
               the
               Rod.
            
             As
             we
             should
             hear
             the
             Voice
             of
             the
             Rod
             ,
             so
             we
             should
             use
             the
             Help
             of
             the
             Rod.
             By
             our
             Afflictions
             we
             should
             be
             helped
             unto
             more
             Seriousness
             ,
             more
             Watchfulness
             ,
             more
             Fruitfulness
             .
             Now
             those
             things
             are
             to
             the
             Praise
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             grace
             of
             God.
             Our
             Afflictions
             are
             the
             purgings
             &
             the
             prunings
             bestow'd
             by
             our
             God
             
             upon
             us
             .
             What
             are
             they
             for
             ?
             but
             ,
             
               That
               we
               may
               bring
               forth
            
             more
             Fruit
             :
             and
             we
             are
             told
             in
             
               Ioh.
               15.
               8.
               
               Herein
               is
               my
               father
            
             glorified
             ,
             
               if
               ye
               bring
               forth
            
             much
             fruit
             .
             Observe
             it
             :
             a
             Learning
             the
             Statutes
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             a
             Rendring
             of
             Praises
             to
             God
             ;
             those
             two
             things
             are
             one
             .
             Now
             see
             what
             the
             Psalmist
             saith
             ,
             in
             Psal
             119.
             97.
             
             
               T
               is
               good
               for
               me
               that
               I
               have
               been
            
             afflicted
             ,
             
               that
               I
               may
            
             learn
             
               thy
               Statutes
            
             .
             This
             then
             is
             incumbent
             on
             us
             under
             every
             Affliction
             ;
             Our
             study
             should
             be
             ,
             
               What
               Advantage
               ,
               what
               Engagement
               to
               be
               more
               holy
               ,
               is
               now
               put
               into
               my
               hands
               !
            
             Every
             Afflicted
             man
             should
             ask
             ,
             
               How
               may
               the
            
             Sorrowes
             
               of
               my
            
             life
             
               promote
               the
            
             praises
             
               of
               my
            
             God
             ?
          
           
             
               But
               for
               the
               Vse
               of
               these
               things
               .
            
             
               USE
               .
               I.
               
            
             
               Some
               
                 Evil
                 Desires
              
               are
               hence
               Rebuked
               and
               Condemned
               .
               Especially
               two
               sorts
               of
               Desires
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               Impatient
               Desires
               of
               Death
               ,
               are
               to
               be
               Reproved
               .
            
             
               Something
               is
               to
               be
               said
               by
               way
               of
               Concession
               ;
               and
               something
               by
               way
               of
               Correction
               about
               such
               Desires
               .
            
             
               First
               by
               way
               of
               Concession
               ,
               I
               would
               say
               ;
               There
               are
               some
               Desires
               of
               Death
               well-becoming
               a
               Child
               of
               God.
               Such
               were
               the
               Desires
               of
               Paul
               ,
               in
               Phil.
               1.
               22.
               
               
                 I
                 desire
                 to
                 be
                 d●ssolved
                 and
                 be
                 with
                 Christ.
              
               When
               we
               think
               of
               the
               day
               ,
               in
               which
               we
               shall
               go
               to
               the
               the
               
                 Spirits
                 of
                 just
                 men
                 made
                 perfect
              
               ;
               and
               to
               
                 Iesus
                 the
                 Mediator
                 of
                 the
                 New-Covenant
              
               ;
               When
               we
               
               think
               of
               the
               day
               in
               which
               the
               
                 Lord
                 will
                 deliver
                 us
                 from
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 all
                 our
                 enemies
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 SIN
              
               ;
               O
               the
               thoughts
               of
               it
               should
               fill
               our
               Souls
               with
               Raptures
               of
               Joy
               !
               they
               should
               cause
               our
               hearts
               to
               leap
               and
               spring
               within
               us
               .
               In
               is
               an
               allowable
               thing
               to
               be
               almost
               angry
               with
               Time
               ,
               to
               call
               upon
               slow
               Time
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 Fly
                 apaces
                 Fly
                 away
                 ,
                 O
                 Time
                 ;
                 Come
                 ,
                 O
              
               Eternity
               ,
               
                 come
                 and
                 fetch
                 me
                 into
                 the
                 presence
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
              
               The
               Visions
               of
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               may
               cause
               us
               to
               say
               humbly
               with
               aged
               ,
               faithful
               Simeon
               ,
               Lord
               ,
               
                 let
                 thy
                 servant
              
               depart
               
                 in
                 peace
              
               .
               The
               Chariots
               of
               Death
               ,
               sent
               by
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               to
               fetch
               us
               unto
               Himself
               should
               be
               as
               welcom
               to
               us
               ,
               as
               the
               Waggons
               of
               Ioseph
               were
               to
               Iacob
               of
               old
               .
               It
               should
               cause
               us
               to
               
                 Rejoice
                 with
                 joy
                 unspeakable
                 ,
                 and
                 full
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
              
               when
               we
               think
               of
               the
               
                 unspeakable
                 joy
              
               and
               the
               
                 full
                 glory
              
               which
               we
               are
               going
               unto
               .
               There
               are
               holy
               longings
               and
               lookings
               of
               Soul
               ,
               with
               which
               we
               may
               cry
               out
               ,
               
                 Why
                 ,
                 why
                 are
                 His
                 Churiots
                 so
                 long
                 i'coming
                 ?
                 Why
                 tarry
                 the
                 Wheels
                 thereof
                 ?
              
            
             
               But
               yet
               ,
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               By
               way
               of
               Correction
               .
            
             
               If
               these
               Desires
               are
               with
               Impatience
               ,
               much
               more
               if
               they
               are
               thro'
               Impatience
               ,
               they
               become
               sinful
               before
               the
               Lord.
               The
               embittered
               spirits
               of
               Christians
               ,
               have
               been
               sometimes
               too
               prone
               unto
               such
               Desires
               .
               It
               was
               an
               inordinate
               passion
               in
               Moses
               ,
               when
               a
               froward
               people
               under
               his
               charge
               provoked
               him
               to
               say
               ,
               in
               
                 Numb
                 .
                 17.
                 14.
                 
                 Kill
                 
                 me
                 ,
                 I
                 pray
                 thee
                 out
                 of
                 hand
                 .
              
               Had
               God
               granted
               his
               Desire
               ,
               he
               had
               lost
               Thirty
               years
               of
               eminent
               Service
               in
               the
               World.
               It
               was
               an
               irregular
               passion
               in
               Elias
               ,
               when
               the
               persecutions
               of
               wicked
               men
               so
               tired
               him
               ,
               as
               to
               make
               him
               say
               ,
               in
               1.
               
               King.
               19.
               4.
               
               
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 take
                 away
                 my
                 life
                 .
              
               It
               hath
               been
               an
               Observation
               ,
               that
               
                 Many
                 good
                 and
                 ,
                 great
                 men
                 sit
                 under
              
               Elias's
               
                 Iuniper
                 tree
              
               .
               As
               culpable
               was
               the
               Passion
               of
               Ionah
               ,
               when
               the
               Withering
               of
               a
               Guord
               had
               that
               Effect
               upon
               him
               in
               Cap.
               4.
               8.
               
               
                 He
                 wished
                 to
              
               dy
               .
               The
               like
               pang
               of
               Impatience
               ,
               did
               that
               Pattern
               of
               Patience
               ,
               Iob
               ,
               fall
               into
               be
               spake
               as
               if
               he
               could
               hardly
               for
               bear
               
                 laying
                 violent
                 hands
              
               upon
               himself
               .
               Even
               so
               far
               do
               the
               distempered
               ,
               unbridled
               Wishes
               of
               many
               run
               .
               Their
               Desire
               of
               Death
               is
               a
               sort
               of
               Revenge
               on
               God
               ;
               they
               would
               as
               it
               were
               deprive
               God
               of
               the
               glory
               which
               He
               might
               have
               of
               them
               .
               Compose
               these
               desires
               ,
               O
               ye
               raging
               Souls
               ;
               compose
               these
               Desires
               .
               Allay
               this
               Fever
               ,
               this
               phrensy
               .
               It
               s
               not
               only
               an
               irreligious
               but
               an
               unnatural
               passion
               which
               you
               are
               carried
               away
               withal
               .
               You
               desire
               to
               
                 dye
                 ▪
              
               Well
               ,
               are
               you
               sure
               that
               the
               Death
               which
               you
               desire
               now
               ,
               will
               not
               prove
               a
               Death
               which
               you
               shall
               Deplore
               throughout
               eternal
               Ages
               .
               It
               is
               said
               of
               the
               Believer
               in
               Psal.
               91.
               19.
               
               With
               long
               life
               
                 will
                 I
              
               satisfie
               
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 shew
                 him
                 my
                 Salvation
                 .
              
               It
               is
               a
               very
               disordered
               heart
               that
               will
               be
               dissatisfied
               with
               so
               great
               a
               mercy
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               Vnsanctified
               Desires
               of
               Life
               are
               to
               
               be
               Reproved
               also
               .
               Of
               these
               Desires
               there
               are
               Three
               Sorts
               to
               be
               Reprehended
               .
            
             
               There
               are
               ,
               first
               .
               Carnal
               Desires
               of
               Life
               to
               be
               blamed
               .
               Some
               desire
               to
               live
               ,
               and
               wherefore
               is
               it
               ?
               It
               is
               because
               they
               desire
               to
               eat
               and
               drink
               and
               be
               merry
               .
               They
               cann't
               part
               with
               such
               Relations
               and
               Possessions
               as
               are
               here
               to
               be
               enjoyed
               .
               The
               Comforts
               of
               Life
               are
               the
               things
               that
               cause
               their
               Desires
               of
               Life
               .
               One
               once
               beholding
               his
               fine
               Accommodations
               made
               this
               Reflection
               thereupon
               ,
               
                 Haec
                 faciunt
                 invitos
                 mori
                 ▪
              
               ,
               these
               are
               the
               things
               that
               make
               us
               
                 unwilling
                 to
                 dy
              
               .
               Unmortified
               Corruptions
               are
               the
               causes
               of
               these
               desires
               .
               Remember
               what
               the
               Lord
               hath
               said
               in
               Matth.
               10.
               37.
               
               
                 He
                 that
                 loveth
                 Father
                 or
                 Mother
                 ,
                 or
                 Son
                 or
              
               DAUGHTER
               
                 more
                 than
                 me
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 worthy
                 of
                 me
                 .
              
               Thus
               may
               the
               Lord
               well
               say
               to
               the
               Subject
               of
               these
               Desires
               ,
               
                 If
                 you
                 had
                 rather
                 be
                 with
                 your
              
               friends
               on
               earth
               ,
               
                 than
                 with
                 your
              
               Father
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               
                 you
                 are
                 not
                 worthy
                 to
                 be
                 with
                 me
                 at
                 all
                 .
              
               And
               this
               by
               the
               way
               is
               to
               be
               said
               of
               them
               that
               desire
               the
               life
               of
               their
               Friends
               as
               well
               as
               of
               them selves
               .
               It
               is
               for
               the
               Interest
               of
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               that
               the
               dead
               Children
               which
               you
               lament
               ,
               
                 are
                 dead
              
               ;
               or
               else
               they
               had
               not
               dyed
               at
               all
               .
               Now
               sais
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               
                 If
                 thou
                 lovest
                 those
              
               CHILDREN
               ,
               
                 those
                 Relations
                 more
                 than
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 hadst
                 rather
                 have
                 them
                 with
                 thy self
                 ,
                 to
                 my
              
               Prejudice
               ,
               
                 than
                 to
                 have
                 them
                 with
                 me
                 ,
                 to
                 thy
                 own
              
               Bereavement
               ,
               
                 thou
                 art
                 not
                 worthy
                 to
                 have
                 them
                 with
                 me
                 at
                 all
                 .
              
            
             
             
               Secondly
               .
               There
               are
               Careful
               Desires
               of
               Life
               to
               be
               likewise
               blamed
               .
               Many
               desire
               to
               live
               only
               upon
               this
               account
               ,
               Some
               Child
               ,
               
                 or
                 some
              
               Charge
               
                 they
                 are
                 concerned
                 for
              
               .
               They
               have
               this
               or
               that
               Child
               which
               they
               cannot
               believe
               will
               be
               well
               provided
               for
               ,
               when
               they
               are
               dead
               ;
               or
               they
               suspect
               what
               will
               become
               of
               such
               or
               such
               a
               Charge
               .
               There
               is
               indeed
               a
               Desire
               of
               Life
               on
               such
               a
               Score
               ,
               which
               is
               not
               alwaies
               very
               severely
               to
               be
               found
               fault
               withal
               .
               But
               oftentimes
               there
               is
               too
               much
               Distrust
               in
               such
               a
               desire
               .
               Why
               cannot
               we
               venture
               our
               Families
               and
               the
               Concernments
               thereof
               ,
               in
               the
               Hands
               of
               the
               faithful
               God
               ?
               The
               Lord
               has
               said
               in
               Jer.
               49.
               11.
               
               
                 Leave
                 thy
                 fatherless
              
               Children
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 preserve
                 them
                 alive
              
               .
               And
               he
               still
               saies
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 be
                 a
              
               better
               Father
               ,
               
                 and
                 a
              
               better
               Friend
               
                 unto
                 them
                 ,
                 than
                 thou
                 thy self
                 canst
                 be
                 .
              
            
             
               Thirdly
               .
               There
               are
               Fearful
               Desires
               of
               Life
               which
               are
               blame-worthy
               too
               .
               When
               Death
               comes
               with
               that
               message
               ,
               
                 Set
                 thy
              
               Soul
               
                 in
                 order
                 ,
                 for
                 thou
                 shalt
                 dy
                 and
                 not
                 live
                 ,
              
               many
               persons
               are
               so
               terrified
               as
               to
               be
               even
               at
               their
               wits
               ends
               .
               O
               how
               they
               groan
               .
               
                 I
                 cannot
                 dy
              
               !
               Indeed
               Sinners
               that
               have
               not
               been
               
                 born
                 twice
              
               ,
               may
               well
               tremble
               to
               
                 dy
                 once
              
               ;
               no
               body
               can
               blame
               them
               ;
               there
               is
               a
               
                 Second
                 Death
              
               ,
               ready
               to
               sieze
               upon
               the
               forlorn
               souls
               that
               are
               not
               Regenerate
               .
               But
               such
               as
               have
               been
               truly
               turn'd
               to
               God
               in
               Christ
               ,
               should
               not
               entertain
               Death
               with
               such
               Reluctancies
               .
               Can
               you
               not
               uprightly
               say
               ,
               That
               if
               you
               were
               sure
               to
               be
               freed
               
               from
               Sin
               ,
               you
               could
               be
               content
               to
               be
               struck
               by
               Death
               ?
               O
               then
               ,
               be
               cheerfully
               willing
               to
               Dy.
               Thy
               soul
               will
               no
               sooner
               pass
               into
               Eternity
               but
               it
               shall
               experience
               that
               thing
               in
               
                 Rom.
                 6.
                 7.
                 
                 He
                 that
                 is
              
               dead
               is
               freed
               
                 from
                 Sin.
              
               It
               is
               often
               pretended
               by
               men
               ,
               
                 I
                 would
              
               live
               
                 because
                 ,
                 I
                 would
                 be
                 more
              
               holy
               
                 before
                 I
                 dy
              
               .
               T
               is
               well
               ;
               but
               there
               is
               not
               seldom
               a
               Deceit
               in
               the
               Pretence
               ;
               often
               something
               else
               is
               in
               the
               Bottom
               ;
               
                 A
                 Rebellion
                 against
                 the
                 Will
                 of
                 God.
              
               Wouldst
               thou
               really
               and
               earnestly
               be
               holy
               ?
               Be
               willing
               then
               to
               dy
               as
               well
               as
               to
               live
               .
               Death
               is
               the
               way
               to
               Holiness
               in
               the
               Perfection
               of
               it
               .
               In
               short
               :
               Good
               was
               the
               Temper
               of
               that
               sick
               person
               who
               being
               asked
               ,
               
                 Which
                 do
                 you
                 desire
                 ,
                 to
              
               live
               ,
               
                 or
                 to
                 dy
              
               ?
               answered
               ,
               
                 I
                 refer
                 it
                 to
              
               God
               ;
               and
               when
               it
               was
               again
               said
               ,
               
                 But
                 suppose
                 God
                 should
                 refer
                 it
                 to
                 you
                 ?
              
               reply'd
               ,
               
                 I
                 would
                 then
                 refer
                 it
                 to
                 him
                 again
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               USE
               .
               II.
               
            
             
               Let
               us
               all
               be
               now
               Exhorted
               ,
               that
               the
               Praise
               of
               Ged
               ,
               may
               be
               duly
               accounted
               by
               us
               ,
               as
               the
               End
               of
               our
               Life
               ,
               in
               our
               Prayers
               for
               it
               .
               Let
               us
               not
               shoot
               beside
               our
               Mark
               ,
               or
               live
               beside
               our
               End.
               Let
               us
               pray
               that
               we
               may
               live
               ,
               and
               let
               us
               live
               that
               we
               may
               praise
               .
               It
               is
               the
               most
               lamentable
               plight
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               that
               a
               man
               should
               spend
               his
               Life
               in
               Sinning
               against
               God
               ,
               rather
               than
               in
               Praising
               of
               Him.
               But
               alas
               ,
               This
               is
               the
               case
               of
               
                 Multitudes
                 ,
                 Multitudes
              
               among
               us
               .
               How
               few
               of
               us
               [
               Consider
               of
               in
               seriously
               ]
               How
               sew
               of
               you
               that
               
               are
               now
               before
               the
               Lord
               ,
               ever
               seriously
               thought
               with
               your selves
               ,
               
                 What
                 is
                 the
                 Errand
                 that
                 I
                 am
                 come
                 into
                 the
                 world
                 upon
                 ?
              
               Hast
               thou
               not
               lived
               above
               a
               Score
               of
               years
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               never
               yet
               seriously
               thought
               ,
               
                 What
                 is
                 it
                 that
                 God
                 sent
                 me
                 hither
                 for
                 ?
              
               Every
               man
               here
               ,
               I
               suppose
               ,
               desires
               to
               live
               ;
               let
               your
               Prayers
               express
               those
               Desires
               ;
               and
               say
               after
               the
               Psalmist
               ,
               
                 Ps.
                 32.
                 8.
                 
                 My
                 Prayer
                 is
                 to
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 my
                 life
                 .
              
               But
               more
               than
               so
               ,
               Let
               those
               Desires
               be
               for
               the
               sake
               of
               your
               Praises
               ;
               and
               say
               after
               the
               Psalmist
               again
               ,
               in
               Ps.
               119.
               17.
               
               
                 Deal
                 bountifully
                 with
                 thy
                 Servant
                 that
                 I
                 may
                 live
                 and
                 keep
                 thy
                 Word
                 .
              
            
             
               Three
               things
               are
               you
               to
               be
               advised
               unto
               ;
               yea
               Four
               things
               are
               to
               be
               impo●tunately
               prest
               upon
               you
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               Mark
               and
               Prize
               your
               Opportunities
               to
               be
               Pr●●●ing
               of
               God.
               Every
               man
               has
               his
               Opport●nities
               .
               Some
               have
               an
               Instrument
               of
               a
               Thousand
               Strings
               ;
               but
               the
               meanest
               of
               us
               all
               has
               an
               Instrument
               of
               Ten
               strings
               ,
               for
               our
               God
               to
               be
               praised
               with
               .
               Let
               every
               man
               often
               enquire
               ,
               
                 What
                 are
                 my
              
               Opportunities
               
                 to
                 glorify
                 God
              
               ?
               And
               let
               every
               man
               alwaies
               conclude
               ,
               
                 My
                 Opportunities
                 are
                 my
                 Treasures
              
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               .
               Let
               the
               Word
               of
               God
               Direct
               you
               in
               His
               Praises
               .
               Be
               often
               Consulting
               of
               that
               :
               Peace
               will
               be
               on
               al●
               ,
               and
               Praise
               will
               be
               from
               all
               ,
               
                 that
                 walk
                 according
                 to
                 this
                 Rule
                 .
              
               A
               Bible
               ,
               —
               Christians
               ,
               let
               That
               be
               your
               Counsellour
               on
               all
               Occasions
               .
               
               The
               Psalmist
               could
               say
               in
               Ps.
               119.
               164.
               
               
                 Seven
                 times
                 a
                 day
                 will
                 I
              
               praise
               
                 thee
                 O
                 Lord
                 ;
                 because
                 of
                 thy
                 Righteous
              
               Judgements
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               .
               Let
               the
               Rod
               of
               God
               provoke
               you
               to
               His
               Praises
               .
               If
               you
               cannot
               Bless
               God
               for
               your
               Afflictions
               ,
               which
               yet
               ,
               I
               think
               ,
               is
               a
               thing
               attainable
               ;
               nevertheless
               ,
               I
               'm
               sure
               you
               should
               praise
               God
               in
               your
               Afflictions
               .
               Let
               God
               gain
               some
               Glory
               ,
               and
               we
               shall
               gain
               some
               Good
               ,
               by
               all
               our
               Sufferings
               .
               Take
               the
               counsil
               in
               
                 Isa.
                 34.
                 15.
                 
                 Glorifie
                 the
                 Lord
                 in
                 the
                 Fires
                 .
              
            
             
               To
               Enforce
               these
               Three
               Things
               ;
            
             
               Consider
               that
               Thing
               wich
               is
               intimated
               in
               the
               Text.
               The
               Lives
               of
               your
               Souls
               are
               enwrapped
               in
               the
               praises
               of
               God.
               Saies
               the
               Psalmist
               ,
               
                 Let
                 my
              
               soul
               live
               ,
               
                 and
                 it
                 shall
              
               praise
               thee
               .
               So
               I
               may
               say
               ,
               
                 Let
                 thy
                 Soul
              
               praise
               ,
               
                 and
                 it
                 shall
              
               live
               .
               A
               praising
               Soul
               ,
               is
               a
               Thriving
               Soul.
               In
               this
               consisteth
               
                 Life
                 Eternal
              
               it self
               ,
               The
               Life
               of
               thy
               Soul
               in
               the
               Third
               Heaven
               ,
               will
               be
               the
               praise
               of
               thy
               God
               for
               evermore
               .
               Praise
               God
               for
               thy
               Life
               ;
               it
               is
               a
               mercy
               well
               worth
               praise
               .
               Praise
               God
               by
               thy
               life
               ;
               so
               thou
               wilt
               begin
               
                 Heaven
                 upon
                 Earth
              
               .
            
             
               But
               there
               is
               a
               Fourth
               Counsil
               which
               more
               immediately
               concerns
               that
               part
               of
               the
               Congregation
               which
               are
               of
               
                 my
                 own
                 Age
              
               ,
               and
               have
               therefore
               a
               more
               peculiar
               interest
               in
               my
               Loves
               and
               Cares
               .
            
             
               T
               is
               to
               Young
               People
               here
               ,
               that
               I
               take
               leave
               to
               say
               ,
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               
                 Begin
                 You
              
               now
               Betimes
               to
               live
               unto
               
               the
               Praise
               of
               the
               everliving
               God.
               My
               Brethren
               ,
               you
               have
               not
               yet
               begun
               to
               live
               at
               all
               ,
               if
               you
               have
               not
               begun
               to
               praise
               the
               Lord.
               You
               are
               
                 Dead
                 in
                 Trespasses
                 and
                 Sins
              
               ;
               you
               are
               stark
               dead
               in
               the
               rotten
               ,
               hideous
               ,
               loathsome
               Graves
               of
               your
               Unregeneracy
               ,
               if
               you
               have
               not
               yet
               begun
               to
               
                 order
                 your
                 Conversation
                 aright
              
               ,
               and
               to
               ponder
               ,
               
                 How
                 may
                 I
                 so
              
               offer
               praise
               
                 as
                 to
                 Glorify
                 God
              
               ?
               But
               is
               not
               this
               the
               deplorable
               Condition
               of
               many
               ,
               many
               Young
               people
               here
               ?
               Conscience
               do
               thine
               Office
               !
               Is
               not
               the
               Hour
               yet
               
                 to
                 come
              
               ,
               is
               not
               the
               Day
               yet
               to
               dawn
               ,
               when
               that
               young
               person
               (
               whom
               thou
               art
               the
               Officer
               of
               God
               unto
               )
               did
               by
               an
               hearty
               Covenant
               bind
               himselfe
               unto
               the
               Serving
               and
               the
               Praising
               of
               the
               Lord
               ?
            
             
               But
               what
               mean
               you
               ,
               O
               ye
               inconsiderate
               Youths
               ,
               to
               delay
               the
               
                 Remembring
                 of
                 your
                 Creator
              
               so
               ?
               In
               the
               Language
               of
               the
               young
               Prophet
               ,
               whom
               God
               sent
               unto
               the
               Iews
               of
               old
               ,
               let
               me
               say
               ,
               
                 thus
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Consider
                 your
                 waies
                 .
              
            
             
               Consider
               the
               Vncertainty
               of
               your
               Life
               which
               you
               have
               to
               be
               praising
               of
               God
               withal
               .
               As
               young
               as
               you
               are
               ,
               you
               may
               dy
               before
               the
               most
               aged
               person
               here
               .
               It
               hath
               been
               truly
               noted
               ,
               That
               The
               old
               
                 man
                 has
                 Death
              
               before
               
                 his
                 face
                 ,
                 but
                 the
              
               young
               
                 man
                 has
                 Death
              
               behind
               
                 his
                 back
              
               .
               The
               stroak
               of
               Death
               may
               sooner
               lay
               you
               in
               the
               Dust
               ,
               than
               some
               whose
               Heads
               old
               Time
               hath
               snow'd
               upon
               .
               O
               look
               ,
               and
               see
               ,
               and
               let
               thy
               heart
               shake
               at
               the
               Apprehension
               of
               it
               .
               Thy
               Death
               stands
               ,
               just
               behin●
               
               thee
               there
               with
               an
               Horrible
               Pole-Ax
               ready
               lifted
               up
               ,
               saying
               as
               the
               Prince
               of
               old
               ,
               
                 Shall
                 I
                 smite
                 them
                 ?
                 shall
                 I
                 smite
                 them
                 ?
              
               If
               the
               great
               God
               utter
               the
               word
               ,
               
                 Smite
                 ,
                 smite
              
               ,
               thou
               art
               gone
               beyond
               all
               Recovery
               .
               The
               Blessed
               God
               hath
               newly
               caused
               me
               to
               look
               into
               the
               Coffins
               of
               two
               very
               near
               and
               sweet
               Relations
               ,
               neither
               of
               which
               had
               ever
               seen
               Twenty
               Winters
               in
               the
               World
               ;
               and
               with
               a
               
                 strong
                 hand
              
               He
               then
               said
               unto
               me
               ,
               
                 Go
                 ,
                 Go
                 tell
                 the
                 young
                 people
                 of
              
               Boston
               ,
               and
               Charlestown
               ,
               
                 that
                 this
                 is
                 that
                 which
                 they
                 are
                 all
                 expos`d
                 unto
                 .
              
               Behold
               I
               am
               now
               come
               
                 in
                 Bitterness
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 heat
                 of
                 my
                 spirit
                 ,
              
               I
               am
               come
               to
               Warn
               you
               of
               it
               ,
               That
               
                 You
                 may
                 dy
                 before
                 you
                 are
                 aware
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 dismal
                 Change
                 at
                 hand
                 .
              
               O
               do
               not
               procrastinate
               the
               praises
               and
               the
               Vertues
               which
               the
               God
               of
               Heaven
               Expects
               from
               you
               ;
               put
               not
               off
               until
               ,
               Tomorrow
               ;
               For
               t
               is
               the
               admonition
               to
               be
               now
               set
               before
               you
               ,
               in
               Prov.
               2.
               7.
               
               
                 B●ast
                 not
                 thy self
                 of
              
               Tomorrow
               ,
               
                 for
                 thou
                 knowest
                 not
                 what
                 a
                 day
                 may
                 bring
                 forth
                 .
              
            
             
               But
               Consider
               also
               ,
               the
               Dreadfulness
               ,
               of
               a
               Death
               ,
               ensuing
               upon
               a
               Life
               not
               spent
               in
               the
               praising
               of
               God.
               O
               this
               Dying
               !
               t
               is
               a
               solemn
               thing
               ,
               't
               is
               ,
               
                 A
                 thing
                 by
                 it self
              
               :
               What
               followes
               it
               ?
               But
               that
               in
               
                 Heb.
                 9.
                 27.
                 
                 After
                 Death
                 Iudgement
                 .
              
               That
               Iudgment
               will
               be
               Eternal
               ;
               and
               if
               it
               come
               upon
               thee
               before
               thy
               turning
               and
               living
               unto
               God
               ,
               it
               will
               be
               very
               Terrible
               .
            
             
               Hearken
               to
               this
               awful
               Truth
               and
               Voice
               of
               the
               
               Almighty
               God
               ,
               and
               let
               thy
               heart
               quiver
               as
               under
               the
               loudest
               claps
               of
               Thunder
               at
               it
               ;
               If
               thou
               Dy
               before
               thy
               peace
               be
               made
               with
               God
               ,
               and
               thy
               praise
               be
               given
               to
               Him
               ,
               t
               is
               impossible
               thou
               shouldst
               escape
               the
               
                 Vengeance
                 of
                 Eternal
                 Fire
              
               ;
               Small
               Chip●
               as
               well
               as
               great
               Logs
               are
               horribly
               burn●●●
               〈◊〉
               there
               must
               thou
               too
               undergo
               most
               exquisite
               Anguishes
               ,
               for
               infinitely
               more
               than
               as
               many
               Millions
               of
               Ages
               ,
               as
               the
               Huge
               Ocean
               has
               Drops
               of
               Water
               in
               it
               .
            
             
               O
               Consider
               ,
               these
               Terrors
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               immediately
               set
               upon
               His
               Praises
               .
            
             
               Now
               that
               you
               would
               come
               to
               these
               Resolutions
               ,
               before
               you
               go
               from
               the
               present
               Exercise
               !
               
                 Entreat
                 me
                 not
                 to
                 leave
                 you
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 turn
                 from
                 following
                 after
                 you
              
               ;
               but
               give
               me
               leave
               to
               press
               upon
               you
               at
               least
               this
               one
               Consideration
               more
               .
            
             
               Consider
               seriously
               ,
               How
               exceeding
               Acceptable
               it
               will
               be
               to
               the
               great
               God
               ,
               for
               such
               Young
               persons
               as
               you
               ,
               to
               set
               upon
               praising
               of
               Him
               !
               Your
               Praises
               ,
               they
               are
               very
               much
               desired
               by
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               not
               a
               little
               delightful
               to
               Him.
               He
               declares
               
                 My
                 soul
                 desires
                 the
              
               first
               ripe
               Fruit
               ;
               and
               He
               seem'd
               to
               express
               as
               it
               were
               some
               Hast
               ,
               for
               the
               
                 First
                 Fruits
              
               under
               the
               Law
               of
               Old.
               The
               Lord
               in
               a
               sort
               longs
               to
               see
               you
               serving
               of
               Him
               with
               the
               
                 First
                 Fruits
              
               of
               your
               Age
               ,
               and
               of
               your
               Praise
               .
               He
               saies
               as
               in
               
                 Cant.
                 2.
                 14.
                 
                 Let
                 me
                 hear
                 thy
                 voice
                 ,
                 for
                 sweet
                 is
                 thy
                 voice
                 .
              
               The
               Voice
               of
               your
               Praises
               makes
               a
               matchless
               melody
               in
               the
               ears
               of
               the
               God
               
               that
               has
               call'd
               for
               them
               .
               The
               very
               Chatterings
               of
               our
               infants
               are
               pleasant
               unto
               us
               ;
               the
               Praises
               and
               the
               Devotions
               of
               young
               persons
               are
               so
               unto
               
                 Our
                 Father
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 Heaven
              
               ;
               and
               he
               asketh
               for
               them
               with
               ungainsayable
               Importunities
               .
               'T
               was
               said
               unto
               a
               young
               man
               in
               1.
               
               
                 Chron.
                 28.
                 9.
                 
                 If
                 thou
                 seek
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 He
                 will
                 be
                 found
                 of
                 thee
                 ,
              
               Even
               so
               .
               
                 If
                 thou
              
               (
               that
               art
               a
               young
               person
               )
               
                 praise
                 the
                 Lord
                 he
                 will
                 be
                 pleased
                 with
                 thee
                 .
              
               One
               that
               owns
               an
               Orchard
               full
               of
               many
               fruitful
               Trees
               ,
               will
               take
               a
               most
               particular
               and
               affectionate
               Notice
               of
               a
               young
               Tree
               beginning
               to
               have
               some
               little
               Fruit
               upon
               it
               :
               
                 Our
                 Father
                 is
                 such
                 an
                 Husband
                 man.
              
               Young
               Iohns
               ,
               are
               they
               that
               prove
               
                 the
                 Disciples
                 whom
                 Iesus
                 loves
              
               .
               Young
               Iosiahs
               will
               have
               special
               Comforts
               in
               this
               ,
               and
               special
               Honours
               in
               another
               world
               ▪
               And
               ,
               yee
               Hearts
               of
               Adamant
               ,
               are
               you
               not
               yet
               overcome
               to
               resolve
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 now
              
               praise
               and
               serve
               
                 the
                 great
                 God!
              
               O
               let
               not
               your
               Answer
               be
               ,
               
                 I
                 am
              
               almost
               perswaded
               ;
               but
               become
               Altogether
               so
               .
               As
               t
               was
               said
               of
               him
               ,
               
                 Behold
                 he
                 prayes
              
               !
               thus
               let
               it
               be
               said
               of
               you
               ,
               
                 Behold
                 he
                 praises
              
               !
               How
               ,
               How
               can
               you
               be
               
                 deaf
                 Adders
              
               before
               the
               Charms
               of
               these
               Considerations
               ?
            
             
               Lord
               visit
               the
               hitherto-unperswaded
               young
               people
               here
               ;
               O
               make
               it
               the
               
                 Day
                 of
                 thy
                 power
              
               with
               them
               ;
               and
               keep
               these
               things
               in
               the
               Imagination
               of
               the
               thoughts
               of
               their
               hearts
               for
               Evermore
               .
            
             
               FINIS
               .