A PITHY AND SHORT TREATISE BY WAY of Dialogue, whereby a godly Christian is directed how to make his last Will and testament, to dispose, well and wisely of his temporal goods; and how to prepare himself to the Lord, to depart this world peaceably and comfortably, committing himself in soul and body, into the hands of God, his faithful Creator.  
ESAY 38. Put thine house in order, for thou must die.  
LONDON, Imprinted for WILLIAM JONES, 1612.   

To the Reader.  
THE holy Patriarch jacob being demanded by Pharaoh how old he was, answered, his days were few and evil; 
Gen. 47.9.  and yet the time of his pilgrimage had been an hundred and thirty years; well-nigh double man's ordinary race in this latter age. Holy job also out of his own sense & experience witnesseth in these words, 
job. 14.1.  Man that is borne of a woman is of short continuance, and full of trouble. Our days are few and evil, and full of trouble; to wean us from setting o●● affection and love upon this life which is subject to so much vanity and molestation; and to teach us to employ, and use well and wisely the short and uncertain time that is lent us, being so dear and precious, as being once passed cannot at any rate be recovered and got again; and therefore while we have time so to bestow it, as not only ourselves may be benefited, our souls comforted, our calling and election assured; but also God himself glorified, and our brethren and neighbours by our good example provoked, and by our good instruction alured to religious and holy duties. And this duty of drawing others to God and godliness, as it concerneth the Ministers and teachers of God's word publicly, so parents and masters of families privately. 
Esay 38.18.19.  The father, saith the Prophet Esay, shall declare thy truth to his children: and so likewise the master, who is the father of the family, is to perform the like duty to his servants. Oh that all whom it concerneth would be careful in this case, and shake off that carelessness, security and forgetfulness of this duty, which too too much prevaileth in these days! Then would they bestow more time than they do in instructing, governing and bettering themselves, their charges and their families, in the knowledge, service and obedience of God; and so should they rightly answer their name of Paterfamilias, & be true fathers of their families. Great will be the anguish, sorrow, grief, perplexity and distress, that the neglect and omission of this duty may hereafter procure us upon our deathbeds, by a gnawing and gripping of conscience for our failing herein; & on the other side great is the comfort, joy, peace, solace, quiet of conscience and tranquillity of mind, that the godly and conscionable performance hereof will bring us in that day when we shall lie upon our bed of sorrow, as David calleth it Psal. 41.3. in the greatest extremities, pains and pangs of death. As it comforted job in his most grievous calamity, that he had not concealed or denied the words of the Holy one. 
job 6.10.  A full & certain assurance hereof to the conscience, at that day will be more worth than all treasures of gold and silver. This might be confirmed by many places of Scripture, and illustrated by many examples, but we a●● in a preface, and not in a treatise, and therefore unfit to be long and tedious; and the rather because the treatise itself is so short and compendious. Yet as short as it is, you shall find therein the performance of this duty laid forth in very excellent manner, which many serve both for provocation to move us unto it, and for direction to inform us in it. It is quickly read being so short, & not hard to be practised if God give grace. The God of grace from whom cometh every good and perfect gift, enlighten our understandings that we may know; quicken and stir up our affections, that we may desire; & direct our actions, that we may do those things that are pleasing in his sight; that after his short and miserable life is ended, we may live in heaven, where in his presence is all fullness of joy, 
Psal. 16.11.  and pleasures for evermore. Amen.   

Christian Instructions, given by a faithful Pastor to one of his flock, concerning making his Will.  Minister. 
I Am come to see how you do, good neighbour, hearing of your extreme sickness: that if it please God, to take you out of this life, I may set you right in the way to heaven, as I have endeavoured to do hitherto, since I came to be your Pastor. How do you man? how feel you yourself?  Christian. 
I thank you good Sir for this your great love and kindness, and also for all the comforts I have had by you since your first coming hither. I thank God, I am well in soul through the washing and purging by the blood of my saviour jesus Christ, which through God's superabundant mercy, cleanseth me from all my sin: but sick in body, I am so sick as that I suppose my death & dissolution is near, to the finishing of this life, of misery, and the entering and establishing of me in the blessed life of glory: which Lord I beseech thee to hasten for thy Christ's sake, Amen. And now I am most glad that you are come now to help me, and direct me to the right end of my journey, desiring your assistance by God's word in every duty yet to be performed by me, both to God and man: And then with joy I will bid the world farewell, for I feel death approach. I beseech you therefore to be as brief as you may, and by God's word direct me first for the disposing of my worldly goods, lands, and other things: for that it is undone.  Minister. 
I am glad to see you so strong in the Lord, dear brother, and most willingly I will do that you request; but I must tell you by the way, that you have done full evil, in not making your will in the time of your health, seeing your old age so to approach, that by the course of nature your days could not be long: and if God should have taken you away suddenly, as he doth in mercy some of his dear servants, than should you thereby have been perhaps the Author of bitter strife and contention amongst your children; which is one of the things so abominable & hateful in God's sight, 
Prou. 6.19.  namely to raise contentions among brethren. And how you can avoid that yet, though God in mercy do give you time in this your sickness to make your will, I know not, except your children be the better disposed, and loving one to another, and you distribute so equally unto them, that none of them have cause to find fault. But if in the time of your health you had disposed of your goods and lands, than should you have seen perchance, whether any would have been discontent with your equal distribution; and they that had without just cause, been offended, might by you have been deprived of that which otherwise they should have had. The fear of which would have been haply one motive to move them all, to have been content. But seeing it is otherwise, I will advise you what is best yet to do in this case: first, you shall do well to call all your children together, and such else of your friends as you would have present.  Christ. 
Should all my children be present at my last Will or testament making?  Min. 
Yea surely for these causes principally, first, that all of them might have your blessing with encouragement in all good and Christian duties, wherein they have walked; and reprehension with admonition, for their evils. Secondly, for the avoiding of strife, and the establishing of peace and love amongst them; which is a thing much to be respected amongst all, much more of a father amongst his children. Thirdly, all that a father shall say at that time to his children in reproving and rebuking of sin, & allowing and commending of virtue, shall be the more deeply imprinted in the hearts of his children, being so solemnly done, and the last words, as it were, of their father, upon his deathbed: yea we see often that they which are far from being godly disposed, do by the light of nature, much respect the things given them in charge by their father upon his deathbed. Therefore it is meet that all your children should be present, and all this must be performed, by you with fatherly wisdom and judgement without partiality: not punishing a small fault, with a great punishment, nor a great fault with a small punishment, but proportionable to the offence must the punishment be; for so doth God always deal with his children, and so must earthly fathers with their children. A notable precedent of all this we have, in that holy Patriarch jacob and his sons, wherewith I know you are well acquainted. Gen. 49.  Christian. 
But what if some children be so evil disposed, that for that cause they should be thought not fit to be present at their father's Will?  Minister. 
That any be so, is one principal reason that they should rather be there, than the other better disposed: for that, as before is said, they should be bettered, by their father's last sharp reprehension, if any thing will prevail with them. And this doth that former instance of Jacob's sons, plainly set forth; for Reuben was present, though he had a curse, for lying with his father's concubine; simeon and Levi, though the like for their cruel murdering the Sichemites; all the ten sons of jacob, beside joseph and Benjamin: though treacherously they had dealt concerning joseph, and sold him. Therefore they must be there the rather.  Christian. 
But what if distance of place do let that some cannot be present?  Minister. 
Such necessity than must be considered, and those absent the more carefully, not the less respected.  Christian. 
Having but one small possession of land, and that in my power to give to whom I will, who should by God's ordinance be mine heir?  Minister. 
Your eldest son, for he is the beginning of your strength, and your first borne. Deut. 21.15.16.17.  Christian. 
What if he be an evil and disobedient child, and likely to sell it?  Minister. 
You may tie him in some covenants best to prevent that. But if he be so dissolute, you may quite deprive him.  Christian. 
Is there any warrant of that in God's word?  Minister. 
Yea plain: Reuben before mentioned, and Adoniah, whom David his father did disinherit, and made godly Solomon his heir; whose words to Adoniah his elder brother, are words to be written with the pen of a Diamond in the heart of every father, that he may so give warning to his children: If thou wilt show thyself a worthy man, there shall not a hair fall from thy head, but if wickedness be found in thee, thou shalt surely die. But this must be carefully looked unto, that so great a punishment, as the deprivation of an inheritance, be not inflicted for too small offences, especially if the party offending be one that truly and uprightly feareth God, and those offences have been but slips of infirmity. He that for a small fault in this kind will disinherit his heir, may look himself to be by his heavenly Father disinherited of the kingdom of heaven. 
Mat. 6.15. & Chap. 18.35.  And this is most fearful against those fathers, which do least esteem, or rather hate any child that shall incline himself truly to fear the Lord; and every slip or small fault of theirs shall be esteemed great, and great offences indeed in others shall be counted nothing: yea those that are best disposed, many times have that which is due to them, given to those that are merely carnal.  Christian. 
What is to be done with the rest, besides the heir?  Minister. 
All being alike godly and dutiful every way, and of like estate in wealth or want, to have like portions given them.  Christian. 
What if some be in good estate to live already, & others poor, yet not through any default of theirs?  Minister. 
The poorest must accordingly be holpen, and the richer must have the less; for God commandeth all to pity and relieve the poor, and there shall be judgement merciless to him that is not merciful: 
jam. 2.13.  to those that are distressed any manner of way, especially mercy and charity must be extended, to those that are near of kin. 
1 Tim. 5.4.16.  And fearful is it for any child to covet that, which belongeth to another; for God's curse, not his blessing shall be sure to go with that. And most unnatural were that father that would procure a curse upon his child with his gift of some worldly thing, which by right according to God's word and will, belongeth to some other: yet is it too common, that many children care not, so they may have all, or the most part, though some other far better & godlier than they do want, and are ready to beg with poverty: and they therewith get the fearful curse of God upon themselves, and all that they have, yea, and their posterity also.  Christian. 
This were very fearful, for any fathers, or children indeed. But now for children that have had stocks already, as daughters to their marriage, or sons for lawful and honest uses in their trades, or the like, they having had portions already are to rest satisfied.  Minister. 
All this is rightly to be considered and they all in some proportionable measure to be equalled at the last, as their estate with the other circumstances, as is before mentioned, do require. But for daughters if any part remain unpaid of that portion promised to their marriage, it must be satisfied. For in that, aswell as in all other things, no wrong must be done, nor any, neither near nor far off, defrauded; 
1 Thess. 4.6.  for the Lord is an avenger of all such things. And they that regard not to deal uprightly with all, much more with those near unto them, do come within the compass of those wrong doers, and promise breakers, that shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven. Psalm. 15.  Christian. 
May one sin then, in disposing of his own lands or goods, so heinously that he may by God in his justice, be therefore deprived of heaven, and consequently be cast down to hell to be tormented evermore? Me thinks that seemeth very harsh.  Minister. 
Yet so it is most certainly; for first we know, that every sin deserveth the same in itself, as saith the Apostle, the wages of sin is death. 
Rom. 6.23.  But in this, one may sin most heinously, as many do in giving their goods, lands, or money, to their lewd harlots, or bastard children; having lived most damnably in their former life, and leaving their own lawful wife and children utterly destitute. Also those that make foolish and ridiculous Wills, disposing some to this profane use, and some to that; all being wanted by some near unto them, 
1 Tim. 5.4.  to whom of right it doth belong. Also all those that do in disposing of it deal partially, without such judgement as God requireth therein, so that those which are best loved of God, shall be sure to have least, and such as are not religious, but mere carnal, or else open profane, to have most: or depriving the heir of his inheritance, because he is more godly than he would have him; or for some small fault, and passing over gross offences in others. Finally he that loveth not as God loveth, and hateth not as God hateth, being merciful to the poorest, loving to the godliest, sharp to the wickedest, and comfortable to the distressedst, just & upright to all without carnal respects or partiality; is culpable in this kind, and liable to the wrath and condemnation of the Almighty, even for this last sin.  Christian. 
If this matter be of so great weight and moment, then me thinks it is not to be taken in hand rashly, without the advice, and assistance of some who are able to counsel in all things, according to God's word, and to judge thereby aright of every offence committed, with the circumstances, increasing or lessening the fault: also the punishment, by God's word proportionable to the offence, as before you have declared: but this rule is little regarded. Nay myself, though (I thank God for his mercy) I have learned something out of God's word in all my days, little considered the weight of this point, as now I do see plainly by your godly instructions. And well I perceive, that they which headily further their friends in making their Wills, without such as can thus instruct them, do most dangerously further them in the way to hell, as much as in them lieth. I would not for a thousand pounds but have had this your happy and blessed counsel and instruction in this my last action, as it were, or will making: for little thought I of taking such rules or warrants in every thing from God's word about this.  Minister. 
It is indeed too much neglected, neither do any almost teach it, or write it effectually, that so it might be learned by all as it ought. But one thing is yet behind, whereof I have not yet advised you from the Lord, and that is this, namely your remembering the poor members of jesus Christ (your poor neighbours:) for all that you shall do unto such, 
Mat. 25.  our Lord jesus Christ doth esteem it, as done unto himself, yea if one be able to give but a cup of cold water, and having been charitable, as every true member of Christ is, and must be, in your life; you shall do well to testify at the end, when you are going to give up your account to God, that you are not less loving, and pitiful to the poor, than you have been before. For they that have not, for the love of Christ only, done any such good to his poor members, to them that cannot be said in the last and everlasting blessing: 
Mat. 25.  When I was hungry ye fed me, when I was thirsty, ye gave me drink, I was a stranger and ye lodged me, naked, and ye clothed me, etc. But that shall be said to all, that go into life eternal: Therefore they that have done no such good to the poor, shall never enter into life eternal.  Christian. 
This point also I never was so effectually taught in before, as now you have showed it: and well I perceive that they which regard not with pity and compassion, to give to Christ in his poor members, can justly look for no part of that blessing of Christ which you mentioned before. And most woeful is this, me thinks, against all those, who have little or no feeling of their poor distressed brethren. And alas, this is the most common charity now a days, even that which Saint james reproveth so sharply: Go warm yourselves, 
jam. 2.15.16.  and fill your bellies, but they give them neither of that they want: so we use to say in these days, Alas poor wretches, God help you, and comfort you; and this is all. But here is one thing doubtful, some are very wicked, and ungodly of the poor, and should they be pitied, as the godly and Christian should?  Minister. 
We must do good unto all, but especially to them that are of the household of faith: but those that are not yet called we must love, as ourselves, for they are our neighbours, even all men and women: as the example of the Samaritan doth notably set forth; and therefore in distress ought to be relieved. And who knoweth whether our kindness, and good example, as also Christian admonition, may not be an occasion to win them to Christ? Therefore what you will give that way, commit the distribution thereof to some Christian neighbour, with general direction from you, and in particular, if you know any poor Christians that have more need than other; or to whom by any special band, you are more near then to other, them in particular you may nominate yourself: and you may also refer the like disposing of some, to your Christian friends or overseeers, unto such particular distressed Christians as they know stand in need, besides the general.  Christian. 
I do most heartily thank you, and God for you; and now I will crave your favour and further assistance, to do all this that you have showed me: and I pray you, if I do fail in any thing, help me and assist me; for through my pain, or weakness of memory, or distraction other ways, I may, and shall surely do amiss.  Minister. 
I will be your assistant in what I can, as God by his grace shall enable me.   

All that before said being finished and fully accomplished, here followeth a prayer, containing the sum of all, very profitable for one in that case to contemplate of.  
O Lord my God, I am now ready, when it pleaseth thee, to appear before thy judgement seat, to give up an account of my stewardship, 
Luke 16.2.  as all men must do, when thou shalt call them. Of thy bounty o merciful Father, I received and have enjoyed all these worldly things, for my better and more cheerful serving of thee, in my journey towards heaven: and not mine, but thine they be o Lord: and therefore now I leave them to those whom thou in thy word hast commanded me to dispose them unto. I know dear Father that the same which thy word saith, the same wilt thou thyself say, and nothing else, when my soul shall appear before thy tribunal: whatsoever thy word justifieth, that wilt thou justify; whatsoever thy word condemneth, that wilt thou condemn. Knowing therefore the terror of thy wrath against all sin, I have endeavoured to the uttermost, according to thy grace given me, (for of myself I can do nothing that is good) to finish and close up this my mortal life, by the sacred line and rule of thy holy word in every thing. As therefore, heavenly Father, thou hast ordained it a rule in nature, that fathers should lay up for their children, 
2 Cor. 12.14.  and give them their portions to their abilities; so have I endeavoured to do. As thou hast dealt with thy Churches and children, so have I thy unworthy servant endeavoured to follow thy example in reproving vice, 
Revel. 2.3. Chap.  in commending virtue, in encouraging in goodness, and discouraging and condemning all evil: in blessing where thou dost bless, and cursing where thou dost curse; in loving most those that love thee most, and lest those that show least love to thee. I have given most to those whom thou in thy word commandest me to give most unto, and least to those to whom thou in thy word appoyntest least unto. For I know o Lord, that as thou didst appoint out the lots and several portions of thy people's inheritances in the land of Canaan, namely of Jacob's twelve sons: and joshua whom thou appointedst to divide it unto thine, 
josh. 14.1.2.  might not distribute any otherwise then thou didst appoint him, more, or less: so should I and all thy servants, as near as possible we can, follow thy direction therein. And if I have not so done to the uttermost of my power, but dealt partially through carnal affection: if I have looked least to thy glory, and most to worldly respects, than woe be unto me, now I am approaching before thee, to give up mine accounts. But thou o Lord seest the uprightness of my heart, that I desire to do in all things as thou commandest: be merciful unto me dear Father in Christ thy son, according to the uprightness of my heart, and pass by all my infirmities. I know o heavenly Father that there shall be judgement merciless, 
jam. 2.13.  to him that showeth not mercy. That he must be pitiful and compassionate, 
Mat. 18.33.  that would have thee pitiful to him. That he which will not forgive, 
Mat. 6.15.  shall never be forgiven of thee. O Lord, I freely from my heart forgive all that ever have wronged me, and am therein comforted that thou also hast freely forgiven me for Christ's sake: and I beseech thee o Lord to forgive all those, that have done me wrong, and pardon all their sins, if it be thy blessed will. And Lord in mercy behold all thy people; those that fear thy name in truth establish them to the end therein: those that are yet in blindness, open their eyes to see the things pertaining to their salvation. And let the light of thy Gospel shine more and more brightly to the banishing of all error & ignorance throughout the whole world, if it be thy blessed will. Particularly for my children & posterity, (members of thy Church,) Lord bless them and their seed to the end of the world; and let thy blessings both spiritual and temporal be powered plentifully upon them: establish those of them, that are already effectually called to thy fear, and strengthen them every way to the end therein. Convert those of them that are not yet so effectually called, and make them all zealous in thy ways, to their everlasting salvation through jesus Christ. Thou gavest them me O Lord, the greatest blessing of all worldly blessings: and now I resign them up to thee again, beseeching thee to be a Father unto them as thou hast been to me, and them too, ever since we had a being. O teach them to bring up their children in thy fear, and to esteem that above all worldly things whatsoever. And thus Lord I commend myself, soul, body, and all that I have, into thy hands, beseeching thee to qualify my pains, and give me strength and patience to the end to bear the extremity thereof. And hasten sweet Saviour to deliver me out of misery, and wipe away all tears from mine eyes; even so, come Lord jesus, come quickly, Amen, Amen: and let thy whole family in heaven and in earth say, Amen.  
Me thinks I hear this joyful sentence sounding in mine ears, Come thou blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for thee, from the beginning of the world. Mat. 25.34.