A Guide to Heaven FROM THE WORD: OR, GOOD COUNSEL How to close savingly with CHRIST. WITH Some short, but serious Questions to ask our hearts every Morning and Evening, whether we walk closely with Him. And especially, Rules for the strict and due observation of the Lords Day. Joh. 5.39. Search the Scriptures. London, Printed by E. C. for H. Brome at the Gún in Ivy lane, 1664. To the READER. Courteous Reader, HAd the Author of these Rules and Inquiries intended them for the Press, thou mightest have found them set off with greater advantage to please a curious palate; but being drawn out only for a plain people, they come close to the Conscience, in a familiar vulgar stile. Read them with care and consideration, and you will find every line almost heart-searching. Keep this Book always at your Beds-head, and let not a day pass over your head, without taking it into your hand, and pondering the things in your heart. The first Rules are of singular use to bring you unto Christ: The Questions to keep you close in your walk with him everyday: And the last Rules are to help you especially on God's Day. Never more need of Counsel about our souls: The Lord help us to improve all to God's glory, and our own good and comfort. Farewell. A Guide to Heaven FROM THE WORD: OR, Good Counsel how to close savingly with Christ, etc. Twelve Rules to prepare you for closing with Christ. 1. WOrk your hearts into a thorough and unseigned belief of the Articles of your Faith: Believe certainly and firmly, without the least doubt, that there is a great and glorious God, that Jesus Christ is his only Son, and the alone Saviour: That the Bible is the true Word of God: That undoubtedly there is such a place as Heaven and Hell, Heb. 11. 6. 2. Really believe, that you carry within your breasts, precious and immortal souls: which must be adjudged by this God to one of those two places, there to be for ever and ever, Mat. 16.26, etc. 3. Assure yourselves. that the last Sentence will be past according to your well or ill behaving yourselves in this life. Every man shall be rewarded according to his works, 2 Cor. 5.10. Isa. 3.10, 11. Eccles. 8.11, 12, 13. 4. Account upon it, that it's very difficult to come to that Heaven, and that the way to destruction is broad and easy. Remember still, you have deceitful hearts within you, a wicked Devil nigh you, and snares and hindrances about and before you, Mat. 7.13, 14. Luke 13.24. Say, my time is short my work is great, and my strength is small. 5. Certainly believe it, that Heaven is so glorious, that it's worth all your care and pains, be it never so much: and that Hell is so dreadful, that you may reasonably fly from it with all diligence, earnestness and speed; that it's better you never had been born, if you should die in your sins, and perish everlastingly: what a direful screetch will your soul give, if it goes out of your body into unquenchable burnings? Heb. 11.14, 16, 26.1 ●e●. 1.4.2 Cor. 4.17, 18.2 Cor. 5.11. 6. Reckon, that all the troubles of this world, can't make a man going to that Heaven in ways of Righteousness, miserable and wretched: How sweet will it be to pass, though out of a poor tottering Cottage, into a glorious Palace? Out of a Sea of troubles and dangers, into an Haven of Peace, Rest, and Plenty? Nor can all the Riches, Honours, and Pleasures here, make a man going to that Hell, happy: What a terrible Hell will Hell be to great ones, that have spent all their days in pleasure! It's much to change a Palace for the dark silent Grave; Jewels and Deckings, for worms and rottenness. But what is it to have sweet sing turned into bitter howl? Decked and glittering rooms, pleasant walks, rich attire, delicious fare into dark Dungeons, unquenchable lakes of fire and brimstone? Mal. 3.15. to 18. Luke 12.16. to 21. 7. Seriously think, I may yet get to this Heaven, and avoid the fearful plagues and terrors of Hell. If I shall come to glory, what a God shall I enjoy for ever and ever? into what blessed arms and bosom shall I cast my soul? and if I should go to Hell at last, can I bear up under the weight of God's vengeance? Well, yet there is hope; God's heart, the door of Grace, and the Gate of Heaven, yet stand open. How would the damned in Hell give thousands of worlds (if they had them) for my may be! Heaven, Grace, and Christ are offered, and dare I refuse all? Can I venture the loss of soul and body for ever and ever? Heb. 10.30, 31. 8. If I miss of glory, 'twill be mine own fault, my damnation will lie at my own door: God can clear himself of my blood; his proffers of grace are free and frequent, earnest and real; and shall I murder mine own soul? Ezek. 18.32. Joh. 5.40. It may be written over my Grave, Here is one that destroyed himself, that would go to Hell thorough mercies, judgements and warnings. 9 Debate the case with your soul solemnly, What is there in sin, that I so much dote on? What are my greatest designs and projects in the World? Can I dig the pearl of happiness out of this dunghill World? Can I get the Houses, Lands, Honours, Friends that I aim at? and if I should, what are they? Certainly conclude, the greatest wisdom is to be wise to salvation, and my best work is to work it out with fear and trembling, lest I lose it, Prov. 3.13, 14. etc. 10. Then search and try your hearts, whether you are in the Faith, and your hearts sound in God's Statutes. Ask seriously, Have I the love that is sincere, the Faith that is sound, soulsaving; and sin-killing, and life-reforming? Am I sure my face and heart are really set Sion-ward, and Heaven-ward? 2 Cor. 13.5. To this end Query: 1. Did I ever see sin odious, black and hellish? Defiling and damning? Have I seen it in the glass of the Law, bloody and kill? but in Christ's blood, exceeding, and above me azure sinful? Rom. 7.13. 2. Do I see in Jesus Christ a beauty and excellency, a fullness and all-sufficiency? Is he the chiefest of ten thousands, altogether lovely in mine eye? Can I say, Oh! thousand of gold (if I had it) for an interest in Christ's blood, that cleansing, healing; Pea e-speaking blood! None but Christ. All is but dung, that I may win him, Phil. 3.7, 8. 11. Take it for granted, that there is no name under heaven, whereby you can be saved, but Jesus Christ's. All grace and mercy for this life, and that to come, must come to you thorough the channel of Christ's blood, Acts 16.30, 31. Acts 4.10, 11 12. Say, By sin I have shut Heaven gate, and hardened God's heart against me: I have laid myself open to all the wrath of God, all the curses inn the Bible, and all the torments of Hell: and if I could bring all the cries of myself, and all my friends, the strength of the Angels, the riches of all the world, it would be as nothing to make up this woeful breach: Christ alone can do it. 12. Believe it, that Christ came to seek and to save such as we that were lost. That he is not only able, but willing and ready to give forth his rich grace. What made him leave his Father's bosom, put off the Majestic Robes of his glory, but love to poor souls? What made him drink the dreadful cup of his Father's wrath, make such loud calls, such rich proffers; wait, and send; be rejected, and wait; cry earnestly, and wait long, but love to sinners? Joh. 6.35, 37. 'Twas love to souls made him give up his body to be broken, that precious box of ointment, which fills both heaven and earth with its sweet savour, and pleasant perfumes. Having throughly weighed and believed these foregoing propositions: then come to Christ these 13 ways. Directions how to close savingly with Christ. 1. COme to Christ, a poor, lost, and undone wretch, hopeless and helpless; as to an only able, and merciful Saviour. Cry out, as one sinking under the Waves and boisterous tempests of sin, Master save, or else I perish. If thou wilt, thou canst, Heb. 7.25. Say with Thomas, My Lord, and my God, my Christ, and my Saviour; put the hand of thy Faith into Christ's pierced and bleeding sides, Joh. 20.27, 28. Say as they, Joh. 6.68. Whither should I go, but unto such a Saviour! thou hast eternal life. Thou canst help me out of the deep and miry ditch of my sins, and over the fiery and fearful gulf of God's wrath, and canst bring me into the blessed presence, yea, into the gracious arms, bosom, and embraces of the God of glory. I stretch out the weak arms of my Faith to thee, O stretch out the strong arm of thy power and mercy, and come and save me! 2. Come as an humble, broken, and relenting sinner, to an offended Majesty. Come trembling, with tears in your eyes, and deep sorrow in your heart. Come as one vile in the sight of God, yourself, men, and Angels. As the poor Publican, not worthy to look up to heaven, smite on thy wicked heart. As the Centurion, say, I am not worthy thou shouldest come under the roof of my heart. As the Prodigal, I have sinned against Heaven, and am not worthy to be an hired servant. Yet there is mercy enough in my Father's heart and thy merits, Isa. 61.1. I have let fly many poisonous bullets, and bitter arrows of sin against thee; I have by sin, fetched (as it were) blood from thy precious heart afresh, though it ran so freely and abundantly for my sake; but now a sight of thy pierced side breaks my heart with sobs and sighs. My sins are now as so many pricks in my side, thorns at my heart, and ropes about my neck. 3. Come as a filthy polluted, loathsome creature, to a cleansing Fountain of Grace, Lazarus in all his sores, or Job on the dunghill with his scabs and botches, were not so filthy and abominable in the eye of man, as I am through the running sores and plagues of my heart and life, in the sight of an holy and pure God. I am more vile than the Toad, than the stinking carrion in the ditch. How doth this filth stream through every duty and mercy? I drop the filthiness of sin, wherever I go. Oh wash, cleanse and purify in thy blood, job 15. 16, 42. Unclean, unclean! Thy, body was broken to let out thy blood for my sake, and shall not my heart be broken to let out the filth and gore of my sin? 4. Come as a bondslave, drudge, and vassal, to Christ as to a Redeemer. Complain of the Devils cruel usage, and Sins tyrannising. Say, Lord, thou hast paid a price sufficient. Thou hast redeemed me by thy precious blood, that is more worth than ten thousand worlds. Knock off these iron fetters, rescue me out of this hellish Dungeon of sin. I have now no command of my head or heart, of my tongue or passions. How do lusts domineer! Luke 4.18. Heb. 2.14, 15. Rom. 12, 13, 14. Here I lie staked down to the earth by a carnal heart. 5. Come as a sin-sick-soul to Christ, as to the only able Physician. As sick persons, crying out of an aching head, or griping bowels. So complain, Oh the plague of an hard heart! The galls and gripes of a wounded conscience! the wounds and stabs I have given my soul by sin! Here I am sick to the very heart, fainting and perishing. Oh a drop of thy blood: that is a cordial indeed, the sovereign Balm of Gilead. These many years, yea all my life have I been diseased with the bloody issue of sin; and all others are Physicians of no value; but if I may but touch the hem of thy righteous Garment, I shall be whole, Matth. 9.20, 21, 22. I come to thee with mine Ulcers and Imposthumes, to be lanced; that the rotten members of my body of sin may be cut off. 6. Come weary and heavy laden with your sins, to Christ for rest and ease, Mat. 11, 28, 29. Good Paul groaning under the weight of sin, makes many heavy heartburning complaints, Rom. 7.18, 19, and 24 but yet in the 25. v. he triumphs in Christ. Holy David, restless and disquiet, roars under sin, Psal. 38.1. to 9 Those sins that were as jewels in your eye, yea, as your right hand or eye, are they now as millstones and loads to your soul? 7. Come as a poor, needy, and naked creature to Christ, as the poor to the rich man's door for alms. Come quite stripped naked of your own righteousness, Rev. 3.17, 18. Cry out of your spiritual poverty: Lord, not one penny of grace to help myself. Never a poorer wretch came to thee for mercy. Grace I want; if I perish it shall be at thy feet, begging and praying. I will not be thrust away from thy door. Behold want of Faith, Patience, Love, etc. Not able to think or speak, to do, or suffer. Oh let the sweet gales of thy spirit bring thy rich promises fraught with incomparable grace and comfort, to unlade their heavenly treasure into my bosom. Give me the key of Faith, that I may unlock thy rich Storehouse, and fetch what I want. 8. Come as an hunger-starved soul for bread of life, thirsting and panting for soul-refreshing grace, Isa. 55. Beg, cry out; Bread, Bread. In some Countries through great want, they cry, Give, and cut me, (holding out their arm) give and kill me. Cry, Give, Lord, and strike me, Give me heavenly food, and do what thou wilt with me. Say, Lord, if but as a Dog, I may receive crumbs that fall from thy full Table of Grace. Thirst and behold in every bleeding deep wound of Christ a fountain of rich flowing mercy. Each heavenly promise steeped in that sweet blood of Christ by faith, can afford a full satisfying meal of joy and comfort to thy pining hunger-bitten Soul. Apply the lips of thy faith to those full breasts, to those over, ever-flowing Wells of salvation. Say, Lord, open those precious boxes of ointment, and sprinkle them on my dead, barren, parched thirsty heart. May I have but bread, but a drop, 'twill be as a refreshing cordial; how sweet then will a feast of fat things be, Wine on the Lees! 9 Come as a foolish ignorant and backward Scholar to Christ as to a great Prophet or Schoolmaster. Say, Lord, it's thou must teach me, or I shall never learn: I am dull to understand, but thou canst and dost teach thy people to profit: Lord, that I may receive my spiritual eyesight! Thou hast many an heavenly lesson to teach, as Faith, Patience, Self-denial, etc. I am come to be thy Disciple, I have a long time been under the teachings of man, let me have the teachings of thy Spirit. Thou art meek, and not harsh, Mat. 11. 29. 10. Come as an unskilful, trembling Soldier, as a weak David, struggling with Bears, Lions, and Goliahs, with Principalities and Powers. Come to Christ as to the Captain of your Salvation; say, Lord, it's thou must teach my hands to war, and my fingers to fight. It's thou must fight my battles for me, or I shall fall by the hands of these strong and to wring lusts. What batteries, assaults, and storms doth Satan raise against my soul! Heb. 2.10. Eph. 6.12. 11. Come as a condemned Malefactor and lost prisoner to Christ, as to your Advocate and Intercessor. Lay open your bad cause and sad estate. 1. Your crimes are great and fearful, horrid treason, and that against the highest Majesty. 2 Your accusers and adversaries many, subtle, diligent and cruel. The Devil, your own heart, and acquaintance can bring in black bills against you. 3. The Law of God condemns you, and your doom is dreadful. 4 The great God your Judge, is highly incensed, affronted and dishonoured. Now apply yourself to Jesus Christ, who has undertaken as bad causes; say, Lord, stand between the flaming fire and revenging sword of God's wrath and my poor soul, 1 Tim. 2.5.1. joh. 2, 1. 12. Come as a willing servant to a good Master, as a loyal Subject to your only Lord and Sovereign, to obey, honour and love him above all others, and that to the death. Say, Here I am, what wilt thou have me to do? Here is my head to know thee, my heart to love thee, my tongue to praise thee, mine ears to hear thy voice, and mine hands and feet to do thy will. Other Lords besides thee have ruled over me. But thou art mine only Saviour and Prince, Acts 5, 30, 31. Heb. 5.9. I dislike none of thy commands, they are righteous, good and reasonable; but I find fault with mine own wretched heart, that I can no more heartily love, and readily obey them. Say, Thy work is as Adam's was in Paradise, a pleasure and not a toil; as the Bee labouring, sucks honey and sweetness, 1 Joh. 5.3. What sweet, soul-ravishing work will my heart make of praying, hearing, and meditating, etc. when thou streamest forth thy graces, those blessed silver drops of heaven into every vein of my soul. 13. Come as a poor worthless Spouse to Christ, as to an honourable and glorious husband. Come both for thy wedding Garment and matchless portion. Come as Abigal to David, 1 Sam. 25.40, 4142. say, Lord, here I am meanly, yea vilely descended, by sin a child of Satan, and thou art the Lord from Heaven. Ennoble me with thy grace, which is divine and heavenly blood, far above the heroical blood of Ancestors. Here I am ragged, decrepit and deformed through sin. Cover my filth and nakedness. with thy white, spotless garment, that my shame appear not. What is platting the hair, decking a filthy, slimy carcase, to the adorning the soul with invaluable grace! Every grace of thine is a rich Diamond, a Pearl, yea far above. The soul filled with God, is a little Heaven on Earth; and these graces are the bespangling stars and glittering lamps thereof. Read that notable Description, Ezek. 16.3. to 14. These rich ornaments, this crown, not of gold but of grace and glory, none but Christ's Bride wears. Every morning set yourself solemnly, as in the presence of God Omniscient, and charge your heart to give in a true answer to these inquiries, as it will account for these and many others things at the day of Judgement before all the World. Serious Questions to put to our souls every Morning. Queen 1. How did I lie down and rise up? Was God in my thoughts? And if so, were the thoughts of him sweet and precious to my soul? Psal. 139. 2, 3, 4. Psal. 92.1, 2. 2. In what frame is my heart at present? Do I admire God's goodness for the last night's sleep, for adding more time to my life: and am I heartily thankful? Prov. 3.24. 3. Can I really commit all mine affairs to God this day, to be guided by his connsel, Protected and Provided for by his care, and to be willing to be at his dispose? Mat. 6.25. etc. 1 Pet. 5.7. Psal. 37.4. 4. Am I resolved to speak for God and his glory, what ever it cost me? In the strength of Christ will I not be terrified from, be ashamed of, or grow weary in well-doing? Mar. 8.38. 5. Am I a child of God, an heir of Glory? or a slave to sin, and a child of Satan? If I am God's child, must I not wear the glorious garment of Righteousness, that royal sparkling livery of Heaven? If an heir of heaven, should I not cast off the rags of corruption, and take heed of defiling myself with the mire of sin? Deut. 5.32. Judas 23. What should I do more than others? Mat. 5.47. 6. Who is the greatest deceiver? if my heart, let me not trust, but watch over it all this day! Wherein are the greatest dangers, the most horrid and woeful mistakes? if about men's sou's, let me venture the loss of all rather than of my precious never dying soul, Jer. 17.9, 10. 7. What are mine implacable, potent, and soul-ruining enemies, but the flesh, the Devil, and the World? Let me not pamper the one, harken to the second, nor idolise the third; Let me beware of them, watch and be sober, Rom. 8.8. etc. Gal. 5.17, 19.1 Pet. 5.8. Jam. 4.4.1 Joh. 2.15. 8. Who is and can be my best friend, but God? Let me take care in all things to please him, fear provoking him. Let me love him with all my heart, obey him with all my might, and honour him throughout all the day. Psal. 144.15. 9 Wherein is the greatest vanity and vexation, but in the world? Let me then slight and not admire and adore it. What is the sure gain and most lasting good? Certainly Godliness; let me then prise, press after, and live in it, Eccles. 1.2.1 Tim. 4.8. Ch. 6.6, 7. 10. What is my heavenly work, but to run a race, fight a good fight, strive and wrestle? Can this be without care, diligence and watchfulness? 1 Cor. 9.24. Oh that a vein of Religion might run thorough all I do this day! 11. Whose eyes will be upon me all this day, to observe head and heart, lip and life? Will not God's, the Judge of all the earth? and dare I sin in his presence? dare I so highly affront him to his face? Heb. 4.13. Gen. 39.9. 12. If I should spend this day in vanity, sin and idleness, will it not be bitterness and sorrow at night? If I spend it holily and profitably, shall I not pray with more confidence, and lie down with the more peace? Will not the testimony of a good conscience be ground of great rejoicing? Psal. 4.7, 8.2 Cor. 1.12. 13 How would I have this day represented at the great day of Judgement? What words, thoughts, and actions, would I have then brought forth? Let mine be such; for certainly all must then be laid open, 2 Tim, 6.11, 12, 17, 18, 19, Eccles. 11.8. 14 How may I this day order my secular business with most wisdom and honesty, and for my greater advantage? Psal. 112.5. 15 Am I sit now to pour out my soul to God in Prayer? Can I first and chiefest seek the Kingdom of God? Mat. 6.33. Psal. 5.2, 3. Separate yourself every Evening from all company, and ask your heart these Questions; And wherein you have been guilty, be heartily sorrowful, and beg pardon: and wherein God has enabled you to be in any measure faithful, bless God and be thankful. Every Evening ask these Questions. 1 WHat have I done this day for God and his Glory? what can I now look back upon with comfort? Micah. 6.8. 2 In what frame hath mine heart been all this day? what have I desired most, Heavenly or Earthly things? Hath my joy been more in God and in hope of glory, then in riches, honours, & c? Was my grief most for sin, or for troubles? What have I most sucked comfort from and lived upon, Creatures the Cistern, or God the Fountain? Jer. 2.12, 13. Hab. 3.17, 18. 3 What were mine aims and ends, in what I went about? Have I been sincere, and exercised a good conscience towards God and Men? Did I eat and drink, pray and discourse with an eye to God's glory? or ratner did self sit uppermost in all? 1 Cor. 10.31.1 Pet. 4.11. 4 What spiritual duties have I performed this day? Did I regard the manner as well as the matter; out of conscience did I do them, and not out of custom? Did I pray fervently, read with care and observation, meditate so seriously as thoroughly to affect the heart? Rom. 12.11. jam. 5.16. 5 How faithful, diligent and careful have I been in my Place and Calling? Have there been no idle hours in the day? Rom. 12.11.1 Tim. 5.13. Prov. 10.4.1 Thess. 4.11. 6 What have been my company this day? What good have I done to them, or received from them? Did I reprove, exhort, strengthen, encourage, comfort, or warn, as occasion was given, and need required? Col. 4.6. Heb. 10.24, 25. 7 How have I born the troubles and crosses of the day? Did I not murmur, vex, nor sink? Did I not entertain hard thoughts of, nor utter rash words against God? Phil. 4.11, 12. 8 What were my temprations this day, and what my sins? Was I not easily drawn into sin? Little overawed or restrained by God's Allseeing eye, merciful heart, or revenging hand? Was I not soon proud, angry? etc. Did I not long continue in it, and have I yet thoroughly repent of it? What conviction or mercy, or warning did I sin against? Isa. 59.12, 13. Jer. 8.6. 9 What were my mercies this day, and how was my heart under them? Was I affected with God's goodness, and unfeignedly thankful, and therefore cheerfully fruitful in good works? Have I prized my health, friends, and estate? etc. Eph. 5.20. 10 What have I learned this day? What tsmore heart-affecting knowledge have I got of God and his glory, of myself and my sins: of this world and that to come? Phil. 1.9.2 Pet. 3.18. Col. 1.9, 10. 11 What of God's word have I remembered or read, repeated or heard this day? Was any Scripture sweet and good to my soul? What promise did I by Faith make mine own? What particular command did in any thing sway and rule me? 2 Tim. 3.15, 16, 17. 12 What graces have I especially exercised? Have I lived by Faith, loved God with all my heart and soul? Denied myself in any thing dear to me for God? 2 Pet. 1.6. 13 Have I this day lived upon, loved, honoured, and reverenced God the Father, as my Sun, Shield, and Portion? Have I this day prized, owned, and made use of Christ as my Saviour, Intercessor, and Friend; As my Root, Head, and Husband? Hath the Holy Ghost been to me a Director, or Comforter, a Quickener, or Confirmer? Have I cherished and not quenched its motions? Psal. 84.11. 14 Have I been affected with the evils of sin or misery of others, of Nation, Parish and Family, of Friends or Foes? Have I had a pitiful heart, or bountiful hand to any in want? Psal. 119.136. Jam. 2.15, 16. 15 Have I shown more especial love and pity to those that are of the household of Faith? how have I honoured those that fear the Lord? Psal. 15.4. Psal. 16.3. Hath a godly Job or Lazarus, though in rags and sores, been unto me as an Orient Pearl on a Dunghill? Have I not valued men more according to greatness, than goodness? Gal. 6.10. 16 Did the Church of God and interest of Christ lie near my heart this day? have I heartily prayed for the welfare of Zion? and mourned when its songs are turned into lamentations, and its glory into desolation? Do I prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy? Jer. 19.1. 17 Can my Family witness that I have done any good for or to them? Can those that best know me, speak best for me? Have I been good as Husband or Wife? Psal. 101.2 etc. as Parent or Child, as Master or Servant? Ephes. 6.1. etc. 18 Have I wronged no man in his estate, by overreaching him; in his name, by slandering, or backbiting? 1 Thess. 4.6. in his soul or body, by letting him fall into, or live in any sin or trouble? have I done to others, as I would they should do to me? Mat. 7.12. 19 Have I forgiven mine enemies, rejoiced at others mercies, and not envied any one's honour, riches, or friends, and coveted them? Luke 6.27. to 35. Matth. 6.12, 14, 15. 20 Am I of a quiet, peaceable spirit? Have I not quarrelled and contended with my neighbours? Or do I make up breaches and follow peace with all men? Do I honour the King, and obey Governors for Conscience sake? Rom. 12.18. Rom. 13.1, etc. 21 Hath my clothing Been suitable to my place and station? Hath my carriage been sober, discreet, and serious? Have I not been vain, wanton, nor frothy in my discourse or spirit. 1 Pet. 3.3, 4.2. Tit. 1, etc. 22 Have I scorned and contemned the glory of the world, accounting it but dirt for Grace, and dross for Christ? 1 Joh. 5.4, 5. 23 Have I really set death before me? My life as a vapour, a shadow? if I should die daily, what preparation have I made for it? Am I sure, but this is my last night? If God should shut mine eyes by death, how is it like to be with my soul? Dare I lie down with the guilt or filth of any one sin? Is there any returning from the Grave to amend? No certainly, 2 Cor. 4.14, 16. I Cor. 15.54, etc. Prov. 27. 1. 24 Can I tell how great the day of Judgement will be? how glorious and terrible? And dare I meet Christ coming in flaming fire, with ten thousand of my sins to take vengeance? Can I hold up my head? Are my grace's sound, and of the right kind? All is not gold that glisters. Have I this day searched, judged, and condemned myself? 1 Cor. 11.31. 2 Cor. 5.10, 11.2 Thess. 1.8.9, 10. 25 Do I believe Hell torments dreadful and eternal? Its flames unspeakably scorching? It's misery endless and easeless? And do I not fly from this wrath to come? Rev. 14.10, 11. 26. Have I ascended in the triumphant Chariot of Faith this day, and beheld the new Jerusalem, God's glorious Palace? Did I live, love, think and talk as an Heir of this kingdom? Eph. 1.18, 19 27 Have I not in all I have done, minded man more than God? Have I not minded only the clean-sing. the outside? Eph. 6.5, 6. 28 Dare I lie down this night without praying earnestly to God for the pardon of my sins, the blessings of the night, and the salvation of my soul? Directions for the strict observation of the Lords Day. For Preparation. 1 ORder all your week business so wisely before hand, that you may have no unnecessary work on God's day; that your hands may be as free as possible from worldly work, and your heads from worldly cares and thoughts. Exod. 20.8, 9, 10, 11. 2 Think seriously, What a weighty work am I going about! My week-affairs are but Toys and Trifles to this. What are Sheep, Oxen, or Shops, to Grace, Christ, or Heaven? Can I be too careful and serious in God's Work, in Soul-salvation work? Surely no. How holy should my thoughts be, how heavenly my discourse, how earnest mine endeavours all the day long? Isa. 58.13, 14. 3 Therefore prepare with all your might, search your hearts and lives, 1 Chron. 29.1, 2.1 Find out what your sins are, to confess, mourn over, and pray against, Lam. 3.20.2 What the Mercies are you want for soul or body, for your Friends, Families, and Nation; account this a Market day for your souls, Rev. 3.17, 18.3. What blessings received, and what thanks to be returned. Psal. 116.12. 4 Think with yourself, What good did I get by former, yea, by the last Sabbath? Was my heart then broken, or warmed with love to God, and the like? What did I then learn, and how have I practised it in the Week? Have I fully digested by meditation, firmly believed, and faithfully obeyed the truths were last taught me? Isa. 1.11. etc. 5 Beg earnestly of God, that he would help you to sanctify a Sabbath, that this may be the best Sabbath you ever kept. That your heart may be more tender, humble, and heavenly; that the out-going of your soul may be more free, strong, and fixed, and the incomes of Heavenly grace and comfort more abundant: that God may reap more glory, and you receive more good than ever heretofore. That the holy keeping of this Sabbath, may be an earnest to you of keeping a never never-ending Sabbath with God in glory. To this end pray especially for these four things. 1 That God may prepare a suitable word for your soul, that the Ministers mouth may be opened, and his heart enlarged, and his message full of goodness. That it may be the pure, plain, and powerful Word of God, Ephes. 6.18, 19 2 That God would fill his own Ordinances with his own presence and blessing: that he would touch your heart, when man speaks to the ear. Drop, yea, stream down h; eavenly grace through these Conduit Pipes, Isa. 48.17. Luke 16.14. 3 That you may have the hearing Ear, the seeing Eye, and the understanding Heart; that you may be teachable, willing to learn, and apt to receive what God delivers, Jam. 1.21, 22. Psal. 110.3. 4 That your souls enemies may be kept off, at least resisted and kept down. That your hearts may not deceive you, the Devil divert you, nor the World distract or disturb you. Having thus in some measure prepared your hearts for the Solemn work of this great Day; observe and practise these following directions, as ever you hope to have the blessing of the Sabbath. 1 As soon as you awake fix your hearts and eyes heaven-ward; bless God that you see the light of one day more, especially Gods day; wherein you may labour to have your sins pardoned and purged, and your souls furnished with grace, and so fitted for glory. Call the Sabbath your delight, Psal. 118.23, 24, Psal. 59.16. 2 Beg heartily of God, that he would strengthen you by his grace, to do what he requires, as he would have it done; that he would pardon your unpreparation, bear with your infirmities, accept of your poor services, and Crown all with his blessing, 2 Chron. 30.18, 19, 20. 3 That you be fitted for the holy and heavenly work of the day; affect your heart with some or all of these Ten following things: 1 With the Majesty of that God whom you are to wait upon, Psal. 95.2, 3, etc. 2 With the vileness of sin, and of yourselves because of sin. 3 With the sweetness of Christ, and the greatness of his Love and Mercy. 4 With the excellency of that heavenly work you are going about, and the gain of godliness. 5 With the vanity of the world, and all things therein. 6 With the worth, and high value of your immortal souls. 7 With the rage, subtlety, and diligence of your souls enemies. 8 Especially with the deceitfulness of your own hearts. 9 With the Terror and Torment of Hell. 10 With the unspeakable and everlasting glory of Heaven. 4 Carefully, and conscientiously perform Family Duties, Josh. 24. 15. 1 See that your Servants and Children of age, waste not away the Morning in sleep or idleness. 2 Cause them to join together in Prayer, Reading, or any other Godly Exercise, Gen. 18.19. 3 If you have time, you may Catechise them, or discourse to them of any of those former Ten things, Deut. 6.6, 7. 1 Inform yourselves and them, what a great and glorious Majesty and Master you are to serve, Mal. 1.14. 2 What a blessed and heavenly work you go about; that its heart work, Joh. 4.24. and therefore hard and difficult work, and yet that its pleasant and excellent, Prov. 3.17. Chap. 8.34, 35. Oh the fatness of God's house, and the beauties of holiness! 3 What an abundant and unspeakable reward attends the well-doing, even life everlasting, Rome 6.22. and how fearful a thing it is to trifle and be careless in it, Leu. 10.3. Mal. 1.8, 13, 14. Heb. 12.28, 29. Acts 20.9. 4 Exhort and command them to be at all good exercises; yea, watch over, and look after them. Remember the fourth Commandment binds you to look to all within your care and power, Manservant, Maidservant, etc. If God had no more pity and mercy to the souls of children and servants, than many bloody Parents and Masters, they must needs swim in the direful Gulf of their sins, into utter destruction. 5 Repair to the public places of Worship: If you have no Minister in your own Parish, go where is the most soul-seaching, heart-melting, and sinner-rowsing Preaching, etc. Isa. 2.3. Take these Rules with you. 1 Throughly weigh these four things: 1 Consider I am this day to wait on God, the King of Glory, and not on man; and therefore am I to come with all fear and care; what an infinite greatness am I to admire and reverence? What rich goodness am I to love and delight in? what depths of wisdom to look into? what infallible truth to rest upon and believe? what a wrath and fiery indignation to tremble at? God is glorious in holiness, and of pure eyes, Isa 6.1, 2, 3. 2 What a poor worthless worm and wretch am 1? How should I come crawling, crouching, and trembling to the Throne of Grace? What am I but dust and ashes, but putrefaction, yea, a sink of sin? Isa. 6.5. Job 42.5, 6. 3 I have not only an empty heart, void of all good, but an envious heart, full of all mischief and perverseness, Rom. 8.7, 8. 4 Yet what preparation have I made? Have I not spent more time and care to dress my body for the eye of man, then to deck my soul for the eye of God? Job 11.13, 14, 15. Psal. 10.17. 2 As you are going to God's house, 1 If you are alone, fill your heart with heavenly Meditations, hunger and thirst after the Word, 1 Pet. 2.2. Mat. 5.6. Think, if God should meet my soul and bless it: Oh that he would! 2 If you are in company, talk of God and his Word, but without pride or affectation. Or hear others heavenly discourse: but if they are such as savour only of Earth, and scorn Godliness, either reprove or leave them, 2 Cor. 6.17. 3 As you enter God's presence, really expect his goodness to pass before you. See Exod. 33.18. to the end, Chap. 34.67. Earnestly look for the light of his Countenance, Psal. 4.6. Say, Lord, thou hast promised to be in the midst of thy people, Psal. 133.3. Matth. 18.20. Bow the Heavens and come down: Let thy greatness awe us, and thy goodness refresh us. By Faith, behold God in the highest Heavens, surrounded with glorious Saints and Angels, and take heed to thyself, Eccles. 5.1, 2. and yet through Christ, come with boldness, and cry Abba Father, Heb. 4.15, 16. Chapter 10.19, 20, 21, 22. 4 Make a Covenant with your eyes, that they gaze not about to see, who is in the Congregation, and what Clothes they wear and the like; Take heed of a wandering departing heart, Matth. 15.8, 9 Fix your Eyes on the Minister, your Ears on the Word, and your heart on God, Psal. 123.1, 2. 5 Be reverend in the gesture of your bodies, bow your knees as well as your hearts before the Lord; if the place be not convenient for kneeling, stand upright, 1 Cor. 14.40. 6 Whatever Spiritual work you set about, do it with all your might and soul, Eccles. 9.10. Rom. 12.11. As, 1 In Prayer, while the Minister is confessing and bewailing sin, let your hearts even melt, bleed and break, Joel 2.13. When he begs Mercy, let your souls breath and pant after it, Psal. 42.1, 2. When he returns thanks and praise, let all that is within you bless Gods holy Name, Psal. 103.1, 2. 2 If Singing, let your hearts make melody to the Lord; Take heed when your voice is high, your heart be not dead, flat and low, Col. 3.16. Ephes. 5.19. 3 When the Word is read or preached, mind, This is the Word of God, 1 Thes. 2.13. 1 It is his Command, and dare I disobey it? Oh that my ways were directed! Psal. 119.4, 5. 2 Doth God threaten these Judgements, and denounce these curses on sinners? And must I not tremble? 3 Are these his calls and invitations? his rich promises and great love? and shall I refuse all? Doth God knock at the door of my heart? Let the everlasting doors thereof fly open, that the King of Glory may come in. 4 While the Minister is pronouncing the Blessing, post not away, (a fault too common every where) but hope, desire, and believe it shall come down upon you, Psal. 133.3. Prov. 8.33, 34, 35. 5 Take heed afterward that Satan may not steal away the good seed sown; that the thorny cares of the world may not choke it, Mark 4.14. to 20. Let not the World get into your mouths, as soon as the Word is out of the Ministers. Some have been sinsick when they hear a rousing Sermon, when the Word flashes Heil-fire in their faces, a little startled; but it's as men are Sea sick, vomit up the Word, and come ashore to the World, and all is well again. 6 As soon as you come home, beg of God to bless the Word you have heard, that it may not be as water spilt on the ground, but that your memories may retain it, your heart's love, and your wills obey it, 1 Cor. 3.6. That it may tear, rend and fetch blood from your lusts, that it may fire your hearts with love to, and zeal for God; and that love may fill your mouths with good words, and your hands with good works, Rom. 2.13. 7 When you sit down to dinner, having begged God's blessing on the food of Soul and Body, Matth. 14.19. 1 Eat no more than will fit and enable you comfortably and lively to serve God, Luke 21.34. Many fill their bellies so at this time, that they are fit only to lay their drowsy heads on the Devil's pillow of sloth. 2 Talk of God's Word sitting down and rising up. Let your hearts be heavenly, and your discourse savoury, seasoned with Grace. A Table without some good discourse, differs little from a manger, Isa. 5.12. 8 After Dinner, either repeat the Word heard, or read in the Bible, or in some other good book; and call your own heart, and your family to an account for what you have heard, Deut. 6.7, 8, 9 9 In the time appointed, go with your Family to the public, as in the Morning. Think not half a day enough for God and your souls. 1 If you come to the Congregation before the Minister, spend not away the time in idle imaginations or worldly discourse, or any vain stories; but either meditate on God or his Word, or talk heavenly and holily. It's sad to see a Churchyard filled with idle persons, to hear nothing but of this or that person and family. The great Questions are, how Corn was sold the last Market day, and what Corn in such a field? and the like. Poor barren empty souls! have you no better things to employ your heads and tongues about? Rather ask, What a good Word we heard this day? How are we now to provide for Heaven? The Devil is so busy in the Churchyard sowing his seed, that God's seed takes little place and rooting in the Church. Can you do the Devils work now, and the next hour Gods? I am persuaded, the seasoning of persons hearts with vanity and frothy discourse before Sermon, hath been a very great hindrance to the efficacy of the Word, and the good of many poor souls. 2 Warm your hearts with love to God, and delight in the work; think not that falling down on your knees at your entrance, and tumbling over a few words, is a sufficient preparation. It's an harder work than most imagine, to fit the soul for God. 3 When you are waiting on God, take heed of drowsiness, deadness, or distraction. Remember, a careless heart, a drowsy body, dull affections and dead services are not fit for a living God. Think, Do I pray now as for Heaven? hear as one hearing God speaking from Heaven? Is my heart such as God may love and delight in? It's to be feared, many can tell, where the windows and seats are broken, what spots on the walls, and the like, better than what the Text, Doctrines, or Heads of the Sermon were. 4 Take heed how you spend the Evening. The heart is very apt to be vain after serious Duties. If God hath set home any sin, shown you any duty, run that over and over in your retired thoughts, Psal. 1.2. 10 When you are about your necessary worldly work, as serving your cattle, and the like; Take heed of carrying a worldly heart into the field. Turn all things you see or hear heavenly. If your cattle stray, think, How apt am I to go out of God's way! If you behold the Heavens, see therein God's power and wisdom, etc. Psal. 19.1. Think or talk of the Word, Psal. 19.7. to 11. 11 Look on all you have done, as far short of what God deserves and requires. What heavenly, fervent, zealous prayers doth such a God deserve, and such rich mercy call for? God is worthy of a better tongue than mine to praise him, and a better heart to love him. Could I have done all commanded, and never so well, I were but an unprofitable servant, Luke 17.10. What am I then, when I come so infinitely far short; when every duty is filled up with abundance of sin and fearful failings! 12 Rest on nothing you have done for acceptance or salvation, but on Christ alone. Disown all confidence in your own righteousness, and expect all the blessings and promises streaming to you alone in the blood of Christ, Phil. 3.8, 9 13 Before you lie down at night, look over the days work. Search back into every hour and duty of the day. Humble yourself, and be heartily sorrowful for any miscarriages; bless God, and be unfeignedly thankful; if you have received any good; and still look out for more. Take the shame of failings to yourself, and give God the glory of any enlargements, 1 Chron. 29, 10, 11, etc. FINIS. A Catalogue of some Books Printed for H. Brome, at the Gun in Ivy-lane. Diodates' Notes on the Bible, Fol. The New Common-Prayer with choice Cuts in Copper newly engraven, suited to all the Feasts and Fasts of the Church of England, throughout the year; in a Pocket Volume. Doctor Sparks' Devotions on all the Festivals of the year, in 8, with Cuts. The Alliance of Divine Offices, exhibiting all the Liturgies of England since the Reformation; by Hamon L'Estrange Esq in fol. Justice revived, or the whole Office of a Country Justice, in 8. The Exact Constable, with his Original and Power, in the Offices of Churchwardens, Overseers of the Poor, Surveyors, Treasurers, and other Officers, as they are now established by the Laws and Statutes of the Land: both E. Wingate Esq Dr. brown's Sepulchral Urns, and Garden of Cyrus, in 8. Floddan Field in nine Fits, etc. Mr. Richard Brome his Royal Exchange. The Jovial Crew. English More. Lovesick Conceit. New Exchange. Covent Garden Weeded Queen and Concubine. All the Songs on the Long Parliament and Rump, from 1640. to 1660. the second edition enlarged. Songs and other Poems, by A. Brome Gent. Mr. Boys Translation on the sixth Book of Virgil. AEneas his Voyage from Troy to Italy, an Assay upon the third Book of Virgil, in 8 The Pourtraicture of His sacred Majesty King Charles the second, from his birth 1630. till this present year 1661. being the whole story of his escape at Worcester, his Travels and Troubles. Chisul's danger of being almost a Christian, in 12. Choice occasional Sermons Mr. Grenfields' Sermon in behalf of the Loyal Party. Mr. Glover's Assize Serm. — His Sermon on Jan. 30. Mr. Stones Sermon at S. Paul's Octob. 20. 1661. against Rebellion. Mr. Walwins Sermon on the happy Returns of King Charles the second. Eighteen choice Sermons preached by Bishop Usher in Oxford in the time of War, in 4. A Treatise of Moderation by Mr. Gaul in 8. S. Boneventures Soliloquies, in 4. Speeds Husbandry, in 8. The glories and Magnificent Triumphs of the Restitution of King Charles the second, showing his entertainments in Holland, and his passage through London, and the Country, comprising all the Honours done to, and conferred by him: by James Heath; formerly Student of Ch. Ch. in Oxon. The covenant discharged, by J. Russel in 4. The complete Art of Water-drawing, in 4. The Harmony of the World in 8. in 3 parts. The Temple of Wisdom, useful for all persons, being a Magical Discourse, in 8. both by John Heydon Esq Jews in America, by Mr. Thorogood, in 4. Blood for Blood, in 35 Tragical stories; the five last being the sad product of our late Rebellion, in 8. A Discourse of all the Imperfections of Women in 8. Mr. Mortons' Rule of Life in 8. A Geographical Dictionary of all the Towns and Cities in the world. Arithmetical Tables fitted to the capacity of such as are unskilled in the Art of Numbers: by H. Walrond Esq in 8. Holy Anthems, sung in all Cathedrals and Collegiate Churches in England. Schiverius Lexicon, Greek and Latin, the fourth Edition much enlarged. A learned Exposition on the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Canticles, and the Major Prophets, by John Trapp, M. A. The Crams of Comfort. The History of the Bib'e. The List of the Loyal Party. And Case. A brief Chronicle of the Turkish War: From July to January, 1663. Turned out of High-Dutch. Together with his Imperial Majesty's Reasons for the undertaking of the War, and a Map for the better understanding of the Story.