Go in Peace.  
Containing some Brief DIRECTIONS For Young MINISTERS, In their Visitation of the Sick.  
USEFUL For the People, in their state both of Health, and Sickness.  Deut. 32.29. 
O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!  
LONDON, Printed by A. M. for Richard Royston, Bookseller to his most Sacred Majesty, at the Angel in Amen-Corner, 1674.   

To the Right Worshipful Sr. George How, Baronet.  
The Author prayeth the increase of Grace here, and Glory hereafter.  
Honoured Sir,  
IT is received for a truth of the greater magnitude, 
〈…〉 12.19.  by One, whose Profession renders his conceptions unsuspected of any bias by interest; That the Gospel itself, and the Ministers thereof are ever weighed in the same balance of human judgement; and the estimate of both, whether of honour, or contempt, always alike. The sincere esteem you have for the Duties of the Gospel, doth not only manifest the certainty of that Maxim; but also lay open the Root, out of which, your pious regard for the Ministers thereof, doth grow and prosper. Both which, daily thriving by the Celestial showers of Divine Grace falling on your heart, are become so conspicuous in the World, (like a City set on an hill, that cannot be hid) that it hath engaged my weak endeavours to contribute something to the present imitation, and future memory of your Virtues.  
Sir, I am confident (whatever others may do, yet) you will not esteem yourself unconcerned, in the purpose, and benefit of this Collection: For who can do so, that believes, That it is appointed to men once to die, and after that, the Judgement? Much less then, a Person, who dies daily: whose contemplation minutely suggest unto him the mementoes of mortality; and whose life is an entire design to prepare for death. Did other foresee what kind of thoughts would suprize them at that woeful day, (unless their spirits are congealed by some narcotick stupidity) they would deem it as much beneath the sagacity of men, as the wisdom of Christians, to leave the most important business of their life, to be huddled up in a few tempestuous hours, encumbered with sorrow, pain, anguish, horror and amazement in themselves, and others. And who is there that can make a deathbed so well, that an Ulcerous Soul may lie easy on it, under the throws and pangs of a wounded Conscience? It is to this (almost) insuperable task, that I have adventured to set an helping hand; (rather indeed endeavoured to prevent the huge difficulty of that work) to bring out of the Sepulchre of a crucified Jesus a precious Relic, as I may say; some part of the Napkin, that was bound about his head (as an Handkerchief, or Apron from the body of an Apostle) wherewith to staunch the blood; respite, and avert the death of a sinner; yea, bring to him pardon, life, and immortality, instead of it. And who is he, that dares reject a medicine (how desperate soever be the state of the Patient) the ingredients whereof are gathered out of the Garden of God; the Book of Scriptures? Who shall limit that mercy, that is above all his works; the supreme effect of Divine Omnipotency?  
And now, Sir, though I do not altogether despair of the prosperous success of this charitable enterprise on others; yet thus much I can safely promise myself (which will abundantly recompense the little trouble I shall give them) that it will free my Brethren from all umbrage of ingratitude to so sincere a Lover of the Clergy: and put the World in mind; how great a price is to be set on Virtue, and Goodness, when set-out, and embellished with Greatness: This being the Compass, whereby the inferior world of men do steer their course and is the Anchor of Church, and State, under all the 〈◊〉, and Vicissitudes of Fortune.   

THE Preface.  
THere are some, I presume, amongst the Reverend Clergy of that Diocese, of which I profess myself an unworthy member, who need not be put in mind of a passage, touching the Concerns of their Function, that fell from the Blessed lips of a late godly Prelate of our Church, in his Speech at his Primary (and last) Visitation; in which he pressed them to a zealous, discreet, and sedulous performance of their duty of Preaching. For which, amongst other, he gave these two important Reasons. The one, from an observation himself had made, whilst he lived in Exile, (for he was one of those Abiathar's, 1 King. 2.26. that was afflicted in all wherein his Majesty was afflicted) of the gross and barbarous ignorance of the common People, in those parts beyond the Seas, where himself conversed: which he imputed chief to the want of frequent Sermons amongst them. And his other was taken from the state of things in this Church; which though, by its Canons and Rubrics, it exacts from Ministers sincere, and diligent Preaching to the People; yet hath it not laid any coercive obligation on the People themselves, to have private recourse to their Ministers.  
It is the latter of these Reasons that I principally reflect on, as a very importunate motive to all zealous, and pious Ministers of our Church, to lay hold on every precious opportunity they can, for private Discourse with them, whose souls are committed to their charge; thereby to facilitate a way to their own comfort, and the salvation of their Brethren. Both which are so nearly concerned in their Visitation of the sick; (that One later than the Eleventh hour, for that sort of address) that I have taken the boldness to put them in mind of their duty, 2 Pet. 1.12. though they know it already, by delivering into their hand, sundry pertinent, and useful passages of Scripture, proper to supply the unskilfulness of such, as are but newly entered on that sacred Function.  
The moment of which duty let me recommend to them in the words of Salvian, an Ancient and Holy Bishop of the Church. It is, says he, 
Revocare ab inquisitione ultimi Remedii, durum ac impium est. Spondere autem aliquid in tam sera curatione, temerarium. Sed melius est nihil inexpertum relinquere, quam morientem non curare. Maxim quia nescio an in extremis aliquid tentare medicina sit, certe nihil tentare, perditio. Salu. ad Eccl. Cathol. l. 1.  an harsh and impious thing, to discourage any one, from flying to the last Remedy: And no less rash is it, to promise any thing, in so late an undertaking the spiritual cure. Yet better is it, to leave nothing untried, than not to have regard to a departing Soul. Especially, seeing I know not, whether to attempt something, may not prove successful; but it would certainly prove destructive, to make trial of no remedy at all. But a greater than Salvian is here: When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die, and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thy hand. Ezek. 3.19.   

CONTENTS.  

I. DIrections when a sick Person seems wholly insensible of his spiritual state. p. 8.  
II. When he expresses some penitence for his sins. p. 21.  
III. When he is under too great despondency p. 22.  
iv When under suspicion of ungrounded confidence. p. 41.  
V Rules for the Trial of his State. p. 49.  
VI When the occasion or circumstances of his sickness trouble him. p. 60.  
VII. When oppressed with fears of dying. p. 68  
VIII. Application to several causes that may make a person unwilling to die. p. 76.  
IX. When the sick person seems willing to die. p. 94.  
X. When he complains of the want of sensible joy. p. 100  
XI. When he doubts of the truth or seasonableness of his Repentance. p. 110.  
XII. Directions how to demean one's self in sickness. p. 117.  
XIII. Exercise of Prayer in time of sickness. p. 135.  
XIV. A Prayer to be used in a state of Health. p. 145.  
XV. A Prayer when one perceives himself to be sick. p. 148.  
XVI. Prayers to be used in a Family. p. 152.    

GO in PEACE. Containing some brief Directions for Young Ministers, etc.  
WHen the Minister is to deal with a Sick Person, he must prudently consider.  
First of all, of what Quality and Condition the Person is, as well in natural, as civil (or moral) respects; his Age, Sex, Education, Relations, Offices, Profession, Poverty, Wealth, and the like. All know that there are peccata diversorum statuum, as the Casuists speak, sins to which one State (or sort) of men is obnoxious, and not another; and some, more than others; to which, good heed must be taken. We must remember St. John Baptists method, in giving to every one his due portion; of whom the Father says; that Singulis generationibus hominum conveniens Baptista tribuit responsum; the answer the Baptist gave to all that asked him, was such as was suitable to every one's state and condition of Life.  
Secondly, How the Sick Person, in the Ministers own knowledge, or in the esteem of good men, hath demeaned himself, in the common duties of Godliness, Righteousness, and Sobriety; Tit. 2.12. the indispensable Rules of every one's conversation.  
Thirdly, What is the present frame, and temper of his mind? Whether insensible of the guilt, and pollution of his sins; or perplexed, and troubled above measure; or else in a middle, and seeming posture of safety, and quiet: And lastly, what his present indisposition by sickness will not permit him to bear; that the Minister opperss him, not with unnessasary Discourses, and Prescriptions, much less with such as are impertinent.  
2. If the Sick Person appear insensible of spiritual dangers, the Minister must prudently consider; whether his insensibleness doth arise, either, from  
1. A stupid ignorance of such things, a Christian ought to know and believe to his Soul's health; or from  
2. A presumptuous boldness, and regardlesness of his spiritual state; not caring how it may go with his Soul in the other World: Or from  
3. An ill-placed confidence, and conceit of his own performances of some Acts of common Justice, Temperance, or other moral Virtue; whereby many are deluded, thinking themselves to be something when they are nothing, being in truth void of all saving Faith, and other Spiritual Graces. Or from  
4. Resting on external conformity, to the way of Worship, Order, and Discipline of the Church, of which he is a member, and the profession of the Doctrine it Teacheth, without any conscionable obedience of God's Laws. Or from  
5. That common Error, namely, that true justifying Faith consists in believing one shall be saved; and so, all further enquiry into his state deemed impertinent, and superfluous. Or from  
6. Present Distemper of sickness, depriving him, in some measure, of an ability to understand, and reflect on the things that concern his spiritual welfare: which many times happens to them, whom we ought to esteem good Christians.  
Thirdly, If the Sick Person be afflicted with the sight and sense of his Sins▪ the Minister must with the same prudence and caution consider,  
1. Whether the Sins, he complains of, be the whole, or no more but a partial cause of his troubles; or, indeed, rather an effect, than a cause itself; as it commonly happens upon discontents, arising from things of this World. And  
2. Whether his sickness be not of that kind, that may dispose him to sadness of Spirit, and Melancholic perturbations of mind: Which cannot be more surely discovered, than by considering the nature of those sins, of which he complains. Which if no other but common frailties, they seem to point out some unusual tenderness of heart, or distemper of judgement, arising either from natural constitution of body, reflection on former lapses, present infirmity, or the suggestion of Satan: In which Case, without sincere confession, there is no relief, or comfort to be given him; but by accident, a cure may be hit on; advised it cannot be.  
Fourthly, If the Sick Person seem to be in a Christian temper, and frame of mind, in respect of his faith, hope, and charity, yet is there a portion to be administered to him in this season: Either  
1. Of Admonition, to search, and assure himself, of a firm and solid ground of his hope; that that Anchor of his Soul deceive him not, in his greatest need. Or  
2. Of Encouragement, and exhortation to enlarge the comfort, and rest of his Soul by fit Applications of God's Word, and constant Prayer, and vigilancy over his heart.  
Fifthly, A Like Duty is incumbent on the Minister in some other respects; as when the Sick Person expresseth great willingness, or unwillingness to die; solicitude for Wife, and Children, payment of Debts, and the like. For all which, and such like emergencies, it is necessary, that the spiritual Physician be furnished with suitable passages, and Texts of Scripture; as being that which is most powerful in converting the Soul, strengthening and refreshing the Spirit, and supporting it against all difficulties: And hath also a special property in searching out, and ascertaining the heart: And we may assure ourselves, that there is no state or condition of men in this Life, for which there is not in the Book of God a portion to be found, which its the Minister's duty to give him in that season.  
And therefore that the Man of God may be readily furnish'd for that work, with choice of seasonable and powerful remedies for the more common diseases of his Flock, these following directions may, by God's blessing, become successful; when discreetly and diligently applied to the several exigents of our Brethren: Upon any of which the Minister may enlarge himself, as he sees cause, in the opening and applying the same, on particular occasions.  
First then, When the Sick Person appears wholly insensible of his spiritual state, (the common danger of Christians, who either feel not, or pretend they feel not any gripes, or mindings of their Consciences,) such passages of Scripture are fittest, that may set before him;  
1. The Majesty and Greatness of God; as Exod. 19.16. And it came to pass on the third day in the Morning that there were Thunderings and Lightnings, and a thick Cloud upon the Mount, and the voice of the Trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people, that was in the Camp, trembled.  
Vers. 18. And Mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: And the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole Mount quaked greatly.  
Chapped 20.18. And all the People saw the Thunderings and the Lightnings, and the noise of the Trumpet, and the Mountain smoking: And when the peope saw it, they removed and stood afar off. And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake. Heb. 12.21. Chap. 33.20. Thou [Moses] canst not see my face, for there shall no Man see me, and live.  
Vers. 21. Behold there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a Rock.  
Vers. 22. And it shall come to pass whilst my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the Rock, and will cover thee with my hand, whilst I pass by.  
Vers. 23. And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts, but my face shall not be seen.  
Isa. 40.22. It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the Earth, and the Inhabitants thereof are as Grasshoppers: That stretcheth out the Heavens as a Curtain, and spreadeth them out, as a Tent, to dwell in.  
Vers. 23. That bringeth the Princes to nothing; and maketh the Judges of the Earth as vanity.  
Heb. 12.28.— Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly ear.  
Vers. 29. For our God is a consuming fire.  
Secondly, The Divine Attributes; especially of his. 1. Holiness, 2. Justice. 3. Power.  
Holiness, Gen. 28.16, 17. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, how dreadful is this place? This is none other but the House of God, and this is the Gate of Heaven.  
Exod. 3.5. Draw not nigh hither: put off thy Shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.  
Chap. 19.12.— Take heed to your solves, that ye go not up into the Mount, or touch the border of it: Whosoever toucheth the Mount shall be surely put to death.  
13. There shall not a hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live.  
1 Sam. 6.19. And he [the Lord] smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the Ark of the Lord, even he smote of the People Fifty thousand and threescore and ten men. vers. 20. And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God?  
2 Sam. 6.6. Uzzah put forth his hand to the Ark of God, and took hold of it, for the Oxen shook it. Vers. 7. And God smote him there for his error, and there he died by the Ark of God. vers. 9 And David was afraid of the Lord that day, and said, how shall the Ark of the Lord come to me?  
1 Pet. 1.15. As he, who hath called you is Holy, so be ye Holy in all manner of conversation. 16. Because it is written, be ye holy, for I am holy.  
Heb. 12.14. Fellow peace with all men, and holiness; without which no man shall see the Lord.  
2. Justice. Gen. 18.25.— Shall not the Judge of all the Earth do right?  
Exod. 20.5.— I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children, unto the third and fourth Generation of them that hate me: vers. 26. And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my Commandments.  
Psal. 89.15. Righteousness and equity are the habitation of thy seat. And 119.137. Righteous art thou, O Lord, and true are thy judgements.  
Rom. 2.2. We are sure, that the judgement of God is according to truth, against them which commit such things. vers. 6. Who will render to every man according to his deeds, vers. 7. To them, who by patiented continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, and honour, and immortality, eternal life. vers. 8. But unto them, that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness; indignation, and wrath, vers. 9 Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil: vers. 10. But glory, honour and peace, to every man, that worketh good.  
Rev. 22.12. Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.  
3. Power. Gen. 18.14. Is any thing too hard for the Lord?  
Jer. 5.22. Fear ye not me, saith the Lord, will ye not tremble at my presence; which have placed the sand for a bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass, and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail, though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? And Chap. 10.7. Who would not fear thee, O King of Nations? For to thee doth it appertain.  
Dan. 2.20. Blessed be the Name of God for ever and ever? for wisdom and might are his. vers. 21. He changeth the times and the seasons; he removeth Kings, and setteth up Kings.  
Rev. 15.4. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy Name? for thou only art holy; for all Nations shall come and worship before thee, for thy judgements are made manifest.  
Acknowledged and feared by the enemies of Religion themselves;  
Exod. 9.27. The Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.  
Dan. 3.29. Then Nabuchadnezzar spoke and said; Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; who hath sent his Angel, and delivered his Servants that trusted in him, and have changed the King's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve, nor worship any God, except their own God. vers. 29. Therefore I make a Decree, that every People, Nation, and Language which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill, because there is no other God, that can deliver after this sort. Chap. 6.25. Then Darius wrote unto all People, Nations, and Languages that dwelled in all the earth: vers. 26. I make a decree, that in every Dominion of my Kingdom, men tremble and fear, before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God and steadfast for ever, and his Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his Dominion shall be even unto the end. Vers. 27. He delivereth, and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in Heaven, and in Earth: Who hath delivered Daniel from the Power of the Lions.  
Acts 24.25. And as Paul reasoned of Righteousness, Temperance, and Judgement to come, Felix trembled.  
Rev. 6.15. And the Kings of the Earth, and the great men, and the Rich men, and the chief Captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hide themselves in the Dens, and in the Rocks of the Mountains. Verse 16. And said to the Mountains and Rocks; fall on us, and hid us from the face of him, that sitteth on the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. Verse 17. For the great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand?  
Thirdly, The State of an Impenitent Sinner.  
1. In respect of original corruption. Job. 14.4. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one. Chap. 15.14. What is man that he should be clean? and he that is born of a Woman, that he should be righteous? Verse 15. The Heavens are not clean in his sight; verse 16. How much more abominable, and filthy is Man, that drinketh iniquity like water? Chap. 25.4. How then can Man be justified with God? Or how can he be clean, that is born of a Woman?  
Psal. 51.5. Behold, I was shapen in wickedness, and in sin hath my Mother conceived me.  
John 3.5. Except a Man be born of Water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Verse 6. That which is born of the Flesh, is Flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit, is Spirit.  
Rom. 5.18.— By the offence of one, judgement came upon all men unto condemnation.  
2. In respect of actual sin. Exod. 32.33. Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my Book.  
2 Kings 17.18. Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight, there was none left but the Tribe of Judah only. Verse. 19 Also Judah kept not the Commandments of the Lord their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made. Verse 20. And the Lord rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers till he had cast them out of his sight.  
Job 4.8. They that plough iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. Verse 9 By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed. Chap. 8.11. Can the Rush grow up without mire? can the Flag grow without water? Verse. 12. Whilst it is yet in its greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb. Verse 13. So are the paths of all that forget God, and the hypocrites hope shall perish.  
Jer. 22.24. As I live saith the Lord, though Coniah, the Son of Jehoiakim King of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence. Verse 25. And I will give thee into the hand of them, who seek thy life. Verse 26. And I will cast thee out, and thy Mother that bore thee, into another Country, where ye were not born, and there shall ye die.  
Mat. 7.26. Every one that heareth these say of mine, and doth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish Man, which built his house upon the sand. Verse 27. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blue, and beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.  
Gal. 5.19. The works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revel, and such like; they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.  
2 Thes. 1.7. The Lord Jesus Christ shall be revealed from Heaven, with his mighty Angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.  
Rev. 14.9, 10, 11. If any man worship the Beast, and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand; the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture, into the cup of his indignation, and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone, in the presence of the holy Angels, and in the presence of the Lamb, and the smoke of their torment ascended up for ever, and ever.  
Secondly, When the Minister finds not in the sick person a total hardness and impenitency, he must wisely mingle Threaten and Comforts together: To which purpose suchlike passages of Scripture will be useful.  
Deut. 7.9, 10. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth Covenant and Mercy, with them that love him, and keep his Commandments to a Thousand generations. And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: He will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.  
Jer. 32.18, 19 Thou showest loving kindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the Fathers into the bosom of their Children, after them; the great, the mighty God, the Lord of Hosts is his Name. Great in Counsel, and mighty in works; for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his do.  
Psal. 89.31, 32, 33. If his Children forsake my Law, and walk not in my judgements; If they break my statutes, and keep not my Commandments; I will visit their offence with rods, and their sin with scourges. Nevertheless, my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him; nor suffer my truth to fail.  
Rev. 2.4, 5. I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come against thee quickly, and will remove thy Candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.  
Thirdly, When the Sick Person is fallen into the other extreme, and is sensible of little, or no comfort, the passages of Scripture, relating to such a condition, are those which set forth;  
1. The excellency and goodness of the Divine Nature. Exod. 34.6, 7. The Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, the LORD GOD, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and sin.  
Psalm 86.15, 16. Thou, O Lord God, art full of compassion, and mercy, long-suffering, plenteous in goodness and truth. O turn thee then unto me, and have mercy upon me: Give thy strength unto thy servant, and help the son of thine handmaid.  
Psalm 103.8, 9, etc. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: Long-suffering, and of great goodness. He will not always be chiding, neither keepeth he his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our wickedness. For look how high the Heaven is in comparison of the Earth: So great is his mercy also toward them that fear him. Look how wide also the East is from the West: So far hath he set our sins from us. Yea, like as a Father pitieth his own Children: Even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him. For he knoweth whereof we are made; he remembreth that we are but dust.  
Hos. 11.3, 4. I taught Ephraim to go, taking them by the Arms; but they knew not that I healed them. I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love.  
Jonah 4. Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish; for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.  
Mic. 7.18, 19 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us: he will subdue our iniquities, and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depth of the Sea.  
Malac. 3.6. I am the Lord, I change not, therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.  
Eph. 2.4, 5. God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love, wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins and trespasses, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved): And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus.  
Secondly, His incomprehensible love, declared in giving his Son to die for the sin of the World  
Isa. 52.9, 10. Break forth into joy, sing together ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his People, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all Nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Chap. 53.4, 5, 6. Surely he hath born our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Chap. 55.1, 3. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money, come ye, buy and eat: yea, come buy wine and milk, without money, and without price. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Chap. 61.1, 2, 3. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the , to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all that mourn. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise, for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.  
Ezek. 34.22, 23, 24, 25. I will save my flock, and they shall be no more a prey. And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David a Prince amongst them, I the Lord have spoken it. And I will make with them a covenant of peace.  
Malac. 4.2. Unto you that fear my Name shall the Son of righteousness arise with healing in his wings, and ye shall go forth, and grow up as Calves of the stall.  
Luke 1.76, 77, 78, 79. Thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways. To give knowledge of salvation unto his people, by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us. To give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Chap. 4.17, 18, 19, 21▪ And when he [Jesus] had opened the Book he found the place where i● was written, The Spirit of the Lord 〈◊〉 upon me. And he began to sa● unto them, this day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears.  
Joh 1.29. John seethe Jesus comin● unto him, and saith, Behold th● Lamb of God, which taketh awa● the sin of the World. Chap. 3.16, 17. God so loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Chap. 15.13. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his Friends.  
Act 10.43. To him give all the Prophet's witness, that through his Name, whosoever believeth in him, shall receive remission of sins.  
Rom. 3.23, 24, 25. All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by his grace, through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ: whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation, through faith in his blood.  
Rom. 5.8, 9 God commendeth his love towards us, in that whilst we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Much more than being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  
1 Joh. 2.1, 2. If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins.  
Rev. 5.9. And the Elders sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and people, and tongue, and Nation.  
Thirdly, His faithfulness in keeping his promise.  
Isa. 49.15, 16. Can a woman forget her sucking Child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee on the palms of my hands, thy walls are before me continually.  
Jer. 33.20, 21. Thus saith the Lord, if you can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day, and night in their season; Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne.  
Joh. 10.28, 29. I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me is greater than all: And no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.  
1 Cor. 1.9. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his son Jesus Christ our Lord.  
2 Cor. 1.21, 22. He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.  
2 Tim. 2.19. The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his.  
Heb. 6.17, 18. God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an Oath. That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us.  
1 Joh 1.9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  
Fourthly, His encouragements and promises to the penitent;  
1. In the Law. Levit. 26.40, 41, 42. If they shall confess their iniquity▪ and the iniquity of their Fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary to me; And that I also have walked contrary to them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity; Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham, will I remember, and will remember the land.  
Deut. 4.27, 29, 30, 31. The Lord thy God shall scatter you among the Nations. But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart, and with all thy soul: When thou art in Tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou come to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice, (for the Lord thy God is a merciful God) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the Covenant of thy Fathers, which he swore unto them. Chap. 30.3. The Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return, and gather thee from all the Nations, whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee. In  
2. The Prophets. 1 Sam. 12.20, 22. Samuel said unto the People, fear not, (ye have done all this wickedness, yet turn not aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart) For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great Names sake, because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his People.  
Isa. 1.18, 19 Though your sins be as red as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red as crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. Cham 44.22. I have blotted out as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and as a cloud thy sins: return unto me for I have redeemed thee. Chap. 57.16, 17, 18. I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hide me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him, I will lead him also and restore comforts unto him, and to his mourners.  
Jer. 3.1, 13, 14. Thou hast played the harlot with many lovers, yet return again unto me saith the Lord. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God. Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord, for I am married unto you. Chap. 31.19, 20. Surely after that I was turned, I repent, and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh; I was ashamed, yea even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. Is Ephraim my dear Son? Is he a pleasant child? for since I spoke against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him: I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord. Chap. 33.8. I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon a●l their iniquities whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me.  
Ezek. 33.11. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways, for why will ye die, O house of Israel! In  
3. The Gospel. Mat. 1. 21. Thou shalt call his Name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. Chap. 18.11. The son of man is come to save that which was lost.  
Luke 15.10. There is joy in the presence of the Angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.  
John 6.37. Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.  
Heb. 4.15, 16. We have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Chap. 7.24, 25. This man [Christ Jesus] because he continueth for ever, hath an unchangeable Priesthood. Wherefore he is also able to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Chap. 8.12. I will be merciful unto their unrighteousness, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.  
Fifthly, The performance of those promises in several Instances of mercy.  
Judg. 2.18. When the Lord raised them up Judges, than the Lord was with the Judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the Judge, for it repent the Lord, because of their groan, by reason of them that oppressed them, and vexed them. Chap. 10.15, 16. The children of Israel said unto the Lord, we have sinned, do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee, deliver us only we pray thee this day. And they put away the strange Gods from among them, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.  
2 Sam. 12.13. David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, the Lord also hath put away thy sin, thou shalt not die.  
1 King. 21.29. Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his sons days will I bring the evil upon his house.  
2 Chron. 33.12, 13. And when he [Manasseh] was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his Fathers. And prayed unto him, and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom.  
Nehem. 9.31. Nevertheless, for thy great mercy's sake, thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them, for thou art a gracious and merciful God.  
Jonah 3.10. And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way, and God repent of the evil, that he had said, he would do unto them, and he did it not.  
Mat. 18.26, 27. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him saying, Lord have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the Lord of that servant came moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.  
Luke 7.47. Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. Chap. 23.42, 43. And he said unto Jesus, Lord remember me when thou comest into thy Kingdom: And Jesus said unto him, verily I say unto thee, to day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.  
1 Tim. 1.15, 16. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief. Howbeit, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them who should hereafter believe on him to everlastinglife.  
Sixthly, Examples of fear, and desertion in holy men.  
1 Sam. 27.1. And David said in his heart, I shall now one day perish by the hand of Saul.  
Job 7.13, 14, 15. When I say my bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint. Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions. So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life. Chap. 14.16, 17. Thou numbrest my steps, dost thou not watch over my sins? My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and thou sowest up mine iniquity. Chap. 30.20. I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear, I stand up, and thou regardest me not. Thou art become cruel to me; with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me.  
Lam. 5.20, 21, 22. Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time? Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned: renew our days as of old. But thou hast utterly rejected us, thou art very wroth against us.  
Mat. 27.46. Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?  
Fifthly, When the Minister doth think there is cause to suspect the confidence of the sick person, as not safely grounded; for greater caution, and searching out the truth thereof, those passages of Scripture are useful, that point at.  
First, The deceitfulness of man's heart. Job. 18.5, 14. The light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. His confidence shall be rooted out of his Tabernacle, and it shall bring him to the king of terrors.  
Isa. 5.21. woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight. Chap. 58.2. They seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a Nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the Ordinance of their God: they ask of me the Ordinances of Justice, and take delight in approaching unto God. Chap. 59.6. There webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works.  
Jer. 17.9. The heart is deceitful above all things; and desperately wicked: who can know it?  
Luke 16.15. Ye are they which justify yourselves before men, but God knoweth your hearts.  
Rom. 10.1, 2. My hearts desire, and prayer unto God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record, that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.  
1 Cor. 3.3. Whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?  
Gal. 6.3, 4, 7. If a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. Be not decieved, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  
James 1.26, 27. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, that man's Religion is vain. Pure Religion and undefiled before God, and the Father, is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.  
Secondly, The subtlety of Satan. Gen. 3.1. The serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field. And he said unto the woman, ye shall not surely die; For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, than your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as Gods knowing good and evil.  
1 Chron. 21.1. And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.  
Job 1.7. The Lord said unto Satan, whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord and said; from going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.  
1 King. 22.22. I will go forth, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his Prophets.  
Mat. 16.23. Get thee behind me Satan, for thou art an offence unto me, for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those things that be of men.  
Acts 16.16, 17. And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damosel possessed with a spirit of Divination, met us, which brought her Masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul, and us, and cried saying These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation.  
2 Cor. 2.8, 11. I beseech you that you would confirm your love towards him: Lest Satan should get an advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices. Chap. 11.3, 14 I fear least by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety: So your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For Satan himself is transformed into an Angel of light.  
1 Thes. 3.5. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.  
Thirdly, Admonition to make a strict search into our hearts. Psal. 77.6. In the night, I common with mine own heart, and search out my spirit.  
Jer. 6.14. They have healed the hurt of the Daughter of my People slightly, saying Peace, Peace, when there is no Peace.  
Malac. 3.2, 3. Who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a Refiners fire, and like Fuller's soap. And he shall sit as a Refiner, and purifyer of silver.  
1 Cor. 3.13. Every man's work shall be made manifest; For the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. Chap. 4.4. I know nothing by myself, yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Chap. 11.28. Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that Bread, and drink of that Cup.  
2 Cor. 13.5. Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith: prove your own selves, know you not your own selves that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be reprobates?  
Phil. 4.8. Brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.  
Heb. 4.12, 13. The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked, and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.  
James 1.25. Whoso looketh into the perfect Law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.  
Rev. 3.1, 2. I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Verse 17. Thou sayest I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing: and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.  
Fourthly, Calling upon God for assistance. 1 Sam. 16.7. The Lord seethe not as man seethe; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.  
Psal. 139.23, 24. Try me, O God, and seek the ground of my heart: prove me, and examine my thoughts. Look well if there be any way of wickedness in me; and lead me in the way everlasting.  
Jer. 10.23. O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. Chap. 17.10. I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins; even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his do.  
James 1.5. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not: and it shall be given him.  
The examination, and Trial of his State must be governed by such rules of Scripture, as relate to the consideration;  
First, Of his life past, with respect  
First, To the Law of God, as it is opened and expounded by our Blessed Saviour in the 5th. 6th. and 7th. Chap. of St. Matthew.  
Secondly, The duty of furnishing his soul with Divine graces, and habits of virtue. Psal. 45.14. The King's daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is of wrought Gold.  
Jer. 31.33, 34. I will put my Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts. For they shall all know me, from the least of them, to the greatest of them.  
Ezek. 36.27. I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgements and do them.  
Mat. 5.3, to 13. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the Earth. Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Chap. 13.12. Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Chap. 18.3. Verily I say unto you; except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven.  
2 Pet. 1.5, to 11. Besides this, giving all diligence add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; And to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things, is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things ye shall never fall.  
Thirdly, The Performance of particular duties in his several Relations, and Profession. Acts 13.36. David after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers.  
Rom. 12.4, 5, 6, 7. As we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office; so we being many are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts, differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith. Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering. Or he that teacheth, on teaching.  
Ephes. 6.1, 4, 5, 6. Children obey your Parents in the Lord. Fathers provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture, and admonition of the Lord. Servants be obedient to them that are your Masters. Not with eye-service, as menpleasures, but as the servants of Christ. Master's do the same things to them.  
1 Pet. 2.13. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake. Chap. 3.1, 7. Wives, be in subjection unto your Husbands. Likewise Husbands dwell with their Wives according to knowledge, giving them honour, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life.  
Secondly, His present condition, in reference to their duties  
1. Of Restitution and Satisfaction. Gen. 43.12. Take double money in your hand, and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks: peradventure it was an oversight.  
Exod. 22.5. If a man shall cause a field, or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field: of the best of his own field, and the best of his own vineyard shall he make restitution.  
Levit. 24.18. And he that killeth a Beast, shall make it good, Beast for Beast.  
Nehem. 5.9, 10, 11. It is not good that ye do. I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants might exact of them money, and corn; I pray you let us leave off this usury. Restore, I pray you, to them even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundred part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, the oil, that you exact of them. Then said they, we will restore it.  
Isa. 61.8. I the Lord love judgement: I hate robbery for burntoffering.  
Mich. 2.1, 2. woe unto them that devise iniquity: They covet fields, and take them by violence: and houses, and take them away: So they oppress a man, and his house, even a man and his heritage.  
Hab. 2.6. woe unto him that increaseth that which is not his.  
Zech. 5.1, 3, 4. I looked, and behold a flying Roll. This is the curse, that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him, that sweareth falsely by my Name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it, with the timber thereof, and the stones thereof.  
1 Thes. 4.3, 6. This is the will of God, That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such.  
2. Remission of injuries suffered by him, and hearty reconciliation.  
Mat. 5.23, 24. If thou bring thy gift to the Altar, and there remember'st that thy brother hath aught against thee; Leave there thy gift before the Altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Chap. 18.33. Shouldst thou not also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee?  
Mark 11. When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any; that your Father also, which is in Heaven, may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father, which is in Heaven, forgive your trespasses.  
Joh. 13.35. By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples, that ye love one another.  
Acts 4.32. The multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and of one soul.  
1 Cor. 12.27. Ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  
Col. 3.12, 13. Put on therefore (as the elect of God, holy and beloved) bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: Even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  
3 almsgiving, if of ability.  
Deut. 15.7, 8, 10, 11. If there be among you a poor man of one of thy Brethren, thou shalt not harden thy heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother. But thou shalt open thy hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth. Thou shalt surely give him, and thy heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land, therefore I command thee saying, thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy Brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy in the land.  
Psal. 41. Blessed is he that considereth the poor and needy, the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble. The Lord preserve him and keep him alive, that he may be blessed upon earth; and deliver thou not him into the will of his enemies. The Lord comfort him when he lieth sick upon his bed: make thou all his bed in his sickness.  
Prov. 3.27. Withold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Chap. 11.24. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth: and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, and it tendeth to poverty.  
Eccl. 11.1. Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.  
Mat. 25.37. to 41. Then shall the righteous answer him saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee; And the King shall answer, and say unto them, verily I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it to one of the least of these my Brethren, ye have done it unto me.  
Acts 10.4. Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.  
1 Tim. 6.17, 18, 19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us all things richly to enjoy. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to stribute, willing to communicate, Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.  
4. Unfeigned Repentance for the Errors of his life past.  
Psal. 51.1, etc. Have mercy upon me, O God, after thy great goodness: according to the multitude of thy mercies, do away mine offences: Wash me throughly from my wickedness: and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my faults: and my sin is ever before me. Turn thy face from my sins: and put out all my misdeeds. Make me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence: and take not thy holy spirit from me.  
Fourthly, If the sick person be troubled from the occasion, or by reason of some circumstances relating to his sickness; the Scriptures proper for that condition, are such as set forth,  
1. The duty of reflecting on his former course of life. 2 Chron. 21.12, to the 16. And there came a writing to Jehoram from Elijah the Prophet, saying, thus saith the Lord God of David thy Father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy Father, nor in the ways of Asa King of Judah: But hast walked in the ways of the Kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the Inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy father's house, which were better than thyself: Behold with a great plague will the Lord smite thy People, and thy Children, and thy Wives, and all thy Goods: And thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy Bowels, until thy Bowels fall out by reason of thy sickness day by day. And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness; so he died of sore diseases. Chap. 26.19. And whilst Vzziah was wroth with the Priests, the Leprosy even risen up in his forehead, before the Priests in the house of the Lord, from besides the incense-Altar.  
Psal. 25.6. O remember not the sins and offences of my youth: But according to thy mercy think thou upon me, O Lord, for thy goodness. Psal. 25.6. O remember not our old sins, but have mercy upon us, and that soon: for we are come to great misery. Help us, O God, of our salvation, for the glory of thy Name: O deliver us, and be merciful to our sins for thy Names sake.  
Job 13.26. Thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth.  
2. The promiscuous dispensing out these things, both to good and bad, in this life. Gen. 35.16, 18, 19 And Rachel traveled, and she had hard labour. And the midwife said unto her, fear not, thou shalt have thy son also. And as her soul was in departing she called his name Benoni: and Rachel died.  
Leu. 10.1, 2. And Nadab and Abihu the sons of Aaron offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded not. And there went out a fire from the Lord, and devoured them.  
Numb. 20.12. And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, because ye believe me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given you.  
Judg. 20.21, 25. And the Children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibzah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day, twenty and two thousand men. And the second day they destroyed down to the ground eighteen thousand men.  
I Sam. 4.18. And when he [the Messenger] made mention of the Ark of God, Eli fell from off the seat backward by the side of the Gate, and his neck broke, for he was an old man, and heavy; and he had judged Israel forty years.  
2 Kings 23.29. And King Josiah went against him [Pharaoh Necho] and he slew him at Megiddo.  
Job 2.7. Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore biles, from the sole of his foot, unto his crown. Chap. 9.21, 22. Though I were perfect yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life. This is one thing, therefore I said it, he destroyeth the perfect and the wicked.  
Eccl. 8.14. There be just men unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked: again there be wicked men unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous. Chap. 9.2. All things come alike to all; there is one event to the righteous, and unto the wicked, to the good, and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not; as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.  
Jer. 24.5. Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them, that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Caldoeans for their good.  
Acts 20.9. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep, and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.  
2 Tim. 4.20. Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.  
3. The Divine Clemency, in preventing, by such chastisements, our eternal destruction. Joh. 5.14. Jesus said unto him; Behold, thou art made whole; sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.  
I Cor. 11.32. When we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.  
4. The Discrimination that shall one day be made, betwixt such as may suffer alike in this world. Mal. 3.14. to the end. Ye have said, it is vain to serve God, and what profit is it, that we have kept his Ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? And now we call the proud happy: yea they that work wickedness are set up: yea they that tempt God are even delivered. Then they that feared the Lord, spoke often one to another, and the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his Name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day, when I make up my Jewels, and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth the Lord, and him that serveth him not.  
5. The Duty of searching after that which doth provoke God to anger. Gen. 42.22. And they [the Brethren of Joseph] said one to another, we are verily guilty concerning our Brother, in that we saw the Anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear: therefore is this distress come upon us.  
Jos. 7.13. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, there is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel, thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.  
Jon. 1.7. And the [Mariners] said every one to his fellow, come and let us cast lots that we may know for whose cause this evil is come upon us.  
1 Cor. 11.30, 31. For this cause many are weak and sickly amongst you, and many are fallen asleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.  
Rev. 9.20. And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues, yet repent not of the works of their hands.  
Fifthly, When the sick Person is oppressed with the fear of death, such Scriptures are useful; as set forth,  
1. The like fear in holy men. Psal. 18.3, 4. The sorrows of death compassed me: and the overflowings of ungodliness made me afraid. The pains of Hell came about me: the snares of death overtook me. Psal. 55.4, 5. My heart is disquieted within me: and the fear of death is fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me: and an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me. Psal. 102.23, 24. He brought down my strength in my journey: and shortened my days. But I said, O my God take me not away in the midst of mine age: as for thy years they endure throughout all generations.  
Isa. 38.1, 2, 3. Isaiah the Prophet the son of Amos came unto him [Hezekiah,] and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, set thine house in order: for thou shalt die and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, And said; remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight: and Hezekiah wept sore.  
2. Comforts against fear of death, from  
1. The necessity of dying. 1 Sam. 12.23. Now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not come to me. Chap. 14.14. We must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again.  
Job 7.1. Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?  
Isa. 40.6, 7. The voice said; cry: And I said what shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof, is as a flower of the field. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it; surely the People is grass.  
Heb. 9.27. It is appointed unto men once to die.  
2. Victory over death by Christ. Isa. 25.8. He will swallow up death in victory.  
Hos. 13.14. I will ransom them from the power of the grave: I will redeem them from death: O death I will be thy plagues, O grave I will be thy destruction.  
1 Cor. 15.25, 26. He must reign till he have put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Vers. 54.55. When this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory.  
3. Blessed death of the righteous. 2 Chron. 34.28. I will gather thee to thy Fathers, and thou shalt be gathered unto thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same.  
Isa. 26.20. Come my People, enter thou into thy Chambers, and shut thy doors about thee; hid thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. Chap. 57.1, 2. The righteous perisheth and no man layeth it to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.  
Rom. 14.8. Whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lords.  
Rev. 14.13. I heard a voice from Heaven, saying unto me, writ, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth, yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works follow them.  
4. The Joys to be revealed hereafter. Psal. 16.9, 12. I have set God always before me: for he is on my right hand, therefore I shall not fall. Thou shalt show me the path of life, in thy presence is the fullness of joy, and at thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore. Psal. 36.8▪ 9 They shall be satisfied with the plenteousness of thy house: and thou shalt give them drink of thy pleasures, as out of the river. For with thee is the well of life: and in thy light shall we see light.  
Isa. 51.11. The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. Chap. 64.4. Since the beginning of the World men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, besides thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.  
Dan. 12.1, 3. At that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever.  
Mat. 25.23. His Lord said unto him, well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee Ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.  
Luke 16.25. Abraham said, son remember that thou in thy life-time receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.  
Joh. 17.24. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me.  
Phil. 1.21, 23. To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. I am in a straight betwixt two, having a desire to departed, and to be with Christ, which is far better.  
Rev. 7.9. After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues stood before the Throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands: And cried with a loud voice, saying, salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb.  
5. The presence of God with his hildrens, in all conditions. Psal. 41.3. The Lord comfort him when he lieth sick upon his bed: make thou all his bed in his sickness.  
Isa. 41.10. Fear thou not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Chap. 43.1, 2, 3. Fear not, I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the holy one of Israel, thy Saviour.  
Rev. 3.10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience: I will also keep thee from the hour of temptation.  
Sixthly, That such spiritual remedies may do good, the Minister must endeavour to understand and consider from whence that unwillingness to die proceeds; and to the several causes thereof his applications of Scripture must be suitable. If  
1. It be from that aversation which every Creature naturally hath to dissolution, the best men have not been altogether free from that fear. Joh. 21.18, 19 When thou wast young thou girdest thyself, and walkest whither thou wouldst: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldst not. This spoke he, signifying by what death he should glorify God.  
To this must be opposed, 1. The conquest of Death by Christ. Heb 2.14, 15. Forasmuch as the Children are partakers of flesh and blood: he also himself likewise took part of the same, that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the Devil: And deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage.  
1 Cor. 15.56, 57 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the Law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Vers. 58. Therefore my beloved brethren be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.  
2. The pattern of a true Christian temper of mind. 2 Cor. 5.1, etc. We know, that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building with God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. For in this we groan earnestly, desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from Heaven. For we that are in this Tabernacle do groan being burdened, not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who hath also given unto us the earnest of the spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord, (For we walk by faith, not by sight) we are confident I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.  
Secondly, If from love of this World; The vanity of all earthly things, and the danger of such love of the World must be considered.  
Eccl. 2.4, etc. I made me great works, I builded me houses, I planted me vineyards; I made me gardens, and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits. I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees. I got me servants, and maidens, and had servants born in my house: also I had great possessions of great and small , above all that were in Jerusalem before me. I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of Kings, and of the Provinces: I got me men-singers, and women-singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. And whatsoever mine eyes desired, I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy: for my heart rejoiced in all my labours; and this was my portion of all my labour: Then I looked on all the works that my hand had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and behold all was vanity, and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.  
1 Cor. 7.29, 30, 31. This I say, Brethren, the time is short, It remaineth that both they that have Wives be as though they had none: And they that weep, as though they wept not: and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not: and they that buy, as though they possessed not: and they that use this World, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this World passeth away.  
Rev. 18.16, 17. Alas, Alas, that great City, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls: For in one hour so great riches is come to naught.  
2. The danger of it. Mat. 19.23, 24. Jesus said unto his Disciples: verily, verily, I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a Camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.  
1 Tim. 6.9, 10. They that will be rich fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil.  
1 Joh. 2.15, 16, 17. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world: If any man love th● world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doth the will of God abideth for ever.  
Luke 12.16, etc. Jesus spoke this Parable. The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, what shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, this will I do, I will pull down my Barns, and build greater, and there will I bestow my fruits, and my goods. And I will say to my soul, soul thou hast much goods laid up for many years, take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: than whose shall those things be which thou hast provided? 1 Tim. 6.9, 10.  
Thirdly, If from a Conscience burdened with the guilt of sin, to the former Applications, p. 22, 23. may be added the tender regard of our Blessed Saviour, for penitent sinners, foretold by the Prophets  
Isa. 40.11. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd, he shall gather the Lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.  
And proclaimed by himself. Mat. 11.28, 29. Come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Vers. 30. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  
Joh. 7.37. Jesus stood and cried saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. Chap. 11.25, 26. Jesus said [unto Martha] I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth, and believeth in me, shall never die.  
Fourthly, If from solicitude and overgreat care for Wife and Children; the Scriptures pertinent, are such as set forth  
1. The All-sufficiency of God. Gen. 17.1. And when Abraham was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abraham, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God, walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my Covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. Chap. 18.14. Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed will I return unto thee, and Sarah shall have a son.  
2 Chron. 25.9. Amaziah said to the man of God, but what shall we do for the hundred Talents, which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, the Lord is able to give thee much more than this.  
Isa. 59.1. Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save: neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear.  
2. His promises to his Children, and to their seed. Gen. 17.19. Sarah thy Wife shall bear a son indeed, and thou shalt call his name Isaac; and I will establish my Covenant with him, for an everlasting Covenant, and with his seed after him. Vers. 7. I will establish my Covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting Covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.  
Exod. 2.24, 25. God heard their groaning, and God remembered his Covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the Children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.  
Jos. 21.25. There failed not aught of any good thing, which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.  
2 Sam. 7.24. Thou hast confirmed to thyself thy People Israel, to be a People unto thee for ever; and thou Lord art become their God.  
Psal. 68.5. He is a Father of the fatherless, and defendeth the cause of the Widows; even God in his holy habitation. Psal. 112.1, 2. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; he hath great delight in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth; the generation of the faithful shall be blessed.  
Rom 8.32, 38, 39 He that spared not his own son, but delivered him up for us all; how shall he not with him also, freely give us all things? I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  
Heb. 13.5, 6. Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear, what man shall do unto me.  
3. His performance of them, even by the mighty working of his Power. Gen. 31.29. It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt; but the God of your Father spoke unto me yesternight, saying, take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. Chap. 50.20. Joseph said unto them; ye thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much People alive.  
Exod. 1.12. The more they afflicted them, the more they grew; and they were grieved because of the Children of Israel.  
1 King. 17.3, 4, 6. Hid thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan, and I have commanded the Ravens to feed thee there. And the Ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening, and he drunk of the brook. Vers. 13.14, 15. Elijah said unto her, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth. And she, and he, and her house did eat many days.  
2 King. 4.1, to 8. Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the Prophets unto Elisha; saying, Thy servant my husband is dead, and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: And the Creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. And Elisha said unto her, what shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? and she said, thy handmaid hath not any thing in the house but a pot of oil. Then he said, go borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours; even empty vessels, borrow not a few. And when thou art come in thou shalt shut the door upon thee, and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. So she went from him, and did shut the door upon her, and upon her sons; who brought the vessels to her and she poured out. And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, there is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. And she came and told the man of God; and he said, go sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest. So Dan. 3.17. Chap. 6.21, 22.  
Joh. 6.5, 7, etc. When Jesus saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? Philip answered him. Two hundred pennyworth of bread, is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. Andrew saith unto him, There is a lad here, that hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes, but what are they among so many? Jesus said make the men sit down. So the men sat down in number about five thousand. And when Jesus had given thanks, he distributed to the Disciples, and the Disciples to them that were set down, and likewise of the fishes, as much as they would. See Acts 5.19, 20. Ch. 12.6, 7, 8. Chap. 16.25, 26. Deut. 8.4. Psal. 78.14, to 30.  
4. The danger of such solicitude. Mat. 13.22. He that received seed among the thorns, is he that heareth the word of God, and the care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.  
Luke 12.20. God said unto him, Thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee: than whose shall these things be which thou hast provided? Chap. 21.34. Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.  
1 Cor. 7.35. This I speak for your own profit, that you may attend upon the Lord without distraction.  
And the unprositableness of it. Psal. 127.1, 2, 3. Except the Lord build the house, their labour is but lost that build it. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is but lost labour that ye hap to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness.  
Mat. 6.27. Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?  
Luke 10.39, etc. Martha had a sister called Mary which also sat at Jesus feet, and heard his word: But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered, and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things; But one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that one good part, which shall not be taken away from her.  
6. Weakness of Faith discovered thereby. Mat. 6.30. If God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the Oven: shall he not much more  you, O ye of little faith? Chap. 8.26. Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Chap. 14.31. Immediately, Jesus stretched forth his hand and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?  
Phil. 4.6. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God.  
1 Pet. 5. Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.  
7. The duty of commanding them, we leave behind to serve God faithfully, that they may be blessed. Gen. 18.19. I know Abraham that he will command his children, and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do Justice and judgement, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham, that which he hath spoken of him.  
Jos. 23.14. This day, I am going the way of all the earth, and ye know in all your hearts, and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you, all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof, Chap. 24. And if it seem evil to you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  
1 Chron. 29.10. David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, blessed be the Lord God of Israel our Fathers for ever and ever. Vers. 11. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty, for all that is in the Heaven and the earth is thine: thine is the Kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as a head above all. Vers. 12. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all, and in thine hand is power and might, and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Vers. 17. I know also my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. Vers. 18. O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel our Fathers, keep this for ever in the imaginations of the thoughts of the heart of thy People, and prepare their heart unto thee: Vers. 19 And give unto Solomon my son, a perfect heart to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies and thy statutes.  
2 Pet. 1.12, etc. I think it meet, as long as I am in this Tabernacle, to stir you up, by putting you in remembrance, knowing that shortly I must put off this my Tabernacle. Moreover I will endeavour, that you may be able after my decease, to have these things always in remembrance.  
Seventhly, If the sick Person seem willing to die, the Minister may prudently endeavour to discover, whether his willingness to die doth proceed from some good, and laudable motive, or no, for it may arise out of either: As  
1. From a desire to be freed from the troubles and persecutions Men undergo in this life Numb. 11.13, 14, 15. Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this People? for they weep unto me saying, give us flesh that we may eat. I am not able to bear all this People alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight, and let me not see my wretchedness.  
1 King. 19.4. But he [Elijah] himself went a days journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a Juniper-tree, and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, it is enough now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my Fathers. Or  
2. To be freed from pain. Job. 3.11, etc. Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost, when I came out of the belly? Vers. 13. For now should I have lain still, and been at quiet, I should have slept, then should I have been at rest. Vers. 17, 18. There the wicked cease from troubling, there the weary be at rest. There the Prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor. Vers. 20, 21. Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery; and life unto the bitter in soul? which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures? Chap. 6.8, 9 O that I might have my request, and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let lose his hand, and cut me off!  
Jon. 4.8. It came to pass, when the sun did rise, that God prepared a vehement eastwind, and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, it is better for me to die, than to live. Or.  
3. Out of ignorance of man's estate after death, in respect of rewards, and punishments. Eccl. 12.7. Then shall the dust return to the earth, as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.  
Heb. 9.27. It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement.  
2 Cor. 5.10, 11. We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terrors of the Lord, we persuade men.  
Mat. 25.31, 32, 33, 46. When the son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy Angels with him, then shall he be set upon the Throne of his glory. And before him shall be gathered all Nations, and he shall separate them one from the other, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. Then shall he say unto them on his right hand, come ye blessed Children of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the World. Then shall he say to them on his left hand; depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal.  
Luke 16.22, etc. And it came to pass that the beggar died, and was carried by the Angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man died also, and was buried. And in Hell he lift up his eyes being in torments, and seethe Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom: And he cried, and said, Father Abraham have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame. Or  
4. Patiented submission to Gods will. 1 Sam. 3.18. And Eli said, it is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good.  
Luke 22.42. Father, if thou be willing remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.  
Acts 21.14: And when he [Paul] would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, the will of the Lord be done.  
Phil. 4.11. I have learned in what estate soever I am, therewith to be content. Or,  
5. Well-grounded hopes of Salvation. Job 8.20. God will not cast away a perfect man.  
Psal. 37.38. Keep innocency, and take heed to the thing that is right, for that shall bring a man peace at the last.  
Rom. 5.1, 2. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  
2 Cor. 4.13, 14. We having the same spirit of faith, (according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken: we also believe, and therefore speak: knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus, shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.  
2 Tim. 7.8. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto them also which love his appearing.  
Heb. 3.14. We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.  
To each of these, fit applications of these, or suchlike passages of Scripture are to be made. For neither willingness, nor unwillingness to die simply considered, are tokens of good, or bad estate, but in relation t● the ground, (or cause) from whenc● they proceed.  
Eighthly, When the sick Person complains of the want of sensible joy and inward comfort of the Spirit, such passages of Scripture are to be set before him, as describe  
1. The state of our spiritual warfare. Mat. 10.35, 38. I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.  
Joh. 16.33. In the world ye shall have tribulation.  
Gal. 5.17. The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  
Eph. 5.11, 12, 13. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against Principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.  
2 Tim. 3.12. All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  
2. The complaints of holy men. Job 3.25, 26. The thing which I greatly feared is fallen upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet, yet trouble came. Chap. 6.4. The arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.  
Psal. 77.7, 8, 9 Will the Lord absent himself for ever, and will he be no more entreated? Is his mercy clean gone for ever: and is his promise come utterly to an end for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious: and will he shut up his loving kindness in displeasure? Psal. 88.6. Thine indignation lieth hard upon me, and thou hast vexed me with thy storms. Vers. 15. I am in misery, and like unto him that is at the point to die: even from my youth up thy terrors have I suffered with a troubled mind.  
Jer. 15.17, 18. I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation. Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed?  
2 Cor. 12.7, etc. Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the Revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to busset me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might departed from me. And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  
3. The return of the light of God's countennance. Psal. 30.5. His wrath endureth but the twinkling of an eye, in his pleasure is life: heaviness may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Vers. 12. Thou hast turned my heaviness into joy: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness. Psal. 71 18. O what great troubles and adversities hast thou shown me? and yet didst thou turn and refresh me: yea and broughtest me from the depth of the earth again.  
Jer. 29.11. I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  
Micah. 7.8. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy, when I fall, I shall arise, when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.  
Job. 14.27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you: let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  
4. The practice of Holy men in like Cases. Psal. 42.6, 7. Why art thou so full of heaviness, O my soul, and why art thou so disquieted within me? Put thy trust in God, for I will yet give him thanks for the help of his countenance. Psal. 119.52. I remembered thine everlasting judgements, O Lord, and received comfort. Psal. 14.3. Hear my Prayer, O Lord, etc.  
Acts. 12.5. Peter therefore was kept in prison, but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him.  
Jam. 5.13. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.  
5. Promises of deliverance. Job 5.17, 18, 19 Happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastning of the Almighty. For he maketh sore, and bindeth up; he woundeth, and his hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea in seven there shall no evil touch thee.  
Psal. 34.18. Great are the troubles of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth them out of all.  
Jer. 15.11. Verily I will cause the enemy to treat thee well in the time of evil, and in the time of affliction. Chap. 39.16, 18. Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee, because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord.  
Joel 2.32. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.  
Zeph. 3.14, 17. Sing, O daughter of Zion, shout, O Israel; be glad and daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty: he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy: he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. Vers. 19 Behold at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: I will save her that halteth; and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.  
2 Pet. 2.9. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations.  
5. Endeavours of strengthening our Faith. I Sam. 30.6. And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons, and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.  
Psal. 56.2, 3. Mine enemies are daily in hand to swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most high. Nevertheless, though I am sometimes afraid, yet put I my trust in thee. Psal. 146.2, to the end. O put not your trust in Princes, etc.  
Prov. 3.5, 6. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him; and he shall direct thy path.  
Isa. 12.2. Behold God is my salvation: I will trust, and not be afraid, for the Lord Jehovah is my strength, and my song, he also is become my salvation.  
Mic. 2.7. O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the Lord straitened? are these his do? do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?  
Hab. 2.4. The just shall live by faith. Chap. 3.17, 18. Although the Figtree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vine; the labour of the Olive shall fail, and the field shall yield no meat, the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet will I rejoice in the Lord: I will joy in the God of my salvation.  
Mark 5.25, 27, 28, 29. A certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years; when she heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment; For she said if I may but touch his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body, that she was healed of that plague.  
2 Tim. 1.12. For which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed; and am persuaded that he is able to keep, that which I have committed unto him against that day.  
Heb. 12.11, 12. No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: Nevertheless afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness, unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.  
Ninthly, When the sick person doubteth of the Truth, or seasonableness of his Repentance, these Scriptures are proper, that set forth  
1. The Nature of true Repentance. 2 Sam. 24.10. David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the People, and David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done; and now I beseech thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant for I have done very foolishly.  
Ezek. 18.21, 22. If the wicked man will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him, in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Joh. 5.14. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.  
2. Fruits of it. Hos. 14.1, 2. O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God, for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord, say unto him, take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously, so will we offer unto thee, the calves of our lips.  
Luke 3.7, etc. O generation of Vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance. And now also the Axe is laid unto the root of the trees: Every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down and cast into the fire. And the People asked him saying, what shall we do then? He answered and saith unto them. He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none: and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.  
Acts 3.26. God having raised up his son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.  
Rom. 6.4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father: even so we also should walk in newness of life. Chap. 7.4. Wherefore, my Brethren, ye also are become dead to the Law by the body of Christ, that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.  
3. God's acceptance and reward of them. 2 Chron. 12.7. When the Lord saw they had humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came unto Shemajah, saying, they have humbled themselves, therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance, and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jernsalem, by the hand of Shishak.  
Psal. 32.6. I said I will confess my sin unto the Lord, and so thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.  
Neh. 1.9. If ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the Heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my Name there.  
Ezek. 33.14, 15, 16. When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die, if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had rob, walk in the statutes of life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.  
Mat. 16.27. The son of man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his Angels, and then he shall reward every man according to his works.  
Rom. 6.22. Being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.  
Heb. 6.10. God is not unrighteous to forget your labour and work of love.  
Rev. 14.13. Their works follow them. Chap. 20.13. Death and the grave delivered up the dead which were in them, and they were judged every man according to his works.  
4. Diligent search into our state, and the truth and sincerity of our repentance; then especially, when but a short time is likely to be afforded for the trial thereof. 2 Chron. 25.2. Amaziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.  
Job 27.3, to 7. All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor shall my tongue utter deceit; till I die, I will not remove my integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go; my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.  
Psal. 26.2. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me: try out my reins and my heart. Psal. 78.34, etc. When he slew them, they sought him: and turned them early, and enquired after God. And they remembered that God was their strength: and the High God was their Redeemer. Nevertheless, they did but flatter him with their mouth; and dissembled with him in their tongues. For their heart was not whole with him: neither continued they steadfast in his covenant.  
Isa. 58.1, 2. Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet: and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a Nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the Ordinance of their God: they ask of me the Ordinances of Justice, and take delight in approaching to God.  
Ezek. 14.3. These men have set up their Idols in their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?  
Mat. 7.21, etc. Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he that doth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy Name? and in thy Name have cast out Devils? and in thy Name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from me ye that work iniquity.  
Luke 13.24. Strive to enter in at the straight gate: for many I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.  
2 Cor. 7.9, 10, 11. I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repent of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold, this selfsame thing that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea what revenge; In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.  
Tenthly, If the sick person needs, or desires instruction how to demean himself in his sickness, such Scriptures will be useful, as direct us to  
1. Contrition for sin. Job 42.2, 5, 6. I know that thou canst do any thing, and that no thought can be withheld from thee. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seethe thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.  
Psal. 19.12. Who can tell how oft he offends? O cleanse thou me from my secret faults. Psal. 32.1, etc. Blessed is the man whose unrighteousness is forgiven: and whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth no sin: and in whose spirit there is no guile. I will acknowledge my sin unto thee: and mine unrighteousness have I not hid. Psal. 34.17. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: and will save such as be of an humble spirit. Psal. 38.1, etc. Put me not to rebuke, O Lord, in thine anger: neither chasten me in thy heavy displeasure. For thine arrows stick fast in me: and thy hand presseth me sore. There is no health in my flesh because of thy displeasure: neither is there any rest in my bones by reason of my sin. For my wickednesses are gone over my head: and are like a sore burden too heavy for me to bear. I truly am set in the plague: and my heaviness is ever in my sight. For I will confess my wickedness: and be sorry for my sin.  
Hos. 7.2. They consider not in their hearts, that I remember all their wickedness.  
Jam. 3.2. In many things we offend all.  
2. Humility and Patience in affliction. 2 Sam. 15.25, 26. And the King [David] said unto Zadok, carry back the Ark of God into the City: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and show me both it and his habitation. But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee: behold, here am I, let him do to me, as seemeth good unto him.  
Job 2.10. What, shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. Chap. 34.31, 32. Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have born chastisement, I will not offend any more. That, which I see not, teach thou me: If I have done iniquity, I will do no more.  
Psal. 27.16. O tarry thou the Lords leisure: be strong, and he shall comfort thy heart, and put thou thy trust in the Lord.  
Lam. 3.25, 26. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope, and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.  
Mic. 7.9. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him.  
Luke 21.19. In your patience possess your souls.  
Heb. 12.7. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons.  
Jam. 1.2, 3, 4. Count it all joy, when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience; But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  
1 Pet. 5.6. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.  
3. Reliance upon God. Deut. 33.26. There is none like unto the God of Jesurun. Verse. 27. The Eternal God is thy refuge. Vers. 29. Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O People, saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency?  
1 Sam. 12.22. The Lord will not forsake his People, for his great Names sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his People.  
2 Chron. 16.9. The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him.  
Job 13.15. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.  
Psal. 5.13. Thou Lord wilt give thy blessing unto the righteous: and with thy favourable kindness wilt thou defend him as with a shield. Psal. 9.10. They that know thy Name will put their trust in thee: for thou Lord hast never failed them that seek thee. Psal. 22.10. I have been left unto thee ever since I was born: thou art my God even from my mother's womb. Psal. 23.4. Though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Psal. 33.17. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him: and upon them that put their trust in his mercy Psal. 37.40. The salvation of the righteous cometh of the Lord: which is also their strength in the time of trouble. Psal. 62.1. My soul truly waiteth still upon God; for of him cometh my salvation.  
Isa. 30.15. Thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, In returning and rest shall ye be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.  
Lam. 3.25, 26. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope, and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.  
4. The Benefit and Comfort of Prayer. Isa. 26.8, 9 In the way of thy judgements, O Lord, have we waited for thee: the desire of our soul is to thy Name, and to the remembrance of thee. With my soul have I desired thee in the night, yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgements are in the earth; the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.  
Job. 42.10. The Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends.  
Psal. 50.15. Call upon me in the time of trouble: So will I hear thee, and thou shalt praise me. Psal. 55.17, 18. As for me, I will call upon God: and the Lord shall save me. In the evening and morning, and at noon day I will pray, and that instantly: and he shall hear my voice. Psal. 65.2, 3. Thou that hearest prayer: unto thee shall all flesh come. My misdeeds prevail against me: O be thou merciful unto our sins. Psal. 69.13, etc. Lord I make my prayer to thee, in an acceptable time. Hear me, O God, in the multitude of thy mercy: even in the truth of thy salvation. Take me out of the mire, that I sink not: Oh let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters. Let not the deep flood drown me, neither let the deep swallow me up: and let not the Pit shut her mouth upon me. Hear me, O Lord, for thy loving kindness is comfortable: turn thee unto me according to the multitude of thy mercies. And hid not thy face from thy servant, for I am in trouble: Oh haste thee and hear me! Draw nigh unto my soul, and save it: Oh deliver me because of mine enemies. Psal. 86.1, to 8. Bow down thine ear O Lord, and hear me; for I am poor, and in misery. Preserve thou my soul, for I am holy: save thy servant, that putteth his trust in thee. Be merciful to me, O Lord: for I will call daily upon thee. Comfort the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou Lord art good and gracious: and of great mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear Lord unto my prayer: and ponder the voice of my humble desires. In the time of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou hearest me.  
Jer. 17.13, 14. O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from thee shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters. Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.  
Luke 18.1. And he spoke a parable unto them, to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.  
Joh. 16.24. Hitherto ye have asked nothing in my Name; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.  
1 Thes. 5.17. Pray without ceasing.  
5. Meditation upon spiritual, and heavenly things. Deut. 22.29. O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!  
Psal. 15.1, 2, etc. Lord, who shall dwell in thy Tabernacle? or who shall rest upon thy holy Hill? Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life; and doth the thing which is right, and speaketh the truth from his heart. He that hath used, etc. Whoso doth these things shall never fall. So Psal. 24.3, 4, 5, 6. Psal. 90.12. So teach us to number our days; that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psal. 143.4, 5. My spirit is vexed within me; and my heart within me is desolate. Yet do I remember the time past, I muse upon all thy works; yea, I exercise myself in the works of thy hands.  
2 Cor. 4.16, 17, 18. For which cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man, is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things that are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.  
Col. 3.1, 2, 3, 4. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.  
Rev. 20.11, 12. And I saw a great white Throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth, and the Heaven fled away, and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the Books were opened; and another Book was opened, which is the Book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things, which were written in the books, according to their works.  
6. Choice of company fit for that time. 1 Sam. 21.14, 15. Achish said unto his servants, Lo, you see the man is mad; wherefore then have you brought him to me? Have I need of madmen, that ye have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?  
Job 13.4, 5. Ye are all Physicians of no value. O that you would altogether hold your peace, and it should be your wisdom! Chap. 15.2. Should he [a wise man] reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches where with he can do no good? Chap. 16.5. I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should assuage your grief. Chap. 33.23, 24. If there be a messenger with him, one of a thousand, to show unto men his uprightness; Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, deliver him from going down into the pit, I have found a Ransom.  
Psal. 26.4, 5. I have not dwelled with vain persons, neither have I had fellowship with the deceitful. I have hated the Congregation of the wicked, neither will I sit amongst the ungodly. Psal. 101.8, etc. Mine eyes look unto such as be faithful in the Land; that they may dwell with me. Whoso leadeth a godly life, he shall be my servant. There shall no deceitful person dwell in my house; he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.  
2 Cor. 6.16, 17, 18. What agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols? for ye are the Temple of the Living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons, and my daughters, saith the Lord God Almighty.  
Eph. 4.29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  
Jam. 5.14. Is any sick among you? let him call for the Elders of the Church. Vers. 16. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed; the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man, availeth much.  
7. Hearing and Reading the Scriptures. Psal. 119.92, 93. If my delight had not been in thy Law; I should have perished in my trouble. I will never forget thy commandments; for with them hast thou quickened me. Trouble and heaviness have taken hold upon me; yet is my delight in thy Commandments.  
Joh. 5.39. Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life.  
Acts 8.28. Who [the Eunuch] returning, and sitting in his Chariot, read Esaias the Prophet.  
Rom. 15.4. Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.  
2 Tim. 3.15. From a Child thou hast known the Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  
Rev. 1.3. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this Prophecy, and keep those things that are written therein.  
The Portion of Holy Scripture that may be seasonably read to the sick, are the penitential Psalms, (as they have been commonly called) that is to say, the 6th. 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143. The 15, 39, 90, 103. Job 14. Mit. 26, and 27. Mark 14, and 15. Luke 22, and 23. Joh. from chap. 13, to 20.1 Cor. 15.  
8. Ready and cheerful submission to the will and wisdom of God. Job 1.21. And Job said, Naked came I out of my Mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord. Chap. 33.13. Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.  
Isa. 39.8. Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken; he said moreover, for there shall be peace and truth in my days.  
Jer. 18.6. O House of Israel, cannot I do with you, as this Potter, saith the Lord? behold, as the Clay is in the Potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O House of Israel.  
Luke 1.38. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word.  
Phil. 1.20. As always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.  
Heb. 12.1, 2. Wherefore seeing we are also compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God.  
9 Thankfulness for chastisement. Psal. 94.12. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord; and teachest him in thy Law. Psal. 119.67. Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now I have kept thy word.  
Heb. 12.8. If ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  
Eleventhly, The exercise of the duty of prayer, as a special means to procure for him, what is necessary for his present condition; As  
1. Help against temptations. Psal. 22.11, 14, 16. O go not from me, for trouble is hard at hand; and there is none to help me. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart also in the midst of my body is even like melting wax. For many dogs are come about me; and the counsel of the wicked layeth siege against me.  
Mat. 26.41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.  
Luke 22.31, 32. Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.  
Joh. 17.20. Neither pray I for these alone; but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.  
Heb. 2.17, 18. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high Priest, in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the People. For in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to secure them that are tempted.  
1 Pet. 5.8, 9 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring Lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist steadfast in the faith.  
Rev. 12.12. woe to the inhabitants of the earth, and of the sea; for the Devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.  
2. Ease and comfort under bodily pains, and anguish of mind. Job 7.20. I have sinned, what shall I do unto thee, O thou Preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?  
Psal. 72.1. In thee, O Lord, have I put my trust, let me never be put to confusion; but rid me, and deliver me in thy righteousness, incline thine ear unto me, and save me. Vers. 2. Be thou my stronghold whereunto I may always ways resort; thou hast promised to help me, for thou art my house of defence, and my castle. Vers. 5. Through thee have I been holden up ever since. I was born; thou art he that took me out of my mother's womb, my praise shall be always of thee. Vers. 8. Cast me not away in the time of age; forsake me not when my strength faileth me. Vers. 10. Go not far from me, O God; my God, haste thee to help me. Psal. 109.20. Deal thou with me, O Lord God, according to thy Name: for sweet is thy mercy. Vers. 21. O Deliver me, for I am helpless and poor: and my heart is wounded within me. Vers. 22. I go hence like the shadow that departeth: and an driven away like the Grasshopper. Vers. 23. My knees are weak through fasting: my flesh is dried up for want of fatness. Psal. 141. 1. Lord I call upon thee, haste thee unto me: and consider my voice when I cry unto thee. Vers. 2. Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense: and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. Vers. 9 Mine eyes look unto thee, O Lord God; in thee is my trust, O cast not out my soul.  
3. Perseverance. Psal. 40.14. Withdraw not thou thy mercy from me, O Lord: let thy loving kindness and thy truth always preserve me. Vers. 15. For innumerable troubles are come about me, my sins have taken such hold upon me, that I am not able to look up: yea they are more in number than the hairs of my head: and my heart hath failed me. Psal. 145.14. The Lord upholdeth all such as fall: and lifteth up all such as be down. Vers. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his ways: and holy in all his works. Vers. 18. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him: yea, all such as call upon him faithfully. Vers. 19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry and will help them. Vers. 20. The Lord preserveth all them that love him: but scattereth abroad all the ungodly.  
Mat. 24.13. He that endureth unto the end, the same shall be saved.  
Rom. 11.20. Thou standest by faith. Be not highminded but fear.  
1 Cor. 10.13. God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it.  
Phil. 1.3. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Vers. 4. Always in every prayer of mine for you all, making request with joy. Vers. 5. For your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now; Vers. 6. Being confident of this very thing, that he, which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Christ Jesus, Vers. 7. Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all.  
Ezek. 36.37. Thus saith the Lord God, I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them.  
4. A quiet departure out of this life. Gen. 49.33. When Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the Ghost, and was gathered unto his People.  
Job 5.26. Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in, in his season.  
Luke 2.29. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant departed in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation. Chap. 23.46. When Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And having thus said, he gave up the ghost.  
Acts 7.59. They stoned Steven, calling upon God and saying, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. Vers. 60. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.  
Rev. 22.20. He that testifieth these things, saith, surely, I come quickly. Amen. Even so come Lord Jesus.  
THe Minister must not fail to press the sick person to receive the Holy Eucharist; and to open to him the comfortable Doctrine, the Scripture holds forth, in that blessed Ordinance; this being the fittest close for the life of him, whose constant business it hath been (as of all good Christians) to labour for pardon, and grace; the Benefits, sealed to Believers in that Sacrament by Him, who purchased them for us with his most precious blood; as in that Commemorative Sacrifice is most lively represented to us. The Institution whereof, so nearly preceding the Passion of our Blessed Redeemer, doth recommend the use of these Holy Mysteries unto Christians, as very seasonable at that time, when they are upon putting off their earthly Tabernacles, their corruptible Bodies; in expectation of a joyful Resurrection, and Exaltation unto life Eternal; whereof this Holy Sacrament was, by the Primitive Fathers of the Church, esteemed a sure, and sacred Pledge.  
A most comfortable Preparative whereunto (if hearty desired, and cantiously and reverently administered) is the Benefit of Absolution. Which deserves not to be the less esteemed, or the more neglected, for whatsoever abuses it hath heretofore been liable unto; when both Priest, and People believed more of the Sacerdotal Power, than was consistent with so great a Trust committed to the one, and so strict a disquisition required from the other; lest the Minister might be Partaker of other men's sins; 1 Tim. 5.22. and the People delude themselves, with unsincere and fruitless Repentance; 2 Cor. 7.10, 11.   

A Prayer to be used in a state of Health.  
O Father of lights, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift: Thou art he who tookest me out of my Mother's womb, and by thee have I been holden up ever since I was born. The blessings of health and strength, that I enjoy, are from thy goodness and bounty. And for them, and all thy other mercies, I bless and praise thy ever-great and glorious Name. Most humbly beseeching thee to add to these, that blessing of blessings; the right use of all thy blessings: That through the comfort and assistance of that health, and strength thou hast given me, I may become the more diligent and faithful, in the practice of those several duties of piety, justice, and charity, which thou requirest at my hands.  
And suffer me not, O Lord, to deceive myself by a false account of the time of my Pilgrimage; but so teach me to number my days, that I may apply my heart unto wisdom: that I may readily discern the vast difference between this span of life, and the infinite spaces of eternity: between the pleasures of sin for a season, and the everlasting fullness of joy in thy presence.  
And for this end, remove far away from me all those vices, to which health and ease are apt to betray me: especially all carnal security, lust, pride, anger, want of compassion, misspending my time, forgetfulness of thee, and of thy ways and works: And implant in my mind the daily remembrance of death, and judgement; the necessity of working out my salvation with fear and trembling; and the misery of being surprised by the coming of our Lord, in my sins, or fruitless repentance. So that the health of my body may, through thy blessing, promote the health of my Soul; and thy augmenting the number of my Talents, increase both my labour, and reward. That passing the time of my sojourning here in fear, I may treasure up for myself such spiritual strength and consolation, as may stand me in stead, when I shall lie down on my bed of sickness and death; administering comfort to my soul in the conscience of well doing; which thou hast promised us to accept and reward, through thy mercies in Jesus Christ, our only Saviour and Redeemer. Amen.   

A Prayer when one perceives himself to be sick.  
O Lord my God, I have learned from thy Holy Word, and by daily experience in this vale of misery, that dust I am, and unto dust I shall return; that I must put off this earthly Tabernacle; and that thou wilt bring me to death, and the house appointed for all living. And now, Lord, I feel in myself the usual summons thy good providence doth give us, to review our accounts, and to sit ourselves for death and judgement. Blessed be thy Name for this thy mercy! that thou hast not taken advantage of me, whilst I was thine enemy, to cut me off suddenly in my sins, and hurry me hence in mine iniquity; but hast given me the time, means, and I trust, grace for repentance and amendment of life. And though I have not improved (such hath been my negligence and sloth!) these rich favours, to that great advantage I might, and should have done; yet I beseech thee; O Lord, for thine infinite mercies in thy son Christ Jesus, that thou wilt not be extreme to mark what I have done amiss, and to lay my sins to my charge; but that thou wilt deal mercifully with me, thy most unworthy servant, blotting out all my sins and transgressions, that none of mine iniquities may be mentioned unto me, in that great and terrible day of Recompenses.  
And forasmuch as thou alone, in whose hands our times are, dost know, what will be the issue of this my present distemper, and sickness; cause me to reflect on it, as proceeding from thy Will, and Wisdom; and cheerfully and thankfully to submit to this chastisement, as a means appointed by thee, for the benefit and comfort of my Soul; and vouchsafe unto me that grace, which may enable me to receive profit thereby; and from experience of thy goodness towards me, to gain hope and confidence of thy love. And if thou hast reserved for me the blessing of restoring me to my former health, (which I beseech thee to do) direct me to the use of such means, as thou wilt make effectual for that end. But if the days of my warfare are accomplished; prepare me, O Lord, for a safe, quiet, and comfortable departure out of this life; and fit me for thy presence, and glory. O Lord, strengthen me against all the malicious practices, and devices of my subtle, and implacable enemy; against all errors, and delusions of my understanding; the allurements of this World, inordinate love of this miserable Life, and the terrors of Death; by filling my heart with Divine comforts, by strengthening my Faith in thy mercies, through Christ Jesus, by representing to my thoughts his victory over Death; and those unconceivable, and endless joys, which thou hast prepared for them that love thee. That neither life nor death, height nor depth, things present nor things to come, may be able to separate me from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord and only Blessed Saviour and Redeemer. Amen.   

Prayers to be used in a Family.  

A Morning Prayer.  
O Lord and heavenly Father, who renewest thy loving kindness unto us from day to day, making the outgoings of the Morning and Evening to praise thee; We give thee humble thanks for the dispensation of thy loving providence over us, vouchsafed unto us in our preservation this night, and the comfortable rest wherewith thou hast refreshed our frail bodies. Humbly beseeching thee to pardon unto us, whatsoever sins the subtlety and malice of Satan, or our own corrupt nature, and vain imagination have made us guilty of this night, and all the times, and days, and nights of our lives, until this present hour.  
And we most humbly beseech thee to make this, and all other thy good mercies bestowed upon us, serviceable to the advancement of thy glory, and the good of thy Church: That we may not by wasting any of thy precious Talents vouchsafed unto us, or by abusing, and misapplying the comforts thou givest us, render ourselves accountable to thy dreadful Majesty, as well for the good we have received, as for the evil we have committed. But let all the good things thou hast done unto us, (vile and miserable sinners) increase a love of thy Divine Majesty in our hearts; and perfect the practice of true holiness, and righteousness in our conversation, through the merits and intercession of Jesus Christ, our Lord and only Saviour. Amen.  
Almighty God, by whose Spirit the whole body of thy Church is governed and sanctified, receive the Supplications and Prayers, which we humbly offer to thy Divine Majesty, for all estates, and conditions of Men, in thy Holy Congregation.  
Particularly, for all Christian Kings, Princes, and Governors; more especially for thy Servant Charles, our King, That they may be preserved from all Treachery and Violence; and that they may use their Power for the encouragement of them that do well, and for a terror unto evil doers. For Subjects, that they may submit unto the higher Powers for conscience sake, as being ordained of God. For the Nobility and Gentry, that they may give good examples, as they are great in Place. For the Clergy, that their holiness may be according to the Shekel of the Sanctuary, and that they may be able to divide the Word of truth aright, giving unto every one his portion in due season. For the Rich, that they may be ready to give, and glad to distribute, laying up for themselves treasures in Heaven. For the Poor, that they may be diligent, honest, and contented; and that there be never wanting those, who will strengthen the hands of the Poor and Needy. For the Fatherless and Widows, that thou wouldst be a Father to the one, and an Husband to the other. For the Labouring-Man, that thou wouldst give him an healthful body, a patiented mind, and that thou wouldst prosper unto him the work of his hands. For those who are at ease, that they may beware of the sins of Sodom, Pride, abundance of Idleness, and fullness of Bread. For the Prisoners and Captives, that their bread may not fail, and that the hearts of their Brethren may not be hardened against them. For the sick in Body, that they may cheerfully submit to God's afflicting hand, and that their patience may have its perfect work. For those who are in health, that they may not remove far from them the evil day, but may show themselves wise in considering their latter end. For those who are afflicted in mind, that thou wouldst help them to put on the Breastplate of Faith, and for an Helmet, the hope of Salvation, and that thou wouldst make them to see thy faithfulness, in not permitting them to be tempted above what they are able to bear. For Parents, that they may be careful to provide for the welfare of their children's Souls and Bodies, bringing them up in the nurture of the Lord. For Children, that they may love, honour, and reverence their Parents, obeying them in all things. For Husbands, that they may love their Wives as their own bodies, not being bitter against them; but giving them honour, as to the weaker vessels, and being heirs together of the grace of life. For Wives, that they may reverence and be in subjection to their Husbands, labouring to be adorned with a meek, and quiet spirit. For the Unmarried, that they may not spend their precious Talents in the pleasures of sin, and vanity of life; but that they may be pure and spotless, attending upon the Lord without distraction. For the Ancient, that they may be sober, grave, temperate, sound in Faith, in Charity, in Patience. For the Young, that they may be sober-minded, reverencing the Aged as Fathers, being ready to be taught by their wisdom, and experience, and to follow good counsels, and examples. For Masters, that they may behave themselves prudently, justly, and gently towards their Servants, as considering that they also have a Master in Heaven. For Servants, that they may be subject to their Masters with all fear, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but willingly, and from the heart, showing all good fidelity. For Teachers, that they may watch over the Souls of them who are committed to their charge, as they that must give an account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief. For Learners, that they may esteem highly of their Teachers for their works sake, improving all opportunities of being benefited by them. For true Converts, that they may daily grow in grace, being strengthened with might by the spirit in the inner man. For bare Professors of Religion, that they may leave off to deny him in their works whom they profess with their mouths, and that they may have the power, as well as the form of godliness. For our Friends and Kinsfolks according to the flesh, that being graffed together in the same common faith, we may together attain unto the perfection of Charity in the World to come. For our Enemies, that they may not be rewarded themselves, as they have dealt with us; but that we may melt them into an affection of us, by returning to them good for evil. For all that have done good unto us, that thou wouldst remember them, O our God, for their good, recompensing them with thy Blessings in this life, and eternal glory in the world to come.  
And we most humbly beseech thee, the infinitely wise and allseeing God, that thou wilt of thy great mercy grant all those things, that we have now prayed for; and all other things, which thou knowest to be needful both for ourselves, and for others, and for thy whole Church; for the merits and intercession of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Redeemer. Amen.   

For a Family.  
BLessed Lord God, the Father of all the Families of the Earth, who art no respecter of Persons, but requirest every one to walk faithfully in that vocation wherein thou hast placed him, we humbly beseech thee for thy blessing on every member of this Family; that each of us may perform his duty, in that integrity and uprightness of heart, as becometh them, who profess the same Gospel of thy son Christ Jesus. O drive away, and keep off from hence, as all other, so especially the sins of this corrupt Age. Let not Atheism, Drunkenness, Swearing, Pride, Idleness, Hypocrisy, Unclean Lusts, Covetousness, Lying, or any other sin whatsoever, become a fretting Leprosy in the walls of this House. But as thou hast given us a Blessing above many other our Brethren, so give us grace to express a more special performance of duty in acknowledgement thereof. Let the hand of thy good providence be stretched forth to defend us, in all dangers of Soul, and Body: give us wisdom to discern, and courage to withstand all assaults of the Flesh, the World, and the Devil: Let thy Fatherly corrections of us be always an advantage to our Religious Conversation: Give us thankful hearts for all thy Blessings: And so guide us in all things with thy merciful hand, that finally we may be brought to the land of everlasting Life, there to reign with thee World without end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

An Evening Prayer.  
O Most Powerful God and Merciful Father, to whom the light discovereth nothing, and from whom the Night cannot conceal us, but the darkness and the light to thee are both alike; leave us not, we pray thee, to the dangers and discomforts of this Night; but let thine eye, which slumbereth and sleepeth not, watch over us for the good, both of our Souls and Bodies. O let not the darkness of the night, nor the privacy of our retirements betray us to do any thing unworthy of our Christian calling, and that inaccessible light, in the presence, and by the power of which, we live, and move, and have our being: But sit, and prepare each of our hearts, by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, to a constant, and sincere obedience of thy Holy Will; that both in public, and in private, we may do as becometh an holy seed, and a People zealous of good works; endeavouring in all things to show ourselves mindful of that inestimable price, which our Lord Jesus Christ hath paid for us, vile and miserable sinners. And we humbly pray thee, O Lord, to pardon, as all other, so the sins and imperfections of which we have been guilty this day: That if any of us shall be summoned from the bed of our rest, to that of our death; we may through thy mercy, have a comfortable, and cheerful passage, from this life of misery and mortality, unto a life of everlasting happiness, and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, and only Saviour. Amen.  
FINIS.    

A Brief Catalogue of Books newly Printed and Reprinted for R. Royston, Bookseller to his Most Sacred Majesty.  
THE works of the Reverend and Learned Henry Hammond, D. D. containing a Collection of Discourses chief Practical, with many Additions and Corrections from the Author's own hand; together with the Life of the Author, enlarged by the Reverend Dr. Fell Dean of Christ-Church in Oxford. In large Folio.  
Σ Υ'МВΟΛΟΝ ΘЕΟΛΟΓΙΚΟ'Ν.  
Or, a Collection of Polemical Discourses addressed against the Enemies of the Church of England, both Papists and fanatics, in large Folio, by Jeremiah Taylor, Chaplain in Ordinary to King Charles the First of Blessed Memory, and late Lord Bishop of Down and Conner.  
Animadversions upon a Book, Entitled, Fanaticism Fanatically imputed to the Catholic Church, by Dr. Stillingfleet, and the Imputation Refuted and Retorted by S. C. The Second Edition. By a Person of Honour. In Octavo.  
A Serious and compassionate Inquiry into the Causes of the present Neglect and Contempt of the Protestant Religion and Church of England. In Octavo.  
Reflections upon the Devotions of the Roman Church. With the Prayers, Hymns and Lessons themselves, taken out of their Authentic Authors. In Three Parts. In Octavo, New.  
The Christian Sacrifice, and the Devout Christian, and Advice to a Friend, these last three Books written by the Reverend S. P. D. D. in 12.