The Christian CENTURION Observations, Advices, and Resolutions: Containing Matters DIVINE and MORAL.  
Collected according to his own experience, By PHILIP SKIPPON Serjeant-major-generall, etc.  
In all things I have said unto you be circumspect,  Exod. 23.13. 
Finally 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, etc.  Phi. 4.9. 
Those things which ye have both learned and received, and heard, and seen (according to Gods warrant, Isa. 20.8.) do,  Phil. 4.10. 
London printed by T. B. for Samuel Enderby at the Star in Popes-head Alley, 1645.   

To all Soldiers, of what degree soever, that desire to walk Christianly and Circumspectly.  
Fellow soldiers and friends:  
TO the two former Treatises of God's promises of good things to us, and of our Vows of obedience to him, which by his alone help I have published; I add these few fragments following, and because I will be as little tedious as I can, I shall only commend them to your careful consideration, observation and practice, as you may find them agreeable to sound doctrine and good manners, and useful to your occasions, and them and you to the especial blessing of our God in the Lord Jesus.   

The Contents.  

RIght rules to live by, page 4.  
A sure Stay in extremity, p. 8  
The right way to go to work, p. 46.  
Brief Prayers upon divers occasions, p. 53  
Short Ejaculations, p. 69  
Comforts against the Nickname of Puritan, p. 81  
Many divine and moral Observations, p. 98  
Renewed Resolutions, p. 115  
Some marks of a malicious man, and the contrary, p. 131  
The former Observations continued, p. 133  
Resolutions in an especial business p. 142  
Christian carriage in a great calamity p. 145  
Commendable carriage in his place, p. 148  
More Observations added, p. 155  
Sufficiency of God's grace, p. 171  
How to urge the Lord to preserve us from sin, p. 173  
Concerning governing the tongue, p. 175  
Concerning walking with God, p. 181  
Brief Rules for particular practice, p. 191  
Examples of godly Soldiers, p. 19●  
Rules of Justice, p. 19●  
Undeniable proof of the truth ●● Gods Word, p. 22●  
A few plain and pleasing in structions for all times, p. 23●  
An Advertisement about the s●● of our Calling, p. 23●  
Concerning general Obedience, p. 272  
Five sorts of Verses, p. 277  
The Observations continued, p. 290  
More of walking with God, p. 292  
More holy Resolutions, p. 296  
Of mourning for the sins among us, p. 299  
His acknowledgement of God, p. 301  
How to carry himself conscionably and commendably in the Leaguer, p. 305  
How to stir up right Christian Resolutions for God's Cause and against his Enemies, p.  
Of Mortification, p. 332  
Helps to an holy Life, p. 337  
Motives to Watchfulness, p. p. 342  
More Christian Resolutions, p. 343  
Decay in Prayer, p. 346  
Serious Admonitions to his Family when they are to worship God, p. 379   
Thus fare of the Contents briefly, and  to these numbers (God willing) you shall find the several matters marked.   

A Prayer.  
O Lord God of all wisdom, goodness, grace, power & truth, my reconciled God, most gracious Father and only helper in Jesus Christ; I the most ignorant, sinful, unworthy, weak, wretched of all other, do most humbly, unfeignedly, instantly, entirely and uncessantly befeech and urge thee of thy infinite mercy, through thy unsearchable wisdom, by thy unresistable working, according to thy infallible promises, notwithstanding my dark ignorance, unmeasurable sinfulness, great weakness and most extreme wretchedness; yea, notwithstanding all my unworthniesse and all other impediments, speedily, seasonably, effectually & constantly, through the assistance of thy most holy Spirit, to stir up my heart diligently to search, to enlighten my understanding, clearly to discern, to strengthen my memory constantly to retain, to sanctify my affections feelingly to apply, to enable me in my practice conscionably to make use of every particular of the following observations, advices and resolutions, as may be most to thy great glory, the good of thy Church, the gracing my Christian profeision, the stopping the mouth of profaneness and injury, the preventing distasting others, and other advantage against me, the benefit of my Family, my outward credit and comfort in thy fear, with thy favour and blessing, my poor souls present peace, & everlasting happiness, all as 〈…〉 best in thy sight, only through the all-sufficient merits and perpetual mediation of thy most dear and only Son, my alone sweet Saviour and intercessor Christ Jesus, through whom (as I have infinite cause beyond all I can conceive, remember or express for all thy mercies, for this and a better life afforded and assured to me, especially for the understanding, life, health, time, opportunity and grace thou hast pleased to vouchsafe unto me, to collect and write these observations, advices and resolutions, for my better government, greater setting and further edification) to thy most glorious Name be all honour ascribed by all means for evermore, Amen, even so be it, Amen, Amen.   

Some short and straight, solid and sound Rules to level his life by.  

1. WHen thou risest, let thy thoughts ascend, that grace may descend; let thy Sacrifice be an innocent heart, offer it daily with that devotion, that it may show thou both knowest, and acknowledgest his holiness and greatness with whom thou hast to do.  
2. Where thou owest, pay duty, where thou findest return curtifie, where thou art known deserve love, desire the best, disdain none but evil company, take heed of proud, peevish, prating, passionate, dissembling, distasteful, jeering, malicious, lying, contentious, tippling, filthy fellows.  
3. Grieve, but be not angry, at discourtesies, redress, but revenge no wrongs, do good to them that use thee unkindly, yet so remember pity, that thou forget not decency.  
4. Let thy attire be such as may show a sober mind, frame thyself with such modesty, as may silence the untemperate tongue.  
5. Be mindful of things past, careful of things present, and provident of things to come.  
6. Go as thou wouldst be met, sit as thou wouldst be found, speak as thou wouldst be heard, and do as thou wouldst be seen.  
7. Bear affliction patiently, conversed cheerfully, order thy business secretly, wisely, surely; avoid freeness and familiarity, discover no affection hastily, speak not thine own suspicions suddenly, meddle not in others matters needlessly, trust God most in greatest extremity, forget not how he hath helped formerly, commend all in welldoing unto him continually.  
8. Demean thyself in all things, as in the sight of God continually, who is acquainted with all thy ways throughly, who though thou be'st never so secret seethe thee, & who doubtless will have a strict account of thee, therefore deceive not thyself, for he will not be mocked by thee.  
9 Take heed of sin and the occasions thereof watchfully, having sinned, lie not therein impenitently, neither sooth thyself therein foolishly, for sin will bring sorrow and shame undoubtedly.  
10. Repent, break off, beg pardon, grace and peace speedily and sound, watch to do well sincerely, believe, all shall be well, Piety hath the promise infallibly, 1 Tim. 4.8.  
11. When thou goest to bed read over the carriage of that day seriously, reform what is amiss unfeignedly, give humble thanks for what is orderly, and so commit thyself to him that watcheth over thee fatherly, powerfully, faithfully.   
Lord make me in all things upright before thee, and be in all things God all-sufficient to me, Gen. 17.1.   

A sure stay in greatest extremity.  
BEing in most extreme perplexity of spirit, and in great outward distress, all threatening uttermost misery, even without any appearance of remedy; knowing no other way to comfort and settle himself, he plied his prayers, and betook him to God's promises, submitting to his good pleasure for the issue, especially (by the Lords good grace) he remembered these choice places of Scripture, & they upheld him, he had else fainted utterly.  
Who is among you that feareth the Lord? that walketh in darkness, and hath no light, let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay upon his God, Isa. 50.20.  
Alas, for that day is great, so that name is like it, it is even the time of jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it, Jer. 30.7.  
The Lord also will be a refuge son the oppressed, and a refuge no time, of trouble, Psal. 9.9.  
God is our strength and refage; a very present help, in trouble, therefore we will not fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the Sea, Psal. 46.1, 21.  
Behold I am the Lord, the God of all flesh, is there any thing too hard for me? Jer. 32.27.  
God hath power to help and to cast down; Amaziah said, but what shall I do for the 120 Talents? he said, the Lord is able to give thee much more than this, 2 Chron. 23.8, 9  
If the●● altogether holdest thy Peace at this time, then shall their enlargement and deliverance arise from another place, Est. 4.14.  
God spoke and it was done, he commanded and it stood fast, Ps. 33.9.  
He shall deliver the needy when he cryeth, the poor also, and him that hath no helper, Psal. 72.12.  
When the poor and needy seek water and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them; I will open Rivers in high places, and Fountains in the midst of the Valleys; I will make the Wilderness a pool of water, and the dry Land springs of water, that they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together; that the hand of the Lord hath done this, Isa. 41.17, 18, 20.  
He clavae the Rocks in the Wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great dept is, Psal. 78.15. Numb. 20.11.  
And the Lord said unto Moses, is the Lords hand waxed short? thou shalt see now, whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not, Numb. 11.23.  
Prove me now herewith saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it, Mal. 3.10.  
Jesus fed 5000. men, besides women and children, with five loaves and two fishes, Matth. 14.17, 21.  
With God all things are possible, Mat. 19.26.  
I know that thou canst do all things, Job 42.2.  
He performeth the thing that is appointed for me, and many such things are with him, Job 23.14.  
The Lord is good, and a strong hold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them that trust in him, N●h. 1.7.  
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, 2 Pet. 2.9.  
God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it, 1 Cor. 10.13.  
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him freely give in all things? Rom. 8.32.  
Besides, the Lord saith, call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me, Psal. 50.15.  
Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Mat. 11.28.  
Thou which hast showed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth, Psal. 71.20.  
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribu latiods, who delivered us from so great a death and doth deliver us, and in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us, 2. Cor. 1.10.  
The Lord hath delivered me out of the paw of the Lion, and out of the paw of the Bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine, 1 Sum. 17.37.  
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, than thou knowest my path, I looked on my right hand and beheld, but there was no man that would know me, all refuge failed me, than cried I unto the Lord, O Lord, thou art my refuge and my portion, Psal. 142.3, 4, 5.  
Why art thou then cast down O my soul? why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God for I shall yet praise him, who is the help of my countenance and my God, Psal. 42.11.  
My soul, look unto Jesus the Author and finisher of thy faith, consider him that endured such contradictions of sinners against himself, lest thou be wearied and faint in thy mind, not having yet resisted unto blood, Heb. 12.3, 4.  
Reekon that the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed, Rom. 8.18.  
And that though thou be troubled on every side, yet not distressed, though perplexed not in despair, persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed, though the outward man perish, the inward man is renewed day by day, for my light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for thee a fare more exceeding weight of glory, 2 Cor. 4. ●, 8, 9, 16, 17.  
Therefore I will look unto the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation, my God will hear me, 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, I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him until he plead my cause and execute judgement for me, he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness, Mic. 7.7, 8, 9  
My soul, be content with what thy God hath graciously given thee, and trust him wholly, for he hath said, he will never fail, forsake nor forget thee; so that thou mayest boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man can do unto me, or whatsoever shall betid me, Heb. 13.5, 6.  
Yea, though I know not what to do, mine eyes and my heart are upon thee, 2 Chron. 20.12.  
Now Lord, though I be unworn thy thou shouldest come under my roof, speak but, one word and I shall be helped, Mat. 8.8.13.  
Lord, if thou wilt thou canst make me clean; I will, be thou clean; say thou unto me, and I shall be cleansed, Mat. 8.2, 3.  
Lord Jesus speak unto me, that it is thou that will comfort and help me, that I be not feared o● troubled over much, Mat. 14.27.  
Well then, by thy especial grace O my God in Christ, in the sorrow of my spirit I will pour out my soul before thee O Lord, and ou● of the abundance of my complaint and grief (with Hannah) will I speak, 1 Sam. 1.15, 19  
And until God shall grant an issue out of my pressing, and even h●●plesse flare, grief and distress, I will (with David) continue seeking ease and relief from Heaven. 2 Sam. 12.16.23.  
And say with him (when he was in greatest misery) If I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord I shall be belped, but if he thus say, I have no delight in thee, behold here I am, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him, 2 Sam. 15.25, 26.  
And according to his example (even when he had distrusted God, 1 Sam. 29.1. fled and fell to the enemy, verse 2. when he made show, promise, and proster of his service against God's people, ch. 29.2, 8. when in his absence his Town was surprised, spoilt, pillaged, and burned, and the Wives of his Soldiers captived, and all that he had was lost and carried away by the enemy, when he and his people wept that they could weep no more, when they murmured against him, laid all the blame upon him, and spoke of stoning of him; by all which, judge how he was distressed,) I will encourage myself in the Lord my God, and in all things seek direction and help from him; doubtless the Lord (as he did him) will answer me graciously, and deliver me effectually, 1 Sam. 30.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 19  
And though as Jacob served twenty years ere he could provide for his own household, Gen. 31.38. & 30.30. It hath pleased the Lord that I have served many years already, and if God spare my life, and please not to work wonderfully for me, am like to serve many years more to serve others turns, to the great prejudice of me & mine; I hope by the good providence of my good God, if he sees it good for me to live the day, at Jacob did, to acknowledge my God hath dealt graciously with me, because he hath vouchsafed a competency and enough unto me, Gen. 33.11.  
And although (which mercy I am most unworthy to live to receive of acknowledge) I dare not for conscience sake to help myself by indirect means in my misery, whereby great loss and prejudice hath befallen me, yet I will trust in this, that the Prophet in the Lords name said to Amaziah (who was troubled with the loss of the ●00 Talents) that the Lord is able, and if he sees it good for me, will give more than this unto me, 2 Chron. ●●, 8, 9  
And not to murmur, grumble, be impatient and discontented with my condition, considering Jobs example of suffering, and the end of the Lord towards him, for the Lord is very pittifall and of tender mercy, James 5.11.  
For Job was perfect and upright, one that feared God and eschewed evil, by the Lords own testimony, Job 1.1.5.8. chap. 2.3. yet though he looked for good, evil came unto him, and when he waited for light, there came darkness, Job 30.26. for the thing that he fear greatly came upon him, and that which he was afraid of befell him, he was not in safety neither had he rest, neither wa● he quiet, yet trouble came, Jo● 3.25, 26. witness what follows.  
The Sabeans fell upon h●● Oxen and took, them away, 〈◊〉 1.14, 15. fire fell from Heave● and burnt his Sheep and Servant's, verse 16. The Chaldeans fell upon the Camels and ca●●ied them away, verse 17. 〈◊〉 Sons and Daughter's we●● eating and drinking in the●● elder Brothers house, and behold there came a great win● and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are all dead, verse 18, 19 Satan got leave from God to smite his body all over with fore and loathsome boils, that he was forced to sit in the ashes and scrape himself with a potsherd, chap. 2.6, 7, 8. his wife that should have been his comfort was his heavy cross, urging him to curse God in this condition, ch. 2. ●9. and was as a stranger to him, and would hardly know him or come at him, chap. 19.17. his nearest kindred failed him, his familiar friends forgot him, his servants contemned him, his most inward friends abhorred him children despised him, ch. 19.13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19 his most godly friends that should have been his best counsellors & comforters in this his woeful & comfortless estate, grieved, censured, and pleaded against, and reproached him, Iob ●. 1ST & ch. 16.20. & 19.21. God made his heart soft, the Almighty troubled him, job 23.16. and every way seemed to let himself against him, chap. 19.8. to 13. yea, the arrows of the Almighty stuck within him, perplexity and horror seized on him, ch. ●. ●, etc. yet at length the Lord turned away his captivity, and gave him twice as much as he had before, and blessed the latter end of job more than the beginning, job 42.10, 12. and is the same Lord God and helper for ever to them that fear before, call upon, and trust in him. My sweet Saviour grant me as thou advisest and commandest me, to possess my soul in patience, Luke 21.19. and to cast my care upon thee, who takest care for me, 1 Pet. 5.7. and because strict reservedness keeps concealed my estate and affections, and prevents giving advantage against me, the Lord assisting me, I will follow Micahs counsel, Mac. 7.5. not to trust in a friend, nor to put confidence in a guide, but to keep the door of my mouth from her that lieth in my bosom.  
And with Abraham's servant to hold my peace, to wit, whether the Lord will make my business prosperous or not, Gen. 24.21.  
And in these times of general calamities, (as the Lord wils Baruch upon the like occasions, not to seek great things for myself, nor to be overmuch troubled with these trivial, personal perplexities and afflictions, but to be humbly and hearty content if the Lord please (as he hath done hitherto most remarkably) to give me my life for a prey whethersoever I go, jer. 45.4, 5.  
To rest assured with Mordecay that God will send help one way or other, if not as I conceived or imagine, by some other means undoubtedly, Est. 4.14.  
To say as my most blessed Saviour did, in his most bitterest passion, O my Father, if it be possible let this Cup pass from me, nevertheless not as I will, but a thou wilt, Mat. 26.39.  
And with Abraham, to hop● beyond hope, and to beleev● beyond sense, being fully persuaded, that what my God hat● promised, he is also able to perform, Rom. 4.18.20, 21.  
And never to cast away 〈◊〉 confidence, which hath great recompense of reward, Herald 10. 3●  
But as I have great need●● embrace patience, that after have done the will of my God (by his grace) I may recei●● the promise, Heb. 10.36.  
Being most confident, that the hatred, envy, unpeaceableness, malice, scorn, cruelty of josephs' Brethren against him, Gen. 37.4.8.11.19. their purpose to kill him, their casting him into the pit, their selling him to the Ismalites, the Ismalites selling him again to the Egyptians, Potiphar, verse 22.24.28.36. the slander of his Mistress, his hard imprisonment thereupon, Gen. 39.19, 20. the Butlers, Bakers, Pharaohs dreams, the extreme dearth, and all things whatsoever seemed to make never somuch against him, wrought in the end most remarkably for him, Gen. 41.9. & 45.5, 7, 8. & 50.24. so my God without doubt will most fatherly, powerfully, faithfully, seasonably, carefully; constantly work in, with and for me (being the same God for ever; for good to his) that all my present and future inward perplexities and outward troubles, all that Satan or any of his instruments do, or may do against me, all the malice and scorn of evil men, all the oppositions and injuries of any though never so great and many, all my instant sears, cares, and most hopeless and helpless miseries, yea, my folly, sin, and misgovernment, my felt, or looked for shame and loss, my crosses and poverty, yea, even that intolerable hurthen (Lord thou knowest my meaning and necessity) that even overwhelmeth me, and whatsoever doth or may seem to make most against me, that all shall turn remarkably for good unto me, Rom. 8.28. Lord thou hast spoken it and will also bring it to pass, thou hast purposed it and wilt also do it, and nothing shall let it, Isa. 46.10, 11.  
Therefore to conclude as Joseph did, and to say to myself (in every crosle and calamity, yea, though never so grievous and desperate, even in my present misery) as he did to his Brethren, be not grieved nor angry that this or that betides thee, it is God that sends it to thee; and remains thy most wise and tenderhearted Father continually, howsoever he please to afflict thee, and whatsoever by the devil or man may be intended or wrought against thee, thy God intendeth and will work all for thy good undoubtedly, Gen, 45.5.7. & 50.20. Well then my soul, is not all this enough for thee?  
I thus beset with pain and grief did pray to God for grace, (plaint  
And he forthwith did hear my out of his holy place, Ps. 18 6.  
On me some sign of favour show  that all my foes may see, 
And be ashamed, because Lord thou dost help and comfort me, Psal. 86.17.  
And now my soul sigh thou art safe return unto thy rest,  
For largely lo the Lord to thee his bounty hath expressed, Ps. 16.7  
See more at large in my collection of Promises; these following particulars, which will (by God's blessing) afford more matter of consolation and settling in any kind of misery, as in my book of the Promises, concerning afflictions in general, page 102 to 112: 

Concerning trouble of mind, pag. 116.  
Concerning a desolate estate, pag. 118  
Concerning any kind of outward want, pag. 135  
Concerning Gods blessing, pag. 164.  
Concerning the manner of Gods hearing our prayers, pag. 208.     

A brief commending all to the LORD.  
Oh Lord help mine heart to pray, hear my prayers, thy Name shall have the praises.  
O Thou that art the only and always true God, whom alone I desire to serve and trust; eternal, all-knowing, every where present, almighty, most wise, merciful, faithful and immutable; in Jesus Christ by virtue of thine own most free and faithful Covenant, my reconciled God, most gracious Father, and alone all-sufficient helper; it is thy will I should call upon thee in every need, and hast promised thou wilt deliver me, that I may glorify thee, I have never sought thee in vain, thou hast always heard me, and that most remarkably in greatest extremity, thou hast often done more for me then I desired or expected from thee; behold, as well as I can (though alas at the best exceeding weakly) in the sense of my especial necessities (fully known to thee with all circumstances) I set my soul to seek all help at thy hands only, de●●ying all other means of relief wholly; this in obedience to thy will, in the assistance of thy Spirit, in the name and mediation of thy dear and only Son, my alone all-sufficient Saviour and continual intercessor Christ Jesus, founding my prayers on thy promises, which I lay before thee, with which I urge thee, flying to thy mercies, building on thy power, submitting to thy will, wisdom and providence, acknowledging all my inward and outward welfare past, present and to come, to come only from thee, or else woe, woe, woe unto me, and nothing could or can avail me; a waiting for thy salvation continually, promising all possible praises to thee only, for whatsoever grace or good thou hast pleased to vouchsafe, or shalt please to vouchsafe unto me; and now thou that art such a God as I acknowledge thee, and thou hast revealed thyself to be entreated in mercy, as thou hast promised by thy unresistable working, in due season, upon all occasions, especially in greatest extremities, more particularly in my particular present or future prossing inward and outward necessities, to guide, to prevent, to govern, to restore, to receive, to strengthen, to comfort, to support, to establish, to relieve, to protect, to deliver, every way to help and prosper me, notwithstanding all my horrible ingratitude, most heinous sinfulness, exceeding unworthiness, extreme weakness, and all other though never so many & great impediments; you, according to all thy great name manifested and magnified to thine for good (whereby so freely, plainly, plentifully, infallibly, thou hast revealed and assured audience and help to thine) to hear and help me even beyond all that I now, or at any other time can think or ask, that it may appear, thou Lord hast done all for me, all this, & all else, as may be most to the glory of thy name, the service of thy Zion, the gracing of my Christian profession, the stopping the mouth of profaneness, malice, scorn and injury, the preventing my distasting others, or others (especially such as most wish, and would be glad of my shame and harm) having advantage against me, the good of those most near and dear unto me, my outward credit and comfort in thy fear with thy favour, my souls present peace and everlasting happiness in Heaven with thee, as seemeth best unto thee, wherewithal in all good conscience and Christian confidence, make me contented hearty, and it is enough for me, and all the glory shall he thine only, to whom alone the same is due wholly and continually, Amen.  

Observe:  
HEr Adversary provoked her sore for to make her fret, therefore she wept and did not eat; she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore, and she vowed a Vow and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember and not forget me, but wilt give unto me, etc. then I will give unto thee, etc. she spoke in her heart, only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: I am of a sorrowful spirit, and have poured out my soul before the Lord, out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken: The Lord God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him; so the woman went her way and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad, and the Lord remembered her; and she said, The Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him, for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed, 1 Sam. 1.6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 27. & 2.3.  
If the Lord were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt Offering and a meat Offering at our hands, neither would he have showed us all these things, nor would as at this time have told us such things as these, Judges 13.23.  
Lord grant me the spirit of understanding and application of every one of these, and according to my most urgent occasions (thou that art the same for ever unto thine) let me find the comfort and profit of these, for thy mercy and thy truth unto me; my soul, my God in Christ shall always and in all things magnify thee, Amen.  
Who knoweth the work of the Lord who worketh all, Eccl. 11.5.  
My God I wait the issue from thee;  
I beseech thee make it good for me;  
I unfeignedly promise unto thee  
To observe diligently,  
To remember constantly,  
To regard carefully,  
To acknowledge thankfully  
Thy gracious dealing towards me,  
In this (and every) extremity,  
Which so much overchargeth me,  
That I can see no remedy;  
Lord I depend upon thee,  
Do thy good pleasure with me;  
Oh hear, forgive, accept and help me,  
Amen, Amen, my God in Christ I pray thee.    

Some more, though brief yet sound Meditations for his further assurance of support and secure in his present, exceeding great, or any future, though never so hopeless and helpless misery.  
O Lord my God, thou art throughly acquainted with my condition, which threatneth extreme misery, thou knowest what is best for me, and dispofest all things according to thine own will, for my good in the end assuredly, whatsoever doth or may oppose me; behold I look round about me, and can see no hope of help left me, but I look up to thee in the highest Heavens, from whom alone all my help cometh; who knoweth thy work that worketh all? thou hast innumerable ways to help when all else faileth, thou hast oftentimes heretofore seasonably, unexpectedly, amply & wonderfully wrought for my relief and deliverance, when I was most helpless and whatsoever opposed, and that of thine own mere goodness, notwithstanding my unmeasurable great sinfulness; I know and believe thy hand is not shortened, that thou art the same for ever unto me for good; as thou art gracious work for my relief, and deliverance, notwithstanding my exceeding great unworthiness, & all other impossibilities; the earth is thine and the fullness thereof, all things obey thy voice, speak but one word and it is done, command and it shall stand fast, all the world cannot hinder it; thou hast provided, thou dost, canst, hast promised, must and wilt provide in the Mount in greatest extremity, & apparently it shall be, Lord let it be seen. Why then should I faint, fear, or doubt? thou art my help in greatest need, I give over all unto thee, I call upon thee, I depend alone on thee, I await always for thee, thou hast never failed me; never, Oh never fail, forsake, or forget me; I remember thy wont goodness, I fly to thy undeserved mercies, I trust in thy almighty power, I found my prayers on thy most faithful promises, I submit to thy most wise disposing; now I beseech and urge thee, most humbly and instantly, in mercy, as thou art wont, and hast promised, be pleased most powerfully, as seemeth good unto thee, to consider my condition, to remember my estate, to pity my distress, to behold my trouble, to regard my sighs, to hear my prayers, to relieve my wants, to prevent feared calamities, and to deliver me out of this great misery; Oh if it be thy will let me find (by experience) thy fatherly love, care and providence so manifested and magnified towards me, that I may be freed from this (in man's judgement) irrecoverable misery, with which, and with all its circumstances, thou art acquainted fully; Oh let no man lose by me, or have just cause to complain of me; Oh work for me, that I may live of mine own commendably, without being chargeable to any, that I provide for mine honestly, and so remove and prevent much trouble, in myself, and sorrow, shame and misery to mine, that I may put all my things in good order before I depart hence, that in this respect I may be the more willing to leave this world, and the more desirous of a better life, that in all these I may acknowledge thy goodness, and praise thy name, who hast dealt so graciously and wonderfully with me; by thy grace (if it please thee to do it) I will never forget it, but will always confess that thy hand only hath wrought it, and shall ever endeavour to testify true thankfulness for it; yet O Lord my God in all these not as I will, but as thou wilt, who knowest what is most needful for me; yea, rather deny in mercy then give me in displeasure, what I conceive I so much want, and do so earnestly crave, if it be thy will this burden shall grow so heavy, and lie so long upon me, that I be brought unto the uttermost extremity, do bu● increase inward strength within me, that I may come the nearer home unto thee, and 〈◊〉 is enough for me, I crave 〈◊〉 more of thee, all shall go well with me whatsoever betide● me; do not, oh do not suffe● me to use any unlawful or unbeseeming means to help myself thereby, let no by-respect prevail with me herein, but direct and enable me conscionable and worthily to do my duty, and so to leave the success un●● thee, who wilt cause the sam● to fall out well for me; never oh never suffer me to be impatient, discontented, over doubtful, over careful, or discouraged, or to murmur against to dispute with, to complaint of, or to limit thee; but enable, oh enable me to possess m● soul in patience, to rest heart'ly well contented with all thou sendest, as that which thou in wisdom, love and faithfulness seest best for me, and wilt remarkably turn to good unto me, help me to acknowledge thee aright in all my ways, oh direct my paths, cause me with an holy carelessness to cast my care upon thee; oh take care for me, make me to roll my burden on thee, oh nourish thou me, raise up my heart to hope beyond hope, to believe beyond sense, to comfort myself in thee, and in the word of thy truth unto me, to be quiet and silent, to lay my mouth in the dust, because thou Lord dost it, and as becomes one of thine to await thy leisure and good pleasure, who assuredly at the oppointed time and in due season wilt come and not carry, all that it may appear thy hand hath done it; oh vouchsafe thy help herein, leave my profession of thee, praye● to thee, confidence in thee, 〈◊〉 reproached, lest my heart a●● the hearts of thine be discouraged by thy not helping me; d● this, that it may appear 〈◊〉 right way is the best way, th●● it is not in vain to seek, se●● and trust in thee, that the mo●● of iniquity may be stopp●● others of thine encouraged, a● my poor soul more and 〈◊〉 confirmed: O my most gracious Lord, reconciled God, 〈◊〉 most merciful Father and 〈◊〉 helper at all assays, in who●● have all, without whom I h●●● nothing, accept the meditation of my heart and words of 〈◊〉 mouth, look favourably up●● me, stretch out thy hand to 〈◊〉 leeve me, according to all 〈◊〉 great name, notwithstanding all hindrances, only through the all-sufficient merits 〈◊〉 continual mediation of thy Christ, my alone most blessed Redeemer, and most gracious Intercessor the Lord Jesus, Amen, Amen.  
Being thus instructed, resolved and strengthened by my God, ought I not to comfort ●nd settle my heart in him? may I not fully persuade myself that by one means or other it will please him to afford his help unto me? and so (with Hannah) to be quiet in heart ●nd cheerful in countenance, ●nd to await his most gracious, powerful, promised relief, according to his own blessed will in Christ Jesus, Amen.  
See further yet more largely concerning this matter, in his prayer made in his great extremity, which prayer is among ●he rest in his daily devotions.   

The right way to go to work extracted out of S. B. his Sermon on Prov. 16.3.  

1. The parts.  

FIrst, an Advice.  
Secondly, a Promise of ●●●nesse.    

2. The meaning.  
Commit the choice ordering and success of all thy intentions, words, actions to Jehov●●  
Doct. 1. Every one ought ●● commit their ways unto 〈◊〉 Lord. Proofs of this Doctrine Psal. 37.5. & 55.22. 1 Pet. 5. ●● Three things in this committing.  

First, a sense and acknowledgement of self-insufficient for the work.  
Secondly, a faithful dependency on God, for the appointing and effecting of it.  
Thirdly, an actual recommending of it unto God by prayer.    

3. The explanation of the severals.  
First, we must feel ourselves unable to under go the burden, and acknowledge our weakness; 〈◊〉 respect, first, of our judgement; secondly, of our wisdom; thirdly, of our power.  

First, in our judgement to choose, Pro. 21.2.25. Eccl. 11.9, 10. Gen: 11.4.  
Secondly, for wisdom in managing a thing resolved on, 1 Chron. 15.13. Isa. 36.6. Job 5.13, 14. Pro. 5.5. Jer. 10.23.  
Thirdly, for power to accomplish any work, though never so well conceived, though means are never so well ordered, Lam. 3.37. Joh. 15.5. Deut. 8.17. Psal. 44.3. 2 Cor: 3.5. 1 Cor. 3.7. Psal. 127.1. 2 Chron. 20.12.    

Of the second act of Faith in dependency on God and his efficiency.  

1. On his will and allowance.  
2. On his help and blessing.   
For the first, see Judges 1.11. & 20: 18.23.28. 1 Sam. 23.12. & 30.8. Numb. 27.21.  
We have no Oracle but God's Word, therefore we must go 〈◊〉 that (only) for warrant, Isa. ●. 20. Therefore examine 〈◊〉 what warrant we have here●● in every thing.  
Reas. 1. God's will is the ru●● and pattern of holiness and justice, Rom. 7.12. & 12.2. P● 119.9. Isa. 8.20.  
2. We own him that respe●● and obedience, as our Lord, Governor, Commander, Mal. ●. 6. Isa. 55.4. Amos 6.11.  
For the second, the act of dependency, viz. a resting on God for the ordering of our courses, as for provision of means, and for disposing and blessing of them, Mat. 6.25. & 10.19.  
Object. If I must roll my work on God, then need I not stir.  
Answ. The best means must be used, or we commit not our ways to God aright, as the word, thy works, thy thoughts do prove.   

Further then, the second act of our dependency.  

1. In respect of ourselves.  
2. Of other means.   
For both our eyes must be towards him, that he may guide us with his eye, Psal. 32.8. Ezra 5.5.  
If our business be in speech, as Moses, Exod. 4.11, 12.  
If in action, as Gideon, Judg. 6.16. 2 Sam. 15.31. Gen. 24.13, 14.  
Reas. 1. God's wisdom is most exact and infinite, that where he will not work, he knoweth to hinder, prevent or frustrate all means; and where he will, to make all secondary causes to concur in an admirable harmony, which we out selves cannot do, Rom. 8.28. Gen. 45 5, 7, 8. & 50.20.  
Reas. 2. God's providence is in every thing that falleth out, Prov. 20.24. & 16.2. Jo●. 14.16.  
The third act of dependency is, a resting and waiting o● God for the success of our business and endeavours, Psal. 37.5. Acts 14.23. Isa. 49.4. 2 Sam. 10.12. Neh. 1.11. Est. 4.16. Gen. 22.8.  
Reas. 1. Because of God's absolute power, that he is omnipotent and solipotent, Eccl. 9.11. Dan. 3.17. 2 Chron. 14.11.  
Reas. 2. Because of his decree, all our times are in his hands, yea, all the actions and motions of those times, Psal. 31.15. Pro. 19.21. Isa. 26.12.   

Signs of confidence in God.  

1. It casteth out fear, Isa. 12.2. Rom. 4.18, 19, 20.  
2. And care, Dan. 3.16.  
3. And causeth cheerfulness, 1 Sam. 30.6. Psal. 37.4, 5.   
The last thing in committing our ways unto the Lord, is, an actual recommending of the same to him by prayer, Isa. 37.14.  

Reas. 1. It is God's will, as in the Text, etc.  
2. His wisdom invites us hereto.  
3. Also his power, Pro. 18.10.  
4. His love, 1 Pet. 5.7. Psal. 113.13. & 57.2. Phil. 4 6.  
5. His faithfulness, he hath promised to give good success, as in the Text.    

The first Use, Exhortation hereunto.  

1. For our own affairs.  
2. For the distressed Churches.  
3. For others.    

The second Use, Reproof  

1. Of such as rely on their own sufficiency.  
2. Of such as do without warrant, Jer. 42.20.  
3. Of such as dare not depend on God, for means or sufficiency, as Moses, Exod. 4.10.13.  
4. Of such as distrust if such means take not, or not at such time, Psal. 78.41.3.  
5. Of them that rely on thei● own procurement of means Isa. 31, 1, 2.  
6. Of such as use ill means  
7. Of such as trust not God with the success, Ex. 4.1.1 San 27.1.   
Lord I desire, cause me rightly to acknowledge, seek and trust thee, and as thou hast assured, hear, direct and help me, Amen.    

Before solemn settling himself to pray in private.  
O Lord God, whose work it only is, which thou knowest, and I acknowledge to be exceedingly wanting in me; be entreated in mercy, as thou art wont and hast promised, be I never so unworthy, unthankful and indisposed, to pour out upon me the spirit of grace and supplication, that I may at this present power out my heart in prayer before thee, so that thou mayest be pleased to hear and help from Heaven seasonably and effectually, thy great name shall have all the glory.  

Or Thus,  
O Lord prepare my miserable unprepared heart to pray, hear me graciously, though I be most unworthy, as thou hast promised whatsoever opposeth, thy great name shall have all the glory.   

Or Thus,  
O Lord help my heart to pray, hear my prayers, thy name shall have the praises.    

If he comes into God's House before the beginning of public worship.  
O Most holy Lord God, prepare every one of our unprepared hearts, in most holy manner, to seek thy face in every one of thy most holy Ordinances; work effectually with thy most holy spirit upon every one of our hearts, that the means of grace may prove effectual to every one of our most sinful souls; to the building of them up in all grace, to our present comfort and eternal happiness in Christ Jesus, Amen.  

When Amen is pronounced at the end of the public prayers.  
Amen Lord Amen, of thy infinite mercy, according to thy immutable truth, by thy unresistable working, notwithstanding our unworthiness, insufficiency, and all other impediments, thy great name shall have all the glory, to which alone the same is due wholly.   

When he gives Alms.  
Good Lord accept the will for the deed, forgive and reform what is amiss, vouchsafe a plentiful blessing in due season, according to thy wont goodness and faithful promises in Christ Jesus.   

When the blessing is pronounced.  
O Lord our God most mighty, merciful and true, vouchsafe graciously, seasonably and effectually, to leave thy promised blessing of mercy, grace and peace behind thee, Amen.   

When he awakes in the morning.  
O Lord my God, it is of thine own and only wont, undeserved, infinite, never failing mercies, that I have not in this night passed been smothered in my sleep and sins, that I may behold the light of this day in peace; awaken my heart with all holy affections, towards thee, cause me to cast off all works of darkness, and to walk in the light before thee, renew remission unto me for my sins (of the night) renewed against thee, throughout this day govern me by thy Word and spirit in all I go about, and let thy blessing be upon me in all that any way concerns me, my soul through Jesus Christ shall more and more magnify thee, Amen.   

When he lays him down at night to take his rest.  
O Lord my God by thy especial providence & assistance, I lay me down in peace at this present, and bless thy name unfeignedly, that all things (throughout this day) hath gone so well with me, whereas else I had been every way most unhappy: Oh multiply pardon to me, for my fauls multiplied against thee, even this day passed I beseech thee, and watch over me the rest of this night, to preserve me from sinning against thee, though never so secretly, and to keep off whatsoever would any way harm me; for all grace and good my soul shall more and more through Jesus Christ glorify thee, Amen.   

Before his going to hear God's Word preached.  
O Lord my God, whose word I go to hear, grant me thy grace to hear it as thy word, with all due reverence, earnest attention and holy affection, oh help me against all dead, heartedness, distractednes and weariness; make my heart as the good ground rightly to receive this heavenly seed, water the same with the dew of thy grace, that it may bring forth fruit abundantly in my knowledge, resolution and practice in faith and godliness, with all patience and constancy; thus work in and for me mercifully powerfully, faithfully, notwithstanding my unprepared, insensible unprofitable hearing thereof (whereof alas I am most heinously & continually guilty, for which I beg pardon and amendment) yea, in spite of all that the flesh, the world & the devil labour to the contrary, Amen, Amen; my Father in Christ, herein help me, I most humbly and earnestly beg, pray and beseech thee: Amen at this time, and upon the like occasions continually.   

When be comes from hearing God's Word.  
Now my good and gracious God, having by thy especial providence, goodness and grace, enjoyed the gracious means, happy opportunity and thy help to hear thy most holy word, (for which exceeding great favours make me tru●● thankful, and of which crave the continuance unto my lives end) bring the same to my remembrance, affect me with each part thereof throughly, cause me to mix it with faith rightly, and to put each part thereof in practice Christianly, as the necessities of my poor soul require especially, hear and bless in mercy, as thou hast promised, though I have sinned and whatsoever opposeth, Amen.   

Before his reading God's Word in private.  
O my heavenly Father, be entreated (mercifully, powerfully, faithfully, now and at all other times, be I never so unworthy, indisposed, and whatsoever opposeth) to strengthen and bless me in the reading, understanding, remembering, applying and practising of thy most holy word, as may be most to thy great glory and my eternal good through Christ Jesus, Amen.   

After his reading God's Word in private.  
O my God, I most hearty thank thee for this most inestimable Jewel of thy most holy Word, for this great freedom, and thy especial help to be exercised therein, and for all the good that by thy blessing, my poor soul hath received thereby: Oh forgive my unthankfulness therefore, and abusing thereof, reform these foul offences in me, and notwithstanding the same, and whatsoever else would hinder; continue these great mercies unto me, and make each part of thy most holy word my guide and comfort in life and death, through Jesus Christ, Amen, I beg of thee.   

Before his meditating in private.  
Good Lord it is my most humble & earnest suit unto thy most sacred Majesty, that thou wilt not lay to my charge my long & wilful neglect of, miserable averseness from, and extreme indisposition to this so much required and exceeding needful duty of divine Meditation; but notwithstanding these, and though I neither know how, nor have any ability to discharge the same as I ought, I pray and beseech thee to learn me the right way thereto, and to dispose me in some good measure, to the performance thereof; help me to begin, go on and end, in respect of the present matter thereof, with sound judgement, moved affection, powerful application and unfeigned purpose to put all to conscionable practice, to the increase of all grace and godliness, through thy alone dear Son, my alone sweet Saviour Christ Jesus Amen.   

After his meditating in private.  
My dear God, my soul magnifieth thee, for this opportunity and assistance thou hast vouchsafed me (most weak and unworthy) in the performance of this holy duty; oh pardon, pity and reform my ignorance, insensibleness and manifold distempers herein; oh help me more and more better hereunto, and do me this exceeding great favour, that I may constantly bear in mind, and seasonably show forth the life and power of each part of what thou hast enabled me to think upon, according to the warrant of thy most holy word, that I may be every way the more fit to serve thee, and in every thing find the more comfort from thee through thy Christ my Redeemer, Amen.   

Before Meals.  
Our heavenly Father, be entreated to vouchsafe a gracious blessing upon these thy good creatures which we are about to receive from thy bountiful hands; grant us to receive them as we ought; in the strength of them vouchsafe us the continuance of good health if it be thy will; above all, make us the more fit to do thee all acceptable service, to thy glory and our eternal happiness in Christ Jesus, Amen.   

After Meals.  
O our God, for ever blessed be thy name, for refreshing ●● again so graciously at this time with thy good creatures, and always providing so bountifully for us, whereas we are unworthy of one drop of cold water, and merit the worst of evils, whereas many of thy dear children suffer great want of those things which we enjoy in abundance: Lord make us truly thankful, forgive our sins, cause us to serve thee better, continue towards us thy favours, never suffer us to want any thing thou seest good for us, provide relief for all in any distress, accept and bless us always and in all things, through Christ Jesus, Amen.   

A serious Prayer at any time.  
O my heavenly Father, be entreated freely and fully to forget and forgive all my offences, though never so many and heinous, which make me most unworthy the least of thy merties, and whereby I provoke all thy heaviest displeasure against me; sanctify my soul speedily, throughly and constantly, that I may serve thee all the rest of my time sincerely, watchfully, zealously; save me from thy wrath which I fear and merit, and can by no means else escape; continue towards me all needful favours which I can by no means else enjoy; turn all my present and future, inward and outward sufferings to my souls eternal good, and do what thou pleasest with me; afford true grace, peace and comfort to my poor soul, and I desire no more of thee; make me willing to leave this, and fit for a better life; when I leave this, receive me to a better life, and it is enough for me, Amen, through thy Christ my Redeemer, the Lord Jesus my intercessor, I beseech thee.   

A Thanksgiving at any time.  
O my reconciled God, most gracious Father, and alone alsufficient, most wise, merciful, faithful and immutable helper in Jesus Christ, whom thou hast freely given unto me to be an all-sufficient Saviour and continual intercessor for me; in whom thou art in covenant with me, and all thy promises are my portion, through whom thou hast afforded and assured all grace and good unto me here, and all happiness with thee in Heaven for evermore: Behold, as I am every way exceedingly bound beyond all I can remember or acknowledge, my soul's desire is always set to render in all, and above all things, all possible praises to thy Majesty, acknowledging ingenuously, that all my inward & outward, present, former and future welfare is only from thee, and that else no heart could conceive or tongue express my misery; accept my unfeigned, though exceeding weak desires now and at all times, to give thy great name for all, all the glory, Amen.   

When he must go abroad, and about business in haste, wanting time convenient, to seek the Lord solemnly.  
O my heavenly Fatherin, the name of thy Son my Saviour I go abroad and about my business; in thou leavest me I shall do sinfully and foolishly, and shame and harm will befall me; therefore for his sake I beseech thee govern me wit● thy holy spirit, let thine own blessing be with me, so shall I demean myself discreetly and honestly, and all shall go well with me in all I undertake, and that concerns me; according to the especial occasions guide and prosper me more especially; as I look for all help only from thee, my soul shall therefore give thee alone all the glory, Amen.    

Short Ejaculations, set down as they came in my mind.  
LORD give me a peaceable, sealed, suffering spirit.  
A cercumspect, silent, sober tongue.  
A fair, friendly, free carriage  
A grave, gracious, gentle conversation.  
Lord make me and every one of mine capable, and partakers of each part of thy covenant of mercy, grace, peace and happiness, and it is enough.  
Lord deliver and keep me from unconscionable, contentious and unreasonable men; let none that wish or seek my shame or harm, have their will of me.  
Lord cause me to walk more wisely and uprightly that I may walk more boldly and securely; maintain my cause for thine honour's sake, I beseech thee.  
Lord put spirit, life and power into my devotions; always forgive, accept and bless my weak performances.  
Lord help me to worship thee seasonably and conscionably; and work with thy grace mercifully, and faithfully, that I may walk with thee watchfully and constantly.  
Lord assure me of thy favour and help me out of debt before I die, I beg of thee.  
Lord help me to hold fast my integrity, and to trust thy alsufficiency in my greatest extremity, let it not be in vain for me to seek, serve and await upon thee.  
Lord whatsoever befalls me, let me never be forced to put forth my hand to iniquity; as thou art most true, make good this truth unto me, Psal. 125.3.  
Lord pour out the spirit of grace and supplication upon me that I may delight to pour out my heart in prayer before thee daily.  
Lord cause me to love the Lord Jesus dearly, to learn o● him who is meek & lowly, and to apply his all-sufficient satisfaction rightly.  
Lord in the sight and sense o● my sins humble me deeply for those most displeasing 〈◊〉 thee chief; oh discover the●● unto me clearly, make me t● hate and forsake them unfairedly.  
Lord as thou hast express promised me, Zach. 12. 1● cause me to look upon t● Christ my Saviour, whom ●● smnes have pierced, that I m●● mourn for them, as one moaneth for his only son, a●● be in bitterness for him, as 〈◊〉 the loss of my first borne; 〈◊〉 let his wounds heal me, 〈◊〉 blood cleanse me, his spi●● comfort, and his merits sa●● me.  
Lord give me a good conscience, a contented mind, a discreet demeanour, a competent estate, and thy fatherly blessing, it is enough.  
Lord give me an understanding, believing, penitent, watchful, upright, wel-ordered heart, and all shall be well.  
Lord settle me in a Christian course of serving thee, and let me find the sweetness thereof continually; oh let my ways please thee; and make my enemies at peace with me.  
Lord whatsoever betid me, let nothing disgrace my Christian profession of thee, or give those that hate me advantage against me.  
Lord help me in welldoing to commend all to thee, and to trust thee most in my most helpless misery.  
Lord I crave and expect all mercy, grace, peace, comfort, strength, health, safety, succour, help, deliverance and salvation only from thee; oh grant each seasonably and effectually unto me.  
Lord work all thy works i● me, that I may serve thee as ● aught, and work all my work for me, that I may prosper a thou hast promised.  
Lord make me as thou would dost have me, and require wh●● thou wilt of me, give me which thou seest best for me, and d●● what thou wilt with me.  
Lord be my strength, refuge and ready help at hand, m● sufficiency, safety and good success, and when, where, and how thou pleasest employ me.  
Lord clear my innocency, stop the mouth of injury, faithfully, worthily and in-offensively, make me to discharge each part of my duty.  
Lord make me wise, warned, watchful and well governed by my former folly, rashness, weakness and misgovernment.  
Lord let me no more be conformable to the sinful and unseemly fashions of the world, but reform my whole man according to thy will.  
Lord forgive and keep me from those sins whereby I have most dishonoured thee, disgraced my Christian profession, injured others, clogged my conscience, terrified my sauce, or any way procured myself shame or harm.  
Lord make me to make, and let me find each part of thy Word my guide and comfort.  
Lord direct, govern, restore, comfort, support, establish, enable, protect, provide for, and bless me, as every one of my especial occasions do or may require of thee.  
Lord at one time or other, by one means or other, ere we do part hence, work for the effectual conversion and everlasting salvation of every one of mine, and I desire no more for them of thee.  
Lord prepare me to meet the ere thy wrath come upon me; in the day of calamity hid me under thine hand till thy indignation be over past.  
Lord in wisdom, love and faithfulness visit me, and deal as thou pleasest with me.  
Lord when all is past hope, thou canst most easily help, my case is fully known and wholly commended to thee; thou hast helped remarkably, thy hand is not shortened, thy mercy never faileth, thy truth endureth for ever towards me.  
Lord let not my hope deceive nor thy help fail me; oh cause me to make, and let me find thy providence my portion continually, so shall I be supplied seasonably, and never want any thing thou seest good for me.  
Lord prepare me to suffer, to die, let every thing draw me nearer to thee, let death bring me to life eternal with thee; do then what thou wilt with me, call then when, where, and how thou pleasest for me.  
Lord from sin, shame, harm, in thy fear, in a good repute and peace, preserve me.  
Lord how shall I behave myself in my present distressed estate? and how wilt thou therein deal with me? oh that thou wouldst dispose and dispatch all my business for me.  
Lord all help faileth me, none cares for me, every thing seem● to cross me, yet help thou and all shall go well with me.  
Lord cause me to go the right way to work, and to submit to thy disposing wholly.  
Lord let it appear the right way is the best way; never, of never fail, forsake or forget me, let them that now for welldoing scorn me, see thou fovourest and releevest me.  
Lord cause me secretly and sensibly to sorrow for my own sins, and to mourn for the abominations of the times, and this uncessantly.  
Lord affect me with the affections of Joseph rightly, dispose me to pray for the peace of Zion seriously, in all reform and pardon me.  
Lord give me feeling, feeling, feeling, of all the good things I know and utter before thee, thou knowest and I acknowledge the same to be extremely wanting in me.  
Lord let no thought of my heart nor word of my mouth be in vain for me, but thou that art my strength and my Redeemer, accept all my Meditations, and expressions continually.  
Lord carry me with wisdom, patience, comfort and good success, through all my great occasions.  
Lord change my disposition, reform my conversation speedily and powerfully, wherein I am most averse from good, and prone to evil especially.  
Lord that thou wouldst instruct and enable me sincerely and circumspectly to order my lawful affairs substantially, whatsoever others may think, speak or work against me and that thine own seasonabl● and effectual working to affor●●n happy issue, might according to thy mercy and truth appear towards me.  
Lord put me not off with outward mercies, but vouchsafe me a portion of thy best blessings.  
From sloth, lust and carelessness, from tattling, tippling and trifling away time, from putting off my private devotions, from discontent and discord, Good Lord deliver me.   

Grounds of comfort against the nickname of Puritan and Round-head.  
It is nothing in respect of what hath been objected against Christ and the godly, for there hath been objected against them grievous things, 
(a) Acts 25.7.  gluttony, 
(b) Mat. 11.18.19.  madness, 
(c) Joh. 10.20.  blasphemy, 
(d) Mat. 26.65. Mark 9.3. Acts 6.11, 13, 14.  murder, 
(e) Acts 28.4.  deceiving, 
(f) Joh. 7.12. 2 Cor. 6.8.  rebellion, 
(g) Acts 17.6, 7.  railing, 
(h) Acts 23.4.  babbling, idolatry, 
(i) Acts 17.18.  bringers of strange things, 
(k) Acts 17.20.  schism, 
(l) Acts 28.22.  wickedness of life; 
(m) 1 Pet. 2.12.  the abjects abused them, 
(n) Psa 35.15.  drankards sang of them, 
(o) Psal. 69.12.  the basest derided them; 
(p) Job 30.1.  they were a reproach of men, 
(q) Psal. 22.12.  a byword, 
(r) Psal. 44.14  a proverb, 
(s) Psal. 69.11.  a wonder, 
(t) Psal. 17.7. Isa. 8.18  gazing-stocks, 
(u) 1 Cor. 4.9.  fools, 
(w) 1 Cor. 4.10.  insufficient, despised, 
(x) Idem.  defamed, made as filth and off-scowring; 
(y) 1 Cor. 4.13.  great men rail at them, 
(z) Psa. 31.13.  godly men censure them, 
(a) Jobs friends, 1 Cor. 4.4.10.  and by slander excommunicate them, 
(b) Isa. 66.5.  are most foully scandalised, 
(c) Ps. 69.7. & 44.15.  condemned by a whole Counsel, 
(d) Mat. 27.1. Joh. 11.47, 48. Acts 6.12. & 4.6.15. & 5.27. & 23.1.  yea, to suffer as evil doers: 
(e) 2 Tim. 2.9. Psal. 37.32, 33. Psal. 41.8. Isa. 53.4.  well, if God condemns us not, what matters the censures, and reproachful nicknames of others. 
(f) 1 Pet. 3.16.   
If good & bad men both should judge amiss,  
Keep conscience clear, t●ou needst not care I wisse.  
Alas, this is not to resist, unto blood, 
h Heb. 12.4.  my Saviour says, Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and shall say all manner of evil falsely for my sake, rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted they the Prophets that were before you; 
i Mat. 5.11, 12.  yea, my most blessed Redeemer, so have they abused thee and all thy dearest Servants; oh then why should I that am not worthy the name of a Servant or Disciple, think to be above my Lord and Master, and better than others, whereas I am the unworthiest and most misgoverned of all other; let it be enough for me to be like, (though not equal,) to thee my Master and Lord, 
k Mat. ●●. 24, 25.  Lord honour me in suffering, prepare me for, enable me to suffer this, or any other way for thee.  
Puritan or Round-head; who? what is either? even h● that conceits himself clean from his corruption, and is not washed from his filthiness; 
l Prov. ●●. 12.  he that judgeth others unclean and himself more holy, 
m Isa. 65.5.  he that will be holier than God will have him, preferring men's traditions before God's Ordinances, 
n Mat. 15, 3.6. Mar. 7.3.9.13. Col. 2.20, 21, 22, 23. 1 Tim. 4.3.  O my soul come not thou into their secret; 
o Gen. 49.6.  thus I never was, nor am, nor by God's grace never shall be a Puritan or Round-head.  
But if to mourn and tremble in the sight and sense of my most heinously sinful, and terribly accursed condition, by original and actual wickedness, be to be a Puritan, 
p Zac. 12.10. Matth. 5.4. Ezra 10.3. Isa. 66.5. Hos. 13.1.  Lord make and ever continue me a Puritan & Round-head,  
If hearty to abhor, and seriously to resolve against sin, 
q Job 42.6. Rom. 12.9. Ezek. 6.9. & 20.43. Psal. 39.1. Psal. 101.3. & 119.106. & 97.10.  be to be a Puritan & Round-head, Lord make, etc.  
If inwardly to love, and affectionately to delight in good, 
r Psal. 119.119.127. & 1.2. & 40. ●. & 119.16, 24, 35, 47, 70, 77, 174.  be to be, etc.  
If to affect Gods; Children dearly, if to cherish and not to grieve them, if to honour and not to scorn them, if to help and not to harm them, 
s Psal. 16.3. & 15.4. Job. 13.14. Rom. 12.9, 10, 13.  be to be, etc.  
If unfeignedly to purpose, and watchfully to practise the power of godliness 
t Acts 11.23. Psal. 39.1. & 141 3. Mark 13.33, 37. 2 Tim. 4.5. 1 Pet. 4.7.  be to be, etc.  
If to turn from, and take heed of the occasions of every thing that is unlawful and uncomely 
u Gen. 39.10. 1 Thes. 5.22. Psal. 119.101. & 101.3. Ephes. 3.4.  be to be, etc.  
If to have respect unto, and to embrace the furtherances of whatsoever is warrantable and seemly 
w Psal. 119.6. Phil. 4.9. & 1.27. 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 7.  be to be, etc.  
If to labour to be throughly informed and reform by the written Word of God 
x Prov. 23.12. Psal. 119.11.105 Isa, 8.20. Gal. 6.16.  be to be etc.  
If to exercise myself to keep the Testimony and peace of a good conscience at all times, and in all things 
y Acts 23.1. &. 24.16. 2 Cor. 1.12. 1 Tim. 1. 1●. 2 Tim. 1.3. Heb. 13.8.  be to be, etc.  
If to embrace the means and opportunities seasonably and conscionably, to hear, read, pray, meditate, confer and sing Psalms 
z Gal. 6.10. Prov. 8.34. Joh. 8.47. Rev. 1.3. Joh. 5.39. Psal. 5.2. & 55.17. 1 Thes. 5.17. Gen. 24.63. Josh. 1.8. Psal. 1.2. & 63.6. Psal. 13.6. & 66.2. Eph. 5.19. Col. 3.16.  be to be, etc.  
If to sanctify the Lords Sab bath carefully, to receive the Sacrament reverendly, and to fast solemnly 
a Com. 4. 1 Cor. 11.27, 28, 29.  be to be, etc.  
If to set up Religion in my Family, and to charge mine ●● converse Christianly 
b Psalm 101. Geneses 18.19. deuteronomy 4.9. & 11.19.  be to be, etc.  
If to perform every public family and private holy duty i● spirit and truth, and not superstitiously, or in outward show verbally, formally, customarily 
c Joh. 4.24. Ru● 1.9. Rom. 7.6. Phil. 3.3. 1 C●. 14.15, 16.  be to be etc.  
If not to fear, neglect or be ashamed to do well for any by respect 
d Gal. 1.10. Psal. 119.161, 163. 126. & 138. ver. & 128. ver.  be to be, etc.  
If to carry one's self circumspectly, diligently, faithfully and worthily in his particular calling 
e Exodus 23.13. Mat. 10.16. Eph. 5.15. Ezra 7.23. Dan. 6.4.  be to be, etc.  
If to walk humbly with, and uprightly before the Lord 
f Micah 6.8. Gen. 17 1. Prov. 10.9. Job 33.3. Acts 20.19. Psal. 101.2.  be to be, etc.  
If to deal justly and equally with others, if to be compassionate and helpful to the distressed 
g Micah 6.8. Phil. 4.8. Col. 4.1. Zach. 7.9. Phil. 4.3.  be to be, etc.  
If to be circumspect and sober meek and friendly, freehearted and cheerful, peaceable and faire-carriaged 
h Exod. 23.13. 1 Pet. 4 7. Mat. 11.29. Prov. 18.24. Gen. 25.27. Prov. 15.13. Rom. 12.18. 1 Thes. 2.10.  be to be, etc.  
If to suppress envy and malice, anger and collar, to govern filthy lusts and unruly passions 
i Rom. 13.19. Col. 3.8. Prov. 15, 18. & 14 17. 29, Eph. 4. 31. Jam. 1.19 Gal. 5.24. 1 Pet: 2.11. Tit. 1.6. Phil. 4.5.  be to be, etc.  
If to part with our most precious pleasures and profits, rather than sin against o● consciences 
k He● 11.24, 25, 26. Luk. 14.32.  be to be, etc.  
If not to dare to drink drunk swear, lie, cousin, be unclean or not to frequent or delight in the society of such, 
l Eph. 5.18. Mat. 5. 3●. Levit. 19.11. Col. 3.9. Rev. 2●. 15. Leu. 19.13. 1 Cor. 7.5. Epe. 5.5. Gal. 5.19. 1 Thes. 4.7. 2 C● 6.17. Psal. 1.1. & 6.8. & 26. 5● Pro. 28.7.  be to be, etc.  
If not to slander, backbite, judge, censure, injure others, if to speak the best and no evil of the dead or absent 
m Prov. 10.18. Psal. 101.5. 1 Tim. 3.11. Prov. 25.23. 2 Cor. 12.10. Mat. 7.1. Jer. 22.3. Col. 3.25.  be to be, etc.  
If, (though to please others,) not to break a jest against Piety, Charity and Chastity 
n Eph. 5.4. 1 Cor. 15.33. Col. 3.8.  be to be, etc.  
If to mind ones own business and not to meddle in others matters 
o Pre. 22 29. 1 Thes. 4, 11. 2 Thes. 3.11. 1 Tim. 5.13. 1 Pet. 4.15.  be to be, etc.  
If to hold God's Word to be the only and all-sufficient guide to true happiness, and to reject the contrary utterly 
p Psal. 119.105. & 19.7, 8 2 Tim. 3.16, 17. Gal. 1.8.9. Rev. 22.21.  be to be, etc.  
If to labour to live by keeping peace with God, and setting all in order, that I may be ready to die daily 
q Cor. 1.20. & 3.15. Psal. 119.165. Isa. 26.3. Jer. 27.5. Isa. 38.1.  be to be, etc.  
If in well doing to use all law full means to serve God's providence in my particular occasions, and to trust upon God disposing and blessing only 
r Psal. 37.3, 4, 5. Pro. 3.5, 6, 7. & 16.3.  be to be, etc.  
If to trust God most in greatest extremity, and to be contented with his disposing submisively 
s Psal. ● 1, 2. Isa. 50.10. Job 13.15. Psal. 37.5.  be to be, etc.  
If in the sense of daily corruptions, sins, wants, failing to be humbled, to confess, 〈◊〉 wail, beg pardon for, 〈◊〉 strength against them, resolving and endeavouring to 〈◊〉 sake them 
t J●●. 4.16. Psal. 3, ●. & 51.3.1. P●●. 21.13. Jam. 4.9. Psal. 86.16. Psal. 17.3. & 119.28. & 106. ver. 2 Cor. 5.9. Pro. 28.14.  be to be, etc.  
If to crave especial assistance against especial faults, and more fitness to serve God wherein I have most failed 
u Psal. 19.13. & 51.10, 14. Psal. 71.9. Rom. 12.21. Psal. 85.8.  be to be, etc.  
If to resolve to suffer any shame or harm rather than to sin wilfully 
w Heb. 11.25. 1 Pet. 3.14, 16. 1 Pet. 4.15, 19  be to be, etc.  
If speedily and seriously to dispatch those businesses that concerns my eternal peace, and to slight whatsoever can afford no solid comfort in the time of visitation, or at the hour of death 
x Mat. 6.33. Luke 10.42. Pro. 10.2. & 11.4. 1 Cor. 15.58. 1 Thes. 4.18.  be to be, etc.  
If in the sense of any sin or affliction not to be too much dejected, if not to despair of God's mercies, nor to distrust his promises, nor to doubt of his providence, or not to question Christ's all-sufficient merits and perpetual mediation 
y Rom. 8 37. 2 Cor. 4.8, 9 Psal. 77.7, 8, 9, 10. & 42.11.6 43.5. Psal. 56.3, 4, 10, 11, 13 1 Tim 2.8 Acts 27.25. Gen. 11.8. Job 38.41. Mat. 6.25. to the end: 1 Tim. 1.15. Heb. 7.25. 2 Tim. 2.5.  be to be etc.  
If when I think I stand to ta●● heed lest I fall, if to labour a renew my first love, if to string to increase inward grace and outward practice, if to recover from former falls, and bewail of future back slidings, if mo●● to fear secret sin then op●● shame, if in things doubtful ●● take he surest course, if to persevere in godliness and live● hope, if to die in the fear a● favour of my God in Christ 
z 1 Cor. 10.12. Rom. 11.20. Rev. 2.4, 5. Col. 1. 10● 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 7, 8. Psal. 23.3. & 51.8, 10. 2 Pet. 2.20, 21, 21.  be to be, etc.  
If by true, lively and steadfast faith (at least in unsained desire and endeavour) to seek all wisdom, righteousness, sanctification & redemption, all mercy, grace, peace, consolation and happiness, according to the free, plain, plentiful and faithful promises of our reconciled God, most gracious Father, and alone almighty helper, in covenant with us, only through the all-sufficient satisfaction and never failing intercession of his most dear and only Son, our alone Saviour and Mediator, notwithstanding our most heinous sinfulness in nature, and by life; notwithstanding our daily many and great wants, failings, doubts and discomforts; notwithstanding our unmeasurable grievous ingratitude, unworthiness, insufficiencies, and all other though never so many and great impediments and impossibilities, be to be a Puritan or Round-head, Lord in all these, make and ever continue me to be a Puritan and Round-head: I most humbly, unfeignedly and uncestantly beg, pray, beseech and urge, let then the devil and all his instruments let then who that will, and how they will miscall, nickname scorn and abuse me with the name of Puritan, with a ful● mouth never so foully; Lord govern and help me. Mark ●● 22. Rom. 3.28. & 4.19, 20. C●●. 5.1. 1 Cor. 16.13. & 2 Cor 5. ● Gal. 3.22. Eph. 3.12. & 6. 1● Col. 2.5.7. & 1 Tim. 1.5. ●● Heb. 10.22. & 11. Chapt. 1 Cor. 1.30. Mat. 15.22. 1 Tim. 1. ●● Gal. 6.16. 2 Cor. 1.3, 4, 5, 6, 2 Thes. 2.16, 17. Heb. 6.17, 18, Acts 4.12. Ezek. 36.22. Gal. 3, 12. Hos. 14.4. Psal. 86.5. & 130 7. 1 Cor. 1.9. & 10.13. 1 Thes. 5 24. & 2.3. 3 Heb. 2.17. & 10, 23. 2 Cor. 1.20. Rom. 5.10 2 Cor, 5.18, 20. Col. 1.21. Psal. 86 15, & 111.4. & 145.8. 2 Cor. 1.3, Dan. 3.17. 2 Tim. 1.12. Heb. 2 18 & 7, 25, Rom. 4, 21, Psal, 46, 1, Jer, 31, 33, Heb, 8, 10, Col, 3, 11 1 Cor, 3, 21, 22, 23, Isa, 53, chap, Rom, 4, 25, & 3, 24, 25, 1 John 2, 1, Rom, 8, 34, Gal, 3, 19, Heb, 8, 6, & 9, 15, & 12, 24, Mat. 3, 17, John 3, 16, Heb. 11, 17, Hos, 13, 4, 2 Tim, 2, 5, Ezek, 36, 22, 23, Hos, 14, 4, Isa, 58, 11, Psal. 73, 24,   

A commendable Course tending to contentment of divers necessary as well Divine as Moral Observations and Counsels gathered by experience.  
IN regard of God's worship, because every holy duty cannot well be every day performed with out great haste and hindrance, & so with little power & profit, I conceive it most convenient and comfortable, no day to neglect the most necessary, as prayer and reading the Scriptures, and for the rest to redeem the time, to perform them as we may also; howsoever, let every holy duty be performed with solemn preparation and sensible affection, at least with an holy bewailing the want of the same, and that the Lord will please to work the same in us.  
In his ordinary course at home and abroad, upon all occasions, in all his words, behaviour and actions, out of conscience to God, and by his government to demean himself circumspectly, plainly, faithfully, freely, soberly and friendly, without any by-respect, or troubling himself with trifles, or with what he cannot thereby prevent or remedy: in his greatest perplexities and troubles (using only the lawful means to serve God's providence) to commend all to hi● dispossing and blessing wholly, and so to rest content with his good pleasure, who in wisdom, love and faithfulness, will assuredly cause all to go well, go all how it will: Amen, my heavenly Father in Christ Jesus, in mercy as thou hast promised, be I never so ugworthy, and whatsoever opposeth, Amen.  

Be Pious and Patiented,  
Be Just and Quiet,  
Be Temperate and Peaceable,  
Be Direct and Sober,  
Be True and Provident,  
Be Faithful and Contented  
Be Chaste and Wary,  
Be Modest and Grave,  
Be Watchful and Reserved,  
Be Retired and Compassionate,  
Be Secret and Charitable  
Be Silent and Liberal,  
Be Humble and Inoffensive  
Be Meek and Teachable  
Be Friendly and Constant,   

be not Profane nor Impatient,  
be not Unjust nor Captious,  
be not Excessive nor Contentious,  
be not Double nor Passionate,  
be not False nor Prodigal,  
be not Faithless nor Malcontent,  
be not Filthy nor Rash,  
be not Wanton nor Light,  
be not Careless nor Lose,  
be not Gadding nor Cruel,  
be not Open. nor Merciless,  
be not Lavish nor Covetous,  
be not Proud nor Oftensive,  
be not Highminded nor Wilful,  
be not Surly nor Wavering.   
Every one that shows a smooth face, or gives fair words is not a faithful friend; therefore take heed what you say, and whom you trust.  
Trust no man with that which if it ever be discovered, may any way prejudice you, for he that is now for you, may hereafter fail, discover or oppose you; neither speak ill of him that doth not now befriend thee, his mind may change towards thee, and then it will repent thee.  
Be friendly to, and speak well of those that have wronged, or do not regard, or have spoken slightly of thee; believe me it will work strangely in gaining much affection, respect, credit and contentment to thee, whereas a sour countenance, harsh carriage, bitter language and distasteful dealing, will but increase their hatred and contempt, and thy disgrace and disquiet: make trial, and take my word another time; I may truly say, experientiâ docet.  
Hold it unchristian, cowardly and uncomely, needless, eaflesse and foolish, to perplex thyself with that thou canst neither prevent nor help, and avoid it: in all good conscience with an holy carelessness, cast all thy care on God, who taketh care for thee, and hath promised never, never to fail, forsake or forget thee.  
It is a worthy part and well done, neither slavishly to fear, nor wilfully too distest any, converse cheerfully (and with comeliness) carelessly; but as thou lovest to keep thy friends respect, and thine own peace reservedly.  
Let not thine own words, countenance or do discover, and who can contemn, or have advantage against thee.  
By and by thou art absent from those whom now thou accompaniest with, let thy desire to please for the present procure no future inward discontent, therefore hold thee close to those godly and moral Maxims which may best govern thee now, and most satisfy thee afterward; to this end forget not former good or misgovernment, and thereupon, peace or vexation.  
So to regard as to strive to satisfy every one's humour, shows a foolishly flattering disposition, questions worth and gets scorn: to keep gravity, to discourse sparingly and solidly, though it humour not, forces them at least in acknowledgement secretly to say, there is wisdom, honesty and good government; and so it ought to be.  
It is a most miserable mistake and arises from Ignorance, floath or profaneness, when we think it is an hindrance to our outward proceed, if we first ply our private devotions, whereas to begin with them, is the right way to prosper; otherwise, though we imagine we have made all sure, the Lord many times by one means or other, crosses our courses, sends us losses, and makes us smart for such foolishness: Lord grant me first to seek thy Kingdom, and I shall have share in the rest assuredly, as thou seest best for me.  
In a certain case of disserence, he advised either to suppress or help them throughly, so either to oblige them to help, or else disable them to hurt you; but by no means trust their discretion or good nature, who dare say, if they had, they would use their advantage against you, even now when they cannot harm you; espec Ily when ingratitude, pride, ambition and conceited cause of revenge, transports them; thus as a politician.  
But as a Christian, he adviseth to assist them seasonably and competently, yet warily against their common enemy, that themselves may have no leisure nor pretence, nor the other no time nor power to trouble you; and as a Christian politician, in the same case he thus speaks his mind plainly and freely, be provided to prevent the worst their might can, or their malice may attempt against you, for some speak strangely of you, and their present usage declares the affection and respect they bear you: this for that.  
To be malicious, scornful and injurious, is unchristian, uncivil and unseemly, and commonly comes from a high conceited, vilifying, quarrelling disposition in one's self; and from a soft, suffering, and therefore from a supposed cowardly disposition of another; yet often it falls out, the man unwilling to contend escapes with credit, and the shame and mischief falls on his head that sought it.  
Maintain your own right, but do another no wrong, and suffer stilly what you can by no good means remedy.  
If thou dost well, speak not thine own praises, if it be nor with thee as thou wouldst, say nothing; for I have observed, the good is concealed, and the rest lightly revealed.  
By making ohers as wise as thyself, in matters wherein they before were ignorant, will get them credit by thy lufficiency, and then they will slight thee; answer civilly, out answer not fully (I mean hear worldly affairs, only) keep somewhat in till afterward, so shall respect be preserved; deny out of judgement and reason not out of pride and self conceit, hold thine own and give no distaste  
His God, his Conscience, his Country, his own honour, the memory of his dead, and reputation of his living friend, he would not should, nor can he suffer them to be wronged.  
He held it more for a wishing that it were so, then holy fear it should be so in some who say, England must have its turn too, so much can passion more than piety do.  
O poor England, so extremely envied for the peace thy God grants thee, be thou humbly thankful, truly penitent, and trust thy God unfeignedly, so shalt thou still prosper by his mercy, and thy malicers shall nor harm thee, nor rejoice in thy misery.  
O England, England, lay to heart, the long and lamentable calamities of God's Church in Germany; go to Shiloh, see what the Lord hath done there, and he will spare thee, else, woe, woe, woe unto thee.  
Why should blest England be blamed, that prefers a warrantable peace before a bloody war; those therein engaged, would if they knew how (as thou art) be gladly freed, but not knowing how to be released, would have thee as themselves, entangled; and for their own advantage, would laugh if thou wert ruined; fear, serve, trust thy God, be wary; oh for ever mayest thou be secured.  
This was written before the bloody Wars, Lord pardon our sins, and heal the Land for thy Christ's, for thy mercy sake.  
Warre-wishers never felt nor know the miseries thereof, or only seek to please their own ambitious and covetous humours: I am sure such as desire or rejoice therein, long after, and are glad of the greatest plague upon earth, and I say, God send them sorrow that love it; if it made them smart in their own persons, wives, children, friends, houses or goods, they would soon be weary of it; for doubtless none but fools or mad men (or those that are fare enough from it) can take delight in it, Give peace in our time O Lord.  
True, the calling is lawful, honourable and necessary, when the causes urging are just, and the ends good, and he that than declines it is base in extremity, but not to be attempted rashly out of passion, or to please common fancy fond; for the wise man says, With good advice make war.  
The haire-braind fool cries peace with thee Lord, and war with all the world; the sober Christian prays peace with thee Lord, and with all men as fare as is possible.  
Caussesse suspicions troubles a man's mind, and blemish his virtues.  
Let not too much confidence darken foresight.  
Things openly slighted may be seriously intended.  
Where conscience is not informed clearly and reform throughly, men are misled with by-respects, and blinded with humane policy.  
He is a good counsellor and a true friend, who as he seconds tempers our humour.  
Be to friends friendly, constant and just, but not open.  
Be not proud, but keep distance, admit none a full approach to thy power or secrets.  
Trivial envies, emulations, censures, oppositions regard not, but go substantially about thine own business.  
Though thou intendest not his hurt, prevent him that would do thee hurt.  
Chiefs in commotions, and such as have accusing consciences are commonly but half-couraged men.  
He that is valiant and active, loves and seeks peace without fear or softness.  
Make so good use of things commendable in others, that they may be praised in thyself; but be real in them, else thou wilt be scorned.  
Christian circumpection may timely and easily prevent troubles, when much care and labour can hardly, if ever deliver from them.  
A man may be outwardly (at times) friendly, yet want respect towards thee inwardly, this appears by often cross and slighting carriage.  
Birds are entangled by their feet, and men by their tongues.  
Take heed where, when, to whom and of what thou speakest, always let thy tongue first consult with thy brains.  
Speak not at all where thy words are not heard, believed or regarded; show by thy silence and countenance, thou art sensible of being slighted.  
Forbear sometimes to tell strange things, though true, lest thou be'st counted and called an over-reacher.  
Never interrupt another in speaking, first hear him out, then answer, there is time enough for both.  
In discoursing go not fare about, bring in no needless circumstances or parenthesis, but declare the business advisedly, deliberately, plainly, freely, truly with a low voice and affableness, without interruption, faltering, flattering, distaste or conceitedness, and regard not how thou art censured.  
Let thy countenance to every one be grave, settled courteous, take heed of lightness, distraction, harshness; accustom thyself hereto, it is graceful, and will cause respect, by constancy herein wipe away the remembrance of former misgovernment.  
Envy not that some are praised undeservedly, or more than they merit, thou knowest fear, flattery, hope of gain or the like, causeth it.  
Distaste not that others slight deserved praises or thy friend, if thou canst not help it, only speak a word or two, to show thou takest notice of it, and take a more convenient time to question more fully about it.  
Be more friendly and less free, openness causeth contempt, but courtesy commendation, and reservedness respect.  
HAving renewed his resolutions in the new year (by the grace of God) to lead a new life; he bethought himself of this course, for the conscionable worshipping of, and walking with the Lord, which according to his disposition of mind, and condition of life, he conceived was most fitting for, and would (by God's blessing) be most comfortable for him; in all having respect to the warrant of God's word, and Christian conveniency, O Lord grant hereto thy grace and blessing I beseech thee.  
The Lord says, Isa. 1.16, 17. Cease to do evil, learn to do● w●ll, etc. well then, my soul, in the strength of the Almighty, from henceforth resolve, pray, watch against all sin in gonerall, and against thy especial corruptions (as sloth, neglect, or customary performing 〈◊〉 holy duties, habitual distractions in them, worldly-mindel-nesse, distrust, discontent, pass on, lust, intemperance and following vain customs, &c: more especially, resolve, pray watch, endeavour to imbrac● and practice the contrary duties, and every way according to the testimony of a well in form conscience, to walk piously, righteously, soberly, dicreetly and unblamably in this present evil world; more particularly for his more solem●● and settled seeking the Lord i● his private devotions (beside his public & family duties) to observe this course every day constantly, & at such time of the day as may be with least hindrance and most fitness, viz. with premeditation to frame his prayer (as briefly and substantially as he can) after this manner, inserting in their proper places new occasions of confessions, Supplications or thanksgivings, etc. the sum of the prayer then to be this.  
First, confession of especial sins, with their especial circumstances.  
2 Acknowledgement of especial judgements due, justly inflicted, yet graciously mitigated.  
3 self-denial, renewing resolutions to amend.  
4 Craving pardon and reconciliation in Christ.  
5 Deprecation of God's judgements feared, and for a lanctified use of all present and future sustering.  
6 Begging conversion and reformation, especially in especial sins and failings, with restauration, increase and perseverance.  
7 Also godly sorrow, true faith, with peace and comfort.  
8 To be prepared to die.  
9 Prayer for continuance of common blessings, and for especial direction and help in especial occasions and necessities.  
10 For sincerity, confidence, patience and contentation at all assays.  
11 Thanksgiving for general and especial, inward and outward blessings.  
12 Prayer for the estate of God's Children, in general and particular.  
13 For his family.  
14 And for all such as he is any way bound to pray for.  
Thus for his daily private prayer.  
Next, to read three Chapters in the Bible every day, with a brief prayer before and after, and holy meditation thereupon; yea, labouring to turn the chief observations thereout into solemn prayer for conscionable practice.  
Thirdly, seriously to read in some good book, and because these following books and writings are of singular use for his edification, and that he cannot every day read in each, he conceives it best to read only in one, and in another the next day, etc. as for example.  
On the Sabbath day affectionately calling to mind some of God's especial mercies, recorded by him.  
On Monday, solemnly remembering some of his holy Vows written by him.  
On Tuesday, cheerfully having recourse to some of Gods Promises collected by him.  
On Wednesday, attentively reading somewhat in Master By fields Marrow of the Oracles of God.  
On Thursday, somewhat in the Practice of Piety.  
On Friday, the like in the Christians daily Sacrifice, or in the Observations and Advises.  
On Saturday, serious Examination by some part of the true Watch and Rule of life.  
And when God please in continuance of time, he shall have by this constant course ended any of these, to begin again, etc. always turning what he reads into humble and unfeigned prayer, for application and performance, a little at a time, and that well is better, and will be more profitable than much customarily and insensibly slubbered over.  
Fourthly, every day to sing a Psalm, or part, understandingly and feelingly.  
Thus for his private practice of pious duties every day.  
Now for his other spare time that it be not misspent, to employ it in Christian conversing with good men, or in reading useful moral Histories, and quoting thereout needful observations, or in some other lawful, necessary, seemly, profitable business or recreations.  
Lord settle me in such a christian course of serving thee as may be most acceptable to thee, and comfortable to my conscience continually.  
One that had power, commanding him, more out of malice then reason, upon a perilous employment, he said, God's strength is my sufficiency and protection, my safety; so I go, and shall prosper spite of your ill meaning towards me.  
One that sees and uncharitably censures, or sharply reprehends his faults, not knowing or regarding his repentance, compassionates not, or will not take notice of his sorrows.  
Be always silent where reason is not regarded, and truth is but distasteful.  
Suppress pride, peevishness, passion, discontent and discord, as most unbeseeming a wise and worthy man's mind.  
This for that, now of somewhat else.  
His conscience, honour and his friend  
Spare, and nought else can him offend;  
But if your malice and distaste  
Cannot forbear, pack hence in haste;  
And when ye are sent for, come again,  
This thanks still look for, for your pains.  
Backbitten, must I needs turn pale for it,  
False honours please, and lying slanders fright,  
Whom? but the unworthy and vainglorious wight.  
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous, but who can stand before envy, Pro. 27.4.  
Men oft times speak evil of us, because they cannot speak well; not because we deserve it, but they are accustomed to it, and therefore cannot leave it, especially when they will not be persuaded they do evil in it.  
There are some Dogs of that nature, that they bark rather upon custom then curstness, and some so currish, they by't before they bark; he hath met with both sorts, but thanks to the Lord, neither their barking nor biting have been able to fright or hurt him.  
Desire no employment upon vainglory, refuse none for fear; Lord guide and strengthen me, to show myself careful and resolute in action.  
By virtue in valiantly doing his duty, and by modesty, in sparingly speaking thereof, a man may best escape envy, and obtain glory.  
Provoke not a suffering nature too much, lest it turn to your own shame and harm at length, though loath, he dares both speak and do.  
He that is honest is bold, he that does well would not be wronged, and may be provoked beyond his power, no coward is he that will not, base coward is he that dares not fight; let the fear of God not of man restrain thee, where conscience warrants show it by doing worthily.  
It ought to be enough for us if we have, by God's assistance, behaved ourselves so, that no man can tax us justly; if we deserve praise, it is only malice keeps it from us, and a lying tongue that would disgrace us.  
I dare trust any man's judgement of me, but not every man's affection towards me.  
Some whose consciences must commend us, malice forces in their speeches to condemn us, though we know and find it, we may have comfort in it.  
It is mere folly, great weakness and extreme vanity, to trouble our minds with those things, that thereby can neither be prevented nor helped.  
One said (believe me, not to boast or justify himself vainly, but to vindicate his worth and innocency, which hath by malice and untruth suffered undeservedly) who that knows me can tax me with carelessness, or any kind of unworthy carriage justly? and if they would speak plainly as they are persuaded of me, must they not confess the contrary?  
If you hear or conceive amiss of me, if there be conscience, reason, charity or common honesty in you, first convince, than censure, else spare me, or else I will protest you belly me, and of mere malice detract from me, perhaps because your own ways have not been so worthy, and therefore must not escape your envy; this is baseness in you, and doth not blemish but settle me; for wise and worthy men will judge rightly.  
Tell me of my faults but do not blaze them; think of your own, and mine will seem the less unto you.  
Would I were as wise, honest and worthy as some think themselves, and would be esteemed, whose carriage but little show they deserve it.  
Of all beasts, I hate an injurious scoffer, I cannot abide a contentious companion, nor to have to do with one of a distasteful disposition, or that is of a proud and disdainful demeanour.  
Injurious speeches from a man in authority, are most harmful and unseemly, oftentimes wrong and grieve extremely; by these the innocent and worthy must suffer and know no redress; complain they may not, contend they dare not, grieving helps not: O poor revenge! conquest or passion, art thou in authority, avoid it, it loses love, lessons respect towards thee, procures ill will unto, and hard words of thee, and is a treat disgrace and blemish to thee.  
Envy no man's honour, wish every one as much as he desires or deserves, but in advancing his own, let him not impair another man's.  
Do well, speak truth, boast not, so win honour and wear it, else, look for shame instead of credit.  
If he might have his desire he would choose those (if he knew them) that have the worst opinion of him and best of themselves to be either actors with him, or spectators of him in the most perilous employments; where God says go, for than he is sure (live or die, in the strength of his God) to force their acknowledgement of his welldoing, and to stop their injurious mouths against him.  
Why cannot some men give such their due praise, whose personal service they especially desire in greatest occasion and danger, this their necessity forces that their envy smothers.  
In my conscience the greatest boasters are the poorest doers; yet I have observed, he that hath mouthed it most, hath been thought to do best.  
I am sure some that looked big and swore by no small ones, were the first that flinched.  
There is no notable service hath fallen out in their time, but there are some that will assure you they have been at it, though truth is, they were fare enough from it; it is a mad world when some get more credit by lying and eracking, than others by truth and well-doing.  
He held it neither wit, honesty nor valour (out of conceited honour) to endanger himself or others without or beyond command or warrant.  
He is to be esteemed more base than baseness itself, that in his place dares not outdare danger & death.  

I will hereafter esteem nothing of any worth, that hath not many to detract from it.  
LEt us do worthily, but not lie, boast, nor detract from others for our honour.  
If thy heart tells thee thou hast discharged thy duty, and that no man can truly, or dares to thy face say the contrary, what needest thou care though others in secret out of malice slander thee.  
Some that desire to have their own miscarriage held no fault●, will wrest another man's well-doing.  
Among us (Soldiers) the way to get respect from such as neglect you, is to carry yourself gravely, quietly and carelessly towards them, taking heed thou givest them not just cause of distaste or advantage against, or any way to scorn or abuse you.  
He that can hold his peace hath great advantage, a fool cannot keep filence, a talker is contemned by others, and a trouble to himself.  
To discover a man's affections or business, makes a man contemptible, and no way mends the matter.  
To speak in due season with freeness, plainness, truth and boldness, quashes a slyc, jeering, injurious companion.  
Lord my God govern me.    

Some marks of a malicious man, from whom good Lord deliver me, and never suffer them to have advantage against, or to have their wills over me.  

1 HE never speaks well of any, except for ●●●re or flattery, or some by-respect of his own.  
2 He always takes and makes every thing worse than it is.  
3 He will invent, divulge, aggravate, swallow any manner of untruth against you, rather than you shall-escape his envy.  
4 Yet dares justify nothing if you call him in question.  
5 His scoffs leave behind them an aspersion of in jury, understand them how you will, and this he delights in.  
6 If he see you troubled, he triumphs the more over you, laughs the more at you, and speaks the more against you.   
By these among the rest you shall know him, take heed of him, good God bless me from him.  
A noble disposition thinks, speaks, hopes the best, and gives each his due praise, is suffering, longs for a good occasion to stop the mouth of injury; and then out of conscience, in the strength of the Almighty, does worthily; he abhors untruth, boasting and vainglory, he labours to give the Lord only all the honour for any thing he hath done well, or that hath gone well; my heart loves, I dare trust such a one: Lord be my guide and strength, my safety and good success, I pray thee.  
Simplicity without circumspection is folly.  
Circumspection without simplicity is cunning.  
Simplicity with circumspection is true wisdom.  
Another's scornful humour may be profitable, though distasteful, if we watch to walk so as we give no cause of contempt against us, but than if he continues scornful to us, away with him from us.  
Word it with no man, but observe, be silent, and learn better government.  
Wherein you can well satisfy yourself, ask not another, lest you needlessly discover your disposition, which it will after grieve you to have made known, and so fall into caussesse cavilling, which will more afflict.  
Keep silence and gravity, and the most strict observer shall not discover you, nor your greatest maligner shall have no advantage against you.  
Why fear we him, we need not respect if our conscience be clear, and cause good? surely it is a weakness we would condemn in others, and il-becomes us; away with such needless, childish, unworthy perplexities.  
These main reasons among the rest most highly obligeth me to most humble thankfulness for former assistance received, and to most earnest prayer for future help from Heaven, to deal directly, whatsoever envy, scorn or hindrance I may have hereby: that my conscience is comforted, my mind quieted, an honest repute maintained, boldness to stand before, and speak unto the strictest authority gained, and the best accusations of vile persons not feared, prevented, contemned, also the assurance of a merciful blessing from the hand of God, promised and expected.  
Reveal no secret to him that thou knowest to affect others more than thyself, for he cannot conceal it from them.  
That which thou wouldst not have told to others, tell no body, for if thou canst not, why shouldest thou think another will conceal what concerns thee.  
Say, not it is true, and I dare justify it, yet I pray speak not of it; rather speak not at all of it, and surely no trouble will come of it.  
Trust not him again that hath once betrayed thee.  
A man is in the opinion of others (in regard of his own satisfaction) not as they esteem of him, but as himself conceits he is esteemed of by them.  
Labour to bring thy heart to such a temper, that no man may have a worse conceit of thee then thou hast of thyself, and a will the less trouble thee if others  thee.  
Our hidden griefs about men's opinions of us, neither make them better or worse towards us, walk christianly and in-offensively, and never think or respect what others think or say of thee, it will procure great contentment to thee.  
Do good unto, but never trust a reconciled enemy, except sure signs of grace more then shown of friendship persuade thee.  

Not to ask or answer questions rashly.  
Not to inquire after or relate news hastily.  
Not to meddle in others matter needlessly.  
Not to dispute or cavil vainly  
Not to apprehend cause given too deeply.  
Not to remember forepast injuries continually.  
Not to speak of our own do boastingly.  
Not to rehearse others actions slightingly.  
Not to command with many words harshly.  
Not to receive commands disputingly.  
Not to use men of worth (though mean) unkindly.  
Not to carry ourselves towards any proudly.  
Not to show we think of ourselves conceitedly.  
Not to be in countenance sour and surly.  
Not to converse with others disrespectively.  
Not to discover our business and affections unadvisedly.  
Not to live in God's sight profanely.  
Not to deal with men unfaithfully.  
Not to lay open ourselves lavishly. Not to talk of state matters or great persons lightly.   
Is the way to live honestly, peaceably, and praiseworthy.  
Sloth breeds lust, lust feeds floath, vigilancy and temperance will strangle both.  
One said, he could hardly brook him whom he observed to laugh at what he said; were it his weakness, custom or scorn, yet it was a means to make him most carefully to avoid whatsoever he was persuaded might move laughter in the most ridiculous, or a malicious contemner  
One that is selfconceited, favours nothing but what suits that humour, but scorns you even for things lawful and indifferent; truly I am of Solomon's mind, there is more hope of a fool then of him, and let him think what he will, he is no better.  
Reserved resolute words and carriage, damps perhaps may inform him.  
Freeness to a Servant, equal or inferior, procures familiarness, sauciness and contempt hardly to be redressed.  
Freeness to thy better makes him mislikes thee, be weary of thee and flight thee.  
Towards such use respect, use no compliment, be not troublesome, visit not often, speak little.  
Towards the other be grave, strict and settled, above all by thy words and carriage keep such distance, that they may neither discover nor abuse thee.  
Though a man be trusty and does what I bid him, yet if he be ill natured, does not kindly respect me, but is selfconceited and scornful, he does not content me: I may bear with and forbear him a while to serve mine own turn, or for some other engagement, but as soon as I can I will rid myself of him; and while I must use him, to do it in such things wherein I cannot miss him, and to be as much as may be from him; still I say there is no way better to awe him, as by forbearing questioning with him, discovering your mind to him, and to be constantly silent and settled towards him.  
Hypocritical honesty is double impiety.  
He liked not, nor loved to have to do with him that (unknown) listens to his discourses, that too captiously censures his free and harmless speeches, that steals time to pry into his papers, that screws himself in, to search into his secrets, that needlessly meddles with his matters, and thrusts himself (unsought) into his businesses; that judgeth of his proceed by his own conceited fancies, without knowing or weighing his reasons; in a word, he will keep himself as close from him as he can, for not quiet, but much vexation is gotten by him.  
The harshness of a Father, the unkindness of a brother, falseness or bitterness in a friend, and a divine or noted professor that mock goodness, are grievous to my Soul, and trouble me extremely.  
Whether Courtiers or great men frown or laugh upon me, is all one to me, so my conscience clear me.  
His resolutions (by God's assistance) in his businesses with some that may use him harshly, and for their own ends seek and catch at advantage against him. In general, to demeant himself advisedly, soberly, reservedly, gravely, and that constantly; and to avoid rashness, passion, openness, lightness, and unsettledness.  
Wherein he shall hear or observe just cause of former distaste, or present discontent, to pass the same by without notice taking thereof, discreetly and meekly; and to be in speech, countenance and carriage (even unto such) cheerful, loving and friendly; yet to free himself from such places, persons and occasions, with wisdom, speed and secrecy, as if he had never received cause of discontentment given him.  
To use only pre-considerate, solid and few speeches, and those to the purpose, with all moderation, lowness, truth and plainness; to watch against, and cut short unadvised, frothy and superfluous discourses, also all hasty, loud, double, and circumstantial expressions.  
To show a solemn, settled, seemly behaviour in looks and resture, and to eschew looseness, distemper and uncomeliness to the contrary.  
Not to listen to, regard, or be troubled with others conceits, or their opposing speeches for their own ends; to forbear answering of them, with a silent tongue and stayed countenance to turn from them, so without distasting of them to show he mislikes them, and to go conscionably and substantially about his own business, notwithstanding them.  
Commending all to the Lord first, and that often and earnestly; to ask counsel of wise, honest and worthy men, deliberately, seasonably and judiciously; to the uttermost to take heed of discovering his condition, affections, or intentions to any, without very good assurance of secrecy, or forced by necessity.  
To resolve and do (with warrant from Heaven) that which may afford him the freest use of what God in mercy hath given him, without obligation to, or dependence on others; but if there be no remedy, rather to trouble a friend then a brother.  
All in the only assistance and relying alone upon the wont most wise, mighty, merciful, and faithfully promised disposing and blessing of my heavenly Father in Christ Jesus, Amen.   

The particulars are not convenient to be expressed; well, in all with Christian wisdom lo●●ok to what concerns his own occasions, & not to what suits with another's fancies.  
BEing exceedingly troubled between hope of credit and profit, and fear of shame and loss (in a business that exceedingly concerned him) he resolved (by God's government) howsoever it went not to discover himself to any, not to break out into folly or passion, if the worst he feared should befall him; but even then to be the more circumspect and sober-minded, not to yield to dejection and distemper, but the more to look to the hand of, and to depend upon the Lord, 2 Chron. 20, 12. Who assuredly will cause help to come by some other means, if not by this, Est. 4.14. and will cause even the shame and sorrow (which he might justly suffer for his folly and sin) to turn remarkably to his good in the end, Gen. 19.20. to rest his mind contented in the assurance of his Gods most wise, gracious, mighty and faithful disposing of all to this end; and because inward discontent, or outward discovering his crosses and affections doth not redress, but make worse the business, and gives the more cause of talk, and keeps the same the longer in others memory, and would give such as would joy in his misery the more advantage to vex and scorn him; whereas his own strict and constant reservedness, secrecy, & outward slighting the business will mitigate if not suppress the tarling tongue and malicious mouth of curiosity, contempt or injury; but if God please the business go well with him, discreetly and christianly to triumph in God's truth and mercy; howsoever, until the issue, to commend all to the Lords disposing and blessing, 2 Sam. 12.16. and then with a quiet heart, cheerful countenance and well-ordered carriage, to await the Lords leisure and good pleasure towards me, 1 Sam. 1.18. Lord govern and work for me.  
Whatsoever business ever so much hereafter may inwardly trouble me, by no means in word, countenance or carriage, to show the same outwardly; than whatsoever thoughts trouble him, his case is undiscovered to others, and no advantage is given against him: Besides, keeping silence gains time to overweigh how best to behave one's self, whereas if a thing be once out and known, it is too late to recall it.  
O Lord God send me good speed I pray thee, cause me to hold my peace, to wit, whether thou my God wilt make my business prosperous or no, Gen. 24 12, 21.  
A fool uttereth all his mind, but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards, Prov. 29.11.  
Lord thou knowest my meaning, my former folly, my exceeding weakness; oh pardon what is past, pity what is present, and govern me for time to come.   

Brief Observations of his own in his Calling and Place, viz,  
TO receive and execute commands without arguing or unwillingness, readily and faithfully, it is acceptable and furtherable.  
To command advisedly, with few and plain words, freely and roundly, with grave countenance and settled carriage, this procures obedience, gains respect and maintains authority.  
To see that what he commands be executed, to be an example of diligence, faithfulness and resolution; it wins employment, favour, trust and honour: Upon any Watch, in Garrison, March, Quarter or approach, to weigh seriously the instant circumstances of time, place occasion, what Perdues, Sentinels, passages, where and how to order all with most safety, to take the Alarm timely and to be freest from surprise; to settle the Guard, to dispose of the Officers, to tell them their several duties concerning the present service, to provide Ammunition, to warn to vigilanty, and if the Guard be within reach of the enemy's Cannon, by all watchfulness to warn to avoid them; rather to die with honour, then to yield or fly with shame, to be an example of watchfulness and courage; once ill done, always undone, therefore never to be secure, say others what they will; for it may happen once that never may happen again, than it is too late and in vain to say, who would have thought it: There can be no greater dishonour to a Captain, then to be surprised upon his Guard; remember the examples of other that this way have suffered in their persons and reputation; better fall into, yea, perish by an honourable enemy, then to be called to account and censured by your own party; your business being well done and over, be then at rest, and let another take his turn, if I might advise others, as I do myself, let this be our constant course: Lord my God govern and watch for, and over me.  
Fear and backwardness secures not from the perils that cause them, but often lays more open to them, howsoever they disable exceedingly, and procure shame and harm inevitably.  
Self Meditations and seasonable Exhortations, being ready to go upon dangerous services, viz. with our souls let us now seek and trust God, promise and perform sincere obedience to him, if he please to grant help and deliverance; be of good courage, in the strength of the Lord let us do worthily; follow my example, let the Lord do what seemeth good unto him; we fight for the Cause of God, for our lives, safety, honour and victory: Lord sight thou for us, encourage, strengithen, preserve and prosper us, of thy mercy as thou hast promised, Psal. 46.1, 2. through Christ Jesus, be we never so unworthy, and whatsoever opposeth us, Amen.  
Observe this: Lord let such as shame, scorn, or wilfully neglect to seek help of thee, or that trust to their own wisdom, worth or sufficiency, or to any other means of help besides thee, never have help from thee: but as for me (who am most sinful, weak and unworthy) who deny myself, and all other means of help without thee utterly, who by thy grace, do seek for, depend upon, and await for thy help only, afford thy wont, needful, most gracious, mighty, seasonable and faithfully promised help unto me.  

(a) Prov. 2, 6, Isa. 40, 13, 14.  Acknowledge and direction, 
(b) Psal. 59, 10. Prov. 3, 9  prevention and government, 
(c) Isa. 28, 5. Isa. 40.29, 31,  courage and sufficiency, 
(d) 2 Cor. 3, 5. 1 Sam. 8, 6, 14.  strength and safety, 
(e) Ps. 18.2. Jos. 1, 8.  deliverance and prosperity, 
(f) 1 Chron. 29.10, 11, 12. Ps. 121.2.  come from thee (O Lord) only:  

(g) Jer. 21.33. Ephes. 1.5.  Therefore my God, in Christ, 
(h) Psa. 120.1 1. Psal. 136. all,  I beseech thee, in mercy 
(i) Psal. 71, 20. Psal. 119.49.  as thou hast done and promised, 
(k) Isa. 41, 14. Ezek. 36, 22.  be I never so weak and unworthy, 
(l) Psal. 9, 9 Psa. 46, 1, 2, 3.  in due season and greatest extremity, 
(m) Psal. 32, 8, Prov. 3, 6,  to instruct and direct, 
(n) Psal. 79.8. Exod. 4, 15.  to prevent and govern, 
(o) Isa. 51, 12. Is 41.10,  to encourage and strengthen; 
(p) Neb. 6.9. 1 Tim. 1.12.  every way to enable, 
(q) Psal. 68.12. Psal. 68.35.  to do well and worthily, 
(r) Job 15, 20, 2 Sam. 22.2.  preserve and deliver, 
(s) Deut. 31.8. Deut. 28.8.11.  be with and prosper me.  

(t) Psal. 71.16. Ephes. 6.20.  I will go forward ●n thy strength only; 
(u) Numb. 24.18. Psal. 108, 13,  through thee I shall do valiantly; 
(x) Psal. 18.2. Psal. 140, 7,  In the day of battle thou hast covered me; 
(y) Pro. 3, 6, Psal. 37.5.  I refer all always to thee; 
(z) 2 Sam. 15, 26, Mat. 6.10.  as thou pleasest deal thou with me; 
(a) 2 Chron. 14.11. 2 Chr. 20.12.  help thou, and all shall go well, 
(b) Psal. 33.16, 17, Ps. 128, 1, 2.  else nothing can avail me: 
(c) Exod. 22, 27, Ps. 69.30, 31.  oh hear me graciously; 
(d) Psal. 34.1. Psal. 103.1, 2,  my soul for all help blesseth thee, 
(e) Mic. 7.7. Psal. 72 12.  and looks for all good only from thee; 
(f) Psal. 62.1. Hos, 13.9;  for any help thou shalt vouchsafe me, 
(g) Isa. 63, 7, Ps. 56.12.  my soul shall always praise thee; 
(h) Ps. 41.18. Psal. 31.9.  Amen, Amen, I beg of thee.  
Love is an honest faithful thief stealing from us, and yet letting us keep the grace's God hath given us; a most strange, yet most certain manner of curing the diseased; when the Physician drinks the potion and the Patient is thereby cured, so deals our Saviour by us.  
The Jews say there are 72 Members in a man's body, and understand the curse, Deutre. 27. ult. to be 72 plagues denounced thereunto.  
Let all endeavours be done out of conscience, or the best are bootless.  
Things done in greatest show of sanctity, and not to God's glory, chief deceives us miserably, and is but painted iniquity.  
Better a good work laden with weakness, if done in sincerity, then glorious shows from a false heart; let thy heart be right with God, approve it to him, and care not what others speak or think of thee.  
This I find and expect, when his offend him, the Lord will visit their transgressions with the rods of men; and this I know and believe his everlasting mercies he will never take from me.  
Better want the good we have had, and would have to humble us, then to abound and forget our Maker.  
Oh most miserable and accursed prosperity, where wickedness gets wealth.  
Oh rich and happy poverty, that hath a good conscience though with never so little.  
Afflictions of body or mind must turn to our good if they move us to seek God.  
Fear not God for fear of a punishment only; yea, fear him lest he should punish thee for not fearing him.  
Love not merely in hope of good, yet love him in hope he will do thee good.  
Sorrow for sin, not for fear of wrath simply, yet sorrow for sin least wrath over-whelme thee.  
Practise as thou prayest, or they prevail not.  
We pray rightly, when we practise conscionably.  
Satan seeks to hinder one good work, by moving to another less seasonable at the same time; therefore divide the times aright, and prefer the best first.  
He that would meditate well must give his mind but to one good point at one time, and beat that out throughly with prayer and application.  
Better to have troubles in the flesh with a quiet conscience, than the pleasures of sin with horror of heart.  
Better to live in misery then sin.  
The worst of suffering is to be chosen before the best of sisning.  
Soul lost all lost, soul well all well.  
Some while they think to free themselves from sorrows by living in sin, thereby bring the same evils upon themselves and so are doubly wretched.  
That which thou thinkest shall be thy comfort, shall prove thy cross, yea thy curse, except thou lookest chief to God in seeking it, and he please to sanctify it.  
In reading labour for knowledge, but chief for affection.  
Miraculous help is not ordinary, yet may and must we build upon the power of God for help, be our distress never so great, and means of relief never so small.  
By increase of inward and outward troubles, finding increase of comfort and help, why should I not willingly suffer?  
Though we often strive against an evil without prevailing, let us not give over, but strive the more, for such striving is our victory.  
Whose charity hath not been recompensed? wherefore the ready way to be rich, is to give liberally.  
Yea, this is a true, though a strange saying, the way to be richer, is, having much to give more.  
The tenth to the Lord brings a tenfold blessing.  
Wicked men neither know, believe nor consider they far the better for good men's sakes, yet it is most true.  
Are they not children, fools, and mad men, who detest, scorn, slander and abuse their dearest friends? Yet such are those though never so wise in their own conceits, who use good men so.  
It is an infallible sign we shall obtain, if we persevere to ask the thing we want according to the will of God.  
Impatiency in trouble neither easeth the mind, nor relieveth the need; why then should we give way to it?  
All our carking cares cannot compass our ends, nor change the case, therefore away with them.  
Watch against all sinful distempers in any case, for the Lord is not pleased with, nor bound to please our fond affections, but doth what he pleaseth.  
Hope beyond hope, believe beyond feeling, in well-doing trust God most in greatest extremity, and thou shalt help beyond present expectation.  
The more zealous for God, the more opposed in the world.  
The better man, the more hated of ill men, but most dearly loved of God.  
It is a sign of goodness to be nicknamed of vain persons.  
It is a sinful and false conclusion, to say, because most men and the greatest do so, it is well done; common experience says otherwise, God's precepts, not examples, must be our rules.  
Better go to Heaven with a few poor creatures here contemned, then burn in hell with multitudes of rich and glorious worldlings; for there company brings no comfort, but increaseth misery.  
If riches made happy, woe to the poor; but the poor in spirit are the richest, and shall be blessed.  
Faithfulness in our calling is excellent, yet a diligent man may be unfaithful to God.  
He that judgeth himself most, censureth another least.  
He that hath experience and feeling of his own weakness, will bear with another's infirmities, and fear his former falls.  
A profane person cries out when a good man faileth, but never thinks of his own abominations.  
An unregenerate Civilian thinks his own case good, and speaks largely of others failings, but forgetteth that his own case is more miserable.  
Better often to fall and rise again by repentance, then live in secret sin without remorse of conscience.  
He that never doubted, never truly believed, so he that never sorrowed for sin, never repent of sin.  
Neither signs nor wonders, judgements nor mercies, prosperity nor adversity, that can cause man rightly to seek his God, except grace work upon the heart; witness the hardhearted Jews in our Saviour's time.  
No marvel though men remain wicked, who make not right use of what they hear, see or feel.  
This is a true token of repentance, if we break off the sin we lived in.  
Oh the Sugar-bit under the tongue, the darling sin! spit it out, away with it, or it will poison all.  
Better suffer open shame undeservedly, then live in secret sin impenitently.  
Of all beautiful creatures, a sanctified Soul pleaseth God best.  
After deep affliction of spirit comes much sweet inward comfort to a conscionable Christian.  
For want of humble thankfulness and careful watching, we fall into deep dejections again.  
A sharp answer to an honest heart, propounding a just matter, throws down the mind exceedingly.  
Take heed of bitterness when a matter is moved to us, considering the like would not please us.  
It is not the doing, but well doing of a good work pleaseth God.  
It is a good sign of sincerity to humble ourselves in secret, for the failings in our holiest performances, and for such faults as others cannot discern in us.  
I take and find it a truth, that to dispense with ourselves for omitting of good duties, openeth a door for the committing of foul offences.  
He that speaks by experience is not deceived, if he adds no more to it.  
Bewail in private thy failings in Gods public services, hold not habitual distractions for small matters, for that savours of falshartednesse.  
As we would our courses should not be mis-conceived, let us take heed we give no just occasion of distaste.  
When we think we stand surest, we are like to fall soon, therefore be humble and watch then most.  
Sin cannot be good, yet it is good for us we sinne sometimes, to make us the more humble and watchful thereby.  
Take heed of spiritual pride, it often procures spiritual disertion.  
The more knowledge, the more practice, or else the more vexation of spirit, or sharper stripes.  
It is not amiss sometimes to a good end, to do a thing that may seem unseasonable, if the same be lawful.  
All things unfitting are not unlawful, but whatsoever is unlawful, cannot be truly fitting.  
Dost thou feel thou canst not pray, pray that thou mayest pray, for prayer quickeneth prayer.  
That prayer is not rejected that is without feeling, if we have prayed in obedience, and bewail our insensibleness.  
It is a sign we have feeling, if we feel we want it.  
No good work is accepted for its own worth, nor rejected for its wants, if we be in Christ.  
Set we our hearts to seek God in the duty we do, or our service is abominable.  
Ceremonies are sometimes necessary, yet make not the work good or bad simply, for the Lord looketh to the heart chief; yet oftentimes seemly gestures show inward holiness; they may be used as helps to devotion, but we must not put holiness in them.  
When we ought, and do not reprove and punish sin in others, it is just with God to let us fall into the same sins and to punish us for them.  
We have to do with a most holy, all-knowing, just and jealous God, therefore take we heed of dallying, delaying, or excuses, he sees whether our hearts stand right or no.  
He that hath authority, and leaves vice unpunished, provokes the Lord to punish him.  
He that useth not his bell means to convert his charge, shall answer before God for such his neglect, and their miscarriage.  
Readily forgive him that injures thee, but forbear not him that offends God.  
Authority may and must compel to outward obedience in the use of the means, although to convert the heart is the only work of God.  
It is true, the Lord saveth none against their wills; yet none can be saved by their own free will.  
It is not in him that willeth, nor in him that runneth, but in God that showeth mercy; yet he showeth mercy to none but those that (by his mercy) will and run.  
Good in the worst men we ought to follow, but evil in the best, we are bound to eschew.  
He that reveals my secrets though he intends my injury, does me a courtesy, in making me more circumspect and secret.  
If one out of malice make known my misdemeanour, and I thereby amend, he does me a kindness against his will.  
He is a friend (who when his advice is neglected) will threaten to discover our faults to our shame, if there be no other remedy; yet it is a shame and grief to them to do so.  
Though thou canst not do a● thou ought and wouldst, yet leave not a good work altogether undone.  
Make trial, though there be small hope of prevailing.  
In furthering a lawful business by lawful means, be bold and unwearied, and let God work.  
One misseth through untimely bashfulness, that which another obtaineth by honest boldness.  
This I find all means to be wanting, defective, or in vain, if the Lord work not.  
This I know, when God says let it be, all shall serve the turn; for all things obey his voice.  
If God be ours we have all, without him we have nothing.  
Assurance of God's love, and promise of Gods help aught to be enough for us.  
For want of application, a man wants the sound comfort of that whereby he is able to comfort others.  
My Grace is sufficient for thee, 2 Cor. 12.9.  

To Forgive all thy sins:  
To Impute Christ's all-sufficient satisfaction:  
To Make thee believe:  
To Instruct thy ignorance:  
To Subdue thy corruptions:  
To Sanctify thee to my sevice:  
To Direct thee erring:  
To Establish thee doubting:  
To Strengthen thy weakness  
To Raise thee being fallen:  
To Support thee standing:  
To Make thee watchful:  
To Comfort thee afflicted:  
To Quiet thee troubled:  
To Deliver thee distressed:  
To Settle thee distempered:  
To Enable thee to pray:  
To Fulfil thy requests:  
To Work good wanting:  
To Increase good begun:  
To Keep thee from all evil:  
To Turn all to thy good:  
To Supply all thy necessities:  
To Give thee godly sorrow:  
To Make thee upright:  
To Build thee on my promises:  
To Stir thee up to thankfulness:  
To Cause thee persevere in goodness:  
To Accept thy unworthy person and services:  
To Bring to a blessed end:  
To Crown thee with eternal happiness:  
To All in Christ Jesus.   
Thou the Lord sayest it, therefore it shall be;  
Thy Grace alone shall be enough for me.  
My God give grace, this grace may be attained,  
None then so rich, though all the world he gained:  
Thou canst, thou wilt, thou must vouchsafe it Lord,  
Because thyself hast said it in thy Word, Isa. 34.16.   

How with an holy opportunity, to bind the Lord to preserve us from sin, be we in ourselves never so strongly tempted and sorely inclined thereunto, viz.  

1 BY urging the Lord with his promises hereof, Rom. 6.14. 2 Cor. 12.9.  
2 With his oath, Heb. 6, 17, 18 Isa. 14.24, etc.  
3 With his power, Mat. 28, 18. Mark 14.36.  
4 With his Covenant, Ezek. 36, 27, 29.  
5 With his Sabbaths which he hath given us to be signs that he will sanctify us, Exo. 31 13. Ezek. 20, 12, 20.  
6 With our baptism, whereby we are assured of the virtue of Christ's death, to kill sin in us.  
7 With the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, wherein the same thing is sealed unto us.  
8 And that he hath pleased to strengthen us in some measure heretofore.  
9 By urging him with his superabundant grace, Joh, 1, 16 Rom, 5, 20.   
Thus in all humility and earnestness, to beseech, and urge our God to have respect unto his own glory, in every one of these, taking head of the occasions of sin; by his blessed help, we shall be kept from gross offences; and get power over our secret & strongest corruptions, through Christ Jesus, Amen.   

Somewhat concerning government of the Tongue.  
DEath and life are in the power of the tongue, Pro. 18, 21.  
If any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man, ja. 3.2  
Lord, no man offends so often and shamefully with the tongue as I do.  
I said I will take heed to my ways, that I sinne not with my tongue; I will keep my mouth a bridle, Psal. 39.1. yea, I have and am purposed, my mouth shall not transgress, Psa. 17.3.  
But the tongue can no man tame, Jam. 3, 8. it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison, idem.  
Therefore set thou a watch before my mouth, and order thou the door of my lips, O my God, Psal. 141.3.  
Such resolutions as most concern himself in this respect, viz.  

To avoid  
All Profane, needless, uncertain, uncomely, offensive words.   

To use  
Only Christian seasonableness, certain, seemly, acceptable speeches.  
Rather speak nothing, then to say the least thing to no good or to an evil purpose.  
Not to sister his tongue to run before his wit.  
But to forethink whether it be lawful or fitting that he is about to speak, then to refrain or speak accordingly.   

To avoid  
All rash, superfluous, vain, abscene, unreverend, scornful talk.   

To use.  
Only considerate, few, substantial, holy, reverend, respective discourse.  
Not to meddle in others matters.  
To deal in his own circumspectly.  
To praise others discreetly.  
And himself (enforced) modestly not to tell news suddenly.  
To relate the same (required) warily.   

To avoid  
All jibing, boasting, double, flattering, fearful, false words.   

To use  
Only serious, humble, plain, faithful, free, true speeches.  
Not speak evil of any absent or dead.  
If there be or was any good in them to take notice thereof, else to say nothing of them.  
Not to answer any matter before he hear and understand it throughly:  
Then to answer briefly and pithily.  
Not to interrupt any in their speaking, by speaking with them, or taking the words out of their mouth.  
But to give full time and then to answer wisely.   

To avoid  
All revealing his own matters.  
Unfolding his affections.  
Discovering his passions.  
Complaining of his wants.  
Declaring his opinion.  
Opening others secrets.  
Where these need not, and more than needs must.   

To be  
Secret, silent, reserved, watchful, to the contrary.  
Not to break out into passionate, contentious, spiteful, provoking, revengeful speeches, no not against such as injure him, and when they do so.  
But to deliver temperate, peaceable, gentle, suffering, pacifying words.  
To appease wrath and strife.  
To prevent anger and discord.  
To avoid haste and to use deliberation.  
To avoid loudness, and to use so ftnesse in his speeches.  
To avoid lightness, and to use gravity.  
To avoid harshness, and to use friendliness in his talk.  
In all things he utters, to be circumspect and sober.  
Lord who is sufficient for these things? none so weak as I am, yet nothing is impossible to thee.  
O Lord my God, mercifully, notwithstanding my sins; powerfully, notwithstanding my weakness; faithfully, notwithstanding all oppositions, let thy grace be sufficient for me, to teach and enable me aright, when, where, and how to speak and to hold my peace, at home and abroad, with whomsoever I have to do, and in whatsoever I take in hand, as may be most and only for thy glory, the gracing of thy Religion, and my profession thereof; the good example and benefit of others, the safety and credit of my place and person, the comfort and peace of my soul and conscience here, and the everlasting happiness of soul and body in Heaven for evermore; all by the speedy, effectual, daily, and continual assistance of thy most holy Spirit, through the alone all-sufficient merits and mediation of thy most dear and only Son, my alone most sweet Saviour and perpetual intercessor Christ Jesus, even so be it, Amen, Amen.  
Thus fare here for governing the Tongue, now to God only wise, my only helper be all the glory.    

Concerning walking with God, with some Meditations for Prayer, according to the plain and powerful word of God to be the better enabled thereunto.  
1 GOD commands it.  
He hath showed thee O man what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6.8.  
Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the ways and see, ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, Jer. 6.16.  
2. Examples of Obedience.  
And Enoch walked with God: Noah was a just man, and Noah walked with God, Goe 5.24. & 6.9  
3 Neglect hereof must be acknowledged.  
Neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God to walk in his laws, etc. Dan. 9.10.  
4 And our ignorance, indisposition and insufficiency hereunto.  
O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himself, it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps, Jer. 10.23.  
Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God, 2 Cor. 3.5.  
Without me ye can do nothing, John 15.5.  
5 We must crave pardon for all these.  
And now Lord what wait I for? my hope is in thee, deliver me from all my transgressions, and forgive all my sins, Psal. 39.7, 8. & 25 18.  
6 We must ask a way of God in general.  
Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, Jer. 6, 16.  
7 Yea, this by solemn humiliation.  
Then I proclaimed a Fast, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us. Ezra 8.21.  
We must beseech him to grant us these particulars.  
1 Knowledge of the good way.  
Show me thy paths, O Lord, teach me thy Statutes, make me understand the way of thy precepts, Psal. 25.4, & 119, 27.  
Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul to thee, Psal. 143, 8.  
2 An heart disposed to walk therein.  
Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, Psa. 119.36.  
He will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths, Isa. 2, 3.  
3 Ability thereto.  
Make me to go in the path of thy Commandments, Psal. 119, 35.  
4 Restauration out of former errors relapsed into.  
Renew a right spirit within me, restore unto me the joy of thy sal-vation, Psal. 11, 10, 12.  
5 To be sincere herein:  
I am God all-sufficient walk before me, and be thou perfect, Gen. 17, 1.  
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, Psal. 25, 21.  
Let my heart be sound in thy statutes, Psal. 19, 80.  
6 To be watchful hereto.  
Hold thou me up and I shall be safe, and I will have respect unto thy Statutes continually, Psal. 119, 117.  
Keep thy heart with all diligence, ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established, turn not to the right hand nor to the left, Prov. 4, 23, 26, 27.  
7 That we may increase in all these.  
Being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God, Col. 1, ●0.  
8 And be established.  
Uphold me with thy free spirit, Psal. 51, 12.  
Uphold me according to thy Word, that I may live, and let me not be ashamed of my hope, Psal. 119, 116.  
9 And to persevere.  
Teach me O Lord the way of thy Statutes, and I will keep it unto the end, Psal. 119, 33.  
I have inclined my heart to perform thy Statutes always, unto the end, Psal. 119, 112.  
10 We must pray to be freed and preserved from every evil way, in opinion and practice.  
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the Congregation of the dead, Prov. 21, 16.  
The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I erred not from thy precepts, Psal. 119, 110.  
Remove from me the way of lying, I have refrained my feet from every evil way, Ps. 119.29.101.  
Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works, Psal. 14, 4.  
We must lay to heart, rely upon, urge God to reform, await his leisure, till he please to make good his word unto us in every particular we have thus sought him for in general.  
Thy Word have I hid in my heart, Psal. 119.11.  
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways, I will not forget thy Word, v. 15 16.  
In God will I prays his Word, in the Lord will I praise his Word, Psal. 56.10.  
Remember thy word unto thy servant, on which thou hast caused me to hope, this is my comfort in my affliction, for thy Word hath quickened me, Psal. 119, 49, 50.  
Let I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy Word unto thy servant, Psal, 119, 76.  
Therefore I will look unto the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation, my God will hear me, Micah 7, 7.  
O my Father, nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt, Mat. 26, 39  
In the particulars following. 1 In that we have acknowldged our neglects and defects.  
The Lord saith, he that confesseth and forsaketh his sins, shall have mercy, Prov. 28, 13.  
If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanst as from all unrigteousnesse, 1 John 1, 9  
2 In that we have craved pardon. The Lord saith, I will save you from all your uncleannesses, etc. yet will I for this be enquired of to do it, Ezek. 36, 29, 37.  
3 In that we have asked a my of God: He says, Ask, and it shall be given you, Mat. 7.7.  
We besought our God for this, and he was entreated of us, Ezr. 8, 23  
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way that thou shalt go, and I will guide thee with mine eye, Psal. 32, 8.  
4 To the desire of knowledge, the Lord saith, If thou callest after knowledge, and criest for understanding, thou shalt find the knowledge of God, Prov. 2, 3, 5.  
5 To the desire of a good disposition: Thus a new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, Ezek. 36, 2●.  
6 And of ability to walk with God: He promiseth thus, I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my Statutes, and ye shall keep my judgements and do them, Ezel. 36, 2●.  
For it is he that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure, Phil. 2, 13.  
7 If we desire restauration: He restoreth my soul, and leadeth me into the paths of righteousness, Psal. 23, 3.  
8 If we desire (herein) sanctity: Ye shall keep my Statutes and do them; I am the Lord which sanctifieth you, Levit, 20, 8, 24.  
9 Watchfulness: I will hearken what the Lord God will say, for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his Saints, that they return not again to folly, Psal. 85, 8.  
10 Increase: Call unto me and I will answer thee, and show thee great things and mighty, that thou knowest not, Jer. 33, 3.  
I am the Lord thy God, which doth teach thee to profit, and lead thee in the way that this shouldest go, Isa. 48, 17.  
11 Establishment: But the Lord is faithful which will establish you, and keep you from evil, 2 Thes. 3, 3.  
12 Perseverance: I will not turn away from them to do them good, but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not departed from me; I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me for ever, Jer. 32, 39 40.  
I am persuaded of this same thing, that he that hath begun this good work, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ, Phil. 1, 6.  
13 Having prayed to be kept from erring out of the right way in judgement or life: The Lord says, Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it; when thou turnest to the right hand and when thou turnest to the left, Isa. 30, 21.  
They that erred in spirit, shall come to understanding, Isa. 29, 24.  
And an high way shall he there, and it shall be called the way of holiness, the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein, Isa. 35, 8.  
For one prevailing motive (among many) to a conscinable walking with God; consider godliness is profitable to all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come, 1 Tim. 4, 8. and the contrary course a cause of all misery and mischief here, and eternally.  
This concerning our furtherance for walking with God.   

AVoid overmuch sleep; and rise timely, redeem thy 〈◊〉 and walk wisely, worship 〈◊〉 God in private, in thy Family and in public, seasonably, conscionably, and that daily.  
Avoid impurity and passion, discontent, uncharitableness and excess; converse chastely, soberly, peaceably, charitably, and temperately.  
Shut up every evening with private prayer.  

Examples in Scripture of Soldiers that were godly; among the rest, two in the old and two in the new Testament.  
IN whom among many other graces and virtues, observe these; and remember whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, Rom. 15, 4.  
David an example of prayer unto, and trust in God in greatest dangers and praising of him for safety, strength and deliverance, Ps. 3, & 18.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 16, 17, 18, 19, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 39, 46, 48, 49.  
Of acknowledging of & comforting himself in God's word, especially of encouraging himself in the Lord his God in extremest distresses, Psa. 27.1, 2, 3.8, etc. 7.1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 1. Sam. 30.6.  
Of wisdom, valour and personal performance, 1 Sam. 16.18, 2 Sam. 22, 15, 17.  
Joshuah an example of humbleness under God's hand, Josh. 7, 6. sear of God's wrath, ver. 7.8, 9 seeking God in general distress, ver. 6, 7. Diligence in seeking out offences and the offender, ver. 16, 17, 18. gentleness to the offondor, verse 19 zeal for God's glory, verse 19 strictness in punishing vice and the transgressor, verse 25. equal dealing with others, Josh. 18, 10. contentation with it own portion, cha. 49.49, 50, Recording Gods especial mercies and deliverances, cha. 49, 20. stirring up others to remember and declare them, cha. 4.21, 22, 23, 24. obedience to Gods will in his martial employments, chap. 6, 10 & 8.2, 3, 11. calling upon others to have respect thereto, chap. 8.8. wisdom in directing & diligence in executing stratagems, cha. 8.3, etc. keeping promise faithfully, even with deceitful dealers, chap, 9, 19, 20. showing great judgement in employing them, chap. 9, 23, 27. wonderful power in prayer, cha, 20, 12, 13, 14, exceeding courage, cha, 10, 25, being victorious in battles, chap. 10, 11, 12. carefulness: to read and declare Gods will to his charge, cha. 8.34, 35. and stirring them up thereunto, chap. 24.14, 24. resolution that himself and his house would serve the Lord only, cha. 24.15.  
The Centurion of Capernaum an example of dear love to, tender care of, great compassion towards his distressed servant, Luke 7.2. Mat. 8.6. and diligence in using all good meants for recovery, Luke 7.3. of humility, Mat. 8.8. loli mindedness, Luke 7.3. sense of selfe-unworthinesse, Luke 7.6, 7. of seeking to Christ in need, Mat. 8.5. praying for his in distress, Mat, 8.5, 6. desiring others to pray for him and his, Luke 7.4. of great faith, Mat. 8.8. Luke 7.7. of worthy carriage with authority in his place, Mat, 8.9. Luke 7.8. of love and bounty to God's house and people, Luke 7.5. of gaining love, respect and commendation where he lived and lay in garrison, Luke 7.4. of being speedily heard, and wonderfully helped by Christ, Mat. 8.13. Luk. 7.10. and whose faith Christ exceedingly praised, Mat. 8.10. Luke 7.10.  
Cornelius the Captain of the Italian Band, an example of devotion, piety in his Family, private prayer, and charity, Acts 10.1, 2. of having those about him, especially that waited on him, that feared God, vers. 7. giving himself to private fasting ver. 30. a just man and of good report, ver. 22. an earnest desirer of God's Minister and Ministry, of calling together and stirring up of his kinsmen, and nearest friends to God's service. ver. 24. reverence and willingness to he are God's word, and in his presence, ver. 33 love of the company of God's Ministor, and loathness to let him departed, ver. 48. of having his prayers heard and alms accepted, ver. 4.31. of being showed the way to everlasting life and happiness in Christ Jesus, ver. 36 to 44. of obtaining the holy Ghost accompanying the word, ver. 44. and having all favour and help, all grace and good sealed to him by the Sacrament, ver. 48.  
The Soldiers likewise demanded of John, saying, and what shall we do? and he said unto them, do violence to we man, neither accuse any falsely, and be content with your wages, Like 3.14.  
Lord teach my hands thus to war, and gird me with strength unto the battle, that I may fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold of eternal life, Psa. 18.34.39 1 Tim. 6.12.  
Thus far of these examples.  
Some collections out of Sacred writ, concerning executing Justice in Judgement, worthy to be observed and follower.   

In this case:  

1 Magistrates are appointed of the Lord, Rom. 13.1. Deu. 16.18. 2 Chro. 19.5. Numb. 11.16.24, 25. & 27.15, 16. & Deut. 1.13. John 19.11.  
2 Chief Magistrates may and must make inferior ones, Exod. 18.25.  
3 He must see all places provided with good Mogistrates, 2 Chro. 19.5.  
4 They must charge them to exceute justice, 2 Chro. 19.6.  
5 To this end they must urge them with all the most powerful reasons they can: as, 

1 That they judge not for man, but for the Lord; unto whom they must give an account.  
2 That the Lord himself is present when, where, whom and what cause soever they judge, knowing throughly the devises and intendments of their most secret thoughts; heating distinctly all their words for and against the business; being throughly acquainted with their just or unjust proceeding in sentence or execution; ready to bless them if they judge justly, and to plague them if they deal unjustly. Proof for these, 2 Chron. 19.6. if God be present it is not (be sure) as an idle spectator.  
3 That all be done in the fear of the Lord, conscionably, avoiding evil forbidden, following good required in case of justice, so standing in awe of his dreadful presence, sacred Majesty, and infallible word, 2 Chron. 19.7.  
4 That God before whom they are hath no iniquity in him, to conceive as they conceive, to speak as they speak, to do as they do, if they dare in any particular deal unjustly; but abhorreth, forbiddeth, threatneth, hath plagued, and will plague them for it, 2 Chr. 19.7.  
5 That the Lord doth neither respect the persons of the Judges to accept them by their do, be they never so wise in their own conceits, never so applauded by others, never so able fairly to gloze a soul matter, and be they never so mighty to go thorough with all contrary to right; nor the persons that have the controversy, what favour soever they have with the Judges, how subtly soever they can plead their own causes or misinform others; what power soever they have, or friends soever they can make contrary to right; but will show his contempt of them in clearing the innocent, and finding out the guilty party and unjust Judge by one means or other, 2 Chro. 19.7.  
6 That the Lord will take no reward, although the corrupt, covetous, partial, and wicked judge do, neither from the unjust Judge, to favour, further, or prosper his unrighteous counsels, plead, censures, or spare him from punishment, nor from the guilty offender, whose cause is naught, be his proffers never so many and large, but will assuredly reward both according to their ungodly proceed, in the course of justice, 2 Chr. 19.7     
These were the reasons which moved good Jehosaphat used to the Judges, to move them to do justly in judgement, 2 Chron. 19 9.20.  
6 Yea, whether they be in Ecclesiastical or temporal authority, they must be thus charged, 2 Chron. 19.5, 6, 8, 9  
7 The abilities of all in authority, from the highest to the lowest is from the Lord, Numb. 11.25.  
8 The Lord promiseth to enable them to judge justly, if they seek it aright, viz.  

1 He will endue them with wisdom for Council, Prov. 2.6, 9  
2 And with judgement for justice, Isa. 28.6. & 31.1, 16.   
9 The Lord (as an especial favour to his people) hath promised to provide for, and restore to them good Magistrates, Isa. 1.26.  
10 Such Magistrates must and will by all good means labour the welfare of the Church and Commonwealth, Isa. 49.23. & 60.16.  
11 And that good government in the Commonwealth may be maintained, Isa. 60.17. & 1.16. Psal. 85.10, 11. Zach. 8.3.  
12 We are to Subject ourselves unto their lawful commands, not so much out of fear, of punishment, as for conscience sake, Rom. 13.1.35. Mat. 22.17, 21. Luke 20.22, 25. Tit. 3.1. 1 Pet. 2.17.  
13 And in these particulars especially, Duty, Tribute, Custom, fear and honour, Rom. 13.7.  
14 Whosoever resist lawful authority, resist God's Ordinance, Rom. 13.2, 3.  
15 Such shall and aught to be punished, Rom. 13.2.  
16 The way to escape the hand of justice and to gain praise of the same, is to do well, and to be subject not for fear, but out of conscience as before, (No. 12.) Rom. 13.1, 3, 5.  
17 Such as presume to do evil, shall and must be punished; for to that end, and not in vain, doth the Magistrate be at the Sword of justice; let such fear as dare offend, others need not, Rom. 13.4. Yet where God warrants not, we are not to obey men, but God, Acts 4.19.  
18 In all matters of controversy betwixt any manner of parties (if, they cannot otherwise agree) both parties must present their cause of difference unto the consideration and arbitrament of the lawful Magistrate, Exod. 22.9. & 18.15. Deut. 17.8, 9 & 25.1.  
19 We must stand to their sentence in judgement, Exod. 22.9. Deut. 17.9, 10, 11.  
20 All Magistrates are most strictly bound to execute judgement aright.  

1 By the Lords express Command, Deu. 1.16. & 16.18, 20. 2 Chron. 19, 6. Josh. 7, 24. Prov. 31, 9 Jer. 21, 12. & 22.3. Ezek. 45.9, & 44.24. Isa. 56.1. & 1.17. Psal. 72.3. Jer. 7.5. Zach: 8.16. Pro. 1.3. Amos 5.15. Micah 6.8. 2 Sam. 23.2, 3.  
2 By the example of the godly, as of Abrabam, 
(a) Gen. 18.19.  Moses, 
(b) Exod. 18.13, 15, 26.  Samuel, 
(c) 1 Sam. 7.15, 16. & 12.3, 4.  David, 
(d) 1 Chron. 18.14. Psal. 101.1.  Job, 
(e) Job 29.14. all,  Jehosaphat, 
(f) 1 Chron, 19.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.    
21 Whether they be superior or inferior Magistrates, they must judge justly at all times, and upon all occasions, Exod. 18.25, 26.  
22 What manner of men all sorts of Magistrates ought to be, and what virtues they ought to be endued with in this calling.  

1 They must be wise to understand and discern between good and evil aright; to be able to find out, discover, confate the subtle shew-seeming allegations against the right, Deut. 1.13, 15.  
2 Men of courage, boldly and resolutely to prefer virtue and suppress vice, who, or whatsoever opposeth; stoutly neglecting the sour frowns and high threatening looks, stoutly rejecting the flattering or distasteful speeches, stoutly opposing the powerful, perverse proceed of many, of any against the course of justice, so holding their own (for rights sake) in despite of all.  
3 Fearing God, in whose presence they are, in whose place they are set on earth, and to whom they must give account of their devices and consultations alone and with others; of their pleading for, and against, of their censures with or against the right; showing this fear by fearing nothing more than to devise, speak or do any thing, in the least measure, against the right, withal searing his heavy displeasure therefore.  
4 Dealing truly, as each cause requireth, according to the warrantable rules of justice, without studying, broaching, urging subtle distinctions, double the aning-likely proofs; wrong-wrested book cases contrary to justice.  
5 Hating covetousness, lest that makes them long-armed and openhanded, to receive bribes; and those cause them to plot, plead, censure & work unjustly and injuriously against judgement, conscience, charity, reason and equity.  
6 No accepters nor respectors of persons, lest by flattery or force, for fear or favour, or through any other by-respect, they betray the righteous cause into the unrighteous hands of most accursed unjustice; proof for these, Exod. 18.21. Deut. 1.17.   
23 How Magistrates of all sorts are bound to behave themselves, that they may in all cases and to all persons administer justice aright, viz.  

1 What they must conscionably, carefully, constantly avoid.  
2 What they must in like manner embrace.    

They must avoid  

1 All manner of in justice by plotting, counselling, pleading, or any other way by secret subtly, by abuse of wit or power, furthering the same by, or for themselves or others, Levit. 19.15.13.  
2 Doing injustice with the most voices or greatest number, desiring to please or be applauded by the multitude, or too much regarding or fearing their frowns, scorns, censures, because they are many and mighty, and may upon some other occasions, further or hinder them, as they may herein please or displease the most, Exod. 23.2.  
Wresting the Law, for their own or others evil ends, misinterpreting the same, seeting false glosses thereupon, subtiely persuading, or violently working to make wrong seem right, and right wrong, hereby to pleasure others, to serve their own turns, and to wrong the guiltless, Deut. 16.19.  
4 Judging by outward appearance according to the a first unsearcht-seeming-simplicity or sincerity, and right of the cause or person; or according to the like unexamined, seeming foulness of the fact, ●nesse of the cause, or guiltiness of the party, or whatsoever our own or others conceits may be of the matter, or manner, without due examination, deep deliberation, and impartial judgement concerning both, John 7.24.  
5 Hasty and rash judgement, before they be throughly acquainted with the case and all its circumstances, and having fully heard out the party accused, John 7.51. 1 Cor. 4.5. 1 Tim. 5.22.  
6 All falsehood and double-dealing, pretending one thing and intending another, labouring to make that which is apparently false seem true, Exodus 23.7.  
7 Taking bribes which most foully corrupt, and oft times wholly overthrows the course of justice, and turn all up side down, Deut. 16.18.  
8 Covetousness the cause of bribe-taking, so helping him that gives most, be he or his case good or bad, Evod. 18.21.  
9 Whores who will seduce and misled, and entice, prevail against right, and to the Judge's destruction, Proverbs 31.3.  
10 Drunkenness impair the judgement, besots the Judge, makes them forget the Law and pervert judgement, Prov. 31.4, 5.  
11 highmindedness which causeth a contempt and carelessness of doing justice, as if it did not concern them, or that they were too good therefore, Deut. 17.20.  
12 Gathering wealth, which stirreth the mind, by any way whatsoever to attain thereto, Deut. 17.17.  
13 Partiality to any, for any regard of fear, favour, pleasure, profit, or desire of praise, etc. Deut. 1.17. & 16.19. Prov. 18.5. & 24.23. 1 Tim. 5.21.  
14 Partiality to the poor out of untimely and unfitting pity to him, his cause being bad, or because his adversary is thine enemy, or because thou lookest for service from him, Exod. 23.3. Leu. 19.15.  
15 Partiality to the rich and mighty, in desire of their good will, or fear of their evil will towards us, Levit. 19.15. Deut. 1.17.  
16 Wronging the poor, because he cannot fee thee, or withstand his powerful adversary, who can pay thee better, Exod. 23.6. Prov. 22.22. Zech. 7.10.  
17 Wronging the innocent, out of private spleen against him, or friendship to his wicked adversary, etc. for God will not justify but plague such wickedness, Exod. 23.7. Prov. 18.5. Jer. 22.3.  
18 Wronging the Widow, the fatherless, the stranger, because they are so, and so contemned, poor and helpless, or for any of the , or any other respect, Zech. 7.10 Jer. 22.3.  
19 Overthrowing a righteous cause by quirks in law, of other glosses to make right seem wrong, wrong right, Exod. 23.6, Prov. 18.5.  
20 Cruelty, oppression, exactions, to serve their passion, lusts, covetousness, or any other base and sinful humour, yea, though in regard of men, they have power in their hand to do it, and may be unquestioned, Ezek. 45.9.  
21 Fearing the face of man, be they who they will, and take it how they will, for the judgement is the Lords to secure them, spite of those that distaste, threaten, or would harm them for judging justly, and to plague them if they do otherwise, whosoever may seem, promise and endeavour to stand for them, Deut. 1.17.  
22 Passing judgement upon one Witness, be the Witness who he will, be the Offender what he will, and the offence as it will, Deut. 19.15.  
23 Weariness in doing justice to any, in any place, upon any occasion, 1 Sam. 7: 15, 16. Exod. 18.22.   
2 What Magistrates must do in executing justice.  

1 They must write, and study, and labour by all good means to acquaint themselves throughly with God's Law, being the ground of all good laws, to be the better able to understand and execute justice, Deut. 17.18.  
2 In fear to offend and trembling at God's displeasure for offending, they most must wisely and worthily discharge this duty, Ps. 2.10, 11.  
3 They must be sure their endeavours in Christ be accepted, and blessed, least vengeance come upon them, and they perish in their unjust ways, Psl. 2.12.  
4 Their charge is strictly given them to execute justice uprightly, Deut. 1.16.  
5 They must help one another in judgement, for more ease and better furtherance, and speedier dispatch, Exod. 18 22.  
6 They must show the parties their warrant for their proceeding in the course of justice concerning the cause, out of God's Word, for that if any thing will satisfy, Exod. 18.16.  
7 Solid Counsel may be given by others, and aught to be accepted by them concerning justice, both for choosing ●● persons to, and for the manner of executing the same, Exod. 18. ●●, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, at large.  
8 Good counsel in these must be followed, and men must not wholly rely on their own wisdom, opinion, or sufficiency herein. Exod. 18.24.  
9 They are to choose them well qualified persons to help them in judgement, Exod. 18.25. see before, how Magistrates should be qualified.  
10. They must warn the people to take heed they sinne not (by standing in a bad cause) lest they suffer by God's hand, and by the hand of justice, 2 Ch. 19.10.  
11 In doubtful matters, they must inquire diligently, till what was obscure be cleared, and all circumstances be rightly conceived, Deut. 19 18. Job 29.16. Josh. 7.19. John 7.51. Gen. 3.11. & 11.5. & 18.21. judg. 20.3.12. Prov. 18, 13.  
12 They may and must require an Oath if need be for clearing the truth, and ending of strife, Exod. 22.10. read from the 7 ver.  
13 An Oath that (cannot be disapproved) must be accepted, Exod. 22.10.  
14 They must hear both parties deliberately, patiently, throughly, to inform themselves in all part culars rightly and fully, Deut. 1.17. Prov. 18.13, 17. john 7.51.  
15 If the matter be too hard for them, they must bring it to God by prayer, Deut. 1.17.  
16 They may and must give judgement upon the testimony of two or three Witnesses, Deut. 19.17. & 17.16. Matth. 18.16. John 8.17. 2 Cor. 13.1. Hebr. 10.28.  
17 They must do with a false witness as he would have done to the party whom he falsely accused. Deuter. 19.16. to the end.  
18 They must plead the just cause of the poor, who want the understanding, sufficiency, boldness to plead their own case, or have no means to hire others, or friends that are willing to plead their cause for them, Prov. 31.8, 9  
19 They must do right to the poor, be they never so helpless, and be their adversaries never so powerful, Ps. 82.4, 5, 3. Pro. 31.8, 9 Job. 29.12, 13, 14, 15, 16.  
20 They must do right to the Widow, fatherless and stranger, be they never so much in respect of their mean condition contemned, and by the proud and mighty never so much troubled and injured, Job. 29.12, 13. Jere. 22.3. Isaiah 1.17. Psalm 82.2. Deut. 1.10.  
21 Yea, in like manner to the afflicted, oppressed and helpless, Prov. 31.9. & 22.21. Jer. 22.3. & 21.12. Isa. 1.11. job 29.12. Psal. 82.3, 4, 5.  
22 Yea, although by defect in nature, they be dumb and cannot, or out of fear or bashfulness, are unfit to speak for themselves, and although their adversaries multiplying words against them clean dash them, and by their pride insult over them, and by their greatness so crash them, that they dare not speak, or although their distress be never so desperate, and themselves never so friendless, Pro. 31.8.  
23 They must do justice to any person, and to every person that desire it, and whose cause require it, Deut. 1.16.  
24 They must do justice at all seasons, Exod. 18.22.  
25 And in all places, 1 Sam. 15.16.  
26 They must do justice without wear inesse, constantly and continually, 1 Sam. 7.15.  
27 They must judge small matters and slight causes, without contemning them, Exod. 18.22, 26. Deut. 1.17.  
28 And great matters without thinking it too much labour for them, Exod. 18.22. Deut. 1.17.  
29. They must do justice with diligence, Rom. 12.8. jer. 21.12.  
30 And that with mercy and compassion to the persons offending, although passing sentence justly against the offences Zech. 9.7.   
The parties contending, must be contented with the Judges just, equal and wel-grounded sentence and decision, and not murmur against, or needlessly to vex themselves about the same, it cannot help them, but may procure yet more troubles unto them, Exod. 22.9. Deut. 17.10, 11, etc.  
To do justice and judgement is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice, Prov. 21.3.  
Though the Judges in the World do it not, the judge of the World will do right, both for him that suffers, and against him that suffers wrong, and against him that favours and judges for the wrong doer, and who in judgement deal unjustly, Gen. 18.15. Yea, though the wicked watcheth the righteous and seeketh to slay him, the Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged, Psal. 37.33.  
Thus fare of this matter.    

Eight and thirty undemable Proofs that the Scriptures are the infallible truth of God, against the suggestions of Satan, the disputations of vain men, and the fantasies of our own brain to the contrary, for our comfort and settling in this case, not unfit to be well observed, and powerfully applied.  

1 THere being a God, and this God being absolutely good, requiring to be worshipped, could not be so cruel as not to leave us a rule to worship him by; which the Scriptures must of necessity be, for then this there could be none more perfect, containing in them every sufficient direction, for piety, righteousness and divine worship.  
2 They teach us a doctrine beyond the doctrine of all humane Writers, that is, to love cur enemies.  
3 That the doctrine of the Scriptures, powerfully pressed, oftentimes terrifieth the consciences of the wicked, though otherwise without control in the world.  
4 That this doctrine hath made of Wolves Lambs, of godless, godly men.  
5 That none whoever made his recourse to the Word of God aright, but found God as good as his Word.  
6 That many wicked men who have despised, opposed, persecuted the same, have been most remarkably and dreadfully plagued in this life.  
7 That seeing the doctrine of affliction is found effectual in God's children, it must needs be the truth.  
8 That the right study thereof teacheth true wisdom and consolation, so that a man may find (therein) direction and comfort in any condition that can befall him, which no other Author not grounded thereon can do.  
9 That by the same God's children have silenced heretics, and convinces the consciences of wicked men, that they have acknowledged the truth thereof.  
10 That the right study hereof bringeth such inward peace, delight, contentment and security, that all the world besides cannot procure.  
11 That wicked men have oftentimes a kind of secret desire to be holy and happy according to the same, confessing in their hearts, those men to be in a blessed estate that walk according to that rule.  
12 That this Word quieteth the mind in greatest troubles, when nothing else can do it.  
13 That it hath an absolute consent in all points in itself without contradiction, though written by divers persons in divers ages.  
14 That it setteth, down the infirmities of men without all respect of persons, fear or flattery, as well as it commendeth them for their virtues.  
15 And telleth every one that readeth them to their faces their manifold failings, of what degree soever they be.  
16 The matter contained therein is altogether heavenly, and nothing, nor any part thereof favoureth earthly, it yields to no one affection nor other, but opposeth itself to all.  
17 The form and dignity of the strle and Majesty therein is such, as it cannot be fully and wholly conceived, or uttered by any man, and it is always more powerful in the matter then in words.  
18 The Apocryphas going about to express the excellency of it in the Greek, is a very cold and barbarous thing in comparison of it.  
19 Of all things, it moveth the affection of the readers, and pierceth into the secrets of the hearts, and layeth open the most hidden things which we knew not.  
20 It is of most ancient and admirable antiquity, before all other Histories, and many good things in Philosophers and Poets are fetched from this.  
21 The dreadful miracle; by which it was confirmed.  
22 The certain event of the prophecies with one consent, set down by divers Writers are accomplished, and so are none of the Devils Oracles.  
23 Experience teacheth the truth of divers particulars therein, as particular judgements threatened for, executed upon particular sins, and particular promises performed to particular virtues, etc.  
24 That the want of knowledge hereof, or obedience hereto, make men as ignorant and filthy as bruit Beasts, in respect of heavenly things.  
25 See we not this excellency thereof, beyond the power of Angels, men and devils, how wise and subtle soever in their own kinds, that it speaketh of things to come many hundred years before as certainly, as if they were present.  
26 See we not that Almighty God maintains their authority by effecting what he hath forespoken, spite of whatsoever the devil and all the wicked men of the world labour to the contrary.  
27 That Satan useth all means he can to make us doubt of the truth of them; this argueth they are the truth of God, otherwise he would suffer us to give credit to them as to other Authors.  
28 That they have been preserved from time to time, so that they have not perished, whereas other books of great price and estimation have been utterly lost.  
29 Whereas persecuting Tyrants have sought to suppress the doctrine thereof, they have still more and more flourished and been spread abroad.  
30 It is an undoubted argument, that they are his most facred Truths, because God by such weak instruments and silly means doth spread abroad the doctrine thereof, spite of all oppositions, for none but a greater power could subdue a lesser.  
31 That it is true whatsoever doctrine it revealeth, though it make never so much against our pleasures, profits and lusts, yet till a man be brought to it, it never worketh sound.  
32 There is an especial glory in the Truth, in the Promises, and the conditions of them.  
33 They teach us to know God in Christ.  
34 And the Trinity in Unity.  
35 And the doctrine of regeneration, all which are foolishness to the flesh, yet the power of God to salvation to all that believe.  
36 The constant deaths of so many wise, sober and meek Martyrs (who ever in their sufferings for this truth, which no torments could extort from them, have had a plain distinction from the death of frantic and witless persons) declareth the same.  
37 That the Spirit of God inclineth our hearts to believe this, and to receive the same as his infallible truth.  
38 The universal and continual consent of this Book from time to time by so many holy, humble learned men of divers Nations, in all Ages, giveth testimony to the same.   
I believe, Lord help my unbelief.  
These for this.   

Some few plain, profitable and pleasing Instructions for all times.  
Hear and be silent, be silent and observe, observe and remember, remember and do.  
All that you see, judge not; all that you hear, believe not.  
All that you know, tell not; all that ye can, do not.  
Goods lost, nothing lost; courage lost, much lost; credit lost, more lost; Soul lost, all lost.  
To serve God, hinders not; to give alms, impoverish not.  
Ill gotten goods every not, allyar prospereth not.  
No more of this now.   

A seasonable and serious Advertisement, concerning the too common and crying sins of our calling.  
This Advertisement was written when he was a Captain in the Nether-lands, and may not be useless here.  
WHich of us does not think, and dares not say God loves me, Christ is my Saviour and Heaven my hope? whereas if we would examine our hearts and ways, seriously and impartially, many among us should see ourselves shamefully deceived, and not to 〈◊〉 about, doth not our preferring our pleasing and profitable ●●s before the will of God, our love to Carise, and walking in the way of life, give us the lie to our faces? Wherefore it concerns us highly, to labour effectually for some good measure of those infallible marks, which may undoubtedly assure us we are in covenant with God, do love the Lord Jesus dearly, and shall be saved everlastingly; unto which end, I commend Master By fields Marrow of the Oracles of God, as an especial help (by God's blessing,) and because my soul desires we may not deceive ourselves, and lose our labour in this maisie matter, that so much concern our true peace here, and happiness for evermore: I take the boldness, in zeal to my God, in good will towards you (my Fellow-Officers of our own nation especially) freely and plainly to beseech, warn and charge you, as I do mine own soul, to lay to heart somewhat I have to declare unto you, that instead of those favours God hath pleased to promise to his, we bring not upon our own heads the contrary curses; let us then lay this as an infallible foundation, that it is altogether in vain for us to look for any good from the Lord, so long as we dare to live in any one known sin with allowance, and without repentance, which is accompanied with a desire, resolution and endeavour to break off the same, and to do no more so; for all unregerate men who live in their sins without repentance, are strangers from the Covenant of Promise, having no part in the Testiment, they have no hope, but are without God in the world, Eph. 2.12 Mat. 7.6. & 15.26.  
But it may be said, this is fair and fare off, we know we are all sinners, and trust the Lord will have mercy on us, etc. Well, excuse me, I mean no harm, the next will come nearer home, even into our secret bosoms; again I say, what I say to any I say to mine own soul: The Lord saith, jer. 7.9, 10, 19 Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, and swear falsely, and come and stand before me, and say we are delivered, although ye do all these abominations? you provoke the Lord to anger to the confusion of your own faces: I pray then what shall we gain but all misery and mischief? judge ye; now let us make application for what the Lord says concerning some, his meaning is concerning any other sin, as if it were there mentioned.  
Well then, dare you drink drunk, whore, swear, quarrel, shed blood, and as profane Beasts, make a mock of God and goodness, scorn and abuse good men, and because the Lord yet suffers thee and seems to be silent, thinkest thou that God is like unto thee, and a patron of iniquity? Oh horrible impiety! he will reprove thee, and set all thy sins in order before thee, Psal. 50.18, 19, 20, 21. then woe, woe, woe unto thee, jer. 13.15, 27.  
Will you, dare you by yourselves or others, for yourselves or others, flatter, insinuate, slander, bribe, lie, be bribed, swear, cousin, oppress, forswear, mince, geld, dally, and play with an Oath, make others lie, swear and forswear themselves for your base profit? They bend their tongues like their bows for lies, but they have no courage for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to worse, and they have not known me, saith the Lord, Jer. 9.3. Let every one take heed of his neighbour, and trust you not in any brother, for every brother will use deceit, and every friend will dealt deceitfully, and every one will deceive his friend, and will not speak the truth, for they have taught their tongues to speak lies, and take great pains to do wickedly, Jer. 9.5. and is it not just thus among us, tell me, will God suffer this? he will not, shall I not visit for these things saith the Lord? and shall not my soul be avenged on such a Nation as this? Psal 50.21. jer. 5.9.  
Will you, dare you grind the faces of the poor (Isa. 3.15.) Soldiers? flay the skins from their backs? suck the marrow out of their bones, blood out of their veins, and pull the hearts out of their bodies, by cutting, off, and withholding their due, by forcing them to take their off-reckoning at unreasonable rates, or by giving them none at all, or by halves, by making them subscribe all is paid, when they never received the fifth part; by detaining all or most part of their due for their passes, by compelling them to run away through extreme, hard and most unjust usage? Oh consider this ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver you, saith the Lord, Psal. 50.22.  
Will you, dare you by your unlawful courses and unrighteous gains (to serve your covetousness, lust, pride and excess) highly displease and dishonour God, grievously wound (by sinning against the light of your consciences,) betray the cause for which you serve, and wrong the State in which you serve? and he that doth not so, will you abhor, deride and harm him? the Lord sees it and it displeaseth him, Isa. 59.15.  
Will you, dare you do all these, and many more like unto these? which (to hid your shame) I shame to reveal; for I say little of your most detestable, most accursed false attestations, whereby all parties are grievously guilty of horrible perjury; of your men of lose mearies, of those you make use of only for a muster, of your passavotants, of your false billets, and mustering some or whom you give no means, b●● a present reward for that base service, and then turn them o●●● of your mustering others in the names of those long dead or away, or in false names, or passing Soldiers of other Companies in yours, etc. Oh Mystery of iniquity! and yet flatter yourselves, that all is well and shall be well? Or do you think that God esteems or will spare you for your pride of heart, bravery in apparel, courtly behaviour, high looks, big words, height in place, greatness of power? No; or will he accept of your childish, foolish, wicked, vain excuses, pretences, extenuations? neither ● for there be no circumstance can make an unlawful thing lawful, Rom. 3.8. neither regardeth he any man's person, Rom. 2.11. do not deceive yourselves, is God God? and will he be mocked? Gal. 6.7. is God's Word truth? which declareth the heinousness and danger of these things? and dare you live in, and plead for them? let Baal plead for himself, Judg. 6.31. I plead for my God, who hath a controversy with you, Hos. 4.1. Oh how fare are all these courses from Saint john's doctrine to Soldiers, do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely, and be content with your wages, Luke 3.14.  
Away, away then with this dung and filth, this worse and less than nothing, if you at all esteem that inestimable Jewel of God's Word, if you know, believe in, love, fear, and serve, and trust in God (as you would be thought) let not these more than base, most shameful and harmful courses, which he hates, forbids, threatens, hath plagued and will plague, Mal. 1.6. jer. 2.19. & 4.18. for a little bitter, sweet, short pleasure, for a little paltry pelf, jam. 5.1, 2, 3. rusty riches, or the like trash (which the very Heathens in respect of virtue abhorred & rejected) so fare hoodwink, befool, misled you, that for the love of them, Rom. 6.23. you should run the hazard of losing, of damning your poor souls, your precious souls, 1 Cor. 6.9, 10. and shut yourselves out of Heaven. Oh what shall it profit a man if he gained the whole World, and should lose his soul?  
Oh let Gods glory, his Churches good, your soul's welfare, be preferred before your unlawful gains; for soul lost and all lost, and these are the highways to hell, Rev. 22.15. or are you yet so ignorant and so obstinate that you will not Believe this? Behold ye trust in lying words that cannot profit, Jer. 7.8. take Gods own word for it, which will not flatter, which cannot deceive you, your condition is and shall be most miserable; He that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool, Jer. 17.11. and though you do evil with both hands earnestly, so that the Prince asketh, and the judg. asketh for a reward, and the great man he uttereth his mischievous desire, and so ye wrap it up, Mic. 7.3. yet woe unto you that devise iniquity, and work evil upon your beds, when the morning is light ye practise it, because it is in the power of your hand, Mic. 2.1. yea, though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished, Prov. 11.21.  
Apply among many more these following most plain and powerful places to this purpose, then if you dare go on, devise by yourselves, consult with others, abuse your wit and power to do evil; what then? woe and punishment shall be your portion: for further proof of this, I beseech and admonish you, read, lay to heart, and jest not with what followeth out of Gods own Word expressly.  
Woe to the wicked (be they who they will, be their wickedness what it will) it shall be evil with him, evil of sorrow, of shame, of fearful plagues here, of horrible destruction for evermore shall be upon him, for the reward of his hands shall be given him, Isa. 3.11. Lo it is a day of trouble, and of ruin, and of perplexity by the Lord God of Hosts, Isa. 22.5. & 23.9. Behold the Day of the Lord cometh, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger, and he shall destroy the sinners out of the earth, Isa. 13.9. This day you say, is not come, it may be you conceit it will not come, or not upon you, and so put that day fare from you, but you see God saith, you see it cometh, it shall surely come, and what will you do now in the day of visitation and destruction? to whom will you flee, for help? and where will ye leave your glory? the privileges you presumed on will not secure you, or whatsoever you gloried in shall nothing avail you, Isa. 10.3. for if you refuse and be rebellious (though you thus long have escaped) you shall be devoured with the sword, a bullet shall meet with your head or heart when you little think of it, and then it will be too late, believe it; go the right way to work to prevent it, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it, Isa. 1.20. infinite ways hath God to find out thy iniquities; fear, and the pit, and the snare are upon thee, Isa. 24.17. see Jer. 35.2, 5, 6. & 16.4, 6. & 19.15. Deut. 18.16. destruction upon destruction is cried, for my people is foolish, they have not known me, they are foolish children and have none understanding, they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge, Jer. 4.20, 22. the time will come, that thy ways and thine inventions shall procure these things unto thee; such is thy wickedness, therefore it shall be bitter (though it now seem sweet) therefore it shall pierce to thine heart (which thou now makest so much of) Jer. 4.18. neither will it help that you have sought deep (by plotting and councelling) to hid your counsels from the Lord, although they were in darkness (never so secretly contrived and practised) that you have said, who seethe us, who knoweth of it? Isa. 29.15. Therefore the Lord saith; Behold, I will bring a plague upon you which you shall not be able to escape, and that which will be worst of all, though you cry unto me I will not hear you, Jer. 11.11. because when I called, you refused, Prov. 1.24. to 31. verse; read and remember for your soul's safeties sake I beseech you, yea, hear and give ear, be not proud, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it, Jer. 13.15. o may not the Lord justly say to us as he said Jer. 6.15. were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not ashamed, no, neither could they have any shame; and as is Chap. 8.6. I harkened & heard, but none spoke aright, no man repent him of his wickedness, saying, what have I done? for many of us think and dare say, it is shame for such as do otherwise, and instead of repenting, most impudently say, we have not sinned; but these are rebellious people, lying children, and children that would not hear the Law of the Lord, Isa. 30.9. remember this and be ashamed, bring it again to mind, O you transgressors, Isa. 46.8. the like places exceeding many; oh than plead not, plead not against the Lord, be not high minded, but fear, Rom. 9.20. be not deceived, God cannot, will not be mocked, Gal. 6.7. these things were written to admonish us, 1 Cor. 10.6. and if we turn not, the fierce wrath of the Lord shall not return, until he hath done, until he hath performed the intents of his heart; hereafter you shall understand it, and if you take not heed, smart for it, for the Lord of hosts hath determined it, and sworn to it, it shall come to pass who shall disannul it? his hand is stretched out, who shall turn it aways it is he hath consulted, it shall stand, he hath spoken it, and will bring it to pass, he hath purposed it, and will also do it; the word (and this is the word) that goeth out of his mouth shall not return void, and shall accomplish that which he will, Isa. 14.24, 27. & 46.11. & 55.11. Dare we contend with God? oh fare be it from us, or else woe unto us, for he is stronger than we, 1 Cor. 10. ●●. and we shall find it a most fearful thing to fall into his hands when he is angry: For our God is a consuming fire, Hebr. 12.29.  
How then? what remedy? oh provoke the Lord God (most mighty, just and jealous) no more, no longer to wrath; but I most humbly for God's sake, and most earnestly for your own sake, beseech thee (whosoever thou art) let this my council be acceptable unto thee, break off thy sins by righteousness, and thy iniquities by showing mercy unto, and dealing justly with the poor, especially under thy command, Dan. 4.24. and pity thine own poor soul, by confessing and forsaking all secret and open ways of deceit and violence, Pro. 28.13. make peace with the Lord & be at one with him, Isa. 27.5. it will be far the wisest & surest course, for then the Lord hath promised thee, all shall be well with thee, Is. 3.10. God hath showed thee O man what is good, and what the Lord requireth of thee; surely to do justly, to love mercy, to humble thyself, to walk with God, Micah 6.8. now therefore without any longer delay, Psal. 95.7. amend your ways and your works, and hear the voice of the Lord you● God, Jer. 26.13. that the Lord may repent him of the plague that he hath pronounced against you: Cease to do evil, learn to do well, come now, saith the Lord, and let us reason together, though your sins were as Crimson, they shall be made white as Snow, though they were red like Scarlet, they shall be as wools if you consent and obey, you shall eat the good things of the Land, you shall prosper here and for ever Isa. 1.16, 17, 18, 19 1 Tim. 4.8.  
But if when a man heareth the words of the curse, he blesseth himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace although I walk according to the stubbornness of mine own heart, thus adding drunkenness to thirst, the Lord will not be merciful unto him; but when the wrath of the Lord, and his jealousy shall smoak against that man, and every curse that is written in this book shall light upon him, and the Lord shall put out his name from under Heaven; and every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law will the Lord heap upon thee until thou be'st destroyed, Deut. 29.19, 20, 21. & 28.6. Behold, I have set before thee life and good, death and evil, choose, Deut. 30.15. hear and fear, and do no more so.  
Oh consider the snortnesse of life, and the certainty of death, the suddenness of judgement, the plainness of hell, the terror of that great day of account, the mere nothingness of all worldly excuses, and conceited privileges, 1 Sam. 12.21. and despise not the riches of God's bountifulness, patience and long-suffering; consider that the goodness of God ought to lead thee to repentance, do not after the hardness of thy heart, and impenitent disposition, treasure up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgement of God, who will render to every man according to his deeds, Rom. 2.4, 5, 6. yea, the Lord will separate thee unto evil, Deut. 29.21. for although sentence against an evil work be not executed speedily, and that therefore the heart of the children of men is fully set in them to do evil, yea, though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and God prolong his days, yet shall it not he well with him. Eccle. 8.11, 12, 13. for sin lieth at his door, Gen. 4.7. he hath, neither can, or ever shall have true peace, continuing so, Isa. 57.21. his own wickedness, Num. 32.23. and God's hand will find him out, Jer. 2.19. and know for all these things, God will bring thee to judgement, Eccl. 11.9.  
But some will say, I have taken too much upon me, and meddled with that which doth not concern me; I might have been more general, covert and sparing: you see I brought my warrant with me, which makes me thus bold with you, and as to you I speak, to myself also, therefore you may not tear this out; what if you should tear them out hence, you dare not tear the ground of these things out of God's book, you cannot tear the truth and remembrance of them out of your own consciences, Rom. 2.15. neither shall you tear God's remembrance of them out of his book of accounts at that great and terrible day of judgement, when he will set them all in order before you, Psal. 50.21. when even the chief Captains shall say to the Mountains, fall on us, and hid us from the face of him that sitteth on the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath is come, & who shallbe able to stand? What then shall avail you? what then shall deliver you? Rev. ●6. 15, 16, 17. besides, though I have been plain and open, I name none, neither do I accuse or aim at any in particular, the innocent are not wronged, the faulty deserve reproof and warning; such faults there are, in whom they are, they know best that are guilty of them; would God there were none such, though I herein were made a liar; our consciences will accuse or excuse us, although their mouthy sometimes be stopped never much, Rom. 2.15. I will 〈◊〉 you further, for mine own pa●● I look for little thanks for my labour, in being thus honestly free, but rather expect (though there be no reason if I were rightly understood) to get nothing but hatred, contempt, reproach, jeers, scorns, revile, ill will and injury from the world and hers, John 15.18, 19, 20. if such smile upon me, it is but to deceive me, but I care not; and what need I? for such were never, nor never will be my friends but in words and show, never did, nor never will do me good, Jam. 4.4. but have been, are, and will be my enemies for speaking the truth, Gal. 4.16. what then? must the truth be withheld in unrighteousness? God forbidden, Rom. 1.18. my cause is with my God, he will maintain it unto the uttermost, Isa. 49.4. I fear the face of no man, and why should I? the Lord himself hath promised to comfort, strengthen, and preserve me, Isa. 51.12, 13 & 41.10, 13, 14. who? or which of you then can discourage, hinder, or harm, he hath been is, & hath assured me, he will be more for me, than all the world that can be against me, Rom. 8. I (you see) am armed, be you but warned, or the words that I have written shall not only accuse you, but increase your condemnation at the last day, John 12.48. and I shall (by God's good grace and all-sufficient help) have wherewith to answer him, that for this will call me to account.  
But methinks I hear some say, you are too hasty with us, first hear us, and answer these few Objections throughly, then go on in reprehending sharply, else revoke your opinion, and be more gentle we pray you.  
Object. 1. Every man (at le● the most) do so, and would you have us (as you seem) to be singular?  
Answ. If there be not warrant for what we do (as there is hone from God for this) the more that do so, so much the worse, for so much the more is God dishonoured and provoked and iniquity is the more backed; therefore thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil, Exod. 23 ●●  
2 Great ones do so, and why not others as well as they?  
Answ. It is true, God's Word and common experience declares it, but what is that for our warrant? their greatness without goodness is nothing to the Lord, who is greater than they, and he that is higher than the highest here, regardeth; and there be higher than they, Eccl. ●. 8. and if thou follow their fins and perish with them for company, what can their greatness avail thee? when thou art a dying, let thy woeful experience answer me.  
3 Such as have no small shows of Sanctity, such as have a great name, and talk much of Religion, and in other things to the world walk unblamably do so, viz. such and such, etc.  
Answ. This I confess hath been often cast in my teeth, and hath not a little grieved, though never a whit unsettled me, considering their examples (if they be faulty) can no more warrant me to do so, than Noah's drunkenness, Lot's incest, Abraham, Isaaks and jacob's dissembling, Moses distrust, Aaron's and Miriams' envy, David's adultery and murder, Peter's denial of Christ, and the like, aught to warrant me to commit the like offences, which the most ignorant of us (I imagine) will not aver; besides, we must walk by God's precepts, and not by unwarrantable examples, the falls of God's children be as sea-marks and shipwrecks, to give us warning that we miscarry not in like manner; my soul wisheth for the greater glory of our God, and more gracing our Christian profession, for the removing away this scandal, and stopping the mouth of iniquity, for the fuller testimony to others, and more assurance to their own consciences, that they are true Christians, to cut off these cutting reproaches, which are often cast in the teeth of honest men, and for the more comfort of God's children, that such among us (especially) who would be esteemed sincere Christians would departed from such iniquities, 2 Tim. 2.19.  
4 The States force us hereunto by their evil payment, for heretofore the most of us have, and many of us yet do give ever proper pay, for the paying of their companies, and if we do not thus help ourselves we cannot live, but must run in debt, or spend our own means if we have any, and so prejudice if not undo ourselves and ours, besides, we desire to help ourselves no more than they take from us, and they know it well enough and wink at us; is not the Labourer worthy of his hire, who goeth to warfare at his own charge? he that serves the Altar must live of the Altar.  
What say you to this? this is Scripture too, and we believe you do not as you say, & should do; if you can, answer to these, and then tell us what you would have us do.  
Answ. I confess cur condition by their ill payment is extreme hard and uncomfortable that puts upon us a necessity of doing ill to help ourselves, or to suffer much in our outward estate for welldoing; yet their forcing us thus, can no more warrant me to wrong the Land then another man's stealing from me can warrant me to steal from him or others; besides, the States will say, we have the eighth day to help us, which we enjoy rather of custom, and by connivance (upon this consideration) then of right, (but Sir John Ogle hath fully given reasons for the Captains receiving the profit of the eighth day, both how necessary and fitting the same is) further I say, we are bound in conscience to God to prefer the worst of suffering before the best of sin, and if we be bound, if God call us for well-doing to suffer death, how much more these losses? Alas, this is not to resist unto blood, and it is a sign we are more like the Gadarens then true Christians, if rather to part with our 〈◊〉 lawful helps, we will part with Christ and his comforts. Again, be assured if we die in well being, trust God, he would assuredly help one way or other neither hath he any need of our indirect courses to serve his providence, as if he could not or would not help us otherwise, whereas indeed although we consider it not, his curse secretly consumes, or openly crossed us for doing thus, for we see very few the richer thereby, 〈◊〉 by gaming, gay , whoring, drinking, debauching, live and die miserably poor, yet in a worse condition, that other that have not followed such courses; then for my part 〈◊〉 there be no other remedy, if I must needs die poor, I would rather die poor and honest, and leave a good repute, then die miserable and wicked, and ●ink in the esteem and report of others; or if some seem to grow rich by these ways, I dare boldly say, such ill gotten goods shall not long prosper, but either they or theirs shall find God's hand one way or other against them; and why should we not be persuaded the Lord can as easily and remarkably help us as he hath helped others and ours (though many) as if they were but one, and ou● of the most and greatest troubles, as if they were never so few and small? for it is all on: with him, to whom nothing is impossible; if we but as conscionable Christians depend upon his fatherly providence; oh it is cur propanenesse and distrust that withholds his fatherly help from us: Further, there are I fear, but very few among us that will take no more by ill means, than the States by ill payment take from us, witness if the profit of twelve men would make good that charge, the profit of thirty men will not serve our turn, and this makes them say, if we would allow the Captains ten or twelve dead pays they would cousin us nevertheless, therefore why should they have that allowance; true, the States know they are cozened, but know not precisely who cousin's them, or by what means, and although forcingly they connive at, they do not approve of it, witness their strict forbidding, and if they find any faulty, their sharp punishing of it; howsoever, if the means I use be forbidden by God, as the very best of these are (being at least lying and deceiving) I cannot see that any conivance or other circumstance, can warrant me to use them. I acknowledge again ingeniously, that Captains in these Countries serve in a most uncomfortable and unhappy condition, who by the ill payment, are forced to live thiefs or die beggars, or spend their own means; and that it is extreme hard, that in recompense of all our labour and danger, (which our calling is subject to more than others) we and our wives and children cannot e'er bread except it be the bread of deceit and violence, which though it seem sweet for the present, will choke us in the end; neither can I see any reason or equity in them that are the cause of such our extremities, and if they can, do not redress, neither do I see how authority will ever be able to answer it before God's judgement sear, that they have not removed the cause of such unrighteous deal, whereby (I dare aver it for experientiâ doeet) it is now come to that pass, that it is impossible to serve the Land truly, and hold fast our integrity, are we not then in a fine case? and is not the Lands service come to a fine pass? and are we not like to prosper, when we that are employed in the service, serve in a course of unrighteousness, or ruin ourselves and ours without remedy? and for those places, the labourer is worthy of his hire, etc. they show what ought to be and not what always is, for another Scripture says, woe to them that detain the Labourers hire, so indeed we ought to have out appointed pay, or else how can we be content with our wages; yet for all this we have no warrant to follow any unlawful ways forbidden and accursed by God, as is proved before. Grant I do not as I say, the truth remains truth, and if I dare do otherwise, the same will turn to my greater condemnation, knowing and saying so much as I do, and this is that above all I abhor and condemn in the discourses of others concerning these things, that because they do not as they ought, they dare justify what they do, yea, some dare say they hold it no sin to do so, and they do it & will do it: Oh horrible presumption! it is too much we do ill, would God we were sensible thereof, and we would not so plead therefore; but to justify ourselves therein, as if we not only faultless, but did well, is too too bad; oh, if we do no more, let us at least give God his glory thus fare, as to acknowledge we do amiss, doing so foully amiss. Take this in good part in some part of answer to these Objections, which I wish with my soul may satisfy others as they do me.  
To conclude, I freely, friendly and faithfully give this counsel in this case.  
Take this as an infallible ground, there is no circumstance whatsoever can make an unlawful thing lawful.  
That the worst of suffering is to be chosen before the best of sin.  
That it is better to live in misery then in iniquity.  
That in the day of visitation, and at the hour of death (which sooner or later will come upon every one of us) these courses cannot any whit comfort, but if we die not stupid, impenitent Beasts will torment us.  
That God hath no need of our sins to serve his providence towards us.  
That this our profaneness and distrust hinders his help and blessing from us.  
That the right way is the best way, procuring inward contentment, boldness before the strictest authority, a good repute, freedom from the base accusations of vile persons, all which our crooked ways misled us from; prove the Lord by trusting him in welldoing, rather, than thou shalt want convenient help, he will work wonders for thee, Mal. 3.10. and will do more for us than we can lose thereby, 2 Chron. 25.9.  
Let us with all due respect seek to authority for redress jointly.  
Let us be humbled for what is amiss hitherto, confess, crave pardon for, resolve to forsake, labour against, pray for strength to overcome our forepast evils in this kind, and that unfeignedly and constantly, and beseech God to work upon the heart of authority, and that we may prefer the general good of God's cause before our private profit seriously, and we shall find a remarkable change and all shall go well; for Piety hath the promise undoubtedly, 1 Tim. 4.8.  
And here I end this matter.   

Somewhat concerning general Obedience, not to be neglected.  
IT is written Acts 24.16. herein do I exercise myself to have always a good conscience void of offence towards God and towards men, Ps. 119. than shall I not be asnamed; when I have respect unto all thy Commandments, and ver. 101. I have refrained my feet from every evil way.  

Out of which O my soul observe these few, yet needful and profitable Lessons.  

1 THat though thou dost many good things, and yet dispensest with thyself in the omitting, or evil performing any one duty required, it will not serve the turn.  
2 Though thou forsakest many sins, if thou givest thyself liberty to live in any one, thou deceivest thyself and it will not avail thee.  
3 Learn hereby to make strict conscience, every thing required, even in the smallest matter, seem it never so much preciseness, especially of such duties to which thou art most indisposed, or in which thou hast been most careless, or the which stesh and blood thinketh least necessary; for the Lord will have sincere and seasonable obedience in every particular.  
4 Think it not enough to do one good thing, and then, to follow some other evil; as to make conscience of sanctifying the Sabath, and yet to take leave to take God's Name in vain, or to apply thyself diligently to God's public worship, yet not to stick to lie, swear, deceive, forswear, extort in thy particular calling, or to be strict in thy outward conversation, and yet dare to harbour discontent, envy, hatred, malice, discord, revenge, or to seem friendly abroad, or yet be currish at home, or to be temperate in some places and companies, and yet to tipple, drink healths and be drunk in some other, or to be modest in behaviour, and yet abound in filthy conceits, or to seem religious and yet want government of the tongue, or to be just in outward deal, and yet be uncharitable, and the like; as also on the contrary, for every sin as well as any sin, must be conscionably avoided, or none is sincerely eschewed.  
5 Neither rest contented in straining at a Gnat, if thou darest to swallow a Camel, or though thou escapest gross and open sins, if thou allowest thyself in some lesser and secret evils; these are most deceitful, dangerous, devilish (and without repentance) damnable conceits, and are sure signs of an huge hypocrite, and must unsound soul.   
But O my soul, who is sufficient for these things? well, endeavour uprightly, watchfully, constantly, in every particular that the Lord hath revealed to thee, and it is in God's estimation, perfect obedience, only give not thyself the least freedom in the least matter against conscience to transgress; then believe, and thou mayest be assured the Lord Jesus Christ his alsufficient satisfaction, both in his absolute obedience and infinite sufferings, is imputed unto thee, and thou in him hast fully obeyed, and suffered all that the Lord can in his exactest justice require of thee; we may keep all, though we cannot fulfil any one of God's Commandments, we may often break and yet not forsake his holy Covenant. Thus fare of this.    

His Verses on the Bible.  

P leisure and profit, piety and peace,  
H ealth for the soul, all happiness increase;  
I n each estate within this golden Mine,  
L yes couched close, yet of poe to all men's eyen;  
L ets than delves search and curiously pry  
Into the same, and mark what we can spy:  
P repair good instruments, the ground is hard,  
P romise is made, we shall find rich reward.   

S oar first in faith, with prayer above the Sun,  
K eep constant courses, carelessness still shun;  
I oyne with your reading reverence, be attended,  
P ractice with knowledge from on high are sent;  
P ray more and more such graces to attain,  
O n Sacred Writ to meditate take pain;  
N eglect not application of the same,  
N o doubt so striving we shall win the Game.    

His Verses on his Hourglass.  

AS this Glass runs, so runs thy Glass of life;  
Each hour one hour nearer thy lives end;  
Ere sand be out, Death with his fatal knife  
Cats short thy days (perhaps) repent, amend:  
Delay no time, see how away he hies,  
Once past, past calling bacl with loudest cries.   

Behold this Glass, and then take heedful view;  
What's thy estate, more brittle than the same?  
Soon broke, as sand in wind, in haste oh rue  
Thy sins forepast with sorrow and with shame:  
Henceforth aye run of godliness the race,  
While thy Glass runs, and days fleet hence apace.   

Let thy oft turning of this running Glass  
Cause in thy mind to run that thou still turn  
To great Jehovah, let no hour pass,  
(While God vouchsafe thou in this world sojourn)  
Without some work of grace; oh spend no time  
In plotting, following any sinful crime.   

So though this Glass and life, at once run out,  
Time passed misspent (bewailed) to come redeemed,  
Of dying well, thou needst not stand in doubt,  
Ill having hated, done what best beseemed.  
Were every hour the latest of thy breath,  
The happiest hour shall be the hour of death.    

Morning Thoughts.  
BEthink, perform each morning thou survivest,  
Thy duty to thy God while here thou livest;  
Arake with him in humble, cheerful wise,  
Open thine heart as early as thine eyes.  
Who holy thoughts his Majesty salute,  
Of a true godly life, what is the fruit;  
Of rising from thy sins to ways of grace,  
The resurrection set before thy face,  
Eke unto judgement thy most sure arising,  
By light of day be with thyself devising  
Of that most glorious armour of pure light,  
And of thy natural darkness take in sight,  
And works of darkness labour off to cast,  
Bidding thy God good morrow, thus make haste,  
Upon his holy Name to invocate,  
Confessing and bewailing thine estate,  
By nature, actual offendings too,  
Labour for feeling though with much ado;  
Weigh, to thy sins all judgement are most due,  
Thy just desert whereof take pains to rue,  
With deprecation, then will fervency,  
To thy good God in Christ for pardon cry;  
Resolving by his grace (which beg) henceforth,  
In heart, word, deed, to esteem of highest worth.  
His holy fear and service every way  
Believe, for these in faith, will reeling pray,  
In and from danger, preservation,  
Strength to resist Satan's temptation;  
Comfort in grief, help in adversity,  
Relief in any kind of misery;  
For deaths preparing, dying to the world,  
That its and flesh his lusts may be controlled:  
Heaven hungered after, in each thing content,  
To please the Lord in all that heart be bend;  
To walk uprightly in thy lawful calling,  
In others matters not thyself enthralling:  
For companies and privaties right use,  
Against thoughts, words, deeds, behaviours abuse;  
Concerning all, in each always to watch,  
That thou nor others harm thereby to catch:  
Briefly to thy most blessed God commend,  
Whatsoever any way thou dost intent;  
That better and not worse, they still mayest grow,  
By all thou hearest, seest, or else dost know;  
Labouring to keep sweet peace with thy sweet God,  
Which being even, no manner what is odd:  
In every thing submitting to his will:  
Then from thy heart thy mouth with praises fill,  
For all his blessings great and manifold,  
Past, present and to come, both new and old:  
In special for protection in the night,  
Judgements prevented, now with morning light,  
Sweet motions grant, every gift firm, fading  
For this or better life; thyself persuading,  
Thy Gods rich mercy is the ground of all  
Thou didst before, dost now, or ever shall  
Enjoy; and entire thanks to manifest,  
Let soul and body, all thou hast be pressed  
To do his will, in all his Word requireth,  
That thou mayest be such as his heart desireth.  
To live and die in happy state of grace,  
And so in mercy aye behold his face:  
Thus as thine own, think on the Church's peace,  
To attend thy prayers with practice do not cease;  
And thou wilt not repent this little pain,  
●o much will be thy comfort and thy gain;  
●e: all be done as thou Lord seest fit,  
Amen, Amen, Lord Jesus, so be it.   

Woe for the abuses of these sinful times.  
Our Callings common, crying, chiefest crimes.  
IS it not a wicked world when honesty  
Is called and counted childish foolery?  
When lying, perjury and falsehood foul,  
Are followed, graced, maintaint without control?  
When to extort, opresse by force, or fraud,  
(Instead of right and mercy) most applaud?  
When place and power abused are shamefully,  
To wrong the poor, and suppress equity?  
When avarice, pride, lust, excess to cherish,  
We cause our own and others souls to perish?  
No attestations false to prove't I need,  
Those most accursed do it, leave off, take heed;  
When great ones customs, though in things amiss,  
Before Gods express Law preferred is?  
When because most do so, it must so be?  
Or who doth otherwise strange man is he;  
When virtue is for show, not deed esteemed?  
When all is well if honest he be deemed?  
Though guilty conscience tells us to our face,  
Seem what we will we are in evil case:  
When to our shame (if but our turns we serve)  
We crouch to such who small respect deserve:  
When he the wise, wise man a counted is,  
That closest carrieth all 〈◊〉 knaveries?  
When he that freely, pla●● deals, and truly,  
Is worthless, witless held, 〈◊〉 most unruly?  
Is hated, scorned, frowned of, and hardly used,  
Belied, defamed, watched, sco●● at and misused?  
" When the malicious, partall man doth threat?  
" Yet his best cause before fa●●e justice seat,  
" Dares not present, who darkness works hate's light,  
" A conscience foul dares not appeal to right;  
" But underhand scandal 〈◊〉 raise ne'er ceaseth,  
" Th' are heard, stood for, by such, as such things pleaseth.  
When a wrongd-just cause which craves to be righted,  
Shall scarce be heard, at best put off and slighted?  
When falsehood many, truth few friends shall find?  
A true discovery how we are inclined)  
Enough; vain foolish men run on your race,  
Horror, shame, mischief, misery, disgrace  
Your portion is, and truth that now is blamed,  
Shall once prevail, and never be ashamed:  
Comfort, help, Heaven, in no wise look you for,  
Continuing thus, your ways he doth abhor.  
The right Religion, understand me well,  
The galled, guilty, will fret, rail and swell;  
He that's a grieved, and findeth fault with this,  
I more than think himself most faulty is;  
Silence with godly sorrow, and t' amend,  
To just suspicion, sin, shame, harm puts end.   

THe proud, peevish, jest m● and vexing humour of a Preacher is most offensive and unseemly.  
An humble, quiet, grave and friendly carriage does much good, and is most comely.  
Hate thy sin as well as know it, forsake it, as well as beg pardon for it, if thou myself practise it, it little avails thee to reprove it.  
Do well, trust God and be merry, whosoever mislikes it.  
There is no fence, against the ungrounded suspicions, o● the slanderous, spiteful, injurious, uncharitable speeches o● others, which thou knowest not of; in this case approve thy heart to God, give no cause of offence and care not, for harm she they shall not.  
Parents must not be tyrants, nor children masters.  
To be temperate in eating and drinking.  
To make a covenant with our eyes.  
To be more watchful, sober and wise in speaking.  
To rise every morning timely.  
To premeditate before holy duties.  
To strive against deadness, weariness, customariness in performing them.  
To labour for an holy & harmless carriage, furthers inward quire, and prevents outward scandal.  
Avoid all by-respects, all evil thoughts, all misgovernment of the tongue, all unscemly behaviour, and all sinful actions.  
Endeavour God's glory in all things, to entertain god● thoughts, to strive to govern the tongue, to embrace a co●●ly behaviour, to walk always as in God's presence, to appr●● our hearts to him, helps forw●● in holiness.  
Pray, pray, pray, that God would show thee the right way: 

1 Because he requires it, Jer. 6.16.  
2 Because he hath promised to show it, Psal. 32.8. Jer. 33.3.  
3 And to cause us walk in 〈◊〉 Ezek. 26.37. Hos. 14.19.  
4. And that we shall perseven therein, Psal. 66.9.  
5 And because the Lord hath promised his blessing to all that walk in it, Ps. 1. & 50.23. & 119. Gal. 6.16.    

Or thus of the same.  
Pray to be enabled to walk with God, and therefore to avoid evil company, a main hindrance thereof, Prov. 4.14, 1●. to embrace good society, a great furtherance thereto, Pro. 2. ●0. to be showed the right way, Ps. 119.5. part, Jer. 10.23. to be kept from all deceitful ways, Psal. 119.5. part, and that the Lord will knit our hearts to fear his Name, Psal. 86.11.  
For the attaining to, and furtherance of a pious, acceptable profitable conversation, keep my heart above all things, therefore avoid and strive against profane, uncharitable, lofty thoughts, ungrounded discontented conceits, spiritual & worldly pride, hypocrisy, deceitfulness in heart, dispensation to neglect good, or to commit evil, inward danger, envy, fretting at others prosperity, murmuring against, disputing with God, to strive against the occasions of sin offered, and the sin itself be it never so secret.  
To entertain and to labour after reverend, awful, holy thoughts, in respect of God presence, loving charitable thoughts in respect of others humble and lowly thoughts is respect of ourselves, soundness of judgement to discern thing aright, inward content, me●●nesse, sincerity, sobriety, st●●ednesse, peaceableness; to dea good and fly evil, according ●● the light of a well informe● conscience.  
Pray to leave sin, whereof we are guilty, to be preserved from those whereof we are not so apparently faulty, to mount for what we cannot mend.  
For the first sort confess them, fly the occasions of them; falling sometimes through frailty, not to lie still therein, but to repent and amend speedly, and to watch there-against more carefully, vow the more earnestly against them.  
For the second, fear ourselves, think we ourselves never so free, watch against the accasions, lest we fall before we fear.  
For the third, lay them before the Lord, beg reformation, endeavour to practise all we can.  
If we would pray to be heard, ground all on the word of God, pray in the name of Christ, believe acceptation in him, await such an answer as he sees fit, rest on the Lords all-sufficient assistance, attend with good endeavours, let words be few, at least with great judgement and affection, let thy heart be lift up, be advised what thou pray●● for, strive against habitual at stractions, passions, lusts, be fervent in spirit, with instanty without failing or discouragement, with perseverance, truth. Lord thou requirest it, but I am wholly insufficient to it, but thou hast promised to give it, therefore I crave it, relying thereon; for times of prayer, when he can to be more large and solemn, wanting convenicy hereto, to be full of short Ejaculations, and when neither of these can be conveniently performed, to pray in hean, for all are commanded, commended, acceptable and powerful, all in the name of Christ Jesus.   

Resolve.  
TO do nothing without the warrant of God's Word.  
To order all affairs by judgement.  
To speak the best of all men and all things.  
To resist all manner of evil thoughts, motions, purposes, affections, passions; to use only wise, few, true, acceptable words.  
To be grave, affable, circumspect, all to the Lord, shunning all by-respects.  
No sufficiency in ourselves, all sufficiency in the Lord.  
Beg grace, and labour to understand, remember, affect, believe and practise.  
In company avoid lightness, and lumplishnesse in behaviour; in talk filthiness, falsehood, jesting, rashness, superfluous words; in action, gluttony, drunkenness, drinking healths, Tobacco drinking, Tobacco taking.  
Endeavour staidness and and cheerfulness in behaviour, gracious, honest, harmless discourses; in action, temperance, speedy breaking up, gratefulness.  
In general, labour to hinder swearing, obicene talk, excess contention, and to further good discourse, to bewail what we cannot help, to give no offence, to take all in good part that concerns ourselves.    

More Resolutions.  

OBey lawful commands willingly.  
Take reproofs gently.  
And advice thankfully.  
Do duty diligently.  
Swear not rashly.  
Speak soberly.  
Examine complaints conscionably.   
Understand both Parties throughly.  

Deal directly.  
Hate partiality.  
Punish vice strictly.  
Avoid words of superfluity.  
Bear thyself humbly.  
To each degree respectively.  
Drink not immoderately.  
Use not familiarity.  
Be careless of others envy.  
Worship God religiously.  
In season and with constancy.  
Strive to walk wisely.  
Do all in faith sincerely,  
To the Lords glory.    

Learn to make Conscience of mourning, for the abom nations abounding among us.  
BEcause God requires it, Jer. 22.30. complains of the negtect of it, Isa. 52.16. & 63. ●●. marks those for his, and preserves them in times of general judgements that do it, Ezek. 9.4, 6. and will be entreated by them, as by Moses, etc. therefore let us seriously ponder them, and the judgements due unto them, and acknowledge them, craving an heart to be touched with godly sorrow, and awful fear, bceause of them, eschewing them in ourselves, suppressing them in others ill we can, begging pardon for, and reformation of them, vexing our souls seeing or hearing of them, desiring the Lord to keep his judgements from us, that are due for them; so sighing to the Lord sensibly because of them.   

His acknowledgement of God.  
THe Lord God, 
(a) Psal, 71.16.  whom I alone, 
(b) 1 Sam. 7.3.  and always 
(c) Deut. 14.23.  desire to serve, 
(d) Neh. 1.11. Jos. 24.15.  and trust, 
(e) 2 Sam. 22.3.  and in whose name, 
(f) Psal. 124 8.  fear, 
(g) Isa. 8.13.  presence 
(h) 2 Cor. 2. ●●.  and assistance, 
(i) Psal. 121.2.  I desire to order all my ways, 
(k) Psal. 16. ●●.  and from whom only I look for all grace 
(l) 1 John 1.16.  and good, 
(m) Jam. 1. ●.  is God the Father, 
(n) 2 Thes. 1.1.  God the Son 
(o) John 10. ●●.  and God the holy Ghost, 
(p) Acts. 5.3, 4.  three Persons, 
(q) Mat. 3.16. ●●.  but one, 
(r) 1 John 5.7.  only 
(s) Deut. 6.4.  true 
(t) Jer. 10.10.  and most wonderful 
(v) Isa. 9.6.  Lord God, 
(w) 1 Chron. 11.16.  who by his Word alone, 
(x) Psal. 33.6, 9  most wisely, 
(y) Prov. ●●  powerfully, 
(z) Jer. 13.10.  graciously, 
(a) Psal. 111. ●.  hath created all things of nothing, 
(b) Gen. 1.  who in like manner preserved, doth and will preserve, 
(c) Heb. 1.3.  and dispose all the works of his hands 
(d) Mat. 10.29, 30.  for his own glory 
(e) Pro. 16.4.  and his children's welfare, 
(f) Rom. 8. ●●.  whatsoever opposeth, 
(g) Isa. 14.24, 27.  who is the eternal, 
(h) Dut. 33.27.  everliving, 
(i) Heb. 7.25.  everlasting, 
(k) Isa. 40.28.  most glorious, 
(l) D●● 28.58.  great, 
(m) 2 Sam. 7.22.  tearful, 
(n) Ex●●. 15.11.  invisible, 
(o) 1 Tim. 1.17.  invincible, 
(p) 2 Chr●●. 29.11.  unconceivable, 
(q) Rom. 11.33, 34.  unutterable, 
(r) J●● 21.31.  incomprehensible, 
(s) 1 King. 8.27.  inaccessible, 
(t) 1 T●● 6.16.  incorruptible, 
(v) Rom. 1.23.  infinitely wise, 
(w) Rom. ●●. 27.  most holy, 
(x) Isa. 6.3.  just, 
(y) Job. 34.19.  jealous, 
(z) Ex. 34.14  righteous, 
(a) Dan. 9.14.  Almighty, 
(b) J●● 42.2.  all-sufficient, 
(c) Gen. 17.1.  every where present, 
(d) Jer. 23. 2● 24.  all-knowing, 
(e) Heb. 4.13.  most blessed 
(f) Rom. 9 ●.  and only Potentate, 
(g) 1 Tim. 6.15.  most gracious, 
(h) Psal. 145. ●.  good, 
(i) Mat. 19.17.  free, 
(k) Ezek. 36. 2●.  bountiful, 
(l) Ps. 116.7.  most patiented, 
(m) Rom. 15.5.  long-suftering, 
(n) E● 34.6  compassionate, 
(o) Psal. 78.38.  pitiful 
(p) Jam. 5.11  most loving, 
q Hos. 14.4.  fair, 
r Psal. 50.2.  pure, 
s Hab. 1.13.  comely, 
t Cant. 2.14.  beautiful, 
v Isa. 4.2.  most merciful, 
w 2 Cor. 1.3.  faithful, 
x Deut. 7.9.  immutable, 
y Mal. ●. ●.  and never enough to be admired Majesty: 
z 2 Thes. 1.12.  my Lord, 
a Isa. 49.14  my God, 
b John 20.28.  my Father, 
c John 20.17.28.  my Redeemer, 
d Job. 19.25.  my Intercessor, 
e 1 Joh. 2.1.  my Sanctifier, 
f Rom. 15.16.  my Comforter, 
g John 14.26.  my Guide, 
h Psal. 48 14.  my Sufficiency, 
i 2 Cor. 3.5.  my safety, 
k Prov. 31.21.  my Deliverer, 
l Ps. 40.17.  my good success, 
m Psal. 37.5.  my life, 
n Acts 17.28.  my health, 
o Psal. 43.5.  my strength, 
p Psal. 28.7.  my succour, 
q Heb 2.18.  my chief good, 
r Psal. 119.68.  my all in all for good, 
s Psal. 73.25.  my only helper at all assays, 
t Heb. 13.5, 6.  in greatest extremities most remarkably, 
v Ps. 72.12.  in whom I have all, 
w 1 Cor. 3, 22, 23.  without whom I have nothing, 
x Hos. 13.9.  nor can do nothing, 
y Joh. 15.5.  of whom alone I have received, 
z 1 Cor. 4.7.  by whom alone I do enjoy, 
a Acts 17.28.  from whom alone I crave 
b Psal. 5.2.  and expect 
c Psal. 62.5.  all good 
d Psal. 62.5.  for this and a better life; 
e Ps. ●4. 11.  yea, whom I desire above all things, 
f Psal. 73.25.  and to whom only in all, above all, always be glory, 
g Rom. 11.36.  Amen. 
g Rom. 11.36.    

How to endeavour to walk with God in the Leaguer.  
FIrst, to walk circumspectly: and that, 

1 In dividing the times aright for the duties of Religion, the works of my calling, and other lawful employments, that them be no confusion, that the lesser be not hindrances, but help to the greater.  
2 By serious consideration that I have warrant out of the Word of God for all my proceed.    
Secondly, what religious duties be performed daily with Christian conveniency.  

1 Prayer for myself, min● God's people.  
2 Reading the Scripture, and somewhat in a good books.  
3 Meditation.  
4 To sing out of the Psalms.  
5 To embrace all occasions for Gods public worship.   
In each of these to seek the Lord conscionably.  

1 Labouring for preparation, revetence, sincerity, feeling, cheerfulness and faith.  
2 Striving against carelessness, coldness, drowsiness, hypocrisy and customary service.  
3 When any urgent business of my calling causeth the deferring any of these duties, to take a more convenient time, yea, to redeem the time for the performance thereof.   
Thirdly, concerning the duties of my particular calling.  

1 In general to walk faithfully, diligently and wisely.  
2 In particular, towards Supenours in all things lawful, obediently; towards those I command gravely, towards equals friendly:  
3 When I am commanded, to pursue my business earnestly, and cheerfully till the same be effected.  
4 In commanding others, to do all distinctly, throughly, plainly and impartially, to se● the same effected accordingly, to check and punish neglect sharply.  
5 If joined with other in command, to seek and follow the best counsel and commendablest course.  
6 Not to despise the good advice of any, though never so mean, but by all good means to grow more fit for service.  
7 For better furnishing himself with ability to listen to others discourses, to observe what others do commendably in this or that occasion, to consider the use of things with silent application.   
Fourthly, what company to avoid; viz. of swearers, drunkards, quarrellers, gamesters, whoremasters, filthy talkers, scoffers at goodness, etc. to embrace the society of honest men though mean.  
Fiftly, what places to avoid, as of uncleanness, excess, playing, etc. though enticed or provoked thereto, and to frequent such places where good is to be gotten.  
Sixtly, what especial sins to strive against. 

1 In heart, unadvised anger, remembering injuries, desire of revenge, hatred, envy, impure lusts.  
2 In words; brawling, railing, reviling, scoffing, indiscreet, superfluous, obscene boasting, unnecessary, selfconceited, censuring, ungracious, familiar, blasphemous, speeches.  
3 In behaviour, lightness, lumpishness, pride, familiarness.  
4 In looks; wander, wantonness, lustfulness.  
5 In action; hard dealing, impurity, secret or open intemperance, all sin, folly, and disorder.    
Seventhly, to entertain these contrary virtues. 

1 In heart, watchfulness, sobriety, putting up wrong●, forgetting injuries, passing by offences without taking notice of them (if God be not dishonoured or myself disabled, else, to use all good means to stand for the truth, and clear my innocency) and quietness.  
2 In words; that they be wise, few, seasonable, to the purpost, charitable, true, meek, gracious.  
3 In behaviour; gravity, modesty, humility, courtesy, seemliness, to make a covenant with mine eyes not to behold vanity with delight.  
4 In action, to show tenderly artednesse, to live chastely, temperately, thriftily, and to deal justly.    
Eightly, in case of justice and judgement: 

1 Not to condemn the innocent, or justify the offender.  
2 Nor to accept persons for any respect.  
3 To examine the cause throughly.  
4 To hear both parties deliberately.  
5 To hate bribes unfeignedly.  
6 To help the afflicted against the rich and mighty.  
7 To execute justice rightly.  
8 To pronounce sentence according to warrant, gravely, boldly, briefly, impartially, substantially, how many, who, whatsoever opposeth.    
Ninthly, for convenient maintenance, according to place and calling. 

1 To live within compass.  
2 To wear plain, serviceable and decent apparel.  
3 To avoid running into debt, and to pay debts by all good means possible.  
4 Not to live at another's Table  
5. Not to lay out on thin● superfluous.  
6 To allow what is fitting for my Family.  
7. In welldoing to depend ●● Gods providence.    
Tenthly, in more espe●● employments in my plate:  
To propound in each Go● glory, to have respect to hi● Cause, to be affected, to hi● Church, to order all affairs ●● judgement, where my calling requires, though never 〈…〉 gerous, to be willing; forward courageous; bold, industrious fearless to the death, commending myself into the 〈◊〉 of God wholly, for help, 〈◊〉 and good success.  
To avoid and strive aga●●●● rash adventures without a warrantable calling, foolish curiosity, ostentation, unwillingness, slothfulness, backwardness, frivolous excuses, cowardliness, fear, flying, distrust of God's help for sufficiency and protection for safety and blessing for a good issue.  
Eleventhly and lastly, concerning lawful recreation. 

1 To take such time for them, that things of more consequence ●● the same time be not hindered by them.  
2 To use such exercises as are manly, comely, and fittest for my calling, place and age.  
3 With nien most free from offence, and of a good report.  
4 All with moderation; not spending too much time, labour or cost therein.  
5 Especially to spend some spare time in reading in some good moral Author, as plutarch's Lives, Caesar's Commentaries, etc. and to ride abroad to view the Trench, Works, etc. both for better enabling him to do service.    
To endeavour all in a conscinable manner, seeking in all God's glory chief, by the help of his holy Spirit only, spite of all oppositions, trusting through his grace in sincerity to testify obedience; and in all unwilling failings, not to doubt of his most merciful forgiveness, gracious acceptation, and favourable blessing, in the face of Christ Jesus, in whose name (my Father) I beg a disposition and ability to discharge each part of my duty, seasonably, wisely, uprightly, and constantly, according to what I have purposed and expressed before thee, that thou in mercy according to thy truth in him ●●ayest please at all times, & in 〈◊〉 things, to be with me for ●●●d, Amen.   

How to stir up and embrace right Christian resolutions, for the Cause of God, and against his enemies.  
FIrst, be fully assured it is the Cause of God, else it is sinful and shall not be blessed; but undoubtedly it is the Cause of God, because his pure worship accooding to his Word is stood for, because we have been, and are grievously persecuted by tyrannous Idolaters for the same; and that nevertheless the Lord for his great names sake, according to his truth, in great mercy, hath many and miraculously delivered and preserved us, and still doth, as at this day.  
Secondly, therefore as all good Christians are strictly bound, so I myself must endeavour to do my best to maintain this his Cause, and that because 

1 The Lord requires it.  
2 And curseth bitterly such as help him not against the mighty.  
3 And hath plagued such for their neglect.  
4 Because I have the warrantable examples of God's children, who willingly ventured their lives for this Cause.  
5 The commendations in Scripture of such, is also a spur hereunto.  
6 And the blessings of the Lord upon them, both which we may look for.  
7 We are Fellow-helpers with the Lord in his Work against his enemies, an acceptable work.    
Thirdly, the manner how to perform this commanded, warrantable, commendable, blessed and acceptable work. 

1 Zealously; and that 

1 Because the glory of the great name of the eternal God, of which he is so jealous, is the thing we fight for, the Cause being his.  
2 The preservation of his holy Word, and pure worship among us, which is an especial token of his favour to us, being the means to save our souls.  
3 And that if the enemy should prevail, we should not only lose these blessings, but they should be scofft at, profaned and trodden under foot by them, and their abominations set up, to the exceeding greeat dishonour of our blessed God, and the Loss of innumerable souls.    
2 Courageously; and that 

1 Because it is the Cause of God Almighty, who is able to defend and deliver us in the midst of the greatest perils, and if none apparent were nigh unto us.  
2 Who governeth all things in all places, that no bullet can fly, or any other instrument of war move but according to his especial disposing, nor do any hurt to me, but by his express commission, and according to his good pleasure.  
3 That he who is most faithful in remembering and keeping his word, hath abundantly promised he will preserve and deliver me, as he sees best for me.  
4 That he hath preserved and delivered others, even profane persons, who have showed little care to obey seek or trust him, and that in extremest dangers.  
5 That he hath often and most remarkably done the like to others of his, and to me (the most helpless and unworthy) formerly.  
6 That many through fear seeking to avoid danger, have the sooner hurt and slain, and others who have been warrantably and worthily valiant, have by God's protection, escaped.  
7 That divers have been slain in a Tent, hut, or house, or in other places where they thought themselves secure, have been hurt or slain, when others in the trench or battle have been safe.  
8 That if the Lord please I shall be safe, be the perils never so many and great, for he can preserve from the greatest as well as the least, from many as well as any.  
9 If he please I end my days in fight against his foes, I die a Martyr, and the very instrument of my death is a means to send me Heaven.  
10 If we be fearful and insufficient in ourselves to do our duty valiantly, let us seek courage and ability from the Lord, he will in some good measure undoubtedly grant it, because he hath expressly promised it.    
3 Faithfully, because the Lord hateth eye service, and all unfaithfulness, and loveth a faithful carriage in our callings.  
4 Diligently and vigilantly, because 

1 By slothfulness, negligence and backwardness, much time is lost, much evil may ensue to the business, and much shame, disfavour, scorn and harm may come upon ourselves.  
2 Because time is redeemed, the Cause advanced, and we shall be commended, and be the better trusted with employment.    
5 Circumspectly, that is, to pursue all lawful employments of our calling, seasonably for time, place and manner, with good advice worthily, weighing all circumstances throughly.  
6 Conscionably, propounding God's glory chief, the goodness of the Cause seriously, and our sincere obedience to his Majesty, and to testify we are Christians indeed, that lay his Cause to heart deeply.  
7 In faith, resting fully persuaded that our good God, of his great mercy, for the worthiness of the Lord Jesus will graclously accept our endeavours, though never so full of unworthiness, and will assuredly bless us.  
8 Wi●h humble, instant and earnest prayer especially, 

1 That the Lord will supply with fitting gifts for his service.  
2 That our endeavours may be blessed, for the maintenance of the Cause.  
3 That he will please by all means, in all places, continually to maintain the same, and oppose the contrary.      
Thirdly, divers motives to stir up by all means to help (to our uttermost) to maintain the Cause of God. 

1 Such as have respect to the Lord most blessed for evermore, as he is our God in four respects, among many more: 

1 That he is our Creator, and hath made us for his own glory, and that we cannot any way better answer the end of our creation, then by offering our service, yea, to the death (if he thinks sit) for his name's sake.  
2 That he is our Father, therefore it were an unnatural, cowardly and shameful part, to stand still and look on, when other of our Christian brethren are abused, smitten and slain.  
3 That he is our Lord, than were it a base, uncivil, hateful part in us to be quiet, when others of our dear and loving fellow-servants are wronged and persecuted.  
4 That he is our chief good, from whom we have received and do expect all good, therefore we are bound to testify our thankfulness in this respect especially.    
2 Such as have respect to the Lord Jesus Christ our Redeemer; as 

1 As he is our Redeemer and died for us, we should not suffer his Cross to be defaced, his blood to be trodden under foot, as is done by Idolaters, against whom we must in this case contend to the uttermost.  
2 Because he is persecuted and fought against in his Church; should we not take his part, who hath done and suffered so much for us that were his enemies? and with holy wrath and indignation, and deep desire of godly revenge for the wrongs done to him, fight and do all we can?  
3 Because he saith, he that seeketh to save his life (and that not for him) loseth it, and he that loseth his life for his sake, shall find it.  
4 And because he protesteth, if we be ashamed of him here, he will be ashamed of us before his heavenly Father; and what greater shame for us, than not to take his part against the subtle, cruel, mighty wicked enemies of his and our fellow-members.    
3 Such as have respect to God the holy Ghost, our Sanctifier and Comforter. 

1 He sanctifying us, how should we not help them whom he hath sanctified together with us also?  
2 And labour to maintain the means of our sanctification even his Ordinances, which these his enemies would bereave us of.  
3 As he is our comforter, would we be comforted by him, and should we not be a means as well as we and all we may, to comfort others comfortless and afflicted?  
4 Because he worketh in us all that are his, one faith, one hope, one way, alike desires and affections, and sealeth unto us the assurance of that only and eternal happiness, and that to this end chief, the more to oblige us to love and help one another, which can no way be better manifested then in this manner.    
4 Such motives hereunto as may be drawn from the consideration of the disposition and demeanour of those his and our enemies, as 

1 They blaspheme the name of our God by their abominable idolatries.  
2 They rob him of his honour and give that to their idolatries.  
3. They mock our prayers too, and serving of God.  
4 They deride our trust in his name.  
5 They reproach and revile our holy profession.  
6 They have defiled, do and will defile the places of God's worship, where they have the upper hand.  
7 They banish, imprison, torment and kill the servants of God, and will serve us so if they prevail.  
2 They ravish and defile Wives and Maidens, yea, before their Husbands and Parents faces, and we must look for no less if they overcome.  
9 They devour, rob and spoil all your goods, and by inhuman tortures, would enforce you to confess what you know not, and give what you have not.  
10 They take the bread out of your and your children's mouths, bereave you of all means of sustenance, and leave you and yours to famish.  
11 They burn your dwellings, and it may be yourselves in them, or reserve you for more misery.  
12 They keep no promise with us further than to serve their own turns, therefore never trust them but with sword in hand, for it is their irreligious maxim in their Religion, keep no faith with Infidels.  
13 Though you submit unto them, and condition with them the best you can, yet they will by one means or other ruin you; yea, though you should turn to their Religion (to your soul's destruction, you shall perhaps be favoured with a more honourable death, for die you must: thus they have done to divers, and I doubt of, and would be loath to trust them, their malice is so mortal.  
14 They bind men's consciences with men's traditions, and so seek destruction of soul and body.  
15 All their inveterate hatred is against us, because we maintain truth and oppose error, which they insatiably long and labour to revenge.  
16 They would rejoice and triumph in our overthrow, and ask us where is our God, as if he could not, or would not, or had forgot to help us.  
17 And be hardened in their idolatries, as if their Cause were good and ours bad, theirs having so many, and ours so few to help it.  
18 And have the more freedom and might to oppress true professors.  
19 And will change all Church and civil government, and displace good, and prefer evil governor's.  
20 And every way overthrow our privileges and peace.    
5 Such Motives to this end, as have especial respect to ourselves: 

1 That if we help not and so they overcome, we should not only not publicly use, but most dearly buy the most private use of the very lest means grace, yea, the keeping of a good book by us with continu●● all fear and danger, yea, with the hazard of our heart blood.  
2. That this our particular free, peaceable and happy esta●● shall be by them turned upside down.    
6 And lastly, Motives which have respect unto our brothers which do suffer: 

1 That if we were in like case, how gladly would we be relieved, and how would we think others of our brethren bound to do their best to that end.  
2 We are bound in conscience to help and deliver them all we can, as they were bound to do the like for us, if our conditions were changed.  
3 Being all members of one body, it were against nature not to have a fellow-feeling of, and to do all we can to secure one another.  
4 If God vouchsafe them freedom, by God's blessing on our endeavours, how shall their raises abound to the glory of our God? and how will their distressed estates be relieved, ●nd poor hearts be refreshed?  
5 The same will be one infallible testimony to our consciences, that we are true members of that mystical body, whereof Christ Jesus is the head; and the contrary prove us to be but dead and unprofitable members thereof, fittest to be out off and fired, what name soever we have, what show soever we make, how great soever our own or others opinions be of ourselves, in the Church of Christ.      
Oh ought not then all these and the like, cause us to detest and fight against these most hateful and harmful enemies of our God and his beloved people, and by all possible meane● we can to oppose those, and secure these: Now Lord we beseech thee affect us herewith throughly, enbale us here●● rightly, and bless from Heaven abundantly; Amen, Amen, I pray thee.   

Of Mortification out of Master Wheatly's Sermon on Colos. 3.5.  
ALL must study it, and that 

1 From the necessity of it; and that 

1 In regard of God's command.  
2 In regard of the danger that will else ensue, and that 

1 In suffering ourselves to be Satan's slaves, etc.  
2 And God's enemies.  
3 Grieving God's Spirit.  
4 Interrupting our communi●● with God.  
5 Committing gross sins.  
6 Procuring sore afflictions.      
2 From the good will follow ●e do it, as 

1 Great peace.  
2 Patience and joy in afflicti●●ns.  
3 Certain freedom from ●●sse sins.  
4 Good esteem from men.    
3 From the equity of the duty 

1 For sin in God's enemy.  
2 A murder of Christ.  
3 A breaker of our Vows:  
4 An unseasonable thing, as 

1 Being contrary to all right ●●d reason:  
2 A mere cozener.  
4 From the good success ●ein, as 

1 We shall lose nothing ther●● that is worth having.  
2 Our endeavour herein shall be accepted.  
3 And he will reward o●●● pains taken in this.  
4 We shall surely overcome        
2 The degrees of mortification in this life. 

1 The least degree we c●● have, if we have any, is 

1 To forbear the usual practice of any gross sin.  
2 And the allowance of the least sin.    
2 The highest degree of mortification, is 

1 To be ever kept from any gross sin.  
2 To be freed from any set led liking of an ill motion.      
3 The means of mortification, as 

1 Natural, as 

1 Moderation in things indifferent.  
2 Shunning the occasions ●● sin.    
2 Spiritual, as 

1 Frequent and fervent prayer, as 

1 Confession of the sins and ●●rruptions we are most guilty 〈◊〉  
2 Requests for strength against them, urging the Lord ●●th such promises as he hath ●●de to subdue our iniquities, 〈◊〉.  
3 Thanksgiving for any ●●●ngth received against our ●●●ruptions.    
1 Spiritual means. 1 Meditation. 

1 Of God's holy nature.  
2 His terrible judgements.  
3 His gracious Promises.  
4 Of Christ's sufferings.    
2 Spiritual means, fear of ourselves.  
3 Watchfulness over all the powers of our souls and members of our bodies.      
4 In what manner we must use all the helps of mortification: 

1 Seasonably, when sin gins to arise, or any motions or inclinations thereto.  
2 Constantly; that is, 

1 Every where.  
2 Continually.    
3 Orderly, setting upon our master-sinne first.  
4 Spiritually. 

1 Not resting on the means, or our own strength.  
2 But relying on the mighty power of God.      
5 And lastly, general Uses of all. 

1 Examination of ourselves in regard of the time past, how we have performed this duty?  
2 Humiliation, that we have not performed this duty at all, or not in due measure.  
3 Exhortation to reform the former negligence hereafter.  
4 Consolation to such as have been, and are painful herein.       

Helps to an holy conversation.  


1 IN private, 

to eschew: 

1 In general, all evil thoughts,  
2 In particular. 

1 Evil suspicions.  
2 Remembering offences.  
3 Repining at others welfare.  
4 Discontent at his own estate.  
5 Spiritual pride.  
6 Counterfeit humility.  
7 Carking cares.  
8 All needless vexation of mind.      
In private to embrace. 

1 In general, all good thoughts.  
2 In particular, 

1 Taking all in the best part  
2 Passing by offences.  
3 Rejoicing at others weifare.  
4 Contentation with his estate.  
5 Humility.  
6 Trust in God according to his nature and promises.  
7 To cast his care on God.  
8 Inward peace, joy and assurance.      
2 In his house, 

to avoid; 

1 In words. 

1 In general, all profane talk.  
2 In particular. 

1 Hastiness to mine.  
2 Meddling in others matters.        
In his house. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 

1 In words. 

1 In general, all edifying talk.  
2 In particular. 

1 Soberness to mine.  
2 Speaking the best of others        
2 To eschew in behaviour, 

1 All looseness.  
2 unseemliness.  
3 Filthiness.    
2 To embrace in behaviour, 

1 Staidness.  
2 Comeliness.  
3 Purity.      
3 In company to eschew, 

1 In heart: 

1 Evil surmises of the words or carriage of others towards him.  
2 Partiality.  
3 Self-conceitedness.    
2 In words. 

1 unadvisedness.  
2 superfluousness.  
3 unseasonableness:  
4 Uncharitableness.  
5 contentiousness.    
3 In carriage. 

1 Lightness or familiatity.  
2 Strangeness.  
3 Loftiness.  
4 Uncomeliness.    
4 In actions. 

1 Society with profane persons.  
2 Excess or tippling.  
3 Giving any evil example to any.  
4 Showing any liking of sin.  
5 Seeking to humour men in ill.      
In company to embrace, 

1 In heart. 

1 Taking all in good part.  
2 directness.  
3 Lowliness.    
2 In words. 

1 Pre-consideration.  
2 Paucity.  
3 To the purpose.  
4 charitableness.  
5 Friendliness.    
3 In behaviour. 

1 Gravity or reservedness.  
2 Affability.  
3 Humility.  
4 Seemliness.    
4 In action, 

1 Good company.  
2 Following good example.  
3 Giving good example.  
4 Wisely reproving sin.  
5 By all means honouring God.      
4 Concerning Gods public family, or private worship. 

1 To eschew, 

1 All will worship.  
2 Superstition.  
3 unpreparedness.  
4 Negligence.  
5 customariness.  
6 Habitual distractions.  
7 Relying too much on the means.    
And to embrace, 

1 The warrant of God's word for the duties.  
2 For the manner of performing them.  
3 Preparation.  
4 Attention.  
5 conscionableness.  
6 Settledness.  
7 Resting on God's blessing. Amen, Amen.           

Considerations to move to Christian watchfulness.  

1 In seeking thus God's glory, he will honour us again, 1 Sam. 2.30.  
2 That we are every where in the sight of God, who knoweth the heart, Jeremiah 17.9, 10. heareth our words, Ps. 139.4. beholdeth all our ways, ver. 1, 2, 3. to reward every one according to their do, Jerem. 17.10.  
3 We shall hereby enjoy sweet communion with our God in Christ, John 14.21. Rev. 3.20.  
4 And be most blessed here, and for evermore in every thing Ps. 144.15. & 84.11. Rom. 8.28   
For the moouth of the Lord hath spoken it, therefore it shall be performed, and nothing shall let it, Amens 
All by God's grace only,  
From henceforth constantly.  
Every day seasonably,  
With Christian conveniency.   

In the Morning,  
To awake with God.  
To shake off sloth.  
To arise timely.  
To pray for himself solemnly.  
To read in God's Word reverendly.  
To call to mind some of his Vows seriously.  
And some of the promises deliberately.  
To sing part of a Psalm understandingly.   

In the Afternoon.  
To pray for his Family affectionately.  
To read in God's Word advisedly.  
And in his holy Advices observantly.  
And somewhat in the Oracles of God distinctly.   

In the Evening.  
To pray for God's Church humbly.  
To read in God's Word holily.  
And somewhat in the Practice of Piety carefully.  
And in the true watch for Examination impartially.  
To lie down to rest with prayer.  
to avoid all occasions of impurity.  
And so to sleep securely.   

Every Sabbath.  
Besides accustomed public Family and private duties on that day.  
Three several times to ca●● to mind some of God's especial and recorded mercies.  
By the Lords most seasonable, merciful, powerful, faithfully promised, constant assistance (which to this end I crave, rest on, and look for only, without which, instead of doing better I shall do worse than formerly, yea, every way most heinously.) I resolve and shall endeavour watchfully and constantly to avoid all intemperance, immoderate taking Tobacco, vain talking, unseemly carriage, pride, lust, passion and discord, and all occasions of each, and to embrace the contrary graces and all means thereto: As thou art a God of mercy, power and truth, show it herein unto me, and let thy grace my God in Christ be alwales sufficient for me.    

Concerning decay in Prayer.  
A Lwayes when he found himself so decay in zeal and care to pray, his conscience checked him for unthankfulness for former assistance in praying, or for depending too much upon his prayers, whereupon he felt a deadness to all other good duties, a yielding to the motions and occasions of sin, an inward puffing up, a carelessness and self-presuming, yea a miserable distemper in all things; and then he conceived himself to be near some sore temptation, foul fall, grievous inward dejection, or great outward calamity; therefore he held it his instantly to fall to prayer, that the Lord would please to restore unto him the spirit of prayer, to work in him a willingness to all other holy exercises, to give him strength to resist and overcome the provocations, to evil, to humble him deeply in the sense of his former faults and present corruptions, to make him truly thankful and watchful, and in the strength of the Almighty, only out of conscience to do his duty, to bring all into good order, and to keep all so constantly, and most graciously powerful and faithfully, to prevent the sins, perplexities and troubles he fears, merits and hath cause to expect to be left unto, and which he else by no means can escape; so awaiting the Lords leisure, and submitting to his good pleasure, go all how it will, all shall go well. Amen, my Father in Christ, of thine own mere mercy, be I never so unworthy, as thou hast promised, whatsoever opposeth, Amen, Amen, even so be it, Amen.   

Some most especial choice places of sacred Scripture that concern myself in most especial manner, reduced to these heads.  

1 COncerning government of the mind, page 349  
2 Of the tongue, p. 351  
3 Of the conversation, page 361  
4 Of passion and sobriety, p. 368  
5 Of pride and humility, p. 374  
6 Of strife and peace,  
7 Of envy and charity,  
8 Of discontent and quiet,  
9 Of meddling and reservedness,  
10 Of sullenness and cheerfulness.   

1 Concerning government of the mind.  
In the hearts of all that are wise hearted, I have put wisdom Exod 31.6.  
Give therefore thy servant an under standing heart, that I may discern between good and bad, 1 King. 3.9.  
Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life, Pro. 4, 23.  
The preparations of the heart in man is from the Lord, Pro. 16.1.  
The wise in heart shall be called prudent, Pro. 16.21.  
A wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgement, Eccl. 8.5.  
A wise man's heart is at his right hand, but a fools heart is at his left, Eccl. 10.2.  
How weak is thine heart saith the Lord God, seeing thou dost all these things, Ezek. 16.30.  
Set thine heart upon all that I shall show thee, Ezek. 40.4.  
If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things, 1 John 3.20.  
A man of understanding is of an excellent spirit, Pro. 17.27.  
He that hath no rule over his own spirit, is like a City that is broken down and without walls, Pro. 25.28.  
Therefore take heed to your spirit, Mal. 2.15, 16.  
The heart of the wicked is little worth, Pro. 10.20.  
Hear thou my Son and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way, Pro. 23.15.   

2 Concerning Government of the Tongue.  
A word spoken in due season, ●●w good is it? Pro. 15.23.  
A word fitly spoken is like Apples of gold in pictures of silver, Pro. 25.11.  
In the multitude of words, there wanteth not sin, Pro. 10.19.  
He that hath knowledge spareth his words, Pro. 17.27.  
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words, there is more hope of a fool then of him, Pro. 29.20.  
A fools voice is known by multitude of words, Eccl. 5.3.  
In many words there are also divers vanities, Eccl. 5.7.  
The words of wise men are heard in quiet, more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools, Ecc. 9.17  
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, Eccl. 10.12.  
A fool also is full of words, Eccl. 10.14.  
Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement, for by thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words thou shall be condemned, Mat. 12.36, 37.  
Teach me and I will hold my tongue, Job 6.24.  
Keep thy tongue from evil, Pl. 34.13.  
His tongue talketh of judgement, Psal. 37.30.  
I said I will take heed to my ways, that I sinne not with my tongue, Psal. 39.1.  
There is not a word in my tongue but lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether, Psal. 1 39, 4.  
The froward tongue shall be cut out, Pro. 10, 31.  
The tongue of the wise is health, Pro. 12, 18.  
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright, Pro. 15.2.  
A wholesome tongue is as the Tree of life, Pro. 15, 4.  
The answer of the tongue is from the Lord, Pro. 16, 1.  
He that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief, Pro. 17, 20.  
Perverseness therein is a breach ●● the spirit, Pro. 15, 4.  
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, Pro. 18, 21.  
Who so keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles, Pro. 21, 23.  
And the Lord said, who hath made man's mouth, have not I the Lord? now therefore go and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say, Exod. 4.11, 12.  
I am purposed my mouth shall not transgress, Psal. 17.3.  
The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, Psal. 37, 30.  
I will keep my mouth with a bridle, Psal. 39, 1.  
Set a Watch O Lord before my mouth, keep the door of my lips, Psal. 141, 3.  
Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put fare from thee, Pro. 4, 24.  
A naughty person, a wicked man walketh with a froward mouth, Pro. 6, 12.  
The mouth of the foolish is near destruction, Pro. 10, 14.  
The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom, Psal. 10, 31.  
The mouth of the wicked speaketh froward things, Pro. 10, 32.  
The mouth of the upright shall deliver them, Pro. 12, 6.  
A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, Pro 12, 14. & 13.2.  
The mouth of fools poureth out foolishness, Pro. 15, 2.  
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth, Pro. 15, 23.  
The mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things, Pro. 15, 28.  
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, Pro. 16, 23.  
A fools mouth calleth for strokes, a fools mouth is his destruction, Pro. 18, 6, 7.  
It not rash with thy mouth, and ●●● not thine heart be hasty to ut●●● any thing, let thy words be few Eccl. 5, 2.  
But those things which proceed ●ut of the mouth, come forth from ●he heart and they defile the man, Mat. 15.18.  
Out of the abundance of the heart ●he mouth speaketh, Mat. 12, 34.  
To provoke him to speak many things, seeking to catch something ●ut of his mouth, that they might ●●cuse him, Luke 11, 53, 54.  
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's Religion is vain, James 1, 26.  
The tongue is a little member ●nd boasteth great things, the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, the tongue can no man tame, it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison, James 3, 5, 6, 8.  
He that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, 1 Peter 3, 10.  
I will give a mouth and wisdom, Luke 21, 15.  
In the lips of him that hath understanding, wisdom is found, Pro. 10, 13.  
He that refraineth his lips is wise, Pro. 10, 19  
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, Pro. 10, 31.  
The wicked is (nared by the transgression of his lips, Prov. 12, 13.  
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life, but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction, Pro. 13, 3.  
The lips of the wise shall preserve them, Pro. 14, 3.  
The talk of the lips tendeth only to penury, Pro. 14, 23.  
Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is counted wise, and be that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding, Pro, 17, 28.  
A fools lips are the snare of his soul, Pro. 18, 6, 7.  
Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer, Pro. ●4, 26.  
I create the fruit of the lips, Isa. 17, 19  
Teach us what we shall say unto him, for we cannot order our speech because of darkness, Job 17, 19  
Excellent speech becometh not ● fool, Pro. 17, 7.  
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man, Col. 4, 6.  
Sound speech that cannot be condemned, that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, Tit. 2, 8.  
If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body, Jam. 3, 2.  
A prating fool shall fall, Pro. 10 8, 10.  
Should a man full of talk be justified? Job 1.2.  
The lips of a fool will swallow up himself, the beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is mischievous madness, Eccl. 10.12, 13.  
Speak not in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of thy words, Pro. 23, 9  
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak, Eccl. 3, 7.  
The vile person will speak villainy, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the Lord, Isa. 32, 5.  
Even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts, 1 Thes. 2, 4.  
Let every man be swift to hear, low to speak, James 1, 19  
So speak ye as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty, Jam. 2, 12.  
Speak not evil one of another, James 4, 11.  
If any man speak let him speak as the Oracles of God, 1 Peter 4, 11.  
Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth, Psal. 140, 11.  
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise is health, Pro. 12, 18.  
The man that heareth speaketh constantly, Pro. 21, 28.  
Evil communication corrupt good manners, 1 Cor. 15, 33.  
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it minister grace to the hearers, Eph. 4, 29.  
A man of understanding holdeth his peace, Pro. 11, 12.  
And the man held his peace, to wit, whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or no, Gen. 24, 21.  
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth, Pro. 15, 23.  
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer, but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things, Pro. 15, 28.  
He that answereth a matter before be heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him, Pro. 18, 13.  
Should a wise man utter vain knowledge? Job 15, 2.  
A fool uttereth all his mi●d, but a Wise man keepeth it in till afterwards, Pro. 29, 11.  
Keep the door of thy mouth from her that ly●th in thy bosom, Mic. 7, 5.  
Therefore the Prudent, shall keep silence in that time, for it is an evil time, Amos 5, 13.  
Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom, Dan. 2.14.  
Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, Mar. 12.34.  
Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put fare from thee, Prov. 4.25.  
Neither told I any man what the Lord had put in my heart to do, Neh. 2, 12.   

3 Of government of the conversation.  
Keep sound wisdom and discretion, Pro. 3, 21.  
A man of understanding hath wisdom, Pro 10.23.  
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, Pro. 12.8.  
With the wel-advised is wisdom, Pro. 13, 10.  
The wisdom of the Prudent is to understand his way, Pro. 14, 8. Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding, Pr. 14.33.  
Wisdom is b●fore him that hath, understanding, Pro. 17, 24.  
Cease from thine own wisdom, Pro. 23, 4.  
Wisdom giveth life to them that have it, Eccl. 7, 12.  
Wisdom strengtheneth the wise, Eccl. 7, 19  
A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, Eccl. 8.  
Wisdom is better than strength, Eccl. 9.16.  
Dead flies cause the ointment of the Apothecary to fend out a stinking savour, so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wife doom and honour, Eccl. 10, 11.  
Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, Isa 33, 6.  
He giveth wisdom to the wife, Dan. 2.21.  
If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him, James ●, 5.  
Look out a man discreet and wise, Gen. 41, 33.  
Thou art a wise man and knowest what thou art to do; 1 Kin 2.9.  
Be not wise in thine own eyes, Pro. 3, 7.  
The wise man's eyes are in his head, Eccl. 2.14.  
I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil, Rom. 16.10.  
He that bandleth a matter wisely shall find good, Prov. 16.20.  
Give me wisdom and knowledge, 2 Chron 1, 10.  
Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee, 2 Chron. 1, 2.  
Teach me good judgement and knowledge, Psal. 119, 66.  
Wise men lay up knowledge, Pro. 10, 14.  
God giveth to man that is good in his sight, wisdom and knowledge, Eccl. 2, 16.  
Be not children in understanding, howbeit in malîce be ye children, but in understanding be men, 1 Cor. 14.20.  
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, Psal. 73, 24.  
Without counsel, purposes are disappointed, Pro. 15, 2●.  
Every purpose is established by counsel, Pro. 20, 18.  
A man prudent in matters, 1 Sam. 16, 18.  
Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge, but a fool layeth open his folly, Pro. 13, 16.  
The wisdom of the Prudent is to understand his way, Pr. 14, 8.  
The Prudent man looketh will to his going, Pro. 14, 15.  
The simple inheris folly, but the Prudent are crowned with knowledge, Pro. 14, 18.  
A Prudent man forseeth the evil, and hideth himself, but the simple pass on and are punished, Pro. 22, 3.  
Sergive Paulus a Prudent man, Acts 13, 7.  
I will behave myself wisely, Psal. 101, 2.  
David behaved himself wisely in all his ways, more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was much set by, 1 Sam 18.5, 15, 30.  
How holily, justly and unblumithly we behaved ourselves giving you, 1 Thes. 2, 10.  
We behaved not ourselves disorderly among you, 2 Thes. 3, 7.  
To him that ordereth his conversation aright, will I show the salvation of God, Psal. 50, 23. Let your conversation be as it betrothe the Gospel of Christ, Ph. 1.27.  
Be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 1 Pet. 1, 15.  
Having your conversation honest that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation, 1 Pet. 2, 12, & 3.16.  
Herein do I exercise myself to have always a good conscience, void of offence, toword God and toward men, Acts 24, 16, & 23, 1.  
Pure Religion and undefiled is to keep himself unspotted of the world, James 1, 27.  
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, 2 Cor. 1, 12.  
We trust we have a good conscience in all things, willing to live honestly, Heb. 13, 18.  
I am the Almighty God, walk before me, and be thou upright, Gen. 17, 1.  
As for me I will walk in my integrity, Psal. 26, 11.  
Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, Ps. 143.8  
Let all things be done decently and in order, 1 Cor. 14, 40.  
A good man will guide his affairs with discretion, Ps. 112.5.  
Then the Lord guided them on every side, 2 Chron. 32, 22.  
For thy name's sake lead me and guide me, Psal. 31, 3.  
I will instruct thee and teeth thee in the way that thou shalt got, I will guide thee with mine eye, Psal. 32, 8.  
The Lord shall guide thee contitually, Isa. 58, 11.  
There is none so discreet and wift as thou art, Gen. 41.39.  
Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee, Pro. 2, 11.  
Keep sound wisdom and discretion, Pro. 3, 21.  
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established, turn not to the right hand nor to the left, remove thy feet from evil, Pro. 4, 26, 27.  
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths, Pro. 3, 6.  
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that hearkneth unto Counsel is wise, Pro. 12, 15.  
A man's heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps, Pro. 16, 9  
Man's go are of the Lord, how can a man than understand his own way? Pro. 20, 24.  
O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himself, it is not in man that walketh to direct 〈◊〉 steps, Jer. 1023.  
He that despiseth his w●●s shall die, Pro, 19, 16.  
As many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them and mercy, Gal. 6, 16.  
Let its walk by the same rule, Phil. 3, 16.  
Finally my Brethren, 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, and if there be any praise, think on these things, Ph. 4, 8.   

4 Of passion and sobriety.  
We are men of like passions, Act, 14, 15.  
A man subject to like passions, James 5, 17.  
Their Princes shall fall by the sword, for the rage of their tongue Hosea 7, 16.  
The fool rageth and is confident, Pro. 14, 16.  
Cease from anger and forsake wrath, Psal. 37, 8.  
A fool's wrath is presently known, but a Prudent man covereth shame, Pro. 12, 16.  
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding, but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly, Pro. 14, 29.  
A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up strife, Pro. 15, 1.  
A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment, for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again, Pro. 19, 19  
A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a reward in the bosom, strong wrath, Pro. 21, 14.  
Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath Pro. 21, 24.  
A stone is heavy and the sand weighty, but a fools, wrath is 〈◊〉 then both, Pro. 27, 3.  
Wrath is cruel and anger is out 〈◊〉, Pro. 27, 4.  
Give place unto wrath, Ro. 12.19  
Be angry and sin out, let not the S●nne go, down upon your wrath, neither g●ve place to the Devil, Eph. 4, 26, 27.  
Let all bitterness and wrath, and anger, and claimour, and evil speaking be put away from you; Ep●. 4, 31.  
Be slow to wrath, for the wrath of ●●n worketh not the righteousness of God, James 1, 19, 20.  
Be ●●● hasty t● thy spirit to be angry, for anger resteth in the bosoms of fools, Eccl. 7, 9  
As wrathful man stirreth up strife, but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife, Pro. 15, 18.  
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ru●●o●h his spirit, than she that taketh a City, Pr. 15, 32.  
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression, Pro. 19, 11.  
He that is soon angry, dealeth foolishly, Pro. 14, 17.  
It is better to dwell in the Wilderness, then with a contentious and an angry woman, Pro. 21, 19, 9, & 25, 24.  
Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man thou shall not go, lest thou learn his ways and get a snare to thy soul, Pro. 22, 24, 25.  
An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression, Pro. 29, 22.  
Not soon angry, 'tis 1, 7.  
The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, Isa. 32, 4.  
And to do nothing rashly, Acts 19, 36.  
Patient, not a brawler, Tim. 3, 3  
No brawlers, but gentle, Tit. 3, 2.  
Put away from thee a fr●ward mouth, and perverse lips put fare from thee, Pro. 4, 24.  
He that is of it perverse heart shall be despised, Pro. 12, 8,  
He that is perverse in his ways despiseth the Lord, Prov. 14, 2.  
He that hath a froward heart f●●deth no good, and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief, Pro. 17, 20.  
He that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once, Pro. 28, 18.  
He that perverteth his ways shall be known, Pro. 10, 9  
The Counsel of the froward is carried headlong, Job 5, 13.  
A froward heart shall departed from me, Psal. 101, 4.  
They are froward in their paths Pro. 2, 15.  
The froward is an abomination to the Lord, Pro. 3.32. & 11.20.  
A naughty person, a wicked man walketh with a froward mouth, Pro. 6, 1●.  
The froward mouth do I have, Pro. 8, 13.  
The froward tongue shall be out out, Pro. 10, 31.  
The way of a man is froward and strange, Pro. 21, 8.  
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward, he that doth keep his soul shall be fare from them, Pro. 22, 5.  
Let us watch and be sober, 1 Thes. 5, 6.  
Sober of good behaviour, 1 Tim. 3.2, 11.  
Sober, just holy, temperate, Tit. 1, 8.  
Likewise, exhort to be sober-minded, Tit. 2, 6.  
Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, 1 per. 1, 13.  
Be ye therefore sober and watch, 1 pet. 4, 7.  
Be sober, be vigilant, 1 pet. 5, 8.  
I speak forth the words of truth and soberness, Acts 26 25.  
We should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present World, Tit. 2, 12.  
The fruit of the Spirit is meekness, temperance, against such there is no law, Eph. 5, 22, 23.  
Add to knowledge temperance, 2 pet. 1, 6.  
Let your moderation be known unto all men, the Lord is at hand, phillip 4, 5.  
Wise men turn away wrath, prov. 29, 8.   

5 Of pride and humility:  
The fear of the Lord is to have evil, pride & arrogancy, pro. 8.13.  
When pride cometh, then cometh shame, but with the lowly is wisdom, pro. 11, 2.  
Only by Pride commenth contentention; but with the lowly is wisdom, Prov. 11.12.  
Only by pride cometh contention but with the well-advised is wisdom, pro. 13, 10.  
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall pro. 16, 18.  
A man's pride shall bring him low, but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit, pro. 29, 23.  
Those that walk in pride, he is able to abase, Dan. 4, 37.  
A perpetual desolation, this shall they have for their pride, Zeph. 2.9, 10.  
He smiteth through the proud, Job 26, 12.  
Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low, Job 40, 12, 11  
Him that hath an high look and a proud heart will I not suffer, psal. 101, 5.  
Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly, but the proud he knoweth a fare off, psal. 138, 6.  
A proud look doth the Lord hate pro. 6, 16, 17.  
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord, pro. 16, 5.  
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, then to divide the spoil with the proud, pro. 16.19.  
An high look and a proud heart and the ploughing of the wicked is sin, pro. 21, 4.  
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife, pro. 28, 25.  
He that trusteth in his own heart is fool, but whoso walketh wisely shall be delivered, pro. 28, 26.  
The patiented in spirit is better than the proud in spirit, Eccl. 7, 8  
God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble, James 4, 5. 1 pet. 5, 5.  
Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty, psal. 131.1.  
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility, pro. 18.12. the haughty shall be humbled, Isa. 10.33.  
Thou wilt bring down high looks, Psal. 18 28.  
Boast not thyself o● to morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth, let another praise thee and not thine own mouth, a stranger and not thine own lips, pro. 27, 1. men shall be boasters, 1 Tim. 3, 2.  
Why boasteth thou thyself O mighty man? psal. 52.1. The tongue is a little member and boasteth great things, James 3.5.  
Let nothing be done through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than themselves, phillip 3.3.  
Seest thou a man wise in his wneonceit? there is more hopes of a fool then of him: The sluggardies' wiser in his own conceit then ten men that can render a reason, pro. 26, 13, 16. The rich man is wise in his own conceit, but the poor that hath understanding searcheth it out, pro. 28.11.  
Be not wise in your own conceits, Rom. 12.16.  
Neither make thyself overwise, Eccl. 7.16.  
Be not wise in thine own eyes, Pro. 3.7.  
Lean not unto thine own understanding, Pro. 3.5.  
That no one of you be puffed us, 1 Cor. 4.6.  
Charity vaunteth not itself, it not puffed up, 1 Co. 13.4. The scorner is an abominaton to m●● 〈◊〉 24.9. Surely God scorneth the scorners, Pro. 3.34.  
Judgements are prepared for scorners, Pro. 19.29. The scorner is consumed, Isa. 29.20. Scorners delight in their scorn, Pro. 22. Blessed is the man that sitteth not in the seat of the scornful, psal. 1.1.  
Let it not once he named amongst you, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which is not convenient, Eph. ●●  
He shall save the humble person, Job. 22, 28. He forgetteth not the cry of the humble, Psal. 9.12. Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble, psal. 9.17. Better it is the of an humble spirit with the only, then to divide the spol with ●●● proud, Pro. 16, 19 honour shall 〈◊〉 the humble in spirit, Pro. ●, 23. I dwell with hi● also that ●● of an humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, Is. 57, 15.    

His sereous admonition to his Family before their worshipping of God together therein.  
NOw I pray let us again at this time in the fear & assistance of the Lord our God, as in his presence, who is throughly acquainted with all our ways as well as we can, though alas we cannot as we ought, in sincere obedience to his will, set our souls reverendly & attentively to seek him in his holy ordinances; so depending upon, awaiting for, comforting ourselves in the assurance of his most merciful and faithfully promised forgiveness, acceptation & blessing through Christ jesus, Amen. But as for me and my house ●● Will serve the Lord, josh, 24, 2● Green the Church that is in than house, Rom. 16.5.  
Then to read a chapter in the Bible reverendly: To observe some plain & profitable lessons out of the same discreetly: To read somewhat in a good book distinctly: to pray humbly: to sing part of a psalm understandingly: all every morning and evening constantly.   

His unf●ined blessing upon his family after their worshipping the Lord together continually.  
NOw the Lord God our heavenly Father, God alone, besides whom there is no other; Lord over all, in respect of whom a●● creatures are nothing, whose ●reat name be blessed for evermore, whom we alone & always ●●fire to know; fear, worship, ●●erve and trust according to my Word; besides whom we ●●ow nor acknowledge no other ●●ide nor helper: be again and ●gain most humbly and unfaintly entreated and urged in percy as he hath done and promised, ●e we never so unworthy be our duties never so weakly performed; and whatsoever opposeth, to forgive, accept, govern, comfort, preserve, provide for every manner of way for good to watch over, and to bless all and every one of us, all and every one of his now and always, through Christ Jesus, Amen, Amen.  

In the morning.  
Then every one to his lawful employment in the name of the Lord, conscionably and cheerfully.   

In the evening.  
Then every one to rest in the ●●are and favour of the Almighty.  
Let the meditations of my heart and words of my mouth be always acceptable in thy fight o Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer, Amen, Psal. 19.14.    

Errata.  
Page 9 line 3 read verse 10. p. 11. l. last. r. Nah. p. 19 l. 17. r. Ch. 25. p. 21. l. 14. r. ver. 9 p. 22. l. 11. r. Ch. 6. ver. 4. p. 22. l. 5. r. Mic. p. 85. l. 10. r. Ch. 30 p. 99 l. 19 r. his, p. 146. l. 9 r. Ch. 50. p. 161. l. 20. insert have, p. 175. l. 18. insert with, p. 18● l. 21. r. ver. 10. p. 189. l. 15. r. ver. 26. l. 21. r. ver. 27. p. 195. l. 15. r. Ch. 10. p. 199. l. 10. r. Chron. p 202. l. 16. leave out moved, l. 19 r. ver. 9, 10. p. 218. l. 2. r. Deut. 19.15. & chap. 17.6. p. 222. l. 11. ●●●●●ers, l. 15. r. ver. 14. p 239. 〈◊〉 r. Psal. 50. p. 247. l. 1. r. ch. 15. p. 256 l. 9 r. ch. 6. p. 259 l. 13 ● ver. ●. p. 264 l. 24 r. then, p. 〈◊〉 l. 17 r. ver. 16. p. 292 l. 19 r. ●●ek. 37.24. & Hosen 14 9 〈◊〉 l. 9 r. prov. 3.19. l. 12 r. jer. 10.12. p. 305 l. 19 r. psal. 141.13.  
FINIS.   

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