A FATHER'S LEGACY. Sir Henry Slingsbey's INSTRUCTIONS. To his sons. Written a little before his Death. LONDON, Printed by J. Grismond, 1658. A FATHER'S LEGACY To His sons. IT is not unknown unto me (my dear sons) how many persons of quality have bestowed their Pens on this Subject, wherein I am to address myself out of my fatherly and tender care towards you. The ground of my discourse shall be Instruction; whereto, I am confident you will be ready to give the more serious attention, in regard it proceeds from his mouth, and devotion of his heart; who with a parental and tender affection ever loved you while he was living: and now dying leaves you this Memorial as my last Legacy for your future benefit, improvement and direction. Our last expressions usually retain the deepest impression; especially, being uttered by a tongue whose relation did highly endear us; and whose words are the very last he shall speak upon earth: being within few hours to pay his debt to Nature: and stand at that bar, and appear before that High Court of Justice, from whence no Appeal will be admitted. But my Preamble must not be long, seeing the definite Sentence of death hath limited my time so short. My beginning shall receive life from Him, from whom we all derive our beginning; whom you are above all things to fear: and that with no servile but filial fear; not so much for fear of punishment, or hope of reward, as out of pure zeal and cordial love to his sacred Majesty; who will recompense our momentany sufferings with crowns of immortal glory: and clothe our constancy with incorruptible robes of beauty. But no combat, no conquest; you are to fight a good fight before your warfare become a triumph. And trust me, my Dear Sons, such influence has my long imprisonment wrought upon me: nay, such divine operations has his powerful Spirit acted upon my poor Soul: as I hold him a weak-hearted soldier, that faints under the conduct of such a Commander; who patiently died for our sins: and victoriously rose for our justification. I must ingenuously confess, that upon my first restraint, my conflict was something difficult; before I attained this Christian attemperature and composure to my resolves: I could not for a season, but friendly converse with that, which I now mortally hate. He that consorts with the Pelican, cannot choose but smell of the Wilderness. I begun by help of my solitude and long retirement (a place to me of infinite improvement) to recollect myself, and seriously to meditate how my too near and familiar society with the world, (though never deeply drenched in it) was the high way to procure a divorce with God. It was my study therefore to leave it with my affection, before such time as I became enjoined to leave it by a necessitated dissolution. I considered how the life of a wise man was to return to God; and to hold all things under him as Secondaries: Him only the Primary Good. This was the Mirror that flattered not. During my late privacy, occasioned by my captivity, store of vacant hours were reserved for me; the expense whereof conduced more highly to my inward benefit and advantage, than all my forepast liberty. For before I knew not what it was to wrestle with myself, till restraint (an useful, though unwelcome Messenger) brought me to a due and exact consideration of myself; and the present condition whereto I was reduced. Yet in this my retire and recess from the world, I could not choose but encounter with some dangerous Remoraes to foreslow my passage and proficience. Assiduate Offices of professed amity, visits of friends with other obligiug ties of relation were daily contriving new, but affectionate ways, how to call me from myself, and reduce my thoughts to a more familiar converse with the world: and considerable motives to induce, and effectual enough to operate upon a mere human fancy, were presented to me: but none more powerful acting, than my tender reflection upon your young and unexperienced condition, my dearest children: whom, as it had ever been my constant care to educate in a corresponsive way to your extraction: so it was my desire that my ancient and lineally descended estate, might without encumbrance fall upon you my Elder son: together with such a competent conferment upon your younger Brother, as the conveniency of his fortunes might disengage him of that servile condition; which too usually the young Gentry of our Land, through neglect of timely provision, become liable to, I mean beholdingness or dependence on the Elder. The discussion of these, seriously weighed, brought me to consider, what I could not forget with honour; how you were those precious pledges wherein I had treasured all my inferior hopes, being next in care to the eternity of my Soul. In this my Treaty with the World, I bethought me likewise how your virtuous Sister, whose pure and unblemished fame has conferred an high additament to my comfort: and incomparably revived me in this my irrevocable Sentence to the Scaffold; how She, I say, was not to be neglected, but highly tendered: for though she appeared completely qualified, and with the choicest ornaments of Nature richly furnished; nay, with Noble Relations sufficiently strengthened yet there is something more required to make a person of Honour, be she never so personally accomplished, a Mistress of great Fortunes. These were thoughts of a long discourse, and strong debate: neither, were they with less vehemency seconded by such, whose settled and immutable affections (such was their integrious candour and intimacy to me in my greatest extremes) aimed no less in their prudent advice, at the future success and advancement of mine than their own. And their Bosome-Counsels dispatched it; so as, what the constancy (or what others termed it, pertinacy) of opinion would not assent to, the amicable care of faithful trusties effected. This quieted my thoughts, and brought me again to myself. And I found this calm and well settled composure, a precious princely structure. I found no Billows dispassionately acting to endanger the passage of my late surcharged vessel: All appeared to me as in a calm Sea: and as one in a safe harbour, I begun to recall to mind those Divine Contemplations; which my late converse with secular occasions, had so prejudicially estranged from me. I begun to take a more serious view of what I had to my intellectual gain observed, and what I had in my own default neglected, I took my mark as by a landscape, how the world was a shop of disguises and false faces. And I concluded upon my review of these, summing them up to their utmost period: How all things were vanity, save only to please God, and to serve him. Make this your Anchor-hold, and you may sail safely; you shall manage your affections with that equal and discreet temper, as nothing can be possibly acted by you to disparage you: or lay the least aspersion on your honour. It is not to be questioned, but the high estimate that men set upon this world, captives their affections: making them heavily leave what they did so heartily love. For what men enjoy with delight, they must necessarily forgo with grief. Be continent then in your desires, and indifferent in your enjoyments, and you shall leave, what you did so coolly love without disgust. But this would prove a receipt of hard digestion to their Stomachs, on whom these inferior contentments have taken seizure: make devotion then your complete Armour, to secure you on the Main, and conduct you to a peaceful Harbour. The only way to free you from this servitude, is to bring the world to serve you, and not you it. Being ever observed to be an imperious Mistress, but a submissive Servant. I shall now take occasion to make my recede from the World (as I find my enjoined hours near approaching) and take a turn or two in the Temple; But fearful be my feet to enter into the Sanctuary with too much confidence: I shall not, though you be mine own, propose to you Rules of Religion: I hope your education by the assistance of God's Spirit, hath already initiated and grounded you in those Principles that may not only inform your knowledge how to believe; but for the practive part too, what to do that you may eternally live; yet excuse my fears, I cannot leave you so: though my desires have ever gone along with an humble fervour of being rather an Hearer, than a Teacher: my tender zeal to your proficience and progress in Christ's School, will not suffer me to omit any thing that may necessarily conduce to your spiritual enabling in matters of eternity. Above all things, than my dear Ones, be it your especial care to beware of novelism. It is this whose pernicious seed has spread so many dangerous Sects, schisms and Heresies. Nay, the only ruin to the foundation of Religion: having begot so many main breaches and fearful rents in the Church; as it is above the compass of human wisdom to make up the decays of so disjointed a fabric: or how to contrive a way for repair of those demolitions: As it is the finger of God that can only effect it, so may his name only have the glory of it. For you my sons, may it be your desire rather to appear faithful and fervorous Professors, then forward and contentious Disputants. It has been an inherent property to many of our ancient schoolmen, either transported with the Spirit of singularity: or from some other discontent arising from their fruitless pursuit after some especial Office or place of Preferment; to enter the Lists: and become professed Champions for broaching error and Sedition; by embroiling the quiet of the Church, and exposing the long-continued Unity which she formerly enjoyed, to those fatal miseries of endless Divisions: which broke forth into national Quarrels, and such implacable Hostility; as the Church became a constant Patient. But no hand so inclinable to pity, as to apply to her bleeding wounds a timely remedy. Now, resolve me, did not such Arguments springing from the brains of those ambitious and opinionate Sectaries produce bitter fruits, when their poisonous Doctrine begot such dangerous distractions in many flourishing and eminent States? Lend not your least attention to these: the perverseness of their spirits usually invert all sense: and the inconformity of their depraved Doctrine, will sooner entangle than inform your judgement. You have learned better things: rely then on those just and orthodoxal Principles, which retain in them that powerful efficacy, as they will teach you how to believe, and how to live. By which means (for a better rule I cannot prescribe you) your blameless Conversation shall manifest to the world the fruits of your faith. How fruitlessly bestowed are those empty hours, that are employed with what subtlety of arguments they may dispute, but never with what purity they may live. Polite Orators, but profane Professors. Such Sophisters are but titular Christians. Believe it, there ought to be no controversy, but conference among the Servants of Christ. Which being discraetly seasoned with meekness and mildness, beget more converts to God's honour, than a thousand fiery spirits shall ever do, by speaking in thunder. I would not willingly be thought to fall short of that Parental zeal which I owe you. Men have nothing to give, but what they receive; and what I have received, I shall here by advice freely communicate unto you. Subjection to superiors is a precept of high consequence; I shall not insist on each particular; it is too large a field to walk in, and to lofty an air to descant on: It may suffice, that I am to sacrifice my life in that contest: and without averseness in so high an interest. For you my Sons, be it your especial care to submit yourselves to your superiors in all lawful things. It is an undispensable injunction: and aught by persons of each distinct quality, when they are conscientiously thereto obliged, to be religiously observed. This might seem to oppose my Tenent; but I shall make it perspicuously appear to any uninteressed judgement, much otherwise. The Crime wherewith I stood charged, was Treason; which my Conscience dictated to me, bare the Cognizance of Loyalty. To which Principles, as I was nursed it, so I mean to death to continue a constant professor of it; wherein if any one, as there be many, should oppose my opinion; and tax me first of obstinacy in my refusing to submit to any Composition: and since in appealing from the Jurisdiction of that High Court; whereto I conceived I could not be in a capacity to be subject, being neither sworn nor known unto it. Though I was, as some thought, slow in my Reply and personal defence at the bar; may it stand with the patience of good men to hear the modest Apology which I here recommend to their perusal after my death: wherein, my dear ones, you may return a grateful office to your dying Father, in communicating it to our Relations; or any Persons of Quality that shall hereafter request it. Words spoken in season retain precious resemblances; but I am confident, no words could have been spoken by me at my Arraignment, that would have been construed seasonable: So highly was the Presidentall Court prepossessed against me. My defence shall be short, dissecting itself into two particulars. Motive I. THe first relates to a Case of Conscience; which to oppose even in matters of Indifferency, would raise such a tempest in the inward Region of the Soul, as would not be quickly calmed. I understood, how I could enjoy no peace in it by checking it: and that in the careful composure of it, rested my quiet: having not only sufficiently learned, but experimentally felt, how there was in it either a continual Feast to cheer me; or a cloud of Witnesses to condemn me. I conceived then how the Cure of a troubled Spirit was a receipt of high and precious consequence. It was my assiduate care therefore to remove all such subtle witnesses from within me, that might at the High-Court of trials condemn me: as for other Testates, they were the least of my fears: I knew how Conscience would prove my individual Consort; I held it therefore dangerous to displease it, lest I should perish by it. This might seem to be of light weight in a temporizing scale: but it poized more heavily in mine. My high obligations confirmed by Oath, and bound in, I must confess, with an inviolable tie of religious love, had so inseparably united my thoughts to the devotion of allegiance; as the serious and constant observance of it begun to have that influence over me, as in the end it resolved to a Case of Conscience. Sundry Disputes with sinewy Arguments to decline my opinion were frequently entertained by me, during my several places of imprisonment: but I apprehended all these two weak motives to alter my resolution, or lessen my affection to such an incomparable object of sovereignty. Upon these premises I conceive that if I should appeal even to those who are aptest to traduce me, or inveigh against that constancy (Misconstrued contumacy) which appeared in me, they could not in screwing their censures to the highest pin, interpret it otherwise then an error of Love, but no love of error: being so integriously grounded; as it admitted no alloy or mixture with By respects or self-interests; which is become such an epidemical Disease, as it has got generally an influence over the whole World. But to return to you, my dear sons, to whom and for whose benefit these my last Directions are addressed; Be it your care in the free enjoyment of a private condition: or in what quality soever it shall please the Almighty One to rauke you; to mould your spirits to that temper, as your discreet carriage may free you from public censure. Many eyes and many ears require cautious and preventive thoughts. The only way to be secure, is not to be active in affairs of State. As for those who make it their practice to be Fishers in troubled waters; it were very strange for them who practise that Trade long to gain by their purchase. Privacy, as it is the only recluse of safety; if your hours in it be not well employed, it may become as dangerous as a place of agency. Caves may be as proper for designs as Theaters for action. It is the mind that makes the undertaker free, whether he be residentiary in a wilderness or in the World. Be it your care to reserve a sickle for your own harvest. He cannot choose but lay himself open to many dangers, who desires to have an Ore in every Boat: or too officiously to engage his person in others Concerns. Make your thoughts your own; and loyal desires cannot redound to your prejudice. It is want of secrecy, and too much credulity that makes many freeborn Subjects, Bondmen by forfeiture of their liberty: and by their profuse tongues subject their heads under others girdles. I have been conscious herein myself, which moves me to be more intentive to this Caution; the neglect whereof has brought so many men's estates & lives to ruin. For the Liberty of a Subject, as I hold it to be a brave but rare interest; so I should account him, if it were my fortune to live with him, unworthy the title of so eminent a privilege, who will not stick to engage that Liberty to the ear of a stranger. But let me not forget myself by insisting too amply on these observances: I shall now descend unto the second Motive, which not only induced but confirmed me in my resolution to Loyalty. Motive 2. IT has been my fortune to hear sundry persons as well Spiritual as Secular to enlarge themselves by way of Argument upon this Subject: and some of these, to my knowledge, men of singular abilities: and in all the progress of their Disputes touching legal and lineal sovereignty, they positively concluded for me; though the Arguments of Paraeus, Zuinglius, Buchanan, with sundry other anti-monarchial Authors were frequently & with much vehemency alleged, pressed, and pursued: so as, even those who were of the adverse party, pretending themselves convinced with solidity of Argument, and strength of Reason, seemed wholly satisfied with those rational Assertions: though, indeed, their plausible pretences proved to myself and others colourable disguises, merely to catch and circumvent us; being afterwards, to expedite our dispatch, produced for evidence against us. But look not upon these Agents with a vindicative eye, as you tend my commands. Your Father has forgiven them, do you the like. He retains a slight memory of his patience and dolorous passion, who forgave his own death: that cannot in the recollection of his own unworthiness, pass by all indignities; nay, who with much composedness has not learned to smile upon the affronts and injuries he shall occasionally suffer in this life. I must confess, the first Onset or Encounter, before I became well schooled in the discipline of suffering, presented to my frailty sundry inseparable difficulties: But custom and continuance has sweetened those disgusts; finding them, if seasonably applied, and temperately digested, the soveraignest Receipts that the constitution of man can partake: by submitting his will to his command, whose inscrutable wisdom far above the pitch of all human apprehension, declares his infinity by sweetening those sufferings, which an indulgent or innate love to ourselves had so much imbittered. We cannot share in a Crown, if we have no part in the Cross. And blessed be his Name that has armed my weakness with this resolution: preparing in me a mind no less ready to bear, than Justice was to inflict: my actions by God's assistance shall in this approaching hour of my suffering express it: though I shall appear slow in the elegancy or flourish of words (for I never professed myself an Orator:) neither, indeed, should I hold such a dress suitable to any one going to his death. But to pass from these; it behooves me to look upon you, so long as it is permitted me to live with you; my tender zeal therefore of your future welfare enjoines me to recommend one particular to your care; which infinitely concerns you: that is, your choice of Company. Good Acquaintance will improve both your knowledge and demean: by your conversing with these, you shall every day get by heart some new lesson, that may season and accommodate you. Whereas our debauched Gallantry (the greatest Impostor of youth) would by their society quickly deprave you. Now to apply a remedy to so dangerous and infectious a Malady, be tender of your honour; beware with whom you consort: Be known to many, but familiar with few. Wherein, above all things, make use of this Directory: it will prove highly useful to you in these relations of society. It was the observation of a Divine Moral; and well deserves the attention of the pregnantest & prudentest apprehension. Make ever choice of such for your companions, of whom you retain this grounded opinion, that you have either hope to improve them, or be improved by them. The one, as they argue a fairer, docile and pliable disposition: So the other being endued with parts, may by degrees bring their attentive consorts to an higher pitch of knowledge and moral Perfection. And great pity it is, that our youth, even in the eminentest Extractions, should make so light an estimate of time: as to hold no Consorts fitter for their Concerns, nor corresponding with their tempers, than such who only study a fruitless expense of time: making no other account of Hours, than Harbingers of pleasure: and as airy Lures to attract their light and liquorish appetites to prohibited delights. Be tender then, as you wish success in the world, or the continuance of my Blessing, or the Honour of the House from whence you came: and your own Reputation; the preservation whereof shall make you live in me now dying: and raise you an honest Fame in mine Ashes. Fame is such a precious odour, as neither those who are in the highest rank can impair it without an impeachment to their Honour: so neither those of a lower condition can justly nor conscientiously tender it, but it will send forth a fragrant breath upon the preserver. Houses are but weak material structures, subject to breaches and decays; unless repaired and supported by the general approvement and repute of their enjoyers. I could challenge from many descents, but my thoughts have ever been estranged from titular arrogance: holding only Fame to be the strongest continuer of a Family: being born up with such an impregnable Arch, as it needed no groundling Butteresses to preserve it: nor any Secondaries to prevent an untimely ruin. It has been my fortune to make experience of a pretensive stay which proved so unsteady, that if I should live many years (as now my short life is measured forth to a few hours) it would make me henceforth to remember that cautionary advice: Let not the Titles of consanguinity nor affinity betray any man into a prejudicial trust. Whence it was that I observed some Persons, no sooner advanced to places of unexpected greatness, than they put on the severe countenance of justice, pretending to imitate the example of Titus Manlius, who in a case of Justice gave sentence against his own Son. But I found those to be only formalities; or politic semblances: they would not disoblige themselves for their friend's security. These differed far from Themistocles opinion, amicable candour and resolution; who being requested to bear himself indifferently in his censure: and even to his own to put on the face of rigour, answered; Be it far from me not to pleasure my friends in all things. As for my addresses, they were so qualified in their relation to obedience, as they stooped not to any one's application nor assistance. Now Tom, as you are the immediate hope of my house: so be it your care to entertain no thought below yourself. Your course has been hitherto approvable: enabled by generous education abroad: and imitable examples at home: those to adorn; these to complete. Being thus grounded, set yourself to those tasks that may usefully improve you; and by degrees accomplish you. In private and retired hours consult with the dead; being the best means to make men wise: make devout Books your discreeet Consorts: they will tell you what you are to do without fear of censure. These will beget in you a contempt of that (the World I mean) which detracts most from the excellency of man. Seneca wished for Philosophy, whereto he was entirely dedicated, that as the face of the universal World comes into view, so that philosophical idea might be presented to us as a spectacle most unlike unto the World. I am confident, Tom, it is the lowest of your scorn to suffer your thoughts to be depressed with inferior objects. Continue that resolution; it will arm you against all Occurrents. In the carriage of public affairs, my advice is that you appear cautious: Many by putting themselves upon numerous employments have lost themselves: though in neighbourly offices to be modestly active, manifests signal arguments of piety. But in all concerns appear just. This will beget you a good report among men; and acceptance before the throne of Grace. All Justice is comprehended in this word Innocence, all injustice reprehended. And if it were just to pronounce such a Sentence upon loyal Innocence, I appeal to above. The practice of this Divine Office will render you blameless in all: by measuring yourself by others; others by yourself; and in doing unto others, as you would have done unto yourself: And to sum up your directions in brief, that they may be more impressive in your memory: express yourself moderate in arguments of dispute, close in your counsels, and discreet in your discourse. As for your hours of recreation, let them never so overtake you, as to make your thoughts strangers in what most concerns you. And make choice of suitable consorts in these. For though Precepts induce, Examples draw: and more danger there is in a personal Example, than any doctrinal Motive: whence it is very observable, that those whom we intimately affect, have such attractive influence over us: as whether it be in the pursuit of pleasure or profit, we suffer ourselves to be drawn thereto by their choice, without much examination of the probability of the issue, whereto their assays are directed. All men are taught to eschew evil, and to do good: and there are innate seeds in every pious disposition moving him to the observance of that direction: But the nature of things is such, that where a good man is joined with a bad, the bad is not bettered by the good, but the good corrupted by the bad. We may then truly conclude that this world is a dangerous Pest-house: and if men out of a natural desire of conserving their health, and of avoiding what may endanger it, would be loath to enter into an house that is infected: much more are they to decline all occasional ways of infecting their inward house, much more precious because partaker of immortality. But I am hopeful that the influence of God's grace seconded with your constant and entire devotion, will sufficiently strengthen you against all such human frailties, which either the proneness of nature, or the corruption of these times may suggest. The Lord prepare you to entertain all occurrents, with patience & che e fullness. To your superiors lawfully set over you, pray sent yourself in due obedience: and in all your actions acquit yourself (for herein consists the hope and accomplishment of your felicity) a faithfully instrument of God's glory. Now one word to you, Harry, who though younger by course of nature, has been ever dear and near my heart since thine infancy. Thine innocence has here for a season been a sufferer with thy Father: but let it not grieve thee to partake with him who doth so truly tender thee: and whose Parental hopes have been ever highly treasured in thee. Neither can I conceit otherwise (having had such experience of thy natural towardness) but thou rejoicest in thy suffering upon such an occasion, and with so dear a friend. But I hope it will not hold consistent with the prudence nor justice of this State, that a father's guilt should by way of punishment descend in a generation. I shall sacrifice my life freely, as one, subject to an assumed authority: be it their goodness to spare innocence: though I should in my loyal thoughts hold such a Present a precious Pledge in relation to a just sovereignty, and a subjects duty. But I hope, my blood may sufficiently expiate the grandeur of my crime, if it were greater, without farther revenge. The fortunes left you by the assistance of our friendly trusties (for I have been long time a stranger to mine own) may by God's providence appear competent for a younger brother: Sure I am, it is all I can do for you. Be it your care by honest ways to improve them; at least to preserve them; which is good husbandry in these days. In a word, if your estate be not sufficient for you; be sufficient for your Estate. This was the advice of a wise Statist, observe it. Return my blessing to your Sister my dear Bab: and tell her from a dying Father, that she needs no other example than her virtuous Mother for her Directory: in whose steps, I am confident, she will walk religiously. Her modest and blameless demean can promise nothing less. And now my Dear ones, as my desire is that you should in this last Legacy of my Love and Parental duty remember me; so my request is that neither you nor any of my Relations suffer that memory they retain of me to be accompanied with immoderate grief. After a troublesome voyage encountered with many cross winds and adverse billows, I am now arriving in a safe harbour: and I hope without touch of dishonour. As for death, though it appear terrible to all flesh; I have long expected it, and by a conscientious consequence prepared me for it. And to make it more familiar to me; before I was called up to this City, I made my Coffin my Companion; that I might with more resolution look Death in the face, whensoever it should assault me. An Hatchet to a weak spirit may present more fear: but a Fever to a Patient more pain. My peace I hope is made with God: having in those solitary hours of my retirement made this my constant Ejaculation: O, how can we choose but begin to love him whom we have offended? or how should we but begin to grieve that we have offended him whom we love? This was the solace of my choice, which through God's goodness shall admit no change: and with this will I end, drawing now towards my end. A Receipt of continual use and Application. MY Heart is signed with the signet of God's love; My hatred is only bent against sin and myself; My Joy is in God my Saviour; My Grief that I am not all his; My Fear, even in this short remainder, is to offend him; And my Hope is to enjoy him. devotional ADDRESSES, After his Sentence OF DEATH. Death's Doom to sensual Ears sad tidings brings, For death's the King of fears, and fear of Kings. But to a Mind resigned, a welcome Guest, And only Convoy to the Port of Rest; A freer from Restraint, wherein I long Estranged from earth's content, sung zions Song. BEing now to put off my Garment of Mortality, in assured hope to exchange it with the White Robe of immortal glory. In this my farewell to Earth, it is my fervorous desire to bequeathe these my last Addresses to you, the dearest Pledges I had upon Earth. Draw near me, and hear those last words which I must ever on earth speak to you. Sure I am, that the dying words of an affectionate Father, cannot but fasten deeper, and retain a memory longer, than the speech of the movingest Orator. Fear God above all things; it is the beginning of wisdom: and will enrich you above your Portion. You are now in the ripening progress of your Time: and entering the first Lists of your Youth, wherein you are here surrounded with numerous temporary trials; let good company seconded with the exercise of piety season you: so shall his blessing, who hath blessed me with constancy in suffering, crown you. Be honest in your ways; spare in your words; plenteous in good works. Proportions God hath given you, portions by God's providence (though lessened by these occasional overtures) I have left you; every these with the best portion, the ornament of virtue. Specious features are not to be valued to the precious embellishment of that inward beauty, which accomplisheth a Divine Soul. Be what you seem to be; and seem what you ought to be: I never loved that countenance, which could promise much, and perform nothing. Reality is the only Cognizance of a good Conscience. Ever reslect on him that made you: and make Devovotion your constant Diary to conduct you. Be tender of those you rank with; either to better them, or to be bettered by them. Dead flies corrupt the preciousest Ointments. Be humble to all; Humility is the way to Glory: this it is will make you amiable to the Creature; glorious in the sight of your Creator. Learn how to obey, that you may know better how to command. In the consideration of human felicity, there is nothing becomes more incurable, than what is habituate: when custom of sin takes away all sense of sin. Old sores require long cures. Reserve Divine thoughts for sanctified rooms: In holy places is the Devil ever busiest. No disease more dangerous than the Lethargy of sin. This sleep brings ever an heavy awake: For though like a tender Nurse, she sing a sweet Lullabee to her deluded child, it is ever in worst case, the more it sleeps; for it dies in sins-slumber, and perisheth untimely by the blandishment of her Mother. Consider this, my dearest Ones. Resist the Devil, and he will fly from you: Suffer not the first motions of sin to seize on you. Pray continually, because you have an enemy assailing you incessantly: the Combat is short, your Crown eternal. In the heat of the day, think of the Evening: The earnest-penny will recompense your pains: Continue to the end, and your reward shall be endless. Be not too curious in enquiring what you are to receive after this life; but so labour that you may receive your reward of glory after this life. Many, by too curious an itching after what there were to receive, have deceived themselves, by loving their Reward more than God. Let nothing on earth take your hearts; Let the Divine Love only possess them, so shall you find quietness in them. That heart cannot want, that possesseth God. He will be a light to direct it, that it stray not: A comfort to refresh it, that it fail not. For all earthly helps, they must either leave us, or we them. Wherein it falleth oftentims forth, that we are most afflicted even in those, wherein we expected most comfort. It is one thing to live on Earth, another thing to love Earth. To be in the World, and of the World, are different conditions. Tabernacles are not to be accounted Habitations. While we are sojourning, we must be journeying towards Canaan: nor may we rest till we get home. O my tender Ones (for never were children more dear to a Father) make every day of your life a promising passage to your native country. As every day brings you nearer your grave, may every day increase in you the richness of his grace. Let the joys of Heaven and torments of Hell be familiar with you; by meditating of the felicity of the one, and infelicity of the other; these to deter, those to allure. Be not too much taken with Fashion; it is the Disease of this age: Comeliness is the most taking dress to a discreet eye; whatsoever is else, borders on sin, and becomes reputations' stain. I am not now very old, when this Judicial Sentence has enjoined me to leave you, yet never did that spreading vanity of the Time much surprise me. For my part, I did ever rather affect not to be known at all, then to be known for Singular. It is a poor accomplishment that takes her essence from what we wear. The rind makes not the Tree precious, but the Fruit. Neither speak I this to excuse my frailties. I confess my diversions have been many; but through my hearty Conversion and unfeigned Contrition, by the merits of my Saviour, I hope, my peace is made. Now to continue my final Bequest, My desire is, that you would be circumspect in your discourse. Though no Society can subsist without Speech, yet were it very necessary to be cautious of the Society to whom we direct our Speech. I may experimentally speak it, having so highly suffered by it. Few or none have ever been hurt by silence; but many, too many by too prodigal speech have engaged their freedom to the power of their Foes: varnished over with the specious pretences of Friends. Let your whole Life be a Line of direction to yourselves; and of instruction to others. Be more ready to hear then to teach; and above all things, let your Famebe a living Doctrine to your family. Be diligent in the vocation or employment you are called unto: and be ever doing some good work: that the devil may never find you unemployed: for our Security is his Opportunity; to prevent his sleights, give no way to sloth. When you come into any Holy place, call him to mind, to whom it is dedicated. Hold yourselves then as retired from the world: and lift up your hearts to Him, who is your Hope and help, both here and in a better world. Esteem of all men well; and of yourselves the worst. Suffer with others, when you shall hear them desamed: and preserve their report as well as you may. For it is not sufficient to be tender of our own, and impeach others: but to tender others as our own. Stand always in an humble and religious fear. Be not ashamed to confess, what you were not ashamed to commit. If at any time, through frailty, you fail; with tears of unfeigned contrition redeem your fall. Walk with an undefiled Conscience; knowing that you are in his presence, whose eyes are so pure, as they cannot abide miquity; and whose judgement so clear, as it will search out hypocrisy. Keep your bodies undefiled; Temples should be pure and unpolluted. If your desire be to honour your Maker, you must make your heart his harbour. Every country hath one chief City; and that situate in the Heart of the Land; and becomes the King's Seat. Your heart shall be the City of the King of Kings, so you guard the gates of your little City, that no sinful intruder nor usurping designer enter nor surprise them; no corrupt affection win in upon them. Now the better to secure your State; let your eyes your City-Centinels, be so directed, that they become not distracted: by wandering abroad, they beget disorder at home. All neighbourly offices I commend unto you; they gain love, which is the oil of our life. But too much familiarity I do not admit; Charity is expedient to all, Familiarity to few. Cherish Affability, there is nothing that purchaseth more love with less cost. Friendship is properly termed the Fruit of virtue; without which ground it becomes an unripe fruit, and loseth its kernel. Prefer restraint of the Body before that of the Mind; there can be no true freedom, so long as the Soul is liable to thraldom. I have been known to sundry Holds; yet I found my infranchized mind, when I was most estranged from enjoyment of liberty, to be the freest enjoyer of itself. Hold nothing comparable to the estimate of a clear Conscience; a continual Feast admits no competition with a Cloud of impeaching Witnesses. This hath been my Anchor hold to secure my Vessel. The terrors of Death are but objects to the eye; with a momentany sense of a little pain to the body: whereas if the Soul through the gusts of a restless Conscience, grapple with death; and gives up her hold, her sufferings are to eternity. A short storm should not discourage us, when we are within the ken of our Harbour. Prosperity is a fair gail; but the memory of it rather afflicts than refresheth us; when our security has thrown us upon a shelf, before we come ashore. If earthly enjoyments had seized on me; my death might have proved more Natural, but through those Preparations wherewith God's goodness hath furnished me, perchance not so welcome. I am now to put off that which troubled me most; to become clothed with his righteousness, whose All-sufficiency has pleaded my cause. In my Period to these; and to order your course the better in the Current and Progression of your affairs: Let not the Sun shine upon you, before you have commended yourselves to that Son of Righteousness, to direct you in all your ways; and enrich you with all good works. To conclude, (for I feel my failing Faculties, through continuance of my long restraint, and late necessary addresses, drawing near their conclusion;) Let your youth be so seasoned with all goodness, that in your riper age, you may retain an habit of that which your youth practised. Well-spent Minutes are precious treasures; whose reviving memory in our recollection of what we gathered by them, will refresh your fainting souls in their sharpest gusts of human frailty. To speak of Marriage to you, I will not; only this, let a religious fear accompany those acquiescences: wherein, I conceive a parity in descent, a competency of Fortune, but principally our harmony in a religious profession may conduce highly to your future comfort: and remove those occasional discontents, which a failing in any of these too usually procures: which completed, may your Choice thus equally tempered with discretion and affection admit no change: so shall a pious emulation in your succeeding Relations second your choice. Prefer your Fame before all Fortunes: it is that sweet Odour which will perfume you living, and embalm you dying. I find myself now, through the apprehension of my approaching Summons, which I shall entertain with a cheerful admittance, breathing homeward: the eye of my body is fixed on you; the eye of my soul on Heaven: Think on me as your Natural Father; and of Earth as your Common Mother. Thither am I going, where by course of Nature, though not in the same manner, you must follow. I am to act my last Scene on a Stage; you in a turbulent State. Value Earth as it is; that when you shall pass from Earth, you may enjoy what Earth cannot afford you; to which happiness your dying Father, hastening to his dear Spouse and your virtuous Mother, faithfully commends you. Additional Instructions privately delivered before his coming to Tower-Hill. DEar sons, as you were tender to me, remember these Funeral Advertisements of your adjudged Father. The serious observance whereof I shall account my Ceremonial Obsequies. Be zealous in your service of God: ever recommending in the prime hour of the day, all your ensuing actions designed and addressed for that day, to his gracious protection. Be constant in your Resolves, ever grounded on a religious fear, that they may be seconded by God's favour. Be serious in your studies: and with all humility crave the assistance of others, for your better proficiency. Be affable to all, familiar with few. Be to such constant Consorts, where you have hope to be daily proficients. Be provident and discreetly frugal in your expense: never spending where honest Providence bids you spare: neither sparing where Reputation invites you to spend. Continue firm in brotherly unity: as you are near in blood, be dear in your affection. Honour those to whose charge you are entrusted. And sweet Jesu, with thy grace enrich them, to thy glory, their Relations comfort. His Letter to a Person of Quality, and his late fellow-Prisoner. Sir; TO render you an account of my present condition since my remove to this City: and return a grateful satisfaction to your expectance in all such concerns or occurrences as have encountered me since my commitment to the Tower; in relation to your desires and expressions by Letter, for which, I hold myself highly obliged to your endearment and noble resentment in my sufferings. I shall acquaint you briefly (for no long time must be now permitted me,) in these my last lines: as the definite Sentence of death pronounced upon me, has sufficiently assured me. Some short time after my commitment, Mr. Mordant, Dr. Hewit, and my self were ordered to appear before the High-Court of Justice at Westminster: where we stood indicted of High-Treason: and where Mr. Mordant by his discreet carriage, and singular preparation, seconded with the fair acquiescence of the precedent, after a long and anxious examination of his cause, became acquitted. Doctor Hewit denying the jurisdiction of that Court: after he had alleged sundry arguments and reasons to strengthen his appeal: and evince the illegality of their proceedings (having debarred himself of the benefit which he might probably have obtained, as some verily thought, by submitting to a trial) received the sentence of death. Which, I can ingenuously assure you, Sir, he received with much constancy, resolution and composure. Though it has been reported since the time of his impeachment, that upon maturer advice of such as by a more peculiar relation had an influence over him, he could have been contented to submit to a trial: and that petitions were presented to that purpose, but through some titular defect or other, he might not be admitted to that favour. Howsoever, I am very confident, that this Gentleman was so conscientious in all his actions: and so confirmed in his professed zeal, as he would entertain nothing below himself. High and of weighty consequence were the Articles that were drawn up against me: and these laid to my charge with much vehemency. Especially my conference with some persons at Hulb; which I conceived (as I then told them) to be rather a secular discourse; and such sociable chat, as it might be in any equal judgment, held sooner for a jest, than a design of State. Whereto the attorney was pleased to make answer facetiously according to his usual manner, and with much punctuality: That he never heard in all his time, that treason was held a jest. And then with a supercilious smile turning himself towards me: Sir Harry, said he, you have jested yourself fairly out of your Fame, Estate, and now according to the merit of your cause very like to jest yourself into a grave to your lafting dishonour. I insisted not much upon defence nor vindication of mine innocence; for I understood, it was effectless. Those Persons who were my accusers, were for time, place, and every circumstance, such convincing evidence, (besides their personal prevalency in the eye of that Court) as my reply in what tenor soever would have proved fruitless: and either not heard at all, or expounded to my disadvantage: The only Guard, then, that I stood upon, was Silence and Patience. Though as the case stood in my particular, I could not hold those Persons my compatible Accusers: nor well deserving estimation in that high Court; being such, as their compliance (had not probable hopes of preferment diverted them) could have conscientiously closed with my Principles: but the fears of danger, and the hopes of honour; were in the first such determents; and in the later, such inducements; as they begot in them an indifferency in the one: and a resolution for the other. I would not willingly give you a trouble, as I shall not to the world long. The Court, upon the evidence given, adjudged me to die: but by Petition and the Protectors clemency: not in that dishonourable manner, as we were sentenced. So as my resolved Soul, now in the merits of Christ, is winging her flight for Heaven. My preparation becomes freer from distraction, by the gentile demean and civilities of our Lieutenant: and by his command, of the soldiers modest carriage towards us, in our private devotions, and other holy Duties. Which pious Office, as it conduceth much to our peace, so it cannot but redound highly to the commander's honour. Compassion in places of Command, where Authority may be executed without control, deserves, for the rarity of it, an eminent Attribute. Dear Sir, He begs at your hands the assistance of your Prayers, who, as in his Life, so now at his Death, in the realest Offices of Love, remains Your most affectionate Servant, H. S. June 4. 1658. Funerals are for the Dead: Memorials for the Living. Solemnity of the one, cannot parallel the Memory of the other. The one limits to time, the other to Eternity. HIs Corpse by means was permitted to be privately carried down into Yorkshire; there to be interred in the Burial-place of his Ancestors: which was done with all decent Solemnity. HIS EPITAPH. DEad unto Earth, before I passed from thence, Dead unto Life, alive to Conscience Just, and by Justice doomed; impeached by those Whom Semblance writ my Friends, their witness Foes. My Silence in Reply employed no guilt, Words not believed resemble Water spilled Upon the parched surface of the floor, No sooner dropped, than heat dries up the shower. To plead for life where ears are prepossessed, Sounds but like airy echoes at the best. The Hatchet acted what the Court decreed, Who would not for his HEAD lay down his head? Branches have their dependence on the Vine, And Subjects on their Princes, so had mine. The Native Vine cut down, her Cyenes wither, Let them then grow or perish both together. Thus ●●v'd I, thus I died; my Faith the Wing, That mounts my Kingly zeal to th' Highest King. FINIS.