A Well-Resolved Man; OR, Good Resolutions, & Good Endeavour  

PSAL. 75.9, 10. THE FIRST PART.  

SECT. I.  
THE God of all happiness having been pleased to often give Divine and Heavenly Joys to many of his people; and (amongst the many) to smile some shines thereof to one of his [though unworthy] servants▪ did thereby the rather move me to study and endeavour (aswel as 〈◊〉 could) to declare the like Divine Joys and happiness to other. And he did by some occasions also set me on work to a little show the evil follyness of obstinate, Popish, and some kind of vicious, seditious, and ill-minded Enemies of Goodness (of which likewise some things may be more known in good time): And then had I occasion to think that some men's Horns (though much shorter than their Combs and Ears) did deserve a little checking, either by showing, brushing, or de●iding the same, or otherwise. And what Monster-men the Wicked are, and what kind of Combs, aswel as Horns they have; and how the illness thereof may be well brushed or checked, may [in some after Parts hereof] be shown: and likewise of being at the best side, and partaking of the much joys and happiness of God's People. And so it was, that (among many times) being one time so well busied, [studying and endeavouring aswel as my weakness could] too cheerfully declare some things of the much goodness of our God to his people, and to give some [both useful and pleasing] checks, to wicked follyness, and some encouragements to blessed Graciousness; and having God's Book before me, I (providentially) turned to the 75 Psalms, and reading towards the end thereof as followeth:  
But I will declare for ever, and sing praises to the God of jacob All the Horns of the Wicked also will I cut off, etc.  Psal. 75.9, 10. 
It than seemed to me, that no sooner had the Kingly Prophet, in much zealous-wise set himself to well declare abroad the much goodness of our God, and well-sing his praises, but the Horns of the Wicked were set in his way: Right well did he therefore resolve to all-cut them off, to unborn [unpower] such wicked men; aswel a● also to encourage the Righteous, as it followeth, ver. 10. Then did I from the same 9th and 10th verses, collect these four following general Observations, as the Heads of, (or pertaining to) the intended ensuing Discourse.  
First, (since the Divine-spirited Psalmist, was so very well-resolved to declare for ever and sing praises to the God of Jacob, etc.) that every well-resolved man should likewise do right well, (when, and aswel as they may conveniently) to cheerfully, and with divine praises declare the much goodness of our God to his Jacob-like 〈◊〉; yea, though if any ill-minded Esau's, (or any of old Satan's Messengers) ●y wicked Horn combmen, would therefore malign, oppose, or any way set Horns with Combs against them, Gen. 27.41. Psal. 75.1, 4, 5. 1 Joh. 12.13, 14, 15. Rev. 2.17.  
Secondly, since King David was [as all good Magistrates should be] so well resolved to check, or cut off the horns of the wicked, so calling the same, and figuratively meaning thereby their illused power and wrong fullness, we likewise may endeavour to check the ill-usedness thereof against us, and that partly by showing and blushing their combs and long ears (so calling the same, and figuratively meaning thereby their pride, folly, and wickedness) and that to be done partly by good round confutations, and both serious and deriding Reprehensions, (when good persuasions, and other good ways will not serve for Conversion) and chief by, or with the Sword of the Spirit, called the Word of God, or according thereunto, Prov. 26.3. Psal. 52.6, 7. & 59.8. & 75.4, 5. & 149.6. Eph. 6.17. Heb. 4.12.  
Thirdly, (since this so wel-resolved Man, the Prophetical K. David, was 

(1.) A Type of Jesus Christ,  
(2.) A good Magistrate.  
(3.) A good Prophet. And  
(4.) a good man; since he did so well resolve, as ), that we should do very well to side under our Captain-General Jesus Christ, as some of his Angel-men, against Satan and his, (Rev. 12.) also under such good Magistrates, and with such good Ministers and People, who (David-like) do most love God's goodness and praises, and most check or Horn-cut (much obstinate Antichristian and vicious) wicked men; who Comb-fully fling Horns or Harms against the same and them.   And likewise to side with such who do most love or encourage Right, Truth, and Goodness.  
And so fourthly, with them to partake of the much exaltive happiness of God's people, for so it followeth, ver. 10. But the Horns (that is, the well-used power and happiness of the Righteous) shall be exalted; and that either partly on Earth, by knowing, and present enjoying as much as they can of their Divine Felicities, and Dignities in Jesus Christ; and sometimes it may be Temporal Blessings added, with exalted Heaven minded Enjoyment thereof; or however, may have Divine Joys, both in troubles and prosperity, and all things working for their good, either here, or especially hereafter in Heaven, and of their much exalted happiness therein for ever.  
Then did I likewise (from the same 9th and 10th verses of Psalm 75.) note or collect some more particular Observations, of which I may write more hereafter; but herein I intent some things that have some relation to the  four general Observations [and that the rather upon some occasion] and the first general Observation thereof, with some particular Application to partly be the ground of this first Part; and so herein to write some things according thereunto: First, more particularly in the next Section; And secondly, more publicly, and generally, in the after Section of this Part.   

SECT. II.  
FIrst, more particularly, A much well Resolved-Man will be right willing, aswel as he can (when conveniently he may) to cheerfully declare abroad the Divine Goodness and praises of Him the God of Jacob; yea, though if any wicked Horn-Combmen would therefore malign, oppose, or set Horns with their Combs much illy against him. And so this Divine-Spirited Psalmist, in many other of his Psalms, would often particularly tell what GOD had done for Him, and that sometimes notwithstanding many ill Enemies; and so what particular Blessings, Protections, Deliverances, Joys, and Felicities, his GOD had given unto him. And the like we read of many other Saints in all Ages; of which I may elsewhere give many Instancies. But here I would occasionally write a few Words of one with whom I am very well acquainted, and know or believe him to be a much Well-Resolved, and Well-endeavouring Man.  
And here I might, to the Divine Praise, particularly declare of many blessed and happy Experiences, and what Divine and Heaveny Joys his GOD hath sometimes given him both in health and sickness, in troubles and prosperity. But now only a little of some things. And so if he did formerly (in something published) to God's Glory particularly tell (and that with a much asseveration for the truth thereof, and wishing God's Blessing according) how that he knew a man some years ago, when he was a little more than a Child, and that in a time of his much sickness, who then enjoyed such joys, as he believes were very beginnings and partake of Heaven: Such as the very Thoughts thereof hath often since much rejoyed him, and did much incite him to write some things of Divine and Heaveny happiness on Earth, etc. And if he did so declare and tell the same only to God's Glory, acknowledging his own altogether weakness and infirmities, 2 Cor. 12. (being ready to so much glory in such much humble acknowledgements,) as to question whether it were better for the present to be in Heaven already, or here so well preparing for more happiness therein, by such acknowledging his own weakness and infirmities, that God's grace, power, and glory, may be only manifested thereby, vers. 5▪ 9, 10. And if any Divine Glo●y shall be occasioned by this, or some other following Declarings, some Enemies might have a little thanks, aswel as something else, for the same, since to them he might say (with the much Heaven-joyed Apostle) Ye have compelled me.  
And therefore also he may be the better excused, if he were apt to think, that such Divine and Heavenny Joys and Encouragements, in such youngness and sickness, aswel as after, were a sufficient CALL to write some things in Divinity; yea, 〈…〉 himself. For 〈…〉 a little talk or jest against Day or Temporal 〈◊〉 (as some are 〈…〉 term Us) their Writing in Divinity; they may know, the●e are very many Scriptures and Reasons for the same, whereof some they may see in Sir Richard Baker's ●ommendations thereof printed; and many other also may be given; (and the far-fetched Arguments to the contrary, may (if occasion) be well derided to scorn) yea, insomuch, as even the Popish Priests themselves, as much as they ride the people, are yet ashamed to deny them Writing and Printing in Divinity, while only what is not contrary to their Religion; much more have good Protestant Ministers thought well of any men's such good Endeavours, which they know Orthodox.  
I might also, to the Divine Praise, tell how Heaven hath often smiled Joys and Blessings, upon his good Resolutions and Endeavours, (especially in Writing some things concerning Man's Happiness) and also particularly of many Divine Providences, Protections, and Encouragements, sometimes notwithstanding ill Enemies, and their being evil-eyed against a Man's good Resolutions, and of hopeful turning their wrongful Opposision to his good. And how, if any (with old Satan) will be such ill-comb Enemies, to go on to much oppose him, they are not like to get much thereby, unless some shewment of their Evil-Combness, if not also a little Checkment of their ill-bent Hornness; though he would rather hope they will not much fling Horns against him; and thereby show long Combs and Ears, but that mistakes (if any be) may be well rectified; and Christian Love, Peace, and Right, well occasioned.  
And I might likewise further declare (to Divine Praise) that he is a Man who resolves, lives, and would endeavour aswel as he can, and when convinced of any amissements, would presently resolve (and glory in) amendment: A Man that hath so well resolved, lived, and endeavoured, that he doth much protest (desiring also the blessing of the Almighty, according to the truth of this Protestation) that he doth seriously wish that all his faults might be written in the face and sight of the Sun and World, to be read of all men, upon condition, that his good Intents, Endeavours, and Resolutions, (by Divine Blessing) were therewith also written, read, and seen of all men. And likewise how he is a Man that hath so well lived, and well-endeavoured, as he hopes and believes that his very Enemies (unless there be any as Knavish and Impudent as old Satan) they will readily acknowledge, or however well think that he hath been, and is a much wel-endeavouring, and a Well-resolved Man.  
And again, I might likewise (upon occasion) tell, how when heretofore a distemper of Natural Melancholy sometimes came upon him (much at new Wake) the thoughts of some Divine and Heavenly Joys have quickly dispelled the same. And so when Enemies have sometimes occasioned in him a little just indignation; yet upon remembering such Divine Joys, his Spirits have been quickly composed again, and settled in quiet rejoying; and than though, according to our Saviour's counsel (Luke 17, 3.) when Enemies trespass against him, (yea strangely persecute him) he may well rebuke them; tyet doth his often lightsome Spirit incline to do it by some lively, mirthy, yet round Brushes, Girds, and Derisions, father then by such plainer cudgelling Rebukes, and more than Rebukes as some deserve) yet if they repent (as it followeth) ver. 3, 4. and so amend, he would much freely forgive them; yea, doth so, even before they repent and amend, and while, he rebukes them; and wishing the same, or something, might occasion their Conversions with as much Blessings and Happiness, as our God will, or Heaven can give and bestow on them. And so likewise I might tell what Divine and Heavenny Joys he hath sometimes had in health and prosperity; insomuch, as sometimes ready to forget himself while thinking thereof; and hath gone a good time another way then intended, before he remembered himself; yea, sometimes even in company, hath been asked a question twice, & laughed at before he could pull down his Mind to answer; though he hopes not so unconveniently to forget himself again hereafter. And also how such Joys (while well-minding himself, and his convenient occasions, as every man should) have often made his Thoughts, Studies, Occasions, Recreations, Enjoyments, and much of his life-time more pleasant and delightsome, though yet he thinks himself altogether unworthy of the least of any such Joys and Blessings, and would the more therefore render praises to his God, the Divine Giver thereof.  
And also further (the rather if, or since Enemy's occasion it) I might well-tell or suppose that he is a man whom GOD hath so well blest, that how muchsoever the strong and high-graced (whether low or high placed men) are beyond him in Joys and Happiness; yet, that he, while he may with Divine Blessing quietly serve his God with such a sufficiency as he hath given him, if ill men do not manifestly much wrong him (as they are not like to do it very easily without Comb-brushing, if they would) yea, or if Men and Devils oppose to hinder, yet while he may continue to enjoy his GOD, and study to serve Him and His People, would be ready to vie Happiness even on Earth, with the most Purseproud, Comb-proud, ungracious Man living; and that 〈◊〉 so as not only being ready to both pity and laugh at him, till he shake off his Wicked-Combness; but also hoping to outvie him so far, as some Joys, being Partake or Beginnings of Heaven, are beyond these of Earth, or meerman (much more of the commonly distempered ill-passionated wicked Man) besides the infusions of a kind of Heavened Joy, that an Heavenny-mind adds in, or with both Troubles and Prosperity, and so as raising all terrene good and happiness, to a much better and higher Enjoyment▪ (Prov. 16.8. & 37.6) and besides (in whatsoever condition) the assurance of all working to his good, especially to the increase of his everlasting happiness, 1 Pet. 1.8. Rom. 8.28. 2 Cor. 4.17. & 7.4. & 8.2.  
In sum, If I should suppose, and particularly declare, the many Divine Experiences, Providences, Protections, Directions, Blessings, Joys, and Encouragements, which he hath had in health and in sickness; and among some good friends, and notwithstanding some ill Enemies, and so both in Troubles and Prosperity; and if I should so declare, that all men might fully know the same, though if evil-eyed hinder-good men, would very much vex thereat, yet would the good or best men, all presently welknow, or be ready to say-out that he (blessed man) though much unworthy, had, and hath yet very much reason (with the Psalmist, and other well-resolved men) to particularly declare the much goodness of our GOD to his praise, etc. Verse 9   

SECT. III.  
SEcondly, more publicly also, will a much well resolved man be willing (when occasion) to speak, or any way declare abroad God's goodness and praises, yea tho●gh if any evil eyed ill-minded men would therefore show horns with Combs against him, (vers. 9 etc.) And so like this well resolved Psalmist professes also in Psal. 40.3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and in several other of his praiseful Psalms. And likewise many other much well-resolved Saints in all Ages have been so willing to publicly well employ their Talents, either by acting, speaking, studying, writing, or the like, when occasion, though oftentimes some ill minded men have therefore much detracted from, and opposed the. And so likewise in these and times to come, will many such well-resolved men be cheerfully willing to do any good (when conveniently they may) and to let their light shine to their Heavenly Father's glory, though Owle-sighted, hate-light men, or evil-eyed hinder-light men, or such whose horns or Combs hang in their light, would therefore much envy malign, gainsay, or ill oppose them, Math. 5.15, 16. and 25.17, 18.22, 23▪ Mark. 4.21. Psal. 75.1, 4, 5, 9, 10.  
But here a few words of some application. Good men I hope will think right well of my good endeavours and resolutions in this public impressing way; I hoping to do some good thereby how little soever, and having more than ordinary engagements and occasions thereunto; and the rather while I do not censure or blame these, who though much able do yet think it more discretion to forbear in this Impressing way; while yet we may well blame, check or brush some ill-detracture, sneaking, evil-eved, base-spirited, hinderers and opposers of goodness. But of this I may (if occasion) writ some things elsewhere; and how detractors and persecuters are the worst of men, and most Father-Satan-like, and of their base and ridiculous humours; and (among other things) how they deserve to be crowned (instead of Laurel) with a Coronet of two big Ears on a Knave's cap with a Coxcomb and bell.  
And now to come to what I chiefly intent in this Section. I being willing, (for want of Talons) to bring a few Mites into the public Treasury. I desire upon occasion to give some very short account of some of my intended good endeavours, and resolutions tending to a declareing of God's goodness to his praise, and his people's happiness (verse 9) And first to name one book entitled, A Divine Mirror, or, The happy Man, etc. Wherein a regenerate gracious man may behold much of his divine & heaveny happiness on Earth. Which book is well beg●n printed, and might have been published a good time before now, if first some intended additions, and since some occasioned diversions had not hindered the same: By which it may be well known to our God's praise, that a much gracious man can or may often much rejoice in many several respects; yea often times though if ill-minded men would comely show their horns against him. And so how he can rejoice much more than the ungracious men, even in external and moral felicities, though especially indivine and heavenny happiness. And well is it, if therein, as likewise in some other intended Treatises, I hope to see far better my former little and weak (though gracious and virtuous) endeavours, and so to declare such divine and heavenny happiness (however yet weakly) as to g●ve some occasion to hope as well as wish, of some conversation amongst Angels; and of learning some divinity in Heaven, and of God himself, Phil. 3.20. Heb. 12.22. Joh. 6.45. Psal. 71.17.  
And to give only here this little short account of the intents of the before mentioned book. Wherein by way of Character of an happy man, is or may be showed (as in a Divine Mirror to such) several things of the following heads. Of God's love to him in Jesus Christ. Of his blessed Union in Christ. Of the divine Spirit in him; and much blessings and felicities of all these. Also of his divine graces; his divine happy heavenny faith; And of his such hope; And so of his divine love. Likewise of his evangellical humiliation, Repentance, and filial fear, occasioning much exaltation, joy, and love in God. Also of other his divine graces; and of his moral virtues ingraced and so raised to more happiness. Of his divine gracious and often joyous, prayers, praiseings, and other good Christian exercises, and good endeavours and resolutions. Of his Orthodox Religion and felicities thereof. Of his blessed peace as far as he may with all men; and much love to, and Communion with the Saints. Also of his divine gracious courage, and of his contentment, and often divine joys in Troubles. And how the same and oppositions do and may often turn to his good. And of his good use and heaven-minded enjoyment of external happiness and prosperity. Of his much happiness in God. And so in and with him of his divine and heavenny life, welfare, Wisdom, Power, Amiableness, Fre●nds, Riches, Honours, pleasures, and how his God gives, is, and will be such happiness to him. Also of his divine joys; and how the same are always habitual, and often actual, free, ready, quick instant, lively, much Angelliseing his soul, and thereby adding to all his other felicities. And how sometimes may be unexpressable, and how, superterrene, super-humane, divine and heavenny. Of his entertaining, enjoying, and increasing such divine and heavenly infusions. And of his soul, often eyeing and having conversation in Heaven, and enjoying in some degrees the felicities thereof already. And of his divine Communion and fruition of God. And so how his soul may be more sublimed to an heavenny temper, often entertaining and enjoying partake of the divine self and Heaven within him. Also how such divine and heavenny graces, joys, and felicities are in some respects communicative, to such as are capable thereof, And how if all men would seriously endeavour to be such as he, we might behold a more angelical Heavenny age on earth, to the increase of the everlasting happiness in Heaven, to divine glory.  
And I have declared also how I intended to write some things with divine blessing concerning public good and happiness (and right well is it to wish or endeavour what (with conveniency) we may thereof, Psal. 122.6, 7, 8, 9) And in the former impression here of some years ago, I did give some account of an intended book concerning much hopeful good and happiness in these Nations, and that intermixed among and by way of several Reasons for submission to Higher Powers. But having since above a year and half ago Impressed something thereof called A Word in Season, or A few words of 34. heads of Reasons for submission to Higher Powers; And of much hopeful good and happiness to these Nations. I forbear to Reprint the same in this Impression, and rather refer the Reader thereunto, intending to add the same or another Impression thereof hereunto, next after this first part. And though I wish some ill-minded-men would not be so evil eyed against the same and other good Resolutions, as to occasion much wrongs, deceits, and hindrances, and among other to occasion that in long time I could not or cannot sell, have, or dispose any thing of a message, and Lands, made over to me by my late brother, for some money to him, and much engaged for him, so as neither I, nor the Creditors could yet be paid thereof, nor his Children have the Remainder as intended and offered; and also occasion such falseness in trust, that I could not, or cannot sell, have, or dispose any of about fourscore and ten pounds a year elsewhere, nor yet any (unless so lit-little as less than charges in looking for it) of whom I trusted above two thousand pounds worth of the same Lands, at St. Peter's, and Tilmston; and also goods, or of some hundred pounds of my Rent received by whom trusted, or that any would often say or threaten I should get none thereof, unless I would comply not to Print Books, or it seems be engaged not to Print such things as some are evil eyed against, though good Resolutions. And I wish I may have no occasion to Impress a Tragicomical Narrative of some wrongs, hindrances, Ill-triks, and persecutions, and how yet, old Satan is not like to get much by setting on to the same, unless some exaltation of 〈◊〉 Comb rather than horns; though for other enemies I wish rather their love and peace with some Rightment. But though if some disconcentented, unpeaceable, seditious or ill-minded men (of several Cleaks) would be so evil-eyed as to show their horns (though much longer Combs thereby) against such good endeavours and resolutions, yet well-minded, peaceable, and gracious men will (I hope) much rejoice and praise our God for such much hopeful good and happiness, as in the following Papers intended to be added hereunto, may in some little part appear, though especially more plainly, when such further good Resolutions thereof are finished and published.  
Again, In the former Impression hereof I did also mention some things to divine praise, of another intended book to be called, A Divine Kingdom in Men, or the Heavenly age on Earth Of which I had thought likewise to have given some account in another Sect on of this Impression hereof. But having since also Imprinted something thereof, entitled, Exalted happiness, or, A few words concerning a Divine Kingdom, and the increase thereof to much happy heavenny times on earth, and to some degrees of Heaven within us; Intending likewise to add the same (with the other) hereunto. I refer the Reader (if he please) thereunto; hoping that (though if some would be so evil or Owle-eyed, ill, or narrow-minded, addle or thickheaded, as to detract from, little mind, or show Combs against the same, yet gracious heaven-minded men will much rejoice at such much exalted happiness, and much cheerfully render or sing praises for the same to him who is so good a God to his Jacoblike (his gracious) people, verse 9  
And I may also, if occasion, in a second part hereof, proceed to the next general observation mentioned in the first Section, of checking the il●busednesse of wicked men's horns, though by showing and brushing their Combs and long ears and otherwise. And therein (among others) some things, if occasion, of a Tragicomical Narrative, and round Brush, or Catechise. And some things (further then in the former Impression) of an intended Tragicomical book wherein may be showed how that old Satan hath figuratively a Comb as well as Horns, and his Servants both Combs and long Ears. And how they may be well checked, derided, brushed, ordered, etc. And divine gracious and virtuous men rejoice and enjoy a much happy age.  
I may also proceed, if God please, to his praise, to a third and fourth part, concerning the third and fourth general observations before mentioned of being at the best side (contrary to the worst Comb-men) and much partaking of the exaltive happiness of God's people; according to the end of Psal. 75. vers. 10. (Of which some things may be likewise perceived in part, by the two following little discourses, (especially that of exalted happiness, &c: intended to be added hereunto.) And so likewise of some more particular observations; and among other, of gracious men's exaltive dignities and felicities in Jesus Christ, in our God, and Heaven-Kingdome. And of much knowing and enjoying such divine and Heavenny happiness, and thereby also more Heaven-minded enjoyment of temporal felicities. And how all things (both troubles and prosperity) may work to their good, either on earth, or especially in Heaven. And of their much exalted happiness (in severals) therein. And so how at last (when the obstinate unconverted wicked men shall be all horn-cutied, and Comb-shewn elsewhere) they that are Gods Children shall (to his glory) be all exalted for ever and Triumph in Heaven.    
FINIS.