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THe first day being the Chri∣stian Sabbath preceded the Festiualls, whither I referre thee. The others here follow in their order.
AGaine God said, Let there be a Firmament in the mid∣dest of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the wa∣ters Gen. 1. 3. Then God made the Firmament, and separated the waters that were vnder the
Firmament from the waters that were aboue the Firmament, and it was so; and God called the Firmament Heauen, ver. 7. So the e∣uening and the morning were the 2. day. ver. 8.
Isa. 50. 6. I gaue my backe vnto the smiters, & my cheeks to the nippers: I hid not my face from shame & spitting, &c. Related in the Gospell, Mat. 27. 1, 2. When the morning was come, all the chiefe Priests and the Elders of the People tooke counsell against Iesus to put him to death.
For thine instructi∣on meditate
For thy comfort apply the
For thy corrction reproue thy
Quicken
HAue I not remem∣bred thee in my bed, and thought vpon thee when I was waking. Psal 63. 7.
Because thou hast beene my helper, therefore vnder the shadow of thy wings will I re∣ioyce. ver. 8.
My soule hangeth vpon thee, thy right hand hath vpholden me. ver. 9.
Saue me, O God, for the wa∣ters are come in, euen to my soule. Psal. 69. 1.
I stick fast in the deepe mire where no ground is: I am come into deepe waters, so that the flouds runne ouer me. ver. 2.
My misdeeds preuaile a∣gainst me; O be thou mercifull
vnto my sinnes. Psal. 65. 3.
Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and receiuest vnto thee, he shall dwell in thy Courts, and shall bee satisfied with the pleasures of thine House, euen of thy holy Temple. ver. 4.
Thou shalt shew vs wonder∣full things in thy righteous∣nesse, O God of our saluation, thou that art the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of them that remaine in the broad Sea. ver. 5.
Thou stillest the raging of the Sea, and the noise of the waues, and the madnesse of his people. ver. 7.
They that dwell in the vt∣termost parts of the earth shall bee afraid of thy tokens, thou that makest the our goings of the Morning and Euening to
praise thee. ver. 8.
Thou visitest the earth and blessest it; thou makest it very plenteous. ver. 9.
Thou waterest her furrowes, thou sendest raine into the lit∣tle Vallies thereof: thou makest it sofi with the drops of raine, and blessest the encrease of it. ver. 11.
Thou crownest thy yeeres with thy goodnesse, and thy clouds drop fatnesse. ver. 12.
They shall drop vpon the dwellings of the wildernesse, and the little hils shall reioyce on euery side ver. 13.
Hee gathereth the waters of the Sea together, and layeth vp the deepe as in a Treasure-house. Psal. 33. 7.
O praise the Lord of Hea∣uen: praise him in the height. Psal. 148. 1.
Praise him all ye Heauens, and ye waters that bee aboue the Heauens. ver. 4.
Praise the Lord vpon earth yee Dragons and all deepes. ver. 7.
Fire and Haile, Snow and vapours, wind and storme fulfilling his Word, ver. 8.
Sing vnto God, ò ye King∣domes of the earth: ô sing prai∣ses vnto the Lord, Psal. 68. 32.
Which sitteth in the Hea∣uens ouer all from the begin∣ning: loe he doth send out his voice; yea, and that a mighty voice. ver. 33.
Ascribe ye power vnto God: his worship and strength are in the Clouds. ver. 34.
The speci∣all motiues to humility set down in the Scrip∣tures are;
TAke my Yoake vpon you, and learne of me, that I am meeke and lowly in heart, and you shall finde rest to your soules, Mat. 11. 29.
Vnlesse yee become as one of these little ones yee cannot enter into the Kingdome of God, Mat. 18. 23.
Cast downe your selues before the Lord, and he will lift you vp, Iam. 4. 10.
Decke your selues inwardly with lowlinesse of minde, 1. Pet. 5. 5.
Humble your selues vnder the mighty hand of God, that he may raise you in due time, verse 6.
Who is like to the Lord our God that hath his dwelling, on high, and yet, humbleth himselfe to behold the things that are in heauen and in earth, Psal. 113. 5.
I am among you as hee that
And he began to wash his Dis∣ciples feet, and to wipe them with the towell wherewith hee was girded, Iohn 13. 5.
He emptied himselfe, or made himselfe of no reputation, Phil. 2. 7.
He humbled himselfe, and be∣came obedient to death, euen the death of the Crosse, Phil. 2. 8.
I will speake vnto the Lord who am but dust and ashes, Gen. 18. 17.
I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies, and of all thy truth which thou hast shewed to thy seruant, Gen. 32. 10.
And he said, wherewith shall I saue Israel? Behold my Father is poore in Manasseth, and I am the least in my fathers house, Iude 6. 15.
Lord I am not high-minded, &c. Psal. 131. 1.
And Dauid said vnto Saul, who am I, and what is my life, and my
father's family in Israel that I shall bee sonne in Law to a King, 1. Sam. 18. 18.
And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy seruant King, in stead of Dauid my father; and I am but a little child, I know not how to goe in and out, 1. King. 3. 7.
Notwithstanding, Ezekiah humbled himselfe for the pride of his heart, both hee and the inha∣bitants of Ierusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord came not vp them, 2. Chron. 32. 20.
Then Iob arose and rent his Mantle, and shaued his head, and fell downe vpon the ground, and worshipped, Iob 1. 20.
O Lord God, righteousnesse belongeth to thee, but to vs con∣fusion of face at this day, Dan. 9. 7.
He that commeth after me is greater then I, whose shoo-latchet I am not worthy to vnloose, Math. 3. 11.
When hee was not farre from
the house, the Centurian sent vnto him, saying; Master trouble not thy selfe, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come vnder the roofe of my house, Luke 7. 6.
When Simon Peter saw it, hee fell downe on his knees, saying; Goe from me, Lord for I am a sin∣full man, Luke 5. 8.
The Publicane standing a farre off would not lift vp his eyes to heauen, but striking his breast said; Lord be mercifull to mee a sinner, Luke ••8. 15.
I am the least of the Apostles not worthy to be called an Apostle, &c. 1. Cor. 11. 9.
Iesus Christ came to saue sin∣ners, whereof I am chiefe, 1. Tim. 1. 15.
I am the Rose of the field, and the Lilly of the valleys, Cant. 2. 1.
I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of an humble & contrite heart, to reuiue the spirit of the humble, Is. 57. 15
To this man will I look, euen
to him that is poore, and of a con∣trite spirit, and trembleth at my word, Isa. 66. 2.
When pride commeth, then commeth shame: but with the lowly is wisedome, Prou. 11. 2.
Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and reuealed them vnto babes, Math. 11. 21.
Hee giueth more grace, where∣fore hee saith, God resisteth the proud, but giueth grace to the hum∣ble, Iam. 4. 6.
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; but before honour is humilitie Pro. 18. 1••.
Hee that humbleth, himselfe shall be exalted, Luke 14. 11.
He raiseth the poore out of the mire, and lifteth the needie out of the dunghill, Psal. 113. 7.
That he may set him with Prin∣ces, euen with the Princes of his people, verse 8.
Blessed are the poore in spirit▪ for theirs is the Kingdome of Heauen, Mat. 5. 3.
composed of
FAther Almighty, maker of hea∣uen and earth, who createdst the Euening and the Morning the second day as wel as the first, Con∣tinue, I beseech thee, vnto mee as well the comfortable rest of the Euening to refresh mee after my labour and trauaile, as the most needfull light of the Morning to manage my affaires and busi∣nesses. But especially perpetuatt vnto mee the repose of a quie•• conscience, and the cleare light of the Gospel; to guide my feete into the way of peace. This light con∣uinceth
the errours of my vnder∣standing, the deprauation of my will, the disorder of my affecti∣ons, the impurity of my thoghts, the vanity of my desires, the de∣ceitfulnesse of my heart, & the wic∣kednes of all my wayes. This light sheweth mee what I was in my birth, slime and filthinesse; what in my life, vanity and folly; and what in my death, stench & rot∣tennesse. This light discouereth vnto me that I haue nothing which I haue not receiued; that without Christ I can doe nothing; that in me (that is in my body) dwelleth no good; that I am not able of my selfe, as of my self; think a good thought: that I cannot desire to thinke, nor haue wil to desire; nor grace to will any good. My comforts are rare; my crosses frequent; my pleasures momentary; my paines permanent; my gifts small; my wants and infirmities great; my helpes weake; my assaults strong; my good deeds few, and
they tainted with imperfections, my sinnes infinite. Let these con∣siderations, O Lord, humble me in my selfe, that Christ may raise me, wound mee in my selfe, that Christ may heale me; burden mee in my selfe, that Christ may ease me; kill mee in my owne con∣ceits that Christ may quicken me; make mee most vile in mine own eyes that I may bee most deare and precious in his. O Lord which as vpon this day createdst the clouds to raine vpon the earth; showre downe thy graces abun∣dantly into my heart to mollifie it, that the seede of the Word may take deepe root downeward in hu∣mility, and spring vpward in hope, and spread abroad by charity, and fructifie in all kindes of good workes. Lord who this day sepa∣ratedst the waters from the wa∣ters, separate, I beseech thee, and distinguish betweene the waters of teares which I shed for my sinnes, and those others which I
shed for worldly crosses and ca∣lamities. Cast away the one, and put the the other into thy bottle. Lord who this day madest the heauens (or ayre) without which I cannot liue naturally, no not for a moment; infuse into my heart the Spirit of grace, with∣out which spiritually I cannot breathe in my prayers, nor sigh, nor so much as moue any facultie or part of soule or body vnto thee. As oft as I take in, or let out the aire which I breathe, let mee receiue in grace from thee, and breathe out praise vnto thee. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ, and the loue of God, and the fellowship of the holy Ghost be with me, 2. Cor. 13. vlt.
Heare me, O Lord, in the multitude of thy mer∣cies; euen in the truth of thy saluation, Psal. 69. 14.
Let not the water floods drowne mee, nor the deepe swallow me vp: and let not the pit shut her mouth vpon mee, verse 16.
Thou diddest diuide the sea through thy power, and brakest the heads of the Dragons in the waters, Psal. 74. 14.
Thou smoest the heads of Le∣uiathan in pieces, and gauest him to be meate for the people in the wildernesse, verse 15.
Thou broughtest out foun∣taines
and waters out of the hard Rocks; thou driedst vp mighty waters, verse 16.
Thou art the God that doth wonders, and hast declared thy power among the people, Psal. 77. 14.
The waters saw thee O God, the waters saw thee and were afraid, the depths also were troubled, verse 16.
The clouds powred out water; the aire thundered, and thine arrowes went abroad, verse 17.
The voice of thy thunder was heard round about; the lightnings shone vpon the ground; the earth was moued, verse 18.
Thou bringest forth clouds from the ends of the world, and sendest forth Lightnings with the raine, bringing the windes
out of his treasures, Psal. 135.
The springs of water were seene, and the foundations of the round world were discoue∣red at thy chiding, O Lord; at the blasting of the breath of thy displeasure, Psal. 18. 15.
Thy way is in the Sea, and thy pathes in the great wa∣ters, and thy footsteps are not knowne, Psal. 77. 19.
The speci∣all Argu∣ments to perswade meeknes, set downe in Scrip∣ture, are drawne from
PVt them in minde, &c. Tit. 3. 1.
That they be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekenesse to all men, verse 2.
If any man bee ouertaken in a fault, ye which are spirituall re∣store such a one in the spirit of meeknesse, Gal. 6. 1.
I beseech you that yee walke worthy of the vocation where∣with ye are called, with lowlinesse, and meeknesse, with long suffe∣ring, forbearing one another in loue, Ephes. 4. 2.
Put on therefore, as the Elect of God, holy and beloued, the bowels of mercy, kindnesse, hum∣blenesse of minde, meeknesse, long-suffering, Col. 3. 12.
Forbearing one another, for∣giuing one another; if any man haue a quarrell against any, euen as Christ forgaue you, so also doe ye, verse 13.
But thou, O man of God, flye these things, and follow after righteousnesse, godlinesse, faith, patience, meekenesse, 1. Tim. 6. 11.
Dearely beloued auenge not your selues, but rather giue place vnto wrath; For it is written, Ven∣geance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord, Rom. 12. 19.
Wherefore, my beloued Bre∣thren, let euery man bee swift to heare, slow to speake, and slow to wrath, Iam. 1. 19.
For the wrath of man wor∣keth not the righteousnesse of God, verse 20.
Look diligently, least any man faile of the grace of God; least a∣ny root of bitternesse spring vp and trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. Heb 12. 15.
Consider thy selfe, least thou also be tempted, Gal. 6. 1.
Let him among you that is without sinne, cast the first stone, Ioh. 8. 7.
Hee shall haue iudgement
without mercy that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy reioyceth a∣gainst iudgement, Iam. 3. 13.
And they heard the voice of the Lord in the coole of the day, walking in the garden, &c. Gen. 3. 8.
And after the earthquake there was a fire, but God was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice, verse 12. (in which voice God was)▪ And it was so when Eliah heard it. &c. verse 13.
Neuerthelesse, for thy great mercies sake, thou diddest not vtterly consume them, nor for∣sake them, for thou art a gracious and mercifull God, Nehem. 9. 31.
God said to Ionah, Doest thou well to be angry for thy Gourd? Ion. 4. 9.
Thou hast pitie on the Gourd for which thou hast not laboured, which came in a night, and peri∣shed in a night, verse 10.
And should not I spare Nine∣ueh that great Citie, wherein are
more then sixscore thousand per∣sons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left; and also much cattell, verse 11.
Tell the daughter of Soon Be∣hold the King commeth vnto thee, meeke, Mat. 21. 5.
He shall not striue nor crie; nei∣ther shall any man heare his voice in the streets, Mat. 1••. 19.
A bruised reede shall hee not breake, nor smoking flaxe shall hee not quench, verse 20.
I beseech you by the meeknesse and gentlenesse of Christ, 2. Cor. 10. 1.
The said, Lord wilt thou com∣mand that wee call for fire from heauen, &c. Luk. 9. 54.
But hee turned and rebuked them, and said, yee know not of what spirit yee are made, verse 55.
Loe the heauens were opened vnto him, and hee saw the Spirit descending like a Doue, and lighte∣ning vpon him, Math. 3. 16.
man aboue all the men that were vpon the face of the earth, Num. 12. 3.
Let him curse, seeing the Lord hath said vnto mee, Curse Dauid: who shall then say; wherefore hast thou done so? 2. Sam. 16. 10.
My soule is euen as a weaned child, Psal. 131. 3.
But I was like a Lambe, or an Oxe that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had deuised deuises against me, Ier. 11. 19.
Iesus said, it is not meet to take the childrens bread, and cast it to Dogs, Mar. 7. 27.
And shee said vnto him, Yes Lord; yet the dogges vnder the ta∣ble eate of the childrens crums, verse 28.
But wee were gentle among you; euen as a nurse cherisheth her children, 1. Thes. 2. 7.
Thy name is as an ointment powred out, Cant. 1.
The anointment which ye haue
receiued of him abideth in you, 1. Ioh. 2. 27.
I will giue them hearts of flesh. Ezek. 11. 19.
I send you as Lambes among wolues, Luke 10. 3.
Behold the Lambe of God, &c. Ioh. 1. 29.
Hee was led as a sheepe to the slaughter, and like a Lambe dumb before the shearer, so opened hee not his mouth, Acts 8. 32.
Be wise as Serpents, and inno∣cent as Doues, Mat 10. 16.
Learne that I am meeke, and ye shall finde rest vnto your soules, Math 11. 29.
The meeke shall prosper in the earth, and shall delight them∣selues in the aboundance of peace, Psal. 37. 11.
The Lord lifteth vp the meeke, Psal. 147. 6.
The meeke shall hee guide in iudgement, and the meeke will he teach his way, Psal. 25. 9.
Who is a wise man and indued
with knowledge among you, let him shew out of a good con∣uersation his workes in meekenesse of wisedome, Iam. 3. 13.
Receiue with meekenesse the word ingraffed in you, which is able to saue your soules, Iam. 1. 21.
The wisedome which is from aboue, is first pure, then peaceable, Iam. 3. 17.
And the fruits of righteous∣nesse are sowne in peace of them that make peace, verse 18.
Blessed are the meeke, for they shall inherit the earth, Mat. 5. 5.
O Lambe of God which takest a∣way the sinnes of the world, who as vpon this day wert led as a sheepe to the slaughter, and as a Lambe before thy Shearers, ope∣nedst not thy mouth; who gauest thy back to the smiters, and thy cheeks to the nippers, and thine armes to the binders, and thy face to the spitters; apply, I beseech thee, vnto mee these thy meeke suffe∣rings. Make that profitable to mee which thou enduredst for me. Let thy bonds, O meeke Re∣deemer
set me free; let thy si∣lence pleade for me, let thy spittle cure my blindnesse, let thy stripes heale me, let thy nakednesse cloth me, and let thy meekenesse in all discipline me. If thou who in the forme of God thoughtest it no rob∣bery to be equall with God, yet hum∣bledst thy selfe, & didst become obe∣dient to death, euen the death of the Crosse, shall not I meekely submit my necke to the yoke? If thou who art God didst empty thy selfe and become of no reputa∣tion, shall I that am but a worme of the earth fill my selfe, and swell with pride? If thou suff••∣redst blowes, shall not I an affront? If thou, the Beauty of Heauen, enduredst spitting vpon, shall not I endure the fome of a loose tongue? Shall I for a word of disgrace venter my owne life and assault the life of my brother? Doe I value the life of my body and soule so low, that I will pawne it for a toy, a triflle, a mocke, a
word? God forbid. Thy Law, O God, commandeth meekenesse; thine example (my Lord) per∣swades meekenesse; my condition requires meekenesse; my frame and temper (after a sort) prea∣cheth meekenesse. Why hast thou giuen me a soft skinne, but to pat∣terne in my body this vertue of the minde? Why hast thou gi∣uen me a tender heart, but to re¦ceiue deepe the impression of compassionate griefe? Why hast thou giuen me melting eyes but to weepe for mine owne infirmities, and my brethrens calamities? Why am I brought into the world disarmed, without any of∣fensiue Weapon, but to teach me that I should not fight with, nor hurt any? Thou, O Lord, hast created me a Lambe, shall I by rage and cruelty make my selfe a Tyger? Thou madest me as a soft rose of Sharon▪ and Lillie of the Vallie, shall I turne my selfe into a thorne and thistle? I
know Anger dis-figureth the bo∣dy, much more the soule. It hur∣teth and endangereth others, much more my selfe. It is very offensiue to man, much more to thee. Wherefore I beseech thee, let thy peace alwaies rule in my heart, and quell and subdue all my rebellious affections, especi∣ally this of wrath, the most vio∣lent and impetuous of all the rest. Weede out of my heart all accursed Thornes and Thistles, that the seedes of thy Word may bring forth the fruits of righ∣teousnesse, which are sowne in peace of them that loue peace. O let not the Sunne goe downe on thy wrath against me, or my wrath against my brethren, but grant that ha∣uing made my peace with thee, by faith in thy bloud, with my brethren by forgiuing them from my heart, and reconciling my selfe to them, I may lay me downe in peace and take my rest. And let thy hand, O Sauiour, which shall
protect mee this night from all perills and dangers, raise me the next morning to serue thee in my calling, and magnifie thy goodnesse for all thy mercies and fauours vouchsafed vnto me. So be it. Amen. I
BLessing, honour, glory, and power bee vnto him that sit∣teth vpon the Throne, and vn∣to the Lambe for euer and ouer, Amen. Reuel. 5. vlt.
GOd said againe, Let the waters vnder the Heauen bee gathered▪ into one
place, and let the dry land ap∣peare: and it was so. Gen. 1. 9.
And God called the dry land earth; and he called the gathering together of the waters Seas: and God saw that it was good, v. 10.
Then God said, Let the earth bud forth the bud of the herbe that seedeth seede the fruitfull tree, which beareth fruit accor∣ding to his kinde, which hath his seede in it selfe vpon the earth: and it was so. ver. 11.
And the earth brought forth the bud of the herbe, that see∣deth seede according to his kind; also the tree that beareth fruit, which hath his seede in it selfe according to his kinde: and God saw that it was good. ver. 12.
So the Euening and the Mor∣ning were the third day, ver. 13.
WHo is this that com∣meth from Edom, with
red garments from Bozrah? He is glorious in his apparell, and walketh in his great strength; I speake in righteousnesse, and am mighty to saue. Isa. 63. 1.
I haue troden the Wine-presse alone, & of all people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and tread them vnder foot in my wrath, and their bloud shall bee sprinkled vpon my garments, and I will staine all my rayment. ver. 3.
And two dayes after follow∣ed the Feast of the Passeouer, and of vnleauened bread: and the high Priests and Scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. Mar. 14. 1.
But they said, Not on the feast day, least there bee a tumult a∣mong the people. ver. 2.
And when he was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the Leper, as he sate at Table, there came a woman, hauing a box of Oint∣ment
of Spikenard, very costly, and shee brake the Box and powred it on his head, ver. 3.
For thine instructi∣on meditate
For thy comfort apply the
For thy correction reproue thy
Quicken
SIng vnto the Lord a new song; sing cheerefully with a loud voice, Psal. 33. 3.
For the Word of the Lord is true, and all his workes are faithfull, ver. 4.
He loueth righteousnesse and iudgement; all the earth is full of the goodnesse of the Lord, ver. 5.
Hee gathereth the waters of the Sea together, as it were vpon an heape, and layeth vp the deepe, as in a Treasure-house, ver. 7.
Let the Earth feare the Lord; stand in awe of him all yee that dwell in the world, ver. 8.
For hee spake and it was done; hee commanded, and it
stood fast, ver. 9.
He so layed the Foundations, that it should not moue at any time, Psal. 104. 5.
He watereth the hills from aboue; the earth is filled with the fruits of his workes, ver. 3.
Hee bringeth forth grasse for the Cattle, and greene herbes for the vse of men, ver. 14.
That he may bring food out of the Earth, and Wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and Oyle to make him a cheer∣full countenance, and Bread to strengthen mans heart, ver. 15.
The Trees of the Lord also are full of sap, euen as the Ce∣dars of Lebanon which hee hath planted, ver. 16.
Hee couereth the Heauens with Clouds, and prepareth raine for the earth, and maketh
the grasse to grow vpon the mountaines, Psal. 147. 8.
Which giueth to the beasts their foode, and to the young Rauens that cry, ver. 9.
Praise the Lord vpon earth yee Dragons and all deepes, Psal. 148. 7.
Mountaines and all Hills, fruitfull Trees and all Cedars, ver. 9.
Euery day will I giue thanks vnto the Lord, and praise his Name for euer, Psal. 145. 2.
Thou hast giuen me more ioy of heart, then they whose Corn and Wine, and Oyle increa∣sed, Psal. 4. 8.
We must desire & pray for godly sorrow, because it is
TVrne ye vnto me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping and mourning, Ioel 2. 12.
And rent your hearts and not your garments, &c. ver. 13.
And in that day did the Lord God of hosts call to weeping and mourning, and to baldnesse, and girding with Sackcloth, Isa. 22. 12.
Now I reioyce, not that yee were made sorry, but that yee sorrowed to repentance, 2 Cor. 7. 9.
For ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might re∣ceiue damage in nothing.
Weepe not for me, but weepe for your selues, Luk. 23. 28.
Ye shall weepe and lament, &c. Io. 16. 20.
Howle and lament, &c. Iames 5. 1.
I abhorre my selfe, and repent in dust and ashes, Iob. 42. 6.
I fainted in my mourning; I cause my bed euery night to swimme, and water my couch with my teares, Psal. 6. 6.
I will confesse my wickednesse, and be sorry for my sin Ps. 38. 18.
Hezekiah humbled himselfe for the pride of his heart, he and the inhabitants of Ierusalem, and therefore the wrath of the Lord came not in the dayes of Heze∣kiah, 2 Cro. 33. 12.
And when he was in affliction he besought the Lord his God, & humbled himselfe greatly before the God of his fathers, 2 Cr. 33. 12
And prayed vnto him, and was intreated of him, ver. 13.
Now when Ezra had prayed, and had confessed weeping and casting himselfe downe before the house of God, there assembled vnto him, out of Israel, a very great congregation of men, and women, and children; for the people wept very sore, Ezr. 10. 1.
And Peter remembred the
words which Iesus said vnto him, Before the Cocke crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice; and he went out, and wept bit∣terly, Mat. 26. 75.
Come vnto me all ye that are heauy laden, and I will ease you, Mat. 11. 28.
He hath anointed me to preach the Gospell to the poore, hee hath sent me to heale the broken hearted, Luke 4. 18.
The Sacrifice of God is a con∣trite spirit; a broken and a con∣trite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psal. 51. 17.
Put my teares in thy bottle; are not these things noted in thy booke? Psal. 56. 8.
The Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping, Psal. 6. 8.
Tell Hezekiah, the Captaine of my people, saying; I haue heard thy prayer, I haue seene thy teares, I will heale thee, 2 Kings 30. 5.
And when they heard these
things, they were pricked in their hearts, and said vnto Peter, Men and Brethren, what shall we doe? Act. 2. 37.
Godly sorrow causeth repen∣tance not to be repented of; but worldly sorrow causeth death, 2. Cor. 7. 10.
For behold this selfe same thing that yee sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulnesse it wrought in you, yea what clee∣ring of your selues, yea what in∣dignation, yea what feare, yea what vehement desire, yea what zeale, yea what reuenge, ver. 11.
They that sow in teares, shall reape in ioy, Psal. 126. 7.
I dwell with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to re∣uiue the spirit of the humble, and to reuiue the heart of the contrite, Isa. 57. 15.
Ye shall be sorrowfull but your sorrow shall bee turned into ioy; Ioh. 16. 20.
Blessed are they that mourne,
for they shall bee comforted, Mat. 5. 4.
Wee haue mourned vnto you, and yee haue not wept, Luke 7. 32.
And yee are puffed vp, and haue not sorrowed, 1 Cor. 5. 2.
Woe bee vnto thee Corazin, woe vnto thee Rethsaida, &c. for they, &c. in sack cloth, Mat. 11. 21.
And I gaue her time to repent, and shee would not repent, Reuel. 2. 21.
After thy hard and impenitent heart treasurest vp to thy selfe wrath in the day of wrath, Rom. 2. 3.
O That my head were water, and mine eyes were a spring of teares, that I might weepe day and night, for the deluge of sinne ouerflowing the whole world; but especially, for the in∣undation therof in this our I••••nd. We are ouerwhelmed in this Tor∣rent, and should be drowned, but that the gales of thy Spirit driue it somewhat backe, and thy re∣straining Grace with the publike discipline of our Lawes and Ca∣nons set some bounds to it. What hearts can vent sight e∣nough, what eyes yeeld suffici∣ent
teares to bewaile those pub∣like sinnes, vnder the burthen whereof the Land sinketh; be∣sides those priuate which lye as heauy on each of vs in particu∣lar? Sinnes of omission, sinnes of commission; sinnes of birth, sinnes of life; sinnes of youth, sinnes of age; sinnes of frailty, sinnes of ••ilfulnesse; sinnes of act sinnes of habit and custome; sinnes of se∣cret taint, sinnes of open st••in••; Sinnes of infirmity committed a∣gainst the power of the Father; sinnes of ignoranc•• against the wisdome of the Sonne; and sinnes of malice against the grace of thy holy Spirit. If I should goe about to extenuate my sinne••, euen that would aggrauate them: if to ex∣cuse them, my conscience would condemne me. For I must con∣fesse to thy glory, and my owne shame, that by my Originall and Actuall, secret and open, sudden and aduised, ignorant an•• ••••••i∣cious sinnes, I haue dishonoured
thy Name, prophaned thy Word, defaced thine Image, grie∣ued thy▪ Spirit, despighted thy Grace, wounded my owne con∣science, stained my good name, scandalized my profession▪ de∣priued my selfe of the comforts of the Gospell, of the protection of Angells, of the sweet fellow∣ship of thy Spirit, and drawne vpon m••e many heauy iudge∣ments, and treasured vp wrath a∣gainst the day of wrath. Yet be∣cause I mourne (with Dauid) in my prayers, I weepe bitterly with Peter, I abhorre my selfe in dust and ashes with Iob, I am ashamed and confounded with Ezra, Lord let thy mercy preuaile against thy iustice; my sighs and teares against my sinfull ioyes, and thy Sonnes bloud euen against my crimson sinnes. Lord who on this day madest dry Land, and firme ground to appeare, dry vp my ••••••res with the beames of thy mercy, and giue me firme ground
of comfort in thy Word. Lord, who on this day createdst all kinde of seedes, sow in my heart the in∣corruptible seede of thy Word, that I may thereby be regenera∣ted to a liuely hope. Lord, who on this day createdst all kindes of fruitfull Trees, make mee like a good Tree to bring forth good fruit here, that I may hereafter eate of the Tree of Life which is in the middest of the Paradise of God. So be it. Amen.
GOd, the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, grant mee, ac∣cording to the riches of his glory, that I may be strengthened by his spirit in the inner man, Ephes. 3. 16. That Christ may dwell in my heart by faith, that I being rooted and grounded in loue, ver. 17.
May be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the bredth, and length, and depth, and height, v. 8.
And to know the loue of Christ which passeth knowledge, that I may bee filled with the fulnesse of God, verse 19.
OVT of the deepe haue I called vnto thee, O Lord; Lord heare my voice, Psal. 130. 1.
O let thine eares consider wel the voice of my complaint, verse 2.
If thou Lord wilt be extreme to marke what is done amisse, O Lord, who can abide it? ver. 3.
But there is mercy with thee, therefore thou shalt bee feared, verse 4.
I looke for the Lord; my soule doth waite for him; in his word is my trust, verse 5.
My soule flyeth to the Lord before the Morning watch, I say before the Morning watch, verse 6.
I haue watched, and am euen as a Sparrow that sitteth alone on the house top▪ Psal. 102. 7.
My heart is smitten down and withered like grasse, so that I forget to eate my bread, verse 4.
Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and instruct∣est him in thy Law.
They that sowe in teares, shal reape in ioy, Psal. 126. 7.
Hee that now goeth on his way weeping, and beareth forth good seede, shal doubtlesse come againe with ioy, and bring his sheaues with him, verse. 8.
The righteous shall flourish
like a Palme-tree, and shall spread abroad like a Cedar in Lebanon, Psal. 92. 11.
Hee shall be like a tree plan∣ted by the Riuer's side, which bringeth forth her fruit in due season, Psal. 1. 3.
Whose leafe shall not fall, and what soeuer hee doth it shall prosper. verse 4.
Such as bee planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of the house of our God, Psal. 92. 12.
They also shall bring forth more fruit in their age, and shal befat and well liking, ver. 13.
We must di∣ligently and earnestly seek after the meanes of our saluation because ther∣by—
SEek the Lord and his strength, seeke his face euermore, Psal. 105. 4.
Labour not for the meat that perisheth, but for that meat which endureth to euerlasting life, Ioh. 6. 27.
Receiue mine instruction, & not siluer; and knowledge rather then fine gold, Prou. 5. 10.
For wisedome is better then pre∣cious stones; and all pleasures are not to bee compared vnto her, verse 11.
Follow after loue, and couet spi∣rituall things, 1. Cor. 14. 1.
Follow peace with all men and holinesse, without which no man shall see the Lord; Heb. 12. 14.
Set your affections on things which are aboue, and not on things which are in the earth, Col. 3. 2.
My soule breaketh out for the
very feruent desire that it hath al∣way to thy iudgements, Psal. 119. 26.
My soule is a thirst, for God, euen for the liuing God, Psal. 42. 1, 2.
One thing is needfull, & Mary hath chosen that good part which shal not be taken away from her, Luke 10. 41.
From the time of Iohn Baptist, hitherto the Kingdome of heauen hath suffered viclence, and the violent take it by force, Math. 1. 12.
Length of dayes is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and glory, Prou. 3. 16.
Seeke yee first the Kingdome of God, and his righteousnesse, and all other things shall be added vnto you Mat. 6. 33.
Godlinesse is profitable vnto all things, hauing promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come, 1. Tim. 4. 8.
If from thence thou seeke the
Lord, thou shalt finde him. Deut. 4. 29.
Her wayes are the wayes as plea∣sure. and all her paths are peace, Pro. 3. 17.
She is a Tree of life to them that lay hold vpon her; and happy is euery one that reteineth her, verse 18.
Your heart shall liue that seeke good, Psal. 69. 33.
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousnesse: for they shall be satisfied, Mat. 5. 6.
The Kingdome of Heauen is like to a Merchant man that seeketh good pearles, Mat. 3. 45.
Who hauing found a Pearle of great price, went and fold all that he had, and bought it, verse 46.
BLessed Redeemer, who tro∣dest the wine-presse of thy fa∣ther's wrath alone, reconcile mee to thy Father, and of a child of wrath make mee a child of grace, and sonne of desires. Thou who tro∣dest the wine-presse alone, no Arch-angell, or Angel, or any creature in heauen or in earth, being ioy∣ned with thee in that worke. Giue mee a taste of the new wine of thy Gospel, to cheere vp and reuiue my drooping spirits, and comfort my heauy and sorrowfull heart. Thou which camest with thy garments red from Bozra; yea, as
red as bloud. Cloath mee with thy red garment died in thine owne bloud. Couer my nakednesse, defor∣mities, wounds, and sores from the sight of thy Father. Thy garment is no narrow nor scanty garment; it is large enough to couer thee, and all thine Elect. It is the wed∣ding garment, without which none shall euer be admitted into the Kings Supper, but bee bound hand and foot, and cast into outward darknesse; where shall bee weeping, and gnashing of teeth. And this doome we all deserued; for wee were borne naked and voide of all good, and we lay a long time wallowing in our owne bloud and filth, and no eye pittied vs, till it pleased thee of meere loue and compassion to take vpon thee a nature of infirmities, to cure all the infirmities of our nature, and to cloath thy selfe with flesh, that thou mightest beare off our blowes, and receiue the stroakes of diuine iustice that wee should
haue endured, and deadded them in thine owne body. O what shall I returne vnto thee, by way of thankefull acknowledgement of such thy loue? I can render thee nothing but that which thou hast giuen me. I can render thee no∣thing that is not thy due before. I can render thee nothing but that which thou puttest into my heart to render it to thee. Wherefore I hūbly beseech thee, by thy grace to enflame my heart with thy loue, to incite mee to perpetuall praise & thanksgiuing: to kindle in me an euerlasting desire to ap∣proue my self vnto thee, & more and more tie thy loue vnto me. O let nothing be so precious to me as thy fauour, nothing so fearfull as thy displeasure; nothing so hatefull as sin; nothing so desira∣ble as thy grace. Let me not now like a little child run in the dirt, & soile my cloathes, and take many a fal in pursuite of a Butter-fly, or a bubble of Sope appearing glo∣rious
in the aire, but suddenly vanishing to nothing. Let mee not be so foolish as to lay the foundation of my happinesse in sinking sands, or goe about to chase a vanishing shadow. Let me enter into a serious conside∣ration of the vanitie of the world, and the deceitfulnesse of riches, and shame of pleasures, and folly of sports, and leuity of honours, and danger of greatnesse, and account of all. Perswade mee by thy Spirit out of thy Word that I haue heere no abiding Citie, but seeke for one hereafter. That I am a stranger and pilgrim here vpon earth; and therefore howsoeuer I haue heretofore mis-spent my time, and mis-placed my affecti∣ons, and spilt my labours, and lost my selfe in following earth∣ly vanities; yet let me now take the right way to true content∣ment. Let all my trauailes be to∣wards heauen, all my trade for spiritual merchandise, all my labour
for the meate that perisheth not, all my searching for the pearle of the Gospell, all my seeking for the Kingdome of God and the righte∣ousnesse thereof. Let mee desire temporall blessings onely for spi∣rituall ends; wealth, that I may he rich in good workes; prefer∣ment, to aduance the honour of the Gospell; health & strength, the better to enable mee to doe thee seruice; length of dayes, that I may praise thee in the Land of the liuing. Lord, whose life was sought this day to destroy it, seeke thou mine to saue it. Lord who this day w••rt anointed to thy death and buriall, anoint me with thy Spirit to eternall life. Saue mee from the hands of all mine enemies, that I may serue thee without feare, in holinesse and righteousnesse all the dayes of my life. Guard mee by thy proui∣dence, that securely reposing my soule on thy mercy for my ab∣solution from sinne, and my
bodie on thy power for deliue∣rance from all dangers, I may so by rest and sleepe refresh and strengthen both, that I may rise the next morning more cheere∣fully to trauaile in the wayes of thy lawes, and workes of thy com∣mandements. So be it. Amen.
Vnto him that is able to doe ex∣ceeding aboundantly, aboue all that I aske or thinke, accor∣ding to the power that worketh in me, be glory in the Church, by Christ Iesus, throughout all ages, world without end, Ephes. 3. 20, 21.
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enemies; for I fly to thee to helpe me, verse 9.
Be mercifull vnto mee, and blesse mee, and shew the light of thy countenance vpon mee, and be mercifull vnto me, Psal. 67. 1.
God is the Lord who hath shewed vs light; binde the sa∣crifice with cords to the hornes of the Altar, Psal. 118. 27.
There is sprung vp a light for the righteous, and ioyfull gladnesse for such as be true of heart, Psal. 97. 11.
Reioyce in the Lord, O yee Righteous, and giue thankes for a remembrance of his holi∣nesse, verse 12.
I will consider the heauens, euen the worke of thy fin∣gers; the Moone, the Starres which thou hast ordained, Psal. 8. 3.
The Heauens declare the glory of God, and the Firma∣ment sheweth his handy work, Psal. 19. 1.
In them hath hee set a Ta∣bernacle for the Sunne, which commeth forth as a Bride∣groome out of his chamber, and reioyceth as a Gyant to runne his course, verse 5.
It goeth forth from the vt∣termost part of heauen, and runneth about to the end of it againe, and nothing is hid from the heate thereof, verse 6.
The Lord is my light and my saluation, whom then shall I feare? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom then shall I be afraid? Psal. 27. 1.
Though I should walke through the valley of the sha∣dow of death I will feare no
euill, for thou art with me; thy Rod and thy Staffe they com∣fort me, Psal. 23. 4.
Surely kindnesse and mercy shall follow mee all the dayes of my life; and I shall remaine a long season in the house of the Lord, verse 6.
ENter not into iudgement with thy seruants, O Lord, for in thy sight shall no man li∣uing be iustified, Psal. 143. 2.
The Lord grant vnto him that he may finde mercy of the Lord in that day, 2 Tim. 1. 18.
That he might make knowne the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, Rom. 9. 23.
For God hath concluded all vnder vnbeliefe, that hee might haue mercy vpon all, Rom. 10. 31.
And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, mercifull and gra∣cious, long suffering, and abun∣dant in goodnesse and in truth, Exod. 34. 6.
Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiuing iniquity, transgression and sinne, ver. 7.
God is rich in mercy, Ephesians 2. 4.
Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the Heauens, and thy faithfulnesse reacheth to the Clouds, Psalme 36. 5.
For thou, Lord, art good and ready to forgiue, and plenteous in mercy to all them that call vpon thee, Psal. 86. 5.
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy, Psal. 145. 8.
The Lord is good vnto all, and his tender mercies are ouer all his workes, ver. 9.
Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, the Fa∣ther of mercy, and God of all comfort, 2 Cor. 1. 3.
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to doe iustly, and loue mercy, &c. Micah 6. 8.
Thus speaketh the Lord, Ex∣ecute true iudgement, and shew mercy and compassion euery man to his brother, Zach. 7 9.
Be ye mercifull as your father also is mercifull, Luke 6. 36.
Giue Almes of those things which are within, and behold all things shall bee cleane to you, Luke 11. 41.
Sell that yee haue, and giue Almes, Luk. 12. 13.
Be yee kinde one to another; tender-hearted, forgiuing one a∣nother, euen as God, for Christs sake, hath forgiuen you, Ephes. 4. 32.
I will haue mercy, and not sa∣crifice, Hos. 6. 6 Mat. 9. 13.
Put on therefore, as the Elect of God, bowels of mercy, &c. Col. 3. 12.
To doe good and communicate forget not, for with such sacrifi∣ces God is well pleased, Hebr. 3. 16.
Finally, be ye all of one minde, hauing compassion one of another, loue as brethren; be pittifull, be courteous, 1 Pet. 3. 8.
Remember those that are in
bonds, as though yee were bound with them, Heb. 13. 3.
Come ye blessed of my Father; inherit the Kingdome prepared for you, from the foundations of the world, Mat. 25. 34.
For I was hungry, and ye gaue me meat, ver. 35.
I was thirsty, and ye gaue mee drinke, &c.
In that ye did it to the least of my brethren, ye did it vnto me, ver. 40.
But the fruits of the Spirit are ioy, peace, long-suffering, gentle∣nesse, goodnesse, &c. Gal. 5. 22.
The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodnesse, and righteousnesse, and truth Eph. 5. 9.
If I haue with-held the poore from their desire; if I haue cau∣sed the eye of the widdow to faile; if I haue eaten my morsell alone, and the fatherlesse hath not eaten thereof, Iob. 31. 17.
If I haue seene any perish for want of cloathing, or any poore
without couering, ver. 19.
If his bones haue not blessed me, and if hee were not warmed with the fleece of my sheepe, ver. 20.
Now there was in Ioppa a cer∣taine woman, a Disciple called Tabitha, which by interpretati∣on is called Dorcas; this woman was full of good workes and almes∣deeds which she did, Act 9. 36.
There was a certaine man in Cesaria called Cornelius, of the band, called the Italian band, Act. 10. 1.
A deuout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gaue much almes to the people, ver. 2.
There came a certaine Sama∣ritane also that way, and when he saw him, hee had compassion on him, Luke 10. 33.
And went to him, and bound vp his wounds, powring in Oyle and Wine, &c. ver. 34.
He said, Hee was his Neigh∣bour that shewed mercy on him;
then said Iesus to him, Goe thou, and doe likewise, ver. 37.
Now I haue all: I abound, I am full, hauing receiued from Epaphroditus the things that were sent from you, an ointment of a sweet smelling sacrifice accepta∣ble and pleasing to God, Phil. 4. 18.
The Lord giue mercy to One∣siphorus his house, for hee oft re∣freshed me, and was not ashamed of my chaines, 2 Tim. 1. 16.
We haue great ioy and conso∣lation in thy loue, because the bowels of the Saints are refreshed by thee, brother, Phil. 7.
Pure Religion, and vndefiled before God, euen the Father, is this; to to visit the fatherlesse and widdowes in their aduersities, and to keepe himselfe vnspotted of the world, Iam. 1. 27.
There shall be iudgement mer∣cilesse to him that sheweth no mer∣cy; and mercy reioyceth against iustice, Iam. 2. 13.
Blessed are the mercifull, for
they shall obtaine mercy, Mat 5. 7.
The liberall soule shall be made fat, and hee that watereth shall bee watred also himselfe, Prou. 11. 25.
Giue, and it shall be giuen vn∣to you good measure, pressed downe, and running ouer, Luke 6. 38.
Whosoeuer shall giue to drink vnto one of these little ones, a cup of cold water, only in the name of a Disciple, verily he shall not lose his reward.
composed of
O Lord, what is man that thou art so mindfull of him, or the sonne of man, that thou so regardest him? Thou ma∣dest so much of him, that thou madest all creatures for him; the Fowles of the Aire, Fish in the Sea, and Beasts of the Field to furnish his Table, and clothe his nakednesse, and serue his vse. The earth thou createdst to su∣staine him, the water to wash and coole him, the aire to breath him, the fire to warme him, the Flowers to refresh him, the Herbes to cure him, the Fruits
and Graines to nourish him, the Mines to inrich him, the preci∣ous Stones to adorne him; yea, the glorious Lamps of Heauen, The Sunne and Moone, to light him, the one in the Day, the o∣ther in the Night, and both to measure his time, to direct his husbandry, to recreate him in his trauells, to ripen his fruits and increase his store. Nay, (which farre surpasseth the glo∣rious beames of the Sunne, and his comfortable light) thou ga∣uest him a sure light of prophecy before the day dawne, and the day∣starre arose in the Firmament of the Church, and afterwards cau∣sedst the Sunne of righteousnesse to arise vpon him, to shine in his heart in this life by grace, and in Heauen by glory for euermore. Shall I not reioyce in this light? Shall I not open all the Case∣ments of my soule to let it in? Shall I not account their feet beautifull, and the ground happy
on which they tread, who bring me tidings of this wonderfull Light? Shall I not loue thee a∣boue all things, who hast pre∣ferred mee aboue all things? Shall I not serue thee with all the faculties of my body and soule, who makest all thy Creatures serue me? What pretext can I haue for my ingratitude and dis∣obedience to thee, so gracious a Lord and Master? I cannot pleade ignorance of thy Deity, for the Heauens declare thy glory, and the Firmament sheweth thy handy-worke. I cannot pretend ignorance of thy Law, for thou hast put thy Word into my mouth, and written thy Law in my heart. I cannot alledge that I neuer heard of, or saw the Light of thy Gospell, for the light came into the world, and shined in the darke∣nesse, and the darkenesse compre∣hended it not. Neuer had any Na∣tion a more bright Sun-shine of the Gospell then ours. But we
loue darkenesse more then light, be∣cause our deeds are euill. And be∣cause we loue darkenesse more then light, thou mightest most iustly haue already cast vs into outward darkenesse. But there is mercy with thee, that thou mayest be feared; there is Balme in Gilead to cure cur deadly wounds; there is Vn∣ctim in Christ; there is saluation in Iesus; there is redemption in his bloud; there is satisfaction in his death; there is merit in his perfect obedience; there is hope in his resurrection and ascension; and euerlasting comfort in his sitting at the right hand of his Father, to make intercession for vs. O Eter∣nall Aduocate, pleade my muse. Thou, who out of thy pierced side openedst to all the inhabitants of the earth a Fountaine for sinne and vncleannesse, wash mee from my wickednesse, and clense me from my sinne: grant me thy peace which thou promisest thy chosen, that my heart bee not troubled. Make
an atonement for mee, and bring me into fauour, with thy Father, and my Father, thy God, and my God. And because all my hope is in thy mercy, Lord let me imi∣tate that vertue in thee which I implore. Let mee patterne that grace in my life, which saueth my life. Let mee from my heart forgiue my brethren their tres∣passes, compassionate their infir∣mities, relieue their necessities, ease their crosses, and beare their burthens. Let the hungry haue neuer a iust action against me at thy Barre, for not giuing them meate, nor the thirsty for not gi∣uing them drinke; nor the naked, for not clothing them; nor the sicke and imprisoned, for not visi∣ting them; nor the fatherlesse and widowes for not protecting & de∣fending them. Let me, who need abundant mercy, shew abundant mercy. Let me mete such measure to my brethren as I expect from thee. As a good childe, let mee
follow the example of my hea∣uenly Father, who (as on this day) caused the Sunne to rise vp∣on the Iust and the vniust. So let the light of my knowledge, and heat of my loue be extended to all, but especially to those of the houshold of faith. And as the Sun shineth vpon my body, so make thy countenance shine vpon my soule. As the Sunne draweth vp exhalations from the earth, so raise thou my thoughts and de∣sires from earthy comforts to heauenly obiects. As the Sunne melteth Snow and Ice: so melt thou my heart frozen in the dregs of sinne. As the Snnne dispelleth all mists of darkenesse, and cleereth the Aire from all Fogs and noysome Vapours: so let thy Spirit disped all errors of my vnderstanding, and cleere my will from all fogs and fumes of noy∣some lusts. Giue mee grace to keepe a regular, constant, and vnwearied course vpon earth, as
the Sunne doth in Heauen; and to grow in grace, and increase in heauenly wisdome, as the Sunne ascendeth higher, and shineth still brighter till it bee high Noone. Lastly, the Sunne reioy∣ceth as a Gyant to runne his course: So grant that I may cheerefully runne and finish my race, and af∣ter I haue finished it, receiue the re∣ward of the Righteous, who shall shine as the Sun in the Kingdome of the Father for euermore. Amen.
Grant, Lord, that I may bee filled with the knowledge of thy Will in all wisdome and spirituall vn∣derstanding, Col. 1. 9.
That I may walke worthy of thee, & please thee in all things, being fruitfull in all good workes, and increasing in the knowledge of thee, ver. 10.
Strengthened with all might through thy glorious power vn∣to
all patience, and long suffe∣ring, with ioyfulnesse, ver. 11.
O Giue thankes vnto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his mercy endu∣reth for euer, Psal. 136. 1.
Which onely doth wonders; for his mercy indureth for e∣uer, ver. 4.
Which by his excellent wise∣dome made the Heauens; for his mercy endureth for euer, ver. 5.
Which made great lights, for his mercy endureth for euer, ver. 7.
The Sunne to rule the day; for his mercy endureth for e∣uer, ver. 8.
The Moone and the Stars to gouerne the night; for his mer∣cy endureth for euer, ver. 9.
He telleth the number of the Starres, and calleth them by their names, Psal. 147. 4.
He appointed the Moone for certaine seasons; and the Sun knoweth his going downe, Psal. 104. 19.
Thou makest darknesse that it may be night, wherein all the beasts of the Forrest doe moue, ver. 20.
The Sunne ariseth, and they get them away together; and lay them downe in their dens, ver. 22.
Man goeth forth vnto his worke and to his labour vntill the Euening, ver. 23.
O Lord, our Gouernour, how excellent is thy Name in all the world, Psal. 8. 9.
NOw therefore serue the Lord, and serue him in sin∣ceritie of heart, and in truth, Ios. 24. 14.
Prepare your hearts vnto the Lord, and serue him onely, 1. Sam. 7. 3.
They that are of a forward heart are an abomination to the Lord, but such as are vpright in the way are his delight, Prou. 11. 20.
My sonne giue mee thy heart, and let thine eyes obserue my wayes, Pro. 23. 26.
Cleanse your hands yee sin∣ners, and purge your hearts yee double-minded, Iam. 4. 8.
Serue God with a perfect heart, and with a willing minde; for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and vnderstandeth all imagina∣tions of the thoughts, 1. Chron. 28. 9.
O Ierusalem wash thine heart, Ier 4. 4.
God seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance; but God iudgeth the heart, 1. Sam. 16. 7.
Thou knowest the hearts of all men, Acts 1.
He will lighten things hid in darknesse, and make the coun∣sels of thy heart manifest, 1. Cor. 4. 5.
Thou louest truth in the inward parts, Psal. 51. 6.
Wee speake not as pleasing men but as pleasing God who tryeth the hearts, 2. Thes. 2. 4.
Let it bee the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible, the ornament of a meeke and quiet spirit; which is in the sight of God of great price, 1. Per. 3. 4.
Keepe the heart with all dili∣gence; for out of it are the issues of life, Prou. 4. 23.
Hee that loueth purenesse in
heart, the King shall be his friend, Prou. 22. 11.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God, Math. 5. 8.
Truely God is good vnto Israel, euen to him that is of a cleane heart, Psal. 73. 1.
That which fell on good ground, are they which with an honest and good heart heare the Word, and keepe it, and bring forth fruits with patience, Luke 18. 15.
Who shall ascend into the Hill of the Lord; or who shall stand in his Holy place? Psal. 24. 3.
He that hath cleane hands, and a pure heart, verse 4.
Hee that walketh vprightly, and speaketh vprightly, &c. Isai. 33. 15.
He shall dwell on high, &c.
Compo∣sed of
MOst holy, blessed, and glo∣rious God, who dwellest in light which none may approach, I miserable and sinfull creature, by nature a child of the night, and of darknesse; nay, very darknesse it selfe, am ashamed and confoun∣ded to lift vp mine eyes to heauen, or looke towards the place where thine honour dwelleth. For, I haue sinned against heauen and against thee, and deserue to be cast out for euer from the sight of thy face, and presence of thy glorious Ma∣iestie into vtter darknesse which
the diuel the Prince of darknesse, and his Angels that are reserued in chaines of darknesse, till the great and terrible Day of thy wrath. For that heauenly light which thou hast kindled in my heart (though I seeke to smother it neuer so much) clearely conuinceth my conscience, that I preferre the pleasures of sinne which are the workes of darknesse, before the glo∣rious inheritance of thy Saints in light, hauing my very vnderstan∣ding, the onely light which is in me, much darkened through the ignorance that is in me, by reason of the hardnesse of my heart. And notwithstanding thou hast cal∣led mee early and late, and stret∣ched thy hands all the day long vn∣to mee, yet I haue walked still in the vanitie of my minde, and wea∣ried my selfe in the wayes of wickednesse, and haue not hear∣kened to thy voice whereby I might walke in thy lawes which thou hast appointed for me. Or if for a short
time I haue reioyced in the light of the Gospel, yet soone after I haue quenched thy Spirt, and haue giuen my selfe to wantonnesse, to worke filthinesse with greedinesse. Enter not into iudgement with thy seruant, O Lord, for in thy sight shall no man liuing be iustified. Though thou shouldest drowne all my former sinnes in the bottome∣lesse sea of thy mercy; yet the sins of this day alone giue sufficient euidence against mee, to con∣demne mee. My vnsanctified de∣sires, and impure thoughts, and vaine imaginations, and idle words, and vnfruitfull workes make mee vnexcusable before thee. I cannot answer for my abuse of the crea∣tures, mis-spending my time which is most precious, & ouer∣stipping many occasions of do∣ing good. How negligent haue I beene in the duties of my cal∣ling? How cold and dull in my exercises of Religion? How de∣fectiue in the confession of my
sinnes? How carelesse in applying the soueraigne remedies of the Word? My very prayers which I make vnto thee for the supplying of all my wants, and healing of all my infirmities, are accompanied with so many wants and infir∣mities, that I haue neede to aske pardon for these my imperfect prayers. Lord giue mee a sense of my stupidity and senselesnesse, and a feruent desire of more fer∣uency and zeale, and true remorse and sorrow for want of remorse and sorrow for these my sinnes. And because that I know not how to pray as I ought, let thy Spirit make intercession for me with sighs and grones which cannot be expres∣sed, and let the bloud of thy Sonne speake better things for mee then the bloud of Abel. O let not the glorious light of Heauen goe downe vpon thy displeasure against me, but for thy decre Sonne, Iesus Christ his sake, who is the pr••∣pitiation for my sinnes, be reconci∣led
vnto mee while it is called to day, that I may finde rest vnto my soule this night, together with the comfortable refreshing of my body by sleepe. So shall I neuer cease with a ioyfull heart, and a cheerefull voice, to praise thee for thine vnspeakable loue in e∣lecting me to eternall life in Hea∣uen, before thou hadst laid the foundations of the earth: Thy goodnesse in creating mee after thine owne Image; thy mercy in redeeming mee with the bloud of thine onely begotton Sonne; thy grace in calling mee to the know∣ledge of thy truth; and thy fa∣therly care in safely protecting me, mercifully correcting, and liberally prouiding for me euer since the day thou breathedst into me the breath of life. Giue me yet more, O Lord. What wilt thou giue me? Giue mee a thankefull heart for all these inestimable fauours of thine infinite loue, that I may continually blesse
thee for thy continuall bles∣sings, with the dew of thy grace descending vpon me, alwaies be∣ginning the day with thy mercy, and ending it with thy praise. Blessed Redeemer, who wert this day sold for thirty pieces of Siluer, redeeme me from the thraldome of sinne, and neuer suffer mee with Ahab, to sell my selfe to worke wickednesse against thee. Let the heinousnesse of Iudas his sinne, and the horrour of his punish∣ment deterre me from betraying thy truth for any worldly ad∣uantage whatsoeuer. O Bread of Life, which hungredst for my sake; O Source of the Springs of Libanon, who thirstedst for my sake; O Ioy of all mankinde, which sorrowedst for me; O Truth it selfe and fidelity, which wast by false trechery betrayed for my sake; O the true Wedding gar∣ment which wast stript for mee; O the Redemption and ransome of the world, who wert sold for
my sake; O the Life and Resur∣rection of all that hope in thee, who dyedst for me; imprint thy loue so deepe into my heart, that nei∣ther hunger, nor thirst, nor sor∣row, nor nakednesse, nor trechery, nor thraldome, nor hope of re∣ward, nor feare of persecution, nor life, nor death may race it out. Was it not enough, O Lord, to become man for mee, but thou must become a ser∣uant? Was it not enough as a seruant to bee scourged for me, but must thou also, like a bond∣slaue, bee sold for me, that am a bond-slaue of Satan, sold vnder sinne? Was it not too much to be sold, but must thou bee sold at so vile a price as thirty pieces of siluer? Was no means thought meane enough to abase thee? The cheaper thou wert sold, the dearer I cost thee; for thou gauest not onely thy liberty and life, but thy estimation also for mee. The lower thou
wert abased, the higher thou hast exalted mee. The lesse was giuen for thee, the more I owe thee, who wert content to bee prized solow, and made of no re∣putation for me. O strange ran∣some! The Redeemer is sold, that the sold bond-slaue may be redee∣med. O admirable iudgement! The righteous is condemned, that the vnrighteous may righteously bee acquitted. O wonderfull cure! The Physician is sicke, and dyeth, that the Patient may liue. Me••ke Sauiour, thou foresawest that the Diuell would enter into Iudas before hee entered. Thou knewest that hee would betray thee, yet thou chosest him: that hee would lift vp his foot against thee, yet thou shoddest him with the preparation of the Gospell of peace: that hee would sell thee, yet thou trustedst him with thy Purse: that the poyson of Aspes was vnder his lip, yet thou suffe∣redst him to touch thy Lips in
which there was no guile, and seale them with a kisse; and gently vnsealing them, thou saidst no more to him but, Friend, how camest thou hither? Doest thou betray the Sonne of man with a kisse? Sweet Sauiour, how wilt thou entertaine thy friends, when thou thus intreatedst thy trecherous seruant? Thou who wert so good to him, that was so bad, as worse neuer was; how will thy grace and goodnesse a∣bound to them that excell in vertue. If thou sufferedst a Trai∣tor to kisse thee, thou wilt neuer resuse to cheere vp the drooping countenance of a penitent sin∣ner with a kisse. Thy Espouse emboldneth me to beg that kind∣nesse of thee which she did. Let him kisse me with the kisses of his lips. Kisse thou me with a kisse of loue, but let me neuer kisse thee with the kisse of Iudas. Let mee neuer draw neere to thee with my lips, and be farre from thee in my
heart, but first draw ••y heart, & then my body & soule vnto thee. Thou requirest the heart, and sear∣chest the heart, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the heart, and acceptest of no seruice or sa∣crifice without it; Lord, giue me a cleane heart, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a right Spirit within me, that I may giue thee such a heart as thou requi∣rest. Clense the thoughts, and affections, and intentions of my heart from all impurity, impie∣ty, iniquity, in-sincerity, fraud, and hypocrisie. Let all the thoughts of my heart bee pure, the desires holy, the intentions sincere, the affections vnfained, and let all my words and works be hearty. O let my heart be al∣waies fixed vpon thee; possessed with thee; established in thee; true vnto thee; vpright towards thee; and sincere for thee; that in the great Day, when the secrets of all hearts shall bee manifested, my heart may not condemne mee, but thou approue it, and accept
it, and fill it with such ioyes as neuer entred into the heart of man. So be it. Amen.
Thanks bee giuen to the Father, which hath made me meet to be partaker of the inheritance of the Saints in light, Col. 1. 12.
Who hath deliuered me from the power of darknesse, and hath translated mee into the King∣dome of his deare Sonne, ver. 13.
In whom I haue redemption through his bloud, euen the for∣giuenesse of sinnes, ver. 14.
SO afterward God said, Let the waters bring forth in a∣bundance euery creeping thing that hath life: and let the Fowle flye vpon the earth in the open Fir∣mament of the Heauen Gen. 1. ••0.
Then God created the great Whales, and euery thing liuing and mouing, which the waters brought forth in abundance, according to their kinde, and euery feathered Fowle, according to his kinde; and God saw that it was good, ver. 21.
Then God blessed them, saying; Bring forth fruit & multiply, & fill the waters in the Seas, and let the Fowles multiply in the earth, v. 2••.
So the Euening and the Mor∣ning were the fifth day.
THen came the Day of vnle∣uened bread, when the Passo∣uer must be sacrificed, Luke 22. 7.
And be sent Peter and Iohn, say∣ing; Goe and prepare vs the Passo∣uer, that we may eat it, ver. 8.
And they said, &c. v. 9. Then he said vnto them, Behold, &c. v. 10.
And say to the goood man of the house, The Master saith vnto thee, Where is the lodging where I shall eat my Passouer with my Disci∣ples, ver. 11.
Then he shall shew you a great high Chamber, &c. ver. 12.
So they went, and found as hee had said vnto them, and neade rea∣dy the Passouer, ver. 13.
And he tooke Bread, and when he had giuen thankes, hee brake it,
and gaue to them, saying; This is my Body which is giuen for you, doe this in remembrance of me, ver. 19.
Likewise also, after Supper hee tooke the Cup, saying; This Cup is the new Testament in my bloud, which is shed for you, ver. 20.
And he came out, and went (as he was wont) to the Mount of O∣liues, and his Disciples also follow∣ed him, ver. 39.
And when he came to the place, he said to them, Pray, lest ye enter into temptation, ver. 40.
And he gate himselfe from them about a stones cast, and kneeled downe, and prayed, ver. 41.
Saying, Father, if thou wilt, take away this Cup from me: ne∣uerthelesse not my will, but thine be done, ver. 42.
And there appeared an An∣gell vnto him from Heauen, com∣forting him, ver. 43.
But being in an Agony, he pray∣ed more earnestly: and his sweat
was like drops of bloud, trickling downe the ground, ver. 44.
For thine instructi∣on meditate
For thy comfort apply to thy selfe the Benefits
For thy correction reproue thy
Quicken
O Lord, how manifold are thy workes, in wisdome hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches, Psal. 104. 24.
So is the great and wide Sea, wherein are things cree∣ping innumerable, both small and great beasts, ver. 25.
There goe the Ships, and there is that Leuiathan, whom thou hast made to take his pastime therein, ver. 26.
These wait all vpon thee, that thou mayest giue them their meate in due season, ver. 27.
That thou giuest, they gather, thou openest thy hand, and they are filled with good, ver. 28.
Thou hidest thy face and
they are troubled; thou takest away their breath and they dye, and returne againe to their dust, ver. 29.
They that goe downe to the Sea in ships, that doe their bu∣sinesse in great waters, Psal. 107. 23.
These see the workes of the Lord, and his wonders in the deepe, ver. 24.
For hee commandeth, and raiseth vp the stormy wind, which lifteth vp the waues thereof. ver. 25.
They mount vp to the Hea∣uens, they goe downe againe to the depth; their heart is melted because of trouble, ver. 26.
They reele to and fro, and stagger like, a drunken man, and are euen at their wits end, ver. 27.
Then cry they to the Lord
in trouble, and hee bringeth them out of their distresse, v. 28.
He maketh the stormes to cease, so that the waues there∣of are still, ver. 29.
Then are they glad because they are quiet; so hee bringeth them to their desired Hauen, ver. 30.
Praise the Lord vpon earth ye Dragons and all deepes, Psal. 148. 7.
Beasts & all Cattel; wormes, and fethered Fowles, ver. 10.
He sendeth the Springs into the Vallies, which run between the mountaines, Psal. 104. 10.
By these Springs shall the Fowles of the Heauen dwell, and sing among the branches, ver. 12.
Let euery thing that hath breath praise the Lord; Praise ye the Lord, Psal. 150. 6.
The deuout soule must labour to make peace, and haue peace with all, as far as it is possible in
SEeke peace and ensue it, Psal. 34. 14.
Execute the iudgement of truth and peace in your gates, Zach. 8. 16.
Let none of you imagine e∣uill in your hearts against your Neighbour, ver. 17.
Haue Salt, and haue peace one with another, Mar. 9. 50.
Into what house soeuer yee enter, first say; Peace bee to this house, Luke 10. 5.
If it bee possible, haue peace with all men, Rom. 12. 18.
Let vs therefore follow after the things that make for peace, and things wherewith wee may edifie one another, Rom. 14 19.
God hath called vs to peace, 1 Cor. 7. 15.
Be of one minde; liue in peace, 2 Cor. 13. 12.
Let the peace of God rule in
your hearts, to the which all yee are called in one body, Col. 3. 15
Follow righteousnesse, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart, 2 Tim. 2. 22.
Follow peace with all men, &c. Heb. 12. 14.
God is not the God of confusi∣sion, but of peace, 1 Cor. 14. 33.
The God of peace shall be with you, Phil. 4. 19.
To vs a Sonne is giuen, and the gouernment shall bee vpon his shoulders, and his Name shall be called, Wonderfull, Counseller, The Mighty God, The Euerla¦sting Father, The Prince of peace, Isa. 9. 6.
Melchi••sedec▪ first being by in∣terpretation, King of Righteous∣nesse; and after that, also, King of Salem, which is King of peace, Heb. 7. 2.
That he might be like to the Sonne of God, who abideth our Priest continually, ver. 3.
The fruit of the Spirit is loue, ioy, peace, &c. Gal. 5. 22.
Abraham said, Let there bee no strife betweene me and thee, and my Herdsmen & thy Herds∣men, for we are brethren, Gen. 13. 8.
I labour for peace, Psal. 1 20 6.
Though I bee free from all men, yet haue I made my selfe seruant vnto all, that I might gaine the more, &c. 1 Cor. 9. 19.
Why suffer yee not rather wrong? 1 Cor. 6. 7.
Being reuiled, we blesse; be∣ing persecuted we suffer it. 1 Cor. 4. 12.
Being defamed, wee intreat, ver. 13.
What man is he that desireth life and loueth many dayes, that he may see good, Psal. 34. 12.
Seeke peace, &c. ver. 14.
Blessed are the Peace-makers, for they shall be called, The chil∣dren of the most High, Mat. 5. 9.
your peace shall rest vpon it; if not, it shall turne to you againe, Luk. 10. 6.
The Wisdome from aboue is first pure, then peaceable, Iam. 3. 17.
The fruits of righteousnesse are sowne in peace of them that make peace, Iam. 3. 18.
The Kingdome of God is not meat and drinke, but righteous∣nesse and peace, and ioy in the holy Ghost, Rom. 14. 17.
Liue in peace, and the God of loue and peace shall bee with you, 2 Cor. 13. 12.
Keepe the vnity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, Eph. 4. 3.
Follow peace, &c. without which no man shall see God, Heb. 12. 14.
composed of
ONe depth calleth vpon a∣nother; the depth of my ignorance vpō the depth of thy Wisdome; the depth of my wickednesse, vpon the depth of thy goodnesse; the depth of my misery, vpon the depth of thy mercy. O Lord, in the depth of thy Wisdome finde meanes to helpe my ignorance; in the depth of thy goodnesse, to ouercome my wickednesse; in the depth of thy mercy to relieue my misery. Inlighten mine vnderstanding, that I may know mine igno∣rance; rectifie my will, that I may detest my wickednesse; and
mollifie my heart, that I may be∣waile my misery: and by faith incorporate me into thy Sonne, Iesus Christ, that I may be par∣taker of his knowledge, righte∣ousnesse, and happinesse. As he made my ignorance his igno∣rance, and my sinne his sinne, and my misery his misery▪ by ta∣king vpon him my guilt, and sa∣tisfying for my punishment: so make thou (I beseech thee) his Wisdome my instruction, his Righteousnes my sanctification, and his Glory my happinesse. Consider mee, I beseech thee, not as I am in my selfe, defiled; but as I am in him, washed; not as I am in my selfe naked, but as I am in him, clothed; not as I am in my selfe wounded, but as I am in him, healed; not as in my selfe, a childe of wrath, but as in him reconciled and at peace with thee. And hauing my peace made with thee by his chastise∣ment; grant that I may haue peace,
as farre as it is possible, with all men; especially, with all the chil∣dren of peace. Let mee euer re∣member and consider, that thou, my Father, art the God of peace; and thy Sonne, my Sauiour, the Prince of peace; and his Law, the Gospell of peace; and his Seruants, the Children of peace; whose du∣ty is the study of peace, and the marke they principally aime at, as the end of their faith, the peace of God which passeth all vnderstan∣ding. O let mee striue and con∣tend against strife and contenti∣on, as a thing most hatefull to thee, hurtfull to my neighbour, and most of all preiudiciall to my selfe, by endangering my person and state, disturbing the quietnesse of my minde, hindring me in the prosecution of my bu∣sinesse, and (which is worst of all) making me indisposed, and al∣together vnfit for the perfor∣mance of diuine duties. Teach me of what spirit I am or should
be, euen of that which descended vpon thy Sonne in the likenesse of a Doue without Gall: By this spirit mortifie in me the lusts and affections of the flesh, as enuy, wrath, reuenge, and the like. By the still voice, in which thou spakest to Elias, let mee learne that thou art not in the fire of my rage, nor in the storme of my passion, but in the saft gale of grace. Lord, who on this day replenishedst the Sea and Riuers with fish, and Aire with Fowles in shapes admirably various, and in number almost infinite; stir me vp by the consideration thereof, to admire thy power & wisdome in thus storing, and (as it were) peopling this vaste and fearefull seeming solitude; and much more to magnifie thy goodnesse in thus richly and daintily fur∣nishing the tables of men. Bles∣sed Lord, who this day madest the waters fruitfull, let thy Spirit moue vpon the waters of my
teares, that they may abound in the fruits of repentance, and bee blessed in the encrease of spiritu∣all consolatious. Lord, who this day commandest the Fowles to flye through the aire, lift vp my soule from the earth with the wings of faith and hope, that she may flye vp towards Heauen. Make mee light and cheerefull after my hea∣uy sorrowes and grieuous affli∣ctions, that though I haue beene as blacke and sad in my heart and countenance, as if I had lay∣en among the pots, yet I may be, by the grace of thy Spirit, which descended in the likenesse of a Doue, like that Doue, whose wings are siluer, and her feathers like gold. So be it. Amen.
God grant that my loue may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all iudgement, Phil. 1 9.
That I may discerne things
that differ one from another, that I may be pure, and without of∣fence, vntill the day of Christ, ver. 10.
Filled with the fruits of righ∣teousnesse, which are by Iesus Chirst, vnto the glory and praise of God, ver. 11.
Wherein the deuout soule expresseth her desire of prayer for peace
BEhold how good and plea∣sant a thing it is, brethren to dwel together in vnity, Ps. 133. 1.
It is like the precious Oint∣ment vpon the head, that ranne downe vpon the Beard, euen Aarons Beard, and went downe
to the skirts of his clothing, v. 2.
As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended vpon the Mountaine of Sion; for there the Lord promiseth his blessings, and life for euermore, ver. 3.
Woe is me, that I am constrai∣ned to dwell with Meseck, and to haue my habitation in the tents of Kedar, Psal. 120. 4.
My soule hath long dwelt a∣mong them that be enemies vnto peace, ver. 5.
I labour for peace; but when I speake to them therof they make themselues ready to battaile, v. 6.
Pray for the peace of Ierusalem; they shall prosper that loue thee, Psal. 122 6.
Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy Palaces, ver. 7.
For my brethren and compa∣nions sake, I will now say, Peace be within thee, ver. 8.
Because of the house of the Lord my God, I will seeke thy good, ver. 9.
All true Christians must valiantly and cheerfully endure troubles for the Gospell in respect of
IN the world ye shall haue af∣flictions, Iob 6. 33.
I was dumbe, and opened not my mouth, because thou, Lord, hadst done it, Psal. 39. 9.
Let them that suffer according to the Will of God, commit their soules to him in well doing, as their faithfull Creator, 1 Pet. 4. vlt.
Who hath euer resisted his Will? Rom. 9. 19.
He is able to subdue all things to himselfe, Phil. 3. 21.
We must through many affli∣ctions enter into the Kingdome of God, Act. 14. 22.
All that liue godly in Christ Iesus, shall suffer persecutions, 2 Tim. 3. 12.
Thou therefore endure hard∣nesse, as a good Souldier of Ie∣sus Christ 1 Tim. 2. 3.
You shal be hated of all men for
my Names sake, Luke 21. 17.
The loue of Christ constraineth vs, because wee thus iudge, that if One dyed for all, then all were dead, 2 Cor. 5. 14.
Who shall separate vs from the loue of Christ? Shall tribu∣lation, or anguish, or distresse, or persecution, or famine, or sword? Rom. 8. 35.
Nor height, nor depth, nor a∣ny other creature shall be able to separate vs from the loue of God, which is in Christ Iesus, our Lord, Rom. 8. 39.
Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord Iesus, nor of mee his prisoner, but bee partakers of the afflictions of the Gospell, 2 Tim. 1. 8.
As the sufferings of Christ a∣bound in vs so our consolation abounds through Christ, 1 Cor. 1. 5.
Christ also suffered for vs, lea∣uing vs an example, that wee should follow his steps, 1 Pet. 2. 21.
Whom he fore-knew, he pre∣destinated to be conformed to the Image of his Sonne, Rom. 8. 29.
I was hungry, and ye gaue me no meate; I was thirsty, and yee gaue me no drinke, &c. Mat. 25. 43.
In as much as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not vnto me, ver. 45.
He that despiseth you, despi∣seth me, Luke 10. 16.
Saul, Saul, Why persecutest thou me? Act. 9. 4.
Ioseph said, Feare not: for am not I vnder God? Gen. 50. 19.
Naked came I out of my Mo∣thers wombe, and naked shall I returne thither againe; the Lord gaue, and the Lord hath taken away, and blessed be the Name of the Lord, Iob. 1. 21.
Shall wee receiue good at the hands of the Lord, and shall wee not receiue euill? In all this did not Iob sinne with his lips, Iob 2. 10.
But I was a man that hea∣reth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofes, Psal. 38. 14.
For thy sake are we killed all the day long, &c. Psal. 44. 22.
It is good for a man that hee beare the yoke in his youth. Ier. 3. 27.
He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because hee hath borne it vpon him. ver. 28.
He putteth his mouth to the dust if so bee there may be hope, ver. 29.
Hee giueth his cheeke to him that smiteth him; he is filled full with reproach.
Others were tortured, and would not bee deliuered, that they might receiue a better re∣surrection, Heb. 11. 35.
And others haue beene tryed by mockings and scourgings, yea moreouer, by bands and impri∣sonment, ver. 36.
They were stoned, they were hewen in sunder, they were temp∣ted,
&c. verse 37, 38.
And they departed from the presence of the Councell, reioy∣cing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his Name, Act. 5. 41.
Then Paul answered, What meane you to weepe, and to breake mine heart, for I am rea∣dy, not onely to be bound, but to dye also at Ierusalem, for the Name of the Lord Iesus, Acts 21. 13.
In labours more abundant, in stripes aboue measure, in prison more frequent, in death often, 2. Cor. 11 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, verses.
Remembring without ceasing your worke of faith, and labour of loue, and patience of hope in our Lord Iesus Christ, 1. Thes. 13.
God hath set forth vs the last Apostles, as it were ap∣proued to death; for wee are made a spectacle to the world, and to Angels, and to men, 1.
Cor. 4. 9.
Ye endured a great fight of af∣flictions, Heb. 10. 32.
Partly while ye were made a gazing stocke, both by reproches and afflictions, and partly while ye became companions of them that were so vsed, ver. 33.
I know thy workes, and thy la∣bour, and thy patience, Reue. 2. 2.
I know thy faith, and thy pati∣ence, and thy workes, ver. 19.
My bonds in Christ are mani∣fest in that place, and all other places, Phil. 1. 13.
And many of the brethren in the Lord waxing confident by my bonds, are made more bold to speake the Word without feare, Phil. 1. 14.
And they cast Stephen out of the City, and stoned him; and the Witnesses laid downe their clothes at the young mans feet, whose name was Saul, Act. 1. 58.
And they stoned Stephen calling vpon God, and saying,
Lord Iesus receiue my Spirit, ver. 59.
And he kneeled downe, and cryed with a loud voice, Lord lay not this sinne to their charge; and when hee had said this, hee fell asleepe, ver. 60.
Sauls conuersion, Act. 9.
They shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, deliue∣ring you vp to their Synagogues, and into prison, being brought before Kings and Rulers for my Names sake, Luk. 21. 12.
And this shall turn to you for a testimony against them, ver. 13.
And you shall be brought be∣fore Gouernors and Kings for my Names sake, for a testimony a∣gainst them, and against the Gentiles, Mat. 10. 18.
Others had tryalls of cruell mockings and scourges, yea more∣ouer of bonds and imprisonment, Heb. 11. 36.
The trying of your faith wor∣keth patience, Iam. 1. 3.
Ye are in heauinesse through manifold tentations, 1 Pet. 1. 6.
That the triall of your faith being much more precious then Gold (though it bee tryed with fire) might be found vnto praise, and honour, and glory at the ap∣pearing of Iesus Christ, ver. 7.
Brethren account it exceeding great ioy when ye fall into diuers tentations, Iam. 1. 2.
I reioyce in my sufferings, Col. 1. 24.
Your sorrow shall bee turned into ioy, 10. 16. 20.
As many as I loue I rebuke and ch••sten, Reu. 3. 19.
Whom the Lord loueth he cha∣steueth; and hee scourgeth euery son that he receiueth, Heb. 12. 6.
No chastening, for the time seemeth to bee ioyous but grie∣uous. Neuerthelesse, afterwards it yeeldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousnesse to them that are exercised thereby, ver. 11.
He chasteneth vs for our profit,
that we might be partakers of his holinesse. ver. 10.
Let patience haue her perfect worke, that ye may be perfect and entire lacking nothing, Iames. 1. 4.
By patience ye shall inherite the promises, Heb. 6. 12.
By your patience possesse your soules, Luke 21. 19.
Because thou hast kept the world of my patience, I will keepe thee from the houre of tentation, Reu. 3. 10.
Whosoeuer confesseth me be∣fore men, I will confesse him be∣fore my Father which is in he••∣uen Luke 12. 8.
Verily I say vnto you, that no man that hath forsaken house, or lands for my sake, but he shall receiue an hundred fold, and in the world to come life euerlasting, Mark. 10. 29.
If ye suffer for righteousnesse sake, blessed are ye: yea feare not their feare neither be troubled, 1. Pet. 3. 14.
But sanctifie the Lord in your hearts, ver. 5.
If we suffer with him, wee shall also raigne with him, Rom. 8. 17.
The afflictions of this present life are not worthy the glory that shall be reuealed, ver. 18.
Blessed are they that suffer for righteousnesse sake, for their is the Kingdome of heauen, Mat. 5. 10.
consisting, of
GRacious Lord and Sauiour who this day didst eate the Passeouer, and went eating in thy Supper; Suppe with me in the Eue∣ning
of this life, and grant that I may Dine with thee in thy day of eternitie. Gracious Redeemer, who this day gauest thy selfe to me in the Sacrament, first insti∣tuted by thee; and the day fol∣lowing gauest thy selfe for mee on the Crosse; giue me a speciall saith to receiue thee, and retaine thee, and applie continually thy feare to embolden me, thine A∣gonie to comfort me, thy naked∣nesse to cloathe me, thy cōdemning to quit me, thy bloud to clense me, thy wounds to heale me, and thy death to quicken me. O let not the worke of thy hands bee plucked out of thy hands. Let not the purchase of thy bloud be morgaged to the diuell. Let not thy teares and bloud bee shed in vaine. Let not thy sighes and groanes be breathed out to no purpose. Let not thine agonie and sweate, let not thy taking and bin∣ding; let not thy arraigning and condemning; let not thy stripping
and scourging; let not thy buffet∣ting and being spit vpon; let not thy pricking and goaring; let not thy crucifying & dying want their effects in me. What should I not do or suffer for thee, who wert martired in all parts of thy body and faculties of thy soule for me: In thy minde by apprehension of thy Fathers wrath, in thy affecti∣ons by feare and sorrow euen vn∣to death; in thy inward parts by thine agonie: in thy outward by thy torments: in thy head by thornes: in thy cheekes by buffets: in thy face by spettle: in thy eares by blasphemies: in thy smell by the stench of Golgotha: in thy taste by gall and vineger: in thy handes and feete by nailes: in thy bodie by stripes: in thy side by the launce: and in thy ioynts by the crosse. O Lord, who hast called me to the knowledge of thy truth, and by thy Spirit imprin∣ted thy loue in my heart by those nailes which fastened thee to the
Crosse. Let nothing euer be able to separate me from thy loue, not tri∣bulation, nor anguish, nor persecu∣tion, nor height, nor depth, nor things present, nor things to come, nor life, nor death: for I know that all things worke for the best to them that loue thee. I cannot suffer the thousandth part of that for thee, which thou hast suffered for mee. I cannot suffer the least part of that which I deserue for my sins. I cannot suffer any thing which the Apostles and Prophets haue not suffered before me. I cannot suffer so much as may any way counter-ballance the massie crowne of glory prepared for me: for my light and momentarie afflicti∣ons are no way worthy the glorie that shall be reuealed vpon me hereafter. And for the present, what are afflictions, or crosses, or persecutions, or mockes, or disgra∣ces? but the common lot of thy children, the discipline of thy schoole, the physicke for my
soule, the pledge of thy loue, the badge for my profession, the incen∣tiues of my deuotion, the triall of my faith, the exercise of my patience, the testimonie of my constancie, the marke of my con∣formitie with thee. When I am thus chastened I am iudged of thee that I be not condemned of the world. Shall tribulation therefore, or anguish, or bands, or imprison∣ment, or stripes, or banishment, se∣parate me from thy loue? Nay, sith I know they befall me by thy prouidence, and are mitiga∣ted by thy mercie, and directed by thy loue for my greater good; they shall rather vnite me faster to thee. How shall I denie thee who art the Lord that bought me•• How should I grieue thy Spirit which comforteth me in all my griefes? How should I set that bloud at nought which was the price of my redemption? How shold I euer willingly offend thee who art my peace, & hast reconciled me
to thy Father, and payed my ran∣some with thy dearest hearts bloud? How can I euer forget thee who remembrest me at all times in all places; in my iour∣nies by thy conduct; at home by thy safe-guard; in my pray∣ers by thy assistance; in my affli∣ctions by thy comforts, in my board by thy bountie; in my bed by thy protection; and in all my wayes by thy support. To this thy gracious prouidence and care which continually watcheth ouer all thine Elect: I commend my sleepe and rest this night, be∣seeching thee so to order it and me that whether I sleepe or wake, whether I labour or rest, whe∣ther I lye downe or rise vp, all may be done vnder thy prote∣ction, in thy feare, to thy glorie. So be it, Amen.
TO him that is able to keepe me that I fall not, and to pre∣sent me faultlesse, before the pre∣sence
of his glory with ioy Iud, 24.
That is, to God onely wise my Sa∣uiour, be glorie, and maiestie, and dominion, and power. &c. ver. 24.
MOreouer God sayd, Let the earth bring forth the li∣uing thing, according to his kind, cattell, and that which creepeth, and the beast of the earth, according to his kind, and it was so, Gen. 1. 24.
And God made the beast of the earth according to his kind, and the cattel according to his kind, and euery creeping thing of the earth according to his kind: and God saw that it was good, ver. 25.
Furthermore, God sayd; Let vs make man in our owne Image ac∣cording to our likenes, and let him rule ouer the fish of the Sea, and ouer the Fowle of the Heauen, and
ouer the beasts, and ouer all the earth, and ouer euery thing that crcepeth, & moueth on the earth, ver. 26.
Thus God created the man in his Image: In the Image of God created hee him; hee created them male and female, ver. 27.
And God blessed them, and God sayd to them: Bring forth fruit, and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule ouer the fish of the Sea, and ouer the fowle of the heauen, and ouer euery beast that moueth vpon the earth, ver. 28.
And God sayd, Behold, I haue giuen to you euery herbe bearing seede which is vpon all the earth, and euery tree wherein is the fruit of a tree bearing seed that shall be to you for meate, ver. 29.
Likewise, to euery beast of the earth, and to euery sowle of the heauen, and euery thing that mo∣ueth vpon the earth which hath life in it selfe, euery greene herbe shall be for meat; and it was so, ver. 30.
And God saw all that he had made, and loe it was very good. So the Euening & the Mor∣ning were the sixt day, ver. 31.
AND I WORKEThe worke of Redemption on this day.
Matth. 27. the whole Chap. as also Luke 23. Mar. 15. Ioh. 19. When he was reuiled, he reuiled not againe; when he suffered, hee threatned not, but committed himselfe to him that iudgeth righteously.
Who his owne selfe bore our sinnes, in his owne body on the tree, ver. 24.
For thine instru∣ction meditate
For thy comfort apply to thy selfe the benefit of both.
For thy correction check thy selfe for thy
Quicken
O Come let vs worship, and fall downe, and kneele before the Lord our Ma∣ker, Psal. 95. 6.
For he is the Lord our God, and wee are the people of his pasture, and the sheepe of his hands, v. 7.
What is man, Lord, that thou art so mindfull of him, or the sonne of man that thou visitest him? Psal. 8. 4.
Thou madest him little low∣er then the angels to crown him with glory and worship, v. 5.
Thou madest him to haue do∣minion ouer thy workes, and thou hast put all things in sub∣iection vnder his feet, v. 6.
All Sheep and Oxen; yea, and the beasts of the field, v. 7.
The Fowles of the aire and the Fishes of the Sea, and whatsoeuer walketh through the paths of the seas, ver. 8.
O Lord our gouernor, how excellent, &c. v. 9.
We are in holy Scrip∣tures inui∣ted & per∣swaded to Holinesse by
BE ye holy, for I the Lord your God am holy, Reuel. 11. 44.
Giue your members seruants vnto righteousnesse in holinesse, Rom. 6. 19.
Follow peace with all men and holinesse, Heb. 12. 14.
Put on the new man which af∣ter God is created in true holi∣nesse. Eph. 4. 24.
Be in behauiour as becometh holinesse, Tit. 2. 3.
As he that called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of con∣uersation, 1. Pet. 1. 15.
Thou wilt not suffer thy holy one to see corruption, Act. 2. 27.
But ye denied the holy one, and the iust, Acts 3. 14.
Holy men spake as they were moued by the holy Ghost, 2. Pet. 1. 21.
Shee was found with child of
the holy Ghost, Mat. 1. 18.
He will baptise you with the holy Ghost and with fire, Mat. 3. 11.
The Spirit of sanctification, Rom. 1. 4.
The Temple of God is holy; which Temple ye are, 1. Cor. 3. 17.
That he might present to him∣selfe a glorious Church, not ha∣uing spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy, and without blemish, Eph. 5. 27.
Created after the Image of God in righteousnesse and true holinesse, Eph. 4. 24.
God hath not called vs to vn∣cleanenesse, but to holinesse, 1. Thess. 4. 7.
Let your conuersation be such as becometh the Gospel, Phil. 1. 21.
Walke worthy of the Lord, Col. 1. 10.
I beseech you that ye walke worthy the calling whereunto ye are called.
He hath visited and redeemed his people &c.
That we might serue him without feare in holinesse and righteousnesse all the dayes of our life, Luke 1. 71.
Being freed from sinne and made seruants to God, ye haue your fruite in holinesse, and the end euerlasting life, Rom. 6. 21.
Holinesse without which no man shall see the Lord, Heb. 12. 4.
Reioyce in the Lord alwayes, and againe I say reioyce, Phil. 34.
Reioyce in the Lord, ô ye righ∣teous, and be glad all ye that are true of heart, Psal. 31. 12. Psal. 32. 1.
Ye reioyce with ioy vnspeake∣able and full of glorie, 1. Pet. 1. 8.
The Kingdome of God is righteousnesse, and peace, and ioy in the holy Ghost Rom. 14. 17.
Blessed: is he that hath not wal∣ked in the wayes &c. Psal. 1. 2.
But his delight is in the law of God. &c. Psal. 1. 3.
His leafe shall not wither, and whatsoeuer he doth it shall pros∣per, Psal. 1. 4.
Those that honor me, I wil honor.
If thou call the Sabbath thy delight, the holy of tho Lord, and shalt honour him.
I will cause thee to possesse the high places of the earth, Isa. 56. 23. 24.
Blessed are all those that are vn∣defiled in the way, & walk in the Law of the Lord, Psal. 119. 1.
We looke for a new heauen & a new earth, in which dwelleth righteousnesse, 2 Pet. 3. 13.
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection, on such the second death hath no power; but they shall be Priests of God, and of Christ, and shall raigne with him, Reu. 20 6.
And I Iohn saw the holy Citie new Ierusalem, comming downe from God out of heauen, prepa∣red as a Bride adorned for her husband, Reu. 21. 2.
Hee shewed mee that great Citie new Ierusalem Verse 10.
The way to the 〈…〉〈…〉 all was not yet made manifest, Heb. 9. 8.
By his owne bloud he entred in once to the holy place hauing obtained eternall Redemption for vs, verse 12.
Composed of
GLOrious Creator and gra∣tious Sauiour of mankind, I lift vp mine eyes & hands to thee, whose hands this day made and fashioned me. I lift vp my heart vnto thee, who••e heart was this day pierced for my trans∣gressions. I lift vp my bodie and soule to thee, who this day wast lifted vpon the Crosse to offer an infinite sacrifice for the expiati∣on of the sinnes of the whole world. Let thy hands which fashioned and formed me, sustaine and support me: let thine armes which thou stretchedst on the Crosse embrace
me and hold me fast to thee that nothing may seuer me frō thee, Almightie and most wise Crea∣tor who hast made me of nothing, suffer me not to make my selfe worse then nothing. Gracious Redeemer, who hast saued that which was lost, loose not that which thou hast saued. Though the malice of Sathan be great, yet thy goodnesse is greater. Though my sinnes be exceeding many, yet thy mercies exceede them, though my corruptions be strong, yet thy grace is stron∣ger. Let it not be in my power or the power of any creature, ei∣ther in heauen or in earth to marre thy best worke; to deface thine Image which first thou stampedst in me; and after I had slurried and almost raced it out, thou hast by grace renewed it, ac∣cording to the first patterne, in holinesse and righteousnesse. When thou madest me light, I made my selfe darkenesse, but thou hast
turned my darkenesse into light. When I was freed, I enthralled my selfe, but thou hast freed me: when I was straight, I crooked my will, but thou hast rectified it: when I was whole I maimed my selfe, but thou hast healed me: when I was happie I made my selfe miserable, but thou hast re∣st••red me to my former blisse. Nay I haue gained by my losses, and am raised higher by my fall, through thy infinite mercie, which hath not onely ransomed me from death, but purchased me an eternall inheritance, and crowne of life in thi••e heauenly king∣dome. Sith thou hast done so great things for me whereat I re∣ioyce; sith thou hast prepared such things for me as neither eye hath seene, nor eare hath heard, nor e∣uer entred into the heart of man to conceiue; what manner of man ought I to be in all holy conuersation? How cleare ought those eyes to be which shall see God? How
cleane those eares, which shall heare words that cannot be vtte∣red How pure that heart which shall be filled with those ioyes whi••h neuer entred into the heart of man? Thou, ô Father, which hast created me art the holy one of Israel. Thou ô Sonne, who redee∣medst me art the Holy one of God. Thou, ô Spirit, which sanctifiest me art the holy Ghost. Thou, ô Fa∣ther, hast created me according to thine Image in holinesse and righ∣teousnes: thou, ô Sonne, hast redee∣med me to serue thee in holinesse and righteousnesse all the dayes of my life: thou, ô Spirit, hast freed me from sinne and made me ser∣uant to God that I might haue my fruite in holinesse, and the end euer∣lasting life. Our vocation is a holy calling, our societies a holy com∣munion, our stile a holy Priesthood, our assemblies holy congregations, our Coūtrie the holy land of Pro∣mise, our Citie the holy Ierusalem, our Charter the holy Scriptures,
our immunities holy priuiledges, our seales, which confirme them, holy Sacraments. All our hap∣pinesse here is holinesse, and ho∣linesse hereafter shall bee our happinesse. Lord make mee therefore to be so happy heere, as to be holy, and so holy here, that I may be hereafter happy, Amen.
The God of Peace that brought againe from the dead our Lord Ie∣sus, the great Shepheard of the Sheepe, through the blood of the e∣uerlasting Couenant, Heb. 2. 20.
Make mee perfect in all good workes to doe his will, working in mee that which is pleasant in his sight, through Iesus Christ. ver. 21.
Wherein the deuout soule
THy hands haue made me and fashioned me; ô giue me vnderstanding that I may learne thy Commande∣ments, Psal. 119.
Into thy hands I commend my Spirit, for thou hast redee∣med mee thou God of Truth.
O let mee heare thy louing kindnesse betimes in the mor∣ning, for in thee is my trust.
Shew thou me the way that I should walke in, for I lift vp my soule vnto thee, Psal. 41. 8.
Teach mee to doe the thing that pleaseth thee, for thou art my God: let thy louing Spirit leade me into the land of righ∣teousnesse, verse 10.
Set a watch ô Lord before my mouth; and keepe the doore of my lipps, Psal. 41.
O let not mine heart bee in∣clined to any wicked thing; let me not be occupied in vngodly workes with the men that work wickednesse, verse 4.
O Lord thou hast searched me out and knowne mee; thou knowest my downe-sitting and mine vp-rising; thou vnder∣standest my thoughts long be∣for••, Psal. 139. 1, 2.
For loe, there is not a word in my tongue, but thou ô Lord knowest it altogether, verse 3.
Thou hast fashioned mee behinde and before, and layed
thine hand vpon me. verse 4.
Such knowledge is too won∣derfull and excellent for me, I cannot attaine vnto it. verse 5.
I will giue thanks vnto thee, for I am fearefully and won∣derfully made; meruailous are thy workes, and that my soule knoweth right well, verse 13.
My bones are not hid from thee, though I be made se∣cretly, and fashioned beneath in the earth. verse 14.
Thine eyes did see me when I was without forme: for in thy booke were all things writ∣ten which in continuance were fashioned, when there was none of them before. verse 15.
O how deare are thy counsels to me, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God? O how great is the summe of them? verse 16.
If I tell them, they are more in number then the sands of the sea: when I awake vp, I am present with thee. verse 17.
Lord guide me with thy coun∣sell, and after that receiue me with glory.
Keepe mee as the Apple of thine eye: hide mee vnder the shadow of thy wings. Psal. 17. 8.
I will behold thy presence in righteousnesse; and when I a∣wake vp after thy likenesse, I shall be satisfied with it. ver. 16.
The principall inducements to stirre vs vp to faith in Christ, are the
YE beleeue in God; beleeue al∣so in me, Ioh. 14. 1.
This is the worke of God, that ye beleeue on him whom he: hath sent, Ioh. 6. 29.
Beleeue in the Lord Iesus, and thou shalt be saued and all thine house, Act. 16. 31.
This is his commandement, that we should beleeue in the name of his Sonne Iesus Christ, 1. Ioh. 3. 23.
Earnestly contend for the saith, Iud. 13.
Repent ye and beleeue the Gospel, Mar. 1. 15.
Follow righteousnesse, faith, charitie, peace, &c. 2. Tim. 2. 22.
Without faith it is impossible to please God, Heb. 11. 6.
Whatsoeuer is not of faith, is sinne, Rom. 14. 23.
How shall they call vpon him in whom they haue not beleeued? Rom. 10. 14.
He that prayeth, let him pray in faith, nothing doubting, Iam. 1. 6.
All things whatsoeuer ye aske for in prayer, beleiuing, ye shall receiue, Mat. 21. 21.
The word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it, Heb. 4. 2.
Christ dwelleth in vs by faith, Eph. 3. 17.
I am the Bread of life: whosoe∣uer beleeueth in me shall neuer thirst. Ioh. 6. 35.
He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my bloud, dwelleth in me, and I in him, ver. 56.
He that beleeueth in me hath euerlasting life, ver. 47.
I am the Bread of life, ver. 48.
To them that haue receiued like pretious faith with vs, grace and peace be multiplied, 2. Pet. 1. ••.
But ye beloued, building your selues in your most holy faith,
pray to the holy Ghost, Iud, 20.
Paul an Apostle of Iesus Christ according to the faith of Gods Elect, Tit. 1.
As many as were ordained to saluation beleeued, Act. 13. 48.
This is my welbeloued Sonne, heare him, Mat. 3. vlt.
So God loued the world that he gaue his onely begotten Son, that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish, Ioh. 3. 15.
The Father hath committed all iudgement to the Sonne, that all men should honour the Sonne as the Father, Ioh. 5. 23.
There is another that beareth witnesse of me, and I know that the witnesse he witnesseth of me is true, Ioh. 5. 32.
The Father who hath sent me, himselfe beareth witnesse of me, Ioh. 5. 37.
The Lord sware, and will not repent, thou art a Priest for euer after the order of Melchi∣zedeck, Psal. 110. 4.
God willing more aboundant∣ly to shew to the heires of pro∣mise the immutabilitie of his counsell, confirmed it with an oath, Heb. 6. 17.
That by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lye, we might haue a strong consolation who haue flied for refuge to lay hold vpon the hope set before vs, ver. 18.
Go into all the world he that beleeueth and is baptized shall be saued; he that beleeueth not shall be damned, Mar. 16. 16.
Verily I say vnto you, if any man keepe my sayings, he shall neuer see death, Ioh 8. 51.
I am the resurrection and the life; he that beleeueth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he liue, Ioh. 11. 25.
And whosoeuer liueth and be∣leeueth in me shall neuer die, v. 26.
For their sakes I sanctifie my selfe, that they also might be san∣ctified through the truth, Ioh. 17. 19.
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall be∣leeue in me through their word, ver. 20.
The Spirit it selfe beareth wit∣nesse to our spirits that we are the children of God, Rom. 8. 16.
He which stablisheth vs with Christ, and hath annointed vs, 2. Cor. 1. 21.
Who hath also sealed vs, and giuen the earnest of his Spirit in our hearts, ver. 22.
He that wrought vs for the selfe same thing is God, who al∣so hath giuen vnto vs the earnest of the Spirit.
After that ye beleeued ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Eph. 1. 13.
Which is the earnest of our in∣heritance vntill the redemption of the purchased possession, vnto the praise of his glorie, ver. 14.
He that receiued his testimonie hath set to his seale, that God is true, Ioh. 3. 33.
He receiued the seale of righ∣teousnesse, Rom. 4. 11.
Grieue not the holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed to the day of redemption, Eph. 4. ••0.
If ye haue faith and doubt not, ye shall not onely do this which is done to the figge-tree, but al∣so if ye say to this mountaine: Be thou remoued, and be thou cast into the sea, it shall be done, Mat. 21. 21.
If I had all faith, so that I could remoue mountaines, &c. 1. Cor. 1••. 2.
Thes•• signes shall follow them that beleeue in my Name, they shall cast out diuels; they shall speake with new tongues, Mar. 16▪ 17.
They shall take vp serpents; and if they drinke any deadly thing it shall not hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sicke, and they shall recouer, ver. 18.
Verily, verily I say vnto you, he that beleeueth on me, the
workes which I do shall he do also, and greater workes then these shall he do. Ioh. 14. 12.
See Heb. 11 from the 14. verse to the 35.
Aboue all, take the shield of faith whereby ye shall be able to quench all the fierie darts of the wicked, Eph. 6. 16.
Your aduersarie the diuell as a roaring Lyon walketh about seeking whom he may deuour, 1. Pet. 5. 8.
Whom resist, stedfast in the faith ver. 9.
This is the victorie that ouer-commeth the world euen our faith, 1. Ioh. 5. 4.
Who is he that ouercometh the world? He that beleeueth &c. ver. 5.
For ye are the children of God by faith in Iesus Christ, Gal. 3. 26.
God who knoweth the heart bore them witnesse, giuing them the holy Ghost as he did vnto vs, Acts, 15. 8.
And put no difference be∣tweene vs and them, purifying their hearts by faith, Acts, 15. 9.
Whosoeuer beleeueth in me shall not be ashamed, Rom. 9. 33.
Behold, I lay in Sion a chiefe corner stone, elect, and pretious; and he that beleeueth on him shall not be confounded, 1. Pet. 2. 6. See Isa. 28. 16. Psal. 118. 22. Mat. 21. 42. Acts, 4. 12.
Iesus seeing his faith, said, Son be of good cheere, thy sinnes be forgiuen thee, Mat. 9. 2.
Daughter be of good com∣fort: thy faith hath made thee whole, ver. 21.
Behold, his soule which is lif∣ted vp in him is not vpright; but the Iust shall liue by his faith, Heb. 2. 4.
And Abraham beleeued in the Lord, and it was counted to him for righteousnesse, Gen. 15. 6.
And by him all that beleeue are iustified from all things, from which ye could not be iustified
by the Law of Moses Acts, 13. 39.
The righteousnesse of God without the Law is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, Rom. 3. 21.
Euen the righteousnesse of God by the faith of Iesus Christ to all that beleeue, ver. 22.
Whom God hath set foorth to be a propitiation through faith, in his bloud, ver. 25.
It is one God which iustifieth circumcision by faith, and vncir∣cumcision through faith, ver. 30.
To him that worketh not, but beleeueth▪ on him that iustifieth the vngodly, his faith is counted for righteousnesse, Rom. 4. 5. 6 7. 8. verses.
Being iustified by faith we haue peace with God, Rom. 5. 1.
With the heart man beleeueth to righteousnesse, Rom, 10. 10.
Knowing that a man is not iustified by the workes of the law, but by the faith of Iesus
Christ, that 〈…〉〈…〉 iustified by the faith of Christ and not by the workes of the law, Gal. 2. 16.
Who are kept by the power of God through faith vnto saluation, 1. Pet. 1. 5.
For by grace ye are saued, through faith, Eph, 2. 8.
Receiuing the end of our faith, the saluation of our soules, 1. Pet. 1. 9.
I haue finished my course; I haue kept the faith, 2. Tim. 4. 7.
From hence foorth is laide vp for me a crowne of righteousnesse, which the Lord, the righteous Iudge, shall giue me at that day, and not to me onely, but to all them that loue his comming, ver. 8.
Be faithfull vnto the death, and I will giue thee a crowne of life, Reuel. 2. 10.
Blessed are all they that put their trust in him Psal. 2. vlt.
Verily I say vnto you, who∣soeuer heareth my word, and
beleeueth him that sent me, hath euerlasting life, & shall not come into condemnation, but is pas∣sed from death to life, Ioh. 5. 24.
composed, of
MOst bountifull and merci∣full Lord God, who this day createdst man and redeemedst him; formedst and reformedst him, inspiredst him with the breath of life, and expiredst and diedst for him, vpon the Crosse; shew thy selfe a faithfull Creator in preser∣uing thine owne workes, and a faithfull Redeemer in houlding thy deere purchase. O let not thy hate of sinne extinguish thy loue to thy creature. Let not any
thing that I haue done preiudice thee in the merit of that which thou hast suffered for me. My sins deserued eternall wrath of thy Father, but thou hast borne it. My wonton delights and impure pleasures deserued stripes and wounds, but thou hast recei∣ued them. My hainous crimes de∣serued death, but thou hast suffe∣red it for me. This day my first pa∣rent Adam was made a liuing soule; and this day thou the se∣cond Adam wert made a quick∣ning Spirit. This day he sinned in a garden, and this day thou sor∣rowedst in the garden. This day he tooke the fruite of the forbidden tree, and this day thou wert hung vpon the accursed tree. This day he was cast into a dead sleepe, and his side opened, and his wite Eue formed of his ribbe, was flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone: this day also thou wert cast into a deadly sleepe, and thy side opened and thy Spouse the Catholicke Church
brought foorth, not by water onely, but by water and bloud, the water of regeneration▪ and bloud of ex∣plation and sanctification.
This day Adam brought the curse vpon himselfe and all his posterity; this day thou proui∣dedst an euerlasting blessing for thy selfe and all thy members. That which he lost thou hast re∣gayned with aduantage: that which he did, thou hast suffered for: that which I owed, thou hast discharged on the very day, by ta∣king all his and our debts vpon thee, and laying downe an al-suf∣ficient price to satisfie for them. O giue me an hand of faith to re∣ceiue so much of this infinite sum as may discharge my debt, and strengthen this my hand, that I may hold it fast, and tender it to thy Father, and receiue from him an absolute and generall acquit∣tance signed with thy blood, and sealed with thy Crosse, bearing date the very day of thy consum∣mation
of all things at thy death. If thou bad'st required a greater thing we should haue done it: for what will not a man doe for his life? How much more when thou ••arest belieue, and liue; cast your selues vpon me, and I will saue you from drowning in euerla∣sting perdition: receiue the price of your ransome, and bee freed. When thou holdest out the gol∣den Scapter of thy grace, if wee will not take hold on it, wee de∣serue double d••mnation for refu∣sing so easy a meanes of saluation. Adam belieued Eue, and Eue the Serpent, to her and our ruine: why should not I much rather belieue thy Church thy Spouse, and thy Spouse thy Word to salua∣tion▪ What should with-hold my faith from apprehending, my hope from ex••ecting the promises of thy Gospell, confirmed by so many miracles, test••fied by the Church in all Ages, signed with the blood of so many Martyrs,
and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to my soule and con¦science by the holy Spirit? Doth it shake and stagger my faith that thy workes recorded in holy Scriptures so farre transcend na∣ture, and the mysteries of sauing truth soare aboue humane rea∣son? But this demonstrateth ra∣ther faith to be faith, and thee, ô God to be true God Faith is not faith if reason comprehend it. God cannot be God if nature li∣mit him. Am I the more auerse from embracing thy Gospell, be∣cause it crosseth and checketh my naturall dispositions and in clinations? But the cause is most euident: thy Law is iust, holy, and pure; but I am wicked, prophane, and impure. The physick is for the most part the better which the patient liketh worst, because it exasperateth the paine for the time. Haue I the lesse loue and liking to the most holy faith, be∣cause it restraineth my carnall liberty and abridgeth mee, or al∣together
depriueth mee of worldly comforts and content∣ments▪ But am I not spirit as wel•• as flesh? Haue I not a Law in my minde controlling the Law of my members? Is it not much bet∣ter to sowe vnto the Spirit that I may reape peace, ioy, and life e∣uerlasting, then sowe to the flesh, and of the flesh reape nothing but corruption? Thy Gospell, ô graci∣ous God, restraineth my carnall, but enlargeth my spirituall liber∣ty: it denieth mee sinfull, but it promiseth me holy delights and pleasures: it moderateth the de∣sire and vse of temporarie com∣forts and ioyes, but assureth mee that my heart shall be filled with eternall. Am I ready to be beaten off from my holy profession and beliefe by blowes, and strokes, persecutions, losses, imprisonment, banishment, scorne of the world and disgrace? This should make mee hold it the faster; for the Gospell foretelleth that these
things should befall true b••lie∣uers: and it is an honour to mee to beare the ••adge of m••••profession and to drinke with thee my Saui∣our in thine owne Cup. It is my profession to be thy Souldier; and he is no Souldier that endureth not hardnesse. I can expect no crowne without a Conquest, no Conquest without a battaile, no battaile without blowes and wounds: and what are these light and momentary afflictions to an e∣ternall weight of glory? Thus doth th•• Word conquer my rea∣son, and yet it will not yeeld. I resolue to belieue: Lord strengthen my resolution. I doe belieue, Lord helpe mine vnbelief▪ All things past haue so come to passe as the Oracles of thy truth fore-shewed they should, and how then can I doubt of things future reuealed in them? The de∣luge was foretold 120 yeeres be∣fore; and at the prefixed time it ouerranne the whole world. Thy
peoples bondage in Aegypt for 400 yeeres, and their after deli∣uery is no otherwise described by Moses, then it was in a dreame many Ages before deliuered to Abraham. Thou calledst thy Shep∣heard Cyrus, and thine annoin∣ted Iosias by name, to their fun∣ctions long before either of them, or their forefathers, were conceiued. The 4 famous Mo∣narchs pictured out in Nebuchad∣nezzars Image, succeeded in their order. The Assyrian re∣presented by the golden head, the Persian by the siluer armes and shoulders; the Grecian by the thighs of brasse; and the Romane by the leggs of yron. And do we not see at this day, the stumpe of that Image, and the feete, partly yron in the Turkish, and partly of clay in the Germane Empire? Thy Birth and Death, ô Sauiour, was fore shadowed in Types, and fore-spoken of by Prophets, euer since the world began; and
since thy comming into the flesh, and finishing all things at thy death in Ierusalem: Not a sylla∣ble, or one iot of any of thy words haue passed without their accom∣plishment. Ierusalem is destroyed; the Temple made euen with the ground, and neuer could be built againe. The Iewes are dispersed into all nations. The Gospell is preached through the whole world: the man of sinne is euery day more and more discoue∣red; and why should I not then belieue as certainly that the hea∣uens shall passe away shortly with heate, and the elements melt with fire, and thy signe bee seene in the clowdes; and those that are in their graues be awaked with the sound of the last Trumpe, and meete thee in the aire? I belieue, Lord helpe my vnbeliefe. Is it not as easy for thee to raise mee out of ashes, as at the first to reare me out of the dust? to send backe my Spirit into my body, as at the first to breathe it
in? I see the seede in the ground, the plants in the garden, dye be∣fore they rise and spring vp. I see wormes, and flies, and diuerse other creatures that spend the winter season in a kinde of death, reuiue in the Spring. I see my selfe dead euery night, and aliue in the morning. Why then should I call in question this Ar∣ticle of my beliefe, of all most comfortable? Lord who this euening dist cast Adam into a dead sleepe, and thy selfe fellest a∣sleepe on the bedde of thy Crosse, and awakedst him againe, and raisedst thy selfe out of thy sleepe of death; sanctifie my rest and sleepe this night vnto me, that I may by it not only be strengthe∣ned in my body, and reuiued from my bed of slumber to rise to my labour and trauell the next morning, but also more confirmed in my faith touching the resurrection of this my body out of the bedde of the graue at
the last day, So bee it, Amen.
To him that loued vs, and wa∣shed our sinnes in his blood, and made vs Kings and Priests to God euen his Father, bee glory and do∣minion for euermore. Amen. Reu. 1. 5, 6.
IN the seauenth day God ended his worke which he had made, and the seauenth day he rested from all his worke which he had made. Gen. 2. 2.
So God blessed the seauenth day, and sanctified it, because that in it hee had rested from all his worke which God had created and made. verse 3.
ANd when the euen was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Ioseph, who had also himselfe bin Iesus's Dis∣ciple. Mat. 27. 57.
He went to Pilate and asked the body of Iesus. And Pilate com∣manded the body to bee deliuered. verse 58.
So Ioseph tooke the body, and wrapped it in a cleane linnen cloth. verse 59.
And put it in his new Tombe which he had hewen out in a Rocke, and rolled a great stone to the doore of the Sepulcher, and departed. verse 60.
And there was Mary Magda∣lene, and the other Mary sitting ouer against the Sepulcher, verse 61.
Now the next day that followed, the day of the preparation, the chiefe
Priests and Pharisees came toge∣ther to Pilate, verse 62.
Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiuer sayed while hee was yet aliue, After three dayes I will rise againe, verse 63.
Command therefore that the Sepulcher be made sure vntill the third day, left his Disciples come by night, and steale him away, and say vnto the people, He is risen from the dead; so the last error will bee worse then the first, verse 64.
Pilate saide vnto them, Yee haue a watch, goe your way, make it as sure as you can, verse 65.
So they went, and made the Se∣pulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch, verse 66.
For thine instruction meditate
For thy comfort apply the benefits of both to thy selfe, which are A holy rest here. and happy rest here∣after. Euerlasting
For thy cor∣rection re∣prooue thy prophaning God's holy Sabbath by
Quicken thy
I Haue remembred thy Name ô Lord in the night season, and haue kept thy Law, Psal. 119. 57.
I thought on my waies, and turned my feete to thy testimo∣nies, verse 59.
I preuented the dawning of the morning, and cryed; I ho∣ped in thy Word, v. 147.
Heare my voice according to thy louing kindnesse ô Lord: quicken mee according to thy iudgements, verse 149.
Seauen times a day doe I praise thee according to thy righteous iudgement. v. 164.
Great peace haue they that loue thy Law, and nothing shall offend them, verse 165.
I haue longed for thy salua∣tion ô Lord; & thy Law is my de∣light, verse 174.
Deliuer me ô Lord from the wicked, which is a sword of thine, Psal. 17. 13.
From men which are thy hand, ô Lord, from men of the world which haue their porti∣on in this life, and whose bellies thou fillest with thy hid trea∣sures, verse 14.
My heart is pained within me, and the terrors of death are fallen vpon me. Psal. 55. 4.
Fearefulnesse and trembling are come vpon me; and horror hath ouerwhelmed me. v. 5.
O that I had wings like a Doue, for then would I fly away, and be at rest. v. 6.
I would hasten my escape from the windy storme, and tempest. v. 8.
All that expect the reward of Pietie must striue and pray for perseuerance and abhorre and shunne falling away from grace because in Scripture,
VVAtch yee therefore, and pray continually, Luk. 21. 36.
Continue yee in loue, Ioh 15. 9.
Take heede to thy selfe, and to thy Doctrine; continue in them, 1 Tim 4. 16.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast bin assured of, 2 Tim 3. 14.
Let vs hold fast our profession Heb. 4. 14.
Hold fast till I come, Reu. 2. 25.
Reioycing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer, Rom. 12. 12.
Dearely beloued and longed for, my ioy and crowne, stand fast in the Lord, Phil. 4. 1.
Paul and Barnabas perswaded them to continue in the grace of God, Acts 13. 43.
Confirming the soules of the disciple••, and exhorting them to continue in aith, Act. 14. 22.
But ye brethren be not wearie in well doing, 2. Thess. 3. 13.
Let brotherly loue continue, Heb. 13. 1.
Stand fast in one spirit with one minde, striuing together for the faith of the Gospel, Phil. 1. 17.
Therefore my brethren be ye stedfast, vnmoueable, alwayes aboū∣ding in the worke of the Lord, 1. Cor. 15. 28.
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, acquit you like men, 1. Cor. 16. 13.
Stand fast therefore in the li∣bertie wherewith Christ hath made vs free, Gal. 5. 1.
Wherefore take vnto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand in the euill day; and hauing done all stand fast. Eph. 6. 13.
Brethren stand fast: hold the
traditions which ye haue beene taught, 2. Thess. 2. 13.
Whom resist steadfast in the faith, 1. Pet. 5. 9.
Ye therefore seeing ye know these things, beware lest yee also being led away with the er∣rour of the wicked, fall from your owne stedfastnesse. 2. Pet. 3. 17.
He spake a parable, that we ought alwayes to pray, and not to faint, Luke 18. 1.
Shall not God auenge his E∣lect which crie vnto him day and night, though he beare long with them? ver. 7.
He, after he had patiently en∣dured, obtained the promise, Heb. 6. 15.
O Lord God of my saluation, I haue cried day and night before thee, Psal. 88. 1.
I haue called daily vpon thee; I haue stretched foorth my hands vnto thee, ver. 9.
and prayed three times a day Dan. 6. 10.
And they which went before rebuked the blind man that he should hold his peace; but he cried so much the more, Sonne of Dauid haue mercie on me, Luk. 18. 39.
And behold a woman of Caanan cried vnto him saying, Haue mer∣cie on me, &c. Mat. 15. 22.
But he answered her not a word; and his disciples besought him, saying; Send her away, for she crieth after vs, ver. 23.
He answered, I am not sent, &c. ver. 24.
Then came she, and worship∣ped, saying, Lord helpe me, ver. 25.
But he answered, It is not meete, &c. ver. 26.
And she said, Truth Lord; yet the doggs eate the crummes, &c. ver. 27.
Then Iesus said, Woman, be it to thee as thou wilt, ver. 28.
Ye are they which haue conti∣nued with me in my tentations, Luk. 22. 28.
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplicati∣ons, with Marie the Mother of Iesus, Act. 1. 14.
We will giue our selues conti∣nually to prayer, &c. Act. 6. 4.
There were added to them a∣bout three thousand soules, &c. Act. 2, 41.
And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine, and fel∣lowship, and breaking of bread, and prayer, ver. 42.
By the space of three yeares I ceased not to warne euerie one night & day with tears, Act. 20. 31
Since the day we heard, we cea∣sed not to pray for you, Col. 1. 9.
For this cause, we thanke God without ceasing, 1. Thess. 2. 13.
A deuoute man, which gaue much almes to the people, and prayed to God alwaies, Act. 10 2.
of them sixe wings vpon them, and they were full of eyes with∣in, and they ceased not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almightie, which was, and is, and is to come, Reu. 4. 8.
I declare vnto you the Gos∣pel which ye haue receiued, and wherein ye stand, or continue, 1. Cor. 15. 1.
Then said Iesus to those Iewes that beleeued on him, If ye con∣tinue in my word, then are ye in∣deede my disciples, Ioh. 8. 31.
Who so looketh into the per∣fect law of libertie, and conti∣nueth therein, he being not a for∣getfull hearer, but a doer, shall be blessed in his deede, Iames 1. 25.
They went out from vs, but they were not of vs: for if they had beene of vs, they would no doubt haue continued with vs, 1. Ioh. 2. 19.
Whosoeuer abideth not in the
doctrine of Christ, hath not God, Ioh. 2. 9.
So runne that ye may obtaine, 1. Cor. 9. 26.
Let vs not be weatie in well doing; for in due season we shall reape, if we faint not, Gal. 6. 9.
Hold that thou hast, that no man take thy crowne, Reu. 3. 11.
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast to the end, Heb. 3. 14.
He that endureth to the end shall be saued, Mat. 10. 22.
Continue therein; for in doing this, thou shalt saue thy selfe, and them that heare thee, 1. Tim, 3. 8.
Worke out your saluation with feare and trembling, Phil. 4. 12.
Shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope to the end, Heb. 6. 11.
To him that ouercometh I will giue to eate of the tree of life, which is in the middest of the garden of God, Reuel. 2. 7.
Let vs labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall af∣ter that same example, Heb. 4. 11.
Let vs feare lest a promise being left vs of entering into his rest, any of you should seeme to come short of it, Heb. 4. 1.
Ye haue continued with me, &c. Luk. 22. 28.
And I appoint vnto you a Kingdome, as my Father hath ap∣pointed vnto me, ver. 29.
Be faithfull vnto death, and I will giue thee the crowne of life. Reuel. 2. 10.
I haue fought a good fight, I haue finished my course, &c. 1. Tim. 4. 7.
Hencefoorth there is laide vp for me a crowne of righteousnesse, which the Lord the righteous Iudge shall giue me at that day; and not to me onely, but to them also that loue his appearing, ver. 8.
Take heede lest there be in any
of you an euill heart of vnbeleefe in departing away from the liuing God, Heb. 3. 12.
If after they haue escaped the pollution of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Sauiou•• Iesus Christ, they are a∣gaine intangled therein and o∣uercome; the latter end is worse then the beginning, 2 Pet. 2. 20.
For it had beene better for them neuer to haue knowne the way of righteousnesse, then af∣ter they haue knowne it to turne from the holy commandement deliuered vnto them, ver. 21.
But it is happened vnto them according to the true Prouerbe; The dogge is turned to his vomit againe, and the sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mire, ver. 22.
When the vncleane spirit is gone out of a man, &c. Mat. 12. 44.
He taketh to himselfe seuen other spirits, and they dwell
there, and the last state of that man is worse then the first, ver. 45.
Let him that standeth take heede lest he fall, 1. Cor. 10. 12.
Are ye so foolish, hauing begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect with the flesh? Gal. 3. 3.
Haue ye suffered so many things in vaine? it it be yet in vaine, ver. 4.
Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great re∣compence of reward, Heb. 10. 35.
If any withdraw himselfe, my soule shall haue no pleasure in him, ver. 38.
We are not of them which draw backe vnto perdition, ver. 38.
In the latter dayes some shall depart from the faith, 1. Tim. 4. 1.
Hauing their conscience seared with a hot iron, ver. 2.
Holding faith and a good
conscience, which some hauing put away, concerning faith haue made shipwrack, 1. Tim. 1. 19.
Of whom is Hymenaeus, and Alexander, whom I haue deliue∣red to Sathan, ver. 20.
Hauing forsaken the right way, they are gone astray, follow∣ing the wayes of Balaam the son of Bozor &c. 2. Pet. 2. 15.
But when the righteous tur∣neth away from his righteousnes, and committeth iniquitie, &c. All the righteousnesse that he hath done shall not be mentioned; in his trespasse that he trespas∣seth, and in his sinne that he hath sinned, in them shall he die, Eze. 18. 24.
It is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and haue tasted the heauenly gift, and were made partakers of the holy Ghost, Heb. 6. 4:
It they shall fall away, to re∣new them to repentance, &c. ver. 5.
The Angels which kept not
their first estate, he hath reserued in euerlasting chaines vnder darkenesse, vnto the iudgement of the great day, Iud 6.
composed of
ALmightie Creator of heauen and earth, and all things therein; who this day restedst frō all thy workes, and blessedst it: grant to me (after the painefull laboures and trauailes of this life are ended) a sweete, blessed, and comfortable rest with thee in heauen, where I may keepe a continuall Sabbath, hold a perpe∣tuall feast, sing an euerlasting song, weare an incorruptible
crowne, possess an eternall inhe∣ritance, and fully enioy thee in all things, and all things in thee, in endlesse quietnesse, ioy content, and rest. This rest is the marke at which all my desires aime; this is the price for which all my endea∣uou••s runne; this is the hauen to which (by the gales of thy spirit) my christian course driues. For in this rest there is perfect tran∣quillitie, and in this tranquillitie contentment; and in this content∣ment, ioy and pleasure, and in this ioy and pleasure, varietie, and in this varietie securitie, and in this securitie eternitie. This is the end without end, to which all my labours in thy seruice, and suffe∣rings for thee through my whole life, tend vnto. Here I haue labour without rest, there shall be rest without labour; here perturbations without tranquilli∣tie, there tranquillitie without perturbations; here desire with∣out content, there content with∣out
desire; heere paine and sor∣rowes, without sincere pleasures and ioy; there ioyes and plea∣sures without all paine and sor∣rowes: heere satiety of delights without variety, there variety without satiety; here feare with∣out safety, there safety without feare; heere a sudden end with∣out ioy, there ioyes without end. Wherefore I beseech thee hea∣uenly Father, loosen my desires and affections from the things that are belowe, and knit them to the things that are aboue Breake and dissolue the vnlaw∣full contracts betweene my soule and the creatures, and marrte her to thee in righteousnesse. Breede in me more and more the loathing of the forbidden fruit; and a lon∣ging for the fruits of the tree of life. Let mee not leane vpon the reedes of Aegypt which will breake vnder me, and the splin∣ters run into my body. Let mee not repose my selfe vnder Ion••s's
worme-eaten gourd, but the sol∣lid wood of Christ's Crosse. Let me not set vp my rest on this side of Iordan, but passe ouer into the celestiall Canaan. And because death is the narrow passage be∣tweene this life and the life to come, let mee not so much feare this cut as I doe; for on this side, I leaue labour, sorrow, sinne, shame, vexation, anxiety, paine, and mortality; and on the o∣ther side, I finde rest, righteous∣nesse, glory, contentment, plea∣sure, and immortality. It is but a short passage, and my Sauiour hath made it safe. All thy Saints either haue, or shall passe it ouer. I lose nothing in this passage; my soule is presently transpor∣ted, and though my body stay a while heere, yet it shall follow in due time. And no sooner this darke world and the shadow of it goes out of sight, but the glo∣rious light of heauen shineth vp∣on me; I see streetes of gold, and
gates of pearle, and foundations garnished with all sorts of pretious stones. I shall behold thee the Fa∣ther in thy Maiesty, Christ thy Sonne in his glory, the Spirit in his sanctity, the Arch-angels and Angels in their excellency, and the Saints in their felicity. I shall then hunger no more, I shall labour no more, I shall trauell no more, I shall feare no more, I shall grieue no more, I shall desire no more. I shall need no more any house, for the heauen & heauen of hea∣uens shall be my habitation; nor Temple, for God shall bee my Temple: nor light, for the Lambe shall be my light. O Lord let the hope and expectation of this euerlasting rest and happinesse, sweeten all my labours, and ease my torment, and mittigate my sorrowes, and comfort my heart, that I faile not in my labour, nor tyre in my trauell, nor sinke vn∣der my burdens, nor fall vnder my crosses, nor die for sorrow of
my wounds receiued in the Lord's battailes; but hold on cheerefully, strenuously, and va∣liantly, till I ariue at the land of promise, and there receiue the lot of mine inheritance with the Saints in light. So be it, Amen.
The peace of God which passeth all vnderstanding, preserue my heart and minde through Iesus Christ, Phil 4. 7.
I Will blesse the Lord at all times, his praise shall bee in my mouth continually, Psal. 34. 1.
O how great is thy goodnesse
which thou hast layed vp for them that feare thee! which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men? Psal. 31. 19.
Blessed be the Lord, for hee hath shewed mee meruailous kindnesse. v. 21.
Blessed be the Lord who dai∣ly loadeth vs with benefits, euen the God of our saluation, Psal. 68. 19.
What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits? Psal. 116. 12.
O loue the Lord all yee his Saints, for the Lord preserueth the faithfull, and plenteously rewardeth the proud doer. Ps. 31. 23.
Behold, the eye of the Lord is vpon them that feare him, and vpon them that hope in his mer∣cie, Ps. 33. 18.
To deliuer their soule from death, and to keepe thē aliue in famine, v. 19.
Though I haue layen among the pots, yet shall I bee as the wings of a Doue couered with siluer, and her feathers with yellow gold, Psal. 68. 13.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord de∣liuereth him out of all, Psal. 34. 19.
He keepeth all his bones, so that not one of them is broken, v. 20.
Why art thou cast downe ô my soule, and why art thou dis∣quieted within me?
Hope thou in God, for I will yet praise him who is the health of my countenance, and my God, Psal. 42. 11.
IN. Adam all dye, 1 Cor. 15. 22.
It is appointed to men once to dye, Heb. 9. 27.
Death went ouer all, Rom. 5. 12.
Man that is borne of a woman is but of few dayes, Iob. 14. 1.
Hee commeth forth like a flower, and is cut downe; he fly∣eth away as a shadow, and conti∣nueth not, verse 2.
And where is he? verse 10.
When the breath of man go∣eth forth, hee shall turne againe to his earth, and then all his thoughts perish, Psal. 146. 3.
Man lyeth downe and riseth not, till the heauens be no more. Iob 14. verse 14.
They shall not be awaked, nor raised out of their sleepe, v. 14.
Thou hast made my dayes as it were a span long, Psal. 39. 6.
Wee are but as yesterday; our
dayes on earth are a shadow, Iob 8. 9.
What man is hee that liueth, and shall not see death? Psal 89. 47.
All flesh is grasse; and the glo∣ry of it as the flower, 1 Pet 1. 24.
As the flower of grasse hee shall passe away, Iam. 1. 10.
What is our life? It is a Va∣pour that appeareth for a little time, and vanisheth away, Iam. 4. 14.
Man his dayes are determined; the number of his months are with thee; thou hast appointed him his bounds that hee cannot passe, Iob. 14. 5.
Lord let me know mine end, and the number of my dayes, Psal. 39. 5.
I will adde vnto thy dayes fif∣teene yeeres, Isa 38. 5.
O teach vs to number our dayes &c. Psal. 90. 12.
Whether we dye or liue, wee are the Lords, Rom. 14. 8.
The right vse of Fasting consisteth in the
The abuse of Fast likewise is seene in the
The Lord is faithfull, who shall keepe you from euill. 2 Thes. 3. 3.
Commit the keeping of their soules to him who is a faithfull Creator, 1 Pet. 4. 19.
I know whom I haue trusted, and I am perswaded that he is a∣ble to keepe that which I haue committed vnto him against that day, 2 Tim. 1. 12.
For this end Christ dyed and rose, and reuiued, that he might be Lord both of the liuing, and the dead, Rom. 14. 9.
In that hee dyed, hee dyed to sinne once; but in that hee li∣ueth, hee liueth to God, Rom. 6. 10.
If we be dead with Christ, wee belieue that wee shall also liue with him, verse 8.
I was dead, I am aliue, and I liue for euer; and I haue the keys of death and of hell, Reu. 1. 18.
I am the resurrection and the
life: Hee that beleeueth in mee, though he were dead yet shall he liue, Ioh. 11. 25.
Christ hath abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light by the Gospell, 2 Tim. 1. 10.
Death is swallowed vp into victory, 1 Cor. 15. 54.
O death where is thy sting? O graue where is thy victory? v. 55.
The sting of death is sinne, and the strength of sinne is the Law, verse 56.
But thankes bee to God who hath giuen vs victory through our Lord Iesus Christ, verse 57.
Hee also tooke part of the same, that through death hee might destroy him that had the power of death, euen the diuell, Heb. ••. 14.
Our friend Lazarus sleepeth, Ioh 11. 11.
And when hee had thus spo∣ken, he fell asleepe, Acts 7. 60.
And many are fallen asleepe, 1 Cor. 11. 10.
Which are asleepe in Christ, 1 Cor. 15. 18.
Christ is risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleepe, verse 20.
Christ to me is life, and to die is gaine, Phil. 1. 21.
Whosoeuer loseth his life for my sake shall saue it, Mar. 8. 35.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, Reu. 14. 13.
For they rest from their la∣bours, verse. 16.
There remaineth a rest for the people of God, Heb. 4. 9.
God shall wipe away all teares from their eyes, Reu. 1. 17.
They shall hunger no more, nor thirst no more, neither shall the Sun light on them, nor any heate, Reu. 7. 16.
Hee that is dead is free from sinne, Rom. 6. 7.
We looke for a new heauen, in which dwelleth righteousnesse, 2 Pet. 3. 13.
And there shall in no wise en∣ter any thing that defileth, nei∣ther whatsoeuer worketh abomi∣nation, or maketh a lye, Reu. 21. 27.
For, without shall bee doggs, and sorcerers, and whoremon∣gers, and murderers, and idola∣ters, and whosoeuer loueth, or maketh a lie, Reu. 22. 15.
The creature shall be deliuered from bondage, Rom. 8. 21.
His (the tempters) place was no more found, Reu. 12. 8.
Your ioy shall no man take a∣way from you, Ioh. 16. 22.
Lord now lettest thou thy ser∣uant depart in peace, according to thy word, Luke 2. ••9.
I desire to be dissolued, and to be with Christ, for that is best of all, Phil. 1. 23.
For we know that if the house of this earthly Tabernacle were dissolued, we should haue a buil∣ding of God, an house not made with hands, eternall, in the hea∣uens, 2 Cor. 5. 1.
For in this we groane earnestly, desiring to be clothed vpon with our house which is from heauen, verse 2.
We are willing rather to bee ab∣sent from the body, and present with the Lord, v. 7.
So God loued the world, that he gaue his onely begotten Son, that whosoeuer beleeueth in him should not perish, but haue euerla∣sting life, Ioh. 3. 16.
He that beleeueth on him is not condemned, v. 18.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for; and the euidence of things not seene, Heb. 11. 1.
There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus, Ro. 8. 1.
I am perswaded that neither life nor death, &c. shall be able to separate vs from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord, v. vlt.
We know that wee are passed from death to life, because wee
oue the brethren, 1 Iohn 3. 14.
Our conuersation is in heauen, from whence we looke for the Sa∣uiour, the Lord Iesus Christ, Phil. 3. 20.
Hope maketh not ashamed, Rom. 5. 5.
If we hope for that we see not, then doe we with patience waite for it, Rom. 8. 25.
Reioycing in hope. Rom. 12. 22
I would not haue you igno∣rant concerning them which are fallen asleepe, that ye sorrow not as they which haue no hope, 1 Thes. 4. 13.
The full assurance of hope vnto the end, Heb. 6. 11.
Let vs hold fast the profession of our hope vnto the end, for he is faithfull that promiseth, Heb. 10 23.
Which hope we haue as an an∣chor of the soule both sure and stedfast and which entereth to that within the veile, Heb. 6. 19.
feast, Prouerbes 15. 15.
For our reioycing is this; the testimonie of a good conscience, 2. Cor. 1. 12.
We trust we haue a good con∣science in all things, Heb. 13. 18.
If our hearts condemne vs not, we haue confidence towards God, 1. Ioh. 3. 31.
Who shall change our vile bo∣dies, and make them like vnto his glorious bodie, Phil, 3. 20. See 1. Cor. 15. Entire.
If we beleeue that Iesus Christ was dead, and is risen; euen so them which are asleepe in Iesus, God shall bring with him, 1. Thess. 4. 14.
To the spirits of iust men made perfect, Heb. 12. 23.
The begger died, and was car∣ried into Abrahams bosome, Luk. 16. 22.
This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise, Luk. 23. 43.
We know that if our earthly tabernacle be dissolued, we haue
a building not made with hands, eternall, in the heauens, 2. Cor. 5. 1.
We would not be vncloathed but cloathed vpon, that mortali∣tie may be swallowed vp of life, ver. 4.
While we are at home in the bodie, we are absent from the Lord, ver. 6.
We are confident, that when we are absent from the bodie, we are present with the Lord, ver. 8. vid. supra, Phil. 1. I desire to be dissolued, and to be with Christ.
There is laide vp for me a crowne of righteousnesse, which the righteous Iudge shall giue me at that day, and not to me onely, but to all that looke for his comming, 2. Tim. 4. 8.
Then we which are aliue and remaine, shall be caught vp toge∣ther with them in the cloudes to meete the Lord in the aire; so shall we be alwayes with the Lord, 1. Thess. 4. 17.
Then the righteous shall shine
as the Sunne in the Kingdome of my Father, Mat. 13. 43.
composed of
I Blesse and magnifie thy glori∣ous Maiestie, wisdome, and omnipotencie, ô Lord, high possessor of heauen and earth, as for all thy wonderfull workes in the sixe dayes, so also for thy holy rest on this day, whereby thou assu∣rest me of eternall rest in heauen. And I beseech thee of thy good∣nesse which answereth thy great∣nesse, to distill the dew of thy blessings as vpon my daily la∣bours, so vpon my rest in the
night, that it may recouer my spirits, and refresh my faculties, and repaire my strength, and put me in minde of that comfortable rest which they enioy, who lie in the bosome of Abraham, and sleepe in Iesus, who this day lay in his sepulchre, yet saw there no corruption. For thy promise thou madest good, not to leaue his soule in hell, nor to suffer thine holy one to see corruption. O Lord I entirely desire thee to burie all my sins, especially those (which this day and weeke hath added to the totall summe) in his graue; and teach me by it to burie in the pit of eternall obliuion. not one∣ly my brethrens trespasses against me, but also all those sinfull baites which haue heretofore al∣lured me to any kinde of vicious leudnesse. Grant that I may more and more feele the power, as of Christs death in the mortification of my fleshly members; and so of his burial in the cōquering of the
horror of the graue. For as thou hast threatned death saying, O death I will be thy death; so thou hast threatned the graue also, saying, O graue, or corruption, I will be thy corruption, or destru∣ction And what though my flesh be all consumed to bones, yet thy spirit blowing vpon dead bones can reuiue them, and couple them againe with sinnewes, and cloathe them with flesh. What though these bones be resolued into dust, yet thou which madest it of nothing, canst as easily restore it, and reare it out of that which is as lirtle or next neighbour to nothing. Thou which raisedst thy Sonne from death, sha••t raise and change my vile bodie, and make it like vnto his glorious bodie, by that power whereby thou art able to subdue all things vnto thy selfe. Make my heart hewen out of a harder rocke them thy Sonnes sepulchre was, a fit receptacle, not for dead, but for liuing Iesus. As that se∣pulchre
neuer receiued any but Iesus; so let my heart entertaine nothing but thee. Make me a pure and chaste soule, that as thy Sonne was borne of a Virgins wombe, and lay buried in a vir∣gine tombe: so he may abide in my virgin and vndefiled soule. Remoue the heauie stone from my heart, as thou diddest that great stone from his sepulchre. As he neuer returned to his sepulchre after he came out of it: so grant that when thou hast perfectly raised me out of the graue of sin, I may neuer returne to it againe. And as he kept Sabbath in his graue, and obserued thy statutes in life and in death, and fulfilled all righteousnesse: so grant I may both in life and death accom∣plish thy holy will. And as hee neuer rested till he had cried out, All is finished: so grant that I may not be wearie of well-doing, nor giue ouer my heauenly race of godlinesse, till I may say, It is
finished. Endue me with power from aboue, and gird about me thy whole armour, that I may fight a good fight against the world, the flesh, and the diuell, and finish my course in the full discharge of my calling, and keepe the faith to the end; and in the end receiue that incorruptible crowne of glory which thou the righteous Iudge wilt giue to all that loue the second comming of thy Sonne. And behold thou commest with the cloudes, and all eyes shall see, euen they that nailed thee; and all kindreds of the earth shall mourne before th••e, yea, and Amen. So be it.
Thou art worthy O Lord to re∣ceiue glory, and honour, and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy wills sake they are and haue beene created, Reu. ••. 11.
Worthy is the Lambe that was killed to receiue power, and riches, and wisedome, and strength, and ho∣nour, and glory, & praise, Reu. 5. 12
Diuine pre∣cepts.
Holy exam∣ples.
Christ
Abraham.
Gedcon.
Dauid.
Salomon.
Ezekiah.
Iob.
Daniel.
Iohn Baptist
The Centu∣rian.
Peter.
The Publi∣cane.
Paul.
Promises to the humble of the fa∣uour with God.
Wisedome.
Sanctifying grace.
Preferment
Blessedness▪
God com∣mandeth meekenesse.
Our condi∣tion re∣quires it.
Examples of mecknes.
God the Father.
The Sonne.
The Spirit.
The Saints. Moses.
Dauid.
Ieremiah.
The woman of Canaan.
Saint Paul.
Resemblan∣ces in the creatures.
Meekenesse bringeth peace.
Wealth.
Honour.
Wisedome.
The fruits of the spirit.
Blessednesse
1 Gods Com∣mande∣ment.
2 The Saints pra∣ctise.
Hezekiah.
Manasses.
Ezra.
Peter.
3 A prepa∣ration to the Gospell.
4 Accepta∣ble to God.
5 The effect of true con∣uersion.
6 A cause of many di∣uine ver∣tues.
7 Bringeth ioy and comfort.
8 The want of it feare∣full.
Precepts for seeking the meanes of saluation.
Examples.
Dauid.
Mary.
The bearers of Iohn Baptist.
Promises of life.
All things needfull.
Gods fa∣uour.
Delight. Peace.
Life.
Blessed con∣tent.
The king∣dome of heauen.
Saluation by Mercy.
It is the most emi∣nent attri∣bute to God.
Precepts of mercy.
The last iudgement proceeds vpon works of mercy.
Mercy, the fruit of the Spirit.
The Saints practise.
Iobs.
Tabithas.
Cornelius.
The good Samaritans
Philippi∣ans.
Onesiphorus
Philemons.
Workes of mercy, a certaine note of pure Religion.
In assu∣rance of saluation, and meanes of obtaining mercy▪ at Gods hand.
1. Precepts for it.
2. God takes notice of it.
3. God highly e∣steemes it.
4. Promi∣ses of 1. Life.
2. Fauour of Kings.
3. Sight of God.
4. Gods fauours.
5. Profiting by the Word.
6. Abode in heauen.
Precepts.
God the Father, God of peace.
The Sonne, Prince of peace.
The holy Ghost, the Spirit of peace. Examples.
The Saints, children of peace.
The f••uits of peace are Prosperity.
Honour.
Benediction
Wisdome.
Righteous∣nesse.
The speciall presence of God.
Vnity.
Beatificall vision.
God his Will.
Power.
Ordinance.
Christ his loue.
Example.
Sympathy.
The Saints continuall practise.
Ioseph.
Iob.
Daniel.
Ieremiah.
The Apostls and Saints of the Pri∣mitiue Church.
Paul.
The Thesa louians.
The He∣brewes.
Thyatyra.
Encourage∣ments.
Couuersion of enemies.
Conuiction.
Triall.
Ioy.
Assurance of Gods loue.
Fruit of righteous∣nesse.
Holinesse.
Perfection.
The promi∣ses.
Life.
Honour in in heauen.
Rewards in this life.
For holi∣nesse.
1. Precepts. 2. Paterens. so fit in God the Father.
The Sonne. The Spirit.
The church
Reasons drawne from the Creation.
Our Voca∣tion.
Redemp∣tion.
Sanctifica∣tion.
Glorifica∣tion.
Fruites of holinesse
Ioy.
Peace.
Prosperitie.
Dignitie.
Faith com∣manded.
As necessa∣rie to all religious duties, as Prayer.
Hearing the word.
The Sacra∣ment.
It is Preti∣ous.
Holy.
Proper to the Elect.
Grounded on God the Father his Word.
Oath.
The Sonne his promise.
Pray.
The Spirits earnest.
Seale.
Faith wor∣keth mira¦cles.
Ouercom∣meth the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
The world.
Maketh sonnes of God.
Purifieth the heart.
Keepeth from con∣fusion.
Iustifieth.
Saueth.
Crowneth with euer∣lasting bles¦sings.
Precepts for perseue∣rance.
Examples.
Abraham.
Dauid.
Daniel.
The blind man.
The Cana∣nitsh wo∣man.
Peters con∣uerts.
Paul.
Cornelius.
The beasts full of eyes.
The Corin∣thians.
Cōtinuance is a note of Truth.
Hath cer∣taine pro∣mises of re∣ward.
Saluation.
Comforta∣ble assu∣rance.
A crowne of life.
Apostasie and back∣sliding ve¦hemently disswaded.
Seuerely censured.
Fearefully thr••a••ned with losse of reward
Of Gods fauour.
With a re∣probate sence.
Infamy.
Death.
Eternally punished.
Death is common to all men.
The time and houre is by God prefixed.
God is an omnipotent and faith∣full Creator
Christ him∣selfe died, and by death en∣tred into his glorie.
And de∣stroyed death.
And chan∣ged it in
Name.
Nature.
Of a losse it is made a gaine.
Of a curse, a blessing and a d••scharge from La∣bour.
Sorrow.
Paine.
Sinne.
Free from euill com∣pany.
Bondage.
Tempta∣tion.
Feare the Saints de∣sire Death.
Are com∣forted in death by Faith.
By Loue.
By Hope.
By a good conscience.
The bodie resteth in hope of a glorious re∣surrection.
The soule immediat∣ly enioyeth blisse.
Body and sonle shall be crow∣ned at the last day.