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1. THings unkown we neither desire, nor feare
2. 'Tis extraordinary Wickedness, to think Nothing to be wicked.
3. Some Hearers are like the Aire, only hot, when the Sun shineth. See Mat. 13. four sorts of hearers.
4. Short Time hath long Wings, and flies away swiftly.
5. We may well spare our Thoughts from things impossible and unprofitable.
6. That Soul that is most watchfull, it least sinfull, Matth. 26.41. Rev. 16.15.
7. We can fathom from a Giants Heart to his Mouth; not a Dissem∣blers, see Jer. 12.2.
8. Gods Mercies are as the Foun∣tain, not as the Land-flood, viz. constant, not uncertain, and beneficiall not prejudiciall.
9. Milk not drawn, putrifies; Riches not used, rust. See James 5.2,3. see Matth. 6.19,20.
10. We are like the Aire, dark of our selves, Grace make us light, see 2 Cor. 4 6.
11. Prophane Teachers like Mer∣curiall statues, direct Others, not Themselves, Rom. 2. v. 1. and v. 17. to 24.
12. This little Time is between too vast Eternities, consider Psal. 90. and Psal. 102.24. to the end.
13. If two whistle, the Dog still comes to Him that hath the Bone, note Sauls words, 1 Sam. 22.7.
14. The Hawke flies highest, but the Hen is the better dish, see Prov. 15.33. Tast the next Aphorism.
15. The Wicked have often the greatest preferment, but the Godly are alwaies most profitable, Hest. 6. and 7. Chapters.
16. The shadow of Fame is some∣times long, sometimes short. As in Joseph, Job, Jacob, Nebnehadnezer, Dan. 4.
17. Much Grace makes a little Heaven here: truth of Grace makes sure of Heaven hereafter.
18. A Dispensation to sin is no∣thing so good as a Disposition a∣gainst sin. Compare Saul with Paul. Study Rom. 7.14. to the end.
19. The more the Church suffers here, the Enemy shall suffer hereafter, Micah. 7,8,9,10. Prov. 24.15.16,17,18.
20. Cham escaped drowing by Water, yet was drowned in sin, Gen. 9.18. to 28.
21. Distempered Affections make our Griefs exceed our Crosses, Gen. 30.1. Matth. 2.18. Jonah. 4.9.
22. That which is a Burthen within, is like to be a Blemish with∣out, Psalm 38.4,11. Rom. 6.21.
23. Sin often prevailes against the godly, but their Resolution still re∣vives, Psalm 39.1. Psalm 17.3.
24. Heavines and Fear very much hinder good duties, Psalm 69 3. Prov. 29.25. 1 Sam. 26.19. Psalm 40.12.
25. In out distempers, or ill com∣pany, or solitariness, Sathan watch∣es; see Aphorism 278.
26. Diabolicall thoughts are as dust blowne; the fault is not in the Eyes, 2 Cor. 12.7,8,9. Rom. 7.17.
27. What Satan suggests that Me∣lancholly keepes. As in the despaire of Cain, Saul, Judas, &c.
28. They never prosper, whom Gods Children do pray against, Exo. 17.11. Isa. 54.17.
29. GOD washes with blood, We with teares, Luke 7.38. Revel. 1.5. Zach. 13.1.
30. None do believe, because they are worthy to believe, Ephes. 28. Heb. 12.2.
31. 'Tis better to beare Scoffes, than to dissemble Holiness, Marke 8.38. Rom. 1.16. Jer: 20.7,8,9. Heb. 11.36.
32. We have more comfort of what we give, than of what we get, Psal. 39.6. Eccles. 2.18,19. Psalm 41.1,2,3,4. Acts 20.35.
33. Men are ashamed to make sa∣tisfaction, who shamed not to sin, Job. 31.33. 1 Sam. 15.9,11,15,30.
34. A true Convert pursueth Sin to Victory, 2. Tim. 4.7. Rom. 12.21. 1 John 5.4.
35. The World is unstable, being round; the New-Jerusalem is firme, being foure-square, Revel. 21.16. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
36. We call that chance (or mis∣chance) which comes between the Purpose and the End.
37. We are secure amongst Friends, But watchfull amongst Enemies, Psal. 30.6. Neh. 7.3.
38. Breath is not the life, yet we live with it: workes save not, yet we are saved with them.
39. Christ obeyed for satisfaction, we obey for Gratulation, Rom. 5.19. 1 Thes. 5 18.
40. Our waies are direct and streight, when both Ends agree with the Middle.
41. There is a thirst of Emptinesse, and another of Desire: the first Gods people have no more but in this life.
42. Secret sins are seeds that will sprout, if they be not timely nipt, Psal. 19.12,13. See Aph. 281.
43. To look to our selves, AND to our Enemies, is the only way to be safe, 1 Pet. 5.8.
44. A well-contented low estate is the best Preferment. See Prov. 15.33. and Chapter 30 7,8,9.
45. A large Conscience all the life ••ime, will prove an heavy Consci∣••nce on the death-bed.
46. Condemn not in Generall for one fault, nor yet justifie the Par∣ticular. Prov. 24.16. Matth. 18,15,16,17. Levit. 19.17.
47. We are commanded to take up the Crosse, not by base courses to shun it, Math. 16.24.
48. A man by wisedome gets an E∣state, but cannot leave wisedome with his Estate, Eccles. 2.18.19.
49. If God break our Ships, and give us boards, we may swim to shoare, Acts 24.47. see Job 1.21. and Chap. 42.11.
50. The end of the wicked is Hell; not the end of their aime, but of their course, Prov. 14,12. and 16,25.
51. Every Lust streigthens us, the removall gives us liberty. Rom. 6.12.14,16 and Chap. 8 2.
52. Those which be ever drinking without Thirst, shall ever thirst with∣out Drinking, Isa. 65.11. to the 15.
53. GOD judges certainly a prio∣re, Man charitably a posteriore, Prov. 16.1,2. Psal. 139, all 2 Sam. 12.18. and 1 Kings 3.26,27.
54. We may be weake & wise both at once, as the Coney, the Pismire, and Chicken, see Psal. 104.18. Prov.6.6,7,8. Ch. 30.25,26. Reade and do Matth. 23.37.
55. The wicked are like a wheele, unstable, creaking, and at last burned, Psal. 83.13.
56. Beasts have a bodily presence to eate: Christians to edefie, Psal. 104.14 28. Psal. 145.15,16. Col. 4.6, 1 Tim. 1.4. Eph. 4.29 30.
57. Christ refused the Worlds Pre∣ferment, and then Angels came unto him, Matth. 4 8,9,10,11.
58. The more we subdue the Ca∣naanites, out lusts, the more we enjoy Canaan our rest, see Judg. 2.22,23. and so of the Gibeonites, Josh. 9.27.
59. The deceitfull Trades-man workes on the ignorance or Need of the Buyer, Docet experientia rerum,
60. To do good to the godly (and (and ungodly) is not only a Curte∣sie, but a bounded Duty, Matth. 5.44. Gal. 6.10. Rom. 12. End so.
61. In things indifferent (or doubt∣full) we are to look what is meet to be done, and then to doe it
62. Those Gifts do bind us most, that come from a free Giver, Hos. 14.4 8. Psal. 116.7,8,12.
63. If Injuries be our Enemies, let Forgivenesse be our Weapon, Rom. 12.21, Matth. 6.14,15.
64. It is well, when the End of our Passion is the Beginning of our Re∣pentance, 2 Kings 5.11,12,13,14. Naamans case, and Peters, Mark 14.71,72.
65. The Favours that Forgetful∣nesse doth hide, Thankfulnesse layes open to Review, Psal. 103.2,34,5,6,7.
66. Violent Affections to Gaine, bring violent Afflictions at the losse. See Matth. 19.22. James 5.1,2,3,4,5. Prov. 38. 1 Tim. 6.9,10.
67. Hell tormeneth only the bad, the Usurer torments the good, Rev. 21.8. and Chap. 22.15. Psalm 15.5. Neh. 5.9 10. see Prov. 28.8. Read Ezeck. 8.
68. An ill-favoured Snake is a bet∣ter Companion than a well-favoured Harlot, For an Harlot is the Eve of a Serpent.
69 'Tis not comely to step from the Cradle of ignorance to the Chaire of censure, Job 32.6,7.
70. Tis better to be uncomfortably conscionable, than unconscionably comfortable, Psal. 37.16. Prov. 15.15,16,17. Chap. 16.8.
71. We should pray that Ministers may have life in their Doctrine, and Doctrine in their life, Ephes. 6.18 19. 1 Cor. 2,4,5. 1 Tim. 3.1. to the 8. vers.
72. The Hand by feeding the Body gives nourishment unto it self. 1 Cor. 12.14. to 27. verse, Epes. 4 28. and Aph. 438.
73. 'Tis an happy Wed lock to marry in Dispositions, as well as in Bodies, 2 Cor. 6.14.
74. Our corrupt nature desires not so much good things, as new things Athenean like, Acts 17.19. to 22.
75. GOD layes the Reines on Na∣tures necke, but pulls not the Bit out of her mouth, Eccles. 1,2,3,11,12. compared, with verse 1.
76. We read often that the Devill is a Lyar, but seldome that he is a Swearer. We are too apt to beleeve the Devil will out an Oath, saies one.
77. We should alway set God before us, and our selves alwaies be∣fore him: see Psalm. 16.8. and Psal. 139 all. Isa. 29.15.
78. 'Tis an heavy loss to lose our Prayers, either the Act, or Event, Prov. 15.8. Psal 109.7.
79. God will not in trouble shelter the prophane man under his wings, Psalme 32.6,7,10,11.
80. The falls of Professors bring griefe to the godly, and scorne to the wicked, Exod. 32.21.
81. In Slaunders we should be moved more for the sin against God, then for our own hurt, and so in all other mischiefs.
82. Gods Favour makes us set light by the worlds Frowns, see Psal. 109.28. John 16.33.
83. 'Tis devillish to be evill in good company; 'tis gracious to be good in evill company, Isa. 26.10. 1. Pet. 2.7,8. Phil. 2.15.
84. An humble heart & contempt of the world are hardly gotten in Prosperity, Job 21.7. to 16. Prov. 1.32
85. A feigned Obedience in Life, brings but a feigned Comfort in Death, Job 8.13. and Chap. 20.5.
86. Those which can be content to be wicked, shall to their Discontent be counted wicked, Gen. 4.12.14.
87. Men may sin in Jest, yet at last be punished in Earnest, Prov. 10.23. Chap. 26.18,19. with Chap. 16.25.
88. We should never forget Gods Water-workes in 88. nor the Devils Fire-workes, Nov. 5.
89. He that willingly defames me, unwillingly adds to my Reward, Mat. 5.11,12. Heb. 11.26.
90. The Crane winds up heavy things; the Power of GOD raises up grosse sinners, Acts 9. all.
91. Our Wives may be lesse faire or Witty than others: yet we love them better, because they are our own.
92. A cursed person using a cur∣sed meanes; cannot alwaies pre∣vaile, As in Haman, Saul, Achito∣phell.
93. Our wealth is but a passe, to keep us from begging (vagrant-like) in our journey, see Gen 28.20, &c.
94. The last end of our thoughts should be thoughts of our last end, Deut. 32.29. Psalm. 394.
95. 'Tis better humbly to confesse Evills, than proudly to boast of our Goodness, Math. 23.12. Luke 18.10. ••o 14.
96. What the broken heart seekes that the mercifull heart findes, and that is Mercy, Psal. 51.1.17. Matth. 57.
97. When God is our object, then the world is our abject, 1 Iohn 2.15,16,17. Matth. 6.33.
98. Sinfull pleasures will come to nothing, whether they have a being or not See Heb. 11.25.
99. There is more pleasure to subdue our lusts, than to fulfill them. See Rom. 8.1,2,7,8.
100. Those that speak so much of Luck and Fortune, have not been in∣structed in Gods providence.
101. We observe Injuries, let us observe our selves how we beare the ••ame, Prov. 16.32. Chap. 24.29. Ro. 12.18, &c.
102. I will look on others Vertues, when I the more hate mine own Vi∣ces, Phil. 2,3,4. 1 Pet. 3,3,4,5,6.
103. An heart full of Goodnesse is worth many heads full of knowledge 1 Cor. 8.1. Chap. 13. all. Iames 4.17.
104. The being of sin in us brings Death, the reigning of sin in us brings ••he second death, Rom. 5.12,21.
105. I like that Policy, that studies more to grow good than great. See Prov. 11.23. Ier. 45.5.
106. I am miserable without a Friend, and know not my Friend without misery, Job 16.2. Prov. 17.17.
107. Wicked men are so preserve•• from Evils, as they are reserved for E∣vils, Jer. 12.1,2,3. Job 21.30.
108. First, let us make Conscience, and then let us make Prayers, Psalm. 66.18. Iob 11.13,14,15.
109. The desire of Grace, is Grac•• to desire; see Prov. 11.23. Mat. 5.6. Isa. 26.8,9.
110. Bad Company, that have n•• grace, hurts the good, that have som•• corruption to work unpon.
111. To do no good workes; or else to trust in workes done, are our Rocks to split us: See Aporisme 293.
112. Because our Life is so misera∣ble, tis a comfort we are mortal. see Job 14.1. Gen. 47.9.
113. If Matrimony be a matter of money, the Conclusion is, the Issue may be naught, see 1 Tim. 6.9,10.
114. ALL the sorrow of a godly man is not godly sorrow, As in Jacob, Gen. 37.35. and David, 2 Sam. 18. 33. but compared with Chap. 19. the 7. ••irst Verses.
115. Our indisposition should trou∣ble us as much as our ill disposition, Prov. 7.19. to the 25.
116. The Stars appeare not in the Day; and Patience is not seen in Prosperity, Rom. 15.3. Chap. 12.12. with Psal. 30.6. and Eccles. 7.14.
117. The End is first in Intention, and last in Execution, Arist.
118. Young Controversers like chil∣dren turn to the end of their Book, not having learnt the beginning, se•• Heb. 5.12.
119. 'Tis madnesse to practice first and then take advice, see Eccles. Cha•• 5. the 7. first Verses, Prov. 20.25.
120. If Gods Word be our Coun¦sellor all day, it will be our Comfort•…•… at night, Psalme 1.2. Psalme 11•• 24.
121. Our times have more liberty for Conference then most of us do make use of, see Eccles. 116,7. Chap. 9 12.
122. God hears our prayer accor∣ding to our good, not our Wills, Psal. 34.10. James 43. 1 John 5.14.
123. Our Care cannot alter things, let our Patience bear them, Psal. 37.1 to Verse 8.
124. 'Tis beter to have our Minds fitted to our Estates, then our Estates to our Minds Read. Mr. Burroughes Jewel, and Mr. Watsons Charter.
125. A man of solid Understanding prefers an inch of Profit before an ell of Pleasure. Isaiah. 44.9. Eccles. ••.1, &c.
126. Those that know much, may miss of Holiness: those that strive to Obey, shall not miss of Happiness.
127. The Aggravation of a great sin, is not the Approbation of a small one, Luke 12.47,48.
128. Much Hearing makes a learned Head: much Prayer makes a gracious Heart, see Isa. 55.3.6.
129 False Friends may prove true Enemies, 1 Kings 13.18. Prov. 27.5,6. and Chap. 28.23. and Chap. 23.6,7,8.
130. My Conscience hath to doe with my Sin before Commission, with my Person after Commission.
131. Wicked men be Fooles: were they wise, they would endeavour to be godly-wise, Rom. 1.22. Chap. 1.16.9.
132. Earth is the place, where many enjoy and yet loose Happiness. Job 20.5,15. Chap. 21.7. to the 19. Psal. 17.14. Psal. 37.35,36. Psal. 73.12.19.
133. My Prayers make me Love, and reverence God, and the Disposi∣tion endures afterward.
134. The Sunne stood still for Joshuah, whereas Covetousnesse was busie in Achan, Josh. 7.21. Chap., 10.13.
135. Our life is as a Day; the Night is Death; our Beds are as our Graves; our Arising is as the Resurrection.
136. We should not rashly run into secret things, nor let slip known truths: see Deut. 29.29.
137. The Birth of the Brain is striven for more than the Birth of the Body. Read and Ponder Eccles. 12.12.
138. Their waies are sinfull, that were a Mantle of non-imployment, Matth. 26.7. see Chap. 25.24. to 31. and beware idle Excuses, as Prov. 22.13
139. Our best actions are Counter∣feit or Corrupt: see Job 14.4. Jer. 17.9. Isa. 64.6.
140. 'Tis fearfull to continue in sin, and hard to get out of it: see Ap. 350. compare Prov. 29.1. with Jerem. 13.23.
141. Our thoughts of GOD are, what he will do with us, for us, by us, Rom. 11.36. Rev. 4.11. Prov. 16.4.
142. 'Tis better for us to be hum∣bled for our wickedness, than proudly to boast of our holiness, Luke 18.10.11,12,13,14.
143. That Charity which begins at home, must not end at home. Mat 7.12. Chap. 22. verse 39.
144. A seasonable reproof may serve as a Rudder to alter a mans Course a better way: see Prov. 6.23.
145. We are loaden with light Conceits and heavy Cares: with lead and feathers the back is broke.
146. The wicked think the godly to be Fools: but the godly know the wicked to be Fools experimentally.
147. In our Indispositions, Faint∣ings and Afflictions let us look to the Reward, 2 Cor. 4.16,17,18. Heb. 12.1,2.
148. The giving of the Law was terrible: oh what shall the Day of ac∣counts be? Exod. 19.18. and 20,18,19. 2 Thes. 7,8,9.
149. Prophane men are vicious both in Mirth and Anger; still foolish or frantick, Prov. 29 9.
150. Afflictions are as Sampsons Ly∣on, they afford the honey of instruction see Psal. 119.71. Heb. 12,10,11.
151. Cheerfulnesse is like Oyle, it makes us prompt and ready to good duties, Heb. 8.10.
152. Babes are nourished at the Mouth, but new-born Babes at the Eare, Job 12.11. Chapter 34.3 with 1 Pet. 2.2.
153. Afflicting sorrow bewails sin; but affecting sorrow forsakes sin; see Matthew 27.3,4. and Psalme 51.2,10,11.
154. Distraction cures not Distra∣ction: Yielding never conquers; Believe not thy own unbelief.
155. Beauty is like an Almanacke; 'tis very soon out of date, Isa. 40.6,7. with Prov. 31.30.
156. Order is pleasant in Conceit, plaine in Demonstration, sure in Imi∣tation; see 1 Cor. 14.40.
157. Consolations are for the well-being of the Soul: Faith and Repentance prove the being of grace.
158 Deliberation and Determina∣tion are the wise mans Oares, Luke 14. verse. 28. to the 34. learn Fore-cast and Resolution.
159. Carnall Reason, and Self-love are the very vitals of the old man. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, are the Devills 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
160. Boldness makes many go be∣fore their time, beyond their strength, Acts 19. verse 13. and 16. 1 Kings 20.11.
161. Errour in practice is main∣tained with shame; Errour in judge∣ment with pride.
162. Enemies may crosse us, and hinder us on Earth, and yet further us to Heaven, 2 Cor. 4.17,18.
163. Death is welcome when he sindes us in Labour and Peace, not in Sin and Security, Rev. 14.13. Matth. 24.45. to the end.
164. Faith and Works are as the Ship and wares; Both are lost, or sa∣ved, James 2.14. to the end.
165. Discontent makes wants where none are, and encreases evills that be.
166. A flictions are like a showre of Raine: they make much noyse, but hurt us not; they wet, but not wound.
167. Infants do suck but weakly though there be Milk enough; we are streightned only in our selves; see 2 Cor. 6.12.
168. Action is the Crown of Ver∣tue, and Perseverance is the Crown of Action; see Aphor. 185.
169. GOD works in us, for us, by us, blessed be his glorious Name, Isa. 26.12. Phil. 2.13.
170. The falls of Professors bring grief to the godly, and scorne to the wicked, see 2 Sam. 12.14.
171. Grace is but little encreased in those, who envie grace in others: (and indeed grace is too good for that vice.)
172. Contemplation to the soul is like Mirth and Recreation to the Bo∣dy, Prov. 2.10. Chap. 17.22. and 18.1.
173. Mortification is in us indeed, but not of us, Rom. 8.13. Ephes. 2.1,25. Phil. 2.13.
174. Grace works in us Contriti∣on for our own sins, and compassion for others sins, Zach. 12.10. Psal. 119.136.
175. Hypocrisie is the worst sin for GOD to judge, and the last sin for Man to judge, Jer. 17.9 10.
176. Mans Life is like a Bottle of wine; Moderation makes it last long, Probatum est.
177. We must, like Mariners looke up, the better to order our Course below; see Prov. 3,5,6.
178. Love is a Grace, which doth most, and distrusts leasts, 1 Cor. 13.4,5. &c. 1 John 3.16. Chap. 4,9,10.
179. Love is a debt that must be so paid, that still it is daily owing; see Rom. 13.8. and Heb. 13.1.
180. Pride makes us, like swolne members, to do little and suffer lesse.
181. Reason is like the Sunne; it shewes all under it, nothing above it. So Solomon oft hints in his Ecclesiastes.
182. Patience suffers evills present, and waites for good to come, Rom. 12.12. compared with Psalme 37.7. and James 5.7,11.
183. There is nothing terrible in Death, but that our life hath made it so. O never forget that!
184. Reproof is very grievous where Grace is wanting, see Psalm. 141.5. and Prov. 9.8. and 13.1.
185. Perseverance addes a Lustre to our Graces, as Ʋarnish does to the co∣lours.
186. Persecutions, Prosperity, and Errours discover Hypocrites. Mat. 13.21. Job 21.7. to 16. Palme 40.4.
187, Old love being rooted still re∣vivies upon fresh Occasions; as in Bo∣az, Ruth 2.11. and Jonathan, 1 Sam. 20.17.
188. Thankfulness is bred of Blessings, and preserves that which bred it, Psalm. 67.5 7. Psalme 50. last.
189 Thankefulnesse is a Sacrifice most acceptable to GOD and least pain∣full to Man, Psal. 50 8 to the 15.
190. Things wittie and pretty are not alwaies wise and pithie. The Tulip has rich Colours, but a beggerly Sa∣vour.
191. Ambition is the danger of the higher, Contention of the lower sort of people.
192. Time is like a Serpent with his tayle in his mouth, we see not the end of it, Eccles. 3.22. and Chap. 10.24.
193. Time is alwaies passing: E∣ternity is alway standing still. Time is a River: Eternity the Sea.
194. All our labour must be used with Prayer, but Prayer must not be all our labour, Ephes. 6.13. to the 19.
195. Affliction is but our Shepherds dog; he comes not to devour us, but reduce us to the fold.
196. The sins of GODS people are a surprizall not a Contrivall (for the most part)
197. No power, but that which at first did form us, is able to reform us also, Psal. 51.10.
198. Naturall light is of it self e∣nough to damne us, but not enough to save us, Rom. 2.12. to 16. with Chap 1.20.
199. They that would have com∣fort in the day of the LORD, must make conscience of the LORDS Day.
200. Thy portion in Heaven is per∣fect, let me hasten to a perfect fitnesse