Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The means, duties, ordinances, both secret, private and publike, for continuance and increase of a godly life, once begun, till we come to Heaven. Wherein are discovered many blessed medium's or duties, in their right method, manner and proceedings; that so a Christian (the spirit of Christ assisting) may walk on in the holy path, which leads from his new birth to everlasting life. / Drawn, for the most part, out of the most eminently pious, and learned writings of our native practical divines: with additionals of his own, by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amoundernes.

SECT. 9. The daily Register of a weak, unworthy Servant of Christ, for some years.

IT may be expected that I give some Example hereof; where∣in, if I may any way advance Christ, or benefit his Church, though I lie in the dust, I shall willingly, in such things as are fit∣ting to publish, subscribe the daily Register of a poor unworthy Servant of Christ, indeed one of the meanest of his Masters family for some space of time.

1641.

JAnuary 24. This day came the news of my Mothers death, whom (for the daily prayers made, and many tears shed for me) I esteemed as another Monica, and therefore I had cause to mourn for such and so great a loss.

May 20. This day in the Evening the Lord in his mercy poured into my soul the ravishing joy of his blessed Spirit. O how sweet was the Lord unto me? I never felt such a lovely taste of Heaven before: I believe this was the joyful sound, the Kisses of his mouth, the Sweetnesses of Christ, the Joy of his Spirit, the new wine of his kingdom; it continued with me about two days.

1642.

January 6. This day I observed a private Fast in my house; where by the Spirit of Prayer in some Christians, all hearts were warmed, affections moved, and Christ manifested his presence in the midst of us.

Feb. 2. I Preached (at the desire of the people) the first Ser∣mon that ever was Preached in Garstange Chappel: I hope a blessed beginning, the Lord prosper the Word in that place.

Feb. 5. The Lord (as once before wonderfully) so this day again delivered me from the danger of fire, which had seized on some part of the house or stuff in it where I lived.

May 15. I first Preached against all Superstitious vanities, and particularly against the Cross in Baptism: This was the first

occasion of the peoples general discontent, ever since when some of them have been irreconcileable: Now begun the Divi∣sions of Church and State. Reformation proves an hard work. I received strong consolation afterwards out of Psal. 37. v. 32, 33, 34. and out of Psal. 57. throughout.

Aug. 2. This day I observed a private Fast, with a godly Neighbor-Minister, wherein some of his, and some of my Hearers joyned: I took this as a fore-runner of Consociation of Churches.

Novemb. 15. I was taken Prisoner, but some Gentlemen offered themselves to be bound for my appearing when called; and so the Lord set me free: Now began the troublesom times; and this year the Lord many a time assisted me in the Preaching of his Word boldly to the Enemy, both above ordinary, and far above my self.

1643.

Febr. 9. This day the Lord gave Preston (which was kept Ga∣rison by the Commissioners of Array) into the Parliaments hands. I saw much of God in it; O that Preston would have known, or yet would know the things belonging to its peace!

March 20. This day the Lord gave Preston again into the hands of the Commissioners of Array, much blood was shed; I was taken Prisoner, and yet preserved and delivered by the good hand of God.

July 5. The Affairs of this County were (by Gods Provi∣dence) so altered again, that this day we observed an holy Fast, and Thanksgiving to God publikely, for his peoples deliveran∣ces in Lancashire. There was many mixtures this year of Gods frowns and smiles to his Saints.

1644.

Jan. 28. Many godly and sweet Ministers exiled from York∣shire, were provided for in Preston, and the parts adjacent: And this day they were pleased to observe with me a private Fast in my house; it was a comfortable day.

May 2. Bolton was taken: Colonel R. Forces Routed, and many a sweet Saint slain; no Quarter would be given, so that it grew into a Proverb, Bolton-quarter (i.) present death with∣out

mercy: Now I removed into Yorkshire, and the Lord pro∣vided for me comfortably, especially in Leeds.

June 14. Other two godly Ministers of Lancashire with my self, observed a publike Fast in Leeds new Church: The best people in and about the Town joyned with us.

June 21. This day the same Ministers joyned in a private day; some Christians of the place joyned with us, and the Lord sweetly inlarged our hearts: A good sign that he would return favorable answers.

July 2. and 5. Two solemn Fasts were observed at Manche∣ster: It was observed, That at the very same time of the former day, whilest an holy grave Minister was praying, that the Lord gave us the Victory (which was the turn of England) over Prince Ruperts Forces.

July 10. and 11. were days of Thanksgiving observed at Manchester for the same Victory: They were two comfort∣able days.

Aug. 17. I returned to Preston, and the next day Preached there before the General and Colonels: This was the Lords doings, to him be the glory and praise for ever.

1645.

Feb. 27. This day I had given me an Augmentation to my former Means; The Lord grant I may rightly improve it to his glory. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to cove∣tousness.

March 11. This day, with some other Christians, I ob∣served a private, but solemn day of Thanksgiving: The Duty no sooner done, but News came to the house (which exceeding∣ly heightned our joys in the Lord) that Bristol was taken.

Decemb. 2. This day Latham-Hall was delivered into the Parliaments hands: It is observed, That as it was twice Be∣sieged, so on the same day twelve-moneth that the former Siege was raised, was the latter Siege laid; and it is supposed (as it was foretold by a well-wisher to the house) that the blood shed at Bolton pulled down those walls.

1646.

Febr. 8. This day, after the Lord had enabled me in the

Preaching of his Word, one of my Hearers came to me with tears and complaints, doubting her case and Spiritual condition: Now the Lord bring in souls, and make his Word powerful unto them.

May 20. I came to Weddicre, which I did upon mature re∣solution, every year about that pleasant Spring time (if the Lord pleased) to retire my self, and in some solitary and silent place to practise especially the secret Duties of a Christian: In this place are sweet silent Woods, and therein this moneth, and part of the next, the Lord by his Spirit wrought in me Evange∣lical Repentance for sin, gave me sweet comforts, and Spiritual refreshings in my commerce, and intercourse with him, by Prayer, and Meditation, and Self-Examination, &c. discovered to me the causes of my many troubles and discouragements in my Minister••: whereupon I prayed more fervently, pressed the Lord with his promises, set his Power, and Wisdom, and Mercy on work; and so waited and believed, till the Lord an∣swered every Petition, and I could not but observe his hand in it. This was a comfortable time to my soul. June 26. I returned home again.

Aug. 7. I was ill troubled concerning the Divisions amongst us, and the reproaches of some cast upon me; but at last I drew comfort from Psal. 37.4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

Aug. 23. I Preached, and all the hour the Stitch was sore in my side; after Sermon I grew worse, and my sickness daily in∣creased, the Physitian could not by any means give me ease: I then made my Will, gave Exhortations to the chief of my Hearers; yet after it pleased the Lord to recover me, and Septemb. 13. I Preached again, when Mr. A. joyned with me as Assistant. O the fruit of Prayers!

Decemb. 8. We observed a private Fast: Some Ministers joyned with me; it was a heavenly day, the Lord walking in the midst of us. All glory to him.

1647.

March 1. This day Mistris C. sent for me, expressing that my Sermons of Eternity had struck her with fear and trembling, and that she was troubled in Conscience, and desired to be in∣formed in Gods ways: I advised her, and prayed with her;

many a tear came from her: The Lord by his Spirit work in her a through and saving Conversion.

March 3. Mr. B. a godly Minister in the North, being trou∣bled in Conscience, came to me, and desired some Spiritual ad∣vice: After acknowledgement of my unfitness and weakness, I directed, as the Lord enabled. On March 8. we joyned in a private day of Humiliation; and the terror of Conscience had so worn out his Spirit, and wasted his body, that he was not able (as he said) to perform: yet desiring him to depend on God, and to cast himself on him for ability; he prayed with such fervency, humility and brokenness of heart, that he open∣ed the fountains of all eyes about him, and caused a flood of tears in my Chamber, I never saw the like day. All the glory to God.

March 29. This day I received a Letter from Mr. B. who expressed, That he had found a great and constant ease and quiet∣ness of minde, ever since that day he was by the good Providence of God cast amongst us; and that he enjoyed that quietness, as Gods gracious return of our powerful Prayers. O our Father, hallowed be thy Name in this and all things.

March 30. I received a Letter from Mr. S.B. then at War∣wick-house in L. who amongst other things, complained of our great Divisions, many fears, frustrated expectations; so that if God shew mercy now, 'twill be strange to us: but this was our Unum Magnum, to have recourse upwards, to shelter our selves there, and either to wait for better times, or our pass for eternity: This Letter coming from so worthy, holy, and able a Divine, sadned my heart exceedingly, which helped on the Duty of the next day, being a publike Fast day.

April 1. Two Suns were seen in the Firmament by many in Preston: I dare not stick in the natural cause, but rather consi∣der it as a token of Gods heavy displeasure.

April 17. I received a Letter from Mr. C. Minister at H. who visited with sickness, expressed his grief for some former mis∣carriages; desiring that his head were waters, and his eyes a foun∣tain of tears, to weep for his sins: adding, That whatsoever I was minded to say to him, whether by way of Exhortation, Ad∣monition or Reproof, it should be heartily and lovingly accepted, and be as oyl, which should not break his head. O Lord, make

his Repentance sincere, and sanctifie his sickness to his Spiritual advantage.

May 2. This day (after three years want) we administred and received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper; it was the most heavenly heart-breaking day (especially at the time of the Ordinance) that of a long time we enjoyed: Many souls were raised, many hearts melted. Blessed be God.

May 19. This day I went to Weddicre, that in those sweet silent Woods (where I have found God many a time) I might fall upon the practice of some secret Duties, and enjoy sweet communion with my Lord and my God; accordingly I found him in the several Duties of Self-Examination, Meditation, Prayer, Praises, &c. June 21. I returned home again.

June 26. I visited (upon call) R. M. in his bed of sickness, who confessed that the Lord made me an instrument of his souls Conversion; and now in his sickness the Spirit of God had filled his soul with Comforts, and given him Assurance, which he drew from Christ in that precious Promise, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved.

June 27. I visited (upon call) E.W. whose heart God touch∣ed in the midst of our Prayers, and she received some Spiritual Comforts.

July 1. R. M. sent for me again, and drawing to his end, he proclaimed Gods goodness, and sweetness, and mercy, which were his last words; and after, in the midst of our Prayers, he gave up the ghost. Now he enjoys that of which he had such sweet fore-tastes. The next day I Preached his Fu∣neral Sermon on that Text which he hit on for his comfort, when he cryed, It is come, it is come.

July 19. This night desiring God to sanctifie my sleep and dreams, that I sinned not in them: I dreamed, that after some troubles of life, my time limitted was at an end, and that I heard the very voyce of God calling me by name into his glorious Kingdom; whither when I came, heavenly ornaments were put upon me by the hand of God, and of Christ: My soul was exceedingly ravished. The Lord grant I may make some use of this, to be more heavenly-minded, and to breathe more after Christ.

July 27. E.W. dyed in midst of our Prayers; the day after

was our Monethly Fast; which done, I Preached again her Funeral Sermon, and the Lord was then pleased so to in∣large my heart, and to pour words into my mouth, that I am confidently perswaded he spake in me, and by me. O Lord bless thy word to the people, and inable me still by the power of thy might.

Octob. 4. This day I was called by some discontented Bre∣thren to a private Fast: I construed this as good news from Heaven, was obedient unto it, and joyned with them. Some sparkles of former love still remained in every one of us: not∣withstanding former breaches, I trust God will by degrees unite our hearts more and more.

Octob. 12. This day I was told by a godly Minister Mr. C. that Mr. B. residing in Glasco, and lighting by Providence on my Book of the First and Last things, it was a means (as he ac∣knowledged) of his Conversion; at this time he was ordained Minister by the L. Classis, and reported to be a holy and able man. Glory and praise to thee, O my Lord and my God.

Octob. 15. A Letter full of Invectives, without any Name subscribed, was in the night cast into my house: I guess the man, but I desire to look up to God, to search my own heart, and to binde the Reproofs as a Crown unto my head; be the Author who he will, I much matter not, Psal. 27.11, 12, 13, 14.

Novemb. 29. This night I was told that Mistris E. D. was upon my Prayer the last Fast troubled in Conscience; and that since she had much talked of me, and desired to see me, but her Companion concealing it, she now apprehended the time was past, and utterly despaired: I sent to her, and at her first entrance into my Chamber, she cryed, O that face! I dare not look on it! Shall such a lost creature as I look upon thee? — Had I seen thee yesternight, I might have been saved; but now I am lost time is past; — O the terrors of the Lord are upon me, &c. yet after she was pleased to hear me pray: And then I advised her, To search out her sin — To submit to the Lord, to wonder at Gods mercy, that yet she lived, and was on this side Hell; — To ac∣knowledge Gods Justice; — To bear the indignation of the Lord; — Not to quarrel with the Lord; — Not to limit him to this or that time; — To learn Eli's and David's lesson, Here I am, let him do with me as seemeth him good in his own eyes. To this she

spake sensibly, acknowledging God to be righteous, That she deserved the state she was in; yet promised to yield, and to be quiet under Gods hand, and to search out her sins: so for that time we parted. After this I understood she grew to a deep melancholy, took Physick, but before she was cured, she was took by her friends into Ireland.

Decemb. 5. I was very weak in body; yet being desired, I went out to pray for R. G. who received thereby some soul-comfort, and within an hour after departed this life.

1648.

January 24. I was troubled in minde to hear, and consider of the many oppositions I found in my Ministery; at night I read a feeling passage in Rogers on Judges 13. thus: — I have often thought it Gods mercy, to keep the knowledge of such dis∣couragements from them that are to enter into the Ministery, lest they should be deterred wholly from it, till by experience they be armed against it.

March 17. I had news of a Justice of Peace who took of∣fence at some passages in my Sermon before the Judges; and after a Messenger came to me from the Judges themselves, to give me an account of the Assizes, and especially of the Tryal of the Jesuit S. concerning whom was the exception taken.

May 3. We had sudden news of some Cavaliers driven out of Scotland, and drawing towards us: At morning, in order of our Family-duty, we read Psal. 124. and at night 1 Pet. 5.7. both which places refreshed and cheared my soul.

May 5. We had blessed news from London, of an happy accord betwixt the Parliament, City and Army; a strange al∣teration on a sudden: Thus God, when he pleaseth, wheels things about, and is that Spirit in the wheels.

May 7. I administred the Sacrament of the Lords Supper; wherein I found much sweetness, and blessed impressions of the Spirit of Christ, and Spiritual inlargements above my self, and a return of Prayers, in that the Lord hedged his Sacrament, that some such came not in, whom I desired to keep out. Halleluiah. Blessed be God.

May 16. I came to Weddicre, to renew my engagements and loves with my Lord and my God this Spring also: My ground is

that of Cant. 2.11, 12. Come my beloved, let us go forth into the fields, &c. there will I give thee my loves. The bridegroom of our souls (said Bernard) is bashful, and more frequently visits his bride in the solitary places.

May 17. I went into the solitary Woods, to practise the se∣cret Duties of a Christian: No sooner stepped in, but the green Trees, and Herbs, and the sweet singing of Birds, stirred up my soul to praise God. After, I begun my work, and continued it during that moneth: At several times I ran through the Duties of Watchfulness, Self-Examination, Experiences, Meditation, the Life of Faith; and many a time I felt many sweet stirrings of Christs Spirit: The Lord Jesus appeared to my soul, gave me the kisses of his mouth, especially in my Prayers to, and praises of his Majesty. Surely thou art my Lord, and I will praise thee: Thou art my God, and I will exalt thee. Halleluiah. Iune 19. I returned home again.

Iune 20. I observed this day an experimental truth, That it is the nature of Mortification to press forwards to have more vertue from Christ: So a Christian should 1. Prevail against the outward act of lust: 2. Against the rising and rowling of it in his fancy: 3. He should then come to hate it, and the thought of it. O Lord write this Law in my heart.

Iuly 3. I observed with some Christians a private Fast, for the removal of Gods hand in immoderate Showers, Sword, Pesti∣lence, &c. and the next day we observed a publike Fast to the same purpose. O when will the Lord return answers!

Iuly 12. We had news that the Scots had invaded this King∣dom.

August 1. In the morning, a little before day, I dreamed fearfully of Satans being busie with me about my bed, and in terror I awaked; the night was rough: Hereupon I meditated on Gods Judgements now abroad on the earth. After in my Family-duty was read Psal. 103. and from ver. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. whence I drew some Spiritual comfort.

Aug. 5. I read the Story of Mistris Sarah Wight; I found many a sweet passage in it, that exceedingly affected me, and melted my heart. Now the Lord Christ be magnified and ex∣alted, whom I desire to be my All in All.

Aug. 6. I read a Story of the Indians receiving the Gospel

in New-England, written by Mr. T. Shepherd, wherein was ex∣pressed many gracious impressions of God upon them, as the precious first-fruits of America to Jesus Christ, it much affected my heart to read it. All glory to God.

Aug. 9. Upon further advance, and near approach of D. Hamilton and the Scots, I was forced to remove; and pre∣sently after I heard the enemy was come into Preston.

Aug. 16. A Fast was upon the occasion observed in Man∣chester. In my preparation unto it (reading in the Bible) I light upon Isa. 49.17.—51.12, 13. After the Duty begun, the Lord kept my heart up as in a flame: The day was sweetly observed, but the Conclusion of it (when Mr. Angier prayed) was ex∣ceeding sweet; his Prayer was so working, that I believe it melted all hearts: and for my own, it pleased the Lord so to soften it, and break it, that (so far as I can remember) it was never in such a melting frame in any publike Ordinance be∣fore.

Aug. 22. I returned to Preston, and saw the wonderful works of God, and heard of many miracles of Mercies; — as 1. That the Infantry of the Scots was ruined, 150 Colours taken from them, 36 Barrels of Powder, 100 Barrels of Match, 6000 weight of Bullet, 5000 Muskets, 2000 Pikes, the Enemy being above 30000, and the Parliament forces not above 9000.— 2. That no place (whither the Enemy came) escaped Plunder∣ing, except Preston, which was prevented by the Armies coming in the very nick of time.— 3. That provision of meat was brought into the Town-Hall for the Scots, to the value of a thousand pounds at least, but the Armies seasonable march saved that provision for themselves.—4. That some of the Scots in the pangs of death cryed out, They had broken the Covenant, notwithstanding that the word COVENANT was inter∣woven in their Colours. Upon meditation of the whole busi∣ness, I believed that the Lord heard my Prayers: 1. In that my heart sympathized: 2. In that my heart was filled with joy in the accomplishment: 3. In that the Mercy concerned me, in respect of my person, Family, Congregation, as much as any other.

Aug. 30. and 31. we observed as days of publike Thanks∣giving to God.

Septemb. 25. R.H. dyed: In his life he was incontinent, and run away with a Journeymans wife that wrought with him; he was a frequenter of Alehouses, and kept in his Shop a Jugge, which he called Jack of Newberry, of large size, which he would have sent to the Alehouse sometimes about, and some∣times above twenty times in one day: He was a great Propha∣ner of the Lords day, and ordinarily would have wrought in the way of his Calling on it: Once being demanded to pay Layes, he answered, How could they honestly demand moneys of him, that would not suffer him to work; there were but seven days in the week, and one day he must watch, and another day he must Fast, and a third day he must rest from his work, because it was the Lords day. But this wicked life had a miserable end: for some weeks together he consumed away; at which time of his weakness, Mr. T.A. advised him to repent, to whom he answer∣ed in loud language, Let me alone, let me alone: Another ad∣vised him to call upon God; to whom he answered, I care not for God, and God cares not for me: A Gentlewoman advised him to send for the Minister to pray for him; to whom he an∣swered, Yes, when I have need: and the party then going from him, he bade, The Devil go with her. Upon remembrance of that Text (which he often repeated) No unclean person hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ; he concluded, That then he should never see Gods face in his Kingdom. One whole night (which was terrible to the hearers) he spent in cursing himself and others, bidding often, The Devil take thee, and the Devil fetch me: Sometimes he was heard to say to the by-standers, See, do you not see that black grim fellow that stands there? there will be whisking even now: The very day before he dyed, he drank eighteen Cans of Ale, and (without any visible repen∣tance) the day after, he dyed, without any man or woman in presence, to the amazement of them who first found him dead. O Preston take warning!

Octob. 23. I had this Relation, That one Sir G.C. of an an∣cient Family, sprung from many Knights, was much addicted to the sin of Uncleanness: An ancient Hall he had, which for the statelyness he Idolized; he left behinde him one Son, and two Daughters: His on Sir H. C. followed his Fathers steps, and had onely two Sons lawfully begotten, whereof his yonger dyed

first, together with his Lady; and the other Son having a Maid to wait upon him, she brought the Pestilence into the family, of which his Son and Heir dyed also: He himself (now being in a Consum∣ption) said, That he knew his house was come to its period. About this time his fair house was made a Garison, by which means all his Barns and buildings about it were pulled down; but the storm being over, he began to repair the house, and two Workmen being lately come out of Ireland, having the bloody Flux, brought that disease into the Family; hereupon he removed: And when the house was clear, he returned, and began again to repair the Building; but then the Pestilence by some means or other was brought into the Family, and so he was forced to re∣move again: The house once again cleansed, he (being now far spent in his Consumption) desired two days before his death to be carried to it, saying, He must be the last of that house, and he would dye where his Father dyed before him; accordingly his Ser∣vants conveyed him thither in a Chair. His great affliction was the want of an Heir, and especially that he knew none of his own Name in England (except Bastards) to whom he might convey his Estate: But after much enquiry, he was resolved that there was a Gentleman near his Name (it being but a syllable longer) who lived near the City of Y. This pleased him so well, that he made him (though a stranger) the Heir of all his Lands: In the mean while one of his Sisters dyed, and he himself (be∣ing conveyed as aforesaid) dyed in the same place he so much desired. There was none now alive of that Family, except one Sister, and she not long after his death, dyed also; at whose very time of death (as it was observed by strict calculation) a fire (not known certainly how) seized on that stately Hall, which was so vehement, that none could quench it, till at least two parts of it were burnt to the very ground. Here's a Looking-glass for all unclean persons, and vain-glorious world∣lings.

November 6. At night in my sleep I was exceedingly trou∣bled with fearful dreams of the Kings danger in reference to his person, and of great Commotions in the Kingdom, and Uproars every where; and that I was got into the throng, and could not avoid: At my waking I was exceedingly trou∣bled.

Novemb. 8. Some Christians with me joyned in a day of Hu∣miliation, and sought God for a blessing on our Conferences the beginning of this Winter season.

Novemb 14. A publike Fast was observed in Preston, for a blessing on the Provincial Meeting. Mr. A. and Mr. H. undertook the Burthen, and performed it very ably and sweetly.

Decemb. 6. The Army (as I heard) turned the City Guard back, as they were going to the Parliament House, and under∣took the Guard themselves; after, forty one Members were seized on, and carried away, and the next day they turned all others back, whom they judged not expedient to sit in the House.

Decemb. 25. was a day of jollity to all about us; but some Christians considering the evil days we lived in, joyned with me in humbling our selves, and we found by sweet experience, that It is better to be in the house of mourning, then in the house of mirth.

1649.

January 30. The King (as I heard) was Beheaded before White-hall: The news came to me on Feb. 3. and on Feb. 4. I observed a day of Humiliation with my own Family; which was helped on (for some part of the day) by the publike Ordi∣nances: my ground was 2 Sam. 1.12.

Feb. 16. news, That the Commons Voted the House of Peers useless and dangerous, and therefore to be abolished: As also, That the Office of a King in this Nation is unnecessary, burthen∣som, and dangerous to the Liberty, Safety, and publike Interest of the People of this Nation, and therefore also to be abolished. To this purpose ••hey Voted further, That the Oathes of Alle∣giance and Supremacy should from henceforth be made void, and never more imposed upon any People in this Nation: On March 14. Acts were brought in to these purposes: Hos. 3.4.— 10.3, 4.

April 2. Some Christians with me joyned in a private Thanks∣giving day, for Gods assistance and gracious appearings in our Winter Conferences: It was a comfortable day. All glory to God.

April 7. news, that the Lord Major of London refusing to Pro∣claim the Act for taking away Kingly Government, was put out of his Majoralty, put into the Tower, Fined Two thousand pounds: And that four Ministers were sent for by the Com∣mons out of this County, to answer for their Papers against the Agreement of the People, whereof my self (the most unworthy) was one.

April 8. I preached upon that subject of the Two Witnesses, and cleared it by Scripture proofs, That they were Magistrates and Ministers, and that the time of their killing is yet to come: Zech. 4.14. Rev. 11.3, 4, 7, 10.

April 10. Some Christians with me observed a private day of Humiliation, in reference to our sins and manifold miseries threat∣ning us more and more: It was a good day. O Lord return favorable answers.

April 20. I received a Summons from the Committee of Plun∣dred Ministers, to appear before them, and to answer all such matters as should be objected against me, concerning a Paper en∣tituled, The Agreement of the People taken into consideration, &c. by the Ministers of the Province of Lancaster; The next day I went up towards London.

May 5. I appeared, with the rest of my Brethren, before the Committee: where we confessed our Subscription, and owned the Papers for the substance of them. On May 10, 13, 21, 22, 23, 24, we appeared again, and were not at all questioned of any thing in the Book, but some few Interrogatories were made, Whether we owned the present State-Government, and would submit to it? we had many precious Prayers put up to God for us in the City, many Prayers and private Fasts for us in the Countrey, many sweet incouraging Letters both from Ministers and people in our own parts, and many unexpected friends and acquaintance stirred up by God wheresoever we came; the Lord incouraged and inabled us from time to time, so that the last day Mr. M. (Chairman of the Committee, in whose eyes we found favor) wished publikely there, I would the business of the Lancashire Ministers were well rid out of our hands. All glory and praise be to our good God.

May 6. and 27. I received the Sacrament of the Lords Sup∣per at the hands of Mr. Nalton and Mr. Ash: Their Exhorta∣tions,

Prayers, Consecration and Administring of the Sacra∣ment, exceedingly melted my heart. Blessed be God for them: Blessed be they of the Lord.

May 28. Upon serious consideration of the manifold miscarri∣ages both in Church and State, which I observed since my coming to London, I had some resolutions to spend the remain∣der of my uncertain days in a more retired and private way. At this time I set out of London, and left this Book in the Sta∣tioners hands for the Press. The Lord bless it to his people for his Names sake. Amen.

Notes

• Memorandum That in this Diary the year begins with January.
• Psal. 119 36.
• Psa 66.19, 20
• Acts 16.31.
• Cant. 2.11, 12