Divine consolations for mourners in Sion being an extract of certain choyce epistles of dying martyrs to each other and to their fellow prisioners for the cause of Christ, in the times of cruell and fiery persecution, wherein is much variety of suitable matter of meditation for all such who are burthened under the pressure of their sins and sorrows in these evil times.

Another Letter of John Careles to A. B. a faithfull Minister of the Lord, containing certain fruitfull Precepts of Matrimony.

I Beseech the same everlasting Lord (my dear and faithful Brother) that blessed young Tobias with his Wife Sarah, and brought them together in due time with reverence and fear, preserve and bless you both, and your seed after you, that they may increase the number of the faithful by thousands and thousands. And as the Lord of his great mercy and fatherly Providence hath been alwayes careful for you, and now hath for your comfort accomplished his good work in coupling you with a faithful Mate: so see that you

be thankful for his Providence towards you, that it may every way in you be an increase of love and godliness, yea of Christian joy and gladness in these sorrowful dayes: but yet so, that you mourn with the true mourners of Sion, and be sorry (yet in measure) for the hurt of the same. Pray also in faith for her pro∣sperity, that the Lord may build up the walls of Jerusalem a∣gain.

Oh that the Lord would turn Sions. Captivity as the river, into the South; then should our hearts be made glad, and our mouthes filled with laughter. Then would the Heathen Hypocrites say, The Lord hath done much for them. Oh, the Lord hath done great things for us already, whereof let us heartily rejoyce, and praise his Name therefore. For though we now sow with tears, yet shall we be sure to reap with gladness: and as we now go forth weeping, bearing forth good seed, so shall we come again with joy, and bring our sheaves full of Corn. Yea, the death of the Martyrs (which is most precious in his sight) shall be the life of the Gospel, spight of the Papists hearts.

Pray for me (dear heart) that I may be counted worthy to sowe some seed amongst the sweet Saints of the Lord, that I may reap the same again without ceasing, at the Harvest. It is now sowing time of the year, men say in the Country, and I think I shall make an end of sowing before all March be past: for I hear say that I shall prove how my Plough will enter into the stony ground of the hard hearted Papists, within these four dayes. I hope to hold fast, and not to look back, neither for fear nor flattery, until I have made an end of sowing, and then will I set me down and rest me, and ask them all no leave, and look for the lively fruit and increase thereof with joy and gladness.

My dear Brother, the time approacheth near (I praise God there∣fore) that I must put off this si••ful tabernacle and go home to my heavenly Father, where divers of my dear Brethren are already, looking and wishing for me. I beseech you therefore that you will help me forward with your faithful Prayers, as I know you doe, for I do feel the comfort and commodity thereof.

That you have observed my simple Counsell, I am right glad, and I trust in the Lord God, you shall finde comfort in the same. And that you may so doe indeed, I have been so bold to write these few words unto you, because I shall see you no more in this corruptible life: therefore mark them well. First and above all things you must be very circumspect to keep the band of love, and beware that there never spring up the root of bitterness between you. If at any time there happen to rise any cause of unkindness between you (as it is unpossible alwayes to be free from it) see that you weed up the same with all lenity, gentleness and patience, and never suffer your self, nor your wife to sleep in displeasure.

If you have cause to speak sharply, and sometimes to reprove, beware that you do not the same in the presence of other: but keep your words until a convenient time (which is the point of a wise man, saith Solomon) and then utter them in the spirit of meekness, and the groaning spirit of perfect love: which you must also let sometimes to cover faults, and wink at them if they be not intolle∣rable. Whatsoever loss and mischance shall happen unto you, take it patiently, and bear it merrily: and though the same should come partly through your wifes negligence, yet let it rather be a loving warning to take heed in time to come, then a cause of sorrow for that which is past and cannot be holpen. I know by mine own experience that we are in this life subj••ct to many inconveniences, and that of nature we are prone to displeasure, and ready to think unkindeness for every little trifle, and specially with our best friends, yea soonest with our loving wives, which be most lothest to dis∣please us.

But let us beware of this cankered corruption, and consider that wrought most of all, in love to bear with them, according to Christs example towards his Congregation, for whom he gave himself to cleanse it, &c. I had thought to have treated this matter at large, but even now I am interrupted and otherwise letted. I doubt not but you know your duty therein a great deal better then I can declare it unto you; and as you know it, so will do it: but I love to be bold with you. I intend also to write to your wife very shortly, and so take my last farewel of you forever in this World

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And thus in great haste I am now constrained to make an end. The blessing of God be alwayes with you.

Your own forever, John Careles. Pray, pray, pray with Faith.

Notes

• Psal. 146.
• The death of the Martyrs is the life of the Gos∣pel.
• A sowing time is Christs Church.
• This counsel was that he should marry, notwith∣standing certain lets, whereby Satan sought to hinder his Mar∣riage.
• The root of bit∣terness to be weeded out with the Spade of Patience.
• How and when the husband ought to re∣prove.
• Faults somtime must be covered with love.
• Not to take un∣kindness for e∣very trifle.