The Pathway to Prayer and Piety, Text – Title page 4

The Pathway to Prayer and Piety · Text – Title page 4

p. 65A DIRECTION TO LIVE WELL.

Queſtion.

I See that you remember much concerning praying, and communicating: what muſt you obſerue in your Chriſtian practiſe?

Anſw. As I am bound to pray continually, ſo am I bound to watch continually, that neither by Sathans ſubtilty, or the worlds vanity, or mine owne ſecurity, I be not ſurpriſed.

Queſt. Why ought you thus to watch?

Anſw. 1 Becauſe I walke in the preſence of God. Prou. 5.21.

2 Becauſe I walke among many occaſions of ſinne. 1. Iohn 2.16.

3 Becauſe of my ſelfe I am ſhiftleſſe to auoid them, 2. Chron. 20.21.

p. 664 Becauſe I can go about no good things but either Satan, or my luſts will be ready to moleſt me. 1. Theſſ. 2.18. Zach. 3.2.

5 Becauſe many excellent men hauehave fallen very grieuouſly, for want of watchfulneſſe. Geneſ. 9.21. & 19.32. 2. Sam. 11.2.3.1. King. 11.1.

6 If I can thus watch without ceaſing, I ſhall get in each action the peace of a good conſcience, which is the greateſt Iewell in the world. Acts 23.1.

7 I ſhall be ready for any temptation, eſpeeially for death and the day of iudgement. Gen. 39.10. Luk. 2.29. & 21.36.

8 I ſhall bee ſure to doe no ſuch thing, whereof I cannot giuegive an account to God. Luk. 19.15.16.

9 I ſhall ſtop the mouthes of mine aduerſaries, when they call in queſtion my righteous dealing. 1. Sam. 26.21.

10 I ſhall cauſe my religion to bee well ſpoken of, whileſt others obſerue my godly conuerſation Math. 16.

Queſt. What muſt you doe, that you may thus watch?

Anſ. 1 I muſt euer walke in faith: and to each part of Gods ſeruice, it is my duty to bring it with me. Rom. 14.23.

2 I muſt hauehave Gods warrant with me without which, faith is no faith. Pſ. 119.105

p. 673 I muſt ſee what calling I hauehave to each thing, without which a good thing may be ſinne. 1. Chron. 13.9.

4 I muſt redeeme, or buy out the time, and preſent oportunitie of doing good, and auoiding euill. Epheſ. 5.15.

5 I muſt remember, that though Sathan bee indéede chained and cannot hurt mee, yet if I will not bee bitten by him, I muſt walke aloofe from the chaine of this Lion.

6 I muſt looke to my thoughts, my words, mine actions, my geſture, mine apparell, my diet, my recreations, my gettings, my ſpendings, and how I may kéepe Holy the Sabbaoth day.

Queſt. Becauſe in the fourth rule, you hauehave ſaid that wee muſt buy out the time, out of whoſe hands muſt we buy it out?

Anſw. There are tenne ſinnes, which like ſo many Monopolizing ingroſſers, doe take vp all the houres of mans life, we muſt redéeme them out of all their handes. The firſt is Reading of vaine Bookes: the ſecond Long labour, to decke vp our bodies: the third, Feaſting and continuance in it: the fourth, Recreations in exceſſiue ſort: the fifth, Gadding abroad, without buſineſſe: the ſixth, Pratling and talking of things néedleſſe: the ſeuenth, Immoderate p. 68ſleeping in our beds: the eighth, Idleneſſe, and negligence in our callings: the ninth, Vaine thoughts, and cogitations of the minde: the tenth, Worldlineſſe, and gréedineſſe to get. Againſt theſe wee muſt labour by contrarie practiſes: and if we wil indéed redéeme the time, we muſt buy out the time paſt by Repentance: preſent, by Diligence: to come, by Prouidence.

Queſt. VVhat rules hauehave you learned for your thoughts?

Anſw. 1 That I bee carefull to keepe a more narrow watch ouer my thoughts, wordes, and déeds, then heretofore I hauehave done, to doe them more warily for Gods glorie, mine owne comfort, and my Brethrens benefit. 1. Corinth. 6.20. 1. Peter 1.15. Prou. 4.23.

2 That I cleanſe my heart from the verie firſt motions of all ſinfull thoughts, as of Luſt, Anger, Pride, Couetouſneſſe, Malice, Stubborneneſſe, euill Suſpition, as knowing that the leaſt ſinne deſerueth death, and doth depriue mee of part of my comfort in my ſaluation. Epheſ. 4.23.31. Matth. 15.18.19. Coloſ. 3.2.8.

3 That all my lawfull affections be moderate, and without exceſſe, and greater alwaies vponupon Heauenly, then earthly things. Coloſ. 3.1.2. Philip. 3.20.

p. 694 That I fulfil not my mind in all things, for then I ſhall often ſinne: let me conſider therefore, whether that be lawfull I deſire, and for the glorie of God. Rom. 14.23.

5 That I beſtow no more care and thought vponupon the World, then I néeds muſt for the moderate maintaining of my ſelfe, and thoſe that belong to mee, leſt my thoughts be diſtracted too much from Heauenly things. 1. Tim. 6.8.9. Geneſ. 24.63.

6 That I ſuffer not my mind to be occupied with vnprofitable, curious, and vaine meditations: for which I cannot giuegive a ſufficient reaſon to God and Man, if I were aſked: Prou. 6.14. Zach. 8.17.

7 That I thinke better of my Brethren, then of my ſelfe, and the more I excell in any thing, bee the more humble before God and Man. Rom. 12.16. Philip. 2.3.

8 That I take ſometime eueryevery day, to meditate vponupon, and to mourne for the miſeries, and iniquities of the age wherein I liue, and pray to God, for remedie. Pſal. 69.9.10. Ezech. 9.4.

9 That I thinke often of the vanitie of my life, vponupon my departure hence daily looking for my Sauiour in the clouds, and wiſhing rather a good life, then a long. Pſal. 90.9.10.15.

10 That I carefully meditate, and remember p. 70eueryevery good thing I heare or learne, that I may readily practiſe it when time and occaſion ſerues: Acts 17.18.

Queſt. What rules hauehave you learned for your words?

Anſw. 1 That I remember, ſuch as my ſpeach is, ſuch is my heart; and that both my heart and mouth goe together, but in holy manner. Epheſ. 4.29. Coloſ. 4.6.

2 That my ſpéeches bee gracious to the edification, good, and benefit of them with whom I ſpeake, not to their euill and ſinning. Coloſ. 4.6. Epheſ. 4.29. & 5.4.

3 That my ſpéech be alwayes more and more earneſt, ioyful, and comfortable, when I ſpeake of Heauenly than Earthly matters. Epheſ. 5.4. & 4.6. Pſal. 1.2.

4 That I remember I ſhall anſwere for eueryevery idle word, which paſſeth out of my mouth, to God, or to Man. Matth. 12.36.

5 That multitude of wordes bee often ſinfull: let mee ſpeake therfore as few as I may, yea bee rather ſilent then ſpeake vnprofitably. Prou. 17.27. & 10.19. Iam. 1.19.

6 That my wordes bee no greater, or more then my matter deſerueth, nor beare a ſhew of vice in mee, or any exceſſiue affection. Pſal. 34.13. 1. Pet. 4.11.

7 That as I beléeue not all that is tolde mée, ſo I tell not all I heare; but tell the p. 71truth only, though not all nor alwaies. Eccl. 3.7. Luk. 2.19. 1. Sam. 10.1.6. & 16.1.2.5.

8 That I delight not to ſpeake of others infirmities, eſpecially behind their backes; and ſpeaking before them, ſpeake with griefe and wiſedome. Pſal. 15.3.2. Tim. 3.3. Matth. 18.15.

9 That I ſpeake not of God, but with reuerence knowing I am not worthie to take his name in my mouth. Leuit. 19.12. Rom. 9.5. Deut. 28.18.

10 That in prayſing, I bée diſcréete; in ſaluting, courteous, in admonition, brotherly. Prou. 27.2.1. Sam. 10.4. Rom. 16.16.

Queſt. What rules hauehave you learned for your actions towards God?

Anſ. 1 That I vſe daily prayer to God, eueryevery morning, and euening, that he would guide mee and mine affaires for his glorie, and mine own comfort. Dan. 6.10. Pſa. 55.17

2 That I regiſter vp all my ſins committed againſt him in euerie matter, and with griefe bewaile them at fit time crauing pardon and ſtrength againſt them Pſal. 51.3.

3 That eueryevery day ſomething of Gods Word be read, and meditated vponupon, that I may increaſe in knowledge and in godlineſſe. Pſal. 1.2. Deut. 6.6.

4 That whatſoeuer I take in hand, I firſt take counſell at Gods Word, whether p. 72it bee lawfull or no, bee it for my profit or pleaſure, and then that I doe it with peace, at leaſt in my heart. 1. Sam. 30.8.

5 That I giuegive thanks to God for euerie benefit that I hauehave receiued, and then dedicate the ſame for the promoting of his glory, and the good of his Church. 1. Theſſal. 5.10.

6 That I ſanctifie Gods Sabbaoth daily in vſing holy exerciſes of prayer, preaching, meditating, and Sacraments at the time. Exod. 20.8.

7 That any meanes God hath appointed for any matter, be not more relied vponupon, then God himſelfe, but hee bee firſt prayed vntounto, for the proſperous vſe of them. 2. Chronicles 16.12.

8 That I ſticke to God as well in aduerſitie, as in proſperitie, knowing the one to be as neceſſarie for me as the other: yet let me pray for my neceſſities, be humble when I hauehave them, that I vſe them well, and that I loſe them not. Iam. 1.2.3.

9 That I marke my profiting in Religion, prepare my ſelfe to heare Gods word, attend when I am there, conferre, and meditate about it after. 1. Cor. 15.13. & 11.28.

10 That I louelove all things for Gods ſake, and God onelyonly for his owne: that I make God my friend, and nothing can bée mine Enemie; and account all thinges vaine, to p. 73ſerue God ſincerely. Philip. 3.8. Rom. 8.31.

Queſt. What rules hauehave you learned for actions towards your ſelfe?

Anſ. 1 That I refraine my eares from hearing, mine eyes from ſéeing, my hands from doing, and eueryevery part of my ſoule, and bodie, from fulfilling any thing vaine or wicked. Iob. 31.1. Pſal. 119.37.

2 That my meat, apparell, and recreations be lawfull, néedfull, and moderate. Luk. 21.34. Rom. 13.13.1. Tim. 2.9. & 5.23. Titus 2.3.1. Cor. 10.31.

3 That with al care I redéeme the time, knowing I ſhall anſwere for eueryevery idle houre. Epheſ. 5.16.1. Pet. 4.3.

4 That I bee as ſorrowfull for the good déedes that I hauehave omitted, as I am ioyfull for the good deedes I hauehave fulfilled. Romans 7.8.9.

5 That my ſpeciall ſinnes and corruptions bee inquired into, thought vponupon with griefe, whether they are weakened in mée, or remaine in their old ſtrength, and that I reſiſt them with all faithfulneſſe eueryevery day more and more. 1. Cor. 11.28.

6 That I remember with humilitie, all the good motions and actions God worketh in mée, that they may bee pledges of my ſaluation, ſpurs to godlineſſe, and comforts againſt temptations. 2. Cor. 6.4.5. Rom. 7.15.

p. 747 That I ſuffer not my ſelfe, to bée pleaſed with mine vnprofitableneſſe, that iswith vnfitneſſe, or vnwillingneſſe to ſerue God. Rom. 12.11.

8 That I follow my lawfull calling, ſo carefully for the good of Gods Church, as féeling the trouble thereof, I be put in mind of my miſerie by Adam, and bee humbled thereby: Romans 12.7. Geneſ. 3.10. Eccleſiaſticus 1.13.

9 That I take reuenge of my ſelfe for my ſlipperie ſinning, beating downe my bodie that I ſinne not againe. 1. Cor. 9.27.

10 That I neuer make more ſhew of outward holineſſe, then I hauehave inward in my heart. Eſay 58.5.6.

Queſt. What rules doe you learne for your actions towards other?

Anſw. 1 That I remember that whatſoeuer I hauehave that may bée vſed towards others, God hath beſtowed it on mee for others benefit. Rom. 12.6. & 1.11.

2 That I count it not ſufficient, that my ſelfe ſerue God only, vnleſſe I cauſe all within my charge by all meanes to doe the ſame, Gen. 14.14. & 18.19. Pſal. 101.1.2.3 & Ioſh. 24.15. Eſter. 4.15.

3 That I conſider I am but Gods Steward, in all his benefits I hauehave: let mée therefore employ them wiſely to thoſe that p. 83need, heartily and in time. 1. Pet. 4.10.

4 That I behaue my ſelfe toward them, ſo ſincerely, that I may winne the weake, comfort the ſtrong, and make aſhamed the wicked. 1. Cor. 10.32. Col. 4.5.

5 That as I receiue good in company, ſo alwaies I doe them ſome good in my power. Rom. 1.12. & 14.19.

6 That when I know others to ſinne, I mourne for it, and amend it if I may, by brotherly admonition. 1. Cor. 5.2. Matth. 18.15. Leuit. 19.17.

7 That I reioice and praiſe the Lord for any good thing the Lord ſendeth vntounto men, knowing that it is for mine and others godlineſſe ſake, that God vpholdeth the worke. 1. Theſſ. 5.18. Rom, 12.15. Luk. 15.8.

8 That I ſtriue not whether other ſhould doe good to me, or I to them firſt; but that I benefit euen mine enemies, knowing my reward is with God. 1. Theſſ. 5.15. Matt. 5.39. Rom. 12.20.

9 That I bee carefull to vſe the good I can receiue by any man, knowing that I am but a member of the body, and ſtand in néed of other. Rom 12.16. & 1.12.

10 That I carefully craue the praiers of other brethren, and their praiſes to God for the gifts I hauehave receiued: ſo I ſhall ſeale my fellowſhippe in that body more p. 76effectually. Rom. 15.30. 2. Cor. 1, 11.

11 Theſe holy exerciſes I muſt not make common for the time, or vſe them for faſhion ſake, but vſe them daily.

Queſt. Seeing you hauehave precepts for your actions, what muſt you obſerue in your geſture and behauiour?

Anſw. For my geſture I muſt take héede:

1 That mine eyes be not haughty. Pſal. 131.1.

2 That my countenance bee not impudent. Prou. 7.13. Iſai. 3.9.

3 That my face be neither laughing nor lowring. Eccleſ. 19.28.

4 That mine hands bee neither ſpread out, nor cloſed in. Prou. 6, 13.

5 That I be not apiſh in imitation. Pſa. 106, 35.

6 That my gate bee not too ſlow, nor ſwift. Eccleſ. 19.28.

7 That I giuegive place and reuerence to my betters. Leuit. 19, 32.

8 That I ſit not before I am placed, Luke 14.9, 10.

9 That I ſpeake not before I am aſked. Eccleſ. 21, 20.

10 That I be not ſolemne, when I ought to be chéerefull,Eccl. 3.4.Eccl 3:4 nor chéerful when I ſhould be ſorrowfull; but in all things behaue my ſelfe as the child of God. Epheſ. 5, 8.

p. 77Queſt. What rules are you to obſerue in apparell?

Anſw. 1 For the matter, it muſt not be too good, or too meane. Matth. 11.8.

2 For the faſhion, not too new, or too old. Rom. 12, 3. Iſai. 3, 16.

3 For the colour, not too light, or too ſad. Luke 16.19.

4 For the wearing, not too effeminate,Eccl. 19.28 1. Tim. 2.9 1. Pet. 3.3.4.5.Sir 19:281 Tim 2:91 Pet 3:31 Pet 3:41 Pet 3:5 nor too ſordid and in a word, my apparell muſt be ſuch as argueth ſobriety and holineſſe of minde, conſidering the endes of apparell, which are:

1 For neceſſity, that our bodies may bée kept from the weather. Prou. 31.21.

2 For honeſty, that our nakedneſſe may be couered. Gen. 3.7.

3 For commodity that we may labour in our callings. Iohn 14, 4.

4 For frugality, according to our ſtate 2. Sam. 13, 18.

5 For diſtinction, both of men from women, yong from old, Magiſtrates from ſubiects, the Clergie from the Laitie, and the rich from the poore. Deut. 22.5. Gen. 37, 3. Heſter 6, 9. Exodus 28, 4. Luke 7, 25. Zeph. 1, 8.

And in wearing of apparell, I muſt not looke ſo much what I am able to doe, as what is fit for me to be done, to imitate the p. 86moſt graue and ſober ſort of my ranke, and to keepe my ſelfe rather vnderunder, then aboue my degree; which if I doe not, I doe but waſte Gods benefits, weare a badge of a proud heart, giuegive teſtimony of idlenes, procure ſuſpition of leuity by diuers faſhions: labour to confound degrées, and by the lightneſſe of mine apparell, prouoke many not onelyonly to ſuſpect me of euill, but alſo by it to commit euill, Ezech. 23.5.12.

Queſt. What rules are you to obſerue in diet and at Table?

Anſw. 1 That I ſit not downe before I pray. Pſal. 145.15. Matth. 14.6. Luk. 24.30. 1. Sam. 9.13.

2 That I riſe not before I giuegive thanks 1. Cor. 10.31. Rom. 14.6. 1. Theſſal. 5.18. Eccleſ. 32.14.

3 That I feede onelyonly to ſatiſfie hunger. Ezech. 16.49. Luk. 21.34.

4 That I cut not at the table of my betters before I am carued. Eccleſ. 31.18.

5 That I feede not on too many diſhes. Eccleſ. 31.12, &c.

6 That I deſire not too much daintie meats. Eccleſ. 37.29.

7 That my ſupper bee ordinarily leſſe then my dinner. Eccleſ. 31.19.20.21.

8 That I beware of too much ſtrong drinke. Eccleſ. 30.25. & 31.28. Pro. 20.1.

p. 799 That I riſe with an appetite. Eccleſ. 31.19.

10 That in eating I remember the poore, and that this body which I feede ſhall bee wormes meate. Neh. 8.10. Amos 6.6.

Queſt. What rules muſt you obſerue for recreation?

Anſw. 1 That they bee of good report, and of whoſe lawfulneſſe there is leaſt queſtion. Phil. 4.8.

2 That I make not an occupation of them. Prou. 21.17.

3 That I vſe them as recreations not to trouble my body or minde.

4 That I ſtay not long at them.

5 That I loſe not much at any recreation.

6 That I vſe no ſuch recreations, as I am aſhamed that good people ſhould ſée me.

7 I muſt not giuegive offence, by abuſing my liberty to any man.

8 After exerciſe I muſt returne to my calling.

9 I muſt vſe ſuch exerciſes as are of little coſt, leaſt loſſe of time, and fit for me to vſe.

10 I muſt not then play, when I ſhould be at worke, nor bee merry in the time of mourning.

Queſt. What rules are you to remember forgetting riches?

p. 80Anſw. 1 That my calling be ſuch an honeſt calling, as that I be not aſhamed of the very name thereof: as vſurers are to be called vſurers. Gen. 47, 3.

2 That I get my wealth by honeſt labour. Pro. 3, 1. Pſal. 128.2, Theſ. 3, 8.

3 That in buying and ſelling, I defraud no man. Gen. 23, 15. & 33, 19. 1, Theſ. 4, 6. Eccleſ. 27, 2.

4 That I enrich not my ſelfe by the labour of the poore. Amos 8, 4. Iames 5, 4.

5 That to get, I leaue not Gods ſeruice. Iſa. 58; 13. Neh. 13, 15. Amos 8 5. Ier. 22, 13.

6 That I lie not, nor forſweare my ſelfe. Leuit 19, 11.

7 That my weights, wares, and meaſures be good. Leuit. 19, 36. Prou. 11, 1. & 16.13. & 20, 10.

8 That I conſider, that it is hard to be rich and religious. Mat. 19, 23, 24.

9 That I doe as I would bee done to. Luke 6, 31.

10 That I commend not my ſeruants for deceiuing any. 2, King. 5, 26.

Queſt. What rules muſt you obſerue in ſpending?

Anſw. 1 That I ſpend not aboue mine eſtate. Prou. 27, 27. 1, Sam. 25.36. Pſal. 131, 1.1, Cor. 16, 1. Luke 14, 28.

2 That I ſpare not when I ought to p. 81ſpend, Prou. 11, 24. 1, Samuel 25.11.

3 That I buy not that which is needleſſe for me. Iohn 13, 29.

4 That eſpecially I muſt giuegive to the godly. Galat. 6, 10. Eccleſ. 12, 4.

5 That I hauehave a regard to my kindred.

6 That I giuegive not too much to the rich, and friends 1, Tim. 6, 8. 2, Sam. 9.1.

7 That I obſerue times, places, & perſons, in giuing and ſpending. Eccleſ. 12, 1.

8 That I giuegive not to the poore with reproaching them Eccleſ. 4, 7, 8. Rom, 12, 8. 2, Cor. 9, 7.

9 That I boaſt not too much of my liberality. Prou. 20, 6.

10. That I bee not liberall of another mans purſe. Eccleſ. 11, 1. Luk. 16, 6.

Queſt. But ſince I can neither get riches to ſpend, nor ſpend riches with any credit; vnleſſe I vſe a Chriſtian frugality, what rules can you giuegive me for commendable frugality out of Gods word?

Anſw. I will giuegive you onelyonly three:

1 Be ſure you hauehave an honeſt and lawfull calling to buſie your ſelfe in. Gen. 3.19. Epheſ. 4.28.

2 Be euer following of that calling.

3 Auoid all things which are enemies to thriuing frugality.

Queſt. What? muſt eueryevery man, euen gallant p. 82and great ones hauehave a calling?

Anſw. Yes verily: for, firſt, ſo hauehave all godlie men had: ſecondly, they that hauehave none, or hauing any will not labour in it, are not worthy to eate: as for ſuch as liue onelyonly vponupon other mens purſes and paines, deuouring the good creatures of God, and liuing vponupon the ſpoile of others, you may truely ſay, that they are a burden to the earth, the baue of the common wealth, and the worſt creatures in the world.

Queſt. In what manner muſt this calling be followed?

Anſw. 1 With diligence: Prou. 18.9.10.5. which will procure bleſſings. Prou. 10.4.12.11.14.23. and honour, Prou. 22.29. But he that truſts onelyonly to ſeruants can neuer practiſe this firſt rule Pro. 27.23.

2 With wiſdome, which ſtandeth. Firſt, in looking after things néedfull for houſekéeping, and not firſt to decke the houſe before neceſſaries be prouided, Prou. 24.27. Secondly, in aſking counſell and aduiſe, for two eies are better then one, and many ſée more into the affaires of others, then their owne. Prou. 20.16.21.5.29.20.26.12. Thirdly, by making vſe of experience and examples, and that is by marking things that fall out, the beginnings, proceedings, and euents of matters, and keepe them in p. 83minde to ſtand thée in ſted: for he that neuer marketh any thing it is all one, as if he had neuer ſéene or heard them; ſuch an one muſt euer be running for counſell. Fourthly, by taking oportunitie for honeſt gaine. Pro. 10.5. And laſtly, by kéeping thée with in compaſſe, not bearing an higher port, and countenance in the World, than a mans abilitie will warrant Prou. 12.9. yet is it not good for a man to feigne himſelfe poore, when he hath aboundance, as many doe, who are euer whyning and complaining without cauſe, & are neither good to others nor themſelues. Wiſdome thus ordered is like to the ſkill of a workman, by which he is able to remoue, or lift vp that weight, which a ſtronger than he cannot do.

3 Iuſtice and vpright dealing: for ſo, thou ſhalt reape the like from others, Prou. 21.21. Mark. 7.12. hauehave a bleſſing on thy wealth: Prou. 21.6. and purchaſe much credit by thy good dealing.

4 Mercifulneſſe and friendly dealing with the poore, in buying of them their commodities, ſelling to them their wares, and laboring for them to their good. This is a good way to thriue, Pro. 16.3.28, 22. 1. Tim. 6.9.10.

5 Contentation with that portion, which God as a wiſe Father, meaſureth out vntounto p. 82duplicate page p. 83duplicate page p. 84thée, 1. Tim. 6.6. Philip. 4.11. Heb. 13.5.

6 Looke to the choice of friends, for grace, and good nature: are thy friends great? they will often procure to thée great expenſe, and loſſe of time, Prou. 23.1.2.3. are they affectionate, and full of paſſions? thou ſhalt hauehave much a do to pleaſe them, and they are ſoone loſt: Prou. 28.19.22.24.29 22.

Laſtly, kéepe amitie with thy neighbours, Rom. 12.18. yet only ſo long as thou maiſt hauehave God to friend alſo.

Queſt. You ſaid in the third place, I muſt auoid thoſe things which are enemies to frugalitie, which are they?

Anſw. 1 Sloth: which is deſcribed to be a great wiſher Pro. 13.4. excuſer Pro. 15.19.22.13.26.14.15. ouer-wiſe Pro. 26.16. & the high way to beggery. Prou. 20.4.10.4.24.24.36.

2 Vaine & idle company Prou. 28.19. theſe wil driue you either to other delights, or to looſe your time or to let go occaſions for your good; be you neuer ſo good, bad company wil hurt you, as the ſwéeteſt waters poured into the ſea become ſalt, and brackiſh.

3 Take héed of paſtime: Prou. 21.17.

4 Of talking what you wil do Pro. 14.23.

5 Of a ſwéet tooth, & a veluet mouth, which often procureth double expences: firſt of diet, ſecondly of phyſicke to cure diſeaſes gotten by intemperance. Prou. 21.17.23.21.29.

p. 856 Good fellowſhip and company kéeping, which is the loſſe of time, an hinderer of thy calling, a drawer of much company to thine houſe & cauſeth them often to be like to them both in cōditions & affection. Pro. 13.20.14.7.

7 Take héed of much borrowing, for he y^e goeth on borowing goeth a ſorowing, Pr. 22.7. he y^t is euer borrowing is neuer a fréemā.

Queſt. What rules are you to obſerue for the ſanctifying of the Sabbath?

Anſw. 1 I muſt riſe early to ſanctifie my ſelf, and all that belong to me, for Gods ſeruice that day. Iob. 1.5.

2 I muſt kéepe it from morning till euening. Leuit. 23.32.

3 I muſt frequent the exerciſes of religion, and be preſent with al reuerence at praier and preaching. Pſal. 122.1.

4 I muſt not ſo go from Sermon to Sermon, that I confer not of Gods word which I heare, eſpecially with ſuch as belong vntounto me. Acts 17.10.11.

5 I muſt meditate of all Gods mercies, eſpecially of ſuch as are giuen me in Chriſt. Pſalm. 92.1.

6 I muſt not make that day, a day of feaſting, ſporting, or viſiting (as the moſt do) of friends abroad. Iſai. 58.13.14.

7 I muſt doe no worke vponupon that day, which might hauehave béen done the day before, p. 86or may be done the day after. Exod. 20.10.

8 I muſt labor to be at Gods houſe with the firſt, that ſo I may be partaker of the whole ſeruice. Math. 18.20. Hebr. 10.25. Pſal. 42.4.

9 I muſt viſite ſuch as are comfortleſſe, if I know, or imagine they ſtand in néed of my helpe. Iames 1.27.

10 I muſt bee carefull to prouide ſomething, which I may diſtribute to the neceſſitie of the Saints. 1. Cor. 16.2.

Theſe rules muſt I obſerue; leſt it bee truly ſaid of mee, which was falſely ſaid of Chriſt, This man is not of God, for he keepeth not the Sabbath. Iohn 9.16.

Queſt. Now as you hauehave learned theſe generall rules of pietie, come we euen to particulars: ſay that you intend to be maried, what rules muſt you vſe in chuſing a wife?

Anſw. I muſt looke, 1 That ſhee be of good religion. Gen. 26.2. & 27.46.

Theſe rules muſt women vſe alſo in taking an husband.2 Of honeſt parentage. Geneſ. 28.1.

3 Of good report. Prou. 22.1.

4 Of ciuill carriage. Prou. 7.10.11.12.

5 Of contenting perſonage. Gen. 24.16.

6 A louer of godly companie. Acts 16.17.

7 Of prouident circumſpection. Prou. 19.1. & 31.16.

8 Of ſtayed yéeres.

9 Of few words. Pro. 31.26. Eccl. 26.28.

p. 8710 Of an honeſt nature. Eccleſ. 25.18.

Queſt. When you are married, what duties owe you to your wife?

Anſw. I owe vntounto her:

1 LoueLove to her perſon. Epheſ. 5.25.28. 1. Sam. 1.8.

2 Chaſtitie to her bed. Prou. 5.15.16, 17.18. Gen 2.14.

3 Maintenance to her eſtate. Pro. 31.31.

4 Cohabitation to her content. Deut. 24.5. 1. Cor. 7.5. 1. Pet. 3.7.

5 Patient forbearing, and concealing of her infirmities, Coloſ. 3.19. Epheſ. 4.26. eſpecially when I am newly maried: for as, brickes newly laid are eaſily ſeuered, before the morter be dried; ſo louers newly married, are eaſily diuorced, before their hearts are by continuance vnited.

6 Admonition and commendation, rather then correction. Hebr. 10.25. Prou. 31.31.

7 Inſtruction in pietie. 1. Cor. 7.15.

8 Due beneuolence. 1. Cor. 7.3.4.5.

9 Kindneſſe to her kindred. Heſter 8.2.3.

10 Cheriſhing in ſickneſſe. Prou. 12.10. And continuance of louelove to her, euen when ſhe is old, wrinkled, and hath loſt her former beautie. Luke 1.6.

11 I muſt leaue her a liberall portion, if ſhe ſuruiue me. Prou. 31.31.

p. 8812 And both mourne truly for, and bee kind to her children, if ſhee die before mee Gen. 23.2.

Queſt. And what duties muſt you looke for from your wife?

Anſw. Theſe duties:

1 Reuerence, as to her head. 1. Cor. 11.2. Epheſ. 5.33.

2 Chaſtitie, as to a part of her bodie. Geneſ. 2.24. Prou. 5.19.

3 Prouidence in getting, ſparing, and ſpending. Prou. 31.1. Sam. 25.

4 Nurſing of her owne children: for, this, God, nature, her breaſts, her health, all childrens louelove to ſuch a mother, the dumbe creatures, the feare of changing her child, and the examples of holy women teach her, if ſhe be able to do it. Gen. 21.7.

5 Silence in kéeping ſecrets, without declaiming againſt eueryevery domeſticall vnkindneſſe. Galath. 6.2. Iudg. 16.18.

6 Obedience to my lawfull commandements. Epheſ. 5.22. Heſter 1.21.22.

7 Chearefulneſſe of countenance, and ſpéech. Eccleſ. 26.19.20.

8 Diligent ſtaying at home in ſome honeſt calling. Prou. 7.11.12. Gen. 18.9.

9 Grauitie in her domeſticall behauiour. 1. Pet. 3.2.

10 Sobriety in her appare… and geſture. p. 89Iſai. 3.1. Tim. 2.9. 1. Pet. 3.4.

11 Obſeruation of his nature, and diet. 1. Sam. 25.36.37. Gen. 27.9.

12 Abſtinence from marriage for ſome conuenient time after his death, that ſo it may appeare ſhee truly loued him, Luk. 2.37.

Queſt. If God ſend you children, what duties owe you to them?

Anſw. I am bound to performe theſe duties: 1 To bring them vp in the feare of the Lord, Gen. 18.19. Prou. 4.4. & 31.1. Pſalm. 78.4. Epheſ. 6.4. 1. Chron. 28.9. and to louelove them beſt, who beſt louelove God, and me. Gen. 25.28. & 37.3.

2 To looke that they may liue in ſome calling. Gen. 4.2. Prou. 10.4.

3 To fit their callings according to their natures. Gen. 4.2.

4 To teach them ſuch ciuill behauiour, as ſauors of pietie. Prou. 4.24.25.26.

5 To giuegive good example to them in each thing. Leuit. 11.44. 2. Kings 2.23.

6 To teach them at the leaſt to reade. Reuelat. 1.3.

7 To correct them doing amiſſe. Eccleſ. 30.1. Prou. 22.15. & 19.18. & 29.15. 1. King. 1.6.

8 To commend them when they do well. Epheſ. 6.4.

p. 909 To apparell them rather comely then coſtly. Eccleſ. 11.4.

10 To denie them in many things their willes. Eccleſ. 30.9.10.11.

11 To leaue them all ſome fit portion of my goods, and not to make one a gentleman, and the reſt beggers, Gen. 25.5.6. Deut. 21.17. Luk. 15.12: but Eccleſ. 33.18.19.20. hée muſt not giuegive them power ouer him whileſt he liueth.

12 In due time to looke to their marriage. Eccleſ. 7.25.

13 And laſt of all, to pray for them, that they may feare God, obey gouernors, grow in grace, and become citizens of heauen. Geneſ. 17.18. Pſal. 72.1. Iob. 15.

Queſt. What duties are your children to performe to you, and your wife?

Anſw. They ought, 1 To obey vsus in things lawfull. Epheſ. 6.1.2.

2 To reuerence vsus, as the authors of their being. Eccleſ. 3.1.2.3.4. & 7.27.28. Tob. 4.3.4.

3 To acknowledge vsus, be wee neuer ſo poore. Gen. 47.1.2. Prou. 19.26.

4 To endure our corrections patiently, Hebr. 12.9.10.11. & though we hauehave imperfections to beare with them. Gen. 9.22.23.

5 To be content with our prouiſion for them. Luk. 15.12. Philip. 4.11.

p. 916 To ſéeke al means by which they may pleaſe vsus. Luk. 15.29. Gen. 26.25.

7 To behaue themſelues ſo as they may credit vsus. Prou. 10.1. Gen. 34.30. & 27.46.

8 To be ſorrie when we be diſgraced, Eccleſ. 3.11.

9 To follow vsus as well in the practiſe of pietie and godlineſſe, as in the inheritance of our goods and lands. Epheſ. 5.1.

10 Not to do, attempt, or enterpriſe any thing of weight or importance, without our aduice, conſent, or approbation: but eſpecially to ſtay till wee prouide for them in marriage. Gen. 6.2. & 24.4. & 26.34. Now all theſe duties they ſhal practiſe the better, if they will but conſider the great care, pains, and charges we hauehave béen at in their education, and bringing vp which they ſhal beſt know, when God ſends them children of their owne.

Queſt. If you be parents in law to children, what duties muſt you performe to them?

Anſw. We muſt conſider: 1 That they are his or her children, whom we hauehave made all one with our ſelues.

2 That God by his prouidence hath committed them vntounto vsus.

3 That we ſhall not kéepe louelove each to other, vnleſſe we hauehave care of ſuch children.

4 That all muſt pitie the parentleſſe, p. 92much more parents in law.

5 That they hauehave loſt their owne parents, and therefore ſtand in néed eſpecially of ſuccour.

6 That our children may bee in the like caſe, and wee muſt doe by others, as wee would hauehave others doe by ours.

7 We ſhal get credit and comfort, to our ſelues, by performing all duty to them.

8 We ſhall take away that great ſcandall, which is giuen in the world by bad parents in law, and therefore we muſt:

1 Bring them vp in the feare of God.

2 We muſt rather take heede of ſeuerity towards them, then towards our owne children.

3 We muſt bee carefull to increaſe that portion, which is left vntounto them by the will of their parents.

4 We muſt not for our priuate gaine, or againſt their conſent beſtowe them in mariage.

Queſt. What duties doe children in law, owe to parents in Law?

Anſw. They owe in truth many: but firſt they alſo muſt conſider:

1 That they wanting their owne parents, ſtand in neede of ſome to gouerne them.

2 That God, and the conſent of their ſuruiuing p. 93father or mother, hath caſt them vponupon the tuition of ſuch a parent.

3 That by obedience to parents in law, they ſhew what they would hauehave done to naturall parents.

4 That if they pleaſe them in all things, it may bee they may inherite their ſtep-parents lands, or goods.

5 That by this they ſhal be a meanes to kéepe louelove betwixt an huſband and his wife.

6 They ſhall giuegive good example to other ſuch children to doe the like.

7 That if they had ſuch children, they would not willingly be ſo dealt withall.

8 That if ſuch parents ſhould vſe them ill, they themſelues will complaine of them: why then ſhould not good ſtep-fathers complaine of bad ſtep-children? And therefore they ought:

1 To reuerence them as parents.

2 To depend vponupon them as gouernours.

3 To be aduiſed by them as guardians.

4 To bee carefull not to marry themſelues, till ſuch time as they hauehave their approbation: which if they do, they diſhonour God: grieue their parents: ſcandalize themſelues: make ſtep-fathers negligent: ſtep-children neglected: cauſe other ſuch children, and euen naturall children, againſt natural parents, to doe the like. If any yet p. 94ſay, I thriue after ſuch a marriage; I anſwere, you may in goods, perhaps not in goodneſſe: if in both it is becauſe you hauehave repented, or els doubtles you wil not thriue long.

Queſt. Now if to wife and children, God ſend you ſeruants, what duties do you owe to them?

Anſ. For my ſeruants I muſt be careful.

1 That they be fit to doe ſuch buſineſſe as I keepe them for. Gen. 41.38. Exod. 31.2.

2 That I impoſe not too much vponupon them. Prou. 12.10. Exod. 1.14.

3 That they neither play nor worke, nor go on errands on the Lords day. Exod. 20.

4 That they goe and come with me to and from the Church. Ioſh. 24.15.

5 That I examine them of ſuch things as were taught. Gen. 18.19. Pſal. 34.11.

6 That I be not too familiar with them. Prou. 29.21.

7 That I in diſcretion correct them for their faults. Eccleſ. 33.23. Geneſ. 16.6.1. Sam. 30.15.

Let Marchants note this.8 That I teach them a trade, and occupation; and in teaching them, ſend them not to ſuch places of idolatry, as by being there, they may endanger their ſoules, to procure my wealth. Prou. 12.10.

9 That I be not ſorrie when they ſet vp, p. 95but helpe them. Eccleſ. 7.20.21. and 33.29. and 34.23.

10 That I teach them not to deale vniuſtly by mine example, or commend them if they do ſo. Prou. 21.6. 2. Kings 5.26.

11 That their diet and apparell be conuenient, & only ſuch as I prouide for them. Prou. 31.21.27.

12 That I kéepe no more ſeruants than I can well employ; leaſt by their own idleneſſe they become bad, and by my proud prodigalitie, I die a begger. To feede many bellies, and build many houſes is the next way to beggerie.

Queſt. What dutie do ſeruants owe to maſters?

Anſw. Euen theſe duties; They muſt be.

1 Conſcionable to do their beſt ſeruice. Eccleſ. 6.5.6.7.8. Coloſſ. 3.23.

2 Diligent to do any ſeruice. Matth. 8.9. Luk. 17.7.8.

3 Carefull to become maſters of their trade. Prou. 27.18. & 22.29.

4 Faithfull, euen to a penie of their maſters goods. Titus 2.10. Geneſ. 30.27. and 35.5.

5 Circumſpect for his beſt aduantage; not only when hée is preſent, but in his abſence. Titus 10.

p. 966 Silent, not reuealing his ſecrets. Pro. 11.13.

7 Willing to bee directed and corrected by him. 1. Pet. 2.18. 1. Tim. 6.1.

8 Humble, and not anſwering againe. Titus 2.9.

9 To giuegive good words to ſuch as they deale with. Coloſſ. 4.6.

10 To maintaine their maſters credit in al things. And laſtly, they muſt liue in reuerence to their gouernours, quiet with their fellowes, helpfull to ſuch as hauehave too much work impoſed on them, and giuegive good example, euen to children in the familie: to bee ſhort, I could neuer yet ſée him a good and thriuing maſter, who was in his apprentiſhip a bad, and an vnfaithfull ſeruant: which I would wiſh all ſeruants to obſerue.

Queſt. How then may a good man-ſeruant be deſcribed?

Anſw. You told me, that you hauehave ſéene him thus deſcribed in print:

He muſt hauehave, 1 The ſnowt of a ſwine, to be content with any fare.

2 A locke on his mouth, to kéepe his maſters ſecrets.

3 The long eares of An Aſſe, to hearken to his maſters commandements.

4 Good apparell on his back, for his maſters credit.

p. 975 A ſword and buckler on his right arme, for his maſters defence.

6 On his left arme a Curry-combe for his horſe, a béeſome for his chamber, and a bruſh for his apparell, as one ready for any ſeruice.

7 The eyes of an Eagle, to ſée into that which may be for his maſters good.

8 The féete of an Hinde, to go with all ſpéed about his maſters buſineſſe.

Quest. And what properties muſt a maid-ſeruant hauehave?

Anſw. Shée muſt bee, 1 Carefull. 2 Faithfull. 3 Patient. 4 Neate. 5 Chearfull. 6 Cleanly. 7 Quicke. 8 Honeſt. 9 Skilfull. And laſt of all Dumbe.

Queſt. But ſince God hath appointed ciuill gouernment in the world, what are the duties of a good Magiſtrate?

Anſw. He is bounden:

1 In his owne perſon, to feare and ſerue God. Pſalm. 2.10.1 1. Ioſ. 24.15. 2. Chron. 34.3.

2 To plant true religion in his dominions, and aboliſh all kinds of ſuperſtition. Iſai. 49.23. Iudges 6.25. 1. Chron. 13.3. 2. Chron. 26.3.34.4.

3 To enact wholeſome lawes for the good ordering of his State and people. Dan. 3.29.

p. 984 To ſée that Gods Commandements, and his owne Edicts bee duely obſerued. 2. Chron. 19.5.6.7.

5 By thoſe lawes to heare, and iudge both poore and rich. Deut. 1.16.17.

6 To make the ſafetie of the people the moſt ſoueraigne Law: and with Auguſtus, rather to ſaue one ſubiect, then deſtroy a thouſand enemies.

7 To keepe his owne lawes in his own perſon. Prou. 16.12.

8 Not to looke more to priuate gaine, then the good of his people. Deut. 16.19. 1. Sam. 12.3.

9 To liue ſo, as hee may be both feared and loued, 1. Sam. 12.18.

10 To pray often for his State, and ſubiects. 2. Chron. 30.18.19. In a word, he muſt hauehave a Ladies hand, an Eagles eye, and a Lions heart.

Queſt. And what are the duties of a good Subiect?

Anſw. He oweth to his Gouernour.

1 Feare, as he is the miniſter of Iuſtice. Rom. 13.4.

2 Reuerence, as he is the Father of his people. 1. Pet. 2.17.

3 Obedience, as he is vnderunder God vponupon earth. 1. Pet. 2.13.14.

4 Prayer, that vnderunder him he may liue p. 99an honeſt, and godly life. 1. Tim. 2.1.

5 Protection of his perſon from danger, though it ſhould be with the leſſe of his own life. 1. Chron. 11.18. 2. Sam. 18.3.

6 Maintenance in paying tribute vntounto him, vnderunder whom hée enioyeth all that hee hath. Rom. 13. Luk. 2.4. Mat. 17.27.22.21.

7 Commendation of his vertues, for which eſpecially he is to be admired. 1. Sam. 12.4.

8 Concealement of his infirmities, and to take héed how hée cenſure them. 2. Sam. 16.7.8.

9 To take héed that hee ſpeake not euill of him, no not to curſe him in his heart. Eccleſ. 10.20. Acts 23.5.

10 If God take his gouernour away, he muſt kéep an honourable memorie of him after hee is dead: for it is the propertie of a curriſh Dogge, to barke ouer a dead Lion. Lament. 4.20.

Queſt. Say that you hauehave a Miniſter, what is his dutie to you?

Anſw. He is bound: 1 To pray in, and for the Congregation. Numb. 6.24. 1. Sam. 12.

2 To read the word of God. Nehem. 8.8. Acts 13.27.

3 To preach the Goſpel of Chriſt. 1. Cor. 9.16. 2. Tim. 4.2. Pet. 5.2.3.

4 To Catechiſe ſuch as are ignorant in his charge. Gal. 6.6.

p. 1005 To giuegive good example by his life. Mat. 5.13.14.15.16.

6 To comfort the féeble minded. Iob. 33. 23. Iſay 61.1.1. Theſſ. 5.14.

7 To reprooue ſinne and iniquitie. Iſay 58.1.

8 To viſit ſuch as are not infectiouſly ſicke, if he be ſent for. Iames 5.15.

9 To ſée how the poore may bée maintained. Gal. 2.10. 2. Cor. 9.2. Acts 11.30.

10 To be hoſpitall, according to his abilitie. 1. Tim. 3.2.

Queſt. And what duties owe you to him?

Anſw. Iowe vntounto him, 1 Reuerence as Gods Angell. Reuelation 1.20. Galath. 4.14. 2. King. 13.14.

2 Audience as Gods Embaſſadour. 2. Cor. 5.20. Luk. 4.20.

3 Obedience, as Gods ſhepheard. Ezec. 34.2. Heb. 13.17.

4 Maintenance, as Gods labourer. 1. Cor 3.9. & 9.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.

5 Countenance, as Gods Miniſter. 1. Tim. 5.17. Eccleſ. 38.1.

6 Confeſſion as he is a Comforter. 1 Sam. 12.13. Acts 2.37.

7 LoueLove, as he is mine inſtructer. Gal. 4.15

8 Feare, as he is my Father. 1. Cor. 4.15

9 Patience, as hée is my correcter. Hebr. 13.22.

p. 10110 Prayer, as he is to breake to mee the bread of life. Epheſ. 6.6. Rom. 15.30.

Queſt. I know, by this, my Miniſters dutie, and my dutie towardes the Miniſter: but be it that I come to heare a Sermon, what rules can you giuegive me for profitable hearing?

Anſw. Surely theſe:

1 That you prepare for hearing. Geneſ. 35.2. Exod. 19.10. 1. Sam. 16.5. & 21.4.

2 That you be diligent in hearing: Ierem. 13.15.

3 That you bee carefull after hearing. Iſay 42.23.

Queſt. What rules muſt I obſerue before?

Anſw. 1 That I leaue all Worldly cares at home. Eccleſ. 4.17. Ruth. 3.3. Marke 7.3. Luk. 8.14.

2 That I pray for the Preacher, people, and my ſelfe. Epheſ. 6.19. Pſal. 119.18. & 12.9.8.

3 That I make my ſelfe not vnfit by banquetting. Iſay 5.12.24. Hoſ. 4.11. Luk. 21.31. Epheſ. 5.17.

4 That I read his text before I come, if hee follow an ordinarie courſe. This was Chryſoſtomes aduice to his Auditors: Homil. 10. in Iohn.

5 That I come not with preiudice of the Miniſter. 1. King. 22.8. Acts 24.25. Luke 23.8. 1. Cor. 1.11.

p. 1026 That as I come, I conſider whither I goe. Exod. 34.24. Zach. 8.21.

7 That I carrie my Family with mee. Exod. 20.10.

8 That I inuite others to come. Iſay 2.3 Zach. 8.21. Iohn 1.43.47. Luke 2.42. Pſalme 122.1. Gen. 11.4.

9 That I bring a mind deſirous to heare. 1. Pet. 2.2.

10 That I ſo come, as I may heare the whole Seruice and Sermon: For, to neglect Seruice, ſauours of Schiſme; and, to come ſhort of the Sermon ordinarily, argues Atheiſme.

Queſt. What muſt you doe in hearing the Word?

Anſw. 1 I muſt ſettle my ſelfe to heare. Acts 10.33. Eccleſ. 6.33.

2 Mine eies muſt be bent vponupon the Preacher only. Luke 4.20. & 5.1. Acts 3.5. & 8.6. Nehem. 8.3.

3 I muſt not offend the Congregation, by coughing, or ſléeping. Acts 21.9. & 21.40. 1. Theſſ. 5.7.

4 I muſt read nothing in the time of the Sermon, vnleſſe I turne to places alleaged; but, Hoc agere, doe that which I am come to doe.

5 I muſt take héed I talke not ſo with others, that I heare onelyonly by péecemeale. p. 1031. Corinthians 10.10. Pſalme 26.12.

6 I muſt remember I come to learne. Iſay 2.6.

7 If the Doctrine be good, neither voice, nor youth, nor geſture muſt offend mee. 2. Cor. 11.6.

8 I muſt reioyce moſt in mine owne Teacher. Iohn 10.4.

9 I muſt obſerue the Preachers method, whether he expound, teach, exhort, confute, reprehend, or comfort.

10 I muſt note that which moſt concernes me, and then thinke that he ſpeakes to, and of me, Acts 2.38. Iames 1.25.

11 I muſt not be wearie, if the Sermon be long. Acts 20 9. Ioſ. 8.34. Nehem. 8.3.

12 I muſt write the Sermon if I can.

Queſt. What muſt you doe when you hauehave heard?

Anſw. 1 I muſt not depart before all, euen the bleſſing bee ended, nor before the adminiſtration of the Sacraments, if there be any.

2 As I goe home, I muſt thinke what I hauehave heard, and talke of it as I goe. Luk. 24.14. Nicephorus ſaith that Chriſtians in their iourneying did ſing Pſalmes; and by ſuch ſinging, a Iew was conuerted. Lib. 3. Eccleſ. Hiſt. Cap. 37.

3 When I am come home I muſt conferre p. 104of the Sermon,The want of this, is the maine cauſe of ignorance, & vnprofitableneſſe. and ſée that each of my Family hauehave learned ſomewhat. Deut. 6.4.20.

4 If I doubt of any thing, I muſt aſke the Preacher or ſome other. Malach. 2.7. Acts 8.34.

5 I muſt not immediatly after hearing, goe about my priuate affaires.

6 If the Sermon be ended before dinner or ſupper, the beſt table-talke is of the Sermon. Exod. 12.26.

7 I muſt not ſo much cenſure the Miniſter, as ſée what good things I hauehave learned. Act. 13.45.

8 It is not enough to ſay, it was a good Sermon, but I muſt know for what I commend it. Ioh. 7.46.

9 If any of my people hauehave béene negligently forgetfull, I muſt reprooue them. Marke 7.19. & 8.18.

10 I muſt labour to turne Gods Word into good workes. Rom. 2.13. Ioh. 13.17.

Queſt. Now that you may be able to iudge of Sermons: tell mee which you doe thinke a good Sermon?

Anſw. Surely that which ſheweth:

1 The coherence of his Text, with that Scripture, which goeth before, and followeth after it, if it hauehave any.

2 Which expoundeth the true meaning.

p. 1053 Which deliuereth out of it the naturall doctrines, with reaſons, and proofes of that docrine.

4 Which maketh vſe of each doctrine.

5 Which inſtructeth, exhorteth, confuteth, comforteth.

6 In which is manifeſt the power of Gods Spirit.

7 Which heapeth not vp too many teſtimonies diuine, or humane.

8 That which Auditors may beſt vnderſtand, and remember.

9 That which teacheth mee the way to Heauen.

10 That which ſpeaketh eſpecially to my heart, woundeth my conſcience, moueth me to teares, draweth from me a confeſſion of my perſonal ſinnes, cauſeth me to beléeue and maketh me to turne from all, yea, euen my beloued ſinnes, to God.

Queſt. But becauſe you ſee many a ſleepe at Sermons, tell me what may bee the cauſe of ſuch heauineſſe?

Anſw. The cauſes are:

1 The malice of Sathan, who rocks the cradle in which men ſo ſléepe.

2 The want of conſideration of the Maieſtie of God, the preſence of Angels, the neceſſitie of the Word, and the ſubtiltie of our aduerſarie, who by this meanes deuoures vsus.

p. 1063 Ouermuch labouring in our callings the day and night before, as may appeare by many tradeſ-men

4 Exceſſe of dyet vponupon the Sabbath day at dinner, which hinders not only our ſeruants from comming, but them and vsus from hearing when we are come.

5 Want of exhortation in the Miniſter, that men ſhould awake.

6 Neglect of ſuch as ſit by vsus, who ſuffering vsus to ſleepe, communicate with our ſinne.

7 The cares of this World.

8 Opinion that wee hauehave knowledge enough.

9 Want of attention to that which is ſpoken.

10 An occaſion may be, becauſe ſome Miniſters preach without ſtudie, and ſo bring not much worth the hearing: But that Sermon is a meane one, out of which a man may not learne ſome good.

11 The heat of the Ayre, where many are together, may occaſion the beſt to fall aſléepe.

12 Some are brought aſléepe by ſorrow, or too long Sermons. Matthew 26.43. Acts 20.9.

Queſt. What remedies muſt you vſe againſt this ordinary drowſineſſe?

p. 107An. 1 I muſt meditate of Gods preſence.

2 That by it I diſcourage the Miniſter.

3 That I giuegive bad example to others.

4 That ſuch as ſee mee, will ſuſpect my Religion.

5 That the diuell lulles me aſleepe.

6 That I turne a feſtiuall, into a funerall Sermon.

7 That I would be offended if any ſlept, whileſt I talked vntounto them.

8 That ſo I hinder my ſelfe of many profitable inſtructions.

9 That Eutychus fell dead in ſuch a ſléep.

10 I muſt vſe a ſpare diet.

11 I muſt not be offended that my pewfellowes awake me.

12 I muſt not ſit onelyonly, but ſtand, that I may keepe my ſelfe from drowſineſſe.

Queſt. And what needes all this direction for hearing, may I not as well ſtay at home, and read a good Sermon priuately?

An. I diſallow not reading of Sermons, and other good books, for by them I may be,

1 Inſtructed in things I know not.

2 Confirmed in things that I know.

3 I may meditate the better of things written.

4 I may ſpend my vacant time well.

5 If I hauehave no Preacher, ſuch Sermons may much edifie me.

p. 1086 If I be ſicke, or the weather foule, or the way to Church ouer long, this courſe may be a meanes to giuegive me much comfort. But yet preaching to the eare is eſpecially to be regarded: For by it,

1 God hath appointed ordinarily to ſaue me. 1. Cor. 1.

2 Then are Common places handled, Articles of faith expounded, and one place of Scripture explaned by another.

3 Then darke places are made plaine, and repugnant Scriptures reconciled.

4 Obiections againſt truth are anſwered.

5 Generall doctrine is applyed to occaſions of times, places, and perſons, by exhortation, admonition, reprehenſion, conſolation, &c.

6 Experience teacheth, that the liuely voice is more effectual, then ocular reading.

7 Publike aſſembles hauehave ſingular promiſes of Gods preſence, grace, and bleſſing.

8 As the Prieſts lippes muſt preſerue knowledge; ſo the people muſt require it at his mouth.

9 It is an encouragement to a good Miniſter.

10 Good example to others.

Queſt. But are all men bounden to heare Gods Word?

Anſ. Yea verily: euill men muſt, that p. 109they may be conuerted: good men muſt, that they bee not corrupted: the ignorant muſt, that they may be inſtructed: and the learned muſt, for theſe reaſons:

1 To learne new points of piety, which they know not.

2 To recal ſuch things as they do know.

3 To mooue them to practiſe duties knowne.

4 To encourage the Preacher by their preſence.

5 To giuegive example to others to doe ſo.

6 To giuegive teſtimony that they are members of the Church.

Qu. Thus I ſee how you ſhall not take Gods word in vaine by hearing: tell mee how you may not take Gods name in vaine by ſwearing?

Anſ. Heere I muſt obſerue:

1 Gods commandement, that I muſt not ſweare. Matth. 5.34. Iames 5.12.

2 His curſe vponupon ſuch as hauehave blaſphemed. Zach. 5.3. Eccleſ. 23.9.

3 If I lye little, I ſhall ſweare leſſe. Luc. 22.70.71.

4 I muſt refraine pety oathes. Matth. 5.34.35.36.

5 I muſt labour to forbeare for a time. 1. Theſ. 5.22.

6 I muſt binde my ſelfe from it.

p. 1107 I muſt conſider before I name God. Eccleſ. 5.1.

8 I muſt meditate of the Maieſty, preſence, goodneſſe, and iuſtice of God.

9 I muſt get ſome to admoniſh me.

10 I muſt not be greedy of gaine.

11 I muſt know that the more I ſweare, the leſſe I am beleeued in a truth.

12 I muſt auoide the company of ſwearers.

13 I may note that there is neither profit, nor pleaſure in an oath.

14 It is an argument of an Atheiſt.

15 Men dare not abuſe the name of a King.

16 I take it in ill part, when mine own name is diſgraced.

17 I muſt take away all occaſions of ſwearing.

18 I muſt looke to the practiſes of the beſt men.

19 I muſt reade, heare, meditate on Gods word. Pſal. 119.11.

20 I muſt giuegive an account of eueryevery idle word. Math. 12.36.

A DIRECTION TO DIE WELL.

PHILIP. 1.23.

I deſire to be diſſolued, and to be with Chriſt.

LONDON Printed for Edward Blunt, and William Barret. 1613.