Pious Thoughts Vented in Pithy Ejaculations, Collection of religious thoughts

Pious Thoughts Vented in Pithy Ejaculations · Collection of religious thoughts

PIOUS THOUGHTS VENTED In pithy Ejaculations. OR, THE WAY TO MAKE A RELIGIOUS USE OF ordinary offered occaſions.

By RICHARD GOVE.

2 Theſſ. 5. 17.

Pray continually.

LONDON, Printed by J. G. for R. ROYSTON, at the Angel in Ivie-lane.

1658.

TO ALL THOSE that are deſirous to make a Religious uſe of ordinary offered occaſions: R. G. (VVho deſires to further the glory of God, and the everlaſting good of his peoples ſoules) Dedicateth this enſuing TREATISE.

Zacharias, cum loqui non potuit, ſcripſit.

Luk. 1. 20. & 63. Ambroſ.

A WORD OF Adviſe to the Reader.

READER,

ALl ordinary offered occaſions ſhould be to a Chriſtian, as are Spectacles to a weak or dim ſight, which not onelyonly looketh on them, but through them too, and by their help ſeeth that, that without them was hardly diſcernable. Theſe Spectacles I have made uſe of in this enſuing Treatiſe, and by the help of them have diſcovered what Religious uſe may be made of ſuch ordinary offered occaſions. If this like thee which I have done, thou mayſt make uſe of the ſame; and if not, let me ſee a better forme of thine, and I ſhall gladly make uſe of that, and be thy Debtor for it. Howſoever let us pray one for another, which for his part he ſhall not ceaſe to doe, who is

Thine hearty well-wiſher in what may be for thy Souls good, Richard Gove.

p. 1PIOUS THOUGHTS VENTED In pithy Ejaculations: OR, The way to make a Religious uſe of ordinary offered occaſions.

I.

Upon a mans firſt awaking in the morning.

LORD grant me thy grace, to awake Ro. 1. 11. Eph. 5. 14. 1 Cor. 15. 34.Rom 1:11Eph 5:141 Cor 15:34out of the ſleep of ſin, that I may live righteouſly in thy ſight.

II.

Upon the putting off of a foule ſhirt, and the putting on of a clean.

LOrd grant me thy grace, that I may Eph. 4. 22 24.Eph 4:22every day be more and more enabled to put off the old man, and to put on the new.

p. 2III.

Upon a mans ariſing out of his bed.

LOrd grant me thy grace, that I may ariſe out of the bed of my carnall ſecurity, Eph. 5. 14. Iob 12. 6.Eph 5:14Job 12:6whereon I have ſo long layn.

IV.

Upon a mans putting on of his clothes.

LOrd, clothe thou me with the robes of Iſa. 61. 10. Ro. 13. 14. Gal. 3. 27.Isa 61:10Rom 13:14Gal 3:27thy Sons righteouſneſſe, and let thy bleſſed Spirit every day more and more put on upon my ſoul that new Man which after thee is created in holineſſe and true righteouſneſſe.Eph. 4 24.Eph 4:24

V.

Upon a mans kembing of his head.

LOrd, thy Word doth aſſure me, that all the hairs of my head are numbred, and Mat. 10 30 Act. 27. 34 Luk. 21. 18Matt 10:30Acts 27:34Luke 21:18that not one of them doth fall to the ground, or periſh without thine eſpeciall Providence: Oh grant me therefore thy grace, that I may ſtill remember this, and learn thereby more and more to depend upon thy fatherly care, and gracious providence over me for greater matters, ſeeing p. 3Luk. 12. 7.Luke 12:7thou art ſo providentially carefull for me in theſe leaſt things.

VI.

Upon the waſhing of a mans face and hands.

LOrd, waſh thou me with the bloud of Pſa. 51. 2. 1 Joh. 1. 7 Rev. 1. 5.Ps 51:21 John 1:7Rev 1:5thy Son, and my Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, from the guilt of all my ſins paſt: and let thy bleſſed Spirit by his grace waſh and 1 Cor. 6. 11.1 Cor 6:11clenſe my ſoul every day more and more from the power and pollution of them for the time to come.

VII.

Upon a mans waſhing of his feet.

LOrd, my affections are the feet of my Ecel. 5. 1. Rev. 12. 2.Rev 12:2ſoule, and doe carry that, as theſe other doe my body: and paſſing through the foule and filthy wayes of ſin, cannot but be much more defiled in thy ſight, then theſe are in mine. O waſh them therefore every day more and more by Joh. 13. 5. Gal. 5, 24. Cant. 5. 3.John 13:5Gal 5:24Song 5:3the powerfull work of thy grace from all former pollutions, and being thus waſhed, keep me from defiling them again.

p. 4VIII.

Upon a mans paring of his Nailes.

THe captive Damoſell under the Law, before ſhe could be the wife of him Deut. 21. 12.Deut 21:12that tooke her in warre, muſt firſt have her Nailes pared. And therefore how ſhall I ever hope to be eſpouſed to my Saviour 2 Cor. 11. 212 Cor 11:21Jeſus Chriſt, and be preſented unto him as a pure Virgin, except I doe cut off thoſe excrements of **foreign propriè eſt ſordes, quae in ſummis manuum ac digitorum unguibus colligitur. Scapul.naughtineſſe, Jam. 1. 21.Jas 1:21which are ſo lothſome to thee my God, and to all good men? which that I may the better doe, Lord give me thy grace to doe it, and it ſhall be done.

IX.

Upon a mans looking his face in a Glaſſe.

LOrd give me the grace, that as by looking in this Glaſſe, I doe ſee the ſpots, and other deformities of my body, ſo by looking into thy word, I may ſee the Jam. 1. 24, 25. Pſal. 119. 9.Jas 1:24Jas 1:25Ps 119:9ſpots, and other deformities of my Soul, and may learne to amend them.

p. 5X.

Upon a mans bruſhing of his Clothes.

OH that I were as carefull to clenſe Pſal. 19▪ 12. & 51. 2Ps 19:12Ps 51:2my Soul from my ſins, as I am to clenſe my clothes from the ſpots and duſt which are on them.

XI.

Upon a mans putting on of ſome Upper-garment.

LOrd, my deſire is not to be unclothed, 2 Cor. 5. 2. & 4.2 Cor 5:22 Cor 5:4but to be clothed upon, and that with that houſe which is from Heaven. And that I may not faile of this my deſire, Rom. 13. 14. Gal. 3. 27.Rom 13:14Gal 3:27Lord give me the grace to put on the Lord Jeſus Chriſt; and that both by believing in his merits, and by living according to his manners, whileſt I am here.

p. 6XII.

Upon the ſight of a womans ſpending much time in her neat and curious dreſsing of her ſelfe.

OH that I were as carefull to adorn and Pambo mentioned in Socrat. hiſt. Eccleſ. li. 4 c. 18. hath the like pious thought upon the like occaſion.Sir 51:4trim my ſoul to make it pleaſant in the ſight of God, as this woman is to adorn and trim her body to make that pleaſing in the ſight of men.

XIII.

Upon the hearing of a child crying after his father.

LOrd ſend forth the ſpirit of thy Son into my heart, that I may in all my diſtreſſes Gal. 4. 4. Rom. 8. 15.Gal 4:4Rom 8:15cry Abba Father unto thee, as thy child ſhould doe.

XIV.

Upon the ſight of one abhorring a filthy and naſty thing.

O Lord, that I might have thy grace Rom. 12. 9. Job 42. 6. Pſal. 119. 101. & 418.Rom 12:9Job 42:6Ps 119:101thus to abhorre evill, both in my ſelf and others!

p. 7XV.

Upon the ſight of a Carvers cutting and framing of a curious Image out of ſtone.

LOrd, my heart is ſtony, yet canſt thou Ezck. 11. 19. & 36. 26. Mat. 3. 9.Matt 3:9out of this ſtony diſpoſition of mine with infinitely more eaſe make it an heart of fleſh, and me a child of Abraham; which my hearty deſire and prayer unto thee is, that thou wilt doe for me.

XVI.

Upon the ſight of the Sunne-riſing.

LOrd, grant that Jeſus Chriſt the Sunne Mal. 4. 2. Acts 26. 18. Col. 1. 13. 1 Pet. 2. 9.Mal 4:2Acts 26:18Col 1:131 Pet 2:9of Righteouſneſſe may alſo ariſe in my heart, and with his beames of ſaving knowledge diſpell more and more the darkneſſe of ignorance in me.

XVII.

Upon the ſight of one giving an account of monies received.

LOrd, this will be one day my caſe, Rom. 14. 12. Matth. 25. 19. Luk. 12. 46. Mark 13 35.Rom 14:12Matt 25:19Luke 12:46Mark 13:35and I know not how ſoon nor how ſuddenly I ſhall be called to make this my account before thee. O give me thy grace therefore that I may live in a continuall p. 8expectation of it, and may accordingly provide for it.

XVIII.

Upon the ſight of one teaching to caſt account.

LOrd teach me to number my dayes Pſ. 90. 12.Ps 90:12that I may apply my heart unto wiſdome.

XIX.

Upon the locking and bolting of a door.

LOrd ſhut thou me in with the bolts of Gen. 7. 16.Gen 7:16thy fatherly providence and mercy, and then ſhall I be ſafe.Pſal. 4. 8.Ps 4:8

XX.

Upon the ſight of a lock hardly to be unlocked.

LOrd, how unwilling and unable am I of my ſelf to open my mouth to ſpeak to thy praiſe; to open mine ears to heare thy word with profit and comfort, and to open my heart to attend thereunto for my ſouls good! O doe thou therefore which haſt the key of David, and openeſt, Rev. 3. 7.Rev 3:7and no man ſhutteth, and ſhutteſt, and p. 9no man openeth, open all theſe unto me Pſ. 51. 15. & 40. 6. Acts. 16. 14.Ps 51:15Ps 40:6Acts 16:14by the power and might of thy gracious help.

XXI.

Upon the ſight of a hen with her chickens under her wings.

LOrd, how often wouldſt thou have gathered me as this Hen doth her chickens Matth. 23. 37.Matt 23:37under her wings? but I would not: yet now ſeeing my former errour and preſent danger, I doe runne unto thee, beſeeching thee to ſhelter me under the Pſal. 57. 1. & 6. 4.Ps 57:1Ps 6:4ſhadow of thy wings, and to ſave me now and alwayes for thy mercies ſake.

XXII.

Upon the ſight of a young luſty ſtrong man taking a fall.

LOrd, this brings to my mind the falls 2 Sam. 11. Mat 26. 70. 1 Cor. 10. 12. Rom. 1. 24. Pſal. 51. 12. Eſay. 41. 10.2 Sam 11Matt 26:701 Cor 10:12Rom 1:24Ps 51:12Isa 41:10and ſins of David, Peter, and others of thy children mentioned in Scripture: and it doth ſhew me what the beſt of us all are, if thou doſt leave us to our ſelves. Lord-therefore evermore ſupport me with thy grace, and keep me in thy feare.

p. 10XXIII.

Upon the hearing of one that had adopted another mans Son for his own.

LOrd, I doe believe that thus thou haſt Epheſ. 1. 5.Eph 1:5dealt with me, and that thou haſt adopted me in Jeſus Chriſt to be thy Son, who am by nature the child of wrath. Eph. 2. 3. Rom. 8. 15. 16. Gal. 4. 5, 6.Eph 2:3Rom 8:15Rom 8:16Gal 4:5Gal 4:6Lord, let thy holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of adoption, every day more and more witneſſe the ſame unto my ſpirit.

XXIV.

Upon the hearing of one knocking at a door.

LOrd, thou haſt knocked often at the door of my heart, and haſt called and Rev. 3. 20. Cant. 5. 2. Pſ. 38. 13. & 58. 4. 2 Cor. 3. 5. Joh. 15. 5. Phil. 2. 13. Rev. 3. 7.Rev 3:20Song 5:2Ps 38:13Ps 58:42 Cor 3:5John 15:5Phil 2:13Rev 3:7cried often unto me to open unto thee, but I have hitherunto turned the deafe eare, and not opened unto thee. Lord, forgive me this my great unkindneſſe paſt, and ſeeing I have neither will nor power of my ſelf to doe it, doe thou (which haſt the key of David, that openeth, and no man ſhutteth) open the door of my heart and come in, and ſup with me, and I with thee, and abide with me for ever.

p. 11XXV.

Upon the ſight of a Candle lighted with a Tinder-box.

LOrd, I ſee by this how prone and apt Ut penè extinctum cinerem ſi ſulphure tangas, Vivet, & ex minimo maximus ignis erit, &c. Ovid. de Remedio amoris. l. 2. Jam. 1. 14, 15.Jas 1:14Jas 1:15my corrupt nature is to commit ſin upon every occaſion offered, unleſſe thou by thy grace doſt prevent it, there being no ſpeedier conjunction betwixt the ſparkes of fire ſtrucken amongſt tinder, then there is betwixt my corrupt nature and ſin, when once an occaſion is offered. Lord therefore keepe me by thy grace from all ſuch offered occaſions, or from entertaining of them when they are thus offered.

XXVI.

Upon the ſight of a game at Tables.

VVHen a man playeth a game at Tables, I ſee the chance is not in his power, but to play it well it is: ſo the chances and changes of this world which doe betide me, were not in my Eccleſ. 9. 11. Jam. 1. 4, 12. 1 Cor. 10. 13.Eccl 9:11Jas 1:4Jas 1:121 Cor 10:13power to prevent them, but having betided me, I muſt manage, and bear them as well as I can; and that I may doe it as I ſhould doe, Lord doe thou by thy grace enable me.

p. 12XXVII.

Upon the ſight of a Scullions taking off of a pot ful of good meat from the fire.

LOrd, here I ſee mine owne, and many other mens infirmitie, how eaſie a matter it is for any baſe fellow, to take any Dan. 11. 32.Dan 11:32of us, even the beſt, and moſt accompliſhed with grace and goodneſſe, and by his ſoothing talk, and inſinuating flatteries, to tranſport and carry us (as it were by the cares) whether he pleaſeth, if thou by thy grace prevent it not. Lord therefore Pro. 2. 16. & 6. 23, 24.Prov 2:16Prov 6:23Prov 6:24ſtrengthen me by thy grace againſt all ſuch miſcarriages.

XXVIII.

Upon the hearing of the Relation of a Merchant-Adventurers dangerous Voyage.

THis mans caſe and mine are very like; for with vain hopes (as with a proſperous gale of winde) I have often been allured to hoiſe up the Sailes of my deſires, and to enter into the perillous Sea of this world with worldly minded men; but before that ever I could arrive unto the wicked Haven to which in my ſetting p. 13forth I aymed, with how many deſperate dangers have I encountred? One while I have been toſſed with tempeſtuous ſtormes of troubles, croſſes, and vexations: ſometimes lifted up with hopes, as if I ſhould touch the Heavens; ſometimes dejected, and caſt down with fear, is if I ſhould be ſwallowed in the gulph, and as it were in the hell of deſpair; now in danger to daſh againſt the rocks of viiolence and oppreſſion; and ſoon after to ſplit upon the unperceived Quick-ſands of treacherie and falſhood: ſometimes I have been carried in an uncouth vaſtneſſe, in hazard to loſe my ſelf in the bypathes …f errour; ſometimes I have paſſed through the ſtraits, having been beſet with many perils, here Scylla, there Charybdis; being ready to fall into the one, whilſt with my moſt provident care I have endeavoured to eſcape the other. And if I have chanced to eſcape theſe, (as who ever eſcaped them all?) with how many wicked fiends have I been beſet, as with ſo many Pirats, ready to rob me of all thoſe rich wares of Gods ſpiritual graces, and to enchain me in their gallies of endleſſe bondage? Nay, though I have miſſed of theſe too, and have had a faire calm of proſperity, and a comfortable ſunſhine p. 14of worldly favours throughout my whole paſſage, yet my danger hath not been any way abated, but much more increaſed. For being thus becalmed, I have many times had neither power nor will to goe forward to the bleſſed Haven of Heaven: but contrary-wiſe being bewitched with the Syrens ſonges of carnall alluring pleaſures, I have been ſo ſtrongly taken with them, that I thought Heaven to be no where but there, till I was in the end like to be devoured by them by whom I was firſt allured. That therefore I may the better paſſe over this troubleſome Sea, and avoid all theſe dangers, and in the end come to my deſired haven the kingdome of Heaven, Lord let thy true Church be my ſhip, thy holy word Pſ. 119. 9. Pſ. 143. 10. Heb. 1. 14.Ps 119:9Ps 143:10Heb 1:14my Card and Compaſſe, thy bleſſed Spirit my Pilot, thy good Angels my Convoy, and doe thou thy ſelfe alwayes watch over me by the eye of thy ſpeciall Pſ. 34. 15.Ps 34:15providence.

XXIX.

Upon the ſight of a fiſh taken with a Hooke and Line.

LOrd, here is an Emblem of my ſimplicity, and the Devils ſubtilty; he like p. 15the cunning fiiſher hides the hooke of his temptations under the bait of ſome pleaſing 2 Cor. 2. 11. 2 Tim. 2. 26. 2 Tim. 4. 18.2 Cor 2:112 Tim 2:262 Tim 4:18vanitie, and I like the ſilly fiſh, whileſt I am looking on his pleaſing bait and coveting that, am caught with his Souldeſtroying hooke; from which good Lord deliver me.

XXX.

Upon the ſight of a ſtubborn and refractory Oxe going under the Yoke.

LOrd, herein I ſee mine owne folly; for Lam. 3. 27. Luk. 21. 19. Rom. 5. 3. Luk. 22. 41.Lam 3:27Luke 21:19Rom 5:3Luke 22:41whereas thy yoke of affliction, which thou haſt put upon my neck, might be carried by me, if not with eaſe, yet without any great pain, if I would goe quietly and patiently under it, ſubmitting my ſelf therein to thy divine will and pleaſure; Job 1. 21. 2 Sam. 16. 10. Pſ. 39. 9. Iſai. 38. 13. Levit. 10. 3. 1 Sam. 3. 18.Job 1:212 Sam 16:10Ps 39:9Isa 38:13Lev 10:31 Sam 3:18I ſee that by my much ſtriving and ſtrugling, it doth both offend others and hurt my ſelfe, as the refractory Oxe doth both wrong his fellow, and wring his own neck by this his reluctancy. Lord give me grace therefore in all mine afflictions to look up to thy viſiting hand therein, and patiently to ſubmit thereunto.

p. 16XXXI.

Upon the ſight of one rowing a boat againſt the stream.

LOrd, herein I ſee what I am by nature, and what Iam by grace. This boat (were there no Oares to ſet it forward) would goe down the ſtream and go backward of his owne accord, but to go forward againſt the ſtream I ſee there is no poſſibility longer then the boat-man with his Oares doth enforce it, and ſet it forward. And ſo Lord it is with me, of mine own accord Iam apt to go backward Iſai. 1. 4. Rom. 7. 18Isa 1:4Rom 7:18in grace and goodneſſe, but to goe forward therein (it being againſt the ſtreame and tide of mine affections and naturall corruption) I cannot without the aſſiſting Oares of thy grace, which Lord I beſeech 1 Cor. 15. 10. Phil. 4. 13. 2 Pet. 1. 5.1 Cor 15:10Phil 4:132 Pet 1:5thee to grant unto me, and give me grace to …ply them for that end, as thy child ſhould doe.

XXXII.

Upon the ſight of Fire raked up under the Aſhes.

HEre is no token of fire to be ſeen, neither light, nor heat, nor ſo much as p. 17any ſmoke: and yet when the aſhes are taken away, there will fire appear, which with blowing, and the ſupply of new fewell will ſoon kindle again, and become a great flame. And why (Lord) may not this be my caſe, in whom for the preſent there is ſo little appearance of grace, and goodneſſe? Oh remove then from me the aſhes of my ſinfull corruption, and give me the grace to ſtirr up the coles of thoſe gracious gifts which I 2 Tim. 1. 6.2 Tim 1:6have formerly felt in me, and let thy Cant. 4. 16 Joh. 3. 8.Song 4:16John 3:8bleſſed Spirit with the quickning gale of his gracious breath quicken and revive them in me, that they may return to their wonted, or increaſe to a greater flame.

XXXIII.

Upon the hearing of a Dog barking at ſtrangers.

THis Dog doth not uſe to bark at any of the houſhold, but fawneth on them all; only I ſee if a ſtranger approch, or come neer the houſe, he will bark at him, and perhaps bite him too: ſo deal the wicked men of the world with me, they Pſ. 22. 16.Ps 22:16be alwayes barking at me, and many times by their ſlanders and back-bitings p. 18do bite me too. But Lord here is my comfort, that this ſheweth me to be a John 15. 19.John 15:19ſtranger to them, and to their ſinful courſes; and my hearty deſire and prayer is that I may continue ſtill ſo to be.

XXXIV.

Upon the ſight of one pounding Spices in a Mortar.

THis Spice being whole had little or no ſmell in it, but being bruiſed and beaten, I perceive it maketh a ſweet and odoriferous ſmell throughout the whole houſe: ſo 'tis with the graces of God in Rom. 5. 3, 4.Rom 5:3Rom 5:4my heart, as long as they remain therein whole and ſound without diſturbance, little good comes by them to my ſelf or others, but being well beaten, and pounded in the Mortar of affliction, they afford a ſweet ſmell in the noſtrills of God and all good men, and become advantagious 2 Cor. 4. 16. Job 33. 15. 16.2 Cor 4:16Job 33:15Job 33:16to Gods glory, and to mine own and others good. Lord therefore evermore ſo beat and pound me in this Mortar, rather then that I ſhould continue whole, and uſeleſſe for theſe ends.

p. 19XXXV.

VponUpon the ſight of a Lanthorn and Candle carried before one.

OH that thy word O Lord might be a Pſ. 119. 105.Ps 119:105Lanthorn unto my feet, and a light unto my ſteps, to direct and guide me in the wayes of thy Commandments.

XXXVI.

Upon the ſight of one wearing a Seal at his Hand-wriſt.

SWeet Jeſus my Lord and Saviour, ſet Cant. 8. 0.Song 8me (I pray thee) on thine heart as a Seal, and as a Signet on thine arm, that I may never be forgotten of thee, or removed out of thy love and favour.

XXXVII.

Upon the ſight of one drawing another after him.

Lord, I know that none can come unto Joh. 6. 44. Cant. 1. 3.John 6:44Song 1:3thee, except thou draw him: oh draw me therefore I beſeech thee, and I will run after thee.

p. 20XXXVIII.

Upon the hearing of one enquiring after a loſt Sheep.

LOrd, I have gone aſtray like a loſt ſheep, oh ſeek thy ſervant, and bring Luk. 15. 4. Pſ. 119. 176. Luk. 15. 6, 7. Pſ. 35. 9.Luke 15:4Ps 119:176Luke 15:6Luke 15:7Ps 35:9me home again to the reſt of thy flock, that thou mayſt joy in me, and I in thy Salvation.

XXXIX.

Upon the ſight of one carrying an heavy Burthen.

LOrd, mine iniquities are gone over my head, and are as an heavy burthen too Pſal. 38. 4.Ps 38:4heavy for me to bear: oh doe thou therefore (which haſt promiſed to eaſe all Mat. 11. 28.Matt 11:28thoſe that are heavy laden with the burthen of their ſins when they come unto thee) give eaſe and reſt to my wearied foul, which now cometh unto thee for eaſe and comfort.

p. 21XL.

Upon a Temptation to strain ones Conſcience for a litle extraordinary gain.

LOrd, here (I ſee) I may enrich my ſelf by unjuſt gain; but alas what ſhall I be advantaged, if for this gain I muſt Luk. 9. 25. Mat. 16. 29 Mar. 8. 36.Luke 9:25Matt 16:29Mark 8:36loſe my ſoul for ever? Lord therefore keep me from this, and from all other meanes and waies of enriching my ſelf by ill and unjuſtly gotten goods.

XLI.

Upon the hearing of a Lawyer pleading at the Bar for his Client.

LOrd, I am greviouſly accuſed by the Devil and mine own Conſcience for Rev. 12. 10 Tit. 3. 11. Job 9. 20. 30. 31. 1 Joh. 2. 1. Heb. 9. 24. Ro. 8. 33, 34.Rev 12:10Titus 3:11Job 9:20Job 9:30Job 9:311 John 2:1Heb 9:24Rom 8:33Rom 8:34being a grievous ſinner in thy ſight: and the truth is, I am ſo indeed, and have nothing to anſwer, or ſay for my ſelf. Oh ſweet Jeſus be thou therefore my Advocate, and appear thou for me, and plead thou my cauſe, and ſo ſhall I be juſtified in the ſight of God, and all mine enemies mouthes ſhall be ſtopped.

p. 22XLII.

Upon the hearing of an Alien made a free Denizen.

LOrd, I am by nature, and in the ſtate Eph. 2. 3, 12. 13.Eph 2:3Eph 2:12Eph 2:13of unregeneration, an Alien from the Common-wealth of Iſrael, and a ſtranger from the Covenant of promiſe: but thou which canſt make thoſe that be afar off to become near by the bloud of Chriſt; by that ſame bloud, do thou, of an Alien Phil. 3. 20.Phil 3:20and Forrainer make me a free Denizen of * Graecè foreign. hoc eſt, nos gerimus ut municipes caelorum.thy Heavenly Kingdom, and give me the the grace to lead my life, and to have my Converſation in Heaven, as it becometh thoſe that be Citizens with the Saints, and of the houſhold of God.

XLIII.

Upon the hearing of the coming and entertainment of a great Ambaſſadour.

LOrd, what a do is here to entertain the Ambaſſadour of an earthly prince! and what priviledges have they for the ſecurity of their perſons and honours! p. 23and yet how are the Miniſters of thy 2 Cor. 5. 20. Zech. 3. 8. 1 Cor. 4. 9, &c. Act. 7. 60.2 Cor 5:20Zech 3:81 Cor 4:9Acts 7:60word, (who are thy Ambaſſadours) every where ſlighted, ſcorned, and contemned? Lord lay not this to their charge, but in mercy look upon it, and amend it.

XLIV.

Upon the ſight of a laborious Ant or Piſmire.

OH Lord, this poor ſilly creature laboureth Pro. 6. 6 & 30. 25.Prov 6:6Prov 30:25hard in Summer to provide for Winter, and that onelyonly by the inſtinct of nature: Oh added unto my nature, grace, that I may much more in the Summer of my life, health, and proſperity think of the Winter of death, ſickneſſe, and adverſity, and make proviſion for them.

XLV.

Upon the ſight of a ſhooting match at Buts.

Here I ſee ſome ſhooting above the Mark, others under it; ſome on the right hand, others on the left; at laſt cometh one and hit's the mark it ſelf: and juſt ſo dealeth Death with us; ſometimes it ſhooteth above us, and p. 24takes away our Superiours and Elders; ſometimes beneath us, and takes away our Inferiours, and younger; ſometimes on the right-hand, and taketh away our dear friends, and ſometimes on the lefthand, and taketh away our deadly foes; and happy were we if we could take theſe as warning arrowes ſhot from a loving 1 Sam. 20. 20. Eſa. 28. 15 1 Theſ. 5. 7 Luk. 17. 26, &c. Mat. 25. 3. 11. 12.1 Sam 20:20Isa 28:151 Thess 5:7Luke 17:26Matt 25:3Matt 25:11Matt 25:12hand, to warn us to look to our ſelves: but ſuch is our improvidence, that we will not lay theſe fair warnings to heart, but go on ſtill in our carnall ſecurity, till at laſt (and it may be when we look leaſt for it) it ſhoots alſo to us our ſelves; and wo be unto us if it find us unprovided. Lord give us therefore the grace, ſo to think of Death every day, as if it were to be our dying day.

XLVI.

Upon the ſight of a man felling, or cuiting down a Tree.

LOrd, here I ſee the Axe laid to the root of this tree, to cut it down: This tree Mat. 3. 1Matt 3:1is a refemblance of me; his root of my heart and conſcience, and the Axe of thy word, which hath ſtrook me, and pierced Act. 2. 37. Heb. 4. 12. Luk. 13. 7.Acts 2:37Heb 4:12Luke 13:7me often, and that to the very heart by the Miniſtery thereof: But becauſe there p. 25hath followed upon it no amendment of life, Lord, what can I now expect Luk. 23. 31Luke 23:31(if thou ſhouldeſt deal with me in juſtice) but that thou ſhouldſt now alſo lay to me the axe of thy judgements, and cut me down therewith, and caſt me into hell fire? To prevent which, Lord make me more and more ſenſible of the ſtrokes of thy former Axe, and give me grace to amend my life thereby.

XLVII.

Upon the ſight of a new born babe ſeeking after, and ſucking the Nurſes breaſt.

LOrd give me the grace that I may as a new borne babe deſire the ſincere milk 1 Pet. 2▪ 2.1 Pet 2:2of thy word, that I may grow thereby.

XLVIII.

Upon the ſight of Balme put into a wound.

LOrd, I am a poor wounded Soul, wounded in ſpirit with the ſight of my ſins, and the ſenſe of thy wrath due unto me for them. Oh doe thou therefore pour into Pro. 18. 14.Prov 18:14my Soul the precious Balme of thy Jer. 8. 22.Jer 8:22ſoul-ſaving word, that this poor wounded p. 26ſoul of mine, may by the comforts thereof be alſo comforted and cured.

XLIX.

Upon the ſight of two parties betrothed.

LOrd betroth thou me unto thy ſelf for Hoſ. 2. 19.Hos 2:19ever, and that in righteouſneſs and in judgment, and in loving kindneſs and in mercies.

L.

Upon the ſight of one that had a bone out of joynt.

LOrd, this is my caſe as long as I am out of that place and calling wherein Pſ. 22. 14. 1 Cor. 7. 20.Ps 22:141 Cor 7:20thou haſt placed me. I may be ſtill of the body, but am neither for uſe, nor eaſe, and neither that to my ſelf, nor to my fellowmembers; and ſo I muſt continue till thou ſhalt be pleaſed to ſet me right again, which I beſeech thee for thy ſon Eph. 4. 16. Col. 2. 19.Eph 4:16Col 2:19Chriſt Jeſus ſake to do for me.

p. 27LI.

Upon the ſight of a Bone-ſetters binding up and ſplintering of a broken bone.

THis man hath done a great work in bringing every part and piece of this broken bone into his right place, but (I ſee) except he do alſo bind them up, and ſplinter them, they will not ſo continue, nor grow together again. Lord I have taken many a grievous fall, and by means of it I am heart-broken. O ſweet Jeſus do thou (whoſe office it is to bind up Iſa. 61. 1. Luc. 4. 18. Pſ. 147. 3.Isa 61:1Luke 4:18Ps 147:3the broken-hearted) bind up this broken heart of mine, that it may continue firm, and grow in grace & goodneſs.

LII.

Upon the ſight … ſomething blotted out in a Book.Hoſ. 7. 2. Jer. 17. 1. Rev. 20. 12. 2 Cor. 5. 10.Hos 7:2Jer 17:1Rev 20:122 Cor 5:10

LOrd, my ſins are all written in the book of thy remembrance, and in the book of my conſcience; and at the laſt day (when the books ſhall be opened) they will manifeſtly appear to God, Angels, and men, as ſo many evidences Iſa. 43. 25. & 44. 22. 1 Joh. 1. 7. Heb. 9. 14.Isa 43:25Isa 44:221 John 1:7Heb 9:14againſt me, except thou in thy mercy ſhalt blot them out for thine own ſake with the blood of thy Son and my Saviour Jeſus Chriſt; which that thou wilt do p. 28Pſal. 81. 9.Ps 81:9for me, it is my hearty deſire and prayer.

LIII.

Upon the hearing of certain Captives redeemed.

LOrd, do thou redeem me with the precious bloud of thy Son and my Saviour 1 Cor. 6. 20. & 7. 23. 1 Pet. 1. 19. 2 Tim. 2. 26.1 Cor 6:201 Cor 7:231 Pet 1:192 Tim 2:26Jeſus Chriſt from the Captivity, thraldom, and ſlavery of Satan, wherein I have been ſo long held to do his will.

LIV.

Upon the ſight of one breathing out his laſt breath.

LOrd, here I ſee that my life is but a breath, which as ths… …veſt me at firſt, Gen 2. 7. Iſai. 2. 22. Pſ. 146. 4. Job 12. 10. & 24. 14. Job 27. 3, 4.Gen 2:7Isa 2:22Ps 146:4Job 12:10Job 24:14Job 27:3Job 27:4ſo thou maiſt take from me again when thou pleaſeſt. Oh give me grace therefore that I may make ſuch good uſe of this tranſitory and uncertain life of mine, that I may be prepared for death whenſoever or whereſoever it ſhall in like manner happen unto me.

p. 29LV.

Ʋpon the ſight of a bruiſed Reed.

LOrd, I am of my ſelf as weak as this bruiſed reed, having been ſo much and ſo often bruiſed, both with outward afflictions and inward temptations: yet ſeeing thou haſt promiſed not to break ſuch a bruiſed reed, in confidence therefore Mat. 12. 20. Iſai. 41. 10Matt 12:20Isa 41:10of this thy mercy, and gracious promiſe made unto me in thy word, I do now come unto thee, beſeeching thee ſo to Pſ. 6. 2, &▪ 68. 28.Ps 6:2Ps 68:28ſupport my weakneſſe by thy power, and ſo to heal me thus miſerably bruiſed by thy grace, that though I be weak in my 1 Cor. 12. 10. Eph. 6. 10.1 Cor 12:10Eph 6:10ſelf, yet I may be ſtrong in thee, and in the power of thy might.

LVI.

Upon the ſight of a ſhield.

LOrd, give me the grace to put on the Eph. 6. 16.Eph 6:16ſhield of faith, that I may be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

p. 30LVII.

Upon the ſight of one that was buffeted.

LOrd, I am often, and grievouſly buffeted by Satan, and his meſſengers: 2 Cor. 12. 7, 8, 9.2 Cor 12:72 Cor 12:82 Cor 12:9Oh that I were freed from theſe their buffetings, or that I might have ſome comfortable aſſurance that thy grace ſhall be ſufficient for me, either to keep me from being overcome by them, or (if I am at any time overcome) to pardon my weakneſs and failing therein, and to reſtore me to thy mercy and favour in Jeſus Chriſt.

LVIII.

VponUpon the ſight of a ſurety arreſted, and made to pay the debt of the principall.

THus do I believe that my Saviour and ſurety Jeſus Chriſt was by death arreſted for my debt of ſin, and that he Heb. 7. 22. Rom 4. 25. Heb. 2. 14, 15. Col. 2. 14. Pſ. 143. 2. Eph 1. 7.Heb 7:22Rom 4:25Heb 2:14Heb 2:15Col 2:14Ps 143:2Eph 1:7hath ſatisfied it to the full, concealing the hand-writing that was againſt me. Lord therefore enter not into Judgement with me for any of my ſins paſt, but accept of thy Sons active and paſſive obedience as a full ſatisfaction for them all.

p. 31LIX.

VponUpon the ſight of Snow.

LOrd, thou haſt promiſed that though my ſins were as crimſon double-dyed, Iſai. 1. 18.Isa 1:18dyed in the wool of my originall corruption, and dyed afterwards again in the many threds of my actuall tranſgreſſions, yet if I will but conſent and obey, thou wilt make them as white as ſnow: Make Pſal. 51. 7. Mat. 36. 41. Iſai. 26. 9. 1 Cor. 15. 10.Ps 51:7Isa 26:91 Cor 15:10good this thy promiſe to me thy ſervant, who is both willing and deſirous to obey thee in all things, as far as thy grace ſhall enable me.

LX.

Upon the ſight of two wraſtling together.

LOrd give me thy grace, that when I ſhall wraſtle with thee by my prayers and my tears (as thy ſervant Jacob did) that I may not let thee goe till thou haſt Gen. 32. 24. Hoſ. 12. 3, 4. Eph. 6. 12. Phil. 4. 13. 2 Cor. 12. 9.Gen 32:24Hos 12:3Hos 12:4Eph 6:12Phil 4:132 Cor 12:9bleſſed me: and when I ſhall wraſtle with the Devil, to withſtand his temptations, doe thou ſo aſſiſt me with thy grace, and let thy power be ſo ſeen in my weakneſſe, that he may not be able to prevail againſt me.

p. 32LXI.

Upon the ſight of one winning a wager at running.

LOrd, this man hath taken great pains to win this earthly wager: Oh that I 1 Cor 9. 24. Phil. 3. 12, 13. 2 Tim. 2. 5, & 4. 7, 8.1 Cor 9:24Phil 3:12Phil 3:132 Tim 2:52 Tim 4:72 Tim 4:8could take the like pains in running my Chriſtian Race, that I might in the end obtain the Crown of Glory.

LXII.

Upon the hearing of the wind riſing.

ARiſe O North, and come O South, and all ye other Soveraign winds of Cant 4. 16.Song 4:16the Spirit of God, do ye breath, and blow upon the garden of my ſoul, that the ſweet odours of Gods heavenly graces which are therein, may be diſperſed, to the glory of God, and to the benefit of other Chriſtian Souls.

LXIII.

Upon the ſight of a thirsty Traveller going to a Well to drink.

LOrd this man doth not more thirſt after the water of this Well to quench Pſ 42. 1, 2.Ps 42:1Ps 42:2his bodily thirſt, then my Soul doth after p. 33thee the fountain of ever-living water. Joh. 4. 15. Joh 7. 37. Iſai. 55. 1. Jer. 31. 25.John 4:15John 7:37Isa 55:1Jer 31:25Oh give me therefore of this water, and do thou which biddeſt me to come unto thee and drink, ſatiate my ſoul therewith when I am come!

LXIV.

Upon the ſight of a weaver weaving in his looms.

LOrd, this mans work is to me a Remembrancer of my mortality, and that many waies. His ſhuttle ſheweth me Job 7. 6.Job 7:6the ſwift paſſing away of my time, his weaving the addition of daies to my age: but ſo, as the more of his work is added to the cloth, the leſs is upon the beam, and the more the one increaſeth, the nearer the other approcheth to his end and cutting off; ſo the more daies are added to my age, the more is detracted from my life, and the nearer it draweth to its end and cutting off. Therefore Lord, give Pſ. 90. 12. Deut. 32. 29.Ps 90:12Deut 32:29me thy grace that I may make a right uſe of this my ſhort and ſwift-paſſing life; and be ever mindfull (as I ſhould be) of Eccl. 9 1….Eccl 9:1my mortality, and ever preparing for it, leſt I be cut off before I look for it.

p. 34LXV.

Upon the hearing of a Cock crowing.

LOrd, the crowing of a Cock was to Peter a means (with thy bleſſing) to bring him to the ſight of his ſin, and to true repentance for it. Oh that thou Mat. 26. 74, 75. Luk. 22. 60, 61, 62.Matt 26:74Matt 26:75Luke 22:60Luke 22:61Luke 22:62wouldſt ſo bleſs unto me the voice of thy Spirituall Cocks (the Miniſters of thy word and mine own conſcience) that they may alſo (by thy bleſſing) be a means to bring me to the like ſight of my ſins, and to true repentance for the ſame!

LXVI.

Upon the ſight of a Malefactors arraignment.

LOrd, this muſt one day be my caſe: for I muſt appear before the judgement-ſeat 2 Cor. 5. 10. 1 Pet. 4. 5.2 Cor 5:101 Pet 4:5of Chriſt, the Judge of quick and dead, that I may there receive the things which have been done in my body, according to that I have done, whether it be good or evil: and therefore good Lord give me the grace that I may in the mean time ever think upon it, and uſe the means to have my ſins put away by true repentance for them, and by a Act. 9. 19. Joh. 3. 18.Acts 9:19John 3:18lively faith in the merits of Jeſus Chriſt, before that great and fearfull day ſhall come.

p. 35LXVII.

Upon the ſight of one ſtooping and ſtriving to go in at a ſtrait paſſage.

LOrd, the way leading to thy Kingdome is through a low and a ſtrait Mat. 7. 13.Matt 7:13paſſage, through which none can enter that are not lowly and humble, and Mat. 5. 3. 1 Pet. 5. 6. Mar. 10. 28. Heb. 12. 1.Matt 5:31 Pet 5:6Mark 10:28Heb 12:1can be content for the Kingdome of heavens ſake to ſtrip themſelves of whatſoever thing may be an hindrance to their entrance thereinto. O give me the grace therefore to be truly humble in thy ſight, as thy child ſhould be, and to caſt away every thing that preſſeth down, and my ſins that hang ſo faſt on, that I may with the more ſpeed and eaſe enter thereinto.

LXVIII.

Upon the ſight of Reapers reaping down a cloſe of corn.

THis field of corn being ripe, what wonder is it to ſee Reapers put into Joel. 13. Rev. 14. 15.Rev 14:15it to cut it down? And therefore Lord, when our ſins are become ſo ripe, what can be expected but that the ſickle of thy wrath ſhould be put in amongſt p. 36us to cut us down alſo. All that I can ſay for my ſelf, or the people of this ſinfull nation, is, Lord enter not into judgement Pſ. 143. 2. Hab. 3. 2.Ps 143:2Hab 3:2with us; or if our ſins ſhall force thee ſo to do, Lord in juſtice remember mercy, and repay us not according to our deſerts.

LXIX.

Upon the ſight of a Mower cutting down graſs in a medow.

THis medow is the emblem of mankind; for as in this there is graſſe of Iſa. 40. 6. 1 Pet. 1. 14Isa 40:61 Pet 1:14all ſorts and ſizes, …me longer, ſome ſhorter, ſome younger, and but newly ſprung, ſome elder, and otherſome ſo ripe that it is ready to wither; yea, and amongſt theſe too, there are many flowers of a moſt gay and ſpecious colour, and yet when the Mower comes with his ſithe, down they go all, neither one not other is ſpared. And juſt ſo is it with mankind, ſome are taller and lifted up higher than others in honours and worldly preferment, others are of a meaner ſort, rank and condition; ſome are infants, newly born, others of elder and riper years; yea, ſome by reaſon of their old and decrepit age ready to wither; p. 37yea, and amongſt theſe too, there are ſome of a more beautifull and ſpecious ſhew in the eyes of the beholders Pſ. 89. 48. Heb. 9. 27. 1 King. 2. 1. Joſh. 23. 14. Pſ. 49. 10. Pſal. 146. 3, 4.Ps 89:48Heb 9:271 Kgs 2:1Josh 23:14Ps 49:10Ps 146:3Ps 146:4than others; yet when Death (Gods mower) once comes with his ſithe, he ſpares neither young nor old, neither rich nor poor, nor any of any ſort or condition amongſt mankind, but down they go all, one as well as another. Lord teach me therefore ſo at all times to prepare for it, that when it ſhall come it may not find me unprepared.

LXX.

Upon the ſight of a Dog returning to, and eating up his own vomit.

THe ſtomach of this Dog, before he vomited, ſeemed to be very ſick and much pained, and yet being eaſed of that Pro. 26, 11 2 Pet. 2. 22. Pſ. 32. 35.Prov 26:112 Pet 2:22Ps 32:35pain, how ready and willing is he to return to this his vomit again, which formerly pained him, and to eat it up? And if this be ſo odious a thing in my ſight, Lord, what ſhall I be unto thee, when after the confeſſion of my ſins unto thee, whereby I have found eaſe and comfort, I ſhall return again to my former ſinfull courſe of life, that ſo much diſhonoured thee and wronged mine own ſoul? p. 38Therefore, Lord, I beſeech thee ſo ſtrengthen me with thy grace, that having confeſſed my ſins unto thee, and thereby found eaſe and comfort, I may never wittingly nor willingly relapſe and fall back again into thoſe my ſins, that have ſo much diſhonoured thee and wronged my own ſoul.

LXXI.

Upon the ſight of a mother putting muſtard on her nipples to wean her child, and to keep it from ſucking.

LOrd, I have long ſucked at the breaſts of this world, and have drawn from them much ſweet and pleaſing milk of ſin, fenſualneſs and other vanities, whereby I am grown a greater child of diſobedience, Eph. 2. 2, 3 Joh. 17. 12 Pſ. 131. 2. Col. 3. 2. 1 Joh. 2. 15. Ruth 1. 20Eph 2:2Ps 131:2Col 3:21 John 2:15Ruth 1:20yea, even of wrath and utter perdirion too, without thy great mercy in Jeſus Chriſt. Oh therefore wean me, I beſeech thee, and mine affections from all ſuch worldly vanities; and if nothing elſe will do it, Lord embitter the nipples thereof with ſuch a meaſure of thy fatherly chaſtiſements, that I may in thy good time be ſo weaned from them.

p. 39LXXII.

Upon the hearing of a wayfaring man enquiring after his way.

OH that I could be as carefull to ſtand in thy wayes, and to enquire after Jer. 6. 16.Jer 6:16the old way, that I might walk therein! and that I. may be the better enabled to do ſo, Lord Jeſus do thou, which art the Way, the Truth, and the Life, make me every day more and more willing to ſeek Joh. 14. 6.John 14:6after it; and having found it, aſſiſt me with thy grace that I may walk therein as thy child ſhould do.

LXXIII.

Upon the ſight of a Souldiers putting on of his armes.

LOrd, this man (I ſee) will not venture to fight againſt his bodily enemies without his armes; and ſhall I venture to fight againſt ſin and Satan, and the other ſpirituall enemies of my ſalvation unarmed? Oh that I might have thy grace therefore to do as thou commandeſt, and to put on the whole armour of God, that like a good Souldier Eph 6. i…. 2 Tim. 2. 3Eph 62 Tim 2:3of Jeſus Chriſt I may be able to fight the p. 40good fight of faith againſt them all, and 1 Tim. 6. 12.1 Tim 6:12in the end overcome them.

LXXIV.

Upon the ſight of two walking together.

CAn two walk together except they be Amos 3. 3.Amos 3:3agreed? Lord, then how ſhall I ever look to walk with thee in white in another world, except I be reconciled unto Rev. 3. 4.Rev 3:4thee by the bloud of thy Son here in this world? which that I may the better be, Ro. 5. 10.Rom 5:10and have the better aſſurance thereof, let 2 Cor. 5. 18, 19.2 Cor 5:182 Cor 5:19the Miniſtery of reconciliation, to whom thou haſt committed the word of reconciliation, be every day more and more powerfull towards me for the effecting of it; and let thy bleſſed Spirit bear witneſs more and more unto my ſoul and conſcience Ro. 8. 16.Rom 8:16that it is thus effected for me.

LXXV.

Upon the ſight of one paying workmen their wages.

HEre I ſee none but thoſe that have laboured, called to receive wages. Oh that I might therefore have thy grace ſo to labour in thy Vineyard here, that p. 41when the evening of my life ſhall come, Mat. 20. 8, 9.Matt 20:8Matt 20:9I may receive the penny of eternal bliſs, with the reſt of thy labourers in heaven.

LXXVI.

Upon the ſight of one vomiting after the taking of luke-warm water.

LOrd, this man ſhews me what I muſt expect from thee, if Laodicea-like I am neither hot nor cold, but luke-warm in the profeſſion of thy true Religion; his ſtomach lothing this luke-warm water, doth not with more readineſſe caſt and vomit up that, then I muſt look to be ſpued out of thy mouth if I am ſuch a Rev. 3. 15, 16. Ibid. v. 19.Rev 3:15Rev 3:16luke-warm perſon: Oh therefore give me the grace that I may be truly zealous for the time to come, and may carefully and conſcionably amend what is paſt.

p. 42LXXVII.

Upon the ſight of one that was very carefull not to ſpot or ſtain a new ſuit.

LOrd, give me the grace to keep my ſelf unſpotted of the world, and to hate Jam. 1. 27.Jas 1:27even the garment ſpotted by the fleſh; and not to have either ſpot or wrinkle in Jude v. 23. Eph. 5. 27. 2 Pet. 3. 14.Eph 5:272 Pet 3:14me, that may be diſpleaſing in thy ſight; but that I may be found of thee in peace without ſpot, and blameleſs.

LXXVIII.

Upon the ſight of a roome furniſhed with all variety of utenſills.

LOrd, here I ſee veſſells not onelyonly of Gold and ſilver, but alſo of wood, 2 Tim. 2. 20, 21.2 Tim 2:202 Tim 2:21and of ſtone, and ſome for honour, and ſome for diſhonour; and ſuch are men in the viſible Church. But Lord give me the grace, that I may be ſo purged from my ſins, that I may be a veſſell to honour, ſanctified, and meet for thee my Maſters uſe, and prepared unto every good work.

p. 43LXXIX.

Upon the ſight of a miſt riſing out of the earth.

LOrd, this ſheweth me what my life is; for what is it elſe but even a vapour Jam. 4. 14.Jas 4:14that appeareth for a little time, and then vaniſheth away? Oh give me the grace therefore to make the beſt uſe of it whilſt I have it.

LXXX.

Upon the ſight of a Vine pruned.

MY Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, thou art the Vine, and I hope that through thy Joh. 15. 1, & 5.John 15:1John 15:5grace I am a branch thereof. Oh that thy Father, who is the husbandman of it, would ſo prune and purge me that I may bring forth more fruit then heretofore I have done.

LXXXI.

Ʋpon the ſight of a dried Neats-tongue ſerved in at a table.

OH that my ſpeech might be alwaies with grace, ſeaſoned with the ſalt p. 44Col. 4. 6.Col 4:6of wiſdom and diſcretion, that I might know how I ought to anſwer every man which whom I have to do!

LXXXII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one breaking up fallow ground.

OH that I might have thy grace (O Lord) to break up the fallow ground of my heart, that the ſeed of thy word Jer. 4. 3. Hoſ. 10. 12. Mat. 13. 7, & 22.Jer 4:3Hos 10:12Matt 13:7Matt 13:22might be no longer ſown amongſt the thorny cares of this world; leſt they do (as hitherunto they have done) grow up with it and choak it.

LXXXIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one ſmiting himſelf upon the thigh, as being ſorry and aſhamed for ſomething which he had done.

OH that I might have thy grace, O Lord, ſo to ſmite upon my thigh, that Jer. 31. 19.Jer 31:19being aſhamed of that which I have done amiſs, I may unfeignedly repent of it, and turn unto thee.

p. 45LXXXIV.

Ʋpon the ſight of a freath'd hedge of Thornes.

LOrd, I am apt to go aſtray and to wander from the waies of thy commandements; Pſal. 119. 176.Ps 119:176and rather then I ſhould continue ſo to do, Lord, do thou ſtop my waies with thornes, and make an hedge thereof, that I may not be able to find my ſinfull Hoſ. 2. 6.Hos 2:6waies and courſes again.

LXXXV.

Ʋpon the hearing of an houſe broken up and goods carried away.

LOrd, I ſee by this how vain and tranſitory the goods of this world are. Oh give me therefore thy grace, that I may not ſeek to lay up treaſure for my ſelf here on Mat. 6. 19, 20.Matt 6:19Matt 6:20earth, where the moth and ruſt do corrupt, and theeves break through and ſteal; but that I may lay up treaſure for my ſelf in Heaven, where neither moth nor ruſt do corrupt, nor theeves break through and ſteal.

p. 46LXXXVI.

Upon the hearing of one telling a tale.

LOrd, ſuffer me not to ſpend my years as a tale that is told, which commonly Pſ. 90. 9. Luk. 24. 11. Ezek. 22. 9.Ps 90:9Luke 24:11Ezek 22:9are idle and of little uſe and profit, and many times do much hurt.

LXXXVII.

Upon the ſight of a traveller wearing a ſword.

OH that I were as carefull in my journey to Heaven-wards, to put on the ſword of the Spirit which is the word of Eph. 6. 17.Eph 6:17God, to defend me from my ſpirituall enemies; as I ſee this traveller is careful to put on his materiall ſword ro defend him from his bodily enemies.

LXXXVIII.

Upon the ſight of a Sparrow lighting on the ground.

LOrd, thy word doth aſſure me that this ſparrow doth not light, or fall on the Mat. 10. 29, 31.Matt 10:29Matt 10:31ground without thy providence: Oh give me the grace therefore that I may not fear to fall from an higher to a lower eſtate p. 47(if thy will be to have it ſo) ſeeing I am more worth then many ſparrowes.

LXXXIX.

Ʋpon the hearing of one that was gone to ſojourn at another mans houſe.

LOrd, this mans eſtate and mine are much alike; he is a ſojourner with man, but I with thee my God; for I am a ſtranger Pſ. 39. 12.Ps 39:12with thee, and a ſojourner as all my fathers were. Oh give me the grace therefore, that I may paſſe the time of this my 1 Pet. 1. 17.1 Pet 1:17ſojourning here in fear.

XC.

Upon the ſight of a ſnare baited.

LOrd, I cannot paſſe through any place in this world where the Devil hath Job 18. 8. 1 Pet. 5. 8. 1 Tim. 3. 7. 2 Tim. 2. 26. 2 Tim. 4. 5. 2 Cor. 2. 11.Job 18:81 Pet 5:81 Tim 3:72 Tim 2:262 Tim 4:52 Cor 2:11not his ſnares laid, and baited for me with ſome pleaſure or profit pretended. Oh give me the grace therefore to be alwaies vigilant and watchfull over him and his deſignes, and enterpriſes, that for any worldly reſpect I may not fall into any of his ſnares.

p. 48XCI.

Ʋpon the ſight of one ſmitten for his faults.

LOrd, let the righreous ſmite me, and and it ſhall be a kindneſſe, and let him Pſ. 141. 1.Ps 141:1reprove me, and it ſhall be an excellent Oyle, which ſhall not break mine head.

XCII.

Ʋpon the ſight of a Blackmoore.

LOrd, this Blackmoore cannot change his skin, no more can he do good that Jer. 13. 23.Jer 13:23is accuſtomed to do evil. Oh keep me therefore by thy grace, that I may not get any evil cuſtom, or delight in the practiſe of any known ſin.

XCIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of a waiting Gentlewoman.

BEhold, as the eyes of ſervants look unto Pſ. 123. 2.Ps 123:2the hand of their Maſters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her miſtreſſe; ſo Lord grant that mine eyes may wait upon thee untill thou have mercy on me.

p. 49XCIV.

Upon the ſight of a grain of muſtardſeed.

LOrd, this ſeed is the leaſt of all ſeeds, yet when it is grown it is the greateſt Mat. 13. 31, 32.Matt 13:31Matt 13:32among herbs, and becometh a tree, ſo that the birds of the aire come and lodge in the branches of it: So Lord grant that that little meaſure of grace (which is yet to be ſeen in me) may in thy good time increaſe, and by thy bleſſing and gracious aſſiſtance become ſo great, that thou thereby maiſt be glorified, others edified, and my own ſoul more and more comforted.

XCV.

Upon the ſight of the Sea roaring and beating with his waves againſt the ſhore in a great ſtorm.

LOrd, Iſee in this the truth of thy word, which tels me, that thou haſt ſet bars and doors to the Sea, and haſt ſaid Job 38. 10, 11.Job 38:10Job 38:11unto it, hitherto ſhalt thou come, but no further, and here ſhall thy proud waves be ſtayed. Lord deal ſo with the rage and fury of thine and mine enemies, and p. 50ſuffer it not to proceed any further, then it may make for thy glory, and for the Pſ. 76. 10.Ps 76:10good both of my ſelf and others.

XCVI.

Upon the ſight of a moſt loving fathers correction of his child.

I Know that there cannot be a more loving and tender-hearted father towards a child then this father is; and yet for the amendment of ſomething that he knoweth to be amiſs in him, ſee how ſeverely Pro. 13. 24.Prov 13:24he doth correct him. Lord therefore keep me from doubting of the love towards me, when thou ſhalt be pleaſed in never Rev. 3. 19. Heb. 12. 6.Rev 3:19Heb 12:6ſo grievous a manner at any time to afflict me.

XCVII.

Upon the ſight of footmen running a Race.

LOrd, enlarge my heart that I may run the way of thy commandement; and that with that patience, confidence, and Pſ. 119. 32. Heb. 12. 1 1 Cor. 9. 24, 25, 26. 2 Tim. 4. 7, 8.Ps 119:32Heb 12:11 Cor 9:241 Cor 9:251 Cor 9:262 Tim 4:72 Tim 4:8perſeverance, that I may in the end obtain the incorruptible crown of glory.

p. 51XCVIII.

Upon the ſight of water running out of a rock.

LOrd ſtrike my hard and ſtony heart Num. 20. 11. Jer. 9. 1. Pſal. 6. 6. Luc. 7. 38. & 22. 62.Num 20:11Jer 9:1Ps 6:6Luke 7:38Luke 22:62with due remorſe for my ſinnes, that my head may be as waters, and mine eyes as a fountain of tears, to weep, mourn, and lament for them, as thy child ſhould do.

XCIX.

Upon the ſight of a Snakes or Adders skin.

LOrd, I ſee that nature hath taught this Serpent to renew his age by caſting his old skin: Oh that grace might teach me Epheſ. 4. 22, 23.Eph 4:22Eph 4:23in like manner to put off the old man, that I might be renewed in the ſpirit of my mind, and become a new man in thy ſight.

C.

Upon the ſight of one starting back at the ſudden ſight of a Serpent.

OH that I might have the grace to flee from ſin, as I ſee this man to flee Eccluſ. 21. 2.Sir 21:2from this Serpent!

p. 52CI.

Upon the ſight of an old weak man leaning on, and going by a ſtaff.

THis ſtaff I ſee is this old mans ſtay, without which he can neither ſtand nor go. Lord, I am as weak in ſpirituall ſtrength as this old man is in bodily: Oh be thou therefore my ſtay, that I fall not, 2 Sam. 22. 19. Iſa. 26. 3.2 Sam 22:19Isa 26:3and keep thou me in perfect peace, becauſe my mind is ſtayed on thee.

CII.

Ʋpon the ſight of the Day-ſtar.

LOrd, this Star aſſures me that it is not far to day, and that ere long the Sun will ariſe. Oh that the day of Salvation would dawn unto me, and that the day-ſtar of ſaving knowledge would ariſe in my heart, to aſſure me that the day-ſpring Luke 19. 9 2 Cor. 6. 2 2 Pet. 1. 19 Luc. 1. 78 Mal. 4. 2.Luke 19:92 Cor 6:22 Pet 1:19Luke 1:78Mal 4:2from on high will ſhortly viſit me, and that the Sun of righteouſneſs Jeſus Chriſt will ariſe unto me.

p. 53CIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one ſowing his ground when it rained.

LOrd give me the grace to ſow to the Gal. 6. 8. Pſ. 126, 5.Gal 6:8Ps 126:5Spirit, though it be in tears, that I may one day reap in joy.

CIV.

Ʋpon the ſight of one ſlinging a ſtone out of a ſling.

LOrd, do thou thus ſling the ſouls of 1 Sam. 25. 29.1 Sam 25:29thine enemies, as out of the middle of a ſling; but do thou bind up the ſouls of thy ſervants in the bundle of life with thee the Lord their God.

CV.

Ʋpon the hearing of a maſter calling up his ſervants.

LOrd, it is as high time for me to awake out of the ſleep of my ſins, as it is for Rom. 13. 11.Rom 13:11theſe ſervants to awake out of their bodily ſleep: Oh therefore call me by thy Word & bleſſed Spirit, that I which have Eph. 5. 14.Eph 5:14ſo long ſlept in ſin, may at laſt awake and ariſe out of the bed of my carnall ſecurity.

p. 54CVI.

Upon the hearing of a Countrey-mans joy for his good crop of corn.

I Confeſſe, Lord, that the Husbandmans joy in harveſt for his good crop Iſa. 9. 3. Pſ. 4. 6, 7.Isa 9:3Ps 4:6Ps 4:7of corn is great; but Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon me, and then ſhall I have more gladneſſe in my heart, then ſuch men have when their corn, and wine, and oyl encreaſeth.

CVII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one running to a tree for ſhelter in a ſtorm.

IN like manner Lord do I deſire to run unto thee: Lord be thou my ſhelter Iſa. 25. 4.Isa 25:4from the ſtorm of my potent adverſaries, that the blaſt of theſe terrible ones may be as a ſtorm againſt the wall.

CVIII.

Upon the ſight of April ſhowers.

OH let thy word drop down into my heart, as theſe ſhowers doe deſcend Deut. 32. 2Deut 32:2upon the earth, that (like good p. 55ground) it may bring forth the fruits of Iſa. 55. 10, 11. Heb. 6. 7, 8 Phil. 1. 11Isa 55:10Isa 55:11Heb 6:7Heb 6:8Phil 1:11righteouſneſſe, which are by Jeſus Chriſt, to the glory and praiſe of God.

CIX.

Upon the ſight of a quiver of Arrowes.

LOrd make me as a poliſhed ſhaft, and do thou hide me in thy Quiver from Iſa. 49. 2.Isa 49:2the face and fury of thine enemies and mine.

CX.

Upon the ſight of one quenching out of fire.

LOrd, thy Spirit within me is as fire, Mat. 3. 11. Prov. 9. 17 1 Theſ. 5. 19.Matt 3:11Prov 9:171 Thess 5:19and my ſins are as water: Oh ſtrengthen me therefore with thy grace, that theſe ſins of mine may never be ſo prevalent in me as to have the power to quench any good motion of thy bleſſed Spirit within me.

p. 56CXI.

VponUpon the ſight of a great load of Corn.

LOrd keep me from preſſing thee down Am. 2. 13.Amos 2:13with my ſins, as I ſee this cart is preſſed down with ſheaves.

CXII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one making preſerves.

OH thou which art the preſerver of men, do thou preſerve me in Jeſus Job. 7. 20. Jude v. 1. 2 Tim. 4. 18.Job 7:202 Tim 4:18Chriſt unto thy heavenly Kingdome.

CXIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one overjoyed for having gotten into the preſence of an earthly Prince.

LOrd, let me come into thy preſence in heaven, who art the King of Rev. 17. 14 1 Pet. 1. 8. Pſ. 16. 11.Rev 17:141 Pet 1:8Ps 16:11Kings and Lord of Lords, and then ſhall I have infinitely more joy then this world can afford, even joy unſpeakable and glorious, and ſuch pleaſures as never ſhall have end.

p. 57CXIV.

VponUpon the ſight of one that endeavoured to ſave his child by pulling of him out of the fire into which he was faln.

LOrd, I am thine, Oh ſave me for thy Pſ. 119. 94 Jude v. 23.Ps 119:94mercies ſake from the fire of hell.

CXV.

Upon the ſight of one ſtriving to take ſomething out of anothers hand.

LOrd, I am one of thy ſheep, and John 10. 28, 19.John 10:28John 10:19therefore never ſuffer any of thine and mine enemies to pluck me out of thy hands.

CXVI.

Upon the ſight of a great preparation made for the entertainment of a great perſonage.

LOrd, who is greater then thou art? Pſa. 77. 13. Luke 1. 17 Am. 4. 12Ps 77:13Luke 1:17Amos 4:12Oh that I could with as much care and with as great preparation ſeek to entertain thee in my ſoul, as this man doth this great perſonage into his houſe!

p. 58CXVII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one that was at plough.

LOrd, thou haſt ſaid, that no man putting Luc. 9. 62.Luke 9:62his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdome of God. Oh that I might therefore have thy grace 1 Cor. 1. 8 Mat. 10. 22. 1 Pet. 1. 9. Rev. 2. 10. & 3. 11.1 Cor 1:8Matt 10:221 Pet 1:9Rev 2:10Rev 3:11to perſiſt and to go on in that Chriſtian courſe that I have begun, that I may not in the end be bereaved of thy heavenly Kingdome.

CXVIII.

Ʋpon the hearing of a Counſellour or Advocate pleading for his Client.

LOrd Jeſus be thou my Advocate with 1 Joh. 2. 1. Heb. 9. 24. Pſal. 35. 1. Rom. 8. 331 John 2:1Heb 9:24Ps 35:1Rom 8:33thy Father, and do thou appear in his preſence for me, and plead thou my cauſe before him againſt all rhe enemies of my ſalvation, when they ſhall ſeek to lay any thing to my charge.

p. 59CXIX.

Ʋpon the ſight of a Gardener watering his garden.

LOrd, this Gardener may water his garden to make it fruitfull, and the things in it to grow; but when he hath done all that he can, there will be neither fruit nor growth without thy bleſſing; for Paul may plant, and Apollos 1 Cor. 3. 61 Cor 3:6may water, but 'tis thou ouely muſt give the increaſe: Lord therefore let thy bleſſing Pro. 10. 22Prov 10:22ſecond my endeavours in all that I ſhall undertake in thy fear.

CXX.

Ʋpon the ſight of a Phyſitian giving phyſick to his patient.

LOrd heal my ſoul, for I have ſinned againſt thee, and heal all mine other infirmities, for thou Lord onelyonly Pſal. 41. 4 Pſ. 103. 2. Mat. 9. 12. Job 13. 4.Ps 41:4Ps 103:2Matt 9:12Job 13:4canſt do it, and without thee all other are Phyſitians of no value.

p. 60CXXI.

Ʋpon the hearing of one that was cut and cured of the ſtone.

THe ſtone whereof this man complained, and wherewith he was ſo grievouſly vexed, was onelyonly in his body; but I, Lord, have a ſtony heart within me: Oh do thou therefore, according to thine own gracious promiſe made unto me in thy Word, take this ſtony heart out of my fleſh, and give inſtead thereof Ezech. 11. 19. & 36. 26.Ezek 11:19Ezek 36:26an heart of fleſh.

CXXII.

Ʋpon the ſight of a pattern to work by.

LOrd give me the grace to ſhew my ſelf a pattern of good works to all thoſe with whom I live, that thou maiſt Tit. 2. 7. Mat. 5. 16.Titus 2:7Matt 5:16be glorified thereby.

p. 61CXXIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one ſlipping and taking a fall.

LOrd, it is thy charge that he that thinketh he ſtandeth ſhould take heed leſt 1 Cor. 10. 12. Pſal. 17. 5.1 Cor 10:12Ps 17:5he fall: Oh do thou therefore hold up my goings in thy paths, that my feet ſlip not.

CXXIV.

Ʋpon the hearing of Partridges to call.

THeſe Partridges being ſevered, do by this their call come together, but commonly for their hurt, becauſe hereby they diſcover, to the Partridge-taker where they are, and ſo make themſelves his prey: Lord give me grace to avoid the company, and not to hearken to the Prov. 1. 10, 11, &c. & 9. 14, 15 Rev. 18. 4.Prov 1:10Prov 1:11Rev 18:4call of wicked men, leſt being in their company, and being made partaker of their ſins, I doe alſo partake of their puniſhments.

p. 62CXXV.

Upon the ſight of money tied up in a napkin.

LOrd keep me from being like that unprofitable ſervant in the Goſpel, who Luke 19. 20.Luke 19:20laid up his maſters talent in a napkin, leſt that be taken from thee, and I for not imploying it to thine advantage be caſt Mat. 25. 28, 30.Matt 25:28Matt 25:30into utter darkheſs, where ſhall be weeping and gnaſhing of teeth for ever.

CXXVI.

Ʋpon the ſight of a naked Infant.

LOrd, thus naked came I out of my mothers Job 1. 21. Eccl. 515.Job 1:21womb, and thus naked ſhall I return thither again: O give me grace therefore to ſeek for that true clothing Iſa. 61. 10. Rev. 6. 11. & 7. 9, 13. & 16. 15.Isa 61:10Rev 6:11Rev 7:9Rev 7:13Rev 16:15(the robes of thy Sons righteouſneſs) that howſoever it fareth with my body, yet my ſoul may not appear naked in thy ſight.

p. 63CXXVII.

Upon the ſight of a Carpenter driving a nail into a piece of timber.

LOrd, do thou faſten me in thy favour as a nail in a ſure place; and let thy Iſa. 22. 23. 2 Tim. 3. 15. Eccleſ. 12. 11. Hebr. 2. 1.Isa 22:232 Tim 3:15Eccl 12:11Heb 2:1ſoul-ſaving word be faſtened in my heart by the Maſters of the Aſſemblies (the Miniſters of thy Word) as a naile never to be pulled out from thence.

CXXVIII.

Upon the ſight of one ear-marking his ſheep.

LOrd grant me the true ear-mark of thy ſheep, which is to hear thy voice Joh. 10. 27 & 8. 47.John 10:27John 8:47(ſpeaking unto me in thy Word) as thy child ſhould do.

CXXIX.

Upon the ſight of a Master beating his Servant.

LOrd give me the grace, that ſeeing I know the will of thee my Maſter ſo much as Ido, I may endeavour to do it, by leading my life accordingly, leſt for my careleſneſs and neglect of my duty Jam. 4. 17. Lu. 12. 47.Jas 4:17therein, I be alſo beaten with many ſtripes in hel-fire hereafter.

p. 64CXXX.

Ʋpon the ſight of a cholerick perſon, that was apt to take notice of, and to be very angry for the leaſt offence offered him.

LOrd, if thou ſhouldſt be thus extreme to mark every thing that I have done amiſs, and wherein I have offended thee, Pſ. 130. 3. Job 9. 3.Ps 130:3Job 9:3I could not anſwer thee one thing of a thouſand, neither ſhould I be able to ſtand in thy ſight: Lord therefore enter not into judgement with me, neither repay me according to my deſerts, but deal Pſ. 143. 2. Pſal. 119. 124.Ps 143:2Ps 119:124with me according to thy wonted mercies.

CXXXI.

Ʋpon the ſight of a great houſe wherein were many rooms.

LOrd, this puts me in mind of heaven, which is an houſe wherein are many manſions: Oh ſweet Jeſus, do thou prepare me a place there! and howſoever I Joh. 14. 2.John 14:2am in this world, I ſhall be ſure to be happy then.

p. 65CXXXII.

Ʋpon the hearing of one caught with a lie.

LOrd, thy Word doth tell me, that every Rom. 3. 4.Rom 3:4one by nature is a liar; and I do find that I am as apt and prone to that as to any other ſin: O therefore remove from me (I beſeech thee) vanity and Pſal. 30. 8. & 119. 129.Ps 30:8Ps 119:129lies, and take from me the way of lying.

CXXXIII.

Ʋpon the hearing of a woman that did long for ſomething.

LOrd make me to long alſo for thy ſalvation, Pſal. 119. 174. & 107. 9.Ps 119:174Ps 107:9and do thou in thy good time ſatisfie my longing ſoul.

CXXXIV.

Ʋpon the ſight of a weak ſtomach lothing meat.

OH that I could, O Lord, ſo lothe my ſelf for my ſins committed againſt Ezech. 6. 9Ezek 6:9thee, as this weak ſtomach doth meat!

p. 66CXXXV.

Ʋpon the ſight of a woman laying leaven.

THis leaven ſhewth the nature both of ſin and grace, for a little of either Matth. 13. 33. 1 Cor. 5. 6 Gal. 5. 9.Matt 13:331 Cor 5:6Gal 5:9will leaven the whole lump; Lord give me the grace therefore to take heed of the leaven of ſin, that I may not be ſowred therewith; and give me ſuch a meaſure of the leaven of grace, that I may not be puffed up, and grow proud therewith.

CXXXVI.

Upon the ſight of two blind men, one leading the other.

I Find in the Goſpel, that if the blind Luc. 6. 39.Luke 6:39do lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch. Lord, my body without my ſoul Eph. 4. 18. Eph. 1. 18.Eph 4:18Eph 1:18is blind, and ſo is my ſoul too without thy grace. Oh therefore give me thy grace to enlighten the eyes of my ſoul, leſt it lead my body where it ſhould not, and ſo at laſt both body and ſoul fall into the irrecoverable Lu. 16. 26.ditch of hell fire.

p. 67CXXXVII.

Upon the ſight of two kiſsing.

SWeet Jeſus, my Lord and Saviour, kiſs Cant. 1. 1.Song 1:1thou me with the kiſſes of thy mouth, and beſtow on me ſuch comfortable teſtimonies of thy love here, that I may be ſure to be beloved of thee for ever hereafter.

CXXXVIII.

Upon the hearing of one upbraided with his former faults.

LOrd, remember not againſt me my former Pſ. 79. 8. & 51. 9.Ps 79:8Ps 51:9iniquities; but blot them all out of the book of thy remembrance.

CXXXIX.

Ʋpon the ſight of the keeper of the lions in the Tower of London, carying the keyes of the grates in his hand.

LOrd Jeſus, do thou which haſt the keys of hell and of death, never ſuffer the Devil that roaring Lion of hell to come Rev. 1. 18. 1 Pet. 5. 8.Rev 1:181 Pet 5:8forth to hurt me.

p. 68CXL.

Ʋpon the ſight of one ſearing with an hot Iron.

LOrd, keep me by thy grace, that my conſcience may never be ſeared (as it 1 Tim. 4. 2.1 Tim 4:2were) with an hot iron.

CXLI.

Upon the ſight of a joyner glewing boards together.

LOrd, give us the grace that we may joyn our ſelves unto thee in a perpetuall covenant never to be forgotten, and that we may be joyned one to another in Jer. 50. 5. Col. 2. 2.Jer 50:5Col 2:2love never to be diſſolved.

CXLII.

Upon the ſight of one giving earneſt upon a bargain.

LOrd, grant me the earneſt of thy Spirit, that I may thereby have an aſſurance 2 Cor. 1. 22, & 5. 5. Eph. 1. 14.2 Cor 1:222 Cor 5:5Eph 1:14of my right and title to thy heavenly Kingdome purchaſed for me by the bloud of thy Son.

p. 69CXLIII.

Upon the ſight of incenſe burned.

OH that my prayer might be ſet forth before thee as incenſe.Pſ. 141. 2. Rev. 8. 3, 4.Ps 141:2Rev 8:3Rev 8:4

CXLIV.

Ʋpon the ſight of a precious Jewel.

LOrd, when thou makeſt up thy Jewels let me be one of them.Mal. 3. 17.Mal 3:17

CXLV.

Upon the ſight of a Turtle-Dove flying from a Kite.

OH give not the ſoul of thy Turtle-Dove Pſ. 74. 19.Ps 74:19unto the beaſt, and forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.

CXLVI.

Ʋpon the ſight of one that endeavoured to maintain his right.

ARiſe, O God, maintain thine own Pſ. 74. 22.Ps 74:22cauſe, remember thy dayly reproch by the fooliſh man.

p. 70CXLVII.

Upon the ſight of an hireling at work.

LOrd, thy word tells me that my daies are as the daies of an hireling. Oh give me grace therefore to accompliſh Job 7. 1.Job 7:1the work which thou haſt ſet me about, as the hireling doth his day; and when Job 14. 6.Job 14:6that is ended, I may with him look for that reward of my work, which thou in thy mercy haſt promiſed me.Job 7. 2. Jam. 1. 12.Job 7:2Jas 1:12

CXLVIII.

Upon the ſight of one running to hide himſelf from his perſecutors.

LOrd, there be many which ſeek after Pſ. 119. 157. & 40. 14. Pſ. 32. 7. & 119. & 114, & 71. 3.Ps 119:157Ps 40:14Ps 32:7Ps 32:119Ps 32:114Ps 71:3my ſoul to deſtroy it; but Lord be thou my hiding-place to which I may alwaies reſort.

CXLIX.

Upon the ſight of a ſouldier putting on his helmet.

LOrd, give me the grace to put on for an helmet, the hope of ſalvation.Eph. 6. 17. 1 Theſ. 5. 8Eph 6:171 Thess 5:8

p. 71CL.

Upon the ſight of one girding on his coat.

O Lord, that I might have thy grace thus to grid up the loines of my mind 1 Pet. 1. 13. Eph. 6. 14.1 Pet 1:13Eph 6:14with the girdle of ſincerity and truth.

CLI.

Upon the ſight of one waſhing at a fountain.

LOrd, open unto me that fountain which ſhall be for ſin and for uncleanneſſe, Zech. 13. 1. 1 Joh. 1, 7. 1 Cor. 6. 11. Pſ. 51. 2. 7.Zech 13:11 John 1:71 Cor 6:11Ps 51:2Ps 51:7even the bloud of my crucified Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, and let thy bleſſed ſpirit ſo waſh me therein, that I may be clenſed from my ſins, and appear righteous again in thy ſight.

CLII.

Upon the ſight of a filthy cloth taken off from a running ſore.

LOrd, give me the grace to hate even the garment ſpotted with the fleſh.Jud. v. 23.Judg 5:23

p. 72CLIII.

Upon the ſight of a natural fool.

LOrd, this man is a fool by nature: Oh that I might have thy grace to become 1 Cor. 3. 18.1 Cor 3:18ſuch a one by grace, as he is by nature, that ſo I might be truly and ſpiritually wiſe.

CLIV.

Upon the ſight of one made clean that had fallen into the mire.

LOrd, make me as carefull to clenſe my ſelf from all filthineſſe both of the 2 Cor. 7. 1, 2.2 Cor 7:12 Cor 7:2fleſh and Spirit, as this man is deſirous to be made clean from this his outward pollution.

CLV.

Upon the ſight of two fighting.

LOrd, give me the grace to fight the 1 Tim. 6. 12.1 Tim 6:12good fight of faith againſt all thine and mine enemies.

p. 73CLVI.

Upon the ſight of one anointed with eye-ſalve that had ſore eyes.

LOrd, the eyes of my underſtanding are Eph. 4. 18.Eph 4:18every way as unable to behold things ſpirituall, as the ſore eyes of this man are to behold things corporall: Oh do thou Rev. 3. 18.Rev 3:18therefore (ſweet Jeſus) anoint them with thy heavenly eye-ſalve, that I may be Eph. 1. 18.Eph 1:18better enabled to ſee them as I ſhould doe.

CLVII.

Ʋpon the ſight of a tree that was deeply rooted.

LOrd grant that I may be rooted and Eph. 3. 17. Col. 2. 7.Eph 3:17Col 2:7grounded in love, in faith, and all other ſaving graces, as thy child ſhould be.

CLVIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of a Well.

LOrd grant that thy grace may be in me Joh. 4. 14.John 4:14a well of water ſpringing up to eternall life.

p. 74CLIX.

Upon the ſight of one planting trees.

LOrd, give me ſome comfortable aſſurance, that I am one of thoſe trees which thou my Heavenly Father haſt Mat. 15. 13.Matt 15:13planted, that ſo I may not be rooted up.

CLX.

Upon the ſight of an old aged ſervant caſt off by his maſter.

LOrd, caſt me not off in the time of age, forſake me not when my ſtrength Pſal. 179.faileth.

CLXI.

Upon the ſight of one that held up his hand to defend his eye from a ſtroke.

LOrd, keep thou me as the apple of thine eye.Pſ. 17. 8.Ps 17:8

CLXII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one levelling and making plain a way.

LOrd, make thy way plaine before my face.Pſal. 5. 8.Ps 5:8

p. 75CLXIII.

Upon the ſight of one that was caſt out of favour, and was deſirous to be received into favour again.

O God, thou haſt for my ſins deſerved ly Pſal. 60. 1.Ps 60:1caſt me out of thy favour, thou haſt been juſtly angry with me; oh return again unto me!

CLXIV.

Upon the ſight of one reſcued out of his enemies hands.

O My God, deliver me I beſeech Pſal. 59. 1.Ps 59:1thee from out of the hands of all my ſpirituall enemies.

CLXV.

Upon the ſight of one that earnestly petitioned a friend to help him.

HEar my prayer, O God, and hide Pſal. 55. 1.Ps 55:1not thy ſelf from my ſupplication.

p. 76CLXVI.

Upon the ſight of pigeons flying from a Hawk.

OH that I had wings like a Dove! then ſhould I likewiſe flee away, and be Pſ. 55. 6.Ps 55:6at reſt from my perſecutors.

CLXVII.

Ʋpon the ſight of a Sow wallowing in the mire.

LOrd, I have been waſhed both in my Baptiſm (the laver of regeneration) and Tit. 3. 5. 1 Cor. 6. 11.Titus 3:51 Cor 6:11(I truſt) by thy bleſſed Spirit. I am ſure I have with many a tear waſhed and bathed my ſoul in hearty ſorrow for my filthy ſinnes paſt. Oh never ſuffer me to return & to wallow in thoſe my filthy ſins 2 Pet. 2. 22.2 Pet 2:22again, as this ſow (which hath been waſhed) doth now wallow again in the mire.

CLXVIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of night drawing on.

LOrd, thy word doth tell me, that when the night cometh no man can work. I ſee Joh. 9. 4.John 9:4the night of death is coming on upon me: Oh give me therefore the grace to work ſo whilſt the day of my life doth laſt, that p. 77when the night of death ſhall come, I may not have that work to do which may be for the everlaſting good of my ſoul.

CLXIX.

Upon the ſight of one that was dumb.

LOrd, I ſee in this dumb perſon wherein I have been ſo often faulty in thy ſight, not daring to ſpeak of thee, or for thee when I ſhould have done it. Lord Mat. 9. 33. Pſ. 51. 15.Matt 9:33Ps 51:15pardon this my ſin paſt; and do thou which haſt and ſtill canſt open the mouth of the dumb, open my mouth which hath been ſo often dumb, that it may ſpeak both to thy glory and my own ſouls comfort.

CLXX.

Upon the ſight of a Mill-wheel driven about with the water.

HEre I ſee that the more this wheel is driven away by the water, the faſter it returns unto it again. So Lord give me the grace, that when thou ſhalt by the water of affliction ſeem to drive me at Pſal. 69. 2. 2 Chr. 30. 9.Ps 69:22 Chr 30:9any time from thee, I may with the more ſpeed return unto thee for eaſe and comfort.

p. 78CLXXI.

Upon the ſight of a field that was white and ready for the harveſt.

LOrd, this field ſhews me how ready I am for the ſickle of thy wrath to cut Joel 3. 13.Joel 3:13me down for my many and manifold ſins, if thou ſhouldſt deal with me according Pſ. 130. 3. Pſal. 51. 1.Ps 130:3Ps 51:1to my deſerts: But Lord in mercy look down upon me, and withhold the hand of thy ſin-revenging Juſtice from me, that I may by thy grace live more to thy glory than hitherto I have done.

CLXXII.

Upon the ſight of a candle put out.

LOrd put not out the candle of my life in utter darkneſs, as thou uſeſt to put out the candle of the wicked.Job 18. 6.Job 18:6

CLXXIII.

Upon the ſight of Bees labouring in the ſummer.

LOrd, theſe little creatures (I ſee) will not neglect any time or ſeaſon wherein they may gather food to preſerve them alive in winter: Oh that I p. 79had but the like care in the ſummer of my life, health, and ſtrength, to provide for the good of my ſoul againſt Matth. 24. 20. Eccl. 9. 12.Matt 24:20Eccl 9:12the winter of death, ſickneſſe, or weakneſſe.

CLXXIV.

Upon the ſight of one ſtung with a Bee.

LOrd, I ſee in this party that is ſtung, what hurt the ſting of ſo little a creature (as the Bee is) may do: Oh give me therefore the grace to take heed of the ſting of death, which is ſin, and the ſting 1 Cor. 15. 56. Pro. 18. 141 Cor 15:56Prov 18:14of conſcience, which is for ſin; for theſe will put me to farre more pain than this ſtinging of the Bee can do him.

CLXXV.

Upon the ſight of Bees fighting with ſtrange Bees that came to rob them of their honey.

LOrd, here I ſee that even theſe little creatures cannot endure to be robbed of what they have laboured for, but will fight for the preſervation of it, even unto death: Oh that I might have the like care and courage to fight p. 80againſt, and to withſtand all thoſe my 1 Tim. 6. 12. Luk. 10. 30.1 Tim 6:12Luke 10:30ſpirituall enemies which ſeek to rob my ſoul of thy ſpirituall graces.

CLXXVI.

Upon the ſight of a dead mans coffin deckt with flowers.

LOrd, here I ſee the love of the living to the dead, how carefull they are to deck even that which ſhortly muſt be put into the earth: Oh give me the grace that I may ſhew ſo much love to my poor ſoul, which is dead in treſpaſſes and ſins, that I may every day more and more ſeek Eph. 2. 1. 1 Pet 5. 5. 1 Pet. 4. 4. Eph. 5. 2. Eph. 1. 6.Eph 2:11 Pet 5:51 Pet 4:4Eph 5:2Eph 1:6to deck it with the ſpirituall flowers and herbs of grace, that it may appear lovely in thy ſight, and may ſmell ſweet unto thy noſtrils through my Saviour Jeſus Chriſt.

CLXXVII.

Upon the hearing of ſweet muſick.

LOrd, if this muſick here on earth be ſo ſweet, how needs muſt that muſick in heaven be ſweet, where there are perpetuall Hallelujahs ſung unto thee by the heavenly Rev. 5. 8, 9. Rev. 19. 1.Rev 5:8Rev 5:9Rev 19:1quire of Saints and Angels! into which quire Lord in thy good time admit me to bear a part.

p. 81CLXXVIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of an old ruinous houſe fallen down.

LOrd, here I ſee in this houſe the very picture and pattern of mans frailty, whither he muſt at laſt, when all is done to ſupport him. Oh give me therefore the grace, that before this earthly houſe 2 Cor. 5. 1, 2.2 Cor 5:12 Cor 5:2of my body be diſſolved, I may be provided of a celeſtiall habitation wherein I may dwell with thee for ever.

CLXXIX.

Ʋpon the ſight of the ſhadow on a Diall.

LOrd, here I ſee this ſhadow paſſeth on though I cannot diſcern it; and juſt ſo it is with my life, it paſſeth away like a ſhadow, though I do not diſcern and Job 14. 2. Pſ. 102. 11 & 144. 4. Col. 4. 5. Joh. 9. 4.Job 14:2Ps 102:11Ps 144:4Col 4:5John 9:4take notice of it. Oh give me therefore the grace that I may improve my time to the beſt uſes whilſt I have it; leſt when it is paſt it be too late to recall it, or to make that uſe of it that we would or ſhould do.

p. 82CLXXX.

Ʋpon the ſight of a Mole heaving.

LOrd, I ſee in this creature my own earthly mindedneſs, and how apt and prone I am to ſettle my affections on earthly things: Oh help me therefore with thy grace to ſeek thoſe things which are above, and to ſettle my affections on Col. 3. 1, 2.Col 3:1Col 3:2them, and not on the things which are in the earth, leſt heaving and heaping up theſe earthly things in hope to make further way for my greedy deſires, I be in 1 Tim. 6. 10 2 Tim. 2. 26.1 Tim 6:102 Tim 2:26the end pierced through with many ſorrows, and become a prey to Sathan.

CLXXXI.

Upon the ſight of a Marriage.

LOrd do thou marry me unto thee for Hoſ. 2. 19.Hos 2:19ever, and that in righteouſneſſe and in judgement, and in mercy, and in compaſſion.

p. 83CLXXXII.

Upon the ſight of a virgin trimmed up and going to be married.

LOrd grant, that as this virgin going to be married hath adorned her ſelf, and made her ſelf ready for her husband; ſo I being clothed with the robes of Chriſts Iſa. 61. 10. Rev. 19. 78 & 2 Cor. 11. 2.Isa 61:10Rev 19:782 Cor 11:2righteouſneſſe, may be alwayes in a readineſs for him, and to be preſented unto him as a chaſt virgin, when the marriage day of the lamb ſhall come.

CLXXXIII.

Upon the ſight of the ſtars in a clear ſtarry night.

LOrd give me the grace to doe what I can in my place and calling to turn Dan. 12. 3Dan 12:3many unto righteouſneſs, that ſo I may one day ſhine as the ſtars for ever and ever.

CLXXXIV.

Upon the ſight of a Raven.

LOrd, thou wert pleaſed to feed thy 1 King. 17. 4, &c.1 Kgs 17:4ſervant Eliah by the miniſtery of p. 84thoſe unclean birds the Ravens: Oh give me therefore the grace nor to refuſe the food of my ſoul, although brought unto me by one that is as unclean in my ſight as the Ravens were in the ſight of Elias.Mat. 23. 2, 3.Matt 23:2Matt 23:3

CLXXXV.

Upon the hearing of young Ravens crying in the neſt.

LOrd, thy word doth tell me, that thou feedeſt the young Ravens when Pſ. 147. 9.Ps 147:9they cry: Oh let me therefore never deſpair of thy providence towards me for Mat. 6. 16.Matt 6:16the feeding of me, and the ſupplying of my wants, who am in thy ſight much better than they.

CLXXXVI.

Ʋpon the ſight of an Anchor.

SEafaring men uſe the Anchor to ſtop and ſtay their ſhips, that they may not be carried away, and toſſed up and down with the violence of the waves: Lord, my ſoul is toſſed up and down in the ſea of this world amongſt the ſeverall changes and chances thereof, as much as p. 85any ſhip can be on the ſea, and I have no help nor hope in my ſelf or any other creature, to avoid the ſhip-wrecking thereof; therefore Lord doe thou give me the grace to faſten the Anchor of my Heb. 6. 19. 2 Cor. 1. 20Heb 6:192 Cor 1:20hope on the firm ground of thy gracious promiſes made unto me in Jeſus Chriſt, and then ſhall I be ſafe.

CLXXXVII.

Ʋpon the ſight of a Rainbow.

LOrd, this Rainbow is an Emblem of thy mercy, which like the Rainbow, Gen. 9. 13. Rev. 4. 3. John 9. 4. Mat. 25. 10 Luk. 19. 42 2 Cor. 6. 2. Heb. 3. 13.Gen 9:13Rev 4Matt 25:10Luke 19:422 Cor 6:2Heb 3:13is not to be ſeen when once the night of death is come; and as that, ſo this, terminates on the earth, the ends of it reaching no further. Oh give me the grace therefore to make uſe of thy mercy in this time of mercy, that my ſoul may never be drowned more in the deluge of ſin here, nor in the deluge of thy wrath for my ſins hereafter.

CLXXXVIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one winnowing of corn.

LOrd, I ſee in this how Sathan would ſerve me if thou ſhouldſt leave me to p. 86his will; for thy word doth tell me that he would winnow me as wheat: But ſweet Jeſus do thou for me what thou didſt promiſe to do for Peter, do thou pray for me that my faith may not fail, and then all Satans winnowing of me ſhall not be Luk. 22. 31, 32.Luke 22:31Luke 22:32able to hurt me.

CLXXXIX.

Upon the ſight of a piece of Scarlet.

LOrd, my ſins (like Scarlet) have been twice died, died in the wool by my originall corruptions, and died in the cloth by my many actuall tranſgreſſions; but yet here is my comfort, that thou canſt, yea and wilt (for ſo thou haſt promiſed) make theſe my ſins that be as Scarlet, to become as white as ſnow, upon Iſai. 1. 18. Iſai. 55. 7. 2 Tim 2. 25.Isa 1:18Isa 55:72 Tim 2:25my true repentance, which I beſeech thee for thy mercy ſake to grant unto me.

CXC.

Ʋpon the ſight of a foundation laid.

LOrd give me the grace that I may lay a good and ſure foundation for my ſelf 1 Tim. 6. 191 Tim 6:19againſt the time to come, that in the end I may obtain eternall life.

p. 87CXCI.

Ʋpon the ſight of one that pleaded hard againſt his Adverſary.

PLead thou my cauſe O Lord with them that ſtrive with me.Pſ. 35. 1.Ps 35:1

CXCII.

Upon the ſight of a bunch of dried Hyſop hanging up in an houſe.

LOrd, purge me with Hyſop, and I ſhall Pſ. 51. 7.Ps 51:7be clean, and give me the grace that both my ſoul and body may with a bunch of Hyſop (that is my faith) dipped in the bloud of the true paſchall lamb my Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, be ſprinkled 1 Cor. 5. 7. Exod. 12. 22, 23.1 Cor 5:7Exod 12:22Exod 12:23therewith, that the deſtroying Angel of Gods wrath may paſſe over me.

CXCIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of wormes in a dead carcaſe.

LOrd, theſe wormes ſhew me what Job 19. 26Job 19:26muſt become of my dead body, the p. 88wormes will deſtroy it; but when they Mark 9. 44 46, 48.Mark 9:44have done this they will die themſelves: but there is another worm which I more fear, the worm of conſcience, which will never die; Lord of thine infinite mercy keep me from that.

CXCIV.

Ʋpon the ſight of a curious piece of workmanſhip.

LOrd, I am thy workmanſhip created in Chriſt Jeſus unto good works, but Eph. 2. 10.Eph 2:10I have not anſwered that end for which I was created; Lord pardon my failings, and enable me to do it better in the time to come.

CXCV.

Ʋpon the ſight of a linſie-woolſie garment.

LOrd, I ſee by thy forbidding of this unto thy people under the old law, that Lev. 19. 19 2 Cor. 6. 14.Lev 19:192 Cor 6:14thou wouldſt not have them mingle diverſe Religions together. Oh therefore give me the grace that I may never offend in this kind, but that I may chuſe the true, and refuſe all falſe Religions.

p. 89CXCVI.

Ʋpon the ſight of one that had a withered hand.

LOrd, this man (I ſee) cannot ſtretch forth this hand of his to do any thing Rom. 3. 12. Mat. 12. 10, 13.Rom 3:12Matt 12:10Matt 12:13therewith; no more can I ſtretch forth either of mine to do any thing that is good. Oh therefore do thou, ſweet Jeſus, which tookeſt compaſſion on the man which had the withered hand in the Goſpel, and didſt heal that, do thou by the ſame power and grace alſo heal mine, that Phil. 1. 11.Phil 1:11I may be able to do that good which thou expecteſt at my hands.

CXCVII.

Upon the hearing of the word (withdraw) at a Committee.

LOrd, give me the grace that I may 2 Theſ. 3. 6 1 Tim. 6. 5.2 Thess 3:61 Tim 6:5withdraw my ſelf from every brother that walketh inordinately, and which doth think that gain is godlineſſe.

p. 90CXCVIII.

Upon the hearing of an hard and dangerous ſervice of a ſouldier.

LOrd give me the grace that I may fuffer affliction as a good ſouldier of Jeſus Chriſt.2 Tim. 2. 32 Tim 2:3

CXCIX.

Upon the ſight of a mother wiping the teares from her childs face.

LOrd, in thy good time bring me to thy heavenly Kingdome, where thou Rev. 7. 17. & 21. 4. Iſa. 25. 8.Rev 7:17Rev 21:4Isa 25:8haſt promiſed to wipe all teares from my eyes.

CC.

Upon the ſight of a wide and ſpacious gate.

LOrd, thy word tells me, that it is the Mat. 7. 13.Matt 7:13wide gate and broad way that leadeth to deſtruction: Oh keep me therefore by thy grace, that I may neither enter into this gate, nor go forward in this way.

p. 91CCI.

Ʋpon the beholding of the apple of ones eye.

LOrd, I ſee how carefull every one is to keep off all hurt from this part of the body, the eye, and eſpecially from this part of the eye, the apple of it: Oh do thou in like manner keep me as the Pſal. 17. …. Zech. 2. 8.Ps 17Zech 2:8apple of thine eye, and let him that toucheth me be as he that toucheth the apple of thine eye.

CCII.

Upon the ſight of one putting off and laying aſide his cloke.

LOrd give me the grace that I may alſo put off the cloke of maliciouſneſſe 1 Pet. 2. 16 1 Theſ. 2. 51 Pet 2:161 Thess 2:5and covetouſneſſe, and of all my other ſins, wherewith I have thought at any time to cover and hide my miſchievous deſigns.

p. 92CCIII.

Upon the ſight of a fox taken in hunting.

LOrd, take us the foxes, even the little foxes, that is, all thoſe enemies of thy Cant. 2. 15 Rom. 16. 17. 1 Tim. 1. 10.Song 2:15Rom 16:171 Tim 1:10truth, even the leaſt of them which by their Hereticall or Schiſmaticall doctrine, or their profane converſation, do hinder the courſe of the Goſpel amongſt us.

CCIV.

Ʋpon the ſight of a whirlwind.

LOrd, do thou ſo keep me in thy fear that deſtruction ſhall not come upon me as a whirlewind, and I be carried away Pro. 1. 27. Pſ. 58. 9.Prov 1:27Ps 58:9as with a whirlewind in thy wrath.

CCV.

Ʋpon the ſight of wheat put into a Garner.

LOrd, grant that when thou ſhalt come with thy fan in thine hand, and Mat. 3. 12.Matt 3:12throughly purge thy floor at the laſt day, I may not be as the chaffe, which thou wilt burn up with unquenchable fire, but as the wheat which thou wilt gather into thy Garner.

p. 93CCVI.

Upon the ſight of a well without water.

LOrd, ſo empty would my heart be of grace, for all my goodly outward ſhews 2 Pet. 2. 7.2 Pet 2:7except thou ſhalt be pleaſed by the work of thy bleſſed Spirit to cauſe the waters of Joh. 7. 38, 39.John 7:38John 7:39life to flow thereunto; which I beſeech thee for thy mercy ſake to do for me, that Joh. 4. 14.John 4:14it may be in me a well of living water ſpringing up to eternall life.

CCVII.

Upon the ſight of gold weighed which proved too light.

LOrd, weigh me not in the ballance of thy Juſtice, for then I am ſure I ſhall Pſ. 130. 3, 4. Dan. 5. 27. Neh. 13. 21.Ps 130:3Ps 130:4Dan 5:27Neh 13:21be found too light, except thou ſhalt ſuffer me to have the allowance of thoſe graines of mercy, which in thy Son thou haſt promiſed me.

p. 94CCVIII.

Upon the ſight of one much weakned with ſickneſs.

LOrd, I have been long and dangerouſly ſick of ſin: It was an hereditary Pſal. 41. 4. Pſal. 51. 5. Rom. 5. 12 Pſ. 38. 48. Pſal. 6. 2. 2 Co. 12. 9. Phil. 4. 13. Eph. 1. 6.Ps 41:4Ps 51:5Rom 5:12Ps 38:48Ps 6:22 Cor 12:9Phil 4:13Eph 1:6diſeaſe which I drew from the infected loyns of my firſt parents, and I have much aggravated and increaſed the malignity of it by mine own diſtempers ſince, ſo that with both, and my long continuance in them, I am ſo weakened that I can do nothing that good is: Oh doe thou therefore (whoſe power is made perfect in weakneſſe) make perfect this thy power in my weakneſs, and ſo ſtrengthen me with thy grace, that though I cannot do what I ſhould, yet I may find grace in thy ſight to have that accepted in thy Son which I would do.

CCIX.

Ʋpon the ſight of one that was weary with doing that he was ſet about.

LOrd grant that I may never be weary of well-doing, but that I may hold out Gal. 6. 9. 1 Theſ. 3. 13. Rev. 2. 10.Gal 6:91 Thess 3:13Rev 2:10to the end, and in the end reap that which thou haſt promiſed to thoſe that faint not.

p. 95CCX.

Ʋpon the ſight of a gibing fellow ſitting in a chair.

LOrd, keep me that though (through the violence of temptation, and mine Pſ. 1. 1.Ps 1:1own frailty) I may at times walk in the counſell of the wicked, and ſtand in the way of ſinners, yet that I may never have power to ſit down in the chaire of the ſcornfull.

CCXI.

Ʋpon the ſight of one making a ſick mans Bed.

LOrd, when thou ſhalt in like manner viſit me with ſickneſs, do thou make Pſ. 41. 3.Ps 41:3my bed in all my ſickneſs.

CCXII.

Ʋpon the ſight of a water-pot of stone filled with water.

Sweet Jeſus, there was a time when thou turnedſt the water that was in the Joh. 2. 1, &c. Iſai. 50 2. Pſ. 69. 1.John 2:1Isa 50:2Ps 69:1ſix water-pots of ſtone into wine: thy power is the ſame ſtill that it was then; Oh do thou turn then by that ſame power of thine the water of mine afflictions p. 96into the wine of conſolation, when thy will and pleaſure ſhall be to doe it Prov. 31. 6Prov 31:6for me.

CCXIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of watchmen at a croſs way.

LOrd, here I ſee what watching and warding there is to prevent bodily dangers from corporall enemies: Oh that I could have the grace in like manner Matth. 26. 41. 2 Tim. 4. 5 1 Pet. 5. 8.Matt 26:412 Tim 4:51 Pet 5:8to watch (as I ſhould do) againſt my ſpirituall enemies, the enemies of my ſalvation.

CCXIV.

Ʋpon the ſight of one blowing the fire under a great deal of wood.

LOrd, this minds me of Tophet mentioned Iſa. 30. 33.Isa 30:33in Scripture, which is a repreſentation of Hell, where the burning thereof is fire and much wood, and thy breath like a river of Brimſtone doth kindle it: from which place I do beſeech thee of thine infinite mercy, and by thy Lam. 3. 22. 1 Theſ. 1. 10.Lam 3:221 Thess 1:10Sons merits to free me.

p. 97CCXV.

Upon the obſervation of the growth of corn.

LOrd, here I ſee that this corn which Mar. 4. 28.Mark 4:28hath been ſowed, brought forth firſt the blade, then the ears, after that full corn in the eares: And juſt ſo is it with thy graces in my heart, they come not Phil. 3. 12. Eph. 4. 13.Phil 3:12Eph 4:13to perfection at firſt, but proceed on by degrees, and will do ſo ſtill, untill I become a perfect man in Chriſt Jeſus; unto which meaſure of grace Lord in thy good time bring me.

CCXVI.

Ʋpon the ſight of a ground well cloſed with hedges.

LOrd, thou didſt make an hedge about thy ſervant Job (by Satans own confeſſion) Job 1. 10.Job 1:10and about his houſe, and about all that he had, ſo that he was not able to come in to do him any hurt, until thou wert pleaſed (for his triall and our example) to pull down the hedge and to let him in. Good Lord make the like hedge about me, & about all that which is mine, that neither Satan nor any of his inſtruments may be able to hurt me or mine. p. 98And if thou ſhalt at any time be pleaſed to pull down this hedge, and to let Sathan, or any of his inſtruments in upon me, Lord give me the grace with patience to bear it, and to expect that happy end which thou in thy mercy gaveſt unto thy ſervant Job.Job 42. 12 Jam. 5. 11.Job 42:12Jas 5:11

CCXVII.

Upon the ſight of ſome ſtanding in a breach to hinder the enemies from entring.

LOrd, do thou ſtir up ſome choſen Moſes or other which may ſtand in the breach before thee, to turn away thy Pſ. 106. 23 Ezech. 22. 30.Ps 106:23Ezek 22:30wrath, leſt thou ſhouldſt deſtroy us.

CCXVIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one wandring and out of his way.

LOrd, aſſiſt me with thy grace continually, that I may never wittingly or Pſ. 119. 10. Pſ. 143. 8.Ps 119:10Ps 143:8willingly wander from thy commandements, the way wherein thou haſt appointed me to walk.

p. 99CCXIX.

Ʋpon the ſight of one caſt off by his Maſter for his lewd courſes.

LOrd, give me thy grace, that I may never ſo wait on any lying vanity, that I ſhould for the ſake thereof forſake mine Jon. 2. 8.Jonah 2:8own mercy.

CCXX.

Ʋpon the ſight of one going up a ladder.

THis man ſhewes me that the way to heaven is not like an eaſie ſtair-caſe, on which a man may go up with his hands in his hoſe; but I ſee by this that he that will come thither muſt make uſe of his hands as well as of his feet. Lord give me the grace therefore that I may 1 Tim. 6. 12. Heb. 6. 18. Eph. 4 28. Heb. 12. 13. Pſ. 119. 59.1 Tim 6:12Heb 6:18Eph 4:28Heb 12:13Ps 119:59by the hand of faith lay hold on the merits of my crucified Saviour, and ſtretch forth my hands to the doing of good works, as well as have the feet of my ſoul (my affections) carrying me forward in the way that leads unto thee, and to thy heavenly kingdom.

p. 100CCXXI.

Upon the ſight of one whom another did uphold as he went.

LOrd, do thou which upholdeſt all things by thy mighty word, uphold me with thy free ſpirit & with the right hand Heb. 1. 3. Pſ. 51. 12. Iſai. 41. 10 Pſ. 17. 5. 1 Tim. 6. 9. Jam. 5. 12.Heb 1:3Ps 51:12Isa 41:10Ps 17:51 Tim 6:9Jas 5:12of thy righteouſneſs in all my going, that my foot-ſteps ſlip not, and I fall into ſome dangerous temptation, and from thence into condemnation.

CCXXII.

Ʋpon the ſight of an empty houſe ſwept and garniſhed.

LOrd, this houſe ſhews me what I have been in thy ſight, when I have heretofore received the holy Communion of Mat. 12: 44, &c.Matt 12:44the bleſſed body and bloud of my Saviour Jeſus Chriſt. I have (I muſt confeſſe) been like this houſe, emptied of all good works, ſwept with an overly repentance, and garniſhed with an outward ſhew of a ſeeming ſanctity which was not in me in deed and in truth. Lord keep me from being ever ſo again, leſt Sathan take unto him ſeven devils worſe then p. 101himſelf, and enter into me, and ſo make my laſt eſtate far worſe then was my Luc. 11. 26.Luke 11:26firſt.

CCXXIII.

Upon the ſight of fire ſeiſing upon an houſe which could not be quenched.

LOrd, keep me from that fire of Hell which ſhall never be quenched.Mat. 3. 12 Mark 9. 43Matt 3:12Mark 9:43

CCXXIV.

Upon the ſight of two coales lying together, whereof the one kindled the other.

LOrd, here I ſee the benefit of unity and concord, for where that is, one (I ſee) may do much good unto another, either by enkindling the graces of Gods Spirit in him, or by preſerving them Eph. 4. 3.Eph 4:3already enkindled. Oh give me therefore the grace that I may keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

p. 102CCXXV.

Ʋpon the ſight of one that came to viſit his friend that was in great perplexity.

LOrd, I am grievouſly perplexed; oh Pſ. 106. 4.Ps 106:4viſit me with thy ſalvation.

CCXXVI.

Ʋpon the ſight of one that by violence took ſomething from another.

LOrd, thy word doth tell me, that the Mat. 11. 12Matt 11:12Kingdom of heaven ſuffereth violence, and that the violent take it by force: Oh that I might have thy grace to uſe this holy violence, that in the end I might obtain thy heavenly Kingdome.

CCXXVII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one writing very ſwiftly.

LOrd, make me a Scribe prompt in the Ezr. 7. 6. Pſal. 45. 1.Ezra 7:6Ps 45:1law of thee my God, and let my tongue be as the pen of a ready writer, to expreſs the comforts that I find therein.

p. 103CCXXVIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of vapours riſing out of the earth.

LOrd, theſe vapours ſhew what my life is, for what indeed is my life but a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and afterward vaniſheth away? Oh that Jam. 4. 14.Jas 4:14I might therefore have the grace ſo to redeem this ſhort time of my life, and to improve it to ſuch holy and ſanctified uſes, Eph. 5. 16. 1 Pet. 1. 17.Eph 5:161 Pet 1:17that when this ſhort life of mine ſhall have its end, I may live with thee in life everlaſting.

CCXXIX.

Ʋpon the ſight of one binding of ſheaves in a corn-field.

LOrd, the work that this man is now Mat. 13. 30.Matt 13:30about, ſhewes me what will be my caſe in the great and generall harveſt of the world at the worlds end; for then I ſhall be found either to be of the number of the tares, which muſt be bound in ſheaves to be burnt, or be good wheat, which muſt alſo be bound in ſheaves to be carried into thine everlaſting barn in Heaven. Oh give me therefore the grace p. 104that whileſt I am in this field of the world, I may ſpring up, and bring forth Rom. 7. 4. Rom. 6. 22Rom 7:4Rom 6:22fruit unto thee in holineſſe, like the good ſeed which thou thy ſelf ſowedſt, that ſo I may have ſome comfortable aſſurance, that after this life I ſhall enjoy life everlaſting Matth. 13. 38, 39.Matt 13:38Matt 13:39in heaven, and not be like the tares of the Devils ſowing, which muſt be burnt in hell-fire for ever.

CCXXXI.

Upon the ſight of an Ewe that brought two Lambs.

LOrd, thou haſt been pleaſed in thy Word to compare thy people to a Cant. 4. 2.Song 4:2flock of ſheep, every one of which bringeth forth twins; that I may then have the more comfortable aſſurance that I am one of thy ſheep, and of this thy flock, Lord give me the grace to bring forth thoſe bleſſed twins of holineſſe and Luc. 1. 75.Luke 1:75righteouſneſſe which thy word requireth in all thoſe that are thine.

p. 105CCXXXII.

Upon the coming on of the twilight.

LOrd, this is the time that the Adulterer Job 24. 15 Prov. 7. 9.Job 24:15Prov 7:9waiteth for, and the Adultreſſe maketh uſe of for the accompliſhing of their uncleanneſſe, thinking now that no eye ſhall ſee them: Lord keep me from having any fellowſhip with theſe unfruitfull works, but give me grace rather to reprove them.Eph. 5. 11.Eph 5:11

CCXXXIII.

Upon the ſight of two Turtle-doves kept tame in a houſe.

LOrd, thou wert pleaſed of thy gracious goodneſſe and mercy, under the law, to accept of two turtle Doves, or two Levit. 5. 7.Lev 5:7young Pigeons from the poor, that were not of ability to bring a Sheep for a ſinoffering: Oh be thou as gracious a God to my poor ſoul, and accept at my hands what I am able to doe, though much leſſe than that others do do, or I ſhould 2 Cor. 8. 12.2 Cor 8:12do.

p. 106CCXXXIII.

Upon the ſight of a brand taken out of the fire.

LOrd, this brand ſhewes me the eſtate wherein I was, and wherein I might Zech. 3. 2. Amos 4. 11.Zech 3:2Amos 4:11have been, had not thy mercy prevented it. I was in the very midſt of the fire of affliction, and therein I was likely to have continued till I had been utterly conſumed, hadſt not thou in thy mercy prevented it. Oh be thou ſtill my gracious God, as to deliver me from the danger Lam. 3. 22.Lam 3:22wherein I am at preſent, ſo to keep me from the like danger in the time to come, leſt I be conſumed in thy wrath.Pſ. 90. 7.Ps 90:7

CCXXXIV.

Ʋpon the hearing of a little boy that crope in at a window and opened the doores to let in greater theeves.

LOrd, this little theefs entrance, and making way for greater theeves, ſhews Mar. 5. 28. Joel. 2. 9. Jer. 9. 21. Gen. 3. 6. Gen. 6. 2.Mark 5:28Joel 2:9Jer 9:21Gen 3:6Gen 6:2into what danger my ſoul may come by wanton looks; for if I let but theſe once into my heart through the windowes of mine eies, they will quickly let in many another foul ſin that will wholly rob me p. 107of thy grace. Oh turn away therefore Joſh. 7. 21. 2 Sam. 11. 2. Pſ. 119. 37. Job 31. 1…Josh 7:212 Sam 11:2Ps 119:37Job 31:1mine eies from ſuch vanities, and give me the grace to make a covenant with mine eies, that they may not admit any ſuch luſtfull objects.

CCXXXVI.

Upon the ſight of one going up a ſlippery hill, where though he had many ſlips, and ſome falls, yet recovered the top of the hill at laſt.

LOrd, Heaven is thy holy hill, and the way thither is very ſlippery, and Pſal. 3. 4. Pſal. 19. 12 Jam. 3. 2. As David, Peter, &c.Ps 3:4Ps 19:12Jas 3:2none can aſcend thither without many a ſlip and fall in his paſſage, yet he that hath ſlipt ofteneſt, and moſt grievouſly fallen, may in thy mercy recover thither at laſt. Lord vouchſafe this thy mercy then unto me; and though I cannot but ſlip and fall in my paſſage towards Heaven, which is thy holy hill, yet by the grace of true repentance riſing again, I may at laſt through thy mercy and thy Sons merits recover thither.

p. 108CCXXXVII.

Upon the hearing of an horſe neighing after a mare.

LOrd keep me from neighing after my Jer. 5. 8.Jer 5:8neighbours wife like a fed horſe in the morning.

CCXXXVIII.

Upon the turning of the wind from North-eaſt to North-weſt.

HEre I ſee a ſenſible turning of the wind from one point of the North unto another, and yet is the wind ſtill in the North, & as far from the South as before: And ſuch is the courſe of many a man in his repentance, he turns from one Jer. 34. 14, 15, 16.Jer 34:14Jer 34:15Jer 34:16ſin to another, as from covetouſneſſe to prodigality, from Atheiſm or Judaiſm to Popery, or the like; remaining ſtill as much under the power of ſin, and as far from God as before. From which courſe Amos 4. 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 1 Theſ. 5. 23.Amos 4:6Amos 4:8Amos 4:9Amos 4:10Amos 4:111 Thess 5:23Lord evermore keep me by thy grace, and make my repentance more perfect than ſo, for thy greater glory and my ſouls greater comfort.

p. 109CCXXXIX.

Ʋpon the ſight of one whoſe face being toward the Weſt, turned himſelf toward the North.

THis is alſo a lively reſemblance of a falſe and feigned penitent, who turns from his ſins, juſt as if a man whoſe face is towards the Weſt ſhould turn to the North; for of turning he may look both wayes, both to the Weſt, whereon his face was ſet, and to the Eaſt, whereon his back was turned: ſo many turn from their ſins, not directly, but ſide-wayes, ſo that with one eye they may look to Mar. 6. 23. 2 Kings 17. 23.Mark 6:232 Kgs 17:23God, and with the other to ſome ſin: from which falſe and feigned kind of repentance good Lord do thou alſo deliver me.

CCXL.

Upon the hearing of a Trumpet in the night to call Souldiers to horſe.

LOrd, this trumpet puts me in mind of 1 Corin. 15. 52. 1 Theſ. 4. 16.1 Cor 15:521 Thess 4:16the trumpet that ſhall ſound at the laſt day, to call me with all mankind to judgement: Oh give me therefore the grace that whether I eat or drink, ſleep or wake, or whatſoever elſe I am doing, I p. 110may alwaies think that I hear this trumpet ſounding in mine eare, and calling me to judgement, and that therefore I may ſtill be in a readineſſe to make my appearance with comfort when that time Mat. 24. 44. 2 Pet. 3. 14Matt 24:442 Pet 3:14ſhall come.

CCXLI.

Upon the ſight of one pouring oile into a lamp, and trimming of it.

LOrd grant me the grace to be of the number of thoſe wiſe Virgins which had oile in their lamps, and were ready Mat. 25. 1, &c.Matt 25:1and prepared for the coming of the Bridegroom, that ſo I may enter into the Bride-chamber of Heaven with him when he cometh; and not be like thoſe fooliſh Virgins, which never thinking of providing oile for their lamps till the Bridegroom was coming, were for want of it ſhut out of Heaven.

p. 111CCXLII.

Upon the ſight of one that ſued his neighbour upon an action of Treſpaſs.

LOrd, if he did remember how often he hath treſpaſſed againſt thee, he would not thus ſue his neighbour for treſpaſſing againſt him; for the wrong Mat. 18. 24, 28.Matt 18:24Matt 18:28that his neighbour hath done to him, is but as an hundred pence to thoſe ten thouſand talents which he oweth thee. Lord therefore open his eies and mine, that we both taking notice of our treſpaſſes againſt thee, may learn to ſhew that Luc. 6. 36.Luke 6:36mercy to others, which we our ſelves hope for from thee.

CCXLIII.

Upon the ſight of a great deal of treaſure which one had laid up.

LOrd, give me the grace that I may not treaſure up unto my ſelf wrath againſt the day of wrath.Rom. 2. 5.Rom 2:5

p. 112CCXLIV.

Ʋpon the hearing of a woman that fell in travail before ſhe looked for it.

LOrd grant that when I ſhall ſay peace and ſafety, ſudden deſtruction may not 1 Theſ. 5. 3.1 Thess 5:3come upon me, as travail upon a woman with child.

CCXLV.

Upon the ſight of one that trampled another under his feet.

LOrd trample me not in thy fury as my ſins have deſerved, but deale with me Iſa. 63. 3. Hab. 3. 2.Isa 63:3Hab 3:2in mercy for thy Son Chriſt Jeſus ſake.

CCXLVI.

Upon the ſight of a ſtrong Tower.

LOrd, thy name is a ſtrong Tower, and thou haſt promiſed that whatſoever Pro. 18. 10.Prov 18:10righteous perſon ſhall run into it he ſhall be ſafe: Oh that I might have thy grace to be one of thoſe righteous perſons, that running with them thither, I might be ſafe alſo from the rage and fury of thine and mine enemies.

p. 113CCXLVII.

Upon the hearing of one that brought glad tidings.

LOrd, what joy is there here upon the hearing of the glad tidings which this Iſa. 63. 3.Isa 63:3meſſenger hath brought, though it be but for a temporall bleſſing? Oh how much more thankfull and joyfull ſhould I be for that bleſſing of bleſſings, the birth of my Saviour Chriſt, the joyfulleſt tidings that ever any heard? And that I may be ſo Luc. 2. 10.Luke 2:10indeed, Lord give me the grace to remember it, and to ponder it aright.

CCXLVIII.

Upon the hearing of a fearfull clap of thunder.

LOrd, this is thy great and terrible voice Pſ. 77. 18. Pſ. 104 7.Ps 77:18Ps 104:7which I now hear; and if this be ſo full of terrour, oh then how fearfull will thy preſence be when thou comeſt in thy 2 Theſ. 1. 7, 8.2 Thess 1:72 Thess 1:8glory, ſhewing thy ſelf from heaven with thy mighty Angels in flaming fire! Lord give me therefore the grace, that what I now hear may by thy bleſſing work in me ſuch an awe of thy Maj. that I may by it admire thy mercy, feare thy power, and p. 114prepare for thy coming as thy child ſhould do.

CCXLIX.

Ʋpon the ſight of one asking his Fathers bleſsing.

LOrd, thy word tells me, and experience ſheweth, how powerfull and prevalent Gen. 9. 26. Gen. 27. 27.Gen 9:26Gen 27:27the Fathers bleſſing hath been; and if the bleſſing of an earthly Father hath been ſo, how much more powerful & prevalent will thy bleſſing be (O heavenly Pſ. 127. 1, &c. Pro. 10. 22. 1 Cor. 3. 6.Ps 127:1Prov 10:221 Cor 3:6Father) which giveſt a bleſſing to all other bleſſings? Oh bleſſe me, even me then, O Father I beſeech thee, and then ſhall I be bleſſed.

CCL.

Ʋpon the ſight of two cocks ſet together to fight, to know which was of the hardeſt kind.

LOrd, here I ſee the policy of my ſubtile Adverſary the Devil, who ſets me and my neighbours at diſcord, of purpoſe that he may have our ſouls, 1 Pet. 5. 8.1 Pet 5:8when in this world and Cock-pit of contention we have made him paſtime and p. 115ſport. Lord keep me therefore by thy grace, that to pleaſure the Devil, I may not be ſo in hatred or contention with Gal. 5. 20. 21.Gal 5:20Gal 5:21any, that thereby I may endanger mine own or any other mans ſoul.

CCLI.

Upon the ſight of one that died ſuddenly.

LOrd, here I ſee in this man what what might have betided me, if thou hadſt not been the more mercifull unto me, for my breath was in my noſtrils as well as his, and thou mighteſt as well have Iſa. 2. 22.Isa 2:22taken away my breath as his, and have cauſed me as ſuddenly to have returned Pſ. 104. 29 Pſ. 146. 4.Ps 104:29Ps 146:4to the earth from whence I came as he hath done. Oh give me the grace therefore to magnifie thy mercy for the favour which thou haſt ſhewed me in preſerving my life thus long; and teach me ſo to numbet my daies that be to come, Pſ. 90. 1….Ps 90:1that I may apply my heart unto wiſdome, and may ſpend the reſidue of them in thy fear, that dying never ſo ſuddenly I may die in thy favour through Jeſus Chriſt.

p. 116CCLII.

Ʋpon the hearing of the ſentence of death pronounced againſt a malefactour.

LOrd, here I ſee in what a fearfull agonie this poor ſoul is upon the Judges pronouncing of the ſentence of Death againſt him. And if this ſentence of Death pronounced by an earthly Judge be ſo terrible, how much more terrible muſt needs be that ſentence which the Judge of the quick and the dead ſhall pronounce againſt ſinners at the laſt day? Act. 10. 42 … Theſ. 1. 7, 8. Mat. 25. 41. 1 Cor. 11. 31.Acts 10:42Matt 25:411 Cor 11:31Oh give me therefore the grace that I may ſo judge my ſelf here, that I may not be thus judged of thee with the Judgement of condemnation hereafter.

CCLIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one bending his bow to ſhoot.

LOrd, how often have thine and mine enemies bent their tongues like bows to ſhoot out bitter words like arrowes Jer. 9. 3. Pſ. 64. 3. 2 Sam. 22. 36.Jer 9:3Ps 64:32 Sam 22:36againſt me? But Lord, as thou haſt ever been, ſo ſtill be thou my ſhield, and then I ſhall be ſafe.

p. 117CCLIV.

Ʋpon the ſight of a ſhepherd breaking the teeth of his ſheep-dog.

LOrd, do thou thus break the teeth of thine and mine enemies, that they Pſ. 58. 6. Pſ. 22. 16. Ezech. 34. 14. Joh. 10. 16 Iſai. 53. 6. 1 Pet. 2. 25Ps 58:6Ps 22:16Ezek 34:14John 10:16Isa 53:61 Pet 2:25may by their barking at me and my good name, and not biting or hurting me, haſten me in the way to that bleſſed field, and fold of thine in heaven hereafter, and fetch me in when I am ſtrayed and ſtragled from thee here.

CCLV.

Ʋpon the ſight of one teaching a child to read.

LOrd, I am a very child in underſtanding, 1▪ Cor. 14 20.1 Cor 14:20and can no more ſpell or read any thing in thy book (the holy Scriptures) for Act. 8. 31.Acts 8:31my ſouls preſent comfort here, or everlaſting good hereafter, then this child can do, unleſſe I have one to teach me. Oh do thou then by the miniſters of thy word which thou haſt appointed to be teachers of thy people, and by the cooperating Eph. 4. 11. Rom. 2. 20. Joh. 14. 26 1 Joh. 2. 27Eph 4:11Rom 2:20John 14:261 John 2:27and aſſiſting grace of thy bleſſed Spirit, which thou haſt promiſed ſhall teach us all things, teach me every p. 118day better and better to ſpell, read, and underſtand what may be for my ſouls good.

CCLVI.

Ʋpon the ſight of ſwine eating acornes under an Oake.

HEre I ſee theſe ſwine greedily grouzing up the Acornes which they finde under this tree, but I ſee not one of them lifting up ſo much as half an eye towards the tree that ſned them down unto them. And juſt ſo Lord have I too often done; for how many bleſſings have I received from thy bounteous goodneſs, for which I have been ſo far from giving Pſ. 68. 19.Ps 68:19thee deſerved thanks, that I have ſcarce ever looked up with an acknowledging Pſ. 116. 7.Ps 116:7eye to that bountifull hand of thine from whence they all have come? Lord pardon Iſa. 22. 11.Isa 22:11this my great unthankfulneſſe paſt, and make me every day more and more thankfull as thy child ſhould be.Jam. 1. 17.Jas 1:17

p. 119CCLVII.

Ʋpon the ſight of a boy which had a bird tied by one leg in a ſtring.

LOrd, herein I ſee how the Devil deals with me. This poor bird having his wings at liberty may flutter up and down, and ſometimes ſeem to take his wings and to flie away; but being faſt tied by but one of his legs, he is ſtill in the boys poſſeſſion, and do what he can he cannot flie from him: and juſt ſo it is with me, if the Devil have gotten hold of me, though it be by the voluntary entertainment of but any one luſt or ſin, he cares for no more, for he knowes that I am Jam. 2. 10. 2 Tim. 2. 26.Jas 2:102 Tim 2:26thereby in his poſſeſſion, and that he may when he pleaſeth (if I ſhall at any time offer to flie from him) call me back to his obedience again. Good God therefore 2 Pet. 2, 19, 20.2 Pet 2:192 Pet 2:20give me the grace that I may mortifie and ſubdue all my vile luſts and ſinfull affections every day more and more, and that Col. 3. 5. Pſ. 199. 104. & 128.Col 3:5I may not willingly continue in any one of them, to thy diſhonour, and the wronging my of own ſoul.

p. 120CCLVIII.

Upon the ſight of one taſting of ſweet-meats.

LOrd give me thy grace to taſte, and Pſal. 34. 8. Pſ. 119. 103 Pſ. 19. 10.Ps 34:8Ps 119:103Ps 19:10ſee how gracious thou art; and that thy word may be as ſweet to my taſte as this that he hath now taſted feems to be unto his.

CCLIX.

Ʋpon the hearing of one blamed for tarrying longer then was expected.

LOrd, I have been long in miſery, and Pſal. 77. 2. 2 Corin. 12. 7, 8.Ps 77:22 Cor 12:72 Cor 12:8I have ſent my prayers as meſſengers unto thee for releaſe therefrom; but yet I ſee little or no appearance of any ſuch releaſe: Oh my God, make no longer tarrying, if it be thy bleſſed Pſ. 40. 17. Pſal. 70. 5.Ps 40:17Ps 70:5will, but rid me out of this miſery under which I have ſo long groaned; or if thy will be that I ſhall continue in it, then Lord give me the grace to ſubmit to thy Matth. 26. 39.Matt 26:39bleſſed will therein, and with patience to attend thy deliverance therefrom; when thy will and pleaſure ſhall be to have it, and in the mean time not to murmure and repine againſt thee, though p. 121to fleſh and blood thy tarrying ſeem longer then ordinary.

CCLX.

Upon the hearing of ſome that were taken captives by the Turks.

LOrd, theſe poor ſouls are like to undergo much miſery in the place to which they are carried captives, and muſt remain in the ſame, except they be redeemed from thence by ſome ranſom paid for them: And this juſt is my caſe; for Lord I have been taken captive by the 2 Tim. 2. 26 Heb. 2. 15. Matth. …0. 28. 1 Tim. 2. 6. 1 Pet. 1. 18, 19. Rom 8. 16 1 Cron. 6. 20.2 Tim 2:26Heb 2:151 Tim 2:61 Pet 1:181 Pet 1:19Rom 8:16Devil to do his will, and am like ſtill ſo to continue, except thou, O ſweet Jeſus, the Saviour and Redeemer of mankind, ſhalt by the ranſome which thou haſt paid for me, redeem me from thence; which I do believe thou haſt done for me, and wilt in thy good time give me the comfortable aſſurance thereof; which Lord haſten to do for thy mercies ſake, I do beſeech thee.

p. 122CCLXI.

Upon the ſight of a post riding by.

LOrd, this poſt I ſee rideth apace, but my daies (if I had the grace to take Job 9. 25. Pſ. 90. 12. Gal. 6. 10. Heb. 8. 5. Joh. 12. 35Job 9:25Ps 90:12Gal 6:10Heb 8:5John 12:35notice of it) do poſt away with a far greater ſpeed. Lord give me the grace to take notice of it as I ſhould do, and to make the beſt uſe of it whilſt time ſerveth.

CCLXII.

Upon the ſight of a ſwallow.

LOrd, this bird I ſee obſerves the time of his returning to us. Oh that I might have the grace to obſerve in like manner Jer. 8. 7.Jer 8:7the time of my returning unto thee by true and ſound repentance.

CCLXIII.

Upon the ſight of one that ſtumbled at a ſtone in his way.

LOrd, how many ſtumbling-blocks doth the Devil continually caſt in my way Rev. 2. 14. 1 Cor. 10. 12.Rev 2:141 Cor 10:12towards Heaven! from all which good Lord deliver me: But above all other, keep me I beſeech thee ſo by thy grace, that neither Jeſus Chriſt, my crucified p. 123Saviour may be unto me a ſtumbling-block 1 Cor. 1. 23. 1 Pet. 2. 8.1 Cor 1:231 Pet 2:8as he was unto the Jewes: nor thy word, as it hath been unto other diſobedient perſons.

CCLXIV.

Upon the ſight of ſtubble burnt in a field.

LOrd, let not the fire of thy wrath and fierce indignation devoure me, as this Exod. 15. 7 Iſa. 5. 24. Joel. 2. 5▪ Hab. 3. 2.Exod 15:7Isa 5:24Joel 2:5Hab 3:2fire doth the ſtubble that is caſt into it, but in wrath remember mercy.

CCLXV.

Upon the ſight of Rookes in a corn-field newly ſown.

LOrd, theſe fowls are not more deſirous Mat. 13. 4.Matt 13:4to eat up, and devour this newly ſown corn, then is the Devil (that maſter-fowl of the aire) to catch away that precious Eph. 2. 2.Eph 2:2ſeed of thy word ſown in my heart by Mat. 13. 19.Matt 13:19the miniſters and preachers thereof. Lord give the grace therefore, that I may not be like the ground by the high-way ſide, on which whatſoever ſeed was ſown, the fowles preſently p. 124devoured it, becauſe it was not covered with earth; but that I may rather be like the good ground, wherein Pſ. 119. 11 Mat. 13. 8. 23.Ps 119:11Matt 13:8Matt 13:23the ſeed ſown was ſo hid and covered, that it brought forth fruit in abundance.

CCLXVI.

Ʋpon the hearing of a ſtrong castle or fort taken by force.

LOrd, my heart the Devil hath for a long time fortified, hoping to keep Luc. 11. 21 22.Luke 11:21it for himſelf for ever. But Lord thou art ſtronger then he; oh do thou therefore overcome him for me, and take me Pſ. 50. 15.Ps 50:15out of his poſſeſſion, that I may live to glorifie thee for this thy wonderfull deliverance of me, and for all thy other mercies which thou haſt ſhewed towards me in Jeſus Chriſt.Pſ. 116. 12Ps 116:12

CCLXVII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one that trode in the ſteps of another that went before him.

LOrd Jeſus, thou haſt ſuffered for me, and in thy ſufferings haſt left me an 1 Pet. 2. 211 Pet 2:21example that I ſhould follow thy ſteps. p. 125Oh that I might have thy grace ſo to do it, that following thee here in this world, Joh. 10. 27 Mat. 19. 28 Matth. 16. 24, 25.John 10:27Matt 19:28Matt 16:24Matt 16:25I may in the next attain to that happineſſe in Heaven, which thou haſt promiſed to all thoſe that follow thee in ſincerity and truth.

CCLXVIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of one that was ſent to reconcile two that were at variance.

LOrd, thou and I have been long at variance by reaſon of my many and Iſa. 59. 2.Isa 59:2manifold ſins committed againſt thee, yet thou art willing (I ſee) to have me reconciled unto thee again, and for that end haſt ſent the miniſters of thy word (as thy Ambaſſadours) to pray me in 2 Cor. 5. 202 Cor 5:20Chriſts ſtead to be reconciled unto thee. Lord let not their paines taken herein be fruitleſſe, and to none effect, but give me the grace to accept of the conditions offered, and to bleſſe thy name for the mercy vouchſafed me therein.

p. 126CCLXIX.

Ʋpon the ſight of chaffe driven away with the wind when one was winnowing.

LOrd, let thine and thy Churches enemies be as chaffe before the wind, and Pſal. 35. 5. Pſal. 1. 4. Iſa. 17. 13.Ps 35:5Ps 1:4Isa 17:13let thine Angel ſcatter them.

CCLXX.

Ʋpon the ſight of one dipping a ſop in wine, and eating it.

LOrd grant that after the taking of thy holy Sacrament, I may not be like Judas, into whom, after the taking of the ſop, Sathan entred, leſt being filled with Joh. 13. 27 Joh. 6. 70. Joh. 17. 12John 13:27John 6:70John 17:12iniquity, I be brought to deſtruction both of body and ſoul as he was.

CCLXXI.

Upon the hearing of ſome that had ſuffered ſhipwrack.

LOrd, keep me from making ſhipwrack of faith and a good conſcience.1 Tim. 1. 191 Tim 1:19

p. 127CCLXXII.

Upon the hearing of a ſhepherd that watcht his flock by night.

LOrd, be thou my ſhepherd, and do thou (which never ſlumbreſt nor ſleepeſt) Pſal. 23. 1.Ps 23:1watch over me with the eye of thy fatherly providence, that neither the Pſ. 121. 4. Pſ. 34. 15. 1 Pet. 5. 8.Ps 121:4Ps 34:151 Pet 5:8Devil (which goeth up and down like a roaring lion ſeeking whom he may devour) nor any of his wicked inſtruments may be able to hurt me.

CCLXXIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of a maſtive lying before a door.

LOrd, here I ſee in this maſtive lying before this door, what I muſt expect if I ſhall boldly enter into any known ſin: for as this maſtive lying before the door Gen. 4. 7. Pro. 18. 14. 2 Sam. 24. 10.Gen 4:7Prov 18:142 Sam 24:10of this houſe is ready to fly upon thoſe that ſhall enter therein; ſo will my conſcience fly upon me, if I ſhall enter into p. 128the waies of ſinne; Oh help me therefore with thy grace, and keep me by Act. 2. 37. 1 Pet. 1. 5.Acts 2:371 Pet 1:5thy power from all ſuch courſes, that I may neither offend thee my God, nor draw upon my ſelf any ſuch ſad inconvenience.

CCLXXIV.

Upon the ſight of a crab-ſtock grafted with good fruit, which yet ſent forth many ſhoots of his own kind.

LOrd, here I ſee what I am, and what I muſt expect to be as long as I live in this world. I may have thy word engrafted in me, and may ſeem thereby to Jam. 1. 21.Jas 1:21grow in grace and goodneſſe, but yet ſtill (do what I can) there will ſome Rom. 7. 21.Rom 7:21ſhoots of my naturall corruption be ſprouting forth, ſavouring of the old ſtock, Adams ſinfull loines, from whence Rom. 5. 12.Rom 5:12we all came. Oh do thou therefore ſo aſſiſt me with thy grace, that though ſuch Rom. 6. 12. Joh. 15. 1.Rom 6:12John 15:1ſins may be in me, yet they may not reign in me, but do thou (like a good husband) cut and prune them off, ſo as that they 2 Pet. 1. 8.2 Pet 1:8may not hinder the growth of thy word in me, nor make me unfruitfull in the acknowledging of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt.

p. 129CCLXXV.

Upon the ſight of one that ſheltred himſelf under a tree in the time of a ſtorm.

LOrd, the times wherein we live are ſtormy times, and we know not whether to run for ſhelter in theſe ſad times Iſa. 4. 6.Isa 4:6but onelyonly unto thee, who haſt promiſed to be a place of refuge, and a covert from the ſtorm to all thoſe that be thine. Pſal. 61. 3.Ps 61:3Oh be thou then ſuch a ſhelter for us, and we will glorifie thy name for this thy mercifull deliverance of us.

CCLXXVI.

Upon the ſight of divers mens ſheep put into one and the ſame ſheep-fold.

LOrd Jeſus, thou haſt other ſheep which are not yet of this thy fold wherein we Joh. 10. 16John 10:16are; Oh do thou then (which art the good ſheph erd) in thy good time bring theſe alſo into this thy fold, that ſo there may be one ſheep-fold and one ſhepherd.

p. 130CCLXXVII.

Ʋpon the waſhing of mine own hands.

LOrd, give me the grace, that I may be as carefull to waſh my hands in innocency Pſal. 26. 6.Ps 26:6before I do approch unto thine Altar, there to receive the body and bloud of my Saviour Jeſus Chriſt.

CCLXXVIII.

Upon the ſight of a cart laden with corn.

LOrd, I have by my many and manifold ſins often preſſed thee, as a cart is preſſed that is full of ſheaves. Oh Amos 2. 13.Amos 2:13be mercifull unto me for what is paſt, and give me thy grace that I may never do ſo again hereafter.

p. 131CCLXXIX.

Ʋpon the ſight of one taking larks in a field.

HEre I ſee nets ſpread, here I ſee larks flittering up and down with their wings, though tied by their legs; here I ſee a turning glaſſe againſt the Sun, with the radiant and ſhining brightneſſe whereof thoſe ſilly birds are ſo taken, that without fear they haſten to the place: here I alſo ſee the bird-catcher himſelf ſitting a good way off, watching to caſt his net over them, when he thinks they are within the reach of them. And Lord, what is this, but a lively repreſentation Pſal. 91. 3. Job. 1. 7. 1 Pet. 5. 8. 1 Tim. 3. 7. 2 Tim. 2. 26. Joh. 8. 44. Act. 13. 16. 2 Pet. 2. 19. Pro. 1. 11, &c. Pro. 7. 10, &c. Luc. 8. 14.Ps 91:3Job 1:71 Pet 5:81 Tim 3:72 Tim 2:26John 8:44Acts 13:162 Pet 2:19Prov 1:11Prov 7:10Luke 8:14of the Devils (that grand fowlers) dealing with me? For where can I go in this wide field of the world, where he hath not ſpread his nets, where he hath not many of his inſtruments, which are in his poſſeſſion, though they ſeem to be at liberty, pupoſely there ſet to tempt and toll me into their company, and be partaker with them of their ſinnes, and ſinnefull courſes? where he hath not alſo many p. 132vain pleaſures and delights to draw me to his lure; and he himſelf alwaies ready Luc. 16. 25. 1 Tim. 5. 6. Jam. 5. 5.Luke 16:251 Tim 5:6Jas 5:5at hand to ſurpriſe me, and to catch me, and to make me his here, and eternally his in hell fire hereafter, except thou by thy grace ſhalt ptevent it; which I beſeech thee for thy Son and my Saviour Jeſus Chriſt his ſake to grant unto me.

CCLXXX.

Upon the ſight of a lamb.

OH ſweet Jeſus, the eternall Son of the eternall God, thou which art the lamb of God, that taketh away the ſins of the world, do thou ſo take away my ſins, that they may neither terrifie my Joh. 1. 29.John 1:29conſcience here, nor condemm my ſoul hereafter.

CCLXXXI.

Upon the ſight of a ſheep ſhearing.

OH ſweet Jeſus, my onelyonly Lord and Saviour, which in thy ſufferings wert like a ſheep dumb before his ſhearer, and openedſt not thy mouth to revile or Act. 8. 32. Iſa. 53. 7. 1 Pet. 2. 23Acts 8:32Isa 53:71 Pet 2:23threaten thoſe that thus wronged thee, p. 133but committedſt thy cauſe to him that judgeth righteouſly; and therein didſt 1 Pet. 2. 211 Pet 2:21leave me an example that I ſhould follow thy ſteps: give me the grace (I beſeech thee) that I may do the like whenſoever I ſhall be called to ſuffer with thee, or for thee.

CCLXXXII.

Ʋpon the hearing of one that had wronged his neighbour, and for it being to appear before a Juſtice of peace, procured ſome friends in the way thitherwards to take up the matter, and to end it for him.

LOrd, I have wronged thee my God and mine own conſcience many waies by my ſins, and have often injured my neighbours, by meanes of which both thou and they are become mine Adverſaries. Oh give me the grace therefore that whilſt I am in the way, and do live here, I may ſo agree with you all, that hereafter I be not delivered to the judge Mat. 5. 25. Luc. 12. 58 Act. 10. 42 2 Tim. 4. 8. Mat. 25. 41Matt 5:25Luke 12:58Acts 10:422 Tim 4:8Matt 25:41of quick and dead, the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, that righteous judge, and be by him delivered to the Devil (the Jaylor of hell) p. 134who will caſt me into that eaſeleſſe and Mark 9. 45Mark 9:45endleſſe priſon of Hell, never to come forth thence again.

CCLXXXIII.

Upon the ſight of a painted and curiouſly wrought ſepulchre.

LOrd, keep me that I may not be like unto this ſepulchre, to appear beautifull and righteous outwardly to the eies Mat. 23. 27 28.Matt 23:27of men, and be in the meane time as full of ſin and wickedneſſe within, as this is of dead mens bones and all filthineſſe.

CCLXXXIV.

Upon the ſight of one that ſought for a thing loſt.

LOrd, I have ſo long erred from the waies of thy commandements, that I have at laſt loſt my ſelf and thy favour: Pſ. 119. 21. Luc. 15. 32 Pſ. 119. 176 Joh. 17. 12Ps 119:21Luke 15:32Ps 119:176John 17:12Oh ſeek thy ſervant therefore, and in thy good time find me again, leſt I be loſt for ever.

p. 135CCLXXXV.

Upon the ſight of a pot boyling and not skummed.

LOrd, here I ſee how much skumme and filthineſſe is apt to ariſe out of my heart, when once my choler that is within me doth begin to boile, and if it be not skummed and taken away by thy grace, Pſal. 79. 8.Ps 79:8how ſoon it will intermix it ſelf with my beſt actions. Oh help me therefore by thy preventing grace, that it may not ſo any more ariſe in me, or if it do, that by the ſame grace aſſiſting me I may ſpeedily repent me of it, and skumme it and Hoſ. 14. 2. Ez. 24. 6, 11, 12, 13.Hos 14:2take it away as it doth ariſe, leſt thy wrath lighting upon me, both I and it be in the end conſumed with the fire of this thy wrath and juſt indignation.

CCLXXXVI.

Upon the ſight of one that was corrected by his maſter for his bad writing, and withall taught how to amend it.

LOrd, thy word doth aſſure me that he is in a happy condition whom thou chaſtiſeſt, p. 136Pſ. 94. 12.Ps 94:12and withall teacheſt him by thy word how to amend. That I may then be ſo happy, Lord let me not onelyonly be Pſ. 119. 67 Pſ. 119. 12 Joh. 14. 26Ps 119:67Ps 119:12John 14:26chaſtiſed by thee for what I have done amiſſe, but be taught alſo by thy bleſſed word and Spirit how to amend it.

CCLXXXVII.

Ʋpon the ſight of a Smith at work upon his Anvile.

THey ſay, that the more the Anvile is beaten upon the harder it groweth: Lord keep me from being ſo, that I may not be the more hardened in my ſins by 2 Chr. 28. 22. Amos 4. 6, &c.2 Chr 28:22Amos 4:6the ſtrokes of thy judgements inflicted on me for them, leſt not being amended by them, I either cauſe thee to inflict on me or mine ſome more heavy Joh. 5. 14. Iſa. 1. 5. Hoſ. 4. 14. Ez. 16. 42.John 5:14Isa 1:5Hos 4:14judgements, or to ceaſe puniſhing of me, which will prove in the end the heavieſt judgement of all.

p. 137CCLXXXVIII.

Ʋpon the ſight of a Dog flying upon the stone that hit him, without regard to the throwers hand.

LOrd, how often have I done the like by flying upon thoſe with bitter reproches, Amos 3. 6. 2 Sam. 16. 10.Amos 3:62 Sam 16:10which were but the ſecondary cauſes and inſtruments of my wrong, without ever looking at thy hand, which ſet them on work? Lord be mercifull unto me for what is paſt, and give me the grace to look up to thy hand better for the time to come, that I may with the more patience and comfort undergo Mic. 6. 9. Pſal. 39. 9. Iſa. 38. 13.Mic 6:9Ps 39:9Isa 38:13what thou by them ſhalt think meet to lay upon me.

CCLXXXIX.

Ʋpon the ſight of a glaſſe of diſtilled water ſtirred and ſhaken.

AS long as this glaſſe of diſtilled water ſtood ſtill, and unſhaken, there was nothing to be ſeen in it but fair and clear water; but now being ſtirred and ſhaken, what a moode and muddy reſidence doth there ariſe in it? And juſt ſo, p. 138Lord is it with me; as long as I am not ſtirred, moved and provoked by any, 2 King. 8. 12, 13.2 Kgs 8:122 Kgs 8:13I ſeem a Saint, and as if I had in me nothing of ſpleen and gall at all; but being once moved and provoked, how much Rom. 1. 26 Pſ. 81. 11, 12.Rom 1:26Ps 81:11Ps 81:12impatience, techineſſe, frowardneſſe, and other like corruptions do there manifeſt themſelves in me? Lord give me grace therefore rightly to know my ſelf 2 Cor. 13. 5. Luc. 18. 112 Cor 13:5Luke 18:11and mine own heart, that I may neither conceive too well of my ſelf, nor judge too ill of others, when I am exempted, Gal. 6. 1.Gal 6:1and they are ſuffered to fall in any groſſe ſin.

CCXC.

Ʋpon the ſight of one skilfull in Chymiſtrie that extracted ſalt out of herbs.

CHymicks are of opinion, that there is almoſt nothing but ſalt may be drawn out of it; and that there is no man but hath ſalt in him. Lord give me the grace that I may alſo have ſalt in my Mark …. 49 Col. 4. 6.Col 4:6ſelf, the ſalt of true ſpirituall wiſdome and diſcretion, that I may by the ſame ſo ſeaſon all my actions, and ſo temper all my affections, that both by the one p. 139and other I may bring glory to thy name, good to others, and comfort to my own ſoul.

CCXCI.

Ʋpon the ſight of a burning fire-brand which was ſoon extinguiſhed when caſt into water.

LOrd, here I ſee how great a meaſure Pſ. 106. 35, 36. Pro. 22. 14 Pſ. 141. 4. Pro. 4. 24, 15. Rev. 18. 4.Ps 106:35Ps 106:36Prov 22:14Ps 141:4Prov 4:24Prov 4:15Rev 18:4of zeal may be ſoon quenched amongſt wicked company. Oh give me therefore the grace to keep out of ſuch company, which are ſo prejudiciall to thy glory, and to my ſouls good.

CCXCII.

Upon the ſight of a ſtone caſt into a pool of water.

AT the firſt caſting in of this ſtone I ſee but a few, and thoſe little circles too, which did ariſe upon the face of the water into which it was caſt, but ſtaying a while (and that no long time neither) behold the circles were multiplied, and grew bigger and bigger till they came home to the very bankes of the pool. p. 140And ſo Lord will it be with me in the willing admiſſion of any one known ſin; Mat. 26. 70, &c. 2 Sam. 11. 2, &c.Matt 26:702 Sam 11:2For though at firſt it be but one, and may ſeem but a ſmall ſin unto me, yet being willingly admitted and entertained, will ſoon cauſe more and greater ſins in me, till I become beyond meaſure ſinfull, unleſs the grace of God prevent it. Lord therefore evermore by thy grace keep me that I may not wittingly or willingly admit of any ſin.

CCXCIII.

Upon the ſight of one lighting a great fire with a match of brimſtone put to a little cole on the hearth.

LOrd, I ſee in this mine own caſe, for when I have by thy grace, and the dayly exerciſe of the work of mortification almoſt ſubdued my ſins, yet if I be not ſtill careful to avoid the occaſions of ſin, they will by meanes of them ſoon break out again, and come to as great an height Jam. 1. 14. Pro. 1. 15. & 5. 8. & 4. 15. Iſa. 52. 11. Eph. 5. 11.Jas 1:14Prov 1:15Prov 5:8Prov 4:15Isa 52:11Eph 5:11of impiety as before. Lord therefore give me thy grace that I may with all care and diligence avoid all ſuch occaſions as may lead me into any ſin.

p. 141CCXCIV.

Upon the ſight of one drawing water out of a well.

LOrd, give me the grace to draw waters out of the wells of ſalvation.Iſa. 123.

CCXCV.

Upon my ſitting down at a well-furniſhed table.

LOrd, give me the grace ſoberly and thankfully to make uſe of theſe thy good bleſſings, that this table may not become a ſnare unto me here, nor I for my intemperance and other ſins (whereby I have ſo often offended thee in my Pſ. 69. 22. Pro. 23. 1, 2. Luc. 21. 34Ps 69:22Prov 23:1Prov 23:2Luke 21:34eating and drinking heretofore, I am likely ſtill to do ſo again, except I have thy fear before mine eies) be ſhut out and not ſuffered to ſit down with Abraham, Jude v. 12 Mat. 8. 11.Matt 8:11Iſaac, and Jacob, at thy table in the kingdom of heaven hereafter.

p. 142CCXCVI.

Upon the fight of dogs eating of the crumbes that fell from their Masters table.

LOrd, I confeſs that 'tis not fit that the childrens bread ſhould be given to Mat. 15. 26, 27.Matt 15:26Matt 15:27whelps, yet ſeeing the dogs may eat of the crumbes that fall from their maſters table, and I in mine own eies am ſuch a Dog, and in thine eies far worſe, if thou ſhouldſt look upon me as I am in my ſelf; Lord ſuffer me, though every way thus unworthy, yet to gather up ſome crumbes of comfort from under thy holy table, whenſoever I ſhall approch thereunto.

CCXCVII.

Upon my lying down in my bed after a weariſome journey.

LOrd, I have long wearied my ſelf in the waies of wickedneſſe, and now would fain be at reſt from them. Oh do Iſa. 47. 13. Iſa. 57. 10.Isa 47:13Isa 57:10thou then (which calleſt all ſuch wearied ſouls unto thee, and haſt promiſed reſt unto them) grant that I (being thus wearie Mat. 11. 28, 19.Matt 11:28Matt 11:19of my ſins here) may reſt with thee p. 143hereafter in thoſe eternall beds which 2 Theſ. 1. 7 Iſa. 57. 2.2 Thess 1:7Isa 57:2thou haſt prepared for thine in Heaven.

CCXCVIII.

Upon the hearing of one that directed a man in his way.

SHew me likewiſe thy waies O Lord, and teach me thy paths, that I may not erre Pſal. 25. 4. Pſ. 119. 5. 21.Ps 25:4Ps 119:5Ps 119:21from the waies of thy commandements.

CCXCIX.

Upon the hearing of one that was delivered out of priſon.

OH bring my ſoul alſo out of this priſon Pſ. 142. 7. Luc. 2. 29. Rev. 5. 12. Heb. 12. 12 23. Rom. 8. 17Ps 142:7Luke 2:29Rev 5:12Heb 12:12Rom 8:17of my body when thy will and pleaſure is, that I with the reſt of thy Saints may glorifie thee, and be glorified by thee eternally in heaven.

p. 144CCC.

Upon the hearing of a blind man bemoning his caſe.

LOrd, if it be ſo heavy a caſe to want our bodily eies, and to be but bodily Mark 10. 46. Mat. 62. 3. 1 Joh. 2. 11.Mark 10:461 John 2:11blind, what is it to want the eies of our ſoul, and to be ſpiritually blind? Lord then whatſoever becometh of the eies of my body, let me never (I beſeech thee) be deprived of the eies of my ſoul, nor let the God of this world ſo blinde my mind, that the light of the glorious Goſpel of Chriſt may not ſhine unto me.2 Cor. 4. 4.2 Cor 4:4

The end.

Publiſhed by this Author,

The Saints Hony-comb, full of Divine Truths, touching both Chriſtian belief, and a Chriſtians life. In two Centuries.

The Communicants Guide, directing the younger ſort which have never yet Received, and the Elder, and ignorant ſort, which have hitherto Received unworthily, how they may Receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to their ſouls comfort.

Both ſold by R. Royſton at the Angel in Ivy-lane.

A Catalogue of ſome Books printed for Richard Royſton at the Angel in Ivy-lane, London.

Books written by Mr. Tho. Pierce Rector of Brington.

THe Sinner impleaded in his own Court, wherein are repreſented the great diſcouragements from ſinning, which the Sinner receiveth from Sin it ſelf.

2. Correct Copy of ſome notes concerning Gods Decrees, eſpecially of Reprobation. The 3 Edition with ſome Additionals, in 4. new.

3. The Divine Philanthropie defended, in anſwer to Mr. Barlce, in 4. new.

4. The Self-revenger, to which is added an Appendage touching the judgement of the late L. Primate of Armagh. in 4. new.

5. A Vindication

of Grotius from Mr. Baxter.

of Mr. Baxter from Mr. Barlce.

of Epiſcopal Divines from Both together.

To which is added an Appendage Touching the judgement of the right Honourable and right Reverend Father in God, James Lord Primate of Armagh, and Metropolitan of Ireland, irrefiagably atteſted by the Certificates of Dr. Walton, Mr. Thorndike, and Mr. Gunning, ſent in a Letter to Doctor Bernard. By Tho. Pierce in 4. new.

6. The Divine Purity defended in anſwer to Dr. Reynolds, in 4. new.

End of the text · Richard Gove, Pious Thoughts Vented in Pithy Ejaculations (1658)