I Must shortly dye, and after death I must for ever be either endles­ly happy, or endlesly miserable.

It concerneth me therefore, above all things in this short time of my Life, so to prepare for Death, that after Death, I may be Eternally happy.

To this end two things are altoge­ther necessary, a sound Knowledge, and a sincere Practice.

Two things are needful to be well known, the End which I am to aim at, and the Way which will lead me to it.

My daily practice must be to walk [Page 2]in the way, in hopes of attaining the End.

What both these are, JESƲS CHRIST hath abundantly taught us in his Gospel, which it therefore highly concerneth me diligently to read and learn.

Christ hath instituted two Sacra­ments, the one for our entrance into, the other for our confirmation and strengthning in the way of Life. Bap­tism, and the Supper of the Lord.

In both these the whole substance of Christian Religion, which is the way to happiness, is summarily comprehended and represented.

Christ JESƲS commanded his Apo­stles to go up and down in the World, and by Preaching the Gospel to per­swade men to be his Disciples, and learn of him the way to Life.

He commanded them to admit men into his Church, or the Society of his Disciples by Baptism, or washing them with Water, in the Name of [Page 3]the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

This Ceremony of Washing with water, did signifie and assure them, that as many as continued Christ's faith­ful followers, were washed from the guilt of their past sins, and should be daily more and more Sanctified and prepared for Eternal Glory.

Persons of years to understand, were thus in Baptism to give up themselves in an Holy Bond or Covenant to God, and thus my Parents when I was an Infant, did give and dedicate me to God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

In this Baptismal Covenant, God the Father doth give himself to be our reconciled Father, and God the Son Jesus Christ to be our Saviour, and God the Holy Ghost to be our Sanctifi­er.

In the same Covenant, we do accept of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost to be our only God, submitting to him as our Owner and Governour, [Page 4]and chusing him as our chief good and portion, and heartily consenting to be taught and ruled, made Holy, and [...]saved by him, in a firm belief of his word, and humble Obedience to his Lawes.

We do also promise, and resolve not to follow, nor be led by the Devil, the World, nor the Flesh, but to watch against, and resist all their temp­tations, and to persevere so doing unto our lives end.

Every one that keepeth this Covenant sincerely is a good Christian, and hath the pardon of his sins, and Eternal Life sealed and assured unto him by God in this Sacrament of Baptism.

As I therefore desire to be Eternally happy, and would avoid Everlasting Torments, it concerneth me to see that I keep Covenant with God; which I cannot do, without learning and knowing what I am to believe and do.

If I have not already learn'd this, it is no time now any longer to delay it, seeing my Eternal happiness de­pends upon it. And I know not how soon, no not whether this night, God may call me out of this world by death, when if I be either ignorant or wicked, I am undone Soul and Body for ever.

THere is a GOD, and but one God, the FATHER, SON and HOLY GHOST.

God is an infinite and most glorious SPIRIT, a most pure and living sub­stance, without body, parts or passi­ons.

God is invisible, cannot be seen or perceived by sense.

God is incomprehensible, cannot be perfectly known by any but himself.

God is Immortal, cannot dye; Im­passible, and cannot suffer.

God is Immense, not limited to place, but is every where.

God is Eternal, not limited by time, but without beginning or end.

God is Independent, not caused or governed by any other.

God is Immutable, not subject to change, but necessarily what he is, the same for ever.

God is Almighty, able to do all things: Omniscient, knowing all things; infinitely Wise, in ordering all things.

God is Infinitely good, and the Fountain of all goodness, Holy and Just, and Merciful.

God is self-sufficient, perfectly bles­sed, and happy in himself alone, need­ing nothing, but Infinite in all perfecti­ons.

The Father begetting the Son, the Son begotten of the Father, the Holy Ghost proceeding from the Father and the Son, are Three Persons, but one uncompounded, undivided GOD, bles­sed for ever.

God is the Maker or Creator of all things, the Preserver and Ʋpholder of all things.

God is the absolute Owner and Lord of all things.

God is our Soveraign King, Su­pream Law-giver, and Righteous Judge.

God is our chief good, and loving Father, and bountiful Benefactor.

All Life, and Power, and Wisdom, come from God, and our final rest, and perfect happiness is in Him alone.

God is a most free Agent, and doth what, and when, and how he will.

In the Beginning, by his Word of his own good pleasure, he made the World, and all things in six dayes, when before there was nothing but Himself.

All that God made was very good.

God by his Providence preserveth, ruleth and ordereth all things, great and small.

There is no goodness in any thing, but what God giveth, nothing can come to pass, but as God permitteth it.

God may justly do what he will with every thing, he can do no wrong [Page 9]to any thing, he ordereth the whole course of the World wisely, and for the best.

God made an innumerable compa­ny of Angels, or pure Spirits.

A great multitude of these Angels continue holy and happy in loving, prai­sing and enjoying God, doing his Com­mandments, and serving him in such Ministries as he pleaseth to employ them in, for the good of his people.

Many of the Angels did sin, and were cast down to Hell, into Ever­lasting torments. These are Devils, under Beelzebub the Prince of Devils, the Old Serpent, and Satan.

The Devil is the Spirit that work­eth in the children of Disobedience; the Father of Evil-doers, going about like a roaring Lyon, seeking whom he may devour.

God made Adam the first man, of the Dust of the Earth, and the first woman Eve, of a Rib of Adam.

Man hath two parts, a Body of Flesh and Bones, and a Soul which is a Spirit.

God made Man after his own Image, he gave him an Immortal soul, endued with understanding, a free will, and a power to do good, and authority to rule and use the creatures, for such ends as God designed them.

God made not man a Lawless crea­ture, to live as it should list him, but God made him for himself, and to serve him in Holy Love, and perfect Obedience.

Man understood God's Will, and that Will understood, was the Law in his heart, whereby he was to live; Knowing God to be his Owner and Go­vernour, and chief good, he was bound to resign himself to his disposal, submit himself to his command, and to de­light himself in him above all.

If Man had done thus, he should never have dyed, but have lived for ever happy in the love and enjoyment of God.

God having placed man in the garden of Eden, gave him free leave to eat of all the Trees thereof, only excepting the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil; which upon pain of death, he charged him not to eat of.

But the Devil in a Serpent Tempt­ed Eve, and by her he tempted Adam to eat thereof, and so sin against God in breaking his command.

By breaking God's Law, they lost their Holiness, and became Mortal un­der the curse of Death; hearkening to the Devil they fell under his power, loving their own pleasure more than God, they lost their Happiness. Thus they who were made Wise, and Pow­erful, and Happy, made themselves foolish, and weak, and miserable.

We are all the children of sinful Adam, and of unholy Parents are born unholy, ignorant of God, our duty, and our happiness, dead to goodness, forward to evil, easily conquered by the temptations of the Devil, the [Page 12] World, and the Flesh; and if left to our selves must perish Everlastingly.

If God had punished Adam accord­ing to his sin with death; He had cut off Mankind from the Earth; But he was graciously pleased to shew mer­cy.

God suffered man to live for a time upon Earth, but so, as he might be sensible of the great evil he had brought upon himself by breaking God's Com­mandment.

The creatures are accursed to bring forth for him vanity and trouble, and vexation, hard labour, pains and sick­nesses come upon his body, he becomes ashamed of himself, and is filled with terrors of Conscience, and having strug­gled through many evils and difficul­ties must at last dye, and return to dust.

Yet God opened unto him a new way to Eternal happiness after death; in such a way as to magnifie his Love and Mercy to Mankind, and manifest his hatred of sin, and Zeal for the keep­ing [Page 13]of his Laws, that he might at once shew grace to the Offender, and secure the honour of his just govern­ment.

God did graciously promise that a man should be born of a woman, who should conquer the Devil, and deliver man from his Tyranny, and give such satisfaction unto God's Justice, that for his sake, all they should be Eternally happy that would accept of him for their Saviour.

Accordingly, God so loved the world, that he gave his only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not pe­rish; but have Everlasting Life.

God the Son took to himself our hu­mane nature, Soul and Body, and was made truly man, yet ceased not to be truly God, but is both God and Man in one Person, God manifested in the Flesh.

He was wonderfully made Man, by being Born without all stain of sin, of a pure Virgin called Mary, who [Page 14]conceived him by the Divine power of the Holy Ghost, when she had never known man.

An Angel from Heaven revealed his conception to the Blessed Virgin, and commanded his name to be called Jesus, because he was to save his peo­ple from their sins.

Being Born and Circumcised accord­ing to the Law, he lived many years upon earth in an humble and low condi­tion, gave us an example to imitate in his Life, doing the whole will of God, and conquering all the temptations of the Devil, and the World.

This is that Messia whom many Prophets had foretold, the very CHRIST, or anointed of the Lord to be a Prophet, a Priest and a King, and in this Threefold Office the Medi­ator of a New Covenant between God and Men.

As a Prophet he hath in his Gospel, and by his Apostles made known unto us all his Fathers will concerning our [Page 15] salvation, and the way to it.

As a Priest, he was Crucified, and dyed under Pontius Pilate, so offering himself once for all, a perfect and suf­ficient sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins, in consideration: whereof, God hath granted pardon and Life to all true Believers.

Being dead he was buried, and wentiamong the dead, and the Third day rose again to Life, now to dye no more, and having sealed the Covenant in his Blood, he left instructions with his Apostles to admit men into it by Baptism, and teach them how to keep it, and promised them the gift of the Holy Ghost.

After some dayes, he in their sight went up into Heaven, and is glorified at God's Right-hand, in Power and Majesty; And as King, ruleth and protecteth his Church, Reigneth in the hearts of his subjects, subdueth all his Enemies, and is our Advecate with the Father, rendering our persons and ser­vices [Page 16]accepted of him, and prevais­ing for all good blessings on us.

Shortly after his Ascension, on the day of Pemecost, Christ sent the Holy Ghost, the Eternal Spirit of the Fa­ther and the Son, upon the Apostles, to guide them into all saving truth, to enable them to Preach to every Nati­on in its own Language, to write the Holy Scriptures, and to seal and con­firm the truth of them by many Mira­cles, and wonderful works, and to en­courage them to a constant suffering for Christ, even unto death.

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the very Word of God, which Holy men of God spake, and writ as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and they contain all things ne­cessary to Salvation, and are the standing Sealed Rule of Faith and Life.

The Holy Ghost is Christ's Advo­cate, pleading his cause with men. He is our Sanctifier, enlightening, [Page 17]opening, softning, changing and re­newing our hearts and minds to re­ceive, and grow in knowledge and grace: Making the word effectual for our conviction and conversion, helping us to pray, and stirring us up to good­ness, comforting us with a sense of its operations, and strengthening us to withstand temptations, and hold out in a Christian course unto the end.

All those that are regenerated, en­lightened and converted by the Holy Ghost are one Holy Church, whereof Christ is the only Head. All that out­wardly profess Christianity, and have been Baptized, are to be accounded Holy by a visible separation and dedi­cation to God, till they cut themselves off by Schism, or are justly cast out by Excommunication.

Christ's Church is not limited to any Nation or People, but extends to all places, is propagated in all Ages, and containeth all saving truth; and in this sense is Ʋniversal or Catholick.

All the Sanctified Members of this Mystical Body of Christ, have Fellow­ship with the Father, and Son, by one Holy Spirit; with Angels in their love, care and Ministries, with the glorifi­ed Saints in Heaven in their love and prayers, and with one another on Earth, in the same Faith; and Hope, and Love, Word and Sacraments, bound to hold the Ʋnity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

All these have in consideration of Christ's satisfaction, a full pardon of all past sins given of God, and Sacra­mentally sealed unto them in Baptism, with an assurance of final justification and Salvation, upon condition of their perseverance in Repentance and Faith.

At death the souls of the faithful rest with God in peace and happiness, and the souls of the wicked go into an endless state of misery.

The bodies of all men shall be raised again after death, and shall be again united to their souls.

All men shall after the Resurrection appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, where the wicked shall be con­demned to Everlasting torments, but the Righteous shall be finally acquitted, and go into Everlasting Life and Joy, happy in the constant and perfect love of God, praising him, delighting in him, amongst all Blessed Angels and Saints to all Eternity.

IF any man would be saved, he must first be born again of the Holy Spi­rit, be converted, and become a new creature, Holy in Heart and Life; otherwise he cannot enter in the King­dom of God.

The grace of God hath appeared, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and Righteously, and Godly in this present World.

I must not think my self to be my own, so that I may live as I list; but must humbly acknowledge there is a God above me, whose I am, and whom I am bound to serve all the dayes of my Life.

I must take the true God alone for my God, even the Father, Son and Ho­ly Ghost, and worship him as my Ma­ker, Redeemer and Sanctifier.

I must by a daily diligent reading, studying and meditating on his word, and considering of his works labour, get a true knowledge of God, and not content my self in ignorance of him.

I must worship God in Spirit and in Truth, with the heart and soul sin­cerely.

I must stedfastly believe the whole Word of God, the History for my in­struction, [Page 21]the Precepts for my direction, the Promises for my encouragement, the threatnings to affright me from sin, bewaring of all temptations to unbelief or a false Faith.

I must live in a patient expectation, and hope of what God hath promised, neither despairing of mercy if I repent, nor presuming of Mercy, if I repent not.

I must love God as the chief good, with the highest love, chusing him for my only portion, delighting in him as my only comfort, willing to part with Life it self to enjoy him, and making light of all things, so I may please him, loving his Image as far as I see it in every man, especially in Jesus Christ my Saviour.

It is my duty to stand in awe of God's threatnings and judgments, and to be very cautious and circumspect in all my wayes, watching over my thoughts, words and actions, fearing to offend him in any thing; neither [Page 22] fearing nor loving any thing else so much, as to venture upon the least sin.

I must intirely trust and confide in God, both in all wants and dangers, whether of Soul or Body; Conscien­tiously using such means as he alloweth: Praying devoutly unto him for his Bles­sing, and casting all my care for the success upon him, not doubting of his never failing power and goodness:

I must walk humbly before God, thinking meanly of my self; renoun­cing all my own worth or merits, ac­knowledging all that I am, have or hope for to be of his gift, taking pati­ently and thankfully all his chastisements, and labouring to profit by them, and confessing that he doth all things wisely and well.

I must behave my self uprightly and sincerely, as in his presence; and do all I do as unto him, with a pure heart; avoiding all guile, dissimulati­on and hypocrisie; not indulging the [Page 23]least evil thought, inclination or de­sire; keeping up high and honourable thoughts of him, and preserving my Conscience tender, and my heart soft and easie to take the impressions of his word and spirit.

I must shun all gross representations of God, or likening him so much as in my thoughts to any creature. I am not to worship him after my own con­ceit or fancy, but according to the rules he hath given in his word; not with a formal, but a spiritual worship; drawing near unto him in Prayer and praise, and all his Ordinances with my heart and affections.

I must use the sacred name of God with all due reverence, not profaning it by blasphemous, idle or impertinent talk; or by false, common or needless swearing; or by breaking my Holy Vows and Covenants; nor any way giving occasion by my insincere pro­fession of his name unto others, to blaspheme or profane it.

I must honour the Lord in his day, by spending it in his Worship, medita­ting on, and praising him for his won­derful works of Creation and Redemp­tion. Especially in the Publick Assem­blies, bearing my part devoutly in the Prayers of his Church, attending to his word Preached and Read, and Communicating in his Sacraments.

I must not think too highly of my self, nor be proud of any thing I am, have or can do, seeing all is the unde­served gift of God.

I must not humour my passions, but labour to be of a meek, and quiet, and docible Spirit.

I must make use of my reason, in considering what I am, and whence I came, and whither I must go; why I live, and how I must dye, and what shall become of me after death; what I owe to God, and men, and my self, and how I pay it. I must often exa­mine the state of my Soul, and whe­ther I be converted from the state of [Page 25] sin, into the state of grace, and all my thoughts, words and actions, whether they be conformable to the will of God. I should often think of the vanity of this World, and sinful pleasures, the certainty of death, the impartiality of judgment, the glories of Heaven, the terrors of Hell, the comforts of a good Conscience, and what I must do to be saved, with the necessity of a Godly Life.

I must be heartily contented with my present lot and portion; not murmu­ring or repining at God's dealings, not ambitiously seeking a more high or plentiful condition, not fretting at my wants or sufferings, nor vexing my Soul with Worldly cares, nor envying the more flourishing condition of others, but conclude that best which God chu­seth for me.

I must be a good husband of my time, industriously improving it to the good of my self and others; not wast­ing it unprofitably in idleness, sports [Page 26]and vanities, but labouring in an ho­nest calling.

I must be chast and clean in Mind and Body, entertaining no wanton thought or desire, or look, or dress, shunning all lasciviousness and obscene discourse, books, gestures, and en­ticements to lust and uncleanness.

I must be temperate and moderate in eating, drinking, sleeping, recreati­ons and apparel; not pleasing my Appe­tite, or wasting my Estate, or loosing my time in any of them, but using them onely in such a measure as may best preserve my bodily health, to serve my Soul in serving God.

I must love my Neighbour as my self, and do to all men, as I would they should do to me, that is, all the good I can, rendering to every man his due.

Especially I must love, and do good to those that are of the Houshould of Faith, and love every man the more, by how much I see more of God's image upon him.

Above all, I must labour to do good to mens Souls, by teaching, reproving, exhorting, comforting and Praying for them; Not hurting, grieving, scan­da [...]izing or tempting them to evil, by advice, countenance or example.

Parents must dedicate their children to God, instruct and educate them in the knowledge and fear of God, cor­rect all vice in them, and give them good example, maintaining them, and providing honest callings for them, as they are able.

Children must love, honour, obey, serve, and as there is need relieve their Parents with all thankfulness.

Husbands and Wives must live in an holy, mutual, conjugal love to each other; helping one another in serving God, Educating their Children well, Ruling their Servants, and managing their necessary Affairs; the Wife li­ving in a quiet subjection to her Hus­band.

Masters must be kind and just to their servants; instructing them in God's service, as well as in their own; and servants must obey, and be faithful to their Masters.

All Superiors are to rule in Justice and Holiness, seeking God's Glory, and the publick good: and all inferiors are to be subject to the higher powers, paying tribute, and obeying their just Lawes for Conscience sake, not resist­ing, but to taking it Patiently, though they suffer wrongfully.

Ministers must fced and rule, and watch over the Souls of their flocks, and their flocks must freely contribute to their maintenance, honour them in love, and be obedient to them.

I must not take away anothers Life, nor hurt his Body, nor so much as be angry with him without a cause; but must preserve, as much as in me lyeth, his bodily welfare, even as my own.

I must not defile another's Wife, nor be guilty of Fornication, nor so much as look on any woman to lust after her; but do all I can to preserve the chastity of all.

I must not wrong another of any part of his Estate, by theft, robbery, fraud or deceit of any kind, but must secure his right, as much as my own, pay my debts duely, bargain honestly, and make restitution and amends for every wrong.

I must not wrong another's good name or credit, by false-witness, slan­dering, false-accusing, tale-bearing, reproaching, back-biting; but I must vindicate it as far as with truth I can; acknowledging all the good I see in eve­ry man, groundlesly suspecting no man. I must not make or speak any lye, but speak the truth plainly.

I must utterly cast off all selfishness, and not be tempted by any desire of pleasing my self, to covet any thing that is another mans.

I must love, pray for, and do good to my enemies; not rendring evil for evil, or seeking revenge, but forgiv­ing, as God for Christ his sake hath for­given me.

I AM not able naturally either to un­derstand the mysteries of Faith, or to do the Spiritual duties, which I am bound as a Christian, to believe and do. I must not therefore trust to my self, but by frequent, fervent and hum­ble Prayer apply my self to God, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the help of his Holy Spirit to quicken my dead­ness, enlighten my ignorance, and strengthen my weakness.

Of my self I know not how to pray, or for what to pray; I must therefore learn of Christ, who hath taught me thus to Pray,

Our Father, &c.

I must with all Humility, as an un­done sinner, approach unto God, in a [Page 32]true sense of his right in me, and domi­nion over me, as my Owner and Go­vernour, and of his love to me as my Father, so far reconciled unto all men in Jesus Christ, that he pitieth us, and hath as a gracious Father, provided all things needful to make us happy, and that he delighteth not in our death, but would have us turn and live as his children, happy in our Father's love and providence.

I must draw near unto him, as a pe­nitent, dutiful and loving child; hear­tily sorry that ever I offended him, rest­lesly longing to be reconciled unto him, resolvedly willing to resign and give my self up unto him, to be governed wholly by him; stedfastly believing and trusting in his power to save and bless me, and his willingness to receive me for his own adopted child in Jesus Christ.

Yet I must remember the greatness of his Divine Majesty, and the infi­nite distance betwixt a powerful, wise [Page 33]and good God in Heaven, and me a weak, foolish and sinful worm of the Earth; and so come with all humble reverence, falling down at his feet in a devout Adoration of his Majesty, long­ing to be made more Holy and Hea­venly, that I may be capable of a near­er Communion with him.

I must first heartily desire, that all the World may give him the glory due unto his Name; That He may be more perfectedly known, and loved, and honoured by men; and that in his Person, his Name, his Attributes, his Word, his Day, his Ordinances, his Ministers, and all his children. That he may be chosen, and Magnified as the supream good, have the chief place in our hearts and affections, and glori­fied in the World by our Godly lives.

I must next pray, that the Yoak of sin may be broken off, and we freed from the Tyranny of Satan; that we [Page 34]may joyfully own, and submit to the authority of God. That Christ's Church may flourish and be enlarged on earth, and that the Civil Powers may cherish and protect it; that the Power and ma­lice of it's enemies may be restrained and frustrated; that Christ may rule by his Spirit in our hearts subduing our Corruptions and ruling us in the way of Godliness; that we may earnestly long for, and diligently prepare for, and patiently wait for, and finally enter in­to God's Kingdome of glory.

I must in the 3 d. place pray, That men may not make the will of the de­vil, the Customs of the world, or their own inclinations and appetites, but the will of God alone the rule of their lives. That we may all sincerely obey his com­mands, and submit to his wisdome, and rest in his government. That we may alwaies endeavour after the perfection of duty, and as the Holy Angels of Heaven, rejoyce and delight in an Ho­ly Obedience.

My next petition is, That I may have all things needfull to preserve this life, till I be fitted for a better. That we may have health and Strength to serve God, and other outward good things, as they are expedient; that we may be free from the temptations of ri­ches or poverty, contented with our pre­sent portion; and wise to use it piously and Charitably. That God would pros­per our honest labours, keep us from immoderate cares and desires, from all idleness and intemperance.

In the next place I pray, that God would grant us soft hearts, and repen­tance unto life, a perfect hatred of sin, and power to leave it. That He would through Christ forgive all our sins origi­nal and actual; and grant us grace in thankfulness to him to forgive all that offend us, and to return good for evil.

Lastly, That God would enable us to watch against, and manfully to resist all temptations, that they may never prevail with us to do evil; that he [Page 36]would frustrate all the malicious designs of the devil, and all our enemies, and protect us by his grace, that we may persevere in obedience to our lives end.

I conclude my Prayers with ascri­bing unto God the honour of all his works, acknowledging his Dominion and Soveraignty over all, and my self happy in being his Subject; his infinite power, and my self happy in being un­der his protection; I acknowledge all things to be from him, our total de­pendance to be upon him, and that the glory of all goodness is due unto him. I desire this may by all the World be acknowledged for evermore; And with all hearty desire, and filial confi­dence, to all this I say, Amen; So be it.

CHrist Jesus hath instituted the night before he was betrayed a solemn Sacrament, and Christian Feast, to be celebrated by Christians, even till his coming again, in remembrance of him.

The outward matter to be received, is Bread and Wine, signifying the Body and Blood of Christ, as the food and refreshment of our Souls.

The Bread is Blessed-broken, and given to be received and eaten by us; The Wine likewise Blessed, poured out and given to be received and drunk by us; to signifie that Christ was Consecra­ted and Crucified, his body wounded, his blood shed for our sins, and that he giveth himself Crucified to be received [Page 38]and believed on as our Spiritual nourish­ment and comfort.

All that preparedly receive the Bread and Wine, do with it really receive Christ Crucified; and with him the par­don of their sins, and Assurance of Eternal Life, scaled a new unto them in this Sacrament for the confirming of their Faith, and growth in Grace.

We joyn in the celebration of this Feast to signifie, that we though many, are yet Members of one Body, the Church, joyned unto one Head, Jesus Christ, whose Death and Sacrifice we unanimously commemorate, with all thankfulness; Professing that we all own the same Lord, the same Faith, the same Laws, and are to live in love, peace and holiness, as the Members of the same body.

He that Communicateth in this Sacra­ment unworthily, is accounted by God, as guilty of the Body and Blood of Christ.

That we may avoid this guilt, we [Page 39]must examine our selves, whether we discern the Lord's Body, and under­stand what he gives there unto us, and what we there come to do.

We are also to examine, how we keep our Baptismal Covenant of Repen­tance, Faith and New Obedience, and if we find our selves truly thankful for the Blessing of our Redemption, by Je­sus Christ.

If we find our selves sincere Christi­ans, resolving to keep Covenant with God, we are there to renew our Cove­nant most seriously, praising God in Christ for this inestimable priviledge, rejoycing in his Salvation, and so go our way, and sin no more.

IT is appointed unto men once to dye, but after this the Judgment. Heb. 9.27.

Go to now, ye that say, to day or to morrow, we will go into such a Ci­ty, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain; whereas you know not what shall be on the mor­row; For what is your Life? it is even a vapour that appeareth for a lit­tle time, and then vanisheth away. Jam. 4.13, 14.

Behold now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of Salvation. 2 Cor. 6.2.

To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Heb. 4.7.

Remember now thy Creatour in the dayes of thy youth. Ecclesiastes 12.1.

We must all appear before the judg­ment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his bo­dy, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Cor. 5.10.

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we perswade men. 2 Cor. 5.11.

If you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. 1 Pet. 1.17.

God will render to every man ac­cording to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, honour and immortali­ty; Eternal Life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey [Page 42]the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath. Romans 2.6, 7, 8.

Work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling. Phil. 2.12.

Give diligence to make your calling and election sure. 2 Pet. 1.10.

The heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hear­ing, and their eyes have they closed, least they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and under­stand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Act. 28.27.

Save your selves from this untoward Generation. Act. 2.40.

Repent ye therefore, and be con­verted, that your sins may be blotted out. Act. 3.19.

Except ye be converted, and be­come as little children, ye shall not en­ter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18.3.

Except ye repent, ye shall all like­wise perish. Luk. 13.3, 5.

Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. Joh. 3.3.

Follow peace with all men, and ho­liness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Heb. 12.14.

Neither is there Salvation in any other, [but Christ:] for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Act. 4.12.

He that believeth on him is not con­lemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already. Joh. 3.18.

There is no condemnation to them [...]at are in Christ Jesus, who walk not [...]fter the flesh, but after the Spirit. [...]om. 8.1.

To be carnally minded is death, [...]t to be spiritually minded is Life and [...]eace. Ver. 6. If ye live after the [...]esh ye shall dye: but if ye by the [...]pirit do mortifie the deeds of the [Page 44]Body, ye shall live. Ver. 13.

Now the works of the Flesh are manifest, which are these, Adulte­ries, Fornication, Uncleanness, Las­civiousness, Idolatry, Witchcraft, Ha­tred, Variance, Emulations, Wrath, Strife, Seditions, Heresies, Envyings, Murders, Drunkenness; Revellings, and such like; — They which do such things shall not inherit the King­dom of God. Gal. 5.19. &c.

If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Romans 8.9.

If any man be in Christ he is a new creature. 2 Cor. 5.17.

They that are Christ's have Crucifi­ed the Flesh, with the affections and lusts. Gal. 5.

Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world: For if any man love the world, the love of the Fa­ther is not in him.

Whatsoever is born of God, over­cometh the world. 1 Joh. 5.4.

Let him that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity. 2 Tim. 11.19.

By this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the De­vil; whosoever doth not Righteous­ness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother; 1 Joh.

Let us walk honestly as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying: But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no pro­vision for the Flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Rom. 13.13, 14.

If any man come to me, and hate not his Father and Mother, and Wife and Children, and Brethren and Si­sters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my Disciple. Luk. 14.26.

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross, and follow me. Matthew 16.24.

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own Soul? Or what shall a man give in Exchange for his Soul? Ver. 26.

The Grace of God which bringeth Salvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live so­berly, Righteously and Godly in this present world: Looking for that bles­sed hope, and the Glorious appearance of the great God, and our Saviour Je­sus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all ini­quity, and purifie to himself a pecu­liar people, zealous of good works. Tit. 2.11, 12. &c.

Ye are all the children of the light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness; Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 1 Thes. 5.5, 6.

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great Salvation. Hebrews 2.3.

If the Righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly, and the fin­ner appear? 1 Pet. 4.18.

IT highly concerns me to examine and try, whether I be in a State of Sin, or in a State of Grace: that if I be in the former, I may hasten out of it, to escape damnation; and if in the later, I may bless God for his goodness, and go on to Salvation.

I Believe, Lord help thou my unbe­lief. I do most freely and heartily own, and with humble admiration and reverence, I do adore the great and dreadful, and incomprehensibly Glorious Majesty of Heaven and Earth. Most joyfully do I accept of thee, O Father, Son and Holy Ghost, for my only God. Thou, and thou alone art the inexhau­stible Fountain of all Being, Life, Pow­er and Goodness. I acknowledge my [Page 54]total dependance upon thee for my Be­ing, Life, Motion, Ʋnderstanding, and all things; and it will be my hap­piness to enjoy thy love and blessing.

Thou O God, art an Infinite, Eter­nal and Immortal Spirit, and the God and Father of Spirits, who though unseen, art every where present, about me, and within me; by thy infinite power, quickning, upholding, and pro­tecting me; by thine Infinite Wisdom providing for me, ordering and di­recting me; and by thy goodness bles­sing me.

To thee, one Glorious God in Three Persons, Blessed for ever, do I freely and wholly give my self, cheerfully de­dicating and resigning my Soul and Bo­dy, with all the powers and faculties of both, to be wholly disposed of by thee, in the service of thee, O Blessed Tri­nity in Ʋnity, Eternal Life, Light and Love, Power, Wisdom and Holi­ness, the Author of my preservation, [Page 55]Sanctification and Salvation.

Thou in a wonder of condescending love, offerest thy self as a gracious Father, in Jesus Christ to all Believ­ers.

Thou art the Maker of me, and all the World; I am nothing, I have no­thing, I can do nothing, I hope for no­thing but from thy power, wisdom and goodness; to thee alone be the honour and praise of all. I will more study my self, and other creatures, that I may learn to know, admire and love thee more. I can be proud of nothing, glory in nothing but in thee, in whom I live, and move, and have my being. I am not my own, I and all things are thine, and unto thee I freely resign my self, and all my concerns, to use and dispose of me and them as it pleaseth thee. Whatever thou dost with me, thou canst do me no wrong, no creature without thee can do me any good. 'Tis my perfection and happiness to know and love thee, and delight in thee; Thee [Page 56]alone I chuse for my portion, and thou alone shalt ever be enough for me.

To thee, as the Almighty Ruler of the World, I heartily submit my self; accepting thy Divine Will, for my only Law, by which my thoughts, words and actions are to be all governed. All thy Lawes I consent to, as most holy, just and good, and most thankfully acknow­ledge that nothing can be better than to rest in thy will: I will study thy will diligently, do it heartily, cheerfully submit unto it, be well contented with, and joyfully praise thee in whatsoever thou doest. I will readily obey thy com­mands, patiently bear thy chastisements, and wholly confide in thy blessing and protection.

I confess Lord, that I am born a cor­rupt thing, and have added a thousand times more to that corruption; I am fallen from that knowledge, power and uprightness, wherein thou madest Adam, and am exceeding ignorant, weak and wicked, averse from truth and [Page 57] goodness, inclined mightily to falshood and evil; all this I sadly feel in my self, it is an heavy burden unto me.

Except I be born again of thy Spirit, be converted by thy word, made a new man, and a real change wrought both in my heart and life, I must remain under thy wrath and curse, Everlast­ingly wretched. Our misery lying in our fall from thee our Creator, to the creature, and in our desire to please our selves more than thee our God; our due portion is to perish by our own wretched choice, and having chosen to sin with devils, 'tis but just we share with devils in Everlasting torments. Having wilfully broken thy Laws, we cannot hope for impunity from thee, the just Governour of the World, ex­cept some satisfaction be made unto thy Justice.

O the wonder, even ravishing and astonishing wonder of thy rich mercy! How should I ever be able to acknow­edge thy unspeakable goodness in thy [Page 58]compassion to sinful men? Early and freely didst thou promise us a Redeemer and a Saviour; and I do very feeling­ly own thy faithfulness and truth in performing to the full that gracious pro­mise. How do I admire and adore thy wonderful wisdom, in the rare contri­vance of our rescue, by sending thine own Eternal, and only begotten Son, to tender himself unto us for a Saviour, and make us new and easie termes of peace and reconciliation.

Lord, on the bended knees of my Soul I do accept thy mercy, offering thy self again unto me as a reconciled Father, desiring to love, honour and obey thee for ever, and humbly be­seeching thee to own me amongst thy adopted children.

I do humbly admire, and joyfully imbrace thine infinite love, O blessed JESUS, who being the great God bles­sed for ever, yet humbledst thy self to be cloathed in our weak and frail na­ture, to be born of a woman, made un­der [Page 59]the Law, to live a mean life in a wicked world, to expose thy self to the temptations of Satan, to suffer all indignities from sinners, to shed thy precious blood upon a cursed tree, and lie in a grave, and undergo the condi­tion of the dead for us sinful wret­ches.

Lord I am fully satisfied by thy ri­sing again to life the third day, that thou hast overcome the devil and death, and given satisfaction to thy Father's Justice, and finished the great work of our Redemption. I know thou art now triumphant in Heaven, invested with all power and glory on the Right-hand of thy Father, our prevailing advo­cate making intercession for us: and thee I comfortably expect to be our Judge at the last day.

Thou O Glorious Jesus hast Esta­blished an Everlasting Covenant of peace, and sealed it with thy blood: and with all my Soul I praise thee for this thine inestimable love, not doubt­ing [Page 60]keeping of that pardon and grace, and glory which thou therein hast assured unto us, if I unfeignedly accept of thy mercy, and enter in this Holy Covenant.

O JESUS CHRIST, in all sincerity of heart, and with all thankful love and joy I do accept of thee my only Sa­viour. I do most humbly submit my self to be taught by thee, and will make thy Gospel my dayly study: I trust in thy merits only, and give my self to be governed by thy Laws, and denying my self I am ready to take up thy Cross, and bid open War to all thine enemies, and take thy easie Yoke and light burden upon me.

Lord the unfeigned desire of my Soul is, that thou mayest be formed in me, and take full possession of me, that I may henceforth live by the Faith of thee the Son of God. I resolve thy will shall be my will, thy life my pat­tern, thy Law my Rule. I will set my self to resist the temptations of the devil, despise the vanities of the world, [Page 61]and mortifie the carnal desires of my flesh; all afflictions shall seem light to me, and death it self better than life, that I may obey thee, and live with thee.

I consecrate my self unto thee, to dye daily unto sin, to Crucifie the flesh, to rise again unto Righteousness, to have my Conversation in Heaven, my heart and affections with thee my only treasure. My confidence is in thy me­rits, my Prayers sent to God in thy name and intercession, my practice to be conformable to thy example, the longings of my Soul to be with thee for ever.

I will do my endeavour that my thoughts, words and actions may be such as thou wilt approve of in the day of Judgment; I will not envy the pre­sent happiness of the wicked, nor be dis-heartned by my suffering, but re­ferr all to thy Righteous Judgment; I will watch over my heart and life, and daily examine my Conscience, and [Page 62]keep it tender and good; and labour that the accuser may have nothing to lay to my charge before thy Judgment Seat.

I do heartily accept of thee, O Ho­ly Spirit of the Father, and the Son, for my Sanctifier, my Guide and Com­forter. I embrace the Holy Scriptures, given by thy inspiration, as the infalli­ble truth of God; I own the Ministry as thine Ordinance, and every good motion of my heart, as thy work. To thee, O Holy Spirit, do I give up my self in a constant attendance on the Word and Ordinances, and secret work­ings, longing to be quickned, enlightned, renewed and cleansed, strengthned against all temptations, carried on to­wards perfection, confirmed in the hopes of Eternal Life, and sealed unto the day of Redemption.

I look upon my self as a member of the common body of all Christians, and own thee, O Blessed Jesus, the only head of this thy Body the Church. I [Page 63]acknowledge it my Eternal Interest and Duty in the Holy Communion of all Believers to Worship thee, O Glorious God, in the Assemblies of thy Saints. I look upon all Christians, and my self amongst them, as men separated from the wicked world, enlivened by one Spirit, professing one Faith of the Ho­ly Trinity, all Covenanted together with God in one Baptism, bound to hold the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, loving God above all, and each other as our selves, with a fellow feeling of one another's sufferings, a free Communicating to one another's necessities, Temporal and Spiritual, and a mutual rejoycing in one another's happiness.

Continuing in this Holy Society, whereinto I have been graciously cal­led by thy Word and Holy Spirit, I will endeavour to solace and comfort my self in a joyful sense of the blessed pri­viledges thou therein affordest us: Es­pecially in the pardon of my sins by [Page 64]thy free mercy, through the merits of Christ my Saviour, and Sanctification of thy Holy Spirit, tendered unto me in the Ministry of thy word, and seal­ed in the Sacraments: I should de­serve a thousand Hells, should I go on any longer in sin, under so much mer­cy. I resolve therefore to attend on the Ministry of reconciliation all the daies of my life, and to strive against all sin for ever.

To this end my death shall be much in my thoughts, and my life a continu­al preparation for it. I will look upon every day as if it were my last, and every day renew my Covenant; So shall I be ready with joy when thou callest, O Lord, to bid farewel to all below, and come to thee. I doubt not but my body shall at the last day be rai­sed again a glorious body, no longer a burden or temptation to my Soul. I will no longer wast my time in immode­rate caring for it, feeding, adorning and pampering of that which must [Page 65]shortly be loathsome rottenness, Stench and Worms meat, which now loads and tempts my Soul to sin, and hinders its Ascensions towards God; but I will mortifie it, and keep it low, that thou mayest exalt it to glory.

O thy wonderful goodness who hast provided for us poor sinners, a Life Everlasting, who deserve not one sin­gle moment of this Life. Lord, grant me grace to be pure as thou art pure, that I may see thee, and rejoyce in thee for ever, in thy Heavenly Kingdom. O when shall I come and appear before God? Lord, it is certain that a world­ly, carnal heart, unconverted, unre­newed, is not capable of taking any pleasure or delight in thee, nor can it find any happiness in Heaven it self, nor any relish in those Heavenly pleasures, which are at thy Right-hand for ever­more. Cleanse me O Lord, and renew me daily by thy Spirit, then shall I cheerfully bid adieu to a vain world, empty pleasures, frail life, and a [...] [Page 66]self, and feed only on the hopes of Eter­nal Life, and enjoying, loving, prai­sing thee my God, my All for ever­more; This O Lord thou hast promised in thy word, this thou hast assured us of, and sealed unto us in the blood of thy Son; This thou confirmest unto all the Sanctified Members of thy Church by thy Holy Spirit. To all this I here most heartily say; Amen.

Come Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.