A GUIDE to HEAVEN From the WORD: OR, GOOD COUNSEL How to close savingly with Christ.
Short but Serious Questions to ask our [...]arts every Morning and Evening, whe [...]r we walk closely with him.
Especially, Rules for the strict and due Observation of the [...]ORD'S DAY.
Printed by Samuel Green, 1689.
A Guide to Heaven from the WORD, or Good Counsel how to Close savingly with Christ.
Twelve Rules to prepare you for closing with Christ.
WOrk your hearts unto a thorow and unfeigned belief of the Arti [...] of [...]ur Faith: Believe certainly and firm [...] [...] the least doubt, that there is a great [...] glorious God, that Jesus Chris is his only [...] the alone Saviour: tha [...] the Bible is [...] Word of God, that un [...]btedly there [...] a place as Heaven and [...], Heb. 11.6.
2. Really believe that you carry within your [...] precious and immortal Souls; which [...] be a [...]i [...]dge, by this God to one of those [...] places there to be for ever and ever, Mat. [...].26. &c.
3. Assure your selves that the last Sentence [...] he past according to your well or ill beha [...] your selves in this life. Every man shall rewarded according to his works, 2 Cor. 5. [Page 2] 10, 11. Mat. 3 10, 11. Eccles. 8. 11, 12, 13.
4. [...] upon it, that it is very difficult to come to that Heaven, and that the way to [...] is broad and easie. Remember still you have deceitful hearts within you, a wicked Devil nigh you, and snares: [...] and before you, Mat, 7. 1 [...]
Say my time is short, my [...] my strength is small.
5. Certainly believe it, [...]
6. [...] How [...] though out of a poor [...] a glorious Palace [...] Out [...] dangers into an [...] haven o [...] Peace, Rest and Plenty or can all the Riches, Honours and Pleasure here make a man going to that Hell happy: What a terrible [Page 3] Hell will Hell be to great ones, that have [...] all their dayes in pleasure! it is much to change a Palace for the dark silent Grave! Jewels and Deckings for Worms and rottenness. But what is it to have sweet singings turned into bitter howlings? [...]eckt and glittering rooms, pleasant Walks, [...] Attire, [...] Fare into dark Dungeons, unquenchable [...] of Fire and Brimstone? Mal. 3. 15 to 18. [...]uk. 12. 16, to 21.
7. Seriously think, I may get to [...] [...]eaven, and avoid the fearful Plagues [...] of Hell. If I shall come to glory, what a God shall I enjoy for ever and ever? Into what blessed Arms and Bosome shall I cast my Soul? and if I should go to hell at last, [...] I [...]ear up under the weight of Gods Venge [...] [...]? well, yet there is hope, Gods heart, the door of Grace, and the Gate of Heaven yet [...] open. How would the damned in H [...]ll [...] thousands of Worlds (if they had them) [...] may be! Heaven, Grace, and Christ are offered, and dare I refuse all? can I venture the loss of Soul and Body for ever and ever? Heb 13.31.
8. If I miss of Glory, it will be my own fault my damnation will lie at my own door: God can clear himself of my blood; his proffers of Grace are free and frequent, earnest and real; and shall I murder my own Soul? Ezek. 18. 32. [Page 4] Joh. 5.40. It may be written over my Grave, Here is one that destroyed himself, that would go to Hell through mercies, judgements and warnings.
9. Debate the case with your soul solemnly, what is there in sin, that I so much dote on? what are my greatest designs and projects in the [...] of happiness our [...] I get the Houses, [...] at; and if [...] Certainly conclude, [...] wile unto [...] work it out with [...] it, Pro. 3. 13, 14, &c. [...] your hearts, [...] your hearts sound [...] have [...] the [...] is sound, [...] reforming? Am I [...] set Ston-ward, [...]
[...] black, and hellish, [...] I seen it in the glass [...] but in Christ's blood, exceeding and above measure sinful? Ro.7.13
2. Do I see in Jesus Christ a beauty and excellency, a fulness and alsufficiency? is he the chiefest [Page 5] of ten thousands, altogether lovely in mine eye? can I say, Oh thousands of gold (if I had it) [...] an Interest in Christ's Blood, and cleansing, healing, peace speaking-blood: None but Christ: All is but dung, that I may win him, Phil 3.7,8.
11. Take it for granted, that there is no Name under Heaven whereby you can be saved, but Jesus Christ. [...] life, and that to come [...] the channel of Christ [...] 4.10,11,12. Say, by [...] and hardned Gods he [...] my self open to all [...] in the Bible! [...] and if I could bring [...] all my friends, the [...] riches of all the [...] make up this woful [...] do it.
12. Believe it, that save such as we that [...] only able but willing [...] grace. What [...] bosome, put [...] glory, but love to [...] drink the [...] make such loud calls, [...] be rejected and wait, [...] long, but love to sinners, John 6. 35, 37. [Page 6] Twas love to Soul made him give up his body to be broken, that precious box of Ointment, which fills both Heaven and Earth with its sweet savour and pleasant perfumes. Having throughly weighed and believed these foregoing propositions: then come to Christ these thirteen ways.
Directions how to close with Christ.
1. COme to Christ, a poor, lost, and undone Wretch, hopeless and helpless? as to an only, able, and merciful Saviour. Cry out as one sinking under the Waves and boisterous Tempests of sin, Master, save, or else I perish, If thou wilt, thou canst, Heb. 7. 25. fa [...] with Thomas, My Lord, and my God, my Christ, and my Saviour [...] put the hand of thy Faith into Christs pierced and bleeding sides, Joh. 20, 27, 28. Say as they, Joh. 6. 68. Whither should I go but unto [...]ch a Saviour? thou hast eternal life. Thou [...] help me out of the deep and miery ditch [...] sins, and over the fiery and fearful gulf of Gods wrath, and canst bring m [...] into the blessed presence, yea, into the graciou [...] arms, bosom, and embraces of the God of glory. I stretch out the weak arms of my Faith to thee: O stretch out the strong arm of the power and mercy, and come and save me.
2. Come as an humble, broken, and relenting sinner to an offended Majesty. Come trembling [Page 7] with tears in your eyes, and deep sorrow in your heart. Come as one vile in the sight of God, your self men and Angels. As the poor Publican, not worthy to look up to heaven, smite [...] thy wicked heart. As the Centurion say, I am not worthy thou shouldest come under the roof of my heart. As the Prodigal, I have sinned against Heaven, and am not worthy to be an hired Servant. Yet there is mercy enough in my Fathers heart, and thy merits, Isai. 9.1. I have let [...] many poysonous Bullets, and bitter arrows of Sin against thee; I have by sin fetcht (as it were) blood from thy precious heart afresh, though it ran so freely and abundantly for my [...]; but now a sight thy pierced side breaks my heart with sobs and sighs. My sins are row as so many pricks in my side, thorns at my heart, and ropes about my neck.
3. Come as a filthy, polluted, loathsome Creature, to a cleansing Fountain of Grace: Lazarus in all his sores, or Joh on the Dung hill with his s [...]abs and botches, were not so filthy and abominable in the eye of man, as I am through the running sores and plagues of my heart and life, in the sight of an holy and pure God. I am more vile then the Toad, then the thinking Carrion in the Ditch. How doth this [...] stream through every duty and mercy, I stop the filthiness of sin wherever I go. Oh [Page 8] wash, cleanse and purifie me in thy blood, Joh. [...]5. 16, 42. Unclean, unclean. Thy body was broken to let out thy blood for my sake, and shall not my heart be broken to let out the filth and gore of my sin?
4. Come as a bond-slave, drudge, and Vassal to Christ as to a Redeemer complain of the Devils cruel usage, and sins tyrannizing: Say, Lord, thou hast paid a price sufficient: Thou hast redeemed me by thy precious blood, that is more worth then ten thousand Worlds. Knock off these iron Fetters, rescue me out of this hellish Dungeon of sin. I have no command of my head, or heart, of my tongue or passions. How do lusts domineer! Luk. 4. 18. Heb. 2. 14, 15. Rom. 12. 13, 24. Here I lie staked down to the Earth by a carnal heart.
5. Come as a sin sick Soul to Christ, as to the only able Physitian. As sick persons crying out of an aking head, or griping bowels: So complain, Oh the plague of an hard heart! the galls and gripes of a wounded conscience! the wounds and stabs I have given my Soul by sin [...] Here I am sick to the very heart, fainting and perishing, Oh a drop of thy blood, that is a cordial indeed, the soveraign Balm of Gilead. These many years, yea, all my life have I been diseased with the bloody issue of sin, and all others are Physitians of no value; but if I may [Page 9] but touch the hem of thy righteous garment, I shall be whole, Mat. 9. 20, 21, 22. I come to thee with mine Ulcers and Imposthumes to be lanched, that the rotten members of my body of sin may be cut off.
6. Come weary and heavy laden with your sins to Christ for rest and ease, Mat. 11. 28, 29. Good Paul groaning under the weight of sin, makes many heavy heart burning complaints, Rom. 7. 18, 19, 24. but yet in ver. 25. he triumphs in Christ: Holy David, restless and disquiet [...]oars under sin, Psal. 38. 1, to 9. Those sins that were as jewels in your eye, yea, as your right and or eye, are they now as Mill-stones and hands to your Soul.
7. Come as a poor, needy, and naked creature to Christ, as the poor to the rich Mans door [...] Alms. Come quite stript naked of your own righteousness, Rev. 3. 17, 18. cry out of our spiritual Poverty, Lord, not one penny of race to help my self. Never a poorer wretch [...] to t [...]ee for mercy; Grace I want, if I pe [...] it shall be at thy feet, begging and praying, will not be thrust away from thy door, behold [...]ant of Faith, Patience, Love, &c. Not able [...] think or speak, to do, or suffer. Oh let the [...]eet gales of thy Spirit bring thy rich promises [...]aught with incomparable grace & comfort, to [...]lade their heavenly treasure into my bosome, [Page 10] Give me the Key of Faith, that I may unlock thy rich Store-house, and fetch what I want.
8. Come as an hunger stary'd Soul for bread of life, thirsting and panting for Soul refreshing grace, Isai. 55. Beg, cry out, Bread, Bread. In some Countries through great want they cry, give, and cut me, (holding out their arm) give and kill me. Cry, give Lord, and strike me, give me heavenly food, and do what thou wilt with me: Say Lord, if but as a Dog, I may receive crumbs that fall from thy full table of Grace. Thirst and behold in every bleeding deep wound of Christ a fountain of rich flowing mercy. Each heavenly promise steept in that sweet blood of Christ by Faith can afford a full satisfying meal of joy and comfort to thy pining hunger bitten soul. Apply the lips of thy Faith to these full breasts, to those over, overflowing wells of Salvation. Say, Lord open those precious [...] of Ointment, and sprinkle them on my dead, barren, parched, thirsty heart. May I have but bread, but a [...] will be as a refreshing Cordial; how [...] will a feast of fat things be, wine on the [...]
9. Come as a foolish ignorant, and [...] Schollar to Christ, as to a great [...] School master. Say, Lord, it is [...] teach me, or I shall never learn: I [...] understand, but thou canst and dost [...] [Page 11] people to profit: Lord, that I may receive my spiritual eye-sight: Thou hast many an heavenly Lesson to teach, as Faith, Patience, Self denial, &c. I am come to be thy Disciple, I have along time been under the teachings of thy Spirit. Thou art meek and not harsh, Mat. 11.29
10. Come as an unskilful, trembling Souldier, as a weak David strugling with Bears, [...], and Goliah, with Principalities and Powers. Come to Christ as the Captain of your Salvation; say, Lord, it is thou must teach my hands to war, and my fingers to fight. It is thou must fight my Battles for me, or I shall fall by the hands of these strong & towring Lusts. What batteries, [...]faults, and storms doth Sa [...]raise against my soul! Heb. 2. 10. Eph. 6. 12.
11. Come as a condemned Malefactor and [...] Prisoner to Christ, as to your Advocate and [...]tercessour: lay open your bad Cause and sad estate.
[...] Your crimes are great and fearful, horrid [...]reason, and that against the highest Majesty. 2. Your accusers and adversaries many, subtil, [...]ligent and cruel. The Devil, your own heart and acquaintance can bring in black bills against [...]ou. 3. The Law of God condemns you, and your doom is dreadful. 4. The great God [...]our judge, is highly incensed, afronted and dishonored. Now apply your self to Jesus [Page 12] Christ, who has undertook as bad causes: say, Lord, stand between the flaming fire, and revenging sword of Gods wrath and my poor Soul, 1 Tim. 2. 5.
12. Come as a willing Servant to a good Mister, as a loyal Subject to your only Lord and Soveraign, to obey, honour and love him above all others, and that to the death, say, here I am, what wilt thou have me to do? Here is my head to know thee, my heart to love thee, my tongue to praise thee, mine ears to hear thy voice, and mine hands and feet to do thy will. Other Lords besides thee have ruled over me. But thou art my only Saviour and Prince, Act. 5. 30, 31. Heb. 5 9▪ I dislike none of thy commands, they are righteous good and reasonable, but I find fault with mine own wretched heart, that I can no more heartily love, and readily obey them. Say, thy work is as Adam's was in Paradise, a pleasure and not a toyl; as the Bee labouring, sucks honey and sweetness, 1 Joh. 5.8. What sweet, soul ravishing work will my heart make of praying, hearing, and meditation &c. when thou streamest forth thy graces, these blessed silver drops of heaven into every vein of my Soul.
13. Come as a poor worthless Spouse to Christ, as to an honourable and glorious Husband, come both for thy Wedding Garment [Page 13] and matchless portion. Come as Abigail to David, 1 Sam. 25. 41, 42. Say Lord, here I am meanly, yea, vilely descended, by sin a child of Satan and thou art the Lord from Heaven. Enoble me with thy grace, which is divine and heavenly blood, far above the heroical blood of Ancestors. Here I am ragged, decrepit, and deformed through sin: cover my filth and nakedness with thy white, spotless Garment, that my shame appear not. What is plaiting the hair, decking a filthy flimy carkass, to the adorning the Soul with invaluable grace! Every grace of thine is a rich Diamond, a Pearl, yea far above. The soul fill'd with God, is a little Heaven on Earth; and these graces are the bespangling Stars and glittering Lamps thereof. Read that notable Description, Ezek. 16. 3. to
14. These rich Ornaments, this Crown not of gold but of grace and glory, none but Christ's Bride wears. Every morning set your self solemnly as in the presence of God Omniscient, and charge your heart to give in a true answer to these enquiries, as it will account for these, and many other things at the day of Judgement before all the World.
Serious Questions to put to our Souls every Morning.
Quest. 1. H ow did I lie down and rise up? was God in my thoughts? and if so, were the thoughts of him sweet and precious to my Soul, Psal. 139 2, 3, 4. & 92. 1, 2.
2. In what frame is my heart at present? do I admire Gods goodness for the last nights sleep, for adding more time to my life: and am I heartily thankful, Prov. 3. 24.
3. Can I really commit all my affairs to God this day, to be guided by his Counsel, protected and provided for by his care, and to be willing to be at his dispose? Mat. 5. 25. &c. 1 Pet. 5. 7. Psa. 37. 4.
4. Am I resolved to speak for God and his glory, whatever it cost me? in the strength of Christ I will not be terrified from, be ashamed of, or grow weary in well doing? Mark 8. 38.
5. Am I a Child of God, an Heir of Glory? or a slave to sin, and a child of Satan? if I am Gods child, must I not wear the glorious garment of Christ's Righteousness, that royal, sparkling Livery of Heaven? if an heir of Heaven, should I not cast off the Rags of Corruption, and take heed of defiling my self with the mire of sin? Deu. 5. 32 Judg. 23. What should I do more then others, Mat. 5. 47.
[Page 15] 6. Who is the greatest deceiver? if my heart, let me not trust, but watch over it all this day; wherein are the greatest dangers, the most horrid and [...]ful mistakes? if about mens Souls, let me venture the loss of all rather then of my precious never dying Soul, Jer. 17. 3. 13.
7. What are mine implacable, potent, and Soulruining Enemies, but the Flesh, the Devil and the World? let me not pamper the one, hearken to the second, or idolize the third; let me beware of them, watch and be sober, Rom. 8. 8. &c. Gal. 5. 17. 19. 1 Pet. 5. 8. Jam. 4. 4. 1 Joh. 2. 15.
8. Who is and can be my best Friend, but God? let me take care in all things to please him, fear of provoking him. Let me love him with all my heart, obey him with all my might, and honour him throughout all the day, Psal. 144. 15.
9. Wherein is the greatest vanity and vexation but in the world? Let me then slight, and not admire and adore it. What is the sure gain and most lasting good? Certainly Godliness, let me then prize, press after, and live in it, Eccles. 1. 2. 1 Tim. 4. 8. Chap. 6. 6, 7.
10. What is my heavenly work, but to run a race, fight a good fight, strive and wrestle? Can this be without care, diligence and watchfulness? 1 Cor. 9. 24. O that a vein of Religion might run thorow all I do this day!
11. Whose eyes will be upon me all this day to [Page 16] observe head and heart, lip and life? will not God's the judge of all the Earth? and dare I sin in his presen [...]? dare I so highly affront him to his face? Heh, 4. 1 [...], Gen. 39 9.
12. If I should spend this day in vanity, sin and idleness, will it not be bitterness and sorrow at night? if I spend it holily and profitably, shall I not pray with more confidence, and lie down with the more peace? will not the testimony of a good Conscience be ground of great rejoycing? Psal. [...], 7, 8. 2 Cor. 1. 12.
13. How would I have this day represented at the great day of Judgement? what words, thoughts and actions, would I have then brought forth? let wine be such; for certainly all must then be laid open, 2 Tim. 6. 11, 12, 17, 18, 19. Eccl. 11. 8.
14. How may I this day order my secular business, with most wisdome and honesty, and for my greater advantage? Psal. 1. 12, 5,
15. Am I fit now to pour out my self to God in Prayer? can I first and chiefest seek the Kingdome of God? Mat. 6. 33. Psal 52. 3.
Separate your self every evening from all Company, and ask your heart these Questions: And wherein you have been guilty, be heartily sorrowful, and beg pardon: and wherein God has enabled you to be in any measure faithful, bless God and be thankful.
Every Evening ask these Questions?
1. WHat have I done this day for God & his glory? what can I look back upon with comfort, Mic 6.8.
2. In what frame hath mine heart been all this day? what have I desired most, heavenly or earthly things? hath my joy been more in God, and hope of glory, then in riches, honours, &c? was my grief most for sin, or for [...]roubles? what have I suckt comfort from and [...]ived upon; creatures the Cistern, or God the Fountain? Jer. 2. 12, 13. Heb. 3. 17, 18.
3. What were my aims and ends, in what I went about? have I been sincere and exercised [...] good conscience towards God and Men? did [...] eat and drink, pray and discourse with an eye to Gods glory, or rather did self fit uppermost in all? 1 Cor. 10. 31. 1 Pet. 4, ii.
4. What spiritual duties have I performed this day? did I regard the manner as well as the matter? out of conscience did I do them, and not out of custome? did I pray fervently, read with care and observation, meditate so seriously as thorowly to aff [...]ct the heart? Rom. 12. 11. [...] Tim. 5. 13. Prov 10. 4. 1 Thes. 4. 11.
6. What have been my company this day? what good have I done to them, or received [Page 18] from them? did I reprove, exhort, strengthen, encourage, comfort, or warn, as occasion was given, and need required? Col. 4. 9. Heb. 10. 24, 25.
7. How have I born the troubles and crosses of the day? did I not murmure, vex, nor sink? did I not entertain hard thoughts of, nor utter rash words against God? Phil. 4: 11, 12.
8. What were my Temptations this day, and what my sins? was I not easily drawn into sin? little over-awed or restrained by Gods all seeing eye, merciful heart, or revenging hand? was I not soon proud, angry, &c. did I not long continue in it, and have I yet thorowly repented of it? what conviction, or mercy, or warning did I sin against, Isai. 5. 9. 12, 13. Jer. 1. 6.
9. What were my mercies this day, and how was my heart under them? was I affected with Gods goodness, and unfeignedly thanful, and therefore cheerfully fruitful in good works? Have I prized my health, friends and estates, &c. Eph. 5. 20.
10. What have I learnt this day? what more heart affection knowledge have I got of God and his glory, of my self and my sins: of this world and that to come? Phil. 1. 9. 2 Pet. 3. 18. Col. 1. 9, 10.
11. What of Gods Word have I remembred [...] read, repeated, or heard this day? was any [Page 19] Scripture sweet and good to my Soul? What promise did I by Faith make mine own? what particular comfort did in any thing sway and rule me, 2 Tim. 3.15,16,17.
12. What graces have I especially exercised? have I lived by Faith, loved God with all my heart and soul? denied my self in any thing dear to me for God? 2 Pet. 1.6.
13. Have I this day lived upon, loved honoured and reverenced God the Father, as my Sun, Shield and Portion? have I this day prized, owned, and made use of Christ as my Saviour, Intercessour and Friend; as my Root, Head and Husband? hath the Holy Ghost been to me a director or comforter, a qu [...]ckner or confirmer? have I cherished and not quenched its motions? Psal.84. 11.
14. Have I been affected with the evils of sin or misery of others, of Nation, Parish and Family, of Friends or Foes? have I had a pitiful heart, or bountiful hand to any in want? Psal. 119. 106. Jam.2.15,16.
15. Have I shewn more especial love and pity to those that are of the houshold of Faith? how have I honoured those that fear the Lord? Psal. 15. 4. & 16 3. Hath a godly Job or Lazarus, though in rags and sores, been unto me as an orient Pearl on a Dung hill? have I not valued men more according to greatness then goodness? Gal. 6. 10.
[Page 20] 16. Did the Church of God and interest of Christ [...]ly near my heart this day, have I heartily prayed for the welfare of Sion? and mourned when its songs are turned into lamentation, and its glory into desolation? Do I prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy? Jer. 19.1,
17. Can my Family witness that I have done any good for or to them? can those that best know me, speak best for me? have I been good as Husband or Wife? Psal. 102. 2. &c. as Parent or Child, as Master or Servant, Eph. 6. 25. &c.
18. Have I wronged no man in his Estate, by over-reaching him; in his Name by slandering, or back biting, 1 Thes. 4. 6. in his Soul or body, by letting him fall into, or live in any sin or trouble, have I done to others, as I would they should do to me? Mat. 7. 12.
19. Have I for given mine Enemies, rejoyced at others mercies, and not envied any ones honour, riches or friends and coveted them? Luk. 6 27, to 35. Mat, 6. 12, 14, 15.
20. Am I of a quiet, peaceable Spirit? have I not quarrelled and contended with my Neighbours? or do I make up breaches, and follow peace with all men [...] do I honour the King, and obey Governours for conscience sake, Rom. 12. 18. &c 13. [...].
21. Hath my cloathing been suitable to my place and station? hath my carriage been so [...], [Page 21] discreet and serious? have I not been vain [...]anton, nor frothy in my discourse or Spirit? [...] Pit. 3,3,4. Tit. 2.1, &c.
22. Have I scorned and contemned the glory of the world, accounting it but dirt for Grace and dross for Christ? 1 Joh. 5. 4. 5.
23. Have I really set death before me? My life is as a vapour a shadow? if I should die daily what a preparation have I made for it? am I sure, but this is my last night? If God should [...]hut mine eyes by death how is it like to be with my Soul? dare I lye down with the guilt or filth of any one sin? is there any returning from the Cor. 15.54, &c. Prov.27.1.
23. Can I tell how great the day of Judgement will be? how glorious and terrible? and [...]are I meet Christ coming in flaming fire, with [...] thousand of my sins to take vengeance? can hold up my head? are my graces sound, and of the right kind? All is not gold that glisters. Have I this day searcht, judged and condemned my self, 1 Cor. 11. 31. 2 Cor. 5. 10, 11. 2 Thess. [...]9, 10.
25. Do I believe Hell torments dreadful and eternal: Its flames unspeakable scorching? [...] misery endless and easeless? and do I not fly from this wrath to come? Rev. 14. 10, 11.
26. Have I ascended in the triumphant [Page 22] Chariot of Faith this day, and beheld the new Jerusalem, Gods glorious Palace? did I live, love, think, talk as an Heir of this Kingdome, Eph. 1. 18, 19.
27. Have I not in all I have done, minded man more then God? have I not minded only the cleansing the out side? Eph. 6. 5, 6.
28. Dare I lie down this night without praying ear nestly to God for the pardon of my sins, the blessings of the night, and the salvation of my Soul.
Directions for the strict Observation of the LORDS DAY.
For Preparation.
1. ORder all your week business so wisely before hand, that you may have no unnecessary work on Gods day; that your hands may be as free as possible from worldly work, and your head from worldly cares & thoughts, Exod. 20. 8, 9, 10, 11.
2. Think seriously what a weighty work am I going about! my week affairs are but Toy [...] and Trifles to this. What are Sheep and Oxen, or Shops, to Grace, Christ, or Heaven? Can I be too careful and serious in Gods work, in Soul salvation work? Surely no. How holy [Page 23] [...]ould my thoughts be, how heavenly my dis [...]ourse, how earnest my endeavours all the day [...]ong, Isai. 58. 13, 14.
3. Therefore prepare with all your might, [...]arch your hearts and lives, 1 Chron. 29. 1, 2.
1. Find out what your sins are, to confess, [...]ourn over, and pray against, Lam. 3. 20.
2. What the mercies are you want for Soul or Body, for your Friends, Families, and Nation; account this day a Market day for your Souls, Rev. 3. 17, 18.
3. What blessings received, and what thanks to be returned, Psal. 116. 12.
4. Think with your self, what good did I get by former, yea by the last Sabbath? was my heart then broken or warmed with love to God, and the like? what did I then learn, and how have I practised it in the week? have [...] fully digested by meditation, firmly believed, and faithfully obeyed the truths that were last taught me? Isai. 1. 11. &c.
5. Beg earnestly of God that he would help you to sanctifie a Sabbath, that this may be the best Sabbath you ever kept; that your [...] may be more tender, humble and heavenly [...] that the out-goings of thy soul may be [...] free, strong and fixed, and the incomes of he [...] venly grace and comfort more abundant; th [...] God may reap more glory, and you receiving [Page 24] more good than ever heretofore. That the holy keeping of this Sabbath, may be an earnest to you of keeping a never ending Sabbath with God in glory.
To this end pray especially for these 4 things.
1. That God may prepare a suitable word for your Soul, that the Ministers mouth may be opened, and his heart enlarged, and his message full of goodness; that it may be the pure, plain, and powerful Word of God. Eph. 6. 18, 19.
2. That God would fill his own Ordinances with his own presence and blessing: that he would touch your heart, when man speaks to the ear; drop, yea stream down heavenly grace through these Conduit pipes, Isai. 48. 17. Luk. 16. 14.
3. That you may have the hearing Ear, the seeing Eye, and the understanding Heart; that you may be teachable, willing to learn, and apt to receive what God delivers, Jam. 1. 21, 22. Psal. 110 3.
4. That your Souls Enemies may be kept off, at least resisted and kept down. That your hearts may not deceive you, the Devil divert you, nor the world distract or disturb you.
Having thus in some measure prepared your hearts for the solemn work of this great day; observe and practise these following directions, as ever you hope to have the blessing of the Sabbath.
[Page 25] As soon as you awake fix your hearts [...] heaven ward; bless God that you see [...] of one day more, especially Gods day; [...] in you may labour to have your sins [...] and purged, and your Souls furnisht with [...], and to fitted for glory. Call the [...] our delight, Psal. 118. 23, 24. Psal. 59. 16. [...] Beg heartily of God, that he would [...] then you by his grace, to do what he [...], as he would have it done, that he would [...] your unpreparedness, bear with your [...], accept of your poor services, and [...] all with his blessing, 2 Chr. 30. 18, 19, 20. That you be fitted for the holy and [...] work of the day; affect your heart with [...] all the these ten following things:
1. With the Majesty of that God, whom you [...] wait upon, Psal. 95. 2, 3. &c.
2. With the vileness of sin, and of your [...] because of sin.
3. With the sweetness of Christ, and the [...] of his love and mercy.
4. With the excellency of that heavenly [...] you are going about, and the gain of [...].
5. With the vanity of the World and all [...] therein.
6. With the worth and high value of your [...] Souls.
[Page 26] 7. With the rage, subtilty, and diligence [...] your souls Enemies.
8. Especially with the deceitfulness of you [...] own hearts.
9. With the terrour and torment of Hell.
10. With the unspeakable and everlasting glory of Heaven.
4. Carefully and conscientiously perform Family Duties, Josh. 24. 15.
1. See that your Servants, and Children [...] age, wast not away the morning in sleep or idleness.
2. Cause them to joyn together in Prayer Reading, or any other godly Exercise, Gen. 18. 19.
3. If you have time, you may Catechife them, or discourse to them of any of those former ten things, Deut. 6, 6, 7.
1. Inform your selves and them, what a great and glorious Majesty and Master you are to serve, Mal. l. 14.
2. What a blessed and heavenly work you go about, that it is heart-work, Joh. 4. 24. and therefore hard and difficult work, and yet that it is pleasant and excellent, Prov. 3. 17. Chap. 8 34, 35. Oh the fatness of Gods house and the beauty of holiness!
3. What an abundant and unspeakable [...] ward at tends the well-doing, even life everlasting