Pious Thoughts Vented in Pithy Ejaculations
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Project Note
This is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND. This license allows reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
The source of this document is the Early English Books Online (EEBO-TCP) website. Those books were transcribed in a character for character manner and can be very cumbersome to read since there was no standard spelling during that time. Many spelling variations such as "unlesse", "vnlesse", and "vnles" regularly appear.
This project was conceived to clean up those books as much as possible and make them more accessible to the interested reader, leading to the creation of a massive list of variant spellings and their corrections. This was used to clean up the text, but is of course only as complete as the list itself. Because of the nature of the original transcription, some words have missing characters or places where the original language (e.g., Greek) was not transcribed. This effort does not change that. Be aware that the original transcription can also be faulty and in some cases entire sentences may be missing.
Although this is no substitute for a properly compared, proofed, and scholarly edition, I believe that the result is a document which is far more accessible, particularly for searching for terms using standard spelling. The document has been cleaned and presented in what I hope is a pleasing and useful format for the vast majority of Christian brothers and sisters who just want access to read these spiritually nourishing works.
However, a word of warning: The Puritans were a very diverse group of people and their age was characterized with godliness, but also much upheaval, disputation and strife. They disagreed on many doctrines and some of these works contain less orthodox or Scriptural views than others. The reader is strongly advised to read with discernment, particularly if it is unknown whether author is trustworthy.
This project took a huge amount of time and skill to bring to fruition. I would particularly like to thank David Jonescue for the initial list of Puritans he found on EEBO and the concept behind this project as well as the continuous, unceasing efforts toward seeing this complete. Without his labor, this would not be available. Alex Sarrouf was invaluable in providing the initial list of over 7,000 spelling variations he had identified and corrected, as well as continuing to review more than 16,000 additions to that list for any typos.
Logan West
(with David Jonescue and Alex Sarrouf)
www.puritansearch.org
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.
LONDON, Printed by J. G. for R. ROYSTON, at the Angel in Ivy-lane.
1658.
TO ALL THOSE that are desirous to make a Religious use of ordinary offered occasions: R. G. (Who desires to further the glory of God, and the everlasting good of his people's souls) Dedicateth this ensuing TREATISE.
Luk. 1. 20. & 63. Ambrose.
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 only looketh on them, but through them too, and by their help seeth that, that without them was hardly discernible. 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 form 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 do, who is
Thine hearty well-wisher in what may be for thy Souls good, Richard Gove.
PIOUS THOUGHTS VENTED In pithy Ejaculations: OR, The way to make a Religious use of ordinary offered occasions.
I.
Upon a man's first awaking in the morning.
LORD grant me thy grace, to awake out of the sleep of sin, that I may live righteously in thy sight.
II.
Upon the putting off of a foul shirt, and the putting on of a clean.
LOrd grant me thy grace, that I may every day be more and more enabled to put off the old man, and to put on the new.
III.
Upon a man's arising out of his bed.
LOrd grant me thy grace, that I may arise out of the bed of my carnal security, whereon I have so long lain.
IV.
Upon a man's putting on of his clothes.
LOrd, clothe thou me with the robes of thy Sons righteousness, and let thy blessed Spirit every day more and more put on upon my soul that new Man which after thee is created in holiness and true righteousness.
V.
Upon a man's kembing of his head.
LOrd, thy Word doth assure me, that all the hairs of my head are numbered, and that not one of them doth fall to the ground, or perish without thine especial 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 thou art so providentially careful for me in these least things.
VI.
Upon the washing of a man's face and hands.
LOrd, wash thou me with the blood of thy Son, and my Savior Jesus Christ, from the guilt of all my sins past: and let thy blessed Spirit by his grace wash and cleanse my soul every day more and more from the power and pollution of them for the time to come.
VII.
Upon a man's washing of his feet.
LOrd, my affections are the feet of my soul, and do carry that, as these other do my body: and passing through the foul and filthy ways 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 the powerful work of thy grace from all former pollutions, and being thus washed, keep me from defiling them again.
VIII.
Upon a man's paring of his Nailes.
THe captive Damsel under the Law, before she could be the wife of him that took her in war, must first have her Nailes pared. And therefore how shall I ever hope to be espoused to my Savior Jesus Christ, and be presented unto him as a pure Virgin, except I do cut off those excrements of naughtiness, which are so loathsome to thee my God, and to all good men? which that I may the better do, Lord give me thy grace to do it, and it shall be done.
IX.
Upon a man's looking his face in a Glass.
LOrd give me the grace, that as by looking in this Glass, I do see the spots, and other deformities of my body, so by looking into thy word, I may see the spots, and other deformities of my Soul, and may learn to amend them.
X.
Upon a man's brushing of his Clothes.
OH that I were as careful to cleanse my Soul from my sins, as I am to cleanse my clothes from the spots and dust which are on them.
XI.
Upon a man's putting on of some Upper-garment.
LOrd, my desire is not to be unclothed, but to be clothed upon, and that with that house which is from Heaven. And that I may not fail of this my desire, Lord 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, whilst I am here.
XII.
Upon the sight of a woman's spending much time in her neat and curious dressing of her self.
OH that I were as careful to adorn and trim 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 cry Abba Father unto thee, as thy child should do.
XIV.
Upon the sight of one abhorring a filthy and nasty thing.
O Lord, that I might have thy grace thus to abhor evil, both in myself and others!
XV.
Upon the sight of a Carvers cutting and framing of a curious Image out of stone.
LOrd, my heart is stony, yet canst thou out 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 do for me.
XVI.
Upon the sight of the Sun-rising.
LOrd, grant that Jesus Christ the Sun of Righteousness may also arise in my heart, and with his beams of saving knowledge dispel more and more the darkness of ignorance in me.
XVII.
Upon the sight of one giving an account of monies received.
LOrd, this will be one day my case, and 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 continual expectation of it, and may accordingly provide for it.
XVIII.
Upon the sight of one teaching to cast account.
LOrd teach me to number my days that I may apply my heart unto wisdom.
XIX.
Upon the locking and bolting of a door.
LOrd shut thou me in with the bolts of thy fatherly providence and mercy, and then shall I be safe.
XX.
Upon the sight of a lock hardly to be unlocked.
LOrd, how unwilling and unable am I of myself to open my mouth to speak to thy praise; to open mine ears to hear thy word with profit and comfort, and to open my heart to attend thereunto for my souls good! O do thou therefore which hast the key of David, and openest, and no man shutteth, and shuttest, and no man openeth, open all these unto me by 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 under her wings? but I would not: yet now seeing my former error and present danger, I do run unto thee, beseeching thee to shelter me under the shadow of thy wings, and to save me now and always 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 and sins of David, Peter, and others of thy children mentioned in Scripture: and it doth show me what the best of us all are, if thou dost leave us to ourselves. Lord-therefore evermore support me with thy grace, and keep me in thy fear.
XXIII.
Upon the hearing of one that had adopted another man's Son for his own.
LOrd, I do believe that thus thou hast dealt with me, and that thou hast adopted me in Jesus Christ to be thy Son, who am by nature the child of wrath. Lord, let thy holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of adoption, every day more and more witness 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 cried often unto me to open unto thee, but I have hitherunto turned the deaf ear, and not opened unto thee. Lord, forgive me this my great unkindness past, and seeing I have neither will nor power of myself to do it, do 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 forever.
XXV.
Upon the sight of a Candle lighted with a Tinder-box.
LOrd, I see by this how prone and apt my corrupt nature is to commit sin upon every occasion offered, unless thou by thy grace dost prevent it, there being no speedier conjunction betwixt the sparks of fire stricken amongst tinder, then there is betwixt my corrupt nature and sin, when once an occasion is offered. Lord therefore keep 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.
WHen 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 do betide me, were not in my power to prevent them, but having betided me, I must manage, and bear them as well as I can; and that I may do it as I should do, Lord do thou by thy grace enable me.
XXVII.
Upon the sight of a Scullions taking off of a pot full of good meat from the fire.
LOrd, here I see mine own, and many other men's infirmity, how easy a matter it is for any base fellow, to take any of us, even the best, and most accomplished with grace and goodness, 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 strengthen me by thy grace against all such miscarriages.
XXVIII.
Upon the hearing of the Relation of a Merchant-Adventurers dangerous Voyage.
THis man's case and mine are very like; for with vain hopes (as with a prosperous gale of wind) I have often been allured to hoise up the Sails of my desires, and to enter into the perilous Sea of this world with worldly minded men; but before that ever I could arrive unto the wicked Haven to which in my setting forth I aimed, with how many desperate dangers have I encountered? One while I have been tossed with tempestuous storms 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 gulf, 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 treachery and falsehood: sometimes I have been carried in an uncouth vastness, in hazard to lose myself in the bypathes • f error; 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 endeavored to escape the other. And if I have chanced to escape these, (as whoever escaped them all?) with how many wicked fiends have I been beset, as with so many Pirates, ready to rob me of all those rich wares of God's spiritual graces, and to enchain me in their gallies of endless bondage? Nay, though I have missed of these too, and have had a fair calm of prosperity, and a comfortable sunshine of worldly favors 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 go forward to the blessed Haven of Heaven: but contrary-wise being bewitched with the Sirens songs of carnal alluring pleasures, I have been so strongly taken with them, that I thought Heaven to be nowhere 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 pass over this troublesome Sea, and avoid all these dangers, and in the end come to my desired haven the kingdom of Heaven, Lord let thy true Church be my ship, thy holy word my Card and Compass, thy blessed Spirit my Pilot, thy good Angels my Convoy, and do thou thyself always watch over me by the eye of thy special providence.
XXIX.
Upon the sight of a fish taken with a Hooke and Line.
LOrd, here is an Emblem of my simplicity, and the Devils subtlety; he like the cunning fiisher hides the hook of his temptations under the bait of some pleasing vanity, and I like the silly fish, whilst I am looking on his pleasing bait and coveting that, am caught with his Souldestroying hook; from which good Lord deliver me.
XXX.
Upon the sight of a stubborn and refractory Ox going under the Yoke.
LOrd, herein I see mine own folly; for whereas 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 go quietly and patiently under it, submitting myself therein to thy divine will and pleasure; I see that by my much striving and struggling, it doth both offend others and hurt myself, as the refractory Ox 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.
XXXI.
Upon the sight of one rowing a boat against the stream.
LOrd, herein I see what I am by nature, and what I am by grace. This boat (were there no Oares to set it forward) would go down the stream and go backward of his own 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 I am apt to go backward in grace and goodness, but to go forward therein (it being against the stream and tide of mine affections and natural corruption) I cannot without the assisting Oares of thy grace, which Lord I beseech thee to grant unto me, and give me grace to • ply them for that end, as thy child should do.
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 any smoke: and yet when the ashes are taken away, there will fire appear, which with blowing, and the supply of new fuel 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 goodness? Oh remove then from me the ashes of my sinful corruption, and give me the grace to stir up the coles of those gracious gifts which I have formerly felt in me, and let thy blessed Spirit with the quickening 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 household, but fawneth on them all; only I see if a stranger approach, or come near the house, he will bark at him, and perhaps bite him too: so deal the wicked men of the world with me, they be always barking at me, and many times by their slanders and back-bitings do bite me too. But Lord here is my comfort, that this showeth me to be a stranger 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 my heart, as long as they remain therein whole and sound without disturbance, little good comes by them to myself or others, but being well beaten, and pounded in the Mortar of affliction, they afford a sweet smell in the nostrils of God and all good men, and become advantageous to God's 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 useless for these ends.
XXXV.
Upon the sight of a Lanthorn and Candle carried before one.
OH that thy word O Lord might be a Lanthorn unto my feet, and a light unto my steps, to direct and guide me in the ways of thy Commandments.
XXXVI.
Upon the sight of one wearing a Seal at his Hand-wrist.
SWeet Jesus my Lord and Savior, set me (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 favor.
XXXVII.
Upon the sight of one drawing another after him.
Lord, I know that none can come unto thee, except thou draw him: oh draw me therefore I beseech thee, and I will run after thee.
XXXVIII.
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 me 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 burden too heavy for me to bear: oh do thou therefore (which hast promised to ease all those that are heavy laden with the burden 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.
XL.
Upon a Temptation to strain ones Conscience for a little extraordinary gain.
LOrd, here (I see) I may enrich myself by unjust gain; but alas what shall I be advantaged, if for this gain I must lose my soul forever? Lord therefore keep me from this, and from all other means and ways of enriching myself 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 being a grievous sinner in thy sight: and the truth is, I am so indeed, and have nothing to answer, or say for myself. 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 mouths shall be stopped.
XLII.
Upon the hearing of an Alien made a free Denizen.
LOrd, I am by nature, and in the state of 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 blood of Christ; by that same blood, do thou, of an Alien and Forrainer make me a free Denizen of 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 household of God.
XLIII.
Upon the hearing of the coming and entertainment of a great Ambassador.
LOrd, what a do is here to entertain the Ambassador of an earthly prince! and what privileges have they for the security of their persons and honors! and yet how are the Ministers of thy word, (who are thy Ambassadors) everywhere 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 laboreth hard in Summer to provide for Winter, and that only 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, sickness, 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 itself: and just so dealeth Death with us; sometimes it shooteth above us, and takes away our Superiors and Elders; sometimes beneath us, and takes away our Inferiors, 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 arrows shot from a loving hand, to warn us to look to ourselves: but such is our improvidence, that we will not lay these fair warnings to heart, but go on still in our carnal security, till at last (and it may be when we look least for it) it shoots also to us ourselves; and woe 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 is a refemblance of me; his root of my heart and conscience, and the Axe of thy word, which hath struck me, and pierced me often, and that to the very heart by the Ministry thereof: But because there hath followed upon it no amendment of life, Lord, what can I now expect (if thou shouldest deal with me in justice) but that thou shouldst now also lay to me the axe of thy judgments, 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 of thy word, that I may grow thereby.
XLVIII.
Upon the sight of Balm 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 do thou therefore pour into my Soul the precious Balm of thy soul-saving word, that this poor wounded soul 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 thyself for ever, 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 joint.
LOrd, this is my case as long as I am out of that place and calling wherein thou hast placed me. I may be still of the body, but am neither for use, nor ease, and neither that to myself, 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 Christ Jesus sake to do for me.
LI.
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 the broken-hearted) bind up this broken heart of mine, that it may continue firm, and grow in grace & goodness.
LII.
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 against me, except thou in thy mercy shalt blot them out for thine own sake with the blood of thy Son and my Savior Jesus Christ; which that thou wilt do for me, it is my hearty desire and prayer.
LIII.
Upon the hearing of certain Captives redeemed.
LOrd, do thou redeem me with the precious blood of thy Son and my Savior Jesus Christ from the Captivity, thralldom, 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 〈11… letters〉 •… vest me at first, so thou mayest 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.
LV.
Upon the sight of a bruised Reed.
LOrd, I am of myself 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 of this thy mercy, and gracious promise made unto me in thy word, I do now come unto thee, beseeching thee so to support my weakness by thy power, and so to heal me thus miserably bruised by thy grace, that though I be weak in my self, 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 shield of faith, that I may be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
LVII.
Upon the sight of one that was buffeted.
LOrd, I am often, and grievously buffeted by Satan, and his messengers: Oh 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 favor in Jesus Christ.
LVIII.
Upon the sight of a surety arrested, and made to pay the debt of the principal.
THus do I believe that my Savior and surety Jesus Christ was by death arrested for my debt of sin, and that he hath satisfied it to the full, concealing the hand-writing that was against me. Lord therefore enter not into Judgment with me for any of my sins past, but accept of thy Sons active and passive obedience as a full satisfaction for them all.
LIX.
Upon the sight of Snow.
LOrd, thou hast promised that though my sins were as crimson double-died, died in the wool of my original corruption, and died afterwards again in the many threads of my actual transgressions, yet if I will but consent and obey, thou wilt make them as white as snow: Make good 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 wrestling together.
LOrd give me thy grace, that when I shall wrestle with thee by my prayers and my tears (as thy servant Jacob did) that I may not let thee go till thou hast blessed me: and when I shall wrestle with the Devil, to withstand his temptations, do thou so assist me with thy grace, and let thy power be so seen in my weakness, that he may not be able to prevail against me.
LXI.
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 could 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 Sovereign winds of the Spirit of God, do ye breath, and blow upon the garden of my soul, that the sweet odors of God's 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 Traveler going to a Well to drink.
LOrd this man doth not more thirst after the water of this Well to quench his bodily thirst, then my Soul doth after thee the fountain of ever-living water. Oh 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 man's work is to me a Remembrancer of my mortality, and that many ways. His shuttle showeth me the swift passing away of my time, his weaving the addition of days 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 approacheth to his end and cutting off; so the more days 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 me thy grace that I may make a right use of this my short and swift-passing life; and be ever mindful (as I should be) of my mortality, and ever preparing for it, lest I be cut off before I look for it.
LXV.
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 wouldst so bless unto me the voice of thy Spiritual 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 judgment-seat of 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 lively faith in the merits of Jesus Christ, before that great and fearful day shall come.
LXVII.
Upon the sight of one stooping and striving to go in at a strait passage.
LOrd, the way leading to thy Kingdom is through a low and a strait passage, through which none can enter that are not lowly and humble, and can be content for the Kingdom 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 everything 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 it 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 us to cut us down also. All that I can say for myself, or the people of this sinful nation, is, Lord enter not into judgment with 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 meadow.
THis meadow is the emblem of mankind; for as in this there is grass of all 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 color, 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 honors 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; yea, and amongst these too, there are some of a more beautiful and specious show in the eyes of the beholders than others; yet when Death (God's 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 pain, 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 sinful course of life, that so much dishonored thee and wronged mine own soul? Therefore, 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 dishonored 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, yea, 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.
LXXII.
Upon the hearing of a wayfaring man enquiring after his way.
OH that I could be as careful to stand in thy ways, and to inquire after the 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 after 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 Soldiers putting on of his arms.
LOrd, this man (I see) will not venture to fight against his bodily enemies without his arms; and shall I venture to fight against sin and Satan, and the other spiritual enemies of my salvation unarmed? Oh that I might have thy grace therefore to do as thou commandest, and to put on the whole armor of God, that like a good Soldier of Jesus Christ I may be able to fight the good fight of faith against them all, and in the end overcome them.
LXXIV.
Upon the sight of two walking together.
CAn two walk together except they be agreed? Lord, then how shall I ever look to walk with thee in white in another world, except I be reconciled unto thee by the blood of thy Son here in this world? which that I may the better be, and have the better assurance thereof, let the Ministry of reconciliation, to whom thou hast committed the word of reconciliation, be every day more and more powerful towards me for the effecting of it; and let thy blessed Spirit bear witness more and more unto my soul and conscience that it is thus effected for me.
LXXV.
Upon the sight of one paying workmen their wages.
HEre I see none but those that have labored, called to receive wages. Oh that I might therefore have thy grace so to labor in thy Vineyard here, that when the evening of my life shall come, I may receive the penny of eternal bliss, with the rest of thy laborers in heaven.
LXXVI.
Upon the sight of one vomiting after the taking of luke-warm water.
LOrd, this man shows 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 loathing this luke-warm water, doth not with more readiness cast and vomit up that, then I must look to be spewed out of thy mouth if I am such a luke-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.
LXXVII.
Upon the sight of one that was very careful not to spot or stain a new suit.
LOrd, give me the grace to keep myself unspotted of the world, and to hate even the garment spotted by the flesh; and not to have either spot or wrinkle in me, 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 room furnished with all variety of utensills.
LOrd, here I see vessels not only of Gold and silver, but also of wood, and of stone, and some for honor, and some for dishonor; 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 vessel to honor, sanctified, and meet for thee my Masters use, and prepared unto every good work.
LXXIX.
Upon the sight of a mist rising out of the earth.
LOrd, this showeth me what my life is; for what is it else but even a vapor that 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 Savior Jesus Christ, thou art the Vine, and I hope that through thy grace 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.
Upon the sight of a dried Neats-tongue served in at a table.
OH that my speech might be always with grace, seasoned with the salt of wisdom and discretion, that I might know how I ought to answer every man which whom I have to do!
LXXXII.
Upon 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 might be no longer sown amongst the thorny cares of this world; lest they do (as hitherunto they have done) grow up with it and choke it.
LXXXIII.
Upon 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 being ashamed of that which I have done amiss, I may unfeignedly repent of it, and turn unto thee.
LXXXIV.
Upon the sight of a freath'd hedge of Thorns.
LOrd, I am apt to go astray and to wander from the ways of thy commandments; and rather then I should continue so to do, Lord, do thou stop my ways with thorns, and make an hedge thereof, that I may not be able to find my sinful ways and courses again.
LXXXV.
Upon 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 myself here on earth, where the moth and rust do corrupt, and thieves break through and steal; but that I may lay up treasure for myself in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust do corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal.
LXXXVI.
Upon the hearing of one telling a tale.
LOrd, suffer me not to spend my years as a tale that is told, which commonly are idle and of little use and profit, and many times do much hurt.
LXXXVII.
Upon the sight of a traveler wearing a sword.
OH that I were as careful in my journey to Heaven-wards, to put on the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, to defend me from my spiritual enemies; as I see this traveler is careful to put on his material 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 ground without thy providence: Oh give me the grace therefore that I may not fear to fall from an higher to a lower estate (if thy will be to have it so) seeing I am more worth then many sparrows.
LXXXIX.
Upon the hearing of one that was gone to sojourn at another man's house.
LOrd, this man's estate and mine are much alike; he is a sojourner with man, but I with thee my God; for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner as all my fathers were. Oh give me the grace therefore, that I may pass the time of this my sojourning here in fear.
XC.
Upon the sight of a snare baited.
LOrd, I cannot pass through any place in this world where the Devil hath not his snares laid, and baited for me with some pleasure or profit pretended. Oh give me the grace therefore to be always vigilant and watchful over him and his designs, and enterprises, that for any worldly respect I may not fall into any of his snares.
XCI.
Upon the sight of one smitten for his faults.
LOrd, let the righreous smite me, and and it shall be a kindness, and let him reprove me, and it shall be an excellent Oil, which shall not break mine head.
XCII.
Upon the sight of a Blackmoore.
LOrd, this Blackmoore cannot change his skin, no more can he do good that is accustomed to do evil. Oh keep me therefore by thy grace, that I may not get any evil custom, or delight in the practice of any known sin.
XCIII.
Upon the sight of a waiting Gentlewoman.
BEhold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their Masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so Lord grant that mine eyes may wait upon thee until thou have mercy on me.
XCIV.
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 among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air 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 mayest 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 tells me, that thou hast set bars and doors to the Sea, and hast said unto 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 suffer it not to proceed any further, then it may make for thy glory, and for the good both of myself 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 he doth correct him. Lord therefore keep me from doubting of the love towards me, when thou shalt be pleased in never so 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 commandment; and that with that patience, confidence, and perseverance, that I may in the end obtain the incorruptible crown of glory.
XCVIII.
Upon the sight of water running out of a rock.
LOrd strike my hard and stony heart with due remorse for my sins, 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 in 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 from this Serpent!
CI.
Upon the sight of an old weak man leaning on, and going by a staff.
THis staff I see is this old man's stay, without which he can neither stand nor go. Lord, I am as weak in spiritual strength as this old man is in bodily: Oh be thou therefore my stay, that I fall not, and keep thou me in perfect peace, because my mind is stayed on thee.
CII.
Upon the sight of the Day-star.
LOrd, this Star assures me that it is not far today, 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 from on high will shortly visit me, and that the Sun of righteousness Jesus Christ will arise unto me.
CIII.
Upon the sight of one sowing his ground when it rained.
LOrd give me the grace to sow to the Spirit, though it be in tears, that I may one day reap in joy.
CIV.
Upon the sight of one slinging a stone out of a sling.
LOrd, do thou thus sling the souls of thine 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.
Upon 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 these servants to awake out of their bodily sleep: Oh therefore call me by thy Word & blessed Spirit, that I which have so long slept in sin, may at last awake and arise out of the bed of my carnal security.
CVI.
Upon the hearing of a Country-man's joy for his good crop of corn.
I Confess, Lord, that the Husbandmans joy in harvest for his good crop of corn is great; but Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon me, and then shall I have more gladness in my heart, then such men have when their corn, and wine, and oil increaseth.
CVII.
Upon 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 from 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 do descend upon the earth, that (like good ground) it may bring forth the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
CIX.
Upon the sight of a quiver of Arrows.
LOrd make me as a polished shaft, and do thou hide me in thy Quiver from the 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, and 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.
CXI.
Upon the sight of a great load of Corn.
LOrd keep me from pressing thee down with my sins, as I see this cart is pressed down with sheaves.
CXII.
Upon the sight of one making preserves.
OH thou which art the preserver of men, do thou preserve me in Jesus Christ unto thy heavenly Kingdom.
CXIII.
Upon 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 Kings and Lord of Lord's, 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.
CXIV.
Upon the sight of one that endeavored to save his child by pulling of him out of the fire into which he was fallen.
LOrd, I am thine, Oh save me for thy mercies sake from the fire of hell.
CXV.
Upon the sight of one striving to take something out of another's hand.
LOrd, I am one of thy sheep, and therefore 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? Oh 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!
CXVII.
Upon the sight of one that was at plough.
LOrd, thou hast said, that no man putting his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God. Oh that I might therefore have thy grace to 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 Kingdom.
CXVIII.
Upon the hearing of a Counselor or Advocate pleading for his Client.
LOrd Jesus be thou my Advocate with thy 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 anything to my charge.
CXIX.
Upon the sight of a Gardener watering his garden.
LOrd, this Gardener may water his garden to make it fruitful, 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 may water, but 'tis thou ouely must give the increase: Lord therefore let thy blessing second my endeavors in all that I shall undertake in thy fear.
CXX.
Upon the sight of a Physician giving physic to his patient.
LOrd heal my soul, for I have sinned against thee, and heal all mine other infirmities, for thou Lord only canst do it, and without thee all other are Physicians of no value.
CXXI.
Upon 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 only 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 an heart of flesh.
CXXII.
Upon the sight of a pattern to work by.
LOrd give me the grace to show myself a pattern of good works to all those with whom I live, that thou mayest be glorified thereby.
CXXIII.
Upon the sight of one slipping and taking a fall.
LOrd, it is thy charge that he that thinketh he standeth should take heed lest he fall: Oh do thou therefore hold up my goings in thy paths, that my feet slip not.
CXXIV.
Upon 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 call of wicked men, lest being in their company, and being made partaker of their sins, I do also partake of their punishments.
CXXV.
Upon the sight of money tied up in a napkin.
LOrd keep me from being like that unprofitable servant in the Gospel, who laid up his masters talent in a napkin, lest that be taken from thee, and I for not employing it to thine advantage be cast into utter darkhess, where shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth forever.
CXXVI.
Upon the sight of a naked Infant.
LOrd, thus naked came I out of my mothers womb, and thus naked shall I return thither again: O give me grace therefore to seek for that true clothing (the robes of thy Sons righteousness) that howsoever it fareth with my body, yet my soul may not appear naked in thy sight.
CXXVII.
Upon the sight of a Carpenter driving a nail into a piece of timber.
LOrd, do thou fasten me in thy favor as a nail in a sure place; and let thy soul-saving word be fastened in my heart by the Masters of the Assemblies (the Ministers of thy Word) as a nail 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 (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 endeavor to do it, by leading my life accordingly, lest for my carelessness and neglect of my duty therein, I be also beaten with many stripes in hell-fire hereafter.
CXXX.
Upon the sight of a choleric person, that was apt to take notice of, and to be very angry for the least offense offered him.
LOrd, if thou shouldst be thus extreme to mark everything that I have done amiss, and wherein I have offended thee, I could not answer thee one thing of a thousand, neither should I be able to stand in thy sight: Lord therefore enter not into judgment with me, neither repay me according to my deserts, but deal with me according to thy wonted mercies.
CXXXI.
Upon 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 am in this world, I shall be sure to be happy then.
CXXXII.
Upon the hearing of one caught with a lie.
LOrd, thy Word doth tell me, that every one 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 lies, and take from me the way of lying.
CXXXIII.
Upon the hearing of a woman that did long for something.
LOrd make me to long also for thy salvation, and do thou in thy good time satisfy my longing soul.
CXXXIV.
Upon the sight of a weak stomach loathing meat.
OH that I could, O Lord, so loath myself for my sins committed against thee, as this weak stomach doth meat!
CXXXV.
Upon the sight of a woman laying leaven.
THis leaven shewth the nature both of sin and grace, for a little of either will leaven the whole lump; Lord give me the grace therefore to take heed of the leaven of sin, that I may not be soured 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 do lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch. Lord, my body without my soul is 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 ditch of hell fire.
CXXXVII.
Upon the sight of two kissing.
SWeet Jesus, my Lord and Savior, kiss thou 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 forever hereafter.
CXXXVIII.
Upon the hearing of one upbraided with his former faults.
LOrd, remember not against me my former iniquities; but blot them all out of the book of thy remembrance.
CXXXIX.
Upon the sight of the keeper of the lions in the Tower of London, carrying the keys 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 forth to hurt me.
CXL.
Upon the sight of one searing with an hot Iron.
LOrd, keep me by thy grace, that my conscience may never be seared (as it were) with an hot iron.
CXLI.
Upon the sight of a joyner glewing boards together.
LOrd, give us the grace that we may join ourselves unto thee in a perpetual covenant never to be forgotten, and that we may be joined one to another in love 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 of my right and title to thy heavenly Kingdom purchased for me by the blood of thy Son.
CXLIII.
Upon the sight of incense burned.
OH that my prayer might be set forth before thee as incense.
CXLIV.
Upon the sight of a precious Jewel.
CXLV.
Upon the sight of a Turtle-Dove flying from a Kite.
OH give not the soul of thy Turtle-Dove unto the beast, and forget not the congregation of thy poor forever.
CXLVI.
Upon the sight of one that endeavored to maintain his right.
ARise, O God, maintain thine own cause, remember thy daily reproach by the foolish man.
CXLVII.
Upon the sight of an hireling at work.
LOrd, thy word tells me that my days are as the days of an hireling. Oh give me grace therefore to accomplish the work which thou hast set me about, as the hireling doth his day; and when that is ended, I may with him look for that reward of my work, which thou in thy mercy hast promised me.
CXLVIII.
Upon the sight of one running to hide himself from his persecutors.
LOrd, there be many which seek after my soul to destroy it; but Lord be thou my hiding-place to which I may always resort.
CXLIX.
Upon the sight of a soldier putting on his helmet.
LOrd, give me the grace to put on for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
CL.
Upon the sight of one girding on his coat.
O Lord, that I might have thy grace thus to grid up the loins of my mind with 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 uncleanness, even the blood of my crucified Savior Jesus Christ, and let thy blessed spirit so wash me therein, that I may be cleansed 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.
CLIII.
Upon the sight of a natural fool.
LOrd, this man is a fool by nature: Oh that I might have thy grace to become such 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 careful to cleanse myself from all filthiness both of the flesh 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 good fight of faith against all thine and mine enemies.
CLVI.
Upon the sight of one anointed with eye-salve that had sore eyes.
LOrd, the eyes of my understanding are every way as unable to behold things spiritual, as the sore eyes of this man are to behold things corporal: Oh do thou therefore (sweet Jesus) anoint them with thy heavenly eye-salve, that I may be better enabled to see them as I should do.
CLVII.
Upon the sight of a tree that was deeply rooted.
LOrd grant that I may be rooted and grounded in love, in faith, and all other saving graces, as thy child should be.
CLVIII.
Upon the sight of a Well.
LOrd grant that thy grace may be in me a well of water springing up to eternal life.
CLIX.
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 planted, 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 faileth.
CLXI.
Upon the sight of one that held up his hand to defend his eye from a stroke.
CLXII.
Upon the sight of one levelling and making plain a way.
CLXIII.
Upon the sight of one that was cast out of favor, and was desirous to be received into favor again.
O God, thou hast for my sins deserved lie cast me out of thy favor, 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 thee from out of the hands of all my spiritual enemies.
CLXV.
Upon the sight of one that earnestly petitioned a friend to help him.
HEar my prayer, O God, and hide not thyself from my supplication.
CLXVI.
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 at rest from my persecutors.
CLXVII.
Upon the sight of a Sow wallowing in the mire.
LOrd, I have been washed both in my Baptism (the laver of regeneration) and (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 sins past. Oh never suffer me to return & to wallow in those my filthy sins again, as this sow (which hath been washed) doth now wallow again in the mire.
CLXVIII.
Upon the sight of night drawing on.
LOrd, thy word doth tell me, that when the night cometh no man can work. I see the 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 when 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 pardon 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 any time from thee, I may with the more speed return unto thee for ease and comfort.
CLXXI.
Upon the sight of a field that was white and ready for the harvest.
LOrd, this field shows me how ready I am for the sickle of thy wrath to cut me down for my many and manifold sins, if thou shouldst deal with me according to 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.
CLXXIII.
Upon the sight of Bees laboring 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 had but the like care in the summer of my life, health, and strength, to provide for the good of my soul against the winter of death, sickness, or weakness.
CLXXIV.
Upon the sight of one stung with a Be.
LOrd, I see in this party that is stung, what hurt the sting of so little a creature (as the Be is) may do: Oh give me therefore the grace to take heed of the sting of death, which is sin, and the sting of conscience, which is for sin; for these will put me to far more pain than this stinging of the Be 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 labored for, but will fight for the preservation of it, even unto death: Oh that I might have the like care and courage to fight against, and to withstand all those my spiritual enemies which seek to rob my soul of thy spiritual graces.
CLXXVI.
Upon the sight of a dead man's coffin decked with flowers.
LOrd, here I see the love of the living to the dead, how careful they are to deck even that which shortly must be put into the earth: Oh give me the grace that I may show so much love to my poor soul, which is dead in trespasses and sins, that I may every day more and more seek to deck it with the spiritual flowers and herbs of grace, that it may appear lovely in thy sight, and may smell sweet unto thy nostrils through my Savior Jesus Christ.
CLXXVII.
Upon the hearing of sweet music.
LOrd, if this music here on earth be so sweet, how needs must that music in heaven be sweet, where there are perpetual Hallelujahs sung unto thee by the heavenly quire of Saints and Angels! into which quire Lord in thy good time admit me to bear a part.
CLXXVIII.
Upon the sight of an old ruinous house fallen down.
LOrd, here I see in this house the very picture and pattern of man's frailty, whither he must at last, when all is done to support him. Oh give me therefore the grace, that before this earthly house of my body be dissolved, I may be provided of a celestial habitation wherein I may dwell with thee forever.
CLXXIX.
Upon 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 take 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.
CLXXX.
Upon 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 them, 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 the end pierced through with many sorrows, and become a prey to Satan.
CLXXXI.
Upon the sight of a Marriage.
LOrd do thou marry me unto thee for ever, and that in righteousness and in judgment, and in mercy, and in compassion.
CLXXXII.
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 herself, and made herself ready for her husband; so I being clothed with the robes of Christ's righteousness, may be always in a readiness for him, and to be presented unto him as a chaste 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 do what I can in my place and calling to turn many unto righteousness, that so I may one day shine as the stars forever and ever.
CLXXXIV.
Upon the sight of a Raven.
LOrd, thou wert pleased to feed thy servant Elijah by the ministry of those 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.
CLXXXV.
Upon the hearing of young Ravens crying in the nest.
LOrd, thy word doth tell me, that thou feedest the young Ravens when they cry: Oh let me therefore never despair of thy providence towards me for the feeding of me, and the supplying of my wants, who am in thy sight much better than they.
CLXXXVI.
Upon 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 several changes and chances thereof, as much as any ship can be on the sea, and I have no help nor hope in myself or any other creature, to avoid the ship-wrecking thereof; therefore Lord do thou give me the grace to fasten the Anchor of my hope on the firm ground of thy gracious promises made unto me in Jesus Christ, and then shall I be safe.
CLXXXVII.
Upon the sight of a Rainbow.
LOrd, this Rainbow is an Emblem of thy mercy, which like the Rainbow, is 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.
Upon the sight of one winnowing of corn.
LOrd, I see in this how Satan would serve me if thou shouldst leave me to his 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 Satan's winnowing of me shall not be able 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 original corruptions, and died in the cloth by my many actual 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 my true repentance, which I beseech thee for thy mercy sake to grant unto me.
CXC.
Upon the sight of a foundation laid.
LOrd give me the grace that I may lay a good and sure foundation for myself against the time to come, that in the end I may obtain eternal life.
CXCI.
Upon the sight of one that pleaded hard against his Adversary.
CXCII.
Upon the sight of a bunch of dried Hyssop hanging up in an house.
LOrd, purge me with Hyssop, and I shall be clean, and give me the grace that both my soul and body may with a bunch of Hyssop (that is my faith) dipped in the blood of the true pascal lamb my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, be sprinkled therewith, that the destroying Angel of God's wrath may pass over me.
CXCIII.
Upon the sight of worms in a dead carcase.
LOrd, these worms show me what must become of my dead body, the worms will destroy it; but when they have 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.
Upon the sight of a curious piece of workmanship.
LOrd, I am thy workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, but I 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.
Upon the sight of a linsie-woolsie garment.
LOrd, I see by thy forbidding of this unto thy people under the old law, that thou 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 choose the true, and refuse all false Religions.
CXCVI.
Upon the sight of one that had a withered hand.
LOrd, this man (I see) cannot stretch forth this hand of his to do anything therewith; no more can I stretch forth either of mine to do anything 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 I 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 withdraw myself from every brother that walketh inordinately, and which doth think that gain is godliness.
CXCVIII.
Upon the hearing of an hard and dangerous service of a soldier.
LOrd give me the grace that I may fuffer affliction as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
CXCIX.
Upon the sight of a mother wiping the tears from her child's face.
LOrd, in thy good time bring me to thy heavenly Kingdom, where thou hast promised to wipe all tears from my eyes.
CC.
Upon the sight of a wide and spacious gate.
LOrd, thy word tells me, that it is the wide 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.
CCI.
Upon the beholding of the apple of ones eye.
LOrd, I see how careful everyone 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 apple 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 maliciousness and covetousness, and of all my other sins, wherewith I have thought at any time to cover and hide my mischievous designs.
CCIII.
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 truth, even the least of them which by their Heretical or Schismaticall doctrine, or their profane conversation, do hinder the course of the Gospel amongst us.
CCIV.
Upon the sight of a whirlwind.
LOrd, do thou so keep me in thy fear that destruction shall not come upon me as a whirlwind, and I be carried away as with a whirlwind in thy wrath.
CCV.
Upon the sight of wheat put into a Garner.
LOrd, grant that when thou shalt come with thy fan in thine hand, and thoroughly purge thy floor at the last day, I may not be as the chaff, which thou wilt burn up with unquenchable fire, but as the wheat which thou wilt gather into thy Garner.
CCVI.
Upon the sight of a well without water.
LOrd, so empty would my heart be of grace, for all my goodly outward shows except thou shalt be pleased by the work of thy blessed Spirit to cause the waters of life to flow thereunto; which I beseech thee for thy mercy sake to do for me, that it may be in me a well of living water springing up to eternal life.
CCVII.
Upon the sight of gold weighed which proved too light.
LOrd, weigh me not in the balance of thy Justice, for then I am sure I shall be found too light, except thou shalt suffer me to have the allowance of those grains of mercy, which in thy Son thou hast promised me.
CCVIII.
Upon the sight of one much weakened with sickness.
LOrd, I have been long and dangerously sick of sin: It was an hereditary disease which I drew from the infected loins 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 do thou therefore (whose power is made perfect in weakness) 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.
Upon 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 to the end, and in the end reap that which thou hast promised to those that faint not.
CCX.
Upon the sight of a gibing fellow sitting in a chair.
LOrd, keep me that though (through the violence of temptation, and mine own frailty) I may at times walk in the counsel of the wicked, and stand in the way of sinners, yet that I may never have power to sit down in the chair of the scornful.
CCXI.
Upon the sight of one making a sick man's Bed.
LOrd, when thou shalt in like manner visit me with sickness, do thou make my bed in all my sickness.
CCXII.
Upon 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 six 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 into the wine of consolation, when thy will and pleasure shall be to do it for me.
CCXIII.
Upon the sight of watchmen at a cross way.
LOrd, here I see what watching and warding there is to prevent bodily dangers from corporal enemies: Oh that I could have the grace in like manner to watch (as I should do) against my spiritual enemies, the enemies of my salvation.
CCXIV.
Upon the sight of one blowing the fire under a great deal of wood.
LOrd, this minds me of Tophet mentioned in 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 Sons merits to free me.
CCXV.
Upon the observation of the growth of corn.
LOrd, here I see that this corn which hath been sowed, brought forth first the blade, then the ears, after that full corn in the ears: And just so is it with thy graces in my heart, they come not to perfection at first, but proceed on by degrees, and will do so still, until I become a perfect man in Christ Jesus; unto which measure of grace Lord in thy good time bring me.
CCXVI.
Upon the sight of a ground well closed with hedges.
LOrd, thou didst make an hedge about thy servant Job (by Satan's own confession) and 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 trial 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. And if thou shalt at any time be pleased to pull down this hedge, and to let Satan, 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.
CCXVII.
Upon the sight of some standing in a breach to hinder the enemies from entering.
LOrd, do thou stir up some chosen Moses or other which may stand in the breach before thee, to turn away thy wrath, lest thou shouldst destroy us.
CCXVIII.
Upon the sight of one wandering and out of his way.
LOrd, assist me with thy grace continually, that I may never wittingly or willingly wander from thy commandments, the way wherein thou hast appointed me to walk.
CCXIX.
Upon 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 own mercy.
CCXX.
Upon the sight of one going up a ladder.
THis man shows me that the way to heaven is not like an easy 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 by the hand of faith lay hold on the merits of my crucified Savior, 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.
CCXXI.
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 of 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.
Upon the sight of an empty house swept and garnished.
LOrd, this house shows me what I have been in thy sight, when I have heretofore received the holy Communion of the blessed body and blood of my Savior Jesus Christ. I have (I must confess) been like this house, emptied of all good works, swept with an overly repentance, and garnished with an outward show of a seeming sanctity which was not in me in deed and in truth. Lord keep me from being ever so again, lest Satan take unto him seven devils worse then himself, and enter into me, and so make my last estate far worse then was my first.
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.
CCXXIV.
Upon the sight of two coals 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 God's Spirit in him, or by preserving them already enkindled. Oh give me therefore the grace that I may keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
CCXXV.
Upon the sight of one that came to visit his friend that was in great perplexity.
LOrd, I am grievously perplexed; oh visit me with thy salvation.
CCXXVI.
Upon the sight of one that by violence took something from another.
LOrd, thy word doth tell me, that the Kingdom 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 Kingdom.
CCXXVII.
Upon the sight of one writing very swiftly.
LOrd, make me a Scribe prompt in the law of thee my God, and let my tongue be as the pen of a ready writer, to express the comforts that I find therein.
CCXXVIII.
Upon the sight of vapors rising out of the earth.
LOrd, these vapors show what my life is, for what indeed is my life but a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and afterward vanisheth away? Oh that I might therefore have the grace so to redeem this short time of my life, and to improve it to such holy and sanctified uses, that when this short life of mine shall have its end, I may live with thee in life everlasting.
CCXXIX.
Upon the sight of one binding of sheaves in a corn-field.
LOrd, the work that this man is now about, shows me what will be my case in the great and general 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 that whilst I am in this field of the world, I may spring up, and bring forth fruit unto thee in holiness, like the good seed which thou thyself sowedst, that so I may have some comfortable assurance, that after this life I shall enjoy life everlasting in heaven, and not be like the tares of the Devils sowing, which must be burnt in hell-fire forever.
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 flock of sheep, everyone 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 holiness and righteousness which thy word requireth in all those that are thine.
CCXXXII.
Upon the coming on of the twilight.
LOrd, this is the time that the Adulterer waiteth for, and the Adulteress maketh use of for the accomplishing of their uncleanness, thinking now that no eye shall see them: Lord keep me from having any fellowship with these unfruitful works, but give me grace rather to reprove them.
CCXXXIII.
Upon the sight of two Turtle-doves kept tame in a house.
LOrd, thou wert pleased of thy gracious goodness and mercy, under the law, to accept of two turtle Doves, or two young 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 do, though much less than that others do do, or I should do.
CCXXXIII.
Upon the sight of a brand taken out of the fire.
LOrd, this brand shows me the estate wherein I was, and wherein I might have 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 wherein I am at present, so to keep me from the like danger in the time to come, lest I be consumed in thy wrath.
CCXXXIV.
Upon the hearing of a little boy that crope in at a window and opened the doors to let in greater thieves.
LOrd, this little theefs entrance, and making way for greater thieves, shows into what danger my soul may come by wanton looks; for if I let but these once into my heart through the windows of mine eyes, they will quickly let in many another foul sin that will wholly rob me of thy grace. Oh turn away therefore mine eyes from such vanities, and give me the grace to make a covenant with mine eyes, that they may not admit any such lustful 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 none can ascend thither without many a slip and fall in his passage, yet he that hath slipped 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.
CCXXXVII.
Upon the hearing of an horse neighing after a mare.
LOrd keep me from neighing after my neighbors 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 sin to another, as from covetousness 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 Lord evermore keep me by thy grace, and make my repentance more perfect than so, for thy greater glory and my souls greater comfort.
CCXXXIX.
Upon 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 ways, 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-ways, so that with one eye they may look to God, 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 Soldiers to horse.
LOrd, this trumpet puts me in mind of the trumpet that shall sound at the last day, to call me with all mankind to judgment: Oh give me therefore the grace that whether I eat or drink, sleep or wake, or whatsoever else I am doing, I may always think that I hear this trumpet sounding in mine ear, and calling me to judgment, and that therefore I may still be in a readiness to make my appearance with comfort when that time shall come.
CCXLI.
Upon the sight of one pouring oil into a lamp, and trimming of it.
LOrd grant me the grace to be of the number of those wise Virgins which had oil in their lamps, and were ready and 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 oil for their lamps till the Bridegroom was coming, were for want of it shut out of Heaven.
CCXLII.
Upon the sight of one that sued his neighbor upon an action of Trespass.
LOrd, if he did remember how often he hath trespassed against thee, he would not thus sue his neighbor for trespassing against him; for the wrong that his neighbor hath done to him, is but as an hundred pence to those ten thousand talents which he oweth thee. Lord therefore open his eyes and mine, that we both taking notice of our trespasses against thee, may learn to show that mercy to others, which we ourselves 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 myself wrath against the day of wrath.
CCXLIV.
Upon 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 come 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 deal with me in 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 righteous 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.
CCXLVII.
Upon the hearing of one that brought glad tidings.
LOrd, what joy is there here upon the hearing of the glad tidings which this messenger hath brought, though it be but for a temporal blessing? Oh how much more thankful and joyful should I be for that blessing of blessings, the birth of my Savior Christ, the joyfullest tidings that ever any heard? And that I may be so indeed, Lord give me the grace to remember it, and to ponder it aright.
CCXLVIII.
Upon the hearing of a fearful clap of thunder.
LOrd, this is thy great and terrible voice which I now hear; and if this be so full of terror, oh then how fearful will thy presence be when thou comest in thy glory, showing thyself 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, fear thy power, and prepare for thy coming as thy child should do.
CCXLIX.
Upon the sight of one asking his Fathers blessing.
LOrd, thy word tells me, and experience showeth, how powerful and prevalent the 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 Father) which givest a blessing to all other blessings? Oh bless me, even me then, O Father I beseech thee, and then shall I be blessed.
CCL.
Upon 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 subtle Adversary the Devil, who sets me and my neighbors at discord, of purpose that he may have our souls, when in this world and Cock-pit of contention we have made him pastime and sport. Lord keep me therefore by thy grace, that to pleasure the Devil, I may not be so in hatred or contention with any, that thereby I may endanger mine own or any other man's 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 merciful unto me, for my breath was in my nostrils as well as his, and thou mightest as well have taken away my breath as his, and have caused me as suddenly to have returned to the earth from whence I came as he hath done. Oh give me the grace therefore to magnify thy mercy for the favor which thou hast shown me in preserving my life thus long; and teach me so to numbet my days that be to come, that I may apply my heart unto wisdom, and may spend the residue of them in thy fear, that dying never so suddenly I may die in thy favor through Jesus Christ.
CCLII.
Upon the hearing of the sentence of death pronounced against a malefactor.
LOrd, here I see in what a fearful agony 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? Oh give me therefore the grace that I may so judge myself here, that I may not be thus judged of thee with the Judgment of condemnation hereafter.
CCLIII.
Upon 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 arrows against me? But Lord, as thou hast ever been, so still be thou my shield, and then I shall be safe.
CCLIV.
Upon 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 may 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.
Upon the sight of one teaching a child to read.
LOrd, I am a very child in understanding, and can no more spell or read anything in thy book (the holy Scriptures) for my souls present comfort here, or everlasting good hereafter, then this child can do, unless 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 and assisting grace of thy blessed Spirit, which thou hast promised shall teach us all things, teach me every day better and better to spell, read, and understand what may be for my souls good.
CCLVI.
Upon the sight of swine eating acorns under an Oak.
HEre I see these swine greedily grouzing up the Acorns which they find 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 thee deserved thanks, that I have scarce ever looked up with an acknowledging eye to that bountiful hand of thine from whence they all have come? Lord pardon this my great unthankfulness past, and make me every day more and more thankful as thy child should be.
CCLVII.
Upon 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 fly 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 fly 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 knows that I am thereby in his possession, and that he may when he pleaseth (if I shall at any time offer to fly from him) call me back to his obedience again. Good God therefore give me the grace that I may mortify and subdue all my vile lusts and sinful affections every day more and more, and that I may not willingly continue in any one of them, to thy dishonor, and the wronging my of own soul.
CCLVIII.
Upon the sight of one tasting of sweet-meats.
LOrd give me thy grace to taste, and see 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.
Upon the hearing of one blamed for tarrying longer then was expected.
LOrd, I have been long in misery, and I 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 will, 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 blessed 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 murmur and repine against thee, though to 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 Devil to do his will, and am like still so to continue, except thou, O sweet Jesus, the Savior and Redeemer of mankind, shalt by the ransom 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.
CCLXI.
Upon the sight of a post riding by.
LOrd, this post I see rideth apace, but my days (if I had the grace to take notice 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 the 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 towards 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 Savior may be unto me a stumbling-block as he was unto the Jews: 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 devour me, as this fire 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 to eat up, and devour this newly sown corn, then is the Devil (that master-fowl of the air) to catch away that precious seed of thy word sown in my heart by the 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 fowls presently devoured it, because it was not covered with earth; but that I may rather be like the good ground, wherein the seed sown was so hid and covered, that it brought forth fruit in abundance.
CCLXVI.
Upon 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 it for himself forever. But Lord thou art stronger then he; oh do thou therefore overcome him for me, and take me out of his possession, that I may live to glorify thee for this thy wonderful deliverance of me, and for all thy other mercies which thou hast shown towards me in Jesus Christ.
CCLXVII.
Upon 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 example that I should follow thy steps. Oh that I might have thy grace so to do it, that following thee here in this world, I may in the next attain to that happiness in Heaven, which thou hast promised to all those that follow thee in sincerity and truth.
CCLXVIII.
Upon 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 manifold 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 Ambassadors) to pray me in Christ's stead to be reconciled unto thee. Lord let not their pains taken herein be fruitless, and to none effect, but give me the grace to accept of the conditions offered, and to bless thy name for the mercy vouchsafed me therein.
CCLXIX.
Upon the sight of chaff driven away with the wind when one was winnowing.
LOrd, let thine and thy Churches enemies be as chaff before the wind, and let thine Angel scatter them.
CCLXX.
Upon 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, Satan entered, lest being filled with iniquity, I be brought to destruction both of body and soul as he was.
CCLXXI.
Upon the hearing of some that had suffered shipwreck.
LOrd, keep me from making shipwreck of faith and a good conscience.
CCLXXII.
Upon the hearing of a shepherd that watched his flock by night.
LOrd, be thou my shepherd, and do thou (which never slumbrest nor sleepest) watch over me with the eye of thy fatherly providence, that neither the Devil (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.
Upon 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 of this house is ready to fly upon those that shall enter therein; so will my conscience fly upon me, if I shall enter into the ways of sin; Oh help me therefore with thy grace, and keep me by thy power from all such courses, that I may neither offend thee my God, nor draw upon myself 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 grow in grace and goodness, but yet still (do what I can) there will some shoots of my natural corruption be sprouting forth, savouring of the old stock, Adams sinful loins, from whence we all came. Oh do thou therefore so assist me with thy grace, that though such sins 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 may not hinder the growth of thy word in me, nor make me unfruitful in the acknowledging of our Lord Jesus Christ.
CCLXXV.
Upon the sight of one that sheltered 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 but only unto thee, who hast promised to be a place of refuge, and a covert from the storm to all those that be thine. Oh be thou then such a shelter for us, and we will glorify thy name for this thy merciful deliverance of us.
CCLXXVI.
Upon the sight of divers men's 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 are; 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.
CCLXXVII.
Upon the washing of mine own hands.
LOrd, give me the grace, that I may be as careful to wash my hands in innocence before I do approach unto thine Altar, there to receive the body and blood of my Savior 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 be merciful unto me for what is past, and give me thy grace that I may never do so again hereafter.
CCLXXIX.
Upon 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 glass against the Sun, with the radiant and shining brightness 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 of 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 sins, and sinful courses? where he hath not also many vain pleasures and delights to draw me to his lure; and he himself always ready at 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 Savior Jesus Christ his sake to grant unto me.
CCLXXX.
Upon the sight of a lamb.
OH sweet Jesus, the eternal Son of the eternal 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 terrify my conscience here, nor condemm my soul hereafter.
CCLXXXI.
Upon the sight of a sheep shearing.
OH sweet Jesus, my only Lord and Savior, which in thy sufferings wert like a sheep dumb before his shearer, and openedst not thy mouth to revile or threaten those that thus wronged thee, but committedst thy cause to him that judgeth righteously; and therein didst leave 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.
Upon the hearing of one that had wronged his neighbor, 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 ways by my sins, and have often injured my neighbors, by means 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 of quick and dead, the Lord Jesus Christ, that righteous judge, and be by him delivered to the Devil (the Jailor of hell) who will cast me into that easeless and endless prison of Hell, never to come forth thence again.
CCLXXXIII.
Upon the sight of a painted and curiously wrought sepulcher.
LOrd, keep me that I may not be like unto this sepulcher, to appear beautiful and righteous outwardly to the eyes of men, and be in the mean time as full of sin and wickedness within, as this is of dead men's bones and all filthiness.
CCLXXXIV.
Upon the sight of one that sought for a thing lost.
LOrd, I have so long erred from the ways of thy commandments, that I have at last lost myself and thy favor: Oh seek thy servant therefore, and in thy good time find me again, lest I be lost forever.
CCLXXXV.
Upon the sight of a pot boiling and not skummed.
LOrd, here I see how much skumme and filthiness is apt to arise out of my heart, when once my choler that is within me doth begin to boil, and if it be not skummed and taken away by thy grace, how soon it will intermix itself with my best actions. Oh help me therefore by thy preventing grace, that it may not so anymore 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 take 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 withal taught how to amend it.
LOrd, thy word doth assure me that he is in a happy condition whom thou chastisest, and withal teachest him by thy word how to amend. That I may then be so happy, Lord let me not only be chastised by thee for what I have done amiss, but be taught also by thy blessed word and Spirit how to amend it.
CCLXXXVII.
Upon the sight of a Smith at work upon his Anvil.
THey say, that the more the Anvil 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 the strokes of thy judgments inflicted on me for them, lest not being amended by them, I either cause thee to inflict on me or mine some more heavy judgments, or to cease punishing of me, which will prove in the end the heaviest judgment of all.
CCLXXXVIII.
Upon 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 reproaches, which were but the secondary causes and instruments of my wrong, without ever looking at thy hand, which set them on work? Lord be merciful 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 what thou by them shalt think meet to lay upon me.
CCLXXXIX.
Upon the sight of a glass of distilled water stirred and shaken.
AS long as this glass 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 mood and muddy residence doth there arise in it? And just so, Lord is it with me; as long as I am not stirred, moved and provoked by any, I 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 impatience, tetchiness, frowardness, and other like corruptions do there manifest themselves in me? Lord give me grace therefore rightly to know myself and mine own heart, that I may neither conceive too well of myself, nor judge too ill of others, when I am exempted, and they are suffered to fall in any gross sin.
CCXC.
Upon the sight of one skillful 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 self, the salt of true spiritual wisdom and discretion, that I may by the same so season all my actions, and so temper all my affections, that both by the one and other I may bring glory to thy name, good to others, and comfort to my own soul.
CCXCI.
Upon the sight of a burning fire-brand which was soon extinguished when cast into water.
LOrd, here I see how great a measure of zeal may be soon quenched amongst wicked company. Oh give me therefore the grace to keep out of such company, which are so prejudicial 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 banks of the pool. And so Lord will it be with me in the willing admission of any one known sin; For 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 sinful, 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 daily 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 means of them soon break out again, and come to as great an height of 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.
CCXCIV.
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.
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 eating and drinking heretofore, I am likely still to do so again, except I have thy fear before mine eyes) be shut out and not suffered to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, at thy table in the kingdom of heaven hereafter.
CCXCVI.
Upon the fight of dogs eating of the crumbes that fell from their Masters table.
LOrd, I confess that 'tis not fit that the children's bread should be given to whelps, yet seeing the dogs may eat of the crumbes that fall from their masters table, and I in mine own eyes am such a Dog, and in thine eyes far worse, if thou shouldst look upon me as I am in myself; Lord suffer me, though every way thus unworthy, yet to gather up some crumbes of comfort from under thy holy table, whensoever I shall approach thereunto.
CCXCVII.
Upon my lying down in my bed after a wearisome journey.
LOrd, I have long wearied myself in the ways of wickedness, and now would fain be at rest from them. Oh do thou then (which callest all such wearied souls unto thee, and hast promised rest unto them) grant that I (being thus weary of my sins here) may rest with thee hereafter in those eternal beds which thou hast prepared for thine in Heaven.
CCXCVIII.
Upon the hearing of one that directed a man in his way.
SHew me likewise thy ways O Lord, and teach me thy paths, that I may not err from the ways of thy commandments.
CCXCIX.
Upon the hearing of one that was delivered out of prison.
OH bring my soul also out of this prison of my body when thy will and pleasure is, that I with the rest of thy Saints may glorify thee, and be glorified by thee eternally in heaven.
CCC.
Upon the hearing of a blind man bemoning his case.
LOrd, if it be so heavy a case to want our bodily eyes, and to be but bodily blind, what is it to want the eyes of our soul, and to be spiritually blind? Lord then whatsoever becometh of the eyes of my body, let me never (I beseech thee) be deprived of the eyes of my soul, nor let the God of this world so blind my mind, that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ may not shine unto me.
Published by this Author,
The Saints Honey-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 Lord's 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 itself.
- 2. Correct Copy of some notes concerning God's 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 judgment 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 judgment of the right Honorable 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.