And as for that text, Rev. xxi. 8.—" The it will be necessary then to endeavour the cure fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, of so great an evil and temptation, by the adand murderers, and whoremongers, and sor-dition of the following exercise: An Exercise against Despair. cerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone," &c. it is plain, that by the fearful in this place is meant, either such as reLet the minister suggest to them, that God fuse to embrace the Christian religion, or who, is not willing that any should perish, but de having embraced it, are afraid to continue sirous that all should come to his glory: that steadfast to the end, on account of the cross; for this end we were created: that he is so far and therefore cannot be supposed to have any from being "extreme to mark what is done reference to those who are "working out their amiss," that he will not refuse the returning salvation with fear and trembling," according prodigal, nor reject the worst of criminals, upto the direction of the Gospel. Not but that on their sincere repentance: that the thief upwe are to intermix with this fear an entire love on the cross is a demonstrable proof of this, and affection to God, to the utmost of our and a standing example to prevent the greatest sinner from despair: that if God is so mer. powers. 3. Some very pious but unhappy persons, ciful and condescending to the vilest transgresare grievously tormented with wicked and blas-sors, much rather may we hope to be pardon. phemous thoughts, so as to fall under the great-ed for our weakness and infirmities: for he est agonies of mind; and often to be so near “knoweth whereof we are made, he rememdistraction, as to choose death rather than life. bereth that we are but dust:" nay, he hath For the relief and comfort of these, the mi- assured us, that he "will not break the bruisnister should suggest to them, that such horrid ed reed, nor quench the smoking flax :" that and frightful thoughts are either occasioned all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, exthrough melancholy prevailing over their spi- cept one, which is the sin against the Holy rits, and disordering the frame of their minds; Ghost; "the sin unto death," as Saint John or else from the malice of the devil, and the calls it. spirits of darkness, who do all they can to shake our faith, and to imbitter the Christian life. But that no man commits a sin against the Holy Ghost, if he be afraid he hath, or desires If to the former we ascribe such horrid that he may not; for such penitential passions thoughts, they may be comforted upon assur- are against the very nature and definition of ance, that they will not be imputed to them as that sin: that although forgiveness of sins is their sin, any more than a fever or any bodily consigned to us in baptism, and baptism is but distemper will, which they did not willingly once; yet, forgiveness of sins being the speciprocure, and which they have tried all means al grace of the Gospel, it is secured to us for our life, and ebbs and flows according as we to remove. If to the latter, they may be encouraged discompose or renew the performance of our rather to rejoice; as nothing is a greater sign baptismal vow; therefore it is certain, that no of their being high in the favour of God, than man ought to despair of pardon, but he who when they are under the most violent tempta- hath voluntarily renounced his baptism, or tions of the devil. 66 My brethren, count it willingly estranged himself from that coveall joy," saith St. James, "when ye fall into nant: that if it were not so, then all preachdivers temptations;" chap. i. 2. To that ef- ing and prayers were in vain, and all the confect, they may be taught to consider, that the ditions of the Gospel invalid, and there could way to heaven is justly said to be by the gates be no such thing as repentance, nor indeed of hell: that the "same afflictions are accom- scarce a possibility of any one's being saved, plished in their brethren which are in the if all were to be concluded in a state of damworld," who in various kinds are tempted of nation, who had committed sin after baptism. the tempter; 1 Peter v. 9: that Satan "de- To have any fears, therefore, on this acsired to have St. Peter to sift him as wheat;" count, were the most extravagant madness: Luke xxii. 31: that our Saviour himself was for Christ "died for sinners," and "God hath tempted by him, and the best of men have al- comprehended all under sin, that" through ways been most obnoxious to his malice; and him "he might have mercy upon all;" Rom. that to live in carnal security, without any xi. 32. And it was concerning baptized Chrismolestations from him, is the most dangerous tians, that Saint John said, "If any man state that the being so much concerned and sin we have an Advocate with the Father, and afflicted at such evil thoughts, is a certain ar- He is the propitiation for our sins;" and congument of a good disposition, since the wick-cerning lapsed Christians, Saint Paul gave ined and profane are rather pleased than tor-struction, that "if any man be overtaken in mented with them. a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a Arguments of this kind are the most proper man in the spirit of meekness, considering lest to be offered to such unhappy persons: but in ye also be tempted." The Corinthian Chriscase their faith and hope be totally overcome tian committed incest, and was pardoned: and by the devil, and they fall into direct despair, Simon Magus, after he was baptized, offered and immense attribute of God; and the most proper, if not only, objects of mercy in the creation, are the children of men; and of men, surely those who are most grieved and weari. to commit the sin we call simony, and yet Peter bade him pray for pardon; and Saint James tells us, that "if the sick man send for the elders of the church, aud they pray over him, and he confess his sins, they shall be forgivened with the burthen of their sins. I, therehim;' chap. v. 14. fore, who am as pitiful an object of mercy as any, will cheerfully hope, that God will both forgive me here, and give me the blessing of eternal life hereafter: for I know that eternal life is purely the gift of God, and therefore have That even in the case of very great sins, and great judgments inflicted upon sinners, wise and good men have declared their sense to be, that God vindicated his justice in that temporal punishment; and so it was suppos-less reason still to despair. For if my sins : ed to have been done in the case of Ananias, &c. that nothing can be more absurd than to think that so great and good a God, who is so desirous of saving all, as appears by his word, by his sending his Son, by his oaths and promises, by his very nature and daily overtures of mercy, should condemn any, without the greatest provocations of his majesty, and perseverance in them. Upon the strength of these arguments, the despairing person may be further taught to argue thus with himself: I consider that the ground of my trouble is my sin; and were it not for that, I should have no reason to be troubled; but since the "whole world lieth in wickedness," and since there cannot be a greater demonstration of a man's abhorrence of sin, than to be so deeply affected with sorrow for it; I therefore will erect my head with a holy hope, and think that God will also be merciful to me a sinner, as he is to the rest of mankind. I know that the mercies of God are infinite; that he sent his Son into the world on purpose to redeem such as myself; and that he hath repeatedly promised "to give to them that ask, and to be found of them that seek him ;" and therefore I will not distrust his goodness, nor look upon the great God of heaven and earth to be worse than his word. Indeed, if from myself I were to derive my title to heaven, then my sins were a just argument of despair: but now that they bring me to Christ, that they drive me to an appeal to God's mercy, they cannot infer a just cause of despair. I am sure it is a stranger thing, that the Son of God should come down from heaven, and take upon him our nature, and live and die in the most ignominious state of it, than that a sinful man, washed by the blood of Christ, and his own tears and humiliation, should be admitted to pardon, and made "partaker of the kingdom of heaven:" and it were stranger yet, that he should do so much for man, and that a man that desires, that labours after it to the utmost of his power, that sends up strong cries and prayers, and is still within the covenant of grace, should inevitably miss that end for which our Saviour did and suffered so much. It is certain, that of all the attributes that belong to God, there is none more essential to his nature, and which he takes more delight in, than his mercy; and it is as certain also, there must be proper objects for this boundless | were fewer, and my unworthiness of such a glory were less, yet still I could not receive it but as a free gift and donation of God, and so I may now; and it is not expectation beyond the hopes of possibility, to look and wait for such a gift at the hands of the God of mercy. The best of men deserve it not; and I, who am the worst, may have it given me. I know that I have sinned grievously and frequently against my heavenly Father: but I have repented, I have begged pardon, I have confessed and forsaken my sins, and have done all that is possible for me, to make atonement. I cannot undo what is done; and I perish, if there be no such thing as a remedy, or remission of sins. But then I know my religion must pe rish together with my hope, and the word of God itself must fail as well as I. But I cannot, I dare not entertain such a thought. I firmly believe that most encouraging article of faith, the remission of sins; and since I do that which all good men call repentance, I will also humbly hope for a remission of mine, and a joyful resurrection. I know that the devil is continually lying in wait to seduce and destroy the souls of men; wherefore I will fortify my spirits, and redouble my guard, and call upon God to enable me to resist all the fiery darts of this malicious adversary. Or perhaps this exceeding dejection, or malady of mind, may arise from the distemper and weakness of my body; or at most, I hope, it is only a disease of judgment, not an intoler able condition, I am fallen into: and since I have heard of a great many others who have been in the same condition with myself, and yet recovered, I will also take courage to hope that God will relieve me in his good time, and not leave my soul for ever in this hell of depraved fancy and wicked imagination. In fine, I will raise up my dejected spirits, and cast all my care upon God, and depend upon him for the event, which I am sure will be just; and I cannot but think, from the same reason, full of mercy. However, now I will use all the spiritual arts of reason and religion, to make me more and more desirous of loving God: that if I miscarry, charity also shall fail, and something that loves God shall perish, and be damned: which if it be impossible (as I am sure it is,) then I may have just reason to hope I shall do well. These considerations may be of service to one's repentance is real, and effective to salvation: that virtue and vice are oftentimes so near neighbours, that we pass into each other's borders without observation, and think we do justice, when we are cruel; or call ourselves liberal, when we are loose and foolish in our expen. ses, &c. "bind up the broken-hearted," and to strength-| glory of God;" but not so certain, that any en the "bruised reed," of a good man's spirit, in so great and terrible a dejection. But as cases of this nature are very rare, so the arguments here made use of are rarely to be insisted upon; and never, but to well-disposed persons, or reformed penitents, or to such as in the general course of their life, have lived pretty strictly, and conformably to the rules of religion. For if the man be a vicious person, and hath gone on in a continual course of sin, to the time of his sickness, these considerations are not proper. Let him inquire, in the words of the first disciples after Pentecost, "Men and brethren, what shall we do to be saved?" And if we can but entertain so much hope, as to enable him to do as much of his duty as he can for the present, it is all that can be provided for him. And the minister must be infinitely careful, that he does not attempt to comfort vicious persons with the comfort of God's elect, lest he prostitute holy things, and encourage vice, and render his discourses deceitful; and the man unhappily find them to be so when he descends into the regions of darkness. But because very few are tempted with too great fears of miscarrying, but the generality, even of the most profligate sort, are rather inclined to unwarrantable assurances of their future salvation, it will highly concern the ministers to prevent in time so great and reigning an imposition of the devil. Wherefore, to the former considerations to awaken the careless sinner and a stupid conscience, the following may be added, upon occasion to check the overweening thoughts of the presumptuous. SECTION V. That the self-accusing publican was justified, rather than the self-confident Pharisee : that if Adam in Paradise, David in his house, Solomon in the temple, Peter in the family of Christ, Judas among the twelve apostles, and Nicholas among the Deacons, and if the angels in heaven itself, did fall so atrociously, then we have all the reason in the world" not to be high minded, but to fear ;" and when we are most confident of ourselves, "to take heed lest we fall;" there being nothing so likely to occasion it, as pride and a great opinion of ourselves, which ruined the angels, which God resists, which all men despise, and which be. tray us into carelessness, and a wretched, undiscerning, and unwary spirit. These are the main parts of ecclesiastical duties and offices in the visitation of the sick; which being severally performed, as occasion requires, it remains only that the minister pray over the sick, and remind him to do all the good actions he is capable of; to call upon God for pardon; to put his whole trust in him; to be patient and resigned; and even to renounce every ill thought or word, or indecent action, which the violence of his sickness may have caused in him; to beg of God to give him his Holy Spirit to guide him in his agony, and to send his holy angels to guard him in his pas sage. Whatsoever is besides this, concerns the standers-by, that they do all in their respec tive offices diligently and temperately; that Considerations against Presumption. they join in prayer with the minister, with And here, let the bold and arrogant sinner much charity and devotion; that they make no further know, that a man cannot think too outcries or exclamations on the departure of meanly of himself, but may very easily run in- the soul, nor any positive judgment concerning to the contrary extreme: that the growths in the dying man, by his dying quietly or violentgrace are long, difficult, uncertain, often inter-ly, with great fears or a cheerful confidence, rupted, consisting of great variety, and almost innumerable parts and distinctions, which a careless person can never discover; that the more a man presumes, the greater reason he hath to fear; because the confidence of such men is generally like that of children and young people, who have no other reason, but that they understand not the dangers and follies of their self-conceits: that "the heart of man is deceit-known to himself. ful above all things, and desperately wicked;" deceiving itself, and deceiving others, in innumerable instances; and being often "in the gall of bitterness," when the man appears with the fairest outside to the world: that it is certain, all "have sinned and come short of the with sense or without, like a lamb or like a lion, with convulsions and terrible agonies, or like the silent and well-spent flame of an expiring taper. For these may happen severally, according to the constitution of the persons, and the nature of the distemper that befalls them; or else according as God pleases to dispense the grace, or the punishment, for reasons only Let us lay our hand upon our mouth, and adore the mysteries of the divine wisdom and providence, and pray to God to give the dying man rest and pardon; and to ourselves grace to live well, and the blessings of a holy and happy death. THE ORDER FOR THE VISITATION OF THE SICK. When any Person is sick, notice shall be given thereof to the Minister of the parish, who coming into the sick Person's house, shall say, PEACE be to this house, and to all that dwell in it. When he cometh into the sick man's presence, he shall say, kneeling down, REMEMBER not, Lord, our iniquities, nor the iniquities of our forefathers. Spare us, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood, and be not angry with us for ever. Answ. Spare us, good Lord. Then the Minister shall say, Let us pray. OUR Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespassess, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen. Minister. O Lord, save thy servant, Answer. Which putteth his trust in thee. Min. Send him help from thy holy place; Answ. And evermore mightily defend him. Min. Let the enemy have no advantage of him; Answ. Nor the wicked approach to hurt him. Minister. O LORD, look down from heaven; behold, visit, and relieve this thy servant. Look upon him with the eyes of thy mercy; give him comfort and sure confidence in thee; defend him from the danger of the enemy, and keep him in perpetual peace and safety, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. HEAR US, Almighty and Most Merciful God and Saviour; extend thy accustomed goodness to this thy servant, who is grieved with sickness. Sanctify, we beseech thee, this thy fatherly correction to him; that the sense of his weakness may add strength to his faith, and seriousness to his repentance: that, if it shall be thy good pleasure to restore him to his former health, he may lead the residue of his life in thy fear, and to thy glory: or else give him grace so to take thy visitation, that, after this painful life is ended, he may dwell with thee in life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then shall the Minister exhort the sick Person after this form, or other like. DEARLY beloved, know this, that Almighty God is the Lord of life and death, and of all things to them pertaining; as youth, strength, health, age, weakness, and sickness. Wherefore, whatsoever your sickness is, know you certainly, that it is God's visitation. And for what cause soever this sickness is sent unto you; whether it be to try your patience; for the example of others; and that your faith may be found in the day of the Lord, laudable, glorious, and honourable, to the increase of glory, and endless felicity; or else it be sent unto you, to correct and amend in you whatsoever doth offend the eyes of your heavenly Father know you certainly, that if you truly repent of your sins, and bear your sickness patiently, trusting in God's mercy for his dear son Jesus Christ's sake, and render unto him humble thanks for his fatherly visitation, submitting yourself wholly unto his will, it shall turn to your profit, and help you forward in the right way that leadeth unto everlasting life. If the Person visited be very sick, then the Curate may end his exhortation in this place, or else proceed. TAKE, therefore, in good part, the chastisement of the Lord; for (as St. Paul saith, in the twelfth chapter to the Hebrews,) "whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth; and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for, what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye had fathers of our flesh, which corrected us, and bastards, and not sons. Furthermore, we have we gave them reverence; shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily, for a few days, chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness." These words (good brother) are written in holy Scriptures for our comfort and instruction, that we should patiently and with thanksgiving bear our Heavenly Father's correction, whensoever, by any manner of adversity, it shall please his gracious goodness to visit us. And there should be no greater comfort to Christian persons, than to be made like unto Christ, by suffering patiently adversities, troubles, and sicknesses. For He himself went not up to joy, but first he suffered pain: He entered not into his glory before he was crucified. So, truly, our way to eternal joy, is to suffer here with Christ; and our door to enter into eternal life, is gladly to die with Christ, that we may rise again from death, and dwell And then the Priest shall say the collect following with him in everlasting life. Now therefore, taking your sickness, which is thus profitable for you, patiently; I exhort you, in the name of God, to remember the profession which you O MOST merciful God, who, according to the made unto God in your baptism. And foras-multitude of thy mercies, dost so put away the much as, after this life, there is an account to sins of those who truly repent, that thou rebe given unto the righteous Judge, by whom memberest them no more; open thine eye of all must be judged without respect of persons; mercy upon this thy servant, who most earnestI require you to examine yourself and your ly desireth pardon and forgiveness. Renew in estate, both towards God and man; so that, him, most loving Father, whatsoever hath been accusing and condemning yourself, and your decayed by the fraud and malice of the devil, own faults, you may find mercy at your Hea- or by his own carnal will and frailness; prevenly Father's hand for Christ's sake, and not serve and continue this sick member in the be accused and condemned in that fearful unity of the church; consider his contrition, acjudgment. Therefore I shall rehearse to you cept his tears, assuage his pain, as shall seem the Articles of our Faith, that you may know to thee most expedient for him. And, foraswhether you believe as a Christian man should, much as he putteth his full trust only in thy mercy, impute not unto him his former sins, but strengthen him with thy blessed Spirit; and when thou art pleased to take him hence, take him unto thy favour, through the merits or no. Here the Minister shall rehearse the Articles of the Faith, saying thus: DOST thou believe in God the Father Almigh ty, Maker of heaven and earth? And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son, our Lord; and that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin Mary; that he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucifi. ed, dead, and buried; that he went down into hell, and also did rise again the third day; that he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, and from thence shall come again, at the end of the world, to judge the quick and the dead? And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic church; the communion of saints; the remission of sins; the resurrection of the flesh; and everlasting life after death? The sick person shall answer, All this I steadfastly believe. Then shall the Minister examine whether he repent him truly of his sins, and be in charity with all the world; exhorting him to forgive, from the bottom of his heart, all persons that have offended him, and, if he hath offend ed any other, to ask them forgiveness; and where he hath done injury or wrong to any man, that he make amends to the utmost of his power. And, if he hath not before disposed of his goods, let him then be admonished to make his will, and to declare his debts, what he ow eth, and what is owing unto him; for the better discharge of his conscience, and the quietness of his executors. But men should often be put in remembrance to take order for settling of their temporal estates, whilst they are in health. These words, before rehearsed, may be said before the Minister begins his prayer, as he shall see cause. The Minister should not omit earnestly to move such sick Persons as are of ability, to be liberal to the poor. Here shall the sick Person be moved to make a special confession of his sins, if he feel his conscience troubled with any weighty matter. After which confession, the Priest shall absolve him (if he humbly and heartily desire it) after this sort: of thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then shall the Minister say this Psalm. In te, Domine, speravi.-Psalm lxxi. IN thee, O Lord, have I put my trust; let me never be put to confusion: but rid me, and deliver me in thy righteousness; incline thine ear unto me, and save me. alway resort: thou hast promised to help me, Be thou a strong hold, whereunto I may for thou art my house of defence, and my castle. Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the ungodly; out of the hand of the unright eous and cruel man. For thou, O Lord, art the thing that I long for; thou art my hope, even from my youth. Through thee have I been holden up ever since I was born: thou art he that took me out of my mother's womb; my praise shall always be of thee. I am become as it were a monster to many; but my sure trust is in thee. O let my mouth be filled with thy praise; that I may sing of thy glory and honour all the day long. Cast me not away in the time of age: forsake me not when my strength faileth me. For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul, take their counsel together; saying, God hath forsaken him ; persecute him, and take him, for there is none to deliver him. Go not far from me, O God; my God, haste thee to help me. Let them be confounded and perish, that are against my soul: let them be covered with shame and dishonour, that seek to do me evil. As for me, I will patiently abide always; and will praise thee more and more. OUR Lord Jesus Christ, who hath left power to his church to absolve all sinners, who truly repent and believe in him, of his great mercy forgive thee thine offences! And by his authoritiy committed to me, I absolve thee My mouth shall daily speak of thy righteousfrom all thy sins, in the name of the Father, ness and salvation; for I know no end thereof. and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. | I will go forth in the strength of the Lord |