Postscript

IN consideration of the great and maniold advantages resulting from an humble and heedful observation of Providence, I can not but judge it the concernment of Christians that have time and ability for such a work, to keep written Memorials, or Journals of Providences by them; for their own and others use and benefit. For want of collecting and communicating such observations, not only our selves, bu the Church of God is damnified and impoverished.

Some say, the Art of Medicine was thus acquired and perfected: when any one had met with some rare Physical Herb, and accidentally discovered the virtues of it, he would post it up in some public place; and so the Physician attained his skill, by a collection of those posted Experiments and Receipts.

I am not for posting up all that a Christian knows or meets with in his Experience, for (as I have said before) Non est religio, ubi omnia paent. Religion does not lay all open; but yet there is a prudent, humble and seasonable communication of our Experiences and observations of Providence, which is exceeding beneficial both to our selves and our brethren.

If Christians in reading the Scriptures, would judiciously collect and record the Providences they shall meet with there, and (if destitute of other helps) but add those that have fallen out in their own time and experience; O what a precious Treasure would these make? How would it antidote their souls against the spreading Atheism of these days, and satisfy them, beyond what many other Arguments can do, that The Lord he is God, the Lord he is God.

Whilst this Work was under my hand, I was both delighted and assisted by a Pious and Useful Essay of an unknown Author, who has to very good purpose improved many Scriptural passages of Providence, which seem to lye out of the road of common observation: Some passages I have noted out of it, which have been sweet to me. And O that Christians would every where set themselves to such work! Providence carries our lives, liberties and concernments in its hand every moment. Your bread is in its Cupboard, your money in its Purse, your safety in its enfolding Arms; and sure it is the least part of what you owe, to record the favors you receive at its hands. More partiularly,

(1.) Trust not your slippery memories with such a multitude of remarkable passages of Providence as you have, and shall meet with in your way to Heaven. It's true, things that greatly affect us, are not easily forgotten by us; and yet, how ordinary is it for new impressions to rae out former ones? It was a saying of that Worthy man Dr. Hrris, My memory (said he) never failed me in all my life; for indeed, I durst never trust it. Written memorials secure us against that hazard; and besides, makes them useful to others when we are gone. So that you carry not away all your treasure to heaven with you, but leave these choice Legacies to your surviving friends. Certainly it were not so great a loss, to lose your Silver, your Goods and Chattels, as it is to lose your Experienes which God has this way given you in this world.

(2.) Take heed of clasping up those rich treasures in a Book, and thinking it enough to have noted them there: but have frequent recourse to them, as oft as new wants, ears or difficulties arise, and assault you. Now, it's seasonable to consider and relect, Was I never so distress before? Is this the first plunge that ever befell me? Let me consider the days of old, the years of acient times, as Asaph did, Psalm 77:5

(3.) Lastly, Beware of slighting former straits and dngers in comparison with present nes. That which is next us, always appears greatest to us: and as time removes us farther and farther from our former mercies or dangers, so they lessen in our eyes, just as the Land from which they sail, does to Sea-men. Know that your dangers have been as great, and your fears no less formerly than now. Make it as much your business, to preserve the sense and value, as the memory of former Providences, and the fruit will be sweet to you.

FINIS.