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- padding: 0; - width: 95%; - } - -/* Images - ePub format */ - - img {max-width: 100%; height: auto;} - - .figcenter { - margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; - margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; - text-align: center; - clear: both; - padding: 3px; - } - .covernote {visibility: visible; display: block;} - - .pleasehide { - visibility: hidden; - } - - p.drop-cap:first-letter - { - float: none; - margin: 0; - font-size: 100%; - } -} - -@media print -{ - .pleasehide { visibility: hidden;} - -/* Images - ePub format */ - - img {max-width: 100%; height: auto;} - - .figcenter { - margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; - margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; - text-align: center; - clear: both; - padding: 3px; - } - - .pleasehide { - visibility: hidden; - } -} - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Experiments of Spiritual Life & Health, And -their Preservatives, by Roger Williams - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Experiments of Spiritual Life & Health, And their Preservatives - In which the weakest Child of God may get Assurance of his - Spirituall Life and Blessednesse etc. - -Author: Roger Williams - -Release Date: August 16, 2020 [EBook #62944] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EXPERIMENTS OF SPIRITUAL LIFE *** - - - - -Produced by Brian Wilson, MFR, Christopher Wright, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="tnote covernote"> - <p>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> -</div> - -<div class="pleasehide"> - <hr class="chap" /> -</div> - - -<div class="titlepage"> - <h1>EXPERIMENTS<br /> - - <span class="smaller">OF</span><br /> - - Spiritual Life & Health,</h1> - - <p class="ph2">And their</p> - - <p class="ph2">PRESERVATIVES</p> - - <p class="ph3">In which the <em>weakest</em> Child of <em>God</em> may - get <em>Assurance</em> of his Spirituall <em>Life</em> - and <em>Blessednesse</em></p> - - <p class="ph4">And the <em>Strongest</em> may finde proportionable <em>Discoveries</em> - of his <em>Christian Growth</em>, and the <em>means</em> of it.</p> - - <hr class="tb" /> - - <p class="ph2"> - By <i>Roger Williams</i> of <i>Providence</i> in<br /> - <i>New-England</i>.</p> - - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/i_001.jpg" alt="Decorative lines" /> -</div> - - -<p class="ph3">London, Printed, in the Second Month,<br /> -<span class="gesperrt">1652</span>.</p> - -<p class="ph5">RE-PRINTED BY<br /> -<span class="gesperrt">SIDNEY S. RIDER,</span><br /> -PROVIDENCE.<br /> -1863. -</p> - -</div> - -<div class="pleasehide"> - <hr class="chap" /> -</div> - -<h2><a name="INTRODUCTION" id="INTRODUCTION">INTRODUCTION.</a></h2> - - -<p>As the existence of the following tract was, until -quite recently, unknown,<a name="Anchor-1" id="Anchor-1"></a><a href="#Footnote-1" class="fnanchor" title="Go to footnote A.">[A]</a> a few words of introduction, -exhibiting its character and the circumstances under -which it was written, may not be inappropriate.</p> - -<p>The object of the work is, briefly to present to -the christian the evidences of personal piety and -guard these evidences from abuse and misapprehension. -It is divided into three parts. The author -first treats of the evidences of a piety, which, though -real, is weak and imperfect; secondly, the evidences -of a vigorous and maturer piety; and the third -part contains directions for maintaining and increasing -piety in the soul of the believer. It is written -with clearness and discrimination, and much resembles -the treatises of Baxter on the same subject. It is -as well adapted to the condition of christians of -the present day as to the condition of those for -whom it was written, two hundred and ten years -since. There cannot be found in it a word of -sectarian bitterness; on the contrary, it everywhere -breathes the spirit of catholic, christian charity.</p> - -<p>The circumstances under which it was written -are certainly peculiar. It seems that his wife, to -whom he appears to have been tenderly attached, -had been dangerously ill, but was now recovering. -During her sickness he had been from home, laboring -among the Indians; and while absent, he wrote -this little treatise in the form of a letter to her, -his object being simply to promote her spiritual -improvement. At the request of his friends, it -was published in London; and a dedication was -prefixed to it, addressed to Lady Vane the Younger. -In this dedication, occurs the following remarkable -passage: "The form and stile I know will seem -to this refined age too rude and barbarous, and -the truth is, the most of it was penned and writ, -(so as seldom or never such discourses were,) in the -thickest of the naked Indians of America, in their very -wild houses, and by their barbarous fires, when the -Lord was pleased this last year (more than ordinarily) -to dispose my abode and travel among them."</p> - -<p>As a writer, Roger Williams has generally borne the -reputation of a violent and bitter controversialist. I believe -that in this respect he has suffered great injustice. -It would seem from this tract, that, on the contrary, -his spirit was eminently candid and catholic, -and that controversy was to him a painful duty. -In the same dedication he says: "It is true, I -have been sometimes prest to engage in controversies, -but I can really and uprightly say, my witness -is on high, how harsh and dolefull the touch of -these strings are, [is,] and especially against such -worthies both in old and New England, in whom -I joyfully, before the world, acknowledge (in many -heavenly respects) a lively character and image of -the love of God." Every thing in this tract is in -harmony with such a declaration.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Stephen Randall</span>, Esq., a descendant of Roger -Williams, a gentleman who cherishes a proper respect -for the memory of his great ancestor, has been -at much pains to procure the use of one of the only -two known copies of this work, and at his instance it -is now re-published. It is nearly a <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">fac simile</i> of the -original copy, retaining, unchanged, all the obsolete -words and phrases, with all the peculiarities of orthography. -In this form it will be more interesting to the -public, and especially to antiquarians, than it could -be made by any change whatever. In the hope, -that, after the lapse of more than two centuries, it -will again be acceptable to christians of all denominations, -and exhibit in a new light the character -of a great and good man, it is now presented to -the descendants of the Puritans.</p> - -<p class="right"> -F. W. -</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p><i>Providence, December 1st, 1862.</i></p></div> - - -<div class="chapter"> - <div class="pleasehide"> - <hr class="chap" /> - </div> - <div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> - <img src="images/i_ivf.jpg" alt="Decorative lines" /> - </div> - - <div class="pleasehide"> - <hr class="chap" /> - </div> - - <h2 class="no-break">To the truly Honorable the - Lady <em>Vane</em>, the Younger.</h2> -</div> - -<p>Madam,</p> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="smcap">Yo</span><i>ur favourable, and</i> Christian respects <i>to me</i> -(<i>both of former and latter date</i>) <i>your</i> Godly <i>and</i> -Christian Letters <i>to me, so many thousand miles -distant in</i> America: <i>And your many gracious</i> -Demonstrations <i>of an humble and</i> Christian -Spirit <i>breathing in you; are a three fold</i> Cord <i>which have -drawn these lines into your presence</i>.</p> - -<p><i>While I have sometimes mused how to express a</i> Christian -gratitude, <i>I am at last perswaded to crave your</i> Ladyships -acceptance <i>of these poore</i> Experiments <i>of each true</i> Christians -personall union, <i>and</i> communion <i>with the</i> Father -<i>of</i> Spirits.</p> - -<p><i>It is true, I have been sometimes prest to engage in</i> controversies, -<i>but I can really and uprightly say, my</i> Witnes -<i>is on</i> high, <i>how harsh and doleful the</i> touch <i>of those</i> strings -<i>are, especially, against such</i> Worthies <i>both in</i> old <i>and new</i>-England, -<i>in whom I joyfully before the world acknowledge</i> -(<i>in many heavenly respects</i>) <i>a lively character and</i> Image -<i>of the</i> Son <i>of God. This broken</i> piece, <i>is a breath of a</i> -still <i>and</i> gentle voice, <i>none but the</i> God <i>of this</i> world, <i>and -the</i> men <i>of this</i> world, <i>can I lightly</i> (<i>at this turne</i>) <i>expect -my</i> opposites.</p> - -<p><i>At other times I have been drawne to consider of the little</i> -flock <i>of</i> Jesus, <i>his</i> Army, <i>his</i> body, <i>his</i> building, -<i>that for these many hundred years have been</i> scattered, -routed <i>and</i> laid wast <i>and</i> desolate: <i>At present, I onely -examine who are the</i> personall <i>and</i> particular Sheep of -Jesus Christ, <i>his</i> Souldiers, <i>his living</i> materials, <i>though</i> -scattered, divided, <i>and not</i> compos'd <i>and ordred at their -souls desire</i>.</p> - -<p><i>I confess</i> (Madam) <i>it was but a</i> private <i>and</i> sudden -discourse, <i>sent in private to my poor</i> Companion <i>and</i> -Yoak-fellow, <i>occasioned by a sudden</i> sickness <i>threatening</i> -death, <i>into which, and from which it pleased the</i> Lord <i>most -graciously to cast and raise her</i>.</p> - -<p><i>The</i> forme <i>and</i> stile <i>I know will seem to this refined</i> age, -<i>too rude and barbarous: And the</i> truth <i>is, the most of it -was penn'd and writ (so as seldom or never such discourses -were) in the thickest of the naked</i> Indians <i>of</i> America, <i>in -their very wild</i> houses, <i>and by their barbarous</i> fires; <i>when -the Lord was pleased this last year (more then ordinarily) -to dispose of my</i> abode <i>and</i> travell <i>amongst them. And yet, -is the</i> Language <i>plaine? it is the liker</i> Christs: <i>Is the -composure rude? such was his outward</i> Beauty: <i>Are the -tryals (seemingly) too close? such is the two edged</i> Sword <i>of -his most</i> holy Spirit, <i>which pierceth between the very</i> Soul -<i>and</i> Spirit, <i>and bringeth every</i> thought <i>into the</i> obedience -<i>of</i> Christ Jesus.</p> - -<p><i>Amongst the many</i> Crowns <i>of</i> mercy (Madam) <i>which it -hath pleased the</i> Father <i>of mercies to crowne your</i> soul <i>with, -as</i> David <i>speaks of his</i>, Psal. 103. <i>there are two which -justly challenge (and your Ladyship I know doth humbly -acknowledge them) to be the fairest</i>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1 Cor. 3.</div> - -<p><i>The first, That he himselfe most</i> high, <i>most</i> holy, (<i>who -makes his common</i> choice, <i>the</i> poor, <i>Jam. 2. and chooseth few</i> -Lords, <i>few</i> Knights, <i>few</i> Ladies, (<i>few</i> wise, <i>few</i> noble, -<i>few</i> mighty) <i>hath freely chosen you</i> Madam, <i>in so gracious -and blessed a</i> measure, <i>to</i> desire <i>to</i> feare <i>his</i> Name.</p> - -<p><i>A second, That for your dearest</i> Companion <i>and</i> Guide -<i>in this vale of</i> tears (<i>amongst the famous</i> Worthies <i>of this</i> -age) <i>he hath graciously guided you to such a blessed</i> choice, <i>of -such an</i> Husband <i>on</i> earth, <i>who beares so bright an</i> Image -<i>of your</i> Husband <i>in the</i> Heavens, <i>and in whose most -holy and gracious</i> hand, <i>he hath been such a</i> mercifull -<i>and</i> faithfull Instrument, <i>for both the</i> freedoms <i>both of -the</i> outward <i>and</i> inner <i>man</i>.</p> - -<p><i>I doe humbly acknowledge (that upon an absolute account) -all is mercy, and yet I am also humbly confident, that in a</i> -respect (<i>as he graciously remembered his old friend</i> Abraham, -<i>and tels us of a speciall love he yet bears the</i> Jewes -<i>for</i> Abrahams <i>sake, even so, he hath graciously vouchsafed -at this present an</i> honorable remembrance <i>to the -NAMES of some of his more</i> eminent <i>former</i> friends <i>and</i> -witnesses.</p> - -<p><i>How hath he crowned the</i> memory <i>of those his 2 zealous</i> -Servants <i>in K.</i> Henry <i>the 8th. his days<a name="Anchor-2" id="Anchor-2"></a><a href="#Footnote-2" class="fnanchor" title="Go to footnote B.">[B]</a> with a most eminent -and blessed</i> succession <i>of such</i> names <i>and</i> spirits <i>at this -day? and in a gracious</i> remembrance <i>of his love to that -blessed</i> daughter <i>and</i> witnesse <i>of his the</i> Lady Vane <i>in Q.</i> -Maries <i>dayes; how hath it pleased his</i> wisedom <i>and</i> goodnesse, -<i>to remember and to honour that</i> Name, <i>both in your -Ladiship and so many otherways, with so many loving kindnesses -at this day</i>?</p> - -<p><i>My humble cry</i> (Madam) <i>to the</i> Lord <i>shall never cease, -those all those your many</i> obligations <i>of both</i> temporall -<i>and</i> eternall mercies, <i>may</i> (<i>like chaines of</i> Adamant) -<i>draw and bind your precious</i> Soul <i>more and more to resolve -(by his grace assisting) to make his name</i> great, <i>who -hath made your so and so to love his</i> Name, <i>his</i> Son, <i>his</i> -Spirit, <i>his</i> Truth, <i>his</i> Children, <i>that others at the</i> Torch -<i>of your</i> exemplary meeknesse <i>and</i> fear <i>of</i> God, <i>may -light and kindle theirs; That your</i> Souls-eye <i>more and -more brightly may see him who is</i> invisible, <i>and may so experimentally -resent those</i> invisible <i>and</i> internal Honors, -pleasures <i>and</i> profits <i>that are in him that in comparison</i> -<i>thereof the</i> visible <i>and</i> worldly, <i>may be accounted by you but</i> -dreams <i>of</i> shadows, <i>&c. That your</i> great desire <i>may be a</i> -likenesse <i>of so</i> high <i>and</i> holy, <i>and so dear a</i> Saviour, <i>and</i> -(<i>as in other</i> excellencies <i>so</i>) <i>in that especially of a desire</i> of -saving <i>others</i>, <i>your</i> Children, Kindred, Servants, Friends, -<i>yea</i>, Enemies: <i>that neither the pleasing</i> calme <i>of</i> prosperity, -<i>nor the dreadfull</i> storms <i>of</i> changes, <i>may quench or -dampe that holy</i> fire <i>of your souls</i> love (<i>in</i> Life <i>and</i> -Death) <i>to</i> Him <i>whom your</i> Ladyship <i>hath so much infinite -cause to love, but never yet saw, in whom, and for ever</i></p> - -<p class="right"> -<i>I desire to be</i></p> - -<p class="right">Your <span class="smcap">Honours</span> unfeignedly faithfull.</p> -<p class="right bigger"><strong>R. W.</strong> -</p> - - - -<div class="chapter"> - - <div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> - <img src="images/i_vii.jpg" alt="Decorative lines" /> - </div> - - <div class="pleasehide"> - <hr class="chap" /> - </div> - <h2 class="no-break">To every truly <em>Christian Reader</em>.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="sidenote">Thy Maker is -thy Husband. -Isa. 52.</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="smcap">As</span> it is in the <em>Earthly</em>, so it is in the <em>Heavenly -Marriage</em> of a poor <em>Sinner</em> to his <em>Maker</em>. There -useth first to passe a <em>private</em> kindling of Love, -and a private <em>consent</em> and <em>promise</em> (which sometimes -are long) before the <em>open solemnity</em>, and the -<em>publike profession</em> of a Married Life together. This is -my present <em>designe</em>, (not to controvert the matters of -publike <em>Order</em> and <em>Worship</em>, but) to present some poor -Experiments of those Personall <em>excellencies</em> of each true -beleeving <em>soule</em> and <em>spirit</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Isa. 40.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">Prov. 21.</div> - -<p>The Holy <em>Spirit</em> (in <cite>Isaiah</cite>) tels us of <em>Ballances</em> wherein -the most <em>High</em> weighs the <em>Hills</em> and <em>Mountains</em>: As -also in <em>Solomon</em>, of <em>Ballances</em> wherein hee weighs the very -<em>Spirits</em>, even of men whose way is right in their owne -eyes. And in <cite>John</cite> (14.) he commands us to try the -<em>Spirits</em>, pretending to come from <em>Christ Jesus</em>, whether -they be of <em>God</em>, or no.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Great pretences -to the holy -Spirit of -God.</div> - -<p>There is not the grossest <em>Protestant</em> or <em>Papist</em>, but pretends -to the <em>Spirit</em> of <em>God</em>; yea that horrid <em>Monster -Mahomet</em>, blusht not to avouch that in the <em>Forme</em> of a -<em>Dove</em>, the holy <em>Spirit</em> of <em>God</em> did whisper in his <em>eare</em> from -<em>Heaven</em>. Now blessed is that <em>Spirit</em>, <em>publike</em> or <em>private</em>, -who is truly willing and joyfull to lye downe in the <em>Ballances</em> -of the <em>Lords</em> weighings.</p> - -<p>Hitherto tend these <em>Experiments</em> of personal Communion -with <em>God</em> in the <em>Spirit of Holinesse</em>, <cite>Rom.</cite> <i>1. 3</i>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">To counterfeit -the holy -Spirit dreadfull.</div> - -<p>'Tis true, all publike and private <em>Christian Spirits</em>, -pretend the <em>Spirit of Holinesse</em>: yea, how great a part of -the <em>World</em> pretend to be <em>Christendome</em>, the <em>Christian world</em>, -that is, anointed with the <em>Spirit</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>? But -was it <em>Death</em> in <em>Moses Rites</em> to counterfeit that ceremoniall -and figurative <em>Ointment</em>, <cite>Exod. 30</cite>. what shall it be -to counterfeit the <em>Spirit</em> of <em>Life</em> and <em>Holiness</em> it self? -What I beleeve therefore (as <em>David</em> and <em>Paul</em> once -spake) I freely speak: Yea, who can but speak (saith -<em>Peter</em> and <em>John</em>) the Things they have seene and heard? -I confesse I spake these first but in a private <cite class="no-italics"><i>Letter</i> in -<i>America</i></cite>, and thought not that the <em>light</em> in <em>Europe</em> should -have seen them: But a two-fold <em>desire</em> hath prevailed -with me to expose these <em>Tryalls</em> to the <em>Trying</em> of all men.</p> - -<p class="indent">1. The earnest <em>desire</em> of some <em>Godly Friends</em>.</p> - -<p class="indent">2. Mine owne <em>desire</em> of sowing a little handfull of -<em>spirituall seed</em> while the short <em>Minute</em> of my <em>seed-time</em> (the -<em>opportunity</em> of life) lasteth.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The least of -the little ones -of Christ Jesus -ought to -rejoyce.</div> - -<p>My scope is to fill each truly <em>Christian soule</em> with <em>triumphing</em> -and <em>rejoycing</em>: I speak <em>peace</em> and <em>joy</em> to the -Weakest <em>Lamb</em> and <em>Child</em> (in <em>Christianity</em>) that is so <em>low</em>, -so <em>weake</em>, so <em>litle</em>, so <em>poor</em> in its owne eyes, that it sometimes -saith, it hath no <em>Christ</em>, no <em>Spirit</em>, no <em>Faith</em>, no -<em>Love</em>, no nor true <em>Desire</em> in it selfe. To this poore -weake one I speak <em>peace</em> and <em>joy</em>, and say, this <em>spirituall -poverty</em> is blessed, and is the first <em>step</em> or <em>round</em> of that -spirituall <em>Ladder</em>, <cite class="no-italics">Mat. 5</cite>. Blessed are the poor in <em>spirit</em>, -for theirs is the <em>Kingdome</em> of <em>Heaven</em>.</p> - -<p>Secondly, I found joyfull <em>Alarums</em> of <em>Encouragement</em> -to the <em>strong</em> to grow (as <em>Peter</em> exhorteth) in the <em>Grace</em> -and <em>Knowledge</em> of the <em>Lord Jesus</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Communion -of Saints most -sweet, and to -be lamented -after.</div> - -<p>Tis true, the <em>communion</em> of <em>Saints</em> is <em>sweet</em> and joyfull, -<em>strong</em> and powerfull, eternally <em>gainfull</em> and profitable; -and holy and blessed is that <em>Spirit</em> that makes the <em>Saints</em> -(who are the <em>Excellent</em> of the Earth) its <em>Delight</em>, and after -that blessed hour of the <em>Saints uniting</em> in <em>one Heart</em>, <em>one -Spirit</em>, <em>one Worship</em>, let all that love <em>Christ Jesus</em> mourne -and lament, and breath and pant: And yet the weakest -and the faintest <em>Lamb</em> that comes but stealing in the Crowd -to touch the hemb of the <em>Lord Jesus</em> his garment, that -is content to be esteemed a <em>Dog</em>, and to wait for <em>crums</em> -of <em>mercy</em> under the <em>Table</em> of the Son of <em>God</em>: let them I -say rejoyce also, for he that hath begun that blessed work -by his owne free and eternall <em>Spirit</em>, will by the same -his owne holy <em>Arme</em>, gloriously finish it.</p> - -<p>I end (<em>Deare Christian</em>) with the <em>proposall</em> of two -<em>Christian knots</em>, or <em>Riddles</em>, not unsuitable to these present -<em>Times</em> and <em>Spirits</em>?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Two Christian -Riddles, -suiting these -times and spirits.</div> - -<p><em>First</em>, Why is the <em>Heart</em> of a <em>David</em> himself (<cite>Psa. 30.</cite>) -more apt to decline from <em>God</em>, upon the Mountaine of -<em>Joy</em>, <em>Deliverance</em>, <em>Victory</em>, <em>Prosperity</em>, then in the dark -<em>Vale</em> of the shadow of <em>Death</em>, <em>Persecution</em>, <em>Sicknesse</em>, <em>Adversity</em>, -&c.</p> - -<p><em>Secondly</em>, Why is it, since <em>God</em> worketh freely in us to -<em>doe</em> and to <em>will</em> of his owne good pleasure, that yet he is -pleased to command us to <em>work</em> out our owne <em>Salvation</em> -with <em>Feare</em> and <em>Trembling</em>? Let us all humbly beg the -<em>Finger</em> (the Spirit) of the Lord to untie these <em>Knots</em> -for us.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<em>I desire to be thine unfeighned in</em><br /> -Christ Jesus,<br /> -<br /> -<i>R. W.</i> -</p> - - -<div class="chapter"> - <div class="pleasehide"> - <hr class="chap" /> - </div> - <div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> - <img src="images/i_x.jpg" alt="Decorative header" /> - </div> - - - - <div class="pleasehide"> - <hr class="chap" /> - </div> - <h2 class="no-break">The <em>Contents</em> of this <em>Discourse</em>.</h2> -</div> - -<p><i>The</i> <em class="no-italics">Heads</em> <i>are three</i>.</p> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="smcap">Un</span><i>der the</i> first <i>are contained the</i> Arguments <i>of</i> Spirituall -Life, <i>wherein the</i> Weakest <i>and the</i> Sickest -<i>Child of</i> God <i>may finde its</i> Spirituall Life <i>apparent, -though over-cast and</i> eclipsed <i>with spirituall</i> Weaknesse -<i>and</i> Distempers.</p> - -<p><i>Under the second</i> Head, Arguments <i>of the strength and</i> -vigour <i>of the Spirit of</i> Life <i>and</i> Holinesse: <i>In which -the</i> strongest <i>and the</i> eldest <i>in</i> Christ, <i>may find</i> Experiments -<i>of Spirituall</i> Health, <i>and Christian</i> Activity <i>and -chearfullnesse</i>.</p> - -<div class="indent"> -<p><i>These</i> Experiments <i>respect</i>,</p> - -<p>1. <i>The Souls private</i> correspondency <i>with the Lord -himselfe</i>.</p> - -<p>2. <i>Converse and</i> correspondency <i>with</i> Men.</p> - -<p>3. <i>Private</i> Retirednesses <i>with it selfe</i>.</p> - -</div> - -<p><i>Under the third</i> Head <i>are proposed some</i> Means <i>wherein -the</i> Spirit <i>of</i> God <i>usually breatheth for the preserving -and maintaining of a truly Spirituall and</i> Christian <i>Health -and Chearfullnesse</i>.</p> - - - -<div class="break-before"> - <div class="pleasehide"> - <hr class="chap" /> - </div> - <div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> - <img src="images/i_title.jpg" alt="Decorative pattern" /> - </div> - - <h2 class="no-break">The Letter which the Author sent with - this Discourse to his Wife <i><b>M. W.</b></i> upon - her recovery from a dangerous sicknesse.</h2> - -</div> - -<p> -My <em>Dearest Love</em> and <em>Companion</em> in this <em>Vale of Tears</em>. -</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The true use -of sicknesse.</div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><span class="smcap">Th</span>y late <em>sudden</em> and <em>dangerous Sicknesse</em>, and the -<em>Lords</em> most <em>gracious</em> and <em>speedy raising</em> thee up -from the <em>gates</em> and <em>jawes</em> of <em>Death</em>: as they were -wonderfull in thine <em>own</em>, and others <em>eyes</em>, so I -hope, and earnestly desire, they may be ever in -our <em>thoughts</em>, as a <em>warning</em> from <em>Heaven</em> to make ready -for a sudden <em>call</em> to be gone from hence: to live the -rest of our <em>short uncertaine span</em>, more as <em>strangers</em>, longing -and breathing after another <em>Home</em> and <em>Country</em>; To cast -off our <em>great cares</em> and <em>fears</em> and <em>desires</em> and <em>joyes</em> about -this <em>Candle</em> of this <em>vaine life</em>, that is so soon <em>blowne</em> out, -and to trust in the living <em>God</em>, of whose wonderfull power -and mercy thou hast had so much and so late <em>experience</em>, -which must make thee sing with <em>David</em> (<cite>Psal. <span class="no-italics">103</span></cite>.) -<em>Blesse the Lord O my Soul, and all that is within me blesse -his holy Name: Blesse the Lord, O my Soul, and forget not -all his benefits, who forgiveth all thy sins, and healeth thine -infirmities: who redeemeth thy life from destruction, and -crowneth thee with mercy and loving kindnesse</em>.</p> - -<p>My <em>dear Love</em>, since it pleaseth the <em>Lord</em> so to dispose -of me, and of my affairs at present, that I cannot often -see thee, I desire often to send to thee. I now send thee -that which I know will be sweeter to thee then the <em>Honey</em> -and the <em>Honey-combe</em>, and stronger refreshment then the -strongest <em>wines</em> or <em>waters</em>, and of more value then if -every line and letter were thousands of <em>gold</em> and <em>silver</em>. -<em>Hezekiah</em> upon his <em>recovery</em> from his <em>sicknesse</em>, made a -<em>writing</em> (<cite>Isai. <span class="no-italics">38</span></cite>.) as an <em>everlasting monument</em> of his <em>praise</em> -unto <em>God</em>, and as a <em>Goad</em> or <em>spur</em> to <em>himselfe</em> and <em>others</em> in -the <em>wayes of godlinesse</em> for the future.</p> - -<p>Thy <em>holy</em> and <em>humble</em> desires are <em>strong</em>, but I know thy -<em>writing</em> is slow, and that thou wilt gladly accept of this -my <em>poore helpe</em>, which with <em>humble thankefulnesse</em> and <em>praise</em> -to the <em>Lord</em>, I humbly tender to his <em>holy service</em>, and -thine in him.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The outward -and inner -man.</div> - -<p>I send thee (though in <em>Winter</em>) an handfull of <em>flowers</em> -made up in a little <em>Posey</em>, for thy dear selfe, and our dear -children, to look and smell on, when <em>I as the grasse of -the field shall be gone, and withered</em>.</p> - -<p>Wee know how it pleaseth the <em>spirit</em> of <em>God</em> to distinguish -between the <em>outward</em> and the <em>inner</em> man, <cite>2 Cor. <span class="no-italics">4</span></cite>. -[Though our <em>outward</em> man perish; yet our <em>inner</em> is renewed -day by day:] It hath pleased the most <em>high</em> to -cast downe thy <em>outward</em> man, and againe graciously to -lift him up, and thereby to teach us both, to examine -and try the <em>health</em>, and <em>strength</em>, and <em>welfare</em> of the <em>inner</em>.</p> - -<p>I will not now enter upon the <em>Disputes</em> about that -<em>question</em>, what is the <em>Inner-man</em>, whether <em>Christ himselfe</em>, -as some say, or an <em>Image</em> or <em>likenesse</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, as -others say. That is a <em>Candle</em> or <em>Torch</em> to me, which is -written <cite>Ephes. 3</cite>. That <em>Christ</em> may dwell in your <em>Hearts</em> -by <em>faith</em>: unto which agrees that of the first of <cite>John</cite>: -As many as received him, that is received <em>Christ Jesus</em> -into the <em>house</em> of their <em>hearts</em> to dwell there by <em>believing</em> -and <em>obeying</em> of him, they are borne of the <em>Spirit</em>, and are -the <em>Sons</em> of <em>God</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">What the <em>inner-man</em> -is.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">Subject to -many distempers.</div> - -<p>This <em>Inner</em> man, this <em>new-man</em> (which after <em>God</em> is -created in <em>holinesse</em> and <em>righteousnesse</em>) I say, this <em>Inner-man</em> -hath his <em>tempers</em> and <em>distempers</em>, his <em>health</em> and <em>sicknesse</em>, -as well as this <em>outward-man</em> this <em>body</em> of <em>Clay</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence we hear so often mentioned, the <em>renewing</em> of -the <em>inward-man</em>, the <em>growing</em> and <em>increasing</em> of <em>Faith</em> and -<em>Love</em>, and other <em>breathings</em> of <em>Gods Spirit</em>: the <em>losse</em> (that is -in a measure,) of the <em>Ephesians first love</em>. Hence the many -<em>falls</em> of the <em>Lords</em> best <em>Servants</em>, recorded in <em>Scripture</em>, and -the <em>sleep</em> of the <em>Spouse</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, although her <em>heart</em> -wake in the truth of <em>marriage-love</em>, which can never -wholly dye in her and be extinguished.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">A threefold -person in -<em>Gods</em> children</div> - -<p>The holy <em>Scripture</em> mentioneth a <em>three-fold person</em> in -all that are borne againe, First, the body of <em>Flesh</em> and -<em>clay</em>, this <em>outward naturall being</em>, which must be dissolved -and dye, then rise againe to <em>Glory</em>.</p> - -<p>The second is the body of <em>corruption</em>, or <em>old man</em>, which -being deadly wounded by the <em>Son</em> of <em>God</em> alreadie in all -that are his, shall shortly give up the <em>ghost</em>, and rot, and -never rise again.</p> - -<p>The third is this holy, heavenly <em>inner</em> man, of whose -<em>health</em> and daily <em>renewing</em> I now discourse, who is born -of an immortall seed, and therefore can no more die then -<em>Christ</em> himself: <cite>Rom. 6</cite>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">A spirituall -cheerfull temper.</div> - -<p>Now as this <em>outward man</em> desires not onely <em>life</em>, and -<em>being</em>, but also <em>health</em> and <em>cheerfulness</em> in all the living -<em>motions</em> and <em>actions</em> thereof: So, (and much more ten -thousand fold) requires the <em>inward</em> and <em>spirituall</em> man, an -<em>healthfull</em> and <em>cheerfull temper</em>. For as the Lord loveth -a <em>cheerfull giver</em>: So loves he also a cheerfull <em>Preacher</em>, a -chearfull <em>hearer</em>, a chearfull <em>prayer</em>, and a chearfull <em>sufferer</em> -for his Name sake: He loves that the shoes of -<em>preparation</em> be on our <em>feet</em> ready to run (all <em>wayes</em> and -<em>weathers</em>) the <em>paths</em> of his <em>Commandments</em>: That like a -<em>vessel</em> our <em>leaks</em> be stopt, and our whole <em>soul</em> be ready in -an holy <em>trim</em>, and <em>tightness</em>, for all his holy employments -of us in the greatest <em>tempests</em>: that like heavenly <em>souldiers</em>, -our <em>Arms</em> be fixt, or like an <em>Instrument</em>, the <em>strings</em> of our -<em>affections</em> and <em>parts</em> be all in tune, to make heavenly <em>musick</em> -in the holy <em>ears</em> of our heavenly <em>Lord</em> and <em>King</em>.</p> - -<p>Tis true, as it is between a loving <em>couple</em>, (and as it -was in the Church at <em>Ephesus</em>) it is not easie to keep in -the first <em>flame</em> of <em>Love</em>, <em>fresh</em> and <em>equall</em>, although the <em>fire</em> -of the <em>truth</em> and <em>sinceritie</em> of <em>marriage love</em> never die, or -be extinguished.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Spirituall distempers.</div> - -<p>It is true that <em>Paul</em> cries out (how much more may -we) <em>O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from -this body of death?</em></p> - -<p>Tis true, that sometimes <em>corruption</em> and <em>Satan surprize</em> -and carry away the strongest <em>champions</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, as -<em>slaves</em> and <em>captives</em> for a time, untill <em>Christ Jesus</em> rescue, -redeem and ransome, by giving <em>repentance</em> unto his <em>Israel</em>, -as he did to <em>David</em>, <em>Peter</em>, <em>&c.</em> as <em>Abraham</em> rescued <em>Lot</em>, -and as <em>David</em> recovered all his precious <em>captives</em>, led <em>slaves</em> -away from <em>Ziklag</em>.</p> - -<p>I am far therefore from passing the <em>sentence</em> of <em>death</em> -upon the least of the little ones of <em>Jesus</em>, (notwithstanding -their <em>spirituall weaknes</em>, and <em>sicknesses</em>) in whom the -least <em>spark</em> or breathing of the <em>spirit</em> of <em>Life</em> can be discerned.</p> - -<p>And I desire to see and lament the <em>spirituall sicknesses</em>, -and <em>diseases</em> of mine own and others <em>Spirits</em>, which yet -are not unto <em>death</em> (as <em>Christ Jesus</em> spake of <em>Lazarus</em>) but -for the <em>glory</em> of <em>God</em>, in the <em>fall</em> and <em>rising</em> of his <em>servants</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Distinction -between spirituall -<em>death</em>, -spirituall <em>sickness</em> -and spirituall -<em>weakness</em></div> - -<p>Yea as <em>Paul</em> distinguisheth of <em>Gods</em> afflicting hand on -his <em>Saints</em> at <em>Corinth</em>, so must I distinguish, between these -three, <em>death</em>, <em>sicknes</em> and <em>weakness</em>: Every <em>sicknes</em> of <em>Gods -Children</em> is not a <em>death</em>, for the <em>inner</em> man cannot die, no -more then <em>Christ</em> himself. <cite>Rom: 6</cite>.</p> - -<p>Again, every <em>weaknes</em> is not a <em>sicknes</em>, for some are -<em>weak</em>, little <em>ones</em> in the <em>knowledge</em> and <em>love</em> of <em>Christ</em>, while -others are grown to be <em>strong</em> and <em>aged</em> in <em>Christ Jesus</em>; -Yea, the <em>strongest</em> and oldest <em>Souldiers</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, -who have not thought their dearest <em>Heartblood</em> to dear -for such a <em>Lord</em> and <em>Master</em>, have yet been troubled with -some <em>weaknes</em>, and fits of spirituall <em>distempers</em>: <em>Weaknes</em> -in their Eyes is not discerning aright the mind of <em>Christ -Jesus</em>, <em>weaknes</em> in their <em>hands</em>, and <em>Feet</em>, hindring their -spirituall <em>chearfulnes</em>, and <em>activity</em> in <em>Christs</em> wayes, which -weaknesses yet have not brought them to a down right -halting in <em>Christianity</em>.</p> - -<p>I propose therefore (with the assistance of <em>Gods holy -spirit</em>) to examine these three particulars.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The Heads of -this Discourse</div> - -<p>First, what are the <em>Arguments</em> of that measure of <em>spirituall -life</em> in <em>Christ</em>, which yet may stand with great <em>spirituall -weaknesses</em> and <em>diseases</em>.</p> - -<p>2ly. What is the <em>measure</em> of the <em>grace</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, -which may be called the <em>health</em>, and <em>chearfull temper</em>, and -disposition of the <em>inner</em> man.</p> - -<p>3dly. What are those spiritual <em>preservatives</em>, which -may keep the <em>Soul</em> in an healthful <em>temper</em>, free from -spirituall <em>sicknesses</em> and <em>distempers</em>.</p> - -<p>In these <em>Examinations</em> I professe two things: First not -to <em>oppresse</em> thy <em>thoughts</em> and <em>memory</em>, with any long <em>discourse</em>, -intending only to send thee after thy sicknes, a -little posey fit and easie for thy <em>meditation</em>, and <em>refreshing</em>.</p> - -<p>2ly. All my <em>Flowers</em> shall be some choice <em>example</em>, or -<em>speech</em> of some <em>son</em> or <em>daughter</em> of <em>God</em>, pickt out from the -<em>Garden</em> of the holy <em>Scriptures</em> for our spiritually <em>refreshing</em> -and <em>consolation</em>.</p> - -<p>I begin therefore with such <em>trialls</em> and <em>arguments</em> as -declare, the true life of the <em>inner man</em>, notwithstanding -spirituall <em>weaknes</em>, <em>sicknes</em>, and <em>distempers</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The weakest -of Gods children -cry unto -God as to a -Father.</div> - -<p>First then when the <em>Spirit</em> of the <em>Lord</em> in <cite>1 Job. 2.</cite> describeth -the severall <em>Ages</em> and <em>grouths</em> of this inward <em>man</em> -(to wit a <em>child</em>, a <em>strong</em> man, and an <em>old man</em>) it pleasath him -to describe the young or little one by this <em>difference</em>, that -[He knows the <em>Father</em>] to wit, that he knows the <em>Lord</em> -so, as to look upon him (in his measure) as to a <em>Father</em>, -that he fears him, loves him, obeys him, and calls upon -him as on a <em>Father</em>: according to that of <cite>Gal: 4</cite>. Because -you are sons, he hath sent forth the spirit of his Son crying -in your Hearts <em>Abba Father</em>: <em>Father</em> pardon me, -<em>Father</em> help me, <em>Father</em> give me, <em>&c.</em></p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Obj.</i></div> - -<p>But may not the <em>Hypocrites</em> call upon God, (and sometime -more boldly then <em>Gods little ones</em>,) <em>Lord Lord, Almighty</em> -and most mercifull <em>Father</em>, &c.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>An.</i></div> - -<p>I answer, an <em>Hypocrite</em> hath many <em>Lords</em>, and many -<em>Fathers</em>, besides, and joyned with their (pretended) -heavenly <em>Father</em>. Whereas <em>Gods little ones</em> cry out, (<cite>Isa. -63</cite>.) Doubtles thou art our <em>Father</em>, though <em>Abraham</em> be -ignorant of us, as if they had said: Thou art our only -<em>Father</em>, above all <em>Fathers</em>, &c.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">False calling -upon God as -upon a Father</div> - -<p>2ly. The <em>Hypocrite</em> saies <em>Lord</em>, <em>Lord</em>, but cares for no -more of the <em>will</em> of the <em>Lord</em> then may serve his own -<em>turne</em>: But a child of <em>God</em> declares his child like <em>submission</em>, -to an heavenly <em>Fathers</em> will in all things, according -to the difference proposed by the <em>Lord Jesus</em>, (<cite>Mat: 7</cite>.) -Not every one that saith unto me <em>Lord</em>, <em>Lord</em>, but he -that doth the wil of my <em>Father</em> which is in <em>Heaven</em>: -The difference lies not in the <em>words</em>, but in the <em>Heart</em>, -in the upright <em>submission</em> of a <em>child</em> of <em>God</em>, to all that he -believes to be the <em>will</em> and <em>pleasure</em> of his heavenly -<em>Father</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">2 <i>Argum:</i> -Gods children -long for more -and more -knowledge of -God.</div> - -<p>For a second <em>triall</em> therefore: Where <em>spirituall life is</em> -(notwithstanding <em>weaknes</em> or <em>distempers</em>) there is always a -professed <em>willingnesse</em> to get more and more <em>knowledg</em> of -this heavenly <em>Father</em>, of his <em>name</em>, of his <em>works</em>, of his -<em>word</em>, of his <em>Christ</em>, of his <em>Spirit</em>, his <em>Saints</em>, and <em>Ordinances</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence <em>Beleevers</em> in <em>Jesus</em>, both <em>Men</em> and <em>Women</em>, are -called <em>Disciples</em>, or <em>Scholars</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, professing -continually to learn more and more of this heavenly -<em>teacher</em>. Hence his <em>Disciples</em> or <em>Scholars</em> petition to <em>Christ -Jesus</em>, <em>Lord</em> teach us to pray: <em>Lord</em> increase our <em>Faith</em>, &c.</p> - -<p>Hence they ask him many <em>Questions</em>, and are by little -and little instructed, though for a while they were ignorant -of the mystery of his <em>Death</em>, and <em>Resurrection</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Obj.</i></div> - -<p>But may not an <em>Hypocrite</em> desire to know more and -more of <em>God</em>, of <em>Christ</em>, &c.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Ans.</i></div> - -<p>I answer, although an <em>Hypocrite</em> out of an itching desire, -of <em>knowledg</em>, of <em>novelty</em>, and out of <em>self love</em>, to make -use of so much of <em>God</em>, and of <em>Christ</em>, as may serve his -own <em>ends</em>, may <em>desire</em>, and <em>attain</em>, and <em>professe</em>, and <em>preach</em> -much of <em>God</em> and <em>Christ</em>, yet will he pick and choose as -<em>Saul</em> did, while <em>David</em> and all <em>Gods children </em>uprightly -desire to have respect to all the <em>Commandements</em> of <em>God</em> in -<em>Christ Jesus</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">2</div> - -<p>Again, the <em>obedience</em> of <em>Hypocrites</em> is but the task of a -<em>slave</em>, or <em>Hireling</em>, when the obedience of a <em>child</em> of <em>God</em>, -is that of a dutifull <em>child</em> to his <em>Father</em>, or an endeared -<em>Wife</em> to her <em>Husband</em>, not caused by <em>terrour</em> or <em>wages</em>, -but hearty <em>Reverence</em> and <em>Affection</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Arg.</i> 3. -Gods children -hunger and -thirst after -Gods Word.</div> - -<p>Hence follows a third <em>triall</em> of <em>spirituall life</em>, (though -accompanied with much <em>weaknes</em>,) to wit a vehement -<em>hunger</em> and <em>longing</em> after the <em>Ordinance</em> of the <em>word preached</em>: -Hence that <em>similitude</em> by <em>Peter</em>. As <em>New born Babes</em> desire -the sincere <em>milk</em> of the <em>word</em>, that you may grow -thereby, <cite>1. Pet: 2</cite>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Obj.</i></div> - -<p>But may not <em>Hypocrits</em> and <em>counterfeits</em>, both affectionately -hear and preach, <i>&c</i>?</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Ans.</i></div> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods word in -Gods way.</div> - -<div class="sidenote"><cite class="no-italics">Cant 1</cite>.</div> - -<p>I answer, no question, but <em>false worshippers</em>, and <em>false -Christians</em> may easily satisfie themselves, and stop the -mouths of their <em>consciences</em>, with any formal <em>performance</em> -of a <em>Sermon</em> by an <em>houre-glasse</em>, or other <em>traditions</em>, or <em>customes</em> -of <em>Fathers</em>, or the <em>times</em>. But a child of <em>God</em> desires -to be as well carefull (according to his <em>sight</em>, for the -true <em>Mothers-Breast</em>, (a true <em>Ministrie</em>) as for a Womans -Milk, the opening of the word by any in any way, <em>&c.</em> -And therefore cries the <em>Spouse</em> to <em>Christ Jesus</em>: Oh thou -whom my <em>soul</em> loveth, shew me where thou <em>feedest</em>, for -why should I be as one that turns aside to the <em>flocks</em> of -thy <em>companions</em>.</p> - -<p>2ly. A true <em>child</em> of <em>God</em> (though weak) looks chiefly -at <em>God</em>, and <em>Christ</em>, himself in the <em>Ministry</em>, and <em>dispensation</em> -of the <em>word</em>, and therefore saith (<cite>Cant: 1</cite>.) Let <em>Him</em> -kisse me with the <em>kisses</em> of his <em>mouth</em>, for his <em>love</em> is better -then <em>wine</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">True hunger -after Gods -word.</div> - -<p>3. While the <em>Hypocrites</em> find their natural <em>delight</em> in -the word, as in <em>musick</em>, while yet they obey not: The -child of <em>God</em> comes to the <em>breasts</em> of the <em>Church</em>, as a -child hangs upon the Mothers <em>Breast</em>, not only for the -<em>delight</em> of <em>sucking</em>, but out of a vehement painfull <em>longing</em>, -to have its <em>soul</em> satisfied, and its strength of <em>spirituall life</em> -and <em>grace</em> increased in the ways of <em>God</em>: according to that -in <cite>1. Pet. 2</cite>. [That you may grow thereby.]</p> - -<div class="sidenote">True <em>desire</em> in -all Gods people.</div> - -<p>A 4th. Argument of the <em>life</em> of the <em>inner man</em>, (though -in much <em>weaknes, or sicknes</em>, is a true and unfained <em>desire</em>, -to do that which it finds it cannot do, but falls short in -doing or suffering the <em>will</em> of <em>God</em>: So <em>Nehemiah</em> pleads -with <em>God</em>, from the <em>uprightnes</em> of their hearts, that they -desired to fear his <em>Name</em>, when a <em>soul</em> can say uprightly -in <em>Gods</em> presence, I desire, that is, unfainedly longing to -know his will, although I am much <em>ignorant</em>, I desire to -<em>believe</em>, though I find an <em>unbelieving heart</em>, I desire to be -<em>willing</em> and <em>able</em> to <em>suffer</em>, though I find much <em>fearfulnesse</em>, -<i>&c.</i></p> - -<p><i>Ob.</i> May not an <em>Hypocrite</em> desire to <em>know</em> and love -<em>God</em>, &c.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Difference -between the -true and false -desire.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">God must be -chosen for -himself.</div> - -<p>I answer, an <em>Hypocrite</em> may desire to know so much of -<em>God</em>, and to have so much of his <em>grace</em>, and so much of -his <em>power</em> against some sins, as may serve to save his <em>soul</em>, -when he sees he cannot be <em>saved</em> without it: But a <em>child</em> -of <em>God</em>, only can desire <em>God</em> for <em>himself</em>, and desire to be -like unto <em>God</em> in his holy <em>Nature</em>, and to have every -<em>thought</em> brought under the <em>obedience</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence though an <em>Hypocrite</em> may weep as <em>Esau</em> and -<em>Saul</em>, and others have done, yet a true <em>child</em> of <em>God</em> can -only in truth cry out, with the <em>Father</em>, of the possessed -<em>child</em> in an humble sence of his own <em>weaknes</em>, and <em>spirituall -poverty</em>, <em>Lord I believe</em>, help thou my <em>unbelief</em>, that is, -help me against my <em>unbelief</em>, against my <em>passions</em>, against -my <em>uncleanesse</em>, against my <em>pride</em>, against my <em>covetousnes</em>, -&c.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods children -cannot live in -known sin -without strugling -& mourning.</div> - -<p>A 5th: <em>triall</em> of a true <em>life</em> (though in <em>weaknes</em>, or <em>sicknes</em>) -is a constant <em>resisting</em> and <em>fighting</em> against all known -<em>sin</em>, as <em>sin</em>. He that is born of <em>God</em>, (<cite>1. John 5</cite>.) keepeth -himself that the <em>evill</em> one toucheth him not, unles he be -suddenly <em>surprised</em>, or violently <em>forced</em>, by mighty <em>temptations</em>, -or <em>cousoned</em> and <em>deceived</em> by the <em>deceitfulnesse</em> of <em>sin</em>, -he can no more willingly touch it, then <em>fire</em> or <em>poison</em>, or -the <em>Devill</em> himself.</p> - -<p>Hence is there a continuall war between the <em>flesh</em> and -the <em>Spirit</em>, <cite>Gal: 5</cite>. The <em>law</em> of the <em>mind</em>, wars against the -<em>law</em> of the <em>members</em>; The <em>New-man</em> against the <em>old</em>, &c. -For instance, although good <em>Jacob</em> was overcome by his -<em>Mothers</em> powerful <em>perswasion</em>, yet suspecting a <em>sin</em> he -first strugled against it, my <em>Father</em> saith he, will feel me, -and I shall bring a <em>curse</em> instead of a <em>Blessing</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Obj.</i></div> - -<div class="sidenote">No hypocrite -can fight against -sin as -sin.</div> - -<p>But may not an <em>Hypocrite</em> resist <em>temptation</em>, and fight -against <em>sin</em>? I answer, No, not against <em>sin</em> as <em>sin</em>, but as it -is dangerous and hurtful to <em>soul</em>, to <em>body</em>, to <em>purse</em>, to -<em>credit</em>. So <em>Balaam</em> (I conceive in earnest) refused <em>Balacks</em> -mony, and would not <em>sin</em> for an house full of <em>gold</em> and -<em>silver</em>, when as yet he loved that <em>sin</em> of cursing <em>Gods</em> people, -and the <em>wages</em> of it.</p> - -<p>2ly. An <em>Hypocrite</em> cannot resist the sin of <em>Hypocrisie</em>, -and other <em>darling sins</em>: but a child of <em>God</em> with <em>David</em> -(<cite>Psal: 139</cite>.) begs of <em>God</em> to search him, that is to help -him against <em>Hypocrisie</em> it self, and every false way, and to -lead him in the <em>way everlasting</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">A true childe -of God tender -of Gods name.</div> - -<p>Sixtly, a <em>child</em> of <em>God</em> though overwhelmed with many -<em>weaknesses</em> or <em>temptations</em>, yet he cannot possibly be -brought to an ill <em>opinion</em> or <em>thought</em> of <em>God</em>, but is always -ready to take his <em>part</em>, to <em>speak</em> well of him, and endures -not, with a quiet mind, to hear his name dishonored: -Hence <em>Job</em> in his great <em>passions</em> and <em>cursings</em>, could not be -brought (no not by his <em>wife</em>) to speak ill of <em>God</em>: but -although he complained much of his own <em>affliction</em>, and -stood to his <em>uprightness</em>, against the <em>charge</em> of <em>Hypocrisie</em>, -yet still he magnifies the name of his <em>God</em> in all his <em>discourses</em>, -and professeth to trust in him, although his <em>God</em> -should kill him.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Instances of -<em>Samson</em> and -<em>Jehosaphat</em>.</div> - -<p>Hence <em>Samson</em>, though carried away first by a <em>Philistian -wife</em>, and then by a <em>Philistian whore</em>, yet can he not be -carried away so from the <em>God</em> of Israel, but that still he -acknowledgeth his <em>high</em> and <em>holy hand</em> in his <em>victories</em> and -<em>deliverances</em>, and accordingly poures forth his <em>soul</em> to him -for <em>grace</em> and <em>assistance</em>. And hence good <em>Jehosaphat</em> -though very strongly carried away with the flatterie of -the <em>idolatrous King</em> of <em>Israel</em>, yet he endures not to hear -the name of his <em>God</em> smitten through the sides of his -<em>servant</em> the Prophet <em>Micaiah</em>, but plainly (though weakly) -takes part with his <em>God</em> and his <em>Prophet</em>, against the -<em>King</em> of <em>Israel</em>, and all his <em>Priests</em> and <em>Courtiers</em>, saying, -<em>Let not the King say so</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> May not <em>Balaam</em> and other <em>hypocrites</em> pretend -the <em>name</em> of <em>God</em> and <em>Christ</em>, be <em>preachers</em> of him, call out -<em>devils</em>, and in <em>Christs name</em> do many <em>wonderfull</em> things?</p> - -<p>I answer: <em>Hypocrites</em> use the name of <em>God</em> onely as -<em>Jehu</em> did, for a <em>stirrup</em> to get up into the <em>sadle</em> of their -own <em>Names</em> and <em>Honours</em>, or as a <em>commodity</em> to get something -by it, as an <em>hireling</em> (of whom the <em>Lord Jesus</em> speaks -<cite class="no-italics">John 10</cite>.) that serves <em>God</em> for <em>wages</em>, and while he cries, -let the <em>Lord</em> be glorified, (<cite>Isa. 66</cite>.) he <em>persecutes</em> his -servants, but a child of <em>God</em> cannot be brought except -by surprisall for a time, to prefer his <em>name</em> before <em>Gods</em>, -but upon <em>cool thoughts</em>, is seriously willing to be trodden -in the dust, and to be cast out, that the <em>name</em> of <em>God</em> -alone may be exalted, and glorified, as <em>David</em> after the -causing of the name of <em>God</em> to be blasphemed.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">A true childe -of God is patient -under -the rod of his -Heavenly Father.</div> - -<p>A 7th. Argument of the true <em>life</em> of <em>grace</em> (though in -much <em>weaknes</em> or <em>sicknes</em>,) I observe to be an humble -<em>acknowledgment</em> of, and a <em>submitting</em> unto the <em>correcting</em> and -<em>afflicting</em> hand of <em>God</em>, in <em>sicknesses</em>, <em>crosses</em>, <em>losses</em>, &c.</p> - -<p>This admirably appears in old <em>Ely</em>, who though he -were a bad <em>Father</em> to his own sons, in suffering them -<em>unpunished</em> (though not <em>unreproved</em>) in their outragious -<em>transgressions</em>: Yet was he at the same time a good son -to <em>God</em>, his heavenly <em>Father</em>, in giving that heavenly <em>and</em> -submissive <em>answer</em> to that fearfull <em>threatening</em> sent from -the <em>Lord</em> by <em>Samuel</em> against him, saying, It is the <em>Lord</em>, -let him do what seemeth him good.</p> - -<p><em>Ob:</em> But did not <em>Pharaoh</em> acknowledg, and the <em>Philistines</em> -acknowledg <em>Gods</em> hand in smiting them, did not -<em>Ahab</em> humble himself, <em>Pharaoh</em> sues unto <em>God</em> by <em>Moses</em>, -the <em>Philistins</em> send a trespasse <em>offering</em>, and <em>Ahab</em> humbles -himself by fasting, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<div class="sidenote">1. -The enemies -of God, and -flatterers cannot -submit to -God as to a -Father.</div> - -<p>I answer, a <em>Saul</em>, a <em>Pharaoh</em>, &c. if it were in their -choice, would not submit to the <em>Lord</em> at all, and when -they do acknowledge and submit, they are forced to it, -by <em>Gods</em> powerfull hand, whom yet they look at as a -conqueror of <em>Julian</em> said of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, and <em>Jaolor</em> or -<em>executioner</em>, not as a <em>Father</em>, with a child like <em>submission</em>, -as appears by <em>Pharaoh</em>, the <em>Philistines</em>, <em>Ahab</em>, and many -more wofull <em>instances</em>, when the <em>hand</em> of <em>God</em> is removed, -<i>&c.</i></p> - -<p>Whereas a true <em>child</em> of <em>God</em> desires, as to acknowledge -his <em>Fathers</em> hand correcting his <em>righteously</em>, because he -hath deserved it, so also <em>graciously</em> and <em>faithfully</em>, because -he hopes <em>God</em> aims at his good, as a <em>Father</em> doth at a -<em>childs</em>, in giving him fatherly <em>correction</em>, bitter <em>Pills</em> and -<em>Phisick</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods children -less grieve for -their own affliction, -then -for Gods displeasure.</div> - -<p>And therefore (2ly:) as when the <em>Lord</em> strikes an -<em>Hypocrite</em>, he either <em>runs</em> from him as a <em>strange child</em> stricken -by another man, or <em>flies against</em> him in <em>murmuring</em>, or -<em>howls</em> out for anguish as a <em>Dog</em>, (<cite>Hos: 7</cite>.) They howl -upon their Beds: So contrarily the true <em>child</em> of <em>God</em> -truly desires to run to his heavenly <em>Father</em>, and it as -well, yea infinitely more <em>grieved</em>, for the <em>anger</em>, and <em>displeasure</em> -of the <em>Lord</em>, as for his own <em>smart</em> and <em>affliction</em>.</p> - -<p>3ly. The <em>Hypocrite</em> if he might have his own choice, -had rather be rid of his <em>pain</em> than his <em>sin</em>, and therefore -when his <em>pain</em> is over, he returns with the <em>Dog</em> to his -Vomit: But a true <em>child</em> of <em>God</em>, truly (though weakly) -desires to <em>see</em>, and <em>abhor</em>, and slay his <em>dearest sins</em>, because -he knows they are but flattering <em>traytors</em> and <em>guilded poysons</em>: -Hence <em>Job</em> cries out in the midst of all his <em>weaknesses</em> -and <em>passions</em>, Oh teach me wherein I have offended.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods children -joyn with -Gods rod against -themselves.</div> - -<p>In a word, the <em>Lord</em> is fain to force <em>affliction</em> upon an -<em>Hypocrite</em>, as men force down a <em>drench</em> into the throat of -an <em>Horse</em>, but a true <em>child</em> of <em>God</em>, (if under <em>Gods rod</em>,) -desires to joyn with the <em>Lords hand</em>, and the <em>Lords ends</em>, -as a child of some understanding is willing to have its -<em>wormes</em> killed, and therefore strives (<em>willingly</em>, <em>unwillingly</em>) -to swallow down the bitter <em>aloes</em>, or other bitter <em>medicine</em>.</p> - -<p>An 8th: Triall of true <em>life</em>, (though in <em>weaknes</em>) is a -<em>true</em> (though <em>faint</em>) <em>willingnes</em> and inclination to enjoy -more and more of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, in the <em>society</em> of his <em>Saints</em>, -after his own <em>appointment</em>, although with <em>hardship</em> and -<em>difficulty</em> attained unto.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods people -long after -Gods true -worship in -Christ Jesus.</div> - -<p>Hence the <em>Spouse</em> was both <em>asleep</em>, and <em>awake</em>, toward -<em>Christ Jesus</em>: <cite>Cant: 5</cite>. She was <em>willing</em>, and <em>unwilling</em> to -rise to <em>open</em> to <em>Christ Jesus</em>: Hence she thinks she hears -her <em>Husbands voice</em>: It is the <em>voice</em> of my <em>Beloved</em>: She -thinks <em>Christ</em> is knocking at the <em>door</em> of her <em>heart</em>, and -<em>will</em>, in such and such <em>arguments</em>, in such and such <em>Scriptures</em>, -in such and such <em>professions</em>, and <em>professours</em>, in such -and such their <em>suffrings</em>, &c.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> May it not possibly be that the true <em>children</em> of <em>God</em>, -not only may neglect, but even deny the <em>Ordinances</em> of -<em>Christ Jesus</em>, appointed and practised in his first <em>Churches</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods people -both awake & -asleep as to -Christ Jesus.</div> - -<p>I answer, <em>Gods Israel</em> and <em>people</em> under the <em>Gospel</em>, may -as possibly be spirituall <em>slaves</em> and <em>captives</em> to <em>Egypt</em> and -<em>Babylon spirituall</em>, as <em>Israel</em> of old was to <em>Babell</em>, <em>literall</em> -and <em>materiall</em>, in respect of the <em>worshipping</em> of <em>God</em>, according -to the <em>appointment</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>.</p> - -<p>In respect of false <em>worship</em>, <em>Gods Israel</em> may be a <em>slave</em>, -and <em>asleep</em>, and yet <em>awake</em>, and <em>free</em>, in true <em>inclinations</em> -and <em>desires</em>, <em>willing</em> (though mixt with <em>sleepy unwillingnes</em>) -to be at any pains and cost, to enjoy her <em>souls beloved -Christ Jesus</em>, in his own appointments.</p> - -<p>Hence such <em>expressions</em> with <em>sighs</em> and <em>tears</em>, if I were -perswaded of <em>Gods will</em>, if I were perswaded of the <em>necessity</em> -of such public <em>ordinances</em> and <em>formes</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods people -cannot but be -full of strugling -of spirit -as to the visible -worship of -God in Christ -Jesus.</div> - -<p>Hence others <em>expressions</em>, if I were perswaded of <em>such</em> -and <em>such ordinances</em>, that <em>such</em> a people, or <em>such</em> a people -were in the true way of enjoying <em>Christ Jesus</em>, how <em>joyfully</em> -should I joyn with them?</p> - -<p>Hence holy <em>David</em>, though not so thoroughly awaked, -to enjoy the <em>Ark</em> and <em>presence</em> of <em>God</em>, he and all -<em>Israel</em> brings up the <em>Ark</em> of <em>God</em> with <em>rejoycing</em>, though -not after the <em>Lords</em> due <em>order</em>, which caused his holy -<em>jealousie</em> to send that <em>perez Uzza</em> that <em>breach</em> of <em>Uzzah</em> -amongst them.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">True marriage -affection -in all -Gods people -to Christ Jesus, -yet with -much difference.</div> - -<p>It is in the <em>heavenly</em> as in the <em>earthly marriage</em>, there -are degrees of <em>marriage affection</em>, and yet all true: The -<em>affections</em> of some are more <em>lively</em> and <em>strong</em>, of some more -<em>dull</em> and <em>weak</em>: When yet the <em>truth</em> and <em>life</em> appears in -a true and longing desire to enjoy the <em>Lord Jesus</em>, in -what way soever, himself is pleased to appoint, and to -turn from the <em>bed</em> and <em>bozome</em>, (that is the <em>worships</em>) of -all <em>false Christs</em>, and <em>strangers</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods children -have no peace -in sin unrepented -of.</div> - -<p>A 9th. discovery of true <em>spirituall life</em>, in <em>weaknes</em>, I -find to be a <em>painfull</em> and a <em>restles</em> mind, in <em>temptations</em> to -<em>sin</em>, in <em>yeelding</em> to <em>sin</em>, and <em>lying</em> in <em>sin</em>, the <em>breach</em> not being -made up with the <em>Lord</em> in humble <em>confession</em> and <em>suit</em> for -<em>mercy</em>, in the blood of a <em>Saviour</em>. This was <em>Davids</em> painfull -<em>case</em> in his <em>silence</em>, <cite class="no-italics">Psal. 32</cite>. When I kept silence my -<em>bones</em> waxed old, through my <em>roaring</em> all the <em>Day</em>.</p> - -<p>So that as a <em>Fish</em> out of the <em>water</em> (its element) as a -<em>bone</em> broak or disjoynted, is the <em>troubled mind</em> of a child -of <em>God</em>, upon his <em>discovered</em> or but (strongly) <em>suspected</em>, -sinfull <em>way</em> or <em>practice</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> May not <em>Hypocrites</em> be troubled in the sence of -<em>Gods displeasure</em> for <em>sin</em>, as <em>Saul</em>, <em>Ahab</em>, and <em>Judas</em>, &c.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Only <em>Gods</em> -people can -truly desire -<em>peace</em> with -<em>God</em>.</div> - -<p>I answer, an <em>Hypocrite</em> like some <em>Traytor</em> or <em>murtherer</em>, -may desire a pardon from the <em>King</em> of <em>Kings</em>, whose person -he hates, so did <em>Saul</em> and <em>Ahab</em>, and so may any dissembler -for his own ends of <em>peace</em> and <em>safety</em>, &c. But -<em>Gods children</em>, and they only grieve at <em>Gods displeasure</em> and -grievance. Only a true <em>Wife</em> and <em>Spouse</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em> -can grieve and mourn for the displeased <em>absence</em> of <em>Christ -Jesus</em>, and cries out in humble <em>bitterness</em> of <em>soul</em>, saw ye -him whom my soul loveth?</p> - -<div class="sidenote break-before">Two sorts of -Gods people -enquiring & -longing after -Christ Jesus.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">The liking of -<em>Gods</em> gracious -<em>Spirit</em> in others, -a true -<em>Argument</em> of -the same <em>Spirit</em> -in ourselves.</div> - -<p>A 10th. triall of the true <em>life</em> of the <em>inner</em> man, (though -<em>weak</em> and <em>sickly</em>,) is a <em>discerning</em>, and <em>liking</em>, and secret -<em>wishing</em> that <em>beauty</em> and <em>shining</em> of the <em>grace</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, -which appears in others of <em>Gods Children</em>, and which we -see wanting in our <em>selves</em>. Thus were there a sort of -<em>Gods children</em>, which could see <em>beauty</em> and <em>excellency</em> in -those which so affectionately inquired after <em>Christ Jesus</em>, -in his visible worship, and the severall parts thereof, although -themselves were not so zealously affected. Thus -therefore say they: O thou the <em>fairest</em> of <em>Women</em>, (an -<em>acknowledgment</em> of heavenly <em>grace</em> and <em>beauty</em>, and they -also enquire, and desire to see that <em>beauty</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, -which the other <em>Saints</em> so praised. And in <cite>Cant: 6</cite>. they -say, whither is thy <em>Beloved</em> gone, oh thou <em>fairest</em> among -<em>Women</em>, that we may seek him with thee: Hence many -of <em>Gods</em> dear <em>Saints</em> in <em>Qu: Maries</em> time, and other bloody -days, in our own and other <em>countries</em>, have praised <em>God</em> -for, and have been ravished with the <em>beauties</em> of the -heavenly <em>love</em> and <em>zeal</em>, and <em>patience</em> in others of <em>Gods -servants</em>, which they have seen wanting in themselves: -And thus, (whatever be our <em>weaknesses</em>) it must needs -argue a <em>life</em> of <em>grace</em>, when we can view the <em>lives</em> and -<em>deaths</em> of the blessed <em>martyrs</em>, or <em>witnesses of Christ Jesus</em>, -(either in the holy <em>scriptures</em>, or other <em>Records</em>, I say can -view them with a <em>liking</em> and true <em>affecting</em> of their <em>graces</em>, -with an humble acknowledgment of our own <em>wants</em> and -<em>poverties</em>, and a mourning <em>desire</em> of <em>attaining</em> to such a -beauteous <em>profession</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>.</p> - -<p>Such a <em>beauty</em> (doubtles) did many of <em>Gods children</em> -apprehend in the <em>Lords Ordinances</em>, and in such as suffred -for them in <em>England</em>, who yet found not strength -themselves, to stand and suffer for, and with them, yet -left much and fled to <em>New England</em>, hoping to enjoy -there (though with too much weak desire of <em>peace</em> and -<em>liberty</em>) the <em>Ordinances</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, their <em>souls Beloved</em>.</p> - -<p><em>Obj.</em> But did not <em>Balaam</em> see the <em>beauty</em> and <em>excellency</em> -of <em>Gods Saints</em>, when he cried out, let me dye the <em>death</em> -of the <em>righteous</em>, and let my last end be like his, <em>&c.</em></p> - -<p>I answer, it is usually well said, <em>Balaam</em> desired the -<em>death</em>, and <em>blessednes</em> of the <em>righteous</em>, but not the <em>life</em> and -<em>righteousnesse</em> of the <em>righteous</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> <em>Balaam</em> seems to have seen the <em>beauty</em> of <em>righteousnesse</em> -it self.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><em>Dissemblers</em>, -in a respect -may desire -<em>righteousness</em>, -but only <em>Gods -children</em> can -long for it in -truth, and for -it self.</div> - -<p>I answer, he might see and like <em>righteousnes</em> in the <em>end</em>, -and <em>fruit</em> of it, and yet not in the true <em>nature</em> and <em>beauty</em> -of it, for then he would have as well desired the <em>life</em>, as -the <em>death</em> of the <em>righteous</em>, just as these <em>Indians</em> (amongst -whom I write these lines) they see the <em>excellency</em> of the -<em>English industry</em>, joyned with <em>plenty</em>, and a better <em>condition</em> -then their own, but endure not that <em>life</em> of <em>labour</em> and -<em>indeavour</em>, wherein that <em>plenty</em> and better <em>state</em> is found. -But <em>Gods children</em> beholding the <em>beauty</em> and <em>excellency</em> of -the heavenly <em>lives</em> and <em>deaths</em> of others, (like <em>souldiers</em> in -a Field) are provoked by those <em>examples</em>, to desire to -follow <em>Christ Jesus</em> in those holy <em>paths</em>, and secretly to -bemoan their own <em>infirmities</em> and <em>deformities</em>.</p> - -<p>These and many more <em>discoveries</em> of the <em>life</em> of <em>Christ -Jesus</em> in the <em>soul</em>, (though in the midst of many <em>weaknesses</em>, -and spirituall <em>sicknesses</em>) I hope (my <em>dear love</em> and -faithfull <em>companion</em>) thou in truth discernest in thy <em>self</em>, -and I, and others have discerned in thee: But oh search -diligently in the <em>Lords</em> holy <em>presence</em>, and humbly beg -his help, that as the <em>Spirit</em> of <em>God</em> admonisheth, (<cite>Gal. 6</cite>.) -thou maiest have rejoycing in thy <em>self</em>, and not in anothers -good opinion of thee.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods children -cannot but -desire spirituall -health, as -wel as life -and Christian -being.</div> - -<p>But grant all these, and the <em>assurance</em> of a true and -blessed <em>life</em> of <em>grace</em> within us?</p> - -<p>Grant this <em>life</em> is as the <em>life</em> of <em>Christ</em>, never again to -be extinguished. Yet who rejoyceth not in <em>health</em>, who -mourns not under the <em>pains</em> and <em>weaknesses</em> of a sick bed?</p> - -<p>Next therefore to the <em>discovery</em> of <em>spirituall life</em>, all that -are born of <em>God</em> must try their <em>spirituall strength</em>, and -<em>health</em>, and <em>chearfull temper</em>: The particular <em>instances</em> -whereof, being propounded as <em>examples</em>, <em>copies</em>, and <em>samplars</em> -for us to follow in the holy <em>Scripture</em>, I shall pick, -and gather, and bind up, for both our <em>incouragement</em>, and -comfort.</p> - -<p>I confesse the beholding of such <em>heavenly patterns</em> may -astonish and amaze us, and make us dispair to attain to -the like heavenly <em>temper</em>: I pray thee therefore (<em>dear -love</em>) observe, (what before I said) that these <em>particulars</em> -next following are not <em>discouragements</em> from <em>Christ</em>, as if -we had no <em>life</em> at all: but <em>incouragements</em> to draw neerer -to <em>Christ Jesus</em>, when we see such <em>virtue</em> proceed out from -him, to such poor <em>sinners</em> like our selves.</p> - -<p>These <em>particulars</em> then following are as an holy <em>looking-glasse</em>, -to discover to us our souls <em>spots</em>, & <em>blemishes</em>, as -also sweet <em>cordial flowers</em>, to refresh and incourage our -<em>drooping spirits</em>.</p> - -<p>The severall particular <em>trialls</em> of this <em>spirituall health</em>, -and <em>chearfulnesse</em>, I shall bind up (as I may so speak) -into three severall <em>parcells</em>, as sometimes we see sweet -<em>flowers</em> bound up into smaller <em>bundles</em>, to make up at last -one larger <em>bundle</em> or <em>posie</em> in one.</p> - -<p>The three severall sorts shall be according to that <em>division</em> -of the <em>holy Spirit</em> by <em>Paul</em> to <em>Titus</em>.</p> - -<div class="indent"> -<p>First such as concern <em>holines</em>, respecting our <em>communion</em> -with <em>God</em> in <em>Christ Jesus</em>.</p> - -<p>2. Such as concern <em>righteousnesse</em>, respecting others.</p> - -<p>3. Such as concern <em>sobriety</em>, respecting our private -<em>selves</em> and <em>persons</em>.</p> -</div> - -<div class="sidenote">Incomprehensible -nature of -God.</div> - -<p>First, then it is an <em>argument</em> of the <em>strength</em>, and <em>healthful -temper</em> of the <em>inner</em> man, when our <em>apprehensions</em> of -<em>God</em> are always such, as bring us to holy <em>wonderment</em> and -<em>amazement</em>, at the <em>nature</em> of incomprehensible <em>God</em>, at his -<em>properties</em>, and <em>works</em>, from the <em>Sun</em> in the <em>Firmament</em>, to -the poorest <em>Worme</em>, at his wonderfull <em>dispensing</em> of his -<em>justice</em>, and <em>mercy</em>, and <em>disposing</em>, and <em>ruling</em> all things in -<em>Heaven</em>, <em>Earth</em>, and <em>Seas</em>, from the highest <em>Angels</em> in <em>heaven</em>, -to the lowest <em>Devils</em> in <em>Hell</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods children -ought to walk -in constant -amazedness -of spirit as to -God his nature, -works, -&c.</div> - -<p>This was <em>Davids temper</em> when he cried out, (<cite>Psal: 104</cite>.) -Oh Lord how <em>wonderfull</em> are thy <em>works</em>, in <em>wisedome</em> hast -thou made them all! Also (<cite>Psal. 8.</cite>) O <em>Jehovah</em> our -Lord, how <em>wonderfull</em> is thy <em>Name</em> in all the <em>earth</em>! And -<cite>Psal: 139</cite>. he brings this wonder nearer to <em>himself</em>, saying, -I will praise thee, for I am <em>fearfully</em> and <em>wonderfully</em> made. -As if he would say, <em>fearfully</em> and <em>wonderfully bred</em> in the -<em>womb</em>, <em>fearfully</em> and <em>wonderfully</em> brought forth; and we -may further say, ever since we came thus <em>fearfully</em> and -<em>wonderfully</em> into the <em>world</em>, <em>fearfully</em> and <em>wonderfully -brought</em> up, <em>fearfully</em> and <em>wonderfully preserved</em>, <em>delivered</em>, -&c.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> But may not <em>naturall</em> men, and <em>Hypocrites</em> admire -the <em>Nature</em>, and <em>works</em> of <em>God</em>.</p> - -<p>I answer, yes, but the <em>wonder</em> which doth possesse a -<em>child</em> of <em>God</em>, causeth him to cry out with <em>David</em>, <cite>Psal. -119</cite>. Thy <em>hands</em> have made me, and fashioned me, give -me understanding that I may learn thy <em>statutes</em>. Tis -such a wonder as <em>draweth</em> up the <em>heart</em> unto <em>God</em>, with -<em>longings</em> to be <em>united</em> unto him, to fear his <em>Name</em>, to partake -of his divine <em>Nature</em>, and to be like unto <em>Him</em> in -<em>holines</em>, and <em>true Righteousnes</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> The <em>Devills</em> believe, and tremble at <em>God</em>.</p> - -<p>I answer, to tremble at the <em>word</em> of <em>God</em>, is alone the -<em>property</em> of <em>Gods Servants</em>, Isa. 66 The <em>Devills</em> may wonder -and tremble at the just sentence, and threatening -part of <em>Gods word</em>: But <em>Gods children</em> tremble at the -<em>commanding</em> part, yea at the <em>comforting</em> and <em>promising</em> part -of it also, least they should depart or fall off from it, or -loose, though but for a time as <em>David</em>, the joy and sweetnes -of it.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The glorifying -of God the -great work of -Gods children</div> - -<p>Secondly, it is an <em>Argument</em> of <em>health</em> and spirituall -<em>strength</em>, when the <em>hallowing</em>, the <em>magnifying</em>, and <em>glorifying</em> -of the <em>name</em> of <em>God</em> is our great <em>work</em> and <em>business</em> in -this <em>world</em>, unto which all the <em>businesses</em> and <em>works</em> we -have in hand in the world beside give way, &c.</p> - -<p>Thus <em>Christ Jesus</em> teacheth all his to make it their <em>first -request</em> to <em>God</em>, that they may <em>hallow</em>, or <em>glorifie</em> his <em>name</em>: -Thus he professeth (as it were upon his <em>death bed</em>) <em>John</em> -17. that he had done his <em>work</em>, that he had <em>glorified</em> his -<em>Father</em> upon the <em>earth</em>: Hence he professeth at his most -solemn <em>Arraignment</em>, <cite>Job 18</cite>. for this <em>end</em> was I born, and -for this <em>end</em> came I into the <em>world</em>, that I might bear <em>witness</em> -to the <em>truth</em>; that is, to give his <em>Father</em> the <em>glory</em> of -his <em>truth</em>, and to destroy the <em>lyes</em> of the <em>devill</em> the <em>father</em> -of them, who belyeth <em>God</em> in all his holy <em>attributes</em>, and -<em>works</em>, and <em>servants</em>, and <em>ordinances</em>, and profaneth and -dishonoreth his holy <em>name</em> in them all.</p> - -<p><em>Obj.</em> <em>Hypocrites</em> professe to glorifie <em>God</em>, and to say, -<cite>Isa. 66.</cite> Let the <em>Lord</em> be glorified.</p> - -<p>I answer: No <em>hypocrite</em> can make it his <em>work</em> to <em>glorifie -God</em>, when it crosseth his own <em>glory</em>: No <em>hypocrite</em> can -purely and simply, out of <em>love</em> to <em>Gods name</em> and <em>glory</em>, be -content to loose the offer of a <em>kingdom</em> as <em>Moses</em> did, when -the <em>Lord</em> himself offered it him, and as <em>Christ Jesus</em> did, -when the people offered and would have made him a -<em>King</em> by force, and the <em>devil</em> proffered him all the <em>kingdoms</em> -of the world, and the glory of them.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Delightfull -privacie with -God argues -strong affection.</div> - -<p>Thirdly, it is an <em>Argument</em> of <em>strength</em> of Gods grace -and Spirit in us, when we perform <em>actions</em> of <em>godliness</em>, -with a <em>single</em> and upright <em>eye</em> unto <em>God</em> himself in secret. -<em>Frequent</em> and <em>constant</em> delight in private <em>converses</em> argues -strong <em>affection</em> to <em>God</em> or <em>men</em>: <em>Hypocrites</em> (saith <em>Christ -Jesus</em>) will <em>pray</em> and <em>fast</em>, and give <em>alms</em>, but with a <em>squint</em> -eye of <em>private</em> and <em>sinister</em> self respect to be <em>seen</em> of men, -&c. But <em>Gods children</em> pray, and do good, and fast in -secret, regarding no eye but the eye of an heavenly <em>Father</em>, -who seeing in <em>secret</em> will not fail to reward <em>openly</em>.</p> - -<p><em>Ob.</em> But may not <em>hypocrites</em> speak and <em>preach</em> against -<em>hipocrisie</em>, against <em>self-love</em>, <em>self-respect</em>, and <em>fleshly and</em> -worldly <em>ends</em> in the performance of <em>spirituall duties</em>? And -is it not possible for <em>Gods children</em> to perform <em>spirituall -duties</em> with carnall <em>ends</em> and <em>respects</em>?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Hypocrites -pretend far in -glorifying of -God.</div> - -<p>I answer: <em>Hypocrites</em> may do this, and pretend pure -and upright <em>ends</em> for <em>God</em>, as <em>Jehu</em> did: yet discover they -<em>hypocrisie</em>, in the very pretence of <em>sinceritie</em>, for not content -with the <em>Lords</em> eye and approbation, Come see my -<em>zeal</em> (saith he) <em>Jonadab</em>, which I have for the <em>Lord</em>.</p> - -<p>2ly, <em>Gods children</em> (doubtless) may look aside, and -mark who <em>sees</em> and <em>hears</em>, and <em>rewards</em> their <em>performances</em> -of <em>service</em> unto <em>God</em>: But this is either in <em>sins</em> of <em>ignorance</em>; -as for <em>instance</em>, many of <em>Gods</em> dear <em>children</em> perform -<em>service</em> to <em>God</em> in <em>preaching</em> as <em>hirelings</em>, and conceive -themselves not bound although to glorifie <em>Christ Jesus</em> in -saving <em>souls</em>) to preach without an <em>hire</em>, and so in other -<em>cases</em>.</p> - -<p>Or 3ly, this may be knowingly and discerningly, as -<em>Paul</em> saith, <cite>Rom. 7</cite>. When I would do good, <em>evil</em> is present -with me: such <em>temptations</em> come in as water into a -ship, or as <em>dust</em> and <em>diseases</em> into a sound eye, and then -<em>Gods children</em> be never quiet untill such <em>distempers</em> be -cleansed, and got out again.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">A frequent & -constant spirit -of prayer an -argument of -much of Gods -Spirit.</div> - -<p>Fourthly, it is an <em>Argument</em> of <em>spirituall strength</em> when -the <em>Spirit</em> of <em>prayer</em> breatheth forth <em>frequently</em>, and <em>constantly, -and fervently</em> to <em>God</em> in us: Hence <em>David</em> prays -and cries in the <em>morning</em>, at <em>noon</em>, and in the <em>evening</em>, he -riseth at <em>midnight</em> to pray, and prevents the <em>dawning</em> of -the <em>day</em> to pray: Thus <em>Daniel</em> is thrice each day on his -knees to <em>God</em>, and would not be beaten off, with the -<em>powers</em> and <em>terrors</em> of cruel <em>enemies</em> and <em>lyons</em>.</p> - -<p>Thus the Lord <em>Jesus</em> <em>frequently</em> retired alone to private -<em>prayer</em>, and sometimes spent the whole <em>night</em> in <em>prayer</em> to -<em>God</em> with strong <em>cries</em>, <em>tears</em> and <em>supplications</em>: And therefore -is it that all true <em>Christians</em> are the <em>spirituall Israelites</em>, -that is, <em>wrastlers</em> and <em>strivers</em> with <em>God</em> in prayer; like -unto their <em>Father Jacob</em>, who wrastled all night in prayer -with <em>God</em>, with <em>weeping</em> and <em>supplications</em>, and would not -let the <em>Angel</em> go until he blessed him; and therefore his -name was called <em>Israel</em>, a <em>wrastler</em> or <em>prevailer</em> with <em>God</em>, -as well as <em>Jacob</em> a supplanter and prevailer with men.</p> - -<p><em>Ob.</em> But may not <em>Hypocrites</em> be frequent and fervent -in prayer to <em>God</em>? Did not the <em>Pharisees</em> and <em>Jews</em> pray -and fast often? Do not the very <em>Turks</em> solemnly pray five -times each 24. houres? And the <em>Papists</em> not onely keep -their solemn morning and evening times of <em>prayer</em>, but -many other solemn prayers unto which the severall orders -of <em>Friars</em>, <em>Monks</em> and <em>Nuns</em> bind themselves? And -how easie is it by worldly engines to wheel about the <em>Indians</em> -of <em>America</em> to become frequent prayers unto God, -&c.</p> - -<p>I answer: Many are the differences between the true -prayers of Gods children, and the false of dissemblers -and hypocrites: I will name a few for instance.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">True prayer -is the souls -breathing unto -God.</div> - -<p>First then <em>hypocrites</em> pray but in a <em>form</em> and <em>lip-labour</em>, -as a <em>task</em> and <em>work</em> to be done for <em>carnall respects</em>, to merit -at <em>Gods</em> hand, or to stop the mouth of <em>conscience</em>, which -tels them they cannot be Gods children except they pray: -But true prayer is the pouring out of the heart to God, -the true breathing of the <em>soul</em> to God, arising as <em>Incense</em> -and <em>perfume</em> unto God: Hence (no doubt) although -<em>Paul</em> before his conversion prayed much unto <em>God</em>, (for -he was a Pharasie) yet he never praid <em>indeed</em>, untill his -great <em>change</em>, and the descending of the holy <em>Spirit</em> of -prayer upon him; And therefore the Lord sends <em>Ananias</em> -with this incouragement unto <em>Paul</em>: Behold he -prayeth, <cite>Act. 9</cite>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">and hath more -or lesse some -soul-pleasure -in it.</div> - -<p>Hence <em>Gods children</em> find a kind of holy <em>pleasure</em> and -<em>delight</em> in <em>prayer</em>, whatever be the event or issue, it pleaseth -<em>God</em> to give, like as a man finds delight in casting off -an heavy <em>burthen</em> from his <em>shoulder</em>, or in the <em>unbossoming</em> -of a <em>grief</em>, into the <em>bosome</em> of a <em>friend</em>. Thus <em>Hanna</em> -opprest with <em>grief</em> weeps no more, when she had <em>powred</em> -forth her <em>supplication</em> before the <em>Lord</em>: And the <em>Lord -Jesus</em> <em>powred</em> forth his <em>prayers</em>, and <em>tears</em>, in the bosome -of his <em>Father</em>, and then rests quiet in his <em>Fathers pleasure</em>, -as touching the <em>passing by</em>, or <em>drinking</em> of the <em>bitter cup</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> But may not the <em>children</em> of <em>God</em> want holy -<em>pleasure</em> and <em>delight</em> in prayer, and depart from <em>Gods presence</em> -as <em>heavy</em> as they came?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods children -are most in -private with -God.</div> - -<p>I answer, some <em>spirituall distempers</em> may hinder, and -<em>obstruct</em> the <em>operations</em> of the <em>Spirit of prayer</em>: nevertheles -the <em>soul</em> and <em>spirit</em> praies and mourns for the <em>absence</em> of -holy <em>pleasure</em>, and <em>delight</em> in this holy <em>exercise</em>. Hence -<em>Davids mourning</em> (as a <em>Turtledove</em>) in his <em>prayers</em>, and -<em>Jeremies lamentings</em> for the <em>obstructions</em>, between the <em>Lord</em> -and their <em>souls</em>, in this holy <em>Communion</em>.</p> - -<p>The second <em>difference</em> is, the <em>Hypocrites</em> prayers more -respect the <em>ears</em> of <em>men</em> then <em>God</em>, as the <em>Lord Jesus</em> tells -us; They pray that men may know so much, and esteem -them <em>Religious</em>: <em>Gods children</em>, like true <em>lovers</em>, delight -to be private, and fervent with their heavenly -<em>Father</em> and <em>Husband</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The prayers -of Gods people -most respect -spiritual -and soul mercies.</div> - -<p>Thirdly, <em>Hypocrites</em> in their <em>prayers</em> most commonly -respect <em>earthly</em> things, (and therefore <cite>Hos. 7</cite>.) they cry -and howl upon their <em>Beds</em>, for <em>corn</em> and <em>wine</em>: or at the -best they respect but <em>themselves</em>, &c. although it be in -the <em>pardon</em> of their <em>sins</em>, and <em>saving</em> of their <em>Souls</em>: But -the <em>prayers</em> of <em>Gods children</em>, chiefly eye <em>heavenly</em> things.</p> - -<p>Hence the wonderfull <em>spirituallity</em> of <em>Christs prayer</em> to -his <em>Father</em>, (<cite class="no-italics">John 7</cite>.) for the <em>glorifying</em> of his <em>name</em>, and -<em>spirituall Grace</em>, and <em>mercy</em> in the <em>souls</em> of <em>Beleevers</em>: Hence -the admirable <em>spirituality</em> of <em>Davids</em> prayers, for <em>spirituall</em> -and <em>soul</em> mercies, <cite>Psal: 119</cite>. And the fervent prayers of -<em>Paul</em> in all his <cite>Epistles</cite> for heavenly and spirituall mercies -to the <em>Saints</em> of <em>God</em>.</p> - -<p><em>Hypocrites</em> like <em>Dogs</em> howl and fawn for <em>bones</em> and <em>crusts</em>, -&c. But <em>Gods</em> children beg the proper <em>tokens</em>, and characters -of a spirituall <em>Father</em>, to his spirituall children, and -Beloved.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods people -wait for, and -rest in Gods -answer.</div> - -<p>4thly, <em>Hypocrites</em> will not always cry unto <em>God</em> (<cite>Job. 27</cite>.) -but at last with <em>Saul</em>, if <em>God</em> answer not, they run to -the <em>Devill</em> in <em>evil</em> means, murmur and despair: But <em>Gods</em> -children can no more cease to cry unto <em>God</em>, then to live -a spiritual <em>life</em>, and therefore resolve to give <em>God</em> no <em>Rest</em> -untill they receive an <em>answer</em>, and therefore also wait for -his holy <em>pleasure</em>, and <em>leasure</em>, and at last are satisfied with -the <em>Lords</em> holy pleasure, and sentence, although it seem -crosse, add bitter to <em>flesh</em>, and <em>blood</em>: So <em>Moses</em> in respect -of his suit to <em>God</em>, for his going into the land of <em>Canaan</em>: -So <em>David</em> praying for his <em>child</em>: So <em>Christ Jesus</em> in respect -of his <em>bitter cup</em>. So <em>Paul</em> praying against his great -<em>temptation</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> But may not <em>Hypocrites</em> pray long, and also wait -upon <em>God</em>?</p> - -<p>I answer, they may, yet at last, out of unbelief, and -anger, like an <em>angry Dog</em>, or <em>sturdy Beggar</em>, they cry out -in murmur, and wrath, as the unbelieving King of <em>Israel</em>, -what should I wait upon <em>God</em> any longer? But <em>Gods</em> -children never give over: for when they grow weary, -they (like <em>Moses</em>) beg help to their fainting hands in -<em>prayer</em>, and desire their <em>eyes</em> may never cease trickling -tears unto <em>God</em>, <em>untill</em> he look down from <em>Heaven</em>, <cite>Lament: 2</cite>.</p> - -<p>A 5th: Argument of <em>spirituall health</em>, and <em>strength</em>, is -a constant holy sence of our own <em>unworthines</em>, <em>vilenes</em>, and -<em>basenes</em> in <em>Gods</em> presence: Hence <em>Jacob</em> professeth himself -less then the least of <em>Gods</em> mercies, that is, then the least -<em>crum</em>, or <em>drop</em>, or <em>rag</em>, or <em>look</em> of mercy: Hence the <em>Centurion</em> -professeth himself not worthy that <em>Christ</em> should -come under his <em>Roof</em>: Hence <em>Elizabeth</em> her holy wonder, -whence is it (saith she) that the <em>Mother</em> of my <em>Lord</em> -should come unto me? Hence <em>Mephiboseth</em> wonders that -<em>David</em> should look upon such a <em>dead Dog</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Ob.</i> But may not <em>Hypocrites</em> professe they are not <em>Papists</em>, -that they can deserve nothing at <em>Gods</em> hands, that -if they had their <em>deserts</em> it were woe with them?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods people -are only truly -sensible of unworthines.</div> - -<p>I answer, <em>Hypocrites</em> may say so, but yet are angry -when <em>God</em> seems to deal with them, as he deals with -others. Hence they quarrell with <em>God</em>, as if that <em>God</em> -seemed not to respect their offerings of <em>prayer</em>, and <em>fasting</em>, -<cite class="no-italics">Isa: 58</cite> But <em>Gods</em> children confessing themselves -<em>Beggars</em> at <em>Gods</em> door, and <em>Dogs</em> under his <em>Table</em>, they -wait for, and are humbly thankfull for every <em>crum</em> of -grace and mercy: So <em>Christ Jesus</em> teacheth us to give -thanks for the mercy of a little <em>bread</em>, and then for a little -<em>Fish</em>, (<cite>Mark 6</cite>.) So after most heavy and wonderfull -<em>afflictions</em>, <em>Jeremie</em> cries out <em>Jehova</em> is <em>righteous</em>, and professeth -it is <em>mercy</em> that it is not worse, and that they -were not burnt up and consumed.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">6thly.</div> - -<p>A 6th. Argument of the spiritual <em>health</em> and <em>temper</em>, -is when the <em>affections</em> work strong and lively after <em>God</em>, -after <em>God</em> for himself, after <em>God</em> as a <em>portion</em> and <em>inheritance</em>, -after <em>God</em> as an <em>Husband</em>: when as the <em>Heart</em> panteth -after the <em>water-brooks</em>, so pant our <em>Hearts</em> after <em>God</em>, -when as the thirsty <em>ground</em> longeth for the <em>showers</em> of <em>Rain</em>, -so long our <em>souls</em> after <em>God</em>: When his words are sweeter -then the honey, and honey comb, and of more esteem -then thousands of <em>gold</em> and <em>silver</em>.</p> - -<p><em>Ob.</em> But may not <em>Hypocrites</em> (as <em>Balaam</em>) professe so -much and that in earnest?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Hypocrite affection -to -God.</div> - -<p>I answer, the deceitfull <em>heart</em> of a man will go wonderfull -far this way: Yet certain it is an <em>Hypocrite</em> respects -<em>God</em>, but as a <em>Dog</em> respects his <em>Master</em>, yea sometimes a -<em>stranger</em>, and an <em>Enemy</em> for a crust, or as an <em>Hireling</em> for -his <em>wages</em>: But <em>Gods children</em>, in the want of all things, -are content with <em>God</em> alone, his <em>Christ</em>, his <em>Spirit</em>, his -<em>Favour</em>, his <em>Word</em>, his <em>Ordinances</em>: Hence <em>David</em> professeth -<cite class="no-italics">Psal. 4</cite>. Thou puttest more <em>joy</em> into my <em>heart</em>, -then in the time when their <em>corn</em> and <em>wine</em> increaseth: -And <em>Habacuck</em>, when <em>Vine</em>, and <em>Fig-tree</em>, and <em>Flock</em> and -<em>Heard</em> fail, he professeth to rejoyce in <em>God</em>, and to glory -in the <em>God</em> of his <em>salvation</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">God himself -the portion of -his.</div> - -<p>2ly. In the losse of all things, in the greatest <em>straights</em> -and <em>extremities</em>, <em>Gods</em> children yet find comfort in <em>God</em>, -that <em>God</em> their portion is not lost. Thus as <em>David</em> when -his <em>wives</em>, and <em>children</em>, and <em>friends</em>, and <em>servants</em>, and -<em>cattell</em> were all devoured by an enslaving and captivating -<em>sword</em>, and he finds no <em>Remainder</em>, but burnt <em>walls</em> and -<em>ashes</em>, and his own company ready to <em>stone</em> him, yet as -<em>David</em> they take comfort, and incourage themselves injoying -their <em>God</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">7thly.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">Ready obedience -to God.</div> - -<p>7tly. It is an argument of spirituall <em>health</em>, and -<em>strength</em>, when the holy <em>Commandments</em> of <em>God</em> are not -grievous, but pleasant and delightfull to us: when we -can say as the <em>Lord Jesus</em> said, it is our meat and drink, -to do our heavenly <em>Fathers will</em>: when we are active and -ready at the <em>commands</em> of <em>God</em>, and can say (when the -<em>Lord</em> asketh whom shall we send) <em>send</em> me, as the <em>Prophet -Esay</em> said: And as the <em>Lord Jesus</em> Psal: 40. Here I -am, I delight to do thy will O my God: when we can -without repining, grudging, or delaying, obey <em>commands</em> -most grievous to <em>flesh</em> and <em>blood</em>, against not only <em>flesh</em> and -<em>blood</em>, but against carnall <em>reason</em>, yea against <em>Hope</em> and -<em>Faith</em> it self, as <em>Abraham</em> did, in offering up his most -dear and only son <em>Isaac</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> But may not <em>Hypocrites</em> obey the <em>commands</em> of -<em>God</em>, as <em>Saul</em> did, <i>&c</i>?</p> - -<p>I answer, they may indeed obey <em>Gods commands</em> by -halves as he did, and as a <em>servant</em>, and <em>hireling</em>, serve <em>God</em> -for <em>wages</em>, and with <em>eye service</em>, with opinion of <em>merit</em>, -and boast of their <em>halt</em> and <em>lame</em> service, as <em>Saul did</em>. But -<em>Gods</em> children imbrace all the <em>commands</em> of <em>God</em> with delight, -even the <em>least</em>, and most despised, with the greatest -and most <em>difficult</em>, and when all is done, they confesse -they have need of <em>mercy</em>, and are <em>unprofitable Servants</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> But may not <em>Gods</em> children live in the <em>disobedience</em> -of some <em>commands</em> of <em>God</em>, and yet be healthfull, and -strong in grace?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The sins of -Gods people.</div> - -<p>I answer, it is impossible that a child of <em>God</em> should -(either in spirituall <em>health</em> or <em>sicknes</em>) live in the breach -of any known <em>command</em> of <em>God</em> his <em>Father</em>. Tis true, -<em>Abraham</em>, and <em>Jacob</em>, and <em>David</em>, and others, lived long -in the sin of many wives, out of <em>ignorance</em> of <em>Gods will</em>, -and <em>Gods</em> children to this day, even the holy <em>Martyrs</em> or -<em>Witnesses</em> of <em>Jesus</em>, (who accounted their heart bloods -not too dear for <em>Christ</em>) have and do live in the breach -of many <em>Commandments</em>, that concern the <em>worship</em> of <em>God</em>: -But they are herein like a <em>traveller</em> deceived, by a false -path, which when he once really <em>suspects</em>, he cannot walk -a step with ease, now do they cry out with <em>David</em>, <cite class="no-italics">Psal: -119</cite>. I will walk at <em>liberty</em>, for I seek thy precepts: And -when <em>God</em> saith seek my <em>Face</em>, their <em>Hearts</em> answer, <em>Lord</em> -thy face will I seek. <cite class="no-italics">Psalm 27</cite>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">8thly</div> - -<div class="sidenote">The patience -of Gods children, -under -Gods hand.</div> - -<p>An 8th. discovery of <em>spirituall health</em> and <em>strength</em>, is -an humble, a patient and thankfull <em>submission</em> to the <em>aflicting</em>, -and <em>chastising</em> hand of <em>God</em>. Thus it is said of <em>Aaron</em>, -in that dreadfull stroak of <em>Gods</em> hand, depriving him of his -two sons in the <em>floure</em> of their <em>Youth</em>, in the midst of their -<em>sin</em>, in the <em>performance</em> of their <em>Priests Office</em>: it is said, -<em>Aaron</em> held his peace: I was dumb and held my peace, -(saith <em>David</em>) <cite class="no-italics">Psal. 39</cite>. for thou didst it: Thus <em>Jeremiah</em> -(Lam: 1.) <em>Jehovah</em> is righteous, for I have grievously -transgrest against him. Yea <em>Job</em> not only exprest -an humble and patient mind, but also (which is wonderfull, -but proper to <em>Gods</em> children, when in right temper) -he blessed <em>God</em> in the midst of so many fearfull and astonishing -<em>losses</em>, of so many Cattel, Servants, and Children, -saying, Blessed be the name of the <em>Lord</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> May not <em>wicked</em> men and <em>Hypocrites</em> acknowledg -<em>Gods</em> afflicting hand, and humble themselves?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The counterfeit -patience -of Hypocrites</div> - -<p>I answer, <em>Hypocrites</em> may see <em>Gods</em> hand, and humble -themselves as the <em>Egyptians</em>, and the <em>Philistins</em> did, but cannot -possibly be thankfull for it: They acknowledg <em>Gods</em> -hand as a <em>Dog</em> his <em>Masters</em> when he is beaten, but not as -a child his <em>Fathers</em>. As a loving and dutifull <em>Wife</em>, receiving -<em>Pills</em> or <em>Phisick</em> from the hand of her loving -<em>Husband</em>, a <em>skilfull Physitian</em>, who knows her <em>sicknes</em>, and -out of <em>love</em> and <em>care</em>, prepares them for her, she cannot -but be thankfull for those bitter <em>medicins</em>, and earnestly -desire a kindly working: Thus <em>David</em>, <cite class="no-italics">Psal: 119</cite>. I know -O <em>Lord</em> that thou in <em>faithfulnesse</em> hast afflicted me, for all -thy commands are <em>righteous</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">9thly.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">The mournful -confession of -Gods people.</div> - -<p>A 9th. Argument of <em>spiritual health</em>, and <em>strength</em>, is -an humble free <em>confession</em>, and giving <em>glory</em> unto <em>God</em>, in -the rising up, or recovering out of any <em>scandalous transgression</em>, -against <em>God</em> Hence the <em>Israelites</em> confession of -their sin in desiring a <em>King</em>, (so impatiently, and imperiously -as they did, with large confessions, <cite class="no-italics">1. Sam. 6</cite>.)</p> - -<p>Hence the many bitter and lamentable <em>confessions</em> of -holy <em>David</em> and other holy Servants of <em>God</em>, after their -committing of <em>known evils</em>: Hence the <em>Corinthians</em> repenting -of their fellowship with the <em>incestuous</em> person in -his sin, they give such an exemplary <em>evidence</em> of their true -<em>Repentance</em>, that their holy <em>practice</em> is set as an holy <em>Samplar</em>, -and <em>Copy</em> for all <em>Saints</em> afterward to follow, and write after.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> But did not <em>Pharaoh</em>, <em>Saul</em> and <em>Judas</em> confesse -their sins, <i>&c</i>?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1.</div> - -<p>I answer, not with intent to glorifie <em>God</em> as <em>Gods</em> Saints -do, taking shame before the <em>world</em> unto themselves, lying -down in the Dust that <em>God</em> may tread upon them, and -be exalted.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">2.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">False confessions.</div> - -<p>Not with hatred of their <em>sins</em>, but in horrour and -trouble at the <em>danger</em> of them, or in the <em>evidence</em> of them -flying in their faces. Thus a <em>Merchant</em> casteth those <em>goods</em> -over boord into the <em>sea</em> in a storme, which afterward he -wisheth in again: Like a <em>Dog</em>, they vomit up the filth -which (after their <em>stomach</em> is eased) they return unto, and -lick up by new <em>Commissions</em>: But Gods <em>children</em> confesse in -hatred of their <em>sins</em>, and loathing of themselves, and (like -men in some <em>sicknesses</em>) are willing to take those <em>medicines</em> -which may <em>provoke</em> and cause <em>vomit</em>, which afterward they -are so far from returning to, that they abhor to touch, -or look on it.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> But may not <em>Gods</em> children return again to their -vomit, and commit the same <em>sins</em>, which they have cast, -up by humble <em>confession</em>?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The sins of -Gods people -distinguished.</div> - -<p>I answer, the sins of <em>Gods children</em> are either, 1. <em>grosse</em> -or <em>scandalous</em>, which when they recover out of, and give -<em>glory</em> unto <em>God</em>, by <em>publike</em> confession, we seldome or never -find them returning to such their <em>vomit</em> again. Hence -we hear no more of <em>Noahs Drunkennesse</em>, of <em>David's Adultry</em>, -of <em>Peters deniall</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p>Or 2ly. Their <em>sins</em> are <em>sins</em> of a more private and ordinary -<em>distemper</em>, wherein their <em>passions</em> of <em>anger</em>, or <em>neglect</em>, -or <em>forgetfullnes</em> prevail against them, never without some -<em>bitternes</em>, and <em>grief</em>, and <em>humiliation</em>, and <em>endeavour</em>, with -<em>resolution</em> of a more watchfull, and heavenly, and spirituall -<em>conversation</em>?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">10thly.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods people -long alter visible -enjoyments -of God.</div> - -<p>10thly. It is an <em>argument</em> of <em>spiritual health</em>, and <em>strength</em>, -to <em>maintain</em> or <em>recover</em> an holy vehement longing, after -the <em>enjoyment</em> of <em>God</em>, and of <em>Christ</em>, in a <em>visible</em>, and <em>open -profession</em> of his own holy <em>worship</em> and <em>Ordinances</em>, separate -from all false <em>worships</em>, <em>Gods</em>, and <em>Christs</em>, &c.</p> - -<p>Hence that of <em>David</em>, <em>Lord</em> I have loved the <em>Habitation</em> -of thy <em>house</em>, and the place where thine <em>honour</em> -dwelleth: Hence he professeth he had rather be a <em>Door -keeper</em> in the house of the <em>Lord</em>, (that is in a low condition, -in <em>Gods</em> house,) then to dwell in the <em>tents</em> of <em>wickednes</em>, -though in never so safe and pleasant a <em>condition</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence he sums up all his <em>desires</em> in one, <cite>Psal: 27</cite>. -One thing have I desired of the <em>Lord</em>, that I may dwell -in the house of the <em>Lord</em>, &c.</p> - -<p>Hence (though <em>David</em> mist of the <em>Lords Order</em> in carrying -of the <em>Lords Ark</em>, and afterwards he mist in his -<em>thoughts</em> about the building of <em>God</em> an <em>house</em> and <em>Temple</em>: -Yet in both he discovered his holy strong <em>affection</em>, to -<em>Gods</em> publike <em>honour</em>, and <em>worship</em>. The very same -which afterward the Prophet <em>Jeremy</em>, and <em>Daniel</em> declared -in their bitter <em>Lamentations</em>, for the <em>Ruine</em> of <em>Gods</em> house. -And both <em>Daniel</em> and <em>Zacharie</em>, and <em>Haggie</em>, mightily declare -this <em>affection</em> for the <em>rebuilding</em>, and setting up again -this <em>Temple</em> and <em>worship</em> of <em>God</em>, and what they prophesied, -that both <em>Ezra</em> and <em>Nehemiah</em>, and afterward <em>Jehoshua</em> -and <em>Zerubabel</em> zealously performed and executed.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">True Christians -affection -to Christ Jesus -in his visible -worship.</div> - -<p>Hence it is that in the heavenly <em>Love Song</em>, the <em>love</em> -of <em>Christians</em> to <em>Christ Jesus</em> in his <em>ordinances</em> is most -elegantly set forth by a <em>similitude</em> taken from the <em>strong -affection</em> of <em>married</em> persons: I am, saith the <em>Spouse, sick</em> -of <em>love</em>, and O ye daughters of <em>Jerusalem</em> tell <em>Christ Jesus</em> -so: If I finde him without I will <em>kisse</em> him openly in the -<em>streets</em>, and will not be ashamed: True heavenly <em>affection</em> -(like <em>marriage love</em>) at first kindles from some private -<em>sparks</em>, to an open flame of publick <em>profession</em>, without -shame before all men.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> May not <em>Hypocrites</em> (as <em>Saul</em> in slaying the <em>Gibeonites</em>, -and <em>Jehu</em> in slaying the <em>Baalites</em>) discover strong <em>affection</em> -and <em>zeal</em> to the <em>Lord</em> and his <em>worship</em>, and consequently -in these times to Christ <em>Jesus</em> and his holy <em>kingdom</em>?</p> - -<p>I answer: <em>Hypocrites</em> and <em>counterfeits</em> in their profession -of <em>love</em> to <em>Gods</em> publick worship ever run upon one of -these two <em>Rocks</em>. For,</p> - -<p>First, either they set up, and maintain, and fight for -a <em>fancie</em>, a <em>counterfeit</em>, a false <em>Christ</em>, according to the <em>prophesie</em> -of the Lord <em>Jesus</em>, that many (that is, <em>thousands</em> -and <em>multitudes</em> of people) should so use his <em>name</em>, that is, -with a willing ignorance and delusion.</p> - -<p>Or 2ly, if it be the true <em>worship</em> of the true <em>God</em> according -to the <em>appointment</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, yet ever in two -things the sincere <em>wife</em> (the true love of <em>Christ Jesus</em>) out-goes -the <em>whore</em> and <em>counterfeit</em>.</p> - -<p>First, the true <em>wife</em> contents not herself with the bare -<em>exercise</em>, <em>ordinance</em> or <em>administration</em> (as the <em>hypocrites</em> do) -but in all is restless to enjoy the <em>Lord</em> himself: For as -the <em>ordinance</em> is <em>spirituall</em>, and heavenly; so longs the -true <em>beleever</em> for a <em>spirituall</em> and heavenly <em>communion</em> with -the <em>Lord</em> himself in it, that he may become one <em>spirit</em> -with him more and more in all these outward and <em>subordinate -means</em> and <em>administrations</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence it pleaseth the <em>Spirit</em> of <em>God</em> to resemble his -<em>worship</em> to the <em>marriage bed</em>, which satisfies not the heavenly -<em>Spouse</em>, when the <em>Husband Christ Jesus</em>, is not spiritually -embraced therein, but absent.</p> - -<p>2ly, The desire of the true <em>beleever</em> in the enjoyment -of <em>Christ Jesus</em> in any of his <em>appointments</em> is to be made -<em>fruitfull</em> by him: but the desire of a <em>whore</em> extends no -further then <em>Lust</em> or a <em>Reward</em>. Hence <cite>Rom. 7</cite>. We are -married unto <em>Christ Jesus</em>, that we should bring forth -<em>fruit</em> unto <em>God</em>: A <em>whoorish heart</em> willingly endures not -<em>fruitfulnes</em>, but kills her own <em>conceptions</em> which the true -<em>Wife</em> cherisheth, and tendreth as her <em>life</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> What should be the <em>reason</em> why so many of <em>Gods -children</em> who in all <em>ages</em> have discovered their strong <em>affection</em> -to <em>Gods</em> visible <em>worship</em>, and <em>communion</em> in <em>Christ</em>, -have yet so varied, and wandred from the right, and first -<em>institution</em> of the <em>Church</em>, and <em>ministry</em>, and <em>Ordinances</em> of -<em>worship</em>?</p> - -<p>I answer, Gods <em>councell</em> touching the <em>spirituall captivity</em>, -and <em>desolation</em>, must be fulfilled, when yet notwithstanding, -the strength of the <em>affection</em> of <em>Gods</em> people hath appear'd -in their <em>mourning</em> and <em>weeping</em>, and lamenting -after, and contending for the truth of the <em>spiritual injoyment</em> -of their souls <em>Beloved</em>, in all the <em>means</em> of his own -holy <em>appointments</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">11thly.</div> - -<p>11thly. Again it is an <em>Argument</em> of <em>spirituall health</em>, & -strength, in respect of <em>God</em>, when the <em>Heart</em> is fixed, and -readily prepared for all the holy <em>pleasure</em> of <em>God</em>. Hence -<em>Hezekiah</em> praies for such whose <em>hearts</em> were prepared to -seek <em>Jehovah, God</em> of their <em>Fathers</em>: Hence this <em>readines</em>, -and <em>preparation</em> of mind, is compared to the <em>shoes</em> on our -<em>Feet</em>, without which we are unfit for <em>travelling</em>, <em>walking</em>, -&c. and with which we are <em>ready</em> for any <em>spirituall imployment</em>. -Hence <em>David</em> professeth that his <em>heart</em> was fixed, -and ready, and when the <em>Lord</em> said seek my <em>Face</em>, <em>Davids -heart</em> answered, <em>Lord</em>, thy <em>Face</em> will I seek, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> What is the reason that <em>Gods children</em> are sometimes -hardly brought on to difficult <em>services</em>, and <em>duties</em>?</p> - -<p>I answer, <em>unreadines</em>, and <em>unfitnes</em> is a <em>spirituall sicknes</em> -or <em>distemper</em>, which when <em>Gods children</em> recover out of, -then they say as the <em>Lord Jesus</em> in <em>David</em> <cite class="no-italics">Psal: 41</cite>. <em>Lord</em> -my <em>heart</em> is willing, my <em>heart</em> is ready to do thy will O -my <em>God</em>: And they say to <em>Christ Jesus</em>, as his holy servant -<em>John Bradford</em> said to <em>Queen Mary</em>; If she keep me -in <em>prison</em>, I will thank her; If she <em>release</em> me I will <em>thank</em> -her; If she <em>burn</em> me, I will still <em>thank her</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">12thly</div> - -<p>Lastly, it is an <em>Argument</em> of <em>spirituall health</em>, and -<em>strength</em> when <em>Gods children</em> walk in a continuall sence of -their own <em>insufficiencies</em>, and <em>distempers</em>, when they discern -the evill <em>inclination</em> of their own <em>spirits</em>, and the <em>excellency</em>, -and <em>sufficiency</em> of <em>Gods</em> most holy <em>Spirit</em>: And therefore -continually say with <em>David</em>, <cite class="no-italics">Psalme 143</cite>. Thy <em>Spirit</em> is -good, lead me, <i>&c.</i> and Psal. 139. Search me O <em>God</em>, -and try my <em>heart</em>, and see if thou findest any way of -<em>wickednes in me, and lead me in the way everlasting</em>.</p> - -<p>These and many more, are the <em>trials</em> of <em>spirituall -strength</em>, <em>health</em>, and <em>cheerfulnes</em>, in matters concerning <em>God</em>: -We now come to the second Head of <em>trialls</em> of <em>spirituall -health</em>, and <em>strength</em>, in matters concerning our selves.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Brokennes of -spirit.</div> - -<p>First, then it is an Argument of <em>spiritual health</em>, and -<em>strength</em>, when (especially) after known sins committed, -our <em>hearts</em> are in a <em>broken</em> frame and temper, when our -<em>spirits</em> are as it were <em>contrite</em>, and pounded like <em>spice in a</em> -Morter, then yeelding the most delightfull <em>smell</em> and -<em>savour</em> unto <em>God</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence (<cite class="no-italics">Isa. 66</cite>) a <em>contrite</em>, and broken heart is an -<em>House</em> wherein <em>God</em> dwels, an House well ordered, <em>swept</em>, -and <em>garnished</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence a <em>Spirit</em> of <em>trembling</em>, (<cite>Isa. 66</cite>.) is an <em>Argument</em> -and <em>character</em> of the most dutifull <em>children</em> of <em>God</em>: but -of this formerly.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><p>2dly.</p> - -<p>Spirituall battels.</p></div> - -<p>2ndly. It is an <em>Argument</em> of <em>spirituall strength</em>, when -we make it our <em>work</em> to <em>observe</em>, <em>watch</em>, and kill our <em>corruptions</em>, -and <em>rebellions</em>, and labour to keep under, and -beat down our <em>body</em> to an holy fitnes, and readines for -<em>Gods service</em>, in <em>fasting</em>, and <em>prayer</em> against <em>temptations</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> But may not <em>Hypocrites</em> humble themselves, and -labour to mortifie their <em>lusts</em> and <em>corruptions</em>?</p> - -<p>I answer, no question, but in horrour of <em>conscience</em>, and -fear of <em>Gods judgments</em>, an <em>Hypocrite</em> may humble -himself in fasting, as <em>Ahab</em>, &c. but to kill sin, as sin, and -to desire to be ready for <em>Gods</em> will, in <em>denying</em>, and <em>subduing</em> -his own, is only the <em>character</em> and property of a -child of <em>God</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">3dly. -Godly loathing -for sin.</div> - -<p>3dly. It is an <em>Argument</em> of <em>spirituall health</em>, and <em>strength</em>, -when we so look upon our <em>sins</em>, and our sinfull <em>dispositions</em>, -that we not only loath our <em>sins</em>, but also loath our selves -for them: So saith the <em>Lord</em>, (<cite>Ezek 6</cite>.) My <em>people</em> shall -loath themselves for their <em>abominations</em>, and for their -<em>whoorish heart</em> against me: Thus <em>Job</em> when he recovers -himself from his <em>murmurings</em> against <em>God</em>, he cries out, -Behold I abhor my self, and repent in <em>dust</em>, and <em>ashes</em>. -And <em>David</em> (<cite class="no-italics">Psal: 73</cite>.) looks upon himself for his murmuring -against <em>Gods providence</em>, as an <em>ignorant</em> person, as -a <em>fool</em> and a <em>beast</em> in <em>Gods</em> presence.</p> - -<p><i>Object.</i> But may not an <em>Hypocrite</em> loath and abhor -himself for <em>sin</em>?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Hypocrites -may in a respect -loath -themselves -for sin.</div> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, It is possible for an <em>Hypocrite</em> to be sorry for -some <em>sins</em>, and to be angry with <em>himselfe</em>, and to loath -himselfe, but not properly for his <em>sins</em>, which he loveth, -but (as <em>theeves, whores, drunkards, &c.</em>) for the <em>danger</em>, -<em>damage</em> and <em>disgrace</em> which his sin may bring upon him. -It is onely the property of <em>Gods children</em> to look at <em>sin</em> -as <em>sin</em>, with a loathing <em>eye</em>, and to behold themselves <em>vile</em> -and <em>loathsome</em>, even for the most <em>pleasing</em> and <em>profitable</em>, -and <em>delightfull</em>, and most <em>secret sins</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Fourthly.</i></div> - -<div class="sidenote">True selfe -denyall.</div> - -<p>Fourthly, It is an <em>Argument</em> of the <em>strength</em> of <em>Spirituall -life</em>, when we lay downe our selves at the feet of <em>God</em>, -when as a <em>Servants will</em>, our <em>wils</em> are subdued to the -<em>Lords will</em>, when the <em>Lord</em> is become our <em>selfe</em>, when his -<em>ends</em> are our <em>ends</em>, which give us content and <em>pleasure</em>, -although our <em>selves</em>, our <em>ends</em> are lost and destroyed, that -wee may finde new <em>ends</em> and <em>delights</em> in <em>God</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence <em>Epaphroditus</em> to further the worke of the <em>Lord</em> -(<cite>Phil. 2</cite>) he regarded not his health, and consequently -not his <em>life</em>; as a true <em>Souldier</em> in the Service of his heavenly -<em>King</em> and <em>Captaine</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Object.</i> But may not an <em>Hypocrite</em> deny himselfs; his -owne <em>ends</em>, his <em>pleasures</em>, his <em>profits</em>, his <em>credit</em>, his <em>liberty</em>, -his <em>life</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">No Hypocrite -can truly deny -himselfe.</div> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, It is impossible; for all that he doth is still -for <em>himselfe</em>: like <em>Israel</em>, <em>Hosea</em> 7. He is an <em>empty vine</em>, -he bringeth forth fruit to <em>himself</em>: All that he aims at in -using the name of <em>God</em>, his <em>glory</em>, his <em>Christ</em>, is still to -exalt <em>himselfe</em>, to save <em>himselfe</em>: But <em>Gods children</em> eye ever -a greater <em>end</em> then <em>selfe</em>, to wit, the glorifying of their -<em>God</em>, although it be in their own <em>destructions</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Fifthly.</i></div> - -<p>Fifthly, Our hearts are then in an healthfull frame -and disposition, when we are <em>cordially</em> willing to goe from -hence, that we may be with <em>Christ</em>, <cite>Phil. 3</cite>. yet for the -service of <em>Christ</em> and his <em>Saints</em>, we are cordially willing -to stay in <em>hard</em> and <em>difficult</em> Service.</p> - -<p><i>Object.</i> But may not an <em>Hypocrite</em> desire to dye, and -to be with <em>Christ</em>?</p> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, An <em>Hypocrite</em> may desire to dye, and to be -with <em>Christ</em> in a glorious <em>condition</em>, but no <em>Hypocrite</em> can -endure to dye, to be with <em>Christ</em> in an holy and spirituall -<em>condition</em>, free from <em>sin</em>: and therefore can he not -endure uprightly, &c. to <em>worke</em> for <em>Christ</em> on <em>Earth</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Sixtly.</i></div> - -<div class="sidenote">Spirituall -contentation -in Gods will.</div> - -<p>Sixthly, Then are we in an healthfull <em>frame</em> of <em>Grace</em>, -when <em>God</em> hath brought down our <em>hearts</em> to be content -with the changes of his <em>right-hand</em> upon us: when we -have learnt the <em>lesson</em> of <em>Paul</em>, to be content with <em>food</em> -and <em>raiment</em>, with a <em>travellers</em> and <em>strangers portion</em>, of so -much as may serve us in our <em>Journey</em>: When we can -tell how to abound without <em>Pride</em>, or <em>security</em>, or <em>trust</em> in -earthly things, and when we can tell how to want all -outward <em>mercies</em> with <em>quietnesse</em> and <em>contentation</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> But may not <em>Hypocrites</em> be contented with smal -<em>matters</em>, and suppresse their desires of great <em>things</em>, and say -with <em>Esau</em> unto <em>Jacob</em>: Keep that thou hast <em>my brother</em>, -I have enough?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">All changes -and losses are -made up to -Gods people -only by himselfe.</div> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, the desires of all men are not alike <em>greedy</em>; -but yet the desires of men are truely satisfied without -<em>God</em>: Now when <em>changes</em> and the <em>losse</em> of all things fall -upon the <em>Hypocrite</em>, he cannot finde those <em>changes</em> and -those <em>losses</em> made up in <em>God</em>: No <em>Habakkuk</em> tels us, That -it is the <em>Character</em> of <em>Gods</em> children, when the <em>corne</em> is -gone, and the <em>flocks</em> and the <em>heards</em>, and the <em>vine</em>, and the -<em>figtree</em> faile, to rejoyce in <em>God</em> alone for a <em>portion</em>, and to -<em>glory</em> in the <em>God</em> of their <em>Salvation</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Seventhly.</i></div> - -<div class="sidenote">Joy in Sorrow.</div> - -<p>Seventhly, Then are our hearts in an <em>healthfull</em> frame, -when we are not onely willing to suffer for the name of -<em>Christ Jesus</em>, but when we also conceive a kinde of <em>pleasure</em> -in it; so saith <em>Paul</em>, I take <em>pleasure</em> in <em>necessities</em>, in -<em>distresses</em>, and for <em>Christs</em> sake; Hence the Saints (<cite>Heb. 13. 10</cite>) -not onely suffered the spoyling of their <em>goods</em>, -but they took the spoyling of their <em>goods</em> with <em>joy</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Object.</i> May not <em>Hipocrites</em> suffer joyfully for <em>Christ?</em></p> - -<div class="sidenote">Hypocrites -pretend to -suffer for -Christ.</div> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, An <em>Hypocrite</em> may doe and suffer with a -seeming <em>joy</em> for <em>Christ</em>: But he can never doe this out -of <em>love</em> to <em>Christ</em>, <cite>1 Cor. 13</cite>. but always out of <em>self-love</em> -for his owne <em>glory</em> and <em>honour</em>, out of strong conviction -of <em>conscience</em>, least he be damned in denying his <em>light</em>, <i>&c.</i> -Onely <em>Gods children</em> can out of <em>love</em> to <em>Christ Jesus</em> rejoyce -(as some true <em>friend</em> or <em>wife</em>) to be <em>afflicted</em> and to <em>sorrow</em> -and loose for their <em>Souls beloved</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Object.</i> Why then are many of <em>Gods children</em> so <em>heavy</em> -in their <em>sufferings</em> and <em>losses</em> for <em>Christ Jesus</em>?</p> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, This hapneth sometimes out of distemper of -<em>body</em>; sometimes out of distemper and weaknesse of -<em>minde</em>, which they labour against, and chide themselves -for as did <em>David</em>, <cite>Psal. 42. & 43.</cite> why art thou disquieted -O my <em>Soul</em>, and why art thou so heavy within me? -still trust in GOD, for I will praise him, who is the -<em>health</em> of my <em>countenance</em> and my <em>God</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Eightly.</i></div> - -<div class="sidenote">Christian -weanedness -from this -worlds comforts.</div> - -<p>Eighthly, It argues strength of <em>Grace</em> when we use this -<em>world</em>, and all the <em>comforts</em> of it with a <em>weaned eye</em> and -<em>mind</em>, as if we used it not: as <em>English Travellers</em> that -lodge in an <em>Indian</em> house, use all the wild <em>Indians</em> comforts -with a strange <em>affection</em>, willing and ready to be -gone: or as <em>Passengers</em> in a <em>Ship</em>, willing and ready (when -<em>God</em> will) to land, and goe ashoar in our own <em>countrey</em>, -to our owne <em>House</em>, and <em>comforts</em> in the <em>Heavens</em>.</p> - -<p>Thus <em>Gideons</em> Souldiers (in a figure of such as are fit -for <em>Christs Battels</em>) are not only <em>couragious</em> and depart not -with the <em>cowards</em>, but also lap at the <em>comforts</em> of this life, -with a speedy <em>necessity</em>, but lye not downe to them in -<em>excesse</em> of <em>affection</em> and <em>delight</em>.</p> - -<p><em>Object.</em> May not <em>Hypocrites</em> use this world with a -strange <em>affection</em>, weaned from the vanities of it, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<div class="sidenote">The heavenly -use of earthly -comforts.</div> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, Doubtlesse not onely a false <em>Christian</em> or -<em>Hypocrite</em>, but other naturall men (out of the <em>sence</em> and -<em>experience</em> of the <em>vanitie</em> and <em>uncertainty</em> of this life, and -the <em>comforts</em> of it) may attaine to a great seeming <em>dispising</em> -of these <em>earthly things</em>, though never without <em>sorrow</em> that -they are not more <em>full</em> and <em>certain</em>, as being their <em>portion</em>: -Onely <em>Gods children</em> who have made the <em>Lord</em> himselfe -their portion, and his <em>word</em> and <em>Ordinances</em> their <em>inheritance</em>, -they only I say use them as from <em>God</em>, tokens of -his <em>Love</em> and <em>goodnesse</em>, and as <em>golden chaines</em> to draw them -unto him, and humbly submit to <em>Gods</em> holy pleasure, in -his gracious <em>bestowing</em> or <em>withdrawing</em> of them.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Ninthly.</i></div> - -<p>Ninthly, It is an <em>argument</em> of a strong <em>fear</em> of and -<em>affection</em> to <em>God</em>, when in all our earthly businesses, we see -<em>God</em>, and minde his <em>name</em> and <em>praise</em>. Hence saith <em>James</em>: -Yee ought in all Journeys and purposes to say, If <em>God</em> -will: Hence <em>Boaz</em> that holy man, when he comes into -his <em>Field</em> hath <em>God</em> in his <em>mouth</em>: The <em>Lord</em> blesse you -sayed he to his <em>Reapers</em>: Hence the poorest <em>Christian</em> -able to contribute (<cite>1 Cor. 16</cite>.) observes <em>weekly</em>, and -therefore <em>daily</em> the <em>dispensations</em> of <em>God</em> towards him; He -observes the <em>givings</em> and <em>takings</em> of <em>Gods</em> hand, and walks -with him though in the poorest and meanest <em>calling</em> and -<em>condition</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Object.</i> But may not <em>Hypocrites</em> observe <em>Gods</em> blessing -in <em>worldly</em> things, in <em>faire winds</em>, <em>good voyages</em>, in the <em>encrease</em> -of <em>children</em>, <em>corne</em>, <em>wine</em>, <em>cattel</em>, <i>&c</i>?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The glorifying -of God -proper to -Gods children -only.</div> - -<p><em>I answer, Naturall conviction</em> enforceth even <em>Pagans</em> to -confesse (a <em>Manittoo</em>) an <em>Invisible Deity</em> and <em>God-head</em> in -these visible things; But to make it a <em>worke</em> and <em>Businesse</em> -in all these earthly things to see and <em>glorifie God</em>, to -walke with him, and to be full of his <em>praise</em> all the day -long; this is onely the <em>Character</em> of <em>Gods children</em>, who -only truly see his <em>hand</em>, and love his <em>name</em> and <em>glory</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Tenthly.</i></div> - -<div class="sidenote">The true -watch of -Gods people -over their -Tongue.</div> - -<p>Tenthly, It is an <em>Argument</em> of strength and vigour of -<em>grace</em>, to keep a constant <em>watch</em> and <em>bridle</em> on our <em>lips</em> and -<em>tongue</em>, that no words passe but such as are seasoned with -<em>Salt</em>, to the <em>glorifying</em> of our <em>Maker</em> with our <em>glory</em>, and -the <em>edifying</em> or <em>benefiting</em> of others. This <em>Tongue</em> of ours -the <em>Lord</em> compares to the <em>bridle</em> of a <em>Horse</em>, to the <em>Helm</em> -of a <em>Ship</em>, which if well managed rules the <em>horse</em> and <em>ship</em>, -with <em>safety</em> and <em>comfort</em>: and the <em>Spirit</em> of <em>God</em> concludes; -that he is a <em>perfect</em> and <em>strong</em> man in <em>Christ</em>, that is thus -able to command his <em>Speech</em> and <em>Tongue</em> in this world.</p> - -<p>Hence <em>Christ Jesus</em> preacheth <em>Judgement</em> to the <em>world</em>, -for the <em>abuse</em> of the <em>Tongue</em>, and the <em>idle words</em> of it, when -our <em>words</em> are not <em>working words</em>, and tend not to heavenly -profiting of others.</p> - -<p>Hence the <em>Spirit</em> by <em>Paul</em> commands (<cite>Ephes.5</cite>.) that -neither <em>uncleannesse</em>, nor <em>covetousnesse</em>, nor <em>foolish talking</em>, -nor <em>jeasting</em>, be once heard from the mouths of the -<em>Saints</em>, but rather giving of <em>thanks</em>, and praising of <em>God</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Object.</i> But may not <em>worldly</em> persons set a watch before -the door of their <em>lips</em>?</p> - -<p><em>I answer, Morall wisdome</em> may teach persons the <em>vanity</em> -and grosse <em>wickednesse</em> of the <em>Tongue</em>, but onely <em>Gods spirit</em> -(and strength of it) doth teach <em>Gods children</em>, in true <em>feare</em> -and <em>love</em> of <em>God</em>, not onely to <em>restraine</em> from <em>vaine</em> and -<em>foolish</em>, but also to attaine to a <em>spirituall</em> and <em>heavenly -Language</em>.</p> - -<p>Lastly, It argues strength and life and <em>Grace</em> in <em>Christ</em>, -when our <em>hearts</em> by <em>Gods spirit</em> are wrought to such a -degree of <em>hatred</em> of sin, that we not onely abhor the <em>acts</em> -thereof, but also fly and shun the <em>looks</em> and <em>appearance</em> of -it; so that we not only fly <em>pride</em> and <em>passion</em>, and <em>covetousnesse</em> -and <em>uncleannesse</em>, but also the <em>appearance</em> of them.</p> - -<p>Hence <em>Boaz</em>, when <em>Ruth</em> lay downe at his feet in the -night, as claiming <em>marriage</em> by <em>right</em>, he not only refrained -from <em>uncleannesse</em>, or uncleane <em>touches</em>, but also he -gravely advised her to be gone so early in the morning, -that no man should say there came a woman into the floar.</p> - -<p><i>Object.</i> But may not <em>worldly</em> persons not only avoid -sin, but also the <em>appearance</em> of it?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Only Gods -children can -truly hate sin.</div> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, No <em>worldly</em> or <em>unregenerate person</em> can truly -hate <em>sin</em>, or the appearance of it, for it is his <em>nature</em> and -<em>Element</em>, they can onely hate the <em>dammages</em> and <em>disgrace</em>, -and <em>discredit</em> of it, and so a <em>Whore</em> may hate <em>whoredome</em>. -'Tis only the <em>property</em> of <em>Gods</em> children, and the <em>new-borne</em> -to hate <em>sin</em> as <em>sin</em>, with the sinfull <em>appearances</em> of it -as <em>opposite</em> to their <em>new</em> and <em>heavenly</em> nature in <em>Jesus -Christ</em>.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>I now come to the third head of the tryals of spirituall -<em>health</em> and <em>strength</em>, and that respects our <em>conversation</em> -with men, in which</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Christ and -Christians -worke to glorify -God in -doing good.</div> - -<p>First I argue, that it is a strong <em>argument</em> of a strong -<em>constitution</em> and <em>spirituall health</em>, when we can make it our -<em>worke</em> and <em>trade</em>, to aime at <em>glorifying</em> our <em>Maker</em> in doing -good to men.</p> - -<p>Thus our great example <em>Christ Jesus</em> made it his -<em>worke</em> and <em>trade</em>, to goe about to doe <em>good</em>, which he did -abundantly and constantly to the <em>souls</em> and <em>bodies</em> of men.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> <em>Christ Jesus</em> and his <em>Apostles</em> and <em>messengers</em> were -endued with <em>power</em> from on high, not only to preach the -<em>Word</em> for <em>conversion</em> but also with <em>power</em> of calling out -<em>Devils</em>, and healing bodily <em>diseases</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Holy women -great helps -in the Gospel -of <em>Christ Jesus</em></div> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, as an <em>holy witnesse</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em> (a <em>Woman</em>) -once answered a Bishop, <em>I am a member of Christ Jesus</em> as -wel as <em>Peter</em> himselfe. The least <em>Believer</em> and <em>Follower</em> -of <em>Jesus</em> pertakes of the <em>nature</em> and <em>spirit</em> of him their -holy <em>head</em> and <em>husband</em>, as well as the <em>strongest</em> and <em>holiest</em> -that ever did or suffered for his holy <em>name</em>.</p> - -<p>Therefore it is that we read not only of the <em>service</em> of -those great <em>master-builders</em> and <em>work-men</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, -the <em>Apostles</em>, but also the <em>service</em> and helpe of <em>Christian</em> -women, for instance (<cite>Rom.16.</cite>) <em>Phebe</em>, <em>Priscilla</em>, <em>Mary</em>, -<em>Persis</em> were eminently noted for helping forward the -work of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, to wit, the glorifying of <em>God</em> in the -saving of the poor sons of men.</p> - -<p><i>Object.</i> But is it not possible for <em>Gods</em> children to be -slack in this <em>work</em> and <em>trade</em> of doing good to the <em>souls</em> and -<em>bodies</em> of others, and yet be strong in <em>grace</em> and <em>healthfull</em>?</p> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, Doubtlesse <em>Gods Children</em> may be <em>strong</em> one -way, and <em>weak</em> in another, <em>strong</em> in one <em>grace</em> and <em>weak</em> -in another, <em>strong</em> in one <em>tryal</em> and <em>weak</em> in another: But -it is their <em>weaknesse</em> and <em>sicknesse</em>, when they are slow and -negligent of so <em>glorious</em> and heavenly a <em>worke</em>.</p> - -<p>Thus <em>Paul</em> complains of the Saints of <em>Asia</em>, that he -found none that stuck close to him but <em>Timothie</em>. Thus -was it in <em>Barucks weaknesse</em> and <em>sicknesse</em> to seek great and -earthly things, and <em>Jeremie</em> (strong in spirituall <em>health</em> -and <em>life</em>) chides and reproves him for it, <cite>Jer. 45</cite></p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Secondly.</i></div> - -<p>Secondly, It argues <em>strength</em> of spirituall <em>life</em>, when we -bear a strong <em>affection</em> to the <em>seed</em> of the <em>woman</em>, <em>Christs -seed, Gods children</em>. To doe good to all men is a <em>Christians -trade</em>, but especially to the <em>houshold</em> of <em>faith</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods children -cannot -but naturally -love one another.</div> - -<p>This was <em>Davids affection</em> (<cite>Psalme 16.</cite>) when he look't -upon <em>Gods children</em> as the excellent of the <em>Earth</em>, and -placed all his <em>delight</em> in them: Thus <em>Jonathan</em> though he -lost his <em>Fathers love</em> for <em>Davids</em>, though he was to loose -a <em>Kingdom</em> by <em>David</em>, yet he loves him as his own <em>Soul</em>.</p> - -<p>Thus <em>Ruth</em> so loved that holy woman <em>Naomi</em>, that although -she were growne poor, a widow, and now in a -tedious <em>travel</em> from <em>Moab</em> to <em>Israel</em>, and <em>Naomi</em> did also -intreat <em>her</em> and her <em>sister</em> to goe back, and <em>Orpah</em> her sister -was already returned to her kindred and her <em>Gods</em>, yet -such was the flame of her holy <em>affection</em>, that she intreats -<em>Naomi</em> not to intreat her: Intreat me not to leave -thee, for whether thou goest I will goe, where thou dyest -I will dye, and there will I be buried: thy <em>God</em> shall -be my <em>God</em>, &c.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Worldly men -may in a kind -love Gods -people.</div> - -<p><i>Object.</i> May not <em>wicked persons</em> favour, love, and respect -<em>Gods children</em>? Did not <em>Saul</em> greatly respect -<em>Samuel</em>; and for a while <em>Herod</em>, <em>John</em> the <em>Baptist</em>? Did -not <em>Michol</em> love King <em>David</em>, as well as did her brother -<em>Jonathan</em>? yea did not <em>David</em> finde wonderfull favour in -the eyes of a <em>Philistian Achaz</em>?</p> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, The <em>nature</em> and the grounds of the love of -<em>naturall persons</em> to <em>Gods children</em> must be rightly distinguished: -<em>Gods children</em> themselves may and ought to love -each other, and others also, according to any <em>naturall</em> -and <em>civill Relation</em>; yet onely <em>Gods children</em> can love <em>Gods -children</em> for the <em>grace</em> and <em>spirit</em> of <em>God</em>, which they see -and finde in each other.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">But Gods -children can -only love -each other -with a spirituall -love.</div> - -<p>Thus as two <em>Candles</em> or <em>Torches</em> they spiritually close -and embrace each other with heavenly affection, being -of one common <em>heavenly nature</em> together. Thus <em>Countrey-men</em> -meeting in strange and forraign <em>nations</em> presently -know each other by their <em>language, &c.</em></p> - -<p>Thus <em>Brethren</em> rejoyce to finde each other in <em>strange</em> -places, and to know themselves the sons of one <em>Father</em> -and <em>Mother</em>.</p> - -<p>Thus <em>Fellow-souldiers</em> which stick close each to other -in <em>life</em> and <em>death</em>, yea, although <em>routed</em>, <em>disordered</em> and <em>flying</em>, -if possible they can discerne and know each other.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods children -may possibly -be unkind -and cruel -each to other.</div> - -<p><i>Object.</i> But did not holy <em>David</em> (who was a man strong -in <em>grace</em>) did not he lay <em>plots</em> for the <em>life</em> of an holy man, -noble and faithfull <em>Uriah</em>? Did not <em>Asah</em> that holy King -of <em>Judah</em>, practice false <em>Imprisoning</em>, in committing the -man of <em>God</em> to prison, and that onely for his <em>faithfulnesse</em> -in reproving him from <em>God</em>?</p> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, This shews that both <em>David</em> and <em>Asah</em> at -this time were very sick, and <em>David</em> upon his <em>recovery</em> -laments his <em>weaknesse</em> and <em>wickednesse</em> and <em>Blood-guiltinesse</em>, -<cite>Psal. 51</cite>,</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods people -in case may -be sharp each -to other, so -was <em>David</em> -sharply reprov'd -by <em>Nathan</em>.</div> - -<p><i>Quest.</i> But may not <em>Gods</em> children have just cause of -exercising <em>sharpnesse</em> each to others?</p> - -<p>Yea doubtlesse, for <em>Paul</em> withstood even <em>Peter</em> himselfe -to his face, and the <em>Church</em> of <em>Corinth</em> must put away and -deliver the <em>incestuous</em> person to the Devill; though probably -yet deare, and a brother, according to that of <em>Paul</em> -to the <em>Thessalonians</em>, yet count him not as an <em>Enemie</em>, but -admonish him as a <em>Brother</em>.</p> - -<p>In a way of <em>Justice</em>, in a way of <em>Physick</em>, the dearest -<em>friend</em> or <em>Brother</em> may exercise much <em>bitternesse</em>, though -with much <em>sweetnesse</em> of <em>temper</em>, and with much tender -melting and bemoaning of <em>affection</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">One of the -blackest -transgressions -in the world -for</div> - -<p>Thus in cases have we seen mounfull violence used, to -a <em>wife</em> or <em>brother</em> in some kind of <em>distempers</em> and <em>distractions</em>.</p> - -<p>But when <em>Gods children</em> shall so far degenerate, as to -<em>pursue</em> the life of each other, though it be with desire to -cover a sin, and to keep <em>Gods name</em> from being dishonored -(as in <em>Davids</em> case) it is a <em>weaknesse</em>, it is a <em>sicknesse</em>, -which although it be not unto death, yet bringeth it -neer unto <em>Deaths door</em>,and made <em>David</em> cry out with <em>bitternesse</em> -of his soul, <em>Deliver me from blood-guiltinesse O my -God, and my tongue shall sing loud of thy righteousnesse</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><i>Thirdly.</i></div> - -<div class="sidenote">A compassionate -heart even -towards -enemies is a -Christian -heart.</div> - -<p>A third tryal of spirituall <em>health</em> and <em>strength</em> is a <em>compassionate</em> -and <em>pitifull, melting-heart</em> over the <em>afflicted</em> or -<em>miserable</em>, yea, although our <em>enemies</em>, or <em>enemies</em> of their -owne <em>Salvation</em>.</p> - -<p>Thus the Lord <em>Jesus</em> sighs for the <em>hardnesse</em> of the -<em>heart</em> of his <em>Enemies</em>: thus he <em>weeps</em> over <em>Jerusalem</em> that -was to kill him, and prayed for his <em>persecutors</em> and <em>enemies</em>.</p> - -<p>Thus <em>Jeremy</em> powres forth his <em>Book</em> and <em>Rivers</em> of -<em>Lamentations</em> for <em>Jerusalem</em> of old, as <em>Christ</em> for the latter.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><cite>2 Tim. 2. 26.</cite></div> - -<p>Thus <em>Gods</em> people are commanded to <em>weep</em> with them -that <em>weep</em>: And when any oppose themselves, wee ought -in <em>meeknesse</em> and <em>patience</em> to bear it, as knowing their wofull -and miserable <em>bondage</em> and <em>slavery</em> to <em>Sathan</em>: And -who knows whether it will please <em>God</em> in infinite mercy -and compassion to deliver them by vouchsafing <em>repentance</em> -in <em>Christ Jesus</em>, as he hath done to us?</p> - -<p><i>Object.</i> But may not <em>Gods</em> children exceed and over-grieve -for others?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods people -mourn for -others.</div> - -<p>Yea doubtlesse, and therefore <em>God</em> chideth <em>Samuel</em> for -over-grieving for <em>Saul</em>, because <em>God</em> hath rejected him: -<em>Gods</em> children may as well exceed the bounds of <em>griefs</em> -as of <em>joy</em> and <em>anger</em>, and any kind of <em>Passion</em> or <em>affection</em>: -but it is ever safer to fall on the right hand of too much -<em>mercy</em> and <em>compassion</em>, then on the left of <em>Anger</em>, <em>Wrath</em> -and <em>Cruelty</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence <em>David</em> weeps over <em>sinners</em> with <em>Rivers</em> of <em>Tears</em>, -because they kept not <em>Gods Law</em>. Hence we are commanded -to bear the <em>burthens</em> of others, and so fulfill -<em>Christs Law</em>. All sin is a <em>burthen</em>, but especially to <em>Gods -children</em>, whether they commit it out of a deceived <em>judgment</em>, -and <em>conscience</em>, or out of <em>passion</em>, and sudden <em>slight</em> -of <em>temptation</em>: Their <em>sins</em> therefore (especially if <em>superiours</em>,) -we must cover, and with shame, and sorrow go -backward like <em>Shem</em>, and <em>Japheth</em>, as grieving, and unwilling -to behold their <em>nakednes</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> But we are commanded not to suffer <em>sin</em> upon -our <em>Brethren</em>, but reprove them?</p> - -<p><em>I</em> answer, then is the <em>tongue</em> a fit <em>instrument</em> to reprove -others, when it is tuned by a grieved <em>heart</em>, that considers, -and ponders it self, as subject to <em>temptation</em>, and <em>sin</em>, as -others, except <em>mercy</em> make the difference, and deliver -from <em>temptation</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">4thly.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">Impartiall reproving -a -character of -Gods people.</div> - -<p>Fourthly, it is a good evidence of <em>spirituall health</em>, respecting -others, when we endure not sin to lie upon -them, or rather them to lie in the pit of <em>sin</em>, but endeavour -to help them out by wise, and loving, and seasonable -<em>reproof</em>, and <em>exhortation</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence <em>Job</em> endures not <em>sin</em> in the wife of his <em>Bozome</em>, -but chargeth her with <em>folly</em> for her impatient, & impious -<em>counsell</em>: Hence <em>David</em> smites deeply his dearest <em>Michol</em>, -when she mocks at his holy zeal for the <em>Lord</em>, and his -<em>worship</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence <em>Christ Jesus</em> sharply reproves his faithfull servant -and Apostle <em>Peter</em>, and that only for (seeming) -loving, and affectionate <em>councell</em>: Get thee behind me -<em>Satan</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Bold reprovers -for sin.</div> - -<p>Again, as true love, and zeal for <em>God</em>, (when strong) -spares not the dearest: so neither doth it balk, or shun -the <em>highest</em>. Thus deal <em>Gods Prophets</em>, even with <em>Kings</em>, -and <em>Princes</em>: Thus <em>Samuel</em> spares not <em>Saul</em>, nor <em>Nathan</em> -<em>David</em>, <em>Eliab</em> <em>Ahab</em>, nor <em>John Baptist</em> <em>Herod</em> and his -<em>Queen</em>, even for those most neer, and darling <em>sins</em>, which -were most <em>dangerous</em> to touch, and meddle with.</p> - -<p><i>Qu</i>: How stands such bold, and sharp <em>language</em>, (as -some of the <em>Prophets</em> used) with humble <em>Duty</em>, <em>Fear</em>, and -<em>Reverence</em>, due unto <em>superiours</em>?</p> - -<p>I answer, as true <em>affection</em> stands with plain, and sharp -reproof of <em>dearest</em>, so true <em>humility</em> in bold dealing on -<em>Gods</em> behalf, with the most <em>supream</em>, and highest.</p> - -<p>Hence are <em>Gods</em> people also commanded not only to -reprove, but to separate in case of finall <em>obstinacy</em> in <em>sin</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> This course may seem to destroy humane <em>society</em>, -yea <em>nature</em>, and civillity out of the world.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Godliness -makes civilitie -more beautifull.</div> - -<p>I answer, it is true that <em>Godlines</em>, and <em>Christian affection</em>, -and <em>zeal</em> for <em>God</em> destroys corrupt <em>nature</em>, and <em>humanity</em>, -but otherwise <em>Godlines</em> sanctifieth, and directeth <em>nature</em>, -and <em>civility</em>, in the fear of <em>God</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">5thly.</div> - -<p>Fifthly, it argues <em>strength</em> of <em>spirituall life</em>, and <em>grace</em>, -when a <em>Soul</em> is able to withstand, resist, and repell such -<em>sins</em>, unto which the <em>opportunity</em> of <em>temptation</em> sollicites, -and invites us.</p> - -<div class="sidenote"><em>Joseph</em> and <em>David</em> -admirable -for resisting of -temptations.</div> - -<p>Hence holy <em>Joseph</em>, and <em>David</em>, are propounded to us -for heavenly <em>examples</em> of <em>power</em>, and strength of <em>grace</em>, in -resisting those most, two plausible <em>temptations</em> (to which -the wicked <em>nature</em> of man is so <em>prone</em>, and <em>subject</em>:) the -one of <em>lust</em> to <em>Women</em>, when strongly and often solicited -by his wanton Mistris: the other of <em>revenge</em> toward man, -when his bloody <em>persecutor Saul</em>, seemed by <em>God</em> himself -to be delivered, and brought into his hand.</p> - -<p><em>Obj.</em> But <em>David</em> himself was conquer'd by <em>uncleannes</em>, -and <em>Asa</em> wreaks his <em>wrath</em>, upon the very <em>servant</em>, and -<em>Prophet</em> of the most <em>High</em>, and yet both <em>David</em>, and <em>Asa</em> -were thought to be <em>strong</em> in <em>grace</em>, and <em>power</em> of <em>Godlines</em>?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The fals of -Gods children -and to what -end.</div> - -<p>I answer, <em>Gods champions</em> are sometimes strong, and -sometimes weak, <em>strong</em> in some things, <em>weak</em> in others, -and (as the strongest <em>bodies</em>) subject to spirituall <em>colds</em> and -<em>falls</em>, and <em>hurts</em>, which are most graciously recorded for -our <em>comfort</em> in our <em>falls</em>, as well as the holy <em>victories</em> of -the <em>Saints</em>, to make us <em>watchfull</em>, and <em>couragious</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">A Christian -bearing of reproof -a good -argument of -much of -Christ Jesus.</div> - -<p>Sixtly, in matters concerning others, it is a good <em>argument</em> -of <em>strength</em>, of <em>grace</em>, when we can patiently, and -thankfully bear a <em>Reproof</em>, and <em>Admonition</em>, when we can -esteem a <em>Reproof</em> for our evill <em>words</em>, or <em>ways</em>, not as a -<em>blow</em> or <em>stroak</em> on the <em>Head</em>, but as a sweet, and precious -<em>Ointment</em> powred on us.</p> - -<p>Hence the admirable <em>patience</em>, and <em>meeknes</em> of <em>Hanna</em>, -when <em>Eli zealously</em>, but <em>uncharitably</em> reproved her for -<em>Drunkennes</em>. Hence when <em>Christ Jesus</em> most sharply reproved -<em>Peter</em>, and afterward <em>Paul</em> dealt severely with him -about dissembling in the matter of <em>Communion</em>; We hear -not of the least <em>impatient</em>, or <em>bitter</em> word to either, yea -when he was unjustly charg'd, and that by <em>Saints</em> (<cite class="no-italics">Act. 11</cite>) -he patiently bears it, and returns a soft, and gentle <em>answer</em>, -which turned their murmuring <em>accusations</em> into joyfull -<em>satisfaction</em>, and <em>thanksgiving</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods people -may possibly -be angry at -reproofs.</div> - -<p>But now the <em>scorner</em>, yea the godly being (weak) -reproved burst out in wrath. Thus not only <em>Ahab</em> -imprisons <em>Micaiah</em>, and <em>Herod</em>, <em>John the Baptist</em>, but <em>Asa</em> -also claps up fast the reproving Prophet, and the best of -<em>Gods children</em> are subject to such sad <em>distempers</em>, when -either a mistake of <em>judgment</em>, or a <em>pang</em> of <em>passion</em> sinfully -hinders the <em>receit</em> and <em>working</em> of the <em>Reproofs</em> of the <em>Almighty</em>, -which are wholsome heavenly <em>potions</em> intended by -him the <em>Father</em> of mercies, for our good, who ever be -the <em>cup</em>, the <em>vial</em>, or <em>instrument</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Naturall wisdome -goes far, -but not so far -as spirituall.</div> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> Many <em>Philosophers</em> by <em>naturall wisdome</em>, and many -<em>civill</em> and <em>morall</em> men, out of the <em>principles</em> of <em>civillity</em> and -<em>morality</em>, and sometimes for some private ends, will bear -a <em>Reproof</em> with <em>patience</em>: And hence that of <em>Solomon</em>, rebuke -a wise <em>man</em>, and he will love thee: whence it may -seem that men by strength of <em>wisdome</em> may receive in -<em>love</em>, and <em>profit</em> by a <em>Reprehension</em>.</p> - -<p>I answer, <em>Gods children</em> (as well as naturall men) may -also act from <em>Rules</em> of <em>Reason</em>, and naturall wisedom, but -withall they act from an higher <em>ground</em>, and <em>principle</em>, that -is they hear they see <em>Gods wise</em>, and <em>holy</em> permitting hand -in the foulest <em>mouth</em>; So <em>David</em> acknowledgeth <em>God</em> in -<em>Shimeis</em> railing, and <em>Hezekiah</em> in <em>Rabsheka</em> his <em>provocations</em>, -and <em>blasphemies</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Reproaches -send Gods -people unto -God.</div> - -<p>2dly. <em>Gods children</em> by <em>reproofs</em>, by <em>slanders</em>, and <em>reproaches</em>, -are sent to <em>God</em>: So <em>David</em> as a figure of <em>Christ -Jesus</em>, and so <em>Moses</em> also, when the people in their <em>murmurings</em>, -reproached him, as the <em>cause</em> or <em>occasion</em> of their -<em>miseries</em>, he runs to <em>God</em>, and praies even for those <em>unworthy</em>, -and <em>unthankfull</em> men.</p> - -<p>Lastly, with reference to our walking with others, it -is an <em>argument</em> of great strength of <em>grace</em>, when <em>glory</em> -of the <em>Lord</em> and the salvation of <em>Gods</em> people is so great, -and so <em>dear</em> in our eyes, that we can with (upon <em>supposition</em> -of them two) that we not onely loose our <em>temporall</em>, -but our eternall <em>state</em> and <em>welfare</em>: Hence those two -famous and <em>wonderfull speeches</em> of those two glorious stars -<em>Moses</em> and <em>Paul</em>: Blot me out of thy <em>book</em> saith <em>Moses</em>: -And I could wish to be accursed from <em>Christ</em>, saith <em>Paul</em>, -for <em>Israels</em> sake.</p> - -<p><i>Ob.</i> But can such a <em>wish</em> be lawfull though for the <em>gain</em> -and <em>glory</em> of <em>Christ</em>, since to be accursed from <em>Christ</em> cannot -be without sin against <em>Christ</em>?</p> - -<p>I answer: I will not dispute what <em>accursedness</em> or <em>separation</em> -from <em>Christ</em>, that is, some saying that <em>Paul</em> wished -onely a <em>temporall</em>, and some an <em>eternall separation</em> from -<em>Christ</em>: some a <em>separation</em> from <em>joy</em> and <em>delight</em> in the -<em>presence</em> of <em>Christ</em>, but not from the <em>puritie</em> and holiness -of <em>Christ</em>: But I say, doubtless so neer as any soul approacheth -to these heavenly <em>copies</em> of <em>Moses</em> and <em>Paul</em>, so -neer comes he to the greatest <em>strength</em>, and health, and -beautie of a <em>Christian</em> life.</p> - -<p><i>Ob.</i> But can any man now attain to such a <em>strength</em> of -<em>grace</em> as this, so to wish?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Different manifestations -of -Christ Jesus -in his people.</div> - -<p>I answer: as it is in <em>nature</em> so in <em>grace</em>, there are <em>children</em> -and <em>young</em> men (or <em>strong</em> men,) and there are <em>old</em> -and <em>aged</em> men in <em>Christ</em>: Again, as it is <em>nature</em>, so in -<em>grace</em>; there are <em>differences</em> of <em>children</em>, and differences of -<em>young</em> and <em>aged</em> men in <em>Christ</em>: every <em>Israelite</em> had not -the strength of <em>Samson</em>: nor every of <em>Davids</em> Souldiers -the <em>strength</em> and <em>valour</em> of <em>Davids worthies</em>: yet so neer -to these heavenly <em>copies</em> as we approach, the <em>stronger</em> we -are in the <em>grace</em> of <em>God</em> in <em>Christ</em>: And doubtless it cannot -be but it is in the desire of every true <em>childe</em> of <em>God</em>, -not onely to enjoy a prettie moderate <em>health</em> of <em>spirituall</em> -life, but to be as <em>strong</em> in <em>faith</em> as <em>Abraham</em>, in meekness -as <em>Moses</em>, in <em>patience</em> as <em>Job</em>, in <em>affection</em> to <em>God</em> as -<em>David</em>, and as <em>zealous</em> for the <em>Lord</em> and his <em>glory</em>, as were -this blessed <em>pair</em> of <em>zealous</em> servants of the most high, -<em>Paul</em> and <em>Moses</em>.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="sidenote">Some means -which Gods -Spirit useth as -preservatives.</div> - -<p class="drop-cap">I Am now come (dear Love) to the third and last -<em>Head</em> proposed, which is some few means of <em>recovering</em> -and <em>preserving</em> of <em>Christian health</em> and cheerfulness, and -the preventing of <em>spirituall sicknesses</em> and <em>diseases</em>: In this I -shall desire to be brief, lest by too long a <em>discourse</em> I discourage -thy <em>reading</em>, and hinder thy use and <em>improvement</em> of it.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Soul-examination -a soul -means of spirituall -preservation.</div> - -<p>First then, holy <em>consideration</em> of our <em>estate</em>, a deep and -frequent <em>examination</em> of our <em>spirituall</em> condition is an excellent -means of <em>Christian health</em> and temper: Thus -teacheth us the holy <em>Spirit</em> of <em>God</em> by <em>Jeremie</em>, <em>Lam: 2</em>. -<em>Let us search and try our ways, and turn unto the Lord.</em></p> - -<p>This searching and examining of our ways in <em>Gods</em> -presence is (as it were) a casting up of our <em>accounts</em> between -<em>God</em> and our souls, wherein we truly verifie that -true saying, That often <em>reckoning</em> makes <em>God</em> and our -<em>souls</em> true <em>friends</em>.</p> - -<p>This <em>dutie</em> is hard, and therefore we must often crie to -<em>God</em> with <em>David</em>, <cite class="no-italics">Psal. 139</cite>. Search me O <em>God</em>, and try -my <em>heart</em>, and see if there be any <em>wicked</em> way in me, and -lead me in the way <em>everlasting</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Affliction the -season of Examination.</div> - -<p>This holy <em>practice</em> ought to be frequent, but then especially -when the hand, and <em>Rods</em> of the <em>Lord</em> are upon -us: For then (as <em>Job</em> saith) <em>God</em> softeneth our <em>Hearts</em>, -and we are most like then to be as the ground, mollified -upon a <em>Thaw</em>, fit to be broken up, or like the ground -moistened with <em>storms</em>, and <em>showers</em> from Heaven, then -in some hopefull turn for the <em>Lords</em> most gracious <em>seed</em>, -and heavenly <em>planting</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">2dly.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">Christ Jesus -his appointments -undoubted -means of -Christian -health and -chearfulness.</div> - -<p>Secondly, maintain an earnest longing, and endeavour -to enjoy <em>Christ Jesus</em>, who is our <em>souls</em> life in every holy -<em>Ordinance</em>, which he hath appointed. If it be possible -(with true <em>satisfaction</em> to our <em>consciences</em>, and <em>doubts</em> in -<em>Gods</em> presence) let us never rest from being planted into -the holy <em>society</em> of <em>Gods</em> children, gathered into the <em>order</em> -of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, according to his most holy <em>will</em> and <em>Testament</em>: -Remembering that <em>Christian health</em>, <em>grouth</em>, and -<em>flourishing</em>, are promised to the <em>Trees</em> planted in <em>Jehovahs</em> -house: And that the holy <em>Ordinances</em> are the <em>Lords provisions</em>, -and soul <em>meals</em>, and <em>Breasts</em> which he hath graciously -appointed for his <em>children</em>, of all <em>sorts</em>, and <em>ages</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Prayer with -fasting a most -Christian and -mighty ordinance.</div> - -<p>Especially be much in holy <em>prayer</em>, and <em>fasting</em> before -the <em>Lord</em>: this is an <em>Ordinance</em> of which neither <em>Pope</em> nor -<em>Devill</em> could ever deprive a <em>child</em> of <em>God</em>: If it be possible -practice this duty with others, however before the -<em>Lord</em> in secret: remembring how frequent the <em>children</em> of -<em>God</em> in holy <em>scripture</em> were in this <em>duty</em>. <em>Daniel</em> is an heavenly -<em>pattern</em>: and so is <em>David</em>, who wept and chastised -his soul with <em>fasting</em> although he was reproached for it, -<cite class="no-italics">Psal. 69</cite>.</p> - -<p>Our holy <em>Bridegroom</em> the <em>Lord Jesus</em>, tels us that the -<em>Bridegroom</em> shall be taken away, and then his servants -fast: as if he had expressly named the times of the <em>Antichristian -bondage</em>, wherein the <em>followers</em> of <em>Jesus</em>, like the -blessed <em>Women</em>, (<cite>John the 20</cite>.) <em>weeping</em>, cry out, they -have taken away my <em>Lord</em>, and I know not where they -have laid him.</p> - -<p>This holy <em>Ordinance</em> is of such admirable use among -the <em>Saints</em>, that even in the first, and purest times of -<em>Christianity</em>, we read of <em>Christian yoak fellows</em>, consenting -to a <em>separation</em> from each other, for a time that they may -give themselves to <em>prayer</em>, and <em>fasting</em>, <cite class="no-italics">1. Cor: 7</cite>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> But some say <em>fasting</em> as it seems to be more -proper to the <em>Old Testament</em>, so seems it not so usefull -in the <em>New Covenant</em>, when more <em>spirituall</em> worship, and -<em>spirituall</em> joys seem more <em>suitable</em>, and <em>seasonable</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The excellent -use of prayer -and fasting.</div> - -<p>I answer, all the former <em>Scriptures</em> declare it to be an -<em>Ordinance</em> of the <em>New Testament</em>, as well as a <em>prayer</em> itself: -And for the <em>use</em> of it, it is most admirable for the <em>separating</em>, -and <em>abstracting</em> of the <em>mind</em>, and <em>spirit</em>, from earthly -<em>occasions</em>, and <em>comforts</em>, for the devoting of the <em>soul</em> to -heavenly <em>consideration</em>, and <em>examination</em> of our wayes, for -the pouring forth of <em>prayers</em>, and <em>cries</em> to <em>God</em> in the -many great, and mighty <em>straights</em> which <em>Gods</em> people passe -through in this <em>vale</em> of <em>tears</em>, and <em>Lamentation</em>. And -indeed it is (as I may say) the taking of a <em>soul sweat</em>, or -<em>soul purge</em> for the avoiding and cleansing out our spirituall -<em>Humours</em>, and <em>corruptions</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">3dly.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">Spirituall taking -of cold.</div> - -<p>Thirdly, as ever we would preserve our <em>spirituall -health</em>, let us carefully take heed of spirituall <em>colds</em> and -<em>obstructions</em>: For as it is in the <em>naturall</em> man, a <em>cold</em> it self -is a great <em>distemper</em>, and the <em>ground</em> and <em>beginning</em> of -others, when the <em>warm streams</em> of <em>blood</em>, and <em>spirits</em> are -stopt up, and obstructed: So is it, (and much more in -the <em>spirituall</em>) when our heavenly <em>spirits</em> are stopt by -damp <em>colds</em>, and <em>obstructions</em> of unnecessary frequenting of -<em>cold societies</em>, and <em>places</em> destitute of the <em>life</em> of the <em>Sun</em> of -<em>Righteousnes Christ Jesus</em>.</p> - -<p>The <em>Lord Jesus</em> is a <em>Christians Garment</em>: O let us keep -that blessed <em>garment</em> always close about us, and in all -places, and in all companies, and upon all <em>occasions</em> expresse -the <em>life</em>, and <em>power</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>, longing to -know, and to follow his blessed <em>words</em>, and <em>examples</em> in -<em>life</em>, and <em>death</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">4thly.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods people -must watch -against the -surfeiting upon -worldly -comforts.</div> - -<p>Fourthly, take heed of <em>spirituall surfets</em>, that the feeding -too much upon the <em>comforts</em> of <em>yoak fellows</em>, <em>children</em>, -<em>credit</em>, <em>profit</em>, (though sweet, and wholsome as <em>hony</em>) turn -not to <em>bitternes</em>, and <em>loathing</em>.</p> - -<p><em>Gods</em> children as <em>travailers</em> on the Land, as <em>Passengers</em> -in a <em>ship</em>, must use this world, and all comforts of it, -with <em>dead</em>, and <em>weaned</em>, and <em>mortified affections</em>, as if they -used them not: If <em>Riches</em>, if <em>Children</em>, if <em>Cattel</em>, if <em>Friends</em>, -if whatsoever increase, let us watch that the <em>Heart</em> fly -not loose upon them: But as we use <em>salt</em> with raw and -fresh meats, let us use no worldly comfort without a savoury -<em>Remembrance</em>, that these worldly <em>Goods</em> and <em>comforts</em> -are the common portion of the men of this perishing -<em>world</em>, who must perish together with them. Let us -muse upon their <em>insufficiency</em> to content, and fill our -<em>Hearts</em>, upon their uncertain coming, and going with -<em>Eagles wings</em>: upon their <em>anxiety</em>, and perplexednes full -of <em>Thorns</em>, & <em>vexations</em>: upon their <em>certainty</em> of departing, -how soon we know not. O let us therefor beg <em>grace</em> -from <em>Heaven</em>, that we may use earthly <em>comforts</em> as a <em>stool</em> -or <em>ladder</em> to help us upward to heavenly <em>comforts</em>, <em>profits</em>, -<em>pleasures</em>, which are only <em>true</em>, and <em>lasting</em>, even <em>eternall</em> -in <em>God</em> himself, when these <em>Heavens</em>, and <em>earth</em> are gone.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">5.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">The power of -meditating -the joyes that -are to come.</div> - -<p>Fifthly, to maintain a spirituall <em>health</em> and <em>chearfulness</em> -is of no small use (as <em>Paul</em> writes to <em>Timothie</em>) sometimes -to help our <em>cold stomacks</em> with a little <em>wine</em> or <em>strong drink</em> -of the <em>hope</em> of the <em>joyes</em> to come: Lay hold (saith <em>Paul</em> to -<em>Timothie</em>) of <em>eternall life</em>: and as the <em>Souldier</em> meditates -upon the <em>glory</em> of his <em>victories</em>: The sick <em>passenger</em> at -Sea upon his <em>sweet refreshings</em> on shore: the <em>Traveller</em> -upon his <em>journeys end</em> and <em>comforts</em> at his home: the <em>Labourer</em> -and the <em>Hireling</em> on his <em>wages</em>, the <em>Husbandman</em> on -his <em>harvest</em>: the <em>Merchant</em> on his gain: the <em>woman</em> in -<em>travail</em>, on her <em>fruit</em>: so let us sometimes warm and revive -our cold <em>hearts</em> and fainting <em>spirits</em>, with the assured -hope of those <em>victories</em>, those <em>crowns</em>, those <em>harvests</em>, those -<em>refreshings</em> and <em>fruits</em>, which never <em>eye</em> hath seen, nor <em>ear</em> -hath heard, nor never entred into mans <em>heart</em> the things -which <em>God</em> hath prepared for them that love him: Of -which however it pleaseth <em>God</em> to give his servants a <em>taste</em> -in this <em>life</em>, yet the <em>harvest</em>, and the <em>vintage</em> are to come, -when they that suffer with <em>Christ Jesus</em> shall reign with -him, and they that have sown in <em>tears</em> shall reap the -never ending <em>harvest</em> of inconceivable joyes.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">6thly.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">Bitter and -untoothsome -things may -yet be of a -blessed and -wholsome use -to Gods people.</div> - -<p>Sixthly, as it is in the <em>restoring</em> of the <em>body</em> to <em>health</em>, -or in the <em>preserving</em> of it in an healthfull <em>condition</em>: it is -often necessarie to use the help of <em>sharp</em> and <em>bitter</em> things, -<em>bitter pils</em>, <em>bitter potions</em>, <em>bitter medicines</em>, <em>sweatings</em>, <em>purgings</em>, -<em>vomitings</em>, <em>blood-lettings</em>, &c. So is it with our <em>souls</em>, -and <em>spirits</em>, and preservation of the <em>health</em> and <em>chearfulness</em> -of the spirituall and the <em>inner</em> man.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Two sorts of -bitter afflictions.</div> - -<p>The <em>sharp</em> and <em>bitter</em> things which it pleaseth <em>God</em> to -make use of in these cases are of two sorts.</p> - -<p>First, such as himself is pleased to use towards us in -the <em>way</em> of his fatherly <em>afflictions</em> of all <em>sorts</em>: on our -<em>spirits</em>, our <em>bodies</em>, our <em>yoak-fellows</em>, <em>children</em>, <em>servants</em>, <em>cattel</em>, -<em>goods</em>, &c. out of which, yea also out of the <em>injurious</em>, -and <em>slanderous</em>, and persecuting dealing of others, yea and -out of our own <em>sins</em> and failings his most holy and infinite -<em>wisdom</em>, fetcheth all sorts of <em>cleansing</em> and <em>purging</em>, -yea and sometimes a <em>cordiall</em> and healing <em>physick</em>.</p> - -<p>The second sort of sharp and <em>bitter</em> means are such, as -we <em>voluntarily</em> use and <em>apply</em> our selves unto our selves, -for the <em>slaying</em> and the <em>purging</em> out of the <em>filthy humours</em> -and <em>corruptions</em> of <em>pride</em>, <em>securitie</em>, <em>uncleanness</em>, <em>self-love</em>, -<em>covetousness</em>, and what ever else remains behinde of the -<em>body</em> of <em>death</em> in us.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The Scripture -the true -storehouse of -soul physick.</div> - -<p>It is true that the <em>word</em> of <em>God</em>, and all his holy <em>Ordinances</em>, -they are not only of a <em>feeding</em>, and <em>nourishing</em>, but -also of a <em>purging</em>, and <em>cleansing Nature</em>, of a <em>preserving</em>, -and a <em>restoring Quality</em>: and therefore out of these, we -must take <em>direction</em> for all our <em>spirituall Remedies</em>, against -those <em>foul distempers</em>, unto which our <em>spirituall</em>, and <em>inner</em> -men are subject.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">The remembrance -of our -sins bitter, yet -an wholsome -pill.</div> - -<p>First, then it is an <em>wholsome</em> though <em>bitter pill</em>, often to -call to mind our <em>many</em>, our <em>great</em>, our <em>known</em>, our <em>unknown</em> -transgressions against; the <em>Lord</em> as a <em>Creatour</em>, against the -<em>Lord</em> as a <em>Father</em>, against the <em>Lord</em> as a <em>Redeemer</em>, against -<em>Christ Jesus</em>, against his holy <em>Spirit</em>, against his <em>Ordinances</em>, -against his <em>Saints</em>, against our <em>selves</em>, &c. Yea the <em>sins</em> and -severall <em>corruptions</em> of our <em>Natures</em>, <em>callings</em>, and <em>conditions</em>, -to which we yet are subject, and lye open, and without -<em>supply</em> of <em>Grace</em>, and <em>strength</em> from <em>Heaven</em>, we shall fall, -and tumble into, as well as the strongest of <em>Gods servants</em>, -of whose wofull <em>falls</em> we read of in holy Scripture.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> It is a part of the <em>Lords New Covenant</em>, that he -will forgive our <em>sins</em>, and remember our <em>iniquities</em> no more.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods children -bound to beg -for pardon of -sin.</div> - -<p>I answer, unto all the <em>promises</em> of all sorts, (<cite class="no-italics">Ezek. 36</cite>.) -it pleaseth the <em>Lord</em> to adde this Gospel <em>Proviso</em>; For -all this I will be sought unto saith the <em>Lord</em>, according -to that most holy direction, of the <em>Lord Jesus</em>, to pray -daily, not only for <em>daily Bread</em>, but also for <em>daily forgivenes</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Obj.</i> The Lord hath forgiven them already in <em>Christ</em>, -what need to pray for forgivenesse of them again.</p> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, We must marke the <em>Lords Ordinance</em>, for all -this I will be sought unto: <em>Prayer</em> and other <em>spirituall -Ordinances</em> hath the Lord appointed for our <em>souls</em> good, -as well as <em>corporall meanes</em> for our bodily comfort.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Godly sorrow -not inconsistent -but subservient -to -spirituall joy.</div> - -<p>Hence the many examples of the servants of <em>God</em> -throughout the whole Scripture, both before <em>Jesus Christ</em> -and since, <em>David</em>, <em>Peter</em>, <em>Mary Magdalen</em>, breaking forth -into heavenly showres of godly <em>teares</em>. Hence the -<em>Paschall Lambe</em>, (the figure of <em>Christ Jesus</em>) was appointed -by the <em>Lord</em> to be eaten with <em>bitter herbs</em>, implying -and teaching that <em>Jesus Christ</em> himselfe, his <em>blood</em>, <em>pardon</em> -of <em>sin</em>, <em>Life</em> and <em>Salvation</em>, and all the <em>spirituall</em> and <em>eternall -sweets</em> that here below we finde in <em>Christ Jesus</em>, they -have not their <em>native</em> and proper rellish without the helpe -of such sharp and bitter <em>hearbs</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods councels -absolve -not us from -menes & endeavours.</div> - -<p>What though therefore in <em>Gods councel</em> before the -<em>world</em> was, all his works of <em>creation</em> and <em>redemption</em>, <em>vocation</em>, -<em>justification</em>, <em>glorification</em> are knowne to him and acted -by him? I say, in the most inconceivable deep <em>councels</em> -of his will, according to which he worketh all things, -<cite>Ephes. 1. 11</cite>? yet were it <em>presumptuous madnesse</em> in us, -and a tempting of the <em>jealous eyes</em> of the most <em>High</em>, to -neglect the <em>wayes</em>, and <em>meanes</em>, and <em>paths</em> of <em>mercy</em> for -<em>Soul</em> or <em>Body</em>, which his most holy <em>Wisedome</em> out of <em>infinite -Grace</em> and <em>goodnesse</em> hath appointed to us?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The due consideration -of -Gods justice -is an heavenly -though bitter -pill.</div> - -<p>A second sharp and bitter <em>pill</em> to purge out spirituall -<em>corruption</em>, is a due and serious pondering of the <em>nature</em>, -of the <em>justice</em> of the most <em>High</em>; notwithstanding all the -infinite <em>sweetnesse</em> of the <em>Ocean</em> of his <em>mercy</em>, and notwithstanding -all the <em>colours</em> and <em>pretences</em> which we poor sinners -invent to our selves, to hide from our eyes, the -<em>greatnesse</em> and <em>dreadfulnesse</em> and terrours of it.</p> - -<p>Well therefore might <em>Job</em> say: therefore am I troubled -at his presence, and when I consider I am afraid of him; -and <em>David</em>, <cite>Psal. 119</cite>. My <em>Flesh</em> trembleth for fear of -thee, and I am afraid of thy <em>judgements</em>.</p> - -<p><i>Object.</i> But <em>John</em> saith, perfect <em>love</em> casteth out <em>fear</em>.</p> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, The true love of <em>God</em>, never casteth out the -true feare of <em>God</em>, but only that which is false and <em>counterfeit</em>, -that which is the fear of a <em>Beast</em> of <em>slaves</em> and -<em>Devils</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence it is that the <em>Spirit</em> of the fear of the <em>Lord</em> was -poured upon the <em>Lord Jesus</em> himself.</p> - -<p>This <em>feare</em> is an holy <em>awe</em> or <em>reverence</em> proper to a -true and heavenly ingenuous child of <em>God</em>, even (first -and chiefly) to <em>Christ Jesus</em>, the <em>elder Brother</em> (in a sence) -of all the <em>children</em> of <em>God</em>. To cherish which holy <em>fear</em> -of <em>God</em>, let us cast our eyes upon the fiery flashes of his -severe <em>justice</em> revealed unto us in a three-fold time, the -time <em>past</em>, <em>present</em>, and to <em>come</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The dreadfull -rejection -of the Angels</div> - -<p>For the time past, how dreadfull is that we finde of -the <em>rejection</em> and <em>ejection</em> of so many glorious heavenly -Spirits the <em>Angels</em>, tumbled down for their sin of <em>Pride</em>, -from the heighth of <em>Heaven</em>, and their glorious attendance -upon <em>God</em>, to the depth of <em>Hell</em> in horrible <em>slavery</em> -to everlasting sinnes and torments.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The dreadfull -sentence upon -all mankind.</div> - -<p>How dreadfull was that dolefull <em>Sentence</em> upon the -whole race of <em>mankinde</em>, for the Sin of the first <em>root</em>, our -first <em>Parents</em> in <em>Paradice</em>? How wonderfull those <em>Plagues</em> -and <em>Destructions</em> upon <em>Pharaoh</em> and the land of <em>Ægypt</em>, -for their oppressing Gods people.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The destruction -of <em>Egypt</em> -and <em>Sodom</em>, & -the whole -world.</div> - -<p>And (before that) how fearfull and horrible was that -<em>destruction</em> and <em>burning</em> up of <em>Sodom</em>, and <em>Gomorrah</em> and -other <em>Cities</em> with <em>fire</em> and <em>brimstone</em> from Heaven?</p> - -<p>And (before both these) how wonderfully fearefull and -universall was, the <em>destruction</em> of the whole <em>world</em>, in -that choaking, and All-o'erwhelming <em>flood</em> or <em>deluge</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Fearfull -stroaks of -Gods justice -upon <em>Israel</em>.</div> - -<p>How fearfull were the stroaks of <em>Gods</em> displeasure -upon his owne people of <em>Israel</em>, in their many <em>Destructions</em> -and <em>Captivities</em>? How fearfull the rejection of the -ten <em>Tribes</em> wholly swallowed up and lost for so many <em>ages</em> -and <em>generations</em>?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Upon the -<em>Jews</em> and <em>Jerusalem</em>.</div> - -<p>How lamentable were the <em>destructions</em> (and especiall -that by <em>Titus</em> and <em>Vespasion</em>) of the holy <em>City</em>, that glorious -<em>Jerusalem</em>, in the slaughter and captivity of 1100000 -thousand <em>Jewes</em>, <em>men</em>, <em>women</em> and <em>children</em>?</p> - -<p>How fearfull was the rejection of that whole <em>Nation</em> -of the <em>Jewes</em>, ever since but a <em>curse</em> and a <em>scorne</em> to all the -rest of the <em>Nations</em> of the world to this day?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Upon the Son -of his love the -<em>Lord Jesus</em>.</div> - -<p>And (above all) who can but tremble at the <em>impartiall -flames</em> of <em>Gods justice</em> on that <em>green</em> and <em>innocent</em> tree, his -owne, and only begotten son <em>Christ Jesus</em>, when he stood -surety in the room of <em>sinners</em> to make <em>satisfaction</em> for their -<em>transgressions</em>?</p> - -<p><i>Object.</i> Grant <em>Gods justice</em> and <em>fierce wrath</em> to be so hot, -so fiery and fearfull towards his <em>enemies</em>, yet, what need -his <em>children</em> fear his <em>justice</em>, since that it is satisfied and -his wrath appeased towards his people, by the <em>sufferings</em> -and <em>blood-shed</em> of <em>Christ Jesus</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The heavy & -dolefull -stroaks of -Gods righteous -hand upon -his own people -in this -world.</div> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, It is so evident, that although <em>Christ Jesus</em> -his blood, hath quenched the fire of <em>Gods eternal wrath</em> -toward his people, and sweetened the bitter <em>Cup</em> of all -present <em>Judgements</em> and <em>afflictions</em>: yet for his <em>Name</em> and -<em>Justice</em> sake in this world, <em>Gods children</em> have temporally -felt the fearfull stroks of his displeasure, and judgment -must begin at the house of <em>God</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence that dreadfull <em>blow</em> of <em>Gods</em> righteous <em>hand</em> -upon our first <em>Parents Adam</em> and <em>Eve</em>, cast out of <em>Paradice</em> -with their <em>posterity</em> (even the whole race of <em>mankind</em>) notwithstanding -their belief in the <em>promised seed of Christ Jesus</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence the heavy <em>stroakes</em> upon <em>Lot</em>, upon <em>Lots wife</em>, -upon <em>Moses</em>, upon <em>Aaron</em>, upon <em>Sampson</em>, upon <em>Eli</em>, upon -<em>David</em>, upon <em>Hezekiah</em>, upon <em>Josiah</em>, &c.</p> - -<p><i>Object.</i> But some may say, <em>God</em> sees no sin in <em>Jacob</em>, &c.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods holy end -in his sore afflictions -upon -his people.</div> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, Their calamities are Judgements, that is -righteous sentences of the most high, <em>Judgements</em>, though -not eternall Judgements: these vindicate <em>Gods</em> name and -<em>Justice</em> before an unrighteous <em>world</em>, and beare him witnesse -of his <em>impartiality</em>, even towards his owne <em>children</em>; -these humble and bring his people to repentance and -confession, and quicken their pace, and their hearts, to -watch against future <em>sins</em> and <em>provocations</em>.</p> - -<p>Hence saith the <em>Spirit</em> of <em>God</em> expresly, <cite>1. Cor. 11</cite>. -For this <em>cause</em> (that is for his childrens abuse of the <em>Lords -Supper</em>) many are <em>weak</em> and <em>sick</em>, and some are falne <em>asleep</em>; -<em>God</em> chastiseth his own people, true <em>christian Churches</em>, -for the abuse of his holy <em>Ordinances</em> and <em>appointments</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">Gods justice -visibly seen in -the present -sorrows of all -sorts.</div> - -<p>In the second place, let us cast our eyes abroad and -behold the direfull signs and tokens, of <em>Gods</em> severe -Justice executed at this present in the <em>world</em>. How lamentably -doe we see before our eyes the daily and continued -effects of that first <em>wrath</em> upon mankind, in so -many <em>sorrows</em> of all sorts for the first transgression.</p> - -<p>Let us consider of the great constant <em>reproach</em> and -misery over all the <em>Nations</em> of the <em>World</em>, by reason of -<em>Gods</em> righteous <em>Sentence</em> in the division of so many <em>Tongues</em> -and <em>Languages</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The horrible -desolations -of late years.</div> - -<p>O come and see (saith <em>David</em>) what <em>Desolations</em> (<cite>Psal. -46.</cite>) the <em>Lord</em> hath wrought in the <em>Earth</em>? How many -<em>hundred thousands</em> of <em>men</em>, <em>women</em> and <em>children</em> have of late -years been swept away in the <em>world</em>, by <em>wars</em>, <em>famines</em> and -<em>pestilences</em>?</p> - -<p>And since we are commanded to <em>weep</em> with them that -<em>weep</em>; O that our <em>heads</em> were <em>fountains</em>, and our <em>eyes -rivers</em> of <em>waters</em>, that wee might weep with <em>Germany</em>, -weep with <em>Ireland</em>, yea, weep day and night with <em>England</em> -and <em>Scotland</em> (to speake nothing of other remote <em>Nations</em>) -in laying againe and again to <em>heart</em> the stroakes of <em>Gods</em> -most righteous <em>judgements</em>, in their most fearfull slaughters -and <em>desolations</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The wonderfull -spirituall -judgements -upon the Nations.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">The direfull -judgement -upon the -Jewes.</div> - -<p>The effects and marks of these most dreadfull <em>blowes</em>, -every <em>eye</em> is forced to see but yet there are some <em>stroakes</em>, -more fearfull and yet not easily perceived; such are the -righteous <em>judgements</em> of <em>God</em>, giving up the <em>Nations</em> of -the <em>world</em> to so many horrible and blasphemous <em>worships</em>, -<em>idolatries</em> and <em>superstitions</em>. To speak nothing of whole -<em>Nations</em> and <em>Kingdomes</em>, that know not at all the true and -living <em>God</em>, how <em>cold</em> and <em>hard</em> is that <em>stone</em> that lyes upon -the <em>mouth</em> of that wonderfull <em>grave</em> of <em>unbeliefe</em>, wherein -the <em>Nation</em> of (<em>Gods</em> choice and love) the <em>Jewes</em> lye buried -and o'rewhelmed to this day?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The direfull -judgement of -Mahumatanism, -and -Antichristianisme.</div> - -<p>Who can but <em>wonder</em> and <em>tremble</em> at so many hundreth -thousand and millions of men given up for so long a -time (in so many and so mighty flourishing <em>Nations</em> of -the world) I say, given up to those two monstrously bewitching -<em>Worships</em> of <em>Mahumatisme</em> and <em>Antichristianisme</em>, -the dire effects of <em>Gods</em> most righteous judgements upon -the <em>Easterne</em> and <em>Westterne</em> professors of the knowledge -of <em>God</em> in <em>Christ Jesus</em>?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The lamentable -captivity -of Gods own -people to -Antichristian -worships.</div> - -<p>Adde to these that most fearfull and deplorable <em>captivity</em> -of the very <em>soules</em> and <em>consciences</em> of <em>Gods</em> owne people -(for so many hundred years) under false and superstitious -<em>Worships</em>. A righteous <em>judgement</em>, though not -so easily discerned, yet in it selfe most dreadfull, and -exceeding all the temporall calamities in the <em>world</em>.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The dreadfull -and eternall -judgement -yet to come.</div> - -<p>But (thirdly) from these two times of <em>past</em> and <em>present</em>, -let us cast our eyes on the third which is yet to come, -as <em>sure</em> and <em>wonderfull</em>, will shortly be these two most -wonderfull and dreadfull <em>downfals</em> of those two so mighty -<em>Monarchies</em> (so great enemies to <em>Christ Jesus</em>) the <em>Turkish</em> -and the <em>Popish</em>: according to the Prediction of the holy -<em>Prophets</em>. How fearfull the <em>effusion</em> of the <em>Viols</em>, in part -fulfilled, and yet to be powred forth in their season? -And not a little wonderfull is that mighty <em>destruction</em> of -the <em>Nations Gog</em> and <em>Magog</em> gathered as the <em>sand</em> of the -Sea against the camp of the <em>saints</em> of the holy <em>City</em>.</p> - -<p>And (to come to the full <em>period</em> and <em>finall sentence</em> of -the most righteous <em>Judge</em> of the whole <em>world</em>) with what -<em>horrours</em> and <em>terrours</em> shall these <em>Heavens</em> and <em>Earth</em> passe -away; this <em>Earth</em> with the works thereof being consumed -and burnt up? How inconceivably direfull will the last -<em>eternall judgement</em> be, when two worlds of men (the former -destroyed by <em>water</em>, and this by <em>fire</em>) shall appeare, -before the most glorious <em>Tribunall</em> of the Son of <em>God</em>? -When all the most <em>secret sins</em> shall be brought to <em>tryal</em>, -and an account shall be given for <em>every idle word</em>?</p> - -<p>O who who can conceive the <em>terrours</em> of that thundering -<em>sentence</em> [<em>Goe yee cursed into everlasting fire, prepared -for the Devill and his Angels, where the worm never dyes, -and the fire never goes out</em>.]</p> - -<p><i>Object.</i> But some may say, Can these sayings be any -other then a <em>Parable</em> or <em>similitude</em>? for is the <em>Devill</em> capable -of any <em>materiall fire</em>? such as now is grievous and -painfull to <em>flesh</em> and <em>blood</em>?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The Parables -of holy Scripture -are ful of -heavenly kernels -of Truth.</div> - -<p><em>I answer</em>, Grant these sayings <em>Parabolicall</em> or <em>similitudes</em>, -as also that of <em>Dives</em> and <em>Lazarus</em>: yet what are <em>Parables</em> -and <em>similitudes</em> but <em>Glasses</em> to represent unto us -in more plain and easie wayes the holy <em>truth</em> and mind -of <em>God</em>?</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The worme -that never -dyes, and the -fire that never -goes out.</div> - -<p>The <em>Kernell</em> of <em>truth</em> is not the lesse sweet though -wrapt up in the <em>shels</em> and <em>husks</em>; Beyond all question -therefore <em>Christ Jesus</em> foretels most sure and inconceiveable -plagues to all that know not <em>God</em>, and obey not his -glorious <em>Gospel</em>: And by this <em>Worme</em> that never dyes, -and this <em>fire</em> that never goes out, declares a <em>torment</em> to be -inflicted upon both <em>men</em> and <em>devils</em> which shall be extream -like fire which shall be universall upon the whole -sinfull <em>creature</em>, no part exempted, which shall be also -<em>eternall</em>, never dying, never ending, yet we may adore -<em>Gods</em> righteous judgements and (working out <em>Salvation</em> -with fear and trembling) make sure of a <em>Jesus</em> a <em>Saviour</em> -to deliver us from the <em>wrath</em> that is to come.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">The meditation -of death.</div> - -<p>In the next place (my deare Love) let us downe together -by the <em>steps</em> of holy <em>meditation</em> into the <em>valley</em> of the -shadow of <em>Death</em>. It is of excellent use to walke often -into <em>Golgotha</em>, and to view the rotten <em>skuls</em> of so many -innumerable thousands of millions of millions of men -and women, like our selves, gone, gone forever from -this life and being (as if they never had <em>life</em> nor being) -as the swift Ships, as the <em>Weavers shuttle</em>, as an <em>arrow</em>, -as the <em>lightning</em> through the aire, &c.</p> - -<p>It is not unprofitable to remember the faces of such -whom we knew, with whom we had sweet acquaintance, -sweet society, with whom we have familiarly eaten and -lodged, but now growne <em>loathsome</em>, <em>ugly</em>, <em>terrible</em>, even to -their dearest, since they fell into the <em>jawes</em> of <em>death</em>, the -<em>King</em> of <em>terrors</em>.</p> - -<p>And yet they are but gone before us, in the <em>path</em> all -<em>flesh</em> must tread: How then should we make sure, and -infinitely much of a <em>Saviour</em>, who delivers us from the -<em>power</em>, and <em>bitternesse</em> of <em>Death</em>, and <em>Grave</em>, and <em>Hell</em>, who -is a <em>resurrection</em> and <em>life</em> unto us, and will raise up and -make our bodies glorious, like his glorious <em>Body</em>, when -he shall shortly appear in glory.</p> - -<p>It is further of great and sweet use against the <em>bitternesse</em> -of <em>Death</em>, and against the <em>bitter-sweet delusions</em> of this -world daily to thinke each day our <em>last</em>, the day of our -<em>last farewell</em>, the day of the splitting of this <em>vessell</em>, the -breaking of this <em>buble</em>, the quenching of this <em>Candle</em>, and -of our passage into the land of <em>Darknesse</em>, never more to -behold a sparke of <em>light</em> untill the Heavens be no more.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">3 Terrible -uncertainties.</div> - -<div class="sidenote">Meditations -of death powerfull -as to -many heavenly -purposes.</div> - -<p>Those three uncertainties of that most certain <em>blow</em>, to -wit, of the <em>Time</em> when, the <em>Place</em> where, the <em>Manner</em> how -it shall come upon us, and dash our <em>Earthern Pitcher</em> all -to pieces, I say the consideration of these three, should -be a threefold <em>cord</em> to bind us fast to an holy <em>watchfulness</em> -for our <em>departures</em>, and a <em>spur</em> to quicken us to aboundant -<em>faithfulnesse</em> in <em>doing</em> and <em>suffering</em> for the <em>Lord</em> and his -<em>Christ</em>, it should draw up our minds unto <em>heavenly objects</em>, -and loosen us from the vexing <em>vanities</em> of this vaine -<em>puffe</em> of this present sinfull life.</p> - -<p>Oh how weaned, how sober, how temperate, how mortified -should our <em>spirits</em>, our <em>affections</em>, our <em>desires</em> be, -when we remember that we are but strangers, converse -with <em>strange companies</em>, dwel in strange houses, lodge in -strange beds and know not whether this day, this night -shall be our finall change of this strange place for one -far <em>stranger</em>, darke and dolefull, except enlightened by -the <em>Death</em> and <em>Life</em> of the Son of <em>God</em>.</p> - -<p>How contented should we be with any <em>Pittance</em>, any <em>Allowance</em> -of <em>Bread</em>, of <em>Cloaths</em>, of <em>Friendship</em>, of <em>Respect</em>, &c.?</p> - -<p>How thankfull unto <em>God</em>, unto <em>man</em> should we poor -strangers be for the least <em>crum</em>, or <em>drop</em>, or <em>rag</em>, vouchsaf'd -unto us, when we remember we are but strangers in an -<em>In</em>, but passengers in a Ship, and though we dreame of -long <em>Summer</em> dayes, yet our very life and being is but a -swift short <em>passage</em> from the bank of <em>time</em> to the other side -or <em>Banck</em> of a dolefull <em>eternity</em>?</p> - -<p>How patient should our <em>minds</em> and <em>bodies</em> be under the -<em>crossing</em>, disappointing hand of our all-powerfull <em>Maker</em>, -of our most gracious <em>Father</em>, when we remember that -this is the short <em>span</em> of our <em>purging</em> and <em>fitting</em> for an eternall -<em>Glory</em>, and that when we are <em>judged we</em> are <em>chastened</em> of -the <em>Lord</em>, that we should not be <em>condemned</em> with the world?</p> - -<p>How quietly (without the <em>swellings</em> of <em>revenge</em> and -<em>wrath</em>) should we bear the daily <em>injuries</em>, <em>reproaches</em>, <em>persecutings</em>, -&c. from the hands of men, who passe away -and wither (it may be before night) like <em>grasse</em>, or as the -<em>smoake</em> on the chimnies top, and their <em>love</em> and <em>hatred</em> -shall quickly perish?</p> - -<p>Yea, how <em>busie</em>, how <em>diligent</em>, how <em>solicitous</em> should we -be (like <em>strangers</em> upon a strange <em>Coast</em>) waiting for a -<em>winde</em> or <em>passage</em>) to get <em>dispatched</em> what we have to doe -before wee hear that finall call, <em>Away, Away</em>, let us be -gone from hence, &c.</p> - -<p>How should we ply to get <em>aboard</em> that which will -passe, and turne to blessed <em>account</em> in our own <em>countrey</em>?</p> - -<p>How should we over-look and despise this <em>worlds -trash</em> which (as the holy <em>woman</em> going to be burnt for -<em>Christ</em> said of money) will not passe in Heaven?</p> - -<p>How zealous for the true <em>God</em>, the true <em>Christ</em>, his -<em>praise</em>, his <em>truth</em>, his <em>worship</em>, how faithfull in an humble -witnesse against the <em>lyes</em> and cozening delusions of the -<em>Father of lyes</em>, though guilded o're with <em>truth</em>, and that -<em>by</em> the hands of the highest or holyest upon the Earth?</p> - -<p>How frequent, how constant (like <em>Christ Jesus</em> our -<em>Founder</em> and <em>Example</em>) in doing good (especially to the -<em>Souls</em>) of all men, especially to the <em>Household</em> of <em>Faith</em>, -yea even to our enemies, when we remember that this -is our <em>seed time</em>, of which every minute is precious, and -that as our <em>sowing</em> is, must be our eternall <em>Harvest</em>: for -so sayeth the Spirit by <em>Paul</em> to the <em>Galathians</em>: <em>He that -soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption</em> or <em>rottennesse, -and he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit -reap life everlasting</em>.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> -<p class="ph2 gesperrt"><i>FINIS.</i></p> -<hr class="tb" /> - - -<div class="footnotes"> -<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> - -<ol> -<li class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote-1" id="Footnote-1"></a> Professor Knowles, in his Memoir of Roger Williams, makes the -following statement: Mr. Williams is said to have published, in London, -in 1652, a work entitled "Experiments in Spiritual Life and Health, -and their Preservatives." Of this book, no copy has come to our -knowledge.</p> -<span class="label">[<a title="Return to text." href="#Anchor-1">A</a>]</span> </li> - -<li class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote-2" id="Footnote-2"></a> Cromwel -and Lambert.</p> -<span class="label">[<a title="Return to text." href="#Anchor-2">B</a>]</span> -</li> -</ol> -</div> - -<div class="tnote"><h3>Transcriber's Notes:</h3> - -<p>Obvious printer's errors were corrected.</p> - -<p>Every effort has been made to replicate this text faithfully, including obsolete and variant spellings, inconsistent and non-standard punctuation, -inconsistently hyphenated words, and other inconsistencies.</p> - -<p>There are several places where opening or closing parentheses marks appear, and it is not clear from the text where the paired parenthesis would appear. -In each case, the single parenthesis was left in place and no opening or closing parenthesis added.</p> - -<p>However, where printing issues interfere with readability, and the intent is absolutely clear from the text, changes were made to the transcribed text.</p> - -<p>For example: multiple spellings of "Iesus" have been changed to "Jesus".</p> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Experiments of Spiritual Life & -Health, And their Preservatives, by Roger Williams - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EXPERIMENTS OF SPIRITUAL LIFE *** - -***** This file should be named 62944-h.htm or 62944-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/2/9/4/62944/ - -Produced by Brian Wilson, MFR, Christopher Wright, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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