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THE RIHGT

WORSHIPFVLL,

and Chriftian Ladies,the

Lady W ex d, and the

Lady Lennard:

Grace , and

Peace.

Ight Worftip full and worthy Ladies, if there bee a-ny one thing wherein I make fingular account of my friends love, it is, when by fome good meanes they are fetting mee forward in the wayes of fal-A 2 vati-

the Epifile Dedicatory.

vatiomand on the other fide, I cannot fo rejoyce in any improvement of my beftlove and fervice to them, as when mutually I may bee a helper forward of their faith. I write not this, as favouring any ingratefull burying civill and humane kindnefles in oblivi-on,but as giving the preeminence to theworkeof love, which especially is imployed in advancing that good part, which as our Saviour inti-mateth to Martha } (ha\\ not be taken away from us. Let it ■ not therefore I pray you(my t honored good Ladies)feeme | ftrange,that in thedefireof I the bell: good to your (boles, I prefent to your view, and infcribe by particular Dedication to your Ladifhips,the enfuing Bundle of Letters,

part

The Epiflle Dedie*tory.

part of the workes of a reverend Divine,who living, (hi-ned as a bright Starre in the Church of God. For 1 am perf vaded, with Gods blef-iing,which is all in all, that if you attentively reade this Booke, you (hall finde many fweet Motives to heavenly-mindcdnefle, effedruall con-fiderations to qualifie the bit-ternefle of for row,which often bef alleth us in this vale of Teares; and laftly, no (mail attractive to draw up your mindes from thefe vaniftiing delights below , to thofe hopes and joyesof an inherit tance incorruptible, undefi-led,that fadeth not away,re-ferved in Heaven for you. I will not enlarge my felfe, to fpeake in commendation of the Author of thefe Chriftian A 3 Lettert,

The Epijlle Dedteatorj.

Letters, who no marvell hee fpeaketh tofeverall points fo gracioufly,whofelt heavenly ftrames in his Meditations fo plentifully. This prelent Booke will(as his other Writings have done) ipeake for him,I doubt not,fufficiently. One part of which hath been tranfcribed while the Author lived, and the Copie was not to bee had in Print, in my knowledge,full many a time$ yea, hundreds of times, or neerer a thoufand times, if fome godly perfons have not mi£reckoned. Now, why I chofe your Ladiilhips , in whofe name to commend this Worke to the Church of God} though I might af-leadge other reafbns, yet for the prefent 1ft this fuffice, That as you are Sifters in

na-

the Efifile DediCAtory,

nature, fo you are neerer Sifters in grace, and therefore well may bee joyned inone inscription, whom God hath linkf d in fo holy union.I will not by longer Preface hold your Worfhips from the Booke it felfe. Reade it, my refped?d good Ladies$ and the Lord give you under-fhnding in all things. Febr.

22. 1520.

Xpur Ladijhipt, readk to aUjerviafathe Lord,

E z. C h~

A 4

^^:. <S%> #%

CHRISTIAN

LETTERS:

Containing Divine Inftru-ftions^Ex hort ations, and Confblatipps* ■-//?

Letter i. I>ire8orj*

Ood Miftrefle B. we muft not think it ftrange, when need iSjto be made heavie with many fcffii&ions/orchis hath ever beene the portion of Gods Children^ who through many Tribuluions have entred in* to his Kingdoroe. Hee that will not let the ftiew and liv-elcfle Pi&ure of Godlinefle goe 5 withoat aAaylng and overturning, haw much more hath hee an aking Tooth at the Grace which is un-A^ fained?;

How we ought to hehavt

faincd ? Wherefore bee not dif-mated, if Changes and Armies of Trials (hould fucceed each other^ rather re Joyce, thatbyoccaGonof thefe things, you may fee your ielfetobcbuildcdon that Rocke which none canprevaile againft 5 though it bee never fo aflayled. When the Windes blow, and Stormes fafl,the^ wee may fee what buildirgs have fure Foundations : then thofe that are other-wife,cannot be hidden. Our whole care, when temptations follow u«, ftancjithin this: Firft, wee muft judge aright of them, and the end for which God doth (end them: Secondly , wee muft feeke wifc-domc and ftreegth, which may make us undergoetheai, foGods glory, and cur comforts. AH evife which befall us in fMilr,bodie and condition, they are med cinable (brrowes fent of God, that the I faule hclpen by them, as by bitter j'potiQns, nrght by r^ewed re~ pernancy more and more purge it ft kite

ourfilvu inaffliiiims.

felfe of that true Soulc-ficknefle, that finnc and corruption which dwellechioit. If wee were as innocent as Job, yetmuftwehura-b'e our felves under the hand of God, when he fendeth adverfities* Wherefore, in all renewed occa-fions of this kinde, let us judge our ftlves^and *>row more vile in our ownc eyes • that thus humbled under Gods mightie hand, wee mjy further and farther receive his grace 5 for the exalting of us t And this is the end of God^why he at many times bringeth many and divers adverfities. The reafon is: this excrcife of a broken fpirit may ftill bee renewed e Actually in us: even as Phyficians to bring away ficke matter more fully and fafely, are forced againe and agafae to open the vcinc, taking away now fome bloud,now other fome 5 as tbe partie may, beare; (b doth God, not at once, but many times briftg away this corruption which dwellech in as:

And)

Affliftiom though biittr^

And as Phyficians now give one thing, now another, left nature, ufed ftill to one, (hould not bee moved 5 fo God doth foraetimes in bodie, fometimes in minde, fometimes in our tftaredeak with us^becaufe hce doth fee, that the longer wee arc ufed tot his or that crone, the leffe it worketh with us* But left wee (hould bee fwal-lowed up of evils, wee muft joyne with care of humbling our lelves 5 that wifedome andftrength which may make us hopf full and Joyfull, even in the middeft of our affihSHons. The things that befall us, wee muft not looke at them by outward appearance, but wifely confider how they are changed in Chrift,who bach taken away the poyfon which would bee in the evils, wee frffcr, and made them fcrviceable for our good. As Children, through want of Wifedome., are troubled at Bug-beares; fo wtc are much af-fraid of things which cannot hurt

us.

ytt wholefome.

us. This wifedome, which doth make us truly to difcernc things as io Chrift chey are, doth make us couragious in bearing of them, Ic k better with ihe body when it feedeth on bitter hear be s which breed good bloud, than when it feedech on fweet meats, which ingender bitter vomits and mortal! fickotffes. Againe,asall fweet, without any tare intermeddled, is notfopleafing: fo it in the tenor ofjur lives wee (hould notfomc-time know difealement, our com-fcrrs would when we enjoy them be nothing ib taftefull to us. Be. fides, wiiedome will tell us that thefc things come and gee as the raine on cur cloaths, which io a while drietb up, and all is as before : fo when hea^indfe is with us in the evening, wee fee joy returning even before the morning often. Did wee not through falfe glafles fee things otherwife than they are, chey would not caft us downe fo much as the doe. Wee

there-

CbrificMrflrengtb

therefore wifely obferving how many wayes the grace of God our heavenly father doth change thefe things into our good, even as the art of the Apothecary doth make apoifonfull Viper into a whole-fbme Triacle, we muft choofe rather affliftion than vanity. Now wewantftrength , wee muft being confeious ofit, come to him, who makcth us able to doe all things through his flreng'hening of them, who ftrengcheneth his in the inner man to long fuff> ranee with joyfulneffe, who hath faW, S' ch as looke to me. Hull renew ftrength. Our ftreogth is to dafpeChfift, and hold to him as the perfon in whom is all our ftrcngeb. TheConiesarea weake creature, but they diggc in the roefce, worke themfclves holds^ -under the e^rch where chey may be in (afe ty : we are fet to fchoolc to them to learne of them, that whereas we are weake, we privy to it, would by faith worke our

felves

in all sffliftions.

fclvcs into that Rockc Chritt Je-fus,againft whom the gates of hell cannot prevails When the Apc-ftles had received his fpirit of ftrength, they made a-^lay ofall their fufferings ard labours 5 even as in bodily things wee fee men that have ftrength and courage, as thtfe porrers and fuch, they will make a (port to beare fueh burthens as a weake creature would tremble to lift at* Want of this wifedomeaadftiefigth,wha voy-ces doe they draw from us? Even Yuchasthefe; Were it anything, faith one,but this, I could hop? to receive good fromir 5 Were it a-oy thing buc this, I could hope ta beai c ir. Whereas did wee put on this (peftacle of wifedome, wee (hoold (ce that there were nothing (6 fit as this to doe us good 3 . which God chnfeth to ufe before uther. Did wee in confcicncc of uir iropotency fceke to Qfirift to make us able, wee fliould not iuiibt buc to fiude ftrength e- nough

r 8

Cbrift ourjirength.

nough whereby to beare that comfortably 5 which wee thinke moft intolerable. Wherefore, as I know you fubjeft to fbme exerci-(cs, (b I wifti you more and more communion with your Chrift, on whom reftcth the fpirit of Wifc-dome and ftrength^that you may beare them, yea be more than conqueror in them.

I doe defire to remember you with the firft of thofe whom God by his providence hath endeared tome above others. Being not fie to continue long in writing, with my hearty commendations and thanks for all your love, I commit you to God.

Yours in Chriftian affe&ion> My

■.

■»■

Cbrifrian love fruitful! .

2. Hortatory.

MY Chriftian Friend, being much indebted unto you, for the kindnefle I have received from you, I thought good to let you fee that I doc not altogether forger, what I cannot fo fully as I would requite: wee cannot fo di£ charge this debt of love, but that we muft ftillftandndebted one to another. Now bethinking how I may beftow ray fclf fojr your good, I doc not know any meane more fruitfully than that of Chriftian exhortation, by which wee provoke each the other to love.Wher-fore give race leave to ftir you up, but to labour for the prefent fruit ofyourafHiftionforcpaffed,and to prepare your felfe againft future tryals, if God fhould be pleafed to prove your patience yet further in time to come. Wee fee the earth then having endured the nipping ftormes of the Winter feafon , it commeth to receive into her bo-fome the bcames of the Sunne

now I

now more approached,the earth I fay before fuitlefle,doth put forth and become fruitfull: thus wee^ though in the winter of our temp. tation,while the favour of GO D feemeth to have forfiken us 3 though in this taking wefinde it enough to doe to keepe life at the root f yet when now God doth warme our hearts with the ftnfe of his love, wh'ch is better than life it felfe^ then we muft labour to put forth both bud and bloffome, yea to bee filled with the fruits of tighteou(neffe 3 which are to the praife of God throughJefus Cbrift. When the Devill cannot longer hinder our deliverance out of any evil?, yet he will labour to keepe us without underftanding hearts, that wee (hall not bee able to acknowledge God in that hee hath wrought for us: by which mcane thefbuleis kept from being bettered by that it hath received. If with our hearts wee undexftand not the loving kindneffc and faith-folneffe

a Motive t§ Rigkteonfruffe.

fulntfife which Gcd hath fbewed coward us, then cur love to him will not bcincreafed, for we love him, beoufe we ficde him to have loved us firft; our faich will not be ftrengthened, if wee have not obferved how trufty the Lord is to all that beleeve in him: for this growth we rake in knowing God by his word and works • this doth make us grow in bclseving on him according to th*r,They who know thee , will truft in thee. Wherefore this being aa enter-prixe of Satan, when hee cannot defeat us of goodthirgp, then to kcepeu8,ificbepoffiblc,from the fpirituall fruit of them, let us bee wifttofeeke untoGodwho hath faid,[ am he that teacheth thee to profit,that he would be p leafed to give us his fpirit,which may teach us to know what hee hath done for us. If this bee obtained, then the benefit will follow, boti of our trials and deliverance: Oar finaefhallbe more purged out of

us,

Afp&ion removes finne

us, our graces fhall bee more {lengthened, yea they fhall bee more aftive and ftirring in us, making us more ready to, and plenti-full in every good word and work than beforetimes wee havebeene. Thefe are the chiefe ends for which God fendeth all our vifirations : as the end of bitrcr potions is to purge forth fickc matter from the body5 (b all our griefcs knt of God, are medicinablc bittcrncflfe to cleanfe our foules. Now as the faculties are ftrengthened in us when we are rid of fuch fickc ho-moursas did fo offend them, fo all the graces are the more confirmed by how much finneismore removed. In the third place, a bodie, when ficknes doth not weaken the faculties of it, is full of motion, (bund bodies love to bee ftirring, elpecially if coldneflfe doe not be-nurame the members and make them unfit for motion. Thus the foule, when God hath (cattered the cares and lufts which did op-

prefle

andfoftretigtbens Grace.

prefle it, and by his love flied into ir, diflblved that frozen coldneflc which is an enemy to heavenly aftion, then it doth ia love and zealetohis glory beftirre ir fdfe diligently, both in the duties of the generall calling of Chrifti-ans, and the particular callings in which wearcin refjrft ofourou*-ward condition, The(e being the fruits which (hould follow affliction, give diligence to find them in you rn^re and mofe: it is the feale of that ele&ion and calling byGcd, according to the purpofe of life, when you feele that things worke thus together for your good. Every bafemerall maybe putintothe fire, but that which abideth in it and commeth forth more n fined by it,that is precious and of much account. Every man may bee put into the furnace of affliction, but if wee endure cha-Utifements and come forth more and more purged by meanes of them, then it is a fure figne we are

vefleb

«4

Preparation for evill times

veffds of Silver, and velfels of Gold, ordained of God to glory everlafting.

Now I come to that fecond taske, I did undertake of .provoking you to prepare againft times to come. Though great fickneflcs breed fomctime long health , yet iciscruc on the other fide^ that no winde but may blow raine when God is fo plcafed , no ftate (b calme which may notfoonc turne tempeftuous,fliould not the Lord bee more gracious. The Divel! 3 when now God hath made us get the upper hand of fome grievous temptation, doth lie in ambufh 3 and bend all his forces to draw us into pride, at leafl into fccurity and preemption touching thing! which may hereafter befall. Wher-fore (eeke to God to make you ready for every thing wherewich he (hail try you. In peace we prepare for war re: weaing a weapon doth not make a man the fooner fee on, nay it prcventeth this

dance*

tlwayes profitable.

15

danger (bmeames, and aiw^yes makes a man ready to defend him-felfe when he is affiled. God doth fee us to learnc of the Ant chis point of Wifdomerthac finall creature gathereth and hoordethfood in Summer, which may befuffici-ent ia winter feafon: and when we have that providence in Summer to make provifion of Hay and fo ider for our bsafts againft cheir need, how fliould we be worthy rebuke, if wee fliould" not now in peace ftorc up in our hearts thofe things which may bee ufefull and I helpfull to us in time of our trou-! ble> Now this praftife ftandech in three things chiefely. Firftjn getting a watchful figacky,by which our (bule* doe difcerne aforehand what kind of events and excrcilcs they are fubjeft unto in this vale tf teares. Secondly ,in learning by jdue confidet ations, to know how Wanting we are in wifedome^how weakt in regard of that flrengrh which maketh us able to (land

when

Faith in Cbriftjthe

1

when wee are tryec*. Thirdly 3 In fl>iog to God by faich, holding him, as who hathbeene, island muft be, the rocke of our falvati-qn: looking to Chrift the author and finifher of our faich, who hath received this commandement from his father, that he would not only call us and bring us into the ftate of grace, but keepe us in it and raifeusupatthebftday: who is a great Saviour^ keeping, his (as Tanl faith)from every evillwork, to his heavenly kingdome. Now when by faich wee thus hang on God our Saviour, theawe^ are, as it were in a flrongTower,wher. in the gates of hell fliall not bee able to hurt us, much kflcco pre-vaile againft us. God doth fee us to fchoole to the Conies, that of them we might learne this leflon : they are a weak^timorous creature J t yct they have this wifedome to! worke themfelves holes in thdl earth, burrowes to which they may returnc for (helter^nd though «

L thc y t

Rtck^ofonr Salvation.

they goeoutfomecimes, yet they ftill returns ever and anon unto their holds. Oh, (b rauft wee, conici^s of our weaknefle, by faith worke pur felveS into the Rocke Chrift lefts- «d though fbmetime wee are abroad , 2? it were, in many other matter*, yet wee mnft ftill returne and renew our beliefe towards him, I may not profecuce theft things. The Lord teach you by his Spirit (6 to acquaint your felfe with him ^ that you may with moch more confidence and boldneffe refbrttohim in all your ncccfGties. Moreover, I have (ent you a Soltloquit^ which I did longfince pen, that it might

J bee an tntrodu&ion, leading by the hand a wcll-difpcfed Chriftian to take up a forme of words be-tweca God and his fou!efor the ncreafe of his dcvotion.Thus with

|my hearts defire to God for you, I

£ake my leave.

17

\

B

tbc\

Temptations rvorks fi>r good

3. Confolatory.

The God of confolation andcompjfi fion be rvithycHy mj good and living Sifitr z and rtmaine with

joh for ever.,

T Know not whether I fhould i write of gratulation unto you, and thanksgiving unto God for your deliverance, or clfc of fbme comfort againft your troubles, if you yet renaaine in them: Confi-aering the Lords ordinary dealing, if you be not already delivered, your deliverance cannot bee farreoff. But forafmuch as the wayesof God with his children are divers, whofe fteps wee can no more find out, than know the way in the aire where the bird hath flowne; I know not whether hee will hold you in the Schoole of your grievous temptations. Well, I am aflured chat the iflue (hall bee good, aflured alio that the length' . *nd grievoufocflc of them, (hall j accordingly addc unto the weight

and

to them that feare God.

(

and (hining brightneffe of the Crownc which in Chrift lefts is prepared for you: affbredfinally char the comfort which thofe which are 5 or (hall be cemp:ed,wi)l bee much the ftrongerand deeper, as they (hall undcrftand that you which have beene fo long and fo (harply exercifed, were at the laft Co gracioufly delivered. Be therefore of good comfort (my good Sifter) although the Lord plunge you into the Sea, yet he will goe downe with you thither to fceepe you, that you (hall not bee drow. ned : although you pafle thorow the fire, you (hall not bee confuted, becaufe he is with you: although hee kade you from one Sea toanother,yectheLord which commands both the teas and the fire ( as all other creatures) will, for his deare Sonnes fake, worke that fire nor water (hall not oaely not hurt you, but profit you in fining you more and more from the droffc of finne, and wafting B 2 you

20 | Temptations cannot hurt.

i i ■ ' ■ ■'■ ■ ■ ■«—————■—■

you from the common filth of the remnants of finnc which arc in you. What doc I fay that he will be with you in fire and water ? Ic is but a (mall thing in his eyes, If you were brought to the gates of hell; If hell gates had (hut her mouth upon you, ycc there his hand will be with you, and from thence his arme will deliver you. Yea, if hell had fwallowed you up into her bowel*, yet it muft in de(pite of it render you up againe: Her ftomacke cannot long hold you, no more than the great mon-ftrous Whale could brooke 1owmt 9 which if hee had light upon the wicked Mariners, hee would have devoured and digffted twenty of chem in leffe fpace. And this is indeed the promife of our Saviour, tMattk 6. That hell gates (hall not prevaile againft you. They (hall fight againft you, but (hall not prevaile. Whereof I wrote unto you, for that our i friend MaRer C. wrote unto me, 1 that

DiJirHjl&refHfall of comfort a fin.

}

that fince my laft letters you have bcene terribly fhaken by a forcible Tempeft which the Enemie hath ftirred up againft you, wher-with hee had raited fuch a duft in your eyes, that you had in your judgement loft all fight of the grace and goodntfle of God in Iefus Chrift. Butbenotdi/mai-ed,my Sifter, for my part I am in good hope that even as a little before day-breake the darkneffe is greateft: fo thefe grand Pieces which hee keepeih in ftore until] the Cife be dcipcrate, be, with the clappes they give, and mills they (end forth, meifergers of your de-liverance, which is before the doore. The truth is, that as to be-leevcGod to be your mercifull Father, is a precious thing before G3d,(btodoubt of his goodncfH towards us,isa great fcne, When further wee refitfe the comforts and admonitions that bee offered out of his Word, the finne i yet increafcd. If blasphemous B 5 words

— . i ...

words eft:ape us, yet finne is made one (hire higher. If your finnes for the height of them, reach the very heavens,and for their breadth fpread themfelves from South to North, and their length from EafttoWeft: yet the rrercies of the Lord our God in Iefus Chrift over-reach them every way. For upon us all,that are thus over raken by Satan, ic is al(b verified, which the Apoftle faith; that where finne doth abound 3 there grace doth more than abound, Thcfe large promifes hath tfce Lord made us to our everlafting comfort, which he hath let out by themeafureof the obedience and fvfi. rings of hisdeare Sonne Iefus Chrift, the height, and bread cb, and length whereof (as you know) is infinite, notonely, becaufeheewasinftch anguifli of minde for us, that through griefeheefweat( which was never heard of)drops of blond which came from him, and cryed, My Gcd, my God, why haft thou

for-

a great Comfort to great finmrs.

forfukenme? but alfofor chat hrs obedience is the obedience of the eternall God, and for that his (offerings are not onely the fuffe-ringsofamortallman, but of the immortall God, which as the A-poftle faith, with fliedding of his owre bloud redeemed us: not that the Godhead could fuffer the (hedding of bloud, but becaufe of theunfpeakablc unity of the two Natures, bound together in one perform that which wa3 done to Chrifttheman, i% toourfinguhr comfort, (aid to bee done of the eternall God.

Now for the keeping of our parr, which we have in the obedience and fufferings of our Saviour Chrift,you muft]turn your eif s from your felfe, and from your cwne workes,unco the Election and calling cf God. For as the Lord faveth us, not becaufe of our good wcrkes, bee they never fo many: fo hee will not condemn? us his Children, becaufe of our

e vM

*4

Eleftiov the gfonni of Gods love.

j evill works,be they never (6 great. Hereunto the Lord callcth us by the Prophet E/i/ 1 chap # 45. where dealing with the rebellions Israelites, he (aith, for Ifrael His cho-fen fake, and becaufe they were called by his name, he would con-firme them., and doe them good : becauft faith he, I loved thee, and becaufc thou were precious in mine eyes, and becaufe I cfteemed thee, I will doe this and this for thee: as if he would fay,although thou Iovedft not raee, nor eftee-medft not me. As for the LofuS icalling towards you whereby (3s by a ludder)you may climb fafely unto the couufell of Gcd to know your EIc&ion,and what his fecret decree of you w;s before the world was made, I referrc you to that which I wrote to you before; the markes are many and certainc in you, you ncedc not, I wis, to hare had (b many and long temptations!: to have thrown you headlong into cvcrlaftiog defpaire, if

you

you had not belonged to the Lord. For as the Children of God are conquerors over many temptations, fo one onely temptation (and rhat a fiaprt one) is able tofinke the ftouteft among the Reprobates into the bottomlcfle pit of hell. Neither rouft yon think that the grace of God worketh alwaies alike in his Children. When you walke in the fields at winter, you fee not onely no good fruit, but not fo much as a leafe on the Trees, in fome alio the very trunk or ft0eke appeareth to be dead,yet is the fappe hidden in the root, which in due time will {hew that the tree was never dead.Howbeit, I need not lead you into the ffeldsj you have an example at home within yourdoores^ For, I when your fire is raked up, there I appeareth oftentimes a fert of cold and dead afhes, when there are underneath certaine Iparkes, of which you may. afterward make a fire. And fuch is the eftate B 5; of

2tf 1 Gods Children brought to great

i

of the Children of God \ whei through thefinnes they doe commit, and wherein oftentimes they flcepea great white, they appeare unto men as forfaken of God, and remcdileffe. How much more ought you to bee of good com. fcrt, in whom the Lord hath fet fuch notes of your etcrnall falvation in Jefus Chrift, that all the fmofee which the enemy hath caft out, cannot take away the fight of themfromus, or once fo much as bring us in doubt of it > I grant you your felves think other-wife; but as in ficke pcrfons wee fee it commcth to pafie, that they thinke there is no hope of life y when the Phyfician and ftandeis byfce certaine and undoubted tokens of health : So is ic oftentimes in theft fpirituall ficknelfes. You fee T>4vii through the affiittio.ns which the Lord lent upon him, wreftkd ofrcntimes witbdefp c-ration, was ofc brought inro doubt of his falvation-, *s you I may

1 " r+ :/

1

doubts of tbtit falvttion.

may reack in the 42.4377.and 88. <?/*/«**/, Where you (hall perceive that he conceived of God,as of one in extreme anger and rage with him, as of one that had forgotten him,and had taken his mercy from him. There are alfo (I grant) voy-cesof hope mingled with them, becaufe in one and the felfe~fame Pfalme, hee changeth the whole ccurfc cf his Meditations 5 how he floared^iiow up, now downe,now funke^as it were 3 in the neather-moft hell, now appearing and fhewing his head above the waters againe. The SonofGodhimfelfe through extreme anguifli was (as I faid) brought to aske of God why he had forfaken him? If the force of Temptations could bring him which had no fione of his owne 3 and was the oncly beloved of God, and which had received the fpirit of fortitude above mea-fare, to fuch a fcard exigent and terrible cooflift, we ought not to majvell if the Ghildrea;of God,

which

a&

Chrifis villory our fbield

which have fianc dwelling in their mortall bodies , which are not beloved for themfelves, but for his fake alone, and which have received butafewdroppesof the Spirit (whereof he had the whole Sea) bee fometimes plunged over head and eares. And wherefore did our Saviour overcome that fearefull conflict of temptation^ but that it fhould be our medicine when we© are overcome of it ? Wherefore in this moft great con-fliftdid he not only retaine faith in his heart, but in calling him his liord, profeflsd it 6:fore men wiih his mouthy but than it fliould be our remedie 3 when we not one-]y feele no faith inwardly in our bear^but deny alfo outwardly be-fore men with our mouth, that we.have any hope in him ? Therefore our Saviour Ghrift in S- loh* P(lacethnoi: our comfort in that we our felves have overcome^ but biddtth hisDifciples bee of good d*eare 3 bccaule hec had overcome

again ft temptations.

the World; that is to fay, all con-trary power to the will of God. Therefore alfo S.Iobn in his firft Epiftle faith,That our Faith is that whereby wc overcome the World: not onely, becaufe through Faith we vanquifti the Temptation?; bat efpecially,becaufe we by it 3 as by a Hand, apprehend the righreouf-neffe and viftory of Ghrift 5 as a fi-tisfaftion of that wherein wehave plaied the cowards. As for infem-pcrate/peeches(if any were) it is fo to be considered, that they were notfpoken (as theyfiy) in cold bloud,and of a malicious pnrpofe, but in a paffion, and of a troubled and a broyled minde, which the enemie,whenhee hath you upon the wracke, wringeth out of you. And not onlyftch ipeeches^buc even fome kinde of Btafphemie againft the Sonne of God., the Son of God himfclfe forgiveth. El&> I pray you,whac (hould become of tne holy man Iob> which opened his mouth fo wide o( God 5 all which

curies*

so Gods dearcft children impatient.

curies, £nt oat agiinft rhe crea* tores of God, rccurncd upon the Creator himfdfe? And although in the beginning he opened hjs mout h agaiiift the Lord, as it were,aflope andindire&lyofinjuftice, as may appeareboth by hisdifcourfes, & by the Lords owne anfwer, which heemaketh in the end. Of the which man , notwithftaiding all this,note (I befeechyou) what S. lames faith, c^jp. 5. Ycu have ht&rd (faith he) of the patient man Job. Here you fee that hee calleth him fo, notwithftanding all his frowardnefle againft his friends, (which were good men,and came of good will, although they were not in every point fo well advifed) notwithftandingall his impatience againft God inwardly, notwithftanding all his accuftttons and curfesopenly,which preceededof jtrpatience. Ifyonaskehowthtfe canftand trgether-they fland well forafmuch as the Lord forgiying and. coveting his. impatience< in

j Jfo 8

■

. . - -- 1 ■ _ I ^mmmmmmmmm

JefusChrift,reckoneth with him ! as if he had fpunne (fbtofpeake) I an even thredof his patience all? the time of his Temptation, vv her -as-notwithftanding hee made (b many knots, and brake his thred Co often. Even fo (good Sifter J) will he dcate with you: for par-denirg- all your inconfiderare fpeeehes,he will make his account with ycuforJefus Chriftsfake, as if you had prayed to htm^and pra> fed his Name, at thedayesofyour Temptation. If fame one which had borne you good will, and fpo-ken much good of you, deceived by cvill company, fhould happen afterward to revile you; I would aske yon this Qyeflion , Whether, if fuch a one were forrow-fullfur hisfaulr, you would forgive him or no? When you cxa-i mine your ownConfcience herein^ 11 dare anfwer for you, you would not refufe him, nor turne your face from hire. Shall you,, which h&vcj in comparifon, but a ibarke

of

oflovejflKwthismcrcie; and not j the Lord,who is nothing elfc but a, fire of Gharicie toward* them that cry him mercie,and as the Apoftle Saint Jobnhhhj Charitie ic £Ife > Shall your (park confirme the for-feic againft you, and (hall not the bonefire of the love of God in lefts Chrift.j dry and lickc up your$ ? Shall the cooling and refrefbing waters of mercte and compaffion bee foand in a little Channel!, and the Fountaine &Head*fpring from whence itcorametb,be dry ? Con-fidering, that in this refpe&,the Lords cogitations are as far re different from ours, as Heaven from the Earth. And the truth is, that the Lord hath therefore taught us to pray, Forgive tu our trefpgjfej^aj we forgive them that tnjpajfe againfi tuy io this end,that when we feele our bowels of compaffion opened to thofe which offend againftus, we might lake that as a fare pledge* and undoubted token of the for-givencfle of all our finncs^, how

C ff* al

Chriftitn love tdtfiis.

jreac fbever they be.Therefore to nakeanend where I brgan,Beef »ood comfort,deare Sifter,you arc bcLords,you have coftche Sonne )f God too deare a price,, to bee a aft-away.

4. Mmitory*

LOvingCouiin,it is my defirc, while our lives are joyntly :ontinued in this fle(h, cotciTifie ny ChriSian love to you in (uch latics as tend to build you up in /our holy Faith : it is a common Jcbt,butyet fuchas we owe one

by how much we arc linked more lecrcly. I have thought fomctime, that I would not bee fo backward othisbufineffc; but then it hath :ome unto my minde, that you are well able to draw on others. A-gaine, becaufe I know not the things which in yourconfli&ing rourfe moll oppofe you, whether frants of Graces, or prefence of mil Lawes within u*; becaufe I fenew not theft particulars, I (aid 1

with!

Hunger after Grace thtfigm of

v ; .

I

with my felfe , 1 (hall but fhoot without a marke, and fitallioo to a foot I know not. To what pur-pofe (hall I write > Indeed, wee cannot prefcribe Co pertinently, who know not the cftate exaftly 1 and we prevent our felves in theft fruits of love,who make no rclati on,and perfonall report 3 ncither i letter 0 nor by word of mouth which might helpethofe that mi-nifter to usrbut halfe aCike 3 is bei ter than no bread; and a genera! fafe, and profitable praftife muj nor he ncgie&ed^becaufe we fee morefrunfull courfc, which wei cannot attaine.To come then once againe unto you in general!, rill I fhall know fome fpecialcies, to which Imightfpeak more for your advantage;chcreis good hopr 3 that body will dee well, which hath the ftomack right affeftcd:Hunger is a fignc of health; (b that (bale which hungereth andtbirftethafi terrighteonfnes, there is no feare! but it (hallbee well-liking, anc prosper

a healthfiiUfiule. Motives ion.

)rofper t I will therefore endevour ogive a fpurre toyourfpirituall appetite, that you may come, by neanesof ir,tobe filled with the ulneffeof God,with the replenife-nencof his grace. Now as in the >ody,when the ftomack feeleth the rmptioc Si & fucking of other parrs -* hofe nourifhment is wafted;then t further craveth: lb, when the bule doth feele how etrptie it felf 3 of grace, then the appetite of it 3 edged.Wherfore think with me, low wanting you are in theft seine* foliowing, that Co you may >ee (harper fct *apon thofe graces fcpherofyou feel your ftlffo empty. i?irft confidcr^how farre you are hort of gfcnifying God as you ought: We fliould fcn&ifie him in :>ur hearts,words, and works, up-3n all occafions,& it (hould grieve js tofte him difhonoured. Wee hould do all things in him, and for ,iim:In him,thatis,having his war. [•ant; which we have,when by faith we know that it is well-pleafing

co hitx^we fhould doe this,or that; yea, havingafiuraacc of his graci~ ous prefence with us, to enable us ;o all fuch workes, in which wee koow it is his will that we fhould walke. We (houli, I fay, dee all things for him, by making his honour the mark we (hoot at, ifl every thing. Now>how little doe our hearts thinke upon him* admire him. joy that we know him,afcribc unto himWifdome,Truth,Mercy, Power,in his daily works he wor-,keth for us, while wee are pafiing I thorow the barren WilderneHf ef thlsprefcnt World, unto the Reft which he hath prepared ? It fhould not be thus,Coufb. If we fee any man that doth any thing more wifely* that doth fhew a faithfull part,or a merctfull office* we think highly of it*and give it within our felyes the due confideration; How much more ought wee to thinke honourably of God, in the daily wdrks he (heweth? What a Power lis that, whichkecpethustofalva-

tion,

on^who have fo little ftrengtb, id kffe wifcdome, whereby wee light ftand ia feare of our fpiti* iall enemies and dangers? What a ower,thatdoth make the world, id the Tentations of it, dead lings uato us; which are \o mjgh-e, that the moft arc taken prif> ers by them, and we fhould lie as iaptive Thrals before (his or that reaturc f if God fhould not fiihdue Km, and hold them under us ? Vhat Power is that, which killeth lnfuUL«ftinu$; a thingof itfelfc \ ftirring and tnightie, and inlatr->leinthecourfe ofit?FinalIy,tfaat pholdeththe life of grace in us? o fee a fire burning on the Sea, 'id to keep in fire on the Waters, 'erea powerfall faft: but to keep le life of grace ia a foulc which is sad in fins and crefpafles, isfarre reater. What Wifdome doth he uily (hew/m making al the things Ihich befall us, ferve for (bme :>od end ? in tempering our (Ute$,(b that we are neither out of meafure

meafure opprefled with grievances, noryetinamored over-much with chc lu(hie fweetneffe orchis prefent World:That doth by little & little lead us forward co perfe6Hon,yea, and to fufferings, according as hee feeth weare preparcd,by hisgrace, and made capable of chem?For his Truth and Confta: cie, he doth reft ifieic abundantly : for wee are every day to ieeke to him 5 yet hee fiulethnot, though wee lye upon him, a fare friend. Againe, how many advantages doc we give him againft us? How doe wc, by our Co little profiting and mending what we know ami fle 5 pro voke him?Bat he fticketh (till iaft to us,andall his wayes arefull of mercy: hee teeth how weake wee are, and doth fb flueld us with his favour, that out of pitie he will not let the Winde blow upon us. When we catch our daily fals, hee fends for us by his Spirit,and maketh al wholeagain. When ftrength begtnnethto faile* hee,in pitie, purteth under, and re* neweth

Mercy to his Children.

39

eweih our ftrength. When wee reheavie, and poure out our earts to him, telling him how it swkhus,hec doth make us feele is pe^ceandconfohcion. When le feeth that evill things would ;rowuponus, hedothfendfome* hing or other, which m*y b'eake fieNcftof foch matter, and pre-ent the mifc'iiefe. Wee finally, vhich have (boles that are a( (bi»j :e his mercie even in ilus; that he ouchftfeth to handle our leprous oirits, and by renewing our repentant fenfe of miferie, and our : aith towards his falvation in thrift, doth by ( as it were) eve-y day a new PJaifter upon them, low then, not to obfcrve and refecute with due honour^ fuch 'ower, wifedome, Truth; M?r-ie is a dcfe& to bee lamented. Vee take it for a token of an ill rinde, when one will not give to len of parts, that which is their ue. What mindes have we, who ive God no more in our hearts,

who

We tnajl proclAime Gods Glory

who is (b to bee advanced in thefe and fitch like refpefts a$I have named? And this not acknowledged of him, in the daily experiences which we have of him thefe waics, doth make us as much to feeke, when trouble commcth, as if wee had never beene acquainted with him. Whereas, did wee acquaint our hearts with him io thefe his wayes,we fhouldfiide it as eafie to reft on him,in any triall and neceffi-tie, as men doe one with another: they prefume, (uch an one wil not be wanting to them,who(e truftie kindnefle chey have had ful proofe of,as which never failed them. Io the fecond place, as our hearts (hould with befecming afft&ion inwardly honour, fo our tongues fhould tell of him, making known (uch things as we know of him: to (mother thefe things, is his di£ honour.Thofcthat belong to great perfonages, they delight to tell of theTalo;ur,policie,bountieof their Lords:yea,wc will do one another

this

in sur W$rh and AHions.

this crcdit,to tell what more mark-able parts wc c(py each in other. Why (hould our God fet forth,and not have a word lent him this way? Finally,whatfbcver we doe, wee are to fee his leave and pre. tencewith us, and to intend his glory in it. We are not our owne meo,but the Lords fervants,bought with a price. Now we jtiftly deem it irreverence in thofe that live under government, if they preftme to doe any thing; much more, if they run a courfe upon their owne heads, not caring to take us with them, and know ourpleaftre. A-gaine,men doe looke, that fuch as they keepe,fliould doe them hone-ftie,*nd be for their credit :And we fee the Retainers of Noblemen to addled this way, that they run themfclves into Books, and out of faire Patrimonks,and all to main-taine a Gallancie, which they (though falfly) thinke much making for their Lords glory .Now if I we lay thefctogether/wc flialfind, ! C that

42 Wt do not honorthe Lordasnc ought.

that we in thefe wayes have much been waning to our duti*\ How little do we fee and poffefle cur hearts with the reverent and affectionate obftrvingof that we daily receive from God, and Co of chat we find to bee in himtowardsus? Oar hearts lie aflrep this way. Little doe wee joy to bee telling orhcrs,and fetung forth our Lords honour unto theny hatGod might be glorified, and they thus provoked to feeke the fame fervice with us:and who doth feele this dutiful dependancc towards God, which makes him looke up to the Lord, that hec would witnefle to his foule, by his own holy Spirir, that his wayes hee takes in hand are pleafing to him,that he will be our fufficienciein them? Alas,we begin our courlcs according co cuftome, and thinke no more ot ihis^than as if we were not tied to fuch homage. We are as if we had pnrchafed the Lordfhip of our felves, and had in ] our own hands the power of our

wayes,

43

wayes. N >w then, if you difcernc how you have failed in this great Comnundement,of feekiog to glo-rifie your God; and if your trying yonr ftrengchs, in labouring the fpiricuall Obedience which thefe points decipher unto us, finde your unfufficiencie this way; then you fhall find the emptinefie of Righ-teoufrieffr, which (hallhelps you fomewhat the more to clafpe Chrift, your Righteoufncfle^ that in him you may fee your forgive-neffe; and Chrift your Sanftifkr, that he would doe that hee hath promifed you, even put bis Spirit in you, and make you keepe thefe Comroaridements more and mon*, in thefe Branches above-named. And if the Lord fhall give any fpur to your Dl votion,any encreaie to yoU'Rtpentar ce and Faith,by this meant*, I ihall have caufe tore-j >yce with you. I thought to have thus gone over! me other HKds, to have helped ycu to fee yuur want of Faith , and rejoycujg ir C 2 God

i

gg Wetrineffe in $ur w*ye$,&c.

God, and (b to have couched thofe fcares of future events, and poflek fing your peace, and thatuncora-fortabknefle which doth hang, in pafling our cime,about us.Butread this other Letter I ftnd you, again and againc; and for the laft, know that the Lord doth but hide from us, and let us feele wearimfle in going on, that Co he might make us more depend upon him, and feeke to him, to fhine upon our wayes, and to carry us on in them, when we feele our inability in our (elves. But the Lord, I hope, will enable me at fomeother time to performe fbme duty to you this way. I let this beginning come to you,which Jay fb long written by mee. You muft not thinke much I write no oftner; for fince my comming homc,I have had neccflicy to write very many waies. I thanke you for all your love; and wi(hing you the fweet love of our God (hed into your heart., I take my leave this fixth of December.

$.Vhc8ory.

the ejfhtl ofonrfin*es, to bumble w .

45 4

LOving Friend, wheras in your Letters you complaine of tedious weari(bmeneflV,which in paC nng tta day, doth ere-while cloze with us, of which we fpake a litcle cogether.The truth is,thoughGod doth fomtimes, only to humble us, letfuch a wearifome vanity follow us^that hence wee mighc confider, what oar finne againft God hath done: how,to wk,it hath thruft us oik of Paradife, to a laborious and irkefome condition of life; that thus wee might be quiekned, to begin Chriftthatblcfling, which doth mitigate thofe evils .Though againeitfbmctime doth only pur-fueus^ becaufc of performing our duties of devotion with toomuch overture^ for this roaketh God loath us:fo that we find foalleafe, till wee returncagaine,and (hake our ft Ives up better. Yet the common root of this gricfe,, above na-1 med,is the want of confcionable dependanceupon God for his blef- j • C 3 fing 3 \

Wttfte frone tojdfe-Jujficiency;

fing,and ftrength to carry us on all the day long. Doc you feele,when you rift,(uch a fenft of your owne weaknefle, as maketh your heart to looke to God, that he would bt your ftrength and your comfort throughout the whole day ? Alas, wegoe on, as if there did need no fuch matter. The Divell told our firft Parents, they (hould bee like gods: and though ic is fal(c,in re-gard of any bkffed conformitie; yet it is too true/in regard of finfulj preemption, with which we arc fecretty poyfoncd. For we doc naturally live, and hold on our cour-fes , as if wee were gods within our felves, not needing co looke higher for comfort orflrength, in which wee might proceed. Now this maketh our God, when wee feele powerfully fo little need of hiro, to \tx wearinefle and uncom-fortablcncfle overtake us, which might make us come to new reckonings within our (elves, and more affe&ionately tofeeke unto __ him,

tree ought to Pray 4£*inftit.

him,that he would be with us, and carry us on, and refirefhus. Now if you difcerne., that there is in you fuch a fecret Selfe-ftfficicncie, and that your fpirit awakeneth not with fuch poverty in ic, which maketh ycu locke up to God, vviih corifcience of your it firmi-tie^andconfeflejthacifhe be nor your flrength and comfort, you cannot paffebne houre over,with-out wearifbrae heavlntffe : if you finde that thi6 is lurking, t^en you muftturne you to God, and wreftleagainft it, faying-. I,need not mufe much at this I finder how fhould I but know fainting anddifcomfort in going on, who amfoaflPtfted,as if I would goe alone *, and had not need of thy heIpe,OLord,at all time*, artf in every thing,with me > How fhoul-deft not thou, that fingleft out all pride, as the fionethou wile refill, bee much incenftd at this hidden Selfe-iufficieneie, which doth pull thee out ofthy Throne, C 4 m*-

^rajir ag*i*ft Selfe-confidzme.

4>~~

making thee no God to us, while vefcelcnoneed of thee; but arc readie to goc on, as able enough within our felvcs to walke on in our wtyes ? Wee further confefle, that though we fee the indignitie of this behaviour, yet the frame of our hearts is fb out of order, that of our felvcs wee have no power to amend it: for as by nature wee arc fallen from faith on thee, Co wee are filled with Selfe-cofidcnceywhich makes us(though we know it not) reft in our owne ftrength. Now then, what (hall we dee,but look to thee, that thou wouldeft make us Co poore in Spirit, that we may with fuch feeling and lowlincfle depend upon thee, for all our ftrength and comfort; that thou (who (he weft grace to the humble ones ) mayeft delight to minifter them both abundantly unto us, that wee may walke upright, ftrong, and chearefull in thy ftrength? OLord,weaskeit the boldcr;for thou haft proraifcd,that

thou

-JL\

ft It

Traycr againft Stlfc-coxfidence*

thou wiltcircumcifc our Selfe-con-fident hearts, (o that we (hall hare no truft in the fleflhbut have al our rejoycing in thee. O Loid tell us,, we beftech thee, make our hearts heare it, that thou who art not wearie, nor mayeft notfainr, wilt be our ftrong Arme every morning ; fay to us, that thou art our Ged r who wileleadeimodeath: What joy can we have to fet a foot forward any way^ifthou doeft not let us fee that thou art wich us> Our hearts thinke what thy lervaat i fpoke: if wee may not have chce in thy Word, teftifying thy pre-fence with us(for thy Word is our cloudie Pillar) it were better for us never to raove further, than to goeon^ot havingthee with us. Following God with thefe thing?, youfhallfiodcit notinvaine. Finally, this exercifc of bewayling cur want in forac one thing, doth make us fee what need wee have, that Chrift fcould be made of (Sod our righteo'afnefle,and doth make C$ us

Wt mujl fhtrv forth Gods Grace.

us come feelingly to fee the tor-givenefle of all our fi net.through him our great Gd and Saviour, who hath waftied us with his bloud. I will leave off, though abruptly: my Letrer groweth in my hand, and if 1 fhould goe on^ic would be more than your handful. The Lord Jefus, ubo is the author and fi^fher of all his graces inus,perf c ft you and all his cho-fen more and more, that in this life we mayfeethejoyt3 ofholinefle,

6. Monnttj.

CHriftian Frie ds^Forafrruch as it is our dude, who have bin under Gods hand,ro teach thofe that are under the fcmc;and feeing we that have taft<d grace, areef-fcfrually to firg the mtrcks of God towards others: in this regard, my Letters fhaliopenthtfe two things unto you fo farre as f am able, if you are alive to receive ic. I know not whether I feall write yon another $ if aor, it £hali

recurne

The Spirit>not affliElto workj repent.

returne into my bofbmc^ that Is written unto you, The end of thefc affli£Uons, Co bittcrand grievous, is to bore theearesofthofc that are the Lords,, that they may hearethisCommandemcnt, of returning from all iniquitie ; and therefore we are bound inchaines ofaffliftion, chat the eyes of oar mindes may bee opened,to lee our workes and finnes, the which arc imghtie, Now it is-not the evils themfelves, but the prefence of God^by his fpirit working in thera, which doth thefe things. For the. mightie God ("in the fifth Verfe of that Chapter^ is made the principal! worker ot thefe things^by the nieans of grievous calamities. Now this is a great mercieof God : for if wee were not thus brought to if prance, wee would neither fee good daies her^nor (cape the condemnation of the world, 1C0r.11* Conner therefore, what evils of , our lives the Lord would have us rip up and bewaile before bim$

and )

Wt aft apt to Selfe-conctitedxejfc.

and it is in generally our difloyall eftranging out hearts from him, that our hearts and delights have been more on the (infull pteafures* and profits of this World, than on the Lord, and on our moft bkffed covenants of dying to finne, and living with Chrift rifen, in nevv-nefleoflife. I know,good friend, though you will not bolfter your fe!faltogether,yct you will hardly be perfwaded, that your life hath bcetie no better than a (pirituall Fornication from the Lord: for comparing your felfe with men, you may fay, that you are not the-worft • that howfoever you have failed, yet you have had fomc care of good dudes, and fbme love and acknowledgement of Gods children, before others. Confider then, that God may have glory in our abatement, what were the dayes of your prime, and manhood, but fpirituall Fornication from thfe Lord ?*Doubrkfle, I would noc revive my-oMlhame*

but*

godrvhtppetbtheabuftofourPeSce. i 53

buttohclpe you in theprafticeof repentance, which without theft particular confidcrations , is not eafily taken up. And fince that nature it felfe hath declined fome-whac from this courfc; alas,.have you not fet your hart on the things of the world? hath not your love beene toward them, and your delight in them, and heavenly matter whichlhou !d bee fought with all diligence,yea in the firit p!ace,have wee not looked on thefe as refufe-wares, out of requeft ? This abufe ofourpesce^Godwhippeth. For whereas our peace ftiould have turned hither, to have been an oc-cafion to edifie us more freely in faith,love, patience, andtohave walked onward in rhe feare of the Lord, declining evill, and doing gocdfhould have been a meanes offtilling us with the comfort of the Spirit^ wee have ncglcfted to build up our (elves ia thofe graces, 53- if there never Should have come a time to ufe them : wee havr ; . had

I —

fVegrow carndUin Projperitie.

had no feare in our hearts of wicked companions, yea* ofcommitting with them many wicked afti-ons,wegave our felves to tafic no joy, but car nail: for this, God raa-keth us eate our bread with our lives in our hand, that feting wee would not in the fruition of thefe liberties, yet we might 3 wjth Jew-jalem in the daies ot our affliftion , Remember the pleafant things which we formerly poflkflfed (La-mextttions che 17.) And what is it in a word, that bringeth forth all the curies of the Law? Ic is this^ becaufethat in our abundance and plenty, wee (erve not God wich good and with carefull heartj> 3 Z>e#. 28.47, I doc not remembsr thefe things to griev?you, for I have done no otherwife with my (elfe , before thefe occafions came on me. V hat then if one have Grayed thus,is there no mtrcy> yea truly, there is mercy wich the Lord in Israel ( in his Ourch) even for theie courfes I though wse have

taken ^

Lftforcjfortbe greatejl finmrs.

taken ftrange wives, let us renew our covenant of taming from all cvill^and following righceoufnefle and holincfle, and the Lord will be gracious. Read Ezra 10. and the*;5. of E/jy, the 6.7. and 8. though our iinnesftiould appeare fo great that wee did thiike them unpardonable^et when wee re-tur e,Gods thoughts arc notour thoughts. If a mans wifeffnuld goe a whoring with another, though fhee fhuuld cbmebacke^ he would not receive her ; but chough wee have ftrayed, yet the LORD biddeth us ro rctume y *s ready to accept us, Je emu 3.1. How fweet a balme is ibis, if our fpirit bee broken ? now to draw toacordufion, the foule b often in fuchpUghc, tha: it would ^urn%buikoowcrh not where to finde ability thvreunto : if thisbe your condition, that you come to groane under the hardixfJe of your hearer which willnot lee you bee iorrowfullasycud.fire^ remember

~_ _

bar to your comfort, that this is the voyce of Gods children, yea f his children repenting; Turne us O Lord, and wee (hall bee turned Jwm. 31.18. Remember further, that CHRIST JESUS your Saviour is raifed up of God, to bee our Prince, to give to us re-miffion of finnes and unfained repentance: he ficteth ac the right hand of God , by his iplric to touch your fpirit witfrunfained repentance. Now,if that the Lord doe gather you notwithftanding, forget not the confolation which faith, that for the abufe of the Sacrament many did fleepe, that is, thty were fmittcn with tempora-ry death, yet in allthis they were but chaftened of God, that they might not be condemned with the World. Yet I hope other thing?, becaufe fm«!I is the number that feare him. Thus having fignifted my mind at large J defire ihe Lords bltfliug,and ycur diligent ponde-ringof thefe things,, lor in them

flan-

InfiruQion in Affiiliton.

landeth year everlafting peace. \nd thus commending me in true ore toyou and your wife, I doc >erake you to the fatherly protection of my God. Farewell, this [l.of&ptembcr.

Your Joying friend, Faul Bajne,

GOOD MiflreJfeP. when I thinke how I might fhew joulbmedutieofloTe 3 I find no itter way than by writing unto you and kiftru&ing you concerning your duty to God under this his holy hand, and htegraci* dus purpofc to you-ward in this hisvifitation* A letter will dwell by you and talke with you^ ib often as you reade it attentively, yea it will be ready whenfoever you arc the fitttft for luch bufinefle ^ which conveniency my comming torifityou, cannot alwayes attains To (peake to the firft point;

When

5$ . Hums lit h under Gods Vifitation,

-

When Gods hand is upon us, wee are ftbjeft to two extremes 5 the one is,not truly to lay to heart the band upon us: the other is, to droope and be too much difmaied under ir.

Now we muft walke berweene thefe, truly humbling our felves under it; yet as who have hope in thefaichfull mercies of our God, and therefore faint not. Now the divelljwho laboureth ftill to turne us out of the way, will fecreily, worke with your heart, to ward offthefmart of this blow by im- i perdoent raeanes, Co that it fhall not come kindly.to pricke you unto repentance. To this end he; will ftggc#, that you fhallweare^ this matter off we 11 enough, bold youtofuchand fucb things, that one is provided for >your care is (o much leffeued.that you have many behinde yer. Sometime you ihall findeyourfclfc inclined to nap, 33 it were^ in fuch a courfe as may make you forget forrow for the

pre-

Inmilith undtr Cjods Visitation.

>refent.If you fiide not your heart U^rfted and turned cur of it felfe^

sic were, chat ic may meet God a thishis chaftifcmenr, then you nuft thinke, O Lord, not to have \ hcirtjthorowly caftdowne by 6 ftron^ a vifitaticn, this is a greater plague than the plague it

lfe. If ftrong phyfickebe given ]f,andic wocke not with us., it !lotb poifon us: O what (hall I binke if my heart bee not taken ( llowne, and throughly emptied j ' with this fo ftroog a potion, which liouin thyWifedome doeft prescribe unto me! Againe, fty to jrourfclfe, What doth mychijdc get by playing hide-bire 5 orcafting jpthe hand, when I cor reft it? Often, as much more as it might have fcaped with: fo Lord,if I d oe beare off thy blow in this manner^ [(halibutforce thee to double my Correftion.If a Parent fee his ficke childe, not the better for one medicine, he will feekeforthand get him another: fo if I take not thy

worke

The divell hbeurs to mak^ Gods

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ft

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pi*

sffi

$1

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workc fo to heart as is mectj ftiali. enforce thee to fend me more ant more grievous things (if it maj be) of this nature, Looking up to the Lord Jcfias , in fuch like thoughts,will be a good prefava tion againft this fecret Folly and! Hardncfle of Heart, which diC inablcth us duely to waigh the Lords rebuke aod bee caft downc under ir. Now if the Divell fee that you are inclineablc togriefe, then he will turoe his courfe to the II other hand,and will labour even to i. drench you infbrrow and make [, you walke hopelcfle, and to faint £ under ir. To this end he will hide I from your eyes the remembrance L of ftch things heretofore in which I you might take eomforr,yea kecpe | you from tafting the mercy of God, | with which his afflifting hand is | intermeddled. Secondly, hee will | amplifie before you the prefent hand of God, and all old matters which may (erve for circumftances that make it more grievous. For example.

children faint unitt AffiiBion.

[ample, hec will whifper whole ite is like thine, the pooreft,now >u rauft pray and pay them, and ey wil not be gotten :thc boothe the garden that was wont to be e place of your folace, how is it :comea place of feparationfor einfe&ed, it may bee? every outh filled with this, The Plague n Mijlrtfe P. the fervant that ould eafe you, being a grievous irden. And here hee will prefle re all your weaknefle* in your >vcmeraent over your childreo, hich may make this ftroke of od (among them)more deepely ift you.Finally will he fay,Doe >t you fee what comfort Cometh to you> Thirdly, hee will Idefroaa your eies all the hope of lae, which God is naoft faithfull giveinduefcafbn. Now if you difcerne that the utter hangeth on this fide, then lu muft thus prevent your fain-:ig,Gy with your (elfe,Lord,why buld it be thus with taee ? doth

not

Wt mnfi not fdint under ofjliftion.

not my child take bitccr or (wet which I give it, and Chill not il take this cuppe from thy hand ?j Shall I cake good^ in good worth from thee, and not cvill? Arc thou not as mcrcifull in providing us Phyficke forourfouks healthy as in all thy other daily benefits? Meat is more neceffary than me-dicine,inthefcafonofit:andw^at are tbeie evils thou fendeft, but phyfickeof our foulcs health? For thego^d of our bodies wee rake things ag^inft which cur ftomack rifctn^ourflcfh (h inkech as wee take them, and w& labour to keepe them their time, O Lord, when thcu miniftreft for our foules good, yea, our bodirs, tftaces,and poftcruies after us, (hall we not be as willing boch to receive and retaine in thought, thy courfes to this purpole, I meane which tend to our fpirituall good X Secondly, youmtftnot dwell in 5 butrurne your thought from fuc^ particular circumftattft* as doe buc weaken

Affliction bitter , but mcdicinabU.

you, looking both at things part, present, and to come, which may miuifter comfort unco you.W en wc have a bitter potion to drinke, we doe not (if we b?e more avci fe from medicine) tafte every drop at the tongues end, bat curne ic ;inbygreat,andwe thruftipibme l{ofjte,or Manm flrifti after ic: andweihinkupontheafccr-healch of our body, to which ic workech, and thus we getic downe, though otherwifewee have no mind to it. The Lord give us ihis wifedomc, forourfooles, that wee may not dwell coo much in exaft (canning (uch particular*, by which the de ■ vill (ceketh to winnow our belief, that we may remember his fweet mercies, and rhi keof our foules healch, which God worketh by them. Now whacfoever thing? are ofyt&ed/uchasaretruemuft bee granted, but fo $ that hope bee not therefore weakned, iathis wife; Lord, it is true, that I have many wayes provoked chine anger, but j

thou

thou art a God that wilt not kcepe anger forever, thou wilt not have man fb nourifh difplcafure in himfelfe, that the Sunne flbould go downe in his wrath,how much lefle wilt thou be irreconcileablc? O no,thou art as quicke in forgive-nefle to a contrite heart, as flow to conceive a wrath againft us, of which we have good experience daily. And Lord, it is true, thy hand is extraordinary and many wayes heavy upon me, but I have learned that I muft not chafe my ownerod, with which I will bee beaten > but leave that to my Fathers wifdome. Again J know that my need do?h require it all,we are made heavy, when needi?, with fundry tentations, faith Peter. A wiftPhyfician wilnotgivea ftrong thing, where a lenitive and gentle matter is enougb,much ieflc woul-deftthou. And I further confeflTe^ that I may bee juftly upbraided, with my former wants, bur Lord,l beleeve there is mercy with thee,

rea-

in afjliftioB.

reaching to forgiv«ncffe,that thou raaieft be feared, and that this is thy chhfe glory, there is none like to thee in fbrgivencfle 3 in paffing by the finnes of thy people. O Lord, what neede I thy grace and mercy, if I were not in myfelfe ill defer-ving and miserable > and though I feele not the comfort I defire, yet I doe bcleeve thy mercy no lefle in Chrift: a Father doth not greatly piety his childe,when hefteth him ficke of PhyGcke newly taken5 for hce knoweth that if it fhould not worke with him,it would doe him no good, and hee knoweth that his childe (hall be well enough, when the working is over. Sodoft thou, Lord; which makcth thee hide when wee arc troubled, and not much raone, becaufe thou fteft there is no hurt toward us,though wee feeme to fede the contrary, though it might feern we (hall never have day again.No yv then both the by-waies being difcovered, it will be more cafie to informe you, D con-

concerning the right way io which ycu muft walke that you may come fafe forth of thefe trouble? J( you ask how you are to walk, that you may have happy iflue ? I answer in few wordsjfo that you joyn with repentance hope towards God^thac he will healc thefe things and love you freely. Firft,bcnot affraide to remember finncs part, God will make triades of theft vipers. Here if you have beenefub-}c£fc ro great unfruitfulncfle.laraent it; for W€, the more webtftow on our grounds, Iooke to rcapc the more from them; If todiftruftin your heavenly Fathers care over you* if unco too much neernefle* which is often a daughter of di-ftruftjifcoquicfcneSjif to any infirmity (for the ipiric of man know-c th what is in man) recount it with" your heart, judge your felfc worthy to be cut off for fuch waies wherein you have fwerved, ifj God fliould deale in juftice, and not in mercy. Secondly, (hike a

new

i happy ijfne out of affii8$on.

new covenant with God for the rime to come, that through his grace you will have care more and more to morcific every evill way 3 and co be fruicfull in every good worke. LookeE*r<*thc io.Ghap. 2.3.ThirdIy^yoiimuft looketo the Lord, as who only mnft heale you, hoping in his mercy; He u the healing (Sod; He that layeth the rod on,muft take ic off; and if a debcer will be forth of danger, hee muft compound with his creditor, who only can free him from feareof ar-reft. And here you have great canfe to watch over your heart, that in ufe of means ic be not withdrawne from the living God. Weareluch creeples that we can hardly reach a Crutch into our haids,but that we will walke alfo leaning upon it. Now God onely is your life and length of your daks, thefc things without him, will ftand us in no ftead, it is not the Apothecaries drugge, but the ufc of it, which the art of the Phyfician teacheth, that D 2 hea-

hcalcth a difeafc. So much more may we fay, it is not the creature, but the Lords ufc, and application of ic to this or that purpofe, which ftandethusinftead. Yea, I would wi(h you not to meddle much with things of this intention, left while you prevent the plague (which ic may be God will never let come nigher your per(bn)left I (ay while you doe this,you caft your felfe in* to the burning Fever, orfomedi-fterapcr of that nature, Now when you finde your ftlfe unable to doe thefe things, you muft, grieving at your wants, looke unto Cbrift, who doth give repentance and pardon of fin to hi* lira el, and who is both the beginner and finifher of their faith. Now toaddeaword concerning Gods intenr, it is ever gracious to us that are his. When he frownetb,be is a Father, nolefle than when he fmilcth upon us. A taan will beare much when he fpi-eth this,that it commethfrom love it felfe, and from love procee-

deth

'the facet fruit of dffli&ions.

deth every courfe , he pafleth upon us, as well this of adverfity, as the other of profperity. Whom he lo-veth he chaftencth, faith the Scripture. Ifwcraarke what God doth by them, it is more apparent: for hee fitteth us by fuffering a while, to receive all good things both of this life, and that to come. What doth aChriflian heart defire> That it could beleeve on God, giving glpry to his Word,that it had more flrength ofgrace,that it might feele a decay of Bnne, -and be prcferved from falling into it: that it might grow op in acquaintance with God> and come to tafte his love, more and more, which is better than life. Now thefe things God worketh by affliftions. For he ta-keth one, and putteth hirn paft the helpe of all the creatures, to no other end, but that he might learne to beleeve on God the Creatour, who giveth life, 2 Cor. 1. For fuch is the wickedneffe of our hearts that they will never make out to D 3 pur-

dfftltions pirgativc.

pu**pofe unto God, while they have any fenhble helpe, in which they thinke to finde fuccour.

True it is 3 we feele faith rather weaker for the time, but ftiaking the Torch, which for the prefent f emeth to put it out, dorh make it, blaze: Phyfick,which for the time weakens, doth tend to ftrengehen the body, the lame may befaidin this. Secondly, thtfc through the worke of God, purge out our corruption? asthefieistodroffe, fo are thr f* to the remainders of finne in us. T;ur it i?,we feele more ftir. ring of corruption under them fometimt sfora whHe,tbanbefore: but as Phyfick then expelletb faul-iy hu^nonrsjwhen if workethupon th^m, and makethu? complaine, 28 feeling rhem more than when they w re let alone, fodoihGodsPhy-ficke to the foulc: even itisdri-yi g our corruption then, when it rr-akes us feele, and complaineof it more than ever. God by thefe doth make us partakers of all grace and

holi-

Go&afjlifts toptwent pme.

holinefle. Wee wi(h that we were able co do thus and thus, but when Sod doth come ro us ia this kind, then hee furthereth thoft defires: for as feed putteth forth, by means ofraine, which feemes to drowne it, fo doth the feed of God grow in us, by meanes of foch troubles, which one might thinke would overwhelme it. Theft againc are fent to prevent the future brea-kingsfortb of our corrupt natures. For as you give your little ones Cordialls now, not that they have ehefickneflfcjbut that you may keep chem from taking infrftion:(o dorh God putchefe cups into our hands, not fo much forfinnepaft, asfor preventiigfinnetocotue. Finally ^ we come to acquaintance, and to fcelc Gods love more abundantly by thde: adverfity brcedeth patience; patience,experienceofGods loving helpe to us in due fofon : "experience of this luve, hope i and as lovers are never greater friends, than after their fallings out :foit is D 4 with

i

G$d triiiy before he truft s*

wuhGodand thefaicbfull foules ; thus is it with you.God doth now prove you,that he may in your latter do you good (I hope) through lefos Chrift: for as men will firft try, before they commie any great matter of truft; fo doth God with us, he doth come and try our bsha-viour,when he is willing to truft us withhisblefiing, and with benefits both fpirkuall & corporal!. Wher-foreIooke> good M. P. toitb your Saviour at the end of the crofl?,t hat will fweeten the bitterncfle of it. Wee never greatly fticke at facb trouble, which we know will pay well at die parting.Thus (hall thefe your troubles ( waiting on lefts Chriftthe Lord)tbrough whom aj] things werke to your good. It may be,you will thinke this is true,you could believe it,but that you fee no fuch likelihood of mercy toward you.But this is as if you fhould dy^ I would belecve on Chrift, if I might fee him, and put my fingers in hi* wounds,no: we rouft not be Tbomtfesy

Sod angry with bis^ yet loves twm.

Thomafcsjnut pray God to increafe our faith, that wee hope againft hope, and bcleeve that wee fee not that (bat length, wee may fee the things we belecve. I, hut you may think God coraeth in anger againft you. I anfwer, Gods anger is not without love, when hee dealeth with his children; from love it cometh, anditteideth to your renewing of love. Againe, as I told you, he is a God that will not keep anger, we looking to him, in that Sorbin whom he is well pleafed.If one of our children fliould fay to us when we are juftly moved, Father, you meane me no good,for you ate angryjwe would aofwer^Bccauf: I meane thee good, therefore I am angry. Looke to him that hath /aid. Though I correft you*yet roy love will I never take from you. Wait upon him, who though hee make heavie, yet will reruroe & comfort in the mulqtcude of his mercies, Lam. 3. 32. And the Authour and Fiaifher of our faith,help your be-D5 leefe

\

74 1 VntjofUve to ddmmijb.

teefe, ajdhte chat giveth wifdome •yithou>: upbraiding, give you wif« lomc tocarry this prefent cxerci^ if your patience to his glory, and the great inaeafc of your after coffiforr.

8. Expoftuhtory.

DEarc Madami^ I bavebeene long unable to (it pen to paper, which hath kepr mee from performing the beft office of love diar is within the compaiTe of my ability, but firce your love did get the flart of mee by preventing mec with your kinde remembrance; it hath been a fpurre futrhcr inviting me to this duty, which I had within my fdfe voluntarily vowed. My mir.de is to advertife you out of love,of feme difeafes which I feare grow upon your foule, and to give you occafion through Gods blefc fing, of renewing your repentance unto falvation, God comandech to exhort one another, left our heart* be hardened through the deceitfcl-

neff-

True love cannot flatter.

.neffeoffinne, and toconfiderone another, thai we may provoke to love. Ai this imboldeneth mce, fo I am encouraged from hence not a little,that I know the patience of your eare toadmonition,V¥ ch more adorneththe inward man, than any caie-ring of Gold can grace the outward. But fliould your L. take that with the left hand, which I reach with the tight, this (hould not be a Stpcrfedtas to mee, compelling mee to defift from performing my purpofe : for I account him a covetous flatterer, which for the good of thofe he oweth duty to, will not venture a word, which may adventure (for a time) the lcfle of his favour. Wherefore profeffing before God my love to your L. Soule and Name, and affuring my fclfe j that hee will be ray all-fufficient-reward, while I walke before I him in upnghtnefle, give mee 1 le^.ve to tell, you, what I h*vc a longtime fufpe&ed. The grace of

Gcd

The way oftherighteoutlii^ tbtjftn.

God teacheth all fuchas tafte it,to' live, (hs wing forth godlintfle, fo-briety, and juflice, in this prefcnc cvill world : and the way of the righteous (hould be like the Sunne, which rifingraoredimly,doth ftill increafe in the light and heare of if, till ic come at the higheft. Now my feare is, left your godlinefle, which hath becne fometims very confpiciousin you, befbmewhat abated,left the care of ten.perancy, and equity, which you owe tc-ward the meaotft, be dioiinifh-ed : left Come fpice of the contrary breed about your ibule^ as a ficke humour ; which though it cannot quite choake and excin-guifh the life of grace,yet it hinde* reth that growth and thriving 0 f ir which is to be a ilhd. If Ifhould feare beyond that I have ground for, yet you ar« cocenfurc ic as a fruit of love, while it ftirreihmce up to any good office about you,as UVs feare about his children, is manifeft tohave flowed from his hngular

Tie life of godlineffe.

fipgular love, by the facrifice ic movech him to offer in chtir be-halfr. Rue how juftly my fcarcis conceived, I will leave it to your confcience to j^dge, when I have made narration of the particulars following. What (good Lord) fhould (hew forth the life and power of your godlint ff: > Is it not the carefull getting of fiich meanes as may further it ia you and yours? is it not the reverent and religious ufing of thcmHs it not the cleaving to thofe more affr&ionatly rhan to others., who are before others in godlint (Te? If in your courfe theft waies be confidered, it will ap. peare that even in this regard there, h fuch defefts as you muU diligently labour to fupply. ThcmeaoeSj ncx? to the publike, ofpromctl g g< dlincffe io you and your family, istheprefenceof one whoispru-denttotnowyour€ftite 3 ardfaith« full to advertife accordingly. The flying exercifes of men th it come andgoe 3 doc notfet forward.this

plqugfa*

Rtmijfemjft infolhmng the meanes

plough, like as the conflan: pre-fence, word, and example of one who knoweth you, andis knowiie of you. Now,when you are where publike meanes may be had, fuch as your felfe efteeme powerful!; is not your L.more remiflely aflfc&ed cowardthem, than becomroetha Jealous godly cninde, yea* than fometime you have beene, when you (bould frequent them diligently^ though fixe times more removed than now they arc > For though, when natural ftrength failetb, there may be an omiflion of feme outward meanes, without prr ju:Iice of inward devotion; ycc God hath given you fo able a habire of body, at your yeeres, that ycu can venture as farre, cither fbr exchanging civil! cour-tefies, or for rdrefhing yourfclfe with fuch contentments, as the ^clvill communion of friends doth affoord. For the private mea ie& 3 the conftant residence of one, who might bee as a private iWtoyou

and

i

ofSalvation, an illf$gne.

and your?; have you profecuted this, with that devotion you I ought > Then (hould not want of a Bed, have kept mee this Winter from being with you* then could you nor* after you had rafted my DcCfrine., and (cene (for my mcafure) firnplicity, and inofen-fiventfle inmy co^verfition, you could not (I fry) with ftch o-verture have reiiivited mee. To fpeake ipariigly-^ I have obf:r-ved in you an affc&ron, fuch as is in thofe who cheapen • who would have the thing, but for coft : contrary to the Merchant fpoken of in the GojpeJ, who would fell all, rather thai not carry away his commodity wVh him. Whe^eforv^yfrg your hand o-1your heart, bcthmke your felfe, where is that due affe&ion, to c h e beft rneanes of building you up in grace .• If this one ching were as much in yourdefire, as D vids ; you would not rett, till yuu & w your foule pufiefled of it:

- the

We mujt be hatnefi after the mants.

the wife Merchant doth not onely account of the pcarle & Trealure, but hee felleth all, to purchaie the field in which theTreafure is hidden j (b highly hec reckoncth of meeting with fuch an one, .who is as a Ve&ll, in which his Chrifl is contained and conveyed unto him. Thev^olentreceivetheKingdome. The Lord kecpe us from following that which belongeth to his bu-finefle, with a cold iodifferency. It may be youthinke • Why ? lam notdeftiture, I have the Labours of many Chriftian men, as they may be procured. To which I an-fwer : Ic is not io bringing forward Chrifl ians, as it is in railing other creatures. Change of Pa-(hires will make fat Calve?; but changing of Preachers, neither knowing you, nor kno* ne of you, will never bring your foules to be ►welHiking, and take incteafe be-fotc Gcd, as they ought: it will not helpetheB^besgrowth, to get it a weekly change of Nurfes. Be-

fides^

Chdftge of Preachers unfruiifitD*

fides,when ftrangers corne 5 they fee the faireft piece, the out-fide only • and if (in forae one) they heare (bmething not good, yet being foone poflcfled with that great and good report of you and your Fa- j mily,they rather count it a lingular exorbitancy, than any thing cufro-, mary in your fcrvants pra&icc. Hence it is, chat they come and goe, fbmetime giving commendations, feldome touching the local! griefes, the fores of your houfhold. Wee will not have one make us a fhooe, who knowctfr not firft the length ofour foot: and were wee to ufe the Phyfician daily, wee would not ftill comnaic our fdves to new ones, who never had obfer-ved our bodies. If wee are to ule counfcll, weekeepe to fuch who have the beft infight into our cafes. So in the Phyficians of our Soule, it is a great advantage to have them to minifter to us, who by their conftant obfervation are b-.ft acquainted with our neccflicies.. Where-

Taki heedbowvnheare.

Wherefore execute your purpofe, fo long ficce fettled; mercy begin- | neth ac home : Will you be better to many other Churches, than to the Church in your owne houfe? But to leave this Head, of getting rhe beft meanes^nd a little to cor-Jiicr the manner of ufing fiich meanes as you en-oy: Gedlinefle ftandethnot in bare hearing, but in hearing like Cernclius> like the Bereans, in taking heede how wee heare, that wee may grow by it. That is true Divinity, that raaketh theChriftian: not v* hat wee doe, bat how wee doe ir,doth whneffe to our (bules, that wee are found CHri'lians. Mow, good L. I doe a little fofpeft, chat you turne over thrfe duties in fuch perfun&ory fore ere-while, as if to have done cheworkehowfoever^ were fuffi-cient. I am afraid you finde nor, after theft exercifes of hearing, that powerful! worke, in mortifying all fiafull Ms and aberrations inpra&ice, in ftrengthening faith,

in

Wt muftfrn&ife what we heart.

j in conforming fpiritualue, in making you heavenly minded; T feare youfinderrot this efficacie, which the Word hath where it isduely minglecf with beleefe« I have observed in your L. a readineffcto I hearealwaies, butnot a proporti-ipnablc care of chewing: he Gjd,of digeftingand incorporating icinto yourfoule^and pra&ifingchethings you have heard. This maketh the Word you have heard, vaine; and nothing fcene of it, in regard of alteration, or augmentation caufed by it, in him who is the hearer. And as they who know not what it is to pray conlcionably^will call moft readily and freely for prayer; (o many will call freely to heare, aot that they feele (pirituall hunger, but becaufc chey confidernot what goeth to hearing confeiona-bly, in regard of preparation before,- watching over our fclves in it, that wee may feele it fruitfull in us. Againe, 1 have feene you, in prayer, witheut caufe of any

extra-

Godsfcrvice, n$t to bedont Overtly'•

extraordinary weakocfle rifefrom kneeling to fitting; which kinde of liberty doth not well fuit with that Religious reverence, which bsteemeth Gods fervams, while they worfhip before him. Yea, f have heard, that it hath bcenc talked in houles where your L. hath k>dged,that my L. 7\[. would have her man reading a Chapter by her, and her felfe be fome-time talking, Ibmetime fmiiing, yea, now and then chiding* at the fame time. I cannot hide it from you, 5 beard it with griefe j and whether it be true or falfe, you have need to make ufe of it. Deare Madame,takeheed how you heare, looke to your ket,to the afFe&ions of your heart, when you come before God. Heewillbefanftifiedin (uch as dra w neere untohim, or he will do as he did to Aarons fannes, hee will glorfie hirafelfe in judgements on them. One may heare, call others to heare, give commendations to the things and man-

ner

LttftsBnder the benefit of the Word.

ner of (peaking, welcome the period fallen a gift on him; an \ yet in all this, be devoid of life and power of Religion, in hearing. €ndevour to expell thofe lufts, which clogge and prefle downe yourfoule; then therailkc of the Word will be plcafant, and profi-able. To take fuftcnance, while the ftomacke is (urcharged with (uperfluitie$,hHrteth the body: fo, till we labour to emptie our (elves of the lugs chat hang about us, the benefit of the Word cannot be perceived. And againe,when you have beard, labonr that you may profit by i t, that you may feele all finfull Ms weakenedjgraccftrengchencd, faith & knowledge encreafed,your praftice bettered. Should any eatc lever (b much,, unlefle he digeft it, :urne it to bloud 3 difttibute it into :he veines, &c* what is the body :he better for that which ic received? For the third evidence of a godly heart, to wit, the cleaving more affe&ionately to thofe who

are

arc more godly, than others; I would there were no defe<Sfc in this regard. I hare obferved, that you can equally impart your favours. If any have points of fcrvice, and can apply themfelves to your hu-mour 3 though they have fmall acquaintance with God, they (hall be countenanced. This raaketh your family Linfic-woolfie, confirmeth the haunts of fome in their care-lcflc courfe; this makech chofe that are good, more rcmiffc than they would be: fhould they finde from you greater encouragement. Davids delight was in the Saints; hee did purge his family of fuch as were unprofitable, and graceUfle : fuch as laboured to pleafe God in all thing«,not fach as could get the lengch of his toote 5 were precious in his eyes. Can a loyall Wife take pleafure in fuch nacn who are obfervantand officious about her, and be devoid of all refpefl: toward her Husband ? Are yeu betrothed to your God, in Chrift.'

and

1 Taflc of Gods gotdnejfey weanes^e. ————— ■«■■■■^•'— «

and can you abide their ftrvice a-bouc you,whoarecarelefleinduty towardyour LorJ,with whom you arecontra&cd? This /heweth,that godlinefle is much decayed, yea, that God is put downe> and our fclvesfctupas God, in ourowne Scares; when we can like of men, not as we fee them fincerely ierve him.but as their behaviour is more or Ieffe pleafiog and conrcntfull ro our felves. But to leave this firft point, (in which, defire of your good hath made mee more proline than I intended) and to come to the pr*&ice of £ brietie, which the grace of God teacheth us who have truely tafted it : even as a man who hath touke ia the rafte ofthebefl creatures,, canno: forth* with feed on that which is raeanc, courfe 3 and no way to be compared to it; fo a Chriftian, who bath rafted the goodncs of his God,which is better than life, cannot affcft, as ibmetime before he did, thefefai-Sall delights, which caraall men,

who-

s?

who know no better (like as Swine do (will) follow with grec-dinefle. Now I fearc roe here alfo, left chofe fpirituall fweetnefies being foroewhat eclipfed, intempe-r ate cherifliing the body> and cares of the world(partly through fruits you have traverfed,partly through kind ftpports of many) doe fteale upon you 5 and win ground more thaa they have done heretofore. I know God doth keep your L.firom exccfli ve curiofity,firom open glut-tony,from diunkenneffe, but as in-juftice is not onely in unlawfull ftealih,but in covetous following a lawful! calling:So intemperancy is not onely in theft outrages expref. fed, which are openly unlawful^ but alfo in the lefle holy temperate and reverent ufe of our Iawfull liberties and repafls, in eating and drinking wee muft labour to fecle our thankfulnefle renewed, as the effeftsof our heavenly fathers providence are renewed: we rauft labor to be heavenly minded/eeling

the

the gracious prefence of God with our fpirits at oar fweeteft feafts: it is a fpor, when we feare not in our feafts, as who are conscious of the fure that is in every creature, and ourowne weaknefle. Finally, we eate intempf rately,when we keepe not power over our own appetite; when wc put not our knives to our throats, upon feeling any inordtoa rie moving in us towards this or that: like as David did, who &-crificed the Waters which hee had Co importunately defired. Happy are they who finne not in kwfull thing?, in eating, drinking, building, &c. A Ship may milcarry, not onely by hard rockes, but by (bfc ftnds; which though they are not (b violent* yet they are no leffe dangerous. To feede often liberally, not refraining any thing to which ones appetite Ieadcth* to be gratifying the ftoraacke, now with one thing, now with another, alas, what doth it? It diftempe-reth the flefh with luft, it doth E make

po We muji vnant oftrfelves from^&c.

make the very (bule flefoly affe-fted, itindifpofctbusio thofcex-ercifcs which arc performed by the mind,ic cnakcth us Be to be kindled with wrath, or any fach like pat fion. Finally, it taketh up the mind with thought,what it {hall next be fcrved with in this kind, Where-fbrc,dcare Madame, if any fpirit of humane frailty hath cloven to you this way, remember you are a traveller, neerer your journies end, than when you fiift belecvcd. Gird up your loynes, tuck up this craine of lufting, which will make you unfit to take one ftep this way, without hinderance. The houres grow on, wherein thefe things will yceld no delight • wee muft weane our felves in time,that our laft weaning may not feeme too bitter and grievous to us. If wee difhonour God, by uaweaced uft ofthefe things, the Lord will pay us home in our owne coyne 3 and fcourge us by that fclfe-fame intemperate pra&icc, by which he

was

Intemperance hurts Joule and bod;.

91

was diftionourcd in us. How many hugge therafclvcs co death, and by powring on too much Olle, quite put forth the Light of Life ? I am no Pfiyfician for your body, yet I doubt not, but the ftrtving I wkh your felfe, to ufc your law-1 full Liberties and Repafts more holily,temperatly, and reverently, (let him that is holy, be more holy) will be very bencficiall to your body. For feeding the fto-tracke full, fo as fuperfluities are engmdred, this brcedeth the matter of the Stone, and augmenteth it where it is breed, warming the ftomack now with one thing, now with another, this doth beget and encreafe the heace, which taketh the matter fore-named into this forme, in which it is voyded. Concerning that laft raatter,which all muft praftite, who know the Grace of God io truth, viz. Iu* ftict; even in this I have fome feares, which I cannot conceale t and to fparc what I have heard E 2

re-

reported, as the talke of iome,that your L. fctteth up Leftures, your debts undifcharged (for it is my meaning todealc only in fiich matters which my felfe in Tome fort have obferved.) To (pare this therefore, my feare is, that you (hew not that equity towards all under you that you ought. It plea-fcd God to beftow the childc of a moft reverend roan, N. N. with you,whom you have not intreated well, but provoked and grieved rather withexccflive feveritieand contempt, than encouraged, by (hewing any motherly affeQioo and hoDCur,(iJch as a Chriftian Lady cannot but know her ftlfe to owe to the Ieaft of her handmaids. The note I tooke of this in my mind, made me firft ufe that phrale in Prayer, That God would guide us f who governe,to carry ourlejves with fuch moderation as befeemeth them who know, that even hem-ft Ives have a Mailer in Heaven. A-las,whom doth your anger purftie?

A

The barmeUJfe mofl barmtd.

93

A fatherkflg childe • who out of confcicncc doth humble her felfe under you. Mmy weake perfjns arc fickeofan evill ficknefp; they will make bold-ft to off j r all hard meafare ro fuch whom ihcy know mod innocent and harmslefl'e; not caring what chey d je to fuch, be-ciufcthcyrhinketheydoeitfdfcly, and (hall heare noshing but good after ir. Whereas the fame persons will be often very equall to thofc who are of worfe disposition, and take foch freedome in (linings that they will no: fpare for any meanes, which themfeIves or their friends can ufc, to ery quit with fuch as (hall provoke them* The Lord keepeus from this wic-kednefTe. Watch over your ft If-a-gainft ihis paffion. It unftttech you for prayer: It is nocfo light a thing in a&iog, as heavie when the Co i-fcience calleth ro reckoning; to wound the foule with words, and by immoderate difpleafare to make the life of the Orphant heavie ; to E ; npkr

Governors to be milde and gentle.

make the heart of a Widdow ftd • (for (he is a Marble, not a Mother who grievcth not in the Childcs grievance) to fhewdifhonour,not onely to the living, but to the dead aHbjfo ncere and deare to t he Lord: I tell yoiij thefearcgreat things, if you looke not on them through thefalfeglaffeofdiftemperace par-Sou, As God hath bid them honour you, fo hee hath tyed you to honour them 5 and be rather a Mo-ther, than Lady and Miftrefle to them. For thiscaufe,the Lord doth comprifc Govemours under the name of Fathers and Mothers, to put them in mindeof doing duty to inferiours, as well as receiving fervice from them. God hath commanded us, that our brother be not vile in our eyes, that wee provoke them not, that we (hew all equity, not ruling over them with a ftrift hand, as Egyft did over Ifratl; that wee follow lotjn letting them ex-poftulate reverently with us,when they find grievance; andnot to be

like

aotfioward to infcrionrs.

95

like Ndfol, who was fb vile, none might fpeake a word in his care, which did uoc humour him. Ac our command, ourfervantsthinkenot much to doe ferv'ces even about our Horfcs hecles: (hall we thinke much, at Gods command, to performs thofe moft eqnall offices coward thofe whom God hath put under us, who arc fons and daughters of God with u$y Hdrcs of the felfe-fime hope, co which we arc called? Should oar Mifterin Heaven lowre onus> and contend with us on every occafion; could wee ftand before it > Let us not be fofcvereandircfull, whoftaadfc much in neede of mercy and indulgence. Wherefore, toclofcmyad-vertifemenr, doe nat on:ly leave thofe thing?, but j-idge your fetfc, for whacfoever frailry hath efcaped you this way,and returne againe to the Oath and Covenant, renewing your Vow before the Lord. Doe not reafca in your heart, Why doe I not chu3j.and chus> Doch not E 4 God

$6 A little fins marts manygood allion /,

God allow us lawfull liberties? Why ? mee thinkes our Minifter might give mee leave with my Maidcs? Should I a little wropg them, cannot I make all whole with fome benefit unexpected? Where hath he learned to belee ve reports»not having heard any thir g from my mouth? Thefc are but fuggeftions of Satan,to make you fall out with medicinable counfcll, by which your fbule ftould be healed.You do many good things: But God will not, for any good offices, fee any evill in which wee waJkf ,fo as not to diflike it.Lookc his Epiftles to the Churches. A-gaine^hy (hould a few dead Flics marre a Boxe of precious Ointments ? God doth allow us law-full liberties, provided that wee ufethem lawfully, praflifing hotline flc^ religious feare, and tempe-rancy in the midft of them. I may not hate you fb,as to let your fbule finne towards a fervant; and wee are to teach your L. as weH bow

to

to governe, as your fervants how to obey in the Lord. And yoa may doe thar, yoa camot hcale; you may impaire naturall indowments of roindej by fuch courfcs, more than you can recompence by any Largeffe of your liberalicie : for intending future good, will not make that well done, which for theprefentisevill. For my felfe, I write nothings but by way of Chriftian feare, I have arguments too many, to make me believe in parr, what-ever things I propound unco you. Turne from thefc thoughts, as you would from the Dhell himfdfe 5 they are ondy prompted, that they may keepe ycur heart from repentance. Dday nor, while God fendeth you a msf-fenger^ and knockcth $ for if you will not hearc this gentle yoyce, you know norm i* hat kind he will j fpeake, the next. Befide, f!ce that ' delayeth to fee a bone out of joynt, doth .but double hisfmarr, when it is to be bundled, and reftorcd. E5 Not

<?8 Conscience Ukj 4 lookittg-glajje.

Not to mention that he that retur neth not into the way, in fucha party that which is halting, is fub-jeft to goe quite forth of it. Ic may be you do not feck your confciencc greatly checking you in thefc things I am the forrier if you ftiouidnonbut Mtddmcjcmmbtr whether it hath not checked you; and whether by not hearing Gods Spirit, you have not fo grieved him, that he kecpeth filencc. Boc howfoevcr, the Confciencc is like a looking-glafle,which wfcileit li-eth all covered with duft.&cweth not (mall mattcrs^but when it i wi. ped, then ic maketh the lead thing apparent. So the Conference being clouded with paflion of luft, cu-Rome^examples,&c. difcovsreth not many things, when it is awaked, 8c tholi Uiiftsdifpeltcd,it pre-fenteth as grievous fins, the things which wee before made lightac-courxof.lt it one thing not to have aa acnafirg Confcience, smother zhiDg to have a clears Contdtncc. I 'I A1

fbrijl our Sdn3ifitr y 4S wtU as^&c. j ,99

A man may have the S one, who feelcxh no Fie of ic: A man may have,in fome regard, an cvill Con-fciencc, who feeleth, for the time, no Fit of accufationinit. Wherefore, deare Lady, be wife: God hath taken the yoake from your necke, truftcd you with liberty,gi-venyoua Summer, to provide a-gainft Winter^ O make up foundly your peace with God. Confider your infirmities,in time of temptation efcaped:C6fider thefe^fithence your deliverance; judge them in youriclfc: flie to Chrift,not only as made of God, your Juftificr from the guile of fin, but your Saoftificr from the bloc of ir. Pray him cat-neftly, to faveyou fromxhe daily power of thefeevills, which ftill you find to have dwelling io you. You have need,like the Anr,to ga-rher in the Summer, when God. trufled you with health & liberty 5 the rather, I ecaufe God holdeth a flit ging Rod over you, iheLafh thereof, fliould it light on a Con-

fcience

loo Remembrance of fin in viptation.

feience naked, ftripped of his favour, would fecmc unfupportable. Thinkc with your fdfe, what joy you can take, when God (hall vific you, ifyourConfcicnce (hall tell you, that you have had good pur-pofcSj but neglc&ed to execute them • that you have drawne necre toGod, bat without due care to (anftfishimia your fpiric, in his Ordinance?, and profit by them: That you have not advanced his gory in your family as you ough<; that you have home too gentle a hand over the lufls of ycur heart, favouring yourfelfe too much in them: ihatyouhaveinargertoo much f xcecded,and made them f-el it mof^whom you (hold moft have tendred. Thinke,I fay^wnat comfort you can haveinfuch thiags'rt-membrcd. But if you will awaken yourfelfe, j trfgcyourfoule, hold Chrifltogiveyou ftren^thag3inR thofe and all oth'er.corrupticnsj then fltalllightarifeiadarkeocfle^ youfhall tkcit true,thcugh for the

pro

prefent you feele a warfare, that light is fowoe for the righteous; though evills come, God will be your ftudow at your right hand,to refrefh you in them, peace fhall dwell with you in life and death, which I wifh your Ladifhipin/f/w Cbrifi. If I fecme to your L. to ufe greater freedome in dealing with y ou,the perfwafion I have of your fiixerity and (bundneff? imbolden-eth me thereto^ found flcfl] feeleth no grkfewhen we handle it fome-whac hardly: but i: is a figne an ulcer is bred ia that flefh, which may not indure any fort to be touched. Neverthekde, I thank God,f have ufedtomy knowledge, no liberty and plainnefle, to which fidelity iVhnotinforceme.

Thus cravng your I. to take thefe tbi -.gsdowuedeeply^hough chey (h >uld make Gck for the time, feei n g that they airrv? at nothing but yuur fpiricuall heal h, & pray* tog the Lord for you, who bleffeth all PtyGcke, b>th corporal] and fpirjruall,

L

Concerning d Wives ficknejfe.

fpirituall, and health by it, I take my leave.

9

LOving Brother, we do remember you and my.Sifier, and arc ■ rroly affe&cd toward you, though my diftra&ions, imploymenr, and I know not what indilpofition (which I dare not every way a-vow) dee caufe me to write more rarely.Now lean deferrc no longer from Hgnifying ot r remembrance, and advenifogyou how things go with us, left you (hould challenge mehereafter 3 a$not4nformed. My moftChriflian Wife (your Sifter) hath, face Eafter laft, beene very ill, and it hath not pleafed God to bkffz any meanes which ftee hath attempted here, or clfe-where. Since our lift parting with you, fh; continued till, within this fort-night,.cra/ie, but norfeeling any vi dIciu woi king of our infirmities: but now of Ute^and efpecially tins weeke, her flrength is morethaa ordinarily enfeebled, thaclfearc

(refer-

I ■ »

Mourning acctpabk to a CbrtfttAn. J 10 3

(rcicrving ro God whatfbere courses make with his glory J you flwll not long in joy fuch a Sifter, nor I (ucb a Wifc,of whom I am unworthy. Which I faggeft for two tea-ton s : Theory that you might remember her cftate more fervently than othcrwife; againe, that you might feafbnably reibrt to her, if ic will any whit increafe your contentment, as it (hall be gladfome to us whenioever, to ibpy your pretence The Lord teach us to number cur daie?, that wee may apply our hearts unto wife dome, and the Lord give us underftanding, which may make our hearts be as well plea fed m the houfe of mourning, asthsfhdlesareintheboufe of carnall rejoycing. Brother, our terme lafteth not alwaies^the Lord make us wife to know the acceptable rime, and while it i3 called to day, not robe hardened through the decekfuJnefle of finne, but to tame to Mm, and -for a fare-jscil, Vghen you &e how your ell-.

ents

ents wait at your Chamber dores, fee king to gaine earthly inheritances, how much more (hould wee wake at the dore of Wifcdomeg houfe, which will give us an ever-lafting inheritance? Readethe 8.of the Proverbs 9 theend of the Chapter, where the Lord fcemeth ro make this alluGon: I will tell you, if we that are the Lords, come to be fifced, we {hallbe more diligent this way. Counfell is not cared for (as you know well) till fome flaw be found in evidences: when once there groweth queftion, then the learned Counfellourgro wetbinre-queft : fo becaufe our confidence raaketh no qaettion of that great eftate in the heavens, therefore we waire not on Gods mouth daily, both in ufing meanes publike and private with diligence. Thus your Sifter and l, doe remember our (elves unto you, and roy Sifter, (co whom you may commend us) and take our leaves abruptly*

j o. CV««

Comfirt tn fickptjft.

10. Confolatory.

LOving Coufio* I would be gbd co hcare bow God doth carry en your weake frame^ but cbis is a thh)g,which though I may vvifh eafily, yet I cannot fbeafily itftft if. If weakneflc grow on you/it rcuft comfort you^that your prifon is not ftrong enough u hold your foule long imprifoned. How welcome is the evening to the weary labourer > So to us fhould be the (hade of death, in which we reft from all our travell. If you fiide paine, ftekefor that faith which may quench the fire^ if it be good for you that it ftould be fuddenly quenched, if otherwifc, lookcto him who hath promifed in fire and water to be with u^oever to leave us, nor forfakeus. Thinkeonhis goodnefle, who will have finfull men eafe their enemies beafts, an-der the burden which oppreffeth them. Looke finally tothoie glorious jojes^to which theft momentary affli&ions flull bring you. Even

as I

Death thoughpainfullj)tt &c.

as the waters falldowne^ notable to abide in grounds that He high, fo the fenfe of thefe affiiQions gocthaway from mindes, that are lifted Dp in frch contemplation, A-bove all things rrpyce, that yet^ you {hall (hordy attaine your love, your Lord, to whom your ibule by faith hath beenc longcontra-ftcd. SheeisaforrieSpoule, who cannot make a (hifc with an uneafie horfe, while fliee rideth to fee the confunaraation of her low, with her betrothed Husband. Doth together with wcaknefle and paine, poverty in things fpirituall, doth any defertion moleft you \ Know that this is but the wifedome of our God; who 3 asphyfic?ansdoe mingle many things in the fame potion, fo doth intermeddle many matters in the fame temptation, that it may be more effe&uall to his glory and our good. Thiake with your felfe, a wife Phyficiaq will not put in his piefcript a Dram coo much; God will not 1 exceed

exceed that quantity any whit! which is fie for his patients. Hold ! you to the rocke, and ftand ftill, the things are clouds which will ride over you, and goe away : i chough it benight we (hall have dayagaine. Who isic thatfearcth the Lord > If hee be in darktu fle \ without light, let him leane on the Lord his God. For conclufi- j on; Doth outward ncceffity, with her threading, any thing difturbc you ? Looke to him who taught S c Paul to want, who made him fay, be would doe all things,while hisLordftrengthenedhim. Looke to him who circumcifeth hearts with circumcifion not made wich hands, who can make us Co deny our fclves, that wee (hallfinde no painc to follow him: Be fbrry for nothing, but that having fack a Father^you (hould be careful!. We fan&ifie our Heavenly Father, when no unbeleeviog feare com-meth reere us. You know the truth of my love to you, and I

know

y

know how eafily I can (through Gods blefTing) procure that which would refrcQi you feafjnably. WrurJoreif yoa fhould notim-parc it to mcc timely, before the oylc and rrealc be q-ire fpent, you (hall neglcft a good meane, which Go^s providence doth (hew you 5 you (hall be wanting to your owne comfort, you ihill requite mec with no fmall unkindnt/Tr. Thus with my loving Sifters commendations, I commit you to God.

Yours as h'rs owne, Paul Bajne.

II. Hxpfinhtory.

GOod S r . C. Were my ability and freedomc from occafions at this time, fuch as might be wi-(hed, I would fee youinpsrfon, andhotvificyou by writing: but love muft be content to crcepe. when fhee cannot goe at liberty as (bcdefireth.S r .C. could I bethiake

me

me of my cordial], or other ching which were like to eafe your ficke paffion, fhould I not be a Traitor for ever in friendfhip,if at this time Ithouldholdmypeace? So is it, I could not beare(even in my conference) too much blame, if thinking of ferae things which may ferve to the good both of your body and fcule, I (hould containe my felfe and not impart them. Wherefore good S r . C. give mee leave a little to commune with you now being under the haod of God : For even skilfull Phyficians, when them-felvesarevificed, will ufethe advice of their inferiours. You know better than my felfe, chat ordinarily in all affii&ions God doth offer himfelfe as a Father to us; cha-ftening us, that heemay make u« partakers of holineflV, yea; even by death it fclfe hee doth chaften his, that they may not be judged with the unrepentant Vtorld, Thus I doubt not.but he doth with you. If then wee are Under Gods chafteniog

109

110 IW* muji mourne for fin in afjlillhm. - i I' i ■ i ■■ i »■■%■■■■

chafteoing hand, wee mult firft labour ro rake to heart oar faults^ for which our heavenly Father doth take us in hand. Secondly, v*ec muft feeke his mercy in forgiving them, and removing the temporary corre&ion, fo farrc as may (land with his glory. Thirdly, wee muft be arefull co feeke the ufe of them in all things following, if God (hall thinke good, co raife us, and truft us with longer time in this prefent life. You know that it is the part of ana-turall ingenious childe to grieve for that, whereby he hath provoked his earthly parents difplea-(ure, and (hall it not be our duties much more toward our heavenly > Till we know and feel our ficknefle fomqwhac grievous, we cannot af-' fedionatcly feeke that Phyfician. Wee count him our friend, who warfceth us of fomeihing growing on our bodies,which we couldjiot difcerneof our lelvesTake it,I be* j feech you, as my beftlove, if I

prefai

)

T{fiturallmtnfpirh*All Aiulttxtrs.

prefer to your confiderations fomc things which I take to hare beene the chiefe infirmities of your fbule. All our hearts are by nature fall of (pirituall adultery, wee love the pleafuresand pomp of this world* and let them carry away from God, our raoft lively and teodercft affections. Now if a roan of true honour would challenge himfclfe, (hould he be but falle in love to his earthly aflbciate? How much more {hould it grieve us, who have let our hearts play falfe with our heavenly Husband ? Againe, (hould one fccepe their heart to thsir Love in fonie fbrr, but not care to come into theuadefiled bed, in which their moft neere benevolence is mutually imparted; vvete it not a flrange difl oyalcy in perform married one to the other ? What then (hall wee thinke, who by profefllon married to God, have not cared for partaking in the miniftery of the Word, which is the Bridall-bed, wherein by his

fpirit,

Ntt to communicate in the fins, &c.

fpiric, he doth communicate with our foules his fweetcft favours,and maketh them be conceived with fruit of righteoufnefle, to everla-fting life. Abanah and Fhstfat were as good waters as Iordsn: bat it pleafcd not God in them to heale Naamans leprofie, but in Jordan. It plcafed God by the foo-hfhnefie of preaching, to fave all who (hall beleeve* Laftly, if you have made the finnes of others yours by communicating in them, and nor reproving and reforming them when you had power,(as the finnes of fervants in houfe wich you,) you muft rake knowledge of this, and let it grieve you: when you have friends comming to you, you will have your fervants not oncly ferve you, but be refpeftive to them, carefull that they by no rudenefle doe give them diftafte. How then flbould ic grieve us to thinke, that we have not cared, (b we haive been ferved to our minds, how bur God hath been negltftcd,

. y«,

■ Gods children m9regtuvedfor^&c %

\ 1 « " . ^

; yea, provoked ? No w confidering jthefe things, andthofeof likena-rnre,which you are privieto within your fclfe, fteke to God in the death of your Chrift,for the removal! of them, of the fin chiefety; of the correftion, fo ferre as hee (hall tee good. Ungodly men are like \ Pharaoh, who bade Mofes pray to ! God to take the plague away: but ! Gods children like Davidjhtj fly to the multitude of Gods tendered mercies, to take away their finne. You may come~ with boldnefle to chat mercifull God in Chrift, who faith,that though a man would not rake a wife once put away for adu!-tcry 3 yet he will receive his people, even afrer their adulteries; if they ftek co him repentantly. It is a folly to ftrive to get loofe from fick-nefle, if we firft fceke not to have releafe from fiune. To breake the Gaole without being acquitted by the Judge,ts no true liberty. To fee theScrgeant,withoutcompounding with the Creditor, cannot F make

j 14 J Viper-tike evils made t»hokfome,&c.

make found peace, Laftly,I doein-treat you tofeeketheufeof Gods vifitation before all things. However hee (hall deale with you, hee who hath commanded finfull man to joyneinftru&ion with correction, hce who hath taught mau that he will not beat a Dog, but he will put it into his fenfes as well as hee can,what it is for which he ftrikech him.he,Ifay, will not faile to teach you, why his hand is on you, and make you profic by it. This is the feale that God hath ordained us, and called us according to his pur-pofe of bringing us to life, when all thingSjCven thoft evills ofcrof-fes, turne to our ipirituall good. His Fatherly skill doth not make jhefe Viper-like evills into whole-fbme triacles, for any, but his cho-fcn children. If you finde thefe things, re Joyce: For God hath revived in your foule an eternall life,yea, he will reftore you to this tcroporall life/ifit be good. The it fuesof death are with our God,and

what

what is it for him to hcalc you being ficke, who did give tobelec-vingperfbns, their dead to life a-giine 3 when ic made for his glory > If nor,you know, a ficke body will notfearctodrinke that hisPnyfi-ciaado-hcafte before him: Chrift hath carted death before us; to deliver us from the feare ofic: yea, you know that your life is hid with God in Chrift (who is the roote of us that beleeve on him) even as the life of a Tree, this Winter time, is hid in the roote of ic. The Lord comfort you in thefc things, and thus let mee for this time end,

12. Momtory*

DEarc S r , I thankc God, I doe remember you, as I am able, unco him, intreatinghimtoftand by you in all things,and fini(h your courle with comfort. Remember the fore-paffed experiences which you have had of his kindnefle and conftancy toward you: he willnot leave & forfake you now you have F t moft

moftueedofhim. Men often, like to thefe Swallowed will be withu* in Summer, but leave us in Winter. The Divell, when he hath drawne his into the briars^, will give them leave to Iooke for themfelves: But God hath ever ftood neerefl: to his, when their exigencies havebeene greateft. Mans extremity is his opportunity. That which God hatfi done once for you, in fuftaining, quickning you,, quieting your fpi-rit, his peace,which pafleth all un-dciftandingjkeeping of it, that hee will doe every day unto you,if y ou will inforceyourfelfe toward him. It is no more paine to him to beipe nSj thanic is unto the Sun to lend lijjht to us. If we have in fome fits, found ak by this or that, wee know if wee come into like cafe, how to helps cur felves: iciswee fay, butdoing fuch a thing, or taking fecha matter : thus having once found in deadnefie,fainting of fpfcif, quic&nanceandftrengthby recourfe to our God in Chrift, and wreftling

The eye $f Fanbfees God invifible.

wreftling with him, wee fhould know what to doe when fuch like ftatereturncthon U3. Well Sir, a-while,& forever.TheLordftreng-then us, r hat though we be led into darkncflTe without light, yet wee mayleaneto him, and call on his name. Ifa child have his father by the handjthotjgh'he b^ in the dark, yet he is not afraid: fo is it wi th u?, while by the eye of Faith wee fee that iavifible one at our right hand to fupport and (ave us. I pray you commend me to my good friends a* bout you.Thoughl am called more on for writing, than my ftrength can well afFord.yet I cannot forget you overlong.NowIcomend you to the grace of that faulTful! Shepherd, who will beare us when we are weary, ftrengchen us when weake, ke?p us again ft the Wolfe, yea, notlofeu*, but according to the will of his Father, ra;feuiup atthelaftday 5 towhombe glory forever: farewell. Yours in Ghriftianaffe&ionjP.B. F 3 13.O/4-

A Chrijli** carefaH of bit promife.

M

13. Chat orj. Y beloved Friend, now the throng is gone; (b that neither we can excufc any longer cur not inviting,r.or y on your not com-ming when you are called on. You know what words did paflc be-twixt us, farre be it that they (hould prove wind. I doc accom-plifli mine in rcquefting you to vi-fit us, you fliall difcharge your promife, when we in joy you pre-fcnt. We know that you have not wanted altogether iiitreaties to this purpofe: weeome after preferring the fame fuit more rehementIy 3 not quite out of hope to /peed: the la-rtfft Dog fometime taketh up the Hare, My wife will (ifyou be fo pleafed) meet you at Ware, when you fee forward, that you may know with what devotion (he cn-tertainesyourcommipg. AH cur waics are in the hand of God, hee teachcth us to commit them to him, that they may be direfted.

We

We may go here and tbere^change aire and company, but the God of all confolation is hee from whole meere mercy in his Chrift wee re^ ceivc all our comfort : chearefu!-neffe of heart is his gift to thole that are good in his eyes.The Lord put his f eare in our hearts^ thaewe may never depart from him leaving the way of his com wdemen ts; and give bs more and more his feare before us 3 in all out waies. For if it be a (pot in feafts, to eate and drink without feare,as lade faith; fare it is likewifea fpot^in our journeyes. The firft lines, are to pro yoke you to come; thefe are to guide you in comming, that your way may be profperous; which I wilh-you from my heart, with all c^her fpi-rituall ble{Tings,for Ghrifts lake,ac-curled for us..

Wrice to us 5 whcn and how you will contrive your journey. Fare you wclk-

Yours in the Lord, ParJ Baynr.

f 4 14. m-

.120 Concerning the education of&c*

14. Dijfwaforj.

LOvingiV. Awordintime^ is better than many out of feafon, when it is too late : I have talked with my wife, and I finde it true : Tim videntocptliqHamoculut: two are better than one. My wife is in love very care full of yourweale, and for the party to which one might mod probably incline, her thoughts are not without reafon a-verle. Firft, the education of Gentlewomen of that forr, doth teach them little to know, butgallancy in apparell 3 to call for fcrvice about themfelves. If they may come where they may have conforts to play a game at Maw while they arc vacant from their attendance. Againe,for feeds of Rdigi-on,you cannot groundlyconjcfturc them in her, which is the principal! thing you would fecure your (elfe of: for good natures without Religion* are as we fay of the Di-vell, good oncly while they arc pleated, and when you found it

enough

\ Godlyjealoufic of ourfilves profitable,

121

enough to kcepe any duty to God, with the help of a Religious yokefellow, how cai you conceive hopes thisway, ifycuwantfuch a helper? Thirdly, her portion is but a little for your eft ate and calling: God gave you muter of e. ftate equalling to hers, when you were many wa>es by many degrees unequallcoyour'felfe. Againe^tis by (implements of good will to be made up 3 which may occafion ft-cretcourfes ofrccompence.Think of thefe things: for thoughl pitcy your condition, yet I wiOi from my hearr 3 there may be no more haft e than fpeede: (oft fire maketh fweeteft maulc. Labour to have your felfe in feare aid jealoufi^and marke the fecret folly of hear r,w ch raaketh uspoaft over our mourning part before God, and linger after the houfe of laughter. If ficke bo* dies fbould ftp onely, and let awjy the bitter potion, calling for reparatives, the difeais fbould further and further be cherifoed: fa F K our

« 2 2 I Love & hatred are not in our power. \

our ficke foules, if they leave their wormewood-draught too timely which wee fhould take next our heart, wee (hall mifle a great fur-cherance of puribules health. I a-gaine ofren thinke,it is not beauty, but Gods bleffing 3 which muft give you concentment,ancMove and hatred are. not in our power • if wee had our raoneths miad (erveJ, we arc fubjeft to grow into diflikc with that wee {o highly defired, as t he ftory oiAmnon & Thamar doth wicnefie. Againe,ifyoufindeyour mindc any thing impocently running hither and thither (: s the fpi-rit of man knoweth the things of man ) bee affraid of having the thing you fodefire,Ieft it prove as.the,Qua!es which ftanckc in the mouthes of them that lulled after them* I pray you therefore, drive with your owee foulc for more gpdJy,forrow and wea-nednefle of minde : Deliberate flcwly, and then you (hall be able to. acQomplifh: boldly, expe&ing

from

The Lord em helper in Temptations.

from God a blefling of thofc waies which you have comendedro him,

I have great bufineffe. Our Aft-tropolitans vifitation c5mcth (hort-ly,and I am warned to preach, be-fides many other occaiaons. Yet becaufe I love not after wifedome, I doe make way by force, to fend you in time a word by friendly admonition.

We doe with our bcft hearts bid you farewell*.

15, Confolatorjr*

Si R, Your Letter came in the chiefeft of our harveft, fince the time, the firft weeke, you know our Carrier goeth nor* I can no longer be wanting to my duty fo farre, as to leave your letter unanfwered. Thus I paffe to that claufe, touching your late tri* all. I do defire to have fome feeling of your eftate; and the Lord that kcepeth his, wheu they are almoft ! loft in rhemfclves, keep you in this j and all other temptations. We have

great neede of God, to leadc us 5 in time of criall: there are many by-waies, at which our corruption and weakenefle will be ready to ftartour* and but onelyone true way, which will bring us to fee a goodiflTue, in Gods ftafon. Sometimes wee are in danger, as hath beene taught us, to let light by Gods corre&ions, and play hide-bare with him; thinking well, if wee can ward offthefmareinany fafhion s fomerime we aie Impati-enr,outwardly and apparently kicking at the fturre^ like theff plunging Hoxf. a,which will no: indure their Rider : fbmetime inwardly andfccretly repining and frecting, like thofe Horfes, which digeft their cholcr^by biting their bridles, If wee neither dcfpife 3 nor impatiently rife againft the hand of God., yet our weakenefle is ready too nuchto take to heart that which is our exerdfe, (o that our fpirix drooperh and faiiteth; and this is worfc 3 becaufc it is commonly ac-1 . companied

butonegoo&tvayftoagoodijfue.

compared wii h 4 wilfull iadifpoii-tion, which will not let as receive fuch things, by which we might be trucly comforted: as in Iacob^ho would not be comforted, but followed his tonne to the Grave, moutt/ing. I doubt not, bu: God keepeth you both from the former; I hope, from tivs latter alfo. Wee muft take our com&ion,and humble our felves under the fmarc of it; but wee muft looke to Ghrift^ that hce would not let our faith, hope, and meekeneffe of minde, be Shaken. If God fhould have told you both; I will give you two children, you (hall bring them up fo long for mee, and I will cake rbero agaiie- would you oc: have accepted it gladly? The eventdoch tell you no kffe, than if he bad before-hand thus fpoken unto you. God is the duefe Father of all tht Families in Heaven ardEarch 5 we are but fofter-parents to our ownc children, When my Uft childe was , taken to God, my good friend, our Preacher,

116 j UMotives to betre equally the

Preacher, did fometime {hew roee many Motives,why I fhould bearc it equally.

rarft, That they, wken thus fbone,arecrowned through Chrift, without having experience of that fighr^whichroakethuscry, Omi-ferable^&c.and thinkeour lives often a burthen to us.

Secondly Jc is not Ioveto thern, when we arc perfwaded, that God is their God, which maketh us grieve at their taking hence: ic is felfe-love,or carnall a ffe&'ron: For Chrift told his Difciples, If yee loved mejee would be glad,becaufe I gre to the Father. And what meafure doe wee offer God, who can fend our childictx farre from us, where wee are never like to fee them againe, if they may doe well with man, and yet cannot well beare to have them taken out of figbt by the Lord, though wee are pcrfwaded their (pints are with him? Wee mud Labour for fuch goo3 hearts,^ may pot be content

death of my children.

I2 7

perforce to lcc him take, but may willingly yeeld, even our children (if it were by ftcrifidng them with our ownc hands) to him who hath not thought his only Begotten too deare for us, but hath given him to death for our fakes. If God fhould have riven the Tree afunder, I meane, fevered you one from another^ muft have been taken thankfully; but much more when hce jeaveththe Tree, and taketh but the fruit, yea, but part of char, leaving the one halfe yet wiih you.

Thirdly,ar d laftly, Ic is a token wee felt not his love, nor received them not from bis hand, as wee ought to have done^ if wee (hould notchankfully give then; backe to him, Anna receiving Samnd as a gift gotten by petition from God, did readily part with him to God againc; (b Abraham with his feed, which by Faith in the Promife hee had ob:ained. I know wc are ready tothinkthefe thing^are truc^ but a Parent4ikc affc&o^cannateafily

(hake.

We mufl lone Godbtttter than,&c.

fhakc hands with, and yccld op things fo dearcly beloved.lt is true indeed, that while we pleade love to our children, what unkindnefie do we bewray toward God; if my heart did not To love them, I could give them thee ? Calmly to thinke on this, which yet is contained in that Exception above named, were able to make one blufh, that his heart fhould be fo cold in his love to God-ward, as not willingly to pare with any thing it Iovech, at Gods cill: alas, to yeeld that wee greatly care not for, is nogodarmr-cy. ButIhope,Godslbvedorhnot make his hand grievous; nc'uher would Ihave thus late written thus much.butthat it is good to be provided againft all things to come. For as when fire catcheih, wee Fee how farre it is gone, but know not where it will (by; even fo ic is, when thefirebfaffli£Vion(in which Faith is proved) is once kindled. The fecond meficnge: told nor I A all his forrbj? at once; ic is wife-dome

yVcmiiflthankf God far the, &c.

dome fiill to provide for the worft, the befi: will Gve it felte.

1 6.

MY beloved Friend, and Chri-(tian Sifter, ifl my felfc had been a good Scribe,you (hould noc have been thus long unwritten ro : My afflftiontoyourdeceafed Mo-rher,who did requeft ic at my hand, and the love I bareyourfeife,would long fince have inforced it; but my hand cannot doe, what my heart would. Nevertheleflk, feeling my felfe not like to live to fee your face,I have got the help of anothers hand,to report what my heart doth fpeake unto you, out of that Chri-ftian love which bindcth us tocon-fider one another,and provoke one another co love.I may thanke God for thole good things, which I know his grace hath done in you. For the conlcionable reverence of your deceafed Parent, was of him, who writeth in the heart that com-mandement of honouring the Pa-i rent,

130 DinUions tojtirre up our duties\&c .

\

rent, as well as others. A grace which God^who worker h ic, hath promifed to crowne with much profperhy. Ocher things A(o pervade rnc of your piety; but God I will teach you to know the things beftowed on you : neither are wee much to harpe on this ftri g, un-k(T: we were in conference aflured, that it were needfull to ftrengthen each other with figncs of a good eflate; as the Phyficia s doe on hearth flk Patients, with repeating good tokens of recovery. Yet we that are taught of him, to fee ought that his grace doth in us, mud bleffe him;md Ganders by, who by a fpirit of decerning obferve the fame,muft joyne with us in thankf-givirg. I will leave therefore this matter, and take occafion to ftirre you up to duty to your heavenly Father^whora I know to have been dutifull of confeience to earthly. Firft, you muft labour to know your God; and in Chrift^your mer-cifull Fatfrcr: for we by nature are • like

Wc mttft know Godj om Father.

i ■ m m . m i ■ »

like runnagatechildren, who have never kepc necre tluir Parents i houfe 5 or like the Prodigall 5 which ! left his fathers houfe^ and becooke ! him to Harlots: Co out hearts have j left our God,and knownothingby I nacure, but the things of this world,v^kh which we comT,ir fpi-ricuall Harlotry. Now there is none by nature, that feeke sf:er God. But wee that doe in Chrift, find him in part/ muft more and j more grow up, in the acknowledging ofhim. What a grace lefle part I would we condcmne it io for our telves, ifwefhould not know our Parents here(as by pride and hecd-Itflcrudeneffe, fbmechildren will not) much more fhould wee be a-(hamed, not to take notice of our heavenly Father?Nay, we muft the more cry after him, the more blef. (edneffe we know there is,tn in joying of him : as the children that taflethe (weetnefle of the loving Parent, cry when they fceme to be left. Butifycuaskehowyoumay know > |

know? lanfwer: Firft,youmuft gee your eyes wiped, the eyes of your minde: Secondly, you muft know where to feeke him. Our eyes are{bre,and full of fcales: and thercfore,if men be carcfull to have the eyes oftheir body dreffed^yea, indure fharpe waters, rainer than their fight fhould faile; fo much more muft wee feeke to God, for the Eye-falve of hisSpirir,the one-ly Clary chat eleareth fickc fights: Yea, welcome Gods Affii&ions, which are his ftrong Waters, to reftore our Seeing.

Now could you fee, and knew not where to finde him, yon were never rhe better. Therefore you muftknow thl«, that if you will feeke him,y ou muft looke at Chrift his Sonne, in whom the Father is, for they are one. When a childe is li ke the Parent, wee (ay, If you fee (uch a one, you fee his Father, for he is the fame up and downe as his Father was. Bat Chrift is liker the Father^ than any childe the na-i turall

Wt mujl love God, and why.

rurall Parent. For the fclfe-fame ifMMecing fpiriruall God, who in Sellowfhip of his Perfon, hath a Souleand Body glorified, the fame Spirituall Nature xs the Nature of :he Father : as if the fame Soule jwd Body which is in you, were Srommunlcated with the perfbn of bour chiide. Sccondly,as you ieekc to know him more, fo yon rauft jfeeke to love him and pleafe him in pll things, being more fruitful! in |fcrving him,than you hav? beene : (And good reafbn 3 Love is the wher-ftone of Love. If you (hould fo love one, as to give your little S^a to death for his fake, would you not thinfce it an intolerable parr, not to be confidered with love a* gaine ? Yet God (b loved us, that hee gave his onely Begotten; that weebeleevingin him, ftiouldnot perifh, but have life erernall. Aid for our childreo,Do we not Iooke^ thowgh they be full of play when they are young,yet,that being better growne, they rnuft lcarne fome

honeft

Lwt to God tried hy its working.

honeft calling, which may do them good another day? So the Lord, though hchavcagenclehandover uvwhile wee are tender; yet doth' Iooke, that wee after wardt> fhould bemorefruicfulljnd ferviceable to him,M.i2 2. The righteous are compared to Trees; which, wheo firft planted, bearcfew, but grow till they come to carry mmy branches. Now, if you would cry your love 3 you muft fiode it out by irs working. What contentment you take in that Pretence, which is to be had by Faith; what longing you have to be-with God; what love ro his tokens; what love to children, and friends. As fcr example: Loving your Husband above all men^ there is none whole prefence you care for,or take contenment in,like his. So laich the fakhfullfouleto God; What have I in Heaven but j thee ? What in Earth,in compari* (on of thee > Againe, if your Huf-baad were in fomc other Country, how would you long for his re-

turne

TLffitts ofouY love t9 God*

tume unto you, or that you might follow him? So the lovingfoule to God, f*ith; Oh, who fhalldeli-verrrec from this body! Oh,icis beft for mc to bz with Chrift! Shee would goe to him. I looke for the appearance of the great God,who fnall makemy body like his glorious Body, by the Power | which fubdueth all things. Ifrwo [truely loving were concrafLd, I would not every weeke feme a :yeere, till the Wedding? Wee are by Faith contra&ed to God, in Chrift: how fhould we long to fee our Marriage folemnized? Endeavour to pleafe him, grieve ifought crofle your loving Husband. A Letter from a friend, we love, and fet by it: If we have a Token,how we kecpe it, and are glad of it ? So the Word of God, which is his L^tcer,Oh! how glad ischefoule, that loves the God of it ? I rejoyced in thy Statutes^ more than in all Wealth. So the Sacraments^ which are the Pledges of himfdfe to us,

thefc

Wee lovi not God as we ought.

theft are the love-tokens hee fen-dech to us> while wee are abfent from him in the body, Laflly, by loving his Children, and friends. You loving your Husband^ thinke his friends welcome, and love them. Could you thinke one loved yoi^and loved not your fonne? So they chat love him that beget-tcth, love him alfo who is begor-ten, i lob.*).!' Nowthen.Ietusnot be falfe to our owne hearts, and wee may confeife that wee want a great deale of love to our God : for,when arc we glad at the hearty and re Joyce in our God > When do we long after his appearing ? Nay, God is faine to fmo3ke us forth of this World with many trialis., and yet wee will not arife, and come away in our affe&ion. When arc wee heartily joyfull to heare his voyce, and receive his tokens ? When dbe weebufie our head to pleafe him 1 and when doth it cut us at the heart, if hee be offended > Now then, if you fee you want it,

what

Therefore rpefHHfttakeJbameto^&c. \ 137 1. ■ -»■ ■ -- 1 . -t i, i ■ » what mult you doc ? You muft fhame your owne heart within your iclfe,and fay; What a wretch ami! If my heart could be glad of j every ftrangerscompany,and were ; dead within me, not joying in my Husbands prefence; were bufie a-! bout other things; negligent to my Husband 5 longed for other men ; ' never wi{hedtofeehtrn>ifabfent: i what a fhamefull part were this in I me? Yet thus it is : my foule is married to thee(Lorc$) thou hadft no D j wry with me, but beggerie, and fpirituall filthinefle, yet thou ; boughteft mee deare, and haft put mee in no fcfle than Heaven, for : my Joynture • and yet loe, I can • finde a alternation, and be merry ! at this or that earthly thing •, I can 'long to have earthly matters I which I lick; I can be carefull how to pleafe man, and be grieved, when ought doth crofle his liking; but am lacking in them all, toward thee. Then feeing this, and how your heart is full ot Harlotry G love

.

Get love to God^ and get every thing.

love to creatures, you muft cry ro God; lordhelpemer, pare away this Clfe*love,and falfe love to the creature, and make me love thee; Lord,drawmeafcerthee,and Khali follow tbeeas taft. And ftrengthen your (elfe in faith., and God will give it you: for this i? his pro-raife, I willcircumcife your hearts, and make you ro love mee with all your hearts: Gee this, and you get everything. This will make that which is irkefometotheflrflb, be raeateand drinketoyou, andde-lightfull. Is not the Nurcery of the Childe, a homely piece of worke ? Yer, becaufe the Mother loveth ir,though her fkepe be broken, and her hand foiled, flieeun-dergoeth it gladly. And not onely dothitconftraineus, bu; make us patient. What will not a wife woman beare, and pocket patiently from a Husband fhe loveth ? Now one thing more I will vvarne you of, and end; and that is a good meaneofihe former. Whilcftyou

live,-,

live,learnc co weane you ielfc from the things of this world; let htm that buyeth, marrievh, &c. For ( hec who immoderately loveth the j things of this world, as Pride 3 Pro-fi:,and PJcafure,tbc love of the Father is not ia him. Shee that hath loved one man rrucly,Oie is fped,as we fay; (he can love no more Husband, Children, Poffeffions; much tefle the proud vanities and riotous Goffippings of thefe Times. Asanhoneft Woman mu ft flyc the Stewes, fomuft wee not have our hearts (eene among thele things. And this is more cafe toroyeaie-lefle flefh, that God gave me mean-ntflc of roinde, and negleft of fuch carnall courfcs, in which I might have had ray (hare, that I wifli all ray Chriftian friends may receive that grace from him, which I try by experience to have fo precious effeS. The Lord keepe you.

17.

Lo-

Ckrift takes away the curfe offirme.

LOving N. I received your Let-ters; in which,you fignifie the confumraation of that, which I I wifh profperous.The ground of all profperity,isGods bleffing: without which, every thing is a deadly poifon to us $ whether ic tafte bic-- terras crofles; or fweet^a s the more ftcccffefullifluesof things; whether ic kill with painfull gripings, as evills; or caft afleepe, and move laughtcr,as thofe things do,which in them (elves are to be efteemed outward bleffings. The poifons fpiritual I, for tafte and effeft, carry [ no Ieffe than corporall. Now the ground of blefiing in all things, is JefusChrift, our Redeemer, bearing our Gurfe for us, (Gal.%. 13.) and (wallowing our defer ved Cup up,inco an unfained blefling.I hope < the eye of your fbulc lookcthup| to him, who was lifted upon the curled Crofle, to heale that Curfe, wherewith Sinne and the Divell, t bat old Serpent, have flung us. A-

We muftfubmit to Godsyoake.

gaine, I doub: nor,but your Wives prayers (who is now departed)are on record in Heaven, and your Sifters prayers (wh) flilllivtth) are not in vaine before hin^who is I a God hearing prayer : Both have ! wi (lied you bie&dnefle, through \ Jefus Chtift. I would h^ve beene with you before this Letter, but j chat Gfd huh let my wives weak-n^&Mo be more than ordhay. We mufttake up our C oflTxS^nd when God bidJeth us yoake, hce is the wiiahmnchatyecideth his necke moft willingly.Thishath made me* ftay hitherto; buttle Lord esfiig his hand, I relume my purpofe, of farisfying your c?efire,andmeane to follow my Lett cat the heeles.The Lord make it prosperous. You cell meg a loving Tale, of bringing up your Wife, to enter her into my acquaintance. Tf you had no Brother at Cambridge, it were pity my Sifter ftiould be no fooner a Wife, than a Widow.You know the Law of the firft yeere.

G % The

Chriflidn Queries, and

The God of Love give you holy love in hira, and kerpethe fire in, when ic is kindled. I hope I fhall never forget my Chrifiian duty to yoi^of being a helper to your faith; itftialIgohard,whenIhelp you not with a fhort Curry of matter to this purpofe* My Wife remembers you and her Sifter to God; and lee my love reft with you, till God give rae leave code you. Farewell.

18.

LOving Coufio, I have a cold fpirir, who fhew thee no more love : but bcare with mce in this Winter of mine, and if ever the Son of Rightcoufnefle be pleafed to make Summer with me, no one, without my felfe, (ball have more intereft in the fruits I then fhall be taken with. Jt may be, the thred of your life fhall be drawoe out fo farre, as to fee thefe words prove workes; which the Lord haftcr.! How goeth the matter with your | poorefoule > how doth it get up?

How

Incentives to Devotion.

143

How is it made ready every morning? Howwalkerhitalltheday, when it is once with the folemni-ty of Devotion difpatched > Doth the eye of che foule wake without mittcr, like that heavie matter which in fame eyes and heads (coo much (luffed) is often difcerned"? You may know if ic be cleare; Fir ft, it will ke God in hisChrift, through the g!affe of his Word, and it will at eafc hold waking before him. If you thus wake, you have the dart of me,my fh up-win-dowes are longer in opening, than me chinks I Ice you in making ready. Sometimes the mift of my ownedarknefle, fometimes earthly humours do- (hoo:e into them; fometiroes a fpiritof ftamber and fl)ch dodi offer to clofe them-fometimes clouds of fpin^uill darkneffe doe ovsr-caft them : fo that, though they are waked, and inthemfelveslightfome^ yet they fee nothing, by reafonofchatob-fcurhie which is without them. G 4 w^erc- \

Mans dulaejfc to bolinejfe.

wherewith they are invironed: as it is with a man that fittcch with his eyes wide open, in a Roome, where neither light of Sunnenor Candle commech. Now^ while a man is flying to Chrift, to get the inward dimncflc of his fight cleared, (for he can make his Clay and Spittle heale them) while heeget-teth the diftillation of by-though i s flopped, by looking co him w ho unites our hearts to himfelfe, who wofketh all our workes for u >; while hee feeketh to that quick-ning Spirit, to fcatter his (lumber, and laboureth him, who is Light; itfelfe, toexpell thofe excernall darknefies invironinghi*n; while one man is tasked with this work, another, not thus moleftcd, is rea-dy,andhathdifpatched. WelI,our God doth accept it for one of his ficke fervants fore-noone workes, to fettle their clothes orderly a-bout them, I mention thefe things, to lend you fbme light j by which, you may better fee your privilege,

who

Tbrthkefolnejje to Lhrifl the, &c.

who are not forced tofpendyour ftrerg^h in facha fafhion. Bat the maa that is well waked, mift have movbg, as well as ienfe returned. Howdoetheaffrdionsof your heart foot it to Chrift,in way of thanktfulneffe, who hath led you all your daies? who is that Prince, that makech peace in you; whofe (scree, is the ftrengih of your heart, that it fanteth not; whole favour is tba r . Sbiel J,which doth fo cover you,thateviils have no leave to affaile you, muchkffe toprevaileagainftyou? Is your h :arr, in the copfcious underftan-of any benefit^affcftionate toward him ? Then you are truly a-wake, and ligh* fome, like to pafle that day without too rruch weari-neffc, which *is with (b fiefli a fpi-ilc entred: then that Smm ofRtgh* uonfneffe hath got you up. For as a greater fire draweth forth a leffery and as the Sun bodily rifing daily omus,dt;thdraw forth the fpirits ogfeofe and movng, which are in G 5 the

The Souk' rLaver.

the bodily creature; fodoth that light and life of lirael, by his work, though not perceWed,draw forth this fpirituall motion of the liteofGodinus, whereby we diC cerne him, and in thankefulnefle make towards him. When your foulc is now awaked 5 what doth it wa(h with, what doth irputon? As we Chriftians have both guilt and deformed blot of fione, to we have a daily laver, even blond and waterjfor our Chrift came in b nh, to :each,thar he came not onely to make atoucmert for the gnile of feme, but d th alfocleankusby his S|)iri : . ttom the fpot of corruption* Now then if you looke at that great God, as your Righ-tcoulhefle, by faith an his blond, (lied with ftnfc of the carfe due to our fince; and if you looke to Chrift, who Is made of God your S&ndifier, to ckanfe you from thofe. inherent'fpots d*ily, then ycu have waftieo in the Fouoraine opeacd for Ifracl, and are lb cleaned

Jht SoHks c R s atmtnt and Armour.

fed (have you but orxe waftied in this kindc) that you (hall ocver be defiled throughout againe^ as Ghrift fpeaketh. Neverthclcffe, there mult be Raiment upon the Sjnle, yea^ it muft be cbdwich compleat Armour, for it iscoro-paflfid with cucmies^and the life of uis a warfare. Now, when wee looke to Chritt by faicb, as our Sintfificrand-falvatioty hen we are thusclothed : heisourSaoftiBer 9 who muft bringall our graces from one degree to another^ making thathghtofholineffe, that image of himfelfe the fccord Adam ,grow up in us, as the light of the mot-Ding, till it c5mech to the ftrength, taketh increafe. H*e muft be our Viceroy, (read Satan under our feet, diffolvehis works, crufhthe head of him for us, hce muft fi j fh the worke of his Grace with his ownc power. Well, when you are thus forward 5 how-de:hyour fouie walke,put:i git felfs: forth in aftt-onMcxhi: go limping? djthit reft s and \

148 I The Joule J face, Cbrifl mends it.

and can goc no further, as weary ? Doth it feare it (hall not hold ouc > Is it made fad, with wont of any thing 1 Many a good fbule walkcth thus, and puzzle the m fo, that they cannot goc onfredy; bat I hope, no earthly lufts fall abeir your feer, It may be ie is weary fometime$ 3 and is fearefull, and is made fad, through fbmc kiide of circurr-ftance. WelUet us gee confeience 5 what painfulnefie* what weaii-nefle, what weaknefle, what fcare doth attend us > O jr fpirhs bdng orce poore in the privity they have of thefe matters, (hall no fbonerlooke with the eye of f if: to Chrift, but the matter ftali be merded. Hee if is that make. kmetoleape, like*Hin;-e; who tn jrgcthrhehea>r, to run in the uaeroftheComan ements. L« oke to HitD,thef aithfullShcpheid,who tafceth up the weary Snecpe, that through feeblereff; ca/» go no fur-tbei: to Hira,to whom the casing of our eye is the renewing of ou* ftrcngrh.

ftre gth.Againft fcarc of pcrfeve-ring, challenge him as the auchour and tinifher ot your faitfyevcrcnt-lyttllhia), it is a piece of his Fathers will thatheftoi Idnotonely give you co be lie v^ ar d his Spirit for a time, buc chat he (hould raife you op at the laft day. lob t 6 59, FinJly, looke to your Gd> that hathfaiJ to *Abraham md all bi-lecvingfodofhin, W Ike before ~tve, IamGodA I^fficieiif. Tell him you have noihiug buc him-fclfe, in heaven nor yet in earth, in comparifonofhim^ a;;d he cannot but (apply with himlclfe, cve;y thing toy u-

Thus the askrg a qucflion, which I did not thmfce of, yvhcfl I fecpenco paper, hathcirawne me on to ma^ccr not i mended. I caa-notnowanntxe the o her, for my Let^r is fen; for. I have beene neiiher well this five weeko, nor yet ficke enough to make mee better.

The Lord be our daily flrengtb, direftiop,

l .

15j o Gods children fubjt ft to fickleJJi.

dirc&ion, bldfing, comfort, ano prou&ion for ever. \ 9 .

MYdeareFuend^and Brother, in him, whoisnotafoarned to call lis brethren,! cwnot but film* you, and let yuu heare how it is with me: for I know, my lines cannot o me to you mors /bone than welcome. I was fcarceal jilted f rem my horfr, but ar>aguifh diftcmfcrdidfciz^onmcj and follow me in manner of an Hcfitcke, to which I have a habitude, eve.s in my beft healch. B.fide, I have been troubled wich (ucb an infl m-mation of fome of thofe interior j vifcera, that I cold notfl^petwo houre?, but extreni y of inward heats would auakenne In which kind I went fome five wee kes, but now I thanke God, my body, though a liltle more bettered, is in fuchltate as formerly it hath b^nc. Fotmy (oule,Uti!lgooninyerr s j and rnontjbsoflabour,accordii ga [my Lord hath meafared. I fct& l fuel

\

TheChriJiiam coojl$8.

*5*

fiich ignorance of God and all his waie^ Co many yet res coward me D fuch folly^ which kcrprch me from caking any tiling to hcsrr, which refpe&eth G<;d, orcor.ceir.eth my f< lfe, fach upcircumcifion of heart, which makrth me thar I ca wot be j holily poore and abjcft-, 'hough confciousofinnuTjerabkm drives, paft, prefect,, eminent, which mtghrmovemethereco: Laftly,! fe^lc fuch a Sdfe-ftfficien~y, ss will noc let me perceive what need I have of my God to be with mee, for quickniog, ftrengthening,cem-fortiug dire&ing.proffk ring of me in my courf?, though this breath of ournofiriUJanor more neceffa-ryto the b tffig and continuing of j this bodily life, chanishisblefikd ! prefence^ to the caufing and main-' raining of all our comforr. Theft things doe renew :heir aflaojc on me every day ; and norwithfta-idi jg I renew daily my endevour a-gainfhhem, yet I Cinnotrrover u:ch fu^-ply of Grace, as frr.uld

make

*5*

Sinm is neAkjitdby degrees.

make mee walke more large this \*ay. But hard lefla.s are not ea-fily learned.

Sometime finding frul! eff ft, lam ready to thinkc, rr.y labour is invaine, butwtanlconlidir, a!l is not in vaine, whofe effeft doth not prefently appeare : fecdeis lvg cim-lowneb^orehaivcft.Sicond-ly, ftrengch fpirituall doth cxpell fpiticua! corruptions itrength natural! (kkehcmors.Strcrg hnatural], ifr it b? in falncITe, ic doth y?-mul&fcmtl purge out that matter \fchich is contrary co k: bjt ific be in mediocrity, it doth cxpell f> farce, that though Gekc nutter ft ill remuine,y tt ir is hgncened,and be-conimetti more tolerable to nature. Neither is eating and drinking in jbecaufe we cannot (o refrefh our (Uvts,but chat hunger vnllftill re(urne un ui- Sometime (he familiarity of iij do h make merea'y top fT 3 by i% not moved at alia-ga nft it: tven as things off-nfive to uature atfiiii, growbycuftorae

lefle gtievou?. But IfhetoGod^ who hath promifed to pucall enmity in us again!! the feedc of the Serp?nr,which we find to remaine within us; I fay comyChrft, as hou doeit reach me this cup,like a daily diet drinke, fomakeitwhol-forne to me. Sometime wcarincffe doth fcrprife mc: thenlthinkeof rftaeJ,amongIt whofetemptations, one was from the length of the way^evoi wearineffeof wandring. I Iooke to Orift, and pray him to ftrengthen me, that I may fol'ow the M*rch, that I may follow him whither(oever hee leadech. Then I chinke when are men weary (being refrefhed with fleep) to refume their earthly affaires; I fay with my felfe 5 for what doeft thou keep mc? for what docft thou refrcfh me ? O ray Shepherd,thou haft no other wooll nor milke from mee! Agaipe, I confiier how dangerous it is to intermit, if when I have the moft fervent indeavours, I finde it enough to walke weakely, what

would

I 4 ' v ' ■ " ' ■ " * »" —

H

#>« mujl not flint at our deadnejfe.

would become ot mee, were chefe negle#ed ? Lord, inlarge my heart with thy ftrengih, that I may Gaffer hardfhip like a good Souldier, without (hrinkJn^ at it. I thinke you know the like thing* in dead-nefle,huc feare not, nor^intnor, though wee be to that life of his, like as cold water and dry afhe's are to heat, in which naturally, heat canncv* j r be fixed, yet when our God hath proved our faith and patience, he, who calleth the things that are not, as if they were, hee who calleth light out of darknelfe, will imprint in our foulcs, and make thefe things as fixed poffcf fions with us,which now like lightening? are not more fbone mini-fcfted, than vanifhed: His forbearance is but till the fitteft time for hime to give it,andus to receive it• the Lord make us, in the meanc while,of underftanding hearts.

We in outward things wirti to be cured rather (ecurely than fpee-dily, neither would we have Sum-

mer

The miscarrying of a Letter.

net in Winter, for the Winter is as neceflaryfortherooring of things is the Summer to make things hoot forth withfrutefmilingly.

Youriin Chriftianaffcftion, Paul Bape.

20. ViulUry.

MYdeare Friend., the heare-(ay of your welfare is to me raoft welcome. I was forry that my letter mif-carricd,but there cm be no deft ft in any inftrumeor, which doth not caderefnb ele&iofjemfupre^ misrtificu. If the fruit of our body prove abortive^we praifebim^how much more muft wee fan&ifie his wife providence 5 whcn the like cafe fallcth out but in a letter^ which is fuch a birth of the minde, as may by a fecond conception be framed againcwith advantag ?Idid write vntoyou (bme things concerning myowneeftate, how I found my heart in my vifitacion^ what was

my

*55

Deaiveffe offptrit: Why God

my pra&ic",eventocompjfn thofc walls of darknefle which I decerned in my felfe 3 and in filence and reft to wait on my God for his fal-vation in the downfall of them. I count it impertinent to rub up my memory in regard of that, I this waydifcoutfed, though in the cir-cumrtanccs I then uUd, icdidbe-feerne my condition, and would have rtliflied well co your undcr-ftandirg. A fecond branch of my It t:er concerned your fel?,aadthis uncomfortable deadneffe which a-gaine you mention, the heads whereof I will labour to recall as I may, though I cannot reach that ftraine in which I found my felfc when I indited the former.

About this deadncfle of fpiric, I did conGder two things. Fir(>,the reafbns for which God did let it hang about us. Secondly, the courfc wee" were to take againft it. The Lord doth it for many good ends. i. That it may be a fpur inciting usto'goe forth to him,who

is

lets it hang about w.

is the quickning fpiric, that thus wc might experimentally findeche quickning vertue of Chrift, who doth lighten our eycs,and bring us out of thefe fits to fecle our fclves alive before him, could wee thirft, after the living God, did wee not differ thisdefe6t of life. Men feeke not thofe things abroad, which they are full of at home. Hence it is, that when God will bring us to himfelfe, as the'foundacion of this or that good,which he would com-raunicate^hcedoth follow us with experience of the contrary in our /elves, that being confeious how it is with us, wee might flis to him whoisAH-fofficienr. Againe, we cannot experimentally know God to be in Chrift a quickning fpiric fhould <ve not feele an intercourse of his death, and a powerfull ex-puifingofit from his vertue working in us. The more often the Patient growing into paine, is eafed by Phyficke, the more experimentally he feeth the Art of the Phyfi-

cian,

J)t*dnefft efjfirtt-jphy God lets it be

can and benefit of Medicine. Thii iy we have this remainder of de^h 3 iha r wee may better co di-dtrofournatarallertate^ how of oil* iclves v*e ire whollyeftranged" from the life of Gad: for what we remaine in part, thac we are wholly by nature.

Fourrhly 3 that wee might the becter bclpe others in this temptation.

Fifitly, that we might tafte our life more fweetly^ and prcfervc ic more carefully: we find with plea-fare th 11 we feeke with paine.Sixt-ly, that wc may know, and teach othf rs how they muft depend on God for the confidering and mc-ving of their grace daily, as well for the being^nd firft producing of it. Laflly, that we may be led into th«r knowledge of our owne hearts, whether that workc is in thkm which will ftrivc for life, as every thing that hath life, will flruggle to part with it, or whether they will paffe it over hecdkflely and

floth-

m m\ bow to carry onrfelvcs^ &c.

'59

fl tbfully. Certainly if we marKc the working of our fpirits, and courfe of God in fuch an cvill h w ; wee will leame oac of ic manifold wifedome. Now for the courfe wee are to take, ic ftandcefy firft, inrefolving to encou terthisdif-eate,thenin pra&ifinorhat wem*y be cleared of ic: the Divdl w^ill be ready if we ftirre t hh way to fcrve a Saferftdeas^ fbmetime by fiigge-fting chat the nature of this is no fuch thing as may not be borne^ ic doth not wafte the conference, but fuch foolifh parientS;>who will not venknti occur ere merbo, they at length are paid home with paine, fo much the more, by how much they have the longer delaied. Iu theb^dy, lccamannotcxpellthe fuperfluity nature hath contra&ed, the q entity or acrimony of it will to increafe, tha? he fhall be forced to come to it with more paine, or there will be bred on bim fbme painfull fickneffe. Let us ftrive to expcll every fuch matter in our

(bnlf$,

Satansfttggeftionsin dcadntjji>&c\ \

fbulc8,we (hall find ir tniw in (bules as well as bodies, Retemio <xcre-mentor urn eft parens morbi.

Secondly, ic will be fuggeftcd, why, drive with it as we will, it will returne: D oc wc ccafc to catc daily and refrefh nature, becaufe hunger and faintneffe doe ftill resume upon us? Is it not a betuficco be ealed for the prcfenr, ta keepc dowqean enemy,to dothat which wee know will at length bring to perfeft health, though wee cannot forth of hand be fully cured? Sometime wee thinke, it is not well it fhould be thus, buc imploymeuts will not let reee turne toic a31 would, we could finde in heart to deale with it, but that wee cannot while it. But will a man not beat leisure to rake Phyficke for his bo* dy? what is worthy our time, if our foules life may not have it afforded? Againe, time is not loft which is* (pent this way, for God doth attend the time wee (pend after confining, with greater blcf-

flog, and leavens the knowledge we gather, fo that it becommeth aff-ftionate andpra&icall, befiie the wifedome which is co be learned, from obfcrvlng the working of your foule under fuch a cempra-tion« Bat when you have repelled fuch ligatures, by which the Di-[ Yell would hinder the will from ; refolving refiftanc, in the next place^ you muft encounter this deadly pailion by fuch a conftant courfe as may free you from if. The courfe ftandeth chiefly in a threefold praftice. For,aswefuft ripen and prepare matters,ttutthe medicine may carry them awiy I more eati-y^ Medic andum eft con* I I coBisjton crudis,&c So here you m ftUbourtoholdyourchoughts, : and pond, r upon thisevill^coofide-', ring what ic isuucfelfe,, what effects it bath for prefent, what it threatcicthj fhould not grace prevent.

In the next place, you muft take downe the medicine; lay hold on / H ' Chrift.'

The prattict of rejtfi^nce

Chrift your life and quicknance. Your third pra&ice muft be to take a w alke in fome words of pro-mile this way, which agilation of your foulc doch ftirrc up thefuper 7 na f ,urallheat of faith (as motion doththenaturall)by which means wee come to feele our medicine worke,Chrift fhewbimfelfe more and more effeftuall. To fee you downe in bricfe an example; thus I concoft the thing, meditation preparing, Good Lord, what a ftate is this, what a bed-rid difppficion doth hang about me! were my body an apoplexy, were I dead but of onefidejt would go neere me: but to have my fbule thus benummed, that I can neither find comfortable ftnfe or motion in it toward things ipiricuall, how much more fhould itaffe&rae? what ever I fet upon, it is prefcnt with me,ic maketh my duties as diftaftefull in themfeives to thee, as deaded drink to the fto-mack: itkeepeth me from comfort for the prefent: and what doth it

not

ofdeadneffc ofjpiritm

not threaten, if thy mercy fhould not prevent ? yea, it is (b much the mors dangerous, by how much more conna:uralJ,for I cannot take in this fle*pe, and though it be (b ! deadly, yet am no whit affrighted. 2. Alas,what (hall I doc? To thee I looke. Lord, who bid ft us awake, and promifeft to lighten our eyes from this mift of death, with which they are over-fliadowed, to thee I who art the life and quickning fpi-rit,to cbee, in whom, as a root, my life is hid. How long (hall I live in lighr,and complaine ofdarkneffe? How long (hall I be within thee the fountain of life, and feele death fbcumberfbmetoms? Theftron-ger workcth on that which is wea-ker,and doth affimulate it to it felfe. Oh ; difphy thy ftrength,and make his death flie before thee from forth of thy member. ^Movingof fattb. Ic is thy will our hearts fliouldlivewhofeekehee, yea, that wee fhould have life abouo-dantly, thou haftfaid,come to mee H 2 and

Refinance ofdeadnejfe offpirh.

and your hearts (hall live,thou haft promiled u^, r hat we (hall fo drinkc of thy Spirkjthat it fhall flaw from us abundantly. O (lengthen mee, thou author and fii iflier of faich 3 to hold thee the rockc, till I fee thefe waves of death, as ic were 3 breakt themfelves, and p; fle away.

Infi chlikepradUcr I bav soften found this ihadow of d th lying before me, I have always tonnd a peaceable reft, expettirg enlargement more confidently ; when I have not found it eafing me for the prefenr, yet it hath difpofeti me to receive quicknance afterward, as coftive bodies, though they have not *lwaieseafemtnt when they offcr 3 yet the offer doth facilitate the courfe, and dilpofc the body toeakraenc a r ter.

Thus out of love, I have a little lent you my felfc, the Lord bit fle us with that fpirit which prevailed : The meane while I will de-fire that wee both may watch in prayer one for another.

Yours as his ovvne, T. B.

,. --Tirr - - , -—- -

Be not over hajly to judge.

1*5

21.

Sir, you may th'mke roe a grave rather, in whom all your kinck nefles are buried, thanathankfull friend/o whom whofo giveth,fel-let.h dearely,chey fay^fo coraraodi. ous t -) the donor the thing proveth which was freely bellowed- Ne-vefthelcflre,yourwi(dome and love will nor, I dare fay, judge over taftily upon appearance,knowing wetl,thatas there may be a (he w of good, yca,godlintfle, where there is not the fubftanceand power: fo there maybe afemblanceof evili, even of iKithankfulnefle,where yet the vice 5c felfe doth not harbour. Your Nephewes Lift vificingyou, was hid frommee 5 till about bed. time the night before he tooke his journey; allure your (elfe,I could not have bin. privie to his purpofe, without fctting my pen to paper, though lam none oftheforward'ft about this errand. I doe remember all your love, (bdothhealfo who is mpft apprehenfive of what is H 3 done

'true grace the drift tans trtteweltb.

i6y

Lord make us wife, to fee the true wealth and health of our fpirits for the prefer^ and to prepare for our comfort againftfuch times wherein the Lord fliall trie us. I will commune with you about thefe points^asGod (hill enable. Men, who would gather an earthly trea-fare, worldly wealth , muft firft make fure that their Penny be good Silver; that the things which they deale in,he matters of worth: for counterfeit falfe commodities heaped up, deferve not to be called wealth, or treafure: and what is the wifedome of heavenly Merchant but to feeke good Pearles, right for their kinde • true Faich^ fuch as purifieth the heart ^ true Repentance 5 fuch as is accompanied with change in hearty in con-verfion ; true fanftifying Grace., fuch asmakech the heart honeft ; true fruits ofrighteoufnelfe/uch as are through the helpe of Chrift to the glory of God • thefe are things that make a man wealthk H 4 in-

We vwft labour to encreafe

* *

they (hall not deceive us, but (tend with us, as a treafure invaluable. Afccond thing I markc in getting earthly treafures is, that there mu^ be a dayly diligent adding unto,*' and augmenting that wherewith we fir ft bcgan.Though a man hath good Gold and Silver by him, yet till he hath h in fome quantkie, he is not faid to be rich, or to ha*e treafure ftored by him. Thus ic is whh u* j Rome was not built in a day> men are all their dayes in getting together a more coirpl at treafure. Thus wee CbriftiaiiS, though from our fir ft beleevir g we have unsearchable riches, y cr,if we fpeak comparatively, we have not that wealth and confummate treafure, which we come afterwards unto, when now we have well run on in that race which is fet before us. Wherefore give diligence to encreafe your Graces, which God of mercy hath begun. Ltt the righteous be more righteous, the holy move Jiofy, If cur Grace be tra« 5 •

our flock and treafwe of Grace*

there will be a further accefle of Grace : Wealth goerh to wealth, even as (tones do to a ftone-heape* already mounted. Whereforf,let us everyday draw one Line this way: let us count that an unprofiablc day, wherdawe^ have not fome-thing laboured with our hearts for the fuller apprehenfion of our finnesdwelling in us ; that iupo-vertieoffpirit may dwell more and moie in us, wherein wee have not fotnewhat enforced our hearts to ftaythecpfcLvesonthe Lord and his precious promifes: wherein wee have not called on our fou!es,to put thepx*f Ives forth in more thankfull acknowledgement of that lovc^ faithfulneffe > & patience 3 which wc fee doe follow us day by day. Finally, wherein we get not forne^ thing done^hich maybe a s a good foundation., and further our reckoning, when we (hall be accountant to God. Wemuftbenorntrewea-lie of this, than earthly husbands-sue. of reluming their bufincfles:.

.*7?

The more grace we have, tbe^&c.

the fweetereffe and peace of chofe waies (hould affeft us, Looke as men at firft, while poverty doth pinch them,they feeke weaMi with muchgricfe and anxiety: but when once they have gotten well about them 5 then 3 flefhed with the fruit oftheirformerlabourjthey make a play of following the World^ to the increafc of theiriubftance: for theyfceke not fo much out of indigency, as out of complacency and delight which they finde in their poffeffions. Thus wee Chriftians^ when once wee have attained fdme firft-fruits this way,we (hould with delight follow on to perfe&icn. A third p raft ice,by which worldly wealth cemmeth ia,te a carefull retaining what is once gotten. Good Rcnts,with Iictleornoexpcnce,are thefureft Alchamy that ever was found out: whereas let in-comings be never Co large, one back-dore 5 cot looked vato, may bring the : whole houfeto ruine* Wherefore wee maft jaks heedc of all fuch

things

thing* which walk and t-xtinguifti Grace in a manner, giving place to finne, fb as toyeeld to it, and lye downe under it.Ocherwife he that ftumbUs,and comes nor Jown,gets ground : the trippings of Gods children, in which they recover themfelvts, bring them on with greater advantage. Againe, wee rtuft take heed of dead companies, of formal! performatjces,which are aPeale to Bed-ward- FinaIly,of running our felves into prcj.fts of worldly pompe and profics, which are the common Choake-weed of Grace. Whole heart (almcft)have not thefe Thornes over-growne ? Thus you fee how we may by *he Wo? Id learne a w<i y to thrive in the beft Wealth. Now I come to the litter point of preparation, whereby we may be able to ftand in the hourc of Tryall. I > this I will be (horter,my Pen befog run forth be* yond my purpofe in the former* The longcil dayes have: night a: lergih entring: yea,, these is no

winde

1J4 ! Treparation for TryAlSyhewmctffary,

windc which may not blow raine, if God be fo pJeafcd. Etfatcs which have thelongtft periods of profpe-ritie, are at length exerciled j and there is no condition fo furcand peaceable, bur may turne tempe* ftuous on the fadden , fhould not God be more gracious. Wherefore let us be appointed and fitted for every event. Preparing for Wirre, maincaineth peace: wearing a weapon , makes not us the fooner fee on, nay,it prevents this da gerund makes us rcadic to defend our felvcs, when at any time we are af-failed. Now this praft fe chi-fely ftandeth in thefe three things.Fir!*, in getting a ipiricua]Ifag«ciue,by which our (oujes doedjftern afore, hand, what kiude of events they m *y be fubjed un*o, in this vale of teares Nature by inftm&giveth untoreafonible creatures a faculty, which makefh tiemaforehandap-prehenfive of chit which is ready toenfue. Thcw fedome which is I from above / oukegh the Lords •

and in what tt confifts.

»75 f

children (entiblc in liae kiade,tbat as My Co they in their greateft calme foresee how Gods hand may change for theexercife of them. The fecond pare of pn&ice ftan-deth in thi$,in learning by due con-fiderations 5 how wanting we arein wiflome, and weake inftrengch, which maketh able to ftand when God trieth.The third thing is flying to God by faith, and holding him, as who'hath beene, is, and muft be forever of all our falvation, loo* king to Chrift the author and fini-fher of our faith, who hath received this commandement of his Father, that he (hould not onely call us, and bring m into flare of grace, but alfo raik us up at th;* lali day, who is thac greatGod our Saviour, that will keepe his from every cvill worke, to his heavenly king-dome. Now, when wee thus hang on God againft all events,we are ki a ftrong Tower, wherein the gate* of hell fball not bz able to hurt u$ 3 macblefle topzevaile againft us.

God

*76

Chrift *ur Rockf.

kJ

God doth (et us to fchoole unco the Conks, that of ihem wee rnighc taarne the Lcflbns : They are a weake timorous creature; yec bt-iog confeious of thek weaknefle, they vyorke themfelvcs Holds in the Earthy aod Burrowes, wherero they may retire for flicker; and though tbeygoe forth foraetimes, yet ever and anon they resume to their Hulds. Oh, forouftwee, in confcience of our weakencfTe, by faith worke our felves into the Rocke, Chrift Iefus: and though fometimes wee are abroad, as it were, in many other muters, yet* wee mult flill returne, and renew our beleefe toward him.

22.

MY beloved Friend, and Chri-Itian Brother, I am gUdto heare of your fafe.returne. Ifmy Sonne goe on, fetiing his hem to get Learning, I will let my heart, to procure him all dueet courage-ment in fo good a. courfe- Concerning

\

faith cholines not affaulted together.

earning the change of yourcftate, it is w 1 h our (bules as with our bodies, every Age hath ftverall Dif-eafes-andwefe,asourdifpofirions and the feafonsvary, (o th^reisa fucceffijri of divers fickneffes accordingly. Our new birth being conceived & bred in faith, perfectly fjrmed in holinefle, weareufu-ally firtt affiiled in that which is firft in nature begotten in us: I h^ve feldotne marked temptation in both thefe kinds at once; God fo mercifully difbofing, that two I fo great Sickncffes- fhould not bt found complicate: For who could ftand under them, comb'ned ? A-giine,ChoIer can hardly cauie any hot kind offickneffe, while there is flora of blood and watrifti humors bridling of it: for thefe are jri?##jw bilit: fo our unholinefle^w.iile we are exercifed with doubtings of Gods Grace, cannot move; as when all is quiet, this very trouble caufing my Faith-c v fl ft, U fr<e-mm coxcuyifccntU and Coth perfe

inter-

}H

r tbecBmfort and benefit of

interrupt the aft, though ic cannot expell the habit beirg considered by it fclfe. Wherefore though you fiidc thewinde gone ioto,another corner, your fpiritu-all nakedoefle now moft to roolcft you: and though you together observe, that you are not (6 apprc-henfiveof To great anevillasyou ought, yet have you no caufe, but to goe on peaceably, looking to that Prince of peace, who will give thee peace of fan&ification in the quiet fruit of righteouftefle, as he hath the peace of juftification, which fometimes in fome degree you wanted. F.* the firft,we muft make account our exercifes will run in a circle, the ending of one will begin another, till God hath by many things fufficientiy proved us, that in our latter ends hee may doe us good. Fifher-men muftoot make dainty of cold water, nor Chriftians to meete with thefe cafes. Secondly,you muft marke how gently God doth bring on your

triall

the fight of our defetts.

*79

triall rhis way, making you rather I co difcover defcft and want of rightecufccfle, than tofeelethofe lawesof evill,and movings of grievous finSj the root whereof d<rh fticke in your nature. To wart hcalth^and do every natural! a&ion feebly,is a grkfe,but tofcele (hirpe fits of fomc painfull difea/e^is more grievous. ThirdIy,(hould wee not be trained thus by experience to fee that we are as Tohu & Bohu, a trae SpirituallC^/of emptinefleand deformity, we could not be poore | ia (pirir, follow Christ as 1 twho is made of G o d our ftr fti-ficarion 3 that is> our fan&ifier: we could not comfort others in this ftate, nor tafle our owne happi-rxfle fweete in that degree 3 whero in wee (hall doe after rhefe things experienced of us. Now though you doe not feele this myfterie, and take it to heart as you defire, yet this doth but further open our |d;fft, that wee may fceke an-fwerably to be fupplied. We are

not

not more empty of grace, than by n-atate carelefle co have any : wee would let ic lie as a rcfufe thing, fhould not God infpire us with new defires, to feekc after ir. A-gaine, as a tooi fh careleincfle, fo a fpirituall fl >th pofTcfothus, that caufcth us to be content a lrtle better with eafe, than plenty, which commeth with a p .y great travell. But what of this? Wheu I fee ir 3 I cell ic all to God, fuhg to him, that the more I fee mi fery abounding, the ra« re his mercy may abound alio. Ilooketohim, who as he hath called me to fan&i-fication with an operative callings (b be muft bring me to that happy eftate,as who is Iebovab y my fanfti-fi r. Ilearneinaword,thisworke will never goe forward,{hould not God in mee, as he hath begun it, (b go on in it,fanftifying roe thorow-out.Ag*ine,though I love to fearch unto the qucke, yet there is (bme reafon, why hatred and gtiefe fhould not fo move in this efcue,

as

%t tU bard for w to bat eonrdefefts.

as when li.ifull paflions come co ftirre in oni mcmbers^ai.d leade i s captive. Forjooke as nature,whilc fuch matter doth but hi fore degree caufe a Cacbexte,*^ rmke Fur worke feebly and \tny^rt..(k\y in Al Hie worketh $ Nature, I ky, is not fo fcnfiblc hete//ord thnot beftirre herfelfe 5 as when fome a-cutefickiivfl^doch heavily affiift: foitjsevan vtithgrjcj intheloulc; it cannot be in tha r mcafure apprt-henfive in this ft ne, wherein ic ra-ther fiiideth ic felfe to Lcke feme degrees of heakh ic would have, than to be infefted with intolerable ficknefie. Bjc the truth is, lee finne doe what: it will, wee cannot hate it of our lelves: bu^as by nature wee love our felvcs ; fo, that fiifiill image, , which is by nature prop -gated in us.Same Siir.ts have found this; who having been mo-leiled many yeeres w.ich fome corruptions, neverthelefft have found, that at fome times they have not beene able, to Jooke. tow.^d them

with

182 ( Enmity toJitwe y deriud from fflrift,

I with difpleafure. I had thought, never cockering mother could take that at a childes hand, which wee put up and fuffer from our lulls : but withall, I have learned to fee that promifc, and hold Chrift to thatpurpofe 5 [ will put enmitie (faith God) betweene thy feed and the teedofthe woman ; betwixt Chrift, and that life of his in all his members., and the multitude of re. probates, and that life of Satan, (for finne may be called his image) which is not oncly in them who arc his feed, but in us alfo, till by Chrift it be fubdued: fliouldnot God blow up his grace fo farre, we could not fede enmitie againft this feed of finne,which Satan hack j fowed in us. Wherefore be not carefull in any thing; but that there creepe not upon you a dcfpl-fing of leffer things : for, if little things b^ not dealt wich,God will make greater lookc in 3 which will caufc us more exercife. Happie is that man who doth deale with

things

timely rtfifttnce offinnefalpfuH.

things betime, labouring to feel* them grievous, looking co Ghrift his helpcragainft (hem. Tint man is a ftrangc ChriftiaD,vvhat-ever he may thinke, though his ftrengch may be affli£ted that hec cannot feele ic great; yet vires affliQ* and vires projtrata arc much different. Againe, he (hall fcape much dif. eafement, by his timely refiftance. Let any man of great ftrength have fome fuperfluitie of matter tending to ficknefle, he doth betime ex-pcll it by imperceivable fweates, or other eafie wayes : Lefler ftrength letteth it lye, till it bee ponderous, and of acrimonie, and (bme way more grievoufly offen-deth,and then it doth more paine-folly upward and downe-ward drive it forth.The weakeft ftrength of a!!, feeles ic felfe oppreffed, and till ho! pen by fome medicine, cannot expell, and then doth it painefully, and in part onely: the more ftrength , the fooner is a thing contrarie to nature expelled;

• •

Want of Grtct the grcatcft poverty.

fmali account, who neither hath ware nor money: in like eftate are Chriftians, who trading in the militant Church, have no part nor portion in the heavenly and true treafrre. Ic is a thing full of confu-fion,and very unhappy to be without earthly poflelfions. Hence it is, that men in this taking, they hang downe the head, when they have no meanfs whereby to coropafle the earthly good which they defire, whereas others who have them, carry their notes into the wind, have all that heart can wifh, they Iofe no longing.Thus what (hall be their confiifion who are not rich in faith & repenrance,cheon!y currant coyre which doth goe with God, and fetch down what-ev r eaven-Iy blefli-g wee can defire. Wherefore in lieu of all your love, let me exhort you,firft,to labor more and more for true grace. SecondIy 3 to ufe it and increafc ic daily. Thirdly ,co watch againft all fuch things, which rmy (likea backe dore) itri- I paire

185

■ ii i. ig-

Tint Grace, true Riches.

payre and wafted if. For the firft; the wife Merchant doth fecke for goodpearles, fuch as are right in their kinde: ao Indtan Diamond & I a BrifiewStonc looke alike,but dif- i fer reach in the Iudgment of a cui> ' ning Lapidift ; No man can gather a treafurr, vnltfle fue felcft chat [ Which isprecious:amaffcofcoun-! ten are not to be counted a trea- ! fure.Seeke then that knowledge of Chrift which may make you put off the old man* fo to know God as a child knoweth his father, with an aflP ftiue property which dothv-nite the heart to him: fo to befceuc that you may feeleyour heart purged through faith, fo to doc euery Worke ot righteoufneffe, that yc u may feele yoor fclfe enabled to it through Chrift, and findc that your foult direfts it to Gods glory : for as that mony oncly is treaftre, which is of right Bullion ^ that is goodMerall, and hath the Kings infcription : So that worke oncly Will make a true Treafure

and

Thefiockf ofGraa muft be y &c.

i8 7

and good foundation, Which proceeded from Ghrtft, dwelling in vs through faith, and is dire&cd to GOD, by Which raeaocs it is damped as it were, with his Image. For thelecond: As you muft get thefe things fj you muft tradewith them,fce*eth?ir increafe: he that husbands his flocke^ (ball hauc more. Men arc long gatherers before they hauego: them a treafure. So Chriftians, chough on thefirft beleeu'ng they receiue vnfearch* able riches, yet there treafure is to beconfummace and pcrfe&ed from j day to day .There is a double thirft I & defire after wealth in the world; ' theonecommeth from indigency, as a man in extreme drought lon-> gcth for drinke, and ia extreme j want, for fbmething which might helpehira. There is another de-fircj which commeth from com-placeacy, from pleafure felt in» that wee haue obrained; thus a man, when thirft is in fome dc-j gree quenched, defircth to drinke j 1 2 agaioel

w

188,

III

Labour for growth in (jrnce.

gaine; thus a poore man, having new gotten fomcth:ng well about him, yet would faine have a more flufhjfulleftate: better is ftilj better : this defire then muft be in all Chriftians: the goodnefle of the things they have tafted,muft afftft them with a furthet defire of in-♦creafing in them. I would have you be as I have fcene (bme good husbands in dead time, whenftir-ringsfaile, they count the day loft in which they have had no takings. Account that day as loft, wherein you have not gotten (orae more fenfe^f fin,wherein your faith hath not fometbing more enforced ic felfe to lay hold on God and his jJrecious promifcs, wherein (bme good thing is not done, which may ftand asagoodfoundation,where-on the confcience may relye, as an undoubted teftimony of faving beliefs Laftly, take heede of that which may quench your affe&ion to God* as dead company,who can never fpeak,nor have the language

Tak* heed of what may imy ait grace.

189

of Canaan : inordinate and double diligence about earthly things. More perifh with prepofterous following of lawfull things,tharidoe by unlawful! courfes. Soft fands fwallow more (hips, than hard rocks fplic atund?r. Licititprimw owner. Eatings drinkiug,building, matter ofmarriage 3 the world {hall be drowned in thef^ when Chrift comes to jidgemen:. life al! good meanes not wich-drawing your f:!fe from -chenu Difnfing raeanes quencheth'grace, as with-holding fiiell quencheth fire. Weed out of y>ur heart all fucb things, as like a choake-weede fpring up and (mother better devotions. Men grow rich not onely by getting, but by fiving and holding together that they have gotten. Great gettings with little fpendings, is the moft approved Alchymie : fhould one have never fuch takings, if one fhould filch out his gaine as it came in, hee would not increafe in fubftance. Thus Chriftians I 3 rouft

I jo I A Litter of comfort agaixjl the

\ \

muftlookcthe Diuell robbechem nor by any meanes, of any grace which they haue obtained, chat fo their foules may thrkie in thcir^ heavenly cftate. But my letter fwelleth beyond my intendmenr, and I cannot hold bicke my pen from affording you any thing, whom I haue found Co forward in fhewing me kindneffe.

Sifter M. my wife and I held it meete to fignifie both, our remembrance of you, whom your token hath teftifiednot to bee vn-mindfull of vs both, for when my wife is thought on, I thinke then I 3m not quite forgotten. You will be defirous to know how my wife and her place agrceth. Concerning which Icnforme you thusmucb, that both ofv?,inro gardotall circumftances^do think our Hues well fallen; if we (hould (peake otherwife, vree foouldnot fan&ifiehim in our hearts , who is mercifdl to vs, Neuerthr-

lefli

(orrowes that attendevery condition.

leffe,you rouft not thinke chat we haue fiich a condition, in which no for rows in the flefh and other-wife,are not inrermeddled,we Hue not in cbac earthly paradifc, but ourliussarefb made comfortable through Gods grace,thatwc know there remaincth yet a further reft for his people : the which the rather I mention^that you fhouldnot thinke much, if in your condition, al things (uiceROtwichyourdcfire, becaufethat this is no other thing, thin whei with your brethren and hfters eucry where conflict. There isafweate of the brow on euery calling, a wearifom vanity on euery condition,only the grace ofGod inChrift doth difpence wi'h much which might iuftly brfall vs and dorh ftrenthen vs to beare that comfortably in time,which his fatherly wifcdome fha'l not haue re. leafed. And becaufe I know not in what argument to fpeake more for your comfort, I willproftcute in a few lines this argument 14 It

i

Why Cjod makes cdmall

Ic pleafeth God to let us find fbme conditions not fit fj well upon us as heretofore they have done, yea, the fame things waxe tedious, which have beene delight fall, for our love, our hatred, the ordering of our atfc£ttons, is not in our power,but doth vary according to Gods pleafurc. Now when we observe fuch things grow on us, wee muft bethinke us of the caufe, for that is the Dexc way to difcerne how our gricfc muft bccuredNou thus it is with us, that the comfort of our eftate doth refult more from carnall eafement often, and contentments in kj than from the grace of God in Chrift lefts, {hed into the heart by meancs of it. Now God feeing this, doth fo work,that things pleafant in them-felves become diftaftefull to us, to the endth^t wee might fceke more vnto him, and take up all our contentment in him, that chus,.hee our Creator & Redeemer,m'ght be the reft of our hearts, not the creature.

Our

contentments difttflefallto w.

*9S

Our hearts arc full of fccret Idolatry above mcaftre : Now then, when God doth unfettle our hearts from a contentment, which is car-nail, heedothitbuttolcadeusto jdfenour content ation by true god* Jineffe* What a fwect life is it, that when a man is not troubled with defires of this World, with griefes^ or deluded with the joyes ofir 3 which are like the crackling of thornes under a pot,as (bone quen~ ched as kindled ? Bu t if wegrow to defire things heavenly, to fteke diligently the things which are a-bove, this defirz will take off the edge of other chat are worldly. If wee learne to re Joyce in Chritt Je-(us/u will k'll his falfejoy.the end whereof is heavineffe. If we grieve I for cur (insaccording to thziJVapt \ftf y$ur fimes^ jet daughter of le-rtifaUmlt will drowneearthly (or-; rowcs.that they {hall be as nothing with us. Grow up in thef: things,, J and I may truely fay, you (hall I have a kingdoms in your felfe,

194 \ A ktttr conatning the comunicams.

k*

I I am bold vponfo fniall acquaintance,^ ex her t you in thefc things a duty which wee arc bound to as Christians, where occafion doth require ir.I might write further to you :bqt I rather ftiot my felfri^Nn roue vncertaihcly. If I could know howtoperformeanofficeofChri-ftian loue co you,I would ft udy the cafe but it fhould bee pcformed. My wife doth remember her (cite vuto you. Your fridndes are well with vs. Thus in hafte I take my lcaue, wifhing that the peace of God which pa&th vnderfKindjng may keepe your heart vnto the end acd in the cud.

34

L Eft your halting {hould turne forth hurtfully to ycu and others, I wxite more fpedily. YouasketwoqurftU n?$ The fir ft" about the communicants duties; the fcco&d about kneeling. The tirft* whether you may rece^ue with oac who for want of skilly

Of

Duties txttrnall and faceting.

or will, is no preaching Minifter. To which I anlwerin two confi-derations; firft,if he bee able to preach but will nor, it isno quefti-on rfordefeft in qualification, not inexcrcife, breedeth doubt of mens calling and authority. A. gaine, the cxercife of preaching is not neceffary in the Miniflerto the being of a Sacrament, but re-quifueonly to the well-being and greater fraic of ir«. If the Minifter be not able C^reacb^he doubt is much augmented; for God/it fee-meth,dothdiGnablchim, heethat carechnotfor knowing, God re-ietlethhimas noPrkft, Hof^. Secondly, All Chrifls Minifteis iruft teach and baptize, &c. Mat. iSThirdlyjit is counted Ierohams fi re to fet up vie inefficient ones, iKing 15.33. Fourthly, They are commended that fold thtir in» htritanc's, and left fuch Priefts. Fiftly, They have no calliagfrom God, and therefore are not authorized wiihhjly things.

Anfw*

l$6 Vngiftcd Minifiers may admimfler,

A*fw. Mocwnhftaouing thefe and ftch like, this I doubt not is thetruh oi God: Firft, that the Sacr'amentall a&ions of uigifttd Mi jitters arc effeftuall to fucha3 faithfully receive them. Secondly, that we may fecke and receive the Sacrament at their hands. Thefe two conclufionsmuft be proved, and the contrary arguments fntif-ficd: and Co the fecend qut ftion ia his order refolved. That theft anions are authentica]&3§Jhen performed^ is chusconfirrned^Firft,^*/-gufiine proveth that Hererickes fa-cr-ments (ia his Booke de B*p. lib. i. cap. 10 J arecfFcftaall,where we may realon as ro the lcffer,that unlearned mens a&ions have validity. Secondly, wetShould all in companion call in quettion our Chriftendomes,\vhich 's abfurdiry. Thirdly^ as the deed ofene in Ma-giftrafu, fo the deed of one in Mi nifterioz though hec be not VjcjKe-qHaqueleeitimus AiinifieT} is au-vhenticalf, hath his validities The

fecond

fecond conclufbn is morecontro-verfall; for wee allow the Papifts Biptifme when adminiftred, yet will not allow rhe feeing of it: ne-vertheUfie this is true, that people may fteke and take facramenraH j aftions from unlearned men; the reafonis, becaufewe have right to aske them, and theynot without the calling ofGod, have authority to difpenfe them. The firft you doubt nor, the fecond you would fee confirmed, for it is thought they are onely mans Miniftcrs.

An\w. They are called by men, but not without the cvtr-ruling ftroke uf G< d in his which is do .e by man. Thu* S*ml and hroboam chc firtf, were called by men: Sj that God faith, ffof 8.3. Thy ft up Ktngs % and made not him ofconnfeB^ ' yet &..d faith againe, in the 15. of H»U 11. Htvtvetkemtbefe Kings in bid wrath&ndtook^ them Away tn indignation. A ^in^when God eel-let has,/irr ^Re^mtJwillgiveyou P after > afar, my own* heart. He doth

feme

j

198 fVt may communicate with ungified

feeme to insinuate chat hce had given them the other, chough in dik pleafure : for chough the mea are notfuch in whom he is pleafed,yct they are here and chcre placed 5 according ro his pleafure. You will fay, what, are they giuen ia ven-geance, how can we looke for any good from them?

jinfw So in iudgemcnt,that yet God remtmbreth mercy for hi>, which he wil reach forth Ly them. So tyrants are Godsfcoirg^ yet G- drightfth fome by, their regr-ment: for Tyranny is better thai Anarchic, Suppofe then:The Lord ChruQCellour of England hs muft be for his qualification a man well fcen in the Law s, abk to (intense whacf< ever caufes arc brought into Chancery: he muft againe leale all matcers/or he keepcih the Signet Say fecor,dly 3 the King (hould fetor let one occupie the place that knew nottheLaw^whowc uld paflc the Seale Lke«ife here or there lefle warrant* blyrwouldyou

now

Miniftersjtt not with Pdfijl*. I 199

now in the thud place having the grant of any thing from his High-nefle, refute to Ice him put to the Kingsfcale^ becaufehc w.s ignorant^ would g' vet he feale forae-times when his Makfty would have it denyed ? Like is your cafe. But why may not we feeke dwelling amcngii Papilif, to have our children baptized with them >

-/fy/ir.Becaufe they arc not onf-

Iy iguoraor, buc mainraine reall I-

dolifry^likethc Calves ofD*» and

Bethel, from which wee havecom-

mandemtnt to feparate. Conclude

then^hat you may come and feeke

the Sacrament at the hand of an

uulrarned Mioifter. Take heed

iaif luch fugg^Rions-by. which the

counterfeit ar.gels of light would

fuhm it Cburcn- s, and fling whole

Pariftiei out ac the windowet.

Now to re(c !ve your obicftion.

Thr'e whoro God threataeth to

c*th:cr> their aftions which they

p< rforme, may not be fought for:

the propofixioo is falfe : for his

threat-

2Qo Wt mayreceive of ungifttd Mimjlets,

■ threatniog is not a prcfent degra. ding, dif inabling them in ihac they could doe.,but a menace of future evill in Gods time, for that thry ought to have done,bw could not. To Jerohoams faft. Thofe who arc by the tin of men entrcd, their attions may not be taken benefit of.

sAnfrp. Fal£ againe.The Kings of 7/^4^/thuse-itred, yet one might holily have uken the benefit of ;iv ftice under them. Hee that (hould be never io dtd*flicaB 9 yet if he be nor according to S c * Pauls Canon^ heentreth by fin : but would you roakequeftionto hearehim, once in office, being well gif ed ? To the third, All Chrifts Miniftcrs muft teach, and therefore whom hec fends he enables thereunto.

A*[w. Fal^^Uuleffe under ftood with limitation, all lent ofChrift according fo his heart, out of fa-voihyfuily qualified, orxseemuft take teaching m a very large feafc. To the 4. VVce may not fepamc

fir-'VB

.. ■ ■

KKeeliptgUwfMMintbeaBcfc&c. i 201

from every unlearned man when he' isnoreall Idolater. To the fift is anfwered above. The fecond is of Ufle moment, I will not difpure i:: onelythis. When there is no apparent fcandalj^ you may knecle: Latent things which cannot with uorall certainty be prefumed, muft pot hkider us. My reafon 5 Firft, it j fsagefturefanftifiedof God, to be : bled in his fervic^, Secondly, it is fiotunbefeeming a Feaftcr, when pur joy muft be mingled with referent trembling. Thirdly, it nei-|berisanocca{ionj nor bypartici-tion Idolatry: kneeling never red bread-worfhip. And our Define of the Sacramcnr, knowne o all the world, doth free ns from bfpition cfadoration in it. Attend rourminiftcy, and hold the Lord efus to fanftifie you daily. Let no-hing weaken you in your worke,, he beginning whereof was fo joy-ull to you. I doubt not but thefe ire the truth; if I knewtwentk cruples I could not anfwer, yet

would

The good wuftfhsnt in tvit times.

would I be of this iudgmenr. I like not forgery which vpon every want dilmembreth andcu teth off;! nor fuch meddliag in crazie bodies which doth vctcrly ouerwh:loie thetn;hoIy quiet willheale morein thefe cafes than venturous motion. Farewell

SYR, I cannot but be ready vp. on all occafions to fuluccyou, whom God hath by Co many good offices indeared to ms.My defire to God is^hat your foule may pro (pcr 3 that you may be kept in chefe euill times, wherein darknefle and lufts of ignorance abound, like to the Lampe which (hined in the fmoakyfurnace^liketo the bright ftaire which (hioedinthe midlt of darkenes.Now that we may doe ithis, we muftcuer renew our care ' of keeping our felues vnfpotted from the wicked and powerleflfe connection of ethers Like as an euill ayre by little and little alters 1 he nature and temperature of bo-

r

204 Comunion with the Saints helpfntt

that regard,proves the holier man It is admirable how fo great ant tali a man as S\ Paul, ftiould find and feelc fj great necefficy of corn manionvvith the Saints, buttha thegreateft faith is moftoppofic to preemption, aadtheicforeth furtheft off from neglecting an oicanes which conduce to that i hath believed. I am fure it ma teach us that wc had neede to ligf ourcandIe,and kindle our fire wit our neigbours, even to increai ourfaitb,and fireour affe&ionsoc with the presence of another. Noi ftill it is to be remembred, that is not (6 much your bodily pr< fence, as your fpiritual! u(e one < another that is available this wa when wee (hew what God hai done for us,how our ibules are ca tied on, when with the bucket wifcdome, wee can draw forth 'our ufe the waters ofGrace, whi God hath derived from himfe^ into the hearts of our brcthre That is good Communion, wheii

*

Ktrcifi of grace, burmfbesthtfoule,

\ is found (bmc interchangeable ^mmunicacion oi tning* ipiritu-[1. Thirdly, to keepc our bright-efle, we rauft exercifc our graces. s the body taketh more rcftiog wnftirring 5 fleeping than waking; p gliftcring mettalls lofe their ^ightnclfe, and contraft ruftineflc mea they are not ufed : fo it is nth our fbulea ; let exercife be egle&ed, their light will be dimmed, they will (ocne grow to brae imbccillitieand fickenefle. very day draw fbme line this ray, let us awaken our rcpen-mcc, ftirreup our faith, to carry >rae promife iato the fecret of ar hearts.

If wee be like the bufie Ant, dai-r doing (although but a little at net) wee ftiall finde (lore to our omforr, when the winter of tension (hall approach. This excrci-ng is it, which will preferve us 7ith wholefome appetite, and unger afcer all good meanes thereby our (bulcsarccheriflied.

Thcfe

205

I

7

* o 6 I Extrcift of Gract vtty profiuih.

■

Thele febttiring men are as fjund as a Roche, hungry as hun-terj^whercas fedentary Hues are ol fmallappetitr,andcrazie constitution. Thus his with Chrifthi s foch who exrrcife not themfeiues. ftirringvpthe diuine heatc^thcy are indefferent men whether they partake in helps both publikt and priuate, which God hath ordained to increafe deuotionjbut the well exercifed Chriftiai hath o-ther affections.

ThusmuchI thought good to write, exhorting you in theft things, which I doubt not but you endevour in your mealure. I thani you for all the poore you haue re-licued at my motion. I commene my (cite to the good Gentlewomar your Wife,and both of you, witt allyours,cothe Lord. 26

MYloningfriendjI.wasat the firft often perfwaded, that Godwouldfora timefetmeout oi hand, aridtruftmewich myaccu-

ftomed

Urv tve m*y hdve pence in trenblt.

omed libcrty,but often defeature /hich myhope fuffred,did corrwift i time that lightnefle of beliefe. low it Co goethwith me, thacl 03 like to continue here, or noc far ffall thisfummi r,{or feme rhings f avc broken forth in mee 3 which villrotfuffcr my farre travaile : vhich Imuft feeke hclpefor be-ime, becauit I know my flefh to >eetard of healing. What cafe bo'oldl have, had I learned the rueftrokein bearing the yoakeof ny God, had I wifdome to lay rircudlhnces to heart, had I poverty of fpirir,empty ing mee of all Confidence in my felfe, & common [ourks, had I confident depen- I ance onGod my foleSaviour,then jould I havehad peace in the midft f trc ubles, and light in darkents. >ut I linde folly to abound in me, rcret pride, hardnefie of heart, a riritualldrunkcnncflT^which fee-eth no biowes, flying, falfe confi-lence?j what not of this nature? traile my weapons about them,

as.

207

/

208 I The Joule mufkbt brought lm.

as the walls of hell, expeftingin filence, and rcit their downe-fali from heaven.

I looke for better times chough greater troubles in the fl:(h, than hitherto I have knowne : I fee it mu' be in healing finne 5 which fal-leth out in healing (brae bodily diC eafes, the party muft be kept (o low, that he muft be tantum non confe&ut iuedia^ before a fpring of better blood can be procured. In labouring to purge out fin^ the life of grace muftfuff^r fuch things as bring it exceeding low, yea, to a "Dfliqwum oftenj before a new (firing of that heavenly life can be obtained.I thanke God in Chrift, fcftentation Ihave 3 and forne little ftrength, fuavities fpirituall I tafte not any. Bar indedl often tell my felfe, Phyfick purgative and rcftau-rati ve are not to be taken at one and the fame time, yea n it were to wi(h fuffering without lafFering, if wee would (o admit forrowes; as that wee would together fecle them

drow-

and then God will fir cngtbcn it.

drowned of fpirituallconfolation. The divinity refted ere the head fuffered : Co in the members. The Lord be our ftrengch and comfort. If wee wane courage and ftrength, wcemuft looke to him, to whom whofb faokcth,reneweth ftrengch. Who ftrftigcheneth his, fo chat they can doe every thing, who ftrengchenech them in the inner man, to long fiifferancewich joy-fulneflc. O let us inconfcicnce of all weaknefle clafpe the rocke of Ifrael, and learne ofchofc Conies, weake and wifc,who worke them-fclves holds within the earth, wherein they are fafe. When the Apofiles had received this (pirit of ftrengch, they made a play of their fuffkrings.Even as in bodily things thefe ftrong-boned hardy porters, will make a fport of bearing fuch burdens, which a weake body would tremble to touch : Now Chrift,on whom the fpiric of wife-dome and ftrength refteth,increafe oar union and comunion with him. K how

2 io | Wcc m*Jl feekg after the kjngdomt of

*7-

HOw happy Sir, arethcLords children, who if they be once his Favorites, hee will love them to the end, aad though for their firme he chaften them, yet will hee never remove his mercy from them. What is their happl-nefle vvho have received a King-dome that cannot be flbaken?When I obferve how thefe earthly things wheele abour,then raethinkes how happy that man is,whofe heart and hope is in that God with whom there is no fhadow of change ; wherfore let roe ftir yon up to feek after the Kingdome of God more and more, Heire*, the ncerer they come to ripe age, and fo to their inheriunce,theraore their longing and defire is afcer them. And fire., they f*y the neercritcorometh to that rcgicn which is the proper place of i% the fart'r it moveth: fo (hould it be with u*, whofe

age

God more J*dmore, and how.

I age is now ripe, to that wee are neerer our falvation, than when tve fjrft bclccved : (b ftiould it be with our fparke of Grace, which God hath kind led in us, the ncerer it comes to heaven, it fhould move thitherward with greac fervency, yea, in our greateft delightf, our hearts fhould be excited cowards thofe joyes which there we ftiall enjoy: when our prifon hath fuch content as wee often take, what fliall wee finde prepared in our Pa-radifc, where we fhall live for ever with Chrift that true tree of life! Now, the labour of a Chriftian ftandcth chiefely in theft things, Firft, hee muft lay up thofc free promifes (Sod hath made hits in Chrift, as which are the ground of his Title to heaven, that as men carefully boxe up evidences, and coppies by which they can (hew their jnft Title to the thing earthly, Co fhould we theft promifes in 1 our heart, by which the heavenly inheritance is ftaled to as. I K2 Second-!

Secondly, we muft ftrive co enter our polMion, by continuing a courft of Chriftian vertues, joyn-ing with faich vertue, with ic knowledge^temperance^&c.while wee gee a large entrance inco that heavenly kingdome, 2/eM.io. That lookc as Ifrael, the more they didfabdue the Canaznites jhz further they were pofleflcd of C*-xaan, fo the more we bring under all earthy lufts, the more we enter that heavenly Canta^ the more wee come into true reft^begunne in holinefle, confiimmate in glory. Thirdly, wee muft labour to ft-curc our felves in this ftatc wee pofTefle. CJod would not make us happy 5 if wee might not be ftre flill to hold it, which though in earthly things we cannot, for they be tranfitory, and if they would a-bide, wee want leafcs of our lives xo abide with them, yet wee may in heavenly things, becaafe they are eternalJ, (hall not fade, and Chrift hath undertaken to keepe

us

ofthektngdottoc of Heaven.

313

us unco them. This is my Fathers will, that I ftould raifeyou up at the laft day. So certainly therefore as hee hath called us, juflified us, andfanftifiedus; (b certainly will hec doe tins other pare of his office afligned him by God his Fa-ther, yea, God will keepc us to his heavenly kingdome, as hee faith, and none (hall take us out of our Fathers bands, he is ftronger than all, faith in theft will fue out a fine, as it were a and give us quiet pofieflion againft all that can op-pofe us.

Well, the Lord be with your fpirits, and give you in your mea-fure the comfort of theft points.

LOving Brother, I did receive your Lttter which doth cerri-fic roe of matters, in which 1 take good contentment. To beglnnc with the laft - I am glad you have done fo kinde an office to your K> Sifter;

I

Againfl overmuch worldly care.

Sifter; it (hall further your owne reckoning, when you ome to be accountant to €Jod. lam glad like-wife^ that you know your lacall j gricfefo. well,and can lay your fin-ga where it fmaics; and I am joy. ed in your refo'ution which God givcth you of (baking off this which prefleth you downe, I thought co.have had a letter fraying your returne next Terme, but delay brcedeth danger, and vacation time ib more free for thoughts, than when every mans cafe craveth entrance : andinthefeconfiJerati-ons my fecond tfnught biddeth mee write prcfemly, though lefts exa&lyand fully. Your rdolutfc on is a good figne that God, who hath freed your minde to a fettled purpofe againft it, will give you in time performance al(b. Bat you mufttake heed that your refoluti-on be fuch as is grounded onely in Gods ftrength, who in his C^rift »amft diflTolve this worke of the Divell, and it muft be accompanied

Refolrttion agawjl worldly care

nied with the coafrienccof your owne weakneflc, who are fold under fiich finne; the wiflorae of whoft foule, by nature b:com-meth altogether earthly; andlaft-ly, with confederation, what ftfewg^h the earthly objefts aod your propenfity and inclination this way have to oppofeyou: for thefe will make you poore in fpirit, and havt no confidence in yourfelfe, bur make Chrift your ! Captaioc (who bach overcome the World) all your hope; and if wee come not thus to fight, we (hail be forced to recoilc oorfoof, were our quarrell as jaft as Ifraeh a-gainft thofeof Benjimh. Now that you may lee how (trong an evill this is, you mufi: confidcr wkh what forces it is intrenched, what fpirituali things there be that doe backethis infirmuy; the which is the rather to be obferved, becaufe the right method of healing,reqiti-reth that we find out the caufes of the malady. Now this double dili-K 4 gent

2l6

I

ought to be grounded.

gtnc carefulnefifc, fpringeth from a threefold head : firftfromdWruft inGodscare,whichis ever over us for good. When one hath great friends,, which they are knowneto leane to, we fay of them, Such need to take no care, they know fuch and fuch will fee to them j on the contrary, come toonethackuow-eth no end of coiling and caring, aske him, Why will you thus tire your felfe out ? H: will fay J mult needs doc it, I have none but my felfetotruftco : fo Chrift folSw-cth his Difciples carefulaefle to this dore, their unbeliefe, which did not let them confider our heavenly Father cared for them. Secondly, thefe cares come from a folfe preemption of felte-fufficien-cy b ourownccourfes, as if wee by our owoe diligence could build the boufe : For, were a man per-fwaded that the blefliog of God were all in all, hee would ply that fart fir ft, an! with little joy would undertake anything; tillheeftw

God

Cwfej of overmuch worldly care.

God wicnclliog to him by his Spirit, that he would be wich him co blefle him. This makcth Chrift cell his Difci pies, they could not wich all care make a haire white or blackc; infinuating this difcafel pohtar* I know we will not fay this; bar-no more will any covetous man, chut hee maketh his money his God; hee knoweth ic is earth, and hee accounts of it as ic is: but our deeds fpeakcihat of-ten> which our tongues would deny. Thirdly, from an overvaluing of earthly things, aod undfrpri-liGg of heavenly, we come to be fo carcfull in the one, and forerch-leffdy affctted in theother,wc being like children who make account of a Peare or an Apple more than of all the houfc: befide. N^w having found the caufes and rooces of this evil Vyou may difceme it is as cafie almoft to (hake off your felfc, ssro be rid of this infifmi:y: wfrchl fpeake net to make you refift heard* fly, but to make you

217

K *

take \

Remedies thereof.

take him with you, who only re-

\ maineth victorious. In the next

' place, you rauft labour to remove

thefe caufes., and the effeft will

ceafc; Say toyourfelfe,Lord,thac

I fliould be of (o little faith to thee;

thou biddeft mee in nothing be

earefull, but reft in thee 5 but I find

a htart that will not reft in thee,

but be for it fclfe.Have I not found

thee true and mctcifull above all

1 could aske or thioke? How Isic

then that I fhould lend thee (b li ecle

credit? Who will notcondemoe

\ that wretched Aba^ Efay 7, when

[ thou didft fend him a mefTige, and

[ bid him be fecure in thee^ put it |

backc^ hee would make fare For '

ihimfclfe? Bar alas! when thou

; fjyeft no lefle to us, we (upon the

matter) doe no lefle than hee. A-

: gaiae, what abomination isthis^

I that my heart (hould,kiving thee,

1 reft in fitch courfes which icfelfc

J imiginethanddevrfech> I fee the

Divcll his word is proved too rruej

hee fiid^ wee fhould be like Gods,

which

Confiderttims di\wafivi from

which as it Is falfcin rc(pcft of divine qualities refembling our God, Co U it true in regard of our finfuH ufurpation: for we take our owne courftas if wee were All-fuffi:ient to our ftlvcs, not needing any higher power: and what an inor-dinacy ig this,that my foulefhould be thus turnedeafthward,thinking on thefe things which arc earthly and tranfitory, with little thought ofthofe which are*heavenly and eternal! > we pifty that want of wit incivillconrfe, which maketh the mtndc runne on babies, but never t hinke on ought fubftantiall: but what is this defc ft leffe lamentable, which makech me toffe in my mind things belonging co this life, f*l-dome mufing on thofe which are everlaftiog? Thus when you have pondred the wretcbednefle of ir, youmuft thinke on your utter Liability to mend the matter, by ob-fcrving how deepe your heart is gone in unbeliefe, that you can foon«r truft to any thing tnan-fe-

cureth \

cureth you in, than chat God pro-mifetb, Againe, hovynaturallitis to you to plot and contrive affaires, and reft in your owne confutation?, as if your good were in yoar ownc hand * by marking, finally, how deepely you are bewirched with thele things prefent,how potently they work upon your mind, by reaibn of the affinity that is be-twixc them and your undeiftao .ding, being become earthly. la the third place, yffu muftlooketo Chrift tohelpeyourunbeIicfc,by taking it away, and ftrengthenirg ycur fail h,r hat you may give him glory; by fetting- your reft or.cly downecn this, that hse careth lor you 5 and pray Lim to circumcife your heart, aaa pare away that Sclfc-confidence that you. may have no truft in the fl. fh ? but make his care over you, all your rejoy-ring; yea, pray him to crucifie all thefc outward things to you, that ihey may notice ib powerful] upc n you, la theft things you muft follow

low Chrift, for hce is the Author anil finifher of our faith; he is the true Pruft by whom wc have cir-cumcifion, not made with hands, which hee hath fealed in our Bip-tifme; for the water is a fcale of Chrifls blood applyedcj us, and ot that Spiric of his, v;hich is poured into our hearty through che merit of hisbloud, toth&io-tent ir m : ght abolifb our corrupt!-onyind create in us die lifeof grace. Chrift crucified 3 finally, doth kill .he power of this world to us. and our corrupt inclination to it 3 and i he things of it: thuseudevourirg roremove the roote and cau'e of your ficknefle, the griefc ic fclfe will noe eafily be cured. To come then in a word to ic, firft, remember how it doth worke upon you 5 and what a. wofull thing U is :o have the miade inordinately feared, with retaining thought of :hisnature; for firft,howgreatly toe theft hirder you in the bed things ? Itisthe common choakc-weede.

202 The danger ofwermnh worldly core.

weede, which like as y vie doth by \ the oake, fo it facketh thefapof Grace from the heart, and maketh {it unfruitfull. A ground in which ■ filver Mines are found,is commonly barren every other way; but it is certaine, a heart in which veincs runnebf worldly cares, isalwaies too fruitless in duties towards Gcd. Againe, how dangerous is this? For it is to be feared left ft exafperarc God, and fo make him leave you to your felfe, and withdraw his care over you: if we di£ ceme fuch as will put no truft in us» but love to ftand upon their owne ground, we give them good leave: ascontrarily,thc more wee fee our felves trufted to, the foore our fidelity Is careful! for them that ftay upon us; thus is it with our heavely Father. Againc, you rauft aggravate this inordinacy of cares in your felfe, from this cir-cumftance; if I were never fo needy, thi* diftrafling care could ' not be warranted; but when God

hath

hath blcffed mcc beyond tbac ( could have asked 3 then ftill to be in farther thoughts., how inexcu-fible is ic > If a poore man fteale, ic is a fhame; bar for a rich man to play the thiefe, it is raonftrous : CuesdiftraQfng, and not refting on thbgrprefenc, are a fpirituall chefc before God. Againe, thinke how miserable this is : fay one flioulJthruftyour face and bodily fight into the dirt, and bold ic downe there that you could not looke up to the Sl]nne,Firm lra^nt, the Trees and Field*, & c. were not this a wofulJ condition ? O foch is the ftateof a (bule, whofe eye and thought is thruft downs into thefc cirthly objefts, and fo held in thsm, that it cannot looke up to confider the Sunne of righteouf-nefie IcfusChrift, nor the heavenly things which arc given us of God: thus then appreheding the mifery of it, looks untoChrift, pray him to fave you, who is that Iefus that favech his people from guile and

power

t*

?t*j to Ckrijl tgainft it.

j power of fia ;fcom this fin la hurc-\ ful co the prcfent growth in Grace, j fb dangerous to provoke your God \ againft yon, fb ill burning you to j whom God hath expreffed fuch bounty, fo full of wretchednefle. Remember ht hith (aid, Hold me the truthj willfet you free; fearc | not, 1 have over-come the world. Again?, you muft pray him chat he wocld mike ycuable to be hea-, venly minded,and tfci >k upon heavenly things. True it is, our minds naturally luve no py this way,fid no relifhinluch thjughts; but we fhalldoeall things in Chrift that ftrergthcoeth us: Contraries muft be cured with coirrarieSjChemorc you ge? to tafte heavenly things beftowed on you, the more thefe (hall grow out of rcqucft, and draw co an end. Icwill be good for you when fuch thoughts feiz: on you, toconfidercfyourovvne infirmity after this manner; O Lord,howjs my mindc throwne downc from Heaven co Earth ?.

How

'Perfivafive Meditations.

How doe fuch thoughtB prevent rae,and come before I would have them? How eafily do I continue ia thcra \ How dole doe they cleave unco me? Let meethinkeof thee, thy Grace, my ftacc after death; | and hardly will thefe enter: foone j they vamlh,and while Lhave them j in my thought, fcarce halfe of me I is in them.. Lord, me thinkes I aro like the wretched woman in the Gofpell, who was held of a (pijit eighceene yeeres, that flbee could not Io-jke lip to heaven .You J (hall fi.ide fuch meditation not in vaine, when you are ready co be I cranfported, for it will weaken the recurne of them, and difpofe you both to fecke and receive the cure of this evill from your God and Siviour. The Phyficians in force kinde of unfeemely convulfions, wi(h thactne Patient (hould loo!<e onhimfelfeinag'afle, which will help him to drive the more, when he (hall fee his owne deformity: but I fee my Letter will grow

nr

to heavenly mindedmffe.

beyond the due quantity of it; wherefore I end, defiring you to follow your good purpofe, and not to lye under your infirmity with any pretence* Wee fome-times give way to inordinate cares, not meaning co continue them, but to fettle things onely in order, that wee may be free from them: but the flefh will not heale flcflj, neither will being a while diftra&ingly careful), ever heale diftra&ingcare; you (ball quench the fire with wood,aflbone as finne with yeelding to it. AgaineJ will doe this but till, &c. This is as much as if one would leape into the Thames, and fay, I will caft ray (elfeinto the water, but only till I be knee dcepe • were not this ridiculous> WcllBrothcr,the Lord deliver you from every evill (hare*, and if you will ever be a good husband, and have all things continue and profper, be fure you win his favour, by prefentingyour diligent dtity ia Chrift his favour,

in

Middling in wsrldly c*res danger out I 22 7

n whofe hand to all your good J pea, the g :>od of vour wife,chil- • Jren, and childr^as children for i ■ever.

Yours ia brotherly aflfeftion, ; Faul Ba;*c.

*9-

LOviag Brother, you would inke me haply liketothofa xeatures which fl:epe over all the Winter, fhould I but continnefi-enc till the Sucnmerwereeatred. The truth h, I have beeae very jveatiGi the mod ofche tims (ince I [aw you, but my condition is fuch, [s will not fuffer my minde to reft, were I never fo free of bodily infirmities, and fecular cires, which foe foretimes lo3ke into mee

mee.

;haugh not much difturbe rruly^ic doth take up ray ftrengch, :o gee ftreagth wherewith to walk rroai roaming to night, waiting an ray Gadsfalvation without miking

228 The troubled Chriftiam refuge.

king haft. The Prince of peace is my refuge, who as hte hath his time of making heavie, fo he will retume and comfort in the multitude of his mercies. Thefe things I write not fo much for my Apolo-gie, as for your admiration and in-ftin6tton 3 tbatyou may confidcr of your own cftate,and examine your peace • that if you find it to be true and found, your thankes may be redoubled for fo great a benefit, which others want, which paffeth undemanding : that if otherwise it prove deceitful!, you may yet make fare worke, and (et ic aright, i while the day ofgrace is cendnued to you, The Divell circurnventeth many by nothing more,than by lulling them afl^ep in fach a rsft, as will prove torsftteflefmarr, if it be not by repentant courles interrupted. A maa may have peace from not ftirring and moving hi* corruptions. The Divell, we (ay,is quiet, if he be pleafed; difeaie not fin, you (hall tcclc little of it: fuch

is

is the peace of a body, which is, though not fickc, yet in an ill ha* bite,andftate tending to flcknefle $ it is quiet, cillfomething be taken, which fightcth with, and cxpel-leth the hcke matter; not becaufe there are no peccant humors in it, ! but it is therefore at eafe, becaufe j they are not provoked and purged out with wholefbme medicine. A-gaine, many feele not difeaffnent, becaufe they doe not taske che*n-J felves about good duties as in ex-[ crcifing their faith, renewing their thankmlneffe,gettringraore (haroe and griefe to finite their hearts in their daily wants,in laboring to be more fruicfull in good works than they have beene : in teeking heavenly raindednefle and holineflc, which might make them doe all things as become the pretence of God, before whom they are. Indeed no wonder if wee beat eafe while wee fee not hand to thefe workes. A lame akinglkibe hath eafe while it refteth, but yet is not

well,

229

,

230 Severallcafij thereof.

well, though ic hath not fenfe ol cvill. Againe,there is no cafe frorr fleepinefleof con/cience,whiIe (pi-r ituall {lumber bindeth the fenfes and difcerning fpirituall; fb thai though there be many wofull evils, yet id all of them no difcafement is perceived. Thus a man with twenty ficknefles, well afleepe, feeleth nothing. Laftly, there is noeaft often in the body, becanfe the fenfe s being taken up with obje&s delightful! to them, tend not that grief which hangeth about them; of which fort is the peace of the (bule, which difcerneth things a. trifle, matters of griefe; but the gratefull objefts cf the world, pleafure, company, &c. doe fo pof-(eflcit,that being in thefe 5 itfeeleth nothing of that which in Come raoreretjred thoughts it feemed to apprehend. What fhould I fpeakc of mifdeeming oar cftates ? There is away right in a mans eyes, the end whereof is death • and the reft of which mi(corxeit,is like theeafe

Take heed offfirituaUJlotb.

of a golden dreame. Or what (hould I mention any other kinds, which I thinke not fo pertinent for your eflate ? I befeech you take heede of chat neglcft of getting your ficke foulcs drefftd, that fpiriruall floth and reftinefle, that (lumber, that having yourfoules taken up with thefs matters which are gratefull to the natural! man; take heede that none of thefedoe make you nap to your after farrow. You will haply (ay; In what ftandeth this true peace? Arfa?. In perceiving the Grace of God fuch towards mee in Chrift, that my Conscience, through his blcod^is cleanfed from the guile of j finnc; thatmyfoule, through his Spirit, is freed from the rage and tyranny of fiane, that it hath not ! that power to carry me captive to ;it,and workmydiflurbance^which : fomtimesithathhad.Th?rdly 3 that my condition, through hisBleflug I in Chrift made a Curfe for mee, is

imadc Co comfortable, that it plea-feth

fethmewell- there being no tedious difeafements with which it is accompanied, which would ex-tinguifli my py for the prefent Fourthly,that for the time to come hee will keepe me to him, patting his feare in my heart, according to his promiie, that I may not depari from him, finifhiog my faith he* hath begun j never leaving nor for-faking me, but caufing every thing workc together, for my good. For there is a foure-fold Branch of this Peace; one, (hootetb forth of our Juftification; the other, from our San&ification; the third,from that Bleffing w ith which God doth follow us, ir« our outward condition; the fourth/rom the knowledge we have of his gracious pleafure towards us, even for the time to come; without which, wee could not have true peace: for how can a man have true peace earthly,with» out a fecure pofleffion of the good he holdeth ? So there could be no true peace foirituall to us, now

blcffcd

blefled with heavenly things, if we might not have and hold themi with a fpiricuall fecurity. Where-fore,deare Brother aad Sifter,enter into your hearrs; irarkc whence ic is, that you goe on ac eafc from day to day: Is ic becaufeyou fee., that God for his Christs blood, which hath cried for better things than the blood of Abel, hath abfolved you from the guile of all your finnc > Is it becaufe you feelethe power of linne broken, that it cannot prevaile againft you, as fotuetiraes it hath done,bat you finde finne weakned,and your fbules with more frecdome obeying God in fuch things, in which femetimes you could not deny your (elves > D:>e you fee, that whereas your eftates fometimes were troublefome to you, now they are made fuch as give you contentment, through the grace. of Godjbkfnogus inChrift, ac-curf»d for us > Doth God open the eyes of your minde, to fee his L gracious

gracious unchangeable good will towards you forever? Then you have ^ood ground for being ac eafe within your (elves. But if you finde that your quiet fpringech hence, becaufe you difquiet not your felves in weeding out your ignorance, unbelicfe, carelcfle-ne{fe,8cc. or becaufe you doe not prove your feeble fpirituall ftrengths, in labouring to dc eevery thing out of obedience of faith ro the Lcrd, who (hould ever be before you; if becaufe cuftoma-ry faftiions, occafions, or objeSs of this or that nature, keepe you occupied about them, take heed of this Eafe, as ever you defire to live in that eternal! Reft, which God hath prepared for his people. Digge into your hearts betirae, hold them to that which is a-bove tftfjr fdves, through the ftreng h of Chrift : (< hey will hang off from every thh-g thac is not oarurall, to them,) Iudge your ftlvts daily in your wanes to Gsd-

warc%

Wt mufiprove turpiact wh$$ber y &c.

ward, fccke to C h r i s t the quickening Spirit^ that yoa may leclc life and power in your waies : labour for fobricty in the ufe of all worldly things: (you know the laft times; their deftiny is to have fhewes, without life and power, to eate, drinke, marry, with forgetting the appearance of Chris t.) Labour thefe things, and the God of Peace make you tafte his joyes, which are tranfeendear, above all this World can afford.

Your loving Brother,

Fa*i Bsj*u

1 %

IbefcUow-fetling ofafflittion.

JO,

DEare Sifter, ycur Letter came notcomee, till I had beenca r fortnight out of London. I would not have haftened from you 5 to have been a lieger there (b long. 11 felt my weakness knocking more thau before, and faw your hands full j which made me long after my mod familiar Manfion. For that which you fignifie,asbefalliog you that night,I defire to have fellow-feeling with you. Wee muftnor, like S wallowes, take the Summer, | and refufe to d wel with our friends in Winter ; but it is a true faying* None knosves what nevves the Evening will tell him. H*d I known it in the Morning,'t may be, for your fake, my fecond thoughts would have rejourned my prefent defigneSo But God is wife, who, whenhegWcth usPhyficke, doth pin ail rfce outward comforts wee a&tt, ferre from us, l:ft his cha-f-ifements

Wt art morcfmfibk ofCreJfef y

235

ftifemerus (hould work leffe kindly, and to thepurpofe, with us. Dcarc Si iter, the Pbyficke muft make us ficke, that doch us any good: yet Sifter, a9 wee muft not hinder them wich prcpofterous and over-timely comfort of oar (elves, (0 wee muft not make them more vehemently ftirre us than they do; for both arc dangerous. I perceive by your little patheticall Letter, that you thinke a great dcale on this late hand of God: loureld&ft Brother , your eldtfi Brother alretdy, your eldejt Brother already rooted out^ theie are all af&ftionate eloquence. Sifter,our naughty envies are full of falfe ghfTea: when God doth us any favour, giving us ble£ Gngs,then they hold a glatfe before us, which makech them fceme nothing fo great as they are5 when God (endeth any croffe, then they deceive us wich (uch a glafle, in which we fceme to fee them m Jch greater than they are. Befides,be-caufe God givech us fuch plenty L v of

\^6

than &f Favours.

ofcmercy, tb^r wee arc ever iota, fling and profeffing feme good thing, otother; therefore, theft being plentifully make them leife dainty : but not alwaica feeling forae evill or other, they move us, when they come fo much the more,by how much they are more unufuailwithus* Weefeeleraore the ach of one tooth, than ttoe bealchfcme frame of our whole bodies. Let you and me then falkc about thefe things which ftickc moftupoo your itomacke. Sifter, 1$ it not more kindly, the younger {hould bury the cldeft,than other-wife ? This then muft not gticve you, that God hath taken the eldeft; he wasthcripeft, and fi tteft to be gathered. But why doc you 6y, Already ? Alas,good heart; if hee had died before his upper Lip had fprouted, I (hould not have wondredat this word: but, Sifter, he lived aln&oft to gray haires; you could not begge a longer Leafeof your owae lite, in modefty, than

God

Cemfort for the death of

God gave him here amongft the living. If wee kept our daies in number, wee would thinkc kwa yeeres many; andia thofeyeeres he came to a ripe age. Takeheedc, left whiles you looke atthiityou have nor, you forget the Lords bounty, which is already received, in his fo long continuance with you. Wf*ci you fay. He is rooted out; Itakeit, you ufe this phrafe chicfcly,becaufe hec is dead without heires male: bat that bee hath hcircs fera.ile, k is a gifc of grac^ which wee defcrve not; neither will his.naroe behead, while his Brother livcth. A id what 3s the Name? Is it none of our things which cannot be ihakcn ; every Nim* muft at lengch be ixcinfh I muft not heale more in you ihn I find ; left when I fteketocurea wound that is, I make a new one, whichbsfore w^s not. Ico c.ive your meaning no further :bat comfort y mr felfe in thi«; your beft el-d:ft Brother lirecb, and is by his L 4 Spirit,

as 8

*n tlder Brother.

$

Spirit* with you to the end; your Lord lefts, who is not afli jmed to callus Brethren. OSifter, would you provoke your heart to be glad of him* you fliould not forrow ex-crflively for the abfence of any ear-hly Brother : and whatfoever thing is inyour tboughr,yet corfi-der who hath done it even your loving Husband in Heaven. Ifyour earthly Husband fhould doefbmc (hrewdturne, as unawares breake (bmc Ie well you much fct by$ when you heard that he did it,you would beftaied, though before you were much raoyed. You muft fcy as Chrift faith; Shall I not drinke the Cup my Father puttcth in my hand>That God,that is,Love,doth reach it anto you. If you fee God angry, yet be of good cheare; hee J chat will not Jiave finfull man let the Sunne go downe on his anger, hee will not for ever kecpe anger againftyou; and a Parent is a Pa-reat, as well frowning, as failing. Judge your felfe, and with a faith-full

Be^aUm ofCjodsgkry.. \ *$9

full heart, (hew -him his beloved Sonne^n whom he is well pleafc^ and he will 6c better friends with you than ever. Stirrc up your felfe to more zcale of Gods glory^ia fee-king to bring children an J fcrvants to obey him in their fpiritsyis well as ferve your felfe with bodily fub-jeftbt). Oh, thinke.thcennofer-vants for you, .that Will not learne to ferve yoq? Husband in Heaven alfo, Fure an eye over young and oId,th$£*here be no appearance of ihe leeft irreverence inyour duties to God 5 occafion your felfe co challenge your foulc every day for unfruitfalnefT:. Oh, wefhouldin wayoftbankfulnefle, with all out hearts, (bules, and ftrengths,beal-waies in ferviag him : wee muft ftrive to the higheft, and then God will pardon all wee come (hort in, And though you recount varieties of fbrrows which you have found 5 yet know 3 that, God fttiketh not j with h;s who! * hand,but fillippetfa I you rather with arfinger: our ble£ 1 L 5 - fed

W* *rc not alone affiiftccL

fedjSaviour hath drunkc the dregs for u% Againe,you are nor alon?: jfac0t,rbargood Pa?riarch,had divers affii&ions; Fli^hcouc of his Countrey- injury from his Father Lsban . frare o r death ac the bands of his Brother Ep"; aCaft-away 5 in regard of m rcy* his Children* bloudy Rio • his Wives death; J^/?^/dc(pightfuIl packing irtrd Egjft, &c. And "Peter firth, Wee are madt h^avie with many Ten-rations^ when neede is : Which fhould yet nurt comfort us b:-caufe that thenecellicy ofour efticc doth require that wet (hould have variety of ibrrowes. Indeed, wee muft be forty that our fouUs are Co ficke, that they muft cake Co many thiogs: but muft be thank-full to God, that w, oot weary, but doth follow us win thiogs, odc after another, for our good; for yw good. All things (hall worke together, to the good of thpfc that love God: Your comforts muft noc be in this life -

here

V

A Cbnfltans cu>j[<smakc bim

here is not chat Reft for Gods people : wee will let Viveffet fiiga Requiem to their foules; butwc: Will pray toGodforgrace,that we may carry our crofle,aod tike evill do It fle thankfully than good from his hand : neither muft your comfort be tacked upon the pretence of a nun; the Gcd of all confoLti-tn is your Ccmfortery that Spirit which Chrift will fend unto you, frojivhim. Aod let all your for-rowc$ be welcome for thisfruit, which in the end you fnal! findeby them : vix* That your departure from this world (hall be fomuch more eafie when it commeth, by how much yo« are before by fuch crofle encounters killed in your aff.ftion toit. S'icH asmufth^ve a member cut off, they willingly yeeldtohavc it bound, though ic be palifulJ5 becaufe, when it is morcified and deaded with ftraic bindings they (hall en Jure the cutting of it off farre more eafily fo (hail wee take our cutting off from

this

vpillinger to part with the world.

this World Co much more gently, by how roach more painfull pin-chings wee have endured. Weil, the God which teacheth us to profits Efay faith; which purgcth us by tftefe meanes, and makah ui more fruicfibll • he make you more fiiritfuU by this his hand, inevery good word and worke.

Your loving Brother, PjuI Bajne.

$1,

LOving Sifter jiiKJIofTes marre agoodTexe : Co my ill con* ftruftion had almoft done by your good Letter. Ycc I am not fbrry that I miffed your meaning; for ic grieves me not fonweh for to mi£ j conftrueyourphrat,asJtgladdeth J mce, that no fuch, iaordituncy of! griefccaratnigh€ryau,asl imagi-tied and feared. Thic which you conceived in faying, Akeady, I did coo^'dureiciike.wi^ but did not

plainly

Faith ~ afovetAignc Ladj,

24 j

plainly exprefle it; becaufe I knew perfonsin griefe rauft be gingerly handled, left wee make a Wound where there is none, or exafperate that which is already fwaged. I thanke you for ray Hnd-kcrcher: Inrccompenceofyourlove,! will comnend unto you a good Midwife, if you will fend for her; it i* my Lady Faich, whoistheSo-vcraigne Lady and Cornmandreffe in ail things which the jaft mm doth, or Thfifcreth, The j 1ft in troubles (hall live by his Faith. That which Hive in the fl.(h,even in refpsft of this eteroall life, World-ward, 11 ve ic by faith in theSonof GoiyBiU S.Pj*l y gai.z. Now, this great Worthy doth come to none bat thofe who firft prepare for her, addreflbg them-(elves to her liking 5 (econdly,(end for herj thirdly diet her to her contentment : for (hec will quickly bq gone, if you make Qocfuch provi-(ion which is grsttefull uaco her„ For the firft: Sifter^gceatMid wives

on

■ »

*44

arid the be ft Midwife.

\ on Earth, they come to great ones, 1 where their wages (hall be b:>unti-| ■ full t their gifts libera]!- wnere they I fh^ll have worfhipfull rtfpcft pjc 1 upon them, and all thhgsof (he beft fuitiig to their contentment. And they coir e not willingly, bat where there is fome likelihood they miy goe thorow with their bufiatfle. Bucmy'Ladyrequireth no provifion nor qualification in the perfbns fhee vLfi erh, but that rhey be poore in fptri r , snJ fee themftl ves at fuch a pafle^that they k *iow not what to do withou: her. We know not whattodo,butour eyes are towards thee, O Lord; when fen fe,and our owne ftrengt h areat a ftand,thentherei$ficroorac ma^e for Faith to enter. You muft thinke therefore, good Sifter,what a dead lift this ate i*,to which you approach. You fcnow,good Rachd was taken away in \u It is the cba-ftifementofshc great God^ which if he fhou Id not pac under with one hand^ as he (hikes with the other.

we

wc could notindureit: Yea, deliverance in this cafe (but that is fo ordinary) would ticfcrvedly be counted miraculous. Wherefore you muft not thiake of it a* of a matter of courfe, which you nccde no further to looke about, than to gcthelp,andtheaccuftomed means unto you: No,noj yo;; muft labour to thinkc that* you are in fuch a ftrefle, out of which none can help yoiijbut the ftrong Helpe of Ifraei. Secondly, you muft lend for her: Now fbedwdkthinKeaven>whi-iher you muft difpatch your beany prayer,, faying to the Lord : Thou knoweft, O God$ Uo w my heart is fallen from thee, in the affiince of it, and how prone it istoleancto fach helps of the creature, as I lee before me 5 though thefe, without thee, can doe nothing. O Lord, though I know tfaercisnoRocke befide thee, yet I am fo dead in un* beliefe and fa ! fs confidence, chat I cannot tiuft on thee. Helpe there-fore my uobcliefe, and increaft my

faith.

woman grcAt $f childe.

faith.Now when he doth give you i grace,fccle faith coraming toward you, you muft chetrifti it with fuch food whtreby it groweth : now faich fccdeth oa Gods pro-mife, on experience, and on confederations which arc deduced out . of Gods Word. Thus you muft thinke : Lord* thou doeft make the Hiades to Cilve; As thou haft chaftened us with pain in tra-veil, Co thou haft promised that we fhailpaffe the pikes, and bring forth, though with (brrowes. A-gaine 3 you muft thioke, how you have found God faithfull and mer-cifull in this kinde. Finally, you muft reafon thus \ That hee who hath put that mercy into a finfull man, to helpe a Bead in the era-veil of it, when it is hard* will hce faile to give you (a Daughter believing on him ) all the helpe that is good fo? you, anfl which maketh with his glo?y ? Tnelord acquaint yod with himlelfe 3 in.the daily expsnences you hw< of bis

Mercy

j

t \

G$d doth not correft us

Mercy and Truth. Thus hopiug j my Midwife commeth not too late, I commit you to God.

Your loving Brother, Paul Bzynt.

*47

32.

OEarc Sifter,- I doe defire to grieve with you, in your griefe j and to have, in fomc tnea-fure^a glad and thaakefall heart in your rejoycing. It is bar &kz my camming to Towae, that I heard of your bruifed b3dy and diftafed miade i my eyes are caft up to him, who breaketh not a bruited Eleede, that he would eafe your minde 5 to him that tmketh the broken bones to rej )ycc,thathee would returne you your accuftomed health and comfort.

D^are Sifter, wee muft in all accidents of this nature, remember, that our God doch not chaften, as hiving pleafure,chaftening (imply:

but I

mm than we have medef.

but when necde is* hce reireraceth our corf cS ion,«iaking us hca vie at fandrie tiroes 3 and by fundry occa-fioits and maaaers,accord i ng as our neceffLy requireth: Wc (hall fin Je in the cad,w c could not have lacked any one ihing^which in this na-cure hath befallen u*.

Wherefore wee muft not be too much caft do woe in thefe Corrt &i. ons; but rather admire our hea-veoly Fathers love, who is net weary of nurturing fuch unreachable children; who is not weary of following the cure of our incurable Diftafes; incurable, were hee not fuch a healing God, who could fiibdue every thing to hunfclfe. Yea, though our Confciences doe know, that there is a caufe why he chafteneih and putceth fuch bitcer Potions into our hands; yea, that befallethus, which isobfervedh unskilfull Patient*, wee miffethe Marke often, when wc con jedure the ground s of our owne glide?.! c is nor wane of love, Sifter, to S. S.

which

God purges us with tjfltSms §49

which is any pare of Gods quar-rcll (though wee CMj none of us 5 Lve either the begetter, or thole that are begotten,as we ougbf. for all our delight fhould bein thera:) It is (bmc defeftjSifter^nchc day-ly coutfe,and io the frame *»d con-ftitutioa of the heart towards God. When wee doe nor, by imprinting in our hearts the remembrance of our fcarres fbre»palcd, prefervc in ourfoules that lowlinefle and po-Terty of fp T ric which it becorn-meth us to have before God* and which fometimes wee did fesle in confeience of thofe our provocation*; then we give him juft occafi-on to meditate on fame new Corrections. When our hearts grow a grainc too light- when our water (as it were) lookcth but a little too high y our heavenly Father, a Phyfician no leffe loving than cun-ning,hedothdi{ccrneit,and quickly fi teeth ua whom hee moft tend?-reth, with that which will reduce all to the healthlbme temper of a

broken

according to our dificmptrf.

broken fpifit. Alas, Sifter, fuchis the forty in the beft of our hearts, that our beating will no longer dwell with us to purpofe, than the fmartlafteth; and as that weareth away, (o wee grow into a kinde of lightneffe, fecuricy, and liberty^ which are fore-runners of fomc enfuing rebuke. That God which teacheth his children to proband which giveth wi/edome to us that want if, without upbraiding us; he open our eycs,to fee oar eitates this way f that fo he may furnifh us with true uaderftanding. Well, though theft things come often,yct be not difmaied • it is Gods pre-venting love, who will have no neaft of ficke matters breed in us, which fhould then difmayus,when we mod of all ftand in ncede of comfort. A body conveniently purged every Spring and Fall, is not fb fubj;& to cotraft matter of deadly fickacfle, as another, which hath long gone, on without help of any fiich evacuation. Wee fay, it is a 1 mife-

inferable life, to live ftillincourfe >f Phyfick**; but wc may turne the pecch in fpiriruall consideration, ind fay, Blefled arc they, who are never without fome bitter thing or other from God, that they may be reftored, and prefer-ved from the fccond Dsath. And for roy (clfe,Siftcr, you have fuper-abounded tome inyourlovf; your aftions and fruits have not bcene fparing, but your affe&ton I did ever perceive cowards me in all fin-cerity.I am forry that I have (hewed you no more,and that my health jdoth not give mce leave to vific . you, and come upon you, without • waiting any further invicement. I have long waded in a conflifting ^courle, and I thanke ray God (who h ath wrought in me) the labour of my minde, in fbme regards, hath not beene Hctk^hisrmketh me not able to mioifter to my drare friends ; as other wife I fhoiild. When the . hearts neceffiry rcquirech a eonflo-1 ent Gf blood to iy he haadvSc "uch

CKteri-

*5*

Wt *nuftfuppor$0$kerSj as weff,&c.

exterior members arc lcfr pale and blood Icfle to appearance: you may apply ic; when fupport of our owne Races calls for out ftrength, we cannot doe tbac abroad, which otherwise were bcboofefbll. N<-verchelcfle, Sifter, ifGodcafcnot your tftinde, that yon can walke in feme tolerable fafhion tinder tbe burthen; and if withal I,you thinkc my pretence might be reliefe to ycu that way, I will for a while adventure to you, if God (part me health in any meafure. If God fo looke upon your (pirir,as that you feelc your felfe in foinefbrtfuffi. ciently ftrengthened, then out of your love forbeare that, which you may otherwise in love command. Thus leaving you to your God, who teacheth us to profit, and giveth hearts as well as corrections j andwifliing you ranch quiet fruit of .righteoufhes in his fcifon, I take my leave,this 30, olQ&obtr.

Your Chriftian Friend, and loving Brotber,P**J Bajue.

•

Vt htvt nudi eft be Lords daily aid.

33-

MY deare Sifter; the Lord, who hclpcth uswithevery good defire^helpe roc with prayer, which may find favour in your bc-halfe, through Chrift. Should no place hold me, in which I found noteafeandcomenr, I coald not make abode long under the Moon: for though I have fownc the feedc of both, Iknowthatlananotyet to re ape fo mach ts the fit ft fruits of my Hirveft j I hare need of faith and patience, to makemeinherite every promife. The Lord be our ftrong Arme every morning, and teach usfotolookerohinyhatwe may feele our fpirituall flrength rene wed.This I fpeakc not of contentment grounded in godltnefle, for I have chit ia my meafure, I t'unkeGod- but in regard of that content which rdultech from the p«eafing rellifh ofc ucwardcircum-ftaac>s. The fweece wates of my

youth

¥

2 5 2 I Gidletf wbe rveakjo make usjtrong.

youch did breed fuch wormes iD my Soule, as that my heavenly Father will have me yet a while continue my bitter Worme-feede, be-caufe they cannot otherwife be thorowly killed. I write this the rather for your fate; for truely I find>that the cofcience of roy Ihte and need doth helpe mee much to digeft fuch grievances as would goe too much againft ftomacke, had doc God acquainted mee with this ground of pacience. For your AA/eakenefle., Sifter, I hope God will make it end in ftrengch. Ic is kindly for Phyficke to infeeblc a while : Howfoeverjhold the Rock and ftrerg:h of the heart, the Lord Jefus. Hee who healed all Maladies, when hee wasabafedon Earth; He, whofe glory hath not diminished either mercy or ability in him., H^e ltttethus be weake, that bee may make us ftrong: our exiren^itiej is his opportunitie; where mans helpe endech^ Gods power begins. The Father of mercies

ciesiti Cftritfylraw you to him,and make you able a litclc to wreftle wuh him forftreng^h, atleaftfor fpirituall comfort : Hcewillbea Rock?,& ftrcngth, when heart and flefti (hall failf;he will give you the Brcft of Confolatioa, and comfort you, when no artificiall Confe&i-ons can exhilarate your fpiric; hee Will be Anodyne to you, eafing you of all your paioe and griefe, feafonably; a (hadow at the right hand, againft all heat which crou-bleth^ a prtfent reliefe. Our weake mindes creeping ftill below in earthly fuccours^ are much more (oaked with evils than they fhould, could they cry to God, and get chemfclveSjby vertueof his promi-fes, as it were, by certaine fcaling-iaddcrs 5 raounted up unto hica.The raine cannot lye fo long on high m Duntaines, as wee fee it to doc in lower grounds; fo is it in thefe waters of our atfli&ions. For the Fityou expeft^God who worketh above that we can aske 3 or thinke j M hee>

W% mujlfubmitto Gods Yoakfi.

hee, I hope, will be better to you than you looke for. Sometimes, when we prefume upon freedeme, he doth with-hold it from us: and foflnethnes when wee reckon on no other^but to returns to our yoake, and take up our ccoffe,hc doth dif-mlfle us: but if it doe come 5 and at the good timr^welcome ir,ihough it be a troublefome gueft; I doubt not but God will make ic pleafe you welac parting.Neither be too much moved at thofe other petty affli&ions: Ifhould rather chufe to have.my houfe Gods Hofpitall, i than a Court of fuch pleafure wherein Gods feare is 3lmoft exi-I led. Bictcr herbe$ are better, while they breed good blood, than the; fweeceft raeate which ingcndereih \ bitter vomk 3 and mortall Iicknefle. The Lord give us wife hearts^ which may rather chule afilidions than vanity, which may not think much to dwell in houfc fometime with godly mourning, Wdi Sifter^ you have hadyour fdca&re in god-

] y

Iy forrow, as a fofter-father to the foulc : I doe affure you this bkf

fing in the Name of the Lord, you (hall receive comfort; thy latter end (half be peace, thy winding-fhc^t (hall be as Gods handker-chcr, to wipe all teares from thy eyes, through Chrift our Redeemer. Which [fpeak not,to weaken your Faith touching temporall deliverance, which God ufeth to (hew th© righteous (when it is good) though they fall into fixe, yea,into (even adverfities: but that your Faith, confirmed in that which is principal), may make you depend on God more confidently for his Redemption from chefe prefent evills (which isacceflory, and lefle principal!) and that fo farre 33 it may (land with his glory.

Your loving Brother,

Paul B*ym.

Ma 34. Loving

Chrifttm admonition.

34-

LOvingBrothcr : Theoccafion oiwhitts comminghome,doth move (nc to write fbme few words (070114 partly* for your better fi-tisfa&ion, touching our affaires; partly, forourChriftian Admonition, which is al ws ics needfull: according to thar; Admonifh one another, wbik ic is called to day., left our hearts be hardened, through the dcceiefulntfle of finne. The gract of God, which faveth us by the forgivennefiB of finne • and the gi^t of adoption, which making us Sonnes, bringeth us to have the Spirit of Chriithere, tbcearneft-penny of that mafic of glory i^ee looke for hereafter : This grscj doth te^ch us, that is, effectually perl wad?, yea, aod conrtraine (as P^a/fpeaketb) the IcveofGod doth co; tiraine us; all fuch as taftc it, doe walke not onely juftly towards men,, but godly in the

duties

* — lwm

The love of God wiH i»une uf

duties concerning Godsworfhip, publike and private; and foberJy, hufingallthe bleflings ard liber-cicg of this prefcnt life, which God of his mercy doth vouchfafe us. Now, many of us are taken tardy, bccaufe, that though wee have care of faire and juft dealings yec, if wee examine our ielves in godlinefle and temperance wee may be pot in thablacke Bill for Non-yr$f,cUtits. For what is godlinefle? An inward devotion of heart to God, which maketh the godly foule both ufe diligently all parts of his worfhip, private and publike, and alfo in every chii^g to feekc bis gbry. So^owalkc temperately towards our felves, is to be.foberly aff.fted towards the tilings of chis life,'which wee ufe: as neither ta-phy the Harbengers and Purveyor, ro provide for the lufts of our hearts, before we have them; nor ; y«t togoe too-deepe-in them, when wee have them; nor finally; to be moved much, if wee M z have

from the love of the World.

have not this or that which wer defire. If wc have tafted the fwecc grace of God in Chr?ft± you muft needs finds your heart drawne on to care, to pleafe God by holinefle and (bbrkty,and weanedneflefrom the things of this prefect World. Gods loveconftrainethustolove, Cos AmorU Amor : That you fhall fay 3 What have I in heaven but himr in earth in comoari/cn of him ? Wc love h;m 3 becaufe he hath loved as fir ft. And if you have felt the fwcet of his gnce, which is better thsn lifejtt will weane you in feme mea* (ure,and make yoa fober minded in thefe earthly affaires and delights. I count all things droffe and dung in comparison of Chrift and his righccoufnefie.A mans mouth doth not water after homely provifions, when hee hath tafted well of delicate fuftenancf;fo 5 whoft heart hath died into'Gods favour, which is better than the vintage or harveft, than all earthly profits and plea-lures : he whole heart feeleth this,

can-

Theptmr of godlinefft*

cannot but be moreweancdlydif-pofed towards things tranficory, than chofe whofe portion is in thefc matters,who know nogreater hap. pinefle: wherefore let race intreat you, as you will aflure your felfe that you are a Scholler, taught by the grace of God; let me, I fay,in-treat you toftirreupyourfclfero godlioefle, not to the outward naked profeffion and (hew of it, but the power of it isGods Image re-newed in the fpkit of your mind, 2 TVw. verf.3. 5. Then as your face in a gUffe looketh to your felfe, whofe 6gure it is, fo let your (bule ever be looking towards God, whoft image it beare?; ftir up your fclfe to him : fuch as love not the Lord Jcfus, let him be accurfed. Would notyoubeaftnmed to love another more than yourowne betrothed wife? Shalwenotblufhto have our afflftion more towards the creature, than G 3d our Creator and Redeemer ? to whom we fmc plight our faith, as being baptized

M

Love God above ati things.

!

io hi j Name • which is likewife called upon us as a mans name upon the w ■ i j with whrmheiscou-pkd? N>w true Ioveiscfficiou3 ni d:I:genr, not con:cnred with good workes which are good cheape, but it will conftraine us to doc iff] good ftrvias that are pleating to God.The love of God con-ftrawethus, yea,in private, to dot like as Abraham the friend or lover ■of God,G**. 18.19. Yea, to hate that which is tvill: Yce that love the Lordjtate iniqui ty-,and do feare to offend God, Res eft [illicit i,fkna timorisamor: As itexpelleththat flavifli fcarc, which is more of pu-niflimentthan offence, lore cafteth outfearc; fo,fobcr and watchfull, put on Chrift: Take no care to fulfill the Ms of theflefti, ufe the World as not abufing it; be married as if you married nor 5 yea, cut your ffefh {horter in fome things your minde fuperfluoufly defireth, like David. Remember S.Taul, Phil a % 12. who was fo weaned to 7 all

-*-...»..

ail things through Chrift, that hee could doc as well in wane of all thing*,asinabundancc.DjenoDa]l I you may doe, left you quickely ■ commie thac you may not doe. All I things arc lawfbll, but I will be fervanc to nothing; be not unprofitable towards God: Trees wkh-out frutt (hall be cut downe; many (hall feeke to enter, and (hall not enter. Shore (hooting lofeth many a game. I call on you, left your thoughts ofmarriage,y our feftivall recreation, your companies, refts, bring you afhepe: An eafic thing when the Candle is forth, and all (till without din/o fall a napping; which will prove to your c^ft when God (hall fend fori] Summons for (laggards. My wife is I weake, bur God doth bearc her up with meekneiT^thankfuhefl^and bope,in all het affii&ions.We both remember yon,and wi(h yoar heart may not be hardened through the deceicfulnt(Tf of (ia. Blefled is hee thadearcth alwaics, buc hee that M 5 harde-

withnegkB rfgndlincffe.

hardench his heart, fhUl fallinro evtll. Fare weUjCommcnd us co M r . M; his wife^&CiBr other/emcmber one thing is rcceflary; what if we could win the World, and lofe our fculcs* Thinkc often that Ch'ift doth denounce wo on the Worlds whom hec tsketh not ifl whore-dome/JrunkenneflVxtoruon.&c. bun whom hee findeih wich tfe ir hearts aflfepe^ in eating and drin-king^building,bargamii g; that is, following law full rhif gs,but whh negkft of godlineflejand therefore unlawfully; Readc the(e places. Yoa have turned the quotation of many a Statute, reade them ajaine and againe. Corporall meat taftetb in themoutbjtheiearefiveetin the belly: A man cannot eatc his Cike and have it.But you may eate thefe words often- and theofteneryou feede on them by meditation, the morefweec noariflbmenc you (hall find in them.

Your loving Brother^ Paul Baine.

Rep ntance the tutichjloneojrtkgion* \ 263

35-

BEIoved Brother,thongh I have taken my -ourfe hicherco,and bcenemore indulgent to my (clfe in privacy than heretofore, yet a£ fare your felfe* you arc in roy bsft remembrance daily.My heart doth intend to do you the beft fervias I fhall be able,in way of your foulf; I hipelfinlUxecmetberaingood time : I would be forry the Sceed ff]3uid fterve while the grafle groweth, as wee we fpeake in the Proverb. Wherefore I do admonifh you, that you would ftir up your hear: to repentance daily, and ihat you would labor to feele that your affe&ions are now let upon God: this is the touchlone by which we may try the truth of our Religion, andofthatFaithwehavetoGods that courfe which is eftranged to ihcl^-is all the country wide of the way to falvation; this is the way thither,If you wilefcapet lie wrath

to

1

to come 5 recent; and doe workes

worthy repentance. If you repent

not,yecflial]pcr!{b» Now the ex-

ere fe of thls^is thug much : **&j A

renewed griefe for all unwonhi-

nefle pa'tt and prefent ^ to ome

home Bterei &~ necrer to God daily.

Can wc due eaficrpennance, than

to kc our hearts fmite us with the

thoughts of our ignor£ce,otir care-

lelheffeof God, and ncgle&iogof

hisfervice? ofour great unprofica-

bkneffe, which alone is fearefull?

For the Tree that bringeth not

forth good fruity is as well cut

I downeco the fire, as that which is

! loaded with bad. We cannot fhif^

; bur grieve rn thefe cohfiderations,

j if our hearts love God. If we faile

I a friend in duty of love, u grie vech

j us^buufwedochimadiiplcafare

j and trefp*fle, jjftly alienating h ; s

nitnde from n?,ir doth car urac the

heart, tbarwee hav* forgoc our

telvea* fu farre^aad wc befhrew our

(elves for it: (hill we then take no

care for the things wee oriiicand

commit

commit againft God > Malice only is carelcffe of fhrewdturnesdone tofuch whom (he malig-ietb. The nature of Love, is to grieve; leaft offence given,thcre where fhc lovech: What if fhee offend him not fo grievoutly, as we fee others, ftull we therefore not be grieved, though wee hold on in a courfc in (bme raeafure offensive > Mm ha-, h right ro a penny as well as a pound, and may be wronged as well Li the one as in the other: And will not the fame rule hold cowards G^d ? You muft the rather heare on this fide, becaufethatthefparfclingof Gods anger myourTowne, was a Summonsftnt forth for us deeper?, that will not awake our felvcs,and prepare to meete our God in hearty humiliation. The Famine and Sword, land Plague, you know are the three greateft Arrefts that God fervetb on foch as breake his Covenants impenitently. This, Brother, is the onely way to avoid danger, to iooke unto Godsgrace

with

j wi*haforrowfullheart, acknowledging, that you have ferved him Joofely and unfruitful!/. If a Crc-di r or fhould lay wait to arreft mee, beligiothe City; though I changed my Chamber from the Temple to Whitc-ChappelljthGugh I corrupted the Sergeant with a Fee, all this could nocfrcure roe; for another Sergeant might be got, or fome new coufe devifcd for mee : but if my Credko* be compounded wi?h,l walkeftfely. O Brother and S'fter, thus it is: wee are all of us debtors unto God; Sickeiuffcs are but his Sergeants; there is no way of defe ning,if God do by his hand upon us, but by fuingunro him with faichfull and forrowfuU hearts, that it would pleafe him^ for his Chrift fake, to give us a Qniitus eft, and freely acquit us of all our trefpafles $ which thud till then, as, fo many Debts in his Bookes,uponour beads: thea wee may deep on both ficc^uxl walke at large i the Coaft iicleasr, vich-

out

Dilay not nfeuunct ; Call

267

ouc danger. Wherefore delay not ' this matter; let not company tranC port you, 1st not fearc ofpainful-nsffe^odforgoingdcligStfyouare worte afraid than hurt) let not any indifpoficion and flxhfulnefle hu;-der you; (h ike up your ft lfe, Chriil will helpe ynu/M*d* & m$do n*n habent modttm • the longer you put it off, the longer you may. A man thatgetteth up force time, when his head (eeroeth full of fl;epe, i feelcth no want of if, when hec :s j well wakened; nay, is often more j Iighcfome, than if hee had conci- j nued (1 Jgg'ng. Wee (hall lofe no j contentment, by offering vio!fl cs • to our £iritullflothfuLvd]e. The! Lord^hattookeL^liogeringjand carried him forth of Sodome, hee \ catch hold of you, andhJpeyou j ia this bufinefle. And when you have found this way, you muft helpe your Wife, and call on her, toreturnewichyou. A good m in caonot tell how to goe to heaven alone s thi Gommuuion of Saints

tnuS

^68 other -taw^Uf with G*d*

mud be a point of pra£Hce,as well as an Article of Bclicffc. One Cm-- die lightech anotherreven fo grace, where it is, will labour to kindie grace where it is nor. We had need to retume; all that live ftrangers from God (hall pcrifh: as forus then,it is good that we drawnecre unto him. Now if you aske how you may walke with God? lan-fweryou; by fetting your heart upon him ; for as we lay, There a man is 3 where his heart is; neither cm wee have God otherwifefor our Go J, unleflc our hearts be towards him; for if our hearts be on any other thing, then that is our Treafure and our God. Now if you wouid find our, whether God hath your heart, or no, you mull trie it by thefe rules, by examining whetheryour thoughts and af£b&i« ont arc taken up with him. If our hearts be fetup3d z thing, <v*ee thinke on it of en^ and MQft there* on in the flight ftafoo, befog not able-,- meaar-while, to rake-any

reft

Rules to know whether our

169

tcft for it. So, all that feare the \ Lord, muft be thinkers on him : (though hec be not in fight of the J bodily eye, herouftftiil run in our I minds. If we take no thought cfa thing, ic is a tokfntharitisofno j refpeft with us. Brother, God is not Co commonly knowne, but hce i is as rarely thought opon;and mens hearts fmite them not, when they goe day after day, not once calling to minde the powerfull remembrance of God : though the Scrip-ture 3 when it doth tcrme men all the evill that is, doth ftile them no other than fuch as forget God* A-gaine, as the thoughts muft be niindfull of him, fotheafFe&ions of Iove^joy, feare, and defire, muft be towards him. Examine therefore, whether you findenot, that your defires are more inclining to earthly things : you feare more often, left men fli«u!d cenftre you, and note you of novelty and pre-cifenefle, for doing duties to God ^ than that hee (hould juftly have a quarrel! |.

quarrell againft yoa, for negle-6tfng his fervice daily. So, ifyour •heart joy not in the acquaintance you have with this or that man., more than in the knowledge yoa haveof God in Chriftjefus, which isLifeeverlafting : Looke if your heartieft love be not beftowed rather on the creature, thanonrte Creator and gracious lledeemer, Jefas Chrift. Now, if you finde 1 affw&ionat!y,how farre your heart is out of fquarc, then you muft not negleft to fecke remedy for this evill; Griefe which is at the heeics thereof is not to be regarded. For when the raoft vitall part, ev:n the hcarr, is touched, then wee feeke Cordialls, and beftirre us for the reftoring and prefer* ving of it : If the heart, as the Fouataine of this momentany life, berefpefted • what care muft wee haveof it, aiit is a Fountaine of fpirituall life 5 never to be ended ? There is but one Phyfician that feelsth this heart-pulfe, and is

able

able to heale ic; even Chrift Jefus, \ that hath (aid, Hee will take from \ us the heart of ftone, that is, our j fccure, impenitentj and dreadleflTe ( hearts, continually offending our God; and will give us flefhy , that i% tender hearts, ftchasfhall fame us when we trefpafieagainfi him. We had need to cry to him; for the beft of our hearts; if we! knew theatre{b naught,that they hadneedtobemadeanewthorow-out/or they are paft mending. Labour to find out this mortall poy-fjn, which ex-inguifheth all life of grace. The love of the World,and the love of the Father, fight like fire and water, they Will not dwell together. Keepe the heart with all diligence, for thence are the it fues of life ; pray to God to change ir, pray to him to kcepe the frame of it: refraine that which increa-feth the finfall diftemper of it ; -acquaintyour ftlfe with fach good rneanes, by which your think, ing upon God, and your hearty

afifcfti-

affedions towards him, may be cherr.fhed and encreafcd. I will (hortly fend you a Letter of fuller dire&ion this way. Ic is better to fcele Gods favour one honre in oar repenting foule*, than to fit whole Ages under the warmeft Sun-fhine this World affordctb. Commend me to my loving Sifter; (he mud thinkeofthismatter too:, not thofe that are cardeffe and flothfull^but the vio!eor>that catch at it by force* they carry away the Kiogdome. Many that fceke, (hall not enter: what will become of us, ifwefceke not; in words and pro-ftffion > All Chrifoans looke to Heaven -indeed wee acsall for the Earth: this caketh up ourthougbts and affeftions 3 that wee are like Boat-men, that looke one way,but row another.

The Lord be with both your (pirics.-Fare-well.

Your lovifig Brother^ Paul Btjne.

3 <S.

ALas,deare Brother,! defire for co condole your chance with you id the fight oi my God, wi(h-ing him ouc or his grace, co enter-lac^ the fefifr of his fweet love with vour bi* t^rtifcom for r,andro give you tbequict fruit of r ghre-oufneffe, fol; wK^in the end of this-yo l -Jt shtfttfemcfit. The Lord doth give rs n<my things, and chat onely so prove u«, that by them we nny be lei into knowledge of otir hearts, either to fee our owr e :ntfie,and chert by reverence aad love the Giver, and foto be comforted when hee takeththem fr ;mu5;ortodifcovt:rbythemche unwea^cdiKfieofouraffftionSjby living in feenricy, andforgetfulnes of-God; that finding fuch things, wee may bs moved to godly (or-row; the end of which Js (alvation. Event, which is one Booke that o-penech Gods fecr^c pleaftre, doth

now

for the death of a Wife.

now fpeake thus much; That God did never intend that you fhould long in joy that gift hee gave you; hee divi it to try vrhat was in you, to make you fee it, either to your conifort,or to your further humiliation before him.The fpirit of man kno wcth the things of man; you have a privitie within your fdfe, which can determine one way this cafe,which in it felfe is indifferent. Now to helpe you (as God (hall guide) under this I&nd, youmuft marke what this courfe, on Gods part dothmoft probably tend to; and in the fecotKi place, what you are to doe, that out of your great lofle^you roay worke to your (elfe true, advantage. For the firft, the Lord dcth point out thus much; that there is corruption flilllyiog in you,thac rruft be purged forth; and that he out of bis fatherly loue cannot ceafe.but minifter medicine to you, to the end that hee may bring away that which would o-fhci wife hazard your fbulcs health.

We

God <?jflt£}j none without caujh.

Wc are not made heavic with many things unlefle our neede fb require, faithS. Peter,Cb*p.i^ m A wifePhyfician will not give Potion after Ponon, where bad matter u Sufficiently evacuated; much Icffe wiil Gad reiterace Cca ftrotig uur-ges, if he did not ke chit our need did enforce it* Wherefore,d^are Brother, you murtlearne to fee Gods mercy in following of you, and the nt cie your foulc hath chus to be dealt withall 5 you rruit be-thinke you, how that his former blow did not worke fo to purpofc uponyou,as was meet:which doth make him deale like the cunning Phvfician, who when there is not blood enough taken away., doth Rcpetcre vices , open the Veine,and make it bleede afrefti. You muft bethinke you, what fcape did o-vertake you in youth, that your God (hould taike alembiance, as if he thought you not worthy efflhe ftabkHfruition of fo 11 lovely a bkfffog, as is a Chriftian I tradabl e

275

M

tra&able loving wife: Happy is he that diggeth into himfelfe, to find the roots of his evills. Motbi nojlri faeilitt* curantHrquam invtnittntw. Pray to God that you may take to he*rt thecaufes ofthings $ then chr >fF:vft* (hall quite ceafe, when tin cauf:s are removed . We that hold J. de-nmrs to found the truth of cau-fes, 2nd who would rather have the judgement of a whoIeCollege ofphyficians/han not find out the ground of a bodily griefe: how fhould weefceke co God, that wee might through his light difcerne what dwells in our fpirits? Which is the ground of his difpleafure. Now for the fecood thing, how you may make the be ft of this vifi-tation; you maft doe this^be declining that which may hinder, and ufing that which may further the cflkSuall working of this upon you tofalvatlon. O Brother,if you take phyfickc,will you goe out into the aire? Wiily©u diftemper your felfc by diet ? Will you hurt

the

Wt tnufl take afflt&ion to heart.

277

the working of it in you?(Such accents as thefe,are Gods Phyfickc for your (bule: O be carefull to let them workcinyouto purpo(e,that your healing(wh? n God fhall fliew ic) may fland a Fall & Spring with you,may becomirsualL IfaPocion flay not with us, but come up a-gaine untimely, what will ic benefit the body ? If a Seate-cloth be put upon us, and wee weary quickely, pull it offagaihe,what profit can it bring us? O Co, when God layeth thefe Plaifters to our hearts,indeed fomewhatfmarting,ifwewillnot let them lie on, but quench that forrowfer fin, by company, and other occafions, not dieting our fbules, as who are Patients ud.-r I Gods hands: Alas, wee {foil be as J readyforancwPurge,asifwehad j never taken any. O Brother,! gtve you no worfe counfell than 1 my felfepra&ife; if I knewanyfafcr^ you fhould have it. The Lord give you wi(dome,that you may be able to looke before you,and delight in. N fuchi

foch things, which though they be tedious for the prefenr, yet they will end fweetly.I know yourdan-ger; Oh, if wee had but our owne fooliftj hearts, wee had enemy e-nough, too mighty for u?, without the belpe of Jef&s Chrift our Lord: But a great many of Syrens fing a-bout you a great many of matters, which will by little and Iittlc,fteale theftvory tnoughc of theie things out of your heart :yea,I would we had not evill fpirits to keepe pofc fcflion in us., with ftch violence, that wee can hardly make entrance for a thought of this aature. Again, it fb fareth with us, that things the fecondtime, ftir us not commonly 16 much as at the firft; a9nature,the more fhee is accuftomed to medi-cinc,thelefle (he is moved wkh it: O,yourauft be afraid of this carriage to your Phyficianjftrong things will poifbtf us if they purge us not. Againe, our hearts are fo hard^that till the Spiritdoe foftea tbcm,thefe affliftions which are Gods hammers,

mers, bcate cold Iron; all is boot-lefle. 0,when youfeeleit, cryto him that hath promifed to takeaway this heart of ftone: what need I warnc you how malicious the di-veil is, to dart fuch thoughts tbo-rowus, as if feeing itwili be no better^alh wdlcnough?Your ftate is thus augmented, your credit in-creafed 3 your felfemore capable of further advancements and conteat-mnits in that kind; feeing you lived ki^dlywithher^anditisGodsplea-fore, vvho can undoe that which is done ? The Lord rebuke him for you. O turne from fuch curfed thoughts which tend to this, that you may be kept fl ambering and fleeping, till God fend forth fbme heavier fummons for the awaking of you. Now for your helpe this way J have fern you a letter which I have long intended, but hitherto have been e prevented: The Lord blefle it unto you. There be two extremes under Gods hand : the one is to fit light by itj the other is N * to

The

mcanetn a

ip\

tton»

to droope too much under ic. Now you mutt go in the midfl:; take it to heart^but wicb hopc^nowing that it is good to beare the yoke^ and that it (hall be well witbfuchas wait filently upon the Lord : and therefore fay with Mcha, I mil beare it y becaufe IbdveJinxed.Thirik your heavenly Father, that God that is love it felfe 3 hath put this cup into your hand, and fay with ChtiRySkaBI not drink* the cttf my Father hath put into my hand ? For our bodies good we drinkc things which make us fet many a fowre faceon them ; what (hall wee not welcome for our fbulcs health* Yet asyou muft let it downe, and humble your foule, fo you roufi comfort your ftlfc another while,there is mercy with him that he maybe feared* It is good to intermeddle reftorativesof/pirituall flrength., which may raile up the foule in true comfort,a s well as otherw hile to beate downe our foules in thought which may humble them.

The

(joi c^tlls to hnrnhh^ and

The Lord hath given you from time to time pledges of his fatherly care overyouryea/uchby which you may gather, that he will never for fake you; whom he loveth, hee loveth to the end. Yea, this is his great Iove^and he offereth himfelfe as a Father to you, that he will not let your fpirit goe at randome, but correfteth the thing amifleinir-that he bring you to be partaker ot the qusc fruit of rightcoufaefle, and faue you from being condemned with thofe that are of unbroken heart,whofe harts never mourned for their fin. If you cannot fte this mercy, of this you mufl: not be difmaide; though it be night, wee (hall have day againe, yea,hi8 love is the fame it was,though our fenfe and feeling is changed. Sit licet in nat0s fades anjitrafarentHm^ Mms tamen <tqna manet. I do affure you in that knowledge of my God,that if you doe but favourably judge your felfe before him, and humble your firlfe iu his fight: ifyou will a N 3 whije

281

•

then to amfort m.

while count that ftate beft when you fede your heart devoted to bfm; though the countenance be ckj;& 5 that great God that comforts the abjcft, and exalteththe 1 humble, hcc will exalt you and \ comfort you with true joy and prosperity. Thus inhafte Icom-^ mir you to the Lord.

Yonr loving Brother, P. E.

37-

LOvtngbrother^l know a word or two will be more welcome than continuall filence ^wherefore I will let you underftaod how it is with us. My wifes infirmities doe 'continue with her, but fheehath more ftrength, I thanke God, and the violent working of them is e-venpaft, at leaftreflcrh for a (eaten. It wen?, when I did write to you firft,exceeding hard with her. but if the Lord give us faith, hee can workeabove all wee can aske or thinke. It is good wee /hould

have

We are dull and/leepy to Good. j 283

have falfc fires (hot off fometimes to flart ap our fltambring (bules, which are heavieto fbepe, chough we be never (b wakened. Sometimes acoldneflecoraraeth on our fpirit?, which maketh them un-a£Uvc unto good^likeas it is in the body, the heart is*fleepc (bmetime when the eyes are open : fome-time wee cake a nap in the luft of our hearts: fomctime wee winke, by falling into unfruitful! courfes, idle words, pafling good hourcs to no pnrpofe: the Divell hath many waif s to rocke our foules aflcep,by making us rejourne our good pur-po(e*,and take day :fti 11 a little Hum-ber,a little folding of the hands; \ p . we efcapefalling from grace, lufts unfruifulneflecifwe willnot make delaics, buc fet upon good dudes, yet even in thefe,our drowfic hearts make us nod oftentimes through indevotion.

Acd becaufe I am fallen into this

TheameJ pray you both take heed

that your Souks be not thus over-

M 4 taken,

■I

taken, that the firft love, the graces which ac any time you either have had be not leflened. Lookein the 13. of the Revelat. 26. and nof to husband our talents, or increafe them, is the nextfore-xunmr of judgement. Take heed of giving place to lofts, He thatfewtth to hU fle/bfitllreape defiruUmi, Gal,6 t 8. Take heed of unfruttfulnefle: the free that beareth not good fruit, is a tree that fhall be cur downe, as well as the tree that beareth bad fruit, and every idle Word (hall be accounted for: let nottheDivell prevaile with us to put offa good purpofe; quench not the Spirit, iTbef.*}. i9.delaie$,ifany where, here they are dangerous; let us fliake our felvcs up againft that indevotion and fpirituall fljth which will creepc upon us in doing good: be not flothfull, be fervent in fplrit: curfed is he that doth the bufinefle of God haftingly. Bro-her, we that are the Lords, though wee are not in a dead fleepc with

the

H?ee neede Summons.

a8 5

the World,yet our fouks have the remnants of fuch a lethargic as that wee are often napping in thefe kinds. The Lord hath need to fend oat fammons for us fkepers 3 or wc (hould be in danger by them. A* wake thou that fleepeft, ftand up from the dead, Chrift (hall give thee lighr; he that is the true light, the quickning Spirit, having our nature glorious with him in the Heaven. The Lord our Redeemer, the quickning Spirit, quicken our foules, and keepe them through faith in his power, to that Salvation which is laid up for us in the Heavens.

Your Iov ; ng Brother,

3*

LOvingBrotherJhav* received your letcer,ful of heavie report, but that our neede is fech that vvte muft be made heavie with funihy

N 5 tempt?- |

28$

The ttfe we are to make of Gods band.

temptations; our God doth not delight in beating us, but our necefli-tiesinforceit:Godhatb taken from you an innocent and fweet confort, thenaturall Narfe of your nurfery, a feithfull difpenfer ofyour eftate; in a word, a good wife, who did you good and not evill all her daies. ,Wee are bereft of a Sifter, a Sifter indeede (as S. Taxi (pcaketh of Widovvcs) whoieloffe, though I beare more weanedly, bccaule 1 knew her more fpaiiogly; yec it doth grieve race (he is gone with-out any fruits of my love with her. The Lord teach U3 to be fcrvice-ablc mutually while vve injoy each other, that wee come not to wifb we had dooe (o. Brother, it is my defire,andl will feek at Gods hands with a fafting for you, that hee would give you repentance, and fpeake to your foule, humbled under his hand, that he will heale all with advantage. A great breach hath God made in your houfe,bnt his mending is better than bis rna-k king*

Repentance only flop G$ds anger.

kiog.l doubr nor,bat you know by this, that God doth call you to repentance; no bufh will ftop the gap Co wcll^s humbling our foulfs-^nd judging them in this fight: now this is an cxercift that requireth entring into our owne hearts, and confidering what evillshavelhpt in our bofomes 3 efpecialiy in thofe waics which the finger of God doth point out more particularly: c Deutr. 50. i Kings 8. 47. 2. To get a fight and fenfe of Gods hand on us,and yet of his mercy that we are not confumed, 3. From this feeling efpecially of his mercy, which is never taken from us in his chafti(ements,we muft humble our felves by confetTioDi which giveth glory to God, and (hame to our felves, by centring our owne foules: as Ezek*26. 34.YeefhalI judge your felves as worthy to be cut off: by crying for mercies., as Vavid, Tfolm, 51. And thus in humiliation come to him, and renew our covenants with our God.

j88

.

Wet arefubjett to many temptations.

x Now of our felves, wee are full of lLdifpoficion to this worke^ild all that convene about you,incompa-rifon, will call you from this pra-&ice,.in which onely is your true peace : and fo you had neede to Loke up to Iefas Cbrift, who is made theLord,thac hath all power in Heaven and in Earth, that hee may gi?e his Ifrscl true repentance andforgiveneffeof/ins, AB.^ 31. Efajf 16. 12. Not thinking much to attend upon him, as cheeyes of a hand-maid on her Miftrefle: For who is like unto our God? and what is more precious, than the Grace of Repentanct > Againe, B'O'hcr, kn n w, that you have no vrifdomt, to carry your £lfe as becc mmeth you under this great hand of God : Fr on both hands the Divell will aflaile you, and rhe folly fou.id t i:i our hearts, doth make his Temptations more dangerous; fift, to defpife the Cor-re&ion of God ^frcondIy,to count tc iikefome, cuher to ward the

/mart

fmart off by impenitent meatus^or to be iwiUowed up with gncfe, and filled with biccemefle^inenduring of ic. Now for the firfi. we doe ic partly by inward fuggeftions; perfwading cur klv^s, chat wee (hall w«are the matter forch well enough, tliac wee are once ^g.ine at liber'y, and are in eleftion of fach and inch preferments, (if fuch things happen .net to be i 1 your minde, it is the God of Peace chat keepech them out:) (oinetimes a-gaine, by making this or that way delightful! un*o u?; ftiflkringour (lives to be drawee avvay by idle company 3 which are no better than the Divells whittle, to call us a~ way from alltavory courfes, yea, hisMinftrels,to lull as in our fpiri-uail (1 iffiber.Now take heed hereon • fjr this were co dawbe up the Aall with untempered Mo:tar: Theeafe which i? gptfo n this way, is like the eafement of cold drinke to hoc Agues, ic would make a work thing bieed • for that which

ftayeth

The itngtr of deferring humiliation.

ftayeththe working of mans Phy-ficke,hurrech the body; which we may conceiveby application thereof to the foule, if wee will not imbrace our affrfrions patiently. Now, if you will not liften unto God, when he calleth on this man* ncr, then hec will drench you with forrow, efpecially three waie*. Firft, hee will hide from your eye the remembrance of &cbthings,in which you may take comfort; yea, keeping you from tafling all the mercies of God, with which this correftion is intermeddled. Secondly, hee will hclpe you wich a Speftacle, and make you fee too b'g,both the prefcnt hand, and all old matters &circumftances,which may make it feeme grievous. Thirdly, hee will hide from your eyes all comfortable hope of Iffue, which Godismoft faithful! to give. Now therefore, deare Brother, the Lord Iefus grant you may fiade favour in his fight, to efcape evill -fiarcs. Make a venue of peceflky:

be

Tbefrofit of Repentance.

291

be doc afraid to fee fiane, and feele the (mart thereof; buc remember withall,what the Law of the Spirit hath done in the courfe of your life: ftrikc your covenant anew, chere is hope with our God; for all this, read£^rc/;,2. 3. He is faithful! to give Iflue; yea, though hee mike heavfc, yet he will comfort in the multitude of mercies, Lzment. 3, 3 2. Turne from if, as from the D:-velljthat would quench the fparks of your godly fbrrow and abjection before che eyes of your God. Take heed my Sonne, of defpifing and making light-, cr accounting irkc{cme 5 thechafiifementofGod: If yee hcke wifedome, begge ir; 1 will give i r , and not reproach yoUtHeb.ii.^.Iamtsi.iy* Ocry to God, that thus you may be guided. Should you not finde this grace, hee would quickly lay your honour in the duft, and we fhould have caufe to weep in fecrct: Fare-will his Kiogdome, farewell every thing. But if hee give you this, I

dare

2?2 The more voe !$ve,tbe more we grieve.

dare aflureyou, all happineffe flull follow you here, and for ever. Seeke his Kingdome,and all things (hall be call upon you, Matth, 6.

394

MYdcareS ; fter, whatthankeg doe I owe co ray God, for his Fatherly confolation, where-wi:h hee doth comfort you? The Lord increafe in m?e brotherly love, and that grace, which may make mee fanftifie him in all his mercy and truth, which I fee him (hew any of his children 5 efp&rcial-lyluch,whom his providence hath endeared to me,above others. The increafe of your godly griefe 3 with freedomefromdiftrutt, morechan heretofore, hath nothing in it to be adftircd.' The more wee love, the more wee grieve, that wee have ofired any grievance to thofe whom w£e love. The more wee fetle God* love in forgiving us,

the

IW»————<■—■■■ III 1 1 1 l II M l ^ '

\l

[the more wee love againe : (heel lloveth much-, becaufe (heefindeth ! [much is forgiven her; much love , [(hewed her firft. Diftruft hiu-(dcrcth us from feeling Gods love:, Gods love is eclipfed from us^ours 18 much enfeebled Towards him; locr love weake, our griefe for offending him, cannot come fb kindly from us., for this is proportioned to our lore. Bleffed be God, I who giveth you thofc groanes, after his grace: God acknowledged J that which his Spirit fuggefteth, I When wee bid our children (as j Charity for example) fiy, I pray you,. Mother, give mee this; we I doe it not,but whsn wee means to give them that which wee teach themtoaske. So it is with God: H^c doth not fend his Spirit to our hearts, to hclpe us with groancs, but when hee meaneth to anfwer our defires: Hee that makcth us fow, will make us reape. Hungric poore foules are glad, when they heare that meate is toward |

294 C^'ft *MJ*tufi* theirknging.

toward them ; glad when they arc invited, though yet their Knife is not laid on boord.Let this comfort you,Sifter ,your Chriit faicb,Come whofo thirftech, and drinke till it ftreameth from you, Iobn 7. And the poore (hall eate, and be fatif-fied, and praife my Name, Thry jhat feeke the Lord, their hearts fhalllive. The Lord rejsyce over bisowneWorke, and continue it in you unto the end. Farewell.

Yoar loving Br other, Paul Baym.

40.

DEare Sifter, yourcoufinDw-bam returning, I cannot but in few words anfwer your Letter I received. I doe defire to be thanke-full for Gpds truth and tender mercy towards yo j, and for making meea Minifter of your Onfohti-on : Though wee be unfaithfull, yet God will be found faithfull. 1 When

Godsfdithfulnefe:

295

ben wee through weakenefle, How him, noc challenging him ith reverence* concerning his feood words which hee hath fpo-ken to us; when wee wait not on thcperfoiraance of his proirife*; even then hee preventeth us with his goodneflej and for his Names fake, hee comme'h leaping over thofe Mountainesofitolw,^ all our indifpofition, and unworthi-neffe. He who is thus good to us, fo unbelieving; if we would mend our faith, how would he augment his mercies ? This ftithfulncfle of God (hould makcunbeliefe odious to us,and cauft us to labour agaioft it, by looking to the Auihour and finifher of our faith; even then, when through Gods gracious pre-fencc we feele our felves in beft ta-king.For as a raan,who hath beene handled fore once with the Stone* will labour to keepe it downe,and % cleare himfejfe ofit,when now hee is well,and the Fit over; fb,in this unbcliefe, having found how it,

(hakes j

(hakes u?; whsn wee have the mod releafe from ic, then muftweeftill be dealing with it: for though the Fit is ceafed, yet the fpiritu ill fick-neffeftililurkcth in us. Remember, good Sifter, howthi Divell hath difturbsd your peac?: how lictJe things, not looked to more timely, have bred matter of great grievance. Labour to have ftill in fight that our naturall folly^ which makcth us remember our beating no longer, than the (mart lafteth. Labour to heare your Chrift faying every day to your foule; I am that Saviour,who fave my people from finne, I will bethylalvacion. Finally ^ ftrive to hare a thankful 1 acknowledgement of Gods mercy towards you : Then &*I1 your Peace be like the Sunne, which flhiaeth brighter and brighter^ till the height of it be attained.

My deflre is to doe good to your foule, both in my pretence with you, and abfencc from you. Ifyou could marke your felfe, and let me

know

Wee muff profit by corretlion.

now what moft hindereth you; here you finde your fclfe wea-eft, I fhould fie you better with dvice, when God gave me ability o ponder that eftate, I continue, >ifter,bettcrthanfomecimes I have becne, but held under the hand of God: For that painfull weakneflTe in the bottoms of my body, doth (till follow mce* The Lord teach mec to doc his will, and indure his pleasure : And hee that will have finfull men joyne withCorre&i-on, Nurture and Inftru&ion, hee make me profit by all his chaftife-ments. The Lord delight to make us ever with good hearts confefle his truth and mercy towards us. The Lord bteffe you with increafe of comfort, and bleflc all yours, with you.

Your loving Brother, PaulBaym.

The bolj Spirit y the beft cemfanion.

4*

LOving Sifter, I am glad that God doth adde fomewhat to your health; for I hope it is a pledge of farther favour.The Lord open our eyes, that wee may fee him ro be our life> and the length of our daies.You maft not let want of company make youltffelight-feme: wee u(e nor company well, when wee arenot fitted, by in joying it,the more thankefnlly to for-beareir, whenthepkafureofGod is, that we ftiould be bereaved of it for a while. Your beft Husband, hee is with you ftill, at Bed and Boord, ready to vouch(afe you the (weeteftCommunioD.The Lord of his tender love draw you after him, and fpeake peace and falvati-on to your fpirit. I have kept from you rhe extremity of my Visitation • but the Candle hath not gone out by night, fince theThurfday after my cemmiog from you: till

within

Submit to Gods Rod.

299

within thcfe two nights, for a good fpace,I have bcene forced fo have fome watch by mce. Yet, Sifter, theft arc but the begLmi lgs of forrowes, tbefe arc not the fick-ncfles that I have fong looked f r. The Lord make mee precious in his fight, to be made able to fuffcr and doe every thing in his Chrift. My heart followeth God, defirous to be taught of him wholly, to endure all his plcafure. I |thanke you for your loving re-fmembrance, which you ftill have of mee. The Lord ftirre up ray heart, that I may remember you to hirn, and that I may be ready to helpe you with whatsoever Office of true love (hall lie in my power. Thus with my lore rcmembred, I commend you, and all my CouQns with you to the gracious prote&i-ion of the Almighty.

Your loving Brother, Paul Btjint.

*8o

Wit ought to prove our [elves.

4*.

LOvc is athingwemay lawfully owe; and becaufe this is a fruit of love to confider one another, and prcvoke to good workes, to exhort one another,that we be not hardened,through the deceitful-nefle of fin : Therefore I wifti that othet things not neg!efted,my love may be moft fruiif ull in this kinde. Let me then call to your mind the duties you know well., that you may more and more be a praftifer of them. The Scripture, 2 Cor. 13. 5. 6. biddethus prove our feives, and tellech us, that if Gbrift be not in u^ wee are counterfeits: 1c be-commeth us therefore to fee on what ground wee ftand, that wee may make fore worke with our God. Iffalfegold walked abroad, 1 wee (hould not take a Piece, but trying it; fo wife wee are, that we may not be deceived in earthly things, when wee hand over head

admit

We may k*t$w whether rpt bsChriftj*

admit any thing as currant to th* way of falvation. Now wee may cafily knowifweebeinChrift, or Chii(t in us: for as where the San {bimth it may be decerned hence, becaufc the darknes doth difperfe, all things are lightfome: Evenfo, where this Sun of Righteoufhefle fliineth, the darke clouds of ignorance and fionc are fcacrered^ the 1 light of knowledge and grace ftii-nerh. I f you be in Cbrift, yoa have crucified the flefh, with the luft of it 3 gal. 5. 24. If you be in Chrift, you are a new creature, 2 Cor. 5. 20. Wherefore, Brothcrjbecaafe I know there is little wind abroad todriae this Mill, the Lord by his Spirit worke all things for us.

/V

Your ioving Brother, ?*ul Bajnu

O * 43, Well

Grow in grace.

I

45-

WEH, you fhculd Ice rrce heare from you^and know how you feele your foule affe&ed ; who can fie a fhooe that knoweth not the foote t how can I fie you with helpfull counfelJ, while you conceale from mee your daily condition? You would not willingly have a Fhyficianprefcribe blindfold, roving in uncertainc wuhou: a marke;but you care not what you put upon my invention. Brother, how do you feele your foulc every day ? doth it grow up inthe life of God? hathitmoredefireof him, thought cocerning him,morc love, repentance, holy fhamc-fcftnsfle? If the body be in an Atrophy, and not like, what mcanes fbver wee ufed,what a griefe would it be unto us > ftiall wee not grkve if our (bules grow not up in the life of grace ? Doe you fecle feme little good thing more than you have

done

The lift *if grace requires

done heretofore ? it muft comfort us, and wee muft confeflfe it with thanks, giving to God glory. If we mention by Letter, and blefle God in our bodily health, how much j more mart his kindnefle in oar , fjufcs be acknowledged? I pray I you let me & you fall into Letter-colloquies of this nature. Brother, t he life of Grace in the heart doth | aske darily diligence to maintaine | it. Doe you not fee in nature, Ant-mjtmis cftjuffc vita eft fug* ? Were I it not for the repaire by nutrition* | the natural! life would be (none extinguifhed. So doe you not feele the iife of God in your fbule ? you cannot find any vigor of it (boner, than you (hall feele a fecrct exhau-fturc and decay creepingnpon you. Now as wee take bodily refe&ion daily, and count it not grievon$,(b j wee muft worke upon our hearts I before God, that we may. feele 6y j this means,from him a daily renew-ingofthebeftftrengthinus. The-good God of nature hath put a de-O a light

Daily nourishment

light in thofe bodily fanftions, in w <h is the prefer vation of our per-fonsjtfrs makes us not abjeft the : butbecaufe our (bules are to the meatus of grace, as a ficke ftoraack is affe&ed to mcate., becaufc it is paiofbll a little to us/herefore the belt duties are fore-fl wed. The Lord faveusfromthisfljthoffpi-rit,we will eate without appetite : one bic, they hy, will diivedownc another. Let us doe thus with our ibuks^nd we (hallfindt that eaiie which hath fecmed painfull. Without cracking the (hell, wee cannot eome to the kernelU The Lord kcepe you in his feare and favour,

44-

GOod Mifter ZW. I cannot but write unto you, things going as they doe, though other-wife I ftould have uftd force for-bearance^ becaufe of my iraploy-ments; The firft part of your Letter did rt Joyce mee, and the latter (^ grieve

The vayce oftbankfglving.

grieve me: For I deOre to pra&ife the duty of remembring the affli-ftcd y as if my fclfe were affltfted in 1>ody; according as wee are com-rnanded, Heir. 13.3. I am glad God hich noc onely kept you bi-thfrto 5 but (hed into your heart his Fatherly love in Chrift: fo that you vow (through his grace) thankful-nefle unto the.end. A voyce taught by Gods Spirit; for you may fee the fame working hi the heart of theProphet, on like experience of Gods goodneffe: P/*/ t 146. 2. IwiBpraife the Lord during my life, 4* long as J have &nj being, J will fmg to mj God. It is a feemtly thing to breakc out into thofc voyecs: what (hall wee give the Lord for all his benefits {hewed to us > Deliverance is comfortable, but Gods loving kindnefle is better than life. Therefore wee muft bow our knees to the Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift, that wee may know more this love of God in Chrift, which paflfeth all koow-O 3 ledge.

^

306 I Whorh God loves ence, he loves ever.

F ;

y

1

1

ledge. Ic was Gods great mercy to lit you drinke of his favour in any meafure, before hee changed his right band j I meane his dealing with yon: for whom hee once lo-vethjthcre is nothing (hall for ever make a feparation betwixt his love and the party. Neither life* nor deatf^neither any thing prefent,or any thing which may fall out hereafter, (Shall be able to feparate us from the love of God inChrift: for all Gods gifts, his love, and the fruits of it, concerning that better life, they are without repentance. You muft then not let your felfc be too much caft downe, but comfort your felfc in the Lord your God. I pray you reade the firft of Sam . the 30.Chap, and the 6. vetf I am not ignorant M r « T>owfo»jlm a wife is very neere, and fo a husband to a wife. Iin part confider it,though I cannot weigh itas I ftiould. Againc, I know that even the deare Saints of God have not beene able to bridle this paffion: lacob would

goe

B e not fxe&on earthly thixg*.

goe weeping to the grave after his fonne, and would not be comforted. Yet wee muft know wh3t is the will of our God : namely, that feeing the faflhion of all earthly things paffrch away, and feeing that diroughChrift he doth cover our fpirirs, and give us hope of a better enduring life : that therefore wee fhould rtjoyce, as if wee repyced* not; and wcepeas if wee wept not; wee fliould not over-much be affV&ed with rhe poffefling or removal! ofthefe things which are Earthly.

FINIS.

JSOLILOQVIES:

OR,

A HOLY HELPER

in Gods Building,

Written in a Letter

byM r . Paul Bayne> ibmctimc

Preacher of Gods Word at Saint

Andrwzs in Cambridge.

EfFedlually inflruding, and carneftly provoking to true Re-

pe&uncej Love, and new

Obedience.

The fourth Edition, inlarge^ b7 a more peifc&Copie.

LO'N D ON,

Printed by E. G. for L JV, and arc to be

fold by Sam.Endcrbym Yopts-Ffekd-

Alley, at the Signe of ihe Star, 1637.

.

The Preface to

M. IORD.

LOloing Brother, nature her feljisfucbaScbooU miftrcffe-i that fie teacb-etb ber Creatures indufiry in their kinditbe dumb elements are carried ahut ytitb inde-jatigahle motion : The Ant, and other creatures, are ex-ceed'mg induflrieus. As nature maketh a man incline to aclion ; fo mfedome maketh j him to choofe bis "toorke, to leave that which ii dead and to lerfe advantage, and to cboofe that which is mofl

com-

THE PREFACE.

commodious. Humane wife-dome'unable to go beyond h^r compaffe) can but point us to civil! human yporksjhefruit T&herofit a good proportion ablejo witytiyilor external The wifedome which is from above and heavenly guideth our hands to a higher plough, and biddeth w exercife our [elves ingodlineffe, meeting God with repentance , flir-ring up our hearts, that they may be affeclioned towards him. And becaufe the "9eorke it tranfcepdent and of higher nature thantbefe (ecular/md "toee are ready totb'mke with Peter Mafier,wedQ thin ana

THfc PREFACE.

L • — m

tbw t what fodl wee- have { God (that wee might better like the work)dotb mend our xoagesjifjuring m tbatgodh neffe u great gaine ofttfelje^ bringing contentment\yea,be dotbpromij'e us the things of this life, and of that which is to come jf we will leame tbu occupation. Now he that wil increafe grace.and go dlinefjc in his heart) muff labour bu joule this way xt>itb wreflling and contention. It is not every walking and moving in a Chriftim cottrfe, by which grace is augmen; edmore fen-(ibis 5 butjiming our/elves up, andputting Jo.for.O} the > grace

-

!

THE PREFACE.

grace wee barpe, that infome fort we fee I the utmofl it will reach to: as natural! ftrengtb u not increafed with eyery fedentary motion^hat ufuch (lining) as is next to fitting ftill, but With fuch exercije^ which if it be notadCudo teyet is } ad ruhorem,B>£m? it ismoft moderat. Wherfore as you would bat>e thefoule tbrivejreatke it well in meditation, and other duties oj demotion. Wee bate indeed ft iffeaking joint s % tbatpaine us to ft ir in this kind: but the more warmth wee get, the more aUgriefe will be abated, Now there is no one branch

THE PREFACE.

J of devout exercife more fruit* \fiB than that of Soliloquie , I wherein we commune with our i owne foules, and excite them i towards God. Words ferVe not ; onely to make knowne the conceptions of ow minds, but to giye glory to God who under-flandeth our thoughts afar off; and to blow up devotion^ and kindle our coolingaffedlions towards him. Inordinatpafsions come likefitule weather ^before wee fend for them, they often prevent all atlion of the Witt: but good affeclions are fo oyer-laid withfin which compajfeth m about, that if wee gather not wind under their wing (fo

ponde-

^

THE PREFACE.

ponderous tbeflejhis)they can* not mount up to thepurpo/e-for the warrant of this duty , wee have both precept iffpraclicey take words to yourfelves,HoU i j. $,Hcb. 3.15. Examples both facredfiiz],^ u.Gcn. 14.49. andEcclefiaflicall ;<**Iuftinf, and many nbers Toleadeyour band in this matter > [giveyou this letter , which containeth a forme of Soliloquies ferVing to further your daily repentance, and found affeclion towards God , keepe it for your private uje. And the Lord Iefut i the quickning Saviour, be with it vthe end above named.

Your lo v tng Brother,-. Taut tkjnt.

HOLY SOLILOQUIES:

OR,

A Holy Helper in

Gods Building-

EElWeio shelafy and raoft perilous tiracs, in which rhe power ot god-lineffeis much decayed ;and 3 Love, ^^.24.12. through abundance of iniquity, much cooled. Now, :here is no one thing which more Keedeth this confumption of Sracc 3 and growth of 1 he contrary, han the want of fuch Spirituall ixercifes as awaken grace, and re* lew che .ftrength of it in us, from me degree to another. For as not blowing, [

The hem fit of Soliloquies.

\

blowing^ brings the firetobeex-cin6t in time, no lefle than the procuring of cold water to be powred upon it: fj the fl nhfull, no: row-fing up themfclveSjkilleth grace,as well as the wilful!, living i.i fame k'lowne fh; deathfollowcth up3n both. The difference is < one is violent and fpeedy, the other is (as we (peake of Consumptions) gentle, and lingring, but no leffe certaine. Now, though there arc many meanes whereby the foule doth (hake up it felfe, yet there is none more fruitful!, than for a Chrifiian to accuftome himfelfe to Solilr-quit, taking words to our (elves, between God and ourowne fouJes. Words ferve not onely to open our minde, that others may conceive our meaning, but to honour God ( who underftandeth us, without them) and arenas it were ? Bellowes to blow up our affe&ions, when their devotion cooleth. Sinful pat fio-js will prevent our wills, and come (as wee fay of foule Wea-

theO

Solihqn'us <omanded y praQtfed.

rher) before they are fent for. But x>r holy affc&ions (fo ponderous is our corruption, which preffeth iowne) unit fie wte Lbour the :hing with our heart?, they will sotrifecoariypurpofein us. God rhercfore hath commanded it un-:o us ; and complaineih, when ic is legletted. Hof.14. 2. Take words :o your telves : None awaketh hirafelfe to lay hold on God:None faith, Jerern. 8. 6. What have I ione> And the moft excellent men of God have abounded in fb-litary Conferences ri;h God and :heir Soules; as both facred and Scclefiafticall Story teach, by the examples of David, and others, Saint tAujlcn, Anfelme^ and J?er-wrd. The fruite of this Exercife, hath made mee ftt downe (for the helpe of Novices, who have not becne exercifed this way) a Forrae of Words, which might :ontaine fie Soliloquies , to further us in found Repentance, and good AfE ftions towards God. Firft,

therc-

jia

Gods judgements call for repentance*

therefore, to dcale with you in Repentance; then, to helpe you forward iu Love, and new obedience.

The Lord preacheth Repentance frill unto us. If a Meffenger knock at ourdoore, and anfwerbe returned, he is gone forthwith to thefe that fent him. So, if the Plague, and foch like M lingers., which God lendech to us, had thac which they come f >r,thcy wonld not ftill ring the Bell at our doores, and call upwuv Neirher doth God wait for Repentance onely from the wicked,, but he would have his dearcft Children meete him, condemning themfclves, Luke 13.5. If yee repent not alfb more and more, when yee fee the examples of Gods wrath, yet (hall alfb perifh.

Firft, to fhew you what this is, I fhallby this meanes ftirre you up unto it more fruitfully. By Repentance,! meane nothing elfe, but godly forrow for Jinm> wherein the

foule

The Nature of Repexce.

321

3ulc humbleth ic i Ifc before God, nd commech home to him. It U oca worldly fortow 5 likc thrirs a HopMj, 14 which roakech us yhinc, becaufe the World is hard; lor yet a hopelefle griefe/or feare )f puniflimenr : but a griefc for inoe, as ic difpleafech God; whofe ovc through Chrift, wee have felt ted in our hearts; whofe mercy wee fee ic if, that wee arc not con* umed; yea,whofe fatherly affl&i-f>n doth feeke to call us hone by oving Corrcftioi\

Now in ihsforrow, thefoule ioth humble ic felfe : For this is rhenature of Repentance; it will nakeus takefhame to our fclves, parcly 3 by feafonable acknowledgement of thoft waies, wherein we have moftprovoked God; partly, by judging our felves as worthy to be cut off, that we may find grace ia his eyes, and not be condemned : And together, with grieving and abafiog it felfe, the ftray-(oule commech home to God,

j

pur

:

purpofing through his ttrength, t< le* ve thofe courts wherein ic had grieved him, and to cleave to bin in all his CommandemerKfi. Look* then, if emring itvo your own< hearts, yee finde, that as much a hath beene ami(Te, by difpenfinj Gods mercy and patience, yea, hi: goodncflr, giving you the Call o his Word, and Gorre&ions; yc< are grieved, that yee have beene fc unki* -ide and undutifull to fo kind< and carefull a Father. Ifyeefiade that where it is to his glory, ye< love to confefle your unfruitful. nefie,and to cot;demne your fel ve$ and doe with a true purpofe o heart, {hike a new Covenant wit! God ,toforbeare your owne waies to walkc more fruitfully befon him,fo forre as his Grace fhall pre ferve ycu in the one, and ftrengi then you in the other (for all ou: fufficirncy is from him:) if yee fine thefe things in any meafure, thcr rejoyce j for God hath given yot Repentance^ to eternal! life. Bu;

Sofhali God comfort us.

fyour hearts have negkftedthis xercifcof a broken fpirir, and if 'our confcicnce tell you,that there nth beene little or no griefe this vay, then yee muft be i treated, hat whileftit is called to day .that 3ods grace doth (till invite you,yee tfould not harden your hearts, but prepare to meets him. Weep^nc: br rnc, but for your fins, faith our Javiour, Luke 23,28. And bkfTed ire they that mourae in this tend: lie Lord carrieth an hand-cheiv thicfe to wipe away thefeteares; pe is nigh to comfort thefehearts : ;he(e April-dewes bring May-lowers ; (uch as (owe in teares, hallreape in joy, h it not better or us, to take the rodde into our )wne hands, and beate our felves ^ently^than force the Lord to cha-ten us, who is a confuming fire > If the Lord fee, that wee are but wiling to caft downe out (elves, and o deale with our owne foules, ice will cover our heads in the tvillhoure, whereas his negligent Children

l)$l-y not t§ repent.

Children (hall tafteof his temporary difpleafure. Dwlay not this: Our fou ? es,in f ^ervingfrom God^ are lik<? Bones outof pynt; the longer they goc Co> they prove more painfull; if we cake thern be-ime, ihey are fee more eafily, Wc Willcikc Phyfickc,purge,orfweat, to prevent the growing of a difeafe upon our bodies: (hall we not be wife then for our fbules? The vomit of the fbule, is the griefe of Repentance: take it bcrimcs,drive it not off, till the Lord be forced to vifir« Now if God give you to defire, that your hearts were broken in his fight, but yet yee finde it will not be, partly for the ha#* ncfle of your hearts, partly for other lets and impediments: I will helpe you a little at this lift; fir!*, giving you rules for the out-wreft-ling of impediments; fecondly,for the blowiLg up of our devotion! in this exercifcj which of all (a* I crifices is (be moft acceptable. Now for hinderances, yee mufti,

roakif

KJMayty lets to %cfentance.

5*7

make account to meet with them, if ye purpofe more feriouily to call your (elves to a more ftraight reckoning for your wayes. Somtimes inward indifpofition wil grow upon you: Againe, the Divell will want of his will, but fome finne or other (hall fo clofs with your feules, which will, like aThorne caught in the fbote, hinder your intended journey. If yce efcape thefe,he will tutthet ply you with diftraftions-from things, and persons, which are without you; This or that is neceffarily tobeedone; One or other is to fpeake with yoi* Furthermore > if yee looke fcrioufly to this good way of Repentance, he will fuggellj What needeth fuchadoe? God is more mercifull, then to require fiich ftrait courfes. Whom doeyou fee to vex thcmfelves in fuch a manner ? Yea, fometimes hee makes thecntrancedifficult,andcomfort-leffe, to fee if hee can difmay us from proceeding. Finally, he will P harpe

! [

i

Helpesto orecome the

barpe much on this firing: Wilt thou bid adue to thy plcafurcs^and .betake thy felfe to fo painfull a courfe? And this is the Loth to depart he fingeth to the fonle that looketh towards God: firft y to fpeake ingenerallto them; then in particular^ to this laftand main detention, Now > tha: we may fafely pafle thefe Rockes, wc muft firft ferioufly confer the malice of the Devillagainftus> who by I all poffiblemeans he can>oppofetn the comming-acquainted with this exercife. While we are in our own wayes* thecoaft is cleare enough: but when God givech us a good motion and purpofc , the Devill dorh watchit,as one ftould an infant^that he may kill it in the Cradle * yea, fmother it in the Wombe, where it was conceived. Thus* Lord, when thou fendeft by thySpirit,a motion intoour hca ts for our foules healttahe laboureth to make us quench the Spirit* and fb to double our Condemnation.

Now

fnggeftions of Sat An*

1*9

Now then/eeingthe malice of chc Devill , ye muft labour(fecondly) to feele your own weaknefle, that there is no ftrength in you to encounter with the enemy , and fay thus to your felves: Lord, thou knoweft it, I have no ftrength of myfclfe; nay > I have that which preffeth me downe * which would make me thinke , there is a Lyon in this way* and flip my necke out of this Collar* though there wera no other with-ftanding me y nor ought without mc> that fhould let me: How thai fhould I be able to goeover fomany things, without afliftancc ? Tien ye muft) in the third place y looke up unto Chrift by the eye of Faith(finding the Devils oppoficion > and your owne infirmities)who giveth not onely the will to trs^but the deed* and worketh all our works for us J Speake to him y and fay: Lord, thoucanft help me; & as thou haft p:u this into my mind, and taught ii me to know this piece of thy P 2 holy

i

.1

3^0. l Rely on Gohto take away the lets.

\\

holy will, (b I intreate rhee to ac-cpmplifh it in me: it is not I, but thy grace in me, which muft eft'eft all. Asa Childewho goethwith his Father, led in his hand, if hce come to a Stile, or Bridge, he will cry to him, to take him and lift him over; fo muft we to our heavenly Father,cry to be taken up, a-boveall thefe hindrances. This is an excellent remedy;when we behold Seas before us, mountains on each fide , Armies of enemies be-hindeus, all hindring our going forth of our feives; and in all,the Devils power : then toftand ftill, andlookefor thefalvation of the Lord. And here it is goodto think on thefe quickning places of Scrip-ture : Enter in at the ftrait Gate, LMatth. 7.15*Nay,Striveto enter in; for many (hall fcek to enter in, and fhall jnot be AleXftks l 3>*4* .Sceke fait Gods Kingdome, and therighteoufnefle thereof, Matth* 6*33. One thing is necefTarie,£/^ 1 o- 42- What if one could get the

whole

Be resolute in %eycntance.

S3 1

whole world, if bee lole his ovvne Souk? CM*tb.i 5.2(5* Narrow is the gate that leadcm unto lifc,and few chere bee that find it, Mat* j % i^.Laftly.yemuft think,how if ye appoint to bee with this or that man, but for fbme twenty Nobles matter, (in which (perhaps) yee gaine not a Pound clearly)nothing (hall let you : if this or that of lefle moment be out oforden ye fee it> and fee it not i yee have a greater gaine in fight: if any would hold youbacke, yee crave pardon, yee have pointed by fuch an houre, to meetluchanone* Then yeemuft reafon thustShalll be thus refolute in executing my purpofe towards man,when I gaine fome fmall mat-ter,and fhall 1 let any thing hinder me^hen I am to go to God about the gireateft merchandize of my lbulcs health?Is not this to be penny wife, & pound fo©lifh ? This in gcnerall, Now in particular. That ye may then ©ut-grow thefeare of parting with plcafure, and conceit I _/ P 3 of

^m

\ 312 \ Helps again ft the maim Ut

of fo much hcavincs in this courfc ofrepentance;ye muft firft know* that this is a jngling of Sata 3 wher-by he holds m^noT in the wayes office to death. He will fhew us nothing but delight inevillco'ir-fes hiding all the after birtemefle of them, which-fhemd b: ing them out of requeft vvith ns : fo in good' wayes tending to life* hewilltell us of nothing but pain>conceaiing all the comfort ofthem,:hat;o he may keep us from entring them to falvation. Secondly,we are worfe affraid then hurt* Foolike as the rifing on: of the foft bed* feemeth beforehand to the fluggard exceeding tedious, but when he is once up^dothnotdarehimatall: So is the awaking from the deep of fin, and flumbring in the reliques of luftjwhich ttill have dwelling even in thebeft of us.Who ever repented him of repentant griefe?Nay> who rcjoyceth not in God who giveth it> finding it more fweet to his Soule > and more plcafant,

then

of repentance,worldly fleafnres. I 333

then the pleafi.rcoffimcj which I foon vanilhech>leaving a-ftingbe-' hind it ? Thirdly>if we try in a re-; pencant courfc to leave the plea-lures of fins in wch we have lived > they will fhortly have no fuch po-I werore us>as toholJu>thus hard: j For Chrjpjlom doth fitly liken the to little Puppiesi which while we ; play with the,will do nothing but . leape about us > but if w* cudgell I them a little, have no joy to come ; neere us.Fourthly,we ruuft n: t let pafftois blind our judgments ;but ' confider penitent forrow>with the end of it,and impenitent delights with die iflueofche. What is bit-tererthen medicine?Yet health,ro which it bringeth u«,doth make it lovely. What fweeter to our tafte> the manythings we wil no: touch* becaufe we find they love not us, though we love them,we are afterward the worfe for the.In this r?-fpeffc thcrfore,werc the medicine of repentance grievous to take>y et in regard of the everlafting health I P4 to

m

v

Gods wiiycs not grievous\

to which it reftoreth us,\ve (h )uld hkewife men, cake the fower with fhefvveete; yea,choofe it rather, then to feed fweetly o 1 filch meats as pleafechePalateon!y while they are tailed* but caufe at length vomits more bitict then death.Fifth-Iy;(ay we fhould lofeour delights, (though wc dial part with nothing but ftollen waters)is it not better, as Chrift faith, wcfhould want an eye heercand go to heaven, then having it, to be caft into hell fire? UMfe 18. p •

To conclude, this obie&ion is a Qander railed upon Gods wayes, which are full of profperity and pleafure • and is forcible with us, partly, through flouth, which ma-keth us unwilling to thefe workes (and what is not irkefome to a mind undifpofed ?) partly,from ignorant fenfuality, which counteth nothing liberty, but licence, nothing fweet, but what is taken in huggermugger, without Gods allowance: like as fome gallants,

whicfa

Keep reckoning betweene God &usS ? 3 J

which think no Venifon fo fwect as that which is ftoln. This in particular to the principal impedimct. Now for the furthering ycur devotion in this exercife, yeemuft know, that there is an art blowing up of every grace of the fpirit,& of this with the reft. Firft therefore, yee muft enter into your owne hearts, considering your owne wayes. We will keepe reckoning whatwerunneon thefcore with men, but rare who thinke how deepely they are in Gods Bookes: fuch ill husbands are wee for our Soules. Now we muft heere mark warily, whether we have rot loft fome graces' we have had(Imcane have themnot fo powerfully as we have felt them) whether we doe not give place to (louth, doing Gods fervice coldly and flightly; whether we have not forgotter our covenant made with Gcd in Baptifme> ro wit>cf dying to ou own thovghts,vyorcvs & deeds dai-1 ly^and laboring in our whol courfe 1 _ Pj th|t|

that not now we live,but Chriftm us(as Paul fpeakcth)his fpirit tea* ching us to do every thing as before him, and inconfcicnce of his will, to his glory. Hecrcalfoye muft cal tomind the mod grievous finnes which ye at any time have provoked God with.We muft not bid adieu to the remembrance of our finnes patt and pardoned, but muft ever beare them in memory fo far re forth as will he! p us to the working of godly fottow , holy baflifulneflc & lowlineffe of mind; fo far as may be i fpurre to more fruitfull obedience for the time to come > D^*;.Yea this remembring of the finne paft in particular > by which we have chiefly offended Gody and mourning for it, & judging our felves in the remembrance of it,is the evidence of true effectual repentancerSo Ifrael acknowledged their defiring a King: So David his adultery andmurther: So PahI his perfecting. He who is truely humbled in the fight of

one

fwsy & our dailj fiver V'mgs.

one capitall finnc,repenecthof all. Even as a capitall difeafe being take away, which draweth on many another by confcnt,the reft are at once removed alfo.Again,we muft call to minde our daily fwervings and'unfiuitfulnefle. This isaheo-pening and the looking on our wounds, the negloft whereof is iewdcarelefneffe, mortally dangerous.It is no news,noryetmi£-liked when you fee a fouldier fhot or wounded : but to fee him go with it,never regard it>never drefs ir, is condemned as defperate fol-ly:So/or us fighting in this world, no newes, if we come by knocks and maimes; but to let them go, 2nd ranckle, & fefter in us, is forlorn negUgencc.Now then.ifthus fitting ttu matter before you, ye find not your hearts pricked with it, then you muft (as the Prophet fpeaks) take words toiypur (elves, and trouble your own foules, faying, thus; Shall I think ofmy fins agamftGod, and not grieve for

them?

3 3 8 I -#/*£ Up the SohU to Repentance.

, them ? If I have overfhot my Cdfc, fo that men may have a faying to j me,that doch cue me to die heart* I and I am afoamed. If ibmwhat do but crofle my corruprnaturcJ have griefe at wilb and (hall I not now grieve for offending my t^ood God? If I had broken day* &not kept touch with man> I could not look him in the face; and Tiall it not go neer with me > that I have kept my Covenant no better with God ? if my (ervant have loytc-red his day away>aad not done my work>heb!uiheth;and isaffraidto comobefore me; and fhall I not change my countenanced be moved 3 that I have bin fo unprofitable in the workes of Gad ? By this meanes; as men being in fwoanze* when they are chafe idee cotne a-gaine: fo fnail our foules y while we thus beftirre them> findefbme warmth returning to them. This 1.4 k friar* aud furtherance of the grace of Repentance; whereas the waat of thefe Soliloquies, isre. i prooved (

Go to Chrtfi for d relenting heart* I 5 ^

prooved as a token of an impenitent hear: > Hof 7.2. But if yet the heart will not relent* you muft in thethi^d place (feeing your bar-rennefleand inability) turne you toChrift, fpeaking in this wife ; Were it to grieve at earthly occasions,or that my felfweredifplca-fed>herc my affections would com to me before I fent for them: but for god y forrovy^none of it grows ib oik gardeas; our foolifli hearts love not holy mourning; our hard hearts wil not relent to think how we difpleafe thee* We therefore knowingrfhat there is no ftrength in our fclves> to any thing that is good>looke unto theeahou art the Chrift and Lord > thou givett Repentance to thine lfrael > and for-giveneflc of finnes: thou LORD doeft circumcife the hearts thou hammereft and breakeft the ftone by thy Spirits making it flefhy and tender; LORD doe thou turne us, and we (hall be turned*! Lament. 5 >z 1.Thus while ycturnj

your

.

Thefmoakingflaxc.

your eyes to Jefus the quickening fpiritjbe will be prefent toquicken this grace in you. But what ifyet your hearts (hould not fo kindly melt within you,as yedefire, yet all is fafe: for this is rhe fmokc of repentance which Christ will not leave till it blaze forth;he will not put out the fmoking week* This defire and labouring after it, is happinefle it felf: for blcffed are they that hunger and thirft after righteoufnestYca ufingthis courfe to confidcr of your wants to chide ( after fome fort) your own foules, and to look after Chrift the giver of repentance; the ftonc of your hearts(the hardnes)wilcome away by little and little. Yea,and when in bodily wounds the moft aj proved plaifter muft be laid on often; ye muft not thinkethat the r c fpi-rituall evils, fo long growing on usjftionldbegone on a fodden. I do be'eech you therefore, as e-verye will tafte the comforts of God; as ye will finde cafe in the

cvill

Cods CovenAnt.

I

cvill houre, when nothing but God cm refrefliyou \ yea > as yec love to efcape much worldly tor-row ,which tendeth unto dfeath',fo acquaint ) our felves betimes with this exercife of a broken heart*. Bleffcd are they which ( now ) mourne* for they (hall be comforted* And we know much more earthly forrow then we fhould* became we will not trouble our ownfoulesa little, blowing up that godly forrow which is required at out hand$ #

Now fblloweth another thing which I propounded, viz,, to ;belpe you forward in new obedience , in the faith full keeping of the Covenant* The fummc of the Covenant betweene God and us,isthis ; God in C h r i s r faith, he will take us for his people: we promifc him, that we will have him for our God. This therefore doth comprize all ourdutietoGoD,thatwe fethim up in our hearts as God. Which

thing

54^ | How to have God our God.

thing wc docfirft, when we grow up to know him in all things* Secondly, when wee make him our truft. Thirdly when we love him above all things. Fourthly, when wefearehim. Fiftiy> when were-joyce in him. Sixthly, wfien our hearts are thankfully affecled to him, waking him their fong and praife.This is to have him for our Godiwhen we know nothiBg>truft in nothing, love, feare, rejoyce in nothing in companfon of him: when our hearts are thaakcfull above all to him. Tofpeak a little to the feverals.

We cannot have God our God, till wee come to know him in Chriit. Ignorance doth eftr*nge us fromGod,& knowledge doth acquaint us withhirrwThis i\*#/prai-ethforin thebehalfe of his Co-. lo(Iians 3 that they m.iy be filled with the knowledge of God, the fpiritsof their mindsbeing opened to look toward him. Even as our image in the glafle doth iooke to-^ ward

How wee mafi kn<nv (jod.

vard usjfromwhom it is refle&ed:

b God his Image in us doth make

:he eyes of our minds view him*

he author of it in us# And as the

*ye becommeth one with that

vhichitfeerhbandisafterafort in

hat light it behcldeth: fo are wee

>y the vifionof God> which is be-

;un inns y one with him> and in

iim,Now this knowledgconfide-

eth God three way es; either fim-

!y apart from all other refpeSs >

nd thus it containeth the Spiri-

aal eflfencein refpe<5tof hisproper-

ies> into which this felfefame na-

ure is diftinguifhed ; the Father*

ionne*an^. Holy Ghofoallofchem

laving the fame fpirituall eflencc:

sif h and you with fome third

nam might befuppofed to have all

>ut one and the felfe fame foule

nd body > being dift n& per-

pns.Or elfe it confidereth God^as

nademanifeft in our nature : for

r efus the Sonne having the fame

uture with the Father hathta-

;en fuch a foule and body* as wee |

have i

3 44 Know God in Jefns Chrifi.

have ( fin onely excepted) to t

fellowship of his perfon; and tt

is become £Wr/w^/> God with

or God manifeft in our nature.

which humane nature y Godt

Son fuftered death for mil* wh

Iikewife hemanifefteth his divi

power* by raifmg it up> and gle

fying it in heaven* So that he tl

was dead in his humane nature

now alive in it for ever, havj

fwallowed up death in vi£to

Laftly, it confidereth God s ira

fefted inChrift, as he isbecc

our God by covenant,in regarc

fuch things as his faithful men

do work for us. He in Ch

is ourjuftifier y our fan£hfier j

who helpethus in conquering

remnants of our naturall cori

tion;, our Redeemer y who d

vereth us from all our troubl

the God that careth fcrus,

veth us every good gift, blefl

us in our eftates,feedcth us,gh

us>and all his beloved,(leepe,

fendcth us from all evill, keep

,

:'

(jo to God for eyc-fahe.

of Illumination, who openetbth< Eyes of the blind;cry to him fo mercy. If your eyes were mud bloud-fhot (your eyes whcrcwitl ye fee but one another* Creature like your felves) yee would feek< out forhelpe for them* and waft them with ftrong fmarting Wa ters, but yee would reftore them And will yee not feeke to yom God in Chrift, to reftore the fighi ofyourfpirits, wherewith yemaj fee him, and the things ofyoui peace within the veile, even in the Heavens t Nay, ye muft bee aftia-med, that yee take no more knowledge of your God in the wholi day. If our chi'dren,whenvvcan befide them^ftiould through rude nefleandcarelcfnes not oncccaf a look at us^as acknowledgiug oil prefcrice; would we take it at thci hands? Might not every one fay, Thefe were better fed than taught which are thus gracelefle ? Let m apply it to our fclves* who ferv< our God and Father little better,

Now

We mufl truft in God-

347

ow that wee may fee upon this lite with the better hope,let us member that God hath promi-d it unto us; this is his Cove-mt> wo (hall know him,from the reatefttotheleaftofus. But left grow too tedious,1 come to the cond.

Wemufttruftin God, having 1 our hopes on his mercy and uth towards us; and thefc two :>e together, MenfometimeSjthe lore we know them>the lefle wee uft them^and that defervedly -.but falme pac Such as know God, lalltruftinhim.

Who (o rcpofeth all his confi-enceinGod, hee taketh him, in > doing, for his God, As the cripture faith in this refpedh the :>vetous man is an Idolater; hee iketh his money for his God,be-fcufe he putteth his truft in unccr-*ine riches this wealth is a ftrong 'bwer in his conceit? and he tru-^eth in the Creature>which dn*w-th his heart from God> faith the

Pro-

We trufi net in (jod as we

Prophetjjcr.iy.j. Teachingusy that then our hearts arc united to 1 God>whenthe affiance of them is fet on him .Now,thogh we fhoulci liveby^he taith oftheSbndfGodj 1 trufiing on him for the giving and maintaining of all eur good, both temporal 1 & eternall; leaning or him for all defences deliverance from evils fpiritualb yea>and corporally cafting all our care on him; naving ne confidence in the fleftx but rejoycing in Chrift Jefus though this be our dutie, yet w< are exceeding weake* and fulloj unbeliefc. This will appears by our want of feare at the threatening* of Gods* Word, which ma-keth us loofely alfo to looke aftei his promifes.Did webelceve Cud threatnings , If ye live after th< ficfh, ye fhall die? we woulc trcmblcwhe we favour our fehe: inourownwayes: the devils be leeve^and tremble. And fo ; truftinj civilly in any man.? word or bond we do feek them carefully > anc

ar<

349

re glad when we have gotten j hem; and, as we fay, we write jpon them, that we (nail have fo nuch money at fuch a day,upon a ubftantiall mans word, or bond,

renus. But God, who promi-cth all good things in this life, as veil as in the life to come, his Seales we feek not after; which is I figne of our great unbeliefe in hem- Secondly i by rcftingour hearts in outward things, and by peing difquieted when we want them; this alfo is a figne, that our fiearts are unbelieving.

While we have means, or good akehhood of this, or that, we are )vell; let thefe faile, we are troubled; Which fheweth, that we reft not upon ths Word of God, which is as ftre in the want of all things,as in abundance; but that iwe leaneon fuch things as we fee, 'and have in hand* Suppofeaman had Crutches under his armes^but leaneth not at all on the as he go-:eth, take them away,and he wal-

keth

LMake Vnbeleefe odi 0 Hs unto yon

keth as before: So, did wee not] truft, and lean on the things feen,, but on God> who is not fi en, loo-1 king on him by the eye of faittawe i ouldgoeas upright, when all things to fence feeme contrary to that we beleeve, as whenour fee-j ling is fed abundantly ThircHy,didj wee reft in God and trull in him> who is all in all; we would feek to him for his bleflings , more then for the meanest which by his blefi fing eflfeft this or that;wherea5 w< labour not to make him fure to us but to get the means^and then w< think al is wel with us.iNow th< when yee find your unbcleefe, ye muft make it odieus unro your fclves by fuch likeconfiderations; Shall I feek after the word of man (bmetimes:to fecurc me but of (bm twenty (hillings matter ? and Ilia I not feek after the preciouspromi (ks of my God?flial I truft to a man promifingthis or that ? and fhaU I not truft my God> who is truth itfelfe* and cannot lye? Will noti

fuc

1

How we mnft love Cjod.

fuchafubftantiall man think much if I take not his bare word ? And (hall not I take my Lords Word, and Seale , and Oath ? He hach fvvornc tobleflfe us, with ail h $ bleflfings in Chrift: fliall vvc not bcleevebim, unlefle he leave us a pawne alio ? Thus then, when yee feele your unbeleeving hearts to trouble you,ye muft looktoChrift, the authour arid finifher of your faith.Speak to him thus: Thou haft begun, and thou muft finifh: I be-leeve; help my unbeliefe, and en-creafe my faith.

The third point is, We muft love him. Love (we know) makes a m3n and woman, One; and the fame doth couple as to God, Here we muft labour to fay from our hearts; Lord, what have we in heaven,bucthee? or in the earth, in companion of thee? Now, though we doe love him, yet our affe&ion is but weak; and above all things, we had need to mend i in this behalfe. Trie your love,and I OL fb:n

then judge of it. Thofe ye love* doc ye not love to be prefent with them* as ye two one with another? If one of you be out of Townc, doe ye not thmke long till ye meet againe ? Are not we grieved to hearc them wronged by word or deed,whom we eftceme dcarely of ? Doth it not cut us, if we our fdves do them any harme? Are we not glad of a Letter ( in abfence ) from thofe we love?Now then examine your fclves; Do ye not finde little joy , in comming privately or publikely into Gods houfe3 or prefence? Nay, we are like children, who can play abroad all rhe day long>and never lock in, to their Parents, When do our hearts long to be diffolved, and to be with Chrift ? Though God, throughfundry troubles,doth even fmoake us out of this World, yet \ we will not come away, in our af-ff?6lions. When we heareGods i NitneWa(phcmed,andfeeall wic-i kedncfle committed; doe our eyes I . sufli

gufh out with teares? Or doe vvc not, when our fclves offend him daily,pafle it overtaking too light penance of our felves ? Doe we, withZWf*&deliglic in his Statutes more than in all wealth? His Word is his Letter to us. By fuch like confederations, difcerning your want of love to God > yee rauft fhame your felves. If a woman fhould be dead in the neft, when her husband were before her , but fhould be affe&ionate to every ftranger; If flie fhould not care how long fhe were abfent from him> but think her felfe-befhwhile they were afunder; Ifflie cared little how her loving husband were offended, caftingthatat her heeles, which he takes to heart; were not this fhameles behaviowr in her? And (hall notwcbe afha-med to fhew no more love to thee, to whom our foules are married in Chrift ? Then ye muft goe and confefle that your hearts are full of j Harlotry , and falfe love. Ye can Q^2 love

Concerning love to earthly

love your felves, ye have affe&ion enough to the things of this world; to the gifts of God , and thofe the meancft,more than to the givers: as Harlots to Rings, Gold, Bracelets , more than to the fenders. Therefore, befeech him to purge jour hearts of this,and to fill them with the love of himfelfe: for this is the promife; I will circumcife your hearts, and make you love me with all your hearts. Before we pafle from this Head, aQueftion may be moved, common to all thefe afte&ions; namely ,What we may judge of our feives,feeing our hearts more fhincin lovcfcar, and joy at worldly things, than about God, and the great benefits given us in Chrift ?

The anfwer is: Firlt, in many earthly things we have a double canfc working in our affe£tions;as in loving the Wife of ones youth, and in bewailing the death of ones Parent: and whereas the motion I of our aflfeiHons, in things fuper-1 naturall

thingsyabove our Uve to Cjod.

naturall,is purely from Grace, Nature fetting no hand to this bufx-nefle. Secondly, afteftion is not to be meafuredby the indeliberate patting motion of it, but according to ihe iettled habit from the judgment and e(timation which the mindemakethof this or that ob-jsft. A man laughes at a toy : hee isnotprefentlyfaid to joy in that trifle more than in al other things, becaufe the zSt of his joy is more lively here tha in greater matters. A mans affe&ions more ftirre a. bout a ftranger, in entreating him, than to his Wife, for the time, whom he yet loveth more deare. Thirdly, afte&ions if they be comparatively confidered in us, are, thoughleffe in quantity, yet greater in vartue: as Corne , when die Weed ( as Carloe) is higher and greater,yet this is ftronger,becaufe in time it overgroweth, and killeth the Weed , which farre cxccedcth it: So this love, though little, in comparifonoffelfe-love , love to 1 : Qjj the

« u

Spiritual!love out-grows carnall.

the creature (the fame being in the other affed^ions)yet in time it fhal lover-grow and kill thisweed.The love of the Spirit is ftronger than the love of the world. If therefore ye aske, What one fhould thinke* thatfindeth his affeitions thus ? I anfvver , If he find them ftronger, there are two caufes to one; where Nature and Grace vvorke jointly , he muft not wonder at this matter. Againe^though we feele their working more ftir-ring fometimes to things earthly, yet out of judgement and fettled courfowe that are the Lords > doe moft affoft him. Thirdly ; we know that our affe&ions towards God; though but as a grain of Muftard-(cediftial out-grow all thischoak-vveed of inordinacy* which we feel in this behalfe.In the mean while, the feeling of this diftemper* muft make us ft ill feck the rectifying of iu and the healing of thelamenta- | ble vanity , to which the afte&ion is fiibje&,by reafon of finne.

. The '

The feare ive owe to (jod.

357

The fourth thing,is the feare of God San&ifie rhe Lord in your hearcs,rmkc him your feare.Feare to offend him,who when the body is killed* can caft the foul into heil fire. We fhould reverence his excellent Majctty, & dread to offend him* becaufehe hath been gracious unto usj and hath power to d© with us whatfoever he pleaieth. Were there any from whom we had houfe and ftocke, fo chat he | could turn us one of all at his j lea-fure ; would we not walk very cir-' cumfpe&ly, fearing to doe that which might alienate his favour ? Againe 3 ifthe Majeftie of a mcrtall man doth affe6t us(as of the King) with reverence-, how much more fhould we be afteited with the moft glorious M.ijefty of the moft high God ? Now ye muft know, your hearts are much void of this. ; Alfo the thing it felfe (peaketh : I Do ye not feele ( when in prayer ye are to ipeake with God) that there is a reverence in your hearts I Q4 ■**-

befeeming fo high a Majeftie ? Do yc not feele a want of dread at his | Judgements, which fo long have been upon us,and ftill hover about us ? And what awe is in us, making us fearefull by finne todif-pleafe him? Alas 1 . Preemption, Tecurity, and hardneffe of heart, thefe Weeds grow fo high, that we can fcarce difcernc the Fruit above-named. Nowthenyemuft work this want upon your hearts, as the former,faying; If I were in the prefence of fbme great perfb-nage, and fhould cany my felfe rudely, without refpe& , would I not blufli? And fhall I not be afha-med,that Ihave no more reverence when I come be fore thee, O thou God of glory ? So, for want of dread: Shall the Beafts tremble* when the Lyon roareth ? yea,(hall the Devils tremble to thinke on thy Judgements; and fhall I be fenfeleffei and no whit mooved ? -So, for want of awe, in regard of Gods Lawes: Shall I dare as well

to

up to fear e God.

359

to take a Bcare by the tooth, as to break the Kings Law, cfpecially where he thrcacneth Limbe ,Life 3 or Libertie: And fhall I not be a-fraid totrefpafle againft thy Sta tutes ; the breach of which., is pu nifhable with eternall death ? Is there none but thee, whom we may make bold with ? Shall I be fo foolifh, as'to feare iicknefle, povertie, and mens difpleafures: And fhall I not be afraid to break thy Commandementsjif men note me to hit me in the teeth with pre cifenefle? Shall I not be afraid to provoke by finnethy wrath, who art a confuming fire? What is this.but with little children,tobe skarred with a Bug-beare, harme-lefle; and to be dreadlefie of fire, and water ? Laftly, we mnft lcoke j to God in confeience, how this ai-feftion is perverted in you ; con-feffingtohim , that ye can feare the faces of men, and things that are>or fecm hurtfull to your felvcs; ye can demean your felves reve-Qy rent ly

rently toward fuch as are in re--qucft among m<!n;but toward him, y: find great wane. Pray ye therefore to him, to put it into your hearts: hehathcovenanted,to put his feare into your hearts , fo that ye fhall not depart from him/

The fifth thing is, to rejoyce in God j.and co have him in your hearts; for God bindeth you to rejoycein him: Rejoyce in the Lordalwayes; againe, I fay> rejoyce. Delight thy felfe in the Lord y and he (hall give thee thy hearts dehre.Let not the rich man rejoyce in wealth, the ftrong man in ftrength, the wife mm in wife-dome* but that heknowethme, laich the Lord. For what we make our chiefejoyjthatis our God :for the heart refleth principally in that with which k is moll delighted, Now what is more equalLtha that we (Hoiild (blace ourfclves in him with joy unfpeakable and glorious f vv'io hath delivered us from death, and finns-j and Satan? (who-, as

Gods

but doe not as we ought.

$tfi

Gods executioner) bath power on finne and death) In him,who is a Light and a Shield ; that is a Fo• attain of all good,and defender of us from all cvill; able to maintain all the good* both fpirituall and cor-poralLwhich we have, and give us whatfoever is wanting* But if we marks our hearts 3 our joy is m ch depraved^ (To* that Salomon faith not without caufe, that our laughter is become midnefle • ) for our hearts aft not cheery this way. Tell them of the precious benefits which are given hi Chtift; Pardon of finne; Peace (the beginning of everlafting life) through the work of grace; Hope) through Chrift) of the heavenly Kingdome; why ? they can heare all this, an \ be fo farre from leaping wkhin us) that wc can hardly difcerne them to moove. Nay) if we mirke them the better,we (lull lee, that when we would bold them to the re-membrance of Uich things ; untill they have broleenlo^fe from lis,

SolihqHies inciting tu

*

L

they arc not in their kind,and can-no: be lightfome :• as if God were the damper of our mirth, and not the matter of our exulting, and gladnedfe.

Now when ye cannot obferve any rejoycing in the Lord, ye muft fhame your ielves, by laying to your hearts the cafe in other matters. Iflfeefomc Toy, orheare fome jeft, I cannot containe my felfe: If I heare fome good newes, or meet with fome profperous fuccelfe in my worldly affaires , I cannot be pleafant enough: If I be pafifing-my time away with my friends, at their courteous invite-ments, or if I be at my fports, it goethon merrily; deadnefleand nncomf ortablenefle, I feel them not for the time.I dial have laughter enough at fome merry conceit, or a Feather ,till I tickle againe; and fhall I notrejoyceattheGof-p«l of God, or good newes from Heaven, touching the falvation of -my fonk? AgainAall I be cheery, \ \ and/

-

to rejojain tht Lord*

ad laugh with my friends; and j lall I be all amort, when I draw eere my God ? Shall I be glad of I cquaintance with man,and not be Jadthat I know God inChrift,! /hoisLifeeverlafting? Shall the vicked rejoyce, in fcrving Sinnc, nd Satan ; and fhall I be without nirth> in ferving my God ? Our ejoycing is earthly, little joy of he Holy Ghoft dwelleth in us. We are like fuch as are ficke of >ight Frenzies; they will laugh at their fhadowes,we at our fancies; they fee not into any point of mo-[mcntjwe diftaftethat which favo-Ircth of RighteoufnefTe > and right rcalbn. As therefore againft the former,lb againft this alfo>we muft fight the good fight of Faith; looking to him that hath faid , he will make our hearts glad in his houfe: who hath promifed to fend his Spirituntous, that our joy maybe full; praying him, that we may feele this Fruit of his Kingdorac take place in us; that he would

rc&ific

rcciifie this affection inus^making us to take comfort in chat which is matter of true rejoycing.

Sixtly* Now for praifmg God, and'thankfulnefle unto him> (for this is the laft thing I propound ded)we have this commandement; In all things givethank^ye.bin e-vils : (hall we receive good things from the Lord,and not evil! ? The; Lord hath given > & the Lord hath taken away, blefled be the Name of the Lord* For (lowlbever it be, yet God is good>even when he pu-j nifheth ; and no wonder* Is it not j fo in bodily things ? Bitter Medi* j ones are as goocLin due icalbn^as the delighcfullefl dainties. And are not our inward and outward crolTes, by Gods grace* made vvholefome Phyfickerff* purge out our corruptions * and to make us partakers of the quiet fruit of RighteoufneiTe* and true Holi-j neflfe ? Yea, our hearts (liould bei ib thankefully affe&edb thar(iike fire ) th.y fhould brcake foorch> j

fehcsiandincite others to it. ) %6 y

ml inflame others. Wherein we, lave holy "David for an example : Tjal.i o j.hebcgins; My foule^and ill within me > praiic his holy >Jame: In the next Pfaitoejhzteb verfeyhc faith ; Praife ye the Lord. ifftj he ftirres up himfelfe* and :hen provokes others to praife the Lord. As the Cocke,that firft clap-Ding his wings about his owne body, rowzeth up himfeife, and ifter (crowing)awakeneth others. Otherwife j common tearmes of thankefulnefle> without afte&ioib areas Court-ho!y-water> (as we fay) which our God, thatlooketh ■ the heart and reines > doth not refpeft : thefe are good words* l:hat will pay no debt with him. And truely > there is good reafon for this* For whether ye looke at benefits paft>eaten Bread muft not 3'eforgotten, thankes muft frill be greener And doth not your par -icular deliverance ( when many : all on each hand of you)binde fou* daily to bee thankefull?

:

Or whether ye looke at the things ye enjoy; ye know your tempo-rail blcflings; as tolerable health, good name and reputation,free-dome from fuit and fervicc,ability rather to be helpfull than chargeable, your domefticall peace, your libertie,without fearcof reftraintj all ofthem in their places,no fmall matters. If ye confidcr fpirituall bleffings ; that which ye have downe in hand, is as great a work of his mercy, as the glorious ettate ye looke for hereafter. Is not the Lords worke more admirable, in the firft making and quickening the Infant in the Wombe, than ir feeding it there, bringing it forth and nurfing it up to fiillftaturei So, his begetting us again j whe were dead in finne (though yet ir the Wombe of our Mother, the Church)to be alive in Chrift Jefus, when we are new-borne babes ir him, is more then the bringing of us to perfeft Manhood. Anc though it feemeftrange, yet iris " onel)

I

icly in this refpeft, bccaufe we e like Infants; who live, but yet iow not that they live: fo, we ivinginfmallmeafurethe Spirit, hich teacheth us to know the Ings beftowed upon us, know « how great that grace is,which •ihbeen already (hewed us* Is a final! thing, when we were tad in ignorance* and in Iuftof |irignorance,to be quickned with e life of God, in knowledge, 'hteoufneffe, & holinefle? When s were enemies, to be made ends,y ea,fonnes and daughters? le Apoftle doubteth not to rea-hfirom this,to everlafting life,as c hfftTyRom. 5*10. God, when iwere enemies, hath reconciled by his death; how much more illhsfaveusjwithperfcd^ falva-snoffbule and body>by his life ? at is,by putting forth the power "his Spirit. Now he liveth,to die l> more. Thefe then are great things, as (quitting you from finne, and

death;

death; for Chrifb your Sureties fake> he fending his Spirit iqi I your hearts* and giving you pa h in the firftRefurre&ion. Befidv. c thefc 3 ye muft remember > wh 1 adverlittes he hach holpen )i% in, how he hath eafed the yoal j of your corruptions > which hav \ had more power in yon , the now they have* Yea, what evil he hath put by you. Have ye q|l been tempted in this orthat kint I It isy becaufe God in mercy wou n not lead you into tcntation. Ye this is* in fome ibrt> more to I acknowledged than vi&ory> wh< ye were tempted: for not to I .tempted, is more immediate from God,- and leflfc in ma power, tha to prevaile againft tei rations. For nothing doth ove come us> without our will; b without our will, Goddoth lea< us into try all: for he knoweth, w would talk title of thefe^if it wo in bur power to be our owneca vers. Ye muft be as thankfull fi

the

beftovotdtAndprefartd.

i>fe fihnes which God hath not : yc know, as for thofe he hath

doned in you> having commit-k d them*

Whether doe ye thinke* ye are undtopraifeGod more* ifhee ftore you /when fickenefle hath meuponyou;orkeepeyou fc» at you feele noDifeafe? Now, ye confider what things God th prepared for you :> they are :h as eie never faw^nor ever fully itred into the heart of man* Dmpare the eftatc of Princc/fr*-in his Queen Mothers wombe* th his condition? at full age* in

the glory of his Fathers Court* [ere is a broad difference* and it lay fitly refemble the difference 'our prcfent and future eftate : r< are borne Sonnes and Daugh-•rs ofGod^heires apparant to the 'ngdomeof Heaven ; but while te Church doth here travel of us* 2 are pent up in dark Cloyfters* id annoyed with much ftenchof 1> both in our felves and others :

but

Whertin Thank*falnejfc

but hereafter our eftate flial be together lightfome,happy, & g rious: fo that we may well faj God, How great is the goodn that thou haft laid up for th that fearethce ?How great thir doeft thou worke for the fcnne: men,for fuch as hope in thee ? fee then,how for things paft, \ fent, and thofealfo which he k£ in ftore for us 9 we are bound tc j thank full. Now, if ye aske wft it is, wherein cur unthankfulntt fiandeth ? I anfvver: firft,in he;i acknowledgement of Gods goL neffe to us in all things, withcii fcience of our owne unworfl nefle, as not worthy of the leaf J all his mercies. Compare Gen\ i o. and 33.5* with 1. Chron. I 14* Secondly , we muft tetai Gods goodnefle,that we may \% rifie him before others* Com* J will tell you, faith David* w| the Lord hath done for my foi& So, Mofes would tell his fat hefl| law what God had done for thai I Thin yj

to Godconjtfts.

IV

lirdly, it doth make us caft a >ut, what we may rcturne unto od, by way of thatikefiilncfle: r hat fhall I give unto the Lord, r all his benefits unto me ? Laft-,it wil make us accufe our felvef, we be backward in duty* Thus z fee, when we receive any fpe-ill kindneffe fromour friends; ft, our inward afteihons do ac-owledge and entertaine it glad-

; fecondly>we tell what any one th done for us; thirdly, we will tnkehowwe may requite him, [ at leaft, teftifie our thankful-^fle towards him; fourthly, we be our felves (if we go on,and no fken of good will be returncd)as ach too blame, that we fhould (rgec fo great acourtefie, as was ?ewedtous.

Now then, that ye have heard hat it is to be thankful, and what tod reaibn we have to enforce ris duty upon us,we muft lay our f r ves to this rule; & we fliallfind, tat we come as fhort herein,as in

the

rr* new* vr eny wnjcwnt

the aforenamed. Oh! wee horribly unthankful!. What gc bleffin^s doe wereceive* not or cafting a looke unto the giver them ? When we are kept in t night>and our houfes from fire^a breaking into; when refrefl with fleepe; when kept all day our goings out>and commings j when fed: Doe we heartily i knowledge God in all thefe ? Ii he that watehcth, or clfe in va they keepe the Citie: It is he tl rocketh us afleep^and draweth i Curtaine ofthc night about vs; giveth fleepe to his beloved: I he that wardcth about us all t day, keeping us in our wayes:! openeth his hand^and like a gn Houfe-keepen giveth us our da bread. If in earthly things? vvh we fee and tarte > we cannot praj himjwhat taking fhal we be foul imabout heavenly ? When yefol your daily finnes forgiven you * I Chrift; when you are kept fat the finnsof your own heart J11

S7S

irrupt examples of worldly men; le fpirituall wickednefles which ght againft us; when ye go in uricuall peace from morning un-1 night? which alone is a gift paf-ng underftanding: Doe ye ac-KwledgeGod, with affection to-ard him , in all thefe ? It is hee at fliifteth us out of the fcapesof sir natural I corruptiomwaftiing us i the blood of his Chrifl^from the tth of our finnes; he forgiveth us rerydayourtrefpaffes: Ic is his lighten which>as in a Tower* we [e kept fife* againft all the ene-|ies of our falvation: He is the lod of Peace,the Prince of Peace i Chrift > who killeth the accu-ligj and fubducth the rage and iiirpation of finne in us. We are tuch in fault > who have received pod things at Gods hands? & relayed evill, & fcarce taken notice f any his kindnefles towards us f lod doth carry us on the tender *mes of his mercy; but (alas ) hie doe we underftand of him.

In

-" &•

rr,„„, M ,^j f , WV/ ,

In benefits often received/>ur fj rits doe not once looke up to hi but as Swine take the Mafte,fo we our bleffings: Or if we do a thing by way of thankefulnef how fluoberingly do we turne ove^our afte£tios being bent ar ther way,rather than to the thar full pray fing of our God? We fei him,ag little childrej*ferveus;w when they be conqe in to us,fr< their play s and having gotten foi thing of us that they want f aw they goe,without reverence or j fpe&ofus: but if they khow \ will have dutie*then they doe j but in fuch a fa (Won, that we m fee their hearts are on their Gar abroad, more than on their dm So, for fpeaking what our go God hath done for us (thankef neffe wil not fmother a benefit! ceived)when do we tell him, wi delight of his kindnefle? Wb do e we beat our braines, not h fejing the temples of our head take any reft,til we have given c

G

to ye Lord, Checked.

God feme argument of our thar k-fulnefle?AJas! we ufeour God, is if it greatly mattered not how be were dealt with* Now then, :ake words to your felves, codem-ling from your hearts this grievous finne* Say, if a man do bid ne to Supper once in a Quarter, I ^hanke bim then; when I meet him next after, I thank him againe for my laft being with him; I tell bim, what kind welcome, what good cheere he made me : then I invite him fometime againe y and rhecke my felfe,if I forget it. But f fbme greater mater be beflowed jpon us>how exceeding kindly do ?ve take it ? how do we love to tell Df it: how do we yeeld our felves ip to them thr.t gave it,profefling |mr felves to be at their comands, |o the uttermoft of onr abilitie ? (iShall I thanke him who giveth me k Supper in love,tell of his loving pntercainment,&beafhamed if I bake no neighbourly requitall? 8t ~ al I not be afte&ionately thank-R full

Thefoxntc ofrnthAnkef^lneJIe

full to my God,who giveth me all my dayly Bread ? yea,who feedcth myfoule withHmifelfe, in Iefus Ghnft,(here is my body ,& bloud) chat I may live for ever? Shall I not tell of the fined Wines, thofe fat things jeven of my GodAroken in his body&fbule with forrowes, fliedding his moft precious bloud, wherewith my moft unworthie foule hathbeene fed* and feafted ? Shall I, for fo fmall a kindneffe^ thank a man a thoufand times^cd tell him, 1 am his to be commanded ; and ftiall I not furrender my fclfc to my God, who hath payed my debt and purchafed me a new Scocke, even the hope of eternal life,with his precious bloud?Shall I blufh at fmallunchanfulnefle toward man* and not be afhamed of great want this way .toward God? WhatPflhall I be worfe to my Godj than an Oxe or an A(Te to his owner ? If I ihould fliew one exceeding great love>and he ftiould not at all regard me,or returne me but

fome

How to attawea, thanktfull heart.

feme common countenance;could Iendure it ? Thus then turne your felvcsunto God,and fay; I am become worfe unto thee , than the' Whelpes that feedc under my Ta-ble,are unto me:they will,in their kinde, fawne upon me lovingly ; and if any fmite me tfry will pre-fcntly flye at him* But my hard heart hath no power to be thank-full unto thee,and to prayfe thee My zeale is not moved,when thou art blafphcmed • I can fuft'er thy i reproach with dry eyes , and un-! troubled fpirit. Oh, thou who re-[ auireft of me in all things to give thee thankes.and haft promifed to write thy Commandements in my I heart, put into my heart a Law of i thankefulneffe* O thouquickning I Spirit,quicken my fbule this way. ! Now finaily/oratTa'ning achank-full heart, ye muft labour for thefe three things rFirft? yemuftquic-1 ken in your felvcs the conicience of your own anworthincs; for we j cannot praife God to any purpofe, R 2 fur-

The nxanes tcMtaine

further then we fee our felves lefle than the leaft of all his mercies. Even as hunger is good favvce, making bitter things fvveet; (o this poverty of fpirit, and conscience ofourowne unworthineflc, doth make every benefit amiably tafted. Secondly, ye muft labour co work upon your felves a fenfe of the worth of thofe things ye enjoy; in which, we greatly faile: which maketh us ufually, that we never know the price and worth of our good blefTings,umil we are deprived of them. And this negle&doth, breed a double rrnfehiefejit makes us enjoy things unthankfully.yea, uncomfortably > ( for that which through plenryfeemeth no dainty cannot be fodelightfull unto us*) And when they are taken away, then we come to Had-I-wift; and do fo much more penance;byhow much we bave bin morecareleffe. In nv^rrljfomucha^Iefteemcof I a gift beftowed,fofarre forth am I thankfuhNot the having of things

but

to a Than^cfull heart.

but the having of them in eftima-tion^breedsthankfgiving.Thirdiy, ye muft labour to fee Gods good-nefle to you in all thingsrthe grace ofthegivennotthegiftitfelf, fo much engendreth thankfulnefle j thegift is the Shelljandthis is the Meat,which tailed in the foule, is Tweeter than life, and maketh us breake out into, praifes. Labour forthankFuli hearcs; God asketh nothing elfe bat this 3 as a Rene for |all his bleflings beftowed upon us: I will deliver thee> and thou {halt IpraifemyName. We will not let jgoLcafestomen, for not paying of Rent: neither let us give God caufe to enter and ftrain upon us, & all that we have/or not magnifying and praifing him. Thus if Godhelpe you ro ftirre up your hearts,(for our affe cftionsjin going this way,are like dull A(les,which go no longer than they are beaten; ) if, I fayjic give you grace to ftirupyonr hearts to repentance, & to lurrender your fouls to him, R ? by

\

3 8 o | The benefit of Repentance*

by eying him, t rutting on him, loving himrfejoycing in him>fo making him your feare^prayfing him by (piric, word; and worke; then happieftiallyeberifnew plagues breake forth , ye (hall have your comfort in the hottelt* And if ye labour to fee how far re your hearts are out of frame , in regard of knowledge truft, love>feare r joy> thankfulnefll\and in regard of impenitent hardnss and impudencie which is in them,(for they cannot blufii for that whichGod knoweth by them,d)Ough our cares will tin- i gle and glow on our heads, if any : m.'.n know ought reproachfull by ! us;) if ye labour to finde this out, and then in the fight of your mife-ry look to Gods promife^who hath covenated to give you a new heart, a tender, heart, in which his Commandments fhalbe written by the finger of his fpirit;then ye fhall fee that this courfe will let you be neither idle nor unprofitable; yea>it fhall bring you to grow unto per- j

fe&ion.'

and new obedience.

357

fe<SHon. For as the young body, ( which from wholforoe emptinefle, hath frefh appetite to new fuftc-nance*taketh^ugmentation more and more;ib the foule,which from obferving the heartlefocfle of it felfc, vvaxeth dayly poore in its owne eyes,hungring and thirfting after righteoufnes,receiveth dayl/ fpirituall encreafe from GodAVife men will take the fowre with the Aveeteand nothing in the World is gotten* without paines-taking. Therefore* it* it feeme to have any bitternefle,or to require labour,ye muft not be difmayed* I promife yoa,it is but(fome little) brackifh in the top; the deeper ye goe, yc fhallfindeitthe fweetcr. Make a vertueof neceflitie. Ifyewillenter into life * this one thingis ne-ceflarie>£*/% 10.42. But there is none that awaketh himfelfe* to lay hold on God. The Lord give you underftanding in all things,

R 4 Ano-

?82

jiffltttion bcneficiall

Another Letter, written by LMafter PaulBayne.

MYChriftian friend, ifi had fooner knowne ofyourhea-vinefle,! would before this have written unto you*. For the more arguments we have of love, borne us by Gods children, the more te-ftimonies we have of his favour towards us. It pleafed God > in December laft, to char ge his hand toward you, and to touch you in your wife, whom now he hath a-gaine vifoed, and I hope to both your comforts* Truely our God: (through Jelns Chrift ) is fo mer-cifull>that all things are fan&ified by him unto our good: all affli&i-ons 3 though for the prefent not joyous, yet they bring us afterward the quier fruit of righteoufneffe. Thefe evils which here ever and anon are prefent with us, they are fitly compared to wayward and touchy-guefts: which, while they « ftay,watch every officer; but when I

. theyj

/

to the SohUj andhoiv.

they depart 3 they pay freely. So it is with thefe: they oftentimes dif-quiet the frameof the whole foul; but when they go away,they leave 'cncrcafeefgrace,of faith, of pati-! ence^of experience; that the fbule faith^Welljit is good 1 knew thefe things* But the prefent working | offorrows feemeth often farreo-i therwife.-for in ftcad ofencreafing in faith, onr faith feemeth to bee fliaken and weakned, rather than otherwife; and in ftead of breeding patience and hoIineflTe 5 onr foules do difcover more impatience,rebellion , and more unholi-nefle every way. Now the foule thinketh,when thus it is (haken in beliefe; How doe thefe Croffe* confirme -faith ? and when fuch evilljdwelinginus, doth breake ouc,how(faith the tbule to it felfe) doaffli&ions beget the quiet fruit of righteoufnes?I will anlwer you thefequettions familiarly: When Faith is fhaken by evils befalling us,you aske how it is confirmed? I R j anlwer

T

I 384 Temptations Strengthen Faith>

anfwer you by a double compari fon:When a Linke burnech dim>to helpe the light^we knocke it;being beaten to any thmg> it fecmeth al-moft to goe forth; yet this beating it, doth caufe it ca(t light far more cleerely*

Againe > how doth the fhaktng of a tree by ftormy blafts>fettle the root and the tree more firmely, though for a while it threaten the downefall ■? Conceive of thefe> and you may underftand > how faith though it feeme to be calt downe, yettryedbytcntations > itcometh to be firengthened- Now then if you aske,hovv they bring forth cn-creafe of righteoufnefie>ieeing you fee more unrighteoufneffe breake from you by occafion ofthem>then you have obferved in your felfe heretofore: ConGdee that when a veflcllof any liquor > hath mud an J dregs fettled in thebottome; it muft be ftirred 5 that which fee-medpur'e* muft be mademuddie. before ic can be clcanfed: even Co

-_ hisj

~~ ~" ~ f

andincretferighteoufnejfe* j 385

his troubling of us y veffelfull of uncleanneffe > is the way wherby God doth clcanfe u s. Now if God ;hefotenderly prefentbyus* ask j pleafcd him ere-while to be, it ' falleth fo out* that much sold* many precious graces are difcerned* which we before could not difco-ver.-and thefe are fuch fweet fowrs* fo pleafantly tempered > that the j greif is not fo bitter* as the work- | ing of grace in us is delightfull. But what way foever,calamity doth not fo hurt us>as fcarre us ; us who are loved of God and called home according to his purpofe* Thus wifliing your peace^and hoping that all (hall turne togoodj thegoodofyouboth^I ceafe to trouble you.

FINIS

COMFORT

AND

INSTRUCTION

in Affliction.

A

Letter full of Divine Comforts ^ and inftru&ions

unto all, in the time of iicknes, . or any other chaftifements of the Lord*

Written by Mr. Pay l

Bayne.

PSAL.94. 12; I J.

Blejfedis the man whom thou chaftifeft* OLordi and teacheft him out of thy Law 3 that thou may ft give him reft from the dajes ofadverfoie. LONDON.

Printed for N. Enderfy and are

to be fold at his Shop in Popes*

Head- Alley, at the figac

'©fthefUrre*

■IP

>89

DOMFORT

AND

NSTRVCTION

in afflidion.

Oving Sifter, I cannot but write you a word in the love I bcare you* hearing that your health dothftand ore weakely with you> then here-fore. I wiih your bodily frailty ight be an occafionto your foule, Returning into it felf, and draw-g moreneerto God inChrift Ie-s.Even as childre love to be play-gabroad, till night approaching *h caufe them return: fo we love >cto dwell at home with God*

and

590 \joas cbudren bettereaoy ajptttoi

and our own conferences ingodl devotion & meditation this way but to be abroad in fuch courfer as are mod pleafing to our corrup nattircs, till the night of affii&ioi commeth; in which>unabIeto de light our felves as before > w turnebacke into our owne foules ani come home to ou; heavenlj Father. I wifh you thi* fruit o > our infirmities the rathe^becaufc' not the having of fickneffe , bu profiting by it,is a certaine mark that you are one whom God hatf cifledi according to his heaven!) pmpofeoflife ever lifting :for al. things work to their good onely. vyhojrcthns called of God, and love him,Rom 8. And if you re-ceive corred^ion, lb as to have the qmei fnnc of righteoafnefle by mcanes of it, then you are chil-dren,nothafbrd$; that looke as good metail is difecrned from drofle* not by being in the fire onely^biKby waxing more bright andrefinedbymeanesofit;foare

Gods!

rods Children defcried fromo-lers, not by being in calamine* thich is common to all, but by rowing thereby more purged •om their corruption, and more lining in the light of grace,to the lory of cheir Father which is in eaven. Wherefore feeing it doth ) much concern you, to find fome >irituall fruits of your vifitatiom wiilac this timeteach you* how ou may come to profit by this and of God,which hath followed ,ou of late with more then ordina-/ wcakneffe of body. 1 Firft,you mtsft labour to apprehend God, as a Father corre&ing If you by thefe infirmities. Secondly you muft labor to find jt the caufe why, and to what jrpofe God doth follow you in ichkind* And thirdly, you muft eke to him, that he would teach bu to profit, and lead you by his ^race to al that which is pleafing pfore him.Many accounto f fick-bs,as a thing which commeth by courfe, a

h ~

In infirmities tvetHftfl

a tbing(which may well be lookedi for in your yeers) which will wearej away by the grace of God ; onely; as it had a time to grow in > fo id muft have a time to goe in alfoa vamfhing away in fuch thoughtsJ never ©bferving the correcting! hind of their God > in the thing which is upon them. The world as*-it doth not know God in all that; good he doth them,when he fillecb their hearts with joy and gladnes^ being worfe then the oxe and aflq who know their Matters Crib; fbi againe. beingdiunkenwichignO' ranee, andlufts ofignorance^theij kno,v not who ftrikeththem,whef the punidiing hand of God dot follow them: whereas every child dcth know when it receiveth cor reclion from the earthly Parent yea, the wilds Colt doth knov when, the Dam doih ftrike Wherefore (before a'l things) la bour to fee God^your Fathers han in ill things. Should we beatoi childrenund they (hould fcem n<

v<

T

3

apprehend Cjods htnd.

r fo much as to heed our ftriking theirs would we not judge their ite forlorne?Againejthis maketh returne repentantly, when we •our beavenlyJatfcercalling us his coree£tion; this maketh us indeavour co be humbled under ids hand when we thinke how :>d our Father is offended with . Finally* this maketh us to con-ive hope* that our vifitation (hall for our good; the Parents hand rteth not Children. Now for your clearer infpe<5H-hercinto, and for your greater mfort, I will infift fomewhat htly upon that in Daniel , Dan* ij3>34>^. vv here the Prophet iving opened the impieties and rfecutions of that wicked Antio-*f,as likewife what was the ftate ►l:he lew wirhontjwho had not the Hwer of godlines>in the verfebe-*e)doth7n thufe three lay downe fe t ftate of the gpdly,while thefe Iry tryalsindurcd.And 5. hings jr there fet downe : Firft, he de-fcribeth

3 94 I It is a good mans property

.

fcr.beth thofe that were godly. wife, and found-hearted intheiG p:of^(T:on>from thiSi that they did labourxo bring others tofellow-fhip.in the 1 me grace with thent : through inftru&ion, and meaner of that nature.Secondly>he iettert dovncthe variety of evils whicl fliould befall them^rcand fvvord Thirdly.thc cold comfort and flen derheipes which they were like to find.Fourthly,the end of&ll,viz the purging out of all cheir cor ruptions, both of flefh and fpirit Fifthly,the durance of their fuffc* ring,namely,till Gods appoints feafon were expired. From thi (chat the godly-wife are defenbe from hence, thar they inftruiic thers ) obferve firft by the way that a good mans property is, i: will labour to make others go0( he cajwot goc to heaven aIone,a God catcheth him, fo he will pu his neighbour after with him,; 'Philip did N&thincel > Ioh.1.4 according to that commandmen

Teac

to edifi others.

each and cdifieonc another, i, Ti. j.evenasafweetfmelltillerh hefeniesof fuch as are neere it, 3 grace afte&eth thofe char con-erf e with it. Now to p*«fwade s to the pra&ice of this, we have lany reaibns^firfty^ods glory.for le glory of a King, faith Salomon andcth in the multitude of his ibje&s; therefore, when we la-?ur to increafe the number of the iithfull,we do gain no fmall glo-fto God; as who then increafe K Subje&s^nd enlargehis kin^ ;>me. Secondly, the good of the irty admonifhed ; for as Saint imes faith often, bythismeanes Soule is laved: which is more to m that is converted, then if we it him the pofTeflion of the hole World. Thirdly , for our 1 ves,it doth many wayes benefit ; thus to worke upon others; r, firft. without us, we hence inne our fclves great love in the !artsofotbers.This made Naomi imerefled in the heart of Ruth. This

The g9od mttft htlpc to

This made Taul fo affe&ed to t W

Galauans* that they would havij

given him their eyes; whereas I

thisbe wancing>noeie is fufticiet

and the negled of this, is that

which often maketh men meet 1

with fuch trickes and turnes iij

their deareftfriends^as aregrievroe j

unto them. Againe* while we do!

deale with others this way>we in

creafe our own grace; for it is wit

| that as our other ftockc>the bette

it be husbanded* andtheoftner

I be turned , fo much the more it J

increafed. Thirdly, in Heaven *

fhall have fo much more ample n

ward by how much more we ha*

beenein this kind more fruit fu

7)an.i *♦ 5. This is firft f to rebii

the vaine complaints of men^ wi

will cry out^O what an evill woi

it is! Whom may a man truft n<

adaycsPBut yet never goc about

reclaime a man from any evill w*

What doeft thou compaine of

evil worldPlt is the worfe for th<

When doeft thou admonift an I

m

make others goodfV^es of it.

ay j one may be in thy company the yeer, and fcarce hear a good Drd> which tendeth to make fin rcfull,and vertue precious m the counts of others* What tolly is isy to begone that, which thou lit not ttir thy littfe finger to re-efle ? As if a husbandman fhould mplaine^O hereis nothing in my ound>but bryers and nectles^and her weeds! but ftiould never ma-ire it>fow it drcfle it, &c. Every le would condemne it as folly in nbfo it is with us. Sccondly,this puketh fuch as will not be admo-(hedrcome and talke with them, rping upon this ftring, and they ill fay >Wbat have you to do with 5? looke zo yrui fclfe> > ou fhali fa et for your felfe > and not for : :but we muft have to doe with pxi) and one with another: did |:fee their beaft ready to mifcar-y.under a burden* we are bound fheip it>and they would not mif-( eit; much more are we bound \helpone another underthe bur-

393 ; Godsbeftfervants, tnofl malted.

den of fin •Secondly, hcrewefee, that thebeft fervice receivcth from the world oftStimes the worft wages.Thefe that made others turne from their evill wayes, and them* felves walked in all godly innocert cy; thefe arc the Butts(as it were] at which the malicious worla chiefely ftiootcthrthus it was wirt Chrift, and the Prophets: whict of them in mannerwere not cruel ly butchered ?The reafo is,firft,b«j caufefuchfruitfullChriftians, th Divell feeleth his head fo trod on by them, that he cannot induri tnem: but will catch chemby thi heele, and mifchiefc them, as k\ as he is able.Let men florifh wit humane wifedome carry then felves for humane moralldifcour and complement 9 incomparabk he ftirreth not at this, for all th while he is but played with, foule is recovered out of his pov er, he is notdifturbed.Agvine, thenaliceof the divell isagair them chiefely, fo the envie ofti

worl

4 I

fts to be made *f others affli&ions.

oild $ who cannot but hate fixch

hofc workes arc better than

leirowne. Theufeofthisis,that

e judge not of men according co

leir afflictions. Oh when wee

rare one is in troub!e,thcn we (ay

irely he might have handled the

attcr with more difcretion $ had

? beene wiftr, he might have fa-

?d all this trouble. Do we not fire

:re, that the wifeft that were fa-

icrs begetting others to wifc-

)me, this is their portion ? Chrift

id the Apoftles might thus bee

Kidemned as fooliflh; nay, fuch

jhofc fins doe cafi them into their

bubles, fuch are foolifh ; but

hen affli&ions come for a good

nfeience, then it is quite other-

ifc. Secondly ,we muft fit downe,

d caft our accounts befcre hand,

it we will not bee difcouraged,

* that meafure wee meet with

\m the World ^ but comfort our

(ires in this, that God will judge

not according to that (ucccfle

have hadjbut according to that

S we

The Afftttions §j the godly mufi

we have done, bee it good or cvilK Thirdly, from this, that tbefe godly wife fuffcr in body,as by fire and (word; ingoo<3s,asbyfpoiling;to liberty, as being banifhed and led captive,and that many daies;I pray yon obfcrve,that the Saints of God often fuffer ftrong,many, and long affliftions. Thus Ifraels pofterity endured triall 4oo.yeers. Thus the elder people of God were all led captive (eventyyeeresjfor we need great ones, that our corruption! \ may be fubdued within us. For,as the uotamednefle of fome Colt is fuch,that unleffc he were fore rid-dcn,he would never Be broken, fo is it with our rebellious naturc.Se-condly,little things donotexercifc our faith, & raakeus tofcekc God: for as none for a little head-ach,or for the ranch of a pin, will fecke tc the bodily Pbyfician or Surgeon;fc is it with the fou!e,whik u is trou* bled with like grievances ipiricu-all.. Thirdly, they nmftbee gre; to make place for mercy aboun<

dan

be grtAte^ divers, and long.

mm* I ■ ■ » I fc -»—

dant fromGod co us,and plentifull :hankefgiving from us to God. If :>ne heale a trifling matter, ic nci-:her fo biodcth the Patient, nor rommendeththePhyfician: but if jne heale us of (omedeadly incurable thihg,© we fay then,we could lever have met with fuch a Phyfi-rian; not the like in the world a-;aine!Secondly 3 theyniuftbe many md divers, armies of men^ as lob peaketk 5 becaufe our corruption s ire of divers kinds: and bfcaufe a-jaineasthe body, if it rake one jhing ftill, ic commech to bee lb Inuch leflemoved,by how much it j more familiar; lb icis withcu: >ules,that oneuniforme evil dorh y little & little, through cuftome ccome lefle effe&uall. It faring Wthaman,aswith a horfe; who ill fpurred in one place, com-kth not tofeelctbefpurre, nor rtend his pace when hee is pric-?d. As they rouft bee ftrong and i vers, fo they muft bse Iongalfo • ;:cau(c our evils which have S 2 been

*-* :—-

*tbc tfflitfioru eftbt godly

bcene long growing upon us, will *not goe away haftily; as ftaines which arelongfetled in adoth,re-quire much fcowring. Now when wee daily fpoc our (elves with fin, we lee it fettle in; and doe not waih our felves by renewing faith and repentance: and 4b make way for the heavier hand of God, when he fhallvifit. Butitmaybeobje&ed, Paul faith, our affli&i :>ns are light and momentany. Aufwer : Not, that abfolutely they are fo, but in comparifon of eternity; Secondly, lighten regard of that which grace maketh them,when (in is repented of,, and Gods favour not hidden • from us. This madeT^/thathcj could not fUcpe for joy, but fang j at mid-night when hce was impri-1 foned and fore handled. This made J! Pe^r,though he was to be brought forth the day after to death, he ne- " ver flcpt better in his life: this wil) make us cut-looke death-, and ai 11° evillsjwhen we have received from { G^d the grace of repentance and ;

for-

are mary, yet light *tfo.

forgivenefle of fins^when the light of his countenance is towards us in his beloved For as a plaifter which upon a (ore fltfh caufeth much fmart, upon found flefh ftir-rcch no paine : fo troubles lighiing upon a foulc healed thus, as is a-bovc-faid, are nothr g fo grievous. This muft make us provide our felve? 5 and ar me our hearts with the comfort of the Scriptures, agaiaft we (hall be tried, not being acall difmued at them when they befall us. If wee make account of cold weather entring, then wee will be appointed,& get double clothing; wee muft be as wife for our foules, as bodies.Secondly,we muft cry to

\ God, that he would fay to our (pi-

I rits by his Spirit, that our fins are forgiven; that isj am he that jufti-

I fieth thee,who can lay any thing to thy charge? and we muft give all diligence to make our calling and elc&ion fure, feeing that inxhele things ftandcth our fweete peace

| and comfort, when all the world I S 3 be.

*i

404 i Gods Cbitdnnforftkeneffriends

(hew us no com-

befides can forr.

Fourthly, that they have (o (mall helpe, and muchdiflimulati-ori iifcd cowards them • obterve hence, that whea God will try us, men ufii^lly leave us; fo Paul faith in the fecond of Timothy% that all had forfaken him, the firft time of his appearing. Thus when Chrift was ffn ittcn and attached,the Apo-files fhrunke away from him • according to that, when the Paftor wasfmicten, the (hecpe were fcat-tered.For of thofc that make &cw to be friend s,many are hypocrite*; and therefore they will like fwal-lowes take the Summer-fliine with us, but bid us adieu when winter bloweth. Secondly, many that are found J yec are weake in love; and therefore not able to beare in |fufferings. Thirdly, many want courage, and therefore fay, I can doe him no good,, I (hall be looked into; as good one beare it as moe, when we cannot be eafed : (b ^ ■ thy

in Affticii m: The nfes thereof* J 40 5

that their diftreffrd brethren may fiake or fwim, while they confult with fuch flifhly reafon.The ufe is, that we would all learne hencenot to truft in men, but in the living God; and to acquaint our (elves with him,in whom there is no fha-dow of change.

Secondly, wee muftnotbedit maied, if many fluinke from us when they come to the wetting 5 (omc of Gods children fuffering inthiskinde, take it to heart and (ay : Oh, if others had done thus and thus, I could haue borne k ; but it goeth to my hearr, to fee fuch ferve me this part! Why,this is no great newes; doe not the Saints here; did not Chrift J)avid, lob, at his wives hand indure the fame?

Fifthly, that thefe worthy Saints have fuch ftrong, many and long sffliSions for the purging of them; Obferve hence, that there arc none fo pure, but need fining, j winnowing, and waftiing: even d Sj. ss

All troubles werkt together fo

'or

as droffe is with filver, offall and care wich corne, foylc with cloth: fbis corruption with our nature, it will never quite bee taken forth, till this body offinne be diflblved; and God will have fuch remain* dcrs that we may be trained in hu* militybythem- They are like the Swans blacke feete, in the whiteft Cbriftian.Secondly,that we wc^ke ones may not be difinayedatthat wefiad, when the beft havctheir remnants of corruption. Sixthly,that God doth give them to fuch crofleSjonly to purge them &c. Note hence, that all troubles are for the benefic of us, who are the Lords,fl r ^.i2.io.For our profit he chaftifeth us; and chat they may worketo chi$J*heedoth tend them by meafure fuch, as may help us, no* oyerwhelme us, J/i.27.8. He doth ftill fit us in our affl ftions for our good, not proportion our evils toourdeferving. Sccond*y,as hedorh fend them inmeafare, fa with his bleffing; which rurnethl

good to Gods children.

all things that they work together to our good. True It is, that a while there is nofuch thing apparent; but in the end when we fee whatGod will u(e thenvall to,theo we rtiallfee that all fuch confpirc to our great profit. la buildings great while there isnocomtlines, but at length when every thing is ficced to the right place^ thereis a goodly correspondence in the whole ;that is 9 a well proportioned anfwering of one part to another: (ointheframeof our foules. And hence we fee,, how wide the wicked are in their reckoning, O they think they havefped us, they have prevailed; when indeed they have done good offices to us : for God makcth them of the Scullery to fcowrc us, Launderers to wafh u$ 3 ia the worft things h*e fufifcreth them, or wicked Ipirits over them, to doe unto us. Secondly,feeing all our fuflfcrings are from God, wee rouft look for profit by e^erytrouble; anlefle we will make God not S 5 true,

The timt of our Afflittion is in

true, or our telves not his chii-. dren , truely godly, and loving him: and therefore they arc much to be blamed, that through weak-nefle will Jay, they cannot thinke that ever fucha thing fhall doe them any good; for what cannot he make for our gocd, thar calleth light out of darkneffe, if we will give glory to his Word by refting upon it ?

Seventhly, that all thefc tribulations are to hft but till the appointed time: We obferve hence, that our times of exercife they are onely in the handsof God; even as the Phyfician onely* rouft pre-fcribe how long the courfe of the phyficke or diet drinkesmnft bee continued; fo muft our God J fct the time, for which thefe trou-I blcs (which arethe foules pargati-! ons) muft be taken,: Wicked men | cannot fet the time^for they would ; never make an end; nor yet our \ ■fcIves , ;for we would fip but lightly | of f w bitter cups 5 jihls is the Lords

P pre-—--——— tr

Gods band: Thenfes thereof, j 409

prerogative royall, toappoiat the ftafons and termes, wherein afflictions (hall be continued. Theufe of it is, that wee take heed of provoking him, who hath power to hold usunder evils while he pleafe Secondly, wee mud flie to him in prayer, that he would bepleafed to incline mercy towards us, and make haft.Third!y,we muft know that all our continuance in affliiU-onsis full of mercy ,truth and wife-&om$, c \?*Ixcob ftioald have held Tofepbm prifoo, would hee have ht Id him too long > no, no ; much le(Tehc(wboismore merciful than any father, and piuifull than any mother)will hold us overlong: but ordering all his corrections by his I Fatherly providence; will in bis ;. good time make them worke alto-1 gether for good, and not for evill unto us.

In the fecond place,labour to

I findc out what finne it is, wbfch

ofFendcth God. Sinnefull men

caufe; the

ftrikc not without a

h(\

J

tsffflfflions fbould make us

juft God, when he corre&etb,hath ever juft reafjn: our conferences are like looking-glafles,which be-ing over-fpread with duft^do ihew nothing • but if they bee wiped c!eane ; thcn little things appeare in them clearsly. Wherefore enter into your foul e,confider what ftate you ftand in before God - whether you have that faith toward his grace which doth purifie the heart whether yoii have fb learned Ghrift, that his vertuehath made you put off the old man, that is, deny thofe earthly lufts,wbich doe Jeadc natural! men (as it were) by thenofe; and live godly, righce-oufly, and with Chriftian fobriety, inufe of thofe liberties which in ehemfelves are lawful!. Many thinkr, that if they knowthe truth and are in jadgment againft Popery; if they like of the prefent Religion, prefenting their bodies on theSabbat%uthepublifcewor(hip I especially, if they have a prayer ! read in thehoiiiC,and foa forme of

private'

ftarcb into 0Hrfpirit*dUejl*te.

411

privatefervice, theythinkeitise-nougfythough cheynever received that grace from Chrift, which fhouldf fcafon their nature with a divine qualitie, even as the leaven donhtte lump: of dough • andftir upflrifein them againft their own corruption,, -which hindrcth them, that they cannot doe any duty to God,fo as they defiretodo.Wher, as all true Chriftians are Chrift s fouldiers, & find their lives a war-fareythe Spirit of Chriftin them ftriving againft their corrupt na-iure,and their corrupt nature lulling againft the grace whichChrifts (Spirit hath wrought in them, fo that they cannot doe the things Ithey would doe. Wherefore look [to this(deare Sifter;) ourbeft freehold , our fcope of Heaven doth [Hand upon it.Wee muft not thinfce I as many do,w« have not lived thus I long, to call it now in queftion in ^what ftate wee ftand: {uch like jthoughrsthe devil fuggefteth,tbat imen through hardnes of he*rt,and

blind'

Wet mufi examine eurfeFuts^ f$r

blind preemption, might fail into cvill. If you find that you ftand in the faving grace of Cbrift,then you muftexamine your felfe, whether you have not provoked God, by negligent and carnall performance of Spirituall duty : as good fluffs may be marred in the making, fo, the beftduties,ifour hearts be not brought into Gods fight,and reverently prepared in them, they are marred, being in fiich manner performed : yea, they difpleafe God. Curled are fuch who do his work negligently; who draw necre him with chcir hearts being farre off from him nxiany were ficke, many (mitten with death for receiving the Communion without reverence , faith, and repentance, d for.u, Examine your fclfe, whether you have kz your heart to love the Lord Jefus, whom you bcleeve to have fhedde his bloud for you; wee fay. Love de-| fcends, ft doth not afcend. pa-l rents tenderly love Children, but Children'

what jinne God affiifts w.

Children love not Parents in that degree^Itismofttrue, twixc lis and oar heavenly Father, to whom our hearts beare too too :old love,ifthe beft of them be examined. Yon had more neede to looke to this, it is (b popular a di£ ?a(e,Finaily 3 confidei whether yon have not ufedthe lawfull things of this life incemperately; whether you have not negle&cd time, which is fo precious- whether you have not bcene carelcffe to fee that chofe who are under your government, fhouldferveand feare jrhe Lord. Confider, I fay , fuch ike things, that you may find p?hat ic is God would have you imend. Even as a medicine doth j Sirre up naturall hea'e to fight with the ficke humour, which is o bee expelled by ic • (b the me-ticinable forrowes that GOD Joth icinifter to his Children, rloe ftirre up grace, to drive forth "uch corruptions fpiricuall,as God ould have removed by them.

In

IVt nmfigoc to God to teach

In die third place, fielding what hath been amiffe, you muft know, that you cannot redrcfle it, we cannot thinke a good thought;we can (like children taken in faults) promise to do no raore,and be in them prefently againe. Seeing then ic i* not in our fttength,to take fruit by our crofles/urther than Godf who giyeth will and deed) doth workc itiflU'jwemuftcometohitn, and pray him to make us profit. Hee who will have finifull men joyne inftruftion with correftion; yea, who putteth into men this regard ofdumbcrcatures, that he will not ftrikea dogge, but hce will make him fee/o well as he can,what it is for which he ftriketh hion-fhall not hecinftruftus, when his hand is now upon us, for want of duty to him Mo vaine fhould cold iron be beaten,did not fire fofcen icrinvain (houlcfafH ftions (which are Gods hammer) ftrike on our hearts, (hould not God by his Spirit), which is compared to fire, both

foften

I

m U profit ly afjtitlio*.

fofren our hearcs^andenlighten us, :o fee our duties towards him. Wherefore good Sifter, (eeke to Sod for this Spirit of Chrift, w eh nay make all forrowes fruitfull into you, andbeareyouup, that ou fake not in them? For as Mad-'ersfwim alofc all waters, while hey are filled with winde, Co doe ree above all affii#ions, while bis Spirit is with «s,to fupport us i them. If Phyficke be given a bc~ p,and it will not worke,i t is an ill gne; if our infirmities, which are ods potions to our fbules, ifthefe ove not our hearts to turne from ine, and fteke to God for mercy Chrift/u is a fearcfall figne of a :ad fbule, from which the life of od is departed. The Lord give u uaderftanding in all things, aus wifhing you true comfort, »t h inward and outward, I corn-it you to the grace of God in lirift lefus.FarewelL

Your loving Brother,

> Paul Bayne,

G

%/fnotber Lttter.

OodM. D, I hare receive: your Letters, wherein th death of our friend, which befor was conje&urall, is certainly affit med: as alfo the manner of hi deathexpreffed. The latter doti miniftercomfort for the bearing c the forrcier.For,death is not a mat tcrofforauchforrowto the god ly,as the giving of repentance uati life everlaftingjs matter of joy aw gladncfle. The Lord grant tha his death, and the great mortal ty which your eies have feen 3 ma bee fuchreall Sermons to us, cbi; we may bcthinke us of our morta lity, andturneour hearts to wiii dome, feckcta gaine the time which wee have heretofore mi (pent, by taking all occafions untt good; and wee have vowed grea things in baptiGncwe have profd ftd our felvci dead with ChriM that the world is crucified to us and wee unto the life of the work ' Wjhic,

which they frcmife in Baptijme.

irhich as Saint lohn expoundeth,

oth (land io the finfull pleasures,

irofics, and glory which thechil-1

ren of the world imbrace as

heir portion. ButaIas.,infteadof

ukiigthis profeflion good, wee

oe live in the World, taking in 1

X) freely and unweanedly, "the

leafures of ic, fetting our hearts

n the profits of it , more than is

spedienr.We have profefied our

Ires in Baptifeie,to be alive unto

iod,(foras the dipping or iprink-

pg of us,doth fcale our ingrafting

to Ghrifl dying: fo the coramicg

rtb,or wiping the water ofl^doth

lie unto us this grace from God)

dprofefleit (of our part) before

ny he Angcls,and the Congrega-

>n,that we are parted from death

life, even a life which is unto

:>d, and ftandeth in knowledge,

righteoufnefle 3 in hoiineffe,

that no longer, now wee as

p old man fhould live,but Chrift

11s fnould live in us. Now how

id are wt in regard of this life,

> who|

418 Gods childrzn may die by the fl*gu

I

whain che uft of Gods manifol mercies, hath care to (hew fort thefeareof hisnaoiSj the love c holineffe, to make manifeft, th< now hee is alive with his hea Chrift Jcfus unto God. The cart leffe breaking oF this covenai hath caufed all this (b grievous p: ftilence,yea, the Lord hath fhew< how true that is,even in his owe Children,many of whom hee hai taken away,yet (bcorre&ed then that he would not remove his me ey from them,nor falfifie his trut and therefore he hath given the. repentance. AndifGodktyouf this covenant of yours, and tl maine failing in performance of: you areblefled: Bleflfcd are th< that mourne(faith our Saviour)f< ? they £hall be comforced; bur,W< \ to thofe that goeon laughing, ft they, if they continue, (hall wai, cverlaftingly.

Your loving Broth* J PAUlBajne.

Anfth ^

.

B

Ujfwtfrem the Higrhg of the, &c.

A**tbcr Letter.

1 Jr,PJcpIca<echGodftnto tVl let his hand hang anv> gft 'oil;, though he hath gracioufly a-Mtedhla (troke, yea, very many Jaccs remain infefted^though mi-U d *notofcheinfe&ijn:Jwhkh h^uld teach us both to remember hat which is p-ft, and to feare, in tgard of that which may fallout* "or this is one end why God doth jot ac a chop remove the evills iffhich annoy us,that we might the setter remember our fbrrow paft, ind his goodnefle in our delive-ance. Againe,his hand doth hover :>ften ftili about us, that wee might eare before him, and meete him )y repentance, in the way of his udgcmenrj left if that his patience wait on us in vaine, ourftroke at length be redoubled. Trudy men ire far from this, they thinkethat [there is no feare, \t had a time to !come,and muft have a time to goe,

and

__J

Thej that humble tbemfeher

and the worft is paft; but God li keth not fuch fecurity, yea hee ol ten caufeth evill to meet it, whe* the heart isblefled that feareth al waies.Wherefore good M2).do you go on in for row, for manifol 1 varus of duty towards your Gcx fogracious, yea, accufeyourfelf now, a* too little humbled undc l is mighty hand, when fu ftrength of his wrath was revealec And inthefe thoughts raifeup you felfe to look unto his frccmercyc Chrift, which reacheth (throug. the merit of that bloud)tothe pai don of all our fins,yea, to make us who are the children of wrad become the children of bleffing yea fuch blcfling as doth follow u in all our waies.O that is a worth; ftntence for all that hare efcapei thishatid, tothinkeon; GoetJfr waies,finneno more, that is, makt not a trade of walking after you owneeics and hearts, left worfc things befall. And this I will tel you, the praftice of theft things • thougl

mder Gods handball be exalted,

ough it rcftrainc a little mirth, hich the Wift man callech mad-ifTe,yr it (haii bring you to tafte your foule a joy unfpeakeafalc id glorious, fuch a rcjoycing, hich the world cannot take from We

Your loving friend, Pa*l Bajne.

FINIS.

421

>

THE

TRIALL

OF A

Chriftians Eflate:

OR,

I A Difcoveric of the Caufcs, degrees, fignes and differences of the Apoftafie both of

true Chriftians and falfc:

In a Sermon preached in London,

bjMaftcrPAUL Batne, and

afterward fent in writing to

LONDON, Printed by A 0. for J.N. and are

to be fold by Stm, Eniithj, at his

(hop, at the Starre in ropes

bead Alley. 1*37.

C$* C^f> *%* *%> <%* •$> Cf$* €%*

To the Reader,

Hri&ian Reader,good Wine needeth no garland, it will praife itfelfe:fi(lperjwade my felfe) will this enfuing Sermon, which a learned , %oly andfaithfullfert>ant of \3odformerly viva voce in ptiblique, founded in the 'ares of me and many, and tfterwardsju a token of bis A i Chri-

.—-^ ■

To the Reader.

/

Cbriflian love to mee , be-ftoyoedupon me in wiring, ishicb being fofruit full and necejfarie a labour, in the\l judgement of the godly and\l j learned that harve jeene itjk and fo jpecially befitting L thefelukcxarme and back- U Jliding times, 1 thought 1\ could not, without prejudice^ to thee,fuffer it to He by mee w for my private inftruclion and benefit alone>and therefore for thy good, the Keeping in precious memory the Preacher thereof yvbom the Lord hath gathered into his borne, and for the glory

G

k

>od

—I-

:

To the Reader.

Godefiecially, I baVe con-fented that it be made more publique and common , by \ comming under the preffe. The Lord grantjthat it may halpe tbatfucceffe in me and tbee t which hee that gave fir ft life antoit infludying, and brought it foortb by preacbingj.ntendedjmd Tin confenting and caufing to hai)e it printed\defire: fo /hall the feeble , IPeake and doubting Chriftianfie taken by theband^ftaiedandcom. forted againtt the feares of mall backflidingy and ice all/hall be of the number of A 3 them

To the Reader.

them which followJaith to the confer^nation of our foules: which the Lord for ■Iefiu Cbrift hisfake grant. Amen*

Thine in his beft defoes, W. F.

1

Si

*,$• *&+ <4>

THE

TRIALL

OF A

CHRISTIANS

Eftate.

Hb Bn.io.verf. 39. But we are not they which withdraw ourfehes into per dittos, but fellow faith unto 1 fa conservation of the fink.

}He Apoftle having in the verfe before remembered the fcarefull elhte of fuch who " through unbe-liefe are wicbdrawne from God , ; dochin this verfe prevent a fcru-L A 4 pie

Tfa tri*B$fd CbriftUns Zfttte.

pic which might arife in fometi-morons consciences > doubting whether they were not in this cafe I next before tbrcatned. Hee doth therefore take fuch weake ones by the hand 5 ftresgthning them, by bearing them wicnefle of their condition,manifefted by the fruits abovementionedjverle 52,33.34 | which eftace is let downe herein this vcrfe: Firft negatively, by dc-aiall of their anbelceving revolt Secondly affirmatively, by avouching their perfeverance in faith. Either of thefe properties of uo-belicfeand beliefe,being amplified from the effefts which accompanied ^em > w*.deftru<5Hoa of the fbule (for that is to be under flood from the latter claufe) and falvaci-ooofthcfcmc.

The lumme of the words. Feare oot though I tell you that backfli-dersare,veflels of no delight, for yourfclveswith myfclfc,are nor foch who fteale from our companies; having our militarie profef-

ficp,

TbctriaKofa tfbriflians Ejtatc.

(ion, which would tame in this life and the life to come co oar fur-cher deftru&ioo; but we concinue in faith, and put forth our beliefe more and more, as occafionrequi-reth, which bringech us here aad everlaftiagly to fee the Lords faI-vation.

Now for the inftr uftions which both the fcops and matter of the Obfirvaui. verft include in them* Firft,chac Paul doth confirms them bybca* ring them wicneflfe of their cftate. It doth teach us, that wee muft ftablifh our weake brethren, by bearing chem record of the graces Wrought in them; wee who have found grace muft confirme others. If any thing more (marc be ucce-red, we muft mollifie it with fuch wife prevention as Phyfirians, if they forefec ought harmefull to thebodie^ they correft it with other ingredients, that ic may wholefjinely be received. If wee faw one ready to trip, wee would reach him a ha-id, and (uftaine him A 5 from \

The trisHsfd Cbrifiians Eftdtc.

from falling: much more muft we (hew this love to the loule (hakiog through frailtie. This wifedomc Ghriftufcd,hee quenched not the fmoaking 9 a xe: thefeafonable te-ftifying to men their good things caufeth them to take increafc: our honour of them, our dutie to the comfort of their lives and to the truth, doth require it. Such therefore are to bee taxed who wanting this prudence, handle the word in dividing it like him in the Em. blerac, who gave to the Afle a bone, to the dogge ftra w: fich are thofe Paftors who difcourage good devotions, and incourage men carnally minded, like unco them we reade of, E&tcbiel, chap. 3 j 3 22.Such again arc chey amongft private Chriltians^ who like Jobs friends are a breaking to them, whom they (hould comfort and confirme.

Secondly,we roufl be provoked by this example to incourage weake ones when they are doub-

Tie trhHofa Qhri^uns Eflate.

ring of their eftatcs: for as a timorous patient imagining twenty e-vills, when his Phyfitian affureth him that his cafe is nothing (6 7 is well fatiafied: Co here.

Agaiac, in that he faith, We are not chey that withdraw. Hence we are given tounderftand, that fbme may fall away from the Graces re-ceived.IafomemannerGods owne children aad others are reported to have fallen: Ukvid,Saitl 3 Veter,A-Itxmdtfffrc. But that this may be more diftin&ly opend,three thiogs muftbeconfidered.

I. Firll^ from what the godly truely fanftificd may fall; how farre others.

a. Srcondly,from whence falls come, and the difference of them.

3. ThirdlyjWhatarethcfyrop-tomes or figncs of a ftace decliniog from God.

To the firft, a man not having

the true grace of the clc&,raay fall

from all outward privileges, which

hee-holdeth as a member of the

vifible-

7 he triall of a Cbnjl$ant Eftate.

ravfa ef defeZi'ya.

vifible Church. Secondly,from the effefts of his Grace in life and conversion. Thirdly, from the very habicuali gifts, which were th* fountain whence his fruits flowed. Thus bee may come to be twice dead* and in worfe cafe than ever.

The Lordschofen may fail from their outward prerogatives : but that divine nature ftill abideth in them, and it is onely with their graces, as it is with the mindein difttmpcrs of melancholy, and phrenfic 5 with the Sun in eclipfes; with the tree whea leaves and fruits faile it 5 with the natirfall life when it moveth not, ne yet breatheth fenfibk: which in difea-fes of the Mother is ofcendifecr-ncd. Their faith is an ever failing faith $ their life an etcrnall life 5 their feed a feed abiding iq chem*

Now for the fccond, vi*. what are theeaufes of failing a way, and that (b di,verfl/j this opened will lend a more thorow light to the former. The caufts which worke

The trull of a Chrifiians Eftate. —»—^. — ■ ■ ■'■ ' '»» »' -in withdrawing us arc inward or outward. Bjc the verity of thefe i cimiogs fpriiigechcmefrlyfconi the inward.

The caufe in ths Lords children is,theftafe of their grac<ywhich is fuchas hath (till rcliqaes of dnnc dwelling with ic.

The caufe of the others totall

fall, is an cflentialldefcft in their

grace, which teacheth not to make

a true union betwix; Chritl and

them^ nor yettoproducetrue fan-

ftification. In a word, the caufe of

the ones perfevering, and theo-

thers totall deficiency, is not only

to betaken froai Gods power and

gracious pleafore, from Chrifl his

faterceflion, from the ftinting of

Satan Co the heele of the true

Chriftian feed : but al(b from the

eflln ull qualification^ and difpo~

Icionof the grace beftowedupon

utbeT. But this is a difficulty tur-

her to be cleared; How wee may

brmally diftmguifti theft gifts

prhich are in the Chriftun that

perfc«

Tbetriallofa ChriftiansEftaU.

perfevereth from thofcthat are in him that temporifech. The difference is doable:

i. Fir ft, in the union which is made by them,

2. Secondly, ia the different prpduftions which follow upon Co different manners of being united with Cbrift.

To open the firft, is fttdowne this conclufion : The fpirituall gift of the temporifer doth meerly enlighten him to fee Chrift, but doth not move his will to go uoto Chrift, as given him ef God, that he might notperifh but have eternal! life. His application is an overweening hope, taken vp by his ownc preemption; it is not a motion which the fpirit doth eli* date and draw our> but fucb as is hisenlightning.

In the Word of Chrift are two things: firft; the truth of it, a true word: Secondly, the goodnefTc of it, a good word. That may be apprehended, God giveth his chofen

not

7 he tri*B of a CbriftUns Eft ate.

noconely anappreheafion, in che uoderftanding of che truth, and goodnefleof it; but a motion of affiance, which makech the foulc go toand clafp about Chri(t whom it beholdeth. Hence ic is } that com-miog and believing, lob. 1.12. I oh. 6.35.37. is apprehending,as when a thing is taken by the handle: and From this property of Faith doth |:ome chat internal! union twixt jthe believer and Chrift, which mi-kech them dwell mutually one in the other. Hence it is that the true believer doth more affeft Chrifr, ipricehim, joy in him, more than the benefits by chem.

Now the Papifts faith is a meere nlighming, not having any con-idence within the compafle of it, Tor a man may be found in their aicb, and in damnable defpaire at he (ame inftant) and the cempori-ers faich having no more than an ipprehenfioninche underftanding ^f the good word of (alvation joy-wd with prefumptuous pcrfwafi*

io 5 Tbctriallof* ChrifliansBftate.

on an i tailibit hopes conceived by himfelfc on fihe reckonings the£ cannot linerly unite hfoo wich Chrift • but looke as a Wen ?s fa unircdh the body by the skin in-compaffi'g ic, and fome kindeof continuation with the other members; hut bach nor foewes,nerve$ s arteries (hoc into it from head arid heart, as the other parts: to thefe by tbetr common illumination and profeffi »n hare conjun&ion with the body,but want the ioflaence of that more neere ligament of thac affi^aced motion of the will,which oaely flowech from Chrift into his proper members. Aad this is the firft ground of cheir after failing: for looke as ftanding-waters, or never fiich tonrents wnich have no head of living fpring-wners to feed chem, cannot in time but dry up: fothefenot havingChriihhe Well-head of all grace, whatfoe-vcr i* in them, in time fadeth and ranifheth to nothing.

Ftom defeft of iiicernall union^ ^ . w^ : fh

The trisHof aCbriftidrts Efitft.

which is, as ic were,the fountain^ commeth a difference in grace derived. Thetemporifrts^beingftch as doth never finely humble him, fach, as is fuperficialljfnfincere: in a word, fuch as doth not truely fan&ifiehiro: by reafooof which defeft, it is not permanent*

Firft, not being within the gracious light of this Sonne ofrighte-Dufnefl&jthe depth of his wound is never gaged^and chough be know much humiliation,, yec nee is never ffuly humbled* Firft,hee feeth not with humble coafcioufaefie the Safull depravation of his nature: iisdifpleaiureisraoreagain3 the tuits, than rootes whence they i£ |ued. Tsui a Pharifee knew not toncupHcence; a Papift acknow-edgeth not this as finfuli after hee s once baptifed, whereas this was he higheft pitch ofPj*U and Z>#-fids penicentull exercife.

Bat-may not the temporifer now and maintaine the truth of his Doftciae, yea > propound ic

• fruit-

k

Anft

*.

3-

fruitfully to others? Anfwtr. He may ( by faith infufed ) conceive and affent coir, yea, deliver it to other^ but fo,that the power of it doth not rcfle&on himfelfe, (bas to be humbled in thi s refpeft: but as the Moone giveth us light which is not rooted in t he body of her,for that continueth darkfbme: fo they receive light from Gods Word, and fet it forth to others, but have none in themfelves. Secondly ,not being within grace^his I confeffion and paffion under fin is not free and voluntary, but extorted eithe? from fome evidence of light, or faft evincing him; as Saul to David confefled • or the racke of Gods terrours inforcing it from him. Whereas the children of God, who now fee, that the more their finne is, the more grace (uperabounded; that their bafc-neffe is his glory,whofe grace they live under, they frankly, yea, delightfully humble themfelves id confeffing their vilenefle. Thirdly,

pot

rt

1:

The trhRof a ChrifiUns Efttte.

■ -— ■ —— ■ i

lot being within the grace of thrift with found affiance,he never *ricveth at finne as it is enmity a-'ainft his God: for Co be contrite tiithis regard, implyeth a love to 3od, which cannoc be in him who lath not found God loving him irft: hee is vexed at bis fins in re-Ijpeft of his miferies hee feetfa im-nincn^or only as they are world-ward, ftumefull aberrations from pra&ice of (uch apparent vermes, ^vhich men may repute glorious, tnd much affe&. In a word; hee is lever cruely humbled, which his obedience being partiall doth wic-icfle; for hee will cake and leave 3 that which hee heareth at his wne pleafure:yea 3 ifcrofles come, ee is too proud to humble him-slfeunder Gods hand; he is lifted pabove others, whom hee out-rippeth in common graces: he is :nforious, without confluence of lat naturall condition under fin, 'hich is common to him with o-iers. And from hence it is, that

at

M

Tkt triaB $fa ChriflUns Efitti.

at length his g; ace f <ilcth: for as a houfe buildtd en the finds, with* our a due ground-workc hid • or plants unrooted cannot indarc : To this frame which wanteth the found ation and root of grace(fuch as humility is) cannot perfifh

Secondly^ Ifayfrorathispjime defe & of inner union, all the tern* porifcrs graces produced arefcper-ficiall, fl Jght, full ol overture: wheras t bote in found believers are fo 1 id,fiibftancial 1 ,not us intrvtjecm J$fe9uefa things which though outwardly they have the appa-j rence, yet are inwardly defedive. ] Hence it is that Psttl calleth their godlincfle, a figure of godlinefle, %Tim*%.^. their knowledge anex-tcrnall forme of knowledge, Rom$i a. 20. that Chriftmaketh all they have,* fernblance,a feeming onely, 1*^8, i8 # for looke as a wilde; hcrbe^though it have but the name and common nature* yet Icdiffe-reth much from one which gro-weth in gardens, better manured

TbttrUllif sChrifHans Ejt*t$.

*5

nddreflcd: 2nd ai 4 blew, died rich blockwood, though it (eeme ^righ era while, yetisnotfofub-tantiall as thai which is woaded <*nd thtrfore wc fay ic is a trucco. bur:) fo here, though the graces >f the temporlfer have the fame ume and comon nature, (for they ire ioferiour workesof rhefpirit) pea, though they may exceedcin (hew, yet for the truth and fob-ftauce, they are nothing to thofe that are wrought in hone A hearts; ind from hence come two things, Firft, their graces are (bone growneup; forathiogfaperficiall is done in halfe the time that a fub-ftantiall thing isaworkiog. They get the ftart; and, w hik many a sue heart before th* m in the Lord, is complaining of wants,and weak-leOeSjfiufull inclinations, uGirpiog n them;they arecarried 1 as it were, ferfiltttm, to their pcrfe&ion. Bat is a true birth, though flowly at t :he firft, yet ftill takcth increafe, irhercis a mole groweth fitter at

the

The tria f l of a ffirifliMj Eflatt.

chcfirft, bat fbonc cc^lcth: and looke as in nature, thingi rhc fbo-nert ripe 3 are thefboncft rotten: So ic fares with thefe leap-Chrirtians.

Secondly, I fay their graces are infocere, their hearts are never purged from fome fin which they love and like to live in, fbrfiaifter cuds inrertaining the mcflage of] Gods a»crcy,which is not that theyi may reverence him, and ferve hira all their daies without fljv'flunr-rour: but they gladly heare it, as hoping that they have a proceftion by if, though they hold on in their own courfes. For this it is that the clefts faith, which never faileth, is called a faith without bypocri-fie; that the true believer is oncly! laid to have an honeft heart.

As God hath made fbme remedies in nature, fuch as purge university every peccant humor, as the PhyfitiansCatholicon,&c. Someagaine that purge, ct$m de-le&# f thdt expell choler,but meddle not with melancholy ; phlegmc,

:

n&f tris tt *f a Cbriftians Eftati.

it ftirre not cholcr; So this mediae of grace, which God infufcth co an honert heart, it is a Catho-jue expeller of all knowne finne, rcat or little. The grace of the mporifer purgeth out the roocof 5 fin; reprtflech the moving aad noxyfmes, as it were, of fbme x>ife fias onley, as in Herod. And :nce it ii that the grace of the imporifer doth not continue: for i come growing up with twitch, riers, thornes, is at length fino-lered; and as wholefome meate i a ftomacke full of flying cboler, i at length vomited : fo reigning a gr owing up with thefe feeming races, doth never ceafe till they p brought up and discharged, *1^8.i2 13,14. Thus much to eare that difference of graces in pds children and others, which ufech that the falls of the one are

IV cocall nor finail, which is indent to the condition of the other. k Now taking it as granted, that le Lords children fall, byreafon

of

17

*>sl

T*

*•

Th$ triafi of a Cbriftsdnr Eftat*.

of the reliqucs of fio dwelling ir them J come to name tbeexcenall ok a ;$, which ^fttully brine forth into AvoiUht this inbred ckfcfti-on. Thefe fometimes worke it more violently at once, fometime (ucrcffively, by fome hainot s wafting fin, which like a ftrong poi-j fon difparcheth all quickly.O-(Tea repeated, and gradually hcreaiedJ lares of pleafures and profits, unn comforublcnefle, which iccom-panieth by many rocancsCbrifti-an courics, (dead worke is quickly given over) examples of the muii.ude, a(trongback-bias, by which the divell fometimes draw-Ctb from perfifting iograce,offeaCi | ( at the firopl cicy, which to eye or? t flefli (iemeth to be in Chriftiaa !r courfet, at difiintion in opinions q amongft men of the fame profefli- v on, at the fins obOrved, and falls <j ooceknowne byfuch, who make profeflion; the ftducl g calls of f c falfcTeachers,the glorious (hewes L ofholinefl*,aod wnatfbcvcr chipgs k,

The trUU efa CbriftUns Eft ate.

ofthi8nature 3 by w ch men through SKans working arc wich-drawne.

Now followech the third thing, the fymptoms or fignes of a declining fbule. This one thing muft be prerailed, left that weake ones fhould caft thefelves further down by miftaking the matter. The pretence ofthefe cvils,andfencc of due difpoficions or aft ions, are note. I Til fignes of a dangerous declining ibule^but when they are willingly carried without remorfe, renued defires and endeavours after the contrary: for as one may be with-butGods gracious prelencctohis feeling, and yet not a forftker of God - fo one may be without thefe :hings, and not leaving them, but Irather left of them (Gods wifc-jtonne for many ends fo difpenfing) while by griefe, faith, and renued lefires, he doth follow after them.

This confideration interlaced Tor the right underftanding of the natter in hand. Let this be the ficft ignc 3 w&« a feeble, livelefle aftion

B

eft

of grace willingly admitted: y. g. 'as when a man can performe a-ny Chriftianduty without all power fpiricuall and good devotion • aeverthelefle doth not chalenge himfclfe^ as if it were ill with him I in that regard. L<tf& ettioncs Ufa* argHuntf*cultates:h% when the eye feeth not as it hath done, wee may prefume the inftrunents or faculties are not as they have beene : So here, when we doe not things with the vigour we have done, it is a figne of infirmity, and a faculty inwardly or outwardly hindred: but when wee can thinke well e nough of this ftate, it is a figne of Apoftafie and wilfufl declining ; Iuskifh reaching* are thefics forerunners comonly -Gods people declining have fallen fir ft to thefe formalities, to performance of duties in a perfuc£iory fafhior, the heart and raines far from the Lord,. in them.

The&ccnd figne is a prepefte-rcusappetiteof unwholcfuia food!

liked J

1'he trUU of a Chriftians Efiatc.

liked well enough, no way diftur-bant to us: when men can be without preaching, or at leaft without any chat raoveth the^r eonfeiencesj when they can extol frothy windy ftuffe, which fiJIeth them, but never feedeththem^fo as their foules are not the better for it toward God. It is afignethemanis willing tofleepe that draweth the cur-taines about him: It is a preemption, that thefe are willing to nap in their fins, that lovenotfucha light of truth as fhould awaken them. Not bearing the wholefome word is the preamble of Apoftafie ♦ | A Thi'd token isindigeftionof that we heare, borne contentedly; when the heat of love doth not fo digeft things, that they might after be diftributed into the veincs of every good word and worke: be-caufe they receive not the truth in Jove, &c. 2 Thejf 2. When meate is taken in, and pafleth away not diced by the ftomacke^ it leaveth pe body in an atrophie, that is 5 B 2 fuch

The triaHof a Cbriftitns Eftdtt.

fuch a tafte therein it isnotnou rifted: So here.

T he fourth figne is an iiord "mate appetite after things hurtful! and noxious: as when a man fedeth no hurt, though hee intermeddle immoderately in the cares of the world; though hec intemperately quaffe in thefe fiofull pleafures which laft but a feafbn : vvhen a man loves to follow the good healths, wee may boldly fay, hee loves to breed ill health. Worldly cares and pleafures arc the things of which the foule is drunken, and fur fetfjand theft are the thornes and weeds with which the feed of gracst never thriveth.

A fifth figne may be the difcaf. fefting of our brethren^ whom we have acknowledged as begotten ofGod. The Diveli cannot bring a man who hath knowne any good, to confront and defpifc him direft-!y : therefore hee eutreth them with this politicketraine; hcres-cheth them fir ft to be bold and . trample

The trhllof j CbrftiawE/tate.

trample downe bis Image, and Co ac length bring them to delpife God, 2 Tim. 1.4. "Demds (as it it likdy) turning Apoftate^forfooke the Apoftle.

The fixch figne is, when there is felt no relaxation in regard of our daily weakntfles&lefferfins, bat they dfgeft with us: if the (bule were not fallen well afl:cpe, ic could not concoft Co well. When nature (things able to provoke taken in) maketh not refiftance, her ftrengch is feeble:So here.Bat whe a man is growneto th!s > tbac he can go on in his impenitency without checke, ic is an evident figne he is downe the wind in a wiifuil declination -yeajthat he is farre gone in ir. Thus you have heard that forae fall from their grace • and for further declaration you have, feene c!cared,ho w firrc all forts may fal r : whence commeththtir falls, with the difference of them. Thirdly, what are the iadiemts of a foul? declining,

B) Tfc

. )

The triaD of 4 Cbiiftians Eftate.

The ufe of all is; Firft, as to ftirreusup to take comfort in the true worke which God hath be-gun 5 fo to make fure that we have received fucfi grace as (hall not faile: would wee not be loth to reare ftich a frame in a material! building, which fhould after come downe upon cur heads ? We are builders, let us make fare to digge (b deep, and ground our worke Co well, that though it (hould fliake^ (as they &y,firmc houfcs will) yet it may be farre from feare of mine. In taking gold, wee refefe waftied and light golds or clipped, wee weigh them,ring them 3 &c. In receiving grace be not lefle carefull that it be right currant, not wanting* graiac of due weight.

Secondly this, that many fall a-way, muft awaken us to more cir-cumfpeftion; though it light upon fome men only, it is every mans, terrour. We have great reafon, for wee live in moft perilous times, whereiq the holy Ghoft hath war-

neti

Tbetriallofa ChriftiansEftate.

nedusthac the dampeof ficifhall make the love of many waxe cold: wherein the contagion of Apofta-fie is epidemical!; is gro wne a popular difeafe. For now what luke. warmnefle> what a weak pulfc bea-teth every where ? men care not to dcale wkh themfclves to hold their thoughts to heavenly things, to a-waken their affe&ions, to reaew their faich, to blow up devotion; to live in an holy contention; nay, this in our daies is counted a fii-perfluous unneceflary courfc, forged in the head of fame over-forward fcHowes; it is the undilcreece fervor ofgrecn youth, which ages wifdome wil take up.Ochers more moderately fpoken, thioke that every thing new is dainties., and that prime aflfe&ions cann :>t be retained :a fig-kafe^ature, art,grace, go from lefle perfeft to more per-feft. Whether doth a child at eight yeercs or eighteene moft love and joy in his inheritance ? Doeft thou not count thy preatifcs two laft } _ B 4 yeeres

The triallrf* Chilians Eft Ate.

yceres better tbanfoureof his firrt? In ftcad of appetite to the Word, now fbme thiakethe Sabbath may be tolerably fon&ified without a-ny preaching : feme couot it e-nough, if they be where preaching is,, let ir be what it will be; farre from fuch as is able to worke on their foulcs; as if the orders of the perfbn, not the fiipcrnaturall gifts of knowledge and wifHoroemade the Sermon (but thefe muft not be levered:) force count fuch plaine preaching (as heretofore wai effe-ftuall in them) kflcdiligeatj and leffe learned. Thus the DiveJl not able quite to make them call off the ordinance, perfwades them that change is no robberie; and that they may flecpe tbe quieter (negle&ing fuch preaching as was powerful! in them) he cafts them this pillow, fuggefting that they leave not that which was ef£6tuaU in them toward God, but that one-ly which was indiligent and un learned.

' . Againe,,,

Againe, in Head of working chc Word upon our affe&iont, how many concent themfelvts to excr-cife thdr criuckes,tbis or chat wa* Well fpoken, &c. anc! there is an end ? For the worlds ipcn have their hands in it elbow-deep • yea, many who in chdr times have made fhew of a more heavenly minde, fome are now fo (hie to their brethren, that they w.'ll not looke at them, not meece on the fame fide of che ftreete, not know them. How many, whole hearts wruld have fwiccen them in leffer offences can now commit as great, and ic never upbraids them > nay, efleeme this tenderneffc fcrupu-lous fimplicicy, andmclancholike aufteritiy. The more vulgar then this difeafc is, the more cautelous wee aiuft be.

Thirdly, wee fee now that who will keepe life and power in his courfc, endeavouring a good conscience in all things, they muft paflc the pikes of tvill tongues I \

B 9 which\ V A

Obfer-}.

which are(hakcnagainft them.For now fuch heare, as if they were humorifts, new~fanglifts, Prccifi-an$,ptoud,GnguIar,fimple, melan-cholike perfbns,what not > Finally, the Diveli to make revolts,now refines his wics, and turnes Angell of lighr, hanging out our owne colours, that heemay theeafilier furprize us; and pretending per-fe<5Uons, which we yet want,doth transport many, whom neither crcfies nor allurements would pre* vailcagainft. So that we had need, ifever,to walke warily, look fig to the author and fioiftier of our faith: yea, thankefully, that foineyill times we are kept (though weaken ly) alive in his fight.Thqs much of the fecond doftrine.

The third followeth ia thefe words - to perdition, viz,. cf the foule, 2 Pei.2> 20. 2i« even as hce | that gocth out of the light, muft taeeds come into darkenefle: fo he i 1 that leaveth the living God, the fountaine of blefled lifc,muft needs I fall-

ThetriaHofa C*>r*fli*ns Eft ate.

29

fall inco perdition. The rclapfe ia-into any ficknefle is more dange-roas,than the firft entrance inroic: for nature is now more enfeebled, much (pent in her former refiflace; againe, the difeafe is much Strengthened as a prevailing conqueror: So in thefe declinings from the healchfbme fhceof gracein fome (ore attairted,fin ii Stronger (the di-vell c5rcring with Seven worfe Spirits) and our caps cityjof receiving health lefler; we being twice dead, and for the degree more, removed from grace,than ever bcfore,& this end befalls backfliders mod deservedly: for chey offcr God the grea-teft indignity, it being better chey had never admitted him, than hiving taken him in, to diSIodge him caukhfly. Again,when fuch as forgetting their military Sacrament, fteale from tbeir colours,are juftly

Eunifhed with temporall dca:h; owdeServedly are theft puniftied witheternall perdition, whore-(pt& not that warfare, to which , the y \ ' _

{

the triaB *fa Cbrtfi$ans Eft etc.

they bound themfelves by Sacra-nnec,who flinch away,leaviog that difplaid enfigne of a zealous pre-femon 5 under'which fomtimethey havcfcivcda

But how can defiru&ion follow on declining conrfts^ when Gods choftn cannot ptu(h;and the other fort wcce never inflate offal vation? \ AnfJhisis faid to be the end of ic, not absolutely without exception, but refpe&ively, if wee by repentance take not (height fieps the fooncr, & get our halting healed.

To the firft it may be aafwered ^ that the Apoftacy of Gods children init felf cendech to dfcftru£Hoi>it is his mercy that preventeth them in this way,pot the fruit of their back-fliding. Secondly, they after a fort deftroy thefelves^wheo they bring their /pirituall life into a fwoone^ and lea re not themfclve* breath or motiondifcernabk.For the wicked though they ncyer were tborowly Yind:catedor redeemed from de= ftruftion^ yet to the judgemenr of : . . charity

;

■ ' ■ ■

The triaU of a Cbriflims Eftate. I 31

charity they fecmed fo:now ic is ufa-all to lpeak of things not according ns they are,butas they appcare. Se-condly,they,though they never had that (bund eternal! life,yerthey had fuch a life as is in a Wen; md though the rootes of their griefs were not brought away, ycctheeflfe&s were fo reft rained, and for a time fufpen-ded.tbat to their feeraing ihey were made wel!.Thirdly,they are laid to fall into deft: u£ion,though they are in r; becaufe they by Apoftacy,goe to the heigh: &coofumm«ion oHr-as we are faid by a godly courfe, to go to life e¥erlalUng,which in fome degree wee have already. And tht truth it, that falling away doth bring the untimely judgmeatsjdotfc procure an cffe&uall delivering to Satan, who doth afterwards more folly fill them with his efficacy:For as God maketh thefincereli Saints often of thofe, who have Jbeene the fouleft finners: So here Satan^when i he gets fuch an one,who hath beeoe in (hewan Aogellofligh^ hcedoth

make

J he triad ^f a Chrijtians Eft ate.

make of him an incarnate dive!!. In nature the fweetcft thing? whe they t im^become the fowreft.This mortal! ficknefle we muft cake heed of; and if our love, zeale^endemefie of conscience be diminifhed, wee muft timely feek oat for remedy. I know men thinke,we are not fo far gone; once beloved,alwaies beloved ; we have left nothing but meere curiofi-ty, melancholike aufterity, men in many con (iderat ions reproveable-(uch as thofe, v*ho joine not with j theca> we hope may be in Gods favour, and goe to heaven. But never | take fuch paines to deceive your felves; thefc vaine words will not ftill rocke the conscience afl *epe. If thy (pirituall aftions be fallen a-fleep>thy contention againftiheevil dwelling in thee ceafed, thy appetite after finceremilke & meat aba* ted,thy tendernes ofconfeienotim-paired, and thou canft lit nnder all theft things without repentant for-row 5 aflure thy felfe^he end of this (ifthoupreyenteflitaat by.repen-

tance)

f

Tht trisB of a Cbrifiians Eftate. 3 3

tancc) ftiallbedeftruftion. Lukc-warmnes (thogh men think it a pare ofprudencc)ic is odious with God, and will raakcus be caft up with di£ pleafure: true ic is that Gods wrath is not prefentlyefpiedagainftfach, bat this is onely becaufe wee fee not the fpirituall judgements, wherewith they are firicken; and we fee in nature the thing is long bred and conceived, before it is brought forth and manifefted.

Secondly, wemuft be exhorted here to ft and conftantly in our cour-fes, who doe walke with God in ibme life and power, though not without great weaknefle • let us not give over our labour and holy contention, to which the prefence of fin & defeft of righreoudeffe have pricked usttbis work of grace goech againft the ftreame of nature, if we intermit to ply theoare of holy ex-ercifrj wind and tide wH carry us backagaine«Where weceafc to improve by good husbandry the gtace received,, there H beginnetb to be

imoaircd*

*~ — . * . ^m^;, 1

54- i j The trtaQofa Chtijiians Efiate.

Obfer.+

j impaired.True it is,that tht disking up of oar (elves, refitting (loth* the rcftlefle afpiring after things which we are flill call from whh violence, are in their kinds laborious: butre-member^whicmeo do in their earthly warfare; r hry(forpay oftwo (hillings a day) march thorow places often full of difficulty, \u (the ground being cheir bcd)in theayre, no covert over cheer; in their viftu-

4 alls they are fore ftreightned, often they carry their lives in their hands, and fight in the Cinons mouth : to thfofeeupon this once/is enough to make us afliamed of our fof ntfle and cowardice. But we arc of faith, as we fay, at d men of courage & oifdorae. Butalas^firft who hath theft things? fccondly, who. doth put them forth ? thirdly, who is conftant in holding them, and making (hew of them as occsfion is offered?

We may obfcrvc this as a fourth inftru&iori, what is the property of a (bond believer or beliefe,*/*. to

p?r-

pcrftvcrc when thty arc tried & op-pofed: this faith is a precious, fi > ccie,nevc r failirg faicb; it growech from one degree toanocher^the true believer, hec holdeth the faith a-gainft hell gates thfmfelves,thatis, the powers of hell which oppofe him in it: which that we may more fruitfully u: derftand;we muft know that where found faitfris wrought, rhere the divcll plaicth the affiilant, bending all his force to difcarmc :hem of this divine fliield, by draw-ngthembackcagalne to unbdiefe md frlfe confidences which will lot helpe them.

To this purpofe hee muftereth :rofles f vomictcth deluges of falfe laaderi;ftirrcs up thencereft friends )ffuch as are now come to G 3d by aithjto perftcute themmoft bitter* j : (bmctime he (heweth thera im->oflibili:ies, in fenftof feeing that hey defire and believe: (bmecimes le troubles their fcelings,that fo he aay (hake them in their believing: bmetimes hee withdrtweth their

, faith

\

The triaU $fa Cbrijiians Ejlate.

faith by falfeobje&s,which he pro-pofeth to them; but if heecannot break off their belief,ehen he laieth about to reprefle the fervency and the renued exercife of their beliefe. by unfettling us with fome new devices, when we are more intent; by making our exercife painfull, and uncofortable, overcafting the light which was wont to fhinetousia the promifcs; hindriog us from feeling the fwect comfort in them; exciting the reliques of fl:>th,dea<toc5, inconftiocy that are in us.'fomeiime by caufkfie fears & finfullfliaraefaft-nefle hee withdraweth ns from our holy devout exercife.But this found kich quencheth allthefe fiery darts which are throwne againft k 5 and like as a tree which (haken* rotteth more deeplyjor like as a torch w ch beaten, blazcth more brightly; or like as a ftar, which when the aire is obfcured,fhinethmoftclearely: fbis it with this root^torch,thisglorious fhr; thefe powers of darknefle doe nothing in the eod^but lend ic a more 1 . bgaq-

Tl)ctri*Uofa ChrtJliantEJiate.

37

beautifull luHre, thai it ever puc forth while it was not v beroundt4 with any fach enmities.

True it is, that the beft faith may hang the whig, bsingwcatherbea-1 ten, and feeme to retire under fome i more vehement delaies orientation: 1 but that which flieth to day, figh-| teth againe to morrow; and like as ! it is with thofe, whofe going backe! helpeth them to take thsir rife and fetch their lea p more co modiou fly:' So here, faith (through him that is I the author & ficiiflier of her)by how much fhr gavebackejby Co mach in her renued iadcavours (becomiaeth forward more facceffcfully. From this ground many come to be reproved : Some there are, who will feeme to follow fincerity & fanfti-fication,whik making (hew of thele things isgainfull^but if crofles come they will hy down their weapons^ and Will provide to fleepe in whole skins, whatfoever become of other matters. Some, if they be delayed beyond their own time,caft up their > hopes,

The ttiaU if a ChrifHans EJttte,

hopes,andare ready proudly to fay, Ic is in vainc to (erve God.Amongft chc Lords children,, how many arc there who follow not faith^ growing up from faith to faitfyencwiog the exercife of it in faftningonthe gracious promifes which are made unto us? Men that will check them* (elves if they omit the aft of mercy, of ceftifying truth, of juftice where occafionis offered;blamenot them-fclves fornegkfting to renew their faith towards God f when hispro-raifcs renewed, or experience of his goodneffc and truth doth call for it from us.

Some there are,who weakly fore-fpeak things, fignifynig their unbe-belief,by faying,tht y fhall never fee this or that evill mending wkh thejj that ic is but a folly to attempt fur* 1 ther, feeing wee ftriye againft thci ftreaaie.But this is not to bs carryed with full faile of faithfull pcrfwafr on on him who hath fpoken good to u«, but through attending to that fenfe &reafon Ipeaketh, toyeeldw unbeliefe. S?cqnd-

_—

The trial! of a Chriftians EJttte. 3 9

Secondly,we may hence here gather le truth of our beliefe. Hath ic ftood irongh help of Gods grace in tentati-n> Chrift lettech us fee that hee was ur fnpporrcr,it is a true figne of grace ever failing: buildings which ftaad vhen winds and ftorms beat on them, re prefumed to bs fore grounded, phcrcas the paper-walls andpainccd aftks ofchefe who have not unfained ;race,cannorindure any (bund afliulc vhich is m ?de againft them.

The laft thing to be markedi^what oM-.f, t is that doth bring us to feeftlvation iere and everlaftingly, it is ourbe-hfe^i PrM. 5. Gods pleafure of wording this or that forus,isfirft made cnowne by his Word revealing it. S :ond!y, ic is delayed for a triall of hem to whom it is given. Thirdly 3 it 3 executed. Now the revelation of [his future pleafureeacly faith appn-len^eih; the delay (wherein many 00 :urrences are incidc it) fpeaking chc pntrary this faith beareih, by clea-

ing to that which formerly it heard icom God. When the thing is executed, 'J

The triall of a fflriftiam Efiate.

ttd 3 then faith is changed with Gght; fo chat it isplaine, that faith bringeth ustofeefalvatioo, for it never giveth over till the thing be in prefent; jc doth kcepc us within the tower of Gods impregnable ftrength for the prefent, which is our fafety agtinft all enemies; ic doth bring us out oi all troubles by holding Gods gracious Word; as a man eommeth from a deepe dungeon, by climbing a fcaling ladder caftto him 3 or fitting upon an Eagles wing which would mount up with him.

In the Chapter following there is a catalogue of glorious believers^ the end of their faith being like wife re* corded. Whence we may firft fee that errour of Papifts, who though they afcribe our firft forgivenefle of our finnes to frith; yet our after-rightc-oulhefle and falvation they referre to good workcSj penall fatisfa&ionSj application of the* Churches crca-furie^ &c. withdrawing themfelves from faiths when now they are brought to be in date of grace; baj

faith

The trlall of a Chrifiia?is Ejlzte.

ith is never to ceafe till the thing be-eved be now in fight, neither will le fame thing be got both by faith nd workes; for thefe are fuch as will iotbe compounded, theApoftlebe-ng witnefle.

Againe, hence we fee how wofull a ;hiog ic is to call away our confidence, we fling away the plaifter that (hould hcaleus • for whatfoever evillswere upon us, yet holding our faith on the truth and mercy of God in Chrift^ they (hould variifli away as (hewers, whichonourgarmgnts,dryuph time and come tonothirg, Ye;,their danger is hencedifcovercd, who though thtymake conference of amrcher, a-dultery, in jaftrce; ye: care not to life in unbeliefe, which is of all finals the meft dangerous, for the other (hould not hurt us deadly, were it not for this; that wee will not by kith take ithat medicine which (hould healeus,

Srcondly,this r--nft incourage us to p^rfevere in our fauh : as Ghrift! jok-edtothe end of the Craffej (j muft we looke to the end of our fauh, that

we

4* | The triaU of a C^fi'**" EJlate. jf

1 ' ■ ' —■—-——— ■——j—|

] we may indure all difficulties the better, with which wee are encouwrcdi True ic is, that mei are of:cn moft deceived, where they truft moft; but leaning on the Lord, and waiting on him, thou (hall never be deceived, nor miflfc of his promifed falvation. objeti. But in temporary evills wee canno

aflure ourfelves of deliverance. ^»/»- f Anfo. The truth is, wc fee not deliverance, becaufe wee exercife not faith ia particular promifes (b ftrreas we might. Secondly, wemuft ever be affurcd of iflue, (uch as is joyned with falvation. Thirdly,though it keepe us not out of the fire, yet faith will keepe us from burning, or taking hurt! in our moft fiery crialls; whereforci let us renew our faith in Gods precious promifeSj afluring our felves thai the end of it (hall be falvation of foult and body in the day of our Ler< Jefus Chrift. To whom with the Fa cherandSpirit,&c. tAmcn.

L

FINIS.