of salvation Inst Jerusalem had her day wherein she might have known the things which belonged unto her peace Luke 19. 42. Chorazin Bethsaida Capernaum had their time for repentance Mat. 11. 21 23. For Mercy Conferred Texts Exod. 12. 41. And it came to pass at the end of the Four hundred and thirty years even the self-same day it came to pass that all the Hosts of the Lord went out from the Land of Egypt Gal. 4. 4. When the Fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman c. Inst. Mordecai was advanced Hest 6. 10. When Haman had prepared the Gallows to hang him Hest 5. 14. The Snare was broken and the Church escaped when her proud Enemies were ready to swallow her up quick Psal 124. 3 7. For Mercy discovered Texts Eph. 3. 8 10. Unto me is this Grace given that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ c. to the intent that now unto the Principalities and Powers in Heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God Col. 1. 26. The Mystery hid from ages and generations is now made manifest unto the Saints Inst. When Jacob was under heavy affliction for his Son Joseph whom he believed to be dead for Simeon who was in bonds for his Darling Benjamin who was taken from him Gen. 42. 36. Then was that joyful Message brought unto him that Joseph was alive and Lord of all Egypt Gen. 45. 26. When Peter was in doubt whether he might go unto Cornelius it being unlawful for a Jew to converse with a Gentile then did the Lord reveal unto him the meaning of the Vision of the great sheet c. Shewing him that he should not call any man common or unclean Acts 10. 11. 28. Reas 1. God would be glorified in his Omniscience Rev. 2. 23. 2. He would have man to set a due value on his Mercies Psal 86. 12 13. 3. He would have them chearfully entertained Psal 35. 9 10. Use 1. Let not God fail of his end Psal 139. 1 17. 2. Accuse him not of delayâ—ng Psal 13. 1 2 3 Slight not the day of Grace Psal 95. 7 8. 4 Wâ—lk wisely and redeem the time Col. 4. 5. Purchase opporâ—unities so the word signifies for goodness at any rate Resol Though Mercy be deferred yet will I never think that long which once I shall certainly enjoy so sweetned and made welcome by its seasonableness when it comes Mark 16. 7. Ejac. Hear thy Servant who takes pleasure in the stones and favours the dust of thy Zion Arise Lord and have Mercy upon her for the time to favour her yea the set time is come Psal 102. 13 14. Paral. III. Circ The Mercy was not discovered until I prayed Obs God will be sued unto GOd is our Father ready to supply our wants He is our Heavenly Father able to supply them knowing what we have need of before we ask him Mat. 6. 8. My condition was not unknown unto him he could have setled me though I had not prayed unto him But it was his pleasure to be sought into Prayer is the souls conversing with God Being the Interpreter of those holy Desires therein stirred up by the Spirit of Supplication Zech. 12. 10. That the Lord is pleased to admit dust and ashes to speak unto him is an high honour Gen. 18. 27. Yet higher to be assured of his ear that he will hear and grant whatsoever we sue unto him for Mat. 21. 22. As it is a dignity to man so is it an honour to God himself which is the chief end why he would have man to pray unto him In Prayer we serve him Luke 2. 37. In Prayer we worship him Therefore is it compared to Incense Psal 141. 2. Sending up an acceptable savour unto him and sweetning all our other Services In Prayer we glorifie him in his Majesty Power Goodness Love and other his Gracious Attributes In our eyes waiting upon him Psal 123. 2. For the kinds of Prayer they are Four Deprecation of evil That it may be averted Dan. 9 16. That being upon us it may be removed Psal 25. 22. Or That it may be mitigated Psal 85. 4 5. This kind best suits the time of Affliction Jam. 5. 13. Petition of what is good That it may be conferred Psal 119. 34. That it may be established Psal 68. 28. That it may be encreased Luke 17. 5. Here the Rule must be that our Prayer be according to Gods Will 1 John 5. 14. Otherwise we are not like to speed Jam. 4. 3. Intercession for others For all men 1 Tim. 2. 1. For the Church Psal 122. 6. For Kings and all in authority 1 Tim. 2. 2. For the Ministry Rom. 15 30. For Sinners 1 John 5. 16. For our Enemies Mat. 5. 44. For this we have our Saviours Form Our Father c Give us Forgive us c. Which whosoever hath wholly laid by it is to be feared that with it he hath laid by true Christian Charity Thanksgiving For benefits received Psal 116. 12 13. Upon craving of new ones Col. 1. 3. When they are deferred When they are denied 1 Thes 5. 18. And this that the abundant Grace may through our Thanksgiving redound to Gods Glory 2 Cor. 4. 15. Our Infirmities in Prayer are such That we know not what to pray for as we ought Rom. 8. 26. That we know not how to pray Luke 11. 1. But the Spirit helps our Infirmities Directing us what to pray for in our Lords Form prescribed to his Disciples which we are to use either in those very words Luke 11. 2. Or framing all our Petitions according thereunto Mat. 6. 9. Assisting us in the manner of our Prayers helping Our backwardness by disposing of the heart unto the duty 2 Sam 7. 27. Our want of words by opening of our lips Psal 51. 15. Our wandring thoughts by scattering of them and keeping the heart attent unto Prayer Psal 68. 1. Our coldness By heating of the heart Psal 39. 3. By the Spirits making Intercession for us in others with groanings which cannot be uttered as some understand that Rom. 8. 16. By Christ's tears shed over his Church Luk. 19. 41. By his strong Cries offered up unto his Father in the daies of his flesh Heb. 5. 7. By his now interceding for us Rom. 8. 34. As for posture I speak of secret Prayer that is best so for the voice or silence which most may quicken devotion 1 Kings 18. 42. For Place holy hands are to be lifted up every where 1 Tim. 2. 8. Especially when thou art withdrawn from Company Devout Soliloquies have More of the Spirit Less of Temptation A Secret Observer An Open Rewarder Mat. 6. 6. For time Let it be the Key of the day the Bar of the night Let it ascend morning and evening as the Incense Psal 141. 2. Pray without ceasing whensoever occasion shall be offered 1 Thes 5. 17. The sense of our wants
Son He is adopted Eph. 1. 5. by vertue of his Son-ship being interessed in the exceeding great and precious promises v. 4. Christ is made unto him sanctification 1 Cor. 1. 30. Communicating his Grace unto him so making him partaker of the Divine Nature v. 4. He is assured of Glory to which he is called as also to that way of Vertue in which he is and which leadeth thereunto v. 3. It is a sad truth that that sweet comfort which ariseth from this assurance may for a time be shaken and interrupted upon the prevailing of Corruption which while it abideth in us cannot but often be Our Enemies being so subtil We so weak Occasions of falling so many But though we fall yet we shall not be utterly cast down Psal 37 24. While God continues unchangeable Rom. 8. 30. While his Seed remaineth in us 1 John 3. 9. While Christ continues faithful John 10. 28. While his Prayer for us is effectual John 11. 42. While God continues a God of Almighty Power John 10. 29 30. Obs The Power of Corruption being once broken it shall never again wholly â—ecover it over the effectually-Called so as to hinder them from Glory Texts John 8. 36. If the Son shall make you free ye shall be free indeed Rom. 8. 30. Whom he did predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also gloriâ—ied Inst The Church with each true Member thereof is assured by Christ that the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against her Mat. 16. 18. Paul assures those in Rome beloved of God and called to be Saints Rom. 1. 7. That being dead unto sin and so under Grace sin should no more have dominion over them Rom. 6. 11 14. Reas 1. As to inchoation they are in present possession of eternal life John 3. 36. 2. As to Consummation of their happiness they have Gods Decree for it Rom. 8. 30. Christs Promise of it John 10. 28. His Prayer for it John 17. 24. Which his Father alwayes hears John 11. 42. His Assurance that they shall never perish that none shall pluck them out of his Hand John 10. 28. God's and Christ's Power to keep them against whomsoever shall endeavour it John 10. 29 30. Use 1. God's love is unchangeable John 13. 1. 2. Give diligence to make thy calling and Election sure 2 Pet. 1. 10. 3. Get an assurance that thou art united unto Christ and then thou art sure of Heaven 1 John 5. 11 12. The Bonds of the Union between Christ and the Soul are The Holy Spirit Rom. 8. 9. Faith John 6. 35. 4. Lead an holy Life and thou shalt never fall 2 Pet 1. 10. Resol Being now made free from sin and become thy Servant O Lord I will with an assured confidence having my fruit in holiness rely upon thy Love and Faithfulness for the end eternal life Rom. 6. 22. For thy Love wherewith thou hast drawn me is everlasting Jer 31. 3. And thou hast promised that the Mountains shall depart and the Hils be removed but never thy kindness from me nor the Covenant of thy Peace Is 54 10. Ejac. What shall be able to separate me from the love of my God which is in Christ Jesus my Lord Rom. 8. 39. The Duties Paral. I. Circ I ran down a pair of Stairs at the Savoy Obs The effectually-Called are to humble themselves for sin THE Duties to be performed by the effectually Called do either Accompany effectual Calling Or Follow it They that accompany it are Repentance Faith Acts 20. 21. Mark 1. 15. The first of these I was put in mind of by my running down the stairs By stairs we descend downwards In Humiliation for sin the soul is brought down even to a putting of the mouth in the dust Lam 3. 29. All mountains and hills in Christ's way are brought low Luke 3. 5. All Imaginations and every high thing which formerly exalted it self against the knowledge of God is cast down and every thought brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ who is now upon effectual Calling received into the soul 2 Cor. 10. 5. Christ is received into the soul by Faith John 1. 12. Of this Faith Repentance wrought in the heart at the same time by the same means 2 Tim. 2. 25. is an inseparable Companion The Will which in Faith is turned to the enjoyment of the true Good being in repentance turned to the doing of what is truly good with an hatred of and turning from the contrary evil There is a repentance which may be in the unregenerate arising from the Terrour of the Law having Gods Wrath alone for its Object This is but a compunction or pricking at the heart accompanied with fear of punishment such as was in Peters Auditors Acts 2. 37. However this as it did in them may dispose and prepare the heart for Faith But that repentance which is proper to the effectually-called is a turning from sin partly out of fear but chiefly as sin is an offence against and violation of Gods revealed Will Psal 51. 4. And where this is there will follow in that man A free Confession of sin 1 John 1. 9. Attended with shame Dan. 9. 8. An hearty sorrow for sin 2 Cor. 7. 11. Which will shew it self in Carefulness to shun it Indignation against it Fear of falling again into it Desire to be strengthened Zeal against it Revenge upon himself for it A constant and irreconcileable hatred against all sin Psal 119. 104. And that with all vehemency Rev. 2. 2. Fixed resolutions to avoid all sin Psal 39. 1. As also upon a Course of Godliness for the time to come with a diligent care in the use of all good means which may further him and in removing and avoyding all Impediments which might hinder him in such his course 1 Pet. 2. 1 2. This duty of Humiliation for sin although the fear and grief which accompany it be not alâ—ke in all yet without such humiliation none are effectually called at ripeness of years Luke 15. 17 18 21. From which time of effectual Calling unto our lives end it is vertually to be continued and often to be renewed Mat. 6. 12. Obs The effectually Called are to humble themselves for sin â—exts Psal 51. 17. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit a broken and a contrite heart O God thou wilt not despise Joel 2 13. Rent your heart and not your garments and turn unto the Lord your God Inst David acknowledgeth his Transgressions and beseecheth God according to the multitude of his tender Mercies to blot them out Psal 51. 1 3. St. Paul rejoyceth that the Corinthians sorrowed to repentance that he made them sorry after a godly manner 2 Cor. 7 9. Reas 1. Because sin separates from God Isa 59. 2. 2. It is inconsistent with our effectual Calling 1 Thes 4. 7. 3. Gods goodness shâ—uld lead us to repentance Rom 2. 4. 4. It is the only means with
from the multitude of business Eccles 5. 3. Not to be heeded but by the Physitian as they may somtimes be caused by the temper of the Body Diabolical which are filthy superstitious deluding forbidden as by no means to be observed Deut. 13. 1 3. Heavenly proceeding from God Acts 26. 19. Known to be such by their agreeableness unto his Word and whereby he is pleased more evidently to manifest his Will touching things past present to come Such was this which was now represented before the eye of my soul That every one is bound to believe and diligently to endeavour to gain a particular assurance unto himself of his salvation is evident 2 Pet. 1. 10. 2 Cor. 13. 5. This Assurance is to be attained By the Light of Faith John 3. 36. By the Presence of the Spirit in the Soul 1 John 4. 13. By the Testimony of the Spirit Rom. 8. 16. By applying of the Promises with Comfort Hebr. 6. 18. By Confidence in Prayer Heb. 10. 22. Which Assurance when in some measure attained the Lord by special Revelation if he so please may make it yet more evident and more strongly confirm it as he did To Peter 2 Pet. 1. 3. To Paul 2 Tim. 4. 8. as Augustine observes on that place To the Apostles Luke 22. 29 30. To the Seventy Disciples Luke 10. 20. To my self in this Vision Or he may reveale unto man his Salvation without a former assurance of it as To Mary Magdalen Luke 7. 47 48 50. To the Malefactor on the Cross Luke 23. 43. I was never a waiter for Revelations The Scripture is full and contains enough to bring us to Heaven â— Tim 3. 16 17. Nor have I been an Observer of Dreams I know that in them are divers Vanities Eccles 5. 7. This how long and how much I slighted it I have before set down But being now so freshly and strangely brought back unto my memory I could not but take special notice of it as I do of the way of Gods dispensation in discovering of its meaning First He only in an evident way manifested unto me so much of it as in answer to my Prayer served to settle me touching those missed expectations My entertainment whereof with due thankfulness and blessing of his Name prepared the way for a further discovery For many moneths after having upon his former lateâ— great Mercies a perswasion raised in me that as to my soul I was in a happy condition and being desirous to attain a more evident assurance thereof I purposely made choice of that text to preach upon both to my self and my people 2 Pet. 1. 10. Wherefore the rather give diligence to make your Calling and Election sure Wherein I took some pains and before I had fininished it I was made clearly to understand the meaning of my Apprehenders hand being taken off me at the Prison Gate of my descent into the Building those most material things in the Vision touching my soul which before I had not so much as minded The faithful Witness who cannot lye in whom all Gods Promises are Yea and Amen 2 Cor 1. 20. so making good those unto me Seek and ye shall â—ind Mat 7. 7. To them that seek for Glory Honour and Immortality he will render eternal life Rom. 2. 7. And that with such a strong undoubted and full perswasion that nothing can ever move me from it Which unspeakeable Mercy I trust by Gods powerful support and assistance I shall alwaies be so far from abusing that as thereupon the Comforts of my soul are unutterable so I shall strive to the utmost in my power earnestly beseeching his help without whom I can do nothing John 15. 5. To proportion my Love and Thankfulness to the greatness of it Luke 7. 47. To purifie my soul from sin 1 John 3. 3. To walk holily and without blame before my God Eph. 1. 4. To fear and serve him in truth with all my heart 1 Sam. 12. 24. To go on chearfully and confidently in mine obedience unto his Will Psal 119. 32. With all diligence putting in practise those duties as all other to which he hath now directed me from Heaven This high favour for which I can never sufficiently magnifie my Gracious Lord was revealed To me seeking for assurance of mine effectual Calling Do thou seek and trust the Lord Christ upon his Promise To me who had been so wicked a man O with me give God the Glory of the riches of his Mercy And whosoever thou art that readest this though thy sins be never so â—ainous despair not of it To me a lawfully called setled Minister maintained by Tithes O slight not this eye-salve from Heaven Rev. 3. 28. Open your eyes poor blinded people The Lord open them for you that you may see and return from the errours of your waies Obs Heavenly Visions are to be observed Texts Joâ— 33. 14. In a dream in a Vision of the night c. Then he openeth the ears of men and â—ealeth their instruction c. Acts 2. 17. Out of Joel 2. â—t shall come to pass in the last daies I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh c. and your young men shall see Visions and your old men shall dream Dreams Inst Peter thought on the Vision of the great Sheet wherein were all manner of Beasts creeping things and Fowls and doubted in himself what it should mean Acts 10. 17 19. The Lord spake to Paul in the night by a Vision be not afraid c. Acts 18. 9. Reas 1. God calls by them to repentance Job 33. 14 c. 2. They are a means of enlightning Acts 10. 28. 3. They are given to profit withal 1 Cor. 12. 7. Use 1. Compare them with the Word that thou maist be sure they are from God Acts 2. 2 3 4 16. 2. Mind diligently what Gods end is in them Acts 10. 28. 3. Pray to God to enlighten thee that thou maist understand them Mat. 13. 36. 4. Improve them for thine own for others benefit 1 Cor. 12. 17. Resol Sâ—nce thou hast given me O Lord this manifestation of thy Spirit to profit withal as I am stedfastly purposed to obey thy will as to my self thy Grace assisting so I will and cannot but speak those things unto others for the good of their souls which I have seen and heard Acts 4. 24. O Lord for thy Servants sake and according to Ejac. thine own heart hast thou done all this Greatness in making known all these great things O Lord there is none like thee neither is there any God beside thee 1 Chron. 17. 19 20. The Vision AT London I was apprehended by a shag-hair'd Fellow without an Hat of a deformed Countenance He led me on I knew not whither untill we came unto a Prison scituated where Westminster-Hall stands at the Entrance into the Hall The Front of the Prison was toward the Thames The Gate was wide and stood wide open The chief Prison-House was
not but do lye Behold I will make them to come and worship before thy Feet Inst Mary Magdalen so notoriously drowned in voluptuousness that she is branded with the name of sinner Luke 7. 37. as if all others had been Saints to her Yet she had seven Devils cast out of her Mark 16. 9. Her sins which were many were forgiven her Luke 7. 47. The Thief on the Cross a wicked Malefactor though he had but newly mocked Christ Mat. 27. 44. and reviled him Mark 15. 32. Yet but a little before his death had his heart changed and was received to Mercy Luke 23. 40 43. Reas 1. To shew his Almighty Power Eph. 4. 8. 2. To shew forth his Long suffering towards sinners 1 Tim. 1. 16. 3. For the greater Glory of his superabundant Grace Rom. 5. 20. 4. To lay the greater obligation unto Love and Thankfulness upon that soul so recovered Luke 7. â—2 Use 1. Let not the most wicked cast away all hope The day of Mercy lasts till death Luke 23. 43. John 9. 4. 2. Sin not that Grace may abound Rom. 6. 1. 3. Defer not thy Repentance Hear Gods Call to day Psal 95. 7. Presumptuous delaies are dangerous Mat. 24. 48 50. 4. Strive to proportion thy thankfulness to the greatness of the Mercy vouchsafed unto thee Luke 7. 47. Resol I will praise the Lord my God with all my heart I will glorifie his Name for evermore for great is his Mercy toward me who hath delivered my Soul from the lowest Hell Psal 86. 12 13. Ljac Much hath been forgiven me O that I could love thee answerably to thy great Mercy Lord thou knowest I love thee John 21. 15. Paral. V. Circ I ran from my Apprehender Obs Man effectually called hath a Will and Power to flee from sin AS it was not in me to free myself from my Apprehender so neither was it in me as of myself to flee from him That alone Divine Power which secretly and unexpectedly had freed me did both stir up my Will and enable me to make an escape Such is Christs goodness to sinful man that he is so faâ— from taking pleasure in his death that his desire is that he should turn from his wicked ness and live Ezek. 33. 11. He prayes and beseecheth him by his Ambassadors to be reconciled unto God 2 Cor. 5. 20. He stands at the door of the heart and knocks that He may be entertained Rev. 3. 20. He waits there with much patience until his head Is filled with dew and his Locks with the drops of the night Cant. 5. 2. In a word What can be done more than he doth to bring him to himself Isa 5. 4. And yet how few are there that open at his knock that answer to his Call What 's the Reason They are while in their natural estate so foundly asleep in sin Eph. 5. 14. So dead in it Eph. 2. 1. that they cannot hear they cannot open 2 Cor. 3. 5. There is no way then but for himself to open the heart to receive him to open the ear of the heart to hearken unto him This he doth but not unto all The Reprobate is outwardly called but it is only to leave him without excuse John 15. 22. His Elect Children they with the outward Call of the Word receive the inward and effectual Calling of the Spirit Acts 16. 14. Whereby Faith is infused for the enlightning of the before-darkned Understanding Eph. 1. 17 18. Grace is conferred for the changing and healing of the before-depraved Will Eph. 4. 24. The Will thus changed God's Image in which man was created and which by his own negligence he had lost is again restored in the sanctification of all the powers and inclinations of the Soul and in their conformity to the Will of God Eph. â— 24. To which Will he now yields all ready obedience Acts 9 6. Flying from sin and doing what is acceptable unto him Col. 1. 10. For the performance whereof he hath received upon his Change not only a will but a power having a new spiritual being infused into him 2 Cor. 5. 17. He lives a new life and hath in him a new Principle upon which follow new operations A new Principle not inbâ—ed Concupiscence but infused Grace New Operations or Fruits not those works of the Flesh Gal. 5. 19. But the Fruits of the Spirit v. 22. In which he now lives v. 25 and walking after it doth no longer fulfil the lusts of the Flesh v. 16. But dayly mortifies them more and more Col. 3. 5. Being thereunto assisted by a continual Supply of Grace from above John 15. 4 5. Which special assistance though Adam needed it not in his state of integrity being wholly void of Corruption yet the effectually-called by reason of the continual importunities and assaults of the Flesh can do nothing without it John 15. 5. Let it be withdrawn how weak is man David Peter and other of the Saints have â—ound the sad experience hereof My self unworthy to be numbred amongst them even while studying of this Parallel was taught to know the necessity of it Our endeavours in goodness are none unless stirred up and vain when stirred up unless he please to assist from above who worketh all our works in us and for us Isa 26. 12. Who worketh in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure Phil. 2. 13. Obs Man effectually called hath a Will and Power to flee from sin He hath a Will Texâ—s Luke 15. 17 18. And when he came unto himself he said c. I will arise and go to my Father and say to him c. Make me as one of thine hired Servants John 6. 44. No man can come to me except the Father draw him Inst Peters Auditors being upon his Sermon pricked at their hearts said unto him and to the rest of the Apostles Men and Brethren what shall we do Acts 2. 37. The Jaylor upon his Conversion came trembling and fell down before Paul and Silas and said Sirs What must I do to be saved Acts 16. 29 30. He hath a Power to flee from sin Texts 1 Cor. 15. 10. Not I but the Grace of God which was with me 2 Cor. 6. 1. We as Workers together with him beseech you that ye receive not the Grace of God in vain Inst Timothy is commanded to â—lee youthful lusts 2 Tim. 2. 22. The Colossiâ—ns are exhorted to mortifie their earthly Members Col 3 5. Reas He is a new Creature 2 Cor. 5. 17. He hath a new spiritual being infused into his soul and with it new Powers and Faculties by which he is enabled to will and act according to that new life that is in him Gal. 5. 25. Use 1. Man is not able to change his own Will John 1. 13. 2. Be diligent in exercising of that Power wherewith thou art indued 2 Pet. 3. 18. 3. Pray for assisting Grace that thou mayest be strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner
hath fore-determined to bring to pass How vain then without Him are all man's designs and undertakings Psal 127. 1 2. He may have many devises in his heart which though carried on with all possible secrecy being subtilly contrived profoundly intricate interwoven with many collâ—teral reaches Yet the counsell of the Lord that shall stand Prov. 19. 21. and mans which he hath sought so deep to hide from him Isa 29. 15. shall even when upon the very point of execution be frustrated and prevented For who is he that saith and it cometh to passe when the Lord commandeth it not Lam. 3 37. My then neglect of him gave him just cause to blow upon those mine expectations However I am now assured that it was in great mercy though the way was sudden and strange that I was withheld from their enjoyment Mans Tongue is his Glory as it may be used Psal 57. 8. Otherwise it may prove his ruine Psal 64 8. Life and death are in the power of it Prov. 18. 21. I was at that present under the power of most subtil malicious potent enemies then in the Family whom it nearly concerned if possible to abortive my Rising How their former then not suspected since evidently discovered vile practises to that end might now have been seconded upon mine acceptance of the offered Favour the Lord alone knows This is not to be questioned the Vision clears it in that course to which I was designed my soul had been exceedingly endangered and there was no apparent way but death or silence to escape it Upon this Brink of Ruine He who made the mouth and at his pleasure opens the lips or maketh dumb Exod. 4. 11. From whom alone are the answers of the tongue Prov. 16. 1. did set a watch over my mouth and kept the door of my Lips that he might keep me from the paths of the destroyer and by a blessed miscarriage prevent the hazard at least of a ruining success For that which followed no less was to be expected Mans Nature delights in change and great ones are not well pleased with the presence of the supposed slighters of their Favours Former Professions of Parental care are now forgotten and an eye of dislâ—ke my entertainment Though thus forsaken yet He who never leaveth nor forsaketh his was pleased to take me up Psal â—7 10. and not to leave my soul destitute Psal 141. 8. Obs Gods Negative Mercies are great Texts 2 Cor. 12 9. My Grace is sufficient for thee Mat. 8. 21 22. And another of his Disciples said unto him Lord suffer me first to go and bury my Father But Jesus said unto him Follow me and let the dead bury their dead Inst. Christ as man prayed thrice that the Cup of his Passion might pass from him yet was denied Mat. 26. 39 12 44. Saint Paul besought the Lord thrice that the Thorn in his flesh the Messenger of Satan to buffet him might be removed yet prevailed not 2 Cor. 12. 7 8 9. Reas Man thinks that what he desires will be beneficial unto him The Lord knows it will prove hurtful Mat. 8. 22. Use 1. There is a particular over-ruling Providence Prov. 21. 1. 2. Thy Judgment may erre Leave all to God Psal 37. 5. 3. In every thing give thanks 1 Thes 5. 18. 4. The desires of the Godly are alwaies granted Mat. 21. 22. if not acccording to their will yet for their good Resolution I will direct my Prayer unto God and look up Psal 5. 3. and wait as his time so his way of answering Ejâ—culation Not as I will but as thou wilt Mat. 26. 39. Paral. II. Circ The Mercy though long concealed was discovered seasonably to settle me Obs God takes fittest time for Mercy THere had now passed many years from the time of the secret conferring before I became sensible that it was a Mercy Had it been manifested sooner my not yet-throughly-humbled heart had been a most unmeet Receptacle for it God finds not the heart prepared But he first fits and prepares it that it may be capable of Mercy and then communicates himself and his Favour unto it and that still most seasonably Seasons or Moments of time as they move and encline unto action so they add gravity and easiness to the performance and render the action beautiful Every thing is made beautiful in its time Eccles 3. 11. Words or actions how are they set off by being fitly spoken or done Prov. 25. 11. How good are they Prov. 15. 23. The knowledge and Choice of these belongs unto Prudence which being the Eye and Director of all Vertues they cannot be perfect if they fail as in other Circumstances so in their proper time This Prudence as to choice of opportunities and fit seasons is afforded unto Bruit Creatures The Ant knows when to make her provision for the Winter Prov. 6. 8. The Stork knows her appointed times The Turtle Crane Swallow know the time of their coming Jer. 8. 7. The wild Beasts when to creep forth for their Prey Psal 104. 20. Yea inanimate Creatures the Sun and Moon observe the Seasons for which they are appointed Psal 104. 19. But these follow the Instinct of Nature and the Law of their Creation Man hath reason to guide him and being able of himself to judge of the fitness of Times Is Commanded to lay hold on opportunities Eph. 5. 15 16. Is commended for so doing especially as to the actings of Grace Psal 1. 3. Mark 4. 28. Is condemned for neglecting of them Prov. 6. 8. For not discerning of them Luke 12. 56. What the Creature hath by participation is in God in the height of eminency Who Being free from all mixture of Matter Having made all things in his Wisdom Ps 104. 24. Having appointed a time for all things Eccl. 8. 6. must necessarily know as all other things so all times Which he doth know not by a discursive but by an intuitive knowledge For his Knowledge as his Essence being measured by his Eternity and his Eternity comprehending all time without succession He beholds whole time with every part thereof as present before him and so knows and is able to make choice of the fiâ—â—est seasons for execution restraint prevention permission discovery c. having them all present under his eye Heb. 4. 13. and in his own power Acts 1. 7. Obs God takes the fittest time as for punishment so for mercy For Punishment Text. Rev. 14. 18 19. Thrust in thy sharp Sickle and gather the Clusters of the Vine of the earth for her Grapes are full ripe c. And the Angel cast it into the Winepress of the Wrath of God Inst Though the Land of Canaan was promised unto Abrahams Seed yet the Amorites were not cast out until their Iniquity was full Gen. 15. 7 16. For Mercy Offered Conferred Discovered For Mercy Offered Texts Psal 95. 7. To day if you will hear his voice harden not your hearts 2 Cor. 6. 2. Behold now is the day
that wrestled with him desired him to let him go said I will not let thee go except thou bless me and he blessed him there Gen 32. 24 26 29. Elias prayed earnestly that it might not rain and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six moneths and he prayed again and the Heavens gave rain Jam. â— 17. â—eas 1. God hath tied himself by promise to hear such Prayers Mat. 7. 7. 2. Such Prayers are put up in the Name of Christ John 16. 23. 3. Christ maketh Intercession for us Rom. 8. 34. and his Father alwaies heareth him John 11 42. 4. Christ presents our Prayers unto his Father with the Incense of his merits Rev. 8. 3. 5. The Spirit maketh Intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered Rom. 8. 26. Use 1. Prayers to Saints are vain they are ignorant of us Isa 63. 16. 2. Go confidently to God in the alone Name of Christ and thou art sure to speed John 16. 23. 3. Though thine infirmities in Prayer be many yet be not discouraged the holy Spirit helps them and intercedes for thee Rom. 8. 26. Resol Whatsoever my wants are I will ask in the name of Christ and then I am certain I shall receive and my joy shall be full John 16 24. Ejâ—c I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplications because he hath enclined hiâ— ear unto me therefore will I call upon him as lonâ— as I live Psal 116. 1 2. Paral. V. Circ The Mercy was discovered to me but new â— humbled by a wounded Spirit Obs God recompenseth the great afflictions of hâ— Children with greater mercies SOme years before this great affliction was laid upâ—â— me I had often called my waies to remembrance and humbled my self for my sins but there were soâ—â— yet behind undiscovered which indeed some of the at least I thought not to be such Notwithstanding it was the Lords pleasure whatsoever to that time I had thought of them to make me throughly sensible that they were sins and of so high a nature as called for a low Humiliation To this end he took the same course with me as he did with David in a third person setting them before me and after a most sharp sentence by me pronounced against them secretly saying unto me within my self Thou art the man 2 Sam. 12. 7. Then began Conscience Gods Attorney-General to accuse and condemn Then did the Word applied unto my past actions like a two edged sword cut on both sides making two deep wounds in my soul In The apprehension of the loss of my God Isa 59. 2. In The Fear of the dreadful effects of his vengeance Gal. 3. 10. O the horrours of the wounded spirit my then present condition Who can bear their weight Prov. 18. 14. Who is able to express the anguish Yet the Lord was pleased to support me though his wrath lay heavy upon me and he afflicted me with all his waves almost to distraction while I suffered his terrours Psal 88. 7. 15. After some dayes being a little come to my self I bath'd my wounds with the tears of true repentance and Faith poured in the balm of Christs Merits And when the Lord saw that I did bear his Rod as became his humble child that I was brought so lon that I was now in a sit capacity for mercy then did the great Physitian of my Soul the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings Mal. 4. 2 Not despising my contrite heart Psal 51. 17. But healing my broken spirit and with his own hand gently binding up my wounds Psal 147. 3. Speaking peace unto my soul and raising me again by a clear sense of his Love and Presence O the sweetness of his Mercy Psal 34. 8. Then did he soon after afford unto me these great and gracious vouchsafings O the riches of his Mercy Eph. 2. 4. Obs God recompenseth the great Afflictions of his Children with greater Mercies And that In this Life In the Life to come In this Life Texts Isa 61. 7. For your shame you shall have double For confusion they shall rejoyce in their portion Mar. 10. 28. There is no man that hath left House or Brethren c. for my sake and the Gospels but he shall receive an hundred fold now in this time Inst. Job for what he had lost had twice as much at his latter end Job 42. 12. Joseph from the Dungeon was raised to highest honour in Pharaoh's Court Gâ—n 41. 40 43. After this Life Texts Isa 54. 8. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on thee 2 Cor. 4. 17. Our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory Inst Christ assures his Disciples that they who had forsaken all and followed him when he should sit in the Throne of his Glory they should sit upon twelve Thrones judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel Mat. 19. 28. They who came out of great tribulation here in Heaven are arrayed in white Robes and are before the Throne of God c. and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes Rev. 7. 13 14. c. Reas 1. The Lord is rich in Mercy Eph. 2. 4. 2. He would have his Children to bear his Rod with Patience Heb. 11. 9 10 11. Use 1. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted Mat. 5. 4. 2. Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations Jam. 1. 2. The Recompense will sufficiently countervail the Trial. 3. Hearken to Christ He is sent to proclaim Liberty to the Captives the opening of the Prison to them that are bound Isa 61. 1. Resol I will greatly rejoyce in the Lord my soul shall be joyful in my God for he hath put off my Sackcloath and girded me with gladness Psal 30. 11. He hath cloathed me with the garments of salvation he hath covered me with the Robe of Righteousness Isa 61. 10. Ejac. O thou that bindest up the broken-hearted Appoint unto the Mourners in Zion give unto them beauty for ashes the Oyl of Joy for mourning the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness Isa 61. 3. Paral. VI. Circ The discovery as touching those missed secular preferments was onely craved but much more granted Obs The Lord often grants more then his Servants sue unto him for THE Lord is good and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon him Psal 86. 5. Had he onely heard me in what I craved the condescension had been greater then unworthy dust and ashes might expect My desire was to be setled as touching those missed expectations whether God in mercy had withheld me from their enjoyment The assurance of this had been a gracious return of my Prayer But O! I am rapt with the contemplation of the magnificence of his Bounty and Goodness That to this assurance he should
to represent unto the eye of my soul the horrible nature Of a by sin-darkned understanding the condition of Satan and of all his Subjects Eph 4. 18. Of the works of darkness in a wicked life Eph. 5. 11. Of the blackness of utter darkness their reward Jude 13. my then guilt and just desert That there are Angels though it be denied by Atheists and Sadduces Acts 23. 18. is evident Psal 104. 4. Col. 1 16. and in many other places That they are intellectual Substances endued with most excellent knowledge in a great measure is clear otherwise they could not perform the Offices to which they are assigned Psal 91. 11. Heb. 1. 14. They were all created with a possibility of falling but the elect ones 1 Tim. 5. 21. fell not and are now confirmed by Christ which is their Redemption and reconciliation Col. 1. 20. The Reprobate Angels fell among whom Lucifer their Chief was full of wisdom and perfect in beauty perfect in his waies from the day that he was created till iniquity was found in him Ezek. 28 12 15. But his heart being lifted up because of his beauty hâ— pride affecting no less then a likeness to God Is 14. 1â— his wisdom was corrupted and he cast as prophane oâ— of the Mountain of God Ezek. 28. 16 17. His wisdom was but corrupted he was not wholly deprived of it For so He would not have known his own Misery which would be a lessening of his punishment Yea The Integrity of his Nature must necessarily have been dissolved He yet retains a proportion of knowledge which by reason of the excellency of his nature and of his long and indefatigable experience must needs be great He is very subtil 2 Cor. 11. 3. which he could not be without it He knows God his eternal Power and Godhead Man doth so by the works of Creation Rom. 1. 20. Much more he He hath a speculative knowledge of Divine things he believes and trembles Jam. 2. 19. But in many things which he ought to know and which as to his intellectual Nature he might know he is utterly ignorant To let pass his Ignorance Of Future Contingencies Isa 41. 23. Of the thoughts of mans heart Jer. 17. 10. Of the Mysteries of Grace Eph. 3. 10. Of the Number of the Elect 2 Tim. 2. 19. Of the Day of Judgment Mat. 24 36. All of them unknown to the good Angels and alone proper unto God He hath no knowledge of God that is productive of love 1 John 2. 3. 4. 5. He knows not who serves God sincerely Job 1 9. 2 4 5. He knows not the success of his Temptations which such is his pride that he would not attempt any with them did he know they would be in vain Matth. 4. 11. He knew not that his Kingdom should be destroyed by the death of Christ 1 Cor. 2. 8. And as thus in himself he is especially deprived of the light of Grace so as the God of this world he blinds mens mind that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ should not shine unto them 2 Cor. 2. 4. By a strong fascination casting as it were mists before their eyes that they should not discern and obey the truth Gal. 3. 1. Stirring up mingling and ordering of the Phantasms in the Fancy and Working upon the Passions in the sensitive Appetite as in Judas John 13. 2. in Ananias Acts 5. 3. So darkning their foolish hearts Rom. 1. 21. That he may alienate them from the life of God by that ignorance which is in them by reason of their darkned understandings Eph. 4. 18. Thus of an Angel of light he is now become the Prince of the power of the Air Eph. 2. 2. the Ruler of the darkness of this world Eph. 6. 12. Being condemned unto eternal darkness to which under the Chains of darkness he is reserved Jude 6. How art thou fallen from Heaven O Lucifer Son of the Morning How art thou brought down to Hell to the sides of the Pit Isa 14. 12 15. Obs Satan is the Prince of darkness In respect of Himself His Subjects Of himself Texts Luke 22. 53. This is your hour and the power of darkness Col. 1. 13. Who hath delivered us from the power of Darkness Inst He knew not whether Job were a true Servant of God or not Job 1. 9. He knew not that his Kingdom should be destroyed by the death of Christ 1 Cor. 2. 8. Which assoon as he had a glimmering of he endeavoured by Pilates Wives dream to prevent it Mat. 27. 19. Of his Subjects whom he blinds In their Understanding Practise In their Understanding Texts 2 Cor. 4. 4. The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not 1 Cor. 2. 14. The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit for they are foolishnesse to him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned Inst The foolish heart of the Gentiles was darkned Rom. 1. 21. The Ephesians were somtimes darkness Eph. 5. 8. In their Practise Texts John 3. 19. Men loved darkness more then Light 1 John 1. 6. If we say we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness we lie and do not the truth Inst The Gentiles were alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that was in them Eph. 4. 18. The Ephesians in time past walked according to the course of this world according to the Prince of the power of the Air Eph. 2. 2. Reas His sin of Pride Thou hast said in thy heart I will ascend into Heaven c. I will be like the most High Isa 14. 13 14 15. Use 1. Blesse God who hath made thee meet to be partaker of the Inheritance of the Saints in light Col. 1. 12. 2. Have no Fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness Eph. 5. 11. 3. Walk as a Child of Light Eph. 5. 8. Resol I as are all the Sons of Adam was born in the Umbrage of his Gloomy Dominions Eph. 2. 2. and lived long a Subject under his Tyranny but now being translated out of them by him in whom there is no darkness at all I do and alwaies will submit my self to the right Scepter of his Kingdom Psal 45. 6. Ejâ—c Blesse and praise him my soul who hath called me out of darkness into his marvellous Light 1 Pet. 2. 9. After the Discourses concerning the Prison and Jaylor I conceive this the proper place for inserting of these three following Parallels though otherwise relating only to my Prayer for settlement as touching those missed secular Preferments Paral. VI. Circ The Prison was like unto that House wherein I had lived c. the Jaylor stood at the entrance of the Chief Prison-House as Master of the House Obs A seeming godly House may be Satans Habitation THE Honourable Governour with all or most of the then Members of that Family are in their graves and having been before Christs impartial Tribunal know their doom Of the dead or
is a sad sign of a Soul yet under the Dominion of Satan of one in whom sin reigns that is ready to take any occasion to obey it in the Luâ—ts thereof I must tell such that as yet they are not of the number of the Lords people that they are none of his Saints If they were they would make a better use of the fals of their Brethren they would pity them mourn over them and pray for them and that not only out of a sense of their weakness but likewise and chiefly out of a sad apprehension of those disturbances and unsettlements which they cannot but know will follow in their souls upon such their follies upon such their fals which is the Third Branch of the Point Branch 3. That when the Lords people and Saints do fall into the folly of hainous sins they lose their Peace and great disturbances perplexities unsettlements do thereupon arise in their souls This is clear out of v. 6. a little above the Text Where you may perceive that the Lords hand was so heavy upon his people that they were brought down even to the very gates of death Wilt thou not revive us again Reviving is a restoring to life as if they had been in a manner stricken dead with the sense of the Lords wrath upon them they were so distracted so disturb'd and unsetled They lâ—ved as to the natural life but as to Gods Favour in I which alone is true life Psal 30. 5. to this they were dead as to their sense and apprehension It is not thus with men of Brawny benummed Consciences Custom in sin hath beâ—eft them of all sense either of it or of wrath deserved by it But the Lords people their souls are of a more tender and soft temper and as in all known sins so especially in sins of an hainous nature in devouring sins that lay the Conscience wast their Conscience faithfully performs its Office and tels them thus and thus hast thou done Whereupon their former peace vanisheth and their souls are filleâ—â—ith peâ—plexities and perâ—urbations upon application of the Word unto their actions Reas The Word that sets down thâ— sentence of God against such and such sins so and so wâ—ll I deal saith God with such and such sinners The soul assumes by acknowledgment of its own wicked state accusing it self as guilty of those sins And thereupon it cannot but conclude and pass Judgment upon it self that it is justly liable unto the punishments threatned And hence upon serious consideration of what it hath done and what it hath deserved it becomes much troâ—bled perplexed unsetled Somtimes indâ—ed it so fals out that the Lords people do not presently upon their fals make this application by reason they do not presently consider their actions and weigh them and compare them with the Law of God as it was with David 2 Sam. 2. 5. 6. Who was quick and sharp in his sentence agaiâ—st the rich man that had taken away the Ewe-lamb from the poor man but considered not what he had done to Uâ—iah in taking away his wife and his life nor what he had deserved by it But whensoever the Application is made and it shall be at some tâ—me or other the soul loseth its former peace and becomes exceedingly troubled perplexed unsetled even to the breaking of the bones Psal 51. 8. to the wounding of the spirit Prov. 18 14. the smart whereof is insusterable and the weâ—ght insupportable O! unlâ—ss the Lord himself uphold the soul in this sad condition under this pain and pressure who can endure it Who can bear it or who is able to express it The heart knows its own grief as to temporal sufferings or its sorrow for sin but for that pain and load and trouble and horrour that accompanies the wounded spirit it is as its contrary peace past utterance past understanding Yet that I may in part acquaint you with the wofulness of that condition which the sin-burdened soul lies groveling and labouring under Know That when it is brought into this condition by the Application of the Word unto its actions the Word hath truly performed the Office of a sharp two-edged sword to which it is compared Heb. 4. 12. cutting on both sides and making two great gashes or deep wounds in the heart Two wounds In the apprehension of the losse of God In the fear of his Wrath. We have both of them before the Text. Wilt thou not revive us There is the Apprehension of the losse of Gods Favour the life of the soul v. 6. Shew us thy Mercy and grant us thy salvation ver 7. There they deprecate wrath and sue to have it removed from the seizure whereof they knew that without Mercy they could not be saved But it would burn against them and be drawn out and continue upon them 1. Then the Lords people and Saints when fallen into the Folly of hainous sins they lose their Peace and are disturbed and unsetled in their Souls and deeply wounded with the Apprehension of losse Of the losse of God Christ the Spirit God hides his Face and they are troubled Their Faith in Christ is seemingly dead and his Blood to them as a Fountain sealed up They cannot find any effectual workings no not so much as those discoveries of life the least stirrings of the Spirit in their souls They cannot pray with Confidence They cannot as formerly rely upon and shrowd themselves under Gods wing for Protection their hedge of defence is broken down and the Tents of those heavenly Guardians the Angels formerly pitched about them for their safety are overthrown So that in this regard they are in a worse-estate for the time then when first freed from the power of Darkness Then they were wounded and pricked at their hearts and had fearful apprehensions of wrath But now beside that they feel the smart of this wound of losse And this is all the good we get by sin it robs us of our God it makes a separation between him and us and causeth him to hide his Face from us Isa 59. 2. Happy is that people whose God is the Lord Psal 144. Ult. He is all-sufficient the Saints enjoy all things in him while they are his and he theirs all things are theirs and they are Christ's and Christ is Gods 1 Cor. 3. 22. 23. But on the other side when he is lost Christ is lost the Spirit is lost all is lost and gone And the loss is yet the greater and the wound the deeper and more smarting according to the Saints love towards God It goes to the heart of a man to lose what he loves Take away the worldly mans wealth which is his god you rob him of his life Micha thought he had lost all when he had lost his Idol Judges 18. 24. Mary Magdalen loved much and when she could not find the body of her beloved Lord in the Sepulcher how â—adly doth she mourn John 20. 15. Much more must it needs
faithful soul because he is Faithful and Just Confession of sin is an act of true Repentance and S. John cells us 1 John 1. 9. that if we confess our sins joyning with our Confession the other acts of true Repentance God is faithful and just to forgive them He is faithful He hath promised Pardon and peace to the humbled and faithful soul pardon as there in St. John peace as here in the â—ext Now all his promises are Yea and Amen â— Cor. 1. 20. And he is not as man that he should lye Hath he promised and shall he not perform Doth he severely punish unfaithfulness in others and will he approve of it and practise it himself Who then shall give him the Glory of his Truth and Faithfulness Again he is just to forgive And indeed the soul being in such a temper truly broken and humbled for sin and closely applying unto it self the Promises of Grace Pardon and Peace made unto it in Christ being thus disposed it would be great Injustice to deny it Peace For hath not Christ layd down â—n all sufficient satisfaction for our sins Hath not his Father accepted of this satisfaction Hath not the Lord Christ deleâ—ved at his Fathers hands by the Merits of that his satisfaction that he should be no longer displeased with the humbled soul which doth closely apply this satisfaction And yet notwithstanding this full satisfaction made by Christ notwithstanding the infinite Merit thereof notwithstanding Gods acceptance of it shall God still require a further satisfaction from poor sinners He will not he cannot be so unjust And therefore in reference to Christ's Merits and satisfaction and for the glory of his own Justice he cannot but speak peace to the truly humbled and faithful soul Obj. But the yet unsetled soul will be ready to say If the Lord cannot but speak peace to the humbled and faithful soul why are my wounds still thus smarting Why is the Lord yet a stranger unto me Why do I yet undergo his Terrours Answ 1. I answer It is possible that Peace is spoken and yet thou maiest not have heard it The day of Joy may be broken and sprung in thine heart and yet not discerned but the sault is in thy self Thou lookest upon the greatness of the Mercy and the haâ—nousness of thine own Follies and thereupon thy â—â—ul is wrapped up as it were in the dark mists of Insiâ—â—â—ry so that thou canst not as yet bâ—ing thine heart to a fiâ—m belief that so great a Majesty so highly provokâ—d by thee will vouchsafe so great a Mercy to so vile and unworthy a Wretch as thou art 2. I answer again If Peace be not yet spoken unto thee it is but deferred it is not denied and iâ— may be some settlement to the soul to be assured that it shall have peace God will speak peace unto his people and Saints bâ—r he doth not promise that he will do it immediatly upon their humiliation It is enough that they that mourn shall be comforted that there shall be a 〈◊〉 in joy God will take his own time and he best knows which is fittest for thee Reas 1. It may be thou art not yet ready for Peace not fit to entertain it 2. It may be thou art not yet sensible enough what it is to lose thy God 3. It may be thou art not yet purified enough from thy Drosse and Dregs of sin 4. It may be thou hast not sufficiently bewailed thy Follies 5. It may be it is the Lords pleasure to try whether thou canst wait upon him Or 6. It is his pleasure not to bring a disesteem upon his Mercy by its easiness 7. Or to make thee sensible of the exceeding riches of his Mercy He intends thee a River of peace but he will first bring thee to be glad of a few drops of it He intends to dwell in thee but he will first bring thee to be glad if he will but vouchsafe to lookupon thee He intends thee a Feast a continual Feast in thy soul but his pleasure is first to bring thee so low that thou shalt be glad of but the Crums of his Mercy Mat. 15 27. Whatsoever his reason is why he defers thy Peace yet this be assured of that he will at length most certainly speak it unto thee and that even this his deferring thereof shall tend to the furtherance of thy good Use 1. Here is set before us the blessed condition of those who are at peace with God to whom the Lord hath spoken Peace He is their Friend They enjoy a continual Feast of Comfort in their souls And by the by here we may take notice of the wretched and woful estate of those to whom the Lord is an enemy That I say no more they are strangers to his Love and to all the effects and manifestations thereof And though they abound in a most plentiful affluence of all things yet in the mean time even amidst their plenty their souls are samished for want of that soul-nourishing repast of inward peace There is no peace to the wicked Isa 48 22. Use 2. Here is Encouragement for the unsetled and wounded Spirit to hasten with all speed to its only remedy for its recovery true repentance and saith in the Promises made unto it in Christ If it mouâ—n for its Follies confess them abhor them resolve against them and upon better obedience If it bring the Promises home unto it self by a particular and close application its labour shall not be in vain in the Lord the Lord cannot but speak peace unto it Use 3. May Peace be spoken to the soul and the soul not be sensible of it by reason of its Infidelity in respect of the greatness of the Mercy and its own unworthiness It is to be exhorted to shake off this its Infidelâ—ty and want of Faith Let the bright Rayes of Gods Glory and Christ's Merits dispel those Mists which cause thee to fear thy self still to be under the night of Gods displeasure Though thou art unworthy of Peace yet the Lord Christ hath merited it for thee Though thou art unworthy of Peace yet the Lord for his own Glory will be faithful and just and rich in his mercy unto thee Use 4. Is the Lord pleased many times to defer peace Let it teach the yet unsetled soul to wait upon God It may be that may be the very thing his pleasure is to try thee in whether thou canst wait upon him or not and so to try thy Faith True Faith is not hasty Isa 28. 16. Satisfie thy self with this that the Lord is faithful and no Promise breaker that he is just and cannot but do what is just and right Wait on the Lord be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart Wait I say on the Lord Psal 27. ult Or as it is in the old Translation Tarry the Lords Leisure be strong and he shall comfort thine heart and put thou thy trust in the Lord. Use