look after strength of faith 2. Be exhorted such of you as find that good work of Faith with any power in your souls that you do not let it lye by you as a Talent in a Napkin or as the Sword behind the Ephod since there is none to it to make you valiant to do exploits Oh! be much in this work of drawing it forth upon constant quick and lively exercise as namely 1. Improve your Faith against your Fears It hath a soveraign and excellent vertue that way in the experiences of all the Saints As perfect Love casteth out Fear so doth perfect Faith indeed it is Faith working by Love only doth it What time I am afraid I will trust in thee In the Lord I have put my trust I will not fear what man can do unto me Have Faith upon its principallity of exercise when the sloods of ungodly men are apt to make afraid 2. Improve your Faith against all your offences and murmurings that you meet withal in your souls occasioned and multiplied by the stumbling-blocks of the day Proper Doctrines cannot be preached proper Duties cannot be practised proper Truths cannot be professed but Satan raiserh up multitudes of Objections against them of which this usually beareth the mastery Spare thy self they resolve themselves into this usually as their bearing reason The fear of man In such a time how needful is that Character to be found Great peace have they that love thy Law and Nothing shall offend them Psa 119.165 When tribulation and persecution for the Word cometh how by and by men are offended Mat. 13.21 It was one great part of Christ's care at parting with his Disciples that they should not be offended at mens putting them out of the Synagogues and thinking they do God good service in killing them John 16.1 2. When John was in prison it is not easie to answer the questions nor to remove the offences that arise upon it Whether Christ be the Christ or no But blessed is he saith Christ that is not offended in me Mat. 11.6 Oh! improve your Faith against these stumbling offences 3. Improve your Faith unto a full conquest of the World and the things that are therein respecting all the afrightments and allurements of it as it presents and presseth you with its objects of love and fear Oh! in such staggering times the dirt that clogs the feet of a Believer the thick clay that either in act or desire he is busied to load himself withal is extreamly detrimental to taking streight steps to your feet How easily did the present evil World draw Demas Judas and divers others to a betraying denying deserting their high profession The victory that overcomes this you have heard is your Faith 4. Improve your Faith against all the filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit let such as name the Name of the Lord Jesus depart from iniquity a little sin will destroy a great deal of valour whereas holiness carried on towards its perfection in the fear of God will yield encreases of strength and security against the worst that man can do unto you for who is he can harm you if you be followers of that which is good Holiness will secure you from harm They who torture you if they cannot defile you cannot destroy you they may kill you but cannot hurt you you shall not be hurt of the second death And in as much as you are frequently shewed what power Faith improved hath to promote holiness the Lord make you faithful herein Thus far hath been spoken to set forth the excellent and admirable nature of believing considered in its encounters with and conquest over torments It remains that we now take into view its vertue and excellency as it conflicts with and gets success against another adversary no less difficult to be attempted than tortures be no less apt to over-come and that is the tempting tenders of Deliverance And herein is the greatness of the atchievment that the Faith which enabled them to bear tortures without grudging enabled them to refuse the tenders of deliverance without complying 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Redemptionem notat addita praeposito insinuare videtur perfectam redemptionem Leigh Cr. Sac◠They accepted not Deliverance The word we read Deliverance denoteth in the proper signification of it full Deliverance Deliverance very compleat and is here applyed to signifie such a deliverance as did not only consist in a meer relaxation of the torment as supposing them to be upon the Rack in such a case when the sinews begin to snap and the joynts to sever one from another if nothing more were offered in the deliverance but meerly to let down the rack and take off the creature from the extremity of torment though that may for a time seem to gain upon a meer man yet such may the case be that such deliverance may be worse than death its self You reade in Rev. 9.5 6. of a torment in which men shall seek death and shall not find it and shall desire to die and it shall flee from them Implying that such may be the torment on a poor creature as that to be killed out-right is better than to be spared Knock me in the head rather than let me live thus in Torture But the deliverance here is full deliverance a being reduced to a state of ease rest and quiet together with any other accommodations that can be desired to compleat it All this will I give thee Credit Trade Preferment Applause and what not They accepted it not They did not give it friendly entertainment such as one would shew to a stranger when he hath been long absent They were at such a pitch of raisedness that they would give such deliverance deliverance on such terms not any friendly welcome or entertainment that other men perhaps would gladly do they could not salute it bid it God speed could be in no fellowship with it That they might obtain The word doth not signifie any expectation that they had or could have of dealing with the hope of the Resurrection upon the terms of strict merit As if there were any equality or proportion betwixt their enduring tortures and their receiving the Resurrection nay when they have done all left all suffered all they are unprofitable servants but only thus in thus standing under torments thus withstanding deliverance upon unworthy terms they were in the Lord's path of expecting the comfortable foretastes now and assurances of a further glory A better Resurrection Paul pressed hard to obtain the Resurrection from the dead Phil. 3.11 which is not only a Resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust but that which is called the first Resurrection Rev. 20.6 for the dead in Christ shall rise first 1 Thes 4.16 They which are Christs at his coming 1 Cor. 15.23 For them that sleep in Christ shall God bring with him This is called the Better Resurrection not only better than their torments but
tryals Use 3. If from the Spirit that is in poor fallen man there be such ill fruits as those mentioned against the image people and heritage of the Lord let us not only prize that grace which hath delivered us from that power principle and interest to which all the former fierce Characters do naturally and necessarily agree But on the other hand be very conversant with the Lord for subduing in us the remains of that spirit that lusteth unto envy even in us and that towards them that persecute us there may be shewed forth our Dove-like innocency in pressing toward that Gospel-qualification of praying for them Mat. 5.44 45. Rom. 12.17 to the end 1 Pet. 3.9 and doing them good for all the evil they do to us that we may shew our selves to be the Children of another Father living in another principle and referring our selves in all the injuries done unto us to another judgment and if the Lord will bless it to that end we may hereby leave a powerful conviction that they hate and persecute us as they did our Lord before us without a cause I proceed to take some other Observations from the words Others were tortured Some were tryed otherwayes others this way some were tortured not all all are exercised some way or other every man's work must be tryed Whosoever will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution 2 Tim. 3.12 He chasteneth every son whom he receiveth Heb. 12.6 Whomsoever he loves he rebukes and chasteneth Rev. 3.19 But though every man must be tryed it is not appointed that they must all be this way tryed tryed by fire and water tryed by tortures Some were tortured where I note Doct. 2. That though the Lord hath provided tryals for all his Children yet he hath designed tortures but to some of them Thus Christ expresseth himself to his Disciples Some of you they shall put to death Luk. 21.16 The Devil shall cast some of you into prison Rev. 2.10 All Saints are some way tryed they be but some Saints are alwayes tryed All men are born to sorrows Job 5.7 yet but of some it is properly said they are men of sorrows Isa 53.3 Lam. 3.1 Psal 88.15 This is a plain case and obvious to frequent experience Yet because it may be seasonable and useful we may consider it by inquiring into these Two Things 1. Why some are Tortured 2. Why but some are Tortured For the former We now respect tortures as they are more immediately under the disposal and ordering of the Lord appointing more or less in point or measure to more or fewer subjects as it pleaseth him they being such bitter things as afore is described it is enquired Why the Father appoints it to any of his Children To this is answered 1. Negatively not from any love God hath to the Torments or from any lack or abatement of love to his Children he doth not take pleasure to see his precious believing People lie scattered up and down as they are described Psal 141.7 79.2 3. Lam. 4.1 2. as so many marks and monuments of the cruelty and butchery of the sons of men no saith the Psalmist Psal 116.15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints he esteems them precious in their lives and puts a value on them in their death It goes as we may speak with reverence near the heart of the Lord to see his Jewels thus dealt withal In all their Afflictions he is afflicted and the Angel of his Presence is with them Isa 63.9 He that toucheth them toucheth the apple of his eye Zech. 2.8 He doth not afflict willingly or grieve the children of men Lam. 3.33 much less the Children of God but rather like as a father pitieth his children so the Lord pittieth them that fear him for he knoweth our frame and considereth that we are but dust Psal 103.13 14. nay he hath testified the greatest displeasure against such as have bin executioners of his rebukes when they have not performed them with pity Zech. 1.15 Isa 47.6 Psal 69.26 27. His Anointed Ones must be very tenderly handled and have no harm done against them Psal 105.14 15. wheresoever they wander Moab hath a charge to do so Isa 16.3 4. and in defect thereof his controversie is dreadful with the Nations Ezek. 25 throughout so chap. 26.2 3. c. 2. But positively and in general thus Though the Lord doth not assign these Tortures these fiery Tryals to his Children for want of love to his or from any delight he hath in such Tortures considered in themselves Yet many times the Lord hath higher and better ends to promote then their deliverance ends that have more of good in them than these Tortures can possibly have of evil and when it is so these dispensations are not only excusable but are to be justified Good is the Word of the Lord. As namely 1. Sometimes in giving his darlings thus to the power of the Dog he designs to bring to light the worth and excellency of some Truths of his which otherwayes would be much obscured if not quite excluded from among the children of men namely such Truths in the vindication of which his children are called and brought forth thus to suffer being wrought to a contentedness rather to endure torments than to let them go When a soul or people having obtained help from God continue witnessing to such Truths whatever it costs them There is reflected this honour upon Truth as was said of it of old Great is Truth and it shall prevail whereas if it should be as it is with the generality of Professors at this day when a Truth comes to be spoken for there is such a shrinking twisting shifting to evade the dint of the Tryal how would the World have too just cause to say What is there in your beloved Truth more than in our beloved Error What is your Profession more than ours your Religion more than ours If there were any excellent thing in it you would do and suffer somewhat excellent and extraordinary for it to take off this stumbling block and occasion therefore from them who seek or desire occasion the Lord is pleased to steel a people to this height We can do nothing against the truth but for the truth 2 Cor. 13.8 And then to shew a proof of Truth in them and the power and goodness thereof he puts them on a tryal proportioned to this design he hath some truth of the Gospel to shew in Paul and then must he be troubled on every side 2 Cor. 4.8 9 10. chap. 6.4 10 11. chap. 11.23 to 29. If the truth of Christ be in him no man shall stop him of his boasting none of these things move him or separate him from the love of God Truth shall be tryed in those vessels of earth though it be by fire seven times and the furnace seven times hotter than aforetime 2. Sometimes the Lord doth by these Tortures assert and
as a man not to serve Christ or do any thing for thy God as a Christian man 3 If thou art violently restrained by them the sin of any omission of Duty and Service lies at their door and to their peril be it when the King shall demand the reason of thy want of service but when thou acceptest of those terms thou becamest accessary with them art in conjunction with them it s thy sin as much if not more than theirs they think they do God good service 4 If thou art only bound by the hands of Violence the Lord looks on thee and reckons thee as his free man free in Spirit thou reservest the dominion of that for God Thou livest not dyest not as a Fool dieth but as a man falleth before wicked men 2 Sam. 3.33 34. Object Now there is little opportunity to do the Lord any such service but if ever an opportunity present I hope to be as ready as another may not such obligations be enervated repented of and a soul disobliged from them Answ It hath been and is still the crying sin of this day and of the years past That persons have thought it a very small matter to make and break these kind of Engagements according as interest presents them with an opportunity the iniquity and provocation whereof I shall only attempt to open in one Scripture Ezek. 17.12 13 to vers 20. where God expostulates the case with the rebellious House of Judah They and the King of Babylon make a Covenant and there is for ratification of it the Oath of God added The King of Babylons design was to make the Kingdom base that it might not lift up its self and in this exigency they make a Covenant The question is put Whether their taking an opportunity to shake off this yoke and break this Covenant might not be succeeded with prosperity This consequence the Lord disclaims with the highest indignation and that because of the Oath of God the quarrel and controversie of that Oath and Covenant should be required severely at the hands of such a treacherous people If thy hand have been lifted up in Truth Righteousness and Judgement already then take care how thou retract that and to whom thou lift it up the second time lest it prove a double provocation 5. If I cannot come at the good of Deliverance but I must intrench upon the Name Honour and Glory of God which he hath lifted up in the World I may not touch with that Deliverance There are some wayes and works of God wherein he hath more immediately and eminently in some generations concerned his Name than in others or than ever it was before God went to make him a Name of Greatness and Terribleness by Redeeming Israel out of Egypt and driving the Nations out of Canaan 1 Chron. 17.21 Isa 63.12 14. Sâ— by bringing Judah out of Babylon and will do by bringing his Sion from under Antichrist Toward the later whereof he hath made very glorious advances in our dayes and we have sung his praise in them so as it may be said of his Holy People at this day as of Israel of old Deut. 4.32 33 34. And all this he hath done to get himself a glorious Name Our zeal for which and love to which is now brought to tryal whether we will yea or nay deny his Name A faithful adhering to which though by a people that have but little strength is very acceptable to the Lord Rev. 3.8 9 10. And he will do great things for such in times and hours of temptation If therefore God be at this day so tender of his Name as he is that he will not give his glory to another we ought to be upon his side in this design and especially when this Name of his comes to be spoken about all our Deliverances ought to be brought to this test if they may be had with a saving to this Name they are welcome otherwayes they may not be accepted Object But whatsoever we can say was done in our dayes of that kind the Lord now appears plucking it down again leads that strength into captivity gives that glory into the enemies hand bestowes the marks of favour upon the other party who thrive and prosper and being advanced to the capacity we see them we do but follow Providence in joyning there Answ 1. The best of thy plea is God is angry with his People hath a great Controversie with them which he pleads with deep and bitter strokes and thou wilt be on his side angry with them too and plead against them In so doing thou mayest be right and safe but I must tell thee thou hast very much reason to take heed both of thy standing and frame of spirit lest his indignation take place on thee for being out of thy place the Lord is very jealous against such as offer their service to be the executioners of his rebukes upon his heritage Zech. 1.15 Psal 69.26 Isa 47.6 that was a sore word Obadiah vers 11. For thy violence against thy Brother shame shall cover thee in the day that thou stoodest on the Other side thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy Brother c. The Lord takes special notice on what side men stand when he is dealing with his own Children for their folly 2 Moreover the Lord's rebuke is not against his People for their Principle and testimony but for their unsutableness to that Testimony and Principle of theirs which they professed And now he is come in the way of this tryal to see whether we will cleave to him with our whole heart and with our whole soul what remnant they be who will cleave to him in principles of Righteousness of Holiness of Purity of Godliness of Gospel-worship of an Heavenly Conversation and underneath the feet of these subject their interest of Ease Rest Liberty Estates Limbs Lives his Voice is therefore now in this respect who is upon the Lord's side Psal 94.16 Here it s an exceeding mercy indeed to have obtained mercy to be faithful not to deny his Name whatever it costs 6. Deliverance is then to be dreaded not accepted when I cannot come at the good of Deliverance without giving just occasion of stumbling to many to fall and of grief and affliction to the bonds of many that stand Precious in the sight of the Lord are the lives and souls of the poorest Saints and ought to be tender to us that we do nothing whereby they be stumbled offended or made weak much less destroyed for whom Christ died Asaphs first conviction of his extravagancy Psal 73.15 was if he should speak thus he should offend against the generation of Gods Children As he was tender so the Lord is very jealous of this Ezek. 13.22 how the heart of the Righteous be made sad whom God hath not made sad and the hands of the wicked strengthned that they should not return from their wicked way c. I confess
be he hath more reason to refuse Deliverance than it is safe for him to express unto others in an age when men are made offenders and destroyed for a word leave him to the Lord and charitably suppose he hath a Conscience to God-ward in what he doth and though it be misguided in this matter yet it s the best he hath and he is bound to make much of it Do not judge another man's Servant to his own Master he stands or falls 2. I would upon the Promises further beseech you That since there are so many cases in which its dangerous however it may seem pleasant to accept Deliverance you would give diligence that when these soul-shaking tryals are ready to beset you and set upon you you may not be taken in a way of surprize the greatest mischief Satan doth to souls in this kind is when he frights them into Deliverance and escape ere ever their spirits are recovered to a just capacity to weigh and make a solid judgment what is best to be done in the case all things considered They are ready to be taken with that way of reasoning that Esau was Gen. 25.32 Behold I am at the point to die and what profit shall this Birth-right do to me So they Behold I am at the point to be imprisoned to be banished to be tortured and what good then can this Profession do to me And so being surprized with the fright sell their Birth-right for a little meat or something like it which perisheth with the using of it In order to the preventing which mischief I beseech you Consider 1. First That this Tryal whereupon the Lord brings you perhaps is the principal if not the only opportunity in which you may ever have the advantage to speak a word on Gods behalf and bear thus witness for him as long as you live What shall we do for our Sister in the day that she is spoken for was a seasonable question Cant. 8.8 There is a day when God is to be spoken for Christ to be spoken for Truth to be spoken for which being elapsed the things of this our peace may be hid from our eyes Oh! therefore while you have this opportunity omit not to do good to improve it to the utmost 2dly Consider A little ground lost at such a Season and in such a Testimony is hardly recovered again where you find one Christian soundly recovers it you may observe abundance decline and grow weak in making any future resistance to temptations We are called to follow the Lord as Virgins now where the enemy hath prevailed once to violate the chastity of such to bruise the teats of their virginity they afterward grow weak to make opposition to attempts of the like nature Ezek. 16.30 How weak is thy heart seeing thou doest all these things the work of an imperious whorish woman A back-sliding Professor is like a whorish woman who having lost her chastity though she gets an imperious forehead yet hath a weak heart though she is bold to assert her chastity yet she is weak to preserve it 3dly Consider How easie and frequent it is with the Lord to make that deliverance which you buy so dear become a real burden to you How many wayes hath he to make your liberty a burden by fresh vexations such meet withal your Trade for the sake of which you adventure such strange attempts a real burden by Losses Deadness Crosses in it Your very Lives a burden by sickness and divers other vanities and vexations of spirit And who would buy that too dear that is lyable to so many causualties Take heed that Satan doth not at such surprizals make a market upon you for you are not ignorant of his enterprizes 3. But leaving this Point let us proceed to the Third Head or manner of our considering Deliverance and that is as Deliverance stands compared with and undervalued by the preference of a better Resurrection when the Torturers tender of Deliverence and the Comforters tender of a better Resurrection come in competition though both are good in themselves yet Faith helps to make the choice of the Resurrection as being the better incomparably notwithstanding any inconveniencies on this side it Hence the Third Supposition in the general Doctrine is ☞ That a Believing Prospect into the Resurrection is of mighty force to carry a Christian through any Tortures and to reject any unworthy tenders of Deliverance Faith transmitting the eye upon Eternity and fixing the expectation thereupon the consequences of the blessed coming of the King sets all at rights turns the Scales toward the advantage of the Glory and Interest of God as worthy to be adhered to in comparison of which Resurrection Torments are but a flea-biting and Tenders of Deliverance as a painted feather The Emphasis lies in the term Better Faith satisfies that the soul in this hath chosen the better part not only better than Suffering for so may Deliverance seem to be But Better upon all accompts whatsoever than the best and fairest offer that can possibly be made to defloure and intice from following after God Earth may be good Deliverance unto it and the Accommodations in it may be good but when they are at the best Christ is better Heaven is better to have Christ with us in Sufferings with Peace Joy and Satisfaction here and to be ever with Christ in the Resurrection of the Just this is transcendently best of all The clearing this Point would be attempted did not time prevent in considering particularly these Three things 1. Deliverance at the best with its power to allure us unto the choice of it for it s not it when we are under offence at it but Deliverance with its full allowance that is brought undervalue in this choice 2. The Resurrection considered at the worst and as it lay obvious to Objections especially to them in that day yet forcible and effectual to perswade 3. The actings and excellency of Faith in singling out and fixing the souls choice herein notwithstanding the absence of any other Reasonings or Arguments to turn the Scale other than these drawn singly from the Concerns of this Resurrection These can be but briefly touched at present as for the former thus First Deliverance here offered as was shewed before is Deliverance with all its Accomplishments and Accommodations that we can imagine to set it off admirable and apt to take with a tortured tempted poor Creature I mean in an humane dress all that the Adversary is capable of adding to it to give it a gloss that may effectually answer his ends Now there are Two things which do tend much this way and are apt to be very taking to a sensual or watchless eye 1 The Pleasantness 2 The Presentness of Deliverance as I may express it 1 It s one main part of the Tempters business to set off as he can the taking Pleasantness of Deliverance he baited his Hook to Christ with all the Kingdoms of
It was a brave spirit in Araunah when there was a â—ebate betwixt David and him about the price of â—he Sacrifice that was to be offered up for a sweet â—avour in an infectious nasty season As a King gave he to the King 2 Sam. 24.23 'T was hard to discern by their spirits if external badges had not â—een there to distinguish them which of them had most of the spirit of a King in him Such largeâ—ess of heart is exceeding proper and honourable â—n the case before us A little laid out in the power of this Principle will be highly enhansed in the value of it It was a notable Instance and evidence that Rispah though but the Concubine of Saul retained some tincture of a Royal mind that when the seven men of the off-spring of Saul were executed at the instance of the Gibeonites with that reproachful and cursed death yet she from her noble disposition and generous respect to that Royal off-spring doth what she could to keep them from those corrupting casualties that are apt to attend carkasses exposed as they were in the open air to be a prey to the Birds by day and the Beasts by night her sack-cloth was accepted as a noble pavillion spoken well of at Court till a more noble Funeral was provided for them 2 Sam. 21.9 to 14. Christians if you are as you profess made Kings and Priests to God a Royal Priesthood then you have another a nobler spirit than have others it concerneth and becometh you to stir up and improve on things that are most excellent It 's not for Kings Oh Believers It 's not for Kings and Princes to do less than the noblest things To open their mouth for the dumb in the Cause of all such as on this account are appointed to destruction Open thy mouth judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and needy 5thly Know for your encouragement That though Christ expecteth you should do what you can to imbalm his Interest yet the soveraign vertue of that which indeed doth and must preserve it from rotting and stinking depends upon the Lord 's own provision and preparation Though your good will be accepted and your work shall be rewarded yet it 's freedom from corruption flowes from the absolute dominion he hath over the Grave where he lieth and the purpose and ingagement that he hath made known in the New Covenant to give it a Resurrection It 's no small encouragement therefore to know and be insured that we are workers together with Christ in this design which must needs be succeeded with a good issue and therefore it 's good adventuring thereupon 6thly Lastly Resolve upon this That if you live not long enough to see its Resurrection yet you will be laid in the same Grave with it where it dieth you will die and there you will be buried The Spices then prepared and laid in to imbalm it will also perfume you The last Testimony of Friendliness the old Prophet could shew to the young Prophet 1 Kings 13.28 29 30 31. was to take up his dead caâ—kass though a Lion had slain him and stood by lay him in his own Sepulchre and give this charge When I am dead then bury me in the Sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried lay my bones besides his bones Joseph laies the body of Christ in his own new Tomb Mat. 27.60 Abraham and Sarah Isaac and Rebeka Jacob and Leah and Joseph also covet to be laid together Gen. 49. 29 31. A Cave in Canaan where they must be laid in the Faith of Promises which is more desireable than the chiefest Royal Sepulchres in Canaan Gen. 23.6 chap. 49.29 chap. 50.25 26. It was nobly resolved in Ittai the Gittite 2 Sam. 15.21 Surely in what place my Lord the King shall be whether in death or life there also will thy Servant be Such blessed Resolutions raised on true Principles Rev. 12.11 Acts 15.26 chap. 20.24 chap. 21.13 have their acceptation now and shall not miss of an early Resurrection in due time 2 Kings 13.21 Dan. 11.13 Isa 26.19 FINIS The gracious Author of the fore-going Treatises after full Three years Suffering under very hard circumstances enduring many inhumanities from merciless Goalers in Excester-Goal was continued Prisoner under Military Guards in the Isle of Plymouth where a violent Sickness in a few dayes seized upon him in which a Friend admitted to a constant Converse judged these following Passages worthy his Observation which may fitly be here inserted as a Discovery of the Grace granted in his various Changes and Abiding with him until by the Will of God having finished his Work he fell asleep A Friend giving him some Emulsion to drink he drank and said All passages are clear between Stomach and Belly Head and Heart and that and Heaven blessed be God A Friend then asking him if he had any thing to say to them in the Family with him in case the Lord should call him from them He replied I desire the blessing of the God of Heaven may be upon you and a full Reward from him be ministred to you for all the labour of Love you have shewed to me for the Lords sake and I beseech you continue stedfast in the Faith and Testimony to Christ and his Concerns who is as worthy as ever notwithstanding all the reproach cast on him and them and I desire earnestly you will take heed of being offended at Him his Word Works or Wayes but be careful to be found in his paths as ever you hope to have help to stand before him with peace and comfort at his appearing He further said Christ had a poor Remnant yet left that he was perswaded should be helped to stand and no more to be afraid of the worst that men can do than he through Grace was now afraid of what Death could do to him And said Though I may be rolled into my dust yet there is a promised approaching Glory that God will most certainly bring forth out of all these great deeps with which we are now encompast though saies he it may be you also may not live to see it but to die in the Faith of it will be enough and the Lord grant you may not stagger and that no cloud may be upon your Testimony to God nor unless clouds be good for you upon your Interest in him And as to the Church at Plymouth he said He had oft since his Sickness on his bed begg'd of God that the Lord the God of the spirits of all flesh would set a man over that Church a man whom he should chuse to go in and out before them to feed them that so the Lords poor flock be not utterly scattered by those that carry or keep them Captive Numb 27. he referred to And further said to a Friend then present I desire you if God by his Providence or otherwise shall hereafter speak any such thing to you though but in a whisper you would
not despise or neglect it but look on it as the Call of God to you and obey it accordingly To which that Friend replyed My weakness is sufficiently known to you my self and others for such a weighty service making me dread the thoughts of such an undertaking as at present furnisht yet I hope I shall carefully mind what the Lord may speak to me in future as also what hint you have now given about it to do therein as God shall direct After this discourse ended he further said He had been a poor staggering vain creature and since the time he came to this place and the Lord gave a little recovery he had not so improved it as became him he earnestly wisht he could write a little that he might leave a witness against it Saying also Ah! I have many things in Short-hand that none can read but my self by which means they will be lost Then added I have a poor Sister an honest affectionate soul who I desire you will do what you can to comfort support and strengthen according to that counsel 1 Thess 5.14 Now we exhort you Brethren warn them that are unruly comfort the feeble-minded support the weak be patient towards all men And desired we would sometimes speak a word in season to her And further said as to the Church in Plymouth wherein he had laboured he designed to serve the Lord in it and to gather souls to Christ and had now the witness of a good Conscience in that matter that he had not wilfully omitted or dealt negligently in that Work in the main of it as opportunity presented and blest the Lord that since his Imprisonment he had heard of six or seven of that Church that had gone triumphing to Heaven before him Then speaking of Christians Sufferings he minded that word 1 Pet. 4.16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian c. He minded what a blessed thing it was to suffer as a Christian viz. To begin hold on hold out and at last come off as a Christian It was a great Word and Work and speaking of his pains he had on his outward-man yet blessed God There was no sorrow added nor no sting in them that was stuck in the sides of Christ blessed be his Name A Friend asking how he did Never better in my life said he blessed be God One asked him whether he would have any Cordial He said Yes may it be an instrument on Gods behalf to recover a little strength before I go hence and be seen no more to speak yet a word for God else tel me of no more Cordials for I drink full draughts One giving him a little he drank and said I am made to drink of the best spiced Wine the Wine of the Pomegranate his Love is better than Wine I am drinking of a Vineyard not a drop of red Wine blessed be God the Day I think is come I shall be led to the Fountain of Living Water and shall hunger nor thirst no more And added The Wine that is red might have been my Portion even fire and brimstone and an horrible tempest might have been the portion of my Cup. Oh! if Jacob's heart revived to see the Chariots to carry him to Joseph in Egypt How should my Soul revive in me to see my God's Chariots of Salvation to carry me to see him not in Egypt nor Earthly but Heavenly Canaan Then he fetch'd a sigh saying I sigh but am not sad Then applying himself to speak to Friends about him he said And to you that are troubled rest with me there is prepared for you shortly One telling him he spent himself he said He would gladly spend and be spent for Christ yet would not make undue haste to Heaven till his Beloved pleased yet I would bid my Friends Farewel remembring Elijah threw his Mantle on Elisha at parting and though I cannot yet say whether it be finally farewel Paul bid the Romans farewel often but I can bid you heartily farewel blessedly farewel Then added I have one word for Sion I have been oft refresht in thoughts of old Jacob as I mentioned but now how he revived and said Joseph is yet alive I will go down and see him before I die But yet before he comes out of Canaan he is at a stand and God must be sought to know his mind Gen. 46.4 God assures him he would go with him into Egypt and would surely bring him up thence and yet Jacob must die there I have thought how can this word be true and have been answered it was true to Jacob collectively though not personally considered his seed and with them him also dead or alive must be brought up with them in the time appointed and though Jacob's life indeed is took off in somewhat an unexpected time and way yet his Faith is kept up so as he gives charge in that matter ere he dies that his bones should be carried up with them and so gives testimony to the Truth of God in that case and the like doth Joseph Oh Friend God hath brought us down unto Egypt it may be where we would not have gone he hath indeed let us go in the beginning of our way where we would and we then went under full gales like to them Exod. 15.14 to 18. saying We shall come up out of Egypt it may be pitching it too personally as to us for whether we in our persons shall be brought from Bashan and the depths of the Sea may yet be a question but if we be indeed the seed of Jacob that seek him and his face we shall then most certainly be brought up dead or alive out of Egypt let 's endeavour to keep up Faith in that There is a Cause God hath stretched out his hand to own amongst us though men may be divided about it what it is some say it consists in Stating and Asserting our Rights against Oppressours but I take it to be such a Testimony to Christ's Kingdom that few will espouse but such as love the Lord Jesus in sincerity Though as to out-works they must be owned as works of wonder but the inward-part is the main thing even to bring forth Judgement and Truth into Power and Practice so as all the upright in heart shall follow it this even this shall be so brought out and lifted up over the heads of all oppositions and oppressors but God hath much of this kind yet to bring forth in the hearts of his own Children But Lord what wait I for my hope is in thee One asked him Will you have some refreshing I have refreshing saies he the world knows not of and Strangers cannot intermeddle with His Sister desired he would take rest He answered Christ's Disciples said of Lazarus Joh. 11. If he sleep he shall do well speaking it of natural sleep but to sleep in Jesus as those that God will bring again with him is much better Adding It was a sweet resolve of Hezekiah's broken
words Isa 38. when he had spoken hard words of God not becoming a man of his acquaintance with divine dispensations when he sayes What shall I say he hath spoken and himself hath done it I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul vers 15. Yet recollects himself vers 16. O Lord by these things men live and in all these things is the life of my spirit so wilt thou recover me and make me to live So I have a word or hint sometimes as if the Lord would say Eat a little and drink a little as if he might have some little further work for me but then old pains and not old clearness again at other seasons making me see and say Oh! how hard a thing is it to keep an even hand with God in his various dispensations So foolish was I and ignorant as that good man once said Psal 37. Sometimes as a man then as a Beast c. but 't is good for me to draw near unto God and to say though he kill me yet I will trust in him But it pleased the Lord though by very undiscernable degrees after keeping his Chamber three quarters of a year to give him a Recovery for some season after which being seized with Sickness which continued to the finishing of his dayes the following being but few of many worthy occasional sayings of his were by the same Friend carefully treasured up Being asked by a Friend Is all well within He answered All 's well there blessed be God my God the high rock of my salvation my soul hath trusted in him and shall not be ashamed His Sister discovering something of impatience at the stroak upon him threatning his dissolution he earnestly reproved her saying Oh! be more a Woman be more a Christian Is this what you told me yesterday Being then asked by a Friend Have you ought to say to us before you leave us He replied O love the Lord all ye his Saints when and wheresoever he calls to follow go after him yea though he kill you yet love him still trust him still One saying to him Yea worthy is the Lamb to receive Glory Honour Obedience and Service from all his Saints He replied He is worthy indeed for he hath redeemed me by his blood blessed be God he is my God he is my God And then said The Lord hath strangely raised me and called me to put on a very high Profession and carried me more strangely through it to this hour though it may seem to be but a poor thing in its self considered yet the Lord hath had a care of such a poor worm and hath not left me shamefully to forsake him nor hath hitherto forsaken me and blessed be my God that hath brought me into bonds for his Names sake in this day this honour have not all his Saints though they be a People near unto him but Oh! the crowning Mercy is this that I can behold my Father's face with joy and can say in some measure I have finished the work thou gavest me to do and now holy Father I come to thee I have heretofore given some account of my self to you as you may remember as to those remarkable Passages of my Life both as a Christian a Minister a Sufferer This last I am now come to put a Seal to as they have been Sufferings for Christ's Cause an◠Kingdom as God hath given him to be Head over al things to the Church which is his Body and indeed 〈◊〉 he hath appointed me sufferings for his Names sake so I must say to his praise he hath so far restraine◠mens wrath as he hath made Enemies to be at peac◠with me and friendly to me this I would comment to you my dear Friends as an Argument for ever to trust in God There is also some thing I have been under from his own hand that hath been with great pain upon me as you have been Witnesses and my sorrows here have been oft-times greater than my groanings and this last hath been well nigh oversetting at some seasons insomuch as I thought it was impossible to have born the torments laid on my poor flesh but now I see nothing is too hard for God sometimes to lay on his own Children or for his Power to bear them up under His Sister tells him You spend your self in speaking He answers Let me speak that I may be refreshed It is refreshing to me to speak of what God hath made sweet to me Then he calls for a little Julip to drink a Friend sayes to him It will be hut a little while and you will thirst no more He replyes Ah blessed are they that eat Bread in the Kingdom of our Lord and drink Wines there he will lead them by Rivers and Fountains of Living waters where they shall thirst no more and he will wipe away all tears from their eyes His Sister desired to know how he was satisfied as to his coming hither she having been the occasion as she judged of his coming from Exon to Plymouth and consequently of his coming hither He answered Very well satisfied all have been steps of divine ordering I would not have come from Exon might I have had my own will I would not have stayed in Plymouth after I had Preached once but God would have me stay I would not have come to this place after my time of suffering was out in the Town-Hall at Plymouth if I might have had my own will but God would bring me hither and blessed be the Lord that let me not have my own will blessed be God that brought me here and blest me here with desirable Company and Mercies concerning which we have had occasions and seasons to speak well of God together yea since I have been brought here and sick here yet the steps of God have been in great wisdom with me and the bottom of them all paved with Love in the main of his goings in these dark and heavy stroakes I say in the main of them they have been attended with peace to my soul I have had Old Wine or New afforded still sometimes he hath said the Old is better and hath made ancient experiences of his Love sweet to me yet not alwayes alike clear sometimes he hath seen good to cut short within and without and this last tryal to deal plainly came on in somewhat a cloud at its entrance I was somewhat stupid thinking no more in it than ordinary but I was at last awakened by the Lord to think that this might be a long and close tryal and though he let me see the Anchor dropt within the Vail yet had I not that freshness of Evidence till within a few dayes last past when he called up my Spirit to a close search in a Night or two though I said but little of it but he graciously issued that matter in a token for good that whether I live or die I hope I shall wear to
his praise while I have my being so that thus 't is with me now Christ is lovely to me in all the afflictions I have met with in all I have seen and suffered wherefore rejoyce with me O my Friends let us rejoyce and bless the Name of the Lord together that hath dealt well with me and do not I beseech you disgrace the throne of his Glory because of me or this fleshly state that must be taken from you Murmur not I pray ye that yet you see not Saviours come up upon Mount Zion The reserve of Spirit is with him and the Lord hath many Children to bring in besides those that are brought that shall be brought in by vertue of fresh Anointing so as they shall be known to be Children of his that he hath blest And as I desire you would not weep for me so not inordinately for your selves neither adhere to Christ and fear none of those things ye shall suffer I have no deep insight into deep Mysteries but this I Believe God is a-rising to do some great thing in the World for Sion's sake and though it be hard for us to lose our Chariots and Horsemen some by Apostacy some by Death some by Scattering yet when the Gathering time shall be it will be no grief nor sorrow of heart to behold the way of Gods working in all these things when we shall say he hath done all things well There are many signs upon us that prognostick great things near at the doors though I dare not say I know much distinctly as to Times Means and Methods only be assured not one jot or title of all God hath spoke shall fail though our interpretations of them may fail If any ask how it stood with me as to these things at this season tell them If I die I die in as full Assurance that God will give reviving to his poor despised Cause and Interest as I do believe the Resurrection of this Body and that I know both the one and the other are founded on such a Word as shall stand as Mountains of Brass And advise them also to take heed how they wait on mens Indulgence so much talked of but let their Faith stand in the Wisdom Power and Faithfulness of God and their Prayers be directed more that way endeavouring to make Religion their business yet if any shall lean to such a deceitful Bow be not you dismayed or discouraged at it but hold on your way that shall be strength to you And now Oh now could I send Epistles to all the Churches in these things I would but that work I think is over be ye therefore as the Epistle of that to them And now my dear Brother and Sisters I desire to bless God for you and for your great tenderness to me but herein as to particulars my mouth is stopt I hope you will continue love to my poor Sister you see what a poor Creature she is yet I hope one that will find Mercy in the day of Christ And dear Sister A. L. remember me to all Saints in Plymouth and tell them I have no greater joy than to hear that they are of those Children that are walking in the Truth as to hear of any of them walking loose to Christ and loose to the Profession of him is my Souls grief Oh! tell them that as ever they hope to see my face with joy at the great Day that what they have seen and heard from me a poor worm that hath been according to the mind of the Lord they would do and the God of Peace shall be with them And now Friends as a * Sir H.V. good man once said so I say as to what you may have further to say to me or ask of me While the Oyl runs bring your Vessels His Sister asked what he had to say to her Family He answers They had been a kind poor Family the Lord make them his Family and dear Sister look over a weak Husband and Family and difficulties that may occur as to them and you You and I have been Witnesses to the Faithfulness of Christ how he hath provided for us in former dayes and I challenge you if you can to say to the contrary he hath not failed us thus far Then he said I am weak and faint A Friend by said to him The Lord the Creator to the ends of the Earth fainteth not but gives power to the faint and to those that have no might renews strength He answers Yes he doth so and will also roul away the reproach of his People in due time for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Oh this part this part of the reproaches of Christ this now almost eight years reproach What Glory is there in it to those that are helpt to bear up under it Then speaking to his Sister A. said Dear Sister Bear up bear up blessed be God for strength to you thus far bear up still I beseech you accept all in good part and pass by all weaknesses you and your Husband had Relations each of you dear to you both and also I trust to Christ I desire not complementally but really to be remembred to them all and desire they may be all gathered up to Christ to meet him at his appearing And I desire for you all that you may be strengthned to all the pleasure of God that is yet to come to pass concerning you and that you may come out of these great Tribulations as Sheep from the washing and though you may see me possibly go away from you in the fiery tryal yet it may be you may be admitted to that Mercy of being bid come out and shew your selves yet that is but little considering the snares that may yet attend such a state But Oh! how much clearer is my way to come out thus than by men Then speaking to the Maid he said I desire God may have the praise of what he hath wrought in and for you and wherever you are cast I desire you may walk as a chaste Virgin And to the Nurse he said I know not how you may think your self concerned in such discourse as this since these may seem strange things to you yet give me leave to say they are some of the true sayings of God how strange soever they may seem yea they are also needful things for you to be acquainted with Oh press after them with all earnestness Then a Friend present speaking after this manner Ah! Brother What is the meaning of these Dispensations of the Lord in snatching away his choicest Saints from amongst us and leaving the poorest and weakest to be Concerned for him in such a day making them ready in sorrow and sadness of heart to say By whom shall Jacob arise since he is so small To which he replied How small soever Jacob was yet Jacob's God was not small He is a great King and a God above all Godds and as was minded but now he
that which threatens its destruction and it must needs be irksom to it to be following God in wayes it knows not whence they come or whither they lead but yet notwithstanding it must be brought down for a corn of Wheat cast into the ground is not quickned except it die and so in this case precedent to the quickning that is to be brought out on the proper subjects of it Death in one respect or other must be brought on upon all fleshly glory and excellency even in its perfection Whereunto he replied Yes it must so for unless it die it remains alone and cannot be brought out in its glorious state of the manifestation of the sons of God but by cracking the shell of this earthly tabernacle and so coming out to it A Friend coming to have felt his Pulse He said I have not askt your observations in my case it may be thought possibly it might adde some impressions of hopes or fears if I should know what it is The Friend replied His Observations in such cases vere not very material to acquaint him with but saith the Friend What are your own Observations in the case He answered His Hope was on high yet Flesh he found hankering in his Musings at some seasons suggesting there was much desirable work to do some of one sort some of another at this and the other place making him ready to desire to stay and loth to be gone but when looking up and considering the state of things then he is made to say to his soul Oh! haste away to thy Mountain And Oh! that I had wings as a Dove then would I flee away and be at rest I would not live alwayes and am ready to say sometimes as he Take me away for thou knowest my dayes that they are vanity But Oh! I am much more cumbred on the other hand with crying How long Lord And sometimes am ready to wish an end which way ever it be by recovery or death To which it was told him That argued him a man Yes said he a poor man It was told him again All our Poverty Weakness and Unworthiness in the day approaching shall but make matter for a song the more to the praise of rich Grace and Mercy in the Lord 's remembring us in our low estate because his Mercy endureth for ever On the same day in the afternoon a Friend asking him how he did He answered Coveting to overcome referring to a word had been spoken that day in the Family from Rev. 2.26 of which one had given him some account It was replied to him That was a good work and good in it to be eying him that had overcome by whom only we can be helpt to overcome He replied Yes to be able to say I have fought a good fight I have kept the Faith is a great word and work And further said He had had his reflections and he thought some injections also that day of his neglects of service for the Lord that he might better have improved in times past though in the main the Testimony I have born to Christ in my day is a quieting comforting Consideration through the blood of Christ though not the bottoming Consideration on which my peace is built yet 't is of great use in a secondary sort at such a season and I mention it to you that you may do much suffer much shrink not nor neglect no work for God it will be no grief of heart to any that have spent and been spent for God his Name and Interest for dayes to come Being verâ— ill and in the apprehensions of those about him like to leave them he was asked Had he any further word to them or any of the Lord's People before he left them To which he answered I have spoken to you and them already the whole Counsel of God according to what I have received and was under no temptation to keep back any thing through fraud I cannot now speak much and if I could unless the great Remembrancer set home with Power and Efficacy what is spoken upon our minds and spirits it will signifie but little and to add many words would be but a vanity but for you and them and all Saints I pray that you may abide with God and never be ashamed or tempted with fear or cowardize or unbecoming complyances with base Earthly Worldly Interests to let go your holdfast on any Truth you have professed as Truth is in Jesus I have delivered to that poor Church I appertain unto the Doctrine of a Free Gospel of Grace wherein a foundation is laid in the blood of Jesus of Peace with God through him and they also have witâ— hands lift up to the most High professedly accepted 〈◊〉 that Grace tendred to them and I being I think about to leave Earth and to go to my Father and give 〈◊〉 account of my Stewardship therein I do go in fâ—â— assurance that it is the true Grace of God wherein they stand and I do lay it before them with the utmost ability such a poor worm as I can do that they be not by Doctrine Word nor Spirit soon shaken from their stedfastness hither or thither for life or salvation but as they have been taught He farther said I also have been engaged in a witness to the Royal Soveraignty of Christ in his Institutions against the Inventions of men opposed thereunto which Testimony hath been born up against blindness and ignorance in a poor dark world that lies in ignorance and wickedness and their Testimony in fellowship with this of mine hath flourisht in former dayes under those more promising propitious Prospects we were then encompest and encouraged with it had then by them and others Hosanna's ascribed to it but since God hath seen good to try this Testimony and Spirits of such as profess it with a day of adversity that many looked not for and they have hereby been tempted basely and unworthily to throw away the Shield as if it never had been anointed the thoughts whereof hath many times almost broken my heart in pieces But let all such know I go away in this firm perswasion as to the things we have together professed as aforesaid that they are the true sayings of God and that such as in this hour of temptation have deserted their Profession of â—hem God will meet with all such if he love them to â—waken and recover them from such paths and postures â—f back-sliding or else to make them know to their â—hame and confusion of face that they have dealt disâ—onourably with Christ and his Concerns and dangerâ—usly with their own souls which I desire they may â—nd Mercy to repent unfeignedly of before it be too â—ate I have been also concerned in a Testimony with divers Churches as to a work God hath had on the wheel among us in our dayes very mysterious in many parts of it there have also many tryals been upon it and to try it and to
of it though these wayes be every where spoken against Upon a First-Day of the Week in the morning he began to speak to all in the Family with him one after another as follows Ah! Sister A. the Lord gave you a heart to own and profess him his Name and Wayes early when they were wayes every where spoken against and since you have held up and out the Profession thereof in a flourishing day and now are concerned in and with the same in this hour of temptation which I beseech you be not affrighted nor offended at You know how it fared with our Lord and Master whom the Religiou◠as well as the Prophane world persecuted and expelled their Coasts the Servant is not above his Master It is true you have had the Name of a Gentlewoman and of being descended of great Parantage and raised to great things in a worldly account but keep these al◠under-foot as you ought and let that be the song still Worthy is the Lamb to receive Power and Riches Wisdom and Strength Honour and Glory and Blessing Oh! give up all to him as Auranah of old as a King to a King so let the Offering be given up cheerfully and resignedly intirely to him I bless God I have learned something of this in conversing with you of your readiness and freeness heretofore and now to lay out for the Lord and though 〈◊〉 now go the way of all flesh yet you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that we have none of u◠cause to be sorry or repent for what we have laid ou◠for the Lord. And you for your part have heretofore entertained Saints yea it may be Angels unawars the Lord reward you for it and the God under whose wings you are come to trust be your great reward but Oh! take heed your Good be not evil spoken of and that your Table become not a trap nor what was provided for good turn to your hurt I desire the Lord Jesus may teach you to look carefully about you that you lose not the things you have wrought but receive a full reward I remember it 's said of Abel who though dead he yet speaketh and have thought that word in a bad sense looking at me and many others who while living have been but dead Speakers but I am now hastning to another kind of death where after Worms have consumed this flesh and bones yet I may be brought forth as a living speaking Witness in these words of mine against such as slight the instruction of them Then said I bless the Lord for ever that he hath kept me from Hell horror to hope of Salvation eternal Salvation by Jesus Christ and that I shall be helpt in my poor measure to shew forth his praise in this Generation as well as to every one that is to come Oh Friends you are like yet to have opportunities amongst living Saints that speak livingly and audibly Oh! take heed take heed this present dispensation that you yet are and I have been trusted with be not as the Lord's Trumpet sounding an Alarum against you on the behalf of the Lord of Hosts whose words have not been received by you Then speaks of England and sayes Oh! poor England sinful England who stonest the Prophets and choice men that are sent unto thee but wouldest not hear in this thy day the things that appertain unto thy peace but now they are hid from thine eyes Thou hast had an Iron Sinew and brow of Brass and wouldst not be gathered to the great Shepherd and Bishop of Souls Ah England England What would many Kings and Princes and Righteous men have given to have enjoyed one of those blessed dayes of the Son of God which thou hast sinned away and rendred thy self unworthy of Oh! how art thou become a place of Persecution treading and trampling down God his Name and Concerns as much as in thee lyes But Oh! there is yet a Remnant according to the Election of Grace whom the Lord hath yet seen good to winnow till he hath driven each grain of Corn from other yet be of good chear you that are wholly a right Seed abide with God and know assuredly you are more precious in his sight than Gold of Ophir and lay this Cordial by it that the World is not worthy of you yet judges you unworthy of it but there is a day coming even the day of Jezerel the seed of God shall have a day for it in which the Righteous shall flourish and abundance of Peace as long as the Moon endures That word hath been sweet to me many times Psal 72.19 And let the whole Earth be filled with his Glory Amen and Amen The Prayers of David the Son of Jesse are ended Oh! methinks here is an ending of Prayer indeed Comprising the whole Glory of the great David in this short request that is the compleat end of all Prayer calling worthily for Amen and Amen to close it up Then speaks to all in the Room saying I charge you all in the Name of the Lord Jesus and as you will ever answer it at that great day that you make Religion your business and that you make not Godliness a slight thing nor walking with God a small matter as ever you hope to stand with boldness before God in the judgement Then he said God indeed hath took strength from these Arms of mine I speak it not as if I murmured at it or by way of discouragement as if he could not if it please him raise dead bones and of stones make Children to Abraham desires that they would lift up his arms which they did and then he layes this solemne Charge upon them and desires they would by lifting and holding up his hands be witness to it as his Charge to all of them That they make it their great business the remaining part of their dayes to walk to the praise and glory of the Lord Jesus in all the paths of his pleasure His Sister being troubled to see how he spent himself in speaking He said to her Come Sister is this becoming to cry over a dead Dog when by dying he may glorifie God the more And added I am here yet among the Living though with many marks of death upon me yet nothing with infallible certainty with me that I shall die at this time but Oh! look up from me to the Lord that so that whether I live or die your Interest may be sure in the Lord Jesus and now the Lord watch between me and every one of you when we shall be apart one from the other Then speaking to his Brother A. said My dear Brother the God of Jacob the restorer of the dry scattered bones of Israel shine forth from between the Cherubims of Glory on thy dear soul dispersing and dispelling all Clouds Foggs and Feares under which thou hast been long serving God with many tears and temptations many a day of which I have been
Eye and Ear witness and the God that hath hitherto kept us alive to this day cause all those clouds to flee away and bring out your soul yet more fully not only to find pitty from him to escape the snares that others are catcht in to their hurt but grant also that you may come forth as one of those Palm-bearers cloathed in white Rev. 7.9 as having gotten the victory over all Enemies and made to sing with grace in your heart as they vers 10. Salvation to our God which sits upon the Throne and to the Lamb. And the love extended by you to me unworthy and in me to my Lord and Captain of my Salvation Oh! that streams of Salvation may come forth if it be his blessed will from him to you so also make you a blessed pattern of Piety Purity and Stability for him whom I desire to serve in the Gospel His Sister asked Will you have some Cordial He said Oh! when shall I drink of that good new Wine in my Father's Kingdom In a morning his Friend asked him What of the Night He said It hath been a long Night But saith his Friend The Morning comes Yea said he as a snare on it comes stealing upon the world but the Children of the Day and of the Light that have on the Armour of Light shall have no cause to fear He Exhorted a good Woman that watched with him with all earnestness to close walking with the Lord. His Sister said to him I hope Brother as your Tribulations abound your Consolations abound He said It was a hard question Consolations being very inward deep things She then asked how he felt his Heart He replied I feel the fleshly parts declining apace but I trust the spiritual renewing But saying further to his Sister Come are you wiling to part with me yet She answered Yes in some measure she hoped she was considering his pains on the one hand and the glory that should follow Then said he Be careful I charge you to walk close with God in your generation and take heed of departing from his wayes but walk as becomes a Christian that would be found to his praise After this through extremity of pains the exercise of his Understanding was at seasons interrupted but very sensible and spiritual in his Intervals One asked him How it was with him He said Vnder great rebukes from the Land by reason of sin Saying I have been a wretched sinner have perverted my way and my walks with God have been short and formal But Oh! that it may go well with Israel in the latter dayes though I be as reprobate silver because the Lord hath rejected me It was told him If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous who is the Propitiation for our sins Yea saith he through Faith in his Blood he is so and thither doth my soul flee He was also cautioned to take heed of casting away any his Confidence that hath great recompence of reward and of making a judgement of things in an hour of temptation and tribulation contrary to another judgement made and confirmed by the Lord again and again to him heretofore minding him how the Tempter waited such seasons to disturbe him and drive him from the strength he had laid up for him in Grace that is in Christ Jesus when Grace in us may be but at a low ebb Yea replyed he I would leave this Exhortation with you that when God bruises breaks treads down a poor soul and it lyes before him as ashamed and confounded and not able to open its mouth Oh! then to look up to the Lord for then will the Tempter be busie at such seasons for we are not ignorant of his devises but if God give another day and more strength I hope to speak more convincingly of these things The next day being asked How it was with him Whether all were clear within He said It was very tempestuous round about but yet the Lord is instructing and answering such a poor worm from the secret place of thunder And afterward sayes It will be better and there is hope in the end for all this And then broke out with admiration saying He is ever mindful of his Covenant Holy and Reverent is his Name he is a God near to those that fear him in the needful season Sometimes after one saying to him I hope you can yet say God is good and a strong hold in the day of trouble and knows them that trust in him Yes I can say so blessed be my God but not alike at all times can I say so but I remember the counsel and advise yesterday to wait on the Lord and keep his way and my place appointed me by God which I desire to do all the dayes of my appointed time till my change come though flesh and blood suggest this is hard work and would make haste out of it In the morning following being asked How is it now He said God had been at work closely with his Spirit in the three dayes past before this though this was left him for support That the foundation of God remains sure to all his sealed ones but sayes he I have been ready to say Why should I speak of sealed ones being such a one as might for mine iniquities be sealed up to a day of Wrath and be kept in chains of Darkness to the great day I have been so foolish to think my attainments were such as if I were got to the top and needed little more but the Lord hath laid Judgement to the Line and Righteousness to the Plummet and hath not only thrown down the high raised Structure but razed the very foundations of all fleshly glory and excellency and the Lord hath delivered his glory into Captivity and his strength into the Enemies hand yet hath not left me without hope I trust good hope in mercy that all notwithstanding shall issue well in the end But Oh! the reproach that I have brought on the Name of God! might that be done away by all I feel and suffer inward and outward I shall rejoyce In the After-noon the same day it was said to him I have observed by some hints from you That you have in these few dayes past had some exercises on your Spirit I would be glad to know whence and what they were and the way of God with you in them He replyed He had indeed some such exercise occasioned by close searches made in his soul about the clear and certain right and title it had to a substantial well-founded Interest in Christ which though sayes he I have mentioned heretofore to you and others what it was and how it was the Lord had begot and carried on in me and thought it had been above questions yet had I some doubts and fears renewed of a very ancient date about if not above thirty years ago with many miscarriages since to promote the same matter and this
coming in a time of such weakness and when by the working of my Spleen which sent up dark and disturbing vapours clouding my imagination and made sore work within but the Lord made me see much of my own fleshly gloryings as also others in me and in my flesh which God would take down in this day of tryal when every ones work must he tryed of what sort it is even by fire and truly I was made to see to my shame much hypocrisie and formality in my converse with the Lord in one respect or other and that the Practical part of Religion I had yet arrived to little acquaintance with to what I had in dayes past but this brought me in the issue to see that I was what I was that was good only by grace and no room for flesh to glory but was brought through grace to experience this Truth that when I am weak then am I strong and that however it be yet the Lord forgetteth not his poor nor despiseth not his prisoners this is a brief account of the Way God led me in in this matter and hath so issued it that I trust through grace I shall yet come to lay down my weary head and heart in the peace of Gods speaking that will keep and carry me to the end His Friend told him here somewhat of the danger of attempting such great works under such disadvantages as these seasons and circumstances he had in these dayes past been under for such works as these minding to him That every season was not a fit season for judgement especially to be calling in question things so long and often under more clear light and leadings confirmed formerly and however that be a great Truth that every day will yet more demonstrate that we are but yet Children in Christianity far short of that manly state of things to which the present dispensation of God both publick and personal have a proper and true tendency towards which more excellent way 't is our duty to be pressing yet so to be pressing towards it as to remember both how we have heard and received and hold fast the beginning of our confidences firm unto the end that so the Tempter get not advantage against us as he doth or may do against persons ignorant of his devices But he being still weak either to speak or hear more was not said but that he his Friend was glad to see the Lord had issued the matter so well to the Preventing the Tempters design and giving his poor Servants to see how great that mercy is of all the Saints and their concerns being in Gods hand when the strength of our own hands heads and hearts fails so frequently as they do yet he remains the same for ever and in such seasons secretly succours and supports and at last brings out into a wealthy place to his own praise and encouragement of the poor and needy to trust in him at all times In the morning supposing him drawing near his end a Friend was called to him who finding him discomposed again in his head and convulsive motions renewed with shortness of breath yet soon after asking how he did He said He was a wonder unto many by reason of the rebukes of God upon him but the Lord was and he hoped would be his strong refuge to the end His Friend told him He had made know himself to him as a strong hold in this day of trouble hitherto else he had sunk under his afflictions but to â—e kept up and carried on under such great long exâ—rcises justifying God still and blessing him in giâ—ing as well as taking spake much of divine support â—iven in Yea sayes he I would not only justifie but 〈◊〉 have great reason to glorifie God as the God of my â—alvation It was answered His present posture of submission and subjection to him as the Father of Spirits was a notable way of glorifying God in the fire and giving praise to him in the Isle of the Sea And after a little pause He added He had now but a few steps more to go which he desired the Lord would also so order as he might not be left to sin against him and blessed the Lord that he had given him and yet maintained such good hope through Grace in him that he was not and hoped he should not fear to follow him through the valley of the shadow of death to which he now seemed hastning A Friend coming to him and asking him How doth this honest Watch-man Honest Watch-man saith he hath much in it to be a Watchman indeed looking out for the morn as the Watchman of Ephraim that was with his God when other watchmen are as the Prophet is said to be Hosea 9.8 A snare of a Fowler in all their wayes and hatred in the house of their God as is too evident of the Watchmen of our day by reason of deep defilements found amongst them wherefore the day of the Watchman cometh yea maketh haste now shall be their perplexity and thâ— dayes of their visitations are come the dayes of recompences are come Israel shall know it for the Lord dispensations are now very swift Being asked How he had done to Night Hâ— said I laid me down to sleep and waked again 〈◊〉 the Lord sustained me and hath not made this night night of terror by affrightning dreams and imagâ— nations as sometimes but I seem to be going on as weary traveller his way Sometimes after being asked How he did Hâ— said A poor weak creature It was answered But trust in the Lord you have strength Yea said he blessed be God everlasting strength and they that indeed trust in him shall be as Mount Zion that cannot be moved but abideth for ever for as the Mountains are round about Jerusalem so is the Lord about his People for ever A Friend telling him There was an acquaintance of his come to see him who was going to Preach amongst the poor Saints abroad He wished him prosperity in that good work saying He never found cause to repent of any of his working dayes for Christ in his life-time At the same time one coming from far to visit him and telling him He had dear Remembrances from many Friends of his who in a way of supplication with humble submission were looking to the Lord the God of all Consolation concerning him and his case He replyed He is indeed the God of all Consolation of strong Consolations which were sealed up to his soul And then added I am very much affected with this surprising visit of yours And soon after said to â—he same Friend He had in the two Nights past been graciously led and let into the understanding of that Word Psal 37.37 Mark the perfect man and behold â—he upright the end of that man is peace So as he â—as never let into it in like manner before A Friend saying How doth my Brother He â—eplyed I cannot say of you as he of old
You took our Brother by the heel in the womb but hope we shall â—â—ke one another by the hand in Heaven and that both 〈◊〉 you intending the Friend that came to visit him â—ill live love as Brethren or words to this purpose 〈◊〉 near as could be gathered for now speech failed Then speaking of the pressures that were upon him he was advised to look to the Lord who in depths of Wisdom administred them managing all Circumstances about them as also to eye Christ the Captain of our Salvation who endured sore travel yea bruising from his Father also as knowing he ought to suffer such things and so to enter into glory and the Spirit spake of the Sufferings of Christ and the Glory that should follow He replyed Oh! that Glory that Glory on the other side Calling for drink and the Maid bringing it him he desired a Friend present might give it who coming to him said You appear now as one that is shortly to drink new Wine in the Kingdom of the Father He answered Though many have greater marks of Faith than I have yet I am assured I shall be received into fellowship with the Father Son Spirit and all Saints And looking earnestly on the Friend said If it please God to renew strength he should give good evidence that he loved that Friend dearly and all Saints A little after the same Friend acquainted him of two dear Friends of his in London that desired particularly to be remembred to him and were much exercised in fellowship with his present tryal He being very weak replyed I can say little but I pray God they may be strengthned with all might and power in the inward man to hold out to the end according to his glorious power Being asked by another How he did He said My heart begins to fail I now feel But after said Blessed be God for Christ's Grace and eternal Glory Soon after he broke out into fervent earnest Prayer 1st Deeply lamenting Israel's dealing falsely with Goâ— in his Covenant 2dly Speaks forth with great clearness his faith that God would make the decision between real and pretended Saints and that God would abide with those that abode with him greatly encouraging such as found grace to stand in this hour of temptation Concluded committing himself Soul and Body to the Lord for keeping and carrying to the end At another time in like manner in great zeal and fervency implored the Lord to make the decision between the true Seed of Israel and pretenders who had dealt falsely with the Lord under shew of much love Then beggs If God had any thing for him to speak he would communicate and enable to it and that if Abraham's work were done that he would say to him with that clearness and evidence as he might understand it Thou hast fought a good fight hast kept the Faith henceforth is laid up for thee a Crown which God the Judge of all shall give thee A while after and but three hours before his dissolution a Friend perceiving him under great pressures spake softly to him They looked unto the Lord and were lightned A right look will bring down relief under all difficulties Yea replyed he with strength and earnestness And their faces were not ashamed Thence forward he spoke not but in a few hours after it being the 5th day of the first Month 1668. yielded up his Spirit falling asleep without pang or considerable groan FINIS Copies and Extracts OF LETTERS Written on several occasions BY That Deceased Servant of CHRIST The Author of the fore-going Discourses Printed in the Year 1668. A Book that he approved being the work of an other containing Instructions for Children he sent several of them to some of his Acquaintance accompanied with this Letter to their Parents Vnto my dearly beloved Brethren Sisters and Friends whom the Lord hath intrusted with the oversight of Families Children and Servants abundance of the Spirit of Glory and of God is desired Endeared in the Lord UNder the strong obligations of bounden duty which my Father hath been pleased to lay upon me of serving the Interest of your Souls and theirs whom God hath given you to my uttermost it hath been not the least part of my study in this School of Instruction unto which he hath sent me how I might at this distance most effectually attend and be found therein as one â—hat must give an account not only of the Law of my Relations but also of these fruits thereof on your hands which have extended and abounded to me-ward in un-interrupted tender love and sympathy as well in this my chain â—s in the many years of my weak endeâ—vours to serve Christ among you in liberty in requital whereunto as I can do little at most so am I often inwardly checked and rebuked for my sinful shortness toward you both in general and particular from soul to soul and very lately it hath been with more than ordinary weight on me to exercise pitty and compassionate thoughtfulness on those Families of yours both Children and Servants many of which the Lord hath multiplied like a Flock whose particular affections as far as they have been capable to express them I have been at a loss how to recompence or improve to their advantage but having been advising with some of my Companions here as well as laying the matter before him who is able to give seed to the sower and multiply with blessing the seed sown I have herewithal attempted to make an Essay for enterance with them in presenting to them this upright plain Address prepared to my hand by some one of the Lord's Prisoners full of bowels toward such young subjects consisting of such proper matter and brought forth in such a condescending Spirit and Language as I trust by the blessing of the Lord will find good acceptance and success among such souls My present Writing therefore with it is not so much to crave its acceptance in good part by them for of that I have much assurance buâ— to lay hold of this opportunity to desire your faithful following the design of it by stirring up your selves and zealously and unweariedly doing your endeavour with all your wisdom interest and might behaving your selves among them as Men and Women of knowledge that your account of their souls as mine account of yours may be given up with joy and not with grief Here am I and the Children and Servants which thou hast graciously given me unto which faithfulness of yours besides many other weighty Arguments that might be urged the very remembrance of the dayes being so very evil may afford you as it hath me many forcible motives 1. These are dayes wherein you know not how suddenly you may be hurried pluck'd and separated from them not only by death which climbeth up at the windows in most Families this sickly season but by the violenee of the Sons of Men through the wise ordering of God who are permitted to make
mixtures of this kind which are apt to steal in insensibly upon spirits influenced either with the Fear or Love of Creatures in this staggering and back-sliding hour of temptation wherein men's politick and prudential contrivances to preserve themselves from danger hath abundantly weakned and wasted the Courage if not the Conscience of Testifying Duty It 's of no small advantage I find by blessed experience to be giving daily diligence in observation how nearly and firmly the great Concerns of the Lord's Glory in his Works and Wayes are related to the Lord Jesus in his raised and exalted capacity and how directly the weight of them all rests upon his shoulders who is mighty to bear and with what infinite wisdom and according to what an exact platform of eternal counsel all these seeming Meanders and Laborynths of exteriour transactions are managed according to the integrity of his heart and the skilfulness of his hand who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working In the Faith and Hope of this the Soul of a Beleever hath gracious invitations and engagement to return to its rest knowing that in quietness and confidence is its strength and are as the secrets of a Presence-Chamber for it till these calamities be over-past and though it look on but cannot interpret signs in Heaven and on the Earth perplexity distress of Nations the Sea and Waves roaring through approaching woe to the Inhabiters of the Earth and of the Sea yet it can acquiesce in the infallible knowledge of that Interpreter one among a thousand who is concerned in all these things engaged by Covenant and resolved in absolute Will to bring about in the best time and way the Ends of his Glory and its blessedness in a most sweet harmony and conjunction This saying to the righteous It shall go well with them and commanding their fluctuating tempestuous souls into a calm is yet very far from inducing them to that carnal security and idleness wherein tyred Professors are apt to wrap and bless themselves concluding we must leave publick things to Providence and retire into a closset-converse with our selves and the Lord things good in themselves but usually abused into the generating of a private selvish narrow frame of Spirit unfit to serve God in our generation by Converting Sinners Edifying Saints or saving themselves from an untoward and adulterous generation by a faithful testimony That the contrary hereunto may be your blessed lot namely largness of Heart like the Sand on the Sea-shore accompanied with cleanness of hand and a Spirit clensed by the Blood and set free by the Spirit of the Gospel is the earnest desire for you of him who is Yours assuredly These Parts yield little only fresh gazing on a new Blazing-Star in the East and divers talks of the beautiful Star in the West few think of the Star of Jacob that bright Morning-Star they who overcome shall have him as a certain fore-runner and prognostick of a Morning without Clouds they must be up early who look to be visited with the comfortable beams of it Even so Amen 1st of the 2d month 65. Another to the like effect Supplies of every good thing from the Shepherd and Stone of Israel Dear Heart IT is in my desire for you that you may obtain the favour of a marked Mourner securing you from approaching Plagues and reserving you for expected Salvation among the Palm-bearing throng who only are competent to learn the new song as one of the One hundred forty four thousand that are redeemed from the Earth And though you are fed with the Bread of Affliction and Waters of Adversity and that also by measure and stealth yet you may not want the satisfactory sight and hearing of a Teacher that may guide you into all Truth as it is in Jesus keeping you upright in this staggering day when so many reel to the right hand and to the left I confess sometimes I have hopeful expectations of seeing some such effect as this oâ— all these slidings some of them of understanding sâ—all fall to try them and to purge and make them white even to the time of the end but yet It is a fearful thing thus to fall into the hands of the Living God My lye that promotes his Glory makes me no whit less a sinner or my doing evil that good may come thereby I think I was hinting to you last time the Caution the Lord hath ministred to me by Prov. 25.26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain and a corrupt spring detrimental and infectious to all that have any thing to do with him The accompt that you give of the Wall of the Daughter of Sion much-like his Neh. 2.13 which was once such an inviting prospect Psal 48.12 13. would engage to that Out-cry Lam. 2.18 19. but that there is hope in her end That her Children shall return though now they are not her dead men shall live together this dead body shall arise A review therefore of her from the munition of Rocks sutable to that Landschip Isa 33.20 c. is becoming the Children of the King but especially hath it been of use to me to feed upon that discovery made of the temper of his heart who is principally interested and concerned in all these mutations He shall not fail nor be discouraged till he have set Judgment in the Earth Isa 42.4 The youths shall faint and grow weary and young-men utterly fail they who stand upon their youthful vigour and greenness may and shall give way but he who hath such engagements with him and for him as vers 5 6. he waits without weariness and expects without impatience till his enemies be made his footstool A fellowship through faith in in his Spirit will furnish to a similitude in his patience to a being armed with the same mind that was in him Rests Yours dearly To a Friend upon the death of a Zealous Faithful and therefore Persecuted Servant of the Lord. Where is the Lord God of Elijah My true Friend IT comes to my lot to take you now by the hand though you may justly and earnestly challenge and expect it from a righter and more instructed heart and hand who being under deep pressures and considering there is a time to be silent especially when put to shame as well as a time to speak is not easily drawn forth to any thing of this nature till he can recover a little strength waited for to comfort others with the same comforts wherewith himself hath been when he hath been comforted himself of the Lord dreading especially under such a dispensation to utter any thing rashly knows that to speak his troubles will add little to the allaying of yours and that as Vinegar upon Nitre will be the singing songs to an heavy heart his own or others wisheth therefore his present silence may have no worse interpretation than the seven dayes silence of Job's Friends who answered him not a word
Drum which you know by cords and other means is braced at times to the utmost extremity Thus have the precious limbs and members not only of our Lord himself but of his dearest children been violently distorted till part hath been plucked from part on Racks or other Engins and that complaint litterally verified Psal 22.14 I am poured out like water all my bones are out of joynt Or else it answers to the beating of a drum which is performed with both hands with multiplicity of stroaks not to be numbred and then it referreth to those cruel beatings stripes and blows that have been beyond measure laid upon their backs such as of which the Apostle speaks Some had tryal of cruel mockings and scourgings Paul records the number and measure of his beatings by the Jews 2 Cor. 11.24 as though they would keep stroke as on a Drum such pretended order is sometimes spoken of by such Revolters as are profound to make slaughter Hos 5.2 but at other times they were stripes without measure vers 23 25. beating with rods beating with stones hence he was in deaths oft in this path must we expect to follow our Lord 2 Cor. 6.4 5. in stripes in imprisonment c. This sets forth the liberal and unlimitted cruelty in point of act that wicked men have still abounded in Or otherwise the metaphor directs us to the consideration of the end and design of the Persecutors in the extention of their cruelty and this also under this similitude may refer one of these two wayes First to set out the design of the Tormentors as is the Souldiers in beating their Drum thereby to animate encourage and hearten those that are engaged with themselves that look as that warlike-sound is intended to quicken chear-up and delight the spirits of such Warriors so are the extorted groans and cryes of the Lords poor sufferers levelled to the heightning the pride scorn and derision of a bloudy generation So â—hey did by the green-tree our Lord himself see Matt. 27.39 to 49. where you have the People Priest Theeves making pastime of his groans under the torments of men without and the bruisings of his God within Isa 53.10 this was prophetically declared of him and verified in his members Psal 69.10 11 12. Nevertheless the over-ruling hand of the Lord is in this frequently to be seen and magnified in turning the devices of the wicked herein upon their own head and rather working conviction and astonishment on many who perhaps have come with intentions to scorn at the misery of the poor Lambs of Christ yet in beholding the inhumane cruelty of the one and the divine Power displayed in upholding the other have gone away convinced God is with them of a truth as its manifest in the seqâ—el of that derision on our Lord above mentioned Luk. 23.47 48. The Centurion seeing the issue of it glorified God justified Christ and all the people smote their breasts and returned so shall he make their own tongues to fall upon themselves all that see them shall flee away and all men shall fear and shall declare the work of God when they shal wisely consider of his doings Psal 64.8 9. 2 Another end and design of men by such torments is to strike â— greater terror in the hearts of their opposits to break the spirits of such as are related to and interested in the cause of those tortured ones being Companions of them that are so used and thereby to drive them from their station and profession smiting the shepherd in expectation that then the sheep must be scattered but herein as in the former infinite Wisdom shines forth in bringing meat out of the Eater and sweetness out of the Strong bringing to nought the devices of the wicked it frequently coming to pass as in the case of Paul Phil. 1.12 13 14. The things the cruel things which happened to him fell out rather for the furtherance of the Gospel so that his bonds for Christ were manifect in all Cesars Court and all other places and many Brethren in the Lord waxing confident by his bonds grew much more bold to speak the Word without fear O Lord behold their Threatnings and grant to thy Servants Boldness was the Prayer of their Faith Acts 4.29 The more shamefully the Apostles were intreated they were the more bold in their God to Preach the Gospel of their God with much contention 1 Thes 2.2 Men think it for evil but God hath wonderfully brought it about for good These Tortures upon the harmless Lambs of Christ have been exercised in several Ages of the world with much variety according to the fruitful womb of lust of the sons of violence who from generation to generation derive and suck the spirit of Persecution from him that was of the wicked-one and slew his Brother and hath more or less exerted its self according to the opportunities they have had for so doing which have been frequently either more relaxed or restrained as hath seemed best to infinite Wisdom to bring about his ends and designs of Glory in the earth But though these great and sore tryals are the common lot of Saints in all ages yet there are some eminent and peculiar Periods some remarkable points of time which the Scripture doth refer unto that may be called in an especial manner the times of such torment with which we have need be well acquainted and our concernment respecting them The First time that I note such tortures were in date and fashion as I may express it is that as I understand the Text points at namely toward the latter end of the Grecian Monarchy not but that divers fair Sons and Daughters of God had their share deeply in Sufferings before sundry times But now it grew to be the common expectation of all those that would hold up any Profession of the true God a time was come over them which carried this in the very front of it it was a torturing time especially under Antiochus Epiphanes of whom we have such an exact description under the notion of a little Horn the very point and venom of which is levelled against the people of the Saints of the most High reade him pourtrayed Dan. 8 vers 9.10 11 12. compared with and opened v. 21 23 24 25. This dreadful opposition and persecution was made to the Name of God against such as retained the Profession of it according to the Laws and Ordinances given by the hand of Moses There is a Second Period or special point of time wherein the tortures of the Lords people are remarked and that is under the reign and rage of the Dragon exercising his power in the Roman Monarchy considered as Pagan this is described by that fourth Beast Dan. 7.7 8. dreadful and terrible and vers 19 20. exceeding dreadful this principally respects those incredible tortures that were inflicted throughout the whole Roman Territories which were wide and large upon any who professed the Name of Christ
a Religious Pretext for their cruel act Gen. 34.31 Cursed be their anger for it was fierce and their wrath for it was cruel Gen. 49.7 4. Another occasion of their wrath boyling up to torment ariseth from the constant bold and couragious Spirit that is sometimes found in the Lord's people that will neither be debauched with their terms nor broken by their threats this exasperats exceedingly So it is with the three Worthies Dan. 3.16 18 19. We are not careful to answer thee in this matter be it known to thee O King we will not serve thy Gods nor Worship thy golden Image which thou hast set up Then was the King full of fury and the form of his visage changed against them and commanded the Furnace to be heated seven times more thaâ— it was wont c. See also vers 22. When Steven stood in the boldness of his Testimony Acts 7.54 57. It cut them to the heart they gnashed on him with their teeth cryed out stopt their ears ran upon him with one accord cast him out of the City and stoned him If Mordecai will not bow Haman is on a rack all his comforts do not comfort him till he shew himself profound for slaughter not an ordinary gallows will serve the turn A Consideration which ought not to be improved as many do that because they are apt to be thus enraged therefore we are to slack our Testimony thereby to abate their fury but rather to wait on the Lord with the more earnestness to double and multiply his Spirit and the strengths and consolations of it with us as they Acts 4.29 Though the Heathen rage c. Now Lord behold their threatnings and grant to thy Servants that with all boldness they may speak thy Word They do not beg Prudence Policy Skill to evade and escape but more anointing to testifie boldly for the Lord which was granted fully 5. When unto all this there is super-added the opportunity of wicked men's having the power of Magistracy in their hands Prov. 28.15 16. I mind when they have a providential admittance to the capacity of making Laws and putting them in execution against the people of God having their own lusts uncontroulable and an advantage of covering their cruelty under pretext of Law and to asperse the faithfulness of Saints to the Laws of Jesus Christ with the odious charges of being against Magistracy and not being subject to the higher Powers c. the old accusation Neh. 2.19 ch 6.6 Hest 3.8 Acts 17.6 7. They now rush upon the poor Lambs of Christ with all their lusts as so many sayls bearing nay in these capacities there is occasion to draw forth those monstrous cruelties which perhaps they hardly thought were hid in their hearts as you see in that remarkable instance of Hazael who when he was told He would slay the young men of Israel with the sword dash the Children and rip up the Women with child replied But what is thy servant a Dog that he should do this great thing He thought its likely that unless he did degenerate from humanity and became a beast he could not perform such strange things but what is the answer of the Prophet The Lord hath shewed me thou shalt be King over Syria 2 King 8.18 Intimating that whatever fierce and dogged disposition lay hid in his heart against the Lords interest under what plausible pretext soever it might be covered for a time from others nay whatever better perswasions he might have of himself about it yet his King-ship would give opportunity and provocation enough to draw them forth to grow up into his conceipt Joh. 19.10 Knowest thou not that I have power to crucifie thee and power to release thee will give strong temptation to a wicked man to condemn and kill the Just though he doth not resist especially when an intrest of worldly honour seems to lie that way ver 12. notwithstanding convictions and reluctancies of Conscience to the contrary Dan. 6.14 15 16. Mat. 14.7 9. These may serve as some of the Reasons giving light why and whence it is that it hath been the lot of Saints some have been tortured thus I shall only touch a little Practical Improvement by drawing these Inferences Use 1. If it be so that the Lord's people have their times by the permission nay the appointment of God wherein they have been and may be tortured put to the most violent shameful way of dying or the most slavish miserable and disgraceful way of living though the most choice of all his Children It then may serve to caution such as are lookers on how they proceed to make a positive judgement of men and things according to the severe dispensations they are carried through a mistake upon which very great inconveniencies have often followed and yet very incident in our Censuring-day to divers who deal with the Lord's Interest in their conclusions as the Barbarians with that providence of the Viper on Paul's hand pass a judgment Without doubt this man is a murderer whom though he escaped the Sea yet vengeance suffereth not to live But such rash conclusions frequently revert as much into the quite contrary extream as it did with them Acts 28.4 5 6. It becomes us therefore to lay our conclusions of this kind upon other principles than these which are not appointed directly to signifie what we are apt often to infer from them singly considered Eccles 9.1 if the best of men have endured the worst of torments if from the beginning it hath been so such fiery tryals should be no strange things to us nor should we draw any strange deductions from it either to the censure of the persons or dislike of the cause testified to thereby Use 2. If the rage of man having all the aggravations and advantages above-named be such a fierce thing and hath been so fruitful in torments on the Saints and if we have such caution to expect more in the latter days wherein iniquity must be expected to abound then let it teach us to admire the wonderful grace of God to poor England and to the poor Saints of God in it that have lived in such times wherein men that hate them have such Laws in hand and at hand to destroy them nay having it in the power of their hand to put them in execution having also received such exasperation in the years that are past to remember and revenge many old grudges and yet so few to this day compared with the body of professing people in this Nation have suffered these things in their extremity that we should be helped to cleave to the Lord and every one of us alive before him That there is no more blood mingled with our sacrifices the Bush burn in the fire and yet not be consumed it is the Lord's doings and marvellous in our eyes and should be owned and improved as an argument to strengthen our faith against the many faintings we are lyable unto in further
clear up the sincerity and inward value and excellency of those Virtues or Graces of Christ which are his own and his admirable workmanship in their Souls These pass up and down among men as meer delusions from the Devil and hypocrisie in the professors of them And now it is the interest of the Lord's honour and the vindication of the operation of the Spirit that these be put upon some tryal that may search their very root and bottom discover their foundation to the neck When God speaks of his Workmanship and Image in Job Satan undertakes if he could hâ—ve the stripping him of all his outward accommodations touch all he hath and he would curse him to his face That attempt failing he is confident that if he might have the torturing of him the touching and tearing his bones and his flesh he would curse him to his face and if he durst assert his confidence of his success in such an enterprize to the face of God may we think much of his confident imposing his suggestions on the projects and conclusions of his children He did attempt the green Tree and it s no marvel if he do the Dry. Now while he would bear God if possible and doth bear the World in hand so confidently that he hath instruments of Cruelty that would whip and kick the new-creature in any man to nothing and herein make God a Liar as in the former and an Imposture as in this the Lord delivers the dearly beloved of his Soul into the enemies hand though with sufficient restrictions Take him Torturer try him to the bottom and when all comes to all when he is tryed he shall come forth as Gold Job 23.10 And though till his word of deliverance came to his Josephs the word of the Lord tryes them while their feet are hurt with fetters and they be laid in irons Psal 105.18 19. They pass through fire and water yet he brings them into a wealthy place Psal 66.10 11 12. Men and Devils shall know that the Faith Love Zeal Patience Courage Holiness c. wherewith he hath endowed them have that of Truth Virtue and Worth in them as doth undeniably constitute them more excellent than their neighbours and that an excellent Spirit is found in them so as none of these tortures numbred up Rom. 8.35 to the end is able to separate betwixt them and their love to God and uprightness with and before him 3. Sometimes the Lord doth by these Tortures take occasion to heighten the honour of his own Power Arm and Influence which are day by day administered to bear up his children when it is manifest they have no external props to stay them up but are out of weakness made strong This brings out a more evident acknowledgement That the power of Christ rests upon them 2 Cor. 12.9 God is in them of a truth 1 Cor. 14.25 It s true as long as times and providences hold to keep off pains from the body chains from the legs stripes from the back famine from the belly other props and principles may be presumed to bear one up but when there is no fruit in the Vine no flock in the Field no herd in the Stall none shut up nor left yet then to rejoyce in the Lord to glory in tribulation to accompt it all joy to fall into divers of them and they great ones this is convincing that such are kept and kept up by the mighty Power of God underneath such must needs be everlasting arms What convictions came upon the two great Monarchs by the great support the three Worthies and Daniel ch 3. and ch 6. had from the Lord to yield their bodies to torment The former because they would not joyn with false worship the other because he would not cease practising the true they gave glory to the God of heaven and upon all occasions confess that an excellent Spirit was found in them 4. Sometimes the Lord brings about this end by it he hereby brings forth a more plain and naked discovery of the wickedness that is in the world through lust Many times men come in upon Dominions and the exercise of Power and Authority with most plausible insinuations protestations and declarations of their design and temper as if no other than the disposition of Lambs were in them whereon they raise a name and repute of benefactors Luke 22.25 or merciful Lords and reckon it no small part of their interest and business to raise and maintain in the spirits of people the supposition of some indelible marks of the nature and majesty of a Deity is stamped upon them and sutably to get a reverence of them as most sacred when many times to open and undeceive the minds of poor souls held in such blind devotion the Lord lets them alone and exposes the bodies of his dearest ones to their cruelty that no man may glory in men above what is written but that coming to a plain discovery of men and things in their own evidence as Psal 36.2 the sons of men as well as the children of God may breath after the Lords arising to rule the earth and become the Governor among the Nations Thus we see for high ends and unto glorious advantage some are tortured The Second Enquiry put is Why but some men would be gratified and if God be so honoured why not all tortured A few Reasons may be considered here also 1. There are but some tortured because God is pleased to accompt but some worthy to bear and wear the glory of being thus used for his Name-sake There are some of whom the Lord saith They shall walk with me in white for they are worthy Who are counted worthy to walk in white Why they who are come out of great tribulations and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb Rev. 7.14 Though there be some points of honour of which it may be said this honour have all the Saints Psal 149.9 yet it holds not true in this that we speak of they who had the first stripes for the Name of Christ rejoyced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his Name Acts 5.41 They have marks of distinguishing favour who bear in their body the marks of the Lord Jesus Gal. 6.17 Alwayes carrying about in their body the dying of the Lord Jesus that the Life of Jesus may so much the more be magnified and manifested in their mortal flesh 2 Cor. 4.10 11. 2. All are not tortured because the Lord sees all of his Servants have not power to bear such tryals as all men have not faith so all good men have not the like strong faith though they may have the like precious Faith Their Faith may carry them to Heaven who yet may not have that degree and strength of Faith to carry them through Tortures to heaven not that they who have most have any thing to boast of above others as being better than they the differance
is only in bestowing mercies which are distributed variously even as the Spirit will 1 Cor. 12.11 yet still a proportion of tryal is measured out sutable to their strength 1 Cor. 10.13 for he knows our frames and in measure doth debate with us and as the day is so our strength shall be Deut. 33.25 and even as there are children young men and Fathers in Christ 1 John 2.13 so have these their tryals as they can and that they may be able to bear them 3. All are not tortured because all are not called to be tortured the Lord hath other imployments for some that shall as sufficiently prove their faithfulness and improve their strength as if they had been tortured Some of the Saints may as really honour God in a Meeting as others of them may on a Gibbet every member hath not the same office Rom. 12.4 1 Cor. 12. throughout not the same imployment shall not by the same manner of doing or dying glorifie God John 21.19 God seeks for a man to stand in the gap and make up the hedge Ezek. 22.30 Every man is not looked for in that place of danger it 's good to be where God looks for a man 4. All are not tortured because the Lord will be magnified in distributing the tryals of the body of Christ otherwayes than he did the tryals of their Head its true the tortures that were laid on him were to meet on him alone he was to tread the Wine-press alone and of all the people there was none to help him they that thought they could drink the Cup he was to drink or be baptized with his Baptisme did not understand themselves He looked and there was none to help he wondered there was none to uphold therefore his own Arm brought him help c. But now in the fellowship and similitude of Christs sufferings assigned to the body although there be a compleatness of suffering appointed to the whole of which the Apostle speaks Col. 1.24 and though there be a common spirit of fellowship and simpathy of bearing one anothers burdens through which they are all baptized into one body yet is there distribution made of them into the various parts each member having that assigned him which infinite wisdom sees proper for him so that none may boast against others as if he had no need of them though Paul had laboured and suffered more than all yet he had not suffered all and could not say to the weakest I have no need of thee 5. Lastly All are not tortured because the Lord will roll away the reproach and remove the usual stumbling-block which Satan raiseth up to the turning the weak out of the way of the Lord namely That the enquiring after and profession of Jesus Christ doth indispensibly necessitate and bind over unto all manner of hardships such can never be in reasonable expectation of good day more but must bid adieu to all creature comforts and espouse the quite contrary extremities its true A dying to a denying nay a hating of all our lower comforts is required to be learned in the beginning of their way who will be his Disciples But whether they shall be actually put upon that tryal and really deprived of them is left to be disposed of in the brest and good pleasure of him who knows what part of the wrath of men and suffering of Saints will praise him and the remainder he will restrain the absolute conclusion therefore of stumbling Sinners and discouraging Saints as if their bread would fail and as a Lion he would break all their bones are hence to be expelled as having no just ground to be insisted on as real obstructions to our following the Lord. Tempted Souls are apt to get their spirit quite worn out with a fearful expectation of the most fiery tryals when as it may be the Lord hath appointed no such thing at all for them and in their following on in this way they have met with little or nothing of what they feared A few Practical Inferences here shall close up the Point Vse 1. Is it so that God hath appointed but some to be Tortured not all it then yields some stay against those surprizing amazements that are apt especially in such dayes as these to seize upon the spirits of people who are looking toward Zion with their faces thither-ward most good people are looking upon Penal Laws and Statutes made and making against them if they hold on in such a profession as they have made hitherto of Christ Jesus all must be banished all must be sold as slaves all must be impoverished imprisoned or the like Why then saith a poor creature what shal I do I can never lie in a nasty prison being used to a soft bed fresh air good diet Saith another I shall never endure another clymate to have lash and labour that have been bred up in a Land and State of fulness I can never live if I am forced to such hunger and poverty as the Laws do threaten me Why Soul do not reason thus thou knowest not what supplies of strength the Lord may furnish thee withal if he call thee to such a condition Out of weakness many have been made strong But besides thou shouldst not fret thy self with such an expectation thou knowest not that any part of this shall be thy portion Yes yes will such object I am sure if any man in the town or countrey it will be me such and such have particular enmities to me c. Why yet thou knowest not but the Lord may preserve thee in his way from such rage of men and strife of tongues thou mayst be of them whom God reserves Baruch cryed out Wo is me now for the Lord hath added grief to my sorrow c. Jer. 45.3 perhaps of the heavy and dangerous service he was called upon to go where Jeremiah could not ch 36.5 6. he feared ruine and tortures inevitably yet God had wayes to hide him v. 26. and to give and secure him his life for a prey ch 45.5 Moses had many dreadful objections and discouragements against going upon that thankless difficult hazardous message God sent him on Exod. 3.10 What am I vers 11. they will say what is his Name vers 13. They will not believe me nor hearken to my voice ch 4.1 I am not eloquent of a slow speech and of a slow tongue vers 10. Send by whom thou shouldest send v. 13. All springing from fear of the issues of the undertaking and of the miscarriage in it which when it came to be put in practice there was not one of the feared things occurred in his path though some other tryals did Unbelieving fear of these dreadful consequences of following God is very fruitful in forming Lions in the way as if there were no avoiding of them or no restraint designed by that Arm which setteth bounds to the Sea Hitherto shalt thou go and no further there shall thy proud waves be
stayed He bringeth the counsel of the Heathen to nought and maketh the devices of the people of none effect Psal 33.10 11. It s not unusual that they fall into their own net whilst we escape Psal 141.10 Use 2. If it be but some that are Tortured and they stand distinguished by the absolute sovereignty and gracious disposal of the Lord who appoints their call anointing and season as it pleaseth him on whose will also the with-drawment of influences hereunto doth depend Then it may caution you and me to take care how we judge of men that are assisted or not assisted in point of enduring tortures It s not the smallest infirmity of this day there is a present over-valuing and under-valuing men and parties according as there appears or dis-appears an ability to endure the tortures that attend the tryal of their profession The persons of some are had in admiration because of advantage above what is written and the persons of others so dispised as if God were not able to make them stand that is a needful counsel in a case not very different Rom. 11.18 Boast not against the branches for if thou boastest thou bearest not the root but the root thee and the teaching therein hath been oftentimes enforced on me by that determination of our Lord which is admitted frequently to take place at this day Many that were last shall be first and the first last And it falls frequently under observation That men as well as things do very speedily and often countermarch and shift places Many tall Cedars who did run well suffer many things gave great ground of perswasion that they would have gone thorough have notwithstanding at one point or other faultred deserted their station and as Sampson grown weak as another man when perhaps on the same ground a poor weak believer over-looked and dispised by most hath obtained grace and strength from on high to make good that post and to walk from strength to strength in the Name of the Lord his God So that all glorying or being puffed up for one against another is excluded here Let not him boast that putteth on his Armour Use 3. Must some be tortured must all be tryed is not the day of the expectation of greater things than these yet over Then let us learn to prepare our Faith and Patience get on our Armour and gird it on take heed how you be drawn into a sleep of security from the present interval of Calm and Rest which the Lord is pleased hitherto to continue to you in a very wonderful manner Some are if not tortured yet sorely tryed and tempted while you have your mercies and opportunities so peaceable about you you should be reckoning this is a space allowed you to gather courage not to contract rust by rest but laying up a store against the evil day that question should be still with us in a way of endeavouring its resolution Seeing we look for these things what manner of People should we be standing on our guard expecting to be drawn forth and ready to comply with that Call Who will rise up for me against the evil-doers who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity Psal 49.16 in a faithful humble Lamb-like readiness to follow Jesus Christ and witness for him though it be in tortures temptations or wherever he goeth But to proceed to some farther Observations in the words Others were tortured c. It is implyed to make up the sense at every sentence by Faith they were so although it be not so expresly named By Faith they were tortured by Faith they accepted not deliverance by Faith they looked for a better Resurrection all the famous doings and fearful undoings recorded in this Chapter are to the honour of Faith This expression therefore that comes first to hand By Faith some were tortured may be considered two wayes 1. It hath a great truth in it if we thus understand it by Faith that is by means of their Faith upon this occasion and for this reason they were tortured even their Faith This was the quarrel the Devil and World had with them viz. They were men of Faith Or else 2. The expression may be thus understood By Faith they were tortured that is they were supported in and carried through their Tortures living or dying by their Faith This was the victory that overcame the world in all these tortures even their Faith I take this latter to be most immediately aimed at in this place and sutably is my eye to prosecute it Though I take the former not to be excluded or at least we may draw some useful considerations from that sense By Faith that is upon occasion of their Faith they were quarrelled with singled out and tortured by Satan and his instruments Great Faith exposed them to great sufferings And so it is now and may afford us this Observation Doct. 3. That a lively Faith possessed and professed is that which will enrage and engage the worlds highest violence and cruelty on him that hath it I intend a very brief dispatch of this not being so immediately perhaps intended in the words and that by considering Faith as contracting and incurring this rage in a two-fold sense or respect 1. Consider we this Faith unfeigned as it is possessed or respecting its inward root and principle as it dwelleth in the hidden-man of the heart in that which is incorruptible against this and as such doth the Prince of Darkness mainly bend his batteries It s true he brings his torments to bear upon the limbs and members of the Body the sensitive part but nothing is more evident than that his design lies farther as appears by this That if by the frights or feeling of these tortures he can but get in pollution and defilement upon the soul of a poor Saint if he can but corrupt that from the simplicity or debauch that of the virginity it hath with Christ then is the offence of the Cross ceased the torments are all called off the work is done He is mad to see any soul delivered from his dominion and translated into the Kingdom of the dear Son of God and there lives by this Faith on comforts that he cannot intermedle withal derives strength and influence which he cannot obstruct is acted in a life and on principles and reasonings which have a fixed and unalterable antipathy to his former courses nay have vertue and success to make resistance to Satan oftentimes to put him to flight 1 Pet. 5.9 Jam. 4.7 And this is the Victory that so frequently overcomes not only the World 1 Joh. 5.4 but the Prince of the World 1 Joh. 4.4 Now there is little reason that we should wonder to see Satan rage and in a rage to bring his instruments of greatest cruelty to bear upon a soul that lives by Faith above him and in such an advantagious way of conquest over him as the Gates of Hell cannot prevail to do him real
might not be offended Blessed is he that is not offended in me But Oh! how strong are temptations to reason thus why this way of Professing of Meeting of Exercising is the high way to make me poor a beggar to undo me at last and what shall I do then Such Reasonings have need be rejected with utmost abhorrency Use 4. These Considerations should sweeten Heaven and Glory to us If while we live by Faith we draw the World and such a world of miseries on us it should quicken the edge of our longings not in a way of impatience neither to be dissolved and be with Christ who is far better Where sorrow and sighing shall flee away where shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for former things are past away Rev. 21.4 But to go forward to another Point By Faith some were c. Understanding it thus that by Faith as the principle that bare them up and carried them through as conquerors they were tortured This sense of it is most agreeable with the drift and design of the whole Chapter The nobility of their Spirits commends the excellency of their Faith To be tortured and bear it patiently is well but so may many do from other Principles and Causes they cannot tell possibly how to escape but now to chuse affliction with the people of God to become companions of them that are so used to improve what God doth in it and think this is best of all a Spirit thus managed and demeaning its self through the sharps of it commends the Fatih by which he doth it By Faith they were tortured the tortures on one hand and temptings on the other made no impression no alteration on them they were the same as formerly or rather much better By Faith they were so The Note is this Doct. That the Faith of Gods Elect is of invincible power to make them Conquerors in all their tortures What I have to say to the clearing up this Point I shall offer by endeavouring to shew these two wayes wherein Faith contributes to the performing this high service 1. Faith doth contribute to bear up under tortures themselves and much more under less tryals as imprisonment banishment c. by way of evidencing things to the Soul which otherwise are not so clear and substantial as its the office of Faith to make them Heb. 11.1 2. Faith contributes hereunto by way of ministring influence and assistance to the soul strengthening and heartning it to indure that which otherwise would seem insufferable break and sink the Spirit As for the former of these Faith 's proper tendency to give light and evidence to the soul and by evidence to beget a conquering magnanimity commends it self to us as its conversant about a three-fold object or imployment 1. Faiths main evidencing work is concerned about the grand Interest and Propriety that the Soul hath in God and God in him to get this case once cleared up beyond controversie and to maintain the soul in a satisfactory veiw of an interest in Christ Where this is uncertain or clouded up the soul sets upon such hazards with much trembling and good reason it should do so all things considered But where this Mystery of Union and Relation to Christ is cleared to and by believing the soul becomes impregnable as might be abundantly made out by that triumph of Faith recorded exactly and accurately Rom. 8.33 to the end Can any of the instruments of torture or cruelty there ennumerated separate such a one from the love of God who stands resolved and undoubted upon Gospel-grounds nay He is more than a Conqueror Tribulation distress persecution famine nakedness peril sword though all the day long we be killed and counted as sheep for the slaughter yet can none of these managed either by men or Angels do any thing of importance to the shaking of such a one When he arrives to that pitch of triumph Psal 27.1 The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear the Lord is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid You may guess how far he is hereby removed out of the way of danger inroads may be made upon him but he cannot be easily moved 2. Faith hath another matter to clear up in a way of evidence and by doing it effectually it contributes exceeding encouragement to a Believer to endure torments namely it evidenceth the Truth and Goodness and the special Relation that God hath to the Cause that it suffers in from all the clouds aspersions and calumnies that men would cast upon it I do not say that Faith can make a bad cause good but it can make an obscure cause clear It is not enough that a Christian have the clearness of a personal interest in the Lord when he comes to endure torment but it is needful that he have the clearness of a good Cause and a good Call that he suffers on or else he may suffer as an evil-doer and what thank will that be the truth and goodness of his Cause needs then to be cleared and Faith is of singular essicacy this way when perhaps the wisdom and devilish policy of men have been at work with opprobrious reproaches to vilisie it or some time-serving Apostates with their sophistical arguings and scholastical distinctions as Jannes and Jambres to invalidate and resist the Truth to which service Scriptures and Arguments are not wanting to be wrested for the perverting the plain wayes of God when the case is so and a poor Christian is frequently so assailed and baited with them that he knows not how to give a distinct satisfactory convincing answer to all these sophisms nay perhaps cannot demonstrably extricate himself from all the subtle entanglements that of this kind may be drawn about him Now is it the office of Faith to clear up the innate goodness and truth of the principles it suffers on that at least to its own satisfaction the soul is abundantly cleared and convinced therein and united thereunto And this hath helped the Martyrs of Christ to bear so bold a testimony to divers Truths of which they were not able to make a scholastical defence by way of disputation yet could set to their seal by dying or sustaining any tortures When this point is once satisfactorily evidenced that the Cause is Gods that Jesus Christ is interested and imbarked in it it gives strong consolation What an encouragement was that 2 Chron. 20.15 Be not dismayed at this great multitude for the battel is not yours but Gods So was it to David with the Philistine 1 Sam. 17.47 The battel is the Lords When a soul can see God not only interested with it but really more deeply interested and concerned than its self is it yields full assurance of good success at last I know the Lord will maintain the Cause of the Afflicted and the Right of the Poor Psal 140.12 because it can in title God
am treating as Christ saith in patience â—ossesseth the soul A man is said to possess his soul when he hath the command and disposal of all his â—houghts and faculties according to the best reason This in the case in hand is only the off-spring of â—xed Faith and admirably advantagious in sustainâ—ng torments 2. Faith contributes influentially not only as it begets peace but also as it brings the soul up to a certain resignedness unto God to a willingness to be â—t Gods dispose here am I let him do with me what seemeth good in his sight That which makes torments to be tortures indeed is when the members draw one way and the mind another but when the soul comes to be fully yielded up to divine pleasure this makes tortures become no tortures or at least to become less tortures You see this eminently set forth in the Captain of our Salvation himself while he was crucifying in weakness and tempted as are we while the humane nature would have made choise of that request Father save me from this hour Joh. 12.27 then was his Soul troubled all was dark and intollerable But when he fixeth in that resignedness For this cause came I to this hour Father glorifie thy Name then are there not only Oracles of approbation giving aid from the most excellent Glory but the Baptism he hath before him how is he pained ere it be accomplished And so in the very offering its self we see how his resignation expedited his tortures he was dead sooner than the rest for when the Souldiers came to break the bones of the thieves they brake not his bones why because he was dead already How so Why he said It was finished bowed his head gave up the Ghost and said Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit Luke 23.46 Whereas the others abode in a contest till the last gasp 'twixt spirit and members loth to part much work left undone had no certainty one at least of rest for his soul This makes sore conflicts in times of torment whereas on the contrary how sweet is that yielding up all to God mentioned Isa 50.5 6. I was not rebellious neither turned away back but gave my back to the smiters c. So chap. 53.7 He opened not his mouth but is brought as a Lamb to the slaughter c. This subduedness to the will of God by the dominion of Faith then is of exceeding moment to strengthen us to the induring these torments 3. Faith doth influence the soul to bear torments notably by bringing and encreasing a certain greatness and nobility a largness and publickness of spirit on it more than formerly Shall such a man as I flee Neh. 6.11 It begets a largeness of heart in some degree answering that of Solomon 1 Kings 4.24 unto which a base shrinking is exceeding contrary and loathsome especially considering by and for whom and to the interest of whose Name it is engaged It s marvelous to consider what many have endured to gratifie the lust of a great man 2 Sam. 2.14 15 16. to provide for their families to assert the liberties of their Country and the like and is not the will pleasure honour of Jesus Christ of far greater moment to be witnessed unto to the highest It was a gallant spirit in Joab which encouraged the people 2 Sam. 10.12 Be of good courage let us play the men for our people and for the Cities of our God and the Lord do that which seemeth him good The like reasonings will Faith suggest to beget resolutions I have now an opportunity which I may never have again to play the man the Christian the Believer for my God my Christ for his Gospel his Institutions his Cause and Interest What can be too hot or heavy to be done or suffered upon this accompt 4. Faith influenceth notably in this matter by giving the soul a prospect into and a fore-taste of that better Resurrection realizing and rendring substantial the promised Glory thereof unto it It 's remarked of our Lord that for the joy that was set before him he indured the Cross and despised the shame Heb. 12.2 Moses when he was threatned indured as seeing him that is invisible and having his eye to the recompence of reward chap. 11.26 27. They took joyfully the spoiling of their Goods who know in themselves they have in Heaven a better and more induring substance chap. 10.34 Stephen looking stedfastly into Heaven was not dismayed at the frowns threats tortures of his fierce adversaries Acts 7.55 56. I shall only draw this into an Applicatory Improvement briefly and pass along upon the whole of what hath been said to this Head Use You are with a very loud voice men and Brethren exhorted and beseeched to give all diligence to the Concernments of your Faith Above all your gettings covet a true lively Gospel-faith above all your keepings strive to hold fast and contend earnestly for this Faith If ever there were dayes that called loud for the Life of the Faith of the Son of God these dayes call for it I had fainted saith the Psalmist unless I bad believed And truly you will be apt to faint in the day of adversity as if your strength were small where your Faith is not good Take heed therefore of all things that may either adulterate it from its simplicity or stop and obstruct it from its growth God hath begun to exercise your souls and to prove your profession in a way of tryals its true you have not yet resisted unto blood unto tortures as others have and you at least some of you may The grand Question your souls should pursue to a full and satisfactory resolution is What stock have you proportionable to such an expectation Here I shall propound these Two Exhortations 1. Prove your Faith 2. Improve your Faith 1. Prove your Faith or take it in the Exhortation 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves whether you are in the Faith prove your own selves Do not take up principles upon trust perswasions of a good condition upon trust in a day when you are at the point of being put upon fiery tryals Every mans work must be tryed the time is come that judgument must begin at the House of God Every one must bear his own burden Here you would be directed particularly to see 1 That your Faith be true 2 That your Faith be strong 1 That it be true feigned Faith will beget but fading Comforts nay as was said It will do greater mischief in such a day than no Faith at all Here Evidences would be needful for discovery and Arguments with Directions for exhortation that souls who upon the tryal find themselves short would not strike off through discouragements but rather strike up with so much the more diligence to make their Calling and Election sure for helps in order whereunto they must at present be referred to what hath been offered in other exercises The like might be offered to press you to
better than their proffered Deliverance The main Point that I shall propound to be handled from the words is this Doct. 5. That it is no less the excellency of Faith to reject the tempting Tenders than to sustain the cruel Tortures of a trying Day The supposition is of a person put upon this Dilemma he is brought into a condition of torturing be it actually so to his feeling or only vertually in the threats or Laws that represent them at hand or to his fears In this condition he hath two offers two tenders made to him First the tender of the Torturer and he offers Deliverance full and compleat deliverance Secondly the tender of the Comforter and he offers the Resurrection And now the man is put to it Will you comply with the design of the Torturer and you shall have Deliverance Or will you adhere to the design of the Comforter and you shall have perhaps not any ease mitigation but rather an increase of pain But at length a lot in the end of the dayes in the Resurrection Look to your choice let your choice be the off-spring of a well-deliberated and digested judgment upon the case Now here lies the excellency of believing in fixing the soul upon principles of the highest reason to cleave to this the Resurrection is better When sense comes in with its judgment life is sweet Skin for skin and all a man hath he will give for his life The body is more worth than food and the life than raiment Death is a King of terrors Banishment is terrible tortures intollerable hunger insufferable Spare thy self this evil shall not overtake thee What saith Friends Wife Children Oh! do not disgrace your self do not destroy us men will praise thee when thou dost well for thy self But what saith Faith Ah will a carnal heart say I hate him for he never speaks good to me but evil Well but what will it say Why there is a glorious Resurrection that will repair all tortured bodies tottered limbs massacred members will all be done up better in the Resurrection And in mean time these light afflictions are but for a moment and not worthy to be compared with that glory which is ready to be revealed in us Scorn the torturer slight the tender reject the offer at man's hand it is and hath a lye in the right hand fall into the hands of the Lord commit the keeping of thy soul to him in well-doing as into the hands of a faithful Creator be assured he is able to keep that which is committed to him against that day This is an hard saying flesh cannot bear it but faith can and doth Now that we may not miscarry or offend on the right hand nor on the left in this narrow point I suppose it may be requisite to draw the matter thus into Consideration Deliverance from tortures and consequently from any other or lesser tryals may be considered Three wayes 1. In a simple and abstract Notion in its self unclothed of other circumstances and dependencies and then we shall see what acceptance Faith will give to it when tendered 2. We are to consider Deliverance as in the torturers hand and design as an Engine or Instrument to carry on the same end which he attempted to extort by torments namely to bereave the man of his Testimony 3. We may consider Deliverance as it stands compared with and opposed to the better Resurrection these Two standing in competition in their tender Now in each of these respects there are several considerable Truths to be taken notice of especially in such times of attempts to debauch all manner of wayes 1. For first of all If we consider Deliverance apart from the projects and designs of men who are tempting and attempting by it to bring about their ends upon a poor tortured Child of God I say take it in a single and abstract notion apart from such entanglements and the matter admits of a very vast difference in the judgment and to the acceptation of Faith For if the case can be clearly and truly so stated Faith can and must accept deliverance with all thankfulness with honour to God and with great advantage to the soul concerned in it And therefore as we pass along I would willingly speak a little distinctly to this case that some stop and prevention may be put to the prejudice that may otherwise arise upon a rigid insisting on this Doctrine as if the tendency of Faith in times of tryal were inevitably to run all upon the Rocks without any respect had to the preserving our selves or any thing concerning us or committed to us of our external mercies Being therefore the contrary is to be supposed and is implyed all along under the main Truth asserted in the Text I will fairly lay down this Supposition ☞ That Deliverance as Deliverance may be considered is a Mercy not to be refused but accepted by Believers Deliverance from tortures from tryals if you would think of it very abstractly and in its meer simple nature Deliverance from harm and evil may be reckoned among a Christians middle things I mean such things as in their own nature are neither good nor evil but do receive the impression denomination of good or evil sutable to their relation improvement or design to which they are bent and levelled accordingly as they are either used or abused And therefore it is that the Spirit of the Lord Eccles 9. beginning declares that there is neither love nor hatred by all that of this kind is under the Sun But in this sense it falls not immediately under our present discourse A little farther therefore Deliverance to a Christian represents it self so as he can clearly and comfortably eye it in God's hand and as something conveyed to him by the goodness of a good God And when deliverance can be thus beheld not only as coming in a common effective providence but by the approbation allowance and good will of the Father then such deliverance is entertained with the best acceptation of Faith he compasseth God about with songs of deliverance To this Point a little may be spoken There are several respects in which no man is so capable to accept Deliverance such Deliverance as a Believer 1. None as he can tell what to make of Deliverance 2. None as he knows how to improve Deliverance 3. None as he can accompt with God for it at the last Day 1. First of all When Deliverance comes in in such a way as he may accept of it none is able to make so much of it put such a value upon it as he every thing on this side Hell is Mercy It 's of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed Faith advanceth the value of every received good according to the love that sent it the price it cost the grace that brings it it sayes as Jacob I am less than the least of all thy mercies Gen. 32.10 What am I that thou hast brought me
hitherto saith David 2 Sam. 7.18 It traceth out and owneth the footsteps of divine good-will in every little thing and much more when it sees such salutations Life is a mercy Liberty a mercy exemption from Tortures a great mercy Deliverance out of them a greater mercy Hence the Soul is compassed and compasseth his God about with songs of Deliverance 2. None knows how to improve a Deliverance how to use it when he hath it as a Believer If he have Life on this side Death Liberty on this side Bonds Ease on this side Torment he is taught to acknowledge and reckon he is not his own in it 1 Cor. 6.19 20. but must use it to the glorifying God in soul and body which are his None is under such obligations none hath such objects and opportunities to make an high improvement of them as he hath who by believing looks into them others bestow them on their lusts 3. None as he knows what account he must give to God for such Deliverances as he must reckon for every idle word and all the deeds done in the body so he must yield an account of all his receipts whatever they be and therefore must so receive and improve as one that must be judged by the Law of Liberty and hence durst not say of any Mercy as they Our tongues are our own who is Lord over them Psa 12.4 On these accompts and others that might be mentioned the Believer hath reason to know deliverance the worth that is in it and his duty about it more than any other Now as none can deal with deliverance as they so is it a very high duty incumbent on such to receive deliverance at the hand of God then to accept deliverance is his duty and to give it such acceptance and entertainment in Truth as he expressed in Complement and in a strain of Oratory Rhetorick Acts 24.2 3. the terms only changed the Believer may thus express himself to the Lord Seeing I enjoy great quietness great deliverance great preservation and that very worthy deeds are done to such a worm as I by thy Providence I accept it alwayes and in all places my dear Father with all thankfulness None do and can give it such acceptable entertainment as the Believer of whom we treat The matter therefore thus stated and considered he doth not he durst not refuse such deliverance For if he should not thus receive it 1. He were in this refusal a meer destroyer of himself a thing abhorrent to godliness he were I say accessary of the violence done upon himself Saul is as guilty of his own death if his Armour-bearer thrust him through as when he falls upon his own Sword If Life Liberty or any Mercy may be had in God's way the refusal of it is the destroying our selves so far as that Mercy extends Though we are required to hate Father and Mother and our own Lives in a sence yet it is far from the intendment of the Spirit we should carelesly run them upon hazard no such know their bodies are the Temples of the Holy Spirit and they ought to use them well for his sake who dwells in them He that abuseth the Temple of God him will God destroy 2. Such a refusal of Deliverance when it may be had in the Lord's way is a manifestation and an act of the highest ingratitude and unthankfulness to the Lord that can be thought on To scorn or set at nought his favours is very much beneath the ingenuity of a Believer who ought to imbrace all occasions to shew forth the high praises of the Lord which are due unto his Name Blessed are such as dwell in the Lord's House they have frequent such occasion to be praising him and it is comely for the upright 3. Should he not accept Deliverance when it may be had in the Lord's way it would be found an act of high violence and injustice towards others who may be involved and concerned equally with themselves Some have Wives and Children or other Relations in the flesh now as if he provide not for his own and especially for them of his own houshold he were worse than an Infidel 1 Tim. 5.8 So if he draw them into sufferings from whence he might have deliverence in a way honourable and acceptable to the Lord he is accessary of their misery their wrong will be upon him More of this kind might be spoken but I fear too much of it is ready to be alledged on the common principle which is fruitful in such kind of reasonings Save thy self spare thy self this harm shall not come unto thee as Mat. 17.22 I shall only draw this Consideration into sutable Improvement in a few Inferences 1. If this be so then may we take up this Instruction That Godliness and the profession of it doth not inevitably run and necessitate a Christian upon the hazard and loss of every thing he hath or induce him to cast away all Though it doth indeed require him to prepare his stuff for removing to stand crucified in his affections unto them and ready to make surrender of them whenever the Lord needs them as was said of the Colt or is pleased to call for them yet it also directs to an excellent way of receiving enjoying and using them buying as if he bought not having and using all these as not abusing them 1 Cor. 7.29 30 31. Do not therefore take up hard thoughts of Godliness because of the Doctrine of Self-denyal the Cross at entrance or the Tryals and Tribulations that are appointed to attend the Professors of it 2. Hence it will also follow That false and wrong Principles are not to be accompted good because persons do upon them run all they have upon ruine As there is a kind of respect and pity kindled in tender and ingenious hearts toward a people who suffer under the profession of principles that have an appearance of Holiness in them So doth a kind of stedfastness to those principles and resolution to run all things to ruine on them very much tend to raise admiration and applause to such a people and their profession whereas on the contrary I desire you to take this as a standing Rule ☞ That the goodness of a Principle is not to be tryed and determined by the resolution of the Sufferer but the resolution of the Sufferer by the goodness of his Principle Good-men may be very weak under good Principles and Bad-men may be very heady and resolute under bad principles and this well considered would lead off our eyes from gazing on and having mens persons in admiration upon one hand when we see them stand or being apt to judge them and their cause if we see them insident in hours of temptation to shake and totter I confess its very beautiful and desireable to see stedfastness of Soul as the off-spring of Truth fixed there in Gospel-evidence and the contrary hereunto hath given not a little advantage and
to do were but to exchange and avoid the torture of my body and admit in the room of it a torture upon my soul and spirit They who will adventure to rush upon and run down the counsel comfort and judgement that Conscience sets up and would keep up in them they little think what an hazard they run Paul could stedfastly behold the Council and tell the High-Priest that was President of it that God would smite him as a whited-wall when he had this defence to make I have lived in all good Conscience to this day Acts 23.1 2 3. This makes Councils that persecute slight and despicable torments sweet and easie Though without there be fightings yet inwardly there will be peace whereas if our hearts condemn us God is greater than our hearts and knoweth all things To have God and our own Consciences against us at once will not be countervailed by the friendship of this world that any obtain by stretching a good Conscience making shipwrack of Faith and a good Conscience I have been sometimes awakned with the dread of that word Jer. 4.11 12. when a threatning is exhibited from the Wilderness and then to have God give sentence also against a People that is dreadful to have God against us our selves against us and many to one but we draw men against us too in such cases this is the worst of torments whereas all is rendred easie when we can say Psal 17.2 Let my sentence come forth from thy presence If God be for us Conscience for us who then can be against us who can harm us We may reade in Cain Judas Spira and many others how fearful it hath been to undergo a wound in them A man may sustain his infirmities of other kinds but a wounded Conscience who can bear Object It s true I cannot quiet the clamours of Conscience as I would do but I find I am very ignorant and men tell me This I may do and that I may do very safely and I am bound to think of them better than my self and not to prefer before their judgment the dictates of my weak Conscience Answ It is a very dangerous thing to do any thing against the dictates of an erring Conscience provided thou knowest not at present that it is in this thing erring It is a question among many Whether the dictates of an erring Conscience do bind but sure I am that violence offer'd to an erring Conscience hath a direct tendency to terrifie him that doth any thing with a doubting Conscience He that doubteth is damned if he eat for whatsoever is not of Faith is Sin Rom. 14.23 Blessed is the man that condemneth not himself in the things that he alloweth Though thy Conscience may be erronious yet while thou knowest it not to be so it is the best friend thou hast under Heaven Take heed therefore by the force of others or the fear and treachery that is in thy self thou admit any violence done to it lest once stretching it beyond its staple it never do the offices of a good Conscience more to thee to counsel excuse witness toward thy peace more Object But I have seen other men accept of comply with and yield to that which my Conscience makes such a noise about and they good men too and yet they profess they have peace in it and why may not I adventure Answ For my part I durst not judge another mans Servant to his own Master he stands or falls Yet I have sometimes observed men who have adventured in this kind and though they have carried it with an high forehead and put a bold countenance on it yet there are times when one may discern them to have pale faces which may give intimation all is not well within such are under great temptation to keep up their credit till the Lord arrest them with a new Conviction as he did David with a Thou art the man and then they may as he be forced to cry out how long soever he had carried it stoutly All my bones are out of joynt Restore to me the joyes of thy Salvation and take not away thy Holy Spirit from me But suppose their Consciences do not smite them they may have a kind of peace that is but from security not the peace of God not the peace of the answer of a good Conscience by the bloud of sprinkling The Apostle tells us of a Conscience seared with a hot Iron 1 Tim. 4.2 Some sorts of violence done to Conscience are left by the Lord to the Devils curing who heals the smart of divers wounds by searing them but the cure is never the more desireable for all that It s with Conscience as it is with Cloth which sometimes the Fuller strains so much upon the Tenters till he break the very staple of it and then it s neither fire nor water will shrink it whereas being strained but in an ordinary way it would but though it shrink not you may be sure it will have no strength for service Take heed you offer not such force to Conscience lest you find it short of serving you as it should in time of need 3. If I cannot come at the good of Deliverance but I must betray or balk some Truth of God intrusted with me as a part of my Testimony I may not upon any terms touch with that Deliverance Every Truth of Christ committed to the care and custody of a Christian is of more worth and value than all his Comforts and Accommodations under the Sun And he that yields or betrays any Truth thus deposited as a pledge to his trust and care for the procuring any liberty to himself hath too hard a bargain of it You have an express direction Prov. 23.23 Buy the Truth and sell it not We are to buy it whatever it cost but not to barter it whatever it will yield That was a choice Spirit described 2 Cor. 13.8 We can do nothing against the Truth but for the Truth The Glory of God may be so deeply engaged and imbarqued in one Truth as all my external comforts may not be named in one day with it It hath been an expression very taking with me Isa 43.9 10. God hath his times wherein most eminently he is put upon it to vindicate his Truth the question is brought upon the stage and tryal of the world who must either yield and say It is truth or else must endure the test of God's Evidences who are his Saints Ye are my Witnesses saith the Lord or his Son called his Servant whom he hath chosen who in the grand contest with all the powers of darkness hath by witnessing his good confession merited that name Rev. 3.14 The Amen the Faithful and true Witness a resemblance and proportion to him is every Christian required to keep in his being called forth to a witness-bearing to him As God values every Truth of his at an high rate especially in the day that it is to be spoken for
and People considered in their capacity of conflicting with many deaths and dangers wherein they need and depend upon him for aid and influence as their Head 1 Cor. 12.27 Colos 1.18 24. Eph. 1.23 The Body of Christ may also be applied to signifie sometimes the whole Oeconomy or administrations of the concerns of Christ in the World for the peculiar good of his Church especially with respect to the Institutions of the Gospel according as the Legal Institutions Ordinances and Administrations of Moses are called the body of Moses Jude vers 9. compared with Zech. 3.2 where the contest was about the restitution of the Ordinances of the Lord according to the Mosaical Institution after the captivity I say as the administrations of the Law are called the body of Moses about which Satan had a contest then so may by just analogy the Institutions of the Gospel be called the body of Christ against which Satan hath not only many conflicts with them that are anointed and honoured to be a Royal Priesthood but in the infinite Wisdom of God and for the bringing about and perfecting of his designs with greater glory he hath designed manifest deaths and burials thereunto that his Resurrection-Power may be the more fully manifested Hos 6.12 Isa 26.19 Rev. 11 9 10 11. Unto this his Body mystically and figuratively considered there being such promises of a Resurrection there is also a spiritual embalming to be performed to it compleat to the capacities of the Lords dear Children all essayes and offers hereunto in such â—argeness of heart and preventing forwardness as was found in this Handmaid have a very singular resentment and acceptance with the Lord as shall hereafter be shewed the which I hope may be treated of and applied to our case without stretching the Metaphor beyond the bounds of Scripture allowance or digressing from the Spirits intendment concerning us in this place The words thus opened afford us this Observation Doct. That the Lord highly prizeth all vigorous attempts of his weakest Children to preserve a sweet savour on the concerns of Jesus Christ when they are exposed to death and burial All Nations where the Gospel comes must expresly take notice for a pattern to all that shall believe what a value and estemation Christ had of and an apology for a censured act of a glorious soul laid out early and nobly upon what concerned him when under a sentence of death and burial by the wise appointment of God though to be executed by the hands of wicked men so that if it might not be preserved from rage and scorn yet should from stench and an evil savour as much as lay in her till its hoped-for Resurrection should set it above either what she could do for it or the enemies against it may we therefore in our capacities learn that lesson Go and do likewise Luke 10.37 In handling this Point I shall not confine my self to any other method than will offer it self in considering this lively instance and pattern to Believers in the Text what was the peculiar excellency of her act indiscernable to good men that were standers by and wherein the acceptableness lay and thence by way of proportion where the cogent reason and influence of it lyes respecting us at this day First Then we may consider the inward springs and motives of her action that lay hid from ordinary observation upon which her spirit was raised and her endeavours extended to this degree mentioned in the Text. Secondly We may consider the effect of these lively and ennobling principles manifesting its self in the dimentions of her activity or how it was said of her She did what she could Thirdly The business or affair it self about which she was conversant a very thankless office in the thoughts of those that were lookers on though they were the Disciples of Christ and men honourable in many other respects above her Fourthly The estimation and acceptance that it finds with Christ notwithstanding the hard measure and severe censures at the hands of men I shall only speak of all these in her so as is immediately applicable to our own case as we go along First As for the first of these namely The hidden principles and springs of motion that were open to the Eyes of Christ with whom she had to do though mistaken and miss-judged by those spectators Not to enlarge in that variety as the matter will bear there are these two that offer themselves by Christs discovery to our view and learning as being needful indeed to all generous and noble actions that are wrought 1. There lay at the bottom of her act a lively faith strong and operative in this very matter not only in receiving the discoveries of the death and burial of her Lord whereunto the Disciples were so generally unacquainted but also the assurance of his speedy Resurrection not only in the hints that himself had given of it but also from the testimony that the Spirit had long since born Psa 16.10 that he should not see corruption in the grave his early witness whereunto we have John 2.19 speaking of the Temple of his body vers 20. he saith Destroy this Temple and in three dayes I will raise it up again Till he was risen from the dead this was not understood or at least not regarded and remembred vers 22. by the Disciples only such and so great apprehensive and active was the Faith of this good Woman that she receives the Doctrine of the Death and Burial and quick Resurrection from the Grave of her dear Lord and accordingly put her self to this great Cost to signifie her complyance with the Promise that he should be buried but not subjected to that corruption and putrefaction that attends that state and condition of all others We reade of the same Mary Joh. 11.2 in conjunction with her Sister Martha that when they were concerned in the burial of their Brother Lazarus though there was no want but rather a superabundance of love to him living and dying Christ loved him Joh. 11.35 36. The Disciples loved him for they could be content to go and die with him vers 16. His Sisters loved him to some excess vers 31. and yet because they had no expectation of his Resurrection till the general Resurrection vers 24. they yielded him up to corruption Joh. 17.13 14. so that when he had been dead four dayes they concluded by this time he stinketh vers 39. plainly shewing that having not any faith or fore-sight of his return to life again so speedily they were at no cost to embalm or perfume him against the stench of the Grave but touching him whom God would raise up from the Grave not to see corruption wherein he transcended David who wrote that Psalm who having served his generation by the Will of God fell asleep was laid to his Fathers and saw corruption Acts 13.34 to the 37. Acts 2.24 to the 32. So true and strong was her Faith
complains So is there betwixt his heart and hand or as Christ tenderly excuseth it in his Disciples betwixt a Spirit that is willing and the Flesh that is weak Mat. 26.41 This is that the Apostle in the person of a poor Child of God complains Gal. 5.17 We cannot do the things we would And Rom. 7.15 to the 21. he finds a Law that when he would do good evil is present Here now is a Christians case and the comfort concerning his act when in all his apprehended shortness he finds a true gracious principle that delights in the Law of God and presseth after a perfect union with and a similitude to it groaning under and conflicting to his utmost with the contradictions of his infirm self where this is indeed and in truth obvious to the searching eye of Christ he puts that blessed construction on it as to his Disciples the Spirit indeed is willing c. and the Spirit testifieth 2 Cor. 8.12 That if there be first a willing mind it is accepted according to what a man hath and not according to what he hath not We serve not an hard Master that requires impossibilities or expects beyond what he hath inabled for He was judged a wicked and slothful Servant who had formed up that dreadful apprehension of a severe and cruel Master that reaped where he did not sow and gathered where he did not straw Mat. 25.24 26. We have a very choice character of the disposition of the Lord toward the off-spring of a willing mind Mark 12.42 to the end a Widow cast into the treasury two mites that make a farthing a very small and inconsiderable thing for the bulk of it but being the product of a noble mind and being extended to all that ever she had she had done all what she could and this hath more acceptable entertainment and high commendation than the many rich who cast in much of their abundance they might have comparatively to her narrow spirits though they had larger Pursses Hence was the commendation of the Churches of Macedonia 2 Cor. 8.2 3. The deep poverty was matched with abounding riches of liberality and then to their power and beyond their power they were willing of their own selevs and that was on this principle vers 5. First they gave their own selves to the Lord and to us by the will of God Souls yielded up to the Lord are the only generous spirits The greatness of Davids joy 1 Chron. 29.14 17 18. was not so much for the greatness of the gift but the willingness and uprightness of the heart his own and others that drew them out to do what they could for the House of God But a little more particularly to attempt the resolution of this enquiry When a soul may be said to do what he can for Christ 1. First We only then do what we can when our spirits are bending and pressing toward an abundance and increase of act according as we find the concernments of Christ about which we are conversant requires or needs it when as we see the distress of it increase there grows upon us daily the care of these concerns as we see the dayes are evil wicked men worse and worse and good men faint and weary we then lay about us What excellent thing do we can we do what do we more than others It s the guise of many Professors when they see Christs things go to the Wall as we say then to study Prudence and Wisdom things good in themselves and in their place but what do they signifie here but a meer politick contrivance how to preserve themselves by an abatement of their zeal a temperament and qualification of the height and strickness of their Profession the disposition of such tends this way they will do as little as they can for Christ They hope they may be saved if they meet not so often nor so publick nor so many as formerly until at length their prudence will be to leave Christ alone and repair to and care for their own things Nay it will be well if it turn not them aside to their crooked wayes where God hath threatned to lead them forth with the workers of iniquity Oh! where are those stirrings of spirit when we see a City a Nation wholly given to Idolatry ingageing the more publick frequent and fervent appearing on Gods behalf Acts 17.16 That would have entred into the Theatre had he been suffered Acts 19.13 31. That when the Decree is signed of death without mercy yet will keep on not only Moral but Instituted Worship to the utmost as aforetime Dan. 6.10 Rashness is not here pleaded for but a zeal of God according to knowledge and an holy fervency of spirit serving the Lord rejoycing in Hope patient in Tribulation continuing instant in Prayer not forsaking the assembling our selves though the manner of some be so but exhort one another daily while it is day provoking to Love and good Works and that so much the more as we see the dayes be evil and that day approacheth 2. Secondly We then do what we can when we make it our care and business to get our spirits and frames in all we do raised on more noble principles than formerly Gospel-principles are not revealed to us or improved by us to their height at first The Righteousness of God is revealed from Faith to Faith Rom. 1.17 Who walk by it from strength to strength Psal 84.7 And are changed from glory to Glory 2 Cor. 3.18 They that rest in and trust to former Attainments and Experiences will find them short of furnishing for new services of Sufferings We have need in these thorny and rocky paths to have our shoos of iron and brass and as the day is so should our strength be Deut. 33.25 We have need not only to prefer that request Lord help our unbelief but also Lord increase our Faith 3. Thirdly We do what we can then when we improve our utmost interest in others Saints and Sinners do ingage them to do what they can for Christ when the distress is publick and extended to others generally it should not satisfie our spirits to narrow up our care and endeavour within the compass of our own things It was a sad complaint All seek their own Phil. 2.21 Ye shall be scattered every one to his own Joh. 16.32 This good Woman in the Text doth not satisfie her self to make preparation for the embalming her dear Lord but she is still found accompanying and ingaging others with her Luke 23.55 56. chap. 24.10 Our forwardness and zeal as was theirs of Macedonia which provoked very many 2 Cor. 9.2 Alas we are debtors to others both Saints and Sinners Rom. 1.14 15. And we should do as much as lies in us to get them engaged to Christ as debtors to him chap. 8.12 Oh! did the worth and need of souls press more upon us we should not be so private spirited as we seem to be in
indignation be overpast Dan. 12.13 It was indeed the distinguishing honour of the Captain of our Salvation that in his contest with death and the grave he saw no corruption Acts 2.25 to the 31. chap. 13.34 to the 37. In all things he hath the preheminence of David to whom this Word of God came Psal 16.11 who doubtless sucked much consolation from it it is signified he saw corruption in this sence that what of him is corruptible is subjected to that way of refining It s sown in corruption but shall be raised in incorruption His better and noble part being preserved in an excellent way of living to God Luke 20.37 38. his flesh also rests in Hope The corruption then or any ill savour that may arise upon the interest of Christ thus considered is not such as tends to annihilation or utter dissolution the everlasting purposes covenant and faithfulness of God with Christ secures it in a state of Hope neither doth this only and singly refer to the final Resurrection of the whole in a way of compleat glory at the last day which was Martha's narrowing mistake about Lazarus Joh. 11.24 but shall be manifestly verified in such eminent appearances of God to get himself a glorious Name antecedently to that consummating Glory as shall answer and accomplish a system of blessed Promises and promises of the Glory of the latter dayes that shall be raised in the ruine of Babylon and Resurrection of the Witnesses of Christ tending to prepare his people for his glorious appearing as a Bride adorned to meet the Bridegroom It s not such a rottenness or stinking as Martha concluded Lazarus to be which would consume and eat him out not be prevented resisted and cured till the Heavens be no more Job 14.12 There is hope in its end Jer. 31.17 1 Thes 4.13 Though the Lord shew us great and sore troubles he will quicken us again and bring us up again from the depths of the Earth Psal 71.20 Though we walk in the midst of troubles yet he will revive us Psal 138.7 The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it those precious Promises are of mighty efficacy to embalm it Nevertheless there is an ill savour on several accounts that is apt to be brought upon this body or interest of Christ at such times under such deaths as we speak of against which the embalm we treat of is to be prepared As namely 1. There is a stinke apt to betide it the occasion of which is meerly from without arising from the rotten and corrupt disposition of such as are instrumental in bringing such deaths upon it who usually account it their interest to expose it to all the ignominy and contempt imaginable that in the abomination thereof a foundation may be laid for the excusing and commending themselves in delivering the world from such a loathsome burthen Thus they did with the green Tree and no marvel if they do so with the dry When they had in design to put the Lord of Glory to an open shame what artifices had they to load him with all manner of ignominy both before and at his death foretold by a spirit of prophesie Psal 22.6 7 8. exactly fulfilled Mat. 27. He was scourged vers 26. Stripped vers 28. Mocked vers 29. Spit upon his head smitten vers 30. Scoffed and led to be Crucified vers 31. Scornfully inscribed vers 37. Reviled by them that passed by wagging their heads vers 39. Mocked by the Chief Priests Elders and Scribes vers 41. Had the same cast in the teeth by by the theeves vers 44. Reproached with his God his Trust his King-ship his Doctrine his Prayers as with a sword in his bones thus they assailed him Oh! how irksome was the stench that the spitting and disgorging of a filthy generation upon him drew him under in this dying dispensation And as they have done to him in his own person who hid not his face from shame and spitting so do they to those that go forth to him without the Camp bearing his reproach They are made a spectacle to the World to Angels and to Men Fools weak despised hunger thirst naked buffetted pilgrims reviled persecuted defamed made the filth of the world and off-scouring of all things to this day 1 Cor. 4.9 to 13. The word notes the * Mr. Burroughs Moses Choice filth scraped off shooes or from the pavement or the dung-cart that goes through the City into which every one brings his filth and casts in Every one had some filth to cast upon Paul and the rest of the Apostles So it was Jer. 15.10 This stench had need to be provided against by such as would have his Name be as a precious Oyntment Divers mistake the right way of performing this supposing that the best way of resisting this is by repelling and retorting it with the same measure into their faces who lay it on Christs method of imbalming is quite otherwise namely by bearing it with all patience meekness and holy resignedness of the judgment to God who knows how to make their own tongues to fall upon themselves and their violent dealing upon their own pates We have the high Instance and Example of Christ himself 1 Pet. 2 23. Who when he was reviled reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously Isa 5.6 Mat. 26.67 Isa 53.7 So did they who followed his steps 1 Cor. 4.12 Praying for the worst of our Enemies Mat. 5.44 Acts 7.60 and over-comming evil with good Rom. 12.19 20 21. tender bearing in our bosome these rereproaches Psal 89.50 51. to be affected deeply with them and melt under them Psal 69.7 9 19 20. Psal 120.3 4. Zeph. 3.18 and quietly to wait on God till he role it away is what concerns us in this matter and happy are we if herein we lay out our selves to do what we can for Christ 2dly There is an ill savour frequently contracted upon occasion of the corrupt flesh that adheres to many Professors of it and pretended friends their unsteady walking and manifest back-sliding do procure a stinking savour to the whole especially in such a season as we are speaking of The Name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles by means of such Rom. 2.24 Tit. 2.5 great occasion is given to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme 2 Sam. 12.14 It was not a small matter of ill report that doubtless was raised at this dark time whereof the Text speaks If you suppose the enemies to scorn at this rate What is become of your King Why he is hanged for a Traytor and Blasphemer And What is become of the Deacon of that new-gathered Church that was intrusted with the treasure Why he sold himself to the Devil for thirty pieces of silver betrayed his Master and then hang'd himself falling headlong and then all his bowels gushed out and this is known to all the dwellers at Jerusalem Acts 1.19 What became of Peter the
Jabesh-Gilead for the Funeral-love they had shewed to one who had been the Lords Anointed 2 Sam. 2.5 6. Blessed be ye of the Lord that you have shewed this kindness to your Lord even unto Saul and have buried him and now the Lord shew kindness and truth unto you and I also will requite your kindness because ye have done this thing The blessing he gives them shews his acceptance to the uttermost the occasion thus There was a day when the men of Jabesh-Gilead were in unspeakable distress by means of the hard terms offered them by Nahash the Ammonite 1 Sam. 11. 1 2. they could have their peace upon no other terms than by espousing an irreparable mark of reproach and infamy on themselves and all Israel and in this nick of extremity Saul puts his life in his hand and rescues them seasonably and wrought a very great deliverance This kindness of Saul to them they were never in a capacity to requite till the day that the body of their Lord and instrumental Saviour was hanged on the Wall of a Garison of the Philistines as a mark of like reproach and ignominy on the whole Interest of God In such a day of death and danger when the body of their Lord and his dear Children is hung a stinking in the face of the Sun now is a time to prove and improve the kindness and ingenuity of their spirits toward their Lord and Israel by putting their lives in their hands and doing what they could to fetch him off from and give a check to that reproach of the enemies of the Lord on his Name and Interest They attempt it they succeed and bring off these dead bodies and mark it they came to Jabesh and burnt them there and took their bones and buried them and fasted seven dayes 1 Sam. 31.11 12 13. They not only buried but burnt them there which was the manner of Royal Funerals compare it with 2 Chron. 16.14 They laid Asa in a bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kind of spices prepared by the Apothecaries art and they made a very great burning for him See Jer. 34.5 With the burnings of thy Fathers the former Kings which were before thee so shall they burn odours for thee This perfumed Royal Funeral you see hath acceptance and recompence with David And shall Jesus Christ who laid down his life to take away the curse and reproach from us and hath set us free from wrath to come which we can never requite now call for a proof of our kindness and thankfulness by doing what we can to rescue the honour of his Name and Interest that is now exposed to contempt and to bestow a more perfuming funeral on it and lamentation over it than without danger we durst do and shall we stand upon the hazard and cost of it and in so doing shall not we lose the blessing of David The Lord shew kindness and truth unto you Nay shall not the men of Jabesh-Gilead rise up in judgement who did what they could to cover the shame and recover the honour of a wicked Prince who fell for his iniquity as if he had never been anointed and shall we refuse or come short of perfuming this service to the King of Glory who is put to an open shame in his Name and People God forbid This honourable act will find acceptable resentment and recompence from Christ as that did from David and as kindness to the dead hath alwayes done on ingenious spirits Ruth 1.8 2.20 Blessed be he of the Lord who hath not left off his kindness to the living and the dead But let us see how Christ doth manifest this his acceptance of such attempts 1. Christ is ready to shew forth his acceptance of this kindness by his being so willingly ingaged to plead the cause and vindicate the innocency and integrity of such a People as do what they can for him many are the ill instructions at home and the ignominies abroad that will be raised upon such an account But of this we may have assurance he stands ingaged to make good that word 1 Sam. 2.30 Them that honour me I will honour and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed As Christ stood not upon his own vindication when his Father's honour was in his eye but he committed his cause to him who effectually hath brought it about So should not we stand upon our own vindication when the Name of Christ lies at the stake See Psal 35.5 6. Commit thy way to the Lord c. And he shall bring forth thy Righteousness as the light and thy Judgement as the noon-day We see how effectual he doth it in the Text concerning this poor Woman in all her ignominies and hard speeches that she met withal and no less will he shew it at this day to be the high title of his honour Thus saith thy Lord the Lord and thy God who pleadeth the cause of his people Isa 51.22 He will thorowly plead their cause Jer. 50.34 and execute Judgement for them bring them forth to the light and their eyes shall behold thy Righteousness Micah 7.9 Marvellous have been the Lord's wayes and methods of asserting the integrity of his people from the midst of the clouds of ignominy 2. Christ sheweth his acceptance by ordering the issues of all the provision that a people makes for his Name and Glory that it proves the directest provision they can possible make for themselves and their best interest The liberal man deviseth liberal things and by liberal things shall he stand Isa 32.8 That course which the generality of people conclude according to rules of Providence is the way to ruine them proves the most effectual means to establish them of this Psal 112. gives a full testimony The good man is there brought in gracious full of compassion shewing favour and lending dispersing giving to the Poor and yet in all respects making the fullest provision for his own best blessedness in so doing That of Christ is the Paradox to prudent Professors in perilous times which they can by no means resolve He that will save his life shall lose it and he that will lose his life shall save it How evidently is this made good in the good Name of persons Men have generally reasoned that to cleave to such a Profession or Testimony or People hath been the high-way to be disgraced for ever whereas the Lord hath manifestly built up the Houses of such as it s said of the Midwives Houses in Egypt We reade in the first and last verses save one of Heb. 11. concerning the Worthies That by Faith they obtained a good report though they received not the Promise It was matter of reproach to them that they should imbrace and cleave to certain Promises from generation to generation owning them as their Interest which yet brought not forth in their day the great things they testified of and professed that as Pilgrimes and Strangers they
continue not in such a state and carry such corruption about you as will render you utterly incapable of doing any other than raising a stench on the things of Christ. Whatever you have to do about them the purity of this Confection is such as the least evil owned and allowed will diffuse its malignity through it to the vitiating the whole and rendring it of none effect A little such leaven will sowre the whole lump Dead Flyes cause the Oyntment of the Apothecary to stink so doth a little folly c. This is notably illustrated in the case put Hagg. 2.11 14. where is shewed that there is much more force and malignity in a little evil to corrupt much good then there is in much Religious Service of such a People to leave an impression of goodness on things otherwise void of it Look to it that you be very clean who bear the vessels of the Lord in this Service lest you defile this undertaking for the Lord clean hands and a pure heart are indispensibly requisites in this affair Caution 2. Take heed according to what Rules Instructions or Dispensatory you compound this Imbalm I hinted before how exactly careful God was in the Composition both of the Oyl and Pouder that were to perfume his Tabernacle Exod. 30.23 c. No less is he jealous of the present things under consideration Take we heed therefore of false Rules and Principles as namely 1. Take heed how you admit of humane Wisdom and Prudence the consultings of flesh and blood to dictate and give rules in these matters It is very fruitful in multiplying inventions evasions expedients distinctions which indeed have a shew of Wisdom but its frequent that the Serpents subtilty is foisted in in the place of the simplicity of Christ to call any man Master in this matter is very dangerous 2. Take heed you mistake not by seeking the Cheapest instead of the Chiefest way of this Perfuming It 's indeed our wisdom and understanding to set down afore-hand and cast the cost Luke 14.28 31 c. lest having begun you be not able to finish but then it must be brought to this issue vers 33. Whosoever he be that forsaketh not all that ever he hath he cannot be my Disciple Nothing less than all one hath even his whole Living every thing on this side Heaven must be made up in the account if the Lord hath need of it to be laid out on it Caution 3. Admit not Custome common Fame nor common Fear to be your Counsellours These and the like Cautions must be persued But I had rather Conclude with a few Counsels 1. If you do any thing excellent for Christ do it early So did this good Woman both in the Text and at the Sepulchre Many stay their hands from works of this kind till they see what others who are accounted more eminent will do they think it imprudent and to savour of rashness and singularity to be presidential and exemplary but this will one day be found the excellency of Christian activity in works of this nature That they tarry not for men nor wait for the sons of men Micha 5.7 We may in this case allude to that passage 2 Sam. 19.12 Ye are my Brethren ye are my Bone and my Flesh wherefore are ye then the last to bring back the King Many are so late and lingring in works that concern Christ's Glory of this kind putting it off from one time to another till their spirits sink to the work and the things themselves as was said of Lazarus stink in their nostrils 2dly Consider the Royal Extract Descent and Original of this Cause and Interest the Imbalming of which with these sweet Odours you are exhorted to It 's the off-spring of a King of a great King The Wise men were liberal in presenting him with Frankincense and Myrrhe whom they understood to be King of the Jewes though laid in a manger Mat. 2.11 And Jehu had so much generosity when he had done the judgements of God upon Jezebel as to give order 2 Kings 9.34 Go see now this cursed Woman and bury her for she is a Kings Daughter Shall a cursed Woman have a becoming burial because she is a Kings Daughter and shall not the blessed Cause of the King of Kings be better respected though it be thrown to dogs and be meat for them it deserves better for his sake to whom it stands related in Royal Progeny He that as was said was judged by the Wise men of the East worthy of a present of Frankincense Gold and Myrrhe at his birth being born King of the Jewes and of a costly bed of Spices by honourable counsel at his funeral being Crucified as King of the Jewes deserves upon the same account an honourable treatment when any of his things come under clouds and suspition by the men of the times Some Kings indeed were so evil as debarred them from Royal Funerals Jer. 22.18 19. 2 Chron. 21.19 20. But Christ deserves better usuage If you would have your hearts ingaged to this honourable work lay to heart the merit of it at your hands 'T is both nearly related to you and hath done unspeakable worthy things for you while it was in its flourishing capacity and condition It 's very near and natural to you that are Saints as David said Ye are my Brethren ye are my bones and my flesh It is the very Womb wherein we were warmed and broughâ— forth in that state of Saint-ship under the profession whereof we stand Of Sion it shall be said This and that man was born in her Reciprocations of love to such Relations and of endeavours if it were possible to requite them 1 Tim. 5.4 would engage to do our utmost at their Funeral as Joseph imbalmed his Father who tendered him dearly and lamented his supposed death exceedingly Gen. 37.34 35. So would a Mothers Grave because a Mothers be extraordinarily bewayled Psal 35.14 Many that bury an only Child or first-born will spare no cost about it This say they is all the Portion I have to pay it What was said of the men of Jabesh might here be repeated they thought they could do no less to the remembrance of a Father in Israel who had done so well for them or the Exhortations to the Daughters of Israel to weep over him who clothed them in Scarlet with other delights who put on Ornaments of Gold â—pon theiâ— Apparel 1 Sam. 1.24 much more in a â—piriâ—ual sense hath this Interest of Christ deserved at your hands Oh! be not ungrateful at suâ—â— an opportunity as this you may never have the like â—o express yoâ—r ingenuity if you elapse this 4thly Press afâ—er larger participations of a Royal Spirit if you would do any excellent thing at this Funeral Where there are any sparks of true Nobility they will vent themselves this way whereas spirits of a base and sordid complexion will shrink in such a time of cost and hazard as this
gives Power to the faint and our strength is in the Name of the Lord that made Heaven and Earth who doth and will do much by Babes wherefore say not I am a Babe a Child c. but rather say Here am I send me that God who was Jacob's God who fed and led him all his life long he hath been and is the God of the Seed of Jacob to this day that hath led us thus far also through a vast howling Wilderness and sustained us and not suffered us to deny his Name Oh this God is our God let him be our guide even unto death The Fathers that were before us alas what were they and the Prophets do they live for ever no they were weak as we and died as must we but when the Lord had work for them to do he gave Anointing for it and then they could say they were full of Might and Power by the Spirit of the Lord to shew Israel their transgression and the House of Jacob their sin So we through Christ can do all things he strengthning us Look then to the Lord that gave the former rain and will give the latter also in its season according to his Power And my dear Brother Be not discouraged your work seems cutting short also day by day by many things though what you may live to see or suffer I know not neither do I know how meet it may be to mind you of a motion I made to you about two years since on the like occasion about remembring the poor Flock I have travelled and laboured amongst if God cast your lot in these parts but hoping you will mind what may be your Duty in this matter I shall say no more but the Will of the Lord be done be of good courage and God shall strengthen your hearts His Sister was troubled seeing him so weak which occasioned him to say Oh! be ashamed Sister of such a demeanor cannot you let a poor Believer go to Heaven Oh! did you but stand on the threshold and see what preparations God hath made for such a poor worm as I am you would never be afraid of Death more Oh! honour Christ much I think he is coming near to honour me though I know not yet that my Sentence is come out from him yet I speak not as if I had hankering thoughts to stay Oh! when shall I see the day We shall sing at parting and not mourn as now blessed be God for ever that he hath not let the Righteous to be ashamed nor Wicked men to triumph over them for my sake Ah! did they know what God hath pardoned in me they might be apt to triumph more than now they can If there seems any importunity from any Friends for any thing to be mentioned of me when I am gone speak moderately of me I beseech you but if any thing hath been seen in me worth learning let it be offered with much humility or rather I think let my Works praise me in the Gate but I limit not His Sister asked Will you drink Yea Sister saith he Have you any of the best spiced Wine He then grew faint and could speak no more at that time Afterwards being asked how he did He said All his bones were as it were out of joynt And added God hath reserved this Proof of my Ministry viz. in much painfulness until these few years last past having been little acquainted with Sickness before He then asked If it were day A Friend answered The night was far spent the day was at hand even a morning without clouds to which you seem hastening To which he replied Yes as a very clear shining after rain Being asked a while after How he did He with his eyes lifted up answered Nevertheless I am still with him he holds my soul in life will guide me by his Counsel and afterward receive me up to Glory A Friend that dwelt upon the place coming to him and speaking Religiously He replied There was much talk of Religion in the World but few had attained to acquaintance with the powerful inward part of it and then minded that much of the power of Religion indeed was comprehended in that word Phil. 1.21 For me to live is Christ not only to live on or to Christ but to live Christ in all we speak or act is a high work Lord let my soul saith he into the sight and joy of it yet more and more The same person enquiring of him How it was with him in this hour He said Blessed be God he hath washed away my sins and spoke peace to my soul and thereby obliged me to follow him while I live and much more to go to him when I die Then said O Father shall I not now go hence but return into a world of so many snares and dangers again And further tells the Person aforesaid That he was very sensible of great respects received from her and her Relation And said For a full recompence to you all I desire when ever you come to such an hour as I am now approaching to you may meet with the same Comforts that through Grace I now find A Brother coming from far a day or two after to visit him being brought in suddenly upon him seemed a little displeased saying His Spirit was not now able to bear any sudden thing without over-setting That Brother asking him how he did He answered Never better in my life But adds Think it not to be passion or words of distraction for though I am very weak in body yet God is very near to me He also then said to a Friend sitting by on the occasion of turning in his bed by reason of weariness Ah! this is not our rest it is polluted but there remains a rest to the People of the Lord and his rest shall be glorious After this he had a day or two that seemed to be hopeful to his Recovery in which season little was said to him or by him being desirous to let his spirits rest from exercise in order thereunto if so were the Will of the Lord. But his Pains returning and a Friend asking how he did He answered It had been a night of exercise to him inward and outward To which it was answered That exercises were appointed by the Lord both for body and spirit but how are you sustained under them To which he answered I am graciously born up still and kept in peace under all Being asked if he had yet any hint how the Lord might do with him as to this dispensation he was now under as to life or death He replied He had nothing in that matter he could call divine teaching but by laying all circumstances within his view in the present case together he thought he must go hence at which poor flesh was ready to shrink and murmur It was answered That must and would do so while in its present being it naturally seeking self-preservation and avoyding and shrinking at
make up such a tryal as all things considered hath not been known in many generations It hath also a Dark-side and a Vail that God keeps upon it by reason of which many are offended at it but if I have not been left to mistake God and Gospel it hath also a Beautiful-side that this world is not worthy of and a time also appointed when its beauty shall be brought forth as the Light and shine as the Sun at noon-day though it seems yet to me that times may pass over it that may make some of those few stagger also but this remains sure upon the whole that though it be the day of Jacob's trouble and it 's very great so that none is like it yet he shall be delivered out of it wherefore let not your hearts nor any other upright ones be dismayed at what remains for though I cannot tell what comes next nor have attained to that distinctness of knowledge as were to be wisht and waited for as to times and seasons which God the Father hath very signally yet hid in his own hand Yet I am very much perswaded this Generation shall not pass away till the Lord appear to give signal Evidence of the Great Work he hath had and yet hath upon the wheel and also of his care of all that are concerned in it Oh! Love the Lord all ye his Saints the Lord preserveth the Faithful and plentifully rewards the proud doers At another time being asked Would he have any thing to Plymouth He said No for saving the Interest of the Lord in Plymouth the Town was now as little to him as this little Island where he was Being asked how he did He said I am a poor sick weak creature still Adding That the Tempter had been very busie this Night with him suggesting that it 's much to him that he should be a Creeple but the Lord he said had put the Tempter to shame and given him to know that though he was at present weak yet in the Lord Jehovah he had still everlasting strength At another season a Friend asking What doth your hard work continue still He said Yes I am labouring as it were in the fire which were not to be endured but in hopes of the Crown At another time being asked how he did He said Still in the Warfare but on the Conquerors side To which his Friend replied Blessed be the Lord that hath chosen you to be a Souldier and helpt you thus far as a good Souldier of his to endure hardships He replied Yea we account them happy which endure One comes to him and saith Poor Neighbour What of the Night He said The Lord had made it a Night of sore affliction to him And said He was now poor and needy indeed yet saith he my God thinks on me To which his Friend replied Yea he hath also greatly magnified Mercy to you in this your sickness by strengthning your Faith and lengthning out your Patience under such long sore visitations as these have been and I trust is signally teaching you Obedience by the things you suffer At which he sighed And said Ah! that word learning Obedience by the things we suffer is a great word and hath much in it when God rightly opens it and he doth teach Obedience much indeed by such things beyond what we think of our thoughts and wayes being far short of his in such things Another Friend that had been with him about the beginning of his Sickness coming now to see him again He said to him I remember I told you formerly I had no cloud on my peace and joy in the Lord since this Sickness but have seen cause since to change my voice in that matter the Lord having since that brought me under tryals and cloudings sometimes though blessed be God they have been day not night-clouds through which God hath shined and I cannot so much desire for my self or others that we might alwayes be without clouds as that our Holiness might might be promoted and carried on by them then all will be well A Friend asking how he did He said I have been this Night full of disorders It was answered The whole Earth was so and we while dwelling on it are like to participate in somewhat of the same kind in one sense or other all these disorders are but making way for that blessed orderly state of things by which he will manifest himself indeed to be the God of Order and not of Confusion not only in the Assemblies of the Saints but throughout the whole Earth The same day being asked by one How doth this valiant Souldier of Christ He shook his head at it and said A pitiful Souldier It was replied One great part of a Souldier was to endure hardships and this part God had helpt him to do at a blessed becoming rate thus far which was matter of thanksgiving to the Lord on his behalf and gave ground also to hope he would in like manner be helpt to the end Then those about him looking at one of his hands now bereaved of strength He said Come What see you What tydings Doth it rot Let it do so it must do so yet shall mortallity he swallowed up of life and this now poor perishing Carkass shall be brought up again into a more glorious state by the mighty power of God by which he is able to subdue all things to himself It was then told him We have no tydings more than ordinary only had little hopes as to men and means as concerning his case whatever the Lord might please to do It was then asked him What tydings he had in himself as to his case He said Nothing at any certainty But said He heard Friends in the Room whispering oft as if they saw or discerned some great change that were not fit for him to know But I bless the Lord said he I begin to be more mortified to all this state of things here below though Flesh and Blood hath sometimes its hopes and fears in exercise about them but when God knocks off their Wheels I see and then can say by these things men live Yea said a Friend they live indeed at a rate they could not live were it not for such dyings daily to all other kinds of living and thereby bringing out to that way of Life as to which way of Life it 's said it cannot be brought out but by dying it else remains alone To which he said Flesh and Blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God nor Corruption Incorruption yet Flesh is unwilling to hear of this To which it was told him No marvel that Flesh and Blood did boggle in such cases when 't is called to go in a way it knows not and a knife at the throat ready to kill all the way 't is therefore reckoned a great lesson to be learnt by all Christians not to trust in themselves but the Living God and is taught best by sentences of death past upon
acquaint and refresh you with that dismission to rest as may secure you until the indignation be over-past You know his priviledge who Jer. 36.5 though he was shut up that he could not walk abroad about his Lord's business was nevertheless hid there by the Lord when the Courtiers did purpose to take him vers 26. But if in the Father's Counsel it appear best that out of these Store-houses he bring more of his precious boxes of Oyntment to be poured out upon the present Funerals of the Cause he is concerned in I make no question but the savour thereof will commend it self to all the Virgins in this and other generations and they shall have Robes and Rest till they stand again in their lot at the end of dayes and who believing and loving Jesus Christ in Truth would not put off his filthy garments in expectation of such change of raiment As for my part my Father graciously indulgeth me and the Lambs here giving us an undeserved Covert of which no reason can be given even where Satan's seat is while other flocks are dispersed and scattered Neer about us by my last I acquainted that some from our neighbouring parts are sent to that place of ancient experience where they have a stock of prayers and presence to begin upon they begin on straw as learning to endure hardness as good Souldiers the Lord make that word good to them which often hath been in that place sweet to me Exod. 23.25 and at length Eccles 4.14 I expect daily the same lot in the Lord 's with-holding his hand from which I fear nothing more than a Spirit apt to do as Agag 1 Sam. 15.32 putting off the evil day the least Sun-shine brought forth a manifestation that notwithstanding the ruine of his Nation and danger of himself he was not mortified to the delicacy of his life nor had escaped though he thought he had waved the bitterness of his death I need your Prayers and precious Exhortations tending to prevent slumber that I be not taken at unawares The Lord keep fresh and manifest before your eyes and mine the Captain of our Salvation not only as a leading pattern but as a life-giving Principle on which having our minds stayed we may still be trusting in him as kept in peace upon peace there with true respects to all your Family Rests Yours in the love of Jesus 26th 4th month 62. His judgement about continuing or forbearing Assemblies to Worship the Lord. Strength and Beauty as is in the Sanctuary Beloved in the Lord I Thought it best while it is yet day and opportunity offers that we attempt to make improvement so as may mutually tend to the strengthning each others Faith and Love in Christ Jesus with such intimations of occurrences as may direct to sutable sympathy and supplication as the Interest of the Lord may require in its present circumstances at their hands who have learned to approve themselves as true Sionists This place affords little save the continued series of divine goodness holding our souls in life and not suffering our feet to be moved where he with-holds not the tokens of his Fatherly care and provision to supply all our wants both outwardly and within to shew that he is good our Rock and no unrighteousness is with him We had rumours of being this week brought before the Deputy Lieutenant but that came to nothing Fear and fury fills many mens hands with work of their own occasioning so doth he make their own tongue to fall upon themselves the Righteous shall see it and flee away and all men shall see and consider the work of God for they shall wisely consider his doing They at our Island I hear are well and chearful but free access to them is denyed nothing else can be expected as times and jealousies are yet Heaven is open still David could form a song in the Cave when his Faith reached to this assurance He shall send from Heaven and save me Earth was block'd up but Heaven was open still And as long as Heaven holds he had no ground to mistrust a want of the Promises accomplishment to the uttermost Many thoughts of heart have exercised us as well in groans at the throne as in other sad conferences among our selves at the reasonings and resolves of your strong men who by drawing away the shoulder from the yoke and their hand from the Plough wherein they seemed so well skilled and blessed formerly have given way to the ceasing of their work in a time when their Faith and Love to Christ is brought to its tryal and that any poor souls should interpose with their lives in their hands to bear up the Name of Christ and to preserve a nail in his House in their absence it serves to signifie that there is something of reality in that Promise The last shall be first and the first last And touching your Question What ground a Church hath in times of Persecution to appear publickly If by publickly be meant only so far knownly as wherein with the best prudence and caution used as their case stands they may most effectually answer the ends of mutual edification and hold up the Glory of Christ in the practise of his Institutions It 's so far from being a Question What grounds they have to meet as we know not what grounds can well be held up to the contrary by any who pretend to so much profession as that any part of the Instituted Will of God is worth the suffering for or that Christ is worth the following in Gospel-Precepts when the Obedience of Saints therein is to be tryed as by fire If you be pleased to single out any Reasons that can pretend to satisfiâ— Conscience guided by the mind of God in Scripture they may have an examination Rests Yours many wayes oblieged 20th 7th month 62 To the same Friend and something further on the same Subject My very Dear THe Sea-Monsters they draw forth their brest and give suck to their young ones Ah! what shall the Lord's People who have received anointing to Preach the blessed Gospel become cruel as the Ostriches of the Wilderness that the young Children yea and old Disciples too ask Bread and none giveth it unto them nay are willing to seek their Bread with the peril of their lives because of the Sword of the Wilderness And shall such men as we who have known the Terrors of the Lord and felt the Love of Christ constraining us that pretend to know the worth of an immortal soul the joy for one sinner that repenteth that have had a dispensation of the Gospel committed to us and yet no necessity lying upon such no wo to such if they Preach not the Gospel no compassion at least no more compassion to the multitudes that are scattered as sheep that have no shepherd Alas where is the fellowship of that Spirit which of old enabled the publishers of this Gospel after they were shamefully intreated to wax
hearts for the inscriptions of the Spirit of the Living God and that the beauty of this Ornament be set in Majesty but doth frequently commend to me that observation which your last ere this some time since was hinting to me of the need we have who design such services to wait for power by the Spirit from on high to be his Witnesses and to expect according to his Promise That showers of the latter rain shall come down to furnish a people to bear his glory in the administrations of his House answering the Institutions of the New Testament although I am no way taken with that dilatory inference wherein some seem to stick as if upon the observation that Bryars and Thorns are come upon God's Houses in the joyous City and are likely to abide there till the Spirit be poured out from on high therefore it were best and our Interest till the manifest taking place of that promised dispensation not to put our hands to such Acts and Ordinances the beautious Majesty of which must needs be acknowledged to be very much wrapt up and concerned in the hoped issues of such a Glory stepping in There being blessed ends to be by us promoted in our present state by our dutiful obedience to every Institution of our King and through infinite Grace and Mercy are there such Gifts and Graces of the Spirit to be found on some as may yield help to sober humble enquirers to get over such stumbling-blocks and contribute toward their preparing in Body and Spirit as an adorned Bride to meet the Bridegroom who loves to find his keeping all his Commandements unrebukable and without spot to his appearing In which attire I earnestly desire your whole man Body and Soul and Spirit may be found ministring a practical convincing Argument by your standing compleatly perfect in the whole Will of God that there is as there indeed is a hidden excellency in fellowship with Jesus Christ in those wayes and appointments of his upon their souls who in Faith and Faithfulness are yielded up to him therein which hath admirable Vertue in it though at present not attended with those mighty Signs and Wonders by Gifts of the Holy Spirit the which were rather for the sakes of them who believed not than for such as through Faith are directed to judge of and close with such things answerable to their tendency by good pleasure to lead into the Mystery of God and of the Father and of Christ The Reason and Efficacy whereof lies not in any just proportion betwixt the thing commanded and the Mystery proposed to enjoyment no more than there did between washing in Jordan and Naamans clensing the cause of the scornful storming of his proud spirit but in the meer soveraignty of divine good pleasure who gives us a word of Faith to guide and prove our obedience and engage our humble expectation of his own presence who is Lord of Influences to conduct the Heirs of Promise into those secrets of his Pavilion by doors at the threshold of which the Children of this Worlds wisdom stumble either by sensual Formality sticking in the letter of things or by aiery Speculations rejecting the weakness and foolishness of Christ in his Institutions but Wisdom is justified of her Children All here are well love honour and salute you Yours in Soul-service To a Friend who after some Retirement was returning to pursue his Calling in Affairs of this World The Lord be your shade on your Right-Hand My very dear Brother I Perceive you are applying your self to something men call Business in the World and I have comfortable hopes that you have studied ere this hour that lesson Finally Brethren the time is short it remaineth c. For the fashion of this World passeth away Oh my dear Brother my soul is afflicted to observe the over-greedy Engagement of many whom I love and honour for their former eminency plunging themselves into business and there even drowning themselves in ruine and perdition losing the savour of their spirits the intimacy of their Communion with Christ in the Spirit and so grow dry careless prudent fearful omissive what not till there is hardly left so much as the uniform appearance of a soul that hath been the seat of such glorious discoveries and enjoyments as men have readily spoke of formerly It may well be asked of many now as the Apostle Where is the Blessedness ye spoke of Men discourse of their primitive applications of Truth and to it speak much and frequently of blessedness in the things of the Gospel it was blessed Praying and blessed Hearing and blessed Meeting and blessed Meditating because in all these they sought after and partook of blessedness But where is that now There is somewhat of Praying and Preaching c. but where is the blessedness of all these Is it not very much departed and what may be the cause is it not much from hence Men are gone deep into the spirit of the World and are grown carnal of the Earth earthy and savouring of the Earth and thereby losing their Love Zeal Faithfulness Insensibly but very dangerously I hope better things of you and that you both do and will watch your own Spirit and stir up others to take great heed to their spirits that they deal not treacherously Yours 7th 3d month 64. To an ancient Friend giving his Apprehensions concerning the multitude of Professors with some of his Experiences both in Bonds and Sickness Kind and very much respected THe posture of the Lord 's own People even of such who in dayes past with greatest intimacy and endearment went to the House of God in company hath of late years under these stupendous dispensations presented it self to me much after the similitude of a great Fleet of Ships outward-bound who set out of their Port beautifully equipped laden trimmed in consortship and under a very prosperous promising gale all spreading their very Top-gallant sayls to shew their celerity and make the best of their way A very beautiful and pleasant prospect to an eye delighted in such expeditions But having stood but a little way in this course out of sight of the Countrey from whence they set forth a dark night and dismal storm overtaking them they are dispersed all Sea-over a great number being mindful of the Port whence they came think they have a fair opportunity and plausible excuse to return again and draw up with design to adventure such storms no more Others and they not a few being confident and conceited of their own understanding do shape their course to and fro as the wind shifteth are cast upon Rocks and Shoals to the making shipwrack of Faith and a good Conscience Many others fearing that course think yet by casting their Wheat and Tackling into the Sea they shall somewhat lighten their Ship and be the better able to weather it out and so dropping Anchors at the wrong end wish for day Few very few prefering the Interest of the
The Fathers where are they and do the Prophets the Worthies live for ever Why cry we out of loss God hath not lost them God took them they all live to God they are ever with the Lord. We have not lost them unless they that sleep in Christ are perished we shall go to them shortly though they shall not return to us We shall sit down with Abraham Isaac and Jacob they have not lost themselves they are found in Christ to die is gain to be with Christ is far better Death is theirs because they are Christs The work of God hath not lost them if we take it in its most capacious comprehensive acceptation God hath a Will to be done not in Earth but also in Heaven they are not dismissed from the King's business who are called from the Camp to the Court advanced from being Souldiers to be Privy Counsellors God hath a great Family in Heaven and Earth and many Vessels some above in honour some below in dishonour If God have fully purged any who can grudge them to be translated as Vessels unto honour sanctified and meet for the Master 's immediate use c. Besides look on the Work as it is below it must be granted That if it must alwayes proceed according to one measure or manner by a line that we have made ready to our Lord's hand then will the Work be deficient and suffer loss when those that we lay stress upon are taken away and others cannot be found presently to clap into their places but if the Work be the Lord's and receiveth various appearances and representations according to the counsel of his own Will and yet in all go strait forward then humbling acts passing on it changing its beautiful appearance laying it sometimes low in a low place making the fatness of its flesh lean and thin are not to be accounted loss or at a dead stand by such poor worms as we that can judge of such things only by appearance The wheel of divine Actings went alwayes streight forward Ezek. 1.9 12. and returned not when they went whither the Spirit was to go they went and yet that work that goes alwayes streighâ— forward hath not alwayes liftings up above the Earth nay many times standeth still vers 21. Yet God is not slack concerning his Promises nor Retrograde concerning his Work Gideon may have too many but God had never too few to do his work by there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by no might Well when Moses my Servant is dead Josh 1.2 and that at the straits of proud swelling Jordan what shall poor Joshua a Servant a slighted inferiour do Why he must be strong and of a good courage vers 6. Only be strong and very couragious vers 7. have not I commanded thee to be strong and of a good courage be not afraid nor dismay'd vers 18. So Deut. 31.6 7 8. such sweeping dispensations that fall upon the choicest men of Israel are apt to invade the courage of the Remnant that is left against which as Grace makes special provision to lay in matters for support it concerns us faithfully to draw it out Be of good courage and God shall strengthen your hearts all ye that trust in the Lord. Rests Yours affectionately for Christs sake To a Friend upon the Release of some who had been divers years Imprisoned Dear Friend I Am glad if those Friends come safe on shore if there be nothing of a Witness to be look'd at in such a lot it 's good to get to Land with all speed but if there be any thing of our being set for the defence or Apology of the Gospel Phil. 1.17 though but in the smallest point of it it may be very hazardous shifting places Acts 27.31 1 Sam. 22.23 1 Cor. 9.15 16. If God look for a man in the gap though but to defend a piece of Barley 1 Chron. 11.13 14. or though but of Lentiles 2 Sam. 23.11 12. If it be any part of the Heritage of Israel it will not be easie answering that question when found in a way of escaping What dost thou here Eliah It needs great care and caution to come out of Egypt well leavened when the most are making haste that they may not die in the pit When will that Roman greatness be out-shone by Christian Nobility of Spirit Acts 16.37 Yours 30th of the 9th mon. 67. Upon occasion of a Token of small value in Provisions sent to him and his fellow Prisoners Unto our Brethren and Friends in the bonds and bowels of the Gospel whose hearts have made them willing under the bounteous Influences of the God of Israel to comfort the hearts of the unworthy Prisoners of the Lord in Plymouth Island by a Côstly Present and to every one that hath contributed or helped therein to a tender groan or the value of a cup of cold water be a large recompence of Reward given in Grace and ascertained in Glory by him who is not unfaithful to forget such labour of Love shewed to his Name Beloved and esteemed as is meet in the Lord ALthough we are hitherto detained from the personal and particular knowledge of you by Name whâ—â—â— counsels and care have been concerned in this liberal expression of your Sympathy with a few poor undeserving creatures in which matter we could be glad to receive distinct information as far as such a desire might be thought modest in us to ask and be expedient for you to grant to the end that our Supplications for you and Applications to you might be more direct and particular Yet ere that come to hand and lest Matth. 6.3 may have influenced though we think the reason of it binds not in this case We thought it lay on us not to forbear the present acknowledgment such as it is at least as a fore-runner to what we should be willing to offer more particularly that hereby you might be informed that through the Lords Providence the whole of it came safe to hand and by his Grace we hope the heavenly voice in it hath and through your Prayers will yet have a more effectual access to our hearts to lay us under those obligations to a faithful chearful unwearied trusting in him and waiting on him at all times which we are satisfactorily perswaded was the design of your devising those liberal things for us Under which engagements we reckon our selves bound at least to give you some account of our selves in the present respect That if it may be our rejoycing each in other may be rendred more reciprocal we comforted together with you by the mutual Faith and Love both of you and us And first of all we wish you knew that under the varieties and vicisitudes of exercises wherewith our Heavenly Father hath seen good to prove and try us for some years together leading us in some paths and under some disappointments in our Creature-concerns and accommodations that we thought not of and
had not trod with our feet in dayes past Yet hitherto hath his bountiful Provision and tender Care over us exalted it self in a distinguishing manner and many times to our admiration so as hitherto our Bread hath not failed but hath been given to us in due season and our Waters have been sure so that knowing how little we are yet fitted to bear as a Father pittieth his Children in their low estate he hath not proved us with hunger or with straights nor called us up to approve our selves his Witnesses in necessities in distresses c. but our lot hath rather been to partake of the fat and sweet and soft insomuch as if he put that Question to us to be resolved according to that express literal sense of it When I sent you forth on the Services and Sufferings that attend your Testimony and you knew not whither you went Lacked you anything We must answer Nothing Lord but in that respect have in hand or we trust in some degree of sweet satisfaction we have all and abound and are full by the favour of him who giveth us all things richly to enjoy and is we would humbly hope teaching us in whatsoever state we are therewith to be content So that at many of the strange preventions of loving-kindness even in things of this sort we are often made with admiration to cry out What is this to us Lord Is this after the manner of men O God! Is this a Prison If we should have sought a Prison in a Prison these six or seven years Have we yet found it Whatever others in the same fellowship of bonds with us have found we must say for our parts That as we have escaped the Sword and we hope the Polutions of the Adversary so we have found great Grace in the Wilderness for his People his Chosen The which we mention not only that we may praise the Lord together while ye observe that we receive not nor accept not so thankfully your Present in respect of need through that unspeakable gift and care of his who hath hitherto continued the Bread of the day in its day but that herewithal we might take hold of an apt occasion to take you by the hand and lead you with a little the more encouragement up and down in those wayes of the Lord wherein we must sing Great hath been the goodness of our God even in the experiences that we have passed practically through in the Doctrine and Profession whereof we had been trained up in our years of plenty and prosperity so that we must say The Land that we have been sent to spy out even in the straitest passages of it as far as our Father assigned us to follow him in is a very good Land and if we rebel not against the Lord but abide with him those very circumstances that at a distance seem like sons of Anak and walls reaching up to Heaven apt to eat up the Inhabitants are well able to be overcome and will be found Bread for us while we stand and feed in the strength of the Lord and in the majesty of the Name of the Lord our God so that these Serpents at a distance from which we are apt to flee are found to believing but a rod and that a rod of God too when taken in the hand And could we come forth to you in Truth and Evidence as wise and right improvers of the sensible experiments we have actually found tasted seen and handled hitherto of this sort and that the savour of these excellent things had not been diminished in these souls of ours through too much an in observent careless earthly disposition bringing us down from our advantages of excellency we might speak more loudly to you than now we can Oh! taste and see that the Lord is good blessed are they that put their trust in him The Lions among whom we dwell do want and suffer hunger but they that fear the Lord lack nothing that is good In the midst of their sufficiency they are in straits while in the straits designed to wear out the people of the Saints of the most high there is a provision made of sufficiency be ye therefore strong and very strong and very couragious and God shall strengthen your hearts And now for a thankful acknowledgement though it may not be interpreted as any requital of your holy liberality What shall we farther say than that we do as we are able bring the matter in our requests and thanksgivings unto him who is able to make all Grace abound toward you All-sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness which causeth in us thanksgivings unto God And this we beg on your behalf not as if we desired a gift or that it should be so again done to us knowing that there are many watery faces everywhere requiring Bread to be cast upon them as under far greater necessity than our selves But as hâ—ving perswasion and some small experience what a great recompence it is in such case to have the mouth and hand opened from the hearts being enlarged with those expatiating Graces and Vertues of the Spirit of the New Testament that constitute a true largeness of heart like the Sand on the Sea-shore and to encrease that greatness that is proportionate to the large discoveries of believing doing suffering-Grace and Preparations for expected Glory In order to it we desire for you all and intreat you to press and pursue after 1 Greater advances toward newness of heart the old heart will be as old bottles and an old garment that will not comport with the new Wine which is yet in the Cluster and a blessing in it though men attempt to destroy it And this is not only a newness of state but a newness also of frame by means whereof the inner-man may pass under experimental renewings day by day even the renewings in the Spirit of your minds by which the Truths Wayes and Works of the Lord the King may have an intimate access and abundant enterance into your own souls and you into them in their vertue dominion and power 2 Greater approaches in a way of heavenliness and nearness to the Lord at distance from the spirit of this evil World where the World is set in the heart the God of this World will be quickly filling it narrowing and enclosing it for earthly service and this not only in men of Earth who have their portion in this life but also in those that are by the Blood of Christ delivered from the gross pollutions of this prâ—sent evil World through lust but yet much concerned in the business cares and intricating-affairs of its many things which though lawful in themselves to be diligently prosecuted yet as lying under the influence and advantages of the Prince of it having a notable tendency to bring souls down from their excellency and to eat out insensibly the liveliness and sweetness of our spirits longer and further than the Victory that overcomes it in the vertue of the Cross of Christ by which we are crucified to it and it to us be kept up on fresh exercise 3 Right waitings for and waitings on the Spirit of Promise who is of power to quicken dry bones raise dead Witnesses and do great things in and for us which shall not be resisted nor need not be assisted with might and power though for a time the work about it may be made to cease with force and power We shall say no more at present but with the representation of our oblieged respects to every one of you as if known by Name leaving you in the blessed arms of our Beloved we remain 22th of the 9th mon. 67. Your Brethren waiting for the Consolation of Israel POST-SCRIPT IF any inquire what might occasion so much severity as to detain the Author so many years and until death a Prisoner It may suffice to insert here for the Readers satisfaction That in the state of his case left under his hand setting forth the illegality and unrighteousness of proceedings against him He concludes it thus If it should be suggested Perhaps he is a Ring-leader This true Character of the Person may alleviate jealousies of that kind He was born at Plymouth of mean yet honest Parentage is not by Kindred or any Alliance related to any Person or Family of any Note at all was not bred up to Learning at any University or sent any where to Travel for Education or Experience but contrariwise brought up and kept diligently by his Parents to Work in the poor yet honest Trade of a FVLLER never lived out of that Town a Month together all his life except in a Journey some Weeks on occasion about sixteen years since to London besides what he under-went by constraint in Prison Never in the former Wars was enlisted in any Troop or Company under Pay and in the Trained-Bands of the Town where he served never was accounted worthy of Promotion to so much as a Corporal nor in the Corporation whereof he was a Member ever advanced so high as a Constable never bettered his Estate one farthing by all the propitious advantages that might have given him opportunity for so doing nor is conscious to himself of the least desire of adding to what he hath by any present or future advantages that any favourable overtures of the times may tempt him with never was advanced to or improved in any Place or Office of Trust or Profit Civil Military or Ecclesiastical save only for some few weeks unknown to him and against his will he was Mustered a Chaplain to the Fort but quickly got himself discharged of that again Never was concerned in nor truly charged with any Plot Mutiny or Tumult giving the least disturbance or occasion of Fear or Jealousie This one thing then only can remain to give colour to such proceedings That about eighteen years since he being convinced of his Duty to the Lord by evidence of Scriptural Light joyned himself in an holy Covenant to walk in all the Ordinances of the Lord blameless to the best of his Light and Power in fellowship with a poor and despised People FINIS
all they are apt to trust in of a fleshly carnal kind 2 Cor. 1.9 Again that day a Friend asking how he did He replyed Heavy heavy It was told him Earth would be so Yea saith he and the Sand weighty but the New Heavens and New Earth will not be so their make will be of a more transcendent nature by reason of the Spirit of Holiness and Righteousness that shall dwell in them It was answered Yes In those dayes the Righteous shall flourish Whereunto he quickly replied That the Righteous had their day a day that might be properly called theirs in which they should in some sort flourish But said he it 's said in his day entitling it to Christ principally the Righteous shall flourish Christ shall have a day for it in the world Being asked What think you shall you be returned to us again or not He said Truly he knew not what to think in that matter and when all thoughts about it were made it was hardly worth a serious consideration in regard of their uncertainty and the little of Christian concernment in such kind of knowledge for though sometimes it were very grateful to Flesh and Blood to be able to say hereby shall it be known I am a man of God by my coming to such a place or doing such a thing at such a season yet when Paul went bound in Spirit to Jerusalem under fullest gales that ever he went he must not know what must betide him there Acts 20.22 nor whether God would be glorified in him by life or death A Clyster being ministred that day which wrought not it was asked How he did He said Hastening home now apace What makes you think so sayes the Friend Why saies he the Lord hath usually made it his way with me when he works me up to settled perswasions of things they have usually come to pass accordingly now having had Clysters and such means administred that have wrought with my poor body long even to admiration but now it ceases to do so and all passages seem stopt for evacuation of the humors lodged in my body I conclude he intends to take me away It was told him It was but one Clyster had so miscarried with him another might operate and that such a conclusion could not well be drawn from no better premises than that Then he added God hath been many wayes bringing me to an acquiescence in his Will as to such an issue he seems to be putting and hath likewise been for this week or more taking you off from glorying in the flesh of such a poor creature any longer by bringing this poor body under such straightning circumstances as may make you all willing to part with me rather than to be continued under such sore pains to me as well as trouble to you that so you might let me go and he having dealt thus with me and also spoke and continueth to speak peace to my soul I am upon the whole perswaded I shall leave you and am helped to say in that matter The Will of the Lord be done The same day a Friend asking him How he did He said I am labouring that whether present or absent I may be accepted of the Lord. His Friend answered It became him to be so labouring eying him whose Soul hath travelled and laboured that such poor ones as we might be accepted and through whom God hath graciously witnessed his acceptance of you and also of your witness-bearing unto him in this your present suffering state not only from men but his own hand likewise as I am fully perswaded Then he groaned and said Alas this poor weak weary body To which his Friend replied It was made poor in order to enriching and seemed to be uncloathed in order to be cloathed upon with his house from Heaven There he fetch'd a deep sigh and said Ah! if in this life only I had hope in Christ I were of all men most miserable To which it was answered Blessed be God for that well-grounded hope in Christ for a better life even that hope that is as an Anchor sure and stedfast cast within the Vail where our Fore-runner is for us entred Yea said he that better hope by which we draw nigh unto God And bid him be of good chear Rest would be more sweet to him when he entered into it by all the toyle he met with in the way Then he groaned and said He was groaning after Liberty Yea saith his Friend a Liberty that tarrieth not for man nor waits for the sons of men No sayes he it is as a dew from the Lord 't is a glorious liberty On the same day attempting to repose A Friend seeing him very ill said Oh! my dear Brother Must we part He said Yes he thought so though it may be but for a little time to meet again with more advantage But said the Friend Alas how dark are the Providences still taking away the best and leaving the poorest and neediest for the day and duties of it To whom he answered Lay not much stress upon that the work is not yours but Gods he will provide only will vary his methods as pleases him look therefore to him and those that are with you Heb. 12.22 He then asked a Friends advice about some Physical administrations whereto was replied Oh! my dear Brother you know my weakness to advise in any case and much more in these I so little understand that should you practise any thing as my advice in competition with others and miscarry in â—t I should not be able to stand under it though I have this witness with me that the best advice I have I would gladly give and were it better I would more readily give it in any case but my weakness every way is not unknown to you He replied It might not be meet for us to speak of each other what might otherwise be said having both our fears each way lest we should speak more than is meet but he hoped we had both our witness in that matter since our coming together and that we have carried it to each other in uprightness of Spirit and truth of Affection for which we had both occasion to bless the Lord for favour therein afforded and for advice desired in the case propounded he should not further put any such burden upon him To another Friend about him He said Alas what care is there generally and particularly among persons to conform to the fashions of the world But Oh! let our eyes be upon Jesus in opposition thereunto and in that path of the Lord the God of Love and Peace shall be with us Then breaking out into holy Admonitions on that word 1 Cor. 2.9 of the greatâ—ess which Eye had not seen Ear heard nor had enâ—ered into the Heart of man to conceive And said Oh! as you love your souls press press on and after it with all your might and keep close to the Lord and his paths in pursuit