evidence of spirituall health respecting others when we endure not sin to lie upon them or rather them to lie in the pit of sin but endeavour to help them out by wise and loving and seasonable reproof and exhortation Hence Job endures not sin in the wife of his Bozome but chargeth her with folly for her impatient impious counsell Hence David smites deeply his dearest Michol when she mocks at his holy zeal for the Lord and his worship Hence Christ Jesus sharply reproves his faithfull servant and Apostle Peter and that only for seeming loving and affectionate councell Get thee behind me Satan Again as true love and zeal for God when strong spares not the dearest so neither doth it balk or shun the highest Thus deal Gods Prophets even with Kings and Princes Thus Samuel spares not Saul nor Nathan David Eliah Ahab nor John Baptist Herod and his Queen even for those most neer and darling sins which were most dangerous to touch and meddle with Qu How stands such bold and snarp language as some of the Prophets used with humble Duty Fear and Reverence due unto superiâ—urs I answer as true affection stands with plain and sharp reproof of dearest so true humility in bold dealing on Gods behalf with the most supream and highest Hence are Gods people also commanded not only to reprove but to seperate in case of finall obstinacy in sin Obj. This course may seem to destroy humane society yea nature and civillity out of the world I answer it is true that Godlines and Christian affection and zeal for God destroys corrupt nature and humanity but otherwise Godlines saâ—…ctifieth and directeth nature and civillity in the fear of God Fifthly it argues strength of spirituall life and grace when a Soul is able to withstand resist and repell such sins unto which the opportunity of temptation sollicites and invites us Hence holy Joseph and David are propounded to us for heavenly examples of power and strength of grace in resisting those most two plausible temptations to which the wicked nature of man is so prone and subject the one of lust to Women when strongly and often solicited by his wanton Mistris the other of revenge toward man when his blody persecutor Saul seemed by God himself to be delivered and brought into his hand Oâ—…j But David himself was conquer'd by uncleannes and Asa wreaks his wrath upon the very servant and Prophet of the most High and yet both David and Asa were thought to be strong in grace and power of Godlines I answer Gods champions are sometimes strong and sometimes weak strong in some things weak in others and as the strongest bodies subjâ—…ct to spirituall colds and falls and hurts which are most graciously recorded for our comfort in our falls as well as the holy victories of the Saints to make us watchfull and couragious Sixtly in matters concerning others it is a good argument of strength of grace when we can patiently and thankfully bear a Reproof and Admonition when we can esteem a Reproof for our evill words or ways not as a blow or streak on the Head but as a sweet and precious Ointment powred on us Hence the admirable patience and meeknes of Hanna when Eii zealâ—…usly but uncharitably reproved her for Drunkennes Hence when Christ Jesus most sharply reproved Peter and afterward Paul dealt severely with him about dissembling in the matter of Communion We hear not of the least impatient or bitter word to either yea when he was unjustly charg'd and that by Saints Act. 11. he patiently bears it and returns a soft and gentle answer which turned their murmuring accusations into joyfull satisfaction and thansgiving But now the scorner yea the godly being weak reproved burst out in wrath Thus not only Ahab imprisons Micaiah and Herod John the Baptist but Asa also claps up fast the reproving Prophet and the best of Gods children are subject to such sad distempers when either a mistake of judgment or a pang of passion finfully hinders the receit and working of the Reproofs of the Almighty which are wholsome heavenly potions intended by him the Father of mercies for our good who ever be the cup the vial or instrument Obj. Many Phil sophers by naturall wisdome and many civill and morall men out of the principles of civillity and morality and sometimes for some private ends will bear a Reproof with patience And hence that of Solomon rebuke a wise man and he will love thee whence it may seem that men by strength of wisdome may receive in love and profit by a Reprehension I answer Gods children as well as naturall men may also act from Rules of Reason and naturall wisedom but withall they act from an higher ground and principle that is they hear they see Gods wise and holy permitting hand in the foulest mouth So David acknowledgeth God in Shimâ—… railing and Hezekiah in Rabsheka his provocations and blasphemies 2dly Gods children by reproofs by slâ—…nders and reproaches are sent to God So David as a figure of Christ Jesus and so Moses also when the people in their murmurings reproached him as the cause or occasion of their miseries he runs to God and praies even for those unwarthy and unthankfull men Lastly with reference to our walking with others it is an argument of great strength of grace when the glory of the Lord and the salvation of Gods people is so great and so dear in our eyes that we can wish upon suppâ—…sition of them two that we not onely loose our temporall but our eternall slate and welfare Hence those two famous and wonderfull speeches of those two glorious stars Moses and Paul Blot me out of thy book saith Moses And I could wish to be accursed from Christ saith Paul for Israels sake Ob. But can such a wish be lawfull though for the gain and glory of Christ since to be accursed from Christ cannot be without sin against Christ I answer I will not dispute what accursedness or separation from Christ that is some saying that Paul wished onely a temporall and some an eternall separation from Christ some a separation from joy and delight in the presence of Christ but not from the puritie and holiness of Christ But I say doubtless so neer as any soul approacheth to these heavenly copies of Moses and Paul so neer comes he to the greatest strength and health and beautie of a Christian life Ob. But can any man now attain to such a strength of grace as this so to wish I answer as it is in nature so in grace there are children and young men or strong men and there are old and aged men in Christ Again as it is in nature so in grace there are differences of childâ—…en and differences of young and aged men in Christ every Israelite had not the strength of Samson nor every of Davids Souldiers the strength and valour of Davids worthies yet
like men in some sicknesses are willing to take those medicines which may provoke and cause vomit which afterward they are so far from returning to that they abhor to touch or look on it Obj. But may not Gods children return again to their vomit and commit the same sins which they have cast up by humble confession I answer the sins of Gods children are either 1. grosse or scandalous which when they recover out of and give glory unto God by publike confession we seldome or never find them returning to such their vomit again Hence we hear no more of Noabs drunkennesse of Davids adultry of Peters deniall of Christ Jesus c. Or 2ly Their sins are sins of a more private and ordinary distempâ—…r wherein their passions of anger or neglect or forgetfullnes prevail against them never without some bitternes and grief and humiliation and endeavour wiâ—…h resolution of a more watchfull and heavenly and spirituall conversation 10thly It is an argument of spirituall health and strength to maintain or recover an holy vehement longing after the enjâ—…yment of God and of Christ in a visible and open professiâ—…n of his own holy worship and Ordinances seperate from all false worships Gods and Christs c. Hence that of David Lord I have loved the Habitation of thy house and the place where thine honour dwelleth Hence he professeth he had rather be a Door keeper in the house of the Lord that is in a low condition in Gods house then to dwell in the tents of wickednes though in never so safe and pleasant a condition Hence he sums up all his desires in one Psal 27. One thing have I desired of the Lord that I may dwell in the house of the Lord c. Hence though David mist of the Lords Order in carrying of the Lords Ark and afterwards he mist in his thoughts about the building of God an house and Temple Yet in both he discovered his holy strong affection to Gods publike honour and worship The very same which afterward the Prophet Jeremy and Daniel declared in their bitter Lamentations for the Ruine of Gods house And both Daniel and Zacharie and Haggie mightily declare this affâ—…ction for the rebuilding and setting up again this Temple and worship of God and what they prophefied that both Ezra and Nehemiah and afterward Jehoshua and Zerubaâ—…el zealously performed and executed Hence it is that in the heavenly Love Song the love of Cbristians to Christ Jesus in his ordinances is most elegantly set forth by a similitude taken from the strong affection of married persons I am saith the Spouse sick of love and Oye daughters of Jerusalem tell Christ Jesus so Iâ—… I finde him wiâ—…hout I will kisse him openly in the streets and will â—…ot be ashamed True heavenly affâ—…ction like marriage love at first kindles from some private sparks to an open flame of publick profession without shame before all men Obj. May not Hypocrites as Saul in flâ—…ying the Gibeonites and Jebu in slaying the Baalites discover strong affection and zeal to the Lord and his worship and consequenâ—…ly in these times to Christ Jesus and his hâ—…ly kingdâ—…m I answer Hypocrites and counterfeits in their profession of love to Gods publick worship ever run upon one of these two Rocks For First either they set up and maintain and fight for a fancie a counterfeit a false Christ according to the prophesie of the Lord Jesus that many that is thousands and mâ—…ltitutes of people should so use his name that is with a willing ignorance and delusion Or 2ly if it be the true worship of the true God according to the appointment of Christ Jesus yet ever in two things the siâ—…cere wife the true love of Christ Iesus outgoes the whore and counterfeit First the true wife contents not her self with the bare exercise ordinance or administration as the hypocrites do but in all is restless to enjoy the Lord himself For as the ordinance is spirituall and heavenly so longs the true beleever for a spirituall and heavenly communion with the Lord himself in it that he may become one spirit with him more and more in all these outward and subordinate means and administrations Hence it pleaseth the Spirit of God to resemble his worship to the marriâ—…ge bed which satisfies not the heavenly Spouse when the Husband Christ Iesus is not spiritually embraced therein but absent 2ly The desire of the true beleever in the injoyment of Christ Iesus in any of his appointments is to be made fruitfull by him but the defire of a whore extends no further then Lust or a Reward Hence Rom. 7. We are married unto Christ Jesus that we should bring forth fruit unto God A whoorish heart willingly endures not fruitfulnes but kils her own conceptions which the true Wife cherisheth and tendreth as her life Obj. What should be the reason why so many of Gods children who in all ages have discovered their strong affection to Gods visible worship and communion in Christ have yet so varied and wandred from the right and first institution of the Church and ministry and Ordinances of worship I answer Gods councell touching the spirituall captivity and desolation must be fulfilled when yet notwithstanding the strength of the affection of Gods people hath appear'd in their mourning and weeping and lamenting after and contending for the truth of the spirituall injoyment of their souls Beloved in all the means of his own holy appointments 11thly Again it is an Argument of spirituall health strength in respect of God when the Heart is fixed and readily prepared for all the holy pleasure of God Hence Hezekiah praies for such whose hearts were prepared to seek Jehovah God of their Fathers Hence this readines and preparation of mind is compared to the shoes on our Feet without which we are unfit for travelling walking c. and with which we are ready for any spirituall imployment Hence David professeth that his heart was fixed and ready and when the Lord said seek my Face Davids heart answered Lord thy Face will I seek c. Obj. What is the reason that Gods children are sometimes hardly brought on to difficult services and duties I answer unreadines and unfitnes is a spirituall sicknes or distemper which when Gods children recover out of then they say as the Lord Jesus in David Psal 41. Lord my heart is willing my heart is ready to do thy will O my God And they say to Christ Jesus as his holy servant John Bradford said to Queen Mary If she keep me in prison I will thank her If â—…he release me I will thank her If she burn me I will still thank her Lastly it is an Argument of spirituall health and strength when Gods children walk in a continuall sence of their own insufficiencies and distempers when they discern the evill inclination of their own spirits and the excellency and insufficiency of Gods most holy Spirit And therefore
me Father give me c. Obj. But may not the Hypocrites call upon God and sometime more boldâ—…y then Gods little ones Lord Lord Almighty and most mercifull Father c. An. I answer an Hypocrite hath many Lords and many Fathers besides and joyned with their pretended heavenly Father Whereaâ—…Gâ—…ds little ones cry out Isa. 63. Doubtles thou art our Father though Abrah m be ignorant of us as if they had said Thou art our only Father above all Fathers c. 2ly The Hypocrite saies Lord Lord but cares for no more of the will of the Lord hen may serve his own turne But a child of God declares his child like submissiâ—…n to an heavenly Fathers will in all things according to the difference proposed by the Lord Jesus Mat 7. Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord but he that doth the wil of my Father which is in Heaven The difference lies not in the words but in the Heart in the upright submission of a child of God to all that he believes to be the will and pleasure of his heavenly Father For a second triall therefore Where spirituall life is notwithstanding weaknes or distempers there is always a professed willingnesse to get more and more knowledg of this heavenly Father of his name of his works of his wotd of his Christ of his Spirit his Saints and Ordinances Hence Beleevers in Jesus both Men and Women are called Disciples or Scholars of Christ Jesus professing continually to learn more and more of this heavenly teacher Hence his Disciples or Scholars petition to Christ Jesus Lord teach us to pray Lord increase our Faith c. Hence they ask him many Questions and are by little and little instructed though for a while they were ignorant of the mystery of his Death and Resâ—…ction Obj. But may not an Hypocrite defire to know more and more of God of Christ c. Ans. I answer although an Hypocrite out of an itching desire of knowledg of novelty and out of self love to make use of so much of God and of Christ as may serve his own ends may desire and attain and profefse and preach much of God and Câ—…rist yet will he pick and choose as Saul did while David and all Gods children uprightly desire to have respect to all the Commandements of God in Christ Jesus Again the obedience of Hypocrites is but the task of a slave or Hireling when the obedience of a child of God is that of a dutifull child to his Father or an endeared Wife to her Husband not caused by terrour or wages but hearty Reverence and Affection Hence follows a third triall of spirituall life though accompanied with much weaknes to wit a vehemeâ—…t hunger and longing afâ—…er the Ordinance of the word preached Hence that similitude by Peter Aâ—…New born Babes desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby 1. Pet 2. Obj. But may not Hypâ—…crits and counterfeits both affectionately hear and preâ—…ck c Ans. I answer no question but false worshippers and false Christians may easily satisfie themselves and stop the mouths of their conscieâ—…es with any formal performance of a Sermon by an houre-glasse or other traditions or customes oâ—…Fathers or the times But a child of God desires to be as well carefull according to hisight for tâ—…e true Mothers-Breasâ—… a true Ministrie as for a Womans Milk the opening of the word by any in any way c. And therefore cries the Spouse to Christ Jesus Oh thou whom my soul loveth shew me where thou feâ—…dest for why should I be as one that turns afide to the flocks of thy companions 2ly A true child of God though weak looks chiefly at God and Châ—…ist himself in the Ministry and dispensation of the word and therefore saith Cant 1. Let Him kifse me with the kisses of his mouth for his love is better then wine 3. While the Hypocrites find their natural delight in the word as in musick while yet they obey not The child of God comes to the breasts of the Church as a child hangs upon the Mothers Breast not only for the delight of sucking but out of a vehement painfull longing to have its soul satisfied and its strength of spirituall life and grace increased in the ways of God according to that in 1. Pet 2. That you may grow thereby A 4th Argument of the life of the inner man though in much weaknes oâ—…sicknes is a true and unsained desire to do that which it finds it cannot do but falls short in doing or suffering the will of God So Nehemiab pleads with God from the uprightnes of their hearts that they desired to fear his Name when a soul can say uprightly in Gods presence I desire that is unfainedly longing to know his will although I am much ignorant I desire to believe though I find an unbeleeving heart I desire to be willing and able to suffer though I find much fearfulnesse c. Ob. May not an Hypocrite desire to know and love God c. I answer an Hypocrite may desire to know so much of God and to have so much of his grace and so much of his power against some sins as may serve to save his soul when he sees he cannot be saved without it But a child of God only can desire God for himself and desire to be like unto God in his holy Nature and to have every thought brought under the obedience of Christ Jesus Hence though an Hypocrite may weep as Esau and Saul and others have done yet a true child of God can only in truth cry out with the Father of the possessed child in an humble sence of his own weaknes and spirituall poverty Lord I believe help thou my unbelief that is help me against my unbelief against my passions against my uncleanesse against my pride against my covetousnes c. A 5th triall of a true life though in weaknes or sicknes is a constant resisting and fighting against all known sin as sin He that is born of God 1. John 5. keepeth himsef that the evill one toucheth him not unles he be suddenly surprised or violently forced by mighty temptations or câ—…usoned and deceived by the deceitfulnesse of sin he can no more willingly touch it then fire or poison or the Devill himself Hence is there a continuall war between the flesh and the spirit Gal 5. The law of the mind wars against the law of the members The New-man against the old c. For instance although good Jacob was overcome by his Mothers powerfull perswâ—…sion yet suspecting a sin he â—…st strugled against it my Father saith he will feel me and I shall bring a curse instead of a Blessing Obj. But may not an Hypocrite resist temptation and fight against sin I answer No not against sin as sin but as it is dangerous and hurtfull to soul to body to purse to credit So
yet awake and free in true inclinations and desires willing though mixt with sleepy unwiâ—…ingnes to be at any pains and cost to enjoy her souls beloved Christ Jesus in his own appointments Hence such expressions with sighs and tears if I were perswaded of Gods will if I were perswaded of the â—…ecessity of such publick ordinances and formes Hence others expressions if I were perswaded of such and such ordinanâ—…es that such a people or such a people were in the true way of enjoying Christ Jesus how joyfully should I joyn with them Hence holy David though not so throughly awaked to enjoy the Ark and presence of God he and all Israel brings up the Ark of God with rejoycing though not after the Lords due order which caused his holy jealousie to send that perez Vzzâ—… that breach of Vzzaâ—… amongst them It is in the heavenly as in the earthly marriage there are degrees of marriage affection and yet all true The affections of some are more lively and strong of some more dull and weak When yet the truth and life appears in a true and longing desire to enjoy the Lord Iesus in what way soever himself is pleased to ap point and to turn from the bed and bozome that is the worships of all false Christs and strangers A â—…th discovery of true spirituall life in weaknes I find to be a painfull and a restles mind in temptations to sin in yeelding to sin and lying in sin the breach not being made up with the Lord in humble confâ—…ssion and suit for mercy in the blood of a Saviour This was Davids painfâ—…ll cafâ—… in his silence Psal. 32 When I kept silence my bones waxed olâ—… through my roaring all the Day So that as a Fish out of the â—…ater itâ—… element 〈◊〉 a bone broak or disjoynted is the troubled mind of a child of God upon his discovered or but strongly suspected sinfull way or practice Obj. May not Hypocrites be troubled in the sence of Gods displeâ—…sure for sin as Sâ—…ul Abab and Iudâ—… c. I answer an Hypocrite like some Traytor or murtherer may desire a pardon from the King of Kings whose person he hates so did Saul and Ahab and so may any dissembler for his own ends of peace and safety c. But Gods children and they only grieve at Gods displeasure and grievance Only a true Wife and Spouse of Christ Iesus can grieve and morun for the displeased absence of Christ Iesus and cries out in humble bitternes of sâ—…l saw ye him whom my soul loveth A 10th triall of the true life of the inner man though weak and sickly is a discerning and liking and secret wishing that beauty and shining of the grace of Christ Jesus which appears in others of Gods children and which we see wanting in our selves Thus were there a sort of Gods children which could see beauty and excellency in those which so affectionately inquired after Christ Iesus in his visible worship and the severall parts thereof although themselves were not so zâ—…alously affected Thus therefore say they Oh thou the fairest of Women an acknowledgment of heavenly grace and beauty and they also enquire and desire to see that beauty of Christ Iesus which the other Saints so praised And in Cant 6. they say whither is thy Beloved gone oh thou fairest among Women that we may seek him with thee Hence many of Gods dear Saints in Qu Maries time and other bloody days in our own and other countries have praised God for and have been ravished with the beauties of the heavenly love and zeal and patience in others of Gods servants which they have seen wanting in themselves And thus whatever be our weaknesses it must needs argue a life of grace when we can view the lives and deaths of the blefsed martyrs or witnesses of Christ Jesus either in the holy scriptures or other Records I say can view them with a liking and true affecting of their graces with an humble acknowledgment of our own wants and poverties and a mourning desire of attaining to such a beauteous profession of Christ Jesus Such a beauty doubtles did many of Gods children apprehend in the Lords Ordinances and in such as suffred for them in England who yet found not strength themselves to stand and suffer for and with them yet left much and fled to New England hoping to enjoy there though with too much weak desire of peace and liberty the Ordinances of Christ Jesus their souls Beloved Obj. But did not Balaam see the beauty and excellenâ—…y of Gods Saints when he cried out let me dye the death of the righteous and let my last end be like his c. I answer it is usually well said Balaam desired the death and blessednes of the righteous but not the life and righteousnâ—…sse of the righteous Obj. Balaam seems to have seen the beauty of righteousnesse it self I answer he might see and like righteousnes in the end and fruit of it and yet not in the true nature and beauty of it for then he would have as well desired the life as the death of the righteous just as these Indians amongst whom I write these lines thâ—…y see the excellency of the English industry joyned with plenty and a better condition then their own but endure not that life of laâ—…our and indeavour wherein that plenty and better state is found But Gods children beholding the beauty and excellency of the heavenly lives and deaths of others like souldiers in a Field are provoked by those examples to desire to follow Christ Jesus in those holy paths and secretly to bemoan their own infirmities and deformities These and many more discoveries of the life of Christ Jesus in the soul though in the midst of many weaknesses and spirituall sicknesses I hope my dear love and faithfull companion thou in truth discernest in thy self and I and others have discerned in thee But oh search diligently in the Lords holy presence and humbly beg his help that as the Spirit of God admonisheth Gal. 6. thou maiest have rejoycing in thy self and not in anothers good opinion of thee But grant all these and the assurance of a true and blessed life of grace within us Grant this life is as the life of Christ never again to be extinguished Yet who rejeyceth not in health who mourns not under the pains and weaknesses of a sick bed Next therefore to the discovery of spirituall life all that are born of God must try their spirituall strength and health and chearful temper The particular instances whereof being propounded as examples copies and samplars for us to follow in the holy Scripture I shall pick and gather and bind up for both our incouragement and comfort I confesfe the beholding of such heavenly patterns may astonish and anâ—…ze uâ—… and make us dispair to attain to the like heavenly temper I pray thee therefore dear love observe what before I
body sometimes out of distemper and weaknesse of minde which they labour against and chide themselves for as did David Psal. 42. 43. why art thou disquieted O my Soul and why art thou so heavy within me still trust in GOD for I will praise him who is the health of my countenance and my God Eighthly It argues strength of Grace when we use this world and all the comforts of it with a weaned eye and mind as if we used it not as English Travellers that lodge in an Indian house use all the wild Indians comforts with a strange affection willing and ready to be gone or as Passengers in a Ship willing and ready when God will to land and goe ashoar in our own countrey to our owne House and comforts in the Heavens Thus Gideons Souldiers in a figure of such as are fit for Christs Battels are not onely couragious and depart not with the cowards but also lap at the comforts of this life with a speedy necessity but lye not downe to them in excesse of affection and delight Object May not Hypocrites use this world with a strange affection weaned from the vanities of it c. I answer Doubtlesse not onely a false Christian or Hypocrite but other naturall men out of the sence and experience of the vanitie and uncertainly of this life and the comforts of it may attaine to a great seeming dispising of these earthly things though never without sorrow that they are not more full and certain as being their portion Onely Gods children who have made the Lord himselfe their portion and his word and Ordinances their inhâ—…ritance they only I say use them as from God tokens of his Loveâ—…nd goodnesse and as golden chaines to draw them unto him and humbly submit to Gods holy pleasure in his gracious bestowing or withdrawing of them Ninthly It is an argument of a strong fear of and affection to God when in all our earthly businesses wee see God and mindâ—… his name and praise Hence saith James Yee ought in all Journeys and purposes to say If God will Hence Boaz that holy man when he comes into his Field hath God in his mouth The Lord blesse you sayd he to his Reapers Hence the poorest Christian able to contribute 1 Cor. 16. observes weekly and therefore daily the dispensations of God towards him He observes the givings and takings of Gods hand and walks with him though in the poorest and meanest calling and condition Object But may not Hypocrites observe Gods blessing in worldly things in faire winds good voyages in the encrease of children corne wine cattel c I answer Naturall conviction enforceth even Pagans to confesse a Manittoo an Invisible Deity and God-head in these visible things But to make it a worke and Businesse in all these earthly things to see and glorifie God to walke with him and to be full of his praise all the day-long this is onely the Character of Gods children who only truly see his hand and love his name and glory Tenthly It is an Argument of strength and vigour of grace to keep a constant watch and bridle on our lips and tongue that no words passe but such as are seasoned with Salt to the glorifying of our Maker with our glory and the edifying or benefitting of others This Tongue of ours the Lord compares to the bridle of a Horse to the Helm of a Ship which if well managed rules the horse and ship with safety and comfort and the Spirit of God concludes that he is a perfect and strong man in Christ that is thus able to command his Speech and Tongue in this world Hence Christ Jesus preacheth Judgement to the world for the abuse of the Tongue and the idle words of it when our words are not working words and tend not to heavenly profiting of others Hence the Spirit by Paul commands Ephes. 5. that neither uncleannesse nor covetousnesse nor foolish talking nor jeasting be once heard from the mouths of the Saints but rather giving of thanks and praising of God Object But may not worldly persons set a watch before the door of their lips I answer Morall wisedome may teach persons the vanity and grosse wickednesse of the Tongue but onely Gods spirit and strength of it doth teach Gods children in true feare and love of God not onely to restraine from vaine and foolish but also to attaine to a spirituall and heavenly Language Lastly It argues strength and life and Grace in Christ when our hearts by Gods spirit are wrought to such a degree of hatred of sin that we not onely abhor the acts thereof but also fly and shun the looks and appearance of it so that we not only fly pride and passion and covetousnesse and uncleannesse but also the appearance of them Hence Boaz when Ruth lay downe at his feet in the night as claiming marriage by right he not only refrained from uncleannesse or uncIeane touches but also he gravely advised her to be gone so early in the morning that no man should say there came a woman into the floar Object But may not worldly persons not only avoid sin but also the appearance of it I answer No worldly or unregenerate person can truly hate sin or the appearance of it for it is his nature and Element they can onely hate the dammages and disgrace and discredit of it and so a Whore may hate whoredome 'T is only the property of Gods children and the new-borne to hate sin as sin with the sinfull appearances of it as opposite to their new and heavenly nature in Jesus Christ I Now come to the third head of the tryals of spirituall health and strength and that respects our conversation with men in which First I argue that it is a strong argument of a strong constitution and spirituall health when we can make it our worke and trade to aime at glorifying our Maker in doing good to men Thus our great example Christ Jesus made it his worke and trade to goe about to doe good which he did abundantly and constantly to the souls and bodies of men Obj. Christ Jesus and his Apostles and messengers were endâ—…ed with power from on high not only to preach the Word for conversion but also with power of casting out Devils and healing bodily diseases I answer as an holy witnesse of Christ Jesus a Woman once answered a Bishop I am a member of Christ Jesus as wel as Peter himselfe The least Believer and Follower of Jesus pertakes of the nature and spirit of him their holy head and husband as well as the strongest and holiest that ever did or suffered for his holy name Therefore it is that we read not only of the service of those great master-builders and work-men of Christ Jesus the Apostles but also the service and helpe of Christian women for instance Rom. 16. Phebe Priscilla Mary Persis were eminently noted for helping forward the work
But some may say Can these sayings be any other then a Parable or similitude for is the Devill capable of any materiall fire such as now is grievous and painfull to flesh and blood I answer Grant these sayings Parabolicall or similitudes as also that of Dives and Lazarus yet what are Parables and similitudes but Glasses to represent unto us in more plain and easie wayes the holy truâ—…h and mind of God The Kernell of truth is not the lesse sweet though wrapt up in the sâ—…els and husks Beyond all question therefore Christ Jesus foretels most sure and inconceiveable plagues to all that know not God and obey not his glorious Gospel And by this Worme that never dyes and this fire that never goes out declares a torment to be inflicted upon both men and devils which shall be extream like fire which shall be universall upon the whole sinfull creature no part exempted which shall be also eternall never dying never ending yet we may adore Gods righteous judgâ—…ments and working out Salvation with fear and trembling make sure of a Jesus a Saviour to deliver us from the wrath that is to come In the next place my deare Love let us downe together by the steps of holy meditation into the valley of the shadow of Death It is of excellent use to walke often into Golgotha and to view the rotten skuls of so many innumerable thousands of millions of millions of men and women like our selves gone gone for ever from this life and being as if they never had life nor being as the swift Ships as the Weavers shuttle as an arrow as the lightning through the aire c. It is not unprofitable to remember the faces of such whom we knew with whom we had sweet acquaintance sweet society with whom we have familiarly eaten and lodged but now growne loath some ugly terrible even to their dearest since they fell into the jawes of death the King of terrors And yet they are but gone before us in the path all flesh must tread How then should we make sure and infiniâ—…ely much of a Saviour who delivers us from the power and bitternesse of Death and Grave and Hell who is a resurrection and life unto us and will raise up and make our bodies glorious like his glorious Body when he shall shortly appear in glory It is further of great and sweet use against the bitternesse of Death and against the bitter-sweet delusions of this world daily to thinke each day our last the day of our last farewell the day of the splitting of this vessell the breaking of this buble the quenching of this Candle and of our passage into the land of Darknesse never more to behold a spake of light untill the Heavens be no more Those three uncertaintiâ—…s of that most certain blow to wit of the Time when the Place where the Manner how it shall come upon us and dash our Earthen Pitcher all to pieces I say the consideration of these three should be a threefold cord to bind us fast to an holy watchfulness for our departures and a spur to quicken us to aboundant faithfulnesse in doing and suffering for the Lord and his Christ it should draw up our minds unto heavenly objects and loosen us from the vexing vanities of this vaine puffe of this present sinfull life Oh how weaned how sober how temperate how mortified should our spirits our affections our desires be when we remember that we are but strangers converse with strange companies dwel instrange houses lodge in strange beds and know not whether this day this night shall be our finall change of this strange place for one far stranger darke and dolefull except enlightned by the Death and Life of the Son of God How contented should we be with any Pittance any Allowance of Bread of Cloaths of Friendship of Respect c How thankfull unto God unto man should we poor strangers be for the least crum or drop or rag vouchsaf'd unto us when we remember we are but strangers in an In but passengers in a Ship and though we dreame of long Summer dayes yet our very life and being is but a swift short passage from the bank of time to the other side or Banck of a dolefull or joyfull eternity How patient should our minds and bodies be under the crossing disappointing hand of our all-powerfull Maker of our most gracious Father when we remember that this is the short span of our purging and fitting for an eternall Glory and that when we are judged we are chastned of the Lord that we should not be condemned with the world How quietly without the swellings of revenge and wrath should we bear the daily injuries reproaches persecutings c. from the hands of men who passe away and wither it may be before night like grasse or as the smoake on the chimnies top and their love and hatred shall quickly perish Yea how busie how diligent how solicitous should we be like strangers upon a strange Coast waiting for a winde or passage to get dispatched what we have to doe before wee hear that finall call Away Away let us be gone from hence c. How should we ply to get aboard that which will passe and turne to blessed account in our own countrey How should we over-look and despise this worlds trash which as the holy woman going to be burnt for Christ said of money will not passe in Heaven How zealous for the true God the true Christ his praise his truth his worship how faithfull in an humble witnesse against the lyes and cozening delusions of the Father of lyes though guilded o're with truth and that by the hands of the highest or holyest upon the Earth How frequent how constant like Christ Jesus our Founder and Example in doing good especially to the Souls of all men especially to the Houshold of Faith yea even to our enenemies when we remember that this is our seed-time of which every minute is precious and that as our sowing is must be our eternall Harvest for so sayth the Spirit by Paul to the Galathians He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption or rottennesse and he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting FINIS Cor. 3. * Cromwel and Lambert Thy Maker is thy Husband Isa. 5. Isa. 40. Prov. 21. Great pretences to the holy Spirit of God To counterfeit the holy Spirit dreadfull The least of the little ones of Christ Jesâ—…s oâ—…ght to rejoyce Communion of Saints most sweet and to be lamented after Two Christian Riddles suiting these times and spirits The true use of sicknesse The outward and inner mâ—…n What the inner man is Subject to many distempers A threefold person in Gods children A spirituall cheerful temper Spirituall distempers Distinction between spirituall death spirituall sickness and spiritual weakness The Heads of this Discourse The weakess of Gods children cry unto God as to
a Father False calling upon God as upon a Father 2 Argum Gods children long for more and more knowledge of God 2. Arg. 3. Gods children hunger and thirst after Gods Word Gods word in Gods way Cant 1. True hunger aâ—…ter Gods word True desire in all Gods people Difference between the true and false desire God must be chosen for himself Gods children cannot live in known sin without strugling mourning No hypocrite can fight against sin as sin A true childe of God tender of Gods name Instances of Samson and Jehosaphat A true childe of God is patient under the rod of his heavenly Father 1. The enemies of God and slatterers cannot submit to God as to a Father Gods children less grieve for theâ—…r own afsliction then for Gods displeasure Gods children joyn with Gods rod against themselves Gods people long after Gods true worship in Christ Jesus Gods people both awake â—…sleep as to Christ Jesus Gods people cannot bur be full of struglings of spirit as to the visible worship of God in Christ Jesus True marriage affection in all Gods people to Christ Jesus yet with much difference Gods children have no peace in sin unrepented of Only Gods people can truly desire peace with God Two sorts of Gods people enquiring and longing after Christ Jesus The liking of Gods grâ—…cious Spirit in others a true Argument of the same Spirit in our selves Disseâ—…blers in a respect may desire righteousness but only Gods children can long for it in trutâ—… and for it self Gods children cannot but desire spirituall health as wel as life and Christian being Incomprehensible nature of God Gods children ought to walk in constant amazedness of spirit as to God his nature works c. The glorifying of God the great work of Gods children Delightfull privacie with God argues strong affection Hypocrites pretend far in glorifying of God A frequent constant spirit of prayer an argument of much of Gods Spirit True prayer is the souls breathing unto God and hath more or lesse some soul-pleasure in it Gods children are most in private with God The prayers of Gods people most respect spiritual and soul mercies Godâ—… people wait for and rest in Gods answer Gods people are only truly sensible of unworthines 6thly Hypocrites affection to God God himself the portion of his 7thly Ready obedience to God The sins of Gods people 8thly The patience of Gods children under Gods hand The counterfeit patience of Hypocrites 9thly The mournful confession of Gods peoplâ—… 1. 2. False confessions The sins of Gods people distinguished 10thly Gods people long after visible enjoyments of God True Christians affection to Christ Jesus in his visible worship 11thly 12thly Brokennes of spirit 2dly Spirituall battels 3dly Godly loathing for sin Hypocrites may in a respect loath themselves for sin Fourthly True selfe denyall No Hypocrite can truly deny himselfe Fifthly Sixtly Spirituall contentation in Gods will All changes and losses are made up to Gods people only by himselfe Seventhly Joy in Sorrow Hypocrites pretend to suffer for Christ Eightly Christian weanedness from this worlds comforts The heavenlâ—… use of earthly comforts Ninthly The glorifying of God proper to Gods children only Tenthly The true watch of Gods people over their Tongue Only Gods children can truly hate sin Christ and Châ—…istians worke to glorify God in doing good Holy women great helps in the Gospel of Christ Iesus Secondly Gods children cannot buâ—… naturally love one another Worldly men may in a kind love Gods people But Gods children can only love each other with a spiritual love Gods children may possibly be unkind and cruel each to other Gods people in case may be sharp each to other so was David shâ—…rply reprov'd by Nathan One of the blackest transgressions in the world for Thirdly A compassionate heart even towards enemies is a Christan heart 2 Tim. 2. 26. Gods people mourn for others 4thly Impartiall reproving a character of Gods people Bold reprovers for sin Godliness makes civilitie more beautifull 5thly Joseph and David admirable for resisting of temptations The fals of Gods children and to what end A Christian bearing of reproof a good argument of much of Christ Jesus Gods people may possibly be angry at reproofs Naturall wisdome goes far but not so far as spirituall Reproâ—…ches send Gods people unto God Different manifestations of Christ Jesus in his people Some means which Gods Spirit useth as preservatives Soul-examination a soul means of spirituall preservation Affliction the season of Examination 2dly Christ Jesus his appointments undoubted means of Christian health chearfulness Prayer with fasting a most Christian and mighty ordinance The excellent use of prayer and fasting 3dly Spirituall taking of cold 4thly Gods people must watch against the surâ—…iting upon wo ldly comforts 5. The power of meditating the joyes that are to come 5thly Bitter and uâ—…toothsome things may yet be of a blessed and wholsome use to Gods people Two sorts of bitter affâ—…ictions The Scripture the true store house of soul physick 1. The remembrance of our sins bitter yet an wholsome pill Gods children bound to beg for pardon of sin Godly sorrow not inconsistent but subservient to spirituall joy Gods councels absolue not us from meanes endeavours The due consideration of Gods justice is an heavenly though bitter pill The dreadfull rejection of the Angels The dreadfull sentence upon all mankind The destruction of Egypt and Sodom the whole world Fearfull stroaks of Gods justice upon Israel Upon the Jews and Jerusalem Upon the Son of his love the Lord Jesus The heavy dolefull stroaks of Gods righteteous hand upon his own people in this world Gods holy end in his sore afflictions upon his people Gods justice visibly seen in the present sorrows of all sorts The horrible desolations of late years The wonderfull spirituall judgements upon the Nations The direfull judgement upon the Jewes The direfull judgement of Mahumatanism and Antichristianisme The lâ—…mentable captivity of Gods own people to Antichristian worships The dreadfull and eternall judgement yet to come The Parables of holy Scripture are ful of heavenly kernels of Tâ—…uth The worme that never dyes and â—…the fire that never goes out The meditation of Death 3 Terrible uncertainties Meditations of death powerfull as to many heavenly purposes