shall be a fruitful Land Upon the thirsty parched ground Pools of Water shall stand This Cloud of Witnesses do all agree to teach That it is lawful on a Hill or Mount to Pray and Preach Here on appears the Grass that feeds the Beasts and Beasts Men Why should not men upon a Hill praise God for their fond then That God who dwells on high and yet is every where Will now be serv'd in Spirit in every place with fear My Pulpit and my Pew shall be a Turfe of Grass As well as Wainscot in a Kirk for I prize every place Alike to worship God who dwelleth every where For that which I in places look is whether Christ be there Upon Preaching in a Market place A Merchant brought from far rich Ware and Pearls to sell Where many came but not to buy yet some approved well The Sellar and the rate and rich Commodity Some ask the Servant what 's the price he said t is cheap come Buy Here 's Gold and rich Garments here 's Oyl here 's Milk here 's Wine Thou wants come quick accept of Christ and all there shall be thine Who is thy Master Christ in Power he is here In Person in high Paradice would you go to him there O yes to Heaven we would go how shall we thither reach Come near and hearken to his Word his â—pirit will you teach The pirit said I le shew and work what 's to be known and done They aâ—swered make us willing Lord then to thee we will run A Dialogue betwixt Time and Youth Time speaks Time I am hoâ—e headed ready to depart I waited for thee but thou hast not heart To think how I have turn'd so oft my Glass The least and lowest Sands runs now apace If once I turn my Back no locks behind Thou 'lt seek me when and where thou'lt not me find Youth Youth My aged Father do not weary be Have patience yet a while I will apply My self to that which profits in the End T is time enough for young men to amend I must have recreation fit for Youth Let Old men if they will ply Time and Truth Time Farewel the Glass is out Death takes my place Youth Oh time I pray thee stay whilst I have grace Our Time is short our journey long our Work undone in part Our Thread near spun our Glass near run all this unlaid to Heart Upon the apprehension of Christs love to me and the feeling of my love to him Who would not love thee Lord more then Self Sin or World Who would not ravisht be That sees thy Love or thee Who can think of thy Name and not leap at the same My names V.P. who Lord loves thee Upon the occasion of a Tooth-ach No pain like that my Saviour bore for me No suffering like his suffering on the Tree VVhich he did bear not for himself but me Oh what love was herein A plated Crown of pricking Thorns he wore Blows on his Head Spits on his Face he bore Besides base shame and scorn sure this was sore But more he bore for sin Gaul was his Meat and Vinegar his Drink A Brook he drank from Pottom to the Brink My Blood should write his Bruises not my Ink Thy Blood Lord wrought my Peace A Flood of wrath stream'd through his Soul within The Law him lash'd so did Satan and sin Till Death him sunk and Grave swallowed him in Thus did my Lord decease Shall Tooth ach then or pain from one small Bone Make me have sence of Self more then that one Come thoughts of Christs pain in mine own begone For Christ will heal thee sure That Balm and Brazen Serpent that cures me Is that which cur'd the Worlds great malady Nothing like this Panpharmaâ—on can be Which Tooth and all will cure The Saints Portion after death Strangers we are whilst we are here clad with carnallity Sojourning towards our long home even Eternity T wil not be long before we reach unto our journeys end Our Morning 's past Evening doth hast towards our rest we bend VVho knocks T is I what is thy Name my Name is dreadful Dea h What is thy business now with me t is for to fetch thy Breath VVe come my Freind I look'd for thee come shew me thy Commission From Christ thy Master and my Lord with thee then I le begon Loe here it is take it and read hold t is his Seal and Hand I know it will here I le not dwell but obey his command Come thou away come quickly dear I long to see thy Face My Father also sent for thee come quickly come apace I come I come ope then the Door give light for it is dark The entries straight Lord lend thy hand that I may reach the mark The Gulf twixt thee and me is great I cannot through it venter Till thou lets down thy safe draw-Bridge I have no hopes to enter Centenel let down the Bridge let in my Freind to me Oh welcome welcome my dear one my Heart did long for thee Now sweet Son thou shalt see my Face for which thou didst so long Thou shalt with me abide for aye Angels and Saints among Thou shalt not Sigh nor Sob again thy Sins thou shalt not see Thy Blemishes and Weaknesses no longer trouble thee Thou shalt have rest from thy Labours thy works shall follow thee All Angels and all Saints that are or ever were thou'lt see Thou shalt be Crown'd with Righteousness yea with a glorious Crown Yea thou shalt in full brightness shine as doth the beautious Sun Thou shalt sit on my Throne to judge Angels and wicked Men Thy Scandals shall be washed off sitting on high till when The Kingdome I deliver up to thy Father and minâ— VVho shall be all in all for aye in whom wee 'l be and shine Hallelujahs to thee my Lord to thee for ever more To thy Father and sweet Spirit I three in one adore Upon the Persecution T is a sad age when ther 's such rage against poor harmless Doves VVho through their need seek Meat to feed from him their Soul that Loves A sudden change yet not so strange is come upon poor Saints Alas dear ones God hears their Groans their moans and sad complaints The wicked strive Husbands from VVives to separate and part And the Shephards from their own Herds that joyntly with one heart Would serve their Lord with one accord after his VVord and VVill But Dogs and VVoolves and cruel Elves that seek themselves would kill The innocent that no hurt meant but spent their time and strength To seek the way that poor Souls they through Christ may gain at length That great reward which God prepar'd and car'd for long ago They will obtain and the same gain in spite of every Foe Another O God our God we by the Rod are brought in part to see There is no man that will or can but thy sâ—le â—â—â—esty Hear the complaints of thy dear
E ntred he is to glory through that way L aid open by him whilst he here did stay L ove thou the Paths of Life in this your day An Elogy on the Death of the Precious and Faithful Servant of the Lord Mr. Vavasor Powell who dyed in Prison for the Testimony of Jesus Christ. TRiumphant holy soul at last set free By Order from above to Liberty Most Glorious from Bonds of 10 years date In closest Prisons Castles desolate In Jeremiahs Dungeon and with John In Patmos Isle Brother Companion Th' Accusers charge the same pretended crimes For witnessing ' gainst Sodom's sins o' th times For the word of God and Testimony true To Jesus Christ and what Obedience due To his blest Gospel Kingdom Government O're Saints and Nations in establishment England with Sackcloth gird thy self lament And howle who stonest zealous Prophets sent To call and warn and witnesses dost kill To stop their mouths thy measure great to fill Thy day is come year of thy visitation Thy bloody sins presage thy desolation Lament benighted Wales thy Prophets gone Who or'e thee us'd to weeps and still bemoan Thy sins and souls when willing hearts did fly Like Doves to th'windows to 's blest ministry Cry out my Father Israels Chariots gone The Horse-men also and l'me left alone Where is Eliahs God Oh cry let some A double portion of his spirit come On mournful watchmen left whose souls do give The Lord no rest till Zions glory live Here is the patience of the Saints that keep Christs testimony till they fall asleep Victorious soul hence from thy labours rest Thou dying for and in the Lord art blest Thy soul made up of love and not confin'd To narrow judgment but with Saints combin'd As Saints in tender sweet Communion Still mourning after all their Union Under the Altar now thy blood doth cry How long till Christ arise to victory Mean while white Robes are given thee untill The last sore Plagues the Nations shall fill And Saints with Crowns return dust rais'd again To Judge the world with Christ and with him reign VAVASOR POWELL Anagram Vp al leau ' Sorow V nto thy long'd fo◠Jesus thou art fled A ll Saints the while lamenting thou art dead V pon them yet methinks I hear thee call A Las why weep you I am out of thrall S ouls where I am do Hallelujas sing O hast and follow to attend your King R est thou sweet soul in thy eternal joys P oor mortals what have we but transient toyes O nce thou didst live to Preach thy Saviours grace W ell now rewarded with his glorious face E nvy did haste thy joys create our woe L ord pardon them that know not what they do L et us turn grief to care lift up our hearts Thou art secure may we so act our parts An Epitaph A Corps lyes here whose soul 's above Debaucht mens hate devout mens love The Welch mens friend the maul of sin Who wooed all did many win Within this Grave one lyes inhum'd Whose prayers the prisons had perfum'd Haunted by Nimrods in his Life Waits for the joy of the Lambs wife In Honourable memory of my Esteemed Friend VAVASOR POWELL Acrostick Anagram Pale Sorow Vale. V ain are those hopes fixt on best things below A s providence by proof this day doth show V iew well this Tomb there resteth in this place A Cabinet of Gifts experience grace S o famous faithful forward in Gods ways O ut doing most 'bove most deserving praise R eaps now rewards is crown d with conquering Bayes P owell the great Apostle once in Wales O n stubborn hearts his Doctrine much prevails W i th dexterous skill and with admired success E ach Sermon Preacht abundantly was blest L abouring and suffering till his strength did fail L et all mourn moderate but Pale Sorow Vale. Vailed first in flesh then Prison now Earths womb Possess thee till Christ glorious day doth come Vpon the Death of that Faithful Servant of the Lord and constant witness of his truth Mr. Vavasor Powell who dyed a Prisoner of the Lord the 27 of the 8 moneth 1670. VAVASOR POWELL Anagram V. P. a savor well An other Lov 's paver awe V aliant for truth on Earth a good degree A mongst Gods worthies was attaind by thee V ast was thy knowledge thy experience such A s few there are do equalize by much S o Wales thy native Country can tell O f how great worth how much thou didst excell R eproach'd however thou didst Savour well P roved thou wast by tryals manifold O re now refined into purest Gold W eeping we 're left thy sable shrone about E ach thought of thee a fresh sigh sending out L ook here Lov 's paver hath to death resign'd L ook once again a Wo is left behind Unworthy world thou in it couldst not rest Paid off thy score receiv'd th' quietus est If I would choose how I discharg'd would be Fain would I choose a like discharge with thee On Vavasor Powells death a Memorial by 〈◊〉 Friend in three Elegies 1. VIctorious cruell death O greedy grave A mbitious still the sweetest blood to have V ain's thy assauit th' ast here but lost thy sting A nd now among the just his spirit shall sing S ure thou' rt deceiv'd this partial victory O re flesh and bones the holy soul made free R eleas'd at once from flesh and prison too P owells discharg'd which Power refus'd to doe O kind and friendly stroak what death kind grown W ell was it said and true even deaths our own E re long how he escapt his judge will trie Life suckt by long confinement makes a cry Vile age the vertuous ones thus to suppress Promoting vice on high and wickedness A Threnetick for Sion 2 Elegy in 12 Odes 1. But stay what 's this something 's amiss About this guilty City Hark what a cry ecchoes on high Which few hear fewer pitty 2. The voyce is Sions among the Lyons And in the Leopards Denns Alas shhe cryes where shall my eyes From tears be wip't and when 3. My sighs and sorrows by tears plough Furrows Upon my face it grieves That widdows scorn must thus be born VVhilst yet my husband lives 4. At once affected and yet rejected VVhat bought and sold again By bloud once sav'd yet now inslav'd To fierce and bloudy men 5. Ah what 's the reason in such a season Of hopes of prayers and tears Our lights so misted and bands so twisted And yet loe greater fears 6. That Turtle Dove Christs only love O're flames hangs in suspense My sons decease and griefs increase Gods anger 's more intense 7. My helps are gone and now I 've none To take me by the hand The best are taken the rest be shaken O' t puts my loyns t' a stand 8. Sure 't bodes a stroak if God revoke Embassadors of peace Our days soon end if to contend His spirit our
Word of God 2. Not only the outward Letter but the true sense and meaning of Scripture is to be accounted Scripture which appears from 1 Cor. 14 34. Epb. 5.14 Heb. 12.21 Jam. 4.5 Where some things are said to be written which in express and plain words are not written but by good and clear evidence collected thence 3. The Scriptures were written as primarily for Gods glory so also that men might be enlightned converted comforted and have Hope and Eternal life by Believing 2 Tim. 3.14 15 16. Neither do they concern or were written for the use of former Ages and Persons onely but belong to all Ages and Persons even to the end of the world Revelat. 2.3 4. The Scripture contains Milk for Babes and Meat for them that are strong 1 Cor. 3.2 Heb. 5.13 14. And though there be some dark places hard to be undetstood 2 Pet 3.16 Yet what is necessary to salvation is plain and may be understood by the simplest and unlearnedest of the true Disciples of Christ who are taught by the Spirit of God Deut. 29.29 Prov. 6 23. 8.8 9. 28.5 Mat. 13.10 1 Cor. 2.15 1 Joh. 2.20 27. whereas those that otherwise may be very learned yet have not this spirit they understand not the Scriptures but erre and wrest them to their own and others Destruction Isa 29.11 John 7.48 52. 1 Cor. 2.8 14. Mat 22.29 2 Pet. 3.16 5. This word or Scripture is the absolute certain and infallible Rule of Faith and Life or Obedience by which all Spirits Doctrines Men and works to be tryed and no other writings whatsoever though written by the most knowing and holiest of men are to be esteemed of equall authority infallibility and Divine Majesty with these Luke 16.31 1 Iohn 4.1 Isa 8.20 And the Holy Scripture next to the Spirit of God who gave it forth 2 Pet. l. 19.20 21. is she best interpreter of it self All Preaching is to be out of and according to it and nothing to be imposed upon or binding of the Consciences of any but what is contained therein or agreeable thereunto 1 Cor. 2.13 Jer. 23.28 Mat. 28.19 Act. 18.28 28.23 Neither is there any thing to be added to or taken from the Scripture upon pain of everlasting damnation Prov. 30.5 6. Gal. 3.15 Revel 22.18 19. The Principal Doctrines which are declared and I have received from the Scriptures are Concerning God There is but one true living God Deut. 6.4 John 17.3 1 Thes 1.9 c. of whom to whom and through whom are all things Rom. 11.36 1 Cor. 8.6 Eph. 4.6 The only Potentate 1 Tim. 6.15 To whom be Honour and Peace everlasting Amen 2. This God is a Spirit Eternal Immortal Invisible most abundant in goodness mercy and truth to all that love and fear him John 4.24 1 Tim. 1.17 Exod. 34.6 Neh. 9.6 and a rewarder to them that diligently seek him Heb. 11.6 But most just dreadful and terrible to those that hate him and a consuming fire to such as go on in their wickedness Mat. 1.15 Exod. 20.5 Heb. 12.29 Psal 68.21 3. This One God is distinguished into the Father the Word or Son and the Holy Spirit Mat. 3.16 17 28.19 2 Cor. 13.14 Which are not three Gods but one God 1 John 5.7 1 Cor. 12.4 5 6. The Father begetting Psal 2.7 Heb. 1.5 The Son begotten and brought up with the Father from everlasting Prov. 8.22 23 24 30. Micha 5.2 John 1.1 17.24 and the holy Spirit proceeding from both John 14.26 15.26 Gal. 4.6 Concerning the Lord Iesus Christ the Son of God The Word or the Son of God the Lord Jesus Christ is Jehovah Gen. 13.7 16. 18.1 2. 22.11 14. Exod. 19.14 with Heb. 12.27 Isa 6.1 with Iohn 12.41 Isa 45.23 with Rom. 14.10 11. The True and Mighty yea Almighty God 1 Ioh. 5 20. Isa 9.6 Tit. 2.13 Iohn 1.1 2 3. Equal and One with God Iohn 5.18 Phil. 2.6 Iohn 10.30 17.22 He knoweth and discerneth the Thoughts and Hearts of all men Mat. 9.3 4. 12.25 John 2.25 Heb. 4.12 Which evidently with many other undeniable Arguments prove him to be very God of the same Substance and Being with the Father for none but God can know the Heart 1 King 8.39 Jer. 17.10 Concerning the Holy Spirit As the Lord Christ the Son so likewise the holy Spirit is God Acts 5.3 4. 1 Cor. 6.19 20. 2 Cor. 3.17 Acts 28.25 with Isa 6.8.11 12. In the 8th verse of which Chapter the word Vs noting Father Son and Spirit as also Gen. 1.26 is called Jehovah v. 12. shewing that the Son and Spirit are the Lord Jehovah which signifies as the Greek renders it Ex. 3. ' Oâ—â— One that hath his being of himself or as is more fully rendred Rev. 1.4 8. Who is was and is to come Concerning Gods Decrees God to whom all his Works and People were known and foreseen from everlasting Acts 15.18 and who worketh all things according to the Counsel of his Will Eph. 1.11 did Determine and Ordain all things that should come to pass in time Acts 2.23 4.28 17.26 according to his own good pleasure and purpose Eph. 1.5 9. Concerning Election God of his own meer love before the foundation of the world did predestinate and Elect in Jesus Christ a certain number known only to himself as well of Angels as of Mankind to be to the praise of his Grace and to obtain Everlasting Salvation through Jesus Christ Rom. 11.5 Eph. 1.4 1 Pet. 1.2 2 Tim. 2.19 1 Tim. 5.21 Eph. 1.6 1 Thes 5.9 To whom God also in Christ hath given his grace and promised everlasting life before the world began 2 Tim. 1.9 Tit. 1.2 And all these that are so chosen are written in the Lambs Book of Life shall certainly be saved and cannot finally be deceived or fall away Rev. 13.8 20.15 Phil. 4.3 Luke 10.20 Rom. 8.29 30 33 38 39. Mat. 24.24 Rom. 11.7 John 6.37 c. 2. Such of Mankind as were Predestinated and Elected before time were Predestinated and Elected unto to the Adoption of Children that thorough not for nor without Real Sanctification Sprinkling of the Blood of Jesus and Belief of the Truth they might be saved Eph. 1.4 5. Rom. 8.29 30. 2 Thes 2.13 1 Pet. 1.2 Concerning Reprobation All those that were not elected to Salvation as well Angels as Men were by God for the glory of his Sovereign Power and Justice ordained of old to Condemnation or to be dealt with according to Gods Justice for and according to their sins 2 Pet. 2.3 4. Jude v. 4.6 Rom. 9.22 Prov. 16.4 Job 21.30 Jer. 6.30 Concerning Creation That God the Father Son and Spirit did make the World and all the things therein Visible and invisible for himself according to his pleasure and that very good and Man or Adam in particular Perfect and after his own Image Gen. 1 Eccles 7.29 c. Concerning the Fall of Man Some of the Angels now called
Devils sinned and kept not their first Estate 2 Pet. 2.4 Jude verse 6. John 8.44 And Adam comprehending also Eve sinned and all mankind in him whereby all are become sinners and under the Judgement of God and by that one sin subject to Death Bodily Spiritual and Eternal and all as well the Elect as others are born in sin and are by Nature the Children of Wrath under the Law and Curse out of which condition no man can redeem himself or his Brother Gen. 3. Rom. 5. Psalm 51.5 Job 25.4 Ephes 2.2 Gal. 3.10 Psal 49.7 Concerning the promise of Salvation by Christ Immediately upon the Fall of Adam God made a Promise of his Son the Seed of the Woman Gen. 3.15 And afterwards often before the Law made and renewed a Covenant with Abraham and the Fathers called the Gospel Gal 3.8 concerning him how all Nations that is all Believers as well Gentiles as Jews should be blessed that is justified and saved through and by him Gen. 12. 17. 22. Rom. 4. Gal. 3. And therefore the Law that was given after was neither intended nor able to disannull the Promise or that Covenant nor to give Life and Salvation to any Gal. 3. Rom. 3. 4. Concerning the Lord Christ and those that are Redeemed by him 1. The Son of God did often appear both in the likeness of an Angel and of a man before and under the Law Gen. 16. 22. Exod. 3. Iosh 5. Iude. 2.1 6.11 14. 13.6.22 He was also clearly represented by many Types and Figures by Men sc Adam Abel Noah Abraham Isaac Joseph David Solomon c. The First-born the First-fruits Sacrifices and by many other things Col. 2.17 Rom. 5.14 Heb. 8.1 9.11 12. 2. All the Prophets did clearly prophesie of him and some of them in particular that he should proceed from David out of the Tribe of Judah be born in Bethlehem of a Virgin yea the very time when he should be born was also foretold and that he should be a Prophet Priest and King a Judge and Saviour to his people that he should Die Rise up again Ascend up into Heaven sit upon Gods Right Hand make Intercession give Gifts unto men and come again to judge the world the fulfilling of which the History of the New Testament doth plainly and fully shew so that there is a sweet and exact Harmony and Consent between that and the Old Testament herein Luke 24.25 26 27. 45 46 47. Acts 3.18 21 10.43 13.39 c. 3. In the fulness of Time appointed and promised by the Father God out of his own free and great love sent this his only begotten Son into the world Gal. 4.4 Eph. 1.10 John 3.16 Rom. 8.32 And the Lord Jesus Christ out of the like love willingly came into the world took upon him the Nature of Man or the seed of Abraham and the Form of a Servant being made like unto his Brethren and in all points Tempted or Tryed as we are yet without sin yet being made sin and a curse for his people he dyed a shamefull and a cursed death bearing as well the wrath of God upon his soul as painful Punishment from men upon his body Eph. 5.2 Phil. 2.7 Hebrews 2.14 17. 2 Cor. 5.21 Col. 3.13 Matthew 26. 27 c. 4. The Lord Jesus Christ by dying and offering up himself as a Sacrifice to God the Father through the eternal Spirit hath perfectly satisfied for the sins of all that were saved before his coming in the flesh or that shall be saved hereafter having also reconciled them to God his Father and procured everlasting redemption for them Rom. 5.9 Col. 1.21 22. Heb. 9.12 14 c. 5. All those for whom Christ dyed for them he rose again appeared in Heaven and continually makes Intercession for which he doth not do for all but for those that God the Father chose in him and gave unto him to be his Body his Church his Children Friends and Flock John 10. 15. 17 Heb. 2. Eph. 1. 14. c. And when mention is made of his dying for the world 1 Tim. 2.5 John 6.51 1 John 2.2 c. It is to be understood as when Abraham is said to be Heir of the world Rom. 4.13 that is of all Believers in every nation throughout the world John 11.51 52. John 17.9 19. 6. There is no other Mediator between God and Man but only the Lord Christ nor no other Foundation can be laid besides him neither is there Salvation in or through any other but in and through him alone neither can any be accepted justified or saved either in whole or in part by the Law or by their own Righteousness and Works 1 Tim. 2.5 1 Cor. 3.10 11. Acts 4.11 12. Rom. 3.4 5. Phil 3.8 9. Gal. 2.16 3. c. Concerning Justification and Justifying Faith 1. All the Elect of God were gathered into Christ and their sins laid upon him and he by his own Perfect and Personal Obedience without them made full satisfaction unto God for them and their sins and they were accepted and virtually justified in him as their Head and Representer before they did actually believe as they were sinners in the first Adam before they actually committed sins themselves as upon the payment of the Debt by a Surety the Debtor is as really and truly discharged as if he had paid it with his own hand and Christ their Surety being justified at his Resurrection as the Apostle speaks 1 Tim. 3.16 must be justified also from that Debt which was theirs for he had none of his own Dan. 9.26 1 Pet. 2.22 24. and so consequently they must be justified in him Thus the Apostle plainly affirms God was in Christ i. e. at the time of his Death for with reference to that doth the Apostle there speak reconciling the world i. e. that World as was mentioned before whereof Abraham was heir viz. the Elect both Jews and Gentiles Rom. 11.12.15 not imputing to them their Trespasses 2 Cor. 5.19 so the same Apostle in another place saith Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect meaning hereby all the Elect as well such as are to believe hereafter as those who do believe already it is God who justifieth who is he that condemneth it is Christ that dyed Rom. 8.33 34. And Christ prayed on Earth as well for those that were to believe as for those that were already Actually Believers Iohn 17.20 And all Elect Children that dye in their Infancy must be so Justified from Original sin for they cannot actually believe 2. Notwithstanding that Virtual justification which the Elect have in their Head Christ as they are considered members of his Body and Part of the Universal Church yet the Scripture shews that there must be after they are called by the preaching of the Gospel a personal and as I may call it an actual Justification of every one that is to be saved Rom. 8.30 and
that I resolve some things I have not power to do This day I learned in the morning three things 1. His coming into the World 2. His walking before and living in this world rightly 3. His departure out of this world also this day in the Evening the Lord shewed me kindness in some degree and I had the consideration of the state to others upon my heart yet I was convinced that I wanted more softness of Heart Though this day was somewhat painful to my body yet I had some refreshing thereon to my Soul for 1. I observed out of Heb. 12.16 Encouragement to suffer also inquiries into Beleiveâ—s building upon the true Foundation from Math. 7.24 withal many comforts from Christs carriage between his Resurrection and Ascention from this day to the 29. I observed not much save that my heart was in an ordinary Frame not much elivated in good nor cast down with evil God moved my heart to praise him for his mercy the night before and indeed it was worthy of praise and I found a very great encouragement in my spirit to the Lord for it this day I received divers Letters from my Freinds in the Country which were very refreshing and the Lord came very seasonable into my Soul through many expressions in Psal 91. It pleased the Lord this day to draw forth and to inlarge my heart much in Prayer with many tears and from the 1. Kings and Ier. 50.20 To comfort me much in respect of the pâ—â—â—â—n of sin also to consider four Lessons 1. To be think my self more of the sins I had committed 2. To confess thâ—m more sensibly 3. To turn from them more effectually 4. To look upon it as a work of Christ a it was to the Preists under the Law to cleanse the Sanctuary either the Churches of God of the hearts oâ— his People 2. Chron. 29.16 This day did God tenderly afflict me in my head yet wonderfully whilst I was at Prayer removed it I perceived it in the midle of Prâ—yer departing from me I heard also from Christians in the Country which much refreshed me I observed two comfortable words from Ier. 50.33.34 51.53 For the Church of God and methought according to that Scripture Psal 102.14 I had some pleasure in the Stones and did favour the dust of Zâ—on and from Hos 8. I observed son Lessons 1. To take heed of leaving to take heed to the Lo d especially in an evil time 2. Of short repentance 3. Of being a Vessel of no delight in Goes sight 4. Of being giving up to sin Being the Lords day I think I may say it was a sweet day to my Soul in â—ivers â—espects This day was good to the outward man but I sound a carnal rickling of self conceitedness in some thing I had done and was doing and I was convinced that my time stole away insensible I observed that the Character of bad profession are out of Hos 10. are 1. To bring forth Fruit unto themselves 2. To have a divided Heart 3. To be worse by affliction 4. To have the evil of evil verse 14. This day I would ever remember because of my great folly in my great frowardness towards my Wife and another my Conscience reproved me for it and I was convinced from Prov. 14.17.29 What evil I did thereby Being a day of Prayer I found my heart by Gods goodness much enlarged sorrowing much for the faults of the former day I learned from Exek 10. Three duties 1. To know the time 2. To redeem it and 3. To consider how soon it may be at an end Being the day my Wife went to W. I found an inclinaâ—ion in me to â—owardness but God restrained it and I found that Evening a continued sence and sorrow of and for my former evil I learned from Eccles 11. 1. That a man should hasten to do what good he can because of the evil that is coming upon the Earth 2. Put away evil from my Flesh This day and night following I was much troubled with temptations out of Eccles 12. I observed many things that should move to mind their mortality and that there is a time when the days will be so evil that they will not be desired also in the 9. 10. it is said twice that the Preacher sought out 1. Matter 2. Words This day I had power to repulse temptation also a consideration that the blessed and righteous man 1. Doth not go in sin presumptuosly 2. Nor continue in sin carelesly nor 3. Give way to sin conâ—ivingly I also considered that God in affliction doth no more to a Child of his then the Angel did to Peter Acts the 5. Smite him to awake him out of Sleep Being the Lords day I was refreshed in the morning with the presence and spirit of God in Prayer and from the consideration of the wisdome watchfulness and inweariedness of Satan in deceiving and tempting I should learn to be watch ul and careful in keeping from the same The following Week my Book being from me I did not write my observations only I remember that upon the sâ—atch day I had comforts both by power I had against temptations and from a Letter I had which came from several Freinds in Wales Also the last day of the week I found my heart much intent upon preaching and with tears I did both study my Sermon and pray for a blessing thereon yet had not liberty to preach it Also the following week wherein I was in wards I had not my Book only I remember 1. That I was well contented with my condition 2. Very cheerful and comfortable 3. Had a greater mind to do good 4. Free from temptation 5. Resolved to let the Lord himself bring me out in his time and way 6. When I came out was stird up to praise the Lord yet was not without temptations afterwards Some Lessons that I hope I have learned or gained more experience in since my imprisonment 1. To be more sober and serious in my carriage and to shun and loath more jesting jearing and foolish laughter vain speaking and unbeseeming behaviour 2. To prize secresie or being in secret for private Meditation Self-examination and Prayer more then before 3. I have gained more power against passion and anger besides some other corruptions and more moderation in discoursing with men of differing judgements 4. A very great and earnest desire that there may be a general Union between the Saints of God at least a forbearance towards one and other wherein they cannot agree 5. And especially a Heart really to pray for and to pardon my worst and greatest Persecutors 6. To justifie God willingly and fully in all that he hath done and to acknowledge that it is not without cause nor so much as mine iniquityes have deserved God dealing with me under the Covenant of Grace and as a Father 7. To look more at the good and gain I have received from the Lord in and by sufferings then
that by Faith only without Works before God Rom. 3.23 25. Rom. 4.1 5. Yet that Faith which justifies cannot be alone but is accompanied with good Works which justifies Believers before Men and manifests their Faith to be a True and living Faith Iames 2.17 18. as the Fruits of Trees do shew the nature of them but are no causes of their Root Life or Growth Justification is wholly of Gods Grace through the Redemption Righteousness and Blood of Jesus Christ Rom. 3.24 25. whereby those who truly believe in him have all their sins forgiven which will never be imputed nor remembred against them any more Romans 3.22 26. Hebr. 10.14.17 True Faith also by which the soul looks on Christ takes hold on him receives him becomes one with him and whereby Christ dwells in the Hearts of Believers is the gift of God Iohn 6.44 65. Eph. 2.8 3.17 Concerning the Spirit of Adoption and Regeneration 1. All those that truly believe God gives unto them Power or rather as the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies Right or Priviledge to become his children Iohn 1.12 and they receive the Spirit of Adoption by which they are led and enabled to come with confidence and boldness unto God and to call him Father through Iesus Christ Rom. 8.14.15 Gal. 4.5 6. The spirit it self also dwells and abides in them as the chiefest evidence of their being the children of God Iohn 14.16 17. Rom. 8.16 1 John 4.13 2. Regeneration Sanctification and Repentance which are the same in effect is a renewing of the Heart and a subduing and cleansing of the Power and Filth of sin with a quickning of the soul to live like Christ these are absolutely necessary to salvation John 3.3 5. Rom. 6 c. Yet these also as well as Faith are the gifts and works of God which he giveth through and for the sake of his Son and works by his Spirit in those whom he intends to save Ezek. 36.26 27 28. Acts 11.18 c. 3. No man much less all men hath by nature or before his conversion either the Spiritual light or true Faith or Christ or his Spirit in them or a will or love to that which is spiritually good or power to come to Christ or to be subject to his Law and Will but by nature and before conversion the best are blind unbelieving without Christ and without the Spirit unwilling wilful weak and wicked John 3.5 6. Rom. 5.6 8.7 Eph. 2.1 2 c. Yet sinning against the Light and Law of Nature and not worshipping God according to what is revealed of him by the works of Creation they are left inexcusable Rom. 1.20 21. Concerning Redemption from the Curse of the Law All true Believers are really and actually redeemed from the Curse and power or Dominion of the Law and are under Grace or the Blessings Promises and Privileges of the Covenant of Grace both Temporal and Eternal Rom. 6.14 7 4 6. Gal 3.13 On the contrary all Unbelievers and wicked persons are and remain under the Law and Covenant of works Gal. 5.4 Concerning the two Covenants From the beginning of the world there have been two Covenants in being viz. The Covenant of Grace and the Covenant of works called the Law and the Gospel and all and every person in the world have been and are under one of them the first requiring the Obedience of works the other the Obedience of Faith and these are the conditions of the two Covenants Rom. 10.4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11. Heb. 8.7 8. c. 10.15 16 c. 22. Concerning Perseverance in Grace Those that do truly believe and are once in and under the New Covenant and in the true grace of God as the Apostle speaks Rom. 5.2 cannot absolutely fall and utterly perish for they are passed from death to life John 5.24 they are in Christ and God the Fathers hand John 10.28 29. they have the Spirit abiding in them unto eternal life 1 John 3.24 they sit together in heavâ—â—ly places in Christ Eph. 2.5 6. and he makes intercession for them John 17.20 and the Decree Oath and Promises of God are sure to all the seed Rom. 4.16 that they shall not depart from God Jer. 32.40 1 Iohn 3.9 and that he will never leave nor forsake them Heb. 13-5 6. and that he or every one that believeth shall be saved Mark 16.16 and shall not come into condemnation for there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus Rom. 8.1 Concerning assurance of Salvation i. Believers are to be exhorted to make their calling and election sure 2 Pet. 1.10 and this they may certainly attain unto for God hath promised it Christ hath prayed for it and many of the Saints have attained unto it 1 John 2.3 5. 3.14 c. 2. Though there are many signs and evidences of the truth of grace laid down in the Scripture and such as Believers may find in themselves as Love to God and to his people respect to all Gods Commands and hatred to sorrow for and power against all in-bred corruption c. Yet the chiefest and most undoubted evidence is the spirit it self 1 Iohn 3.24 4.13 and the Witness and Sealing of it Rom. 8.15 Eph. 1.13 which Believers have most commonly after they believe and not at their first believing Gal. 3.14 and there may be a true Faith mingled with much Doubting Mat. 14.31 and many of the children of light may walk in darkness and be ignorant of their state Isa 50.10 Yet such bruised Reeds God will not break nor quench such smoaking Flax i. e. such weak and Doubting Christians or their Faith till he bring forth Judgment into victory or help them to overcome Mat. 12.20 21. 3. It is possible also that such believers as have attained unto a full Assurance may afterwards either through the hiding of Gods countenance for Tryal of them or by falling into some great sin or by some sore and violent temptation or through their Remissness in Religious Duties or the like have their Assurance darkned shaken and weakned and thereby their Souls may be much troubled and discomforted Psal 30.7 Cant 2.1 2. 5.2 3 c. yet in their darkest and most doubting condition they cleave unto the Lord remember his former dealings acknowledge these doubts to be their Infirmities and they find and feel some workings of the Spirit and Grace within them and still continue in Prayer and other Ordinances waiting upon the Lord till he return unto them revive them restore the joy of his Salvation and settle them in their old Estates as he hath promised For this read Psal 22. 51. 77. throughout Lam. 3. Isa 8.17 50.10 c. Concerning Growth and Perseverance in Grace 1. Those that have true Grace whether little or much they should labour to grow therein and to add one Grace to another going from strength to strength perfecting holiness in the fear of God and still
pressing after the things that are before endeavouring to be holy Merciful and Perfect as God is and to walk as Christ walked 2 Pet. 1.8 3.18 Phil. 3.11 14.2 Cor. 7.1 1 John 2.6 c. 2. Though there is to be a pressing after perfection as also an attaining unto it in some sense as Perfection of Justification and of the Truth of Sanctification and likewise comparatively some attain to more Grace than others who are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Perfect by the Apostle 1 Cor. 2.6 Phil. 3.15 Heb. 5.14 yet the best of Gods people whilest they are on earth have sin in them working in their Members and they offend in many things knowing also and doing but in part as the Apostles themselves acknowledged Paul Romans 7. James Jam. 3.2 Iohn 1 John 1. and they that say they have no sin but are perfect or without sin they will be found perverse as Iob saith c. 9. and they deceive themselves and the Truth is not in them 1 Iohn 1.8 10. 3. As there is a growing in Grace so there is a persevering and continuing and holding on and out in the Will Way and profession of Christ unto the end without turning to the right hand or to the left and without back-sliding or halting between Opinions or being formal and luke-warm in Religion But striving against sin and seeking to overcome through many sufferings and to run our spiritual Race till we finish our course for to such doth Christ promise the Crown of Life and in his grace and strength alone we must overcome and therefore must always depend upon and humbly implore his help who is the Finisher as well as the Author of our Faith that we may be able to withstand all evils and to stand compleat in the will of God being not high minded but fearing nor doubtful-minded but believing Matthew 24.13 Revel 2.10 3.11 15 16. Heb. 12.1 4. Phil. 4.13 Collos 4.12 Rom. 11.20 Luke 12.29 32. Concerning Good Works 1. They that do believe and are Gods workmanship created thereunto are to be careful to maintain good Works which tend to the praise and glory of God and the good and profit of men and are also as was intimated before evidences of a true and lively faith in God and of our love both to God and Men Mat. 5.16 Eph. 2.10 Tit. 3.8 14. Iam. 2.17 18 22. Iohn 14.21 1 Iohn 3. â—7 Gal. 5.6 2. Those works only are to be accounted good works which are commanded by God and agreeable to his Word and not such as are devised and esteemed by men only to be so and to offer unto God any thing in his service which he requires not is abominable to him and Unprofitable and Sinful to them that do it 1 Kin. 11.7 Ier. 32.35 Mic. 6.6 7 8. Mat. 15 9. Col. 2.20 24. Tit. 1.14 Concerning Baptisme 1. Outward Baptism or Water-Baptism is a solemn significant dipping into or washing with water the Body in or into the Name of the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost only Mat. 28.19 It signifies the Death Burial and Resâ—r ection of Christ also the spiritual cleansing and washing of Justification and Regeneration or Sanctification together with the Baptism or powriâ—g forth of the gifts of the Holy Spirit Rom. 6.3 4 5. Col. 2.12 Heb 10.22 2. Though Baptism be not absolutely necessary to salvation yet being commanded by Christ it is the duty of all professing and visible Believers and penitent persons Men and Women to be Baptized once and that upon the first Believing and Conversion and before they enter into a particular visible Church or partake of the Lords Supper Acts 2.41 42. Yet it is not Baptism but an Interest in Christ that gives any a Right to either Neither is it the proper work of Baptism to conferr or work grace but to seal confirm and encrease it 1 Pet. 3.21 much less are all those that are Baptized true believers and saved John 3 3 5. Acts 8.13 23 3. But in this of baptism as in many other cases difference in perswasion and practise may well consist with Brotherly love and Christian communion see Phil 3.15 Rom. 14 c. Concerning Churches and Church-Assemblies 1. It is a Gospel-Ordinance for Saints to gather themselves together into Christian societies or particular Churches that they may the better perform such duties as they owe unto the Lord and to one another and it is the duty of all believers if possibly and conveniently they can to joyn themselves unto some such Church and being joyned to continue members thereof unless some necessary and good reason occasion the contrary and then to depart with consent of the Church of which they are members Cant. 1.7.8 Acts 2.47 9.26 27 28 c. 2. The particular visible Churches under the Gospel did not consist of whole Nations Countries or Cities nor of the generality and Multitudes of either but of such Companies many or few in them that did receive and profess the Doctrine of the Gospel were converted and called to be Saints separated from the world both its sins and services and united and given up to the Lord and to one another to live according to the will of God in all things Acts 5.12 13 14. 17.4 19.8 9. 1 Cor. 1.2 c. 3. Such particular Churches had and still have distinct power each within it self of admitting and ejecting members of choosing their own Officers and of ordeâ—ing all other matters relating to the Church and none of them nor their Officers were charged with the errors and evils of others unless they were among themselves guilty of the same neither have any of them or their Officers any power over any other Congregation or Members yet as those particular Churches are parts of the Universal Church or body of Christ which is his fulness so they are all to be helpful to one another and to walk by one and the same Rule Acts 6 5. 14 23. 1 Cor. 5.12 Rev. 2. 3. Phil. 3 15 16 c. Concerning Church-Officers As Christ hath given extraordinary and ordinary Officers as Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry and for the edifying of his body or Church in general and this without any limitation of Time Eph. 4.11 12. 1 Cor. 12.28 29 so for the feeding teaching ruling and ministring to the poor and sick of the Church the Lord hath appointed Elders or Bishops which in Scripture language are all one Asts 20.17 28. Phil. 1.1 Tit. 1.5 6 7. and Deacons and Deaconesses or Widows Rom. 16.1 1 Tim. 5.9 10. with other Helps who are to be chosen by the Churches themselves and ordained as formerly they were either by Apostles or some appointed by them as Evangelists or by some Teachers in those particular Churches 1 Tim. 4.14 2 Tim 2.2 Tit. 1.5 1 Tim. 5.21 22 c. Concerning the Lords Supper The Lord Christ also instituted and
whether we will follow after him It s strange and very bad sign to see Saints look more upon the sins of the wicked to ripen them for misery then after self humiliation and holiness to ripen and fit themselves for mercy He that cannot pitty the sinner and hate sin doth not reprove out of love to Christ nor from a gratious spirit He that loves not a Reprover and prizes not his reproof neither profits thereby is more his sins then his Souls friend If God hath kept thee from falling still fear watch pray and live by Faith on Christ No power can keep him in Bonds whom truth and innocency acquits Due end in being in the world is not to be to our selves Though the People of God may be killed yet they can neither be hurt nor overcome Christians though disagreeing in Opinion should agree in Affection and differing in Controversie should agree in Charity It is a very sad thing neither to be careful to do well nor repent of doing ill The Portion that Christ gives us is not near so bitter as his Cordial is sweet The fear of death is ingrafted in the common nature of all men but Faith works it out by Christians Nothing will be terrible where the love of God is apprehended and nothing greivous where love to Christ is exercised Learn to prefer Christ before self and suffering above sinning Look for suffering as for Exaltation for it is an honour to be accounted worthy and a double honour to be enabled and carried through safety A Beleiver should learn 1. To know God in Christ 2. Himself in Christ 3. Christ in him 4. Himself he was without Christ 1. wicked and wretched 2. unwilling and weak in good The Life of a true Beleiver is 1. In the Lord. 1. Thes 1.2 1. Iohn 2.27 2. On the Lord. Rom. 1.17 Gal. 2.20 3. By and from the Lord. Iohn 6.57 4. To the Lord. Rom. 14.8 Luke 20.38 Gal. 2.19 5. With the Lord. 2. Cor. 13.4 1. Thes 5.10 Rom. 6.8 The Care of a true Christian 1. To wait on God Isa 8.17 25.9 2. To walk with God Gen. 5.22.24 6.9.24.40 3. To work all his works in and for God Io. 3.21 Rom. 6.10 1. Cor. 10.31 4. To bring his will to submit to the will of God in everything Mark 26.42 Heb. 10.7 A Christian should take heed least he be giving way to his Heart to steal out now and then to sin and get some sweet Bits thereof between duties There will be a reviveing of old sins if there be not effectual repentance for them and a care by Faith through all Duties and Ordinances to get new strength against them and constant watch kept over them When God makes the World to hot for his People to hold they will let it go A Christian comes not to know the weakness of his Grace till the Spirit ceases to work in and by it nor the power of his Corruption till Satan works therein by his temptation A Christians Flesh should keep from the Shew and his Conscience from the guilt of sin Where sin is not killed it will kill Sin hath no Mother but a mans Heart nor Father but Satan Sin draws the Soul into it either by power or policy by force or by fraud Christians should not give offence carelesly nor take offence causelesly Fear thy Freinds more then thy Foes thy sins more then thy sufferings and liberty more then bondage Some Christians have four Thorns that greive them a Thorn of affliction from God a Thorn of persecution from men and 〈◊〉 Thorn of Temptation from Satan and of corruption in themselves Self loathing destroys self Love much and the more we loath our selves the better we love others When a Christian comes to be as weary of his sins as of his sufferings God will certainly put them to an end One of the cheifest works of the Soul is self exmination and yet a Christian will find himself most backward thereto and soonest weary therein The more a Soul is exercised in spiritual meditation the less with carnal Temptation The more frequent and powerful in private Prayer the more free from and the more potent against corruptions Seasonable and unexpected mercies are very sweet and acceptable It is a common principle in nature that no man can or should judge his Enemy or be judged in his own Cause Slothfulness is the Cradle of sin which the Devil Rocks Christ will be soon sencible of those Saints sufferings that are sencible of their own sins There is no power in the Creatures to do either good or hurt but as God disposeth them for it is God that puts their Sword into their hand Ezek 30.24 Take heed of reproving or upbraiding another in self passion or to provoke his Passion The Lord now shakes his visible Church as a Tree is shaken that the rotten Fruit may fall off Careless hearing makes carnal Hearts and carnal Hearts makes cursed lives He that will be much in self denial must be much in self tryal If we could be contented to be altogether without Christ or with part of Christ we need not suffer persecution When and where wickedness is most then and there the godly should strive to be most godly If Gods People could be diligent at their own work and leave God at his work they need not fear success As the Stars the higher they are the swifter their motion so Christians the more spiritual the more active in the service of God Nothing comes amiss to a godly man but sin What a Preacer does as well as what he speaks is doctrine to the People The cheif end of all Scriptures is to know God and to worship him rightly being known Christians should take heed least God should sue them upon an Action of Waste for wasting time and mispending mercies c. Sence of misery must prâ—ceed sence of mercy At the day of death but especially at the day of Judgement a Saint will wish he had sinned less served God better and suffered for him more He is a strong Christian that seeks Gods glory more then his own salvation but no Christian that seeks neither Sin undiscovered or unconsidered becomes sin unrepented There are many that serve themselves of Christ but few that serves Christ for his own sake Gods People have the love of God shewed to and set before them shed in them and sealed to them Let not a Christian leave off his running till he comes to the end of his Race but like the Moon though she be eclipsed yet forsakes not her Orb not discontinues her course at all Be sure to praise God when thou receivest power against Sin and Temptation and you shall be sure to find God ready to give you power another time when you want it Be still imployed in doing good and you shall not be much tempted or troubled with Evil. Some Christians have more trouble from and for Temptation and sin in one day then they have
for suffering many months Poverty is the gift God as well as Riches When Saints perceive their sins growing weak they should prosecute them most A wicked man may give good Counsel from God to a good man and he not taking it may be destroyed Pharoh Necho to Iosiah It may be said of many a man that he is honourable and yet a Leaper 2. Kings 5.1 There is no evil in sin but there is some what in the name of Christ that speaks the contrary as sin is darkness so Christ is light c. A Beleiver is to shut the Eye of Reason if he will clearly see with the Eye of Faith The great Principles and Misteries of Divinity 〈◊〉 are to abide in God to live on God to walk with God and to live to God There are three sorts of Gospel Sacrifices 1. Thanksgiving Psal 51.17.19 Amos 4.5 Heb. 13.15 Hos 4.2 2. Liberality to the Poor Mich. 6.8 1 Cor. 16.1.2 2. Cor. 18.19 Heb. 13.16 3. Our selves Rom. 12.1 Sanctifying Thoughts 1. The Thoughts of God free and constant love to me 2. The thoughts of what Christ hath done for me 3. The thoughts of what I have been and done against God 4. The thoughts of what God and Christ are to me and I to them 5. The thoughts of Christs Excellency and some Saints Eminency 6. The thoughts of Death and Judgement 7. The thoughts of what I shall be and shall have hereafter A Christian should be much taken and rejoyce at 1. The least Revelation of Truth 2. The least Communion with God 3. The least additional measure of holiness 4. The least success God gives him in his work T is observed that the first word spoken by Christ in his ministerial office is an assertion to or of the authority of Scripture Mat. 4.4 God is not only the holy one of Israel but the holy one in Israel Ezek. 39.7 By Prayer God doth converse with me by Preaching he doth teach me by Meditation he doth fill me by Saints society he doth warn me by singing Hymnes he doth ravish me by his Supper he doth feed me By his Love he doth endear me to him by his Son embolden me By his Spirit unite me to him By his promises stay me with him Publick Disputations are seldome rightly managed being too often attended either with firceness and frowardness too much insulting over an Adversary if any advantage be gained or be left to oneâ— self in some thing or other to be worsted and shamed Or if some good hath been not to be so ready to give God the glory as in other things A suffering Christian should see that Innocency be the beginning and Patience the end thereof Six necessary Questions that every Christian shoulâ— ask his own Heart 1. Whether I am a Saint or a Hyppocrite a wise or foolish Virgin 2. What are the truest and strongest grounds I have of my Saintship 3. Whether if I be a true Christian is my Spirit Legal or Evangelical 4. With which of the Saints mentioned in Scripture can I most compare my self 5. What are the Reasons in respect of my self why I continue without full assurance 6. What is my master sin and what power hath it in my Soul or I over it God carries on the work of Grace in Believers 1. According to their natural parts and natural constitutions 2. According to the means they are under whether Legal or Evangelical Preaching 3. According to the things he hath to do by them or calls them to suffer 4. According to the shortness or length of time they have to live 5. According as they have been before the Conversion greater or lesser Sinners Recreations the Object and Subject being right must be 1. Not on Lords-days Fast-days c. 2. Not in the Night for it is given for rest 3. When we stand in need of it 4. Seldom 5. Not over-long 6. Not over costly 7. Suitable to mens conditions 8. To a good end In Duties we should 1. Look for to meet and enjoy God 2. Expect to hear and receive from God 3. Return somewhat to God As a Watch must be dayly wound up by him that carries it otherwise it is useless So the Soul must be spiritually wound up by Christ else it will be unuseful and unserviceable Christ hath more to do to bring us to be reconciled to God then to bring God to be reconciled to us Reasons 1. Because God is willing Men unwilâ—ing 2. Because God is satisfied and contented with Christs merits so are not Men. Soul freedome 1. To be freed from doubts of its eternal condition 2. Of scrupulous opinions 3. Of the power of Corruption 4. Of stinging Conviction of the Law 5. Of the fiery fierce temptations of Satan 6. From the fear of death Saints do commonly sleight and undervalue what ever suits not with their own Judgements James 1.8 A double minded man that is a man whose mind hangs between a double Object Christ and the World A Saint that hath been sick and near death and is recovered and returns into the World again is like a poor peeld Sheep that is brought out of the high Hill and Storm and almost to the Fold and then chased again to the storm Or a weary Traveller that is near his home that must needs return a great part of his way to fetch what he did neglect Or a man that hath been long at Sea and is in sight of shore but forced to Sea again Or an Apprentice that when he expects to be set at liberty must serve another Apprentiship Or Iosephs Brethren who returning home was forced back again into Egypt Things that seem small to Christians at a distance when God brings them to the Soul they seem great as persons or things at a distance as sin duty c. Two great Evils follow hardness of Heart Rom. 2.5 Impenitency and Wrath. When may sin be said to be a mans own 1. When he commits them out of his own as Satan doth Iohn 8.44 1 Iohn 38.9 2. When he hates it not but loves it yea more then any good Psal 52.3 3. When he nourisheth it Iam. 5.5 They pick the sweetest bits to nourish the hearts 4. When a man provides for it Rom. 13.14 5. When men live in sin 1. Tit. 5.6 6. When it is their Element meat Prov. 1.7 Sleep v. 16. Apparel Psal 73. Chain Prov. 10.23 Men carry their lives as men carry pretious water in a brittle Glass 2 Sam. 14.14 or a Candle in a paper Lanthorn A Saints second part of Sin is sorrow A true Saint hath his high places to walk upon Heb. 3. Last As 1. God himself his being 2. Christ as Mediatour his Light Strength c. 3. The Spirit as his Air. 4. The word as his Staff 5. Mount Zion as his delightful place 6. Gods decrees as his Record 7. Experiences as his helps 8. Hopes of Salvation as his encouragement The Evils I have feared and experienced in my self
are 1. To be hardened by the deceitfulness and guilt of sin 2. To have my goodness inconstant and uncontinuing as the morning Cloud or Dew 3. Because I cannot attain to that I urge and press upon others 4. To find such little effect of the sufferings of Christ and of his Spirit in me and of the Resolutions I make and Duties I perform Seek three things 1. To secure thy Soul 2. A sound Heart 3. A sin-sick Soul or a Soul sick of sin Take heed of presumptuous sin which is in Heb. 10. 1. A willing sinning 2. Knowingly 3. Despising of the Iâ—w 4. Sleighting of Christ 5. Doing despight to the Spirit 6. Falling into the hands of the living God without Christ and Sanctification Some of the last Lessons I am endeavoring to learn 1. TO keep Faith and to keep down Flesh 2. To be bound as if I were free and married as if I were unmarried 3. To dye before I come to dye viz. Expect and long for it 4. To attend every Duty better and to depend on them less 5. To realize and experience Spiritual things more 6. To make eternal things nearer by Faith 7. To have all things I see hear and read to leave a deeper impression upon me especially the sufferings of the godly and the sins of the wicked 8. To get more Communion with God in my services and sufferings 9. To have my Heart to mind more what God intends and doth in the Nations then what men do 10. To account of Gods least things more and of my own greatest and best things less 11. To make improvement of all former sins and sufferings 12. To learn to feed upon Gods brown Bread which is affliction better then formerly upon his white Bread his Gospel Ordinances 13. Not to think doing or suffering work hard 14. To get my self quite raised and recovered by vertue from Christ conveyed by the Spirit through the Covenant of Grace 15. To cease from all childish things 16. To do the work and bear the Testimony of my day in the day 17. to have a fixed or constant spirit for the word in Heaven is the same Psal 51.1 10. in the mar in God and in beleiving and doing good 18. To see that condition I am in to be best for me Some of my last Experiences 1. To see one sin after another more clearly 2. To see that I am very weak and shoâ—t in that grace wherein I thought I most excelled 3. That the sin that had most strength in me through the assisting power of Christ is grown and growing much more weaker 4. That I am more and more encouraged and helped to beleive by the strength of Christ and that as sin hath formerly weakned Faith so now Faith weakens sin 5. The sin and danger of neglecting ones body in making it unserviceable to the Lord. 6. That when a Christian begins to grow carnal can less the Lord leaves him to him self for sometime and either to be assaulted troubled with some Temptation or to be overcome with some Corruption 7. That before God raiseth up a Christian to a more spiritual estate or causeth him to suffer God Many times lets him know himself by leaving him to some corruption or temptation 8. That when and from whom I feared temptations at that time and from such the Lord did ma y loâ—fly deliver me evâ—n from the thoughts of Evil. 9. That very day and a few hours before my g eat sickness in Sept 9. 1664. I was strongly assaulted with Temptation and God in very mercy and wonderful seasonably did then lay sickness upon me 11. That a true Christian that is troubled with his Corruption doth rejoyce greatly when God doth by any means prevent and preserve from them 12. Exceeding suitably did God one day apply the three following Scriptures Esa 54.14 Ezek. 34.21 1. Pet. 3.14.16.19 13. That to shun one kind of Evil I found my self very ready to fall into another 14. That affliction when it was new fresh and first laid upon me it made and left more impression then afterwards As a further discovery of Gods gracious actings in the Heart of this holy man you have this following taste of his Spirit in this Collection taken out of his Dyary or Iornal it being his custome to keep a dayly Observation and Record of every every remarkable Providence occurring to him and of the frame of his Heart in his spiritual getings and losings every day which for the most part were written in Characters yet some being at large you have a few of them hereafter inserted which by Gods blessing may rend to the Edification and comfort as well as Example of many His Book is entituled Some Memento's and Experiences of Gods gracious dealings with Vavasor Powel Deut. 8.2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God leads thee c. Psal 143.5 I remember the dayes of old c. Can. 1.4 We will remember thy love Psal 34.3 My Soul shall make her boast of the Lord c. Collections out of his Dyary THis day I observed as many dayes before that I have commonly Consolation and Affliction in the same day If I have comfort from the Lord that day by Communion or communication or otherwise in the morning I am sure to have some trouble that Night and if trouble in the Morning I am sure to have some refreshing that Night but there is scarce one day wherein I have not some breathings from God and to God and as sure buffetings from Satan This day was a very comfortable day to me in the morning I was refreshed by those words 31. Ps 15. My times are in thy hands c. by comparing that with Ier. 20.12 I had much comfort in the society of Gods People and several times in Prayer that day and power against evil thoughts yet that Evening I was assaulted strongly with sinful thoughts but in my flying to God in prayer against them they fled from me This day being the Lords day I had some communion with the Lord in private Prayer and a greater sence of the sufferings of his People upon my Heart and it came into my Heart to aske earnestly of God that I might love him better then my Life and better then my Lusts remembring that Scripture in the 2 Tim. 3.2.5 That Self-love and loving of pleasure more then God will be the two cheif Characters of Hyppocrites and Appostates in the latter dayes In the Evening I was again assaulted with Evil thoughts which necessitated me to fly to the Lord in Prayer and thence I learned this Lesson that sometimes the very sin of a Christian drives him to his Duty and Service sometimes by way of prevention either to the Scriptures for some word of promise or command against sin or to Prayer and sometimes after a Soul hath sinned it sees a necessity speedily and earnestly to confess it repent for it resolve and watch against it This
as appeared by the numerous concourse of Auditors to his frequent Lectures who were as unwearied in hearing as he in speaking his success also was answerable who saw not his Labours prosperous Who can blast that which the Lord blesseth or dares villify what the King delighted to honour he was no fruitless Itinerant but fully approved himself a Workman that needed not to have been ashamed to be imployed by the head of the Church of Christ to convert comfort edifie many Souls to reprove rebuke exhoâ—t all Welcom'd whereever he came whether by the morally civil or the truly Religious the quickness of his imagination strength of his memory fulness of his conceptions variety of his discourses and readiness of utterance challenging more then ordinary respect from the former and the exemplariness of his piety the tenderness of his affections the forvvardness of his zeal the holiness of his doctrine and eminency of all his Graces endearing him to the latter only the superstitious hated him but he never prophecyed good concerning them but Evil. We confess to you that vve our selves have had as deep prejudice against him as any could have but have been taught by experience this better Character of him He vvas a man in vvhose bodily temperature the nobler Elements of Fire and Air have had the predominancy as the rushing mighty Wind and the Cloven tongued Fire have in his mental temperature which carried him above Earthly interest tovvards his Celestial Center he had a Body of Steel made as of purpose for his never resting indifatigable Spirit which by his extraordinary motion and agitation might have worn out many ordinary Cases his Labours vvere his Recreations and there vvas no time more burdensome than while he vvas from under his burden he had a Heart feared none but him that is to be feared for his mercy that loved none but Christ and those that carried some price of his Beauty and yet hated none but those that hated love it self and in them too rather their divlish vizer then their persons for he would often melt in private mourning for those that had the most inflamed hearts against Christ and his People his Head was not only a Fountain of Tears because men keep not Gods Law but also a Conduit of divine instruction teaching them how to keep it His Tongue was as the Pen of a ready Writer which was toucht with a Coal from the Altar that it knows no difference between rich and poor mean and honourable His Ears were sometimes open to those that came but with the Colours of Christ about them but neither they nor his Purse that to the poor and needy that would not only dose out his Silver to them but what he had in the name of the Lord to distribute to their precious Souls his Hands were lift up against none but such as appeared to him to be Iorams or Ahaziahs nor stretched out to draw in any but good Iohanadabs into the Chariot of Aminadab He was a Latimer for his plain dealing a Luther for his zeal and we may boldly speak it a Paul for his diligence It was the Mantle of the great Prophet that was his Rayment the Power and Spirit of him that was greater then Elias rested on him by which he was made instrumental in the doing of wonders even the reviving of many a Shumanites Son many a dead Soul there are many Servants of God in Wales that can say of him as Paul does of himself that though they had many Teachers yet they had not man Fathers in Christ He was for many years a dayly miner at the works of Christ and we are confident that there is not this day in England a Labourer of his time that can shew more â—ight Silver Oâ—e of his own raising then he go out of the Welch Mines witness his gathered Congregations in Mount Gomery Radnor and Cardigan shire abounding with hopeful visible Converts to whose Ministry most in those assemblies have acknowledged themselves to own their blessed changes who would be ready to attest the same unto the World by annexing hereto a List of their Names were it thought necessary besides what success the Lord gave him formerly in London Kent and other places where their remains many living Monuments of his powerful undeceiving Ministry many its true were filled with envy towards him yet being above discouragement whilst he was permitted was still striving to follow his Master as near as he might going about doing good continually and to heal every Soul-disease amongst the People still labouring and endeavouring to cause the sleepy to awake the Deaf to hear the Blind to see the Lame to walk many of such good works did he do and for which of those was he stoned esteemed as Dung and off-scouring and accounted as one of whom the World was not worthy H. P. A. M. E. H. L. P. I. N. E. V. T. L. E. A. I. G. I. Q. C. L. A faithful Narrative of his sufferings and imprisonment Manifold were the Perils Buffitings Seisures and Imprisonments he underwent in his attending and pleading Christs Cause and Gospel insomuch that it may truely be said of him as the Apostle spake of himself 2. Cor. 6.4 c. That in all things he approved himself a Minister of God in much patience in affliction in necessities in distresses In Stripes in Imprisonments in Tumults in Labours in Watchings in Fastings By honour and dishonour by evil report and good report as a Deceiver yet true and 2. Cor. 9. In journeyings oft in perils of Waters in perils of Robbers in perils by his own Country-men in perils in the City in perils among false Rulers in weariness and painfulness in watchings oft in hunger and thirst c. First of the Perils and Buffitings that befel him Many were the Assaults Buffitings and Lyings in wait for Life that attended him in his Ministry whereof you have the following instances Once he was sorely beaten by two of his Kinsmen at Knocklas in Radnor-shire for reproving of them for sin insomuch that his Head and other parts did swell and grow black being struck by one of them with a Crab-tree Cudgel and with a strong Arm and yet to admiration as he himself expresseth it that he felt it no more then if a Child had struck him with a Bullrush Another time he was sorely beaten in Marion-shire Another time a Butcher at Vainvatre lay in wait in a narrow passage to take away his life and did assault him but God strangly delivered him At another time four men entred into an Oath to kill him but God strangly preserved him and at the designed meeting where they intended the mischeif one of them was convinced At another time one came to a Meeting where he preached at Newtown with a full purpose to kill him but was that time convinced and converted by the Word and confessed and begged pardon for his wickedness Another time a man of Welch Pool entred into an
frowns or favours of great men but faithfully and couragiously would warn and reprove them to their Faces he was very affectionate in drawing and inviting Sinners to Christ and as sharply would here prove the prophane the rebllious Hyppocrites and Backsliders and most compassionately sympathize with the weak afflicted and tempted he was very excellent in the illustrating of his doctrine by familiar Comparisons Parables and Similitudes which used to be very profitable to the hearers tending greatly to imprint the truth in their minds and which was so much the way taken by our Saviour that it is said without a Parable he spake not he had a ready wit well read in History and Geography a good natural Phylosopher and skilled in Physick which greatly furthered his invention but above all very powerful in prayer much indued with the Spirit and an Eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures which was so admirably imprinted in his memory that he was as a Concordance where ever he came so that a Scripture could hardly be named to him but he could tell you the Chapter and Verse he had such an admirable memory that if he heard two or three Sermons together he could repeate them verbatim though towards his latter end by his long imprisonment being kept from the exercise of his Gifts his memory was impaired He was very exact in keeping punctual to his appointed times of Preaching having divers Lectures both Weekly Fornightly Monthly and two Months and Quarterly besides extraordinary appointments both in England and Wales from which no ill weather Frost nor Snow nor ordinary difficulties could hinder One time as he was going to Preach his Horse fell lame and could not well reach the place appointed on Foot he being in a great straight bethought himself of the way that one David ap Hugh took in like case and addressed to it viz. alighted off his Horse and went to Prayer and begged strength of God both for himself and Horse to perform his Journey which accordingly was made good to him for mounting his Horse he found his lamâ—ness was departed One time he was to Preach at Lempster in Herefordshire upon a first day of the week having the day before preached by the way and as he was coming late at night he had a very greivous fall off his Horse which bruised him much that he could not come further that night and questioned whether he should be able to stir the next day yet Prayer being made he was inabled to reach the place early in the morning and to preach thrice that day Another time he was to preach at a place called Cery to perform which he was constrained to ride night and day until at last his Horse tired so that he was forced to leave him by the way and perform the rest of his Journey a Foot It was his usual custome in riding to places to Preach if he overtook any aged People going on foot towards the meeting to set them on his Horse and to walk himself by their sides which he would do for miles together Many have been the difficulties and hardships he under went in his itenerant preaching sometimes forced to lye in the poor Welch houses upon the Mountains where he could find little accommodation for either Horse or Man and yet could as cheerfully spend the night in examining and instructing the poor People as if he had had the best entertainment in the world for it was his meat and drink to do his Masters work in gaining and edifying of Souls and it was his custome to reward the poor People as much for their course Bread and Cheese and hard Lodging as if he had been in the choisest Inn. He met many times with very hard measure from wicked Drunkards and debauched Persons by often lying in wait for his Life and by many Baffitings and Stripes which he received from them and he was ve y much prejudiced by Blows upon his Head yet freely did he use to forgive his most mischeivous and malicious Enemies and Persecutors never prosecuting any of them though he had great advantage against them and many freinds that would have righted him and punished them but patiently did he bear in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus and most Christianly did he undergo all the unjust reproaches he met with from wicked men rendring blessings for cursings love for harted he used to say he would not take a great deal by the year for the reproaches he met with all for Christ which he could not be without He was exceeding hospitable the Feasts that he used to make was not for the rich but the poor and aged whom he often invited and supplyed with Clothes Shoos Stockings and all other necessary accommodations He was very free in the entertainment of Strangers and all Saints his house being common for them and great resort was to him from most parts of Wales and many from England and was so free harted that he would use to say he had room for twelve in his Beds a hundred in his Barns and a thousand in his heart and so liberal that he would wrong himself to do good to others he was very merciful to all poor People and when in the greatest hast he would not let the poor cry in vain and severally would he with his Alms impart some good instructions to their Souls He was very loving and courteous to all his Neighbours and much beloved by them He was very zealous against false doctrine and Errors corrupt and anti-Christian dece vers He did spend and was spent in his Masters service laying out himself and what he had for him not serving him for filthy lucre but of a ready mind finding his wages in his work and therefore having freely received he freely gave little outward advantage accrued to him by his ministry from the Churches in Wales he received nothing but neighbourly and brotherly kindness which he was as ready to requite and much more willing to give then receive and as freely did he contribute the necessities of others as any the Parliament ordered him 100 l. per annum out of a sine cura whereof he received about 60 l. for seven or eight years many considerable gifts he refused and never did he get any thing by the Act for the propagation of the Gospel in Wales as was slandrously laid to his charge for which his vindication in print to this day unanswered may stop the mouth of Envy it self And he made it appear in the Consciences of all that knew him that wealth and worldly advantages was not the penny he entred the Vineyard for but the gaining of Souls his temporal Estate as well known was more before the War then at the time of his imprisonment and death being indeed a despiser of the world and which was no more his temptation then it was Luthers he was of a noble generous free Spirit and as some term it much a Gentleman in all his
deportment He was very humble and plain in his carriage prefering others before himself though far inferiour in Gifts and Grace to him and a most ready servant to do good to all both for Soul and Body He was very just in all his dealings and would rather receive wrong then offer injury to any and kept still a great jealousy over himself least he should do any thing unbecoming the Gospel He was very pittiful to all in distress whether Saints or sinners and especially in the case of sin which he would deeply lay to heart and weep bitterly in consideration of the weightiness of sin upon there Souls and greatly would he lament the scandalous offences in Professors which tended so much to the dishonouâ— of God greif of the Saints and haâ—dening of sinners and indangering their own Souls He was very active in doing good and little time spent by him in idleness after great and tedious Journeys and pains in Preaching he would be as fresh to attend any work for God as if there had been no such thing it was his constant practice to be speaking of good to all he conversed with and to convert worldly discourse into spiritual things and when he apprehended any to discourse of the things of God in a common light Spirit he would endeavour to work them up to more seriousness and spirituallity Where ever he was at home or abroad he would be still furthering of good things and improve all oppertunities with whom so ever he conversed were it in his Journey or upon the Road to instil something for the good and benefit of their Souls wherein as a follower of his Master he was a lively pattern to the Saints and wherein God blessed him exceedingly He was to receive exhortation admonition and reproof being under all his excellencies great worth a man subject to passion infirmity which he would imbrace with all humble submission and acknowledge thankfulness and his Conscience was so tender that he would of himself both privately and publickly express his fears and jealousie of himself and would desire others to tell him his faults which he might not so well discern in himself He was a faithful and diligent observer of the out goings of God upon his Soul whereof he kept a dayly account and record taking notice both of the actings of grace and the stirrings of corruption and the assaults of sin and Satan or World made upon him It was his dayly practice to draw forth some instruction and advantage from every object and every thing that accrued viz. from Scriptures ordinances Gods dealings with him in every respect from conferrences with Saints or Sinners from any providence or accident whether prosperous or adverse from Creatures Heaven Earth Seasons from the graces and vertues as well as failings and infirmities of Saints and Professors A great observer of Dâ—eams and what God might speak to himself or others by them for warning instruction or reproof He was very heavenly his Heart so set with diligence and intentness upon the things of God that when he was alone and none to discourse with he would many times be singing of Hymns in his house and elsewhere and often in his Bed assoon as he awaked in the morning being excellent at extempory Hymns which have been to the refreshing of many who have declared to have injoyed as much of God in joyning with him therein as in any other ordinance And his Soul did follow so hard after God that he hath been heard to pray very audibly and fervently in his sleep and yet knew it not vvhen he avvaked He vvas of an undanted courage for God no fear of suffering could turn him back in the vvork of the Lord he had such a fervent zeal for Christ and the Truth and such enmity to and hatred against that he regarded not the greatness of men in administring reproof to them vvhat danger so ever might accur to him thereby he used to say he feared the corruption of his Heart more then any sufferings he met vvith from men He vvith much compassion and feeling affection used to sympathize vvith the vveak and tempted making their condition his ovvn but vvould magnifie his office vvith great zeal by improving the authority Christ had given him to curb the insolent stubborn and rebellious He vvas one of a vvorthy publick Spirit zealous in and furthering of all things that might tend to promote the good of his Neighbour and Nation but especially the Saints and Sion in advancing the Name Interest Kingdome and Soveraignty of Jesus Christ and seting himself withal his might against Babilon that common publick Enemy of mankind He was very tender of the Consciences of others though differing in judgement from him and where he discerned sincerity and truth of Grace expressed much endeared affection to them as Brethren being a dear Lover and Promoter of love to Saints as Saints without relation to perticular perswasion or private opinion He was exceeding successful in the work of the ministry which was sealed to him by the conversion of many Souls confirmation consolation and edification of more both in England and Wales He was instrumental to the gathering of Churches to the healing and composing of many differences and breaches wherein he travelled much by Messengers Letters Conferrences and Journeys far and near It was his usual course in order to preserve and maintain life and love amongst the Churches he most neerly conversed with to put them upon the debating and resolving of several questions from time to time he handed to them which proved exceeding profitable to the increase of knowledge and to the ends proposed He was much in visiting from house to house taking a particular account both of inward and outward man inquiring after their family walks duties and deportments and in an especial manner did he with diligence attend the sick administring all things necessary for Body and Soul Exhorting Comforting and Praying with and for them He was exceeding zealous to keep the Communion clean and pure by keeping a diligent Watch puting forth early warning and reproof against the first appearances of envy and scandal and a faithful rejecting the hardened and impenitent Sinners in which Cases he used to be mighty powerful in the administring of that ordinance of excommunication shewing the terribleness thereof so that many hearts would tremble greatly thereat and yet be found also therein with great tenderness and heart meltings to the offenders themselves As he was Master of a Family he was wonderful careful to do the things that was just and equal and principally he did design to promote the power of godlidess amongst his Servants he used to tell them that they should at any time leave work to pray or read and when he sound them at any times in the Feilds reading or confering about the things of God he would bid them go on and continue in it and oh how few are they that prefer and promote the