in the season thereof 3. What a hopfull presage were it of the Lords returne in this day if both private Christians and Ministers of the Gospell were found more prest to bring into themselves their deep accession and share in the provoking cause of this great wrath now gone forth and their being content to be abased and ly in the dust that the unspotted righteousness of God might shine forth we might then assuredly hope for some more visible signes of his presence and a more joint uniting in knowing both the cause and cure of our greatest distempers 4. What a blessed assay should this be to the Churches healing if a greater onness amongst the godly in these times were with more desire and intenseness followed who have this with such expresness left by our great Master not only for the credit of the gospell and promoting the interest thereof but as a seale of our love and obedience to him Oh! that so few are found with that suteable weight on their spirits to be concerned in this as though this great duty of mutuall freedome could not be managed with that humble ceding and prudent tenderness to others as might tend to a further cementing in love yea to goe together in others hand without any jarre Let the things of God have a preference to our own things and our Masters interest be dearer to us than our selves and Christians will not then long be at so sad a distance with others both in their judgements and affections but that blessed strife should most appear how to strive together and not against other for the interest of Christ Yea with this I must add that which Christians should much study and so natively resolves in mutuall love and condescendence one to another is humility which when corruption causeth the mind to swell will quickly help it to fall and how sad is it that such a name is not with greatest abhorrence entertained as that of a party oâ— keeping in there with what is Christ divided or is there any other head and leader than he who is Paul or who is Appollos Or have we another interest if we hope through grace to be accepted of him at his second Coming but his truth to contend for which without any personall quarrell or bitterness we should with Levi know neither Father nor Brother But oh What we lose oft in the very manner of our deport and following of duty when there may be a serious aime on both sides at one and the same scope which calls much for a being alone in a neer fellowship with God to meet together with more advantage QU. IV. But you see under what reproach the way of the Lord is at this day and how much the Credit of the truth suffers by sore and subtill reflections that are cast thereon ANS 1. What doth this shake any or render the truth doubtfull if ever they knew the power and certainty thereof on their soul for it is sure religion will never lose weight with those who know it in earnest under the greatest cloud of detraction and contempt 2. What can the furthest essayes of such reach who dare not avowedly deny the Scripture but are enforced to own that which breaketh all their designes since it is enough the Testimony of God in his word is sure nor can the Sun cease to shine what ever thick vapours may darken the air a little to us 3. Do but ask the greatest Reproacher of godliness what his thoughts are when death is looking him in the face if he will put this in his Testament or adventure to seale such a witness with his dying breath O is it not then that the mockers are enforced to confess they now find religion to be a matter of earnest which before they scoffed at QU. V. But it seemes strange what quiet and confidence many such who are visible haters of the truth and of the power of Religion own in their way ANSW Friend this is one of the sad mistakes most are in but let me beseech you come a little more neer and then see and judge what true peace and quiet such have what ever present shun-shine they may be under from the World 1. Who are so oft at work how to bridle their conscience to frame diversions and find out some false grounds of peace whilst the truth of God upon any neer approach is so visible a terrour to them 2. Why do these hate a searching ministry so much though the word name none Is it not because the light torments them and they cannot stand before it and are such to be envied by any 3. How is the sense of guilt and of their former way so affrighting upona surprising strait or a neer approach to death or would you wish to dy with such on whose very countenance may be oft read let them conceale never so much these dreadfull presages and fear of a judgment to come 4. And is not wickedness a visible punishment to it self which with such a sting and fear is haunted as it may be seen when they seek most to outdare their conscience they find it stronger than they and whilst no ground of fear or trouble is from without yet a dreadfull sound is in their ear of what is to come 5. Why are these under such dread to be alone and thus in any measure serious with their soul to look but over their own case and is this a desireable peace or quiet 6. And whence is it that so many who have most derided holiness in their day are pressed to enquire and call for some serious Minister of Christ yea to desire such most whom they hated before when death once is dealing with them QU. VI. But whilst the times we are now fallen in are so remarkeably sad and afflicting what can the righteous do or would most help against the imbittering troubles and griefs of a Christian life ANSW Let us consider 1. How much of the Scripture is peculiarly writ for the afflicted and such as have no visible help or comfort 2. That the very nature of affliction and trouble is so far changed in its being sanctifiedly exercising as in stead of poison to be made medicinal 3. Are not the Christians saddest hours on as swift a course as their time and each hour and day putting by some part of its appointed measure Yea though some thousands of crosses should be allotted you they will come to one at last 4. A few hours under the pain of a wounded Spirit and the terrours of the wrath of God would make such to reckon a freedome from this though with the sorest of outward affliction were a sweet calme and deliverance 5. Is not a sanctified cross without any bounds set to the measure thereof one of the most express Scripture signes of the love of God to his own the want whereof might indeed be the Christians sorest trial lest his share be with the World and such were Bastards not
distressed Job 29 v. 16. Eccles 11 2. for thus the liberal man deviseth liberal things c. even in seeking Objects that so excellent a grace may not want its exercise each according to his Talent where it may be truely said thev receive more than they give Which was a choice word of one what ever I give that I have whilst the withholding of that which is thus required hath visiblv tended to poverty in many signal instances 8. To be faithful here is to have a serious respect to the end that it be to a Disciple in the name of a Disciple with a due regard to their present distress and not by partiality on some private interest and respects that may rise thereto else they have cause to feare that both Principal Interest is lost nor can they put this debt on the Lord where such a sad bvass is with it Matth. 10 v. 42 9. To be faithful here is to follow this closly so as not to be seen of men else such have their reward where this is an influencing motive yea not to let the left hand know what the right hand doth Matth 6 3. Here the giver should shut his eyes when he opens his hand with desire that it may never be known untill the dav of the Lord that great day of retribution when that which hath been done in secret shall be rewarded openly Mat. 6 v. 4 10. Here also is to be understood to give without grudging cheerfully as the true way to lay up treasure to themselves knowing that the Lord loves a cheerful giver 2 Cor. 9 7. 11. To be faithful here is to be given to Hospitality with a tender regard forentertaining of strangers for in such habite Angels have been entertained Heb. 13 v. 2. 12. The bounds and limites of our actings here must not ouly be the houshold of faith but a Tenderness Condescendence and Readiness to help and relieve any distressed even the Worst of men as they have opportunity which is so expresly required 1 Thes 3 ver 12. to abound in love towards all men so as to do good to be useful and exerce Tenderness toward all which should be found a more effectual mean to gaine credit to the Gospel than what is the way of many who have a name and repute of Religion in this age QU. VI. VVhat you have now spoke anent those who have a large interest in the world and in what termes they have it is undeniable I confess from the Scripture but this concernes a few in respect of such as are of a Low and meane Condition in the VVorld and what can these have to compense the want of such a Talent and make their lot desireable or sweet ANSW I hope you will not bring these things under question which may convincingly answer this 1. That a serious Christian could yet never be so Low but he hath much more than he wants though he should be put to such a reckoning with Job I have now neither Children Friends Honour or Estate in the world to call mine own but I know and am sure that my Redeemer lives Job 19 v. 25. and do you think that a mans lot or the comfortable enjoyment thereof consists in the abundance of the things he possesseth Luk. 12 15. 2. Have the poor and despised cause to quarrel with their lot if they be in truth partakers of the Grace of God when it is so clear there can be no substantial good in riches or honour which the Lord hath cast out of the Counsel of his Love towards those on whom he hath set his heart from eternity 3. Yea hath he not designed the most of the Elect to a poor Low and afflicted Condition here For you see your calling Brethren how not many wise not many noble c. according to the flesh hath he chosen 1 Cor. 1 26 27. 4. Hath not such a peculiar income in the way of the Promise which these who are full and abound most in the world cannot understand and is not owned in the Scripture to be under such a necessity to live by faith which made the Apostle give such a strange account 2 Cor. 12 9 10. I take pleasure in my infirmities in distress inpersecutions c. that the power of Christ may rest on me O what strong and vigorous acts of faith and love have oft followed the Christians low and meane state in the World whereto such as were at ease have been wholly strangers 5. Have such cause to quarrel with a low and despised lot who the less they have here whilst they have a sure evident for Heaven knowes they have the more before them And whilst others may reckon what they have by year and property can make another account what is their interest for all eternity and not grudge the hireling's wages who know they are Sons and to abide in the house for ever Joh. 8 35. 6. Would such were it put to their choice have their good things in this life or do they expect to find a Heaven out of Heaven and is not that lot with greatest advantage suited to each of his Saints that is most for promoting their eternal interest and to make them meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light Col. 1 ver 12. 7. It is not by the bulk you can judge on the Christians condition here in the World a little gold is of more value than a great heap of some other metals and a little that the righteous hath is more than the riches of many wicked Psal 37 ver 16. For there lyes the blessing and what a difference is there betwixt such whose heart is gone up after his treasure that is laid up for him in Heaven and those who mind earthly things and have their heart in their belly Phil. 3 ver 19 QU. VII Such have a sweet and comforting part whether the VVorld smile or frown who know there is an eternity of joy before them But you see how many are not more low in their outward state than dreadfully wicked and loose without thc least serious weight of Religion on their soul ANS This may shew that no affliction or the saddest lot here can of it self lead into Jesus Christ without the efficacious and irresistible power of grace but as to their part whoâ— are so visibly active to their own ruine I must say there seemes not a more sad and astonishing sight than such are 1. Who thus follow the world with a weeping eye and have their heart cleave so fast to it which will scarce bestow one flattering smile on them knowes not what gain theyâ—might make of their present Affliction and strait 2. Who thus seek the living among the dead their reliefe from the airth from whence they see they cannot have it who have such greatest things laid in their offer to make them here and for ever blessed 3. That the very report of the gain of Godliness
wherein the Redemption of his Church being perfected he had a full acquitance for the whole debt of his elect Church that day also on which his most usuall and solemne appearance to his Disciples after his Resurrection was and shall we deny such a tribute of our observance thereof on so great an account and to him who hath given us our time and is Lord of the Sabbath 2. Since it is the alone prerogative of God to make a day holy and that the first day of the week is that piece of our time which is only set apart for him under the New Testament should not such a solemne and consecrat time be applyed to spirituall duties and is the highest of sacriledge to turne that which is holy to civill or common actions when they are no works of necessity or mercy for then is such a day no more holy but common 3. You know how deep the prophanation thereof hath been oft found to draw on mens conscience so as it is rare to see a flagitious person under any remorse when brought to a scaffold but hath been then enforced to cry out of the breach of the Sabbath and how their guilt herein did stare them in the face as a provoking cause of what had thus befallen them 4. Should not these dreadfull marks of the holy judgement of God which have been thus put both on persons and places have an aw and dread on mens consciences yea such instances with these signall and convincing circumstances as all might see who looked but at a Distance thereon the stroke pointing as with a finger at the provoking cause 5. Do we hope for an everlasting Sabbath in heaven whilst here a few hours in spirituall converse with God and the souls resting and solacing it self in him is so burdensome a work yea whilst it is sure the greatest of delights and pleasure known upon the earth are these which are Spirituall to such as ever knew what it is to be Christians DIALOGUE IV. QUEST I. SInce we have had this occasion to touch a little some of the great and weighty concernes of practicall religion I must yet press you with some few proposals anent the present time we are fallen in when such sad appearances and a faint almost every where now is so as many are like to give over as men astonished and lose both their heart and hand at once in the matter of duty ANSWER We are indeed fallen in trying times But consider also 1. What great confirmations have been given in to the truth ere our night grew so dark and have now lost sight of them all 2. What kept the saints from sinking an hundred years past when to be burnt at the stake for the truth was one of the most usuall lessons of Christianity and to quite all for Jesus Christ Yea whence was it that their strength and resolution grew as the tide grew strong against them 3. Look through the whole of the Scripture and on the Churches condition under the New Testament and I am sure nothing can be more clear than this that the greatest triumph that ever Jesus Christ hath had in his followers was not in calme and prosperous times from without but when they were at the lowest QU. II. But how is it in such times of abounding light as these now are that these great confirmations of the truth which were then given in by the Saints are now so rare yea much unkuown to most of this generation ANS The way of the Lord is still the same and in all times his word doth good to them that walk uprightly But it may be clear 1. How such degrees of peace comfort and assurance of the truth hath still kept some proportion to some more remarkeable time and measure of the Saints sufferings the spirit of God and of glory then resting upon them 1 Pet. 4 14. 2. Then was the life of faith a following of the Lord fully with a large venturing on hand in another manner known amongst his followers than it seemes to be at this day and Oh! How rare a practice is it now to beleeve when there are almost no sensible grounds to be comforting 3 Though former ages had not that measure of light which is now yet it may be seen how the aw and authority thereof was in another manner on the conscience of Christians and their work to live religion when there was no visible inducement to profess the same but for the truths sake but they endured as seeing him who is invisible and did live and feed on the very marrow and substance of Religion in another manner than seemes by the most of Professors now to be understood QU. III. VVhat might be the most effectuall mean for recovery and to be led in the way of the promise of the Lords returning with these wonted signes of his presence when it seemes to be so dark and dismall an hour now on the Church ANS I hope with some assurance I may offer these 1. That such as love the truth would with greatest seriousness watch against the present publick and prevailing evills of the times to have their garments kept from the smallest touch and defilements thereof I meane such evills after which the multitude most runs where the countenance and favourable aspect of great men seemes most to follow and is a most remarkeable contagion in the time for it is here the smallest accession will draw deeper on the conscience have a more difficult recovery than other personal infirmities a severe withstanding thereto lead in to most sensible enjoyments of the Spirit of God 2. Let us enquire where the Testimony of the present day to the truth doth most ly which may be more peculiar to some of the Reformed Churches of Christ than others for in a closs adherence thereto we may assuredly hope for the outletting of the spirit of God from his own promise of having a special respect thereto Rev. 3 10. and 12 11 and herein should the truth maâ—e you free It hath been the blessed disposall of the Lord that this great interest of Christ in his being King and head over his Church and the alone Lawgiver thereto and that his Kingdome is not only within on the souls of the Elect but over his Church as a visible Politick body distinct from all the Kingdomes of the earth is that great truth which the Church of Scotland hath now in these late times had most peculiarly assigned to witness for Yea this great truth we may see not there alone but else where most visibly opposed I hope will be owned as the common cause of all the Reformed Churches to whom thls crown and supremacy of their glorious head should be dearer than all their interests within time Great is that peace and joy will be found in a closs adherence thereto a more large outpowring of the spirit might be hoped for to follow this Testimony when it is now called for