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
you know of such a mark 7. Is it not clear that with a converted state the war is begun that will never cease here betwixt the flesh and the Spirit Gal. 5 17. and as the regenerat part is at an advantage the more vigorous is its opposition then against the flesh yea against such secret and Spiritual evils that may ly most near from their natural temper and constitution as their right eye or right hand Matth. 5 29. 8. Is it not with a renewed state by grace this also must be known what the Spiritual way of service to God in the deauties of Worship is in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the Letter Rom. 7 6. yea to know in some measure the Spirit of Prayer which so sensibly helpeth the infirmities of the Saints Rom. 8 26. and what have you thus found to answer so plain an evidence and mark as this of your state and being in Christ 9. Is there any thing dark or difficult here that if you be risen with Christ this will natively result from the same to seek the things that are above Col. 3 7. that where your treasure is you will know then in some measure to have your heart and desire following Matth. 6 21. And some comforting converse with the thoughts of that glory which is to come yea a rejoicing in the hope there of when you shall breath in that sweeter air of the higher Paradise where love joy and oneness of heart with your blessed head and the whole triumphant Church there shall then never admit the smallest interruption for all eternity Now are not these few marks on such clear and undeniable Scripture grounds as it is strange what should make this a dark business to any who would not make it their choice to hold fast deceit or goe down with a lie in their right hand to the grave though the comforting and clear evidence thereof be not the same at all times nor in the same measure and degree alike to all QU. VI. Since there is no questioning the Truth evidence of such markes where the Scriptures are so clear I would desire to know also what length is that which some may come in a temporary work and a being an almost Christian which is not saving since this is my greatest interest within time and knows not how soon the night cometh A. You have that sure and unerring record of the Scripture to goe to where you may clearly see 1. What a length there is in a forme of knowledge Rom. 2 v. 20. and a forme of Godliness without power 2. Tim 3 v. 5. Yea that this may be in a high measure and was not Judas one of the twelve 2. It is there you may see they have begun in the Spirit who have ended in the flesh Gal. 3 3. and what length such came who received the seed of the word and had some discerneable growth a Little yea forth with sprung up Matth. 13 vers 5 6. Part of which was chocked with these thornes of the cares of the world and others did quickly wither and goe back when persecution arose having no solide root A Scripture which should be much thought on and deeply laid to heart by all who would not be deceived about a heaven and blessedness for ever 3. You may see there likewise what length the foolish Virgins came Matth. 25 8 9. Who wanted not a lamp and Visible Profession before others as might gain a name and testimony in their day yet shut out for ever 4. The Scripture will let you see also what eminent gifts even Spiritual may be reached by a common work of the Spirit where conversion was never known Lord have we not Prophesied in thy name Mat. 22 7. Yea that extraordinary inspiration is no infalible evidence of Sanctification As in that strange instance of Balaam 5. That some may cry unto God and make mention of his name but not in truth you may read Esai 48 1. 6. That there is a glorying in appearance and not in heart you may see 2 Cor. 5 12. Nor is it strange to see this at such a height as with Jehuto invite the world to see their zeal for the Lord to enquire at others if their heart be right whilst his own was most false unstraight The world is no stranger to this what length of a Profession hath been to mask a private interest with such a shew and appearance But let us consider these also 1. That nothing is here either to wound or affright the least of the Saints who are in earnest how to be saved since Truth in the inward parts is that great thing which the Holy God regards and takes pleasure in and a few graines of this weigh down many talents of outward performances Let the Righteous still hold on in his way and he that hath clean hands wax stronger and stronger Iob. 17 9. 2. It is a length that none can come whose heart is not in some measure sincere before the Lord to have their salvation through Christ ly so near as to be under some fears and tremblings left they be deceived there in so as they dare make a humble reference to the God of truth search me and try wherein there may be any deceit or falshood and lead me in a right way Ps 139 23. 24. For when thus their heart condemne them not they may have confidence then before God 1 Ioh. 3 21. 3. What ever hath been the furthest length of mens deceiving the world and themselves at once anent their Religion yet can it not put the least blot on the spotless way of the Lord and nothing doth the Scripture more dreadfully threaten than any such false shew yea it is there you may see this in it's true Colours and how horride it is And the more it doth approach to Religion which is so pure and undefiled the more hateful and loathsome it is so as even such as comply therewith in themselves yet are enforced to loath it in others QU. VII Though I am constrained to assent subject to the Truth in what you have spoke since there is no flieing before it yet may it not be safe to admit some delay a little whilst men are in health and strength of their years yea have so much oft to throng them from their necessar concernes in the world and lay this over until age and sickness may give more freedome for being in such earnest about salvation whilst it is not a laying the same aside without some setled resolution to follow it in a fit time A. Do but take so much time now as to reason thus with your self and then judge whether it can be safely deferred which 1. Is the one necessar thing and is not an eternity of such weight that if there were many ages ensured to us much more a few dayes which are wholly uncertain here were enough to keep us in some continued
himself to be 9. It is these who with greatest quiet dare commit their interest to him as knowing in whom they have beleeved and what ever confluence of manifold temptations may sometime meet in their lot yet knowes they shall not be tempted above measure but are still under his tender and watchful care who even while he smites with one hand does uphold with the other 10. Such is their lot as that which would seeme the greatest pain in the Study of Godliness which is by Mortification to do violence to the flesh and lusts thereof leads in also the greatest pleasures and delights QU. III. I must confess it is strange what prejudice most have at serious Godliness which they never knew upon trial But what you me ane in this last instance of that interest Mortification to the flesh hath in the Comforts and Enjoyments of the Christians life is such I cannot easily comprehend ANSW This can alone be known upon trial Yet do but seriously consider these 1. That the Scripture hath so exprefly conjoined them together Matth. 11 29. take my yoke on you and learne of me c. and you shall find rest to your soul which would seeme a strange way to so desireable an enjoyment 2 You know this also to be attested by the Saints in all ages and with the greatest certainty of trial what inexpressible sweetness and delight they have known and experienced in a suffering lot for Christ and in such things which in themselves were most imbittering and grievous to the flesh 3. None yet ever knew the Truth and Power of Religion and not this also that by a natural result what ever tends to an abatement of the power of sin in resisting thereto how sore and grieving soever it would seeme at first leads into the greatest Delights and Comfort in the close 4. It is here the Christians promised reward to wrestling against corruption and a Body of Death is in some degree given in so as to know upon their own soul the Truth of that Peace which is in a closs walking by this blessed rule of the Scripture Gal. 6 16. 5. And what a sweet Jubilee hath oft followed in their soul on resisting and getting victory over some predomlnant evil beyond what ever was known in the furthest yeelding and indulgenee to the flesh 6. Is not the most truely Comforting use and enjoyment of the world found by having the heart much subdued thereto and thus kept off that dreadful rock of Love to the World and eager desires after the same whereon so many thousands have at last made shipwrack QU. IIII. VVhat are there not allowed desires after the world and that it is truely warrantable for men to seek a further increase to their estate and some larger interest this way ANSW Since this is an unquestionable Talent men have for their Masters use and are accountable for it puts it beyond question that there is both a warrantable following and enjoying thereof with Christian Sobriety but these also would be deeply pondered herewith 1. That Love to the world and things thereof is so expresly a Scripture signe of a reprobat state 1 Joh. 2 15. and that no covetous shall inherit the Kingdome of Heaven 1 Cor. 6 10. which was so convincing in the primitive times as Covetousness upon any visible evidence was then a publick scandal of the Church 2. How such is the deceitfulness of riches as is shewed by our blessed Lord himself Mat. 13 v. 22. that as briars and thornes this native tendency is to choak the Word of the Gospel and make it unfruitful even whilst it seemes to have come forward some length And if any cannot bear this who may be in saddest hazard to split on such a rock let them but go in and try the Scripture thereanent and not think strange that we neither may nor dare conceale the truth herein without applying it to mens Conscience QU. V. VVhat suteable improvement is that which is necessarily called for of the measure and talent which men have of things of the world as might most tend to a solide peace and quiet of mind before the Lord herein and to guard against such dreadful and evident hazard of eternal perishing or spliting on that rock on which the Holy Ghost hath set so signal a Beacon by most express and multiplied warnings from the Scripture ANSW It is a great proposal you now make to which in a few words and with some seriousness I shall make this answere 1. To consider what use ye would choose to make or wish to have made of your interest in the world if ye were at this hour to die so as with peace on such an account to enter into eternity 2. That this i ' not left arbitrary to any their trading with such a Talent and be concerned how to consecrat the gain thereof to the Lord but it is a High Peece of Justice and no less necessity to shew mercy to those who are truely distressed than to pay our Debts since the great Law-giver hath not left this indifferent more than the other as is clear Luk. 16 10 11 12. 3. You would consider that riches is given to men as Stewards and not Proprietors Matth. 25 v. 14. I meane so as to reckon they may do herein at their own pleasure and is unfaithfulness here a small weight to ly on the Conscience and have no other account of their Masters goods to give but that they applyed them to their own use only 4. Do but lay to heart that such is this great Duty in a faithful answering to ones Talent and measure of the things of the world in a tender respect to the Condition and Necessity of the Saints as in the Day of the Lord it is most noticed and that which will be brought in Judgment against the reprobate yea on which that dreadful Sentence there passeth depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire c. Matth. 25 vers 41. 5. To be faithful thus in answering to that Talent is clear that it is to give and lay out your self this way vvhere you can expect no returne or Compensation otherwise it is but a self interest you follow and not a giving to the Lord nor is it a casting thy bread on the waters Eccles 11 1. 6. To be faithfulhere is something else than that occasional outgiving to the necessities of any on some present and pressing Object since the Scripture is so express that here should be some proportion to every ones Measure and Estate which ought to be seriously considered and laid aside for which see that appointment Deut. 14 22. 16 12. and how there it is held forth on moral immutable grounds 1 Cor. 16 â— that every one should as his measure can admit be concerned in the improvement thereof 7. This is not to entertaine only some pressing call for this end when it comes their way but to search out the cause of the
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
should not press them once to be this length to know upon trial vvhat might be the certainty thereof and if such an advantage can be truely reached here as to make the poor mans life more Sweet and Comforting under all the toile of his hand than if he had the greatest estate of the earth 4 It may seeme strange what these can possibly reckon upon their Condition in being men as desireable above that of the beasts of the field who have so little either in hand or hope to be comforting to know only a sensual life with so small and almost indiscerneable advantage to satisfy the senses It is true many such entertain a hope of a blessedness to come whilst they are wholly strangers to a life of grace here But Oh! It is at such a rate that the Scripture of God must be false if theirs be true 5 How amazing also is it to see for what these perish and lose their immortal soul which is in it self a higher interest than the glory and riches of all the Monarchies in the Earth yea of more value than the Sun and Moon Yet as if this were but some triffle how easily do such hazard the same for the smallest gain yea it may be said are content to serve Satan withont the wages of visible pleasure and satisfaction which others have in the world 6 Yea how strange is it how many such whose trade and imployment lyes most at sea who thus have such peculiar enforcing Arguments to be serious about Religion yet are so visibly loose in their walk and strangers to a Christian life QU. VIII It is sure there are such of that imployment and I hope not a few whose being convincingly serious in the things of God with a Christian walk to the credit of the Gospel is beyond question But since what you have spoke as to many of these is too visibly manifest what are these pressing Motives and Arguguments that such whose calling lyes most on the Sea have more than others to take Religion deeply to heart ANSW You may judge what a pressing call such have to be in greatest earnest about their eternal state 1. Who are through most of their time so near a bordering with eternity in deaths often and their life hanging so frequently in suspence before their eyes 2. Such who cannot but have their conscience oft struck with the sense of a God-Head by seeing his marvellous power shewed forth in the Depths so as it may be said they live and converse amongst wonders to see that great Body of the Sea how it is with such advantage made passable for Transport and Commerce the regular course of its ebbbings and flowings with the singular use and subserviency of the tides how it is shut up also with gates and barres and hath its appointed bounds without which there could be no reason how a bank of sand could restraine the great Oceans breaking forth O! what a book is thus spread open for sea faring men to read and bring near their thoughts with wondering to Fear and Worship him whose voice is so known on the wighty waters who turnes the most impetuous storme into a calme at his pleasure which is so far above all hnmane reach causeth the swelling of an enraged sea in a moment to know his command and be still 3. What ought such to be who have not only been oft surprised with preventing mercy when they were not aware from dashing on some shelve or rock or falling in on a bank of sand and thus brought out of greatest hazard even before they were put in fear But have oft likewise been rescued from the very Jawes of present Death in that manner when no visible or ordinary means could ever have answered thereto Oh! Can such deliverance be so easily forgot and what were then their thoughts of entring into endless eternity and meeting grim death with such a surprise was it not then a matter of earnest to pray Or would you then have dared to break forth into an Oath yea what a blessed state were you then made to reckon those in who had been formerly serious about Religion and how soon may such a surprisal meet you again 4. What ought such to be and are accountable for who knowes how many thousands have been swallowed up in these devouring Depths and hears of such ordinary shipwracks whilst they are yet preserved Oh! Doth not this marvellous longsuffering and tenderness of the Lord have some serious voice Hath it yet never tended to melt your heart with sorrow and contrition for so sad a returne you have hitherto given to such forbearance 5. What solemne and express engagements are many if not most of such under and accountable for which their lips have uttered when trouble was upon them and when they were at the very brink of perishing that if some extraordinary cast of providence had been deferred but a very few moments longer they had been lost Now set me seriously ask what did you really intend Was it to deale deceitfully with the most High and be no more serious in the thoughts of this when ye were once at land If it be so how can you dare to pray and plead with the Holy Lord in a new Strait Oh! let me beseech you lay this to heart and that to make use of your present calmes at sea for making sure your eternal interest would help to make a sweet calme within on your soul when a storme arises 6. Let me but add this what advantage such have who have so clear an embleme of their life and condition here so frequently before them how thus they are under saill and moving to that port where once the anckor must be cast down never to be weighed again yea how there can be no safe reckoning to get safe to that blessed O blessed and desireable port of glory without knowing how their course lyes which from the Scripture is more infallibly clear than they can be by any Carte or Compass Let me but further add how strange it is to see some of these so far from under the aw and dread of God that they are not more concerned to put to sea and work on the Sabbath without any convincing necessity than on any other day QU. IX VVhat is there such a necessity for strict observance of the Sabbath as there is no warrantable liberty both for recreation and mens ordinary business after the publick worship is once past ANS I hope you will not dare to debate 1. That the Christian Sabbath hath by the holy Ghost that impress and authority put upon it of being the Lords day a day which is set a part and consecrat to him on a higher account than the first creation wherein God manifested in our nature did rest from all his works for the Redemption of his Church and from the new Creation and saw that all which he had done was very good that day never to be forgot