for this end ANSW It is irresistible grace which alone can make this effectual But I shall offer some few enforcing motives for so great and necessar a study with this one desire that you might but in earnest think thereon when alone 1. That it is more excellent and desirable to exercise grace than to enjoy comfort when the more sharp and searching conflicts this meets with for trial the more fruit and gain is going to the fore here and for ever Yea are not the most remarkeable assaults and trials of a Christians life some of his greatest opportunities for sowing to the Spirit Ga. 6 ver 8. and being faithful to their measure and talent Matth. 25 ver 15. Yea such wherein our blessed Head in the truth of his grace in them and marvellous power thereof hath so conspicuous a triumph in each of his people which should be accounted a gain to such beyond the saddest loss they can sustaine otherwise 2. That not the least act or exercise of Holiness and whatsoever hath been done for the Lord can be lost but shall be had in remembrance and abide for ever in its eternal reward yea nothing of the Christians work in doing or enduring their secret wrestlings against sin the resisting of temptations mortification and patience for the name of Christ when most hid from the eyes of men shall be forgot by him who sees in secret to meet them once and for ever with their Masters acceptance well done c. Matth. 25 ver 21. in the fulness of joy and their being rewarded before the Angels and all the Redeemed O who would not run though all the way should be through thickets of briars and thorns who have such a joy and hope set before them And that here is no doubtful or conjectural thing go to the Scripture and see what is so expresly shewed 2 Cor. 4 ver 17. For our light affliction which is but for a moment whereby the Christians Sanctification is both tried and exercised worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory 1 Pet. 1 7. That the trial of your faith being much more precious than the Gold that perisheth though it be tried with fire might be found unto praise and glory and honour at the appearance of Jesus Christ and Rev. 14 ver 13. And I heard a voice from Heaven saying unto me Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from hence forth Yea saith the Spirit for they rest from their labour and their works do follow them They go not before since it 's the blood of Christ which only can do this and make sure the Christians entry into that blessed Land But they shall assuredly follow and abide for ever before the Lord. 3. And is not Sanctification the highest excellency that humane nature is capable of no less marvellous than our redemption by Christ from eternal wrath in having the soul thus subdued by grace to be made partakers of the Divine Nature O how great and astonishing a thing is it that the seed principles of Holiness in the Christian soul should be preserved amidst such continual assaults of corruption within these temptations that are without as a spark of fire in the midst of waters which impetuously run to quench the same yea that such a party as the Devil the world and the flesh by which the most of mank ind is so visibly enslaved and kept in chaines yet thus m ade to fall in their greatest strength before the truth of Holiness in the meanest of the Saints though nothing here for them to boast in of themselves but in the power of Christ thus resting upon them 2 Cor. 12 ver 9 That day O blessed day is approaching when this Scripture shall be fully understood which I have some ti mes thought on as a truth of greatest weight 2 Thess 1 10. When he shall come to be glorified in his Saints and to be admired in all them that beleeve Which is not only to be admired by them but in them for what he hath wrought and perfected in them as well as done for them 4. Is it not known and tried that without Holiness in its lively exercise all assayes for inward peace or tranquillity of mind and that composure of the affections which is both so comforting beautifying of a Christian will be in vaine and oh what does remain if this be not understood what a present and sensible reliefe is here in Love Humility Meekness Patience and Hope to the saddest distempers of the mind Psal 1 19 ver 165. great peace have they that love thy Law and nothing shall offend them That whilst Satan is at the furthest at work to faint and crush the Christian in his journey homeward yet can he only reach a bruising of their heele who are thus secured by the whole armour of God from a thrust at their vital parts Eph. 6 ver 14. and therefore it is remarkeable that there is no piece of armour there given for the back but only to such as withstand and resist nor to those who flie 5. Is not the fruits of Holiness that peculiar Revenue which Jesus Christ calleth from his followers here to adorne the Doctrine of the Gospel and shew his grace towards them has not been in vain And are not these such fruits which can only be brought forth in the season thereof a season that is short and for all eternity will not recurre again 6. It is sure nothing is so lovely to ravish the soul with the glory and excellency thereof as this were it spiritually discerned to see and admire that infinit purity righteousness truth and love shining in the great patterne Christ himself and what a marvellous lustre the reflection hereof hath even on his followers here on the earth in some begun conformity to his glorious image whilst not one glance thereof in truth what ever be of a false shew is to be found in the whole world besides Oh were it believed how much of Heaven might be enjoyed here by a greater length in the study of Holiness and what inexpressible joy peace and serenity of Spirit doth assuredly wait thereon what sweet facility and delight is thus reached in the Christians work when their motion lyes from the inward principles of a new life yea that it is sure the meanest this day is by grace called up to a higher state than that of the greatest Monachs of the earth and if there were no greater interest and preferment to be looked after than what the world can bestow on any we could not easily know what were desireable here in being men QU. V. Since these truths are to the furthest convincing and clear and that it is sure this is the great business I have to follow in the few dayes I am to be upon the earth to be assured of an eternal blessedness I would in earnest know what are the most clear and undeniable marks from
freedome which is so usual â—â—â—… ordinary converse together fâ—â—… speaking their thoughts at large and to pass their judgment on others at a distance as they see cause or have either prejudice or respects to them For to me it seemes the most common subject of discourse almost in all societies ANSW The Occasion you have for such a proposal is too manifest and a disease so spreading as seemes to despise all remedies but may be the more strange that it is sure this is not with most from want of light anent duty or how deep a wound they may thus give themselves more than others But oh is this freedome you speak of 1. To abound in love towards all men 1. Thes 3 12. and by a tender condescending deport to be all things to all for the Gospel's sake 2. Is this to enforce respect and an awful regard to the truth from such as never knew the inward power thereof on their soul so as they might see that a serious Christian is the truely best friend and neighbour yea thus to be as a common good and blessing to mankind one of whom brings more credit in to the Doctrine of Christ than an hundred Professours 3. Is this to answer so pressing a call Col. 3. 12 put on therefore as the Elect of God holy and beloved bowels of mercies kindness humbleness of mind meekness long suffering forbearing one another and forgiving one another If any man have a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you so also do you And is not such tenderness in our walk towards others an indispensible part of our Sanctification whilst this freedome you speak of is too oft a giving vent to some hid bitterness and enmity within against such who may be the Object of the Love of God in Christ as all the sanctified are But this seems to be a peculiar Poison and Plague of the present age 4. Can you find it easy yea possible to have such usual freedome you speak of consistent with these express Commands of the great Lawgiver to love our enemies Math. 5 44. not to be overcome of evil but to overcome evil with good Rom. 12 21. to speak evil of none in a designed blotting of their name Tit. 3 7. Jam. 2 11. or smite them with the tongue Jer. 20 10 Sure if these be the revealed Counsel of God and a part of that holy and spotless Rule of our Duty should not the same distance be kept here as with other scandalous sins 5. Whatever may be of a necessar call sometimes to witness against others at a distance when the truth is concerned and the advantage of some then present and for their being guarded against any contagious evil or snare as also upon a serious resentment of any injury done to the Lord yea for a just and necessar clearing themselves from the reproach of such who through them might thus seek to thrust at the credit of the Gospel yet is there not even here a special regard to be had to that end that it may be for edification Rom. 15 2 And that no bitterness or animosity on some other account be the great incitement thereto for then such do serve their own lust and passion It was a choice word of one I am sais he restrained to speak my judgment of such by whom I have been injured lest my light be bribed to serve that most dreadful lust of revenge O revenge which is so visible a transforming into the very image of the Devil by which he hath gained his greatest triumphs over many 6. Is this an answering to that excellent rule given by our Master to do to others what we would have them doing to us Matth. 7 12 Than which besides the Authority of the Command nothing is more beautiful and becoming an immortal soul nothing more answering to reason than thus to argue how should I expect or wish that measure from others if my heart doth not serve to give the same to them 7. And doth not such a freedome you speak of bear a blacker dy the more personal respects may be thus pretended when some hid prejudice lyes at the root since thus it is a more dreadful dissimulation before God and the wound made deeper by being under a shew and cover of love like Joabs designed embracement of Amasa for that very end that he might smite him at the fifth rib QU. V. VVhat is there no warrantable judging then of others and condemning such from whom we injuriously suffer when this is not against the truth ANSW My Friend you know there is but one Judge and Lawgiver whose it is to kill and make a live Jam. 4 ver 12. Though each hath allowed to him a judgment of discretion but there is I confess a choice and sure way for one to judge another Oh that it were more known amongst men to judge them by their walk and practice so as by tenderness and sobriety to condemne the imbittered passion of others by silence and compassion thus to rebuke a hasty and brawling temper yea to take revenge O a blessed revenge on such as hate them by seeking in truth their good And is it not thus the Holy Ghost hath shewed how with the greatest advantage a Christian can oppose himself to his adversaries bear witness against them 2 Cor. 6 ver 6. By pureness by knowledge by long suffering by kindness by the Holy Ghost by love unfained by the Word of Truth by the power of God by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left QU. VI. Such is the authority and beauty of Truth even when it is most grieving and contrair to the flesh as puts me to a new enquiry on this subject what should most help to that sweet and desireable converse with others in a sad and distempered time so as love and concord may lose no ground and thus to answere what Christian Prudence calls for in such a case ANSW This I confess were a choice and desireable project worthy and becoming a Christian to follow in the greatest earnest when so many low designes are this day on foot not only to adorne the Gospel but for their own inward peace and tranquillity for which I may adventure to offer these few things which I am sure cannot be practically understood what ever the times or place be wherein our lot is cast and not help to a sweet facility in such a duty 1. To guard against Credulity or a being hasty to conceive an injury and laying too great a weight on sudden conjectures and suspition which tends both to darken and disquiet the mind none ever yet gained by indulgence hereto but how oft have their after thoughts enforced an upbraiding of themselves with weakness and folly 2. How sweet and easy might this become to us in learning that lesson more from our blessed Master of Meekness Matth. 11 ver 29. Which is one of the rare graces of the Spirit and no
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
world much under my feet yea in another manner should look on the strange madness and distraction of most this day whose continued work is how to grasp after a shadow whilst they have no heart or desire for what is the Christians choice I press this the more since it is sure one cannot be throughly perswaded of the truth of spiritual things as greatest realities and that there is a state and life of Grace here but they must be to the furthest sure of that Life of Glory which is to come ANS It is strange how such as look but at a distance are not dazeled more with amazement at the report of these great things of Religion and what Christians have in hope before them but not to lose time let me beseech your bringing these near your thoughts when you are alone 1 That it is an Argument of Power not of words which can fully quiet the soul of a Christian anent this 2. You may but judge what a sad part that of the Saints were if in this life their hope were only or what could possibly be comforting to most in such a day whose griefs are in earnest if the Truth and Comforts of a spiritual life should be a doubtful thing to them 3 What gain or interest could any snch possibly have to designe a false Witness and Testimony yea with such assured confidence from experience if they were not at the furthest certainty thereof yea thus to converse so much in the Duties of Godliness where you see they cannot be but a toile to the flesh if the peace of God and Joy and Comforts of the Spirit were but a naked shew For this were to render themselves both desperatly wicked and miserable at once without any profit Or what think you would make the affectionat parents press so much seriousness in following the Lord on their Children and thus put them on so sad a bargane whom they so dearly Love if they knew it not to be their true interest here and for ever 4. You know the Doctrine of the Gospel is a Doctrine of Holiness whither the whole of that blessed contrivance doth most natively resolve And is not the truth hereof write forth in such visible realities before your eyes as it may be no less manifest in its Examples than Precepts I hope there is no debating here 5. It is sure the discoveries of the word do not direct men to things a far off but to such as brings the great things of the Gospel near even in to their heart so as to handle and feele by experience the truth thereof and you know the consolation of the Spirit is not by words but by things giving into the soul a spiritual and sensible experience of the reality thereof and of the Love of Jesus Christ let forth to them 6. And are not these marvellous effects and operations of the Spirit of God in subduing the soul by grace so as to embrace an afflicted lot and tribulation for the Gospel to take joyfully the spoiling of their goods yea to dip their hands in the blood of a beloved sin and find delight thus in doing violence to the flesh such as may shew that it is sure Christians must know enjoy what they and most of the world are strangers to And is it not above nature or the furthest of humane reach to learne to be meek humble lowly Patient in suffering and self denying 7. Such have lost a spiritual taste or never had it who knowes nothing of that incomparable sweetness which is in secret converse with God that thus there is not a claime only to that glorious state which is above but the first fruits and earnest so real as will change the very countenance after some special times of neer fellowship with Jesus Christ so as in the greatest composure they can say I surely feele I enjoy am sure for the truth thereof 8. What frequent transports Joy and delight have been in Christians extremest sufferings for the truth yea some times after a dark and dismal cloud over their soul And why do not men enquire what should his meane or how such a thing were possible if they had not got a sight that could look them out of pain and trouble Let me but further add how strange but yet I hope no rare or unusual sight is that of the outward man decaying or mouldering down to the grave when the inward man is more discerneably strong and vigorous than in times of greatest health QU. X. I make not this question here to debate but to be further confirmed in the certainty of the truth which is the greatest joy men can have on the earth but I must confess the greatness of these things is such as may put the most Established to a stand yea is it a small'business to be under such a call to embrace and accept of Iesus Christ in the offer of the Gospel and in him of a crown of Glory that fadeth not away and is there not cause of fear for such as I am to adventure here which is so high and far above what I can possibly think of A. This must be matter of astonishment and wondering for all eternity and it were well if such an exercise were more begun here to enquire and wonder at what we know of the great truths of the Gospel but it is sure it were the highest of pride not humility to hold back where the Holy God calls or for a perishing man not to throw out his armes and swime to a rock when it is before his eyes and is not the Gospel such a contrivancc as the whole of the Saints since the beginning could not possibly have a wish beyond the same to shew forth that marvellous condescendence freedome and plainness which is there yea where none can be afrighted away who with desire did ever follow to this blessed airth But since this is of such concerne not for a Christians Peace and Personal Encouragement only but to bear witness to the blessed way of the Lord and shew how desperat an Opposition theirs must be whose hearts are not melted and gained by such inexpressible tenderness and condescendence of the Gospel let me speak these few words 1. You know that such this is as none can come wrong if they come but in truth upon such an errand as the felt need of Jesus Christ and therefore is the Scripture so express here Joh. 6 37. and whosoever cometh to me I will in no wise cast out sais he who is faithful and true yea such as the whole of the Scripture doth remarkeably shew See Rev. 22 17. and whosoever will let him come and take of the waters of Life 2. Such is his way on whom the alone weight of his peoples interest and salvation leanes as he both formes the desire of the souls of his people and satisfies the same nor can there be in truth a hungring and desire after him but
Christian walk could this be but further followed How easy were it to find that those are they who are most in the work and exercise of prayer which hath so closs an intercourse with the vitals of Christianity nor can ever one instance be given of ones flourishing and being fruitful in the way of God and not much under the ground in this exercise which is most an internal thing where the loudest cry to Heaven maketh oft the least noise QU. XII These I confess are clear but what would most help to make this duty both comforting and easy whilst there is such difficulty to many how to express themselves thisway and others find it a sore weariness to the flesh yea less easy to be thus alone and take some time for secret prayer than to wait on publick duties or joine with others in such a work ANSW I hope you know 1. That as our tye to the publick duties of worship is great and indispensible to improve fellowship with others in the exercises of Godliness yet most of a Christian and his work is that which is least seen and lyes hid from the view of others yea the most weighty duties of Christianity are the more retired and secret duties thereof so that a true measure of a Christian must not be from what he is in publick and converse with others but what he is alone where he lies open to his witness who searcheth the heart 2. Such can only blame themselves and are sadly estranged from the truth of Godliness if they know nothing else but to be alone in their retirements who are then called to an immediate fellowship with God in Christ and to know the truth thereof on trial 3. You know a natural motion is easy and without constraint and were this once understood how prayer is a soul-work and to carrred forth from inward principles of a new nature then what was a sore toile here becomes their sweetest delight for to pray is not an expressing to the Lord what should be ones desires but a present breathing of the soul in desires after him when the pleasure of Religion is so known with the power and life thereof 4. The more weight and burden of the Christians case on himself is a tried help for more facility and life in the work of prayer O what sweet and refreshing hours have some sad and pressing burdens oft helped Christians to which they should not have known otherwise 5. The more frequency and continuance causeth true delight and freedome in this exercise as the wearing out and neglect of this duty will quickly weare such out of any delight there yea to make them disrelish any other part of Religion QU. XIII But is it not sore to continue in prayer when there is no visible returne yea that after most sensible and felt access in this duty there seemes oft a thicker darkness to follow ANSW It is not strange though this be a trial indeed yea sometimes in a more than ordinary way searching which put the faith of so great and established a man to this stand as to cry out Ps 69 3. I am weary with my crying my throat is dry while I wait for my God But let us consider therewith 1. That through the whole of the Scripture it is so clear to be the Lords usual way to confirme before he try yea to follow the greatest confirmations of his peoples faith with some remarkeably sharp trials 2. The waiting Christian could yet never say a return came too late but in the most fit and opportune season even when it hath been longest deferred How strange would these seeme yet most sweetly accord Luk. 18 7 8. though he bear long yet will he avenge speedily 3. Is it a small thing to be answered with strength in your soul and for being helped to wait until the outgate more fully break up since a divine power may be no less marvellously seen in the Christians support than in the most astonishing delivery 4. Is not a subdued Spirit with a humble resignation to the Lord under a long deferred hope a higher mercy when truely considered than the thing it self which we most follow And are these losers where thus more is given than what they either sought or hoped for 5. Is not this the surest way to make haste by onwaiting and the choicest mean to gain time and bring a Christian and his desire soonest together Which was the witness of a most experienced Christian I have with much longing sought such a thing from the Lord yet got no returne but when once I was helped through grace to give him his will and to be resigned wholly thereto then was it he gave me my will also in what I had sought 6. The more prayer and wrestling hath come betwixt the Christians trial and outgate is it not found the more comforting and sweet when it hath come that whilst hope deferred makes the heart sick yet how great an interest does it pay in for the furthest loss and pain in onwaiting when as a Tree of life it hath at last blossomed after many a winter storme 7. His thoughts are not as ours and his way not as ours Esai 55 vers 9. We see not at present nor can fathome the depths of divine providence and how needful it is to have the heart brought low that not only patience might have its perfect work Jam. 1 4. but a Christians being more fitted for the desired mercy 8. But what do you expect which is not of free and marvellous grace For to continue in prayer is an expresly commanded duty though no sensible fruit or income should follow yea can bring no price in its hand to obtain what we seek And should these quarrel with onwaiting who have all this kept in their sight I am not worthy of the least of the mercies thou hast shewed to thy servant Gen. 32 10 9. Could we ever know the use making and comfort of these great Promises to onwaiters such as Esai 30 ver 18. and 40 v. 31. Psal 25 vers 3. If grace were not thus kept in exercise DIALOGUE III. QUEST I. SInce we should find our delight most where our true interest and greatest concernes ly the late occasion we had to converse together on so necessar and weighty a subject doth press me to follow the same yet further and to gain such an hour when so many are unprofitably lost and now let me seriously ask may there not be a safe owning of some more laxe conception of practical Religion than what you have hitherto spoke seems to allow since it seemes very sad and affrighting to look on so great a part of those who own the Doctrine of the Church if there be not some greater latitude for Christians both in their principles and practsce yea whilst this wants not a great patrociny in the present time ANSWER It is not strange where the truth is not received in love that men kindle a light
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
Sons 6. If you can read the most dark and saddest providence with that Commentar of the Scripture thereon you will then know how the Saints afflictions stand for blessings Matth. 5 ver 10 11. and diverse temptations to be a solide ground of joy and comfort Jam. 1 ver 2. 7. Consider but in the saddest affliction how much sadder this might have been and that they are not thus a scandal to the generation of the righteous 8 What if aâ—l our life had been a continued tract of grief bitterness and trouble and but rarely the least of outward comforts dropt in and so much only given as to keep from sinking Oh! durst such quarrel who knew of an eternity of joy in the close 9. It was a right way the Lord led his people in when he led them through a labyrinth of sore troubles in the wilderness Psal 107 ver 7. and is there shewed as an embleme of the journeying state of the Church and each of the Saints here 10. One sight of that glorious Land which is above with the first moment of the afflicted Christians entry there will compense to the furthest a life time of sorrowes and grief 11. Is it not here the faith and patience of the Saints must shine forth the trial whereof is a more invaluable thing than all the treasures of the earth 12. The season of enduring you know is but short which for all eternity will never meet the Christian again and Oh! would you lose even the least of such an opportunity not in the trial of your faith and patience only but of your love to Jesus Christ that tribulation and distress was not able to separat betwixt him and you Rom. 8 ver 39. And your tried love under sorest outward pressures may be reported in Heaven and recorded there I shall but adde how sweet must that be to a Christian when he can say Let my beloved come and eat of his pleasant fruits Cant. 4. ver 16. which to them had most pain and wrestlings in bringing forth QU. VII VVhat are these pleasant fruits which can be found under the cross and the many imbittering griefs and troubles of a Christians life ANSW It is sure no season hath been more remarkeable for sowing to the Spirit and bringing forth much fruit for the Lord than a time of the cross and most searching trials that way and these have been known to such as were suteably exercised thereby the gain and pleasure whereof hath made the remembrance of their saddest hours sweet 1. When contrition and tenderness and soft walking before the Lord hath followed thereon for such are his delight in whom he takes greatest pleasure Esai 58 15. 2. Humility and the Christians geting his Spirit kept low is such a fruit as may make their reckoning sweet on any other loss the way to know how to abound is to know how to be abased Phil. 4 12. and this is one of the peculiar ends of afflicting Providences to hide pride for men Job 33. 17. Oblessed they who are no less concerned to hide it from themselves 3. Is it not a pleasant fruit where by the cross Jesus Christ is more endeared to his people and thus precious unto them their soul cleaving to him in desire and love even when their soul cleaveth to the dust by a humbling rod O what a rent and tribute is this which in the Christians saddest hours only can be payed into their blessed Master 4. A through resignation and surrender to the Lord and his disposal is a rare and choice improvement of the Cross Yea it is then found a Christian to be neerest his mercy and his burden most sensibly grow light and that this makes a speedy ripening for times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord. 5. This great fruit is then to be sought after by beleeving in hope when it is against hope which is one of the highest pieces of service for giving Glory to God that a Christian here can be called to and thus for putting to their seale that God is true 6. It is at the lowest Christians have the most remarkeable advantage by patient enduring for being more than conquerours through him that hath loved them Rom. 8 v. 37. yea that thus the power of Christ resting upon them may have in such a greater triumph and over a more formidable party than ever Alexander or Caesar could boast of in all their conquests QU. VIII VVhilst it may be strange how small a proportion the practice of most in these times seeme to have to their light and mens usual converse with religion more about the uppermost boughs than to ly neer the great and weighty things thereof what might most help to put some deeper impression and weight of a Christians work on him and provoke to seriousness by having some greatest truths most frequently kept in sight ANSW You know it is not the most marvellous things of Religion nor if one should rise from the dead could deeeply work upon the heart without the Spirit of God But I must tell you what was the desire of a Judicious Father to a hopless son when he was a dying that he would but once a day take half an hour alone by himself which upon trial and some deep reflection afterward that young man had what this desire might meane was blessed to be a mean of his recovery Oh! If most who are professed Christians were but once this length that beside some retirement to prayer they could but for a few moments be alone once a day to consider these truths which I shall here instance 1. What were desireable and comforting in the state of man if it looked not higher than things seen or his present abode in the world 2. How swistly are the enjoyments of the earth and delights of the flesh gone and perished in the present use thereof 3. O what should this be to think seriously on that the Gospel is an undoubted reality and so far hath the Holy God been mindful of man and magnisied him yea even beyond fallen Angels that Jesus Christ should have come down to the world to make a purchass of such to himself and save them from the wrath that is to come 4. That the import of the Gospel is no less than an eternity of Glory even to the meanest of the Saints and what a blessed strait were this for a Christian how to divide his wondering betwixt that which is now past in the great work of Redemption and that which is to come in the full manifestation of Glory 5. Let us think more frequently on this also that the poorest now on the earth hath an immortal soul that is of a more excellent nature and more inestimable value than these visible Heavens the Sun Moon and Stars yea such as no less than the blood of the Son of God revealed in our Nature could ransome from wrath and yet we put so small a price thereon 5. That it is sure so great and solemne a busines as Death is before us and we must know shortly what it means and to enter into another world O what will this once be and should it not now deeply concerne each that death come not on all at once by more frequent and serious converse therewith 6. Let us but now bring neer our thoughts what thoughts we shall have of the world when our eyes are shuting upon it never to enjoy this any more And what thoughts that marvellous change must cause on mens spirits when once entred into endless eternity 7. How marvellous is this that may cause our hearts to faile with wondering on some neer converse therewith that not only there is such a hope as to be for ever in Heaven but that our nature should be so far advanced even above the Nature of Angels in that unconceiveable Union with the divine Nature conjoined for ever in our blessed head and Redeemer 8. And what should this be to think on that our Bodies when laid in the dust shall not only be assuredly raised but made like to the glorious Body of Christ Phil. 3 21
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