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
THE One necessary thing to be sought Briefly touched In a four-fold DIALOGUE Upon some of the great and most concerning Truths of practical Religion PSAL. XIX Vers 11. Moreover by them is thy Servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward Printed in the Year 1679. READER SInce Religion is a serious Business which we must live and know by its power and efficacy on the soul or be wholly strangers thereto and that there is a Spiritual taste and savour of Divine truth and a living Holiness no less demonstrable than that there are living men on the earth yea that here is the sure way to come to a solide assurance and Establishment in the truth when such shaking times now are If any man will do his will he shall know the Doctrine whether it be of God Joh. 7 v. 17. So now is the season for its trial amidst these manifold temptations which are here That the lives of Christians might thus be a more Visible transcript of the Truth and Doctrine of Christ they profess but whilst never more advantage was of means and such voluminous enlargements to extend the Theory of practical Divinity how sad an enstrangement may be seen by many if not most who live under the light of the Gospel to the most concerning weighty truths thereof If this poor essay might be of use to any such by a blessing from him who can serve himself of meanest things this one desire I would leave with the Reader to give the truth a serious entertainment and let him give the Author what he please It 's by way of Dialogue without mentioning of Dialoguists as is usual under borrovved names to avoid any unnecessar multiplying of vvords that might be occasioned this vvay THE ERRATA Which have escaped the Printer through inadvertancy may be amended thus by the Judicious Reader PAge 4. line 32 read Tit. 3 2. Jam. 2 12. p. 8. l. 6. r. lessons p. 10. l. 32. r. Ps 42. 10. p. 15. l. 19. r. Jam. 4 1. p. 20 l. r. r. Eph. 6 11. l. 27. r. Monarchs p. 23. l. 31. r. left p. 24. l. 9. r. duties l. 18. r. Col. 3 1. p. 25. l. 26. r. Matth. 7 22. p. 35. l. 31. r. implicitly p. 37. l 25. r. to be carried p. 47. l. 1. r. 16 11. p. 51. l. 31. r. mighty p. 59. l. 6. r. bribe I. DIALOGVE QUEST I. SInce we have this access to converse a little together I should gladly know how to gain such an hour for some solide fruit and advantage in the improvemeut thereof ANSWER It is a rare unusual question in these times which ye now make though nothing more highly rational and necessar and such as gives occasion to some sad reflections that may be too obvious on such a subject 1. Of the small account most seeme to have of time and of the present hours going by who yet cannot Possibly be sure of the next nor bring again one minute past time being such a tide that floweth but once and must be either taken or lost for ever 2. How very sad the ordinary discourse in society and visites most make to other is such that if one should keep silent and overtake with a pen what too frequently passeth in these Communications and but read it over again they could not but both wonder and be ashamed at so strange and deformed an image of themselves 3. That when such mutual converse and society together puts oft a price in mens hand for some gainful improvment hereof and to make an interest for the Lord with that Christian prudence and sobriety in giving others an occasion more than to appear themselves yet how rare is it almost to know Christians to be truely such by their walk except in the duties of Worship as if their interest were not more to live Religion than to Profess it and that so solemne and great a business is now before all to die and know what an eternity means with so marvellous a change we must admit in another world whither this present hour we hasten yea how few can be seen in their travelling garbe with their loynes trimmed and their lamps burning but rather as such who minded a setling here QUEST II. Though this be to the furthest convincing and clear yet is it not to affright men with the austerity of Religion as if it did warrand no câ—â—erful and comforting converse together and to divert thus in any suteable recreations that may be most satisfying and delightfull ANSW I should be very tender to split on any such rock nor do in the least debate the warrantable use of recreations and necessar unbending of mens Spirits this way with sobriety but I hope ye will Confess 1. That a serious frame and the savour of spiritual things kept on the soul leads more in to a true delight and desirable enjoying of any outward enjoyments than the furthest liberty that many take otherwise 2. That a due restraint thus is not easy or to keep within these bounds of Christian Liberty which is found in the close to bring a sting merewith more imbittering than the former pleasure â—eemed sweet 3. That there needs also a guard against such unwarrantable and prophane games of Lottery as the Cardes and Diâ—e where the hook may be as evident as the bait and with that advantage given to the Devil this way as it is not easy for such to play alone without having him a partner both in the game and gain and no wonder when he finds such upon his own ground and at a work where is so visible a contempt and sporting at the Providence of God and taking his name in vain such a daring to adventure on an immediate decision by lot which should alone in things of greatest weight be made use of by prayer QU. III. You know that besides any such diversions for pleasure how most have their ordinary business and affaires to take them up in converse and fellowship together and discourse thereon as their several imployments lyes and here is a concerning duty ANSW I am far from questioning what thus may be either needful or expedient yea I know one may follow with advantage the work of a Christian in that way of his outward calling more than in the furthest abstractedness from the world and all humane society And that the more a Christian the more also is he a man and at the greater advantage thus for being active and dexterous in his outward concernes but you know the time is short and these frequent intercommunings most have about things of the world are oft more from a too eager scent after the same than upon grounds either of necessity or conveniency as though there their maine work lay and what is for eternity were but something on the by to be followed QU. IV. Since we are thus fallen on such a subject I should desire to know if there be caus to offend or question that
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
softness of nature so blessed a cure and relief to the most tart and froward temper hath such advantage with it to convince the World and conciliat mens respects to the truth of holiness who look but at a distance by so lovely and gaining an appearance And why is such a cover put on an imbittered and passionat disposition that it is their natural complexion it may be true but it is sure it is black nature unsubdued to the grace of God whilst many naturally passionat and cholerick have through grace got that conquest over themselves as few with whom they have conversed could discerne any such thing even upon most remarkeable provocations 3. To know and be under some weight of this as a special opportunity for the Lord the loss whereof should be a loss indeed when there is such a call to requite evil with good both in doing and speaking and your reward shall be great Luk. 6 v. 35. And are not a Christians opportunities a part of his riches and treasure I know this will seeme a strange contradiction to many but a subdued Christian by the grace of God is a strange and marvellous thing 4. Let us know more what it is to be humble and then forbearance and tender condescendence in our walk with others will natively follow O blessed humility that shineth most in its disappearing and layes the Christian more truely near his hope yea nearer to heaven when it layes his face on the dust than when his head hath seemed to be among the starrs O what sweet and desireable society should this make amongst Christians which teacheth effectually to pass by injuries and not seek their own glory or to dare a despising of others which by keeping the Spirit low fitts them for nearer converse with God and a being led in the way of his Counsels and whilst pride swells and causeth a fever in the soul this brings so sweet and sensible a coole thereto Yea is one of the two great lossons that Christ hath put by themselves Matth. 11 v. 29. and thus ensured a rest and tranquillity of soul whatever be the changes of their outward Lot 5. Let us also for this end get sight much kept of that great example set before us for our conformity thereto 1. Pet. 2 23. who being reviled reviled not again but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously and it is sure we then frustrat our relief in the last part of these words if the first be not seriously taken alongs therewith 6. We have this excellent mean also expresly commanded us to seek peace with all men and follow after it Ps 34 v. 14 Heb. 12 14. Yea even with such from whom we may have sustained greatest injury nor can it answer this to give it entertainment when it comes but to goe forth and meet the same yea to seek it when it is a missing and though it flee to follow it O! what a lovely appearance doth this put upon Christians and gives them a greatet Victory than to overcome a City when thus grace in its vigorous exercise in one meets with the prevailing corruption of another and by yeelding overcomes by a humble condescendence subjects the proud so as to enforce their falling before that more excellent Spirit with a discerneable aw authority over them for greater is he who is in them than he who is in the world 1 Joh. 4 v 4. 7. Let us be tender in taking offence no less than in giving in a hasty judging of persons or actions at a distance when we cannot so certainly know what circumstances may concurre in such a case and sure each may know how many things have begot jealousy bitterness of Spirit which upon more clear and convincing trial have not had the least ground whilst thus the great Adversary of the Church geteth advantage 8. To be slow to speak which hath its peculiar beauty and advantage at all times is of singular use here when under any stirre or perturbation of Spirit thus to get a restraint over themselves till the water be more clear and the mudd fallen to the ground O what a choice mean were this to prevent the frequent discomposure many fall in to be under some serious and severe resolution not to speak for some time when they are provoked and how sweet and quieting should this be upon after thoughts 9. A being much at home by self reflection and having our eyes turned inward should much help to blunt the keenness of that edge which is too oft against others and put Christians on another scent how to restort such with the Spirit of meekness who may be over taken with a fault considering thy self lest thou also be tempted Gal. 6 vers 1. Here must be no cover for any coolness or indifferency in the matters of truth but it is sure there is a sweet concord there in the Zeal of God with the Spirit of meekness and no jarre but what our corruption makes O blessed they who can goe the furthest length of ceding in their own things and bear personal Reflections but may not nor dare quite any thing upon their Masters interest I am much perswaded one great let of such a discerneable with holding of the influences of God and which obstructeth prayer at this day is much there that the Spirit of Love and Tenderness is not more entertained amongst Christians QU. VII If these truths you speak of were more practically known what another lustre and appearance should Christian Society and Converse then have and the times we are now fallen in seeme to need examples more than precepts this way but oh for what use can some be to promote any interest for God who are in so mean and low a capacity ANS Why do ye thus speak For it is sure none can want some triall in this present case to give a convincing example to others of the Truth and Power of Godliness nor is there any Lot and Condition so low and obscure where these advantages does not wait them for some honourable service to the Lord in their day 1. To adorne the Doctrine of the Gospel by a Christianly Prudent and tender walk in shewing forth the power and vertues of him that hath called them and thus by commending holiness to gain respect to the truth even from the conscience of such as hate it How remarkeably hath this made a very mean and obscure Person otherwise shine with greatest brightness in the place and corner he lived in 2. And doth not times of deepest distress in a low and afflicted state afford most special Opportunities for some eminent fruit and service to Jesus Christ by abasement rather than abounding Yea what is not the Affliction and Poverty of the meanest a talent to improve for the Lord and paying rent to him by Patience and Christian enduring with Cheerfulness that it is for his sake no less than the greatest enlargement of others 3. As no service
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