Selected quad for the lemma: work_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
work_n	faith_n	james_n	justification_n	13,736	5	9.8404	5	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A48398	The life and death of Mr. Vavasor Powell, that faithful minister and confessor of Jesus Christ wherein his eminient conversion, laborious successful ministry, excellent conversation, confession of faith, worthy sayings, choice experiences, various sufferings, and other remarkable passages in his life and at his death are faithfully recorded for publick benefit : with some elogies and epitaphs by his friends.	Bagshaw, Edward, 1629-1671.; Powell, Vavasor, 1617-1670.	1671 (1671)	Wing L2003; Wing B418_CANCELLED	114,187	204

that by Faith only without Works before God Rom. 3.23 25. Rom. 4.1 5. Yet that Faith which justifies cannot be alone but is accompanied with good Works which justifies Believers before Men and manifests their Faith to be a True and living Faith Iames 2.17 18. as the Fruits of Trees do shew the nature of them but are no causes of their Root Life or Growth Justification is wholly of Gods Grace through the Redemption Righteousness and Blood of Jesus Christ Rom. 3.24 25. whereby those who truly believe in him have all their sins forgiven which will never be imputed nor remembred against them any more Romans 3.22 26. Hebr. 10.14.17 True Faith also by which the soul looks on Christ takes hold on him receives him becomes one with him and whereby Christ dwells in the Hearts of Believers is the gift of God Iohn 6.44 65. Eph. 2.8 3.17 Concerning the Spirit of Adoption and Regeneration 1. All those that truly believe God gives unto them Power or rather as the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies Right or Priviledge to become his children Iohn 1.12 and they receive the Spirit of Adoption by which they are led and enabled to come with confidence and boldness unto God and to call him Father through Iesus Christ Rom. 8.14.15 Gal. 4.5 6. The spirit it self also dwells and abides in them as the chiefest evidence of their being the children of God Iohn 14.16 17. Rom. 8.16 1 John 4.13 2. Regeneration Sanctification and Repentance which are the same in effect is a renewing of the Heart and a subduing and cleansing of the Power and Filth of sin with a quickning of the soul to live like Christ these are absolutely necessary to salvation John 3.3 5. Rom. 6 c. Yet these also as well as Faith are the gifts and works of God which he giveth through and for the sake of his Son and works by his Spirit in those whom he intends to save Ezek. 36.26 27 28. Acts 11.18 c. 3. No man much less all men hath by nature or before his conversion either the Spiritual light or true Faith or Christ or his Spirit in them or a will or love to that which is spiritually good or power to come to Christ or to be subject to his Law and Will but by nature and before conversion the best are blind unbelieving without Christ and without the Spirit unwilling wilful weak and wicked John 3.5 6. Rom. 5.6 8.7 Eph. 2.1 2 c. Yet sinning against the Light and Law of Nature and not worshipping God according to what is revealed of him by the works of Creation they are left inexcusable Rom. 1.20 21. Concerning Redemption from the Curse of the Law All true Believers are really and actually redeemed from the Curse and power or Dominion of the Law and are under Grace or the Blessings Promises and Privileges of the Covenant of Grace both Temporal and Eternal Rom. 6.14 7 4 6. Gal 3.13 On the contrary all Unbelievers and wicked persons are and remain under the Law and Covenant of works Gal. 5.4 Concerning the two Covenants From the beginning of the world there have been two Covenants in being viz. The Covenant of Grace and the Covenant of works called the Law and the Gospel and all and every person in the world have been and are under one of them the first requiring the Obedience of works the other the Obedience of Faith and these are the conditions of the two Covenants Rom. 10.4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11. Heb. 8.7 8. c. 10.15 16 c. 22. Concerning Perseverance in Grace Those that do truly believe and are once in and under the New Covenant and in the true grace of God as the Apostle speaks Rom. 5.2 cannot absolutely fall and utterly perish for they are passed from death to life John 5.24 they are in Christ and God the Fathers hand John 10.28 29. they have the Spirit abiding in them unto eternal life 1 John 3.24 they sit together in heav●●ly places in Christ Eph. 2.5 6. and he makes intercession for them John 17.20 and the Decree Oath and Promises of God are sure to all the seed Rom. 4.16 that they shall not depart from God Jer. 32.40 1 Iohn 3.9 and that he will never leave nor forsake them Heb. 13-5 6. and that he or every one that believeth shall be saved Mark 16.16 and shall not come into condemnation for there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus Rom. 8.1 Concerning assurance of Salvation i. Believers are to be exhorted to make their calling and election sure 2 Pet. 1.10 and this they may certainly attain unto for God hath promised it Christ hath prayed for it and many of the Saints have attained unto it 1 John 2.3 5. 3.14 c. 2. Though there are many signs and evidences of the truth of grace laid down in the Scripture and such as Believers may find in themselves as Love to God and to his people respect to all Gods Commands and hatred to sorrow for and power against all in-bred corruption c. Yet the chiefest and most undoubted evidence is the spirit it self 1 Iohn 3.24 4.13 and the Witness and Sealing of it Rom. 8.15 Eph. 1.13 which Believers have most commonly after they believe and not at their first believing Gal. 3.14 and there may be a true Faith mingled with much Doubting Mat. 14.31 and many of the children of light may walk in darkness and be ignorant of their state Isa 50.10 Yet such bruised Reeds God will not break nor quench such smoaking Flax i. e. such weak and Doubting Christians or their Faith till he bring forth Judgment into victory or help them to overcome Mat. 12.20 21. 3. It is possible also that such believers as have attained unto a full Assurance may afterwards either through the hiding of Gods countenance for Tryal of them or by falling into some great sin or by some sore and violent temptation or through their Remissness in Religious Duties or the like have their Assurance darkned shaken and weakned and thereby their Souls may be much troubled and discomforted Psal 30.7 Cant 2.1 2. 5.2 3 c. yet in their darkest and most doubting condition they cleave unto the Lord remember his former dealings acknowledge these doubts to be their Infirmities and they find and feel some workings of the Spirit and Grace within them and still continue in Prayer and other Ordinances waiting upon the Lord till he return unto them revive them restore the joy of his Salvation and settle them in their old Estates as he hath promised For this read Psal 22. 51. 77. throughout Lam. 3. Isa 8.17 50.10 c. Concerning Growth and Perseverance in Grace 1. Those that have true Grace whether little or much they should labour to grow therein and to add one Grace to another going from strength to strength perfecting holiness in the fear of God and still

Word of God 2. Not only the outward Letter but the true sense and meaning of Scripture is to be accounted Scripture which appears from 1 Cor. 14 34. Epb. 5.14 Heb. 12.21 Jam. 4.5 Where some things are said to be written which in express and plain words are not written but by good and clear evidence collected thence 3. The Scriptures were written as primarily for Gods glory so also that men might be enlightned converted comforted and have Hope and Eternal life by Believing 2 Tim. 3.14 15 16. Neither do they concern or were written for the use of former Ages and Persons onely but belong to all Ages and Persons even to the end of the world Revelat. 2.3 4. The Scripture contains Milk for Babes and Meat for them that are strong 1 Cor. 3.2 Heb. 5.13 14. And though there be some dark places hard to be undetstood 2 Pet 3.16 Yet what is necessary to salvation is plain and may be understood by the simplest and unlearnedest of the true Disciples of Christ who are taught by the Spirit of God Deut. 29.29 Prov. 6 23. 8.8 9. 28.5 Mat. 13.10 1 Cor. 2.15 1 Joh. 2.20 27. whereas those that otherwise may be very learned yet have not this spirit they understand not the Scriptures but erre and wrest them to their own and others Destruction Isa 29.11 John 7.48 52. 1 Cor. 2.8 14. Mat 22.29 2 Pet. 3.16 5. This word or Scripture is the absolute certain and infallible Rule of Faith and Life or Obedience by which all Spirits Doctrines Men and works to be tryed and no other writings whatsoever though written by the most knowing and holiest of men are to be esteemed of equall authority infallibility and Divine Majesty with these Luke 16.31 1 Iohn 4.1 Isa 8.20 And the Holy Scripture next to the Spirit of God who gave it forth 2 Pet. l. 19.20 21. is she best interpreter of it self All Preaching is to be out of and according to it and nothing to be imposed upon or binding of the Consciences of any but what is contained therein or agreeable thereunto 1 Cor. 2.13 Jer. 23.28 Mat. 28.19 Act. 18.28 28.23 Neither is there any thing to be added to or taken from the Scripture upon pain of everlasting damnation Prov. 30.5 6. Gal. 3.15 Revel 22.18 19. The Principal Doctrines which are declared and I have received from the Scriptures are Concerning God There is but one true living God Deut. 6.4 John 17.3 1 Thes 1.9 c. of whom to whom and through whom are all things Rom. 11.36 1 Cor. 8.6 Eph. 4.6 The only Potentate 1 Tim. 6.15 To whom be Honour and Peace everlasting Amen 2. This God is a Spirit Eternal Immortal Invisible most abundant in goodness mercy and truth to all that love and fear him John 4.24 1 Tim. 1.17 Exod. 34.6 Neh. 9.6 and a rewarder to them that diligently seek him Heb. 11.6 But most just dreadful and terrible to those that hate him and a consuming fire to such as go on in their wickedness Mat. 1.15 Exod. 20.5 Heb. 12.29 Psal 68.21 3. This One God is distinguished into the Father the Word or Son and the Holy Spirit Mat. 3.16 17 28.19 2 Cor. 13.14 Which are not three Gods but one God 1 John 5.7 1 Cor. 12.4 5 6. The Father begetting Psal 2.7 Heb. 1.5 The Son begotten and brought up with the Father from everlasting Prov. 8.22 23 24 30. Micha 5.2 John 1.1 17.24 and the holy Spirit proceeding from both John 14.26 15.26 Gal. 4.6 Concerning the Lord Iesus Christ the Son of God The Word or the Son of God the Lord Jesus Christ is Jehovah Gen. 13.7 16. 18.1 2. 22.11 14. Exod. 19.14 with Heb. 12.27 Isa 6.1 with Iohn 12.41 Isa 45.23 with Rom. 14.10 11. The True and Mighty yea Almighty God 1 Ioh. 5 20. Isa 9.6 Tit. 2.13 Iohn 1.1 2 3. Equal and One with God Iohn 5.18 Phil. 2.6 Iohn 10.30 17.22 He knoweth and discerneth the Thoughts and Hearts of all men Mat. 9.3 4. 12.25 John 2.25 Heb. 4.12 Which evidently with many other undeniable Arguments prove him to be very God of the same Substance and Being with the Father for none but God can know the Heart 1 King 8.39 Jer. 17.10 Concerning the Holy Spirit As the Lord Christ the Son so likewise the holy Spirit is God Acts 5.3 4. 1 Cor. 6.19 20. 2 Cor. 3.17 Acts 28.25 with Isa 6.8.11 12. In the 8th verse of which Chapter the word Vs noting Father Son and Spirit as also Gen. 1.26 is called Jehovah v. 12. shewing that the Son and Spirit are the Lord Jehovah which signifies as the Greek renders it Ex. 3. ' O●● One that hath his being of himself or as is more fully rendred Rev. 1.4 8. Who is was and is to come Concerning Gods Decrees God to whom all his Works and People were known and foreseen from everlasting Acts 15.18 and who worketh all things according to the Counsel of his Will Eph. 1.11 did Determine and Ordain all things that should come to pass in time Acts 2.23 4.28 17.26 according to his own good pleasure and purpose Eph. 1.5 9. Concerning Election God of his own meer love before the foundation of the world did predestinate and Elect in Jesus Christ a certain number known only to himself as well of Angels as of Mankind to be to the praise of his Grace and to obtain Everlasting Salvation through Jesus Christ Rom. 11.5 Eph. 1.4 1 Pet. 1.2 2 Tim. 2.19 1 Tim. 5.21 Eph. 1.6 1 Thes 5.9 To whom God also in Christ hath given his grace and promised everlasting life before the world began 2 Tim. 1.9 Tit. 1.2 And all these that are so chosen are written in the Lambs Book of Life shall certainly be saved and cannot finally be deceived or fall away Rev. 13.8 20.15 Phil. 4.3 Luke 10.20 Rom. 8.29 30 33 38 39. Mat. 24.24 Rom. 11.7 John 6.37 c. 2. Such of Mankind as were Predestinated and Elected before time were Predestinated and Elected unto to the Adoption of Children that thorough not for nor without Real Sanctification Sprinkling of the Blood of Jesus and Belief of the Truth they might be saved Eph. 1.4 5. Rom. 8.29 30. 2 Thes 2.13 1 Pet. 1.2 Concerning Reprobation All those that were not elected to Salvation as well Angels as Men were by God for the glory of his Sovereign Power and Justice ordained of old to Condemnation or to be dealt with according to Gods Justice for and according to their sins 2 Pet. 2.3 4. Jude v. 4.6 Rom. 9.22 Prov. 16.4 Job 21.30 Jer. 6.30 Concerning Creation That God the Father Son and Spirit did make the World and all the things therein Visible and invisible for himself according to his pleasure and that very good and Man or Adam in particular Perfect and after his own Image Gen. 1 Eccles 7.29 c. Concerning the Fall of Man Some of the Angels now called

Devils sinned and kept not their first Estate 2 Pet. 2.4 Jude verse 6. John 8.44 And Adam comprehending also Eve sinned and all mankind in him whereby all are become sinners and under the Judgement of God and by that one sin subject to Death Bodily Spiritual and Eternal and all as well the Elect as others are born in sin and are by Nature the Children of Wrath under the Law and Curse out of which condition no man can redeem himself or his Brother Gen. 3. Rom. 5. Psalm 51.5 Job 25.4 Ephes 2.2 Gal. 3.10 Psal 49.7 Concerning the promise of Salvation by Christ Immediately upon the Fall of Adam God made a Promise of his Son the Seed of the Woman Gen. 3.15 And afterwards often before the Law made and renewed a Covenant with Abraham and the Fathers called the Gospel Gal 3.8 concerning him how all Nations that is all Believers as well Gentiles as Jews should be blessed that is justified and saved through and by him Gen. 12. 17. 22. Rom. 4. Gal. 3. And therefore the Law that was given after was neither intended nor able to disannull the Promise or that Covenant nor to give Life and Salvation to any Gal. 3. Rom. 3. 4. Concerning the Lord Christ and those that are Redeemed by him 1. The Son of God did often appear both in the likeness of an Angel and of a man before and under the Law Gen. 16. 22. Exod. 3. Iosh 5. Iude. 2.1 6.11 14. 13.6.22 He was also clearly represented by many Types and Figures by Men sc Adam Abel Noah Abraham Isaac Joseph David Solomon c. The First-born the First-fruits Sacrifices and by many other things Col. 2.17 Rom. 5.14 Heb. 8.1 9.11 12. 2. All the Prophets did clearly prophesie of him and some of them in particular that he should proceed from David out of the Tribe of Judah be born in Bethlehem of a Virgin yea the very time when he should be born was also foretold and that he should be a Prophet Priest and King a Judge and Saviour to his people that he should Die Rise up again Ascend up into Heaven sit upon Gods Right Hand make Intercession give Gifts unto men and come again to judge the world the fulfilling of which the History of the New Testament doth plainly and fully shew so that there is a sweet and exact Harmony and Consent between that and the Old Testament herein Luke 24.25 26 27. 45 46 47. Acts 3.18 21 10.43 13.39 c. 3. In the fulness of Time appointed and promised by the Father God out of his own free and great love sent this his only begotten Son into the world Gal. 4.4 Eph. 1.10 John 3.16 Rom. 8.32 And the Lord Jesus Christ out of the like love willingly came into the world took upon him the Nature of Man or the seed of Abraham and the Form of a Servant being made like unto his Brethren and in all points Tempted or Tryed as we are yet without sin yet being made sin and a curse for his people he dyed a shamefull and a cursed death bearing as well the wrath of God upon his soul as painful Punishment from men upon his body Eph. 5.2 Phil. 2.7 Hebrews 2.14 17. 2 Cor. 5.21 Col. 3.13 Matthew 26. 27 c. 4. The Lord Jesus Christ by dying and offering up himself as a Sacrifice to God the Father through the eternal Spirit hath perfectly satisfied for the sins of all that were saved before his coming in the flesh or that shall be saved hereafter having also reconciled them to God his Father and procured everlasting redemption for them Rom. 5.9 Col. 1.21 22. Heb. 9.12 14 c. 5. All those for whom Christ dyed for them he rose again appeared in Heaven and continually makes Intercession for which he doth not do for all but for those that God the Father chose in him and gave unto him to be his Body his Church his Children Friends and Flock John 10. 15. 17 Heb. 2. Eph. 1. 14. c. And when mention is made of his dying for the world 1 Tim. 2.5 John 6.51 1 John 2.2 c. It is to be understood as when Abraham is said to be Heir of the world Rom. 4.13 that is of all Believers in every nation throughout the world John 11.51 52. John 17.9 19. 6. There is no other Mediator between God and Man but only the Lord Christ nor no other Foundation can be laid besides him neither is there Salvation in or through any other but in and through him alone neither can any be accepted justified or saved either in whole or in part by the Law or by their own Righteousness and Works 1 Tim. 2.5 1 Cor. 3.10 11. Acts 4.11 12. Rom. 3.4 5. Phil 3.8 9. Gal. 2.16 3. c. Concerning Justification and Justifying Faith 1. All the Elect of God were gathered into Christ and their sins laid upon him and he by his own Perfect and Personal Obedience without them made full satisfaction unto God for them and their sins and they were accepted and virtually justified in him as their Head and Representer before they did actually believe as they were sinners in the first Adam before they actually committed sins themselves as upon the payment of the Debt by a Surety the Debtor is as really and truly discharged as if he had paid it with his own hand and Christ their Surety being justified at his Resurrection as the Apostle speaks 1 Tim. 3.16 must be justified also from that Debt which was theirs for he had none of his own Dan. 9.26 1 Pet. 2.22 24. and so consequently they must be justified in him Thus the Apostle plainly affirms God was in Christ i. e. at the time of his Death for with reference to that doth the Apostle there speak reconciling the world i. e. that World as was mentioned before whereof Abraham was heir viz. the Elect both Jews and Gentiles Rom. 11.12.15 not imputing to them their Trespasses 2 Cor. 5.19 so the same Apostle in another place saith Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect meaning hereby all the Elect as well such as are to believe hereafter as those who do believe already it is God who justifieth who is he that condemneth it is Christ that dyed Rom. 8.33 34. And Christ prayed on Earth as well for those that were to believe as for those that were already Actually Believers Iohn 17.20 And all Elect Children that dye in their Infancy must be so Justified from Original sin for they cannot actually believe 2. Notwithstanding that Virtual justification which the Elect have in their Head Christ as they are considered members of his Body and Part of the Universal Church yet the Scripture shews that there must be after they are called by the preaching of the Gospel a personal and as I may call it an actual Justification of every one that is to be saved Rom. 8.30 and

pressing after the things that are before endeavouring to be holy Merciful and Perfect as God is and to walk as Christ walked 2 Pet. 1.8 3.18 Phil. 3.11 14.2 Cor. 7.1 1 John 2.6 c. 2. Though there is to be a pressing after perfection as also an attaining unto it in some sense as Perfection of Justification and of the Truth of Sanctification and likewise comparatively some attain to more Grace than others who are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Perfect by the Apostle 1 Cor. 2.6 Phil. 3.15 Heb. 5.14 yet the best of Gods people whilest they are on earth have sin in them working in their Members and they offend in many things knowing also and doing but in part as the Apostles themselves acknowledged Paul Romans 7. James Jam. 3.2 Iohn 1 John 1. and they that say they have no sin but are perfect or without sin they will be found perverse as Iob saith c. 9. and they deceive themselves and the Truth is not in them 1 Iohn 1.8 10. 3. As there is a growing in Grace so there is a persevering and continuing and holding on and out in the Will Way and profession of Christ unto the end without turning to the right hand or to the left and without back-sliding or halting between Opinions or being formal and luke-warm in Religion But striving against sin and seeking to overcome through many sufferings and to run our spiritual Race till we finish our course for to such doth Christ promise the Crown of Life and in his grace and strength alone we must overcome and therefore must always depend upon and humbly implore his help who is the Finisher as well as the Author of our Faith that we may be able to withstand all evils and to stand compleat in the will of God being not high minded but fearing nor doubtful-minded but believing Matthew 24.13 Revel 2.10 3.11 15 16. Heb. 12.1 4. Phil. 4.13 Collos 4.12 Rom. 11.20 Luke 12.29 32. Concerning Good Works 1. They that do believe and are Gods workmanship created thereunto are to be careful to maintain good Works which tend to the praise and glory of God and the good and profit of men and are also as was intimated before evidences of a true and lively faith in God and of our love both to God and Men Mat. 5.16 Eph. 2.10 Tit. 3.8 14. Iam. 2.17 18 22. Iohn 14.21 1 Iohn 3. ●7 Gal. 5.6 2. Those works only are to be accounted good works which are commanded by God and agreeable to his Word and not such as are devised and esteemed by men only to be so and to offer unto God any thing in his service which he requires not is abominable to him and Unprofitable and Sinful to them that do it 1 Kin. 11.7 Ier. 32.35 Mic. 6.6 7 8. Mat. 15 9. Col. 2.20 24. Tit. 1.14 Concerning Baptisme 1. Outward Baptism or Water-Baptism is a solemn significant dipping into or washing with water the Body in or into the Name of the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost only Mat. 28.19 It signifies the Death Burial and Res●r ection of Christ also the spiritual cleansing and washing of Justification and Regeneration or Sanctification together with the Baptism or powri●g forth of the gifts of the Holy Spirit Rom. 6.3 4 5. Col. 2.12 Heb 10.22 2. Though Baptism be not absolutely necessary to salvation yet being commanded by Christ it is the duty of all professing and visible Believers and penitent persons Men and Women to be Baptized once and that upon the first Believing and Conversion and before they enter into a particular visible Church or partake of the Lords Supper Acts 2.41 42. Yet it is not Baptism but an Interest in Christ that gives any a Right to either Neither is it the proper work of Baptism to conferr or work grace but to seal confirm and encrease it 1 Pet. 3.21 much less are all those that are Baptized true believers and saved John 3 3 5. Acts 8.13 23 3. But in this of baptism as in many other cases difference in perswasion and practise may well consist with Brotherly love and Christian communion see Phil 3.15 Rom. 14 c. Concerning Churches and Church-Assemblies 1. It is a Gospel-Ordinance for Saints to gather themselves together into Christian societies or particular Churches that they may the better perform such duties as they owe unto the Lord and to one another and it is the duty of all believers if possibly and conveniently they can to joyn themselves unto some such Church and being joyned to continue members thereof unless some necessary and good reason occasion the contrary and then to depart with consent of the Church of which they are members Cant. 1.7.8 Acts 2.47 9.26 27 28 c. 2. The particular visible Churches under the Gospel did not consist of whole Nations Countries or Cities nor of the generality and Multitudes of either but of such Companies many or few in them that did receive and profess the Doctrine of the Gospel were converted and called to be Saints separated from the world both its sins and services and united and given up to the Lord and to one another to live according to the will of God in all things Acts 5.12 13 14. 17.4 19.8 9. 1 Cor. 1.2 c. 3. Such particular Churches had and still have distinct power each within it self of admitting and ejecting members of choosing their own Officers and of orde●ing all other matters relating to the Church and none of them nor their Officers were charged with the errors and evils of others unless they were among themselves guilty of the same neither have any of them or their Officers any power over any other Congregation or Members yet as those particular Churches are parts of the Universal Church or body of Christ which is his fulness so they are all to be helpful to one another and to walk by one and the same Rule Acts 6 5. 14 23. 1 Cor. 5.12 Rev. 2. 3. Phil. 3 15 16 c. Concerning Church-Officers As Christ hath given extraordinary and ordinary Officers as Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry and for the edifying of his body or Church in general and this without any limitation of Time Eph. 4.11 12. 1 Cor. 12.28 29 so for the feeding teaching ruling and ministring to the poor and sick of the Church the Lord hath appointed Elders or Bishops which in Scripture language are all one Asts 20.17 28. Phil. 1.1 Tit. 1.5 6 7. and Deacons and Deaconesses or Widows Rom. 16.1 1 Tim. 5.9 10. with other Helps who are to be chosen by the Churches themselves and ordained as formerly they were either by Apostles or some appointed by them as Evangelists or by some Teachers in those particular Churches 1 Tim. 4.14 2 Tim 2.2 Tit. 1.5 1 Tim. 5.21 22 c. Concerning the Lords Supper The Lord Christ also instituted and

I had my Heart several times in a good frame of Prayer Fifthly I learned f om Psal 149.2.4 How it is mutually between God and his People they joy in him and he take pleasure in them I also was thinking of the grounds of Saints doubts about their salvation viz. Ignorance in the Covenant of grace want of observing their Hearts of keeping up Holiness Slothfulness and favouring some secret sin and not profiting by ordinances I was noting that the wicked are not ashamed to profess that they endeavour hurt to the righteous without a cause Prov. 1.11 and that the godly should g●ow more bold by how much the more their afflictions increase 1. Thess 2.2 I had my heart this day so tned in P●●yer I was this day convinced of the negligence in that duty of desiring to see the Faces of the Saints as Paul did 1. Thess 3.11 I received a special Letter this day from our dear Brother I. B. which suited much with my condition and judgement I learned a word from one that I could not expect such words viz. I did not heretofore prize neither great things that were temporal of spiritual but now I prize the least things of either sort from 2. Cor. 7. chap. 4 5 6. I observed 1. That in the greatest trouble Gods People may have the greatest comforts 2. That their comfort is originally from God 3. That God may send in these comforts at such times and in such a manner as they expect not this Evening my Soul was a little refreshed by divers promises and softned in Prayer Being the Lords day I observed from Prov. 3.16 In all thy wayes acknowledge him that godliness is an eying of God owning of God imitating of God and respecting of God in all our wayes and upon the consideration of these two following questions I had many thoughts some of which were refreshing and satisfying to me from the first question how we may know that we have received real good benefit by our afflictions Secondly How we may know when God doth afflict in Love and Faithfulness Psal 119.75.71 also divers other meditations from Rev. 12.10 They overcame by the word of their testimony and by the Blood of the Lamb c. and concerning the spiritual Race which a Christian is to run I had some enlargedness and tenderness of heart God according to his usual way and dealing with me foreseeing what I could not to wit more approaching affliction did this day administer an Antidote even comfort by Letters from the hands of several special Freinds also those words keep sound wisdome keep my saying in the midest of thine heart and keep thy heart with all diligence were I adjudged words worthy of observation hearing this Evening of a gratious Brother and Preacher sickness my heart was moved earnestly to pray for him I observed in the Morning a special exhortaion out of Prov. 5.1 My Son attend unto my wisdome and bow thine Ear unto my understanding also verse the 23. that sin is a great folly so chap. 18.13 Judg. 19.23 This day I received a sad Letter from a Brother T. E. that is turned Quaker which added much ●o my affliction the good Lord shew him the E ●or of his way and humble and reclaim him this day I was sensible of my aptness to be angry and was put seriously to enquire into the voice and will of God by these additional afflictions and I find a need of the continuance of them and my heart brought into a more submissive frame to bear and suffer his Rod. This day I bless the Lord was a good day to my Soul I had enlargedness and much freeness with some measure of softness and earnestness in Prayer especially for the Saints of God and perticularly for my own country Christians I had also a strong resolution to watch my self more carefully and do my duty more diligently then formerly out of Prov 7. I observed several helps or means to prevent and preserve the Soul from sin viz. 1. A laying up the Commandements in the Heart 2. A looking on them or eying of them 3. Getting endeared affection to Christ 4. By taking heed of the occasions thereof This day was but a flat drowsie day to my Soul nor great good gained but sin and grace not discernably active and affections unwarmed and unquickened yet convinced of lost time and comforted a little from 1 Thess 4. With thoughts of Christs coming I was this morning instructed from wisdomes words Prov. 8.8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness and there is nothing froward in them that I should take more heed for the time to come of a froward Month and Tongue this day also I hope I can humbly say it I injoyed the Lord both in Meditation and Prayer and being sensible of the want of skil in beleiving and more diligence in sanctification and thereupon I am resolved through grace and hope to be enabled to take more heed to my ways and as the Lord also presented that Scripture to me Thess 5.15 But ever follow that which is good This day I had a check in my Spirit for lightness of heart and besides an outward special Providence I observed I learned from the sin I saw and heard of in others to loath or at least desired to loath it in my self I also observed from Prov. 9.18 That one main Reason why People do not leave sin is because they do not know or consider the punishment of sin also what a commendable thing it is for Christians to be patient and beleiving in all Persecution and Tribulations Thess 2.1 chap. 4. This day being the Lords day through Gods grace I had my heart much softened and enlarged to call upon God especially one time I observed also that that want of the love to the truth and love to unrighteousness are the causes of men falling from the faith 2. Thess 2.10.12 also ano●her excellent Lesson from that word 2. Thess 3 1● where he speaks of busie Bodies which signifies properly to be too intent about the work we should not be This d●● I had my heart set somewhat upon the consideration h● t v● p ●●●s P●ov 11.2 12 13. The ●ust ●hall be del●ve●ed and the just shall be saved on of troub●e 〈◊〉 d● I was no●eing a great difference between having the light and the love of the truth this day I received an Answer from a Christian Freind of a B●others business of concernment which signified his love and care and increased my affection to him I was somewhat affected also with the sweet Counsel of Christ to the Church of Sardis I had my Soul in some good frame especially in Prayer and comfort from the consideration of the promises in Psal 1.3 That the good man shall bear Fruit and that his Fruit shall not wither and Isa 49.25 and Jer. 33.20 From the stability of the Covenant I likewise considered 1. That there is that in Christ which answers

Saints who in great sufferings are Or will pitty or justifie them though they harmless are Thy holy Laws and blessed Cause are like to suffer too The work thou didst once in the midst of us they would undoe After the 25. Psalm God is our hope and stay our refuge in our need He is our Shephard hee 'l preserve and his own Sheep wrll feed Hee 'l feed them with his VVord yea also with his Rod And he will manifest himself to be their mighty God If any do them hurt their Foes hee 'l surely slay And who they be that hinder them such hee 'l remove away He that doth touch them the Apple of his Eye Doth touch and he is sensible of all such injury VVo unto those that do his little ones offend T' wer better a Milstone were hanged on their Necks without end And they cast in the Sea that is quite bottomless Then to come under Gods sore Curse that punishment is less But happy are all such that follow their good Lord And patiently upon him wait hearing his holy VVord And in him do beleive and for their sins repent These shall not be ashamed at last nor for their sins be shent Upon the Saints suffering This is the Fire through which thou dost purge away Dross and ●in This is the VVater that doth wash in part the filth of sin This is the Wind that blows away our Chaff and which light is This is the School wherein we learn the best experiences This is the way wherein we do follow the Son and Saints This is the way to liberty with thee by our restraints This is the Food and Physick which thou givest to thy Children This is the means when they have sin'd to bring them back again This is that which tends to divorce thy People from this VVorld This is the Storm that tends to drive thyne into one accord This is the Hedge and Wall that keeps thy People from ranging This is the Chain that binds them up from the accursed thing This is the Fullers Sope that doth both whiten them and try This is the Fire in which they do their Lord most glorify VVith patience and contentedness therefore our sufferings we VVill indure without murmuring against men or 'gainst thee V. P. Some remarkable Passages in the Life and Ministry of this worthy Servant of Christ communicated by some faithful observing Christians and his antient intimate acquaintance MR. Vavasor Powel was born of honest and honourable Parentage his Father Mr. Richard Powel of a very antient Family in VVales living in the Burough of Knocklas in Radnorshire where his Ancestors had lived for some 100. years before him His Mother of the Vavasors a Family of great antiq●ity that came out of Yorkshire into VVales and so by both allyed to most of the best Families in North VVales though his best pedegree and highest discent was that which he derived from the most honourable Family of Abraham For the unworthiest persons many times p etend to the hi●hest worldly discents the newborn being only the best born He was brought up a S●holler taken by his Unkle Mr. Erasmus Powel to be Curate at Clun where he also kept Schooll in which time it pleased God in the midest of his vanity and enmity to Christ and his People to call and convert him especially by the minist y of that eminent Servant of Christ Mr. Walter Cradock which was attended with deep humility in sigh●●nd sence of sin and a lost estate by nature and led b● a Spirit or Bondage through legal Terrors to clear manifestations of the love of Christ in Go pel Life and L●b●●ty encountering with manifold temptations within and without not only by Satans assaults in the mind but by his visible appearances sometimes in one shape sometimes in another to terrifie and afright him especialy in Prayer and in his drawing nigh unto the Lord but by Faith he still got the victory over him He in a little time profited above many and being very zealous and full of Love to Christ did bestir himself exceedingly in preaching the Gospel labouring therein more abundantly then any we have known giving himself wholly to the work both in publick private God also accompanying him with his blessing and presence in great success the generallity of the Country being then as Feilds white unto the Harvest flock ardently to his Ministry and many by his Preaching were turned to the Lord so that Radnorshire that before was a dark Country came to have much light and in a short space many eminent Professors begotten in it at which Satan begun to rage exceedingly and stirred up some of his Instruments to persecute the truth laying wait for his life and liberty some by a judicial way some by violence till they drove him out of the Country from whence he went to London where in the time of the War he continued sometime he was called to Dartford in Kent where he was very succesfull in his Ministry to the gathering of a Church afterwards times growing more peaceable he was called into Wales again where he renewed his former labours preaching the Word in season and out of season so that by him Christ made manifest the savor of his knowledge and grace in every place throughout the Country insomuch that there was but few if any of the Churches Chappels Town halls in Wales wherein he did not preach Christ Yea very often upon Mountains and very frequent in Fairs and Markets it was admirable to consider how industrious he was by his often preaching in two or three places a day and seldome two dayes in a week throughout the year out of the Pulpit nay he would sometimes ride a hundred miles in a week and Prrach in every place where he might have admission both day and night if he passed through any Fair or Market or near any great concourse of People so great was his love to Souls he would take the oppertunity in his Journey to preach Christ yea his whole life was a continual preaching giving seasonable instruction to every body he met with being fruitful and exemplary in Word Doctrine Conversation Spirit it was his custome where ever he came to leave some spiritual instructions and gracious favour behind him He was indued with such courage of mind furnished with such ability of body that he went through his work with great delight many admiting how he was able to hold out he was an able Minister of the new Testament and always in readiness upon all occasions to fulfil his Ministry and like the good Housholder brought forth of his Treasury things new and old being very indefatigable in his work speaking and praying sometimes 3. 4. nay 6 and 7. hours together he was very faithful in delivering the word of truth and in explaining it to the meanest capacity and still endeavoured to suit his discourse to the occasion and condition of the Hearers he neither regarded nor feared the