TheContentsof thisDiscourse.
TheHeadsare three.
Under thefirstare contained theArgumentsofSpirituall Life,wherein theWeakestand theSickestChild ofGodmay finde itsSpirituall Lifeapparent, though over-cast andeclipsedwith spirituallWeaknesseandDistempers.
Under the secondHead, Argumentsof the strength andvigourof the Spirit ofLifeandHolinesse:In which thestrongestand theeldestinChrist,may findExperimentsof SpirituallHealth,and ChristianActivityand chearfullnesse.
TheseExperimentsrespect,1.The Souls privatecorrespondencywith the Lord himselfe.2.Converse andcorrespondencywithMen.3.PrivateRetirednesseswith it selfe.
TheseExperimentsrespect,
1.The Souls privatecorrespondencywith the Lord himselfe.
2.Converse andcorrespondencywithMen.
3.PrivateRetirednesseswith it selfe.
Under the thirdHeadare proposed someMeanswherein theSpiritofGodusually breatheth for the preserving and maintaining of a truly Spirituall andChristianHealth and Chearfullnesse.
Decorative patternThe Letter which the Author sent with this Discourse to his WifeM. W.upon her recovery from a dangerous sicknesse.
Decorative pattern
MyDearest LoveandCompanionin thisVale of Tears.
The true use of sicknesse.
Thy latesuddenanddangerous Sicknesse, and theLordsmostgraciousandspeedy raisingthee up from thegatesandjawesofDeath: as they were wonderfull in thineown, and otherseyes, so I hope, and earnestly desire, they may be ever in ourthoughts, as awarningfromHeavento make ready for a suddencallto be gone from hence: to live the rest of ourshort uncertaine span, more asstrangers, longing and breathing after anotherHomeandCountry; To cast off ourgreat caresandfearsanddesiresandjoyesabout thisCandleof thisvaine life, that is so soonblowneout, and to trust in the livingGod, of whose wonderfull power and mercy thou hast had so much and so lateexperience, which must make thee sing withDavid(Psal.103.)Blesse the Lord O my Soul, and all that is within me blesse his holy Name: Blesse the Lord, O my Soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgiveth all thy sins, and healeth thine infirmities: who redeemeth thy life from destruction, and crowneth thee with mercy and loving kindnesse.
Mydear Love, since it pleaseth theLordso to dispose of me, and of my affairs at present, that I cannot often see thee, I desire often to send to thee. I now send thee that which I know will be sweeter to thee then theHoneyand theHoney-combe, and stronger refreshment then the strongestwinesorwaters, and of more value then if every line and letter were thousands ofgoldandsilver.Hezekiahupon hisrecoveryfrom hissicknesse, made awriting(Isai.38.) as aneverlasting monumentof hispraiseuntoGod, and as aGoadorspurtohimselfeandothersin thewayes of godlinessefor the future.
Thyholyandhumbledesires arestrong, but I know thywritingis slow, and that thou wilt gladly accept of this mypoore helpe, which withhumble thankefulnesseandpraiseto theLord, I humbly tender to hisholy service, and thine in him.
The outward and inner man.
I send thee (though inWinter) an handfull offlowersmade up in a littlePosey, for thy dear selfe, and our dear children, to look and smell on, whenI as the grasse of the field shall be gone, and withered.
Wee know how it pleaseth thespiritofGodto distinguish between theoutwardand theinnerman,2 Cor.4. [Though ouroutwardman perish; yet ourinneris renewed day by day:] It hath pleased the mosthighto cast downe thyoutwardman, and againe graciously to lift him up, and thereby to teach us both, to examine and try thehealth, andstrength, andwelfareof theinner.
I will not now enter upon theDisputesabout thatquestion, what is theInner-man, whetherChrist himselfe, as some say, or anImageorlikenesseofChrist Jesus, as others say. That is aCandleorTorchto me, which is writtenEphes. 3. ThatChristmay dwell in yourHeartsbyfaith: unto which agrees that of the first ofJohn: As many as received him, that is receivedChrist Jesusinto thehouseof theirheartsto dwell there bybelievingandobeyingof him, they are borne of theSpirit, and are theSonsofGod.
What theinner-manis.
Subject to many distempers.
ThisInnerman, thisnew-man(which afterGodis created inholinesseandrighteousnesse) I say, thisInner-manhath histempersanddistempers, hishealthandsicknesse, as well as thisoutward-manthisbodyofClay.
Hence we hear so often mentioned, therenewingof theinward-man, thegrowingandincreasingofFaithandLove, and otherbreathingsofGods Spirit: thelosse(that is in a measure,) of theEphesians first love. Hence the manyfallsof theLordsbestServants, recorded inScripture, and thesleepof theSpouseofChrist Jesus, although herheartwake in the truth ofmarriage-love, which can never wholly dye in her and be extinguished.
A threefold person inGodschildren
The holyScripturementioneth athree-fold personin all that are borne againe, First, the body ofFleshandclay, thisoutward naturall being, which must be dissolved and dye, then rise againe toGlory.
The second is the body ofcorruption, orold man, which being deadly wounded by theSonofGodalreadie in all that are his, shall shortly give up theghost, and rot, and never rise again.
The third is this holy, heavenlyinnerman, of whosehealthand dailyrenewingI now discourse, who is born of an immortall seed, and therefore can no more die thenChristhimself:Rom. 6.
A spirituall cheerfull temper.
Now as thisoutward mandesires not onelylife, andbeing, but alsohealthandcheerfulnessin all the livingmotionsandactionsthereof: So, (and much more ten thousand fold) requires theinwardandspirituallman, anhealthfullandcheerfull temper. For as the Lord loveth acheerfull giver: So loves he also a cheerfullPreacher, a chearfullhearer, a chearfullprayer, and a chearfullsuffererfor his Name sake: He loves that the shoes ofpreparationbe on ourfeetready to run (allwayesandweathers) thepathsof hisCommandments: That like avesselourleaksbe stopt, and our wholesoulbe ready in an holytrim, andtightness, for all his holy employments of us in the greatesttempests: that like heavenlysouldiers, ourArmsbe fixt, or like anInstrument, thestringsof ouraffectionsandpartsbe all in tune, to make heavenlymusickin the holyearsof our heavenlyLordandKing.
Tis true, as it is between a lovingcouple, (and as it was in the Church atEphesus) it is not easie to keep in the firstflameofLove,freshandequall, although thefireof thetruthandsinceritieofmarriage lovenever die, or be extinguished.
Spirituall distempers.
It is true thatPaulcries out (how much more may we)O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death?
Tis true, that sometimescorruptionandSatan surprizeand carry away the strongestchampionsofChrist Jesus, asslavesandcaptivesfor a time, untillChrist Jesusrescue, redeem and ransome, by givingrepentanceunto hisIsrael, as he did toDavid,Peter,&c.asAbrahamrescuedLot, and asDavidrecovered all his preciouscaptives, ledslavesaway fromZiklag.
I am far therefore from passing thesentenceofdeathupon the least of the little ones ofJesus, (notwithstanding theirspirituall weaknes, andsicknesses) in whom the leastsparkor breathing of thespiritofLifecan be discerned.
And I desire to see and lament thespirituall sicknesses, anddiseasesof mine own and othersSpirits, which yet are not untodeath(asChrist Jesusspake ofLazarus) but for thegloryofGod, in thefallandrisingof hisservants.
Distinction between spiritualldeath, spirituallsicknessand spirituallweakness
Yea asPauldistinguisheth ofGodsafflicting hand on hisSaintsatCorinth, so must I distinguish, between these three,death,sicknesandweakness: EverysicknesofGods Childrenis not adeath, for theinnerman cannot die, no more thenChristhimself.Rom: 6.
Again, everyweaknesis not asicknes, for some areweak, littleonesin theknowledgeandloveofChrist, while others are grown to bestrongandagedinChrist Jesus; Yea, thestrongestand oldestSouldiersofChrist Jesus, who have not thought their dearestHeartbloodto dear for such aLordandMaster, have yet been troubled with someweaknes, and fits of spiritualldistempers:Weaknesin their Eyes is not discerning aright the mind ofChrist Jesus,weaknesin theirhands, andFeet, hindring their spirituallchearfulnes, andactivityinChristswayes, which weaknesses yet have not brought them to a down right halting inChristianity.
I propose therefore (with the assistance ofGods holy spirit) to examine these three particulars.
The Heads of this Discourse
First, what are theArgumentsof that measure ofspirituall lifeinChrist, which yet may stand with greatspirituall weaknessesanddiseases.
2ly. What is themeasureof thegraceofChrist Jesus, which may be called thehealth, andchearfull temper, and disposition of theinnerman.
3dly. What are those spiritualpreservatives, which may keep theSoulin an healthfultemper, free from spirituallsicknessesanddistempers.
In theseExaminationsI professe two things: First not tooppressethythoughtsandmemory, with any longdiscourse, intending only to send thee after thy sicknes, a little posey fit and easie for thymeditation, andrefreshing.
2ly. All myFlowersshall be some choiceexample, orspeechof somesonordaughterofGod, pickt out from theGardenof the holyScripturesfor our spirituallyrefreshingandconsolation.
I begin therefore with suchtriallsandargumentsas declare, the true life of theinner man, notwithstanding spirituallweaknes,sicknes, anddistempers.
The weakest of Gods children cry unto God as to a Father.
First then when theSpiritof theLordin1 Job. 2.describeth the severallAgesandgrouthsof this inwardman(to wit achild, astrongman, and anold man) it pleasath him to describe the young or little one by thisdifference, that [He knows theFather] to wit, that he knows theLordso, as to look upon him (in his measure) as to aFather, that he fears him, loves him, obeys him, and calls upon him as on aFather: according to that ofGal: 4. Because you are sons, he hath sent forth the spirit of his Son crying in your HeartsAbba Father:Fatherpardon me,Fatherhelp me,Fathergive me,&c.
Obj.
But may not theHypocritescall upon God, (and sometime more boldly thenGods little ones,)Lord Lord, Almightyand most mercifullFather, &c.
An.
I answer, anHypocritehath manyLords, and manyFathers, besides, and joyned with their (pretended) heavenlyFather. WhereasGods little onescry out, (Isa. 63.) Doubtles thou art ourFather, thoughAbrahambe ignorant of us, as if they had said: Thou art our onlyFather, above allFathers, &c.
False calling upon God as upon a Father
2ly. TheHypocritesaiesLord,Lord, but cares for no more of thewillof theLordthen may serve his ownturne: But a child ofGoddeclares his child likesubmission, to an heavenlyFatherswill in all things, according to the difference proposed by theLord Jesus, (Mat: 7.) Not every one that saith unto meLord,Lord, but he that doth the wil of myFatherwhich is inHeaven: The difference lies not in thewords, but in theHeart, in the uprightsubmissionof achildofGod, to all that he believes to be thewillandpleasureof his heavenlyFather.
2Argum:Gods children long for more and more knowledge of God.
For a secondtrialltherefore: Wherespirituall life is(notwithstandingweaknesordistempers) there is always a professedwillingnesseto get more and moreknowledgof this heavenlyFather, of hisname, of hisworks, of hisword, of hisChrist, of hisSpirit, hisSaints, andOrdinances.
HenceBeleeversinJesus, bothMenandWomen, are calledDisciples, orScholarsofChrist Jesus, professing continually to learn more and more of this heavenlyteacher. Hence hisDisciplesorScholarspetition toChrist Jesus,Lordteach us to pray:Lordincrease ourFaith, &c.
Hence they ask him manyQuestions, and are by little and little instructed, though for a while they were ignorant of the mystery of hisDeath, andResurrection.
Obj.
But may not anHypocritedesire to know more and more ofGod, ofChrist, &c.
Ans.
I answer, although anHypocriteout of an itching desire, ofknowledg, ofnovelty, and out ofself love, to make use of so much ofGod, and ofChrist, as may serve his ownends, maydesire, andattain, andprofesse, andpreachmuch ofGodandChrist, yet will he pick and choose asSauldid, whileDavidand allGods childrenuprightly desire to have respect to all theCommandementsofGodinChrist Jesus.
2
Again, theobedienceofHypocritesis but the task of aslave, orHireling, when the obedience of achildofGod, is that of a dutifullchildto hisFather, or an endearedWifeto herHusband, not caused byterrourorwages, but heartyReverenceandAffection.
Arg.3. Gods children hunger and thirst after Gods Word.
Hence follows a thirdtriallofspirituall life, (though accompanied with muchweaknes,) to wit a vehementhungerandlongingafter theOrdinanceof theword preached: Hence thatsimilitudebyPeter. AsNew born Babesdesire the sinceremilkof theword, that you may grow thereby,1. Pet: 2.
Obj.
But may notHypocritsandcounterfeits, both affectionately hear and preach,&c?
Ans.
Gods word in Gods way.
Cant 1.
I answer, no question, butfalse worshippers, andfalse Christiansmay easily satisfie themselves, and stop the mouths of theirconsciences, with any formalperformanceof aSermonby anhoure-glasse, or othertraditions, orcustomesofFathers, or thetimes. But a child ofGoddesires to be as well carefull (according to hissight, for the trueMothers-Breast, (a trueMinistrie) as for a Womans Milk, the opening of the word by any in any way,&c.And therefore cries theSpousetoChrist Jesus: Oh thou whom mysoulloveth, shew me where thoufeedest, for why should I be as one that turns aside to theflocksof thycompanions.
2ly. A truechildofGod(though weak) looks chiefly atGod, andChrist, himself in theMinistry, anddispensationof theword, and therefore saith (Cant: 1.) LetHimkisse me with thekissesof hismouth, for hisloveis better thenwine.
True hunger after Gods word.
3. While theHypocritesfind their naturaldelightin the word, as inmusick, while yet they obey not: The child ofGodcomes to thebreastsof theChurch, as a child hangs upon the MothersBreast, not only for thedelightofsucking, but out of a vehement painfulllonging, to have itssoulsatisfied, and its strength ofspirituall lifeandgraceincreased in the ways ofGod: according to that in1. Pet. 2. [That you may grow thereby.]
Truedesirein all Gods people.
A 4th. Argument of thelifeof theinner man, (though in muchweaknes, or sicknes, is a true and unfaineddesire, to do that which it finds it cannot do, but falls short in doing or suffering thewillofGod: SoNehemiahpleads withGod, from theuprightnesof their hearts, that they desired to fear hisName, when asoulcan say uprightly inGodspresence, I desire, that is, unfainedly longing to know his will, although I am muchignorant, I desire tobelieve, though I find anunbelieving heart, I desire to bewillingandabletosuffer, though I find muchfearfulnesse,&c.
Ob.May not anHypocritedesire toknowand loveGod, &c.
Difference between the true and false desire.
God must be chosen for himself.
I answer, anHypocritemay desire to know so much ofGod, and to have so much of hisgrace, and so much of hispoweragainst some sins, as may serve to save hissoul, when he sees he cannot besavedwithout it: But achildofGod, only can desireGodforhimself, and desire to be like untoGodin his holyNature, and to have everythoughtbrought under theobedienceofChrist Jesus.
Hence though anHypocritemay weep asEsauandSaul, and others have done, yet a truechildofGodcan only in truth cry out, with theFather, of the possessedchildin an humble sence of his ownweaknes, andspirituall poverty,Lord I believe, help thou myunbelief, that is, help me against myunbelief, against mypassions, against myuncleanesse, against mypride, against mycovetousnes, &c.
Gods children cannot live in known sin without strugling & mourning.
A 5th:triallof a truelife(though inweaknes, orsicknes) is a constantresistingandfightingagainst all knownsin, assin. He that is born ofGod, (1. John 5.) keepeth himself that theevillone toucheth him not, unles he be suddenlysurprised, or violentlyforced, by mightytemptations, orcousonedanddeceivedby thedeceitfulnesseofsin, he can no more willingly touch it, thenfireorpoison, or theDevillhimself.
Hence is there a continuall war between thefleshand theSpirit,Gal: 5. Thelawof themind, wars against thelawof themembers; TheNew-managainst theold, &c. For instance, although goodJacobwas overcome by hisMotherspowerfulperswasion, yet suspecting asinhe first strugled against it, myFathersaith he, will feel me, and I shall bring acurseinstead of aBlessing.
Obj.
No hypocrite can fight against sin as sin.
But may not anHypocriteresisttemptation, and fight againstsin? I answer, No, not againstsinassin, but as it is dangerous and hurtful tosoul, tobody, topurse, tocredit. SoBalaam(I conceive in earnest) refusedBalacksmony, and would notsinfor an house full ofgoldandsilver, when as yet he loved thatsinof cursingGodspeople, and thewagesof it.
2ly. AnHypocritecannot resist the sin ofHypocrisie, and otherdarling sins: but a child ofGodwithDavid(Psal: 139.) begs ofGodto search him, that is to help him againstHypocrisieit self, and every false way, and to lead him in theway everlasting.
A true childe of God tender of Gods name.
Sixtly, achildofGodthough overwhelmed with manyweaknessesortemptations, yet he cannot possibly be brought to an illopinionorthoughtofGod, but is always ready to take hispart, tospeakwell of him, and endures not, with a quiet mind, to hear his name dishonored: HenceJobin his greatpassionsandcursings, could not be brought (no not by hiswife) to speak ill ofGod: but although he complained much of his ownaffliction, and stood to hisuprightness, against thechargeofHypocrisie, yet still he magnifies the name of hisGodin all hisdiscourses, and professeth to trust in him, although hisGodshould kill him.
Instances ofSamsonandJehosaphat.
HenceSamson, though carried away first by aPhilistian wife, and then by aPhilistian whore, yet can he not be carried away so from theGodof Israel, but that still he acknowledgeth hishighandholy handin hisvictoriesanddeliverances, and accordingly poures forth hissoulto him forgraceandassistance. And hence goodJehosaphatthough very strongly carried away with the flatterie of theidolatrous KingofIsrael, yet he endures not to hear the name of hisGodsmitten through the sides of hisservantthe ProphetMicaiah, but plainly (though weakly) takes part with hisGodand hisProphet, against theKingofIsrael, and all hisPriestsandCourtiers, saying,Let not the King say so.
Obj.May notBalaamand otherhypocritespretend thenameofGodandChrist, bepreachersof him, call outdevils, and inChrists namedo manywonderfullthings?
I answer:Hypocritesuse the name ofGodonely asJehudid, for astirrupto get up into thesadleof their ownNamesandHonours, or as acommodityto get something by it, as anhireling(of whom theLord JesusspeaksJohn 10.) that servesGodforwages, and while he cries, let theLordbe glorified, (Isa. 66.) hepersecuteshis servants, but a child ofGodcannot be brought except by surprisall for a time, to prefer hisnamebeforeGods, but uponcool thoughts, is seriously willing to be trodden in the dust, and to be cast out, that thenameofGodalone may be exalted, and glorified, asDavidafter the causing of the name ofGodto be blasphemed.
A true childe of God is patient under the rod of his Heavenly Father.
A 7th. Argument of the truelifeofgrace(though in muchweaknesorsicknes,) I observe to be an humbleacknowledgmentof, and asubmittingunto thecorrectingandafflictinghand ofGod, insicknesses,crosses,losses, &c.
This admirably appears in oldEly, who though he were a badFatherto his own sons, in suffering themunpunished(though notunreproved) in their outragioustransgressions: Yet was he at the same time a good son toGod, his heavenlyFather, in giving that heavenlyandsubmissiveanswerto that fearfullthreateningsent from theLordbySamuelagainst him, saying, It is theLord, let him do what seemeth him good.
Ob:But did notPharaohacknowledg, and thePhilistinesacknowledgGodshand in smiting them, did notAhabhumble himself,Pharaohsues untoGodbyMoses, thePhilistinssend a trespasseoffering, andAhabhumbles himself by fasting,&c.
1. The enemies of God, and flatterers cannot submit to God as to a Father.
I answer, aSaul, aPharaoh, &c. if it were in their choice, would not submit to theLordat all, and when they do acknowledge and submit, they are forced to it, byGodspowerfull hand, whom yet they look at as a conqueror ofJuliansaid ofChrist Jesus, andJaolororexecutioner, not as aFather, with a child likesubmission, as appears byPharaoh, thePhilistines,Ahab, and many more wofullinstances, when thehandofGodis removed,&c.
Whereas a truechildofGoddesires, as to acknowledge hisFathershand correcting hisrighteously, because he hath deserved it, so alsograciouslyandfaithfully, because he hopesGodaims at his good, as aFatherdoth at achilds, in giving him fatherlycorrection, bitterPillsandPhisick.
Gods children less grieve for their own affliction, then for Gods displeasure.
And therefore (2ly:) as when theLordstrikes anHypocrite, he eitherrunsfrom him as astrange childstricken by another man, orflies againsthim inmurmuring, orhowlsout for anguish as aDog, (Hos: 7.) They howl upon their Beds: So contrarily the truechildofGodtruly desires to run to his heavenlyFather, and it as well, yea infinitely moregrieved, for theanger, anddispleasureof theLord, as for his ownsmartandaffliction.
3ly. TheHypocriteif he might have his own choice, had rather be rid of hispainthan hissin, and therefore when hispainis over, he returns with theDogto his Vomit: But a truechildofGod, truly (though weakly) desires tosee, andabhor, and slay hisdearest sins, because he knows they are but flatteringtraytorsandguilded poysons: HenceJobcries out in the midst of all hisweaknessesandpassions, Oh teach me wherein I have offended.
Gods children joyn with Gods rod against themselves.
In a word, theLordis fain to forceafflictionupon anHypocrite, as men force down adrenchinto the throat of anHorse, but a truechildofGod, (if underGods rod,) desires to joyn with theLords hand, and theLords ends, as a child of some understanding is willing to have itswormeskilled, and therefore strives (willingly,unwillingly) to swallow down the bitteraloes, or other bittermedicine.
An 8th: Triall of truelife, (though inweaknes) is atrue(thoughfaint)willingnesand inclination to enjoy more and more ofChrist Jesus, in thesocietyof hisSaints, after his ownappointment, although withhardshipanddifficultyattained unto.
Gods people long after Gods true worship in Christ Jesus.
Hence theSpousewas bothasleep, andawake, towardChrist Jesus:Cant: 5. She waswilling, andunwillingto rise toopentoChrist Jesus: Hence she thinks she hears herHusbands voice: It is thevoiceof myBeloved: She thinksChristis knocking at thedoorof herheart, andwill, in such and sucharguments, in such and suchScriptures, in such and suchprofessions, andprofessours, in such and such theirsuffrings, &c.
Obj.May it not possibly be that the truechildrenofGod, not only may neglect, but even deny theOrdinancesofChrist Jesus, appointed and practised in his firstChurches.
Gods people both awake & asleep as to Christ Jesus.
I answer,Gods Israelandpeopleunder theGospel, may as possibly be spirituallslavesandcaptivestoEgyptandBabylon spirituall, asIsraelof old was toBabell,literallandmateriall, in respect of theworshippingofGod, according to theappointmentofChrist Jesus.
In respect of falseworship,Gods Israelmay be aslave, andasleep, and yetawake, andfree, in trueinclinationsanddesires,willing(though mixt withsleepy unwillingnes) to be at any pains and cost, to enjoy hersouls beloved Christ Jesus, in his own appointments.
Hence suchexpressionswithsighsandtears, if I were perswaded ofGods will, if I were perswaded of thenecessityof such publicordinancesandformes.
Gods people cannot but be full of strugling of spirit as to the visible worship of God in Christ Jesus.
Hence othersexpressions, if I were perswaded ofsuchandsuch ordinances, thatsucha people, orsucha people were in the true way of enjoyingChrist Jesus, howjoyfullyshould I joyn with them?
Hence holyDavid, though not so thoroughly awaked, to enjoy theArkandpresenceofGod, he and allIsraelbrings up theArkofGodwithrejoycing, though not after theLordsdueorder, which caused his holyjealousieto send thatperez UzzathatbreachofUzzahamongst them.
True marriage affection in all Gods people to Christ Jesus, yet with much difference.
It is in theheavenlyas in theearthly marriage, there are degrees ofmarriage affection, and yet all true: Theaffectionsof some are morelivelyandstrong, of some moredullandweak: When yet thetruthandlifeappears in a true and longing desire to enjoy theLord Jesus, in what way soever, himself is pleased to appoint, and to turn from thebedandbozome, (that is theworships) of allfalse Christs, andstrangers.
Gods children have no peace in sin unrepented of.
A 9th. discovery of truespirituall life, inweaknes, I find to be apainfulland arestlesmind, intemptationstosin, inyeeldingtosin, andlyinginsin, thebreachnot being made up with theLordin humbleconfessionandsuitformercy, in the blood of aSaviour. This wasDavidspainfullcasein hissilence,Psal. 32. When I kept silence myboneswaxed old, through myroaringall theDay.
So that as aFishout of thewater(its element) as abonebroak or disjoynted, is thetroubled mindof a child ofGod, upon hisdiscoveredor but (strongly)suspected, sinfullwayorpractice.
Obj.May notHypocritesbe troubled in the sence ofGods displeasureforsin, asSaul,Ahab, andJudas, &c.
OnlyGodspeople can truly desirepeacewithGod.
I answer, anHypocritelike someTraytorormurtherer, may desire a pardon from theKingofKings, whose person he hates, so didSaulandAhab, and so may any dissembler for his own ends ofpeaceandsafety, &c. ButGods children, and they only grieve atGods displeasureand grievance. Only a trueWifeandSpouseofChrist Jesuscan grieve and mourn for the displeasedabsenceofChrist Jesus, and cries out in humblebitternessofsoul, saw ye him whom my soul loveth?
Two sorts of Gods people enquiring & longing after Christ Jesus.
The liking ofGodsgraciousSpiritin others, a trueArgumentof the sameSpiritin ourselves.
A 10th. triall of the truelifeof theinnerman, (thoughweakandsickly,) is adiscerning, andliking, and secretwishingthatbeautyandshiningof thegraceofChrist Jesus, which appears in others ofGods Children, and which we see wanting in ourselves. Thus were there a sort ofGods children, which could seebeautyandexcellencyin those which so affectionately inquired afterChrist Jesus, in his visible worship, and the severall parts thereof, although themselves were not so zealously affected. Thus therefore say they: O thou thefairestofWomen, (anacknowledgmentof heavenlygraceandbeauty, and they also enquire, and desire to see thatbeautyofChrist Jesus, which the otherSaintsso praised. And inCant: 6. they say, whither is thyBelovedgone, oh thoufairestamongWomen, that we may seek him with thee: Hence many ofGodsdearSaintsinQu: Mariestime, and other bloody days, in our own and othercountries, have praisedGodfor, and have been ravished with thebeautiesof the heavenlyloveandzeal, andpatiencein others ofGods servants, which they have seen wanting in themselves: And thus, (whatever be ourweaknesses) it must needs argue alifeofgrace, when we can view thelivesanddeathsof the blessedmartyrs, orwitnesses of Christ Jesus, (either in the holyscriptures, or otherRecords, I say can view them with alikingand trueaffectingof theirgraces, with an humble acknowledgment of our ownwantsandpoverties, and a mourningdesireofattainingto such a beauteousprofessionofChrist Jesus.
Such abeauty(doubtles) did many ofGods childrenapprehend in theLords Ordinances, and in such as suffred for them inEngland, who yet found not strength themselves, to stand and suffer for, and with them, yet left much and fled toNew England, hoping to enjoy there (though with too much weak desire ofpeaceandliberty) theOrdinancesofChrist Jesus, theirsouls Beloved.
Obj.But did notBalaamsee thebeautyandexcellencyofGods Saints, when he cried out, let me dye thedeathof therighteous, and let my last end be like his,&c.
I answer, it is usually well said,Balaamdesired thedeath, andblessednesof therighteous, but not thelifeandrighteousnesseof therighteous.
Obj.Balaamseems to have seen thebeautyofrighteousnesseit self.
Dissemblers, in a respect may desirerighteousness, but onlyGods childrencan long for it in truth, and for it self.
I answer, he might see and likerighteousnesin theend, andfruitof it, and yet not in the truenatureandbeautyof it, for then he would have as well desired thelife, as thedeathof therighteous, just as theseIndians(amongst whom I write these lines) they see theexcellencyof theEnglish industry, joyned withplenty, and a betterconditionthen their own, but endure not thatlifeoflabourandindeavour, wherein thatplentyand betterstateis found. ButGods childrenbeholding thebeautyandexcellencyof the heavenlylivesanddeathsof others, (likesouldiersin a Field) are provoked by thoseexamples, to desire to followChrist Jesusin those holypaths, and secretly to bemoan their owninfirmitiesanddeformities.
These and many morediscoveriesof thelifeofChrist Jesusin thesoul, (though in the midst of manyweaknesses, and spirituallsicknesses) I hope (mydear loveand faithfullcompanion) thou in truth discernest in thyself, and I, and others have discerned in thee: But oh search diligently in theLordsholypresence, and humbly beg his help, that as theSpiritofGodadmonisheth, (Gal. 6.) thou maiest have rejoycing in thyself, and not in anothers good opinion of thee.
Gods children cannot but desire spirituall health, as wel as life and Christian being.
But grant all these, and theassuranceof a true and blessedlifeofgracewithin us?
Grant thislifeis as thelifeofChrist, never again to be extinguished. Yet who rejoyceth not inhealth, who mourns not under thepainsandweaknessesof a sick bed?
Next therefore to thediscoveryofspirituall life, all that are born ofGodmust try theirspirituall strength, andhealth, andchearfull temper: The particularinstanceswhereof, being propounded asexamples,copies, andsamplarsfor us to follow in the holyScripture, I shall pick, and gather, and bind up, for both ourincouragement, and comfort.
I confesse the beholding of suchheavenly patternsmay astonish and amaze us, and make us dispair to attain to the like heavenlytemper: I pray thee therefore (dear love) observe, (what before I said) that theseparticularsnext following are notdiscouragementsfromChrist, as if we had nolifeat all: butincouragementsto draw neerer toChrist Jesus, when we see suchvirtueproceed out from him, to such poorsinnerslike our selves.
Theseparticularsthen following are as an holylooking-glasse, to discover to us our soulsspots, &blemishes, as also sweetcordial flowers, to refresh and incourage ourdrooping spirits.
The severall particulartriallsof thisspirituall health, andchearfulnesse, I shall bind up (as I may so speak) into three severallparcells, as sometimes we see sweetflowersbound up into smallerbundles, to make up at last one largerbundleorposiein one.
The three severall sorts shall be according to thatdivisionof theholy SpiritbyPaultoTitus.