_Under the third_ Head _are proposed some_ Means _wherein the_ Spirit
_of_ God _usually breatheth for the preserving and maintaining of a
truly Spirituall and_ Christian _Health and Chearfullnesse_.
[Illustration]
The Letter which the Author sent with this Discourse to his Wife
_=M. W.=_ upon her recovery from a dangerous sicknesse.
My _Dearest Love_ and _Companion_ in this _Vale of Tears_.
[Sidenote: The true use of sicknesse.]
Thy late _sudden_ and _dangerous Sicknesse_, and the _Lords_ most
_gracious_ and _speedy raising_ thee up from the _gates_ and _jawes_ of
_Death_: as they were wonderfull in thine _own_, and others _eyes_, so
I hope, and earnestly desire, they may be ever in our _thoughts_, as a
_warning_ from _Heaven_ to make ready for a sudden _call_ to be gone
from hence: to live the rest of our _short uncertaine span_, more as
_strangers_, longing and breathing after another _Home_ and _Country_;
To cast off our _great cares_ and _fears_ and _desires_ and _joyes_
about this _Candle_ of this _vaine life_, that is so soon _blowne_
out, and to trust in the living _God_, of whose wonderfull power and
mercy thou hast had so much and so late _experience_, which must make
thee sing with _David_ (_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_.
My _dear Love_, since it pleaseth the _Lord_ so 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 the _Honey_ and the _Honey-combe_, and stronger refreshment
then the strongest _wines_ or _waters_, and of more value then if every
line and letter were thousands of _gold_ and _silver_. _Hezekiah_ upon
his _recovery_ from his _sicknesse_, made a _writing_ (_Isai. 38_.) as
an _everlasting monument_ of his _praise_ unto _God_, and as a _Goad_
or _spur_ to _himselfe_ and _others_ in the _wayes of godlinesse_ for
the future.
Thy _holy_ and _humble_ desires are _strong_, but I know thy _writing_
is slow, and that thou wilt gladly accept of this my _poore helpe_,
which with _humble thankefulnesse_ and _praise_ to the _Lord_, I humbly
tender to his _holy service_, and thine in him.
[Sidenote: The outward and inner man.]
I send thee (though in _Winter_) an handfull of _flowers_ made up in
a little _Posey_, for thy dear selfe, and our dear children, to look
and smell on, when _I as the grasse of the field shall be gone, and
withered_.
Wee know how it pleaseth the _spirit_ of _God_ to distinguish between
the _outward_ and the _inner_ man, _2 Cor. 4_. [Though our _outward_
man perish; yet our _inner_ is renewed day by day:] It hath pleased
the most _high_ to cast downe thy _outward_ man, and againe graciously
to lift him up, and thereby to teach us both, to examine and try the
_health_, and _strength_, and _welfare_ of the _inner_.
I will not now enter upon the _Disputes_ about that _question_, what is
the _Inner-man_, whether _Christ himselfe_, as some say, or an _Image_
or _likenesse_ of _Christ Jesus_, as others say. That is a _Candle_ or
_Torch_ to me, which is written _Ephes. 3_. That _Christ_ may dwell
in your _Hearts_ by _faith_: unto which agrees that of the first of
_John_: As many as received him, that is received _Christ Jesus_
into the _house_ of their _hearts_ to dwell there by _believing_ and
_obeying_ of him, they are borne of the _Spirit_, and are the _Sons_ of
_God_.
[Sidenote: What the _inner-man_ is.]
[Sidenote: Subject to many distempers.]
This _Inner_ man, this _new-man_ (which after _God_ is created in
_holinesse_ and _righteousnesse_) I say, this _Inner-man_ hath his
_tempers_ and _distempers_, his _health_ and _sicknesse_, as well as
this _outward-man_ this _body_ of _Clay_.
Hence we hear so often mentioned, the _renewing_ of the _inward-man_,
the _growing_ and _increasing_ of _Faith_ and _Love_, and other
_breathings_ of _Gods Spirit_: the _losse_ (that is in a measure,)
of the _Ephesians first love_. Hence the many _falls_ of the _Lords_
best _Servants_, recorded in _Scripture_, and the _sleep_ of the
_Spouse_ of _Christ Jesus_, although her _heart_ wake in the truth of
_marriage-love_, which can never wholly dye in her and be extinguished.
[Sidenote: A threefold person in _Gods_ children]
The holy _Scripture_ mentioneth a _three-fold person_ in all that are
borne againe, First, the body of _Flesh_ and _clay_, this _outward
naturall being_, which must be dissolved and dye, then rise againe to
_Glory_.
The second is the body of _corruption_, or _old man_, which being
deadly wounded by the _Son_ of _God_ alreadie in all that are his,
shall shortly give up the _ghost_, and rot, and never rise again.
The third is this holy, heavenly _inner_ man, of whose _health_ and
daily _renewing_ I now discourse, who is born of an immortall seed, and
therefore can no more die then _Christ_ himself: _Rom. 6_.
[Sidenote: A spirituall cheerfull temper.]
Now as this _outward man_ desires not onely _life_, and _being_, but
also _health_ and _cheerfulness_ in all the living _motions_ and
_actions_ thereof: So, (and much more ten thousand fold) requires
the _inward_ and _spirituall_ man, an _healthfull_ and _cheerfull
temper_. For as the Lord loveth a _cheerfull giver_: So loves he also
a cheerfull _Preacher_, a chearfull _hearer_, a chearfull _prayer_,
and a chearfull _sufferer_ for his Name sake: He loves that the shoes
of _preparation_ be on our _feet_ ready to run (all _wayes_ and
_weathers_) the _paths_ of his _Commandments_: That like a _vessel_
our _leaks_ be stopt, and our whole _soul_ be ready in an holy _trim_,
and _tightness_, for all his holy employments of us in the greatest
_tempests_: that like heavenly _souldiers_, our _Arms_ be fixt, or like
an _Instrument_, the _strings_ of our _affections_ and _parts_ be all
in tune, to make heavenly _musick_ in the holy _ears_ of our heavenly
_Lord_ and _King_.
Tis true, as it is between a loving _couple_, (and as it was in the
Church at _Ephesus_) it is not easie to keep in the first _flame_ of
_Love_, _fresh_ and _equall_, although the _fire_ of the _truth_ and
_sinceritie_ of _marriage love_ never die, or be extinguished.
[Sidenote: Spirituall distempers.]
It is true that _Paul_ cries out (how much more may we) _O wretched man
that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death?_
Tis true, that sometimes _corruption_ and _Satan surprize_ and carry
away the strongest _champions_ of _Christ Jesus_, as _slaves_ and
_captives_ for a time, untill _Christ Jesus_ rescue, redeem and
ransome, by giving _repentance_ unto his _Israel_, as he did to
_David_, _Peter_, _&c._ as _Abraham_ rescued _Lot_, and as _David_
recovered all his precious _captives_, led _slaves_ away from _Ziklag_.
I am far therefore from passing the _sentence_ of _death_ upon the
least of the little ones of _Jesus_, (notwithstanding their _spirituall
weaknes_, and _sicknesses_) in whom the least _spark_ or breathing of
the _spirit_ of _Life_ can be discerned.
And I desire to see and lament the _spirituall sicknesses_, and
_diseases_ of mine own and others _Spirits_, which yet are not unto
_death_ (as _Christ Jesus_ spake of _Lazarus_) but for the _glory_ of
_God_, in the _fall_ and _rising_ of his _servants_.
[Sidenote: Distinction between spirituall _death_, spirituall
_sickness_ and spirituall _weakness_]
Yea as _Paul_ distinguisheth of _Gods_ afflicting hand on his _Saints_
at _Corinth_, so must I distinguish, between these three, _death_,
_sicknes_ and _weakness_: Every _sicknes_ of _Gods Children_ is not a
_death_, for the _inner_ man cannot die, no more then _Christ_ himself.
_Rom: 6_.
Again, every _weaknes_ is not a _sicknes_, for some are _weak_, little
_ones_ in the _knowledge_ and _love_ of _Christ_, while others are
grown to be _strong_ and _aged_ in _Christ Jesus_; Yea, the _strongest_
and oldest _Souldiers_ of _Christ Jesus_, who have not thought
their dearest _Heartblood_ to dear for such a _Lord_ and _Master_,
have yet been troubled with some _weaknes_, and fits of spirituall
_distempers_: _Weaknes_ in their Eyes is not discerning aright the mind
of _Christ Jesus_, _weaknes_ in their _hands_, and _Feet_, hindring
their spirituall _chearfulnes_, and _activity_ in _Christs_ wayes,
which weaknesses yet have not brought them to a down right halting in
_Christianity_.
I propose therefore (with the assistance of _Gods holy spirit_) to
examine these three particulars.
[Sidenote: The Heads of this Discourse]
First, what are the _Arguments_ of that measure of _spirituall life_ in
_Christ_, which yet may stand with great _spirituall weaknesses_ and
_diseases_.
2ly. What is the _measure_ of the _grace_ of _Christ Jesus_, which may
be called the _health_, and _chearfull temper_, and disposition of the
_inner_ man.
3dly. What are those spiritual _preservatives_, which may keep the
_Soul_ in an healthful _temper_, free from spirituall _sicknesses_ and
_distempers_.
In these _Examinations_ I professe two things: First not to _oppresse_
thy _thoughts_ and _memory_, with any long _discourse_, intending only
to send thee after thy sicknes, a little posey fit and easie for thy
_meditation_, and _refreshing_.
2ly. All my _Flowers_ shall be some choice _example_, or _speech_ of
some _son_ or _daughter_ of _God_, pickt out from the _Garden_ of the
holy _Scriptures_ for our spiritually _refreshing_ and _consolation_.
I begin therefore with such _trialls_ and _arguments_ as declare, the
true life of the _inner man_, notwithstanding spirituall _weaknes_,
_sicknes_, and _distempers_.
[Sidenote: The weakest of Gods children cry unto God as to a Father.]
First then when the _Spirit_ of the _Lord_ in _1 Job. 2._ describeth
the severall _Ages_ and _grouths_ of this inward _man_ (to wit a
_child_, a _strong_ man, and an _old man_) it pleasath him to describe
the young or little one by this _difference_, that [He knows the
_Father_] to wit, that he knows the _Lord_ so, as to look upon him (in
his measure) as to a _Father_, that he fears him, loves him, obeys him,
and calls upon him as on a _Father_: according to that of _Gal: 4_.
Because you are sons, he hath sent forth the spirit of his Son crying
in your Hearts _Abba Father_: _Father_ pardon me, _Father_ help me,
_Father_ give me, _&c._
[Sidenote: _Obj._]
But may not the _Hypocrites_ call upon God, (and sometime more boldly
then _Gods little ones_,) _Lord Lord, Almighty_ and most mercifull
_Father_, &c.
[Sidenote: _An._]
I answer, an _Hypocrite_ hath many _Lords_, and many _Fathers_,
besides, and joyned with their (pretended) heavenly _Father_. Whereas
_Gods little ones_ cry out, (_Isa. 63_.) Doubtles thou art our
_Father_, though _Abraham_ be ignorant of us, as if they had said: Thou
art our only _Father_, above all _Fathers_, &c.
[Sidenote: False calling upon God as upon a Father]
2ly. The _Hypocrite_ saies _Lord_, _Lord_, but cares for no more of the
_will_ of the _Lord_ then may serve his own _turne_: But a child of
_God_ declares his child like _submission_, to an heavenly _Fathers_
will in all things, according to the difference proposed by the _Lord
Jesus_, (_Mat: 7_.) Not every one that saith unto me _Lord_, _Lord_,
but he that doth the wil of my _Father_ which is in _Heaven_: The
difference lies not in the _words_, but in the _Heart_, in the upright
_submission_ of a _child_ of _God_, to all that he believes to be the
_will_ and _pleasure_ of his heavenly _Father_.
[Sidenote: 2 _Argum:_ Gods children long for more and more knowledge of
God.]
For a second _triall_ therefore: Where _spirituall life is_
(notwithstanding _weaknes_ or _distempers_) there is always a professed
_willingnesse_ to get more and more _knowledg_ of this heavenly
_Father_, of his _name_, of his _works_, of his _word_, of his
_Christ_, of his _Spirit_, his _Saints_, and _Ordinances_.
Hence _Beleevers_ in _Jesus_, both _Men_ and _Women_, are called
_Disciples_, or _Scholars_ of _Christ Jesus_, professing continually to
learn more and more of this heavenly _teacher_. Hence his _Disciples_
or _Scholars_ petition to _Christ Jesus_, _Lord_ teach us to pray:
_Lord_ increase our _Faith_, &c.
Hence they ask him many _Questions_, and are by little and little
instructed, though for a while they were ignorant of the mystery of his
_Death_, and _Resurrection_.
[Sidenote: _Obj._]
But may not an _Hypocrite_ desire to know more and more of _God_, of
_Christ_, &c.
[Sidenote: _Ans._]
I answer, although an _Hypocrite_ out of an itching desire, of
_knowledg_, of _novelty_, and out of _self love_, to make use of so
much of _God_, and of _Christ_, as may serve his own _ends_, may
_desire_, and _attain_, and _professe_, and _preach_ much of _God_ and
_Christ_, yet will he pick and choose as _Saul_ did, while _David_
and all _Gods children _uprightly desire to have respect to all the
_Commandements_ of _God_ in _Christ Jesus_.
[Sidenote: 2]
Again, the _obedience_ of _Hypocrites_ is but the task of a _slave_,
or _Hireling_, when the obedience of a _child_ of _God_, is that of
a dutifull _child_ to his _Father_, or an endeared _Wife_ to her
_Husband_, not caused by _terrour_ or _wages_, but hearty _Reverence_
and _Affection_.
[Sidenote: _Arg._ 3. Gods children hunger and thirst after Gods Word.]
Hence follows a third _triall_ of _spirituall life_, (though
accompanied with much _weaknes_,) to wit a vehement _hunger_ and
_longing_ after the _Ordinance_ of the _word preached_: Hence that
_similitude_ by _Peter_. As _New born Babes_ desire the sincere _milk_
of the _word_, that you may grow thereby, _1. Pet: 2_.
[Sidenote: _Obj._]
But may not _Hypocrits_ and _counterfeits_, both affectionately hear
and preach, _&c_?
[Sidenote: _Ans._]
[Sidenote: Gods word in Gods way.]
[Sidenote: _Cant 1_.]
I answer, no question, but _false worshippers_, and _false Christians_
may easily satisfie themselves, and stop the mouths of their
_consciences_, with any formal _performance_ of a _Sermon_ by an
_houre-glasse_, or other _traditions_, or _customes_ of _Fathers_,
or the _times_. But a child of _God_ desires to be as well carefull
(according to his _sight_, for the true _Mothers-Breast_, (a true
_Ministrie_) as for a Womans Milk, the opening of the word by any in
any way, _&c._ And therefore cries the _Spouse_ to _Christ Jesus_:
Oh thou whom my _soul_ loveth, shew me where thou _feedest_, for why
should I be as one that turns aside to the _flocks_ of thy _companions_.
2ly. A true _child_ of _God_ (though weak) looks chiefly at _God_, and
_Christ_, himself in the _Ministry_, and _dispensation_ of the _word_,
and therefore saith (_Cant: 1_.) Let _Him_ kisse me with the _kisses_
of his _mouth_, for his _love_ is better then _wine_.
[Sidenote: True hunger after Gods word.]
3. While the _Hypocrites_ find their natural _delight_ in the word, as
in _musick_, while yet they obey not: The child of _God_ comes to the
_breasts_ of the _Church_, as a child hangs upon the Mothers _Breast_,
not only for the _delight_ of _sucking_, but out of a vehement
painfull _longing_, to have its _soul_ satisfied, and its strength of
_spirituall life_ and _grace_ increased in the ways of _God_: according
to that in _1. Pet. 2_. [That you may grow thereby.]
[Sidenote: True _desire_ in all Gods people.]
A 4th. Argument of the _life_ of the _inner man_, (though in much
_weaknes, or sicknes_, is a true and unfained _desire_, to do that
which it finds it cannot do, but falls short in doing or suffering the
_will_ of _God_: So _Nehemiah_ pleads with _God_, from the _uprightnes_
of their hearts, that they desired to fear his _Name_, when a _soul_
can say uprightly in _Gods_ presence, I desire, that is, unfainedly
longing to know his will, although I am much _ignorant_, I desire
to _believe_, though I find an _unbelieving heart_, I desire to be
_willing_ and _able_ to _suffer_, though I find much _fearfulnesse_,
_&c._
_Ob._ May not an _Hypocrite_ desire to _know_ and love _God_, &c.
[Sidenote: Difference between the true and false desire.]
[Sidenote: God must be chosen for himself.]
I answer, an _Hypocrite_ may desire to know so much of _God_, and
to have so much of his _grace_, and so much of his _power_ against
some sins, as may serve to save his _soul_, when he sees he cannot be
_saved_ without it: But a _child_ of _God_, only can desire _God_ for
_himself_, and desire to be like unto _God_ in his holy _Nature_, and
to have every _thought_ brought under the _obedience_ of _Christ Jesus_.
Hence though an _Hypocrite_ may weep as _Esau_ and _Saul_, and others
have done, yet a true _child_ of _God_ can only in truth cry out,
with the _Father_, of the possessed _child_ in an humble sence of his
own _weaknes_, and _spirituall poverty_, _Lord I believe_, help thou
my _unbelief_, that is, help me against my _unbelief_, against my
_passions_, against my _uncleanesse_, against my _pride_, against my
_covetousnes_, &c.
[Sidenote: Gods children cannot live in known sin without strugling &
mourning.]
A 5th: _triall_ of a true _life_ (though in _weaknes_, or _sicknes_)
is a constant _resisting_ and _fighting_ against all known _sin_, as
_sin_. He that is born of _God_, (_1. John 5_.) keepeth himself that
the _evill_ one toucheth him not, unles he be suddenly _surprised_,
or violently _forced_, by mighty _temptations_, or _cousoned_ and
_deceived_ by the _deceitfulnesse_ of _sin_, he can no more willingly
touch it, then _fire_ or _poison_, or the _Devill_ himself.
Hence is there a continuall war between the _flesh_ and the _Spirit_,
_Gal: 5_. The _law_ of the _mind_, wars against the _law_ of the
_members_; The _New-man_ against the _old_, &c. For instance, although
good _Jacob_ was overcome by his _Mothers_ powerful _perswasion_, yet
suspecting a _sin_ he first strugled against it, my _Father_ saith he,
will feel me, and I shall bring a _curse_ instead of a _Blessing_.
[Sidenote: _Obj._]
[Sidenote: No hypocrite can fight against sin as sin.]
But may not an _Hypocrite_ resist _temptation_, and fight against
_sin_? I answer, No, not against _sin_ as _sin_, but as it is dangerous
and hurtful to _soul_, to _body_, to _purse_, to _credit_. So _Balaam_
(I conceive in earnest) refused _Balacks_ mony, and would not _sin_ for
an house full of _gold_ and _silver_, when as yet he loved that _sin_
of cursing _Gods_ people, and the _wages_ of it.
2ly. An _Hypocrite_ cannot resist the sin of _Hypocrisie_, and other
_darling sins_: but a child of _God_ with _David_ (_Psal: 139_.) begs
of _God_ to search him, that is to help him against _Hypocrisie_ it
self, and every false way, and to lead him in the _way everlasting_.
[Sidenote: A true childe of God tender of Gods name.]
Sixtly, a _child_ of _God_ though overwhelmed with many _weaknesses_ or
_temptations_, yet he cannot possibly be brought to an ill _opinion_
or _thought_ of _God_, but is always ready to take his _part_, to
_speak_ well of him, and endures not, with a quiet mind, to hear his
name dishonored: Hence _Job_ in his great _passions_ and _cursings_,
could not be brought (no not by his _wife_) to speak ill of _God_:
but although he complained much of his own _affliction_, and stood to
his _uprightness_, against the _charge_ of _Hypocrisie_, yet still he
magnifies the name of his _God_ in all his _discourses_, and professeth
to trust in him, although his _God_ should kill him.
[Sidenote: Instances of _Samson_ and _Jehosaphat_.]
Hence _Samson_, though carried away first by a _Philistian wife_, and
then by a _Philistian whore_, yet can he not be carried away so from
the _God_ of Israel, but that still he acknowledgeth his _high_ and
_holy hand_ in his _victories_ and _deliverances_, and accordingly
poures forth his _soul_ to him for _grace_ and _assistance_. And
hence good _Jehosaphat_ though very strongly carried away with the
flatterie of the _idolatrous King_ of _Israel_, yet he endures not to
hear the name of his _God_ smitten through the sides of his _servant_
the Prophet _Micaiah_, but plainly (though weakly) takes part with his
_God_ and his _Prophet_, against the _King_ of _Israel_, and all his
_Priests_ and _Courtiers_, saying, _Let not the King say so_.
_Obj._ May not _Balaam_ and other _hypocrites_ pretend the _name_ of
_God_ and _Christ_, be _preachers_ of him, call out _devils_, and in
_Christs name_ do many _wonderfull_ things?
I answer: _Hypocrites_ use the name of _God_ onely as _Jehu_ did,
for a _stirrup_ to get up into the _sadle_ of their own _Names_ and
_Honours_, or as a _commodity_ to get something by it, as an _hireling_
(of whom the _Lord Jesus_ speaks _John 10_.) that serves _God_ for
_wages_, and while he cries, let the _Lord_ be glorified, (_Isa.
66_.) he _persecutes_ his servants, but a child of _God_ cannot be
brought except by surprisall for a time, to prefer his _name_ before
_Gods_, but upon _cool thoughts_, is seriously willing to be trodden
in the dust, and to be cast out, that the _name_ of _God_ alone may be
exalted, and glorified, as _David_ after the causing of the name of
_God_ to be blasphemed.
[Sidenote: A true childe of God is patient under the rod of his
Heavenly Father.]
A 7th. Argument of the true _life_ of _grace_ (though in much _weaknes_
or _sicknes_,) I observe to be an humble _acknowledgment_ of, and a
_submitting_ unto the _correcting_ and _afflicting_ hand of _God_, in
_sicknesses_, _crosses_, _losses_, &c.
This admirably appears in old _Ely_, who though he were a bad
_Father_ to his own sons, in suffering them _unpunished_ (though not
_unreproved_) in their outragious _transgressions_: Yet was he at the
same time a good son to _God_, his heavenly _Father_, in giving that
heavenly _and_ submissive _answer_ to that fearfull _threatening_ sent
from the _Lord_ by _Samuel_ against him, saying, It is the _Lord_, let
him do what seemeth him good.
_Ob:_ But did not _Pharaoh_ acknowledg, and the _Philistines_
acknowledg _Gods_ hand in smiting them, did not _Ahab_ humble himself,
_Pharaoh_ sues unto _God_ by _Moses_, the _Philistins_ send a trespasse
_offering_, and _Ahab_ humbles himself by fasting, _&c._
[Sidenote: 1. The enemies of God, and flatterers cannot submit to God
as to a Father.]
I answer, a _Saul_, a _Pharaoh_, &c. if it were in their choice, would
not submit to the _Lord_ at all, and when they do acknowledge and
submit, they are forced to it, by _Gods_ powerfull hand, whom yet they
look at as a conqueror of _Julian_ said of _Christ Jesus_, and _Jaolor_
or _executioner_, not as a _Father_, with a child like _submission_, as
appears by _Pharaoh_, the _Philistines_, _Ahab_, and many more wofull
_instances_, when the _hand_ of _God_ is removed, _&c._
Whereas a true _child_ of _God_ desires, as to acknowledge his
_Fathers_ hand correcting his _righteously_, because he hath deserved
it, so also _graciously_ and _faithfully_, because he hopes _God_ aims
at his good, as a _Father_ doth at a _childs_, in giving him fatherly
_correction_, bitter _Pills_ and _Phisick_.
[Sidenote: Gods children less grieve for their own affliction, then for
Gods displeasure.]
And therefore (2ly:) as when the _Lord_ strikes an _Hypocrite_, he
either _runs_ from him as a _strange child_ stricken by another man,
or _flies against_ him in _murmuring_, or _howls_ out for anguish as
a _Dog_, (_Hos: 7_.) They howl upon their Beds: So contrarily the
true _child_ of _God_ truly desires to run to his heavenly _Father_,
and it as well, yea infinitely more _grieved_, for the _anger_, and
_displeasure_ of the _Lord_, as for his own _smart_ and _affliction_.
3ly. The _Hypocrite_ if he might have his own choice, had rather be rid
of his _pain_ than his _sin_, and therefore when his _pain_ is over, he
returns with the _Dog_ to his Vomit: But a true _child_ of _God_, truly
(though weakly) desires to _see_, and _abhor_, and slay his _dearest
sins_, because he knows they are but flattering _traytors_ and _guilded
poysons_: Hence _Job_ cries out in the midst of all his _weaknesses_
and _passions_, Oh teach me wherein I have offended.
[Sidenote: Gods children joyn with Gods rod against themselves.]
In a word, the _Lord_ is fain to force _affliction_ upon an
_Hypocrite_, as men force down a _drench_ into the throat of an
_Horse_, but a true _child_ of _God_, (if under _Gods rod_,) desires to
joyn with the _Lords hand_, and the _Lords ends_, as a child of some
understanding is willing to have its _wormes_ killed, and therefore
strives (_willingly_, _unwillingly_) to swallow down the bitter
_aloes_, or other bitter _medicine_.
An 8th: Triall of true _life_, (though in _weaknes_) is a _true_
(though _faint_) _willingnes_ and inclination to enjoy more and more
of _Christ Jesus_, in the _society_ of his _Saints_, after his own
_appointment_, although with _hardship_ and _difficulty_ attained unto.
[Sidenote: Gods people long after Gods true worship in Christ Jesus.]
Hence the _Spouse_ was both _asleep_, and _awake_, toward _Christ
Jesus_: _Cant: 5._ She was _willing_, and _unwilling_ to rise to _open_
to _Christ Jesus_: Hence she thinks she hears her _Husbands voice_:
It is the _voice_ of my _Beloved_: She thinks _Christ_ is knocking at
the _door_ of her _heart_, and _will_, in such and such _arguments_,
in such and such _Scriptures_, in such and such _professions_, and
_professours_, in such and such their _suffrings_, &c.
_Obj._ May it not possibly be that the true _children_ of _God_, not
only may neglect, but even deny the _Ordinances_ of _Christ Jesus_,
appointed and practised in his first _Churches_.
[Sidenote: Gods people both awake & asleep as to Christ Jesus.]
I answer, _Gods Israel_ and _people_ under the _Gospel_, may as
possibly be spirituall _slaves_ and _captives_ to _Egypt_ and _Babylon
spirituall_, as _Israel_ of old was to _Babell_, _literall_ and
_materiall_, in respect of the _worshipping_ of _God_, according to the
_appointment_ of _Christ Jesus_.
In respect of false _worship_, _Gods Israel_ may be a _slave_, and
_asleep_, and yet _awake_, and _free_, in true _inclinations_ and
_desires_, _willing_ (though mixt with _sleepy unwillingnes_) to be at
any pains and cost, to enjoy her _souls beloved Christ Jesus_, in his
own appointments.
Hence such _expressions_ with _sighs_ and _tears_, if I were perswaded
of _Gods will_, if I were perswaded of the _necessity_ of such public
_ordinances_ and _formes_.
[Sidenote: Gods people cannot but be full of strugling of spirit as to
the visible worship of God in Christ Jesus.]
Hence others _expressions_, if I were perswaded of _such_ and _such
ordinances_, that _such_ a people, or _such_ a people were in the true
way of enjoying _Christ Jesus_, how _joyfully_ should I joyn with them?
Hence holy _David_, though not so thoroughly awaked, to enjoy the _Ark_
and _presence_ of _God_, he and all _Israel_ brings up the _Ark_ of
_God_ with _rejoycing_, though not after the _Lords_ due _order_, which
caused his holy _jealousie_ to send that _perez Uzza_ that _breach_ of
_Uzzah_ amongst them.
[Sidenote: True marriage affection in all Gods people to Christ Jesus,
yet with much difference.]
It is in the _heavenly_ as in the _earthly marriage_, there are degrees
of _marriage affection_, and yet all true: The _affections_ of some are
more _lively_ and _strong_, of some more _dull_ and _weak_: When yet
the _truth_ and _life_ appears in a true and longing desire to enjoy
the _Lord Jesus_, in what way soever, himself is pleased to appoint,
and to turn from the _bed_ and _bozome_, (that is the _worships_) of
all _false Christs_, and _strangers_.
[Sidenote: Gods children have no peace in sin unrepented of.]
A 9th. discovery of true _spirituall life_, in _weaknes_, I find to
be a _painfull_ and a _restles_ mind, in _temptations_ to _sin_, in
_yeelding_ to _sin_, and _lying_ in _sin_, the _breach_ not being made
up with the _Lord_ in humble _confession_ and _suit_ for _mercy_, in
the blood of a _Saviour_. This was _Davids_ painfull _case_ in his
_silence_, _Psal. 32_. When I kept silence my _bones_ waxed old, through
my _roaring_ all the _Day_.
So that as a _Fish_ out of the _water_ (its element) as a _bone_ broak
or disjoynted, is the _troubled mind_ of a child of _God_, upon his
_discovered_ or but (strongly) _suspected_, sinfull _way_ or _practice_.
_Obj._ May not _Hypocrites_ be troubled in the sence of _Gods
displeasure_ for _sin_, as _Saul_, _Ahab_, and _Judas_, &c.
[Sidenote: Only _Gods_ people can truly desire _peace_ with _God_.]
I answer, an _Hypocrite_ like some _Traytor_ or _murtherer_, may
desire a pardon from the _King_ of _Kings_, whose person he hates, so
did _Saul_ and _Ahab_, and so may any dissembler for his own ends of
_peace_ and _safety_, &c. But _Gods children_, and they only grieve at
_Gods displeasure_ and grievance. Only a true _Wife_ and _Spouse_ of
_Christ Jesus_ can grieve and mourn for the displeased _absence_ of
_Christ Jesus_, and cries out in humble _bitterness_ of _soul_, saw ye
him whom my soul loveth?
[Sidenote: Two sorts of Gods people enquiring & longing after Christ
Jesus.]
[Sidenote: The liking of _Gods_ gracious _Spirit_ in others, a true
_Argument_ of the same _Spirit_ in ourselves.]
A 10th. triall of the true _life_ of the _inner_ man, (though _weak_
and _sickly_,) is a _discerning_, and _liking_, and secret _wishing_
that _beauty_ and _shining_ of the _grace_ of _Christ Jesus_, which
appears in others of _Gods Children_, and which we see wanting in
our _selves_. Thus were there a sort of _Gods children_, which could
see _beauty_ and _excellency_ in those which so affectionately
inquired after _Christ Jesus_, in his visible worship, and the
severall parts thereof, although themselves were not so zealously
affected. Thus therefore say they: O thou the _fairest_ of _Women_,
(an _acknowledgment_ of heavenly _grace_ and _beauty_, and they also
enquire, and desire to see that _beauty_ of _Christ Jesus_, which the
other _Saints_ so praised. And in _Cant: 6_. they say, whither is thy
_Beloved_ gone, oh thou _fairest_ among _Women_, that we may seek him
with thee: Hence many of _Gods_ dear _Saints_ in _Qu: Maries_ time,
and other bloody days, in our own and other _countries_, have praised
_God_ for, and have been ravished with the _beauties_ of the heavenly
_love_ and _zeal_, and _patience_ in others of _Gods servants_,
which they have seen wanting in themselves: And thus, (whatever be
our _weaknesses_) it must needs argue a _life_ of _grace_, when
we can view the _lives_ and _deaths_ of the blessed _martyrs_, or
_witnesses of Christ Jesus_, (either in the holy _scriptures_, or other
_Records_, I say can view them with a _liking_ and true _affecting_ of
their _graces_, with an humble acknowledgment of our own _wants_ and
_poverties_, and a mourning _desire_ of _attaining_ to such a beauteous
_profession_ of _Christ Jesus_.
Such a _beauty_ (doubtles) did many of _Gods children_ apprehend in
the _Lords Ordinances_, and in such as suffred for them in _England_,
who yet found not strength themselves, to stand and suffer for, and
with them, yet left much and fled to _New England_, hoping to enjoy
there (though with too much weak desire of _peace_ and _liberty_) the
_Ordinances_ of _Christ Jesus_, their _souls Beloved_.
_Obj._ But did not _Balaam_ see the _beauty_ and _excellency_ of _Gods
Saints_, when he cried out, let me dye the _death_ of the _righteous_,
and let my last end be like his, _&c._
I answer, it is usually well said, _Balaam_ desired the _death_,
and _blessednes_ of the _righteous_, but not the _life_ and
_righteousnesse_ of the _righteous_.
_Obj._ _Balaam_ seems to have seen the _beauty_ of _righteousnesse_ it
self.
[Sidenote: _Dissemblers_, in a respect may desire _righteousness_, but
only _Gods children_ can long for it in truth, and for it self.]
I answer, he might see and like _righteousnes_ in the _end_, and
_fruit_ of it, and yet not in the true _nature_ and _beauty_ of it,
for then he would have as well desired the _life_, as the _death_ of
the _righteous_, just as these _Indians_ (amongst whom I write these
lines) they see the _excellency_ of the _English industry_, joyned
with _plenty_, and a better _condition_ then their own, but endure not
that _life_ of _labour_ and _indeavour_, wherein that _plenty_ and
better _state_ is found. But _Gods children_ beholding the _beauty_
and _excellency_ of the heavenly _lives_ and _deaths_ of others, (like
_souldiers_ in a Field) are provoked by those _examples_, to desire to
follow _Christ Jesus_ in those holy _paths_, and secretly to bemoan
their own _infirmities_ and _deformities_.
These and many more _discoveries_ of the _life_ of _Christ Jesus_ in
the _soul_, (though in the midst of many _weaknesses_, and spirituall
_sicknesses_) I hope (my _dear love_ and faithfull _companion_) thou
in truth discernest in thy _self_, and I, and others have discerned
in thee: But oh search diligently in the _Lords_ holy _presence_, and
humbly beg his help, that as the _Spirit_ of _God_ admonisheth, (_Gal.
6_.) thou maiest have rejoycing in thy _self_, and not in anothers good
opinion of thee.
[Sidenote: Gods children cannot but desire spirituall health, as wel as
life and Christian being.]
But grant all these, and the _assurance_ of a true and blessed _life_
of _grace_ within us?
Grant this _life_ is as the _life_ of _Christ_, never again to be
extinguished. Yet who rejoyceth not in _health_, who mourns not under
the _pains_ and _weaknesses_ of a sick bed?
Next therefore to the _discovery_ of _spirituall life_, all that are
born of _God_ must try their _spirituall strength_, and _health_,
and _chearfull temper_: The particular _instances_ whereof, being
propounded as _examples_, _copies_, and _samplars_ for us to follow in
the holy _Scripture_, I shall pick, and gather, and bind up, for both
our _incouragement_, and comfort.
I confesse the beholding of such _heavenly patterns_ may astonish and
amaze us, and make us dispair to attain to the like heavenly _temper_:
I pray thee therefore (_dear love_) observe, (what before I said) that
these _particulars_ next following are not _discouragements_ from
_Christ_, as if we had no _life_ at all: but _incouragements_ to draw
neerer to _Christ Jesus_, when we see such _virtue_ proceed out from
him, to such poor _sinners_ like our selves.
These _particulars_ then following are as an holy _looking-glasse_, to
discover to us our souls _spots_, & _blemishes_, as also sweet _cordial
flowers_, to refresh and incourage our _drooping spirits_.
The severall particular _trialls_ of this _spirituall health_, and
_chearfulnesse_, I shall bind up (as I may so speak) into three
severall _parcells_, as sometimes we see sweet _flowers_ bound up into
smaller _bundles_, to make up at last one larger _bundle_ or _posie_ in
one.
The three severall sorts shall be according to that _division_ of the
_holy Spirit_ by _Paul_ to _Titus_.
First such as concern _holines_, respecting our _communion_ with _God_
in _Christ Jesus_.