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EXPERIMENTS
OF
Spiritual Life & Health,

And their

PRESERVATIVES

In which the weakest Child of God may get Assurance of his Spirituall Life and Blessednesse

And the Strongest may finde proportionable Discoveries of his Christian Growth, and the means of it.

By Roger Williams of Providence in
New-England.

London, Printed, in the Second Month,
1652.

RE-PRINTED BY
SIDNEY S. RIDER,
PROVIDENCE.
1863.

[INTRODUCTION.]

As the existence of the following tract was, until quite recently, unknown,[A] a few words of introduction, exhibiting its character and the circumstances under which it was written, may not be inappropriate.

The object of the work is, briefly to present to the christian the evidences of personal piety and guard these evidences from abuse and misapprehension. It is divided into three parts. The author first treats of the evidences of a piety, which, though real, is weak and imperfect; secondly, the evidences of a vigorous and maturer piety; and the third part contains directions for maintaining and increasing piety in the soul of the believer. It is written with clearness and discrimination, and much resembles the treatises of Baxter on the same subject. It is as well adapted to the condition of christians of the present day as to the condition of those for whom it was written, two hundred and ten years since. There cannot be found in it a word of sectarian bitterness; on the contrary, it everywhere breathes the spirit of catholic, christian charity.

The circumstances under which it was written are certainly peculiar. It seems that his wife, to whom he appears to have been tenderly attached, had been dangerously ill, but was now recovering. During her sickness he had been from home, laboring among the Indians; and while absent, he wrote this little treatise in the form of a letter to her, his object being simply to promote her spiritual improvement. At the request of his friends, it was published in London; and a dedication was prefixed to it, addressed to Lady Vane the Younger. In this dedication, occurs the following remarkable passage: "The form and stile I know will seem to this refined age too rude and barbarous, and the truth is, the most of it was penned and writ, (so as seldom or never such discourses were,) in the thickest of the naked Indians of America, in their very wild houses, and by their barbarous fires, when the Lord was pleased this last year (more than ordinarily) to dispose my abode and travel among them."

As a writer, Roger Williams has generally borne the reputation of a violent and bitter controversialist. I believe that in this respect he has suffered great injustice. It would seem from this tract, that, on the contrary, his spirit was eminently candid and catholic, and that controversy was to him a painful duty. In the same dedication he says: "It is true, I have been sometimes prest to engage in controversies, but I can really and uprightly say, my witness is on high, how harsh and dolefull the touch of these strings are, [is,] and especially against such worthies both in old and New England, in whom I joyfully, before the world, acknowledge (in many heavenly respects) a lively character and image of the love of God." Every thing in this tract is in harmony with such a declaration.

Stephen Randall, Esq., a descendant of Roger Williams, a gentleman who cherishes a proper respect for the memory of his great ancestor, has been at much pains to procure the use of one of the only two known copies of this work, and at his instance it is now re-published. It is nearly a fac simile of the original copy, retaining, unchanged, all the obsolete words and phrases, with all the peculiarities of orthography. In this form it will be more interesting to the public, and especially to antiquarians, than it could be made by any change whatever. In the hope, that, after the lapse of more than two centuries, it will again be acceptable to christians of all denominations, and exhibit in a new light the character of a great and good man, it is now presented to the descendants of the Puritans.

F. W.

Providence, December 1st, 1862.

To the truly Honorable the Lady Vane, the Younger.

Madam,

Your favourable, and Christian respects to me (both of former and latter date) your Godly and Christian Letters to me, so many thousand miles distant in America: And your many gracious Demonstrations of an humble and Christian Spirit breathing in you; are a three fold Cord which have drawn these lines into your presence.

While I have sometimes mused how to express a Christian gratitude, I am at last perswaded to crave your Ladyships acceptance of these poore Experiments of each true Christians personall union, and communion with the Father of Spirits.

It is true, I have been sometimes prest to engage in controversies, but I can really and uprightly say, my Witnes is on high, how harsh and doleful the touch of those strings are, especially, against such Worthies both in old and new-England, in whom I joyfully before the world acknowledge (in many heavenly respects) a lively character and Image of the Son of God. This broken piece, is a breath of a still and gentle voice, none but the God of this world, and the men of this world, can I lightly (at this turne) expect my opposites.

At other times I have been drawne to consider of the little flock of Jesus, his Army, his body, his building, that for these many hundred years have been scattered, routed and laid wast and desolate: At present, I onely examine who are the personall and particular Sheep of Jesus Christ, his Souldiers, his living materials, though scattered, divided, and not compos'd and ordred at their souls desire.

I confess (Madam) it was but a private and sudden discourse, sent in private to my poor Companion and Yoak-fellow, occasioned by a sudden sickness threatening death, into which, and from which it pleased the Lord most graciously to cast and raise her.

The forme and stile I know will seem to this refined age, too rude and barbarous: And the truth is, the most of it was penn'd and writ (so as seldom or never such discourses were) in the thickest of the naked Indians of America, in their very wild houses, and by their barbarous fires; when the Lord was pleased this last year (more then ordinarily) to dispose of my abode and travell amongst them. And yet, is the Language plaine? it is the liker Christs: Is the composure rude? such was his outward Beauty: Are the tryals (seemingly) too close? such is the two edged Sword of his most holy Spirit, which pierceth between the very Soul and Spirit, and bringeth every thought into the obedience of Christ Jesus.

Amongst the many Crowns of mercy (Madam) which it hath pleased the Father of mercies to crowne your soul with, as David speaks of his, Psal. 103. there are two which justly challenge (and your Ladyship I know doth humbly acknowledge them) to be the fairest.

1 Cor. 3.

The first, That he himselfe most high, most holy, (who makes his common choice, the poor, Jam. 2. and chooseth few Lords, few Knights, few Ladies, (few wise, few noble, few mighty) hath freely chosen you Madam, in so gracious and blessed a measure, to desire to feare his Name.

A second, That for your dearest Companion and Guide in this vale of tears (amongst the famous Worthies of this age) he hath graciously guided you to such a blessed choice, of such an Husband on earth, who beares so bright an Image of your Husband in the Heavens, and in whose most holy and gracious hand, he hath been such a mercifull and faithfull Instrument, for both the freedoms both of the outward and inner man.

I doe humbly acknowledge (that upon an absolute account) all is mercy, and yet I am also humbly confident, that in a respect (as he graciously remembered his old friend Abraham, and tels us of a speciall love he yet bears the Jewes for Abrahams sake, even so, he hath graciously vouchsafed at this present an honorable remembrance to the NAMES of some of his more eminent former friends and witnesses.

How hath he crowned the memory of those his 2 zealous Servants in K. Henry the 8th. his days[B] with a most eminent and blessed succession of such names and spirits at this day? and in a gracious remembrance of his love to that blessed daughter and witnesse of his the Lady Vane in Q. Maries dayes; how hath it pleased his wisedom and goodnesse, to remember and to honour that Name, both in your Ladiship and so many otherways, with so many loving kindnesses at this day?

My humble cry (Madam) to the Lord shall never cease, those all those your many obligations of both temporall and eternall mercies, may (like chaines of Adamant) draw and bind your precious Soul more and more to resolve (by his grace assisting) to make his name great, who hath made your so and so to love his Name, his Son, his Spirit, his Truth, his Children, that others at the Torch of your exemplary meeknesse and fear of God, may light and kindle theirs; That your Souls-eye more and more brightly may see him who is invisible, and may so experimentally resent those invisible and internal Honors, pleasures and profits that are in him that in comparison thereof the visible and worldly, may be accounted by you but dreams of shadows, &c. That your great desire may be a likenesse of so high and holy, and so dear a Saviour, and (as in other excellencies so) in that especially of a desire of saving others, your Children, Kindred, Servants, Friends, yea, Enemies: that neither the pleasing calme of prosperity, nor the dreadfull storms of changes, may quench or dampe that holy fire of your souls love (in Life and Death) to Him whom your Ladyship hath so much infinite cause to love, but never yet saw, in whom, and for ever

I desire to be

Your Honours unfeignedly faithfull.

R. W.

To every truly Christian Reader.

Thy Maker is thy Husband. Isa. 52.

As it is in the Earthly, so it is in the Heavenly Marriage of a poor Sinner to his Maker. There useth first to passe a private kindling of Love, and a private consent and promise (which sometimes are long) before the open solemnity, and the publike profession of a Married Life together. This is my present designe, (not to controvert the matters of publike Order and Worship, but) to present some poor Experiments of those Personall excellencies of each true beleeving soule and spirit.

Isa. 40.

Prov. 21.

The Holy Spirit (in Isaiah) tels us of Ballances wherein the most High weighs the Hills and Mountains: As also in Solomon, of Ballances wherein hee weighs the very Spirits, even of men whose way is right in their owne eyes. And in John (14.) he commands us to try the Spirits, pretending to come from Christ Jesus, whether they be of God, or no.

Great pretences to the holy Spirit of God.

There is not the grossest Protestant or Papist, but pretends to the Spirit of God; yea that horrid Monster Mahomet, blusht not to avouch that in the Forme of a Dove, the holy Spirit of God did whisper in his eare from Heaven. Now blessed is that Spirit, publike or private, who is truly willing and joyfull to lye downe in the Ballances of the Lords weighings.

Hitherto tend these Experiments of personal Communion with God in the Spirit of Holinesse, Rom. 1. 3.

To counterfeit the holy Spirit dreadfull.

'Tis true, all publike and private Christian Spirits, pretend the Spirit of Holinesse: yea, how great a part of the World pretend to be Christendome, the Christian world, that is, anointed with the Spirit of Christ Jesus? But was it Death in Moses Rites to counterfeit that ceremoniall and figurative Ointment, Exod. 30. what shall it be to counterfeit the Spirit of Life and Holiness it self? What I beleeve therefore (as David and Paul once spake) I freely speak: Yea, who can but speak (saith Peter and John) the Things they have seene and heard? I confesse I spake these first but in a private Letter in America, and thought not that the light in Europe should have seen them: But a two-fold desire hath prevailed with me to expose these Tryalls to the Trying of all men.

1. The earnest desire of some Godly Friends.

2. Mine owne desire of sowing a little handfull of spirituall seed while the short Minute of my seed-time (the opportunity of life) lasteth.

The least of the little ones of Christ Jesus ought to rejoyce.

My scope is to fill each truly Christian soule with triumphing and rejoycing: I speak peace and joy to the Weakest Lamb and Child (in Christianity) that is so low, so weake, so litle, so poor in its owne eyes, that it sometimes saith, it hath no Christ, no Spirit, no Faith, no Love, no nor true Desire in it selfe. To this poore weake one I speak peace and joy, and say, this spirituall poverty is blessed, and is the first step or round of that spirituall Ladder, Mat. 5. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdome of Heaven.

Secondly, I found joyfull Alarums of Encouragement to the strong to grow (as Peter exhorteth) in the Grace and Knowledge of the Lord Jesus.

Communion of Saints most sweet, and to be lamented after.

Tis true, the communion of Saints is sweet and joyfull, strong and powerfull, eternally gainfull and profitable; and holy and blessed is that Spirit that makes the Saints (who are the Excellent of the Earth) its Delight, and after that blessed hour of the Saints uniting in one Heart, one Spirit, one Worship, let all that love Christ Jesus mourne and lament, and breath and pant: And yet the weakest and the faintest Lamb that comes but stealing in the Crowd to touch the hemb of the Lord Jesus his garment, that is content to be esteemed a Dog, and to wait for crums of mercy under the Table of the Son of God: let them I say rejoyce also, for he that hath begun that blessed work by his owne free and eternall Spirit, will by the same his owne holy Arme, gloriously finish it.

I end (Deare Christian) with the proposall of two Christian knots, or Riddles, not unsuitable to these present Times and Spirits?

Two Christian Riddles, suiting these times and spirits.

First, Why is the Heart of a David himself (Psa. 30.) more apt to decline from God, upon the Mountaine of Joy, Deliverance, Victory, Prosperity, then in the dark Vale of the shadow of Death, Persecution, Sicknesse, Adversity, &c.

Secondly, Why is it, since God worketh freely in us to doe and to will of his owne good pleasure, that yet he is pleased to command us to work out our owne Salvation with Feare and Trembling? Let us all humbly beg the Finger (the Spirit) of the Lord to untie these Knots for us.

I desire to be thine unfeighned in
Christ Jesus,
R. W.

The Contents of this Discourse.

The Heads are three.

Under the first are contained the Arguments of Spirituall Life, wherein the Weakest and the Sickest Child of God may finde its Spirituall Life apparent, though over-cast and eclipsed with spirituall Weaknesse and Distempers.

Under the second Head, Arguments of the strength and vigour of the Spirit of Life and Holinesse: In which the strongest and the eldest in Christ, may find Experiments of Spirituall Health, and Christian Activity and chearfullnesse.

These Experiments respect,

1. The Souls private correspondency with the Lord himselfe.

2. Converse and correspondency with Men.

3. Private Retirednesses with it selfe.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What the inner-man is.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Obj.

But may not an Hypocrite desire to know more and more of God, of Christ, &c.

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.

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.

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.

Obj.

But may not Hypocrits and counterfeits, both affectionately hear and preach, &c?

Ans.

Gods word in Gods way.

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.

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.]

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.

Difference between the true and false desire.

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.

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.

Obj.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Two sorts of Gods people enquiring & longing after Christ Jesus.

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.

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.

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.

2. Such as concern righteousnesse, respecting others.

3. Such as concern sobriety, respecting our private selves and persons.

Incomprehensible nature of God.

First, then it is an argument of the strength, and healthful temper of the inner man, when our apprehensions of God are always such, as bring us to holy wonderment and amazement, at the nature of incomprehensible God, at his properties, and works, from the Sun in the Firmament, to the poorest Worme, at his wonderfull dispensing of his justice, and mercy, and disposing, and ruling all things in Heaven, Earth, and Seas, from the highest Angels in heaven, to the lowest Devils in Hell.

Gods children ought to walk in constant amazedness of spirit as to God his nature, works, &c.

This was Davids temper when he cried out, (Psal: 104.) Oh Lord how wonderfull are thy works, in wisedome hast thou made them all! Also (Psal. 8.) O Jehovah our Lord, how wonderfull is thy Name in all the earth! And Psal: 139. he brings this wonder nearer to himself, saying, I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. As if he would say, fearfully and wonderfully bred in the womb, fearfully and wonderfully brought forth; and we may further say, ever since we came thus fearfully and wonderfully into the world, fearfully and wonderfully brought up, fearfully and wonderfully preserved, delivered, &c.

Obj. But may not naturall men, and Hypocrites admire the Nature, and works of God.

I answer, yes, but the wonder which doth possesse a child of God, causeth him to cry out with David, Psal. 119. Thy hands have made me, and fashioned me, give me understanding that I may learn thy statutes. Tis such a wonder as draweth up the heart unto God, with longings to be united unto him, to fear his Name, to partake of his divine Nature, and to be like unto Him in holines, and true Righteousnes.

Obj. The Devills believe, and tremble at God.

I answer, to tremble at the word of God, is alone the property of Gods Servants, Isa. 66 The Devills may wonder and tremble at the just sentence, and threatening part of Gods word: But Gods children tremble at the commanding part, yea at the comforting and promising part of it also, least they should depart or fall off from it, or loose, though but for a time as David, the joy and sweetnes of it.

The glorifying of God the great work of Gods children

Secondly, it is an Argument of health and spirituall strength, when the hallowing, the magnifying, and glorifying of the name of God is our great work and business in this world, unto which all the businesses and works we have in hand in the world beside give way, &c.

Thus Christ Jesus teacheth all his to make it their first request to God, that they may hallow, or glorifie his name: Thus he professeth (as it were upon his death bed) John 17. that he had done his work, that he had glorified his Father upon the earth: Hence he professeth at his most solemn Arraignment, Job 18. for this end was I born, and for this end came I into the world, that I might bear witness to the truth; that is, to give his Father the glory of his truth, and to destroy the lyes of the devill the father of them, who belyeth God in all his holy attributes, and works, and servants, and ordinances, and profaneth and dishonoreth his holy name in them all.

Obj. Hypocrites professe to glorifie God, and to say, Isa. 66. Let the Lord be glorified.

I answer: No hypocrite can make it his work to glorifie God, when it crosseth his own glory: No hypocrite can purely and simply, out of love to Gods name and glory, be content to loose the offer of a kingdom as Moses did, when the Lord himself offered it him, and as Christ Jesus did, when the people offered and would have made him a King by force, and the devil proffered him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them.

Delightfull privacie with God argues strong affection.

Thirdly, it is an Argument of strength of Gods grace and Spirit in us, when we perform actions of godliness, with a single and upright eye unto God himself in secret. Frequent and constant delight in private converses argues strong affection to God or men: Hypocrites (saith Christ Jesus) will pray and fast, and give alms, but with a squint eye of private and sinister self respect to be seen of men, &c. But Gods children pray, and do good, and fast in secret, regarding no eye but the eye of an heavenly Father, who seeing in secret will not fail to reward openly.

Ob. But may not hypocrites speak and preach against hipocrisie, against self-love, self-respect, and fleshly and worldly ends in the performance of spirituall duties? And is it not possible for Gods children to perform spirituall duties with carnall ends and respects?

Hypocrites pretend far in glorifying of God.

I answer: Hypocrites may do this, and pretend pure and upright ends for God, as Jehu did: yet discover they hypocrisie, in the very pretence of sinceritie, for not content with the Lords eye and approbation, Come see my zeal (saith he) Jonadab, which I have for the Lord.

2ly, Gods children (doubtless) may look aside, and mark who sees and hears, and rewards their performances of service unto God: But this is either in sins of ignorance; as for instance, many of Gods dear children perform service to God in preaching as hirelings, and conceive themselves not bound although to glorifie Christ Jesus in saving souls) to preach without an hire, and so in other cases.

Or 3ly, this may be knowingly and discerningly, as Paul saith, Rom. 7. When I would do good, evil is present with me: such temptations come in as water into a ship, or as dust and diseases into a sound eye, and then Gods children be never quiet untill such distempers be cleansed, and got out again.

A frequent & constant spirit of prayer an argument of much of Gods Spirit.

Fourthly, it is an Argument of spirituall strength when the Spirit of prayer breatheth forth frequently, and constantly, and fervently to God in us: Hence David prays and cries in the morning, at noon, and in the evening, he riseth at midnight to pray, and prevents the dawning of the day to pray: Thus Daniel is thrice each day on his knees to God, and would not be beaten off, with the powers and terrors of cruel enemies and lyons.

Thus the Lord Jesus frequently retired alone to private prayer, and sometimes spent the whole night in prayer to God with strong cries, tears and supplications: And therefore is it that all true Christians are the spirituall Israelites, that is, wrastlers and strivers with God in prayer; like unto their Father Jacob, who wrastled all night in prayer with God, with weeping and supplications, and would not let the Angel go until he blessed him; and therefore his name was called Israel, a wrastler or prevailer with God, as well as Jacob a supplanter and prevailer with men.

Ob. But may not Hypocrites be frequent and fervent in prayer to God? Did not the Pharisees and Jews pray and fast often? Do not the very Turks solemnly pray five times each 24. houres? And the Papists not onely keep their solemn morning and evening times of prayer, but many other solemn prayers unto which the severall orders of Friars, Monks and Nuns bind themselves? And how easie is it by worldly engines to wheel about the Indians of America to become frequent prayers unto God, &c.

I answer: Many are the differences between the true prayers of Gods children, and the false of dissemblers and hypocrites: I will name a few for instance.

True prayer is the souls breathing unto God.

First then hypocrites pray but in a form and lip-labour, as a task and work to be done for carnall respects, to merit at Gods hand, or to stop the mouth of conscience, which tels them they cannot be Gods children except they pray: But true prayer is the pouring out of the heart to God, the true breathing of the soul to God, arising as Incense and perfume unto God: Hence (no doubt) although Paul before his conversion prayed much unto God, (for he was a Pharasie) yet he never praid indeed, untill his great change, and the descending of the holy Spirit of prayer upon him; And therefore the Lord sends Ananias with this incouragement unto Paul: Behold he prayeth, Act. 9.

and hath more or lesse some soul-pleasure in it.

Hence Gods children find a kind of holy pleasure and delight in prayer, whatever be the event or issue, it pleaseth God to give, like as a man finds delight in casting off an heavy burthen from his shoulder, or in the unbossoming of a grief, into the bosome of a friend. Thus Hanna opprest with grief weeps no more, when she had powred forth her supplication before the Lord: And the Lord Jesus powred forth his prayers, and tears, in the bosome of his Father, and then rests quiet in his Fathers pleasure, as touching the passing by, or drinking of the bitter cup.

Obj. But may not the children of God want holy pleasure and delight in prayer, and depart from Gods presence as heavy as they came?

Gods children are most in private with God.

I answer, some spirituall distempers may hinder, and obstruct the operations of the Spirit of prayer: nevertheles the soul and spirit praies and mourns for the absence of holy pleasure, and delight in this holy exercise. Hence Davids mourning (as a Turtledove) in his prayers, and Jeremies lamentings for the obstructions, between the Lord and their souls, in this holy Communion.

The second difference is, the Hypocrites prayers more respect the ears of men then God, as the Lord Jesus tells us; They pray that men may know so much, and esteem them Religious: Gods children, like true lovers, delight to be private, and fervent with their heavenly Father and Husband.

The prayers of Gods people most respect spiritual and soul mercies.

Thirdly, Hypocrites in their prayers most commonly respect earthly things, (and therefore Hos. 7.) they cry and howl upon their Beds, for corn and wine: or at the best they respect but themselves, &c. although it be in the pardon of their sins, and saving of their Souls: But the prayers of Gods children, chiefly eye heavenly things.

Hence the wonderfull spirituallity of Christs prayer to his Father, (John 7.) for the glorifying of his name, and spirituall Grace, and mercy in the souls of Beleevers: Hence the admirable spirituality of Davids prayers, for spirituall and soul mercies, Psal: 119. And the fervent prayers of Paul in all his Epistles for heavenly and spirituall mercies to the Saints of God.

Hypocrites like Dogs howl and fawn for bones and crusts, &c. But Gods children beg the proper tokens, and characters of a spirituall Father, to his spirituall children, and Beloved.

Gods people wait for, and rest in Gods answer.

4thly, Hypocrites will not always cry unto God (Job. 27.) but at last with Saul, if God answer not, they run to the Devill in evil means, murmur and despair: But Gods children can no more cease to cry unto God, then to live a spiritual life, and therefore resolve to give God no Rest untill they receive an answer, and therefore also wait for his holy pleasure, and leasure, and at last are satisfied with the Lords holy pleasure, and sentence, although it seem crosse, add bitter to flesh, and blood: So Moses in respect of his suit to God, for his going into the land of Canaan: So David praying for his child: So Christ Jesus in respect of his bitter cup. So Paul praying against his great temptation.

Obj. But may not Hypocrites pray long, and also wait upon God?

I answer, they may, yet at last, out of unbelief, and anger, like an angry Dog, or sturdy Beggar, they cry out in murmur, and wrath, as the unbelieving King of Israel, what should I wait upon God any longer? But Gods children never give over: for when they grow weary, they (like Moses) beg help to their fainting hands in prayer, and desire their eyes may never cease trickling tears unto God, untill he look down from Heaven, Lament: 2.

A 5th: Argument of spirituall health, and strength, is a constant holy sence of our own unworthines, vilenes, and basenes in Gods presence: Hence Jacob professeth himself less then the least of Gods mercies, that is, then the least crum, or drop, or rag, or look of mercy: Hence the Centurion professeth himself not worthy that Christ should come under his Roof: Hence Elizabeth her holy wonder, whence is it (saith she) that the Mother of my Lord should come unto me? Hence Mephiboseth wonders that David should look upon such a dead Dog.

Ob. But may not Hypocrites professe they are not Papists, that they can deserve nothing at Gods hands, that if they had their deserts it were woe with them?

Gods people are only truly sensible of unworthines.

I answer, Hypocrites may say so, but yet are angry when God seems to deal with them, as he deals with others. Hence they quarrell with God, as if that God seemed not to respect their offerings of prayer, and fasting, Isa: 58 But Gods children confessing themselves Beggars at Gods door, and Dogs under his Table, they wait for, and are humbly thankfull for every crum of grace and mercy: So Christ Jesus teacheth us to give thanks for the mercy of a little bread, and then for a little Fish, (Mark 6.) So after most heavy and wonderfull afflictions, Jeremie cries out Jehova is righteous, and professeth it is mercy that it is not worse, and that they were not burnt up and consumed.

6thly.

A 6th. Argument of the spiritual health and temper, is when the affections work strong and lively after God, after God for himself, after God as a portion and inheritance, after God as an Husband: when as the Heart panteth after the water-brooks, so pant our Hearts after God, when as the thirsty ground longeth for the showers of Rain, so long our souls after God: When his words are sweeter then the honey, and honey comb, and of more esteem then thousands of gold and silver.

Ob. But may not Hypocrites (as Balaam) professe so much and that in earnest?

Hypocrite affection to God.

I answer, the deceitfull heart of a man will go wonderfull far this way: Yet certain it is an Hypocrite respects God, but as a Dog respects his Master, yea sometimes a stranger, and an Enemy for a crust, or as an Hireling for his wages: But Gods children, in the want of all things, are content with God alone, his Christ, his Spirit, his Favour, his Word, his Ordinances: Hence David professeth Psal. 4. Thou puttest more joy into my heart, then in the time when their corn and wine increaseth: And Habacuck, when Vine, and Fig-tree, and Flock and Heard fail, he professeth to rejoyce in God, and to glory in the God of his salvation.

God himself the portion of his.

2ly. In the losse of all things, in the greatest straights and extremities, Gods children yet find comfort in God, that God their portion is not lost. Thus as David when his wives, and children, and friends, and servants, and cattell were all devoured by an enslaving and captivating sword, and he finds no Remainder, but burnt walls and ashes, and his own company ready to stone him, yet as David they take comfort, and incourage themselves injoying their God.

7thly.

Ready obedience to God.

7tly. It is an argument of spirituall health, and strength, when the holy Commandments of God are not grievous, but pleasant and delightfull to us: when we can say as the Lord Jesus said, it is our meat and drink, to do our heavenly Fathers will: when we are active and ready at the commands of God, and can say (when the Lord asketh whom shall we send) send me, as the Prophet Esay said: And as the Lord Jesus Psal: 40. Here I am, I delight to do thy will O my God: when we can without repining, grudging, or delaying, obey commands most grievous to flesh and blood, against not only flesh and blood, but against carnall reason, yea against Hope and Faith it self, as Abraham did, in offering up his most dear and only son Isaac.

Obj. But may not Hypocrites obey the commands of God, as Saul did, &c?

I answer, they may indeed obey Gods commands by halves as he did, and as a servant, and hireling, serve God for wages, and with eye service, with opinion of merit, and boast of their halt and lame service, as Saul did. But Gods children imbrace all the commands of God with delight, even the least, and most despised, with the greatest and most difficult, and when all is done, they confesse they have need of mercy, and are unprofitable Servants.

Obj. But may not Gods children live in the disobedience of some commands of God, and yet be healthfull, and strong in grace?

The sins of Gods people.

I answer, it is impossible that a child of God should (either in spirituall health or sicknes) live in the breach of any known command of God his Father. Tis true, Abraham, and Jacob, and David, and others, lived long in the sin of many wives, out of ignorance of Gods will, and Gods children to this day, even the holy Martyrs or Witnesses of Jesus, (who accounted their heart bloods not too dear for Christ) have and do live in the breach of many Commandments, that concern the worship of God: But they are herein like a traveller deceived, by a false path, which when he once really suspects, he cannot walk a step with ease, now do they cry out with David, Psal: 119. I will walk at liberty, for I seek thy precepts: And when God saith seek my Face, their Hearts answer, Lord thy face will I seek. Psalm 27.

8thly

The patience of Gods children, under Gods hand.

An 8th. discovery of spirituall health and strength, is an humble, a patient and thankfull submission to the aflicting, and chastising hand of God. Thus it is said of Aaron, in that dreadfull stroak of Gods hand, depriving him of his two sons in the floure of their Youth, in the midst of their sin, in the performance of their Priests Office: it is said, Aaron held his peace: I was dumb and held my peace, (saith David) Psal. 39. for thou didst it: Thus Jeremiah (Lam: 1.) Jehovah is righteous, for I have grievously transgrest against him. Yea Job not only exprest an humble and patient mind, but also (which is wonderfull, but proper to Gods children, when in right temper) he blessed God in the midst of so many fearfull and astonishing losses, of so many Cattel, Servants, and Children, saying, Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Obj. May not wicked men and Hypocrites acknowledg Gods afflicting hand, and humble themselves?

The counterfeit patience of Hypocrites

I answer, Hypocrites may see Gods hand, and humble themselves as the Egyptians, and the Philistins did, but cannot possibly be thankfull for it: They acknowledg Gods hand as a Dog his Masters when he is beaten, but not as a child his Fathers. As a loving and dutifull Wife, receiving Pills or Phisick from the hand of her loving Husband, a skilfull Physitian, who knows her sicknes, and out of love and care, prepares them for her, she cannot but be thankfull for those bitter medicins, and earnestly desire a kindly working: Thus David, Psal: 119. I know O Lord that thou in faithfulnesse hast afflicted me, for all thy commands are righteous.

9thly.

The mournful confession of Gods people.

A 9th. Argument of spiritual health, and strength, is an humble free confession, and giving glory unto God, in the rising up, or recovering out of any scandalous transgression, against God Hence the Israelites confession of their sin in desiring a King, (so impatiently, and imperiously as they did, with large confessions, 1. Sam. 6.)

Hence the many bitter and lamentable confessions of holy David and other holy Servants of God, after their committing of known evils: Hence the Corinthians repenting of their fellowship with the incestuous person in his sin, they give such an exemplary evidence of their true Repentance, that their holy practice is set as an holy Samplar, and Copy for all Saints afterward to follow, and write after.

Obj. But did not Pharaoh, Saul and Judas confesse their sins, &c?

1.

I answer, not with intent to glorifie God as Gods Saints do, taking shame before the world unto themselves, lying down in the Dust that God may tread upon them, and be exalted.

2.

False confessions.

Not with hatred of their sins, but in horrour and trouble at the danger of them, or in the evidence of them flying in their faces. Thus a Merchant casteth those goods over boord into the sea in a storme, which afterward he wisheth in again: Like a Dog, they vomit up the filth which (after their stomach is eased) they return unto, and lick up by new Commissions: But Gods children confesse in hatred of their sins, and loathing of themselves, and (like men in some sicknesses) are willing to take those medicines which may provoke and cause vomit, which afterward they are so far from returning to, that they abhor to touch, or look on it.

Obj. But may not Gods children return again to their vomit, and commit the same sins, which they have cast, up by humble confession?

The sins of Gods people distinguished.

I answer, the sins of Gods children are either, 1. grosse or scandalous, which when they recover out of, and give glory unto God, by publike confession, we seldome or never find them returning to such their vomit again. Hence we hear no more of Noahs Drunkennesse, of David's Adultry, of Peters deniall of Christ Jesus, &c.

Or 2ly. Their sins are sins of a more private and ordinary distemper, wherein their passions of anger, or neglect, or forgetfullnes prevail against them, never without some bitternes, and grief, and humiliation, and endeavour, with resolution of a more watchfull, and heavenly, and spirituall conversation?

10thly.