The one necessary thing to be sought briefly touched in a four-fold dialogue upon some of the great and most concerning truths of practical religion.
         Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694.
      
       
         
           1679
        
      
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         ESTC R28632
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             The one necessary thing to be sought briefly touched in a four-fold dialogue upon some of the great and most concerning truths of practical religion.
             Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694.
             Fleming, Robert, 1660?-1716.
          
           [23], 64 p.
           
             s.n.],
             [S.l. :
             1679.
          
           
             Wing attributes this work to Robert Fleming the younger, however NUC pre-1956 imprints attributes it to the elder Fleming.
             Reproduction of original in the Union Theological Seminary Library, New York.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Christian life.
        
      
    
     
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           THE
           One
           necessary
           thing
           to
           be
           sought
           Briefly
           touched
           ,
           
             In
             a
             four-fold
          
           DIALOGUE
           ,
           Upon
           some
           of
           the
           great
           and
           most
           concerning
           Truths
           of
           practical
           Religion
           .
        
         
           
             PSAL.
             XIX
             .
             Vers
             .
             11.
             
          
           
             Moreover
             by
             them
             is
             thy
             Servant
             warned
             ,
             and
             in
             keeping
             of
             them
             there
             is
             great
             reward
             .
          
        
         
         
           Printed
           in
           the
           Year
           1679.
           
        
      
       
         
         
           
           
             READER
             .
          
        
         
           SInce
           Religion
           is
           a
           serious
           Business
           ,
           which
           we
           must
           live
           ;
           and
           know
           by
           its
           power
           and
           efficacy
           on
           the
           soul
           ,
           or
           be
           wholly
           strangers
           thereto
           ;
           and
           that
           there
           is
           a
           Spiritual
           taste
           and
           savour
           of
           Divine
           truth
           ,
           and
           a
           living
           Holiness
           ,
           no
           less
           demonstrable
           than
           that
           there
           are
           living
           men
           on
           the
           earth
           ;
           yea
           that
           here
           is
           the
           sure
           way
           to
           come
           to
           a
           solide
           assurance
           ,
           and
           Establishment
           in
           the
           truth
           ;
           when
           such
           shaking
           times
           now
           are
           .
           
             If
             any
             man
             will
             do
             his
             will
             ,
             he
             shall
             know
             the
             Doctrine
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             of
             God.
             Joh.
             7
             :
             v.
             17.
             
          
           So
           now
           is
           the
           season
           for
           its
           trial
           ,
           amidst
           these
           manifold
           temptations
           ,
           which
           are
           here
           ,
           That
           the
           lives
           of
           Christians
           might
           thus
           be
           a
           more
           Visible
           transcript
           of
           the
           Truth
           and
           Doctrine
           of
           Christ
           ,
           they
           profess
           ;
           but
           whilst
           never
           more
           advantage
           was
           of
           means
           ,
           and
           such
           voluminous
           enlargements
           to
           extend
           the
           Theory
           of
           practical
           Divinity
           ,
           how
           sad
           an
           enstrangement
           may
           
           be
           seen
           by
           many
           ,
           if
           not
           most
           who
           live
           under
           the
           light
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           to
           the
           most
           concerning
           &
           weighty
           truths
           thereof
           .
           If
           this
           poor
           essay
           might
           be
           of
           use
           to
           any
           such
           ,
           by
           a
           blessing
           from
           him
           ,
           who
           can
           serve
           himself
           of
           meanest
           things
           ,
           this
           one
           desire
           I
           would
           leave
           with
           the
           Reader
           ,
           to
           give
           the
           truth
           a
           serious
           entertainment
           ,
           and
           let
           him
           give
           the
           Author
           what
           he
           please
           .
           It
           's
           by
           way
           of
           Dialogue
           ,
           without
           mentioning
           of
           Dialoguists
           ,
           as
           is
           usual
           under
           borrovved
           names
           ,
           to
           avoid
           any
           unnecessar
           multiplying
           of
           vvords
           ,
           that
           might
           be
           occasioned
           this
           vvay
           .
        
      
       
         
           THE
           ERRATA
           ,
        
         
           Which
           have
           escaped
           the
           Printer
           through
           inadvertancy
           ,
           may
           be
           amended
           thus
           by
           the
           Judicious
           Reader
           .
        
         
           PAge
           4.
           line
           32
           read
           Tit.
           3
           :
           2.
           
           Jam.
           2
           :
           12.
           p.
           8.
           l.
           6.
           r.
           lessons
           .
           p.
           10.
           l.
           32.
           r.
           Ps
           .
           42.
           10.
           p.
           15.
           l.
           19.
           r.
           Jam.
           4
           :
           1.
           p.
           20
           :
           l.
           r.
           r.
           Eph.
           6
           :
           11.
           l.
           27.
           r.
           Monarchs
           .
           p.
           23.
           l.
           31.
           r.
           left
           .
           p.
           24.
           l.
           9.
           r.
           duties
           .
           l.
           18.
           r.
           Col.
           3
           :
           1.
           p.
           25.
           l.
           26.
           r.
           Matth.
           7
           :
           22.
           p.
           35.
           l.
           31.
           r.
           implicitly
           .
           p.
           37.
           l
           ,
           25.
           r.
           to
           be
           carried
           .
           p.
           47.
           l.
           1.
           r.
           16
           :
           11.
           p.
           51.
           l.
           31.
           r.
           mighty
           .
           p.
           59.
           l.
           6.
           r.
           bribe
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           I.
           DIALOGVE
           .
        
         
           
             QUEST
             .
             I.
             
          
           
             
               SInce
               we
               have
               this
               access
               to
               converse
               a
               little
               together
               ,
               I
               should
               gladly
               know
               how
               to
               gain
               such
               an
               hour
               ,
               for
               some
               solide
               fruit
               and
               advantage
               in
               the
               improvemeut
               thereof
               .
            
          
           
             
               ANSWER
            
             .
             It
             is
             a
             rare
             unusual
             question
             ,
             in
             these
             times
             ,
             which
             ye
             now
             make
             ,
             though
             nothing
             more
             highly
             rational
             and
             necessar
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             gives
             occasion
             to
             some
             sad
             reflections
             ,
             that
             may
             be
             too
             obvious
             on
             such
             a
             subject
             .
             1.
             
             Of
             the
             small
             account
             most
             seeme
             to
             have
             of
             time
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             present
             hours
             going
             by
             ,
             who
             yet
             cannot
             Possibly
             be
             sure
             of
             the
             next
             ,
             nor
             bring
             again
             one
             minute
             past
             ,
             time
             being
             such
             a
             tide
             ,
             that
             floweth
             but
             once
             ,
             and
             must
             be
             either
             taken
             ,
             or
             lost
             for
             ever
             ,
             2.
             
             How
             very
             sad
             the
             ordinary
             discourse
             in
             society
             and
             visites
             most
             make
             to
             other
             ,
             is
             such
             ,
             that
             if
             one
             should
             keep
             silent
             ,
             and
             overtake
             with
             a
             pen
             ,
             what
             too
             frequently
             passeth
             in
             these
             Communications
             ,
             and
             but
             read
             it
             over
             again
             ,
             they
             could
             not
             but
             both
             wonder
             and
             be
             ashamed
             at
             so
             strange
             and
             deformed
             an
             image
             of
             themselves
             .
             3.
             
             That
             when
             such
             mutual
             converse
             and
             society
             together
             puts
             oft
             a
             price
             in
             mens
             hand
             ,
             for
             some
             gainful
             improvment
             hereof
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             an
             interest
             for
             the
             Lord
             ,
             with
             that
             Christian
             prudence
             and
             sobriety
             ,
             in
             giving
             others
             an
             occasion
             ,
             more
             than
             to
             appear
             themselves
             ;
             yet
             how
             rare
             is
             it
             almost
             to
             
             know
             Christians
             to
             be
             truely
             such
             by
             their
             walk
             ,
             except
             in
             the
             duties
             of
             Worship
             ,
             as
             if
             their
             interest
             were
             not
             more
             to
             live
             Religion
             ,
             than
             to
             Profess
             it
             ;
             and
             that
             so
             solemne
             and
             great
             a
             business
             is
             now
             before
             all
             to
             die
             ;
             and
             know
             what
             an
             eternity
             means
             ,
             with
             so
             marvellous
             a
             change
             we
             must
             admit
             in
             another
             world
             ,
             whither
             this
             present
             hour
             we
             hasten
             ,
             yea
             how
             few
             can
             be
             seen
             in
             their
             travelling
             garbe
             with
             their
             loynes
             trimmed
             ,
             and
             their
             lamps
             burning
             ;
             but
             rather
             as
             such
             who
             minded
             a
             setling
             here
             .
          
        
         
           
             QUEST
             .
             II.
             
          
           
             
               Though
               this
               be
               to
               the
               furthest
               convincing
               and
               clear
               ;
               yet
               is
               it
               not
               to
               affright
               men
               with
               the
               austerity
               of
               Religion
               ,
               as
               if
               it
               did
               warrand
               no
               c●●erful
               and
               comforting
               converse
               together
               ,
               and
               to
               divert
               thus
               in
               any
               suteable
               recreations
               ,
               that
               may
               be
               most
               satisfying
               and
               delightfull
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             I
             should
             be
             very
             tender
             to
             split
             on
             any
             such
             rock
             ,
             nor
             do
             in
             the
             least
             debate
             the
             warrantable
             use
             of
             recreations
             ,
             and
             necessar
             unbending
             of
             mens
             Spirits
             this
             way
             ,
             with
             sobriety
             ;
             but
             I
             hope
             ye
             will
             Confess
             ,
             1.
             
             That
             a
             serious
             frame
             ,
             and
             the
             savour
             of
             spiritual
             things
             kept
             on
             the
             soul
             ,
             leads
             more
             in
             to
             a
             true
             delight
             ,
             and
             desirable
             enjoying
             of
             any
             outward
             enjoyments
             ,
             than
             the
             furthest
             liberty
             ,
             that
             many
             take
             otherwise
             .
             2.
             
             That
             a
             due
             restraint
             thus
             is
             not
             easy
             ,
             or
             to
             keep
             within
             these
             bounds
             of
             Christian
             Liberty
             ,
             which
             is
             found
             in
             the
             close
             to
             bring
             a
             sting
             merewith
             more
             imbittering
             ,
             than
             the
             former
             pleasure
             ●eemed
             sweet
             ,
             3.
             
             That
             there
             needs
             also
             a
             guard
             against
             such
             unwarrantable
             and
             prophane
             games
             of
             Lottery
             ,
             as
             the
             Cardes
             and
             Di●e
             ;
             where
             the
             hook
             may
             be
             as
             evident
             as
             the
             bait
             ,
             and
             with
             that
             advantage
             given
             to
             the
             Devil
             this
             way
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             not
             easy
             for
             such
             to
             play
             alone
             ,
             without
             having
             him
             a
             partner
             ,
             both
             in
             the
             game
             and
             gain
             ;
             and
             no
             wonder
             ,
             when
             he
             finds
             such
             upon
             his
             own
             ground
             ,
             and
             at
             a
             work
             ,
             where
             is
             so
             visible
             a
             
             contempt
             and
             sporting
             at
             the
             Providence
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             taking
             his
             name
             in
             vain
             ;
             such
             a
             daring
             to
             adventure
             on
             an
             immediate
             decision
             by
             lot
             ,
             which
             should
             alone
             in
             things
             of
             greatest
             weight
             be
             made
             use
             of
             by
             prayer
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             III.
             
          
           
             
               You
               know
               ,
               that
               besides
               any
               such
               diversions
               for
               pleasure
               ,
               how
               most
               have
               their
               ordinary
               business
               and
               affaires
               to
               take
               them
               up
               in
               converse
               and
               fellowship
               together
               ,
               and
               discourse
               thereon
               ,
               as
               their
               several
               imployments
               lyes
               ,
               and
               here
               is
               a
               concerning
               duty
               .
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             I
             am
             far
             from
             questioning
             ,
             what
             thus
             may
             be
             either
             needful
             ,
             or
             expedient
             ;
             yea
             I
             know
             one
             may
             follow
             with
             advantage
             the
             work
             of
             a
             Christian
             in
             that
             way
             of
             his
             outward
             calling
             ,
             more
             than
             in
             the
             furthest
             abstractedness
             from
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             all
             humane
             society
             ;
             And
             that
             the
             more
             a
             Christian
             ,
             the
             more
             also
             is
             he
             a
             man
             ,
             and
             at
             the
             greater
             advantage
             thus
             for
             being
             active
             and
             dexterous
             in
             his
             outward
             concernes
             ,
             but
             you
             know
             
               the
               time
               is
               short
            
             ,
             and
             these
             frequent
             intercommunings
             most
             have
             about
             things
             of
             the
             world
             are
             oft
             more
             from
             a
             too
             eager
             scent
             after
             the
             same
             ,
             than
             upon
             grounds
             either
             of
             necessity
             ,
             or
             conveniency
             ,
             as
             though
             there
             their
             maine
             work
             lay
             ;
             and
             what
             is
             for
             eternity
             ,
             were
             but
             something
             on
             the
             by
             ,
             to
             be
             followed
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             IV.
             
          
           
             
               Since
               we
               are
               thus
               fallen
               on
               such
               a
               subject
               ,
               I
               should
               desire
               to
               know
               ,
               if
               there
               be
               caus
               to
               offend
               ,
               or
               question
               that
               freedome
               ,
               which
               is
               so
               usual
               ●●●…
               ordinary
               converse
               together
               ,
               f●●…
               speaking
               their
               thoughts
               at
               large
               ,
               and
               to
               pass
               their
               judgment
               on
               others
               at
               a
               distance
               ,
               as
               they
               see
               cause
               ,
               or
               have
               either
               prejudice
               ,
               or
               respects
               to
               them
               :
               For
               to
               me
               it
               seemes
               the
               most
               common
               subject
               of
               discourse
               ,
               almost
               in
               all
               societies
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             The
             Occasion
             you
             have
             for
             such
             a
             proposal
             ,
             
             is
             too
             manifest
             ,
             and
             a
             disease
             so
             spreading
             ,
             as
             seemes
             to
             despise
             all
             remedies
             ,
             but
             may
             be
             the
             more
             strange
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             this
             is
             not
             with
             most
             ,
             from
             want
             of
             light
             anent
             duty
             ,
             or
             how
             deep
             a
             wound
             they
             may
             thus
             give
             themselves
             more
             than
             others
             :
             But
             oh
             is
             this
             freedome
             you
             speak
             of
             1.
             
             
               To
               abound
               in
               love
               towards
               all
               men
            
             1.
             
             Thes
             .
             3
             :
             12.
             and
             by
             a
             tender
             condescending
             deport
             
               to
               be
               all
               things
               to
               all
               ,
               for
               the
               Gospel's
               sake
               ?
            
             2.
             
             Is
             this
             to
             enforce
             respect
             and
             an
             awful
             regard
             to
             the
             truth
             ,
             from
             such
             as
             never
             knew
             the
             inward
             power
             thereof
             on
             their
             soul
             ,
             so
             as
             they
             might
             see
             that
             a
             serious
             Christian
             is
             the
             truely
             best
             friend
             and
             neighbour
             ;
             yea
             thus
             to
             be
             as
             a
             common
             good
             and
             blessing
             to
             mankind
             ;
             one
             of
             whom
             brings
             more
             credit
             in
             to
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             Christ
             than
             an
             hundred
             Professours
             ?
             3.
             
             Is
             this
             to
             answer
             so
             pressing
             a
             call
             ,
             Col.
             3.
             12
             ,
             
               put
               on
               therefore
               ,
               as
               the
               Elect
               of
               God
               ,
               holy
               and
               beloved
               ,
               bowels
               of
               mercies
               ,
               kindness
               ,
               humbleness
               of
               mind
               ,
               meekness
               ,
               long
               suffering
               ,
               forbearing
               one
               another
               ,
               and
               forgiving
               one
               another
               .
               If
               any
               man
               have
               a
               quarrel
               against
               any
               ,
               even
               as
               Christ
               forgave
               you
               ,
               so
               also
               do
               you
               ?
            
             And
             is
             not
             such
             tenderness
             in
             our
             walk
             towards
             others
             ,
             an
             indispensible
             part
             of
             our
             Sanctification
             ,
             whilst
             this
             freedome
             you
             speak
             of
             ,
             is
             too
             oft
             a
             giving
             vent
             to
             some
             hid
             bitterness
             and
             enmity
             within
             against
             such
             ,
             who
             may
             be
             the
             Object
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             as
             all
             the
             sanctified
             are
             ?
             But
             this
             seems
             to
             be
             a
             peculiar
             Poison
             and
             Plague
             of
             the
             present
             age
             .
             4.
             
             Can
             you
             find
             it
             easy
             ,
             yea
             possible
             to
             have
             such
             usual
             freedome
             you
             speak
             of
             ,
             consistent
             with
             these
             express
             Commands
             of
             the
             great
             Lawgiver
             ;
             
               to
               love
               our
               enemies
               Math.
            
             5
             :
             44.
             
               not
               to
               be
               overcome
               of
               evil
               ,
               but
               to
               overcome
               evil
               with
               good
               Rom.
            
             12
             :
             21.
             
               to
               speak
               evil
               of
               none
            
             in
             a
             designed
             blotting
             of
             their
             name
             ,
             Tit.
             3
             :
             7.
             
             Jam.
             2
             :
             11.
             or
             
               smite
               them
               with
               the
               tongue
               Jer.
            
             20
             :
             10
             ?
             Sure
             if
             these
             be
             the
             revealed
             Counsel
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             a
             part
             of
             that
             holy
             and
             spotless
             Rule
             of
             our
             Duty
             ,
             should
             not
             the
             same
             distance
             be
             kept
             here
             ,
             as
             with
             other
             scandalous
             sins
             ?
             5.
             
             Whatever
             may
             be
             of
             a
             necessar
             call
             sometimes
             to
             witness
             against
             others
             at
             a
             distance
             ,
             
             when
             the
             truth
             is
             concerned
             ,
             and
             the
             advantage
             of
             some
             then
             present
             ,
             and
             for
             their
             being
             guarded
             against
             any
             contagious
             evil
             or
             snare
             ,
             as
             also
             upon
             a
             serious
             resentment
             of
             any
             injury
             done
             to
             the
             Lord
             ;
             yea
             for
             a
             just
             and
             necessar
             clearing
             themselves
             ,
             from
             the
             reproach
             of
             such
             ,
             who
             through
             them
             might
             thus
             seek
             to
             thrust
             at
             the
             credit
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             yet
             is
             there
             not
             even
             here
             a
             special
             regard
             to
             be
             had
             to
             that
             end
             ,
             that
             
               it
               may
               be
               for
               edification
               Rom.
            
             15
             :
             2
             ?
             And
             that
             no
             bitterness
             or
             animosity
             on
             some
             other
             account
             be
             the
             great
             incitement
             thereto
             ,
             for
             then
             such
             do
             serve
             their
             own
             lust
             and
             passion
             .
             It
             was
             a
             choice
             word
             of
             one
             ,
             I
             am
             (
             sais
             he
             )
             
               restrained
               to
               speak
               my
               judgment
               of
               such
               ,
               by
               whom
            
             I
             
               have
               been
               injured
               ,
               lest
               my
               light
               be
               bribed
               to
               serve
               that
               most
               dreadful
               lust
               of
               revenge
            
             ;
             O
             revenge
             which
             is
             so
             visible
             a
             transforming
             into
             the
             very
             image
             of
             the
             Devil
             ,
             by
             which
             he
             hath
             gained
             his
             greatest
             triumphs
             over
             many
             .
             6.
             
             Is
             this
             an
             answering
             to
             that
             excellent
             rule
             given
             by
             our
             Master
             ,
             to
             
               do
               to
               others
               what
               we
               would
               have
               them
               doing
               to
               us
               ,
               Matth.
            
             7
             :
             12
             ?
             Than
             which
             (
             besides
             the
             Authority
             of
             the
             Command
             )
             nothing
             is
             more
             beautiful
             ,
             and
             becoming
             an
             immortal
             soul
             ,
             nothing
             more
             answering
             to
             reason
             than
             thus
             to
             argue
             ,
             how
             should
             I
             expect
             or
             wish
             that
             measure
             from
             others
             ,
             if
             my
             heart
             doth
             not
             serve
             to
             give
             the
             same
             to
             them
             ?
             7.
             
             And
             doth
             not
             such
             a
             freedome
             you
             speak
             of
             ,
             bear
             a
             blacker
             dy
             ,
             the
             more
             personal
             respects
             may
             be
             thus
             pretended
             ,
             when
             some
             hid
             prejudice
             lyes
             at
             the
             root
             ,
             since
             thus
             it
             is
             a
             more
             dreadful
             dissimulation
             before
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             wound
             made
             deeper
             ,
             by
             being
             under
             a
             shew
             and
             cover
             of
             love
             ,
             like
             Joabs
             designed
             embracement
             of
             Amasa
             ,
             for
             that
             very
             end
             that
             he
             might
             smite
             him
             at
             the
             fifth
             rib
             ?
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             V.
             
          
           
             
               VVhat
               ,
               is
               there
               no
               warrantable
               judging
               then
               of
               others
               ,
               and
               condemning
               such
               from
               whom
               we
               injuriously
               suffer
               ,
               when
               this
               is
               not
               against
               the
               truth
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             :
             My
             Friend
             ,
             you
             know
             there
             is
             but
             
               one
               Judge
            
             
             
               and
               Lawgiver
               ,
               whose
               it
               is
               to
               kill
               and
               make
               a
               live
               .
               Jam.
            
             4
             :
             ver
             .
             12.
             
             Though
             each
             hath
             allowed
             to
             him
             a
             judgment
             of
             discretion
             ;
             but
             there
             is
             ,
             I
             confess
             ,
             a
             choice
             and
             sure
             way
             for
             one
             to
             judge
             another
             ,
             Oh
             that
             it
             were
             more
             known
             amongst
             men
             ,
             to
             judge
             them
             by
             their
             walk
             and
             practice
             ;
             so
             as
             by
             tenderness
             and
             sobriety
             to
             condemne
             the
             imbittered
             passion
             of
             others
             by
             silence
             and
             compassion
             ,
             thus
             to
             rebuke
             a
             hasty
             and
             brawling
             temper
             ;
             yea
             to
             take
             revenge
             (
             O
             a
             blessed
             revenge
             )
             on
             such
             as
             hate
             them
             by
             seeking
             in
             truth
             their
             good
             .
             And
             is
             it
             not
             thus
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             hath
             shewed
             how
             with
             the
             greatest
             advantage
             a
             Christian
             can
             oppose
             himself
             to
             his
             adversaries
             ,
             &
             bear
             witness
             against
             them
             .
             2
             Cor.
             6
             :
             ver
             .
             6.
             
             
               By
               pureness
               ,
               by
               knowledge
               ,
               by
               long
               -
               suffering
               ,
               by
               kindness
               ,
               by
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
               by
               love
               unfained
               ,
               by
               the
               Word
               of
               Truth
               ,
               by
               the
               power
               of
               God
               ,
               by
               the
               armour
               of
               righteousness
               on
               the
               right
               hand
               and
               on
               the
               left
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             VI.
             
          
           
             
               Such
               is
               the
               authority
               and
               beauty
               of
               Truth
               ,
               even
               when
               it
               is
               most
               grieving
               and
               contrair
               to
               the
               flesh
               ,
               as
               puts
               me
               to
               a
               new
               enquiry
               on
               this
               subject
               ;
               what
               should
               most
               help
               to
               that
               sweet
               ,
               and
               desireable
               converse
               with
               others
               in
               a
               sad
               and
               distempered
               time
               ,
               so
               as
               love
               and
               concord
               may
               lose
               no
               ground
               ,
               and
               thus
               to
               answere
               what
               Christian
               Prudence
               calls
               for
               in
               such
               a
               case
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             This
             ,
             I
             confess
             ,
             were
             a
             choice
             and
             desireable
             project
             worthy
             and
             becoming
             a
             Christian
             to
             follow
             in
             the
             greatest
             earnest
             ,
             when
             so
             many
             low
             designes
             are
             this
             day
             on
             foot
             ;
             not
             only
             to
             adorne
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             but
             for
             their
             own
             inward
             peace
             and
             tranquillity
             ;
             for
             which
             I
             may
             adventure
             to
             offer
             these
             few
             things
             ,
             which
             I
             am
             sure
             cannot
             be
             practically
             understood
             ,
             what
             ever
             the
             times
             or
             place
             be
             wherein
             our
             lot
             is
             cast
             ,
             and
             not
             help
             to
             a
             sweet
             facility
             in
             such
             a
             duty
             .
             1.
             
             To
             guard
             against
             Credulity
             ,
             or
             a
             being
             hasty
             to
             conceive
             an
             injury
             and
             laying
             
             too
             great
             a
             weight
             on
             sudden
             conjectures
             and
             suspition
             ,
             which
             tends
             both
             to
             darken
             and
             disquiet
             the
             mind
             ;
             none
             ever
             yet
             gained
             by
             indulgence
             hereto
             ,
             but
             how
             oft
             have
             their
             after
             thoughts
             enforced
             an
             upbraiding
             of
             themselves
             with
             weakness
             and
             folly
             ?
             2.
             
             How
             sweet
             and
             easy
             might
             this
             become
             to
             us
             in
             learning
             that
             lesson
             more
             from
             our
             blessed
             Master
             of
             
               Meekness
               ,
               Matth.
            
             11
             :
             ver
             .
             29.
             
             Which
             is
             one
             of
             the
             rare
             graces
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             no
             softness
             of
             nature
             ,
             so
             blessed
             a
             cure
             and
             relief
             to
             the
             most
             tart
             and
             froward
             temper
             hath
             such
             advantage
             with
             it
             to
             convince
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             conciliat
             mens
             respects
             to
             the
             truth
             of
             holiness
             ,
             who
             look
             but
             at
             a
             distance
             by
             so
             lovely
             and
             gaining
             an
             appearance
             ?
             And
             why
             is
             such
             a
             cover
             put
             on
             an
             imbittered
             and
             passionat
             disposition
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             their
             natural
             complexion
             ?
             it
             may
             be
             true
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             it
             is
             black
             nature
             unsubdued
             to
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ;
             whilst
             many
             naturally
             passionat
             and
             cholerick
             have
             through
             grace
             got
             that
             conquest
             over
             themselves
             ,
             as
             few
             with
             whom
             they
             have
             conversed
             could
             discerne
             any
             such
             thing
             ,
             even
             upon
             most
             remarkeable
             provocations
             .
             3.
             
             To
             know
             ,
             and
             be
             under
             some
             weight
             of
             this
             ,
             as
             a
             special
             opportunity
             for
             the
             Lord
             ,
             the
             loss
             whereof
             should
             be
             a
             loss
             indeed
             ,
             when
             there
             is
             such
             a
             call
             ,
             to
             
               requite
               evil
               with
               good
            
             ,
             both
             in
             doing
             and
             speaking
             ,
             
               and
               your
               reward
               shall
               be
               great
               Luk.
            
             6
             :
             v.
             35.
             
             And
             are
             not
             a
             Christians
             opportunities
             a
             part
             of
             his
             riches
             and
             treasure
             ?
             I
             know
             this
             will
             seeme
             a
             strange
             contradiction
             to
             many
             ,
             but
             a
             subdued
             Christian
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             a
             strange
             and
             marvellous
             thing
             .
             4.
             
             Let
             us
             know
             more
             what
             it
             is
             to
             be
             humble
             ,
             and
             then
             forbearance
             and
             tender
             condescendence
             in
             our
             walk
             with
             others
             will
             natively
             follow
             .
             O
             blessed
             humility
             ,
             that
             shineth
             most
             in
             its
             disappearing
             ,
             and
             layes
             the
             Christian
             more
             truely
             near
             his
             hope
             ,
             yea
             nearer
             to
             heaven
             ,
             when
             it
             layes
             his
             face
             on
             the
             dust
             ,
             than
             when
             his
             head
             hath
             seemed
             to
             be
             among
             the
             starrs
             .
             O
             what
             sweet
             and
             desireable
             society
             should
             this
             make
             amongst
             Christians
             ,
             which
             teacheth
             effectually
             to
             pass
             by
             injuries
             ,
             and
             not
             seek
             
             their
             own
             glory
             ,
             or
             to
             dare
             a
             despising
             of
             others
             ;
             which
             by
             keeping
             the
             Spirit
             low
             fitts
             them
             for
             nearer
             converse
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             a
             being
             led
             in
             the
             way
             of
             his
             Counsels
             ,
             and
             whilst
             pride
             swells
             ,
             and
             causeth
             a
             fever
             in
             the
             soul
             ,
             this
             brings
             so
             sweet
             and
             sensible
             a
             coole
             thereto
             ;
             Yea
             is
             one
             of
             the
             two
             great
             lossons
             ,
             that
             Christ
             hath
             put
             by
             themselves
             Matth.
             11
             :
             v.
             29.
             and
             thus
             ensured
             a
             rest
             and
             tranquillity
             of
             soul
             ,
             whatever
             be
             the
             changes
             of
             their
             outward
             Lot.
             5.
             
             Let
             us
             also
             for
             this
             end
             get
             sight
             much
             kept
             of
             that
             great
             example
             set
             before
             us
             for
             our
             conformity
             thereto
             ,
             1.
             
             Pet.
             2
             :
             23.
             
               who
               being
               reviled
               ,
               reviled
               not
               again
               ,
               but
               committed
               himself
               to
               him
               that
               judgeth
               righteously
               ,
            
             and
             it
             is
             sure
             we
             then
             frustrat
             our
             relief
             in
             the
             last
             part
             of
             these
             words
             ,
             if
             the
             first
             be
             not
             seriously
             taken
             alongs
             therewith
             .
             6.
             
             We
             have
             this
             excellent
             mean
             also
             expresly
             commanded
             us
             ,
             
               to
               seek
               peace
               with
               all
               men
               and
               follow
               after
               it
               Ps
               .
            
             34
             :
             v.
             14
             Heb.
             12
             :
             14.
             
             Yea
             even
             with
             such
             ,
             from
             whom
             we
             may
             have
             sustained
             greatest
             injury
             ;
             nor
             can
             it
             answer
             this
             to
             give
             it
             entertainment
             ,
             when
             it
             comes
             ;
             but
             to
             goe
             forth
             and
             meet
             the
             same
             ,
             yea
             to
             seek
             it
             when
             it
             is
             a
             missing
             ,
             and
             though
             it
             flee
             ,
             to
             follow
             it
             .
             O!
             what
             a
             lovely
             appearance
             doth
             this
             put
             upon
             Christians
             ,
             and
             gives
             them
             a
             greatet
             Victory
             ,
             than
             to
             overcome
             a
             City
             ,
             when
             thus
             grace
             in
             its
             vigorous
             exercise
             in
             one
             ,
             meets
             with
             the
             prevailing
             corruption
             of
             another
             :
             and
             by
             yeelding
             overcomes
             ;
             by
             a
             humble
             condescendence
             subjects
             the
             proud
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             enforce
             their
             falling
             before
             that
             more
             excellent
             Spirit
             ,
             with
             a
             discerneable
             aw
             &
             authority
             over
             them
             ,
             for
             
               greater
               is
               he
               ,
               who
               is
               in
               them
               ,
               than
            
             he
             
               who
               is
               in
               the
               world
            
             ,
             1
             Joh.
             4
             ?
             v
             4.
             7.
             
             Let
             us
             be
             tender
             in
             taking
             offence
             no
             less
             ,
             than
             in
             giving
             ,
             in
             a
             hasty
             judging
             of
             persons
             ,
             or
             actions
             at
             a
             distance
             ,
             when
             we
             cannot
             so
             certainly
             know
             ,
             what
             circumstances
             may
             concurre
             in
             such
             a
             case
             ,
             and
             sure
             each
             may
             know
             ,
             how
             many
             things
             have
             begot
             jealousy
             &
             bitterness
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             which
             upon
             more
             clear
             and
             convincing
             trial
             have
             not
             had
             the
             least
             ground
             ,
             whilst
             thus
             the
             great
             Adversary
             of
             the
             Church
             geteth
             advantage
             .
             8.
             
             To
             be
             
             slow
             to
             speak
             ,
             which
             hath
             its
             peculiar
             beauty
             and
             advantage
             at
             all
             times
             is
             of
             singular
             use
             here
             ,
             when
             under
             any
             stirre
             or
             perturbation
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             thus
             to
             get
             a
             restraint
             over
             themselves
             ,
             till
             the
             water
             be
             more
             clear
             ,
             and
             the
             mudd
             fallen
             to
             the
             ground
             .
             O
             what
             a
             choice
             mean
             were
             this
             to
             prevent
             the
             frequent
             discomposure
             many
             fall
             in
             ,
             to
             be
             under
             some
             serious
             and
             severe
             resolution
             ,
             not
             to
             speak
             for
             some
             time
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             provoked
             ,
             and
             how
             sweet
             and
             quieting
             should
             this
             be
             upon
             after
             thoughts
             ?
             9.
             
             A
             being
             much
             at
             home
             by
             self
             -
             reflection
             ,
             and
             having
             our
             eyes
             turned
             inward
             ,
             should
             much
             help
             to
             blunt
             the
             keenness
             of
             that
             edge
             ,
             which
             is
             too
             oft
             against
             others
             ,
             and
             put
             Christians
             on
             another
             scent
             ,
             how
             
               to
               restort
               such
               with
               the
               Spirit
               of
               meekness
               ,
               who
               may
               be
               over
               taken
               with
               a
               fault
               ,
               considering
               thy self
               ,
               lest
               thou
               also
               be
               tempted
               ,
               Gal.
            
             6
             :
             vers
             .
             1.
             
             Here
             must
             be
             no
             cover
             ,
             for
             any
             coolness
             ,
             or
             indifferency
             in
             the
             matters
             of
             truth
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             sweet
             concord
             there
             ,
             in
             the
             Zeal
             of
             God
             with
             the
             Spirit
             of
             meekness
             ,
             and
             no
             jarre
             ,
             but
             what
             our
             corruption
             makes
             .
             O
             blessed
             they
             who
             can
             goe
             the
             furthest
             length
             of
             ceding
             in
             their
             own
             things
             ,
             and
             bear
             personal
             Reflections
             ,
             but
             may
             not
             ,
             nor
             dare
             quite
             any
             thing
             upon
             their
             Masters
             interest
             .
             I
             am
             much
             perswaded
             one
             great
             let
             of
             such
             a
             discerneable
             with
             holding
             of
             the
             influences
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             which
             obstructeth
             prayer
             at
             this
             day
             ,
             is
             much
             there
             ,
             that
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Love
             and
             Tenderness
             is
             not
             more
             entertained
             amongst
             Christians
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             VII
             .
          
           
             
               If
               these
               truths
               you
               speak
               of
               were
               more
               practically
               known
               ,
               what
               another
               lustre
               and
               appearance
               should
               Christian
               Society
               and
               Converse
               then
               have
               ;
               and
               the
               times
               we
               are
               now
               fallen
               in
               seeme
               to
               need
               examples
               more
               than
               precepts
               this
               way
               ;
               but
               oh
               !
               for
               what
               use
               can
               some
               be
               to
               promote
               any
               interest
               for
               God
               ,
               who
               are
               in
               so
               mean
               and
               low
               a
               capacity
               ?
            
          
           
             ANS
             .
             Why
             do
             ye
             thus
             speak
             ?
             For
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             none
             
             can
             want
             some
             triall
             in
             this
             present
             case
             ,
             to
             give
             a
             convincing
             example
             to
             others
             of
             the
             Truth
             and
             Power
             of
             Godliness
             ;
             nor
             is
             there
             any
             Lot
             and
             Condition
             so
             low
             and
             obscure
             ,
             where
             these
             advantages
             does
             not
             wait
             them
             for
             some
             honourable
             service
             to
             the
             Lord
             in
             their
             day
             .
             1.
             
             To
             adorne
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             by
             a
             Christianly
             Prudent
             and
             tender
             walk
             ,
             in
             shewing
             forth
             
               the
               power
               and
               vertues
               of
               him
               ,
               that
               hath
               called
               them
               ,
            
             and
             thus
             by
             commending
             holiness
             ,
             to
             gain
             respect
             to
             the
             truth
             ;
             even
             from
             the
             conscience
             of
             such
             as
             hate
             it
             .
             How
             remarkeably
             hath
             this
             made
             a
             very
             mean
             and
             obscure
             Person
             otherwise
             ,
             shine
             with
             greatest
             brightness
             in
             the
             place
             and
             corner
             he
             lived
             in
             ?
             2.
             
             And
             doth
             not
             times
             of
             deepest
             distress
             ,
             in
             a
             low
             and
             afflicted
             state
             afford
             most
             special
             Opportunities
             for
             some
             eminent
             fruit
             and
             service
             to
             Jesus
             Christ
             ?
             by
             abasement
             rather
             than
             abounding
             ?
             Yea
             what
             ?
             is
             not
             the
             Affliction
             and
             Poverty
             of
             the
             meanest
             a
             talent
             to
             improve
             for
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             paying
             rent
             to
             him
             by
             Patience
             and
             Christian
             enduring
             with
             Cheerfulness
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             for
             his
             sake
             ,
             no
             less
             than
             the
             greatest
             enlargement
             of
             others
             ?
             3.
             
             As
             no
             service
             to
             such
             a
             Master
             shall
             ever
             be
             lost
             ,
             or
             want
             of
             
               having
               more
               given
               in
               to
               such
               ,
               who
               are
               faithful
               in
               their
               little
               ,
            
             hath
             not
             thus
             also
             the
             meanest
             Christian
             some
             call
             from
             the
             Company
             he
             may
             be
             cast
             in
             ,
             when
             Atheisme
             is
             at
             such
             a
             height
             ,
             and
             a
             generation
             of
             mockers
             almost
             every
             where
             abounding
             ,
             to
             confess
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             his
             Truth
             before
             men
             ,
             by
             some
             grave
             and
             convincing
             witness
             thereto
             ,
             as
             well
             ,
             as
             when
             he
             is
             called
             before
             Rulers
             ?
             since
             to
             such
             an
             occasional
             call
             ,
             that
             Scripture
             hath
             a
             respect
             likewise
             ,
             aswell
             as
             to
             a
             more
             solemne
             and
             publick
             appearance
             ,
             Matth.
             10
             :
             32.
             
               he
               that
               confesseth
               me
               before
               men
               ,
               him
               will
               I
               confess
               before
               my
               Father
               and
               his
               Angels
            
             ;
             Oh!
             What
             it
             is
             to
             know
             Psal
             .
             42
             :
             4.
             
               it
               was
               as
               a
               sword
               in
               my
               bones
               ,
               when
               they
               said
               unto
               me
               continually
               ,
               where
               is
               thy
               God
               ?
            
             4.
             
             Can
             a
             Christians
             lot
             be
             too
             low
             ;
             for
             following
             so
             great
             a
             service
             to
             the
             Publick
             interest
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             by
             prayer
             and
             wrestling
             in
             secret
             ,
             when
             there
             is
             no
             witness
             
             from
             without
             ,
             but
             he
             who
             seeth
             in
             secret
             ,
             will
             not
             let
             this
             want
             an
             open
             reward
             ,
             and
             if
             not
             here
             ,
             yet
             at
             the
             appearing
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ?
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             VIII
             .
          
           
             
               But
               should
               not
               thus
               such
               whose
               credit
               with
               men
               cannot
               bear
               them
               out
               with
               much
               weight
               become
               but
               a
               matter
               of
               sport
               &
               derision
               to
               these
               they
               converse
               with
               ,
               in
               a
               time
               when
               serious
               Religion
               is
               looked
               on
               as
               the
               greatest
               of
               foolishness
               ;
               yea
               should
               it
               not
               restraine
               ones
               
                 Casting
                 of
                 Pearles
                 before
                 Swine
                 ,
                 lest
                 they
                 turne
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 tear
                 them
                 Mat.
                 7
                 :
                 6.
                 
              
            
          
           
             ANS
             .
             You
             know
             that
             Christian
             Wisdome
             is
             profitable
             to
             direct
             in
             such
             a
             duty
             as
             occasion
             offers
             ;
             and
             that
             rule
             of
             expediency
             should
             be
             much
             weighed
             ,
             what
             advantage
             present
             circumstances
             may
             offer
             or
             deny
             ,
             for
             edification
             ;
             but
             I
             must
             say
             ,
             carnal
             prudence
             takes
             oft
             too
             much
             advantage
             here
             ;
             and
             in
             no
             time
             hath
             that
             Truth
             wanted
             a
             convincing
             seale
             of
             the
             Lords
             
               choosing
               the
               foolish
               things
               of
               the
               world
               to
               confound
               the
               wise
               ,
               and
               things
               that
               are
               defpised
               ,
               yea
               things
               that
               are
               not
               hath
               he
               chosen
               ,
               to
               bring
               to
               nought
               things
               that
               are
               ,
               that
               no
               flesh
               should
               glory
               in
               his
               presence
            
             1
             Cor.
             1
             :
             27
             ,
             28.
             
             And
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             you
             cannot
             but
             know
             .
             1.
             
             That
             there
             is
             some
             aw
             and
             authority
             ,
             which
             attend
             rhe
             truth
             of
             holiness
             ,
             even
             in
             a
             very
             mean
             Person
             on
             the
             conscience
             of
             men
             ,
             who
             may
             be
             otherwise
             haters
             thereof
             :
             Yea
             to
             enforce
             some
             greater
             evidence
             of
             their
             respects
             .
             2
             ,
             And
             does
             not
             serious
             Piety
             and
             
               Practicall
               Prudence
            
             mutually
             strengthen
             other
             ,
             so
             as
             the
             more
             a
             Christian
             ,
             the
             more
             he
             is
             thus
             at
             an
             advantage
             to
             know
             his
             duty
             ,
             and
             be
             sagaciously
             discerning
             therein
             .
             3.
             
             But
             how
             amazing
             is
             such
             a
             reproach
             cast
             at
             this
             day
             upon
             Piety
             ,
             of
             weakness
             and
             and
             foolishness
             (
             not
             but
             that
             Christians
             in
             truth
             ,
             may
             be
             found
             in
             many
             things
             imprudent
             ,
             which
             is
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             not
             more
             Christians
             )
             whilst
             the
             native
             result
             of
             serious
             godliness
             is
             so
             evident
             ,
             to
             have
             a
             watching
             eye
             over
             ones
             Spirit
             ,
             to
             the
             Moderation
             of
             Passions
             ,
             and
             a
             
             sweet
             calme
             and
             composure
             of
             mind
             ,
             amidst
             the
             many
             snares
             and
             temptations
             here
             :
             their
             heart
             thus
             lying
             near
             to
             their
             working
             hand
             ,
             as
             
               Solomon
               shewes
               Eccles
            
             .
             10
             :
             2.
             
               a
               wise
               mans
               heart
               is
               at
               his
               right
               hand
               ,
               but
               a
               fools
               is
               at
               his
               left
               ,
            
          
        
      
       
         
           DIALOGUE
           II.
           
        
         
           THe
           late
           communing
           we
           had
           at
           our
           former
           meeting
           together
           ,
           (
           which
           I
           hope
           may
           not
           want
           some
           fruit
           )
           puts
           me
           to
           follow
           this
           advantage
           of
           our
           present
           converse
           upon
           a
           further
           account
           ,
           for
           clearing
           some
           of
           the
           most
           weighty
           concernes
           of
           Christianity
           ;
           and
           notto
           lose
           time
           ,
           the
           first
           proposal
           I
           make
           is
           this
           ?
        
         
           
             QUEST
             .
             I.
             
          
           
             
               How
               it
               is
               demonstrably
               clear
               ,
               that
               there
               are
               two
               contrary
               States
               ,
               to
               which
               the
               whole
               race
               of
               mankind
               belongs
               ;
               a
               state
               of
               nature
               ,
               and
               that
               which
               we
               must
               be
               entered
               into
               by
               grace
               ;
               yea
               ,
               that
               the
               new
               birth
               and
               that
               marvellous
               change
               by
               conversion
               makes
               a
               Christian
               to
               differ
               from
               the
               rest
               of
               men
               ,
               not
               in
               degree
               ,
               but
               in
               the
               kind
               and
               nature
               ,
               no
               less
               than
               the
               state
               of
               man
               here
               is
               above
               the
               beasts
               .
            
          
           
             
               ANSWER
               .
            
             It
             is
             not
             strange
             ,
             though
             so
             great
             a
             truth
             should
             be
             marvellous
             to
             our
             thoughts
             ,
             upon
             any
             serious
             converse
             therewith
             ,
             but
             such
             clearest
             evidence
             hath
             the
             certainty
             of
             this
             from
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             and
             lyes
             so
             closs
             with
             the
             whole
             thereof
             ,
             as
             I
             am
             sure
             ,
             they
             must
             quite
             the
             Bible
             ,
             and
             this
             together
             ;
             whilst
             these
             are
             so
             undeniable
             ,
             even
             to
             our
             sense
             .
             1.
             
             That
             one
             Christian
             cannot
             beget
             
             another
             ;
             and
             how
             far
             this
             new
             life
             by
             grace
             is
             above
             nature
             ,
             or
             the
             possibility
             of
             second
             causes
             ,
             which
             no
             arguments
             ,
             or
             persuasives
             of
             eloquence
             by
             moral
             influence
             conld
             ever
             effectuat
             ,
             but
             is
             the
             immediat
             work
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             forming
             of
             a
             new
             Creation
             by
             the
             Word
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             in
             the
             naked
             simplicity
             thereof
             .
             2.
             
             How
             clear
             is
             the
             truth
             of
             this
             marvellous
             state
             of
             grace
             by
             so
             visible
             a
             reality
             of
             the
             effects
             and
             operations
             thereof
             ;
             as
             to
             change
             an
             impoisoned
             nature
             ,
             and
             take
             off
             that
             imbred
             aversion
             to
             spiritual
             things
             ;
             the
             ingrafting
             of
             the
             Word
             by
             a
             second
             impression
             of
             the
             Law
             written
             upon
             the
             heart
             and
             inward
             parts
             ,
             whereby
             it
             is
             transformed
             into
             the
             same
             image
             ;
             yea
             such
             convincing
             effects
             ,
             as
             a
             living
             Christian
             may
             be
             as
             discerneable
             ,
             as
             one
             being
             a
             living
             man
             ,
             by
             signes
             and
             marks
             peculiar
             to
             his
             kind
             .
             3.
             
             Is
             it
             not
             known
             with
             the
             furthest
             evidence
             ,
             the
             truth
             of
             a
             vital
             scent
             and
             air
             with
             serious
             godliness
             ,
             which
             no
             fair
             shew
             in
             the
             flesh
             ,
             or
             any
             profession
             can
             possibly
             counterfeit
             ;
             no
             more
             than
             the
             greatest
             Artists
             could
             paint
             the
             sweet
             swell
             of
             the
             violet
             and
             rose
             ,
             or
             make
             a
             dead
             picture
             to
             breath
             and
             move
             .
             4.
             
             You
             may
             see
             the
             reality
             of
             this
             state
             ,
             whose
             native
             tendency
             is
             to
             move
             upward
             to
             its
             original
             ,
             as
             naturally
             as
             the
             sparkes
             goe
             upward
             ,
             in
             love
             ,
             desire
             ,
             and
             a
             feeling
             intercourse
             then
             with
             him
             ;
             yea
             with
             such
             a
             supernatural
             instinct
             ,
             which
             is
             no
             less
             marvellous
             and
             evident
             ,
             than
             that
             of
             the
             young
             child
             moving
             toward
             the
             breasts
             .
             5.
             
             It
             is
             such
             a
             state
             ,
             where
             you
             may
             see
             the
             most
             discerning
             of
             men
             in
             a
             natural
             condition
             know
             not
             ,
             nor
             can
             understand
             what
             belongs
             thereto
             ,
             or
             what
             these
             felt-enjoyments
             of
             God
             and
             his
             workings
             on
             the
             soul
             are
             ,
             or
             their
             being
             brought
             near
             to
             his
             reconciled
             face
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             laid
             under
             these
             warming
             beams
             ;
             no
             more
             than
             the
             beasts
             of
             the
             field
             know
             what
             belongs
             to
             the
             state
             of
             man
             ,
             which
             is
             so
             high
             in
             its
             kind
             above
             them
             .
             6.
             
             Such
             a
             state
             also
             ,
             as
             needs
             the
             continued
             breathings
             and
             influences
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             life
             ,
             to
             keep
             it
             in
             any
             vigorous
             exercise
             ,
             no
             less
             than
             the
             parched
             
             ground
             hath
             need
             of
             the
             rain
             ,
             without
             which
             it
             is
             dried
             and
             languisheth
             ;
             yea
             such
             as
             you
             know
             hath
             its
             food
             ,
             delights
             and
             griefs
             peculiar
             to
             its
             own
             nature
             ,
             with
             which
             strangers
             cannot
             intermedle
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             II.
             
          
           
             
               But
               since
               it
               is
               too
               évident
               that
               the
               most
               of
               men
               and
               so
               many
               of
               notable
               gifts
               and
               endowments
               know
               nothing
               what
               belongs
               to
               that
               state
               you
               speak
               of
               ,
               or
               what
               is
               further
               than
               the
               condition
               they
               are
               in
               by
               nature
               :
               Oh!
               is
               that
               natural
               state
               ,
               so
               very
               dreadful
               and
               affrighting
               as
               you
               seeme
               to
               understand
               or
               that
               none
               possibly
               can
               be
               saved
               herein
               ,
               whilst
               not
               so
               gross
               and
               corrupt
               as
               others
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             You
             know
             what
             account
             the
             Scripture
             hath
             given
             of
             this
             ,
             and
             how
             exact
             a
             pourtraiture
             is
             there
             of
             such
             a
             state
             in
             its
             true
             shape
             and
             colours
             ;
             and
             if
             men
             will
             but
             credit
             their
             own
             eyes
             ,
             let
             them
             but
             first
             look
             in
             on
             themselves
             ,
             and
             then
             abroad
             upon
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             I
             am
             sure
             such
             must
             see
             ,
             that
             the
             face
             does
             not
             more
             answer
             to
             its
             own
             resemblance
             in
             the
             glass
             ,
             than
             this
             deplorable
             state
             of
             nature
             ,
             without
             renovation
             by
             grace
             does
             answer
             that
             marvellous
             and
             clear
             discovery
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             in
             the
             written
             Word
             ,
             thereof
             ;
             and
             oh
             !
             is
             it
             not
             an
             amazing
             ,
             and
             horride
             sight
             ,
             when
             such
             is
             the
             state
             of
             nature
             ,
             as
             1.
             
             
               Neither
               can
               nor
               will
               receive
               the
               things
               of
               the
               Spirit
               of
               God
               ,
            
             1
             Cor.
             2
             :
             ver
             .
             14.
             
             But
             what
             ever
             use
             these
             seeme
             to
             have
             of
             reason
             ,
             in
             the
             things
             of
             a
             man
             both
             natural
             and
             civil
             ,
             yea
             in
             the
             theory
             of
             religious
             things
             ;
             yet
             neither
             knowes
             ,
             nor
             can
             savour
             what
             spiritual
             truths
             are
             in
             themselves
             ,
             and
             their
             own
             nature
             .
             2.
             
             Where
             you
             see
             so
             strange
             
               an
               enmity
               and
               imbred
               alienation
            
             from
             the
             life
             of
             God
             ,
             with
             a
             continued
             byass
             and
             tendency
             against
             Holiness
             ,
             Gal.
             4
             :
             ver
             .
             29.
             
             Where
             no
             private
             quarrel
             ,
             or
             personal
             interest
             giveth
             rise
             thereto
             :
             Yea
             thus
             how
             no
             enmity
             is
             more
             deep
             and
             fixed
             against
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             than
             that
             which
             followes
             a
             polished
             and
             refined
             nature
             .
             3.
             
             It
             
             is
             not
             only
             the
             Saints
             ,
             who
             have
             each
             an
             unregenerat
             part
             within
             ,
             but
             a
             natural
             conscience
             is
             enforced
             to
             witness
             how
             sin
             is
             attended
             with
             shame
             ,
             and
             a
             making
             themselves
             vile
             thereby
             ,
             yea
             such
             ,
             as
             none
             can
             put
             on
             their
             cloaths
             in
             the
             morning
             ,
             but
             may
             have
             an
             account
             of
             the
             fallen
             state
             of
             man.
             4.
             
             From
             whence
             are
             these
             
               warres
               &
               fightings
            
             without
             ,
             and
             these
             impetuous
             boilings
             of
             envy
             ,
             wrath
             and
             revenge
             within
             ?
             Are
             they
             not
             from
             the
             
               lusts
               of
               the
               flesh
               ,
               Jam.
            
             4
             :
             ver
             .
             16.
             
             Yea
             such
             eager
             graspings
             after
             that
             baite
             of
             carnal
             pleasure
             ,
             even
             whilst
             they
             know
             the
             imbittering
             sting
             which
             inseparably
             followes
             thereon
             ?
             5.
             
             And
             what
             do
             these
             strange
             conflicts
             ,
             and
             contrary
             tides
             ,
             with
             which
             men
             are
             so
             oft
             hurried
             and
             rent
             in
             pieces
             ,
             as
             with
             wilde
             horses
             ,
             betwixt
             their
             judgment
             and
             will
             ,
             which
             once
             were
             in
             a
             sweet
             league
             ,
             such
             as
             even
             heathens
             were
             conforced
             to
             see
             and
             confess
             ,
             that
             if
             the
             mind
             of
             flagitious
             men
             were
             laid
             open
             ,
             it
             should
             be
             seen
             how
             they
             are
             cruciated
             and
             punished
             by
             their
             own
             sins
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             body
             is
             rent
             and
             torne
             by
             torture
             ,
             so
             is
             the
             mind
             ,
             by
             cruelty
             ,
             envy
             ,
             lusts
             ,
             and
             passion
             ,
             with
             these
             inordinate
             desires
             and
             perturbations
             within
             ?
             Oh!
             what
             do
             those
             meane
             ,
             if
             you
             will
             but
             come
             near
             to
             consider
             this
             so
             sad
             and
             amazing
             a
             sight
             :
             Are
             they
             not
             a
             visible
             transcript
             of
             black
             nature
             ,
             whereinto
             man
             is
             fallen
             ?
             6.
             
             And
             what
             a
             horride
             thing
             must
             that
             be
             ,
             that
             should
             be
             capable
             of
             such
             contempt
             of
             the
             Holiness
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             so
             insensible
             of
             its
             own
             vileness
             and
             pollution
             ,
             yea
             such
             as
             renders
             men
             under
             the
             greatest
             advantage
             of
             all
             accomplishments
             of
             gifts
             whether
             moral
             or
             natural
             ;
             yea
             the
             greatest
             of
             men
             ,
             who
             are
             strangers
             to
             a
             renewed
             state
             ,
             to
             be
             the
             vilest
             &
             basest
             part
             of
             the
             creation
             ?
             And
             O
             what
             a
             dreadful
             sight
             will
             such
             once
             be
             to
             the
             Saints
             and
             Angels
             ,
             when
             the
             sinfulness
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             the
             shame
             of
             their
             nakedness
             shall
             be
             then
             shewed
             forth
             ?
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             III.
             
          
           
             
               Though
               I
               am
               inforced
               to
               assent
               to
               such
               clear
               &
               undeniable
               evidences
               of
               that
               deplorable
               state
               men
               are
               
               in
               by
               nature
               ,
               whilst
               though
               it
               cannot
               be
               hid
               yet
               how
               little
               is
               it
               considered
               ,
               or
               laid
               to
               heart
               ?
               But
               oh
               !
               is
               there
               so
               indispensible
               a
               necessity
               of
               Holiness
               and
               to
               know
               the
               inward
               power
               thereof
               on
               the
               soul
               and
               of
               a
               new
               life
               begot
               in
               us
               by
               regeneration
               as
               none
               can
               be
               possibly
               saved
               and
               secured
               from
               everlasting
               wrath
               without
               this
               whilst
               there
               is
               such
               abounding
               light
               in
               these
               times
               .
               yea
               a
               visible
               adherence
               ,
               and
               assent
               to
               the
               Doctrine
               of
               Christ
               by
               many
               who
               may
               be
               strangers
               to
               this
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             I
             shall
             but
             offer
             some
             grounds
             to
             clear
             the
             absolute
             and
             peremptor
             necessity
             of
             this
             you
             seeme
             to
             question
             ,
             and
             then
             leave
             you
             to
             judge
             thereanent
             ,
             when
             you
             have
             once
             brought
             them
             near
             your
             thoughts
             .
             1.
             
             Though
             our
             right
             and
             claime
             to
             an
             eternal
             glory
             must
             alone
             be
             by
             the
             righteousnese
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             is
             not
             founded
             on
             Holiness
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             as
             true
             ,
             we
             have
             none
             without
             it
             ,
             for
             
               without
               this
            
             hath
             the
             God
             of
             truth
             by
             his
             Word
             and
             faithfulness
             ensured
             ,
             that
             
               none
               shall
               see
               his
               face
               .
               Hebr.
            
             12
             :
             ver
             .
             14.
             nor
             
               without
               the
               new
               birth
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               possible
               to
               enter
               into
               the
               Kingdome
               of
               Heaven
               ,
               Joh.
            
             3
             :
             ver
             .
             3.
             2.
             
             It
             is
             sure
             ,
             without
             this
             ,
             mens
             hope
             of
             the
             glory
             which
             is
             to
             come
             can
             leane
             upon
             no
             other
             ground
             ,
             but
             that
             the
             Holy
             God
             must
             cease
             to
             be
             faithful
             and
             true
             ,
             and
             rescind
             his
             everlasting
             decrees
             and
             purpose
             ,
             for
             complying
             with
             their
             sins
             ,
             Eph.
             1
             :
             ver
             .
             4.
             
             
               Who
               hath
               chosen
               us
               in
               Christ
               before
               the
               foundation
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               that
               we
               should
               be
               holy
               and
               unblameable
               before
               him
               in
               love
               .
            
             3.
             
             If
             there
             can
             be
             no
             reconciling
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Hell
             ,
             then
             without
             this
             can
             none
             enter
             into
             that
             blessed
             state
             where
             is
             the
             perfect
             enjoyment
             of
             God
             ;
             since
             there
             is
             an
             amazing
             inconsistence
             with
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             things
             themselves
             ,
             how
             such
             could
             possibly
             dwell
             there
             ,
             who
             were
             never
             
               made
               meet
               to
               he
               partakers
               of
               that
               inheritance
               of
               the
               Saints
               in
               light
               by
               a
               new
               nature
               ,
               Coloss
               .
            
             1
             :
             ver
             .
             12.
             4.
             
             And
             what
             a
             strange
             contradiction
             to
             reason
             is
             this
             ,
             for
             to
             think
             they
             are
             approaching
             
             to
             glory
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             not
             in
             the
             way
             to
             grace
             ,
             or
             that
             such
             can
             love
             that
             in
             another
             World
             ,
             which
             they
             now
             so
             visibly
             hate
             ,
             or
             can
             thus
             own
             any
             true
             desire
             or
             hope
             of
             that
             blessed
             state
             ,
             who
             have
             such
             a
             natural
             and
             imbred
             aversion
             to
             the
             begun
             enjoying
             of
             it
             here
             ,
             in
             the
             life
             and
             work
             of
             Sanctification
             .
             5.
             
             It
             is
             sure
             that
             our
             eternal
             life
             in
             glory
             must
             be
             begun
             in
             that
             
               new
               life
            
             ,
             which
             is
             by
             grace
             formed
             here
             in
             the
             soul
             ;
             nor
             can
             such
             ever
             possibly
             expect
             to
             enter
             that
             Kingdome
             which
             is
             above
             ,
             where
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             God
             in
             some
             measure
             is
             not
             
               known
               within
               here
               ,
               which
               consists
               in
               righteousness
               ,
               peace
               ,
               and
               joy
               in
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
               Rom.
            
             14
             :
             ver
             .
             17.
             
             Though
             it
             is
             sure
             also
             ,
             that
             grace
             ,
             and
             grace
             alone
             must
             sum
             and
             close
             all
             our
             accounts
             ,
             yea
             that
             the
             whole
             of
             practical
             Godliness
             must
             resolve
             there
             ,
             
               I
               live
               ,
               yet
               not
            
             I
             ,
             
               but
               Christ
               liveth
               in
               me
               ,
               and
               the
               life
               I
               now
               live
               in
               the
               flesh
               ,
            
             I
             
               live
               by
               the
               faith
               of
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
               who
               loved
               me
               ,
               and
               gave
               himself
               for
               me
               ,
               Galat.
            
             2
             :
             ver
             .
             20.
             
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             IV.
             
          
           
             
               I
               confess
               it
               is
               not
               easy
               ,
               except
               men
               turne
               resolutely
               Atheists
               ,
               to
               debate
               this
               Truth
               ,
               but
               oh
               !
               what
               should
               it
               meane
               ,
               that
               so
               few
               can
               be
               seen
               in
               earnest
               in
               such
               a
               throng
               of
               professed
               Christians
               ,
               with
               that
               excellent
               study
               of
               Holiness
               ,
               who
               yet
               come
               the
               furthest
               length
               in
               an
               assent
               thereto
               ,
               and
               what
               might
               most
               help
               for
               this
               end
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             It
             is
             irresistible
             grace
             which
             alone
             can
             make
             this
             effectual
             .
             But
             I
             shall
             offer
             some
             few
             enforcing
             motives
             for
             so
             great
             and
             necessar
             a
             study
             ,
             with
             this
             one
             desire
             ,
             that
             you
             might
             but
             in
             earnest
             think
             thereon
             ,
             when
             alone
             .
             1.
             
             That
             it
             is
             more
             excellent
             and
             desirable
             to
             exercise
             grace
             ,
             than
             to
             enjoy
             comfort
             ,
             when
             the
             more
             sharp
             and
             searching
             conflicts
             this
             meets
             with
             for
             trial
             ,
             the
             more
             fruit
             and
             gain
             is
             going
             to
             the
             fore
             here
             and
             for
             ever
             ;
             Yea
             are
             not
             the
             most
             remarkeable
             assaults
             and
             trials
             of
             a
             Christians
             life
             some
             of
             his
             greatest
             opportunities
             for
             
             
               sowing
               to
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               Ga.
            
             6
             :
             ver
             8.
             
               and
               being
               faithful
               to
               their
               measure
               and
               talent
               ,
               Matth.
            
             25
             :
             ver
             .
             15.
             
             Yea
             such
             ,
             wherein
             our
             blessed
             Head
             ,
             in
             the
             truth
             of
             his
             grace
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             marvellous
             power
             thereof
             ,
             hath
             so
             conspicuous
             a
             triumph
             in
             each
             of
             his
             people
             ,
             which
             should
             be
             accounted
             a
             gain
             to
             such
             ,
             beyond
             the
             saddest
             loss
             they
             can
             sustaine
             otherwise
             .
             2.
             
             That
             not
             the
             least
             act
             ,
             or
             exercise
             of
             Holiness
             ,
             and
             whatsoever
             hath
             been
             done
             for
             the
             Lord
             can
             be
             lost
             ,
             but
             shall
             be
             had
             in
             remembrance
             ,
             and
             abide
             for
             ever
             ,
             in
             its
             eternal
             reward
             ;
             yea
             nothing
             of
             the
             Christians
             work
             in
             doing
             ,
             or
             enduring
             ,
             their
             secret
             wrestlings
             against
             sin
             ,
             the
             resisting
             of
             temptations
             ,
             mortification
             ,
             and
             patience
             for
             the
             name
             of
             Christ
             ,
             when
             most
             hid
             from
             the
             eyes
             of
             men
             ,
             shall
             be
             forgot
             by
             him
             who
             sees
             in
             secret
             ,
             to
             meet
             them
             once
             and
             for
             ever
             ,
             with
             their
             Masters
             acceptance
             ,
             
               well
               done
               ,
               &c.
               
               Matth.
            
             25
             :
             ver
             .
             21.
             in
             the
             fulness
             of
             joy
             ,
             and
             their
             being
             rewarded
             before
             the
             Angels
             and
             all
             the
             Redeemed
             .
             O
             who
             would
             not
             run
             ,
             though
             all
             the
             way
             should
             be
             through
             thickets
             of
             briars
             and
             thorns
             ,
             who
             have
             such
             a
             joy
             and
             hope
             set
             before
             them
             ?
             And
             that
             here
             is
             no
             doubtful
             or
             conjectural
             thing
             ,
             go
             to
             the
             Scripture
             and
             see
             what
             is
             so
             expresly
             shewed
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             4
             :
             ver
             .
             17.
             
             
               For
               our
               light
               affliction
               which
               is
               but
               for
               a
               moment
            
             (
             whereby
             the
             Christians
             Sanctification
             is
             both
             tried
             and
             exercised
             )
             
               worketh
               for
               us
               a
               far
               more
               exceeding
               and
               eternal
               weight
               of
               glory
               ,
            
             1
             Pet.
             1
             :
             7.
             
             
               That
               the
               trial
               of
               your
               faith
               being
               much
               more
               precious
               ,
               than
               the
               Gold
               that
               perisheth
               ,
               though
               it
               be
               tried
               with
               fire
               ,
               might
               be
               found
               unto
               praise
               ,
               and
               glory
               ,
               and
               honour
               ,
               at
               the
               appearance
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               :
            
             and
             Rev.
             14
             :
             ver
             .
             13.
             
             
               And
               I
               heard
               a
               voice
               from
               Heaven
               ,
               saying
               unto
               me
               ,
               Blessed
               are
               the
               dead
               ,
               who
               die
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
               from
               hence
               forth
               :
               Yea
               saith
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               for
               they
               rest
               from
               their
               labour
               ;
               and
               their
               works
               do
               follow
               them
            
             ;
             They
             go
             not
             before
             ,
             since
             it
             's
             the
             blood
             of
             Christ
             which
             only
             can
             do
             this
             ,
             and
             make
             sure
             the
             Christians
             entry
             into
             that
             blessed
             Land
             :
             But
             they
             shall
             assuredly
             follow
             ,
             and
             
             abide
             for
             ever
             before
             the
             Lord.
             3.
             
             And
             is
             not
             Sanctification
             the
             highest
             excellency
             that
             humane
             nature
             is
             capable
             of
             ,
             &
             no
             less
             marvellous
             than
             our
             redemption
             by
             Christ
             from
             eternal
             wrath
             ,
             in
             having
             the
             soul
             thus
             subdued
             by
             grace
             ,
             &
             to
             be
             made
             partakers
             of
             the
             
               Divine
               Nature
            
             ?
             O
             how
             great
             and
             astonishing
             a
             thing
             is
             it
             ,
             that
             the
             seed
             &
             principles
             of
             Holiness
             in
             the
             Christian
             soul
             should
             be
             preserved
             amidst
             such
             continual
             assaults
             of
             corruption
             within
             ,
             &
             these
             temptations
             that
             are
             without
             ,
             as
             a
             spark
             of
             fire
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             waters
             ,
             which
             impetuously
             run
             to
             quench
             the
             same
             ;
             yea
             that
             such
             a
             party
             ,
             as
             the
             Devil
             ,
             the
             world
             and
             the
             flesh
             ,
             by
             which
             the
             most
             of
             mank
             ind
             is
             so
             visibly
             enslaved
             ,
             and
             kept
             in
             chaines
             ,
             yet
             thus
             m
             ade
             to
             fall
             in
             their
             greatest
             strength
             ,
             before
             the
             truth
             of
             Holiness
             ,
             in
             the
             meanest
             of
             the
             Saints
             ,
             though
             nothing
             here
             for
             them
             
               to
               boast
               in
               of
               themselves
               ,
               but
               in
               the
               power
               of
               Christ
               thus
               resting
               upon
               them
               ,
            
             2
             Cor.
             12
             :
             ver
             .
             9
             ?
             That
             day
             ,
             O
             blessed
             day
             !
             is
             approaching
             ,
             when
             this
             Scripture
             shall
             be
             fully
             understood
             ,
             which
             I
             have
             some
             ti
             mes
             thought
             on
             ,
             as
             a
             truth
             of
             greatest
             weight
             ,
             2
             Thess
             .
             1
             :
             10.
             
             
               When
               he
               shall
               come
               to
               be
               glorified
               in
               his
               Saints
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               admired
               in
               all
               them
               that
               beleeve
               :
            
             Which
             is
             not
             only
             to
             be
             admired
             by
             them
             ,
             but
             in
             them
             :
             for
             what
             he
             hath
             wrought
             and
             perfected
             in
             them
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             done
             for
             them
             .
             4.
             
             Is
             it
             not
             known
             and
             tried
             ,
             that
             without
             Holiness
             in
             its
             lively
             exercise
             ,
             all
             assayes
             for
             inward
             peace
             or
             tranquillity
             of
             mind
             ,
             and
             that
             composure
             of
             the
             affections
             ,
             which
             is
             both
             so
             comforting
             &
             beautifying
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             will
             be
             in
             vaine
             ?
             and
             oh
             !
             what
             does
             remain
             ,
             if
             this
             be
             not
             understood
             ,
             what
             a
             present
             and
             sensible
             reliefe
             is
             here
             in
             
               Love
               ,
               Humility
               ,
               Meekness
               ,
               Patience
            
             and
             Hope
             ,
             to
             the
             saddest
             distempers
             of
             the
             mind
             ?
             Psal
             .
             1
             19
             :
             ver
             .
             165.
             
               great
               peace
               have
               they
               that
               love
               thy
               Law
               ,
               and
               nothing
               shall
               offend
               them
               .
            
             That
             whilst
             Satan
             is
             at
             the
             furthest
             at
             work
             to
             faint
             and
             crush
             the
             Christian
             in
             his
             journey
             homeward
             :
             yet
             can
             he
             only
             reach
             a
             bruising
             of
             their
             heele
             ,
             who
             are
             thus
             secured
             
               by
               the
               whole
               armour
               of
               God
               ,
            
             from
             a
             thrust
             at
             their
             vital
             
             parts
             ,
             Eph.
             6
             :
             ver
             ,
             14.
             and
             therefore
             it
             is
             remarkeable
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             no
             piece
             of
             armour
             there
             given
             for
             the
             back
             ,
             but
             only
             to
             such
             as
             withstand
             and
             resist
             ,
             nor
             to
             those
             who
             flie
             .
             5.
             
             Is
             not
             the
             fruits
             of
             Holiness
             that
             peculiar
             Revenue
             ,
             which
             Jesus
             Christ
             calleth
             from
             his
             followers
             here
             ,
             to
             adorne
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             shew
             his
             grace
             towards
             them
             has
             not
             been
             in
             vain
             ?
             And
             are
             not
             these
             such
             fruits
             which
             can
             only
             be
             brought
             forth
             in
             the
             season
             thereof
             ,
             a
             season
             that
             is
             short
             ,
             and
             for
             all
             eternity
             will
             not
             recurre
             again
             ?
             6.
             
             It
             is
             sure
             ,
             nothing
             is
             so
             lovely
             to
             ravish
             the
             soul
             with
             the
             glory
             and
             excellency
             thereof
             as
             this
             ,
             were
             it
             spiritually
             discerned
             ;
             to
             see
             and
             admire
             that
             infinit
             purity
             ,
             righteousness
             ,
             truth
             and
             love
             shining
             in
             the
             great
             patterne
             Christ
             himself
             ,
             and
             what
             a
             marvellous
             lustre
             the
             reflection
             hereof
             hath
             ,
             even
             on
             his
             followers
             here
             on
             the
             earth
             ,
             in
             some
             begun
             conformity
             to
             his
             glorious
             image
             ,
             whilst
             not
             one
             glance
             thereof
             in
             truth
             ,
             (
             what
             ever
             be
             of
             a
             false
             shew
             )
             is
             to
             be
             found
             in
             the
             whole
             world
             besides
             .
             Oh
             were
             it
             believed
             ,
             how
             much
             of
             Heaven
             might
             be
             enjoyed
             here
             by
             a
             greater
             length
             in
             the
             study
             of
             Holiness
             ,
             and
             what
             inexpressible
             joy
             ,
             peace
             and
             serenity
             of
             Spirit
             doth
             assuredly
             wait
             thereon
             ;
             what
             sweet
             facility
             and
             delight
             is
             thus
             reached
             in
             the
             Christians
             work
             ,
             when
             their
             motion
             lyes
             from
             the
             inward
             principles
             of
             a
             new
             life
             ,
             yea
             that
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             the
             meanest
             this
             day
             is
             by
             grace
             called
             up
             to
             a
             higher
             state
             ,
             than
             that
             of
             the
             greatest
             Monachs
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             if
             there
             were
             no
             greater
             interest
             and
             preferment
             to
             be
             looked
             after
             than
             what
             the
             world
             can
             bestow
             on
             any
             ,
             we
             could
             not
             easily
             know
             what
             were
             desireable
             here
             in
             being
             men
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             V.
             
          
           
             
               Since
               these
               truths
               are
               to
               the
               furthest
               convincing
               and
               clear
               ,
               and
               that
               it
               is
               sure
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               great
               business
               I
               have
               to
               follow
               in
               the
               few
               dayes
               I
               am
               to
               be
               upon
               the
               earth
               ,
               to
               be
               assured
               of
               an
               eternal
               blessedness
               ;
               I
               would
               in
               earnest
               know
               ,
               what
               are
               the
               most
               clear
               and
               undeniable
               marks
               from
               the
               Scripture
               ,
               of
               a
               
                 being
                 in
              
               
               Christ
               ,
               and
               the
               certainty
               of
               conversion
               ,
               that
               I
               leane
               not
               my
               peace
               here
               on
               some
               false
               ground
               ,
               when
               it
               is
               so
               amazing
               at
               what
               rate
               many
               now
               own
               themselves
               to
               be
               Christians
               ;
               for
               if
               I
               be
               deceived
               thereanent
               ,
               and
               go
               with
               the
               multitude
               ;
               Oh
               then
               I
               am
               deceived
               indeed
               ,
               which
               eternity
               cannot
               recover
               again
               ,
               through
               want
               of
               the
               serious
               trial
               of
               this
               within
               time
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             It
             is
             a
             great
             business
             you
             are
             upon
             ,
             and
             assuredly
             the
             highest
             work
             of
             a
             Christians
             life
             now
             to
             live
             for
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             know
             they
             shall
             for
             ever
             be
             with
             him
             in
             glory
             :
             Oh!
             how
             rare
             are
             those
             in
             this
             age
             ,
             who
             are
             on
             this
             trial
             ,
             and
             to
             work
             out
             their
             Salvation
             in
             fear
             and
             trembling
             :
             Whilst
             such
             a
             throng
             is
             about
             the
             things
             of
             this
             life
             ,
             as
             almost
             no
             time
             can
             be
             found
             for
             the
             one
             
               necessar
               thing
            
             .
             It
             is
             sure
             ,
             to
             have
             an
             evidence
             of
             our
             being
             in
             the
             state
             of
             grace
             ,
             is
             of
             more
             worth
             than
             all
             the
             trouble
             can
             be
             in
             acquiring
             it
             ,
             and
             if
             such
             die
             in
             a
             mistake
             here
             ,
             they
             are
             then
             undone
             for
             ever
             ;
             But
             ,
             it
             is
             strange
             ,
             what
             means
             such
             halting
             and
             uncertainty
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             so
             clear
             .
             1.
             
             That
             there
             is
             a
             certainty
             attainable
             of
             ones
             state
             and
             being
             in
             Christ
             ,
             as
             can
             make
             it
             easy
             to
             adventure
             into
             eternity
             with
             that
             assurance
             ,
             
               for
               me
               to
               die
               is
               gain
               ,
               Phil.
            
             1.
             21.
             and
             that
             Psal
             .
             73
             :
             24.
             
             
               He
               will
               guide
               me
               by
               his
               counsel
               ,
               and
               afterward
               receive
               me
               to
               glory
               :
            
             Which
             I
             am
             sure
             ,
             were
             it
             more
             understood
             ,
             the
             greatest
             trial
             of
             a
             Christian
             then
             should
             be
             more
             how
             to
             bear
             his
             joy
             ,
             than
             his
             griefs
             ,
             even
             under
             the
             sorest
             pressure
             of
             affliction
             ;
             yea
             the
             greatest
             acts
             of
             patience
             and
             self
             denial
             would
             be
             to
             be
             willing
             and
             submissive
             to
             stay
             for
             some
             time
             here
             .
             2.
             
             It
             is
             sure
             ,
             the
             Scripture
             leaves
             none
             to
             a
             doubtful
             or
             uncertain
             enquiry
             anent
             this
             ;
             but
             hath
             so
             clear
             and
             distinct
             a
             sound
             ,
             as
             none
             needs
             say
             ,
             
               Who
               shall
               go
               up
               to
               Heaven
               ,
            
             that
             we
             may
             know
             ,
             whether
             we
             shall
             dwell
             there
             for
             ever
             ,
             for
             
               the
               Word
               is
               near
               ,
               Rom.
            
             10
             :
             ver
             .
             8.
             
             Deut.
             30.
             ver
             .
             12.
             and
             
               these
               things
               are
               written
               that
               our
               joy
               may
               be
               full
               ,
            
             
             1
             Joh.
             1
             :
             ver
             .
             4.
             and
             
               that
               these
               who
               believe
               ,
               may
               know
               they
               have
               eternal
               life
               ,
            
             1
             Joh.
             5
             :
             ver
             .
             13.
             3.
             
             Though
             the
             work
             of
             trial
             anent
             a
             Christians
             state
             be
             of
             greatest
             weight
             ,
             yet
             lyes
             it
             not
             in
             any
             long
             circuit
             ,
             or
             many
             words
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             such
             as
             from
             some
             few
             clear
             ,
             plaine
             and
             infallible
             markes
             ,
             which
             are
             founded
             upon
             clearest
             evidence
             from
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             may
             be
             with
             the
             furthest
             certainty
             determined
             .
             4.
             
             It
             is
             to
             the
             
               touch
               stone
            
             ,
             but
             not
             to
             the
             ballance
             a
             Christian
             must
             here
             come
             for
             trial
             ,
             that
             it
             be
             true
             in
             the
             kind
             ,
             even
             whilst
             the
             degree
             and
             measure
             may
             be
             very
             small
             to
             their
             eyes
             .
             5.
             
             But
             it
             is
             needful
             to
             know
             that
             the
             lowest
             degree
             of
             grace
             is
             above
             flesh
             and
             blood
             ,
             so
             as
             none
             can
             come
             to
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             without
             a
             drawing
             power
             from
             himself
             ,
             and
             such
             a
             pull
             at
             the
             heart
             ,
             as
             must
             bring
             the
             grip
             with
             it
             .
             But
             to
             come
             a
             little
             more
             near
             to
             your
             proposal
             .
             Do
             you
             in
             truth
             question
             ,
             if
             you
             have
             ever
             yet
             past
             the
             new
             birth
             ,
             and
             be
             in
             the
             state
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             where
             you
             shall
             dwell
             for
             ever
             ?
             You
             may
             then
             bring
             it
             to
             a
             speedy
             close
             upon
             these
             clear
             and
             undeniable
             grounds
             .
             1.
             
             That
             the
             Scriptures
             bring
             down
             before
             our
             eyes
             that
             greatest
             depth
             of
             election
             ,
             so
             as
             it
             can
             be
             no
             more
             sure
             such
             shall
             be
             saved
             ,
             who
             are
             predestinat
             to
             life
             ,
             were
             it
             possible
             to
             see
             their
             names
             write
             in
             that
             secret
             roll
             of
             the
             eternal
             counsel
             of
             God
             ,
             than
             it
             is
             sure
             such
             are
             elected
             ,
             and
             shall
             undoubtedly
             be
             saved
             ,
             who
             have
             come
             to
             Jesus
             Christ
             in
             the
             acceptation
             of
             his
             offer
             in
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             for
             thus
             must
             we
             first
             make
             
               our
               effectual
               calling
               sure
            
             ,
             and
             then
             we
             assuredly
             know
             
               our
               election
            
             .
             2
             Pet.
             1
             :
             10.
             2.
             
             There
             can
             be
             no
             debate
             here
             ,
             that
             where
             conversion
             is
             ,
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Spirit
             must
             be
             then
             known
             in
             convincing
             men
             of
             sin
             .
             Ioh.
             16
             :
             9.
             since
             the
             great
             healer
             can
             be
             no
             Physician
             to
             the
             whole
             ,
             but
             to
             the
             
               sick
               .
               Matth.
            
             9
             :
             12.
             such
             ,
             who
             have
             been
             in
             some
             measure
             Pricked
             to
             the
             heart
             with
             such
             a
             sight
             of
             a
             natural
             state
             ,
             the
             sinfulness
             of
             sin
             ,
             the
             Spiritual
             extent
             of
             the
             law
             in
             some
             such
             measure
             and
             degree
             ,
             as
             is
             needful
             to
             make
             roome
             for
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             who
             had
             never
             a
             weight
             on
             them
             before
             ;
             that
             as
             the
             needle
             in
             the
             compass
             is
             in
             a
             continued
             agitation
             ,
             and
             cannot
             fixe
             unril
             it
             be
             at
             the
             right
             point
             and
             
             settle
             there
             ,
             then
             ,
             O
             then
             is
             there
             no
             possible
             quiet
             ,
             until
             they
             have
             
               found
               a
               rest
               in
               Jesus
               Christ
               Matth.
            
             11
             29.
             3.
             
             
               If
               any
               be
               in
               Christ
               ,
               he
               is
               a
               new
               Creature
            
             2
             Cor.
             5
             :
             17.
             which
             is
             the
             
               new
               man
            
             that
             all
             must
             put
             on
             ,
             who
             were
             ever
             savingly
             called
             ,
             and
             thus
             know
             what
             it
             is
             to
             have
             that
             witness
             within
             of
             the
             sanctifying
             work
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             which
             is
             alwayes
             a
             sure
             ,
             though
             not
             alwayes
             alike
             clear
             evidence
             of
             a
             new
             state
             and
             
               being
               in
               Christ
               Rom.
            
             8
             :
             1.
             
             Yea
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             the
             
               new
               birth
            
             must
             be
             once
             past
             here
             .
             Joh.
             3
             :
             3.
             else
             you
             are
             lost
             for
             eternity
             ,
             and
             now
             judge
             what
             comforting
             evidence
             you
             have
             got
             of
             this
             ,
             if
             you
             were
             to
             look
             death
             at
             this
             present
             hour
             in
             the
             face
             .
             4.
             
             Is
             any
             thing
             more
             plain
             and
             express
             ,
             than
             this
             is
             from
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             that
             to
             such
             as
             are
             saved
             ,
             the
             truth
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             of
             a
             
               crucified
               Christ
               is
               the
               power
               and
               the
               wisdome
               of
               God
               ?
            
             1
             Cor.
             1
             :
             24.
             and
             have
             you
             this
             witness
             to
             bear
             from
             undoubted
             experience
             ,
             that
             you
             have
             got
             such
             a
             sight
             of
             the
             drawing
             power
             and
             beauty
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             in
             the
             offer
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             that
             passeth
             natural
             understanding
             as
             hath
             determined
             your
             consent
             to
             the
             furthest
             to
             embrace
             so
             invaluable
             a
             bargain
             ,
             though
             it
             should
             be
             at
             the
             rate
             to
             
               sell
               all
            
             to
             make
             such
             a
             purchass
             .
             Matth.
             13
             :
             46
             ?
             5.
             
             It
             is
             express
             and
             clear
             from
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             that
             with
             a
             converted
             state
             there
             also
             is
             known
             a
             Spiritual
             light
             and
             
               discerning
               of
               the
               things
               that
               are
               freely
               given
               us
               of
               God
            
             1
             Cor.
             2
             :
             12.
             which
             they
             never
             knew
             before
             ;
             yea
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             no
             midle
             state
             betwixt
             these
             two
             ,
             of
             
               being
               translated
               out
               of
               the
               darkness
            
             of
             nature
             
               into
               that
               marvellous
               light
            
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             which
             then
             shineth
             in
             upon
             the
             soul
             ,
             when
             once
             that
             blessed
             day
             of
             conversion
             hath
             begun
             to
             dawn
             .
             1
             Pet.
             2
             :
             9.
             
             And
             now
             can
             you
             upon
             surest
             triall
             
               put
               to
               your
               seale
               that
               God
               is
               true
            
             herein
             ?
             6.
             
             Hath
             the
             Scripture
             left
             this
             either
             doubtful
             or
             dark
             in
             the
             least
             ,
             that
             
               to
               such
               as
               believe
               ,
               Jesus
               Christ
               is
               precious
               ?
            
             1
             Pet.
             2
             :
             verf.
             7.
             he
             hath
             got
             their
             love
             ,
             hath
             gained
             their
             heart
             and
             consent
             to
             
               be
               hence
               forth
               no
               more
               their
               own
               ,
               but
               Christs
               .
            
             1
             Cor.
             6
             :
             19.
             and
             here
             to
             take
             up
             their
             rest
             never
             to
             part
             ,
             which
             must
             not
             want
             some
             trial
             ,
             if
             the
             world
             ,
             or
             if
             tribulation
             or
             distress
             will
             part
             them
             with
             his
             love
             .
             Now
             bring
             this
             near
             your
             thoughts
             what
             you
             know
             of
             such
             a
             
             mark
             .
             7.
             
             Is
             it
             not
             clear
             ,
             that
             with
             a
             converted
             state
             
               the
               war
               is
               begun
            
             that
             will
             never
             cease
             here
             ,
             
               betwixt
               the
               flesh
               and
               the
               Spirit
               Gal.
            
             5
             :
             17.
             and
             as
             the
             regenerat
             part
             is
             at
             an
             advantage
             ,
             the
             more
             vigorous
             is
             its
             opposition
             then
             against
             the
             flesh
             ;
             yea
             against
             such
             secret
             and
             Spiritual
             evils
             that
             may
             ly
             most
             near
             ,
             from
             their
             natural
             temper
             and
             constitution
             ,
             as
             their
             right
             eye
             .
             or
             right
             hand
             .
             Matth.
             5
             :
             29.
             8.
             
             Is
             it
             not
             with
             a
             renewed
             state
             by
             grace
             this
             also
             must
             be
             known
             ,
             what
             the
             Spiritual
             way
             of
             service
             to
             God
             in
             the
             deauties
             of
             Worship
             is
             ,
             in
             the
             
               newness
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               not
               in
               the
               oldness
               of
               the
               Letter
               .
               Rom.
            
             7
             :
             6.
             yea
             to
             know
             in
             some
             measure
             the
             
               Spirit
               of
               Prayer
            
             ,
             which
             so
             sensibly
             
               helpeth
               the
               infirmities
               of
               the
               Saints
               .
               Rom.
            
             8
             :
             26.
             and
             what
             have
             you
             thus
             found
             to
             answer
             so
             plain
             an
             evidence
             and
             mark
             as
             this
             ,
             of
             your
             state
             and
             being
             in
             Christ
             ?
             9.
             
             Is
             there
             any
             thing
             dark
             or
             difficult
             here
             ,
             that
             if
             you
             be
             
               risen
               with
               Christ
            
             ,
             this
             will
             natively
             result
             from
             the
             same
             
               to
               seek
               the
               things
               that
               are
               above
               ?
               Col.
            
             3
             :
             7.
             
               that
               where
               your
               treasure
               is
            
             ,
             you
             will
             know
             then
             in
             some
             measure
             
               to
               have
               your
               heart
               and
               desire
            
             following
             ,
             Matth.
             6
             :
             21.
             
             And
             some
             comforting
             converse
             with
             the
             thoughts
             of
             that
             glory
             which
             is
             to
             come
             ,
             yea
             a
             rejoicing
             in
             the
             hope
             there
             of
             when
             you
             shall
             breath
             in
             that
             sweeter
             air
             of
             the
             higher
             Paradise
             ,
             where
             love
             ,
             joy
             ,
             and
             oneness
             of
             heart
             with
             your
             blessed
             head
             ,
             and
             the
             whole
             triumphant
             Church
             there
             shall
             then
             never
             admit
             the
             smallest
             interruption
             for
             all
             eternity
             .
             Now
             are
             not
             these
             few
             marks
             on
             such
             clear
             and
             undeniable
             Scripture
             grounds
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             strange
             what
             should
             make
             this
             a
             dark
             business
             to
             any
             ,
             who
             would
             not
             make
             it
             their
             choice
             to
             hold
             fast
             deceit
             ,
             or
             goe
             down
             with
             a
             lie
             in
             their
             right
             hand
             to
             the
             grave
             ,
             though
             the
             comforting
             and
             clear
             evidence
             ,
             thereof
             be
             not
             the
             same
             at
             all
             times
             ,
             nor
             in
             the
             same
             measure
             and
             degree
             alike
             to
             all
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             VI.
             
          
           
             
               Since
               there
               is
               no
               questioning
               the
               Truth
               &
               evidence
               of
               such
               markes
               ,
               where
               the
               Scriptures
               are
               so
               clear
               ,
               I
               would
               desire
               to
               know
               also
               ,
               what
               length
               is
               that
               which
               some
               may
               come
               in
               a
               temporary
               work
               ,
               and
               a
               
               being
               an
               almost
               Christian
               ,
               which
               is
               not
               saving
               ;
               since
               this
               is
               my
               greatest
               interest
               within
               time
               ,
               and
               knows
               not
               how
               soon
               the
               night
               cometh
               ?
            
          
           
             A.
             You
             have
             that
             sure
             and
             unerring
             record
             of
             the
             Scripture
             to
             goe
             to
             ,
             where
             you
             may
             clearly
             see
             .
             1.
             
             What
             a
             length
             there
             is
             in
             
               a
               forme
               of
               knowledge
               Rom.
            
             2
             :
             v.
             20.
             and
             
               a
               forme
               of
               Godliness
               without
               power
               .
            
             2.
             
             Tim
             3
             :
             v.
             5.
             
             Yea
             that
             this
             may
             be
             in
             a
             high
             measure
             ;
             and
             was
             not
             Judas
             one
             of
             the
             twelve
             ?
             2.
             
             It
             is
             there
             you
             may
             see
             ,
             they
             have
             begun
             in
             the
             Spirit
             who
             have
             ended
             in
             the
             
               flesh
               .
               Gal.
            
             3
             :
             3.
             and
             what
             length
             such
             came
             
               who
               received
               the
               seed
               of
               the
               word
               ,
            
             and
             had
             some
             discerneable
             growth
             a
             Little
             ,
             yea
             
               forth
               with
               sprung
               up
               .
               Matth.
            
             13
             :
             vers
             .
             5
             ,
             6.
             
             
               Part
               of
               which
               was
               chocked
               with
               these
               thornes
               of
               the
               cares
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               others
               did
               quickly
               wither
               and
               goe
               back
               ,
               when
               persecution
               arose
               ,
               having
               no
               solide
               root
               .
            
             A
             Scripture
             which
             should
             be
             much
             thought
             on
             ,
             and
             deeply
             laid
             to
             heart
             by
             all
             who
             would
             not
             be
             deceived
             about
             a
             heaven
             and
             blessedness
             for
             ever
             .
             3.
             
             You
             may
             see
             there
             likewise
             what
             length
             the
             
               foolish
               Virgins
            
             came
             .
             Matth.
             25
             :
             8
             ,
             9.
             
             Who
             wanted
             not
             a
             lamp
             and
             Visible
             Profession
             before
             others
             ,
             as
             might
             gain
             a
             name
             and
             testimony
             in
             their
             day
             ,
             &
             yet
             shut
             out
             for
             ever
             .
             4.
             
             The
             Scripture
             will
             let
             you
             see
             also
             what
             eminent
             gifts
             ,
             even
             Spiritual
             may
             be
             reached
             by
             a
             common
             work
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             where
             conversion
             was
             never
             known
             ,
             
               Lord
               have
               we
               not
               Prophesied
               in
               thy
               name
               Mat.
            
             22
             :
             7.
             
             Yea
             that
             extraordinary
             inspiration
             is
             no
             infalible
             evidence
             of
             Sanctification
             .
             As
             in
             that
             strange
             instance
             of
             Balaam
             .
             5.
             
             That
             some
             may
             
               cry
               unto
               God
               ,
               and
               make
               mention
               of
               his
               name
               ,
               but
               not
               in
               truth
               ,
            
             you
             may
             read
             Esai
             .
             48
             :
             1.
             6.
             
             
               That
               there
               is
               a
               glorying
               in
               appearance
               ,
               and
               not
               in
               heart
               ,
            
             you
             may
             see
             2
             Cor.
             5
             :
             12.
             
             Nor
             is
             it
             strange
             to
             see
             this
             at
             such
             a
             height
             ,
             as
             with
             Jehuto
             invite
             the
             world
             to
             see
             their
             
               zeal
               for
               the
               Lord
            
             ,
             &
             to
             enquire
             at
             others
             ,
             
               if
               their
               heart
               be
               right
            
             ,
             whilst
             his
             own
             was
             most
             false
             ,
             &
             unstraight
             .
             The
             world
             is
             no
             stranger
             to
             this
             what
             length
             of
             a
             Profession
             hath
             been
             to
             mask
             a
             private
             interest
             with
             such
             a
             shew
             and
             appearance
             :
             But
             let
             us
             consider
             these
             also
             .
             1.
             
             That
             nothing
             is
             here
             either
             to
             wound
             
             or
             affright
             the
             least
             of
             the
             Saints
             ,
             who
             are
             in
             earnest
             how
             to
             be
             saved
             ,
             since
             Truth
             in
             the
             inward
             parts
             is
             that
             great
             thing
             which
             the
             Holy
             God
             regards
             and
             takes
             pleasure
             in
             and
             a
             few
             graines
             of
             this
             weigh
             down
             many
             talents
             of
             outward
             performances
             ;
             
               Let
               the
               Righteous
               still
               hold
               on
               in
               his
               way
               ,
               and
               he
               that
               hath
               clean
               hands
               wax
               stronger
               and
               stronger
               .
               Iob.
            
             17
             :
             9.
             2.
             
             It
             is
             a
             length
             that
             none
             can
             come
             whose
             heart
             is
             not
             in
             some
             measure
             sincere
             before
             the
             Lord
             ,
             to
             have
             their
             salvation
             through
             Christ
             ly
             so
             near
             ,
             as
             to
             be
             under
             some
             fears
             and
             tremblings
             left
             they
             be
             deceived
             there
             in
             ,
             so
             as
             they
             dare
             make
             a
             humble
             reference
             to
             the
             God
             of
             truth
             .
             
               search
               me
               and
               try
               ,
               wherein
               there
               may
               be
               any
               deceit
               or
               falshood
               ,
               and
               lead
               me
               in
               a
               right
               way
               .
            
             Ps
             .
             139
             :
             23.
             24.
             
             For
             when
             thus
             their
             
               heart
               condemne
               them
               not
               ,
               they
               may
               have
               confidence
               then
               before
               God.
            
             1
             Ioh.
             3
             :
             21.
             3.
             
             What
             ever
             hath
             been
             the
             furthest
             length
             of
             mens
             deceiving
             the
             world
             and
             themselves
             at
             once
             anent
             their
             Religion
             ,
             yet
             can
             it
             not
             put
             the
             least
             blot
             on
             the
             spotless
             way
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             nothing
             doth
             the
             Scripture
             more
             dreadfully
             threaten
             ,
             than
             any
             such
             false
             shew
             ;
             yea
             ,
             it
             is
             there
             you
             may
             see
             this
             in
             it's
             true
             Colours
             and
             how
             horride
             it
             is
             .
             And
             the
             more
             it
             doth
             approach
             to
             Religion
             (
             which
             is
             so
             pure
             and
             undefiled
             )
             the
             more
             hateful
             and
             loathsome
             it
             is
             ,
             so
             as
             even
             such
             as
             comply
             therewith
             in
             themselves
             ,
             yet
             are
             enforced
             to
             loath
             it
             in
             others
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             VII
             .
          
           
             
               Though
               I
               am
               constrained
               to
               assent
               &
               subject
               to
               the
               Truth
               in
               what
               you
               have
               spoke
               ,
               since
               there
               is
               no
               flieing
               before
               it
               ,
               yet
               may
               it
               not
               be
               safe
               to
               admit
               some
               delay
               a
               little
               ,
               whilst
               men
               are
               in
               health
               ,
               and
               strength
               of
               their
               years
               ,
               yea
               have
               so
               much
               oft
               to
               throng
               them
               from
               their
               necessar
               concernes
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               lay
               this
               over
               until
               age
               and
               sickness
               may
               give
               more
               freedome
               ,
               for
               being
               in
               such
               earnest
               about
               salvation
               ,
               whilst
               it
               is
               not
               a
               laying
               the
               same
               aside
               ,
               without
               some
               setled
               resolution
               to
               follow
               it
               in
               a
               fit
               time
               ?
            
          
           
             A.
             Do
             but
             take
             so
             much
             time
             now
             as
             to
             reason
             thus
             with
             your self
             ,
             and
             then
             judge
             ,
             whether
             it
             can
             be
             safely
             deferred
             ,
             
             which
             .
             1.
             
             Is
             
               the
               one
               necessar
               thing
            
             ;
             and
             is
             not
             an
             eternity
             of
             such
             weight
             ,
             that
             if
             there
             were
             many
             ages
             ensured
             to
             us
             ,
             much
             more
             a
             few
             dayes
             ,
             which
             are
             wholly
             uncertain
             ,
             here
             were
             enough
             to
             keep
             us
             in
             some
             continued
             throng
             .
             It
             is
             sure
             ,
             either
             heaven
             and
             a
             glory
             there
             for
             ever
             ,
             and
             the
             truth
             of
             a
             hell
             and
             everlasting
             torment
             must
             be
             to
             such
             but
             a
             dreame
             ,
             and
             a
             conjectural
             thing
             ,
             else
             there
             could
             be
             no
             possible
             quiet
             without
             a
             knowing
             where
             they
             must
             dwell
             for
             ever
             .
             2.
             
             Can
             this
             be
             deferred
             whilst
             we
             see
             time
             makes
             such
             swift
             dispatch
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             while
             we
             now
             live
             and
             breath
             ,
             we
             are
             a
             dying
             and
             hath
             it
             in
             some
             degrees
             begun
             ,
             and
             advanced
             every
             hour
             of
             our
             life
             ?
             and
             Oh!
             should
             dying
             men
             keep
             at
             a
             distance
             from
             the
             thoughts
             of
             death
             ,
             who
             so
             oft
             may
             hear
             it
             sound
             ;
             and
             the
             bell
             ringing
             for
             others
             ?
             3.
             
             Can
             this
             admit
             a
             delay
             to
             such
             ,
             were
             it
             but
             for
             some
             few
             dayes
             or
             hours
             ,
             who
             cannot
             possibly
             be
             secured
             ,
             when
             they
             ly
             down
             at
             night
             ,
             but
             their
             breath
             may
             be
             stopped
             by
             a
             sudden
             surprise
             of
             death
             ere
             they
             awake
             ;
             yea
             thus
             sleeps
             at
             an
             adventure
             of
             being
             ere
             the
             next
             day
             in
             an
             irrecoverably
             lost
             state
             ?
             4.
             
             Can
             there
             be
             a
             delay
             here
             by
             such
             ,
             who
             knowes
             not
             only
             the
             night
             is
             coming
             ,
             when
             none
             can
             work
             ,
             but
             are
             so
             uncertain
             ,
             if
             the
             first
             touch
             of
             sickness
             and
             approach
             of
             death
             be
             not
             a
             lethargy
             ,
             wherein
             they
             can
             neither
             know
             ,
             nor
             reflect
             on
             their
             own
             case
             ,
             which
             I
             have
             known
             remarkably
             to
             have
             befallen
             some
             ,
             who
             used
             to
             make
             such
             an
             account
             ,
             they
             would
             take
             Religion
             to
             heart
             ,
             when
             once
             they
             were
             dying
             ?
             5.
             
             Is
             it
             not
             needful
             such
             have
             the
             work
             of
             their
             day
             put
             by
             in
             the
             season
             thereof
             ,
             without
             a
             daring
             to
             lay
             it
             over
             ;
             when
             to
             be
             sick
             and
             die
             is
             so
             great
             and
             solemne
             a
             work
             by
             it self
             ?
             6.
             
             Was
             it
             not
             then
             too
             late
             for
             the
             
               foolish
               Virgins
            
             ,
             to
             arise
             and
             bestirre
             themselves
             ,
             when
             they
             had
             lost
             their
             season
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             or
             to
             make
             ready
             upon
             a
             midnight
             cry
             ,
             when
             they
             had
             slept
             the
             time
             of
             their
             work
             and
             duty
             ,
             and
             is
             not
             this
             put
             upon
             record
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             for
             all
             after
             ages
             ;
             
               that
               they
               may
               be
               readie
               with
               their
               loines
               girded
               ,
               and
               their
               lamps
               burning
               ,
            
             who
             know
             that
             death
             certainly
             is
             before
             them
             ,
             and
             knowes
             not
             but
             that
             it
             come
             as
             a
             thief
             in
             the
             night
             ?
             7.
             
             Could
             they
             
             have
             an
             hours
             quiet
             ,
             if
             their
             eyes
             were
             once
             opened
             to
             see
             that
             horrible
             pit
             they
             ly
             into
             of
             a
             Natural
             State
             ,
             and
             what
             they
             are
             estranged
             from
             ,
             of
             that
             blessed
             state
             of
             a
             Christian
             ?
             But
             Oh!
             How
             little
             is
             this
             either
             understood
             or
             beleeved
             ?
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             VIII
             .
          
           
             
               I
               confess
               I
               must
               either
               shut
               my
               eyes
               ,
               or
               admit
               the
               certainty
               of
               these
               things
               ;
               to
               press
               a
               present
               seriousness
               in
               making
               sure
               work
               for
               heaven
               :
               But
               what
               you
               touched
               last
               of
               mens
               not
               understanding
               the
               state
               they
               are
               in
               ,
               puts
               me
               to
               a
               new
               enquiry
               ,
               if
               ihis
               can
               be
               meant
               of
               such
               as
               live
               under
               the
               light
               of
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               yea
               converse
               with
               the
               same
               truths
               that
               others
               do
               ,
               for
               what
               can
               the
               most
               discerning
               Christian
               see
               further
               in
               Scripture
               Truths
               ,
               than
               such
               as
               exerce
               their
               reason
               and
               judgement
               about
               them
               as
               well
               as
               they
               :
               and
               what
               are
               these
               things
               that
               they
               have
               got
               a
               sight
               of
               ,
               which
               those
               who
               are
               in
               the
               State
               of
               Nature
               ,
               are
               wholly
               strangers
               unto
               ?
            
          
           
             ANS
             .
             You
             know
             that
             it
             is
             no
             words
             can
             tell
             ,
             what
             a
             thing
             day
             light
             is
             to
             them
             that
             never
             knew
             it
             ,
             which
             can
             only
             be
             known
             by
             its
             own
             evidence
             ;
             nor
             is
             it
             possible
             to
             give
             an
             account
             in
             another
             way
             of
             a
             spiritnal
             discerning
             the
             things
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             not
             in
             degree
             but
             kind
             is
             as
             far
             above
             the
             light
             of
             nature
             and
             reason
             ,
             as
             that
             of
             the
             sun
             is
             above
             a
             Candle
             .
             O
             what
             another
             thing
             is
             a
             spiritual
             acquaintance
             with
             the
             things
             themselves
             held
             forth
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             than
             any
             notions
             or
             knowledge
             of
             the
             Doctrine
             thereof
             ,
             which
             may
             enable
             to
             talk
             or
             dispute
             ,
             whilst
             the
             power
             and
             efficacy
             thereof
             was
             never
             known
             on
             the
             soul
             :
             yea
             nor
             the
             writing
             of
             the
             Law
             upon
             the
             heart
             ;
             and
             to
             
               learne
               the
               truth
               as
               it
               is
               in
               Jesus
               .
               Ephes
            
             4
             :
             21.
             but
             for
             answer
             to
             your
             proposal
             ,
             I
             shall
             tell
             you
             in
             a
             few
             words
             what
             such
             are
             admitted
             to
             see
             ,
             yea
             are
             perswaded
             of
             the
             undoubted
             certainty
             thereof
             ,
             whilst
             others
             neither
             know
             nor
             see
             what
             they
             see
             ,
             but
             are
             wholly
             strangers
             thereto
             .
             1.
             
             The
             excellency
             and
             loveliness
             of
             their
             beloved
             Master
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             them
             there
             is
             but
             one
             Christ
             in
             Heaven
             and
             in
             earth
             ,
             whose
             roome
             none
             can
             fill
             but
             himself
             ,
             yea
             can
             give
             that
             answer
             to
             such
             as
             enquire
             ,
             
               he
               is
            
             
             
               altogether
               lovely
            
             ;
             that
             is
             their
             beloved
             ,
             with
             whom
             none
             ,
             none
             may
             offer
             to
             come
             in
             competition
             .
             Cant.
             5
             :
             16.
             2.
             
             They
             see
             and
             know
             
               a
               reconci●ed
               God
               in
               Christ
            
             with
             that
             assured
             evidence
             ,
             as
             some
             times
             no
             cloud
             is
             betwixt
             Heaven
             and
             their
             soul
             ,
             with
             that
             sensible
             intimation
             of
             Pardon
             and
             acceptance
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             at
             the
             furthest
             sure
             ,
             they
             see
             ,
             feele
             and
             enjoy
             ,
             what
             is
             not
             possible
             to
             express
             to
             others
             .
             3.
             
             It
             is
             not
             
               that
               marvellous
               light
            
             only
             breaks
             then
             in
             ,
             at
             their
             first
             entry
             into
             a
             spiritual
             state
             ,
             but
             there
             is
             a
             sight
             sometimes
             a
             Christian
             hath
             of
             Scripture
             Truths
             ,
             and
             breaking
             up
             of
             some
             further
             discovery
             there
             to
             their
             soul
             ,
             that
             if
             they
             would
             give
             all
             the
             world
             ,
             they
             cannot
             have
             at
             other
             times
             .
             4.
             
             Such
             know
             assuredly
             the
             truth
             of
             a
             
               new
               nature
            
             ,
             which
             is
             so
             wonderful
             ,
             and
             wholly
             a
             supernatural
             thing
             ,
             wherewith
             natural
             reason
             can
             have
             no
             acquaintance
             ,
             nor
             is
             it
             strange
             how
             much
             others
             are
             in
             the
             dark
             to
             this
             ,
             who
             know
             so
             little
             of
             their
             own
             soul
             what
             it
             means
             ,
             except
             by
             the
             power
             and
             operations
             thereof
             .
             5.
             
             Do
             you
             ask
             what
             such
             know
             or
             discerne
             in
             the
             things
             of
             God
             to
             which
             most
             are
             strangers
             ?
             they
             see
             the
             
               Glory
               and
               beauty
               of
               holiness
               ,
               the
               truth
               of
               Spiritual
               things
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               hidden
               things
               of
               God
               in
               a
               mystery
               .
            
             1
             Cor.
             2
             :
             7.
             yea
             thus
             are
             taken
             in
             to
             see
             these
             great
             things
             ,
             not
             in
             a
             notion
             thereof
             ,
             but
             in
             their
             Spiritual
             Nature
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             sealed
             with
             power
             and
             efficacy
             on
             their
             soul
             ?
             6.
             
             It
             is
             given
             to
             such
             to
             know
             also
             ,
             (
             which
             the
             Spirit
             only
             can
             reveale
             &
             teach
             ,
             )
             what
             a
             sweet
             accord
             there
             is
             in
             these
             Depths
             of
             providence
             betwixt
             the
             Christians
             cross
             and
             their
             comfort
             ,
             their
             being
             
               cast
               down
               ,
               yet
               not
               destroyed
               ,
               to
               be
               sorrowful
               ,
               yet
               alwayes
               rejoicing
               ,
               yea
               in
               having
               nothing
               ,
               yet
               to
               possess
               all
               things
               .
            
             and
             are
             not
             these
             such
             things
             that
             could
             never
             possibly
             have
             entred
             into
             mens
             thoughts
             ,
             if
             they
             were
             not
             made
             known
             from
             a
             higher
             airth
             ?
             It
             is
             true
             ,
             the
             furthest
             that
             any
             of
             the
             Saints
             know
             here
             is
             but
             in
             part
             ,
             yea
             many
             a
             dark
             and
             sad
             overclouding
             are
             such
             oft
             under
             .
             O
             if
             the
             most
             discerning
             of
             natural
             men
             could
             know
             what
             such
             are
             with
             that
             certainty
             perswaded
             of
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             of
             their
             own
             being
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             QU.
             IX
             .
          
           
             
               These
               are
               great
               things
               you
               speake
               of
               ,
               but
               since
               I
               have
               such
               cause
               to
               know
               ,
               what
               influence
               and
               power
               the
               things
               of
               this
               earth
               have
               ,
               which
               lyes
               so
               near
               our
               external
               senses
               :
               could
               I
               be
               as
               fully
               perswaded
               of
               the
               certainty
               of
               these
               supernatural
               truths
               ,
               and
               enjoyments
               of
               a
               spiritual
               life
               ,
               to
               be
               sure
               and
               undoubted
               realities
               ,
               as
               what
               I
               touch
               and
               feele
               ;
               I
               think
               then
               I
               had
               got
               the
               world
               much
               under
               my
               feet
               ,
               yea
               in
               another
               manner
               should
               look
               on
               the
               strange
               madness
               and
               distraction
               of
               most
               this
               day
               ,
               whose
               continued
               work
               is
               how
               to
               grasp
               after
               a
               shadow
               ;
               whilst
               they
               have
               no
               heart
               or
               desire
               for
               what
               is
               the
               Christians
               choice
               .
               I
               press
               this
               the
               more
               ,
               since
               it
               is
               sure
               ,
               one
               cannot
               be
               throughly
               perswaded
               of
               the
               truth
               of
               spiritual
               things
               as
               greatest
               realities
               ,
               and
               that
               there
               is
               a
               state
               and
               life
               of
               Grace
               here
               ,
               but
               they
               must
               be
               to
               the
               furthest
               sure
               of
               that
               Life
               of
               Glory
               ,
               which
               is
               to
               come
               .
            
          
           
             ANS
             .
             It
             is
             strange
             ,
             how
             such
             as
             look
             but
             at
             a
             distance
             ,
             are
             not
             dazeled
             more
             with
             amazement
             at
             the
             report
             of
             these
             great
             things
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             what
             Christians
             have
             in
             hope
             before
             them
             ;
             but
             not
             to
             lose
             time
             ,
             let
             me
             beseech
             your
             bringing
             these
             near
             your
             thoughts
             ,
             when
             you
             are
             alone
             .
             1
             That
             it
             is
             an
             
               Argument
               of
               Power
            
             ,
             not
             of
             words
             ,
             which
             can
             fully
             quiet
             the
             soul
             of
             a
             Christian
             anent
             this
             .
             2.
             
             You
             may
             but
             judge
             what
             a
             sad
             part
             that
             of
             the
             Saints
             were
             ,
             if
             in
             this
             life
             their
             hope
             were
             only
             ,
             or
             what
             could
             possibly
             be
             comforting
             to
             most
             in
             such
             a
             day
             ,
             whose
             griefs
             are
             in
             earnest
             ,
             if
             the
             Truth
             and
             Comforts
             of
             a
             spiritual
             life
             should
             be
             a
             doubtful
             thing
             to
             them
             .
             3
             ,
             What
             gain
             or
             interest
             could
             any
             snch
             possibly
             have
             to
             designe
             a
             false
             Witness
             and
             Testimony
             ,
             yea
             ,
             with
             such
             assured
             confidence
             ,
             from
             experience
             ,
             if
             they
             were
             not
             at
             the
             furthest
             certainty
             thereof
             ;
             yea
             thus
             to
             converse
             so
             much
             in
             the
             Duties
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             where
             you
             see
             they
             cannot
             be
             but
             a
             toile
             to
             the
             flesh
             ,
             if
             the
             peace
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             Joy
             and
             Comforts
             of
             the
             
             Spirit
             were
             but
             a
             naked
             shew
             ?
             For
             this
             were
             to
             render
             themselves
             both
             desperatly
             wicked
             and
             miserable
             at
             once
             ,
             without
             any
             profit
             .
             Or
             what
             think
             you
             would
             make
             the
             affectionat
             parents
             press
             so
             much
             seriousness
             in
             following
             the
             Lord
             on
             their
             Children
             ,
             and
             thus
             put
             them
             on
             so
             sad
             a
             bargane
             ,
             whom
             they
             so
             dearly
             Love
             ,
             if
             they
             knew
             it
             not
             to
             be
             their
             true
             interest
             here
             and
             for
             ever
             ?
             4.
             
             You
             know
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Gospel
             is
             a
             Doctrine
             of
             Holiness
             ,
             whither
             the
             whole
             of
             that
             blessed
             contrivance
             doth
             most
             natively
             resolve
             .
             And
             is
             not
             the
             truth
             hereof
             write
             forth
             in
             such
             visible
             realities
             before
             your
             eyes
             ,
             as
             it
             may
             be
             no
             less
             manifest
             in
             its
             Examples
             than
             Precepts
             ?
             I
             hope
             there
             is
             no
             debating
             here
             .
             5.
             
             It
             is
             sure
             ,
             the
             discoveries
             of
             the
             word
             do
             not
             direct
             men
             to
             things
             a
             far
             off
             ,
             but
             to
             such
             as
             brings
             the
             great
             things
             of
             the
             Gospel
             near
             ,
             even
             in
             to
             their
             heart
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             handle
             and
             feele
             by
             experience
             the
             truth
             thereof
             ;
             and
             you
             know
             the
             consolation
             of
             the
             Spirit
             is
             not
             by
             words
             ,
             but
             by
             things
             ,
             giving
             into
             the
             soul
             a
             spiritual
             and
             sensible
             experience
             of
             the
             reality
             thereof
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             
               Love
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
            
             let
             forth
             to
             them
             .
             6.
             
             And
             are
             not
             these
             marvellous
             effects
             and
             operations
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             subduing
             the
             soul
             by
             grace
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             embrace
             an
             afflicted
             lot
             and
             tribulation
             for
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             to
             
               take
               joyfully
               the
               spoiling
               of
               their
               goods
               ,
            
             yea
             to
             dip
             their
             hands
             in
             the
             blood
             of
             a
             beloved
             sin
             ,
             and
             find
             delight
             thus
             in
             doing
             violence
             to
             the
             flesh
             ,
             such
             as
             may
             shew
             that
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             Christians
             must
             know
             &
             enjoy
             ,
             what
             they
             and
             most
             of
             the
             world
             are
             strangers
             to
             ?
             And
             is
             it
             not
             above
             nature
             ,
             or
             the
             furthest
             of
             humane
             reach
             to
             learne
             to
             be
             
               meek
               ,
               humble
               ,
               lowly
               ,
               Patient
               in
               suffering
               ,
               and
               self
               denying
               ?
            
             7.
             
             Such
             have
             lost
             a
             spiritual
             taste
             ,
             or
             never
             had
             it
             ,
             who
             knowes
             nothing
             of
             that
             incomparable
             sweetness
             ,
             which
             is
             in
             secret
             converse
             with
             God
             ;
             that
             thus
             there
             is
             not
             a
             claime
             only
             to
             that
             glorious
             state
             which
             is
             above
             ,
             but
             the
             
               first
               fruits
            
             and
             earnest
             so
             real
             ,
             as
             will
             change
             the
             very
             countenance
             after
             some
             special
             times
             of
             neer
             fellowship
             with
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             so
             as
             in
             the
             greatest
             composure
             ,
             they
             can
             say
             ,
             I
             surely
             feele
             ,
             I
             
               enjoy
               ,
               &
               am
               sure
            
             ,
             for
             the
             truth
             thereof
             .
             8.
             
             What
             frequent
             transports
             
             Joy
             and
             delight
             have
             been
             in
             Christians
             extremest
             sufferings
             for
             the
             truth
             ,
             yea
             some
             times
             after
             a
             dark
             and
             dismal
             cloud
             over
             their
             soul
             ?
             And
             why
             do
             not
             men
             enquire
             what
             should
             his
             meane
             ,
             or
             how
             such
             a
             thing
             were
             possible
             ,
             if
             they
             had
             not
             got
             a
             sight
             ,
             that
             could
             look
             them
             out
             of
             pain
             and
             trouble
             ?
             Let
             me
             but
             further
             add
             ,
             how
             strange
             ,
             (
             but
             yet
             I
             hope
             no
             rare
             or
             unusual
             sight
             )
             is
             that
             of
             the
             
               outward
               man
               decaying
            
             or
             mouldering
             down
             to
             the
             grave
             ,
             when
             the
             
               inward
               man
            
             is
             more
             discerneably
             strong
             and
             vigorous
             ,
             than
             in
             times
             of
             greatest
             health
             ?
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             X.
             
          
           
             
               I
               make
               not
               this
               question
               here
               ,
               to
               debate
               ,
               but
               to
               be
               further
               confirmed
               in
               the
               certainty
               of
               the
               truth
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               greatest
               joy
               men
               can
               have
               on
               the
               earth
               ,
               but
               I
               must
               confess
               ,
               the
               greatness
               of
               these
               things
               is
               such
               ,
               as
               may
               put
               the
               most
               Established
               to
               a
               stand
               ;
               yea
               is
               it
               a
               small'business
               to
               be
               under
               such
               a
               call
               to
               embrace
               and
               accept
               of
               Iesus
               Christ
               in
               the
               offer
               of
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               and
               in
               him
               of
               a
               crown
               of
               Glory
               that
               fadeth
               not
               away
               ,
               and
               is
               there
               not
               cause
               of
               fear
               for
               such
               as
               I
               am
               ,
               to
               adventure
               here
               ,
               which
               is
               so
               high
               ,
               and
               far
               above
               what
               I
               can
               possibly
               think
               of
               ?
            
          
           
             A.
             This
             must
             be
             matter
             of
             astonishment
             and
             wondering
             for
             all
             eternity
             ,
             and
             it
             were
             well
             ,
             if
             such
             an
             exercise
             were
             more
             begun
             here
             ,
             to
             enquire
             and
             wonder
             at
             what
             we
             know
             of
             the
             great
             truths
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             it
             were
             the
             highest
             of
             pride
             ,
             not
             humility
             to
             hold
             back
             where
             the
             Holy
             God
             calls
             ;
             or
             for
             a
             perishing
             man
             not
             to
             throw
             out
             his
             armes
             and
             swime
             to
             
               a
               rock
            
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             before
             his
             eyes
             ,
             and
             is
             not
             the
             Gospel
             such
             a
             contrivancc
             ,
             as
             the
             whole
             of
             the
             Saints
             since
             the
             beginning
             could
             not
             possibly
             have
             a
             wish
             beyond
             the
             same
             ,
             to
             shew
             forth
             that
             marvellous
             condescendence
             ,
             freedome
             and
             plainness
             which
             is
             there
             ,
             yea
             where
             none
             can
             be
             afrighted
             away
             who
             with
             desire
             did
             ever
             follow
             to
             this
             blessed
             airth
             .
             But
             since
             this
             is
             of
             such
             concerne
             ,
             not
             for
             a
             Christians
             Peace
             and
             Personal
             Encouragement
             only
             ,
             but
             to
             bear
             witness
             to
             the
             blessed
             way
             of
             the
             
             Lord
             ,
             and
             shew
             how
             desperat
             an
             Opposition
             theirs
             must
             be
             ,
             whose
             hearts
             are
             not
             melted
             and
             gained
             by
             such
             inexpressible
             tenderness
             and
             condescendence
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             let
             me
             speak
             these
             few
             words
             .
             1.
             
             You
             know
             that
             such
             this
             is
             ,
             as
             none
             can
             come
             wrong
             ,
             if
             they
             come
             but
             in
             truth
             upon
             such
             an
             errand
             ,
             as
             the
             felt
             need
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             :
             and
             therefore
             is
             the
             Scripture
             so
             express
             here
             .
             Joh.
             6
             :
             37.
             
               and
               whosoever
               cometh
               to
               me
               ,
               I
               will
               in
               no
               wise
               cast
               out
               ,
               sais
               he
               who
               is
               faithful
               and
               true
               ,
            
             yea
             such
             ,
             as
             the
             whole
             of
             the
             Scripture
             doth
             remarkeably
             shew
             ,
             See
             Rev.
             22
             :
             17.
             
               and
               whosoever
               will
               ,
               let
               him
               come
               and
               take
               of
               the
               waters
               of
               Life
               .
            
             2.
             
             Such
             is
             his
             way
             ,
             on
             whom
             the
             alone
             weight
             of
             his
             peoples
             interest
             and
             salvation
             leanes
             ,
             as
             he
             both
             formes
             the
             desire
             of
             the
             souls
             of
             his
             people
             ,
             and
             satisfies
             the
             same
             ;
             nor
             can
             there
             be
             in
             truth
             a
             hungring
             and
             desire
             after
             him
             ,
             but
             their
             Enjoyment
             is
             thus
             begun
             .
             Matth.
             5
             :
             vers
             .
             6.
             3.
             
             What
             can
             be
             more
             condescending
             ,
             than
             his
             way
             is
             to
             the
             lowest
             ,
             whose
             soul
             doth
             but
             in
             a
             serious
             look
             follow
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             in
             truth
             ,
             when
             there
             is
             almost
             no
             more
             can
             be
             reached
             .
             Esai
             .
             45
             :
             22.
             if
             thus
             the
             heart
             be
             but
             laid
             open
             to
             seek
             a
             relief
             in
             him
             ,
             yea
             to
             
               look
               as
               a
               far
               off
            
             to
             that
             ,
             even
             to
             which
             they
             fear
             to
             approach
             .
             4.
             
             And
             is
             not
             such
             his
             way
             ,
             that
             the
             greatest
             thing
             he
             most
             expressy
             requires
             in
             the
             saddest
             case
             of
             felt
             and
             discovered
             guilt
             ,
             is
             to
             flee
             in
             but
             for
             shelter
             to
             him
             from
             that
             dreadful
             pursute
             of
             an
             awakned
             conscience
             ?
             yea
             how
             marvellous
             is
             this
             that
             as
             their
             face
             is
             towards
             the
             Gofpel
             ,
             there
             is
             the
             most
             sensible
             inlet
             to
             contrition
             and
             brokenness
             of
             heart
             ,
             and
             serious
             exercise
             of
             repentance
             .
             which
             as
             a
             sweet
             and
             native
             result
             followes
             thereon
             ?
             O!
             what
             is
             given
             for
             the
             furthest
             clearing
             hereof
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ?
             See
             Zach.
             12
             :
             10.
             
             Act.
             5
             :
             31.
             5.
             
             Such
             is
             his
             way
             ,
             as
             he
             hath
             come
             under
             bond
             and
             promise
             by
             his
             faithfulness
             to
             make
             forthcoming
             to
             his
             people
             ,
             which
             is
             only
             of
             grace
             ,
             he
             hath
             promised
             to
             give
             what
             he
             requires
             ,
             yea
             
               to
               work
               their
               works
               in
               them
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               for
               them
               ,
               Esai
               .
            
             26
             :
             12.
             6.
             
             Such
             is
             his
             condescendence
             ,
             that
             his
             peoples
             security
             should
             
             leane
             on
             nothing
             in
             themselves
             ,
             not
             on
             their
             own
             
               apprehending
               but
               being
               apprehended
               .
               Phil.
            
             3
             :
             12.
             
             Yea
             that
             when
             any
             of
             his
             people
             ,
             broken
             under
             the
             sense
             of
             guilt
             have
             no
             Argument
             to
             make
             use
             of
             ;
             or
             confidence
             to
             adventure
             ,
             he
             finds
             them
             one
             in
             himself
             .
             Hos
             .
             13
             :
             9.
             
             O
             
               Israel
               ,
               thou
               hast
               destroyed
               thy self
               ,
               but
               in
               me
               is
               thy
               help
               .
            
             7.
             
             Such
             is
             his
             way
             ,
             where
             there
             is
             no
             exception
             of
             persons
             ,
             but
             the
             poor
             made
             most
             dearly
             welcome
             ,
             and
             brought
             near
             in
             his
             offer
             ;
             
               when
               the
               proud
            
             ,
             were
             they
             the
             greatest
             Monarchs
             in
             the
             earth
             ,
             
               he
               knowes
               a
               far
               off
            
             .
             8.
             
             This
             is
             he
             ,
             and
             such
             is
             his
             blessed
             way
             ,
             as
             the
             severity
             of
             the
             Law
             must
             serve
             for
             that
             very
             end
             ,
             to
             commend
             Jesus-Christ
             and
             lead
             in
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             felt
             weight
             of
             sin
             bring
             a
             begun
             cure
             and
             relief
             therewith
             in
             the
             felt
             need
             of
             a
             Saviour
             .
             Matth.
             11
             :
             v.
             28.
             9.
             
             Such
             is
             his
             blessed
             way
             ,
             as
             yet
             
               did
               never
               break
               a
               bruised
               reed
               nor
               quench
               a
               smoking
               flaxe
               ,
               Esai
               .
            
             42
             :
             v.
             3.
             
             Nor
             put
             such
             back
             ,
             whose
             feare
             to
             adventure
             made
             them
             to
             stand
             a
             far
             off
             ,
             with
             the
             poor
             
               Publican
               .
               Luk.
            
             18
             :
             13.
             
             Yea
             of
             whom
             ,
             all
             who
             ever
             knew
             him
             must
             bear
             him
             this
             witness
             ,
             he
             is
             tender
             and
             compassionat
             in
             his
             sharpest
             reproofs
             ;
             and
             when
             he
             wounds
             sorest
             ,
             then
             is
             it
             
               that
               he
               doth
               most
               earnestly
               remember
               with
               the
               sounding
               of
               his
               bowels
               towards
               them
               .
               Jer.
            
             31
             :
             20.
             10.
             
             Such
             is
             he
             ,
             &
             his
             way
             towards
             his
             Church
             here
             upon
             the
             earth
             ,
             as
             he
             hath
             given
             some
             peculiar
             Lines
             in
             his
             Word
             ,
             of
             his
             tender
             regard
             to
             such
             ,
             even
             beyond
             others
             ,
             who
             are
             most
             destitute
             of
             outward
             help
             Psal
             .
             146
             :
             v.
             7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9.
             
             Psal
             .
             40
             :
             last
             .
             And
             comes
             so
             low
             to
             take
             in
             those
             that
             are
             most
             rejected
             of
             others
             ,
             and
             may
             have
             least
             notice
             or
             regard
             at
             the
             time
             ,
             and
             therefore
             ,
             when
             he
             was
             himself
             on
             the
             earth
             ,
             he
             was
             
               called
               a
               friend
               of
               Publicans
               and
               sinners
               ,
               Matth.
            
             11
             :
             19.
             11.
             
             Such
             is
             his
             way
             ,
             whose
             peace
             and
             acceptance
             hath
             so
             oft
             met
             his
             people
             ,
             as
             a
             blessed
             surprisal
             ,
             when
             they
             knew
             least
             how
             to
             adventure
             ,
             and
             then
             given
             them
             a
             most
             unexpected
             welcome
             ,
             when
             they
             have
             been
             under
             the
             greatest
             fears
             Psal
             .
             18
             :
             4
             :
             and
             116
             :
             3
             ,
             4.
             
             Luk.
             15
             :
             20.
             12.
             
             Such
             is
             his
             way
             and
             marvellous
             condescendence
             ,
             where
             mercy
             
             gets
             a
             preference
             to
             
               sacrifice
               .
               Matth.
            
             9
             :
             v.
             13.
             
             Where
             the
             widowes
             mite
             gives
             more
             in
             a
             little
             ,
             than
             these
             of
             a
             great
             estate
             with
             much
             ,
             being
             in
             singleness
             of
             heart
             thus
             given
             for
             the
             Lord.
             Luk.
             21
             :
             3.
             
             Yea
             where
             one
             half
             of
             the
             Christians
             work
             is
             in
             a
             right
             and
             serious
             aime
             therein
             ,
             and
             
               is
               accepted
               according
               to
               that
               a
               man
               hath
               ,
               and
               not
               according
               to
               what
               he
               hath
               not
               .
            
             2
             Cor.
             8
             :
             12.
             
             I
             shall
             but
             further
             add
             on
             so
             great
             a
             subject
             ,
             that
             such
             is
             his
             way
             towards
             his
             people
             ,
             as
             he
             not
             only
             calls
             ,
             but
             causeth
             their
             soul
             to
             approach
             to
             him
             ,
             by
             an
             inward
             touch
             of
             his
             power
             thereon
             ;
             yea
             this
             most
             discerneably
             ,
             when
             nothing
             else
             hath
             been
             left
             but
             to
             pray
             ,
             and
             roll
             over
             their
             `case
             on
             his
             blessed
             hand
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             XI
             .
          
           
             
               These
               are
               great
               things
               you
               speake
               of
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               sure
               ,
               must
               be
               to
               such
               as
               ever
               knew
               what
               a
               wounded
               soul
               is
               ▪
               under
               the
               tender
               hand
               of
               this
               blessed
               healer
               ;
               but
               for
               that
               you
               have
               last
               mentioned
               of
               such
               a
               call
               and
               access
               for
               Christians
               to
               pray
               ;
               yea
               that
               assuredly
               the
               prayers
               of
               such
               on
               earth
               goe
               up
               to
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               are
               heard
               and
               accepted
               ▪
               there
               ,
               so
               as
               at
               all
               times
               ,
               and
               under
               every
               weight
               and
               pressure
               ,
               we
               may
               come
               and
               present
               our
               requests
               to
               the
               Glorious
               God
               ,
               who
               lives
               and
               sees
               .
               This
               ,
               I
               must
               say
               ,
               seemes
               to
               me
               one
               of
               the
               most
               marvellous
               things
               in
               practical
               Religion
               ,
               yea
               hath
               put
               me
               to
               a
               stand
               ,
               how
               men
               who
               are
               so
               much
               taken
               ,
               as
               in
               a
               transport
               ,
               with
               some
               singular
               experiment
               in
               nature
               ,
               yet
               have
               such
               ordinary
               thoughts
               of
               this
               ,
               if
               they
               be
               perswaded
               of
               its
               truth
               .
            
          
           
             ANS
             .
             This
             is
             marvellous
             indeed
             ,
             though
             the
             way
             of
             most
             seeme
             to
             bring
             under
             debate
             ,
             if
             prayer
             be
             any
             thing
             more
             than
             some
             empty
             forme
             or
             a
             piece
             of
             invention
             ,
             rather
             than
             so
             great
             and
             serious
             a
             business
             ;
             but
             I
             hope
             you
             know
             ,
             1.
             
             That
             none
             ever
             was
             called
             to
             take
             this
             on
             trust
             ,
             or
             implicity
             credit
             the
             Testimony
             of
             others
             ,
             but
             
             there
             is
             a
             solemne
             appeale
             here
             to
             every
             ones
             personal
             trial
             ,
             for
             the
             truthand
             certainty
             hereof
             .
             2.
             
             That
             it
             is
             with
             the
             first
             being
             of
             Christians
             ,
             and
             when
             once
             a
             spiritual
             life
             is
             formed
             in
             the
             soul
             ,
             how
             prayer
             then
             is
             as
             their
             natural
             work
             ,
             like
             the
             tendency
             and
             breathing
             of
             the
             child
             after
             the
             breasts
             .
             3.
             
             And
             is
             it
             not
             clear
             that
             such
             have
             got
             a
             new
             acquaintance
             ,
             and
             must
             know
             another
             society
             than
             men
             ,
             to
             make
             their
             retirements
             sweet
             and
             desireable
             ;
             yea
             that
             continued
             haunt
             and
             resort
             to
             this
             blessed
             airth
             ,
             shewes
             the
             truth
             of
             commerce
             and
             trading
             with
             another
             world
             ,
             is
             known
             to
             such
             with
             the
             greatest
             of
             certainty
             ?
             4.
             
             Do
             but
             judge
             what
             could
             be
             possibly
             comforting
             to
             a
             Christian
             ,
             when
             the
             lower
             springs
             of
             their
             encouragments
             are
             so
             visibly
             shut
             up
             ,
             if
             this
             spring
             and
             passage
             were
             not
             open
             and
             tried
             in
             their
             surest
             experience
             .
             Is
             it
             easy
             to
             rejoice
             ,
             and
             be
             comforted
             ,
             when
             all
             things
             without
             do
             most
             remarkeably
             frowne
             ,
             or
             to
             beare
             cheerfully
             out
             in
             such
             a
             day
             ,
             when
             they
             may
             be
             pressed
             above
             measure
             ,
             if
             there
             were
             not
             such
             an
             airth
             the
             world
             knowes
             not
             of
             ?
             &
             how
             it
             is
             the
             Christians
             mid-night
             songs
             under
             the
             cross
             ,
             have
             been
             oft
             sweeter
             than
             in
             any
             times
             of
             their
             outward
             prosperity
             ;
             does
             it
             not
             witness
             ,
             that
             it
             s
             no
             naked
             form
             or
             shew
             could
             ever
             answer
             to
             this
             ?
             5.
             
             And
             when
             you
             see
             such
             discerneable
             advantage
             some
             of
             the
             followers
             of
             God
             in
             their
             day
             have
             beyond
             others
             ,
             yea
             sometimes
             beyond
             themselves
             ,
             in
             a
             vigorous
             and
             tender
             Christian
             walk
             ;
             could
             this
             be
             but
             further
             followed
             :
             How
             easy
             were
             it
             to
             find
             ,
             that
             those
             are
             they
             ,
             who
             are
             most
             in
             the
             work
             and
             exercise
             of
             prayer
             ,
             which
             hath
             so
             closs
             an
             intercourse
             with
             the
             vitals
             of
             Christianity
             ;
             nor
             can
             ever
             one
             instance
             be
             given
             of
             ones
             flourishing
             and
             being
             fruitful
             in
             the
             way
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             not
             much
             under
             the
             ground
             in
             this
             exercise
             ,
             which
             is
             most
             an
             internal
             thing
             ,
             where
             the
             loudest
             cry
             to
             Heaven
             maketh
             oft
             the
             least
             noise
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             XII
             .
          
           
             
               These
               I
               confess
               ,
               are
               clear
               ,
               but
               what
               
               would
               most
               help
               to
               make
               this
               duty
               both
               comforting
               and
               easy
               ,
               whilst
               there
               is
               such
               difficulty
               to
               many
               ,
               how
               to
               express
               themselves
               thisway
               ,
               and
               others
               find
               it
               a
               sore
               weariness
               to
               the
               flesh
               ,
               yea
               less
               easy
               to
               be
               thus
               alone
               ,
               and
               take
               some
               time
               for
               secret
               prayer
               ,
               than
               to
               wait
               on
               publick
               duties
               ,
               or
               joine
               with
               others
               in
               such
               a
               work
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             I
             hope
             you
             know
             .
             1.
             
             That
             as
             our
             tye
             to
             the
             publick
             duties
             of
             worship
             is
             great
             and
             indispensible
             ,
             to
             improve
             fellowship
             with
             others
             in
             the
             exercises
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             yet
             most
             of
             a
             Christian
             and
             his
             work
             ,
             is
             that
             which
             is
             least
             seen
             ,
             and
             lyes
             hid
             from
             the
             view
             of
             others
             ;
             yea
             the
             most
             weighty
             duties
             of
             Christianity
             are
             the
             more
             retired
             and
             secret
             duties
             thereof
             ,
             so
             that
             a
             true
             measure
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             must
             not
             be
             from
             what
             he
             is
             in
             publick
             ,
             and
             converse
             with
             others
             ,
             but
             what
             he
             is
             alone
             ,
             where
             he
             lies
             open
             to
             his
             witness
             ,
             who
             searcheth
             the
             heart
             .
             2.
             
             Such
             can
             only
             blame
             themselves
             ,
             and
             are
             sadly
             estranged
             from
             the
             truth
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             if
             they
             know
             nothing
             else
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             alone
             in
             their
             retirements
             ,
             who
             are
             then
             called
             to
             an
             immediate
             fellowship
             with
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             to
             know
             the
             truth
             thereof
             on
             trial
             .
             3.
             
             You
             know
             a
             natural
             motion
             is
             easy
             and
             without
             constraint
             ,
             and
             were
             this
             once
             understood
             ,
             how
             prayer
             is
             a
             soul-work
             ,
             and
             to
             carrred
             forth
             from
             inward
             principles
             of
             a
             new
             nature
             then
             what
             was
             a
             sore
             toile
             here
             ,
             becomes
             their
             sweetest
             delight
             ;
             for
             to
             pray
             ,
             is
             not
             an
             expressing
             to
             the
             Lord
             what
             should
             be
             ones
             desires
             ,
             but
             a
             present
             breathing
             of
             the
             soul
             in
             desires
             after
             him
             :
             when
             the
             pleasure
             of
             Religion
             is
             so
             known
             with
             the
             power
             and
             life
             thereof
             .
             4.
             
             The
             more
             weight
             and
             burden
             of
             the
             Christians
             case
             on
             himself
             ,
             is
             a
             tried
             help
             for
             more
             facility
             and
             life
             in
             the
             work
             of
             prayer
             .
             O
             what
             sweet
             and
             refreshing
             hours
             have
             some
             sad
             and
             pressing
             burdens
             oft
             helped
             Christians
             to
             ,
             which
             they
             should
             not
             have
             known
             otherwise
             ?
             5.
             
             The
             more
             frequency
             and
             continuance
             causeth
             true
             delight
             and
             freedome
             
             in
             this
             exercise
             ,
             as
             the
             wearing
             out
             and
             neglect
             of
             this
             duty
             will
             quickly
             weare
             such
             out
             of
             any
             delight
             there
             ,
             yea
             to
             make
             them
             disrelish
             any
             other
             part
             of
             Religion
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             XIII
             .
          
           
             
               But
               is
               it
               not
               sore
               to
               continue
               in
               prayer
               ,
               when
               there
               is
               no
               visible
               returne
               ;
               yea
               ,
               that
               after
               most
               sensible
               and
               felt
               access
               in
               this
               duty
               ,
               there
               seemes
               oft
               a
               thicker
               darkness
               to
               follow
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             It
             is
             not
             strange
             ,
             though
             this
             be
             a
             trial
             indeed
             ;
             yea
             sometimes
             in
             a
             more
             than
             ordinary
             way
             searching
             ,
             which
             put
             the
             faith
             of
             so
             great
             and
             established
             a
             man
             to
             this
             stand
             ,
             as
             to
             cry
             out
             Ps
             .
             69
             :
             3.
             
             I
             
               am
               weary
               with
               my
               crying
               ,
               my
               throat
               is
               dry
               ,
               while
            
             I
             
               wait
               for
               my
               God.
            
             But
             let
             us
             consider
             therewith
             .
             1.
             
             That
             through
             the
             whole
             of
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             it
             is
             so
             clear
             to
             be
             the
             Lords
             usual
             way
             to
             confirme
             before
             he
             try
             ,
             yea
             to
             follow
             the
             greatest
             confirmations
             of
             his
             peoples
             faith
             ,
             with
             some
             remarkeably
             sharp
             trials
             .
             2.
             
             The
             waiting
             Christian
             could
             yet
             never
             say
             ,
             a
             return
             came
             too
             late
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             most
             fit
             and
             opportune
             season
             ,
             even
             when
             it
             hath
             been
             longest
             deferred
             .
             How
             strange
             would
             these
             seeme
             ,
             yet
             most
             sweetly
             accord
             .
             Luk.
             18
             :
             7
             ,
             8.
             
               though
               he
               bear
               long
               ,
               yet
               will
               he
               avenge
               speedily
               ?
            
             3.
             
             Is
             it
             a
             small
             thing
             to
             be
             
               answered
               with
               strength
               in
               your
               soul
            
             ;
             and
             for
             being
             helped
             to
             wait
             ,
             until
             the
             outgate
             more
             fully
             break
             up
             ,
             since
             a
             divine
             power
             may
             be
             no
             less
             marvellously
             seen
             in
             the
             Christians
             support
             ,
             than
             in
             the
             most
             astonishing
             delivery
             ?
             4.
             
             Is
             not
             a
             subdued
             Spirit
             ,
             with
             a
             humble
             resignation
             to
             the
             Lord
             under
             a
             long
             deferred
             hope
             ,
             a
             higher
             mercy
             ,
             when
             truely
             considered
             ,
             than
             the
             thing
             it self
             which
             we
             most
             follow
             ?
             And
             are
             these
             losers
             ,
             where
             thus
             more
             is
             given
             ,
             than
             what
             they
             either
             sought
             or
             hoped
             for
             .
             5.
             
             Is
             not
             this
             the
             surest
             way
             to
             make
             haste
             by
             onwaiting
             ,
             and
             the
             choicest
             mean
             to
             gain
             time
             ,
             and
             bring
             a
             Christian
             and
             his
             desire
             soonest
             together
             ?
             Which
             was
             the
             witness
             of
             a
             most
             experienced
             Christian
             ,
             I
             
               have
               with
               much
               longing
               sought
            
             
             
               such
               a
               thing
               from
               the
               Lord
               ,
               yet
               got
               no
               returne
               ,
               but
               when
               once
               I
               was
               helped
               through
               grace
               to
               give
               him
               his
               will
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               resigned
               wholly
               thereto
               ,
               then
               was
               it
               he
               gave
               me
               my
               will
               also
               in
               what
               I
               had
               sought
               ?
            
             6.
             
             The
             more
             prayer
             and
             wrestling
             hath
             come
             betwixt
             the
             Christians
             trial
             and
             outgate
             ,
             is
             it
             not
             found
             the
             more
             comforting
             and
             sweet
             ,
             when
             it
             hath
             come
             ?
             that
             whilst
             
               hope
               deferred
               makes
               the
               heart
               sick
               ,
            
             yet
             how
             great
             an
             interest
             does
             it
             pay
             in
             for
             the
             furthest
             loss
             and
             pain
             in
             onwaiting
             ,
             when
             as
             a
             
               Tree
               of
               life
            
             ,
             it
             hath
             at
             last
             blossomed
             after
             many
             a
             winter
             storme
             ?
             7.
             
             
               His
               thoughts
               are
               not
               as
               ours
               ,
               and
               his
               way
               not
               as
               ours
               .
               Esai
               .
            
             55
             :
             vers
             .
             9.
             
             We
             see
             not
             at
             present
             nor
             can
             fathome
             the
             depths
             of
             divine
             providence
             ,
             and
             how
             needful
             it
             is
             to
             have
             the
             heart
             brought
             low
             ,
             that
             not
             only
             
               patience
               might
               have
               its
               perfect
               work
               ,
               Jam.
            
             1
             :
             4.
             but
             a
             Christians
             being
             more
             fitted
             for
             the
             desired
             mercy
             .
             8.
             
             But
             what
             do
             you
             expect
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             of
             free
             and
             marvellous
             grace
             ?
             For
             to
             continue
             in
             prayer
             is
             an
             expresly
             commanded
             duty
             ,
             though
             no
             sensible
             fruit
             ,
             or
             income
             should
             follow
             ,
             yea
             can
             bring
             no
             price
             in
             its
             hand
             ,
             to
             obtain
             what
             we
             seek
             .
             And
             should
             these
             quarrel
             with
             onwaiting
             ,
             who
             have
             all
             this
             kept
             in
             their
             sight
             ,
             I
             
               am
               not
               worthy
               of
               the
               least
               of
               the
               mercies
               thou
               hast
               shewed
               to
               thy
               servant
               .
               Gen.
            
             32
             :
             10
             ?
             9.
             
             Could
             we
             ever
             know
             the
             use
             making
             and
             comfort
             of
             these
             great
             Promises
             to
             onwaiters
             ,
             such
             as
             ,
             Esai
             .
             30
             :
             ver
             .
             18.
             and
             40
             :
             v.
             31.
             
             Psal
             .
             25
             :
             vers
             .
             3.
             
             If
             grace
             were
             not
             thus
             kept
             in
             exercise
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           DIALOGUE
           III.
           
        
         
           
             QUEST
             .
             I.
             
          
           
             
               SInce
               we
               should
               find
               our
               delight
               most
               ,
               where
               our
               true
               interest
               and
               greatest
               concernes
               ly
               ;
               the
               late
               occasion
               we
               
               had
               to
               converse
               together
               on
               so
               necessar
               ,
               and
               weighty
               a
               subject
               ,
               doth
               press
               me
               to
               follow
               the
               same
               yet
               further
               ,
               and
               to
               gain
               such
               an
               hour
               ,
               when
               so
               many
               are
               unprofitably
               lost
               ;
               and
               now
               let
               me
               seriously
               ask
               ,
               may
               there
               not
               be
               a
               safe
               owning
               of
               some
               more
               laxe
               conception
               of
               practical
               Religion
               ,
               than
               what
               you
               have
               hitherto
               spoke
               seems
               to
               allow
               ,
               since
               it
               seemes
               very
               sad
               and
               affrighting
               to
               look
               on
               so
               great
               a
               part
               of
               those
               ,
               who
               own
               the
               Doctrine
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               if
               there
               be
               not
               some
               greater
               latitude
               for
               Christians
               ,
               both
               in
               their
               principles
               and
               practsce
               ,
               yea
               whilst
               this
               wants
               not
               a
               great
               patrociny
               in
               the
               present
               time
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSWER
             .
             It
             is
             not
             strange
             ,
             where
             the
             truth
             is
             not
             received
             in
             love
             ,
             that
             men
             kindle
             a
             light
             to
             themselves
             ,
             and
             walk
             in
             the
             sparks
             thereof
             ,
             but
             I
             hope
             you
             debate
             not
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             where
             the
             safe
             way
             of
             being
             eternally
             saved
             can
             only
             be
             known
             ;
             yea
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             could
             we
             make
             this
             way
             more
             large
             and
             br●ad
             ,
             there
             were
             no
             conceiveable
             interest
             or
             gain
             to
             conceale
             the
             same
             ,
             which
             were
             so
             pleasing
             to
             most
             in
             these
             times
             .
             But
             since
             there
             is
             
               one
               way
            
             ,
             and
             here
             alone
             must
             all
             the
             redeemed
             of
             the
             Lord
             get
             safe
             to
             that
             blessed
             land
             which
             is
             above
             ,
             I
             hope
             ye
             dare
             own
             no
             other
             conception
             thereof
             ,
             than
             is
             there
             expresly
             shewed
             .
             1.
             
             That
             it
             is
             such
             ,
             where
             there
             is
             no
             possible
             latitude
             for
             shifting
             off
             Fear
             ,
             Tenderness
             and
             Diligence
             in
             our
             Christian
             walk
             ,
             and
             thus
             to
             make
             sure
             for
             eternal
             life
             .
             2.
             
             That
             this
             is
             the
             
               strait
               and
               narrow
               way
            
             ,
             where
             the
             multitude
             is
             not
             to
             be
             found
             ,
             even
             of
             such
             as
             are
             under
             the
             outward
             call
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             another
             way
             will
             never
             be
             found
             to
             the
             second
             coming
             of
             Christ
             .
             Luk.
             13
             :
             v.
             24
             ?
             3.
             
             Such
             ,
             as
             there
             can
             be
             no
             following
             the
             Lord
             there
             with
             a
             hid
             reserve
             ,
             or
             regarding
             iniquity
             in
             the
             heart
             .
             
             Psal
             .
             66
             :
             18.
             or
             a
             cleaving
             to
             any
             private
             interest
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             keep
             it
             up
             deliberatly
             ,
             and
             not
             adventure
             the
             same
             for
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             were
             it
             as
             their
             
               right
               eye
               ,
               or
               right
               hand
               .
               Matth.
            
             5
             :
             29
             ?
             4.
             
             There
             is
             no
             possible
             conception
             of
             Religion
             men
             can
             have
             from
             the
             Scripture
             to
             take
             off
             that
             indispensible
             necessity
             of
             the
             
               new
               birth
            
             ,
             and
             writing
             of
             the
             Law
             upon
             the
             heart
             by
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             yea
             thus
             to
             know
             Religion
             as
             an
             internal
             thing
             ,
             which
             must
             first
             begin
             at
             the
             heart
             ,
             before
             it
             come
             to
             the
             practice
             .
             Joh.
             3
             :
             3.
             5.
             
             It
             is
             beyond
             debate
             also
             ,
             that
             men
             must
             bring
             not
             their
             work
             only
             ,
             but
             their
             thoughts
             and
             the
             principles
             of
             their
             motion
             to
             that
             Test
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             which
             is
             Holy
             and
             Spiritual
             .
             Matth.
             5
             :
             28.
             and
             that
             what
             be
             done
             ,
             it
             be
             from
             integrity
             and
             uprightness
             of
             heart
             .
             But
             it
             is
             strange
             ,
             what
             is
             there
             to
             enforce
             any
             to
             this
             ,
             when
             such
             is
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             if
             there
             could
             be
             a
             latitude
             for
             a
             change
             ,
             I
             am
             sure
             ,
             none
             ever
             who
             knew
             it
             on
             trial
             ,
             could
             have
             a
             wish
             or
             desire
             beyond
             what
             it
             is
             ,
             nor
             is
             it
             possible
             for
             any
             to
             know
             the
             spirituality
             and
             power
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             not
             know
             that
             sweetness
             and
             facility
             ,
             that
             is
             thus
             in
             following
             thereof
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             II.
             
          
           
             
               I
               cannot
               debate
               such
               clear
               and
               evident
               truths
               ,
               though
               it
               may
               be
               matter
               of
               astonishment
               to
               see
               ,
               what
               essayes
               are
               by
               many
               ,
               to
               oppose
               not
               only
               the
               power
               and
               spirituality
               of
               Religion
               in
               its
               practice
               ,
               but
               in
               its
               principles
               also
               .
               But
               what
               do
               you
               meane
               by
               the
               delights
               and
               sweetness
               thereof
               ,
               you
               have
               now
               spoke
               ?
               Is
               it
               not
               from
               what
               is
               in
               hope
               ,
               and
               in
               another
               world
               ,
               but
               not
               here
               in
               the
               present
               enjoyment
               ;
               since
               you
               know
               what
               prejudice
               is
               every
               where
               against
               this
               way
               ,
               yea
               nothing
               seems
               more
               sad
               and
               afflicting
               than
               the
               Christians
               life
               within
               time
               ,
               so
               as
               it
               is
               not
               conceiveable
               oft
               what
               can
               be
               comforting
               in
               their
               lot
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             This
             question
             ,
             though
             strange
             and
             amazing
             in
             it self
             ,
             yet
             is
             not
             for
             such
             as
             look
             but
             at
             a
             distance
             on
             the
             truth
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             that
             lyes
             so
             hid
             and
             deep
             upon
             the
             
             soul
             ,
             and
             to
             whom
             a
             Christians
             life
             is
             indeed
             a
             mistery
             ,
             but
             I
             judge
             it
             be
             not
             easy
             even
             for
             such
             to
             shift
             off
             ,
             or
             get
             hid
             from
             their
             eyes
             the
             truth
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             which
             so
             clearly
             shew
             the
             alone
             sweet
             and
             desireable
             lot
             within
             time
             ,
             must
             be
             that
             of
             a
             serious
             Christian
             ,
             what
             ever
             the
             world
             be
             to
             him
             ;
             with
             which
             .
             1.
             
             The
             greatest
             Princes
             ,
             the
             rich
             ,
             and
             those
             that
             have
             lived
             most
             in
             the
             pleasures
             of
             this
             life
             ,
             would
             be
             glade
             to
             die
             and
             joine
             interests
             then
             .
             2.
             
             Is
             such
             ,
             as
             hath
             made
             it
             sweet
             and
             easy
             ,
             yea
             on
             deliberat
             choice
             to
             many
             ,
             to
             quite
             their
             greatest
             interest
             and
             Comforts
             within
             time
             ;
             which
             flesh
             and
             blood
             could
             never
             have
             parted
             with
             ,
             if
             the
             exchange
             had
             not
             been
             known
             to
             be
             much
             more
             gainful
             .
             3.
             
             How
             desirable
             is
             that
             lot
             ,
             where
             the
             Christian
             can
             follow
             his
             interest
             ,
             by
             being
             abased
             as
             well
             as
             abounding
             ,
             and
             by
             every
             thing
             that
             doth
             occurre
             ,
             may
             know
             how
             to
             be
             furthered
             thus
             in
             his
             way
             ;
             yea
             rise
             by
             that
             which
             would
             most
             seeme
             to
             bear
             him
             down
             ,
             and
             lay
             him
             in
             the
             dust
             ;
             yea
             thus
             to
             gain
             by
             greatest
             losses
             .
             4.
             
             Such
             is
             the
             Christians
             lot
             ,
             that
             as
             his
             duty
             and
             Comfort
             can
             never
             part
             ,
             or
             the
             Testimony
             of
             his
             Conscience
             anent
             integrity
             and
             straightness
             cease
             to
             be
             matter
             of
             his
             rejoicing
             ,
             so
             a
             serious
             subjecting
             and
             resignation
             to
             the
             Lord
             ,
             will
             never
             cease
             to
             be
             his
             reward
             also
             in
             the
             close
             .
             5.
             
             How
             sad
             and
             afflicting
             this
             lot
             may
             oft
             seeme
             ,
             it
             is
             here
             also
             their
             Joy
             is
             sowen
             by
             weeping
             ,
             where
             that
             Seed
             was
             never
             yet
             lost
             Psal
             .
             126
             :
             5
             ?
             6.
             
             Would
             you
             truely
             know
             the
             sweetness
             of
             a
             Christian
             lot
             ?
             O
             do
             but
             come
             near
             and
             try
             ,
             what
             Joy
             and
             Satisfaction
             is
             to
             be
             found
             in
             the
             cottage
             of
             such
             as
             knowes
             the
             truth
             of
             living
             near
             God
             ,
             and
             under
             the
             lively
             hope
             of
             the
             Glory
             which
             is
             to
             be
             revealed
             ,
             more
             than
             in
             the
             most
             stately
             &
             magnifick
             dwellings
             of
             others
             ;
             what
             the
             mornings
             and
             evenings
             of
             many
             such
             are
             ,
             their
             hid
             and
             retired
             walks
             ,
             yea
             their
             Comforts
             sometimes
             in
             the
             night
             season
             ;
             how
             sweet
             to
             tell
             the
             hours
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             going
             by
             ,
             which
             they
             know
             are
             bringing
             them
             more
             near
             to
             the
             eternity
             of
             Joy
             ,
             and
             putting
             over
             some
             part
             
             of
             their
             appointed
             griefs
             here
             ;
             with
             what
             refreshment
             these
             can
             look
             up
             to
             the
             Heavens
             ,
             to
             the
             Sun
             ,
             Moon
             and
             Stars
             ,
             and
             triumph
             in
             the
             works
             of
             his
             hand
             ,
             who
             hath
             formed
             the
             same
             ,
             whilst
             they
             know
             what
             a
             marvellous
             change
             ere
             long
             shall
             be
             in
             their
             state
             ,
             when
             they
             shal
             be
             above
             these
             ,
             yea
             
               shine
               forth
               as
               the
               Sun
               in
               the
               Kingdome
               of
               their
               Father
               .
               Matth.
            
             13
             :
             v.
             43.
             
             Hath
             not
             such
             ,
             and
             they
             only
             the
             most
             desireable
             part
             even
             here
             ,
             yea
             can
             truely
             feast
             upon
             their
             browu
             bread
             ,
             with
             a
             satisfaction
             ,
             beyond
             what
             ever
             the
             voluptuous
             man
             knew
             ,
             who
             knowes
             not
             that
             true
             peace
             &
             serenity
             of
             mind
             in
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             which
             guardes
             the
             heart
             from
             that
             dreadful
             sting
             that
             followes
             on
             the
             pleasures
             of
             sin
             ?
             It
             is
             such
             can
             truely
             say
             (
             which
             was
             the
             word
             of
             one
             of
             the
             Ancients
             )
             
               O
               quam
               suave
               est
               carere
               hisce
               suavitatibus
               ,
               how
               sweet
               to
               him
               was
               it
               to
               want
               these
               carnal
               delights
               ,
               wherein
               others
               were
               wallowing
            
             ;
             whilst
             their
             all
             is
             in
             Jesus
             Christ
             .
             But
             if
             you
             say
             ,
             why
             is
             not
             this
             more
             discerneable
             amongst
             Christians
             ?
             is
             not
             the
             cause
             here
             ,
             that
             a
             living
             and
             vigorous
             Christian
             is
             become
             so
             rare
             a
             sight
             at
             this
             day
             ?
             7.
             
             It
             is
             these
             ,
             who
             with
             Joy
             can
             converse
             with
             the
             thoughts
             of
             approaching
             death
             ,
             whilst
             the
             sting
             and
             terrour
             thereof
             is
             taken
             away
             .
             8.
             
             It
             is
             these
             ,
             who
             in
             the
             serious
             observing
             of
             providences
             both
             to
             themselves
             and
             others
             needs
             look
             no
             where
             ,
             where
             they
             may
             not
             see
             what
             should
             tend
             to
             a
             further
             strengthening
             of
             them
             in
             the
             way
             of
             truth
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             God
             whom
             they
             serve
             ,
             assuredly
             is
             what
             he
             hath
             declared
             himself
             to
             be
             .
             9.
             
             It
             is
             these
             ,
             who
             with
             greatest
             quiet
             dare
             commit
             their
             interest
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             
               knowing
               in
               whom
               they
               have
               beleeved
               ,
            
             and
             what
             ever
             confluence
             of
             manifold
             temptations
             may
             sometime
             meet
             in
             their
             lot
             ,
             yet
             knowes
             they
             
               shall
               not
               be
               tempted
               above
               measure
               ,
            
             but
             are
             still
             under
             his
             tender
             and
             watchful
             care
             ,
             who
             even
             while
             he
             smites
             with
             one
             hand
             ,
             does
             uphold
             with
             the
             other
             .
             10.
             
             Such
             is
             their
             lot
             ;
             as
             that
             which
             would
             seeme
             the
             greatest
             pain
             in
             the
             Study
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             which
             is
             by
             Mortification
             ,
             to
             do
             violence
             to
             the
             flesh
             and
             lusts
             
             thereof
             ,
             leads
             in
             also
             the
             greatest
             pleasures
             and
             delights
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             III.
             
          
           
             
               I
               must
               confess
               ,
               it
               is
               strange
               what
               prejudice
               most
               have
               at
               serious
               Godliness
               which
               they
               never
               knew
               upon
               trial
               :
               But
               what
               you
               me
               ane
               in
               this
               last
               instance
               of
               that
               interest
               Mortification
               to
               the
               flesh
               hath
               ,
               in
               the
               Comforts
               and
               Enjoyments
               of
               the
               Christians
               life
               ,
               is
               such
               I
               cannot
               easily
               comprehend
               .
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             This
             can
             alone
             be
             known
             upon
             trial
             .
             Yet
             do
             but
             seriously
             consider
             these
             1.
             
             That
             the
             Scripture
             hath
             so
             exprefly
             conjoined
             them
             together
             .
             Matth.
             11
             :
             29.
             
               take
               my
               yoke
               on
               you
               ,
               and
               learne
               of
               me
               &c.
               and
               you
               shall
               find
               rest
               to
               your
               soul
               ,
            
             which
             would
             seeme
             a
             strange
             way
             to
             so
             desireable
             an
             enjoyment
             .
             2
             You
             know
             this
             also
             to
             be
             attested
             by
             the
             Saints
             in
             all
             ages
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             greatest
             certainty
             of
             trial
             ,
             what
             inexpressible
             sweetness
             and
             delight
             they
             have
             known
             and
             experienced
             in
             a
             suffering
             lot
             for
             Christ
             ,
             and
             in
             such
             things
             ,
             which
             in
             themselves
             were
             most
             imbittering
             and
             grievous
             to
             the
             flesh
             .
             3.
             
             None
             yet
             ever
             knew
             the
             Truth
             and
             Power
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             not
             this
             also
             ,
             that
             by
             a
             natural
             result
             ,
             what
             ever
             tends
             to
             an
             abatement
             of
             the
             power
             of
             sin
             ,
             in
             resisting
             thereto
             ,
             how
             sore
             and
             grieving
             soever
             it
             would
             seeme
             at
             first
             ,
             leads
             into
             the
             greatest
             Delights
             and
             Comfort
             in
             the
             close
             .
             4.
             
             It
             is
             here
             the
             Christians
             promised
             reward
             to
             wrestling
             against
             corruption
             ,
             and
             a
             
               Body
               of
               Death
            
             ,
             is
             in
             some
             degree
             given
             in
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             know
             upon
             their
             own
             soul
             the
             Truth
             of
             that
             Peace
             ,
             which
             is
             in
             a
             closs
             walking
             by
             this
             blessed
             rule
             of
             the
             Scripture
             .
             Gal.
             6
             :
             16.
             5.
             
             And
             what
             a
             sweet
             Jubilee
             hath
             oft
             followed
             in
             their
             soul
             ,
             on
             resisting
             and
             getting
             victory
             over
             some
             predomlnant
             evil
             ,
             beyond
             what
             ever
             was
             known
             ,
             in
             the
             furthest
             yeelding
             and
             indulgenee
             to
             the
             flesh
             ?
             6.
             
             Is
             not
             the
             most
             truely
             Comforting
             use
             and
             enjoyment
             of
             the
             world
             found
             ,
             by
             having
             the
             heart
             much
             subdued
             thereto
             ,
             and
             thus
             kept
             off
             that
             dreadful
             rock
             
             
               of
               Love
               to
               the
               World
            
             ,
             and
             eager
             desires
             after
             the
             same
             ,
             whereon
             so
             many
             thousands
             have
             at
             last
             made
             shipwrack
             ?
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             IIII.
             
          
           
             
               VVhat
               are
               there
               not
               allowed
               desires
               after
               the
               world
               ;
               and
               that
               it
               is
               truely
               warrantable
               for
               men
               to
               seek
               a
               further
               increase
               to
               their
               estate
               ,
               and
               some
               larger
               interest
               this
               way
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             Since
             this
             is
             an
             unquestionable
             Talent
             men
             have
             for
             their
             Masters
             use
             ,
             and
             are
             accountable
             for
             ,
             it
             puts
             it
             beyond
             question
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             both
             a
             warrantable
             following
             and
             enjoying
             thereof
             ,
             with
             Christian
             Sobriety
             ;
             but
             these
             also
             would
             be
             deeply
             pondered
             herewith
             .
             1.
             
             That
             
               Love
               to
               the
               world
               and
               things
               thereof
               ,
            
             is
             so
             expresly
             a
             Scripture
             signe
             of
             a
             reprobat
             state
             .
             1
             Joh.
             2
             :
             15.
             and
             that
             
               no
               covetous
               shall
               inherit
               the
               Kingdome
               of
               Heaven
            
             1
             Cor.
             6
             :
             10.
             which
             was
             so
             convincing
             in
             the
             primitive
             times
             ,
             as
             Covetousness
             upon
             any
             visible
             evidence
             was
             then
             a
             publick
             scandal
             of
             the
             Church
             .
             2.
             
             How
             such
             is
             the
             deceitfulness
             of
             riches
             ,
             as
             is
             shewed
             by
             our
             blessed
             Lord
             himself
             .
             Mat.
             13
             v.
             22.
             that
             as
             
               briars
               and
               thornes
            
             this
             native
             tendency
             is
             to
             choak
             the
             Word
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             make
             it
             unfruitful
             ,
             even
             whilst
             it
             seemes
             to
             have
             come
             forward
             some
             length
             .
             And
             if
             any
             cannot
             bear
             this
             ,
             who
             may
             be
             in
             saddest
             hazard
             to
             split
             on
             such
             a
             rock
             ,
             let
             them
             but
             go
             in
             and
             try
             the
             Scripture
             thereanent
             ;
             and
             not
             think
             strange
             ,
             that
             we
             neither
             may
             nor
             dare
             conceale
             the
             truth
             herein
             ,
             without
             applying
             it
             to
             mens
             Conscience
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             V.
             
          
           
             
               VVhat
               suteable
               improvement
               is
               that
               which
               is
               necessarily
               called
               for
               ,
               of
               the
               measure
               and
               talent
               which
               men
               have
               of
               things
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               as
               might
               most
               tend
               to
               a
               solide
               peace
               and
               quiet
               of
               mind
               before
               the
               Lord
               herein
               ,
               and
               to
               guard
               against
               such
               dreadful
               and
               evident
               hazard
               of
               eternal
               perishing
               ,
               or
               spliting
               on
               that
               rock
               ,
               on
               which
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               hath
               set
               so
               signal
               a
               Beacon
               ,
               by
               most
               express
               and
               multiplied
               warnings
               from
               the
               Scripture
               ?
            
          
           
           
             ANSW
             .
             It
             is
             a
             great
             proposal
             you
             now
             make
             ,
             to
             which
             in
             a
             few
             words
             ,
             and
             with
             some
             seriousness
             I
             shall
             make
             this
             answere
             .
             1.
             
             To
             consider
             what
             use
             ye
             would
             choose
             to
             make
             ,
             or
             wish
             to
             have
             made
             of
             your
             interest
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             if
             ye
             were
             at
             this
             hour
             to
             die
             ,
             so
             as
             with
             peace
             on
             such
             an
             account
             to
             enter
             into
             eternity
             .
             2.
             
             That
             this
             i
             ;
             '
             not
             left
             arbitrary
             to
             any
             their
             trading
             with
             such
             a
             Talent
             ,
             and
             be
             concerned
             how
             to
             consecrat
             the
             gain
             thereof
             to
             the
             Lord
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             a
             High
             Peece
             of
             Justice
             ,
             and
             no
             less
             necessity
             to
             shew
             mercy
             to
             those
             who
             are
             truely
             distressed
             ,
             than
             to
             pay
             our
             Debts
             ,
             since
             the
             great
             Law-giver
             hath
             not
             left
             this
             indifferent
             more
             than
             the
             other
             ,
             as
             is
             clear
             .
             Luk.
             16
             :
             10
             ,
             11
             ,
             12.
             3.
             
             You
             would
             consider
             that
             riches
             is
             given
             to
             men
             as
             Stewards
             ,
             and
             not
             
               Proprietors
               ,
               Matth.
            
             25
             :
             v.
             14.
             
             I
             meane
             so
             as
             to
             reckon
             they
             may
             do
             herein
             at
             their
             own
             pleasure
             ;
             and
             is
             unfaithfulness
             here
             a
             small
             weight
             to
             ly
             on
             the
             Conscience
             ,
             and
             have
             no
             other
             account
             of
             their
             
               Masters
               goods
            
             to
             give
             ,
             but
             that
             they
             applyed
             them
             to
             their
             own
             use
             only
             ?
             4.
             
             Do
             but
             lay
             to
             heart
             ,
             that
             such
             is
             this
             great
             Duty
             ,
             in
             a
             faithful
             answering
             to
             ones
             Talent
             and
             measure
             of
             the
             things
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             in
             a
             tender
             respect
             to
             the
             Condition
             and
             
               Necessity
               of
               the
               Saints
            
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             Day
             of
             the
             Lord
             it
             is
             most
             noticed
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             will
             be
             brought
             in
             Judgment
             against
             the
             reprobate
             ,
             yea
             on
             which
             that
             dreadful
             Sentence
             there
             passeth
             ,
             
               depart
               from
               me
               ye
               cursed
               into
               everlasting
               fire
               &c.
               
               Matth.
            
             25
             :
             vers
             .
             41.
             5.
             
             To
             be
             faithful
             thus
             in
             answering
             to
             that
             Talent
             is
             clear
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             to
             give
             and
             lay
             out
             your self
             this
             way
             ,
             vvhere
             you
             can
             expect
             no
             returne
             ,
             or
             Compensation
             ,
             otherwise
             it
             is
             but
             a
             self
             interest
             you
             follow
             ,
             and
             not
             a
             giving
             to
             the
             Lord
             ,
             nor
             is
             it
             
               a
               casting
               thy
               bread
               on
               the
               waters
               ,
               Eccles
               .
            
             11
             :
             1.
             6.
             
             To
             be
             faithfulhere
             is
             something
             else
             than
             that
             occasional
             
               outgiving
               to
               the
               necessities
               of
               any
               ,
            
             on
             some
             present
             and
             pressing
             Object
             ,
             since
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             is
             so
             express
             ,
             that
             here
             should
             be
             some
             proportion
             to
             every
             ones
             Measure
             and
             Estate
             ,
             which
             ought
             to
             be
             seriously
             considered
             and
             laid
             aside
             ,
             for
             which
             see
             that
             appointment
             
             Deut.
             14
             :
             22.
             
             &
             16
             :
             12.
             and
             how
             there
             it
             is
             held
             forth
             on
             moral
             &
             immutable
             grounds
             .
             1
             Cor.
             16
             :
             ●
             .
             that
             every
             one
             should
             ,
             as
             his
             measure
             can
             admit
             ,
             be
             concerned
             in
             the
             improvement
             thereof
             .
             7.
             
             This
             is
             not
             to
             entertaine
             only
             some
             pressing
             call
             for
             this
             end
             ,
             when
             it
             comes
             their
             way
             ,
             but
             to
             search
             out
             the
             cause
             of
             the
             distressed
             .
             Job
             .
             29
             :
             v.
             16.
             
             Eccles
             .
             11
             :
             2.
             for
             thus
             
               the
               liberal
               man
               deviseth
               liberal
               things
               ,
            
             &c.
             even
             in
             seeking
             Objects
             ,
             that
             so
             excellent
             a
             grace
             may
             not
             want
             its
             exercise
             ,
             each
             according
             to
             his
             Talent
             ,
             where
             it
             may
             be
             truely
             said
             ,
             thev
             receive
             more
             than
             they
             give
             :
             Which
             was
             a
             choice
             word
             of
             one
             ,
             
               what
               ever
            
             I
             
               give
               ,
               that
            
             I
             have
             ,
             whilst
             the
             withholding
             of
             that
             which
             is
             .
             thus
             required
             ,
             hath
             visiblv
             
               tended
               to
               poverty
            
             in
             many
             signal
             instances
             .
             8.
             
             To
             be
             faithful
             here
             ▪
             is
             to
             have
             a
             serious
             respect
             to
             the
             end
             ;
             that
             it
             
               be
               to
               a
               Disciple
               in
               the
               name
               of
               a
               Disciple
               ,
            
             with
             a
             due
             regard
             to
             their
             present
             distress
             ,
             and
             not
             by
             partiality
             ,
             on
             some
             private
             interest
             and
             respects
             that
             may
             rise
             thereto
             ,
             else
             they
             have
             cause
             to
             feare
             ,
             that
             both
             Principal
             &
             Interest
             is
             lost
             ,
             nor
             can
             they
             put
             this
             debt
             on
             the
             Lord
             ,
             where
             such
             a
             sad
             bvass
             is
             with
             it
             .
             Matth.
             10
             :
             v.
             42
             ?
             9.
             
             To
             be
             faithful
             here
             is
             to
             follow
             this
             closly
             ,
             so
             as
             
               not
               to
               be
               seen
               of
               men
               ,
            
             else
             such
             have
             their
             reward
             ,
             where
             this
             is
             an
             influencing
             motive
             ,
             yea
             not
             to
             let
             the
             
               left
               hand
               know
               what
               the
               right
               hand
               doth
               .
               Matth
            
             6
             :
             3.
             
             Here
             the
             giver
             should
             shut
             his
             eyes
             when
             he
             opens
             his
             hand
             ,
             with
             desire
             that
             it
             may
             never
             be
             known
             ,
             untill
             the
             dav
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             great
             day
             of
             retribution
             ,
             when
             that
             which
             hath
             been
             done
             in
             secret
             shall
             be
             rewarded
             openly
             .
             Mat.
             6
             :
             v.
             4
             ?
             10.
             
             Here
             also
             is
             to
             be
             understood
             to
             give
             without
             grudging
             ,
             cheerfully
             ,
             as
             the
             true
             way
             to
             lay
             up
             treasure
             to
             themselves
             ,
             knowing
             that
             
               the
               Lord
               loves
               a
               cheerful
               giver
               .
            
             2
             Cor.
             9
             :
             7.
             11.
             
             To
             be
             faithful
             here
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             given
             to
             
               Hospitality
               ▪
            
             with
             a
             tender
             regard
             forentertaining
             of
             strangers
             ,
             for
             in
             such
             habite
             
               Angels
               have
               been
               entertained
               .
               Heb.
            
             13
             :
             v.
             2.
             12.
             
             The
             bounds
             and
             limites
             of
             our
             actings
             here
             must
             not
             ouly
             be
             the
             
               houshold
               of
               faith
            
             ,
             but
             a
             Tenderness
             ,
             Condescendence
             and
             Readiness
             to
             help
             and
             relieve
             any
             
             distressed
             ,
             even
             the
             Worst
             of
             men
             ,
             as
             they
             have
             opportunity
             ,
             which
             is
             so
             expresly
             required
             1
             Thes
             .
             3
             :
             ver
             .
             12.
             
               to
               abound
               in
               love
               towards
               all
               men
               ,
            
             so
             as
             to
             do
             good
             ,
             to
             be
             useful
             ,
             and
             exerce
             Tenderness
             toward
             all
             ,
             which
             should
             be
             found
             a
             more
             effectual
             mean
             to
             gaine
             credit
             to
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             than
             what
             is
             the
             way
             of
             many
             ,
             who
             have
             a
             name
             and
             repute
             of
             Religion
             in
             this
             age
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             VI.
             
          
           
             
               VVhat
               you
               have
               now
               spoke
               anent
               those
               ,
               who
               have
               a
               large
               interest
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               in
               what
               termes
               they
               have
               it
               ,
               is
               undeniable
               ,
               I
               confess
               ,
               from
               the
               Scripture
               ;
               but
               this
               concernes
               a
               few
               ,
               in
               respect
               of
               such
               as
               are
               of
               a
               
                 Low
                 and
                 meane
                 Condition
              
               in
               the
               VVorld
               ,
               and
               what
               can
               these
               have
               to
               compense
               the
               want
               of
               such
               a
               Talent
               and
               make
               their
               lot
               desireable
               or
               sweet
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             I
             hope
             you
             will
             not
             bring
             these
             things
             under
             question
             ,
             which
             may
             convincingly
             answer
             this
             .
             1.
             
             That
             a
             serious
             Christian
             could
             yet
             never
             be
             so
             Low
             ,
             but
             he
             hath
             much
             more
             than
             he
             wants
             ,
             though
             he
             should
             be
             put
             to
             such
             a
             reckoning
             with
             Job
             .
             I
             have
             now
             neither
             Children
             ,
             Friends
             ,
             Honour
             ,
             or
             Estate
             in
             the
             world
             to
             call
             mine
             own
             :
             but
             I
             
               know
               and
               am
               sure
               that
               my
               Redeemer
               lives
               .
               Job
               .
            
             19
             :
             v.
             25.
             and
             do
             you
             think
             that
             a
             mans
             lot
             ,
             or
             the
             comfortable
             enjoyment
             thereof
             consists
             
               in
               the
               abundance
               of
               the
               things
               he
               possesseth
               Luk.
            
             12
             :
             15.
             2.
             
             Have
             the
             poor
             and
             despised
             cause
             to
             quarrel
             with
             their
             lot
             ,
             if
             they
             be
             in
             truth
             partakers
             of
             the
             Grace
             of
             God
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             so
             clear
             ,
             there
             can
             be
             no
             substantial
             good
             in
             riches
             or
             honour
             ,
             which
             the
             Lord
             hath
             cast
             out
             of
             the
             Counsel
             of
             his
             Love
             towards
             those
             ,
             on
             whom
             he
             hath
             set
             his
             heart
             from
             eternity
             ?
             3.
             
             Yea
             hath
             he
             not
             designed
             the
             most
             of
             the
             Elect
             to
             a
             poor
             ,
             Low
             and
             afflicted
             Condition
             here
             ?
             
               For
               you
               see
               your
               calling
               Brethren
               ,
               how
               not
               many
               wise
               ,
               not
               many
               noble
               &c.
               according
               to
               the
               flesh
               hath
               he
               chosen
               ,
            
             1
             Cor.
             1
             :
             26
             ,
             27.
             4.
             
             Hath
             not
             such
             a
             peculiar
             income
             in
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Promise
             ,
             which
             these
             who
             are
             full
             ,
             and
             abound
             most
             in
             the
             world
             
             cannot
             understand
             ,
             and
             is
             not
             owned
             in
             the
             Scripture
             to
             be
             under
             such
             a
             necessity
             to
             live
             by
             faith
             ,
             which
             made
             the
             Apostle
             give
             such
             a
             strange
             account
             ,
             2
             Cor.
             12
             ;
             9
             ,
             10.
             
             I
             
               take
               pleasure
               in
               my
               infirmities
               ,
               in
               distress
               ,
               inpersecutions
               ,
               &c.
               that
               the
               power
               of
               Christ
               may
               rest
               on
               me
               .
            
             O
             what
             strong
             and
             vigorous
             acts
             of
             faith
             and
             love
             have
             oft
             followed
             the
             Christians
             low
             and
             meane
             state
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             whereto
             such
             as
             were
             at
             ease
             have
             been
             wholly
             strangers
             .
             5.
             
             Have
             such
             cause
             to
             quarrel
             with
             a
             low
             and
             despised
             lot
             ,
             who
             the
             less
             they
             have
             here
             ,
             whilst
             they
             have
             a
             sure
             evident
             for
             Heaven
             ,
             knowes
             they
             have
             the
             more
             before
             them
             ?
             And
             whilst
             others
             may
             reckon
             what
             they
             have
             by
             year
             and
             property
             ,
             can
             make
             another
             account
             what
             is
             their
             interest
             for
             all
             eternity
             ,
             and
             not
             grudge
             the
             hireling's
             wages
             ,
             who
             know
             they
             are
             Sons
             ,
             and
             
               to
               abide
               in
               the
               house
               for
               ever
               ,
               Joh.
            
             8
             :
             35.
             6.
             
             Would
             such
             ,
             were
             it
             put
             to
             their
             choice
             ,
             
               have
               their
               good
               things
               in
               this
               life
               ,
            
             or
             do
             they
             expect
             to
             find
             a
             Heaven
             out
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             is
             not
             that
             lot
             with
             greatest
             advantage
             suited
             to
             each
             of
             his
             Saints
             ,
             that
             is
             most
             for
             promoting
             their
             eternal
             interest
             ,
             and
             
               to
               make
               them
               meet
               to
               be
               partakers
               of
               the
               inheritance
               of
               the
               Saints
               in
               light
               .
               Col.
            
             1
             :
             ver
             .
             12.
             7.
             
             It
             is
             not
             by
             the
             bulk
             you
             can
             judge
             on
             the
             Christians
             condition
             here
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             a
             little
             gold
             is
             of
             more
             value
             than
             a
             great
             heap
             of
             some
             other
             metals
             ,
             and
             
               a
               little
               that
               the
               righteous
               hath
               is
               more
               than
               ▪
               the
               riches
               of
               many
               wicked
               ,
               Psal
               .
            
             37
             :
             ver
             .
             16.
             
             For
             there
             lyes
             the
             blessing
             ;
             and
             what
             a
             difference
             is
             there
             betwixt
             such
             ,
             whose
             heart
             is
             gone
             up
             after
             his
             treasure
             ,
             that
             is
             laid
             up
             for
             him
             in
             Heaven
             ;
             and
             those
             ,
             who
             
               mind
               earthly
               things
            
             and
             have
             their
             heart
             in
             their
             belly
             ,
             Phil.
             3
             :
             ver
             .
             19
             ?
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             VII
             .
          
           
             
               Such
               have
               a
               sweet
               and
               comforting
               part
               ,
               whether
               the
               VVorld
               smile
               or
               frown
               ,
               who
               know
               there
               is
               an
               eternity
               of
               joy
               before
               them
               :
               But
               you
               see
               how
               many
               are
               not
               more
               low
               in
               their
               outward
               state
               ,
               than
               dreadfully
               wicked
               and
               loose
               ,
               without
               thc
               least
               serious
               weight
               of
               Religion
               on
               their
               soul
               .
            
          
           
           
             ANS
             .
             This
             may
             shew
             ,
             that
             no
             affliction
             ,
             or
             the
             saddest
             lot
             here
             can
             of
             it self
             lead
             into
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             without
             the
             efficacious
             and
             irresistible
             power
             of
             grace
             ;
             but
             as
             to
             their
             part
             ,
             who●
             are
             so
             visibly
             active
             to
             their
             own
             ruine
             ,
             I
             must
             say
             ,
             there
             seemes
             not
             a
             more
             sad
             and
             astonishing
             sight
             ,
             than
             such
             are
             ,
             1.
             
             Who
             thus
             follow
             the
             world
             with
             a
             weeping
             eye
             ,
             and
             have
             their
             heart
             cleave
             so
             fast
             to
             it
             ,
             which
             will
             scarce
             bestow
             one
             flattering
             smile
             on
             them
             ,
             &
             knowes
             not
             what
             gain
             they●might
             make
             of
             their
             present
             Affliction
             and
             strait
             .
             2.
             
             Who
             thus
             
               seek
               the
               living
               among
               the
               dead
               ,
            
             &
             their
             reliefe
             from
             the
             airth
             from
             whence
             they
             see
             they
             cannot
             have
             it
             ,
             who
             have
             such
             greatest
             things
             laid
             in
             their
             offer
             ,
             to
             make
             them
             here
             and
             for
             ever
             blessed
             .
             3.
             
             That
             the
             very
             report
             of
             the
             
               gain
               of
               Godliness
            
             should
             not
             press
             them
             once
             to
             be
             this
             length
             ,
             to
             know
             upon
             trial
             ,
             vvhat
             might
             be
             the
             certainty
             thereof
             ,
             and
             if
             such
             an
             advantage
             can
             be
             truely
             reached
             here
             ,
             as
             to
             make
             the
             poor
             mans
             life
             more
             Sweet
             and
             Comforting
             under
             all
             the
             toile
             of
             his
             hand
             ,
             than
             if
             he
             had
             the
             greatest
             estate
             of
             the
             earth
             .
             4
             ,
             It
             may
             seeme
             strange
             ,
             what
             these
             can
             possibly
             reckon
             upon
             their
             Condition
             in
             being
             men
             ,
             as
             desireable
             above
             that
             of
             the
             beasts
             of
             the
             field
             ,
             who
             have
             so
             little
             either
             in
             hand
             ,
             or
             hope
             to
             be
             comforting
             ;
             to
             know
             only
             a
             sensual
             life
             with
             so
             small
             and
             almost
             indiscerneable
             advantage
             to
             satisfy
             the
             senses
             .
             It
             is
             true
             ,
             many
             such
             entertain
             a
             hope
             of
             a
             blessedness
             to
             come
             ,
             whilst
             they
             are
             wholly
             strangers
             to
             a
             life
             of
             grace
             here
             :
             But
             Oh!
             It
             is
             at
             such
             a
             rate
             ,
             that
             the
             Scripture
             of
             God
             must
             be
             false
             ,
             if
             theirs
             be
             true
             .
             5
             How
             amazing
             also
             is
             it
             ,
             to
             see
             for
             what
             these
             perish
             ,
             and
             lose
             their
             immortal
             soul
             ,
             which
             is
             in
             it self
             a
             higher
             interest
             ,
             than
             the
             glory
             and
             riches
             of
             all
             the
             Monarchies
             in
             the
             Earth
             ,
             yea
             of
             more
             value
             ,
             than
             the
             Sun
             and
             Moon
             ?
             Yet
             as
             if
             this
             were
             but
             some
             triffle
             ,
             how
             easily
             do
             such
             hazard
             the
             same
             for
             the
             smallest
             gain
             ;
             yea
             it
             may
             be
             said
             ,
             are
             content
             to
             serve
             Satan
             withont
             the
             wages
             of
             visible
             pleasure
             and
             satisfaction
             which
             others
             have
             in
             the
             world
             .
             6
             Yea
             how
             strange
             is
             it
             ,
             how
             many
             such
             ,
             
             whose
             trade
             and
             imployment
             lyes
             most
             at
             sea
             ,
             who
             thus
             have
             such
             peculiar
             enforcing
             Arguments
             ,
             to
             be
             serious
             about
             Religion
             ,
             yet
             are
             so
             visibly
             loose
             in
             their
             walk
             ,
             and
             strangers
             to
             a
             Christian
             life
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             VIII
             .
          
           
             
               It
               is
               sure
               ,
               there
               are
               such
               of
               that
               imployment
               ,
               and
               I
               hope
               not
               a
               few
               ,
               whose
               being
               convincingly
               serious
               in
               the
               things
               of
               God
               ,
               with
               a
               Christian
               walk
               ,
               to
               the
               credit
               of
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               is
               beyond
               question
               .
               But
               since
               what
               you
               have
               spoke
               as
               to
               many
               of
               these
               ,
               is
               too
               visibly
               manifest
               ,
               what
               are
               these
               pressing
               Motives
               and
               Arguguments
               that
               such
               ,
               whose
               calling
               lyes
               most
               on
               the
               Sea
               ,
               have
               more
               than
               others
               to
               take
               Religion
               deeply
               to
               heart
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             You
             may
             judge
             what
             a
             pressing
             call
             such
             have
             to
             be
             in
             greatest
             earnest
             about
             their
             eternal
             state
             .
             1.
             
             Who
             are
             through
             most
             of
             their
             time
             so
             near
             a
             bordering
             with
             
               eternity
               ,
               in
               deaths
               often
            
             ;
             and
             their
             life
             hanging
             so
             frequently
             in
             suspence
             before
             their
             eyes
             .
             2.
             
             Such
             ,
             who
             cannot
             but
             have
             their
             conscience
             oft
             struck
             with
             the
             sense
             of
             a
             God-Head
             ,
             by
             seeing
             his
             marvellous
             power
             shewed
             forth
             in
             the
             Depths
             ,
             so
             as
             it
             may
             be
             said
             ,
             they
             live
             and
             converse
             amongst
             wonders
             ,
             to
             see
             that
             great
             Body
             of
             the
             Sea
             ,
             how
             it
             is
             with
             such
             advantage
             made
             passable
             for
             Transport
             and
             Commerce
             ;
             the
             regular
             course
             of
             its
             ebbbings
             and
             flowings
             ,
             with
             the
             singular
             use
             and
             subserviency
             of
             the
             tides
             ;
             how
             it
             is
             shut
             up
             also
             with
             gates
             and
             barres
             ,
             and
             hath
             its
             
               appointed
               bounds
            
             ,
             without
             which
             there
             could
             be
             no
             reason
             how
             a
             bank
             of
             sand
             could
             restraine
             the
             great
             Oceans
             breaking
             forth
             .
             O!
             what
             a
             book
             is
             thus
             spread
             open
             for
             sea
             -
             faring
             men
             to
             read
             ,
             and
             bring
             near
             their
             thoughts
             with
             wondering
             ,
             to
             Fear
             and
             Worship
             him
             ,
             whose
             
               voice
               is
               so
               known
               on
               the
               wighty
               waters
            
             ;
             who
             turnes
             the
             most
             impetuous
             storme
             into
             a
             calme
             at
             his
             pleasure
             ,
             which
             is
             so
             far
             above
             all
             hnmane
             reach
             ,
             &
             causeth
             the
             swelling
             of
             an
             enraged
             sea
             in
             a
             moment
             to
             know
             his
             command
             and
             be
             still
             3.
             
             What
             ought
             such
             to
             be
             ,
             who
             have
             not
             only
             been
             oft
             surprised
             
             with
             preventing
             mercy
             ,
             when
             they
             were
             not
             aware
             from
             dashing
             on
             some
             shelve
             or
             rock
             ,
             or
             falling
             in
             on
             a
             bank
             of
             sand
             ,
             and
             thus
             brought
             out
             of
             greatest
             hazard
             ,
             even
             before
             they
             were
             put
             in
             fear
             :
             But
             have
             oft
             likewise
             been
             rescued
             from
             the
             very
             Jawes
             of
             present
             Death
             ,
             in
             that
             manner
             ,
             when
             no
             visible
             or
             ordinary
             means
             could
             ever
             have
             answered
             thereto
             .
             Oh!
             Can
             such
             deliverance
             be
             so
             easily
             forgot
             ,
             and
             what
             were
             then
             their
             thoughts
             of
             entring
             into
             endless
             eternity
             ,
             and
             meeting
             
               grim
               death
            
             with
             such
             a
             surprise
             ?
             was
             it
             not
             then
             a
             matter
             of
             earnest
             to
             pray
             ?
             Or
             would
             you
             then
             have
             dared
             to
             break
             forth
             into
             an
             Oath
             ?
             yea
             what
             a
             blessed
             state
             were
             you
             then
             made
             to
             reckon
             those
             in
             ,
             who
             had
             been
             formerly
             serious
             about
             Religion
             ,
             and
             how
             soon
             may
             such
             a
             surprisal
             meet
             you
             again
             ?
             4.
             
             What
             ought
             such
             to
             be
             ,
             and
             are
             accountable
             for
             ,
             who
             knowes
             how
             many
             thousands
             have
             been
             swallowed
             up
             in
             these
             devouring
             Depths
             ,
             and
             hears
             of
             such
             ordinary
             shipwracks
             ,
             whilst
             they
             are
             yet
             preserved
             ?
             Oh!
             Doth
             not
             this
             marvellous
             longsuffering
             and
             tenderness
             of
             the
             Lord
             have
             some
             serious
             voice
             ?
             Hath
             it
             yet
             never
             tended
             to
             melt
             your
             heart
             with
             sorrow
             and
             contrition
             ,
             for
             so
             sad
             a
             returne
             you
             have
             hitherto
             given
             to
             such
             forbearance
             .
             5.
             
             What
             solemne
             and
             express
             engagements
             are
             many
             ,
             if
             not
             most
             of
             such
             under
             ,
             and
             accountable
             for
             ,
             
               which
               their
               lips
               have
               uttered
               ,
               when
               trouble
               was
               upon
               them
               ,
            
             and
             when
             they
             were
             at
             the
             very
             brink
             of
             perishing
             ,
             that
             if
             some
             extraordinary
             cast
             of
             providence
             had
             been
             deferred
             but
             a
             very
             few
             moments
             longer
             ,
             they
             had
             been
             lost
             ?
             Now
             set
             me
             seriously
             ask
             ,
             what
             did
             you
             really
             intend
             ?
             Was
             it
             to
             deale
             deceitfully
             with
             the
             most
             High
             ,
             and
             be
             no
             more
             serious
             in
             the
             thoughts
             of
             this
             when
             ye
             were
             once
             at
             land
             ?
             If
             it
             be
             so
             ,
             how
             can
             you
             dare
             to
             pray
             and
             plead
             with
             the
             Holy
             Lord
             in
             a
             new
             Strait
             :
             Oh!
             let
             me
             beseech
             you
             ,
             lay
             this
             to
             heart
             ,
             and
             that
             to
             make
             use
             of
             your
             present
             calmes
             at
             sea
             ,
             for
             making
             sure
             your
             eternal
             interest
             ,
             would
             help
             to
             make
             a
             sweet
             calme
             within
             on
             your
             soul
             when
             a
             storme
             arises
             .
             6.
             
             Let
             me
             but
             add
             this
             
             what
             advantage
             such
             have
             ,
             who
             have
             so
             clear
             an
             embleme
             of
             their
             life
             and
             condition
             here
             so
             frequently
             before
             them
             ,
             how
             thus
             they
             are
             under
             saill
             ,
             and
             moving
             to
             that
             port
             where
             once
             the
             anckor
             must
             be
             cast
             down
             never
             to
             be
             weighed
             again
             :
             yea
             how
             there
             can
             be
             no
             safe
             reckoning
             to
             get
             safe
             to
             that
             blessed
             ,
             O
             blessed
             and
             desireable
             
               port
               of
               glory
            
             ,
             without
             knowing
             how
             their
             course
             lyes
             ,
             which
             from
             the
             Scripture
             is
             more
             infallibly
             clear
             ,
             than
             they
             can
             be
             by
             any
             Carte
             or
             Compass
             ?
             Let
             me
             but
             further
             add
             ,
             how
             strange
             it
             is
             to
             see
             some
             of
             these
             ,
             so
             far
             from
             under
             the
             aw
             and
             dread
             of
             God
             ;
             that
             they
             are
             not
             more
             concerned
             to
             put
             to
             sea
             ,
             and
             work
             on
             the
             Sabbath
             ,
             without
             any
             convincing
             necessity
             ,
             than
             on
             any
             other
             day
             ?
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             IX
             .
          
           
             
               VVhat
               ,
               is
               there
               such
               a
               necessity
               for
               strict
               observance
               of
               the
               Sabbath
               ,
               as
               there
               is
               no
               warrantable
               liberty
               ,
               both
               for
               recreation
               ,
               and
               mens
               ordinary
               business
               ,
               after
               the
               publick
               worship
               is
               once
               past
               ?
            
          
           
             ANS
             .
             I
             hope
             you
             will
             not
             dare
             to
             debate
             ,
             1.
             
             That
             the
             
               Christian
               Sabbath
            
             hath
             by
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             that
             impress
             and
             authority
             put
             upon
             it
             ,
             of
             being
             the
             
               Lords
               day
            
             ,
             a
             day
             which
             is
             set
             a
             part
             and
             consecrat
             to
             him
             ,
             on
             a
             higher
             account
             ,
             than
             the
             first
             creation
             ,
             wherein
             
               God
               manifested
               in
               our
               nature
               did
               rest
               from
               all
               his
               works
               ,
               for
            
             the
             
               Redemption
               of
               his
               Church
               ;
               and
               from
            
             the
             
               new
               Creation
               ;
               and
               saw
               that
               all
               which
               he
               had
               done
               was
               very
               good
            
             ;
             that
             day
             never
             to
             be
             forgot
             ,
             wherein
             the
             Redemption
             of
             his
             Church
             being
             perfected
             ,
             he
             had
             a
             full
             acquitance
             for
             the
             whole
             debt
             of
             his
             elect
             Church
             ;
             that
             day
             also
             ,
             on
             which
             his
             most
             usuall
             and
             solemne
             appearance
             to
             his
             Disciples
             after
             his
             Resurrection
             ,
             was
             ;
             and
             shall
             we
             deny
             such
             a
             tribute
             of
             our
             observance
             thereof
             ,
             on
             so
             great
             an
             account
             :
             and
             to
             him
             ,
             who
             hath
             given
             us
             our
             time
             ,
             
               and
               is
               Lord
               of
               the
               Sabbath
               ?
            
             2.
             
             Since
             it
             is
             the
             alone
             prerogative
             of
             God
             to
             make
             
               a
               day
               holy
            
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             
               first
               day
               of
               the
               week
            
             is
             that
             piece
             of
             our
             time
             ,
             which
             is
             only
             set
             apart
             for
             him
             under
             the
             
               New
               Testament
            
             ,
             should
             not
             such
             a
             solemne
             and
             
               consecrat
               time
            
             be
             applyed
             to
             spirituall
             duties
             ?
             and
             is
             the
             highest
             of
             sacriledge
             to
             turne
             that
             which
             is
             holy
             to
             
             civill
             or
             common
             actions
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             no
             works
             of
             necessity
             or
             mercy
             ,
             for
             then
             is
             such
             a
             day
             no
             more
             holy
             but
             common
             .
             3.
             
             You
             know
             how
             deep
             the
             prophanation
             thereof
             hath
             been
             oft
             found
             to
             draw
             on
             mens
             conscience
             ,
             so
             as
             it
             is
             rare
             to
             see
             a
             
               flagitious
               person
            
             under
             any
             remorse
             ,
             when
             brought
             to
             a
             scaffold
             ,
             but
             hath
             been
             then
             enforced
             to
             cry
             out
             of
             the
             breach
             of
             the
             Sabbath
             ,
             and
             how
             their
             guilt
             herein
             did
             stare
             them
             in
             the
             face
             ,
             as
             a
             provoking
             cause
             of
             what
             had
             thus
             befallen
             them
             4.
             
             Should
             not
             these
             dreadfull
             marks
             of
             the
             holy
             
               judgement
               of
               God
            
             ,
             which
             have
             been
             thus
             put
             both
             on
             persons
             and
             places
             ,
             have
             an
             aw
             and
             dread
             on
             mens
             consciences
             ;
             yea
             such
             instances
             ,
             with
             these
             signall
             and
             convincing
             circumstances
             ,
             as
             all
             might
             see
             ,
             who
             looked
             but
             at
             a
             Distance
             thereon
             ,
             the
             stroke
             pointing
             as
             with
             a
             finger
             ,
             at
             the
             provoking
             cause
             ?
             5.
             
             Do
             we
             hope
             for
             an
             everlasting
             Sabbath
             in
             heaven
             ,
             whilst
             here
             a
             few
             hours
             in
             spirituall
             converse
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             souls
             resting
             and
             solacing
             it self
             in
             him
             ,
             is
             so
             burdensome
             a
             work
             ;
             yea
             ,
             whilst
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             the
             greatest
             of
             delights
             and
             pleasure
             known
             upon
             the
             earth
             are
             these
             which
             are
             Spirituall
             ,
             to
             such
             as
             ever
             knew
             what
             it
             is
             to
             be
             Christians
             ?
          
        
      
       
         
           DIALOGUE
           .
           IV.
           
        
         
           
             QUEST
             .
             I.
             
          
           
             
               SInce
               we
               have
               had
               this
               occasion
               to
               touch
               a
               little
               some
               of
               the
               great
               and
               weighty
               concernes
               of
               
                 practicall
                 religion
              
               ,
               I
               must
               yet
               press
               you
               with
               some
               few
               proposals
               ,
               anent
               the
               present
               time
               we
               are
               fallen
               in
               ,
               when
               such
               sad
               appearances
               and
               a
               faint
               almost
               every
               where
               now
               is
               ,
               so
               as
               many
               are
               like
               to
               give
               over
               ,
               as
               men
               astonished
               ,
               and
               lose
               both
               their
               heart
               and
               hand
               at
               once
               in
               the
               matter
               of
               duty
               .
            
          
           
           
             ANSWER
             .
             We
             are
             indeed
             fallen
             in
             trying
             times
             .
             But
             consider
             also
             1.
             
             What
             great
             confirmations
             have
             been
             given
             in
             to
             the
             truth
             ere
             our
             night
             grew
             so
             dark
             ,
             and
             have
             now
             lost
             sight
             of
             them
             all
             .
             2.
             
             What
             kept
             the
             saints
             from
             sinking
             an
             
               hundred
               years
            
             past
             ,
             when
             to
             be
             burnt
             at
             the
             stake
             for
             the
             truth
             was
             one
             of
             the
             most
             usuall
             lessons
             of
             Christianity
             ;
             and
             to
             quite
             all
             for
             Jesus
             Christ
             ?
             Yea
             ,
             whence
             was
             it
             ,
             that
             their
             strength
             and
             resolution
             grew
             ,
             as
             the
             tide
             grew
             strong
             against
             them
             ?
             3.
             
             Look
             through
             the
             whole
             of
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             and
             on
             the
             Churches
             condition
             under
             the
             New
             Testament
             ,
             and
             I
             am
             sure
             ,
             nothing
             can
             be
             more
             clear
             than
             this
             ,
             that
             the
             greatest
             triumph
             that
             ever
             Jesus
             Christ
             hath
             had
             in
             his
             followers
             ,
             was
             not
             in
             calme
             and
             prosperous
             times
             from
             without
             ,
             but
             when
             they
             were
             at
             the
             lowest
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             II.
             
          
           
             
               But
               how
               is
               it
               in
               such
               times
               of
               abounding
               light
               ,
               as
               these
               now
               are
               ,
               that
               these
               great
               confirmations
               of
               the
               truth
               ,
               which
               were
               then
               given
               in
               by
               the
               Saints
               ,
               are
               now
               so
               rare
               ,
               yea
               much
               unkuown
               to
               most
               of
               this
               generation
               ?
            
          
           
             ANS
             .
             The
             way
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             still
             the
             same
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             times
             his
             word
             doth
             good
             to
             them
             that
             walk
             uprightly
             .
             But
             it
             may
             be
             clear
             .
             1.
             
             How
             such
             degrees
             of
             
               peace
               ,
               comfort
               and
               assurance
            
             of
             the
             truth
             hath
             still
             kept
             some
             proportion
             to
             some
             more
             remarkeable
             time
             and
             measure
             of
             the
             Saints
             sufferings
             ,
             
               the
               spirit
               of
               God
               and
               of
               glory
               then
               resting
               upon
               them
               .
            
             1
             Pet.
             4
             :
             14.
             2.
             
             Then
             was
             the
             
               life
               of
               faith
               ,
               a
               following
               of
               the
               Lord
               fully
               ,
            
             with
             a
             large
             venturing
             on
             hand
             in
             another
             manner
             known
             amongst
             his
             followers
             ,
             than
             it
             seemes
             to
             be
             at
             this
             day
             ;
             and
             Oh!
             How
             rare
             a
             practice
             is
             it
             now
             to
             beleeve
             ,
             when
             there
             are
             almost
             no
             sensible
             grounds
             to
             be
             comforting
             ?
             3
             Though
             former
             ages
             had
             not
             that
             measure
             of
             light
             which
             is
             now
             ,
             yet
             it
             may
             be
             seen
             how
             the
             aw
             and
             authority
             thereof
             was
             in
             another
             manner
             on
             the
             conscience
             of
             Christians
             ,
             and
             their
             work
             to
             
               live
               religion
            
             ,
             when
             there
             was
             no
             visible
             inducement
             to
             profess
             the
             same
             ,
             but
             for
             the
             
             truths
             sake
             ;
             
               but
               they
               endured
               ,
               as
               seeing
               him
               who
               is
               invisible
               ,
            
             and
             did
             live
             and
             feed
             on
             the
             very
             marrow
             and
             substance
             of
             Religion
             in
             another
             manner
             ,
             than
             seemes
             by
             the
             most
             of
             Professors
             now
             to
             be
             understood
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             III.
             
          
           
             
               VVhat
               might
               be
               the
               most
               effectuall
               mean
               for
               recovery
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               led
               in
               the
               way
               of
               the
               promise
               of
               the
               Lords
               returning
               with
               these
               wonted
               signes
               of
               his
               presence
               ,
               when
               it
               seemes
               to
               be
               so
               dark
               and
               dismall
               an
               hour
               now
               on
               the
               Church
               ?
            
          
           
             ANS
             I
             hope
             with
             some
             assurance
             I
             may
             offer
             these
             .
             1.
             
             That
             such
             as
             love
             the
             truth
             would
             with
             greatest
             seriousness
             watch
             against
             the
             
               present
               publick
               ,
               and
               prevailing
               evills
               of
               the
               times
               ,
            
             to
             have
             their
             garments
             kept
             from
             the
             smallest
             touch
             and
             defilements
             thereof
             ;
             I
             meane
             such
             evills
             ,
             after
             which
             the
             multitude
             most
             runs
             ,
             where
             the
             countenance
             and
             favourable
             aspect
             of
             
               great
               men
            
             seemes
             most
             to
             follow
             ,
             and
             is
             a
             most
             remarkeable
             contagion
             in
             the
             time
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             here
             the
             smallest
             accession
             will
             draw
             deeper
             on
             the
             conscience
             ,
             &
             have
             a
             more
             difficult
             recovery
             than
             other
             personal
             infirmities
             ,
             &
             a
             severe
             withstanding
             thereto
             lead
             in
             to
             most
             sensible
             enjoyments
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God.
             2.
             
             Let
             us
             enquire
             where
             the
             
               Testimony
               of
               the
               present
               day
               to
               the
               truth
               doth
               most
               ly
               ,
            
             which
             may
             be
             more
             peculiar
             to
             some
             of
             the
             
               Reformed
               Churches
            
             of
             Christ
             than
             others
             ;
             for
             in
             a
             closs
             adherence
             thereto
             we
             may
             assuredly
             hope
             for
             the
             outletting
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             from
             his
             own
             promise
             ,
             of
             having
             a
             special
             respect
             thereto
             .
             Rev.
             3
             :
             10.
             and
             12
             :
             11
             ;
             and
             herein
             
               should
               the
               truth
               ma●e
               you
               free
               .
            
             It
             hath
             been
             the
             blessed
             disposall
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             this
             great
             interest
             of
             Christ
             in
             his
             
               being
               King
               and
               head
               over
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               the
               alone
               Lawgiver
               thereto
               ,
               and
               that
               his
               Kingdome
               is
               not
               only
               within
               on
               the
               souls
               of
               the
               Elect
               ,
               but
               over
               his
               Church
               ,
               as
               a
               visible
               Politick
               body
               distinct
               from
               all
               the
               Kingdomes
               of
               the
               earth
               ,
               is
               that
               great
               truth
               ,
               which
               the
               Church
               of
               Scotland
               hath
               now
               in
               these
               late
               times
               had
               most
               peculiarly
               assigned
               to
               witness
               for
            
             Yea
             this
             great
             truth
             we
             may
             see
             not
             there
             alone
             ,
             but
             else
             where
             most
             visibly
             opposed
             ,
             &
             I
             hope
             will
             be
             owned
             ,
             as
             the
             common
             cause
             of
             all
             the
             Reformed
             
             Churches
             ,
             to
             whom
             thls
             crown
             and
             supremacy
             of
             their
             glorious
             head
             should
             be
             dearer
             ,
             than
             all
             their
             interests
             within
             time
             .
             Great
             is
             that
             peace
             and
             joy
             will
             be
             found
             in
             a
             closs
             adherence
             thereto
             ,
             a
             more
             large
             outpowring
             of
             the
             spirit
             might
             be
             hoped
             for
             to
             follow
             this
             Testimony
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             now
             called
             for
             in
             the
             season
             thereof
             .
             3.
             
             What
             a
             hopfull
             presage
             were
             it
             of
             the
             Lords
             returne
             in
             this
             day
             ,
             if
             both
             private
             Christians
             ,
             and
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Gospell
             were
             found
             more
             prest
             to
             bring
             into
             themselves
             their
             deep
             accession
             and
             share
             in
             the
             provoking
             cause
             of
             this
             
               great
               wrath
            
             now
             gone
             forth
             ,
             and
             their
             being
             content
             to
             be
             abased
             and
             ly
             in
             the
             dust
             ,
             that
             the
             
               unspotted
               righteousness
               of
               God
            
             might
             shine
             forth
             ?
             we
             might
             then
             assuredly
             hope
             for
             some
             more
             visible
             signes
             of
             his
             presence
             ,
             and
             a
             more
             joint
             uniting
             in
             knowing
             both
             the
             cause
             and
             cure
             of
             our
             greatest
             distempers
             .
             4.
             
             What
             a
             blessed
             assay
             should
             this
             be
             to
             the
             Churches
             healing
             ,
             if
             a
             greater
             onness
             amongst
             the
             godly
             in
             these
             times
             ,
             were
             with
             more
             desire
             and
             intenseness
             followed
             ;
             who
             have
             this
             with
             such
             expresness
             left
             by
             our
             great
             Master
             ,
             not
             only
             for
             the
             credit
             of
             the
             gospell
             ,
             and
             promoting
             the
             interest
             thereof
             ,
             but
             as
             a
             seale
             of
             our
             love
             and
             obedience
             to
             him
             ?
             Oh!
             that
             so
             few
             are
             found
             with
             that
             suteable
             weight
             on
             their
             spirits
             to
             be
             concerned
             in
             this
             ,
             as
             though
             this
             great
             duty
             of
             mutuall
             freedome
             ,
             could
             not
             be
             managed
             with
             that
             humble
             ceding
             ,
             and
             prudent
             tenderness
             to
             others
             ,
             as
             might
             tend
             to
             a
             further
             cementing
             in
             love
             ;
             yea
             to
             goe
             together
             in
             others
             hand
             without
             any
             jarre
             .
             Let
             the
             things
             of
             God
             have
             a
             preference
             to
             our
             own
             things
             ,
             and
             our
             Masters
             interest
             be
             dearer
             to
             us
             ,
             than
             our selves
             ;
             and
             Christians
             will
             not
             then
             long
             be
             at
             so
             sad
             a
             distance
             with
             others
             ;
             both
             in
             their
             judgements
             and
             affections
             ,
             but
             that
             blessed
             strife
             should
             most
             appear
             ,
             how
             to
             strive
             together
             ,
             and
             not
             against
             other
             for
             the
             interest
             of
             Christ
             .
             Yea
             with
             this
             I
             must
             add
             ,
             that
             which
             Christians
             should
             much
             study
             ,
             and
             so
             natively
             resolves
             in
             mutuall
             love
             and
             condescendence
             one
             to
             another
             ,
             is
             humility
             ,
             which
             when
             corruption
             causeth
             the
             mind
             to
             swell
             ,
             will
             quickly
             help
             it
             to
             fall
             ;
             and
             how
             sad
             is
             it
             ,
             that
             such
             a
             name
             is
             not
             with
             
             greatest
             abhorrence
             entertained
             ,
             as
             that
             of
             
               a
               party
            
             ,
             o●
             keeping
             in
             there
             with
             ;
             what
             ?
             is
             
               Christ
               divided
            
             ?
             or
             is
             there
             any
             other
             head
             and
             leader
             than
             he
             ?
             
               who
               is
               Paul
            
             ?
             or
             
               who
               is
               Appollos
            
             ?
             Or
             have
             we
             another
             interest
             ,
             if
             we
             hope
             through
             grace
             to
             be
             accepted
             of
             him
             at
             his
             second
             Coming
             ,
             but
             his
             truth
             to
             contend
             for
             ,
             which
             without
             any
             personall
             quarrell
             or
             bitterness
             ,
             we
             should
             with
             
               Levi
               know
               neither
               Father
               nor
               Brother
               ?
            
             But
             oh
             !
             What
             we
             lose
             oft
             in
             the
             very
             manner
             of
             our
             deport
             and
             following
             of
             duty
             ,
             when
             there
             may
             be
             a
             serious
             aime
             on
             both
             sides
             at
             one
             and
             the
             same
             scope
             ,
             which
             calls
             much
             for
             a
             being
             alone
             ,
             in
             a
             neer
             fellowship
             with
             God
             ,
             to
             meet
             together
             with
             more
             advantage
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             IV.
             
          
           
             
               But
               you
               see
               under
               what
               reproach
               the
               way
               of
               the
               Lord
               is
               at
               this
               day
               ,
               and
               how
               much
               the
               Credit
               of
               the
               truth
               suffers
               by
               sore
               and
               subtill
               reflections
               that
               are
               cast
               thereon
               .
            
          
           
             ANS
             .
             1.
             
             What
             ?
             doth
             this
             shake
             any
             ,
             or
             render
             the
             truth
             doubtfull
             ,
             if
             ever
             they
             knew
             the
             power
             and
             certainty
             thereof
             on
             their
             soul
             ?
             for
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             religion
             will
             never
             lose
             weight
             with
             those
             who
             know
             it
             in
             earnest
             ,
             under
             the
             greatest
             cloud
             of
             detraction
             and
             contempt
             .
             2.
             
             What
             can
             the
             furthest
             essayes
             of
             such
             reach
             ,
             who
             dare
             not
             avowedly
             deny
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             but
             are
             enforced
             to
             own
             that
             which
             breaketh
             all
             their
             designes
             ,
             since
             it
             is
             enough
             ,
             the
             Testimony
             of
             God
             in
             his
             word
             is
             sure
             ?
             nor
             can
             the
             Sun
             cease
             to
             shine
             ,
             what
             ever
             thick
             vapours
             may
             darken
             the
             air
             a
             little
             to
             us
             .
             3.
             
             Do
             but
             ask
             the
             greatest
             Reproacher
             of
             godliness
             ,
             what
             his
             thoughts
             are
             ,
             when
             death
             is
             looking
             him
             in
             the
             face
             ,
             if
             he
             will
             put
             this
             in
             his
             Testament
             ,
             or
             adventure
             to
             seale
             such
             a
             witness
             with
             his
             dying
             breath
             .
             O
             ,
             is
             it
             not
             then
             ,
             that
             the
             mockers
             are
             enforced
             to
             confess
             they
             now
             find
             religion
             to
             be
             a
             matter
             of
             earnest
             which
             before
             they
             scoffed
             at
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             V.
             
          
           
             
               But
               it
               seemes
               strange
               ,
               what
               quiet
               and
               confidence
               many
               such
               ,
               who
               are
               visible
               haters
               of
               the
               truth
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               power
               of
               Religion
               ,
               own
               in
               their
               way
               ?
            
          
           
           
             ANSW
             .
             Friend
             ,
             this
             is
             one
             of
             the
             sad
             mistakes
             most
             are
             in
             ,
             but
             let
             me
             beseech
             you
             ,
             come
             a
             little
             more
             neer
             ,
             and
             then
             see
             and
             judge
             what
             true
             peace
             and
             quiet
             such
             have
             ,
             what
             ever
             present
             shun-shine
             they
             may
             be
             under
             from
             the
             World.
             1.
             
             Who
             are
             so
             oft
             at
             work
             ,
             how
             to
             bridle
             their
             conscience
             to
             frame
             diversions
             ,
             and
             find
             out
             some
             false
             grounds
             of
             peace
             ,
             whilst
             the
             truth
             of
             God
             upon
             any
             neer
             approach
             is
             so
             visible
             a
             terrour
             to
             them
             ,
             2.
             
             Why
             do
             these
             hate
             a
             
               searching
               ministry
            
             so
             much
             ,
             though
             the
             word
             name
             none
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             because
             the
             light
             torments
             them
             ,
             and
             they
             cannot
             stand
             before
             it
             ?
             and
             are
             such
             to
             be
             envied
             by
             any
             ?
             3.
             
             How
             is
             the
             sense
             of
             guilt
             ,
             and
             of
             their
             former
             way
             so
             affrighting
             upona
             surprising
             strait
             ,
             or
             a
             neer
             approach
             to
             death
             ?
             or
             would
             you
             wish
             to
             dy
             with
             such
             ,
             on
             whose
             very
             countenance
             may
             be
             oft
             read
             ,
             (
             let
             them
             conceale
             never
             so
             much
             ,
             )
             
               these
               dreadfull
               presages
               and
               fear
               of
               a
               judgment
               to
               come
               ?
            
             4.
             
             And
             is
             not
             wickedness
             a
             visible
             punishment
             to
             it self
             ,
             which
             with
             such
             a
             sting
             and
             fear
             is
             haunted
             ,
             as
             it
             may
             be
             seen
             ,
             when
             they
             seek
             most
             to
             outdare
             their
             conscience
             ,
             they
             find
             it
             stronger
             than
             they
             ,
             and
             whilst
             no
             ground
             of
             fear
             or
             trouble
             is
             from
             without
             ,
             yet
             a
             dreadfull
             sound
             is
             in
             their
             ear
             ,
             of
             what
             is
             to
             come
             ?
             5.
             
             Why
             are
             these
             under
             such
             dread
             to
             be
             alone
             ,
             and
             thus
             in
             any
             measure
             serious
             with
             their
             soul
             ,
             to
             look
             but
             over
             their
             own
             case
             ,
             and
             is
             this
             a
             desireable
             peace
             or
             quiet
             ?
             6.
             
             And
             whence
             is
             it
             that
             so
             many
             ,
             who
             have
             most
             derided
             holiness
             in
             their
             day
             ,
             are
             pressed
             to
             enquire
             and
             call
             for
             some
             
               serious
               Minister
               of
               Christ
            
             ;
             yea
             to
             desire
             such
             most
             ,
             whom
             they
             hated
             before
             ,
             when
             death
             once
             is
             dealing
             with
             them
             ?
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             VI.
             
          
           
             
               But
               whilst
               the
               times
               we
               are
               now
               fallen
               in
               are
               so
               remarkeably
               sad
               and
               afflicting
               ,
               what
               can
               the
               righteous
               do
               ,
               or
               would
               most
               help
               against
               the
               imbittering
               troubles
               and
               griefs
               of
               a
               Christian
               life
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             Let
             us
             consider
             1.
             
             How
             much
             of
             the
             Scripture
             is
             peculiarly
             writ
             for
             the
             afflicted
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             have
             
             no
             visible
             help
             or
             comfort
             .
             2.
             
             That
             the
             very
             nature
             of
             affliction
             and
             trouble
             is
             so
             far
             changed
             in
             its
             being
             sanctifiedly
             exercising
             ,
             as
             in
             stead
             of
             poison
             to
             be
             made
             medicinal
             .
             3.
             
             Are
             not
             the
             Christians
             saddest
             hours
             on
             as
             swift
             a
             course
             ,
             as
             their
             time
             ;
             and
             each
             hour
             and
             day
             putting
             by
             some
             part
             of
             its
             appointed
             measure
             ?
             Yea
             though
             some
             thousands
             of
             crosses
             should
             be
             allotted
             you
             ,
             they
             will
             come
             to
             one
             at
             last
             ,
             4.
             
             A
             few
             hours
             under
             the
             pain
             of
             a
             
               wounded
               Spirit
            
             ,
             and
             the
             terrours
             of
             the
             wrath
             of
             God
             ,
             would
             make
             such
             to
             reckon
             a
             freedome
             from
             this
             ,
             (
             though
             with
             the
             sorest
             of
             outward
             affliction
             )
             were
             a
             sweet
             calme
             and
             deliverance
             .
             5.
             
             Is
             not
             a
             sanctified
             cross
             ,
             without
             any
             bounds
             set
             to
             the
             measure
             thereof
             ,
             one
             of
             the
             most
             express
             Scripture
             signes
             of
             the
             
               love
               of
               God
            
             to
             his
             own
             ,
             the
             want
             whereof
             might
             indeed
             be
             the
             Christians
             sorest
             trial
             ,
             lest
             his
             share
             be
             with
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             such
             were
             Bastards
             ,
             not
             Sons
             ?
             6.
             
             If
             you
             can
             read
             the
             most
             dark
             and
             saddest
             providence
             with
             that
             Commentar
             of
             the
             Scripture
             thereon
             ,
             you
             will
             then
             know
             how
             the
             Saints
             afflictions
             stand
             for
             
               blessings
               ;
               Matth.
            
             5
             :
             ver
             .
             10
             ,
             11.
             and
             
               diverse
               temptations
            
             to
             be
             a
             solide
             ground
             of
             joy
             and
             comfort
             ,
             Jam.
             1
             :
             ver
             .
             2.
             7.
             
             Consider
             but
             in
             the
             saddest
             affliction
             ,
             how
             much
             sadder
             this
             might
             have
             been
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             are
             not
             thus
             a
             scandal
             to
             the
             generation
             of
             the
             righteous
             .
             8
             ;
             What
             if
             a●l
             our
             life
             had
             been
             a
             continued
             tract
             of
             
               grief
               ,
               bitterness
               and
               trouble
            
             ,
             and
             but
             rarely
             the
             least
             of
             outward
             comforts
             dropt
             in
             ,
             and
             so
             much
             only
             given
             as
             to
             keep
             from
             sinking
             ?
             Oh!
             durst
             such
             quarrel
             ,
             who
             knew
             of
             an
             eternity
             of
             joy
             in
             the
             close
             ?
             9.
             
             It
             was
             a
             
               right
               way
            
             the
             Lord
             led
             his
             people
             in
             ,
             when
             he
             led
             them
             through
             a
             labyrinth
             of
             sore
             troubles
             in
             the
             
               wilderness
               ,
               Psal
            
             .
             107
             :
             ver
             .
             7.
             and
             is
             there
             shewed
             as
             an
             embleme
             of
             the
             journeying
             state
             of
             the
             Church
             and
             each
             of
             the
             Saints
             here
             .
             10.
             
             One
             sight
             of
             that
             glorious
             Land
             which
             is
             above
             ,
             with
             the
             first
             moment
             of
             the
             afflicted
             Christians
             entry
             there
             ,
             will
             compense
             to
             the
             furthest
             a
             life
             time
             of
             sorrowes
             and
             grief
             .
             11.
             
             Is
             it
             not
             here
             the
             
               faith
               and
               patience
               of
               the
               Saints
            
             must
             shine
             forth
             ,
             the
             trial
             
             whereof
             is
             a
             more
             invaluable
             thing
             ,
             than
             all
             the
             treasures
             of
             the
             earth
             .
             12.
             
             The
             season
             of
             enduring
             ,
             you
             know
             ,
             is
             but
             short
             ,
             which
             for
             all
             eternity
             will
             never
             meet
             the
             Christian
             again
             ;
             and
             Oh!
             would
             you
             lose
             even
             the
             least
             of
             such
             an
             opportunity
             ,
             not
             in
             the
             trial
             of
             your
             faith
             and
             patience
             only
             ,
             but
             of
             your
             love
             to
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             that
             
               tribulation
               and
               distress
               was
               not
               able
               to
               separat
               betwixt
               him
               and
               you
               ?
               Rom.
            
             8
             :
             ver
             .
             39.
             
             And
             your
             tried
             love
             under
             sorest
             outward
             pressures
             may
             be
             reported
             in
             Heaven
             and
             recorded
             there
             .
             I
             shall
             but
             adde
             ,
             how
             sweet
             must
             that
             be
             to
             a
             Christian
             ,
             when
             he
             can
             say
             ,
             
               Let
               my
               beloved
               come
               and
               eat
               of
               his
               pleasant
               fruits
               ,
               Cant.
            
             4.
             ver
             .
             16.
             which
             to
             them
             had
             most
             pain
             and
             wrestlings
             in
             bringing
             forth
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             VII
             .
          
           
             
               VVhat
               are
               these
               pleasant
               fruits
               ,
               which
               can
               be
               found
               under
               the
               cross
               ,
               and
               the
               many
               imbittering
               griefs
               and
               troubles
               of
               a
               Christians
               life
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             It
             is
             sure
             ,
             no
             season
             hath
             been
             more
             remarkeable
             for
             
               sowing
               to
               the
               Spirit
            
             and
             bringing
             forth
             much
             fruit
             for
             the
             Lord
             ,
             than
             a
             time
             of
             the
             cross
             ,
             and
             most
             searching
             trials
             that
             way
             ;
             and
             these
             have
             been
             known
             to
             such
             as
             were
             suteably
             exercised
             thereby
             ;
             the
             gain
             and
             pleasure
             whereof
             hath
             made
             the
             remembrance
             of
             their
             saddest
             hours
             sweet
             .
             1.
             
             When
             
               contrition
               and
               tenderness
               ,
               and
               soft
               walking
            
             before
             the
             Lord
             hath
             followed
             thereon
             ;
             for
             such
             are
             his
             delight
             ,
             in
             whom
             he
             takes
             greatest
             pleasure
             ,
             Esai
             .
             58
             :
             15.
             2.
             
             Humility
             ,
             and
             the
             Christians
             geting
             his
             Spirit
             kept
             low
             ,
             is
             such
             a
             fruit
             ,
             as
             may
             make
             their
             reckoning
             sweet
             on
             any
             other
             loss
             ;
             the
             way
             to
             know
             how
             to
             abound
             ,
             is
             to
             know
             
               how
               to
               be
               abased
               .
               Phil.
            
             4
             :
             12.
             and
             this
             is
             one
             of
             the
             peculiar
             ends
             of
             afflicting
             Providences
             ,
             
               to
               hide
               pride
               for
               men
               .
               Job
               .
            
             33.
             17.
             
             Oblessed
             they
             who
             are
             no
             less
             concerned
             to
             hide
             it
             from
             themselves
             .
             3.
             
             Is
             it
             not
             a
             
               pleasant
               fruit
            
             ,
             where
             ,
             by
             the
             cross
             Jesus
             Christ
             is
             more
             endeared
             to
             his
             people
             ,
             and
             thus
             precious
             unto
             them
             ;
             their
             soul
             cleaving
             to
             him
             in
             desire
             and
             love
             ,
             even
             when
             their
             soul
             cleaveth
             to
             the
             dust
             by
             a
             humbling
             rod
             ?
             O
             
             what
             a
             rent
             and
             tribute
             is
             this
             ,
             which
             in
             the
             Christians
             saddest
             hours
             only
             can
             be
             payed
             into
             their
             blessed
             Master
             ?
             4.
             
             A
             through
             resignation
             and
             surrender
             to
             the
             Lord
             and
             his
             disposal
             ,
             is
             a
             rare
             and
             choice
             improvement
             of
             the
             Cross
             .
             Yea
             it
             is
             then
             found
             ,
             a
             Christian
             to
             be
             neerest
             his
             mercy
             ,
             and
             his
             burden
             most
             sensibly
             grow
             light
             ;
             and
             that
             this
             makes
             a
             speedy
             ripening
             for
             times
             of
             refreshment
             from
             the
             presence
             of
             the
             Lord.
             5.
             
             This
             great
             fruit
             is
             then
             to
             be
             sought
             after
             ,
             by
             
               beleeving
               in
               hope
               ,
               when
               it
               is
               against
               hope
               ,
            
             which
             is
             one
             of
             the
             highest
             pieces
             of
             service
             for
             giving
             Glory
             to
             God
             ,
             that
             a
             Christian
             here
             can
             be
             called
             to
             ,
             and
             thus
             for
             putting
             to
             
               their
               seale
               ,
               that
               God
               is
               true
               .
            
             6.
             
             It
             is
             at
             the
             lowest
             Christians
             have
             the
             most
             remarkeable
             advantage
             ,
             by
             patient
             enduring
             for
             being
             
               more
               than
               conquerours
               through
               him
               that
               hath
               loved
               them
               .
               Rom.
            
             8
             :
             v.
             37.
             yea
             that
             thus
             the
             
               power
               of
               Christ
               resting
               upon
               them
               ,
            
             may
             have
             in
             such
             a
             greater
             triumph
             ,
             and
             over
             a
             more
             formidable
             party
             ,
             than
             ever
             Alexander
             or
             Caesar
             could
             boast
             of
             in
             all
             their
             conquests
             .
          
        
         
           
             QU.
             VIII
             .
          
           
             
               VVhilst
               it
               may
               be
               strange
               ,
               how
               small
               a
               proportion
               the
               practice
               of
               most
               in
               these
               times
               seeme
               to
               have
               to
               their
               light
               ,
               and
               mens
               usual
               converse
               with
               religion
               more
               about
               the
               uppermost
               boughs
               ,
               than
               to
               ly
               neer
               the
               great
               and
               weighty
               things
               thereof
               ;
               what
               might
               most
               help
               to
               put
               some
               deeper
               impression
               and
               weight
               of
               a
               Christians
               work
               on
               him
               ,
               and
               provoke
               to
               seriousness
               ,
               by
               having
               some
               greatest
               truths
               most
               frequently
               kept
               in
               sight
               ?
            
          
           
             ANSW
             .
             You
             know
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             the
             most
             marvellous
             things
             of
             Religion
             ,
             nor
             if
             one
             
               should
               rise
               from
               the
               dead
            
             could
             deeeply
             work
             upon
             the
             heart
             without
             the
             
               Spirit
               of
               God.
            
             But
             I
             must
             tell
             you
             what
             was
             the
             desire
             of
             a
             
               Judicious
               Father
               to
               a
               hopless
               son
               ,
               when
               he
               was
               a
               dying
               ,
               that
               he
               would
               but
               once
               a
               day
               take
               half
               an
               hour
               alone
               by
               himself
               ,
               which
               upon
               trial
               and
               some
               deep
               reflection
               ,
            
             afterward
             that
             young
             man
             had
             ,
             what
             
             this
             desire
             might
             meane
             ,
             was
             blessed
             to
             be
             a
             mean
             of
             his
             recovery
             :
             Oh!
             If
             most
             who
             are
             professed
             Christians
             were
             but
             once
             this
             length
             ,
             that
             beside
             some
             retirement
             to
             prayer
             ,
             they
             could
             but
             for
             a
             few
             moments
             be
             
               alone
               once
               a
               day
            
             to
             consider
             these
             truths
             ,
             which
             I
             shall
             here
             instance
             .
             1.
             
             What
             were
             desireable
             and
             comforting
             in
             the
             state
             of
             man
             ,
             if
             it
             looked
             not
             higher
             than
             things
             seen
             ,
             or
             his
             present
             abode
             in
             the
             world
             ?
             2.
             
             How
             swistly
             are
             the
             enjoyments
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             delights
             of
             the
             flesh
             gone
             and
             perished
             in
             the
             present
             use
             thereof
             ?
             3.
             
             O
             what
             should
             this
             be
             to
             think
             seriously
             on
             ,
             that
             the
             
               Gospel
               is
               an
               undoubted
               reality
            
             ,
             and
             so
             far
             hath
             the
             Holy
             God
             been
             mindful
             of
             man
             and
             magnisied
             him
             ,
             yea
             even
             beyond
             fallen
             Angels
             ,
             that
             
               Jesus
               Christ
               should
               have
               come
               down
               to
               the
               world
            
             to
             make
             a
             purchass
             of
             such
             to
             himself
             ,
             and
             save
             them
             from
             the
             wrath
             that
             is
             to
             come
             ?
             4.
             
             That
             the
             import
             of
             the
             Gospel
             is
             no
             less
             than
             an
             
               eternity
               of
               Glory
            
             ,
             even
             to
             the
             meanest
             of
             the
             Saints
             ;
             and
             what
             a
             blessed
             strait
             were
             this
             for
             a
             Christian
             ;
             how
             to
             divide
             his
             wondering
             betwixt
             that
             which
             is
             now
             past
             ,
             in
             the
             great
             work
             of
             Redemption
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             is
             to
             come
             ,
             in
             the
             full
             manifestation
             of
             Glory
             .
             5.
             
             Let
             us
             think
             more
             frequently
             on
             this
             also
             ,
             that
             the
             poorest
             now
             on
             the
             earth
             hath
             an
             
               immortal
               soul
            
             ,
             that
             is
             of
             a
             more
             excellent
             nature
             ,
             and
             more
             inestimable
             value
             ,
             than
             these
             visible
             Heavens
             ,
             the
             Sun
             ,
             Moon
             ,
             and
             Stars
             ;
             yea
             such
             ,
             as
             no
             less
             than
             the
             blood
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             revealed
             in
             our
             Nature
             could
             ransome
             from
             wrath
             ,
             and
             yet
             we
             put
             so
             small
             a
             price
             thereon
             .
             5.
             
             That
             it
             is
             sure
             ,
             so
             great
             and
             solemne
             a
             busines
             as
             Death
             is
             before
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             must
             know
             shortly
             what
             it
             means
             ,
             and
             to
             enter
             into
             another
             world
             .
             O
             what
             will
             this
             once
             be
             ,
             and
             should
             it
             not
             now
             deeply
             concerne
             each
             ,
             that
             
               death
               come
               not
               on
               all
               at
               once
               ,
            
             by
             more
             frequent
             and
             serious
             converse
             therewith
             ?
             6.
             
             Let
             us
             but
             now
             bring
             neer
             our
             thoughts
             what
             thoughts
             we
             shall
             have
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             when
             our
             eyes
             are
             shuting
             upon
             it
             ,
             never
             to
             enjoy
             this
             any
             more
             ?
             And
             what
             thoughts
             that
             marvellous
             change
             must
             cause
             on
             
             mens
             spirits
             ,
             when
             once
             entred
             into
             endless
             eternity
             ?
             7.
             
             How
             marvellous
             is
             this
             ,
             that
             may
             cause
             our
             hearts
             to
             faile
             with
             wondering
             on
             some
             neer
             converse
             therewith
             ,
             that
             not
             only
             there
             is
             such
             a
             hope
             as
             to
             be
             for
             ever
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             but
             that
             our
             nature
             should
             be
             so
             far
             advanced
             ,
             even
             above
             the
             
               Nature
               of
               Angels
            
             ,
             in
             that
             unconceiveable
             
               Union
               with
               the
               divine
               Nature
            
             conjoined
             for
             ever
             ,
             in
             our
             blessed
             head
             and
             Redeemer
             .
             8.
             
             And
             what
             should
             this
             be
             to
             think
             on
             ,
             that
             our
             Bodies
             ,
             when
             laid
             in
             the
             dust
             ,
             shall
             not
             only
             be
             assuredly
             raised
             ,
             but
             made
             like
             to
             the
             glorious
             Body
             of
             Christ
             ,
             Phil.
             3
             :
             21
             ?