THE MYSTERY of GODLINESS, OR, Godliness in a Mystery. OR, The Character of a Saint, in seeming Contradictions. By I. C. The meanest Labourer in Christ's Vineyard. 1 Tim. 3.16. And without controversy great is the MYSTERY OF GODLINESS. 1 Cor. 2.8. But we speak the wisdom of God in a MYSTERY. Joh. 3.9. Nieodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? April 11th. 1654. Imprimatur Joseph Caryl. LONDON, Printed for Philemon Stephens, at the Gilded Lion in St. Paul's Churchyard. THE EPISTLE TO THE READER. Courteous Reader, THese Mysteries, having lain by me for some time, I little thought once should ever appeared to public view; especially in such a Scribbling age as this is, wherein there's no end of making many Books: But having encouragement, and approbation from some, I thought it not good to conceal any thing, that might make for God's glory, and Public profit. It's fare from my intentions (and I hope my heart deceives me not in it) to seek hereby self-praise, or self-applause, or that I might be known in the World, (good God thou knowst how vile I am, how unworthy to be numbered amongst thine Ambassadors,) but that the Mystery of godliness might be more manifest, and perspicuous. We live in an age that affords us a world of (which might indeed have been a strong argument for me not to have written these) PARADOXES, which are not all ORTHODOX; but (and I think I am not mistaken) thou hast nothing here but ORTHODOX PARADOXES. I must acknowledge they were very profitable to me, both in making them, and in often reading them, yea the more I read them, the more I gained by them; nay let me tell thee freely, I understood more in some things by them, than ever I did before; many places of Scripture I could reconcile, which before seemed to me really opposite: I wish thee (with all my heart) the same profit, and more abundantly, so prayeth he December, 1653. I. C. Who is very importunate at the Throne of Grace for thine, & the Churches good. I. C. THE Mystery of Godliness, OR, Godliness in a Mystery. Or, A Believer clearing truth by seeming Contradictions. The first Century. 1. HE admires at the a 1 Tim. ●. 16. mysteriousness of godliness; and yet wonders at the clearness of it. 2. He believes that God was manifest in the flesh, 1 Tim. 3.16. and yet he believes that the GODHEAD was not made flesh. 3. He believes that Christ was without b Heb. 7.3 beginning of days, or end of life; and yet he believes, that he had both beginning of days, and end of life. 4. He believes that Christ was no sinner; and yet he believes, that he was the c It's the known speech of Luther. greatest sinner that ever was (by imputation) 5. He believes that Christ had no Father, (for his mother was a Virgin); and yet he believes he had a Father (for his mother was a married woman) Luk. 2.48. 6. He believes that the d The Holy Ghost. Spirit of God; and the e Num. 16.22 God of spirits, are but one God. 7. He finds the Spirit of the Lord in him; and yet finds himself (many times) in the Spirit of the Lord, (especially on the Lord's day.) Rev. 1.10. 8. He believes that God is included in no place; and yet he believes he is every where. 9 He believes that there is not a word spoken, but God heareth it; and yet he believes God heareth not sinners, Joh. 9.31. 10. 1 Cor. 3.22 He believes he hath a right to all the World; and yet he believes that what ever is not his own, he hath no right to. 11. He believes that a wicked man hath no right to what he hath; and yet he believes that what he hath, he hath a right to. 12. He believes that every Saint is perfect, Job 1.1. and yet he believes that if he should say he is perfect, it shall also prove him perverse, Job 9.20. 13. He believes that these are two different things, the sin of nature, and the nature of sin. 14. He believes that good works cannot save him; and yet he believes he can never be saved without good works. 15. He believes that Jesus Christ was never forsaken of his Father; and yet he believes that Christ said true, Mat. 27.26 when he cried to his Father, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 16 He believes that the Ministers of Jesus Christ are called Angels, Rev. 1.20. and yet he believes they are not ministering spirits, Heb. 1.14. 17. He believes that Jesus Christ is the only Son, Joh. 1.14 Come with 12. the only begotten Son of the Father; and yet he believes that God the Father hath many other sons. 18. He believes that he must pray to the whole Trinity; to the Father who is God, to the Son who is God, to the Holy Ghost who is God; and yet he believes that he commits horrible Idolatry if he prays to any more Gods than one God. 2 King. 19.15 Exo. 20.17 19 He believes that it is a sin to be covetous; and yet he believes that one may be covetous and not sin, 1 Cor. 12.31. 20. He believes that some may enjoy abundance, and yet want; and that others may want, and yet enjoy abundance. 21. He believes that whoever hath God, is the richest person in the World; and yet he believes that one may have God, and yet many richer than he. 22. He believes that to a Viz. to die. give up the ghost can no way (without blasphemy) be attributed to God, or to any person in the Godhead; and yet he believes that Jesus Christ, who was truly God, once gave up the ghost, Mar. 15.37. 23. He believes that his life (here) is not eternal; and yet he believes that he hath in him eternal life, Joh. 8.54. 24 He believes that Christ assumed not man, but the humanity, b— Not the person, but the nature: for otherways he had not been God-man and one person, but two persons, & so there had been two Christ's. Heb. 9.27 and yet he believes that he was made Man: the MAN Christ Jesus, 1 Tim. 2.5. 25 He believes that there are many needful things; and yet saith Christ to Martha, but one thing is needful, Luk. 10.42. 26 He believes that it is appointed unto men but once to die; and yet he believes that every Saint dies daily. 27. He believes that God will show wonders to the dead, in raising all that are dead to life again; and yet he believes that Scripture true, wilt thou show wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Psal. 88.10. 28 He believes that he shall overcome death (in Christ); and yet he believes that death will overcome him. 29. He believes that all must taste of death; and yet he believes there is a death many shall not taste of. 30. He knows that all men die but once; and yet he believes there is a a Rev. 20.14 second death. 31. He believes that death is not visible, because it never had a being; and yet he believes, b Psa. 89.48 what man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? 32. He believes that God is Omniscient, knowing all things; and yet he believes that the wicked are unknown to God, (Depart from me, saith Christ, I know you not, Matth. 25.12. I never knew you, Matth. 7.23. 33. He believes that Scripture true, no man hath seen God at any time, 1 Joh. 4.12. and yet he believes at c In his works. Ro. 1.20. any time God may be seen. 34. He believes that none can see God and live; and yet he believes that none can live without seeing God. In what a straight, in what a straight am I? Twixt two extremes how my racked fortunes lie? See I thy face, or see it not, I die. 35. He believes that every man is mortal; and yet he believes that an a Viz. his soul. immortal being is in every man. 36. He believes that God is Infinite; and yet he believes that he dwells in the broken and contrite heart of a finite creature. Esa. 66.1, 2 37. He believes that having Christ, he hath all things with him; and yet he believes he may want though he hath Christ. 38. He believes that it's impossible for God to lie; and yet he believes that God may utter that which he never intends to bring to pass. 39 He believes that God is unchangeable, and immutable; and yet he believes that God may be said sometimes to b Joel 2.13 repent. 40 When he is weak, than he is strong, yea his strength is made perfect in weakness, 2 Cor. 12.9, 10. and yet when he is strong (in his own eyes) then is he weak. 41. He believes that it is impossible for any to escape death; and yet he believes the words of Christ to be true, Verily, verily I say unto you, if any man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death, Joh. 8.52. 42. He believes that God cannot be seen a Quid sit. what he is in himself; and yet he believes that when he shall appear, the Saints shall be like him, for they shall see him b 1 Joh. 3.2 as he is. 43 He believes that he that committeth sin is of the Devil, 1 Joh. 3.8. and yet he believes that he is not of the Devil though he committeth sin. 44 He believes that the eyes of the Lord are in every place; Prov. 15.3 and yet he believes that the Lord hath no eyes. 45 He believes that the ears of the Lord are open to the cries of the righteous; Psal. 34.15 and yet he believes that the Lord hath no ears. 46. He believes that prayer, 1 Tim. 2.1 and supplication are to be made for all men; and yet he believes that there be some men that prayer, 1 Joh. 5.6 and supplication are not to be made for. 47 He believes that God is said to have eyes, ears, arms, legs, a mouth, breath, bowels, etc. and yet he believes that its blasphemy to say, or think, that God hath a bodily, or corporeal substance. 48 He believes that who ever hath faith believes; and yet he thinks one may believe, and yet not have faith. 49. He believes that Christ was crucified (or the Lamb slain) from the beginning of the world; Revel. 13.8 and yet he believes that Christ was not crucified till after the world began some thousands of years. 50. He believes that when Christ was upon the Cross, a God suffered in the flesh 〈◊〉 with flesh. God might be rightly said to suffer; and yet he believes that the Godhead suffered not. 51. He believes that Christ suffered innocently, Heb. 7.26. and yet he believes that he suffered for sin, Isa. 53.10. 52. He believes that there's no b That's sinful. evil but he must resist; and yet saith our Saviour, resist not evil, Mat. 9.39. 53. He looks upon himself as the greatest sinner; 1 Tim. 1.15 and yet there hath been, and are many sinners which may be looked upon as great, if not greater than he. 54. He believes that it's no sin to confess sin; When it's confessed with no loa thing of it; and confesseth sin but doth not leave sin. and yet he believes that a man may c sin in confessing sin. 55 He believes that one may be humble for his pride; and yet may be proud of his humility. 56. He d Ezra 9.6 blusheth for shame when he confesseth his sins to God; and yet he is not e Psal. 51.14 ashamed to confess the greatest sins he knows himself to be guilty of. 57 He trembles for fear when ever he approacheth the Throne of Grace; Esay 66.2 and yet comes boldly, Heb. 4.16. 58. He sometimes comes to duty, with his heart full of doubts whether he shall speed in the duty; and yet is very confident he shall speed without doubt. 59 He believes that his Election is made sure enough, 2 Tim. 2.19. and yet he believes that he is to give all diligence to make his (calling, and) election sure, 2 Pet. 1.10. 60. He believes that cursed is every one that continueth not in all things, Gal. 3.10 which are written in the book of the Law to do them; he confesseth that himself hath not continued in all things, which are written in the book of the law to do them, Gal. 3.13 and yet he believes that he is not cursed. 61. He believes that wicked men sin if they pray not; and yet he believes if they a Non faciendo, sed modo faciendi, not in doing it, but in the manner of doing it. pray they sin, Prov. 15 8. 62. He believes himself to be a king; and yet a beggar. 63. He believes that saints may be, and are very profitable to others; and yet he believes that when they have done all that they can do, they must say, they are but unprofitable servants, Luke 17.10. 64. He believes that works justify; Coram heminibus non coram Deo. and yet he believes that we are not justified by works. Or thus, 65. He believes that a man is justified by faith only, and not by works, Rom. 3.28. and yet he believes that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only, Jam. 2.24. 66. He is a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; yet always singing, and making melody in his heart to the Lord, Ephes. 5.19. 67. He cries out that his sins have undone him; and yet he believes that he is not undone. 68 He believes that one may have nothings; 2 Cor. 6.10 and yet possessing all things. 69. He believes that one may have a As the stony ground, Luke 8.13 comfort by the Word, and yet not profit by it. 70. He believes that he is dead and alive at one and the same time. 71. He believes that he is bound to pray b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. without ceasing, 1 Thes. 5.17. and yet he believes that he is not bond never to cease praying. 72. He believes upon good c Or, grounds. reasons, that God loves him; and yet sees no reason why he should love him. 73. He believes that we are d 2 Tim. 1.9. called not according to our works; and yet he believes that according to our works we may know whether we are called. 74. He believes that there's a a Of Gods Elect. common faith, Titus 1.4. and yet he believes that faith is not common: (for all men have not faith, 2 Thes. 3.2.) 75. He believes that b 1 Tim 4.4 every creature of God is good; and yet he believes that there's none good but one, and that is God, Mat. 19.17. 76. He believes that the way to gain a man's life, is to lose it, Mat. 10.39. 77. He believes that the Spirit of Christ dwells not (essentially) in believers; and yet he believes that he that hath not the Spirit of Christ dwelling in him is none of his, Rom. 8.9, 11. 78. He believes that this is as great a Gospel truth, that he that reputes not shall be damned; as he that believes not shall be damned. 79. He believes that the way to preserve self; is to kill self. 80 He believes that Jesus Christ is God the Father's only Son and c Hebr. 1.2 heir; and yet he believes that every believer is his son and heir, Rom. 8.17. 81. He believes that Christ is the King of Saints, and they his subjects; Revel. 15.3 and yet he believes that every Saint is a king, Revel. 1.6 and hath subjects. 82. He believes that the way to have all, is to d For Christ part with all. 83. He believes that the Saints are Christ's a Cant. 4.11 Spouse; and yet he believes they are his brethren, Heb. 2.11, 12. 84. He believes that there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved, but only by the name of Christ, Act. 4.12. and yet he believes we are saved by hope, Rom. 8.24. 85. He believes that none are chosen but who are called; and yet he believes that many are called, which shall never be chosen, Mat. 22.14. 86. He believes that sin is the greatest evil; and yet he heleeves that God can work good out of it. 87. He believes that the a Compared to God. least sin, is the greatest evil. 88 He believes that Jesus Christ was begotten of his Father from eternity; and yet he believes that he was born in time. 89. He believes that there's no condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus, Rom. 8.1. and yet he believes there's none think themselves more worthy of condemnation than those that are in Christ Jesus. 90. He prays that he might be heard; and yet he thinks he shall not be heard for his praying. 91. He believes there's none that doth good, Psal. 14.3 no not one; and yet he believes there are many which are good, and do good. 92. He believes that God justifieth the a Rom. 4.5 ungodly; and yet he believes that b Such that live, and delight in actual sins, sure are not yet actually justified. the ungodly are not justified. 93. He believes that many, which say they love God, do yet hate him. 94. He believes that God may be a c By creation. Father to them he is not a Friend to. 95. He believes that heaven is Gods dwelling place, 1 King. 8.39. and yet he believes that he filleth heaven and earth, Jer. 23.24. 96. He believes that his sins are not hid from God; Psal. 89.5 and yet he believes that God hath hid them. 97. He believes that he sins in d Pro. 28.13 covering of sin from God; and yet he believes that all his sins are covered by God, Psal. 32.1. 98. He believes that God is not the worse for our sins, and yet he believes that (in a sense) e Sin is an injury to God, because God hath less external glory God doth receive injury by our sins. 99 He believes that a Saint is one in whom there is f Joh. 1.47 no guile; and yet he believes that every Saint may complain of guile being in him. 100 A little of God g More than any thing in the world besides. contents him; and yet he is not contented with that little. The second Century. 101. HE believes that in all labour there is profit, Pro. 14.23. and yet he believes the words of Solomon are true, What profit bathe a man in all his labour? Eccles. 1.3. and 2.11. 102. He believes that there's a provoking one another that's unlawful, Gal. 5.26. and yet that there's a provoking one another that's lawful, Heb. 10.24. Or thus, 103. He thinks it not good we should provoke one another; and yet thinks we should provoke one another to that which is good. Heb. 10.24 104. He believes that a good man (in some cases) may be justly punished; and yet he believes that to punish the just is not good, Pro 17.28. 105. He believes that every one that is gracious desires grace; and yet he believes that one may a If there be desires without endeavours, desire grace and not be gracious. 106. He cannot believe that David could be poor and needy, and yet a King; and yet he believes that David said true when he confessed, but I am poor, and needy, Psal. 70.5. 107. He believes that he is to a Dan. 8.10 Psal. 55.16, 17 task himself to an every-days performance of duty; and yet he believes that he must by no means look upon duty as a b Or burden task. 108. He believes that God will be good only to them that seek him, Matt. 7.7, 8. and yet he believes that God is good to them that seek him not, Psal. 145.9. 109. He believes that a man doth not sin in sorrowing for sin; and yet he believes that that sorrowing for sin, which keeps a man from closing with Christ is sinful. 110. He knows death to be the King of terrors; yet it's not terror to him. Job 18.14 111. He believes that Christ was tempted in all points like as we are, Heb. 4.15 yet without sin; 2 Cor. 5.21 and yet he believes that he was made sin for us. 112. He believes that God cannot be deceived; and yet he believes that hypocrites deceive him, Mal. 1.14. 113. He believes that God hath promised to give to them that ask; and yet he believes that many ask, to whom God will never give. 114. He believes that the Saints are very vile, Job 40.4 & 42.6 Psal. 18.3 base, loathsome creatures, (in their own eyes) yet the excellent on earth, in whom is all Christ's delight. 115. He believes that though God's presence may be withdrawn from him; yet he cannot withdraw himself from the presence of God. Psal. 139.7 116. He believes that those whom God intends to own, he is kind to; and yet he believes that God is kind to those whom he never intends to own, Luk. 6.35. 117. He believes that none is as merciful as God is merciful; and yet he believes that every saint is merciful even as God is merciful. Luke 8.36 118. He believes that a man may be going to die, when as yet he hath not begun to live. 119. He believes that the wicked are not a Psal. 73.5 plagued like other men; and yet he believes that the wicked b Job 15.20 traveleth in pain all his days. 120 He believes that where there is not the fear of God, there is no true love to God; 1 Joh. 4.18 and yet he believes that true love casteth out fear. 121. He looks beyond Ordinances, and yet is not above Ordinances. 122. He dares not say that he is Christ; and yet he believes that himself with the saints and Christ, are called one a 1 Cor. 12.12 CHRIST. 123. He knows he sins in having a b To make a mock at sin as fools do. Pro. 14.9 light esteem of sin, and yet he knows he sins not in esteeming it lightly, (or nothing worth.) 124. He knows that when he gins to die, than he shall begin to live, and yet he believes that he shall not, nay cannot then begin to live, except he had begun to live before he had begun to die. 125. He walks continually with God in heaven, and yet he is yet to go to heaven. 126. He believes that c Rev. 18.2 Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and yet he believes that it's yet to fall. 127. He believes that his own salvation is wrought out already for him, and yet he believes that he is to work out his own salvation with fear, and trembling. Phil. 2.12 128. He prays, hears, and reads, but believes it's not these can save him, and yet he prays, hears, and reads, as if he believed to be saved by these. 129. He is one that lives in heaven, Phil. 3.20. and yet d Surely where the supreme Majesty pleases to manifest his presence, there is heaven. B. Hall. Soli. 19 pa. 69. heaven lives in him. 130. He believes that God is ready to pardon, Neh. 9.17. and yet he believes that pardon cannot be got readily. 131. He is one, who though he hath not a foot of land of his own, yet hath a large inheritance in the land of the living. No greater riches (Lord) have I then thee; In God I've all, can I then richer be? 132. He believes that what ever God doth, or intends to do for him, is all of free grace; and yet he believes there's nothing God doth, or intends to do for him, but it was bought first with a price. 1 Cor. 8.20 133. He loves father, and mother, and wife, Luk. 14 26 and children, and brethren, and sisters; and yet hates them. 134. He is a peacemaker; and yet continually quarrelling. 135. He is no fighter; 1 Tim 6.12 and yet always fight, (the good fight of faith.) 136. He knows that Christ hath commanded him to love his enemies, Luke 6.35 he believes he sins if he doth not; yet he hath a Sin, the world, and the flesh. enemies that he cannot, nay will not love, and believes he sins not in so doing. 137. When he is sitting, lying, or standing; he is still b With God walking. 138. He believes that no man hath two hearts; and yet he believes that many men seek unto God with a c With an heart, and in heart. ●oh. 6.56 double heart. 139. He is one that dwells in Christ; and yet hath Christ dwelling in him. 140. He hath no abiding place; though a place to abide in. 141. He lives peaceably with all men, Rom. 12.18. and yet all men live not peaceably with him. 142. His fellowship is with the Saints; and yet his fellowship is with the Father, 1 Joh. 3.3 and his Son Jesus Christ. 143. He is one that's joyful, or full of joy; yet full of sorrow, or sorrowful. 144. He believes that he is a cleansed from all unrighteousness; 1 Joh. 1.9 and yet he believes that all unrighteousness is not (clean) cleansed from him. 145. He believes that all the Saints, though many Thousands; Rom. 12.5 are yet ONE in Christ. 146. He believes that one may be in the true Church; and yet not of the true Church. 147. He believes he cannot fall from grace; and yet some times he thinks he hath no grace at all. 148. He believes that God's face cannot be seen, Exod. 33.20. and yet he is ever beholding the face of God, Psal. 17.15. 149. He knows that God cannot forget him; and yet he is often praying, Esay 49.15 that God would remember him. 150. He believes that he hath a body of flesh, Rom. 7.24 and a body of sin; and yet he believes that he hath not two bodies. 1 Joh. 2, 3, 4 151. He believes that who ever keeps God's commandments knows God; Tit. 1.16 but not who ever knows God keeps his commandments. 152. He believes that if we confess our sins, God is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins; and yet he believes that one may confess his sins, and yet God neither unfaithful, nor unjust though he forgive not his sins. 153. He believes that every one hopes for glory; and yet he believes that the HOPE OF GLORY is not in every one. Rom 5.2 154. He believes that God himself, Quicquid est in Deo est ipse Deus. is love itself, mercy itself, goodness itself, etc. and that goodness itself, mercy itself, love itself, is God himself. 155. He will not say that he is no son; yet will say that he is unworthy to be called a son. 156. He believes that there's no person so just, as that he needs no repentance; and yet our Saviour makes mention of just persons that need no repentance. Luke 15.7 157. He believes that sin shall never have power over him; Rom. 6.14 and yet he believes that he may be overpowered by a sin. 158. He believes that though evil be not good; yet it's good evil be. 159. He learns to stand by his falls, and gets strength by weakness discovered. 160. He dares not say that he wants grace; and yet confesseth that he is very much wanting in grace. 161. He believes that little children are uncapable of the knowledge of God; and yet he believes that the Apostle said true, 1 Joh. 2.13 I writ unto you little children, because ye have known the Father. 162. He is one that knows all things, 1 Joh. 2.20. and yet complains of Ignorance in many things. 163. He believes that the body of death is one thing; and the death of the body another. 164. He believes that some have the light of knowledge; which yet have not the (saving) knowledge of that light. 165. He believes that a dead man cannot complain; yet when he's dead he complains of his deadness. 166. He believes that he is Antichrist that denieth the Father and the Son; 1 joh. 2.22 and yet he believes that the Father, and the Son, are not denied by a The Papists are right in the Trinity. ANTICHRIST. 167. He wonders how the cleanest water should cleanse his soul from the filth of sin; and yet he believes that from the filth of sin his soul is cleansed with the sprinkling of clean water, Ezek. 36.25. 168 He believes that he hath his old heart; and yet he believes that he hath a new heart. 169 He takes no thought for the morrow, Matth. 6.34. and yet none so full of cares as he, Act. 16.30. 170. He believes he a 1 joh. 2.27 needs not that any man teach him; and yet he believes he shall never be above the teaching of any man. 171. He believes that every one that is born of God doth righteousness; and yet he believes that every one that doth righteousness is not born of God. 172. He believes that Christ is never nearer him in power to uphold him, then when he seemeth most to hid his presence, and to departed from him. 173. Nothing will content him but prevailing in prayer, yet many times he prays, and prevails not, and yet is contented. 174. He believes he shall be filled with all the fullness of God, Ephes. 3.19. and yet he believes that God will remain as full as ever. 175. He believes that God from eternity hath set down and decreed with himself that such a number only shall be saved; joh. 3.15, 16 and yet he believes that whosoever believeth shall be saved. 176. He believes that God did not a Damnation is not 〈◊〉 the end of reprobation, but the manifestation of the glory of God's justice. Hos. 13.9 reprobate a man to damn him; and yet he believes he shall be damned because he is reprobated. 177. He believes that though God hath immutably, and unchangeably decreed the reprobation of some men; yet that the ruin of every one of those men shall be of themselves, (for no man shall be miserable, but where he hath been sinful. 178 He believes that God did not reprobate any upon the foresight of sin, The decree of God is one thing; the execuon of his decree another. nor elect any upon the foresight of faith, and good works; and yet he believes that as God decreed the end, so the means conducing to that end. 179. He believes that as many as are ordained to eternal life, do believe, Act. 13.48. but not because they do believe, therefore they are ordained to eternal life. 180. He subjects his reason to his faith, but not his faith to his reason, in what his reason cannot comprehend or fathom. 181 He believes that he's known in the world; and yet he believes that the b 1 Joh. 3.1 world knows him not. 182. He believes that whosoever sinneth, hath not seen God, 1 Joh. 3.6 neither known him; and yet he believes that whosoever hath seen God, or known him, hath sinned and may sin. 183 He believes that though a man comes to an untimely end; yet his end comes not before its time. 184. He believes that Christ and his Father are two; and yet he believes that Christ and his Father are one, Joh. 10.30. 185. He believes that by one man sin entered into the world, Rom. 5.12. and yet he believes that sin entered into the world more than by (the means of) one man. 186 He believes that he is not to have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect of persons; Jam. 2 1 and yet he believes that he may, nay aught to respect those persons that have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. 187 He believes that the Lords portion is his people, Deut. 32.9. and that God's people's portion is the Lord, Lam. ●. 24. 188. As he lives a faithful life; so he lives the life of faith, Gal. 2.20. 189. Though life to him is better than all, Job 2.4. yet Christ to him is better than life. 190. He believes that the soul shall never die; and yet he believes that that man, which hath not God, hath a dead soul. For as the body is dead without the soul, so is the soul dead without God; he is the soul of our souls. 191. He believes that they which have not Paradise (or heaven) here, shall never have Paradise hereafter. 192. He believes that godliness is profitable to all things; 1 Tim. 4.8 but not all things profitable to godliness. 193. He believes he sins if he love not father, and mother, etc. from his heart, and from his soul; and yet he believes he sins if he love not God with all his heart, and with all his soul, Deut. 6.5. 194. He believes that Christ was manifested to take away his sins, 1 Joh. 3.5. and yet he believes that sin shall never (while he lives) be quite taken away. 195. He believes that every Covenant is a promise; but not every promise a Covenant. 196. He believes that where ever there is spiritual life from the Spirit of life, it cannot be hid; he find● such a life in him by the effects of it, and yet he believes that his life is hid with Christ in God, Col. 3.3. 197. He believes that his treasure is locked up in heaven, not in earth; Mat. 6.19 and yet he believes that his a God. Treasure is neither locked up in earth, or in heaven, but fills both. 198. He believes that he that doth righteousness is righteous; 1 Joh. 3.7 and yet he believes that he that is righteous, is not righteous by doing righteousness. 199. He is one that's rich by riches invisible, by wealth which the world knows not of. 200 He believes he cannot sin, because he is born of God, 1 Joh. 3.9. and yet he believes that (though he be born of God) he doth sin, and may sin. The third Century. 201. HE believes that many question their true love to God; whose true love to God is unquestionable. 202. He believes that what is invisible cannot be seen and yet he believes that Moses did see him, Heb. 11.27 who is invisible. 203. What would prove to his hurt he would not ask at any time; and yet he believes that he asks many times those things, which if God should grant, would prove to his hurt. 204. He believes that the children of light are wiser than the children of this world; Luke 16.8 and yet he believes that the children of this world are wiser (in their generation) than the children of light. 205. He believes that when a man gins to live, he gins to die. * Our days They end When scarce begun; And ere we apprehend That we Begin to live, our life is done: Man, count thy days and if they flee too fast For thy dull thoughts to count, count every day thy last. 206. He believes he must not do good works to be seen of men; and yet he believes that though he be seen of men, he may and aught to do good works. 207. He believes that God will never leave him, nor forsake him, Heb. 13.5. and yet complains many times (and that really) of being left and forsaken of God, Psal. 22.1. 208. He believes that all that are converted, are convicted; but not all that are convicted, converted. 209. He believes that he shall never enter into the Kingdom of God; if God's Kingdom do not first enter into him. 210. He believes that when time is gone, it cannot be recalled; and yet he believes that one may be said to recall time, when it's gone. Thy present time keep thou in high esteem; Time that's past, if thou wouldst recalled * Ephes. 5.16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. redeeming the time, as it were to buy back again the time that is past. redeem. 211. He is often speaking of the joy he hath (in believing); when as yet the joy he hath (in believing) is joy unspeakable, 1 Pet. 1.8. 212. He believes that God neither lives, nor hath a being in wicked men; and yet he believes that wicked men b Act. 17.28 live, move, and have their being in God. 213. He believes that those that are in the state of grace may and do fall; and yet he believes that there's no falling from the state of grace. 214. He believes that God may grant what we ask, by denying it many times. 215. He believes that he, which truly reputes of his sins, leaves his sins; and yet he believes that one may leave his sins, and not truly repent of his sins. 216. He believes that when Christ instituted the Sacrament, Mat. 26.26, 28 he said, This is my Body, this is my Blood; and yet he believes that neither Christ's a Substantially. Body, nor Blood is in the Sacrament. Or thus. 217. He believes that when he receives the Sacrament, he receives the Body and Blood of Christ; and yet he believes it for an absolute truth, that the Body, and Blood of Christ cannot be received in the Sacrament. 218. He thinks it strange to eat the flesh, and drink the blood of an other man; and yet believes that except he eat the flesh, and drink the blood of the Son of man, he hath no life in him, Joh. 6.53. 219. He believes that the Samaritans feared the Lord, 2 King. 17.32. & yet he believes that they feared not the Lord, 2 Kin. 17.34. 220. He believes that those, who walk uprightly, God may withhold from them many good things (of this life); and yet he believes that b Psal. 84.11 no good thing will God withhold from those that walk uprightly. 221 He hath no wings to flee with; and yet is often flying up to heaven upon the Wings (of faith.) 222. He believes its good to be thought well of; and yet he believes that to be thought well of and not to be good, is not good. 223. He believes that the Apostles (according as c Joh. 16.13 Christ had promised) had the Spirit of truth, which did guide them into all truth, and yet he believes that a Gal. 2 11, 12 Peter erred, and was to be blamed. 224. He believes that God the Son in equal with God the Father, Phil. 2.5.6. and yet he believes that God the Father is greater than God the Son, (My Father is greater than I, saith Christ) Joh. 14.28. 225. He believes that carnal men cannot be said to be godly men; and yet he believes that godly men may be said to be b In part; 1 Cor. 3.1 carnal. 226. He believes that where ever he be, or what condition soever he is in, the Lord is not absent from him; 2 Cor. 5.6 and yet he believes that whilst he is at home in the body, he is absent from the Lord. 227. He believes that whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; Mat. 23.12 and yet he believes that those that are abased shall be exalted. 228. He believes that though he be alone and without company; yet is not alone but with company. 229. He is one whom Christ hath delivered from this present evil world; Gal. 1.4. and yet meets with a world of evils. 230. He believes that Christ is the Son of God the Father, and the Son of Mary his Mother; and yet he believes that he is not a c For he is not two-people, but one Person in two Natures double Son, or two Sons. And therefore, 231. He believes that Mary is to be named, not only the Mother of Christ, but also the Mother of God. 232. He believes that the Virgin Mary had a As all Divines do piously believe. no other sons after Christ; and yet he believes that Christ was her b Luke 2.7 first-begotten Son. 233. He complains many times of his hearts being from God; when as yet he is before God. 234. He believes that a man may ask, and yet not obtain; when as yet he cannot obtain but he must ask. 235. He believes that he doth not sin in performing any duty God hath commanded him; and yet he believes that he can perform no duty God hath commanded him without c Cleaving to it. sin. 236. He believes that the nature of every saint is good; and yet he believes that goodness is not their nature. 237. He finds that the way for any man to attain unto true peace, is to be at variance with himself. 238. He is many times silent, not uttering a word; and yet speaking to God. 239. He knows that a stone hath no life in it, and yet finds mention in Scripture of a Living stone, 1 Pet. 2.4. 240. He believes that a man cannot be young again when he is old; and yet he believes that an old man may be d In grace▪ young. 241. He believes that the world shall have an end; and yet he believes that Scripture true, but the earth * That is, till the day of judgement. abideth or ever, Eccl. 1.4 242. He believes that the persons of the righteous (through Christ) are acceptable to God; and yet he believes that b Gal. 2.6 God accepteth no man's person. 243. He believes that there's none knows the Lord's secrets, for c Deut. 29 ●9 secret things belong only to God; and yet he believes that the d Psal. 25.14 secret of the Lord is with them that fear him. 244. He is one that hath cast up his accounts and made all even with God; and verily believes that God hath crossed the Book, and so freely hath forgiven him his debts, that he will never charge them any more upon him (so as to condemn him for them); and yet he believes that he must one day stand before the judgement seat of Christ, Rom. 14.10, 11, 12 to give an account of himself unto God, according to that he hath done in the flesh, whether it hath been good, or evil. 245. He believes that none without sinning can e Rom. 10 15 teach (or preach) except he be sent; and yet he believes that the saints though they be not sent, without sinning may f Col. 3.16 teach (and admonish) one another. 246. He believes that the Doctrine of God is so g Psal. 19.7 perfect, that it needs no adorning; and yet he believes that we are exhorted to h Tit. 2.10 adorn the Doctrine of God. 247. He sees, and believes that gain is some men's godliness; and godliness some men's gain. 248. He verily thinks he sins not in praying; and yet when he hath prayed, he thinks he had need to ask pardon for his praying. 249. He believes that God is willing that his people should sometimes be afflicted, & grieved; (for many righteous ends) and yet he believes that God doth not a Lam. 3.33 afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. 250. He believes that afflictions are evils; and yet he thinks it b Psal. 119.71 good for him to be afflicted. 251. He believes God to be a Spirit, and so cannot be touched; and yet he believes that Scripture true, he that c Zach. 2.8 toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye. 252. God's judgements do not terrify him; and yet he cries out with David, I am d Psal. 119.120 afraid of thy judgements. 253. He believes that the Lord killeth the soul; when he intends to make it alive, 1 Sam. 2.6. 254. He believes that in Christ shall all be made alive, 1 Cor. 15.22. and yet he believes that e All shall be raised by Christ (and so made alive) but not to life everlasting. all shall not be made alive in Christ. Dan. 12.2. 255. He believes that the Devil is no Angel of light, nor never shall be; and yet he believes that he is many times transformed into an Angel of light, 2 Cor. 11.14. 256. He believes that there's no folly (or sin) in the good Angels; and yet he believes the words of a job 4.18 Eliphaz true, and his Angels he chargeth with folly. 257. He is the patientest man living; yet none so b For he will bear with any thing rather than with sin. impatient as he. 258. He believes that money answereth all things, Eccles. 10.19. and yet he believes that there are many things to which money c Psal. 49 6, 7, 8, 9 Psal. 103.9 & 30.5, etc. answereth not. 259. He believes that God is said in scripture to be slow to anger, not easily provoked; again that he will not keep his anger for ever, and again, that his anger endureth but a moment; and yet he believes that God is d Psal. 7.11 angry with the wicked every day. 260. He believes that except he calls, God will not answer; and yet he believes that God doth (sometimes) answer him, even before he calls. 261. He believes that he that believeth on the Father, (savingly) believeth on the Son also; and yet he believes Christ words are true, he that believeth on me, e Joh. 12.44 believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 262. He believes that no man can come unto the Father but by f joh. 14.6 Christ's means; and yet he believes that no man can come unto Christ but by the a Joh. 6.44 Father's means, (except the Father draw him.) 263. He believes that according to the appearance of men in their conversations, so he may judge of them; and yet saith Christ, Judge not according to the appearance, Joh. 7.24. 264. He believes that the grace of God hath appeared to all men, Tit. 2.11. and yet he believes that all men have not the b In their hearts. appearance of the grace of God. 265. He believes that it's appointed to all men but once to die; and yet he believes that there are some men, who are c Judas 12 twice dead, plucked up by the roots. 266. He is a man though unarmed; yet hath on him continually the whole armour of God, Ephes. 6.11. 267. He believes that whosoever believeth on Christ shall not be d Rom. 10.11 ashamed; and yet he believes that none are more ashamed (of themselves) than those that believe on Christ. 268. He believes that Christ hath f commanded him to give to him that asketh; e Mat. 6.42 and yet he believes that to every one that asketh he is not (bound) to give. 269. He believes that one may have grace without assurance; but not assurance without grace. 270. He believes that a Rom. 12.19 revenge is no way godly; and yet he believes there's a b 2 Cor. 7.11 godly revenge. 271. He believes that many men even while they are awake, Rom. 13.11 are yet asleep (in sin.) 272. He believes that in the beginning was the Word, Joh. 1.1. and yet he believes that the c Any written word, which was not till Moses. Word was not in the beginning. 273. He believes that Christ was begotten of the Father from eternity, before ever there were any days; and yet he believes that d Psal. 2.7 Scripture true, wherein God saith to Christ, thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. 274. He believes 'twas truth which Balaam said, Num. 23.21 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel; and yet he believes that God did see both perverseness in Israel, and iniquity in Jacob. 275. He believes that God is the Saviour of all men, 1 Tim. 4.10. and yet he believes that all men shall not be saved by God 276. He believes that some may be blind, and yet see; and that others may see, and yet be blind. And, 277. He believes that some may be deaf, and yet hear; and that others may hear, and yet be deaf. Luke 8.10 278. He believes that when he riseth again at the last day, he shall not a Job 19.26, 27 change his bod●; and yet he believes that his b 1 Cor. 15.22 body shall be changed. 279. He believes that the righteous are as bold as a Lion; and yet he believes there are none so c Of offending God, etc. fearful, or so full of fear as they. 280. He believes that David's bones were not broken; though he cried out, Psal. 51.8 Make me to he● joy and gladness, that the bones which thou hast ●●ken may rejoice. 281. H●e believes that God remembers all things without a book to put him in mind; and yet he believes that a book of remembrance is written before him for them that fear the LORD, Mal. 3.16 and think upon his Name. 282. He believes that bread hath no life in it; and yet he believes that the saints feed daily upon d Joh. 6.51 Living bread. 283. He believes that whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin, Joh. 8.34. and yet he believes that he is not sins servant, though he committeth sin. 284. He bele●ves that the saints are not completed in this life; and yet he believes that they are e Col. 2.10▪ complete in Christ. 285. He is an absolute enemy against Auricular confession; and yet believes that we may and aught to confess our faults one to another, Jam. 5.16. 286. He thinks it folly for a man to commend himself; and yet he thinks that a man may a As Paul did for the vindication of himself, 2 Cor. 11.12 commend himself without folly. 287. He knows he is not to contemn the person of any man; and yet is one in whose eyes a vile person is contemned, Psal. 15.4. 288. He believes that the dead cannot hear; and yet he believes that the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, Joh. 5.25. 289 He believes that he was once dead for some years; Luk. 15 32 and yet he believes that his soul was never separated from his body. 290. He believes that bread, though it be the staff of life, yet cannot continue man's life for ever; and yet he believes that there is such bread of which whosoever eateth shall live for ever. Joh. 6.58 291. He believes that Christ was crucified and put to an open shame but once; Heb. 9.28 and yet he believes that Christ (by some) hath been crucified afresh, Heb. 6.6 and put to an open shame. 292. He is one, who though he live in the World; yet hath an other world to live in. Or thus, 293. He is one who though he be in the World; yet is not of the World, Joh. 17.16. 294. He is one that is dead to sin; but not dead in sin. 295. He believes that God hardens some men's hearts, Rom 9.18. and yet he believes that they harden themselves, Exod. 8.15. 296. He believes that Christ cannot be seen now by any, till he comes to judgement; and yet he believes that there are many that feed him, refresh him, entertain him, Mat. 25.35, 36 cloth him, and visit him every day. 297. He believes that whosoever shall a Mat. 10.32 confess Christ before men, him will Christ confess before his Father; and yet he believes that before his Father Christ may not confess some, who yet may (possibly) b 1 Cor. 13.3 confess him before men. 298. He believes that from death can no man be delivered though never so righteous; and yet he believes that righteousness delivereth from death, Pro. 10.2. 299. He thinks faith (if true) cannot be dead; and yet he thinks there's a c Jam. 2. ●● dead faith. 300. He believes that many may know God, Tit. 1.16. who yet have not the knowledge of him, 1 Cor. 15.34. The fourth Century. 301. HE thinks he was never caught up (with Paul) into the third Heaven; 2 Cor. 12. ● and yet he finds his heart to be ever there. 302. He believes that he was never caught up into Paradise; and yet while his heart is with God in heaven, he many times hears Words unspeakable, and enjoys that from God, which for his life he cannot utter. 303. He knows that dead men are able to do nothing; Mat. 8.22 and yet he believes the text, Let the dead bury their dead. 304. He believes that a dead man is no living man; and yet he believes that a living man may be a dead man. 305. He thinks he sins if he make not God all his delight; and yet he thinks he sins not, though a Psal. 16.3 all his delight be in the Saints. 306. He believes that the death of the righteous, Eccles. 9.2 and their latter end is much like to the wickeds, (for death comes alike to all;) and yet he believes that no wicked man shall die the death of the righteous, Num. 23.10 neither shall his latter end be like unto his. 307. He doth not know ▪ to the full▪ his own heart, Jer. 17.9. and yet makes known (or lays open) his whole heart to God. 308. He is no desperate sinner; Jer. 17.9 and yet cries out that his heart is desperately wicked. 309. He is no deceitful man; and yet believes that his heart is full of deceit. 310. He believes that the Lord will be as good as his word, that the desire of the righteous shall be granted, Prov. 10.24. he finds the Lord (many times) not granting his desire, and yet he believes he is as good as his word. 311. He sees (to his grief) that God's Ministers are despised; and yet he believes that they, which despise, 1 Thes. 4.8 despise not Gods Ministers, but God. 312. He believes that Christ came not to destroy the Law; Mat. 5.17 and yet he believes that the Law (of Ceremonies) is destroyed (or abolished) by Christ. 313. He believes that the wicked are not in trouble like other men, Psal. 73.5. and yet he believes that there is no peace to the wicked, Esay 48.22. 314. He believes that a man shall live again though he die; and yet he believes that when a man is once dead, he shall never live again, Job 17.17. 315. He believes that Christ died for the a Rom. 5.6 ungodly; and yet he believes there are ungodly ones Christ never died for. 316. He believes that God will reward him for his well doing; Mat. 5.12 Col. 3.24 Heb. 10.35 and yet he believes that he deserves (or merits) no reward though he doth never so well. 317. He believes that sin may tyrannize in him; but shall never King it over him. 318. He never heard of any that had two tongues; and yet verily believes there are many that are double tongued, 1 Tim. 3.8. 319. He believes that where ever true faith is, there be doubtings; but not where ever there be doubtings there is true faith. 320. He knows there's no comparison between a drop of a bucket, and all the nations of the World; and yet he believes that all the nations of the World are but as a drop of a bucket b Compared to God. Esay 40.15 Esay 29.13 . 321. He believes that one may draw near to God; when as yet he removes himself far from him. 322. He cannot avoid it but that sometimes the things of the earth must be in his mind; Phil. 3.19 and yet he is one who minds not earthly things. 323 He thinks many may die peaceably; who yet die not in peace. 324 He believes that his end (when it shall be) cannot be known; and yet he prays with David, Lord, Psal. 39.4 make me to know mine end. 325. He believes that no man labours but for an end; and yet he believes that there's no a Eccles. 4.8 Eccles. 7 8 end of some men's labour. 326. He believes that better is the end of a thing, than the beginning thereof; Mat. 12.45 and yet he believes (woe and alas!) that the beginning of some is better than their end. 327. He believes that he may rejoice at the fall of the enemies of the Church of God; and yet saith Solomon, Prov. 24 17 rejoice not when thine enemy falleth. 328. He cries out with David, Lord, who can understand his errors? Psal. 19.12 and yet he makes known his errors to God. 329. He believes that to the just there happens b Psa. 34.19 many evils, and yet he believes that there shall no evil happen to the just, Prov. 12.21. 330. He believes that the heart (or soul) of a wicked man is of more worth than all the World; Mark 8.36 and yet he believes that the heart of the wicked is little worth, Prov. 10.20. 331. He believes that God is not, nor can he be the Author of the evil of sin; and yet saith the text, shall there be evil in a city, Amos 3.6 and the Lord hath not done it. 332. He believes that many receive mercies from God; who yet do not receive God in those mercies. 333. He believes that the Spirit of God raised up Christ from the dead; Rom 8.11 Joh. 2.19 and yet he believes that he raised himself. 334 He believes that worship is due only to God; and yet he believes that to many men and Angels there is a kind of worship due. 335. He believes that the Holy Ghost a These are spoken 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and must be understood 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. speaketh from God, receiveth from God, is sent of God, is the gift of God; and yet he believes that he is God himself. 336. He believes that Christ went from his Disciples, (for saith he, it is a expedient for you that I go away); b Joh 16.7 Mat. 28.20 and yet he believes that he was with them always, even to the end. 337. He believes that God hath no eyelids; and yet he believes that his eyelids try the children of men, Psal. 11.4. 338. He believes that the eyes of the Lord are only upon the righteous, c For good. Psal. 34.15 and yet he believes that they are upon the wicked, 2 Sam. 22.28. 339. He believes that many to whom the Lord hath given hearts to perceive, eyes to see, Deut. 29.2, 3, 4. ears to hear; do yet neither hear with their ears, nor see with their eyes, nor perceive with their hearts even unto this day. 340. He believes that he that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; Prov. 29.9 and yet he believes that some shall never be blessed, 1 Cor. 13.3 who yet may have a bountiful (or charitable) eye. 341. He believes that some, Prov. 23.6 (though their eyes be never so good, yet) have an evil eye. 342. He believes that if a man's eye be evil (though he see the light never so well, Mat. 6.23 yet) he is in darkness. 343. He believes that Peter did fail in his faith; and yet he believes that his faith did not fail him, Luke 22.32. 344. He believes that none can be so holy, as God is holy; 1 Pet. 1.15, 18 and yet he believes he were not right, were he not holy, as God is holy. 345. He believes that it is the blood of Christ, which alone purifieth every saint; Heb. 9.13, 14 Rev. 1.5 and yet he believes that every saint purifieth himself, 1 Joh. 3.3. 346. He vehemently presseth after that, which he knows he can never attain; and yet he believes that his labour is not, neither shall be in vain. 347. He meets with some that are full of faith, and faithful; and yet saith Solomon, a faithful man who can find? Prov. 20.6 348. He believes that some abound not in (worldly) blessings, who yet are faithful; and yet he believes that a faithful man shall abound in blessings, Prov. 28.20. 349. He believes who ever is truly godly, shall never fall away; and yet he believes who ever is truly godly had need of this caution, let him that thinks he standeth, take heed lest he fall, 1 Cor. 10.12. 350. He believes there may be a famine in a Land; wherein there is not the famine, Amos. 8.11. 351. He believes that God is not a Father (in Christ) to all; and yet he believes we have all one Father, Amos 2.10. 352. He thinks a man may be a Trusty. faithful; who yet may not be a b A believer a faithful man. 353. He believes that the Son (the second Person in the Trinity) is not the Father, (the first Person in the Trinity); and yet he believes that the Son of God (Jesus Christ) is the Everlasting Father, Esay 9.6. 354. He believes that God is the God of the c Rev. 14.13 dead, which die in the Lord; and yet he believes that God is not the God of the d Mat. 22.32 dead, but of the living. 355. He believes there are three that bear record in Heaven, 1 Joh. 5.7 the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and yet he believes that these three are one. 356. He believes that one that hath a Father; may yet be Fatherless, Hos. 14.3. 357. He is not content that God should put him off with food and raiment (and no more); and yet a 1 Tim 6.8 having food and raiment he is therewith content. 358. He believes that many that are first shall be last; and many that are last, shall be first, Mat. 19.30. 359. He believes that they which die in the Lord, do rest from their labours; Rev. 14.13 and yet he believes that their labours, and their works follow them. 360. He believes (to his grief) that from sin he is not free; and yet he believes that he is made free from sin, Rom. 6.18. 361. He believes the day of his death, We say falsely, when we call death the last day. to be the day of his birth, or his birthday. 362. He thinks one may know Christ; and yet Christ unknown to him. 363. He believes that when he sleeps he is not dead and yet he believes that when he is dead he shall but sleep, Acts 7.60. 364. He believes that when a man is angry with him he may seek his friendship; and yet he believes he must make no friendship with an angry man, Proverbs 22.24. 365. He believes that the Saints are such that are of a clean heart; Psal. 73.1 and yet he believes none can say, I have made my heart clean, Prov. 20.9. 366. He believes that the World's to be a Acts 10.42 judged by Christ; and yet he believes that the Saints shall b 1 Cor. 6.2 judge the World. 367. He believes that his soul, which is lifted up, is not upright in him, Hab. 2.4. and yet he believes that his soul is upright in him though it be lifted up, Psal. 25.1. 368. He believes that a Christlesse man (though with Dives, Luk. 16.19 clothed in purple, and fine linen, yet) is but a naked man. 369. He believes a Son to be before his Mother. 370. He believes there's an emptiness, in all the world's fullness. For what's this massy Glob, but such a thing, Which when I sound, it's empty nothing's in. 371. He believes that he's well known; 2 Cor 8.9 Ps. 119.19 and yet professeth, I am a stranger in the earth. 372. He believes that some, who be poor; are yet making many rich, 2 Cor. 6.10. 373. He believes that a good man, may be an a As Christ's own Disciples were ignorant in many things; so etc. ignorant man; and yet he believes without knowledge the mind is not good, Prov. 19.2. 374. Though he hath but from hand to mouth; yet no man living fares so well as he doth. 375. He believes that there's but one Kingdom of Glory, Tit. 3.7 which all the Saints shall hereafter enjoy; 1 Pet. 5.4 and yet he believes that every Saint shall hereafter be made an heir of no less than a Kingdom, Rev. 2.20 and shall enjoy a Glorious Crown, a Crown of Glory. 376. He believes that he hath the whole heart of Jesus Christ; and yet he believes that Jesus Christ gives his whole heart to every believer. 377. He believes that God will not accept of purposes without performances; 2 Cor. 8.12 and yet he believes that God accepts of his purposes for performances. 378. He knows self-love to be a sin; and yet none loves himself more than he, Prov. 19.8. 379. He knows that God is not ignorant of his wants; and yet is often putting God in mind of them. 380. He believes that the thoughts of that which is good, Good thoughts are sinful when they come not in their season. are not sinful; and yet he believes he may sin in thinking upon that which is good. 381. He believes that a finite creature shall be made partaker of an infinite happiness. 382 He is every day grieving to see how the saints are loathed, and abhorred by others; Job 40.4. & 42.16 and yet he is every day loathing and abhorring himself, and grieves not at it. 383. He believes that weak grace will bring his soul to heaven; but it's the strength of grace that will bring heaven into his soul. 384. He is often complaining to God; and yet the contented'st man living. 385. He believes that Timothy was Paul's son, 1 Tim. 1.2. and yet he believes that Paul was not Timothy's father, Acts 16.1. 386. He thinks he may die sooner than he thought; and yet he thinks he shall not die sooner than he would. 387. He believes that death may kill him; and yet he believes that death cannot hurt him. 388. There's none so slighted, disgraced, and vilified as he; 1 Cor. 4.13 and yet none so loved, honoured and esteemed. Esay 43.4 389. When he gives to the poor he gives a Luk. 6.35 freely, hoping for nothing again; and yet he believes it's but b Pro. 19.17 lent, and he shall be paid again. 390. He is one that hath meat the world knows not of, and feeds upon dainties that no eye ever saw. 391. He believes that all that are born are not stillborn, and yet he believes that all that are born, are born dead. Ephes. 2.1 392. He believes that when one is dead, his life is ended; and yet he believes that this life is not ended when he is dead. 393. He expects that, which he never saw; and sees that, which once he never expected. 394. He is one whose heart is upright with God; and yet a This was the subscription of one of Mr. Bradfords' Letters. A very painted hypocrite, John Bradford. Fox. Act. & Mon. Vol. 3. pag. 356. judgeth himself to be a very painted hypocrite. 395. He believes that the damned in hell, are kept under a dying life, and a living death. 396. His eyes are often busied in the things here below; and yet his eyes are ever in heaven, towards the Lord, Psalm 25.15. 397. He believes that one may hear the Word of God; who yet he believes hears not God in the Word. 398. He truly confesseth, Joh. 15.5 Lord! without thee I can do nothing; and yet as truly professeth I am able to do all things. Phil. 4.13 399. He believes that some men live, as if they never thought to die; and then die as if they never thought to live. 400. He hath an end in all his desires; yet of his desiring there's no end. FINIS.