LOVE'S NAME LIVES: OR, A Publication of divers PETITIONS presented by Mistress LOVE to the Parliament, in behalf of her HUSBAND. WITH Several LETTERS that interchangeably passed between them a little before his Death. AS ALSO One LETTER written to Master LOVE by Mr. Jaquel, one of the Witnesses against him. Together with Seven several LETTERS and Notes sent to him, from Dr. Drake, Mr. Jenkyn, Mr. Case, and Mr. Robinson, his then fellow-Sufferers. All published for Public Good. PSAL. 112.6. The Righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance. 〈…〉 To the READER. Reader, take notice, THere are several Letters published, entitled Love's Letters, pretended to have passed between M. Love and his Wife: Which Letters are not Printed by true and exact Copies, having in them both more and less than they should have. Now to prevent the like inconvenience for the future, these Letters and Petitions are here published. The publishing of which, will (I hope) give no offence; I am sure can, give no just offence to any: and if any shall take offence thereat, certain I am, they'll take that which is not given them; and that they cannot do, unless they will be injurious both to themselves and others. But whether offended, or not offended, I am not, need not be solicitous; the rather, for that I can truly say, it is at as great a distance from any intention in the least to give offence, as 'tis from my apprehension to imagine that the publishing of these should give just offence to any. The Petitions are some of those (and those very affectionate ones) which Mistress Love presented to the Parliament, in the behalf of that blessed Saint and Minister of Christ, her dear Husband Master Love; and that either for the taking off the sentence of death, which he then lay under, and so wholly to remit it; or if not that, for his banishment; and if neither of them, for his reprieve till her delivery (she being then big with child) that so she might with greater hope and probability of safety, both to herself and unborn babe, undergo so sad and sore an affliction. The Letters are, some from Mistress Love to her husband, which again occasioned others from him to her. Now Master Love having his wife frequently with him in prison, after his trial was ordered, had thereby opportunity, as to open his very heart unto her, in reference to his own estate and condition, and the apprehensions which he had, both of it, and of his sufferings, (which accordingly he did, to her exceeding great satisfaction and comfort) so also to speak that to her, that might be, and that afterwards did prove to be, a great means of her support, under those trying and pressing afflictions with which she did encounter: and upon that account, did not, and indeed did not need to write unto her so fully and largely, as otherwise he would have done: And yet these brief Notes of his (for so they would rather be called than Letters) which were not by him intended to be published, do clearly and abundantly evidence, what, and how endeared his affections were both to his wife and children: and will (I doubt not) be an answer sufficient to that charge of unnaturalness that is in print against him: Though, I may say, as to those that knew him, or have but the least degree of that charity that is called common, remaining in them; that unchristian charge, and most malicious slander (invented by the father of lies himself, with many more of the same Satanical production) of that foul-mouthed, false-mouthed Animadverter and impudent Detractor, needs no answer. And notwithstanding all that hath been said by that Doctor of the Chair of Scorners, (whose design seems to be to fright men more with the rabble of his words, than with the reason of them; the former being not more formidable, than the latter feeble,) Master Love, though dead, yet is not dead; for HIS GOOD NAME LIVES, and the remembrance of it to the godly, is, and will never cease to be, even to perpetual generations, as a box of most precious and costly ointment, broken or poured forth, the pleasant savour and sweet perfume whereof, spreads itself every way, even to the scattering and overcoming of all that noisome and unsavoury breath of reproach and calumny, that by the sons, yea, and daughters too, of slander, with great endeavour would be, but by no means whatsoever can be cast upon it, and to the refreshing and reviving of every one who is within the reach of its fragrant and perfuming odour. The other Letters, are, one from M. Jaquel to M. Love, which Jaquel was one of the witnesses against him. The rest, from several of those Ministers, who (as to imprisonment) were his fellow-sufferers; which Letters do sufficiently demonstrate, what their thoughts and apprehensions were of M. Love's sufferings, and do all contain in them very precious and spiritual matter, that may be of considerable use, as in general to any that shall peruse them, so especially to those who are, or hereafter may be in a suffering condition. Reader, They are intended for thy benefit, which that thou mayst reap by them, is the desire of The Publisher● To the Supreme Authority, the PARLIAMENT of the Commonwealth of ENGLAND. The humble Petition of MARY, the distressed Wife of CHRISTOPHER LOVE. Shows, THat whereas the High Court of Justice hath lately sentenced to death her dear and tender Husband, in whose life, the life of your Petitioner is bound up; in the execution of which sentence, your poor handmaid should become an unhappy widow, and the miserable mother of two young fatherless children: And she being so near to her appointed hour, having sorrow upon sorrow, be forced, through unexpressable grief, to bow down in travel, and give up the ghost; and so with one blow, there be destroyed, both Father, and Mother, and Babe in one day. Yet her spirit is somewhat revived with the thought that there is hope in Israel concerning this thing, when she considers, that her humble Petition is this day presented before so many professing godliness, who have tasted abundantly how gracious the Lord is, and who through mercy are called of God to inherit a blessing, and to be a blessing to the afflicted in the midst of the Land. Therefore your distressed handmaid, throwing herself in all humility at your feet, beseecheth you by the womb that bore you, and breasts that gave you suck, in the bowels of the Lord Jesus Christ, mercifully to interpose, that this fatal blow may be prevented: which act of compassion in you, will be to your poor handmaid as resurrection from the dead; and not only all the tenderhearted Mothers in England, but even the Babe yet unborn shall rise up and call you blessed; and this will be to you a glory, and crown of rejoicing in the sight of the Nation, when the blessing of them that are ready to perish shall come upon you. And your poor handmaid humbly conceives, That your mercy herein will be no danger to the State, for that your poor Petitioners Friends are willing to give all sufficient security, that her Husband shall live peaceably and quietly for the time to come, and never act any thing to the prejudice of this Commonwealth, and present Government. Now the God of heaven bow your hearts to show mercy: And your Petitioner shall pray, etc. MARY LOVE. To the Supreme Authority, the PARLIAMENT of the Commonwealth of ENGLAND. The humble Petition of Mary, the Wife of Christopher Love, Condemned to die. Sheweth. THat whereas your distressed handmaid hath in all humility, in the exceeding great bitterness of her spirit, poured out her very soul to this Honourable House, for the life of her condemned Husband: which Petition was mercifully received and read in Parliament (as your Petitioner is informed.) For which high favour she desireth to bless God, and be thankful to your Honours. And although she hath great cause to be very sensible of your High displeasure against her Husband, for which she is hearty sorry; Nevertheless she hoping that your bowels yearn towards her in this her sad condition, adventures once more to make her humble supplication, and doth pray, That if your poor Petitioners Husband hath provoked you so far, as to render him utterly uncapable of your full pardon; yet you would graciously be pleased to let your handmaid find so much favour in your eyes, as that you will say of your Petitioners dear Husband as Solomon said of Abiathar, though thou art worthy of death, we will not at this Time put thee to death. Oh pardon your perplexed handmaid, if she again beseech you by the wombs that bore you, and the breasts that gave you suck, in the bowels of the Lord Jesus Christ, reprieve him for a time, till she may recover her strength, before he depart hence and be seen no more; lest at one terrible stroke in his execution, the lives of him, her and the tender babe in her womb be cut off, and two poor innocent Orphans be left behind to begin and end their days in misery. And though he may not be thought worthy to breath in English air (which God forbidden) yet give him, Oh give him leave to sigh out his sorrows under your displeasure in the utmost parts of the Earth, wheresoever you shall think fit to banish him: Which although it be a very great punishment in itself; yet your handmaid and her dying Husband shall acknowledge even this to be a great mercy, and shall thankfully receive it at your hands. And shall pray, etc. MARY LOVE. To the Supreme Authority, the PARLIAMENT of the Commonwealth of ENGLAND. The humble Petition of Mary, the Wife of Christopher Love. Shows, THat your poor Petitioner hath great cause to say, blessed be God, and blessed be you, for your merciful Vote the 15th of July, (a day never to be forgotten) in adding a month to the life of her dear Husband, which hath opened a door of hope to her in the midst of the valley of Anchor, and made her glad, though she be a woman of a sorrowful spirit: yet your distressed handmaid is overwhelmed with grief and anguish of soul, and cannot be comforted, when she remembers the doleful day, the 15th of August so near approaching, her heart doth almost die within her, and she is as one giving up the ghost before she is delivered of the fruit of her womb. Wherefore your greatly distressed handmaid doth again pour out her soul with renewed and importunate requests, beseeching your Honours to commiserate her deplorable condition, by putting on bowels of pity and compassion towards her dear and condemned Husband, that she may not grapple with the intolerable pains of Travel, and the unsupportable thoughts of her Husband's death in one day. Oh that the life of your handmaid and her babe might be a ransom for the life of her condemned Husband; she had rather choose out of love to die for him, than for sorrow of heart to die with him. Now the good Lord incline your hearts to give him his life for a prey, wheresoever it shall please your Honours to cast him, And your Petitioner shall ever pray, etc. MARY LOVE. To the Supreme Authority, the PARLIAMENT of the Commonwealth of ENGLAND. The humble Petition of Mary, the distressed Wife of Christopher Love. Humbly showeth, THat your sad and sorrowful Petitioner, in the multitude of her fears wherewith her spirit is overwhelmed within her; After sundry applications and grievous disappointments, more bitter than death, cannot cease to follow your Honours with strong cries and supplications, as the importunate Cannanitish woman did the Lord Christ. And O that now at last, you would suffer yourselves to be entreated, and let your bowels yearn within you, that so root and branch may not be cut off in one day. The great God hears the cries of Ravens! O that that God would open your hearts to hear the cries and heart-breaking groans of the Mother with the tender Babes, that cannot keep silence whilst there is any hope. Your desolate Handmaid waiteth with all humility and earnest expectation (at your doors) beseeching you not to forget to show mercy to your poor Petitioner and her tender Babes; Oh make not your Handmaid a widow, and her children fatherless; but be graciously pleased to prevent this dreadful blow, which your Petitioner trembleth to think upon, and earnestly beseeches you, to change the sentence of death into a sentence of banishment; and whilst you are propagating the Gospel in New- England, let her dying husband (as a Prophet from the dead) be sent to endeavour the conversion of the poor Indians, that so many souls may bless God in your behalf; and she shall receive it from your hands as a signal favour. And your Petitioner shall pray, etc. MARY LOVE. Mr. Jaquel his Letter to Mr. Love. My dear friend, and beloved in the Lord, MY bowels are troubled within me, I am pained, I am pained, even at the very heart, The Lord knows I want words to express the thoughts of my heart to you, to you, I say, right Christian Friend, and true Soldier of Jesus Christ. I was thinking to have been silent, being even ashamed to send you a line written by that hand, which is very much slackened and taken off from the plough; which I thought, not many weeks ago, had been very fast settled. Give me leave to breath forth my heart to you in such rude words and language as I can utter; and I pray you receive them, and spell out my heart towards you, which at this time is so full, that I know not how to empty it, but in tears before the Lord for you night and day. And oh, that the remembrance of the seventh and one and twentieth of June might often come into my thoughts, to keep my heart humble for my folly, in taking my own, and carnal friends counsel, and not the counsel of those that are right godly; which (as I now perceive) did help to bring forth that sad, and never to be forgotten day, and Sentence on the fifth of July, against my dear friend. Truly, could not I appeal to God, who knoweth all things, what the intention of my heart was, thinking I might rather do you good than hurt, knowing one had gone before me, and fearing he had much wronged you, made me willing to testify what I did, being told and informed, it would do you good and not hurt, being but Misprision at the most. I say, were it not for the testification in mine own conscience, I were not able to bear up my spirit, but should (I fear) even sink under the burden. But when I consider to whom I now write, who, I know is full of charity, and doth believe what I say, and will forgive what wrong I have done him, and I hope, will pray for me to your God and my God, to your Father and my Father, that he will not lay this to my charge: for you may charge me to be as one of those Paul chargeth in 2 Tim. 4.16. And dear Sir, If the Lord will be pleased to let me see your face once more, that I may open myself to you, I hope I shall stand right in your affections. Some promises I have met withal in the word, that do (methinks) add wings to my faith, that God will not suffer you to fall by the hands of violence; as in Psal. 79. Psal. 91. Psal. 94. Psal. 3. Isa. 41.10. Isa. 66.5. and many others, that I know you are better acquainted with than I am, and can beat them out, and lay them by you, as a glass of cordial water for fainting times. But dear Sir, let me earnestly beg of you, that you will use what means you can for your own preservation, and go as far as you can in your Petition to them, in whose power your life is, for many reasons: As first, Because if you shall fall, O! how would the enemies rejoice? Malignants and others would make songs at your death, and say, Where is all his Fast and Prayers? His God will not help him: Oh Sir, it would be a day of reproach and blasphemy. And secondly, Consider how would it sadden the hearts of God's people, and make them wring their hands, if they should miss the fruit of their prayers in your deliverance; which (I am confident) have been poured out in an extraordinary way for you? And thirdly, Consider the service you may yet do in the Church of Christ: How many souls may God make you instrumental to bring home to Christ? And what service may yet this poor bleeding Nation have by your life? And fourthly, I need not remember you of your dear and precious Consort, who, I am confident, is dear in the heart of God, and also to you; and her life even bound up in yours, and her condition being as it is. And then I humbly beg, you will consider my condition; for surely, in that day I should hear of your life being violently taken away, mine would be but little comfort to me, being instrumental in taking yours away, although (the Lords knows) not intentionally, but accidentally. Therefore for these reasons, I humbly beg of you again and again, that you will do what you dare, and go as far as you can for your preservation; and the Lord will make you instrumental for his glory, if not here, yet in some other place; and (methinks) where ever the Lord cast you, I could willingly make that promise, and perform it, that Ruth made to Naomi; and so I am confident, could my dear wife, whose heart (I know) bleeds for you, and her eyes run down with tears to God for you. Good Sir, in your addresses, remember me to God, that I may learn to lean upon him more firmly, and rely upon the Rock of Ages, and not upon broken reeds: And (I hope) through the strength of Christ, and the supply of your prayers, I shall be better fortified for the time to come, as Peter was after his fall. I would fain be remembered to my good friend Dr Dr. I hope I have got better armour of proof than I had before; but I hope there will be no need of showing it about him. For poor Po. he hath wronged himself more than any man can, for I hear, he hath sent more Papers of his confession since he was there. Good Sir, I have many things more to say, but will not presume to be more burdensome to you at this time. Will the Lord let me see your face once more here? I hope he will. However, it will not be long before we shall enjoy one another in that place, where violent hands shall not touch us; and then eternity shall be little enough to praise and magnify the Lord for his riches of mercy he shows to us. The Lord stand by you, The Lord preserve you, and put his everlasting arms under you, and deliver you: Which shall be the earnest groans and sighs of him, who is (he hopes) a dear, yet a most unworthy Friend, not worthy to be looked upon by you. Dr. Drake's Letter to Mr. Love. Dear and precious friend, I Cannot but congratulate your liberty, and the singular honour God hath laid upon you. The Captain of our salvation is wise, and knows whom to call out for his Champion. He hath pleased to call you to the forelorn-hope, we are leading up the van; our brethren in the black bill, are like to bring up the body; and for our rear (blessed be God) we have armies of prayers and tears; yea, through mercy, we may say, Our righteousness goes before us, and the glory of the Lord shall be our reward, Isa. 58.8. Well might we fear, had we not a good God, a good Cause, and a good Conscience; but where God justifies, who shall condemn? Certainly, that God who hath done us so much good by a prison, (blessed be his name) can do us much more good by our trial. He bids us not fear them who at worst can but kill the body: and why should we be afraid of man that shall die, etc. and forget the Lord our Maker, yea, our Redeemer? It's too much honour God lays upon us, to suffer any thing for his Name and Covenants sake; that hereby we are so endeared in the hearts of his Faithful people, and have been occasions to blow up the spirit of prayer, that was almost exstinct. Will not God incline his ear when he hath prepared the heart? Did he ever set his children a begging, but he had a boon for them? I need not stir up your Christian resolution, but desire rather to light my candle at your Lamp. Yet, when lately I looked upon Rev. 2, & 3. I espied no less than seven rare Cordials to persons in our condition, Rev. 2. v. 7, 10, 17, 27. & c. 3. v. 5, 12, 21. 1. A tree of life. 2. Freedom from hurt by the second death. 3. The hidden Manna and white stone. 4. The morning star and wielding the rod of iron. 5. The white garments the Book of life, and owning us before his Father. 6. That we shall be pillars in his house, having his new name graven upon us. 7. That we shall sit in his throne, etc. and all this made over, not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to him that it overcoming. A Christian is sure to conquer, if he dare but fight, and no soldier but he can glory when he puts on his harness. The Lord arm you with such courage and wisdom, that you may avoid the snares, and be above the fury of your Adversaries. God, Angels, and Men look upon you; and while you are a fight, Christ is weaving your Crown: He by your example, so hearten his people, and damp the adversary, as they may rejoice (and bless God) who favour your righteous dealing, and all iniquity may stop her mouth. So prays Your unworthy Brother and Companion in Tribulation, and in the Kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. I prae. sequar. June 1.— 51. I beg your prayers, and present my best affections to yourself and Mistress L. I'd rather die with grace, than live with blame; Far better dye with Love, than live with shame. For my most honoured friend Mr. L. Another of Dr. Drakes to Mr. Love. June 17. 1651. Dear Friend, I Cannot be unmindful of your person and condition, as being not only in the body, but also in an especial manner bound with you, Heb. 13.3. And certainly, if habitual and active grace be such motives of Christian love, is not passive grace much more? To suffer for Christ is a grace, as well as to believe in him, Phil. 1.29. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. Christ and his people are never more lovely than upon the Cross. May we not under God, thank our prison, that we are so gracious this day in the eyes of God's people, yea, and I am persuaded, in the eyes of some enemies? Must not we by suffering enter into glory, as our blessed Saviour? Luk. 24.26. Doth not Christ by this means set a higher rate upon reformation, the Ministry, and the Government? How do the Northern people prise the Sun, who see it but once in three or six months? and do not our dunghill-hearts ordinarily value blessings, more by their want, than enjoyment? In particular, Sir, how are you endeared to God and man in this call, to be the Proto-Confessour or Proto-Martyr; the Lord enable you by grace, to bear the honour, as well as the burden. I bless God for your cheerfulness and constancy, whose flame contributes much to the keeping of my poor spark alive. But my errand is, if it may be, to prevent the latter: and may it stand with God's will, I would not have you yet to be a Martyr. Haply you will say, I wish you worse than your Adversaries do; if so, yet I am sure it is with an honester heart, etc.—. Sir, I have only one thing to add, which I apprehend as a providence not to be slighted, namely, that your day of trial is your day of Jubilee, and your day of Pentecost, it being precisely the fiftieth day from your apprehension: ordered so, I am confident, by especial providence, not by the intention of the Adversary: The Lord make it a Jubilee to you, for liberty of spirit, and a day of Pentecost for effusion of the Spirit of grace, wisdom and utterance. I shall say Amen to the Omen, and follow it with what poor interest I have in heaven; still choosing rather to die with Love, than to rule with Lust, which is the Magna charta of these apostatising times. My best affections to yourself, and dearest consort, I beg your prayers, and rest, Yours, etc. Another of Dr. Drakes to Mr. Love. MY most dear and precious friend in the Lord, in whom I observed great reason, both of love and honour, from the first day that God blessed me with the knowledge of you; but never more than at this time, when you are ascending your triumphant chariot, and mounting into the cloud of witnesses, Heb. 12.1. to guide and encourage us who are left yet behind, to run with readiness the race that is set before us. Sweet Sir, I wonder not you are so cheerful, being so near your journey's end, steered by our great Pilot, out of a dangerous and troublesome Sea, and entering into the harbour; putting off your pilgrim's weeds, that you may be clothed with the white robes, as a free denizen of the heavenly Jerusalem. I mistook in dreaming of an earthly Pentecost and Jubilee; that 50th day I now perceive was an hint and summons to call you to the everlasting Jubilee above, Heb. 12. v. 22, 24 a Parasceve to the eternal Sabbath, Heb. 4. v. 9, 10. How much are we beholding to our very enemies (rather to God for them) who never do us more good, than when they think to do us the shrewdest turn. I wonder not now at that Epinicium of the Apostles, Rom. 8. ver. 28, & 33. to the end, & 1 Cor. 3. v. 21, 22, 23. Death is so far from separating, that it brings us immediately to Christ, Phil. 1.23. and that by a stroke so honourable, so easy, so comfortable, so speedy, that you need but wink and go to Heaven. The Lord is pleased to give you a writ of ease, and to pay you your penny at the sixth hour. Blessed be God, we serve a good Master, who puts us only upon honest and honourable employments, makes our task easy and short, doth all our works for us and in us; and after all, rewards us freely and richly, as if we had earned our wages Better be God's hireling than the world's darling, Luk. 15. v. 17, 19 Dear Sir, I bless God for your faithfulness, patience, courage, wisdom, whereby you have both tried and discovered the policy and strength of your Antagonists, and shown to your poor unworthy fellow-sufferers that by grace they are conquerable. The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour; go in this thy might, and smite the host of Midian as one man, Judg. 6. v. 12, 14, 16. The Lord make you a true Samson, that you may do the Devil's kingdom more mischief at your death, than ever you did in all your life God is now but in his old method, to make the blood of the Martyrs the seed of his Church, Col. 1.24 Hiel deserved a curse for building Jericho, (Josh. 6.26.) but God deserves blessing for building the new Jerusalem, though he lay the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn (so is Christ, our high Father: compare Gen. 17.5. with Isa 9.6.) and set up the gates thereof in his younger Son Segub, (1 King. 16 last.) such are we poor contemptible creatures, exalted and strengthened by God, not only to do, but also to suffer for his Name, (Act. 5.41. Phil. 1.29.) Cause, Church and Covenant. The Lord is making you such a blessed Segub: making that to be your honour, strength and safety, which many judged to be your shame, weakness and danger. Dear Sir, God honours you to be the Elias, and first to ascend the fiery chariot; May I, without presumption, be the Elisha, and make two or three bold requests unto you: and first let me beg your prayers for a double portion of your Spirit. Secondly, let me see you (if possible) before you ascend, though it be but through the lattess, on your Nuptial morning. Thirdly, let fall your mantle, that I may by means of it be enabled to divide Jordan, yea, the Red-sea, if God call me through it, and not sink like an Egyptian in the mighty waters, Psal. 32.6. Fourthly, if there be any remembrance of things below, in heaven (Luk. 16. v. 24, 25, 28) will you when you are in the blessed Heaven, think of your poor friend, and the rest of your fellow Soldiers left behind, and labouring in the storm, till Christ come to them as he doth to you. Surely the Church triumphant doth not forget the Church militant: and prayer is no paradox in heaven, (Rev. 6. v. 9, 10.) till the body of Christ be perfected: If justice makes them pray against enemies; why should not charity draw out supplications for their friends: Surely, there is a communion of Saints between the Church militant and triumphant; we may bless God for them, and cannot they pray for us? The Martyrs would not pray to dead Saints, but some of them desired living Saints to pray for them, both on earth and in heaven: and I think therein they were not superstitious. Sweet Sir, I know to whom I speak, and am assured, that Love will not be puffed up with that which would soon burst a bladder of pride: None higher in God's eyes than those who are lowest in their own. I see your time is short, and therefore though my affection be like Jordan at the time of harvest, I must set bounds and banks to my words, lest I divert and trouble you in your passage. I doubt not but you remember that you must pass through the Jordan to the fiery Chariot. Jordan was not more effectual to cleanse Naaman's Leprosy, than the River of repentant tears is to purge the leprosy of sin (Psal. 119. v. 136.) next after the immense ocean of the blood of Christ. It's not Abanah and Parphar will wash away the Leprosy, but Jordan; nor will every tear wash away sin, but penitent tears. You have but little time to mourn, Christ stands by with his towel and handkerchief, Psal. 56.8. Rev. 7 last. & 21.4. Isa. 25.8. Spiritual sorrow and joy are inseparable companions in this life; and the Dovelike spirit of comfort loves these streams, Cant. 3.12. Matth. 3.16. Every true Christian hath this Baptismus flaminis joined with Baptism. flaminis: And now God honours you with Baptis. Sanguinis superadded. The cup of tears and cup of comfort may well go together, and happy he who can mingle this drink with weeping, Psal. 102.9. such need not fear to pledge Christ in his cup of blood; and undoubtedly shall sit at Christ's right hand in his Kingdom, Matth. 20. ver. 22, 23. though not in the sense of the two ambitious Brethren. If we could weep or repent for any thing in heaven, sure it would be, because we wept and repent no more nor no better on earth. The Lord enable you and us all to do much work in a little time. If I see you no more, I must be forced here to take my long leave; yet why say I so? it may prove but a short leave, since in likelihood (as things stand) few weeks, yea, days, may bring me to a sight of your blessed soul in the arms of Christ: and surely, the communion of Saints in heaven, is cumulative to their essential happiness. The Lord enable me to imitate your graces, and then I shall not doubt to inherit your happiness, which is only God, the highest end, and the chiefest good. The Lord be nearer to you than your danger, and support you in the most needful hour; and when men have done their worst, receive your soul to his mercy, Act. 7. v. 55, 56, 59 Luk 2.29, 30. & 2 Tim. v. 7, 8. So prays Your poor unworthy Friend, and Companion in the Kingdom and tribulation of Jesus Christ. July 12. 1651. Mr. Robinson's Letter to Mr. Love. Dear Friend, THe loss which the Church of God will sustain by your death, is a very great trouble to me, and I doubt not, but a far greater to others, whose hearts God hath made more sensible to feel his hand. This stroke I am confident will be your happiness, but a great misery, a sad punishment to many: when God hath a purpose to punish many at once, he useth to take this course. The extinguishing such a star, (I do not flatter you, God knows) cannot but greatly afflict the whole world. I wish hearty God would grant me the favour to see you before your wedding day, for I dare not call it a dying day. I hope I shall be in your thoughts when you are at the throne of Grace. Good Sir, heap up as many prayers as you can for the poor Church of God before you leave us, it shall be the best legacy you can bequeath; what you shall sow, some will live to reap, and you will not be unrewarded. Jesus Christ had his thoughts on the Church even to his dying hour; good Sir, imitate your Master, I need not say any thing to strengthen you against the fear of your approaching day, I doubt not, but you have often overcome that fear through Jesus Christ. Profectio est quam putas mortem: 'Tis but the taking of a journey, and though the way be deep, yet it's but short: God brings you the nearest way. A shorter cut never had any to rest. I know you have been often upon Mount Nebo, where you have seen Canaan, whither you are going. The Mystical head cannot be cut off; you have finished your testimony, and fear not to receive your recompense. Christ hath transformed this black Messenger to you into an Angel of Light. How soon others may follow you is known only to God; if we stay longer, 'tis but to row in a stormy Sea, Moses was very willing to die, God said, Go up and die; and he went up and died. Let not the care of your Relations afflict you, The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof; Leave your fatherless children, God will provide for them; Let your widow trust in God. Your dear yoke-fellow is a partaker of the same grace with you; how rich are they that are heirs to the promises? You can commend your spirit into God's hands, much more your wife and children: Remember that promise, I will be thy God, and the God of thy seed; Sir, it is a richer portion than the Mines of India. You were but a cistern to them, the fountain lives, and will live when you are dead: God can provide without you, you cannot without God. Good Sir, Cheer up; I hear how full of joy you are, blessed be God; all these are but little drops to the ocean. I have writ this to fill you more and more. An Axe, and a severer are all one; you shall die without sickness. When you think of the present ignominy, look on the future glory; you shall be with God, Christ, Angels, the souls of just men made perfect, in a short time. What a happiness is it to have grace in perfection! to see God face to face, to be freed from the being of sin, Temptations of Devils, society of wicked men! You have fought a good fight, you have finished your course, you have kept the faith, etc. and you are going to receive your Crown, a crown of glory, that fadeth not away. You are now going to that place, where the voice of the oppressor shall never be heard: You are going to your bed, the best and safest you ever slept on. The steps of the scaffold will be a jacob's Ladder, upon which you shall ascend to your loving Father: The Scaffold will be as mount Nebo; The Axe of the Executioner will cut off the head of sin, and put an end to all misery. Be sure, Sir, Not only the Angels of God, but the God of the Angels himself will mightily strengthen you. If your death, and this kind of death, were not most for the glory of God, and the benefit of the Church, I am confident, God would have saved you from this hour. I have writ thus, not because you want advice, but to testify my love, my dear love to you, and to give you remembrance of me and mine, before your departure hence. Good Sir, accept of it as my last farewell; farewell, farewell, dear Friend. God, that hath bound up your soul in the bundle of life, be your comfort, joy, hope, peace, confidence in life and death to all eternity: Yea he will be your guide unto death; He will be an Husband and head to your dearest Wife; He will be a tender Father to your little Babes. This is the confidence, this shall be the prayer of SIR, Your dear Friend. Aug. 19 1651. A brief Note from Mr. Jenkyn to Mr. Love. My dear, dear Heart, THou art very near to my soul. The Lord Jesus Christ smile with the pleasantest face upon thee, that ever he did upon Sufferer.— I here send thee a Book that I have been much relieved by, in my Imprisonment. What are ten thousand Deaths, where Christ is apprehended by faith! These considerations where the leaf is turned down, (pag. 335.) do sweetly support faith.— I am afraid almost to send these thoughts, for fear overmany notions may disturb thee.— I judge these more profitable than speculative discourses of death.— The great God, that hangs the Earth upon nothing but his Word, bear up thy soul on his promises. Oh sweet, most sure, sure, sure (oh remember sure!) promises; as stable as the very Essence of God; for the performances whereof God hath pawned his Being: As I live, etc. My Heart, I love thee, I kiss thee, I weep upon thee, I rejoice for thee, I shall see thee in glory. The Lord Jesus strengthen thee. He will. Mr. Jenkyn his Letter to Mr. Love. My dear Heart, BLame me not of this backwardness to cast in this mite. I was hardly persuaded of the fitness thereof: your greater danger is in the plenty of these tokens, considering your own store. Though your appetite be never so good, it's impossible you should concoct all the food dished up in Books, Friends Papers, and your own Meditations by and for you. I shall desire to make up my Paper-defects by servant prayer: and oh that I could pray so this once, as if I were not to do it a second time. My only counsel must be, that which I know hath been your only care, and will be your only comfort; namely, that you sleep in Jesus. Thou shalt not sleep (though that were much) in the lap, bosom, and arms of Jesus; but in this sleep he looks upon thee as a piece of himself, even as a member, a dear limb. In dying thou shalt not die. They who are fallen asleep in Christ, perish not. 1 Cor. 15.18, 20. Christ the first fruits (a most sweet resemblance) the happy handsel of the grave, the first born from the dead, the Head of the body, did rise from the dead as such, and not as a private person: Coloss. 1.18. So that our resurrection is (even now) in its cause. The union 'twixt Christ and thee (and this union is not only 'twixt Christ and thy soul, but thy body also; and therefore he is the first fruits of the dead) cannot be broken off by death. Christ should rebel against the will of his Father, (which were blasphemy to think) if he should lose any thing which his Father hath given him; as he should, were it not to be raised up at the last day. Christ is the very RESURRECTION, and he that believeth in him, though dead, yet shall live. Oh, how hath Christ presumed the grave, and beautified the grisly face of Death! Death is (now) a privilege, our best friend next to Christ, and the truth is, all our means and sorrows in this life, are for want of that which we so much fear, death; as the child that cries for want of sleep, and yet cannot endure to undress and go to bed. My dear heart! thou hast better to put on in the morning of the Resurrection: This mortal shall put on immortality. Thy garment of grace hath had many spots, perhaps; Ephes. 5.27. Judas 24. vid. this day thou shalt take thy leave of mourning for them, and therefore the Lord help thee to mourn more holily and meltingly than ever; but the garment of glory shall not have one. Lord, is there a condition wherein I shall never sin more, wherein I shall have as, much grace as I can hold, and wish, and will desire; wherein I shall no more wash the feet of Jesus Christ, and now and then be suffered to give them a kiss, but shall lie in his blessed bosom, and be clasped in his glorious arms to eternity! This is thy approaching happiness; and every comfort, by how much the nearer, is the sweeter. Now is thy salvation nearer than when thou first believedst. Oh dear heart! Now for a strong faith! oh wrestle mightily with the great God, for strength to overcome him; cling about the promises, precious promises, not only for their fullness, but infallibility; adventure thy soul upon them. The faithfulness of God is a foundation which bears the heaviest structure, and the greatest load of sin and expectation. Jesus Christ calls, beseeches, commands, threatens, and all to make thee believe. The Lord increase thy faith! thou art to go through a very great work, but Christ hath laboured, and thou art but to enter into his labours. Death is but a nominal enemy when Christ hath disarmed it; there is more terror in the pomp of it (as Seneca said) the Scaffold, the Axe, Spectators, Reports, than in the thing itself. Oh how may a Christian insult over it! Oh Death, where is thy Sting! Christ hath spoiled principalities and powers, disarmed, disrobed them. His death is the death of Death; all its stings are left in his side. Say not therefore (Dear heart) who shall role away the stone from the mouth of the sepulchre? when thou comest thither, thou shalt find it rolled away to thy hand. Its difficulties and distresses are taken away in Christ.— To this dear Lord Jesus I commit thee, who in his due time will wipe away all tears from the eyes, and sin from the souls of his poor servants; and out of all our storms, bring us to that haven where we would be. I know not where to break off, and yet not where to leave thee so well as there. Thine in the bowels of this Saviour. Master Case to Master Love. Heavenly Saint, THou art now awaked out of thy last natural rest, to go to thy eternal rest: the night is past, thou shalt never know night any more, but God shall give thee light, and thou shalt reign for ever and ever, Rev. 22.3, 4, 5. Thou art now going where thou shalt be in a true sense above ordinances, and above Scripture, 1 Cor. 13.12, 13 where God in Christ shall be thy all in all. Thy prison shall be turned into a Palace, and thy filthy garments shall be taken away, and thou shalt be clothed with long white Robes, and in the moment when thy body and head shall be severed, thou shalt be united to Christ thy Head; in him thou shalt be crowned, and with him thou shalt reign to eternity. It is finished. Joh. 17.1, 4, 5, 6, 11, 13, 24. Let me see that face once more, which I shall see no more till the last day. Send up one sigh before thee for thy following Brother and Companion in tribulation, and in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ. Another of Master Case's to Master Love. Dear soul, THou art now going to heaven: to quicken thy desires, put it into these notions, that are most suitable to thy condition. To the weary it is rest, Isa. 57.2. Rev. 14.13. To the banished home, 2 Cor. 5.6. To the reproached glory, Rom, 5.2. To the molested and captived with corruption, it is the glorious liberty of the Sons of God, Rom. 8.21. To the resister to blood, it is conquest, Rom. 8.37. To the vexed with sin and sorrow, it is the exstinction of both. To the hungry soul, it is the hidden Manna, Rev. 22.17. To the thirsty, rivers of pleasure, water of life, fountain of life, Rev. 22.17. Psal. 36.8, 9 To the grieved soul, it is fullness of joy, and to the sorrowful heart pleasures for ever more, Psal. 16.8. In a word, To them that have lain upon the dunghill here, and kept their integrity, it is a throne upon which they shall sit and reign with Christ for ever and ever, Rev. 3.31. & 22.5. Dear heart cheer up, a sharp breakfast, but a blessed supper, the supper of the Lamb. The Bridegroom saith, Lo I come quickly. Let thy rejoiced soul echo back again, Even so, come Lord Jesus. There is but a little time for prayer left, in that remember me, and then everlasting hallelujahs will be thy work, and rest. Live for ever with thy God. Amen. I shall accompany thee with my prayers, though I cannot with my person. Mistress Loves Letter to Master Love. My dear heart, BEfore I writ a word further, I beseech thee think not that it is thy wife, but a friend now that writes to thee. I hope thou hast freely given up thy wife and children to that God, who hath said in the 49. of Jer. & v. 11. Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive, and let thy widow trust in me: thy Maker will be my Husband, and a father to thy children. O that the Lord would keep thee from having one troubled thought for thy relations. I desire freely to give thee up into thy Father's hands, and not only look upon it as a crown of glory for thee to die for Christ, but as an honour to me, that I should have an husband to leave for Christ. I dare not speak to thee, nor have a thought within my own heart, of my unspeakable loss, but wholly keep my eye fixed upon thy unexpressable and unconceivable gain. Thou leavest but a sinful, mortal wise, to be everlastingly married to the Lord of glory: Thou leavest but children, brothers, and sisters, to go to the Lord Jesus thy eldest Brother: Thou leavest friends on earth, to go to the enjoyment of Saints and Angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect in glory; Thou dost but leave earth for heaven, and changest a prison for a Palace. And if natural affections should begin to arise, I hope that spirit of grace that is within thee, will quell them; knowing that all things here below, are but dung and dross in comparison of those things that are above. I know thou keepest thine eye fixed on the hope of glory, which makes thy feet trample on the loss of earth. My Dear, I know God hath not only prepared glory for thee, and thee for it; but I am persuaded he will sweeten the way for thee to come to the enjoyment of it. When thou art putting on thy that morning, O think, I am now putting on my wedding garments, to go to be everlastingly married to my Redeemer. And when the messenger of death comes to thee, let him not seem dreadful to thee; but look on him as a messenger that brings thee tidings of eternal life. When thou goest up the scaffold, think, (as thou saidst to me) it is but thy fiery chariot, to carry thee up to thy Father's house. And when thou layest down thy precious head to receive thy Father's stroke, remember what thou saidst to me, Though thy head was severed from thy body, yet in a moment, thy soul should be united to thy Head the Lord Jesus in heaven. And though it may seem something bitter, that by the hands of men we are parted a little sooner than otherwise we might have been; yet let us consider, it is the decree and will of our Father; and it will not be long ere we shall enjoy one another in heaven again. Let us comfort one another with these say. Be comforted my Dear heart, it is but a little stroke, and thou shalt be there where the weary shall be at rest, and where the wicked shall cease from troubling. Remember, though thou mayst eat thy dinner with bitter herbs, yet thou shalt have a sweet supper with Christ that night. My Dear, by what I writ unto thee, I do not hereby undertake to teach thee; for these comforts I have received from the Lord by thee. I will write no more, nor trouble thee any further, but commit thee into the arms of that God, with whom ere long thee and I shall be. Farewell, my Dear, I shall never see thy face more, till we both behold the face of the Lord Jesus at the great Day. MARY LOVE. July 14. 1651. Another of Mistress Loves to Master Love. My heavenly Dear, I Call thee so, because God hath put heaven in thee, before he hath taken thee to heaven. Thou now beholdest God, Christ and Glory as in a glass; but to morrow, heaven gates will be opened, and thou shalt be in the full enjoyment of all those glories, which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither can the heart of man understand. God hath now swallowed up thy heart in the thoughts of heaven; but ere long thou shalt be swallowed up in the enjoyment of heaven: And no marvel there should be such quietness and calmness in thy spirit, whilst thou art sailing in this tempestuous Sea; because thou perceivest by the eye of saith a haven of rest, where thou shalt be richly laden with all the glories of heaven. O lift up thy heart with joy, when thou layest thy dear head on the block, in the thought of this, that thou art laying thy head to rest in thy father's bosom; which when thou dost awake shall be crowned, not with an earthly fading crown, but with an heavenly eternal crown of glory. And be not discouraged, when thou shalt see a guard of soldiers triumphing with their trumpets about thee; but lift up thy head, and thou shalt behold God with a guard of his holy Angels, triumphing to receive thee to glory. Be not dismayed at the scoffs and reproaches that thou mayst meet with in thy short way to heaven; for be assured, God will not only glorify thy body and soul in heaven, but he will also make the memory of thee to be glorious on the earth! O let not one troubled thought for thy wife and babes arise within thee; thy God will be our God, and our portion; he will be a husband to thy widow, and a father to thy children, the grace of thy God will be so sufficient for us. Now, my Dear, I desire willingly and cheerfully to resign my right in thee to thy Father and my Father, who hath the greatest interest in thee. And confident I am, though men have separated us for a time; yet our God will ere long bring us together again, where we shall eternally enjoy one another, never to part more. O let me hear, how God bears up thy heart, and let me taste of those comforts that support thee, that they may be as pillars of marble to bear up my sinking spirit. I can write no more, Farewell, farewel my Dear, till we meet there where we shall never bid farewell more; till which time I leave thee in the bosom of a loving tender hearted Father, and so I rest, Till I shall for ever rest in Heaven, MARY LOVE. August 21. 1651. Master Love to his Wife, when he should have first suffered. My dearest Beloved, I Am now going to my long home, yet I must write thee a word before I go hence, and shall be seen no more; It is to beg thee to be comforted in my gain, and not to be troubled in thy loss; Labour to suppress thy inward fears, now thou art under outward sorrows; as thy outward sufferings abound, let thy consolations in Christ abound also. I know thou art a woman of a sorrowful spirit. My time is short, I have but a few words of counsel to give thee, and then I shall leave thee to God, who careth for thee and thine. 1. Whil●s thou art under desertions, labour rather to strengthen and clear up thy evidences for heaven, than question them. 2. Remember a faith of adherence, or reliance on the Lord Jesus, bring thee to heaven, though thou want the faith of Evidence or Assurance. 3. Labour to find that (and more also) in God, which thou hast lost in the creature. 4. Spend not thy days in heaviness for my death; if there were knowledge of things below, or sorrow in heaven; I should grieve to think my beloved should mourn on earth. 5. Lie under a soul-searching Ministry: I know thou art not a spongy hearer, to suck in foul water as well as fair. God hath given thee a good understanding, to be able to discern things that differ; as the mouth tastes meat, thy ear tryeth words. 6. Be conversant in Christian meetings, and much in the exercises of the duties of mortification, in fasting and prayers; yet have respect to the weakness of thy body and thy present condition. 7. Have a care of thyself and babes, God will take care for thee and them. I can write no more; farewell my Dear, farewel, farewell. These are the last words written by Thy dying, yet comforted Husband, CHRISTOPHER LOVE. From the Tower, July 15. 1651. MY Dear, I beg thee to be satisfied: my heart is greatly comforted in God; I can quietly submit to the good pleasure of his will, and I hope thou dost so also; I am delivered by the determinate counsel of God, the will of the Lord be done. Read for thy comfort when I am dead and gone, Jer. 49.11. and the beginning of the 12. Isa. 54. vers. 5, 6, 7, 8. Psalm 146. ver. 9.2 Cor. 4. ver. 17, 18. Heb. 12. ver. 6, 7. Another of Master Loves to his Wife. More dear to me than ever, IT adds to my rejoicing, that I have so good and gracious a wife to part with for the Lord Jesus: In thy grief, I have been grieved; but in thy joy, I have been comforted. Surely, nature could never help thee to bear so heavy a stroke, with so much silence and submission to the hand of God O dearest, every line thou writest, gladdeth my heart. I dare not think that there is such a creature as Mary Love in the world; for Kit, and Mall, I can think of them without trouble, leaving them to so good a God, and so good a Mother. Be comforted concerning thy Husband, who may more honour God in his death than in his life; the will of the Lord be done, he is fully satisfied with the hand of God. Though there be but little between him and death, he knows, there is but little between him and heaven; and that ravisheth his heart. The Lord bless and requite thee for thy wise and good counsel; thou hast prevented me, the very things I thought to have written to thee, thou hast written to me: I have had more comfort from thy gracious letter, than from all the counsel I have had from any else in the world; well, be assured, we shall meet in heaven. I rest, till I rest in heaven. Thy dying, but comforted Friend, CHRISTOPHER LOVE. From the Tower, the Lords Day. Another of Master Loves to his Wife. My dearest delight on Earth, I Was fast asleep when thy Note came. I bless God, I break not an hours sleep for all my sufferings; I know they work for me a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. I slept this night from ten at night, till seven in the morning, and never waked. My Dear, I am so comforted in the gracious supports God gives thee, that my burdens are the lighter on my shoulders because they are not so heavy on thine; or if they be heavy, yet that God helps thee to bear them. The Lord keep it in the purpose of our hearts for ever, to submit to the good pleasure of God. I bless God I do find my heart in as quiet and composed a temper as ever I did in all my life. I am till I die, Thy tender hearted Husband, CHRISTOPHER LOVE. From the Tower, August 18. 1651. Master Loves last Letter to his Wife, on the day he suffered. My most gracious Beloved, I Am now going from a Prison to a Palace; I have finished my work, I am now to receive my wages; I am going to heaven, where are two of my children, and leaving thee on the earth where are three of my babes; those two above need not my care, but the three below need thine. It comforts me to think two of my children are in the bosom of Abraham, and three of them will be in the arms and care of so tender and godly a Mother: I know thou art a woman of a sorrowful spirit, yet be comforted: though thy sorrow be great for thy Husbands going out of the world; yet thy pains shall be the less in bringing thy child into the world; thou shalt be a joyful Mother, though thou be'st a sad Widow. God hath many mercies in store for thee; the prayers of a dying Husband for thee will not be lost. To my shame I speak it, I never prayed so much for thee at liberty, as I have done in prison. I cannot write more, but I have a few practical counsels to leave with thee, viz. 1. Keep under a sound, orthodox, and soul-searching Ministry; Oh there are many deceivers gone out into the world, but Christ's sheep know his voice, and a stranger will they not follow. Attend on that Ministry that teaches the way of God in truth, and follow Solomon's advice, Prov. 19.27. Cease to hear instruction that causes to err from the ways of knowledge. 2. Bring up thy children in the knowledge and admonition of the Lord: the mother ought to be a teacher in the father's absence, Prov. 19.27. The words which his mother taught him: and Timothy was instructed by his Grandmother Lois, and his mother Eunice, 2 Tim. 1.5. 3. Pray in thy family daily, that thy dwelling may be in the number of the families that do call on God. 4. Labour for a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price, 1 Pet. 3.4. 5. Poor not on the comforts thou wantest, but on the mercies thou hast. 6. Look rather at God's end in afflicting, than at the measure and degree of thy afflictions. 7. Labour to clear up thy evidences for heaven, when God takes from thee the comforts of earth, that as thy sufferings do abound, so thy consolations in Christ may abound much more, 2 Cor. 1.4. 8. Though it is good to maintain a holy jealousy of the deceitfulness of thy heart, yet it is evil for thee to cherish fears and doubts, about the truth of thy graces; If ever I had confidence touching the grace of another, I have confidence of grace in thee; I can say of thee as Peter did of Silvanus, I am persuaded that this is the grace of God wherein thou standest, 1 Pet. 5.12. Oh my dear soul, wherefore dost thou doubt, whose heart hath been upright, whose walkings have been holy, etc. I could venture my soul in thy souls stead, such a confidence have I of thee. 9 When thou findest thy heart secure, presumptuous and proud, then poor upon corruption, more than upon grace; but when thou findest thy heart doubting and unbelieving, then look on thy graces, not on thy infirmities. 10. Study the covenant of grace and merits of Christ, and then be troubled if thou canst. Thou art interested in such a covenant that accepts purposes for performances, desires for deeds, sincerity for perfection, the righteousness of another, viz. that of Jesus Christ, as if it were thine own. Oh my Love! rest, rest then in the love of God, in the bosom of Christ. 11. Swallow up thy will in the will of God; it is a bitter cup we are to drink, but it is the cup our Father hath put into our hands. When Paul was to go to suffer at Jerusalem, the Christians could say, The will of the Lord be done; Oh, say thou, when I go to Tower-hill, The will of the Lord be done. 12. Rejoice in my joy; to mourn for me inordinately, argues that either thou enviest, or suspectest my happiness. The joy of the Lord is my strength, oh let it be thine also. Dear wife, farewell; I will call thee wise no more, I shall see thy face no more: yet I am not much troubled, for now I am going to meet the Bridegroom the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom I shall be eternally married. Thy Dying, yet most Affectionate Friend till death, CHRISTOPHER LOVE. From the Tower of London, 22th August, 1651. The day of my glorification. FINIS.