EXPERIMENTS OF Spiritual Life & Health, And their PRESERVATIVES  
In which the weakest Child of God may get Assurance of his spiritual Life and blessedness  
And the Strongest may find proportionable Discoveries of his Christian Growth, and the means of it.  
By Roger Williams of Providence in New-England.  
London, Printed, in the Second Month, 1652.   

To the truly honourable the Lady Vane, the Younger.  
Madam,  
YOur favourable, and Christian respects to me (both of former and latter date) your Godly, and Christian Letters to me, so many thousand miles distant in America: And your many gracious Demonstrations of an humble and Christian Spirit breathing in you; are a three fold Cord which have drawn these lines into your presence.  
While I have sometimes mused how to express a Christian gratitude, I am at last persuaded to crave your ladyship's acceptance of these poor Experiments of each true Christians personal union, and communion with the Father of Spirits.  
It is true, I have been sometimes pressed to engage in controversies, but I can really and uprightly say, my witness is on high, how harsh and dolesul the touch of those strings are, especially, against such Worthies both in old and new-England, in whom I joyfully before the world acknowledge (in many heavenly respects) a lively character and Image of the Son of God. This broken piece, is a breath of a still and gentle voice, none but the God of this world, and the men of this world, can I lightly (at this turn) expect my opposites.  
At other times I have been drawn to consider of the little flock of Jesus, his Army, his body, his building, that for these many hundred years have been scattered, routed and laid wast and desolate: At present, I only examine who are the personal and particular Sheep of Jesus Christ, his soldiers, his living materials, though scattered, divided, and not composed and ordered at their souls desire.  
I confess (Madam) it was but a private and sudden discourse, sent in private to my poor Companion and yokefellow, occasioned by a sudden sickness threatening death, into which, and from which it pleased the Lord most graciously to cast and raise her.  
The form and stile I know will seem to this refined age, too rude and barbarous: And the truth is, the most of it was penned and writ (so as seldom or never such discourses were) in the thickest of the naked Indians of America, in their very wild houses, and by their barbarous fires; when the Lord was pleased this last year (more then ordinarily) to dispose of my abode and travel amongst them. And yet, is the Language plain? it is the liker Christ's: Is the composure rude? such was his outward Beauty: Are the trials (seemingly) too close? such is the two edged Sword of his most holy Spirit, which pierceth between the very Soul and Spirit, and bringeth every thought into the obedience of Christ Jesus.  
Amongst the many Crowns of mercy (Madam) which it hath pleased the Father of mercies to crown your soul with, as David speaks of his Psal. 103. there are two which justly challenge (and your ladyship I know doth humbly acknowledge them) to be the fairest.  
The first, That he himself most high, most holy, (who makes his common choice, the poor, Jam. 2. and chooseth few Lords, few Knights, few Ladies, (few wise, 
Cor. 3.  few noble, few mighty) hath freely chosen you Madam, in so gracious and blessed a measure, to desire to fear his Name.  
A second, That for your dearest Companion and Guide in this vale of tears (amongst the famous Worthies of this age) he hath graciously guided you to such a blessed choice, of such an Husband on earth, who bears so bright an Image of your Husband in the Heavens, and in whose most holy and gracious hand, he hath been such a merciful and faithful Instrument, for both the freedoms both of the outward and inner man.  
I do humbly acknowledge (that upon an absolute account) all is mercy, and yet I am also humbly confident, that in a respect (as he graciously remembered his old friend Abraham, and tells us of a special love he yet bears the Jews for Abraham's sake, even so, he hath graciously vouchsafed at this present an honourable remembrance to the NAMES of some of his more eminent former friends and witnesses.  
How hath he ●…rowned the memory of those his 2 zealous Servants in K. Henry the 8th. his days 
* Cromwell and Lambert.  with a most eminent and blessed succession of such names and spirits at this day? and in a gracious remembrance of his love to that blessed daughter and witness of his the Lady Vane in Q. Mary's days; how hath it pleased his wisdom and goodness, to remember and to honour that Name, both in your ladyship and so many otherways, with so many loving kindnesses at this day?  
My humble cry (Madam) to the Lord shall never cease, those all those your many obligations of both temporal and eternal mercies, may (like chains of Adamant) draw and bind your precious Soul more and more to resolve (by his grace assisting) to make his name great, who hath made your so and so to love his Name, his Son, his Spirit, his Truth, his Children, that others at the Torch of your exemplary meekness and fear of God, may light and kindle theirs; That your Souls-eye more and more brightly may see him who is invisible, and may so experimentally resent those invisible and internal honours, pleasures and profits that are in him that in comparison thereof the visible and worldly, may be accounted by you but dreams of shadows, &c. That your great desire may be a likeness of so high and holy, and so dear a Saviour, and (as in other excellencies so) in that especially of a desire of saving others, your Children, Kindred, Servants, Friends, yea, Enemies: that neither the pleasing calm of prosperity, nor the dreadful storms of changes, may quench or damp that holy fire of your soul's love (in Life and Death) to Him whom your Ladyship hath so much infinite cause to love, but never yet saw, in whom, and for ever  
I desire to be Your HONOURS unfeignedly faithful. R. W.   

To every truly Christian Reader.  
AS it is in the Earthly, so it is in the Heavenly 
Thy Maker is thy Husband. Isa. 5.  Marriage of a poor Sinner to his Maker. There useth first to pass a private kindling of Love, and a private consent and pomise (which sometimes are long) before the open solemnity; and the publik●… profession of a Married life together. This is my present design, (not to controvert the matters of public Order and Worship, but) to present some poor Experiments of those personal excellencies of each true believing soul and spirit.  
The Holy Spirit (in Isaiah) tells us of balances 
Isa. 40.  wherein the most High weighs the Hills and Mountains: As also in Solomon, of balances wherein he 
Prov. 21.  weighs the very Spirits, even of men whose way is right in their own eyes. And in John (14.) he commands us to try the Spirits, pretending to come from Christ Jesus, whether they be of God, or no.  
There is not the grossest Protestant or Papist, but 
Great pretences to the holy Spirit of God.  pretends to the Spirit of God; yea that horrid Monster Mahomet, blushed not to avouch that in the form of a Dove, the holy Spirit of God did whisper in his ear from Heaven. Now blessed is that Spirit, public or private, who is truly willing and joyful to lie down in the balances of the Lords weighings.  
Hitherto tend these Experiments of personal Communion with God in the Spirit of holiness, Rom. 1. 3.  
'Tis true, all public and private Christian Spirits, pretend the Spirit of holiness: yea, how great a part of the World pretend to be Christendom, the Christian world, that is, anointed with the Spirit of Christ Jesus? But was it Death in Moses Rites to counterfeit that ceremonial and figurative Ointment, Exod. 30. what 
To counterfeit the holy Spirit dreadful.  shall it be to counterfeit the Spirit of Life and Holiness itself? What I believe therefore (as David and Paul once spoke) I freely speak: Yea, who can but speak (saith Peter and John) the Things they have seen and heard? I confess I spoke these first but in a private Letter in America, and thought not that the light in Europe should have seen them: But a twofold desire hath prevailed with me to expose these trials to the Trying of all men.  
1. The earnest desire of some Godly Friends.  
2. Mine own desire of sowing a little handful of spiritual seed while the short Minute of my seedtime (the opportunity of life) lasteth.  
My scope is to fill each truly Christian soul with triumphing and rejoicing: I speak peace and joy to the 
The least of the little ones of Christ Jes●…s o●…ght to rejoice.  Weakest Lamb and Child (in Christianity) that is so low, so weak, so little, so poor in its own eyes, that it sometimes saith, it hath no Christ, no Spirit, no Faith, no Love, no nor true Desire in itself. To this poor weak one I speak peace and joy, and say, this spiritual poverty is blessed, and is the first step or round of that spiritual Ladder, Mat. 5. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.  
Secondly, I sound joyful alarms of Encouragement to the strong to grow (as Peter exhorteth) in the Grace and Knowledge of the Lord Jesus.  
'tis true, the communion of Saints is sweet and joyful, 
Communion of Saints most sweet, and to be lamented after.  strong and powerful, eternally gainful and profitable; and holy and blessed is that Spirit that makes the Saints (who are the Excellent of the Earth) its Delight, and after that blessed hour of the Saints uniting in one Heart, one Spirit, one Worship, let all that love Christ Jesus mourn and lament, and breath and pant: And yet the weakest and the faintest Lamb that comes but stealing in the Crowd to touch the hemb of the Lord Jesus his garment, that is content to be esteemed a Dog, and to wait for crumbs of mercy under the Table of the Son of God: let them I say rejoice also, for he that hath begun that blessed work by his own free and eternal Spirit, will by the same his own holy arm, gloriously finish it.  
I end (dear Christian) with the proposal of two Christian knots, or Riddles, not unsuitable to these present Times and Spirits?  
First, Why is the Heart of a David himself (Psa. 30.) 
Two Christian Riddles, suiting these times and spirits.  more apt to decline from God, upon the mountain of Joy, Deliverance, Victory, Prosperity, then in the dark Vale of the shadow of Death, Persecution, sickness, Adversity, &c.  
Secondly, Why is it, since God worketh freely in us to do and to will of his own good pleasure, that yet he is pleased to command us to work out our own Salvation with fear and Trembling? Let us all humbly beg the Finger (the Spirit) of the Lord to untie these Knots for us.  
I. desire to be thine unseighned in Christ Jesus, R. W.   

The Contents of this Discourse.  
The Heads are three.  
UNder the first are contained the Arguments of spiritual Life, wherein the Weakest and the Sickest Child of God may find its spiritual Life apparent, though overcast and eclipsed with spiritual weakness and Distempers.  
Under the second Head, Arguments of the strength and vigour of the Spirit of Life and holiness: In which the strongest and the eldest in Christ, may find Experiments of spiritual Health, and Christian Activity and cheerfulness.  
These Experiments respect,  

1. The Souls private corresponden●…y with the Lord himself.  
2. Converse and correspondency with Men.  
3. Private Retirednesses with itself.   
Under the third Head are proposed some Means wherein the Spirit of God usually breatheth for the preserving and maintaining of a truly spiritual and Christian Health and cheerfulness.   

The Letter which the Author sent with this Discourse to his Wife M. W. upon her recovery from a dangerous sickness.  
My Dearest Love and Companion in this Vale of Tears.  
THy late sudden and dangerous sickness, and the Lord's most gracious and speedy raising thee up from the gates and jaws of Death: as they were wonderful in thine own, and others eyes, 
The true use of sickness.  so I hope, and earnestly desire, they may be ever in our thoughts, as a warning from Heaven to make ready for a sudden call to be gone from hence: to live the rest of our short uncertain span, more as strangers, longing and breathing after another Home and Country; To cast off our great cares and fears and desires and joys about this Candle of this vain life, that is so soon blown out, and to trust in the living God, of whose wonderful power and mercy thou hast had so much and so late experience, which must make thee sing with David (Psal. 103.) bless the Lord O my Soul, and all that is within me bless his holy Name: bless the Lord, O my Soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgiveth all thy sins, and healeth thine infirmities: who redeemeth thy life from destruction, and crowneth thee with mercy and loving kindness.  
My dear Love, since it pleaseth the Lord so to dispose of me, and of my affairs at present, that I cannot often see thee, I desire often to send to thee. I now send thee that which I know will be sweeter to thee then the Honey and the honeycomb, and stronger refreshment than the strongest wines or waters, and of more value than if every line and letter w●…e thousands of gold and silver. Hezekiah upon his recovery from his sickness, made a writing (Isai. 38.) as an everlasting monument of his praise unto God, and as a Goad or spur to himself and others in the ways of godliness for the future.  
Thy holy and humble desires are strong, but I know thy writing is slow, and that thou wilt gladly accept of this my poor help, which with humble thankfulness and praise to the Lord, I humbly tender to his holy service, and thine in him.  
I send thee (though in Winter) an handful of flowers made 
The outward and inner m●…n.  up in a little Posey, for thy dear self, and our dear children, to look and smell on, when I as the grass of the field shall be gone, and withered.  
We know how it pleaseth the spirit of God to distinguish between the outward and the inner man, 2 Cor. 4. [Though our outward man perish; yet our inner is renewed day by day:] It hath pleased the most high to cast down thy outward man, and again graciously to lift him up, and thereby to teach us both, to examine and try the health, and strength, and welfare of the inner.  
I will not now enter upon the Disputes about that question, what is the Inner-man, whether Christ himself, as some say, or an Image or likeness of Christ Jesus, as others say. That is a Candle or Torch to me, which is written Ephes. 3. That Christ may dwell in your Hearts by faith: unto which agrees that of the first of John: As many as received him, that is received Christ Jesus into the house of their hearts to dwell there by believing and obeying of him, they are borne of the Spirit, and are the Sons of God.  
This Inner man, this new-man (which after God is created in 
What the inner man is.  holiness and righteousness) I say, this Inner-man hath his tempers and distempers, his health and sickness, as well as this outward-man this body of Clay. 
Subject to many distempers.   
Hence we hear so often mentioned, the renewing of the inward-man, the growing and increasing of Faith and Love, and other breathings of God's Spirit; the loss (that is in a measure,) of the Ephesians first love. Hence the many falls of the Lords best Servants, recorded in Scripture, and the sleep of the Spouse of Christ Jesus, although her heart wake in the truth of marriagelove, which can never wholly die in her and be extinguished.  
The holy Scripture mentioneth a threefold perso●… in all that are borne again, First, the body of Flesh and clay, this outward natural being, which must be dissolved and die, then rise again 
A threefold person in God's children.  to Glory.  
The second is the body of corruption, or old man, which being deadly wounded by the Son of God already in all that are his, shall shortly give up the ghost, and rot, and never rise again.  
The third is this holy, heavenly inner man, of whose health and daily renewing I now discourse, who is born of an immortal seed, and therefore can no more die than Christ himself: Rom. 6.  
Now as this outward man desires not only life, and being, but also health and cheerfulness in all the living motions and actions thereof: So, (and much more ten thousand fold) requires the inward and spiritual man, an healthful and cheerful temper. 
A spiritual cheerful temper.  For as the Lord loveth a che●…rfull giver: So loves he also a cheerful Preacher, a cheerful hearer, a cheerful prayer, and a cheerful sufferer for his Name sake: He loves that the fhoes of preparation be on our feet ready to run (all ways and weathers) the paths of his Command ●…ents: That like a vessel our leaks be stopped, and our whole soul be ready in an holy trim, and tightness, for all his holy employments of us in the greatest tempests: ●…hat like heavenly soldiers, our Arms be fixed, or like an Instrument, the strings of our aff●…ctions and parts be all in tune, to make heavenly music in the holy ears of our heavenly Lord and King.  
'tis true, as it is between a loving couple, (and as it was in the Church at Ephesus) it is not easi●… to keep in the first flame of Love, fresh and equal, although the fire of the truth and sincerity of marriage love never die, or be extinguished.  
It is true that Paul cries out (how much more may we) O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death? 
spiritual distempers.   
'tis true, that sometimes corruption and Satan surprise and carry away the st●…ongest champions of Christ Jesus, as slaves and captives for a time, until Christ Jesus rescue, redeem and ransom, by giving repentance unto his Israel, as he did to David, Peter, &c. as Abraham rescued Lot, and as David recovered all his precious captives, led slaves away from Ziklag.  
I am far therefore from passing the sentence of death upon the least of the little ones of Jesus, (notwithstanding their spiritual weakness, and sicknesses) in whom the lea●…sp●…rk or breathing of the spirit of Life can be discerned.  
And I desire to see and lament the spiritual sicknesses, and diseases of mine own and others Spirits, which yet are not unto death, (as Christ Jesus spoke of Lazarus) but for the glory of God, in the fall and rising of his servants.  
Yea as Paul distinguisheth of God's afl cting hand on his Saints 
Distinction between spiritual death, spiritual sickness, and spiritual weakness.  at Corinth, so must I distinguish, between these three, death, sickness and weakness: Every sickness of God's Children is not a death, for the inner man cannot die, no more than Christ himself. Rom: 6.  
Again, every weakness is not a sickness, for some are weak, little ones in the knowledge and love of Christ, while others are grown to be strong and aged in Christ Jesus; Yea the strongest and oldest soldiers of Christ Jesus, who have not thought their dearest Heart blood to dear for such a Lord and Master, have yet been troubled with some weakness, and fits of spiritual distempers: weakness in their Eyes is not discerning aright the mind of Christ Jesus, weakness in their hands, and Feet, hindering their spiritual cheerfulness, and activity in Christ's ways, which weaknesses yet have not brought them to a down right halting in Christianity.  
I propose therefore (with the assi●…tance of God's holy spirit) to examine these three particulars.  
First, what a ethe Arguments of that measure of spiritual life 
The Heads of this Discourse  in Chr●…st, which yet may stand with great spiritual weaknesses, and diseases.  
2ly. What is that 〈◊〉 of the grace of Christ Jesus, which may be called the health, and cheerful temper, and disposition of the inner man.  
3dly What are those spiritual preservatives, which may ke●…p the Soul in an healthful temper, free from spiritual sicknesses and distempers.  
In these Examinations I profess two thin●…: First not to oppress thy thoughts and memory, with any long discourse, intending only to send thee after thy sickness, a little posy fit and easy for thy meditation, and ref●…shing.  
2ly. All my Flowers shall be some choice example, or speech of some son or daughter of God, picked out from the Garden of the holy Scriptures for our spiritual refreshing and consolation.  
I begin therefore with such trials and arguments as declare, the true life of the inner man, notwithstanding spiritual weakness, sickness, and distempers.  
First then when the Spirit of the Lord in 1 Job. 2. describeth the several Ages and grouths of this inward man (to wit a child, a strong man, and an old man) it pleaseth him to describe the young or little one by this difference, that [He knows the 
The weakess of God's children cry unto God as to a Father.  Father] to wit, that he knows the Lord so, as to look upon him (in his measure) as to a Father, that he fears him, loves him, obeys him, and calls upon him as on a Father: according to that of Gal: 4. Because you are sons, he hath sent forth the spirit of his Son crying in your Hearts Ab●…a Father: Father pardon me, Father help me, Father give me, &c.  
Obj. But may not the Hypocrites call upon God, (and sometime more bold●…y than God's little ones,) Lord Lord, Almighty and most merciful Father, &c.  
An. I answer, an Hypocrite hath many Lords, and many Fathers, besides, and joined with their (pretended) heavenly Father. Wherea●…G●…ds little ones cry out, (Isa. 63.) Doubtless thou art our Father, though Abrah m be ignorant of us, as if they had said: Thou art our only Father, above all Fathers, &c.  
2ly. The Hypocrite says Lord, Lord, but cares for no more of the will of the Lord hen may serve his own turn: But a child 
False calling upon God as upon a Father  of God declares his child like submissi●…n, to an heavenly Fathers will in all things, according to the difference proposed by the Lord Jesus, (Mat: 7.) Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord but he that doth the will of my Father which is in Heaven: The difference lies not in the words, but in the Heart, in the upright submission of a child of God, to all that he believes to be the will and pleasure of his heavenly Father.  
For a second trial therefore: Where spiritual life is (notwithstanding 
2 Argum: God's children long for more and more knowledge of God.  weakness or distempers) there is always a professed willingness to get more and more knowledge of this heavenly Father, of his name, of his works, of his wotd, of his Christ, of his Spirit, his Saints, and Ordinances.  
Hence believers in Jesus, both Men and Women, are called Disciples, or Scholars of Christ Jesus, professing continually to learn more and more of this heavenly teacher. Hence his Disciples or Scholars petition to Christ Jesus, Lord teach us to pray: Lord increase our Faith, &c.  
Hence they ask him many Questions, and are by little and little instructed, though for a while they were ignorant of the mystery of his Death, and Res●…ction.  
Obj. But may not an Hypocrite desire to know more and more of God, of Christ, &c.  
Ans. I answer, although an Hypocrite out of an itching desire, of knowledge, of novelty, and out of self love, to make use of so much of God, and of Christ, as may serve his own ends, may desire, and attain, and profefse, and preach much of God and C●…rist, yet will he pick and choose as Saul did, while David and all God's children uprightly desire to have respect to all the commandments of God in Christ Jesus.  
Again, the obedience of Hypocrites is but the task of a slave, or Hireling, when the obedience of a child of God, is that of a 
2.  dutiful child to his Father, or an endeared Wife to her Husband, not caused by terror or wages, but hearty Reverence and Affection.  
Hence follows a third trial of spiritual life, (though accompanied 
Arg. 3. God's children hunger and thirst after God's Word.  with much weakness,) to wit a veheme●…t hunger and longing af●…er the Ordinance of the word preached: Hence that similitude by Peter. A●…New born Babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 1. Pet: 2.  
Obj. But may not Hyp●…crits and counterfeits, both affectionately hear and pre●…ck, & c?  
Ans. I answer, no question, but false worshippers, and false Christians may easily satisfy themselves, and stop the mouths of their 
God's word in God's way.  conscie●…es, with any formal performance of a Sermon by an hourglass, or other traditions, or customs o●…Fathers, or the times. But a child of God desires to be as well careful (according to hisight, for t●…e true Mothers-Breas●…, (a true ministry) as for a woman's Milk, the opening of the word by any in any way, &c. And therefore cries the Spouse to Christ Jesus: Oh thou whom my soul loveth, show me where thou fe●…dest, for why should I be as one that turns afide to the flocks of thy companions. 
Cant, 1.   
2ly. A true child of God (though weak) looks chiefly at God, and Ch●…ist, himself in the Ministry, and dispensation of the word, and therefore saith (Cant: 1.) Let Him kifse me with the kisses of his mouth, for his love is better than wine.  
3. While the Hypocrites find their natural delight in the word, as in music, while yet they obey not: The child of God comes 
True hunger a●…ter God's word.  to the breasts of the Church, as a child hangs upon the mother's Breast, not only for the delight of sucking, but out of a vehement painful longing, to have its soul satisfied, and its strength of spiritual life and grace increased in the ways of God: according to that in 1. Pet: 2. [That you may grow thereby.]  
A 4th. Argument of the life of the inner man, (though in much weakness, o●…sicknes, is a true and unsained desire, to do that which 
True desire in all God's people.  it finds it cannot do, but falls short in doing or suffering the will of God: So Nehemiab pleads with God, from the uprightness of their hearts, that they desired to fear his Name, when a soul can say uprightly in God's presence, I desire, that is, unfeignedly longing to know his will, although I am much ignorant, I desire to believe, though I find an unbelieving heart, I desire to be willing and able to suffer, though I find much fearfulness, &c.  
Ob. May not an Hypocrite desire to know and love God, &c.  
I answer, an Hypocrite may desire to know so much of God, 
Difference between the true and false desire.  and to have so much of his grace, and so much of his power against some sins, as may serve to save his soul, when he sees he cannot be saved without it: But a child of God, only can desire God for himself, and desire to be like unto God in his holy Nature, 
God must be chosen for himself.  and to have every thought brought under the obedience of Christ Jesus.  
Hence though an Hypocrite may weep as Esau and Saul, and others have done, yet a true child of God can only in truth cry out, with the Father, of the possessed child in an humble sense of his own weakness, and spiritual poverty, Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief, that is, help me against my unbelief, against my passions, against my uncleanness against my pride, against my covetousness, &c.  
A 5th: trial of a true life (though in weakness, or sickness) is a 
God's children cannot live in known sin without struggling & mourning.  constant resisting and fighting against all known sin, as sin. He that is born of God, (1. John 5.) keepeth himsef that the evil one toucheth him not, unless he be suddenly surprised, or violently forced, by mighty temptations, or c●…usoned and deceived by the deceitfulness of sin, he can no more willingly touch it, than fire or poison, or the devil himself.  
Hence is there a continual war between the flesh and the spirit, Gal: 5. The law of the mind, wars against the law of the members; The New-man against the old, &c. For instance, although good Jacob was overcome by his mother's powerful persw●…sion, yet suspecting a sin, he ●…st struggled against it, my Father saith he, will feel me, and I shall bring a curse instead of a Blessing.  
Obj. But may not an Hypocrite resist temptation, and fight against sin? I answer, No, not against sin, as sin, but as it is dangerous 
No hypocrite can fight against sin as sin.  and hurtful to soul, to body, to purse, to credit. So Balaam (I conceive in earnest) refused Balack's money, and would not sin for an house full of gold and silver, when as yet he loved that sin of cursing God's people, and the wages of it.  
2ly. An Hypocrite cannot re●…t the sin of hypocrisy, and other da●…ling sins: but a child of God with David (Psal: 139.) ●…egs of God to search him, that is to help him against hypocrisy itself, and every false way, and to lead him in the way everlasting.  
Sixtly, a child of God though overwhelmed with many weaknesses or temptations, yet he cannot possibly be brought to an ill opinion 
A true child of God tender of God's name.  or thought of God, but is always ready to take his part, to speak well of him, and endures not, with a quiet mind, to hear his name dishonoured: He●…ce Job in his great passions and cursings could not be brought (no not by his wife) to speak ill of God: but although he complained much of his own ofliction, and stood to his uprightness, against the charge of hypocrisy, yet still he magnifies the name of his God in all his discourses, and profess●…th to trust in him, al●…hough his God should kill him.  
Hence Samson, though carried away fi●…st by a Philistian wife, and then by a Philistian w●…ore, then can he not be carried away so from the God of Israel, but that still he acknowledgeth his high and holy hand in his victories and deliverances, and accordingly 
Instances of Samson and Jehosaphat.  pours forth his s●…ul to him for grace and assistance. And hence good Jehosaphat though very strongly carried away with the flatte●…ie of the idolatrous King of Israel, yet he endures not to hear the name of his God smitten through the sides of his servant the Prophet Micaiah, but plainly (though weakly) takes part with his God and his Prophet, against the King of Israel, and all his Priests and Courtiers, saying, Let not the King say so.  
Obj May not Balaam and other hypocrites pretend the ●…ame of God and Christ, be preachers of him, c●… out devils, and in Christ's name do many wonderful things?  
I answer: Hypocrites use the name of God only as Jehu did, for a stirrrp to get up into the saddle of their own N●…mes and 〈◊〉, or as a commodity to get something by i●…, as an hireling (of whom the Lord Jesus speaks John 10.) that serves God for wages, and while he cries, let the Lord be glorified, (Isa. 66.) he persecutes his servants, but a child of God cannot be brought except by surp●…isall for a time to prefer his name before Gods, but upon cool thoughts, is seriously willing to be trodden in the dust, and to be cast out, that the name of God alone may be exalted, and glorified, as David after the causing of the name of God to 〈◊〉 blasphemed.  
A 7th. Argument of the true life of grace, (though in much 
A true child of God is patient under the rod of his heavenly Father.  weakness o●…sicknes,) I observe to b●…an humble acknowledgement of, ●…nd a su●…mitting unto the cor●…cting and 〈◊〉 hand of God in sicknesses, crosses, losses, &c.  
This admirably appears in old Ely, who though he were a bad Father to his own sons, in suffering them unpunished (though not unreproved) in their outrageous transgressions: Yet was he at the same time a good son to God, his heavenly Father, in giving that heavenly and submissive answer to that fearful threatening sent from the Lord by Samuel against him, saying, It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good.  
Ob: But did not Pharaoh acknowledge, and the Philistines acknowledge God's hand in smiring them, did not Ahab humble himself, Phara●…h sues unto God by Moses, the Philistines send a trespass ●…ffering, and Ahab humbles himself by fasting, &c.  
I answer, a Saul, a Pharaoh, &c. if it were in their choice, would not submit to the Lord at all, and when they do acknowledge 
1. The enemies of God, and slatterers cannot submit to God as to a Father.  and submit, they are forced to it, by God's powerful hand, whom yet they look at as a conqueror of Julian said of Christ Jesus, and Jaolor or executioner, not as a Father, with a child like submission, as appears by Phar●…oh, the Philistines. Ahab, and many more woeful instances, when the band of God is removed &c.  
Whereas a true child of God desires, as to acknowledge his father's hand corr●…cting his righteously, because he hath deserved it, so also graciously and faithfully, because he hopes God aims at his good, as a Father doth at a child's, in giving him fatherly eorrection, bitter Pills and Pbisick.  
And therefore (2ly:) as when the Lord st●…ikes an Hypocrite, he either runs from him as a strange child stricken by another man, or flies against him in murmuring, or howls out for anguish 
God's children less grieve for the●…r own afsliction, then for God's displeasure.  as a Dog, (Hos: 7.) They howl upon their Beds: So contrarily the true child of God truly desires to run to his heavenly Father, and it as well, yea infinitely more grieved, for the anger, and displeasure of the Lord, as for his own smart and affliction.  
3ly. The Hypocrite if he might have his own choice, had rather be rid of his pain then his si●…, and therefore when his pain is over, he returns with the Dog to his Vomit: But a true child of God, truly (though weakly) desires to see, and abhor, and slay his dearest sins, because he knows they are but flattering traitors and guilded poisons: Hence Job cries out in the midst of all his weaknesses and passions, Oh teach me wherein I have offended.  
In a word, the Lord is fain to force affliction upon an Hypocrite, as men force down a drench into the throat of an Horse, but a 
God's children join with God's rod against themselves.  true child os God, (if under God's r●…d,) desires to join with the Lord's hand, and the Lord's ends, as a child of some understanding is wil●…ing to have its worms killed, and therefore strives (willingly, unwillingly) to swallow down the bitter aloes, or other bitter medicine.  
An 8th: trial of true life, (though in weakness) is a true (though faint) willingness and inclination to enjoy more and more of Christ Jesus, in the society of his Saints, after his o●…n appointment, although with hardship and difficulty attained unto  
Hence the Spuose was both asleep, and awake, toward Christ Jesus: Cant: 5. She was willing, and unwilling to rise to open to Christ Jesus: Hence she thinks she hears her husband's voice: It is 
God's people long after God's true worship in Christ Jesus.  the voice of my Beloved: She thinks Christ is knocking at the do●…r of her heart, and will, in such and such arguments, in such and such Scriptures, in such and such professions, and professors, in such and such their sufferings, &c.  
Obj. M●…y it not possibly be that the true children of God, not only may neglect, but even deny the Ordinances of Christ Jesus, appointed and practised in his first Churehes.  
I answer, God's Israel and people under the Gospel, may as possibly be spiritual slaves and captives to Egypt and Babylon spiritual, as Israel of old was to Babel, literal and material, in 
God's people both awake & ●…sleep as to Christ Jesus.  respect of the wors●…ipping of God, according to the appointment of Christ Jesus.  
In respect of false worship, God's Israel may be a slave, and asleep, and yet awake, and free, in true inclinations and desires, willing (though mixed with sleepy unwi●…ingnes) to be at any pains and cost, to enjoy her souls beloved Christ Jesus, in his own appointments.  
Hence such expressions with sighs and tears, if I were persuaded of God's will, if I were persuaded of the ●…ecessity of such public ordinances and forms.  
Hence others expressions, if I were persuaded of such and such 
God's people cannot burr be full of strugglings of spirit as to the visible worship of God in Christ Jesus.  ordinan●…es, that such a people, or such a people were in the true way of enjoying Christ Jesus, how joyfully should I join with them?  
Hence holy David, though not so throughly awaked, to enjoy the Ark and presence of God, he and all Israel brings up the Ark of God with rejoicing, though not after the Lords due order, which caused his holy jealousy to send that perez Vzz●… that breach of Vzza●… amongst them.  
It is in the heavenly as in the earthly marriage, there are degrees of marriage affection, and yet all true: The affections of some are 
True marriage affection in all God's people to Christ Jesus, yet with much difference.  more lively and strong, of some more dull and weak: When yet the truth and life appears in a true and longing desire to enjoy the Lord Jesus, in what way soever, himself is pleased to ap point, and to turn from the bed and bosom, (that is the worships) of all false Christ's, and strangers.  
A ●…th. discovery of true spiritual life, in weakness, I find to be a painful and a restless mind, in temptations to sin, in yielding to sin, and lying in sin, the breach not being made up with the Lord in humble conf●…ssion and suit for mercy, in the blood of a Saviour. 
God's children have no peace in sin unrepented of.  This was David's painf●…ll caf●… in his silence, Psal. 32 When I kept silence my bones waxed ol●…, through my roaring all the Day.  
So that as a Fish out of the ●…ater (it●… element) 〈◊〉 a bone broke or disjointed, is the troubled mind of a child of God, upon his discovered or but (strongly) suspected, sinful way or practice.  
Obj. May not Hypocrites be troubled in the sense of God's disple●…sure for sin, as S●…ul, Abab, and Iud●…, &c.  
I answer, an Hypocrite like some traitor or murderer, may desire a pardon from the King of Kings, whose person he hates, so did Saul and Ahab, and so may any dissembler for his own ends 
Only God's people can truly desire peace with God  of peace and safety, &c. But God's children, and they only grieve at God's displeasure and grievance. Only a true Wife and Spouse of Christ Jesus can grieve and morun for the displeased absence of Christ Jesus, and cries out in humble bitterness of s●…l, saw ye him whom my soul loveth?  
A 10th. trial of the true life of the inner man, (though weak and sickly,) is a discerning, and liking, and secret wishing that beauty and shining of the grace of Christ Jesus, which appears in others of God's children, and which we see wanting in our selves. Thus were there a sort of God's children, which could see beauty 
Two sorts of God's people enquiring and longing after Christ Jesus.  and excellency in those which so affectionately inquired after Christ Jesus, in his visible worship, and the several parts thereof, although themselves were not so z●…alously affected. Thus therefore say they: Oh thou the fairest of Women, (an acknowledgement of heavenly grace and beauty, and they also inquire, and desire to see that beauty of Christ Jesus, which the other Saints so praised. And in Cant: 6. they say, whither is thy Beloved gone, oh thou fairest among Women, that we may seek him with thee: Hence many of God's dear Saints in Qu: Mary's time, and other bloody days, in our own and other countries, 
The liking of God's gr●…cious Spirit in others, a true Argument of the same Spirit in ourselves.  have praised God for, and have been ravished with the beauties of the heavenly love and zeal, and patience in others of God's servants, which they have seen wanting in themselves: And thus, (whatever be our weaknesses) it must needs argue a life of grace, when we can view the lives and deaths of the blefsed martyrs, or witnesses of Christ Jesus, (either in the holy scriptures, or other Records, I say can view them with a liking and true affecting of their graces, with an humble acknowledgement of our own wants and poverties, and a mourning desire of attaining to such a beauteous profession of Christ Jesus.  
Such a beauty (Doubtless) did many of God's children apprehend in the Lord's Ordinances, and in such as suffered for them in England, who yet found not strength themselves, to stand and suffer for, and with them, yet left much and fled to New England, hoping to enjoy there (though with too much weak desire of peace and liberty) the Ordinances of Christ Jesus, their souls Beloved.  
Obj. But did not Balaam see the beauty and excellen●…y of God's Saints, when he cried out, let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his, &c.  
I answer, it is usually well said, Balaam desired the death, and blessedness of the righteous, but not the life and righteousn●…sse of the righteous.  
Obj. Balaam seems to have seen the beauty of righteousness itself.  
I answer, he might see and like righteousness in the end, and fruit of it, and yet not in the true nature and beauty of it, for than 
dissemblers, in a respect may desire righteousness, but only God's children can long for it in trut●…, and for itself.  he would have as well desired the life, as the death of the righteous, just as these Indians (amongst whom I write these lines) th●…y see the excellency of the English industry, joined with plenty, and a better condition than their own, but endure not that life of la●…our and endeavour, wherein that plenty and better state is found. But God's children beholding the beauty and excellency of the heavenly lives and deaths of others, (like soldiers in a Field) are provoked by those examples, to desire to follow Christ Jesus in those holy paths, and secretly to bemoan their own infirmities and deformities.  
These and many more discoveries of the life of Christ Jesus in the soul, (though in the midst of many weaknesses, and spiritual sicknesses) I hope (my dear love, and faithful companion) thou in truth discernest in thy self, and I, and others have discerned in thee: But oh search diligently in the Lord's holy presence, and humbly beg his help, that as the Spirit of God admonisheth, (Gal. 6.) thou Mayest have rejoicing in thy self, and not in another's good opinion of thee.  
But grant all these, and the assurance of a true and blessed 
God's children cannot but desire spiritual health, as well as life and Christian being.  life of grace within us?  
Grant this life is as the life of Christ, never again to be extinguished. Yet who rejeyceth not in health, who mourns not under the pains and weaknesses of a sick bed?  
Next therefore to the discovery of spiritual life, all that are born of God must try their spiritual strength, and health, and cheerful temper: The particular instances whereof, being propounded as examples, copies, and samplars for us to follow in the holy Scripture, I shall pick, and gather, and bind up, for both our encouragement, and comfort.  
I confesfe the beholding of such heavenly patterns may astonish and an●…ze u●… and make us despair to attain to the like heavenly temper: I pray thee therefore (dear love) observe, (what before I said) that these particulars next following are not discouragements from Christ, as if we had no life at all: but encouragements to draw nearer to Christ Jesus, when we see suoh virtue proceed out from him, to such poor sinners like ourselves.  
These particulars then following are as an holy looking glass, to discover to us our souls spots, & blemishes, as also sweet cordial flowers, to refresh and encourage our drooping spirits.  
The several particular trials of this spiritual health, and cheerfulness, I shall bind up (as I may so speak) into three several parcels, as sometimes we see sweet flowers bound up into sinaller bundles, to make up at last one larger bundle or posy in one.  
The three several sor●…s shall be according to that division of the holy Spirit by Paul to Titus.  
First such as concern holiness, respecting our communion with God in Christ Jesus.  

2. Such as concern righteousness, respecting others.  
3. Such as concern ●…obriety, respecting our private selves and persons.   
First, than it is an argument of the strength, and healthfub temper 
Incomprehensible nature of God.  of the inner man, when our apprehensions of God are always such, as bring us to holy wonderment and amazement, at the nature of incomprehensible God, at his properties, and works, from the Sun in the Firmament, to the poorest worm, at his wonderful dispensing of his justice, and mercy, and disposing, and ruling all things in Heaven, Earth, and Seas, from the highest Angels in he●…ven, to th' e lowest Devils in Hell.  
This was David's temper when he cried out, (Psal: 104) Oh Lord how wonderful are thy works, in wisdom hast thou made 
God's children ought to walk in constant amazedness of spirit as to God his nature, works, &c.  them all! Also (Psal. 8.) O Jehovah our Lord, how wonderful is thy Name in all the earth! And Psal: 139. he brings this wonder nearer to bimself, saying, I will praise thee, for I am fearfully, and wonderfully made. As if he would say, fearfully and wonderfully bred in the womb, fearfully and wonderfully brought forth; and we may further say, ever since we came thus fearfully and wonderfully into the world, fearfully and wonderfully brought up, fearfully and wonderfully preserved, delivered, &c.  
Obj. But may not natural men, and Hypocrites admire the Nature, and works of God.  
I answer, yes, but the wonder which doth possess a child of God, causeth him to cry out with David, Psal. 119. Thy hands have made me, and fashioned me, give me understanding that I may learn thy statutes. 'tis such a wonder as draweth up the heart unto God, with longings to be united unto him, to fear his Name, to partake of his divine Nature, and to be like unto Him in holiness, and true righteousness.  
Obj. The devils believe, and tremble at God.  
I answer, to tremble at the word of God, is alone the property of God's Servants, Isa. 66 The devils may wonder and tremble at the just sentence, and threatning part of God's word: But God's children tremble at the commanding part, yea at the comforting and promising part of it also, lest they should depart or fall off from it, or lose, though but for a time as David, the joy and sweetness of it.  
Secondly, it is an Argument of health and spiritual strength 
The glorifying of God the great work of God's children  when the hallowing, the magnifying, and glorifying of the name of God is our great work and business in this world, unto which all the businesses and works we have in hand in the world beside give way, &c.  
Thus Christ Jesus teacheth all his to make it their first request to God, that they may hallow, or glorify his name: Thus he professeth (as it were upon his death bed) John 17. that he had done his work, that he had glorified his Father upon the earth: Hence he professeth at his most solemn Arraignment, Joh. 18. for this end was I born, and for this end came I into the world, that I might bear witness to the truth; that is, to give his Father the glory of his truth, and to destroy the lies of the devil the father of them, who belieth God in all his holy attributes, and works, and servants, and ordinances, and profaneth and dishonoureth his holy name in them all.  
Obj. Hypocrites profess to glorify God, and to say, Is●…. 66. Let the Lord be glorified.  
I answer: No hypocrite can make it his work to glorify God, when it crosseth his own glory: No hypocrite can purely and simply, out of love to God's name and glory, be content to ●…oose the offer of a kingdom as Moses did, when the Lord himself offered it him, and as Christ Jesus did, when the people offered and would have made him a King by force, and the devil proffered him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them.  
Thirdly, it is an Argument of strength of God's grace and Spirit in us, when we perform actions of godliness, with a single 
delightful privacy with God argues strong affection.  and upright eye unto God himself in secret. Frequent and constant delight in private converses argues strong affection to God or men: Hypocrites (saith Christ Jesus) will pray and fast, and give alms, but with a squint eye of private and sinister self respect to be seen of men, &c. But God's children pray, and do good, and fast in secret, regarding no eye but the eye of an heavenly Father, who seeing in secret will not fail to reward openly.  
Ob. But may not hypocrites speak and preach against hypocrisy, against self love, self respect, and fleshly and worldly ends in the performance of spiritual duties? And is it not possible for God's children to perform spiritual duties with carnal ends and respects?  
I answer: Hypocrites may do this, and pretend pure and upright ends for God, as Jehn did: yet discover they hypocrisy, 
Hypocrites pretend far in glorifying of God.  in the very pretence of sincerity, for not content with the Lord's eye and approbation, Come see my zeal (saith he) Jonadab, which I have for the Lord.  
2ly, God's children (doubtless) may look aside, and mark who s●…es and hears, and rewards in their performances of service unto God: But this is either in sins of ignorance; as for instance, many of God's dear children perform service to God in preaching as hirelings, and conceive themselves not bound although to glorify Christ Jesus in saving souls) to preach without an hire, and so in other cases.  
Or 2ly, this may be knowingly and discerningly, as Paul saith, Rom. 7. When I would do good, evil is present with me: such tempt●…tions come in as water into a ship, or as dust and diseases into a sound eye, and ●…hen God's children be never quiet until such distempers be cleansed, and got out again.  
Fourthly, it is an Argument of spiritual strength, when the Spirit 
A frequent & constant spirit of prayer an argument of much of God's Spirit.  of prayer breatheth forth frequently, and constantly, and fervently to God in us: Hence David prays and cries in the morning, at noon, and in the evening, he riseth at midnight to pray, and prevents the d●…wning of the day to pray: Thus Daniel is thrice each day on his knees to God, and would not be beaten off, with the powers and terrors of cruel enemies and lions.  
Thus the Lord Jesus frequently retired alone to private prayer, and sometimes spent the whole night in prayer to God with strong cries, tears and supplications: And therefore is it that all true Christians are the spiritual Israelites, that is, wrestlers and strivers with God in prayer; like unto their Father Jacob, who wrestled all night in prayer with God, wi●…h weeping and supplications, and would not let the Angel go until he blessed him; and therefore his name was called Israel, a wrestler or prevailer with God, as well as Jacob a supplanter and prevailer with men.  
Ob. But may not Hypocrites be frequent and fervent in prayer to God? Did not the Pharisees and Jews pray and fast often? Do not the very Turks solemnly pray five times each 24-houres? And the Papists not only keep their solemn morning and evening times of prayer, but many other solemn prayers unto which the several orders of Friars, Monks and Nuns bind themselves? And how easy is it by worldly engines to wheel about the Indians of America to become frequent prayers unto God, &c.  
I answer: Many are the differences between the true prayers of God's children, and the false of dissemblers and hypocrites: I will name a few for instance.  
First than hypocrites pray but in a form and lip-labour, as a t●…sk 
True prayer is the souls breathing unto God:  and work to be done for carnal respects, to merit at God's hand, or to stop the mouth of conscience, which tells them they cannot be God's children except they pray: But true prayer is the pouring out of the heart to God, the true breathing of the soul to God, arising as Incense and perfume unto God: Hence (no doubt) although Paul before his conversion prayed much unto God, (for he was a Pharisee) yet he never prayed indeed, until his great change, and the descending of the holy Spirit of prayer upon him: And therefore the Lord sends Ananias with this encouragement unto Paul: Behold the prayeth, Act. 9  
Hence God's children find a kind of holy pleasure, and delight in 
and hath more or less some soul-pleasure in it.  prayer, whatever be the event or issue, it pleaseth God to give, like as a man finds delight in casting off an heavy burden from his shoulder, or in the unbosoming of a grief, into the bosom of a friend. Thus Hanna oppressed with grief, weeps no more, when she had poured forth her supplication before the Lord: And the Lord Jesus p●…wred forth his prayers, and tears, in the bosom of his Father, and then rost●… quiet in his father's pleasure, as touching the passing by, or drinking of the bitter cup.  
O●…j. B●…t may not the children of God want holy pleasure and delight in prayer, and depart from God's presence as heavy as they came?  
I answer, some spiritual distempers may hinder, and obstruct the operations of the Spirit of prayer: nevertheless the soul●…nd spirit prays and mourns for the absence of holy pleasure, and delight in this holy exercise. Hence David's mourning (as a Turtledove) in 
God's children are most in private with God.  his prayers, and Jeremy's lamentings for the ob●…ructions, between the Lord and their souls, in this holy Communion.  
The second difference is, the Hypocrites prayers more respect the ears of men than God, as the Lord Jesus tells us: They pray that men may know so much, and esteem them Religious: God's children, like true lovers, delight to be private, and fervent with their heavenl●…Father, and Husband.  
Thirdly, Hypocrites in their prayers most commonly respect earthly things, (and therefore Hos. 7.) they cry and howl upon 
The prayers of God's people most respect spiritual and soul mercies.  their Beds, for corn, & wine: or at the best they respect but themselves, &c. although it be in the pardon of their sins, and saving of their Souls: But the prayers of God's children, chiefly eye heavenly things.  
Hence the wonderful spirituality of Christ's prayer to his Father, (John 7.) for the glorifying of his name, and spiritual Grace, and mercy in the souls of believers: Hence the admirabl●…spirituallity of David's prayers, for spiritual and soul m●…rcies, Psal: 119. And the fervent prayers of Paul in all his Epistles for heavenly and spiritual mercies to the Saints o●…God.  
Hypocrites like Dogs howl and fawn for bones and crusts, &c. But God's children beg the proper tokens, and characters of a spiritual Father, to his spiritual children, and Beloved.  
4thly, Hypocrites will not always cry unto God, (J●…b. 27.) but at last with Saul, if God answer not, they run tothe devil in evil means, murmur, and despair: But God's children can no more cease to cry unto God, then to live a spiritual life, and therefore resolve to give God no Rest, until they receive an answer, and therefore also wait for his holy pleasure, and leisure, and at last are satisfied with the Lord's holy pleasure, and sentence, 
God●… people wait for, and rest in God's answer.  al●…hough it seem cross, add bitter to flesb, and blood: So Moses in respect of his suit to God, for his going into the land of Can●…: So David praying for his child: So Christ Jesus in respect of his bitter cup. So Paul praying against hi●… great temptation.  
Obj. But may not Hypocrites pray long, and also wait upon God?  
I answer, they may, yet at last, out of ●…nbelief, and anger, like an angry Dog, or sturdy Beggar, they cry out in murmur, and wrath, as the unbelieving King of Israel, w●…at should I wai●… upon God any longer? But God's children never give over: for when they grow weary, they (like Moses) beg help to their fainting hands in prayer, and desire their eyes may never cease trickling tears unto God, unti●… he look down from Heaven, Lament: 2.  
A 5th: Argument of spiritual health, and strength, is a constant holy sense of our own unwortbines, vileness, and ●…asenes in God's presence: Hence Jacob professeth himself l●…sse than the least of God's mercies, that is, than the least crumb, or drop, or rag, or look of mercy: Hence the Centurion professeth himself not worthy that Christ should come under his Roof: Hence Elizabeth her holy wonder, whence is it (saith ●…he) that the Mother of my Lord should come unto me? Hence Mephiboseth wonder●… that David should look upon such a dead Dog.  
Ob: But may not Hypocrites profess they are not Papists, that they can deserve nothing at God's hands, that if they had their deserts it were woe wi●…h them?  
I answer, Hypocrites may say so, but yet are angry when God seems not to deal with them, as he deals with others. Hence they quarrel with God, as if that God seemed not to respect their offerings of prayer, and fasting. Isa: 58. But God's children 
God's people are only truly sensible of unworthiness.  con●…essing themselves Beggars at God's door, and Dogs under his Table, they wait for, and are humbly thankful for every crumb of grace and mercy: So Christ Jesus teacheth us to give thanks for the mercy of a little bread, and then for a little Fish, (Ma●…k 6.) So after most heavy and wonderful afl●…ctions, Jeremy cries out Jehova is righteous, and professeth it is mercy that it is not worse, and that they were not burnt up, and consumed.  
A 6th. Argument of the spiritual health and temper, is when the affections work strong and lively after God, after God for 
6thly.  himself, after God as a portion and inheritance, after God as an Husband: when as the Heart panteth after the water-brooks, so pant our Hearts after God, when as the thirsty ground longeth for the showers of Rain, so long our souls after God: When his words are sweeter than the honey, and honey comb, and of more esteem than thousands of gold, and silver.  
Ob. But may not Hypocrites (as Balaam) profess so much and that in earnest?  
I answer, the deceitful bear't of a man will go wonderful far this way: Yet certain it is an Hypocrite respects God, but as a Dog respects his Master, yea sometimes a stranger, and an Enemy for a crust, or as an Hireling for his wages: But God's children, in 
Hypocrites affection to God.  the want of all things, are content with God alone, his Christ, his Spirit, his Favour, his Word, his Ordinances: Hence David professeth Psal. 4. Thou puttest more joy into my heart, then in the time when their corn and wine increaseth: And Habac●…ck, when Vine, and Fig tree, and Flock, and Heard fail, he professeth to rejoice in God, and to glory in the God of his salvation.  
2ly. In the loss of all things, in the greatest straits and extremities, God's children yet find comfort in God, that God their portion is not lost. Thus as David when his wives, and children, and friends, and servants, and cattle were all devoured by an enslaving 
God himself the portion of his.  and 〈◊〉 sword, and he finds no Remainder, but burnt walls and ashes, and his own company ready to stone him, yet as David they take comfort, and encourage themselves enjoying their God.  
7tly. It is an Argument of spiritual health, and strength, when 
7thly.  the holy commandments of God are not grievous, but pleasant and delightful to u●…: when we can say as the Lord Jesus said, it is our meat and drink, to do our heavenly Fathers will: when we are active and ready at the commands of God, and can say (when the Lord asketh whom shall we send) send me, as the Prophet 
Ready obedience to God.  Esay said: And as the Lord Jesus Psal: 40. Here I am, I delight to do thy will O my God: when we can without repining grudging, or delaying, obey commands most grievous to flesh and blood, against not only fl●…sh and blood, but against carnal reason, yea against Hope and Faith itself, as Abraham did, in offering up his most dear and only son Isaac.  
Obj. But may not Hypocrites obey the commands of God, as Saul did, & c?  
I answer, they may indeed obey God's commands by halves as he did, and as a servant, and hireling, serve God for wages, and with eye service, with opinion of merit, and boast of their halt and lame service, as Saul did. But God's children embrace all the commands of God with delight, even the least, and most despised, with the greatest and most difficult, and when all is done, they confess they have need of merey, and are unprofitable Servants.  
Obj. But may not God's children live in the disobedience of some commands of God, and yet be healthful, and strong in grace?  
I answer, it is impossible that a child of God should (either in spiritual health or sickness) live in the breach of any known command of God his Father. 'tis true, Abraham, and Jacob, and David, and others, lived long in the sin of many wives, out of ignorance 
The sins of God's people.  of God's will, and God's children to this day, even the holy Martyrs or Witnesses of Jesus, (who accounted their heart bloods not too dear for Christ) have and do live in the breach of many Commandments, that concern the worship of God: But they are herein like a traveller deceived, by a false path, which when he once really suspects, he cannot walk a step with ease, now do they cry out with David, Psal: 119. I will walk at liberty, for I seek thy precepts: And when God saith seek my Face, their Hearts answer, Lord thy face will I seek. Psalm 27.  
An 8th. discovery of spiritual health and strength, is an humble, 
8thly.  a patient and thankful submission to the aflicting, and chastising hand of God. Thus it is said of Aaron, in that dreadful stroke of God's hand, depriving him of his two sons in the fl●…re of their Youth, in the midst of their sin, in the performance of their priest's Office: it is said, Asron held his peace: I was dumb and held my peace, (saith David) Psal. 39 for thou didst it: Thus Jeremiah (Lam: 1.) Jehovah is righteous, for I have grievously transgressed against him. Yea Job not only expressed an humble 
The patience of God's children, under God's hand.  and patient mind, but also (which is wonderful, but proper to God's children, when in right temper) he blessed God in the midst of so many fearful and astonishing losses, of so many cattle, Servants, and Children. saying, Blessed be the name of the Lord.  
Obj. May not wicked men and Hypocrites acknowledge God's aflicting hand, and humble themselves?  
I answer, Hypocrites may see God's hand, and humble themselves as the Egyptians, and the Philistines did, but cannot possibly be thankful for it: They acknowledge God's hand as a Dog h●…s Masters when he is beaten, but not as a child his Fathers. 
The counterfeit patience of Hypocrites.  As a loving and dutiful Wise, receiving Pills or physic from the hand of her loving Husband, a skilful physician, who knows her sickness, and out of love and care, prepares them for her, she cannot but be thankful for those bitter medicines, and earnestly desire a kindly working: Thus David, Psal: 119. I know O Lord that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me, for all thy commands are righteous.  
A 9th. Argument of spiritua●… health, and strength, is an humble 
9thly.  free confession, and giving glory unto God, in the rising up, or recovering out of any scandalous transgression, against God Hence the Israelites confession of their sin in desiring a King, (so impatiently, and imperiously as they did, with large confessions, 
The mournful confession of God's peopl●….  1 Sam. 6.  
Hence the many bitter and lamentable confessions of holy David and other holy Servants of God, after their committing of known evils: Hence the Corinthians repenting of their fellowship with the incestuous person in his sin, they give such an exemplary evidence of their true Repentance, that their holy practice is set as an holy sampler, and Copy for all Saints afterward to follow, and write after.  
Obj. But did not Pharaoh, Saul, and Jud●…s confess their sins, & ●…?  
I answer, not with intent to glorify God, as God's Saints do, taking shame before the world unto themselves, lying down in 
1.  the Dust that God may tread upon them, and be exalted.  
Not with hatred of their sins, but in horror and trouble at the danger of them, or in the evidence of them flying in their faces. 
2.  Thus a Merchant casteth those goods over board into the sea in a storm, which afterward he wisheth in again: Like a Dog, 
False confessions.  they vomit up the filth, which (after their stomach is eased) they return unto, and lick up by new Commissions: But God's childre●… confess in hatred of their sins, and loathing of themselves, and (like men in some sicknesses) are willing to take those medicines which may provoke, and cause vomit, which afterward they are so far from returning to, that they abhor to touch, or look on it.  
Obj. But may not God's children return again to their vomit, and commit the same sins, which they have cast up by humble confession?  
I answer, the sins of God's children are either, 1. gross or scandalous, which when they recover out of, and give glory unto God, 
The sins of God's people distinguished.  by public confession, we seldom or never find them returning to such their vomit again. Hence we hear no more of Noabs' drunkenness, of David's adultery, of Peter's denial of Christ Jesus, &c.  
Or 2ly. Their sins are sins of a more private and ordinary distemp●…r, wherein their passions of anger, or neglect, or forgetfulness prevail against them, never without some bitterness, and grief, and humiliation, and endeavour, wi●…h resolution of a more watchful, and heavenly, and spiritual conversation?  
10thly. It is an argument of spiritual health, and strength, to 
10thly. God's people long after visible enjoyments of God.  maintain or recover an holy vehement longing, after the enj●…yment of God, and of Christ, in a visible, and open professi●…n of his own holy worship, and Ordinances, separate from all false worships, Gods, and Christ's, &c.  
Hence that of David, Lord I have loved the Habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth: Hence he professeth he had rather be a Door keeper in the house of the Lord, (that is in a low condition, in God's house,) then to dwell in the tents of wickedness, though in never so safe and pleasant a condition.  
Hence he sums up all his desires in one, Psal: 27. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, &c.  
Hence (though David missed of the Lord's Order in carrying of the Lord's Ark, and afterwards he missed in his thoughts about the building of God an house and Temple; Yet in both he discovered his holy strong affection, to God's public honour, and worship. The very same which afterward the Prophet Jeremy, and Daniel declared in their bitter Lamentations, for the ruin of God's house. And both Daniel, and Zacharie, and Haggie, mightily declare this aff●…ction for the rebuilding, and setting up again this Temple and worship of God, and what they prophesied, that both Ezra and Nehemiah, and afterward Jehoshua and Zeruba●…el zealously performed and executed.  
Hence it is that in the heavenly Love Song, the love of christians to Christ Jesus in his ordinances is most elegantly set forth 
True Christians affection to Christ Jesus in his visible worship.  by a similitude taken from the strong affection of married persons: I am, saith the Spouse sick of love, and Oye daughters of Jerusalem tell Christ Jesus so: I●… I find him wi●…hout I will kiss him openly in the streets, and will ●…ot be ashamed: True heavenly aff●…ction (like marriage love) at first kindles from some private sparks, to an open flame of public profession, without shame before all men.  
Obj. May not Hypocrites (as Saul in fl●…ying the Gibeonites, and Jebu in slaying the Baalites) discover strong affection and zeal to the Lord and his worship, and consequen●…ly in these times to Christ Jesus and his h●…ly kingd●…m?  
I answer: Hypocrites and counterfeits in their profession of love to God's public worship ever run upon one of these two Rocks. For,  
First, either they set up, and maintain, and fight for a fancy, a counterfeit, a false Christ, according to the prophecy of the Lord Jesus, that many (that is, thousands and m●…ltitutes of people) should so use his name, that is, with a willing ignorance and delusion.  
Or 2ly, if it be the true worship of the true God according to the appointment of Christ Jesus, yet ever in two things the si●…cere wife (the true love of Christ Jesus) outgoes the whore and counterfeit.  
First, the true wife contents not herself with the bare exercise, ordinance or administration (as the hypocrites do) but in all is restless to enjoy the Lord himself: For as the ordinance is spiritual, and heavenly; so longs the true believer for a spiritual and heavenly communion with the Lord himself in it, that he may become one spirit with him more and more in all these outward and subordinate means and administrations.  
Hence it pleaseth the Spirit of God to resemble his worship to the marri●…ge bed, which satisfies not the heavenly Spouse, when the Husband, Christ Jesus, is not spiritually embraced therein, but absent.  
2ly, The desire of the true believer in the enjoyment of Christ Jesus in any of his appointments is to be made fruitful by him: but the desire of a whore extends no further than Lust or a Reward. Hence Rom. 7. We are married unto Christ Jesus, that we should bring forth fruit unto God: A whorish heart willingly endures not fruitfulness, but kills her own conceptions which the true Wife cherisheth, and tendereth as her life.  
Obj. What should be the reason why so many of God's children who in all ages have discovered their strong affection to God's visible worship, and communion in Christ, have yet so varied, and wandered from the right, and first institution of the Church, and ministry, and Ordinances of worship?  
I answer, God's council touching the spiritual captivity, and desolation, must be fulfilled, when yet notwithstanding, the strength of the affection of God's people hath appeared in their mourning, and weeping, and lamenting after, and contending for the truth of the spiritual enjoyment of their souls Beloved, in all the means of his own holy appointments.  
11thly. Again it is an Argument of spiritual health, & strength, 
11thly.  in respect of God, when the Heart is fixed, and readily prepared for all the holy pleasure of God. Hence Hezekiah prays for such whose hearts were prepared to seek Jehovah, God of their Fathers: Hence this readiness, and preparation of mind, is compared to the shoes on our Feet, without which we are unfit for travelling, walking, &c. and with which we are ready for any spiritual employment. Hence David professeth that his heart was fixed, and ready, and when the Lord said seek my Face, David's heart answered, Lord thy Face will I seek, &c.  
Obj. What is the reason that God's children are sometimes hardly brought on to difficult services, and duties?  
I answer, unreadiness, and unfitness is a spiritual sickness or distemper, which when God's children recover out of, than they say as the Lord Jesus in David Psal: 41. Lord my heart is willing, my heart is ready to do thy will O my God: And they say to Christ Jesus, as his holy servant John Bradford said to Queen Mary; If she keep me in prison, I will thank her; If ●…he release me I will thank her; If she burn me, I will still thank her.  
Lastly, it is an Argument of spiritual health, and strength, when 
12thly.  God's children walk in a continual sense of their own insufficiencies, and distempers, when they discern the evil inclination of their own spirits, and the excellency, and insufficiency of God's most holy Spirit: And therefore continually say with David, psalm 143. Thy Spirit is good, lead me &c. and Psal. 139. Search me O God, and try my heart, and see if thou findest any way of wiekednes in me, and lead me in the way ev●…rlasting.  
These and many more, are the trials 〈◊〉 spiritu●…ll strength, health, and cheerfulness, in matters concerning God: We now come to the second Head of trials of spiritual health, and strength, in matters concerning ourselves.  
First, than it is an Argument of spiritual health, and strength, when (especially) after known sins committed, our hearts are in a broken frame and temper, when our spirits are as it were 
brokenness of spirit.  contrite, and pounded like spice in a mortar, then yielding the most delightful smell, and savour unto God.  
Hence (Isa. 66) a contrite, and broken heart is an House wherein God dwells, an House well ordered, swept, and garnished.  
Hence a Spirit of trembling (Isa. 66.) is an Argument and character of the most dutiful children of God: but of this forme●…ly.  
2ndly. It is an Argument of spiritual strength, when we make 
2dly. Spiritual battles.  it our work to observe, watch, and kill our corruptions, and rebellions, and labour to keep under, and beat down our body to an holy fitness, and readiness for God's service, in fasting, and prayer against temptations.  
Obj. But may not Hypocrites humble themselves, and labour to mortify their lusts, and corruptions?  
I answer, no question, but in horror of conscience, and fear of God's judgements, an Hypocrite may humble himself in fasting, as Ahab, &c. but to kill sin, as sin, and to desire to be ready for God's will, in denying, and subduing his own, is only the character and property of a child of God.  
3ly. It is an Argument of spiritual health, and strength, when we 
3dly. Godly loathing for sin.  so look upon our sins, and our sinful dispositions, that we not only loathe our sins, but also loath ourselves for them: So saith the Lord, (Ezek. 6.) My people shall loathe themselves for their abominations, and for their whorish heart●…gainst me: Thus Job when he recovers himself from his murmurings against God, he cries out. Behold I abhor myself, and repent in dust, and ashes. And David, (Psal: 73) looks upon himself for his murmu●…ing against God's providence, as an ignorant person, as a fool and a beast in God's presence.  
Object. But may not an Hypocrite loath and abhor himself for sin?  
I answer, It is possible for an Hypocrite to be sorry for some sins, and to be angry with himself, and to loathe himself, but not properly for his sins, which he loveth, but (as thieves, 
Hypocrites may in a respect loathe themselves for sin.  whores, drunkards, &c.) for the danger, damage and disgrace which his sin may bring upon him. It is only the property of God's children to look at sin as sin, with a loathing eye, and to behold themselves vile and loathsome, even for the most pleasing and profitable, and delightful, and most secret sins.  
Fourthly, It is an Argument of the strength of spiritual life, 
Fourthly.  when we lay down ourselves at the feet of God, when as a Servants will, our wills are subdued to the Lord's will, when the 
True self denial.  Lord is become our self, when his ends are our ends, which give us content and pleasure, although our selves, our ends are lost and destroyed, that we may find new ends and delights in God.  
Hence Epaphroditus to further the work of the Lord (Phil. 2) he regarded not his health, and consequently not his life; as a true soldier in the Service of his heavenly King and captain.  
Object. But may not an Hypocrite deny themselves; his own ends, his pleasures, his profits, his credit, his liberty, his life.  
I answer, It is impossible; for all that he doth is still for himself: like Israel, Hosea 7. He is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit to himself: All that he aims at in using the name of God, his glory, his Christ, is still to exalt himself, to save himself: But God's children eye ever a greater end than self, to 
No Hypocrite can truly deny himself.  wit, the glorifying of their God, although it be in their own destructions.  
Fifthly, Our hearts are then in an healthful frame and disposition, when we are cordially willing to go from hence, that 
Fifthly.  we may be with Christ, Phil. 3. yet for the service of Christ and his Saints, we are cordially willing to stay in hard and difficult Service.  
Object. But may not an Hypocrite desire to die, and to be with Christ?  
I answer, An Hypocrite may desire to die, and to be with Christ in a glorious condition, but no Hypocrite can endure to die, to be with Christ in an holy and spiritual condition, free from sin: and therefore can he not endure uprightly, &c. to work for Christ on Earth.  
Sixthly, Then are we in an healthful frame of Grace, when God hath brought down our hearts to be content with the 
Sixtly.  changes of his right-hand upon us: when we have learned the lesson of Paul, to be content with food and raiment, with a travellers and stranger's portion, of so much as may serve us in our 
spiritual contentation in God's will.  Journey: When we can tell how to abound without Pride, or security, or ●…rust in earthly things, and when we can tell how to want all outward mercies with quietness and contentation.  
Obj. But may not Hypocrites be contented with small matters, and suppress their desires of great things, and say with Esau unto Jacob: Keep that thau hast my brother, I have enough?  
I answer, The desires of all men are not alike greedy; but 
All changes and losses are made up to God's people only by himself.  yet the desires of men are truly satisfied with out God: Now when changes and the loss of all things fall upon the Hypo●…rite, he cannot find those changes and those losses made up in God: No Habakkuk tells us, That it is the Character of God's children, when the corn is gone, and the flocks and the herds, and the vine, and the figtree fail, to rejoice in God alone for a portion, and to glory in the God of their Salvation.  
Seventhly, Then are our hearts in an healthful frame, when 
Seventhly. Joy in Sorrow.  we are not only willing to suffer for the name of Christ Jesus, but wh●…n we also conceive a kind of pleasure in it; so saith Paul, I take pleasure in necessities, in distresses, and for Christ's sake; Hence the Saints (Heb. 13. 10.) not only suffered the spoiling of their goods, but they took the spoiling of their goods with joy.  
Object. May not hypocrites suffer joyfully for Christ?  
I answer, An Hypocrite may do and suffer with a seeming joy for Christ: But he can never do this out of love to Christ, 1 Cor. 13. but always out of self-love for his own glory and 
Hypocrites pretend to suffer for Christ.  honour, out of strong conviction of conscience, lest he be damned in denying his light, &c. only God's children can out of love to Christ Jesus rejoice (as some true friend or wife) to be afflicted and to sorrow and loose for their Souls beloved.  
Object. Why then are many of God's Children so heavy in their sufferings and losses for Christ Jesus?  
I answer, This happeneth sometimes out of distemper of body; sometimes out of distemper and weakness of mind, which they labour against, and chide themselves for as did David, Psal. 42. & 43. why art thou disquieted O my Soul, and why art thou so heavy within me? still trust in GOD, for I will praise him, who is the health of my countenance and my God.  
Eighthly, It argues strength of Grace when we use this 
Eightly.  world, and all the comforts of it with a weaned eye and mind, as if we used it not: as English Travellers that lodge in an Indian 
Christian weanedness from this world's comforts.  house, use all the wild Indians comforts with a strange affection, willing and ready to be gone: or as Passengers in a Ship, willing and ready (when God will) to land, and go ashore in our own country, to our own House, and comforts in the Heavens.  
Thus Gideon's soldiers (in a figure of such as are fit for Christ's battles) are not only courageous and depart not with the cowards, but also lap at the comforts of this life, with a speedy necessity, but lie not down to them in excess of affection and delight.  
Object. May not Hypocrites use this world with a strange affection, weaned from the vanities of it, &c.  
I answer, doubtless not only a false Christian or Hypocrite, but other natural men (out of the sense and experience of the vanity and uncertainly of this life, and the comforts of it) may attain 
The heavenl●… use of earthly comforts.  to a great seeming despising of these earthly things, though never without sorrow that they are not more full and certain, as being their portion: only God's children who have made the Lord himself their portion, and his word and Ordinances their inh●…ritance, they only I say use them as from God, tokens of his Love●…nd goodness, and as golden chains to draw them unto him, and humbly submit to God's holy pleasure, in his gracious bestowing or withdrawing of them.  
Ninthly, It is an argument of a strong fear of, and affection 
Ninthly.  to God, when in all our earthly businesses, we see God, and mind●… his name and praise. Hence saith James: ye ought in all Journeys and purposes to say, If God will: Hence Boaz that holy man, when he comes into his Field hath God in his mouth: The Lord bless you said he to his Reapers: Hence the poorest Christian able to contribute (1 Cor. 16.) observes weekly, and therefore daily the dispensations of God towards him; He observes the givings and takings of God's hand, and walks with him though in the poorest and meanest calling and condition.  
Object. But may not Hypocrites observe God's blessing in worldly things, in fair winds, good voyages, in the increase of children, corn, wine, cattle, & c?  
I answer, natural conviction enforceth even Pagans to confess (a Manittoo) an Invisible Deity and godhead in these visible things; But to make it a work and business in all these earthly things to see and glorify God, to walk with him, and to 
The glorifying of God proper to God's children only. Tenthly.  be full of his praise all the day-long; this is only the Character of God's children, who only truly see his hand, and love his name and glory.  
Tenthly, It is an Argument of strength and vigour of grace, to keep a constant watch and bridle on our lips and tongue, that no words pass but such as are seasoned with Salt, to the glorifying of our Maker with our glory, and the edifying or benefitting of others. This Tongue of ours the Lord compares to the 
The true watch of God's people over their Tongue.  bridle of a Horse, to the Helm of a Ship, which if well managed rules the horse and ship, with safety and comfort: and the Spirit of God concludes; that he is a perfect and strong man in Christ, that is thus able to command his Speech and Tongue in this world.  
Hence Christ Jesus preacheth Judgement to the world, for the abuse of the Tongue, and the idle words of it, when our words are not working words, and tend not to heavenly profiting of others.  
Hence the Spirit by Paul commands (Ephes. 5.) that neither uncleanness, nor covetousness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, be once heard from the mouths of the Saints, but rather giving of thanks, and praising of God.  
Object. But may not worldly persons set a watch before the door of their lips?  
I answer, moral wisdom may teach persons the vanity and gross wickedness of the Tongue, but only God's spirit (and strength of it) doth teach God's children, in true fear and love of God, not only to restrain from vain and foolish, but also to attain to a spiritual and heavenly Language.  
Lastly, It argues strength and life and Grace in Christ, when our hearts by God's spirit are wrought to such a degree of hatred of sin, that we not only abhor the acts thereof, but also fly and shun the looks and appearance of it: so that we not only fly pride and passion, and covetousness and uncleanness, but also the appearance of them.  
Hence Boaz, when Ruth lay down at his feet in the night, as claiming marriage by right, he not only refrained from uncleanness, or uncIeane touches, but also he gravely advised her to be gone so early in the morning, that no man should say there came a woman into the floor.  
Object. But may not worldly persons not only avoid sin, but also the appearance of it?  
I answer, No worldly or unregenerate person can truly hate sin, or the appearance of it, for it is his nature and Element, they can only hate the damages and disgrace, and discredit of it, and 
Only God's children can truly hate sin.  so a Whore may hate whoredom. 'Tis only the property of God's children, and the newborn to hate sin as sin, with the sinful appearances of it as opposite to their new and heavenly nature in Jesus Christ.  
I Now come to the third head of the trials of spiritual health and strength, and that respects our conversation with men, in which  
First I argue, that it is a strong argument of a strong constitution 
Christ and Ch●…istians work to glorify God in doing good.  and spiritual health, when we can make it our work and trade, to aim at glorifying our Maker in doing good to men.  
Thus our great example Christ Jesus made it his work and trade to go about to do good, which he did abundantly and constantly to the souls and bodies of men.  
Obj. Christ Jesus and his Apostles and messengers were end●…ed with power from on high, not only to preach the Word for conversion but also with power of casting out Devils, and healing bodily diseases.  
I answer, as an holy witness of Christ Jesus (a Woman) once answered a Bishop, I am a member of Christ Jesus as well as Peter 
Holy women great helps in the Gospel of Christ Jesus  himself. The least Believer and Follower of Jesus partakes of the nature and spirit of him their holy head and husband, as well as the strongest and holiest that ever did or suffered for his holy name.  
Therefore it is that we read not only of the service of those great master-builders and workmen of Christ Jesus, the Apostles, but also the service and help of Christian women, for instance (Rom. 16.) Phebe, Priscilla, Mary, Persis, were eminently noted for helping forward the work of Christ Jesus, to wit, the glorifying of God in the saving of the poor sons of men.  
Object. But is it not possible for God's children to be slack in this work and trade of doing good to the souls and bodies of others, and yet be strong in grace and healthful?  
I answer, doubtless God's Children may be strong one way, and weak in another, strong in one grace and weak in another, strong in one trial and weak in another: But it is their weakness and sickness, when they are slow and negligent of so glo●…ious and heavenly a work.  
Thus Paul complains of the Saints of Asia, that he found none that stuck close to him but Timothy. Thus was it in Barucks weakness and sickness to seek great and earthly things, and Jeremy (strong in spiritual health and life) chides and reproves him for it, Jer. 45.  
Secondly, It argues strength of spiritual life, when we bear 
Secondly.  a strong affection to the seed of the woman, Christ's seed, God's children. To do good to all men is a Christians trade, but especially to the household of faith.  
This was David's affection (psalm 16.) when he looked upon 
God's children cannot bu●… naturally love one another.  God's children as the excellent of the Earth, and placed all his delight in them: Thus Jonathan though he lost his father's love for David's, though he was to lose a Kingdom by David, yet he loves him as his own Soul.  
Thus Ruth so loved that holy woman Naomi, that although she were grown poor, a widow, and now in a tedious travel from Moab to Israel, and Naomi did also entreat her and her sister to go back, and Orpah her sister was already returned to her kindred and her Gods, yet such was the flame of her holy affection, that she entreats Naomi not to entreat her: entreat me not to leave thee, for whether thou goest I will go, where thou dy●…st I will die, and there will I be buried: thy God shall be my God, &c.  
Object. May not wicked persons favour, love, and respect 
Worldly men may in a kind love God's people.  God's children? Did not Saul greatly respect Samuel; and for a while Herod, John the Baptist? Did not Michol love King David, as well as did her brother Jonathan? yea did not David find wonderful favour in the eyes of a Philistian Achaz?  
I answer, The nature and the grounds of the love of natural persons to God's children must be rightly distinguished: God's children themselves may and aught to love each other, and others also, according to any natural and civil Relation; yet only God's children can love God's children for the grace and spirit of God, which they see and find in each other.  
Thus as two Candles or Torches they spiritually close and embrace each other with heavenly affection, being of one common heavenly nature together. Thus countrymen meeting 
But God's children can only love each other with a spiritual love.  in strange and foreign nations presently know each other by their language, &c.  
Thus Brethren rejoice to find each other in strange places, and to know themselves the sons of one Father and Mother.  
Thus fellow-soldiers which stick close each to other in life and death, yea, although routed, disordered and flying, if possible they can discern and know each other:  
Object. But did not holy David (who was a man strong in grace) did not he lay plots for the life of an holy man, noble 
God's children may possibly be unkind and cruel each to other.  and faithful Uriah? Did not Asah that holy King of Judah, practice false Imprisoning, in committing the man of God to prison, and that only for his faithfulness in reproving him from God?  
I answer, This shows that both David and Asah at this time were very sick, and David upon his recovery laments his weakness and wickedness and blood-guiltiness, Psal. 51.  
Quest. But may not God's children have just cause of exercising sharpness each to others?  
Yea doubtless, for Paul withstood even Peter himself to 
God's people in case may be sharp each to other, so was David sh●…rply reproved by Nathan;  to his face, and the Church of Corinth must put away and deliver the incestuous person to the devil; though probably yet dear, and a brother, according to that of Paul to the Thesselonians, yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a Brother,  
In a way of Justice, in a way of physic, the dearest friend or Brother may exercise much bitterness, though with much sweetness of temper, and with much tender melting and bemoaning of affection.  
Thus in cases have we seen mounfull violence used, to a wife or brother in some kind of distempers and distractions.  
But when God's children shall so far degenerate, as to pursue 
One of the blackest transgressions in the world for  the life each of other, though it be with desire to cover a sin, and to keep God's name from being dishonoured (as in David's case) it is a weakness, it is a sickness, which although it be not unto death, yet bringeth it near unto death's door, and made David cry out with bitterness of his soul, Deliver me from blood-guiltiness O my God, and my tongue shall sing loud of thy righteousness.  
A third trial of spiritual health and strength is a compassionate 
Thirdly.  an●…pitifull , melting-heart over the afflicted or miserable, 
A compassionate heart even towards enemies is a Christan heart.  yea, although our enemies, or enemies of their own Salvation.  
Thus the Lord Jesus sighs for the hardness of the heart of his Enemies: thus he weeps over Jerusalem that was to kill him, and prayed for his persecutors and enemies.  
Thus Jeremy powers forth his Book and Rivers of Lamentations for Jerusalem of old, as Christ for the latter. Thus God's people are commanded to weep with them that weep: And when any oppose themselves, we ought in meekness and patience to bear it, as knowing their woeful and miserable bondage and slavery to Satan: And who knows whether it will please God in infinite mercy and compassion to deliver them 
2 Tim. 2. 26.  by vouchsafing repentance in Christ Jesus, as he hath done to us?  
Object. But may not God's children exceed and over grieve for others?  
Yea doubtless, and therefore God chideth Samuel for over-grieving for Saul, because God hath rejected him: God's children may as well exceed the bounds of gtiefs as of joy and anger, 
God's people mourn for others.  and any kind of Passion or affection: but it is ever safer to fall on the right hand of too much mercy and compassion, then on the left of Anger, Wrath and Cruelty.  
Hence David weeps over sinners with Rivers of Tears, because they keep not God's Law. Hence we are commanded to bear the burdens of others, and so fulfil Christ's Law: All sin is a burden, but especially to God's children, whether they commit it out of a deceived judgement, and conscience, or out of passion, and sudden slight of temptation: Their sins therefore (especially if superiors,) we must cover, and with shame, and sorrow go backward like Shem, and Japheth, as grieving, and unwilling to behold their nakedness.  
Obj. But we are commanded not to suffer sin upon our Brethren, but reprove them?  
I answer, than is the tongue a fit instrument to reprove others, when it is tuned by a grieved heart, that considers, and ponders itself, as subject to temptation, and sin, as others, except mercy make the difference, and deliver from temptation.  
Fourthly, it is a good evidence of spiritual health, respecting 
4thly, impartial reproving a character of God's people.  others, when we endure not sin to lie upon them, or rather them to lie in the pit of sin, but endeavour to help them out by wise, and loving, and seasonable reproof, and exhortation.  
Hence Job endures not sin in the wife of his bosom, but chargeth her with folly for her impatient, & impious counsel: Hence David smites deeply his dearest Michol, when she mocks at his holy zeal for the Lord, and his worship.  
Hence Christ Jesus sharply reproves his faithful servant and Apostle Peter, and that only for (seeming) loving, and affectionate council: Get thee behind me Satan.  
Again, as true love, and zeal for God, (when strong) spares not the dearest: so neither doth it balk, or shun the highest. Thus deal God's Prophets, even with Kings, and Princes: Thus Samuel spares not Saul, nor Nathan David, Eliah Ahab, nor John Baptist 
Bold reprovers for sin.  Herod and his Queen, even for those most near, and darling sins, which were most dangerous to touch, and meddle with.  
Qu: How stands such bold, and snarp language, (as some of the Prophets used) with humble Duty, Fear, and Reverence, due unto superiors?  
I answer, as true affection stands with plain, and sharp reproof of dearest, so true humility in bold dealing on God's behalf, with the most supreme, and highest.  
Hence are God's people also commanded not only to reprove, but to separate in case of final obstinacy in sin.  
Obj. This course may seem to destroy human society, yea nature, and civility out of the world.  
I answer, it is true that godliness, and Christian affection, and zeal for God destroys corrupt nature, and humanity, but otherwise 
Godliness makes civility more beautiful.  godliness sa●…ctifieth, and directeth nature, and civility, in the fear of God.  
Fifthly, it argues strength of spiritual life, and grace, when a 
5thly.  Soul is able to withstand, resist, and repel such sins, unto which the opportunity of temptation solicits, and invites us.  
Hence holy Joseph, and David, are propounded to us for heavenly examples of power, and strength of grace, in resisting those 
Joseph and David admirable for resisting of temptations.  most, two plausible temptations (to which the wicked nature of man is so prone, and subject:) the one of lust to Women, when strongly and often solicited by his wanton Mistress: the other of revenge toward man, when his bloody persecutor Saul, seemed by God himself to be delivered, and brought into his hand.  
O●…j. But David himself was conquered by uncleanness, and Asa wreaks his wrath, upon the very servant, and Prophet of the most High, and yet both David, and Asa were thought to be strong in grace, and power of godliness?  
I answer, God's champions are sometimes strong, and sometimes weak, strong in some things, weak in others, and (as the 
The falls of God's children and to what end.  strongest bodies) subj●…ct to spiritual colds, and falls, and hurts, which are most graciously recorded for our comfort in our falls, as well as the holy victories of the Saints, to make us watchful, and courageous.  
Sixtly, in matters concerning others, it is a good argument of strength, of grace, when we can patiently, and thankfully bear 
A Christian bearing of: reproof a good argument of much of Christ Jesus.  a Reproof, and Admonition, when we can esteem a Reproof for our evil words, or ways, not as a blow or streak on the Head, but as a sweet, and precious Ointment poured on us.  
Hence the admirable patience, and meekness of Hanna, when Eii zeal●…usly, but uncharitably reproved her for drunkenness. Hence when Christ Jesus most sharply reproved Peter, and afterward Paul dealt severely with him about dissembling in the matter of Communion; We hear not of the least impatient, or bitter word to either, yea when he was unjustly charged, and that by Saints (Act. 11.) he patiently bears it, and returns a soft, and gentle answer, which turned their murmuring accusations into joyful satisfaction, and thanksgiving.  
But now the scorner, yea the godly being (weak) reproved 
God's people may possibly be angry at reproofs.  burst out in wrath. Thus not only Ahab imprisons Micaiah, and Herod, John the Baptist, but Asa also claps up fast the reproving Prophet, and the best of God's children are subject to such sad distempers. when either a mistake of judgement, or a pang of passion finfully hinders the receipt and working of the Reproofs of the Almighty, which are wholesome heavenly potions intended by him the Father of mercies, for our good, who ever be the cup, the vial, or instrument.  
Obj. Many Phil sophers by natural wisdom, and many civil, and moral men, out of the principles of civility, and morality, and 
natural wisdom goes far, but not so far as spiritual.  sometimes for some private ends, will bear a Reproof with patience: And hence that of Solomon, rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee: whence it may seem that men by strength of wisdom may receive in love, and profit, by a Reprehension.  
I answer, God's children (as well as natural men) may also act from Rules of Reason, and natural wisdom, but withal they act from an higher ground, and principle, that is they hear they see God's wise, and holy permitting hand in the foulest mouth; So David acknowledgeth God in Shim●… railing, and Hezekiah in Rabsheka his provocations, and blasphemies.  
2dly. God's children by reproofs, by slanders, and reproaches, are sent to God: So David as a figure of Christ Jesus, and so Moses also, 
Repro●…ches send God's people unto God.  when the people in their murmurings, reproached him, as the cause or occasion of their miseries, he runs to God, and prays even for those unwarthy, and unthankful men.  
Lastly, with reference to our walking with others, it is an argument of great strength of grace, when the glory of the Lord and the salvation of God's people is so great, and so dear in our eyes, that we can wish (upon supp●…sition of them two) that we not only lose our temporal, but our eternal slate and welfare: Hence those two famous and wonderful speeches of those two glorious stars Moses and Paul: Blot me out of thy book saith Moses: And I could wish to be accursed from Christ, saith Paul, for Israel's sake.  
Ob. But can such a wish be lawful though for the gain and glory of Christ since to be accursed from Christ cannot be without sin against Christ?  
I answer: I will not dispute what accursedness or separation from Christ, that is, some saying that Paul wished only a temporal, and some an eternal separation from Christ: some a separation from joy and delight in the presence of Christ, but not from the purity and holiness of Christ: But I say, doubtless so near as any soul approacheth to these heavenly copies of Moses and Paul, so near comes he to the greatest strength, and health, and beauty of a Christian life.  
Ob. But can any man now attain to such a strength of grace as this, so to wish?  
I answer: as it is in nature so in grace, there are children and young men (or strong men,) and there are old and aged men in 
Different manifestations of Christ Jesus in his people.  Christ: Again, as it is in nature, so in grace; there are differences of child●…en, and differences of young and aged men in Christ: every Israelite had not the strength of Samson: nor every of David's soldiers the strength and valour of David's worthies: yet so near to these heavenly copies as we approach, the stronger we are in the grace of God in Christ: And doubtless it cannot be but it is in the desire of every true child of God, not only to enjoy a pretty moderate health of spiritual life, but to be as strong in faith as Abraham, in meekness as Moses, in patience a●…Job, in aff●…ction to God a●…David, and as zealous for the Lord and his glory, as were this blessed pair of zealous servants of the most high, Paul and Moses.  
I Am now come (dear Love) to the third and last Head proposed, 
Some means which God's Spirit useth as preservatives.  which is some few means of recovering and preserving of ●…hristian health and cheerfulness, and the preventing of spiritual sicknesses and diseases: In this I shall desire to be brief, left by too long a discourse I discourage thy reading, and hinder thy use and improvement of it.  
First then, holy consideration of our estate, a deep and frequent examination of our spiritual condition is an excellent 
Soul-examination a soul means of spiritual preservation.  means of Christian health and temper: Thus teacheth us the holy Spirit of God by Jeremy, Lam: 2. Let us search and try our ways, and turn unto the Lord.  
This searching and examining of our ways in God's presence is (as it were) a casting up of our accounts between God and our souls, wherein we truly verify that true saying, That often reckoning makes God and our souls true friends.  
This duty is hard, and therefore we must often cry t●…God with David, Psal. 139. Search me O God, and try my heart, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way ●…verlasting.  
This holy practice ought to be frequent, but then especially 
Affliction the season of Examination.  when the hand, and Rods of the Lord are upon us: For then (as Job saith) God sof●…neth our Hearts, and we are most like then to be as the ground moll●…fied upon a Thaw, fit to be broken up, or like the Ground moistened with storms, and showers fro●… H●…aven, then in some hopeful turn for the Lord's most gracious seed, and heavenly planting.  
Secondly, maintain an earnest longing and endeavour to 
2dly. Christ Jesus his appointments undoubted means of Christian health & cheerfulness.  enjoy Christ I●…sus, who is our soul's life in every holy Ordinance, which he hath appointed. If it be possible (with true satisfaction to our consciences, and doubts in God's presence) let us never rest from being planted into the holy society of God's children, gathered into the order of Christ Jesus, according to hi●… most holy will, and Testament: remembering that Christian health, growth, and fl●…urishing, are promised to the Trees planted in Jehovah's house: And that the holy Ordinances are the Lord's provisions, and soul meals, and Breasts which he hath graciously appointed for his children, of all sorts, and ages.  
Especially be much in holy prayer, and fasting before the Lord: this is an Ordinance of which neither Pope nor devil could 
Prayer with fasting a most Christian and mighty ordinance.  ever deprive a child of God: If it be possible practice this duty with others, however before the Lord in secret: rememb●…ing how frequent the children of God in holy scripture were in this duty. Daniel is an heavenly pattern: and so is David, who wept and chastised his soul with fasting although he was reproached for it, Psal. 69.  
Our holy Bridegroom the Lord Jesus, tells us that the Bridegroom shall be taken away, and then his servants fast: as if he had ●…xpresly named the times of the Antichristian bondage, wherein the followers of Jesus, like the blessed Wome●…. (John the 20.) weeping, cry out, they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.  
This holy Ordinance is of such admirable use among the Saints, that even in the first, and purest times of Chris●…ianity, we read of Christan yoke fellows, consenting to a separation from each other, for a time that they may give themselves to prayer, and fasting, 1. C. 〈◊〉.  
Obj. But some say fasting as it seems to be more proper to the Old Testa●…ent, so seems it not so useful in the New Covenant, when more spiritual worship, and spiritual joys seem more suitable, and seasonable.  
I answer, all the former Scriptures declare it to be an Ordinance of the New T●…stament, as well as a prayer itself: And for 
The excellent use of prayer and fasting.  the use of it, it is most admirable for the separating, and abstracting of the mind, and spirit, from earthly occasi●…ns, and comforts, for the devoting of the soul to heavenly consideration, and examination of our ways, for the pouring forth of prayers, and cries to God in the many gre●…t, and mighty straits which God's people pass through in this vale of tears, and Lamentation. And indeed it is (as I may say) the taking of a soul sweat, or soul purge for the avoiding and cleansing out our spiritual humours, and corruptions.  
Thirdly, as ever we would preserve our spiritual health, let us 
3dly. Spiritual taking of cold.  carefully take heed of spiritual colds, and obstructio●…s: For as it is in the natural man, a cold itself is a great distemper, and the ground and ●…eginning of others, when the warm streams of blood, and spirits are stopped up, and obstructed: So is it, (and much more in the spiritual) when our heavenly spirits are stopped by damp colds, and ●…bstructions of unnecessary frequenting of cold societies, and places destitute of the life of the Sun of righteousness Christ Jesus.  
The Lord Jesus is a Christians Garment: O let us keep that blessed garment always close about us, and in all places, and in all companies, and upon all occasions express the life, and power of Christ Jesus, longing to know, and to follow his blessed words, and examples in life, and death.  
Fourthly, take heed of spiritual surfeits, that the feeding too much upon the comforts of ●…oak fellows, children, credit, profit, 
4thly.  (though sweet, and wholesome as h●…ny) ●…urn not to bitterness, and loathing. 
God's people must watch against the sur●…iting upon woe ldly comforts.   
God's children as travellers on the Land, as Passengers in a ship, must use this world, and all co●…forts of it, with dead, and weaned, and 〈◊〉 aff●…ctions, a●… if they used them not: If Riches, i●…Child●…en, i●…Cattel, if Friends, if whatsoever increase, let us watch that the Heart fly not lose upon them: But as we use salt with raw, and fr●…sh meats, let us use no worldly comfort without a savoury Remembrance, that these worldly Goods and comforts are the common portion of the men of this perishing wo●…ld, who must pe●…ish together with them. Let us muse upon their insufficiency to content, and fill our Hearts, upon their uncertain coming, and going with eagle's wings: upon their anxiety, and perplexednes full of Thorns, & vexation: upon their certainty of departing, how soon we know not. O le●… us therefore beg gra●…e from Heaven, that we may use earthly comforts as a stool or ladder to help u●… upward to heavenly comforts, profits, pleasures, which are only true, and lasting, even eternal in God himself, when these Heavens, and earth are gone.  
Fifthly, to maintain spiritual health and 〈◊〉 is of no small use (as Paul writes to Timothy) sometimes to help our 
5. The power of meditating the joys that are to come.  cold stomachs with a little wine or strong drink of the hope of the joyes●…o come: Lay hold (saith Paul to Timotbie) of eternal life: and as the soldier meditates upon the glory of his victories: The sick passenger at Sea upon his sweet refreshings on shore: the Traveller upon his journey's end and comforts at his home: the L●…bourer and the Hireling on his wages, the Husbandman on his harvest: the Merchant on his gain: the woman in travail, on her fruit: so let us sometimes w●…rm and revive our cold hearts and fainting spirits, with the assured hope of those victories, those crowns, those harvests, those refreshings and fruits, which never eye hath seen, nor ear hath heard, nor never entered into man's heart the things which God hath prepared for them that love him: Of which however it pleaseth God to give his servants a taste in this life, yet the harvest, and the vintage are to come, when they that suffer with Christ Jesus shall reign with him, and they that have sown in tears shall reap the never ending harvest of inconceivable 
5thly. Bitter and u●…toothsome things may yet be of a blessed and wholesome use to God's people.  joys.  
Sixthly, as it is in the restoring of the body to health, or in the preserving of it in an healthful condition: it is often necessary to use the help of sharp and bitter things, bitter pills, bitter potions, bitter medicines, sweatings, purgings, vomitings, blood-lettings, &c. So is it with our souls, and spirits, and preservation of the health and cheerfulness of the spiritual and the inner man. 
Two sorts of bitter aff●…ictions.   
The sharp and bitter things which it pleaseth God to make use of in these cases are of two sorts.  
First, such as himself is pleased to use towards us in the way of his fatherly afflictions of all sorts: on our spirits: our bodies, our yoke fellows, children, servants, cattle, goods, &c. out of which, yea also out of the injurious, and slanderous, and persecuting dealing of others, yea and out of our own sins and failings his most holy and infinite wisd●…m, fetcheth all sorts of cleansing and purging, yea and sometimes, cordial and healing physic.  
The second sort of sharp and bitter means are such, as we voluntarily use an●…apply ourselves unto ourselves, for the slaying and the purging out of the filthy humeurs and corruptions of pride, security, uncleanness, self-love, covetousness, and what ever else remains behind of the body of dea●…h in us.  
It is true that the word of God, and all his holy Ordinances, they are not only of a feeding, and nourishing, but also of a 
The Scripture the true store house of soul physic.  purging, and cleansing Nature, of a preserving, and a restoring Quality: and therefore out of these, we must take direction for all our spiritual Remedies, against those soul distempers, unto which our spiritual, and inuer men are subj●…ct.  
First, than it is an wholesome though bitter pill, often to call to 
1.  mind our many, our great, our known, our unknown transgressions against the Lord as a creator, against the Lord as a Father, against the Lord as a Redeemer, against Christ Jesus, against his holy Spirit, against his Ordinances, against his Saints, against our selves, &c. Yea the sins and several corruptions of our Natures, 
The remembrance of our sins bitter, yet an wholesome pill.  callings, and conditions, to which we yet are subject, and lie open, and without supply of Grace, and strength from Heaven, we shall fall, and tumble into, as well as the strongest of God's servants, of whose woeful falls we read of in holy Scripture.  
Obj. It is a part of the Lords New Covenant, that he will forgive our sins, and remember our iniquities no more.  
I answer, unto all the promises of all sorts, (Ezek. 36.) it 
God's children bound to beg for pardon of sin.  pleaseth the Lord to add this Gospel Proviso; For all this I will be sought unto saith the Lord, according to that most holy direction, of the Lord Jesus, to pray daily, not only for daily Bread, but also for daily forgiveness.  
Obj. The Lord hath forgiven them already in Christ, what need to pray for forgiveness of them again.  
I answer, We must mark the Lord's Ordinance, for all this I will be sought unto: Prayer and other spiritual Ordinances hath the Lord appointed for our souls good, as well as corporal means for our bodily comfort.  
Hence the many examples of the servants of God throughout the whole Scripture, both before Jesus Christ and since, David, 
Godly sorrow not inconsistent but subservient to spiritual joy.  Peter, Mary Magdalen, breaking forth into heavenly showers of godly tears. Hence the Paschall lamb (the figure of Christ Jesus) was appointed by the Lord to be eaten with bitter herbs, implying and teaching that Jesus Christ himself, his blood, pardon of sin, Life and Salvation, and all the spiritual and eternal sweets that here below we find in Christ Jesus, they have not their native and proper relish without the help of such sharp and bitter herbs.  
What though therefore in God's council before the world was, all his works of creation and redemption, vocation, justification, glorification are known to him and acted by him? I say, in the most inconceivable deep counsels of his will, according 
God's counsels absolve not us from means & endeavours.  to which he worketh all things, Ephes. 1. 11? yet were it presumptuous madness in us, and a tempting of the jealous eyes of the most High, to neglect the ways, and means, and paths of mercy for Soul or Body, which his most holy wisdom out of infinite Grace and goodness hath appointed to us?  
A second sharp and bitter pill to pu●…ge out spiritual corruption, is a due and serious pondering of the nature, of the justice of the most High; notwithstanding all the infinite sweetness 
The due consideration of God's justice is an heavenly though bitter pill.  of th●…Ocean of his mercy, and not withstanding all th●…colours and pretences which we poor sinners invent to ourselves, to hide from our eyes, the greatness and dreadfulness and terrors of it,  
Well therefore might Job say: therefore am I troubled at his presence, and when I consider I am afraid of him; and David, Psal. 119. My Flesh trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgements.  
Object. But John saith, perfect love casteth out fear.  
I answer, The true love of God, never casteth out the true fear of God, but only that which is false and counterfeit, that which is the fear of a Beast of slaves and Devils.  
Hence it is that the Spirit of the fear of the Lord was poured upon the Lord Jesus himself.  
This fear is an holy awe or reverence proper to a true and heavenly ingenuous child of God, even (first and chiefly) to Christ Jesus, the elder Brother (in a sense) of all the children of God. To cherish which holy fear of God, let us cast our eyes upon the fiery flashes of his severe justice revealed unto us in a threefold time, the time past, present and to come.  
For the time past, how dreadful is that we find of the rejection and ejection of so many glorious heavenly Spirits the Angels, tumbled down for their sin of Pride, from the height 
The dreadful rejection of the Angels  of Heaven, and their glorious attendance upon God, to the depth of Hell in horrible slavery to everlasting sins and torments.  
How dreadful was that doleful Sentence upon the whole race of mankind, for the Sin of the first root, our first Parents in 
The dreadful sentence upon all mankind.  paradise? How wonderful those Plagues and Destructions upon Pharaoh and the land of Egypt, for their oppressing God's people?  
And (before that) how fearful and horrible was that destruction and burning up of Sodom, and Gomorrah and other Cities with fire and brimstone from Heaven? 
The destruction of Egypt and Sodom, & the whole world.   
And (before both these) how wonderfully fearful and universal was, the destruction of the whole world, in that choking, and all-o'erwhelming flood or deluge.  
How fearful were the strokes of God's displeasure upon his own people of Israel, in their many Destructions and Captivities? 
fearful strokes of God's justice upon Israel.  How fearful the rejection of the t●…n Tribes wholly swallow●…d up and lost for so many ag●…s and generations?  
How lamentable were the destructions (and especial that by Titus and Vespasion) of the holy City, that glorious Jerusalem, in the slaughter and captivity of 1100000 thousand 
Upon the Jews and Jerusalem.  Jews, men, women and children?  
How fearful was the rejection of that whole Nation of the Jews, ever since but a curse and a scorn to all the rest of the Nations of the world to this day?  
And (above all) who can but tremble at the impartial flames 
Upon the Son of his love the Lord Jesus.  of God's justice on that green and innocent tree, his own, and only begegotten son Christ Jesus, when he stood surety in the room of sinners to make satisfaction for their transeressions?  
Object. Grant God's justice and fierce wrath to be so hot, so fiery and fearful towards his enemies, yet, what need his children fear his justice, since that it is satisfied and his wrath appeased towards his people, by the sufferings and bloodshed of Christ Jesus.  
I answer, It is so evident, that although Christ Jesus his blood, hath quenched the fire of God's eternal wrath toward 
The heavy & doleful strokes of God's righteteous hand upon his own people in this world.  his people, and sweetened the bitter Cup of all present Judgements and afflictions: yet for his Name and Justice sake in this world, God's children have temporally felt the fearful strokes of his displeasure, and judgement must begin at the house of God.  
Hence that dreadful blow of God's righteous hand upon our first Parents Adam and Eve, cast out of paradise with their posterity (even the whole race of mankind) notwithstanding their belief in the promised seed Christ Jesus.  
Hence the heavy strokes upon Lot, upon Lot's wife, upon Moses, upon Aaron, upon Samson, upon Eli, upon David, upon Hezekiah upon Josiah, &c.  
Object. But some may say, God sees no sin in Jacob, &c.  
I answer, Their calamities are Judgements, that is righteous sentences of the most high, Judgements, though not eternal Judgements: these vindicate God's name and Justice before an unrighteous world, and bear him witness of his impartiality, even toward his own children; these humble and 
God's holy end in his sore afflictions upon his people.  bring his people to repentance and confession, and quicken their pace, and their hearts, to watch against future sins and provocations.  
Hence saith the Spirit of God expressly, 1 Cor. 11. For this cause (that is for his children's abuse of the Lord's Supper) many are weak and sick, and some are fall'n asleep; God chastiseth his own people, true christian Churches, for the abuse of his holy Ordinances and appointments.  
In the second place, let us cast our eyes abroad and behold the direful signs and tokens, of God's severe Justice executed at this present in the world. How lamentably do we sce before 
God's justice visibly seen in the present sorrows of all sorts.  our eyes the daily and continued effects of that first wrath upon mankind, in so many sorrows of all sorts for the first transgression.  
Let us consider of the great constant reproach and misery over all the Nations of the World, by reason of God's righteous Sentence in the division of so many Tongues and Languages.  
O come and see (saith David) what Desolations (Psal. 46.) the Lord hath wrought in the Earth? How many hundred thousands of men, women and children have of late years been swept away in the world, by wars, famines and pestilencies? 
The horrible desolations of late years.   
And since we are commanded to weep with them that weep; O that our heads were fountains, and our eyes rivers of waters, that we might weep with Germany, weep with Ireland, yea, weep day and night with England and Scotland (to speak nothing of other remote Nations) in laying again and again to heart the strokes of God's most righteous judgements, in their mos●… fearful slaughters and desolations.  
The effects and marks of these most dreadful blows, every eye is forced to see but yet there are some strokes, more fearful and yet not easily p●…rceived; such are the righteous 
The wonderful spiritual judgements upon the Nations.  judgements of God, giving up the Nations of the world to so many horrible and blasphemous worships, idolatries and superstitions. To speak nothing of whole Nations and kingdoms, that know not at all the true and living God, how cold and hard is that stone that lies upon the mouth of that wonderful grave 
The direful judgement upon the Jews.  of unbelief, wherein the Nation of (God's choice and love) the Jews lie buried and o'rewheImed to this day?  
Who can but wonder and tremble at so many hundreth thousand and millions of men given up for so. long a time (in so many and so mighty flourishing Nations of the world) I say, 
The direful judgement of Mahumatanism, and Antichristianism.  given up to those two monstrously bewitching Worships of mahumatism and Antichristianism, the dire effects of God's most righteous judgements upon the Eastern and Western●… professors of the knowledge of God in Christ Jesus?  
Add to these that most fearful and deplorable captivity of the very souls and co●…sciences of God's own people (for so many hund●…ed years) under false and superstitious Worships. A 
The l●…mentable captivity of God's own people to Antichristian worships.  righteous judgement, though not so easily discerned, yet in itself most dreadful, and exceeding all the temporal calamities in the world.  
But (thirdly) from these two times of past and present, let us cast our eyes on the third which is yet to come, as sure and wonderful, will shortly be th●…se two most wonderful and dreadful downfalls of those two so mighty Monarchies (so great enemies to Christ Jesus) the Turkish and the Popish: according to the Prediction of the holy Prophe●…s. How fearful the effusion of the Viols, in part fulfilled, and yet to be poured forth in their season? And not a little wond●…rfull is that mighty destruction of the Nations Gog and Magog gathered as the sand of the Sea against the camp of the saints of the holy City. 
The dreadful and eternal judgement yet to come.   
And (to come to the full period and final sentence of the most righteous Judge of the whole World) with what horrors and terrors shall these Heavens and Earth pass away; this Earth with the works thereof being consumed and burnt up? How inconceiveably direful will the last eternal judgement be, when two worlds of men (the former destroyed by water, and this by fire) shall appear, before the most glorious tribunal of the Son of God? When all the most secret sins shall be brought to trial, and an account shall be given for every idle word?  
O who can conceive the terrors of that thundering sentence [go ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his Angels, where the worm never dies, and the fire never goes out.]  
Object. But some may say, Can these sayings be any other than a Parable or similitude? for is the devil capable of any material fire? such as now is grievous and painful to flesh and blood?  
I answer, Grant these sayings parabolical or similitudes, as also that of Dives and Lazarus: yet what are Parables and similitudes 
The Parables of holy Scripture are full of heavenly kernels of T●…uth.  but Glasses to represent unto us in more plain and easy ways the holy tru●…h and mind of God?  
The kernel of truth is not the less sweet though wrapped up in the s●…els and husks; Beyond all question therefore Christ Jesus foretells most sure and inconceivable plagues to all that 
The worm that never dies, and ●…the fire that never goes out.  know not God, and obey not his glorious Gospel: And by this worm that never dies, and this fire that never goes out, declares a torment to be inflicted upon both men and devils which shall be extreme like fire which shall be universal upon the whole sinful creature, no part exempted, which shall be also eternal, never dying, never ending, yet we may adore God's righteous judg●…ments and (working out Salvation with fear and trembling) make sure of a Jesus a Saviour to deliver us from the wrath that is to come.  
In the next place (my dear Love) let us down together by the steps of holy meditation into the valley of the shadow of Death. It is of excellent use to walk often into Golgotha, and 
The meditation of Death  to view the rotten skulls of so many innumerable thousands of millions of millions of men and women, like ourselves, gone, gone for ever from this life and being (as if they never had life nor being) as the swift Ships, as the Weavers shuttle, as an arrow, as the lightning through the air, &c.  
It is not unprofitable to remember the faces of such whom we knew, with whom we had sweet acquaintance, sweet society, with whom we have familiarly eaten and lodged, but now grown loath some, ugly, terrible, even to their dearest, since they fell into the jaws of death, the King of terrors.  
And yet they are but gone before us, in the path all flesh must tread: How then should we make sure, and infini●…ely much of a Saviour, who delivers us from the power, and bitterness of Death, and Grave, and Hell, who is a resurrection and life unto us, and will raise up and make our bodies glorious, like his glorious Body, when he shall shortly appear in glory.  
It is further of great and sweet use against the bitterness of Death, and against the bitter-sweet delusions of this world daily to think each day our last, the day of our last farewell, the day of the splitting of this vessel, the breaking of this bubble, the quenching of this Candle, and of our passage into the land of darkness, never more to behold a spoke of light until the Heavens be no more.  
Those three uncertainti●…s of that most certain blow, to wit, of the Time when, the Place where, the Manner how it shall 
3 Terrible uncertainties.  come upon us, and dash our Earthen Pitcher all to pieces, I say the consideration of these three, should be a threefold cord to bind us fast to an holy watchfulness for our departures, and a spur to quicken us to abundant faithfulness in doing and suffering 
Meditations of death powerful as to many heavenly purposes.  for the Lord and his Christ, it should draw up our minds unto heavenly objects, and loosen us from the vexing vanities of this vain puff of this present sinful life.  
Oh how weaned, how sober, how temperate, how mortified should our spirits, our affections, our desires be, when we remember that we are but strangers, converse with strange companies, dwell instrange houses, lodge in strange beds and know not whether this day, this night shall be our final change of this strange place for one far stranger, dark and doleful, except enlightened by the Death and Life of the Son of God.  
How contented should we be with any Pittance, any Allowance of Bread, of clothes, of Friendship, of Respect, & c?  
How thankful unto God, unto man should we poor strangers be for the least crumb, or drop, or rag, vouchsafed unto us, when we remember we are but strangers in an In, but passengers in a Ship, and though we dream of long Summer days, yet our very life and being is but a swift short passage from the bank of time to the other side or bank of a doleful or joyful eternity?  
How patient should our minds and bodies be under the crossing, disappointing hand of our all-powerful Maker, of our most gracious Father, when we remember that this is the short span of our purging and fitting for an eternal Glory, and that when we are judged we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world?  
How quietly (without the swellings of revenge and wrath) should we bear the daily injuries, reproaches, persecutings, &c. from the hands of men, who pass away and wither (it may be before night) like grass, or as the smoke on the chimney's top, and their love and hatred shall quickly perish?  
Yea, how busy, how diligent, how solicitous should we be (like strangers upon a strange Coast) waiting for a wind or passage) to get dispatched what we have to do before we hear that final call, Away, Away, let us be gone from hence, &c.  
How should we ply to get aboard that which will pass, and turn to blessed account in our own country?  
How should we overlook and despise this world's trash which (as the holy woman going to be burnt for Christ said of money) will not pass in Heaven?  
How zealous for the true God, the true Christ, his praise, his truth, his worship, how faithful in an humble witness against the lies and cozening delusions of the Father of lies, though guilded o'er with truth, and that by the hands of the highest or holiest upon the Earth?  
How frequent, how constant (like Christ Jesus our Founder and Example) in doing good (especially to the Souls) of all men, especially to the household of Faith, yea even to our enemies, when we remember that this is our seedtime, of which every minute is precious, and that as our sowing is, must be our eternal Harvest: for so saith the Spirit by Paul to the Galathians: He that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption or rottenness, and he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  
FINIS.