SIGHS for ZION: OR, FAITH and LOVE Constraining some grievings in her Sorrow, and groan for her Deliverance: By a few of her weak and unworthy Children. Humbly, and in all faithfulness, presented to those Assemblies of hers, where Grace hath set them as Watchmen; and unto any others, that in every place call upon the Name of JESUS CHRIST our Lord, both theirs and ours. In way of ESSAY, To blow the Trumpet in Zion, and sound an Alarm in God's holy Mountain, To the awakening them that are at ease, and pressing and encouraging all the upright in heart, to be in pain with her, in this day of her sore travel, and great Expectation. PSAL. 137.1.— We wept, when we remembered Zion. ISA. 62.6, 7. I have set Watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give him no rest, till he establish, till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. LAM. 2.18, 19 Their heart cried unto the Lord, O wall of the daughter of Zion: let tears run down like a river night and day, give thyself no rest, let not the apple of thine eyes cease; arise, cry out in the night, in the beginning of the watches pour out thy heart like water before the face of the Lord, etc. MIC. 4.10. Be in pain and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travel. ISA. 66.8.— As soon as Zion traveled, she brought forth her Children. LONDON, Printed for Livewel Chapman, at the Crown in Pope's head alley. 1656. To the several Congregrations respectively, to which we stand especially related; viz. In Plymouth, Abingdon, Totness, Bouhey-tracy, and Dartmouth. Dear Beloved, WE know, and acknowledge ourselves to be debtors (yea, we own our own selves) to the Lord, and you, for the exceeding grace that we (though most unworthy) have found in his sight, counting us faithful, and putting us into the Ministry of his Gospel; and for that our service amongst you hath been, and is in any measure accepted. Under the sense of which engagement, it is the least we can do, to be ready to render an account of ourselves from time to time unto you; the which we the more cheerfully now undertake, as being under the persuasion of a Call of the Lord, leading us forth thereunto, and having good hopes, through grace, that our labour shall not be vain in him; in and through whom we are, Yours, faithfully labouring (though in much weakness) for your Soul's prosperity, as those whose joy and rejoicing, both here, and in the day of Christ, wait to be fulfilled therein. Abraham Cheer, Henry Forty, John Pendarves, Tho: Glass, Robert Steed. Sighs for Zion, etc. THE GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, who hath GRAVEN you, O YE PRECIOUS SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF ZION, on the Palms of his Hands, hath also greatly endeared you to our hearts; insomuch as we may say with the Apostle, Ye are in our hearts (in the Lord) to live and die with you: yea, we trust our inward affection is more abundantly toward you, than our visible expression in the ensuing lines: whereof at present we find no better Testimony wherewith to present you, then that which is here tendered to your view: Your candid acceptance of so poor a mite, with a favourable construction, and a due improvement of this Word in season, to the Glory of God our Father, and the comfort of you his dear Children, will be that wherein our Desires and Ends will be answered, and our Souls encouraged in the Work of God, and your Work; with resolution in the power of God to hold on therein, passing by evil and good report, yea, and gladly to spend and be spent for Christ's sake, and for your sakes, who are Christ's. But here we must begin with judging ourselves, and covering our faces with deserved shame, that we who have stood forth so long to minister the Word among the Saints, and to make mention of the Work of God; and have yet had so little search of heart in the matter that is now before us; have known and felt so little, not only of the power, but even of the form of this blessed Work, so as either to stir up and engage our own hearts, or to provoke the Churches of the Saints unto their concernments of this nature: But have rather eased and pleased ourselves and others, in discoursing of, and prosecuting some other things, though good in themselves, and in their places, yet such as wherein our private interest of Peace and Comfort is more sensibly wrapped up; in the mean time falling short of (at least not so self-denyingly reaching after) the advancement of that Name, Interest, and Glory of God, that should be upon our hearts, to have made manifest in all the earth, from the rising of the Sun, and from the West. Isa. 59.19. And as we cannot but be sensible of the narrowness of our own spirits, with grief, and shame; so also, as that which is weighty on us, we do observe, That a selfseeking and self-pleasing Spirit, hath taken great hold of, and advantage on many Professors in these days; witness their little naturally-caring for Zions state, most seeking their own things, and so few seeking the things of Jesus Christ, and of their Brethren, for edification. And Oh! that there were not among you, even among you, 2 Chron. 28.10 who are the Churches of Christ, cause of complaint in this respect. These things we mention, not to cast reproach upon you, but with grieved hearts, God knoweth. And now, that we might discharge, and have the answer of a good conscience, in following the Lord fully, we have taken the opportunity of this Work, that we trust himself hath been fixing on our Spirits, after seeking to God, and waiting upon his Majesty, To beseech and provoke you, and every one of you, as you have any fellowship with Christ our Head, by faith, or in and with his body, the Church of the firstborn, by love, you would for his, and his Zions sake, hear, and receive our exhortations, considering with weighty Spirits what we say: and the Lord give you understanding in all things. The Cause then that we desire with trembling to plead, Jer. 30.17. (Brethren) is Zions, even hers, whom men have called an outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after; and of whom that ancient Lamentation may in a great measure be taken up, as verified in this our day, Isa. 51.18. There is none to guide her among all the Sons whom she hath brought forth, neither is there any that taketh her by the hand, of all the Sons that she hath brought up; Lam. 1.2. among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her, etc. And her Professed friends, (many of them) have dealt treacherously with her, and are become her enemies. Dear Souls! our request on her behalf is, that you would look upon Zion, Isa. 33.20. Psal. 87.3. & 50.2. & 48.2. Isa. 60.15. that City of our Solemnities, of whom glorious things are spoken, and laid up in Promise for her, even to the rendering her the Perfection of Beauty, An eternal Excellency, The joy of many generations. And oh! that your hearts may be so suitably affected with an holy sympathy in her state, through that one Spirit that is in Promise for all her children, that you may truly say, as Souls whom faith and love have transported into her interest, Psal. 78.7. All my Springs are in thee. But lest we be mistaken in your thoughts, while we speak of her in that figurative term; and to the end our apprehensions may be distinct and clear, in our wrestle together on her behalf, we pray you to consider what we intent and mind in the expression [Zion.] First, ZION considered in a more large sense, Heb. 12.22, 23 Joh. 10.16. 2 Tim. 2.19. Joh. 17.20, 21. Col. 1.29. Gal. 4.19. 2 Tim. 2.10. takes in the whole Election of God, Whose names are written in Heaven, that whole Body for which Christ gave himself, and whereof Christ is given to be Head; not only those who have believed, but those also who shall believe, for whom, as Christ hath prayed, That they all may be one, as the Father is in him, and he in the Father, that they may be one in them, that the world may believe that the Father hath sent him: so ought we to strive mightily with God, and them, travelling in birth for them, till Christ be form in them all; enduring also all things for their sakes, that they also may obtain the Salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. But secondly, by Zion, Eph. 2.19. & 3.15. Gal. 6.16. Isa. 34.8. Luke 18.7, 8. Rev. 18.20, 24 Psal. 73.1. Rom. 10.12. Jer. 50.34. we here intent more especially and particularly, Gods called and faithful people, Jews and Gentiles, fellow-Citizens in Christ, even the whole Israel of God, as considered or concerned in a controversy with Babylon, stated in the Scriptures; taking in, as well those of that blessed family, who are now in heaven, for the avenging of whose blood, we ought without fainting to cry day and night, as the peculiar people of God upon the face of the whole earth; even all that in every place call upon the name of the Lord out of a pure heart: in whom the glory of God is more highly concerned, then in all things else in the world, not only in his pleading thoroughly their cause in all the controversies of Zion with her Adversaries, but also in beautifying her with his glorious Presence, and restoring her to her primitive Glory, in respect of a pure GOSPEL-FAITH, UNION, and ORDER; wherein being found as a blessed BRIDE, prepared for the coming of the glorious BRIDEGROOM, she may be counted worthy of all that glory that shall be brought unto her, at the second appearing of Jesus Christ, NOW DRAWING NIGH. This blessed People, this ZION, God's glorious Building, and Workmanship in Christ, the true seed of Abraham, and Heirs of the Promise, both Jews and Gentiles; Isa. 49.14, 15, 16. however in the Issue they shall be a Name, and Praise to him in all the Earth: And although this great Work in and for them, be still before him; yet is it the wisdom and good pleasure of the Father, in the depths of his Everlasting Counsel, to let the manifestation of it in the world, and his dispensations about it, be very various, and seemingly to carnal eyes, unsuitable to such intendments, through the many deaths, distresses, and unlikelyhoods, with which he clotheth it in their sight: the which he turneth nevertheless to the exceeding advantage of his Name all along, Mic. 4.11, 12. not only by exercising thoroughly the Patience, Rev. 13.10. & 14.12. Obedience, and Faithfulness of his Children, in owning the truth of his Testimony, and bearing their Testimony for him unto the death; but withal, by giving full occasion, and opportunity, for that MYSTERY OF GOD to be Finished, who hath Testified, and declared by the Spirit of Prophecy to the Churches, and permitteth by an hand of Providence, the rising, and raging of That man of Sin, that Bloody Mystery of Iniquity, until it have answered and fulfilled whatsoever is held forth of it, in all the various Scripture-Prophesies, figures, and representations both of its Civil and Ecclesiastical concernment. The which, as it hath gotten to its height both of Renown and Cruelty, by the occasion of that exceeding great offence, wherewith the cause of Christ hath been presented in its appearance to the World, being a Stumbling-Stone to the Children of this world's Wisdom and Glory: So shall its ruin arise from that Jealousy of the Lord wherein he hath promised to plead the cause of his own, and his people's glory; finding in, and recompensing on that generation, on whom the hour of his wrath shall fall, all that righteous blood that hath been shed, and all that unworthy and treacherous usage that ZION hath met withal in the days of her poverty and distress. The day of ZIONS FULL DELIVERANCE, the destruction of her enemies, & the setting up of CHRIST'S GLORIOUS KINGDOM, is very much upon his heart, Isa. 63.4. as a fruit of the sore Travel of his Soul, Isa. 53.11, 12. and recompense of that unworthy usage that himself, Isa. 49.7. & 61.3, 7. his cause and people have had upon the earth; and for which, sitting at the right-hand of God, he is in continual expectation, Heb. 10.13. as that which must be given him as a fruit of his intercession, Psal. 2.8, 9 and to which he is preparing his way, by terrible things in Righteousness, Psal. 65.5, 8. Shaking both Heaven and Earth, and making a Quick dispatch, Luk. 18.7, 8. ordering, and ruling all things therein, and making them subject to this his great and glorious work. And indeed, so much the more is this Design and Work declared to be upon his heart, as the whole management of it will lie upon his own shoulders; Isa. 9.7. Psal. 132.17. they being very few among men, that will be found to have regard to it, in the budding of it; not only through the blindness and enmity of those that are aliens from him, but the very great sleep and slumber that will be found among them that pretend to him, either through their want of faith, Luk. 18.8. or their sensual engagements in this present evil world, Chap. 17.26, etc. So that notwithstanding that Salvation he works for them, and his pleading their cause, lays them under no small engagement to him; when his cause comes to be pleaded, the complaint is made by the Prophet, Isa. 59.16. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor. Therefore his arm brought Salvation unto him. The which great defection even of Saints themselves, from FOLLOWING THE LAMB, in this special service, together with the fixation of the work upon the heart of Christ notwithstanding this, serveth highly now more then ever, the day drawing nearer, to commend, and greatly to encourage and excite the faithfulness of any, though the weakest and most despised of the Lords holy ones, who are in a right spirit engaged for, and together with Christ, in their constant waitings, and fervent expectations of this manifestation of his Glory: they hereby witnessing that they have the mind of Christ; and having one mind, give their power and strength to the Lamb, 1 Cor. 2.16. Rev. 17.13, 14. Psa. 72.15. & 137.6. Heb. 13.3. 1 Cor. 12.27 as CALLED, and CHOSEN, and FAITHFUL, (when others have one mind to give theirs to the Beast) making prayers also for him continually, and preferring him and his interest before their chief joy, through the spirit of faith and love; always reckoning themselves as being in the body, and members in particular. A taste of this worthy Spirit (Brethren, beloved in the Lord) we humbly trust our God is giving us, who address ourselves to you, with some fervent desires that we may be made more to partake of it. And indeed, such is our love to your Souls, and delight (through grace) in this work before us, that we cannot but commend it to you, with more than an ordinary importunity; beseeching you, and every one of you, from the greatest to the least, notwithstanding divers differences amongst you, touching the time, way and manner of Gods effecting those great things, that by the will, and in the way of the Lord, you be found reaching after the same Spirit, and wrestling much together and apart for it. And Oh! that it may be the pleasure of the Lord herein, 2 Cor. 9: 2. that your zeal may provoke many, and you may be found to have stood in this hour of Temptation, Rev. 14.1. and this BACK-SLIDING TIME, faithful with the Lamb on the Mount Zion, Psa. 84.5, 6, 7. having not only His Fathers Name written on your Foreheads, but his work graven upon your hearts, and all those blessed Characters disposing you thereunto, shining in all your conversations; which will make you covet, that the Lord make his Work appear to you as his servants, though he reserve the revelation of his glory unto your Children. Psa. 90.16. For what greater joy, or Crown of rejoicing, can we have at the appearing of our Lord, then that we with you, and ye with us, be presented faultless before his Throne? whereunto we also labour, Jud. 24. Col. 1.28. and desire to strive mightily, according to his working. In which work, and to which end, we pray you bear with us, while we follow this Exhortation a little further in a few words. Is not the exercise of such a PUBLIC SPIRIT for the whole Work of the Lord most desirable? if we consider farther, not only its sweet likeness unto, and fellowship with the heart of Christ; but withal, Isa. 66.10. Zeph. 3.18. that very great Blessing that hath been promised, and all ages they have found to their particular souls, who have been given up to mind most naturally, and follow most fully, that design of God, that had its present tendency in that very age to promote Zion: the Lord is not unrighteous to forget such work, and labour of love, Heb. 6.10. that is showed towards his name. How hath that word been made good to them that pray for her Peace, Psa. 122.6. They shall PROSPER that love thee? And see, we pray you (dear Brethren) how God hath bid his choice remnant to consider, and reckon from that very day, wherein they set their hearts and hands about the Work of Zion, from this day will I bless you, Hag. 2.18, 19 what choice Testimonies of the great love of God to himself, did Daniel find at several times! (He is said to be a man greatly beloved, or a man of desires, Dan. 9.23. & 10.11, 19) when he was wrestling for the NAME and Work of God singly, not minding a word of his own interest (that we read of) farther than it was wrapped up in the Lords? besides the great secrets that were opened to him, of the deep designs of God for a great while to come. What a desirable foresight had David given him by the Spirit, 1 Chro. 28.12 19 etc. in all the pattern of the house of the Lord, and large furnishments thereunto? yea, what provision, to his astonishment, did God make for building him an house, 2 Sam. 7. beg. and establishing his Kingdom, when in the time of his rest he was taking care of that house of God's glory, 1 Chro. 6.33. because of which all the people of the earth might know his name? What a constant observation was Nehemiah enabled to take of the hand of God for good upon him, Neh. 5.19. & 6.9. & 13.14, & 22, 31. Neh. 2.8, 18. and what boldness, and clearness of access, and appeal to the Lord, was he still furnished withal, whiles he was in the fear of God, (Chap. 5.9, 15.) about the work of Zion? Was not Ezra's experience much of the eye and hand of the Lord accompanying him, Ezra 5.5. & 7.6. & 9.8. & 8.18, & 22, 31. in all that great work he did for the Lord his God? Moreover, it deserves our serious observation, being written for generations to come, Psa. 102.17, 18. how much the Lord is delighted in the faithful fervent prayers of those who have sought him, in behalf of the People called by his name; in that he hath carefully preserved the memorial of them, causing them to be expressly recorded in his book; as appears in the first of Nehemiah, and the ninth of Daniel: all which, with many others that might be named, are ensamples unto us, that we by their pattern might be stirred up to serve our generation, Act. 13.36. with faithful spirits, by the will of God. To which also we might add, the remembrance of the Curse on them that hate Zion; yea, Psa. 129.5. the apparent withering and blasting that hath been, and is on them, that in following their private interests, neglect her, and defer her work, under this pretence, The time is not yet come, Hag. 1.2, to 11. the time that the Lords house should be built; whilst in the mean time they prefer their relations, possessions, and other worldly accommodations, before this dear interest of Jesus Christ: for which, that Judgement in a spiritual sense is come upon some, and may justly be feared as coming on others, Hag. 1.10, 11. The heavens over them are stayed from dew, etc. Yea, and hath not God punished this neglect in many, with such a decrease of their spiritual moisture, as that word is made good in them, Psal. 137.6. Their tongues even cleave to the roofs of their mouths; whilst others, faithful in improving their received measure of a Spirit of Faith and Prayer, are abundantly increased therein. Oh! what dreadful Woes are pronounced to them that find their pleasures in such a season, but regard not the work of the Lord, Isa. 5.11, 12. & 22.12, 13, 14. Amos 6.1. to 6. Isa. 32.9, 11. & 57.1, 4. nor consider the operation of his hands; that are at ease in Zion, but are not grieved for the afflictions of Joseph; Careless daughters, that lay not to heart the perishing of the righteous, and consider not the taking away of the merciful men; with whom the Lord will plead, as with them that sport themselves against him: the desire of such slothful ones will kill them, Prov. 21.25. and their prosperity destroy them, Prov. 1.32. And now, Brethren, is it not high time, that we cry aloud, Isa. 58.1. Joel 2.1, 15. and spare not; lift up our voice like a Trumpet, when it is too too evident, that in the day of a little ease wherein for a little space grace hath been given us from the Lord our God, even a little reviving in our bondage, to set up the house of our God, Ezra 9.8, 9 and to repair the desolations thereof, men are sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber in every corner, saying, It is not nigh; let us build houses? etc. And is not Pride, Ezek. 16.49. and fullness of bread companions to this abundant idleness, Prov. 18.9. through which the building decayeth? Oh that at length, for the Lords sake, we might be provoked to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, and that knowing the time, Rom. 12.11. & 13.11. that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now ours, and Zions Salvation, is nearer than when we believed. For the Quickening of our hearts to this work, and the heighthning of our expectations therein, hath not the Lord given us, among many other, this remarkable sign of the times, even a mighty spirit of faith and prayer, through some choice discoveries of grace raised up in his people? by the exercise of which, in the management of ZIONS CONTROVERSY, great and glorious WONDERS have been wrought in these Nations, by unlikely means, in answer to the prayers of the Saints; as hath been openly confessed by the instruments employed, which have caused themselves, and others, beholders, to stand amazed thereat: and although many who once seemed to be pillars in this Cause, have soon forgot these great works, and have turned back from following fully after God in this way; yet there is a REMNANT, a generation that remain upon their WATCHTOWER, with whom the hand of the Lord rests wonderfully, upholding their faith and hope for Zion, notwithstanding all discouragements, in their uncessant prayers for her. Hath God said to his at any time, Seek ye me in vain? Isa. 45.19. hath not God by evident answers of prayers in these days, sealed it in a good measure to his people, that the time to favour her, yea the set-time is come? for he hath regarded the prayer of the poor destitute, and hath not despised their prayer: and is not this written for our sakes? see Psa. 102.17, 18. God who beautifieth his mercies to his people, by giving them in their due season, having in these latter days given forth this glorious blessing of a Spirit of grace and supplication so abundantly, and continuing the same, hath he not some great work to be further carried on thereby? Oh! that we could present unto you, in a lively way, what our souls have begun to taste of those first ripe fruits, of that arising and growing Spirit, that grace hath in a measure visited some Saints withal, that have jointly and severally desired to be found faithful for the Lord: they have to our abundant refreshing witnessed that their labour is not in vain in the Lord; nay, in keeping such Commandments there is great reward: whilst they have felt (though as yet it be but a little of) Zions pangs upon their hearts, they have been strongly carried up into the Spirit of that day, and their souls were made as the Chariots of Aminadab: Cant. 6.12. which declareth clearly to us, that were we but put into perfect travel in our Spirits, Isa. 66.8. did we take Pleasure indeed in her stones, and favour the dust thereof, it would turn to us for a further Testimony, that the time of God's arising to show mercy to Zion, Psa. 102.13, 14. the time to favour her, yea the set time were come. But alas for us! we have not only sought our ease when pain should have been upon us, but as foolish Children, Hos. 13.13. have stayed long in the place of the breaking forth of Children; and by the iniquities that we have contracted since we were named Zions Children, Jer. 5.25. we have kept back good things from her: what remaineth now, but that we lay her state so much the more deeply to heart, as we have drawn grief upon her, and added to her deformity? being earnest in a SPIRIT of faith and prayer NIGHT AND DAY in her behalf, as becometh Children nursed at her side, suitably affected, and acted with and for her: not expecting our own deliverance, Esth. 4.13, 14. Heb. 11.40. any other way then in hers, knowing that we without her cannot be made perfect. And that we may hold on our way without fainting, & not be in our mournings as men without hope; Luke 18.1. would it not prove of great advantage, to the raising and keeping up our Faith, to be much exercised and delighted in the prospect that is to be had, through the promises, into her (ready to be revealed) glory? However, her visage is now blacker than a coal; Lam. 4.8. Isa. 24.16. & 59.9, 11, etc. she is not known in the streets: treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously with her; a disappointment hath be fallen many of her hopeful expectations, because her transgressions are many: reproach hath befallen her at the hands of Professors; and the enemies that know not the Lord, Blaspheme. The light and Spirit of the Lord is belied and abused by vain men, unsound in the faith, disobedient to, and despisers of the Precious Ordinances of Jesus Christ; through which also, loss of Children hath here and there betided her Assemblies. Yet hath JEHOVAH spoken it, and his faithfulness is engaged in an Everlasting Covenant, that though she hath Been forsaken and hated, that no man went through her, yet he will make her an eternal Excellency, a Joy of many generations, the City of the Lord; Isa. 60.14, 15. the Zion of the Holy one of Israel shall She be called; Zech. 2.10. in nothing more glorious, then in the perpetual presence of her KING, and GOD with her, Ezek. 37.27, 28, 29. Rev. 21.3, 21, 22, 23. who shall Tabernacle with men, and dwell with them, they being his people, and he himself shall be with them, and be their God, being in stead of a Temple, Sun, and Moon; the glory of God and the Lamb always lightning her, the Lord being her everlasting light, Isa. 60.19.20. and her God her glory.— How amiable in the day of her deliverance, shall Zion be, through the bringing to her glory that ancient People, the Family of Abraham, Zech. 12.10. God's friend, when they shall see him whom they have pierced, and mourn for him, and be saved by him in that great day of Jezreel, Hos. 1.11. Isa. 11.13. Jer. 3.18. the Lord uniting Ephraim and Judah, making them very great, holy, and a blessing round about? Eze. 34.26. And what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? Rom. 11.15. and when the glory of the Lord shall be risen upon her, then shall the Gentiles come unto her light, and Kings to the brightness of her rising, Mal. 1.11. Isa. 60.1.3. Yea, from the rising of the Sun, unto the going down of the same, shall the Name of the Lord be great among the Gentiles; all Nations flowing unto the Mountain of the Lord, when it shall be advanced to the tops of the Mountains, Isa. 2.2. and exalted above the hills: yea, what glorious things are said of this City of God? There shall be births in Rahab, and Babylon, Philistia, Ethiopia, and Tyre; and yet when God shall count up the people, he shall say of Zion, This and that man was born in her, and the highest himself shall establish her, Ps. 87.3, 4, 5. the zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this. And Oh! that all the Lords people were so fully prepared, as a Bride, to meet their blessed Bridegroom; that we might all unfeignedly say with one accord, Even so, Rev. 22.20. come Lord Jesus, come quickly. Had we but truly-Noble Spirits, how would these discoveries of glory ravish us, and our eye affect our heart? setting us with restless spirits, to be looking for, and hastening unto, 2 Pet. 3.12. that day of the Lord; this day of the manifest exalting JESUS, as KING OF SAINTS, Isa. 33 18. and KING OF NATIONS? Nay, would it not fill our hearts with jealousy for his Name, against all that standeth up in the earth, to oppose his Kingdom and glory, Rev. 15.3, 4. beginning at home in our own spirits? the zeal of the Lords house would eat us up, Psal. 69.9. and the love of it would crucify us more unto, and wean us from those interests of earth, and men, whereupon we have been apt to lean, and whereunto we have been deeply and dangerously engaged: causing us also to wait to be with Jesus, which is best of all; and in the mean time to pant, and thirst uncessantly, for that holy Spirit of Promise, that alone can present us with the ravishing glory of that expected day, and raise up our spirits to a sweet and suitable disposition, according to the will of God, to wait and act aright toward it. Dear hearts, let your faith be high, and your wrestle without weariness; neither be ye in any measure discouraged, nor discouraging one another: Numb. 6.32, 7. in this matter the strong cannot say to the weak, I have no need of thee; 1 Cor. 12.21. should not all our interest in heaven be improved to the uttermost, in this day of jacob's trouble? Oh strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees, Isa. 35.3. Provoke one another to this love, and these good works; say to one another, Heb. 10.24. Zech. 8.21. Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts; I will go also. And ye, O poor of the flock, that wait upon the Lord, and know that this is the word of the Lord, be strong, yea, be strong and of good courage; Zech. 11.11. knowing, that in this Work of God's Tabernacle, he receiveth in good part your sincere, though weak, breathe; your Badgers-skins, and Goatshair, Exod. 35.21, 23. is in no wise cast out. Ye that are of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you, Isa. 35.4. What shall one then answer the Messengers of the Nations? That the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall betake themselves to it, Isa. 14.32. And ye also, beloved and honoured Brethren, who minister the Word of Grace among the Saints, How comely will your go be, as he-goats before the flocks, in this Work? Have you not the Prophets of old, who have spoken in the Name of the Lord, for an example; whose words accompanied with the same Spirit of Faith, will they not furnish to this Work? In reading their writings, consider their work in such a time as this, (Professors then being in such a posture of security as now) was it not to warn them (with a Woe unto them) who were at ease in Zion, Amos 6.1, 3, 4, etc. and such as regarded not the work of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands? Isa. 5.12. Which duty had they neglected, would not God have required it at their hands? Did they not call upon the people to assemble together, to fast and pray, to mourn and weep before the Lord, to plead the cause of his people, his heritage? Joel 2.15, 16, 17. Thus did they, whose example is laid before you, as wise Stewards, giving to those of the household a portion, suitable to the present season. Should we not resemble them in this, crying out with the Watchmen upon Mount Ephraim, Jer. 31.6. Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion, unto the Lord our God; withal, waiting daily on God for such a discerning of the Times, as might render us like the Children of Issachar, who knew what Israel ought to do? 1 Chron. 12.32. If this rude Essay, or small tinkling (as it may be judged) may provoke you, who are more skilful, to blow the Trumpet, and the Lord spirit you thereunto, do it, we pray you, as for his, and his people's sake, with all your might; not sparing to lay out your more worthy Labours, for the carrying on of this Work. Bear with us, yet a little, in our humble importunity: Is not the glorious Name of God, the peace of Jerusalem, and its prosperity, the prosperity of your own Souls also, and the people to whom you relate, who may be discouraged by your remissness, eminently concerned in this matter? Yet once more, we beseech you therefore, in the bowels of Christ, let not any worldly interest, prejudice, jealousy, fear of ill events, or any carnal reasoning whatsoever, withhold your hearts or hands, from helping in so good and glorious a Work. What shall we say more, dearly beloved? if there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye our joy, in being of one accord, and one mind, in this weighty Work commended unto you; wherein the NAME AND GLORY OF GOD (which ought to be dearer to us then our lives) is so eminently concerned. And withal, add to your diligence, in looking into the concernments of Christ, and his Saints, that having arrived unto a distinct knowledge of them, your hearts being duly affected with them, you may go on prosperously, not only to spread before the Lord, both his, and his people's Cause, 1 King. 8.59. as the matter shall require; but also wait for the return of prayer; discerning this in yourselves, That they best know how good God is to them that seek him, that after seeking, wait for him, Lam. 3.25, 26. Having been thus bold with you for Zion, we humbly crave for ourselves, That we may be had in especial remembrance on your hearts before the Lord, that we may be fitted for, and faithful in the work of our Dear REDEEMER: Into whose embraces we give you up, and remain, Your poor unworthy Brethren, through rich Grace firmly knit unto you, in the bonds of Gospel-Love; and one with you in your Spiritual warfare, and waiting for the exaltation of Jesus Christ, Abraham Cheer, Henry Forty, John Pendarves, Tho: Glass, Robert Steed. FINIS.