■^ LI33RA.RY Theological Seminary, PRINCETON, N. I Cas< , Shelf. Booh, jcction. No, y..-^. A DONATPON Keceivcd THE R N and AS PAS 10 : O R, A SERIES O F DIALOGUES AND LETTERS, UPON THE Moft Important and htte7^ejlt?tg Subjeds. IN THREE VOLUMES. By J A M E S ''h E R V E Y, A. M. Rector of Wejion-Favell^ in Northamptonjhire. My Mouth Jball daily /peak of thy Righteoufnefs and Salvation ; for 1 kno^M «? E,.'d thereof Plalm Ixxi. 13. VOL. II. LONDON: Printed for John and James Riving ton, at the Bible and Crown, m St. Pauls Church-yard. MDCCLV. SERIES O F I A L O G U E S, DIALOGUE IX. ^^IJ^HERON, imprefTed with the lafl ll^K^^^%?| Converfation, was very defirous ^fe^L^S to refume the Subjeft, and re- €S^^^§ new the important Debate. With this View, He conduced his Friend into a Retirement, commodious for the Purpofe. They enter a fpacious Lainy?! j w^hich lay op- pofite to the Houfe ; and ftretched itfelf in the Form of an expanded Fan. The Mounds, A 2 on 4 D I A L O G U E IX. on cither Side, were dreffed in Verdure ; and ran out in a (lanting Dire6tion. The whole, to an Eye placed at a Diftance, bore the Re- fcmblance of a magnificent Vijla ; contract- ing, by flow Degrees, its Dimenfions ; and lelfening, at laft, into a Point. Which, the regular and graceful Seat, with all imaginable Dignity, fupplied. Nature had funk the Lawn into a gentle Decline, On whofe ample Sides, were Oxen browzing, and Lambs frifking. The lufty Droves lowed, as they palled -, and the thriv- ing Flocks, bleated welcome Mufic in their Mailer's Ear. — Along the Midft of this ver- dant Slope, ran a fpacious and extenlive Walk. Which, coated with Gravel, and fenced with Palhfadoes, looked like a plain Stripe of Brown, intei-fecting a Carpet of the brighteft Green. — At the Bottom, two handfome Canals, copi- oufly Hocked with Fifh, floated to the Breeze. Whofe Waters, beheld fi'om every Front Room in the Houfc, had a fine EtlecH: upon the Sight ; not without a refrelhing Influence on the Imagination.- — At the Extremity of one, ftood a Itately Cvlonadc. I'hc Roof was elevated on Pillars of the Ionic Order -, and the Area flabbed with Stones, neatly ranged in the Diarnond-Faihion, Several Forelt-chairs ac- commodated the Anglcis with a Seat, while the Icn ling Donie Ibpplied them with a Shade. Corref- DIALOGUE IX. 5 Correfponding, and on the Margin of the otlier Canal, was erected a Swnmer-houfe, of a very lingular Kind. — The lower Part, had an Opening towards the North. It was cool j it was gloomy j and had never feen the Sun. It carried the romantic Air of a G?'otto, or rather the penfive Appearance of a Hermit's Cell. The Outfide was coarfe and rugged with protuberant Stones. Partly o^'er-fpread with Ivy, partly covered with Mofs, it feemed to be the \Vork of antient Years. — You de- fcend, by Steps of Turf, through a low and narrow Door. A fcanty iron Grate, inftead of a large fweeping Saih, tranfmits a glim- mering Light 5 juft fufficient to difcover the inner Struclure. Which appeared, hke one continued Piece of Rock-v^ork -, a Cavern, You would imagine, cut from the furround- ing Quarry. — Ab&oe, hung an irregular Arch ; with an AfpecSt, rather threatening, than in- viting. Below, lay a Paving of homely Peb- bles ; in fome Places, a little furrowed, as though it had been worn by the frequent Tread of folitary Feet. All around, were Ruf- ticity and Solemnity ; Solemnity, never more vifibly feen, than through a Gloom. — Tiie Furniture, of the fame ^rcp^^^W Faihion, with the Apartment. A Bench hewed. You would fufpe(5l, by Nature's Chizzel, cut of the foiid A 3 Stone. 6 D I A L O G U E IX. Stone. A Sort of Couch, compofed of fvveli-* ing Mofs, and fmall fibrous Roots. From one Corner, trickled a pure Spring ; which crept, with a bubbhng Moan, along the chan- neled Floor ; till its healthy Current was col- le(5led into a Bafon, rudely fcooped from the Ground. On the Edge of this Httle Recep- tacle, lay chained a rully Bowl j and over it, jftood an antique worm-eaten Table. — On the leaft obfcure Part of the Wall, you difcern, dimly difcern, a Parchment Scroll ; infcribed with that fage, but mortifying Admonition > Vanity of Vanities ! All is Vanity ! Over this Recefs, fo pleafmgly horrid, and adapted to folemn Mufings, arofe an open and airy Behidere, You afcend by winding Stairs j and coming from the uncouth Abode below, are fweetly furprifed with an elegant Hexagon. The Ceiling lofty, and decorated with the fofteft, richcfb, almoil: flowing Fret- work. The Wainfcot, in large Pannels of Oak, retained its native Auburn : fo beauti- fully plain, that, like an amiable Countenance, it would have been disfigured, rather than im- proved, by the moft coflly Paint. On this were difpofed, in gilded Frames, and to great Advantage, a Variety of entertaining Lajid^ fchapes. But none furpailed, none equalled, all were a Foil to, the noble lovely Views, which DIALOGUE IX. 7 which the Whidows commanded. The Chimiiey-piece, of white fhining Marble, ftreaked with Veins of vivid Red. O^ver //, was carved a fine Fefloon of artificial, in it, was ranged a choice Colle6lion of natural Flowers. -On a Table of gloffy Walnut, lay a portable Telefcope ; attended with Thorn- fons Seafons, and Vanierii Pradium Rujlicum *♦ The whole was fitted up in the highefl Tafte, and farniflied with every pleafurable Ornament. On purpofe to harmonize with that la'-oijh Gaiety, which feemed to fmile over all the Face of Nature* On purpofe to cor- refpond with that vernal Delight, which came breathing on the Wings of every fragrant Gale» I may add, on purpofe to remind the Beholder of thofe immortal Manfions, which will be decorated with Images infinitely more fplendid, with Objects unfpeakably more glo* rious : where holy Beings will fpend, not a few vacant' Hours in refined Amufement, but a boundlefs Eternity in the Confummation of Joy. For, to a well-turned Mind, Nature is * Vanhrii Pradlum Ruf'ictm—A moft elegant Latin Poem: which treats of every remarkable Peculiarity, relating to the Bufinefs of a Country Life, or the Furniture of a Country Seat. — It entertains us with a Defcription of the moil agree- able Objeas ; in an eafy Flov/, of the pureji Language, and moft mufical^umhQxs. It is, I think, one continued Beauty. Superior to every Thing of the Kind, I have met with among the Moderns j and fcarcely, if at all, unworthy the firft Genius of the Au- gttjian Age. Uni Virg'dio fecundus, & pane par, S DIALOGUE IX. is a Preceptor ; and thefe are her inftruBhe Lelibns. To the pure in Heart, even Senfe is edifying j and thcfe are its delicate Mora- lities. The redundant Waters of the Canal,, rolled off in a fpreading Cajcade. Which, tumbling from many a little Precipice, foothed the Air with a Symphony of foft and gurgling Sounds. Nor ever intermitted the obliging Office, ■ Frc?n Moil to Nooii, from Noon to de'wy Eve. But, when the fanning Breezes dropt their Wings ; when the feathered Choir were huihed in Sleep -, when not fo much as a chirping Grafliopper, was heard throughout the Meads j this liquid Inftrument ftill played its So/o : flill purfued its bufy Way, and warbled, as it flow^ed, melodious Murmurs. j^Jj). Such, T'hero?i ; (o uniform, uninter- rupted, and invariable, ihouid be our Con- formity to the divine Law. But alas ! thofe facred Precepts are fo exceeding broad, that the moil inlarged human Obedience, is far from being commenfurate to their Extent : fo abfo- lutely holy, that our highcll Attainments fall vailly fliort of their exalted Perfection. How then can V/e expe6l Jullification, from fuch a confummate Rule ? How dare We place our Dependence, upon fuch imperfe6l Duties ? DIALOGUE IX. 9 Duties ? Efpecially, before a GOD of un- erring Difcernment, and im^maculate Purity. I'her, Becaufe Mankind are incapable of pleafing their MAKER, by yielding an ab- foluf e,2ind invariable Obedience to the moral Law ; does it follow from thence, that they cannot render themfelves acceptable to Him, by an univerfal Courfe of fmcere Obedience ? Afp. I think, it follows from what has been already obferved. If You delire new Argu- ments, they are at hand. ^he Law^ fays the Teacher of the Gentiksy is the Mini fir at ion cf Condemnatio7i *. How can this be true, if it requires no more than a fmcere Obedience ; fuch as is proportioned to our infirm State ? If this be fuffitient to juf- tify, and intitle Us to our CPvEATOR's Fa- vour i the Law ceafes to be the Minillration of Condemnation. It becomes (which is flatly contradi6lory to the Apoflle's Doctrine) the Minillration of Righteoufnefs. The Law is ftyled, -by the fame infpired Teacher, A Schoohnajler to bring Us to CHRIST -J. How can it, upon your Sup- pofition, * 2 Cor. iii. 7. In this Place, I apprehend, the Apodle means the moral Law, and that principally. As that alone was written and engraven on Stones. Ehewhere, I believe. He ufcs the Word in a larger Senf'c; and intends to exclude all Law whatever, from bearing any Share in ourjuilification, f Gtf/. iii. 24. Uot,i§xy'xyoq^ J Scbcol'7naJlcr : Who pre- -jtends not x.o finijh the Educuion of Yauth > but dircds tl.em 10 D I A L O G U E IX. pofition, be qualified for fuch an Ofnce ? If c( fincere Obedience be the whole of its De- mands, it can no longer (]ire6l Us to CHRIST; it will no longer deliver Us over to a RE- DEEMER'S Merit j but muft draw and at- tach Us to iffe/f. Teaching Us to look upoH its Precepts, and our own confcientious Ob- fervance of them, as the Tenure of eternal Life. Do You infift upon a third Proof ? A third prefents itfelf. Not fo much founded on Ar- gumentation, as deduced from Example. How was Abraham *, the Friend of GOD, and Father of the Faithful, juflified r By a Courfe of fincere Obedience ? No j but by- Faith in the promifed MESSIAH. Abraham worked not, with a View to obtain Juftifica- tion ; but belie'ved on Hiniy who jujUfieth the Ungodly. How was David ^^ the Man after GOD'S to, and prepares them for, higher Studies, or nobler Empl(->y3, The Law, in like manner, aims not at furnifliing Us with a Title to Happinefs ; but jits; difpofesy and difciplines \J?y for the all-fufficicnt REDEEMER. Some have thought, that ti<; Xci^^oif fignifies. Until the Com- ing of CHRIST. But this will hardly confif^ with th«^ Genius of the Language, or with the Lnport of the follow- ing Claufe, Th(it IVe wight he jujiified by Failh. — Bcfides^ this would confine the Efficacy of the Law, to that Period of Time, which preceded our LORD's Incarnstion. Whereas, it y?/// does, and tf/if^^'j will ^^, (until this Cor- ruptible (hall put on Incorruption) in a Way of Subferviency to his Merits. * Thefe two Examples are, with the trueft Judgment fe- l«^ed, and with the utmoft Propriety applied. Rom. iv. 4, Lit • D I A L O G U E IX. It GOD's own Heart, juflified ? By his Zeal for the LORD, and by his eminent Services? No J but by a Righteoufnefs imputed: even that Righteoufnefs of the blefled REDEEMER, through which Imatiiiy is forghen, and Siii par- doned. — And can We be laid to walk humbly^ or can We bethought to v^^W^furely^ if, refufing to tread in the Steps of thefe exemplary Saints, We divert into a Path of our own devifmg ? T^her. " Of our own devifing !" No, my Friend : there is a milder Law introduced by the Gofpel, condefcending and merciful to our Infirmities, which accepts of Sincerity inflead of perfect Obedience. j^fp. When was this milder Law introduced, and the ftrifter abrogated ? Not upon the Entrance of Sin, I prefume. At this Rate, the original Law muft be the Creature of a few Days J perhaps of difew Hours only. But can We imagine, that the all-wife and un- changeable GOD would ordain a Syftem of Precepts, kjc. Rom. iv. 6, ^c. — Ahrohain was the moft illuflrious Pat- tern of Piety, among the Jevj'ijh Patriarchs : In Glory there was Notie like Him. Ecclus. xliv. 19. David wzs the. mo^ zealous and feraphic of their Kings ; A Man after GO D's tiivn Heart, i Sam. xiii. 1 4. If neither of thefe was juftified by his oivn Obedience ; but each by an imputed Righteouf^ nefs : If they both obtained Acceptance with GOD, not as upright Beings, who might claim it ; but zsfinful Creatures, who muft implore it; the Confequence is glaring. It is fuch, as muft ftrike every attentive Undcrftanding, aad muft afFec^E every individual Perfon, 12 DIALOGUE IX^ Precepts, to be difanullcd, as foon as enact- ed ? Not in our LORD's Time, I am very certain. That holy Commandment, which requires Jupreme Love to GOD, and perfeSl Charity to Men, He aiilues Us, was ilill in Foice *. Nay, it is evident, from the Na- ture of the DEITY, and from our Relation to one another. That It ahvays Vv'ill be in Force ; that it never can ceafe 3 but is necef- fary and everlafting. " A milder Law, condefcending to our In- " firmities" What can be the Purport of fuch an Inftitution ? It muft be fuppofed to fpeak the following Language j " Be it known " unto You, O Children of Adam^ that You *' are no longer injoined to lo^e the LORD " with all your Strength, nor to love your " Neighbour as Yourfelves. Once, indeed, " I infifted upon abfolute Purity of Heart ; " wj:) I can difpenfe with fonie Degree of " evil Concupifcence. Since CHRIST is " com.e, and his Gofpel preached, You need " not always be clothed with Humility; but " may feel fome little Emotions of Pride. — " In lliort ; becaufe You are ivenky I will " comiive ; or even accommodate my Do- " mands to your enfeebled and depraved " Condition." Not to urge, (what muft be fliocking to everv Ear) That fuch a Doctrine would make the ♦ Matt, xxii. 37, 38, 39. D I A L O G U E IX. 13 the HOLY ONE of GOD, a Miniiler of Sin ; and the Gofpel of our Salvation, a Pa- tent for Licentioufnefs. Let me only alk Does this agree with our LORD'S Declara- tion ? Ojie "Jot or "Tittle jJoall in no nvife pafs from the Law^ till all be fulfilled *. Is this fuitable to the Perfections of the divine LE- GISLATOR ? JVith whom is no Variablenefs^ nor Shadow of Turntjig -f ? Will this confifl with the avowed Refolution of the Almighty JEHOVAH ? He will magnify the Law, and make it honourable j, Ther. However You may decry, what I call the milder Law, St. Paul afTerts it to be the Chrifiian Scheme. This He ftrenuoufly argues for, as the only Scheme by which any Man can be juftified in the Sight of GOD. Afp. Does He, Theron? In what Epiftle ? What Chapter ? What Verfe ? He fays, ad- dreffing Himfelf to the Galatian Converts 3 / do not fruftrate the Grace of GO D -, for, if Righteoufnefs come by the Law, CHRIST is dead in vain ||. From which Pafiage, We learn two very momentous Truths. That, to de- rive a j unifying Righteoufnefs from the Law, is not only derogatory to the Honour of Grace, but fubverfive of its very Being. That, by feeking * Matt. V. J 8. f James I. 17. % Jfaiah xYm.21. J Gal. il. Tri, 14 D I A L O G U E IX. feeking to be juftified by our own confcien- tious Behaviour, We make, as far as in Us lies, the Death of CHRIST a vain Thing ; for which there was no Occafion, and of which there is no Ufe. To the fame Purpofe it is written in that invaluable Epiille to the Romans * 5 If they ivbicb are of the Law be Heirs ; if they, who truft to their own Performance of the Lav/, are thereby intitled to the heavenly Inherit- ance -y Faith is made void, a?id the Promife 7nade cf none EffeSi, See now, my Friend, the Tendency of your Opinion 1 It is not a mere ipeculative Miflake i an Error of inconfider- able Confequence s but fuch as iirikes at the Fundamentals of the Gofpel. Inftead of be- ing the only Cbrijlian Scheme, it totally over- throws -f- Chrijiianity itfelf. For, it would render * Rsm. iv. 14^ f ?>t. Paul fays of thofe Prezchers, who taught Jufilfi- cation by the Works of the Law, They ivould pervert, or (as the Original i/,slar^t^xi may be tranflated) fubvert and over- throw the Gofpel of CHRIST. — To pervert, give a zurong Turn, or a falfe Co/our, feems not to exprels fully the Apcrftle's Idea, nor to preferve the native Energy of hits Ar- gument. The Greek Word is equivalent to the Hebrezv ""i£3n» which We generally render evertere. Gal. i. 7. It may be worth our while, to tranfcribe Bexas Defcaot upon the Paflagc : which is no lefs pertinent, than it is im- portant, ^iiil cn'tm magis csnirarium eft Fide't, five gratuita: fuji'ificationi, quam fujl'ificatio ex Lege, five Meritis, non CHR IS TI fed noftris f Itaque qui voluni ijia duo coruiliarty magis eiiamfunt ifiepti, quam fi quis conetur Lucem cum Tent- Iris, Mortem cum f^iia conjungen. D I A L O G U E IX. 15 render the Promife abortive, and fuperfede the Necefhty of Faith. It would deftroy the very Exiflence of Grace, and make even the Death of CHRIST a fuperfluoiis Tranfac- tion. Ther. This I fee, Afpajio •, That the Method of obtaining Acceptance on Account of our own Sincerity, is a benign Expedient -, fuch as correfponds with the compafTionate Nature of the DEITY; and is what, the Apoftle ftyles, being jiijlified hy Faith ^ without the Deeds, of the Law. AJp, How ! To be juftified by Faith, and juftified by Sincerity, thtfame Thing! Is j.t poflible, that thefe fhould be equivalejit Terms ? — -Let me illuftrate my Query by a Similitude, which our prefent Situation fug- gefls. Sometimes, an eafy Comparifon is more convincing, than a laboured Argument. From this pleafing Eminence, We com- mand an extenfive View of the Country. Our Eye conne6ls the artlefs Grandeur of Nature, with the elegant Embellilhments of the Summer-houfe. Nor is the puWic Road the leaft entertaining Part of the Scene. Be- caufe, it prefents Us with a moving PiSfure ; with a perpetual SuccelTion of new Objects. How many Travelers have pafied in Re- view, fince We took our Seat in this agree- able Elevation ! Juft at this Inflant, a Stage- coach i6 D I A L O G U E IX. coach bolts out of the Lane ; filled, I pre- fume, with Paflengers, that refide in the Neighbourhood, or are to lodge in the next Market-town. We will fuppole them fet down at their Journey's End. An Acquaintance vifits them : congratulates them on their Ar- rival : and afks that cuftomary Queftion, " How they came ?" — " We came, fay they, *' without walking a Step ourfelvesj yet by " walking, as well, and as far, as We were " able." — Is this Anfv/er intelligible? Are thefe two Methods of traveling conjifient ? So inteUigible is my Friend's Doftrine. So con- fident is Juftihcation, vouchfafed 'without the Deeds of the Law ; and Juflification obtained, by performing the Deeds of the Law, as well as We are able. T^ker. Without the Law, fignifies. Without the Neceflity of an exacl and unerring Con- formity to it. j4fp. This is not ivithcut^ but by the Law, qualified in the Rigour of its Demands, and departing fomcwhat from the Perfeftion of its Precepts. Could You aflirm, with any Propriety, that this Part of the Hcmifphere is without the Sun ? Becaufe, an intervening Cloud has moderated its Fervour, and abated its Glare. What fays the Apofilc ? His Words in an- other Place, will determine his Meaning in this. D I A L O G U E IX. 17 \KiS. If a State of Acceptance with GOD, ■be of Works ; be referable to our own Obe- dience, whether fincei^ or perfe6l -, it is 720 mare of Grace *. Works and Grace, in Point of Juftification, are irreconcilable Oppofites -f*. They mutually vacate each other> But why do I fpeak of Grace ? If my Friend^s Opinion prevail, Grace is at an end. What We took to be the Gofpel, turns out a Covenant of Works. Salvation ceafes to be 'a free Gift, and becomes a necelfary Payment. For, to Him that -worketh, that performcth what the Law requires, is the Reward not reckoned of Grace ; but He may claim it, as Matter of Debt %. Ther. You take no Notice of what I urged, concerning the Benignity of this Scheme ; and how much it magnifies the Ck?fiency of the great LEGISLATOR. Afp. But why ihould Clemency erefl its Throne, on the Rni?is of almoft every other Attribute? — This Method would difhonour the * Rom. XI. 6. The PafTage produced by Afpafio., refers immediately to the DocStrine of Eledlion, and but remotely to the Privilege of Juftification. However, as the former in- cludes the latter, if that be perfedly free, this cannot be the Confequence of Works. The Argument, therefore, I ap- prehend) is Conclufive, though the Proof is not fo direcSt. + E diametro inter fe opponuntur, Mofes & y E SUS CHR ISTUS: Lex ef Promijjio : facere ^ credere: Opera .^ Fides : Merces ^ Donum. Bengel. \ Rom, iv. 4. Vol. n. B i8 D I A L O G U E, IX. the Veracity of GOD 3 which has denounced a Curfe, upon every Deviation from his re-* vealed Will. — It would dcpretiate the Admi^ iiijlration of his Juftice ; which cannot but punifh, whatever violates his facred Precepts. — It VA'Ould greatly derogate from the Digtiity of his La\v^ ; and make it a mere Thing of Wax. To bend > and truckle j and take its Form, from the Sin and Wcaknefs of human Nature. ^her^ Will the divine Law then make no favourable Allowances for human Infirmities, for conftitutional Faults, and Strength of PaiTion ? Afp. Far be it from me to reprefent the Law of the MOST HIGH, either more flria:, or more yielding, than it really is. To avoid all Poflibility of fuch a Miftake, let Us hear the Declaration of the Law^ itfelf. Curfed is every One that continucth fiot in all Things, that are written in the Book of the haw to do them *. Every One-y without any Exception of Per- fons ; without any Regard to Pleas, either of human Weaknefs, or violent Temptation. — 'That continucth 7iot ; it is not enough to ob- ferve thefe holy Commandments, in the gene- ral Tenour of our Converfation. Olir Courfe of Obedience mud be v^ithout any Intermif- fion; * Gal. iii. 10. JD I A L O G U E IX. 19 fion; from the earlieft Dawn of Reafon, to the lateft Period of Life. — hi all things j We mufl refrain from all the Sins, that are forbid- den, and from every Approach towards them. We mufl: praftife all the Virtues, that are in- joined, and in their full Extent of Perfection. In a Word j the Law infifl:s upon Obedi- ence, perfe6l in its Frinciple ; perfe6l in all its Parts ; perfe6l in every Degree ; and in each of thefe Refpe6ls perpetual *. — The leafl: Deficiency in any one Particular, renders Us liable to Vengeance ; and, notwithfl:anding any Repentance for Tranfgreflions, nctwith- (landing all Pretenfions to Sincerity of Heart, fubje6ls Us to the Curfe* T^heron paufed. — He feemed to be fl:ruck with Surprife, — But rallying his Thoughts, replied. If this be the Senfe of the PafTage, Who of all Flefli can be faved ? AJp. Say rather ; If the Extent of the di- vine Law be fo inlarged, if its Demands be fo high, and its San6lion fo awfully rigorous j then mufl: every Mouth be fl:opped — then is all the World become guilty before GOD — aiid, by the Works of the Laiv fiall no Man living be jujiijied. Tier. * That the Law infifls upon an Obedience ahjolutelyperfeei^ will be farther evident to the attentive Reader ; if He confi- ders the Tenour of St. Panr% Argumentation, in his Epiftle to the Romans^ and to the Galatiam. Particularly Rem. jii, 23. iv. 15. Gal. ill. 21. B 2 e 20 D I A L O G U E IX. T'her, Will not fuch exceffively fevere Doc- trine, drive People into Defpondency, or even drown them in Defpair f Afp. No, T'heron ; unlefs it be fuch a De- fpair, as is the Parent of heavenly Hope -, and productive of thofc amiable Tv^ans, Peace and Joy. A Defpair, I mean, of being reconciled to our offended GOD, and of obtaining eter- nal Happinefs, by any Satisfadion or any Duties of our own. '^hcr. Surely, You forget the gracious Ma- nifejio, publifhed by the condefcending KING of Heaven ; If there be firji a 'willing Mitid^ it is accepted^ according to 'what a Man hath, not according to 'what He hath not *. Is it not plain from this Text, that infinite Goodnefs will admit our honefl, though imperfedl En- deavours. And, fnice We are not able to pay an unfmning^ will mercifully accept our beji Obedience. Afp. I do not forget, but pofTibly my Friend may mifapply the gracious Manifejlo, — To whom was the Word of this Confolation fent ? To true Believers j who had green their o'wn- felves to the LORD -f* ; who ivere eftablificd in CHRIST X-y and abounded in Faith %. — If You llkewife, my dear Theron^ acknowledge Your- fclf a vile Sinner in your worft, and an un- profitable * 2 Cor. viii, 12. t 2 Cfr. viii. 5. J 2 Cor. 'wxi, § 2 Cor, viii. 7. D I A L O G U E IX. 21 profitable Servant in your beft Eilate : if, in confequence of this Acknowledgment, You fly for Refuge to the Wounds of a crucified SAVIOUR y and rely, for Salvation, only on hh Obedience unto Death : then. You imitate thofe Corinthian Converts. Then You may apply that indulgent Declaration to Yourfelf. And then would I venture to addrefs You, in the elegant and chearing Language of the royal Preacher 3 Go thy Way^ eat thy Bread •with yoy^ a?id dri?ik thy Wine with a merry Heart j for GOD now accepteth * both thy Perfon, and thy Performances. But, if You overlook the Righteoufnefs of the blefled JESUS ; if You depend upon Yourfelf and your own Attainments j You are (how fhall I fpeak it ! ) not accepted, but accurfed. In fuch a Cafe, You have already heard your Doom denounced by Mojes, and may hear it ratified by the Apoftle of the Gentiles ; As ?nany as are of the Works of the Law, * Ecclef. ix. 7. — AfpafiO% Remark: difcovcrs an Ambiguity ill the Word accepted. — li People mean, Thai fmcere Obe- dience Ihall be accepted, as their jujiifying Righteoufnefs ; as that which conftitutes their Title to everlafting Felicity : the Propofition is extremely falfe. — If they mean, That the fincere Obedience of Believers, though xi^xy imperfecl in it- felf, fliall be gracioujly regarded in CHR I ST., and find Fa- vour through his all recommending A'lerit : the Sentiment is unqueftionably true. — Is Sincerity the EffeSi of Faith? Then We may rejoice in it, with the happy Apoftle, 2 Cor. i. 12. Would Sinceiity be the Condition of our frtflipcotion? Tb.cn •We muft renounce it, with holy Jol^ Chap, i.\. i 5. " 3 22 D I A L O G U E IX. Law, who feek Juftification by their own Obfervance of its Commands, are under the Curfe *. I'her. Under the Curfe ! Becaiife, our At-. tempts to obey, though faithfully exerted, are attended with Defe6ls ! Is not this unreafon- able and fhocking ? JJnreafonahle^ that the GOD of Juflice fhould eftablifli a Law of fuch con- fummate Perfection, as no Child of Adam can, even with his utmoft Affiduity and Cai'e, fulfil ? Shocking, that the GOD of Mercy fhould thunder out fo fevere a Denunciation, on the leaft inadvertent Breach, on every unavoidable Failure ? — This exceeds the relentlefs Rigour of Draco, or the tyrannical Impofitions of the /Egyptian Tafk-maflers. Draco is fald to have written his Laws in Blood. Yet He ne- ver enacted fuch Inflitutions, as were abfo- lutely too flricl and difficult to be obferved. And, though the /Egyptian Tafk-mallers in^ fifted upon the full Tale of Bricks, without allowing the neceffary Proportion of Straw, yet the Punilhment they inflicled, was incom- parably Icfs than everlafling Deftruclion. Ajp. Had GOD Almighty's Defign in de- livering his Law to fallen Mankind, been, to propound the Means of their Jujiificationi- your Argument would have been valid, and your Inference undeniable. But the SU- PREME * Gal. 'in. 10. D I A L O G U E IX. 23 PREME LEGISLATOR had a very dlfferent,- a far more myfterious End. — However, be- fore I proceed to touch upon this Point, let me defire to know yow Opinion. For what Reafons, think you, was the Law ordained ? ^ber. For what Reafons ? — To deter Men from the Commilhon of Vice, and excite them to the Practice of Virtue. — To fet before them a Rule for their Conduct ; which if they di- ligently obferve, they fhail be rewarded with eternal Happinefs ; which if they prefumptu- oufly tranfgrefs, they fliall be punified vv'ith eternal Mifery. . Afp. The Law is undoubtedly a Rule of Conduft to All, not the CGiidition of eternal Happinefs to Any. If Man had never fallen, this Doctrine had been found Divinity ; and this Method, a pi^clicable Scheme. But, ever fince the Fall^ fuch a Way of Salvation, is fomewhat like the North-Eaft Pafiage. As Mountains of Ice, and the feverefl Rigours of Winter, block up this : fo, extreme Im- potence in Man, and the utmofl: Perfection in the Law, bar up that. — T^/je LaWy faith the Apoflle, is weak\ is incapable of furnilhing Us with a Title to the heavenly Felicity *. Not * Rom. viii. 3. Therefore he fays in another Place ; IF there had been a Law given^ xvhlch could have given Llfc^ (lal. B 4 iii. 24 D I A L O G U E IX. Net through any Defe6l in its Precepts, but (brcugh the Flcfi j through tlie Inability of our degenerate Nature. Yet I mulil confefs, You are not-;^one in this Opinion. Muhitudcs have unwarily en- tertained the fame Notion. Not apprehen- five, that they fruftrate hereby the Grace oi; GOD, and render it of none EfFeft with re- gard to themfelves. — If You examine the fcriptiiral Account, You will End it quite of another Strain. T'her. Pray \tt me hear the fcriptural Ac- count. For, whenever thofe divine Oracles fpeak, I am all Attention. Where-ever they interpofe their Authority, I am all Submiflion* Afp. By the Law is the Knowledge of Sin *. Far from being our Juflificr, it is our Ac- cufer. It arraigns and proves Us guilty. Ir demonftrates, beyond all Poilibility of Con- tradiclion, that the very befl among Us, have failed and come ihort of our Duty j nay, that the very beR among Us, have done amifs, and dealt wickedly. / was alive without tfje Law once^ fays tlic Apollle \. I thought myfelf upright and holy J and intitlcd, by Virtue of thefe Qua- lifications, iii. 21. It is the fr.rac Way of fpeaklng, and intended to denote the very fame Jmp^jfthil'.ty, which is impHed in that Speech of J E HO VAH to Ahraham ; IF a Man can num*- her the Diiji of the Earth. Gen . x i i i . 1 6 , * Rom. iii. 20. t Rom. vii. 9. '■'« D I A L O G U E IX. 25 lifications, to Life eternal. But when the Cojiimaiidmejit came^ ihining in its Purity, and operating with Power, ^in revived -, a clea^' and li^jdy Senfe of Guilt fhot, like a piercing Ray, through all my Soul. I faw myfelf chargeable with many pafl Provocations, I felt myfelf fubjedl to much remaining Cor-* ruption. In confequence of which, / died-, my vain Conceits were blafted j my prefump^ tuous Hopes expired : I could not but ac- knowledge myielf, juflly liable to Condemna^ tion and Death. T'her. It had this Effe6l on Saul, when He was a malignant and barbarons Perfecutor. But, when People are virtuous and benevolent^ what Purpofe does it then ferve ? Afp. A very important one. Yet fuch as ' may, probably, at the firft Hearing, afFe6l You with a little Surprife. ^he Law entered^ fays the Apoftle, that the Offence might — 'T'her. Be 7-eftraincd^ no doubt. Afp. That the Offence might abound"^, is the Affertion. Ther, Surprifmg indeed ! Is it polTible that GOD's Law fhould give Countenance to Siii ? Nay, add Spurs to the Sinner ? Afp. Let Us beware of miftaking our fa- . cred Cafuift. The Law entered, not that the Commiffion of Sin might be authorized, but that the * jRom. V. 20, 26 D I A L O G U E IX. the Ahundimce of our Sins might be manifeJleL That all Mankind, even your virtuous Per- fons, may perceive the great Muhitude of their Iniquities 5 the greater Impurity of their Hearts* J together with the utter Imperfec- tion of their higheft Attainments, and beft Services. This End could not be anfwered by a Law, relaxed in its Demands, or warping to our Weaknefs ; only by a Syflem of Precepts, every Way exa6l, and in all Degrees perfect. — Whoever would reprefent to his Neighbour, the Spots that fully, or the Scars that dis- figure his Countenance, mull effecl the De- fign, not by a ftained, but by a pure Mirror. Tiher. The Knowledge of Sin, and a Co?ividlion of our exceeding Sinfulnefs ! — Thefe are Inten- tions, which I fhould not have fufpe(5led. Afp. Thefe are not all. There is another Intention of the Law, equally neceffary, and no lefs awful. // reveals the Wrath of GODy againft all Ungodlinefs and Unrighteoufnefs of Men-f. — Having fet before the Sinner, his innumerable Offences, and enormous Guilt ; it denounces the Doom, which He deferves. It unlheaths the Sword of Juftice, and threa- tens the Offender with everlafting Deftru(5lioii from the Prefence of the LORD. Tber. * And therefore was Law giv'n theniy to evince Their natural Pravity. Milt. B, XII. 287. •f Rom, i. 18. D I A L O G U E iX. 27 ^er. A modern Writer ilippofes, that GOD may fet aficle the Law, in Favour of frail Men. I might far more reafonably fuppofe, that He would mitigate the Law, on the fame Confideration, But what You urge, makes me afraid to lean on fo precarious a Prop. AJp. To look for Comfort and Salvation from this Quarter, would be to lemi^ as the Arabian Proverb fpeaks, on a Wave of the Bed : which will not only fail to fupport, but will certainly fwallow up, the unadvifed and rafh Depender. No, ^heron; rather than the divine Law fliould lofe its Honours, Sodom and Gomormh were laid in Aflies \ the antient World was deftroyed with a Deluge ; the prefent Frame of Nature is deftined to the Flames, and all its unholy Inhabitants will be condemned to Hell. — Nay, rather than the leaft T^ittle fliould pafs unaccompliflied, its Curfe has been exe- cuted on god's own SON, and all its In- junctions have been fulfilled in the Perfon of y^^tAS CHRlSr, . I'her. As I dare not confide in the modem provifionary Saho, fo neither can I accede to your fevere and terrifying Notions. — The Laws, of a wife and beneficent Governor, are calcu- lated for the Good of his Subje6ls. What Good can accrue to Us, from receivimr fuch a Sentence, and polfeiling fuch Convictions ? 28 DIALOGUE IX. Afp, Much and various. — Though I might mention many Advantages, I fhall content myfelf with felefting one. Which is not only valuable in itfelf, but the Introduclion to every fpiritual Blefling. — Hence We are taught to^^ our Danger : hence We are made to feel Qur Mifery : that We may no longer deep in Security, but folicitoufiy look out for Deli- verance, and gladly accept the fovereign Re- medy. ^her. The Law then, according to your Reprefentation, is intended to acciife me — ^to conviB me — to condemn me. So it becomes^ inftead of a falutary, a killing Syftem. Afp. T'he Letter killeth^ but the Spirit giveth Life*. If We adhere to the literal Senfe, without attending to the fpiritual Defign : if We regard only the Precept and the Sanction, as they ftand in themfehes ; and neither con- fider, nor improve them, as a6ling in Sub^ ferviency to the MEDIATOR'S Righteoufnefs ; they are doubtlefs a killing Ordinance, and bind Us down under a Sentence of Death. — But rightly improved — Hold ! Let me pro- ceed no farther with the Argument. You are a Sportfman, Tberon^ and delight in the manly Recreations of the Field. You muft therefore have read that fine Poem, which fo elegantly defcribes your favourite Diverfion. * 2 Cor, In. 6. D I A L O G U E IX. 29 ^her, T^he Chace, I fuppofe, You mean. ylfp. The fame. — Do You remember the large Defcription of the royal Stag Chace ^ T^her. Perfectly well. It is not a Week, fince I perufed the whole Paflage ; and with as much Pleafure, as if it had been intirely new. Afp. Then You can give me a Summary of the agreeable Narrative. Ther. I can. But will not this Chace lead Us away very far from our Subject ? Afp. Perhaps, not fo far as You imagine. I have a Reafon for my Requeft. T'her. What Reafon, I befeech You ? Afp. You fliall foon know. Only favour me with the Account. Ther. I proteft, I cannot difcern the leaft Connexion, between thefe rural Sports, and the grand Topic of our Converfation. How- ever, fmce You command, I will impUcitly obey. The Stag, roufed from his Lair, fhakes his dappled Sides ; tofles his beamy Head ; and, confcious of fuperior Agility, feems to defy the gathering Storm. — You fee, fpeaking of Poetry, I have catched fomething of the poe- tical Strain. Afp. This inlivened Manner excites my Ea- gernefs, and makes me more defirous to hear the Sequel. fher. 30 D I A L O G U E IX. ^her. Fiift, He has Recourfe to Stratagenij and evafive Shifts. He pkingcs into the Copfc ; darts aaofs the Glade ; and wheels about in. doubling Mazes ; as though He would purfue, even the Foe fje avoids. The full-mouthed Pack unravel all his Windings, and drive Hiin from his wily Arts* Now, He betakes JHimfelf to Flight, and confides in his Speed. He burits through the Woods ', bounds over the Lawns ', &nd leaves the lagging Beagles far behind. The Beagles flow, but fure, trace his Steps, through Woods, through Lawns, through half the extended Foreft. Unwearied, ftill unwearied, they urge their ardent Way, and gain upon the alarmed Obje6l of their Purfuit. Again He flies. Flies with redoubled Swift- nefs. Shoots down the Steep > flrains up the Hill J and takes flielter in the inmofl: Recefs of fome fequefl:ered .Grove. The fagacious Hounds hang, with greedy Noftrils, on the Scent. They recover, by indefatigable Aflidui- ty, the Ground they had lofl:. Up they come a third Time ; and, joining in a general Peal of Vengeance, hurry the affrighted Animal from his fliort Concealment. Perplexed, and in the utmofl: Diflrefs, He feeks the numerous Herd. He would lofe Himfelf, and elude his Purfuers, amidfl: the Multitude of his Fellows. But thev, uncon- cerned D I A L O G U E IX. 31 cerned for a Brother's Woe, fhun the mifer- able Creature, or expel Him from the felfifh Circle. — Abandoned by his Aflbciates, and haunted with Apprehenfions of approaching Ruin, He tiembles at every Leaf that fliakes. He ftarts •, He fprings ; and wild, and fwift as the Wind, flies He knows not where, yet pours all his Soul in Flight. — Vain, vain are his Efforts. The horrid Cry, lately lefTened, thickens upon the Gale, and thunders in his Ear. — Now, the poor breathlefs Victim is full in View. His Sprightlinefs forfakes Him. His Agility is fpent. See ! how He toils in yonder Valley, with faultering Limbs, and a hobling Gait. The Sight of their Game, quickens the Pace, and whets the Ardour, of the impetuous Hounds. With tumultuous Violence they rufh in, and with clamorous Joy demand their Prey. What can He do ? Surrounded as He is, with infulting Tongues, and ravenous Jaws ? Defpair is capable of infpiriting even the ti- morous Breafl. Having nothing to hope, He forgets to fear. He faces about, and makes a refolute Stand. The Trunk of a flurdy Tree,, covers his Rear j and his own branching Horns, defend Him in Front. He ruflies up- on his Adverfaries; goars fome; lays others groveling on the Turf j and makes the whole coward Pack give way. Encouraged 5?t b I A L o G u £: ix:. ^Incouraged by this unexpected Succels, his Hopes revive. He ralUcs once again his droop- ing Spirits J exerts the Httlc Remainder of his Strength ; and fprings through the nildft of the retiring Rout. — ^It is his laft, lafl Chance. He flretches every Nerve ; once more lofes Sight of the Rabble from the Kennel ; and, finding no Security on the Land, takes to the Water. He throws his burning Sides into the River ; fails down the cooling Stream ; and flinks away to the Verge of fome little Ihelving Ifland. There, finding a Refling-place for his Feet, He Ikulks clofeto the Ihady Margin. All immerfed in the Wave, excepting only his Noftrils, He baffles, for a while, the pry^ ing Eye of Man, and the keener Smell of BrutCk Difcovered, at length, and forced to quit this unavaihng Refuge, He climbs the ihppery Bank. Unable to fly any longer. He itands at Bay againft an aged Willow. Starfds, all faint with Toil, and fobbing with Anguilli. The Crouds that gather round Him, with mercilcfs and outrageous Tranfport, triumph in his Mifery. A Multitude of blood-thirily Throats, joined with the fonorous Horn, ring his funeral Knell. — The Tears, till this fatal Inftant unknown, guili from his languiftiing Eyes, and roll down his reeking Cheeks. He calls one more Look on the Woods, the Lawns, the D I A L O G U E IX. 33 the pleafing Scenes of his former Dehghtsj and, determined to die, prepares to fell his Life as dear as poffible. At this moft critical Jun6lure, the royal Sportfman comes up. He fees the diftrefled Creature ; and, as foon as He fees, He pities. The Clemency, which attends the Throne, accompanies even the Diverfions of Majefty. He ifilies the high Command. The prohibitory Signal is given. The Pack, though raving for Blood, are checked in a Moment. And not checked only, hut called off from the Prey. Difappointed and grumbling, they re- tire: and leave the intended Victim of their Fury, to enjoy his Liberty, his Safety, and his Eafe again. I have now followed the Stas", till I have tired your Patience. Why did You fuffer me to run oi, at this extravagant Rate ? You knov/, I am, .on thefe favourite Topics, an everlafting Talker. Afp. Why this Apology, 7y6^r5«f I am fure. You did not fee my Lips yawn, or my Head nod, while You was purfuing your Subje(5V. Befides, I intend to make Reprizals, and put your Attention to the fame Tryal. Thus the Stri6lnefs of the La'u; purfues the Soul J diflodges it from every Refuge of Lies; and never remits its terrifying Menaces, till the poor Delinquent ceafes from Self-confi- VoL. n. - C dcnce, 34 D I A L O G U E IX. dence, and fixes on CHRIST' for his whole Salvation *. , The Man, perhaps, is awakened into a ferious Concern for his etci'nal State. In con- fequcnce of which, He relinquiihes his pro- fane and iniquitous Practices. Breaks the Sabbath, and defrauds his Neighbour no more. — But the Law quickly reprefents, and in a glaring Light, that a Negative Obedience is by no Means fufficicnt, to deliver from the Wrath to come. Upon this, He betakes Himfelf to a Courfe of pofitrce Holinefs. Gets acquainted with re- ligious People, and performs religious Duties. Prays in fecret, and attends public Ordinances. Confcientioafly obferves the LORD's Day, and regulates his Behaviour by the Rule of GOD's Commandments. Now, He is ready to congratulate Himfelf on his remarkable and hopeful Reformation. Soon He perceives, that all his Proficiency is but Skin-deep : a mere outfuic Varnifli : which has not penetrated the inner Man. He begins, therefore, to watch over the Motions, and bewail the Evils of his Heart. He la- bours to fubdue Pride, and curb Pafiion ; to purge out filthy Luifs, and to baniih fpiritual Wickcdnefs. Notwithlfanding all his Vigi- lance, * Lex Hominem urget, donee /y ^<:/ C H R I S T U M confugit. "Turn ipfa ditit; Jj'^Uimei noiha \ dfinoTs perfcqnt ; fapiSy folvuses. - ' Bengel. D I A L O G U E IX. 35 knee, Confcience flies in his Face, either for the Ne9:le6t of fome Virtue, or the Commif- fion of fome Sin. The Law rings in his Eaf that dreadful Denunciation; " Curfed is He, " that performeth not all Things." Struck by this Convidion, his Wounds bleed afrefh. He is obHged to feek fome new Balm for his Sore. In order to appeafe an offended GOD, and atone for his finfal Re- lapfes. He makes many forrowful Confeilions; pollibly, fubmits to voluntary Suuerings. He denies Hrmfelf, and beflows liberally on the Poor. He (ighs deeply, and mourns bitterly. — But can Waters that are muddy, cleanfe the Garment that is filthy ? Writ Thou fatisfy, O vain Man, for one' Sin, by tommitting an- other ? In thefe penitential Exercifes, were thy Thoughts fteadily devout ? In fbofc A6ls ' of Beneficence, was thy Heart warmly affec- tionate } If not, fuch fanfied Reparations of pad Faults, only aggravate the heavy Score. What fliall He do ? He cannot pay. To heg He is afliamed. Fain woaid He enter in- to Life, yet not be too much ir.debted to Grace. He attempts therefore to coinpotmd with Heaven. He binds, Himfeif by folemn, perhaps by facramental Engagements, to life greater Circumfpe6lion for the future. Then turns his Eye to the divine MEDIATOR > not with a View of relying wholly on his C 2 Ri^hte- 36 DIALOGUE IX. Righteoufnefs ; but only to obtain fuch a Sup- ply, as may make up the Deficiencies of his Qvvn. — Somewhat like this was the Miftake of the Calatian Converts; againfl which St. Taiil^ in his Epiftle to that People, fo folidly difputes, and fo Iharply inveighs *. For a while, He holds fall his purpofed Integrity. At length, falling notorioully fhort, in executing his Part, a ftartli ng Voice founds in his Ear that dreadful Alarm -, " Curfed is " He that cont'iniietb not." His Heart finks with Difcouragement, and all his Refolutions hang their enfeebled Heads. He has tiied every Method, that He can devife ; and has found every Method ineffectual. All his Ex- pedients are a Spider's Web, and his Hope is as the giving up of the Gholl. His Soul, purfued by the Law, and hunted by Terror, is brought to the Gates of Dsath, or the very Brink of Defpair. And now the KING of Kings, now the LORD our Righ- teoufnefs, appears for his Refcue. Now is accompliflied that gracious Declaration ; O If- raclj thou hajl dcJJroyed thfelf\ hut in me is thy Help, * iS/^.-rr///^ indeed ! For, inftead of fainting them, under, the honourable Title of Sainti and Faithful in CHRIST y ES US ; He ftiginatize. them with that ievcre Appellation, () fooUJh Galitiam ! — And as to their Practice, which was a Departure from Juftification by CHR 1ST alone. He ftyles it, not merely an Error, but an Error of the moll mifchiev- ous and horrid Kind — an Infatuation — a Bcivitiheryy T'J e£«(rxavf. Gal. iii. i. DIALOGUE IX. 37 Help *. — Driven from every falfe Refuge, and drawn by the blefled SPIRIT, He comes weary and heavy laden to CHRIST. Con^ vinced of the Sin of his Nature, the Sin of his Life,, and the Sin of his beil Duties, He Enounces Himfelf in every Viev\\ This is all his Salvation, and all his Defire, that He may win CHRIST, and be found in Him. Did that poor afflicted Woman fay ? If I may but touch his Garment, IJlmll be whole. With e_qual Ardour does this inlightened Sinner cry^ " If I may but have Feilowfhip with the glo- " rious IMMANUEL, in his Merits and in " his Benefits, I am alive from the Dead ; I " am happy for ever." Having feen a Glimpfe of the tranfcendent Excellency of the REDEEMER'S Perfon ; having received a Talle from the inexhaufiiblc Falnefs of his Grace: O! how He lonG:s for brighter Manifeftations ! How He thirfls after more plentiful Draughts ! — None that come to CHRIST, are caft out. He that awakens thefe ardent Defues, in his due Time gives the defired Blellings. After various Confli^ls, a comfortable and eilabliflied Faith is wrought in the Penitent's Soul. He believes, that the SON of the MOST PIIGH died in his Stead, and was obedient for his Juilification. Be- lieves, that all the unfeaixhable Riches of the C 3 adored * Hof.'xVu. 9. 38 D I A L O G U E IX. adored MEDIATOR'S Life and Death are his Portion '*. By this Faith, his Heart is purified ; his Heart is quickened : He is fitted for every good Work. — Though Temptations aflault Him, He derives Strength from his SAVI4 OUR ; refills the Devil ^ and is faithful unto Death. — Though Corruptions defile Him, He flies to the Fountain opened for JJncleannefs -f- ; makes daily, hourly Application oi the Blood of Sprinkling ; and goes on his Way, rejoicing in GOD his SAVIOUR. 7y6tT. Your Difcourfe puts me in mind of Abfalom^ Procedure, w^hen 'Joah refufed to make Him a Vifit. The Prince ordered his Servants to fet on fire the General's ilanding Corn %. This Stratagem had its intended Ef- izdi. The Apprehenfion of Danger ^roir Hiip, when the refpeclful Invitation v^^ould not lead Him, * See this Work of Grace, and Procedure of Converfion, more copioufly dilplayed, in a valuable little Piece intitled, Hurr.an Nature in its four fold Stats^ by iVIr. Thomas Bojlon^ page 227. — Which, in my Opinion, is one of our beft Books for common Readers, rhe Sentences are fliort, and the Comparifons flrikino;. The Language is cafy, and tlie Doc- trine evangelical. The Method proper, the Plan compre- hcp.five, the Manner fearchini:; yet ccTifolatory. — If another celebraccd Treatife is ilylcd, The whole DHt\ of Alan^ I would call this 'Hv Whole cf Man: as it compnles — what He %i'(ts originally; — what Hu is by TranfgrcHion — what HeJIjcuId Le through Grace' — and then what He wilihe in Glory. ■\ Zeib.xWl. 1, X 2 San. xiv. ^o. D I A L O G U E IX. 39 Him, to a peifonal Intei'vievv. You fecm to fuppofe, that the Law was delivered with fuch a Defign ; to lay Us under a Nccel/ity of flying to the Atonement of CHRIST. A.Afp. I do, Theron. And for this Opinion, ^ have a far better Authority, than my own Suppofition. We are aifured by unerring Wifdom, That CHRIST Is the End cf the Law *. It points invariably to Him. It ter- minates wholly in Him. And then obtains its noble Purpofe, when Sinners are baought to their divine REDEEMER, for Rightcoufnefs and Strength : For that Right coufncfsy which in titles to Heaven ; that Strength, which ca- pacitates for Obedience. The Law hath concluded all Mankind under Sin-\. Yet not v/ith an Intention, that any fhould be difcouraged now, or periih for ever : but that every One may fee his incxprefTible Need, of a SAVIOUR'S Death, and a SA- VIOUR'S Obedience!. That, being thus prepared, both to value and receive fo preci- ous ■ * Rom. X. 4. •f- Gal. Hi. 22. The facred Original is fomcvvhat more eomprehenlivc than Afpnfio's Interpretation. It is not TravTac, but7ravT«. Which denotes Tl'ifigs, as well as Pcrjons: And implies, that nothing We have^ noticing We ^5, is free from Sin; till the Merits of CHRIST hncxvene, and the Blood of Ci/^/5rbefprinkIed. % ityitfius, fpeaking of the Law delivered at Sif?(i/y fays; Fa6la eft ijl a Feeder] s Oper^im Commernoratio., ad IfraeHius Peccatorum ^ MljcriiC fine convincendos^ ex feipfis expellendus^ C 4 de 40 D I A L O G U E IX. ous a Blefilng, the Fromife of Juftification 6-y Faith in JESUS CHRIST^ may be given to them 'that believe. Let Us advert to this grand Aim of the Law. Then, We fliall lee Goodnefs, un- queflionable and fovereign Goodnefs, in form- ing its Conilitution fo Jiiblimcly perfeBy and making its Threatenings fo injicxibly fever e. Exclufive of this wholfome Severity, We Ihould fupinely difefteem, perhaps, v^antonly reje6l, the Grace of the Gofpel. — The prodigal Son would never have returned to his Father, in that humble, fubmiffive, fupplicating Pofture; if He had not found his CircumlLances utterly ruined, Ae Neceffitate Saiisfanloms edocendos^ ^ ad CHRISTUM compellendos : U" fic injervit Fcederi Gratiee. Animadv. Iren. p. 99. The Genius and Deftgn of the Law were, I think, emble- matically taught, by thcCircumftances attending its Delivery. — The Mountain, not to be trodden by any Ijraelite^ or touched by any Bcafl, on pain cf Death — The Voice of Thunder, and the Glare of Lightning — The Sound of the Trumpet, and the Clouds of Smoke — The vail Range of Hills and Rocks, trembling to their Center — Six hundred thoufand Men flruck with inexprefliblt; Confternation — And Moj'es^ even Mojcs himftl'', the Favourite of Heaven, terri- fied exceedingly — All thcfe indicated the righteous^ the ri~ goTD'.ts^ and the aiuful Import of " The Word fpokcn." Nor was the Effc^ ot thcfe altonifning Incidents, without a fpiritual Meaning. 7 he People durlr ncit adventure upon a perfotud Approach, but had Recourfe to a Mediator. T'hey requeued, that Mofci might interpofe ; and tianfait Aftairs, between the terrible JEHOVAH, and the guilty Congre- gation. — Such an Impreflion, the Puiity and the Rigour of the Law, Ihould make on our Hearts : fhould drive Us froni Selftoa SA VIO UR; deter Us from con fid mg inour/f^^/j and prompt Us to feek an evangelical Righteuufnels. D I A L O G U E IX. 41 ruined, and feltHimfelf perifliing with Hun- ger. No more would the conceited Sons of Adajri, difclaiming all Pretence to any Merit of their own, and with nothing but the Hal- ter * of Self-condemnation about their Necks, fall down at the Feet of a merciful RE- DEEMER: if they were not inftigated by the fliarp Goad, or rather driven by the flam- ing Sword of the Law. To this agrees our celebrated Milton. Whofe Divinity is as faultlefs, as his Poetry is match- lefs. You will give me Leave to quote a few of his beautiful Lines. Which recapitulate^ as it were, the whole preceding Converfation : and, while they recapitulate the Converfation, confirm the Do6lrine. This will make You fome amends, for my late tedious Harangue. This will tip the Lead with Gold. So Law. appears impcrfcBy and hut givii With Purpgfe to refign them, in full T^ime^ Up to a better Covnant ; difcipUnd Frojn Jl:adowy T^ypcs to 'Truth 3 from Flcfio to Spirit ; From Impofition of fir i 61 La-ws, to free Acceptance of large Grace ; from fcr^oile Fear, ^..-Xo filial ; Works of Laiv, to JVorks of Faith-^. "* Alluding to tliofe remarkable Words of Benharlad's Ser- vants ; Let Us put Sack-cloth upon our Loins^ and Ropes upon our Heads, and go out to meet the Kuig of Ifracl j peradven- ture He ivill fave thy Life. I Kings xx. 31. t B. Xll. 300. D I A- DIALOGUE X. As PAS 10. f(M GAIN, Theron ! Muft we never ^S lay afide the Weapons of Contro- _ , J^^ verfy ? — You put me in mind of g^^*^^^ the refolute Athenian ; who, hav- ing fought with diflinguiihed Bra- very on the Field of Marathon^ purfued the vanquiflied Ferfians to their Fleet. At that very Inftant, a Galley full of the Enemies Troops, was putting off to Sea. Determined, if poiTible, to prevent their Efcape, He laid hold on the VelTel with his Right-hand. Which was no fooner fixed, than chopped off by the Sailors. The Warrior, not at all difcouraged, feized it with his left. When that alfo was cut away. He faftened his Teeth in its Side ; and never quitted his Gripe, till He refigned his Breath *. T:her. * The Atheniari^ Name was Cynagyrm. The Author, who relates this extraordinary Story, is Jujlin, If the Reader fhould D I A L O G U E X. 43 7 ^her. I have been reconfidering tlie Cafe of Imputed Rtghtcoufncfs \ and am by no means fatisfied, a5 to the Propriety of the Phrafe, or the Truth, of the Dodtrine j efpeclally, in the. Senfe which You efpoufe. — Objections arife,. more fubflantial and weighty, than any that have hitherto been urged. And which, if I miflake not, You will find it a more diihcult Tafk to anfwer. Afp, I muft do my beft. And if my beft Attempts prove unfuccefsful, I fhall fay with the gallant IphicrateSy when overpov^-ered by the Eloquence of his Antagonift ; '' My Adr " verfary is the better A(5lor, bat mine is the «' better Play." I fay better — For, to You, liheron^ I will freely own, what to another Perfon I fhould not be fo willing to difclofe -, That I receive no Comfort, but from the habitual Belief:; and daily Application of this precious Doc- trine. — Whenever I read the moft corrcB and beautiful Writings, that proceed in the con- trary Strain, I feel my Spirits lieavy ; I find my Profpecls gloomy; and not one Ray o£ Confolation gleams upon my Mind. Whereas, much fueaiieir Compofitions, which breathe the Savour of^this evangelical Unclion, feidom fail fliould think it a Rhodomontade^ I believe, He will not judge amifs. And I promife myfelf, the fame good Senfc will en- able Him to diftinguifh, between what is hinted by v/ay of J*leafantry, and \vhat is urged by way of Argume,it. 44 D I A L O G U £ X. fail to quicken my Hopes j to brighten my Views ; and put into my Mouth that pioufly alert Profelfion of the Pfalmift, / will run the Way of thy Commandment Sj now thou hafl Jet my Me art at liberty *. — Though I am far from laying any conliderable Strefs upon this Ob- fervation j farther flill from advancing it into the Place of an Argument; yet I may be per- mitted to mention it, in the Confidence and Familiarity of Friendfhip. T^her. An Opinion propofed with fo much Modefty, and fb nearly connected with my Affafws Comfort, has doubtlefs a Claim to my ferious Attention. Otherwife, it might pof- fibly provoke my Raillery. For, You mufl know, I am no great Admirer of inward Feelings. I cannot think them a very folid Method of demonftrating your Point. It mufb be inforced by better Reafons, if You would gain it Accefs to 7ny Heart. We muft place, You fay, a Dependence upon the LORD JESUS CHRIST, in all that He has done SLud fujfered. This, You add, is our only j unifying Righteoufnefs : the only Method to obtain Pardon of our Sins, and Life eternal. ylfp. I do, Theron. This being the Righte- oufnefs of GOD, is — Ther. Give me Leave, before You proceed farther, to propofe a Query. Does the Righ- teouliiefs * Pfal. cxix. 32. D I A L O G U E X. 45 teoufnefs of GOD fignify the aftive and paf- five Obedience of CHRIST f Afp. Righteoufnefs is a Conformity to the Law, in Heart, and in Life. As the SON of GOD voknitarily made Himfelf fubjecl to the Law 5 perfecElly fulfilled its Precepts j and fufFered to the utmofl its Penalty j this, I fhould imagine, furniflies Us with the truejl and jiobleji Signification of the Phrafe. Ther. What, if I or Others fhould imagine quite the Reverfe ? j4fp. I thank my Friend for his Admonition. It is indeed unreafonable, that my bare Imagi- nation fhould pafs for Orthodoxy and Truth. Let Us then inquire after better Proof. When the divine Name, in the facred Phra- feology, is added to a Subllantive, it exprefTes fome very extraordinary Property. — The Trees of the LORD *, denote thofe ftately and mag- nificent Forefls, which the Hand of the MOST HIGH planted. — The Mountains of GODfy are thofe prodigioufly large Elevations of the Earth, which none but an Almighty Arm could edablifn. — The Riffhteoufnels of GOD likcwife means, A Righteoufnefs of the mojl fupereminent Dignity j fuch as is worthy to be called by his Name ; and may juflly challenge his Acceptance. And where fliali We find this, * Pfal. civ. 16. • t This is the Import of the Original, Q hV'K '^^n.- -P/^^* xxxvi. vcr, 7. Heb. ver. 6. Eng. 46 DIALOGUE X. this, but in the Conducl and Perfon of his blefied SON ? — This has a moft iinexception-* able Claim to the exalted Title : being, as a mafteiiy Critic explains the Phrafe, " A Righ- " teoufnefs devifed by GOD the FATHER, " from all Eternity ; wrought out by GOD " the SON, in the Perfon of JESUS CHRIST', .*' applied by GOD the HOLY GHOST, to *' the Sinners Soul." I'her. This Dodlrine of yours, if I rightly underfband it, would make Remiffion of Sins, but one half of our Juftiiication j and fome- thing elfe necellary, in order to obtain eternal Life. Which is juft as rational, as to fuppofe. That though one Caufe may expel Darknefs, another muft fupervene, in order to introduce Light. Afp. The Nature of Juflification, and the Nature of Condemnation, are two Opfofites, which will mutually illuftrate each other. — What is. implied in the Condemnation of a Sinner ? He forfeits eternal Life, and is dooni* ed to eternal Death. — What is included in the Juftification of a Sinner ? It fuperfedes his Obligation to Punifhment, and invefls Him with a Title to Happinefs. — In order to the firji^ there mufi: be a Remifiion of Sins. In order to xhcfecondy an Imputation of Righte- oufnefs. Both which are derived from CHRIST s Mediation in our Behalf j and both take place, when DIALOGUE X. 47 when we are united to that divine HEAD. — So that We do not derive them from two dif- ferent Sources, but afcribe them to one and the fame great, all- fufficient CAUSE. Your Comparifon, though intended to over- throw, I think, fully eftablifhes the Senti- ment. — When yonder bright Orb makes his firft Appearance in the Eaft, what Effe6ts are produced ? The Shades of Night are difperfed, and the Light of Day is difFufed. — To what are they owing ? Each to a feparate, or both to the fame Origin ? Every one's Experience will anfwer the Qaeftion. Thas, when the Sun of Righteoufnefs arifes in the Soul, He brings at once Pardon and Acceptance. Re- miffion and Salvation are under his Wings. Both which conftitute the Healing * of the Nations : and both owe their Being to CHRISTs Obedience, embraced, as aftive, and not re- je6led as paflive. T^her. This, I know, is the fine-fpun Theory of your fyftematic Divines. But where is their Warrant from Scripture ? By what Authority do they introduce fuch fubtle Diflinctions ? Afp. I cannot think the Difl:in6lion fo fubtle, or the Theory fo finely fpun. To be releafed from the damnatory Sentence, is one Thino*; to be treated as a righteous Perfon, is evidently another, — Abfalom was pardoned, when Fie received ~ ♦ Mai iv. 5U 48 D I A L O G U E X. received a PermilTion to remove from GeJJjur^ and dwell at yerufale?7i. But this was very different from the Recommencement of filial Duty, and parental Endearment *. A Rebel may be exempted from the capital Punifhment, which his traiterous Practices deferve 5 with- out being rejlorcd to the Dignity of his former State, or the Rights of a loyal Subjecl:. In Chrifilanlty likcwiftr, to be freed from the Charge of Guilt, and to be regarded as a righteous Perfon, are two feveral Bleffings j really di- flincl in themfelves, and often diilinguifhed in Scripture. T'her, Where are they diffinguiflied ? In what Texts of Scripture ? This is what I called for — your fcriptural Warrant. Ajp. What tiiink You of JoU^ Reply to his cenforious Friends ? GOD forbid^ that IJhoidd juftify Toil -f-/ That Wq forgaije them, there is no Doubt. Yet he could not jnjlify them ; could not allow their Reflections to be equit- able, or their Behaviour charitable. What think You of Solomons Supplication ? 'Then hear' Thou in Heaven, and do^ and judge thy Seri'ajits j condemning the Wicked.^ to bring his Way upon his Head j and jujiijying the Righ- ■ ieousj to give Him according to his Righteoujnefs'^, To * 2 Sam. xiv. 24. ^ Job xxvii. 5. Fos jttjios in Caufd vejiru advcrfus me pronuntiem. ' Schult, X I Kings viii, 32. DIALOGUE X. 49 To condemn, in this Paflage, evidently figni- fies to pronounce guilty, and obnoxious to Punilhment. By Parity of Reafon, to jtijl if y muft denote to pronounce righteous, and in- titled to Happinefs. What fays Solomons Father ? Enter 7iot i?ifo judgment with thy Serva?it^ O LORD ! For, in thy Sight, Jball no Man living he jiijiijied *. A Man might be pardoned, if judged according to the Tenour of his own Obedience, and found guilty. Jiiftijied, or declared righteous, He could not be, without the Imputation of fome Righteoufnefs better than his own. From all which Paflages I conclude, That to be juflified or pronounced righteous, is dif- ferent from, is fuperior to, the bare Remiiiion of Sin. I'her. All thefe Inflances are derived from the Old Teftament : .the Ne-iv, if I miftake not, fpeaks another Language. Confidcr the Cafe of the penitent Publican. What does He requeft ? GOD be merciful to me a Sinner ! What does He obtain ? He went down to his Houfe jujlifed-]-. If then the Petition and the Grant may be deemed correfpcndeiit. Pardon and Jullification muft be reckoned equivalent. Afp. The Old and the New Teftament are, in their Style and Contents, exadtly corref- pondent. * Pfal. cxliil. 2. t Luke xviii. 13, 14. Vol. IJ. - D 50 DIALOGUE X. pondent. Echo, in yonder Cloyilers, does not more punclually reverberate the Speaker'sVoice, than thofe divine Books harmonize with each other. But it docs not follow, from the FiibUcan% Requefl: and the Piiblica?is Blefiing, That Par- don and Juftification are the fame. Only, that C O D's Bounty frequently exceeds our Prayers, and is larger than our Expectations; or, that the Bleilmg which was implored, and the Bleffing which was vouchfafed, are infiparahJy connect- ed, and always accompany each other. St. Faiil mentions A Jiijlijication of Life: not barely an Exemption from the Sentence of Death j but fuch a J unification, as gives a T^'itle * to the Reward of Life. The Words are very emphatical. We fhall injure the Dignity of their Meaning, if We underfland them in a more contracled Senfc. — Towards the Clofe of the fame Chapter, Wc have an- other Palfagc, rich with Confolaticn, and full to our Purpofe. Grace rcigncth through Righ- Woiifnefs unto eternal Life \ : Here, is pointed out the prime Source of all our Bleilings, in- finitely free and rich Grace : The nieritorious Caufe, not any Works of Man, not any Qua- iilications of our own, but the perfeft Righ- teoufnefs * Rom. V. i8u -Ajxatwo-j^ ^wnj cjl Dcclaratio divini illay qua Peanior, AJoriis rcusy Vitx adjudkcitttrt idque jure, ikngcl. in loc. f E,cm. V. 21. DIALOGUE X. 51 tmijhefsoi our LORD JESUS CHRIST: The Ejf'e^ or E?iJ of all ; which is, not barely an Ablblution from Guilt, but an Inftatement in Life ; a Life of holy Communion with GOD in this World, to be crowned with an eternal Fruition of Him in another. Let me produce one Text more, wliich juil at this Inftant occurs to my Memory. You will find it, in the Apoftle's Defence of Him- felf, before Fcfliis and Agrippa. He opens, as it were, his apoflolical Commiffion, and re- peats the Words of his royal MASTER. I fend thee to ignorant and enflaved, guilty and ruined Creatures 3 to turn them from Darknefs to Light, and from the Power of Satan unto God ; that they may receive Forgivenefs of Sins, a?id Inheritance among all them which are fane - tifiedby Faith that is in me *. The great Prea- cher of the Gentiles, or rather the fupreme LORD of all Preachers, has diftinguiflied be- tween RemiJJion of Si?is, and the Inheritance of Saints -y between the Pardon that delivers from Hell, and the Juftif cation that intitles to Hea- ven. So that the former does by no means conftitute the latter j but is connected f with it, as a Link in the fame facred Chain ^ or included in it, as Part of the fame glorious Whole. rher. * Jt^SXXVl. 18. t Vid. IFitf. Oecon. Lib. III. Cap. viii. Seel. 46. D 2 52 D 1 A L O G U E X. ^her. Admitting your Diflinclion to be juil'. Is not the Satisfaction, made by the Death of CHRIST, fufficient of itfelf \.o obtain, both our full Pardon, and our final Happinefs ? jlfp. Since my Friend has ftarted the Qucf- tion, I may venture, with all Reverence to the divine CoLinlcls, to anfwer in the Negative : it being neceflary, that the REDEEMER of Men fliould obey^ as well as fifftr, in their Stead. — For this We have the Teflimony of our LORD Himfelf. T)6/i Commandment^ fays He, have I received of my FARTHER, that I JJmdd lay doivn my Life *. Tihus it becometh U>, adds He in another Place, to fulfil all Righte- cufnefs -f-. To which his Apoitle fubjoins .; that, if We reign in Life, it mufl: be, not only through thofe Sufferings which expiate, but alfo through that Righteoufnefs % which me- rits. Tber. Our LORD's Tellimony relates only to a pofitive Inflitution, and is quite foreign to your Purpofc. — I have often been difgufted at fuch ffrained Applications of Scripture.. The Partizans of a Syffem wreft the Holy Book. They deal with divine Truth, as the Tyrant Prccrujles ferved thofe unhappy Crea- tures, who fell into his mercilefs Hands. Is a Text too fhort, to fuit their Purpofe ? Our Procrufiean Expofitors can ftrctch it on the Rack, * John X. 1 8. + Alcitt.Vn. 15. % Rom. v. 17. DIALOGUE X. 53 Rack, and lengthen its Senfe. Is it too full, to confiH with their Scheme ? I'hey can lop off a Limb, fecrete a Sentence, or contract the Meaning. — Is this to reverence tlie great GOD ? Is this to treat reipedfuUy the divine Word ? Afp. I have been grieved, I afllire You, and dilgafted at this Pra6lice, as well as Yourfelf. A Pra61ice, not only very irreverent, but very injudicious alfo. It really prej u dices the Caufe, it would unfairly recommend. Such a Sup- port, is like a broken Toothy cr a Foot out of joint ^^ ; not only unferviceable, but hurtful ; an Obftru6rion, rather than a Furtherance. — However, I am not confcious of committing any Violence on this Pafiage, or of forcing it into my Service. The Circumftance You obje6t, rather ilrengthens, than invalidates the Conclufion. If it was fo requifite for our blefled MEDIATOR, -to obferve 2i pofithe In- flitution -, how much more neceffary, to fulfil thofe moral Precepts, whofe Obligation is un- alterable and everl ailing. Befides ; it fliould be confidered. Whether CHRISl^'s Sufferings wxre a complete Sa- tisfaction of the Lav/ .? Complete they were, with regard to the Penalty^ not with regard to the Precept, A Diftinilion obvious and important. From whence arifes the foUow- D 3 ing * Trov. XXV. 19. 54 DIALOGUE X. ing Argument j which, for once, You will allow mc to propofe in the logical Form. By what alone the Law was not fatisfied ; by that alone Sinners could not be juftified : By CHRIS'T's Sufferings alone, the Law was not fatisfied : Therefore, by CHRIST^s Sufferings alone^^ Sinners could not be juilified. But when We join the active with the paf- five Obedience of our LORD -, the Efficacy of the One, with the Perfe6lion of the Other ; how does our Juffification ftand firm, in the fullcjl Senfe of the Word ! We have all that the Law^ demands, both for our Exemption from the Curfe, and as a Title to the Blefling. T'ber. Does not the Scripture alcribe the IVbok of our Salvation to the Death of CHRIST''^ Delivering it, as a never to be forgotten Maxim in Chrijlianity ; That /At' have Redejfjption through his Blood * ; a7r brought near through the Blood of CHRIST f : nay, that IVe are jujlijicd (the very Point under Debate) through his Blood %. — Would the infpired Wri- ter have afligned thcfe various Bleffings to this one Caufe; if it had been a Price inadequate to the Purchafe, or a Means infufiicient to accomplifli the End ? ylfp. This Part of our LORD's meritorious Humiliation, is, by a very ufual Figure, put for Eph, i. 7. t Eph. ii. 13. :j: Rom, v. 9. DIALOGUE X. S5 -for the mjok. The Death of CHRIST in- cludes, not only his Sufferings, but his Obe- dience. The Shedding of his precious Blood, was at once the grand Inflance of his Suffer- ing, and the finilhing A61 of his Obedience. In this View it is confidered, and thus it is interpreted, by his own Ambaflador. Who, fpeaking of his divine MASTER, fays. He was obedient imto Death y even the Death of the Crofs *. By the fame Figure, Faith is fometimes faid to be a lively influential Belief, That CHRIST died for our Sins-f. At other Times, it is re- prefented, as a firm pra6lical Belief, That GOD hath raifed Him from the Dead X. Nei- ther of which can, without the utmoU Con- trariety to the Analogy of Scripture, be taken in the exclufive Senfe. Each Act muH be un- derftood, not feparately, but jointly. Each as implying both, or reciprocally inferring one another. In like manner, when the Scripture afcribes our Juitification to the Death of CHRIST; We are not to think, that it would fet afuic^ but imply his Obedience. It is not becaufe his a6live Obedience has no Concern, in procur- ing the Bleffing ; but becaufe his bitter Pallion was the mofl confpicuous, and the completing Stage of his ever-glorious Undertaking. Then, D 4 and * Phil, ii. 8. f I Cor. xv. 3. J Rom, x. 9. 56 DIALOGUE X. and not till then, He could truly fay ; FA- THER, I havejinified the JVorky Thou ga'-cefi me to do *. Ther. According to your Account then, it fliould be polTiblc for a Man to have all his Sins done away, yet not attain to complete Juf- tification. Which is as contrary to found Senfe, and true Divinity, as to imagine, that Crookednefs may be removed, and the Obje6l not become flraight. jifp. No, T^heron. According to my Ac- count, it is impolTible, that the a6live and paffive Obedience of our REDEEMER fliould be disjoined. To vvhomfoever the one is im- puted, from Him the other is not with-held. They were undi-oided in CHRIS'T the illuftrious Head, and they are undivided in their Appli- cation to his myfcical Body. As CHRIST' in fufFering obeyed, and in obeying fuffcred j fo, whoever receives CHR IS T' as an Atonement, receives Him alfo as a Risihteoufnefs. This has been obferved before ; and if this be real Fa6l, what aji inejlimably precious Gift, is the Gift of CHRIST! Never was the moil fovereign Remedy, fo admirably liiited to any Malady, as this is adapted to all our Wants. In HiM may Wc be found, living and dying ! How fafc, how ha))py then ! — Let me not weary your Patience, if I repeat a Palfage from * "John xvii. 4. DIALOGUE X. t^j from our excellent Dr. Lightfoot. Which, though artlels and remarkably fimple, has very- much affeftecl my Muid ; and, I hope, will ieave fome valuable Impreilion on my Friend's. " Juftification, fays that judicious Divine, is " a Man's being intcreded in all CHRISTs ** Righteoufnefs. And if any Thing is to be «' longed for, fure that is, to be intcreiled in " all CHRISTs Righteoufnefs." The?', You don't weary my Patience; nei- ther do You fatisfy my Doubts. For You take no Notice of the Ahjurdity objected, and the Comparifon that inforces it. Ajp. Your Comparifon, my dear Friend, is not founded on a parallel Cafe. Neither Senfe, nor Philofophy find a Medium, between the Removal of Crookednefs, and the Succefhon of Straightnefs. But Reafon difcerns an ap^ parent^ and Revelation maintains an important Difference, betvvreen the Pardon of Guilt, and a Title to Life. This has already been proved from Scripture ; and ^ is, to me at leall, evi- dent from the very Nature of Things. For, if a King, in Favour of fome condemned Malefactor, revoke the Sentence of Death ; this is one very confidcrable A61 of Clemency. But if He pleafes to make the pardoned Cri- minal, a Partaker of his Kingdom, or an Heir of his Crown : This furely is a new, and a much higher Inftance of royal Bounty. If 58 DIALOGUE X. If You infift upon a Siffiilitiidc, the holy- Word of GOD, which always fpeaks with confummate Propriety, will furnifli Us with one. Zechariah illuftrates the Docfnne of Juftification. He reprefents the Sinner, by a Perfon arrayed m filthy Garments. His Pardon is defer"] bed by taking aivay this fordid Apparel. By which Benefit, He ceafes to be defiled j yet is He not hereby clothed ; yet is He not hereby juftified. This is an additional Bleifing ; fig- nified by putting on Change of Raiment *, and wearing beautiful Robes. — Here, the Circum- flances tally. The two conflituent Parts of Jullihcation, are feverallydifplayed, andftrong- ly marked. Here We have the Removal of Filth, and the Robe of Righteoufnefs j that which frees Us from being abhorred, and that which renders Us accepted. Which, thougli diftinguifliable in themfelves, and dillinguiflied by the facred Writer, are always united in the divine Donation. T^her. This Notion is founded on a chimeric cal Covenant, that CHRIST would take upon Him the Obedience due from Man, of which there is not the leaft Intimation in holy Scrip- ture. ^fp. That CHRIS"/ undertook every Thing neceliary, to redeem loft Sinners from Guilt and ♦ Zech. iii. 3, 4, 5. DIALOGUE X. 59 and Condemnation ; every Thing neceflary, to procure for attainted Rebels a frefli Title to Life and Glory -, this cannot be reckoned chimerical. This muil be as real, as that loft Sinners are redeemed, or attainted Rebels re- ftored. Every Proof of the one, proves and eftabliilies the other. This is vi^hat We call a Covenant ; and, from its benign Nature and blefTed End, The Covenant of Grace. To this grand Tranfa6lion, there are fre- quent Allufions in Scripture. Whence is it, that Believers are faid to have been given by the FATHER to CHRIST? Tbhte they were, and T'JoQu gavefl T'hem to me *. Does not fuch Language, fuppofe the Exiftence of fome pre- vious Contra6l, and refer to one of its de- lightful Articles ? — With what Kind of Ju- ilice could the FATHER lay -f- our Iniquities upon the holy JESUSy unlefs He had co?ifented to be anfwerable for Our Guilt ? In the Prophecy of Zechariah^ this Cove- nant and the Parties, are particularly men- tioned. T'he Counfel of Peace fiall be between them both % : The myflerious and unfearchable Contrivance for the Recovery of ruined Man, a$ * 'John xvii. 6. \ Ifa'i. llii. 6. X Zcch. vi. 12, 13. Thefe two Verfes contain a brief, but very fine Dcfcription of the REDEEMER; of his jPerfon, his Office, and his Glory ; together with the noble Caufc, and blcilcd Fruit of our Rcdeinption. His 6o DIALOGUE X. as it has been concerted, fliall be carried in Execution — by Whom ? By the LORD Al- mighty, or GOD the FATHER ; and that il- luftrious Perfon, who is to build the Temple, and bear the Glory. A Characler, which None can claim ; a Taik, to which None is equal , but the bleiTedy£^l/*S only. In His Perfon : He Is the Man ; or, as the Hebrew imports; the real, but, at the fame Time, the ilhijlrious Man. — JVhofe Name is the Branch-, being the new Origin of a new Race; the Father of a fpiritual Seed, who are Children, not of the Flefh, but of the Promife. — A Branch that fhall fpring, not from a common Root, not from any human Planting, but VrSHPiD/^'""^ ««^^r Himfelfi being born of a pure Virgin, and by the Power of his own SPIRIT, He ftiall be botli Stock and Stem to Himfelf. HhOJ^ce: It is to hulld the Temple, the Church of the EIe6l ; which is the Houfe of the living GOD. In which he dwells, and by Whom He is wor/hipped. Laying the Foundation of this fpiritual Edifice in his Crofs, and cement- ing it with his Blood. — Which He Tnall rule as a Kingj after having redeemed it as a Priejl\ uniting the facerdotal Cen- fer with the regal Diadem, and being a PrieJ} upon his Throne. Hence proceeds \\\s Glory : For, he Jiands not, like other Priefts, offering daily the fame Oblations ; but having, by one Sacrifice, obtained eternal Redemption for Us, is fet down at the Right-hand of the MAJESTY on High. What is the Cauje of thefe great Events ? What, but that moft facred and auguft Convention, the Council of Peace? Which was Icttlcd betiveen them both-, between the LORD JEHOVAH on one Hand, and the Man whofc Name is the Branch on the other. — Called a Council, from the ijitire Confcnt, which adtuated each Party ; and the tranfcendent Wifdom, difplayed in the whole Scheme. — The Council of Peace, becaufe of its fovereign Efficacy, to make Peace with an offended GOD, Peace in the accuilng Confcience, Peace among People of jarring Tempers and dilcordant Principles. DIALOGUE X. 6i in Pfdlm the xlth, the ComUtlom of the Co- venant are circumftantialiy recorded : Which were the Incarnation and Obedience of the eternal SON: A Body bajl ^hou pi^epared me, Lo ! I come to do thy Will *. — The Accomplijh^ ?nent of thefe Conditions, is alledged and plead- ed by our great MEDIATOR, in the Intro- du6tion to his lafi: folemn Prayer -p. What He implores, in the Procefs of his Supplica- tions, may be looked upon as the Reconipence t, decreed Him by the FATPIER, and fcipulated in this glorious Treaty. Implores^ did I fay ? 'Tis very obfervable, that our LORD makes a Demand^ rather than a Reqtieji. The Expreffion is not e^wjo;, but Qo.u) II : A Word of Authority, not of Supplication. He claims what, by the F A T H E R's Engagement, and by his own Obedience, was become his unquefcionable Right. ^he7\ This you call the Covenant of Grace : But if We are juftified by CHRlSTs fulfiiling of the Law, We are juftified by Works. So that, before You can ftrike out fucli a Way of Salvation, You muft contradiSl Yourfelf: And, what is more adventurous. You muH abolifh that fundamental Principle of the Go- fpelj * Heh, X. 5, 7. f John xvii. X This Recompence is fpecified and promffed, in nnother autheiitic Copy of the fame grand Treaty, recorded Ifai. xJix. I — 6. II Not I bcg^ but I will. John xvii. 24. Sic ijolo^ficjuheo. Gi D I A L O G U E X. fpel ; By the Works of the LaWy fiall no Flejty be jujiified. Afp. I grant it, T'heron : We mr juflified by Works. But whole ? The Works of CHRIST, not our own. And this is very far from con- tradi6ling Ourfelves ; equally far is it from abolifhing, what You call the GoJpel-pyi?idplc. Which, though an undeniable Truth, is not an evangelical Do6lrine. Becaufe, it only fliews Us our ruined State, and the utter Im~ pofhbility of relieving Ourfelves. Whereas, nothing is genuine Gofpel, but what fpeaks Recovery and Comfort. Between the Covenant of Works, and the Covenant of Grace, this, I apprehend, is the Difference : By the former, Man was indif- penfibly bound to obey, in his ovjn Perfon. By the latter, the Obedience of hh Surety is accepted, inftead of his own. The Righte- oufnefs required by both, is, i\ot Jinccrcy but complete ; not proportioned to the Abilities of fallen Man, but to the Purity of the Law, and the Majefty of the Lawgiver. — By this means, the Glory of G O D as an awful So- vereign, and the Glory of his Law as an in- violable Syftem, are intirely preferved and il- luftrioufly difplayed. The Salvation of Sin- ners, neither clalhes with the Truth, nor in- terferes with the Juftice of the fupreme L E- GISLATOR. On the contrary, it becomes ^faith- DIALOGUE X* 63 a faithful and juji * Procedure of the moft High GOD, to juftify Him that belie'veth on JESUS. T'her. When You make this Difference be- tween the two Covenants, where is your Au- thority from Scripture ? Which of the facred Writers have taught Us, that, though one demanded perfonal, the other is content with 'vicarious Obedience ? Afp, Which, Themi f—ThefirJl Three, The mofi: eminent Hiftorian ; the moft inraptured Poet J and the mofi: zealous Preacher. I need not inform You, that I m^2a\ Mofes^ David^ and Paul. The Tefcimony of David has been ah'eady recited. — Mofes gives Us a concife, but very inftruftive Account of the fecond Covenant. With WhojH, according to his Reprefentation, was it made ? Not with Adam^ or any of his Pofterityj but. with the LORD JESUS CHRISTy in the Room and Stead of both. None of the Articles are propofed to a poor, impotent, ruined Creature •, but the whole is configncd over to the interpofmg SAVIOUR, fignificantly defcribed by the Seed of the JVoman. It is not faid, " Thy beft Endeavours, O Adanu *' thy true Repentance and fmcere Obedience, " fliall retrieve this fatal Mifcarriage 3 But, *' the Seed of the Woman fiall hniife the Serpent's ''Head I ~* I John i. 9, 64 DIALOGUES. " Head *- : the SON of the MOST HIGH, " by taking thy Nature, fubmitting to thy " Obhgations, and fufrcring Death for thy *' Sins, fhall fully repair thy Lois." CHRIST^ We fee, undertook to execute the Conditions. CHRIST wd^s our R.eprefentative in this great Tranfaftion. For which Reafon He is ftiled by St. Paul, The fecond Man -j-, and the Surety of a better Covenant \. — Our Help being laid upon ONE, that is {o mighty; upon ONE, that is fo faithful ^ the Covenant is faid to be, In all Things well ordered and Jure II . Admirably well ordered indeed, for the Comfort of the Chrijlian, and the Security of his Salvation. — **= 'Tis true, may He argue, " I cannot fulfil the Conditions j and 'tis " equally true, that this is not required at my " Hands. The LORD JESUS CHRIST, of " his adorably rich Goodnefs, has performed " all that was conditionary § ; and has eflia- " bliilied, * Gen. iil. 15. f I Cor. xv. 48. % ^^^' '^'J'- 22. II 2 Sam. xxiii. 5. § IVitfius^ inftead of reprefenting the Covenant cf Grace as a chimerical Thing, moft affectionately and charmingly difplays its Excellency ; Si quicqunm ergo aitetitijjima Covfi-- derationc dignum cenferi debeat, jane id Fccdus GratifC cjL Hic Via ojlenditur ad nicliorem terrejlri Paradifmn, ^ ad ccrtiorem JiabiHoremqiie FccUcitaiem., ca qua Jdamus excidit. Hic nova Spes pcrditis Mortalibia allucet, qiite eo g>atior ejfc debet, quo inexfpeStatior obvenlt. Hic Conditloncs offeruutur, quibus atcr- 7ia Saius annexa efi; Condi t: ones non a Nobis riirjits pr,t/}an- dec, quod Animum defpondcrc facerct ; fed ah E O, qui Fitu non excedet, antequam vcre dixcrit, Confumniatum eli De Oi^con. Lib. II. Can. i. D I A L O G U E X. 65 " bliflied, for me and for his People, a valid *' Title to the Promifes, the Privileges, and — 'Ther. " Has thereby releafed me from all " Obligation to Duty." — Farewel then to our own Obedience. No more Occafion for any Holinefs of Life. Fine Divinity truly ! Should I not rather fay ? Downright Antinomianifm ! Afp. No, my Friend : CHRIST came not to deftroy the La-jj, but to fulfil *. He has fulfilled it, to the very uttermoft, in his own Perfon. He has alfo merited for Us, and conveys to Us, thofe Supplies of the SPIRIT, which alone can enable Us to yield faithful and ac- ceptable Obedience. What is the Tenour of this Covenant ? " / " will put my Laws into their Minds ^ and on " their Hearts will I write them -f-. They fliall " difcern fuch a Beauty and Glory in my Pre- *' cepts, as will engage their Defires, and win *' their AffecSlions. So that it fhall be no *' longer their Burden^ but their Delight, even " their Meat and Drink, to do the Will of *' their FATHER in Heaven."— This, this is one of the Privileges, purchafed by our great MEDIATOR. And to me it feems wondrous ftrange, that the Purchafe of an Eftatc for any Perfon, fhould be reckoned the fare Means, to deprive Him of the Pollellion, or debar Him from the Enjoyment. How ■* Matt. V. 17. ■\ Heb. viii. 10. Vol. II. ' E 66 DIALOGUE X. How often is this ivcak Swi?i:fe urged as an Argument? All whofe Piaufibility is owing, to a palpable Mifbakc, or an egregious Fallacy : to a fuppofed Separation of Things, which are abfolutely infcparablc j I mean our Jufti- fication and our Sanclification *. — You are a Philofopher, I'Lercn. Try, if You can fcpa- rate Gravity from the Stone, or Heat from the Fire. If thcfe Bodies and their efiential Pro- perties, are indiilbbibly conne6led ; fo are a genuine Faith, and a confcientious Obedience. To fuppofe them difunited, is as contrary to fotmd Dhinity j as it would be contrary to true Philojhphyy if You Ihould talk of a burning Subliance that has no Warnith, or of a folid Siibftance that has no Weight. — Never there- fore, my dear Friend, repeat this ftale Objec- tion; never propagate this ungrounded -f- Cla- mour ; nor adopt a Cavil, which is altogether as unphilofophical, as it is anti-evangeiical. Tier. * See Ifa'i.yAv. 24. i Cor. 1.30. I Cor. vl. 11. Where thcfe Bleflmt^s walk Hand in Hand ; and never were, never will, never can be parted. f l^his puts me in mind of what Therkriis replied to Pbi- locles; who was often infuiuating, that He preaci)ed licentious Do6lrine; hecaufeHe inlargcd, with peculiar Affiduity, upoa Faith in JESUS CHRIST; and frLquendy chofe luch Texts ^, Believe in the LORD JtSUS, andThcuJhalt be Joved. " 1 preach Salvation by JESUS CUR I ST; and give *' me Leave to ailc, Wliciher You kno*^ , wb.at Salvation « by CHRIS T means V'—Philocles paufLd. He began to blufh; would have eluded the Qiieftion, and declined an An- fwer. — " No, faid Thcodorus: You mufl i^ermit me to infift *' upon D I A L O G U E X. 67 Ther. We digrefs from the Point. My prin- cipal Objection is not; fatisfied. I was obfer^- ing that, according to you?- Manner of itating the Affair, Salvation is no longer free, but founded upon Works. — They are the Works of the Law, though CHRZST" performs thcni. To maintain, that We are juftifted by thcfe Works, is to confound the Difference between the Law and the Gofpel. Afp. Though We fliould admit your Pre- mifes, We cannot acquiefce in your Conclu- fion. The fame Righteoufnefs,. by which We are juftified, is both legal and evangelical. L^galy in refpe6l to CHRIST^ who was made under the Law% that He might obey all its Commands, Evangelical, in lefpe^f to Usy who work not Ourfelves, but believe in the great FULFILLER of all Righteoufnefs. — This is much of the fame Nature, with that other '' upon a Reply, Bccaufe, If it be a ri^ht one, it will juftify *' me and my Conduct; if it be a wrong one, it will prove, *' that You blame You know not what ; and have more *' Reafon to inform yourfelf, than to cenfure others." This difconcerted Him ftill more. Upon wh\d)T7jeod:;n{S proceeded. " Salvation by CHRIST means, not only a " Deliverance from the Guilt., but a!fo iVom the Power of *' Sin. HE gave Hi mj elf for Us, that He might re 'ccm Vs *' from all hiiqidty; redeemUs from our vain Converfaticn, as *' well as deliver Us from the Wrath to come. — Go now, *' Phikcles, and tell the World, that bv teaching thcfe " Dodlrines, I promote the Caufe of Licer.tioulhcfs. And *' You will be juft as rational, juft as candid, juli as true, ^' as if You fliould affirm ; That the Firerneri, by playing the *' Engine, and pouring in Water, burnt your Houi'c lo the " Ground, and laid your Furniture in Aflies." E 2 68 DIALOGUE X. other momentous Diftm6lion in Divinity j Salvation is freely given, yet dearly bought. Freely ghcn, with regard to Us ; dearly bought, with regard to CHRIST. So, We arc jullified 6y Works, if You look forward to our Surety : Vv^e are juflified ^without Woiks, if You call a retrolpeftive View on Ourfelves* Theron was filent. Afpafw, after a fhort Iiv terval, renewed the Difcourfe. — I know not, whether my Friend is yielding to my Argu- ments, or fearching after Obje6lions ; delibe- rating upon a Capitulation, or muftering his Forces for a frefli Sally. However, let me take this Opportunity of dropping a Hint, and fuggefting a Caution. The grand Reafon, which inclines fome People to rejecl this comfortable Do61rine> lies concealed, if not in an ablblute Did^elief of our LORD'S eternal Glory and GOD- HEAD, yet in ?/;z/f/2'/r^ Apprehcnfions of it, or an habitual Inattention to it. — ^If our S A- VIOUR was not really GOD, as feme Writers, unhappily millaken themfelves, endeavour to perfuade the World -, it vv'ould be a rcafonable Pra61ice, and intirely confillcnt \\\X\\ their Scheme, to difavow the Imputation of his Righteoufnefs. Becaiifc, npon fuch a Sup- pofition, his ObeJ/ience was no more than boundcn Duty ^ in \\ hich there could not be Ike D i A L O G U E X. 69 ihe leaft Pretence to Merit, and which could be profitable to None but Himfelf. — Whereas, if Wc verily believe Him to be the incarnate GOD, his Submifiion to the Law becomes an AS: of voluntary Humiliation. Which Cir- cumftance, together with the tranfcendcnt Dig- nity of his Perfon, render his Obedience, not meritorious only, but inexpreflibly and infinitely meritorious. As the Blood of CHRIST:"is called GOD's own Blocd'^' ', fo the Obedience of CHRIST' was performed in the Perfon of that adorable MEDIATOR, wbo Is GOD over allf. He ai5led through the whole Courfe of his Life, and fuffered Death at the lafl", not merely as Man, but as GOD-Man ; as JEHOVAH-JE- SUS j I M MANUEL.— Let me intreat You to remember, nay, let me intreat You never to forget, this rJl-impo?'ta?2t Article of our Faith. And may the b'lefTed SPIRIT of Wif- dom give Us an Underilanding, to knovv^ the weighty, the extenfive Influence of fo glorious a Truth ! Tbcr. Far be it from me, to derogate from the Dignity of our SAVIOUR's Perfon, or to depreciate the Merits of his mediatorial Office. Place them as high, as Words can reach'i ex- alt them as far, as Thought can foar ; I lled- faflly believe. You will ftill fall Ihort, un- E 3 meafur- * jHsyx, 28. + Rom. \\. 5. 70 DIALOGUE X. meafurably lliort, of their real Worth. — But this Confideiation feems to increafe the Ab- furdity of your Notion. For, if CHRISTs Righteoufnefsj Lis very Pvighteoufnefs be im- puted 5 then, the true Behevers are akogether as righteous, as CHRIS'T himfelf. Vv^hereas, if You maintain, that his Righteoufnefs is imputed only as to its Effe&Sj You will keep dear of this Rock. ylfp. This, 1 fear, will be like keeping clear of Scy/Ia, only to fall foul upon Cbarybdis. — What are the Effects of the MEDIATOR'S Righteoufnefs ? Pardon of Sin, Juftification of our Perfons, and the S and ifi cation of our Nature. Shall We fay, Thefe Efiefts, thefe Benefits are imputed ? — To talk of their Im-^ putation, I think, is an Affront to found Senfe ; as, I am fure, to be put off with their Imputation, would be a fatal Diliippointmcnt of our Hopes. — All thefe Benefits are, not imputed, but imparted ; they are not reckoned to Us, but are really enjoyed by Us -, ours they are, not barely in the divine Eftimation, but by proper and perfonal Pofleflion. Yet, it does by no means follow, that Be- lievers are altogether as righteous, as CHRIS'T Himfelf: unlefs You can prove, that to be the Recciirr is, in all Ref|)eds the fame, as to be the Author and Finijher *. — The Righte- oufnefs * Heb, xii. 2. D I A L O G U E X. 71 oufnefs of CHRIST arifes wholly from Him- felf, the Source of ours fubfifts in Another. CHRIS'T's Righteoufncfs is originally and ab- folutely bis oion ; whereas, it is made ours in a way oi Favour and gracious Imputation. Circumftancesthefe, which create a material Difference, which yield Room for a vafl: Pre- eminence. Ther. But if CHRISTs perfea Obedience be accounted ours, methinks, We fhould have no more Need of pardon'mg Mercy, than CHRIST himfelf. Arp. Yes ; becaufe, before this Imputation, We were funk in Guilt, and dead in Sins. Becaufe, nfter it, We are defciSlive in our Duty, and in many Things offend. Ther. Does not this Do<5lrine render the In- terceffion of our SAVIOUR fuperftuQiis ? What Occafion have they for an Advocate with the FATHER, whofe Righteoufnels has neither Blemifli nor Imperfection ? Afp. They Hand in need of an Advocate ; firil, that they may be brought Home to the REPAIRER of their Breaches *, and made Partakers of his Righteoufncfs by a living Faith. Next, that their Faith may be pre- ferved, notwithftanding all Oppofition, fled- faft and immoveable ; or rather, may be car- ried on, vi6torious and triumphant, even to the End. E 4 Tker. * Ifai. Iviii. 12. 72 DIALOGUE X. "Ther, You fay, "CHRIST performed all " that was condition ary ;" then He repented for Us, and believed for Us. This mufl be admitted in Purfuance of your Principles. But this is fo wild a Notion, fo contrary to Reafon and Scripture, that to mention it, is to refute it. Afp. CHRIST' performed whatever was re- quired by the Covenant of Works, both be- fore it was violated, and after it had been tranfgrefTed. But neither Repentance nor Faith were comprehended in this Inftitution. It knew nothing of the One, and it would not admit of the Other. — It was not therefore necefiary, neither indeed was it poffible, for our fpotlefs and divine LORD, to repent of Sin, or believe in a SAVIOUR. But he did unfpeakably more. He put away Si?i by the Sacrijice of Himfelf^ -y He is Himfelf the SA- VIOUR of all the Ends of the Earth j and He has Power to beftow that blefied SPIRIT, which worketh Faith, and produceth Repent- ance. 'Ther, However, from what You have ad- vanced, this will unavoidably follow — That a Man is to be juftiiied, under the Chara6ler of a notorious TranfgrcfFor of the Law ; and juftificd under the Character of a finlefs Ob- ferver of the Law. And what is this, but ^ glaring Inconjijlency t * Ileh. ix. 26. DIALOGUE X. 73 Afp. Not at all inconfiftent, but abfolutely needful, if We confider thofe diftinft Branches of the divine Law, the preceptive and the pe- nal. Both which, in cafe of Guilt already contracted, mufl necefTarily be fatisfied. — Not at all inconfiftent, but perfe6lly harmonious, if We take in the two conjiitiient Parts of Ju- flification. The Acquittance from Guilt, and a Title to Life. The former fuppofes Us to be Tranfgreflbrs of the Law ; and fuch the higheft Saints in the World are. The latter requires Us to be Obfervers of the Law; and fuch muft the Liheritors of Heaven be. — Much lefs is this inconfiftent, if We confider Believers in their perjonal and relative Capa- city i as they are in themfelves, and as they are in their Surety. Notorious TranfgrefTors in Themfelves, they have a fmlefs Obedience in CHRIST. The Confcioufnefs of that, will be an everlafting Motive to Humility ^ the Belief of this, an inexhauftible Source of Joy- All this is no more inconfiftent, than the Union of a gloomy Contexture, and a light- fome Splendor, in thofe detached Clouds, which float amidft the Firmament. In them- felves, they are a louring and dark Colledlion of Vapours j by the Impreffion of the Sun- beams, they 2Xtfair and bright 2^% thepoliftied Silver. Ther. ^4 D I A L O G U E X. ^ber. After all, the Imputation taiigli't In Scripture, is not the Imputation of CHRISTs Righteoufnefs, but of our o^-cZ'?! Faith. Agree- ably to the Apoflle's exprefs Declaration, Abra- ham believed GOD, a7id it was imputed to Him J^or Right eoufnefs *. Afp. This Objecllon admits the Thing in Difpute, though it controverts the Way and Manner of obtaining it. Admits the Neceflity of fome active^ pofitive Righteoufnefs, in order to our Juftification. In this Particular, I am glad to agree with m.y 7hercn : and in this Particular, I believe, the Generality of fcrious People agree with Us both. — Whenever their Confciences are awakened, and feek to efta- blifli the Hope of eternal Life, they conftantly turn their Eyes to fom€ Righteoufnefs : which, they apprehend, may, either in Whole or in Part, anfwer the Demands of the Law. Seme look to their own Jincere Obedience. Others call in to their Succour Works of Supereroga- tion. My Friend would afiign this Office to his Faith. 'Ther. Is this a proper Anfwer to my Ob- je6lion, Afpajio ? The Text is point blank againfl Your Tenet. You do wifely therefore, not to confront, but to elude the Evidence. Afp. I did not intend it for an Anfwer ; only as an occajiojial Obfervation, which ne- verthe- • Rom. iv, 3. D I A L O G U E X. y^ verthelefs has a pretty clofe Connedlion with the Subje61. — Neither would I ufe fo mean a Subterfuge, as to elude an Argument, wh:ch I could not confute. If my Friend had al- lowed me Leifure to explain myfelf, this lliould have been my Reply * That a Man is not juilified by Works, is a Pofition mofh clearly demonftrated, and a Doctrine moil zealoufly inculcated by St. Paul. That Faith is a Work *, exerted by the hu^ man Mind, is equally certain. Unlefs there- fore We would render the Apoille inconfiilent with Himfelf, We muft underftand the Paf^ fage in a qualified Senfe. — Why fliould We not fuffer Him, to be his own Interpreter ? Why ihould We not take the Narrative of his Experience, for a Comment on his Doc- trine ? He declares, that the Ground of his own Comfoit, the Caufe of his own Juflifi- cation, was, not the Grace of Faiih^ but the Rigbteoufnefs which is of GOD by Faith -f*. Not the A61 of Believing, but that grand and glo- rious Objecr of a Sinner's Belief, l^he LORD our Rigbteoufnefs. Befides ; what was that Faith of Abraham^ to which the Apoftie refers ? and which He propofes * So it Is called by HIM, who knew what was in Man, and what were the Differences of Thuigs ; This is the Work o/GODy that Te belUve on Him ivhem Hehathfent, John vi. 29. f PhiL ill. 9. 76 DIALOGUE }C. propofes as the invariable Model of our Ju-» llification ? — It was Faith in the promi fed Seed -, in JEmS CHRIST the Righteous *. It was a firm Perfuafion, that this illuflrious Perfon Ihould fpring from his Loins ; and be the Author of Forgivenefsj Acceptance, and Sal- vation to Himfelf, and to a Multitude of Be- lievers, numberlefs as the Stars of Heaven. Let Us tread in thefe Steps of the holy Pa- triarch, and V/e fhall afcribe little, afcribe nothing to our Faith, but all to the infinitely- excellent Obedience of our REDEEMER. Thej'. Sure, Afpqfio, You will not prefume to correft Infpiration ! The infpired Writer makes no mention of a R E D E E M E R's Obe- dience. He fays expreily and pofitively — Ify that is, Abrahams Faith, and not any Thing clfe, isoas counted unto Him for Rightetiufncfs. Jfp. True, Theron ; as thofe Windows are reckoned, are counted, The Lights of your Houfe. And why ? Becaufe they illuminate ? No J but becaufe they afford a Paffage to the illuminating Rays. Through them, the firft and beft of Elements, is diffufed into all your Habitation. — So We are faved by Grace through Faith ; by Grace imputing, through Faith ac- cepting, the Righteoufnefs of JESUS CHRIST. Grace is the magnificent Source of this nobler Light ; Faith is the Means of tranfmitting it into all the Faculties of the Soul. When * Compare Gen. xv. 5, 6, with Gal. ill. 16. DIALOGUE X. yy When our LORD declares to the difeafed Woman, T^hy Fmth hath made thee whole * r how are We to underftand his Words ? That the Patient's Belief, and not the Agency of CHRIST, wrought the Cure? To fuppofe this, would be extremely derogatory to the Power of our great Phyfician. And if We afcribe Juflification to the A6f of Believing, this will be equally derogatory to the Obe- dience of our great MEDIATOR. In the former Cafe, CHRIST and his omnipotent Operation, were All in All. In the latter Cafe, CHRIST and his infinite Merit, are All in All. In both Cafes, Faith is only the Eye to difcern, or the Hand to receive, the fpvereign Good. I would farther obferve, That Faith is very particularly dijlingidjlded from the Righteouf- nefs which juftifies. We read of the Righte- oufnefs which is by Faith, which is of Faith -f-. A Method of fpeaking which plainly denotes, that Faith itfelf is not our juftifying Righte- oufnefg* * Matt. ix. 22. f Rom. ix. 30. Phil. iii. 9. The Apoftles, I believe^ never make Ufe of fuch a Phrafe as, J'ixaiwGivlE? uttsc uTjjEWb , or J^ia rn? — Ktv, but jx "ksw? or I would afic, refide in the mxCre A61 of view- ing ? No : but in the Emblem of a dying SAVIOUR, elevated on the Pole, and or- dained for the Recovery of the People. Here all the Efficacy was lodged. From hence it was all derived. The A^lion of the Eye, like the Office * John I. 12. See 2.K0 Rom. v. 17. Where a Critic of accurate Judgment, and delicate Tafte (though Httle known in England) makes this Remark on the Word Aajw.SauovlES', Non jtijiificat ABiis fianencU, quatenus eji ASlm ; jed illud quod fmnitur aut apprehenditur. BengeUus in loc. — His An- jiotations oh the New Teftament are comprifed in a fmall ^iorto Volume. They prefent the Reader with many re- fined Obfervations, on the Elegancies of the Style, and Sublimity of the Dodlrines. They are a Pattern of the concijc Manner ; and, which is perhaps the crowning Excel- lency, they all ;ilong indicate a Heart warm and glowing with the Love of its Subject. •J- Heb. xii, 2. % Num. xxi. 8. DIALOGUE X. 83 Office of Faith, was only to fetch home, and apply the fanative Virtue. Once more ; Faith is reprefented, as laying hold on GOD our SAVIOUR * ^ leaning upon our BELOVED f ; cleaving to the L ORD + — Pleafe to take notice of yonder Vine. Its Shoots are weak, and its Branches flimfy. Being abfolutely unable to fupport themfelves, they are furnifhed with a very remarkable Set of Clafpers, V^hich, like fo many Fingers, lay hold on the Pegs of the V^all, or faften themfelves to the Poles within their Reach. Without fuch a Provifion, the Boughs mud lie proftrate on the Ground, and be expofed to the Infults of every Foot. Whereas, by this kind Contrivance of Nature, fo creeping a Plant, will climb into the Air, and enjoy the Breeze ; io feeble a Plant, v/iil ftand out the Winter, and defy the Storms. — An in- ilruftive Admonition to Sinners ! And no con- temptible lUuftration of Faith, efpecially in its principal and moft diflinguifliing Employ ! Thus let Us apprehend the bieffed JESUS-, hold Us faft by our adored REDEEMER; cleave to his ineffable Worthineis, as thofe twining Tendrils, by repeated Circumvolu- tions, adhere to their fubfrantial Supporters. Then Ihall We rife, by Merits not owr own^ from * i/^/, xxvii. 5. _ f Cant.v'm. %. % J^sx'i.lj. F 2 84 DIALOGUE X. from the mofl abje6l and miferable Condition, to a State of everlafling Honoui: and Joy. T'her^ Some People, I believe, would hardly forbear fmiling at the Peculiarity of your Dic- tion 3 and might be inclined to call your Dif- courfe Canting^ rather than Reafoning. For my own Part, I muft acknowledge, that, as all your peculiar Phrafes are derived from the Scriptures, I hear them with Reverence, ra- ther than any Difpofition to fneer. Was my Friend delivering a Latin Oration, it would be a fufhcient Warrant for any of his Expref- fions, to prove that they came from the Cicero- nian Mint. And will it not be, at leafl, an equally fufficient Authority, for any Modes of Speech ufed in a theological Effay, to alledge that they bear the Stamp of the Bible. Though I make no Objection to your Lan- guage, I have yet another Scruple with re- gard to your Doctrine. — Do the antie?it Fa- ther's adopt or inculcate this imputed Righte- oufnefs ? If it was fo important an Article of our Faith, furely it could not be unknown in thofe early Ages, which were fo near the apo- flolical Fountain. It would not have been omitted by thofe zealous Preachers, who chofe to endure all the Rigours of Perfecution, ra- ther than renounce their holy Profeflion. AJp. I think, it were fufficient to anfwer this Queftion, by afking another — Do the Apoflles D I A L O G U E X. ^^ Apoftles, does the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD fpeaking in Scripture, inculcate this Do6trine> or difplay this Privilege ? If fo. We need not be very foHcitous for any farther Authority. To the Law, and to the T'ejiimony *, is our grand, our final Appeal. Amidft all the Darknefs and Uncertainty, which evidently run through the Writings of the bell of Men, this is our unfpeakable Happinefs, That TVe have a more fure Word of Prophecy j to which We do well to take heed\. However i to be a little more particular — It cannot be expelled, that We fliould find many Paflages in thofe pious Authors, very ftrong and very explicit, upon the Point. Be- caufe, in their Days, it was not fo profeiTedly oppofed ; and theref"ore could not be fo exactly difcuffed, as in later Ages. Neverthelefs, they have left enoudi behind them, to avouch the Subftance of what We 'aifert; l^hat a Man is not jujiijied by any Works, Duties, or Righteonf- nefs of his own, but only by Faith in JESUS CHRIST. — I cannot fay, that I have charged my Memory with their vei*y Words ; and for that Reafon, muft not attempt at prefent to make any Citation. But, when a proper Op- portunity offers, and their Works are before me, I may poflibly produce a few of their Teflimonies, F 3 In * J/ai. viii. 20. _ -f 2 Pet. i. 19. 86 DIALOGUE X. In the mean Time, I can mention a Set of Writers, whofe Atteftation will, I imagine,, carry as much Weight with my Friend, as the united Voice of the Greek and Latin Fathers. l^hcr. Who are they ? Afp. Our venerable Reformers. The Ho- milies compofed by thofe excellent Divines^ are as exprefs to my Purpofe, as they are un- exceptionable in their Evidence. This is their Language — " The true Underftanding of this " Doctrine, We he jujlified freely by Faith with^ " out Works, is not, that this our A5l to be-^ " lieve, or this our Faith in CHRIS'T, doth " juftify Us : for that were to count Ourfelves " to be juftified by fome A61 or Virtue, that " is withiji Ourfel'vcs. But the true Meaning " thereof, is. That although V/e hear GOD's " Word, and beheve it j although We have " Hope and Faith, Charity and Repentance, " and do never fo many good Works : Yet *' We muft renounce the Merit of all our *'• Virtues and good Deeds, as Things that be " far too weak and infufficient, to deferve Re- " miffion of Sin, and our Juitification. We " muft truft only in GOD's Mercy, and that " Sacrifice w^iich our High Prieft and Saviour " JESUS CHRIST', the SON of GOD, offered " for Us upon the Crofs." The Homily fubjoins a very appolite lihi- ftration -, which may conclude our Difcourfe with D I A L O G U E X. 87 with perfe6l Propriety, aiid I hope with equal Efficacy. — '• So that as St. "John Baptift, al- " though He were never To virtuous and godly " a Man, yet in the Matter of forgiving Sin, " He did put the People from Him, and ap- " point them unto CHRIST; faying thus " unto them, Behold ! Yonder h the LAMB " of GO Dj which taketh away the Sins cf the *' World : Even fo, as great and as godly a " Virtue as the lively Faith is, yet it putteth «* lis from itfelf and remitteth Us unto CHRIST^ " for to have only by Him Remiihon of Sins " or Juflification. So that our Faith in " CHRIST^ as it were, faith unto Us thus, " It is not I that take away your Sins, but it '' is CHRIST only 5 and to Him only I fend " You for that Purpofe, forfaking therein ail *' your good Words, Thoughts, and Works, *' and only putting your '^Truil in CHRIST." Ther. If there be any tolerable Senfe of the Notion under Debate, I think, itmuil be un- derftood as follows. — CHRISTa Performance of the Law of his Mediation, or, in other Words, his unfmning Obedience to the moral Law, and the fpotlefs Sacrifice of Himfclf to the vindidive Juliice of GOD i tlicfe are the only valuable Confideration, on Account of which, tliQ gnTcioiis GOD rellorcs guilty Crea- F 4 tures 88 DIALOGUE X. tures to a State of Acceptance with his divine MAJESTY. AJp. I am far from denying your Propofi- tion. I rejoice in the Propriety of my I'he- rons Sentiments. May his Faith, which is thus far advanced, be carried on by Grace, till it is completed in Glory ! — That unfin- ning Obedience, and that fpotlefs Sacrifice, are indeed the only valuable, they are alfo the truly^ or rather the infinitely valuable Con- iideration ; which has fully merited for Us the RemiiTion of Sins, and the Enjoyment of Life ; and this not only from the gracious, but even from the^'z//?, the faithful, the righ- teous GOD. But then, they mufl: be imputed^ in order to furniih Us with a Claim, and invefi: Us with a Right, to the purchafed Privileges. — Suppofe them not imputed ; and what be- comes of our InUrefi in them ? They are like a Medicine prepared, but not applied. — Sup- pofe them imputed ; and they lay a firm, an apparent, a rational Foundation^ for every pleaf- ing Hope, and for every heavenly Blefling. Ther. I fear, I have acknowledged too much, — My Thoughts fluctuate. My Mind is un- fettled. — I would not withfland the Truth. I would not difbclieve any Doftrine of the Gofpcl. Vet— what Ihall I fay ? While I Ufien to DIALOGUE X. 89 to your Reafoning, I am half a Convert. When I recolleSi the Obje6lions, I revert to my firft Opinion. Of this, however, I am convinced. That human Righteoufnefs is 'mfiifficient for our Juf- tification. Plere your Arguments have car- ried their Point. I Ihall henceforth place my Hopes of everlafling Happinefs, not upon any Works of my own, but upon the free Good- nefs, and unbounded Beneficence, of the SUPREME BEING. Purfuant to that Maxim of Scripture, T^'he Gift of GOD is eter- nal Life. Afp. You do right, 7loeran^ to expe6l eter- nal Life as the Gift of GOD, not as the Wages of your own obediential Service. But be pleafed to remember, that all the Gifts of Grace, though perfe<5lly free to Sinners, are founded upon' a grand and ineftimable Price, paid by theirSAVIOUR. — Are they intirely abfolved from Guilt ? It is becaufe CHRIST^ gave his Life for their Ranfom. — Are they heard with Acceptance when they pray ? It is becaufe their exalted High Priefl intercedes in their Behalf. — Aj-e they completely juftified, and inflated in endlefs Blifs ? It is becaufe their REDEEMER'S confammate Obedience, is the glorious Equivalent for this and every other Bleffing. — Therefore, when You mention eter- nal Life as the Gift of GOD, You fliould not forget 90 DIALOGUE X. forget to add with the Holy Apoftle, through JESUS CHRIST our LORD * Well, my T'heron-y what fay You farther ? Is your Quiver emptied ? Are your Scruples fatisfied ? May I interpret this. Silence, as an A61 of AfTent ? T'her, Obferve, how the RammculufeSy on yonder gay Parterre, have contra6led their fpreading Tufts, and the 'Tulips have clofed their expanded Cups. While all the neigh- bouring Flowers, have fhut their ivory Doors, or drawn their Velvet Curtains. — Such is the State of my Thoughts. They are all bent in- wards j colleBed in themfelves ; and pondering upon your Difcourfe. Which has inclined me, before I was aware, to contemplate, ra- ther than talk. — You will excufe my Though t- fulnefs, Afpajio. Or, if it wants an Apology, You muft blame Yourfelf. For, had your Reafons been lefs cogent, my Attention had been more difengaged. j4fp. My dear Theron^ I fhall only wifh, \n Allufion to your own Simile, and in the Lan- guage of the beft of Books ; That thefe Truths may dijiil as the Dew -f upon your Mind, and lie all Night upon your Brandts J. This, I am perfuaded, is the only Way to have all youi* Comforts green before the Sun, and all your Virtues flourifl: as an Herb. Whereas, under the * Rom. vi. 20. t J^ciiU xxxii. 2. % Jabxxlx. 19. DIALOGUE X. 91 the Influence of any other Faith, I am afraid, they will be as the Garden, that is vifited with a Drought ; or as the Leaves, that are fmitten with a Blaft, 'Tber. I fhall attentively confider, both your Do<5lrine, and your Arguments. Which that I may execute, with more Eafe, and to better Purpofe, be pleafed to fum iip^ in a few Words, the Subftance of what has pafled. — This done, it will be Time to withdraw. The Flowers, You fee, are our Monitors. They have folded up their Robes, and veiled their Beauties. A Cuflom which they feldom ufe, till the rijing Damps render it unfafe, for their Mailer to be among them ; and the furroiinding Gloom renders it difficult, for His Eye to diflinguifh them. AJp. You could not oblige me more, than by giving mc fuch a Command. — We truil for Salvation-, Not on our own external Duties. This were to build our Houfe upon the Sand. Which, when the Rains defcend, when the Torrents pour, when the Winds blow with tempciluous Violence, will certainly fall ; and bury the Builder, with all his vain Hopes, in irretriev- able Ruin. Not on the Sincerity of our Hearts, This, if oppofed to CHR I ST, and made the Rival of his Merits, will be a " defpifed broken " Idol." 92 DIALOGUE X. «' Idol." Defpifed, by the infinitely fublime and majeftic RULER of the World' Brokejt, with regard to the Strefs We lay, or the Con- fidence We repofe, on fo deceitful a Prop. No more able to fland in the Judgment of the great Day, than Dagon was able to main- tain his Station, before the Ark of the LORD GOD of Hofts^. Not upon our Faith. This is often weak, as the rickety Child : fometimes quite faint, like a Perfon in a deep Swoon : always im- perfe6V, like every other Performance of ours. Alas ! To what afiiifting Fears, to what grievous Defpondency fliould I, for my Part, be perpetually liable, if my own Faith was the Ground of my Juftification. Blefled be the FATHER of Mercies ! We have a furer Support. Not upon Faith, not upon Faith, but upon its gracious AUTHOR, and glori- ous OBJECT, is the Hope of IJrael founded. Yet Not upon our LORD's Righteoufnefs, con- fidered only as paflive > but upon his ii5five and pajjhe Obedience united. All that He did^ in Conformity to the Commands of the Law ; and all that Htfufferedy in Submifllon to its Penalty, Both which, immenfely dig- nified by his divine Nature, are a Bafis for our Faith, which nothing can fliake ; are a Founda- * I Sam. V. 3, 4. DIALOGUE X. 93 Foundation for our Affiance, which can never be removed. — Nothing elfe, in any Creature, or in all Worlds, could expiate the leafi Sin, This, not only expiates all Sin, but gives a Title to every Blejfing — to the Bleffings of Grace, and of Glory — of evangelical Holi- nefs, and everlafting Happinefs. D I A- DIALOGUE XL As P A S I o. M0J HAVE often purpofed, and as '^% often forgot, to afk — What P/V- ^^ ti^re You was fo attentively fur^ ^^^^ veying, when I fl'ole unperceived upon You, in this favourite Arbour *. "itber. I was indulging a penfive Pleafure, in viewing the Ruins, and contemplating the Fate of Babylo?i — that renowned and opulent City ! Once the Refidence of the Affyrian Mo- narchs, and Capital of one of the greatell: Empires in the World. The Draught I held in my Hand, reprefented fome of its Remains. And indeed this was the very lall Subjeft, that employed my Thoughts. In the Morn- ing, my Son brought mc his Obfervations upon the Scene j which I have jull now been revifing. For, * St< Dialogue V. p. 196. D I A L O G U E XI. 9^ For, I frequently fet Him, to exercife his Judgment, or difplay his Fancy, on remark- able Paflages, which occur in Hiilory. — He was lately commiflioned to determine a Con- troverfy, between the illuftrious Leonidasy and the lefs celebrated Padaretus. This was the Point in Debate : Which of them difcovered the triieji Generofity of Spirit, and the mofl heroic Love of their Country ? The former, who willingly facrificed his Life in its De- fence ? Or the latter, who, when He was Candidate for a Seat among the Three Hun- dred, and lofl his Election j inllead of being chagrined or difiatisfied, went home unfeign- edly rejoicing, " That there were found in " Sparta three hundred Men, more worthy *' than Himfelf ?" — The talk of this Day was. To give a defcriptive Picture of thofe wonder- ful Ruins, Afp. Pray, let me have the Pleafure of hear- ing the young Gentleman's Performance. Ther, It will be too long, and too puerile : tire your Patience, and offend your Tafle. Afp. I don't ufe to make either of thefe Complaints, when I am entertained with 'The- ron% Compofitions. And, as the Son has fo much of his Father's Genius, I am not at all appreheniive of any fuch Difappointment.- — We have a moll agreeable Situation, and more 96 D I A L O G U E XI. more than an Hour's Leifure. I muft there^ fore repeat my Requefti T^her. 'Tis true, I have retouched the Sketch ; which may render it fomewhat more tolerable. And fmce You perfifl in your Demand, I will read the Paper. — Only defiring fome Allow- ance for a little Luxtiriancy of Imagination. Which, in young Writers it may be advifeable to indulge, rather than reprefs. As Age and Judgment will, probably, come with the prun- ing Knife, and make the proper Retrench- ments. — I muft farther obferve, that, con- trary to the Cuftom which prevails in our Schools, I generally choofe to have Him ex- prefs his Sentiments in Englifi. Becaufe, it is in this Language, He muft communicate his 0W7J, and become acquainted with the Ideas of Othejs, Becaufe, to acquire fome good De- gree of Propriety and Fluency in this his na- tive Tongue, will be incomparably more fer- viceable, than to fpeak Latin with the Teren- tian Elegance, or to write it with the Cicero^ nian Copioufnefs. Is this Babylon ? The Glory of Kingdoms ! The Beauty of the Chaldean Excellency ! Where once the gorgeous Eafty with richeji Uand^ Shower d on her Kings b-arboric Fearl and Gold. How D I A L O G U E XL 97 How is She fallen ! Fallen from the Height of Magnifieence, into the Abyfs of Confiifion ! What was once the Object of univerfal Ad- niirationj is now a Spcciacle of Aflonifliment and Horror. The Palace, where Majefly fat inthroned like fome terreflrial Deity, is a Ileap of Rub- bifli: no longer diifinguinied by an Air of fuperior Elegance, but by ftronger and more melancholy Marks of departed Dignity *. — Where, the Nobles of tliat jumpfuom Courty trailed along the marble Pavements their Robes of Purple and Embroidery ; there, the crefted Snake hifTes, or the fierce invenomed Adder glides. How changed is the hofpitable Hall, and how difgraced the Room of State ! The firft afforded a conftant and cordial Reception to the wel- come Guefls ; in the laft, the great King gave Audience to his cringing, his adoring Vaifals. Now, Thorns over- run the Circumference, and " Defolation fits in the Threfliold" of them both. — Where are the Roofs of Ivory, painted * Benjamin, a Jew of Tudela, in his Itlmrary, writtea about the Year of our L O R D 1 1 70, tel!s Us—" That He *' was upon the Place, where this City formerly ftood, and *' found it wholly defolated and cleflroyed. Only fome Ruins *' of A/ieZiwrZfrt^/n^zz^r's Palace were f|-ill remaining; but Men " were afraid to go near them, by reafon of the manv Ser- *' pents and Scorpions, that were then in the Place."' Vol. IL G $8 DIALOGUE XI. painted with Vermilion^ and adorned with Sculpture ? The radiant Roofs, whofe Lamps of burniHied Silver, pendent in many a blaz- ing Row, yielded Light as from another Sky ' Swept from their Foundations, they lie clotted with defiling Dirt, or clafped in tangling Briars. — Mufic no longer pours her Harmony, through the fpacious and extended Apart- ment 3 but the Night- Owl, neflhng in fome Cleft of the Ruins, fcreams her harfh and portentous Dlllbnance. Joy no longer leads up the fprightly Dance, amidft the Luftre of that artificial Day j but the folitary Batt flits in filent Circles, or flaps her footy Wings. All thofe gay Delights — let the Sons of Sen^ fuality hear the Tale, and take Warning from the Cataflrophe ! — all thofe ^ay Delights are extinguiflied, like one of their feeblefl: Tapers \ which, having illuminated for a while the fe- flive Aflembly, Ihone itfelf to the Edges of the exhauflcd Socket, and in a Moment flaflied into Stench and Darknefs. The Walh^ though cemented with Bitu- men *, and confolidated into the Firmnefs of a Flint, * The Walls were built of Brick, and cemented with a glutinous Kind of Slime; which binds more firmly than any Mortar, and foon grows harder, than the Brick or Stones themfelves. — They were, according to the Account given by Herodotus^ in Breadth eighty-feven Feet, in Height three hun- dred and fifty Feet, and reckoned to be abfolutely impregnable, Xufomuch that the liihabitants, when befieged by Cyrus^ in- fultecj t) I A L O G U E XL 99 la Flint, are become like the broken Bubble. There was a Time, when the Inhabitants, con- fiding in the Strength of their Bulwarks, and their impregnable Towers, looked down with fearlefs Difdain on the Army of Befiegers. But now the Prophet's Threatening is moft terribly fulfilled : The Fortrefs of tkc high Fort of thy Walls hath HE brought doum, laid low, and brought to the Ground ^ even to the Duji *. — Where are the Gates^ the grand and glittering Gates -f-, that admitted the triumphant Hofts, or poured forth their numerous Legions againft the Day of Battle ? Not one Trace remains, to tell the inquifitive Stranger ; " Llere tlie *' fpacious Avenues opened : Here the mafiy " Portals rofe." — Commodious /^/-Wij, in which the cluftering Merchants raifed the bufy Ham, and planned the Schemes of Commerce i ample Streets, in which Induftry drove the toiling Car, orfmotethe founding Anvil j are flirouded with matted Grafs, or buried beneath the rankeft Weeds. Silence, in both Places, a fal- len faked Him from the Walls, and laughed at his Attempt, as a vain impradlicable Proje6l. — Oi h £v tw tu;;^?* xjtrs^fAcvV Tr\]i TToXioarnxv. Xenoph. /??/?. Cyr. Lib.vii. * J/ai. XXV. 12. •f- There were no lefs than a hundred Gates, all oi foiid Brafs. Hence it is, that when JEHOVAH promifes to make Cyrus Mafter of Babylon^ He fpeaks in this very re- markable and particularizing Manner; I tvill break in Fteas Ufare Tim the Gates of Brafs^ Ifai. xlv. 2. G 2 joo DIALOGUE Xl. len Silence reigns -, and Inaflivity, a death- like Ina6livity, ilunibers. What is become of thofe Hanging-gardens j Vv^hich, for curious Contrivance and flupend- ous Workmanfhip, were never equalled in any Nation under Heaven ? I'crraces, that overlooked the talleil: Houfes ! Parterres^ ex- alted to the Clouds, and opening their floweiy Beauties in that ftrange Region ! Grove s^, v^diofe very Roots were higher than the Tops of the loftieft Trees * !— They are now fmitten by a dreadful Blafl-. Their Beauty is gone like a withered Leaf. Inftead of being the favourite Retreats of a Queen, and the Admiration of the whole World, they are a Nefl for poifon- ous Reptiles, and a Kennel for ravenous Beafls. The Traveler, inftead of expatiating with De- light, where this penfile Paradife liourifhed, is flruck with Horror j keeps at a trembling Diftance ; and furveying the rueful Spot, cries out, Righteous art T'hou, LORD, and true are thy Judgments ! Here (lands an Ohelijk, maimed by the Stroke of revolving Years, like a Mountain Oak fhattered by the flaming Bolt. Another, all unhinged and quite disjointed, feems to tremble before every Blaft that blows. — There, the * Penfiles Hortl funt, fummam Murorum AltUud'me7n /vquantcsy multarumqne Jrhrum Uml?ra ^ Proccritate arnceni. Curt. Lib, V. DIALOGUE XI. loi the Pyramid * ; firm as the folid Rock, and flable, One would have thought, as the ever- lafting Hills 5' wrenched from its mighty Bafe, is tumbled headlong in enormous Ruin, and has crulhed many a Structure by its Fall. — See yonder, the triumphal Arch ; which ex- hibited, through its extenfive and beautiful Bend, an advantageous View of the Firma- ment. It was, once, the graceful Memorial of fome celebrated Victory ; it is, now, con- verted into a Trophy of a very different Kind. Juft retaining two uneven, battered, ragged Stumps, it ferves to recognize the deftru^live Ravages of Time. — Spires, that pierced the Clouds, and fhot into the Skies, are leveled with the trodden Soil. On Pinacles, to which the fl:rong-winged Bird could hardly foar, the groveling Worm crawls, and the fordid Snail leaves her (limy Track. — Baths, that contained the tranflucent Wave, and were fo often per- fumed with odoriferous Unguents, are choked with Filth J the grand Colonade, that furrounded them, is fliivered to pieces ; and the elevated Dome, that covered them, is daflied to the Ground, * Strabo calls the Temple of Behis a Pyramid. Lib. XV". But if the Critics in Hiftory fhould queltion or deny the Exiftence of Pyramids among the Babylonians, for this and other Liberties ufed by our young Declaimer, Horace fliall make an Apology : •■ PiSloribus atque Poetis ^ndlibet audendi femper fuit aqua Potejlas. G3 102 DIALOGUE XI. Ground. — The public AqucdiiBs^ that con- veyed Cleanlinefs and Health alor.g their cry- flal Currents, are degenerated into a ftagnat- ing Lake j while croking Vermine fwarm among the Weeds, and noilbme Exhalations fleam from the Mire. AuguH and ftately T'empks, that fcemed to aiteft the Neighbourhood of Heaven*', are funk to the very Duft. — Who can point the Spot, where the confecrated Vi61im bled, or the facred Fire glowed ? Where the fceptrcd Image lifted its majeftic Head, or the venerat- ing Crouds bowed the fuppliant Knee -f- ? De- graded are thofe fplendid Vanities, and cafl (according to the Denunciation of the facred Oracles) to the Bats and to the Moles %, All is low 3 low as the fpurious Dignity of the Idols they * A Tower in the Temple of Bclus^ and dedicated to his W(MTnip, was moft amazingl}' high. It coi^.fifted of eight l\)vvers, erecicd one above another. It aroie to tlie Elevation of lix hundred Feet perpendicular. And is thought, by the learned Bccbnrt, to have been Part of that fupeib Work, which was begun when the zvhole Earth ivas of one Language: but mifcarried, or rather was providentially de- feated, bv the Confufion of Tongues. In this Stru<5furc, there were doubtlefs very (Irong Traces of that arrogant Boafl: ; Let Us build Us a City and a Toivcr, tvhofe Top fiiay reach to Heaven. Gen. xi. 4. \ Alluding to that prodigious Inftance of Profufcnefs, Offcntation, and idolatrous Madnefi, the golden Image jet up in the Plain of Dux?i : whofe Height (that is, the Height of the Statue and PcdclJ-al taken together) icas three/core Cuhiti. Dan. iii, r. Sec Prideaux's Conneolion, Vol. 1. p. 95j 'w't, P' 5^7) ^'''•*- X Ijai, ii. 2Q, D I A L O G U E XL 103 they complimented ; low as the StraiVy that is trodden doumfor the Dtinghil^. Sepulchres^ the once venerable Repofitories of the Dead, awful Manfions, deflined to ever] ailing Concealment -, are cleft and rent afunder. They difclofe the horrid Secrets of the Pit, and frightfully yawn upon the blafted Day. PoiTibly, fome ravenous Creature lurks within, that has already rifled the Tomb of its Hero ; given the putrid Bones a new Grave ; and waits only for the Approach of Night, to repeat his funeral Dirge in Yells. — Jnfcrip^ tions, defigned to perpetuate fome illuftrious Chara6ler, or eternize fome heroic Deed, are blended in the promifcuous Mafs. In vain, would the prying Antiquary fearch for a le- gible or confident Sentence : in vain, attempt to find the memorable Names of a Nebuchad- nezzar or a Nimrod. Tliefe, though engraved on Plates of Brafs, or cut in Blocks of Marble, are loft amidft the ftupendous Lumber -, as Pjunts on the unfleady Sand are effaced, when returning Tides fmooth the furrowed Beach. Here and there a ftraggling Cyprefs rifes, as it were v/ith funeral Solemnity, amidft the Wafle -f*. Somewhat like the black Plumes, nodding * Ifaj.xxv. 10. f Rainvo/f, a German Traveler, who pafTed that Way, in the Year of our LORD 1574, fays ; " This Country is *' fo dry and barren, that it cannot be tilled ^ and fo bare, G 4 ^' that I04 DIALOGUE XI. nodding over the mournful Hearfe, they aug- ment the Sadnefs of the Scene, and throw a deeper Horror on all below. — No human Voice is heard, nor human Face iecDj amidft thefe defolated Heaps. Too dreary, even for the Roam of hoary Hermit, or the Cell of gloomy Monk. Abandoned they are, totally abandoned, to the Dominion of Solitude ; or elfe, to the unmolcfted Refort of fliaggy Mon- gers, and feathered Hags ; that ftun the mid- night Hours — thefey with their importunate Shrieks- — tbcfe, with their execrable Howls. See ! to what a defpicable, what an abhorr- ed State, the proudeft Monuments of earthly Grandeur, and the mofb cofliy Apparatus for earthly Felicity, may be reduced ! A pregnant and alarming Proof, that, for hjlmg Honour^ or real Happmefs^ ^hey build too lo^iv^ ivho build beneath the Skies, Afp. I very much approve the Choice of your Subject, The Ruins of Perfcpolis, would have given Us a View of Magnificence in Abafement, The Ruins of Fahnyra^ might have fliewed Us Elegance in the Dull. But the Ruins of Babylon difplay at once, Magni- ficence and Elegance under an Eclipfe, Scrip- ture *' that I fhoulcl have douhted, whether the potent Bahyion *' did ftand there, if I had not known it by fevers:! anti'ent ♦' and delicate Antiquitie--, thnt ajc fliU Handing hereabout *' in great Dcll'latioii.'* D I A L O G U E XI. 105 iure and Revelation in their Glory. — The utter Definition of this City, which was abfolutely unequalled * in every Inftance of Dignity, and feemingly invincible by any Enemy, muft certainly have been looked upon as the 7?2oJl improbable of Events. Neverthelefs its utter Del1:ru6lion was decreed by JEHOVAH, and denounced by his Prophet, feveral Ages before the Execution took place. The awful Sentence was not only recorded, but is ftill remaining, in the public Archives of our Religion. T^her. Where is this Sentence recorded ? Afp. In the Prophecy of Ifaiah. And not only recorded, but in the moft circumftantial Manner, and with a minute Detail of the horrible Defolations. Thefe are the Words of the infpired Writer ; Babylon, the Glory ef Kingdoms^ the Beauty of the Chaldees Excel- lency^ JJjall be as when GOD overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. // fiall never be inhabited 5 neither jld all it be dwelt in from Generation to Generation : Neither fiall the Arabian pitch T'ent there j neither jldall the Shepherds make their Fold there. But wild Beajis of the Defart Jloall lie therCy and their Hoifes Jloall be full of doleful Creatures, and Owls f:all dwell there, and Satyrs Jhall dance there. And the wild BeaJls of the yiands * Utiequalkd—Reprefentcd tlierefore by the golden Head, In Nebuchadnezzar's prophcticDresLm, and emblematic Image, Dan.u. 38. — And defcribed by an ancient Author, ^sOmniuf/i ^uas unqnam Soi afpexit Urbium maxima. PauCan. in Arcad, io6 DIALOGUE XL I/lafids fiall cry vi their defolate HoufeSy and Dra^ gons in their pie afant Palaces "*. In the two lirfl Sentences, is comprized the mofl finiflied Pidiire of Profperity and Gran- deur. 7 he Glory of Ki?igdoms -, beyond every other Metropolis, fpacious, ornamented, and wealthy j revered by many conquered and tri- butary Dominions, as their MillrefS, and their Sovereign. — The Beauty of the Chaldees Excel- lency : The Chaldeans^ who excelled all the Nations of the Earth in Riches, in Splendor, and in Power, even they gloried in this won- derful City. This v/as the highefl Honour of the mofl illuftrious, and chief Strength of the mofl victorious People ; fairefl, where all was confpicuoufly fair ; noblell, where all was fu~ pereminently noble.- — Yet this diftinguiflied, this crowning City, JJ:all, at the blalling of the Breath of JEHOVAH, be deflroyed as ut- terlv, as ivhen GOD cirrthreiv Sodom and Go-^ morrah. In defcribing the Overthrow of this great City, the Prophet is equally admirable ; and rifeSj by a mofl judicious Gradation, into all the Pomp of Horror, q. d. " Now, indeed, " it is thronged with Citizens ; but, the Llour " is coming, when it Ihall be intirely depo- *' pulated, and not lb much as a fmgle In- « habitant left. — Lefl You Ihould think, that *' iu * JJau xiii, 19, 20, 21, 22, D I A L O G U E XL 107 <' in Procefs of Time it may be re-edified, " and again abound with joyful Multitudes, ** it fiall never be inhabited more ; no, never " be dwelt in any more, from Generation to " Generation 5 but fliall continue a difmal " Wafte, through all fucceeding Ages. — So " far from being rebuilt, tliat it fhall be in- " tirely ufelefs. Not fo much as the rude " and roving Arabian Ihall pitch his 'Te?it, or " procure for Himfelf the poor Accommo- " dation of a Night's Lodging j where Millions " of polite People bafked in the Sunfliine of " profufe Profperity. Neither fliall the Shcp^ " herds make their Fold, or find fo much as an " occafional Shelter for their Flocks ; where " Kings, Grandees, and Crouds of affluent " Citizens, repofed themfelves in profound " Tranquillity. — Yea, fo far from being ha^ " bitable, that' it fliall be inaccejjible : the " Haunt of every doleful, horrid, and de- " fl:iu6live Monfter : and ferve no manner *<* of valuable Purpofe, unlefs it be to ftand " as a Monument of divine Vengeance, and " an Admonition to human Pride." All this is foretold in Scripture ; and, though to human Appearance impolTible, though to human Apprehenfion incredible, was, in the appointed Time, moft minutely accomplifhed. The Memorials and Evidences of the Accom- plifhment io8 DIALOGUE XL plifliment remain to this very Day *. They arc fo authentic^ that the moll inquifitive Curiofity cannot doubt j and fo iricontejlable, that the nioft bigotted Incredulity will not deny. And Jliould not this teach Us, to reverence the Authority, to admire the Wifdom, and con- fide in the Promifes of that heavenly Volume ? I knov^s You are not fond of Compliments, ^heron. Therefore, inftead of fpcaking my Opinion of your Son's Performance, I will endeavour to return your Favour. — You have entertained me w^ith an Account of the moil memorable Ruins, extant in the material World. Let me prefent my Friend with a Picture of Ruins, no lefs remarkabky far more deplor- * It is faid, by a very learned Author ; BahyUnem uj'que eo conddijfe^ ut Nemo cum Fidncia ill'ius Locum a?nplius demon- jlrare queat. i. e. " Babylon is now fo totally dcftroycd, that " the moft fkilful Geographers cannot, with Certainty^ " determine the Place, on which it flood," Should any of my Readers prefer this Account, I Hiall neither litigate the Point, nor be anxious for the Confe- qucnce. It may indeed rank Eugenio's Compofition among the Works of Fancy. But it will realize Jfpafio's Aflcrtion, and corroborate his Argument. If We hnd no Memorials of the City, We have the )7ioJl evident Verification, and xhefulhji Accom'plifliment, of the Prophecy. If this be the Cafe, it gives an amazing Emphafis to that juft, but terrible Decree, Tflucd from the fupreme Tribunal ; J willfwecp it with the Befotn of Dejlndtion^ jaith the LORD cf Hojls. " I will not only lay it in Ruins, but extirpate it *' from the Earth. I will efface the verv Footfteps of its Exif- «' tence ; and not leave fo much as a Fragment or a Trace of <' that magnificent, but wicked Metropolis." IJa'u xiv. 23. D I A L O G U E XI. 109 deplorable^ and unfpeakably 'niterejling to Us all. I fhall give it, in the Colouring of a great Mailer -, whofe Works, this very Day, I happened to be perufnig. The PafTage difplays a Do6lrine, of the utmoft Importance in the Chriftian Scheme ; and by one of the fineft Pieces of Imagery, to be met with in elegant Writing. I think, it may be looked upon, as a praciical Improve- ment of Ei/ge?iios Declamation. It plcafed me fo much, that I tranfcribed it ; and I make no Apology for reading it, becaufe I fliall ex- peel your Thanks. — Only let me hint, that it confiders the human Soul, as originally an Habitation of GOD through the SPIRIT; and then, fpeaking of its fallen Condition, proceeds. " That He hath loithdrawn Hi?nfelf, and " left this his T^emple defolate. We have many " fad and plain Proofs before Us. Th^ftafely " Ruifis are vifible to every Eye, that bear in " their Front (yet extant) this doleful Infcrip- " tion ; Here GOD once dwelt. Enough " appears of the admirable Frame and Struc- " ture of the Soid of Man, to fliew the divine *' Prefence did fometime refide in it ^ more *' than enough of vicious Deformity, to pro- " claim He is now retired and gone. The " Lamps are extin6l, the Altar overturned s ^^ the Light and Love are now vaniQied, which *' did 110 DIALOGUE XL " did the oneyZvVzr, with fo heavenly Bright- " nefs J the other hurn^ with fo pious Fervour, " T\iQ golden CaiidleJUc is difplaced, and thrown " away as an ufelefs Thing, to make room " for the Throne of the Prince of Darknefi. " Th^facrcd Inccnfl\ which fent rolling up in " Clouds its rich Perfumes, is exchanged for •* a poifonous hellifli Vapour -, and here is, *' injlead of a fweet Savour^ a Stench, Tlie " comelv Order of this Houfe is turned all " into Confufion. The Beauties of Holinef *' into noifome Impurities. The Houfe of Prayer " to a Den of l^hieves^ and that of the w^orft ** and mofl horrid Kind ; for every Lujl is a " I'hief and every Theft is Sacrilege : Con- " tinual Rapine and Robbery is committed " upon holy Things. The noble Powers, which ** were defigned and dedicated to divi?ie Con- " templation and Delight^ are alienated to the " Service of the moft defpicable Idols, and *' employed unto the vileft Intuitions and " Embraces 3 to behold and admire lying Va- " nities^ to indulge and cherifli Lufl and ** Wickednefs. " There is not now a Syflem, an intire Ta- " ble of coherent Truths to be found, or a ** Frame of Holinefs^ but fome Ihivered Parcels. " How many Attempts have been made, fmce " that feaiful Fall and Ruin of this Fabric, *' to compofe again the Truths of fo many " feveral DIALOGUE XI. iir " feveral Kinds into their diftln6l Orders, and '* make up Frames of Science or iifeful Knovv- " ledge ! and after fo many Ages, nothing is '' iinilhed in any Kind. Sometimes, Truths " are mifplaced, and what belongs to one Kind, " is transferred to another ^ where it will not " fitly match ; fometimes, FalJJjood inferted^ " which rtiatters or difturbs the whole Frame. " And what with much fruitlefs Pains, is " done by one Hand, is dallied in pieces by *' another j and it is the Work of ?i following *' Age to fweep away the fine-fpun Cobwebs " of 2i former. And thofe Truths, which are " of greatefl: Ufe, are leaft regarded j their '' Tendency and Defign are overlooked, or " they are fo loofened and torn off, that they " cannot be wrought in, fo as to take hold " of the Soul;. but hover 2^% faint ineffeclual " Notions, that fignify Nothing. Its very fun- '^ damental Powers are fhaken and disjointed, " and their Order towards one another con- " founded and broken. So that what is judged " con fider able, is not confidered ; v/hat is re- ^^ commended as eligible and loi:)ely, is not loved " and chofen. Yea, the Truth which is after *' Godlinefs, is not fo much dijbelieved, as *' hated, held in U?irighteouf?2efs : and fhines as " too feeble a Light, in that malignant Dark- " nefs, which comprehends it not. You come, " amidft all this Confufion, as into the ruined *' Palace 112 DIALOGUE XL " Palace of fome great Prince, in which Yo\l " fee here the Fragments of a noble Pillar, " there the fhattered Pieces of fome curious " Imagery ; and all lying negle6led and ufclefs " amongft Heaps of Dirt. He that invites " You to take a View of the Soul of Man, " gives You but fuch another Profpedt, and " doth but fay to You, Behold the Defilatioiiy " all Things rude and wafte. So that fliould " there be any Pretence to the divine Prefence, " it might be faid, If GOD be here^ ivhy is it " thus f The faded Glory, the Darknefs, the " Diforder, the Impurity, the decayed State " in all refpefts of this Temple, too plainly " fliew, The GREAr INHABrTJNT is " gone *." 'Ther, Your Painter, I mufl own, is a Ma- fler in his Profeffion ; and feems to have a peculiar Talent for a Night-piece, — But why, I befeech You, fo much of his Shades and Solemnity ? Has He no Colours, but the dark ? No Lineaments, but the four ? Could He not allow Us one bright Tint, one fmiling Fea- ture ? when He was copying the noblefr Being in this fublunary World ? — Is it for the Ho^ nour of the great CREATOR, to give fuch a deformed Draught of his mofl: finiihed Work- man fliip ? f See Mr. Howe's Treatife, intitled n living Temple, DIALOGUE XI. 113 Afp. It refle6ls no kind of Diflionour upon the Archite6l of Babylon^ that its Palaces are fallen, its Edifices demolilhed, and its Walls leveled with the Ground. They might have been built with the exaclefi: Symmetry, and once embellifhed with every graceful Orna- ment } notvvithftajiding the Stroke of Violence, or the Sap of Yeai's, have now reduced them to Heaps of Rubbifli. — The human Soul, when recent from the Infpiration of the AL- MIGHTY, was bright w^ith Knowledge, ami- able with Virtue, and in every refpecl excel- lent. But Hoiv — to fpeak in the Language of the mourning Prophet ; a Language, never more pertinent than on the prefsnt Occafion — How is the Gold become dim ! How is the moji fine Gold chatjged I Ther. Man's Soul is rational and eternal ; is the Offspring of the DE I T Y, and capable of refembling its MAKER. Afp. What Milton allows to the fallen Arch- Angel, I can readily allow to fallen Man : He had not loji All his original Brightfiefs, The grand and diftinguifliing Faculties of the Soul remain. Juft as, when a Fountain is poifoned, the Waters continue to fiovv : but flow no longer with Healthy flow rather vvith Death in the Stream. Thefe very Faculties, Vol. II. " H ' iiniefs 114 DIALOGUE XI. unleis renewed and regulated by the Influence of Religion, mufl: be our prefent Mifery, and will prove our everla fling Curfe. — " The Soul," You fay, " is rational, is eternal.'* And do not even the Devils poffefs the Powers of Reafon ? Is not their Exiftence alfo of an endlefs Duration ? Yet are they of all Crea- tures, the moft execrable and the moft mifer- able. You call the human Soul, the Offspring of the DEITY. And You call it properly. Mufl We not then adopt the Prophet's Exclama- tion, *' Hoiv art T^hou fallen^ O Lucifer, So?i of " the Morning* f Hov/ art Thou degenerated, " O Man, Son of the MOST HIGH! Thy " glorious Original ferves only to fet forth, *' with more glaring Evidence, thy deplorable *' Apoflacy." Capable, You add, of refembhng its MAKER. This, I acknowledge, is a valuable Prerogative. In this the infernal Spirits have no Share. But this Capacity will always lie dormant ; will never awaken into A61 j never be eilablifhed in Habit j unlefs Almighty Grace intervene. T'/jcr. The moft celebrated Philofophcrs of Antiquity, frequently exhort their Readers to follow Nature ; as a certain Guide to true Ex- cellence. — Many eloquent Writers of our own Country, Inlarge upon the Dignity of human Nature ^ * Ifai, xlv. 12, DIALOGUE XI. 115 Nature ; and from this Topic derive very- forcible Arguments, for a correfpondent Dig- nity both of Sentiment and Behaviour. — Upon what can thofe Principles of the antient Sages, and of our later MoraliUs, be founded ? Afp. Indeed, T^hercn^ I am at a lofs to tell. If they have any Foundation, it is merely imaginary ; not laid in Truth, nor confirmed by Experience. — According to my Apprehen- fion, they invert the Order of Things. They take that for a Foftukiium^ which ought to be ranked among the Deftderata 5 and make an Axiom of a mere Figment. Had Man continued, as He was created, to a6f according to Nature, and according to the Law of GOD, would have been one and the fame Thing. For which Reafon, We find no Precepts of Religion, no Delineation of Morality, given to Adam in Paradife. Becaufe, Religion and Morality v/ere engraven on his Heart i or rather, they refulted from the very Bent and Tendency of his perfect Frame- But fince the Fall it is quite otherwife. Ther. Have not many of the antient Wor- thies been livmg Confiitatioiis of your Opinion ? Wife Philofophers, judicious Lawgivers, and fteady Minifters of Jullice ? Their Defires re- fined, their Affections benevolent, their whole Conduft upright. . H 2 Afp, ii6 DIALOGUE XI. Jfp. I cannot forbear wondering, that You fliould inftance in Lawgivers and Minifters of Juftice. Since the very Inftitution of tlieir O^QC prefuppofes the Depravity of Mankind. Was human Nature agitated by no irregular or vicious Inchnations, the Barrier of Laws would be as needlefs in civil Societies, as the vaft Banks of Holland are needlefs in our up- land Counties. But this, You will fay, is a digreffive Ob- fervation. Your Queftion requires a pofitive Anfwer. And it is eafy to anfwer. That the Painting is beyond the Life. If my Author has been too free with the dark, my Friend has been too lavifn of the glittering Colours. — Thofe famous Men might aim, perhaps, at the Excellency Ycu defcribe. Not one of them came up to the Mark. — Or, fuppofe they did, this would not invalidate my Tenet. I'her, This not invalidate your Tenet ! Then Demonftration carries no Conviction. j^fp. Pray, who is your greateft Favourite, among all the renowned Perfons of Antiquity ? Thcr. Socrates. — He flands at the Head of the Clafs ; and was, indifputably, the wifefl and the bejfl of the Heathen World. Afp. I think fo too. — Be pleafed, however, to recolle6l the Story of tiie Fhyfiognomijl ; who pretended to difcover the Difpofition of the DIALOGUE XI. 117 the Mind, by the Cafl of the Countenance. The Profefibr of this occult Science under- took, You know, to exercife his Skill upon Socrates j and pronounced Him, after an Exa- mination of his Features, lafcivious, paffio- nate, and morofe. — This Judgment, fo extra- vagantly wide of the Truth, was bringing a Storm of Ridicule and Refentment upon the poor Fortune-teller. When the ingenuous Phi- iofopher interpofed, and owned the Defcrip- tion to be exaftly true. T\\2itfiich was his natural Temper ; and if his Converfation had been of a different Turn, it was owing to the Aids of Philofophy. — So that, even in your mofl finiflied * Chara6ler, there was no innate Dignity. All was adventitious. T^her, If Corruption was derived unto all Men from their Forefather Adam ; metliinks, aU * Though I love and admire the Character of Socrates, yet I cannot approve the whole of his Conduit, One Thing which gives me particular Offence is, the habitual Practice of Swearings which occurs in all his Conferences with his Pupils. Ma rov Ata, Nti A»', or fome fuch Appeal to the DEITY is ufed, not only in every Difcourfe, but almoft in every Page ; and that upon the moft unnecc/faryOccaiions. — I have often wondered, that fo polite a Writer as Xcno' pbon^ ftiould admit this flagrant Impropriety into his Dia- logues. Which, bcfides its irreligious Air, is fomewhatlike the Crambe repetita\ and recurs, and recurs, and recurs, till it is really tirefome. But much more I wonder, that his ex- cellent Mafter, fhould fuffer the Sanation of an Oath, to become fo trivial j and the Honour of his Jupiter, fo cheap. H 3 This n8 DIALOGUE XI. all flionld be equally corrupt. Put this is con- trary to known Fa6t. Some We fee natural!/" loving and lovely ; gentle in their Manners ^ and fubjed to no inordinate Appetites, Afp. Some Perfons may be of more cowpofed, or, if You plcafe, of lefs diJJGliite Manners, than the Generality of other People. Thanks to a better Temperature of their Conftitution; * or a more watchful Care in their Education. —But fhew me the unregenerate Man, that is fubjeft to 710 inordinate Appetites ? One vile AfFeclion may check another, or a Senfe of Decency may hold the Curb upon all. Bat it is one Thing, to liavc the wild Bead in the Heart chained j another, to have Him expelled, or the Lion transformed into a Lamb. 1'hcr. Have We not often obfcrved heroic Courage, and a Generofity of Spirit, where the Education has been none of the flri6lefl ? To what can v^e afcribe thefe laudable Qua- lities, but to the innate Noblenefs of the Tem- per, working without any auxiliary Succours? Afp, Virtue^ ^hcrcti, is a complete Aliem- blage, not fome disjointed Shreds, of laudable Qualities. Thofe You mention, if not ac- companied This proves the deplorable BHr.dnefs of human Reaf^>n; •which could milbke fo notorious a Profanation of the divine Name, for a genteel ]^mbellilhmcnt of Speech — It fhews Us, likewifc, our extreme Need of that revealed Law, which, ;imong other reHned Precepts, unknown to the Religion of Nature, injoins ; Jbovc all Things, fivear not — And Ihoufl^alt mi take the Name of the LORD thy GOD in vain. ■ D I A L O G U E XL 119 companied with the whole Circle of amiable Accomplifliments, are no more to be called Virtue i than two or three fcattered Frag- ments of an Edifice, are to be honoured with the Appellation of an Houfe. — How often are thofe very Perfons, with all their Fortitude^ Slaves to ignoble Pleafures, or in Bondage to the bafeft Lulls. A moft infalhble Lidication, that they have no u7iiform Generofity, nor any real Courage. — Defire of Fame, may prompt to many fuch A6ls, as dazzle the fuperficial Eye : which yet are far, very far from ge7iuine Virtue. T^her. Do You then attribute the Greda?i Politenefs and the high Roma?! Spirit, all die gallant A6lions of their Heroes and Generals, to a Defire of Fame ? u4fp. There is Reafon to fufpe6l, that they derived their Origin from fome improper Mo- tive. And no Motive was more artfully in- flilled, or more affiduoully cherillied, than the Spirit of Ambition.- — View their Crowns, their Statues, their triumphal Solemnities. — Read their Orators, their Hiftorians, their Poets — The former were the School, the latter were the Majlers^ to inculcate this grand Lef^ fon. Let Us confider the Romam a little more at- tentively J and not amidft the Dregs of their Community, but in their very bed: Ages ; H 4 when I20 DIALOGUE XI. when their RepubHc fubfifled, and then* Set- fios flourilhed. Many great and Ihining Deeds were undoubtedly performed. But did they fpring from a reverential Regard to the S U- PREME BEING; from Obedience to his Will, or Zeal for his Honour ? If this Principle fhould be thought too re- fined, did they proceed from a Love to their FelloW'Creattircs ? In cafe, neither of thefe Mo- tives * actuated their Conduft, it can never be placed to the Account of Virtue. — Had Benevolence been their leading Principle, why fuch Inhumanity to Carthage '^ Why muil that opulent City be laid in Afhes, and her nu- merous Citizens be put to the Sword r Were they Enemies to Mankind, or a Nuifance in the World ? You v/ell know, that they were only too induftrious, and too powerful. By which means, tliey would be in a Condition, to eclipfe the Magnificence of the Roman Name, and difpute the Prize of Sovereignty with the Roman State. For this Crime — a Crime, in Ambition's Eye, abfolutely inexcuf- able * A Zeal for the Honour of GOD, and a Concern for the Good of cur Fellow-creatures, are the true Sources of Virtue, I Cor. x. 24, 31. When our Actions flow not from thefe Principles, Reafon will put a ^ue^y upon them, and Revelation will expunge them from the Lilt of Virtues. — They may be fpccious in thcmfclvcs ; they may be coftly to the Performer ; they may even be ferviccahlc to Others. But can no n)Qrc deierve the Title of / iriuj, than the Activity of our iJun-hrc Officers, in extinguifhing the Flames on feme ilifured Houfe, can merit the Name of Charity; DIALOGUE XI. 121 able — even Catds upright Soul, lliall doom them to utter Deftru6lion ; and Scipios gentle Hand, fhall execute the horrid Decree. Is this Virtue ? Does Virtue ravage Coun- tries, from the mere Wantonnefs of Pride, or Luft of Pre-eminence ? Does Virtue deftroy Millions of Lives, only to aggrandize a par- ticular People, or extend the Dominion of fome favourite Empire ? If this were Virtue, Brutus thought too honourably of her Cha- ra(5ler, v^hen He termed Her an empty Name, — I am fure, my Tl heron has jufter Notions of Things. He need not be informed, that true Virtue, far from perfonating the rapacious Harpy, a61s as a Father to Others, as a Fa- ther to All. And, like HIM, who is both its Pattern and its Author, goes about doing Good, *Ther. The moft elegant Cane, if plunged into yonder Bafon, while the Waters are curled by the Breeze, will appear both crooked and coarfe. I cannot but think, the Accufers of human Nature examine her State with a pre- judiced Underllanding. Which has the fame perverfe Effe6l upon their Judgment, as thofe ruffled Waves have upon the Sight. — Or elfe, they contemplate her Condition with a melan- choly Mind ; which, like a jaundiced Eye, gives every Objed -a diilempered Afpeft} darkens the 122 D 1 A L O G U E XI. the chearful 5 difcolours the beautiful ; and hangs even the Sun in Mourning. jifp. Rather let this be the Comparifon, to illuflrate our Point. — View the meanefl Piece of Earth, through the Frifmatic Glafs j and it will appear, not beautiful only, but per*- fe6i:ly fplendid. Remove the delufory Medium, and all the fophifticated Finery vanifhes. The Indigo, the Orange, the Violet are gone ; and leave nothing to be {^^w^ but a rude unorna- mented Lump of Clay. — So, if We confider human Nature, according to the partial Re- prefentations of Self-love j or contemplate it, in thtf attc7'mg Mirror of fome popular Writ^ ings 3 it may feem regular, holy, excellent. But, if We behold it under the Light, the un- erring Light of Revelation, its fanfied Charms •difappear ; it ftands clothed with Deformity j and is a Speftacle of Commiferation, if not of Horror. I'her, What Reafon have You to father fuch a Notion upon the facred Writings ? — The facred Writings inform Us, that Man was made /7/?^r the Image of GOD. This, fure, could not be fo dilhonourable and depraved a Pattern, as your Difcourfc would infinuate. Afp. Far, very far from a diihonourable Pattern 1 The Image of GOD is the cmjum- mate Standard of all Perfection. — In confor- mity to this admirable Exemplar, our firft Parents DIALOGUE XI. 123 Parents were created ; and in this admirable Condition they continued, till by Tranfgreffion thty fell. Fell from the mofl holy and happy State, into Guilt, Condemnation, and Ruin. — Therefore, when this fatal Cataflrophe had taken place, the facred Hiftorian varies his Style J and with a remarkable Peculiarity, as well as Propriety of Speech, fays, Adam /?ega^ a Son in his own *, not in the DIVINE, Like- ncfs. That every Reader may advert to this melancholy, but important Truth ; it is marked more flrongly Itill ; it is inforced by a veiy cmphatical Repetition. After his own Image -f-, Mofes adds ; as contradiftinguiflied to the Image oi GOD, mentioned in the preceding Verfe. Which Expreffions are evidently intended, to de- note the Difference between the State, in which Adam was created, and Seth was begotten. Ther. Pray, let me have a fuccin6t, but full a\ccount of this tragical Story. Since all your orthodox Divines lay fuch a mighty Strefs upon the Do6lrine of the Fall. Afp. GOD, having formed the human Body out of the Ground, animated the Stru6lurc with a living Soul ; and tranfcribed upon this Soul the Image of his blefled SELF. All was Light in the Underflanding ; all v/as Recti- tude in the Will ; and nothing but Harmony in * This is affirmed^, not of Cain^ but of Seth, the moft ex- cellent of Jdam's Children, and Father of the holy Seed. i" ydl'^'^ ^^\^'01'^ Gen, v. 3. Cormptus corrupt im. 124 DIALOGUE xf. in the AfFeclions. — Man, thus endowed, was placed in the deUghtful Garden of Eden ; and furniflied with every Accommodation, that was necefiary to fupport his Being, or defirable to gratify his Senfes. — He was conflituted Lord of this lower Creation ; and, amidil number- lefs Indulgencies, received only o?2c — eafy — negative Command — 72ot to eat of the Tree oj the Knowledge of Good and Evil. — From this He was to abftain, as a Pledge of his Sub- je6licn, and as an Exercife of his Obedience. Blifs and Immortality were to be the Reward of Duty ; ?4ifery and Death the Punifhment cf Difobedience. In the Day Thou cateji thereof thou Jhalt fiirely die^^ was the Sandion of the divine Law. Hov/ equitable ! How gracious the Terms 1 Yet, neither the AuLfiority of GOD, could deter Him from breakirig them ; nor the Goodnefs of GOD, induce Him to keep them. — Unreafonably difcontented even with fuch advantageous Circumftances, and prefumptu- oufly afpiring to be like the MOST HIGH, He hearkened to the Suggeflions of the evil Spirit. — In a Word j He violated the Precept, and incurred the Penalty. GOD was juli, and Man was undone. He loft his Uprightnefs \ ; became * Gen. ii. 17. 'f- Innocence^ that as a Veil Had Jhadoiu' d them fr on knowing III., tvas gone^ yiiji Conjidencey and native Right eoujhefs. Milt. B. IX. 1 054. DIALOGUE XL 125 became fubje6l to Mortality ; and, as the ner- vous Original exprefies it, Died the Death, T^her. True ; He became fubjecl to many bodily Infirmities, and to the Neceiiity of final Diflblution. — But, what has this Sentence, or what have thefe Sufferings to do, withj)w^r Notion of univerfal Depravity in the Mind ? The Death, which the Almighty LEGISLA- TOR threatened, can be oppofed only to the Life, which the Almighty CREATOR gave. Afp, Be it fo.— The CREATOR gave, and Man poirefTed a Life, incomparably more ex- cellent, than that which the Pulfe imparts, or the Beafls enjoy. lie poffefTed a divine Life-^ which, according to the Definition of the Apoflle, confided in Knowledge^ in Righteouf- nefs, and true Holinefs *. This — which was the diftinguifliing Glory, and the fupreme Felicity of his Nature-^—this, alas ! was extin<5l. His Underftanding, originally inlightened with Wifclom, was clouded and overwhelmed with Ignorance. — His Heart, once filled with religious Veneration, and warmed with hea- venly Love, became aHenated from GOD his MAKER. — His Pafiions and Appetites, in- flead of moving on, in orderly Array, ac- cording to the beauteous Meafures of Truth and Duty, grew mutinous ; fliook off the Go- vernment of Reafon j and ran wild into the moft * Eph, iv. 24. CoL iii. lO, 126 D I A L O G U E XL moft lawlefs Extravagancies. — In a Word -, the whole moral Frame was unhinged, dis- jointed, broken, ''Tbcr. What Caufe have You to fuppofe, that all this Mifery was either included in the Threatening, or introduced by the Fall ? j4Jp. The Ignorajice of fallen Adam was pal- pable. Witnefs that abfurd Attempt, to hide Himfelf from the Eye of OMNISCIENCE, among the Trees of the Garden. — His Aver- fion to the all-gracious GOD was equally plain. Otherwife, He would never have fled from iiis MAKER J but rather have hafted, and on the Wings of Defire, into the Place of the divine Manifeftation. A flrange Variety of diforderly Paffmis *, were evidently predominant in his Breafl — Pride ; for Herefufesto acknowledge his Guilt, though He cannot but own the Fa6l — Ingratitude j for He obliquely upbraids the CREATOR with his Gift, as though it had been a Snare, ra* ther * Milton^ fpeaking of (.he unhappy Pair, and dcfcribing the Confequences of their Fall, fays ; Nor only Tears Rain'd at their Eyes ; but high JVinds within Began to rife, high Pajjions, Angcr^ Hate, Mijlriifi^ Sufpicion^ DifcorcU and Jhook fore Their intvard State of Mind; calm Region cnce^ And fidl of Peace ; now tojl and turbulent ! For^ Vnderfiandi7ig rul'd not, and the IFill Heard not her Lore ! But, tn SuhjeSiion nczu To feufual Appetitty who from beneath IJfurping, over fovereign Reafon claimed Superior Sway. B. IX. II2T» DIALOGUE XI. 127 ther than a Blefling ; 'The Woman^ whom Thou gaveji me — Want of natural Aff'eBion ; for, He endeavours to caft all the Blame upon the weaker VefTel 5 and to acquit his obnoxious Self, by impeaching the Wife of his Bofom. — The female Criminal acls the fame un- humbled Part: neither takes Shame to Her- felf i nor gives Glory to GOD; nor puts up a fingle Petition for Pardon. As all thefe Difafters enflied, upon the Breach of the Commandment; they furnifh Us, I think, with tlie beft Key to open the Meaning of the prohibitory San6lion. They jn'ove, beyond any Argument, that fpiritual Death, and all its Confequences, were com- prehended in the Extent of the Threatening. Ther. How could ojie A61 of Difobedience produce fuch deftrucfive Effects ? Erafe the fair Image of the GODHEAD ; and flamp the Monfler, ftamp the very Devil, in its Stead ? — And iofmall an Acl of Difobedience too ! Afp» The Frohibition^ if You pleafe, w^as fmall ; not fo the TranfgrefTion. It was com- mitted againft the cleareft Knowledge of Duty, and the ftrongeft Obligations to Obedience. It argued Ingratitude for the richefl Favours, and Unbelief of the moft folemn Declarations. It was an A6t of tlie mofl horrid Prefumption in the Creature, and of the mod impious Re- bellion againil: the CREATOR. - - As laS D I A L O G U E XL As to the Smallnefs, or rather t\\Q gentle and hetiign Import of the Command, this aggra- vates, beyond meafure, the Crime of Difobe- dience. Alluding to the Words, once ad- drefled to the Syrian General, we may juftly expoflulate — " O thou Adatn, if thy LORD " had bid Thee do fome great Thing * ; in *' Submiflion to fuch a high Authority, and " out of Gratitude for his unfpeakable Good- " nefs, oughteft Thou not to have done it ? " How much more, when He fays to Thee ? " — Freely eat of all, except this fmgle Tree. " 'fhoiifhjids, 'Thoufands of Honours, Privileges, " and Gifts be thine j only one Acknowledg- *' ment of thy Subjeftion, mine. And that " the eafieft, which thy Heart can wifli, or " even thy Fancy conceive.'* You alk, How could one A61 of Difobe- dience produce fuch deflru6f ive Effects ? — I anfwer j The Reality of the Fa6l, in numbcr- lefs Inflances of material Nature, is plain to. a Demonilration ; while the Maimer of Ope- ration, remains an impenetrable Secret. Every Child perceives the former ; Newton himfelf is at a lofs for the latter. — For which Reafon, I have always thought it better, to believe what GOD has taught, than attempt to explain, what He has concealed. Let us forego this curious, perhaps fruitlefs Inquiry 3 and fub- ftitute * 2 Kjf!^s V. 13, D I A L O G U E XL 129 ilitute a Remark, which naturally arifes from the Subje(il, and may confiderably edify our Minds. 'Thti\ Edify ! Is it pofiible to render this diflionourable and afiiiclive Notion edifying f Can any generous Fruit fpring from fuch a penurious Soil ? Afp. Saf?ijo72^ I believe, had no Expe6lation of finding any Thing valuable, in the Pvelics of his llain Lion. But, to his agreeable Dif- appointment, there was Honey in the Carcafe'^. If our Doi5trine appear ghajlly as the One, it may yield a Benefit /ic^ft'/ as the Other. From hence We may learn (what, when rightly learnt, is more ferviceable than all the Sciences) the extreme Malignity of Sin. — When Volcanos open their tremendous Jaws, and dif- gorge a fiery Inundation ; they confine their Fury to a fingle Territory. — When Famine lifts her mildewed Hand, and deftroys the Supports of animal Life ; She is content with ruining a Kingdom or a Nation. When War drenches her Sword in Blood, or the Fcfiilcnce impregnates the Air vv^ith Poifon ; they alfo, even they obfcrve fome Limits, and never make the whole Compafs of Nature the Scene of their Ravages. — But Sin, leveled its Blow at the whole human Race. Sin poured Con- tagion, and fpread Deftrurlion, through all Vol. IL _ I Coun- 'Judg, xlv. 8. 130 DIALOGUE XI. Countries, and all Ages. One Jingle A6t of Sin brought Confufion and a Curfe upon the material, and Miferies, infinite Millions of Mi* feries, on the rational World*. — How then fliould We fear this fnoji pernicious of all Evils ! With what Carefulnels guard againfl its in- ficlious Allurements ! With what Refolution fly from its killing CarefTes ! I'her. I muft obferve, that You take for granted, what remains to be proved. For, fuppofing your Account true, with regard to Addjn ; yet, how does this affect his Children ? Why muft all his Pofterity be contaminated, becaufe their Forefather has played the Pro- digal ? Such a heavy Charge againft the whole Body of Mankind will not be admitted, with- out very cogent Proofs. Afp. The Proofs are cogent ; perhaps irre- fragable. — Reafon offers to turn Evidence in the Cafe. Reafon, in Concurrence with Re- velation, demands 3 Who can bring a clean Taking out of an unclean \ ? If the Fountain be polluted, how can the Streams be pure ? And if the Root is corrupt, 'tis impoflible to conceive, * '&\..' Chryfoftom calls tlie lirfi: TranfgrelTion, 7\ zrxvloe. Xv{ji.xivo[A£vr) cc;xa.flicc. Which is, in a Manner, tranflatcd by Mi/ton ; who, fpeaking of the lame tragical A6t, fays // brcu^ht Death uito the IVorldy and all our Wac. i 'Job .\iv. 4. D I A L O G U E XI. 13T Conceive, how the Branches fliould be found, or the Fruit good *. The fcriptural Teftimonies ai*e almofl: in- numerable. They pour their Evidence from every Quarter ; and conilitute, not tv^o or three only, but a whole Cloud of Witnefles. ' — GOD inade Man upright^ fays the royal Preacher ; the human Nature in its primitive State, was without any wrong Bias. But at, and ever fuice the firft Tranfgreffion, they ha'-je found out and followed many perverfe Inven^ ft Of IS -f*. Ther, I don't deny, but Multitudes of People, fed need by bad Example, or betrayed by their own Inadvertency, have departed from the Rule of Duty. Have, as the wife Man affirms, tried many foolifii Experiments to acquire Happinefs, and devifcd as many idle Excufes for their Folly. . But, this is no fuch irrefra- gable Proof, that they were originally bad. It only implies, that, not taking proper heed to their Ways, they warped from their native Upright- * Milton has anticipated 'Therori^ Objeclion j and, in AdanC% Soliloquy, very judicioufly folved it. • Ah! why PjouU all ManVmd For one Mmi s Fault, thus guUtlefs be condemrid. If guiltlefs ? But from me what can proceed But all corrupt, both Body and Mind deprav'd j Not to do only, but to will the fame With me ? How can they acquittedfland In Sight of GOD? Book X. 822. t Ecclef. vii. 29. I 2 132 DIALOGUE XL Uprightnefs. As yonder 'Tulips^ though per- fe6lly beautiful at prelent, if not attended with the neceifary Cultivation, will degenerate into homely Flowers ; and^ at length, be no better than tawdry Weeds. jdfp. No, my Friend. Liiquity is not an adventitious Thing, catched from Example, or contracted by Carelefnefs. Thefe may in- creafe, but thefe do not occafion, the tnoral Malady. A fmful Difpofition is as early as our Being : the very Mould, in which all our Faculties are cafl. — David bears very ex- prefs Tefbimony to this humbling Truth. Be- bold! He fets N.B. upon the Pallage. 'Tis a fad, but certain Fa6l. Such as lliould never depart from my Memory, nor ever be omitted in my Confeflibns j and is much to be re- garded by every Reader. I was fiapen in Wick- ednejs^ and in Sin did my Mother conceive me *, As though he had faid — '' Alas ! LORD, " this Crime, though extremely horrid, is but " a little Part of my Guilt. I have not only *' finned in Praclice, but I am totally and '^ univerfally corrupt in my very Nature." This He acknowledges, not to extenuate his Offence, but to lay open his exeeilive Vile- nefs. And indeed it is not poilible, to form a right judgment of Ourfelves, or to be duly humbled before GOD, unlefs We add the De- pravation * Pfcd. li. 5. D I A L O G U E XI. 133 pravation of our Nature to the Tranfgreflions of our Life. Juft as it is impofTible to difcern, what monftrous and voracious Animals he hid in the Ocean, if We only glance an Eye upon the Surface of the Waters. Ther. This, You know, was written by the royal Penitent, under the Pangs of fevere Re- morfe. Does not a Scnfe of his enormous Iniquity, and the Appreheniion of divine Wrath, make his Hand lliake, and lead Him to aggravate Features ?— Or, fuppofe it v/ere true of the adulterous King, is it equally ap- plicable to Others, who have efcaped fuch grofs Pollutions ? Afp. It is no exaggerating Draught, but a faithful Delineation 5 and exactly leprefents every Child of Adam. — It vv^as written with the utmoft Deliberation ; and therefore is in- troduced with that Call for peculiar Attention, Behold t — And, though 'David was fcanda- loufly criminal in his Intrigue with the Wife of Uriah ; yet, the general Tenour of his Life was not only irreproachable, but exemplary. Who fo zealous for the Houfe of his GOD, or fo devoted an Admirer of the divine Word r His Heart was an Altar, ever flaming with heavenly Love ; and his Tongue a Trumpet, to found the Praifes of JEHOVAH through all Generations.-— And if He had Reafon to make this abafmg Confeflion ; who is the Per- I 3 fon, 134 DIALOGUE XI. fon, that can think Himfelf aggrieved, by fharing in the Imputation ? One of our moll: eminent Martyrs *, when He heard of any Malefactor, condemned to fuffer an ignominious Death, ufed to lay his Hand upon his Breaft, and fay — " The Seeds " of all thofe Villanies, which brought that " unhappy Wretch to the Gibbet, were fown " Here. And, if they have not fprung up " into the fame deteftable Deeds, unto divine " Grace, unto divine Grace alone, be all th^ t' Glory !" ^her. Your Martyrs had honefl Hearts, but not always the cleareft Heads. I admire their Zeal, and reverence their Memories : but I can no m.ore receive their Opinion, as an Oracle, than I can be perfuaded to worfhip their Relics. Afp, I have no Intention to palm Popery on my Friend, nor any Deftre to calumniate the human Species. If it be dilingenuous and fmful, to afperfe a particular Character , how much more unjuflinable, to traduce our Na- ture in general ! My Account, dark and difguftful as it is, ftands confirmed by a higher Authority, than any private Opinion. It is confirmed from an univerfal Survey of Mankind ; taken by the Eye of the CREATOR Himfelf, and left upon * Mr. Bradford. D I A L O G U E XL 135 upon Record in the Books of RevJation. ^he LORD looked down fro7n Hea^oen upon the Children of Men^ to fee if there 'were Any that did imderjland, and feek after GOD "'•'. — What is the Refult of this grand Inquiry r It muft, without ail Peradventure, be infaUibiy true. Becaufe GOD's Infpecfion is too keen, to be eluded -, and his Judgment too impartial, to be biafied. This is the Report, made by the infinitely vvife OBSERVER : They are all gone afide, they are altogether become filthy -f- ; there is ISlone that doeth Good, no not One. T'her, This, I apprehend, is the Chara6lei of thofe befotted Creatures, thofe mofc egre- gious of all Fools, Who fay J 'There is no GOD. To them the Pfalm relates, and to them the abandoned Chara6ler is appropriated. They have it, if I may^ fo fpeak, Cum Privilegis. Afp. It is meant rather of practical, than of fpeculative Atheifls. Who fay, not expli- citly with their Mouths, but implicitly in their Hearts, There is no GOD. Who live, as if there v/as no ALL-SEEING EYE, to take Cognizance of their prefent Conduct ; no SU- PREME JUDGE, to call them to a future Reckon- * Pfal. xiv. 2. t Ffal. xiv. 2, 3. The two origiiial Words "in^t^JJ *13 are metaphorical ExprefHons ; taken from — IVincs^ that are become ^«r — and Meats^ that are in a State of Prdrefaci'ion. \ beheve, it is impoffible to find Images, more ftrongly ex- prellive of a total Depravity, and of the utmolf Degeneracy. 136 DIALOGUE XI. Reckoning. — And I dare appeal to Experience, Whether this Infcance of Foolijlmefs, is not bound lip in the Hearts of our Children *. Nay, whe- ther it be not natural to Us all, both in Youth and Manhood, to forget our CREATOR? In this Cafe, Iheroii^ there is no Monopoly. Your Right and mine, are too ftrongiy efta- blifhed by Experience, and too clearly ex- prefled in the preceding Scripture, to admit of any Controvcrfy. — If there were Any^ that underflood — They are all gone out of the Way — There is Nojie^ that doeth Good — No, not One. — Could any Conveyancer in 'Europe have contrived a P'oi m of Words, more fully to afcertain our unhappy Title t T'her. There may be fome Texts in Scrip- ture, which feeni to countenance your Afler- tion. But thefe refer to the worfl of Men, in the worfl of Times. And can You, with any Juflice, afcribe the Properties of a few Re- probates to the whole Species t Afp' * Prov. xxii. 15. Let None think, that by FooUJhnefs the facred Writer means only thoic filly Tricks, which difcover a Weaknefs of Underfbnding in Children. Solotnons Fool is not the Idiot, but the Sinner ; and the Foil}', ftigmatized throughout the Proverbs, denotes, iiot a Failure in the in- telledtual, but in the religious and moral Character. The Words, in this Paflage, are peculiarly forcible, FooUJhnefs is in the Heart ; implanted in the very Nature ; funk deep into the inmoft Faculties. — And not only funk deep, but adheres almoft infeparably : H^ilt^'p is vjrapt, tiea^ and bound: twines like the Ivy, and is rooted like the Oak. D I A L O G U E XL 137 Afp. This very PafTage, and others of a like Import, are adopted by St. Paidj and ap- plied both to Jews and Gentiles : with this pro- felled Defign, that every Mouth may be /topped^ and all the World ?nay be found guilty * befo7^e GOD. Whicli evinces, I fiiould think, be- yond all Doubt, the Unrcerfality of its Ex- tent. If to the Univerfality, We add the Antiquity of this Fa61, it vv^ill bear the two grand Cha- ra6leriftics of Truth. Far from being a novel Opinion, it was received as a Maxim, in the early Age of fob. What is Man, that He Jhould pretend to be clean ^ And He that is born of a Woman J that He fhoidd prefume to be righteous^ Righteous before the infinitely JUST and HOLY ONE! Behold I He putt eth 720 rnfjl in his Saints, though the mofl exalted of all rational Beings. 27'^, iheHeave?is, thofe brighteft Parts of the material Creation, are not clean in his Sight. Ho^co much tnore abominable and filth is Man -j- .? Who drinketh Iniquity, tliough loth- fome * Rom. iii. 19. TTToJ'ix^r' yvr.\rx\, " May hecome guilty," does not lb exactly anfwer the Scope of the Context, nei- ther does it fo fol icily eftablifh the Apoftle's Argument, as *' may ht fonnd guilty;" be fully convidled, ancT apparently liable to mofl juft Condemnation. — Thofe Things were writ- ten of Old, and were quoted by St. Paid^ not to render Men crimir.ai, but to prcue them fo. t Job^w. 14, 15, 16. The immaculate Purity of the blefled GOD, and- the utter Depravity of fallen Man, are Points ol fo great Importance in the' fcriptural Syftcm of Di- 138 D I A L O G U E XL fome to GOD, and worle than Poifon to his own Soul : yet drinketh it like Water -, with- out any Hefitation or the leaft Fear, with an eager and profufe Dehght, ThiSj You will obferve, was alledged in a Pifpute, carried on with no fmall Vehemency„ Yet is adrhitted, on all handsj as unexception- ably true. — Be pleafed alfo to take notice^ That the Charge is not confined to fbme very notorious Sinners, but is laid againft the whole Body of Mankind. Whatever Figure they may make, each in his ov/n Conceit; they are all defcribed in the Word of GOD — as Beings^ iniatiably athirft after Evil — from ObjeBs, tha^ We cannot endure to behold ; or cannot be-, hold without Abhorrence *. — Such is Man by Nature ! People mull have Eyes very different from minCj to difcern any Dignity in this, Draught. Tber. As to innate Dignity, We will let it pafs. But this I muft infifl upon, and feveral Writers of the firft Repute are on my Side. — t Xhat we enter the Stage of Life, in a State of Plvinity, that they are iaculcated no lefs than three Tlmes^ within the Compafs of this fingle Book. And by much the Jams noble Contraft of ftriking Images. Chap. iv. 1 7, 18.— XV. 14, 15, 16.— XXV. 4, 5, 6. * The original Words are r^^^^ 2i^1i — One is uifA to fignify that nhomfmbk Practice, vi^hich the Mgypt'ians could not bear to fee. Exod. viii. ver. 22. Heb. Bib. ver. 26. EngL Bib.— 'The other denotes an Objed:, too fqualid to be viev/ei without lothing. DIALOGUE XI. I 9 of Indifference either to Good or Evil. — That the Affe6lions are like a Balance, nicely poifed, and preponderating neither one Way nor th^ other. — The whole Soul, like a Sheet of fair Paper, is equally fufceptible of flrait or crooked Lines y and will as readily receive the amiablQ Features of an Angel, as the hideous Defor- mity of a Devil. uifp. With regard to your firft Illuflration, T — The Simile, i think, confutes the Senti-* ment. For, to be in Sufpence, whether We ihall love the LORD our GOD, the Giver of all Good, and the Source of all Perfe6lion ; this, furely, muft be condemned as an irre- ligious Temper. — This is a criminal Halting between GOD and Baal. — A Neutrality, which is no better than Hofi-jlity. I fear, the Writers You mention, pay but little Deference to the infpired Volume. Our Efcutcheon is very differently blazoned, in that Office of fpiritual Heraldry. A T^ranfgreffor from the Womb *, is one of our hereditary Titles, TranfgrefTors We are, by llrong in^ ternal Propenfity ; even before We tranfgrefs, in outward A(5l, Obferve * IJau xlviil. 8. A Truth fo apparent and undeniable, that Seneca could not but difcern it, though He was an un- inllghtened Heathen : could not but acknowledge it, though He was one of the proud Stoic Seek. Hac Co7idit'i07ie nati fumus. AntmaVia obmx'ia non paucioribus Animi quatn Corpc- ris Mortis. De Ira. Lib. II. c. 9. I40 DIALOGUE XL Obferve the young Hawthorn Plants, that have unfolded their green Leaves, in yonder Nurfery ; but have fcarce learned to fpread the gay Bloflbm. Is there in thofe an equal Aptitude, to produce the lufcious juicy Grape, or their ov^n coarfe and huiky Berry ? By no means. They will (unlefs grafted with fome generous Cyon) certainly ^ univerfally^ conjlantly bear the fame harfh Fruit with their parent Tree. — So certainly will the human Mind, if not renewed by the SPIRIT of CHRISr, branch out into ungodly Tempers, and bring forth wicked Practices. 'Thcr, The Nobleman, mentioned by Xe?m- fhon *, when overcome by an alluring Temp- tation, devifed for his Excufe the Notion of two Souls 3 one, that inclined Him to Vice ; another, that prompted Him to Virtue. This was a moderate Caricatura -f, compared with my Friend's. He will allow nothing regular or graceful in the human Heart. — You have metamorphofed the Mafler-piece of the Cre- ation, into fuch a deformed Obje61: ; as may juilly render Him a Terror to Himfelf. Can there be a groffer Libel upon the CREx^TOR, or a greater Difcouragement to our Fellow- creatures ? * Cyrop^sd. Lib. VI. f A Term ufed by the Italian Painter?, to fignify a Re- femhlance horrid^ or ridiculous. DIALOGUE XL 141 Afp. If this be a diflorted Piece, what will You call the following Defcription } GO D faw that the Wickednefi of Maii^ ivas great upon, the 'Earth j and that every Imagination of the Thoughts of his Hearty was only evil contifiually *. — This, perhaps, may be reckoned a more monflrous Drawing ftill. Yet it came from that Hand, which painted the Canopy of the Skies, and touched all the Piclures of Nature into fuch inimitable Perfe6lion. Pray, let us examine the moll diftinguifh- ing Features in this Draught. — Not barely the Works of his Hand, or the Words of his Tongue, but the Imaginations of his Hearty are evil. The Contagion has fpread itfelf through the inner Man. It has tainted the Seat of his Principles, and the Source of his Actions. — Is there not, You will fay, fome Mixture of Good ? No ; they are only Evil, There is no hopeful Tendency. Not fo much as a little Leaven of Piety 3 that may have a Chance to diffufe itfelf, and meliorate the v/hole Lump. — But are there no lucid Intervals ? No happy Moments, when Virtue gains the Afcendency ? None : He is only evil continually. The Ufurpa- tion of Sin is total, and its Tyranny perpetual. What I have advanced, therefore, is no Li- bel upon the C R E A T O R's Benignity. Be- caufe, it is the very Echo of his own Deter- mination. * Ceyi. vi. 5, J42 DIALOGUE XI. mination. — Neither is it fo properly difcourag-^ ing, as humbling and alarming to our Fellow- creatures. Humblingy to make Us fenfible of our Ruin : Alarming^ to make Us deflrous of a Recovery. 'Jher. Is not this Defcription peculiar to the Men of that wicked Generation ? Whofe Guilt was as unparalleled, as their Punifliment ? Jlfp, It is applicable both to them and their Succeflbrs. The Wiidom of GOD repeats the Charge, and fixes it upon the Race, that fur- vived the Flood. The Depravity of human Nature continued, nor could the Waters of an univerfal Deluge purge it away. So deep alas ! is the Stain, and fo incorrigible the Vi- rulency, of original Corruption ; that it will yield to nothing — to nothuig will it yield, but to the Wap?ing of Regeneratio?i, and Renewing of the HOLT GHOST ^. Till this takes place, every Heart of Man muft wear the Prophet's ftigmatizing Motto, Deceitful above all Things^ and defperately wicked. Ther. This Paflage, I am informed, is not rightly tranflated -, efpecially, in the laft Ex- prefhon. The Hebrew Original does not bear fo hard upon the human CharatSler, as the E?jglifi Verfion. Afp, You allow then, that the Heart is de- ceitful. And of this We have a glaring Proof, 111 f T/V.iii.5. D I A L O G U E XI. i4j ill the Conduct of Hazael. He thought it im- poflible, that He fliould ever perpetrate fuch horrid Barbarities, as the Prophet forefaw. Is thy Servant a Dog, that He fioiild do this great Thing * I Yes, Hazael ; however Thou maycft imagine Thyfelf gentle as a Lamb, thou art fierce as a Dog, and favage as a Tyger. Which was moft terribly demonftrated by the Event. Suppofe, we tranflate the other Word more accurately. The little Alteration will be of lefs Service to your Caufe. Inftead of defpe- rately wicked, You may, if You pleafe, read deplorably diforderedf. This is the exacT: Im- port of the Phrafe. — It is a Metaphor, de- rived from a very diftempered Body. In which, the whole Head is fick, and the whole Heart faint. Fro??t the Crown of \v]\ok Head, to the Sole of whofe Feet, there is nothing but con- fuming Difeafe, and enfeebling Languors %. The Rules of Civility may fet a fpecious Var- nifli on the Converfation. But until Grace, fanaifying Grace adminifters the Remedy, the moft civilized Heart will be like the pale ema- ciated Cheek, that is poorly inlivencd with Paint. Then * 2 Kings viii. 13. f Jcr. xvii. 3. ^*^^. % Ifai. i. 6. Agreeable to this Dodrine, and confonant to this Metaphor, is the Confeffion of our Liturev, There is no Health in Us, ~ 144 DIALOGUE XL I'ha'. What fay the Writers of the New Tefiiament ? Is not their Way of thinking more liberal and benign ? — If human Nature wore fo hideous an Afpecl, under the legal Dif- penfation ; fince the Coming of our LORD, and the PubUfliing of his Gofpel, One may expe6l an improved and more pleafing Face of Things. jlfp. Human Nature In every Period of Time, and under every Difpenfation of Religion, is ftill \hQfame. It was the SPIRIT of CHRIST, who indited the Old Teftament, and He can- not vary from Himfelf, in the Declarations of the New. I am very much incUned to believe, That all the bodily Difeafes, which our divine PHY- SICIAN healed, during his Abode on Earth, were fo many emblematical Reprefentations of fpiritual Diforders. Which, like certain Fa- mily Diftempers, may be faid to run in the Blood of all Mankind. — Will you give me leave, T'heron, to explain myfclf ? I don't like to ingrofs the Difcourfe. Yet I would wil- lingly inlarge upon this Subjecl. "Ther. By all means. The Laws of Argu- ment, feparatefrom the Indulgcncies of Friend- fliip, give you a Warrant to urge, whatever may fupport your Caufe. — Befides, I fliall be glad to hear your Sentiments upon a Point fo curious. DIALOGUE XI. 145 Afp. The poor Leper ^ covered with noifome SoreSj is the very Pi6lure of a polluted Sinner^ Was the One, for his contagious Impurities, feparated from the Society of his Fellow-citi- zens ? So lliall the other, for his abominable Uncleanncfs, be baniflied from the beatific Prcfence : Unlefs He be clean fed by the Blood, and julliiicd by the Righteoufnefs of JESUS. You pity the Condition of that unhappy Creature, who was born blind. His Eyes rolled, but rolled in vain, to find the dawning Ray. Such is the benighted State of the human Mind, till ALMIGHTY GOODNESS com- mand the Scales of Ignorance to fall off, and pour heavenly Day through all the intelle6tLial Faculties. Then, and not till then, we begin to know the Holineis, the Jultice, the ador- able Excellencies of GOD. — We fee the fub- lime Purity of his Law, and the extreme De- pravity of our own Souls. — We are brought acquainted with the tranfcendent Glories of our R E D E E M E R's Perfon, and apprehend that moft comfortable Myfliery of liis Subifi- tution in our Stead. We difcern the ineffable Perfection of his Merits, and the divinely rich Freenefs of his Grace *. Truths, inccmpar- ably more delightful to the Soul, than all the * This, and the preceding Particulars, ?.re Lcflbns of the laft Importance in tlTe Chrijiian School. The Knowledge of them deferves to be moft folicitoufly fought, both by at- Vol. JI. K tenciv* '^ 146 D I x\ L O G U E XL the delectable Scenes of Creation are to the Sight. The Paralytic's ener'vated Limbs too truly reprefent the Impotence of our Nature. Was He unable to grind at a Mill j to run in a Race J or to turn Himfelf on His Bed ? So unable are We, to fight the good Fight of Faith ', to exercife the Graces of Chriftianity ; or even to turn Ourfelves unto GOD. — Do not m/, my Friend, experience fomcthing of this Inability ? For my Part, i muft lay my Hand on my Breaft, and daily, hourly con- fefs, " The Paify is Here. Though not alto- " gether dead in Sin (bleffed be CHRIST " JESUS, and his quickening SPIRIT !) yet " how languid is my Zeal, how enfeebled my *' Induftry, in the great Affair of everlaffing " Salvation ! I would fain believe the Pro- " mifes of the faithful JEHOVAH ; but how *^ often do I ftagger through Unbelief ! I " would fain love the LORD my GOD with all " my Heart 5 but Oh ! what Coldnefs benumbs *' my Affections ! I wifh to be humble in every *' Thought ', heavenly in all my Defires -, and *' wholly refigned to the divine Will. But, " alas ! my Sufficiency for thefe Things, is ** like the Jlacdd Sinew 3 or the withered Arm." ' It tentive Contemplation, and by earneft Prayer. For, to know them, is to be tm/y w'lfe \ to be influenced by them, is to be fiibftantially happy. DIALOGUE XL 147 It would be endlefs to paiticuiarize all the Maladies, which were Emblems of cur Mi- fery, and the Triumphs of our LORD's Power. Let me only remark — That their Bodies were afflicted with a fmgle Diforder ; our Souls la- bour under a Complication of Evils. — They felt their Afflicfion, and were delirous, im- portunately defirous of Relief. We are, till awakened from above, infenfible of our cala- mitous Cafe, We add, to all our other In- difpofitions, a ftupefying Lethargy, or an ex- travagant Delirium. T^her. Such allegorical Expofitions of Scrip- ture are pretty enough. But, I prefume,. You yourlelf cani^ot reckon them de-fmnjlrati-'ce. For my cvv-n Part, I mud appeal from the Sur- mifes of Fancy, to the Verdicl of Reafon. Afp. I cannot think, that the allegorical Senfe, when Joberly introduced, is unworthy our Regard, or without its Weight. How- ever, I have no Defign to preclude your Ap- peal. — Will the avowed, will the reiterated Decifion of an Apoftle, fatisfy my Friend, and be admitted as the Verdicl of Reafon ? — St. PW has declared of Himielfi i?i ?7ie, that /i, in my Fkjh^ or unrenewed Nature, divelktb 710 Good * ; no good Temper, nor fo much as any good Defire. — Elfewhere he affirms j That t.be carnal Mlndy or unregenerate Soul, is not K z fiibjedi * Rom, vii. iS. 148 DIALOGUE XI. fubjeSi to the Law of GOD. Nay, is an Ene- my, or rather Enmity itfelf * — againft what ? —Againil Sin ? That were a noble i\.ntipa- thy. — Againft the World ? That were a laud- able Diiaftedion. — No ; but againft GOD and his Law. Amazing Perverfenefs ! To be En- mity againft GOD j who is boundlefs Benig- nity, and confammate Goodnefs. Enmity againft his Law 5 which is the Tranfcript of his amiable Perfe<5tions, and the faultlefs Mo- del of all Virtue. 7'ber. This, I fuppofe, is the Character of Smil the Pharifee, not of Paul the Apoftle. Defcriptive of his Condition, when He was " a Biafphemer, a Perfecutor, and injurious." Afp. It relates not to Himfelf alone, but is applicable to All, who continue in a State of Nature.— The bleffed AUTHOR of our Be- ing, fpeaking of Mankind in general, fays; That He is even Flefi -f : He is incapable of relifhing heavenly Things, and wholly inflaved to * Rom. viii. 7. t Gen. vl. 3. The Word Flejh, by which the all-wife CREATOR charaderizes Man, fignifies, among the fa- cred Writers, whatever is dijhononrable m itfelf; provoking to GOD ; or introdudory to the Ruin of Man. — The Works of the Flejh, are a Compendium of all Iniquity. Gal. v. 19, 20, 21. — To wa/k in the FleJJj, is the very Reverfe of walk- ing in the SPIRIT j diametrically oppofite to the divine Law and true Holinefs. i^ow. viii. 4. — To be carnally minded^ or to have the Influence, the Savour, the Relifh of the Flefh' ((^povrjj^ta i^at;. % Pfai. Ixii. 8. Vol. II. L i62 DIALOGUE XIL A remote Cafcade tumbled from a craggy Rock. The Stream, after having wafted its lilver Foam in a winding Progrefs, ftraggled into this grand Arbour. Here, it juft ap- peared, gUding down a gentle Slope, with a flaunting Air, and a prattling Noife. Im- preiled, as it were, with the unexpected So- letmiiu of the Scene, it feemed to check its wanton Waves, and turned afide into a more iequedred Path. As fome heedlefs Trilier, that bolts unawares into the royal Prefence, flands ilruck with Reverence and Awe, or retires with Precipitance and Confufion. The deep Gloom, fliedding a Kind of Night, even while the Sun glared in the Sky — Not a Whifper ftirring, among fo many Millions of Leaves j and all their warbling Natives huflied in Silence. — The fonorous 'Toll of the diflant Cafcade, and the tinkling Chime of the nearer Rill — The profound Adoration, and fervent Devotion, that lived in the Lineaments of the impaflioned Stone — All thefe Circum fiances rendered the Place prodigioufly auguft and ftriking. Not much anhke the antient Orato- ries * J v/here holy People retired from the giddy * It is thoii2ht bv fomc' eminent Critics, that when our LORD continued all Night a urpsc-s-jp^:-] 0£!;, Luke \'\. 12. The Phrale denotes his Continuance in an Oratory ; a Place fet apart fur Prayer, and a devout Intcrcourfe with GOD. That there were Places of this Kind among the Jews-, is jndifputable ; a)id that the Opinion is ingenious, cannot ht denied* DIALOGUE XII. 162 giddy Ring, and the buflling Croud, to en- noble their Minds, with lublime Contempla- tion. Where, they bid a temporary Adiea to the tumultuous World, its gay Impertinence and folemn Dulnefs 5 in order to maintain a more uninterrupted Communion with that MIQHTY BEING, who /if tab upon the Circle of the Earthy and the Inhabit ant i thereof are as. Grajhoppers before Him *. Welcome denied. But I very much doubt, wliether it gives Us the trueMeaninn; of the Evan";elifl — Havino; mentioued a Moun- tain^ it would hardly fuit his concife Manner, to be more particular U'iih regard to the Place j neither was the Cir- cumftance fo important, as to delerve a fecond Mention. — I am apt to think alfo, that fuch a Place v/ould have defeated the Defign of our SAVIOUR's Retirement, which feems to have been Privacy ; and thaty/^^-/; a Tltlc^ as GOD's Place of Prayer, was wholly appropriated to the Temple. I apprehend. We fhall have a more defcnfihlc^ and I am pcrfuaded. We fhall have a more exalted Senfe, if We fup- pofe the Expreflion to Signify — the Copioufnefs and Fervour of our lord's Devotion — the vaft Importance, and the unequalled Succefs, of this his folemn Prayer. Which could no way be more emphatically declared, than by the Addition of the divine Name. — ^ccJfpaJio's Remark, p. 45. * Ifai. Ix. 22, What a noble Image is here, and what an exquiiitely fine CofUraJl I GOD, the great GOD, fitteth on thofe lofty and immenfe Heavens, which, at an incon- ceivable Diihuice, furround this penfile Giobe. From that moft fublime and magnificent Throne, he looks down upon the Inhabitants of the Earth. Who — in all their Pi.mp and Splendor — amidll all their admired Works, and boaftcd Ac- tjuifitions — are rnean and impotent in hij Sight. Mean and impotent as the poor Infects, that wander over t!ie parched Heath for Suftenance : that fpend all the Day in idle infig- nificant Chirpings : and, at Night, take up their contempt .jible Habitation on a Blade of Graf's. L 2 i64 DIALOGUE Xll, Welcome to liheron^ was the fliady Bower; welcome the cool Afpeft, and the mufical Flow of the Water J but more welcome than all, was the Sight of his Friend. Who lay re- clined at the Foot of an Oak ; with a Book half open in his Hand, and his Eye fixed upon the Statue. T^he7\ I know not, Afpafio^ whether I muft make an Apology, for breaking in upon your Retirement \ or call You to an ^Account, for depriving the Ladies of your Company at the Tea-table. Afp. Indeed, T^hcron^ I have been fo much delighted with the Place ; with the Compa- nion in my Hand ; and the noble Obje6l be- fore me ; that I fcarce obfcrved, how the Time flole avv'ay. And I flatter myfclf, if You will take a Seat by my Side, and fliare my Enter- tainment ; You will be more inclined to ex- cufe, than to aggravate my Fault. T^ber. Is T^iilly then (for I obferve his Name on the Volume) your Companion r And can fuch a devoted Admirer of the Bible^ be fo liighly charmed with ?i Heathen Clqffic? — St. Aiigiijline fomewhere declares, that, though pailionately fond, before his Converfion, of Tullys Writings ; yet, after his Converfion^ He could not relilli ' thofe admired Compo- fitions ; becaufe they Vvxre not fweetened, as He cxprefies Himfelf, with the tnellijiuous Name of JESUS, JJp. DIALO(?UE XII. i6s j4fp. I am far from pretending to fucli an exalted Pitch of Devotion, as that feraphic Father attained. I can fpend a vacant Mi- nute on the dehcate Odes of Horace-, and tafte a refined Entertainment in VirgiFs beautiful Poem. But when I hear a Sermon^ or perufc a religions Treatife, that borrows neither Dig- nity nor Charms from that amiable and glo- rious Name, I own myfeh' extremely difap- pointed. Without tb.e Perfon, the Oilices, or the Grace of CHRIS1\ the Sermon and tlie Treatife appear as defeBive, as a Body that is neither adorned with th.e Head, nor inlivened with tlie Heart. T'her. I fuppoie then You cultivate an Ac- quaintance v/ith the ' Grecian and Roman Au- thors, in order to improve your Taile, and polilh your Style. Jljp. Thefe, and I am apt to think, more con- fiderable Advantages than thefc, may be de- rived from an occafional Application to their Works. They may ferve as lO many Shades, to fet off, with heightened Lullre, the Beauty and Giory of the facred Oracles. While I perufe Phiio\ ornamented Page, or liften to Cicero s flov/ing Periods, I am ibme- what hke the Perfon, who amules Himfdf in a Gallery of painted Flowers. He is plea fed with the curious Creation of the Pencil. But, finds none of that delicious Fragrance, none ' L 3 of i66 DIALOGUE XII. of thofe breathing Sweets, which meet Him in the Garden, and regale his Senfe from the blooming Parterre. — So, here are brilliant Sen- timents, and a florid Di6lion ; delicate Touches of Wit, and bold Strokes of Defcription. But, no Difcovery of CHRIST JESUS— no Dif- plays of his ineffable Love — no Overtures of Reconciliation with the blefled GOD. No- thing to yield Usfolid Comfort, in our prefent State; or anyyi>)y///Expf61ations, with regard to the approaching Eternity. Befides ; when I converfe with thofe cele- brated Geniufes of Antiquity, that were at once the moft erroneous, and the moft judi- cious — the moj} judicious J in their Tafte of po- lite Literature ; the moft erroneous, in their Ap- prehenfions of invifible Things ; they fliew me, what they never intended, the inexpref- fible Need of Revelation. They teach me to fet a higher Value on that ineftimable Gift. I blefs the diftinguilhing Goodnefs of Provi- dence, which has caii my Lot "'^% not at Athens^ but in IMMANUEL^s Land. I fay, with Wonder and Gratitude — '' Why did not my *' Exigence commence, in thofe ^Eras of re- ligious. * Alluding to the Story of the Philofopher, who ufed to blefs the Gods for three Privileges. — That He was made, not a Brute^ but a ratmud Creature. — That He was born, not in harharous Clime?, but in Greece. — That He lived, not in the more unculti-oated Ages, but in the Time aiid under the 1'uitioji of Socrates, • DIALOGUE XII. 167 ^^ ligious Dotage ? Why was not my Portion *' confined, to thofe Regions of Barbarifm and '* Dekifion ? Why am not I burning Incenle " to Idols J ^^aying fenielefs Adoration to fculp- ** tured Stone ; or worfliipping, with deteft- " able Ceremonies, a Set of iafcivious, de- " bauched, aiid fcandalous *' Deities ?" — Sare- lyi 'Theron^ from every Perufal of thofe Vo- lumes, attended with fuch a Reflection, We fhall fee the utmofl Reafon to magnify the tender Mercies of our GOD 5 whereby tJie Day- fpring from on high hath vifited Us -f*, and brought Us out of Darknefs into the marvel- ous Light of the Gofpeh Permit me to mention another Benefit, that may refult fiom a Correfpondence with thole mafterly Writers. — The Streams may lead Us to the inexhauflible Fountain. Lead Us to admire the 072ly wfe GOD our SAVIOUR, who has given fuch a lliining Vein of In- genuity * This, I think, gives Us the moft deplorable and horrid Idea of the Blindiufs of our fallen Nature. The Heathens, even amidft all the Politenefs of their Talie, and notvvith- llanding their fuperior Advancement in the Sciences, were Haters of the true GOD, and robbed Him of his Honour : nay, what is unfpeakably worfe, they paid it to Moiijiers — • Monfters of Lew^dnefs and Treachery, Vice and Immora- lity. Egregious, fottifh, almoft incredible Stupidity ! To worjlnp thofe Beings, which deferved univerfal Ahhriirencc f To deify thofe Charaders, which could never be fufficiently deUjied! t Luke i. 78. L 4 i63 DIALOGUE XII. genuity to his rational Creatures. As I read their Works, and am charmed with their Beauties, I would frequently refleft-— " If the " EfTays of a finite Mind, and die Compo- " fitions of a mortal Pen, yield fuch high Sa- " tisfaBion j what exquifite, what unknown " Delight muft arife, from an uninterrupted " Communion with iniiniteWifdom? To ftand " — ^not at the Feet of Homer ^ and attend the " Flights of his elevated Imagination — not in *' the Prefence of Socrates, and hear the Dic- " tates of his fagacious Soul — but, to ftand " in the Courts of the LORD, and before the " Throne of the LAMB. There to contem- " plate, without any interpofmg Veil, the " Counfels of his unerring Providence ; to *' have the Myfteries of his redeeming Love, " laid fully open to our View ; and receive " the brighteft Manifeftations of all his ami- " able, his adorable, his unfpeakable Attri- " butes !" I'hcr. Thefe are Advantages, truly defirable, and equally obvious. Methinks, it fu?'prijh me, that I fliould never fo much as propofe them ; and grieves me, that I fliould io long be deprived of them. A View to fuch very fuperior Improvements will, I hope, render my future Intercourfe with thofe favourite Au- thors, fl:ill more agreeable, and abundantly more bcnelicial. But DIALOGUE XII. 169 But let me afk, what PalTage was engaging your Attention, this Afternoon ? Afp, The great Orator's Treatife, concern- ing the iV^g^^ ^/^ //3^ DIVINE BEING* That Part efpecially, Vv^hicli proves his Exis- tence and Perfe6lions, from the Formation of the human Body, T^her. And don't You perceive, that He is almoft as deficient in the Knowledge of his Subje6l 5 as he is miflaken in his Ideas of the fupreme Caiife ? — The exquifite Contrivance and inimitable Workmanfhip of the human Frame, were, in thole early Ages, but dimly difcerned. It was the Infancy of Anatomy : when the very ProfelTors had fcarcely the Qualifications of a modern Graduate. Many of the received Notions, were childifh ; al- moft all of them, fuperficial. Afp. Will my T'heron then entertain me, with a more accurate Defcription of this won- derful Stru6lure ? 'ther. How could You take occafion, Afpajh, from the Hint I dropped, to conceive any fuch Expe6lation ? It is one Thing to difcover, another to corrcBy what is amifs. Many Spec- tators can point out an accidental Defecl in fome celebrated Statue, or a fmall Indelicacy in fome valuable Piece of Painting ; who art abfolutely * De Natura-Deorum, 170 DIALOGUE XII. abfolutely incapable of retouching^ the One, or fupplying the Other. Afp. Since We are fallen upon this Point, You muft give me leave to remw and urge my Requeft. I fhall be extremely glad to hear your Remarks upon the Subject. Efpe- cially, as You have made this Branch of Sci- ence, a Part of your Amufement ; and not without the Advantage of anatomical Diflec- tions. Whereas, I have very feldom applied my Thoughts to the former, and never had an Opportunity of being prefent at the latter. Let me alfo obferve, that our very Situation favours, or rathers fuggcfls fuch a Topic of Converfation. All the fine Profpe6ls of the Country are excluded. We have fcarce any Thing left, but Ourfekrs, to contemplate. And fliall this be the only Theme We neglect ? T/jer, It is fomewhat prepofterous, I mufl confefs, to pry into the Archives of Colleges ; to ranfack the Cabinets of the Virtuofi -, to carry our Search through the whole Compafs of external Nature ; and, at the fame Time, overlook the far more furprifing Curiofities, which abound in the Compofition of our own Bodies. Since you infill: upon it, my Obfervations, crude and extemporaneous as they are, fhall fubmit themfelves to your Judgment. Pro- vided^ DIALOGUE XII. lyi vided, You will be content to receive, only a few of the Out/hicSj and nothing like ajlfiijbed Draught. ^Jp. LeJSne juft hint, that the more r/>- cumftantial your Account is, fo much tlie more welcome will it be to your Friend, and fo much the more honourable to our common CREATOR. For, I really think, that Gakn\ Declaration upon this Head is perfe6lly jufl: which I have read in my favourite Commen- tator Beza^ and which fpeaks to the follow- ing EfFecl *. — " Such Treatifes, as difplay the " Excellencies of the great CREATOR, com- " pofe one of the nob] eft and moft acceptable " Hymns. To acquaint Ourfelves with his " fublime Perfe6lions j and point out to Others *' his infinite Power, his unerring Wifdom, " and his boundlefs Benignity 3 this is a more ^^ fuhftantial A61 of Devotion, than to flay " Hecatombs of Vi6lims at his Altar, or kindle " Mountains of Spices into Incenfe." Thcroriy after paufing a few Minutes, thus refumed the Difcourfe. ncr. When fome Mafter-builder undertakes to ere6l a magnificent Edifice, He begins with the lefs decorated, but more folid Parts. Thofe vv'hich are to fnpport, or thofe which are to contain the reft. This Order, if You pie? '«?, \7c * V\^^Bc%. Annot, ad Ronu i. 20. J72 DIALOGUE XII. We will follow, in confidering *' the earthly " Hoiife of our Tabernacle *." Firfl, You have a Syftem of Bones ; cafl into a Variety of Moulds ; inl^ed or con- trailed into a Variety of Sizes. All jirong^ that they may commodioufly bear up the flefliy Machine j yet lights that they may not deprefs the Animal with an encumbering Load. — Bored with an internal Cavity, to contain the moiflening Marrow ; and perforated with exceedingly fine Du6ls, to admit the nourifli- ing Veiiels. — Infenfible themfelves, they are covered \^\\S\ a Membrane \ of exquifite Sen- fibility. Which warns them of the Approach, and fecures them from the Annoyance, of any injurious Fri6lion : and, at the fame time, preferves the mufcular Parts, from being fretted in their A6lion, by the hard and rough Sub- fiance of the Bones. — Their Figures are al- ways moft precifely fitted to their Ufes. They ^re generally larger at the Extremities, than in * 2 Cor.v. 1. St. Paul xery pertinently compares the bn- clily Struclare to n Houfc. And adds, in that Strain of godly Edifying, which runs through all his Writings, our earthly and tent-like Hiibitation, iTnyii<^ oiKicc t« crxrvKf . Rcteri iii;? to its mean Grighial, as it was formed out of the Duft ; aad to Its JJ)ort Continuance, as it muft foon return to Dult again. Being, though commodious as a Houfe, yet traniitory as a Tent : not like the evcrlafting Mnuntains, which fiand fixed and rooted t>i the Center ; but like thofe poriahle TfnenicntSi which are fct up in the Evening, taken down in the Morn- ing, and then their Place is known no more, f The Pencjlaum, DIALOGUE XII. iji in the Middle ; that they may be joined more firmly, and not fo eafily diilocated. — The Manner of their Articulation is truly admir- able *, and,jipmarkably various : yet never va- ried, without demonftrating fome wife De- fign, and anlwering fome valuable End. Fre- quently, when two are united, the one is nicely rounded, and capped with a fmooth Subftance ; the other is fcooped into a Hollow of the fame Dimenfions, to receive the po- liflied Knob ; and both are lubricated with an un6luous Fluid, to yield the readieft Rotation in the Socket. The Feet compofe the firmefl and neatefl: Pedeftal : infinitely beyond all that Statuary or Archite<51ure can accomplifli ; capable of altering its Form, and extending its Size, as different Circumllances require. Befides per- forming the Office of a Pedeftal, they con- tain a Set of the niceft Springs ; which help to place the Body in a Variety of graceful Attitudes, and qualify it for a Multiplicity of advantageous Motions. — The undermoft Part of the Heel, and the Extremity of the Sole, are fhod with a tough, infenfible, finewy Sub- ftance. This We may call, a Kind of 7iatu^ ral SandaJ. It never wears out ; never wants Repair i and always prevents that undue Com- prefTion * Mirabiles Commijfuras hahmt, Cicer. 174 DIALOGUE XIL prefiion of the Veflels, which the Weight of the Body, in walking or landing, might other- wife occafion. — The Legs and Thighs, are Uke fubflantial and flatcly Cohimns * ; articulated in fuch a Manner, that they adminiller mod commodioufly to the Act of Walking, yet obftrucSL not the eafy Pofhire of Sitting. The Legs fwell out, towards the Top, with a gen- teel Proje6lion 5 and are wrought off, towards the Bottom, with neat Diminutions. Which Variation lefTens their Bulk, at the fame Time that it increafes their Beauty. The Ribs, turned into a regular Arch, are gently moveable, for the A61 of Refpiration. They form a fecure Lodgment for the Lungs and the Heart : which, being fome of the moft diflinguiflied and important Organs of Life, * Styled therefore by the facred Phllofophcr, The ftrong Men, Ecclef. xii. 3. — And compared, by the fame beautiful Writer, to Pillars of Marble. Cantic. v. 15. As thefe are the ftrongeft Parts of the Body, and the Support of all the other, hence, I prefume, aroic that proverbial Expreflion, which occurs ia the Hiftory of Saf/ipjon, 1"1*-^J.* pltl* J"^S- XV. 8. Rendered by the Septuagi7ity xvnurrj stt* [xripov ; by our EngUJh Tranflators, Hip and Thigh. I believe, the \Vord plii' fignities Here, as in many other Places, what the Latins call Armiis. And that the Image is taken from iome robuft and fierce Animal, whofe Shoulders before, and whofe Thighs behind, arc broken in Pieces. Then what Mifchief can He do ? What Refinance can He make ? He is utterly di fabled. So that the Expreflion fccms to denote, (and might perhaps, without Violence to the Original, be traiiflated) A total Overthrow. DIALOGUE XII. 175 Life, have their Refidence fortified by this fVrong femicircular Rampart "*. — The Back- bone is intended, not only to ftrengthen the Body, and fuilain its moil capacious Store- Rooms ; but alfo to bring down that Com- munication of the Brain, which is ufually termed the Jpimil Marrow. As an open Chan- nel, it conveys, as a well-clofed Cafe, it guards this vital Silver -f ; and, by feveral commodi- ous Outlets, tranfmits the animating Treafure into all the inferior Parts. Had it only been large, flrait, and hollow, it might have ferved thefe feveral Purpofes. But then the Loins mufl have been inflexible, and every Man im- paled (not by the Executioner, but by Na- ture) on a Stake co-eval with his Exiflence. To avoid wliich, it confiils of very fliort Bones, clofely knit together by intervening Cartilages. This Peculiarity of Structure pre- vents Dillocation ; and gives the main Pillar of our Frame the Pliancy of an 0//>r, even while it retains the Firmnefs of an Oak. — By this means, it is a Kind of continued Joint; capable of various Infle^lions, without bruif- ing the foft medullary Subllance, that fills its Cavity ; * TJjou hajl fenced 7ne^ I'ecured my inward and vital Pafts, rvith Bones and Slneivs^ Jobx. ii. — CraUs Pectoris^ \%Vir- liPs Expreflion. . f This is (uppofcd to be the Part, which Solomon defcribes by The filver Cord : and is indeed like a Curd, on Account of its Shape-, like Silver, on Account of its Colour, EccleC xii. 6. 176 DIALOGUE Xir. Cavity ; without intercepting the nervous FluiJ, which is to be detached from this grand Re- fervoir; or diminilhing that Strength, which i-s necelfary to fupport all the upper Stories. — A Formation fo very peculiar in any other of the Solids, mufl have been attended with great Inconveniencies. Here, it is iinrpcakably fer- viceable. Is, both for Workmanfhip and Si- tuation, a Mailer-piece of creating Skill, ne- ver enough to be admired. The An?iSy pendent on either Side, are ex- acVly proportioned to each other ; that the Equilibrium of the Structure may not be dif- concerted. Thefe, being the Guards that de- fend *, and the Minillers that ferve the whole Body, are fitted for the moft diverjjfied and cxtenfive Operations. Firm with Bone, yet not weighty with Flefli ; and capable of per- forming, with fingular Expedition and Eafc, all Manner of ufeful Motions. They bend inwards, and tiu'n outwards ; they rile up- wards, and floop downwards ; they wheel about, and throw themfelves into whatever Direction We pleafe. — To thefe are annexed the Hands ; and all terminated by the Fingers. Which are, not like the Arms, of the fame Length, and of an equal Bignels ; but in both Refpefts different. Which gives them a more graceful * Called, \nSo/o;noti\ figurative but elegant Sketch of Ana- tomy, T/jc Keepers of the Houfe^ Ecclef. xii. 3. DIALOGUE XII. 177 graceful Appearance, and a much greater De- gree of Ufefulnefs. Were they all Flefli, they would be comparatively impotent : were they one intire Bone, they would be utterly inflex- ible. But confilting of various little Bones, and a Multitude of Mufcles, what Shape can they not afliime? What Service can they not perform ? — Being placed at the End of the Arm, the Sphere of their Action is exceed- ingly inlarged. This advantageous Situation realizes the Fable of Briareus j and renders a Pair of Hands, as ferviceable as an Hundred. — The Extremities of the Fingers, are an Affemblage of fine tendinous Fibres, moil acutely fenfible *. Which, notvvithflanding the Delicacy of their Texture, are deflined to almoft inceffant Employ, and frequently ex- ercifed among rugged Obje(Si:s. For this Rea- fon, they are overlaid with the Nails, a. Soit of horny Expanfion : which, like a Ferule, hinders the Flefli from being ungracefully flattened j * So very acute is the Senfibility of thefe Parts, that, I am informed, it furniflies the Trihunal of hquifith?!^ with one of the moff refined Expedients in thcyfrfof Torture. A ftrong Qiiil], fharpened by the Pen-knife, and dipped in fome inriammatory Liquor, is thruft deep between the Nail and the Finger. When the Quill has cut its Way through the fhiver.ing Nerves; and Hands planied, like a Dagger, amidft the gufliing Blood ; fome barbarous Hand ftts Fire to the Extremity. The keen Point, the flow Flame, and both in the Seat of the molt lively Senfation, put the mifer^bie Sufferer to -the moj} exiruciat'mg Pain, Vol. II. - M jyS DIALOGUE XII. flattened i and, like a Sheath *, preferves the tender Parts from injurious Impreflicns. In the Miniftry of the Hands, and Activity of the Fingers, We polfefs a Cafe of the Ji/ieji Jnf.ruments^ or a Colle61ion of the mbleji Vteii- jih. Qualifying Us for the Execution of every Work, which the proje6ling Genius can de- vife, or the lavifh Fancy crave. — To thefe We are obliged for the beautiful Statues, which have often entertained our Eyes, in yonder folitary Walks j and even for that melodious Trumpet, which nov;^ addrelfes our Ears, from the Summer-houfe on the Fifh-pond. — Thefe raife the lofty Column, and turn the fpacious Arch. Thefe fwell the majeftic Dome, and adjufi: the commodious Apartment. Architec- ture, with all her ilriking Beauties, and all her rich Benefits, are the Creation of the hu- man Hand. — Yielding to the Strength of the Hand, the talleil Firs fall to the Ground, and the largcfl: Oaks defcend from the Mountains. Fafnioned by the Dexterity of the Hand, they accommodate the Sailor with ^jioatmg JVare- houfc ; and circulate, from Britain to Japan, the Produftions of Nature, and the Im.prove- mentsof Art. — -Obedient to the human Hand, Metals afcend from their fubtcnanean Beds ; and compofe the mofl fubflantial Parts of that curious Machine -f-, which tranfmits far and neai-, * Diglih Mtmimina. f The Prlntlng-P-refs, DIALOGUE XIL lyq near, to the Monarch's Palace and to the Peafant's Hut, fuch Treafares of Wifdom and Knowledge, as the Gold and Cryjial cannot equal *. Among the Egyptians ^ the Hand was the Symbol of Strength : among the Romans^ it was an Emblem of Fidelity : and I think, it may, among all Nations, be looked upon as the Enfign of Authority. It is the original and the univerfal Sceptre ; that which not only reprefents, but afcertains our Dominion, over all the Elements, and over every Crea- ture. — Though Providence has not given Us the Strength of the Horfe, the Swiftnefs of the Greyhound, or the fagacious Scent of the Spaniel ; yet, direfted by the Underflanding, and enabled by the Hand, We can fubje^l them to our Will 5 turn them to our Advan- tage J and, in this Senfe, make them all our own. — Thefe Hands (furpriling to relate !) thefe fiort Hands have found out a Way, whereby they can dive to the Bottom of the Ocean -, can penetrate the Bowels of the Earth ; and rcacli from Shore to Shore. Th&^s, feeble Hands can manage the Wings of the Wind ; can arm themfelves with the Rage of the Fire i and prefs into their Service the forcible Impetuofity of the Waters. — Flow eminent is the Dignity ! How extenfive the Agency oi. M 2 the j5o dialogue XII. the Hand ! It would require more Eloquence, than your Orator poflefTed, to difplay the for- mer j and more Pages, than your Book con- tains, to defcribe the latter. — How greatly are We indebted to our indulgent CREATOR, for accommodating Us with this noble, this diftinguifliing, this invaluable Member ! Above all, is the Head; a majeftic Dome, defigned for the Refidence of the Brain. It is framed in exa6l Conformity to this impor- tant Purpofe ; ample to receive it j ftrong, to uphold it J and firm, to defend it. As it re- fembles the General's Tent in an Army, or the MonarcBs Palace in a City ; it has a Com- munication eflabliflied with all, even the moil inferior and remote. Parts of the Syftem. Has Outlets and Avenues, for the ready Difpatch of Couriers to all Quarters ; and for the Re- ception of fpeedy Intelligence, on every inte- refting Occafion. It is furniflied with Lodg- ments, wherein to pofb Centinels of various Chara6ters, and appointed for various Offices. — To expedite their Operations i whether they are employed in reconnoitring what pafles 'without^ or examining what claims Admittance njoithiji ; the whole turns upon a curious Pivot, moft nicely contrived, to afford the largeil and frcefl Circumvolutions. This flately Capital, is fcreened from Heat ; defended from Cold > and at the fame time very DIALOGUE XIL i8i very much beautified, by a copious Growth of Hair. Which flows down from the parted Forelock in decent Curls ; and hangs, mant- ling on the Cheeks, cUiftering on the Shoul- ders. — A Decoration*, incomparably more delicate^ than any or all tlie Orders of Archi- tecture can fupply j and fo perfe6lly light, as no Way to incumber or incommode the Wearer. While many Animals creep on the Ground : while all of them are prone in their Pofture, or their Afpe6l : the Attitude of Man is ereB, — Which is by far the moft graceful ; has an Air of Dignity, and befpeaks Superiority. — It is by far the mofl commodious -, fits Us for the Profecution of every grand Scheme, and facilitates the Succefs of all our extenfive De- figns. — It is likewife attended with the greateft Safety ; being, if not lefs than any other Po- fition expofed to Dangers, yet more happily contrived to repel or avoid them. j4Jp, May it not likewife be intended, to re- mind Us of our noble Original, and our fub- lime End ? Our Original j which was the Breath of * Ahfakni^ Hair was reckoned a diftinguifliing Part of his Beauty, 2 Satn. xiv. 26, — The Amiableiiels of ihc Church, in the exemplary Converfation of true Believers, is difplayed by the fame Ornament, Cant. iv. i. — And Homer, in his fo much admired Reprefentation of Jupiter, makes the Mo- tion of his Ambrofuil Locks a principal Embellifhment of the Piclure ; M 3 i82 DIALOGUE XII. of the ALMIGHTY, and the Spirit of the MOST HIGH. Our End, which is, not the Soil We tread on, or any of its low Produc-^ tions, but the Heaven of Heavens, and the T'binzs that arc above. But not to divert from our Subject ^ which, in my Friend's Manner of handling it, is as entertaining, as it is inftru6live. — The Bones (to carry on your own AUufion) are only the RafterSy the Beams, the Shell of the living Edifice. You have laid the Floors, have made the proper Divifions, and left the necefTary Apertures. But, in every finifhed Houfe, the Roof is covered, and the Rooms are wain- fcoted. The Saflies are hung, and the Doors turn upon their Hinges. The Grates are fixed, and the Stairs either wind or fly. Within^ the Lodgings are furniflied ; without, the Front is ornamented. Ail is rendered commodious for domeftic Ufe, and graceful to the external View. 'Tlfer. This likewife is executed by the great, the DIVINE ARTIFICER.— Here are Liga-r mcnts-y a tough and ftrong Arrangement of Fibres i to unite the fevcral Limbs; and ren- der, what w^ould otherwife be a disjointed un- wieldy Jumble, a well-compa6led and felf- manageable Syftem. — Mejubrancs ; or thin and iicxile Tunicles ; appointed to jnwrap the flefliy Parts 1 DIALOGUE XII. 183 Parts ; to form a Conneclion between fome, and make a Separation between others "*. Arteries, the grand Rivers of our little World -f , or the noble Aquedu61:s of the or- ganized Metropolis. Some of which afcend to the Head : others fpread themfelves over the Shoulders : fome extend to the Arms : fome defcend to the Feet : and ftriking out, as they go, into numberlefs fmaller Canals, vifit the Streets, the Alleys, and every individual Apart- ment of the vital City. — Thefe, being wide at their Origin, and lefTening as they branch themfelves, check the rapid Impetus of the Blood. To fuflain this Shock, they are en- dued with uncommon Strength : by perform- ing this Service, they oblige the Crimfon Cur- rent to pafs into the narrowefi Defiles, and di- ftribute itfelf into all Quarters. — The Blood, thrown from the Heart, dilates the Arteries, and their ov/n elaftic Force contra6ls them. By which rheans, they vibrate, in proper Places, very perceivably againft the Finger ; bring Advices of the utmoil Importance to the Phy- fician J and very much aflift Him, both in d:f- covering the Nature of Difeafes, and prefcrib- ing * The Inteftines zxz fajiened to each other by the Mefen- tery. The Bread is divided into two Cavities by the Mediaf- tinum. Both which are reckoned among the Membranes. f A human Body was called by the Antients, Tiie Ml" crocofm; that is, a little World, or the World in Miniature. M 4 184 DIALOGUE XII. ing for their refpeclive Cures. — The larger Ar- teries, where-ever the Body is formed for In- curvation, are lituate on the bending Side ; led, being flretched to an improper Length by the Inlle6tion, their Dimenfions fhould be lefiened, and the circulating Fluid retarded. — They are not, like feveral of the confiderable Veins, laid fo near the Surface, as to be pro- trufive of the Skin j but are depofited to a froper Depth in the Flefli. This Situation renders them more fecure from external In- juries. It conceals likevvife thofe Starts and Refilitions of the Pulfe, which, if apparent, would difcompofe the moft fedate, and dis- figure the moft comely Countenance. — Could We cafl our Eye upon the River, that runs through the neighbouring Meadow, We might' obferve feveral Mills interfering the Stream. The Waters at thofe Places, if not intirely flopped, diain away very flowly. In confe- quence of this Obftruclion, the lower Chan- nels would be funk dry, and the upper Ones fwelled into a Flood. To obviate both thefe Inconvenicncies,Z/C'u:^-yZ-i!/j are provided : which, carrying off the Surcharge, prevent a Glut above, and fupply the Banks below. In thofe Parts of the Body, which are moft liable to PrelFure, much the fame Expedient takes place. The Arteries inofcuJate\ or, breaking into a new Track, they fetch a little Circuit, in or- der DIALOGUE XII. i§5 der to return and communicate again with the main Road. So that, if any Obllacle blocks up or ftraitens the dired: PalTage i the Current, by diverting to this new Channel, eludes the Impediment ; maintains an unin- terrupted Flow ', and foon regains its wonted Courfe. Feins are appointed to receive the Blood from the Arteries, and reconvey it to the Heart. Small at their Rife, and inlarging as they ad- vance, they are void of any Pulfation. In thefe, the Preflure of the circulating Fluid, is not near fo forcible as in the arterial Tubes : for which "Reafon, their Texture is confidera- bly flighter. Such an exa6l Oeconomift is Na- ture, even amidfl all her Liberality * / — In many of thefe Canals, the Current, though widening continually, and acquiring a pro- portionable Increafe of Gravity, is obliged to pufh its Way againfl: the Perpendicular By which Circumftance, it is expofed to the Ha- zard of falling back, and overloading the Vef- fels i if not of fupprelling the animal Motion. For a Security againft this Danger, Vahes are interpofed at proper Diftances. Which are no Hindrance to the regular Paffage, but prevent the Reflux 3 fuitain the augmented Weight J * A parallel Inftance of Frugality is obfervable in the Ar- teries. Whofe Coats are fpun thinner^ as the Diameter of the ^^cf^eI3 becomes fmalkvy ajid the Preflure of the Bloo4 iS6 DIALOGUE XII. Weight } and facilitate a Progrefs to the grand Receptacle. This auxiliary Contrivance comes in, where the Blood is conflraincd to climb ; but is difmifled where the fteep Afcent ceafes, and fuch a Precaution would be needlefs. ., Here are Glands, whofe Office' it is, to fil- trate the pafling Fluid. Each of thefe Glands is an Affemblage of Veflels, comphcated and intervolved, with fecming Confufion, but with perfe6l Regularity. As fome kind of Sieves tranfmit the Dull:, and retain the Corn -, others bolt out the Meal, and hold back the Bran ; fo, fome of thefe glandulous Strainers draw off the fineft, others the grofieil: Parts of the Blood. Some, hke the Diftiller's Alembic, yJ^^- limnte * ; others, like the common Sewers, de- fcecate -f-* Each forms a Secretion, far more curious than the moft admired Operations of Chemillry ; yet all, neceflary for the Support of Life, or conducive to the Comfort of the Animal. — Mufcles, wove in Nature's nicefl Loom } compofed of the llendereft Fibres, yet endued with incredible Strength 3 falhioned after * The glandulous Subftance of the 5rtf/« i which fccretes the animal Spirits. f The Liver and Kidneys. The former of which fcpa- rates the Gall; the latter drains off" a Fluid, which, being lufiicicntly known, need not be named. I could wifh, it had not been fo explicitly and coarfely mentioned, jn our Tranflation of the bell of Books. But that We had rendered the Original, in i Kings xiv. lo. Every Malct in Ifai, xxxvi, 1 2. Eat and drink ihcir ezvn Excranmts, DIALOGUE XII. 187 after a Variety of Patterns, but all in the highefl Tafle for Elegance, Conveniency, and Ufefulnefs. — Thefe, with their Tendom annexed, conftitute the Inflruments of Motion. The former, contrafting their Subflance, operate fomewhat like the Pulley in Mechanics. The latter, refembling the Cord, are faflened to a Bone, or fome Partition of Flefh 5 and, following the mufcular Contradion, aftuate the Part into which they are inferted. This, and all their Functions they execute, not like a fluggifli Beaft of Burden, but quick as the Lightning.— AT^rw^, furprifingly minute Tubes ; derived from the Brain, and per- meated by an exquifitely fubtle Fluid. Which, ghding into the Mufcles, fets them on work ;' difFufes the Power of Senfation through the Body 3 or, returning upon any ImprefTion from without, gives all needful Intelligence to the Soul. — Fejic/es, diftended with an unftuous Matter 5 in- fome Places, compofe a foft Cu^ fhion * for Nature ; in other Places, they fill up her Vacuities, and fmooth the Inequalities of the Flefli. Inwardly, they fupple the feve- ral 7 1' ^^^P^V'''' ^^^ ^'^^ ^^'^ Inftance. Whofe laro-e Col- kdion of Muicles, intermingled with Fat, is of fmaular bervice to thofe important Bones. It flanks and fortifies it '"^ Yri-^r''^ ?^^^"^"- ^^ ^"PPO'-ts and cherifties them, Jike zjoft Ptllow. And what is no lefs pleafing to obferve, It accommodates and defbnds them on that very Side, where til ^ ['"%"f ^^y '■^^ t^^^i^ Weight, and where they arp /pglt capable of being guarded by the Eye, iS8 DIALOGUE XII. ral Movements of the a6live Machine. 0«/- ivardly, they render its Appearance plump, well proportioned, and graceful. The Ski?j, like a curious Surtout *, exa6lly fitted, is fuperinduced over the whole. Formed of the mofl: delicate Net- work ; whofeMeflies -f* are minute, and whofe Threads t are multi- plied, even to a Prodigy. — The Meflies fo w/- nute, that nothing paiies them, which is dif- cernable by the Eye ; though they difcharge, every Moment, Myriads and Myriads of fu- perfluous * Thou haft clothed me zuith Siin and FleJ}), Job x. ii. — The Word Surtout is ufed according to the French Etymo- logy ; fignifies a Garment, coming over the xvhole Body; and is moft beautifully expreffed by our LORD'S a,u(pjjvvu(r*. Matt. vi. 30. f The Pores of the Cuticula. X The nervous Fibres, and other VefTels of the Cutis.— Nature is fomewhat like Solomon's virtuous Woman, ^f^o is not afraid of the Snow for her Houjhold, hecaufe her Houjhold are clothed in Scarlet : or, as it may be rendered, are clothed with Pairs, have two Coats a-piece. Prov. xxxi. 21. (See Gen. xi. 19, 20. where the Word CD*^^ is thus tranflated.) '■ — The Body alfo is accommodated with a double Covering. The outermoll is that foft whitifli Tegument, which rifes in the Puftule of a Blifler. The innermoft is that redd ifh and exquifitely tender Part, which appears when the Blifter is broke, and the dead Skin taken off". — The firft is void of Senfe, and intended to fcreen the fecond, not only from the Stroke of Injuries, but even from the ImprefTions of the Air: which, mild as it may feel to the JJjcaihed, would be too rough and fharp for the naked Nerves. There fecms to be an AUufion to this Particular, in that remarkable Exprefijon, Skin for Skin., "nV lyU "llj? Job ii. 4. Skin even unto Skin ; the very inmoft Skin, which cannot be taken away, without the greateft Lofs, and fevereft Pain. Yet, everwthis Lofs a Man would fufFer, this Pain He would endure, in order ;? prefervc praloui Lifci DIALOGUE XII. 189 perfluous Encumbrances from the Body. The Steam, arifing from the warm Buhnefs tranf- a6led within, is carried off by thefe real, though imperceptible Funnels *. Which con- ftitutes, what We ufually call, i?jfe7ifible Per- fpiration. — The Threads fo multiplied^ that nei- ther the Point of the fmalleft Needle, nor the incomparably nicer Spear of a Gnat, nor even the invifible Lancet of a Flea, can pierce any fingle Part, without caufing an uneafy Senfa- tion and a Suffufion of Blood : confequently, without wounding, even by fo fmall a Punc- ture, both a Nerve and a Vein -f-. The Veins, either pervading, or lying pa- rallel with, this fine tranfparent Coat, beautify the human Strufture^ thofe Parts efpecially, which are mofl confpicuous, and intended for public View. The pliant Wrifl, and the ta- per Arm, they variegate with an Inlay of liv- ing * Thefe are fomewhere prettily ftyled, cutaneous Chimneys -, and are indeed inexprelfibly fine, if, as Mr. Lewenhocck af- firms, a fingle Grain of Sand v/ill cover no lefs than 125,000. f A Blood-Vejfel at leaft. Compared with thefe VefTels, the fine fih?iy 'Threads^ which, on fome bright and autumnal Morning, flcat in the Air^ or hang on the Stubble, muft be large as a Bell-rope, or bulky as a Cable. — Such Tubes, One would think, fhould burjl at every Breath We draw, or even break with their own Finenefs. Yet, tliey are the Conduit- Pipes, which convey the vital Fluid from and to the grand Refervoir. And fo exquifite, fo wonderful, is their Tex- ture, that they will out-laft the Strength of Lead, or the Heart of Oak ; //;-?/^ wearing away, thfe growing ftronger, by Ufe. 190 DIALOGUE XII. ing Sapphire. They fpread Vermilion over the Lips *, and plant Rofes in the Cheeks. While the Eye, tinged with glofTy Jet, or fparkling with the Blue of Heaven, is fixed in an Orb of polifhed Cryftal. Infomuch that the earthly Tabernacle exhibits the nicefl Pro- portions, and richefl: Graces. Such nice Pro- portionSj as afford the mofl correct Model for Statuary : fuch rich Graces, as the Canvafs never bore, as Painting imitates in vain. Afp. How juft in itfelf, and how pertinent to our Purpofe, is that well-known Acknow- ledgment of the facred and royal Anatomifl ; *' lam curioiijly wrought -^ I There is a Va- " riety, an Elegance, and a Delicacy, in the " Texture of my Body ; in the Formation " and Arrangement of thefe Bones and Mufcles, " thefe Veins and Artei ies ; — refembling, fhall " I fay ? — rather, infinitely furpafllng the mofl " coftly and admired Pieces of Embroidery." It is one of the finefl Similitudes, which the whole Circle of polite Arts could afford. Yet every Comparifon, fetched from the Per- formances * Thy Lips are like a Thread of Scarlet. Cant.iv.3. Like a Thread, for their delicate Shape -y like a Thread of Scarlet, for their glowing Colour. ■\ The Original ♦ri/!DP'^ {\^x\\^t% finely wrought, or elegant- ly jiourifiud %vith a Needle. — The Tranflation adopted by our Liturgy is, in this Place, flat and iiiexpreflive. The Engltjh W oi(^ fajhioned, has juft the fame Inferiority to the beauti- ful Hebrew Plirafe j as' the Badge, tacked upon fome poor Peiifioncr's Coat, has to the -iS/ar embroidered ou a Noble* mani^Breaft. PfaU cxxxix, ver, 14. DIALOGUE XII. 191 formances of Mankind, muft neceflarily de- bafe the noble Subject. All the Enrichments, that the Needle can give, or the moi^ fplendid Silks receive, are rude, are coarfe, are mere Sack-cloth, when fet in Oppofition to the ex- quifite Finenefs of the fiefhly Web. As in- deed all the celebrated Palaces^ Amphitheatres ^ 'Temples, that ever adorned the moll magnifi- cent Cities in the World, are but a Heap of Confulion, if compared with the Symmetry and Beauty of the bodily Fabric. — And, what is beyond Meafure marvelous, all thefe Won- ders of Mechanifm and Decoration arofe — not from the purer Elements — not from the more refined Parts of the Creation — but from the Duji of the Ground. How eafily, Theron^ can that flupendous ARTIFICER renew our Hearts, and transform our Souls into his own Image ; who could raife fuch delicate and jftately Edifices, from Particles — defpicable Par- ticles of the trodden Soil ! I could not forbear interpofmg this Remark. Becaufe, it tends to manifefl our CREATOR'S Glory, to encourage our Hopes, and ftrengthea our Faith. Otherwife, I fliould be angry with myfelf, for interrupting your Difcourfe. — Pray, go on with your Defcription of the animal Oeconomy. Only let me obferve. That fuch a Courfe of incellant A6fion, muil ex- hauji the Fluids 3 mult wajie the Solids j and, unkii 192 DIALOGUE XII. unlefs both are fupplied with proper Recruits, muft gradually weaken, and at length totally dcflroy, the Machine. 'Ther. For this Reafon, it is fumifhed with the Organs, and endued witli the Powers of Nutrition. — Teeth j the foremoft, thin and fliarp J fitted to bite afunder the Food, or cut * off fuch a Portion, as the Mouth can con- veniently manage. The hindermoff, broad and ftrong ; indented, like the Surface of a Mill-ftone -f-, with fmall Cavities, and jagged with little Afperities. Which qualify them to grind in pieces, whatever is tranfmitted to their Operation. — Were the Teeth, like our other Bones, covered with the ufual Membrane, the A6l of Chewijig would always occafion great Uneafinefs j and, when any hard Sub- llance is eaten, might even lacerate the tender Tegument. Were they left without any Sort of Covering ; they would fuffer from the In- clemencies of the Air, and be liable to the Penetration of Liquors. In which Cafe, they mufl * Called therefore, Incifivi. + Styled accordingly, Molarcs. — We find neither of thefe Kinds in the new-born Babe. As Milk is, for a confide- rable Time, its appointed Food, Teeth would be of no Ser- vice to the Infant itfelf. As it is to preis the tender Nipple for this milky Suftenancc, Teeth would be painful and pre' judicial to the Nurfe. Therefore Nature has pojiponed the Formation of thcfe fine Implements, till they become both necellary and beneficial. DIALOGUE XII. i9j mull: foon become foft and unfit for Service, or be corrupted and intirely perifli. To guard againft thefe Difadvantages, they are curiouily glazed i or overlaid with a neat Enamel-, as white as Ivory, and harder than the Bone itfelf. Which renders them an Ornament to the Mouth *i fecuresthem from various Injuries 5 and exempts them from Pain in the Office of Maftication. As the Rims and Cufliions of a BilHard- Table, keep the Ball from flying oft ; and fend it back into the green Area, for repeated Ef- fays of Skill ; fo the Lips prevent the Food from flipping out of the Mouth j and, a(rifl:ed by the Tongue, return it to the renewed Attri- tion of the Grinders. — While the Lips, in Con- cert with the Cheeks, are employed in this Work, their Motion comprefies the circumja- cent Glands ; and, from innumerable little Orifices, di\\\\n pellucid Liquo7' qx^u^qs. Which moifl:ens the attenuated Food, and prepares it * This ornamental Furniture of the Mouth, is, In the grand oriental Manner, defcribed bv Solomon. Thy Teeth are like a Flock of Sheep ^ that are even JJiorn^ which come up frojn the JVaJhing^ Cant. iv. 2. Growing, not fmgle, like the Nofe; not in Pairs, like the Eyes ; but in Rows confiderably numerous, like a Fleck. — None riling higher thin the other; none itandlng prominent beyond another j but all let as true, as if they were ranged by the Compafs; and making as re- gular an Appearance, as the Flocks that are even Jhnn. — They arc clean alio as the Fleeces *that have no opot, and white as the Colour of the pureit Wool, like the Flocks juji f^me up from the H'ajhing. \oLAi. . ' N 194 DIALOGUE XII. it for more ealy Digeftion. — When the Mouth remains inadive, thefe Fountains of Spittle are, in a manner, ciofed. But, when it is exercifed, either in fpeaking or eating, their Moifcare then being pecuharly necefTary, they never fail to give out a fufficient Quantity. When the Soldier chai'ges his Carbine, the Cartridge could not make its v/ay to the Bot- tom, without the Protrufion of the Rammer *. Neither would the Food, which We receive at the Mouth, defcend, by the Force of its own Weight, through a narrow and clammy Channel, into the Stomach. To effeminate therefore, and expedite its Pailage, Mufcles, both * This, and the other Similltucles, are undoubtedly too mean for the noble Occafion. Neither do they, in every Circumftance, quadrate with the Functions defcribed. The Motion of the Mufcles, which minifter to the A61 of De- glutition, is different from the perpendicular Protrufion of the Rammer. And it is mentioned, only to demonftrate the NeceiTity of fome -propelling Force, in order to convey the Aliment into the proper Receptacle. When We defcant upon a Subjedf, of fuch extenfiveCon- trivance, and fuch flniihed Perfedion, as the human Struc- ture ; it is fcarce pofTible to find Similitudes, that will cor- refpond in all Particulars, or that can rife to the Dignity of the Original. Yet if they tend, in any tolerable Degree, to explain its Formation, to difplay its Ufes, and render its wonderful Oeconomy fomewhat more intelligible, perhaps they may be allowed to take place. I hope, it will be remembered, that TTj^";-^;? fpeaks, not as an Adept in the Science, but as One whofe higheft Preten- fions are, to admire the Work, and adore tiie ARTIFICER. Which Aclcnowledgment may intitle Him to fome candid Indulgence, in cafe He (hould offend againil the precije ana^ tomical ExavLnefs, cither ^f irentiinentj or Ejvprellion. DIALOGUE Xir. 195 both ftrait and circular^ are provided. The former, inlarge the Cavity of the Throat, and afford a more eafy Admittance ; the latter, clofmg behind the defcending Ahment, prefs it downwards, and finifh the Deglutition. — Before the Food enters the Gullet, it mull of Neceffity pafs over the Orifice of the Wind- pipe ; confequently, mufl be in very imminent Danger of falling upon the Lungs. Which would, if not intirely obffru6l the Breath, yet occafion violent Coughing*, and great In- conveniencies. To obviate this Evil, the all- forefeeing CONTRIVER has placed a move^ able Lid, or hung a cartilaginous Draw-bridge '\'. "Which, when any the fmallefl Particle of Food advances to enter the Stomach, is pulled down and fhut clofe ; but, the very Moment the Morfel is fwallowed, is let loofe and flands open. By this two-fold Artifice, the impor- tant Pafiage is always barred and made fure, againft any noxious Approaches ^ yet, always left free for the neceffary AccelTion of Air, and commodious for the Purpofes of Refpiration. When the Maliler prepares his Grain for the Tranfmutations of the Brew-houfe ; He fufFers ■ This is what We experience, when, in eating or drink- ing, any Thing goes (as is tommonly, and not improperly l^id) the zvrong JVay. • t Cal'ed the Epiglottis. N2 ig6 DIALOGUE XIL lu^Fel's it to lie. feveral Hours, fteeping in the Ciftern ; before it is fit, to be fpiead upon the Floor, or dried on the Kihi. The Meat and Drink hkewife mud remain, a confiderable Time, in the Stomach j before they are of a frof>er Confiftcnce and Temperature, either for the tender Coats, or the delicate Operation of the Bowels. For which Purpofe, that great Receiver is made — ftrong to bear — capacious to hold — and fo curioufly contrived, as to lay a temporary Embargo * upon its Contents. Here, they are lodged in the very Center of Warmth, and concocled by the nioft kindly Combina- tion of Heat and Humidity. Flere, they are fatu rated with other fermenting or diluting Juices; and are kneaded, as it were, by the Motion of the Stomach, and Compreflion of the neighbouring Parts. So that every the minuteit Fragment is fcparated ; the Whole is reduced to a l^e?mityy abundantly finer than the exaclefl Grinding could eflect -, and all is worked up into the fmootlicf^, moft nicely mixed Pulp imaginable.. — From hence it is dif- lodged, by a gently acting Force ; and pafles, by a gradual Tranfition, into the Cavity of the Inteflines. Near * Whicl) Is quite contrary to the Occonomy of the Gullet;, thoii.'h the.' arc not only contiguous to each othcr> but a. Continuation of ihsfume lube. DIALOGUE XI!. 197 Near the Entrance, punctual as a Porter in his Lodge, waits the Gall-bladder * ; ready to transfufe its acrimonious, but fahitary Juices, on the advancing Aliment. Which dijjohe its remaining Vifcidities ; fcoiir the Pafiage of the Inteftines ; and keep all its fine Apertures clear. — This Bag, as the Stomach fills, is elevated by the Diftention ; as the Stomach empties, is proportionably deprefled. The former Pof~ ture brings on a Difcharge, the latter occafions a Supprelfion, of the Bile. It is furnifhed alfo with a Valve, of a very peculiar, but mofl convenient Form \ ; through which the de- terfive Liquid, cannot haftily pour, but mufh gently ooze.— i\dmirable Conftruftion ! Which, without any Care or Confcioufnefs of ours, prohibits an immoderate EfFufion, yet afcertains the needful Supply. Sufficiently charged with this adventitious Fluid, the nutritive Mafs purfucs its Way through the Inteftines. Whofe wonderful Mean- ders, are incomparably more curious, than the Mazes of \h.tDcedalean Labyrinth. They are actuated with a worm-Hke or undulatory Mo- tion \ y which protrudes the received Aliment, and * The Gall-bladder is fituate upon the lower Marg'n of the Liver; and to fecrete the biiiaus Jn'iccy is ruppofed to be the principal Life of that largeit of Glands. f A fpiral Form. % Stikd Virmicuhr or perijiahic. N 3 198 DIALOGUE Xlf. and forces its fine milky Particles into the LaSteal VeJJels, Thefe are a Series of the moft dehcate Strainers j -ranged, in countlefs Multi- tudes, all along the Sides of the winding PaC- fage. Each fo nicely framed, as to admit the nutrimental balmy Juices, and rejeft the grofs excrementitious Dregs. — Had this alimentary Tube bcQnJirait or Jljorf, the Food might have <^one through it, without refigning a fufficient Quantity of its nourifhing Particles. There- fore, it is artfully convob^ed, and greatly ex- tended J to afford Nature an Opportunity, of fifting more thoroughly whatever pafles, and of detaining whatever may ferve her Purpofes. — Left fuch Lengths of Entrails, fhould be intangled among themfelves, or be cumbrous to the Wearer, they are packed into the neatefl Folds, and lie within a narrow Compafs. They are at leaft fix Times longer *", than the Body that contains them. Yet are they lodged^ not croiidedy in a Part, not in the ivhok Region, of the lovv^er Belly. And amidfl this fmall Space, have fufficient Room to execute the niceft and mod important Functions. — Though the alimentary Subftance can never miftake its Way ; * According to this Calculation, they muft meafurc, in a prettv tall Man, more than thirty-fix Feet. — The Subftance of the Bowels, though thin to a Delicacy, is Jhong to a Wonder. The Skin of an Ox-gut, I am told, will endure the Blows of the Gold-bcatc;'5 H.ininifr, iox many Mynihs, nay for feveial Years, DIALOGUE XII. 199 Way ; yet it may, through fome accidental Impediment, attempt to return backward. In this Cafe, a Valve intervenes j and renders, what would be extremely pernicious, almofh always impra6licable. — As the Whole proceeds in this Terpentine Coiirfe, it is perpetually fend- ing off Detachments of nutritious Juices. In confequence of which, it would lole its foft Temperature ; might become rugged, and pain the tender Parts ; perhaps, be hindered from Aiding on to its final Exit. To prevent fuch an Obftru(5lion, Glands are ported in proper Places *, and difcharge a hibricatiiig Fluid ; which aids the Progrefs of the Mafs, and renews the Secretion of the Chyle. Till all that remains of the One, is clean drawn oft ; and the Other — But here You muft excufe me 5 and for my Neglecl of farther Particula- rity, your Author Ihall make an Apology ; ^emadmodu'm aiitem Reliqiiics Cibi depellantury turn aflringentibus fe Intejiinis, turn relaxantibus, baud * In the Bowels, .that lie neareft the Stomach, thefe Glands zre fmallcr or feiver : becaufe, in thofe Parts, the Aliment is copioufly furnifhed with Moifture. Whereas, in the Bowels, which are more remote from the Stomach, and receive the Food drained of a confiderabie Quantity of its Chyle, the lubricating Glands are either multiplied or inlargfd. A molt admirable Proviilon ! Apparently diverhfied, accofding to the feveral Changes of the Aliment j yet cxu^Stly adapted U the Exigencies of the Animal. N 4 200 DIALOGUE XIL baud fane difficile diBii ejl : fed tamen pratereun- dum cji, ne quid habeat Injucunditatis Oratio *. The Chyle ^ drawn oiF by all the fecretory Orifices, is carried along Millions of the fineil -f* Du6ls, and lodged in leveral cojnmodious Cells %, As a Traveler, by baiting upon the Road, and taking proper Refrefliment, is better qualified to purfi-ie his Journey : fo the Chyle, divert- ing to thofe little Inns, is mixed with a thin, diluting Lymph, which renders it more apt to flow, and more fit for Ufe. — From hence it is conveyed to one common Receptacle \\ ; and mounting through a perpendicular Tube, in- nils itfelf into the left fubclavian Vein. This perpendicidar Tube, not liaving fufficient Force of its own, borrows Affifbance from its Neigh- bour, * Cicero Dc Nat. Dcor. — As Theron avoids meddling with a SMb)c6l, that is become ufclefs and putrefccnt, I think my- felt" obliged to imitate his Delicacy. Only I v/ould add one Rcniaik in the Notes, and fliall be^r leave to exprefs it in Gr.ek. 'I'hat if it fliould prove, in any Degree, difguftful i it may have, at leaf}-, the negative Merit, not to offend inany Readers. Y.-ni\, h ra, airoy^w^tivlx h(ry(/ffit ocTrfrpt^^f T8f tk Twv ai^T.Tiwv. Sccrat. Memorah. \ P'ine indeed ! Since their Orifices, through which they admit the Chyle, are n )t dilcoverabie eveji by the very beji Microfccpes. To this prodigioufly nice Conftrucl-ure it is owing, that nothing enters the Subftance of the Blood, but what IS fmaller than the fmalleft Arteries in the Syftem : and thereby fitted to pafs through the finefl: capillary Velleli, with* out caufing any Ob{hu(5tion. .-f; The Glands of the Mefenterv. \ The Receptacul'um U^yli ; a Refcr^'oir, placed near the left Kidncv. DIALOGUE XII. 201 bour. It is laid contiguous to the great Ar- tery ; whofe llrong Pulfation drives on the Fluid, which might otherwifc flagnate ; en- ables it to overcome the fteep Afcent, and un- load its precious Treafure at the very Door of the Heart. The Blood, through every Stage of its ample Circuit, having fuftained great Expences ; be- ing laid under Contribution, by every Gland in the whole Syftem ; and haying fupplied Myriads of the capillary Veflels, with Matter for infenfible Perfpiration -, muft be very much impoverifhed. But is moft opportunely re- cruited, by this Acceffion of Chyle. — Yet though recruited, it is not refined. In its pre- fent crude State, it is abfolutely unqualified to perform the vital Tour, or carry on the ani- mal Fundlions. Therefore, by a grand Ap- paratus of mufcular Fibres, it is wafted into the Lungs j 'and pours a thoufand, thoufand Rills into either Lobe. — In the Cells, the fpongy Cells of this amazing Laboratory, it im- bibes the Influences of the external Air ; its heterogeneous Parts are thoroughly incorpo- rated 5 and its whole Subftance is made cool, fmooth, and florid. — Thus improved, thus ex- alted, it is tranfmitted to the left Ventricle of the Heart-, a firo7ig^ aBive, indefatigable * Mufclc,, * Indefatigable — This is a very diJiinguiJJnng, and no lefs amazing Property of the Pleart. The large Mufcles of the Arm, or the much larger of the Thighj are foon wearied. A 203 DIALOGUE XII. Mufcle ; placed in the very Center of the Syl*- tern. Impelled by this beating Engine, Part flioots upward j and fweeps, with a bound- ing Impetus, into the Head. There, it im- pregnates the prolific Fields of the Brain ; and forms thofe fubtile fpirituoiis Dews *, which impart Senfe. to every Nerve, and communis cate Motion to every Limb. Part flows down- ward ; rolls the reeking Current through all the lower Quarters j and difpenfes the nutri- mental Stores, even to the meaneft Member, and the minutefl: VefTel. Obferve, how the flately T'hafiies, and the ra- pid Rhine ^ refrelli the Forefls and the Groves ; water the Towns, that croud their Banks ; and make the Meadows they interfe6l, laugh and fing. So, only with an incomparable richer A Day's Labour, or a Day's Journey, will exhauft their Strength. But the Mufcle, which conftitutes the Heart, toils through whole Weeks, whole Months, whole Year?, and never becomes weary. Is equally a Stranger to Intermijfion and Fatigue. * Thefe are, what We call, The animal Spirits -y and it is generally fuppofed, that Senfution is caufed, by the undulatory Motion of this nervous Fluid. — Though feme imagine, it is performed bv the vibratory Motion of the Nerves them- lelves. — Others' think, that neither of thefe Opinions will comport, with the Texture of thofe fine Tubes, or with the Nature of the Fluid they contain. — It is, I believe, one of thofe Myjlcries'xw the material World, which may recon- cile thinking and unprejut^/lccd Minds, to the Myfteries of the Chrijilan Revelation, Why fliould any One wonder, to find fome Dodtrines in the Bible, that furpafs the Reach of human Underftanding; when there are fo many Opera- tions in the Body^, confcfledly and abfulutely inexplicable by the muft acute Anatgnuit \ DIALOGUE XII. 203 richer Fluid, and with infinitely more mimeroiis Streams, this human River laves the feveral Regions of the Body. Transfufmg Vigour, and propagating Health, through the Whole. But, how fhall a Stream, divided into My- riads of Channels, and pervading innumer- able Tra6ls, how fhall this be brought back again to its Source ? Should any Portion, like your Lake-Waters after a Land-Flood, deviate from their Courfe, or be unable to return — Putrefa6lion would take place — A Nuifance would arife — Death might enfue. Therefore, the all- wife CREATOR has conneded the Extremity of the Arteries, with the Beginning of the Veins. So that the fame Force, which darts the crimfon Wave through the former, drives it through the latter. Thus it is recon- du6led, without the lead Extravafation, to the great falient Cjilern ^. There played off afrefli, it renews and perpetuates the vital Funftions. Where two cppojite Currents would be in Danger of claliiing, a fibrous Excrefcence in- terpofesj * Sclorr.on makes ufe of this Similitude — Or ever the Pitcher be broken at the Fountain ; or the JVheel broken at the Cijiern. The two Ventricles of the Heart, replcniflied with Blood, are fitly reprefented by a Cijiern j and the contraHiie Force of their Fibres, afls like the Water-tvheel in Hydraulics. — The Pitcher^ which receives the Water at the Spring-head, and conveys it away for the Owner's Service, may probably fignify the Jorta, and the pulmonary Artery ; whofe Func- tions coi'iefpoiid with the Ufes of fuch a VefTel. Ecclef. xii. 6, 204 DIALOGUE XII. terpofes * ; which, like a projecting Pier, breaks the Stroke of each, and throws both into their proper Receptacle. — Where the Wafture is to be fpccdy, the Channels either forbear to wind in their Courfe -f-, or to leffen in their Dimenfions j. V/lien the Progrefs is to be retarded^ the Tubes are twined into va- rious Convolutions II, or their Diameter is con-* traced into a narrower Size. — Modeled by thefe judicious Rules ; guarded by thefe wife Precautions j the living Flood never difcon- tinues its interchangeable Tide : but, Night and Day, whether "VVe lleep or wake, ftill per- feveres to fally hrifkly through the Arteries, and ictuni fiftly through the Veins. Such ailonifhing Expedients are ufed, to elaborate the Chyle — to blend it with the Blood — and to diftribute both through the Body ! By means of which, the animal Conftitution is maintained. In Youth, its Bulk is increafed ; in Age, its Decays are repaired ; and it is kept in tenantable Condition for the Soul, during the Space of feventy or eighty Years. Thefe are a few, and but a very few In- fbances of that Contrivance, Regularity, and Beauty, * In the Point, whe;;e the Streams, from the Vena cava and Penn afcendens^ coincide. f In the great Artery, that defcends to the Feet. X In every Interval, between all the Ramifications. 11 In the Vcllels, that carry the Blood to the Biain; that form the viicous Secretions 3 and ind<;td conftivute all the Glands, DIALOGUE XII. 205 Beauty, which are obfervable in the human Frame. Attentive Inquirers difcover deeper Footfteps of Defign, and more refined Strokes of Skill. Difcover them, not only in the grand and moil diflinguidied Parts, but in every Limb, and in every Organ : I may ven- ture to add, in every Fibre that is extended, and in every Globule * that flows. Afp. What a varicus, but uniform Syftem, • is the Body ! I fee the greatefl Multiplicity of Parts, yet the moil perfect Harmony fubfiils betvv^een them all. No one hinders, but each afliils, the Operation of another , and all con- fpire to the Benefit and Prefervation of the Whole. — Moil JLidiciouHy has the great Apoille touched this Subjedl j and moil happily ap- plied it, to iilaflrate the Reafonablenefs, and inforce the Practice, both of perfonal and focial Duties, of private Content and public Con- cord -f*. T^he Body, He obferves, is not one Member, but many. To each of which fome peculiar and needful Office is afiigned. So that the Foot, though placed in the loweil Order, ar.d deilin'd to ferve on the very .Ground, has no Reaibn * The extreme Mimttcnefs of the Globules, which form the red Part of our Blood, is one Exemplification of this- Remark. If, as Mr. Lewenhoeck computes, every Glolnile. be 25000 times fniivller, than the fmallert Giain of Sund, f See I Cor, xiiT 12, &:c. 2o6 DIALOGUE Xll Reafon to reckon itfelf a vvorthlefs Oiitcaft < or to fay, Becaufe I am not the Head, I am not of the Body. Neither has the Head^ in its ele- vated Situation and amidft its honourable Fun(5lions, any Caufe to dcfpife the inferior Limbs i or to fay, with Contempt and Self- fufficiency, I have no Need of Ton. — If thera were no Feet, what would become of the loco- motive Faculty ? Or how could the Body convey itfelf from one Place to another ? If there were no Hands, what fliould we do for the Inftruments of Action ? Or how could the animal Frame be defended and accommodated ? — Nay, the Parts, which feem to be lefs honour^ able, are neceflary. Even thofe, which form the Sediments, or throw off the Dregs, are of the lad Importance to Life and its Comforts. Should thofe be obftru^ted in their A6lion, the moil raging Torment enfues ; fliould the Ob- ftruftion continue, Death is the inevitable Confequence. — By this wife Adjuflment, there is no Schifm in the Body j no feparate or inter- fering Ends are purfued by the Members -, but the Safety and Support of each are the one undivided Care of all. Thus fhould it be among Men, and among Chriftians ; in the Civil Community, and in the Catholic Church. There is in both a Sub- crdination of Perfons, but a Concatenation of In- terefts. For which Reafon, a general Agree- ment DIALOGUE XII. 207 nient fhould take place, and a mutual Subfer- viency to each other's Welfare. — The Meanefi have no Caufe to be diiratisfied with their Con- dition i but to acquiefce in the unerring Dif- pofal of Providence, and chearfully contribute their Share to tlie common Good. — The Highejl fhould condefcend to Men of lov;^ Eftate 5 and maintain a Regard to the Well-being of the Pooreft, as that which is intimately connefted with their own. — In a Word j each fhould feel a tender Concern for all ; rejoicing in their Happinefs, and ftudying to eftablifh it \ fym- pathizing with their Miferics, and endeavour- ing to heal them. I am fure, my T'hei'on will be pleafed with this fine Comparifon, ufed by the Apoftle j and adapted to Purpofes, at once fo noble and fo benevolent. Efpecially, as it receives ad- ditional Propriety and Force from his own Ob- fervations. — But I have one more Inquiry to make. Your Syflem, though organized^ though in- dued with a Principle of Motion, and furnifhed with the Powers of Nutrition, is ftill deflitute of Senfe. — The Creation abounds with Obje^ls, fitted to yield the moil refined Entertainm.ent. The Sun impurples the Robe of Morning, and Stars befpangle the Curtains of Night. Flowers of filver Whitenefs, and of golden Luflre, enamel the Ground, Fruits of all ra- diant 2o8 DIALOGUE XII. diant Hues, and of every delicious Tafte, hang amiably dangling on the Boughs. Airs alfoy accrual Airs, Breathing the Smell of Field and Grove, attime The trembling Leaves. But We hear of no Capacities, formed for the Enjoyment of thefe various Delights. With- out which, the Breath of Fields mufi: lofe its reviving Fragrance ; the whifpering Grove muft degenerate into fullen Silence -, and Na- ture's Book of Knov^dedge, all fair and in- flru6live, be no better than a vaft unmeaning Blank. Iher. Therefore, the great CREATOR, profufely gracious to Mankind, has made Us a Prefent, an ineftimable Prefent of the Sefifes. To be the Inlets of innumerable Pleafures, and the Means of adminiflering the mofl valuable Advantages. High in the Head, bright and confpicuous as a Star in the Brow of Evening, is placed the Eye. In this elevated Situation, like a Centinel poftcd in his Watch-tower, it com- mands the mofl inlarged Profped:. — Confin- ing only of fimple Fluids, inclofed in thin Tu nicies, it conveys to our Apprehenlion all the Graces of blooming Nature, and all the Glories of the vifible Heavens. — How prodi- gioully wonderful ! That an image of the hugcji DIALOGUE XII. 200 .•1. htigefi Mountains, and a Tranfcript of the moll dherjified h^indkhdc^ts, ihall enter the fmall Circlet of the Pupil ! — How furprifingly artful ! That the Rays of Light, like an ini- mitable Pencil, Ihould paint on the optic Nerves y paint in an Inftant of Time ; paint in their trueji Colours, and exaBejl Lineaments, every Species of external Objefts ! The Eye is fo tender, that a flight Accident, fcarcely perceived by fome other Parts of the Body, v^ould be very injurious to its deUcate Frame. It is guarded therefore with peculiar Care: with a Care, proportioned to its nice Texture, and extenfive Ufefulnefs. It is /;/- trenched deep in the Head, and barricaded^ on every Side, with a llrong Fortification of Bones. As the Incurfion of the fmallell Fly would incommode the poliflied Surface, it is farther protected by two fubftantial Curtainsy hung on a rnofl flender cartilaginous Rod. Which fecure it, not barely from Blo^^'s, and from any hurtful Attrition, but alfo from every troublefome Annoyance. \n Sleep, when there is no Occafion to exercife the Senfe, but an ab- folute Neceffity to guard the Organ, thefe Cur- tains Jpontaneoiijly clofe, and never fail to lie fhut. At any Time, they willj^' together with a Motion, quick as the Alarm of Fear, I had almoft faid, quicker than Thought itfelf. At all Times, they are lined with an extremely Vol. II. _ O fine no DIALOGUE XII. fine Sponge *, wet with its own native Dews. Which lubricate the Eye-ball ; oil, as it were, its Wheels -, and fit it for a Courfe of uncom- mon A6livity. At the End of this fkinny Mantelet (if I may ufe the mihtary Style) is planted a Range of briflly Pallijadocs -f. Which keep out the leafl: Mote j ward off even the ftraggling Atom ; and moderate the otherwife too potent Impreflions of the Sun-beams J. The Brows are a kind of natural Pent-houfe, thatched and arched with curious Wreaths of Hair. The Thatch is intended to divert the Sweat, from trickling into the Eyes, and of- fending them with its Brine. The Aixhcs are fo finely coloured, and fo elegantly turned, that * The Glci7!dnla Lachrymalis znA Its Ducis; opening bn the inner Part of the Eye-lid, and lecreting the P^luid, which Yheron calls his Oil ; becaufe, it irrigates the Eye-ball, and (facilitates its Motion. ■ f The Hairs, that arife upon the Extremities of the Eye- lalh, grow only to a certain convenient Length, and never need cutting. — They are not flaccid and pendulous, like thofe of the Head ; hnxjiif and elajlic, like Briftles. The firft would have been troublefome, the laft are beneficial. — Add to this,^that their Points ftand out of the Way ; thofe of the upper Eye-lid being bent upwards, and thofe of the lower downvy'ards, — So nice is Nature, even in fuch fmall Matters ! X The tender, the inceflant, the more than fatherly Care, ,which the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY takes of his Peo- ple, is reprefcnted in Scripture by this extraordinary Provi- sion, made for the Security of the Eye, Which is one of the fineji Images, that Fancy can form ; and one of the niofl: confolatory Truths, that Faith can believe. He kept Him as the Apple of his Eye. Dcut. xxxii. lO. — He that toucheth Tou, touiheth the Apple of his Eye, Zech. ii. 8. DIALOGUE XII. 211 that they fet off the Whitenefs of the Fore- head, and beflow additional Grace on the whole Countenance. — Becaufe, in our waking Hours, there is almoft an inceflant Call for thofe little Orbs, they run upon the finefl Cajlers; rolling upwards or downwards, to the Right-hand or to the left ; with the utmofl Speed, and with equal Eafe. Which Circum- ftance, added to the Flexibility of the Neck, renders our two Eyes as ufeful, as if the whole Body, like the living Creatures in St. Jolms Vifion, v^diS full of Eyes before and behifid^. The Ear confifts of an outward Porch and inner Rooms, with Tools of the moft admir- able Contrivance and finifhed Workmanfhip. The Contrivance and the Workmanlhip in- comparably nicer, than the Defigns of Palla^ dioy or the Archite6lure of Solomons Temple 3 though the former were drawn from the mag- nificent Monuments of Romey though the lat- ter was built in the Tafle of Heaven. Yea ; fo confummately nice is the Structure of this Organ, that GOD, the only Wife GOD, is not afhamed to be called its Artificer. He that plajited the Ear -}-, is to be found among the Titles of the exalted JEHOVAH. In one very remarkable Peculiarity, this minute Fa- bric refembles that facred Edifice, the Porch * Rev, iv. 6. t Pfal. xciv. 9. O 2 being 212 DIALOGUE Xil. being loftier * than any other Part of the Building. The Porch I call that fcmicircular Lodge, which ftands fomewhat prominent from the Head; and is wot foft Rndji?ikif2g as Flefli, left it fhould abforb the Sound, rather than promote its ReperculTion ; not hard and 7?//^- f?cni as Bone, left it fliould occafion painful In^onveniencies, when We repofe Ourfelves on either Side but of a cartilaginous Sub- ftance, covered with a tight Expanfion of Membranes, and wrought into finuous Cavi- ties. Which, like circling Hills, or furround- ing rocky Shores -j-, collect the wandering Un- dulations of the Air; and tranfmit them, with a vigorous Impulfe, to the finely ftretchecl Membrane of the Tympanum J. — The Avc^ niie^ or narrow Entry, is lecured from the infi- nuating Attempts of little Lifecls, by a Mo- rafs (Ihall I fay ?) of bitter and vifcous Matter: dif- * Compare i Kifigs vi. 2. with 2 Chron. ili. 4. t Alluding to thofc cxpreffive Lines, where Echo feems to live in the Sound, as well as in the Senfe ; •Voccmque indnfa volutant Littora^ pulfati Colles Clamsre rcjultant. Virg. X So called, becaufe it rcfcmblcs a Drum, both in Figure and Ufe. Being a fine Skin, expanded upon a Circle of Bones, and over a polifhed reverberating Cavity. — It is af- fected by the Vibrations of the external Air, as the Cover- ing of the War-drum is by the Impreflions of the Stick. — it is alfo furniflied with Braces, that drain or relax at plea- fure ; and accomniodate its Ttnficn either to loud or lan- guid Sounds. DIALOGUE XII. 2x3 difguftful to their Tafte, and embarrafling to their Feet. — The Hammer and the Anvil , the Stirrup and the Drum ; the winding Laby- rinths *■, and the founding Galleries ; thefe, and other Pieces of Mechanifm, all inftru^ mental to the Power of Hearing, are beyond Defcription curious. Amazingly nice muft be the Formation, and inconceivably exaft the Tenfion, of the auditory Nerves : lince they correfpond with the fmalleft Tremors of the Atmolphere, and eafily diflinguifli their mofl fubtile Variations. The ruder Blaits, perceivable by the whole external Body, have very little EfFe6t upon thefe deHcate Strings. Whereas, they are per- i^Gt UniJoiH with thofe fine, thofe fignijicant Agitations of the Air, which the acuteft Touch is unable to difcern. Thefe living Chords, tuned by an ALMIGHTY HAND, and dif- fufed through the echoing Illes, and fonorous Cells — thefe receive the Impreflions of Sound, and propagate them to the Brain. Thefe -(- give * Of this Kind is the auditory Tube ; intended to f of ten and qualify the rufliing Sound. Left, if the Incurfion were diredt, it might be too impetuous, and injure the dehcate Expanfe of the Tympanum. — While this is defigned to moderate, the Concavities of the inner Strud^ure are pre- pared to heighten and invigorate the Sound, by calUng in the auxihary Force of an Echo. — Such Intentions, fo varying, nay fo oppofite^ concur to form this admirable Organ ! t Elegantly ftyled. The Daughters of Mufc. For this Phrafe may refer, as well to the Organs which dif.inguijhy O 3 aa 214 DIALOGUE XII. give Exiftence to the ^Charms of Mufic, and reciprocate the rational Entertainments of Difcourfe. Thefe treat my Afpafw with the Melody of the Woodland Choirs, and afford me the fuperior Pleafure of my Friend's Con- verfation. The Eye perceives only the Objecls that are before it ; whereas, the Ear warns Us of Tran- fadions, that pafs above Us, behind Us, all around Us. The Eye is ufelefs, amidft the Gloom of Night j and cannot carry its Ob- fen^ation, through the bolted Door, or the doled Window-lhutter. But the Ear admits her Intelligence, through the darkcjl Medium, and the mimitejl Cranny. The Eye is upon Duty, only in our waking Hours ; but the Ear is always expanded, and always accef- fible * : a Courier, that never tires : a Gentry, ever in his Box. To fecure a Refource, in cafe any Misfortune fhould difable one of the hear- as to thofe which y^rw, the harmonious Accents. Ecclef. xii. 4. — Methinks, 1 am always defirous to add any appofite Ex- pre/Tion, or parallel Paflage from the Bible. As I find. Writers of Tafte and Politenefs are fludious to embellifh their Works, with Quotations from the Clajjics. And I per- fuade myfelf, the Reader will allow me to gratify this fa- vourite Inclination. Becaufe, every Portion of that inefti- mable Bock, however minute, is like the Filings of Gold, or the Sparks of a Diamond. Is fure, when properly ap- plied, to add Worthy and impart Beauty. * Juditus autan femper patet. Ejus enhn Scnfus etiam dor' vilentes egemus, A quOi^ cum Sonus eji acccptus, etiam e So?nno cxcutimur. De Nat. Deor. DIALOGUE XIL 215 hearing or feeing Organs, our all-gracious MAKER has given Us Duplicates of each. As there are tremulous Concuflions imprefT- ed upon the Air, difcernable only by the In- flruments of Hearing ; there are alfo odorlfo-ous Particles, wafted by the lame aerial Vehicle, which are perceivable only by the Smell. The Noilrils are wide at the Bottom, that a large Quantity of Effluvia may enter -, narrow at the Top, that, when entered, they may clofe their Ranks, and act with greater Vigour. — Fine, beyond all Imagination, are the Steams which exhale from fetid or fragrant Bodies. The very beft Microfcopes, that difcover thou- fands and thoufands of Animalcules in a Drop of putrified Water, cannot bring one Indivi- dual, among all thefe evanefcent Legions, to our Sight. They fail, in numberlels Squa- drons, clofe to our Eyes, clofe by our Ears ; yet are fo .amazingly attenuated, that they elude all our Search. Never thelefs, fo judici- oufly * are the olfaBory Nets laid, and fo art- fully their Meflies fized, that they catch thefe vanifhing Fugitives. They catch the roaming Perfumes, that fly off from the opening Ho- neyfuckle : * The Keennefs and Sagacity of this Senfe, furnifhed the evangelical Prophet with a beautiful Metaphor, to difplay the Accuracy of the MESSIAH'S Judgment, and his uner- ringly nice Difcernment in fpiritual Things, in**^!! lite- rally rendered, fignifies Shall makeh'im to fmell : which is ac- commodated to our Language, and properly enough tran- flated. Shall make Him of quick Unde>Jhnfivg. Ifal. xl. 3. O4 2i6 DIALOGUE XII. neyfuckle j and take in the ftationed Sweets, that hover round the expanded Rofe. They imbibe all the balmy Fragrance of Spring, ail the aromatic Exhalations of Autumn, and enable Us to banquet even on the invifible Dain- ties of Nature. Furnifhed with thefe feveral Organs, Not a Breeze Flies o'er the MeadoiVy fiot a Cloud imbibes ^he Jetting Suns Effulgence^ ?iot a Strain From all the 'T'enants of the warbling Shade j^fcends^ but whence our Senfes can partake Frefi Fleafure^. Another Capacity for frequent Pleafure, our bountiful CREATOR has beflowed, in grant- ing Us the Powers of T'afte. By means of which, the Food that fupports our Body, feafts our Palate; firfl, treats Us with a plealing Regale ; then, diftributes its beneficial Recruits. ——The Razor, whetted with Oil, becomes more exquifitely keen. The Saliva y flowing upon the Tongue, and moiftening its Nerves, quickens them into the liveliefl A(5ls of Senfa- tion. — This Senfe is circumllanced, in a Man- ner peculiarly benign and wife ; fo as to be a landing, though filent Plea for T^emperancc. Without recurring to the Vengeance of GOD, or the Terrors of eternal Judgment, it is a power-^ * See that very elegant Poem, The PUaJura of Jma^i^ nation, jtJ, III, DIALOGUE XII. 217 powerful DifTuafive from irregular and excef- five Indulgencies. Becaufe, the Exercife. of Sobriety, fets the fineft Edge on its Faculties 5 and adds the moft poignant Relifh to its En- joyments. Whereas, Riot and Voluptuouf- nefs fall the Appetite ; blunt its SenfibiHty -, and render the Gratifications, extremely lan- guid, if not "^erfedlly infipid. The Sight, the Smell, the Tafte are, not only fo many feparate Sources of Delight, but a joint Secu- rity to our Health. They are the vigilant and accurate Infpedlors, that examine our Food, and inquire into its Properties -, whether it be pleafant or difagreeable j wholefome or noxi- ous. For the Difcharge of this Office, they are excellently qualified, and moft commodi- oufly fituate. So that nothing can gain Ad- miffion through the Mouth, till it has under- gone their Scrutiny, and obtained their Palf. port. To all thefe, as a moft necefiary and ad- vantageous Supplement, is added the Senfe of Feeling, Which renders the whole AfTemblage complete. While other Senfes have a parti- cular Place of Refidence; this is diffufed throughout the whole Body. In the Palms of the Hands, on the Tips of the Fingers, and indeed through all the extreme Parts of the Flefh, it is moft quick and lively : as the ad- vanced Guards, or Scouts upon the Frontiers, are 2iS DIALOGUE XIL are or ought to be peculiarly attentive and wakeful. Scouts did I fay ? The whole Army of Xerxes y drawn out in Battle array, with his Millmis of fupernumerary Attendants*, were but like a few Gleaners ftraggling in the Field ; if compared, either in Number or Or- der, with thofe nervous Detachments, which pervade the Texture of the Skin, and minifter to the A61 of Feeling. How happily is this Senfe tempered between the two Extremes ! Neither fo acute, as the Membranes of the Eye ; nor fo obtufe, as the Callus of the Heel. The former would expofe Us to continual Pain , render our Clothes galling, and the very Down oppreffive. The latter would quite benumb the Body, and almoft annihilate the Touch. Nor this alone, but all the Senfes are ex- a6lly adapted to their refpedlive Offices, and to the Exigencies of our prefent State. Were they Jirained to a much higher Tone, they would be Avenues of Anguifli. Were they relaxed into greater Infenfibility, they would be fo many ufelefs Encumbrances. Afp. How admirable and gracious is this Provifion, which the blefTed GOD has made, to accommodate Us with delighful Senfations, and inflrudive Ideas ! — The Tafle, the Touch, and * The Soldiers and Attendants of Xerxes, amounted to five Millions two hundred and eighty Thoufand. Another Army, fo large and numerous, occurs not in all the Records of Hiftory. Vid, Herod, Lib. Vn, DIALOGUE XII. 219* and the Smell, are fomewhat ftraitejied in the Extent of their Operations. The Ear carries on a Correfpondence with a larger Circle of Objecls. But the Sight moll amply fupphes, whatever is wanting in all the other Senfes. The Sight fpreads itfelf to an infinite Multi- tude of Bodies ; and brings within our No- tice fome of the remotefi Parts of the Uni- verfe. ^The Tafte, the Touch, the Smell, perceive nothing but what is brought to their very Doors. Whereas, the Eye extends its Observation, as far as the Orbit of Saturn-, nay glances, and in an Inftant of Time, to the inconceivable Diflance of the Stars. The Compafs of the Earth, and the Immenfity of the Skies, are its unlimited Range. From this remarkable Variety, with regard to the Sphere and ABivity of the Senfes, St. Paul forms one of the finefV, boldeft, and moft important Comparifons in the World. By this He illuftrates the Difference between the Wifdom, which is derived from the Word of divine Revelation ; and the Wifdom, which is acquired by Dint of human Application. — In his Oration to the Athenians y fpeaking of their moft celebrated Sages, He fays -, If fo be, they might feel after, and find HIM*, In his Epiftle to the Hebrews, fpeaking of the Man MofeSy our Author obferves -, That He endured as * J£fs xvii. 27. E» »^» ye fnXoi(pri(rnxv Civlw* 220 DIALOGUE XII. as feeing Him who is iwoijible *. Writing to liis Corinthian Converts, He adds, as a farther Heightening of the Contrail ; We all behold- ing with open Face the Glory of the LORD -f*. — The Knowledge of the Philofopher, is like that obfcure and fcanty Information, which is to be obtained by groping with the Hand, in a dark Night. The Knowledge of the Chrijliany is like that copious Influx of clear and in- larged Ideas, which We receive by the Media- tion of the Eye, amidfl the Shining of a bright Day. I'ully, We find, has, in the Book before Us, hit upon fome of the mofl general and obvious Ufes, to v/hich the fever al Parts of the human Body are adapted. Yet hosst fiiperfcial and deficient appears his Penetration, when We take in the much deeper Difcoveries, and the much higher Improvements of our modern Philofophy ! Thus, and abundantly more de- fedlive, is his Knowledge of moral Duties and divine Do(51rines j when compared with what is taught Us, in xht plain Sermon on the Mount, and the unftudied Epiilles of the Jewifi Tent- maker. Therefore, though I would blefs the bene- ficent GOD, for the Miniftration of all the Senfes, and particularly for the noble Organs of VifK)n : I would be more efpecially thank- fiU * Heb, xi. 27. t 2 Cor, iii. 18; DIALOGUE XII. 221 ful for that Light of the World, CHRIST JESUS and his glorious Gofpel ; as well as iov thdX fpiritual Eye ^ , by which the One is underftood, and the Other feen — 2i lively Faith. I would alfo long for that Place of beatific Enjoyment, where our Views of the adorable GODHEAD, and our Acquaintance with the fublimeft Truths, will as much tranfcend all our prefent Apprehenfions, as the moft in- lightened Saint exceeds the benighted Gentile. *Ther. The crowning Gift — That which im- proves the Satisfa6lion, and augments the be- neficial EfFe6ls, accruing from all the Senfes, is Speech. — Speech makes me a Gainer, from the Eyes and Ears of other People ; from the Ideas they conceive, and the Obfervations they make. And what an admirable Inflrument, for articulating the Voice, and modifying it into Speech, is the Tongue ! — The Tongue has neither Bone nor Joint; yet fafliions itfelf, with the utmoft Volubility, into every Shape and every Pofture, that can exprefs Sentiment, or conftitute Harmony. This little Collec- tion of mufcular Fibres, under the condu6l- ing Skill of the C R E A T O R, is the Artificer of * Z«/-^ xxlv. 45. T}}en opened He their XJnderJlandlngSj that they might undcrjiand the Scriptures. A(T)vo»^fv is the Word ufed in this Place, and the Word ufed by the evan- gelical Hiftorian, when He relates that fupmiatural Act, which gave Sight to the Blind, 222 DIALOGUE XII. of our Words *. By this We communicate the Secrets of the Breall:, and make our very "Thoughts audible. By this We inft:ru6l the Ig- norant, and comfort the DiilrefTed ; We glo- rify GOD, and edify each Other -fi the Aca- demic explains the abftrufeft Sciences, and the Ecclefiaftic preaches the everlafting Gofpel. . — This is like wife the Efficient of Mufic. It is foft as the Lute, or fhrill as the Trumpet ; it can warble as the Lyre, or lefound like the Organ. Conne6ling the facred Anthem with its tuneful Strains, We footh the Cares, and beguile the Toils of Life : We imitate the Angelic Choirs, and anticipate, in fome De- gree, their celcflial Joys. — As the Tongue re- quires full Scope, and an eafy Play, it is lodg- ed * I am fenfible, that the Glottis has a confidcrable Share* in modulating the Sound, and forming the Voice. But, as the Nature and Office of this moft curious ApcrturCy are very little known by the Generality of People ; We choofe to follow the popular Opinion, fo neatly defcribed by the Poet, . Disdala Lingua, Lingua fguratrix Vcrborum, Opifcxque Loquela. Anti-Lucret. f The articulating Tongue is called Our Glory, Pfal, Ivii. 8. And fuch indeed it is, when devoted to thefe Pur- pofes. It is then a Diftindlion, not only of Man from the brutal Herd, but of the Righteous from the Congre- gation of tiie Ungodly. It is then like choice Silver, or as a Tree of Life. Who would not blefs for this the Gift of Speech, jind in the Tongue's Beneficence be rich ? DIALOGUE XII. 223 ed in an ample Cavity ; and farrounded with Refervoirs of Spittle, always ready to diftil the lubricating Dews. It moves under a con- cave Roof, which ferves as a Sounding-board to the Voice ; giving it much the fame additional Vigour and Grace, as the Shell of a Violin adds to the Language of the Strings. Wife — wonderfully wife, and eminently gra- cious, is the Regulation both of fpontaneom and invohmtary Motion. Was this Regulation reverfed, what deplorable Inconveniencies would take place ; nay, what unavoidable Ruin would enfue ! — Deplorable Inconveniencies , if the Dif- charges of the Bowels, or Evacuations of the Bladder, were quite independent on our Leave. Unavoidable Ruin, if the A6lion of the Heart, required the Co-operation of our Thoughts ; or the Bufmefs of Refpiration, waited for the Concurrence Of our Will. The Will, in fome Cafes, has not fo much as a fmgle Vote. In others. She determines and commands^ like an abfolute Sovereign j nor is there a Monarch upon Earth fo pun6lually obeyed, as this Queen of the human Syftem. If She but intimate her Pleafure, the Spirits run, they fly, to execute her Orders ; to ftretch the Arm or clofe the Hand ; to furrow the Brow with Frowns, or dimple the Cheek with Smiles. How eafily^ as well as punBually, are thefe Orders carried into Execution ! To turn the 224 DIALOGUE XIL the Screw, or work the Lever, is laborious and wearifome. But We move the Vertebrae, with all .their appendent Chambers ; We advance the Leg, with the whole incumbent Body ; We rife from our Seat ; We fpring from the Ground ; and, though much Force is exerted, though a very confiderable Weight is raifed, We meet with no Difficulty, We complain of no Fatigue. That all this fhould be effected, without any Toil, and by a l?are A5i of the Will, is very furpriling. But that thefe Motions fhould be made, renewed, continued, even while We remain tntirely ignorant of the Manner^ in which they are performed, is beyond meafure aflonifhing. — Who can play fo much as 2ifin- gle Tune upon the Spinnet, without learning the Difference of the Keys, or ftudying the Rudiments of Mufic ? ImpofTible ! Yet the Mind of Man touches every Spring of the hu- man Machine, with the moft maflerly Skill ; though She knows nothing at all, concerning the Nature of her Implements, or the Pro- cefs of her Operations. Put a Gennan Flute into the Hand even of a fenfible Perfon : without a Mailer to in- ftru6l Him, He is at a lofs to make the Inflrumcnt fpeak : much Icfs is He able to modulate the Sound, into a Variety of har- monious Notes. But We are fclf-taught in the DIALOGUE XII. 225 the Method oi forming y regulating, and 'vary- ing the Voice. Naturally, and with unpre- meditated Fluency, We give it the languifh- ing Cadence of Sorrow, or the fprightly Airs of Joy J the low faultering Accents of Fear, or the elevated Tone and rapid Sallies of Anger. The Eye of a Ruftic, who has no Notion of Optics, or any of its Laws, fhall lengthen zndijhorten its Axis j dilate and contraB its Pa- pil, without the leafl Hefitation, and with the utmofl Propriety : adapting itfelf, with ma- thematical Exadlnefs, to the particular Diftance of Obje6ls, and the different Degrees of Light. By which means, it performs fome of the moll: curious Experiments in the improved Ne^wto- nian Philofophy, without the leaft Knowledge of the Science, or fo much as any Confciouf- nefs of its own Dexterity. Which fhall We moil admire ? The Multi- tude of animated Organs; their finifhed Form, and their faultlefs Order ? — Or, the Power and Sway which the Soul exercifes over them ? Ten thoufand Reins put into her Flands j yet fhe manages all, conducts all, without the leaft Perplexity or the leaft Irregularity : rather, with a Promptitude, a Confiftency, and a Speed, that nothing elfe can equal ! Upon the Whole — Great Reafon had Etiri^ pides to call the human Body, Vol. H. - P I be- 226 DIALOGUE XII. I believe, the preceding Obfeivations will ju-* ftify Us, if We give a fuller Meaning to the Poet, and tranflate his Words — T'hc ififaiitdy ^cariedj and inimitably fine Workmanfiip^ of a great y fnpranCy unerring ART" ISl". Or, as Virgil fpeaks, with a Pertinency and a Spirit, that epitomizes all I have faid, and exprelTes all I would fay j This bodily Structure is in- ^leed — Non enarrabik T^extiwi *. AJp. Wonderfidly and fearf idly are %i:e made -f- / Made of fuch complicated Parts ; each fo nicely fafliioned, and all fo exa6lly arranged % > every one executing fuch curious Funclions, and many of them operating in fo myfterious a Manner 5 as may juftly render Us a Wonder to Ourfelves. — Since Health depends upon fuch a numerous AiTemblage of moving Organs : fince a fmgle Secretion flopped, may deflroy the falutary Temperature of the Fluids j or a fmgle Wheel clogged, may put an End to the Mo- tion of the Solids : with what holy Fear^fiould We pafi the T^ime of our Sojourning Here below\ I Trufling, for continual Prefervation, not meer- ly * That Is, A Struaure, not barely correct, or highly finiftied, but (as Theron has elfewhere exprefled it) htyoud Dcfcription curious. f Pfalm cx;vxix. 14. X St. PauPs Language on the Subjeil is exceedingly beau- tiful and exprcflive, ZuvapjiAoAo)^8|U£vov xai its original State ; that, what Is fpoken. * Exod. XX. 17. t Col. iii. 5. % Col. iii. 6, I I Cor, ii. 14, _ § 2 Pet, ii. 12. If Eph. ii. 3. 23$ DIALOGUE XIIK- fpoken of the JfraditiJJj People, is applicable to the hiunan Race ; I plantedThee a mbk Vin^y wholly a right Seed: how then art T'hou turned into the degenerate Pla?it of a flrange Vine * P However, let Us obferve your Propofal : dwell no longer on general Hints, but defcend to a particular Examination. As our Exami- nation will chiefly refpe6l the Soul, let me in- quire. What are her principal Faculties ? l^her. The JJnderfiandingy the WilU and the Affc^ions, Thefe are the mofl diftinguiflied Powers, which that Queen of the human Oe- conomy retains in her Service. — Thefe, like the fever al Diftributions of fome ample River, run through the whole Man j to quicken, fer- tilize, and enrich all his Converfation* — But You reprefent them bitter , as the Waters of Mar ah ; unwhokfome, as the Streams of Jericho ; noxious, as the Pottage prepared for the Sons of the Prophets. Afp. Nor is this a Mifreprefentation. For, fuch they really are ; till divine Grace, like Mofess Wood f , like EliJJoas Salt J, or the Meal II call in by that holy Man of GOD, fweeten them^ pu?'ify them, and render their Operations falutary. The Underflanding claims our firft Regard. —This, however qualified to fervc the Pur- pofes * Jer. ii. 2i. f Exod, XV. 25. % 2 Kings ii. ua, Ij 2 Kings IV. 41. DIALOGUE XIII. 23c> pofes of civil Life, is unable to difcover the Truths, in which Wifdom confifls ; oi to form the Tempers, from which Happinefs flows. Let Us take our Specimen, not from the uncultivated Savages of Afric^ but from the politeft Nation mEiirope. — Th^Gj^ecians piqued themfelves on their intelle6lual Accomplifh- ments. They termed all the reft of Mankind Barbarians, Yet, even thefe Sons of Science, profejjing themjehes wife, were, in Fa61:, egre- gious Fooh *. — Not to enumerate the fhocking Immoralities, which the Poets afcribed to their Deities. Not to infift upon the grofs Idola- tries, which the common People praclifed in their Worfhip. Even their Philofophers, the moft improved and penetrating Geniufes, were unacquainted with the very fiji Principle -f of true Religion. Even they could not pro- nounce, with an unfaultering Tongue J, " That ** GOD is ONE." iCher, * Rom. i. 22. t Thefirji of all the Commandments is, Hear^ O Ifrael, The LORD our GOD is one LORD-, and Thou /halt love the LORD, &c. From which it appears, that the Unity of the GO DHE AD, is the Foundation of all the divine Com- mandments, and of all human Worfhip. X Unfaultering — For though, in Plato's Book of Laws, We meet with o 0£^— t» ©« — tou 0£ou again and again > yet He foon departs from this found Speech, and relapfes into the Language of Idolatry. A learned and ingenious Friend, would fain have Socrates exempted from this Charge. — I wilh, I could gratify his be- nevolent Temper, and fpare that amiable Philofopher. But, however 240 DIALOGUE Xlll. ^her. With regard to the Philofophers, the Prejudices of a wrong Education, might per- vert their Judgment j or, in CompHance with the prevailing Mode, they might adopt Cuf- toms, and allent to Notions, which they did not thoroughly approve. Afp. A poor Compliment this to their In- tegrity ! Had I been their Advocate, methinks, I would have given up the Sagacity of my Clients, rather than their Fidelity to the Caufe of GOD and Truth. With however juftlv He may exprefs Himfelf on feme Occafions, at other Times He wavers; He evidently revolts; and is moft pitiably inconfiftent with Himfelf. — Even in his excellent Conference with Arijiodcmusy where He argues admirably well for the Exijicnccy He cannot fteadily adhere to the Unity of the GODHEAD. — Nay; in his laft folemn Apology before his Judges, He publicly renoiincei the Truth ; declares, that He worftiipped thofe Gods, which were acknowledged by his Countrymen i worfhipped them, and no other ; on the fame Feftivals, at the fame Altars, and in the fame {^idolatrous) Manner. — No other: thefe are his Words, Ou7e yota iyuyi ccvli A»©^, :cat Hpa?, xat twv (ruvra/oK ©fwv, »7e 6uwy TJCJ xajvoig Aa»/AO(rtv, sis oy'W;s yie ovo|w.a^wu aAAsf 0£aj a.voc'm(pY,vx. Socrat. Memor. L. I. c. i. Self. ii^i^. Let none conclude, from this or any other Paifage, That We would confign over all the Heathens to Damnation. This is as far from our Intention, as it is foreign to the Argument. We arc only like Witneflbs, fummoned to give in our P'vidence. PVom which it appears, that the very beft among the Gentiles^ were ignorant of the true GOD ; or, if they knew Him^ in any Degree, they glorified Him not ns GOD ; hit became vain in their Imagination^ and vile in their Wor- fhip. — IVI)ether they fhall obtain Mercy, or which of them fhall be Objeiov«v7f?, but ^»- Afuovlff, were abfolute Slaves to) divers Lufts and Pleafures. Tit. iii. 3. The whole Verfe is very remarkable, and no- thing can be more appofite to Jfpafio's Purpofe. It fhews Us, What They were by Nature, who through Grace were Jiving Images of the blefled GOD. This mortifying Do£lrine is often acknowledged by our Church. Thus begins one of her public Supplications ; Jl^ mighty G D, who alone canft order the unruly Wills and Af- feSiions of finful Man. It feems, We cannot determine our own Wills, nor regulate our own Affections. W^hat is this but Bondage ? — And to whom can thefe Expreflions, -nrfTrpa- ^Eu©p uTTo T"/iw ajuapliav, Sold under Sin ; voi^ov ai)(^(j.xXuli- ^OTJlcc, A Law bringing into Captivity -y tk !"■£ puc/Iat ; Pf'Tyo /hall deliver me ? To whom can thefe belong ? Not to GOD's freemen, butto the Devil's Vallals. RonLvnu 14,23, 24. - t l^r. V, 4,_5. X Ifai, xvii. 13, 2/0 DIALOGUE XIII. hand in the Fire. Yet, were no more able to withftand the wanton Allurements of Beauty, or the foft Sollicitations of Pleafure j than the Moth can forbear fluttering about the Flame, even though it finges her Wings, and is fcorch- ing her to death. — Others, polTefled of a re- fined Imagination, difdain the grofs Indul- gencies of Senfuality j yet are Slaves to their own domineering Paffions. They are blown in- to the mofl intemperate Rage, and pufhed on to the mofl extravagant A6lions, by every little ruffling Accident. They fee the Meafi^ nefs, which fuch an ungovernable Spirit argues : they feel the Mifery, which fuch internal Tem- pefts create : nay, they refolve to fupprefs the Impetuofity of their Temper : yet, are bore away by the Torrent ; and, upon the very firfl Provocation, are as furioufly refentful as ever. — Will You call thefe Perfons free, becaufe their Tafk-maflers and their Tyrants are lodged within * ? Becaufe the Fetters are forged, not for the meaner, but for the immortal Part of their Nature ? T'her. Let Us pafs to the AffeBions. Thefe are to the Soul, what Wings are to the Eagle, or Sails to the Ship. Thefe always fland ready to Inordinate Dejirei And upftart PnJJions catch the Government From Reafon, and to Servitude rgduce Man^ till tlmfree. Milt* DIALOGUE XIIL 271 to receive the Gales of Intereft, and to ipring at the Signal of Reafon. Afp, O! that they did! — But, if the Wings are clogged with Mire j if the Sails are dif^ proportioned to the Ballaft -, what Advantage will accrue, either to the Animal, or to the Veflel ? — The One will, probably, be over-fet in the Voyage j the Other will lie groveling on the Ground. 'ither. Dejire feems to be the firfl, that *' opens the Mouth, or moves the Wing, or " peeps *." Delire is a6live as a Flame, and ever in Purfuit of Happinefs. Afp. What if your Flame, inftead of fhoot- ing upwards, fhould point its inverted Spires to the Earth ? Would not this be flrange, and a Sign of great Diforder ? — GOD is the Cen- ter of Perfe6lion, and the Source of Felicity. All that is amiable in itfelf, is comprehended in GOD. All that is beneficial to Us, prot ceeds from GOD. Do our Defires uniformly tend to this fuper-excellent Being ? Do our Wifhes terminate in the Enjoyment of his ever- glorious Majefty ? Alas ! We are naturally eftranged from Him : We covet no Commu* nion with Him. We are wedded to Trifles, and dote upon Vanity^ but to GOD we fay — it is evidently the Language of our Conduct — Depart * Ifaiah x. 141 272 DIALOGUE XIII. Depart from Us-, We defire not the Knowledge of thy Ways *. If Defire is the Firfl-born among the Af- fections, obferve it in Children. There it ap- pears in its Dawn, and has mofl of pure Na- ture. — See, how nimbly thofe Flies^ exulting in the funny Gleam, vibrate their a6live \ Wings. So prompt and expedite are the De- lires of Children to any corrupting Diverfion. — See, how fluggifhly that Siuail^ crawling forth amidft the refrefliing Moifture, drags her flow Length along. So dull, if not re- lu6lant, are the Difpofitions of our Children, to any improving Exercife. Rewards will hardly win them to the Latter j the Rod can hardly deter them from the Former. Is our Love under better Regulation ? — How eafily are We captivated with a fair Com- plexion and graceful Form j efpecially, when fet off with the Decorations of Drefs. But how little affected with the Beauty of internal Character ; with the Ornaments of Virtue, and the Graces of Chriftiajiity ? Can it be fup- pofed, that the Pulfe of the Soul beats regu- larly i when there is fuch a pajhnate Fondnefs for * Job xxi. 14. -f- The Wings of a Fly arc fuppofed to have the qu'.ckeji Motion, of any material Subftance that lives. And if they make, as Naturalilb inform us, fome Hundreds of Vibra- tions in a Second of Time, I think, there can be no Cora- petition in the Cafe. DIALOGUE XIII. 27j for fading Embellifliments, and fuch a cold Indifference for the moft fubftantial Endov/- ments ? — How ready are We to be enamoured with well-proportioned Clay ; often to our ap- parent Prejudice ; fometimes to our utter Ruin ! Yet how backward to love that infinitely lov- ing and lovely REDEEMER, who would die Himfelf, rather than We fliould fall a Prey to Death ! Tinder We are, perfe6l Tinder to the Sparks of irrational and diffolute Affec- tion. Harder than Adamant, colder than Ice, to this heavenly Flame. "^hcr. If our Love is blind, our Feai' has not lofl her Eyes. Fear is quick of Appre- henfion ; and, inftead of being flupidly in- fenfible, is ready to " rife up at the Voice of " a Bird *." Afp. The Paflion of Fear is fufficiently ac- tive, but deplorably mifapplied. — We fear the Reproach of Men. But are We alarmed at the View of that everlajiing Shafne, wKich the LORD, the righteous Judge, fliall pour upon the Ungodly ? We fhudder at the drawn Dag- ger, and fland appalled at the headlong Pre- cipice. But how often have We defied the Sword of almighty Vengeance, and fported upon the Brink of irretrievable Perdition ? Sin is the moft pernicious of all Evils. Sin violates the divine Command, and provokes Vol. II. S the - ♦ Ecclef. xli. 4, 274 DIALOGUE XIII. the divine MAJESTY. Sin offers Defpite to the blcIlLd SPIRIT, and tramples upon the Blood of JESUS. For Sin, the TranfgrefTor is baniflied from the bUfsful Prefence of GOD, and doomed to dwell with inextinguifhable Burnings. Do We dread this grajid Dejiroyer of our Happinefs r Dread it more than any Calamities, more than all Plagues? — Tak& one of thofe fine May-dukes, which glow with fo beautiful a Scarlet on yonder Efpalier. Of- fer it to the Blackbird^ that ferenades us from tlie neighbouring Elm. The Creature, though fond of the Dainty, will fly from your Hand, as haflily as from a leveled Fowling-piece. He fufpecls a Defign upon his Liberty ; and therefore will endure any Extremity, will even flarve to death, rather than talle the inoji tempting Delicacy in fuch hazardous Circum- liances. — Are We equally fearful of an infi- nitely greater Danger ? Do We fly, with equal Solicitude -^s from the delufive but deftru6live Wiles of Sin ? Alas 1 Do not We too often JhvallGiv the Bait, even when We plainly dif- cover the fatal Hook ? Do We not fnatch the forbidden Frnit, though Confcience remon- ftrates 3 though GOD prohibits -, though Death eternal threatens ! "fher. * The injtlgatlng Admonition, tranfmktetl to Brentius by an anonymous Letter, when the Papifts had formed a Plot aga,inft his Life, fhould be the Rule of our Conduct on fuch an Occafionj Fuge! Fugd cito — iitius-^dtijfwie. DIALOGUE XIII. 275 ^her, Confcience then, according to your own Account, has efcaped the general Ship- wreck. Confcience is GOD's Vicegerent in the Soul, and executes her Office faithfully. Even the Gentiles jhew the Work of the Law written in their Hearts ; their Confcience alfo bear- ing witnefs^ and their T^hoiights the mean while accufing or elfe excufing one another *. Afp. If there be any Remains of the divine Image, perhaps, they are to be found in the Confcience. Bat even this is not exempt from the common Ruin. — Confider its Light. It is like a dim Taper, feebly glimmering ; and ferving only to make the Darknefs vifible. Or, if it difcovers any Thing, it is an obfcure Something, We know not what. Which, in- ftead of informing, tantalizes Us ; and in- ftead of guiding, bewilders Us. As falfe and delufory Lights on the Shore, put a Cheat upon the Mariner, and lead Him on to Ruin \, — -Confider its Operations. It is either dumb, or dead, or both. Diunb -, or elfe how vehe- mently * Rom. ii. 15. Meth'uiks I would not tranfl-atc the Word [jLtla^v the f/iean while, but alternately or.iutcrcl'angeably zc- cufing or excufing ; fometimes one, i'omctinics the other ; in Conformity to the different Circumftances of their Temper and Behaviour, -f- This feems to have been tlic Cafe with the Eulic of the Heathen World. — Confcience arraigned, and found them guilty. This put them upon pra<5hfing their abominable y fometimes thc'w inhuman Idolatries. — Nay, this induced them to give the m -ft fcaudalous and impious Mifri'prefentations - S 2 of 276 DIALOGUE XIII. mently would it upbraid Us, for our fhocking Ingratitude to the Supreme Omnipotent BE- NEFACTOR ? How loudly would it inveigh againll our ftupid Negled: of fpiritual Inte- rells, and eternal Ages ? Dead; otherwife how keenly would it imart, w^hen gafhed with Wounds — numerous^ as our repeated Violations of the divine Law — deep^ as the horrid Ag- gravations of our various Iniquities. T^hcr. Do You call this an Anfwer to my Obje6lion, Afpafw? If it be an Anfwer, it re- fembles, in Point of fatisfaftory Evidence, the ' Light which You afcribe unto the Confcience. AJp. The Gentiles^ You alledge, fhew the Work^ but not the Love of the Law, written on their Hearts. Some leading Notices of Right and Wrong they have : fome fpecula- tive Stri6lures of Good and Evil. But with- out a real Abhorrence of the One, or a cordial Delight in the Other. Which, far from en- nobling their Nature, far from vindicating their Pra6lice, argues the exceeding Depravity of the former, and renders the latter abfolutely without Excufe. No ; You fay, Confcience excufes the Hea- thens. Rather tnakes fome weak Apology * for their of the DEITY. Tliat they V[\\^\\. Jhcath the Sting of Con- fcience, and find fome Salvo for their own Iniquities, they made even the Objects of their Worfliip, the Patrons and the Prececiints of their favourite Vices. * The Word is uirQMyvfj^ivu]), DIALOGUE XIII. 277 their Condu£l. This is far from acquitting, far from juftifying them. — Befides, thefe weak Attempts to excufe, are always founded on Ignorance. Did they know themfeh^es, their Duty, or their GOD, Confcience would, with- out the leaft Hefitation, bring in her Verdi6t, Guilty, — The Apoftle afllires Us, that, till Faith, which is a divine Principle, takes place in our Breads, both the Mi fid and Co?ifcic72ce are defiled^. Here, and elfewhere, very plamly intimating ; that the Confcience is evil, and ever will be evil, till it IS fprinkled with the Blood of CHRIST f. It accufes fome, I acknowledge ; and it ought to accufe, yea, to condemn All. But even Here it evidences itfelf to be corrupt. For, its Accufations are fometimes erroneous jl, and no better than falfe Witnefs j fometimes par- tial II, and fuborned by Appetite ; and very, very often ineffeBual. — Nay, when they do take * Tit. i. 14. t Reb. X. 22. X What elfe was that grand Article in the Accufations of Confcience, mentioned, with fuch particular Diftiiic- tion, by Virgil \ Phlegyafque miferrimiis omnes Admonet., iff magna teftatur Voce per Umbras^ Difcite Juftitiam moniti^ ij non temnere Divos. For Men to defpife fuch dunghll, worfe than dunghil Deities, had been their Virtue if done, and was their Duty to do. — What elfe was that Voice of Confcience, mentioned by our LORD, John xv'i. 2. or that, confefTed by the Apofuc, A^s xxvi. 9. II Otherwife, how could the mod celebrated amon ; tnC ancient Heroes applaud and pra£tife, tl at execrable unn:.- S 3 tuial 278 DIALOGUE XIII. take EiTecl, they produce no Fruit that is truly good. They work not a genuine HumiUation, or an unfeigned Repentance ; but either a fla- viQi Dread of GOD, as a fevere Judge j or Hatred of Him, as an inexorable Enemy. i:'her. Hatred of GOD — Aitonilhing Im- piety ! Is it polTible for the human Heart to admit fuch horrible Wickednefs ? Jlfp. You may well be aftoniflied, Theron ; and GOD may jullly expoflulate -, What Ini^ qiiity have my People found in ?ne, that they are^ gone far from me ^ and have walked after Vanity * ? I created You out of Nothing, and made You after my own Image, As a Father, I have provided for You. As a Nurfe, \ have cherifhed You. — I have given You the Earth, and the Fulnefs thereof, for your Pofleffion. All my Creatures do You Ser- vice, and even my Angels minifler unto your Good. — Do You defire greater De- monflrations of my Love ? I have given what was dearer to me than all Angels, than all Worlds. I have given my SON from my Bofom, to die in your Stead. — Would You have farther Evidences of my tender Regard ? Behold ! I floop from my exalted Throne ^ and reafon with, expoflulate ^ " yea, tural Crime, Self-Mnrther? How could they almoft confe- crate, that diabolical Principle of Adiion, Pride ; arid not have fo much as a Name for that amiable Virtue, Humility ? * 'Jer, xi. 5. DIALOGUE XIII. 279 *' yea, even befeech rebellious Worms. — 1 touch *' the Mountains, and they fmoke : I look " upon the Earth, and it trembles : I caft " even the Princes of Heaven, when they ** break my Law, into Chains of Darkneis. " But to You, O Men, though injured and ** affronted, I condefcend to a6l as a Sappli- " cant, I befeech You to be reconciled, and " not to reje6l your own Mercies." Unparalelled, ftupendous, ravifliing Benig- nity ! — To hate * fuch a. GOD, is indeed the moft deteflable Impiety. Yet Man, foolifli Man, pra6lifes this Impiety, whenever, for the Sake of a vile Luff, an ignoble Pleafure, or an unruly Paffion, He tranfgreffes the Com- mand of his CREATOR. Shall I exemplify the Do6lrine, in another of the Affections ? Tber. In Truth, Afpafio, I begin to be Tick of the Subje6l; If human Nature is fo ulce- rated, the lefs You touch it the better. — How- ever, let us not quite omit the irajcibk Appe- tite. Afp. Of this We have already taken a Side- view y if You choofe to fee it in fuller Pro- portion, * Hatred of GOD is (o /hacking an Exprefiion, that one would almoft wifli, never to hear or read it. But it occurs in our unerring Book, and is too often exemplihed in human Life. See Rom, i. 30. Exod, xx. 5. John xv. 25. 8 4 28o DIALOGUE XIII. portion, make your Obfervation on Fervidiis. ' — Fcrvidzis comes home in a Rage. His Clieeks are pale, and his Lips quiver, with Excefs of Paflion. Though He can hardly fpeak. He vows Revenge, and utters Imprecations. — What is the Caufe of all this wondrous Fer- ment ? A Neighbour, it feems, has dropt fome reflecting Hint, or a Servant has blundered in fome trifling Mefl^age. Such Ufage, Fer- vidus fays, is intolerable -, and fuch Negligence unpardonable. — This fame Fe/'vidus has offer- ed numberlefs Affi'onts to his MAKER; He has moll fcandaloufly negle6ted the Will of his Almighty LORD; yet feels no Indigna- tion againfl: Himfelf. — He is all Fury, when his own Credit is touched. But when the In- tereft of CHRIST is wounded, He can fit un- concerned, or pafs it off^ with a Laugh. — An- ger, I acknowledge, is fometimes becoming and ufeful. But is this its right Temperature ? I'lois its proper Application ? 1'her. This is the Practice only of fome few turbulent Spirits, To faddle their Qualities upon every Ferfon, is a Procedure jufl: as equi- table, as the Madman's * Calculation was ra- tional ; who took an Account of every Ship, that entered the Harbour, and fet it down for hi§ own. * ThrafyliiSy an Athsnian, J)}. DIALOGUE XIII. 281 Afp. The latter Part of my Charge, I fear, is applicable to more than a few. — However, let Us confider the mofl calm ^iudfedate Minds. How are they affe6led under Injuries ? Do they never aggravate Failings into Crimes ? Do they find it eafy to abftain from every Emotion of Ill-will ? Eafy to love their Enemies, and do Good to them that hate them ? Thefe godlike Tempers, if our Nature was not degenerated, would be the fpontaneous Produce of the Soul. But now, alas ! they are not raifed, without much Difficulty 3 feldom come to any conli- derable Degree of Eminence j never arrive at a State of true Perfe(5fion. An undoubted Proof, that they are Exotic s, not Natives of the Soil. Now We are fpeaking of Plants, cafl your Eye upon the Kitchen-garden. Many of thofe ^erbs, will perfume the hard Hand, that crufhes them j and embalm the rude Foot, that tramples on them. Such was the benign Con- du6l of our LORD. He always overcame Evil with Good. When his Difciples difre- garded Him, in his bitter Agony, He made the kindefi Excufe for their ungrateful Stupi- dity *. When his Enemies, with unparalelled Barbarity, fpilt his very Blood j He pleaded their Ignorance, as an Extenuation of their Guilt -f . — Is the fame Spirit in Us, which was alfo * Matt, xxvi, 41, f Luke xjciii. 34. 2S2 DIALOGUE XIII. alfo in our divine MASTER ? Then are our Paffions rightly poifed, and duly tempered. But if Refentment kindles, and Animofity rankles in our Hearts j this is an infallible Sign, that We fwerve from our SAVIOUR'S Pattern j confequently, are fallen from our primitive Re6litude. 1'her. What fay You of the Faiicy ? This fure, if no other, retains the primitive Rec- titude. What Pi6lures does fhe form, and w^hat Excarfions does (he make ? She can dive to the Bottom of the Ocean ; can foar to the Height of the Stars j and walk upon the Boun- daries of Creation. Afp. That the Fancy is lively and excurfive, I readily grant. It can out-travel the Poft, or out-fly the Eagle. But if it travel, only to pick Shells ; or fly abroad, to bring home Mtfchiefj then, I apprehend, tnough You fhould admire the Faculty, You will hardly be in Raptures with her x-^gency. — This is the real Truth. Our Fancy, till divine Grace regu- late and exalt her Operations, is generally em- ployed in picking painted Shells, or calling venomous Herbs. Weaving (as the Prophet very elegantly, and no lefs exactly defcribes the Cafe) the Spider s Web^ or hatching Cocka- trice Eggs *. Bufied in the mofl abfurd Im- pertinencies ; or a6ling in Speculation, the vileit * I/aiah lix. 5. ^ DIALOGUE XIII. 283 viklt Iniquities. That, which fhould be a Garden inclofed^ a Fountain fealed *, for the PRINCE of Peace, is the Thoroughfair of Vanity. — And even when We are renewed in the Spirit of our Mind, O ! how neceflary is it, to keep an inceflant Watch, and exercife a ilri6l Difciphne, over this volatile, variable, treacherous Vagrant ! The Memory^ as well as the Fancy, is im- paired j or, if not impaired, is debauched. Why elie does it fo firmly retain the Impref^ lions of an Injury, but fo eafily let Jlip the Re- membrance of a Benefit ? Any idle Fopperies, that footh our Vanity, and increafe our Cor-^ ruption, cleave to the Thoughts, as the vexa- tious Burr to our Clothes. While the noble Truths of the Gofpel, and the rich Mercies of a gracious GOD, flide away from the Mind, and leave no lafting Trace behind them. This double Perver-fenefs is very emphatically, and too truly reprefented by 'Jeremiah j Can a Maid forget her Ornaments^ or a Bride her Attire f Tet my People have forgotten me^ Days without dumber -f-. — If We hear a loofe Hint, or read an immodefl Expreflion, they are almoil: fure to fallen themfelves on our Memory. If fhaken off, they follow Us with a troublefome Impor- tunity. If excluded, as unwelcome Vifitants, they force themfelves, again and again, upon OUf * Cant. iv. I2» + '^er. ii. 32. 284 DIALOGUE XIIL our Imagination. They dog Us to the Clofet ; they haunt our mofl retired Hours ; and too often difturb our very Devotions. — Tell me now, can that Faculty be upright and uncor- rupted, which is a perforated Sieve, to tranf- mit the Beneficial ; but a thijjiy Sponge^ to im- bibe the Pernicious *. ^her. Well, my Friend, whatever Guilt I or Others have contrafted, Flattery, I am fure, is none of yours. Human Nature is under no Obligation to your Pencil. You have pour- trayedHeryoo///^, and beajily, and every Thing bad but devilifi, Afp. And this, even this Abomination I mufi: not fecrete, I dare not except. — Fiivy is a devilifh Difpofition. It fabfifts no where, but in damned Spirits, and fallen Souls. Yet, infernal as it is, it has been found in Perfons of the moft exalted Chara61:er. The magna- nimous Jojhua felt its cancrous Tooth -f-. The Difciples of the blefTed JESUS were foured with its malignant Leaven J. An Apoftle de- clares, that the Spirit 'which is in Us lujieth to Ewoy j * This> I think, fuggcils an unanlwerable Confutation of thatfpecious Argument, frequently ufcd in Behalf of fomc fajhwiable but dijfolute Diverfions. " They are interfperfed, " fay their Admirers, with Sentiments of Virtue, and Max- " ims of Morality." — Admitting the Truth of this Pleaj yet tlie depraved Difpofition of IVIankind, is pretty fure to drop the Morality, and carry away the Ribaldry, t Numb. xi. 29. % Matt, xx. 24. DIALOGUE XIII. 285 Envy * i is impetuoufly prone to that deteftr able Temper. Lyi7ig is confefTedly a diabolical PracSlice. Yet, how unaccountably forward are our Chil- dren, to utter Falfliood ? As foon as they are born, they go aflray s and as foon as they fpeak, they fpeak. Lies. — I faid unaccoimtably. But I recal the Expreflion. The Caufe is evi- dent. They have loft the Image of the GOD of Truth J and are become like that apoflate Spirit, who is a Lye?^, and the Father of it •\. What think You of Malice^ of Hate and Revenge ? Are they not each a Species of Mur- der, and the Seed of the old Serpent ? Unlefs, therefore, We are intirely free from all thefe hellifli Emotions, We muft, JVe miift acknow- ledge, that the Prince of this World X has his Party within Us. May the Almighty Hand of our GOD extirpate and fubdue it, day by day ! You tell me, I am 710 Flatterer, — Should a Perfon, who profeffes Himfelf the Friend of his Fellow-creatures, foothe them into 2ifalje Peace ? Should He bolfter them up in 2. ground^ lefs Conceit of their Excellency, when they really are no better than " an unclean Thing ?" — Shall the Surgeon aflure his Patient, '' All *' is well j" even when the Mortification has taken place, and the Gangrene is fpreading ? This * Jam. iv. 5. - t John viii, 44, % John xiv. 30. 286 DIALOGUE XIII. This were to refine the firfl out of all Bene- volence, and to flatter the laft into his Grave. A Difputant of lefs Complaifance than my 'Theren, would probably afk, with a contemp- tuous Sneers " Have You then been drawing " your own Picture r" — To Whom 1 would reply, with Confufion and Sorrow, " I have." Alledging this only, to moderate my Confufion ; That I am daily feeking, by Prayer and Watch- fulnefs, more and more to put off this old Man^ 'which is corrupt according to the deceitful Lujls''^, And, to alleviate my Sorrow^ I am endeavour- ing continually to remember ; That, however unworthy I am, however vile I may have been, my adored REDEEMER'S Righteoufnefs is perfe6lj and in this Righteoufnefs every Be- liever is to make his Boaft. I'her. So then Man is blind in his Under- ftanding ; perverfe in his Will j diforderly in his Affe6lions ; influenced by Difpofitions, that are partly brutal, and partly diabolical. — I have often heard You extol, in Terms of high Admiration, the Virtue of Humility. You have lavifhed all the Riches of Eloquence, when haranguing on Poverty of Spirit. If fuch be the Condition of Mankind, they have infinite Caufe to be poor in Spirit. They mufl, there- fore, have one Excellency left ; and according to your own Account, a very difl:inguifliing one. * Eph, iv. 22. DIALOGUE XIII. 287 Afp. Scarce any Thing difplays, in a more glaring Light, the extreme Depravity of Man, than his ftrong Propenfity to Pride j notwith- flanding fo much Vilenefs, and fo many De- formities. — Should the noifome Leper admire the Beauty of his Complexion, or the impo- tent Paralytic glory in the Strength of his Si- news ; would they not be miftaken, even to a Degree of Sottifhnefs and Phrenzy ? Yet, for Man, fallen Man, who has loft his origi- nal Righteoufnefs, which v/as the true Orna- ment of his Nature -, who is become fubje6l to bafe and fordid Lufts, or, as the Apoftle fpeaks, is earthly and fenfiial — for Him to be proud, is flill more abfurdly wicked. And fmce this is the Cafe, I cannot acquit Him from the laft and heaviefl Article of the fa- cred Writer's Charge j I have a frefh and more convincing Proof, that We do Flim no Wrong, when we call his Nature, his Difpofition, his Wifdo7n — devilijh *, T^her. Why do You reckon Pride an univer- ■fally prevailing Corruption ? I fee no Ground for fuch a diflionourable Sufpicion. I hope, I niyfelf am an Inftance to the contrary. To unguarded Sallies of Paflion, to feveral other Faults, I confefs myfelf fubject. But cannot think, that I am proud, Afp. * Jam, iii. 15, 288 DIALOGUE XIII. Afp. Ah ! l'hero?2y if you was not proud, You would not be pailionate. Unreafonable Anger always proceeds from an over-weening Opinion of our own Worth. — One who, be- fides his acquired Knowledge of human Na- ture, had the fupernatural Gift of difcerning Spirits, is obferved to join Humility and Meek- nefs *. Intimating, that they are amiable Twins ; and where one exifls, the other cannot be ab- fent. — Always confiflent with Himfelf, He links together the oppofite Vices, heady and high-minded -^ : not obfcurely hinting, that thofe who are eafily provoked, are certainly proud. — Shall I add, without Offence ? If we fanfy our Minds to be clear from the Weeds of Vanity, and our Thoughts free from the Workings of Self-admiration ^ it is a mofl pregnant Symptom, that We are over-run with the former -, abandoned to the latter ; and blinded. by both. Pride was the firft Sin, that found Entrance mto our Nature -, and it is, perhaps, the laft that will be expelled. — What are all our Af- flidlions, but a Remedy provided for this in- veterate Difeafe ? Intended to hide Pride %from Man, What is the Inflitution of the Goipel, but a Battery ere61:ed againfl this Strong-hold of Satan ? Ordained to caji down every high Imagina^ * Epk iv. 2. t 2 Tm, iii. 4. % Job xxxiii. 17. DIALOGUE XIII. 289 Imagination *. — Though that Remedy is often applied, though this Battery is continually playing i yet the peccant Humour is not in- tirely purged off, nor the Elatement of Spirit totally fubdued, till Death gives th^finifiifig Stroke. Pride is the Sin that moil: eafily befets Us. TVho can fay ^ I have made my Heart clean -f- from this Iniquity ? It defiles our Duties, and in- termingles itfelf with our very Virtues. It flarts up, I know not how, in our mofl fo- lemn Hours, and our moft facred Employs. — The good Hezekiah, whofe Prayers were more powerful than all the Forces of Sennacherib, was not Proof againft the Wiles of this fubtil Sorcerefs %. Even the great Apoflle, who had been caught up into the third Heavens, was in Danger of being puffed up with Pride. In fuch great Danger, that it was neceifary to put a Lancet into the gathering Tumour j or, as He Himfelf expredes it, to fix a I'horn i?i his Flejh\\, and permit the Meffenger of Satan to biffet Him. How pathetically is this Corruption lament- ed, and how truly defcribed, by " a f*veet " Singer of our IfraelT —-'Pride, * 2 Cor. X. 4. f Prov. xx. 9. % 1 Chron. xxxii. 25. jl 2 Cor. xii. 7. ' Vol. II. T 290 DIALOGUE XIIL — Pride, that biify Siriy Spoils all that I perform. Curs' d Pride I that creeps fecurely in, Jlndfwells a haughty Worm, T!hy Glories I abate. Or praife lihee with Dejign , Part oj thy Favours I forget y Or think the Merit mine,. 'The 'uej-y Songs I frame. Are faithlefs to thy Caife -, And fteal the Honours of thy Name^ To build their own Applaufe, Watts'j Hor, Lyr, Ther. Now, I prefunie. You have given the lafl: Touches to your diilorted Pourtrait. AJp. There are other difagreeable and fhock- ing Features. But thofe I iliall caft into Shades, oi' hide under a Veil. One Particular You muft allow me to add j which, like a fullen Air in the Countenance, throws an aggravated Horror over the Whole. I mean. An Incli- nation to hQ fond of our Slavery, In other Inftances, the captive Exile hajieth to be loo fed *. But here We prefer Bondage to Freedom, and are loth to leave our Prifon. — Of * Ifalah li. 34, DIALOGUE XIII. 291 Of this, our Backwardnefs to Self-exami?tatio72, is both a Confequence and a Proof. Self-exa* mination would open a Window in our Dun- geon J would fhew Us our v/retched Condi- tion, and teach Us to figh for Deliverance. — Why have Wc fuch a Diflike of Reproof? Be- caufc we hug our Chains, and choofe Dark- nefs rather than Light. Reproof is more grat- ing than the harfliell: Difcord ; though it lends to difTolve the Enchantment, and refcue Us from the Tyranny of Sin. While Flattery^ which abets the Delufion, and ftrengthens the Spell, is Mufic to our Ears. — Is not our Rea- fon, which fliould arraign and condemn every Irregularity, forward to invent Excufes, and to fpare the favourite Folly ? Reafon, which fhould draw the Dciggery fuperinduces the Majk; and, inilead of itriking at the Heart of our Vices, fcreens them under the Cover of fome plauTible Names. A wicked Habit is called a human Infirmity ; infnaring Diver- fions pafs for innocent Amufements j a re- vengeful Difpofition is termed Spirit, Gallant- ry, and Honour. Thus our Reafon (if, vv^hen fo egregioufly perverted, it deferves the Name) is ingenious to obilrud: our Recovery ^ and rivets on the Shackles, which our Paflions have formed *. This * Perhaps, this is what our LORD means, when, de- veloping the human Heait, and difcovering its latent Enor- T 2 mities. 292 DIALOGUE XIIL This the eternal WISDOM forefaw, and therefore uttered that tender Expoftulation ;' How long Yefimple Ones will Te love Simplicity^ and Scorners delight iji their Scorning^ a?id Fools hate Knowledge ? Even the ineftimably preci- ous Knowledge of an all-atoning and com- pletely juftifying SAVIOUR ; who preaches, who has purchafed, and who works Deliver- ance — preaches in his Word, has purchafed by his Blood, and works by his SPIRIT, De- liverance for the Captives — the wretched Cap- tives of Ignorance, Sin, and Death. This I take to be the r^o^ flagrant and de^ phrable Effe6l of human Depravity — our Aver- fion to the Do6lrine, the Privileges, the Grace of the Gofpel. Beware, dear I'heron, left You prove my Point by — fliall I fpeak it ? Would You fufpecl it ? — your own\ Practice. Zeal- ous as I am for my Tenets, I fliould be forry, extremely foiTy, to hsLwefucb a Demonftration of their Truth. Tber. You are highly obliging, Afpafio^ to fingle me out for your Evidence. Yet why iliould the Honour be appropriated to myfelf r It belongs, upon the Foot of the preceding Calculation, not to your Friend only, but to the niitics-, He clofesthe dark Account with a^po(ruvii Foolijlmefs : implying, that »S'////»/V///)', which has no Senfe of its Mifcry ; that Pcrvcrjcr.cfs., which has no Inchnation for a Recovery. Both which rcndcf all the otiier Evils far more inturaWe. Markv'wy 22. DIALOGUE XIIL 293 tlie whole Species. — If You was aiming at None but the Licentious and Abandoned, You would have None to oppofe You, but Perfons of that Chara6ter. Your Arrows of Satyr, would then be rightly leveled, and might be ferviceable to Mankind. Whereas, to put ^// in the black Lift j to mark Ah with the Vil- lain's Brand j this can never be Chriftian Cha- rity J this is unfufFerable Cenforioufnefs. Afp. Let me befeech You, T^heron^ not to mifapprehend my Defign. I fpeak not as a malevolent Satyrift, but w^ould imitate the faithful Phyfician. I am opening the Sore, that it may admit the healing Balm : and fliould I perform the Operation with an en~ 'uenomed Inftrument ? My Soul abhors the Thought. — I muft intreat You likewife to re- member the Diftin6lion, between a State of Nature, and a State of Grace. We are all naturally evil. • Such We fhould for ever con- tinue, did not di fupernaturalVow^i' intervene; making fome to differ, both from their origi- nal Selves, and from the Generality of their Neighbours. — Are they refined in their Tem- per, and reformed in their Life ? I grant it. But then it is the Lifluence of the fanclifying SPIRIT, which purges away their Drofs ^ yet not without leaving yc/;?^ Alloy. T^her. Here, Afpajio^ You certainly ftrain the Bow, till it breaks. Since Scripture itfelf ce-' T 3 lei:)rates 294 DIALOGUE XIIL lebrates fome Perfons, as abfolutely perfefl. — What fays Mofes, the infpired Hiftorian ? Noah was perfeB in his Generation *. — What fays the GOD of Mofes, who can neither deceive, nor be deceived ? yob was a perfedl Man and an up-^ right '\. — Confeqnently, their Nature miift be intirely cleanfed from this hereditary Defile-^ ment j and their Chara6ler confutes your de- rogatory Reprefentations of Mankind. Afp. Thofe eminent Saints were perfect. That is, xhQj \NQ\:QfancfiJiedthroiighoiit. Sanc- tified in all their Faculties. No one Grace of Religion was lacking. As in the new-born Infant, there is a human Creature complete ; no conftituent Paf t of the vital Frame is want- ing : though each is tender -, all are very feeble 5 and none arrived at the full Size. They were upright. This Word feems to be explanatory of the preceding ; and fignifies an unfeigned Defire, joined with a hearty En- deavour, to obey the whole Will of GOD : ex- cluding, not all Defe61, but all reig?iing Hypo- crify, and wilful Remiflhefs. — The Interpreta- tion, thus limited, is of a piece with their Con- du6l. If ftretched to a higher Pitch, it is evident- ly inconfiftent with the Narrative of their Lives. Pray, what was your Motive, for decorat- ing the filvan Retirement, (that fheltered Us yefterday) with the Statue of Elijah ? Ther, * Cen, vi, 9. -f Job i. i. DIALOGUE XIII. 295 T^her, Becaufe I thought, his fohtary Life, and gloomy Temper, fuited that fequellered Bower. Becaufe the memorable Adventure, there reprefented, is, with me, a favourite Por- tion of facred Hiilorv. Are We pleafed with fpirited and delicate Rallery? Nothing exceeds his pungent Sarcafm, upon the ftupid and defpicable Dupes of Idol- atry. Every Sentence is keen as a Razor, and pointed as a Dagger, yet wears the Appear- ance of the mofl courtly Complaifance. We may truly fay, in the beautiful Language of the Pfalmift, His Words are fmoother tha?i Oily and yet be they very Swords *. Are We delighted with Inftances of Magjia- nimity f A fmgle Prophet, unfupported by any human Aid, maintains the Caufe of Truth, againft the King, his Grandees, and hundreds of the apoflate Prietls. He ventures to flake all his Credit, to rifk his very Life, and (what was dearer to .Him than perfonal Credit, or bodily Life,) the Honour of the true GOD, and Interefts of his holy Religion — to i'ifk all on the immediate Interpofition of a mofh fur- prifing Miracle. Do We admire the Triumphs of Faith ? His Faith was, in a manner, omnipotent. He prays, and * I Kings xviii. 27. And it came to pafs at Noon, that Elijah mocked them, and fliid ; Cry aloitrl; for He is a God. Either He is talking^ or He is piafiung, or He is in a Journey, cr peradventure He Jlcepcthy and muft bt aivahed. - '1^4 296 DIALOGUE Xm. and 'torrents of Fire defcend from the Sky, to devour his Adverfaries *. — He prays again, and the Shiices of Heaven are JJjut ; tliere is neither Dew nor Rain for feveral Years "f*. — A third Time He prays, and the Windows from on High are opened-y Abundance of Show- ers water the Earth %. — On another Occafion He prefents his SuppUcations, and GOD makes his Feet hke Harts Feet. Infomuch that an aged Prophet outruns the royal Chariot ||. AJp. I commend your Tafte, Theron : and am particularly pleafed with the Reafons of your Choice. — But do not you remember, that even the Wonder-working TiJlMte failed in his Refignation, and failed in his Faith ? Eminent as He was for Mortification, He gave way to iinreajonable Difcontent ; and, though a Cham- pion for the living GOD, He yielded to un^ believing Fear §. The Man Mofes was very meek, above all the Men which were upon the Face * 1 K'mgs i. 10. f I Kings xvii. i. l ya?n.v. 17, 18. II I Kitigs ■K\'\\\. 46. § EUas^ or rather Elijah, was a Man fnhjeSi to like Paf~ f^ons as JVe are. James v. 17. Upon which Paflage, an eminent Commentator makes the following Remark ; *' This " probably is faid, with refpecSl to his Fear and Difcontent^ *' manifefled i Kingsxix. 3, 4." — O/^-ojoTraSn? muft, I think, imply a State, liable to the irregular Workings of PafTion j not free from the fwful Infirmities of Nature. Otherwife, it is an Inftance foreign to the Purpofe; does by no means anfwer the End defigned ; which is to encourage the Heart, and ilrengthcn the Kaith, even oi frail, coirupt, cffendir^ Creatures, ^z^vcr. 16. DIALOGUE XIII. 297 Face of the Earth * : Yet He, even He was provoked in his Spirit, and fpake unadvifedly with his Lips -f. Was not Peter the Hero among our LORD's Followers ? Remarkable for his Refolution and Intrepidity. Yet He trembles, more than trembles, at the Shakins: of a Leaf i He denies his divine MASTER, feared by the Voice of a Woman. Look where-ever We will, We find Proofs of human Depravity ; reigning iincojitrouled in Some, making frequent Infiirrediion in All. It is written on our own Hearts, by the Pen of Experience j the Finger of Obfervation points it out, in the Pra6lice of Others. Even in the Practice of T^hofe^ who have been Saints of the firft Rank, and of the highefl Attainments. Yet they were defe6live. — Defe6live too, in that very Quality, which was their diftinguifh- ing Gift J in which they particularly excelled. Ther. While -We are talking, the Day has infenfibly flole itfelf away, and left Us fur- rounded with I'wilight, Which is a fort of Luflre intermingled with Darknefs : no Part wholly lucid -, no Part wholly obfcure. — An Emblem, according to your Reprefentation, of the renewed Soul, and its imperfect Holinefs. Afp. A very juft one. — Even where the Gof^ pel fhines, ftill there is an intercurrent Gloom ot * Numb. xii. J, f Pjabnc\\. 2,1' 298 DIALOGUE XIII. of Corruption. Ignorance mixes itfelf with our Knowledge. Unbelief cleaves to our Faith. Nor is our Purity free from all Contamina- tion. — The Prophet Zcchariah, foretelling the ^ Eflablifliment of the Gofpel Kingdom, and defcribing the State of its fpiritual Subje6ls, fays ', It JJmII come to pafs in that Day\ that the Light Jlja II not be clear ^ nor dark^. This, as to its literal Senfe, We now fee exemplified in the circumambient Atmofphere. With regard to its fpiritual Meaning, every true Believer feels it accomplifhed in his own Breaft. I'her. While You are fo vehement, in de- crying all human Attainments j confider, Af- pafio^ whether You do not check and difpirit Us, in the Purfuit of exalted Virtue. AJp. I fuppofe, You never expe6led to be fuch an Adept in Geometry as Archimedes^ nor fo profound an Aftronomer as Newton \ yet this did not check your Application to the Study of Mathematics, or the Contemplation of the Heavens, — Your Brother the Merchant, I pre- fume, has no Profpecl of amafling the Wealth of a Crcefus^ or the immenfe Treafures of a Koidi-Khan 3 yet this does not difpirit Him in profecuting the Bufinefs, which brings Him both Opulence and Honour. However, Theron^ fo long as You deny the Imputation of CHRISTs Righteoufnefs, I mufl * Zcch. xiv, 6, DIALOGUE XIII. 299 muft acknowledge, You aft a confiftent Part, in being zealous for the Perfe6lion of perfonal Obedience. You ought either to acquire- the One, or to accept the Other. Therefore, I fhall produce no more Arguments for your Difcouragement J butfliall comprize the Whole of my Anfwer, in the Motto to an 7r//Z> No- bleman's Arms, TRY. Or, if this be too concife, I will fubjoin, with a very little Al^ teration, the Words of a King ; " When You " have attained what You purfue, bring me <' Word again ^ that I may go, and follow it aU '' fo'^r T^her. According to your Account, the moil advanced and eftablifhed Chrijiians, are but like a Company of Invalids. Does not this extremely derogate from the Honour of our LORD, confidered as the Phyfician of Souls ? It feems to make a mere Nothing of Sanftification ; and would fwallow up CHRIST the King, in CHRIST tht Prieft. y^. Invalids they are -f- : and fuch will con- tinue, till they are difmiffed from this great Infirmary, ■ * Matt. ii. 8. f Do not the heft of Men lament their Ignorance of the divine Perfedlions, their Slownefs of Heart to helieve the di- vine Promifes, and the Languor of their Gratitude for in- eftimable, for innumerable Gifts of the divine Goodnefs ? — Do they not frequently feel Deadnefs in their Devotions, Diforder in their Aftedtions, and various other Relics of the original Leaven ? — Do they not often complain, in the Lan- guage of the Apoftle, JVhfn I would do Good) Evilis prefent with 300 DIALOGUE XIII. Infirmary, and admitted into that holy, happy, bleflcd World ; Where the Inhabitant Jlmll no more fay, 1 am either in Soul or in Body Jick *. If the Cure was never to be completed, this doubtlefs would be dilhonourable to our Al- mighty PHYSICIAN. But the fpiritual Re- covery, begun on Earth and advancing through Time, will be perfe6led in Heaven, and pro- longed to Eternity. — Does this make a mere Nothing of Sanctification ? No, but it makes Room for a continual Progrefs^ and affords Caufe for continual Humiliation, It referves a noble Prerogative, for the heavenly State and beatific Vifion -, and perpetually reminds Us of a mofl important Truth, That our prefent Bleffednefs does not confift in htmg free from 6in, but in not having Sin imputed to Us -f-. This Imperfeftion of our Obedience, in- flead of confounding, maintains a proper D/- flinBion between CHRIST the King, and CHRIST the Prieil. Whereas, if We were perfect with we F And fay, with the earliefl: Chrljiians? IVe that are vi this Tabernacle do groan^ being burdened. Burdened, not fo much with Affliction : thofe Heroes in Chrijiianity had learnt, to rejoice in Tribulation. But burdened with a §enfe of their fpiritual Infirmities, and with the Workings of their inbred Corruption. Which, to a tender and lively Jielievcr, are the hcaviejl of Crofll-s, and the rjicji galling of Loads. — Nay ; do not the Heirs of Glory wajh their very Robes., even their faireft Deeds, and their brighteft Graces, in the Blood of the LAMB ? Which, if they were free from Spot, and void of Lnpuritv, could have no need to be made -iji'hiie in this facred Fountain. JSce 2 Cor. v. 4. Rev. vii. 14, * Jfaiah xxxiii. 24. f Pfalm xxxii. i. DIALOGUE XIII. 301 perfe6l in Piety, the priellly Office, with re- gard to Us, would be fuperfeded. What Need of an IntercelTor, to recommend our Prayers? What Occafion for an High-Priefl, to bear the htiqiiity of our holy T'hitigs * ? If fome Taint of the original Leaven did not pollute our bell Services ? Neither does this detra6l from the Wifdom, from the Goodnefs, or from the Power of CHRIST. It rather adminifters to the ad- vantageous Difplay of all thefe divine Attri- butes. — Of his JVijQio?n ; in condu6ling the Af- fairs of his Church with fuch exa6l Propriety, that the Righteoufnefs of Faith may have its due Honour, and the San6lification of the SPIRIT its proper Efteem.' — Of his Goodnefs -y in carrying on the Work of Grace, amidft fo much Infirmity, and fo many Corruptions ; and in crowning, with confummate Happi- nefs, fuch frail undeferving Creatures. — Of his Power -J in extracting a Variety of Benefits even from — I'her. Benefits, Afpajio ! — Can any thing be- neficial proceed from an Evil, which, accord- ing to your own Reprefentation, is fo incor- rigibly malignant ? Afp. It will tend to make Us lowly in our own Eyes. When We remember, that by Na- ture We are altogether become abominable -, that * £;>:Qd, xxvlii. 38. 302 DIALOGUE XIIL that the Remains of natural Depravity ftili adhere to our Minds ; how mull: fuch a View of Ourfelves cover Us with Shame, and lay Us low in Abafement ! Lefs than the leaji of all thy Mercies *, will be the Language of fuch a One's very Soul. It will render Us compajjionate to Others. How can We take a Brother by the Throat, and require faultlefs Perfection in his Behaviour, when We Ourfelves in many Things offend, in all Things fall fliort ? Every fuch Confide- ration pleads for Indulgence to our Fellow- creatures : is a Monitor within, and whifpers this afFe6ling Remonftrance, Oughteft not T'hou to han:e Pity upon thy Fellow-fer'-cant^ fence thy Almighty LORD has fuch unwearied, fuch in- finite Pity on Thee -f- ? It will teach Us to admire the Riches of Grace. Shall fallen Creatures, that are taken from the very Dunghils of Sin, and refcued from a Hell of inward Iniquity — Shall theyy notwithftanding their deplorable Depravity, and innumerable Deficiencies — Shall they be admitted into the Bofom of eternal Love ? They be exalted to the Thrones of Glory, and num- bered with the Princes of Heaven + ? This is Grace, tranfcendently rich, and divinely free indeed ! It * G^w. xxxii. 10. f Matt, xviii. 33. % ^^ ^"'wv «»? »»'^- DIALOGUE XIII. 303 It will reconcile Us to the Approach of Death. This, like Wormwood on the Nipple, or Gall in the Cap, muft wean Us from a wretched World. How can We be enamoured with fuch a Vale of Tears ? Or why fhould We covet, when Providence gives the Signal for our Departure, to prolong our Abode in thefe Territories of Diforder ? Surely, this muil in- cline Us to leave them, every Day, more and more in our AfFe6lions ; and at laft, to leave them, without any Relu6lance, by final Dif- folution. Leave them, for that better Coun- try, where our perfonal Righteoufnefs will no longer be defe6live, like the waning Moon ; but fhine forth with confummate Lullre, like the meridian Sun in the Kingdom of our FATHER. It will ^;2^(?^r the blefled JESUS in every Capacity ; as the Stings of the fiery flying Ser- pents, and the Dearth of the wafte howling Wildernefs, endeared to the Ifraelites both their miraculous Antidote, and their Bread from Heaven. — They that believe this Truth, mufl lee their inexpreflible and incefTant Need of CHRISTs Spirit. The Proteftation of Mofes on a particular Occafion, will be the daily, the hourly Breathing of their Souls 5 Carry Us not Zip hence, wilefs thy Frejejice, thy S PIR /T", go with Us *. For without this Aid, We can difcharge * Exod, xxxiii, 15. 304 DIALOGUE XIII. difcharge no Duty aright, nor fuccefsfully re- fift any Temptation. They will be exceed- ingly cautious, not to grieve * that facred GueO:, left He depart from them, and aban- don them to the Power of their lurking Cor- ruptions. Knowing, that if He abandon them, when fuch Foes are within, and fo many Snares without J their Cafe will be worfe than Sam^ Jbn'Sj when his Locks were fhaven, and the Philijiines all around Him. How highly will fuch Perfons value the Blood of the Covenant, and the InterceJJion of their great HIGH-PRIEST!— They will no more prefume to enter into the Prefence of the moft High GOD, without a fiducial Re- liance upon the atoning and interceding SA-- VIOUR i than the Sons of Jacob would have ventured to appear before the Viceroy of JEgypf^ without the Company of their younger Bro- ther. In all, in all their Intercourfe with Hea- ven, the great Propitiation will be their Plea, and the great ADVOCATE their Confidence. — The impotent Man waited at the Pool of Bethefda, and the Syrian General dipped feveii Times in Jordan. Thefe Perfons will not only w^/V, but live by the Fountain opened for Sin and Uncleannefs -f-. They will vi^afli in the facred fanflifying Stream, not Jeve7i Times only, hut Jeve?2fy T'ifjies feven. And * Eph. iv. 3 — But the Plains bleat j the Mountains low ; " and the hollow circling Rocks eclio with the " univerfal Song. Every Valley remurmurs " to the Fall of filver Fountains, or the liquid " Lapfe of gurgling Rills. — Birds, Muficians \\ ever beauteous, ever gay, perched on athou- U 4 " fand 312 DIALOGUE XIV. *' fand Boughs, play a tlioufand fprightly and *^ harmonious Airs. " Charmed therefore with the finefl Views ; ?' lulled with the fofteft Sounds ; and treated ^' with the richell Odours j what can be want- " ing to complete the Delight ? Here is e'-oery "■ Entertainment for the Eye ; the moft refined " Gratifications for the Ear j and a perpetual " Banquet for the Smell j without any infidi- ** ous Decoy, for the Integrity of our Conduct, *' or even for the Purity of our Fancy. " O ye blooming Walks, and flowery Lawns, " furrounded with dewy Landfchapes ! How ^' often have Patriots and Heroes^ laid afide the *' Burden of Power, and ftole away from the " Glare of Grandeur, to enjoy themfelves ^ " in your compofed Retreats ! - — Ye mofly " Couches, and fragrant Bowers, fkirted with " cooling Cafcades ! How many illufirious Per- *' fonages, after ^11 their glorious Toil for the ^' public Good, have fought an honourable and " welcome Repofe in. your downy Lap -f*? — ^' Ye venerable Oaks, and folemn Groves ; " Y/ocds, that whifper to the quivering Gale; " Clifts, -M'thi me reddentls AgeUi<) fays Horace of his little Country-feat. t Vh'gil was fo fmitten with the Amiablenefs of thefe Scenes, that He afligns them as an Habitation for happy Spi>» lits, in the Rct;ions of Ely/mm. ' Luc'is habitamus cpacis, Riparumquc Toros, b' Praia nceutia Rivis DIALOGUE XIV. 313 *« Clifts, that over-hang the darkened Flood ; " Who can number the Sages and SamtSy that " have devoted the Day to Study, or refigned " a vacant Hour to healthy Exercife, beneath *' your filvan Porticos, and waving Arches ? *' That, far from the dull Impertinence of <' Man, have liftened to the inflru6live Voice " of GOD ; and contemplated the Works of *' his adorable Hand, amidft your mofs-grown ** Cells, and rocky Shades. — How inelegajit^ *' or how infenfible is the Mind, which has no " awakened lively Relifh for thefe fweet Re- " celles, and their exqui/ite Beauties !" But whither am I carried ? Is not this rural Enthujiafm ? I find myfelf talking to Trees > and forget the momentous Queflion, that waits for our Decifion, Here then let my Rhapfody ceafe, and my Inquiry proceed. Does it be- tray a Want of true DeHcacy, to be infenfible of Nature's Charms ? My Afpafw thinks, it argues as wrong a Tafle in pra6lical Divinity, not to acquiefce in the imputed Righteoufnefs of JESUS CHRISr, To this Doctrine I have always been extremely averfc. I fet my^ felf to oppofe it with Objed-ions, drawn from the Heafon of Things, and from various Paf- fages of Scripture. To all which my Friend replied. And though I was fcarcely convinced, yet I was filenced by his Anfwers. J pleaded 314 DIALOGUE XIV. I pleaded for the Sufficiency of oni' fmcerc Obedience. Elpecially, when accompanied with Repcntancs^ and recommended by the Merits of CHRIST. — Neither was this Attempt fuc- cefsful. His Arguments, fomewhat like the flaming Sword, planted at the Entrance of Paradife, turned every Way * j and precluded all Accefs to Life, on the Foot of our own Duty. At length, AJpafto quitted the defenfive, and attacked me in his Turn. He explained the Nature, and inforced the Threatenings, of the divine Law. So exa5l its Rules ! That it de- mands a perfe6l and perfevering Conformity to every Injun6lion. — So extenjive its Autho- rity ! That it reaches the inmofl Thoughts j and requires Obedience, not barely in the Ac- tions of the Life, but the very Intentions of the Heart. — So inexorable its Severity ! That it condemns every the fmalleft Offence, and curfes every the leafl Offender. This Remonftrance , had fome of the Ter- ror, and almoft all the Effe6V, of a malked Battery. It was quite unexpefted, and alarmed me confiderably. — To pufli his Advantage, He inlarged upon the infinite Purity of GOD. — A GOD, glorious in Holinefs — TVho can?iot look upon Evil, with any Connivance, or with- out the utmofl Abhorrence. Before whom the very * GV/7. iii. 24. DIALOGUE XIV. 315 very Heavens are unclean, ^nd who will in no wife clear the Guilty. To complete his Vi£lory, He played off the Do<5lrine of original Guilt, and original Depra'vity. — That, befides the Imputation of Adams Apoftacy ; befides the Commiffion of numberlefs Iniquities 3 We were born in Sin- Are, by Nature, Enmity againfl G O D— In all our Faculties corrupt — In every Imagina^ tion evil — -And, even when renewed by Grace, are ftill, flill tainted with fome bafe Remains of the old Leprofy. After all, He bid me confider,— What Fruits muft fpring, from fucb a Nature ? — How they muft appear, when compared ■sN\\\\juch a Law? — What thev muft deferve, when tried before fuch a GOD ? — Thefe, I muft conf efs, are very weighty and ftartling Queries. If thefe Re- prefentations are true, the Face of human Af-. fairs carries a moft gloomy Afpe6l, Or ra- ther, a moft dreadful Storm is hanging over the Children of Men. — ^fpufio urges me to fly, without any Delay, to the Covert of CHRISTs meritorious Obedience. This, He fays, was v^rought out, in my Name, and in my Stead; this will be admitted, both at the Throne of Grace, and the Bar of Judgment, as my juftifying Righteoufnefs. This, He adds, opens a Way, on G O D's Part, for the largeft Emanations and moft ho-. nourablc 3i6 DIALOGUE XIV. nourable Exercife of Mercy. On Man's Part, it founds a Title to Pardon, to Life, and every fpiritual BlefTnig. — This Doctrine, efpecially in fuch a Conne6lion, begins to put on a more recommending Appearance. My Preju- dices are really wearing away. I am almoft a Convert. AJpafio over-heard the Clofe of thefe Re- flexions. Unwilling to interrupt his Friend, in fo ferious an Inquiry ; and delirous to ob- ferve the Iflue of fo interefting a Debate -, He had hitherto concealed Himfelf. But think- ing this a moft favourable Minute, He flepped forward, and faid — Afp. Almoft ! and why not altogether a Con- vert ? What fhould hinder my dear ^herouy from fubmitting to fo rational a Scheme, with the moft intire Acquiefcence ? What fhould hinder Him from embracing fo comfo?-table a Doftrine, with the utmofl Complacency ? Why fhould he not fubfcribe, both with Hand and Heart, that divine Decree ? Their Righteoujnefi is ofme^ faith the LORD ^, T!her. If, by this Do6trine, The Claims of the Law are anfwered — If the Perfections of GOD are glorified — If the Interefls of Mora- lity are fecured — 1 mufl acknowledge, it will be more worthy of Acceptance, than I could once have imagined. ♦ Jfa'iah liv. 17, DIALOGUE XIV. ^^y Afp. And if all thefe Points are not gained ; gained too in the moil eminent Manner j I folemnly declare, that I will never plead for imputed Righteoufnefs more. But the Claims of the Law are all anfwered. For, there is nothing in its facred Lijun6lions, which CHRIST did not perform ; and nothing in its awful Threatenings, which CHRIST did not fuftain. He fulfilled all its Precepts, by an unfpotted Purity of Heart, and the mod perfe6l Integrity of Life. He exhaufted its whole Curfe, when he hung upon the Crofs, abandoned by his FATHER, and a bleeding Viftim for the Sins of his People. — This Obe- dience brings higher Honour to the divine Law, than it could have received, from the uninter- rupted Duty of Adam^ and all his Pofterity, in all their Generations. The RerfeSlions of GOD, which were difho- noured by our Rebellion, are glorified. He appears, by this Method of Juflification, in- conceivably rich in fliewing Mercy ; yet lleady, inflexibly fteady, in executing Vengeance. The Sceptre of Grace, and the Sword of Juftice, have each their due Exercife, each their full Scope. The Holincfs of the divine Nature, and the Dignity of the divine Government, are not only maintained, but mofl magnificent- ly difplayed. Indeed, it is the peculiar Ex- cellence of this wonderful Expedient, that it renders 3i8 DIALOGUE XIV. renders all the divine Attributes fupremely ve- nerable, .and fupremely amiable. Ther. But are the Interefts of Morality fe- cured ? This is what I am ftrongly inclined to doubt. And to fay the Truth, this is now my principal Obje6lion to your Scheme. Afp. I fliall never blame my Friend, for be- ing vigilant and jealous over the Interefts of Morality. If our Doftrine had an unfriendly AfpeCt on true Morality, I would give my Voice againll it, and ufe all my Endeavours to fupprefs it. — But it is formed with eveiy Tendency, to awaken the utmoji Di-ead of Sin, and afFe6l Us with the warmeji Senje of our CREATOR'S Love. And is not that the ftrongeft Barrier againft the Encroachments gf Vice ? Is not this the fweeteft Inducement to the Practice of Virtue ? I am glad to find, that a Jealoufy for the Interefts of Morality, is the chief Obflacle in the Way of your Alient. Becaufe, I am per- fuaded, it is much of the fame Nature with thofe forbidding and miftaken Apprehenfions, which our Anceflors entertained, concerning the Ocean. They looked upon it, as an un- furmountable Obftruftion, to univerfal Society. Whereas it is in Fadt, the very Cement of So- ciety ; the Means of univerfal Inter courfe ; and the great High-way to all the Nations of the Earth. What is here affirmed, may, on fome DIALOGUE XIV. 319 fome future Occafion, be proved. — At prefent, let me defire you to imagine, rather, may the bleffed SPIRIT enable You to beheve, That your Sins are expiated^ through the Death of JESUS CHRIST: That a Righteoufnefs is ghen You, by virtue of which, You may have free and welcome Accefs to GOD j the Merit of which you may plead, for obtaining all the Bleffings of Time and Eternity. — Then let me afk ; Will this alienate your Affe6tions from your Almighty BENEFACTOR ? Will this irritate evil Concupifcence, or fend You to carnal Gratifications m queit of Happinefs ? Quite the Reverfe. When this Faith is wrought ill your Heart, nothing will be fo powerful, to produce holy Love, and willing Obedience ; to exalt your Defires, and enable You to over- come the World. What fays the Apoftle ? I through the La'w am dead to the Law *. Being made to under^ ftand its Spirituality and Perfection, I have no longer any Hope of J unification from my own Conformity to its Precepts. — Did this prompt Him, did this embolden Him, to negledl or violate his Duty ? Hear the facred Writer's own Declaration. I am releafed from the Ri- gour and Bondage of the Law ; I am diredled to CHRIST for Righteoufnefs and Salvation ; . that I may live unto GOD. That my whole Life ~ * Gal. ii. 19, 320 DIALOGUE XIV. Life may be devoted to his Honour, who has brought me into a State fo delightful, into a Liberty fo glorious. 'Ther. This Liberty, I am afraid, will be of very little Service to the licentious and gay World. Afp. I fliall be in no Pain even for the gay World, if once they cordially receive this Grace, and are vitally influenced by this Do6lrine. Which, far from difTolving the leaft Obliga- tion to Obedience, or weakening any one Prin- ciple of Piety, adds to every other Motive, the endearing Engagements of Gratitude, and the winning Perfuafives of Love. — Nay ; I verily believe, that Multitudes in the gay and licentious World, are held fail: in the fatal Snare, by their Ignorance of this fweet, al- luring, confolatory Truth. They find them- felves deeply obnoxious to divine Juflice, and feel themfelves flrongly bound with the Chains of Senfuality. They think, it is impoflible for them to clear the dreadful Score of their Guilt ; impoflible to deliver themfelves from the confirmed Dominion of Sin. And there- fore, like hopelefs Debtors, they fl:ifle every fe- rious Thought, and increafe the long Arrear. But if they were informed, that the infinitely merciful SON of GOD, has undertaken to redeem fuch undone and helplefs Sinners — That He has thoroughly expiated even the moil DIALOGUE XIV. 3^1 moA horrid Tranfgreflions, and procured for ungodly Wretches, all the needful Supplies of ftrengthening Grace — That, inflead of being prohibited, they are invited to partake, freely to partake, of thefe unfpeakable Bleflings — Were they acquainted with thefe glad Tidings of tjie Gofpel, furely they would buril the Chains, and fpring to Liberty. Thefe Truths^ if once revealed and received in their Hearts, would, of all Confiderations, be moil effec- tual to make them free *. . What fliall I fay more, to obtain my The- .ron% Approbation ? Shall I point out and plead the raoii illuflrious Precedents ? — G O D the FATHER is well pleafed with this Righteouf- nefs of our REDEEMER. He exprefies his Complacency by the moft emphatical Words : • Behold my Servant , whom I uphold ; 7nine EleBy in whom my Soul delighteth -f*. In CHRIST' and his Righteoufnefs^ GOD is not only pleafed, but delighted: his very Soul^ every Perfcclion of the GODHEAD, with ineffable Satisfac- tion, refls and acquiefces in them. — I faid /;/- effable -, for He has fpoke this, in a Manner fuperior to ail the Energy of Language, by raifmg our crucified SURETY from the Dead j .by exalting Him to the Heaven of Heavens ; and placing Him at his own Right-hand in Glory. * Jphn vlii. 32. -{• Ifijiah xlu. i. Vol. II, . X Our >:^22 DIALOGUE XIV. - Our LORD JESUS CHRIST is well pleafed. He efteenis it his Honour to fhine forth as the ■'Cverlafting Righteoufnefs of his People. It is ■ the brightefl Jewel of his mediatorial Crown. In this He fees of the 7'r avail of his Soul, and i^ fatisjicd. Accounting Himfelf fully recom- penfed, for all the Labours of his Life, and all the Sorrows of his Death, when Sinners are walhed from their Guilt in his Blood, and prefented faultlcfs by his Obedience. The HOLY SPIRIT is equally pleafed with this great Tranfa61ion, and its noble EfFecls. It is his peculiar Office, and favourite Employ, to convijice the World of their SAVIOUR'S Righteoufnefs. Not only that his Nature was fpotiefly pure, and his Converfation perfeftly holy J but that from both refults a Righteouf- nefs, of infinite Dignity, and everlafling Ef- ficacy : fufficient, throughout all Ages fuffici- ent, for the Acceptance and Salvation of the moft unworthy Creatures. Since then, this Method of Acceptance and Salvation, is excellent and glorious, in the Eyes of the adorable TRINITY — Since it magnifies the Law, and yields the moft exalted Honour to its divine AUTHOR — Since it makes ample Provifion for the Holinefs of a corrupt^ and the Happinefs of a ruined World — Why Ihould my Friend any longer dillike it i oppofe it y or treat it with a cold Indiffe- rence ? DIALOGUE ±IV. 323 rence ? Surely, all thefe grand Recommenda- tions, are enough to over-rule any little Ob- jedlions, which may arife from the Sufpicions of Timidity, or may be ftarted by the Arti- fices of Sophiftry. Thr. I know not how it is, Afpafio ; but I cannot reconcile myfelf to this Do6lrine of imputed Righteoufnefs : notwithftanding all the Pains You have taken, to make me a Con- vert. Afp, The Difappointment is mine, but the Lofs is yours, ^fhero?j. — However, let me in- treat You, not to reje6l my Sentiments abfo- lutely, nor to condemn them prematurely. Suppofe it pojjible at leaft, that they may be true J and weigh them in an even Balance.- — Learn Wifdom from your Afpafid^ Folly. I was once exa6lly in your Situation ; faw Things in your Light, and through your Medium. Converfing, I well remember, with a de- vout but plain Perfon, our Difcourfe happened to turn upon that folemn Admonition -, If any Man will come after MEy let Him deny Hifnfelf*". I was haranguing upon the Import and Ejxtent of the Duty. Shewing, that merely to forbear: the infamous A6lion, is little. We muft deny Admittance, deny Entertainment at lead, to the evil Imagirmtion ; and quench even the in- X 2 kindling * Matt, xvi._24. 324 DIALOGUE XIV. kindling Spark of irregular Defire. — When I had fhot a random Bolt, my honed Friend replied ; " There is another Inflance of Self- " denial, to which this Injun6lion extends, " and which is of very great Moment in the " Chrijiian Religion. I mean, the Inflance of ** renouncing our own Strength, and our own " Righteoufnefs ; not leaning on that^ for Ho- *' linefs 3 nor relying on this^ for Juftification." 1 thought the old Man, I muft confefs, little hetter than a fuperftitious Dotard j and wondered at (what I then fanfied) the motley Mixture of Piety and Oddity in his Notions. But now I difcern Senfe, Solidity, and Truth ill his Obfervation *. Now I perceive, that We ourfelves are often the Dreamers, when We imagine Others to be fail afleep. T^hcr, I lliall not forget your Caution, and will endeavour to avoid the Rock, on which my Afpafio flruck j but happily, it feems, ef- caped Shipwreck. You may likewife afTure Yourfelf, that, upon a Subje6l of exceeding great and eternal Confequence, I (hall not fail to ufe the moft attentive and impartial Con- fideration. An indolent Supinenefs, or a bi- gotted * Milton thought the fame, otherwife he would never have 'put thofe Words into the Mouth of a divine Speaker. Thy Merit, hiiputcd p:all uhfclve thtm, who renounce Their 61V.1, both righteous and unrighteous. Deeds : Jiid Uvs in 7hie tranfplatitedy ami from The« Rueivt ntiw Lift. B. III. 29©; DIALOGUE XIV. 325 gotted Obftinacy, in this great Crifis of Affairs, would be of all Errors the nioft inexcujabky and mufl prove of all Mifcarriages the mod fatal, Afp. But ftill Tou cannot reconcile Tourfelf- — And no Wonder. For this Way of Salvation runs dire6fly counter to the Stream of corrupt Nature. It puzzles our Reafon, and offends our Pride. What ? fhall We, not v^ork, but believe unto Righteoufnefs * ? Shall We receive dXl freely, and reckon Ourfelves no better than unprofitable Servants ! This is a Method, which We fhould never fubmit to ; this is a Propo- fal, which We fhould always fpurn ; were not our Sentiments reftified, and our Hearts new moulded, by fovereign Grace. Let me remind You of a little Incident, which You muft have read in the Grecian Hif- tory. A certain Stranger came, one Day, to dine with fome Imacedcemoniajis. They, You know, always fat down at a public Table, and were content with the plainefl: Food. The Gentleman, accullomed to higher Eating, could not forbear exprefiing his Diiguif, at the homely Provifion. — Sir, faid the Cook, You don't make ufe of the Sauce. — What do You mean ? re- plied the Gueif. — ^You do not ufe hard Ej^er- cife } nor habituate Yourfelf to long Abd-i- nence 3 nor bring a (harpencd Appetite to the X 3 Meal. * RQ7n, X. 10. 3^6 DIALOGUE XIV. Meal. — And You, my dear Friend, I am ap» prehenHve, have not the Sauce ; have not thq proper Preparative for this falutary Do6lrine ; which is indeed the Bread of Life, and the very Marrov^^ of the Gofpeh ^ber. What Preparative ? Jl/p. A Senfe of your great Depravity, your extreme Guilt, and your utterly undone Con- dition. — While deftitute of thefe Convi6lions, our Souls will be like the full Stomach, that lothes even the Honeycomb. — So long as thefe Convi6lions dxtjlight, and hover only in the Imagination j We fliall be hke Gallio *, liftlefs, indif- * A£is yiv\\\, 17. A late Commentator, of diftinguifhed Eminence, has attempted to vindicate Gtf///VsCondu6t ; and would reprefent it, as an amiable Inftance of Prudence and Udo deration. To me this Roman Magiftrate feems to have adled a Part, both irreligious and unjuft. — Irreligious ^ becaufe He refufed to hear the Apoftle's Defence ; vi^hich was the nioft likely Means of his Converfion and Salvation. As one great End, why Providence permitted the Preachers of the Gofpel to be brought before Rulers and Kings, was, that fuch an Incident might fcrve n; [xocfvfuov aulotc. Matt. x. 18. for aTeftiniony (not againft, but) to them. That even the Potentates of the Earth, prejudiced and fupercilious as they were, might hereby have an Opportunity, of heuriiigthc Chriftian Dodrine, and feeing its Efficucy on the Spirits of A4eji. — Unjuft, becaufe He permitted ^fthenes, then an innocent Man, afterwards a pilciplc of CHRIST, (i Cor. i. .1.) to be fo illegally treated, and outrageouHy abufed, without intcrpofing for his Refcue.- Befides ; if the HOLYSPIRIT inteiuled to fix a Mark of Approbation, rather than a lirand of Infamy, upon the Froconjid's lichaviour ; I cannot but think, it vi'ould have l)»;en exprcfied in a A4anner, different from — x«i v^iv tmIccv TW raAAiwvi fjWfAjy. Which, if it be the Language of Ap- plaufcj DIALOGUE XIV. 327 indifFerent, and caring for. None of thefe Thijigs. — But when they are deep^ and penetrate the Heart j then the Righteoufnefs of a RE- DEEMER will be fweet, taftefal, and in- viting. As Myrrh and Frankincenfe to the Smell ; as Milk and Honey to the Palate j as Gold and Treafures to the ruined Bankrupt. T^her, What Method would You advife me to ufe, in order to get thefe Convidions im- prefled on my Heart ? Afp, Endeavour to underiland G O D's holy Law. Confider, how pure, how extenfive, how fublimely perfect it is. — Then, judge of your fpiritual State, not from the flattering Suggeflions of Self-love, nor from the defec- tive Examples of your Fellow-creatures, but by this unerring Standard of the Sanctuary. — Above all, befeech the GOD and FATHER of our UORD JESUS CHRIST, to fend his inlightening SPIRIT into your Soul. For in- deed, without the inlightening Influences of the SPIRIT, We may have the divine Law in our Hand j We may comprehend its gramma- tical Meaning; yet be like blind Barti?neiis un- der the meridian Sun. It is the blefTed SPIRIT alone, who can rend the Veil of Ignorance from our Minds j and Ihew Us, either " the " wonder- plaufe, requires fome more than ordinar}' Skill in Criticifm, to underftand it aright. But, if it be the Voice of Cerilurcj is obvious and intelligible to every Reader. X4 328 DIALOGUE XIV. " wonderful Things of GOD's Law," or the glorious Myfteiies of his Gofpel. In this Senfe, our polite Poet * fpeaks a Truth, as fmgularly important, as it is elegantly exprefTed : He from thick Films Jkall purge the I'ifual Ray, And on the Jightlefi Eye-balls pour the Day, Will You give me Leave to propofe another Expedient ? Which, 1 believe, may be confi- derably ferviceable in this particular Cafe. Which, I am aflbred, will be greatly advan- tageous in many other Refpe6ls. Ther, Backward as I am to adopt your Doc- trine, I am no Enemy to my own Interefl. Therefore, fhall not only give You Leave to propofe, but give You Thanks for communi- cating, fo valuable an Advice. Afp. It is, in Reality, none of mine. It was long ago recommended by your old Ac- quaintance Horace -f. It confifts in Keeping a Diary. Compile a fecret Hiftory of your Heart and Condud. — Take notice of the Manner, in which your Time is fpent ; and of the Strain, that runs through your Difcourfe, How often the former is loll in Trifles, how often the latter * Mr. Pope^ In his charming Poem flyled The Mcjfiab. -}- lUe velut fidis Arcana SodaUbus otim Cri'chbat Lilris : tuque fi mak cejjhat ufquam Dccurrens u/ifi, neque Ji bene : quo jit .^ ut omn'is Vot'wa patent velut: dtjcriptu Tabe'ld I'ita Siiiiu Horat. Sat, D I A L O O U £ XlV. 329 latter evaporates in Vanity.— Attend to the Prmcipk from which your A6lions flow ; whe- ther from the fteady habitual Love of GOD, or from fome rambhng Impulfe, and a ciifto- mary Propenfity to pleafe Yourfelf? Mi- nute down your Sins of Omi[jion, How fre- quently You negle6l to glorify your CREA- TOR; to edify your Fellow-creatures 5 and to improve Yourfelf in Knowledge and Holi- fiefs. Obferve the Frame of your Spirit in religious Duties. With what Reluftance they are undertaken, and with what Indevotion performed j with how many Wanderings of Thought, and how much Dulnefs of Defire. - — How often, in the common Affairs of Life, You feel the inordinate Sallies of Paf* lion, the Workings of evil Concupifcence, or the Intrufion of foolifh Imaginations. Regifter thoftfecret Faults, to which None but your own Confcience is privy, and which None but the all-feeing Eye difcerns. Often review thefe interefting Memoirs. Frequently contemplate Yourfelf in this faithful Mirrour. — —An Artifl, fometime ago, took a Survey of your Eftate. Drew the Form, and mea- sured the Dimenfions, of each Inclofure. Pic- tured out every Hedge, and fcarce omitted a fmgle Tree, that grew upon the Premifes. • Aft thus with your Will, your Underflandmg, your Affe6tions. Thefe are your noble inter^ nal 330 DIALOGUE XIV. fial Demefne. Of which None but Yourfelf:, can be a competent Surveyor. ^her. It is unreafonable and prepoflerous,g I muft acknowledge, to be minutely exafl inj meaner Matters, and ufe no Accuracy of In-j fpeftion in the moil momentous Affairs. To.^ have a correct Draught of our Lands, which are a tranfient Inheritance j and no Map of that everlafting PofTeflion, the Soul. Afp. Gratify me then, my dear T^heron^ in this Particular. As I purpofe to fet out very early in the Morning, I ihall infill upon it ; that You do not rife before your ufual Time, in order to compliment my Departure. But I now make it my laft Wifh, and my parting ^ Requefl, that You will, for fome Months at leail, keep a Diary. You have wondered at my Opinion, con- cerning the Corruption of our Nature, and the Infufficiency of our Righteoufnefs. This may feem ilrange, this may appear fliocking, to a Mind tinacquamted with itfelf. But, when You have fearched your Heart, by this Probe ; yjhtn. You have felt the Pulfe of your Soul, by Self-examination ; then. You will be bet- ter able to judge of my Sentiments, and enter ifito the Reafons of my Faith, By this means, We fliall alfo difcover th§5< Sins, that moil eafdy befet Us j which moft-, frequently elude our Vigilance, and baffle ouv Refolu- . DIALOGUE XIV. 331 Refolution. We fhall learn, how to poft our Guard ; when to exercife the fl:ri6left Watch j and where to dire6l the Artillery of Prayer. — l\\ a Word j We fhall learn, better than from ten thoufand Volumes, to know Ourselves. A Knowledge, which was fuppofed, by the an- tient Philofophers, to defcend from Heaven *; and which, I believe, our Chriftia?i Divines will allow, has a happy Tendency to lead People thither. Becaufe, of all other Prepa- ratives, it bell: difpofes them for that blefTed REDEEMER, who is the Way, the only Way to thofe blifsful Manfions. Now I have mentioned a Way, let me fup- pofe You traveling through an unknown Coun- try. You come to a Place, where the Road divides itfelf into two equally inviting Parts. You are at a lofs, which Track to purfue. Whofe Direftion will you choofe to follow ? That Man's, who has pafTed through neither of them ? That Man's, who has pafTed through oiie of them only ? Or that Man's, who has pafTed and repaffed through them both ? — To wait for an Anfwer, would be an Affront to your Judgment. Only let me obferve, that the lafl is your Afpajids Cafe. He has traveled long and proceeded far, even in your Path, All that Circumfpedion and AlTiduity, all that Prayer and Self-denial, all that Failing and Almsi * .— — » E Calo defcendity j^vwSi oraJIov. Juven. 332 DIALOGUE XIV. Alms and every other Means of Grace could do, in order to eflablifh a Righteoufnefs of his own, has been done. But to no Purpofe. — . He has alfo trod every Step in the Way, which he recommends to his beloved Friend. He has made the Tryal, and can fet his Frobatiim ejly to evei'y Expedient which He advifes. And may very truly fay, with his divine MASTER, We fpeak that We do know *, and teftify that We have experienced. Or, with the evange- lical Prophet, 'This is the Way, the Way of Peace, of Holinefs, and of Joy, walk ye in it -j-v , I'her. I am forry to obferve, that the Night is coming on, and our Converfation almofl at an End. My Regret is increafed, by the Con- fideration of your intended Journey. — Though Bufmefs obliges You to depart-, it will, I hope, afford You Leifure to write. This will be fome Coilfipenfation for the Want of your Com- pany. Yonder Sun is fmking below the Horizon, and juft taking leave of our Earth. To re^ tard the departing Radiance, at leaft to aU Jeviate the approaching Lofs, thofe weftern Clouds catch the Rays j and refle6t them to our View, in a moil amufing Diverfity of Co- lours. By this means, We enjoy the great Luminary in his Beams ^ even when, bis Orb is with- * Johv.iCuw, -j- Ifaiah'xxx,2i. DIALOGUE XIV. 333 withdrawn from our Sight. — An epiflolary Intercourfe has fomething of the fame Nature. Letters may be called, the Talk of abfent Friends. By this Expedient, tliey communi- cate theii- Thoughts, even though Countries, Kingdoms, or Seas intercept their Speech. You muft, therefore, promife me this Satis- faction ; and let me converfe with my Afpafio by the Fen^ when I can no longer have an In- terview with Him in Per/on. Afp. You have anticipated me, Theron. Other- wife, what is now my Promife, would have been my Requefl. I cannot but take notice of another Parti- cularity, in that magnificent Aflemblage of Clouds. How they varied their Appearance, as the Lamp of Day changed its Situation. — A little while ago, thofe Curtains of the Sky, were ftreaked with Orange, or tinged with Amber. Prefently, they borrow the Blufh of the Rofe, or the foftened Red of the Pink. Ere long, they glow with VermiUon, or deepen into Crimfon. Soon fucceeds the purple-tinc- tured Robe of Majeftyj and as foon (thus tranfient is all fublunary Grandeur !) gives place to the fa6/e Veil of Evening, or the gloomy Fall of Night. — Such, 1 truft, will be the IfTue of my Therons prefent Apprehenfions. All his fplendid Ideas of human Excellency and 334 DIALOGUE XIV. and Self-righteoufnefs, will become faint ; wiU lofe their imaginary Luflre -, till, at lengthy they darken into deep Self-abafemefit. — Then; the Sun of Righteousness will be amiable, will be defirable, as the Beauties of the Dawn, breaking upon the Shades of Night. A SERIES O F LETTERS. LETTER I. AsPAsio to Theron. Dear Theron, AM now at the Seat of my wor- thy Friend Camillus j where Bufi- nefs and Inclination will fix me for fome Weeks. — This Evening we had a moft pleafing Ramble. I have met with nothing fo agreeable, fmce I left your Houfe, and loft your Company. The 336 Aspasio/oTheron. Let. i. The Time was juft arrived, and the Scene was fully opened, which furniftied our great Poet with his fine Defcription j Now was the Sun in wejiern Cadence low. From Noon -, and gentle Airs, due at their Hour, To fan the Earth now wak'd, and ufier in T^he Eve?iing cool. At this Jun6lure, Camillus invited me to take the Air. — We walked, feveral Times, along a clofe fhady Alley, arched with the Foliage of Filberds. Here, hid from every Eye, and the whole World withdrawn from our View, We feemed like Monks flroling in their Cloyflers. — Turning (hort at the End, We enter a parallel Range of majeftic and uniformly fpreading Wallnut Trees. Which was fomewhat like ad- vancing through a low Porch, into the liles of a magnificent Cathedral. The broad Leaf, and large Trunk of thofe lordly Trees — their very diffafive Spread, added to their prodigious Height — give them an Air of uncommon Dig- nity. It fwells the Imagination wdth vafl Ideas, and entertains it with a romantic Kind of De- light, to expatiate amidft fuch huge Columns, and under fuch fuperb Elevations, of living Architedure. Quitting ourCatliedral, We turn once again, and pafs into a grand Colonade of Oaks : {o regular in their Situation, fo fimilar in their Size, Let. I. AsPAsio to Theron. 337 Size, and fo remarkably correfpondent in every Circumftance, that they looked like the Twins of Nature; not only belonging to the fame Family, but produced at the fame Birth. — Through thefe lay a Walk, ftrait, fpacious, and gracefully long'. Far exceeding the laft in the Extent of its Area, though much in- ferior in the Statelinefs of its Cieling. It put me in mind of that divine Benignity, which has allowed \Js Jtx Days, for the Profecution of our own comparatively low Affairs ;. and fet apart but ojie^ for the more immediate At- tendance on the fublime Exercifes of Devotion. This Walk was covered with the neateft Gra- vel j and not a Weed to be feen, nor one Spire of Grafs, through the whole extended Sui-- face. It flole into a continual Afcent ; yet fo very gradually, that the Rife was fcarce dif- cernable, either by the fearching Eye, the toil- ing Feet, or the panting Breath. — z'lt the Ex^ tremity, a handi'ome Summer- boiifi lire wed a Flight of Steps, and half a Vtnetiaii Door^ The reft of the Building was hid by the cluf- tering Branches. As foon as We enter the Apartment, Ca^ viillus throws open the Left-hand Salh ; and, w^ith it, a moft inlarged and amufive ProfpeB, — The Structure appeared lituate on the Brow of a confiderablc Eniinence. Whofe Sides were partly confufed and v/ild with broken Vol. IL . y Rocks,. *< 33 S Asp AS 10 /o The RON. Let. i. Rocks, partly fhagged and perplexed with thorny Shrubs. The Spe6tator is agreeably furpriibd, to find Himfelf accommodated with fo elegant a Manfion, on the Summit of fo rude and ruinous a Spot. But, how greatly is his Surprife and his Satisfaction augmented, when he cafts his Eye forward ; and beholds the beautiful Meadsy which, from the Foot of this ragged Hill, ftretch themfelves into a Space almoft unmeafurable ! Through the midfl of this extenfive Vale, which was decked with the finefl Verdure, and repleniflied with the richeft Herbage, a River rolled its copious Flood. Rolled in a thoufand ferpentine Meanders, as though it had loft its Way in the flowery Labyrinth, or made re- peated Efforts of flowing back to its Source. Till, at lafl-, having wandered more than twice the Length of the Meadows j having held a Mirror to the afpiring Poplars, and bending Willows ; having paid a welcome Sa- lute to feveral ornamented Villas^ and pafled through the Arches of two or three curioufly pendent Bridges -, it feemed to meet the Sky^ and mingle with the Horizon. Oppofite to the Front Window, a Cafcade fell from the adjacent Stream. It flaflied alid foamed along a broad Slope, indented with fmall Pits, and jagged with protuberant Stones. The Current, vexed and embarrafTed, feemed to Let. I. AsPAsio/(?T HERON. 339 to rave at the intervening Obilacles j and for- cing its rapid, indignant, fonorous Way, flruck the Ear with a Peal of liquid Thunder. Thefe fretful Waters let our a?igry Paflions ob- ferve the Admonition, and follow the Example foon were pacified ; foon forgot to chide. Collected into a little Rivulet, they ran off in calm and filent Lapfe, till they loft themfelves amongft Beds of Ofier, and Plantations of Alder. The River, widening as it fiov/cd, was parted here and there by feveral little Iflands. Some tufted with Reeds^ and the Refort of Swans. Some, adorned with fiately Porticos^ and fplen- did AlcoveSy the graceful Retreats of rural Plea- fure. Some, furniilied with green imbovver- ing Walks, fitted for iludious Retirement and fedate Contemplation. — On either Side of the charming Valley, , Towns and Villages lay thick and looked gay j adding Ornament and Va- riety to the Scene, and receiving innumerable Advantages from the palfmg Wave. The Whole recalled to an attentive Obfer- ver's Mind, that amiable and auguft Spe6lacle, which the Syrian * Soothfayer could not be- hold, without a Rapture of Delight; — From the Top of the Rocks I fee the Tribes of JEHO- VAH, and from the Hills I behold the Habita- tions of his chofen People. How goodly are Y 2 thy '* Numb, TtX+i), 7. 340 AspAsio to Theron. Let. i. thy T^enfs, O Jacob ! And thy I'abernacles^ O If- rael ! As the ValUes^ are they fp'cad forth ; as Gardens, by the Rivers Side : as Trees of exqui^ fte Fragrance *, 'ushich the LORD hath planted: as Cedars of ftateliefl: Growth, flour ifJoing befde the Waters. We had but )uff looked about Us, when a MeiTenger came for Ca?nilhis. As He was called to fettle fome private Affairs, I chofe to flay in this inviting Retreat 5 and determined to make myfelf amends for the Lofs of Camillus^ Company, by beginning a Correfpondence with my iheron. — We have Pen, Ink, and Paper in all our rural Retirements j that, if any Thing is llarted in Difcourfe, or occurs in Me- ditation, worthy to be remembered, it may im- mediately be committed to Writing. I could not but obferve to my Friend, that, fine as the Profpe6l appeared, there was one Decoration wanting j if ioiwQ grafid Deformity may be called a Decoration. The Ridges of a bleak and barren Mountain, or the Skirts of a Sun-burnt tawny Heath, would give ad- ditional Li-velincfs, to the ornamented Parts of the * Numl\ xxiv. 5, 6. It is weH known that the Word jl^^'^ni^ is ufcd in the facred Writings, to denote either a delightful Perfume, Prov. vii. 17. ox \\\2X ^ViC aromatic Plant y which produces it, Cantic. iv. 14. — For which Reafon, I •tiiink it very juftifiable, to render the Expreflion, Trees of ixquifite Fragrance , and am perfuaded, it will be far more intelligible to the Generality of Readers, than Trees of Lign-^ Let. r. Asp Asio /(? TiiERON. 341 the Landfchape, and make their Beauties %ike with double Vigour. — This aho, by fliewing what wretched inhofpitable Quarters might have been affigned Us, would awaken in our Hearts a more fervejit Gratitude to the fupreme DISPOSER of Things; who has caft cur " Lot in a fairer Ground, and given us a ** more goodly Heritage." So, a proper Knowledge of the divine Law — of its fublimePerfe6lions, and rigorous Sanc- tion — joined with a Conviction of our own extreme Deficiency, and manifold Tranfgref- lions — all this would indear the blefled JESUS to our AfFe6lions, and powerfully recommend his Righteoufnefs to our Defires. — The Re- mainder of this Epiflle, therefore, fhall turn upon fome Inflances of Duty, injoined in that facred Syftem. By which it may be highly ufe- ful to examine our Conduct, and fift our Hearts : in whichj I believe, we have all fallen fhort, and are all become guilty : from which. We may learn the Imperfeftion of our bell Services, and fee the inexprelhble Need of a better Righteoufnefs than our own. The Knowledge of GOD is the Foundation of all vital Religion^ and indeed is the Con- fummation of human Happinefs. It is not only Matter of prefent Duty, but the very El- fence of our future ISlifs ; T^his is Life eternal, Y 'x to 342 As PAS 10 to The RON. Let. i. to im^-w I'hee the only true GOD, and JESUS CHRIST' ivhom Thouhajifejzt *. — Yet, important and obligatory as it is, are We not very defective in this divine Science ? Have We duly ac- quainted Ourfelves with the marvelous Excel- lencies of the LORD JEHOVAH? Hisim- controulable Power, and all-comprehending Wifdom 5 his unbounded Goodnefs, and un- wearied Patience ; his immaculate Holinefs, and inflexible Juftice ; his never-failing Faith- fulnefs, and inviolable Veracity ? — Have We, according to the Direction of our ijifpired Tu- tor, purfued this facred Study on our Knees -f-j and fought this moft noble of all intelle(5lual Endowments, not merely from Books, but principally at the Throne of Grace. Have We Ibught it, like that antient Jewifi Student, with an early Application, and with inceffant AiTiduityi even "from tlie Flower, till the " Grape was lipe t ?" Is that fcanty Ray of Knowledge, which perhaps has forced itfelf through our original Darknefs, operative on our Affe^lions ? Have We loved the LORD our GOD with all our Heart ? This is the iirft and great Command- ment II . — Have We confiantly entertained the moft magnificent and honourable Thoughts of his fublime Perfections ? Is our Efteem for this * John xvii. 3. f James i, 5. % Ei^M' li- 15' I) Matt, xxii. 38. Let, I. AsPAsio to The RON. 343 this immenfely great and mod blefled BEING, high, fuperlative, matchlefs ? fomewha%like thaty expreffed by the Pfahnift j Whom have I in Heaven but T'hee ? And there is None upon Earthy that I dejire in comparifon of 'Thee *. — Have we been affe6lionately concerned for his Glory ^ and zealous to advance his holy Religion ? Troubled, very fenfibly troubled, when our MAKER'S Honour has been trampled in the Daft, by li- centious Tongues, or flagitious Deeds ? Have We made it our ruling Care, to ap- prove the Whole of our Life, and the moft fecret Tranfaclions of our Breaft, to his all- feeing Eye ? Refolved, deliberately refolved to facrifice, not only our darling Lufts, but even our moft valuable Literefts, whenever they ftand in competition with the good Pleafure of his Will? — Li a Word j as the Hart pant- eth after the Water-brooks, with fuch vehe- ment and inextinguifiable Ardour, have We thirfted after — a brighter Manifeftation of his Perfe6lions — fome fweeter AlTurances of his Love — and an ever-increafmg Conformity to his Image r Such was the Temper of thofe excellent Men, who are characterized in the Scriptures of Truth, as Children of the HIGHEST, and Patterns for our Imitation. This is their Lan- guage J The Defire of our Soul is unto thy Namr^ Y 4 and * Pfalm\x%\\\, 25. 344 AsPASio to Theron. Let. i. ani M-e Remembrance of Thee, With my Soul have I dejir^d Thee in the Night ^ yea, with my Spirit within me will I feck Thee early *. — Nei- ther is fuch Warmth of Love, and Fervour of Defire, any needlefs or extravagant Pitch of Devotion > but a reafonable Service, indifpen- fibly due, from all intelligent Creatures, to the great AUTHOR of their Being — in whom all poflible Perfe6lions, w^ith the utmoft Exal- tation and Glory, refide — from whom all Man- ner of Bleflings, in the mod copious and ne- ver-failing Communications, flow. When We receive, from an abfent Friend^ rich and repeated Prefents 3 Cafks of generous Wine, or Jarrs of delicious Fruit ; We feel Ourfelves inkindled into a grateful AfFe(Slion. We honour, We love the Perfon, who allows Us fuch a diftinguiflied Place in his Heart; and exprelTes his cordial Regard, by fuch a Series of a61ive and tender Benevolence, — The bleiled G O D is a Friend to Us All, infinitely power- * Ifai. xxvi. 8, 9. We can hardly tell, which to admire moft, the Beauty of the Defcription, or the Piety of the Per- fons. / have defired \ and not with inavSive Wifhes, but fuch as prompt to vigorous Endeavours, / will feek Th£t. And early, with the moft vigilant Application and unwea- ried AiTiduity. — The EmphaTis is very much increafed, by the Addition of thofe lively Words, ivith my Soul, yea with my Spirit j with the whole Bent and Sway of my Affedions, and with the fteady invariable Determination of my Judg- ment. — Thus have I defircd Thee, even in the Night; when both the Puifuits and the Thoughtb of other People, are funk and lofl: in profound Rcpofe. 7"liui ivill I letk Thee, witl; a Zeal — early as the n'iw\^~confta:,t ai the returning Sun, Let. I. AsPASio to The RON. 345 powerful, and equally munificent. We are the conftant Objefts of his more /i)^;z friendly, of his parental Cares. Every pafling Moment is a MefTenger of his Patience, and charged with fome Token of his Bounty. For ciir Sake, He has diffufed Bleffings over all the Face of the Earth ; and commanded every Element to concur, in miniftering to our Accommodation. He has not only adapted his Benefits to our feveral Wants j but has given them a Diver- fificatioriy large as the Scope of our Wiflies ; and an Enrichment^ far beyond all that our Fancy could conceive. — Profufe Liberality ! Yet fmall and fcanty, compared with his Mer- cies in CRR IST' JESUS. What? If GOD, willing to manifeft the fuper-abundant Riches of his Kindnefs, had made bare the Arm of his Omnipotence ; and ftruck a moft miraculous Road through the Surges of the Ocean, to afford Us a fafe Paf- fage ? — If, to accommodate Us in our Travels, He had brought Waters out of the flinty Rock ; and bid the Ravens bring Meat to our Hands, bid the Winds convey Manna to our Doors ? • If, to furnifli us with a commodious Set- tlement, He had dethroned mighty Kings, dif- poffefTed populous Nations, and made the Walls of impregnable Cities fall to the Ground ? If, to further the Difpatch of our Bufinefs, or facilitate the Conquefl of our Enemies, He had 34^ AsPAsio to The RON. Let. i. had airefled the Sun in his meridian Career, and laid an Embargo upon the Moon, fetting out on her nightly Tour ? In fliort, if to promote our Welfare, He had fufpended the Powers, and controuled the Laws of univerfal Nature j had wrought all the Miracles, exhi- bited in the Land of Egypt, or recorded in the Volumes of Infpiration fliould We not think Ourfelves under the moft inviolable En- gagements, to love the LORD our GOD, Who had done Jo great Takings for Us ; to love Him unfeignediy and ardently; to love Him with a fupreme Affection, far above every other amiable Obje6l ? Yet, We have greater, in- comparably greater Obligations to our Al- mighty BENEFACTOR. For (hear O Hea- vens ! wonder O Earth ! and let Eternity dwell upon the flupendous Truth !) GOD /pared 7iot bis SON his o^lvh SON his tranfcendently glorious and divinely excellent SON te de- livered him up to the deepeft Humiliation and to the moll accurfed Death, for Us Men and our Salvation. O, Theron ! Have We been impreffed with Wonder, at the Contemplation of this Good- nefs ? Have our Hearts glowed with Gratitude^ under a Senfe of thefe Mercies ? Surely, No Man need be convi6led of any other Crime, at the great Tribunal, than Infenfibility of fuch Love, and Ingratitude for fuch Favours. This, Xet. I. AsPASio to Theron. 347 This, without the Acceflion of horrid Impie- ties, is enough to leave Him abfokitely inex- cufable. This is enough to prove Him one of the moil dijingemwiis, and dctejlabk of Crea- tures. Have We exercifed Ourfelves in frequent T^bankjgiving ? Many are the Exhortations to this honourable Duty. Praife thy GODj O Stem * : Praife Him for his mighty ABs -f- : — Praife Him accordifig to his excelleiit Greatncfs J. —Innumerable are the Incitements to abound in this pleafant Service. Every Comfort has a Voice, and cries in the Ear of Reafon j O / that Men would therefore praife the LORD for his Goodfiefs. Every Deliverance inforces the Addrefs, and furniflies frefli Materials for the heavenly Employ. — The Man after GOD's own Heart declares, as an inviting Example for our Pra(5lice ; I will blefs the LORD at all ^imes : His Praife f:all continually be in my Mouth : * Pfalm cxWn. 12. f Pfabn c\. 2. X Among tliefe Exhortations, We may rank that beautiful and noble Addrefs to GOD, Sj^'Tj^'^ ^l^nn ^^'V Plalm xxii. 3. Thou that inhahitcft — Light inacceffible, fhall I fay ? The Regions of Immcnfity, or the Ages of Eternity ? No ; but what is a more exalted Charadler — 77v Pra'ijes of Ifrael. Finely fignifying, that this is a moft acceptable Sacrihee ; to which the Divine MAJESTY attends with the greatefl De- light. — Intimating alfo, that the Exercife of Praife fhould not be an occafional Thing, like a tranficnt V'lfit to a Stran- ger's lioufe ; but a daily and almofl: unintcrniitted Service, like iheftatcd Rcfidence of a Perfon in his own Habitation. 348 AsPAsro to The RON. Let. i. J\douth * : Tea, as long as I have any Being , I ivill fingPraifes unto my GOD -f*. — Indeed, when We confider the inexhaiiftibly rich Bounty of GOD our CREATOR, and the inconceivably tender Mercy of GOD our REDEEMER, it is both ftrange and deplorable, that the Love of GOD is not always prevailing in our Hearts, and the Language of Praife ever flowing from pur Lips. I will not fuppofe our Chara6ler fo irreligi- ous, that We have neglefted the daily Wor- fhip of GOD, either in our Clofet, or in our Family. — ^But, have we prayed with that pro- found reverential Awe, which is due to the HIGH and LOFTY ONE that inhabiteth Eter^ nity ? — -Have We made our Supplications with that fervent Importunity ^ which may in fome meafure correfpond with the extreme Indi- gence of our State, and the invaluable Worth of the Bleffings We crave ? — Have our Peti- tions been attended with that fieady Affiance, which may glorify the Goodnefs, the Power, the Veracity of the LORD ? May evidently declare, That He is rich in Mercy, to All them that call upon Him % • that He is the LORD yEHOVAH, in whom is ever la fling Strength {j .* that He is the GOD of Truth, and faithful for ever §. We call Him FATHER: but have We ♦ Pfalm xxxiv. r. f Pfalm cxlvi. 2. X Rom, X. 12. II Ifai.xxvi. 4. § Deut. vii. 9. Let. I. Aspasio/oTheron. 349 We trufted in Him, with that unfufpedingf chearful, filial Confidence, which a Child re- pofes on the Fidelity and Indulgence of an earthly Relative ? Have We not entertained, too often entertained, narrow, difhonourable, beggarly Apprehenfions, concerning the Trea- fnres of his Liberality, and the Bowels of his Pity ? Rating them even lower than our Pa- rent's, our Friend's, or our own ? Have We been careful to carry the Spirit of our Prayers into our ordinary Converfation j and waited at the Door, as well as approached to the Throne of Grace — Amidft the Intervals of our folemn Devotions, have We cultivated an ejaculatory Intercourfe with Heaven ? How highly would the ambitious Courtier /r/st', and how frequently would He iife a privy Key, that fhould give Him, at all Hours, free Ad- mittance to his Sovereign. This Key of Ad- mittance, only to an infinitely more exalted POTENTATE,' We all pofTefs in the PracTiice of mental Afpirations to GOD. — It is certainly the nobleft Employ, and will be the richeft Improvement of our Thoughts, to fend them in fuch fhort Embafiies to the KING of Kings ; and to derive, by fuch occafional Sallies * of Faith, * We have, in Scripture, very remarkable Infcances of the Succefs, which has attended ejaculatory Prayer.— Ohkr\c Nehemiah : He ftands before Ahafuertis^ apprehenfive of the Monarch's Difpleafure, yet defirouj to fohcit Him m Bchaif cf 350 A s p A s I o /i> T H E R o N. Let. r , Faith, a renewed Supply from the Fountain of all Good. How great a Lofs then muft it be of yertifalem. To be delivered from his Fears, and to ob- tain his Dcfires, what Method does He ufe ? The mean and fervile Arts of Flattery ? No ; but the manly and devout Ex- pedient of Prayer. I prayed, fays the Patriot, to the GOD of Heaven. — We cannot fuppofe, that He fell on His Knees, or fpokc with His Lips, while He continued in the royal Pre- fence. But he darted up his Soul in filent Supplication. Which Supplication " pierced the Clouds ;" reached the eternal Throne ; and returned not again till a Blefling was fent. Such as totally averted the Wrath, He dreaded ; and procured Favour and Afliftance, much larger than He ex- pected. Nehcm. ii. 4. When David heard, that Ahitophel^ the ableft Politician in his Kingdom, was revolted to Abfalom ; fenfible what a Lofs his Affairs had fuflained, and what an Advantage the rebellious Paity had acquired, He betook himfelf to his GOD. He ftaid not for an Opportunity of Retirement, but inflantly and upon the Spot cried ; O LORD., 1 pray Thee, turn the Coiinjel of Ahitophel into Foolifonefs ! — h Jhort Addrefs, but very efficuciom. HE, who difappointeth the Devices of the Crafty, fent a Spirit of Infatuation among the Rebels ; and inclined them to rejecl the Advice of that judicious Statefman. Which falfe Step brought upon their horrid Enterprize, the Ruin it defcrvedj and chagrined the wretched Traitor, even to Rage, Phrcnzy, and Suicide. 2 Sam. xv. 31. xvii. 23. Jmyntory at a memorable Period of his Lite, was under great Diltrefs of Confcience, and harafTed by violent Temp- tations. He made his Cafe known to an e: how dreadfully will the dark Account be fwell- ed, if, inftead of Love and Obedience, there be Hatred and Oppofition — Hatred of the Name, Glory, and Worfhip of GOD — O/- fofitkn to his Interefl:, Kingdom, and Service ! GOD is iyifinite PerfeBion : worthy of all Admiration : exalted above all Praife. Yet do not our Thoughts more frequently, or more naturally turn upon our own Accomplifliments, than upon the adorable and fhining Attributes of the ALMIGHTY ? This is, in itfelf, the moft fhameful Dotage -, and, in GOD's Sight, the moft abominable Idolatrv. Yet, let Us ob- ferve what paffes within, and We fhall pro- bably find, that as Damps arife in the Mines, or Fogs in the fenny Grounds, fo naturally and fo copioufly do thefe over-weening Re- fle6lions arife in our depraved Minds. GOD is an evcrlajling King. Have We not too often rebelled againft his Authority ? Have We not, as far as in Us lay, depofed the om- nipotent Sovereign, and exalted Self into the Throne ? Made Self-will our Law, and Self- pleafing our End ? GOD is tranfcendently gracious and amiable. Have We not turned our Backs upon Him, by forgetting his Mercies, even while We fit at his Table, and are fed from his Hand ? Nay, Let.r. AsPAsio to Th£Ron. 355 Nay, have We not even fpurned Him from our AfFe6lions, by being Lovers of PleafurCy more than Lovers of God * f — Awake, Confci- ence : bear thy impartial Teftimony : and I am perfuaded, the P bar i fee in our Breafts, Hke the Man that w^as unfurnifhed v^ith the Wed- ding-garment, mufl be ftruck dumb j mufl be covered with Confufion. Is our Heart warm with brotherly Love ? — Good-manners will put Expreffions of Civility into our Mouths ; but has a Power from on High, implanted the royal Law of Charity in our Breafls ? The Chara6ler of a Gentleman requires a Deportment acceffible, obliging, and courteous : has the Spirit of Chriftianity taught Us to love, not in Word or plaufible Appear- ance only, but in Deed and in 'Truth -f- ? — Do We love our Neighbours, not merely on Ac- count of fome Relation they bear Us, or fome Services they havedone Us ? But, becaufe they are Creatures of the blefled GOD; are the Objefts of his providential Care ; and capable at leail: of being conformed to his Image ? Do We love them, becaufe We hope, that the LORD JESUS CHRIST has bought them with his Blood 3 is willing to make them Par- takers- of his S P I R I T, and Members of his Myftical Body ? Z 2 Are * 2 Tim, iii.4. t I John iii. i8. 3 5^ A s p A s I o^(? T H E R o N. Let. i. Are We fmcerely concerned for their prefent Welfare, and their eternal Happinefs ? Do We embrace all Opportunities of promoting, both the one, and the other ? Embrace them with the fame Alacrity, and improve them with the fame Zeal, which aftuate Us in feeking our cum Felicity ? — If they exceed Us in all that is amiable, and all that is profperous, do We contemplate their fuperior Excellence with a real Complacency, and their more abundant Succefs with a real Satisfaction ? Do We diflike to hear, and abhor to fpread, defamatory Tales ; even when our Adverfaries are the Men, whom they tend to blacken ? — When rudely affronted, or caufelefly abufed, do We pity the Offenders, for the Wroitg done to their own Souls ; rather than kindle into Refentment, at the Indignity offered to Our- felves ? — When greatly injured, are We flow to Anger, and not eafily provoked ? Are We much more willing to be reconciled, than to foment Difpleafure, and profecute Revenge ? In a Word ; do We love our Enemies ; blefs them, that curfe Us ; do Good to them, that hate Us -, and pray for thern^ which defpitefidly ufe Us, a?id ferfecute Us * f — Without this loving and lovely Difpo- * Matt V. 44. lVl}at Man>ur of Love is this? How,dif- intereftcd ! how extcnfivc ! hciw triumphant ! Mufl not all the boalkd Benevolence oi the PhilofoplKr and Momlift, ftrike Sail to this evangelical Charity ? Muft not both Moralift and Philof: phcr acknowledge the Ncceflity of a divine Operationj thus to inlarge, exalt, and refine their rocial AfFcftions ? Let.i. Aspasio/'oTheron. ^^y Difpofition, IFe abide ^ fays the Apoflle, in Death * ; are deftitute of fpiritual, and have no Title to eternal Life. Let me add — Are all our Graces, and all our Works, clothed ivith Humility -j- ? This fliould be the Drefs, in which they appear ; and the Soil, in which they flourifh. — Do We maintain a very low Opinion of our own Ac- complifliments, and in Honour prefer Others to OiirfehesX^ Habitually fenfible, that We are lefs than the leall of the divine Mercies, and the chief eft of Sinners ? I might eafily have branched out the pre- ceding Subjects, into a much greater Variety of interrogatory Articles. But I choofe to pre- fent You with a Specimen, rather than attempt a full Detail. Your own Meditations will in- large the Sketch, and fupply what is defeftive. Only let me beg of You, my dear T^heron^ to try your Heart by this Touchftone, and prove your Condu6l by this Standard. — Have You lived in the uninterrupted Obfervance of all thefe Duties j avoiding whatever is forbidden, and obeying whatever is commanded ? Have You kept, not only your outward Behaviour from any notorious Violations, but your in- ward Temper fro,m all ungodly Motions, and irregular Defires ? Z 3 When * I John iii. 14. J- i Pd, v. 5. \ Rom. xii. 10, 358 AsPAsio /o Theron. Let. I. When You put thefe Queflions to Yourfelf, remember, That if You fail in one Point, or in any Degree, You are guihy of all *. If your Conformity be not perfevering as well as pcrfeBy You incur the Penalty, and are aban- doned to the Curfe. You ftand charged, be- fore the JUDGE of the World, with all the Guilt of all your Sins, both original and ac- tual : and there is not one Circumftance, nor one Aggravation, of any of your Iniquities, overlooked or forgotten — unless, renouncing all youx perfo?ial Performances, You place your whole Affiance on a SAVIOUR'S Atonement, and a SAVIOUR's Righteoufnefs. — I think, You will not dare to put the IfTue of your everlailing State upon the former Footing. Which is not only hazardous, but muft be inevitably ruinous. You will infinitely rather choofe, to acknowledge Yourfelf a poor Infol- vent y and plead the unfearchable Riches of your REDEEMER'S Obedience. To thofe that believe, the Law, though 7?;-/^, is not terrible. Becaufe, be its Precepts of Ho- linefs ever fo extenfive, they have been moft completely fulfilled by our glorious SURETY. Be its penal Sanftions ever fo rigorous, they have been fatisfied to the utmoft, by our great MEDIATOR. — Believers, therefore, may make their Boaft of their adorable SPONSOR, They * Jam, xi. 10, Let. I. Aspasio/oTheron. 359 They mayy?/ under his Shadow with great De- light *. While the Thunderings of Mount Sif7aij and all the Terrors of the legal Dif- penfation, tend only to increafe and quicken the refrefliing Senfe of their Safety. Jufl: as the PoirefTor of a plentiful Eitate, in fome peaceful and profperous Country, repofes Him- felf under the Shade of his Vine, or the Shel- ter of his Fig-tree j and, hearing of the ^Fars which embroil, or the Plagues which depopu- late other Nations, tailes, with augmented Re- lifli, his own Felicity. Let me clofe with the afFeftionate and noble Wifh of the infpired epiftolary Writer. May the LORD of Peace give my dear T'heron Peace always^ by all Means -f- / And then I fliall think, my Wifhes are accomplifhing, this Bleffing is at the Door, when He fees the Pwity of the divine Law — fees the Depravity of his own Nature — and the utter Jmpqfjihility of being juflified, without an Intereil in the great ME- D I AT O R's Righteoufnefs. That Righteouf- iiefs, which, as it is the only Hope, and the conftant Joy, is therefore the darling Theme, of Tour ever faithful Asp AS 10. P. 6*. * Cant. li. 3, t 2 Thejr. Hi. 16. 360 AsPASio /o Theron. Let. I. ■ P. S. Shall I abridge the preceding Letter, arid contra6l the Whole into thofe two great ' Commandments, which made the iirft awakening Impreflions on my own Mind ? "Thou fialt love the LORD thy GOD with all thy Heart : T^hou Jhalt love thy Neigh- bour as thyfelf. — Amazing ! faid your Af- pa/io. Are thefe the Commands of GOD ? As obligatory, as the Prohibition of Adul- tery, or the Obfervation of the Sabbath ? Then has my whole Life been a contittual AB of Difobedience. Not a Day, no, nor an Hour, in which I have performed my Duty. — This Conviction itruck me, as the Hand- writing upon the Wall ftruck the prefumptuous Monarch. — It purfued me, as Saul purfued the Chrijiians, not only to my own Houfe, but even to dis- tant Cities. — Nor ever gave up the great Controverfy, till it brought me weary and heavy laden to JESUS CHRIS T, L E T^ LETTER II. ThERON to ASPASIO. Dear A s p A s i o, MORE than three Weeks are elapfed, fince You favoured me with your im- proving Company. During w^hich Interval, I have frequently recolle6led the moft material Paffages of our late Difcourfe. I have care- fully confidered, both the Dodlrines You ad- vanced, and the Anfwers You returned to my feveral Obje6lions.- — I have often reviev^^ed your valuable Letter ; have ufed it as a T^ouch-Jione^ to examine my State j and have been particu- larly pun6lual in obferving your parting Ad- vice : I mean, , in keeping a private Journal, not only of my. outward Condu61:, but of the inmoft Tranfaftions that pafs in my Breaft. — I have fat, every Evening, for a PiBure of my Mind ; and have endeavoured to take a true unflattering Draught of all its diftinguiihing Tempers. And, if the Diary is a faithful Mirror, if it does not aggravate the Deformity of my Features, I fliall be abfolutely out of Conceit with myfelf j fhall ever entertain the meanefi Opinion of my own, either moral or feligious Qualifications. Where 362 T HERON to ASPASIO. Let. 2. Where is that intenfe and fupreine Love of GOD, which his tranfcendent Perfe6lions challenge, and his ineffable Goodnefs claims ? — Where that firm and joyful Reliance on CHRISr JESUS, in any Degree proportioned to his infinite Merits and inviolable Promifes ? — Where that cordial and tender Affection for my Fellow-chrijiiansy which is due to the Ser- vants of a divine REDEEMER; the People whom He ranfomed by his Agonies, and pur- chafed with his very Blood ? — Where is the Incenfe of holy Contemplation and refined Defire ? Where the Flame of fervent Devotion and ever active Zeal ? Such as become the liv- ing Temple of GOD, in which his mofl im- maculate and glorious SPIRIT vouchfafes to refide. — Thefe fundamental Graces, like the grand Organs in the animal Syflem, fliould impart Health to the inner Man, and fpread the Beauty of Holinefs through all the Con- verfation. But thefe, alas ! far from beating with a vigorous and imiform Pulfe, hardly heave with Life ; only juft Ifruggle, now and then, with fome faint, intermitted, mieven Throws. Howfeldom do my A6lions fpring from Gra- titude to the everlafting BENEFACTOR, or aim at the Glory of his fupcr-excellent MA- JESTY ?— -In addreffing the KING immortal, invifible, how languid are my AfFe6lions, and how wandering is my Attention ? How great my Let. 2. Theron to Aspasio. 363 my Unbelief, and how little my reverential Awe ? — I receive innumerable Mercies ; but where are my Returns of correfpondent Thank- fulnefs ? I am vifited with many gracious Cha- ftifements 3 but without proper Refignation, or due Improvement. — Alas for my heartlefs Devotions, my lifelefs Virtues, and the Mul- titude of my refined Iniquities ! — Hid behind the Malk of outward Decency, and fome euf- tomary Forms of Religion, I was altogether unacquainted with the State of my own Soul. I fanfied myfelf rich, and increafed with Goods, and to have Need of Nothing : even while I was wretched, and miferahle, and poor, and blind, and naked *. If I look back, and review the Years of Youth and Manhood, what has been the Te- nour of my Life \ More like a defolate and horrid Wildernefs j than a cultivated Garden, or a fruitful Vineyard. — In Touth, what for- did Gratifications of Appetite ! In Manhood, what bafe Compliances with a wicked World ! In both, what Sholes of evil Inclinations have polluted my Heart ! What Swarms of vain Imaginations have debafed myThoughts ! What frothy and unprofitable Words have dropt from my Lips ! — By all which, how have I difobey- ed, and how dilhonoured GOD ! How denied, and * Rev, iii. 17, 364 Theron/oAspasio. Let. 2, and how crucified CHRIST' ! — And yet fup- pofed myfelf, all the while, to be good ejiough ! It is very unaccountable, that a Perfon of my inquifitive Difpofition, fliould, through the Courfe of fo many Years, be fuch an utter Stranger to Himfelf. I wonder at my own prepofieroiis Folly ! — To travel into foreign Countries, and vifit the mod renowned Cities in Europe ; yet never flep over the Threfliold, nor look within the Apartments of my own Bread, — To carry on a Correfpondence with my Friends, even in the remoteft Nations ; and never enter upon a Conference, nor hold any Intelligence with my own Heart ! — To in- quire after News from the Fleet, News from the Army, News from the Court ; yet exercife neither Curiofity nor Care, with regard to the Hope of Heaven and the Concerns of Eter- nity ! — What egregious Mifcondu6l is this ! A moil pernicious Error, in the Oeconomy of religious Life. Sometimes, I have caft a tranfient Glance on my outward Behaviour ; but never extended my Search to the Delinquent, the Traitor, the Rebel within, — And even my outward Beha- viour has been furveyed, with as much erro- neous Partiality, as fuperficial Levity. It has been compared, not with that exaSi and fub- lime Standard, the Scriptures of Truth -, but, as Let. -2. Theron/ 368 Theron to AsPAsio. Let. 2'. grity of my Condu6l ! All owing to Ignorance, the grolleft Ignorance of myfelf and the Scrip- tures. How do I fliudder to think, that, in expecling Juftification from the Law, I was refting the Welfare of my immortal Soul, not on the Foundation of a Rock, but on the Point of a Dagger. 1 was going to the de- cifive Tribunal, flulhed with the falfeft Hopes, and charged with a Set of glittering Sins : go- ing, like poor deluded Uriah *, not with any valid Credentials, but with the Minijiration of Condemnation -f- in my Hand. Though I cannot but acknowledge the Ar- rogance of thefe Pretenfions, yet loth, very loth is my Pride, to renounce the pleafmg Ab- furdity. Self-love has fearched, and fearched again, for fomething excellent. It would fain make a better Appearance, and can hai'dly brook the Humiliation of imploring all Jub Forma Pauperis. With what Relu6lance is a Sinner brought to confefs Himfelf, finful in every Duty, finful in every Capacity ! Sti'ange Perverfenefs ! — But the Charge is undeniable. However unwilling, I muil plead guilty. Thou ART WEIGHED IN THE BALANCES, AND FOUND WANTING %■> is evidently written on all I ^w, all I have^ all I do, — And if I am thus defec- tive, even in my own Eilimation ^ if I am utterly condemned, at the Bar of my own Con- fcience > • 2 ^am, xl. 15. t 2 Cor. xi. 9. % Diw. v, 27, Let. 3. AsPAsio to Theron. 369 fcience; What then Jhall I do, when GOD rifeth up ? And when HE "jijiteth, what fiall I anfwer Him*? I now fee the Necejjity of an imputed Rlgh-' teoufnefs. Without fome fuch Obje6l for my Truft, I am undone. I long therefore, to hear your Arguments in its Behalf And I mufl declare to You, if it can be fatisfaftorily proved from the Scriptures, it is the moft comfortable Do6lrine in the World, and worthy of all Ac- ceptation. A Letter upon this Subje6l, would be a fm- gular Favour, and, I hope, an equal Bleffing to Tour obliged, and aJcBionate, Theron. LETTER in. AsPAsio to Theron. Dear Theron, T Hough all your Letters give me Pleafure, none was ever fo highly pleafing, as your lad. I lopk upon it with the fame fecrct Joy, as a compalTionate Phyfician obferves fome very * Job xxxi. 14. Vol. II-, A a favour^ 370 Asi»A«ro to Theron. Let. 3. favourable Symptoms, in the Crifis of a beloved Patient's Diftemper. What You afk, Ifliall, without any farther Preface, attempt to execute. If my Attempt proves fatisfactory to your Judgment, I am lure, it will be the moil likely Means, of heal' ing your Confcience, and calming your Fears. —When we perceive the odious Depravity of our Nature ; when We difcern the horrible Iniquity of our Lives j and are fenfible of that tremendous Wrath and everlafting Vengeance, which are due to fuch guilty Creatures : theti nothing can be found, that will fpeak efFeclual Peace, nothing that will adminifler folid Com- fort, but only the vicarious Sufferings and the imputed Righteoufnefs of JESUS CHRIST. To this Purpofe fpeaks one of the wifell and beft of fpiritual Guides ; Has Si?i abounded^ As undoubtedly it has, in our Heart, and our Life : Grace has 77iiich more abounded^ in the Obedience, and the Merits of our REDEEMER. ^— -Nay, has Sin reigned f Exerted its malig- nant Power, in the moft extenfive and moll deftru6tive Manner -, rendering Us fubjc61 u?i- to Death:, both temporal and eternal? Evcnfo has Grace reigned j exerted its benign Efficacy, and in a Manner yet more triumphant j not only refcuing Us from Guilt and Ruin, but reftoring Us to everlajling Life and Glory. And all this through the Righteoufnefs ^ tlie compkte mcrito - Let.3. AsPAsio to Theron. 371 meritorious Righteoufnefs, brought in by JE- SUS CHRISroiir LORD"*, You inquire after the Proofs of this imputed Righteoufnefs. From a Multitude I fhall fe- \&6i a. few. Sufficient, I hope, to make it ap- pear — That this is the declared Do6lrine of our Churchy and the avowed Belief of her moji eminent Divines — That it is copioufly revealed through the whole Scriptures j revealed in many exprefs PafTages, and deducible from a Va- riety of inftru6live Similitudes. Hear the Language of our Common Prayer, in a very affe6ling and folemn Addrefs to the ALMIGHTY : " We do not prefume to come " to this thy Table, O merciful LORD, truft- " ing in our own Righteoufnefs." — If we may not, if we dare not, rely on our own Righte- oufnefs, when we approach the eucharijiic T^able ; much lefs may we depend upon it, when we are fummoned to the decifive T'nbunal.'-^^^ionld. you a(k. On what we are to depend ? The Ex- hortation to the Communion furniflies an An- fwer ; " On the meritorious Death and Faffion " of CHRIST, whereby alone we obtain Re- *' milTion of Sins, and are made Partakers of *' the Kingdom of Heaven." The Colle(5l, appointed for the Feftival of the Circumcijionj has this remarkable Introdiic- A a 2 tion 3 * Kom. v. 21. 372 AsFAsio to THERo>r. Let. 3^ tioiii '' Almighty GOD, whofe blefled SON " was obedient to the Laivfor Man^ In what Senfe, or with what Propriety, can this be affirmed ? Unlefs CHRISTs perfeft Obedience be referable to Us, and accepted in our Stead ? On any other Interpretation, I fliould think. He was obedient, not for Mauy but for Him- fi'f- Should the artful Critic give fome other Turn to thefe Paflages, it will avail Him but little. Becaufe the Church, her own bejl Ex- pofitor, has explained the Meaning of fuch Phrafes, and put the Matter beyond all Doubt. In her eleventh Article flie fays j " We are ac- " counted righteous before GOD only for the « Merits of our LORD and SAVIOUR JE- « SUS CHRISrr— The Doflrine relating to Pardon of Sin^ had been ftated in a preceding Article. This difplays the Method, whereby Sinners may appear righteous in the Eye of GOD, and in the Court of Heaven ; fo as to recover the divine Favour, and obtain a Title to eternal BUfs. — This is done, not by any native Righteoufnefs^ not by any acquired KigXi- teoufnefs, but by an imputed Righteoufnefs. Had we been jufiified by either of the former Methods, it would not have been faid. We are accounted^ but we are righteous. They are fo far from conftituting our reconciling and Juftifying Righteoufnefs, that they have no Share Let. 3' AsPAsio/oT HERON. 373 Share in it j contribute nothing towards it i are totally excluded from it. We are accounted righteous, and accepttd as fuch, only through the meritorious Obedience, and propitiating Blood of our great MEDIATOR. The HomiUes are, if it be poffible, ftill more explicit, and more cogent. In the Homily concerning the Salvation of Mankind, we read the following Words ; — " TheApoftle toucheth " three Things, which muft go together in our " Juftification. On GOD's Part, his great " Mercy and Grace. On CHi?/»ST's Part, the " Satisfadion of GOD's Juftice, or the Price *' of our Redemption, by the Offering of his " Body, and Shedding of his Blood, with " Fulfilling of the Law perfe6lly. On our " Part, true and lively Faith in the Merits of « JESUS CHRIST, which yet is not ours, ** but by G O D's working in Us." — You fee, according to the Judgment of our venerable Reformers, not only the Offering of CHRISTs Body, and Shedding of CHRISTs Blood, but alfo his perfeB FidfiUmg of the Law, are the adequate Price of our Redemption. All thefe a6l conjointly, they fweetly harmonize, in the great and glorious Work. To fuppofc their Difunion, is a doormat Miflake, fomewhat like that praBkal Error of the Papifts, in fe- vering the facramental Wine from the facra- jnental Bread 3 adminiflering to the Laiety the ' A a 3 Sym- 374 A SPAS 10 to The RON. Let. 3. Symbols of the flaughtered Body, but with- holding the Symbols of the flreaming Blood. There are other Claufes in the fame Homily, which fet the Seal of the Church to our Sen- timents. I Ihall content myfelf with tran- fcribing one from the Conclufion. — *' CHRIST, *' fays that Form of found Words, is the Righ- *' teoufnefs of all them, that do truly believe. " He for them paid their Ranfom by his Death. " He for them fulfilled the Law in his Life. " So that now, in HIM, and by HIM, every *' true chrijiian Man may be called a Fulfiller " of the Law j forafmuch as that which their *' Infirmity lacked, CHRIST'S Righteoufnefs " hath fupplied." — This Authority is as clear, as the Do(^l:nne authorized is comfortable. May the former fway our Judgment! May the latter chear our Hearts ! The Homily on CHRISTs Nativity informs the Reader, that the Defign of our LOR D's Incarnation was — " To give Light unto the " World, and call Sinners to Repentance j to ^'^ fulfil the Law for Usy and become the Pro- *' pitiation for our Sins ; to caft out the Prince *' of this World, and dcflroy the Works of " the Devil." We have all broke the Law; W^e are all unable to keep the Law j therefore, the bleired JESUS fulfilled the Law fulfilled it in each and every of its Demands fulfilled it, in the higbefi Degree of Perfedion— and, what Let. 3' AsPAsio to Theron. 375 what is of all Confiderations moft delightful, fulfilled \Xfor Us^ and in our Stead. That the Merit of his Obedience might redound to Usj might be placed to our Account ; and juftify Us in the Sight of GOD. Upon the whole If there be any Wor- thinefs in our LORD's moft holy Nature ; any Merit in his Exercife of the fublimeft Virtues ; completed by his Submiflion to the moft ig- nominious Sufferings, and tormenting Death; then, according to this Standard-Syjiem of or- thodox Divinity, thefe are the Ground oi a Sin- ner's Juftification. — And, according to the Dic- tates of the moft unbiajjed Reafon, they are the beft^ t\\Qftirefi Ground, that can eitlier be wifhed or imagined. Does it not, from the preceding Quotations, appear ; That the Dodrine of Juftification through the imputed Righteoufnefs of our blefled REDEEMER, is far from being dif- cl aimed by the ejlablified Church ? — I am forry, but conftrained to own, that We rarely find any confiderable Strictures of this great evan^ gelical Peculiarity, in our modern theological Difcourfes. Yet tliere have been Preachers of the higheft Repute for Learning, for Judg- ment, and for Piety, who profeliedly main- tained this grand Truth .of the Gofpel. A a 4 The 376 AsPASio to Theron. Let. 3. The devout Bifhop Beveridge, in his Private 'Thoughts, has left upon Record the following very remarkable Acknowledgment. Which, if it fuited his State of eminent Holinefs, can- not be too humbling, my dear Theron, for your Lips and for mine. " I do not remember, " neither do I believe, that I ever prayed, in " all my Life-time, with that Reverence, or *' heard with that Attention, or received the *' Sacrament with that Faith, or did any Work *' with that pure Heart, and fmgle Eye, as I ** ought to have done. Infomuch, that I look ** upon all my Righteoufnefs, but as filthy *' Rags ; and it is in the Robes only of the *' Righteoufnefs of the SON of GOD, that " I dare appear before the MAJESTY of *' Heaven." The fervent and affeftionate Bifhop Hopkins * fpeaks in perfect Confonance with his Brother of St. Afaph, — " The Law was given Us, not " that We fliould feek Juflification by the Ob- *' fervance of it, but finding it impoffible to *' be juftified by fulfilhng it, We fhould thereby *' be driven to CHRIST s Righteoufnefs ; who *' hath both fulfilled it in Himfelf, and fatis- *' fied for our tranfgrefling of it ; and there- <' fore faith the Apoltle, The Law was a School- ** majlcr, to brijig Us tmto CHRIST -, that We <' plight be jufiificd by Fcith. To this End k *' was ♦ See his Sermon on John vii. 19. Let. 3' AsPAsio to Theron. 377 ** was promulged, that feeing the Striclnefs of " its Precepts, the Rigour of its Threatenings, ** and withal being convinced of our Impo- ** tence to fulfil its Commands, We might be " urged by its Terrors to fly to CHRIST', and " find that Righteoufnefs in Him which may " anfwer all the Demands of the Law." Bifhop Reynolds *, ftyled by his Cotempora- ries, and not without Reafon, A walking Li- brary, bears his Teftimony in the following Words J — " CHRIST' zs our Surety paid our " Debt, underwent the Curfe due to our Sins, ** and bare them all in his own Body on the <* Tree : became fubje6l to the Law for Us, " and reprefentatively in our Stead fulfilled all " the Righteoufnefs the Law required, a6live " and pafTive. For Sin being once committed, " there muft be a double A61 to Juftification ; ** the Suffering of the Curfe, and the FulfiU- " ing of Righteoufnefs anew. The one, a Sa- " tisfaftion for the Injury We have done to « GOD, as our JUDGE : the other, the Per^ " formance of a Service which We owe unto «' Him, as our MAKER." To this illuflrious Triumvirate, let me join Bifhop Davenant, Who, for his great Abili- ties, * See his Trcatife intitled The Life of CHRIST.—Whkh, as well as all his other Works, abound with ftriking Senti- ments J have much Elegance of Di(ftion, a copious Variety of Learnings and a lively animating Spirit of evangclicij 37^ AsPAsio to Theron. Let. 3. ties, and uiiquellionable Integrity, was ap- pointed one of our religious Plenipotentiaries, at the renowned Synod of Dort. In his very valuable Expofition of the Epiftle to the Co- loffians^ Rewrites to this Effe6l: " Te are com- *' plete in CHRIST. Ye are furniflied, in that *^ all-fufficient REDEEMER, with whatever " is requifite to everlafting Salvation. With ^' Wijdom J fmce it is the Confummation of this *' noble Endowment, to know CHRIST and *' Him crucified. With Right eoufjtefs ; becaufe " He has perfeclly fatisfied the Law *, and " thoroughly expiated our Guilt. With Sanc- " tification-y becaufe his Spirit dwelling in our " Hearts, mortifies our corrupt AfFe6lions, " and renews the Soul after the Im^e of its "CREATOR." Let me bring up the Rear with a Tefbimony, which, for Clcarnefs, Solidity, ^nd a full Re- prefenta- * In this Refpecl principally (fays our Author; inlarging upon the Text) arc Believers complete; becaufe, though de- ftitute of any Righteoufnefs, that may properly be called their own, CHRIST has gracioufly enriched them with his. VuL Davennnt. iti Epiji. ad Colojf. Let me beg Leave to intimate. That this Expofition of the EpiUle to the ColoJJians for Perfpicuity of Style, and Accuracy of Method for Judgment in difcerning, and Fidelity in reprefenting, the Apoitle's Meaning for Strength of Argument in refuting Errors, and Felicity of Invctition in deducing pradlical Dodrines, tending both to the Eftablifhmcnt of Faith, and the Cultivation of Holineft is, I think, mfcrior to no Writing of the Kind ; and richly defer ves to be rcadt to be ftudifcl, to be imitated, by our young Divines. Let. 3* Aspasio/'oTheron. 379 prefentation of the evangelical Dodlrine, might very juftly have claimed a Place in the Vfin, It is taken from an Author, v^hom the gene- ral Confent of our Nation has diftinguiftied Vi^ith the Title of judicious. The judicious Hooker y in a Treatife on Juflification, fays ; — " It is a childifli Cavil our Adverfarics do " fo greatly pleafe themfelves with, exclaiming, " that We tread all Chriftian Virtues under our " Feet ; becaufe We teach, That Faith alone " juftifieth. Whereas, by this Speech, We ne- " ver meant to exclude either Hope or Charity " from being always joined as infeparable " Mates with Faith, in the Man that is juf- " tified 5 or Works from being added, as ne- " ceflary Duties, required of every juilified " Man : but to fhew, that Faith is the only " Hand, which putteth on CHRIST to Jufti- " fication ; and CHRIST tlie only Garment, ." 'which being fo put on, covereth the Shame *' of our defiled Natures, hideth the Imper- " fe6lion of our Works, and preferveth Us " blamelefsinthe Sight of GOD: before whom, " otherwife, the Weaknefs of our Faith were " Caufe fufficient to make Us culpable, yea, to " fhut Us out of the Kingdom of Heaven, where " nothing that is not abfolute can enter." You will allow the fagacious Bifhop Sander^ Jon * to fum up the Evidence ; or rather to make *-See his Sermon upon Ifalab lii. 3. 380 AsPASio /5 Theron. Let. 3. make an important Remark on the Whole of the Controverfy. That great Light of the Church, both in cafuiftical and p]a6tical Di- vinity, obferves 5 — " The Tidings of a RE- *' DEEMER miifl be blefTed and welcome " News, to thofe that are fenfible of their own *' Poverty, and take it of Grace." Our eagle- eyed Divine penetrates into the true^ though latent^ Caufe of the prevailing Averfenefs to this evangelical Do6lrine. It is founded on the State of the Hearty more than upon any Force of Argument. People are but little, if at all, fenfible of their fpiritual and moral In- digence J of the Defe6ls that depreciate, and the Defilements that fully, whatever they have, and whatever they do. Nay, ftrongly tinc- tured with Pride, they would be themfelves the Alpha, and fuffer the bleffed JESUS, to be no more than the Omega, in procuring their eternal Salvation. Therefore, they can hardly be reconciled to the humbling Thought of re- ceiving all, as a Gift of freeil Grace. Whereas, was this grand Obftacle once re- moved ; were Men convinced of Sin, of ex- ceeding Sinfulnefs in their woril Eftate, and of remaining Sinfulnefs in their befl ; they would foon be convinced oi Righteoufrcfs, of the fibfolute Ncceflity and ineftimable Worth of a REDEEMER'S Righteaufnefs. They would no longer difpute againll it, but cordially em- brace Let. 2* As PAS 10 to Theron. 381 brace it ; intirely rely on it ; and adore the Goodnefs, the tranfcendent and unutterable Goodnefs of GOD, in providing it. I think, in one of our Conferences, I un-r dertook to produce my Vouchers from the an- tient Fathers. Let me now fubjoin two or three Atteftations of this Kind. — From one of which You will perceive, that thofe early Wri- ters had a confiderable Degree of Clearnefs upon the Point. From the other You will fee, that, far from reje6ling the Do6lrine, they em- brace it with Delight and Rapture. And if You will admit of the laji. You cannot be ftartled at any Thing, that I (hall advance upon the Subject. — Let me only premife in general, that, if thofe Authors are not fo co- pious and explicit, with regard to the Impu- tation of ci^he Righteoufnefs ; they abound in Paffages, • which evince the Siikjiitiitio?! of CHRIST in our Stead. Paflages, which dif- claim all Dependence on any Duties of our own, and fix the Hopes of a Believer wholly upon the Merits of his SAVIOUR. When this is the Cafe, I am very little folicitous about any particular Forms of Expreflion ; and not at all angry, even though the Words, which I think moft fignificant, are not retained, ^., Clemem an intimate Acquaintance of ^Sf. FauFSi and whofe Name was in the Book cf Life 1%1 AsPAsio /i? Theron. Let. 3, Life * — in his truly excellent Epiftle to the Corinthians i afliires that People •!• : We are not, in any Refpe6l or in any Degree, jiiftijied by Ourjekes, but wholly by JESUS CHRIST : not by our own Wifdom or Frudence^ which could never find out the Way j not by the Piety of our Hearts^ or Works of Righteouffiefs performed in our Lives, which could never be fufficient for the Purpofe ;' but by Faith. The one invariable Method, by which the Ahnighty SOVEREIGN has juftified all his People, ever f nee the World began. Juftin — who was firft a Gentile Philofopher, then an eminent Chrijiian, and at 1 aft a Martyr for the Truth — fpeaks more fully to the Point % : What elfe could cover our Sins, but the Righteouf nefs * Phil. \r. 3. •)- Ou ol sauTwv SiV-Xiv^j-i^x, o'jh Six rriz rjWfTspa? (ro^^x^y rriTt m/.^Suxg' aXXx Six T?]? ixrifiu;, SI r,q -srxvTXi ra; diir etiuv^ TJxvTox^xToc^ €>£(§>> tSitiXiwciV. I Epiji. ad Corinth — This Qiiotation is explabiedy as well as tranjlated. But that every Reader may diftinguifli the Text from the Para- phrafe, the firft is printed in Italic, the laft in Roman Cha- radlers. X Ti «A?vO TXZ a,uapTi«f 7i|UWV y\S\}m^r\ }CaAuv|/a», % fXftva ^txatoTuu^j Ev T»»» JtKaicoGiivat J'-JuasTov Tjf? xvoiz-v; Vfxag nxi •co-.-fa?, n iv Tw u.co T» ©fa j ft THS FATKEIAS KATAA- AAFHT, w TTif xvs^i^vixs-a Sriy.iiSf'yixi;, u tcov xTr^ocrSoxnTm t-vspytcriuv^ i\tx avoy.ix ttoAAwv jv J'lxaiw (vi aov^v, Siitxiocvjn S^ tvo? TToXXv? xvouvg Siyixiu(Tr\. EpiJ?. ad Diogn. — Though Du Pin queiHons the Authority of this Epiltle, He allows it ta have been written by an anticnt Hand. Dr. Cave, as ca- pable a Judge, thinks there is no Rcafon to doubt, but it is the genuine Work of J'i/iin, Let. 3* AsPAsio /o Theron. 383 nefs of JESUS CHRIST? By what pojfibk Means could JVe, unrighteous and wiholy Creatures, bejujiifiedj but only by the Interpofition of the SON of GOD in our Behalf ?— Having, in this Claufe, made a Profeffion of his Faith ; the good Man, on the Contemplation of fuch a Privilege, breaks out into a kind of holy Tranfport. O fweet and delightful Exchange ! A Difpenfation unfearchably wife and gracious ! Benefits, quite unexpedled, and rich beyond all our Hopes! That the Sin of Many fioidd be hid by one righteous Perfon ; and that the Righteoufnefs of One, Jhoidd jifiify many Tranfgrejfors, The foUov^ring Words are remarkably ftrong, and the Sentiments peculiarly bold. But they come from the Pen of the fineft Writer in Ec- deliaflical Antiquity. They have the great Name, and venerable Charafter of St. Chry^ fojlom, for their recommendatory Preface *. — Pear not, fays He, on Account of any of thy p aft TranfgreJ/mns of the Law, when once Thou hafl fied by Paith to JE S US CHR IS T. The mofi enormous and the moft defiruBive Violation of the Law, is. To be with-held, by the Cofifcioufnefs of any Guilt whatever, from believing on CHRIST. When rn "JTi^it 7rpo(r»iA0f?' tote ya^ ocvrov TrapaSaiVf »?, ors o^i' ocvtcj TU Xp»rw l^y) 7r»r£u.«C£f. 'HomiK XV^II, in X ad Rom. 384 AsPAsio to Theron. Let. 3,' When Thou aBeft Faith on Hiniy T^hoii haJlfuU filled^ I might fay, more than fulfilled the haw. For T^hou hafi a better Right eoufnefs, than it could ever require j a better Obedience, than any Crea- ture could pofjibly pay. Two or three WitnefTes of difiinguified Abi- lity, and undoubted Veracity, are afufficient Con- firmation of any Caufe. For this Reafon, and to avoid a tirefome Prolixity, I have fet afide a Multitude of Voices ; which, from the Writ- ings of our own and foreign Divines, are ready to pour their united Evidence. — And left the Bufmefs of Quotation, though fparingly ma- naged, fliould feem dry and tedious j I will relieve your Wearinefs, and inliven the Col- lection, by an Extra^ from the Prince of Eng- liJJj Poetry. — Michael, the prophetic Arch-an- gel, mentioning the deftru6live Confequences of the Fall, and allerting the GODHEAD of that glorious PERSON, who undertook to be the Repairer of this deadly Breach j adds, Which HE, who comes thy SAVIOUR, fhall re- cure. Not by defiroying Satan, but his Works, In ^hee and in Thy Seed. Nor can this be. But by fulfilling (that which 'Thou didfi want) Obedience to the Law of GOD, irnposd On Penalty of Death -, and fufFering Death, The Let. 3' AsPASio /c Therom : 385 ^be Penalty to thy l^raiifgrcjjion due -, And due to theirs^ luhich out of t hi fie will grou\ So ONLY can high Jujiice rejl appald *. Here then is the exprefs Determination of our Hotnilies — fupported by the Authority of our Articles — eflabhlhed by the Concurrence of our Liturgy — ;ftiil farther ratified by the unanimous Atteftation of feveral celebrated Di-^ njines 3 whofe Lives were the brighteft Orna- ment to our Church, and whofe Writings are the moil unexceptionable Interpretation of her Meaning.- — As a Capital, to crown and com- plete this grand Column, fupervenes the De- claration of the antient Fathers ; thofe who flouriflied, and with the higheft Renown, in the firfl and purefl Ages of Chriflianity. — So that, if great Authorities carry any Weight ; if.illuftrious Names challenge any Regard j this Tenet comes attended and dignified with very confiderable Credentials, Yet I vv^ill venture to affirm, that all thcfe, confiderable as they appear, are the leafi of thofe Teflimonials, which recommend the Doc- trine to my ^herons Acceptance, and which have gained it Admittance into the Heart of His moft affect ionate A s p A s I o. ♦ M'lUon, B. XII. 393. Vol, II' B b LET- 1 LETTER IV. AsPAsio to Theron. Dear Theron, ■^HE Family, in which I have the Satls- fa6lion to refide, though remarkable for their genteel Figure and ample Fortune, are ilill more amiably diftinguiflied by their Be^ 72evoIencCy Hofpitality, and Charity. — As they live at a Diftance from the Market- to v^n, the Lady has converted one Apartment of her Houfe into a little Difpenfatory j and flocked it with fome of the mofl common, the mofl needed, and moft falutary Medicines. Which, in Cafes of ordinary Indifpofition, She diftri- butcs to her indigent Neighbours, with fmgu- lar Compaffion, and with no fmall Succefs. — This fine Morning, Emilia has ordered fome fkiiful Hands into the Fields, to cull their heal- ing Simples, and lay up a Magazine of Health for the afiii6lcd Poor. Camillus is withdrawn, to receive his Rents, and fettle Accounts with his Tenants. Suppofc, We a61: in Concert with thefe va- luable Perfons. Suppofe, We range the de- ligb.tful Fields of Scripture, and form a Col- lection, not of fakitiferous Herbs, but of in- eflimable Let.4» Aspasio/oTheron. ^i'f eftimable Texts ; fuch as may be of fovereigfi Efficacy, to ajfuage the AiiguiJJo of a guilty Con- fcience, and impart fcroing Health to the dii- tempered Soul. — Suppofe, We open the Mines of divine Infpiration, and enrich Ourfelves, not with the Gold of Ophit\ but with the iin- fe arch able T'reafiires of CHRIST' ; or with that perfea Righteoufnefs of our REDEEMER, which is incomparably more precious, than the Revenues of a County, or the Produce of Peru. In pleading for imputed Righteoufnefs, We have already urged the Authority of our efta- bliflied Church, and the Suffrage of her mo/t eminent Divines. — The Opinion of excellent Writers, which has bcren the Refult of much Learning, great Attention, and earnefl: Prayer, is no contemptible Evidence. Yet We muft always referve the cafiing Voice, for thofe in- fallible Umpires, the Prophets and Apollles. If we receive^ with a deferential Regard, the Witnefi of Men j the Witnefs of GOD is greater *, and challenges the moft implicit Submillion. — > Which Remark naturally leads me to the in- tended Subject of" this Epiftle; or rather calls upon me to fulfil my late Engagement, and fliew — That the above-mentioned Do6lrine is copioufly revealed,through the Scriptures of the Old and Neio Tellament. B b 2 Be "* \ 'Jchn v. 9, 388 AsPAsio to Theron. Let. 4, Be pleafed to confider that memorable Por- tion from the Epiftle to the Romam ; which, though httle inferior to a decifive Proof, is produced only as an Introduclion to others. Now the Righteoufnefs of GOD 'without the Law is manifefledi being ivitncjfed by the haw and the Prophets -y eveji the Righteoufnefs of GOD y which is by Faith of JESUS CHRIST unto all and upon all them that believe * . The Right eoujnefs of GODy fignifies that Righteoufnefs, which the incar- nate GOD wrought out in his own all-glori- ous Perfon -f-. It is flyled the Righteoufnefs of GOD, by Vv'ay of fuperlative Pre-eminence > in Oppofition to any Righteoufnefs of our own, and in Contradiflinftipn to the Righteoufnefs of all Creatures whatever. — This Righteouf- nefs is without the Law. Its Efficacy has no ^Dependence on, its Merit receives no Addition from, * Rom. Hi. 21, 22. f This Explication, or fomething to the fame Parpofc, has occurred already. But it is hoped, the candid Reader ■will not condemn the Repetition, Z'iz difagreeoble zud jejune Tautology. — Bccaufc, it is fo confonant to the Practice of our great Apoftle, who repeats the Term, reinculcates the Dodtrii'e, and hardly knows how to defift from the favourite T( pic : like One, who was quite enamoured with the Sub- ject ; who found Mufic in the Words ; aiid whofe Happinefs wtis bound up in the Blefling. — Bccaufe, it is conformable to another, and a greater Kxample, The LORD JEHO- VAH Himfelf, within the Compaf^ oi one Chapter, once and again, yea, a third and a fourth Time, ftyles this won- derful Obedience, My Righteousness. As though the GOD or infinite Perfc«3.ion, gloried in it ; thought Himfelf niofl evuHcntly magnified by it; and was jealous to ha\e all tlic Honour rcfuking fiom it. Sec Ijai, li. Let. 4- AsPAsio /i? Theron. 3B9 from, any Conformity of our Practice to th^e divine Law : being complete, abfolutely com- plete in itfelf, and altogether fufficient to pro- ciire tiie Reconciliation and Acceptance of Sin- ner^. — This Righteoufnefs is ivitiiejjed by the Law and the Prophets ; receives an uniform At- tellation from the feveral Writings of the Old Teltament. To inveftigate which Atteitation, to examine its Pertinency, and confider its Sufficiency, is our prefent pleafing Bufmefs. We may begin with that gracious Declara- tion, made to the firft TranfgrelTors : The Seed of the Woman fiall bruife the Serpen fs Head * ; fhall deftroy the Works of the Devil, and- re- trieve whatever was loil by his malicious x^r- tifices -f-. How could this be efFe6led, but by reftoring that Righteoufnefs, which, for a while, our firfl Parents pofiefled j which they ought always to have held fait 3 but from which thfey fo foon and fo unhappily fwervcd ? — Take the Pofition in the right Senfe, and ChriJUa- nity is, if not intirely, yet very nearly as old as the Creation. It was comprehended in this bleffed Promife, as the Stamina of the lai'geft Plants * Gen. iii. 15. t In fome fuch Senfe, I think, the Promife muft have been underftood by our firft Parents. Othcrwife, it could have yielded them no effe^ital Relief, under the diitreifing Senfe of their own Milery, and the difmal Apprehcnfion of thciy Pofterity's Ruin. Bb 3 390 AsPAsio /oTheron. Let.4. Plants are contained In the Subflancc of their rcfpeftive Seeds. Every fubfeqiient Revelation being no more, than a gradual Evolutioji of this grand evangelical Principle ; a61ing like the vegetative Powers of Nature, which, in rearing an Oak with all its Spread of Branches, only expand the Tunicles, and fill up the Vef- fels of the Acorn. This Do6trine feems to have been typically taught, by the remarkable Manner of clothing our firft Parents. — All they could do for their own Recovery, was like the patched and beg- garly Mantle of Fig-leaves. This they relin- quilh, and GOD himfelf furnifhes them with Apparel *. Animals are flain, not for Food but Sacrifce ; and the naked Criminals are ar- rayed with the Skins of thofe flaughtered Beafls. The Vi6lims figured the Expiation of CHRIST^s Death ; the Clothing typefied the Imputation of his Righteoufnefs. — In perfe6l Conformity^ perhaps with a Reference, to the PafTage thus interpreted, the Apofile juft now expreffed Himfelf; even the Righteoufnefs of GOD y li^hich is not only made over -f- to all Believers, as a 3 ich Portion ; but put -f- upon all^ as a beauti- lui Garment. Whereby alone their moral De- formity can be covered, and their everlafling Con- * Gen. iii. 20. •j i Rcin,'\\\,12. EI2 w>w;:j, Em W5Jv!«< T^; ar»r£U6v'';i!j. Let. 4- AsPAsio to Theron. 391 Confufion prevented. — Milton^ it is certain, fpeaking of this memorable Tranfadion, con- fiders it in the fame fpiritual Senfe : Nor HE their outward onlj with the Shins Of Beafts, te inward Nakednefs (much more Opprobrious!) with his Robe of Righteoufnefs Arraying, covered from his Father s Sight. In thy Seed, fays the great JEHOVAH to his Servant Abraham^ JJjall all the Nations of the Earth be bkjfed *. That the Seed here men- tioned is CHRIST, the Apoflle f places be- yond all Doubt. Both Scripture and Reafon declare, That true Bleffeducfs mufi: neceffarily include — the Pardon of Sins, and the Favour of GOD — the Sanclification of our Souls, and the Inheritance of Life eternal. None of which are to be acquired by any human Performances ; but all are to be fought, and all may be found, in -the Root and Offspring of Abraham, JE- SUS CHRIST'. Who is therefore moll perti- nently ftyled, The Desire OF ALL Nations J: The a^ual Defire of every inlightened Nation ; and the implicit Defire of all Nations whatever. Becaufe * Gen. xxii. i8. t See St. PauVs Comment upon this invalur.ble PromJfe, Gal. iii. 8, ^c. This Commentator, We all allow, was guided by the SPIRIT, and knew the Mind of GOD. Ac- cording to his Expofition of the Text, it is pregnant with the Dodlrine of Juftification by Faith, and coniaiuo aa Abridgment of the GofpeJ. X Hflg^ ii. 1. B b 4 392 A SPAS 10 to The RON. Let. 4. Becalifc nil, without any Exception, covet, what is to be derived only from JEStlS CHRIST^ the Righteous, rr^/ Happinefs. The patriarchal Age, and the legal Oeco- nomy, bore their Teftimony to this Trath, by typical Perfons, emblematical Miracles, and figurative Ufages. Indeed, the whole ceremo- nial Service was a grand Series of Types, re- prefenting CHRIST ^nd his everlafling Righ- teoufnefs. In all which, this was the imani- mous though filent Language ; Behold the LAMB cf GOD J that taketh aivay the Sin of the World. — Thefe I Hiall not ftay to difcufs, becaufe Proofs of a more explicit and pofitive Nature wait for our Confideration. Only I w^ould juft make ^ tranfient Obfervation, relating to one very re- markable Conftitution in the Jewifi Ritual. The High-Prieft had, on the Front of his Mitre, a Plate of pure Gold, engraven with that venerable Motto *, Holiness to the LORD. Which was always to be on his Forehead, when He performed the folemn Mi- nilirations of the Sanctuary ; and for this im- portant Reafon, that the People might be ac- cepted before the LORD -f-. Did not this mod clearly forefliew the immaculate Holinefs of our great HIGH-PRIEST ? And with equal Clearnefs imply, that his Holinefs fliould pro-^ ^ure Acceptance for all his Followers ? In * Ex(^d. xxviii. 36, 37. f Excd. xxviii, 38, Let. 4* AsPAsio to Theroi^. 393 In the Book of 'job^ We have feveral Hints of this Truth, and one PafTage very exprcfs to our Purpofe. — Elihu defciibes an uncon- verted Perfon, under the chaftifing Hand of Providence. Whofe Life, through the Extre- inity of his Difeafe, drew near to the Grave ; and his Soul, through the Multitude of his Ini- quitiesj v^^as ready to become a Prey to the De- Jiroyers, the tremendous Executioners of Ven- ^ geance. In this deplorable Condition, if thei-'e be prefent with Him, the MESSENGER * of the Covenant of Peace $ that great INTER- PkETER * of the divine Counfels, who, for his fuper-excellent Wifdom, is juftly deemed 0?te among a thoifand, or rather the chiefeil: among ten thoufand. If He, by his inlighten- ing SPIRIT, vouchfafe tofiew unto the afiiicled Man his own perfeft Righteoufnefs ; that mofb meritorious Vprightnefs, on which alone a Sin- ner may depend, both for temporal and eter- nal Salvation. T^hen the poor diftrefied Crea- ture, * * See Job xxxiil. 22, ^f.—C/fi^/^r is called -j^Ss: The Angel of the divine Prefence, Ifai. Ixiii. 9. The Mef~ fenger of the Covenant. Mai. iii. i. — ■_ — He is alfo, in the moft unlimited Senfe of the Phrafe, ■•/^S.VJ The Interpreter of the divine Counfels : He, to whom the FATHER hath given the Tongue of the Learned, and by whom He makes known the otherwife unfearchable Myfterks of the Gofpel. Should any Doubt remain, concerning the Propriety of ap- plying this PaiTage to our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the Header, I hope, will give himfelf the Pleafure of pcrufing the polite TFitfius, Oecon. Lib. IV. Caj?. iii. § xxxi. and Dr, Greys valuabie Notes upon the Pla^e, in his Liber J obi. 394 Asp AS 10 to Theron. Let. 4. ture, attentUe to this Inllruciion, and apply- ing this Righteouiiiefs, is made Partaker of Pardon. GOB, the fovereign LORD of Life and Death, is gracious unto Him ; andfaithy in the Greatnefs of his Strength, as well as in the Multitude of his Mercies, Deliver Him from going down ifzto the Pit of Cori'uption, as a Pledge of his Dehverance from the Pit of Per- dition. For, 1 have found a Ranfomy fufficient to fatisfy my Juftice. I have received an Atone- ment, in behalf of this once obnoxious, now reconciled TranfgrelTor. But why do I fele6l one particular Paragraph ? It feems to be the main Defign of the whole Book, to overthrow all Pretenfions of any juf- tifying Righteoufnefs in Man. That the wj-etch- ed dinner, nay, that the greateji Saints ftript of every perfonal Plea, may rely only on the Me- rits of a REDEEMER. This is the final Ilfue of all thofe warm Debates, which pafs between the afflicled Hero and his Friends. This is the grand Rcfult of Elihiis calm Reafoning, and of GOD Almighty's awful Interrogatories. The apparent Center this *, in which all the Lines terminate j juflly therefore to be con- fidered, as the frincifal Scope of the whole Work. I muft not omit an excellent Obfervation, which 1 find in fome critical and explanatory Notes^ *■ See Jtb xlii. 6, ., Let. 4* AsPASio r Kti^* o Xx^^xvav tav Su^ixv jr? Ji-» jtafpo-uv'/if. Pfol. xxiv. 5, Rom. v. 17. 3 9^ ' A s p A 5 1 o to T H r. R o N. Let. 4. Man, but beftowedhj JEHOVAH i and which • is the only folid Bafis, to fupport our Hopes of Pardon and Happincfs, — Here the Promife is made. Elfewhere the Pfalmiji exprefles his fupreme Value for it, and intire Dependence on it. I will go forth in the Strength of the LORD GODy and will make Mention of thy Right eoifijefs only *. As though He had faid j I will have Recourfe to no other Righteouf- nefs, for the Confolation of my Soul. I will plead no other Righteoufnefs, for the Recom- mendation of my Prayers. I will fly to no other Righteoufnefs, for my final Acceptance, and endlefs Felicity. — This is that Raiment of Needle-work and Clothifig of w7'ought Gold -f-, in which the King's Daughter is introduced to the adojable JEHOVAH. This is that Gar- ment yir Glory and for Beauty y which clothed our gYQ^tHIGH-PRIES'Ti and defcending to his very Feet, clothes and adorns the loweft Mem- bers of his myftical Body t. Juftly therefore, and on the mofl rational Principles, does the Pfalmijl declare ; BleJJed is the People^ that know the joy Jul Sound : they JJjall walky * Pfal.lxxl 16. There is, in the /i'^r^w; Original, and in the ncwTranilation, a very emphatical Repetition ; which adds Weight to the Sentiment, and demands a very peculiar Attention from the Reader : Thy Righteoufnefs^ even thine only. t Pfal. Ixv. 13. Thcfc beautiful Images are ufed, to de- jiote the rich and coflly Nature, the diftinguifhed and match- leb Excellency, uf our MEDIATOR'S Rightcoulhefs. X Rti'.l 13. Let. 4' AsPAsio/£?T HERON. 397 walk^ O LORD, ifi the Light of thy Countenance. In thy Name JJjall they rejoice all the Day : and in thy 'Righteoufnefs flail they l?e exalted *. — They are truly bleiled, they alone are happy, who know the joyful Sound of th-e Gofpel j not only receive it with their Ears, but admit it into "their very Hearts : To as to partake of the fa- cred 'Peace, and fpiritual Liberty, which it proclaims. — They flail walk in the Light of thy Countenance ', they fliall enjoy fuch Communi- cations of thy Grace, and fuch Manifeftations of thy Love, as will conflitute the Serenity and Sunfliine of their Souls. — /// thy Name^ O LORD JESUS CHRIST, flail they rejoice ; in thy glorious Perfon, and thy infinite Me- rits. And not occafionally, but habitually ; not barely at fome diftinguifhed Intervals, but all the Day. Their Joy fhall be as lading, as it is fubftantial. — And in thy Righteoufnefs fl:all they be exalted j fet above the tantalizing Power of the World ; placed beyond the flavifli Fear of Death ; and raifed, at the laif, to a State of endlefs Glory, and confummate Blifs. How thoroughly evangelical is this fweet and 'feraphic Writer ! Pie has Joy, He has Blefled- nefs, and He looks for evcrlalling Exaltation. Yet not from his Faith, his Repentance, and 'his own fincere Obedience. According to this, which is the modern Scheme, Faith, inftead of * ffah Ixxxix. 15, 1 6. 39S AsPAsio to Theron. Let. 4. of receiving, v^ouXA fupplant the LORD JE- SUS: Repentance, inllead of being the Gift of CHRISTy would become his Rival : and fincere Obedience, which is for the Praife and Glory of GOD, would eciipfe and tmpoveri/b his Grace. — But David adopts no fuch Senti- ments. David maintains no fuch Do6lrine. This is the invariable Language of his Heart, ^// my Springs of Hope, of Truft, and Con- folation, O thou adored IMMANUEL, are in The *. This Senfe is the lefs precarious, I had al- moft faid the more certain, as it exa6lly cor- refponds with the Analogy of Faith, and co- incides with the exprefs Declarations of other Scriptures. — Ifaiah is ftyled the Evaiigelifi of the Jeivifi Church. Becaufe, more frequently than any of the Prophets He celebrates, and more copioufly explains, this and other Pecu- liarities of the Gof}:>el. — In the very firft Chap- ter, He preaches thefe glad Tidings ; Sionjloall be redeeyned with Judgment^ and her Converts with Righteoiifnefs. Sion, the Gofpel-Church, compofed of fallen Creatures, fometime dif- obedient to their GOD, and inflaved to Satan, iliall be redeemed. Redeemed, not with cor- ruptible Things, Silver and Gold, but by fe- vere Judgments executed on their glorious Head, and gracious Reprefentative. And not by thefe only, * Pfal. Ixxxvii. ^. Let. 4. As PAS I o ^(? The RON. 399 only, but by Right eoujhefs alfo ; by the perfect: and moft meritorious Righteoufnefs of the fame divinely excellent Perfon *. Our facred Author bears his Teftimony,with warmer Zeal and brighter Evidence, as he pro- ceeds in his incomparable Difcourfes. Surely, Jhall one fay (or, as it may be rendered, only) in the LORD have I Righteoiif?iefs and Strength •^, Pleafe to obferve, T'bcron. It is not faid, in my own Works, in my own Repentance, no, nor in my own Faith, but in the LORD JE- SUS have I Righteoufnefs. — Righteoufnefs for Juftification, and Strength for San6lification. An imputed Righteoufnefs, to procure my Ac- ceptance J an imparted Strength, to produce my Holinefs. The firfl, conftituting my Title to the everlafting Inheritance i the laft, form- ing my perfonal Preparation for its Enjoyment. — Surely J which expreffes a firm Perfuafion, and an unfhaken Affiance. Only^ which de- notes an utter Renunciation of all other Con- fidence, and excludes every other Ground of Hope. — Righteoufnejfes J, the Oi'iginal is in the plural Number. Which feems to be ufed, not without * Hanc Redemptlonem rlocet SPIRITUS SANCTUS habere NQS.in Obedientld ^ Sanguine JEbU CHRISTI. Ilai. i. 27. Vitringa in Loc. t Jfai. xlv. 24. X nipT^f parallel to which, botli in Conflru£lion and Sloi' nification, is the Phrafe ufed by St. John^ Anisi.icciJ.oP.x, Rlv, xix. 8. The fine Linen is the Righteoufnefs (properly, the Ri^^h-. teQuOiellevs) of ths Saint's., 400 Asp AS I o to Tmerok. Let. 4.' without an important Defign ; to inlarge rfie Sigiiificancy -of the Word, and make it ,cor- refpond with the Richnefs of the Bleflmg. 'So that it may imply the Fuhiefs and fuper- -eminent Excellency of this Gift of Grace ; as .comprehending whatever *, either of Suffering or of Ohedience, is requifite to the Juftifica- tion of Sinners. — ^Infomuch that In the LORD JESUS CHRIST, all the Seed of Ifrael fjall not be jiijiijicd onl^y but rejoice 5 ^/z^ not only con- •fide, but glory •f-. What he had juft now afferted, he exem- plifies in his own, and in the Perfon of every true Believer. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my Soul Jhall be joyful in my GOD ; for He hath clothed me with the Garments of Salvation, He ■hath covered me with the Robe of Right eoifnefs i. — True Believers are compared, in one of our facred Eclogues, to a Company of Horfes in Pha^ raoh's Chariot \\ : to Horfes, than which no Ani- mal is more ftately and graceful : to Egyptian Horfes, which were the befl and completed, then in the World : to thofe in PharaolSs Cha- riot, which, doubtlefs, WTre a choice Set j fe- lefted fjom Thoufands j and finefl, where all were fine. Here, methinks, I fee the Gom- parifon * Viilt dicere Propheta^ in JEHOVA ejfe ID proptee QUOD Pcccatcr refipifccns ij credcns, a Peccatis abfolvi, & jure ail Benedidtionem coeleftem douari queat ac debeat : eJfe illnd "J EHOVM propr'iutn ; ab ipfo queer endum \ quod extra ipfum non inveniiur. Vitriiiga. t Jjhi. xlv. 25. X -(Z^'. Ixi' IC. tl ^^^* '• 9* Let. 4* AsPAsio/t?THERON. 401 parifon realized. Chrijlians, endued with fuch a Spirit, as breathes in this animated Text, are like a Colle6lion of thofe gallant and majeflic Steeds ; not deftined to low Drudgery, but ap- pointed to run in the royal Chariot ^ all Life^ full of Fire j champing the Bit, and eager for the Chafe. Nothing can more beautifully de- fcribe a State of Exultation and Ardour, than the preceding Similitude, or the following Words. / will rejoice ; I will greatly rejoice ; my very Soul, and all that is within me, JJjall be joyful in fny GOD. Wherefore? Becaufe l/ of GOD ; / coimfei Thee, fays the blefTed JE- SUS, to buy of me Gold tried in the Fire, that T^hou mayeji he rich ; and ivhite Kaijnent, that Thou mayeji be clothed'^.' Gold \ What can this denote, but all thofe fpiritual Treafures, whicli are hid in CHRISTY Which are, in Meafure, unfearchable; in Value, ineflimable; in Du- ration, eternal. — White Raimeiit ! Surely this muft fignify the Righteoufnefs of our RE- DEEMER j which is all Purity, and all Perfc6lion. Which clothes the Soul, as a mofl fuitable and commodious Garment ; which co- vers every Deformity and every Sin ; and pre^ fents the Believer, free from Shame, and free fi-om Blemiih, before the Throne of the MA- JESTY ill the Heavens. This, gotten the Stable arid the Manger. They, who are offended at this Circumftance, and aftiamed to own their LORD in his deep Humiliation, have but very imperfectly learned the Apoftle's LefTon ; G O D forbid, that I Jhould glory, fav( in ih( Cross of CHRIST JESUS my LORD, * Rev, iii. 18, 1/et. 4. AsPAsio ^ Theron. 411 This, to ufe the delicate Language, and amiable Images of Ifaiah — T'hh Do6i:rine, em- braced by a realizing Faith, is the only Pillow of ^efi, wherewith Te tnay caufe the weary and heavy-laden Soul to find Repofe ; and this is the fovereign Cordial, prepared by infinite Mercy, for the Refrefiment of anxious and defponding Tranfgreffors. O ! Let Us not be in the Num- ber of thofe proud and refraftory Creatures, who, though they infinitely needed, yet would not hear * the gracious News, nor receive the iinfpeakable Benefit. — In this Refpe6l, and in this mofl eminently, is that other Saying of the fame fublime Teacher, true 3 T^he .LORD of Hofts Jhall be for a Crown of Glory ^ and for a Diadem of Beauty ^ to the Refidue of his People-^. Shall we tear from our Temples, or reject with Difdain, this unfading and heavenly Orna- ment J in order to fubflitute a mean and taw- dry Chaplet of our own ? Let me add a pertinent PafTage from one of our admired dramatic Writers. Which, if proper in his Senfe, will be incomparably more fo, according to our Manner of Application, ' — — It were contemni?igy With impious felf-fufficient Arrogance, T^his Bounty of our GOD, not to accept. With every Mark of Honour, fuch a Gift. f IfaK xxviii.^2. f IJai, xxvlii. ^12 AsPAsio to Theron. Let. 4. I might proceed to urge,. this Expoftalation of the Poet, as I might eafily have multipUed my Quotations from holy Writ. But, ftudious of Brevity, I leave both, vv'ithout farther In- largement, to your ov/n Meditation, Yet, more ftudious of my Friend's Happinefs, I cannot conclude without wifhing Him an In- tereft, a clear and eflablifhed Interefl:, in this everlafting Righteoufnefs of CHRIST. For fo, and only fo, can He have everlajling Conjoh' t'lon and good Hope through Grace. Inviolably Tours, Asp Asio. P. S. Oppolite to the Room in which I write, is a mofl agreeable Profpe6l of the Gardens and the Fields. Thefe, covered with Herb- age, and loaded w^ith Corn : thofe adorned with Flowers, and abounding with Efcu- lents. All appearing with fo florid and fo beautiful an Afpect, that they really feem, in Conformity to the Pfalmijl's Defcription, even to laugh andjing. — Let me juft obfervc. That all thefe fine Scenes,- all thefe rich Pro- du6lions fprung from what ? From the Dijjohitmi of the refpedive Seeds. The Seeds, planted by the Gardener, and the Grain fowed by the Flulbandman, firft periflied in the Ground, and then the copious Increafe arofe. Much Let. 5- AspAsio/d>THERON. 41^ Much in the iame Manner, a true Faith in CHRIST ^nd his Righteoufnefs arifes — from what ? From the Rm'ns of Sclf-fuffici- ency, and the Death of perfonal Excellency. Let me therefore intreat my Therony ftill to take the Diary for his Counfellor ; ftiil to keep an Eye on the Depravity of his Nature and the Mifcarriages of his Life. The more clearly We fee, the more deeply We feel, our Guilt and our Mifery, the more highly fhall We value the Obedience of our bleffed S U R E T Y.— In fuch a Heart, Faith will flourifli as a Rofe, and lift up its Head as a Cedar in Lebanon. To fuch a Soul, the great REDEEMER'S Righteoufnefs will be wel- come, as Waters to the thirfty Soil, or as Rivers in the fandy Defart. LETTER V. A S P A S I O to T II E R O N. Dear T h e R o N, GI V E me leave to relate an uncommon Accident 5 which happened a little while ago, in this Neighbourhood -, and of which I jnyfelf.was a Spectator. The Day was the Sab- 4i4 AsPAsio to Theron. Let 5. Sabbath i the Place appropriated to divine Worfhip, was the Scene of this remarkable Affair. A Boy came running into the Church, breathlefs and trembling. He told, but in a^ low Voice, thofe who ftood near, that a Prefs- Gang * was advancing, to befiege the Doors, and arreft the Sailors. — An Alarm was imme- diately taken. The Seamen, with much Hurry, and no fmall Anxiety, began to (hift for them- felves. The reft of the Congregation, perceiv- ing an unufual Stir, were ftruck with Surprife. A Whifper of Inquiry ran from Seat to Seat; which increafed, by Degrees, into a con- fufcd Murmur. No One could inform his Neighbour \ therefore, every One was left to folve the Appearance, from the Suggeftions of a timorous Imagination. Some fufpefted, the Town was on Fire. Some were apprehenfive of an Invalion from the Spaniards, Others looked up, and looked round, to fee if the Walls were not giving way, and the Roof falling upon their Heads. — In a few Moments, the * The Reader, it is hoped, will excufe whatever may ap- pear low^ or favour of the Plebeian, in any of thefe Circum- ftances. If Ajpafio had fet Himfelf to invent the Defcription of a Pannic, He would probably have formed it upon fome more raifed and dignified Incident. But as this was a real Matter of FaJl, which lately happened in one of our Sea- Port Towiis ; Truth, even in a plain Drefs, may poflibly be no lefs acceptable than Fiti^ion, tricked up in the moit fplcndid Embelliflimeuts. Let. 5. As PAS 10 to T HER ON. 415 the Confternation became general. The Men flood like Statues, in filent Amazement, and unavailing Perplexity. The Women fhrieked aloud J fell into Fits j funk to the Ground in a Swoon. All was I'repidation and tumultuous Clamour. — Drowned was the Preacher's Voice, and quite difregarded his Meflage. Had He fpoke in Thunder, He would fcarce have been heard. To have gone on with his Work, amidfl: fuch a prodigious Ferment, would have been like arguing with a Whirl- wind, or talk- ing to a Tempeft. "This brought to my Mind that great //t- mendous Day^ when the Heavens will pafs away j when the Earth will be diflblved ; and all its Inhabitants receive their final Doom. — If, at fuch Incidents of very inferior Dread, our Hearts are ready to fail y what unknown and inconceivable Aftonifhment mull feize the guilty Confcience, when the Hand of the AL- MIGHTY fliall open thofe unparalleled Scenes of Wonder, Defolation, and Horror ! — When the Trumpet fliall found — The Dead arife — The World be in Flames The JUDGE on the Throne — and all Mankind at the Bar ! Ithe 1'rmnpef floall found *, fays the pro- phetic Teacher. And how flartling, how flupendous the Summons ! Nothing equal to it, nothing like it, was ever heard througik all * i-Gr. XV. 52, 4i6 AsPASiot(?T HERON. Let. 5. all the Regions of the Univerfe, or all the Revolutions of Thne. When confliclins: Armies have difcharged the bellowing Artillery of War, or when vi6lorious Armies have jhoiited for Joy of the Conquefl, the Seas and Shores have rung, the Mountains and Plains have echoed. But the Shout of the Arch-angel, and the Trump of GOD, will refound from Pole to Pole. Will pierce the Center, and fliake the Pillars of Heaven. Stranger, llranger ftill ! It will penetrate even the Re- celfes of the Tomb. It will pour its amazing Thunder into the Abodes of Silence. The Dead, the very Dead, fliall hear. When the Trumpet has founded, the Dead fiall arife. — In a Moment, in the Twinkling of an Eye, the Graves open j the monumental Piles are cleft afunder ; and the Nations under Ground flart into Day. What an immenfe Harveft of Men and Women, fpringing up from the Caverns of the Earth, and the Depths of the Sea ! Stand a- while my Soul, and con- fider the wonderful Spe6lacle. — Adam formed in Paradife, and the Babe born but Yefterday, the earlieft Ages, and lateft Generations, meet ■upon the fame Level. Jews and Gentiles^ Greeks and Barbariatis^ People of all Climes and Lan- guages, unite in the promifcuous Throng. Here, thofe vail Armies, which, like Swarms^ of Locufls, covered Countries j which, with ail Let. 5' Aspasio/(?Theron. 41;? an irrefiftible Sweep, over-run Empires j here they all appear, and here they all are loft. Loft, like the fmall Drop of a Bucket, when plunged into the unfathomable and boundlefs Ocean. — O ! the Multitudes ! The Multitudes ! which thefe Eyes ftiall furvey, when GOD calleth the Hea'Dens from above ^ and the Earth that He may judge his People. What Shame muft flufh the guilty Cheek ! What Anguifh w^ound the pol- luted Breaft ! To have all xhtu filthy Practices^ and infamous Tempers, expofed before this in- numerable Croud of WitneiTes ! — Fly^ my T/3^- ron y and fly, my Soul ; inftantly let Us fly, earneftly let Us tly, to the purifying Blood of JESUS. That all our Sins may be blotted out J that We may be found unblameable and unreproveable, in the Prefence of the aftembled World J and, what is infinitely more to be revered, in the Sight of the omnipotent GOD. When the Swarm ifTues, the Hive will burn^ There is no more Need of this habitable Globe. The Elect have fought the good Fight, and finifhed their Courfe. The Wicked have been tried, and found incorrigible. The important Drama is ended : every A6lor has performed his Part : now therefore the Scenes are taken down, and the Stage is demolilhed. — Woe be to the Earth, and to the Works thereof! Its Streams are turned into Pitch, its Duft into Brimftone ; and the Breath of tihc ALMIGH- VoL. IL Dd TY, 4l8 AsPASIG/i?THERON. Let. J. TY, like a Torrent of Fire, inkindles the Whole. See ! fee ! how the Conflagration lages — ^fpreads — prevails over all ! The Forefts are in a Blaze, and the Mountains are wrapt in Flame. Cities, Kingdoms, Continents, fink in the burning Deluge. London^ Britain-, Eu- rope are no more. Through all the Recep- tacles of Water, through all the Trafts of Land, through the whole Extent of Air, no- thing is difcernable, but one vaft, prodigious, fiery Ruin. — W^here now are the T^reajures of the Covetous ? Where the Pojfejjions of the Mighty ? Where the Delights of the Voluptu- ous ? — Kow v/ife, how happy are they, whole Portion is lodged in heavenly Manfions ! Whofe Inheritance is incorruptible and undefiled ! Such as the laft Fire cannot reach, nor the Dillblution of Nature impair. But fee ! The azure Vault cleaves. The Ex- panfe of Heaven is rolled back like a Scroll : and the J U D G E, the J U D G E appears ! He tometb, cries a mighty Seraph, the Herald of his Approach, He cometh to judge the World in Righteoiijhefsy and mijiijier true 'Judgment unto the People ! — He cometh, not as formerly, in the Habit of a Servant, but clad with un- created Glory, and magnificently attended with the Armies of Heaven. Angels and Arch-an- gel'i ftand before Him, and ten thoufand times ten thoufand of thoie cclcftial Spirits miniller unto Let. 5^ AsPAsio to TheRon* 419 unto Him. — Behold Him, ye faithful Follow- ers of the LAMB ; and wonder and love. This is HE, who bore all your Iniquities on the ig- nominious Crofs. This is H E, who fulfilled all Righteoufnefs for the Juflification of your Perfons. — Behold Him, ye Defpifers of his Grace j and wonder and perifh. This is HE, whofe merciful Overtures you have contemnedy and on whofe precious Blood You have tram- pled. The great white T'hrone *, beyond Defcrip- tion auguft" and formidable, is erefted. The KING of Heaven, the LORD of Glory, takes his Seat on the dreadful Tribunal. Mercy, on his Right-hand, difplays the Olive-Branch of Peace J and holds forth the Crown of Righte- oufnefs. Jujiicej on his Left, poifes the im- partial Scale, and unfheaths the Sword of Vengeance. While JVifdom and Holinefs, brigh- ter than ten . thoufand Suns, beam in his di- vine Afpe6l. — What are all the preceding Events, to this new Scene of Dignity and Awe ? Peals of united Thunder, founding in the Arch-angel's Trumpet ; the Blaze of a burn- ing World, and the flrong Convulfions of ex- piring Nature ; the unnumbered Myriads of human Creatures, ftarting into inftantaneous Exiftence, and thronging the aft oniflied Skies ; all thefe feem familiar Incidents, compared D d 2 with '-'^ Rev, XX. II. 420 AsPAsio to The RON. Let. 5. with the Appearance of the incarnate JEHO- VAH. — Amazement, more than Amazement, is all around. Terror and Glory unite in their Extremes. From the Menace of his majeilic Eye, from the infupportable Splendors of his Face, the Earth itfelf and the very Heavens flee away *. — Hov^ then ? Oh ! how fliall the Ungodly y?^W.^ Stand in his angry Prefence, and draw near to this confuming Fire ? Yet draw near they muft, and take their Tryal — their dccifive Tryal at his righteous Bar. Every Action comes under Examination. For each idle Word they mufl give Account. Not fo much as a fecret Thought efcapes this" exaft Scrutiny. — The Criminals, the impeni- tent Criminals, can neither conceal their Guilt, nor elude the Sentence. They have to do with a Sagacity, too keen to be deceived > with a Power, too jirong to be refifted ; and (O ! ter- rible, terrible Confideration ! ) with a Severity of moil juli Difpleafure, that will ne'-cer relent, never be intrcated more. — What ghafbly De- ipair lours on their pale Looks ! What rack- ing Agonies rend their diflradled Hearts ! The bloody Ax and the torturing Wheel, are Eafe, are Down, compared with their prodigious Woe. And (O holy GOD ! wonderful in thy Doings ! fearful in thy Judgments!) even this prodigious Woe is the gentleft of Vifitations, com- * Rev, jix. II. Let. 5' AsPAsio /.?' Theron. 421 compared with that Indignation and Wrath, which are hanging over their guilty Heads — which are even now faUing on all the Sons of Rebellion — which will plunge them deep in aggravated and endlefs Deftru6lion. And is there a laji Day ? afid miifi there come A Jure y a fixed y irrevocable T)oo?n ? Surely then, to ufe the Words of a pious Prelate *, it fliould be " the main Care of our " Lives and Deaths, what fliall give Us Peace " and Acceptation before the dreadful Tri- " bunal of GOD. What but Righteoufnefs ? " What Righteoufnefs or whofe ? Ours or «' CHRISTs^ Ours, in the inherent Graces " wrought in Us, in the holy Works wrought " by Us ? Or CHRIST\ in his moft perfeft " Obedience and meritorious Satisfa6lion, " wrought for Us, and applied to Us ? The " Popijh Faction is for the former. We Pro- " tefiants are for the latter. GOD is as dire6l " on our Side, as his Word can make Him ; " every where blazoning the Defers of our " own Righteoufnefs, every where extolling the " perfeft Obedience of our REDEEMER'S." Behold ! fays the everiafling KING, I lay in Sion, for a Foundation ^ a Sto?ie i a tried Stone; a precious Corner-ftone -, a Jure Foundation : He THAT BELIEVETH, SHALL NOT MAKE HASTE 'f'. D d 3 As * Bifilop Hall. t IfaL xxviii, i6» 4^2 Asp AS 10 /o Til E RON. Let. 5. As this Text contains fo noble a Difplay of our saviour's confummate Ability for his great Work j as it is admirably calculated, to preferve the Mind from diftrefiing Fears, and to fettle it in a fteady Tranquillity ; You will give me leave to touch it curforily with my Pen. Juft as I fhould defcant upon it in Con- vcrfation, was I now fitting in one of your agreeable Arbors, and enjoying your more agreeable Company. Plow beautiful the Gradation ! How^ lively the Defcription ! and how very important the praftical Improvement ! Or I might fay, the infcription that is engraven on this wonderful Stone. — Behold ! Intended to roufe and fix our moft attentive Regard. The GOD of Heaven fpeaks. He fpeaks, and every Syllable is Balm ; every Sentence is rich with Confolation. If ever therefore We have Ears to hear, let it be to this SPEx^KER, and on this Occafion, A Stone. Every Thing elfe is Aiding Sand, is yielding Air, is a breaking Bubble. Wealth will prove a vain Shadow j Honour an empty Breath ; Pleafure a delufory Dream ; our own Righteoufneis a Spider's Web. If on thefe We rely, Difappointment mull: enfue, and Shame be inevitable. Nothing but CHRIST, notliing but CHRIS'T, can flably fupport our fpi ritual Inter cjis, and realize our Expectations of true Kappincfs. And, blefied be the divine Goodi Let. 5- AspASio to Theron. 423 Goodnefs ! He is, for this Purpofe, not a Stone only, but A tried Stone, Tried, in the Days of his Humanity, by all the Vehemence of Tempta- tions, and all the Weight of Afflictions : yet, like Gold from the Furnace, rendered more ihining and illuftrious by the fiery Scrutiny.-— Tried, under the Capacity of a SAVIOUR, by Millions and Millions of depraved, wretched, ruined Creatures ; who have always found Him perfeSily able, and as perfectly willing, to expi- ate the moft enormous Guilt-— to deliver from the moft inveterate Corruptions — and fave, to the very uttermoft, all that come unto GOD through Him. A Corner-Jione. That not only fuftains, but unites the Edifice : incorporating both Jewi, and Gentiles, Believers of various Languages, and manifold Denominations- — here, in one harmonious Bond of brotherly Love — here- after, in one common Participation of eternal Joy- A precious Stone, More precious than Rubies ; the Pearl of great Price ; and the Defue of all Nations. Precious, with regard to the divine Dignity of his Perfon, and the unequalled Ex- cellency of his mediatorial Offices. In thefe, and in all refpe6ls, greater than Jonah — v^ifer than Solomon — fairer than the Cliildren of Men - — chiefeft among ten tlioufand — and, to the D d 4 awakened 424 As PAS 10 to T HER ON. Let. 5. awakened Sinner, or inlightened Believer, al- together lovely *. A Jure Foundation "f. Such as no Prefiure can ihake : equal, more than equal to every Weight ; even to Sin, the heavieft Load in the World. — l^he Rock of Ages ; iuch as never has failed, never v^ill fail, thofe humble Penitents, who cafl their Burden upon the LORD RE- DEEMER; who roll all X their Guilt, and fix * Cant. V. 16. + Fundamentum fimdatijjlmum. J i^o//,— ^this is the exa6l Senfe of the facred Phrafe, rr^P^ ^s^ ^"1 -P/^^' xxii. 8. xxxvii. 5, Prov.y.\\. 3. lam not ignorant, that fome People have prefumed to cetifure, and rnany have httnjhy of ufing, this bold and vigorous Meta- phor. Which neverthelefs appears to me, of all others the rnoft jufl, the mofl fignificant, and therefore the moft truly beautiful. A Burden, that is manageable and comparatively light, We cajl^ we throw. But that which is extremely ponderous and quite unwieldy, we move only by rolling. Accordingly, Stones of an enormous Size, are called by the Oriental "W riters, Stones of Rollings Ezra v. 8. — Confider the Ex- prcflion in this View, and nothing can reprefent, with grea- ter or with equal Energy, that prodigious Load, which, heavier than the Sand of the Sea, opprefTes the guilty Con- fcience. — By fubftituting any other Word, We infeeble and dilute the Senfe : We lofe the capital and flriking Idea. Vain Man would be wife. Let Him not then, for the Cre- dit of his Ingenuity, adventure to corredl: the Language of pmnifciencc. This, if any Thing in Nature, is Periculofts plenum Opus Alea, This will be fure to difcQver, not his fine Tafle, but his -rroveling Apprehenfion, and his rampant Pride. To im- prove, with the Painter's Brufh, the glowing Colours of the Rainbow ; to heighten, by Fuller's Soap, the Luflire of the riew fallen Snows ; would be a more modeft Attempt, and a much eafier Tafk, than to make an Index expurgatorius, or ft Tabic of Errata, when thp SPIRIT of Infpiration dida^es, Let. 5. Aspasio/^Theron. 425 fix their whole Hopes, on this immoveable Ba- lls. — Or, as the Words may be rendered, A Foundation ^ I A Foundation ! There is a fine Spirit of Vehemency in the Sentence, thus un- derftood. It fpeaks the Language of Exulta- tion, and expreffes an important Difcovery. That which Mankind infinitely wantj that which Multitudes feek, and find not j it is here ! it is here ! This, this is the Foundation for their Pardon, their Peace, their eternal Felicity. JVhofoever believeth, though prefixed with Ad- verfities, or furrounded by Dangers, fiall not make hafte \. But, free from tumultuous and perplexing Thoughts, preferved from raili and precipitate Steps, He Ihall poflefs his Soul in Pa- f ^hall not make hajie, j^^pi> j^S This metaphorical Ex- preflion, though it might be very intelhgible to an Hebrew, is to an Englijh Reader, hke fonie fine Picture placed in a difadvantageous Light. We may poffibly illuftrate the Pro- phet's Meaning, and exemplify his Afiertion, if We com- pare the Condutft oi Mofes, with that of the Ifraelites, on viewing the fatal Cataftrophe oi Dothan and Abirmn. — When the Earth trembled under their Feet ; when the Ground opened its horrid Jaws j when the prefumptuous Sinners went down alive into the Pit ; when the tremendous Chafm clofed upon the fcreaming Wretches ; the Children of Ifrael, it is written, fed at the Cry of them. Fled, in wild and hafty Confufion ; for they /aid., Lefi the Earth fivallow up Us alfo. — But Mofes^ who denounced the dreadful Doom ; Mofes, who was fure of the divine Protection ; Alofes made no fuch precipitate or diforderly ha/ie. He flood calm and compofed : faw the whole alarming TranfaClion, with- out any uneafy Emotions of Fear, or any unnecellary Afc- fempts to efcape. So that his Behaviour ieems to be a very good Commeiit on Ifaiah\ Phrafe. See Nimib. xvi. 426 AsPASio to Theron. Let. 5. Patience. Knowing the Sufficiency of thofe Merits, and the Fidelity of that Grace, on which he has repofed his Confidence, fliall quietly and without Perturbation wait for an expefted End. — And not only amidft the pe- rilous or difaflrous Changes of Life, but even in the Day of everlafting Judgment, fuch Per- fons fliall y?THERON. 451 order to conflitute, at leaft, fo?}ie Part of their juftifying Righteoufnefs. Againfl which Er- ror, the vigilant and indefatigable AfTcrtor of the T'ruth as tt is in JESUS^ remonftrates JVe who are Jews by Nature ^ and ?iot dinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a Man is not jujiified by the Works of the Law, but by the Faith of JE- SUS CHRIST, e'ven We have believed in JESUS CHRIST y that We might be jujiified by the Faith of CHRIST, and not by the Works of the Law ; for^ by the Works of the Law fall no Fief be fiijlified *. We, who are Jews by Nature, the Defcen- dants oi Abraham, and GOD's peculiar People; have the Tables of his Law, and the Ordinan- ces of his Worfliip : We who, in point of Pri- vileges, are greatly fuperior to the Gentile Na- tions, and have all pofTible Advantages for eftablifhing (if fuch a Thing were pia6licable) a Righteoufnefs of our own ; What have We ^one }-^We have believed on JESUS CHRIST: We have difclaimed our own, and depended on his Obedience. — For what End ? That by this faith in CHRIST, and by his imputed Me- rits, * Gal, ii. 15, 16. Obfervable, very obfervable is the 2ieal of the Apoftle, in this noble Stand, made againli the mojl fpecioiis, and therefore the inoft dangerous, Encroach- ments of Error. To exprefs his ardent Concern for the Truth and Pmity of the Gofpel, the IVorki of the Law are mentioned no lefs than three Times, and as often excluded from the Aftair of Juftification. The Faith ofCHRJSTWke- wife is thcice inculcated, and as often aflcrted to be the only iyiethod of Jbecoraing rightjcous before G O D. F f 2 452 AspAsio to The RON. Let. 5. rits, We may be juflijied before GOD ? — r What Motive has induced Us to this Practice ? A firm Perfuafion, that by the Works of the LaWy or by perfonal Holinefs, 7io Man living has been, and no Man living can be jujlijied. Are You tired, ^heron? Have I fatigued your Attention, inftead of convincing your Judgment ? — I v^ill not harbour fuch a Sufpi- cion. It is pleafmg to converfe with Thofe, who have traveled into foreign Countries, and feen the Wojiders of Creation. We hearken to their Narratives with Delight. Every new Ad- venture whets our Curiofity, rather than palls our Appetite. Muft it not then afford a more fublime Satisfa6lion, to be entertained with the Difcourfes of a Perfon, who had, not in- deed failed round the World, but made a Journey to the third Heavens ? Who had been admitted into the Paradife of GOD, and heard Things of infinite Importance, and unutter- able Dignity ? — This was the Privilege of that incomparable Man, whofe Obfervations and Difcoveries, I have been prefenting to my Friend. And I promife myfelf, He will not complain of Wearinefs, if I enrich my Epiille with one or two more of thofe glorious Truths, GOD hath made HIM to be Sin for Us who kiicw no Sin-j that We mighty not be put into a Capacity of acquiring a Righteoufnefs of our own, but be made the Righteoufnefs of GOD Let. 5' AsPAsio to Theron. 453 in Him ^. In this Text, the double Imputation of our Sin to CHRIST, and of CHRTST's Righteoufnefs to Us, is moil emphatically taught, and moft charmingly contrafted. — Mofl emphatically taught. For, We are faid not barely to be righteous, but to be made Righteoufnefs itfelf ; and not Righteoufnefs only, but (which is the utmoil that Language can reach) the Righteoufnefs of GOD. — Moft charmingly contrafied. For, One cannot but aik, In what Manner, CHRIST was made Sin ? In the very fame Manner, We are made Righte- oufnefs. C HRIS T knQw no a^ual Shii yet, upon his mediatorial Interpofition on our Be- half, He was treated by divine JUSTICE, as a fmful Perfon. We likewife are deftitute of all legal Righteoufnefs 3 Yet, upon our receiv- ing CHRIST, and believing in his Name, We are regarded by the Divine MA J E S T Y, as righteous Creatures. This therefore can- not, in either Cafe, be ijitrinfically ; but muft be, in both Inftances, imputatively. ^^Graci- ous, divinely gracious Exchange -f- ! pregnant with amazing Goodnefs, and rich with in- efdmable * 2 Cor. V. 21. \ ha fdlicet mirablli Permutatioiie Mala nojlra in fe re- cep'it, ut Bona fua nobis /argirctur ; J'eceplt AJijcriaf/i., lit lar- . giretur Mtfericordiam ; recepit MalediSfioneni^ ut Benedict ionii fua compotes nos faceret j recepit Mortem, ut Vitam conferrct ; recepit Peccalum, ut Jujlitiam impertirctKr. Thus writes tiie judicious Turretin. To which, in Concurrence with the ac- curate U5tfius-i I fubrcribs bod\ with HanU .uiJ Heart. Y f 3 454 Aspasio^oTheron. Let. 5. eftimable Benefits. The inceflant Triumph of the firong^ the fovereign Confolation of the isoeak Behever ! Ceafe your Exultation, cries One, and come down from your Altitudes. The Term ufed in this Verfe denotes, not {o properly aS/«, as an Offering for Sin. This is a mere Suppo- fal, which I may as reafonably deny, as An- other affirm. Since the Word occurs, much more Jrequently in the former Signification, than in the latter ; and lince, by giving it the latter Signification in the Paflage before Us, We very much impair, if not totally deftroy, the Apoflle's beautiful Antithefis, However ; not to contend, but to allow the Remark. I borrow my Reply from a brave old Champion * for the Truths of the Gofpel : *' This Text, fays He, invincibly proveth, " That We are not juftified in GOD's Sight *' by Righteoufnefs inherent in Us, but by <' the Righteoufnefs of C //7? 7 aS'T imputed to " Us through Faith." After which He adds, what I make my Anfwer to the Objection ; " That CHRIST \\2is made Sin for Us, be- " caufe * See Dr. FuIFs Annotation on the Place, in that va- luable Piece of antient Controverl'y and Criticifm, The Exa- mination of //7f Rhemifh Tejiatnent, Which, though not al- together ib elegant and refined in the Language, nor fo deli- cate and genteel in the Manner, as might be wifhed ; is ne- vcrtheleG. full o'i found Divinit}', weighty Arguments, and very important Obfervations. Would the young Student be taught to difcover the 'very Sintws of Popery, and be enabled to give an eft'edtual Blow to that Complication of Errors, I Scarce know a Treatife better calculated for the Purpofc. Let.j* AsPAsro to Theron. 455 " caufe He was a Sacrifice far Sin, We con- *' fefs : but therefore was He a Sacrifice for " Sin, becaufe our Sin was imputed to Him, " and puniflied in Him." — The poor Delin- quents under the Mofaic Difpenfation, who brought tlieir Sin-offering to the Altar of the LORD, were direded to lay their Hand ow the devoted Bead ; fignifying, by this Ufage, the transferring of Guilt fiom the Offerer to the Sacrifice. Conformably to the Import of this Ceremony, CHRIST afllimed our Deme- rit ; like a true piacular Vi6lim, fuffered the Punifhment, which We had deferved ; and which, without fuch a Commutation, We mufl have undergone. So that our LORD's being made a Sin-offering for Us, does by no means invalidate, but very much confirm our Doc- trine. It neceffarily implies the Tranflation of our Guilt to his Perfon j and on the Prin- ciples of Analogy, mufl infer the Imputation of his Right eoufncfs to our Souls. One Paffage more permit me to tranfcribe into my Paper 5 and, at the fame Time, to wifli, that it may be written on both our Hearts. Written, not with Ink and Pen, no, nor with the Point of a Diamond, but vvith the Finger of the living GOD. Tea douhtlcfs^ and I count all Things but Lofsy for the Excellency of the Knowledge of CHRIST JESUS my LORD ; for whom I have fuffered the Lofs of all Things, and do count them but Dung, that I may ^ivin CHRIST^ F f 4 and 45^ As PAS 10 to The RON. Let. 5. and be fcimd in Him j not havifig mi 77c own Righ- teoiifncfs which is of the Law^ but that which is through the Faith of CHRIST', the Righteoitfiefs which is of GOD through Faith *. Be pleafed to obferve, that in this Confellion of Faith, and with Reference to the grand Affair of Juftification, the Apoflle renounces all thofe A6ls of fuppofed Righteoufnefs, which were antecedent to his Converfion. — Nor does He repudiate them only, but all thofe more excellent Services, bv which He was fo emi- nently diftinguifhed, even after his Attach- ment to CHR IS "7", and Engagement in the Chrifiian Miniftry. As though He fhould fay — " The Privilege of being a Hebrew by Birth ; " the Prerogative of being a Pharifee by Pro- " feffion ; together with a Behaviour exem- ■" plary, and a Reputation unblameablej all " thefe, which were once reckoned my higheil " Gain, as foon as I became acquainted with *' the glorious Perfeftions of CHRIST, I *' counted -f- Lofsfor Him. — And now, though " I have been a Difciple many Years , have ^' walked in all holy Converfation and Godli- *' nefs ; have endured, for my divine MA- " S TER's Name, Tribulations above meafure ; *' have laboured more abundantly and more *' fuccefsfully than all the Apoftles ; yet, even ** thefe and all other Attainments, of what Kind " or * Phil iii. 8, 9. f llytiJ.K\, m Pr^etcrito. / have counUd, Let. 5. AsPASio to Theron. 457 " or of what Date foever, I count * but Lofs, " for the tranfcendent Excellency of CHRIST' " JESUS my hOKD. — Tea doubt lefs^; it is my *' deliberate and ftedfaft Refolution ; what I " have moft ferioufly adopted and do publicly " avow^ that, fpecious as all thefe Acquire- " ments may feem, and valuable as they may " be in other Refpe6ls, I reckon them but " Dwtg, that I may win CHRIST:' %- They " fade into nothing, they dwindle into lefs " than nothing, if fet in competition with his " matchlefs Obedience : and were they to fu- ** perfede my Application to his Merits, or " weaken my Reliance on his Mediation, they " would be not contemptible only, but irre- " parably injurious, Lofs itfelf." You will afk. If He abfolutely rejects all his own Righteoufnefs, on what are his Hopes fixed ? * H'yis[ji.cci, in Praefenti. / do count. f Perhaps, aAAa [ji.ivovv'ys may be tranflated, hut truly. As if He had faid, *' But why fhoiild I mention any more *' Particulars. In truths I count all Things, &c." ' X Aix. Xptfow — ^ix TO UTTfpfp^ov — iva, Xfifov Kip^xaru — ■ plainly imply this comparative or relative Senfe. FirtueSy which are the Fruits of the SPIRIT, and Labours, which are a Blefling to Mankind, muft not be reckoned abfolutely or in as making the moft ample Provi- lion, for the Security and Repofe of a guilty Confcience. Which, w^hen alarmed by the Accufations of Sin, is very apprehenfive of its Condition j and will not be comforted, till every Scruple is fatisfied, and all the Obftruc- tions to its Peace are removed. Thus I rea- foned with myfelf — '' Though there is, un- " doubtedly, lomething to be faid for the " other Side of the Queftion ; yet, this is evi- ♦' dently the Jafeft Method. An4, in an Af- " fair of infinite Confequence, who would not " prefer the fafeft Expedient ? Should the " Righteoufnefs of 'JESUS CHRIST he inJifi ^^ pen/ably requifite, as a Wedding-garment 5 ** what will tfxy do, when the great immortal Let. 5. AsPASIO/i>THERON. 46 1 " KING appears, who have refufed to accept "it? Whereas, fhould it not prove yo ^^/wr^'/)' " neceflary, yet fuch a Dependence can never " obftru(5l our Salvation. It can never be " charged upon Us, as an Article of Contu- " macy or Perverfenefs, that We thought too " meanly of our own, too 7iiagnijicently of our "LOR D's Obedience. So that let the Die " turn either Way, We are expofed to no Ha- te zard. — This Scheme takes in all, that the " other Syftems comprehend, and abundantly " more. In this I find no Defe61:, no Flaw, " no Shadow of Infufficiency. It is fomewhat " like the perfect Cube ; which, where-ever it " may be thrown, or however it may fall, is " fure to fettle upon its Bafe. — Suppofmg, " therefore, the important Beam fhould hang " in Equilibrio, with refpe6l to Argument ; " thefe Circumflances, call into the Scale, " may very juftly be allowed to turn the Ba- " lance." Upon a more attentive Examination of the Subjedl, I perceived — That this is the Doc- trine of our national Church ; is inforced by the Atteftation of our ableft Divines ; and has been, in all Ages, the Confolation of the moil eminent Saints: — That it is the genuine hzWiQ of Scripture ; and not fome inferior or fubor- dinate Point, incidentally touched upon by the inipired Writers, but the Sum and Sub- , jlance 462 AspAsio to T HERON. Let. 5, fiance * of their heavenly MefTage j that which conflitutes the Vitals of their Syflem, and is the very ^oul of their Religion. On vv^hich Account the whole Gofpel is denominated from it, and fly led Tlhe Miiiijlration of Right eoiifnefi : — I was farther convinced, That this Way of Salvation magnifies, beyond Compare, the di- vine Law ; is no lefs honourable to all the di- vine Attributes j and exhibits the ever blefled MEDIATOR in the moll: illuflrious and the mofl delightful View : — All thefe Confidera- tions, under the Influence of the eternal SPI- RIT, have determined my Judgment, and efla- blifhed my Faith. So that I truft, neither the Subtilties of Wit, nor the Sneers of Ridicule, nor any other Artifice, fhall ever be able to feparate me from the Grace and Righteoufnefs which are in JESUS CHRIST. Let me now, by way of Conclufion, review that awful Subje6t, which introduced the Let- ter. Let me fuppofe the J U D GE, who is at the * This Do(flriiie runs through St. Paul's Writings, like a golden Warp, While Privileges, Bleffings, and evangeli- cal Duties are (if I may allude to the Ornaments of the Sanc- tuary) like a tVoof of Blue, of Purple, of Scarlet, and in- deed of every pleafant Colour. The Rtghtconjuefs of GODy Rom. i. 17. The Righteoufnefs from GOD, Phil. iii. 10. Righteoufiefs by Faith, Rom. iii. 22. Righteoufnefs of Faith, Rom. iv. 1 1. Righteoufnefs without TForks, Rom. iv. 6. Righteoufnefs in the Blood of CHRIST, Rom. v. 9. Righteoufnefs by the Obedience of CHRIST, Rom. v. 19. Righteoufnefs not our own, Phil. iii. 9. — ^ — Righteoufnefs imputed by GODj Rom. iv. 6, 10, 22. Let. 5'. AsPAsio to Theron. 463 the Door, adually come : the great and terrible Day, which is hafting forward *, really com- menced. — Hark! The Trumpet founds the univerfal Summons. The Living are flruck with a death-like Aftonifhment ; the Dead ftart from their filent Abodes. See ! The whole Earth takes Fire ; the Sun is turned into Dark- nefs ', and the Stars fall from their Spheres. — Behold! The L O i? D y£ *S LT^ comes, with Myriads of his Angels. The Judgment is fet, and the Books are opened. Obferve thofe exemplary Chrijlians, whofe Sentiments I have been collecting. T^hey re-,- nounce themfelves, and rely on their glorious SURETY. Methinks, I hear them fay, Each as they quit their Beds of Duft -, I will go forth from the Grave in thy Strength, O blelTed JE^ SUS J and, at the decifive Tribunal, will make mention of thy Rightcoufnefs oiily.- — -At the fame time, * The facred Writers, I obferve, often remind their Rea- ders of this grand Events often difplay this delightful, dread- ful Scene. Their Manner of Speaking fhews, that they themfelves lived under the habitual and joyful Expectation of it : as Perfons, that were looking for^ and hajiing to, the Com- ing of the Day of GOD. They reprefent it, not only as fure, but near ; yea, very near, and upon the Point to take place. The LORD is at Hand. The JUDGE is at the Door. _ Tet a little while, and HE that jhall come, tu: II come and will not tarry. The laft Paflage is the mofl fpirited and emphatical of them all ; but has loft much of its Em- phafis, by the i?;;^///^ Verfion. It is in the Original ,w