:•?(; M- 4- OVtjuJU v^jLL- ?'.'^ ^ 19U sec A ( JAN P; 191? DESCRIPTION OF THE QUALIFICATIONS Necessary to A Gofpel Minifter, CONTAINING Advice to Ministers and Elders, how to condudl themfelves in their Converfation, and various Services, according to their Gifts in the Church of Christ. By S A M U E L ^'b O W N A S. As every Man hath received the Gift, even fo minifier the fame, one to another, as good Stewards of the manifold Grace of God. If any Man fpeak. Jet him fpeak as the Oracles of God : if any Man minilter, let him do it as of the Ability which God giveth, ^c, I Pet. iv. lo, ii. LONDON: Printed at the Biile m George-Yard, Lombar'cU Street y J 767. [ "i ] THE PREFACE T O T H E READER. THE Intention of the Author, in f bis Treatifey bei7ig chief y to give In-- flrudlions to fuch who are called into the Work of the Minijiry, and to the Elders of the Churchy how to condu5i them/elves in their Care over them whiljl Toung in the Minifiry^ it is not thought Jit to be made fo generally Publicky as fuch TraBs which are intended for a general Benefit , which may in jome degree concern all, and are of that uni- verfal Nature^ that every Member of Society ought to be acquainted withy in order for their Government and PraBice ; but as it is not the Will of the All-wife Difpcfer, who governs his Houfe (which is his Church) in Wifdom, nor the Order of his Provide?2ce, to give the like Gifts to all^ but as the Apojile f peaks y He gave fome, Apoftles ; and fome, Evange-Ephef.ii lifts ; and fome, Paftors and Teachers \ •*• whom he appointed to the Work of the A 2 Miniftry, [ iv ] Miniftry, for the perfeding of the Saints (or thofe in whom the Work of Sandfification was bcgim) and the Edification of the Church, ' Now as it was with the Head, Chrifl Jefus^ Heb. V. 4. fo it is with his Minijlers^ for No Man taketh this Honour unto himfelf, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron^ as faith the Apollle, A?id therefore Advice, adapted to the States^ I'rials, and Temptations of fuch^ who are wider the Preparation of the divine Hand, to fldun the Dangers and Midakes^ and fur mount the Dificulties which they may be liable to, who may have made farther Progrefs in it, may be of great Service to them ', though to others, who are not called to this Work, it may be in many refpe5ls as a Book fealed. Which Advice, is as an Hand of Help held forth, and is of Service many Times to the Honefi, but Doubtful En^ quirer, who is like the Traveller in an unknown Path, often befet with many Fears of lofing his Way ; and as it is a kind Office^ and what calls for RefpeB from all who /land in need of it, fo it is a Duty we owe, and what God is pleafed to enjoy n his Servants and Minifiers to be fomid in the Pra^ice of, one towards another ; and fuch was the Cafe of our Worthy Ancient Friend the Author, who thought it his Duty, having had great Experience of that Work^ in a Ccurfe of tnany Tears Exercife, much Labour and Travel^ both in his own Country, and in Foreign Parts, to give Jome 4ccou7:;t of the Steps God is [ V ] is pleafed to lead his Children in^ whom he is preparing for this great Service^ and to point out where the Enemy oj the Work of God, and our Happinefs, is lying in wait to miflead^ beguile^ and betray fuch who are not watchful % and althd he hath not ftudied Excelle?icy of Speech, nor the enticing Words which Man's Wifdom teachethy yet fuch who have had their Eyes opened to difcern the Work of God^ as alfo the mylierious Transformations of our grand Adverfary, will have Occafion to fay^ that it is in the Demonftration of the Spirit, having the true Marks and Evidence of that Infpiration which giveth a right Under- flanding in the nings of Gody and Myjleries of his Kingdom ; for hereby it will appear y how necejfary it is for Men and Women to experience the San6tification of the Spirit to precede, or go before, that they may be duly qualified to help and advife others 5 this being the Order our Lord and Mafter obferveth in his Advice to Peter, When thou art convert- ^"^« «»^ ed, ftrengthen thy Brethren. t 7 1 DESCRIPTION O F T H E QUALIFICATIONS Necessary to A Gofpel Minifter. — ^— — — — — — — — — I — — M— — »— — — «^—— — — 1— — ire CHAP. I. ^hat Sanftijfication is a previous Qualifica- tion for the Reception of a Divine Infpira- tion to Minister. AS the Defign of the following Pages is to fet in a true Light the Nature and Neceffity oi^SilnJpiredMiniliry^ and the Advantages that we receive thereby, I (hall, as introducSory thereunto, briefly take Notice of a Salification fuitable to the Receiving of that Infpiration, without which it is not reafonable to fuppofe any one to have it* Firfl, [ 8 ] Pirfty There mull be a State of SanBifi-- cation (in degree) known, by the Spirit of Judgment, and Burning, before any can be proper Objedts to be Receivers of this infpir- ing Gift, that can only aflift a Minifter, and make him inftrumental of doing Good to others : The Tree muft be good, e'er the Fruit can be fo ; and right and true Mini- fters are to be known by their Fruits : This being granted, which I think can't be denied, then it follows, that none, without being thus qualified, can be called to the Work of the Miniftry by a divine Infpira- tion of the holy Spirit ; and therefore all vile and ungodly Pcrlons, while they continue in that natural and unregenerate State, are excluded from any Part in this Gift ; and altho' fome fuch may pretend, that either with their Learning, or by their Money, or both, they may have acquired, or made a Purchafe of Orders for Liberty to Preach, and may on this Foundation undertake to expofe what they have to Sale ; but what they fell is no other than what they have bought, while in this unregenerate State, empty and vain, and cannot profit the Hearers -, for as faith the Pfalmift, Unto the 17. * * Wicked, God faith. What haji thou to do to declare my Statutes, or that thou Jhouldefl take my Covena?2t in thy Mouth, feeing thou hate/l hijiruBion, and cafle/i my Words behind thee. And let me fay, that whofoever undertakes the Work of the Miniftry, not being firft reformed themfelves^ cannot juftly expedl to be [ 9 ] be inf[3ired by divine Wifdom, for the Re- forming others by the Word of Truth ; for {he dwells in holy Souls, and makes them Friends of God and Prophets : Then it is reafonable to conclude, that all who live in Adultery^ Fornication, TJncleannefs, Lafciviouf- fj^^Vo/ai, ne/s^ Idolatry, Witchcraft, Hatred, Variance, Emulations, Wrath, Strife, Seditions, Here- fies, Envyi?2gs, Murders, Drunken?iefs, Reve/- lings, and luch like Works of the Flefli, are excluded from any Inheritance in the King- dom of God, and confequently from having any Part in that excellent infpiring Gift of the Miniftry, fo neceflliry to our Affiftance and Diredlion in our Way thither. Secondly, I (hall therefore fay fomething of the Qualification neceffary to receiving of this excellent infpiring Gift of the Miniftry; and in order to it, we ought firfl to examine our own Hearts v/ith Care, praying in fecret that God, by his Spirit, will vouchfafe to dired us in a right Search after Truth ; and hereby we (hall find a Law in our Hearts that we have broken, and a Spirit in our inward Parts that we have rebelled againfi:, and in cur Ignorance, being hurried in the Purfuit of the Pleafures of the Fled), and Vanities of this Life, have overlook'd, tho* we have been followed by if, and it has firove with us : For the Spirit worketh in us fecretly, and we know not at the firft what it is 5 but finding ourfelves very uneafy, and in great Trouble of Mind, being under B Sorrow [ lO ] Sorrow and Meavinefs, not rightly and cooly examining the Reafon, it is often miftaken to proceed from a natural Cauie, and fo out- ward Means are fought for to relieve from this TJnciifiHifs ; fome by taking their Botde with their Corppanions, others diverting themfelves with their Sports and Gaming, others again take Medicines to help them againft what they call Melancholy ; fome one Way, and fome another, thus miftake, and make merry over the Witnefs in them, and ftiifen their Necks againfl: the Reproof of Inftrudion, which is the Way to Life ^ Prov. xxix. not minding the Text, which fays, He that '• being often reproved, hardens his Neck, fl^all Jiiddeiily be dejiroyedy and that without Remedy. 'Thirdly, But tho' fome are thus rebellious and carelefs, others take a better Courfe, by ftridly examining their Words and Ac- tions, Company and Converfation, and find- ing it to be their great Sorrow and Burden, inftead of endeavouring to get from under the Load of Trouble by Sporting, Gaming, Drinking, Phyfick, or Company, fuch Lam.iii. -.8. rather, as the Prophet faid, fit alone and keep Silence, putting their Mouth in the Duft, praying in fecret, that God will affift them by his Grace and good Spirit, that the Caufe of this Sorrow may be removed by an humble and fincere Repentance of all their Follies and Sins, wherewith they have of- fended God, and that for Time to come, they mav, by the Help of the Spirit, and Direction [ ^I ] Diredion of that Law in their Hearts, which they had hitherto overlooked and negledled, now lead a new Life ; Firft^ by denying all UngodlineCs, and abftaining from every Appearance of Evil ; which muft be done, e*er they can perfedly pracflice that which is right in the Sight of God ; for no Man can be righteous and v/icked at one Time ; we mufl; fiirfl be brought out of the Bondage of Corruption under fpiritual Pha- raoh and Egypt^ into the Wiidernefs, e'er we can offer acceptably unto God : This State is figuratively called a Wiidernefs^ a Way we have not trod in, fliewing thereby the Necefiity of depending on our Guide, our fpiritual Mcjcs^ that mull go before and take Care of our Support : For in this Wii- dernefs State we have no Food, no Water, m%, no right Refreiliment, but what this our Leader provides and adminifters to us : In this State we can neither pray, nor do any religious A61, without the Diredion of our Leader : So that we find the Cafe is much altered with us to what it was in Time pafi. ; for then we could pray, fing, preach, and perform other religious Duties in o\ix own ^ime^ feeding and fatisfyjng ourfelves there- with 5 but now we are brought into the Vv il- dernefs, where there is neither Ploughing, nor Sowing ; we can't now help ourfelves by our own Contrivance, and Workings in our own Wills, but here we mull: live a Life of Faith, v/hoUy depehding on him that will (if we faint not in oui* Minds) bring us th:ough B 2 to [ 12 ] to the Heavenly Canaan : Thus we fhall come in the Lord*s Time to experience the Sabilance of thofe T)'pes and Figures, under that Legal Difpenfation, to be fabftantially and fpiritually fulfilled in our own Minds, by the Operation of the Spirit of our Lord JcfuB Chrift^ the Subftance and Foundation of ail l^j^iie Religion and Minijlry that is really profitable to the Hearers. Fourthly^ This Work of F^reparation by the Spirit being thus begun, and carried on, is a fliorter, or longer Time in accom- pli{l:iing, fo as the Parties thereby may be qualified to receive a divine Infpiration to minifter from to others, according to the Will of him that calleth ; and when it hap- peneth to be but a fhort Time, between Perfons beginning to be ferious and religious, and the Time that they appear in the Mi7iijlry\ (labouring according as they ap- prehend themfelves to be called to that Work for the Good of others) it may hap- pen, that fome of their Hearers, forming their Judgn:ient refpeding the Worthinefs, or Un worthinefs of the Parties fo concerned, from their pad Condudl, while in fo vile a State, may conclude. How can fuch be fit to teach others, who themfehes hut the other Day were guilty of fuch Follies as are incon- fflcnt with a true Mi?iij{er to touch with ? Fifthly^ Thus in fome Refped it was with that great Apoflle of the Gentiles, viz. Saul, [ 13 ] Saul, afterwards Paul, For we find, while he was in the very Heat of perfecuting the Church, and breathing out Threatnings againll the Brethren, fo that they were afraid of him ; as appears when Ananias was commanded of the Lord, during that peculiar Vifitation, which at that Time he was under, to go to his Affiftance ; Ana^ 721 ass Anfwer was, / have heard by many of this "Man, (Saul) how much Evil he hath done to thy Saints at Jerufalem, and here he hath Authority from the Chief Priefts to bind all that call on thy Name, But the Lord faid unto him^ Go thy way, for he is a chofen VeJJel unto me. Then Ananias went, having this fpecial Command to vifit Saul. But it plainly appears, that this good Man could not eafily believe Saul's fo fud- den and {hort Change, from an open Op- pofer and Perfecutor of the Faith, and faithful Profeffors and Followers of the Son of God, to be an open Profeffor and Preacher of the fame Faith and Dodrine with them he fo perfecuted : And as this was the Cafe of Sauly it has been the Cafe, in fome de- gree, of others of later Date , that is, their fudden Change, from a vain Converfation, to be Preachers againft it, hath fo narrowed up their Way in the Minds of fome of their Hearers, that at the fame Time (fome of them that have wifli^d well to the Caufe of Religion) fuppoling fuch Preachers would be a Means of Stumbling to many, have therefore in a Zeal that ' has been without true [ H ] true Confideration and right Judgment, not giving Time for Trial, whether what they have heard was of God or the Creature, (as not minding GamaUel\ Counfel) been for pulling them down before they could fee whether they were right or wrong. To prevent this rajh judging, it is needful, that the Hearers be careful to judge nothing before its Time, but let every fuch Perfon have the Opportunity to make full Proof of their Miniflry, that it may appear, v/hether what they do in the way of Miniftring, be of God or of themfelves : If it be right, it v/ill be felf-evident, and carry with it that which in Time will give Satisfadlion to thofe who have doubted of the Miniilry of fuch Perfons, and their Hearts will be fiU'd with Charity towards them. Sixthly y Now if we confider the Thing right, this raJJj judging is very dangerous and hurtful, greatly tending to the dif- couraging of young Minifters ; for this cenforious and critical Temper is a great Block in the Way, and may hinder fome from coming forth in that Gift, tho' they may be rightly concerned therein ; and fome that may make a little Appearance that way, may be put to Silence, e'er they have had Time fufhcient to make, or to give full Proof of their Miniftry : This Temper therefore ought carefully to be watched againft, and have a timely Curb and Difcou- ragement [ 15 3 ragement in every Mind, viz, every Hearer ought in Fear to requeft of God to be dire<5t* ed aright in Judgjnenty that under a pre- tended Care to promote the Caufe of Re- ligion, they may not in a blind Zeal be in- ftrumental to difcourage fo ufeful a Gift. Seventhly^ Now v/e find this critical Temper, that was fo apt to judge without Judgment, and to find Fault without Caufe, our Lord did frequently reprove when it appeared, as may be i^^n in the Inftance of the Woman, whofe Penitence and Humi- Luke vH. Ration induced her to wafii her Matter's ^^* Feet with her Tears, and wipe them with her Hair. Whofe Demonftration of Love to our blelTed Lord, (when Simon was ready to cenfure him for admitting) he by a very live- ly Comparifon commended, and in the Ap- plication thereof fmartly reproved the Want of Judgment, as well as Charity of that Pkarijee, who did fo little for him himfelf, and yet was fo ready to find Fault with her ; and by that Means rather brought him to juftify what he had before condemned. Which is often the Cafe oi Self-righteous Pro- Jeffors, who are fo apt (without juft and ma- ture Confideration) to judge thofe, v/ho from vile and ungodly Sinners may fuddenly be- come purified by the Work of the Spirit, and by the fame may be fitted and required (tho* fome may be apt to think it too foon) to come up in publick Service for God -, whilft themfelvcs, who have not loved fo much, nor [ i6 ] nor been fo zealous to follow divine Con- vidion, are lingering behind in the Work ; and yet thefe are moft apt and ready to judge and ccniare thofe who are more faith- ful, and thus fuddenly brought into Obe- dience, as too haliy and forward. And alfo in his Anfwer to thofe who cen- fured him for Eating and Drinking with Pub- licans and Sinners, he plainly declared the End of his Coming, which was theReafon of hisCondud: in that, as well as other Refpefts. Eighthly^ From all which it appears, that it has happened fometimes, the more Vile and Wicked any one hath been before Con- vicflion, the more Thorough and Quick hath their Converfion been : They to whom much is forgiven, love much ; and the more they love, the more hearty and zealous they are to go on with the Work unto which they are called ; and having known the Ter- rors of the Almighty for Sin, are the more earned to perfwade Men ; and I dare not fay, but that fuch may in their Zeal and Warmth of Spirit, a little flretch, at times beyond their Authority -, but when they do, they no fooner retire to their Gifts, but they find fufficient Smart for it in their own Minds : But this begets them Enemies ; and becaufe they appear wrong in Part^ they muft by feme be concluded wrong in the Whole -, which is an unwarrantable Conclufion to make on any Perfon. Ninthly^ [ '7 ] Ninthly^ Now if we rightly confider the Matter, there may be a juft Caufe for this Zeal, if we will but give them this Allov/- ance, that as they have been like Brands pluck'd out of the Burning, and known the Terrors of the Almighty for Sin, they are the more earned to perfwade Men to Re- pentance and Amendment, both by Reproof, warning of Sinners, and threatening them with Judgment, as having themlelves fo narrowly elcaped : And this being the Caufe of that Fervour and Zeal fuch have appeared in, it will no doubt on ftrid: Examination be found, that the Root of all this is Love, and a Defign of Good to the Souls of Men. Such theretore ought to be treated with great Charity and Meeknefs, and the good De- fign in them encouraged ; and that Over- forwardnefs in them rather fhewn to them than reproved ; and when they fee it, they will not need to be told of it, for Shame will come faft enough upon them, (if they are true Miniflers) and may lie heavy ; which may hinder fome tender Spirits from improving in their Gifts, and render them lefs ferviceable than otherwife they might, if they did moderately keep on their Way, minding to keep pace with their Gifts, nei- ther going before, nor flaying behind their Leader ; but wanting both Judgment and Experience, being Children in the Work, they can't do it ail at once, and there- fore in Patience muft be borne with for a Time. C Lalllw [ i8 ] Lnfll)\ This Preparation by the Spirit for the Miniftry, fo qualifies the Receiver of this excellent infpiring Gift, when called to the Work, that he can experimentally fay. What 1 have tajled, jelt, and heard of the good Word of Life^ and the Powers of the IVorld to come, I declare unto you. But what can fuch (as the Apoille fpeaks of, concerning whom he avers they fhall not inherit God's Kingdom) fay of their Expe- rience of the Work of God's Power in them, while they continue in their Gain-faying in the Works of the Flefli, fuch as Adultery, Idolatry, Pride, Covetoufnefs, Envy, and Drunkennefs, minding the Pleafures of this World above any thing elfe ; furely (as above) they have no Experience to fpeak of to the People, nothing to fay that will bring them to a Fellowfliip with the Father and his Son Jefus Chrift. Having faid thus much concerning a true ^laUfication for the Receiving of this Gift ot Infpiration, fo abfolutely neceflary to every right Minifter, that without it he can't be one, I fliall now fpeak of Inspi- ration itfelf, which is to be the Subjedl next in courfe to be treated of, concluding this Chapter with Part of that excellent Prayer of David's (fo apt to this purpofe) in the 51ft Pjahn, from the 9th to the i4thVerfe. Hide thy Face Jrom my Sins ; and blot out all mtne Iniquities, Create in 7ne a clean Hearty O God 3 and reneijo a right Spirit within me» 1 19 ] me. Cnjl me not away from thy Pre fence ; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Reft ore unto me the yoy of thy Salvatiofi ; and uphold me with thy free Spirit : Then will 1 teach (bat not till then) Tranfgreffors thy IVaySy and Sinners jhall be converted unto thee. A ihort but full Defcription of the right Quali- fication of a Gofpel Minifter. CHAP. 11. The Necefjity c/' Divine Infpiration to the being of a Gofpel Minifter, and to conduSt hint in his Miniftry, HAVING faid fo much of the need- ful ^i a lif cations^ in order to be in- ipired by the holy Spirit, and enabled there- by to minifter Good to others, it is neceffary alfo to fay fomething of Inspiration itfelf, which is by many too much exploded, and flighted as a Thing at an End, and long fince ceafed : They fuppofe all Things need- ful for Inftrudtion to Piety and Virtue, al- ready revealed in that excelfent Book, called the Bible, which I prefer to all Books extant, and requefl the diligent Reading thereof with due Attention arid Regard, to what the Apoftle fays of them, viz. Ihat j^, '"^" '' * all Scripture given by Infpiration of God, is profitable for Do5irine, for Reproof for Cor- retlion, for In fir uB ion in Righteou/nefs ; and able to make wife to Salvation through Faith C 2 in [ 20 ] in Jefus Chri/l. Now it is this Faith in Chrilt which makes the Scriptures really and truly profitable ; but a Man, without this Faith, may read the Scriptures until he has them by rote, and can repeat a great Part of what he has fo often read ; and yet receive no Profit from them : for as holy Men writ them by Infpiration of the Spirit, fo by it we mufl come to a right Underflanding of them, otherwife they will be as a Book fealed, and the bare Reading of the Letter will be no other than a bare Report of Things at a diftance ; for when we read the Words of Mojes, that he fpoke in the Ears of IJrael, importing that T^hou need' ft not fay in thy Hearty who pall afcend into Heaven^ or go beyoiid the ^^ea, viz. to fetch the Word oj Command^ he would not have them look at a diftance for it, becauie (adds he) It is nigh in thy Heart and Mouth, Now the Apoftle, expounding the Words Rom. X. 6, of Mofes, faith. But the Right eoiijnefs which is of Faith^ fpeaketh on this wife : Say not in thine Hearty who Jlmll afcend into Heaven ? T'hat is, to hring Chri/l down from above, Or^ who Jlmll defcend into the Deep ? That is, to bring up Chrift again froin the Dead, But what faith it ? The Word is nigh thee, even in thy Mouth, and in thy Heart : that is the Word of Faith which we preach. Now this Word that is in the Heart and Mouth of in- fpired Miniilers, is that by which they mufl: be [ 21 ] be a£ted, if they do right in the Work of the Miniftry ; and indeed, without this Word in the Heart opens the Underftanding, there can be no right Preaching. It is true, Men may by Study and frequent Reading, acquire to themfelves a Form of Words, and frame a fet and fiudied Speech in a regular Way, methodically dividing, and fub-dividing their Matter, raifing Ufes and Applications from the prefent Subjed: before them ; and all this may be done by the Mmi^ the Creature^ and natural Part^ having nothing of Infpiratioa or Power of the Spirit in it. And pray, what will this Miniftry do for the Hearers ? It comes from the Head, and the Contrivance of the Man*s Part, therefore it can reach no further ; for no Stream can arife higher than its Fountain : And that Miniftry which is of Man, tho' it may be very pleaf- ing to the Creature, and acceptable to the itching Ears, who with the Greeks of old, feek after Wifdom, but not that which is from above, is not profitable to the Hearers ; for the Jews fought after a Sign, and the Greeks after Wifdom, but negledted the Preaching of Chrift crucified, and rifen from the Dead, as foolifli Dodrine, and not worth their Regard ; but unto as many as believed in the Word preached by the In- fpiration of the Spirit, they found it to be (both ^ews and Greeks) the mighty Power of God to Salvation. Now that which made this fpiritual Miniftry fo profitable to them that received this Doctrine, is the very fame that [22 ] that makes the Scriptures profitable to thofe who rightly read them, namely^ Faith in Chrift, who is the living Word and Light of Men ; which Word is preached by every true Minifter, infpired thereunto by the Spirit of Truth. Now, this Infpiration ought to be rightly underflood and believed in : From my own Experience I underftand it to be an Iti" breathing of the divine Word into our MindSy giving a true Underftanding of divine Things, that we may make Choice of, and Walk in the Paths of Wifdom, which is the jufi Ma7is Path : I fay, the Inbreathing of this Word, which is Truth, Life, and the Light of Men j that Spirit which fearchetb all ^hi?2gs, yea, the deep Things of Gody which by Jefus Chrift is made manifeft unto all Men, ought to be waited for in all our religious Affemblies efpecially, and believed in, as being the Foundation and Spring of all right Miniftry, Devotion, and Worftiip of the true God : Yea, I always find this, from my own Experience, to be moft edifying, thus to wait for this divine Infpiration in all our religious Affemblies •, and when I find my Underftanding infpired, I Pet. iv. and influenced by this bleffed Gift to mini- fter to others, I give up thereto, fpeaking to the Aflembly according to the prefent Ability received thereby ; and I know this to be the true Beginning of a right Gofpel Miniftry, which I ftiall fpeak to more at large in its proper Place. ^ t 23 ] Now, I underftand by the Inbreathing of the Spirit of Chrift into our Minds, thus much, namely, as the Apoftle afferts. We know that the Son of God is come -, and for Proof adds, for he has given us an Under^ ftandi?ig : This was to themlelves undeni- able : But what means he by faying, He has given us an Under ft anding ? He can mean no other than a Spiritual one 5 for they doubtlefs had Underftandings as natural Men before ; but by that natural Underftanding they could not perceive the Things of the Spirit of God, nor comprehend the Light which fhined in Darknefs ; which is ftill the fame, even until now. But the true Know- ledge of the Coming of the Son of God in Spirit and Power, is by Infpiration from Heaven, or the Revelation of the Father by the Son j and this is the Foundation of the true Church and Miniftry, againft which no Oppofition can ever prevail. By this Underftanding, they knew him that is true, and were in him ; and fo muft all true Believers experience the fame, if true Mem- bers of Chrift's Church, and Minifters of his Word. I fay, this fpiritual Underftanding, which they received by Revelation, was an undeniable Evidence to them, and fo it is to us. But how ftiall I prove this to a De- monftration, to fuch as are in a natural and unenlightened State, that 1 have this Reve^ lation^ and am thus infpired ? Anfw. [24] \Anfw. It is not poflible to do it, until they who are in Unbelief, come to believe in the fame Power, and receive Infpiration by the fame Spirit, to give them a right Know- , cof. iL ledge of the Things of God ; for the ?ia- **' iiiral Man receheth them not, becaufe they are Fooliflmefs unto htm-, neither can he in this State know them. This makes it highly necelTary for all that profefs Faith in Chrift, to apply themfelves to God, for the Gift of his holy Spirit : For, fays our bleffed Lord, Which of you having a Son, if he afk Bread, loill give him a Stone ? And thus applies it, Luke xi. If ye then being evil know how to give good *^* G//?i unto your Children, how much tnore jhall your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to the?n that afk him ? Afk and it Jhall be given you. What greater Encouragement can be given to us than this ? It is therefore greatly to be defired, that all People, elpecially fuch as profefs Faith in Chrift, would in Humility and godly Sincerity afk of God a Portion of this Spirit, whereby we may know the Things of God -, for it is this Spirit, which joim liv. is the Comforter , that our bleffed Lord pro- '^* mifed to pray the Father to fend in his Name, which when we receive, will lead us into all Truth. This is that Spirit that will reprove the World of Sin, becaufe they believe not in the only begotten Son of God. This is that Spirit which gives Life, and will make thee a living Member of the true Church ; and if thou art devoted in thy Mind to follow it, thou wilt become fruitful in Religion, [ 25 ] Religion, and thy Fa'uh will be both living and powerful in thee, to give Vidory over the World, that natural Part in thee that would not lubmit to the Tellinnony ot Jefus, nor believe in the only begotten Son of God. I fay then, Infpiration or Revelation from God by his Spirit, is of abfolute Neceffity to guide a IVlinifler in his Miniftry; and a Minifter fo conducted by a Golpel Power and Light, infpiring his Mind v^ith the How^ and the What he (hall fay, will fpeak with the Spirit, and Underftanding alfo ; that is, he will underftand by his own Experience the Work of the Spirit, and Word of Faith in his own Mind, and that what he fays is true: And altho* he hath this Experience, as above, yet it is not meet for any one, in his own Time and Will, to fpeak thereof in an Affembly ; but we are to wait for both Authority and Power, that in the Lord's Time we may fpeak (of what our Eyes have fecn, our Hands handled, and what we have felt of the good Word of Life, and Powers of the World to come) to the People, with the fame View as they, the Primitives did, /. e. to bring their Hearers into a right Fellowiliip with the Father, and his Son our dear Lord and Saviour Jefus Chriil ; and fo lliall they be one with all that truly believe in him. But fome may obje(fl, Jhat ive may be deceived^ by fufpof^ng ourfehes in/pi red, when D ive [26] nve are not ; and that ive have a Re'ue/ation, "ichen it is nothing but an hnagination and Delufion. In Juch a State a Man may be de- ceived.^ himjl'lf, and all who think of him as he does of himjelf will in like manner be de^ ceivcdy and how jhall this be avoided ? j4n{w. It is granted, fome have been de- ceived themfelves, and have alfo deceived others, but the Caufe cf this Deception is in thenilelves, for want of an hunible waiting to know what they are about; for a true Infpiration from God is as plainly to be diRingui(li*d from the pretended faife one, as Light is from Darknefs ; for divine Infpi- ration quiets the Mind under all Oppoiition and Contradiction, and gives Power over the World, and the Luils of the Flefli, and worketh the Redemption of fuch as are endued therewith, and are fubjecl to it; thefe are very humble and low of Heart, and the more their Minds are enlightened by divine Infpiration, the more they fee a Necefiity to watch over themfelves, fo that the Inno- cency, Meeknefs, and Humility fuiting a true and right Minifter, will appear in all their Condud ; fuch are flow to fpeak, and ready to hear and receive Inftrudlion, and are known by them that are fpiritual to be fuch. But they who conceive themfelves to be infpired when they are not, fuppoling they have a Revelation when it is nothing but an Imagination of their cvvn Brain, are exalted in [ 27 ] in their Mind?, being very heady and ftub- boin, flighting Inftnidtion j more apt to teach than learn, being fwift to fpeak, bat flow to hear, judging every Body that w\\\ not re- ceive them as true Miniflers, by foretelling the Ruin and Downfall of all their Oppofers ; working themfelves up to a flrange degree of Imagination, endeavouring to drive all be- fore them; and fuch as will neither hear nor heed what they fay, they will be apt to call for Vengeance from Heaven upon fuch who ofter to oppofe them. This, and much more that might be mentioned, is the Condudt of thefe deceived and deluded Souls. Now this Error, by the Party thus de- luded, might be eafily difcerned, if they wou'd but give themfelves Time to think and conflder aright in coolnefs, and defire that the Lord wou'd fhew them the right Way. Here is therefore great need ro be cautious, and try the Spirit ; that is^not to receive any Thing for Infpiration or Revelation, without being well fatisfied in thyfelf that it is fuch ; and this cautious Fear will not be difpleaflng to God, but thou wilt find thy Doubts removed, and thou wilt be confirmed, that what thou haft is of God, and will fland. This agrees with the Pradice of Mo/es and Gideon, and with what the Apoftle advifed. Believe not every Spirit^ but try the Spirits^ i John Jv, iJDhether they are of God : Becaufe many falfe '* ^' ^' Prophets are gone out into the IVorld, They D 2 are [ 28 ] are of the World: Therefore /peak they of the World, and the World heareth them. We are of God : He that knoweth God^ heareth us : He that is not of God heareth not lis. Hereby knozo we the Spirit of Truths and the Spirit of Error. But fuppofing I or any others, may be in- fpired, as is aforefaid, from a right Spirit : Ho'w pjall Proof be made thereof to another ^ that he may receive our Word that we have by Revelation, ?iot as our Word only^ but as given Its of God ? AnfW' In this thou wilt find no hardT:fk with thy Brethren, if thou wilt but do thy Endeavour to live according to that Doftrine given thee to preach to others, in the firft Place: And next mind, that thou, without being infpired, undertake not this Woik of Preaching, neither in thy own Time nor Will, nor by thy own Contrivance, Col- ledting what thou (halt fay ; for by fo doing thou wilt be at a lofs and confounded in thyfelf, and give great Occafion of Offence to them that hear thee ; not only to them that are unacquainted with the Gift, and Unbelievers therein (for they will fee tliat thou art wrong) but thy own Brethren will be greatly loaded and uneafy with thy io Appearing; for they will ioon find that thou art out of thy Place in Speaking; it not being from Infpiration, but an Imagination of thy ov;n Brain 3 for "The Ear trietb Words as [ 29 ] as the Mouth fafletk Meat ; and thofe who are fpiritual will fee where thou art, better than thou thyfelf. But, It will be a hard Tafk to make Proof of thy Miniftry, tho' thou fpeakeft as the Oracle of God, and miniftreft of that Ability which God giveth, to fuch as are in Unbelief, and in a State of Nature. For the]^^^""* '** natural Man (fays Paul) receiveth 7iot the lhi7igs of the spirit of God\ for they are Foolifmefs unto hirti^ neither can he know them^ becaife they are fpiritually difcerjied. I Tay, therefore it will be impofTible that fuch Unbelievers, or thofe in a State of Na- ture (whilft they are in that State and Unbelief) fliou'd receive thy Word, not as thy Word only, but as given to thee of God j becaufe they believe no fuch Thing con- cerning any Man : If therefore thou fcemeft to them as a Babbler, be not thereat dif- couraged ; Faul was fo accounted before thee. Yet however, tho' fome may fo look upon thee, othtrs may perhaps be reached by thy Word ; and as thou doll minifter from a right Spirit, and keepefl in thy Gift, thou mayfl be inftrumental to bege^ Faith in them that believe not, and greatly to edify and confirm them who believe, fo that they'll foon conclude thou art a right Minifter, not of the Letter, but of the Spirit, and thy Brethren who are fpiriuial will give thee En- couragement to go on, having Fellbwfliip with thee in thy Gift as a right Minifter, approved [ 30 ] approved by them, as appointed of God for that Work unto which thou art called : For no Man ought to take this Honour unto himfelf, by any human or external Call, until he is called of God, as was Aaron. I now (hall come to fpeak of the Gift itfelf. CHAP. III. Advice to Ministers in a State oj Infancy. AS to the Gift of the Miniftry, the better to fct it in a true Light, thefe three Things are to be confidered. I cor. xii. I ft. There are Diverfities of Gifts^ but ^' ^' ^' the fame Spirit. « 2d. There are Differences of Adminiflra^ tions^ but the fame Lord. 3d. There are Diverfties of O per at tons y but it is the fame God that worketh all in all. Firft, There are Diverfities of Gifts^ but the fame Spirit : i. e. Every Gift of God is from the one and the fame Spirit of Truth that is come by Jefus Chrift ^ for which Reafon, tho' we may feem to differ in our Gifts [31] Gifts one from another, yet the Defign and End is the fame, and the fame Spirit; as in one, fo in all, aflifting to that End, which IS to turn People from Darkncfs to Light, from the Power of Satan to God, that they may be edified in the true Gofpel, receiving a Remiffion of their Sins, and an Aflurance of an Inheritance amongft them that are fandified through Faith in the only begotten Son of God. Now there muft be fome Time to gain Experience and Underftanding, before any one can come to a Settlement, and true and perfed: Knowledge of his own Gift ; and for want of a right Settlement and true Know- ledge of this Gift, and keeping to it, and in it, is the Caufe of many of the Miftakes that are committed in the Exercife of it. Then we ought to confider the Mini/lry in thefe three States, ift. Infancy. 2d. A Toung Ma?is State. And laft, 7he Fathers State. Fir/l then, A State of Infancy ought to be look'd upon with great Allowance of Cha- rity, and if any Thing appears manly in fuch a State, that ought not to be made the Stan- dard of others to walk by, but we muft at- tribute it rather to the Giver, than the Inftru- ment, that giveth to every one as he will, to fome a greater, and to others a fmaller Por- tion of his Spirit, but to every one, both Preachers [ 32 ] Preachers and Hearers, fuch a Manifeftation thereof, as by faithful Obedience thereto they may profit by it ; but the Gift of the ^iniftry is our prefent Subjedt. Then as to the State of Infancy in the Mi- niftry, let it be confidered, that the Mini- ftry is a Birth -^ and when any one at fiift comes under the Exercife hereof, he will find a great Perturbation in himlelf ; the Caufe of which he may be as great a Stranger to, as Samuel was to the Voice of God in the Temple, who being called the third Time, was at length informed by Eli how to anfwer : So have fome, both young Men, and Women, done of later Date, (that is) applied them- felves to fuch as they have apprehended had more Experience of the Work of the Lord than themfelves, and after all have found it very hard to give up to the heavenly Vifiun ; and when they have given up, it has been in fo much Weaknefs and Fear, yea, fomeiimes Confufion, that they have hardly known themfelves what they have faid : And if in fuch a State any one fhouVi over- run, mifs in Expreffion, or appear in a Behaviour not fo agreeable to the Minds of their Brethren, let luch Brethen exercife Charity; and fee to thy own Gift thou that art a Hearer, and try by virtue thereof, whether thou find'ft rot fomething of God in this Infant Minifler to, anfwer his Gift in thy own Mind ; and if on fuch a Search thou find'll not that Satif- fadion thou could*j(l deure, yet as it is not proper [33 ] proper to lay fudcien Hands on any one to ill I hem up, fo neither be thou rafh to pull th m down, but g've Time for Proof, and c )nlider the Patience of the Huftandman, how he waits for a Crop after the Seed is fowii. Having faid fo much to the Hearer, let me novv advife this infant Mini Jler. I know thou wilt find very hard Work in thyfelt ; thy Heart will be often very heavy and forrowful, and in great Fear and VVeak- nefs ihou wilt appear as a Minifter, and it may be much againfl thy Will to appear as fuch ; yea, thou mayft perhaps dearly re- pent that ever thou gaveft up to this Service, and moie efpecially, if thou anfwersft not thy Expedation, which I may venture to (ay, none at all Times do; but as thou keepeft humble and low, being honeftly given up to be, and do juft what the Lord by his Spirit would have thee, Refignation to the Will of God being abfolutely necef- fary for a Minilier to come to ; and as thou getteft here, patiently waiting the Lord*s Time, thou wilt find a greater degree of Ex- cellency by the Spirit to enlarge thy Under- ftanding in divine Openings; and when this grows upon thee, beware of Pride, and Self-conceit, for that has ruined m ny : But give the Honour hereof where due ; and the more th^m art enlarged, labour to be the more humble, and in fo doing thcu wilt find S^ifety. But [ 34 ] But under thefe various Trials in thyfelf, I advife to an inward Waiting upon thy Gift, to feel the moving thereof in thy owa Mind, which will by a gentle Illunnina- tion clear thy Underftanding and Judgnient, whereby thou wilt fee thy Place and Service in the Church ; and if thou find^ft it thy Place to minifter to others, be willing to do thy Mafter's Will, and ftand up ia the Meeknefs of the Spirit which moveth on thy Mind, and fpeak the Word thereof according to the prefent Opening that is be- fore thee, regarding ftridly on the one Hand, by fpeaking too faft and too loud, thou don't over-run thy natural Strength, Gift, and Opening, which if thou happens to fall into, it will bring thee into Cqnfufion, and thou wilt not know when to conclude, and fo mayft fliut up thy own Way in ths Minds of thy Brethren, and bring thyfelf under a juft Ccnfure; therefore whenever it happens fo with thee, fit down ; for by en- deavouring to mend it, thou mayft make it woifc: So on the other Hand, be not too low, nor too flow in thy Speech, fo as tq lofe the Matter that Way ; but carefully keep to thy Opening, avoiding both the Ex- treams : Stand up in a calm and quiet Frame of Mind, as free as pofTible from either a Fear or Care how thou (halt come off; but follow thy Guide in all Circumfped:ion and Humility, beginning, going on, and con- cluding in thy Gift : Thus w^ilt thou expe- rience, what the wife Man faid, to be true, A [ 35 ] A Mans Gift maketh Room for him, and p/^°^-»^»»'< bringeth hini before great Men, Now the State I have confidered this In- fant Minifter in, is fach as requires Help by tender Advice from faithful Friends of Ex- perience, fo that I may compare him to a Babe that wants both theBreaft and.nurfmg, which fhou'd be tenderly and with great Care adminiftred, fo that if he be correded, let it be in Love \ if encouraged, let it be with Prudence-^ both may hurt him, if not well timed, and given difcreetly. But now we will fuppofe him a little grown, and to know himfelf better than a Babe can, in which Condition he will meet with Excrcifes according to his Growth and Experience, againft which it's needful to be prepared and watchful. Firfl, After thou begin'ft to know, and fee a little where thou art, and what thou art about, there will be an obferving Eye in thee, to look at the Exercifes and Miniftry of others, and an Aptnefs to compare thyfelf with others, which may have fome ill Effeds upon thee, if not pru- dently guarded againft. For if thou ap- prehend'ft on fuch a View, that thy Gift ex- cels and is preferable to fome others, this may lift thee up and prove hurtful ; fo on the other Hand, if thy Brother's Gift in thy Thoughts is more defirable and acceptable, E 2 this [ 36 ] this may cad thee down, and beget too mean an Opinion in thee of thy own Gift. Secondly^ If thou lookeft out at the Excel- lency and Beauiy of anoiher's Gift to be more than what is in thy own, a Dtfire may arife in thee to render thyieif like him, and fo endeavour to mimick and nriitate the Delivery, Accent and Manner of others ; and thus leaving thy own Gift, and devoting thyfelf to follow, or be guided by others, thou wilt foon be under a Cloud, and lay a ftumbling Block in thy own Way, and (hut up the Heaits of thy Belhren towards thee* To prevent which thou muft confider, that as there are ift. Diverji:ies of Gijts, but the fame Spirit ; therefore mind thy own Gift and noi anothers, and regard the Spirit that moves thee In it ; that being the fame that is in thy Brother or Sifter ; and if thou keep'fl thy Place therein, thou wilt llkewife fee, that tho' thy Gift is different from theirs, it is the fame Spirit. So 2dly. The Admini- ftration (or Delivery thereof ) difiereth, but it is the fame Lord that makeih thee to dlfter from them, and them to differ from thee ; therefore let not the feeming Excel- lency that appeals in another's Gift above thy own, tempt thee to an Imitation of either Delivery, Manner, or Accent, left thou infcniibly fall into that Theft, againft which the Lord by his Prophet complains, Jcr. xxiii. lam a^a:?ill the Prophets (faith the Lord) ^^' that (leal my Words^ every one from his Neighbour. [ 37 ] Neighbour, Befides, the Way thou hereby takeft to get Credit, and a Place in the Church, will be the fliorteli Way to lofc it, and at beft thou wilt be taken for one that apes and mimicks what thou canft never attain to 5 and the more thou flriveft this Way, the worfe it will be ; therefore I ad- vife thee, keep to thy own Gift, Manner of Delivery, and the Matter that is opened in thy Mind by the Spirit. To make this Point yet more plain, it is needful thou firfl learn to know there is Z)/- 'verjities of GiftSy and tho' thine may differ fiOmanothersGift, yet mind to keep to it, and by this thou wilt know, that thou art in thy Gift ; if after thou haft been exercifed there- in, thou fee'eft inward Satisfadion and Com- fort to flow in thy Mind ; but if thou find'ft Trouble and Hcaviq^efs, confider whether thou haft not been out of thy Place, either in the Manner of delivering thyfelf, which relates to the Adminiftiation, which may juftly differ, and yet have a Beauty in it, tho' thou may ft not fee it thyfelf; or it may relate to the Matter delivered, and tho' that may differ from that of another, whofe Dodrine thou mayft think more acceptable and in more apt Terms, which may tempt thee to imitate him; this will bring an Un- eafinefs and a Cloud over thy Mind ; there- fore keep to thy own Way, both in thy Opening and delivering thereof, guarding againft ail affcded Tones of finging or figh- ing f 38 ] ing, and drawing out thy Words and Sen-* fences beyond their due Length, and by fpeaking two much in a Breath, and fo add- ing an Ah ! to the End of them, and draw- ing thy Breath with fuch a Force and Groan, as will drown thy Matter, and ren- der thee unacceptable to thy Hearers j like- wife guard againft fuperfluous Words, im- pertinently brought in, (bch as, 1 may fay I As it were 'y All and every one y Dear Friends^ and Friendly People ; with fundry others of the like Kind, which add nothing to thy Matter, fpoiling its Coherence and Beauty of ExprefTion : Likewife avoid all indecent Geftures of the Body, as throwing thy Arms cbroady and lifting up thy Eyes ; fuch Gef- tures not fuiting the Dignity of the Mini- ftry ; neither lift up thy Voice beyond thy natural Strength, nor flrain thyfelf beyond due Bounds, vainly fuppofing, that when thou makelt mofi: Noife with an Accent and Tone, that pleafeth thy own Imagina- tion, that the Power is moft with thee 5 when indeed it is nothing but the Heat of thy own Spirit, and Sparks of thy own kind- ling, which whoever are overtaken by, and give way to, muft expeft no lefs than to lie down in Sorrow. I therefore advife thee to wait for the De- fcending of the Gift of the Spirit, which will bring an Exercife over thy Mind, in which thou mayft be opened with fome Matter fuiting the prefent Occafion j and when thou find'ft [ 39 1 find'ft It is thy Place to (peak, ftand up ; for it is not to be fuppofed that all thou mayft have to fay on this or that Subjcdl, can come before thee e'er thou begins to Ipeak : And if thou (hould'ft fuppofe it, and lo wait, endeavouring to prepare thyfelf like a School Boy, thou v^ilt be greatly dilappointed, not fpeaking what thou intended, but fomething elfe that thou intended not, which may be thy Trouble and Grief ; therefore, whea thou findeft a Subjcd: brought before thee, be not defirous of any thing more than the Virtue of the Spirit of Wifdom to dire that if we find fome divine Openings in our Minds, which njay be intended by the Giver for our own Inftruc- tion, when we find it fo, beware of giving that to others which is defigned for ouiiel^es, but let us intreat the Divine Being, to aiTift us by his Grace, to make a right Application of lach Openings, and this will ftill add to our Qualification and Improvement in the Work ; but it for want of this Care to know thy Place, thou fhould'ft attempt to Preach, when it is thy Place to be filent, from the Opening afovefaid, thou wik by fo doing give that away to others wh'ch thou ought to feed upon thyfelf, and fo become a for- mal and unprofitable Minifler : The true Knowledge of the Time when to Ipeak, and [ 41 ] and when to be filent (fo needful to the very being of a Minifter) will be lofl, and thy Labour will be in the Dark, and Weaknefs will furround thee on every Side. Then when thou findeft it thy Place to fpeak, be- gin as if thou were going to relate any Mat- ter of Fadl to a fingle Perfon, taking Care at ieaft however, not to appear in a more unbecoming manner in an Affembly, than thou dod in thy common Affairs ; but fome have in their Miniftry delivered themfelves mo^e aukwardly and unbecomingly than at other Times: Not that I wou'd be fup- poied to conclude any fhou'd, in the fame Manner and Accent, deliver his Miniftry as his common Difcourie, but then the Dif- ference fhou'd be, that he fiiou'd deliver his Miniftry with more Avvtulncfs pertinent to the Subjed: before him, than he does his Difcourfe in common, according to the Degree of Affiftance received by the Spirit at that Time ; and this will be a Confirm- ation to them that hear, that fuch fpeak as having Authority: Bat a Deportment different from this, and appearing in Terms not agreeable to lound Dodrine, give Rea- fon juftly to fufped: the contrary ; and fuch bring Contempt upon themfelves, being look'd on no other than Pretenders to what they have no right to meddle with ; befides, to impute fuch Condu6l to Infpiiation, ftill adds to and heightens the Offence; and therefore to avoid thefe Faults, begin with Temper, in coolnefs of Mind, and go on as F thou [ 42 ] tliou feeft thy Way open, and findefl: thy Underflanding enlarged ; thus wilt thou have pertinent Words to exprefs, and Scrip- tures which will fuit thy Matter, and con- firm it, will be brought to thy Remem- brance that may not have been thought of, ,nor read by thee long before : Here thou Vv'ilt fee a Reafon for what thou fayeft -, thy Underftanding being clear and bright, thou wilt be able to render a Reafon for what thou haft preach'd for Dcdlrine : And if thou ft:iould'ft not in thy Words exay> as the Matter fet ^orth affeits them, F 2 fo [ 44 ] fo that hereby they are drawn unawares to pafs a fevere Judgment upon their own Do- ings, as in the Cafe of David, when Na^ than had by a Parable fet forth the Rich Man's Ipjuftice, in taking away the Poor Man's Ewe-Iamb, which was his All, to entertain his Gueft with, and thereby fparing his own Flock: Now David hearing this fo movingly defcribed, was ftruck with fuch an Abhorrence of fo vile an A(fl, that he faid, j^s the Lord liveth, the Man that hath done this l^hing Jlmll fiirely die^ and reflore the Lamb four fold^ becaufe he had no Pity : Nathan made the Application, and faid to David, l^hou art the Man : And David foon was fenfible he had pad a juft Judgment upon himfelf. Sundry Examples might be brought to fet this Way of Speaking in a true Light ; but to avoid Prolixity, I confine inyfelf to only three more ; the firfl is in Jfaiah, where God fets forth the Houfe of Ijrae! under the Parable of a Vineyard, and the Men of Judah as his pkafant Plants % having beflowed great Hufbandry on the Vineyard, he looked for Fruit agreeable thereto, but being difappointed, he thus complains, Whtn I looked for Grapes, (mean- ing thereby the Fruits of Righteoufnefs, Judgment and Truth, agreeable to the Law of that juft God from whom they had re- ceived fo many and unparallel'd Favours) they brought forth wild Grapes : meaning thereby, Opprcffion, Cruelty, Difobedicnce and Injufiice, fuch Fruits as the Gentiles (who bad [45 ] had not been favoured Jike iht Jews) brought forth agreeable to the Nature of their dege- nerate and corrupt Hearts. Thtfecojtd Parable is our Saviour's, where- in he fcts forth the Injuftice of the Jews by the fame kind of Figure : There was a cer- tai?i Hoiijljoldcr planted a Vineyard^ and let it out to Hujbandmen^ and when the Time of Fruit came^ he Jent his Servants, whom they beat ; he Jent again and again his Ser- *vants, and they met with the fame Treatment ; but at laft he faid, / will fend my Son, per- haps they will JJjew Reverence unto him ; but iniiead of that, fay they, This is the Heir^ come let us kill him, and the Inheritance will he ours. This fo prick'd the Jews to the Heart, that they foon perceiv'd it re- lated to them, and w^ere fore oifended v^'lth it. The Third and laft that I (hail obfervc here, is in Luke viii. A Sower (fays our Saviour) went forth to fow, fome fell by the Way- fide, and it was trodden down, and the Fowls of the Air devoured it. Soine fell upon a Rock, and it withered away, becaufe it lacked Moijlure : And fome fell among Thorns^ and the Thorns fpru77g up with it and choked it. Some fell on good Ground, and brought forth fome an Hundred fold, fome Sixty^ and Jome Thirty^ as in Mat. xiii. 8. Thefe, [ 46 ] Thefe, with fundry others of the like Kind, interfperfed here and there in the Text, {hew the wonderful Excellency and Beauty which are given to and opened in a Minifter by the divine Word, in fpeaking by Parables, Comparifons, or Allegories, thereby gaining great Attention ; and it is very moving, and of good Service to them, that hear, being given and opened by the Spirit alone : And for this Realon thou mayft be tempted to imitate ; which when any onp undertakes, who is not qualified, nor opened by the Spirit therein, it makes confufed Work, and inftead of edifying the Hearers, grieves and loads them with Trouble and Sorrow, to hear folid and di- vine Truths fo darkened and perplexed, by multiplying Words without true Knowledge ; thus religious People are grieved : But on the other hand, this makes Diverfion and Sport for the loofer Sort, who are too apt to make a Mock at all Religion and Preaching ; for which Reafon, it behoves every one to con- fidcr how they are qualified for the Work of the Miniftry, left by undertaking what is above their Capacities, and prefent Strength, they fiiould caufe Laughter and Lightnefs, by delivering impertinent Parables, Compa- rifons and Allegories, not opened to them, nor given them by the Spirit of God ; that Spirit idjich jearchetb all Things^ yea the deep things of God \ and is the Foundation of all the true Miniftry and Minifters. Secondly^ I 47 ] Secondly y By Allegories ^ as the Apoftle fays, Gal. iv. For it is "written^ that Abra- ham had two Sons, the one by a Bond- maid j the other by a Free-woman, But he who was of the Bond-woman was born after the Flejh : But he of the Free-wo?nan was by Promife. Which things (fays he) are an Allegory \ for thefe are the two Covenants, For this Agar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and anfwer- eth to Jerufalem which now is, and is in Bondage with her Children, But Jerufalem which is above, is free, which is the Mother of us all (meaning true Believers) that are become the Sons of God by Faith in ffus Chrifl', for none ever receiv'd him by Faith, but w^ith him they did receive Power to be- come free-born Children of the nev^ feru^ falem. Another of this Kind is in Hebrews the viith. touching the Priefl-hood^ and OJice of our Saviour as the High Prie/i of our Profeffion and Miniflry, from whom we are to receive Power for that Work. There are yet other Ways of the Opera- tions of the Gift to be fpoke to, which to be more intelligible in, I conclude them under the following Heads. I ft. By Narration of God's dealing with his People in paft Ages. 2d. By recounting the Goodnefs of God to ouifelve?. 3d- [48 ] 3d. By declaring the great Encourage- ment we have to Virtue, from the Bleffings that others have met with. 4th. By expatiating on fome particular Text. 5th. And laftly, by fetting forth the fun- dry Difpenfations of God to Mankind, by opening the Myftery of the Law that came by MofeSy as figurative of the Gofpel, and how the Prophets did point at the fame Thing. Fir ft then, By Narration of God's dealing with his People in paft Ages. Such was the Sermon of Stephen^ Acls the viith, and of Taiil^ A6ts the xiiith, both which have the fame Tendency ; for that of Stephen^ Acts the viith, the firft Part of what he faid, was by enumerating God's Dealings with Abraham^ with Ifaac, and with Ijrael, to gain the Attention and Notice of his Hear- ers : For the Subftance of that Sermon was to let them fee, they were a6led by the fame Spirit as were their Fore-fathers who ftoned the Prophets, and put them to Death. For (fays he) as your Fathers did, Jo do ye^ always refijl the Holy Ghoft. This lo prick'd and gaul'd them, that they verified his Words, ftoning him until he died : By this we may learn, the Way of the Spirit which fometime leadeth into, and openeth in our Minds, Matter which only ferveth to gain upon [ 49 ] upon the Affedion and Attention of them that hear ; for if one fliou'd fall diredly upon their prefent States without a Parable, Comparifon, Allegory, or Kiiiorical Rela- tion, as introductory thereto, it might render our Labour uitlefs and inefUctual; bat fuch an Introdudion, given us by the Spirit, may make Way for a more fearching and clofe Miniftry, in fecting the States of the Hearers in a true Light before their Eyes. Secondly, By recounting the Goodnefs of God to ourfehes^ in his great Mercy vifiting our Souls while in the full Career of Difobe- dience ; and this requires great Caie and Caution, that Boajltng may be excluded, and the Honour of his Name, whom we preach, exalted in our Minillry, confirming the fame by Scripture, and the Experience cf holy Men recorded therein : Such was that of Paul before Fejius and King Agrippa^ ABs xxvi. 2 2. Having therefore ((ays he) obtained Help of God, I continue unto this Day njoitnejjing both to fmall and great, Verf. 23. That Chrifl fijoud Suffer^ and that he (Imid be the firii tfoat fJjoud rije from the Dead, So that when Paul appeai'd to the King*s Faith, urging, Verf. 27. / kno-jo that thou Believe fl ', and he confef&'d hirnlelf, Verf. 28. almofi perfwaded to be a Chriftian, Thus Paul magnified the Goodnefs of God to himfelf, yet fet forth therein, that Chiift is the true and proper Objed of Faith. G Thirdly, [ 50 ] Thirdly, In declaring the great Encourage* ment *we have to purjue Virtue, jrom the BleJJings that others have met with thereby^ fuch as Enochs Noah^ Abraham, ^ojeph^ Samuel^ David, &c. The Author to tlie Hebrews, in the xith Chapter, giving us a large Account of the Faithfulneis of the Faithful, both Men and Women, which are enumerated to this very End (as himfelf declares) that we may be provoked by the ftrongclt Examples and Inducements to follow the fame Steps in our Purluit of Virtue : For when he fams up the Evidence (as it may be properly termed; in the xiith Chapter, he begins, Wherefore Jeeing we alfo are compajfed about with fo great a Cloud of Witnejfes, let us lay afide every Weighty and the Sin which doth fo eafily befet us. And let us run with Patience the Race that is Jet before us. Fourthly, By expatiating on fome certain Texts^ in the Openings of Life, which is ftill for procuring to them who hear, the fame End, by begetting Faith in Chrift the Saviour of the World ; for Faith comes by Hearing with a believing Heart : Such therefore was the Preaching of Philip to the Eu?7uch^ ABs viii. For it is written, Phi- lip opened his Mouth, and began at the fame Scripture^ and preached unto him Jesus. And fomewhat like unto this is that of our Saviour in Luke the ivth, where He went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath- Day y a?id flood f 5M flood up for to read, and there was delivered unto him the Book of the Prophet Efaias ; and when he h^id opened the Book^ he found the Place where it was written^ The Spirit of the l.ord is upon iiie, (Sc. And he clo/ed the Booky and gave it again to the Minifier^ and Jat down : And the Eyes of all them that were in the Synagogue were ffhned on him. Then he opened his Mouth, expounding the fame, fayi- g. 'this Day (Verf. 2 i.) is this Scrips ture fulfilled in your Ears : Proceeding to the Amazement of them that heard him. I now come to the fifth and laft Head, which I propole to intimate to my Reader. Fifthly, and laftly, By fetti?jg forth the fundry Difpenfations of God to Mankind^ as to Abraham and Lot ; afid in opening the My fiery of the Law that came by Moles, as only preparatory to the Gofpel^ and how the Prophets did point out Chrirt, the Subjiance, which was figured forth by the Offerings and Shadows under that Difpen/iztion. Now we find the Difpenfation of Angels to Noah^ Abraham^ and Lot, agreeing with the Pro* phets that came after ; for unto Abraham was promifed the Bitfling of all Nations : Likewife opening the true and fpiritual Meaning of Jfraelh Travels, after their being delivered from Pharaolh Power and Thral- dom, and (hewing by the Spirit, that thefe Things in the Hiftory have a Meaning to Believers in the Myftery, fuch as their Go- G 2 ing [52] ing through the Red Sea, and being purfued by the Power of E^ypt^ and their Deliver- ance by an Almighty Arm, which overturn- ed thei: Enemies ; and their being proved by Want of Bread and Water •, as alio their giofs Mi (lake in fetting up the Egyptian Idol, the golden Calf, and dancing before it, with this Acclamation of Joy, Thefe be thy gods^ O Ifrael ! &c. Now 1 fay, all thefe Things that happened to J/rael in Egypt, through the Red Sea, and in the Wiidernefs, have a true Rcfemblance of Believers travelling from ipiritual Sodom and Egypt ^ fo called ; which is no other than coming from a State of fallen Nature in the firft Adam, in which all are dead, and Strangers to God, being in the Enmity, are Children of Wrath, unto a State of Grace and Li^e through Jefus Chrift, our fpiritual Mofes, being reconciled to God through him who is the fecond Adam, the Lord from Heaven, who never fell. And thus as we are opened by the Spirit, in the Miniftry of the Letter, to hold forth the I true Meaning of the Spirit, therein we may be inftrumental to bring many Souls out of the Enmity and Wrath, to be reconciled to God through J-fus Chrift. And this Minillry is called the Word of Reconciliation. « Cor. V. Noiv then we are AmbaJJddors for Chrift, as ^^' ^''' though God did befeech you by us : We pray you in Chrift' s ftead^ be ye reconciled to God, Now I fay, a Minifter ought firft to expe- rience the Veil, that is in the Hiftory of the Letter, taken away by the Operation of Chrift's [ 53 ] Chrl{l*s Spirit in his own Heart, and the Subftaiice of the Figures under the Law, given to him in Experience, and this will give him Boldnefs to declare what God has done for his Soul, as faid the Apoftle • Knowing therefore the terrors oj the Lord^ 2 cor. y, ive perjwdde Men , viz. we Labour to turn Men tiom Daiknefs to Light, and from the Power of Saran (the fpintual Pharaoh) unto God, tfc. And as is before obferved, the Senfe of thtfe Terrors may be fo acute and (harp upon the Spirits of our young Preachets, that they may with more Charity be excufed that Warmth of Zeal in warning and fore -warning others to forfake thofe Evils, for which they have fo lately and fe- vcrely fmarted : I fay, they may be borne with, and Charity (hou'd be uppermoft in our Minds towards fuch, wheie this is the Cafe. Now all thefe afore-named Openings of the Spirit, as we are condufted therein by the Word of Life, are of great Ufe and Service in the Church, to beget Faith in Unbelievers, to build up and confiFm them that have had fome Tafte and Feeling of the Heavenly Gift ; and this may fo afFe<3: fome, who have obtained Part of the fame Miniftry, that they may be in danger of Borrowing one of another, and endeavouring to imitate the fame ; but not having the fame Virtue and Power attending, the Nakednefs of (uch will foon appear : But the f 54 ] the Danger of Borrowing may lie as near, refpedting the Scriptures of the Old and New Teftament, with any other Books that may afflcH: our Minds, as what we have heard dehvered in the Openings of Life. For it is no more lawful for us to preach what we have read, becaufe we have read it, than it is for us to preach what we have beard, becaufe we have heard it. Nay, I may further add (what thou wilt find by Experience true in due Time) that it is not lawful for thee to repeat thy own Experi^ cnce, and former Openings, meerly in thy own Strength of Memory and Will ; for if thou doft treafure up and furnifli thyltlf this way, thou wilt be greatly difappointed, and thy Doftrine will be like the Manna kept out of Seafon ; IVarrns bred in it, and it (tank. Now a fpiritual Minifter is, and ought every Day to bi like Blank Paper, when he comes into the Affembly of the Lord's People, not depending on any former Openings or Ex- perience, either of his owi or others, that he hath heard or read ; but his only and (ole Dependance muft be on the Gift of the Spirit, to give, and bring to his Underftand- ing Matter fuitable to the prefent State of the Affembly, Thus will thy Words be fitly fpoken, like Apples of Gold in PiBures of Silver, and thou wile appear as the Oracle of God, miniftring out of that Ability which God gives, and under his Conduct thou wilt be (afe ; thy Words being full of Spirit and Life, will edify the Hearers, and thy own Heart [ S5^ Heart will be full of Comfort and Peace, the Comfort of the holy Spirit ; which will bring thee great Honour and Refpcdt from thy Brethren, which ought with great Care to be received ; and the more thou haft hereof, the mo e Humble and Circumfpeft oughi'ft thou to be in rendring the Honour where due, viz. to thy Lord and Mafter, the Lord Jefus Chrift, the great Minifter^ and Apoilie of our Profeffion. Having brought our young Minifters thus far, wc will confider them fitted for other Services in Travelling, which fhall be the Subjedl of the next Chapter. CHAP. V. Advices to a cautious Condufl: and Deport- ment in their Travels in the H^ork of the Ministry. WE will now confider our young Mf- nifler, as having an Enlargement of both Underftanding and Love, engaging his Mmd to labour for the Good of others; and this can't be confined to thy own Meet- ing, Church, or County, where thou hafl * thy Refidence ; but the conftraining Power of Love, arifing from the Operation of the Gift in thy own Mind, may bring thee under a weighty Concern to Vifit the Churches Abroad, [ 56 ] Abroad, in which Work there generally is a gradual Beginning ; /r/?, in Vifiting thy neighbouiing iMeetings ; and in this Work, as thou keep'll thy Place, thou wilt gain Experience, and thereby come to be more lit to undertake weightier Service. Firfi then, Be not over- forward to Vifit Friends Abroad, left thou fhould'ft bring thyfelf under a Sufpicion of running too faft ; neither be too backward, left thou fliould'ft hurt thyfelf by hindering thy Growth in that Love which wou'd enlarge thy Mind for the edifying of the Church, and thy own Com- fort : In order therefore to both, I requeft a due Attention in thy Mind, to feel the con- ftfaining Power of Love to draw thy Spirit before thou goeft, which will, with a divine AfFedlion, and ardent Defire, move ftrong in thee for the Good of them thou art to Vifit : Let this reft upon thee, with a Refig- nation, that if it be thy Place, thou art both ready and willing to go. If thefe Defires arife in thee from a right Spirit, thou wilt feel great Peace in fo giving up, with a clear Sight and Satisfaction in thyfelf to go. Now after thou haft given up to Vifit thy neigh- bouring Meetings, and art come amongft ftrange Friends and Faces, thou wilt find thyfelf under great Fears and Doubts, how thou fhalt come off ; and perhaps it may be, poor enough in thy own Efteem, fo that thou mayft think thou hadft better have ftaid at Home 3 and a Jealoufy may pofifefs thy [ 57 ] thy Mind, that the Friends judge thou art out of thy Place : And thus thou may (I re- turn under a Cloud for thy Undertaking, and more efpecially fio, if thou find'ft thyfelf guilty of Slips in Expreffion or Dodtrine, either in mifapplying or mifciting the Text ; this may dull thy Spirits, and flag thy Incli- nations for the prefent exceedingly : But thou muft not reft here, for the Gift thou haft received will not thus be fmother'd, if thoa regardeft it as thou ought'ft, and the Trou- ble thou meeteft with may be of good Ufe to thee, which hereafter thou mayft fee (the' it does not now appear) therefore, as thou keep'ft thy Place, thou wilt find thy Heart more ardently inclined to go again, when no doubt thy laft Vifit v^ill be remembered as a Block in thy Way to fo good a Work ; but that ought not to hinder, tho' it will humble thee ; but go again, chiefly regard- ing to look in the proper Place for Help, where thou haft in Time part met with it ; and if thou comeft off well now this fecond Vifit, finding All pleafed, this may raife thee in thy own Thoughts more than may- be for thy Good, if thou doft not watch- fully call to Mind the Foundation of that Excellency in which thou haft appeared, and give the Praife thereof to the Almighty, difcouraging in thyfelf, or any other, any Thing that may appear contrary thereto. Thus by degrees thou wilt be more ac- quainted and inured to ftrange Faces and Meetings, and wilt get Strength over that H flavifti [58 ] flaviih Fear and Uneafinefs, occafioned through want of Experience ; and as'thou witnefft^tfe a Growth in thy Gift, the Word of Life, a Concern of greater Moment and Confequence may fall upon thee -, for as thy Heart is enlarged in the Word of Life, thy Love will be farther extended tovv^ards the Children of Men, and Inclinations will be raifed in thy Mind (in Proportion to that Love which is begot in thee, by the Gift of the Spirit thou haft received to minifter from) to make farther Vifits to the Meetings and People of God, in feme adjacent County or Counties ; under the Lnpiil/e whereof, thou wnlt find many Difficulties and Hardfhips laid in thy Way, which will bring thee un- dtra great Strait what to do, fometimes con- cluding this, and fometimes that 5 but whilft thou art under this Doubting, it will be pro- per to advife with fome Minifters, who have had fome Experience in the like Cafe, and let them know, how it is and hath been with thee, refpeding thy prefent Concern, and they may be affif^ing to fatisfy thy Mind, and thou mayft from that conclude to give Way, being eafy and well fatisfied it is thy Place to go; but before thou takefl thy J^;urney, lay the Matter before thy Brethren, in order for a proper Certificate^ or a Letter of Recommendation, fignifying their Satisfadion and Unity with thy Un- dertaking. All this being done, the Con- fent of thy Friends and Brethien obtained, and nothing appearing now to obftruct, give [ ?9 ] _ give up freely to make this intended Vifit, always minding, that thou keepeft clofe to thy Gift, and follovvell the Leadings thereof both in thy Journeyings and Dodtiine -, fo wilt thou find thy Strength inwardly to in- creafe, and Experience will be daily added to thy Knowledge, and thou wilt be pre- ferved from going too faft in thy Travels, or from being perfwaded to go out of thy right Line, and Concern ; or irom lingering too long in particular Places, all which are hurtful Miftakes when fallen into ; but as thy Mind is preferved under the Condudl of tlie Spirit and Word of Truth, thou wilt fee when it is thy Place to return \ and the fame conftraining Power of Love in thy Heart, which drew thee forth, will lead thee home again ; and when thou art there, endeavour to keep thy Place in Humility, left thou (hould'ft mifs thy Way by endeavouring to appear as an able Minifter, fuppofing, be- caufe thou haft been Abroad a little, thou muft nov/ give fome Proof of thy Apoftlertiip by enlarging on fuch Matters as come before thee, apprehending, that thy Friends at home may exped: iuch a Performance from thee; and if thou (hould'ft let thy Mind out to anfwerthem therein, thou mayft dif- appoint thyfelf as well as thofe that hear thee. To avoid whijh, be mindful to regard thy Opening, proceeding no farther than led' by the Spirit in thy Minitlry, let it be little or much, without endeavouring to make it more or lefs ; neither covet to appear well H 2 read [ 6o ] read or learned ; for by giving Way to fuch a Temper thou mayft difcover thy Weaknefs, and appear both foolifh and impertinent to them that hear thee. It is flife for a Mini- fter to defue no other Knowledge than the Work of Regeneration in. his own Mind, that he may fpeak to others the Things of the Spirit (in iuch Words of Plainnefs as are received from it) becaufe he knows them to be true in his own Experience, always re- membering, that/ it is not lawful for us to fpeak our own Experience in our own Time and Will, but we muft wait to feel fome fpiritual Virtue, and divine AiTiftance in our Minds, enabling us, by opening our Under- ilandings, to declare to others with Power and Authority, in the Word of Life, what God has done for our Souls; and this will be delivered in fuch Terms and Plainnefs of Speech, as they that are unlearned, and of low Capacities, will underlland ; but if we undertake the Work in our own Time, and depend upon Strength of Memory, either irom what has been opened to us before, or from what we have formerly had in our Experience, we fhall eaiily fall under that Temptation of endeavouring to appear elo- quent, by embellifhing cur Difcourfe with fuch Terms and Phrafcs as we may not rightly underfland, and therefore may mif- apply; and thus byafpiringto appear know- ing^ ijcell read, and eloquent^ we may difco- ver our Nakednefs bv aiminp; at forbidden Knowledge, as our firfl Parents did: Our Safety [ 6i ] Safety therefore ftands in keeping to the Root of the Miniftry, the Infpiration of the Spirit, patiently waiting at all Times to know our Places and Services in the Mini- ftry, that when we fpeak, it may be the Word and Mind of the Spirit, and not our own; and when we minifter, it may be in that Strength and Ability which God is pleafed to give, and not our own ; and thus fhall we gain Strength, and our Labour will be acceptable ; the Hearts of our Brethren will be opened and enlarged towards us, as we thus approve ourfelves Work-men that rightly divide the Word of Truth; herein neither we ourfelves, nor thofe that hear us, will have any juft Caufe to be afhamed. Now as thou thus keepeft thy Place in thy Gift, thou wilt grow therein, and thy Defire and Inclinations will likewife with ardent Love grow in Proportion with thy Gift; for the Tendency of a fpiritual Mini- ftry, and its Nature is fuch, that it enflames the Mind, wherever it is, with a Defire of doing Good to the Souls of Men, and to be inftrumental to promote their Happinefs, both here and hereafter, according to that Ability received ; and this is no other than the Love of God in Chrift Jefus, woiking on thy Mind, and gently conftraining thee to fo good a Work ; and thou wilt nov/ clearly lee, that a Diipenfation of the Gofpel is given thee in Charge, and thy Care ought [ 62 ] ought to increafe with thy Gift, how to Difcharge thy Duty therein ; but thou wilt alfo find at Times very ftrong Reafon- ings againft thy tJndeitaking, nay perhaps flronger than before, and wilt be ready to think, and fay to thyfelf, Why Jhoud I trouble my Mhid about thefe Thifjgs^ I had bejl mind my own Work now 1 am youngs and endeavour to improve ??tyfelf in the Affain of this Life, which will be both prudent and commendable ; this I will endeavour, and likewife be as religious and careful of myfelf as 1 can, and let others look to tbemfelves for me, that's their Duty and not f?nne. Such like Reafonings as thefe will at Times rife very high in thy Way ; but notwithftand- ing, as thou keepeft to thy Gift, and wait- eft in it, all thefe Clouds of Reafonings will vaniih, and thy Mind will be fecretly enflamed with Love to promote Faith on the Earth. Now the firft Journey I fuppofed very fliort, foon out and loon Home ; but pre- fuming the next to be longer, it will be more needful than it was tlie firft Time to have the Approbation of the Monthly- Meeting of which thou art a Member, and it may fo happen, that fome of thy Brethren may think that thou art not qualified for fuch an Undertaking, but they may advife thee to tarry at Home till thou art (in their Thoughts) better fitted for fuch a Vifit; and this may be a very hard Trial, which if not rightly [ 63 ] rightly taken, may prove hurtful to thy Mind ; for if thou art apt to be dejeded, this may bring the very low, and ftagger thee, fo as to call in queftion the very Foundation which thou haft thus far pro- ceeded upon in thy Mlniftry, but if thou keepeft thy Place in thy Gift, this will be of great Benefit to thee, in gaining Expe- rience. I fay, here will be a great need of keeping a clofe Watch over thy own Temper and Spirit, left Prejudice fliou'd beget hard Thoughts in thy Mind againft thofe whom thou mayft look upon as Oppo- fers, becaufe they fcruple giving Confent to thy travelling fo long a Journey as is pro- pofed; fo that if thou art of a vindidive Temper, and apt to refent, this may, if thou art not very watchful, tindlure thy Miniftry with Bitternefs which will appear by giving flant and fide Strokes in thy Preaching, or by fuftering thyfelf to think, that what they offer in Oppofition to thy Travelling, proceeds from fome private Pique or Refentment, and not from any juft Caufe of Objection that they have to thy Miniflry, but out of a captious Humour they fet themfelves againft thee; and thou to be even with them, giving way to PalTion and Refentment, fo that thy Mind is foured, and thy Miniftry tinc- tured with Anger and Revenge, giving Side- blows with a View to oppofe thy Oppofers ; but whatever thy Succtls may be refpcding them, thou mayft affure thyfelf, by this Condudl [ H ] Condudl thou wilt expofc thyfelf to Con*. tempt with thy Befl Friends, and make thy Way more ftrait, by increafing the Num- ber of diffatisfied Brethren by thy Preaching fo full of Refentment, and void of Gofpel Love 5 the more thou ftriveft this Way for Vidory and Enlargement, the greater and ftronger the Oppofition will be againft thee, and thou wilt become an Objedt of Con- tempt : Therefore to avoid all the Incon- veniences that may arife on this Account, it will be fit to confider, that for every Fault or Error thou art guilty of in thy Travels, whether it be in Dodtrine or Con- verfation, the Meeting and Friends that have recommended thee as a Minifter, mull fhare largely with thee, both in the Blame and Shame thou bring'ft upon thy Profeffion and Miniftry, by thy ill Condudt or dif- agreeable Dodlrine ; and therefore every Friend and Brother in thy own Meeting ought to be fatisfied, both refpeding thy Miniftry and Condud as a Minifter, e'er they fign Letters recommendatory on thy Behalf; nay, it is the indifpenfable Duty of every Member, having a jufl: Caufe of Objedlion, to oppofe thy Pretenfions to Travel as a Minifter, with this Caution, that he in a Brotherly and Gofpel Spirit fhew the Caufe of his Objedions ; and whether it may relate to thy Dodlrine or Converfation, or both, let this Mind be in thee, that it is defigned for the Good of the whole, and with a View to prevent any Uneafinefs [65] Uneafinefs to the Society, and not in any Prejudice to thee, but for thine and the Churches Good ; therefore guard againfl a Spirit of Refentment, and keep in Love and Charity with all thofe that may appear againft thee, deliring above all, to be endu- ed with an humble and forgiving Spirit; put the bed Meaning on what thou haft met with, that it was and is defign'd for thy Good, with a View to fave both thine and the Monthly Meeting's Credit, where thou art a Member, making thy humble Application in Spirit to God for true VVif- dom, and the Spirit of a found Mind to eondu6l thee in this Time of Trial, by. Oppofition from fuch as may wifli both thee and the Caufe of Religion right well in general, keeping clofe to thy Gift, forbear^ ing to appear in the Miniftry, if thou feeleft any Tincture of Sournefs or Refentment, but wait in Silence until all that is purged out and taken away, by the prevailing Power of Love in Chrift jefus, that fo the Miniftry of Reconciliation from him may fill thy Mind ; and in this, as thou art kept and preferved, thou wilt through Patience overcome all that may oppole thee : Thus wilt thou, by divine Aid, be able to turn thy Water (which hath been afiiicfling) into Wine, and thy Way will be opened, all Objedions removed, and fome whom thou may ft have look'd upon as Enemies, may appear now thy beft Friends, who have V/atch'd over thee for Good 3 and finding all I their [ 66 ] their Ohjedlons anfwered, and Uneafinefles concerning thee removed, by thy humble, meek, and prudent Condudl, may with both Freedom and Pleafure confent to iign thy Credentials as a Minifter in Unity with them ; tho' they may not all come in at once, but fbme may receive fuch Im- preffions, by contefting the Point, that it will require Time to wear out ; but thy Strength will increafe, and the Love of thy Brethren grow iirong towards thee, for the Work's Sake. Thus by Faith, having through Patience farmounted all thcfe Difficulties, thou wilt find the Words of the Apoftle true, that jill Thi?2gs Jldall work together for Gcod^ to them that love and fear God. And thefe Affliclions and Trials will add to thy Ipiri- tual Improvement, and thou wilt grew in the Root, and thy Experience will be much enlarged, and great will be thy Comfort and Peace. But fuppofe again, that thou meet- eil with no Oppofition of this Kind, but the Meeting, and every Member in it, are pleas'd, and chearfully recommend thee as a Minifter in Unity with them ; then it is needful to confider, that thou haft in fome good degree the Credit and Honour of that Meeting repofed in thee, of which thou onght'ft for both thy own Sake and theirs, to be very circumfpedl and careful, know- ing that if thou {hould*!! bring any Dif- grace or Shame upon thyfelf, either in thy Miniftry [67] MIniftry or Converfation, the Meeting that have certified on thy Behalf, will hkewifc fnfFer with thee, and come under Blame for recommending thee as a Minifter, finding that thou anfwereft not the Charac- ter given concerning thee; and under this State thy Return will bring both Sorrow and Shame to thy Friends at home : For the avoiding whereof, the next Chapter containeih feme needful Cautions and Coun- fel. I conclude this with P^u/*s Advice to timothy : I charge thee therefore before God, 2 Tim. u. and the Lord ycfus Chrift^ preach the Word^ be infant in Seajon, out of Seafon ; reprove^ rebuke, exhort with all Long - Juffering and DoBrine : For the Time will come^ when they will not endure found DoBrine, But watch thou in all Things^ endure JlffliBio7is^ do the Work of an Evangelijl, make Jul I Proof of thy Miniliry, This excellent Advice, with that in the clofe of the fecond Chapter, = ^''^- "• is worthy of our Notice and Confideration. C H A P. VI. Cautions againfl Pride and Exaltednefs, med- ling in Matters, fpreading Reports, &c, and a general Recommendation of li\jim\Y\iy and Meeknefs in all "Things, I Now fuppofe thee ready to take thy Journey, in Unity with thy Brethren, manifefted by a Certificate given thee for that Purpofe. Thus leaving them in the I 2 fweet [ 68 ] fweet Fellowfliip of the Gofpel, having their Prayers for thy Prefervation and Succefs^ yet not without great Fear, and it may be Weeping, thou fetteft out, doubting how it may anlwer; but thoa mayft perhaps be well fatisfied for a few Meetings at thy fiift fetting out in this great Humihty of Mindj but thou muft then keep fo humble and inward with the Lord in Spirit, as to wait daily for the Renewings of both Wifdom and Power from him ; and thus may thy Mind be fupplied, every Meeting, with new Life and Matter fuiting the States of the People thou art amongft ; and this will be to thy Comfort and Peace, and to their Edification. But if after thefe frefh Supplies that thou daily art favoured with, thou ihould'ft grow unmindful what thou really art, and begin to think thyfelf in a better Capacity for the Work than formerly, and tlie Efteem and , Favour fliewn thee by thy Friends, begins to fwcll thy Mind above that humble and depending Frame ; thou wilt find after fuch a State of Mind prevails upon thee, that Lcaiuicjs and Barren?tefs of Soul will enfue ; snd if thou doft not bethink thyfelf feafona- bly to return, but cndeavour'ft in thy own Strength and Will to five thy Credit as a Minifter, thou wilt lofe Ground tafter than it was gfiined. Thus fome, after they have begun Vv'cll, and gone on lo for fome Time, having gained fome Experience, and a form of [ 69 ] of found Words, but for want of keeping humble and inward in Spirit with the Lord, they have infenfibly gone from the Founda- tion and Spring of living Miniftry, and depended on Memory, former Experience, and Openings, and not on the Infpiration of the Spirit, which is the Root of all true Mini- ftry, and what proceeds from it is always new and acceptable. I fay, fuch have fallen into Repetitions of the fame Things, without a Newnefs of Virtue attending them therein, and fo have become formal Minifters in the Oldnefs of the Letter; and this Sort of Preaching may take with fome, efpecially thofe that are unfenfible of the Virtue of the Spirit to reveal unto them the Things of the Spirit of God. But notwithftanding thou mayft have Favour and Credit with fuch as a Preacher, and may be by thofe refpecfled for a little Time, and regarded as fuch ; yet the longer that thou goefl on in this Way, the more thou wilt covet Honour and Pre- eminence, yea, thou w^lt in Time be apt to feek the Praife of Men more than of God, and out of Humour, being difpleafed if thou haft it not. But alas, this is poor Work ; for by the Living in Religion thou wilt foon be difcovered, and found out to be but an empty, dry, and unfruitful Formalifi -, and they that are Alive unto God, will fee thee plainly to be fuch ; for the Lord's People, who have a fpiritual Difcerning, can't belong impofed upon, but they will find out, and difcover the true Voice from the falfe, loving the l7o] the fir/i, and thee for the Sake thereof; but rcjedling the la/i, and the Authors thereof, be they whoever they may : Therefore all thy Contrivance, Fore-caft, and Skill, ufed to the utmoft Advantage in thy own Time, Will, and Strength, will prove but as a broken Ciftern that can hold no Water, that will ever afford Refrefhment to the People of God, but will load and grieve them. To avoid all which, it will be fafe to keep in an humble Depcndance, endeavouring to keep near the Lord, having him always before our Eyes, that we may receive daily Ability from him, and fpeak as we feel our Minds moved by his divine Spirit 5 and whether it be little or much that we have to fay, be thankful that we are favoured with his Pre- fence and Life in our Miniftry, not fo much regarding what others may fay or judge con- cerning us, as the Peace and Satisfaction that we inwardly enjoy by the Word of Life, that Life which is the Light of Men. Thou mayft find thyfelf as this Day drawn forth and greatly enlarged in thy Miniflry, but to Morrow thou mayft be fhut up, barren and poor, having but very little to fay, and that but very brokenly, as with a ftammcring Tongue, which may feem very uneafy to thee fo to appear ; and under fuch a Con- dition thou mayft be tempted to go beyond thy Commiflion. This ought always to be watch*d againft, for it is our fafcft and bed Way, at all Times, to appear juft as we feel Power and Strength in our Gifts, endeavour- ing [7^] ing to keep our Minds in Patience, be it how it will, knowing that the IVind Mows John lu.z, where, when, as ftrong, and weak, as it lifteth, and we can neither add or diminifh ought from it ; but if in the Time of Weak- nefs we endeavour to hide ourfelves by mul- tiplying Words, we fhall difcover ftill more Weaknels, and in this State Silence will be much mote fafe than Preaching ; therefore if thou haft but little to fay, fay but little ; and if thou haft nothing to fay, be Jilent ; for altho' thou mayft be judged as out of thy Place in Travelling, having nothing to preach, yet if any count this as a Fault to be a(hamed of, it is to be confidered, that this reputed Shame (for in reality it is thy Credit) will fall more direcftly upon thyfelf^ in thy undertaking to preach without any Authority for fo doing ; for by fuch an Undertaking thou mayft fall unwares into fuch Impertinences that may be a real Shame, both to thyfelf and thy Brethren alfo, who will hereby lliare deeply with thee, and the Principle be reproached for thy Folly and Forwardnefs in pretending to Inipiration, when thou haft it not ; therefore, if at Times thou art very poor, and has nothing to fay, let not this tempt thee to go beyond thy Line ; for this Poverty and Afflidion thou art under, may by divine Purpofe be brought upon thee, to prepare thy Mind to fpeak more feelingly, and with moving Language to others under the like Diftiefs, and Bar- rennefs of Soul. Thus are the Minifters of Chrift [ 72 ] Chrifl often, as it may be faid, baptized for the Dead, viz» they are given to tafte of the various and near Trials that Believers are exercifed and proved by, and are likewife made to tafte and feel of the infinite Mercy of God, in Raifing them from Death to Life, and from the Pov^er of Satan and Darknefs, to partake of the Joys of Immor- tality and eternal Life, brought to Light again by the Gofpel. And when a Minifter is thus prepared by fpiritual Afilidion, occafioned by the with- drawing of divine Virtue from his Mind, and fuffered, as rnai^y good Men have been, to be buffeted, tempted, tried, and fifted by Satan, feeling Faith, Hope, and Patience almoft to fail, yet in this State, by a fecret and hidden Power, neither feen nor thought of, he is preferved ; tho* for very Anguifh he may be ready to cry out in the Bitternefs of his Soul, Oh ! wretched Man that I am, to undertake what 1 was not called to, and to run eer I was fenty my Punifiment is greater than I can bear. Thus it pieafes God to fuffer his Minifters to be proved, that they may come forth as VefTels fit for the Pvcfiner. But then, when this Deliverer is pleafed to reveal himfelf the Beloved of the Soul, Oh ! what exceeding Joy, what exceeding Soul Satisfaction then ? Oh! then a Minider can from Experience cry out and fay, Come talk and Jee that God is good, and worthy to be [ 73 ] he waited upon. Oh ! come^ and Til tell you what God has done for my Soul, Now this Miniftry begets Faith, and raifes the Hearers Minds up unto the lively Hope of the Gofpel, the Power of Life, in the Preaching of the Word as the Oracles of God, and in that Ability we receive from him. . Here we find fuch Kind of Trials and Afflidions by Poverty and Barrennefs, to turn both to ours and the Churches Good, as we keep the Word of God's Patience; and tho' in this State of Poverty and Weak- nefs, fympathizing Friends are very few, and fuch as will frown and look flrange upon us, may be tnany ; yet neverthelefs, luch whofe Eyes are upon us, fome for Evil, and lome for Good, will fee that our Ex- cellency is in him that has called us to this Work, and not in onrfclves ; and in due Time, as v/e keep in Humility and Patience, waiting in our Gifts, we fliail be drawn forth and enlarged to the Satisfaction of them that hear us : The Scale may come to be turned, and thou mayll now have more to admire, and fpeik in thy Praife, than thoa hadfl to frown upon thee ; for fuch is the Ficklenefs and Uncertainty of many in this Refpeut, that they will turn both with us, and againft us in a (hon Time, fo that the more Applaufe we have, the more fearful of ourfelves we ought to be ; but if we {hou*d be txaked in ourfelves, by Reafon that we K are t 74 ] are admired by common Fame, we may, e'er we are aware of it, bring ourfelves into the fame Condition before defcribed, and all that Friendfhip may be turned into Slight and Enmity again : It is therefore very lafe for us, at all Times to keep humble, and inward with the Lord, waiting in our Gifts, that we may truly know when to fpeak, and what, as likewife when to be filent ; herein we fljall grow from one Degree of Experience to another, the Gofpel will be purely preached, and the Work will profper in our Hands. Next, be careful of thy Ccnverfation ; for it may lo happen, that where thou lodgeft, either cafually or defignedly, thou mayft hear of fome Differences fubfifting amongft Friends, and others may likewife expofe fome Vices, that fome of their Meeting may be addided to, of which they will be pleaf- ed thou takeft Notice ; but to all inch kind ct Difcourfes thou oughteft to give no heed, but rather with Decency fhun them, left they fhould bias thy Mind in thy Miniftry, and fo thou mayft preach by hiformation, more than by Infpiration : This will hurt thy Service and Reputation ; but if after thy Service is over, thou meeteft with any Thing of this Kind, and canft have Freedom to advife, or be ferviceable in any Ilefpedt, to fet right Things which are amifs, endeavour to keep in the Way of thy Duty with all Humility, and Patience, confidering impar- tially tially what is faid on all fides ; then meekly periWade to Peace, rather than judge amongft them, for it may be dangerous to judge on e'uher fide, without a fair Hearing, left thou Ihould give Strength to that which thou ought'ft not ; but if we can in a Friendly manner, bring contending Parties to an Agreement, we Ihall do a good Work ; and if we have any Advice to give to the Dif- orderly and Vicious, let it be done in much Love and Tendernefs, rather fliewing the evil Confequences of fuch Pradices, by Comparifon in other Men, (which may fhew them their Folly) than to fall dired:ly upon them. By this Way of Reproof, Na-- than brought David to pafs Sentence upon himfelf ; and if thou art inftrumental to fet their Folly in a clear Light, they may there- by be prevailed on to Reform and Amend. Thy prudent Condud: herein will much in- creafe both thy Service, and Peace. Next, be careful not to carry Tales and Reports from one Place to another ; for fome have, by fuch Work, made themfelves very OfFenfive ; and confider, that Tale-bearing^^^*^^'^' is forbidden under the haWy as of perni- cious Confequence to the Peace of Society. How bafe then muft it appear in a Gofpel Minifter, to be guihy of this Folly ? There- fore, if thou at any Time art informed of ought concerning any Friend, that may in- jure his Character, firft enquire, whether fuch an Informer hath given fuch an one K 2 Gofpel [76] Gofpel Order ; and whether, if he be called upon to vouch what he has faid, he will abide by that Report ? This will be a Means to put a Step to Tale-bearing in a good Degree: Yet for all this, if thou find'tl a Concern to advife with fuch an one, and to let him know what thou haft heard con- cerning his, or her Condud:, minding that Prohibition, Exod. xxiii. i. againft /iy/J i?^- porfSy this will make it needful, if what thoa haft heard be queftioned, as to its Truth, for thee to make known thy Authors, to make out what they have Reported ; and if it appears on Examination falfe^ a Stop will be put to ir, vv^hich otherwife, by the Me- thod of, / W// tell thce^ but do thou keep it to thjfcJf, mjght go far and wide : This Condu(lt will be as a Fortrefs againft all fuch bufy People, who love to fcan their Neigh- bours Failings, while they overlook their own 5 and thy Credit will grow with thy Friends, and thy Gift will make Room for thee, as thou art thus preferved : But if thou fhould'ft have a Pleafure in, and encourage fuch Tatling, thou wilt hurt thy Service, and feed that Temper in others as well as in thyfelf, which ought to be flain ; therefore never hear nor receive any fuch Report, but from fuch judicious Friends who have laboured in a Spirit of Love to reclaim fuch Offenders, and want thy Aid to lirengthen their Endeavours already ufed for the Good of fuch ; which is what in Juftice, accord- ing to Gofpel Dodrine, we owe one to another [77] another : This Kind of Behaviour will an- fwer thy Charader, and thou wilt have Praife for the fame. In the Courfe of thy Travels thou wilC have frequent Opportunities with Friends at th^ir Meetings of Difcipline, wherein there may happen lometimes warmDehates^ which may, if thou art not very careful and re- ferved, be a Snare to thee in thy Conduct, and thou mayft be too eafily provoked to fpeak on one fide or the other, before thoa doft rightly know and underftand the Matter* Now, altho* I wou*d have us be very careful and cautious, how we meddle at fuch Times, and in fuch Meetings, yet I would, that we fliou'd exercife both our Ears and Under- ftandings, waiting in our Gifts; perhaps we may have a Service in reconciling Matters ia Debate ; and if thou find*jft it thy Place to fpeak, be upon the Enquiry^ to find yet more clearly the right Thing that is contended for, and let thy Words be delivered with great Deference and Regard to both Parties, with that decent Condefcenfion, Submiflion and Sv/eetnefs, that is becoming thy Age and Experience to treat thy Friends with. If thou {hould'iT; likewife obferve a Dif- ference in the Management of their Affairs, refpeding their Difcipline in common, from what it is in the Meeting whereof thou art a Member, and from this mayft judge thy- fclf able to fliew them a better Method, which [ 78 ] which Method by Cuftom is become fami- liar to thee, and if thou art forward to dic- tate, by endeavouring to perfwade them to alter their Method of ordering Matters, thou mayft be look'd upon as a bujy Meddler in what concerns thee not. But if in private Converfation, fome better No ions of Ma- nagement refpeding the making fuch Meet- ings more ferviceable, to anfwer the good End propofed by them for tbe Benefit of Society, can be cuhivated in the Minds of thofe concerned, and fo propagated by De- grees, it might be of great Ufe ; but hafty Revolutions and Changes in Forms of Dif- cipline are of dangerous Confequence, and ought never to be attempted, but upon Confiderations well digefted ; for it may offend fome, and unfettle others, by railing Debates for and againft, which may caufe great Heats if they be ftiff on both Sides, as it may likely fo fall out, to the Breach of Unity, and leffening Brotherly Love and Charity one towards another. I have obferved, that where a Monthly or Quarterly Meeting have continued in the Method recommended to them by fome worthy Elders who are now gone, and left this Practice as it were a Legacy to them, fome have been very much opinionated thereof, in Honour to the Founders of the Method they may be in ; and we not know- ing the Reafon inducing fuch worthy Elders to this or that Way of Management, ought to [79 ] to be very tender in judging about Things of this Nature ; and it may not be fo mate- rial, whether Things may be done this or that Way, for the Good of the whole, fo they be done in Charity and Love ; there- fore let us in our Travels take Care, not haftily to meddle and dip into thefe Affairs, and fo do more Hurt than Good. Now as to thy private Condu5i in all Places where thou art with thy Friends : Be very modeli and thankful for fuch Entertain- ment as may be given thee j and tho' it may- be but (in thy Elleem) poor and mean, yet as thou haft it from a fincere, loving, hearty and honeft Mind, according to the Ability of the Giver, be content, thankful and chearful with it j remembring who faid. He that gives a Cup of cold Water to a Prophet^ in the Name of a Prophet^ /Jjall have a Prophet's Reward, And guard againft fpeaking dif- refpeB fully in any other Place of that Enter- tainment, (tho' mean) for that may be very offcniive, and give great Uneafinefs, being a Hurt to thyfelf more than thou mayfl be aware of ; but in thefe Matters behave as becomes thy Place and Service. And in thy Converfation^ whether in pub- lick, or more privately with thofe of a diffe- rent Sex, be ftridly careful to avoid too great Familiarities^ and every Thing which, tho' innocent in itfelf, may give any juft Occafion of Offence to fuch who may be watching [So] watching over thy Conduct, either with a good or evil Eye; that (o thou may ft not jonly be preferved from Evil, but likewife from every Appearance thereof ; and by a prudent and inofFenfive Behaviour adorn the Gofpel of God our Saviour, and ie an Ex^ ample to the EelieverSy not only in Word and Dod^rine in publick, but likewife in private, in Converfatiofi, in Charity^ in Spirit^ i?z Faith^ and in Purity, And if thou art unmarried, carefully guard ^gainft either making or receiving any Pro- pofak to alter thy Condition haftily, and without being well advifed, and feeing thy V/ay clear therein j but finifh thy Journey iirft, let the other reft till that is over, io wilt thou avoid the Rifque of any Reproach that might fall upon thee for any Milbeha- viour in that Matter, Take what Care thou canft, according to thy Ability, not to make the Gofpel charge- able to thy Friends, in going from one Place to another, , neither be difficult to pleafe in fuch Places, but always fhev/ thyfelf eafy and contented v^^ith fuch Entertainment as can be had ; fome Tempers, though ftrait handed enough themfelves, are yet difficult to pleale, and apt to find Fault, giving by fuch Con- dudl Uneafincfj to their Friends ; but as*we have no Views of Reward from our Hearers, nor ought to defire any other than a little Supply for the prefent Occafion, of what is needful [8i ] needful to Eat and Drink, for which, let us be thankfully contented, and not fliew any Uneafinefs, if what is fet before us don't fo well fuit our prefcnt Wants, but confider the Ability of the Friends where we are, who may exceed iheir common Way of Living confiderably, the better to accommodate us : A difcontented and murmuring Spirit hath done Hurt, and given Occafion for fome to fay. That the Dejign of Such in going Abroad was to Eat and Diink, ?7iore than to Preach the Gofpel ; a Refledion, I hope, every Friend in his Travel will take Care to avoid, and take all Occafions to prevent ; not for- getting, that all the Malice the World and the Devil have vented againfl the true Miniflry amongft us, could never fix'the Odium upon us juftly, of being Mercenary^ that is, fuch who ever look'd for Gifts, or fought after Rewards ; a Leprofy afledting all the Hireling Teachers in the World, of what kind foever. Dear Brethren^ let us maintain in our Condudl that noble Way we have ever walked in, that as v/e have freely received our Miniftry from God by his Spirit, freely to give to the People ; for a free Miniftry will ftand, and be continued in the Church to lateft Pofterity ; but the Hirelings will be rejedted more and more, and come to nought by degrees. li Next, [ 82 ] Nextj where thou comeft, enquire if there are any fick, either in Body or Mind amongll them, and wait to know thy Place and Freedom in thy Gift to vifit fuch ; but in all fuch Vifits, let thy Words be few and weighty, for if thou fhould*ft give Way thyfelf to much Difcourle, or indulge it ia thole thou vifiteft, it may hurt thy Service to them, and render it void ; therefore re- gard the Weight of thy Gift to open thy Underflanding, that whether thou mayft be opened in fome fhort Exhortations, or by M/ay of Prayer, what thou haft, may be from thy Gift, not then doubting, but thou mayft be inftrumental of Good to them thou fo vifiteft: But fome apprehend, that when they are with the Sick, in either Body or Mindj that they muft be preaching, pray- ing, or dilcourftng, perhaps beyond due Bounds, which fometimes have proved rather a Bui then and Grief to the Afflidled than a Comfort^ And if thou obferveft in any a Slacknefs, or an undue Liberty taken, not fo agreeable to their Profefiion, unto whom thou find'fl thy Mind engiged to fpeak by Way oi Ad^ "oice or Caution^ let it be done in the Spirit cf Meeknefs and Love, that if pofTible, thou mayft reach the Witnefs in their Minds, that what thou fay'ft is right. Thus having dif- charged thy Duty as a Minifter, both in a publick and private Capacity, (that is) I mean in the Affemblies and private Families where [ 83 ] where thy Lot has fallen, thou wilt return with great Joy and Confolation, finding the Words of the Royal Prophet fulfilled, He that goeth forth and ijoeepeth^ bearijig precious Seed, JJdall doubtlefs come again with Rejoicings ^^f' ^^'^^^^' bringing his Sheaves with him. CHAP. VII. Advice to Minlfters in the State of young Men, wherein Sef- conceit of themflves^ and too low Eflimation of others, may be apt to raife the Mind above the low and bumble State ^ wherein its Safety only is. I Shall now confider our young Minijler as grown to a confiderable Degree of Knowledge and Experience in the Work, and in Part to the State of a young Man that is ftrong, in whom the Word dwells more plentifully ; and thy Reputation as a Mini- fler growing with thy Gift, thou mayft now be look'd upon in thy own Meeting as a Member of fome weight, to whom thy Bre- thren pay a confiderable Regard ; in which State new Trials and Temptations may arife, and thou mayft be in as much Danger (in fundry Particulars) if not more, to mifs thy Way, than when lefs look'd upon, both by thyfelf and others. Now thy Friends may apply to thee for Advice and Counfel undtr their Difficulties, and if thou fliould'ft L 2 happen [ 84 ] happen to miftake, and advlfe wrons^, thou wilt be blamed, and the Hurt fiiftained by following thy Counfel will be laid upon thee as an Excufe to themfclves, thus : If fuch an one bad fiot advi/ed me to it, I fhoud not have done it 3 and this may bi ing fome Unea- finefs upon thee, very hard to bear without Refentment, and endeavouring to vindicate thy Advice given as fuitable at that Time, laying the Blame (if any) on the Mifmanage- ment of the Perfon advifed : Sometimes a fmall Spark of Contention thus kindled, ha.h rifen to a Flame: To avoid which, be very cautious in giving Advice in difficult Cafes, without very good Grounds for what thou fayfl:, and adviie the Parties to confult thofe of greater Experience and Judgment, to excufe thy meddling therein ; lo wilt thou be free frpm Blame on all Hands; but yet I wou'd not have thee peremptorily torefufe hearing the Complaints of Perlons under Trouble, that may really want Advice and Help; but when thou haft heard, confider if their Trouble doth arife from any Mif- underftandingon any Account, and whether fome Way can't be found out for their Relief, by Mediation and Perfvvafion of Perfons not concerned in the Matters under Difpute. Thus mayft thou be inftrumental in making Peace, without dipping into the Matter, which is the chief Caufe of Com- plaint, and this will add to thy Credit as an ufeful Member in the Body. Next, [ 8s ] Next, thou mayft now appear with more Boldnejs in thy Miniftry, which if not duly tempered with Modefty, Humility, Wifdom and Meeknefs, may render thee unpleafant to the Ears of them that hear thee, and more efpecially, if thy Dodrine fliould favour more of the Man than it did in Time paft, when thou appeared in the Innocency and Infancy of the Miniftry : And this Condudt may raife up fundry of the Meeting to watch over thee, with a View to have fomething to lay hold of to thy Prejudice, yet intend- ing (at leaft pretending) thy Good, to in- ftrud: thee better, and humble thee j and then if thou doft miftake or mifapply any Scripture, or drop any thing that may not feem fafe to be flood by in thy Preaching, it may be handed about (if thou art high and uneafy at Reproof) from one to another privately, until it comes to thy Knowledge, and thou mayft then find it hard to live under it (more efpecially) if thou art of a vindidive and high Spirit, not able to bear Contradidtion and Reproof, as becomes a Minifter of Chrift ; it will therefore be prudent to confider thy natural Temper and Difpofition of Mind, endeavouring to keep thyfelf under Subjedtion to the mortifying Power of the Crols, that thy Dodrine may be adorned with Meeknefs, and alfo feafoned wiih Gufpel Salt : In this State judicious Friends will love and vindicate thy Service ; but if thou giveft wiy to thy own Spirit, and in the Heat thereof attempteft to mini- fter. [ 86 ] fter, and vindicate thyfelf over the Heads of thy offended Friends, this w^ill render thy Dodlrine unpleafant to the Ear, and bring thee under more Dilgrace -, and find- ing thyfelf under a flight, and in fome degree of Contempt with and among thy Brethren, take Care that thou dofl not unawares (in the Heat and Height of thy own Spirit, which is not able to bear evil Report) begin to chide, and think to threaten them into a better Temper, by blaming their Condadt in thy Pi caching as direcSlyas the Cafe will bear. Affure thyfelf, that this Condudl and Behaviour will be a diredt Way to turn all their Hearts againft thee as one Man. Thus, inflead of gaining on them, and removing the Caufe of Offence, it will be more eftablifhed, and grow much more difficult to remove for the future, being thus fixed by thy imprudent Condudl. Some I have in my Time known, from fo fmall a Beginning as is before defcribed, grow (in Bitternefs and Envy, occafioned by fpiritual Pride, and Self-conceit) to fuch a Head, as have in Time rendred them (who in their Beginning were efleemed as Minifters) alto- gether ufelefs, and they have degenerated by degrees fo far, as to become Enemies to the Society, and have left it under great Preju- dices, in Bitternefs doing all their degenerate Minds might didate, to render the Society contemptible, and its Principles odious 5 which is a dreadful Thing to happen to any one that hath ever had a Part of this divh?e Min/lry j t 87 ] Miniftry ; it Is therefore highly needful for us, to learn to know our [elves ^ and to keep in it daily, and not to forget and lofe the Senfe of the Imperfedions and Defeds in the na- tural Conftitution of our own Minds ; and if we find ourfelves of an imperious, infult- ing, proud Temper, by Nature, let us mind, that Pride goes before DeJlruBioriy and an haughty (unforgiving) Spirit before a Fall ; uneafy at Affronts, and not able to endure evil Reports, without ufing Endeavours to vindicate our Honour at all Events, not confidering what our great Mafter fufFered for us, to bring us to the Knowledge of himfelf. I fay, if we by Nature are fo in- clined as above, how carefully ought we to keep a Watch againfl that weak Part we fee in ourfelves, praying with Sincerity, that our Minds may be daily improved by a divine Cultivation through the Spirit, that that great Change may be known upon us, fpoken of by the Prophet Ifaiah : T'he Wolf ir*. xi. i. fhall dwell with the Lamb, and the Leopard fldall lie down with the Kid ; and the Calf, and the young Lion, and the Failing together^ and a little Child fiall lead them. This is that Difpofition and Subjeftion of Mind that we ought to wait daily to be kept under, by the Spirit, viz. If we by Nature are like the Wolf, Leopard or Lion, at any Time, iand that Nature appears in us, this by the meek Spirit of Jefus ought to be always kept under Subjedion and Government ; for tho' we may have known our natural Tempers [ 88 ] Tempers fubdued in a great degree, at our firrt fetting out in the Miniftry, by the Crofs and Power of Chrifl, yet if there be not a daily abiding under that Power, our natural Inclinations and Tempers may pre- vail again to our Hurt, and the blefled Effe<5t ot that Subjedion to the Spirit, fpoken of by the Prophet, we (hall not experience, 'uiz. ITa. zi. J. Jhey [hall not hurt, nor defiroy in all my holy Mountain, for the Earth (hall be full of the Knowledge of t}:>e Lord^ as the Water i cover the Sea, It is therefore needful to watch daily againfl every thing in ourfelves that will hurt our Service, and render our Miniftry unprofitable, by letting in any Refentment or Heart-burning againft any Friend, for a real or fuppofed Affront, that may have been put upon us by them ; con- fidering, that nothing can hurt us that is either faid or reported, tho' with ever fo ill a Defign againft us, if we are in our Places, and innocent of the Things reported. I fay, fuch Things can't be hurtful to us, unlefs we make them fo to ourfelves by undue Refentment, being influenced thereby to preach and entertain an Affembly with our private Refentment, endeavouring to revenge the fuppofed Injuftice done us, in this publick manner 5 not confidering the Force of our Mat. V. 23, Saviour's Caution in this Cafe: therefore if thou bring thy Gift to the Altar, and there remembrell that thy Brother hath ought againft thee ; leave there thy Gift before the Altar find go thy Wa)\ Jirfl be reconciled to thy Brother, [ 89 ] Brother^ and then come and offer thy Gift, The Sum of which, to our Furpoie is this, that we undertake not the Work of the Miniftry under the Influence of any Refent- ment, or private Pique in our Minds againft any Brother, but that the lole Tvlotive and Influence of our Miniffry ought to be our Love to God, and the Souls of Men ; and by divine Infpirarion to labour therein with Diligence and Sincerity to promote Faith in the Earth, by flirring up their Minds to hve a pious and godly Life : And as our Stand- ing and Labour is in this Love, we need not fear but our Service will be both honourable and acceptable where we live : And in this Temper of Mind we fhall be capable to receive Inflrudtion (and not tliink ouifclves above it, which is a very dangerous State) and if Reproof fhou'd be given us in a wrong Mind, we being in a right one, may reap Good by what is not fo intended for us. In this Temper of Mind we fliall fee our Water turned into Wine, and all our Bitters made fweet to us ; and as before obferved, all Things will work together for our Good, becaufe our Standing is in the Love and Fear of God, and in it we labour by Infpi- ration, as AmbaflTidors of Chrifl, to make full Proof of our Minifi:ry for the Con- vincing of Gainfayers, that they may be reconciled unto God, and to build up the Believers in that mofl: holy Faith, the Fruit whereof is Righteoufnefs and godly Living. M Eat [ 90 ] But if thou art of a meek, modeft and baflifu I Temper, that is backward, not will- ing to put thyfelf forward, but by a mean and low Elleem that thou enteitaineft of thy own Gift and Service, thou putteft more Value on every Body's Performance than thy own, this will (if not tempered with a de- gree of Ardency to do thy Day's Work in the Day Time) do thee much Hurt, and very much hinder thy Improvement and Growth in thy Gift; for which Reafon, it is really needful to have a good Value for the Gift received, (mark for the G//?, not for ouifelves) but then this good Liking that we have of cur Gifts and Services, ought to be tempered vnih Judgment and Modefty, other wife it may lead to Self-conceit and Imprudence, which are bad Ingredients in the Minds of Preachers, and will be apt to render them both contemptible and trouble- fome in their ConducS. But feme are always repining, and think- ing meanly of their Gifts and Services, which is a wrong Mind ; and where it prevails, will do Hurt, and hinder our Improvement and Growth : We ought to confider, that every Gift of God is good, and ought to be regarded as fuch ; and he or flie that hath the fmallefl and leaft Degree of a Gift in the Miniftry, as they wait in it, and mind to keep to it, and neither on the one hand go before it, nor on the other negiedt it, but ca:refu]ly mind the Openings of it, and follow [9' ] follow Its Leadings, they will in due Time, by Expeiience find an Enlargement both of Matter and fpiritual Underftanding, which will give them great Encouragement to go on. I have known fundry fuch become able Minifters, and of very great Service in the Church ; and I have known others, as well as myfelf, that have begun very poor, and feemed contemptible and m.ean in the Eyes of their Friends, nay, have been ad- vifed to defiji^ as not being called to that Work, nor qualified for fuch Service ; which is very wounding and difcouraging : in which Time iome kind fy m pa thing ^y^///- la or Frifcilla have been concerned to heal the Wound, by inftruding more perfedly in the Way of the Mmiftry, by giving proper Advice and Encouragement to go on in the Work, under the Government of the divine Spirit, with a meek and humble Condudl ; advifing on the one hand, not to take too much Notice of what others may fay in dif- praife of thy Service, but endeavouring to remove their Objeclions by a prudent Beha- viour ; nor on the other, too much regard- ing what may be fald in Commendation thereof : for without exercifing Judgment, the former may caft down too much, and the latter may exalt the Mind above its Place. How fafe therefore is it to keep in our Gifrs, under the Power and Influence of divine Love, which will take all Things in good Part, whether it be Praife or Difpraife, M 2 and [ 92 ] and not be moved by either out of our Place. Thus will Malice be overcome by Love, and we (hM receive Advantage, even Irom them that intend us none ; being like- wife guarded againft that Poifon which Flat- tery and Commendation carries with it to weak Minds, for fome can't bear to be com- mended, even when they deferve it, without receiving Hurt by it, taking that Honour to themfelves which is only due to their Gifts: And being dilgafted if they have not Com- mendation and Praife, fuppofing themfelves injured wiihout it, and rather than not have it, they will feem by a kind of Enquiry, to beg it, and endeaycur by either finding Fault with, or commending their Service, to draw Praife from others. Whoever fall into this Pradllce, fliew great Weaknefs ; and it is a plain Indication, fuch are not in the Simplicity of the Gofpel ; for whoever abide in that, feek not themfelves nor their own Honour, but the chief Thing they have in View is the Honour of God, and the Good of all Men, that their Miniilry may bring Honour to him that has called us to Glory and Virtue. There are yet fome Things further to be remarked, relating to our Conduct in our oivn Families, Meetings, and Neighbourhood^ both in a religious and civil Capacity, which fi:a!I be the Subjedl of the next Chapter. CHAP. [93 ] CHAP. viir. Mifccllaneous Advices to Marriage, Trade, and an unblameable Condudt. W'"E will confider our Minifter now as one inclining to Marriage, and to fettle and have a Family, with Bufinefs and Trade in the World ; in which State of Life there are many Dangers and Snares, which we ought to guard againft, and care- fully mind our Condud: therein ; and that I may be the more intelligible, I (hall treat on the whole under thefe four Heads fol- lowing. I. Refpefting thy Courtjhip and Mar^ riage^ if yet unmarried. 2d. Thy Condudl in thy own Family^ 3d. Thy Condudl amongft thy Neigh- hours in Trade, Commerce^ &c. 4th. Thy Condudl in thy own Meeting, both as a Minijier and Elder. Firji then, In thy Courtflnp or being Courted, well confider the Objedl of thy Affedions, let not thy Mind out after what he or (he hath, but rather regard what they are. [ 94 ] are, and how qualified both in Nature and Religion : A good natural Temper in both Sexes being much preferable to Wealth, and more efpecially, when 'tis cultivated and made better by Religion. Now this being a Matter of great Confe- quence, requires a ferious Thought, and clofe Examination in our own Minds, that we may not be deceived by any falfe Glofs, Report or Appearance y but thou fhould'ft narrowly examine the moving Caufe of thy Inclinations, that fo thou mayft with Safety and Caution begin thy Suit, or accept fuch an Offer, if a Virgiii, Thus, when thy Mind is fix*d, and thou art refolved to pro- ceed, begin where thou oughteft, and be a good Example, by firft advifing with fuch as may be thy true and hearty Friends, be- fore thou makeft any Off^r, or receiveft one, fo as to join in with any Propofal on that Account, and if they agree with thee, this will add to thy Satisfacflion ; but if by Reafons and good Arguments they endeavour to diffuade thee, be not above Advice in this (or any other Affair) but give Ear to good Counfel ; but if no Objedion arifes, then apply thyfelf for Confent to Parents or Guardians, before any Propofal is made to the Objtd: of thy Choice ; and having thus paved thy Way, thy Work will be much eafier afterward : then proceed deliberately, that thou mayft give no juft Caufe of Offence in thy Condufl, but that thy Mar- riage [ 95 ] riage may be compleated, with a good Re- putation both to thy own, and Friends Sa- tisfadion, and this will add to thy Credit as a Minifter : But when this is over, and thou art married, thou muft expedt new Exer- cifes, under which thy Faith and Patience may be clofely proved. Secondly, Therefore look well to thy Con- duct in thy ow?i Family, that thou mayfl: keep all Things fweet and honourable there- in : Many are the Temptations we are in danger to receive Hurt by, fuch as afpiring too high in our Living, aiming to have all other Matters fuiting thereto, viz. our Fur- niture for our Houfes, Cloaths, &c, which if above our Ability to fupport, will bring upon us a Train of Inconveniencies, not eafily to be furmounted. And fuch who are of low Circumftances, who have travelled in the Miniftry, or may travel, feeing fo many various Ways of Living, may receive Hurt, if they do not carefully confider their own Circumdances and Ability ; fuch fliould not mind high Things, but being fubjedl to their own low Eftate, fliould content themfelves to live and appear according as they can af- ford, not endeavouring to live above their Ability, becaufe ihey will come as near in Imitation as they can to fuch who are above them ; hut rather let our Income be the Rule and Government of our Expences in living ^ for if our Expence go beyond our Income, we fliall foon be hurt 5 but if within, we are [ 96 ] are fafe : And altho' this parfimonious Way of Living ma}^ by fuch as know not our Eftate, be blamed, and we may be efteem- ed too near, and clofe 5 yet as we take Care to keep a Confcience juftly void of Offence both towards God and Men, we are fafe fo far. And thofe who are favoured with better Circumilances in this World, (hould not live in Pride and Exaltation, but walk in Humility and Godly Fear, and let their Moderation in Eating and Drinking, in Furniture and Apparel, and in all other Re- fpecSs, be known unto all Men ; and what Superfluity they have, above what may be fufficient for themfelves and Families, to be- llow in doing Good to all, but efpecially to the HouPdGid of Faith ; and by thus ufing the Bieffings of Piovidence, they will be as Lights in the World, or as a City Jet upon a Hi/lj which cannot be hid, but will (hine forth to the Praife of our great Mafler, and they at laft be entitled to the blefTed Sen- tence, or Invitation of thofe who have Jed the Hungry, clothed the Naked, and mjited the Prifoner, which is, Enter into the 'Joy of thy Lord, to dwell in his Prejence for ever. Next, if thou haft Children, endeavour to train them up in the Nurture and Admo- nition of the Lord, and in a plain, exemplary Drefs, dilcouraging in them every Thing, both in their Drels and Dilcourfe, that ap- pears inconfiftent with that Plainnefs which a Miniflefs Children ought to appear in, that [97] that they may be exemplary to others, en- deavouring early to inculcate in their Minds fuch Principles of Religion and Truth, as frequently are held foith in the Huly Scrip- tures, which as loon as they are caj^ablc to read, accuftom them to, and endeavour to make them take Plealure therein, by explain- ing fuch Portions thereof as may fuit their Capacities, that as they advance in Age, they may in Knowledge : And this is the Method to train tip a Child in the Way that be [Jdould walk. But Education^ though with the ftrideft Care and Tendernels adminiftred, will not aniwer what fome exptd; from it, as to the grounding of Youth in true Religion and faving Faith j for noming fliort of the Work of Grace in the Heart, the ?2ew Birth^ and the waflnng of Kcgeneration by \\\^Word^ can make a lound and righc Chriflian, and a true Minljler : We do not come to thefe Attainments, by a natu al Inheritance of Birth-right from, our Pa-ents, but by a fpi- ritual Relation ; foi we mui} W born again^ before we can lee the Kmgdom of God : And the explaining and opening thefe divine Truths to them, as they are cap-^ble to receive and underftand the fame, will be the befi: Part of their Education, and may lUnd for a Witnefs of our Care againft their Folly, when we are gone ; for which Cau^e it be- hoves us, that we encourage in them every Appearance of Virtue, and dilcourage every Vice which human Nature is liable to: Add to this, a religious Care over thy Servants N next [ 98 ] nextto thy Children, that they may, by thy good Advice and Exaoiple in thy Family, be improved in Virtue ; and be a good Ex- ample both to thy Family, and others alfo, in diligently attending religious Meetings'^ with as many of them as thou can ft with Conveniency take with thee ; thus wilt thou be exemplary to the reft of the Meeting. It mav be thy Lot to be expofed to Suf-* ferijigs for the Teftimony of a good Con- fciei)ce, which thou oughi*ft to be very careful to maintain for thy own Peace, {landing faithful therein, not at all doubting that a Blefling will attend thee, if thou art upright. And if thou art imprifoned for the fame, this may prove a dole Trial both to thee and thy Wife ; and for this Reafon, if ftie is uneafy, and hath not Faith and Courage to ftand fuch a Shock, give her all the Encouragement thou art capable of, left through Weaknefs flie be prevailed upon, by any indiredl Compliance with thy Adverfary, to make the Matter up, which will be a Hurt to thy Miniftry, and an evil Example to thy Biethren 5 both which ought with a prudent and due Care to be guarded againft. Add to this., thy charitable Difpofition in ContribuWig to the Poor, and other public k Services m the Society, with thy Brethren ; in which thou ought'ft to be as good an Ex- ample as thy Ability will admit, being rather above than under, endeavouring to fave it another [99] another way in thy Expences; for although we encourage Charity and a publick Spirit by Words to others, yet if we do not con- firm them by our Example, they will be of little Force. And though I have recom- mended a clofe and parlimonious Way of Living, prudently conducted, yet I would have thee, in thy Adminiflrings to the Poor, appear generous and noble, thy Abi- lity confideredj and this will add Authority to'thy Gift. But perhaps the World may frown upoa thee, and thou may ft find Things run crcfs-y this may much hinder thy Generofity in Ads of Charity, and by this thy Mind may be much diftreffcd j and unlefs thou art very careful in keeping thy Heart clofe to thy Gift:, being inward with the Lord, praying that thy Faith and Patience fail not, thou wilt meet with fome Difcouragement ; bat if thou remaineft faithful, thou wilt find this will prepare and fit thy Mind to fpeak more feelingly to others in the like State; although it is very hard to behave under fuch Trials as becomes a Minifter, without a clofe Attending on our Gifts in Meeknels and Fear. Let us therefore confider, that fuch Trials are by the Kindnefs of Providence lomerimes fuffer'd to come upon us for our Good, (to prepare us to fpeak to others with a better Effed) and to prove our Faith and Patience, as it is v/ritten, Behold I kave refined thee, but not with Silver : I have chofen thee in the ^l', ^ ^'' ' N 2 Furjiace [ 100 ] Furndc'e of JJfli^ion, This Diftrefs may wear ofF, and Things in a (hort Time may aflbme another Face : Then beware of be- ing exalted', for as Afflidion and Poverty, without Faith and Patience, can't be borne without receiving Hurt j fo Profperity, with- out Humility in a fteady Attention upon God in our Gifts, will have the like Effect upon us. This brings me to the third Head, relating to thy Condudl amongft thy Neighbours in Trade and Commerce. Trade is fometimes very dangerous, and npt to deceive the Mind, by influencing it with Hopes of more Gain, to launch out be- yond our Strength and Capacity 5 I there- fore have ever found it moft fafe, to bound my Exte?it in Trade by my Stock, and 2.% that increafed, the other might with much more Safety. Thus I carefully avoided going be- yond my Strength, which would render it impoffible for me to keep my Word and PrG7?iife in Payments 5 for I faw this brought me under fuch a Neceffity, that I could not buy, neither fell fo well, but fometimes mufl raife Money (by felling at a low Rate, under the Market) or elfe hurt my Credit in Pay- ments; I therefore took this Method : when- foever I contraded for a Parcel of Goods^ firft to confider what Pay I could make before I 772ade an Agreement, and then bought as cheap as I could, for fuch Credit as we could agree upon ; and when it fo happened, (as fometimes it did) that I found, without bor- rowing [lO,] rowing I could not pay as I promifed, (which is the Life of Trade) then a little before the Day came, I went and told my Dealer how it was with me, yet neverthelefs, if Neceflity caird for the Money, I would provide it by the Time, but hoping by fuch a Day I could make Payment of my own Strength, if he could flay fo long. And by this Con- dudl, I found a Readinefs in all my Dealers to favour me as defired, if no great Neceflity did prevent it. And thus by degrees I in^ creafed both my Stock and Trade, proceed- ing in it both with Repute and Honour -, and on this Account I became more taken Notice of, and my Company by fome more defired, which I foon found would grow upon me to my Hurt, if a Stop were not put to it ; and above all, I found it very dangerous to meddle with /irong Liquors of any kind, but in a very moderate way, efpecially Drams^ which have been very hurtful to the Health of feveral. I thus endeavoured to fleer my Courfe as inofFenfively as I could in Trade and Commerce, by keeping my Word and Promife in Payments, which added much to my Credit. Lafllyy In thy own Meeting be a good Example to attend in Seafon, at the Hour appointed, both on Firft and Week Days, with as many of thy Family as can be fpared ; and when there, do not attempt either to preach or pray without fome degree of divine Love, begot by the Spirit, to in- fpire fl02] fpire thee to It ; for by the Word of Life we muft be qualified, before wc can either preach or pray to Advantage. Some think, through a miftakcn Judgment, that they muft be doing fomeihir.g every Meeting, (like the Preachers of the Letter^ who muft either be finging, preaching or praying all the Time) and by fuch a Condud they lofe their Intereft and Place in the Hearts of Friends by too long and too frequent Appear- ing in both Preaching and Prayer: For the avoiding of which, keep clofe to thy Gift, intently waiting to know thy Place, both when to fpeak and when to be filent ; and when thou fpeakefl, begin under a Senfe of divine Influence, whether it be in Preaching or Praying ; and without it, do not either preach or pray ; for Silent Meetings^ tho' a Wonder to the carnal and worldly Profeflbrs, are of great Advantage to the truly Spiritu- ally-minded; and as thou beginneft with the Spirit, keep to it in thy going on, and conclude in it, and this will preferve thee from tiring thy Brethren, and caufing them to wifli for thy Silence: And thus as thou beginneft and goeft on, in the Openings of divine Life, thy Service as a Minifter in thy own Meeting, will be always new and liv- ing ; thus wilt thou engage the Attention of thy Hearers to what thou haft to declare, all which will tend to the Improvement of thyfelf, and Edification of thy Brethren. Add [ I03] Add to this, a prudent ConducS in Meet- ings of Bufinefs or Difcipline^ and watch againft thy own Spirit and Temper, and by no means let them arife under Colour of Zeal for the Caufe, that thou mayft not luft after Power and Rule. In fome, fuch a Mind prevails, that they are not eafy without they can rule and over-rule their Brethren : But if thou keepeft thy Place in thy Gift, thou wilt take thy Friends along with thee, that you may go hand in hand in the Work, carefully guarding againft all felfifh and private Views, from Refentment taken a- gainft a Bi other or Sifter for any fuppofed Offence, either againft thyfelfor any of thy Fiiends; the falling into any little Miftake of this kind, will have a Train of other Inconveniencies to attend it, fuch as making Parties, and falling into Divifions, one Party againft another, and op[5o(ing one the other, to the great Hurt of the Society : Bat let us with Diligence watch againft, and difcourage both in ourfelve^ and alfo among the Brethren, every Appearance of both Party-taking and P arty-maki^tg^ and in all our Views and Endeavours, lincerely labour to promote JJnity and Peace ; for it rarely happens, when fuch Ruptures fall out in Monthly ov ^larterly Meetings, but the ftrong and zealous Sticklers on either Side receive much Hurt by taking Offence, which in a more particular manner hurts Mmifters, and makes their Work much more difficult, if it does not wholly lay wafte and fet their Service [io4] Service afide ; therefore they, in an efpecial manner, ought to be Mediators, by endea- vouring to bring both Parties to an Agree- ment if poffible. But I do not mean by this, that the Authority of the Difcipline fliould be broke in upon by unruly and diforderly Spirits^ who are unwilling to fubmit to the Rules and wholfome Dodtrines of the So^ ciety : And where Difcipline is managed with a Bias of Opinion towards this or that Party, or any one aims to (hew Favour a- gainft Truth and Juftice, in this or that Cafe, a Minifter ought to exert him/elf^ im- partially aiming at the juft and right Thing, without refpedl to either Perfon or Party j for no other kind of Conduct will bear the Light ; but this will ftand the Teft, and the more 'tis examined, it will appear the bright- er j therefore the Wifdom of our Difcipline appears in its Moderation, and Juftnefs in its Proceedings, by admitting of Appeals to re-examine all Cafes, from the lowed to our lafl Refort of Judgment ; which is provided as a Remedy againft hafty and rafh Judging, without duly examining into the Truth and Equity of what they give Judgment in. I have enlarged, as feme may apprehend; too much on feme Heads in this Treatife, which is fweird under my Pen more than I expelled 5 but I could not exprefs my Expe- rience intelligibly to my own Undcrllanding in fewer Words, for which Reafon, I hope my Readers will caft a favourable Eye upon it, not being a Work defigned for CrilickSy or [<05] or fuch who are bringing all they read, within the narrow Bounds of their carnal Reajoning^ and their natural Comprehenfion^ and will not admit what is not agreeable to their Thoughts, to be any other than Fitlion ^nd efithufiaflick Whim, — I fhall now clofe thus : That if we who are concerned as Miniflers^ conducft ourfelves as is before ad- vifed, we (hall come up pretty near to the Pattern the holy Apoflle has given us ia 2 Cor, Chap. vi. 3, 4,5,6,7, 8, 9, 10. Giving no Offence in any Thifig, that the Mini/try be not blamed : But in all Things (or in every Condition of Life) approving ourfelves as the Minifters of God^ in much Patience in ylfflic- tionSy in Neceffities^ in Diflreffes, in Stripes^ in Imprifonments, in 'Tumults, in Labours^ in Watchings^ in Fallings ; by Furenefs^ by Knowledge^ by Lo72g^fufferi?2g, by Kind?2efs^ by the Holy Ghofi^ by Love unfeigned, by the Word of Truth, by the Power of God^ by the Armour of Right eoifnejs, on the right Hand and on the left ; by Honour and Difljonour, by evil Report and good Report : As Deceivers a?id yet true ; as unkmnjojiy and yet well known ^ as dyings and behold we live-, as challened^ and not killed \ as forrowful, yet always re- joycing ; as poor, yet making many rich ; as having nothing, and yet popffing all Things. O [io6] A fi^ort View of that great and fokmn Duty ^/PRAYER. WHEN we pray in the Publick /jJfefjiblieSy or in private Families of the Lord's People, v/e ought carefully to guard againft all Impertinence of Expreffion, and indecency of Sounds or Deportment ; to prevent all which, coniider well the Frame of thy Heart, that thou art in a meek and quiet Difpofition, being calm in thy Mindj this will keep thee, that the Heat of thy own Spirit, in a midaken blind Zeal, hurry thee not too faft, without a right Underftand- ing of the Ability received by the Spirit of Player y for the fame Spirit which afiifteth us in the Mint'iiry^ will llkewife in Prayer j v/ithout the Help of which, we can perform neither as we ought. But I have obferved feme, by a Tranfport of Zeal (rather Paflion) go into a Flow of Words, without a righc Underftanding either of their ov/n Spirits or of the Spirit of Prayer, but in a confufed manner direfling their Matter to the People in a way of Preaching, and then to the Al- mighty in a way of Prayer^ and then return- ing again to the People, v/hich hath made it very tirefome, and could feive no other End than to expofc the Parties concerned to Pity or Contempt, and bring Reproach on the Principle they profefs. Such Condud: j^lainly demonftrates, that there is v/ant of both [ lo;] both the Spirit and Ufiderjianding, (o eflential to the Performance of this folemn Duy. Our bleffed Saviour in Mathcw vi. having fiift fet the falfe and fi(5titious Prayer in a true Light, teaches his Diiciples their Duty herein, Verfe 9. laying, After this manner therefore pray ye -, and then lays down that moft beautiful and comprehenfive Prayer. But with how little Thought, Confideration or Serioufnefs, is it frequently repeated by fundry that ufe ir ? I am fearful it is little better in many, than taking the Lord's Name in vain. It thtrefore ought to be ferioufly confider'd by all, that in ufing that, or any other Prayer, they are in fome Degree qua- lified by the Spirit fo to do, whether it be in publick or in private ; for publick Prayer, fcmetimes is adapted to befeech the Divine Majefty to corfirm by his Word the various Branches of Dodrine that may have been before delivered, and to ftrengthen that Faith begot by the Gofpel preached, and to increafe Vigour in the pure Mind flirred up in the Htarers, by the Infpiration of the divine Word. The royal Pfalmijl prayed the Lord, PfaL li. 15. faving, O Lord, open thou my Lips, and 7ny Mouth fl:all JJ:ew forth thy Praife, And when our Lips are thus opened, this is the right Qiialification to true Prayer ; and it will edify and comfort the Hearers who are alive to God, fo rhat the Right- minded will all fay AMEN. O 2 It [io8] It Is thought not iinfeafonable upon thisOcca- lion to revive the following Advice, taken from William Edmund son's Works. Concernuig Offerings, that are offer d to God in Prayer and Supplication. THE Offerings, that are acceptable to God muft be offered in Righteoufnefs, and with clean Hearts and Lips : For the Lord is Pure and Holy, and will be fand:i- fied of ail that ccmcs near him, and his Worflnp is in Spirit and in Truth ; where- fore Prayer, Supplication and Addreffes to God, being a fpecial Part of his Worship, niufl: be performed in Spirit and Truth, with a light Underftanding, feafoned with Grace, pnd with the Word of God, even as the Sacrifices under the Old Covenant were to be brought and ofjir'd in clean Veffels, fea- fon'd with Salt and with Fire : So all now under the New Covenant, who approach fo nigh to God^ as to offer an Offering in Prayer, muft have their Hearts fprinkled from an evil Confcience, and their Bodies waflied in clean Water, and fandifiv.d with the Word of God, and their Senfts feafon'd with his Grace and Spirit in divine Under- flanding, and muft offer that which is found and pertinent, which the Spirit makes Jinown to be needful, whofe Intcrceffion is acceptable^ [ I09] acceptable, as a fweet fmelling Sacrifice in the Noftrils of God, and a Savour of Life unto Life, and of Death unto Death, tho' in Sighs, Groans, or few Words, being found, pithy, and fervent : For the Lord knows the Mind of the Spirit, that makes Incerceffion to him, who hears and gracioufly anfwers. And now all are to be careful, both what and how they offer to God, who will be fandified of all that come near him, and is a confuming Fire, who confumed Nadab and Abihu that offered ftrange Fire, though they were of the High Priefl's Line. And there may be now Offerings in Prayer and Suppli- cation, in long Repetitions of many Words, in the Openings of fome Divine Illumina- tions, with a mixture of Heat and Faffion of the Mind, and Zeal beyond Knowledge, * and in this Heat, Paffion and forward Zeal, run on into many needlefs Words and long Repetitions, and fometimes out of Supplica-^ tion into Declaration, as though the Lord wanted Information ; iuch want the Divine Underftanding, and go from the Bounds and Limits of the Spirit and Will of God, like that forc'd Offering of King Saul^ which Samuel called foolifh, and the ftrange Fire and forc'd Offering, offer what comes to hand, and lavifli all out, as if there were no Treafury to hold the Lord's Treafures, that may open and prelent to View at Times, for their own Benefit ; fo fuch in the End coming to Poverty and Want, fit down ia the [no] the dry and barren Ground : Wherefore all are to know their Trealury, and treaiure up the Lord's Openings, and try the Spirit by which ihey offer, that they may know the Lord's try'd Gold, and not mix it with Drofs or Tin, and know his Stamp, Hea- venly Image, and Superfcrjption ; and not counterfeit, wafte or lavifb it out, but mJnd the Lord's DiredVions, who v/ill call all to an Account, and give to every one according to their Deeds, and all the Churches fliall know, 'that he fearches the Heart and tries the Reins. As under the Old Covenant, there was the Lord's Fire, that was to burn continu- ally on the Altar, and received the acceptable Offerings : So there was ftrange Fire, which was rejeded, and the Offering that was offered therein. And now in the Nev7 Covenant there is a true Fervency, Heat and Zeal, according to the true Knowledge of God in the Spirit and Word of Life, that dies not out, in which God receives the ac- ceptable Offerings : So there is alfo a wrong Heat of Spirit, and Zeal without true Know- ledge, that with Violence through the Paf- fion of the Mind, and Forwardnefs of Defire, runs into a multitude of needlefs Words, and long Repetitions, thinking to be heard for much Speaking, but it is rejed- ed, and is a Grief, Burthen and Trouble to fenfible weighty Friends, who fit in a divine Senfe of the Teachings and Movings of the Lord's [Ill] Lord's good Spirit, in which they have Salt to favour withal -, though the affedionate Part in fome, who are not (o fettled in that Divine Senfe, as to diflinguirti between Spirit and Spirit, is railed with the Flaflies of this wrong Heat, and long Repetitions, which augments the Trouble of the Faithful and Senfiblc, who aic concerned for the Good and Prefervation of all. We read that the Priefts of Baal, in their Offerings, were earneft, hot and fierce, and cut thenifelves, making long Repetitions from Morning until Evening, fo kept the People in Expedation to Imall Purpofe ; but Elijah^ having repaired the Lord*s Altar, and prepared his Offering, in a few fenfible Words (pertinent to the Matter and Service of the Day and Time) prayed thus in the Spirit and Power of God : Lord God e>/^ Abraham, Ifaac, and of Ifrael, let it be known this Day, that thou art God in Ifratfl, a?id that I am thy Serva?2t, and that I have done all thefe Things at thy Word, Hear me^ O Lord ! hear me^ that this People may know that thou art the Lord God, a?id that thou haft turiid their Hearts back again : which the Lord heard and anfwered. So here a few fenfible Words, with a good Underflanding (without needlefs Repetitions) were prevalent with God. And [112] And our Saviour Chrifl Jefus, when he taught his Difciples to Pray, bade them not be like the Hypocrites^ or Heathen^ who ufed many Repetitions^ and thought to he heard for their much Speaking : Therefore^ faith he, be not ye like unto them^ for your Father knoweth what things you have need of before you afk him. And the Prayer which he taught is full of Matter to the Purpofe, though comprehended in few WorHa , and all hisDifciples and Apoflles are to Jearn of him, and obferve his Diredionsi, and not the Manner or Cuftoms of the Heathen and Hypocrites, in this weighty Matter of Approaching nigh unto God with Offerings in Prayer and Supplication, Our Saviour alfo left us a good Example, writ- ten for our Learning, when he was under the Senfe of drinking that Cup of Sufferings for the Sins of all Mankind, and to offer to God that great Offering for their Ranfom, he prayed in thefe Words : O my Father ! if thou be willing^ remove this Cup from me ; neverthelefs not my f^ill^ but thine be done. And in giving Thanks, in thefe Words : I thank thee^ O Father ! Lord of Heaven and Earthy becaufe thou hafl hid thefe things from the Wije and Prudent y and hafl revealed them unto Babes J even fo Father^ for fo it feemed good in thy Sight, And how many more fuch like Examples are there in the Scriptures, comprehended in few Words ? Therefore all who approach unto God with their Offerings, are to be watchful and careful, both what and how they offer under this Adminiflration of the Spirit, and Difpenfation of the New Covenant. I have travelled under a deep Senfe and Concern in this Matter for fome Time. The Twelfth of the WiLLlAM EdMUNDSON. Firft Month 1695. A, ,-..^fc.i '7V»<-|kT>>Mt;>rr^^- a *ry^^t-^ A.*x.t4 ZtU^e^ /yj , en fA^^ /^f iVff; tA^*^ C^/uru^ t^fy/ic %t*-rt^^/' fAty P-r\i.-x.y >« <»/^ 'f-ij'