Comforting Afflicted Consciences, Text (10 of 11)

Comforting Afflicted Consciences · Text (10 of 11)

p. 460For the particular I have in hand: To prevent some sinne, into which Hee sees His Childe inclinable, and like to fall; by reason of some violent occasion, naturall propension, strong temptation, industrious malice of the Divell to disgrace Him, and His Profession scandalously, &c. God in great mercy, may give Him a taste, nay, a deepe draught of the unexpressable terrours of a troubled minde bbNow whether a Mā, after Hee is in state of grace, may feele this wound bleed afresh, is a question with some, through their weakenesse; Tho if we consult with Scripture and experience, the question is out of question, Loe, all these things (saith Elihu truly) worketh God oftentimes with a Man, that Hee may turne backe His Soule from the Pit. Examples are frequent, &c. Sclater in h… S.S.S.againe; that thereby, Hee may bee taught betime, to take more heede, walke more warily, and stand upon His guard with extraordinary watchfulnes, against the very first assault, and least insinuation of sinne. There is preventing Physicke for preservation of health, as well as that, when the disease is dangerously upon us, for recovery. There was given unto Paul a Thorne in the flesh, &c. **1. Cor. 2.12.1 Cor 2:12If wee will take the interpretation of some learned Divines, A wound in the spirit, the sting of Conscience, pressing Him downe to the nethermost Hell in His sense, that was erst taken up to the highest Heaven; upon purpose, lest Hee should swell with spirituall pride, bee puft up, and exalted aboue measure, p. 461with the abundance of revelations. If wee well weigh the admirable story, of that gracious and holy servant of Christ, Mistris Bret…ergh; wee may probably conceive, that a principall end, why those most grievous spirituall afflictions of Soule, upon Her last Bed, were laide upon Her, was in Gods just judgement, to blind yet more those bloody Papists about Her; and because they wilfully shut their eies against that glorious Light of true religion, which shee so blessedly, and fruitfully exprest in her godly life; to let them thereby sincke yet deepelier into strong delusion; that they might sticke still more stiffely to Popish lies: According to that Prophecy of the Antichristians; a Thess. 2.10.11.12. Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might bee saved: For this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might bee damned, who believed not the truth, &c. Which wee see at this day verified, with a witnesse, in Popish Doctours, even their greatest Schollers; as Bellarmine, and other Polemicall Writers. And therefore, let us never marvaile, that tho they bee loaden with much learning; yet that they should lie …gregiously▪ and defend with infinite obstinacy, and clamour, the Doctrine of Divels, that accursed Hydra of Heresies, in their voluminous Dunghils. Now Gods judgement in hardning them hereby, as I have said, was the more iust; because they were so farre from beeing wrought upon, and wonne by Her heavenly conversation; that they were extraordinarily enraged against Her goodnesse and Profession of the Gospell. As appeares, in that, besides their continuall rayling, and roaring against Her, as an eminent Light, like so many furious Bedlams; they barbarously wreckt their malice and spite, upon the dumbe, and innocent creatures, ccIt is not unknowne in Lancashire, what Horses, and Cattell of her Husbands were killed upon His grounds▪ in the night most barbarously, at two severall times, by Seminary Priests (no question) and Recusants, that lurked there abouts And what a losse and hindrance it was unto Him, being all the stocke He had on His grounds, to any purpose. In the story of the holy life and Christian death of Mistris Katherin Brette…gh, pag. 6.by killing, at two p. 462severall times, Her Husbands Horses and Cattell in the night.

That her fiery Triall, thorow which shee passed, as purest gold, into Abrahams bosome, did thus harden them, is manifest by the Event. For, as the reverent Pen-man of that story reports; ddIbid. in Mast. Leyghs Postscript to Papists.Those of the Romish faction bragged, as though an Oracle had come from Heaven, to proove them Catholicks, and us Hereticks. Prodigious folly! Damnable delusion!

It is so then, that God in His inflicting of afflictions, doth not ever ccEt sipeccatum in quibuscunque calamitatibus causae locum semper habeat, nempe efficientis & originalis: tamen non semper peccati poena finis est is, quem intuetur Deus. &c.aime at sinne, as at the principall end. And yet doe not mistake: Tho Hee punishes sometimes, and not for sinne; yet never without sinne; either inherent, or imputed. There is ever matter enough in our sinnefull Soules, and Bodies, and lives, to afflict us infinitely. The best of us brought with us into this world, that corruption, ffSi Deus peccata respiciat, & iniquitatis merita, nullam est adeò ingens supplicium, quo non merito affligamur omnes, quotquot origin…m nostram ex. Adamo ducimus. Si enim Deus, iniquitatem observauerit, quis sustinebit? Psal. 130.3. Brent. In Iohan. Cap. 9.Ps 130:3which might bring upon us all the plagues of this, and the other life: Every man hath in Himselfe, sufficient fewell for the fire of Gods wrath to worke upon still, if it pleased Him in justice to set it on flame. As in the present Point of spirituall terrours, and troubles of minde; if God should out of His just and causefull indignation, put the full sting but into the least sinne; it were able to put a man into the very mouth of Hell. (But I speake of Gods more ordinary wayes, and dealings with the Sonnes of men) And so I say, God may sometimes, for some hidden, and holy ends, seene, and seeming good to His heavenly wisedome, bring a lesse hainous sinner, thorow extraordinary horrour, out of his naturall state, into the good way.

2. Aggravation of horrour is occasioned; terrours and troubles may bee multiplyed, and enlarged in our enlargement, from the state of darkenesse, and Chaines of the Divell, by,

1. Some precedents, and preparatives, which God sometimes in His unsearchable wisedome doth immediately p. 463premise; or suffer to fall out. As,

1. Some heavy crosse, and grievous affliction; to make the power of the Law more passable, and fall more heavily upon our stubborne, and stony hearts. This wee see in Manasses, who was, as it were, fired out of His bloody, and abomiable courses, by the heavinesse, and horrour of His chaines; And so was humbled greatly before the God of His Fathers. 2. Chron. 33.11.2 Chr 33:11Gods extraordinary angry visitations, make men many times cry with troubled, and grieved hearts; Come, Let us turne unto the Lord; Hee hath wounded us. &c.

a. Strange terrours sometimes arising from externall Accidents; yea, hidden naturall causes; uncouth visions, and apparitions, full of amazement and feare; Bodily distempers; horrible injections, hideous thoughts, &c. Whereby they are mightily affrighted before hand, and prepared to passe thorow the Pangs of the New-birth more terribly.

3. Some hainous and crying sinne, which He suffers some to fall into, and immediately upon it awakes the Conscience. That Almighty Physition, who is able to bring health out of poison; death out of life; Light out of darkenesse; Heaven out of Hell; may by accident, as they say, prepare One to conversion, by giving Him over to the height of some One, or moe abhorred abominations, and crimson sinnes: As wee may see in Peters Hearers, Act. 2. Paul, Manasses, the sinnefull Woman, Publicans and Harlots; left to the killing of Christ, spilling the blood of the Saints, those horrible out-rages, extreme filth, extorsions, pollutions. Physitions, by ripening diseases, make way to heale them; For sicke matter is never more easily removed, then when it exceedeth in ripenesse, and quantity.

4. Lying long in ignorance, sensuality, & dissolute life; without profitable, and powerfull meanes. In this Case upon the first awaking, and affrighting the Conscience p. 464for sinne, it may bee exposed to many terrible perplexities, and longer continued terrours. For the light of Naturall Conscience, bred with them in their owne bosomes, may in the meane time serve to enrage, and torture; as wee see in many guilty Heathens: but there is no naturall light, to leade us to Christ, and Evangelicall comforts. The commandements have ground in nature; but the mysterie of the Gospell is wholly supernaturall. Wee finde it by manifold experience, what an hard, and heavy Taske it is, to undertake a poore ignorant Soule, troubled in minde. The Cure is many times very difficult, dangerous, and long. The darkenesse of their ignorance, beeing now distressed in Conscience, is very fit, and fearefull matter, for Satan to worke in hideously; and to play his pestilent prankes of most grosse impostures, and much Hellish cruelty. His malicious maine Plot against such, ordinarily is, and His utmost endeavour; to drive them to Selfe-destruction, if it bee possible, before they get understanding in the waies of God; of wee can get any competent light, and comfort into their consciences.

2. Some concurrent circumstances: As,

1. The melancholike, and sad constitution of the Party. That humour doth naturally give extraordinary entertainement, and edge to terrours and sorrowes.

2. The crabbednesse, and crookednesse of His naturall disposition, which must be tamed, and taken downe with more adoe; with much violence, and renting. An hard and knotty Block, must have an hard wedge. An angry word, or frowne, will worke more with some dispositions; then many sore blowes upon a crosse, and sturdy spirit. God is here woont sweetly, and wisely to apply Himself to the severall natures, conditions, and dispositions of His Children.

3. Height of Place, and Happinesse to have for this life, …hat heart can wish. Whereby it comes to passe, that men are so deepely drowned in sensuality Epicurisme, p. 465and earthly mindednesse; that for a thorow Change, they have need many times to be taken down thorowly with a deepe sense of legall terrours.

4. Excellency of naturall, or acquired Parts, and endowments; as wit, learning, courage, wisedome, &c. wretchedly abused, and long mis-imploied, upon wrong and wicked Objects. Much adoe, many times, and a great measure of humiliation, will hardly fright such vaine over-valewers of themselves, and Idolizers of their owne sufficiencies, from their admired follies. And here also Satan interposeth most furiously, and hinders this happy worke all Hee can possibly. For Hee well knowes, That, if such noble, and worthy Parts should bee sanctified to the Owners, and turned the right way; His Kingdome would fare the worse, and Hee should bee a great looser. Suppose, a Christian Prince should with his Army breake into the Turkes dominion: Would not the Turkes fortifie those Castles best, out of which beeing wonne, the enemy might doe Him most harme? So whom the Divell seeth to bee the likeliest Instruments for the overthrow of his kingdom, if once they become Temples of the Holy Ghost; those Hee is lothest to loose, and labours mightily …o keepe in His slavery still. And therefore He opposes with all His power, and policy; raysing as many tempests of terrour, as Hee is able; that Hee might either drive them backe in their Passage to the holy Path, or swallow them up into the abhorred gulphe of despaire, by the way.

5. A more searching, and piercing Ministry; which is ordinarily woont to awake the conscience with more terrour; to irradiate, and fill it with more universall, and clearer light, to quicken it with more apprehension; and so proportionably, to affect and afflict it with a more feeling, and fearefull sense of Gods most just, and holy wrath against sinne. Whereupon they become excellent, and everlasting Christians.

6. Byting it in, as they say, and not opening the p. 466wound of Conscience betime to some skillfull Soule-Physition, may bee an unhappy meanes, much to enlarge, both the continuance, and extremity of a Mans spirituall trouble. Shame, bashfulnesse, pretence of want of opportunity, hope to get thorow by Himselfe, &c. are ordinary keies to lock up his tongue at such a time. But sure I am, Satan hath a chiefe stroke, and principall part to perswade concealement. For alas! Hee winnes by it wofully: All the while Hee plies with great advantage, and much subtilty, his hideous temptations to Selfe-killing; despaire of mercy, returning againe to folly, &c. And it is to bee feared, which is a most grievous thing; that sometimes, by this cruell silence, Hee conquers, & casts some poore soules, upon the bloody, and most abhorred villany of Selfe-perishing. Let such an One then be ever sure most resolutely, to break thorow the Divels accursed snare in this kinde; and to powre out His Soule-secrets betime, into some faith full holy bosome. I have heard many, after they have escaped tell what strange tricks, and variety of devises Hee practised, to discourage, divert, and dis-able them to discover their mindes, as they purposed; even when they were come, with much adoe, into the presence of the spirituall Physition.

3. The ends to which God prepares, and fits some by their sore travaile, in the New-birth, and longer langvishing under His visiting hand in this kinde. God may purpose sometimes in such cases:

1. To ggGods Children are bruised Reeds bef…re their conversion, and often times after: Before Conversion, all, (except such as being bred up in the Church, God hath delighted to shew himselfe gracious unto, from their Child hood) yet in different degrees, as God seeth meet; and as a difference is, in regard of temper, parts, manner of life: so Gods intendment of imployment for the time to come: For usually hee empties such of themselves, and makes them nothing, before Hee will use them in any great services. Doctor Sibbes, Bruised Reed, pag. 10.imploy them, as Christs most resolute, and undanted Champions, in more worthy services. In managing whereof, remembrance of their having beene once, as it were, in the mouth of Hell, and scorched p. 467with flames of terrour, serves as a continuall spurre, and incentive unto them, to doe nobly, and to supply them, from time to time, with mightinesse of courage, height of resolution, and eminency of Zeale, in those glorious waies. As wee may see in those renowned pillars of the Church, Austin, Luther, &c. The higher and greater the building is, the deeper must the foundation be laid in the earth.

2. To make them afterwards of excellent use, and speciall dexterity, out of their former experience, to speake unto the hearts of their Brethren, ready to sinke into the same gulphe of horrour, and danger of despaire; out of which, the good hand of Gods gracious providence, hath by such, and such meanes, so mercifulLy pulled, and preserved them. The same keyes, which dip open the locks, and loose the fetters, which Satan hung upon their heavy hearts; may happily undoe those also, which Hee hath fastned upon the Soules of others.

3. To render them to the Church, as remarkeable Precedents, and Mirrours of mortification, Selfe-denial, heavenly mindednesse, and holy walking with God; for others to looke upon, and imitate. Mindfulnesse of their former wrastling with the wrath of God, despaire, and the horrours of Hell; makes them for ever after, more mindlesse of earthly things, weaned from the world, startling at every appearance of evill, greedy of godlinesse, conversing in Heaven, excellent Christians indeede. Master Iohn Glover, after five yeeres horrible afflictions of Soule, was framed thereby, saith Master Foxe, to such mortification of life, as the like lightly hath not been seene; in such sort, as Hee beeing like one placed in Heaven already, and dead in this World, led a life altogether celestiall, &c. See Acts and Monuments. pag. 1885.

3. In sound contrition, and saving Repentance, let us for the present take notice,

p. 468Of, first, a sensible smart, and angvish of the heart. Secondly, a hhQuan vis resipiscentia dolorem semper secum adferat de peccatu …raeteritis & praesentibus; non tam proprie tamen aut …ssentialiter consistit in dolore, atque in aversatione, & odio peccati, & in firmo proposito hom prosequendi. Amos 5.14.15. Odio habete malum & amate bonum. Amesius Medull. Theol. lib. 1. cap. 26. Sect. 32.Amos 5:14Amos 5:15dislike, hatred, and aversion in the Will. Thirdly, a change of the minde, illightened, and now enabled to give stronger reasons out of Gods Booke, love of Christ, &c. against any sinne, then carnall reason, the Divell Himselfe, or the drunken eloquence of His old Good. fellow companions can suggest to the contrary. Fourthly, an universall opposition, and constant endeavour against all manner of iniquity. Fifthly, an hearty sorrow, that wee are not more sorrowfull.

Now, say I, If thou shouldest not feele in thine heart that stirring griefe, and violent renting, for those many rebellions, and horrible filth of thy naughtie heart, and former wicked life, which thou heartily desires; their hamousnesse exacts at thine hands, and many lesser sinners, then thy selfe have endured: yet if thou findest an unfained hatred, and iiN…n nocent peccata prae…e…ta, si non pla… c…t pr…sentia. August. De temper. Serm. 1…1. cap. 10. Peccata non n…cent, si non placent. Ide….displeasednesse in thy Will; a settled resolution in thy minde; a watchfull striving in all thy wayes, against all sinne; true kkIt thou be truly, and unfainedly g…iev…d, for this, that thou canst not …ee grieved, thy humiliation shall bee accepted. Perkins, Case of Conscience, … cap. 5. Scit. 2. Case. Dulcat qu… quia peccavit, quia Deum off…ndit; aut sal…e doleat, quia … dole…cisae, … …it, ut Deo magis placeat, & homini utiliu… sit velle esse …. s…atire contritionem aut de…otionem: quta velle habere & non habere general afflictunen. …o…dis: Ita… dot, & trascere tibi ipsi, atque damnabilem te iudica, quò … non delea… quan… debeas. De Consollat Pusillan. Ad dolorem …, pertin…t etiam hoc …, qu…d non …ossumus de peccato satu doi…re. Remissio … ex magnitidine sufficientiá & merito contritionis, sed ex obedientiâ … s…tisf…ctione Christ…, fide app…chens… Chemn. Exam. De Contrit. Defecius tristitiae, cut delorum appe… s…nsit…vo, non est certum indicium in poenitentiae, mul…o que minus defectus …. Nam cum hac virtus in volu…tate sit, potesi absque motu appetitus …. exerceri: Quod etiam saepesit, …, 1. propter sei sus alioqui hebetudine…; vel, 2 propter spirituale… ▪ delectationem, qua… ex diviná contemplatione in ipso etiam dolore de peccatis quandoque bomo perci it, &c. Quin etiam salutare est, praesertim incipientibus buius…ti tristitiam, quantum eniti possunt, in sese excitare.griefe, because thou art not more grieved; Thou art by no meanes to cast away thy confidence, or bee discomforted therefore, as tho Thou wer't not truly converted: but onelyonly bee advised, to take occasion thereupon, p. 469to walke more humbly before thy God: with syncerity & constancy, to oppose all things which may hinder; and pursue all meanes, that may further the more kindly melting of thine heart, sensible sorrow, and hearty mourning over Him, whom thou hast so cruelly pierced with thy youthfull lusts, and abominations.

4. Fourthly, lest any true-hearted Christian, lying in no sinne against Conscience, and labouring syncerely to please God in all things, should bee unnecessarily troubled and dejected with slavish feares and jealousies, lest Hee bee not truly turned unto God; because He feeles not in Himselfe, that boysterous, vehement conversion, that extremity of pangs, and horrour in the New-birth, which sometimes are to bee found in some others: Let Him ponder upon these resemblances:

1. Thou mayst have thy Bile, or Botch, opened with the Point of a Needle; whereas another Man endures the slashing of a Surgeons Lancer; yet if the corruption, and putrified matter bee let out by this easier meanes, and thy selfe thereby thorowly cured, I hope thou hast no great cause to complaine. It may bee so in the present Point.

2. Two Sonnes are punished for their offence: The One, cries, and roares, and takes on extraordinarily: The Other makes no great noise, but resolves silently with Himselfe, and in syncerity, upon a new course, as well as the former: Is not the change and reformation of them both equally welcome, and accepted of the Father, who onelyonly aimes at, and expects their amendment?

3. Two Malefactors equally guilty of high treason; both apprehend their danger; acknowledge that they are utterly undone; hold themselves for dead Men, &c. To the One a Pardon comes, not yet cast, cōdemned, or carried to the Place of execution: To the other, ready to lay downe His head upon the Blocke: There is great difference in all likely hood of their terrours and dejections: But they have equall parts in the Pardon, and p. 470both their lives are saved.

4. Two Men are arrived at their wished Port: The One was tossed with many roaring tempests, and raging waves; The Other hath a reasonable calme Passage: Howsoever, they now stand both safe upon the shore, and have both escaped destruction and drowning in that great mercilesse devouring Gulfe.

Those who are so happy, as by the be …esit of r…ligious Parents, a g…ly family, good ed…cation under powerfull meanes, have never entred upon any noto…ousnesse, but by Gods blessing upon those meanes have suckt-in grace in their younger yeeres, as is said of Timothy; And such also, as after a prophane course have been turned unto God, somewhat more easily, then ordinary; And so both complaine of the want of that testimony of terrible Pangs in their conversiō, which they heare others take of; yet I say, beeing now upright hearted, and in the holy Path: they may take comfort by comparing themselves with, and casting their eyes upon a world of unregenerate people about them; from which by the mercies of God, they differ as farre, as living Men from a number of rotten dead Carions, and so may assure themselves of soundnesse.5. Suppose a Man dead for some dayes, and then reviv'd; Hee perceives His Change with a Witnesse: An Other is not so, but Himselfe onelyonly alive, walkes amongst a multitude of dead men; Hee also may clearely enough see the difference, and both acknowledge, and praise God for His life.

Yet for conclusion; let all those who have passed thorow the Pangs of the New-birth, not so terribly, but more tolerably, especially, having been formerly notorious; take counsell, and bee advised, to ply more carefully, the great and gracious worke of humiliation still, to humble themselves in the sight of the Lord, yet more and more unto their dying day. ****Altus est Deus, humilit est Christianus. Si vuli ut altus: Deus … tur illi, …le humilis sit. Magna mys…eria fratres, Deus super omnia est: Erigis te, … uanillum ta…gis: ilu…ilias te, & ipse ad te descendit. August in Psal. 34.Ps 34The humblest Christians are ever highest in favour, and neerest in familiarity with Almighty God. They are, as it were, His second royall Throne, wherein Hee sweetly dwells and delights. See Isai. 57.15. and 66.1▪ 2. Psal. 34.18. and 51.17. And they are also of the most sweet, amiable, and in-offensive carriage amongst the people of God. Heare that excellent llDaniel Dyke, In His Treatise of Repentance, cap. 5.Artist in the spirituall Anatomy of Mans deceitfull heart: Humiliation is the procurer of all other graces. **1. Pet. 5.5.1 Pet 5:5God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. — And it is the preserver of grace procured. And therefore compared to a strong p. 471foundation, upholding the building against the force of winde and weather. OnelyOnly those streames of grace hold out, that flow out of the troubled Fountaine of a bruised spirit. An humbled Professour quickly starts backe, even as a broken Egge, or Ches-nut leapes out of the fire. Grace is no where safe, but in a sound and honest heart. Now, Non est cor integrum, nisi sit scissum.onelyonly the humble heart is the honest heart. OnelyOnly a rent and broken heart, is a whole and sound heart. The drosse cannot bee purged out of the gold, but by melting. Crooked things cannot bee straightned, but by wringing. Now humiliation is that which wrings, and melts us; and makes us of drossy, pure; of crooked, straight and upright; and so, sound, durable, and persevering Christians.

And let them consider and examine, whether neglect of this holy endeavour, I now exhort them to, may not bring upon them much spirituall misery: Whether they may not therefore, bee the rather exposed; First, To many irksome intrusions of very vexing doubts and feares; and something slavish questionings of the truth, and soundnesse of their conversion all their life long. Secondly, To much deadnesse of affection and listlesnesse; many dampes and distempers in the performance of holy duties, use of the Ordinances, and religious exercises. Thirdly, To greater variety of Crosses, and a heavier hand upon their outward states; purposely to bring the eye of their Conscience to looke backe more heavily, and with heartier remorse upon the loathsomnesse and filth of their youthfull folly. Fourthly, To more easinesse of re-entry and surprise, by the assaults, and insinuation of old sinnes in their un-regenerate time, especially that of the bosome; which is an horrible Thing. For the lesse sinnes are sorrowed for, the sooner doe they re-insnare us with their sensuall delight, and re-pollute with renewed Acts. Fifthly, To the entertainement at least, for a time of uncomfortable and scandalous giddinesse, and some Phantasticall Tenents p. 472of new and naughty opinions; which many times fearefully infect our chiefest Citty; and some proud companions, and ignorant Lozels there, and els-where, are ever ready to lay hold upon: whom you may ordinarily discerne by their Luciferian pride, and lewd Tongues, to the great hurt, and hinderance of the power of godlinesse, holy obedience to the blessed Law of God, and humble walking with Him; if any will be so miserable and mad, as to listen to such petty and paltry trash, idle and cheating dreames, contrary to the doctrine which they have learned, or should have learned; (for these fellowes were never well catechised); if Professours will bee Children still, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every winde of doctrine, by the sleight of Men, and cunning craftinesse, whereby they lie in waite to deceive: which God forbid. For if it bee possible, that any true heart bee entangled, I hope Hee will quickly in cold blood, dis-insnare Himselfe. As these Tare-sowers themselves are ordinarily very superficiall in Ministeriall abilities; so, for the most part, their disciples are onelyonly the foolish Virgins, and unsound Professours of the Places, thorow which they passe. Sixthly, To danger of some future grievous desertion, extraordinary temptations, or re-visitation with farre greater terrours then they tasted, at their first turning into the wayes of God, &c.

4. In a fourth Place, I come to spirituall desertion, which puts the Christian, for the present, into a most ooTretatio desertionis est omnium gravi…sima: & diet solet s…pensio gratiae, agon conscientiae, auxietas infernalis. Alst. Theolog. Cal. Cap. 9. foreign cr…ciatuum insernali…m.dark and dis-cōfortable condition. I meane, when the most wise God, for some holy ends seeming good unto Himself, retires for a time; & with-holds from the heart of his Childe, the light of His countenance, the beames of His favour, and sense of His love: Whereupon tho the roote of spirituall life, the Habite of Faith, and fundamentall power of salvation, and eternall safty, remaine still, and sure in His Soule; never to bee shaken, or prevailed against, no, not by the very gates of Hell, p. 473or concurrent forces, and fury of all the powers of darknesse; yet for the time, Hee findes and feeles in Himselfe, a fearefull deprivation, and dis-continuance of the feeling, and fruition of Gods pleased face; exercise of Faith; pardon of sinne; inward peace; joy in the holy Ghost; cheerefulnesse in wel-doing, and godly duties; confidence in praier; assurance of beeing in a saving state, &c. So that Hee may judge ppBut how is it possible, that Hee should entertaine any such conceit; sith He knows in His owne conscience, that Hee hath formerly made conscience of all sinne to avoide them; and laboured to please God in all things; infalliable Notes of a New Man? Answ. In height, and heate of temptation, Hee may thinke, that all the good Hee did, was in pride and Hyprocrisie: So did M. P. and that Hee forbore sinne, onelyonly for slavish feare: So did G. W. And yet the darkenesse of His horrour and errour disperst, Hee comes againe to Himselfe, and sees clearely, that tho with much weakenesse, yet Hee did both the one and the other in syncerity: as did both these blessed Saints of God afterward.Himselfe, to have been formerly an Hypocrite; and for the present, can very hardly, or not at all, difference and distinguish His wofull condition, from that of a Cast-away. This secret and wonderfull work of spirituall desertion, doth God much exercise and practise upon His Children, in many Cases, for many qqSee an heape of them coucht together in Austin: Sed ne ti…eas, O sponsa, ne desperes, ne existimes te contemni, si paulisper tibi subtrahit sponsus faciem suam. Omnia ista conperantur tibi in bonum, & de accessu, & recessu lucrum acquiris, tibi venit, tibi & recedit. Venit ad consolationem, recedit ad cautelam, ne magnitudo consolationis extollat te, ne si semper apud te sit sponsus, incipias contemnere sodales, & hanc continuam visitationem non iam gratiae attribuas, sed naturae. Hanc autem gratiam cui vult, & quando vult sponsus attribuit, non iure haereditario possidetur. Vulgare proverbium est, quòd nimia familiaritas parit contemptū Recedit ergò ne fortè nimis assiduus contēnatur, & absens magis desideretur, desideratus avidiùs quaeratur; diù qua situs tandē gratiùs inveniatur. Praetereà quae est praesens vita? Quae respectu futurae gloriae, quae revelabitur in nobis, aenigmatica est, qua… nunc ex parte cognoscimus. Nam hic civiintem manentem non habemus, sed inquirimus futuram. Ne ergò exilium deputemus propatriâ, arram pro pretij summâ; venit sponsus, et recedit vicissim, nunc consolationem afferens, nunc universum statum nostrum in infirmitatem commutans. Pau…sper nos permittit gustare, quàm suavis est, & antequam plenè sentiamus, se subtrabit; & ita quasi alis expassis supra nos volitans, provocat nos ad volandum: quasi dicat, Ecce parùm gustâstis, sum dulcis: sed si vult is plenè saturari hâc dulcedine, currite post me in odorem ungventorum meorum, habentes sursùm corda, ubi ego sum in dextrâ Dei patris, ubi videbitis me, non per speculum in aenigmate; sed facie ad faciem, & ubi plenè gaudebit cor vestrum, & gaudium vestrum nemo tollet à vobis. Tom. 9. p. 2. pag.Causes.

1. Sometimes upon a re-ensnarement in some secret bosome-lust, which was their Darling and delight, p. 474in the daies of their rebellion: Relapse into which, Satan labours industriously to procure, with much adoe by all His Devises; For Hee gaines greatly thereby. For so the New-Convert, considering in cold blood what Hee hath done, may be cast upon such complaints as these: Alas! what have I done now? This pestilent old pollution, which so wofully wasted my conscience in time past, hath fearefully re-infected my newly washed Soule: I have againe, Woe is mee! fallen into the abhorred Sodome of this foule sinne: I have grieved that good spirit, which was lately come to dwell in me: All the former horrours charge afresh upon my heart, from which I was happily freed, even by some glimpses of heavenly joy: I have wretchedly let goe my hold; lost my peace; broke my vowes, and blessed communion with my God, &c. Ah! wretch that I am, what shall I now doe? And thereupon may fall upon a temptation of returning to His dis-avowed sensuall Delights; out of this conceit, As well over bootes, as over shoes: Doe what I can, I see I can never hold out, &c. Or Hee may plunge into this slavish perplexity: I dare not goe to God, I have used Him so villanously after such immeasurable kindenesse; and provoked the eies of his glory, with such prodigious impurity, after I was purged: I dare not fall againe to good-fellowship and former courses, lest I draw some remarkeable vengeance upon mee in the meane time, and bee certainely damned, when I have done: So that Hee can neither take pleasure, upon the right hand, or the left: Or, which is most for my purpose, and that which the Divell specially desires, God therefore may hide His face from Him, and leave Him to the darknesse of His own spirit; so that He may for a long time walke on heavily, starke lame, in respect of those comfortable supporters of the Soule; affiance, hope, spirituall joy, peace of Conscience, sense of Gods favour, boldnesse in His waies, courage in good causes, delight in the company of the Saints, &c.

p. 475Such a dampe also, and desertion may come upon the Soule, especially after a Fall into some new, open, scandalous sinne; whereby not onelyonly their owne Consciences within are grievously wounded; but also for their sakes and sinne, the Profession of Gods truth abroad scandalized and disgraced; the common state of goodnesse questioned and traduced, the heart and glory of Christianity hurt and distained.

David was thus dealt with in Gods just judgement, after His monstrous and **I meane; He being Gods deare Childe.matchlesse fall. Gods good Spirit had richly crowned His royall heart with abundance of sanctification and purity; and had graciously filled Him aforetime, with the fruits and feeling thereof; and thereupon many heavenly deawes, no doubt, of spirituall joyes, had many times sweetly refreshed His blessed Soule: But by the hainous scandalousnesse of His hatefull fall, Hee so grieved that good Spirit, and turned the face of God from Him, that Hee had neither sense of the comforts of the one, nor of the favour of the other. The spirituall life of his Soule, the eie of His judgement, light of conscience, lightsomnesse in the holy Ghost, and the whole grace of sanctification, were so wasted, dazeled, confounded, weakened, raked under the ashes, as it were, and runne into the roote; that hee speakes, as if He had utterly lost them, and so stoode in neede of a new infusion, and creation thereof, Psal. 51.10. But by the way, conceive aright of Davids spirituall condition at this time: Tho in his owne feeling, and present apprehension, Hee so complaines, and cries out for a New creation, as tho all were gone; yet even when Hee was at the lowest, and worst, the Soule and substance, that I may so speake, of saving rrIn Sanctorum cordibus iuxta quasdam virtutes, semper permanet Spiritus: iuxta quasdam verò recessurus venit, & venturus recedit. — In his virtutibus sine quibus ad vitam minimè pervenitur, sanctus Spiritus in electorum suorum cordibus permanet. In his verò, per quas sanctitatis virtus ostend…tur, aliquando misericorditèr praestò est, & aliquandò misericorditèr recedit Hom. 5. Super Ezech. In his donis sine quibus ad vitam perveniri non potest, Spiritus sanctus sive in predicatoribus suis, sive in electis omnibus semper manet. Idem. Mor. Lib. 2. Cap. 29.grace and salvation did abide still rooted, and resident p. 476in his heart. Which once emplanted by Gods omnipotent mercifull hand, in an humble Soule, and taking roote, it there sticks fast for ever, far more un-mooveable then a thousand Mount Zyons. The ssHeare Theo▪ hilact upon y^e same Theame, in Peters Case. foreign, Rogavi dicit Christus, ut non deficiat sides tua. Etsi enim pòst paulò concutiendus es, habes tamen insita semina fidei. Et quantumvis folia deturbârit ventus insultantis, [For foreign is here more truly, and properly rendred ventus, then spiritus, as it is ordinarily translated] tamen radix vivit: neque deficiet fides tua. In 22 um Lucae.blossoms, buds and fruits may sometimes bee fouly cankerd, as it were, by our owne corruptions; shrewdly nipt by the frost of some earthly affections; blasted by sharper tempests of Satans temptations: But the foundation standeth sure, grounded, and founded upon the unchangeable Nature of God, and immutability of His counsell; and therefore mauger the malice of all, both mortall and immortall rage, there is still life in the roote; which in due season will spring out againe, and grow up unto everlasting life.

To the present Instance: All purity, and cleannesse of heart was not utterly extinguisht and abolisht in David: For,

1. Some little, at least, was left, which descried, and discovered those spots and pollutions of filthinesse and impurity, which had lately over-growne it. For grace discovers corruption, not nature. A sensible complaint of hardnesse of heart, and an earnest desire after softnesse, is a Signe, that the heart is not wholly hard: A syncere crying out against impurity, and hearty endeavour after purity, argues the presence of the purifying Spirit.

2. And how was this holy ejaculation, Create in mee a cleane heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within mee, created, ttMansisse Semen Dei in Davide lapso, res ipsa testatum facit: Id enim suscitatum Nathanis concione: Tu virille mortis: mox eum in confessionem criminis, doloris, & resipiscentiae prorumpere, & exclamare fecit: Peccavi: Malum feci: Miscrere mei Deus secundum magnitudinem miserationum tuatum. Id semen precatur sibi non auferri: Spiritum tuum sanctum ne auferas à me: Ergò spiritum sanctum non amiserat penitùs, quoad omnia dona: alioqui necita precari, nec resipiscere potuisset. Parcus adversus Bellar. De amiss. grat. & slat. pecc. Lib. 1. Cap. 7. Davids heart could not pray for cleannesse, if it were, not somewhat cleane. Estey upon Psalm. 51.Ps 51but by the Spirit of grace and supplications? Which blessed sanctifying Spirit, was all the while rooted, and resident in Davids heart, by a p. 477saving existence there; tho not so fully by an effectuall operation, and exercise. Divines, about this Point, consider; First, The infinite, free, and eternall love and favour towards His Childe; with which, whom Hee loves once, Hee loves for ever. The gifts and calling of God; that is, as best Interpreters affirme, the Gifts of effectuall calling, effects of His free grace, are such as God never repenteth of, or taketh away. Secondly, His sanctifying Spirit, which Hee gives unto Him. Thirdly, The habits of graces created in his heart by that blessed Spirit, justification, regeneration, adoption. Fourthly, The feeling exercises, and Acts of those graces, with many sweet and glorious refreshings of spirituall joy springing thence. The three first, after wee bee once Christs, are ours for ever; uuDeus suorum peccatis verè iras…itur, & se eis iratum intùs terroribus, foris flagellis declarat. Tunc ergò fugit ex corde gratiae sensus, evanescit laetitia. Interim Deus peccantes filios non penitùs abijcit, non odit, non abdicat electionis foreign, sed castigationibus in viam revocat, corrigil, reconciliationis sensum & laetitiam paulatim reddit procantibus. Si enim nemo Pater terrenus hoc facit, ut filium gravitèr delinquentem mox domo eliminet, exhaeredem faciat: quantò minus id Pater coelestis facit filijs, quos anto iacia mundi fundamenta in Christo elegit, adoptavit? Par. Ibid. Sect. Ad tertium.]The last, may be suspended, and surcease for a time.

3. By way of interpretation, in the latter part of the verse, Hee calleth the aaCreating, to speake properly, is to make of nothing: But is used here improperly, the Prophet speaketh according to His owne feeling, and present iudgement of Himselfe, as tho Hee had lost all, and had no goodnesse in Himselfe. No doubt the Prophets heart was in part cleane, tho not so much as Hee desired. Estey. Ibid.creation of the grace of Sanctification in his heart, a renovation, and raysing thereof to the same degree, wherein it was in former time.

4. Hee cries unto the Lord; Not to take His holy Spirit from Him: vers. 11. And bbEt Spiritum fanctum tuum ne auferas à me] Est enim Spiritus sanctus in confitente. Nam ad donum Spiritus sancti pertinet, qu…al. bi displicet quod fecisti. Immundo spiritui peccata placent, Sancto displicent. Quamv… ergò adhuc venam depreceris, tamen ex aliá parte, quâ tibi displicet malum, quod commisisti Deo, coniungeris. Hoc enim & tibi displicet quod & illi,—Nec ait, Spiritum sanctum tuum da mibi: sed ne auseras à me. August. in Psal. 50.Ps 50therefore that blessed spirit was not gone. It were very absurd and incongruous, to desire the not taking away of that thing, which wee have not. Hee certainely hath the holy Spirit, which heartily desires, Hee may not bee taken from Him.

p. 478Davids desire then of a cleane heart, did not argue, that it was utterly uncleane, and wholly turned into a lumpe of filth. (ccRenati prorsùs non excidunt à sanctitate & adoptione. Suffra. Colleg. de Art. 5. Thes. 6.7. V…de Syn. Dor…echt. But what say you then to …rt.. 16? Answ. When the Article saith, wee may depart …em gr…ce, the meaning of it is, that the elect of God called according to purpose, may swerve f…om the directions of gra…e in some particular things; and fall into grievous sinnes, out of which they are to be raysed by Repentance; and not, that they totally fall from it. Doctor Field, Append. p. 1. Ad fin. pag 131.132 In fidei Articulis in Hybern…e regno authoritate regiâ promulgatis exp…nitur: neque total…er, neque finaliter posse fiers. Epise Sarisburiens. In Thoms. Diatribam, cap. 27. Sanctity, and cleannesse of heart is never cleane extingvished in any One once truly Sanctified; it was not in David, in Peter). But He was so earnest after it: First, Because that little which was left, was scarce, or not at all sensible in His spirituall distresse: where the glory of the Sunne hath lately been, the succession of a candles light is little worth. Secondly, And because now Hee vehemently thirsteth after a great deale more, then He presently had. Learned and Rich men, thinke themselves not learned and rich, in respect of what they desire. When the Sunne begins to peepe up, wee gaze no longer at starres. Gods comforting Spirit began a little to warme His heart againe; whereupon Hee grew so eager, and greedy of that heavenly heate, that Hee thinkes his heart Key-cold, except it …lame to the height. That dampe and darkenesse of Spirit, into which He was fallen, by reason of His grievous Fall, had So frozen His affections with disconsolate deadnes, and heavines of heart, that a little glimpse of spirituall life, and lightsomenesse, is presently swallowed up, as it were, and devoured; and serves but onelyonly to Set an edge to his desire, to whet his stomack, and stirre up His appetite after a more full, and further fruition of those comfortable graces, and woonted communion with His God; a re-tast and returne whereof, is so sweet and deare unto His Soule.

Take heede then, that you doe not mistake: When I speake of a spirituall desertion, I meane it not, either in respect of a totall, or finall dereliction, and forsaking on Gods part; or a totall, and finall falling away on the Saints side; to hold such an Apostacy, were a ddAbout the same time, one Bertius, a Schole… of the late Armimus, who was the first in our age, that i…ected …ey…en with Heresie, was so impudent as to send a letter to the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, with a Booke intituled, De Apostasiâ Sanctorum. —The title whereof onelyonly were enough to make it worthy the fi…e. King Iames in his declaration against Vorstius And a little after thus: What need wee make any question of the arrogancy of these Heretikes, or rather Atheisticall Sectari… amongst you, when one of them at this present, remaining in your Towne of Leyden, hath not onelyonly presumed to publish of late, a blasphemous Booke, Of the Apostasie of the Saints; but hath besides been so impudent, as to send the other day, a Copy thereof, as a goodly present to our Archbishop of Canterbury, together with a Letter: wherein he is not ashamed (as also in his Booke) to lie so grossely, as to avow, that His Heresies contained in the said Booke, are agreeable with the Religion and Profession of our Church of England. Ibid.fearefull p. 479Apostacy: But onelyonly in respect of the exercise, and operation of grace, of present sense, and feeling; as I said before, eeSpiritus Sanctus de…ituit in Davide, cum admisit adulterium, & homicidium, sicut vita in plantâ tempore hyemali. Et si suas vires non exeruit, nec tamen prorsus f…it o…ios…s: impedijt enim quò minus David toto ani…i studio in haec incumberet horrenda slagitia. Doctor Holland, Divinity Professour in Oxford, moderating in this question, holden negatively. An…usti fides potest ad tempus ami…i, aut finaliter desincre? The Lords chosen may fall from their outward prerogatives, and from the fruites: but that divine nature still abideth in them: And it is onelyonly with their grace, as it is with the …inde in distempers of Melancholy and Phrensie; with the Sunne in Ecclipses; with the tree, when leaves and fruites f…ils its with the naturall life, when it mooveth not, ne yet breatheth sensibly; which in diseases of the Mother is often discerned. Their …aith i… a never-failing Faith; their life an eternall life; their seede, a seede abiding in them. P. Baine, Triall of a Christians state, pag. 4.Life lies still in the roote, and upon the first breaking out of the heavenly, and healing beames upon the Soule, from the Sun of righteousnes, returning in mercy, puts forth againe, and prospers. David being astonied, as they say, with a mighty blow of temptation (As ffPetrus cum peccavit charitatem non amisit, quta peccavit pot…us in veritatem quàm in charitatem.—Sic & David cum peccavit, charitatem non peratdit, sed obstupuit quodammodò in eo charitas, ad vehementem tentationis ictum: Et charitatis in eo nequaquam facta est abolitio, sed quasi quaedam soporatio, quae mox ut ad vocem arguent…s Prophetae …v gilavit, continuò in illam ardentissimae charitatis confessionem …rupit: Peccavi Domino. De nat. & dignit. Amoris divini. cap. 6.Bernard resembles it), lay for a time, as it were, in a Swoune: But upon the voyce of the Prophet sounding in his eare, Hee awaked, and came to Himselfe. As wee see in heated water, the aire's blowing upon it, doth recover, and reduce it to it's former naturall coldnesse, by the aide of that little remainder of refrigerating power, which is originally rooted in that Element: So by the awaking of the North wind, and comming of the South; I meane, the blessed Spirits breathing afresh upon Davids heart, Scorched dangerously with the fire of lust, by stirring up and refreshing the retired, and radicall power of grace; that immortall Seede of God, never to be lost, did sweetly, and graciously bring it againe to it's former spirituall, comfortable temper, and constitution.

2. Sometimes the Lord may for a time retire the p. 480light of His countenance, and sense of His graces from His Child; that Hee may bee driven thereby to take a new, and more exact revise; a more serious, thorow-survay of His youthfull sinnes; of that darke and damned time, which Hee wholly spent upon the Devill; and so put againe, as it were, into the pangs of His New-birth, that Christ may bee more perfectly formed in Him: That Hee may againe behold, with feare, and trembling, the extreme loathsomnesse, and aggravated guilt of His old abominable lusts; and so renewing His sorrow, and repairing repentance, grow into a further detestation of them; a more absolute divorce from His insinuating Minion-delight; and bee happily frighted afresh, and fired for ever from the very garment spotted of the flesh, and all appearance of evill. That upon this occasion, Hee may make a new inquisition, and deeper search into the whole state of His conscience, severall passages of His conversation, and every corner of His heart; and so for the time to come, more carefully cut off all occasions of sinne; and with more resolution, and watchfulnesse, oppose, and stand at staves end with every lust, passion, distraction in holy duties, entisements to relapse, spirituall lazinesse, lukewarmenesse, worldlinesse, &c. with greater severity to crucifie our corruptions, and ever presently and impartially, execute the law of the Spirit against the rebellions of His flesh.

This, it may seeme, was one end of Iobs spirituall affliction in this kind. In cap. 13.23. He is earnest, and importunate with God, to know, what be those iniquities, transgressions, and sins, which had turned His face and favour from Him; in that fearefull manner, as tho Hee was a meere stranger, or rather, a profest enemy unto His Majesty. And Hee presently apprehends the burden, and bitternesse of the iniquities of His youth: Thou writest, saith Hee, bitter things against mee; and makes mee possesse the iniquities of my youth. At all p. 481such times, when God thus hides His face from us, and leaves us to the darkenesse of our owne Spirits; the sins of our youth are woont to lie most heavy upon our hearts, & exact at our hands a more speciall renewing, increase, and perfecting of penitent sorrow: For hhVna causa, cur de peccatis suae pueritiae loquatur, est, quòd in illâ aetate vehementiores sint cupiditates, propterea dicitur in Psalmo, Quinam diriget adolescens viam suam? Si custodiat verbum tuun. Cur de iuvenibus potiùs quàm de alijs sit mentio? nempe quia natura human…, quae semper est vistosa & prava, tunc maxime ebullit, &c. Calv. Conc. 52. in Iob.they are acted with the very strength of corruption, in the heate of sensuality, and height of rebellion. Hence it was, that even David Himselfe cries out, **Psal. 25.7.Ps 25:7Remember not the sinnes of my youth; and so doth many moe, many times with much bitternesse of Spirit.

It is so then, that God may deale …hus in mercy, even with His dearest Servants; Especially, if penitent griefe, and trouble of conscience in their conversation, were not in some good measure answerable to their former abominable li…e, and sinnefull provocations; if they have been extraordinary sinners, and but ordinary sorrowers for sinne; if they were formerly furious in the service of Satan, and now but something faint-hearted in standing on Gods side; If heretofore they marched impetuously, like Iehu, in the pursuite of earthly pleasures, and now creepe but slowly forward in the waies of God; or if they begin to looke backe againe with some un-controled glances after disavowed delights, and abandoned company, &c. I say, in such Cases, the Lord may withdraw Himself in displeasure; leave them for a time to the terrours of their owne hearts; all their old sinnes may returne to the eie of their consciences, as unremitted, &c. That so their regeneration may be, as it were, regenerated; their New-birth New-borne; their sinnes new sorrowed for; the hatefulnesse, and horrour of their youthfull pollutions, more hated and abhorred. And in conclusion (For all the worke, and waies of God with His chosen, are ever in love, and for their good), that the storme being disperst, the comfortable beames of divine favour may shine more amiably upon them, then ever before; and by the effectuall stirring againe, and stronger influence of the Spirit, Spirituall p. 482life, that was hid in the heart for a season, may sprout out fresh, spring, and spread abroade more flourishingly, and fruitfully for ever afterward.

3. Thirdly; For triall, quickening, and exercise of spirituall graces: that they may put forth themselves with more power, improovement, and illustriousnesse. The cold comfort of a desertion in this Case, beeing unto them, as water cast upon the Smiths Forge, to make some of them especially, to burne inwardly, as it were, in the meane time with more intention and heate; and all afterward to breake out, and flame more gloriously. There are many gracious dispositions, and endowments in the Christians heart, which would never see the iiHe (meaning Christ) makes as tho Hee heard not (to wit, the Woman of Canaan), that the precious graces lockt up in the Cabinet of Her heart, might bee brought forth to light. Doctor Worship in his Sermon upon Mat. 15.22. &c. pag. 18.Matt 15:22light, at least, with such eminency, were it not for this darkenesse. The brightnesse of lampes langvish in the light, but they shine cleare in the darke: the splendour and beavty of the Starres would never appeare, were there no night.kkIam. 5.11.Jas 5:11 You have heard of the patience of Iob, saith Iames: And wee reade also of his excellent Faith, when Hee said; **Iob 13.15.Job 13:15Though Hee slay mee, yet will I trust in Him: But wee had neither heard of, or admired the one, or the other; had He not been afflicted both with outward troubles, and inward terrours. It is the highest, and most Heroicall Act of Faith, and it is improov'd to the utmost, and prooved steele to the backe, as they say;Isa… 50.1….Isa 50:1 Then to trust in the Name of the Lord, and to stay upon our God; when wee walke in darkenesse, and have no light. God is best pleased, and most honoured, when wee rest upon Him, without any sensible comfort. I make no doubt, but that admirable ejaculation of Iob; Tho Hee slay mee, &c. did hold scale in Gods acceptation, with all those innocencies, integrities, and gratious conformities to His holy Law; blessed fruits, I confesse, of His invincible Faith enumerated. Chap. 31. Nay, did incomparably ouer-weigh them; Abrahams believing against hope, was far aboue, and of infinite more worth with God, then the sacrifice of His Sonne, or all p. 483His other glorious services. It is no such great matter, or maistery, to bee confident, when wee are encouraged, and hired, as it were, with ioy & peace in believing; but then to sticke to Christ, and His sure Word, when wee have against us, sense and reason, flesh and bloud, feares and feeling; Heaven and Earth, and all Creatures; That is the Faith indeed; there is it's excellency; there is the true, and orient sparkling, and splendour of that heavenly Iewell. That prayer is truly fervent, fullest of Spirit, and enforced with most unutterable groanes, which is poured out for the recovery of Gods pleased countenance, after it hath been turned away from us for a time. That love is most industrious and mighty, groweth strong as death, and into a most vehement …lame; which is enkindled in the upright soule, when Her dearest Love is departed, in respect of feeling and fruition. Oh! then shee prizeth, and praiseth His spirituall beauty and excellency, as one exceedingly sicke of louelove; and takes on extremely: As you may see, Cant. 5.10, &c. I opened to my Beloved, but my Beloved had withdrawne Himselfe, and was gone: My soule failed when Hee spake; I sought Him but I could not finde Him; I called Him▪ but Hee gave mee no Answer: The Watchmen that went about the Citty found mee, they smote mee, they wounded mee; The Keepers of the walls tooke away my vaile from me: I charge you, O Daughters of Ierusalem, if yee finde my Beloved, that yee tell Him, that I am sicke of love. What is thy beloved, O thou fairest among Women! What is thy Beloved more then another beloved, that thou doest so charge us! My Beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousands. His head is as the most fine gold, &c. That thankefulnesse, which springs from a sensible re-enjoyment of Iesus Christ, and returne of the sense of the savour of His good ointments into the soule; hath farre more heart and life, then the free and full possession of all the visible glory, and outward comfort of the whole world, could possibly put p. 484into it. That joy which makes our hearts leape within us, upon the re-gaining of the woonted workings of grace, and our heavenly feelings, is much more joyfull, then either that, which followed the first taste, or the after free enjoyment of them. Excellent and extraordinary good things, tasted and lost, doe beget a farre greater sense of their sweetenesse and comfort, upon their recovery, then if they had been either never tasted, or never lost. That Sun-shine is most faire and amiable, which breakes out after some boisterous storme, or great Eclipse. Restitution to sense of grace, after some despairefull sadnesse for Gods departure, may produce a deeper impression of spirituall pleasure, in the recovered Patient, then the first plantation of it. Thus doth our gracious God, who when Hee please, can bring light out of darknesse; life out of death; something out of nothing; Heaven out of Hell; even come nearer unto us, by departing from us. By the dead wintertime of a spirituall desertion, He may bring, by His blessed hand of mercy, and quickening influence, more strength, activenesse, lively exercise, and excellency into our graces, and sweetest fruits thereof.

If Christians had not somtimes dead harts, they would have proud hearts. Hart. pag. 64.4. Fourthly, The Christiā, as he growes in knowledge, grace, spirituall abilities, forwardnes, fruitfulnes, & further from His New-birth; except Hee bee very watchfull over his heart, much practised in the exercises of humiliation, often exercised in the schoole of afflictions, terrified sometimes with hideous injections, and walke humbly with his God; shall have by a slie, and insensible insinuation, privy pride to grow upon Him; confidence in His owne strength; too much attribution to the meanes; a Selfe-conceit of an independant standing upon his owne Bottome, as it were, and by the power of his present graces. And therefore our wise God doth sometimes take a course to take downe his selfe-confidence, by with-drawing His countenance; and to humble His spirituall presumption, with a spirituall desertion. p. 485I meane, by taking from Him the sense of grace, and feeling of his favour; by cutting off, as it were, for a time, those streames of comfort, which were woont to distill upon his soule, by use, & ordinary influence of the meanes, Meditation, Prayer, Conference, publike Ministry, Sabbaths, Sacraments, Daies of humiliation, & such like; doth mercifully force him to have recourse unto, at length, with much longing and thirst▪ & to repose upon, with more reverence, and acknowledgement, the everlasting Fountaine and Founder of all graces, comforts; compassions and life; even his owne glorious, mercifull, and Almighty self. See this in the beginning of the third Chapter of the Canticles, at the latter end of Cap. 2. The christian soule is sweetely crowned with a glorious over-flowing confluence of all spiriuall consolations; rapt extraordinarily with un-utterable, and joyfull ravishments of Spirit, upō the nearer embracēment of her dearest Spouse, and more sensible grasping of refreshing graces. She lies so peacefully in His armes of mercy, and under the Banner of His love; that shee sweetly sings unto Her selfe, My beloved is mine, and I am His. But in the beginning of the third (For the daies of Gods child after conversion, are like the daies of the yeere; Some, faire and shining; Some, tempestuous and cloudy: Some, happy with heavenly Hony-dewes, as it were, of unspeakeable joy, and unconceivable peace; others, more dismall and dis-astrous, if I may so speake, for want of an amiable aspect from the Throne of graces). I say, a little after, the case is fearefully altred with Her: For she lies strugling, and distressed in the irkesome, and comfortlesse desolations of a spirituall desertion. Her Spouse is gone, the very heart, and life of all Her lightsomnesse in this World, and the World to come. No sense now of the Savour of His good ointments; no feeling of the assurance of His favour. Nothing left of all that former heaven, but onelyonly a sad and wofull heart, which had been happy. In this infull p. 486Case, She casts about for recovery of Her woonted comfort: Assaies those meanes, which were accustomed to convey unto Her with joy, fresh streames, and strength from time to time, out of the Wells of Salvation.

1. First, shee seekes her Spouse, and former refreshings of Spirit, by secret praier, meditation, experimentall considerations, calling to Minde former assurances of his love, reflecting upon the foot-steps of a saving worke, unfained change, and sweete communion with Him aforetime; and other silent, Selfe-inquisitions, and inward exercises of the heart: But shee found Him not, vers. 1.

2. Secondly, She enquires abroad, and hath recourse unto godly christians; especially such as have been most exercised, and best acquainted with trials, temptations, and mysteries of the holy way; to see if Shee can get any comfort, any new hold, and hope by their counsell, prayers, instructions, out of their owne experience:Iam. 5.16.Jas 5:16 (For in such Cases, Gods Children may, and ought to confesse their sinnes, and Gods dealing with them, one unto another; and pray one for another). But shee finds none, vers. 2.

3. Thirdly, She addresses Her selfe, and resorts to faithfull Ministers, Gods publike Agents in the Church, about the affaires of Heaven, and Salvation of Soules; to receive from them some light, and direction to regaine Her Love: But it will not yet bee, vers. 3. No comfort comes by all, or any of these meanes: No feeling of Gods favour, and former peace, for all this various and sollicitous seeking, and pursuite. For God may sometimes, upon purpose, restraine His quickning influence from the meanes; and recall, as it were, to the Well-head, those refreshing Rivers of comfort, which ordinarily flow thorow His owne holy Ordinances, as so many blessed Conduits of grace, into humble hearts; That wee may fetch them more immediately from the p. 487Fountaine, the boundlesse Sea of all heavenly treasures, and true peace; and so with more humility, Sense of self-emptinesse, reverence, and praise-fulnesse, acknowledge from whence wee have them.

It was but a little that I passed from them, saith the deserted Soule; But I found Him, whom my soule loveth, vers. 4. When no meanes would bring Him, but that Shee had past thorow the use, and exercise of them all; and Hee would not bee found: Hee after, at length, comes upon his own compassionate accord, and illighteneth Her darke, and disconsolate state, with the shining beames of His glorious presence; and fills Her plentifully with ioy and believing againe. That so, no vse, variety, and excellency of meanes, but His owne free mercy and goodnesse, might bee crowned with the glory of it:

Let every christian by the way, take notice of, and treasure up this point; it may steed him in some spirituall extremity hereafter: God may sometimes withdraw and delay His comfort, to draw His children thorow all the meanes: which, when they have passed, without prevailing; Hee after, and immediately, when Hee please, puts to His helping hand, that they may not attribute it to the meanes, tho never so excellent; but to the mercies of God, the onelyonly Well-spring, both of the first plantation, continuance, and everlastingnesse of all spirituall graces, and true comforts in all those happy Ones, which shall bee saved.

Why doth the Lord let us use all the meanes; and yet not finde Him in them?

That wee may know, Hee only commeth when Hee will; nothing mooving Him, but His owne good pleasure,

5. Fifthly, The world sometimes, that mighty enemy to the Kingdome of Christ, aided under-hand by the covetous corruption of our false hearts, and the Divels craft, (For ordinarily in all spirituall Assaults, and overthrowes, p. 488Satan is the Bellowes; the World, the Wildfire; our corruptions the Tinder, and the pretious Soules of men, those goodly Frames, which are fearfully set on fire, and blowne up) doth wrastle so desperately, even with some of Christs Champions; that surprising their watch, cooling the fervour of their first love, and stealing away, by little and little, their spirituall strength; it supplants them at length, and throwes them upon the earth. Whereon it labours, might and maine, to keepe them downe, and doting; that so they may roote in the mud and mire thereof, with immoderation and carking; to the great disgrace of divine pleasures; their high and excellent Calling; and so raising the spirit of railing in unregenerate men, to cast unworthy aspersions upon the glory of profession, for their sakes. Nay, too often by it's suttle insinuations, and Sirens Songs, it lulls them so long upon Her lap, that they are cast into a heavy slumber, even of carnall security. And that so deepe and dangerously, that tho the Lord Iesus, the Beloved of their Soule, cry aloud in their eares, by the shrill and piercing sound of His spirituall Trumpetters; and by the more immediate, and inward motions of His holy Spirit, intreate them fairely upon all loves, for His owne deare passions sake, and all those bloody sufferings, to shake off that carnall drouzinesse, and to delight againe in God; to …et the earth fall out of their mindes, and againe to minde heavenly things: Open to me my Sister,Cant 5.2.Song 5:2 my Love, my Dove, my undefiled: For my head is filled with dew and my lockes with the drops of the night: yet for all this, full loth they are to leave their Beds of ease; and therefore frame many shifts, excuses, and delaies, to passe by, and put off those compassionate calls of love, and mercifull importunities; I have put off my coat… how shall I put it on? Vers. 3.I have washed my feet, how shall I de…ile them? Whereupon their blessed Spouse so unworthily repell'd with such notorious unkindnesse and ingratitude, scattering onelyonly in their hearts some p. 489sense, and glimmerings of his spirituall sweetnesse and beauty; to breede the more shame and sorrow for so foule neglect, departeth from them for a time; withdrawes the life and lightsomnesse of His gratious presence; hides, as it were, in an angry cloud, the comfortable beames of His former favour; and so leaves them to the darknesse of their owne spirits, and in the comfortlesse Dampe of a justly deserved desertion. That thereby, they may bee schooled to prize Iesus Christ before gold and silver; and to preferre, as is most meete, one glimpse of His pleased face, before the splendour of all earthly Imperiall Crownes: To listen with more reverence, cheerefulnesse, profit and holy greedinesse, to His heavenly voice, in the ministry of the Word; and to make more deare account of godly comforts, when they shall recover, and re-injoy them. For the purpose, Wee may finde Cant. 5. The christian Soule laid too soft, and lazily, upon the …ed of case, and earthly mindednesse; and slipt into a slumber of security and selfe-love, vers. 2. Her wellbeloved knocks, and calls upon Her▪ Nay, be speakes, and intreats upon all the termes of dearest love, and for his painefull sufferings-sake, to rise, & open unto Him. Ibid. But she most unworthily puts him off, with some slight excuses, and delaies of sloth: vers. 3. whereupon Hee drops into Her heart, some taste of His sweetest ointments, to set Her affections on edge, and eagernesse after Him, vers. 4.5. And so departs, and leaves Her in Her sad and solitary dumps, for driving away Her Dearest, by such intolerable unkindnesse, and shamefull neglect, vers 6. Which perplexity, and trouble of spirit for His departure, begets in Her, a great deale of zeale, fervency, and patience to follow after Him, vers. 7.8. An extraordinary admiration of His amiable excellencies, and heavenly fairenesse, vers. 10, &c. And no doubt, a farre nearer embracement, and dearer esteeme of Him, upon His returne; and enjoyment of a p. 490more full, blessed cōmunion with Him, againe. Cap. 6.3.

6. Sixthly, The graces of salvation, are the most pretious, and worthfull things, that ever issued out of the hands of God by creation. The dearest of His infinite mercies, the hearts-blood of His Sonne, the noblest worke of His blessed Spirit, doe all sweetly concurre moovingly, meritoriously, efficiently to the production of them. No mervaile then, tho it bee right pleasing unto God, that such rare, and inestimable Iewels, should bee rightly prized, and holden in highest esteeme, by those that have them: That they should still appeare, and present themselves to those Soules, wherein they shine, in their true excellency, orient fairenesse, and native beauty. Now privation of excellent things hath speciall power to raise our imaginations, to an higher streine of estimation of them; and to cause us, at their returne, to entertaine them, with much more longing, farre dearer apprehensions, and embracement. Absence, and intermission of the most desirable comforts, adde a great deale of life to the love of them, and waight of pretiousnesse to their valewation. The goodnesse of whatsoever we enioy, is better perceived by vicissitude of want, then continuall fruition. Sleepe is more sweet, after the tediousnesse of some wakefull, and wearysome nights: Liberty, and enjoyment of the free aire, and faces of men, after restraint and imprisonment: The glory and fairenesse of the Sunne, after a blacke day, or boisterous storme, &c. So Gods favourable aspect is much more acceptable after an angry tempest, and hiding his face for a season: And the graces of salvation farre more amiable, and admirable to the eie of His humbled Childe, after the darkenesse of a spirituall desertion. Wherefore our gracious God doth many times, in great mercy and wisedome, deprive His dearest servants, for a time of the presence of their Spouse, the assurance of His love, and sense of those graces; that the absence thereof, may represent the glory of such an incomparable happinesse, and those heavenly Pearles, more to the life; and discontinuance of their enjoyment, may inflame, and affect their hearts with more holy greedinesse, and eager pursuite after them; and stirre up in them that height of esteeme, and heate of love, which may in some good measure, bee answerable to their unvalewable excellency and sweetnesse. Such dulnesse of heart, deadnesse of affections, and declination to the World, may grow sometimes upon a good man; that Hee may finde little more contentment in communion with Iesus Christ, then in the prosperity of His outward affaires; which is infinitely unworthy an Heire of Heaven. But now in such a Case, Let God make Him but to repossesse the iniquities of His Youth, and fight against Him with His terrours for a while; and the same Man with all His heart, will preferre the reconciled face of God and peace of conscience, before the Soveraignty, and sole command of all the Kingdomes upon Earth. While wee have a free, and un-interrupted recourse unto the Throne of Grace, wee are apt to under-valew, and to conceive of that mighty grace of prayer, but as of an ordinary gift: But if once the Lord please, to leave us to that confusion, and astonishment of Spirit, that our ejaculations doe sadly rebound upon our heavy, and un-heated hearts, without answer, or encouragement from Heaven; wee shall easily then acknowledge the Spirit, and power of praier, to bee one of the fairest flowers in the Garland of all our graces; the very arme of God to doe Miracles for us many times, and ever to settle our troubled Soules in sweetest peace and patience, amidst the greatest pressures and persecutions, either of Hellish, or earthly enemies.

7. Seventhly, Iesus Christ Himselfe, blessed for ever, drunke full deepe of the extremity and variety of sorest sufferings, in many kinds; not only to deliver His, from the vengeance of eternall fire; but also lovingly to learne out of the sense of that sympathy, and self-feeling, to shew Himselfe tender hearted, kind, and compassionate unto them in all their extremities; and never to suffer them to sinke in any trouble or affliction; though never so full of desperate representations, or apprehensions of impossibility to escape; or to bee tempted at any time above their power and patience. And many are the meanes, and Methods, by which, Hee is woont to ease, and mitigate their many painefull miseries; especially, that extremest of Martyrdome. First, Somtimes He rescues them by His own mighty, and immediate arme, out the mouth of Lyons; and pulls them, by strong hand, from between the teeth of bloody persecuting Wolues, 2. Tim. 4.17. Secondly, **Let no Christian then afflict his Soule with any catking, or vexing fore-thought of fiery times. Assure thy selfe, if God call thee to suffer in that kinde; Hee will graciously give unto Thee a Martyrs Faith, a Martyrs patience, and a Crowne of Martyrdome.Sometimes Hee takes away, or lessens the sting, and fury of the torment and torturers. The fire had no force at all over the bodies of those blessed men, Dan. 3.27. And no doubt in Queene Maries dayes, of most abhorred memory, Hee many times mollified, and sweetned the rage, and bitternesse of those mercilesse flames, for our Martyrs sakes. Thirdly, Sometimes he supports, and supplies them with supernaturall vigour, and extraordinary courage over the smart, and rigour of the most terrible, and intolerable tortures. The heart of that holy Proto-Martyr, Steven, was furnished, and filled with those heavenly infusions of spirituall strength and ioy; when the Heavens opening, Act 7 55.56.Acts 7:55Acts 7:56He saw the glory of God, and Iesus standing on His right hand; which were gloriously transcending, and triumphant over the utmost of all corporall paine, and Iewish cruelty. And so graciously dealt He with many other Martyrs in succeeding ages, as we may reade in Ecclesiasticall Stories. Fourthly, Hee may sometimes also, out of His mercifull wisdome, put into their hearts such a deale of Heaven beforehand, and ravishing comforts of the World to come; that the excesse thereof doth swallow up, and devoure, as it were, the bitternesse of all bodily inflictions, and sufferings of sense. Thus mercifully dealt Hee with that worthy Martyr, Master Robert Glover, even when He was going towards the Stake. He poured into His Soule upon the sudden, such over-flowing Rivers of spirituall joyes; that, no doubt, they mightily abated, and quencht the ragefull fury of those Popish flames; wherein Hee was sacrificed for the Profession of the Gospell of Christ, and Gods everlasting truth. And assuredly, that comfortable Sun-shine of unexpresse-able joy, which, by the good hand of God, was shed into Master Peacocks sorrowfull heart, in the depth of His darkenesse and desertion, a little before the resignation of His happy Soule into the hands of God; did make the pangs of death, and that dreadfull Passage, a great deale lesse painefull, and sensible; if not very lightsome and pleasant. Now in both these men of God, a wofull spirituall dereliction, was a fit introduction, and immediate preparative, to the effusion of such a sudden torrent of strange exultations, and ravishments of spirit, upon their sad and heavy hearts. Conceive the Point then thus: The Lord sometimes even in tendernesse, and love to His owne deare Children, whom Hee designes for extraordinary sufferings, may purposely possesse them with such a Paradise of divine pleasures, as a counter-comfort to the extremity of their paines; that, besides their owne private refreshing, and support, their couragious insensibility, and victorious patience thereupon, may bring a great deale of terrour to their tormentors, glory to their Mercifull Maister, credit unto the cause, and confusion to the enemies of grace. And that there may be an addition of more heart, and life to such joyfull elevations of spirit; and, that He may make the excellency of that spirituall joy, proportionable to the exquisitnes of their tortures and trouble, He may in His unsearchable wisedome make way thereunto by a spirituall desertion. As Hee did in the fore-named glorious Martyr, Master Glover. For want of the sense of the comforts of godlinesse for a season, doth make our Soules a thousand times more sensible of their sweetnesse, upon their re-infusion.

8. Eighthly, Thus may the Lord sometimes deale with His best, and dearest Children; even, by withdrawing the light of His countenance, leave them for a while to these inward conflicts, and confusions of spirit; that thereby they may bee fitted, and informed with an holy experimentall skill, to speake feelingly, and fully to the hearts of their Christian Brethren, which may afterward bee tempted, and troubled, as they have been. For God is woont at all times in His Church, so gracious is Hee, purposely to raise up, and single out some speciall men; whom Hee instructs, and enables in the Schoole of spirituall experiments, and afflictions of Soule, with extraordinary dexterity, and Arte, to comfort and recover other Mourners in Zion, in their distresses of consciences, stronger temptations, spirituall desertions, decaies of grace, relapses, Eclipses of Gods face and favour, wants of former comfortable feelings; in case of horrible thoughts, and hideous injections, darkenesse of their owne spirits, and such other Soule-vexations. And such a blessed Physition, which is able to speake experimentally to a dejected sorrowfull heart, out of practise and sense in His owne Soule, is farre more worth, both for a true search and discovery, and sound recovery and cure of a wounded conscience, then an hundred meere speculative Divines. Such an One, is that One of a thousand, spoken of by Iob, which can wisely, and seasonably declare unto His Soule-sicke Patient, the secret Tracks, & hidden Depths of Gods dealings with afflicted spirits. Let us take instance, in those experimentall abilities, which David gained for such a purpose, by His passing thorow that most grievous spirituall desertion: Psal. 77. The Case of that Christian were most rufull, both in His owne fearefull apprehension, and to the un-judicious … the Beholders; who having spent a long time … Zealous professiō of the Truth, walking with God, and secret communion with Iesus Christ, should come to that passe, and fall into those wofull straights of spirituall trouble: First, That Hee should feare, not without extraordinary horrour, lest the mercies of God were departed from Him for ever; and that the Lord would never more bee intreated, or ever shine againe with his favourable countenance upon His confounded Soule. Secondly, that the very remembrance of God, which was woont to crowne his heart with a confluence of all desire-able contentments, should even rent it asunder, and make it fall to pieces in His bosome, like drops of water. Thirdly, That the pouring out of His Soule with pittifull groanes, and complaints in secret unto His God, which heretofore did set wide open unto Him, heavenly flood-gates of gracious refreshing, should now quite overwhelme His spirit, with much distracted amazement and feare. Fourthly, That, that heart of His, which had formerly full sweetly tasted those holy pleasures, which farre passe the comprehension of any carnall conceit, should now be so brim-full, and damm'd up with excesse of griefe; that no vent, or passage should bee left unto His speech. Fifthly, And which, Mee thinkes, is the perfection of His misery in this kinde, that amidst all these heavy discomforts, His Soule should refuse to bee comforted. That tho the Ministers, and Men of God stand round about Him, bring into His minde, and presse upon Him the pregnant evidences, and testimonies of His owne godly life; the unchangeablenesse of Gods never-failing mercies to His; the sweetnesse of His glorious Name; the soveraigne power, and mighty price of His Sonnes blood; the infallible, and inviolable pretiousnesse, and truth of the promises of life, &c. Yet in the agony, and angvish of His grieved spirit, Hee puts them all away from … none of His, nor as properly belonging to His … state. Hee is readier out of His spirituall di…emper, to spill, as water upon the ground, the golden vialls of the water of life, and soveraigne oyles of Evangelicall joy, tendered unto Him by the Physition of His Soule; then to receive them with woonted thirst and thankfulnesse, into the bruised bosome of His bleeding Conscience. Tho they assure Him in the Word of life and truth, having had (for that I suppose) true and sound experience of His conversion, and former sanctified courses, from Isai. 44.22. That as the heate, and strength of the Summers Sunne, doth disperse and dissolve to nothing, a thicke Mist, or foggy Cloud: so the inflamed zeale of Gods tender love, thorow the bloodshed of His owne onelyonly deare Sonne, hath done away all his offences; His iniquity, transgression, and sinne, as tho they had never been. And Mich. 7.19. That, that God, which delighteth in mercy, Vers. 18. hath cast all his sinnes into the bottome of the Sea; never to rise againe, either in this World, or in the World to come. The Prophet alludes to the drowning of the Egyptians in the Red Sea. And therefore they assure Him, that as that mighty Host sunke downe into the bottome, like a stone, Exod. 15.5. Or as Lead, Vers. 10. So that neither the Sunne of Heaven, nor Sonne of Man ever saw their faces any more: So certainely, all his sinnes are so swallowed up for ever, in the Soule-saving Sea of His Saviours blood, that they shall never more appeare before the face of God or Angell, Man or Divell, to His damnation or shame. Yet for all this, lying in a spirituall Swoune, Hee findes His heart even key-cold, and as it were, starke dead, in respect of relishing, or receiving all, or any of these incomparable comforts. The Case thus proposed, may seeme very deplorable, and desperate: yet consider, what good Davids experience might doe in such distresse. What a deale of life and light were it able, to put into the very darkest Dampe, and most heartlesse faintings of such a dying … have such an One as David, even a Man after Go… owne heart, remarkeably inriched, and eminent with heavenly endowments; One of the highest in the Booke of life, and favour with God, to assure it, that Himselfe had already suffered as grievous things in His Soule, if not greater; and passed thorow the very same passions, and pressures of a troubled Spirit, if not with more variety, and sorer pangs. That proportionably to his present perplexities, Hee cryed out with a most heavy heart: First, Will the Lord cast off for ever? And will hee bee favourable no more? Is His mercy cleane gone for ever? Doth his promise faile for evermore? Hath God forgotten to bee gracious? Hath hee in anger shut up His tender mercies? Vers. 7.8.9. Secondly, That when Hee remembred God, Hee was troubled: Vers. 3. Thirdly, That when He prayed unto God, and complained, His spirit was overwhelmed. Ibid. Fourthly, That Hee was so troubled, that Hee could not speake: Vers. 4. Fifthly, That His Soule refused to be comforted. Vers. 2. Which painefull passages of His spirituall desertion, answer exactly to the comfortlesse Case of the supposed Soule-grieved Patient. Nay, and besides assurance of the very samenesse in apprehensions of feare, and thoughts of horrour; David also out of his owne experience, and precedency, might sweetly informe, and direct such a poore panting Soule in a comfortable way, to come out of the Place of Dragons, and depths of sorrow; by teaching, and telling Him the manner, and meanes of his rising, and recovery. Meditation of Gods singular goodnesse, and extraordinary mercy to Himselfe, his Church and Children aforetime, gave the first lift, as it were, to raise his drooping Soule out of the dust. And no doubt, ever since the same consideration, by the blessings of God, hath brought againe many a bruised spirit from the very Gates of Hell, and brink of despaire. aaIn hac cogitatione non dubium est primum … qui suo … critatem … mortem, … t…tm con…at: & tamen receptus est ille ia gratiam, & restitutu…. — Posteà reliqua etiam exempla li…erationum conquirebat: u… quod solus Noc cum suà familià servatur in diluvio: quòd p…pulus Israeliticus ingenti miraculo educitur ex-Aegypto, & servat… in marirubro: quòd Aaron autor horrendae Idololatriae non a…ijcitur, nec absorbetur ab irâ livinà: quòd populus Israeliticus morae impatiens & fremens in d…serto adversus Deum, et eius ministros, non totus consumitur in deserto, sed tandem introducitur in terram promissam. Postremò suas quoque liberationes▪ in quibus antehaec praesentiam & amorem Dei erga se conspexerat, me…oriâ repetivit. Moller. In Psal. 77. Recogitavi di…s antiquos] Priorum tuorum, inquit, beneficiorum memoriam renotavi, cogitavì que quan ta sint à te maiores nostri beneficia consequnti, quomodò è servitute Aegyptiacâ liberati sint, quomodò mare rubrum transierint, & quomodò terram promissam acceperint.Ps 77And in his happy per-usall of ancient times, and Gods compassions of old; it is very probable, that …is memory first met with Adam, a right wonderfull, and matchlesse Patterne of Gods rarest mercies, to a most forlorne Wretch. For Hee was wofully guilty by His transgression, of casting both Himselfe, and all his Sonnes and Daughters, from the Creation to the Worlds end, out of Paradise into the Pit of Hell: and also of empoysoning with the cursed contagion of originall corruption, the Soules and Bodies of all that ever were, or shall bee borne of Woman, the Lord Iesus onelyonly excepted. And yet this Man, as best Divines suppose, tho Hee had cast away Himselfe, and undone all Mankind, was received to mercy. Let never poore Soule then, while the World lasts, upon true and timely repentance, suffer the hainousnesse, and horrour of His former sinnes, whatsoever they have been, to hinder his hopefull accesse unto the Throne of Grace, for present pardon of them all; or at any time afterward confound His comforts, and confidence in Gods gracious Promises. Thus, no doubt, the weary Soule of this Man of God waded further, into those bottomlesse Seas of mercies, manifested, and made good from time to time upon His servants. His heavy heart might sweetly refresh, and repose it selfe upon the contemplation of Gods never-failing compassions, in not casting off Aaron everlastingly, for His fall into most horrible Idolatry: In not suffering the murmuring, and rebellious Iewes to perish all, and utterly, in the Wildernesse; considering their many prodigious provocations and impatiencies, &c. But at length, as wee may see in the forecited Psalme, His Soule sets it triumphant Selah upon that great, and miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea; one of the most glorious, and visible Miracles of mercy, that ever shone from Heaven upon the Sonnes of Men; and also a blessed Type of the salvation of all truly penitent and perplexed Soules from the Hellish Phara… and all infernall powers, in the red Sea of our Savio… blood. How fairely now, and feelingly might the…e experimentall instructions, and this Passage of proofe, troden, and chalked out by this holy Man, illighten, and conduct any, that walkes in darkenesse, and hath no comfort, out of the like distracted horrour of a spirituall desertion? Let Him in such a Case, first cast backe His eye upon Gods former manifold, mercifull dealings with Himselfe. If His God made His Soule of the darkest nooke of Hell, as it were, by reason of it's sinfulnesse and cursednesse, as faire and beautifull, as the brightest Sun-beame, by that soveraigne blood, which gusht out of the heart, and those pretious graces, which shine upon it, from the face of His Sonne, that never-setting Sunne of righteousnesse; He will undoubtedly, in due season, dispell all those Mists of spirituall misery, which over-shadow the glory and comfort of it for a time. If Hee upheld Him by his mercifull hand, from sinking into Hell, when Hee was an horrible transgressour of all his Lawes with greedinesse and delight; Hee will most certainely, (Tho, perhaps, for a small moment, Hee hide his face from Him) binde up His soule in the Bundle of the living for ever; now especially when Hee preferres the love, and light of His countenance before life; and would not willingly offend Him, in the least sinne, for all the World, &c. Let Him yet proceede further in Davids foot-steps, and strengthen His fainting Soule with all that heavenly Manna of richest mercy, which Hee hath heard, read, or knowne to have been showred downe at any time, from the Throne of Grace, into the heavy, humble, and hungry hearts of His afflicted hidden Ones. Let Him refresh His memory, with consideration of Davids deliverance, by this meanes, from deeper distresse; Of that most memorable, and triumphant resurrection, as it were, and recovery of those three worthy Saints of God, Master Glover, Mistris Bret…ergh, Master Peacocke, from greatest …tremitie in this kinde, into most un-utterable joyfull exultations of spirit. And so, of others within the Register of His observation, remembrance, and reading. But principally, and above all; Let Him live, and die; Let Him rest, and recreate Himselfe for ever, with surest hold fast, and sweetest thoughts, upon that heavenly, and healing Anti-type of the Red Sea, the pretious Blood of the Lord Iesus. And let Him ground upon it, that tho Satan with all His hellish Hosts, and utmost fury, pursue his fearefull Soule, like a Partridge in the mountaines ▪ even to the very brinke of despaire, and mouth of Hell; yet even then, when all rescue and deliverance is neerest, to bee utterly despaired of, (For it is the Crowne of Gods glorious mercy to save, when the Case seemes desperate, and there is no hope of humane helpe, or possibility of created power to comfort) I say, then that Soule-saving Sea of His Saviours hearts-blood, will most certainely, and seasonably open it selfe wide unto Him, as it did to those above-named blessed Saints; and swallow up into victory, Hell, Death, the Grave, Damnation, the present wofull desertion, with all other adversary power: and at length, make Him a faire and pleasant passage, thorow the sweetned pangs of death, into the heavenly Canaan; which flowes with joyes and pleasures, un-mixed and endlesse; more then either Tongue can tell, or heart can thinke.

9. Ninthly, a spirituall desertion may seeme a proportionable, fit, and most proper punishment, and meanes to correct, and recover the Christian; which out of infirmity and feare, deserts the Lord Iesus, and the Profession of His blessed Truth and Gospell. If any bee ashamed of Him; refuse to doe, or suffer any thing for His sake, who hath given unto us His owne hearts-blood; it is most just, that in such a Case Hee withdraw Himselfe, in respect of all sense and feeling of divine favour, and fruites of grace, or any comfortable influence at all, upon the Consciences of such Coward… that so they being left to the darkenesse of their owne spirits; and by consequent, to the taste even of Hellish horrour for the time; they may bee brought againe to themselves, and taught by such terrours to returne; and become infinitely more willing to embrace the Stake, if the times should bee so cruell; and kisse the instruments of death, then langvish any longer in the despairing extremities of such a desertion; to acknowledge it incomparably better to passe thorow the temporary bitternesse of Popish fire, then to bee abandoned to everlasting flames: Nay, and that which is the greater Hell, to bee robbed of, and rent from Him; in whose glorious presence alone, is not onelyonly life, and all lightsomnesse even in this life, but also fulnesse of ioy, and pleasures for evermore, in the life to come. This Point appeares, and is prooved by Gods dealing with some of our Martyrs in Qveene Maries time:

aaIn the Story of Tho. Whittell, first, recanting, and then repenting the same.Thomas Whittell, a blessed Martyr of Iesus, was by the wicked suggestions of some Popish bbGod suffered mee to faint, & faile through humane infirmitie, by the working of the Arch-enemy in His sworne Souldiers, the Bishops and Priests: In whom so lively appeareth the very visage and shape of Satan, that a Man (if it were not prejudice to Gods Word) might well affirme them to bee Divels incarnate, as I by experience do speake. Acts and Monuments, pag. 2019.incarnate Divels, drawne to subscribe to their Hellish Doctrine: But considering in cold blood, what Hee had done, was horribly vexed; and, as Hee reports of Himselfe, felt Hell in his conscience, and Satan ready to devoure him. Which terrible desertion, and trouble of minde, made Him quickly returne with great constancy and fortitude, and turne a most invincible, and un-mooveable Martyr. Heare some passages from His owne Pen.

The night after I had subscribed, I was sore grieved, and for sorrow of conscience could not sleepe. For in the deliverance of my Body out of bonds, which I might have had, I could finde no ioy, nor comfort; but still was in my conscience tormented more and more, &c.

And, I said to [Harpesfield, sc.] That my Conscience had so accused mee, through the iust iudgement of God, and His Word; that I had felt Hell in my Conscience, and Satan ready to devoure Mee: And therefore I pray you, Master Harpsfield, (said I) let mee have the Bill againe, for I will not stand to it.

When the Lord had led Mee to Hell in my Conscience, through the respect of His fearefull iudgements against mee, for my fearefulnesse, mistrust, and crafty cloaking in such spirituall, and weighty matters; yet Hee brought mee from thence againe, &c.

See also the Story of Iames Abbes, and Th…. Benbridge, Gentleman. Act. and Monuments, pag. 1864.2246.

10. Tenthly, God is many times forced by their frowardnesse, luke-warmenesse, worldly-mindednesse, cowardlinesse, Selfe-confidence, falling from their first-love, and other such spirituall distempers; to visite, and exercise His Children with variety, and sometimes, severity of crosses and corrections; as losses in their outward state; afflictions of Body; disgraces upon their good name; oppression by great Ones; discomforts in Wives, Neighbours, Friends, Children, &c. upon purpose to put life, quicknesse, fruitfulnesse, and forwardnesse into them; that thereby, they may bee more gloriously servi…cable to Himselfe; more profitable to others; and more provident to treasure up peace unto their own Soules, against an evill Day. God humbleth us ▪ saith a worth Divine, by afflictions, and pricketh the swelling of our pride. Hee cutteth, and loppeth us, to the end, wee may bring forth the more fruit. Hee filleth us with bitternesse in this life; to the end, wee might long for the life to come. For those, whom God afflicteth grievously in this World, leave it with lesse griefe. Hee, who hath formed us to feare Him, knoweth, that our praiers are slacke and cold in prosperity, as proceeding from a spirit, that is cooled by successe; and which are endited by custome. The cries, which our owne will produced, are feeble, in comparison of those, which griefe expresseth. Nothing so ingenious to pray well, as sorrow; which in un instant formeth the slowest tongues to an holy eloquence; and furnisheth us with sighes, which cannot be expressed, &c. But now many times, this Physicke, which pincheth onelyonly the Body, and wasteth us but in things of this World, doth not so worke, as Hee would have it; and therefore Hee is constrainedaaNedicus est, adh… putrehabes nescio quid, Clamas; Sed adbuc secat; & non tollit manum, nisi secuerit quantum videtur. Etenim medicus crudelis est, qui exaudit hominem, & parcit vulnera & putredini. Matres quomodo sricant in balneis ad salutem filios? Nonne parvuli clamant inter manus earum? Illae ergò crudeles sunt, ut non parcant, non exaudiant lachrymas? Nonne plenae sunt pretate? Et tamen clamant pueri, & non eis parcitur. Sic & Deus noster plenus est charitate: sed ideoò vi…etur non exaudire, ut sanet, & pa…a… in sempiternum. August in Psal. 33. Lethargic… excitantur, Ph…enetica …eantur s…d tamen utrique amantur. Idem. in Psal 34. Si malum morb…so…us creveri…, maiora remed…a …eruntur, & pro … …ominis … potus … error. Gentil. ….Ps 33Ps 34 in love, and for our good, to proceede to more sharpe, and searching Medcines; to apply more strong, and stirring Purges, which immediately vexe the Soule: As horrible, and hideous injections; A spirituall Desertion; and other affrighting, and stinging temptations. Hee deales with them in this Case, as Absalom with Ioab; when Hee would not come at Him by sending once, and againe; Hee causes his servants to set His field of barley on fire, and then there was no neede to bid him hie. When inferiour miseries, and other meanes will not doe it; God sets, as it were, their Soules on fire with slames of horrour, in one kinde or other; and then they looke about them indeede, with much care, and feare, searching and syncerity; They seeke Him then with a Witnesse, earnestly, and early. For afflictions of Soule are very soveraigne, and have singular efficacy, to stirre, and quicken extraordinarily; to weane quite from the world, and keepe a Man close, and clinging unto God. How many, tho perhaps, they thinke not so, would grow proud, worldly, Luke-warme, cold in the use of the Ordinances, Selfe-confident, or something that they should not bee; if they were not sometimes exercised with iniections of terrible thoughts? By this fiery dart▪ the Divell desires, and endeavours to destroy, and undoe them quite; But by the mercy of God, it is turned to their greater spirituall good. It is in this Case, as it was with Him, who thrusting his enemy into the Body, with …ull purpose to have killed Him, lance… the ulcer▪ which no Physition was able to …; and let out that corrupt m…tter, that would have cost Him his life: By representation of such horrour, out of Satans cruellest malice, they are happily kept more humble, watchfull, earnest in praier, eager after the Meanes, weaned frō the World, compassionate to others, &c. Hiding of Gods face from Him, and leaving Him to the darknesse of His owne spirit, did put and preserve Master Iohn Glover in a most zealous, holy, and heavenly life for ever after. Heare the **Foxe, In the Story of Master Robert Glover, and of Iohn Glover His Brother, pag. 1885.story:

This gentleman being called by the light of the holy Spirit, to the knowledge of the Gospell; and having received a wondrous sweet feeling of Christs heavenly Kingdome: His minde after that, falling a little to some cogitation of his former affaires, belonging to His vocation, began by and by to misdoubt himself, upō occasion of those words, Heb. 7.4 For it is impossible, &c. VponUpon considerations of which words, Hee was so farre deserted, as to bee perswaded, that Hee had sinned against the holy Ghost; even so much, that if Hee had been in the deepest Pit of Hell, Hee could almost have despaired no more of His salvation — Beeing young, saith Foxe, I remember, I was once, or twice with Him; whom partly by his talk…, I perceived; and partly by mine owne eies, saw to be so worn… and consumed, by the space of five yeares; that neither almost any brooking of meate, quietnesse of sleepe, pleasure of life; yea, and almost no kinde of senses was left in Him. —Who in such intolerable griefes of minde, altho Hee neither had, nor could have any ioy of His meate; yet was hee compelled to eate against His appetite, to the end, to deferre the time of his damnation, so long as Hee might; thinking with Himselfe no lesse, but that Hee must needs bee throwne into Hell, the breath being once out of the Body. Albeit Christ, hee thought, did pitty his case, and was sorry for Him: yet hee could not (as Hee imagined) helpe, because of the verity of the word, which said: It is impossible, &c. But what was the happy issue, and effect of these extraordinary spirituall terrours, and terrible desertion? The same blessed Man of God, who writes the Story, and was himselfe with the Party, tells us: Albeit Hee suffered many yeares so sharpe temptations, and strong buffetings of Satan: yet the Lord, who graciously preserved Him all the while, not onelyonly at last did rid Him out of all discomfort, but also framed Him thereby to such mortification of life, as the like lightly hath not been seene; In such sort as Hee, beeing like one placed in Heaven already, and dead in this World; both in word and meditation, led a life altogether celestiall, abhor…ing in His minde all prophane doings. Thus a spirituall desertion, or some other affliction of spirit, doth that alone, many times; which variety, and a long continued succession of ordinary outward crosses, one upon the Necke of an other, is not able to effect. For troubles of Soule sooner take, and are of a quicker, and stronger operation, then those which afflict the Body. The spirit of a man will sustaine his infirmity: But a wounded spirit, who can …eare? Prov. 18.14. All other afflictions are nothing to this; They are but flea-bitings to this fiery Scorpion. The stoutnesse of a Mans spirit will stand under a world of outward miseries, many times: But if the eie, which is the light of the Body, bee in darkenesse; how great is that darkenesse? If the spirit it selfe bee crusht, which should support the whole man, how great is the confusion? Hence it was, that faithfull David waded thorow a world of troubles; yet all that time, no malice of Saul, no hatred of the Philistines, no rebellion of Absalom, no treachery of Ahitophel, no grapling with a Lion, no fighting with a Beare, no threatning of a vaunting Goliah, could so much discourage Him: But when at any time, Hee suffered immediately in His soule, under the wrath of God, O! then his very bones, the master-timber of His Body, are broken in peeces. Hee roares all the day, and His moysture is turned into the drought of Summer. Then Hee speakes thus unto God; When thou with rebukes doest correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a Moath.

Thus having discovered the Cases, and Causes of spirituall Desertion; I come now to the comforts and the Cure.

1. And let us first take notice of a double desertion: first, Passiue; when God withdrawes Himselfe from us: secondly, Active; when wee with-draw our selves from God. And they are both two-fold: first, Temporary: and secondly, Finall.

1. Passive desertion temporary; As in David, Psal. 77. Heman the Ezrahite, Psal. 88. Iob. Both the Glovers. See their story, Acts and Monuments, 1885. 1891. Mistris Brettergh; Master Peacocke; And many moe of Gods Children.

2. Finall, In many, after a wofull, and willfull abuse of many mercies, meanes of salvation, and generall graces. As Saul, Iudas, &c. Such as have out-stood all opportunities and seasons of grace, and all those, Prov. 1.24.

1. Active desertion temporary; As in Solomon, &c.

2. Finall; as in those, Heb. 10.

Now in the present Point, I understand onelyonly a Passive temporary Desertion. And therefore in that Man, which is truly ingraffed into Christ by a justifying Faith, and regenerated; who can never possibly, either forsake finally, or be finally forsaken of God Of whom Hooker thus speakes. **In his Sermon upon Habac. 1.4. Of the certainty and perpeta…y of the Faith in the Elect. In this wee know, wee are not deceived, neither can wee deceive you, wh… wee teach, that the Faith, whereby wee are sanctified, cannot faile; it did not in the …phet, it shall not in you. Ibid pag. 6. They which are of God, doe not sinne, either …, or in any thing, any such sinne, as doth quite extingvish grace; … Christ Iesus▪ because the seede of God abideth in them, and do… thie… … from …eiving any irr…mediable wound. Their Faith, when it is at … weake, … when it is at the weakest, so strong▪ that utterly it … …together, no, not in them, who thinke it utterly …. Pag. ….Blessed for ever and ever be that Mothers Childe, whose Faith hath made Him the Child of God. The earth may shake; the Pillars of the World may tremble under us; The countenance of the Heaven may be appaled: the Sunne may loose his light; the Stars their glory: But concerning the Man that trusteth in God, if the fire hath proclaimed it selfe unable, as much as to singe an haire of His head; If Lyons, beasts, ravenous by nature, and keene with hunger, beeing set to devoure; have, as it were, religiously adored the very flesh of the faithfull Man; what is there in the World, that shall change His heart, overthrow His faith, alter his affection towards God, or the affection of God to Him? Nay and besides, sith I onelyonly understand a temporary passive Desertion, I must suppose it in Him also, who sees full well, and doth acknowledge from whence Hee is fallen; is very sensible of His spirituall losse; afflicted much with the absence of the quickning, and comforting influence of grace; and grieved at the heart-roote, that Hee cannot doe His God service; and performe holy duties with that life, power, and lightsomnesse, as Hee was woont: and thereupon resolves to give no rest unto His discontented Soule from cries, complaints, and groanes; untill Gods face and favour bee turned towards Him againe; and bring with it former feelings and fruitfulnesse, now so highly prized, and heartily praied for. **Tamdiu non relabimur retrò, quamdiu ad priora contendimus. August. Epist. 142.Which blessed behaviour doth clearely difference Him from the Back-slider; a truly miserable, and right wofull Creature indeede; who insensibly falles from his forwardnesse, first love, intimate fellowship with the Saints, and all lively use and exercise of the ordinances, and divine duties; and yet is never troubled, to any purpose; neither doth chalenge or judge Himselfe for it at all. For wee are to know, that the presence of spirituall weakenesses, decaies, and wants; and absence of due dispositions, accustomed feelings, and former abilities of grace, onelyonly then argue a Backslider, and are evill signes of a dangerously declining Soule; when they are willingly carried without remorse, or taking much to heart; without any eager desire, or earnest endeavour after more heate, and heavenly mindednesse. A Christian may be without Gods gratious presence, and comfortable exercise of grace in present feeling; and yet no Forsaker of God, but rather left of Him for a time (His heavenly wisedome, for some secret holy ends so disposing); while by grieving, striving, & strong desires, Hee unfainedly thirsts after, and seriously pursues his former acceptation and forwardnesse. Here then is comfort, God hath hid his face from thee for a season, and thou art left to the darknesse, and discomforts of thine owne spirit; and thereupon art grievously dejected, thinkes thy Selfe utterly undone; yet take notice, that In a spirituall Desertion, properly so called, thou doest not willingly forsake God, but God forsakes Thee; ccNon deserit, etiamsi deserere videatur. Non deserit etiamsi deserat. August. Quosdam deserit, quosdam deserere videtur. Ambr. In Psal. 118. Deus bonos non negligit cùm negligit. Nec obliviscitur sed quasi obliviscitur. Rustin in Psal.Ps 118or rather, as Divines truly speake, seemes to forsake Thee; (For Hee deale… with Thee in this Case, as a Father with His Childe: who sometimes upon purpose, still loving Him extremely, hides Himself from Him, as tho He were quite gone; to make it discover, and manifest it's love unto Him by longing, seeking, and crying after Him). And that for excellent ends, and ever for thy endlesse comfort: first, To trie, whether Thou wilt trust in Him, tho He slay Thee, as Iob did. Every Cock-boate can swim in a River; every Sculler saile in a Calme: In ordinary gusts, any man of meaner skill, and lesser patience, can steere aright, and hold up the head: But when the blacke tempest comes, a tenth wave flowes, One deepe calls an other; when the tumultuous darkenesse of the sky, the roaring of that restlesse Creature represents terrible things, and Heaven and earth are blundered together, as it were▪ with horrible confusions; when nature yeelds, spirits faint, hearts faile; then to stand upright and unshaken;Psal. 46.Ps 46 then to say with David; I will not feare, tho the earth bee removed: and tho the mountaines bee carried into the middest of the Sea: Tho the waters thereof p. 509roare, and bee troubled; tho the Mountai…es shake with the swelling thereof. Selah: I say, that…s the Man, which is found at the heart-roote indeede, and steele to the backe: and then is the invincible might, and incomparable valour of Faith made knowne with a witnesse; who ever hath Gods sure Word for the Compasse, and the Lord Iesus at the Helme. Then doth this glorious grace shine, and triumph above nature, sense, reason, worldly wisedome, the arme of flesh, and the whole Creation. In such desperate extremities, and sorest trials, it shewes it selfe like the **Ex ae privat. & foreign, d…mo. Quòd nullis ictibus cedat.Adamant, that nothing will breake; the ****Palma non cedit ponderi, sed quò magis rami illius premuntur, eò assurgunt altiùs. Hinc apud veteres fuit victoriae insigne, ut apparet ex Apocal. 7. v. 9. Alst.Rev 7:9Palme tree, that yeelds not to the waightiest burden; the Shoote-Anchor, that holds, when other tacklings breake; the oile, that ever over-swims the greatest quantity of water we can poure upon it. And with this improovement of the extraordinary power of faith, God is exceedingly well-pleased, and highly honoured. Secondly, To en-ure thee to patience, obedience, and submission to His blessed Will in every thing, even extremest sufferings, if Hee so please. Thirdly, To worke in Thee, a deeper detestation of sinne, and further divorce from the world. Fourthly, To quicken, improove, and exercise some speciall graces extraordinarily. Thou didst hide thy face, Psal. 30.7.8.Ps 30:7Ps 30:8saith David, and I was troubled. Then I cried unto Thee, O Lord, &c. Then was the spirit of praier put to it indeede; and so was the grace of patience, waiting, and the like. Fifthly, To cause thee to prize more dearely, and to keepe more carefully, when it comes againe, Gods glorious presence, and the quickning influence of His grace and comfort. Wee never apprehend the worth, and excellency of any thing so well, as by the want of it. The un-interrupted, & secure enjoyment of the best things, and even those that please us best, without vicissitude, and enter change, is woont to breed such cheapnes and satiety, and so dulls the Soules appetite; that it is neither so affected with their pretious sweetnesse, nor p. 510thankfully …vished with the present possession of them, as it ought. Health is then highly valewed, when sicknesse hath made us sensible of such a Iewell: wee then rellish our food extraordinarily, when wee have fasted longer then ordinary: Rest doth then refresh us most, when our bodies have been tired, and overtravelled. Sixthly, To make thee conformable in some measure, to Christs immeasurable spirituall sufferings. Seventhly, To manifest, and make illustrious, His mightinesse and mercy in thy deliverance, and the power of Christs resurrection. Psal. 88.10.Ps 88:10Wilt thou shew wonders to the Dead? saith Heman. Shall the dead arise, and praise thee? Selah. Those, whom the mercifull hand of God hath lifted up, out of the depth of a spirituall desertion, will easily acknowledge it, as omnipotent a worke and wonder, as to pull out of the mouth of Hell, and raise a dead man out of the grave. Eighthly, To represent unto thee, the difference of thy condition in this life, and that which is to come. This is our time of nurture,2. Cor. 5.7. Habbak 2.4. Rom. 1.17. Galat. 3.11. Heb. 10.38. Rom. 8.36.2 Cor 5:7Rom 1:17Gal 3:11Heb 10:38Rom 8:36 not of Inheritance. Here wee walke by faith, not by sight. Wee live by faith, not by feeling. In this vale of teares wee are killed all the day long: But heavenly glimpses of unspeakeable and glorious ioy, and spirituall ravishments of Soule, are ddHeus Don…ine Deus, …ra hora, & brevis mora. Sapit quidem svavissimè, sed guslatur rarissimè. Bernard.seldome and short: Their fullnesse, and constant fruition, is reserved for the next life. Here wee are trained, as it were, in a spirituall warfare against the World, the Flesh, and the Divell; wee are exercised unto New-obedience, by manifold crosses, troubles, and temptations: Satan is sometimes set upon us, to afflict us with His owne immediate Hellish suggestions; Sometimes our owne sinnes grievously affright us, with renewed representations of horrour; Sometimes our owne God frownes upon us Himselfe, with His displeased and angry countenance; and in love leaves us a while, to the terrours of a spirituall desertion: Hee sometimes laies His visiting … upon our Bodies, and casteth us downe … of sicknesse; p. 511Sometimes Hee sends heavy crosses upon our outward States, and breakes the Staffe of our prosperity; Continually, almost, Hee suffers many malicious Currs to barke at us with slanders, lies, disgracefull imputations; and all the enemies of grace, to pursue us bitterly with much malice and disdaine: Thus are wee trained, and entertained in this world; Our Crowning comes in the World to come. Ninthly, To cause thee to have recourse with more reverence, thirst, and thankfull acknowledgement to the Well-head of refreshings: if God once withdraw the light of His countenance, and comfortable quickning of His Spirit; wee shall find no comfort at all in any Creature, no life in the Ordinances, no feeling of our spirituall life; and therefore wee must needs, to the ever-springing Fountaine of All-sufficiency, &c. Which blessed ends and effects, when the good hand of our God hath wrought; Hee will as certainly returne, as ever the Sunne did after the darkest Mid-night; and that with abundance of glory, and sweetnesse, proportionable to the former dejection, and darknesse of our spirits. The lowest ebbe of a spirituall desertion, brings the highest tide of spirituall exultation. As wee may see before in Mistris Brettergh and Master Peacocke. pag. 84.