The Fulfilling of the Scripture, Argument 1

The Fulfilling of the Scripture · Argument 1

p. 37ARGUMENT FIRST.

THat the Scripture of God contained in the Old and New Teſtament, wherein our great hope, and comfort doth ly, is certainly true, and hath, a real accomplishment, may be thus demonſtrat, That it is tryed, and Proved in the godly mans experience, to which in all ages, yea, from innumerable proofs the ſaints have put to their ſeal, that this is a ſure, and faithful teſtimory.

Experience is indeed a ſtrong demonſtration, and it is ſuch a witnes as leaveth no room for debate, for here the truth is felt, proven, and acted on the heart, which the Chriſtian knoweth well, and is as ſure of as he is perſwaded that he liveth or that the ſun when it shineth hath light, and warmnes therewith, it is true the World liveth at a great diſtance with this, they only converſe with the ſound of ſuch a thing, and we know the naked theory of Scripture truth hath but a short reach & that it differeth as far, from that which a ſerious practicall Chriſtian hath as the ſight of a countrey in a map is from a real diſcovery of the ſame; where the difference is not in the degree, but in the kinde: yet though this grave teſtimony of experience is a thing whereto many (alace, too many) are ſtrangers yet we p. 38muſt ſay, ſo much thereof is obvious, as may force its authority on mens conſciences, and shew that there can be no fallacy, or deluſion in this witnes, if they but allow the uſe, and exerciſe of reaſon, ſeing it is not the record of a few, at one time, or in one corner of the earth, but a ſolemne witnes, from the ſaints, and followers of God, whoſe judgement, and integrity, their adverſaries muſt often confeſſe, yea, of all the ſaints in every age through the whole univerſal Church in parts of the earth moſt remote from other, and this, by moſt frequent renued prooffs, hath found, and experienced the truth, and real accomplishment of the Word: and now if this be not ſufficiently convincing, I would but adde, O … will yow then, come and ſee, be but Chriſtians indeed, and then ye will no more debate that teſtimony; and truly it is a very poore shift, for men, who have the Scripture before them, which of it ſelf doth witnes its authority, and this backed with ſo ſolemn a ſeal from the Lord, by his works, and providence, to debate the Chriſtians witnes, from their experience, becauſe they do not ſee this themſelves; vvhat is the cauſe thereof? their choiſe, that they do not follovv on to knovv the ſame, the truth of God ſeeketh credit from no man upon truſt, yea, craveth no more but that by a practical converſe they would put it to a trial, and then it shall not decline their judgement.

Now to proſecute this argument a litle, I shall point at ſome ſpecial Scripture-truths, with which Chriſtians have moſt uſual trade, and converſe in their own caſe; and give in therewith, their teſtimony, how theſe are clearly proved and verifyed by moſt ſure experieuce: it is not to be here underſtood the giving a particular account with reſpect to perſons, time, or other circumſtances, how the Word doth thus take place. I think it may be ſufficiently convincing to inſtance in the general, ſuch clear uncontroverted experiences, which are well known to the godly, and have by them been oft proved amidſt the various changes of their life (though not by all in the ſame meaſure but in ſome ſuitable proportion to their different ſyzes, tryalls, and p. 39wreſtlings) which can witneſs that real correſpondence which the Word hath with the experience of the ſaints; and truely concerning theſe I may with ſome confidence aſſert, they are not naked, or airy notions, but ſuch as can witnes their truth to the ſerious experienced Chriſtian, whom on this account I dare atteſt.

I shall here inſtance 5. ſpecial truths of the Word, which are much tryed, and proved in Chriſtians experience. 1. That there is ſuch a contrariety betwixt the flesh, and the ſpirit, as the Scripture holdeth forth. 2. The deceitfulnes of mans heart. 3. That there is a ſpiritual, and inviſible adverſary, with whom we have war. 4. That the promiſes of the Word have undoubted accomplishment. 5. The truth alſo of the threatnings, I mean ſuch under whoſe reach the godly may fall.

I. That there is a contrariety betwixt the flesh, and the ſpirit, a Law in our members rebelling againſt the Law of our mind, is a truth, very clearly proved to the Chriſtian, whoſe experience though ſad doth undenyably verify, and confirm the Scripture, Gal. 5: v. 17. Rom. 7: v. 19, 21, 23. this is a piece of the Word which holds forth mans nature in its true shape and form, whither their byaſſe, and inclination moſt eaſily turneth, yea, ſo marvellouſly anſwereth their experience, that to queſtion the ſame were to put it far beyond queſtion that they know nothing of a new nature or a principle of grace within. For who ever made earneſt of Religion but their firſt acquaintance with the peace of God, was the beginning of this war; it is then that the houſe divideth, and corruption ſetteth up a ſtandard, yea, no ſooner can any begin to be a Chriſtian, but he muſt be a ſouldier alſo; and …e may ſay none ever attained ſuch a meaſure of mortification, or was ſo old in the grace of God, as could priviledge them from the ſtirrings of the old man, and neceſſity of that complaint, who shall deliver us from a body of death, but what ever advantage, ſome of the ſaints have above others, yet in this their experience can witnes.

p. 401. They now know two different parties within themſelves that until once grace came they could not underſtand, which at the ſame time in the ſame action do act oppoſitly one to the other, yea, that there is no ſpiritual duty, wherein the flesh (though not alwayes in ſuch a prevalent degree,) doth not shew ſome active reſiſtance.

2. That all the ſtirrings, and motions of the flesh have ſtill a tendency, congruous to their own nature, to turn the heart carnal and to alienat it from God, ſo as it is eaſy to diſcern how in theſe, the riſe and the end do throughly correſpond.

3. That this is a cruel taskmaſter if once it bear ſway; imperious in its command, and violent in its purſuit, ſo that their experience may herein tell, its a ſore, and an intolerable thing for a ſervant to bear rule.

4. That to things moſt forbidden the flesh moveth moſt impetuouſly, ſo, as it will even break through the hedge, though ſure there by to be ſcratcht wirh thornes, yea, it is oft ſo eager in its purſuit, that it will follow the bait, while the hook is moſt diſcernable.

5. That when once this doth ſwell, and wax fat, they may upon another intereſt cry, woe's us, our leannes, for like the ſcales of the ballance, they find a proportionable abatement and depreſſing of their ſpiritual life, as the flesh goeth up, yea, they have cauſe to know how every ſtep of their hearts going forth to the World is a ſtep that doth put them further off from God.

6 That the more cloſely the Law is preſt in its ſpiritual extent, yea, the more ſpiritual a duty is, the more fully oppoſit they find their carnal heart, and though the flesh may bear up a litle with the forme of Religion, and hath more complacency with that way, which lyeth moſt in externals, yet it cannot endure the power thereof, it can ſuffer men to be Hypocrites, but not truely Chriſtians.

7. To reſtrain, and bring this under bondage they find that it doth put the Spirit ſo much at liberty, which getting looſe rains for a litle will leave the ſoul work for many p. 41dayes and with ſad after groanes pay back an houres pleaſure yea, they alſo know, when the outward man is low, and upon a ſenſible decay, it hath not then hindered but rather effectually helped their inward joy, and ſtrength.

8 That indulgence to the flesh cauſeth a ſenſible thick interpoſition between Heaven, and the ſoul, whence they are ſo clogged, and hamperd in their flight, and motion toward God, yea, thus have often, their choiſed duties been made a ſore, and grievous task.

9. That this is the true riſe of their uſual perturbations, and doth ſtill put ſome jar betwixt them, and their lot, and doth hinder a ſatisfyed enjoying of that which they have, through murmuring at that they want, yea, they know, that to pleaſe the flesh hath been oft the cauſe of their greateſt grief, and diſpleaſure.

10 They alſo find how the defilement of their Spirit, doth help to darken it, which overgrown with the flesh, can have no clear diſcovery of ſpiritual things, but the more ſeparat from the body, and purged from theſe groſſe dregs, they find themſelves at a further advantage to converſe with divine truths. which thus they get diſcovered, beyond all that nature can reach.

11. That the heart of man is deceitful, and deſperatly evil, Jer. 17: ver. 9. Jer. 4: ver. 14. Prov. 4: ver. 23. is a Scripture truth, where to the Chriſtians experience doth anſwer, as the face anſwereth to its ſelfe in the glaſſe, yea we may ſay it is ſo clearly demonſtrat to theſe who were ever ſerious, about their inward caſe, that while they thus read the Word in themſelves and are made to read themſelves in the Word they may with wonder acknowledge, that he, which can ſound this great deep of the heart, and drawe ſo vive a portraicture thereof, is ſurely one before whom all things are manifeſt; who doth ſearch, and try the reins, and know what is our mould, and fashion; this is one of the very firſt leſſons which practical Religion doth teach, and the more nearnes with God, and further meaſure and grace, that p. 42is attaind, the more clear diſcovery there will be of this; O! what ſad houres, what bitter complaints, hath it cauſed? This oft doth marre the Chriſtians feaſt, and mingle their Wine with Gall, and wormwood; I am ſure if that excellent company of the Saints, who have been from the beginning to this day could be brought together, ro give in their ſuffrage, and witnes concerning the deceitfulnes of the heart, there would be one joynt teſtimony to this truth, we should find that Enoch who walkt with God, Moſes with whom he ſpake face to face, that beloved ſervant, who leand in Chriſts boſome, and he vvho vvas caught up to the third Heavens vvere no ſtrangers thereto, but could vvitnes thus.

1. That it is vvithin, vvhichwhich aileth them moſt, and their greateſt adverſaries are men of their ovvn houſe, yea, that in the vvorſt of times, there is ſtill more cauſe to complain of an evil heart, then of an evil, and corrupt World, there being no vvorſe company, then they are oft to themſelves.

2. That no time of their life, but might give them, ſome further proof, that they are fooles vvho truſt their ovvn heart, vvhichwhich oft vvill eſcape and over-reach, their quickeſt reflexion, even vvhen both their eyes are on it; yea, that there is no time that allovveth the putting off their armour, or to diſmiſſe their guard, not the beſt caſe of the greateſt eſtablishment in grace, nor the evening of the day, though they vvere vvithin ſome minutes of the crovvn, and compleat victory doth priviledge them from the experience of a deceitful heart.

3. That under the beſt frame they find there will often lurk that which after-time, doth diſcover that for the preſent though it had been told, they could not have believed untill frequent experience maketh them ſee that the Word knowed their heart better then themſelves.

4. That to bring home their heart when once it goeth abroad, or recal the liberty they have given it is not eaſy, which doth no ſooner parley with a temptation at a diſtance, p. 43adventure to ſport therewith, but it quickly turneth to earneſt, and is ready to yeeld.

5. They know the conſtant need to have a watch upon their ſenſes, and to make a Covenant with their eyes, which doe ſo quickly betray their heart; ſo eaſy it is to be deceived, yea, to grow warm, and to take need-fire upon the ſmalleſt touch.

6. How quickly alſo their ſpirit doth ſlacken, and loſe its benſil even in the greateſt advantage of their caſe their experience can tell, that when in ſome meaſure they have been raiſed up in any ſpiritual enjoyment, they were then in hazard to be lift up to the wind, and to have their ſubſtance diſſolved in the more ſolid part of Chriſtianity.

7. What a ſight have they ſometime of themſelves, ſuch as would be a terrour, to them if the heart, and motions thereof could be writ out to the view of others, or that any were vvitneſſes to that which in one roome will dwell beſide the grace of God as its door-neighbour.

8. In a word their experience doth witnes, how ſoon the ſtrongeſt reſolutions will evanish, that they are not oft in the evening, what they were in the morning, nor for many houres do they keep the ground they had attaind, but Reubens Character unſtable as water, may be ſtil their complaint, yea, I am ſure as many as ever obtaind mercy, to know themſelves, can tell that its paſt all reckoning, how oft their heart hath deceived them, when they truſted it moſt: This every day may cauſe them ſit down, and admire the grace of God, which can mend, what they ſo oft marre, and is ſtronger to ſave, and preſerve, then they are to deſtroy.

III. That as there is a body of death within, they alſo know there is, An adverſary without, Eph. 6: v. 12. 1 Pet. 5: ver. 8. Ioh. 8: v. 44. whoſe way, and devices, and method of tempting doth moſt exactly anſwer the diſcovery of the Word, this is indeed a truth, which Chriſtian experience in all ages doth witnes, that no ſooner they had a ſerious look after God, but found themſelves, purſued by an inviſible p. 44party whoſe approaches though ſpiritual, are yet certain, and moſt ſenſibly demonſtrated, beſide that which the Word doth clearly teach, yea, it is ſure none of the ſaints were ever priviledged from ſuch experiences, for herein doth the Chriſtans warfare ly, but O how ſweet may the evening be while they ſit down, can ſing that ſong, Our ſoull hath eſcaped as a bird from the fowller. I shall heer give in ſomething of the godly mans experience, which can bear witneſs to this.

1. That there is ſurely an other party then the World, or themſelves, with which they have to doe, an inviſible adverſary without, whom they perceive by that ſenſible correſpondence he keepeth with their heart within, by theſe violent inroads, importunat ſoliſtations, theſe impetuous motions, wherewith they are ſo ſtrangely hurried, and oft driven over light, and judgement, yea, over their ſtrongeſt reſolutions, ſo as he may be as diſcernable to them, and that there is ſomething therein beſide themſelves, as if they converſed with him in an outward viſible shape.

2. That ſince the time when they begun to look after God, and to know any thing of his work upon their ſpirits they have been acquainted with moſt affrighting, dreadful temptations, and doth now preceive his rage, and violent purſuit to bring them back, which they knew not before, when at peace with their idolls, and ſin…ul way.

3. That the mark he levelleth at, to which his uſual temptations have a tendency, is their ſoul, and inward man to hinder communion with God, and to turn their heart off from him, to break the Law, and lay a ſide commanded duties.

4. That his ordinary approaches to the heart are oft by a very ſmall thing, he needs no more but an open door, or a ſinful look for the diſpatch of a temptation, and knoweth by a wound in the eye, how to carry death in, to the ſoul.

5. That he is ſuch a party as knoweth his time and opportunity, can change his weapous, and busk the book p. 45with divers baites and yet he is allvvayes at hand, vvhen the heart is lifted up, vvhen they a…e out of their duety, and in a carnal frame, to put in then vvith ſome temptation, and fish in ſuch a drumly vvater.

6. That his vvay doth truely anſvver his name, Spiritual wickedneſſe in high places, this being ſo diſcerned, by daily experience that he hath the advantage of the ground, is a moſt ſubtile obſerving adverſary, vvho lyeth in the dark to us, vvhile we are in the light to him, and knopweth how to correſpond with our corruption, and to ſuit his temptation to our natural temper (wherewith he is well acquainted) and to our calling, and our company, to the preſent ſtrait, to our predominant inclination and to our retirement, and ſolitude, yea that he is one who knoweth how to follow in, and ply with ſuch a gale, when we are in hot blood, or in any diſtemper, and diſcompoſure of ſpirit.

7. That he can tranſform himſelf into an Angel of light, and ſute his temptations to the ſpiritual exerciſes, and enjoyments of the ſaints, that there are temptations on the right hand as well as the left, which are ſo refined, and ſo like a Chriſtian exerciſe, that they can ſcarcely diſcern the weed from the flower, and moſt dreadful errours from the choiſeſt truths, to which they oft have a great reſomblance, though at laſt it doth appear that the native tendency even of the moſt ſpecious errours in the judgement is to looſnes in practice, and to make men religiouſly irreligious.

8. That he is alſo a roaring lyon, which they have oft proved by the dreadful blaſphemous injections, theſe fiery darts which are thrown in with violence, wherewith there is no concurrence of the inclination or conſent, but a diſcernable force put upon them, aſſaulting them with moſt horrid Atheiſtical thoughts, even while their heart doth riſe with abhorrence, and enter their diſſent againſt the ſame.

9. That he is a moſt reſtleſſe adverſary, who is going ſtill about and giveth uo ceſſation, but with purpoſe to return at ſome greater advantage; and is no leſſe terrible in p. 46his flight then in his aſſault & that he can ſpeak out of a friend as well as out of a foe, yea, and doth then moſt dangerouſly tempt, when the temptation is leſt ſeen, or diſcovered.

10. That his temptations doe not only drive at engadging of the heart to bring ſin to the thought, but alſo the bringing it forth to the act, for putting ſome blot upon their walk, and converſation.

11. That he is one who is overcome by reſiſtance, and doth flee before theſe that withſtand him, which they have oft proved, that they have returned from prayer with the ſpoyl of their adverſary, and at ſuch a time have been made to wonder, how that which hath oft foyled them, should have been their temptation.

13. They alſo find by frequent obſervation that though he is moſt ſubtile, being indeed one who through long experience, and continued practice hath attained a great deal of dexterity in tempting, yet, that he hath one uſual method, and devices which the ſerious Chriſtian, by daily experience, and watchfulnes may eaſily diſcern and perceive his temptations in their riſe, and at a diſtance while they are as it were, creeping up the wall; yea, thus in ſome meaſure he may find out the depths of Satan, and know how to avo…d the net ſpred by that great fouler.

IV. That the promiſes of the Word which are held forth to the Godly for their uſe, and encouragement while they are in the way, have a certain accomplishment, and are a ſafe ground to adventure upon, and worthy to be credited, is a truth tryed in all ages wherto experience of the ſaints can give a large teſtimony.

Now in ſpeaking to this grave ſubject, it is not needful to ſpeak any thing of the nature, and diverſe kinds of promiſes nor whence it is that we live at ſo poor a rate, and ſo unconfortably while ſuch a well as this, is at our hand, for its eaſy to read the cauſe within our ſelves, we ſow ſparingly, and venture little out, therefore we have ſo ſmall an increaſe; their is a price for wiſdome, but it is in the p. 47hands of fools who have no heart thereto, but this not concerning us here I only aime to hold out this, that the promiſes which God hath given his People in the Scripture, are of unqueſtionable verity, and have as real, and ſure performance in the ſaints experience, as they are ſure of that which cometh moſt neceſſarly to paſſe, by the worke and concurrence of natural cauſes as that the fire doth burn, when combuſtible matter is added, or the ſun riſe after its going down; for indeed this truth is ſo manifeſt, proved by ſuch innumerable experiments, amidſt the various changes of a Chriſtians condition, that we might ſommond as many witneſſes as have been followers of God in the World, which are not a few, who in all ages have put the promiſes to an eſſay, and put their ſeal thereto that God is true; yea, to ask at ſuch, if they know whither there be a truth in Scripture promiſes, that cometh not to paſſe, I think were to enquire at a living man, whither he ſeeth, and feeleth, or if there be ſuch a thing as motion, ſince they have as ſure, and ſenſible a demonſtration of the one, as he hath of the other.

But ere I ſpeak any thing particularly to this, I would firſt premit ſome things to clear what we underſtand here, by the ſaints experience of the truth of the promiſes, in theſe following conſiderations.

1. We would conſider, though the Scripture hath here it's accomplishment, and is intended for the uſe of the Church, and every particular Chriſtian, while on the way in his militant condition yet there are ſome promiſes of the Word yea, the greateſt, which belong to the ſaints, that will not be fulfilled, until they have caſt off their armour, and are called to divide the ſpoyl, their experience of which, will be the high prize of the calling of God in Chriſt, whereof all which they now enjoy is but an earneſt.

2. We would conſider that the great intent of the Scripture, and promiſes thereof, is not for contemplation, but that we may know them by experience, and drive a bleſſed trade, and commerce therewith, the merchandize of which p. 48is better nor that of gold, for herelyeth the Chriſtians life in the World, yea, it is a great part of their talent, the promiſes, which are not to be laid up in their heart, and memory, as in a napki…, but they muſt give an account, what experience they have gained thereby, and thus the diligent hand should make rich.

3. What ever be the different ſyzes, and degrees of experience among the ſaints, according to their grouth, and age in Chriſt, yet it is certain that the meaneſt who have intreſt in the promiſes, and did ever grip them in earneſt and put them to tryal muſt know ſomething of the performance of the ſamein their own caſe; for the Lord doth not ſuffer his work in his People to want a ſeal.

4. The godlyes experience hereof, is then much made out, when they are much in obſervation, and we know little of the truth, and performance of the promiſes, becauſe we are not more habitually in a frame to obſerve; thus he goeth by, and we perceive not; but they never wanted confirmations, who were ſeriouſly ſeeking to be confirmed in the truth of the Word.

5. The ſpecial mercyes, and providences of a Chriſtian lyfe, are a certain return of the promiſe, and in that way do meet them, as the proper channel of their conveyance; for they are the ſure mercies of the Covenant, and how refreshful is it that all the ſeveral caſes of the Saints, and their outgate theteof, their meaneſt as well as their greateſt neceſſities, are comprehended in the Word. and under ſome promiſe, and were all forſeen in his everlaſting view, who hath ſo marvellouſly ſuited the ſame to all that his People ſtand in need of, as if it had been directed to ſuch, and ſuch a Chriſtian only.

6. This helpeth to make the mercies of the godly man to have a peculiar, and ſweet relish, and to be ſomeway twice his mercy, when he gets them in ſo immediat a way reached to him as it were out of the hand of the promiſe, and as an obſervable return from Heaven, when thus the Lord ſealeth his Word to him by his work, & the way of the Word, he findeth hath been the way of his comfortable p. 49outgate; that when he hath had no other eſcape, but to tu…n in to the promiſe, and to caſt himſelf upon it, he gained this experience; he truſted in God, and was helped, and can give in this teſtimony of him, that he hath both ſpoken it, and himſelf alſo hath done it, according to his Word.

7 It is not any extraordinary thing, we here underſtand, by the Chriſtian mans experience of the truth of the promiſes, it is not a rapture or revelation, or ſuch as ſome of the Saints hav… upon ſome ſingular, and ſpecial account had; for we have not any promiſe for theſe things, but it is ſomething, well grounded upon the Word which conſtantly holdeth in the Lords ordinary way of procedure with his People, according to the tenor of the Covenant, for his Word doth good to them that walk uprightly, and doth certainly take place in the experience of every ſerious, and diligent Chriſtian.

8. This is not the teſtimony of a few, but the record of all the Saints ſince the beginning, whoſe experience doth all moſt harmoniouſly agree, and bear one witnes that he is faithful who hath promiſed, and it is not that which a Chriſtian hath found once, or twice in his life, but the dayly food of ſuch as live by faith.

9. This doth put a ſtrong obligation on the godly man to the Word, for the time to come, for theſe who have tryed it often, may with much confidence truſt it, in the day of their ſtrait.

10. The experience which the godly hath of the real performance of the promiſes is a moſt convincing evidence of his ſtate in Chriſt, it is the earneſt, and pledge of the inheritance, and full accomplishment of that which remaineth that the Lord will make perfect what concerneth him, who hath been his help hitherto, and will be his exceeding great reward in the end who hath made him find ſo much of the gain of godlines, here by the way.

Now having premitted theſe things, I shall here inſtance ſome particular promiſes, where in the Chriſt…s moſt uſual trade; and commerce dothly, and to which they p. 50give in their ſeal and witnes; I confeſſe if all theſe proofs which the Saints have had, of the fulfilling of the promiſes could be gathered together, we might make uſe of that Divine hyperbole, The World could not containe the bookes that should be written thereof. O, what an admirable volume, what an excellent commentary, and copy should this be of the Scripture, to ſee it thus turned over into the experience of every Chriſtian; it would be ſome way as eaſy to number the drops of rain, and dew ſince the creation, as to reckon, all theſe pretious drops, and emanations of love, theſe ſenſible returns, and outmakings of the promiſe, which they have had in their experience; I truely think it could hardly be believed, though it were told, what ſome of the godly, here, have found in the way of the Word; but it is ſufficient, to anſwer the deſign of this work, to shew that there is a ſenſible demonſtration, and performance of Scripture promiſes, concerning which the experience of the Saints in all ages doth aggree; that by many confirmations the Lord hath oft ſealed the truth thereof to their ſoules.

There are 10. ſpecial promiſes, held forth to the godly in the Word, which I shall here inſtance, and therewith hold forth, what a clear teſtimony their experience can give, of the undoubted truth, and aecomplishment of the ſame.

FIRST. Inſtance, is that promiſe given to believing, to ſuch who credit the naked word, when there is no probable appearance of its outmaking, and thus give God the glory of his faithfulnes, which we have expreſly held out. 1 Chron. 20: 20. Pſ. 112. 7, 8. Ich. 1: 50.

To clear the accomplishment of this promiſe, I shall; but appeal to that teſtimony the ſaints in all ages have le… thereof, yea to the preſent experience of the godly at this day, if they have not certainly found it ſo.

1. That when in a particular they have truſted God therewith and got their ſpirit quiet in a recumbency on him if he p. 51hath not dealt with them according to his word, yea if then from cleer convincing returns of the promiſe they have not been made to ſay it did never repent them, that they gave more credit to the teſtimony of God, then of their own hearts.

2. That they have found a more ſweet, and obſervable iſſue, then, when their help lay moſt immediatly on the word alone; never a more ſenſible outgate then when leaſt of ſenſe, and moſt of faith was in carrying them through, when little of the creature, and much of God appeared in their mercy, and where they were at the loweſt, no way of eſcape but to throw themſelves on the promiſe; they have then had the beſt retreat, yea, their ſupply as ſenſibly felt, as their need, and burden had formerly been felt.

5. That their greateſt difficulties, and shakings anent the promiſe have helped to their further confirming, and eſtablishment, and ſo as they can ſay, the Lords way, by brangling them firſt, yea, to their ſenſe looſing their grip, hath helped to faſten it better, and that which for the time, did ſpeak their caſe moſt helpeleſſe, hath made way for his more eminent appearance, and manifeſting of him ſelfe.

4. That their greateſt venture, and giving moſt out hath uſually had the richeſt income, the moſt eminent experiences of their life, have followed the moſt adventurous acts of their faith, yea, upon an after reckoning they have oft found, that their adventuring of life, eſtate, and credit on the promiſe of God, even in theſe things, hath very obſervably been their upmaking.

5. That where they have moſt been a friend to their faith, there hath faith alſo been moſt a friend to them, in their ſtanding to the credit of the promiſe, over the belly of greateſt objections, and falſe reports raiſed thereof, they have found a very evident mark of Gods reſpect to the ſame, cauſing them to ſee, that he will honour ſuch who thus honour him. And it is indeed worthy of a remark, what we have of Caleb upon record, that he took part with the p. 52promiſe of God againſt that diſcouraging report which then was raiſed of the Anakims, and their walled cities, and therefore the inheritance of the Children of Anak was given to Caleb, and his ſonnes, in their lot, from the Lord.

6. That believing, doth alwayes make way for ſenſe, and in their cloſing with the naked Word of promiſe, they have not wanted the ſeal of the ſpirit of promiſe, but have found a ſweet calm, their burden ſenſibly eaſed, when once they got it laid over on the word, which they can ſay hath been their firſt reſting place, like the very fixing of the motion of the needle, towards its right point, when their ſpirit had been reſtleſſe, and in greateſt agitation.

7. That theſe greateſt diſappointments, which their hope in the Word, ſeemed to have, they have found afterwards moſt to their advantage, when their returns have not only been according to their faith, but have often exceeded their adventure, and been far beyond what they believed, yea, that from frequent experience they may ſay, the iſſue of truſting the Word, how long ſo ever they thought it deferred, yet, came alwayes in ſeaſon, was never too late and out of time.

8. That this did never occaſion bitter reflexions, or was their upcaſt before the World, that they truſted God in a day of ſtrait and were not helped; but this teſtimony have all ſuch left, who have moſt credited it in a diſmall houre, that none should ſcarr, after them to hazard upon ſuch a hand, and venture on the promiſe, for, their faith hath oft taken them well, and comfortably through, where both ſenſe, and reaſon have been ready to ſink.

SECOND. Inſtance, Whereby we may ſee the performance of the promiſe in Chriſtian experience is this that God truely heareth prayer, is near unto his People in what they call upon him, aggreable to his Word, and will anſwer their deſires, we have this promiſe moſt expreſſe, Phil. 4: ver. 6. Pſ. 32: 6. Pſ. 65: 2. Pſ. 91: 15.

p. 53Now the accomplishing of this piece of Scripture is ſo very clear, that I can atteſt the experience of all the generation of the righteous, ſince the beginning, what frequent & unanſwerable comfirmations, they have got of this truth in their Chriſtian walk, fo that I am ſure, no man ever was in earneſt in the matter of Religion, and a ſtranger to this; yea. that he was never more certainly perſwaded of any thing, then of this that God doth hear prayer. O if mens ſouls were but in their ſouls ſtead whoſe evening wreſtlings, and teares, the Lord hath oft turned into a morning ſong, they should know this is no deluſion, I shall here touch ſomething of that experience which by many proofs the ſaints can give as a witneſs to this promiſe.

1. That when they have oft with Hanna gone in before the Lord in the bitternes of their ſpirit, they have been made to return with a ſenſible, and marvellous change in their caſe; yea, when in going about prayer, they have been put to wreſtle with much diſtemper, and deadnes, they have oft ſeen the wind diſcernably change, and therewith their ſpirits lightned from under that burden, an obſervable calme, and ſerenity after much invvard perturbation, yea they can ſay that they have found their hearts thavved, and put in a flush of tendernes, upon the back of a moſt ſenſible reſtraint.

2. That acceſſe, and liberty to poure forth their ſouls to God vvhen he hath filled their mouth vvith arguments, and inabled them both to wreſtle, and vviat, they have found a favourable Criſis and begun outgate, yea, the very turn of a ſad caſe, vvhichwhich they have got from the Lord, as the pledge of a further anſvver, and that vvhen he thus prepareth the heart, he doth cauſe his ear to hear.

5. That vvhen they have been under a moſt dark cloud, they have found their sky clear, have got a very ſenſible taſte of Gods acceptation in prayer and of his taking their ſute off their hand, even vvhile the matter vvas ſtill in dependence before him, yea that they have oft had ſuch a ſatiſfying impreſſion impreſſion of Gods minde, and perſvvaſion of his anſvvering their deſire, as hath helped them cheerfully p. 54to vvait, yea ſometimes to ſing the triumph before the victory.

4. That vvhen they had been much in prayer, they muſt alſo ſay, it hath been the time vvherein the ſpirit hath flovvrished, vvas moſt lively, yea that then they had their beſt dayes that then, the candle of the Lord shined upon their pathes, and his devv lay all night upon their branches and that they have found there is an evident, and proportionable abatement of their ſpiritual life, and encouragement in God, according to their vvearing out in the exerciſe of this duety.

5. They have many times found, that vvhen there vvas nothing left them, but to turn in to God, and they knevv of no other vvay to come through but to pray, and look up, they. never found a more ſvveet, and ſeaſonable outgate; ſo that moſt obſervable times of prayer, have been alſo the moſt obſervable times of their experience, and they can ſay from many proofs. it is no hopeleſſe buſſines, vvhichwhich is put over upon God by prayer, though there be ſmall outvvard appearance.

6. That it is not in vain to follow out a ſute before the throne, and that acceſſe and moyen in Heaven, is as ſure a way to come ſpeed (which they know well) as greateſt moyen upon earth; having ſo evidently found, while many ſeek the rulers favour, that the determination of every thing is from the Lord.

7. That prayer with quiet onwaiting in the uſe of meanes wi…neth comfortably through, where over caring, and carnal policy, in the uſe of all other shifts hath been forced to ſtick.

8. They know by experience that as there are judicial times, wherein, an inhibition as it were is laid on them from the Lord, in their wreſtling, yea and a ſore reſtraint on their ſpirits, which hath been very ſenſible, ſo alſo they have found times of more eaſy acceſſe, and abundant liberty, a ſpirit of prayer, let forth, before ſome ſpecial mercy, and deliverance to the Church, whereby they could in ſome meaſure diſcern its neer approach.

p. 559. That on the back of ſome ſolemn addreſſe, and application to God by prayer, and faſting in a day of ſtrait, they have oft ſeen cauſe even from that day, and up ward to date a remarkable return, and outgate, in which even common obſervers, might diſcern what an evident anſwer, the Churches interceſſion with God in times of extremity hath had.

10. I may adde the ſaints know this ſo well by experience that ſurely God heareth prayer, even in ſuch, and ſuch a particular, that they can with much confidence adventure, and make an earant of the meaneſt, as well as their greateſt concernments to him, having ſo oft tryed, and found that ſeriouſnes, and ſincerity in addreſſe to God, was never in vain, but what ever be the times wherein this promiſe taketh place, their heart shall live that ſeek God.

THIRD. Inſtance Is the promiſe of the Spirit, and powring out of the ſame, which we have clear in the Word, Iſ. 59: v. 21. Ioh. 14: 16, Luk. 24: v. 49. Rom. 8: 16, 16.

The accomplishment of which is ſo manifeſt, ſuch a ſenſible demonſtration thereof, in the experience of the ſaints that I am ſure this can no more be denyed, then theſe who are warmed with the heat of the ſun can deny their ſenſe, and feeling, that the ſun hath ſuch an influence: and doth not the Chriſtans ſpiritual walk, bear as convincing a witnes to the fulfilling of this promiſe, as any living man, by walking in the way sheweth that he hath a ſoul, and principle of life within him. Novv to demonſtrat this a litle I vvould but touch ſome of the ordinary experiences of the ſaints therein, vvhichwhich they doe teſtify and by clear undenyable evidences knovv to be no deluſion.

1. That vvhichwhich cauſeth ſo real a change upon them, vvhichwhich maketh them alive to God, vvho once vvere dead, creating them as it vvere of new, that vvhichwhich bringeth a clod of earth ſo near Heaven, raiſeth them ſo far above themſelves to a delightful converſe vvith things not ſeen, that p. 56vvhile their place and abode is here, their company, and fellovviship is above; that vvhichwhich maketh all things nevv to them and doth ſo …ar change their nature, and inclination as cauſeth them finde more ſvveetnes in a ſpiritual life then in the pleaſures of ſin yea, reconcileth them vvith the Lavv, and exerciſes of a Ch…ſtian, vvhere once there vvas ſuch contrariety, O! is not this a real effect of the ſpirit, and no …aginary thing.

2. That vvhereof they vvere altogether ignorant, vvhen they vvere ſtrangers to God, and knevv not if there vvas a Holy Ghoſt, but by report, novv, ſince their being born again, they finde themſelves entred in another World, brought out of darknes unto a marvellous ligh…, and of this are ſure, that once they vvere blind, but novv they ſee, is not this a proof of the truth of this promiſe?

3 That vvich maketh …hem ſee more of God in his Word, and Works, at one time then at another; vvhence is this difference and inequality, the Scriptures are at one time, the great things of the Law, which are at an other time, but common things to them; the object is the ſame, but O! what different manifeſtation thereof, whence is it that ſuch a light ſpringeth up in the Word, that opene…h up this deep, and maketh them ſee the wonders of his Law, and within a little nothing but dark night, doe not the ſaints knopw this well, and that it is no deluſion?

4. That which maketh ſuch ſenſible liberty in their ſoull, and confidence in their approach to God, after ſore bondage, and fear, which raiſeth them often ſo far above their ordinary frame as they are not only quickned. and refreshed themſelves. but do obſervably warm others, O how piercing, and ſavory are their words, which …hew what difference there is oft, betwixt a Chriſtian, and himſelf, betwixt a dead exerciſe of a gift which reacheth the ear▪ and that which melteth the heart, and doth even reach by ſtanders, with a pleaſant perfume.

5. That which maketh ſuch a ſudden change in their …aſe under ordinances, that their heart that died within p. 57them as a ſtone, ere ever they were aware hath taken lyfe, and need …re with a Word, yea, hath been powred out within them ſo as their beloveds voice, hath had an other ſound; O then they think not the time long, the Word is as the …oney from the comb, ſo as they have oft wi…ht a p…pe…ual arreſt upon their ſpirit, in ſuch a condition that none may ſtirr up their beloved until he pleaſe; can that be any deluſion?

6 That which bringeth in promiſes ſeaſonably, into their minde in the day o… their ſtrait, and cauſeth the Word tryſt ſo ſuitably to heir preſent caſe with ſuch a ſatiſfying impreſſion of the ſame, as doth give moſt ſenſible, and preſent eaſe.

6. That which ſo clearly by the Word diſcoverth to men then own heart, and doth ſearch them out in their moſt cloſſe and retired thoughts, that they have been oft made to wonder, how the Word is upon all their ſecrets; is not this the candle of the Lord?

8 That which doth demonſtrat their ſtate and being in Chriſt, by an argument which is beyond all words, and doth by power in an irreſiſtible way anſwer all objectious, and turn the moſt f…oward caſe into a bleſſed calme, and hath made a ſimple word more effectual in a moment, then moſt perſwaſive a…guments could be.

9 That which maketh ſuch abundant joy ſpring up in the heart, when there is no viſible grounds for the ſame, like the dry▪ bone gushing out water, muſt ſurely be ſome ſupernatural▪ and excellent power, that can not only bring it out of nothing, but out of contraries.

10. That which giveth them ſo ſenſible a taſte of the powers of the World to come, ſuch a ravishing glance of the inheritance that they could hardly ſometime ſorbear to riſe at midnight, and ſing for joy in the hope thereof, and hath given them ſuch a diſcovery of God at ſome ſpecial times, as hath made them judge that all they ever knew of him before, was but by the hearing of the ear

11. That which is ſo diſcernable, and ſenſibly felt in the preſent time, that Chriſts return to the ſoul, and the p. 58outletting of the ſpirit, hath been as evident oft to the ſaints, as to that Martyr who was forced to cry out at the ſtake, He is come, he is come; and hath been ſo ſweet when enjoyed, that the remembrance of ſome of theſe times hath been very pleaſant, and refreshing, yea this is ſuch a thing as moſt obſervably tryſts the godly man in the way of his duety, according to the Word.

12. That is no deluſion, the withdrawing whereof is ſo ſenſible to them, as it maketh their duety▪ wherein they have had delight, become their burden, when they are put to row with oares, the wind being gone, and maketh it like night to the ſoul, when the ſun is gone down, and ſad experience hath oft shewed them, how the overclouding of their ſoul, the with drawiug of the ſpirit, & comforter, doth obſervably follow a ſitting up of their duety, and yeilding to any known ſin, by which it is grieved.

FOVRTH. Inſtance, is that Promiſe for direstion which God hath given his People in the Word, that he will guide them with his Counſel, will order, and direct their ſteps, who doe commit their way to him, and teach them the way that they shall choofe, Pſ. 37: 5: Pſ. 25: 9, 14. Pſ. 73: ver. 24.

The fulfilling of which hath been ſo manifeſt to theſe who ever made earneſt of acknowledging God in their wayes, and committing the conduct thereof to him, that I shall but atteſt their experience, if they have not this teſtimony to give.

1. That to truſt God with their caſe, and give him the guiding of their way, hath taken them much more eaſily through a plunging caſe, them overcareing anxiety, yea, the Lords directing their ſteps, and making things ſucceſsful, when they have committed the ſame to him, hath been often as ſenſible to them, as their ſtrait, and difficulty was.

2. That the way of the word hath been the beſt expedient for taking them ſafe, and comfortably through, p. 59& that they never repented that they did more conſult their duty, then inclination, when they were at a ſtand about a particular, and did not debate the command, even while there ſeemed a lyon in the way.

3. That they were never left without counſel, and direction, when their eye was ſingle, and ſerious about it, and it was not ſo much want of light as of an heart to cloſe therewith, that made their way oft ſo dark, but when they ſubjected themſelves to Gods minde, they found, that ſuch who follow him, shall not walk in darknes.

4. That light, and counſel doth tryſt men in following the command, and the practice of known duety, hath helped them to know more the… duety, and that light did moſt abound when it was their ſerious ſtudy to follow the ſame.

5. They found it was never in vain to enquire after Gods mind by prayer, and alſo in the temple to make a reference of a particular to him, when it was too hard for them, but have often ſeen the Word evidently directed to ſuch, and ſuch a caſe, as if they had gotten a return from Heaven by an audible voice.

6. They alſo know, that Gods following in light, with a powerful impreſſion, his teaching the reines, and inſtructing with a ſtrong hand, is no deluſion, but the ſure, and well grounded experience of moſt ſolid Chriſtians in all ages, yea, moſt diſcernable from any falſe impulſe, and that ſome ſpecial piece of work and ſervice, which God hath layed in their way, wants not uſually ſome ſpecial call, backed wi… ſuch light, and authority, as in an irreſiſtable way, can anſwer all objections, to make them go bound in the ſpirit▪ about ſuch a duety.

7. How Gods ſpecial directing hand, hath been oft very obſervable, not only in preventing, and croſſing their way, to withdraw them by ſome sharp diſpenſation, from their purpoſe, but ſenſibly overpowering them, ſo that they have been plucked as it were back, from unavoidable hazard, that they could not finde their pathes.

p. 608. I shall adde, they have oft obſervably found, how eaſy their way was made to them when the Lord doth countenance, and proſper the ſame; what ſweet concurrence of providences, how then difficulties have moſt ſenſibly been taken out of the way, yea, wind, and tyde going along with them, in ſuch a manner, that they have been forced to ſee, and confeſſe a divine hand therein.

FIFH. Inſtance, is the promiſe of Pardon, and forgivenes which God hath given his People in the Word, that for his names ſake he will blot out their iniquity, and remember their ſin no more, yea, is ready to pardon, which is expreſly held forth, to theſe who are truely humbled, Mic. 7: 18. Ier. 31: 34. Iſ. 43: 25.

Now that there is a real accomplishment of this, I am ſure the experience of the ſaints can in all ages clearly witnes: what joy and peace this hath occaſioned, what a ſenſible demonſtration, and ſolemn confirmations they have had of this promiſe, ſo as their very bones might ſing, Who is like unto the, o Lord! It is true real pardon of ſin, doth not allwayes inferre the ſenſible feeling thereof, and when it is remitted in Heaven, there is not alwayes a declaration of it in the conſcience, but it is alſo ſure, that this is ſenſibly felt and that it is tryed by all even all the generation of the righteous to have had as powerful an operation on a diſquiet, troubled ſoul, as ever wine, or the choiſeſt cordial could have on the ſick, or faint; O! if theſe who queſtion this, were in their caſe, to whom God ſpeaketh peace after a ſtorm, they should know how real, and certain that is, I would offer the Chriſtians witnes to this promiſe, from many, many experiments, by vvhichwhich the Lord hath ſealed it to their ſoul, whereby they know aſſuredly it is no fancy, or deluſion.

1. How this hath as ſenſible a connexion with the ſerious exerciſe of contrition, and repentance in their experience, as it certainly hath in the word, and promiſe; while they find, that in ſilence, and keeping up their caſe from God, p. 61their bones have been troubled, their ſpirit in a reſtles, and diſquiet condition; untill once they made an addreſſe, and got their ſoul vented by confeſſing to …he Lord which was then like a kindly turn, and cool of a fever.

2. They know it is no deluſion that is found ſo certain a cure to a wounded ſpirit, under the ſenſe of ſin, a wound which the world and all its diverſions could never heal, whoſe pain, and grief no muſick can allay (a drop of divine diſpleaſure being enough to turn all their pleaſures in wormwood, and gall) but, O! a taſte of this unſpeakable cordial, one warming look of a reconciled God, they know by experience, can give preſent eaſe.

3. It is no deluſion which they can command no more, then the ſun to shine when overclouded, or the wind to blow, but when it liſteth, which the moſt perſwading moral arguments, can no wayes effectuat nor all their former experience, yea, the letter of moſt refreshing promiſes, which ſometimes are to them, but as the white of an egge, without taſte, until once the ſpirit breath, which not only, diſcovereth the ground of their joy in the word, but doth alſo cauſe them to rejoyce therein, when it shineth upon the ſame.

4. It muſt be no deluſion which cauſeth ſo marvellous a change that after greateſt diſquieting fears, they have found moſt ſenſible manifeſtations of love, the greateſt flood on the back of the loweſt ebb in their ſpiritual condition, which oft hath forced them to retreat, what their feares, and jealouſies did utter; yea, have made them enquire with wonder, whence they are ſo chearful to day, who yeſternight were ſo broken, and crusht; whence their ſpirit, should be in ſo ſweet a calm, that ſo lately was like the raging, and troubled ſea.

5. That this hath oft met them, as a bleſt ſurprizal, and unexpected welcom, when they have in a backſliding caſe come in to God, they certainly know, that when they knew not how to adventure, and at what end of their raveled condition to begin, counts having run long over, yet, on their very firſt addreſſe, have got a ſweet diſappointment p. 62to their feares, been helped to their feet, yea, ſome times have had as it were the fatted calfe killed to make merry with their friends.

6. That which hath an audible voice within, ſo ſtrong an Impreſſion upon the ſoul, which carryeth with it ſuch a clear ſatisfying diſcovery of Gods heart, and love, is ſurely no deluſion, while the intimation of that one truth, Your ſins are forgiven, or any other word of promiſe for that end, they have found to be an argument beyond words, which they could not reſiſt, but for the time, have been as ſure, they ſee, and feel this, as that they live, yea, can no more now call it in queſtion, then formerly they could get it believed.

7. That is no deluſion which cauſeth them with another kinde of freedome, approach to God, maketh them know there is a Spirit of adoption which ſets the ſoul at liberty, from the ſore bondage, and thraldome under which their former backſliding had put them, yea, a thing not only ſenſibly felt by themſelves, but may be diſcerned by others, while they cannot ſmoother the joy of their heart or hide in their couutenance ſuch a change of their condition, that truely God hath dealt comfortably with them.

8. Hath not this the Saints in all ages witneſſed even a joy unſpeakable, and full of glory, which though but of short continuance yet for the preſent ſo ſtrong, as hath ravished their ſoul with the hope of the inheritance above, and clear view of their intereſt in it, yea, ſometimes, made them ſing for joy, in expectation of that bleſſed day but, O! this is better felt then expreſſed.

9. And in a word can that be a deluſion that hath oft turned the poor mans hell into a Heaven, which tryſts the Chriſtian in the way of his duty, and the work doth ſo exactly anſwer the promiſe, moſt ſenſibly felt after greateſt shakings of the conſcience by the law, and can make a ſad outward lot, ſo very ſweet, and pleaſant, cauſe them triumph over the wrath of men, to ſing in a dungeon, to abound, and have all things under greateſt wants, look grim p. 63death chearfully in the face in its moſt dreadful aſpect, yea, doth make ſo great, and viſible a difference betwixt the Chriſtian, and himſelf.

SIXTH Instance, Is that promiſe of encouragement, and ſupport under the croſſe, which is expreſly held forth in the Word, that the Lord will own his People, bear their charges, and be with them in trouble in the day of their ſuffering for his truth; yea, will bind up the broken in heart, & heal their wounds. Pſal. 91: ver. 15. Iſai. 43: ver. 2. Cap. 41: ver. 17. & Cap. 49: ver. 14. Pſal. 9: ver. 9. Iſai. 51: ver. 12.

Now that this promiſe is a truth, and hath a certain accomplishment, the experience of the Saints in all ages will witnes, and we know their teſtimony is true, what at ſolemn times of Gods preſence they have had in a barren wildernes, how great a cloud of witneſſe, doth ſeal this, and give their teſtimony to the croſſe of Chriſt, of which we may ſay, the fame, and ſweet ſavour hath gone forth, and ſpread abroad through the Church, the Fathers have told it to the Children, and one generation to another, but hovv litle a part thereof can be expreſſed! I think it would be a marvellous record, if the ſuffering, and priſon experiments of the Saints vvere particularly ſet dovvn, vvhat they have ſound under the croſſe, but it is vvell, vve knovv this promiſe, hath been, and this day is evidently ſealed, concerning which I dare atteſt the experience of as many as did ever drink of this bleſſed cup, and were counted worthy to ſuffer for the teſtimony of Chriſt, if this be not a faithful, & true witnes.

Firſt that they have oft taſted what communion with God is, in the ſecret dueties of a Chriſtian, alſo in the publick ordinances, & in a ſpecial meaſure, at ſome more ſolemn times, but, O! never knew his preſence and communion with him, more ſenſibly then under the croſſe, yea, have found that the work, and ſervice of a ſuffering time, p. 64as is it not the ordinary ſervice of every day, hath alſo a peculiar, and more then ordinary allowance.

2 That they never knew divine ſtrength more ſenſibly, then when they have been moſt preſſed above their own ſtrength, that in the day they were caſt on Gods immediat care, and ordinary meanes of their help moſt withdrawen, they had never leſſe cauſe to complain, but might often ſay this as their experience; they thirſted not when he led them through the wildernes, yea, that they have no time of their life, found their mercyes more obſervably tryſt them, more ſweet, and ſatisfying then when by prayer, and beleeving, they were put to digg the well, and wait for the rain coming down to fill it

3. That they never found more true liberty, then in the houſe of bondage, more refreshing company, then amidſt their greateſt ſolitude, while they found him near, whom gates, and barres cannot shut out, in the day when all things elſe ſeemed to frown upon them, that their midnight ſongs have been ſweeter, then all the proſperity they ſometimes enjoyed, and that they have oft proved, that the deeper any are in affliction for Chriſt, and his truth, they are alſo the deeper in conſolation.

4. They muſt ſay the moſt ſatisfying, and clear diſcoveries of the vvord are under ſearching, and sharpeſt tryals, that a ſanctifyed exerciſing affliction, they have found one of the beſt interpreters of the bible, and the vvo…d then to be an other thing, then it is at other times, yea, even to have been that to them, vvhichwhich they could deſire it to be ſo as they are ſure it hath been shaped out, and directed for that preſent plunge their ſoul was in.

5 That there is a very eaſy paſſage & diſpatch, betvvixt Heaven, and an oppreſſed afflicted ſoul, an obſervable vent by prayer, and more ſenſible acceſſe to God face, vvhen other things have moſt frovvned. yea, they can vvitneſs from experience, he ſtayeth his rough vvind in the day of his Eaſt vvind. While he shutteth one doore he hath ſet an other open that vvhen the ſtorm vvithout hath been very sharp, they have found a ſweet calm, and ſun-shine p. 65within to make it eaſy, and when he layeth on one ſore tryal, he will take an other off.

6. They can tell what a ſweet comfortable parting, they have oft had, with ſome sharp tryal, that which at the firſt was bitter as death, hath in the cloſe, after ſanctified exerciſe under the ſame, they have found cauſe to leave it their bleſſing; and they confeſſe that the time of greateſt jealouſy, and fear upon their part, they have found on Gods part hath been a time of greateſt kindnes, and love, the sharpeſt wounds from ſuch an hand, and heart as his, hath tended to a cure, yea, that circumſtance, and ingredient in the ſame which of all was moſt bitter, and grievous, even there they have found their outgate & encouragement moſt remarkable.

7. That the peculiar advantage of a ſanctifyed tryal, is not ſo well ſeen in the preſent time, as afterwards, when the caſe hath altered, then they found a long, and rough ſtorm recompenced at their landing, with a rich loadning of experience, an other kind of diſcovery of God, his way, & the certainty of his word then they formerly had won to; ſo as now they can ſpeak of him, and the good of the croſſe, and adventuring any thing for Chriſt, with ſome greater eſteem, on ſome other ground, then report, or an hearing thereof by the ear.

8. I shall adde what hath been the frequent teſtimony of theſe who ever endured tribulation for the goſpel, that their remembrance, & after reckoning, upon this account hath not been ſad, or bitter, when they ſat down, & compared their gain with their loſſe, their upmaking with theſe dayes of tryal, that have gone over their head, that they would not then exchange their experience, or want what they have found by the croſſe, no not for many moe dayes of trouble, and affliction.

SEVENTH Instance, is that promiſe of the word which integrity, in an evil time hath, that it shall preſerve their ſteps, and be the beſt mean to help theſe through that keep Gods p. 66way, yea, even in this life shall not want ſome witnes of Gods reſpect. Pſ. 18: 25. Pſ. 112: 4. Rev. 3: 10.

Now to hold forth the accomplishment of this, I may with confidence appeal to the obſervation of the ſaints in all ages, who ever made it their ſerious ſtudy to keep their conſcrence, and their garments clean in a time of tryal, if their experience, hath not this teſtimony to give.

Firſt that though at preſent, honeſty in evil times hath brought them in hazard, and with Joſeph to a priſon, yet, it hath brought them out alſo, with obſervable advantage, yea, how ever the Lord did order their outgate they have found; this did land them well, and alwayes bring them to a comfortable harboury.

2. That honeſty, and faithfulnes hath an authority even on the conſcience of their enemies, & leaveth uſually a conviction upon them: Yea, hath forced a teſtimony, and approbation, from ſuch men, & hath oft found better entertainment, then theſe have who in a ſinful way have ſought to pleaſe them.

3. They have found this alwayes the choiſeſt expedient, and beſt policy in a dangerous time, which hath obſervably met them, when they had moſt to doe; A thing whereof they have reaped the fruits in the day of their ſtrait, and times of judgement, yea, though it hath occaſioned ſometime their ſufferings, yet it hath been alſo their ſafety, and protection from ſadder ſufferings.

4. That though integrity is oft under a dark cloud of reproach, yet it winneth ſtill well out from under the ſame, and hath shined uſuallyt more bright afterward. So as they might have had cauſe to obſerve, what unexpected meanes the Lord hath made uſe off, for their clearing.

5. That while their enemyes might have (vvere it not for the preventing goodnes of God) quarrelled upon ſome other ground, they have been obſervably led, to purſue, and make them the but of their malice, for their honeſty and that wherein they have peace before God, and have been keeped from hitting on the right cauſe.

p. 676. They finde how unſpeakably ſweet this is upon an after reckoning, and in the evening of their life, that then they reap a comfortable harveſt, of that they have ſown with much ſuffering, and teares; O! then it doth not repent them that integrity was their choice.

7. They have ſometime found a hundred fold even in this life, and an obſervable upmaking in that, which they have been willing to loſſe, and hazard moſt.

8. They muſt alſo ſay, integrity was never their ruine, but an outgate was oft brought about in a way they could not have expected, yea the Lords shutting all other doores upon them, hath been that he might open one himſelfe, like Hagars wel ſpringing up in the wildernes.

9. That in making this their aime, when they had a large heart for God, they have not then wanted an opportunity for evidencing the ſame, their encouragement hath abounded with their duty, and they have got much in, in giving much out for Chriſt, that there was no ſuch feaſt in the world, as they have ſenſibly found in the teſtimony of a good conſcience.

EIGHT. Inſtance is that promiſe which is held forth to the Chriſtian in the word, of ſtrength, and aſſiſtance to go about duties. Iſ. 40: 29, 30, 31. Pſ. 18: 6, 14. Pſ. 84: 5. Pſ. 68: 28.

To clear this, that it hath an unqueſtionable performance, I atteſt the experience of the generation of the righteous; who ever knew what it was to ſerve the Lord in the ſpirit, who by many ſenſible confirmations, have not proven the certainty of theſe things?

Firſt that when they have gone about duty under much deadnes, and ſtraitnes of ſpirit, they have found a very ſenſible enlargement, and got their bonds louſed, which ſurely they could no moe command, without the concurrence of divine help, & ſomething above nature, then theſe who ſpread out the …ail, can command a fair wind, when it is croſſe.

p. 682. That Gods help, and concurrence, was never more diſcernable carrying them through, and making them ſtrong, then in the day, that, to their own ſenſe, they were moſt weak, when they have gone about duty under greateſt feares, and fainting in ſpirit.

3. That when they had moſt confidence in themſelves, and judged they were at greateſt advantage in their going about ſome duty, they have uſually had the ſaddeſt retreat, and found that a ſure truth, the race is not to the ſwift, nor the battle to the ſtrong.

4. They knew well what an influence divine concurrenc… hath, not only upon their inward frame, but alſo upon the exerciſe of their gifts, yea, upon the commoneſt abilites of judgement, and memory, and that there is a moſt remarkable difference, betwixt themſelves at one time, and an other, according to the blowing of this wind.

5. They muſt alſo witneſs this as their experience, they found duty never more eaſy to them, then when they have had moſt to doe, and were keeped throngeſt therein; yea, when much work was laid to their hand, they then wanted not an enlarged allowance for the ſame.

6. That their fpirits have been fitted for duty, and carried through difficulties, where at ſome other time, and in an other frame they would have fainted, and thereby ſeen, that none needs to ſcarr at piece of duty, when God calleth them to it, for while difficulties have appeared greateſt at firſt, the leſſe they have found them afterward, yea, the hardeſt piece of ſervice oft made moſt eaſy.

7. They finde God doth raiſe the ſpirit of his followers with a ſuitable elevation for their work, and can fit them for the ſervice of that time, and other tryals thereof, even beyond their ordinary reach.

8. That there is an open doore, and ſenſible aſſiſtance, when there hath been work for the Goſpel in ſuch a place, while on the other hand they have found, an inhibition ſenſibly ſerved on them, the doore as it were shut when p. 69the tide was going back, and the work of the Goſpel at a ſtand in ſuch a part.

9. That it is not greateſt abilities which make undertakings ſuccesful, it being in vain to riſe up early without the Lord.

10. It hath oft been their experience, that in following the way of God, his candle did then shine upon their paths, the Spirit of the Lord was with them, and ſenſibly let out, the withdrawing wheteof hath been no leſſe diſcernable, while they turned aſide from him, that they have then been put to bear the burthen alone, and found difficulty, and deſpondency of ſpirit at once growing upon their hand.

11. I may adde what theſe who are ſerious in Religion have oft tryed, that there is no ſuch help, and furniture, for going about duties as a ſpiritual frame, and nearnes with God, for then light, and counſel, inward freedome, and ſweet compoſure of ſpirit have brought moſt ſenſible advantage to them, in their greateſt, yea and in their moſt common undertakings, this hath been very evident.

NINTH Instance, Is that great promiſe, we have Rom. 8: ver. 28. that all things shall work together for good to them who love God, and Pſal. 25: ver. 10. all the pathes of the Lord are mercy. and truth to ſuch as keep his Covenant. I confeſſe it is not eaſy ſometimes, to reconcile Gods way and this piece of his Word together, theſe who take only an ordinary paſſing look of providence, cannot well judge, how ſuch things, wherewith oft the godly in their life are tryſted, should contribute to their good, and advantage; while nothing would ſeem more directly croſſe to the ſame; But the Chriſtian, and wiſe obſerver can give another account, they know what a ſure truth this is, that there is no real jarr betwixt the promiſe and providence of God in this matter; and what ever be the preſent thoughts, patient on waiting hath had cauſe to ſay this.

p. 701. When his way and their thoughts have moſt differed, in the accomplishment of his Word, and bringing about their mercy, they have found it was to their advantage, that his choice was alway better then theirs, yea they have been oft made to confeſſe, that their ſaddeſt diſappointments therein have tended to their further upmaking.

2. That the Lords denying them, ſome outward thing which they have moſt deſired, they have found (as afterwards hath appeared) was to grant them more then their deſire; he hath refuſed them as it were in an Ishmael, that he might give them ane Iſaack.

3. They can oft ſay they had been undone if they had not been undone; that it was their mercy, the Lord took ſuch a way to caſt them in a fever, to prevent a lethargy, and by ſome sharp croſſe, gave them a wound in the flesh, to cure and let out ſome groſſe impoſtume in their ſoul, which should have made their caſe worſe.

4. How greateſt shakings, have helped their further eſtablishment, ſo as they were never more confirmed then in that about which they have been moſt brangled; yea, they have alſo found this the Lords way to cure their frowardnes, and misbeleef by ſome further addition to their croſſe; that when they would not beleeve, he hath cauſed them come in upon a greater diſadvantage, whileas a ſmall affliction, hath made them impatient, a more heavy, and preſſing trouble hath been their cure, and helped them to keep ſilence under Gods hand.

5. That the growing of difficulties in their way, and ſome further preſſure in the tryal, they have found, it was from the Lord, in order to its removal, and to the bringing forth of ſome greater good, and that all viſible grounds of confidence, have been oft broken, but with this upmaking, that their mercy, they had it more immediatly out of Gods own hand, yea that the leſſe moderation was whileſt their tryal hath come to an extremity, they have found it then upon the turn, and their hope, and encouragemtn oft made to ſpring up therewith.

p. 716. How the Lords deferring their mercy which they had oft ſought hath been indeed their mercy, and advantage, which did alwayes tryſt them in the ſeaſon, yea they muſt ſay his way is alwayes neareſt, and waiting on God without making haſte, dorh truely make the quickeſt diſpatch.

7. Their experience can alſo witnes, how mens reproach and outing their malice that way to ruine their reputation, hath oft been the very mean, ordered by the Lord, to bring forth their further clearing, and vindication, even by that very mean.

8. How by ſome ſad croſſe, he doth oft prevent a ſadder, which though ſtrange at firſt, they have been forced upon after diſcovery to confeſſe: The man who riding in haſt to the ſea port, to have paſſage over ſeas with a ship going then off, fell, and broke his leg by the way, which was the ſay…ng of his life, for the ship, and all its paſſengers perished in that voyage, yet, this was a bitter aſtonishing providence to him for the preſent.

9. How their loſſe even by ſome ſad ſlip, and failing in their ſpiritual condition, hath really tended to their further humbling and advantage, yea, that which brought them under ſome viſible decay, as to the wonted luſtre of their Chriſtian profeſſion, hath freely helped them to grow more under ground, to the root, and ſubſtantialls of Chriſtianity.

10. They can tell how theſe ſteps of the providence of God, which ſeemed moſt croſſe to that deſign he was carrying on, yea, looked like the very crushing of their hope, have oft been the very mean, which hath wrought moſt effectually to bring about their mercy.

11. I shall adde but this, as the Chriſtians witneſs to the truth of this promiſe, that sharpeſt reproofs they have ſeemed the wounds of a friend; moſt preſſing ſtraits, made the mean for their further enlargement, how the Lord hath brought them into ſome dark, and plunging tryal, which then looked like a fearful pitt, that he might bring them out with advantage, ſet their feet on a p. 72rock, and eſtablish their goings, yea, that in the hotteſt furnace, they loſt nothing, but what they might well ſpaire, even ſome of their droſſe.

TENTH. Inſtance, I shall here ſet down, is that general promiſe made to Godlines, and theſe who make it t…eir ſerious ſtudy, that it shall be great gain that verily it shall be well with the righteous, for they shall eat the fruit of their labour; and in keeping of the command there is a great reward, 1 Tim. 6: 6. 1 Pet. 3: v. 12, 13. Pſal. 19: 11.

This is indeed a great, concerning truth, but a truth which I am ſure none who did ever make earneſt of religion will call in qneſtion; many ſure convincing experiments hath the Chriſtian had thereof through his life, ſuch wants not ſome diary and record, wherein they can caſt up the advantage, they have reaped in cloſſe following of God, and their duty, yea from moſt remarkable providences, they may oft ſay, This I had becauſe I keeped thy precepts, now that this promiſe hath a large witnes, I shall here touch ſomethings which I may with ſome confidence ſay, both in the preſent, and in former times, hath been proved, and ſealed by the ſaints in their experience.

1. That they never more effectually conſulted their good, and advantage, then when they did with greateſt ſinglenes conſult their duty, and leaſt with flesh, and blood; they did never more truely ſeek themſelves, then in the practice of ſelf denyal, yea, in that they intended God moſt, and leaſt their privat intereſt, they have therein found a very ſenſible upmaking.

2. That a ſerious endeavour to walk before God acceptably they have found ſtill the beſt policy, even in the worſt of time, and have found his way then very ſatiſfying, while it was moſt their ſtudy how to pleaſe him, yea they have been oblidged to confeſſe, that when the Lords way was their choice, they have found it alſo their reward.

p. 733. They have found more real joy and peace, in withſtanding temptations, then in any thing the temptation offered, and in laying their intereſt at Gods feet, and their will underneath his, more then in all their carnal enjoyments; O the truſt, and teſtimony of God appobation: how ſweet a ſmyle is his, in whoſe countenance Heaven lyeth.

4. That inward peace, and tranquillity of mynd, a ſweet calm, and compoſure of ſpirit, doth as really attend a ſpiritual frame, and walk, as the shadow the body, and their beſt, and moſt comfortable dayes, wherein they have truly walked at liberty, have been when their heart was moſt ſubject to the Law, with a ſingle reſpect to the ſame.

5. That religion, and a ſpiritual walk, is the beſt friend even as to a contented, and comfortable lyfe here in the World, & that they have then moſt acceſſe to enjoy themſelves, & their lot with ſatiſfaction, when they enjoy God, yea, that neernes, and communion with him, tendeth to the ſublimating, and refineing of their natural ſpirit, and hath been an obſervable help to their very common abilities and parts.

6. That there is truely a reality in the bleſſing, which maketh a ſmall thing ſignify much, and yeeld more, then greater abundance.

7. That when they give God their heart, it is then ſweet, and matter of ſatiſfaction to obſerve his wayes, and their obſervation thereof is very refreshing, how far the Lord condiſcends to their deſires when they ſum them all up in himſelf, and make him their delight.

8. That the pleaſure of religion is in the practice thereof, and the way to have religion eaſy, is to be throughly religious, that duty is then ſweet when men doe act from an inward principle; and holines should be a more pleaſant work, yea, a reward to its ſelfe, if there were leſſe mixture of Hypocrify.

9. That real humility, and walking low in their own eyes, and before God, did never loſe to them reſpect, p. 74and credit from men; but ſelf abaſement doth obſervably go before lifting up, and true honour followeth ſuch, who leaſt hunt after vain applauſe from the world.

10. That when they were moſt faithful to obſerve, and improve a little for their enconragement, more hath been added, and they never wanted matter to be thankful, when opportunities laid to their hand were improved and taken hold of for that end, yea, they have found there is a mercy within a mercy, and ſome peculiar mercy in every croſſe, which is only found and brought forth, by the exerciſed ſerious improver of the ſame,

11. That much ſincerity hath alſo much ſenſe following the ſame, ſecret honeſty before God, hath mett them openly before men, and faithfulnes in Chriſtian freedome purchaſed them more favour, and reſpect even from the worſt, then when they ſtudied moſt to pleaſe them in a ſinful way.

12. That they never ſavv more clearly the gain, and real advantage of Godlines, and vvhat a difference there is betvvixt theſe that ſerve God, and theſe that ſerve him not, as in a time of trouble, and ſtrait, hovv then tendernes in their former vvalk, and that vvhichwhich they entertained in the morning, doth novv meet them at night, and pay them home vvith advantage in ane houre of temptation.

13. They vvere forced to obſerve that there vvas an inviſible guard about his People in their duty, that the miniſtry of the Angels tovvards ſuch is no deluſion, and thar they have oft been made to vvonder ho… hazard vvithin an hairbreadth, hath been prevented; relief, and help come as betvvixt the bridge, and the vvater, hovv they have been ſenſibly preſerved amidſt greateſt dangers, while as it were an inhibition hath been ſerved upon theſe, that they should come near, but not hurt, and only mett with them, that they might read their preſervation from them.

14. That an enlarged heart doth meet with an enlarged allowance, and bearing burthen with others of the People p. 75of God, hath helped to make their own privat burthen the lighter.

15. That real godlines, and religion, hath as much in hand, as it may be a reward to its ſelf; which beautifieth the ſoul, and maketh the face, and converſation to shine with an obſervable luſtre; that guardeth and preſerveth the heart from many vexing croſſes; preventeth ſad ſtroakes, and ſorrowes that others are pierced with, who will follow their idols, and the wayes of ſin, which are bitter in the cloſe.

In a word, this is ſurely found, that God is the beſt friend, and when there is peace with him, things without doe not offend, but they shall then underſtand what it is to be in league with the beaſts of the field and ſtones of the ground, having a ſweet aggreement, with all the providences and diſpenſations that come in their way.

V. That the ſcripture threatnings have alſo a certain aceomplishment, are found to be ſad earneſt, & do not fall to the ground, the Chriſtian can alſo ſeal from his experience.

It is not here to be underſtood the threatnings of wrath (from which beleevers are freed in Chriſt,) but of a fatherly diſpleaſure, which becauſe of ſin, may draw deep, yea, bring forth very dreadful effects, to witnes rhat it is an evil, & bitter thing to depart from God, & that their own doings shall chaſtiſe them; & theſe threatnings of the Covenant, if thy children for ſake my law, I will punish their tranſgreſſions with rods, &c. Pſ. 89: ver. 30. are ſure truths which want not in every time a performance.

To clear this (ere I ſpeak any thing particularly) I would premit ſomethings to be conſidered.

1. That the word is a perpetual rule, which in every time muſt take place, and though affliction is a peece of the common miſery of man, yet, doth it not ariſe out of the duſt, neither fall out at an adventure, but doth oft viſibly follow the tract of ſin, as a ſlouth-hound, pointing at ſuch evils as the cauſe, by the ſtroak, & at the truth and fulfilling of the threatnings, written upon both.

p. 762. We should adore his ſoveraignty whoſe way both in the meaſure, and manner of his peoples chaſtiſement is ſo various, as that none can infallibly conclude, what he is to do in ſuch a caſe, I mean we are not to limit the Lord, to ſuch a way, and method in his working; yet, this we may aſſert, and firmly conclude, that not only the threatnings of the word have a performance, but men may alſo have, even before hand ſome more then probable conjecture, yea, a clear diſcovery, what ſuch a caſe doth threaten, & what will be the iſſue of a ſinful courſe, by conſidering the Lords ordinary procedure, both with themſelves and others, how ſin, hath very …d effects, and his way in all ages, is ſtill uniforme agreeing with its ſelfe, & with the word.

3. Though a gracious ſtate doth ſurely priviledge from wrath, and condemnation, yet not from affliction, & ſad ſtroaks of divine anger becauſe of ſin; for he taketh vengeance on mens inventions, even when he will ſpare the inventors.

4. The Lord doth oft contend with his people for their folly, and miſcarriages, more ſeverely then with others, & will not let paſſe in them that which he paſſeth by in the world, without being a reprover; but when light, and love and the law, …ll not hedge in their way, he will ſet briars, and thornes, before them, yea, ſpeak by chaſtiſement upon their bones, to withdraw men from their purpoſe.

5. It is known, how very deep the holy anger of God, may draw againſt his children, even ſometimes, to purſue them out of the land of the living, and follow them to the grave, with ſome remarkable ſtroak, yea it hath made them dreadful examples of judgment in this life, for whom, he hath accepted an eternal ſacrifice in Chriſt.

6. I shall adde, this is the Lords bleſſed end in making out his threatnings, againſt his people, that they should not perish with the wor…. O, what a bleſt exchange is it, that the flaming ſword which once ſtood to guard the tree of p. 77life, doth now ſtand, as it were in the way of the ſaincts, to keep them from running into the pathes of death.

Having premitted theſe things, I shall now inſtance, ſome particular evils, wherewith the godly are ready to be overtaken, which the word, doth expreſly threaten, and hold forth the hazard of, both as to outward, and ſpiritual ſtroakes, and give in here the Chriſtians witnes from their experience in all ages of the truth of theſe threatnings.

FIRST. Securitly, & carnal confidence, which we finde the word doth threaten is an evil wherewith Chriſtians are ready to be overtaken; but they do alſo know by ſad experience, what bitter fruit this doth bring forth, and that therein the word falleth not to the ground, whileſt from frequent tryal, they finde.

Firſt that a ſecure condition is the uſual forerunner of ſome ſad change, that when they are moſt at eaſe in a dul, and dead temper of ſpirit, ſome sharp rouſing diſpenſation is upon the back of it, either a groſſe ſin, or a ſearching croſſe, as a thorn in the bed of their ſecurity to put them to their fee…. Hoſ. 7: 9, 12. Hoſ. 2: 8, 9.

2, That ſeldom reckoning with the conſcience, the running on of counts for ſometime upon their hand, doth ravel their caſe, unto a ſad confuſion & maketh it a bitter, and heartleſſe work to retire alone, or within themſelves, ye…, hath a moſt direct tendency to a further hardening, & real upgiving with their dnty.

3. That when ſecurity, & deadnes groweth within, it qnickly maketh them dry up, & wither without, in the external performance of duty, & in that vigorous, lively appearance which did formetly luſtre their walk, & carriage before others, ſo as very by ſtanders may read the languishing of grace, in the dead exerciſe of their gifts.

4 That going about duty with moſt confidence in themſelves doth uſually give them the moſt clear diſcovery of p. 78their weakneſs, yea, when they have leaſt lookt for any croſſe, they have then been ſure to meet with it with that ſad addition, of being a ſurprizal in a ſecure condition, where as on the other hand they may tell, what refreshing diſappointments they have got where ſome tryalls have been moſt feared and lookt for.

5. That ſecure ſporting with a temptation, may ſoon turn to ſad earneſt and they have found it very hard to dance about the fire, and not be burnt, and the temptation, which at a diſtance ſeemed ſmall upon a neerer approach, they have found had moe bands on their heart, and was another thing then they could have beleeved.

6. That the meanes whereon they have laid moſt weight, they have alſo found, have given them the ſaddeſt diſappointment, the putting of them in Gods room, and out of their own place, hath been the way to cauſe them miſcarry, yea, to turn their croſſe, whereas they have oft ſeen ſomething unexpected, made the mean of their help, that they might know meanes are ordered of the Lord, and are uſeful, becauſe he maketh them ſo.

7. Their experience can alſo witneſs that carnal confidence deſpiſing the tryal at a diſtance, uſually punished with carnal diffidence, and deſpondency of ſpirit under the ſame, the one extremity made the punishment of the other, like the hote, and cold fits of an ague, which doe mutually make one the other more intenſe, yea, that their immoderat confidence, and expectation of a thing, hath after reſolved in as immoderat diſcouragement, as their ſtroke.

SECOND. The Chriſtians unwatchfulnes, and intermitting in the exerciſe of that ſo neceſſary and commanded duty, we finde the Word threateneth, and holdeth forth the hazard thereof; Lest ye enter into temptation, the outmaking whereof their experience can alſo witnes, Luk. 21: v. 34, 36. Math: 26: ver. 41.

p. 791. That it is not eaſy to guid their walk, and converſation when their guard over the heart doth ſlacken, but the giving looſe rains for a little, may make ſuch a ſad, and large breach, that many many dayes will not eaſily make up, yea they doe alſo know, how a ſenſible withdrawing of the Spirit, and drying up of their life, and liberty, is the uſual fruit which unwatchfulnes brings forth.

9 That this helpeth to make their ſun-blincks short, cauſeth a low ebbe after the greateſt enlargement, whileſt they doe not guard againſt their peculiar evils and that uſually there doth haunt ſuch a condition, the ſwelling of the flesh, when the ſpirit is moſt enlarged, which will ſoon put them as far behind, as they formerly thought themſelves at an advantage.

3. That vvhen once the heart lyeth open, it is quickly ſeiſed on, and made a prey, with what a bitter ſting doth it return, after it hath taken liberty to wander? yea, doth find there is a ſwift progreſſe that ſin hath from the thoughts to the rolling of it to the imagination, and thence to the affection, wherewith it is more eaſy to engadge, then to shake this off.

4. That unwatchfulnes hath oft turned the moſt ſpecial times, and opportunities for advantage to the greateſt loſſe, which through their neglect of theſe, hath put them further behind then they were, it hath turned their retirement, and ſolitude, to be their ſnare, made the deſert worſe, and more dangerous then the city, and made them finde that vain thoughts the following whereof ſeemeth pleaſant to the mouth, will prove gall, and vvormvvood in the belly, there being no ſadder company then a mans ſpirit let looſe upon it ſelfe, whileſt they cannot ſtop that current, whereto they had given a vent.

5. Their experience of this can vvitnes that unvvatchfulnes, hath an undoubted tendency to caſt of prayer, hovv hard is it in the evening to retire to God, vvhileſt the heart is abroad all the day? To be Religions in Worship, when men are not ſo in their vvalk? Yea they doe find that this vvill bring their diſtemper vvithin, out at doors to ſome p. 80diſorder, impertinency, or paſſion in their words, or outward communication, a thing which experience may tell doth wound the ſoul, make a ſad breach in their peace, and doth quickly overcloud the Spirit, and unfit them for communion with God, and going about of ſpiritual duties.

THIRD. To reſtrain prayer, and neglect calling on God is ane evil alſo which the Word doth threaten, and hold forth the ſame hazard thereof, as of unwatchfulnes, lest ye enter into temptation, yea, that this is even a ſtep to the caſting off fear, the Chriſtians experience, from frequent tryal can witnes, that this Scripture threatning is true, Math. cap. 26: vor. 41. Heb. 15: ver. 4.

1. That they have found this the riſe, which giveth life, and increaſe to their prevailing evils, & that corruption then is upon a ſenſible grouth, as the lively exerciſe of prayer begins to be intermitted.

2. That this weareth out their ſpiritual life, and bringeth a conſumption upon the vital ſpirits of Chriſtianity, ſo that theſe who ſometime flowrished, and kept green, as by the ſent of water, that correſpondence which they had with the fountain of their life, while his dew did ly all night on their branches, hath through neglect of prayer, been brought to a poor shadow, ſo although ſometimes, the greatnes of their loſe and diſtemper, hath been hid from themſelves, yet, might be eaſyly diſcerned by onlookers.

3. That wearing out of prayer, and of delight therein, will quickly make them diſrelish any other piece of Religion, put them out of frame, to meditat; or to give thanks, or entertain fellovvship vvith the Saints, yea, the more lively, and ſpiritual theſe are, it maketh them the more a burden, and torm…nt to them.

4. That vvearing out of this, is a ſtrong temptation to a further forbearance, and vvill ſenſibly vvear them out of any ſenſe of their need hereof; and make them ſtrangers to themſelves and to their ovvn caſe, ſo that they shall ſinde, p. 81the leſſe they are in this exerciſe, the further they shall be indiſpoſed and the fewer errands they have, the leſſe felt neceſſity of the ſame.

5. Their experience can alſo witnes that litle prayer maketh a heavy burden, doth multiply their ſtraits, and cauſe their care grow as this is abaited; they muſt then bear their burden alone, and with heavines take counſel within themſelves, while they ply not this bleſt tryed remedy to make their requeſts, in all things known to God.

FOVRTH. We find the Word doth threaten defection from the truth, and turning from the way of God in a time of tryal, as an evil into which, theſe that are kept by grace from final apoſtaſie, may yet through the violence of a temptation, fall, Ierem. 9: ver. 13: 15. Pſal. 89: ver. 30, 32. Ioſ. 8: v. 11. and their ſad experience can witnes, the truth of the Scripture threatnings concerning this alſo, while they have found.

1. That in one day they mayt adventure on that, which through moſt of their life they have not win above, but hath made them go with their back bowed down to the grave; that their giving the Lords work, a wrong touch, is one of theſe things which doth ſcarcely leave them all their time, but, beyond other ſins they have found this ſtill come up with a bitter, and heavy reflexion, yea, in the evening of their life they have found this ſo ſore on their ſpirit, that it could not ly hid or ſilent but they were forced to witnes their ſenſe of it before the World, ere they could win to any eaſe.

2. That this the Lord doth uſually meet, with ſome sharp and publick reproof even before men that though he pardon his People, yea, give ſome ſenſible intimation thereof to their ſouls, yet, he hath not paſt them, as to ſome viſible mark of his diſpleaſure, becauſe of ſuch a thing.

3. They ſee that a crooked, and uncleanly way proves not the mean of extricating them out of trouble, but their p. 82ſtraits have been made to grow therewith, yea they have found that which they eshewed in Gods way, hath more ſadly tryſted them in another rod, and that there is a thick dreg in the bottom of the cup, which maketh it worſe to drink thereof at the cloſe, then at the beginning.

4. That it is not eaſy to make a ſtand in turning aſide from the way of God, when once they are engadged, and that a retrograd motion is very violent, and yeelding in a little will bring with it ſome neceſſity of going further, as a judicial ſtroke.

5. That ſitting of ſome clear opportunity, to give a teſtimony for the truth, when called thereto, hath turned to be their judgement, that they should not have further acceſſe, or be made uſefull that vvay; a thing truely obvious to ſuch, as are vviſe to obſerve the judgements of God in their time; yea, likevviſe that publick backſliding, doth oft viſibly vvear men out of perſonal tendernes.

FIFTH. Unſubduedneſſe of ſpirit, and want of mortification to outward things, the Word doth clearly threaten, and hold out its hazard, the accomplishment vvhereof, Chriſtians experience can vvitneſs, Rom. 8: ver. 6, 7.

1. That God hath oft turned their idoll to be their croſſe, put a mark of his jealouſy on their deareſt things, vvhen once they put them in his room, yea, frequent obſervation of the Lords vvay both vvith themſelves, and others doth shevv, if they vvould be quite of a thing, they may ſet their heart immoderatly on it, ſuch eagernes, and exorbitancy of affection, being a ſure preſage, it shall either be their judgment, or ſorrow, or ceaſe to be.

2. That outward things did never yeeld leſſe then whileſt they preſt them moſt, that when they are eager in purſuit of the World, and ſatisfaction there, ſpirits are ſenſibly hurried with many perturbations, ſo that they muſt ſay, that which keepeth them from enjoying of God, doth alſo hinder the comfortable enjoying of themſelves.

p. 833. They have founded that ſlow advance in the work of mortification, hath at laſt doubled their ſmart, and been the procuring cauſe of ſome very sharp cure, when the diſcaſe did come to that height that a ſmall, and ordinary potion could not do the turn.

4. That immoderat deſire, and preſſing after an outward thing, they have ſometime got anſwered, but therevvith a sharp reproof from the Lord, yea, uſually have found ſmall ſatisfaction in their enjoying that, about vvhichwhich they vvere ſo unſober in their enjoying that, about vvhichwhich they vvere ſo unſober in their purſuit, give children, or elſe I dye, ſaid Rachel, she got children and she dyed, in bringing one of them forth.

5. Their experience can alſo vvitnes hovv overcaring anxiety hath oft cauſed things thrive worſe under their hand, vvhileſt they found never a more ſatisfying iſſue in a particular, then by a quiet, ſubmiſſive dependence on the Lord for the ſame.

SIXTH. The doing violence to light, and ſinning vvith a vvitnes againſt the conſcience, as it is clearly threatned in the Word, ſo likevvayes the ſad effects thereof, hath been clearly vvitneſſed, in all ages.

1. What a direct tendency this hath to the further darkning of their light, and to a judicial hardning, and that reproofs not entertained do uſually become leſſe frequent, yea, leſſe pungent, and ſearching; their heart then doth not ſo eaſily ſmite them, and put the tear in their eye, as ſometimes a word, or ſecret rebuke of the conſcience would have done, ſo as they can now digeſt greater things, who would ſometiumes, have ſtood at that, which comparatively was very ſmall.

2. That when they would not read their boſom diſtemper, which both by the word, adn conſcience was pointed out, others have got leave to read the ſame written on their fore head, and the shifting of diſcovered guilt, and of all ſerious endeavour to get the quarrel taken up in ſecret betwixt p. 84God, and them, hath brought the matter at laſt, to ſome publick hearing, even before the generation.

3. That their darkening of their light upon ſome privat intereſt, while they would again, and again enquire if ſuch a thing be warrantable, concerning which the Lord had once cleared their minde, is a moſt perillous thing, yea, hath got an anſwer according to the idol of their heart, and their choice made to be their judgement.

I shall but adde what bitter, and ſad experience can tell, how dreadful it is to give the conſcieuce a wramp which is more eaſily hurt then healed, that deliberat adventuring on the occaſion of a temptation, when they would goe to the high prieſts hall without warrant, or a calling, hath coſt them dear; and they have found that bold ſinning doth afterward make faint beleeving.