The One Necessary Thing to be Sought, Dialogue 3
DIALOGUE III.
QUEST. I.
SInce we should find our delight moſt, where our true intereſt and greateſt concernes ly; the late occaſion we had to converſe together on ſo neceſſar, and weighty a ſubject, doth preſs me to follow the ſame yet further, and to gain ſuch an hour, when ſo many are unprofitably loſt; and now let me ſeriouſly ask, may there not be a ſafe owning of ſome more laxe conception of practical Religion, than what you have hitherto ſpoke ſeems to allow, ſince it ſeemes very ſad and affrighting to look on ſo great a part of thoſe, who own the Doctrine of the Church, if there be not ſome greater latitude for Chriſtians, both in their principles and practsce, yea whilſt this wants not a great patrociny in the preſent time?
ANSWER. It is not ſtrange, where the truth is not received in love, that men kindle a light to themſelves, and walk in the ſparks thereof, but I hope you debate not the Scripture, where the ſafe way of being eternally ſaved can only be known; yea, that it is ſure, could we make this way more large and br…ad, there were no conceiveable intereſt or gain to conceale the ſame, which were ſo pleaſing to moſt in theſe times. But ſince there is one way, and here alone muſt all the redeemed of the Lord get ſafe to that bleſſed land which is above, I hope ye dare own no other conception thereof, than is there expreſly ſhewed. 1. That it is ſuch, where there is no poſſible latitude for ſhifting off Fear, Tenderneſs and Diligence in our Chriſtian walk, and thus to make ſure for eternal life. 2. That this is the ſtrait and narrow way, where the multitude is not to be found, even of ſuch as are under the outward call of the Goſpel; and it is ſure, another way will never be found to the ſecond coming of Chriſt. Luk. 13: v. 24? 3. Such, as there can be no following the Lord there with a hid reſerve, or regarding iniquity in the heart. Pſal. 66: 18. or a cleaving to any private intereſt, ſo as to keep it up deliberatly, and not adventure the ſame for Jeſus Chriſt, were it as their right eye, or right hand. Matth. 5: 29? 4. There is no poſſible conception of Religion men can have from the Scripture to take off that indiſpenſible neceſſity of the new birth, and writing of the Law upon the heart by the Spirit of God, yea thus to know Religion as an internal thing, which muſt firſt begin at the heart, before it come to the practice. Joh. 3: 3. 5. It is beyond debate alſo, that men muſt bring not their work only, but their thoughts and the principles of their motion to that Teſt of the Law, which is Holy and Spiritual. Matth. 5: 28. and that what be done, it be from integrity and uprightneſs of heart. But it is ſtrange, what is there to enforce any to this, when ſuch is the way of the Lord, that if there could be a latitude for a change, I am ſure, none ever who knew it on trial, could have a wiſh or deſire beyond what it is, nor is it poſſible for any to know the ſpirituality and power of Religion, and not know that ſweetneſs and facility, that is thus in following thereof.
QU. II.
I cannot debate ſuch clear and evident truths, though it may be matter of aſtonishment to ſee, what eſſayes are by many, to oppoſe not only the power and ſpirituality of Religion in its practice, but in its principles alſo. But what do you meane by the delights and ſweetneſs thereof, you have now ſpoke? Is it not from what is in hope, and in another world, but not here in the preſent enjoyment; ſince you know what prejudice is every where againſt this way, yea nothing ſeems more ſad and afflicting than the Chriſtians life within time, ſo as it is not conceiveable oft what can be comforting in their lot?
ANSW. This queſtion, though ſtrange and amazing in it ſelf, yet is not for ſuch as look but at a diſtance on the truth of Godlineſs, that lyes ſo hid and deep upon the ſoul, and to whom a Chriſtians life is indeed a miſtery, but I judge it be not eaſy even for ſuch to ſhift off, or get hid from their eyes the truth of theſe things, which ſo clearly ſhew the alone ſweet and deſireable lot within time, muſt be that of a ſerious Chriſtian, what ever the world be to him; with which. 1. The greateſt Princes, the rich, and thoſe that have lived moſt in the pleaſures of this life, would be glade to die and joine intereſts then. 2. Is ſuch, as hath made it ſweet and eaſy, yea on deliberat choice to many, to quite their greateſt intereſt and Comforts within time; which fleſh and blood could never have parted with, if the exchange had not been known to be much more gainful. 3. How deſirable is that lot, where the Chriſtian can follow his intereſt, by being abaſed as well as abounding, and by every thing that doth occurre, may know how to be furthered thus in his way; yea riſe by that which would moſt ſeeme to bear him down, and lay him in the duſt; yea thus to gain by greateſt loſſes. 4. Such is the Chriſtians lot, that as his duty and Comfort can never part, or the Teſtimony of his Conſcience anent integrity and ſtraightneſs ceaſe to be matter of his rejoicing, ſo a ſerious ſubjecting and reſignation to the Lord, will never ceaſe to be his reward alſo in the cloſe. 5. How ſad and afflicting this lot may oft ſeeme, it is here alſo their Joy is ſowen by weeping, where that Seed was never yet loſt Pſal. 126: 5? 6. Would you truely know the ſweetneſs of a Chriſtian lot? O do but come near and try, what Joy and Satisfaction is to be found in the cottage of ſuch as knowes the truth of living near God, and under the lively hope of the Glory which is to be revealed, more than in the moſt ſtately & magnifick dwellings of others; what the mornings and evenings of many ſuch are, their hid and retired walks, yea their Comforts ſometimes in the night ſeaſon; how ſweet to tell the hours, as they are going by, which they know are bringing them more near to the eternity of Joy, and putting over ſome part of their appointed griefs here; with what refreſhment theſe can look up to the Heavens, to the Sun, Moon and Stars, and triumph in the works of his hand, who hath formed the ſame, whilſt they know what a marvellous change ere long ſhall be in their ſtate, when they ſhal be above theſe, yea ſhine forth as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father. Matth. 13: v. 43. Hath not ſuch, and they only the moſt deſireable part even here, yea can truely feaſt upon their browu bread, with a ſatisfaction, beyond what ever the voluptuous man knew, who knowes not that true peace & ſerenity of mind in Jeſus Chriſt, which guardes the heart from that dreadful ſting that followes on the pleaſures of ſin? It is ſuch can truely ſay (which was the word of one of the Ancients) O quam ſuave eſt carere hiſce ſuavitatibus, how ſweet to him was it to want theſe carnal delights, wherein others were wallowing; whilſt their all is in Jeſus Chriſt. But if you ſay, why is not this more diſcerneable amongſt Chriſtians? is not the cauſe here, that a living and vigorous Chriſtian is become ſo rare a ſight at this day? 7. It is theſe, who with Joy can converſe with the thoughts of approaching death, whilſt the ſting and terrour thereof is taken away. 8. It is theſe, who in the ſerious obſerving of providences both to themſelves and others needs look no where, where they may not ſee what ſhould tend to a further ſtrengthening of them in the way of truth, and that the God whom they ſerve, aſſuredly is what he hath declared himſelf to be. 9. It is theſe, who with greateſt quiet dare commit their intereſt to him, as knowing in whom they have beleeved, and what ever confluence of manifold temptations may ſometime meet in their lot, yet knowes they ſhall not be tempted above meaſure, but are ſtill under his tender and watchful care, who even while he ſmites with one hand, does uphold with the other. 10. Such is their lot; as that which would ſeeme the greateſt pain in the Study of Godlineſs, which is by Mortification, to do violence to the fleſh and luſts thereof, leads in alſo the greateſt pleaſures and delights.
QU. III.
I muſt confeſs, it is ſtrange what prejudice moſt have at ſerious Godlineſs which they never knew upon trial: But what you me ane in this laſt inſtance of that intereſt Mortification to the flesh hath, in the Comforts and Enjoyments of the Chriſtians life, is ſuch I cannot eaſily comprehend.
ANSW. This can alone be known upon trial. Yet do but ſeriouſly conſider theſe 1. That the Scripture hath ſo exprefly conjoined them together. Matth. 11: 29. take my yoke on you, and learne of me &c. and you ſhall find reſt to your ſoul, which would ſeeme a ſtrange way to ſo deſireable an enjoyment. 2 You know this alſo to be atteſted by the Saints in all ages, and with the greateſt certainty of trial, what inexpreſſible ſweetneſs and delight they have known and experienced in a ſuffering lot for Chriſt, and in ſuch things, which in themſelves were moſt imbittering and grievous to the fleſh. 3. None yet ever knew the Truth and Power of Religion, and not this alſo, that by a natural reſult, what ever tends to an abatement of the power of ſin, in reſiſting thereto, how ſore and grieving ſoever it would ſeeme at firſt, leads into the greateſt Delights and Comfort in the cloſe. 4. It is here the Chriſtians promiſed reward to wreſtling againſt corruption, and a Body of Death, is in ſome degree given in, ſo as to know upon their own ſoul the Truth of that Peace, which is in a cloſs walking by this bleſſed rule of the Scripture. Gal. 6: 16. 5. And what a ſweet Jubilee hath oft followed in their ſoul, on reſiſting and getting victory over ſome predomlnant evil, beyond what ever was known, in the furtheſt yeelding and indulgenee to the fleſh? 6. Is not the moſt truely Comforting uſe and enjoyment of the world found, by having the heart much ſubdued thereto, and thus kept off that dreadful rock of Love to the World, and eager deſires after the ſame, whereon ſo many thouſands have at laſt made ſhipwrack?
QU. IIII.
VVhat are there not allowed deſires after the world; and that it is truely warrantable for men to ſeek a further increaſe to their eſtate, and ſome larger intereſt this way?
ANSW. Since this is an unqueſtionable Talent men have for their Maſters uſe, and are accountable for, it puts it beyond queſtion, that there is both a warrantable following and enjoying thereof, with Chriſtian Sobriety; but theſe alſo would be deeply pondered herewith. 1. That Love to the world and things thereof, is ſo expreſly a Scripture ſigne of a reprobat ſtate. 1 Joh. 2: 15. and that no covetous ſhall inherit the Kingdome of Heaven 1 Cor. 6: 10. which was ſo convincing in the primitive times, as Covetouſneſs upon any viſible evidence was then a publick ſcandal of the Church. 2. How ſuch is the deceitfulneſs of riches, as is ſhewed by our bleſſed Lord himſelf. Mat. 13 v. 22. that as briars and thornes this native tendency is to choak the Word of the Goſpel, and make it unfruitful, even whilſt it ſeemes to have come forward ſome length. And if any cannot bear this, who may be in ſaddeſt hazard to ſplit on ſuch a rock, let them but go in and try the Scripture thereanent; and not think ſtrange, that we neither may nor dare conceale the truth herein, without applying it to mens Conſcience.
QU. V.
VVhat ſuteable improvement is that which is neceſſarily called for, of the meaſure and talent which men have of things of the world, as might moſt tend to a ſolide peace and quiet of mind before the Lord herein, and to guard againſt ſuch dreadful and evident hazard of eternal perishing, or ſpliting on that rock, on which the Holy Ghoſt hath ſet ſo ſignal a Beacon, by moſt expreſs and multiplied warnings from the Scripture?
ANSW. It is a great propoſal you now make, to which in a few words, and with ſome ſeriouſneſs I ſhall make this anſwere. 1. To conſider what uſe ye would chooſe to make, or wiſh to have made of your intereſt in the world, if ye were at this hour to die, ſo as with peace on ſuch an account to enter into eternity. 2. That this i;'not left arbitrary to any their trading with ſuch a Talent, and be concerned how to conſecrat the gain thereof to the Lord; but it is a High Peece of Juſtice, and no leſs neceſſity to ſhew mercy to thoſe who are truely diſtreſſed, than to pay our Debts, ſince the great Lawgiver hath not left this indifferent more than the other, as is clear. Luk. 16: 10, 11, 12. 3. You would conſider that riches is given to men as Stewards, and not Proprietors, Matth. 25: v. 14. I meane ſo as to reckon they may do herein at their own pleaſure; and is unfaithfulneſs here a ſmall weight to ly on the Conſcience, and have no other account of their Maſters goods to give, but that they applyed them to their own uſe only? 4. Do but lay to heart, that ſuch is this great Duty, in a faithful anſwering to ones Talent and meaſure of the things of the world, in a tender reſpect to the Condition and Neceſſity of the Saints, as in the Day of the Lord it is moſt noticed, and that which will be brought in Judgment againſt the reprobate, yea on which that dreadful Sentence there paſſeth, depart from me ye curſed into everlaſting fire &c. Matth. 25: verſ. 41. 5. To be faithful thus in anſwering to that Talent is clear, that it is to give and lay out your ſelf this way, vvhere you can expect no returne, or Compenſation, otherwiſe it is but a ſelf intereſt you follow, and not a giving to the Lord, nor is it a caſting thy bread on the waters, Eccleſ. 11: 1. 6. To be faithfulhere is ſomething elſe than that occaſional outgiving to the neceſſities of any, on ſome preſent and preſſing Object, ſince the Scripture, is ſo expreſs, that here ſhould be ſome proportion to every ones Meaſure and Eſtate, which ought to be ſeriouſly conſidered and laid aſide, for which ſee that appointment Deut. 14: 22. & 16: 12. and how there it is held forth on moral & immutable grounds. 1 Cor. 16: …. that every one ſhould, as his meaſure can admit, be concerned in the improvement thereof. 7. This is not to entertaine only ſome preſſing call for this end, when it comes their way, but to ſearch out the cauſe of the diſtreſſed. Job. 29: v. 16. Eccleſ. 11: 2. for thus the liberal man deviſeth liberal things, &c. even in ſeeking Objects, that ſo excellent a grace may not want its exerciſe, each according to his Talent, where it may be truely ſaid, thev receive more than they give: Which was a choice word of one, what ever I give, that I have, whilſt the withholding of that which is.thus required, hath viſiblv tended to poverty in many ſignal inſtances. 8. To be faithful here▪ is to have a ſerious reſpect to the end; that it be to a Diſciple in the name of a Diſciple, with a due regard to their preſent diſtreſs, and not by partiality, on ſome private intereſt and reſpects that may riſe thereto, elſe they have cauſe to feare, that both Principal & Intereſt is loſt, nor can they put this debt on the Lord, where ſuch a ſad bvaſs is with it. Matth. 10: v. 42? 9. To be faithful here is to follow this cloſly, ſo as not to be ſeen of men, elſe ſuch have their reward, where this is an influencing motive, yea not to let the left hand know what the right hand doth. Matth 6: 3. Here the giver ſhould ſhut his eyes when he opens his hand, with deſire that it may never be known, untill the dav of the Lord, that great day of retribution, when that which hath been done in ſecret ſhall be rewarded openly. Mat. 6: v. 4? 10. Here alſo is to be underſtood to give without grudging, cheerfully, as the true way to lay up treaſure to themſelves, knowing that the Lord loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9: 7. 11. To be faithful here, is to be given to Hoſpitality▪ with a tender regard forentertaining of ſtrangers, for in ſuch habite Angels have been entertained. Heb. 13: v. 2. 12. The bounds and limites of our actings here muſt not ouly be the houſhold of faith, but a Tenderneſs, Condeſcendence and Readineſs to help and relieve any diſtreſſed, even the Worſt of men, as they have opportunity, which is ſo expreſly required 1 Theſ. 3: ver. 12. to abound in love towards all men, ſo as to do good, to be uſeful, and exerce Tenderneſs toward all, which ſhould be found a more effectual mean to gaine credit to the Goſpel, than what is the way of many, who have a name and repute of Religion in this age.
QU. VI.
VVhat you have now ſpoke anent thoſe, who have a large intereſt in the world, and in what termes they have it, is undeniable, I confeſs, from the Scripture; but this concernes a few, in reſpect of ſuch as are of a Low and meane Condition in the VVorld, and what can theſe have to compenſe the want of ſuch a Talent and make their lot deſireable or ſweet?
ANSW. I hope you will not bring theſe things under queſtion, which may convincingly anſwer this. 1. That a ſerious Chriſtian could yet never be ſo Low, but he hath much more than he wants, though he ſhould be put to ſuch a reckoning with Job. I have now neither Children, Friends, Honour, or Eſtate in the world to call mine own: but I know and am ſure that my Redeemer lives. Job. 19: v. 25. and do you think that a mans lot, or the comfortable enjoyment thereof conſiſts in the abundance of the things he poſſeſſeth Luk. 12: 15. 2. Have the poor and deſpiſed cauſe to quarrel with their lot, if they be in truth partakers of the Grace of God, when it is ſo clear, there can be no ſubſtantial good in riches or honour, which the Lord hath caſt out of the Counſel of his Love towards thoſe, on whom he hath ſet his heart from eternity? 3. Yea hath he not deſigned the moſt of the Elect to a poor, Low and afflicted Condition here? For you ſee your calling Brethren, how not many wiſe, not many noble &c. according to the fleſh hath he choſen, 1 Cor. 1: 26, 27. 4. Hath not ſuch a peculiar income in the way of the Promiſe, which theſe who are full, and abound moſt in the world cannot underſtand, and is not owned in the Scripture to be under ſuch a neceſſity to live by faith, which made the Apoſtle give ſuch a ſtrange account, 2 Cor. 12; 9, 10. I take pleaſure in my infirmities, in diſtreſs, inperſecutions, &c. that the power of Chriſt may reſt on me. O what ſtrong and vigorous acts of faith and love have oft followed the Chriſtians low and meane ſtate in the World, whereto ſuch as were at eaſe have been wholly ſtrangers. 5. Have ſuch cauſe to quarrel with a low and deſpiſed lot, who the leſs they have here, whilſt they have a ſure evident for Heaven, knowes they have the more before them? And whilſt others may reckon what they have by year and property, can make another account what is their intereſt for all eternity, and not grudge the hireling's wages, who know they are Sons, and to abide in the houſe for ever, Joh. 8: 35. 6. Would ſuch, were it put to their choice, have their good things in this life, or do they expect to find a Heaven out of Heaven, and is not that lot with greateſt advantage ſuited to each of his Saints, that is moſt for promoting their eternal intereſt, and to make them meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light. Col. 1: ver. 12. 7. It is not by the bulk you can judge on the Chriſtians condition here in the World, a little gold is of more value than a great heap of ſome other metals, and a little that the righteous hath is more than▪ the riches of many wicked, Pſal. 37: ver. 16. For there lyes the bleſſing; and what a difference is there betwixt ſuch, whoſe heart is gone up after his treaſure, that is laid up for him in Heaven; and thoſe, who mind earthly things and have their heart in their belly, Phil. 3: ver. 19?
QU. VII.
Such have a ſweet and comforting part, whether the VVorld ſmile or frown, who know there is an eternity of joy before them: But you ſee how many are not more low in their outward ſtate, than dreadfully wicked and looſe, without thc least ſerious weight of Religion on their ſoul.
ANS. This may ſhew, that no affliction, or the ſaddeſt lot here can of it ſelf lead into Jeſus Chriſt, without the efficacious and irreſiſtible power of grace; but as to their part, who… are ſo viſibly active to their own ruine, I muſt ſay, there ſeemes not a more ſad and aſtoniſhing ſight, than ſuch are, 1. Who thus follow the world with a weeping eye, and have their heart cleave ſo faſt to it, which will ſcarce beſtow one flattering ſmile on them, & knowes not what gain they…might make of their preſent Affliction and ſtrait. 2. Who thus ſeek the living among the dead, & their reliefe from the airth from whence they ſee they cannot have it, who have ſuch greateſt things laid in their offer, to make them here and for ever bleſſed. 3. That the very report of the gain of Godlineſs ſhould not preſs them once to be this length, to know upon trial, vvhat might be the certainty thereof, and if ſuch an advantage can be truely reached here, as to make the poor mans life more Sweet and Comforting under all the toile of his hand, than if he had the greateſt eſtate of the earth. 4, It may ſeeme ſtrange, what theſe can poſſibly reckon upon their Condition in being men, as deſireable above that of the beaſts of the field, who have ſo little either in hand, or hope to be comforting; to know only a ſenſual life with ſo ſmall and almoſt indiſcerneable advantage to ſatisfy the ſenſes. It is true, many ſuch entertain a hope of a bleſſedneſs to come, whilſt they are wholly ſtrangers to a life of grace here: But Oh! It is at ſuch a rate, that the Scripture of God muſt be falſe, if theirs be true. 5 How amazing alſo is it, to ſee for what theſe perish, and loſe their immortal ſoul, which is in it ſelf a higher intereſt, than the glory and riches of all the Monarchies in the Earth, yea of more value, than the Sun and Moon? Yet as if this were but ſome triffle, how eaſily do ſuch hazard the ſame for the ſmalleſt gain; yea it may be ſaid, are content to ſerve Satan withont the wages of viſible pleaſure and ſatisfaction which others have in the world. 6 Yea how ſtrange is it, how many ſuch, whoſe trade and imployment lyes moſt at ſea, who thus have ſuch peculiar enforcing Arguments, to be ſerious about Religion, yet are ſo viſibly looſe in their walk, and ſtrangers to a Chriſtian life.
QU. VIII.
It is ſure, there are ſuch of that imployment, and I hope not a few, whoſe being convincingly ſerious in the things of God, with a Chriſtian walk, to the credit of the Goſpel, is beyond queſtion. But ſince what you have ſpoke as to many of theſe, is too viſibly manifeſt, what are theſe preſſing Motives and Arguguments that ſuch, whoſe calling lyes most on the Sea, have more than others to take Religion deeply to heart?
ANSW. You may judge what a preſſing call ſuch have to be in greateſt earneſt about their eternal ſtate. 1. Who are through moſt of their time ſo near a bordering with eternity, in deaths often; and their life hanging ſo frequently in ſuſpence before their eyes. 2. Such, who cannot but have their conſcience oft ſtruck with the ſenſe of a God-Head, by ſeeing his marvellous power shewed forth in the Depths, ſo as it may be ſaid, they live and converſe amongſt wonders, to ſee that great Body of the Sea, how it is with ſuch advantage made paſſable for Tranſport and Commerce; the regular courſe of its ebbbings and flowings, with the ſingular uſe and ſubſerviency of the tides; how it is ſhut up alſo with gates and barres, and hath its appointed bounds, without which there could be no reaſon how a bank of ſand could reſtraine the great Oceans breaking forth. O! what a book is thus ſpread open for ſea - faring men to read, and bring near their thoughts with wondering, to Fear and Worship him, whoſe voice is ſo known on the wighty waters; who turnes the moſt impetuous ſtorme into a calme at his pleaſure, which is ſo far above all hnmane reach, & cauſeth the ſwelling of an enraged ſea in a moment to know his command and be ſtill 3. What ought ſuch to be, who have not only been oft ſurpriſed with preventing mercy, when they were not aware from daſhing on ſome ſhelve or rock, or falling in on a bank of ſand, and thus brought out of greateſt hazard, even before they were put in fear: But have oft likewiſe been reſcued from the very Jawes of preſent Death, in that manner, when no viſible or ordinary means could ever have anſwered thereto. Oh! Can ſuch deliverance be ſo eaſily forgot, and what were then their thoughts of entring into endleſs eternity, and meeting grim death with ſuch a ſurpriſe? was it not then a matter of earneſt to pray? Or would you then have dared to break forth into an Oath? yea what a bleſſed ſtate were you then made to reckon thoſe in, who had been formerly ſerious about Religion, and how ſoon may ſuch a ſurpriſal meet you again? 4. What ought ſuch to be, and are accountable for, who knowes how many thouſands have been ſwallowed up in theſe devouring Depths, and hears of ſuch ordinary ſhipwracks, whilſt they are yet preſerved? Oh! Doth not this marvellous longſuffering and tenderneſs of the Lord have ſome ſerious voice? Hath it yet never tended to melt your heart with ſorrow and contrition, for ſo ſad a returne you have hitherto given to ſuch forbearance. 5. What ſolemne and expreſs engagements are many, if not moſt of ſuch under, and accountable for, which their lips have uttered, when trouble was upon them, and when they were at the very brink of periſhing, that if ſome extraordinary caſt of providence had been deferred but a very few moments longer, they had been loſt? Now ſet me ſeriouſly ask, what did you really intend? Was it to deale deceitfully with the moſt High, and be no more ſerious in the thoughts of this when ye were once at land? If it be ſo, how can you dare to pray and plead with the Holy Lord in a new Strait: Oh! let me beſeech you, lay this to heart, and that to make uſe of your preſent calmes at ſea, for making ſure your eternal intereſt, would help to make a ſweet calme within on your ſoul when a ſtorme ariſes. 6. Let me but add this what advantage ſuch have, who have ſo clear an embleme of their life and condition here ſo frequently before them, how thus they are under ſaill, and moving to that port where once the anckor muſt be caſt down never to be weighed again: yea how there can be no ſafe reckoning to get ſafe to that bleſſed, O bleſſed and deſireable port of glory, without knowing how their courſe lyes, which from the Scripture is more infallibly clear, than they can be by any Carte or Compaſs? Let me but further add, how ſtrange it is to ſee ſome of theſe, ſo far from under the aw and dread of God; that they are not more concerned to put to ſea, and work on the Sabbath, without any convincing neceſſity, than on any other day?
QU. IX.
VVhat, is there ſuch a neceſſity for ſtrict obſervance of the Sabbath, as there is no warrantable liberty, both for recreation, and mens ordinary buſineſs, after the publick worship is once paſt?
ANS. I hope you will not dare to debate, 1. That the Chriſtian Sabbath hath by the holy Ghoſt that impreſs and authority put upon it, of being the Lords day, a day which is ſet a part and conſecrat to him, on a higher account, than the firſt creation, wherein God manifeſted in our nature did rest from all his works, for the Redemption of his Church; and from the new Creation; and ſaw that all which he had done was very good; that day never to be forgot, wherein the Redemption of his Church being perfected, he had a full acquitance for the whole debt of his elect Church; that day alſo, on which his moſt uſuall and ſolemne appearance to his Diſciples after his Reſurrection, was; and shall we deny ſuch a tribute of our obſervance thereof, on ſo great an account: and to him, who hath given us our time, and is Lord of the Sabbath? 2. Since it is the alone prerogative of God to make a day holy, and that the first day of the week is that piece of our time, which is only ſet apart for him under the New Teſtament, should not ſuch a ſolemne and conſecrat time be applyed to ſpirituall duties? and is the higheſt of ſacriledge to turne that which is holy to civill or common actions, when they are no works of neceſſity or mercy, for then is ſuch a day no more holy but common. 3. You know how deep the prophanation thereof hath been oft found to draw on mens conſcience, ſo as it is rare to ſee a flagitious perſon under any remorſe, when brought to a ſcaffold, but hath been then enforced to cry out of the breach of the Sabbath, and how their guilt herein did ſtare them in the face, as a provoking cauſe of what had thus befallen them 4. Should not theſe dreadfull marks of the holy judgement of God, which have been thus put both on perſons and places, have an aw and dread on mens conſciences; yea ſuch inſtances, with theſe ſignall and convincing circumſtances, as all might ſee, who looked but at a Diſtance thereon, the ſtroke pointing as with a finger, at the provoking cauſe? 5. Do we hope for an everlaſting Sabbath in heaven, whilſt here a few hours in ſpirituall converſe with God, and the ſouls reſting and ſolacing it ſelf in him, is ſo burdenſome a work; yea, whilſt it is ſure, the greateſt of delights and pleaſure known upon the earth are theſe which are Spirituall, to ſuch as ever knew what it is to be Chriſtians?