Innocency Though Under a Cloud Cleared, To the reader 2 – Poem
To the READER.
THis enſuing Treatiſe being by the Author left in a Friends hand at his Removal, and it coming to the view of ſome that it hath been uſeful to, they thought it worthy to be put in print for a more publick benefit, being perſwaded it will prove ſo to them that can without prejudice read and conſider of it: 'Tis true, there have been ſo many Cenſures caſt upon him by them that profeſs to fear God, that it may make many, who ſearch no further, but believe Reports coming out of ſuch mouths that they think dare not lie, to believe all is, as they ſay it is; but he that knoweth all things will one day juſtifie him before Men, Angels and Devils: And his Innocency would appear in ſome things already, did perſons believe the ſad ſufferings he is ſtill in; though cenſured to be there, but under a cover to betray ſome in thoſe parts, but prove not what they ſay, or have ſaid, and yet they have from one time to another promiſed to do it; by which means his Name hath been murdered, the Name of Chriſt wounded, and many a poor heart grieved that knows and hath found it ſo, though others cannot or will not yet ſee it: but it hath been no ſmall comfort unto him, and ſome that love him for what they know is of Chriſt in him, to conſider that the moſt precious People of God of old were led in that path; as Job, how deep did he drink of that cup? and that by them that pretended moſt high for God, and ſeemed moſt zealous againſt ſin; And Paul, David, and others; nay our bleſſed Lord Jeſus, that pure and ſpotleſs Lamb, that did nothing but good, how was he reviled, reproached, ſcorned, and almoſt every action, though it was never ſo much for their good, was turned by them as a charge againſt him? and it was not only by the rude mutitude, but they that profeſſed to walk cloſeſt to God's Will, and were in his outward Inſtitutions: So it's no wonder that ſuch in this day deal ſo with his Servants, that deſire to follow him according to his Will, as bleſſed be God this poor man doth, though it's like he may not in all things walk up to mens cuſtoms, (that in this day is very much a rule of peoples conſciences) but according to the juſt Law of God, to whom he can with Job and David appeal for Juſtification; it's He that ſearcheth all hearts, and knoweth all actions, and nothing can be hid from his eyes, by all the covers that imitations, performances and applauſe of men can make and put on any to make them appear holy, nor yet clouded by all the Cenſures that can be caſt on the ſincere, but will judge righteouſly, and render to every one according to their deeds: but its no ſtrange thing that theſe laſt dayes bring forth ſuch deceitful dealings by them called Brethren; for it was foretold by the bleſſed Scripture, that muſt be fulfilled every jot and tittle of it.
And being it is ſo, we ought not to be too confident of the truth of a Reports, becauſe the Reporter may have fame among ſome men, but let us ſearch and ſee whether it be ſo or no; and not condemn any man before we hear his cauſe, for that is ſo far below a Chriſt-like Spirit, that the Romans Law doth not admit of ſuch a thing: therefore let all that look on themſelves to be Saints, that may come to reade this little Piece, be warned to take care that they hear the Accuſed as well as the Accuſer, and weigh things man equal ballance, before they paſs ſentence, leſt by raſh judging, they come under reproof by the juſtneſs of the Romans Law.
And in reading, let not thy eye be upon that dirt which is (though unjuſtly) caſt upon him; if ſo, thou art like to reap but little benefit by it: for God doth uſe to anſwer perſons according to the Idols and Imaginations of their hearts: but if thy ſoul be willing to imbrace Truth for the ſake of the Father of Truth, without reſpect or diſreſpect to any mans perſon, I queſtion not but what is here preſented to thee by a poor ſuffering cenſured Priſoner, may be found by thee worth the treaſuring up in the Cabinet of thy Experiences, and in a day of ſtraits it may prove of great advantage to thee, as bleſſed be God I can ſay it hath done to my ſoul; and that not only in point of comfort, but in finding out many deceits that attend poor ſouls in this world, and in the may they may think leads only to Heaven; and it will be enough for thoſe ſouls (that through all the deceits, cenſures and ſufferings that attend them in this life) that do but arrive at that Haven of Reſt, where is nothing but a living in unity to all Eternity, which will make amends for all their ſorrows, though never ſo great.
But were the Author of this Book as he is rendred, I think it ſhould be the work of thoſe that revile him (were they what they profeſs to be) rather to pity and pray for him, and endeavour his Reſtoration, than to do as they do and have done by him: for the puniſhment due to what they charge on him will be ſo great, that any truly gracious heart can do no other but pity one that is like to undergo it, and not envy any happineſs that he hath in this world, nor do what they can to deprive him of it, as ſome have done by him: but I ſhall ſay no more to that, nor no longer detain thee from what followeth, but leave thee to the guidance of the Spirit of Truth: and if thou and I do but ſo walk that we may be juſtified by God, tis no great matter what men judge of us; which is and ſhall be the deſire of thy Friend, that loves all, but deſireth to delight in none but for their likeneſs to Chriſt Jeſus.
Thine in Him, H. F.
To the AUTHOR and READER.
REnowned be they Name, worthy of Praiſe;
And may it laſt the longeſt length of dayes:
And Praiſes to the Lord, who only gives
That Grace whereby thy ſoul in fuffering lives.
By which true Grace thy Spirit higher climes
Than all Asperſions, falſifying crimes;
Nor can they take that Honour from thy head.
If Chriſtians truly underſtand and reade;
Who reads, will find thy heart is not departed
From Grace, if weighing th' Truth herein aſſerted:
Which Demonſtrations from thy ſuffering ſoul
To all Accuſers gives a grand Controul.
Come forth Asperſion, Truth doth give a Challenge;
Thou canſt not hold in ſuch a weighty ballance:
It's to no purpoſe, let Revilings ceaſe:
Who ſeeks his ſhame, will make their own increaſe.
Nothing drops from his mouth and contemplation,
But what's by ev'ry ſoul worth acceptation.
His words are ſav'ry, ſpeaking prudently;
His nature's kind, full of humility;
Worthy of prizing: All his works are tending
To good; His actions, alwayes well aſcending.
Who can but own his Offering and Oblation
Touching his Work done in his Generation?
To whom be given, for his induſtrous pains,
All Preſervation, where true Grace remains;
With Grace to undergo his Firy Tryals,
To ſee the end of pouring forth the Viols;
And alſo of all Powers that are infernal;
And that exalt'd, which only is Eternal.
I take my leave; God's Bleſſing thee attend.
From him who cannot ceaſe to be thy Friend.
R. J.