The Exceeding Riches of Grace, Text (2 of 3)

The Exceeding Riches of Grace · Text (2 of 3)

p. 53And though I was weary and faint, He was neither weary nor faint: His wrath is but for a moment: but of his goodnes and mercy, there is no end. He layes the foundation, and he builds up. Its I the Lord doe all. He bare me, and carried me, and did at last deliver me. This Rock followed me, though I was not aware of him. The Sun of righteousnesse arose, with healing, under his wings, and the day-star arose in my heart ee2 Pet. 1. 19.2 Pet 1:19. It was a dark heart till he arose, and then he made it light. Christ suffered for me: He needed not to suffer, and be tempted, but to succour such as mee that was tempted ffHeb. 2. 18.Heb 2:18. I never had rest, till I saw my selfe crucified with Christ ggGal. 2.20.Gal 2:20, and that my sins pierced him: and there came out of his side, a fountaine of bloud, for the guilt of sin: and not onelyonly so, but a fountaine of water, to wash away the filth of sin: to wash away all my filth. There's enough in him, not onelyonly to justifie, but also to sanctifie hhJoh. 5. 6.John 5:6.

The life that I now live, is by the faith of the Son of God, who hath loved me, and given himselfe for me: though before, I was an unbeleever, and unholy, and p. 54unthankfull, and a murmurer, and every way sinfull: yet now hath he lov'd me, and washed me. And it not be to be prized and admir'd of all his Saints? And his Name to be had in everlasting remembrance? He proclaim'd his Name to be Mercifull, and Gracious, abundant in Goodnes, and in Truth; and that to sinners, to the chiefe of sinners.

May 4. 1647. The same day at evening, when some came to see her, M^r Iessey, and M^ris Palmer, wife of the late Minister there in Lawrence Pountney, who with M^r Palmer, had known her soule in affliction. One telling her, M^ris Palmer was glad to heare of Gods goodnesse to her.

M^ris Sarah said:

I desire that M^r Palmer, and you, and all Gods people, may praise and magnifie the Lord for his goodnes, in looking down on the i*i*Lu. 1.48. foreign. so Mat. 23.12.Matt 23:12base estate of his handmaid.

M^ris Palmer said:

After what manner did your comforts come in to you?

M^ris Sarah.

My earthly tongue cannot expresse, what I felt, its beyond expression. I was in such extremitie, that either deliverance must come, or I must perish, I was able so bold no longer. Then I fell into a Trance. [This was April 6. at night] I lay in visions. And in that time, the Spirit of God was powr'd in upon mee. And then Iesus Christ was presented to me, as crucified for my sins; I saw it; and my selfe crucified with him: and when I saw a glimpse of his love, then I mourned bitterly for my sins; and never truely sorrowed for sin, till then. I never mourn'd for sin, as sin, before. But then p. 55I mourn'd bitterly kkZach. 12.10.Zech 12:10. And now praise the Lord with me and let us magnifie his Name together.

M^ris Palmer.

Are you nod desirous to enjoy your inheritance?

M^ris Sarah.

Yes. But Christ hath taught mee by what I enjoy, to submit to his will. My terrors so long, were nothing to one moment of mercies. All the miseries I endured, though they were very great, were nothing to one glimpse of his mercy.

M^ris Palmer.

How are your thoughts acted? what are they acted upon?

M^ris Sarah.

A living active Christ, in a dead passive creature, makes it act to God llGal. 2. 20.Gal 2:20.

For a farewell, shee said; Rejoyce in the Lord with me.

Mention was made before, that from the 27^th of March, to the 21. of April, in those 24. dayes, shee had not eaten at all; and her drink had been onelyonly two, or three, or four little cups of fair water, once in two, or three, or in four dayes together. Some having spoken of this, others have counted it a forgery, or pretence: By such injections, the Enemy would obscure and darken the Works of the Great God of Heaven. But many Godly Ministers and Gracious Saints, that know M^ris Wight, and the Maid, and this Daughter of Abraham; have ground to judge, they truely feare the Lord: and that they dare not lye, but abhorre lying. Now the Relator by conference with them, hath it from their own mouths, that p. 56from the time of her ceasing to be in Trances, and to be deaf and blind, (which was April 19.) to the day of the writing of this part of the Relation, being May 5. shee hath not taken so much sustenance, as shee did take in that time from March 27. to April 19. [And from May 5. till Iune 11. [being the longest day in the yeare] lesse then that from April 19. The power of God appearing therein wonderfully to the beholders, in upholding her full 75 dayes without one crum of bread or meat, and with so little drink;] Shee not being able to eat, or to drink more then shee did, but against her stomack. When shee by urging, yeelded to take somewhat, shee could not keepe it, but presently cast it up. Shee never lov'd to drink, strong waters, nor strong drink, from her infancy.

And when the Relator was told, they could not get her to take of a Cordiall that was sent to her from a Lady that had been with her, (as they judged, by the direction of D^r Debote, or of D^r Worsley, whom the Lady had lately sent to her:) he perswaded her to take of it, and put it to her mouth: But shee said, Shee could not: and said that the smell of it made her sick. Which caused him to forbear further urging of her.

When lately one desired her, if shee could to take some sustenance: Shee answered:

I would, if I could, but I cannot, it makes me sick to think of it. Iesus Christ feeds me.

p. 57May 2. One asked her, if shee would drinke. M^ris Sarah answered: I cannot: I have Iesus Christ, I have enough: he feeds mee with delights—He not onelyonly hath drops; but he flows in of himselfe.

Shee was further urged to take somewhat: M^ris Sarah answered: Shee desired not to be urged: God hath given me food for my soule, when my soule was well nigh starving for want of food: but God hath given me Christ to feed upon: and his flesh is meat indeed; and his bloud drink indeed nnJoh. 6. 55.John 6:55. God hath wrought a miracle, in delivering my soule. And if that he hath appointed life, he will give me strength to take in the one, as well as the other. Now I am worse when I take it.

May 3. When shee was wish'd to drinke: M^ris Sarah answered; I have wines well refined, no dregs are in it. Its pure; that's the purity of Christ. He gives me not cups full; but he hath me into his wine-cellar ooCan. 2.4, 5. Old Transl., and fils me with flaggons.

May 4. M^ris Palmer desired her, that shee would take something to uphold her, that shee might be an instrument of Gods glory, that had done so much for her.

She answered; What ever is for his glory, he will enable me to doe it: If it be his will, that I should continue, he will give me power to take in the Creature.

May 5. M^ris Palmer came againe to her, being very desirous to further her to eat or drink somewhat, to nourish her.

Shee gave some such answer as is beforesaid.

p. 58M^ris Palmer said,

What promise have you, that any should live without food?

M^ris Sarah presently answered,

Man lives not by bread onelyonly, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God ppMat. 4. 4.Matt 4:4,

M^ris Palmer.

Whats meant by Word there?

M^ris Sarah.

I think tis meant of Christ his love and mercy and goodnesse to poore sinners: and thats enough for any soule to live upon.

M^ris Palmer answered.

Its enough for the soule: but how shall the body doe?

M^ris Sarah.

If it be the will of God, that more of his power qq2 Cor. 12.9.2 Cor 12:9shall be seen in sustaining me, with so little: his will is good. [Shee having said before, that they saw, that when shee took somewhat, that it made her sick.]

M^ris Palmer asked her,

Doe your comforts remaine still as cleer and fresh, as at first?

M^ris Sarah answered.

Yes; I have a standing River, continually to drink of.

M^ris Palmer ask'd,

Doe you sleep quietly without Dreames?

M^ris Sarah answered.

I have dreames: and sometimes I dreame of the free love of God towards me. But once or twice I dreamed of the former terrors I was in; and I trembled exceedingly, and the bed shook under me exceedingly. But I awaked, and presently all was gone. For he is unchangeable: yesterday, and to day, and the same for ever rrHeb. 13.8.Heb 13:8. This was May 5. 1647.

At the former Conference with M^ris Palmer, the p. 59Relator was present, and then writ. Both the former and the latter, M^ris Palmer her selfe writ, from whom the Relator had it: and compared both together.

To another shee declared what torments shee had undergone for a monethmonth together, before shee was forced to keep her bed: (which hath been ever since April 6.) How shee walked in terror day and night; what a Hell shee had in her Conscience; and was tempted to beleeve there was neither God nor Devill, neither Heaven nor Hell; but what shee felt in her Conscience: And therefore if shee were but out of this life, there was an end of all her torments. And hence shee sought to beat out her braines, against the wall, many times: and thereby was bloudy and sweld. And sought to cast her selfe down from steep places: and got knives and other things to kill her selfe withall; but was miraculously preserved: because the Lord had a favour to her, in her base estate. But then shee thought, If Christ should come in to her, it was as if he should goe into a dunghill, into a carraine. That shee was tempted to blaspheme God, and had much adoe to keep it in: especially the last day of her souls affliction. Wherein shee was very forcibly urged to blaspheme God and dye, and so be out of her Torment; which yet shee refused to speake it out: till at last, shee could no longer withhold, but was even ready to utter forth that blasphemy: and even then was her Tongue smit, that shee p. 60could not speake. Shee told moreover that shee usually every morning formerly was wont to read above twenty Chapters, and so would have still'd her Temptations; but was not a jot the better. That shee could remember nothing of what shee had read, but the judgements, and they were laid open to her: But all the promises were seal'd from me, said shee. One day I was tempted to throw my Bible into the fire, and I threw it from me, but it fell not into the fire. But for this I was sore tormented, that I would have throwne it into the fire.

Another time in my trouble, I said, what I was urged to say; it was this; If the Lord will not save me, let him doe what he will with me: Let him damne me. But afterwards, I was greatly terrified for it, that I should bid him damne me.

And now shee saw the evill of yeelding to such Temptations: shee thought to have had ease by yeelding: but shee was the more terrified for her yeelding. And yet the Lord magnified his mercy to her; when shee thought, that by such yeeldings, God would surely damne her. [O the depths of Satans wiles: and O the greater depths of the Goodnes of God! even so such seduced soules!]

Shee further said; That the same day wherein shee was forced to lye downe (viz. April 6.) shee was taken in all her body: All was shaken, and shee trembled exceedingly. That her hands were clinch'd up together, and so were her feet, as if it were by the Cramp; and her mouth was drawn up, as a purse; and her eyes were p. 61with the eylids folded up and closed; and her hearing was taken from her; and shee had no motion nor desire of any good. Mine own eyes (said shee) pittied not my selfe; and just then was the time of love aaEzek. 16. 8.Ezek 16:8. And then the Good Samaritane, then Iesus Christ came, and powr'd in wine and oyle, when I had most need. I may well shy, He is a refuge bbPsal. 46. 1.Ps 46:1, a very present help in time of Trouble.

May 7. Was another Conference between her and the Maid before mentioned April 24. which was at that present taken by the Relator.

M^ris Sarah W.

How doe you? Have you not found him yet, whom your soule loveth?

Maid told how long shee had been thus, and yet was no beter, and how sad her case was.

M^ris Sarah.

I have been in as sad a condition ever since I was about nine yeers old. And that daughter of Abraham whom Satan had bound loe those eightteene yeers ccLuk. 13. 11.Luke 13:11, yet Christ healed.

Maid.

But he will destroy me.

M^ris Sarah.

How dare you say so, when Christ saith, He came not to destroy ddLuk. 9. 56.Luke 9:56sinners, but their sin: but to save them, such as you and I.

Maid.

Hee'l save them he hath chosen, but I am none of them.

M^ris Sarah.

Dare you enter into Gods secrets? Who made you of his secret Counsell ccRom. 11. 34. Deut. 29. 29.Rom 11:34Deut 29:29? Secrets belong to God.

Maid.

Aye, but I would not hearken.

M^ris Sarah.

Its neither in him that willeth, nor in p. 62him that runneth, but in God that sheweth mercy ffRom. 9. 16.Rom 9:16.

Maid.

But I resisted when he would.

M^ris Sarah.

Your time was not come: for if his time had been to have come, its not all your power, that could hinder his power.

Maid.

I put out the light, and I walked contrary to his way.

M^ris S.

You were not in the light, nor true way, till you have Christ. He is the light ccJo. 1.9.John 1:9, & the way.

Maid.

I can doe nothing as I should.

M^ris S.

If you had done all, yet you might be but as the young man in the Gospel, that said; All this have I done: Yet he wanted one thing: So you want one thing, the sealing of his love to your soule. You must lye low before God. Its Christ that both throws down, & Christ that raiseth up dd1 Sam. 2. 6.1 Sam 2:6. He did both to me.

Maid.

My heart is desperate.

M^ris S.

The heart of man is deceitfull above all things, and is desperately wicked eeJer. 17.9.Jer 17:9. Its the depth ffPs. 130. 1.Ps 130:1of misery, cryes to the depth of mercy.

Maid.

I am blind and see not the depth.

M^ris Sarah.

Your eyes are blind yet; and Christ came to open the eyes of the blind, not of them that see, but that are blind ggLuk. 4. 18.Luke 4:18. Its Christ must wash you with cleane water; He must give it, and he will work hhIsa. 43. 13.Isa 43:13, and who shall let him.

Maid.

But I resisted, and such must be willing.

M^ris S.

But thats in the day of his power, then they shall be willing iiPs. 110. 3.Ps 110:3. My body is weak to speak to you, but p. 63my Spirit is willing kkMat. 26. 41.Matt 26:41, because he hath made it willing, in the day of his power.

Maid.

I have gone many a weary step to get comfort, but can get none.

M^ris Sarah.

Christ was weary for you, to sympathize with you. The strong man possess'd me, till Christ came who is stronger, and dispossess'd him llLuk. 11. 21.Luke 11:21. And so will be do to you.

Maid.

I am in depths of misery.

M^ris Sarah.

Its not depths of mercy that cals for depths of misery: but its depths of misery cals for depths of mercy mmPs. 130. 1.Ps 130:1. Now God would root you, and establish you, and now Satan is most busie with you.

Maid.

I am puld up by the roots.

M^ris Sarah.

Christ will root you out of your sin, and root you out of your selfe: and plant you in himselfe. He will doe it.

Maid.

I saw God full of Glory in the firmament.

M^ris Sarah.

He will make you and me to see him as he is, and we shall be like him in Glory nn1 Joh. 3.2.1 John 3:2.

Maid.

But I cannot beleeve.

M^ris Sarah.

I lay in unbeliefe, and could beleeue nothing, but that there was no God, and no Devill, and no Hell: till he made me beleeve in himselfe: and the same power that did it for me, the same will doe it for you: for he is yesterday, and to day, and the same for euer ooHeb. 13. 8.Heb 13:8: for he is unchangeable.

Maid.

I had a glimpse of God, but I have backslidden from him.

p. 64M^ris Sarah.

Say thus to God; Turn me, and I shall be turned: the Lord saith; Ile heale your backslidings, and love you freely ppHos. 14.4.Hos 14:4. Ile love you though you have backslidden, and heale your backslidings.

Maid.

He speaks it not to me.

M^ris Sarah.

Why not to you, when tis free: to backsliders: And he is found of them that sought him not qqIsa. 65. 1.Isa 65:1What can you say to this?

Maid.

That's to one in the first work.

M^ris Sarah.

Its in the first work, and the second work too. He takes pleasure to work both the will and the deed rrPhil. 2. 13.Phil 2:13.

Maid.

The Lord forewarnd me, and I hearkened not to him, and now he is gone.

M^ris Sarah.

This is nothing but sin and Satan, to hinder you from closing with the Scriptures that are set before you. Say to God; ssJob. 34.31. Hos. 14.2.4 Ps. 41.4.Job 34:31Hos 14:2Hos 14:4Ps 41:4Heale me, I have sinned. Heale my backslidings.

Maid.

I am no better for saying it, when I have no heart or Spirit to pray.

☞M^ris S.

Say it, though you be no better; because God bids you say it: Say it, and say it againe, till he heale you. It may be, he will come in, when you say it, if you can but say it with your lips: the everlasting arms of God, can reach you, when you cannot reach him; his are everlasting armes. He reach'd Ephraim, are you more wild than he? that was at a bullock unaccustom'd to the yoke? Ephraim, an untam'd heiser ttJer. 31. 18, 19.Jer 31:18Jer 31:19, that snuf'd up the wind? Yet God tames him, and he saith, Turne thou me, and I shall be turned: Say you so to God.

p. 65M^ris Sarah having still kept her bed from April 6, till this May 7; and neither eat nor drunk all this while, but according to the proportion beforesaid; and being very weak and faint: the Maid was desired to forbear speaking any more, then unto her, and to come againe another time.

May 9. Being the Lords day, after both Sermons, these came to see her; M^r and M^ris Liggon, the Relator, M^ris Dawson, a Ministers widow, M^ris Berny, of Norfolk, and many others; amongst which was a Gentlewoman in sad despair, that hearing of her, came to have speech with her, and had. The Relator writ then what was said after he came thither.

The Conference followeth.

Gentlewoman.

The Devill Rules in me.

M^ris Sarah.

Christ will fetch you from him, he will dispossesse him, and possesse himselfe.

Gentle.

I am under sin.

M^ris Sarah.

Shall sin separate from the love of Christ? God hides himselfe from the house of Jacob: though dear to him.

Shee speaking low, one asked the Gentlewoman if shee did heare.

M^ris Sarah.

O that you might heare aaJoh. 5. 25. Eph. 4. 20, 21.John 5:25Eph 4:20Eph 4:21Christ speak to you.

Gentle.

I cannot beleeve I am justified: for such are sanctified: and so am not I.

M^ris Sarah.

You speak of sanctifying. Its against the scope of the Scripture, to put sanctifying before justifying. p. 66You should beleeve that God justifieth the ungodly bbRo. 4.5.Rom 4:5, thats for you to beleeve now; (and thence would arise your sanctification:) And that you cannot come to him, except he draw you ccJo. 6.44. & 10.29.John 6:44John 10:29. That all power is in his hand. He is greater then all: and none can pull you out of his hands. Devils, nor Angels, nor sin, can keep from him, when he will draw you.

Gentlew.

None knows my condition, how desperate it is.

M^ris Sarah.

The heart is deceitfull above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it ddJer. 17. 9.Jer 17:9? He that hath Balme of, eeJer. 8. 22.Jer 8:22he, and he alone can heale it. None can wound the soule but himselfe: and none can heale it, but himselfe; I found that everlasting armes were under me, and kept me, though I knew it not. He taught Ephraim to goe, though he wist it not ffHos. 11. 3.Hos 11:3,

Gentlew.

I am rebellious against him.

M^ris Sarah.

He ascended and gaue gifts to men, even to the rebellious ggPs. 68.18.Ps 68:18. The great gift he gives them, is himselfe; and from that great gift, are all other gifts, as all the streames are from the fountaine.

If thou knewest that gift of God, thou wouldst aske it, and he would give it hhJoh. 4. 10.John 4:10. Shee had a vaile before her heart, but he took it away, and he gave her to aske; shee could not aske, till then.

I found that no other sin separates from Christ, but unbeliefe; and did he come to finde faith in earth, in earthen hearts iiLuk. 18. 8.Luke 18:8? there's nothing but death, and unbeliefe, and envy, and rebellion, and all p. 67manner of evill, till Christ came; and he gaue faith to me, he found it not.

Qu:

In what manner was his giving faith to you?

M^ris Sarah.

At first I saw cleerly, Christ crucified for my sins. It was neither Judas, nor Pilate, nor Herod, nor any other, so much as my sins. That he was the skape-goat, that bare them all away into the Wildernesse of forgetfulnesse, never to be remembred any more kkLevit. 16.21.Lev 16:21. I cannot tell my misery how great it was: and I cannot tell the mercy, that a full Christ came to such an empty creature; to such a one as I, that was as Ephraim, an untamed heiser, unaccustomed to the yoke. Then his Name was proclam'd to me, that he was a Saviour, to save sinners: mercifull, gracious, long-suffering, abounding in goodnesse, and abounding in truth, to fulfill all that mercy and goodnesse: and he is the way to the Father. Ah! that he should love such a one, and marry such a one! that was a murmurer; disobedient, unholy—Such a one God was pleasd to make an object of mercy. There's an end of my misery, though I thought, there was no end of it: but there's no end of his mercy; my misery, was the misery of a creature; but his mercy, is the mercy of a God, and there's no end of it. I was brought as low, at the lowest hell. The gates were open to receive me: that then mercy should come to shut them! that Christ came to fetch me out! He is good, and doth good: not to them that are good, but he makes good; nor to fill them that are full; but to fill them that are empty. Ile leave in them an afflicted and poore people, and they shall trust in the Name of the p. 68Lord: they that are afflicted and poore, its they shall trust in his name llZeph. 3. 12.Zeph 3:12. And whats his Name? but forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. I made thee rest, from thy hard bondage, wherein thou wast made to serve: hard bondage, and made to serve this hard bondage mmIsa. 14. 3.Isa 14:3. Yet God delivered, when none els could. In the first verse, the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel. I had no will, nor no desire to him, nothing but perversnesse and wretchednesse, as in Israel. I might speak and speak a long time, dayes and weekes, and moneths, and not able to tell all my misery. The Lord loved me, and he chastend me: as he saith to Laodicea, As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten nnRev. 3. 19.Rev 3:19.

Gentlew.

All afflictions are for good to them that love God: but they bring me no good at all.

M^ris Sarah.

I warrant you David could not say, His afflictions were good for him, when he said, They are gone over my head, my heart failes meeooPsal. 40. 12.Ps 40:12. But it was afterwards that he said, It is good for me to be afflicted. The Prodigall, whilst he was in his sin and misery, could not say, it was best for him. But how did his Father & friends rejoyce afterwards ppLuk. 15.32.Luke 15:32? I desire all the Saints might rejoyce as much for me, as they did for him. Christ came to seek and to save that that was lost. I found it so. I read, God is good to them that are of a pure heart, and I was troubled at it; for mine was not pure qqPsal. 73. 1.Ps 73:1. That heart is pure, that he makes pure; he finds it not pure, but he makes it p. 69pure. When I read, I read the promises, over and over, but I could remember nothing of them: but if I reade but a tittle of the judgements, that remained with me. I could remember the verse where they are. At last, the promises terrified me most of all; because they were for others, but not for me. None could burst these brazen gates, but Christ alone. I was worse then a Beast. Beasts praise God in their kinde. But I dishonoured him. But all this hindred not his love to me.

Would you love God first? or would you have him love you first?

Gentlew.

I doe not love him.

M^ris Sarah.

We are by nature far from loving him: wee are enemies to him: God reconciles enemies qqRom. 5. 8-10.Rom 5:8–10. Its wee were enemies to God, `not God an enemy to us. An enemy would not reconcile enemies. But God reconcil'd us, when we were enemies to him. We were then without God, far off, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling them; dead in sins and trespasses, Eph. 2. read it. When God comes with power, he quickens them that were dead in sinnes.

Are you weary in your Condition?

Gentlew.

I give over all means, I think it bootlesse to use any for me.

M^ris Sarah.

I found no help by any means, yet I went on. I was contented with nothing; to heare, or not to heare; read, or not read; pray, or not pray; no peace in any thing. I have great experience of that place, If he give peace, who then can trouble? but if he hide away his face, who is able to bear itrrIob 34.29.Job 34:29? p. 70You doe not seek him: and he saith; I am found of them that sought me not, that asked not for me. I said, Behold me, behold me, to a Nation that was not called by my NamessIsa. 65.1.Isa 65:1, Thats a place for a poore soule to ponder much upon. Wait a little while, and he will come ttHab. 2. 3.Hab 2:3.

Gentlew.

If you knew what sins I am in, you would not say so to me.

M^ris Sarah.

The bloud of Christ clenseth from all sin; not from one sin, or two sins, but from all sins.

Gentlew.

When I went on in sin, the Devill told me, I was Elected.

M^ris Sarah.

The Devill saith no such thing, but, Thou art damn'd for ever.

Gentle.

I have been strangely deluded by him.

M^ris Sarah.

The sad Temptations and corruptions that deluded me! never any were in the like. I never read nor heard of any such as mine. But the Lord came in an acceptable time to succour me uuIsa. 49. 8.Isa 49:8. When I saw I had no good by good peoples speaking to me, nor their prayers for me; nor by all my reading, nor hearing; no good to me: I felt such horror, I thought hell to come, could not be worse then what I felt. I road to Shrewsbury. I would not hold the bridle; I would gladly the horse might stumble, or throw me in a ditch, and kill me: I let him goe where he would. [Thus shee was thrown in a ditch, and when shee came to the Inne, she being all wet, would not shift her, nor dry her; but sat in the wet cloaths, because shee was weary of life, and would have been out of it.] I p. 71would not eat. I saw nothing but condemnation. I thought as I went, the earth was opening every foot: and that the stones in the streets would open, and swallow me up. I saw no other but condemnation. The more was my misery, the more is his mercy manifested. One moment of his mercy, swallowed up the depth of my misery.

Before, I could not eat, nor drinke, but I was troubled for it: I thought it was to me, as to some at Sacrament, that I did eat and drink my damnation.

Gentlew.

I am not troubled at my condition, though I know, if I dye, I goe to Hell.

M^ris Sarah.

Are you not weary of your condition? Is it no burden to you?

Gentlew.

Yes, yes.

M^ris Sarah.

He is never weary, nor faint, in succouring sinners. Christ was weary, and was in all things tempted, as we are: yet he knew no sin: that he might sympathize with us, and succour us that are full of sin. (Heb. 2. 18.) He hides himselfe from you. Ile look to him that hides himselfe from the house of Jacob. They are Jacob, his people, yet he hides himselfe from themxxIsa. 8. 17.Isa 8:17. He hides himselfe, that wee might the more desire him; as a mother from her childe.

Gent.

I am fit for nothing, I can do no work.

M^ris Sarah.

I oft could doe none: and it terrified me, that I did none, when I could doe none: yet it terrified me night and day.

Gentlew.

I am not troubled, though I have no faith.

p. 72M^ris Sarah.

You can have no true rest, till you beleeve. If God set on the least sin to a young childe, it will terrifie it as much, as the greatest sinnes of one thats a hundred yeer old, (as I have found.) When he creates peace, there will be peace yyIsa. 57. 19.Isa 57:19.

Gentlew.

Thats to his people he creates it.

M^ris Sarah.

He cals them his people, that were not his people; and her beloved, which was not beloved zzRom. 9. 25.Rom 9:25,

Gentlew.

There's no peace to the wicked.

M^ris Sarah.

All are wicked, till he makes them good. There's no peace to sin, nor Satan, but there's peace for the sinner; Christ is peace for the lost sinner (Ep. 2.14.)

Part of another Conference May 11. 1647. taken at the writers coming in, it being begun before he came.

G.

There's no hope for me.

S.

There's hope in God, though none in you.

G.

Its said; No temptation hath taken you, but that thats common to men aa1 Cor. 10. 13.1 Cor 10:13. But that is, except they be given up, as I am; for their condition was not as mine is.

S.

He makes no such exception: some have been before in your condition; and he saith, He makes a way to escape, not that way you thinke best, but the way he thinks best: that you may be able to beare it. Christ bare burdens, that you might be eas'd, when 'tis too heavy for you bbMat. 11. 28.Matt 11:28.

G.

I cannot be affected with my case.

S.

Its God must give it. Wee wrastle not with p. 73flesh and bloud, but with principalities & powers: wee wrastle not with them in our owne strength, but in the strength of Christ, in the power of his might ccEph. 6.10.12.Eph 6:10Eph 6:12. [The party being silent and slow to speak, or to aske: shee put out fit questions to her; and so gained in, upon her answers.] Is your sin so great, God cannot forgive you?

G.

God can forgive me, but he will not.

S.

God will graffe them in, because God can graffe them in, as he saith ddRom. 11.23.Rom 11:23. No soule beleeves indeed that God is able to forgive it, but that beleeves he is as willing to forgive, as he is able.

The Lord sware, saying, As I live, I will not the death of a sinner: but that he turne from his sinccEzek. 33.11.Ezek 33:11. and he turnes it, and it is turned. He sweares, he is willing; and yet you say, he is not willing. He proclaimed his own Name, that he is Gracious—forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin: and yet you say, he is not willing to forgive you. You beleeve not; The great sin Christ dyed for, is unbeliefe. You have no will to him: Its he that works both to will, and to doe: and thats his good pleasure, its because he is very willing to it. Of his own will he begat us ffIa. 1. 18.. You see, how willing he is to it.

You see your sin now, more then you did before: Did you see it so before?

G.

I was well enough, in my thoughts before.

S.

Its God that gives you to see it.

G.

The Devill can shew sin by the Law.

S.

The Devill can goe no further, then his chaine.

p. 74The God of peace shall tread Satan under our feet, and that shortlyggRom. 16.20.Rom 16:20 `The Devill shall doe that, that turnes to good to Gods people.

G.

Thats spoke to them, whose faith and obedience was gone abroad through the world:

S.

Did Christ dye for the obedient, or for the disobedient? Christ dyed for the disobedient and rebellious, that they might partake of his obedience. He dyed for those Romans, not when they were righteous; but while they were yet sinners, and ungodly, and enemies, Christ laid down his life for them: and what obedience was in such? Can you say, God will not give you obedience? I warrant you their disobedience went abroad first hhRom. 6. 17.Rom 6:17, before their obedience.

G.

I refused all meanes of my good.

S.

What if you had us'd all meanes?

G.

Then I should have been more obedient.

S.

Then you would have thought, you were some body: Meanes should be used; But now Christ will be the more exalted, when you were so negligent. (Isa. 43. end)

G.

When M^r Prig taught on those words, Arise thou that sleepest, & stand up from the dead, & Christ shall give thee light kkEph. 5.14.Eph 5:14. I was moved at it, I perceived by his teaching, that sin was the sleep; & ingnorance was the cause; and repentance was the awaking. And I thought I did repent; and I began, and saw sin in others, and saw how vile sins were, and had a great desire to God and heaven: sometimes I was so; and by little and little grew cold; I sin'd against Conscience; and now I walke not in light, but in darknesllIsa. 50. 10.Isa 50:10.

p. 75S.

Christ is light to them that are in darknesse mmLu. 1. 79.. Who is it that awakens such, but Christ? You have been a backslider, & he saith, nnIer. 3. 22.Jer 3:22Ile heale backslidings for my Names sake.

G.

Now in all my reading, and all I doe, I sin.

S.

You cannot number your sinnes, and you cannot number his mercy. You will have the more cause to magnifie his Grace, if now he come in to you.

G.

Now tis tedious to me, to read, or heare, I am so captiv'd.

S.

They that are free, need not be redeem'd; he came to deliver captives ooLu. 4. 18.. Neither you, nor sin, nor Satan can awake; but Christ can awake, and will awake them that sleep. No creature shall have a hand in his work, to have the praise of it: But his owne hand shall lay ppIsa. 59. 15.Isa 59:15hold on salvation.

G.

I grew proud of it, that I knew more then others, and would be finding fault with others; when all was nothing.

S.

I cannot beleeve, that ever any were beyond my condition, in self, and sin: yet hath he shewed mercy on me.

G.

I cannot be sorry for my sins.

S.

Hee'l shew you, that he dyed for your sins: and then you shall mourne over him, as one mournes for his onelyonly son qqZach, 12. 10.. He doth not onelyonly bid, Be sorry and turne to me: But he turnes the heart, and makes it sorry: He was exalted to give repentancerrActs 5. 31.Acts 5:31, and remission of sinnes.

G.

What hopes have I, that have not repentance?

p. 76S.

You have not repentance: He gives it to those that have it not, not to those that have it.

G.

I am unthankfull, undutifull.

S.

Think not of whats in you, but of what is in Christ for you: there's unkindnesse in you, but kindnesse in him. He gives a thankfull heart. His promise is to give a new heart. He saith, Ile give itssEze. 36.26.25.Ezek 36:26Ezek 36:25. You are still remembring your sinnes, still be remembring merciemercy in forgiving sins. Remember his kindnesse to Israel in the Wildernes: still they went from him, and still he followed them tt1 Cor. 10.4.1 Cor 10:4. Hee'l work, and who shall let uuIsa. 43.13.Isa 43:13? Neither sin nor Satan shall let, when he will work. Remember that stil.

Another Conference with an afflicted woman, that heard of this mercy, and came to her May 12. Shee still remaining in Bed, very weak and spent, as beforesaid.

VVoman.

Being asked how it was with her: she said; I cannot beleeve.

S.

Its his work to give to beleeve, that dyed for sinners.

VVoman.

Its not for me.

S.

Its for chiefe of sinners, for Mary Magdalen that had seven Devil, wwMar. 16.9.Mark 16:9.

Woman.

My heart will not be wrought upon.

S.

Is any thing too hard for God? Tis Christs work, and tis his Office, to work on hard hearts; stony hearts.

Woman.

I am oft afraid, I shall never be sav'd.

S.

You are but afraid so. He saith, Ile sustaine thee, p. 77Ile save thee, be not afraid xxIsa. 41.10.Isa 41:10. He puts under his everlasting armes. I thought, and said, it was impossible, that ever I should be sav'd. Yet that which was impossible with me, was not impossible with God yyLu. 18.27.: But I thought it was impossible with God.

VVoman.

How long were you in that affliction?

Another answered, about foure yeeres.

Woman.

But not continually.

S.

Yes continually. But this last halfe yeere, in terror day and night.

VVoman.

I goe to the meanes, but it is to no purpose.

S.

So it was with me: I was worse by the meanes. VVhat may your condition be?

VVoman.

I have cursed thoughts of God continually. About three quarters of a yeer agoe, when my husband was dead, I thought, What was become of his soule? and what would become of me? that had made him worse by my perverse words to him, when he was faulty: and one morning, after I was awake, I thought, the roome was full of smoake; and suddenly a fire went in at my mouth, and went downe hot into my belly, and there it went flutter, flutter.[Another that lately had been with her, said, this was just her condition; she felt such a fire coming in at her mouth, and so into her belly. But after shee judged it was but a fancy: but remaines in despaire ever since.] Then (said the woman) I suddenly flew out of my bed, into the midst of the roome; and a voice said within mee, to my heart, Thou art damn'd, damn'd. I felt the smell of p. 78brimstone. Thus it began, and I thought the house was full of Devils. Then for six or seven weeks together, I never slept at all, I was so terrified, and have been out of hopes, ever since.

S.

Iesus Chrisi came to dispossesse the strong man armed, that kept the house, and to possesse it himselfe aaLu. 11.22.: The Lyon of the Tribe of Judah, hath overcome that röaring Lyon, that seekes to devoure you.

Woman.

I can see nothing but damnation.

S.

I could see nothing but Hell, and wrath: I was as desperate, as ever was any: I said, I cared not whether I had mercy or no. I felt my selfe, soule and body in fire & brimstone already. If all the fire and brimstone in London, & all the pitch & tarre, should all be in one fire, and I walking in the midst of that fire; this was my condition. I beheld my selfe in hell locally; my terrour was so great. And I thought, there was no other Hell, but that which I felt; and therefore I sought to make away my selfe, and many wayes attempted it: But God bath made me see my sin therein, and he ashamed; and mine iniquity, and be confounded. Yet then I could wait no longer: and I said, if God will not save me, let him condemne me: and it terrified me after that I had said so. But were Gods thoughts as my thoughts? were his thoughts ill towards me, because I thought so? Nay, Gods thoughts were not my thoughts bbIsa. 55. 8.Isa 55:8. God could withold possession, and temptation, if he would; but he sees, its for his glory, and for the good of p. 79his, that you might love him the more; and that his glory might the more be seen in his delivering of you.

Its Christs work to dispossesse, where the strong man armed keeps the house. He doth not dispossesse the soule that was not possessed, but the soule that was possessed: possest with sin, and Satan, and corruption; that such should be brought from the captivity of Satan, to the glorious liberty of the sons of God. And then shall you see that this was good for you, & all things are for good to them that love God. I say not that you can love God: but he will give you a heart to love him ccDe. 30.6..

Woman.

I have no experience, that ever he shewd that mercy on me.

Sa.

Hee'l shew mercy, that he may be feared ddPs. 130.4.Ps 130:4. Hee'l shew mercy to sinners; are not you a sinner, and ungodly?

Woman.

But not to me, I cannot beleeve it.

S.

You cannot beleeve it: I could not beleeve, that he died for me. Paul saith I was a blasphemer, a persecutor, injurious, yet I obtained mercy, to be a patterne to others. (1 Tim. 1.) Had you seen my condition that I was in, as I saw it, you would believ, be may as soon shew mercy on you, as shew mercy to me: and sooner too, by far.

Woman.

I was and am still of a perverse spirit.

S.

He sees you are so, and he heales such. None can heale but Christ, he is the Physician that heales che chiefest sinners freely. Put al sins into one, unbeliefe is the greatest, and Christ died for that sin; and tis Christs gift to give faith, to one that hath no saith, to a heart ful of nothing, but of sin, and corruption, and unbelief, till Christ give it to beleeve eeHeb. 12. 2.Heb 12:2.

p. 80Woman.

I would beleeve, but I cannot.

S.

Say as the man said, I beleeve, Lord help my unbeliefe ffMar. 9.24.Mark 9:24: there was faith and unbeliefe mingled. Christ comes to give repentance, and remission of sinnes, ggAct. 5. 31.Acts 5:31and faith to beleeve it.

If you have Satan in you, Christ came to destroy the works of Satan: and its a work onelyonly for him to doe it.

Woman.

I am in continuall horror.

S.

If he speak peace, who then can trouble? He will speak peace to his people, & then **So shee spake it, and so the Hebrew is future, Ps. 85.8.Ps 85:8they shall not returne to folly: and whats that folly, but to distrust Gods mercy, and have hard thoughts of God; as if his anger & wrath should be for ever? (Ps. 77.8.10.)

Woman.

Nothing will work on my heart.

S.

No, not till Christ work: And if he work, who shall let him? His Counsell shall stand hhPs. 33.11.Ps 33:11.

The woman being wished to forbeare, because the other was so weak and spent; She would have the woman remember this: That Christ was carried into a wildernes, to be tempted. So he brings a soule into a wildernesse of Temptation, and then will he succour them that are tempted. He saith, Ile allure her, and bring her into the wildernes, and then speak peace to her. Ho. 2.14. Thats Gods time to doe it; & then he saith to them, I wil betroth thee to me for ever; Ile betroth thee to me. Its the wildered soule, the desolate soule, that he wil betroth to him. Though you are now in the wildernes, ne'r so sore stung of fiery Scorpions; yet there's a brazen Serpent for you, even you, to look upon, and be p. 81heal'd: or for such a one in your condition, never so sore stung. Is holden up, not for them that are not stung but for them that are sore stung, (Io. 3 14.)

May 16. Shee still being very weak in bed, was another Conference, shee seeking to comfort one in deep despaire that came to her. The woman being asked, how it was with her?

Woman.

I have slipt my time, (shee had formerly told her more, of her sad condition by sin.)

S.

Was it Gods time to have done it? then Who could hinder him? Thou hast not cald on me, O Iacob: thou hast been weary of me O Israel: thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities. But was their time past? Nay, the very next verse is; I even I am he, that blots out thy transgressions for mine own sake; not for thy sake, be thou ashamed; but for mine own sake [Isa. 43 end.] And in Jer 5. 11, 12. The house of Israel and of Judah, have belied the Lord, and said, it is not he neither shall evill come upon us. Yet Iudah shall be saved, and Christ shall be the Lord thier righteousnesse (Iere. 23. 6.)

For four yeere together have I been in as sad a condition as you can be in: and at least, it grow sadder and sadder still, till I came even at the brink of Hell: and Hell gates were wide open; sin and destruction set them open; then came Christ with his armes wide open for me, and pul'd me thence.

Object.

Ther's no mercy to one in my condition.

p. 82S.

I did not then apprehend there was any mercy for me. I never met with any, so carried on as I was. I reason'd with God, Why he would make me, to damn me? And why he made the Devill? Of late I thought, if I made away my selfe, there was an end of my misery, and that there was no God, no Heaven; and no Hell, but what I had already. This last, was ever since a monethmonth, or six weeks before Christmas, as they call it. I could not beleeve the Scripture, nor any thing; (I had judged my selfe for these evills.) I see, nothing is too hard for God, that yet saves me, (Jer. 33. 17.) Then is no sin greater then unbeliefe. Yet Christ ayed for this also. Did not Christ say to his own Disciples, O fooles and slow of heart to beleve? They were slow to beleeve, and yet Christ dyed for them, and was not slow to give them faith to beleeve. Whatever we suffer in Temptation, Christ suffered, being tempted, that he might partake in our sufferings. Ought not Christ to suffer, and to enter into Glory aa25? It was Christs way to glory. And are not you slow of heare to beleeve, that you must suffer many things, and then enter into glory? When they knew Christ, then he vanished out of their sight, that they might more desire after him; and they went speedily to Jerusalem, and told of him. hh31And when Christ came againe to them, they were afraid cc37.; and thought it was not he, but a delusion. (Luk. 24. So when Christ comes to your soule, "then you will feare, it is not Christ, it is but a delusion. It was the Disciples condition before you, those that did lye in the bosome of Christ continually.

p. 83Woman.

These are great works for some.

S.

Who doth Christ worke upon, but on stony hearts? His word is a fire and a hammer, to breake and to melt it: and he will give them one heart, bbJer. 32.40.Jer 32:40to feare him, and they shall not depart from him forever. Jer. 23. 29.

Woman.

I have no good at all.

S.

What if you had all excellencies of wisdome, and gifts, and deedes? What were all this, without the loving kindnesse of God? And God delights in shewing mercy and loving kindnesse, (Mic. 7.18.)

Woman.

God hath forsaken me.

Sa.

Ier. 51. 5. Israel hath not been forsaken, nor Judah, of his God. And what was Judah? treacherous Judah, back sliding, idolatrous, and what not? see Ier. 3 They playd the harlot with many, and feared not Gods judgements, commited adultery, and turn'd to God feinedly. Yet Judah is not forsaken of his God, he is his God: and not forsaken: though he said, He was forsaken, and his wound incurable: yet he was not forsaken. And Judah shall be saved for all that, in the Lord his God. For his own Names sake, he hath taken away their sinnes forever, and will remember them no more. He will remember his own free love; this is his own worke, and this he delights in. He lov'd us, and wash'd us in his blood: that's she fountaine where the Saints wash their Robes. Jer. 2. 13. My people have committed two evills, (my people, and two evills.) they forsake me, the fountaine, (the fountaine of our righteousnesse, and washing from sin;) and they dig Cisternes of their own, (their ownrighteousnes they would p. 84look on, and so doe you,) which will hold no water: its a broken Cisterne. This was as Adams fig. leaves. would cover but part of him, not cover all his nakednesse: a skanty skirt, that will not cover all silthines. But the cloathing that God made, will cover all. His fountaine of living water is sufficient: and though they digd their Cisterns; yet he sets open this fountaine for them.

Say not as they said, My wound is incureable, and refused to be comforted. No Phisitian can heale such as are incurable, and that refuse healing: but God hath balme of Gilead, and hath healing there, and he powres in wine and oyle, and heals them, that said, their wound was incurable, and refused to be healed. Ier. 15. 18. Because its the outcasts of Israel, the poore outcast soule, that the Lord gathereth together, and that he healeth, (Psal. 147.2, 3.) What think you of such a soule, as refuseth to be comforted?

Woman.

My heart quarrels against God.

Sa.

Who is any otherwise by nature? But what will a father doe to his freward child, that quarrels against the father? As a father pittyeth his child thats distempered, so the Lord pitieth such. The Lord is more abundaut in love and kindnesse, to such soules as Israel was, that were murmurers, backsliders, that cald not on him, but were weary of him; as Ephraim, that fed on lies, unaccustomed to the yoake: yet Gods bowels were turned within him for EphraimaaIer. 31. 18. 20.Jer 31:18Jer 31:20: And he would not destroy him; For I am God and not man bbHos. 11 8, 9Hos 11:8Hos 11:9. Man, in his naturall condition, is cruel to them that wrong him, p. 85and cannot forgive and be kinde, to such: but he is God and not man,

S.

Being weake and spent, for a farewell, would have the woman to remember, Ier. 46. two last. Feare not thou my servant Iacob: Iacob sind, and feared; but he saith, Feare not thou my servant Iacob; Behold, I will save them from a far off: thou art a far off: yet behold. Ile save thee: thou art in captivitie, in bondage, Ile deliver thee. Returne, thou shalt returne, `and none shall make thee afraid. He saith not, [no man shall make thee afraid,] but none; neither man, nor sin, nor Satan; Feare not, for I am with thee. Did he think so? No: Yet then God was with him. Ile make a full end of all the Nations, (their enemies: so hee'l make an end of all thine enemies, thy sins, and corruptions, and Satan;) but I will not make a full end of thee; but I will correct thee in measure: God will measure out what affliction, and in what manner, and for how long, as for ten dayes, and it shall not exceed; but he will make thee able to beare it.

O Earth, Earth, heare the Word. **Ier. 22. 29.Jer 22:29Man is a lamp of Earth, and cannot heare more then earth, till he cause to heare.

May 19. There came to visit her the Lady Renula, with M^ris Fines, (wife to L. Say's eldest son, and M^ris Brie. M^r Sprig also; and the Relator &c.

One spake of her weaknes; shee said, My times are in his hands, and my fresh springs are in him; for p. 86refreshing weary soules, and replenishing empty sorrowfull soules.

Lady.

You could not have hoped for such times formerly?

S.

No, no more then the stones in the streets. I said many times, there's no hopes for me; it was impossible there should. But, these things that were impossible with me, and with men, they were possible with God. I found them so. (Iu. 18.27)

Lady.

How did your refreshings come in? was it by way of discourse, or in prayer, or how was it?

A.

By vision of God, as he pleased to come in, filling me with admiration of the free love of God, to so vile a sinner, (to M^r. Sp. shee after said, He reveal'd to me Iesus Christ, crucified for my sinnes; I saw it, and then I mournd over him, that bare them away into a land of forgetfulnesse.)

Lady.

Whether have you lost the memory of your former terrors, in your present joyes?

A.

God hath brought me from the power of darknesse, into the kingdome of his deare Son: and I should not be so sensible of his mercy in this, if I should not remember the darknes I was in; therefore I doe not desire to forget it.

Lady.

Now you have the inward teachings of the Spirit, whether doe you lesse esteeme the written word?

A.

The word is the letter of the Spirit, and types out him; therefore not to be the lesse esteemed.

p. 87Lady.

If the Lord shou'd recover you, whether doe you think, you should frequent the Ordinances, in hearing the word as formerly you did?

A.

God will dispose me to that, that shall be for his glory, and my good. But I look on Ordinances, as tokens of Gods love to his people, and representations of Christ; that should neither be idolized, nor slighted; but they should be us'd, and God lov'd above them: (To M^r. Sp. shee said: As the spouse in the Canticles, sets out her beloved by similitudes of him: so are Ordinances, similitudes of him, by which he sets out himselfe to us, for our good. If Iesus Christ himselfe should preach to the soule every day, and give not out of himselfe, the Ordinance would be empty to it But he comes in to his people in Ordinances, and there he fils the empty soule with good things.)

Lady.

Whether doe you not desire to live, to declare the great mercy that God hath express'd to you?

A.

I desire nothing but his will, which doth order all things to his own glory, and his Creatures good.

Lady

whether have you thoughts of the Church of God, and of the condition it is in, in the parts that you know?

A.

I wish with Paul, if it were possible, that all Israel might be sau'd.

M^ris Bri.

Doe you not wish that all differences were compos'd and made up among the Saints?

Answ.

Yes.

Lady.

What meanes doe you thinke would be p. 88most effectuall to compose them?

A.

The beholding a reconciled God, seen by all: God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himselfe. There is need of such a dayes-man as Christ, to reconcile the world to God. (Suitable to what Mr. St. Marshall gathered from Isa. 57. 19. I create the fruit of the lips, peace, peace; viz. 1. That the peace and the healing of Gods people, is Gods own worke, a worke of his creating power. 2. Though it be so, yet the speciall way whereby he effects it is the preaching of the Gospell of peace.)Isa 57:19Her face being covered as daily. It us'd to be since April 6) one spake of the great weaknes of her eyes.

Ans.

Christ hath done a great miracle upon me: he hath made the blind to see, and the deafe to heare, and the damb to speake; he hath done it upon many, and he hath done all upon one poore wretch: [Formerly her selfe was slow of speech, that now hath such freedome; speaking as with a new tongue.]

M^r Sp.

Doe you think to have it alwayes day with you?

Ans.

I know there may be clouds, that the soule cannot so apprehend the light of Gods countenance: at David said, Restore to me the joy of thy salvation aaPs. 51. 12.Ps 51:12: and why hidest thou thy face from me? But Christ the Sun of righteousnesse will arise againe. bbMat. 42.He will break through all these things. My times, and my refreshings are in Gods hands ccPs. 31 15.Ps 31:15to refresh the weary soule; which he will doe freely.

M^r Sp.

I would be glad to heare, which way the Lord came in to refresh you?

p. 89Ans.

It was revealed to me, that Christ was crucified for me, even for me, the chiefest of sinners. I never had a glimpse of Christ before; and then I admired him. I saw it plainly. My greatest sin was unbeliefe; and I saw I was in unbeliefe, and that the wrath of God abode upon me; I was damned already. And not for any thing in me, but when unworthinesse was in me, for his own worthinesse, even for his own Names sake, that he forgave all my sinnes. His Name is Mercifull, Gracious, long suffering, &c [Exo. 34 67,]

M^r Sp.

What counsell would you give to one in that condition of darknes.

A.

To wait on God, that hids himselfe. (Isa 8. 17.) My temptations were the saddest of any: to beleeve there was no God, nor Heaven, nor Hell, but what I felt: my soul remain'd in terror continually.

M^r Sp.

You knew the Scripturs before, that comfort you now: wherein then is your comfort? Whats the difference?

A.

The Letter did but kill, it could not comfort, but God hath refreshed me in his love. God was the same to me in his love formerly, that he is now. But in his fulnes of time, he manifested that, which was before. I doe not beleeve that he hated me before; and loved me after: but all my affliction, was in his love, and very faithfulnes. The glory of God doth as much appeare, in supporting a soule under terror, as in delivering it out of terror. Its said in Isai. 24. 16. Glorifie God in the fires; Though the soule sees it not then, yet when the Lord brings it out, then he sees that God did glorifie himselfe in the afffliction.

p. 90Question.

What doe you think of the POWRINGS out of his spirit in the last dayes?

S. Ans.

[Then and since being put together.]The Name of Christ is powred forth by the spirit on his people, and will be still, and thereby we love him, when he hath shewed that love to us, and drawne us.

Question.

wee have some drops of his spirit now, but are the powrings out now? (Act. 2.17.31 38.)

S. Ans.

There are many that love him now and why doe they love him? its not said, because of some Drops; but because thy name is Oyntment powred out: Therefore it is that any soule loves him. (Cant. 1. 3.)

Quest.

But doe you not think there will be a time, when God will powre out more of his Spirit upon his sonnes and daughters, then now is usuall?

S. Ans.

Though his love is powred out into the hearts of his people by the spirit now, or els we could not love him; yet this is personall, to a few: but I doe verily beleeve, it will be more generall to many, and in a greater measure. This is but a tast now of what shall be.

M^r. Spr.

Doe you take no food?

S. Ans.

Yes, I feed on Iesus Christ, he is my daily food, he feeds me with himselfe: and hee is full of satisfaction. (Ioh. 6. 35. 51. 55.)

M. Spr.

But I speake of bodily food: Doe you think its no temptation on you to forbeare bodily food?

S. Ans.

No. I would eate if I could, but I connot

p. 16If I try, it makes me worse. His word is my meat and delight. In my trouble, I oft could not eat, he fed me with bitternes and worme wood; I sed on terror, that was my meat: and now the Lord makes answerable to it, his feeding me now with promises, this marrow and fatnes: aaPsal. 63. 5.Ps 63:5he refresheth me continually with his love, which is better then bbCant. 1. 2.Song 1:2wine May 21. One asked her, Doe you sleep?

A.

These three nights I slept not till three of the clocke. but I lye still, I stir not, but am content, and thats better.

Quest.

How is that better?

S. Ans.

Content is better then abundance: is it not? And Christ is never idle, he is alwayes doing somewhat in the soule.

One speaking of hopes of her life.

S. Ans.

To be willing to live, is the hardest lesson to me: It were best for me to be with Christ ccPhil. 1 23.Phil 1:23Yet its a more blessed thing to give, then to receive ddAct. 20. 35.Acts 20:35: to be doing Gods work, then receiving the reward: and I am content.eePhil. 4. 11.Phil 4:11

May 21. Relat. Quest. whether is Faith the Condition of the NEW COVENANT?

S. Ans.

There's no Condition in the New Covenant; its the freenesse of his love, and greatnesse of his compassion, that under takes all, when the Creature is in the bloud; as in Ezek. 16. There's nothing in the Creature to move him, but sin, and disobedience, and unthankfulnesse.[ So M^r. Slater's Catec. Of the TWO Covenants, sheweth. The Matter is, p. 92sure mercies, sweet promises, hauehave all in Christ Yea, and in him Amen: to give a new heart, to know him, to write his Law, put his feare into us, cause us to walk in his Statutes, forgive our inquiries, — to be our God, and make us his people, (Ezek. 36. 26. Ier. 31. 31. Isa. 55. 3. 2 Cor. 1. 20. Quest. What's required of such as are taken into this Covenant? A. Nothing but what is given to them: he required that men beleeve and repent: but its freely given to them so to doe: Mans duty is the matter of the promise, as well as Gods mercy, (1 Cor. 2. 12. Eph. 2. 8, Phil. 1. 29. Act 5. 31.)—When we are required to beleeve, repent and turne to God, Wee are not to seek strength in our selves, but to search into the Covenant and turne the promise into prayer. As Repent, Act. 17. 30. The Covenant is, Christ shall give Repentance, Act. 5. 31. Pray therefore; Turne thou me, and I shall be turned, Ier. 31. 18]

Rel. Qu.

About the LAW. Is there now any use of the Law to us?

Ans.

There is use of the Law: the Law is holy, and the Command is holy, and just, and good,^f the Law is just, for it shows with Creature what it should doe, and what it cannot doe without the power of God. There's the Creatures inability, and the power of God^f. R. 7 12.

Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousnesse, to p. 93very one that beleeves. Ro. 10. 4. Beleevers can look on Christ in all things, and above all things. All the Commands are done and kept in beleeving in the Lord Iesus, who hath done and undergone all for beleevers. The soule that breakes one of them, breakes them all: the soule that keeps one, keeps all. The Lord Commands the soule to doe great workes, and good workes: And he workes in them to will and to worke. Phi. 2. 13. And this is his worke, that they beleev in Christ. The Law saith, Doe this and live. The Gospel saith, Beleeve and live. (Ro. 10. 56. S.) H. G. The Law was our Schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.

Sa. Ans.

The Law was a Schoolmaster; by types it aaThe Greek hath not, To bring us, but the law was our pedagogue (or, a leader of us children) to Christ or untill Christ.led out to Christ; But when Christ come, and saith is come, we are no longer under that Schoolmaster, and Tutor, and Governour, and rudiments, when the fulnes of time is come (*Gal. 3.24.25. Greek. Gal. 4 1,2,3 4 5.)

Relat.

Have Beleevers no need of the Law? The Apostle exhorts beleevers to the DVTIES of the first and second Table of the Law.

Sa. Ans.

I beleeve the best Saints that are, have need of the Word, of the Law and Gospel, of the Exhortation; because there's want in them; many things they see not, and are slow too bb2 Pet. 3.1.2 Pet 3:1. When one knowes Christ in the Gospel of Christ, its the speciall way to lead them on to the things of the Law ccGal. 516.. Where faith is, there's love to God and his will, and such cannot but be carefull to maintaine good workes; ddTit. 2.11.Titus 2:11and till then, they can p. 94never observe the end of the Law, nor doe any good works, works that please God.

Quest.

Is the Law of no use then to unbeleevers?

S. Ans.

Yes It cals for that they cannot doe, and gives no power to doe: And it curseth them for not doing it. It shews them, they perish without Christ, that they may cry, save Master, we perish. And none can redeem them from the Curse, but Christ eeGal. 3 13Gal 3:13. and he hath redeem'd them already by his death on the Crosse, but it wants manifesting to them ffGal. 1 15.Gal 1:15, till the fulnesse of time come, and then they see it. The further one lookes into the Law, the more one is plung'd into the depths; it wounds it the more; its rather the worse then the better. And then's the time when none can heale but Christ, that came to heale wounded soules ggMat 9 13.Matt 9:13, and that is Christs time to heale. (May 24. Because shee had said, Its a living active Christ, in a dead passive creature, that makes it act. One asked her whether every man should not use his endeavour about spirituall things or duties

S. Ans.

(Besides what was before said Pag 64. ☞ wishing one that couldnot pray, Goe and say Take away all iniquity. Say it, because God bids you she added,) Christ is the light and life of the world, and the only way to the Father hhJo. 14.6.John 14:6, in whom and in him alone he is well pleased iiMar. 17. 5., and its he onelyonly make us acceptable: Yet we must look at Gods will, that we should pray, and wait on him in his wayes: for he saith blessed is he that waiteth for him kkJsa. 30. 18.Isa 30:18. Not that wee can wait, by a power of our own; but he, that saith there first: aaJsa. 30. 18.Isa 30:18Therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious to you; he draws, and gives a power to wait on him, and to pray; and he comes in, when he hath waited the sutest time. When bbDan. 9. 3. 20.Dan 9:3Dan 9:20Daniel set himselfe to pray, the Lord came into him, whilst he was speaking in prayer. When ccAct. 10. 6.Acts 10:6Peter had gone apart to pray, and when ddAct. 22.17.Acts 22:17Paul prayed in the Temple, then the Lord came into them. And, as many as went immediately to Christ were healed; So of those that went to the poole as to an Ordinance, eeIoh. 5.2.5John 5:2John 5:5at certain seasons; some were healed. And there Christ heal'd the man that had an infirmity 38 yeeres, and had waited long, and had no help; at last Christ healed him there. When Simon Magus was in the gall of bitternes, Peter bid him pray^t. He that careth for Sparrowes, and heares the Ravens when they cry, will hear poor soules that pray.

Obj.

Without faith, its impossible to please God.

Ans.

It is so: and unlesse such beleeve that God is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him ggAct. 22. 17.Acts 22:17they will not els come to him^t. But such faith, may lead to him (Heb. 11. 6…)

Quest.

What judge you about GENERALL REDEMPTION, (and the consequence thereof, FREE-WILL, FALLING AWAY, &c.) p. 96Seing you hold out to all that come troubled to you, that Christ hath redeemed them; and that it onelyonly wants manifestation to themselves?

Answer.

The Gospel is to be held out to all the world, to the chiefest of sinners: And this is Gospel: That Christ was sent of God to them, to turne them all from their sins, aaAct. 3 26. Act. 17. 38. 46 Act. 5. 31. Lu. 24. 46. 47.Acts 3:26Acts 17:38Acts 17:46Acts 5:31and to justifie and Pardon them; and to give bbLuk. 10. 5. Act. 10. 36.Luke 10:5Acts 10:36peace to them that are a far off, and that God is not cc2 Pe. 3. 9. Ezek. 33. 11. Luk. 13. 34.Ezek 33:11Luke 13:34willing that any should perish, but that all should repent and live. Gods willingnes to dd2 Cor. 5. 18.2 Cor 5:18reconcile the world to himself, it to be held out to all. And those that I thus speake to, are afflicted: and affliction is the portion of those that he loves. And he had loved such, and Christ had redeemed them, whilst they were in the furnace of affliction, though they knew it not: it only wanted the manifestation to them: and when this fulnesse of time is to draw them, it is not because God then began to love them, but he loved them with an everlasting love: therefore it is that in tender mercy he draws any souls. (Jer. 31. 3) There is his free choice; and his mighty power in drawing such as were dead in sins; which no power of man could doe: none can come to Christ: except the Father draw him eeJo. 6. 44. 63.John 6:44John 6:63, And having loved his own, he loves them to the end ffJoh. 13. 1.John 13:1; and none can pull them out of his Fathers hand. Who shall separate us from this loves ggRo. 8. end.Rom 8? neither men, nor sinne, nor Satan.

p. 97Another added as follows:

1. Iesus Christ saith, Preach the Gospel to every creature: say, Peace be to this House. Thus the Disciples did to the worst: Peter, Act. 3. 26. Paul, 1 Cor. 15. 1. 3, 4. with 1 Cor. 6. 9-11. Chap. 2. 2. Hereby they received the Spirit, Gal. 3.5. 2 Pet. 1.4. Which alone convinceth effectually of sin, righteousnesse, and judgement, Iob 16. 8. and melts the hard heart, Zach. 12. 10. Isa. 53. 5. (Gods choice was not used to be preached to all, but for the comfort of them that knew they beleeved, Eph. 1. 3, 4. 2 Tim. 1. 9.) In preaching of the Gospel, light, motion, and power goes out to all: which men resist: and such are destroyed, not because they could not beleeve; but because they resist, and will not obey; and so die: Act. 7. 51. Luk. 13. 34. Ezek. 33. 11. Hos. 13. 9.

2. All the Redemption or freedome that all have, from temporall, and from hellish torments at present; and all the good to heart, body or state, that they enjoy; all is by the redemption of Jesus Christ; who saveth all, (both) men, (and beasts:) especially them that beleeve; thus, 1 Tim. 4. 10. Psal. 36. 6.

3. The time must be, when every promise of God must be fulfilled, Ioh. 10. 35. Mat. 5.17, 18. And therefore, the time cometh, when in the seed of Abraham, (that is, in Jesus Christ,) all the aaGen. 22. 18 Gen. 18. 18.Gen 22:18Gen 18:18Nations, bbAct. 3. 25.Acts 3:25kindreds, ccGen. 28. 14.Gen 28:14families, ddPsal. 67. 5.Ps 67:5people of the earth, (even to the eeVers. 6.ends, p. 98or utmost corners thereof,) shall be blessed. When the stone in Daniel, that smites the feet of the mighty image, shall become a ffDan. 2. 34, 35. 45.)Dan 2:34Dan 2:35Dan 2:45MOVNTAIN, and fill the whole earth. ggDan. 7. 27.Dan 7:27Then the kingdome, and dominion, and greatnesse of the kingdome under the whole Heaven, shall be given to the Saints of the most High; whose kingdome is for ever, or for an age; and all Dominions, (of Rulers, hhPsal. 72 11-17.Ps 72:11–17all Kings and iiPsal. 100. 1-4.Ps 100:1–4people, shall serve and obey him. This was never yet fulfilled and therefore we may rejoyce, that as God is true, as this shall be performed.

H. G.

Whether doth the Lord at any time PUNISH or chasten his people FOR SIN

S. Ans.

He saith; For this cause some are sick and weak among you kk1 Cor. 11. 30.1 Cor 11:30. But I cannot call it a **Amos 3. 3. Hebr. is visit upon you: not punish. So Ier. 46.28. and elsewhere.Amos 3:3Jer 46:28punishment for sin to his people; for Christ hath paid their debt already, and bare their sinne into land of forgetfulnesse. Thou forgavest the punishment of my sinne. If the punishment for the least sin were taken away, it would presse them down to Hell: and then what would their greatest sin doe? But Christ hath satisfied, to take away the punishment.

But yet he hath fatherly chastisements for them. For whom he loves he chastens: What sonne is he whom the Father chastens not llRevel. 3. 19. Heb. 12. 7.Rev 3:19Heb 12:7? He chastens them to p. 99love, and they see it, and that makes them sorry for sin as sin; or els they would never be sorry for sin as sin, but that they see his love. Its his love, that he will correct them, and then he deales with them, as with one of his own. It is in love, what ever he doth to his, in all afflictions; though the soule may not see it, till afterwards: For, All things are for good to his people.

May 26. 1647. There came to her a wife that being past her reckoning, thought her Pangs of Travell were come upon her: but (as shee said) those being as nothing to the pangs and terrors her soule was in; having been with M^ris Sarah before, shee came now running to her; bewailing that in this her extremity shee had no God to goe unto. M^ris Sarah's eyes that had been so very ill, by her cruell beating them, (and by oft bruising her head against walls, in her terrors, to have beat out her braines,) being now somewhat better, beheld the sadded woman coming in, and had presently cast in, a word to speak to her; which was this: Iudah shall be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely mmJe. 23.6and who were more sinfull then they? Yet God hath made a promise to them. If you were as bad, (as you are as bad by nature,) yet look upon that promise, which was cast upon me, as you came in; That you, even you shall be saved, and dwell safely, under the shadow and protection of the Almighty; which is a safe shelter indeed, from what stormes soever they be. Those sins, that are crimson-sins, p. 100and of a scarlet dye; yet God hath pardon'd doubtles, he hath lov'd you freely, and pardon'd you not for any thing in you, but for his Name sake. You say, you are weary of your sins, and you desire nothing but Christ: Therefore the promise is to you.

Woman mourning said,

[as the Relator then wrote it,] I am in unbeliefe.

S. Ans.

Its rather a token you have some Faith though you see it not. The Corn that is sown in the Ground, is first hid, & then the nnMar. 4. 28.Mark 4:28blade and growth appeares. You are wounded: its not you that wound your selfe; but he saith, I wound and I heale. Therefore he saith to one ooMar. 5. 34.Mark 5:34, Goe in Peace, thy faith hath made thee whole: Thou beleevest I can heale thee. This faith in me, hath made thee whole. So for you though yet you see it not; you beleeve Christ can heale you; Desire he would but speak the word, and manifest it to your soule.

Another asked her, Doe you think Christ is willing you should beleeve?

Woman.

Yea, But there are Mountaines in the way.

S.

Behold he comes leaping over the ppCant. 2. 8.Song 2:8Mountain of Opposition that are in the way.

Woman.

If the world knew the worth of the glimpse of faith, they would prize it, who cannot beleeve.

Quest. What is faith?

S.

A beleeving, Christ is a sure and strong Rock and refuge to fly too qqHeb. 6.18.Heb 6:18Had it not befor p. 101him, you had been swallowed up. Would you rest on our own righteousnesse? on any thing in you?

Woman.

I am much looking at that, to feele something in me.

S.

Thats but filthy rags rrIsa. 64.6.Isa 64:6: and he will take them away, and cloath you with change of raiment ssEze. 16.10.-14.Ezek 16:10–14: as JosephsttGen. 41.14.Gen 41:14 rags were taken away, and he was cloath'd with better raiment.

Woman.

When I was troubled about my condition, about ten years agoe, one day as I mused, a voice said plainly to me; Marie, thou shalt dye, and live againe: and thou shalt glorifie God greatly. Thy ways are not my ways; nor thy thoughts my thoughts. This fild me with joy unspeakable; and I said; Yea Lord, let it be as thou wilt. I was perswaded, it was an Answer from God: Then I could not, but send for my friends, that they might heare what God had done for me; and I told them of this. Then I presumed that I had faith: and I looked, that God would doe great things for me, that he had thus spoken to me, and done so much for me. I was carried on thus for a time. But after this, I was led to sin againe: and I fear'd I should sinne: and I said, Lord, shall I sin againe? it went to my heart. The voice answered me; Though thou doe, thy sins are buried in the bottome of the Sea: They are bound in a bundle, and cast into the depth of the Sea. I was not led to sin by this. But I forgate Gods goodnes, and I fell into sin by little and little: and now I have been a backslider.

p. 102S.

Here are backslidings. He saith, I have seen his wayes, and Ile heale him, and restore comforts to him. Ile heale their backslidings, Ile love them freely mind that. What joy is it to a Shepherd, when he finds a lost sheep? more joy, then over all the rest. You are the lost sheep: he will joy over you uuHos. 14. …Hos 14.

Woman.

Legions of sins are before me.

S.

Legions of Devils were within me, not before me; but within me; Yet he hath cloathed me, and c… out Legion. (Mat. 8. end.) Who came Christ for? Was it for the righteous wwMat. 9. 13.Matt 9:13? You are an alien, without God without Covenant of promise.

Woman.

I am confident, that's my case.

S.

God drawes such souls: Christ dyed to reconcile such soules: the Spirit ties both ends together, he tied them and Christ together, uniting them to Christ. So did he with those Ephesians, They were dead in sinne and trespasses, strangers from God, without God, far off, twaine; but these had he made neer. Such does God draw, and makes up the breaches. See the condition they were in, Eph. 2. 12. and Hosea, the first and second Chapters. He said, They are not my people and then it shall be said, now they are the children of the living God. Hos. 1. 12. Before not people, as now, not onelyonly people, but children: before they were dead people; now they are living children: the living God, gives them new life. They have life from God that they may live to God. In Ephes. 2.aaEph. 2. 1. 5-8. 10.Eph 2:1Eph 2:5–8Eph 2:10 You that were dead, hath he quickned; and by Grace yee are saved through Faith—not of works, least any should boast. p. 103We would boast, if we did any thing in it. He works, Faith, and he builds up still: he builds higher and higher, till his work be finished: We are his workmanship.

Woman.

My condition is very dangerous and hopeles.

S.

How is it?

Woman.

I have an evill heart of unbeliefe, in departing from God.

S.

Have you departed from him? then you had him. How have you departed from him, if you never had him?

Woman.

I never had him.

S.

What if now you shall have him? and you be a childe? not onelyonly a servant, but a childe, an heir of God?

Woman.

I should admire it.

S.

He will shew mercy to be admired. He will come and be admired in his Saints that beleeve bb2 Thess. 1.10.2 Thess 1:10. He raiseth up a bondslave, to be with him in glory. It is a faithfull saying, though the soule doubt of it: and its worthy of all acceptation: though the soul would not accept it; That Jesus Christ came to save the chiefest of sinners cc1 Tim. 1. 15.1 Tim 1:15. The Lord will deliver you of two Burthens; the burthen of sin, and your other burthen also. Your extremity, is Gods opportunitie. In him Judah shall be saved.

Woman.

In my prosperity, a poor woman came to me, that had her son in slavery; and she beg'd of me to give her somewhat towards her son's release. p. 104But I thought, all was little enough for my selfe: my sister gave her somewhat; but I would give her nothing: the woman wept. And now I think on my ddAn Item to all, wisely to cōsider the poores cry. Prov. 21. 13. Psal. 41. 1-3.Prov 21:13Ps 41:1–3unmercifulnes, when now my soule is in slavery my self: his slavery is nothing to mine.

S.

Christ came to deliver them that are captives and bond-slaveseeLuk. 4. 18.Luke 4:18, not them that are at liberty: The Son makes freeffJoh. 8. 36.John 8:36, not them that were free, but them that were in bondage.

Woman.

I am without hope of mercy, and my heart failes, and gives up all.

S.

Some refusedggPsal. 77.2.Ps 77:2 to be comforted, and would not be heal'd: yet he heales them. He looks after the OutcastshhPs. 147.2.Ps 147:2, that none look after.

Woman.

Thats my case.

S.

Yet there was mercy for them; and why is this written, but for our instruction and comfort iiRom. 15. 5.Rom 15:5, that we might have hope.

Woman.

Not one word will abide with mee, thats spoken.

S.

The time was not yet come. For in the appointed time, it will surely speak, and not lie: it will speak truth, and peace, lasting peace, abundant mercy and love. Wait therefore for that time: The Name of God is to be Preached and Proclaim'd: that he is gracious to graceles ones; and mercifull to miserable ones; and long-suffering, and abundant in goodnesse and trutheeExod. 34. 6.Exod 34:6, to them that have abundance of sin; and he p. 105would that repentance and remission of sins, should be published in his NameffLuk. 24. 47.Luke 24:47. When he gives you a glimpse of his love, you are apt to bely the Lord, as Judah did, and to say, it is not he: unlesse it comes with a full perswasion to you: yet this hindred not the Lords coming in and healing them. Though (not a person, but) the Land was fild with sin, against the Holy One of Israel: yet Israel hath not been forsaken ggJer. 51. 5.Jer 51:5: He said, I am forsaken, and not onelyonly forsaken, but forgotten: Zion said so, and Israel said so; yet he is not forsaken.

For a farewell, she said, Go, and Beleeve, the Lord Jesus makes you whole: and so Go in peace, beleeving its Christ must make you whole, and none els.

May 28. A maid in deep despair came to her. [The Relator being present, writ then also.] After other expressions, the Maid said as followeth.

Maid.

It hath been sad with me, since it was said to me; Repentance is hid from thine eyes: and wo unto them, when they depart from the living God.

S. Ans.

The Lord saith, Ile put my feare in their hearts, that they shall not depart from mehhJe. 32.40.

Maid.

But I have departed from him, therefore I am none of his people.

S.

There (saith he) where it was said iiHos. 1. 12.Hos 1:12, They are not my people: there it shall be said, they are the children of God.

Maid.

I am without God, an enemy to him.

p. 106S.

Well, let it be so, you are without God in the world, a stranger, an enemy: yet such hath he reconciled by the death of his Son kkEphes. 2. 12.Eph 2:12: all the want is, you cannot see it so.

Maid.

I am far off from him.

S.

He gives peace, peace, to them that are far off.

Maid.

I had a great deal of light; and I departed from it.

S.

So did Judah; they departed from the living God, and went to dead Idol Gods: yet he would marry them.

Maid.

I have done so.

S.

So did they before you, and yet he married them.

Maid.

But I have rejected him.

S.

You can doe nothing els, but reject him: but your greatest rejecting is, to reject **Thus leading her to the root sin, that looked at branches more: so did shee often.a promise from God when he holds one out to you; then you say, it is not to me. Thus I find, as you doe, in rejecting promises: and that was my greatest sin.

Maid.

Your sin was not like mine.

S.

No sin was like mine, as I judged. Mine was against such light, that I judged I had sin'd against the Holy Ghost.

Maid.

That word terrifies me, that was said to me, Repentance is hid from thine eyes.

S.

That word when I read it, I was ready to teare it out of my book, There were three other Scriptures that were terrible to me. He that beleeves not is condemned already,llJohn 3. 18.John 3:18 was one: Another was, He that beleeveth p. 107not the Son, the wrath of God abides on himmmv. 36.. A third was, He that made them, will not have mercy on themnnIs. 27. 11.Isa 27:11: no mercy, none at all. But above all, this; RepentanceooHos. 13. 14.Hos 13:14 is hid from mine eyes.